CPSIA SALE at KraftyMommas Boutique!!!

Due to the CPSIA Law as it stands, ALL KraftyMommas IN STOCK items are being closed out!! I will be listing all of my finished items, ready to ship on my website!! Go see if you can steal a deal!!
KraftyMommas Boutique
*Please be assured that all KMB products are LEAD FREE.

CPSIA Make Ya Laugh *Cartoon*

"Wanna buy a Handmade Sock Monkey?"

Cartoon Courtesy of Tim Kastellic, Babin's Katy

*Happy Dance* CPSIA & CPSA has decided to let us have a word!!!

Oh, this has made my day!!
(Thank you VESTA!!! member of the Fashion Incubator)
The CPSA has posted a page to read and then email your thoughts on Component Testing!!!

CLICK HERE!!!

Do it, I say!!!
Let 'em know. This our chance (hell must've frozen over) to be heard. Cuz I think they finally realized we were talking about them behind their backs.
Oh, happy day!!
:0)

Losing Faith

As I was in my cute little shop today, sewing some lounge pants together, for children under 12, I smiled. Then I blubbered up and lost a few tears.
Looking around me..... at so many talented designers clothing, handbags, booties, scarves, hairbows....
So much talent. So much work. So many consumers who want the handmade touch.

After catching up on blogs & forums last night, I realized how much this CPSIA crap is really going to hit come February.
No one gives a darn about the little cottage companies. The faith I found in some places changed overnight.
It's not just "Kid stuff" anymore.
The government wants EVERYTHING tested.
Everything except the very carpet my 2 girls crawled on for months, the pillows on their beds, the pencils with LEAD in them.
Guess my girls will have to go back to cribs to keep from the danger of lead.
I should pull them out of public school, for fear a pencil may enter their mouth while studying.
How about the carpet they just put in over the summer? I know that with the durability it has, there has to be SOME chemical in it to preserve the color, to make it dry fast and to make it last. Those chemicals will make my kids just as sick as if I were to make them some appliqued jeans, or a twirlie skirt from some zebra fabric at Hobby Lobby.
How quickly things change when you finally think things are going in the right direction.
Last year at this time, I was almost ready to throw in the towel on my little shop, because my location relied so much on another business on the same lot.
I fixed THAT by moving to a Victorian House with my windows overlooking a very busy street. Everyone knows where the Pink Zebra is now!!
Now this hurdle, testing for lead by sending it to a third party laboratory..... *shaking my head*
I cannot afford it. I really do not think any of my designers can afford it.
I am trying so hard not to give up. I need to see what the new year brings. I need to have faith. I need to be positive.
But I also have to be realistic and realize that the whole bill won't be changed to a point where the little guys like me will ever have chance.
No more Boutique, no more craft shows, no more handmade gifts for the new babies.
I am so sad.
Wanna help??
Look to your right>>> Over there>>At the top>>
Go vote to make a change on this bill.
Then I want you to sign this on line PETITION
After that, please, email your local reps HERE (the verbiage is already there, just fill in your name and stuff)
We'll start there and I hope you all will do these things. Every single thing helps, whether you make handmade or buy handmade or just simply like me!! LOL
:0) Trevor

In the Meantime....

This thing with CPSIA is consuming me. I mean entirely.
I found someone who has been greatly educated on the law. Her name is Kathleen and she has written publicly on all the aspects. She even has invited people like me, the small time manufacturer of children's clothing to her forum. The forum has awesome information from people way more educated than I, and with much longer arms than I.
Her posts are found here.
After researching so much and learning so much ,my brain is literally hurting (maybe from the awesome headcold my kids gave me?) but I cannot seem to get my nose out of the computer.
I applaud Kathleen for all her diligent work. I am sure she will be the one who makes a difference in this matter.
Thank you, Kathleen!!!
:0)

PS. I have emailed letters to all 3 of my Texas Senators, Oprah, the ladies of The View, Martha Stewart... All these women, esp Martha would be excellent spokeswomen for this cause!!!

CPSIA??? No More Handmade??

