New in the shop…

Baby Bibs! 

More coming soon…

Oh Sunburn…

On Friday my husband entered us at our local radio station to win tickets to a Newsboys concert and we won!  So, we were excited to be going to see one of our favorites on Saturday.  So excited I guess the we forgot sunscreen.  A mistake that will never happen again!  The concert was in a park and we got tickets to an air show as well, so we were there all day…in the sun.  I love the sun but not when it burns me.  Like it does every summer because I am pretty darn white.  I don’t tan, I don’t even think it’s possible for me.  I burn, peel and turn white again.  Oh well…So we sat outside in the lovely at the time sun for 7-8 hrs and here is the result.

Did I mention that I have major raccoon eyes?

 

The picture definitely doesn’t show how bad it really is, but as you can see the tops of my arms got pretty toasty and the underneath is still that blinding white.  My shoulders got it too and so did my face and the top of my lower legs.  I was wearing leggings so it’s quite humorous to see. 

The good news is, we love the Newsboys so it was worth it.  It really is starting to feel better today after all of the aloe that we have put on ourselves.  (My husband got it pretty bad too.)  We had a lot of fun at the concert and thankfully at the time the sunburn hadn’t really set in yet, so we weren’t feeling it until the next morning. 

We sat really close to the “runway” I guess it’s called,  (I’m not really sure) so we got some great photos.

Lesson learned the hard way…

Kena Bows

It’s wedding season!  I’m so glad to be done with all of the crazy wedding planning that I had to do last year for my wedding.  Now, I can just enjoy other people’s weddings. 

Wouldn’t it be lovely to have one of these to wear to weddings this summer?

Or maybe this one…

Kena Bows has a great collection of items perfect for any age group. 

Want some good news?

Kena Bows is offering all of my readers:

BUY 2 GET ONE FREE! (of equal or lesser value – not including shipping)

All you have to do is send Kena Bows a message through Etsy letting her know which items you would like out of her shop and she will set up a custom listing for you.  (Don’t forget to mention My Bella Baby)  Easy as that!

Make sure to visit Kena Bows often as she adds items daily. 

Thank you Kena Bows for this great deal!

Giveaway at Second Time Around

Want a chance to win a set of Little Washies?  You got it!  Head on over to Second Time Around to enter.  Check out her other giveaways going on right now while you’re there!  She always has lots of fun stuff going on…and a darling little boy! 

          

Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad is so easy to make and so delicious!  I came up with my own recipe a few summers ago when my husband and I went camping with friends and needed a quick and easy (yet tasty) meal for when we arrived at the campsite.  My friend’s husband was very skeptical because he usually doesn’t care too much for food made with dressings (like mayo).  He tried it and loved it!  Every time they came to visit I made this every time because we all enjoyed it so much!  I even got my family to love it…which can be a hard task at times.  So, here it is.  Very general but great for tweaking to make it your own!

Chicken Salad

2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cooked and cubed

1 lg. apple (any variety) or 2 small apples cut up

A good handful of grapes, halved or quartered

2 stalks of celery, chopped

A handful of dried cranberries (probably 1/2 – 1 cup)

Mayo, as much as you desire

Mix everything together in a large bowl and refrigerate until chilled.  Serve on bread or crackers.  Enjoy!

Bountiful Blessings – Summer Sale

How cute are these hats from Bountiful Blessings?! 

I just love the little owl hat! 

Don’t forget, Bountiful Blessings is offering you an awesome deal through August! 

Buy one, get one FREE!

To receive this special offer, go to Bountiful Blessings Etsy shop and pick your two favorite hats.  Then buy one of them and in the notes to seller during checkout, enter your other choice that you will receive as your free item.  This way, you don’t have to pay for the other hat and get refunded later.  

There are so many cute hats at Bountiful Blessings.  They would make a great gift for any little one!  Visit Bountiful Blessings and take advantage of this awesome offer! 

Caramel Corn

I really, really like popcorn.  Especially made with my Whirley Pop on the stove.  I think I have made my husband sick of it with as much as I like it.  :)  Plus I like when he makes it…I always burn it.  So, I took a little popcorn break…until I found this recipe for Caramel Corn from Passionate Homemaking!  Mmmmm!!!  So good!  And it’s a healthier alternative to using corn syrup.  I love Passionate Homemaking’s recipes.  I have not tried one that didn’t turn out wonderfully!

