I just wanted to say Happy Turkey Day! I hope you're all sharing this day with friends and loved ones, eating lots of yummy treats, and being thankful for everything there is to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Unfortunately I havn't been able to get as many things in my shop as I'd like to have by now. This is what happens when life gets in the way I guess. But that doesn't mean I havn't been dreaming up some yummy creations in my busy little brain! I finally got a chance to work on one of them today and am giving you a sneak peak...
It doesn't have a snap yet but I needed to share. Look for this and a new quilted patchwork style of bibs and blankets coming soon to Inspired by Schmooley. You can visit the shop by clicking HERE.

Here's another great gift idea for the Schmooley in your life...it's a personalized CD from JustMe!Music. I picked up one of these at the Holly Day show for Xavier and he loves it. His CD has over 20 songs, sung by Elmo, and each song has his name in it at least 2 - 3 times. It's like your Schmooley's favorite characters are singing just to them!

At the show the CDs were $26 or $20 each if you purchased more then one. Your character choices include Elmo, Barney, The Wiggles Veggie Tales, and Disney Princesses. You can order your own CD and get more information by clicking HERE.

Rub A Dub Dub

I'd like to thank everyone who contacted me regarding my last post. Your words of kindness and encouragement mean more then you know. I was really upset last night but am trying to keep busy and keep my mind off the deployment today. I can either fret about it or get over it, and I'm choosing to keep my head up and move on. Thank you again to everyone! I will have some more pictures and stories from Iraq, including photos of the Lumpling's journey, shortly.

With the winter weather upon us, I know I'm not the only one concerned about dry skin. For those of you who havn't already tried it I highly recommend getting some handmade soap. Commercial soaps contain all kinds of nasty chemicals and ingredients that may get you clean, but will leave your skin feeling dry and flakey. Handmade soaps are natural and gentle on your skin, and still get you clean. There's much more variety in scent, color, texture, and ingredients. I know I definitely notice a difference since I started using handmade and am going to share a few of my finds with you.

I found some great handmade soap at the Holly Days show in Fayetteville, NC, by Pretty Baby Soap Co. You can visit their website by clicking HERE. They had a deal, five bars for $20, which I fully took advantage of. They also offer a product called bath tea. It's a mixture of herbs packaged in a small drawstring bag similar to a tea bag. You dip the "tea" in the tub for a minute or so and viola! Your bath water is scented with calming stress relieving herbs. They're only three for $5 (think stocking stuffers!) so I loaded up and now have one hanging in everyone's closet, one hanging from my shower head so I get the aroma when I'm showering, and one in my dresser.

I also ordered some natural milk and honey soaps from Cottage Garden Therapies on Etsy. They are a husband and wife team based in Deep South Louisiana. They grow everything naturally in their own garden and handmake soap the old fashioned way. The packaging of these soaps is fantastic, and would make for a very pretty gift. Each soap is wrapped in paper, put in a little box and sealed with a wax seal. A very pretty label adorns the top of each box. I ordered Milk & Honey, Hippie in a Bar, and Pumpkin Spice, and was very pleased to also receive a full size sample of Celtic Sea Moss with my order! I will caution you though, when they say at least 10 - 14 days for shipping they mean it, but only because they want to make sure the products you receive are fresh. If you need something in a rush I'd highly recommend contacting them before you place your order to make sure they can do it. And their deadline for Christmas orders is December 10th, so hurry over to their shop by clicking HERE.

For Dathan I ordered some beer soap from Anderson Soap Co. I figured since he can't drink it over there, at least he can smell it. So I ordered the beer soap bar, which is made with Guinness, and new brew soap, which is made with Sam Adams. My order came with two small samples and was packaged very securely. It was shipped very quickly. This is another husband and wife team offering hot and cold processed soaps, scrubs, sprays, body butters, and lip balms. You can visit the shop by clicking HERE, or the blog by clicking HERE. What a great gift for the man in your life!