This is all still new and a bit confusing to me, but evidently, sometime in August, George Bush signed a Bill regarding CHILDREN's clothing, accessories & toys.
Here is what I understand.
Due to all of China's mess-ups with LEAD content in toys and unsafe additives (like plastic!!!) to baby formula, the United States has decided that any item for children under 12 that a child will touch (including clothing that will go on their bodies) will have to be MANDATORILY TESTED for several chemicals, including lead and phthalates (a plastic). There are more things, I am sure, but I can't think of them right now.
Anyhow, this affects so many WAHM's who have chosen to stay home to raise their children (not letting the Daycare do it) and "Craft" as a business. And, it affects ME, twofold. I have my own line of baby and children's clothing, blankets and what-not's, but I also OWN the Pink Zebra which showcases 12 Handmade Designer's items. All of these Mom's who sell at the PZB help to support their families and rely on their skills and creativity to make a paycheck.
Is it fair for the Legislation to make this Bill and put us all out of business??
Heck NO!!
I want to be there for my kids as they grow up, I NEED to raise my kids on a daily basis.
I can do this with the *job* I have now, one I have worked for 8 years to become successful at.
Another twist.
I have been reading about many European Toy Companies who supply us with "natural" toys (wooden learning toys, for example) that have decided to pull out of the US because of this bill. The cost of having each individual toy tested would far outweigh any thought of profits for these eductaional, manipulative toys.
Sad, so sad.
So, like I said, I really don't know everything about this yet, but I will find out.
So, there is the problem, and I have a solution.
Simple.... At least in theory, and for clothing designers like myself.
All fabrics and textiles (like yarn, glues, adhesives, etc.) should be tested BEFORE they hit the store shelves. The materials we use in our designs should be safe BEFORE we, the consumer, makes the purchase. Duh!!
If this bill continues into the new year, a HUGE conglomerate of women will forced to shut down their sewing machines, put down their crochet hooks and walk away. We will have to close the doors on the self made businesses we've work long and hard for and go stock shelves at WalMart to pay for child care. For SOMEONE ELSE to raise our kids.
I am pissed off at GB for blindly signing this bill and not taking into account who and how many is affcted by his naitivity.
Not sure if I will be able to pardon him.

Happy Thanksgiving, a Little Late!! :0)

Went to my parents house for the Traditional Turkey Dinner.

Everything was yummy!!! My brother made and donated a new mashed potato recipe and THREE ginormous yummy pies. To be honest, I am stuffed. I am about to crack open a Jeffrey Deaver book my Mom just read and gave to me. Mmmmmmmm Curlin' up on the couch now.
Enjoy the snapshots from our T-Day visit.
Oh, and I especially love 2 of the pictures:
1- Three generations of Eggleston women (Of the Pompa Clan)
2- FINALLY a picture of Scott and I that is not dumb. LOL

The Closer *IT* Gets

The closer Christmas gets, the less blogging I will be doing.
Ho Humm.
Nothing but fabric scraps and thread to share with you anyhow.
I am still up to my ears in customs (but thats, uh-huh, uh-huh, the way I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh) But loving every minute of them.
Kids are out of school now for the Thanksgiving Holiday, until Monday. Five days of uninterrupted yelling. LOL No, wait, make that ignoring? Re-directing?
I need to get out of the house with my camera and get some pictures. I miss nature.
:0)

Welcome LAKYN!!!! ((and a contest too!!))

Welcome to the world, Miss Lakyn!!!

Lakyn and her Mommy Megan made their first outing today, and their first stop was at the Pink Zebra Boutique!!! :0) Lakyn is all of 3 days old!!!!
Ahhhhhhhh..... Babies..... the smell.... the warm..... All you Mommies know the sensation of a brand new baby!!!
Thank you, Megan, for letting me open up that contraption of a carseat and get Lakyn out to hold and kiss!!!
Lakyn is gonna be my PZB Baby Model!! And a darned CA-UTE one at that!! That is, when she gets big enough to wear it, LOL I think she may float in my smallest designs right now. Hmmmmm... Maybe next month?? Something for Valentine's Day??
Speaking of which, I need get designing on that. I am always a day late and a dollar short for V-Day. I need to hear from you, the consumers, the Mom's, what you would like to see this coming V-Day. Y'all have about a month to get me some ideas. I have to start BEFORE Christmas. LOL
Let's make this interesting......
Whomever gives me the best idea I can actually DO, will win one free set of that design for their little one (up to 2T).
So, ladies, Mom's, Grammas..... GET designing!!!!
:0) Trevor