So, if you love popcorn like I do…you should try this recipe for Caramel Corn!  Oh, and don’t forget the baking soda.  I almost tried it without because I just ran out, and am so glad that I didn’t.  It made a huge difference in the texture of the caramel.  Much more fluffy and easy to pour!

                      

                                                        Enjoy!

Le Pastiche Uniquities & Bake Shoppe Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations, Tamara!  You are the winner of the Le Pastiche Uniquities & Bake Shoppe giveaway!  An email has been sent to you with further directions.  Please check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox and respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Thanks to everyone that participated! 

I {heart} the Farmer’s Market!

I love the Farmer’s Market!  Fresh fruit and veggies….what could be better?  Oh, besides supporting local farmers.  So we paid a visit to our local Farmer’s Market last weekend. 

           

I could not believe how sweet and delicious the strawberries were that we got there.  Yum!  They taste so different than the strawberries I get at the grocery store.

We also purchased some fresh lettuce for salads and sugar snap peas for snacking. 

                      

What did we do with those strawberries, you ask?  We made Strawberry Shortcake!  And it was delicious!



Here’s my kind of made up recipe….

SHORTCAKES
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup milk
5 Tbsp. melted butter
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/4 cup sugar

*Mix all ingredients together and bake in 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.  Makes 10-12 biscuits. 
While the shortcakes are baking, mash up some strawberries, add a little bit of sugar and a splash of orange juice .  Taste and add more if necessary.  Place in the fridge to keep cool.  Make some homemade whipped cream by beating whipping cream with some sugar and vanilla (about 5 mins on high).  Taste about halfway through and add more sugar if necessary.  I just guess and it always turns out just fine.  When the biscuits are done baking, remove from oven and while still warm split in half and top with strawberry mixture and whipped cream.  Enjoy!

This recipe worked really well for us!  It was simple and so tasty!  We will surely be enjoying this again soon! 

Going to the Farmer’s Market has been one of my favorite summer activities….along with going to the beach! 

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 9)

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE LE PASTICHE UNIQUITIES & BAKE SHOPPE GIVEAWAY!!! ENDS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16th!

Last up on the Father’s Day Gift Guide is Mud Pie 2.  Here you will find customized pottery such as mugs, bowls and dog dishes.  Look at these great mugs for dads!

Description

Large, Wheel Thrown "DADDY" mug. Fabulous Father's Day Gift. Says "I love you" on opposite side.
Mug holds approx 12 oz
Measures approx 4-1/2" in height
Measures 3" diameter, at rim.
Glazed in Red and Dark Brown.
All my glazes are lead free.
Microwave and Dishwasher safe.

                          

This is a gift that is practical and unique.  Any dad could use a new coffee mug!  Visit Mud Pie 2 to find your favorite! 

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 8)

I absolutely love this next Etsy shop.  The Taffy Box offers custom hand stamped jewelry and accessories.  Check out what I found that would make a great gift for dads.

Monogram - Custom Font - Silver Cuff Link

Description

A classic style with a TWIST!
These silver cuff links have the ability to change with your fashion! Maybe you want your monogram for one occasion but you prefer a plain coordinating color insert for another. Or maybe you have a new child or grandchild you'd like to show off? (see photos)
The cuff link cuff screws off and can be altered by adding a simple circle cut design, either photo or paper print out and is covered with a clear heavy duty plastic piece which you then screw the cuff back over.
Edge to tedge measures 19mm (about 3/4 inch)
Gift boxed in beautiful leatherette case, which is then boxed in a white gift box.
Please specify monogram letter desired and if you prefer black on white or white on black. See photos for samples. I can send you additional letter font styles as well.
Color circles available upon request.
Photos must be furnished by customer.
Please allow at least 10 days for this item to be shipped.
Contact me if you wish to purchase multiple sets for your wedding party. Bulk discount available for more than 6 sets.

Sterling silver plated collar stays - hand stamped

Description

Say it with STYLE!
These sterling silverplated collar stays are the perfect gift for that hard to buy for man in your life!
Collar stays slide into the underside of most business dress shirt collars (there is a special casing for them) to keep collar fresh and firmly flat against shirt.
This listing is for 2 (two) silver stays.I also carry brass stays in this section:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheTaffyBox?section_id=5932587
Measure 2 1/2 inches in length and 1/4 inch wide, these can be custom stamped with a monogram or phrase of your choice.
Lowercase designer font and typewriter font are shown but I also carry Fancy font, Curly font and block font (block in 1/16th and 1/8th inch sizes), & cursive script. heart or star can be added but some of the other design stamps do not make as good an impression.
Stays can accommodate approximately 8 - 10 characters/spaces depending on font chosen. All fonts can be viewed at www.TheTaffyBox.com in the font design tab.
Comes gift wrapped in a pouch along with polishing cloth to remove tarnish.

