Long time no see

Hey folks! And welcome to all of the Kludgy Mom readers... (A big thanks to GiGi for featuring me today!) 

 I know I have not been around for a week or so but let me explain myself before you abandon me! 

It has been a rough couple of weeks. As most of you know I launched a new business called 

Peachy Keen Dolls.

       

While that takes a lot of time it did not take near as much time as my sick 1 year old.

What started as a simple ER trip that we thought solved it all turned into 2 week of ick. 

1. urgent care for ear infection and antibiotics

a week later....

1. Trip to ER. Diagnosis- strep throat (He was not keeping anything down at this point and running 102+ fevers) 

2. Trip to urgent care. Diagnosis- Tonsillitis (2 days after ER)

3. Pediatricians. This was 1 day after UC they diagnosed flu with a flu test and decided to go ahead and do a chest x-ray just in case even though his chest sounded clear... Turns out he had the flu and double pneumonia 

So now a little over 2 weeks of 3 different antibiotics later, lots of mommy-baby cuddle time, he is mended. So of course what did I do? 

I decided that an impromptu surprise trip to florida to visit family was in order. So that is where we have been since last thursday at 530am. 

I am working on a couple of posts right now and hope to have something up by friday. 

Please bare with me right now and enjoy some of our earlier popular posts like...

Kids tool/gardening belt tutorial

Shopping cart cover tutorial

Quilted Car seat Straps Tutorial

Thanks for sticking around!

Winners day 5, 6, & 7!

Winners- Your sponsor will contact you via the email you provided... Please make sure to post on their page so that we can confirm your "fan-dom" :D 

Day 5- Forget me Knots Crochet

Winner is.... Love You Always & Forever 

Love You Always & Forever said...

blog
http://leatherberryfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/low-low-entry-giveaways-i-found.html

March 12, 2011 1:48 AM

Day 6- Things by Christine

Winner is... annemarie 

annemarie said...

I am a follower.

March 12, 2011 8:41 AM

Day 7- Peachy Keen Dolls

Winner is...Mama 

Mama said...

http://twitter.com/BamaBabyMama/status/47736416926572545 twitterpated. =p

March 15, 2011 3:11 PM 

Congrats everyone! I am so glad we had the response that we did for the 7 days of giveaways! Did you guys enjoy? 

Winners day 3 & 4 !!

Winners!!! Here are day 3 and 4's winners... I will send your emails onto the sponsors and you should be contacted shortly. Please remember to post on the sponsors blog or facebook wall to verify fandom. 

Day 3 winner- Mommy Cart

Winner is.... MAMA!

 Mama said...

i have liked the fb page!

March 9, 2011 12:41 AM

Day 4 winner- PaperPixie Crafts

Winner is...Addison!

 Addison K.A.T. said...

tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/AddieLuke/status/47140889847529472
anita(dot)truck(at)gmail(dot)com

Remember to enter the last 3 days of giveaways today... they end at midnight EST!

Day 1 and 2 winners....

Winners!! yay! I love winners... 

I will be giving contact info to the sponsors to contact the winners in the next few days... If you do not respond a new winner will be chosen! Please post on the sponsors facebook page that your the winner as proof that you are a fan. 

Thanks! 

Winner's day 1...

Winner of the hairbow is... DONNELLE! 

 Donnelle said...

Posted on Twitter, http://bit.ly/ef4wxM

Donnelle
sewmemine{at}comcast.net

March 7, 2011 4:30 AM

Winner of the Paci Clip is....LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

 Love You Always & Forever said...

Follow crafty creations on fb!
sleatherberry@gmail.com

March 12, 2011 1:45 AM

Winners Day 2...

Winner of the custom family block is JENNICA AND PRESTON!

Jennica and Preston said...

I like Emily's Block Party on Facebook!
pjnpatterson(at)yahoo(dot)com

March 13, 2011 12:09 AM 

Congratulations winners! And don't forget to check out the other 5 days!

