♥ And the Winners Are....♥

Camelot's Treasures has reached the ♥ 100 hearts ♥ mark, which means 3 winners were chosen. Here they are:

1st prize goes to

izzilizzi of http://www.izzilizzi.etsy.com/

Colorful Corduroy Jumper


2nd prize goes to

knitster23 of http://www.knitster23.etsy.com/ and http://www.nolimitsfoundation.etsy.com/

$10 Gift Certificate for Camelot's Treasures



3rd prize goes to

sassyfrassykids of http://www.sassyfrassykids.etsy.com/

Red and Silver Swirl Earrings from Mallory Alisabeth




Thank you for all of you that entered and shared your love with Camelot's Treasures. Be on the lookout for the next giveaway in a few months!

Thank You to All Veterans and Active Duty Military

Thank you to all of those who have served, are serving, or will serve in the United States Military. It's because of you that we are able to live freely as we do.

Check out the documentary about a group of "Troop Greeters" from Maine, airing for the first time for a national audience on PBS this Veteran's Day. You can find out more information about it at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091110/ap_en_ot/us_veterans_day_troop_greeters.

Have you thanked the military, lately?

OMG - it's SNOWING!

Aww yes, it's inevitably that time of year, where the little white stuff can make an appearance. Although, it's still a bit warm where the snow is not sticking, it's still coming down, at a pretty good clip. So much for 30% chance of snow, on the interior of Maine - can't you get it right Charlie Lopresti?

100 hearts and we will ALL be winners!

Yup, I'm back and ready to pus the promotion as much as I can!

To recap, help me reach 100 hearts, and 3 winners will be awarded awesome prizes! Yay GIVEAWAYS!

So far, Camelot's Treasures is at 96 hearts and holding...so close, only 4 more hearts to go!

Just post your comment on this blog (either this post, or the originally post) about which is your favorite Camelot's Treasures outfit, and your name will be entered into the drawing. Friend Camelot's Treasures on Facebook , and earn another entry. It's that easy!

What a great way to kick off this holiday season,w tih one present out of the way.

Good luck!

Another Halloween Come and Gone...

This Halloween Theron and Mallory were Scooby Doo and Daphne - yes I can still get them to match theme-wise, but how much longer I'm not sure! They came home with LOADS of candy, we are set for the next year, and suprising some really good stuff too. I'm so glad that little old ladies have FINALLY realized that NO ONE likes that orange and black taffy candy...

But wait, what's that I hear in the background? It faintly sounds a bit like jingling bells...oh jeeze...

Another Etsy Maine Team Promotion

Because we were in the spirit of giving, the Etsy Maine Team will be donating 15% of all sales from participating seller's shops from 11/13 to 11/19 to Preble Street, a local homeless shelter.

Preble Street is a Maine organization which provides accessible barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty; and advocates for solutions to these problems. Watch their PSA here: http://www.preblestreet.org/home_for_good_video1.php

Help keep Maine women, men, children, and teens warm and empowered this winter!

A complete list of participating sellers will be posted on our blog, closer to the beginning of the promotion -- http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/

Camelot's Treasures and Mallory Alisabeth are proud to be a part of this promotion and this wonderful charitable team!

Help support the Etsy Maine Team Store

The way handmade should be!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is my ALL-TIME favorite Holiday and this year is no different from the rest! Like most folks, the idea of being able to be whoever you want to be on one night, appeals very much to me. Maybe it's because I always wanted to be an actress - up until the day I graduated High School and realized that maybe that choice would not pay the bills. Maybe it's because Autumn is my favorite season, and the colors, the temperature, and the feel just rejuvenates me and gets me prepared for the long holiday season to come. Or maybe it's just because I'm a child at heart, and any chance that I can use my imagination to con people out sweets is the best idea EVER! But no matter the reason, Halloween is here (finally) and I'm ready for it!

