Bella and Gracie's Blog

Hats Off to Ya

2012-01-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

One of my business goals was to make use of all the fabric I have on hand. I saw a picture of a newsboy hat on a blog I follow and fell in love. This particular hat was crocheted which I would love to know how to do! In the meantime I decided to just sew some. I think they came out pretty cute.

Ruffled Pant Set

2011-01-30T16:42:00.000-08:00

Just added to the store this adorable ruffled pant set. This outfit is perfect for spring or winter. Put a long sleeve shirt underneath and add some boots and your princess is ready to roll! Set can be done in different fabrics as well. Available in sizes 2 - 6.

Winter Friends Blog Hop

2011-01-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to "Winter Friends" January 12 . Week 3This is a hop for making friends and meeting other bloggers.This is hosted by Snack Bar Reviews, 3 Princes and a Princess 2, Luvin My Lil Monkeys.RULES * To be in this hop just follow all three hosts'.(We always follow back, leave a comment) * Follow the SPOT LIGHT HOST * Follow the person before you. * Have fun. Add the linky and/or button to your page to get more followers!ENTER: this linky and you could be the NEXT "Spot Light Blog" We will be choosing one random blog via random.org each week to be featured. We will contact you on Thursday and you'll have till Monday 6pm to respond or we will move on to the next random blog. Have fun!!

Stepping By Saturday Blog Hop

2011-01-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Stepping By Saturday Blog HopWhat a great way to start the weekend!! Visit some new blogs and get some new followers. Don't forget to leave a comment and let them know you stopped by.This hop is hosted by Snack Bar Reviews, Real Mom Reviews, and Being Frugal And Making It Work.RULES- Follow All 3 host(First 3 in the linky)-Grab the button or the linky and add it somewhere on your blog- Follow some more people for fun-Follow Guest Host

New Glass Tile Pendants

2011-01-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

I have seen some of these pendants around and just had to make some for the store. They are so fun and go with just about any outfit. A great inexpensive way to have some fun with your accessories.They will be listed on Chloes Sandbox.Make sure to check often as I will continue adding new styles.

New Giveaway for All Modern.com

2011-01-03T06:19:00.000-08:00

WAHM Resource site has a great giveaway this week. CSN Stores is offering one lucky WAHM Resource Site reader a $75.00 promotional code to use on any of their websites.I personally visited the store and they have some wonderful products, my favorite was the hammock.Here is the link to the giveaway www.wahmresourcesite.com.Good luck!!

New Etsy Store - Chloes SandBox

2011-01-02T05:55:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Traditionally this is a time for resolutions and goal setting for the future. Last year was a trying year for me and I had to make some difficult decisions. During this process I had the not so wonderful pleasure of moving. You never realize how much stuff you have until you start moving it. I started slowly moving all of my sewing and craft supplies and realized just how much material and odds and ends I have. At the time of purchasing them I had good intentions, now I can't remember what those intentions were! My goal for 2011 is to cut myself off! I need to make good on those intentions and create some wonderful products with what I have on hand. This is why Chloe's SandBox was started. In our new home there is a small sandbox in the back yard. My daughter will sit for hours just creating things out of the sand. It inspired me to do the same with my store. Chloe's SandBox will carry a variety of products created from the various materials I have. Although I will still take custom orders, many of the items will be one of a kind.I hope you will take some time to browse the store! www.chloessandbox.etsy.com Of course Bella and Gracies will continue to carry new products as well.www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com

To the Top - Tuesday Blog Hop

2010-08-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Want your blog to be a top blog?

Want more followers?

Then link-up with us every Tuesday forTo-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!

Tryto choose 4-5 other blogs to follow, tell them you found them at TTTTuesday Blog Hop! You are not required to follow back but it is niceto do so, and highly encouraged.

Pleasemake sure you have a way for people to follow you, i.e. Google FriendConnect. The link-up will be open until midnight tonight but will bevisible all week!

Youare also encouraged add the linky code (posted below) on the blog postyou make. It will show all of the blogs that have entered here, peoplecan link-up through your blog, and it will update on all of the lists.