Thank you to TurboTax for sponsoring my writing about household finances.Learn more about how TurboTax can help you find every tax deduction you deserve. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

________________________________________________



{Image Source}

Everybody tells you that kids are expensive. Tuition, diapers, formula, daycare. But than there are those expenses no one saw fit to warn you about. 

Now I love my son, but there are some things that make me go WHAT?! 

(or WHUCK?! as my favorite ladies over at Rants From Mommy Land like to say)

Personally I was prepared for the average formula expense. I figured I could handle it. But than the pediatrician dropped the big news, my precious 1 month old needed special formula. He could not tolerate the regular stuff, no, instead he had to have the hypoallergenic Alimentum junk. "No problem!" And off I ran to the store where I just about fainted when I saw the $26.00 price tag on the small can of powder formula. 

Than there are the toys. Now I know that toys are not exactly something that you HAVE to buy a lot of. But if your kiddo is as cute as mine (or your as gullible as I am) you want nothing but the best. And the best always comes out 2 days after you just bought the now next to best. My biggest expense this christmas? $40 for a ride on toy that makes, no noise, doesn't steer, and I had to put it together! 

So I got to thinking... I cannot possibly be the only parent surprised by some of the expenses you incur with children. I know lots of first time and seasoned parents, and decided to pose the question.... 

"What were some surprising financial things about kids that you never expected to be that bad or just did not expect at all?"

Here are just a few of the responses I received-

Shiloh M.- "Clothes! I did NOT realize they would grow THAT quickly and outgrow EVERYTHING they own within what seems like a matter of HOURS."

Jessica H.- "[I did not realize] just how much a baby can truly eat. Our grocery bill was $100 for one week of food, and $60 of that was food for the baby... FOR ONE WEEK!"

Jessy R- Birthday parties! Seems like they get more and more expensive as they get older. Especially presents. Now I see why my grandma just sends 20 dollar gift cards


Kathryn H- Buying new binkies because he loses them constantly and they are NOT cheap! The only one that has survived his whole life is pink with hearts on it!


If I had to do it all again... I would start that savings account and put every extra penny in it! Tax time is a savior to most parents that child credit can help you get back on track... So this year when you get your taxes back don't buy a couch or a new computer... buy clothes, diapers, and all those other surprise expenses! Or if you don't have kids yet...START THAT SAVINGS ACCOUNT!

What were you surprised to realize as a new parent?

7 days of giveaways: Day 7 (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

I do apologize for the lateness... My son ended up in the ER last night and I was unable to finish writing this post... Bad blogger me for putting it off to last minute! lol 

Peachy Keen Dolls

Our last sponsor of the week is... Peachy Keen Dolls...

These beautiful waldorf inspired, hypo-allergenic, dolls are sure to inspire lots of fun from every boy and girl who play with them. Here is the story posted from her fan page of the peachy keen dolls...

Once upon a time I bought a peach orchard. While picking peaches one day with my son we heard some silly noises and giggling. Imagine our surprise when we looked up and saw a tiny little boy sitting in the tree. The boy had a little round tummy full of peaches, big brown eyes, and multi colored hair! He was very friendly and introduced us to his other friends. The tiny little children are the keepers of the peaches, he explained to us, but they love to play.

As time went on my son noticed that the little children were lonely. So we asked if some of them would like to go live with other families to protect, and play with the children. All of them were very excited and eager to find a new forever family to love and protect.

We still have lots of little Peachy Keens to match with their forever family...Are you next?

Peachy Keen Dolls is offering a $30 gift card towards a custom doll of their choice. You choose skin, hair, eye color, and outfit.

(Good towards a new purchase, cannot be used towards a purchase already paid for)

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did.

& 

2. Like Peachy Keen Dolls on facebook

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/15 at 11:59pm EST

Winner Winner chicken dinner!

Winner of the photobook from http://www.zooatlantaphotos.org/site/

is ...

#4

Emily Anne Knight Williamson said...

and I like your new Peachy Keen Doll babies on FB too. These look GREAT! I'm very excited that someone has started making these for an adorable price. I've been telling everyone. Best of luck with the new business venture. I hope bug creator will still sick around too.( =

March 6, 2011 12:11 AM 

Yes Emily Anne, BugCreator will still be around for as long as blogger is free! :D And maybe even after that... 

