In celebration of fun, sun and good times....I`m having a little Summer Celebration Sale on my website! You`ll receive 15% off your total order by entering the code Summer at checkout.
3 days only...so hurry over for some sweet savings!
to get up and get something done!! It`s been such a busy weekend and really I just want to SIT! So while I`m relaxing for 30 seconds I have lots of fun things to share here on my blog!
First of all...I`ve been working with my new lense and new photo programs to improve my photography skills. Annie is always so sweet in volunteering to be my "practice subject". Here is a pic I captured of her the other day. I downloaded the MCP action for resizing for blogs....has anyone mastered this one????
Saturday was my Kandy Kisses Modeling Party in the Park. A chance for me to meet with local moms and girls that might be interested in working with me to take pictures of my fall collections. What a fun day. All the little girls were just adorable and as sweet as can be and it was so fun talking with the moms about all my fun projects. I would like to have about 10 girls to work with through out the year for my fall , holiday and spring collections...and I am playing with the idea of having mini fashion shows in my fair booth at the end of July. Soooo many things to consider!
I haven`t finished editing all the pictures yet...but here are a couple of the cuties that I`m so excited to be working with. I`m in the process of setting up a Kandy Kisses Models Only Blog to post photos of the girls as we go along. Always something new and exciting!!
Today...Annie Amber and I headed inland to volunteer at a Benefit Carnival for C.A.R.E
Castlemans Awareness and Research Effort
Amber had a wonderful time playing at all the game booths and bouncing in the bounce house. Annie and I manned the face painting booth....okay....don`t ask me to paint another face for awhile...LOL
I managed the hearts, stars, flowers...but when one little girl asked for a unicorn I handed it over to Annie. I did manage a monkey wrapped around an ankle, several butterflys and lots of sharks and worms. What a great way to spend the afternoon! It is my strong belief that ONLY in giving, do we find true joy...and I`m so glad to have my family and my health and the opportunities to give of my time to such a beneficial cause. You can read about Castlemans Disease HERE
So here I sit Sunday evening...pretty tired...one bathroom cleaned and a huge messy house ahead of me. I have to conquer this because the next few weeks are going to be busy busy busy! I hope to get over 300 things made for the fair. My machines will definately be in high gear.
For those of you asking about my fall collections, the first will appear on my website the beginning of Aug. Yes, I know its kinda late compared to July when some of the other fall collections are available...but I`ll be running a little behind due to my fair booth. No worries..there will be plenty...and as a little teaser I`ll just put out the word "Clementine". I`ll post peeks as soon as they are available. If all goes well I might be taking preorders at the end of July.
Have a WONDERFUL Monday tomorrow!! Remember to find some way to GIVE everyday! You will be blessed...and you will always know true joy!
~Laurie
Well gosh...it seems like whenever I fall behind, it's my blog that feels the most neglect. I have so many things in the works right now. Sewing and planning for the fair is definately consuming alot of my time. Things are definately starting to take shape and I`m totally excited to have the opportunity to do this! I`m also knee deep in working on my collections for fall. Saturday I`ll be meeting with a group of local girls to create a group of Kandy Kisses Models. These girls will be modeling my fall and holiday collections, and will be modeling my one of a kind creations in a fashion show at the fair. The photo shoots for the fall collection will take place at Eagle Castle and the Historic Jack House. Both of these locations are just gorgeous and will provide tons of sweet photo opportunities. We`ll also be having a fun Kandy Kisses "Models only" party at one of the locations. I`m soooo excited to share news of all the happenings behind these plans....but I`ll keep you in suspense just a little while longer!
I am honestly just shocked that it is already June....is anyone else just wondering WHERE the year went! Less than 2 weeks and the kids will be out of school...and here all day. YIPEEEEEE!!!! I love summer.
Here`s to lazy summer days spent daydreaming in the park....and wild and silly adventures on "bucking broncos"!
Have a Wonderful Wednesday
~Laurie
I`ve added another Summer apron dress to my website. Part of my Everyday Boutique collection...you`ll love the price!
You can find it HERE.
The winner of the Mothers Day giveaway is.....
LINDSEY!!!
