Etsy Blogger of the Month: Spotted Cow Soaps

One of my favorite things about the Etsy Blogger of the month program is that it gets me looking at amazing Etsy stores I've yet to visit. Spotted Cow Soaps is one of those stores that, when I visited for the first time, I just had to say, "Wow." It seemed like every item was something I was going to have to heart!

Speaking of hearts, one of the items that caught my eye right away was the Lovin' Your Feet Loofah Soap in Razz Nilla. It seems Spotted Cow Soaps have every imaginable body product for pampering yourself. And they all sound so delicious, that just looking through the store makes you hungry. Take the Chocoholics Unite Whipped Sugar Scrub... now I want chocolate mousse! or the Vanilla Whipped Sugar Scrub- Yummo!


And items like their Sparkling Champagne Bubble Bath, just make me say Ahhh.

Just a wonderful store; so much fun to look at and purchase from!

For more on Spotted Cow Soaps, visit their Etsy store, or blog!

SMOX Holiday Shopping Guide

The holidays are almost here, and it's about time for that last minute shopping. But even if you can't get your Etsy orders in time for the holiday gift giving, there's no reason you can't get gifts that keep giving! There are a couple items in the SMOX shop that make great holiday gifts, but make wonderful gifts anytime too!

My favorite are of course, the SMOX! They keep giving for a long time! SMOX eating and art aprons are great for everyone! They are available in a range of sizes and patterns for both boys and girls, to keep babies through preschoolers clean while engaged in these messy activities. And are available for custom order if you need a size that is not available. I have so many wonderful things to say about SMOX from my own experiences wearing them as a child, to my experiences today using them as a parent! I think they're the perfect gift for any parent, and their sanity!

If you're looking for something a little more seasonal I would definitely recommend the create your own snowflake bows. They are beautiful and perfect for everyday winter wear. So no worries here if the holiday has already past. And the best part about this gift is that it's completely customized. There are so many ribbon offerings, that it's doubtful two people would order the same exact bows. What's better than a personalized gift designed by you?!

Our Giveaway Winner Is.......

Our giveaway winner is....... Etsy member 143mommy! We had 82 entries!!! Congratulations to our lucky winner! If for some reaosn she doesn't wnat her prize, we will draw a new winner. Thanks to everyone who entered, and remember to shop the SMOX and MaggiesRoseGarden Black Friday Sales!!!!

Black Friday Weekend Sale FEATURE

SMOX is not only participating in the CafeMom Team's Black Friday Sale, but is also part of the EtsyBloggers Black Friday through Cyber Monday 4-day sale!!! One of our wonderful Etsybloggers is featuring some of the EtsyBloggers who are having sales, each day through the sale, and SMOX is very priveledged to be one of the featured shops! Check out the article here.

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H a p p y H o l i d a y s ! !
The EtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E* is going on from Black Friday thru Cyber Monday!!
That's Friday 11/28 thru Monday 12/1!!
See a list of the 50+ shops having a SALE at http://etsybloggers.etsy.com
H a p p y S h o p p i n g ! !

☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆☆ ; ;:* ¨¨*:★:

Supporting Other Etsy Giveaways! Fakery Bakery Giveaway

Through promoting our awesome giveaway; see below. I found this other great giveaway for a Pink Cupcake Necklace from Fakery Bakery! I looked in her store, and wow! She makes some of the cutest bakery jewelry I've seen! Of course, I'd love to win this giveaway myself, but I also love to spread the word about other great shops on Etsy! So, head on over and enter yourself too!

WIN The Winter Wonderland Tutu Dress Set Giveaway!

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I am so excited to announce a collaborative giveaway from SMOX and MaggiesRoseGarden!

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First, what I know you're most interested in; The prize!

The winner will receive a Snowflake Princess halter tutu dress and matching Snowflake Winter Princess Wand from MaggiesRoseGarden, and matching hair accessories from SMOX; First Snow Rosettes, Snowflake Clippie Pins, and coordinating ribbon wrapped headband. (Items will ship separately.)




