Metamorphosis

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I apologize for not posting as much this week. I have spent the week organizing things, cleaning, and taking care of things that I have neglected to do…which also includes doing things for me.

I am still doing a lot of reflection and trying to figure out what all I want to do now with my life. I am 34. I have spent the last few years trying to build my business, blog, and everything. However, now that I am changing the game plan, I am seeing why so many of the things I wanted to do have not worked–professionally and personally.

The funny thing is, I have learned so much in the last few years on what not to do in a business and why as a person, I need to have more balance in my life. I am seeing the past few years as my time in a cocoon. I have spent the last few years yearning to build a successful business but all the while, I took for granted the other things life had to offer. Perhaps, that is why things did not ever work for me like I wanted. However, all this time, I have been learning and growing, and now I am like a butterfly ready to explore the world. I want to see everything clearly with my new wings. I want to show off my many colors. I want to show the world my uniqueness. Most of all, I want to do it with the people I love. I don’t think I realized until very recently just how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life…my friends…my family…my beautiful children…my incredible husband. It is so easy to take it all for granted.

What I have learned most is that I don’t have to be successful to be validated in my existence, and I don’t have to be anything other than myself. No matter whether I am a caterpillar or a butterfly, I am awesome as I am. I am good enough as I am. Sometimes I think it is easy to get caught up in the notion that we have to do x,y, and z to validate out existence. We don’t. We don’t have to follow the conventions of society to be happy. The best things in life are the simple things like the laughter of a child, sitting in the sun, just breathing.

This past week I found myself taking pictures constantly. My daughter asked me why. I told her it was because I don’t want to miss a thing. I want to treasure it all forever. I really do. I don’t want to take things for granted. I am moving forward with my life. My hope is to someday have a successful business and blog. However, it will no longer ever be more important than living my life and enjoying my kids, my husband, my friends, and my family. It kinda stinks that it took me so long to learn this lesson, but I am glad that I learned it at 34 and not at something like 60, when it might be too late.

What have you done this week to just breathe? Have you ever had a moment in your life where you feel like you have transformed?

Just Between Friends Sale is coming to Reading this weekend!

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All this for $75!!!

Check out my fat loots. This is the pile of stuff I got from the Just Between Friends Sale that starts Thursday, April 11 and runs through Saturday, April 13 at the Reading Expo Center. If you haven’t checked out this event and you have kids, I really urge you to go check it out this weekend. If you aren’t local, please click here to find out where your nearest event is. As a newbie to the sale, I thought I would give all my readers who have never attended an overview and some tips on how to shop the sale!

so much stuff! It just goes on and on!

so much stuff! It just goes on and on!

The sale in Reading is in its fifth year and has over 600 consignors participating this year. You can find everything from baby and children’s clothes to games, toys, strollers, furniture, bikes, and books. If it is baby or kid related, you will find it there and in great amounts! It is very well-organized. When I first entered, the people at the registers were ready to go, the clothing was separated and easy to find. All sections were marked, and there was even a hold area, so that you can place your full baskets or large children’s furniture there while you finish shopping. I was really impressed how everything was run.

This was my first time I have ever gone to anything like this. I was a little sure what to expect. I had read on the website that I should bring laundry baskets to carry my items. However, here are some things I learned today that will make your trip easier.

bring something to put your stuff in. I fashioned mine from an old scarf and a laundry tub

bring something to put your stuff in. I fashioned mine from an old scarf and a laundry tub

 

  • wear comfortable shoes. Also, dress comfortably. There is so much to go through, and you will want to take your time
  • Laundry Baskets with a rope for a handle are great for dragging your bargains around the building. I saw a few people who used wheeled clothing racks and also the big totes, like the ones you get from 31 Gifts.
  • Don’t bring a bulky purse. If you have a small backpack purse or a crossbody, you will be in great shape.
  • Take your time. It took me about 2 hours to get everything I wanted, but I seriously could have spent another hour or two more.
  • Make a list. There is so much there that making a list helps you focus.
  • Have fun! Half the fun of going to one of these is the hunt. The other is fun!

The sale starts at 9am on Thursday and runs until 8pm. Friday’s hours are 9am-8pm. Saturday is 8am-6pm and is 50% off day.

I had a great time today and am looking forward to the next one. Please feel free to share any additional tips in the comments below!

