30days

Being a girl, take 2

2010-03-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

A little accessorizing never hurt anyone, right?
I'll take one of each please.

Trey and Lucy's headband post

From An Igloo's scrappy clutch

The Polka Dot Chair's quick change corsage necklace

I will be back later tonight with the winner of tote from Sevi Designs.
Make sure to enter if you haven't already!

St Paddy's Day: Food Edition

2010-03-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Because let's face it, right now I'm all about food.

Deli Style Corned Beef Sandwich , Mint Brownies , Rainbow Cupcakes by Our Best Bites

Redhead Recipes' Gold Hunt and Golden popcorn recipe

St Patty's Day recipe roundup from Tasty Sensations
Prudence Pennywise's St. Patrick's day recipes

Truth be told, we have a McFundraiser for our school tonight
and I will be enjoying the night off from cooking. ;)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

p.s. Bring on Easter...I'm ready!

p.s.s. Thank you to Texas Gal for the correction-
changed from "St. Patty's Day" to "St. Paddy's Day" above-
guess I'm really showing off that I am not Irish today, huh?
Sorry about that.

Life is good

2010-03-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Went here:

To work on this:

Saw these people:

{Dad, Mom and brother Tony}

Ate here:

With her:

And topped it off with this:

(Thank you Julie- you are the best!!!)

Came home to 3 sweet kids sleeping soundly
and my man watching the Lakers.....

What could be better?

p.s. still time to enter Sevi Designs tote giveaway!

The one where I am lame...

2010-03-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

A bit ago I introduced you to Katherine of Sevi Designs. I had a giveaway booked with her for March 8th. What's the date today? March 15th???? Oh. my. goodness. How embarrassing. More than a few things have slipped through the cracks lately as my sister and I work to get the market ready.
So without further ado I am here to announce a fabulous giveaway from Sevi Designs. Woo hoo!

Today you have a chance to win a tote bag.
The winner will choose from the following:

Aren't they so cute and springy?

In order to win, you have to:
1. Visit Sevi Designs. In a comment,
let me know what your favorite item is at the shop.

For bonus entries:
2. Tweet, blog or facebook about the giveaway
(1 extra entry per each)
3. Become a follower here and/or there.
(1 extra entry per each follow)
4. Share a link or a recipe for your favorite comfort food. ;)

This giveaway will be open until Thurs, March 18th.

A special thanks to Katherine for being patient with me.

Even though we're not Irish

2010-03-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

My kids will definitely be sporting one of the following on March 17th:

Sham Rock shirt by Gillian at All the Small Things
(love her blog- go check out all of her fun ideas over there)

Pinch proof shirt from Lulu's Tiles
(check out all of her St. Patrick's Day posts here)

St Patty's day pin at Executive Homemaker

**ETA- had to add Emily Sparks' simple play dress

What will your kids be wearing for the big day?

Comfort Food

2010-03-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I get really really busy (and/or stressed) all I want to do is eat.

On my to-try list currently:

Frozen Pinkberry-like yogurt by Coterie Blog

Lemon-alicious post by Brown Paper Packages

Red Velvet & Cream Cheese Cupcakes from Crafting Chicks

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by the Sisters Cafe

Any more to add to the list?
Comment away.

I love being a girl

2010-03-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

Cute. Girly. Fun.

'nough said.
Enjoy!

baby girls:

Ashley Ann Photography's diy bib onsie

My Blonde Ambitions sew simple tag blankie

big girls:

Blue Eyed Freckle's shirt

Anthro inspired patchwork v neck by Adventures in Dressmaking

Made by Lex's hemline to headband

Emily Sparks' rose belt DIY

Spread the word

2010-03-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

I have a "blog friend" that I met online ages ago at the beginning of my blogging obsession. She has inspired me over and over again with all her party planning antics.

These two are my faves:
(click on the images)

And don't even get me started on Halloween. She is the QUEEN of Halloween.