Here is Lindseys post! She`ll now be able to choose one of the Maggie pieces off my website to be made just for her little sweetie. Congrats Lindsey! I`m sending over an email right now!
Thanks also to everyone who entered the giveaway!!
Happy Monday!
~Laurie
Happy Mothers day to all you sweet gals out there!! I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing day with family and friends. We`re not doing anything spectacular here....I`m hoping to get in some sewing and a long walk on the beach.
Yesterday was Ambers Choir performance. She was soooo excited and so proud of herself. She just LOVES singing and I`m just so thrilled that she`s able to be involved with this wonderful group. Here are a couple pics from yesterday!
Have a wonderful and amazing Mothers Day!!
~Laurie
I`ll be adding a series of sweet apron dresses to my website over the next couple weeks. They are part of my everyday boutique line and are priced at only $52....the perfect addition to any spring or summer wardrobe! They will all be ready to ship and only available in the size/sizes listed. I added the first one today...I have it finished in a 3T and 5T/6. Head over to my website and check it out .
The picture above was taken with my new equipment "spurge". Though I wanted a new camera AND a new lense...I decided to get the lense first. I figured I could use it on my camera, get used to it, then later upgrade the camera. The lense I bought was the 70-200L 2.8 IS. Its big and scarey....LOL. When I first put it on my camera I initually felt bad for my little XT....such a HEAVY attachment for that light camera. Anyway...I havent had a chance to play with it too much, but I did manage to snap a few pics of the new apron dress. I think once I get used I`ll love it.
I`m also taking the plunge into CS4. I downloaded the trial version just to try it out. We found out that because Sarah is a college student she can purchase it at an 80% discount right now. That is a HUGE savings. But wow....a huge learning curve here. I`ve been working with Ulead photo Impact for years and know it like the back of my hand. On to bigger and better things!! If anyone has any tips or suggestions...I would love to hear!! What photoediting program do YOU use????? How has the learning curve been? What is your favorite place to get actions?? And....what lenses do YOU use if you`re using a canon? I know...a million questions. I feel like I`m back in school.
Well I`m off to do some alterations. Hemming pants for a wedding isn`t exactly my idea of creative fun but it`ll help pay for my new "toy".
Have a WONDERFUL weekend!
~Laurie
Another Monday with a long "to do" list around here! Someone commented over on facebook that they find for everything they cross off their list....two more pop up...yep...thats me!
First things first...I`m SOOO in the mood for another giveaway!
This one will be in honor of Mothers Day!!! In my opinion one of THE most important celebrations of the year!
Winner will receive:
1)Your choice of one item from the Maggie Collection on my website...and
2)A sweet matching surprise piece for mom
Heres how you enter:
1) Go to my website at www.kandykissesboutique.com and tell me which piece you will chose if you are the winner.
2) Blog/Facebook and twitter about my giveaway. Be sure you provide links to my blog and website so your friends can enter! You can use the pic below...but be sure you link it up.
3) Call you mom and tell you how very much you love and appreciate her!!
Then....come back to my blog and leave your comment, links to where you blogged so I can go see, and your email so I can contact you if you are the winner.
If you accomplished all three...you will receive 3 entries in the drawing!
Winner will be drawn the day after Mothers day....Monday May 11th!
Good luck!!!....ok I`m off to work on that to do list!!
I love freebies...especially when the item goes right along the lines of a project I`m working on.
The other day on the way to the store I stumbled upon this freebie sitting at the end of a driveway. What a sweet little table set! Now I` m not really in need of any more patio furniture (thus my husbands *sigh* as I drove up with this in the back of the truck)...but can`t you just see these painted white, antiqued, new fabric cushions and a sweet little fabric table cloth! Perhaps a vase of fresh flowers and an adorable little photo album with photos of Kandy Kisses designs. Yep...you got it...after a fun little makeover, this little number is headed right to my commercial booth in July!
So heres a little treat for YOU. Head on over to my website for a customer appreciation sale. Enter the code thanks to receive 10% off your total order!
Since my 4-H sewing girls finished their projects today and are heading to fashion review on Saturday...I thought I`d take a second to put a plug in for 4-H.
