My Grandma's Teacups: Focus on You Series: Guest Post By by Rosiland Burch, Handcrafted Jewelry Designer

"Wearing Fierce Jewelry Makes You Feel Fabulous”

Women wearing fabulous jewelry that builds the self-esteem and confidence, is something that I get to experience with clients all of the time. Working with these extraordinary women on the daily bases, gives me the opportunity to peer into their world to see why they love wearing fabulous jewelry as the main accessory in their wardrobe as they conquer the world.

As a world renowned handcrafted jewelry designer, my job is to create beautiful jewelry that will transform each client into the fierce woman, who’s ready to take on life’s chances. We are talking fabulous everyday women, who takes on families, careers, educational pursuits, or reinventions due to life’s changes. These are the women that I have the absolute pleasure of accessorizing with fabulous jewelry.

 Now let us tell the truth!  We as women have a lot to deal with as we take on the cares of the world, which often takes the focus off of our personal needs as women. We get so caught up in taking care of home, meeting deadlines at work, or running businesses that we neglect the fact that we need to sparkle, while we are being the queen on the chessboard in the game of life.  That’s right, I said “sparkle.” Yes, I am talking about wearing jewelry that will start conversations or make you feel like you should be on the front cover of Vogue.  Fabulous baubles such as necklaces, statement pieces, chokers, earrings of all sizes and shapes, and rings with amazing color should adorn your ensemble. Believe me when I tell you that your favorite jewelry pieces can make a difference in how you perceive your situations in life. Walk with me for just a moment. Let’s say that you get up feeling some kind of way, “PERIOD”. You don’t really have time to recalibrate your thinking because you have to get everyone as well as everything in order before you leave, this includes yourself. So in the midst of everything,  you are thinking about what you are going to wear from head to toe as well as how fast you can get it on, so you start the day that you feel should end before it gets started. Now, this is because you are thinking about everyone else but yourself. Now, imagine restarting the same day with same set of circumstances. This time, you are taking a few extra minutes to plan your look. So now, you get to plan what you wear, which now includes the new or favorite jewelry pieces that makes you feel so empowered when you wear them as you take on this hellish type day. This change or sense of empowerment you feel comes from how you feel when you put on those pieces of jewelry that simply takes you somewhere within yourself that makes you feel fierce, powerful, and fabulous in your own right. Even I, have a kickass statement necklace that makes me feel like I am on top of the world!

Article by Rosiland Burch, Handcrafted Jewelry Designer

Website:  www.stojewels.com

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: Father's Day Inspiration 2

We all have those special men in our lives that require a card at Father's Day. Though our macaroni necklaces may have seemed cute when we were 5, there may be more appropriate tokens of affection for those of us that have grown up.

Here is my list of inspiring Father's Day cards from around the web. Be sure to click the links to get all the how-to info directly from the creators themselves.

Father's Day Train Card by Barb Mann

Nautical theme by Odette

Retro Cars by Marian

Gone Fishin by Nelia

Cricut Card


















I hope this roundup gave you some ideas for all the father figures in your life. If like me, your father's day message needs special delivery to get to its recipient....here is a little inspiration for your heaven sent wishes.

Wishing you all a wonderful Father's Day!

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: 40 Years of Awesome -Party Pictures

Thank you to everyone that helped to make my 40th Birthday celebration an amazing success. Though it was perhaps a bit unorthodox I have to admit that it was my ideal day. Not only did I get to celebrate with all of my online community during a live FB event, I also had a chance to have an old fashioned tea party with a few of my closest girls.

There are so many people that helped to make my day so special and I want to thank each of you for celebrating with me.

Special thanks to Frosted 'N" Fancy for doing an amazing job recreating a cake I fell in love with on Pinterest.

Thank you to Yvonne's OG Cafe for providing us with the yummiest green and red teas I have ever tasted.

Thank you to Sara Kirby at Imagine Photography for the incredible photos that document this milestone.

Thank you Belleville Bakery for bailing me out on short notice with beautiful fresh sandwiches and treats.

When I look back and reflect on what has occurred in the last 40 years of my life I am humbled. I have met so many wonderful people and experienced so many things that I never could have imagined. I look forward to sharing another 40 years with all of you.

All my love,

Tracy

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: Come Join The Party

I have decided to hold my 40th birthday extravaganza online and you are invited to join me.

The theme for the party is a sort of Shabby Chic Mad Hatter Tea Party. Pull out your old fascinator from the Royal Wedding Celebrations a few years back. Dust off your boa and find your white gloves.