I especially love the collar stays.  My husband has a bunch of those plastic ones laying around.  These would be perfect for him.  Being customized makes them so much more special too!  Check out The Taffy Box for more great gift ideas!

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 7)

What about a sign for Father’s Day?  Here are a couple that I found at Signs Make A Smile:

Description

Sign measures approx. 10" x 5 1/2" x 3/4" thick.
Pick your own personal colors to match your home decor.
Comes with a sawtooth hanger taped to the back, can easily be applied or left off and used as a shelf sitter.

Description

Pictured sign is hand painted Black and lettering is Antique White, sanded around the edges for a rustic worn look.
Perfect addition to your man's room, garage, game room, bar!
Also available in Barn Red, Burgundy, Navy Blue, Dark Blue, Hunter Green, Nutmeg Brown, and Coffee Bean Brown(dark brown) Milk Chocolate Brown,
Sign measures approx. 12" x 3 1/2" x 3/4" thick.
Comes with a saw tooth hanger taped to the back, can easily be applied or left off and used as a shelf sitter.

These are great gifts that are simple and unique, making them perfect for Father’s Day.  Find your favorite at Signs Make A Smile!

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 6)

Let’s not forget about a card to go along with that special gift for Father’s Day!  Tamara Thirty has great handmade cards at an affordable price.  Gotta love that!

Description

A simply put Father's Day Card that lets him know you love him. An excellent addition to his new gift, or send alone in the mail... I can ship it for you!
Overall size is 4 3/4" x 7 1/4"

Description

A nice and simple card that leaves plenty of room for your personal message.
Need this item shipped for you? I can personalize it and send it for you.

A card says a lot.  Visit Tamara Thirty to get one for the man in your life!

Help! I Need Ideas…

I am stuck.  My parent’s 25th wedding anniversary is coming up and  I don’t have any idea what to get them.  I want to do  something special for them (possibly personalized).  So,  do any of you have any ideas?  Please and thank you!  :) 

                  

Aren’t they cute?  I am so thankful that these two wonderful people are my parents.  It is such a blessing to have both of my parents, still married and setting an example of what marriage should be.  Happy 25th anniversary Mom and Dad!

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 5)

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE LE PASTICHE UNIQUITIES & BAKE SHOPPE GIVEAWAY!  ENDS WEDS. JUNE 16TH.

Next up on the Father’s Day Gift Guide is Tammy’s Treasure Chest.  Here you will find quality handcrafted jewelry from necklaces and bracelets to keychains and rings. 

One item that I really like from Tammy’s Treasure Chest is the Copper Guitar Pick Keychain For Daddy:

                    

Description

One word says it all...Daddy
Here's a solid copper guitar pick that I stamp with the word Daddy.
The pick is standard size and can be used to plat guitar if you want. It could also be put on a chain for a necklace.
The keyring measures 32mm and is nickle silver.

I found this keychain that I really like too:

          

Description

This pretty keychain is made from a thick aluminum bar that I hand-stamped on each side.
It says husband, lover, father, friend. I can change it to say whatever you'd like.
It measures 1/4" thick and is 1 1/4" long. It comes with a 1" dia. key ring.
A great gift for your man on Father's Day or any day!

I think either of these would make a wonderful gift for Father’s Day.  Visit Tammy’s Treasure Chest to find your favorite!

SALE! Little Washies $5/set TODAY ONLY!

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE LE PASTICHE UNIQUITIES & BAKE SHOPPE GIVEAWAY!!!

For the rest of the day, I am having a sale in my Etsy shop! 

ALL LITTLE WASHIES ONLY $5 A SET!!!

You can order one of two ways using discount code ‘one day sale’:

1.  Convo me with your choice of Little Washies and I will change the price for you.

OR

2. Order and you will be reimbursed through Paypal after transaction is complete.

NOTE:  Do not order and then wait for me to change the price.  I cannot change the price once the item is out of my shop. 

Also, check out this new Diaper & Wipes Clutch in my shop…more to come!

                             

                             

It’s a Giveaway! Le Pastiche Uniquities & Bake Shoppe

Remember these delicious looking cookies?

