41 In Life

Let’s Go for a Walk

November is here, can you all believe it? I certainly can’t. And my baby turns 5 today, I can’t believe that either! With a new month comes new sponsors, new offers, and a whole slew of beautiful items! I love that I have the opportunity to share my blog with such a wonderful group of talented women!

I decided this month to take a little walk down the sidebar to introduce you to the fine and talented women!

Our first stop: EMMY LU DESIGN STUDIO & BLOG {the masterminds behind Morgan’s precious birthday invitation… which can be found under the Party collection on their website!}

invite1

Who: Bethany, she is a designer, thinker, home-keeper, gardener, wife, daughter, friend, and creative with a love for simple pleasures: summertime at home, sunshine in the window, fresh baked cookies, and crisp, clean sheets. She grew up in the northwoods, and then settled in a small town on the edge of the city. “Home” is a little Cape Cod that she shares with her husband and her yellow lab, Emmy. In her spare time she loves to create, sew, learn, explore, photograph, design, cook, write, think, plan, dream, walk, play, and ponder.

What: Emmy Lu Design Studio is pleased to offer printable design files, an innovative and unique approach to invitations and stationery. Their stylish DESIGNER+DIY stationery and invitations are each individually created by graphic designers, then personalized with your unique details and wording, and finally sent to you via email as high-resolution PDFs. These PDFs are ready for printing at home or at your local print shop. The best part of this system is that you are able to save big bucks on an invitation or stationery design that looks distinctive and stylish. There are no “minimum order” requirements, and you are allowed the flexibility to choose and purchase your own paper and envelopes direct from the paper warehouses without paying a marked-up rate. With their hand crafted and customized designs, you can easily have the beautiful, designer stationery or invitations you’ve been dreaming about, without putting a big dent in your budget.

They are launching their Baby, Holiday, Party and Personal Stationery lines within the week!! In December, they will be releasing several new products, including 2010 calendars, recipe cards,  calling cards, and a full line of kid’s birthday party invitations!

 Next stop: Smitten & Co.

smitten2

Who: Tara, a precious and loyal friend who’s always been there for me; one I’ve loved keeping in touch with through the years and one who had to endure all the same classes in college that I had to {thankfully we could endure them together– with lots of laughs and a few tears along the way}! Tara is the owner, creator, and designer behind Smitten & Company. She has been making customers fall in love with their precious personalized tees for over a year now {myself included}!  She is so thankful that her business has taken off like it has because it affords her the opportunity to do what she loves while staying at home with her little girls.

What: Custom t-shirts for children {& adults}!  When you purchase tees from Smitten & Company, not only will your children be sporting original designs, but they will be made with the highest quality materials on the softest, thickest shirts around.  If you’re looking for unique clothing for your children (and adults, too!) you can’t go wrong with Smitten!  Boys and girls love them just as much as Moms do!  This season, Tara has added dresses for girls up to a size 6 that go perfectly with leggings and tights.  And if you’re already thinking about Spring, she has ruffled bloomer sets for baby girls that were very popular among Moms last summer!  Beat the holiday rush and place your order with Tara today….I know you will be smitten with Smitten!

Special offer from Smitten & Co.: Free shipping during month of November and 10% off orders of 3 or more shirts.  Mention FLY THROUGH OUR WINDOW at check out.

Next stop: Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals  

beach

Who: Melise Harris, Harris Properties Gulf Shores Beach Vacation Rentals. Melise is a work at home Mommy of a precocious 2 year old girl. She does have a personal blog and would love for anyone who reads Fly Through My Window to follow but they keep it private because their daughter is adopted. Please email Melise if you’d like to read along, melise.harris@gmail.com.

What: Harris Properties is a family run beach rental vacation business. They have 15 houses along Alabama’s beautiful gulf coast. All of their properties are actual houses (no condos), family friendly, pet friendly and ocean front (no second tier lots). Nothing separates you from the ocean but the sand! When you call their 877 number you’ll get Melise! They have awesome off season rates coming up in the Fall and toward the Spring.  A couple of families    going in together can get a house for as little as $50 a night!

Special: This month they are offering 20% off the rental fee if you mention the blog!

Next stop: EngLady.

englady

Who: Katherine Yokley, who feels designing jewelry is a creative escape that brings her great joy, and she hopes to impart some of that bliss to each recipient of her pieces. 