I will be contacting you soon with your code. 

Thanks for entering everyone! And don't forget you can still get $5.00 off a photobook if you use the code HOLSM at http://www.zooatlantaphotos.org

7 days of giveaways: Day 6 (giveaway closed)

Things By Christine

Todays sponsor is a fellow crafty momma that I was lucky enough to meet through a crafting group online. We enticed her here with our promise of free cookies and hugs! 

I won a giveaway a long while back for a gift card to Things By Christine and was blown away by the hats I received! I got them for my sisters and they both loved them. Especially the one with the pony tail hole! 

Today however Christine is not giving away a hat... She is giving away a new product that she has. Something I would love to have myself for my messy son! 

A full cover with sleeves bib! Perfect for girls and boys alike! 

She is offering one lucky winner a bib! Their choice of boy or girl but she will choose the print. Trust me... it will be cute! 

Another thing I wanted to add in just to let you guys know she is having a HUGE fan giveaway on her facebook page. So if anything you should check that out. Lots of sponsors, great stuff, and free! What more could you ask for? 

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did.

& 

2. Like Things By Christine on facebook

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/15 at 11:59pm EST

7 days of giveaways: Day 5(GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

Forget Me Knots Crochet

I have to say I am really excited to bring you guys this sponsor... Forget me Knots crochet. 

Nicky is amazingly talented, and I am not just saying that because she sent me a cute hat for my son (no really I am not being compensated she is just truly a nice person) She has a wide range of products including, hats, aprons, headbands, and more! 

Of course I just have to share her hat on my son, bug, he would take it off and put it right back on for hours the first day that we received it. 

Today Forget Me Knots Crochet is offering one lucky reader their choice of a Mr./Mrs. Sock Monkey or Mr./Mrs. Cow hat. 

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did.

& 

2. Like Forget Me Knots Crochet on facebook

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/15 at 11:59pm EST

7 days of giveaways: Day 4 (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

Paper Pixie Crafts

Day 4 already? Man they are just flying by! Random.org chose todays sponsor... My friend Emily at Paper Pixie Crafts!!! 

PPC has a lot of awesome stuff. Not only does she do some amazing jewelry but she does these really neat photo rubix cubes that are always a big hit with young and old. 

Today PPC is offering 1 customized glass pendant necklace!

Not only can she do just about any image (including the ones pictured) but she can also do a photo of your child(ren), pet, etc...! I personally have a necklace of my own from her (in a square) or my son when he was itty bitty! It was the best present ever. 

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did.

& 

2. Follow PaperPixie Crafts on their blog.

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/14 at 11:59pm EST

7 days of giveaways: Day 3 (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

Mommy-Cart

Are you ready for day 3? I am!!! Today's sponsor is Mommy Cart! 

Mommy-cart is like a WAHM Superstore! You can list items to sell... or shop! 

Mommy-cart would like to offer one lucky WAHM a free upgraded 15 item online store valued at $10.  This store will be valid for 3 months.  This is a great opportunity for those who want to sell their creations or have resale items.  Please stop by www.mommy-cart.com for more information on what they do. 

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did.

& 

2. Like Mommy-cart on facebook.

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/14 at 11:59pm EST

7 days of giveaways: Day 2 (giveaway closed)

Emily's Block Party

Our second sponsor (once again chosen by random.org) is Emily's Block Party!

Emily is dedicated to providing fun and educational toys for your kids! But it doesn't stop there. The "toys" can be used for grown ups too! All of her blocks are made of non-toxic materials and wipeable surfaces. 

Take her donation for example....

Emily's Block Party is donating ONE 2" wooden family block. This would be a great gift for a parent, or grandparents desk/bookcase. It is also a great educational toy for your child to learn to associate names and faces of loved ones near and far. 

Your personalized block will include two images and two words.

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did.