The Snowflake Princess Tutu Dress is a size 2-3 and is made of 300 yards of tulle in light blue glimmer, smoke blue, and silver glimmer. The tulle is embellished with snowflake sequins in blue, light blue, and silver. The chest is wrapped in light blue soft satin ribbon for beauty and comfort, and embellished with a sparkly snowflake. The straps are typically halter style, but can done differently by request.



The Snowflake Winter Princess Wand is wrapped in soft silver ribbon, embellished with the same sparkly snowflake as the dress, with a tutu puff and some pretty snowflake sequins.





The hair accessories you will receive include a pair of First Snow rosettes, and a pair of snowflake clippie pins, and a ribbon wrapped headband.

This darling pair of First Snow 3 inch rosettes are the perfect accessory for your winter princess! Made of white satin ribbon printed in icy blues snow flakes, and pale blue grosgrain, these are finished with delicate white snowflakes. These will be mounted on your choice of ribbon wrapped alligator clips or mini barrettes. Alligator clips measure approximately 2 inches, and barrettes measure approx 1 1/2 inches.

The Snowflake Clippie Pins are standard size snapping clips, that are just under 2 inches long, and are adorned with beautiful silver snowflakes.

The headband is wrapped with high quality pale blue grosgrain ribbon and is adorned with a bow of sheer white with silver sparkles and sheer blue with baby blue satin ribbon and a faux pearl center.

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Matching accessories available from MaggiesRoseGarden include espadrille flip-flops with snowflakes or marabou embellishments, and marabou bun puff, both of which make beautiful additions to the outfit. And further hair accessories are available from the SMOX store.

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Now that you have seen our beautiful giveaway items, here's how you can enter!
1 Entry for Blogging about our contest! Just link this blog and you're entered!!
(Please come back and let me know that you blogged it in the comments!)
1 Entry each for Hearting our shops- new hearts only
1 Entry each for Hearting an item in our shops- new hearts only, and max 1 entry per store
1 Entry for every purchase made from either store during the contest

Open to all US residents.

Winner will be chosen by random number generator.

Check back on Black Friday to find out who the winner is!

SMOX Featured on Cafe Mom's Toddler Buzz!

I was so surprise to be asked if Cafe Mom's Toddler Buzz could feature SMOX aprons. I am feeling so thrilled and honored. Here is a text copy of the article. You can also view it at the source and comment.

Want Mess-Free Meals? Try This Cool Eating Apron

November 19, 2008 at 5:49 PM by Cafe Cynthia

SMOX from Etsy

I long for the day when more food ends up in my kids' mouths than on their clothes and the floor. Bibs are out of the question, of course. My 5-year-old would laugh in my face if I suggested it, and my 3-year-old has refused to wear hers since she learned how to tell me, "Bibs are for babies!"

SMOX from Etsy

Well, check out this stroke of brilliance from chealam0de, an Etsy mom of a 1-year-old and 3-year-old: SMOX. As you can see from the picture above, SMOX are aprons with sleeves that your child wears like a shirt at mealtimes. chealam0de actually revived an idea developed by her own mother 20 years ago. They're made of breathable fabric, lined with terrycloth or flannel. They're eco-friendly, because you just toss them in the wash and use them over and over again.

"My kids hated regular bibs, but over time they've come to love their SMOX," says chealam0de. "After a couple of months of eating solid foods, my kids didn't mind them at all, and by the time they were self-feeding, they would hold out their arms to help get the SMOX on. My preschooler loves hers, and insists on wearing SMOX for every meal, even putting it on herself."

You can order them in several designs, including Thomas, Pooh, trucks, Spiderman, crayons, polkadots and sparkle princess crowns, in sizes small, medium, large, and extra large (for $2 extra). Cost is $30 each, available at chealam0de's Etsy shop.