If you`re looking for a wonderful organization with endless opportunities for your kids...4-H is the place for you to be. And best of all...it is totally affordable. To sign up there is usually a $7 to $14 insurance fee for the year...and THAT IS ABOUT IT. Yes...for the YEAR. I`ve had my kids in activities and sports that range from $45 to $100 per month....its so hard....especially if you have more than 1 child.
Now alot of people are under the impression that 4-H is for animal projects...NOT SO! Yes, there are the beef, swine, sheep etc projects. But there are hundreds of other projects that are offered. It all depends on whether there is a volunteer to lead the project! (maybe YOU...LOL) Some of the fun projects my kids have taken part in are...sewing (of course) arts and crafts, entomology, rocketry, science, cooking, community service, dog grooming, gardening, child care...the list is SO LONG. In addition to the projects there are endless opportunities for demonstrations, speeches, essays, scholarships, outings ..... that are so educational and so good for acquiring "life skills".
Good grief...all for about $14 per YEAR! Come on now.....thats ALMOST a freebie!
Okay....so head out to your local club and check it out. The 4-H year is usually Sept through June. As I mentioned in a previous post...I`m the sewing leader for our local club. My girls made pajama pants for their projects this year and will be modeling them on Sat. GOOD LUCK GIRLS!
Happy Wednesday~
Laurie
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Don`t you just LOVE it when the mailman arrives with packages for you?? No matter what I`ve ordered, indulging in childlike "package opening" just makes me happy happy happy . It adds a holiday feel to the day...don`t you agree? Well today must be Christmas...because look what the mailman brought me !
First, more yummy fabric for all those Maggie orders! Then, Kandy Kisses Tshirts for giveaways/art show/booth hosting wear. Okay...and lastly... aren`t you just drooling over these sweet hangers!! They are even more incredible in person. Oh my gosh I just fell in love with them when I was researching display options. I`ve already spoken to the resident handyman (Andrew) who has agreed to make some gorgeous racks for these hangers to go on. We`ve talked about decorative wooden posts he could make ...painted in grunge greens and pinks....then the pole with the hanger anchors.
Okay...I DO have a clear vision of this in my head, even though it just sounds like a jumbled mess of ideas....LOL. I`ll post pics as the display items start coming together!
On a different note, I`m having a huge camera dilema. I`d love it if the mailman showed up on my door step with one of these:
Or perhaps one of these:
I`m wanting to do a camera upgrade. I have the Canon XTi and love it...but I just want more! I`m going back and forth between these 2...the Canon 50 D and the Nikon D 80.
Any tips? Suggestions? What do you have?? Has anyone done extensive comparisons?? Or a better option??
I`d love any help I can get!
Okay...off to sew and plan and clean house. Ugg...I`m crossing "clean house" off the list for today. I`ll just spend the day sewing and planning!
Thanks Mr. Mailman!!
~Happy Thursday Everyone
Laurie
Just a quick morning post because I have tons of things on my plate for today. I got some exciting news yesterday! Kandy Kisses will be at the Calif. Mid State Fair! My application for a commercial booth was accepted and I am sooooo excited! I have lots of planning to do...I`ve never put together a booth before, but I have a million ideas and hopefully I can get it all together so its really sweet and fun. And...of course lots of sewing! So if you`re going to be at the Fair in Paso Robles July 22 through Aug 2...be sure and stop by!! I`d love to meet up with some familiar names/faces!
Today is apron day! I`m going to spend the day making aprons for a sweet customer who is having a cooking party for her daughters birthday...how fun is that??? I found this fun little pic...these aren't my aprons but how CUTE are they!!!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!!
~Laurie
...spring break that is! Gosh...the week just flew by. I wish I could say that we did spectacular things, but the truth is we just stayed close to home...enjoyed the gorgeous weather and spent some time relaxing and cleaning house. I think I almost got caught up on the laundry...ALMOST!
Annie, Amber and I took a walk on the beach this evening to officially say goodbye to spring break! It was unbelievably warm here today..almost 80 degrees...so we had fun splashing and frolicking in the water.
I took my camera to practice...UGGGG...I so need to LEARN LEARN and improve my photography skills!
