A Joyous Giveaway - Two Great Etsy Stores!

It warms my heart to announce that I have a fabulous giveaway to share with you today!  The best part is that this giveaway is sponsored by my sweet (real life) friend, Emily.  Here she is at her wedding last June.  Isn't she the cutest?


Emily has two fabulous Etsy stores, whatjoyisfound.etsy.com and babiesjoy.etsy.com.



Emily and I go to church together, and her craftiness really amazes me.  She is one of those people that I would describe as being a "joy" to be around, so the names of her stores are quite fitting.

She does all kinds of cute things, but I have to say the my favorite items are the baby shoes:




and the runners:

 

There are a ton of other items that I like, but the shoes really just get me.  I'm thinking Coco and her little sister are going to need a matching pair...wouldn't that be so cute for Easter???

The winner of this giveaway will receive a $20 gift certificate that the winner can use at either of her shops. 
Again, they are: whatjoyisfound.etsy.com AND babiesjoy.etsy.com.

Here's how to enter (you do not have to have a blog or website to enter...just enter the comment form as anonymous, put your name next to your comment, and check next week to see if you've won!):

You have 5 ways to enter. You can enter up to 5 times, with 5 separate comment entries, or pick and choose. For each method, PLEASE leave me a separate comment!   Since I use the random integer method, I just count up the entries, and plug it into random.org.  If you leave all your entries in one comment, you are getting only entry.  So, it helps you to follow the rules!

Method 1) (MANDATORY) Leave a comment telling me which item is your favorite!

Method 2) Become a blog follower, and leave me a separate comment OR leave a separate comment telling me you already are a follower!

Method 3) Tweet, facebook, or post about it in one of your online chat/community groups and leave a comment with the link to the comment.

Method 4) Write your own blog post and leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
AND/OR

Method 5) "Like" What Joy Is Found on Facebook and leave a comment telling me that you did!

(P.S. If you are having a hard time getting your comments to enter, just email me at curtsies@gmail.com, and I will try to enter them for you. I have tried to fix the commenting, but sometimes it still doesn't work.  I don't know why Blogger is being so stubborn. Grrr.)

See? Isn't that easy? The winner will be announced next Tuesday (Sept. 6) morning, and will be chosen using random.org.  Hurry and enter - this is going to be a fun giveaway!

bibs and booties,

Freeeee (or nearly free) stuff

Got two good sale/promo emails today and wanted to quickly share. 
First up, remember Fill In The Blankie?  http://www.fillintheblankie.com. 

Well, they are having a great sale right now - get 40% off blankets and gift certificates.  Just use this promo code:  BUYNOW and that will also save you 40% off blankets.  Use Promo code: LBRDAY and save 40% on gift certificates.  I think this sale lasts until tomorrow.

In the FREE department, Minted is giving away 25 free "mommy" tags. 

All you have to pay is $7.95 in shipping.  Now, mommy tags aren't really my thing. 



I work during the day, and have very lawyerly (yawn) business cards.  BUT, I do love me some personalized gift tags.  So, I just modified the tag, and this is my end result:



(the print is small in the photo, but it says my name, and then "a gift for you, with love from the Roberts."  The back has a pretty paper design, too.  You get the cards free when you agree to let minted.com put their logo in a corner on the back of the card.  Since most places do that anyway, even if you are paying full price, so I didn't care.

Anyway, just wanted to pass on those two goodies!  Happy Monday!

dollar$ and deal$,


P.S. stay tuned for another AWESOME giveaway!

Olian Maternity on Zulily today!

If you are preggo or are looking for a gift for a preggo friend, you have to check this out:
Olian Maternity is on Zulily today.  I have only bought a few Olian items (they are pretty pricey for maternity clothes, and I have only been able to find the line at Nordstrom's and Hauta Mama in Germantown).

Anyway, the stuff I own from C's pregnancy had held up really well, and is back in the rotation again.  I have a pretty nice wardrobe for this pregnancy, but I'm tempted to purchase a few dresses to get me through the winter at the office. 

These are my favorites:

Yay for late summer sales!


Note:  I couldn't resist - bought the purple shirt and the brown and camel jacket.  Both looked so cute!

Coco, age 1

Coco had her 1 year checkup today.  It is hard to believe that over a year has passed, and that she has gone from this:

to this:

She is 30 inches long, weighs 23 lbs, and is walking and babbling like crazy.  The ladies at her dayschool call her Miss Majorette because she marches along and preaches to and points her finger at all the little boys in her classroom.  Her pediatrician (whom I adore - he is a friend at church, and his love for all people practically oozes out of his pores) said that she is doing really well developmentally for her age.  Naturally...of course I've told you that she is a genius.  One time, I was trying to teach Henry how to roll over (something we've been working on for 2 years, but he just can't seem to get the concept).  Betty kept doing it, I was doing it, and all of a sudden, Caroline started doing it too.  See?  Genius. 