NEW Item & Crafting With my Kids- WARNING: Xmas Spoilers!

My NEWEST Item that will be added to the SMOX Workshop is a hand burned bow holder, with custom name. The sample one was made for a child in my family for Christmas. So Shhhhh, don't tell! I also recently added a hand burned wooden treasure box to the store! I did this type of crafting years ago, but hadn't done any in awhile. I'm so excited to be back to it!

Yesterday as part of our schoolwork, my daughter started on her crafting for Christmas. She's not yet 3, so we have to do things that are somewhat simple for her to be able to successfully do them on her own. Our first present project was decoupage vases made out of empty baby food containers. I will add a tutorial for these later in case anyone else would like to do them with their child. I think they turned out beautifully and they were a lot of fun for her to make!

Recipe- Cottage Pie

The other day I made a delicious cottage pie for dinner! We love going to our local authentic Irish pub, and the traditional fare served there, which inspired me to make cottage pie at home. For those who don't know, cottage pie is very similar to shepherd's pie, the main difference being the meat used in shepherd's is lamb, and cottage pie is made with beef. I searched around online and found a good basic recipe that I modified for our use.

I used 1lb of ground beef, browned with salt, pepper, dried crushed bay leaves, dried marjoram and dried savory. Once the beef was browned, I moved it to a casserole dish. I didn't have time to chop the onions, so I added dried minced onion. I added chopped carrots, but no peas since we have allergies. I also put in one cup of beef broth, 1 T of ketchup, and 1 T of Lea and Perrins and mixed thoroughly. I prepared 2 pouches of instant garlic mashed potatoes and spread them ontop. Then put the casserole in the oven for the suggested 20 minutes at 375 (note that we are at altitude.)

It turned out so delicious that I know we'll be eating it again soon! One of the great things about cottage pie is that it is rather inexpensive to make, and you can always add in vegetables and such that you have on hand!

Here is the original recipe that I modified:

Cottage Pie Recipe

Cottage Pie and Shepherd's Pie are very similar. Shepherd's Pie is made from lamb whereas Cottage Pie uses beef. In this version of Cottage Pie we use fresh minced beef, however you can also use leftover Roast Beef.

• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 500 grams / 1 lb of beef mince
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce (ketchup)
• ½ to 1 tablespoon of Worcester sauce (Lee & Perins)
• ½ cup of peas
• ½ cup of corn kernels (optional)
• 1 bouquet garni or a small bunch of herbs chopped finely and one whole bay leaf
• ¾ to 1 cup of beef stock
• 3 to 4 large potatoes
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• salt and pepper

Peel and chop the onion and carrot finely. Heat the oil in a large frypan or saucepan, add the onion and cook until the onion is clear or translucent. Add the minced beef and sauté using a wooden spoon break up the mince so it is nice and fine. When the mince is thoroughly browned stir through the flour and cook for one minute. Add the tomato sauce, Worcester sauce, finely chopped carrot, peas, corn and herbs. Stir thoroughly to combine. Gradually add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and cover, simmering for 10 to 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should be quite thick. Remove and discard the bouquet garni or whole bay leaf and set mixture aside.

Peel the potatoes, chop into quarters and place in a medium saucepan with cold water just covering the potatoes. Add a little salt to the water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. When the potatoes are cooked, drain and place back on the heat for a few seconds to let any extra water evaporate. Mash the potatoes with one tablespoon of butter until the potato is very creamy - add a little milk if necessary. Add salt to taste.

Preheat the oven to 190°C, 375°F or gas mark 5. Spoon the mince mixture into a pie dish, then spoon or pipe the creamy mashed potato over the mince. Sprinkle grated cheese on top if desired and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potato is golden and the pie is heated through.