The party will be held February 9th, 2015 from 10-2. Please get some of your friends together for tea and take photos to share on the party page. I will be posting recipes, tutorials and pictures so that you can make the items from the party. I would LOVE to see you there. The hashtag for the event will be #40yearsofawesome and the FB link is https://www.facebook.com/events/898342846872622 Please RSVP so that I have an idea of how many people will be there.

We will be having some games and prizes too!

Family Photo Traditions At Christmas Time - Guest Post By Sarah Kirby

It's funny how little things become traditions without even noticing. 

One year you bake cookies and the next year your kids expect that you'll be baking cookies. One year you decorate the tree while watching Miracle On 34th Street and ... well, you get the idea. 

For my family, the "silly Christmas couch picture" seems to be a tradition we've had for a few years now and I don't see it leaving us anytime soon.

Because I'm a photographer, it's perfectly normal for me to never be in any family photos. Unless it's a cell phone "selfie", I'm the one behind the camera.

So, I started using my tripod to get at least one family photo with me in it. (We could be like the Simpsons!)

My husband is uncomfortable posing for photos, my girls are not (because of their years with a mom who always has the camera out). 

While I was taking some test shots to make sure the light was right, my girls used the time to make some faces and help Mike relax a bit. 

Somehow, a perfectly lovely happy family photo turned into complete silliness and that silliness has evolved into one of our most fun traditions.

I do still get my perfectly lovely happy family photo too!

A few years ago we tried a "photobooth".  

I set up our little "booth" at the end of a hallway by tapeing a sheet to the wall. Our light source was a floorlamp with the shade removed.

I used my good camera on a tripod but I discovered that there are several "apps" out there that will do some really neat images like Photomat (free) and Pocketbooth (.99 cents). You don't have to have a big camera with a tripod to try it out.     

This hasn't become a tradition for us ... yet. But it was a hoot and definitely calls for a round 2 this year now that I have a home studio.

"What are your family photo traditions at Christmas time? If you don't have one, maybe this is your year to experiment! Have fun with it."

Sarah is the owner of Imagine Photography

About Sarah Kirby

My name is Sarah Kirby and I live in Belleville, Ontario with my husband Mike and my daughters Becca and Brianna, all of whom are tremendous supporters of Imagine Photography. In 2007 I began a second career as a scrapbooking consultant and it was through this work that my passion for photography developed. I began to see photos from a different perspective, imagining what they might look like in a scrapbook and how they might best be taken to preserve memories for a lifetime.

My passion (some might say "obsession”) eventually led to taking pictures for friends and family and that passion for photography was fueled even more. Through photography courses, I constantly strive to upgrade my knowledge, skills and equipment so that I can give you, the customer, the highest quality photos and the best overall experience possible.

From 2012 to 2014 I lived in and visited seven countries on three different continents. This experience not only gave me a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures, but also allowed me to photograph some of the most beautiful places on earth. Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, and Kenya’s Masai Mara are just a few of the locations I have been privileged to photograph. (please visit my Blog pages to view the travel photography or my Landscape page if you are interested in buying an image. Egypt/Kenya/Jordan Blog and Thailand/New Zealand/Ecuador Blog)

Now that I have re-settled in the Quinte area, I am ready to devote all of my efforts to serving my customers and creating beautiful and lasting memories

Find Sarah on Facebook

Meet My Friend Sarah and Sneak Peek at November Posts.

Its always nice when out of the blue you have the opportunity to get to know someone new. I was lucky enough to meet Sarah a few months ago in a fb group and we became quick friends. Sarah was kind enough to agree to guest post this week about Family Photos. I know this is something that I start to think about this time of year. Will they be formal shots of the whole family or just the kids dressed up in their Christmas best? I can't wait to share Sarah's "take" on the whole situation.

Join us this Friday for Sarah's informative yet unorthodox post.

Also, be sure to check back later in the month for articles from other guest bloggers about holiday entertaining, keeping holiday stress in check, eating right and staying healthy during the holidays and more.

Did you visit the Heroes Of The City Giveaway yet? Those wonderful folks are at it again. This time you can win a $25 Amazon card. Winners will be drawn every day December 1st-25, 2014.

Enter to win here: 

http://is.gd/HGIxtD

June Stamp of the Month: Kaboom

Have you started planning all those summer celebrations yet? This month Close To My Heart is offering the cutest stamps set that would be just perfect for your Canada Day Celebration invitations, cards and layouts. Its called Kaboom! You can snag this set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase in June. Be sure to take advantage of the anniversary kit offer at the same time. Have fun creating with these explosive deals.

Don't limit yourself to fireworks and picnics. I see this set being used for an action hero type layout for my five year old. Bam, Bang, KABOOM! Love it.