- Code -

Fun Follow Friday - August 6th

2010-08-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! What a great way to celebrate Friday. Join Fun Follow Friday, visit some great blogs, and get some followers for your blog as well. Just add your name to the bottom of the list. Feel free to grab the linky and add Fun Follow Friday to your blog as well.

How to add the "Re-tweet" Button to your Blog

2010-07-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to add the "Re-tweet" button to my blog. I had to try a couple different things but this is what worked the best.
Click on Layout, then Edit HTML
You might want to save the full template before you do anything.
Hit the Expand Widget Templates, then look for the line:

<div class="post-header-line-1">

You want to place the code under this line.
I found the link for the codes here:
http://www.allblogtools.com/tricks-and-hacks/how-to-add-retweet-button-to-blogger-blogspot/

This link allows you to place your button wherever you would like it.

I hope you find this useful, am forever trying to catch up with the times and update my blog!

Blog Giveaways: Gift Certificate to Etsy Store

2010-07-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

There are two Blog Giveaways that are both for gift certificates to my Etsy store. Please visit the following links to enter the giveaways. Good luck!!

http://cevallosadoption.blogspot.com/2010/07/monday-madness-giveaway.html

http://www.stayfunniemom.com/2010/07/bella-and-gracies-product-review-and-25.html

Adding the Like Button to Your Blog

2010-07-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

I just found a great link to adding the facebook "like" button to your blog. I added it to all my posts. It was very easy to follow, if I can do it anyone can! Here is the link http://www.bloggerplugins.org/2010/04/facebook-like-button-for-blogger.html.
If you found this useful, click on the like button :) Enjoy!

Fun Follow Friday - July 2nd

2010-07-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

What a perfect way to celebrate Friday!! Join Fun Follow Friday by adding your link at the bottom of the list. Make sure to visit all the new and exciting blogs you might have missed last week.
You may also copy and paste the linky onto your blog.

4th of July Special - BOGO

2010-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

It so hot here in Arizona it's hard to celebrate anything!! I thought I would celebrate some of my new designs by running a special in my store, for all of my blog followers.

For the week of 6/28 - 7/4 all of my dresses will be buy one get one half off!!

This special is only valid on dresses and does not include tank tops,tutu's or pettiskirts.

To get the special pricing, visit my store at www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com
, and send me a convo as to which dresses you would like. Please do not order them as I have to set up a custom listing with the new prices.

Here is a preview of some of the new listings:

Happy Shopping!!!

Fun Follow Friday

2010-06-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's Friday!!! What a great time to visit some new blogs, leave comments and get some great followers. Add your name to the list and grab the linky to add to your own blog.
Let's all support one another on this wonderful Friday!!

Blog Hop Thursday

2010-06-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Want more twitter followers. Just add your name to the bottom of the list and follow everyone above you.

Tie Dye is Back!!!

2010-06-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I was never a huge fan of the tie dye in the 80's. All those funky psychadelic colors and peace signs didn't do much for me. However, as I was shopping with a friend last week I couldn't believe all the cute shirts and dresses we saw that had been tie dyed. It seems to have made a comeback with a cuter, newer look.

Well we couldn't wait to hurry home and try it ourselves. After realizing it wasn't that difficult, and extremely fun I decided to add tie dye products to my store.

Here is my first project, let me know what you think!!

You can find this adorable top in my store at www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com.

Wonderful Giveaway on ShowMeMama's blog

2010-06-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Show Me Mama is doing a great giveaway on a Water Lily Rain Showerhead. Here are the details and the link to her blog: http://showmemama.blogspot.com/2010/06/evolve-water-lily-rain-showerhead.html.

Evolve Water Lily Rain Showerhead Review and Giveaway

I can't wait to tell you all about this wonderful Water Lily Rain Showerhead I received from Evolve. Since I am all for eco-friendly products I was doubly excited. I am a type of person that loves to take frequent showers. I will take them at least 2 or 3 times a day. It really helps me relax and it feels like your in the spa. I have the tendency to turn on the shower, and of course do some other chore while the water gets warm. I know that I am wasting a lot of water by letting it run for so long. My husband always gets on my case to get in the shower, NOW, but I am off finishing some chore or tending to my little one.