(Serves 4)

More SMOX

Although no SMOX have sold yet through my Etsy store, the initial response has been enormous! Because of this, I've gone ahead and listed SMOX in sizes small, medium, and large in my Etsy store for $30 each, and x-larges for $2 more. Each listing provides several fabric choices in prints for both boys and girls! These listings are based on the SMOX I have precut and in process already. It will take little longer than the 4 SMOX I initially listed to get these shipped, but not much longer. :-)



I've been so excited about the SMOX launch I've been thinking about many of the wonderful things about them that I've forgotten to share!

One of my favorite things about SMOX is that they are reusable. You can use them over and over, and unlike some other bibs that need to be wiped off by hand, you can just throw them in with your other laundry. They're so durable that they have lasted through at least 3 kids in my family with repeated washings and are still hard at work. It's great to have such a green product, and not be sending stuff to the landfill! Plus it's so convenient to just throw them in the wash!

Of course, it's best to have 2 or more SMOX, so that when you have that messy spaghetti for dinner, you'll have a clean SMOX for breakfast without having to run and do the laundry right away. It makes life so much easier, and gives your child a choice when they get to the table. Another thing that helps with cooperation wearing one! But even just one SMOX is a wonderful addition for mealtimes. They also make a great gift! My children have lots of different fun ones including birthday and holiday themes! 1st birthday cake and frosting photos are cute, but better when they don't ruin your child's adorable birthday outfit! And holiday meals at the grandparents house are easier without having to change clothes after dinner!

Initially it can be a challenge to get your child to wear an eating apron. But I think it's definitely worth it. My kids hated regular bibs just as much, so I felt like it was worth it to use the SMOX to protect their clothing better. Over time they've come to love their SMOX. After a couple of months of eating solid foods my kids didn't mind them at all, and by the time they were self feeding they would hold out their arms to help get the SMOX on. My preschooler loves hers, and insists on wearing SMOX for every meal, even putting it on herself. With the toddlers and preschoolers especially one of the wonderful things about SMOX are the fun fabrics! It really helps a child get on board when they get to wear a SMOX with their favorite character on it!

SMOX Have Arrived!!!!!!!!!

I am so thrilled to announce, that we finally carry SMOX in the SMOX store!!!!


When you buy your kids clothes, you want them to last awhile, or at least until they outgrow them. Especially in today's economy, keeping costly kids clothes looking good for as long as possible is a good investment.

SMOX are eating aprons originally designed over 20 years ago. They are available in regular which are lined with lightweight flannel, or deluxe which are lined with terry cloth. Some of the original SMOX aprons are still being worn by my children today. They have been used by at least 3 children over the course of that 20 years, and are still hard at work! SMOX aprons are made of all breathable fabrics so your child is less likely to overheat or sweat while wearing this type of cover. They also have long sleeves with comfortably elasticized wrists to keep long sleeves clean in the colder months, something that a lot of eating bibs neglect! SMOX close at the back of the neck with a Velcro fastener. These are secure and are more difficult for a child to undo themselves, but will break open under pressure for safety.

SMOX are not only great eating aprons, but also make great art cover ups for toddlers. Toddler sizes are available with pockets for keeping crayons an other art supplies while working.

SMALL: Up to 20 lbs
MEDIUM: 20 to 28 lbs
LARGE: 28 to 35 lbs
X-LARGE: 30 to 40 lbs



The SMOX in my store are extremely limited at the moment while I work on production, but more will be available soon, and if you're interested in making a custom order feel free to convo me!

Etsy Blogger of the Month

turquoise, amber, glass
south western inspirations
shop storybeader


Storybeader is a wonderful Etsy shop with lots of natural stone jewelry to choose from! I personally love the natural colors of o, amber, coral and other stones, and the warmth they have. Storybeader has something for everyone, but my absolute favorites are her southwestern inspired pieces. Every piece speaks to me and feels like home, reminds me of the Arizona desert, and all it's natural beauty.