Unwritten

Singer and song writer, Natasha Bedingfield, says it best.
I had not heard this favorite song in a while, but it came on the radio on the way home from work. I cranked it up laoud and be-bopped whilst I sang at the top of my lungs.
These words have meaning.
Very inspiring, for anyone.
Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten

I am unwritten,
Can't read my mind
I'm undefined
I'm just beginning
The pen's in my hand
Ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten, yeah

Oh, oh

I break tradition
Sometimes my tries
Are outside the lines, oh yeah yeah
We've been conditioned
To not make mistakes
But I can't live that way oh, oh

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
the rest still unwritten

(Gospel)
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live you life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

The rest is still unwritten


Live your life, each day to the fullest.
Enjoy what you do.
No guarantees about what tomorrow will bring.
Love every moment. No time for hate!! - Trevor

Lots of Things!!

First, Happy Birthday Lauren!!
Yesterday, Lauren turned 9. Instead of going to the shop with me, she chose to stay home with her Pappas. She just hung out and did Daddy things. When I came home, Cailey, her bestest friend came over and we had Lauren's favorite pizza. Chicken Rustica. Mmmmmmm... Then we packed up and went to the movies. We saw Beverly Hills Chihuahua. It was good, but not $45 good. LOL Oh well, it was the first movie I have been to in like 10 years!! Then, we did the sleepover thing. Followed up by a Beignet breakfast for all!
That brings me to a fabulous recipe from a good friend of the family.
YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS!!!!!
1 package of croissant rolls in the "cook it yourself" refrige section
A saucepan of vegie oil, heated to about 350
Some powdered sugar
Caremel drizzle to taste

Undo the croissants, and cut each triangle into 3 pieces. (they won't be even pieces)
2 at a time, drop into oil and "blanch" on one side, turn over with a fork. They will puff up and turn a golden brown. Turn to the first side to finish.
Transfer to a paper towel (or 2, or 3)
Put desired amount on a plate, sprinkle with powdered sugar and then drizzle with caramel.
EAT!!!!

Sales in the Pink Zebra are getting better and better every day. I am so proud that people are shopping our fantastic Handmade designs. The offerings at the shop are so well made, so cute, so IN. Iam also so proud that we are becoming a landmark in Old Katy. My shop is so unique and word of mouth is starting to show. I absolutely LOVE having a shop full of shoppers and the ability to supply them with one of a kind designs from such talented designers.

One last thing.... My sweet sister, Kesley, got accepted to 2 Colleges, so far!!! She is so smart and talented, not to mention so beautiful!!! WTG!!!! I can't wait to go see her next year when she graduates from High School!!!

Sorry about not having any pictures today. I just never pulled out the camera!!

Happy Sunday to you. I have to work at Babin's tonight! I am looking forward to the end of Football season, so Sundays will be busy again. LOL And, the Holidays. I love meeting families who have come together to celebrate and eat at Babin's.

The Cast is OFF, The Cast is OFF!!!

After 8 weeks in a cast, my "Broken Elbow" girl is free at last!!!!
I am so upset at the amount of time they made us wait. We arrived at 3:15, to a FULL waiting room. I mean full. At capacity. People were standing. We sat on the FLOOR!!!
They called us in for cast removal and xrays at 3:30. Not so bad!! I was feeling like we were being "bumped up".
NOT!!!!
We then spent over 2 hours sitting on the floor waiting to get a room.
We spent that 2 hours putting lotion on the arm and then peeling little bits of dead skin off. LOL
Then we got chairs (b/c one lady brought her 2 kids under 3, her parents and a teen age girl. Yes, 6 people were needed for one person's appointment.) and I snapped a few pics of her waiting so patiently.

Here she is with her new arm xrays in the background:




And last but not least, a close up of the nasty rash and skin 8 weeks of cast wearing does to a person's skin.
Let's all say it, EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
No wonder she was always saying it felt like ants were crawling inside!!!!