When I was given the opportunity to review The Water Lily Rain Showerhead from Evolve, I immediately accepted the offer. It was really easy to install and the directions were quick to follow, nothing too confusing. I was really trilled to use it and ran the shower like I always do and did a few chores. The amazing thing though is with Evolve's Showerstart Technology it automatically turns off the showerhead and when the water reaches 95 degrees it begins to trickle so you know your shower is hot and ready. Then you pull the cord and voila, a nice full shower. I love it because it saves you a lot of hot water from just flowing down the drain. The Evolve Rain Showerhead was the perfect size to gradually wash away all the shampoo from my hair and has three spray patterns. It had a really relaxing feeling and I really did not want to get out of the shower, but I had to get out. You know the saying, when your fingers start to wrinkle that means you have been in the water a little too long. LOL.

Here is a little bit more about the Evolve Water Lily Showerhead and how it works: "Shave, brush teeth, use washroom, make he bed, grab the phone, start coffee... while waiting for your shower to get warm without wasting hot water. The Evolve showerhead cuts flow to a trickle once water is warm so it’s not running down the drain while you’re away." It notifies you when your shower is ready: "After cold water exits the showerhead the warm water starts to trickle. That “drip, drip” lets you know your shower’s warm and waiting. Restart normal flow by pulling cord or flipping the switch. What I really love about this, is that it saves you money on your water bill: "Save up to $75 in utility bills and 2700 gallons of water per year . *family of three showering daily and saving one minute of hot water per shower (water flow of 2.5 gpm and $0.03/gallon hot water cost. Can you believe that? You can't beat this at all.

Here are some of the key features of the Evolve Water Lily Rain Showerhead:

ShowerStartTM technology

save time, water, energy & money without lowering water flow

• Maximum flow allowed by law

delivers a full 2.5 gallons per minute while saving water and the fossil fuel energy used to heat it

• Multi-function rain head

• Ideal balance of coverage and great flow

• Three spray patterns (rain, massage and a combination spray)

• Anti-clog spray nozzles (rub clean design)

• Solid brass fittings

• Trickle/savings mode activated when water reaches 95° F (35° C)

• Resets after each shower

• Attaches to any shower arm with industry standard 1⁄2" fittings

• 5.5" diameter head • Three spray functions

Restart Flow: flip switch or pull cord to resume normal flow & begin showering

• Flow rate of 2.5gpm at 80psi — meets ANSI code A112.18.1, 1062 2.5GPM/80PSI

• Solid brass fittings & ABS body • 17.55 oz

Now, when you decide on buying a showerhead for your home, think about all the key features of the Evolve Water Lily Showerhead and how much money and time it will save you and your family. Now, they also offer several other styles of shower heads that you can select from, such as rain shower heads, standard shower heads and handhelds. How fantastic is that! Evolve is graciously giving one of my lucky readers a Water Lily Showerhead. Here is how you can enter this amazing giveaway.

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Evolve and tell me which of the many showerheads or handhelds you think you would love to try.
Extra entries:
Follow me via Google Friend Connect 3 entries
Subscribe to my blog via email or Reader (You must Confirm) 6 entries
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook 4 entries
Follow me on Networked Blogs-2 entries
Tweet the giveaway,leave link to your tweet, include @ShowMeMama- 7 entries
Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs -3 entries
Add my button to your blog entry -5 entries
Enter one of my other giveaways-4 entries
Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post- 8 entries
Rules: Open to US!
Include email address along with first entry
Winners will be chosen by random
Giveaway ends June 25th at 11:59 P.M CST
Winners will be emailed and must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected.

Follow Me Friday

2010-06-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

It's Friday again and time to meet new friends and find new exciting blogs. Add your link here so others can find you!