But this time it's her boys that have inspired me (a nod to her wonderful mothering skills as well). Denise has two boys that decided to join St. Baldricks and shave their heads in honor of their sweet cousin Tali who has cancer. Their goal is to raise $500. I'm hoping that with a little blog support we can help make that happen. Help spread the word.

For the specifics, read more about it on Denise's post here.
You can donate directly for Nathan here and Luke here.
On your mark. get set. go..........

p.s. We have some exciting news over on the Queen Bee Market charity page.

Birthday boy....

2010-03-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

The countdown is on for my trip to my sweet nephew's first birthday party. Jess shared her idea with me and I LOVE it. I'll have to post pics after. But for now, here are some mega creative boy parties:

Elephants first birthday party on Kara's Party Ideas

Giver's Log's Mario party

Ashley Ann Photography's lego party

Loving the ideas over at How Does She:

Especially this fun birthday clipboard and this board.

Busy as a bee

2010-03-08T14:58:00.001-08:00

I didn't mean to go missing the past few days. The truth is, I've been busy, busy, busy. As a bee. A queen bee. .......
My sister and talked last year about the possibility of hosting a boutique or craft fair of some sort. But we headed into the holidays and didn't talk to much about it. Until now.

We are happy to announce the Queen Bee Market, a one day boutique with handmade goodness from all over Southern California. Jess and I are so so so happy to be working together to make it a fantastic day. We'll have all types of vendors there- accessories, home goods, baby items, purses, jewelry, childrens items and more. We already have a great line up for vendors but are still accepting applications. Fill out a vendor application here.
On top of the shopping, we are hoping to make an impact on the community by giving back to local charities.
I realize that not all of my readers are in the San Diego area or So Cal. But I wanted to share the happy news and explain a bit of my absence as I work hard on such a big, fun project. I would LOVE if you would visit our blog and send anyone that is in the area over there as well. Spread the word. (Wouldn't it be fun to see some 30days readers at the Queen Bee? I would LOVE it). There just might be a few giveaways going on over there soon, hint, hint.

Blog*Twitter*Facebook

p.s. Yes we are crazy.
Yes we are both busy already.
Yes we are so excited we can hardly stand it.
Any words of wisdom?

Sewing Basics: the tools edition

2010-03-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

There are so many good posts out there right now about sewing basics. I found a few that focused on tools. Do you have favorite sewing tools? Do share.

Bridget gives the perfect guide on her favorite things post at Everyday Chaos

Casey's Elegant Musings' (new fave sewing blog of mine) guide to sewing: the tools

Giver's Log has a great for the budding seamstress post

If you are beyond the basics, you might want to try your hand at one of these projects:

Pleated apron w/built in hot pads at the Mother Huddle

Monogram pillow on oh my! handmade goodness

Happy Friday!

p.s. BIG announcement coming soon.

Nick of time

2010-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to announce the winner of the Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique giveaway.
If your name is Jennifer and you have 2 angels, you are the big winner!
Please email me so I can get you in touch with Canela.

Thanks to everyone who entered and to sweet, amazingly talented Canela.

Night. night.

All things kitchen

2010-03-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

First- a big fat thank you for the comments about my ruffly napkin shirt- I was nervous that everybody would think I had lost my mind using napkins and turning it into a shirt! I read the comments here and on the post over there- thank you!

And second- I just had to post about kitchen stuff today. I saw a few ideas that made me want to jump up and get busy. Here they are:

Cheeky Kitchen's pantry art post

Love the posts Just Deanna's done lately:

In the Kitchen; Part 1, In the Kitchen Part 2, Feeding the Kids, Cutting the Cost

Two other kitchen related items of business:

Simply Mom featured my Mom's Chicken Enchilada Recipe
as part of her Over Used Recipe Swap.

She's looking for 300 more (!) so hurry and go link your over used recipe here.
She's had favorite bloggers recipes featured all week and they all look GO-OD.

And one of my favorite recipe blogs- Tasty Sensations-
posted about a recipe exchange opportunity.
I'm in- do you wanna join?

I'll be back later to announce the Cinnamon*Sticks giveaway winner-
you still have time- go enter if you haven't already.