This year, I decided to enter one of my carved pumpkins into a contest. I figured that I didn't have a chance, because by NO means am I an artist. HOWEVER, suprisingly, I took home the prize - a $25 gift card to Hannaford (a local grocery store chain). YAY for winning!


Anyway, enough of my ramblings...let the festivities begin! Happy Halloween!

New Listings...Getting ready for the Holidays!

So the blog hasn't been getting much attention, with the craziness of our lives and then the upcoming Holiday Season, something always has to give. HOWEVER Mallory and I have been constantly working on stocking up our stores, and we are very excited about what we have to offer!

Some new things in Mallory's shop are:

Red and Silver Swirl Earrings

Black Tie Affair Earrings

Some new things in Camelot's Treasures are:


Black Floral Jumper

Purple Leopard Hoodie

Be sure to check back often for cool promotions and giveways, and of course NEW stuff!

Promo UPDATE

Only 5 more hearts to go until 3 winners are chosen!

I'll be promoting lightly this week, because of the craziness that Halloween is bringing, but next week I'll jump right back on the ball...unless I hit 100 hearts before then.

Thanks for all your support!

Promo - UPDATE TIME!

So we are getting closer....we only have 10 more hearts to go before the BIG drawing!

Hurry pass the word around, share the love and GOOD LUCK!

Mallory got her first Blog Feature!

The first few days of October, Etsy Maine Team sponsored a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, where "hunters" had to search through several Maine Team Shops for a cute little ghost. Winners of this hunt recieved a special prize from one of the shops that participated in the hunt. SOOOO the winner for for Mallory Alisabeth was cheekytreasures of www.cheekytreasures.etsy.com! And because she was SOOOO grateful for her wonderful prize (a halloween wallet and keychain) she decided to write a feature on her blog about Mallory's shop.

Check it out and share the love at http://cheekytreasures.blogspot.com

YAY for the handmade community!

My Very Own Promotion ... FINALLY!

So I have decided to do a special giveway - YAY for FREE STUFF! I wanted to spread the word about my wonderful collection of doll clothes, and right in time for the Holiday season. And 3 people will win a prize! Here's the nitty gritty details:

All you have to do is comment on this blog what your favorite outfit is in my store Camelot's Treasures (you can state the name, or post the link to it), and include your etsy account name or your email address - so I can contact you if you win.

The deadline to enter is up until the VERY last minute....and there is no pre-determined time. As soon as Camelot's Treasures reaches it's 100th heart, I will do a draw 3 names out of a hat.

*** If you want an extra chance to win, fan me at Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Camelots-Treasures/133763559872?ref=ts ) and then convo me, on etsy, with your Facebook information! After you do this I will enter your name another time - so you have double the chances to win a GREAT PRIZE! ***

Prizes for this contest are:

1st prize = The outfit that was most voted as the favorite (provided it's still available)

2nd prize = $10 Gift Certificate good towards any purchase in Camelot's Treasures.

3rd Prize = a pair of earrings from my daughter's store Mallory Alisabeth.

Spread the love, blog, tweet, and comment about this special promotion! I am so excited to get this finally started, and can't wait to share hear from you! I'll be updating the status of the contest as it progesses so keep on the look-out!

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

Mallory Alisabeth brings you Jewelry

After digging around in my bead boxes, Mallory has come up with some pretty earrings, that would make a great addition to anyone's jewelry box! Check them out at http://www.malloryalisabeth.etsy.com/ to see for yourself!

Promotion in the works....

So I think it's time for a special Camelot's Treasures Promotion again...details are in the works. It will have something to do with the 100th heart of my store (www.camelotstreasures.etsy.com) and a special drawing of sorts....

Will post official guidelines this Sunday...so be on the LOOK OUT!

The Etsy Maine Team Fall 2009 Scavenger Hunt

The Etsy Maine Team would like to challenge YOU to a Scavenger Hunt! On Wednesday, September 30th at midnight EST a list of Etsy Maine Team shops will be posted on the Maine Team blog, this blog, and others, as well as the Forums on Etsy. A link for the Forum Thread will be provided on Monday.