Trust me…they are DELICIOUS!  And you, my friends have a chance to win some of these:

                       

      2 dozen Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakies

A scrumptious mixture of real lemon, white chocolate and dried blueberries make these cookies hard to resist. Made with organic sugar and yogurt substituted for butter you can eat these (almost) guilt-free!
Guaranteed fresh and delicious because I don't make 'em till you order 'em! Shipped ready to gift wrapped in tissue and tucked neatly inside one of my bakery boxes with a label.

 Yum!  Not only will you win these cookies, but you will also win this:

           

"Her Majesty Flies At 5" Necklace with 18" chain

Made using a vintage dominoe and findings with genuine swarovski crystals, this delicate necklace is sure to bring attention to your jewelry collection. Comes with an 18" chain.

Who doesn’t love a new necklace AND cookies? 

*PLEASE BE SURE TO LEAVE A SEPERATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS INCLUDED.

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY- Visit Le Pastiche Uniquities & Bake Shoppe and tell me what your favorite item in her shop is.

2. Become a follower of the My Bella Baby blog (If you already are, let me know).

3. Become a Twitter follower of My Bella Baby.

4. Tweet or blog about this giveaway. (Please leave your Twitter name)

4. Make a purchase from Le Pastiche Uniquities & Bake Shoppe (3 entries)

Good Luck!  This giveaway ends 1 week from today. (Wednesday, June 16th) 

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 4)

Looking for a fun t-shirt for Dad or Grandpa this Father’s Day?  I found the perfect tees for men!  Check out Zoey’s Attic for t-shirts like these:

          

My favorite is “I make adorable babies”, but aren’t they all great?!  The Grandpa t-shirt would make a great baby announcement!

Description

What does the word "dad" mean to your dad or husband? These special dad shirts can be custom made to your special wording! The possibilities are endless! From this cute dad: superhero shirt to the ever popular dad: professional golf ball shanker, we can custom create it for you.
Can be customized for grandpa, dad, papa, whatever you like for the wording and year established. Perfect for every man in your life this father's day!
S I Z E S: Men's M, L, XL
C O L O R S: Ash Gray (as pictured) or white upon request
Sizes are true to men's t-shirt. This is a 6.1 champion brand men's t-shirt.

Head on over to Zoey’s Attic now!

Father's Day Gift Guide (part 3)

Check out this custom leather cuff bracelet from Julie the Fish Designs! This shop is full of beautiful hand stamped custom keepsakes, great for men or women. The leather cuff bracelet caught my eye as a great gift option for Father’s Day.

Description

Perfect for a man or woman, this leather cuff bracelet is adorned with a small sterling silver tag. I will hand stamp with the name, date or word of your choice. Please choose block, script, or typewriter lettering. The sterling tag will accommodate 9 letters. If you'd like a larger silver tag to fit more writing please convo me. Please allow about 2 weeks for your custom piece to ship.

This bracelet is available in black or brown leather. It is 11/16" wide and 8 1/2" long with two snaps to fit wrist sizes up to 7.75". If the bracelet will be worn roughly, please request that the silver plate be attached with wire. If not requested it will be attached with hemp, as shown.

In the “message to seller” at Etsy checkout on the commit to buy page please mention what you'd like stamped, black/brown leather, and lettering choice. I individually hand stamp all letters. Some variation in spacing or alignment is a sign of uniqueness and charm.

Visit Julie the Fish Designs to see more hand stamped creations!

Father’s Day Gift Guide (part 2)

Next up on my search for great Father’s Day gifts is Red Leaf.  Red Leaf offers hand crafted soaps, lotions, bubble bath & gift sets, and they look amazing!  I really want to order the Men’s Shaving Soap Gift Set for my husband.  One thing that I really love is that their Shave Soap Cube is made with a coconut oil base.  In my research to live a healthier lifestyle, coconut oil is one thing that I have learned a lot about!  It is such a great product for skin care!  Read about the wonderful uses of coconut oil here. 

Not only does Red Leaf offer the incredible looking shaving set, they also have oversized bar soap for extra sensitive skin and shampoo bars that come with a non-rust travel case.  I think any of these would make a great gift for those hard to shop for men.  And if you just can’t choose which one to get them, they have gift certificates too!  Everyone could use some soap!  Don’t get me started on the fragrance options…fresh orange, basil lime, beach or fresh clover anyone? 

No worries, ladies!  Red Leaf has great products for you too!   Head over to Red Leaf now and get your man some soap…or yourself!