Playing with the big kids

2010-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Vanessa of the amazing, V & Co and uptown jane asked me to if I'd be willing to do a tutorial on her blog. I was flattered that she asked but a little intimidated. It was like the cool girl asking me if I wanted to sit at her lunch table. Sure, I'd love to! But would I make a fool of myself?

After making 3 different failed projects I came up with something that I think turned out. Check out my ruffly shirt made from cloth napkins. Go check it out and let me know what you think.
My disclaimer is- I'm still learning and I cheat when I can. Like when I did the tutorial, I was up against a deadline and didn't wash or iron first. What's the first rule of sewing, wash and press, right? Well do as I say, not as I do. ;) **ETA- Someone asked if the edge of the ruffle is exposed- yes on this it is, but you could totally add some bias tape for that as well. I just liked the messy look of it.**
It's been SO fun getting to know V more. I can't wait to meet in real life and eat some good Mexican food and play on the beach when she makes it out my way.
She also happens to be a sponsor so I asked her my questions.
Here's what she said:

What's your favorite thing to create?
My favorite thing to create is something new that no one’s seen before. Doesn’t happen all the time but I love getting ideas and thinking “WOW! that’s pretty cool!”
Most productive time of day?
Most productive time of the day varies on what you are talking about. From 8am to 11 am its all about cleaning the house and organizing type things. (most of my kids are in school at this time) from 3 to 5 pm is my get everyone on task, get homework and make sure chores are done. after 8 is my big blogging/cleaning up/finishing up project time. but if I’m doing a tutorial I try to do it in natural light so it’s normally done sometime between 11am and 3 pm. Um I guess I’m productive most of the day.
Favorite activity to do? Favorite activity is to be working together as a family. And laughing together. Any time we are doing something as a family I guess. We normally get that on weekends.
What inspires you?
Oh gosh what inspires me.
Everything can be inspiring. But color (or lack of) and texture is huge for me.
Your words to live by?
Words to live by “find humor in everything and be happy now.”

Go stop by the shop and see what she's got. I love everything in there. My top 3 favorites are:

Thanks again Vanessa!

p.s. There's still time to enter the Cinnamon*Sticks giveaway.

Feeling lucky?

2010-03-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

Make sure you throw your name into the Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique giveaway.

On top of the giveaway, Canela is giving away 10% off any order during the remainder of the giveaway. Just mention that you found Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique from 30days in your check out and a refund will be issued via paypal at the end of the same day.

Ready for some more St. Patrick's Days ideas?

Little Lucky Leprechaun Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day from Make and Takes
I Spy a Shamrock book by Vickie Howell on PBS

Lucky gifts from Somewhat Simple

A Little Tipsy's shamrock wreath

Lucky wood board from Inspiring Creations

Redheads Craft More Fun's good luck sign

St. Patrick's Day decor ideas by Remodelaholic

Any other fun St. Patrick's day projects out there?

Sponsor Spotlight: Cinnamon Sticks Boutique

2010-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce you to another sponsor over there on the right -------->
Cinnamon Sticks Boutique
Don't need to say much,
just see for yourself:

Canela, the boutique owner answered my sponsor questions so you can get to know her a bit:

What's your favorite thing to create? Anything with silver. I love the versatility of silver. It can be made to look rustic earthy and organic, or sleek shiny and modern or frilly and girlie, pair it with gem stones and the creative possibilities are just endless.
Most productive time of day? 9pm to 2 am with 6 kiddies it's the only time the house is quiet!
Favorite activity to do?I love Hiking and Cooking.
What inspires you? Everything, Nature, old buildings in town, my children's drawing, a conversation with my husband...
Your words to live by? "Where your heart lies there will your treasure be" I'm not sure Who said it first but too true!

To get to know her even better...and to see how she manages life with 6 kids and a business (!) check out her blog.

AND- Canela is offering a $40 Cinnamon Sticks gift certificate today.