Artbooking Made Easy: Fun in the Sun

Heroes of The City Giveaway: Thanks for making this giveaway our best yet!

Working with the folks from Heroes of the City was a great experience. They offered such a cute prize package and they were so friendly and helpful that I feel like I need to just take a moment to say a big

This was by far one of our most popular giveaways! It would seem my munchkin is not the only one that has fallen in love with this cute and clever show.

Be sure to check back often as we are planning future fun with this great company.

Want a sneak peak? Ok, but don't tell!

If you were the winner of the Heroes of the City Giveaway please email me right away. You won't want to wait to have your prize sent out!

Pick Me Up Gifts : Explosion Boxes

Hello there.  I just wanted to quickly share a little video I made of two explosion boxes that I made today. I think that they might be just the trick to cheer up a couple of ladies that are going through a rough patch.  If you have any questions about the construction of the boxes please leave me a comment below.

Explosion Boxes

Goo and Spot: Do Not Wriggle Riddle

Today I was flipping through my Google Plus posts and noticed one of my connections was looking for someone to do a review of her book. As my wee one was right beside me I asked him if he wanted to see a story book on Mommy's phone. He peeked onto my screen and was immediately interested. The beautiful illustrations are so whimsical and portray the story so beautifully it was hard not to be interested. We read the cute little story together and he really enjoyed the silliness of the plot. His birthday is coming up so I think that I will be ordering this one for our bedtime bookshelf. If you are looking for a sweet, engaging story for your preschooler you won't want to miss Goo and Spot. I know my family will be looking forward to future adventures with these two spunky friends.

Want more Goo and Spot? Visit the author Elsa's page or read more reviews at fellow blogger Emma Northcott's site. Elsa also provided some really cute colouring pages! You can download them from Here!


Like Elsa's page to stay informed of where and when you can get your hands on a copy of this adorable book.

Heroes of the City Giveaway!!!!!

Well, I am late getting this up. For that I apologise. I hope you will forgive me when you see the amazing prize package that the folks from the Heroes of the City Movie Ap have put together for us.  My little man has totally forsaken his ps3 and computer time in favour of playing on his Heroes of the City Ap. He loves the games, the movies, the trophies.....even the music seems to tickle his funny bone.

He went a little bit crazy yesterday when a large package from Sweden arrived at our home. I am very lucky that today was not his JK day as he had no intention of getting on the bus and leaving behind his Heroes of the City book or toys. He thinks having a Mom that is a blogger is a blast. Between you and I and the lamp post I have noticed my other two paying a lot of attention to the dvd too. My oldest son commented last night that it was very well put together and he really liked the graphics ( I think that is code for "Shoot, I got caught watching a show for little kids).

If you have not yet downloaded the Heroes of the City Movie Ap what are you waiting for. You will love the positive messages and quality content. Your child will just love it because it is pure fun.

Hurry, go over to the AppStore or Google Play and add this gem to your child's device.
AppStore or Google Play

Oh yes, the giveaway! Well, you are going to love this one.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

New App Review: Heroes of the City

The other day I was sorting through my email and came across a message from one of the Mom blogging clubs I belong to. They were letting me know about an opportunity to review a new children's software. I jumped at the chance to get a sneak peak at a new app for kids. I don't know about you but I was getting pretty tired of hearing the squawks of certain irritated birds knocking down the homes of little green pigs.

My plan was to download the app to my phone where I could privately review it before allowing my little man to have a go at it. I no sooner had it running then the music drew him over. Within moments he had me peeking over his shoulder as he took full control of my phone.  I have since downloaded it to his tablet. It has become his favourite screen time activity. We do not have cable or satellite (just good ole Netflix) so being able to watch a program on his tablet made him over the moon happy. He intuitively navigated the menus and games like a seasoned pro. I asked him if  Heroes of the City gets a "Thumbs Up" or a "Thumbs Down" and he enthusiastically said "Thumbs Up its awesome". He's four, so I think that is pretty much the highest of praises.

As a Mom I have to say I really like this app. It is really nicely done, it has positive messages, the cartoons are only 14 mins so its not too much time at once and works well as a reward (pick up the toys and then you may watch one Heroes Of  The City episode). The games are really engaging and help encourage critical thinking and fine motor skills.

I did find some lags in the initial loading of the software. It sometimes looks like it is frozen and the phone recognized it as unresponsive but if I clicked wait it would eventually come up. The graphics are some of the best that I have seen in a child's app. The sound is excellent quality. Overall, I really think this app is a great addition to your child's digital toybox.