 

So Simple Strawberry/ Banana Smoothies

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Since it was warm outside today, it seemed like a great day to make smoothies. We have a lot of different recipes in this house, but this one here is one of the easiest, and it is really yummy!

Ingredients:

1 Banana

4 Strawberries (fresh or frozen, we usually use frozen)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla, preferably whole milk)

Throw all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings.

 

You can substitute with other fruit. If you do, please let me know your favorites!

Bear Haven Boutique Product Spotlight: Doll Party Favor Kits

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One thing I love to do is to create party kits for my customers. American Girl Doll parties are becoming more popular, and if you follow me on Facebook, you know that I have done some for my local customers. However, I do not limit my American Girl parties to just my local customers. Whether you are near or far, you can find Doll Favor Kits on my website!

Slumber party kit for 18 Inch Dolls

Right now, I currently offer three types of kits: the slumber party kit, the spa kit, and the Fairy kit. Each kit comes with 6 outfits for your birthday child and 5 guests. I sell them in sets of 6. I also can do custom work too with outfits I have on hand. Along with the outfits, I offer my customers the free option, upon purchasing, of a pdf loaded with ideas and games for your party.

The cost for these kits is $84.00 plus shipping. I ask that people order 3 weeks in advance just to make sure that everything arrives well before your event. If you need something last minute, I suggest contacting me. I can always try putting something together for you! I am also running a special for the month of April that if you order enough for a party of 12, you get 12 stuffable dolls for free! This is a $120 value!

Dolls come undressed. Upon Checkout, just let me know in the comments section, which dolls you want.

If you would like to see more of the kits I have available, please visit my website for more information!

Dr. Who Party Ideas for Kids

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The Dr. Who 50th anniversary is quickly approaching, and today is Fish Finger and Custard Day! To celebrate, I have put together some things to get you started on a Dr. Who adventure. (Note: this is the theme my children and husband will be having for their birthday bash, so there will be more on this topic over the next few months to fill in the gaps)

Decorations:

Think Tardis Blue! Oriental Trading has some great tableware in just the color! You also should have a Tardis somewhere while you are at it.  You could create one with a refrigerator box, or you can find a nice stand up one like this:

Cardboard Tardis available from Oriental Trading

Other things that would be fun to use include star streamers and the glow in the dark stars for the ceiling and walls.

Games and Activities:

When you send your invitations, you should, of course, tell your guests to come as their favorite Dr. Who characters. Have a contest to see who is your favorite.

Dr. Who...complete with bow tie! Bow Ties are Cool!

Dr. Who…complete with bow tie! Bow Ties are Cool!

You could also create a fez and bow tie for everyone to take home. In addition, let the children decorate their own Dr. Who cookie. You can find some great cookie cutters in Dr. Who and other themes on Etsy.

For games, here are some fun ideas that one of my friends and I came up with:

-Weeping Angel Tag: One child is the angel. When the child’s back is turned, all the children move around the room. When she turns around, the children must stop. Whoever moves is out.

-Toss The Adipose: It’s kind of like “Hot Potato.” However, try to find a white bean bag to use as an Adipose.

-Pin The Tie on The Doctor: Either draw one of the doctors or print a picture from your computer. Make bowties out of paper and have the children try to put one on the Doctor like you would if you were playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”

-Musical Planets: Draw Planets on pieces of posterboard or cardboard. Place them around the room. Play like “Musical Chairs.”

-Treasure Hunt: Pretend the Tardis is broken and hide pieces that the children would need to “fix” it.

Food:

What’s a party without food? Here are some ideas for some fun eats!

-Marshmallow Adipose

Crisscross toothpicks into large marshmallows. Add four miniature ones for hands and feet. Use black icing to make faces

Crisscross toothpicks into large marshmallows. Add four miniature ones for hands and feet. Use black icing to make faces

-Fish Fingers and Custard: Self-explanatory. You probably want to serve them separately, but my children did try them together tonight and loved it!

-Dr. Who Cookies. If you decide to make the cookies as suggested above, you have a nice treat for the party as well.

These are some suggestions to get you started! If you have ideas or pictures, please submit them! I will be adding additional posts to this party idea in the near future! Don’t forget to check out Bear Haven Boutique online for party kits and ideas too!