Take 61 Seconds & Help This Mother

2010-05-30T21:32:00.001-07:00

One of my fellow TwitterMoms is in a children's story contest. View her super short video and that counts as a vote for her in this UK-based contest. The direct link is: http://bit.ly/cCiXz8

Contest ends 7pm EST on Memorial Day. Fast, 100% free, no sign ups, no registration. Your kids will love imitating the cute little British girl who narrates the story. Wholesome fun and free--what could be better on Memorial Day?

Blog Hop Friday

2010-05-28T07:36:00.001-07:00

Join the fun and leave a comment on each blog you follow that you are following from Blog Hop Friday.

Blog Hop

2010-05-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

This is a blog hop. Add your blog here!

New items on Etsy, Free Shipping!!!

2010-05-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just added some new items on Etsy, these items are ready to ship and for this week I am offering free shipping on them. As these items are already made sizes are limited. New items will be added daily so be sure to visit my store www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com.

Pettiskirts

2010-05-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

I just love pettiskirts, and the smile little girls get when they put them on. There is just something about all those ruffles that makes every girl feel special. Pair them with a tank top and you have the perfect outfit for spring or summer. Making more pettiskirts is definitely on my to do list so check back soon to see the newest colors and styles.

Blog Giveaway - Baby Burp Cloth

2009-10-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

At Bella and Gracie's we are so excited about our new family member Elise and would like to share the joy by hosting a giveaway. We are so blessed to have a new baby girl and thought a great way to celebrate would be to give other lucky mothers a chance to win one of our special burp cloths. It only requires to steps:
First: visit http://www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com and view the burp cloths on our site.
Second: Leave a comment letting us know which one you prefer.
The winner will be announced on 11/9 to give everyone the opportuntiy to enter the contest.

Bella and Gracie's Baby Shower Gifts

2009-10-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Bella and Gracie's family is getting bigger, quick!! With our niece just turning one, another one due any day, and one due next July we are bursting at the seams with babies!!! That put some pressure to come up with something special for our new moms and little ones.
Bella and Gracie's already carries a unique product called "Dreamies" which is a plush stuffed animal with an enclosed sachet. Each sachet is filled with the relaxing scents of lavender, lilac and chamomille. Sending each little one into sweet dreams.

We are proud to announce our newest addition of baby burp cloths. Each burp cloth is specially designed so that it fits perfectly on a mom's shoulder. The middle of the cloth is narrow, and each end is wider to absorb any spills. These cloths are made out of a combination of flannel, chenille and minky providing an extra soft surface for babies. Burp cloths can be purchased in baby girl colors or neutral colors for those who want to be surprised.

To purchase any of these products please visit the store at http://www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com.

Bella and Gracie's Fall line of Girls Dresses

2009-10-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

With the weather slowly changing here in Arizona I am starting to get in the "Fall" frame of mind. Although it is still getting up to a 100 degrees on some days the desire to put together some fall inspired outfits is eating at me. You can only wear tank tops and shorts for so long!!
Along with the vintage look I wanted to add some colors that pop and work well with layers. That was the inspiration for the red polka-dot dress with black flowered trim.
Although it is still warm enough to wear short sleeves here, this dress would look adorable with a white or black long sleeve shirt underneath. It can also be worn with the bow tied on the side, front or in th back. Pair it with some black tights and boots and you have one adorable outfit!!!
Visit my shop at http://www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com to find more girls dresses and skirts.

Bella and Gracie's Hits the Green

2009-10-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

After a request from a customer for some baby golf items Bella and Gracie's decided it was about time to hit the green. The result is some adorable dresses and bloomers that are perfect for a warm day of golf. From "Daddy's Little Caddy" to "Tea Time" and "Golf Princess" you are bound to find something for the avid golfer and their princess. As always, any of these items can be customized if necessary.

To view Bella and Gracie's products visit http://www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com.

Bella and Gracie's Ruffle Jersey Pant Set

2009-09-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Bella and Gracie's has found a new love. This adorable jersey fabric is perfect for the fall. Not only is it hip and trendy but it gives little girls the freedom to move around and be the princess that they are. Pants have an elastic waist and lucious ruffles on the bottom. The shirt is a peasant style, that is shirred at the top and has ruffles on the bottom of the shirt and the sleeves. This outfit is available in sizes 2-6, and comes with a matching headband.