To participate, go through all the shops on the list, find a hidden ghost in one listing per shop, and keep track of those shops and listings! Send your list of shop names and the ghost listings to DreaBunny and you will be entered to win a prize from one of the shops you just searched through! You'll have from Thursday, October 1st until Saturday, October 3rd at midnight EST to send in your hunting list, and on Sunday winners will be announced!Spread the word, the more the merrier!

Etsy Maine Team Challenge: Accepted

So Peggy, from http://www.threebridgessewingco.etsy.com, came up with an idea the other day (admist her talking to herself through her 3 shops - pretty funny, but long story). She proposed an Etsy Maine Team Challenge, for any takers to list 5 new items (not renewed or relisted) each week for 4 weeks. Each shop that completed this task, would then be entered into a drawing at the end (Ocotber 16th) to win a special gift basket full of other Maineteamer's goodies.

I of course took this challenge, and thus far have listed my 5 items for the first week. Check out http://www.camelotstreasures.etsy.com, to see what 5 new listings I added...I'll give you a hint, they are all PJs. And I've already got next week's 5 sitting on my table ready to post! What great fun, and I'm TOTALLY excited to WIN!

Today's Goal

Maybe if I start putting things in writing they will get completed....so today's goal is finish 4 pairs of PJ's. Do you think I can do it?

Maybe it would help if I stopped checking my email, facebook, and for that matter not write this blog....Wish me luck!

Bitty Baby - Puppy Love - Video

Halloween Video for 2009

Interweaving the military with Camelot's Treasures

A few weeks ago, we found out that our family will be moving to Gaeta, Italy in May/June 2010 for our next duty station. Yes, I'm totally stoked on the whole European experience; I have been dreaming of the day that I could visit but now I get to live there for 3 years...WOW!

But after the initial excitement, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the great changes that will have to come in this move. I'm a frustrated over the lack of information there is out there concerning a Navy Family move to overseas. I'm constantly wondering what will happen to Camelot's Treasures during the move, and the stay over in Italy. Too bad there is no instruction manual on life!

So I've come up with an idea. I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but I want people to know there is some place where there is information concerning all of this. From today on, I will chronicle my journey before, during, and after the move as a military (especially Navy) family. And I will feature the idea of how to sustain this handmade business that I have made for myself.

of course, I will still "talk shop", letting you know what is going on in all three of our stores (http://www.camelotstreasures.etsy.com , http://www.malloryalisabeth.etsy.com , and http://www.christmasincamelot.etsy.com). But I'm going to use this as a journal of sorts. So feel free to post comments, questions, ideas, suggestions, what have you throughout this adventure!

That's it for now, though; lunch is on the stove, and the 2 year old is grumbling about being hungry. Such is life....

How do YOU want your Camelot's Treasures Doll Clothes?

Here's a little poll that will help me sell the clothes you want how you want them. Vote on it, and feel free to leave any additional comments if you want! Thanks!

♥♥ Grand Opening ♥♥

Christmas in Camelot (http://www.christmasincamelot.etsy.com) is finally opened! Though the items are slim, at the moment, hang in there for more holiday items soon to come!

Picks of the Week - Week of 8/18 to 8/25

Well it's been a few weeks since our last Pick of the Week - such is the status of summer vacations! But here is the latest picks, and the first time Mallory's store http://www.malloryalisabeth.etsy.com is being featured!

This week's pick of the week from Camelot's Treasures are these Wardrobe Essentials! This 7 pack of panties feature the Days of the Week, so you always know the date! Cute little gems and butterflies adorn the front of these, and they have pretty ruffled elastic waistband. These are PERFECT also for the Bitty Baby, especially for kid trying to learn to either be potty trained and/or learn the days of the week. You can check out this listing at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29085379.