I highly recommend that you download the free version of the app which is available in both android and iphone. Once you fall in love with it you will want to invest in the entire library of movies and games.

I received a free copy of this app in order to review it but had I only seen the preview I know it is something I would have purchased for my little man. It is well worth the money.

AppStore: https://itunes.apple.com/app/heroes-of-the-city-movie-app/id602592310

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesMovie&hl=en

About Heroes of the City

Heroes of the City is a television cartoon about rescue vehicles in a small town where everyone can be a hero!

Follow the fantastically exciting adventures along with friends in town. Meet Paulie Police Car and Fiona Fire Engine as they help the townspeople find thieves, put out fires, and solve one of the many mysteries that happen in the otherwise quiet town. You will also get to know Calamity Crow, the most unlucky bird in town.

Emphasizing friendship, Heroes of the City contains a great deal of warmth and what may be accomplished by helping each other. The cartoon is primarily targeted at children age 3 – 7.

Heroes of the city is created by Ruta Ett DVD AB

Contact: info@rutaett.com

Homepage: www.hotc.nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeroesOfTheCity

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/73244439

Heroes of the City Movie App

The Heroes of the City Movie app! An all-in-one, safe and fun children's application.
This is a perfect app for children 2-6 year. The app includes both movies and games.
The content is fully adapted to the target audience and is based on the popular television series Heroes of the City

Features:
More than six hours of entertaining movies!
Nine exciting games!

Air Play function for your Apple TV!
Collect trophies to unlock your own secret surprise!
One full movie episode, 3 games and a music video for free.

Available to download for free here:
Apple device:  https://itunes.apple.com/app/heroes-of-the-city-movie-app/id602592310
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesMovie&hl=en

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesMovie&hl=en

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/73132390

GIVEAWAY PREVIEW

Starting March 1st My Grandma's Tea Cups will be lucky enough to be able to offer a giveaway from this incredible company. I am just so excited to have the chance to provide your little kidlet a prize package of products from Heroes of the City.  Mark your calendars for March 1st and come every day as there will be entries to be earned each day in March. Look at the fabulous prizes! Don't worry, I know how hectic it is to remember everything...so if you sign up for My Grandma's Tea Cups Insiders on Google Plus I will keep you in the loop. My Grandma's Tea Cups Insiders

Busy as a bee

Hello All.

It seems I am destined to fall behind on my blogging these last few weeks. I had such good intentions for 2014 too. Motherhood always comes before blogging right! My second little trooper is down with the flu today. The youngest will return to school tomorrow but I think Monkey may need to be kept home at least one more day.

I have not been totally absent from social media though, thank goodness for smartphones and wi-fi that allow me to check in when the kids are tended too. So, though I may be absent from the blog for a couple more days (flu and funerals) I would love for you to join me over on FB where I am hosting a couple of parties with giveaways. One is even a mystery hostess....whoooo....

Our friend Charlotte Barker from Jamberry Nails is also gearing up to have a special party just for you Tea Cozies. I am so excited.

Oh, and don't forget we are planning a Tea Party with Kareen Ferguson of Steeped Tea. The harsh driving conditions have convinced us that the Tea Party should be a spring event.

I also have a fundraiser for Heart and Stroke coming up and planning for what to do to raise money for relay for life.

Most exciting of all I am having a Close To My Heart Open House on February 1st to celebrate the launch of the new Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. This is by far my favourite collection of stamps and papers. I can't wait to show Charlotte the hot air balloon stamps and paper. I know she is going to go crazy over them. If you are not local, please join in the fun by joining my  Facebook Party! If you are nearby please stop in on Saturday February 1st from 1-3pm.

My Christmas Gift List: Sunset Gourmet

In September I was at a craft show at the Royal Canadian Legion in Belleville and across the hall from me there was a vendor with the yummiest looking display. From where I was located I could not quite make out what they were selling but it certainly looked good. Around lunch time I decided to go look. The vendor was selling a product that I had never heard of called Sunset Gourmet.  Lemme tell you the mixes and kits that they had were mind boggling. When I was starting to do the research for this series I knew that I needed to include this particular company. You could actually do all your Christmas shopping for grown ups right here. Seriously, check out some of the mouth watering treats.

Luckily a lady that lives not to far from me actually sells Sunset Gourmet, so I asked her to represent the company for my series. (See how much I love you...I hooked you up with the goods.)

Sunset Gourmet products offer convenience, affordable foods, gourmet flavors, and simple meal ideas. Incredible ideas for everyday meals and gourmet gatherings.