For a limited time Bella and Gracie's is offering a discount to readers of the blog. To order this outfit visit http://www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com. Before ordering send Bella and Gracie's a convo to get your $5 discount, and a private listing will be set up for you.

Halloween Tutu

2009-09-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

Being a princess for Halloween has a new look. Bella and Gracie's has designed the perfect tutu for the all time favorite past time of trick or treating. With layers and layers of fluffy orange and black tulle this tutu is bound to get the little princess tons of treats!! Tutu has a orange and black bow in the front and comes with a matching hair clip or head band. To order visit www.bellaandgracies.etsy.com.

2009-02-26T05:16:00.000-08:00

Resources for Business
When I started my website two years ago I thought it would bring me tons of business, after all I can reach people all over the world and at any time of the day. Little did I know the amount of networking and research I needed to do to get my site to even show up on a google or yahoo search.
After traveling to marketplaces and holiday events for the past year I have decided it is time to do something about my website so it will actually serve its purpose.
I have joined several groups and networks and read tons of articles. I am in no way an expert on SEO or blogging and still have much more research to do. I did want to share the websites and groups that have been beneficial to me in providing useful information. Hopefully you will find these useful as well if you are trying to update your website and improve your rankings in search engines. If you have any to share, please post them in the comment box.
Groups I belong to:
Merchant Circle- here I have my own business page. You can network with other businesses and also gather great information about websites.
Biznik- This has probably been my greatest source of information. I read Zeke Camusio’s blogs daily. He shares so much information you almost feel guilty not paying him for it. This is also a great networking site.
Linked In- I just joined this and am still in the process of reaping all the benefits. There are literally tons of groups to join and network with. I think this will be very beneficial in the social networking department.
Website I found useful:
seochat.com- I have found many good articles on keywords, meta-tags, etc. on this site.
I also belong to Facebook, My Space, and Twitter. I have not explored the networking options for these sites yet as I am trying to get my website updated. With these four resources you are bound to find days worth of information to get you started and on the right track.
Karen Stinchfield
bellaandgracies.com
bellaandgracies.com/blog

Natural Alternative to Baby Powder

2009-02-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

When my children were babies I did not think twice about buying that bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby powder. Now tests show that some baby products can actually be harmful to children. The products of concern containphthalates, which are linked to reproductive problems. Although the use of this chemical is not restricted by the Federal Government, California and other countries have put restrictions on it.
Now I know it's hard to quit using a product every time an alert comes out that it may be harmful. Although, if there is an easy alternative, why not? Baby powder is actually quite easy to make and you probably have the products in your kitchen right now. After all, a natural alternative is much better than using a product that might expose your child to dangerous chemicals.
To make your own baby powder you will need:
2 cups cornstarch
1/2 cup arrowroot (if you don't have this you can find it at Sprouts)
Just mix it up and store it in a jar. You can also add some lavender buds, chamomile or jojoba oil. Lavender and chamomile have a calming effect while jojoba oil softens the skin.
Many companies provide a natural alternative to baby products, just a little peace of mind that you are doing all you can to make sure your precious one is safe.

Spring Fashion

2009-02-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

As the weather starts to warm up many of us will be cleaning out the closets and replacing the long sleeves with short sleeves and packing away the sweat pants. Unfortunately, with our children we know that also means a possible new wardrobe for the spring because they have most likely grown out of last years.
Bella and Gracie’s has a new line of dresses called “Pillowcase Dresses”. Yes, some of them are actually made out of pillowcases, but others are made from adorable spring fabric. What makes them so great is they can be layered with a long sleeve top and leggings for those cold days, and with a tank top for warmer afternoons.
Pillowcase dresses are good for year round weather and as your little one grows they can be worn as tops with jeans. Bella and Gracie’s can customize any dress, if you’re looking for matching ones for your daughters or as a gift, or would just like a certain style.
Please check the website bellaandgracies.com as new ones are added frequently.