Kandy Kisses Boutique

Something Old and Something New

Well the old news is....Football. My boys have been playing football forever until last year when my youngest son said.....I don`t want to play this year. We were shocked...and initially upset. But then I got to thinking...okay, if he doesnt want to play he shouldn`t play. It was all good. He was a sophmore and he focused his time more on his studies...(or not). I didn`t think I missed it at all until this year when he was back to playing. I MISSED it....the games , the cheering, the dinners...the smelly cleats..ALL OF IT. Yes....I could once again enjoy the season. Until last night. First home game.....first injury of the season....another trip to the ER.....mild concussion. OLD!

 

Here is something new.....I found these new fabrics yesterday and I am SOOO excited to get started designing a gorgeous little coat!! The paisley is actually minky...and SOOOO soft! I will post pictures as I progress with the project and then I will add the little coat as a custom to my etsy shop and website.

Oh...my son is just fine. He will be out for 2 weeks then it will be back to dinners and smelly cleats for us! :)

 

Apples Anyone?

I just finished a sweet little apple skirt and added it to my etsy shop. Created in whatever size you need!! Head over to my ETSY SHOP to check it out!!

 

So much to do!

I have SOOO many new projects in the works! I`m excited and BUSY! If I am absent for several days from my blog....you can just assume that I`m up to my knees in a new project! It wont be long and you`ll be seeing all the fruit of my labor!!! For now....be sure to head over to my blog to take a peek at all the new knot dresses. We worked SO hard over the summer getting all of these gorgeous creations finished.

ETSY SHOP

 

 

Its Time to Blog again....

Ahhhhh.....I certainly let my blog go to spend time on other important things....but I always come back! I`m hoping to start things off with a huge bang by having some fun giveaways. Lots of new and exciting things at Kandy Kisses Boutique. I`m adding new fall knot dresses daily to my etsy shop....so stop by often and grab some sweet goodies for back to school!!

Kandy Kisses Etsy Shop

Be back soon with more news and fun stuff!!

 

Funky Fall Skirts

This week is skirt week...well, at least around here it is!! I`ll be adding about 20 funky fall skirts to my website over the next few days. They are all one of a kind and ready to ship out.

Skirts are our absolute favorite fall item. Wear them with socks, tights, leggings boots....add a tank, tee, sweater, sweatshirt. Dress them up...dress them down. Skirts ROCK!

I only have 2 up...but head over to the website and check them out! I also have a couple OOAK halloween sets up!

www.kandykissesboutique.com

Clementine

My fall collection Clementine is now up and available on my website! I think you`ll love the eclectic look of this mix and match collection. Be creative and put together a look you`ll love!

Also available are Wee Squeak Shoes that match the collection perfectly and handmade toddler nap quilts...the perfect gift idea for that special sweetheart!

http://kandykissesboutique.com/boutique/

Enjoy!

Clementine Sneek Peek...

As Promised...here is a little sneek peek at my Fall Collection Clementine. This is only one of the many co-ordinating pieces that will be available on Sept. 14th on my website!

My poor neglected blog!!

Oh gosh...I`m apologizing again! I`ve been so busy with school starting and getting my fall collection finished...I just have neglected my blog! I promise I will post shortly with LOTS Of pics and exciting news about my fall collection "Clementine". Tons of fun new things on the horizon and lots to share....but for now, time to get my little K student up and off to school!

Oh...if you happen to be on facebook, please stop by and join my fan page. I`ll be having a fun little contest there next week! Just click on the "become a fan" button at the top of the page!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Kandy-Kisses-Boutique/58111282190?ref=ts

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

~Laurie

Wee Squeak Shoes!

I decided to carry a sweet little line of shoes on my website. I wanted a line that would match and compliment my boutique collections...especially "Clementine" my fall collection that will hit my website on Sept. 1st.

The little Wee Squeak Shoes are PERFECT! We love them for so many reasons. They are trendy, comfy, sweet and affordable!

I just added several colors and some fun boots to my website! As a fun little bonus...the 25th pair ordered will be free to that customer!! The 50th pair ordered will also be free to that customer and they will receive a pair of boots at half price!! WONDERFUL for back to school....(the little squeaker is easily removed when needed!!!)

Head over now for best selection!!

www.kandykissesboutique.com

Fair Fun

We are back from the fair....what a blast!! I cannot even begin to tell you what a wonderful experience this was. Though the week was long...and the weather was hot....the sweet people I met and the positive feedback I got was so beyond what I had expected! I miss it already...the late nights of sewing and preparation , the building of the booth and of course the long but exciting days at the fair.

 We laughed, we cried, we ate corn dogs and cinnamon rolls...(and other misc. fair food). We made new friends, new contacts and sold to amazingly sweet customers with the most adorable little princesses .

I am so thankful to my " Kandy Kisses Girls" for all their help and support. Sarah, Annie, Erin, Emily, Debbie and Amber!!!! And to the guys for their construction help..for hauling and moving and loading and for late night dollar ice-cream on the last night of the fair!

My production goal for the fair was to put out a large quantity of a simple design that I could offer at an affordable price. These little knot dresses were PERFECT. I also had a few more elaborate sets to display along with quilts, headbands, cupcake tanks and misc other sweet goodies!

Along with the neverending task of unpacking...I`m preparing for another show at the end of Aug. More news on this to come!

Fall Collections are about to be photographed at my "Modeling Party" and Holiday lines are in full swing!

I`m hoping to get a few relaxing days in before school starts. I need to hang out with my kiddos at the beach and eat sandy sandwiches before summer ends...there are still bubbles to be blown and homemade ice-cream to be made!

I hope your summer has been AMAZING! You`ll be hearing more from me now that the fair is over.

I`ll leave you with a TON of fair pics....enjoy! (Apologizing for the quality of some of these photos...after all, it was the fair!)

 

 

 

 

Fair prep and a neglected blog

With all the sewing and prep for my upcoming show at the fair...I`ve had to put a few other things on the back seat...one being my blog. I apologize to the few of you who follow me faithfully...and I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel. The fair starts a week from Wed. Am I ready...?? Well NO...but despite long to-do lists, things are getting close to done! I promise to share lots of fun stories and tons of pics when we are back home after the fair.

I`m so thankful that Amber has been happily occupying herself so far this summer. The other day she talked her brother into setting up her Dora slip and slide. Hours of fun in the sun while Mom sews and sews and sews!

Hope your summer is spectacular!

~Laurie

Summer Celebration Sale~

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!

www.kandykissesboutique.com

I`m really trying.....

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

Behind again....

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

Summer Garden

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.

And the winner is.......

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

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!

Posted by: Lindsey@A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts| May 04, 2009 at 03:09 PM

Happy Mothers Day!

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

Apron dresses and new equipment...

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 .

www.kandykissesboutique.com

  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

Mothers Day Giveaway...!!!!!!!

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!!

  

Freebies!....and Customer Appreciation...and 4-H!

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!

Mailman Love!

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

 

Some Fun news...Aprons and Planning

 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

It`s officially over....

...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

 

A fun interview!!

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

 

The Scrap Master

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

And the winners are.......

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!!

www.kandykissesboutique.com

You can either post your comment here or send it over email to [email protected]

Tomorrow is Friday! Have a super one!

~Laurie

Debut Day!!

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!

www.kandykissesboutique.com

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

See you tomorrow!

 

www.kandykissesboutique.com

Countdown.....

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

Another "Maggie" Peek

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.