What: EngLady jewelry combines modern fashion with a hint vintage charm. Katherine lovingly creates each piece using hand-selected gemstones or freshwater pearls with sterling silver. A romantic at heart, her designs are inspired by beauty in its many forms, whether it is an impressionist’s painting, an architectural detail, a stormy sea, or an unfurling flower. She gravitates towards versatile pieces that work equally well for a casual day or a special evening, and this preference is reflected in

A special sneak peek for blog readers from Katherine, “My initial pendants will debut later this month {pictured above}. They are handcrafted using ornate wax seals and fine silver and will include a sterling silver chain. The included photo shows a prototype. The pendants are perfect for holiday gifts, and like everything else in my shop, they will be gift boxed and tied with a satin ribbon.”

Special: 10% off and free shipping during month of November if you mention the blog!

Next stop: Lovely Stitches.

lovelystitches

Who: Lorinda, a mother of three who loves all things personalized!

What: A wonderful online business full of all things personalized and monogrammed! You name it, they have it, from jewelry to clothing and everything can be personalized.

Special: All Christmas ornaments are buy one get one half off this month… just mention the blog!

 Next stop: Lisa Leonard & blog.

lisaleonard

Who: Lisa is a mommy to her boys, David, 7 and Matty, 5 and wife to Steve. In between school and work they spend their time playing outdoors on the central coast of CA, eating chocolate chip pancakes, tapping tunes on the piano (David) and choreographing elaborate lightsaber duels (Matty). And… she creates handmade jewelry and love taking pictures.

What: Their handmade jewelry is meaningful, unique and perfect for everyday. Each piece is hand-cut, hammered, antiqued and polished sterling silver. You can create a custom mommy necklace or a piece with a meaningful phrase or date to wear near your heart.

Special: Enter ‘ourwindow15’ for 15% off during the month of November!

Next stop: Kendall Boggs Fine Art & Blog

 kendallboggs

Who: Kendall Boggs. Kendall had her first art show in May and sold her first painting and since then has sold 20 more. She was selected “artist of the month” for the Greensboro Art Alliance and won honorable mention in the prestigious Hampton Art Show for one of  her Angel Series paintings. She has also joined an art gallery with 13 others at Lake Oconee called “Art of Oconee” And has most recently been asked to participate in the prestigious Trinity Art Show for Trinity School in Atlanta. 

What: Kendall paints large format paintings with molding paste and acrylic.  Sometimes she uses a heavy varnish and many times she throws coffee grinds on the canvas! She is inspired by memories so unless she is painting a painting for someone specifically, she usually doesn’t know what the outcome will be until she is finished.

Special: Kendall is currently hosting a giveaway on her blog for her latest painting “Grace”… she’d love for those who comment to share how they ‘say grace’ for an opportunity to win!!

Next stop: Stella & Dot

stellaanddot

Who: Paloma Contreras, the founder of La Dolce Vita, an interior design and lifestyle blog. Her mission is to feature all of the elements that make up La Dolce Vita, or “the sweet life”: interior design, fashion, travel, great food, and inspiring people and places.

What:  A few months ago, she came across some jewelry by Stella and Dot and was instantly smitten! She decided to join in on the fun and became a stylist with the company. Stella and Dot’s fabulous line of jewelry has been featured in countless magazines and publications including InStyle, Lucky, Elle, The New York Times, and on the Today Show and is a favorite of celebrities and women everywhere. So what makes Stella and Dot special? It’s their line of versatile, high-quality (the jewelry is made by the same people who make jewelry for Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Lanvin, and Dior), celebrity-coveted jewelry with many options under $40. Whether you like pearls, crystals, natural gemstones, or initial charms, there is something for every taste and every budget!

Dear Justin, I’d like the necklace pictured above for Christmas.

Next stop: Noteworthy & blog.

noteworthy 

Who: Christy Stargel, a stay at home mom with three little ones (5, 3 and 10 months).  She has been selling stationery for over ten years and loves the entire process from meeting people and hearing their story to picking the perfect paper for them – whether that’s Christmas Cards, birthday party invitations or enclosure cards.