The pick from Mallory Alisabeth is this cute hippo "Beaded Friend" keychain. This keychain features a cute light blue hippo figure, that has a moveable mouth, and a rounded back. It would be a perfect accompaniment to any keychain or backpack! The store also has a contrasting hippo in stock - made from dark blue beads. Youc an check this listing at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29011593.

Check out all the great items at both stores at Camelot's Treasures or Mallory Alisabeth! And stay tuned for the next "pick of the week!"

"http://www.flickr.com/photos/camelotstreasures/3828311868/in/photostream/"

♥♥ GRAND OPENING ♥♥ Mallory Alisabeth

The time has finally come and http://malloryalisabeth.etsy.com/ has opened it's virtual doors! Come check out all the cool handmade treasures desgined, created, photographed, and listed by 7 year old, Mallory!

Etsy Buy Handmade malloryalisabeth

Sneak Peek - Mallory Alisabeth

Mallory Alisabeth's grand opening is almost here, so I thought I would showcase a "sneak peek" of what Mallory has been working on for her store.

Handmade Gift Boxes

Handmade Gift Bags

Handmade Note CardsHandmade Stationary Sets
Handmade Beaded Keychains and Jewelry

Be sure to check out all of Mallory's creations at http://malloryalisabeth.etsy.com on Saturday , August 8th!

Picks of the Week - Week 8/4 - 8/10

A lot of stuff is going on around here, so Camelot's Treasures will be skipping the picks of the week this week.

Check in next week for the picks of the week....which will also include the new store http://malloryalisabeth.etsy.com. And then in a few weeks, Christmas in Camelot will be featured also!

Special Contest for Etsy Buyers

We would like to thank all the supporters of Camelot's Treasures and offer a special "contest." Our 50th HEART (♥♥) earns a free $5 Gift Certificate to be used in my store http://camelotstreasures.etsy.com! Spread the love to anyone you know shares the love of American Girl Dolls! And keep checking back for an update on the winner and for new fashions.

Taking Care of Business

I'm so excited...things are started to come together for the two new stores. I just ordered some stamps to use for packaging purposes for both new stores (http://malloryalisabeth.etsy.com and http://christmasincamelot.etsy.com) from a GREAT store who have used several times now for all my personalized stamping needs. Check out http://midtowntees.etsy.com they have great screen-printed t-shirts, along with their custom stamps!

I'll post some pictures as soon as the stamps come in the mail...I'm so EXCITED!

Picks of the Week - Week of 7/27 to 8/3

Forgive my lateness for this blog, I guess the addition of sunshine in our forecast has muddled my brain a bit! So here are the picks of this week!

This cute Yellow and Red Sundress is perfect for summer days! The yellow print, features varying sizes and styles of circles in orange, reds, and greens and the solid red top and hem completes it perfectly. I wasn't sure if the yellow and red would actually work, because I'm not a fan of that color combination, but now I'm convinced and it has become a favorite of mine! And to top of this outfit, a coordinating necklace is included with complimentary colors to the dress, made by my not-so-silent partner. You can find this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27634203.

Since the opening of my store, my mom has become a bit jealous of all of my fun and has decided to join me. This Blue Daisy Jumper is so cute, perfect for all the adventures a doll can go in during the summer. Plus there is a glimmer! All over the blue print, there are pretty silver sequins sewn into the fabric. The yellow rick rack that decorates the faux pockets, hem and bodice matches perfectly with the yellow shirt that can actually be a mix and match piece. And on those REALLY hot summer days, this jumper could be worn by itself! You can find this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25912309.

The last pick of this week is SOOO adorable! This outfit has it all: a shrug, a tank top, a skirt, a necklace, and a hair doo-dad. Oh yeah, and it's pink! What more could a doll ask for? To me, the thing that pushes the outfit over the top, is the cute little shrug. The shrug is made out of the same pink floral print the skirt is, HOWEVER it has a pretty hot pink ruffling around the neckline which makes it the piece to be had. What great mix and match this outfit has! Wouldn't the shrug look great with a comfortable pair of jeans, or the skirt with a pretty flowy blouse? We think so. You can check out this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27635049.