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Looking for a  unique Father’s Day gift for the men in your life?  I will be posting some gift ideas from some great Etsy shops, guaranteed to make dads feel loved! 

First up, Pamela Susan Fine Jewelry and Gifts.

What dad wouldn’t want this simple keychain with the names of those who love him on it?  This would be a great gift for any dad!  They all have keys, right?

Description:

Yay! The original "dad" keychain that I introduced a couple years ago is back! This is the perfect Father's Day gift for the man in your life. This listing includes 3 names around the edge of a 3/4" nickel disc. Each name has an itsy-bitsy star in between them. Very cool, indeed.
*Do you need more than 3 names stamped? Each additional name will cost $3. Ideally, 4-5 names will fit on this disc, depending on the length of each name. If we need to, I can stamp more but will need to spiral the names around to make them fit. If you do need more than 3 names stamped go ahead and purchase this listing and I will send you a PayPal invoice to pay for the additional names.
Please leave the list of the names at checkout. Your keychain will be mailed by Tuesday, June 15.
Happy Father's Day!

Not only does this shop have awesome dad keychains, but also beautiful jewelry!  Like these inspirational rings that I love!  I might just have to get me one of these:

             

Aren’t they so cute?! 

Visit Pamela Susan Fine Jewelry and Gifts!  You will love it!

Father’s Day Cards

I love freebies4mom.com.  I always find great deals there and have gotten lots of free samples and even some bigger freebies.  For Christmas last year, I got 50 free photo cards with a discount that I found there.  I didn’t even pay for shipping.  We also got my in-laws a photo calendar for free using a discount code that I found there.  No shipping on that either.  Freebies4mom has definitely saved me some money on some great products!  So, you can imagine my excitement to find a discount code for 3 free Father’s Day cards from Shutterfly.  All I had to pay was $.99 shipping with the code CARDS4DAD!  You can barely buy one card for that price.  My husband and I LOVE pictures.  We love to capture memories of everything that we do.  So these photo cards were just perfect for us!  Here is one that I got for my dad using my favorite photo of us at my wedding.

           

Sorry the photos aren’t great.  They don’t really show the quality of the cards.  I was SO happy when I got them in the mail today.  The quality is great and I would order these again.  I think the original price is $1.99 a card and it would be worth it to me to pay that to have a personalized card. 

Freebies4mom has great directions on how to order these cards.  Visit here to get this awesome deal.  It expires Thursday, June 10th, so make sure to order before then!  If you haven’t already, check out Freebies4mom.com.  You will love it!!!

Bountiful Blessings

Here is another great Etsy shop that you MUST check out! 

Bountiful Blessings features crocheted  animal hats, winter hats, summer beanies, things for every season. She will also be adding a line of booties and accessories (like nursery blocks) soon. 

I just melt when I see babies wearing cute little hats like these:

I’m pretty sure these are some of the CUTEST hats I’ve ever seen!  I think my favorite is the monkey hat. :)  How talented is she?!  I just love them all!  These would make great baby shower gifts or even birthday gifts as she can make them in larger sizes too! 

I have some great news for all of you!  Bountiful Blessings is offering this special just for my readers.  YAY!

 BUY ONE GET ONE FREE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE!!! (Until the end of August, enter ‘mybellababy’ in notes to seller during checkout for discount)

Isn’t that awesome!  Now go buy your baby some cute little hats!

Visit Bountiful Blessings to see all of her beautiful creations!

June SALE

Every month in my Etsy shop I run a sale.  I like to offer my customers a deal so that you all know how much I appreciate your business! 
This month’s sale is:

Spend $25, get a FREE set of Little Washies of your choice!

Little Washies are selling so well and here is why:
-They make a great baby shower gift
-They make the perfect gift for any new mom or moms that already have children
-They are practical
-They are cute!
-They are affordable
-They come in a set of five – 1 for use, 1 for the diaper bag, 1 for grandma’s house, 1 for the other grandma’s house and of course 1 is in the laundry
- Children LOVE having their own “washie” to clean up with….great for moms that have a hard time when bath time comes around.
- They are good entertainment for babies!  Great for chewing on…(See photo below)  I have also had some moms tell me that their children like to wear them as slippers and also on their arms.  Fun uses I didn’t even think of!  :)  Haha!
                              
All in all, I have had great reviews on the Little Washies.  I am so happy to be able to provide a product that is so useful for moms. 

What do your children like about Little Washies or use them for?  I would love to hear about it and even see some photos!