New New New!

So I've had a lot of things on my plate lately, but finally managed to post a few new things in my shop. Here's a new blankie for some special little Schmooley to enjoy! Would make a lovely Christmas gift, and for the month of October you can have it shipped to you for only $1. I can also gift wrap it for FREE! What could be easier?

My new love...

Last week I ordered this bag from Bloomworks on Etsy. It arrived in a matter of days (seriously, it must've been a record shipment for the Post Office) and I am in LOVE with it! Never mind the fact that the print is one of my absolute favs, it's the best bag in the world. Lately I find when using bags with zippers, snaps, buttons, etc. the bag is always closed when I need to get into it, and have a Schmooley on one arm, Xavier on the other, and about a million other miscellaneous things in between. This of course makes it next to impossible to open the closure and get what I need (usually the keys to get in the car and unload above mentioned miscellaneous junk). This bag is perfect because it's deep enough you don't have to worry about stuff falling out, but there's no closure to deal with. Just reach in, and grab what you need! The 22"strap makes it the perfect length for a shortie like me. The bag is lined in a complimentary beige fabric, reversible, and there's a small pocket inside, done in the red wallflower print, that's perfect for your keys, cell phone, wallet, or whatever. I am done with carrying a purse and a diaper bag so for a long time now I've been searching for one that will do double duty, but not be too big and bulky. I've found it and I think you need one too :-) So go check out her shop and tell me what you think!

Now offering 50% off International Shipping!

That's right...in addition to items from my shop shipping to the U.S. for $1 this month, international customers can now take 50% off actual shipping costs! For most orders this works out to be $5.20, but you can convo me for a rate quote. Head over to Inspired by Schmooley on Etsy to check it out!

And don't forget to leave a comment here to be entered to win a FREE set of burp cloths, in your choice of lime, tangerine, or cherry dot print!

Don't these fabulous little treats look good enough to eat? These sweet felt sugar cookies are made by posieandme and can be found on Etsy. She also has some super cute felt hair clippies! You can view her shop by clicking HERE.

R E S P E C T

re·spect: to show regard or consideration for

What ever happened to respect? The more I look around, the less I see of it. Oh God, did I really just say that? I'm starting to sound like my Mammy. But really folks...when did our society become a place where it's apparently ok to purposely say hurtful things with the blatant intention of upsetting people? The more I think about this, the more I realize respect in general is just dead (and no, "dead" in this sense does not mean "cool").

When I was growing up my parents taught me respect. They taught me that it was ok to have my own opinions and defend my beliefs, but to also realize that other people's beliefs may be different from mine. And that it was ok to disagree, but to at least respect those beliefs. I have always tried to do just that. Growing up I was baptized and raised Lutheran. At a certain point in my life I realized that traditional religious beliefs were just not for me. I didn't, and still don't, really know what I believe in but I do feel that something greater is out there. Therefore I consider myself Agnostic and choose not to participate in any religious activities. I have never minded or disrespected other people's religious beliefs though. In fact not long ago I had a pastor knock on my door and invite me to join his congregation. I took the time to listen to his speech and thanked him before closing the door. He actually thanked me before he left and said most people just slam the door in his face. I don't agree with gay marriage. But my husband's Mother(s) is (are) gay, and have lived together for over 20 years. I lived with them for 3 1/2 years when Dathan and I first got married. Not one day that I've known them have I disrespected them for their choices, because they are choices they have made for themselves and just because I don't agree with them does not mean they're wrong.

Until today I can honestly say I don't think I've ever outright bashed anyone else's opinion. I am feeling guilty about it, but honestly I have had it up to here *holds hand above head about six inches* with people. Dathan put an idea in my head a long time ago about living in a cabin in the woods when it's just the two of us again. There was some argument at the time about how many acres of land we'd own. I figured between 5 - 10 would be plenty, but he wanted more like 100. Now I get it! If people are this disrespectful now, I can't imagine what this world will be like in another 25 years when we're ready for that cabin.

I'm not writing this to change anyone's mind about anything. But if everyone who reads this could show just a wee little bit of respect for someone today, maybe this world would be a better place.

Fabulous Find on Etsy

While browsing my Etsy favs today, I remembered tagging this adorable little shirt. It's a limited edition fall leaves shirt made by 3tsnme. Absolutely adorable and custom made in sizes 3-6 months thru 4T. I definitely have to snag one of these for Schmooley. I'd get one for Xavier but sadly he's outgrown the toddler sizes :-( Since it feels absolutely NOTHING like fall here, weather wise, maybe this will get me in the fall spirit. You can view the listing by clicking HERE.

Schmooley Happenings

I havn't added anything new to my Etsy shop in awhile, mostly because I'm working a few custom orders, but also because I'm waiting for these to arrive...