My sister-in-law Jes has been plagued by eczema and dry itchy skin for as long as I've known her. So as a gift I ordered her this gorgeous set from South Pacific Body on Etsy. It arrived today while I happened to be on the phone with her and she was thrilled! South Pacific Body's products are all handmade by a Jersey Girl living on the beautiful Jersey Shore. Yeah! Another Yankee, like me! Not only did the gift arrive quickly, it was also beautifully packaged and included a gift tag. Jes was thrilled with it and couldn't wait to hop in the shower and test it out. Visit South Pacific Body's Etsy shop HERE or their website HERE.

Handmade soap should always be stored on a dish like the one pictured above so it can dry properly. This gift set included a wooden soap dish but you can also purchase one separately from South Pacific Body. And, of course, they're handmade!

Not sure what to get for yourself or as a gift? Why not try a soap sampler? My sampler from Pixie Soap on Etsy just arrived today. These soaps are so fragrant I could smell them even before I opened the envelope. Five yummy scents to try...what could be better? They're also the perfect size for traveling, or in your guest bath, and would make perfect stocking stuffers. View Pixie Soap by clicking HERE.

We are going to be one super clean family for awhile!

Unlucky 13

13 months. That's how long it'll be before I see my husband again. Dathan got the word on when his mid-tour leave will be today and he's not coming home until NEXT October. That's 13 months without seeing the kids. I'm sad for me of course, but I can't believe he's missing 13 months of their lives. Especially Schmooley...she's such a Daddy's girl and is doing more and more things everyday. Her personality is coming alive and he's missing it. Yes he was here to see her crawl, walk, cut a tooth, etc. but now is when she's really starting to do all the cute stuff. She cuddles her stuffed animals and blows kisses and things like that. And Xavier, well he's becoming such a young man. Man I am bummed. :-(


Some pics right before he left in September...

Farewell dinner at the Olive Garden:

The night he left...

More Gift Ideas!

I came across this gorgeous baby/toddler blanket by hoobaleedoos on Etsy. Not only do I love the fact that it's larger then most (32" x 32" square) but I was also super inspired by it! The back is a pink and green leaf print from Heather Bailey's Freshcut line. I picked up some of this fabric awhile back from a local quilt shop and couldn't quite figure out what else to pair it with. She's got a lot of other great items in her shop, and she offers a convenient layaway plan! You can view the listing by clicking HERE.







You could say I have a small obsession with sock creatures. This most likely comes from the fact I have attempted to make sock monkeys myself on many occassions and they all come out miserable, poor guys. If we ever get another dog at least he/she will have lots of chew toys! This adorable little creature by teapotkate is named Beatrice. If you adopt her and her brother, Bernard, you'll get a discount. But at only $20 each they are already a steal! Click HERE to see the listing.







We also have a small J.R.R. Tolkien obsession in the Padgett household and therefore I HAD to share this one:
It's a hobbit door by WeeFolkOutfitters. I firmly believe in wee folk, and have ever since I was a little girl and heard the tail of the brownies (if you were a Girl Scout, I know you'll understand that). They offer several different styles of doors but this is my favorite. I'm definitely getting one for myself, and my fairy obsessed friend Amber. But shhhh, don't tell her! You can see more from WeeFolkOutfitters by clicking HERE.

I had a proud Mommy moment this week and since my camera finally decided to cooperate I can share it with all of you! Schmooley has decided to share in my fabric obsession...this gorgeous Michael Miller disco dot print arrive the other day and she just couldn't get enough of it.

A new style of blankets, as well as bibs and burp cloths will soon be available in this print in my shop.

Warning!

With the holidays fast approaching I'm constantly thinking about toys for the kids, my niece, and my nephew. All the recent toy recalls have me completely freaked out! I asked my Mom the other day how many of my toys were recalled when I was a child. She can't recall a single one. In the last few months I've had to return, replace, or throw away six items between both Schmooley and Xavier, and I know I'm not alone. Therefore this year I am going all handmade, or made in the USA.

The latest recall I've read about has to be the most shocking one I've heard so far. It was reported on The Mommy Designer Blog (go check it out if you havn't already...it's FABULOUS!) that Spin Master's Aqua-Dots have been recalled. They may possibly contain a date-rape drug. A date-rape drug! Can you believe that?! The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to eachother when water is added contains a chemical that may turn toxic when many are ingested. If your child swallows the beads they may become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures. And, of course, they were made in China. No suprise there. If you have any of these beads you can read the CPSC report HERE, or by visiting Spin Master's website HERE.