Same rules apply:
Visit her shop, tell me your favorite item from there.
Become a follower of 30days. (or tell me you already are)
Announce it on your blog, facebook or twitter. (an extra entry for each one)
Separate comment for each entry please.

I'll announce the winner this Thurs, March 4th.

Thanks Canela!

Blog Tips

2010-03-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

I hope you don't mind the construction going on here. I'm midway through but lots more to fix. So bear with me, pretty please?
This post is all about blogging. Tips, ideas, projects. No cute pictures to show but lots of good info, promise. So if you're wanting to make your blog a little better, click away:

Linked menu from Craftaholics Anonymous
Blogging how-to's by Somewhat Simple
Connecting with Your Community of Readers by Tip Junkie
How to set up a custom background in Blogger on Design House Digital
check out all their blog tutorials here
Marta's Blog & Business workshop on m.writes

Before I sign off, I wanted to address a few questions on the DownEast giveaway that apply:
How did you choose your blog name? What does it mean to you?
I chose the name "Thirty Handmade Days" because I planned on doing this blog for 30 days during the holiday season. I wanted a spot to put all the ideas I was finding on blogs so that I could make them as gifts for Christmas. After the first year I took time off until the summer and then started back up and haven't stopped since. I shortened the name because it was so long.
How did you get the word out to get followers?
I started blogging on my personal blog a few years ago. I was lucky enough to "meet" some amazing bloggers. Those bloggers would link to some of my posts. But 30days didn't really start taking off until I started doing product reviews and giveaways.
Did you know how to make a button or did you hire someone to make your web page and blog?
I didn't know how to do anything technical with blogging. But I would say that I'm somewhat computer savvy- not great, but not intimidated. I just jumped in and started looking online for tutorials on how to update my look. I haven't ever hired anyone to help me with my blog. The info is all out there, you just have to do some digging. ;)
How did you start reviewing and giving away products?
Definitely most asked question- my first giveaway was from BeauCoup. I had recently posted about a mini gumball machine that I loved. I decided that I would send an email to them asking to host a giveaway. To my surprise, they said yes!! Since then I have hosted over 70 giveaways. The biggest thing that I've learned in all of this is that it never hurts to ask. I've been so surprised at how many opportunities have come my way.

Thanks again for reading 30days. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun without readers and comments.

Craft Book Review: 4

2010-02-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

I'm back on the library bandwagon- borrowing craft books left and right. I wanted to share my take on my recent check outs. Some were returned really quickly. Others I had to be forced to part with.
I think with craft books my first criteria is whether or not it has new ideas and makes me want to get crafting.

First the bad news:

Hip Handbags by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader
I just thought this one seemed a bit out of date. It's not old but I didn't get much inspiration from this book. I flipped through it quickly and decided that it wasn't a keeper.

And then the good news:

A Rainbow of Stitches by Agnes Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel, Muriel Brunet, and Francoise Ritz
Recently checked out- cute and full of ideas. The title says there are more than 1,000 motifs and 80 projects. Divided by color and up to date patterns.

One Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins
This one I was lucky enough to get for a Christmas present with a yard of fun fabric. One of my favorite books to date. The projects are adorable and for the most part simple. LOVE this one.

Here are a few that I'm looking forward to:

Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living
by Alicia Paulson

Carry Me: 20 Boutique Bags to Sew by Yuka Koshizen

What do ya think?
Do you have any other recommendations?
To check out my other craft book reviews, click here.

Topping the list

2010-02-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

T Goodness IF! Another busy week has come and gone.