Pink Jelly Bean Bonanza


Sparrows and Sunbursts


When Life Gives you Lemons...



Lots of Letters!



These fabrics will soon be available in blankets, burp cloths, bibs, and washcloths, as well as a super special secret I'm working on! Check back soon or visit my shop for updates!



In the meantime, scroll down a bit and make sure to enter October's giveaway for a set of burp cloths! The winner will have their choice of tangerine, lime, or cherry dot print from Amy Butler's Lotus line, backed with a soft absorbant terry cloth. Each one measures approximately 10" x 19" so they are large enough to soak up whatever your little Schmooley happens to throw your way. To be entered into the drawing just leave a comment here for me. Comments must be left before October 31st and winner will be announced on or around November 1st.


Also, in honor of my first month of selling on Etsy, all items will ship for $1 during the month of October. So get those orders in before October 31st! Custom orders are welcome. Promotional rate applies only to shipping in the U.S. I will gladly ship internationally for the exact cost of shipping. Head on over to the shop and check it out!

Ask the Army Wife

First and foremost I would like to say to the family of SGT Ronald Coffelt, you are in my heart today. I was in line at a drive thru for lunch and was behind a green van. There were two decals on the van that said "My Daddy died for your freedom" and "My husband died for your freedom" SGT Ronald Coffelt, 19 JUL 07. Talk about a reality check, especially after searching through the casualty list to find out more about him. Sounds like he was an outstanding husband, father, and soldier and will certainly be missed by all whose lives he touched. As an Army wife I am well aware of the fact thousands of soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice since the start of the war, but today it really hit home.


Speaking of Army life, I am going to start something new. I know of so many spouses who join the military community and are completely CLUELESS about the way things work, sometimes even months or years later. And really, who can blame them? Our soldiers all get to go through lengthy training to get all the information they need on how the military works and how to do their job. In our house we have tons of books, binders, and training manuals on everything from rank to first aid, but they're all designed for my husband, not me. Spouses, or dependents as we're referred to, don't get training manuals. Often times soldiers don't share information with their spouses because they simply don't realize how "in the dark" their spouses are. There are a ton of resources out there for spouses new the military but obviously many spouses aren't finding the information.

I've decided to start accepting questions from anyone who is wondering about Army life. I like to be prepared, so before my husband even talked to a recruiter I was researching, researching, researching, getting my hands on everything I could to learn about what we were about to get ourselves and our family into. I will try to answer every question as honestly and accurately as possible. Please understand I am only going to be sharing my personal experiences and information I have found. Everyone's military experience is different, policies vary from unit to unit, and I have limited knowledge of branches other then the Army. But I am hoping that spouses who are feeling left in the dark and/or spouses such as myself who are trying to prepare themselves, can learn and grow from my experience. Anything you want to know, from why his pay seems wonky to what the heck does XYZ acronym mean, just ask away! Questions may be sent to inspiredbymyschmooley@hotmail.com. I will reply to each and every question, and post the questions and answers here on the blog. If you have a question about something you don't want shared on the blog I will still be happy to reply via e-mail.

Updating

It's been awhile since I updated here, but life has been insane with everything going on. It's finally sunk in that Dathan is gone, but life is back to a routine. I've been fortunate enough to hear from him a lot since he left, and I made my first sale on Etsy! Things are really starting to settle down a bit so I can start posting here on a regular basis. There are many new and exciting things happening both here in the Padgett household, as well as with Inspired by Schmooley!

I am doing a giveaway this month for a set of two burp cloths! You can view burp cloths I currently have for sale in my Etsy shop. The winner will have their choice of tangerine, lime, or cherry dot print from Amy Butler's Lotus line, and backed with a soft absorbant terry cloth. Each one measures approximately 10" x 19" so they are large enough to soak up whatever your little Schmooley happens to throw your way. To be entered into the drawing just leave a comment here for me. Comments must be left before October 31st and winner will be announced on or around November 1st.

Also, in honor of my first month of selling on Etsy, all items will ship for $1 during the month of October. So get those orders in before October 31st! Custom orders are welcome. Promotional rate applies only to shipping in the U.S. I will gladly ship internationally for the exact cost of shipping. Head on over to the shop and check it out!

Eeeek! I did it!

Well I finally took the plunge and listed a few items on Etsy. Check them out at www.inspiredbyschmooley.etsy.com. For the month of October all item ship for $1.00 in honor of my 1st my month as a seller on Etsy. Promotional rate applies for shipping in the U.S. International orders are welcome, but will be charged actual shipping costs.

In addition to the promotional shipping rates I will also be doing a giveaway at the end of this month. Every purchase from the shop will earn one entry in the giveaway. What will the special item be...stay tuned to find out!