She has 2 bottom teeth, and 3 tiny nubs of teeth on top.  When she sees something she wants to eat, she spits that paci across the room.  She can say mama, dada, baby, bye-bye, uh-oh, and makes a high pitched (but quiet) repetitive shriek when she sees Betty and Henry (I think it is her version of barking).  She still sleeps from about 6:30 p.m. to 6:45-7 a.m., and usually wakes up around 4-5 for a bottle.  Doc says that is probably more out of habit than need, so we are going to switch to water in a sippy cup to see if we can train her to sleep until at least 6. 

She is quite the little dancer, and looks like a mini Elton John banging away on her piano while doing her squatty baby dancing at the same time.  She prefers me (she can even point me out in a picture and say "mama"), but I can tell that she also adores her daddy.  I'm just softer. :)

Lately, she likes to sleep flat on her back, arms and legs splayed out, with her minky blanky over her face.  Hilarious because that's pretty much how I sleep, except trade out the blanky for a pillow. She also loves shoes, and will bring me her shoes when asked and also when she sees them.  She might look like her daddy, but she knows shoes are special, just like her mama.

This morning, she saw the Knight and I exchanging snuggles and kisses (no hanky panky here, just a little goodbye embrace), and she had this very concerned and unhappy look on her face.  Dare I say that she exhibited just a touch of jealousy???  Also, she already has quite a temper, and has thrown multiple tantrums at home and at the grocery store.  The terrible twos are going to be a picnic, I'm sure.

I made this photo for part of her 1st birthday party decor, and it really is a precious snapshot of our little bean. 

precious babes and precocious toddlers,

New Bedroom Furniture

Had a wonderful time in Miami with some "sisters IN LAW" (i.e., friends from law school), and was so happy to return home to our new bed, complete with our pretty new bedding!  The only thing missing are the pretty gray/beige Euro shams.  they are pretty big, and I think the solid color with ground all the patterns and colors.  The only problem is that I am having a hard time finding Euro pillow inserts in the stores here.  Any suggestions?


The Knight had taken Coco Bean to his parents for the weekend, so I spent my Sunday evening alone straightening up, and putting new, more modern knobs on our early attic/late basement circa 1950's dresser and night stands. 

It is amazing what a little polished nickel can do!

Cute Mommy To Be Thank Yous (Plus Baby News!)

Why do I need cute Mommy to Be thank you cards?  Because we are going to have another baby GIRL in January!  I am officially 20 weeks today!

I am so excited that Coco is going to have a sister, and the Knight is thrilled that we get to reuse a lot of C's baby clothes.  Ha ha - just kidding, he is also excited about having another girl - despite his manly man facade, I just know he is going to love having tea parties and getting to play "Beauty Parlor."
To celebrate, check out I just ordered from Shutterfly these adorable "mommy to be" cards !

Expecting Soon Pink Thank You Card

Send thanks with Shutterfly custom Thank You Cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

swirly dresses and dance parties in the kitchen,

(Jus A Few) AFS Etsy Finds

So, I am long overdue to blog about C's 1st birthday party.  I always do that - when I have a big task (whether it is work or fun), I keep putting it off and putting it off.  I think it is the desire to make it perfect that keeps me from getting started...but if there is anything I have learned in my life, it is that perfect almost NEVER happens, but it most certainly will not happen if I don't actually begin!That being said, I think a Whaley Cute birthday blog post should be headed your way soon. 

Here's a teaser picture of the little queen for your viewing pleasure:

The party was wonderful, fun, and really about as close to perfect as I could have hoped for (in fact, about the only thing I would change is me being about 20 lbs lighter, but I digress).

Anyway, I don't know what has gotten into me lately, but I have been an Etsy fiend lately.  I CANNOT STOP SHOPPING.  Perhaps it is early nesting...and since I don't know what we are having yet, so I am just shopping away for our home, me, and C in general.  Whatever the reason, I am going to hold myself accountable by showing you my treasures and hoping I will shame myself into putting my debit card back where it belongs...snug in my wallet.  Not likely, but fun to try, right?

Family Name Pillow - from For the Love of Joy's etsy shop (I ordered it to match our living room - linen background, with limes, browns, eggplants, and burnt oranges.  Can't wait!)

Love this child's name version too!

Here is our living room (just to refresh your memory)


Vintage Dress for C - from Shelby Black Vintage's etsy shop.  Can you just imagine C  in this sweet frock for family photos in another 2 years?  Because I can. :)


AND this cute "Lucy" hat from the same shop - SO SO ADORE THIS!


Check out Shelby Black Vintage's sweet finds and get 25% off when you use the coupon code "GOODBYE."

Navy and Pink Newsgirl Crochet Hat with Flower - from Adorable Organics' etsy shop.  I have had this in my favorites for quite some time, and I finally bit the bullet.  She doesn't sell these in her shop anymore, but she's making me one because I asked nicely.  See what happens when you say "pretty please?"


Check out her fantastic newborn hats.  Hmmm...once I know the sex of #2, I think I'll be visiting her again...Baby #2 will be born in the winter, after all. :)


Tres Chic Oval Magnetic Chalkboard Tray - from Her Majesty's Pug's etsy shop.  I bought this to use for the photobooth at C's party, but I know this will come in handy for all kinds of parties and events.  She shipped this baby SUPER fast, and happily peppers her correspondence with french.  j'adore!