What: Christy sells every kind of personalized stationery imaginable and even carries some lines that aren’t on her website.  What makes her shop unique is the customer service you will get.  She will help you find, design or create the perfect card just for you!  One fun thing she sells {that isn’t on the website} is sippy cup labels! They are 100% guaranteed for up to 6 months which means the entire set will be replaced if they fade at all in the dishwasher. Contact Christy if you are interested christystargel@att.net !

Special: 10% off their entire order through the month of November.  They can redeem the discount by using Coupon code “Darby”.

 Next stop: Baby Oso {Paige’s purse pictured below; the girls both have one {thanks, Meredith!} and we call it their “Quiet Church Purse”! We pack it full of crayons, paper, lip gloss, & little toys to insure a “quiet” time in the pew! 🙂

 babyoso

Who: Baby Oso is owned by Meredith, a mother of 2 little ones!

What: Baby Oso is an online children’s embroidery boutique! Full of all sorts of wonderful goodies! From clothes to lunch boxes… they have it all and everything can be personalized!! 

Special: The discount is for 20% off total purchase, the discount code is Darbydiscount20 and it expires Nov 30 2009

 Next stop: Molly Caroline Designs & BLOG 

 mollycaroline

Who: Ashley {who sent me the fabulous key fob above and saves me regulary from digging to the very bottom of my purse {which is a very scary place}!! Ashley is the owner/designer of Molly Caroline Designs, a stay-at-home mom nurturing her creative side, she loves to create and make fun things for kids as well as adults. Her company originally started as simply a stationery company after making her 1st child’s birth announcments.

What: They offer stationery, stamps, stickers, precious plates I showed last month, clothing, and gift items; her designs are all created by her and inspired by the things her kids find intersting and fun, she loves taking special requests from her customers to design new things! She hopes to have their new web-site designed and launched by Spring 2010.

Special: The 12 Sales of Christmas, going on from now until December 5th.  Take advantage of different sales throughout the next month including free shipping and special discounts.  There will be a “One Day Sale” on the 25th with awsome discounts and giveaways featured  on the blog.

And last but certainly not least: Pixelimpress

pixelimpress

Who: Pam. She’s the creator behind pixelimpress, a little stationery biz.  She lives 30 miles east of Seattle with her husband Steve, dog Pixel and two cats. She has math degrees, but discovered her creative side 2 years ago, and started this stationery business. She loves golf, a good book, sudoku puzzles, chocolate,  magazines, color, paper, maui, blogs, bedtime, spinach, antiques and a handwritten note! {And I LOVE HER  DESKTOP CALENDARS!}

What: Cute paper goods! Pam loves paper, patterns and colors. She loves modern and traditional. And she loves fonts. She loves trying to find the unexpected yet beautiful way of mixing all of those to create a look that’s unique. She tries to be environmentally conscious and use recycled materials as much as possible. And she, of course, strives to give excellent customer service.

Special:  Pam is extending free shipping for ‘fly through our window’ readers until november 15th. Simply place your order at her etsy site (without paying), and let her know you  have come from the blog. She will then send you a revised invoice with no shipping charges!

Go check them all out… they have WONDERFUL stuff! And I asked Rover what he’d do if you didn’t…

smitten

Please, spare me the screaming!

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  • Chelsea
    November 4, 2009 at 9:56 am

    I love all of your great sponsors, they are all so perfect with Christmas on the way! Thanks for highlighting them! Love your blog, and have a blessed day!

  • Meredith
    November 4, 2009 at 10:10 am

    love all the sponsors! what great stuff!! happy 5th birthday to morgan!! i hope she has a wonderful day! i know she must be so excited for her tea party! the invitations are precious!!

  • Tara McClendon
    November 4, 2009 at 10:15 am

    Happy Birthday, Morgan!!!!! Hope you have the most fabulous birthday in the world! Turning 5 is BIG TIME!!

  • mommasissy
    November 4, 2009 at 10:24 am

    Dear Chance,
    I want that necklace too.
    Love,
    Your wife

    Darby,
    These are AWESOME!!!!!!! Such great Christmas ideas… thanks for sharing!!!!!
    Happy Bday to my Morgie Girl!!
    XO
    Mommasis

  • Tara
    November 4, 2009 at 10:33 am

    I need one of everything. Enjoy hosting the tea party Happy Birthday to your now “big girl”.