There are a lot of jewelry makers out there, but Storybeader crafts from her soul. There's a part of her in every piece, and she is willing for you to know this, and to take a piece of her story with you. Each piece has it's own story, and Storybeader takes the time not only to design her item with it's story in mind, but to share it with you through her carefully crafted haiku poems included with each item. Each haiku is unique and is a story for it's individual piece.

Anyone can do crafts, but it is truly a gift to meet someone like Storybeader who not only crafts form the heart and isn't afraid to allow others into her creative spirit.

Christmas Is Coming!

As the holiday season approaches it means that there will be more shopping for gifts! This can mean a lot of demand for a small Etsy store. So SMOX is preparing early for the holidays. I've been switching out some of my listings; taking Halloween and back to school bows out of my store, and replacing them with holiday, and other new items! I'm also participating in the CafeMom Team's Black Friday Sale. So get ready for shopping and great deals from the comfort of your own home on November 28th! By shopping early you'll be prepared, and get great deals, and I'll have plenty of time to get everyone's holiday purchases safely shipped to them!

CAFEMOM ETSY MOMS
BLACK FRIDAY SALE
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Black Friday Only! 10% off my entire store, and FREE shipping on all orders $40 or more (before shipping)
http://www.smox.etsy.com/

20% off of one item and Free Shipping off of orders over $40!
http://www.hopscotchsquare.etsy.com/

15% off of all items
http://www.turtlemommy.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all: Sensory blankets, Twisty Towels,
Baby Bibs, and Cloth Wipes. Black Friday Only.
Shipping will already be adjusted.
http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all single flower pens. 20% off pen bouquets.
Black Friday only. Prices will already be adjusted.
http://www.fleurdeink.etsy.com/

15% off entire store
http://www.createmeacanvas.etsy.com/

20% off entire shop. Free shipping on orders over $50. Value packs
will be offered this day only on my Boobie Brigade Collection: Buy a
nursing cover, get a FREE pair of bamboo lined nursing pads milk minders
with paid order.
http://www.jazzyjemz.etsy.com/

Black Friday Sale. 20% off all items in store and
free shipping on orders over $50.
http://www.childishthoughts.etsy.com/

Free Shipping!
http://www.beautifulbowbaby.etsy.com/

15% off my entire store and free shipping for orders over $25
http://www.bowsforbaby.etsy.com/

Free shipping!
http://www.keepsakesbyjanell.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all orders!
http://www.stitchnlove.etsy.com/

For Black Friday Only: 20% off of all items. Free shipping on all purchases over $40.
http://www.ohhsopretty.etsy.com/

15% off everything in my store (even deeper discount on SALE items) and get a free
surprise tuxedo bow with every order! Must put CEM in the message to seller upon
checkout and wait for a revised invoice.
http://www.shelleybeansboutique.etsy.com/

Free shipping on everything and then 10% off of $50 order
http://www.outoftheboxx.etsy.com/

10% off of everything in my store and free shipping on orders over $25. Use code
BLKFRI in the message to seller at checkout and wait for a new invoice.
http://www.tarastieups.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all orders over $20. 10% off entire shop. Black Friday - Sunday only.
http://www.seemommysew.etsy.com/

Black Friday only: 40% off everything in both of my shops. No minimum purchase required.
S & H not included. Must enter promo: Black Friday in notes to seller at checkout for discount.
http://www.jacquijcrochet.etsy.com/
http://www.shutterbuys.etsy.com/

All earrings are only $4. Plus bracelets are on sale too, and everything comes gift-wrapped.
http://www.brocklee.etsy.com/

15% off of everything. Shipping not included, must put CEM in message to seller and wait
for revised invoice.
http://www.donotdisturb.etsy.com/

Free shipping as always. 10% off of everything on Black Friday. Please mention when
ordering to get discount.
http://www.madebyjade.etsy.com/

10% off total order not including shipping (wait for revised invoice). Plus free bow with
every order.
http://www.beacreative.etsy.com/