Here are some of my favorites from this week:

really quite lucky's toy bin labels

Feather butterfly wreath on A Beautiful Mess

Dreamland's AMAAAZING skirt

Nicole's tie dye party for Bubba on The Pleated Poppy

Make It and Love It's pleated neckline shirt

{What's on the top of your favorites list?}

Dear Winners

2010-02-25T23:20:00.001-08:00

Dear Winners,
So happy to announce that you won!
#1
Kathryn said,
Okay, I'm really getting into family traditions since my kids are getting older and one of my favorite things to do is ask people what their favorite traditions are. So, what is your favorite family tradition???? It could be for a holiday, birthday, or just something that your family does that is unique.
Would love to hear your answer.
I love traditions too! We have some very standard ones- we have the birthday boy/girl pick out their meals for their big day and have them eat on the "You Are Special" plate. They get breakfast in bed too. Valentine's day is a big red breakfast. Easter we hide the Easter baskets for the kids to find. Christmas we get pjs on Christmas Eve, eat Cream Cheese Danish (my mom's- best ever!) on Christmas morning.
Between my husband and I we switch off for holidays (Valentine's day and Anniversaries mainly)- one year he's in charge of planning and the next I am. We've had all kinds of fun dates with that- scavenger hunts, limo rides to cool restaurants, one year I gave him 8 presents to open on the '8' of the hour (8:08, 9:08, 10:08 etc) while he was at work for our 8th anniversary. Another year I made a cd of songs that reminded me of him and had it in his car turned up so when he got in it was blaring. ;) He's actually done all kinds of creative dates (he's the scavenger hunt guy).

#2
Eve asked,
I want to know - what fabric do you absolutely NEED right now?
The honest truth is that I have so much fabric in my craft room at the moment (read here- fabric addiction) that I haven't bought anything new in months! I would love to get my hands on something from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane line.

Please email me asap so I can get you in touch with DownEast. Thanks for entering!
Much love,
Mique
p.s. If you didn't win- don't worry, I have some more fun on the way. ;)

Parties on the brain

2010-02-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

When my sis came down, we talked a bit about her second son's upcoming first birthday (make sense?). She threw an adorable party for her first son's first birthday (stay with me....). And was feeling a little pressure. So every time I see a cute idea, I've been bookmarking it.

Here are a few finds for parties that I think *might* work:
(boys are way tougher than girls!)

Winter Onderland on Dimple Prints

Construction Party by Juicy Bits

Red & Blue Argyle party on Kara's Party Ideas

Cowboy Carnival at The Radmacher Family

(So Jess, what do ya think?)

Here are a few blogs that are my party planning go-to's:
There are tons of party blogs out there but I love these girls style-

One Charming Party
Kara's Party Ideas
Most Likely Late
The Creative Party Place
and a brand new find
(thanks to B @ One Charming Party)
The Party Dress

More to come on party planning!
I'll be back later today with some winners.
Last call for the DownEast giveaway!!

{New} Sponsor Spotlight; Sevi Designs

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited about some changes that are in the works for 30days- a big ol' blog overhaul. Pretty soon it'll hopefully be a bit more user friendly. One of the areas that I'm working out is my sponsors area. I'm grateful to be able to spotlight shops that I believe in. I wanted to introduce you to one of the new shops that you see over on the sidebar.

Katherine is the face behind Sevi Designs.
Take a peek:

And currently on sale:

As a welcome, she's offering 10% to all 30day readers.
Now until Monday, March 1st enter the code 30DAYS.

To get to know her a little better I had her answer some questions:
What's your favorite thing to create?
If I had to narrow it down....Purses & Totes are my all time favorite item to make! But I love to get my hand on all things crafty..that is why you will see a variety of items on my site.
Most productive time of day?
I TRY to stay productive during the day. But sometimes with small children is isn't always an option :)
I craft during the day, and clean the house at night. The exact opposite of most.
Favorite activity to do?
My favorite activity is sewing hands down. It's my passion, my sense of peace, my outlet. Love, love, love it!
What inspires you?
Fabrics, all the color and different prints are always an inspiration. ( I have a slight addiction to fabric...shhhh).

Your words to live by?
Look on the bright side. Because there is always a bright side. If you stay positive, good thing will happen to you.
Don't get me wrong I have bad days...and on those days it is hard to remember. But as a general rule I try to be as positive as I can :)

Katherine also has a blog full of updates on her shop, craft links and giveaways too.
She's super fun to follow on twitter too.

Thanks Katherine!