You can check out all the new fashions at Camelot's Treasures at http://camelotstreasure.etsy.com/!

That's it for this week; be sure to check in next Tuesday (which I promise it will be there this time!) for the new picks of the week!

Hair Doo-dad galore!

Today, we recieved our "custom ordered" hair doo-dads for Mallory's cute little pixie cut. And they are so CUTE! Mallory was so excited, she had to try all of them on, and can't figure out which is her favorite. Thanks goes out to Drea Carbone-Kubacki at http://bunnybaubles.etsy.com/ for a great experience. She was so great, that she even got cute little boxes perfect sized for little hair baubles and jewelry from http://angiesothers.etsy.com/. What a great handmade world we live in!

New Invoices...helping environment

In attempt to help Mother Earth, Camelot's Treasures has "gone green" the best way we can. We recycle packages that we will ship our product in, our packaging material is eco-friendly, our invoices are printed on recycled paper, and now we have reduced the size of our invoices to half sheet of paper. Our plan is to be around for a VERY long time, so we encourage anyone and everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle when they can!

BLOG of FAME

Here's a collection of satisfied Camelot's Treasures customers!


<-- Becca and Mia, from Maine, sporting their Brownie Uniforms.


--> Mallory and Angelica, from Maine, ready for a Tea Party.









<-- Winona and Kit, from Maine, posing for their first candid together.

Would you like to be a part of this Blog of Fame? Take a picture with your doll wearing an outfit from Camelot's Treasures and email it to guinivere17@gmail.com.

New Stores opening soon!

August is going to be a busy month for us! I have decided to branch out from just American Girl Doll Clothes and start making and selling other things that I enjoy just as much - holiday treasures. And Mallory has been begging me to open up a store for her, ever since I recieved my custom stamps from Midtowntees.etsy.com for Camelot's Treasures. So here's the lowdown.

Christmas in Camelot (http://christmasincamelot.etsy.com/) is planning on opening it's "doors" the middle of August. There will be loads of different holiday items, including stockings, ornaments, cards, placemats, etc...the list could go on forever. And the great thing about this new store will be the fact it will help my mom's recovery from double knee surgery go a bit faster - she has to take a break from the sewing pedal, and start working with her hands more. Mallory, my mom (Mary), and myself will be continously adding new things throughout the next few months, so keep an eye out for our new creations!

Mallory Alisabeth (http://malloryalisabeth.etsy.com/) will be opening it's "doors" as soon as Mallory, my 7-year old daughter, gets her butt into gear and finishes some of her projects. She is planning on including jewelry for little girls, notecards, gift bags, gift boxes, year-long ornaments, and whatever may please her for that moment. Of course, she will have the help of myself, and if she asks nicely her dad, but all of her creations will be her solely her design. What a great way to help learn about economics and saving money, methinks!

Anyway, so that's the jist of the what is soon to come. All three stores will be using this same blog as means to communicate - mainly because it will be easier for me to keep up with - and any news and updates for any of the stores, you should be able to find here.

Picks of the Week - Week 7/21 to 7/27

This week the favorites were chosen by my daughter, Mallory, who is 7 years old and the proud owner of one of the Camelot's Treasures' models, Angelica.

The cute Heart Cut-Out Tank outfit is a great versatile year-round ensemble any doll could pull off. The white tank top is fully-lined and features a pretty cut-out of a pink heart in the center to "jazz it up" a bit. The wide leg jeans are a great wardrobe essential, ready to pair up with any shirt in your doll's closet! And the pretty beaded necklace completes the look with a silver heart pendant! Check out this fashion at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27722337.