20% off all items in store. Prices will already be adjusted.
http://www.luminiousmom.etsy.com/

Free Shipping! 10% off total order on Black Friday.
http://www.jesscreations.etsy.com/

Black Friday Only. All sock monkeys, sock plushies, and more will be ON SALE!
http://www.eleganthobbies.etsy.com/

15% off entire store. Black Friday only!
http://www.momofmak.etsy.com/

Black Friday sale. 20% off all items, not including shipping.
http://www.tjb1127.etsy.com/

15% off all in-stock items. Free shipping on ANY order over $29.
http://www.dawnberries.etsy.com/

Buy 2, get the 3rd half off.
http://www.mommyslittlehelper.etsy.com/

Free shipping
http://www.1maddieandme.etsy.com/

Buy two, get one free
http://www.ollieollie.etsy.com/

Hair pretties, children's jewelry, & key fobs. Black Friday sale. Take 20% off total purchase
(excluding shipping) and FREE shipping on orders over $10. Order between midnight the 27th until noon the 28th to receive the discount. Amount will be refunded after payment is made.
http://www.sweetsoutherndesign.etsy.com/

25% off listed prices AND free shipping on all orders over $50
http://www.hecates.etsy.com/

15% off all items and free shipping on orders $25 or more.
http://www.preciousangelbows.etsy.com/

10% off all items and free shipping (within the US) for orders $25 and over. CEMBF in
in notes to seller.
http://www.cozycabinmom.etsy.com/

Black Friday Only. 10% off my entire store, and FREE shipping on all orders $25 or more (before shipping).
http://www.shopdavinia.etsy.com/

20% off and free shipping. Prices and shipping will be adjusted to reflect sale price
and free shipping.
http://www.queenbeebows.etsy.com/

50% off all full size Puzzle Ball Christmas Ornaments (sale does not apply to mini-puzzle ball
ornaments) 50% off all pocket mirrors and keychains.
http://www.donnapool.etsy.com/

Black Friday 11/28- Receive free shipping (US ORDERS ONLY) and half off international shipping. Please wait for an updated invoice before paying! *Bonus* Receive a free clip set with minimum $10 purchase in addition to shipping discounts.
Saturday & Sunday 11/28-11/29 - Free clip set with any purchase of $10 and higher.
http://www.manda5462.etsy.com/

Spa sets are back! Just in time for the holidays! For Black Friday only, these sets will be listed for $15! (Will be $25 after that)
http://www.bigblueeyes.etsy.com/

10% off (excluding shipping)
http://www.time4muzic.etsy.com/

15% on all orders! Free shipping on all orders over $50.
http://www.bundlemeboutique.etsy.com/

Free shipping on orders over $20.
http://www.frecklesgalore.etsy.com/

Free shipping on orders over $50 (before shipping. Free shipping to Silicon Valley everyday)
Buy three, get one mystery bath bomb free.
http://www.magnifique.etsy.com/

25% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
http://www.kenziewenzieboutique.etsy.com/

SMOX Now Has Pony Os!!

New to the SMOX store are beautiful Pony-Os!!
Stop by and check them out!
I got a lot of people asking if I made pony-Os or other types of accessories that older girls might like, as well as my rosettes that are more for the younger girls. I'm very excited to say that we have some now!



Also newly added are some other great items, including crochet alligator clips and barrettes, and beaded and felt appliqued alligators! SMOX truly has something for everyone.

Happy Veteran's Day!

I just wanted to take a few moments today to wish everyone a Happy Veteran's Day, and to say thank you to all those who have served our country.

Including my husband PFC R. Whittaker

Swaparoo Preview

Thanks to all those who participated in the clippie giveaway! It was great to get comments from my readers! Congratulations to Brigette, Marlene, and Flutter who won free clips!

I'd like to share the swapped items that they were able to located, as well as some others I have recently swapped in the store!



SMOX