  • Dina
    November 4, 2009 at 11:00 am

    I’m in LOVE with Stella & Dot! Thank you for sharing this~what great pieces AND they’re actually affordable for us “regular peeps”!!

  • Paloma {LaDolceVita}
    November 4, 2009 at 11:05 am

    Morgan and I share a birthday!! Happy Birthday, Morgan! 🙂

  • Kasey
    November 4, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Love those shirts for kids. Too cute. Just sent out a mass email to my non blogger friends about this deal!! Thanks.

  • duchess
    November 4, 2009 at 11:21 am

    What great stuff! I’d love to start off with the beach rental & browse the rest from there. Thanks, ladies.

  • Allyson
    November 4, 2009 at 11:26 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN!! I was at a kid’s birthday party the other day and someone gave a plate like John Martin’s. You’re giving everyone great ideas for Christmas :). Hope y’all have a WONDERFUL DAY celebrating Morgan’s birthday! I can’t believe she is FIVE!!

  • GRace
    November 4, 2009 at 11:28 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MORGAN!

    Love your sponsors Darby! I will definitely be doing some “sidebar” xmas shopping.

    xo

    g

  • Beth
    November 4, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Love this post! I never take long enough to look around, but now that Christmas is coming, this is great!
    I am one of those infamous blog stalkers that never takes long enough to comment. I love all your great ideas!
    I am remembering your post from about this time last year where you were making lots of Christmas gifts.
    We are one EXTREME budget for Christmas this year. I am a stay at home with our four kids and we are building a new house.
    So…. my question for you… I am looking for men’s gift ideas. I am coming up with a wealth of ideas for all the women and girls, but really struggling with the men. Do you have any great ideas?

  • Jess
    November 4, 2009 at 11:41 am

    hi darby! i LOVE your blog! i gain so much insight and inspiration from you! i thought the least i could do is give you my staple fall/winter recipe. i know you like quick and good recipes! 😉

    Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

    INGREDIENTS

    1 onion, chopped
    1 can pinto beans
    1 can black beans
    1 can whole kernel corn, drained
    1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
    1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
    1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
    3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
    shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
    sour cream (optional)
    tortilla chips or Fritos Scoops (optional)

    DIRECTIONS

    Place the onion, pinto beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.
    Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and tortilla chips or Fritos, if desired.

  • Malissa Sanders / Batter Up Designer Cakes
    November 4, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    Long time reader – first time stalker! I adore your blog and wish you’re children were mine! I don’t have any kids so if you ever need a babysitter….hint, hint! {not that you’d let a complete stranger into your home to watch your offspring…but hey, if you ever get desperate!} They just make my heart melt. You are a wonderful inspiration and such a Godly lady. Thanks for sharing your God and your Life with us!
    Great gift ideas – just in time for the Holidays!
    And I know you’re handy in the kitchen, but if you need someone to make your special occasion cakes – I’m local, so give me a shout!
    https://smalltownonhwy431.blogspot.com/

  • Katie
    November 4, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    Bless his bones! That’s a “real good cry” if I’ve ever seen it! Kendall Boggs’ work is incredible! I’m excited to check out the other fun things as well! Thanks!

  • A. Hilborn
    November 4, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    This is my first time to comment, but I’ve read your blog for a little while now! Thank you for sharing all of these near items and creative women. There are so many things I saw that I love and I can’t wait to check out each site! Happy Birhday to your little one!

  • stephanie
    November 4, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Hi Darby-

    Happy Birthday to your daughter! It is also my sons B-day today…he is turning 14!!! I just thought it was funny that it is on the same day:)

    Stephanie (in Az)

  • TMiller
    November 4, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Hi Darby, several months ago I discovered the smitten & co. website on your blog. I ordered a t-shirt for our little guy announcing that he would be a big brother! The shirt was great quality and very cute- even with the dirt, juice and other random stains that we seem to be attracted to! Thanks for the other products!

  • mandy
    November 4, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    What great ideas! Can’t wait to do some shopping now!!

  • pam
    November 4, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    happy birthday morgan! thanks darby for the post! pam

  • Susan V
    November 4, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Thanks for all the gift ideas!! I love Smitten & Co. I actually found Tara on Etsy before I read about her on your blog. Small world!

  • Stephanie
    November 4, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    How inspiring to see so many women who are able to be creative and entrepreneurial while still staying at home with their little ones! What a blessing to be able to combine two passions. I will definitely be checking all of these out!