The next featured outfit was made by my mother, who has now decided that I shouldn't get all the fun of making doll outfits. This cute white and blue polka dot outfit is perfect for any summertime endeavor, but what it reminds me most of is camping. The cute sleeveless shirt has pin tucks, but doesn't button up for a nice cool feel. The coordinating wrap skirt is perfect for modest, but is also a fun way to keep cool on those hot summer days. And the turqouise tank is a perfect staple, mix and match it with any other outfit in your doll's wardrobe! Check out this fashion at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24629791.

Our combined all-time favorite outfit though, is this last outfit. This cute strawberry dress screams summer treats in the summer heat! The dress features pretty puff sleeves and an a-line hem that allows ample playtime while still looking pretty. And the pretty white, green, and red ribbon adornments just make this dress completely finished! Check out this fashion at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=25416541.

Love these outfits, but want to see more? Go to Camelot's Treasures store and check out all that is in stock - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6692216. And be sure to check back next week, for more picks of the week!

Think Pink

Camelot's Treasures has gone PINK crazy! I have just posted 3 new outfits all featuring (yup, you guessed it) hot pink as the main color, and as always they are MUST HAVES! Even for those that don't care for the color pink, will love the cute details included with all of these new outfits. Plus check out all the other great fashions at Camelot's Treasures -

more soon to come - http://camelotstreasures.etys.com!

Your opinion matters!

I'm trying to decide which I like better...the outside pictures, or the inside ones. Let me know which you prefer! You can leave me a comment here or send me an email at guinivere17@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your opinion!

Blog of Fame - Work in Progress

Starting in August, I'm going to do a once a month blog feature of "satisfied customers." I'm excited about this endeavor, especially since I've been waiting to have one for a long time! So be on the look out on August 1st, for my first edition of "Blog of Fame!" And if you're one of those customers that have purchased an outfit for me, feel free to send me a picture and you might be one of those featured!

Picks of the Week - Week 7/7 to 7/13

With the onslaught of Thunderstorms and generally gloomy days of the past few weeks, I've been pretty busy finishing up some new outfits that I'm excited about.

Of course the first outfit is the one inspired by the rain. Ruthie looks great in her raincoat, hat, and boots - ready to jump in the puddles at her whim! Cute little girls carrying pink and brown umbrellas avoiding the little raindrops all over the coat and hat, with contrasting bands of pink and brown flowers on the cuffs, brim and boots. It features a print by Alexander Henry in the Kitchen Collection including April Showers and May Flowers. You can purchase this adorable outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27018119

Another great outfit featured in my store this week is this cute Cowgirl outfit inspired by my childhood visits to my Grandmother's house. My grandmother has lived by a small ranch, and everytime I would visit her I was able to check out the horses, and watch a rodeo or too! And sometimes, if I was lucky, I was able to attend a small town country dance, where the girls wore denim and lace, and the boys wore cowboy boots and hats! This outfit features a cowboy-themed tiered skirt, a pretty white peasant blouse with flutter sleeves, and a coordinating "red bandana" sash perfect for any country dance Angelica wants to attend! You can purchase this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=27018790

I don't know about you, but when I think of summer, I think of SWIMMING! So every doll, like every girl, needs a cute ensemble to wear to the beach or the local community pool. This cute number features a triangle wrap top that ties in the back at the neck and the mid-back and cute surfer-like board shorts. The print is a ivy green tropical scene, with hibiscus flowers and palm trees, reminiscent of an island retreats. And this outfit wouldn't be complete without a floral lei! You can purchase this outfit at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25913015

Wanna check out all the great fashions at Camelot's Treasures - go to the source at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25913015. And check in next week for the new "Picks of the Week" Also, soon to be coming, a special sale each month, for ONLY those subscribed to this blog!

An abridged autobiography

Hi! Welcome to my blog and welcome to the wonderful world of Camelot's Treasures!

What is Camelot's Treasures and who am I, you ask? Well here goes..