 Let's put FUN back into the kitchen, each and every day! Multigrain & Harvest Bread, Desserts, Soups, Gourmet Grill Sauces/Marinades, Preserves, Salsa, Gourmet Dips, Seasonings, and the most amazing Roasted Red Pepper and Onion Relish you will ever taste!

We have 28 Gluten free products.
We do tasting parties, book parties, fundraisers, vendor events and wedding showers. https://www.facebook.com/SunsetGoumetWithLynn?ref=hl or http://www.mysunsetgourmet.ca/LYNNPIDGEON/

My Christmas Gift List: Mommies Craft Boutique

This is the first year in a very long while that I have not had a wee little girl on my Christmas list.  My daughter is well past the hair bows and tutus stage. I remember well all the pretty dress up clothes and sparkly hair accessories. If you have a sweet little girl to buy for this year, Mommies Craft Boutique has such cute items you will have a hard time choosing. Tutus, hair ties, bows and all manner of sweetness await. I wonder if she makes tutus in my size.....some days you just want to feel like a ballerina. Meet Sheila, the talented artist behind Mommies Craft Boutique.

I am a mother to two beautiful little girls who are 1 and 3. They are the reason I started my business. As my maternity leave ended we realized me going back to work wasn't right for our family. I have tried a few direct sales businesses but didn't enjoy them as much as I do making my own items. My girls keep me fairly busy but on my down time I enjoy doing crafty things to keep busy.

My husband and I have been together for 11 years, married for 2. My family are great supporters in me starting my own business and offer great encouragement. Our plan is for me to be a stay at home mom as long as I can.

Although I am a regal and avon rep, my home business Mommies Craft Boutique is my main focus. I have many ideas of new handmade items to come. I welcome custom orders and requests. Although my main items are focused around girls I am looking to expand and offer items for boys as well.

I started making hair bows and tutus for my girls as something to do. From there I decided to offer my items for sale and started my business. I am happy to say the response I got was great.


Contact me today to place an order or visit
www.facebook.com/mommiescraftboutique

My Holiday Gift List : All I want for Christmas

Christmas Gift Ideas Series

Just today I was on Twitter and someone said "Time to stop counting the months, we are down to weeks until Christmas". Weeks! Honestly I have not even started my Christmas shopping. I do however know what I am intending to buy for most of the folks on my list. This year I am trying to purchase the bulk of my gifts from independent business owners. Walmart gets the majority of my business all year so its only fair that I try to support small business with these year end purchases. I have some really fabulous small business owners that I am going to share with you. You can do your Christmas shopping in your jammies this year. The great part about this is that these ladies are so incredible you are going to want to continue doing business with them year round. Grab a cup of tea and let me introduce you to your new best friends.

Copy-Kids: A Cute Way To Get Your Kiddo to Eat Healthy

Do you ever have a Monday morning where you open your email and find something that puts a smile on your face immediately? I did today. I received an email about this really cute video put out by a pediatrician (Dr. Jay Gordon, FAAP) to encourage kids to eat there fruit and veggies. Why does that make me smile? You have to watch the preview. My little man is off at jk today but i can't wait to show him this.  I know he will be chomping away with the other cuties.  I haven't seen the full movie yet but I can't wait to get my hands on it.  I thought I would share the preview with you so that you could check it out with me.  These little veggie eaters have almost inspired me to go grab a chunk of broccoli....almost....but I am sure my kidlet will take less convincing.

The importance of Good Content.

I love to read and learn about social media and the underlying advice of all successful social media types is the importance of providing fresh information that educates and engages your followers.  Ok here is my best attempt at providing you with that level of informative information. Here it goes: If you have created a mess of natural disaster proportion in your craft room it is extremely important not to blog about it ....or include pictures if you are hoping to keep your hubby from noticing. Read my post Itty Bitty Pieces Of  Paper for a what not to do post. Your Hubby might actually be reading your blog too ;) Love you Honey!

Its time to start thinking about homemade Christmas Cards

Once the kids are all settled in school I will start buckling down on my pre-Christmas planning. I always think that I still have lots of time to get things done and inevitably end up running around at the last minute trying to make something or pick something up. Not this year my friends. I am going to get organized. This will be the first time in 13 years that I have not had a wee one home every day. I am going to make my lists and check them twice. I have already purchased the Frosted card making workshop from Close to My Heart and I can't wait to get to started. The kit is absolutely lovely and jam packed with everything I will need. I will post some pictures when the cards are done. I have to run now though. Today is meet the teacher in my son's jk room. He is so excited he hardly slept last night. Check out this great video from Close to My Heart and let it inspire you to get a jumpstart on your Christmas To-Do.