We discovered something really interesting...there were ladybugs all over the beach...I mean tons of them. Most of them were "not moving"...and Amber (who is an extreme animal lover) decided that she was going to save all of them! She spent about 20 minutes of our walk time trying to frantically collect the ones that were still moving. I finally convinced her that their wings were just wet and as soon as they rested for a bit they would fly away to safety! Ummmm....okay!
How was your break??? I think I`ve had enough down time that I`m ready to jump in and tackle the next couple months. Can you believe it`s almost summer??
I`m looking forward to more walks on the beach!
More giggle time with the kids!
More gorgeous sunsets!
Happy Monday!
~Laurie
If you haven`t yet visited Cree`s new site....head on over right now. Its called "This is Boutique" and it is packed full of everything you could ever dream about concerning boutique!!! Definately a new favorite of mine! I was totally honored when Cree asked me to do an interview about my new collection for the site. Want to know a little more about me?? You can read the interview HERE.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I`ll spend mine cleaning my way to neglected house!
~Laurie
Oh me oh my....one of the HARDEST things in the world for me to do is get rid of fabric scraps. They are just tooo sweet to dispose of. Consequently my scrap bins are always overflowing with "what should I do with these" yumminess.
So imagine my sheer delight with Sarahs new love of quilting! She sits and cuts all sizes of squares from my scraps....big ones...little ones...and even the TINIEST ones you could imagine! The squares all get sewn together ...and the end result is just amazing; all from SCRAPS! As she was cutting away today...I asked her what she was going to do with the scraps of the scraps. Tiny thread-like pieces that anyone else would just grace their trash can with. She paused skillfully and then said, I`m going to use them to stuff a pillow. OH be still my heart!!!! Sarah...you are definately my hero... the scrap master!
Have you been over to my website yet to see the spring collection??? I`ve had so much wonderful feedback! Send me an email and tell me what you think to be entered in the drawing for a free Maggie tank!!
I`m off to take a few more pictures...hopefully take a walk on the beach and catch the sunset. I`ve been promising Amber all day that I would play Pollys with her. So I`ll be busy this evening endulged in 5 year old play....I can`t wait!
Have a WONDERFUL Friday!
~Laurie
Thanks for all of you that entered to win one of my 2 skirt sets!! You are all so sweet. I have these packaged and ready to ship tomorrow to.....:
Dina Marsala and Heide Rogers.
Big congrats ladies....I`ll be emailing to get your address!
I still have a giveaway going on.....for this one you just need to browse my Maggie collection on my website then send me an email. Let me know what you like....what you think could be better...I LOVE feedback! I`ll be drawing one winner to receive a free Maggie Tank!!
You can either post your comment here or send it over email to kandykisses7@sbcglobal.net
Tomorrow is Friday! Have a super one!
~Laurie
It`s finally here!!! Today is the debut of my spring collection "Maggie" on my website! Please come celebrate with me....the first 50 customers will receive a SWEET free gift with their order!
Today is also the day I`ll draw 2 names for the skirt sets I`m giving away. I`ll do this this evening...so if you havent yet entered...be sure and leave a post with your name and email address. Lets do it around 6pm my time!!
I`ll be doing a couple more giveaways in the next couple days...a couple of the Maggie pieces and perhaps a gift certificate!! Oh yum....I just love giveaways!
Thanks so much to all of you for your love and inspiration that continues to pour in! I`m just overwhelmed!
Happy Shopping!
~Laurie
Well...I`ve been busy getting everything in order for the debut of Maggie on my website. Thanks so much to all of you who have flooded my mailbox with emails of encourage and enthusiasm....the support and encouragement means TONS to me! Thursday will definately be an exciting day....I doubt I will get any sleep Wed night. I just want to make sure everything is PERFECT and ready for all of my sweet and amazing customers!!! I`ve spent the day organizing and cutting and feeling extremely blessed! I cannot tell you how much it means to me to be able to do something I LOVE and have so much support and at the same time be able to be home with my kids. I feel as though my journeys have just begun...and really...how much better can it get???
Thanks for being such loyal readers and wonderful friends!