Scary stuff! On a positive note, I am having fun finding toys I think my little Schmoolies will be delighted with this year. I thought I'd share a few of my recent finds with you...

First up is Chester the Sock Dog by Doodlebugfinery on Etsy. He's about 15", and looks as if he's fully housebroken. That's my kind of dog! Xavier has been asking for another puppy so this is definitely on my list for him. She's also got some great onesies and tees listed in her shop.

Next is a Kawaii owl hat crocheted in any size you'd like by tiptopapplesauce. Schmooley HAS to have one of these this year! She guarantees everything 100% and takes custom orders. I know Schmooley will be unique in this, as well as the oh-so important CUTE!

I'll be posting more of my finds soon, but in the meantime if you have great handmade or made the USA gifts and toys you'd like to share with me, either leave a comment or send an e-mail over to inspiredbyschmooley@hotmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

October's Burp Cloth Giveaway Winner!

Busy busy busy we've been, so I'm sorry I'm a little late in posting this. I'm proud to announce that the winner of the first official Inspired by Schmooley giveaway is...Hilary! AKA mommyknowsbest. Hilary if you could, please e-mail me at inspiredbymyschmooley@hotmail.com and let me know if you'd like these burp cloths in lime, tangerine, or cherry dot. I can't seem to find an e-mail address for you. I will get to work on them as soon as you let me know your color choice and you should have them in about two weeks.

Just in case anyone was wondering, the winner was drawn by a very fair and impartial judge...Schmooley! She picked the name out of a hat. I have pictures and will post them as soon as I can locate the USB cable for my camera, which seems to have gone missing.

Thanks to everyone who entered! More giveaways will be coming in the near future. Make sure to check back often. You can also visit http://www.inspiredbyschmooley.etsy.com for more goodies for your Schmooley.

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!

Why orange is my new favorite color

Sorry I havn't updated this in awhile but life has been crazy. Dathan left for Iraq on Monday night, with the Lump in tow, and we pretty much spent the whole weekend getting together the last minute things he needed and just spending quality time together as a family. He's only been gone a few days, but it's been an interesting few days to say the least.

My friends Samantha and Randy found a poor kitten wandering around outside their barracks the night Dathan left. What idiot would just leave a kitten there, with a kennel, food, and toys? I would've kept her but she did not like Gandalf (my senior fur baby) and well, I just didn't want those sharp little claws around Schmooley. There was an issue with a puppy following kids to Xavier's school that I won't even go into details about because I'll start crying again. Dathan's Mom was in the hospital as the result of a nasty stomach infection caused by prescription drug interactions. And Xavier, Schmooley and I are all sick with a wicked cold. That's the part that just makes it more interesting I guess :-)

So that's life as an Army wife, I know. Believe me I am not complaining because I would rather give up my husband here and there to live in a country where I can have all the freedoms I have, then to be together all the time and oppressed by some tyrant. And I'm glad there are men and women out there who serve because I could never do it. Sometimes I just need to let it out, and truthfully I find it funny that life is always pretty dull until it's time for him to go somewhere.

So on to why my new favorite color is orange :-) Well, last night Ms. Cadence decided 11pm was a good time to wake up, after she'd been sleeping a few short hours. She stayed awake until almost 4am this morning. I got to a point where I almost couldn't take it anymore. I hadn't heard from Dathan since he left, and truthfully I wasn't expecting to hear from him until after this weekend, but I thought if I could just hear his voice for a few minutes and know that he was safe I would feel so much better. And so I prayed, which is not something I ever do being Agnostic, but I did. I didn't pray to God, but I did pray. And my prayer was answered. Sitting there in my dark living room, with Kleenex stuffed up my nose and a cranky stuffy Schmooley on my lap, I saw the orange light on the phone light up, and I knew without even looking at the caller ID that it was him. And it was. Who else would call me at 2am? We only got a few minutes to talk, but I got what I needed. And that's why orange is my few favorite color.