    And happy birthday to Morgan!

  • Rebekah (Yeebird)
    November 4, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Love your sponsor walk!
    I’m wishing for that red necklace, too!

  • Maggie @ Living the Life of Riley
    November 4, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love Smitten & Co. I have gotten several cute shirts from there and loved them. Tara is so easy to work with. I am definitely to take advantage of the discount. Thank you!

  • Melise
    November 4, 2009 at 9:32 pm

    Oh Yes! Perfect timing for Christmas! Gosh everything is so great! Thanks Darby!

  • Katie
    November 4, 2009 at 10:35 pm

    Thank you for these sponsors! I just ordered a tee for my son’s second birthday from Smitten, and that red necklace is to die for (and has just gone on my Christmas list as well)!

  • Lisa
    November 4, 2009 at 11:29 pm

    Hi Darby! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile – your kids are so beautiful and I love hearing about all your adventures. 🙂

    I’m a Stella & Dot stylist as well and just wanted to say that anyone in the Maryland area can contact me for a party to earn free jewelry, including that pretty necklace! Thanks 🙂 Keep it up!

  • Allyson
    November 5, 2009 at 12:51 am

    happy birthday morgan!

    my little guy’s 5th birthday was today too! up until a month ago he was the baby of the family (with two older siblings)and a lot of the stuff john martin does reminds me of hudson and makes me laugh! these sweet boy are going to give us premature gray hair! good thing they are so precious and completely adorable! we refer to hud as “hudson the handful”…however hornet and rover would fit also!

  • kendall boggs
    November 5, 2009 at 6:11 am

    Thanks Darby for doing this!! You are one amazing young lady! Happy Birthday to Morgan!!!
    May your day be full of blessings!
    xo
    Kendall

  • chan
    November 5, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Thank you for this walk. I ordered Christmas presents and and a “me-present” from Eng Lady. Beautiful jewelery, very reasonable prices and bargain on shipping. I am sure I will shop there again!

  • April
    November 5, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    The “Little Feet” necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs is already on my Christmas list!! And who ISN’T smitten with Smitten! 😉

  • Meredith
    November 5, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    Great! I’m checking them out. Shopping, shopping, shopping! Thanks!

  • Kyle Lynn Koerner
    November 5, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    so many delightful things to choose from! I love the invitations!

  • Laura
    November 5, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    I will be showing my husband that necklace too! It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing such fun finds!

  • Sara in SF
    November 5, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Hello! I am new to your blog and wanted to say hello. Your children are BEAUTIFUL and your voice is so upbeat and joyful. I have no children but desperately crave them, and you are an uplifting inspiration to read. Happy Thursday!

  • Ashley Buchanan
    November 5, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    I ordered the turtle purse and a dog backpack! Thanks for the link and discount!!!

  • Mandy Norris
    November 6, 2009 at 9:22 am

    Thanks so much!!! I have ordered from three of these companies in the last few weeks and everything I have gotten is so precious and cute and of great quality. Now I think it is my turn to order something for me….Thanks again and JM is so precious! I am loving me some boys these days! Mandy

  • Betsy
    November 7, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Hi, Darby! Just wanted to let you know that I ordered some custom items from MollyCarolineDesigns after finding her on your site – she was a joy to work with and the clothes are adorable! Thanks!

    Betsy

  • Mandy Norris
    November 8, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    So I ordered more Christmas presents…how could I resist? Thanks again…I know you have to read this blog – the pioneer woman. com…but I have been reading it for a while and it is so good and I know you either do or will love it! Thought you would enjoy! Mandy https://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/

  • Kelli
    November 8, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    Darby:
    Follow your blog all the time, and have for over a year! Remember last year, you SO helped me get into canning and doing the apple butter. I think you are quite inspirational and real!
    Would love, love to get in contact with your friend about the Gulf Shores home rentals! Please forward me any info/photos you can, at your convenience. Would love to follow her blog, if she allows.
    Thanks so much. Happy Fall!
    Kelli Linkis <<

  • Holly
    September 30, 2010 at 7:26 am

    Do you know if Molly Caroline is still in business? I would love to have some of the key chains pictured above for gifts!! I couldn’t link to her site for some reason. Thanks!

    Holly