& 

2. Like Emily's Block Party on facebook.

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/13 at 11:59pm EST

7 days of giveaways: Day 1 (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

I am very excited to bring my readers 7 days of giveaways! As of this moment we have reached 224 blog followers and 321 facebook followers! 

We have some great prizes lined up from 7 different ladies! There is something for just about everyone, boys, girls, moms, & WAHMS. This week is going to be so exciting! I am so happy to be able to offer something like this to my readers. 

The giveaways will be posted one a day... The ending days will be as follows...

Days 1&2 will close 3/13 and be announced Monday 3/14

Days 3&4 will close 3/14 and be announced Tuesday 3/15

Days 5,6,&7 will close 3/15 and be announced Wednesday 3/16

So make sure to get your entries in! 

Crafty Creations Boutique

Our first sponsor of the week (chosen by random.org) is Tawnya over at Crafty Creations Boutique. 

At Crafty Creations Boutique they specialize in handmade bows, pacifier clips, bow holders, and custom wipe cases! Her goal is to create beautiful items for your family at the best prices possible! 

Crafty Creations Boutique is donating not one... but two prizes to TWO different lucky winners!

One person will win this gorgeous hairbow!

And another will win this really cute buggy paci clip

(perfect giveaway for the Bug Creator blog)

How to enter

Mandatory entries-

1. Follow the Bug Creator blog PUBLICLY than leave a comment telling me that you did and which prize you would like if you won.

& 

2. Like Crafty Creations Boutique on facebook.

Leave a SEPARATE comment for both of the above MANDATORY entries.

Extra entries (3)-

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this... Leave a comment (with a link to where you did it) for each one that you do!

That is 5 different ways to enter! So get to work folks!

Giveaway ends 3/13 at 11:59pm EST

Who likes waldorf dolls?

Remember the new business I mentioned? Well I make custom waldorf inspired dolls. 

The name of my business is Peachy Keen Dolls. 

I try and keep them affordable since similar dolls sell for 200 + dollars. They are also hypoallergenic so that people that are allergic to wool can use them as well! (we do wool on request) 

Anyway back to the reason I am posting. In order to get some exposure I am giving away a waldorf inspired doll in a giveaway going on at NotyBaby on their facebook fan page. They are having a 2500 fan event and have over 60 prizes to be won now! 

Want to check out my entry? Click HERE and enter to win your own custom waldorf inspired doll (boy or girl)

Organization is Key...{ Tutorial }

I am a creature of habit. And my habit is to leave needles and bits and pieces everywhere. With a now walking 1 year old that is just not possible. 

Our town just got a dollar tree. No more 30 minute drive for this momma! So I had to visit. While I was visiting I saw these containers and I just knew I could use like 50 of them. But I restrained myself and bought 3. 

How is that for self control?!

Supplies- 

one or two or three or 50? of these fancy plastic jars with lids

hot glue gun & glue

Old pair of maternity jeans that you hated

 Wide Ribbon

Card Stock

First we start by measuring our containers and cutting out a piece of jeans (or other material ) to size. You want it to go from the very bottom to the top and than cover two sides as well. (sorry for the lack of photo)

Than put a strip of glue on the end and push down, repeat on other side. Make sure you keep it straight! Trust me you don't want to have to re-do that. 

Now you should have this...

Cut your ribbon to the same width and using dots on the two corners glue on top of the jeans in the middle like so... (repeat on both sides)

Oooo Ahhhh! How pretty! But wait... we aren't done yet! 

What kind of organization queens would we be without labels?! I did mine real quick in photoshop. But you can use any writing or image editing program. Print on CARD STOCK! This is important because if you use regular computer paper the glue shows through and it is just a mess. 

Put glue all the way around ...

While your doing this chase down your bug that just stole one of your jars. 

Glue to the approximate center on the ribbon on the front of the jar. 

YOU'RE DONE! 

See that was easy wasn't it? 

I did all three of mine in 30 mins. Which included chasing bug down for my containers as he stole them. 

Now go make you some pretty containers! Be sure to send me photos so that I can see what you did or upload them to our facebook page 

Linking it up to a few parties :

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