Didn't it look so cute on our photobooth prop table?


Orange and white polka dot pillowcase ruffle dress - from Hot Wheels and Fairytales' etsy shop.  I got one for C and one for my niece.  The thinking was that they would have a cute picture together in celebration of football season, but the weekend got away from us. 


No worries...C looks delectable in hers, and I'm sure M does also.


Take Flight Children's Art Print - from Cinammon Ink's etsy shop.  Got this for a sweet friend who had a baby a few days ago.  Her husband works with the Knight, and the nursery for new baby is decorated with airplanes.  How could I say no?



I got it framed in this really cool refurbished barn wood frame with a mat, and it looks great.  Perfect for the little aviator at heart.

Okay - confessional over!  Thanks for providing a listening ear.  As penance, I will do 10 Hail Marys.  But I'm going to have to buy some pretty new rosary beads first, so maybe that's not a good idea after all.  Perhaps, in addition to my event planning intervention, I will need an Etsy one as well.  Ha!  I'll leave that up to y'all!

brown paper packages wrapped up in string,

Oh yes!

Guess who got a 9x12 West Elm pebble rug for her fancy schmancy new bedroom?


Moi!

The even sweeter part?  I got it at our West Elm/Pottery Barn outlet for $209.97!  That, my friends, is one sweet deal!

Can't wait for this lovely retreat of a room to come together.  More on Coco's 1st birthday party coming in the next day or so!

Wool and "westfulness,"

Growing, Growing, GONE!

GROWING...

As in my tummy.  Allow me to compare and contrast.

Egad!  How can an extra 5 lbs and a baby the size of an onion make so much tummy?!?  It is a blessing, I know, but sometimes it still catches me off guard when I see myself (and this new development) in the mirror.  I'm like "Whoa!" and then, to calm myself, I eat a chicken biscuit. :)  (no comments necessary on the fact that said tummy might be getting bigger because of the recent increase in chicken biscuit consumption.  i'm sure that is entirely not the cause.)

GROWING...

As in plans, decorations, and attendees for Coco's 1st birthday party!  That's right!  It is this weekend.  Can't believe she is going to be 1 tomorrow.  If you have read this blog for any length of time or know me in person, you know that I have a hard time doing anything on a small scale.  It is my nature to "go big or go home." 

I "tried" to keep her party small.  Really, I did.  Just some close friends, family, a few nibbles by the pool - nothing too complicated.  Ha ha.  Yeah.  Right.

Does this picture indicate just how far off track I have gotten?

Yes, those are party hats that I made by hand, anchors with clothespins glued to the back to hold pictures from the photo booth, a slew of favors, whales which will be turned into food signs, and a laundry basket and 2 Target bags full of other projects.  I also found actual "whale" knockoff Goldfish crackers yesterday, and nearly went into cardiac arrest.  I am officially and unabashedly Out Of Control.

Right now, I have received RSVPs for 34 adults and 14 kids, with 13 unknown adults and 7 unknown kids.  Yes...if you add that up, the total far exceeds 50 people.  Did I mention this is all going down at my aunt's pool?  She may never speak to me again. 

Seriously, this soiree may be the party that causes my family and friends to stage an event-planning intervention.

I can see it now... I come home after a long day of worky work, and the Knight greets me at the door.  He leads me to the living room where I am asked to sit down.  My closest family and friends (there are 50 of them, apparently) are all staring at me with saddened and concerned expressions.  My mother clears her throat, pulls out her letter, and that's when I make a break for it...gathering up all my hoarded party supplies, scrapbook paper, and glue guns.  Later, after an all day police hunt, they find me hugging my knees in the corner of the break room at Hobby Lobby, rocking back and forth, mumbling words like "candy buffet" and "smash cake."  Ha ha.  Yes.  That could very much happen after this coming Saturday. 

I'll let you know. :)

GONE!

As in, gone out of the stores and online, but in my home waiting for a pretty frame to dress!  Last night at Anthro, I popped in for some teacher's gifts (yes, even at age 1, Caroline's day school has end of the year parties, along with parties for every other holiday.  Now that she can eat people food, it is a little more fun, but in the beginning, it was a little ridiculous).  Anywho, I had seen a while ago this gorgeous bedding online.  Of course, then, I had no idea that buying a new bed was in our near future, so I just forgot about it.

Last night, I was browsing the clearance section, wishing that anthro either made maternity or having a baby didn't involve abandoning your favorite stores, and LO AND BEHOLD, there it was...waiting for me...in all its beautiful and now clearanced out glory!

I present to you the Henrietta bedding (ta da!):

I bought the quilt, the aqua and cream shams, as well as the cocoa/gray colored euro shams.  What I really love is that one side is all kinds of funky with the vibrant corally red stripes and gray swirls.  The other side is just the green and gray paisley fabric.  It is quite similar in color to this bedding, which the Knight and I really liked online, but just wasn't as pretty in the store.

Soooo...even if the anthro bedding is a little too wild and crazy for the Knight's taste initially, I can get him used to the plainer side, and then one day (VOILA!) flip it over. 

I know, I know, my wildness astounds you.

bellies, blowholes, and bedding,