~Laurie
Here`s another peek for all of you who have been emailing wanting more...!! This pic shows a little top and a skirt from the collection. They will be available for purchase as seperates on April 16th only on my website along with the other Maggie pieces.
I`m so excited...."Maggie" is now all packaged and somewhere between here and there on a mail carrier! This whole process is new to me...and I`m learning TONS everyday, but the one thing I did know when I started was that I wanted to have THE BEST photographer to transfer the sweet essence of this Spring Line into photos! I wanted someone who could capture the captivating innocence of youth...someone who understands the connection between camera and soul. Someone who could bring giggles, secrets and laughter to life. I`m just thrilled that I didnt have to look far....I`ve known and worked with Jenn for a few years now....and I`m sure you`ll agree that she is just amazing! I can`t wait to see what she comes up with....I know it will be amazingly creative...and will capture all the sweet elements that were poured into this line.
I hope you`re as anxious and excited I am about the debut of this little collection! Only 7 more days! I`ll be posting a couple more teaser pics soon! Sorry for this pictureless post....SO MUCH MORE TO COME!!!
Happy Thursday!
~Laurie
Yikes...I have been busy busy busy!! Lots of exciting news to share and to celebrate all the new projects I`ve been working on....I think its time to have a sweet giveaway!!!
I have a couple skirt sets in my etsy shop that I would like to MOVE! So I`ll throw some names in a a gorgeous basket and draw 2 on Thurs. April 16th. Each winner will receive one of the skirt sets!! Each set consists of Appliqued Tee and double layered skirt!
How can you get your name in the drawing??
Simply blog about the skirt giveaway and about the launch of my New Spring Collection that will be available on my website April 16th! "Maggie" will be a 15-20 piece mix and match collection of sweet everyday boutique pieces with prices ranging from $9.99 to $65!
Add the Maggie Picture below and a link to my website on your blog/facebook/twitter etc! It`s as simple as that! (www.kandykissesboutique.com)
Leave me a comment and the link to where you posted...and please leave your email address so I can contact the winners!! I had problems contacting people with my last giveaway! GOOD LUCK!
I have so much more to share....so many things in the works...but right now I have to get "Maggie" all boxed up and off to the photographer!! I`ll be back later this evening to share more!!!
Happy Tuesday!!
Laurie
Heres a little teaser/sneek peek at what I`ve been pouring all my creative energy into the past month!
This little collection will be available on my website beginning April 16th. It consists of 15 pieces of "everyday boutique" that can be mixed and matched to create the ultimate spring look for your little princess! Sweet, trendy , the highest quality and totally affordable! More will be revealed later...but the price range for these adorable pieces will be from $9.99 to $65!! How sweet it that??
Please mark your calenders...the quantities will be somewhat limited...and there will be some sweet bonus items for the first 50 customers!
This will be the first of MANY new everyday boutique collections as I move my business in a fun , creative and exciting new direction. I will have 4 collections available for fall with summer release dates. Lots of surprises ahead...thanks for taking this journey with me!!
Because I am SUCH a fanatic about color...its so hard for me to focus on just a couple for a certain design. Its painful...tedious...lol ! When I eliminate one color I feel horrible...I feel sad.. I`m almost positive that colors have feelings!
As a special treat this week I designed a set using EVERYTHING...all colors...many fabrics. It think the result was just too sweet! A perfect transition set...because I included a long sleeved blouse that can be worn for the rest of the cooler days right in to spring! The perfect eclectic mix that I had to give a colorful title to...thus "Spring Kaleidoscope".
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Click HERE to view the auction.
Sounds fun huh???? Here is the deal!!
I am in the beginning stages of a fun new and exciting direction for my business. Though I will still be listing a few elaborate sets on ebay and etsy....my primary focus is going to be designing "everyday boutique" collections for fall, winter and spring. These collections will be the same Kandy Kisses Quality, just as detailed and still completely original....but totally affordable!
Giving up the quality of your boutique wardrobe shouldn`t be an option even in tough times. Your little one is still a precious princess and nothing will change that! She still deserves the very best!