Sewing Basics Follow Up

2010-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had a great response from my Where do you fall? post (thanks!) and wanted to follow up.
Disney from Ruffles and Stuff has a few more great tutorials in her sew basics series- check how to make ruffles and all about fabric on this post. I am loving her series over there.

Another great, somewhat easy sewing project is to make a bib.
Even if you don't have a baby, these make perfect gifts.
You can start with something simple like this:
Baby bib tutorial on Creation Corner
and then move on to something just a tad
more complicated-
DIY pocket bib from Prudent Baby
Cowboy bib (love this) by Notes from the Parsonage
Ruffle bib from Smile and Wave
No tutorial but super cute Just like daddy bibs on Lu Bird Baby

P.s. One more day to enter the DownEast giveaway. ;)

Ready for the next holiday?

2010-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

First and foremost- if you haven't entered the DownEast giveaway, do so below. Second- I am having SO much stinkin' fun reading your questions and can't wait to answer them.
A few have asked the same question in different ways about time management. 'How do you do it all?' Let me just be brutally honest- I struggle majorly with this. Between 3 busy kids (at 3 different schools, with 3 different pick up and drop offs), a fun sports-nut husband ~~that knows how to push my buttons~~ ,a house that I love and adore but is never ever clean enough, a church calling that requires a lot of my time, crafts that shout my name and a blog (or 2 or 3) that I love........can ya tell I'm not really holding it together? So if I ever give off the impression that I do have it all together, sadly I do not. If any of you have good time management solutions, fire away!! Help us all. ;)
More answers to your questions coming....thanks for going along with me on that.
Now onto today's post-
I feel a little silly celebrating St. Patrick's day since I have not a stitch of Irish blood in me (and believe me, I think I am a bit of everything else). So I'm not sure that I'll decorate, but I won't let my kids go without green on the day of- that would just be cruel.

If you decorate, here are some adorable ideas:
Lucky burlap pillow by Craftaholics Anonymous
Lulu's tiles luck of the Irish tutorial

Jessica Leigh's shamrocks for cheap (love this)
Clothesline wreath by Smashed Peas and Carrots

A letter to whom it concerns

2010-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

This giveaway is now closed.
Go shopping at DownEast!

Dear DownEast,

I love you.You have cute, fun, affordable, modest clothing and accessories. Your 28 day style guide is dreamy. All the new stuff? Adorable. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review your amazing products. I love the Heart Throb Short and Oceanfront Dress that I was able to review this time. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Thank you!
Love,
Mique

Dear California,
I love that in February I can wear shorts like these:
{My thoughts: Perfect length for an average girl like me (to my knee). They fit just right.
All around great pair of shorts. Will LIVE in them this summer.}

and a dress like this:
{My two cents: Flowy. SUPER comfy. Would be perfect
to dress up or wear down. And I can picture taking it
on any vacation anywhere easily.}

Love from,
Mique

Dear 30days readers,

You are the best! Do you love DownEast too? If you do, you can win one item of your choice. AND I get to pick two winners. So just answer these questions separately in the comments section. If you don't answer separately, you will only get credit for one entry. That would be sad. I know I write this every time....but inevitably a few people don't follow the rules and so I keep writing it.

1.What would you pick from DownEast if you won?
You have to visit the DownEast site and comment here in order to enter.
And for some bonus entries:
2. Are you a DownEast Facebook fan? Cool if yes. Become one if no.
3. Do you follow 30days? Awesome if yes. Become a follower if no.
FYI- readers (ie Bloglines or Google Reader) are no longer picking up my old blogspot feed. You need to change it to the thirtyhandmadedays.com if you want to get the updates.
4. Did you tweet about this giveaway? Or announce it on Facebook? You just increased your chances. ;)
5. I'm curious what you'd like to know from me. Ask me a question that I can answer in a later post. It can be anything you want (no mean ones please).

I will pick the winners this Thurs, February 25th.

Much love,

P.s. If you don't live in sunny CA, you can still stock up on all the cute finds at DownEast. There's lots to choose from!