No more casts for our family. Ever.

Facebook Addiction

Thanks, DAD, for getting me addicted.
Great.
Another way for the computer to suck me in and keep me from working.
UGH!!!
In 3 nights, I have spent over 9 hours playing on Facebook.
I am glad, though. Got to talk to people I have not seen in years and continue connecting with people in the Boutique community.
It's fun.
Too fun.
Rrrrrrrrrr
:0)
My profile is clickable to the right>>>>>

85 lbs of Dog

Rosie got her Rabies shot today and tested negative (YAY!!!) for Heartworm!!!
Good doggie!!
:0)
*PHEW*
I am a tired Mommy from having to hold her down while the tech did the needle work.

I Got Love

I got LOVED!!!
By the WONDERFUL and INSPIRING Jennifer, of Jaybird Designs.
Thank you so much!! You made my day!!!
:0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rules of the Award:

1. Must display award.

2. Must link back to the person who gave it.

3. Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the bloggity love onto.

4. Let them know they have been chosen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And I love.....

1. Designer X

2. Amy

3. Goosie Girl

4. Jenifer

5. Dawn

6. Roni

7. Adrienne

VOTE Today!!

Today we, as a country, will decide who will be our next Presidential Leader.
Either way, this election is going to be history making news.
On one hand, we could have a black president in the White House..... A long way from slavery!!
Or, a Female Vice President will be helping to make our country run smoothly.
Wow!! A woman in the hot seat!!
Every vote counts today..... Don't sit back and think that your vote won't count. If you feel strongly, one way or the other, get your butt in line and cast your ballot. I don't wanna hear whining if your choice does not win and you did not vote. :0)



I'll be glad when all these political bashing ads are gone from my TV!!!

Nature Man

My FishRman is also a BeeMan. LOL
He was feeling a bit sorry for the bees today, since winter is coming and all the flowers have dried up. He made a sugar cocktail for our local hive. YUM!! They drank up!!!
How sweeeeeeeeeeeeet he is!!!
:0)

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Could Not Pick Just One

Getting sick of my Halloween pictures yet??
If not, keep reading. I am posting the rest of the pictures from our impromptu photo shoot.

OK. That's it. I promise!!!!
:0)

Babin's Halloween Pictures 2008

Us Big Kids can have fun too!!

Halloween 2008

No need for words tonight.
I think the pics will tell the story.

Happy Halloween, y'all!!!

Today is THE Day!!!

Happy Halloween!!!
I am getting ready right now, to work at Babin's for lunch. I will be armed with my camera, so I can fill you in on the costume action there!!!
Here's another sneak peek:

:0)

Sneaky-Peek

Halloween 2008

Are You Ready Yet??

All Hallow's Eve is in just few more days!!!
Woo Hoo!!
*Happy Dance*
The costumes are almost done... I'll post a sneak peek tomorrow.
They are looking GREAT!!!!
:0)

Fishin' With Jack

Behind every wife is a DH that has their "Thing" they do.
Yard work, football coach, gambler.... A guy thing they enjoy regularly.
Well my DH, Scott, fishes in a Kayak. In the Gulf of Mexico. In the Ship Canal. In the bayous. His "yak" is a 16 foot Mango Tarpon. He trolls and paddles most every Saturday beginning before sunrise until the early evening, usually with his buddy Dustin.
Every weekend I am inundated with stories, photos and videos of the weekend catch, usually Redfish, Flounder and Speckled Trout. Our local delicacies.
This weekend, the boys ventured just outside the Ship Canal and followed the jetties out past the brackish waters. Under them, traveled a school of Jack Cravalle!! Holy $&*@!!
Let the games begin!!! The boys got some 30+ pound Jacks and enjoyed the fight!! Each fish took 30 minutes to an hour to get into the yaks.... Can you imagine being pulled around the Gulf by a fish on a pole?? LOL Here are some pics of the prizes the guys caught. (We only catch and release)
My handsome Hubby is the one wearing a yellow shirt and driving the mango (orange) yak!!!

Pictures not enough for you?? Here's a krafty video DH put together, complete with tunes to rock the boat!!



Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Happy fishing!!
:0)