My collections will consist of 7-10 co-ordinating pieces each....totally original and absolutely sweet! You can mix and match to your hearts content...buy one or buy them all!!
I am currently working on my fall collections and will have them available for preorder mid summer!
So many details...but what is important for you to know is that these collections are still being handsewn in my loving home....no factory will be involved in this process.
Now on to the FUN stuff!!
I am currently looking for a couple of "sweetheart testers". No modeling involved....no photography involved. Prior to the release of one of my collections I will simply mail a couple pieces to my "testers". They are yours to KEEP...no cost to you. Your job is just to have your little sweetie "wear", "try" "love" the pieces....then simply give me feedback on the items...and the collection.
I also ask that you help me create a little "buzz" of anticipation about the arrival of the new collection. This would happen via blogging, facebook and emailing and general networking!
Sound like something you would like to do??? Let me know if you are interested and I will put you on my list for consideration!!
Please feel free to email if you have any questions!!
~Happy Sunday,
Laurie
I had alot of fun creating this new Easter Collection...I added alot of NEW and unique details for a fresh spring look! You can find all the pieces HERE
And a New Line from Kandy Kisses Boutique....Lil` Kisses....just for baby!
This little matching set will be the first of many new designs created for the precious little bundle in your life!!
My sweet friend and talented designer Leslie also listed some Bitty Bunny
Easter sets!! Be sure and search Boutique Bitty Bunny to find her sets also!
I had alot of fun over the past week creating this SUPER detailed little Easter collection!
Click HERE to view all the auctions!
I apologize for slacking on my blog the past couple weeks. I`ve had some major adjustments to make and have been focusing on getting things on track. My newest enemy...and a major frustration to me lately...SUGAR! I decided that one of the changes I was going to make this year was to cut sugar from my diet. A simple task...I THOUGHT! Since then, Ive been researching, reading labels and making surprise discoveries concerning this little white temptation. Basically....there is sugar in EVERYTHING...or so it seems!! What I thought was going to be a simple task has turned out to be a major dilema in my every day life. I`m working on it though....and I am determined to win this battle!!
I`ve been sewing up a storm and will have a new collection out either the end of the week or the beginning of next week....heres a little hint...."Bunny Meadow"
~Have a wonderful Monday!!
Laurie
Ivylane is having a fun little launch right now based on things that fly! I created a fun little skirt set that would be perfect for all of spring and even Easter!! I think you`ll love the girlie appeal and all the unique details!!
Click HERE to visit the auction.
I just couldn`t wait to get some of Patty`s sweet Andalucia fabrics. They are so yummy and I love the sweet vibrant colors. There`s an ebay launch right now with several talented designers showcasing their Andalucia Creations. Search Boutique Andalucia to browse these wonderful listings.
I decided to create a little coat....perfect for the coldest days of winter and sweet enough for the coming chilly evenings of spring. My listing is a custom....we just couldn`t part with this one, and Amber just loves it.
Click HERE to see my listing:
I also have 4 skirt sets now available in my Etsy shop. I just love skirts...they are so versatile! Perfect for winter, spring, summer....dress them up....wear them casual, boots/sandals....barefoot!! 3 of the sets I have in my shop are Valentine theme....so head over quick and grab one. They are all finished and ready to ship!! Only $85 each (appliqued tee and matching skirt).
Click HERE to visit my Etsy shop
Well to start off...I will say that I`ve been rather lonely here on my blog since my "comments" haven`t been working. I am definately eager for blog conversation!
GOOD NEWS~ the problem has been fixed...so please please please...comment away!!! I love to hear your comments and suggestions! LOL
Also...I`ve just listed a little set for Ivylane`s "PEACE" launch! A sweet little pair of palazzo pants and a rhumba top made with fun batiks for a 70`s appeal......Feel free to check out the auction HERE
What a wonderful giveaway! I would choose the Maggie Tiered Sundress! I'm definitely going to be calling my mom and telling her that I love and appreciate her (and will be taking her to a special tea shop on Mother's Day), and twittered about your giveaway here: http://twitter.com/kindred_spirit/statuses/1700003492
Thank you for such a wonderful giveaway! I would be BEYOND thrilled to win the sundress!