Camelot's Treasures is a store I made to sell my creative articles. At the moment, it features fashionable handmade doll clothes to fit the American Girl and similar dolls. Inspiration from these outfits come from the fashion world around us, while I watch my daughter grow from a Dora the Explorer-loving to a Hannah Montana-loving to whatever comes next. You will find many outfits and fabrics that you might find in your local department store for girls.

I am Guinivere, hence the name of Camelot's Treasures. I have ALWAYS wanted to have some sort of business that featured the name Camelot...I know it's corny, but I think it works. And I like it. But NO ONE except for my grandparents call me that; friends now me as Guin.

Now for a little background on me. I'm a bit of a vagabond, or a wanderer. I've lived in 7 different states and I'm only 28 (at this moment anyway). I've been coast to coast, so if you want to know which coast has the better beaches, I'm the person to ask. Was I a military brat? No, well now I may be considered that, but not at the beginning of my life. My parents were tired of the rat race of California, so we moved to Kentucky when I was 14. Drastic difference, let me tell you!

I have been creative/crafty (not artsy, mind you) all my life. And I've definitely be an oppurtunist, although I never realized that until my freshman english teacher told me. I have always been on the look out for ways to either make others happy, while making money. I'm in my element when I'm in charge, so my ultimate goal was to one day own and operate my own business, and I didn't really care what it was.

I went to college a little later than some do, not right after high school. Life seemed to want to take me on a different direction, so I ended up enlisting in the Navy, getting discharged from the Navy, marrying my Marine boyfriend, having my first child, getting a divorce, then going to college. And all that before I turned 23! I attended Johnson and Wales University in Norfolk, VA, and recieved my associates degree in Culinary Arts. So, technically, I'm a chef by trade, and in my 10 year plans, I would definitely like to have my own restuarant; maybe even my own Bed and Breakfast. But don't ask me what my speciality is, because at the moment it's just Mac & Cheese.

I got married to my current husband, 4 years ago, and became a military spouse again. Shortly after moving to our current duty station in Maine, we had our son, and I became a stay at home mom.

Let me tell you, stay at home mom's deserve a medal or something! Don't get me wrong, I love my children (now 7 and 2), but I am not exactly a person who can be at home all day with the same people day in and day out. And I LOVE productivity. So when push came to shove, and there was no way that I could get a job in the outside world, I started to look for things to do that would fill that hole.

I became an active adult volunteer in the local Girl Scout organization; I am VERY involved with that, sometimes, now that I look back, a bit too much. It can be very overwhelming, albeit a LOT of FUN! But that wasn't enough...I wanted to make a little money on the side...so I started to look at my skills.

Being a personal chef really wasn't an option, because we only had one car. So that was no go. And I can barely stand being around my children f0r any prolonged time, so being a childcare provider was completely out of the question. But then one day my daughter asked me at the store if we could buy her Cabbage Patch Kid some clothes. I was up for it, but then I looked at the selection and the prices and was shocked! I couldnt' believe how much they were charging for almost ugly outfits - one of my daughter's outfits is yellow and brown, straight from the 70's...which is ok, if you like that stuff, but I don't.

I remember back when I was a child that my mother and grandmother both showed me how to use the sewing machine. One summer visit with my grandmother we made a cute little green and white striped short outfit, which now I look at wondering what I was thinking, but I remembered how proud of myself I was after it was completed. And after my daughter was born, I made her a few cute outfits, one that she wore for her 6 months pictures, actually. So I knew I could do it. I just had to convince my husband to take me to the store buy me a sewing machine and get rolling.

And the rest they say is history...

Now I'm looking for anyway to use my craftiness to make cute projects that I can share with others. And it's almost become a family event (sans husband, who isn't into this stuff), where my daughter and I have little "stylist" parties where we make necklaces and bracelets and come up with future outfits. It's a lot of fun, not to mention gratifying that something that I made makes another person happy. I LOVE seeing a girl's doll wearing the outfit that I made!

So that's it for tonight...I know it's a lot...please forgive me, this is my first "blog." Next time it will be shorter and a bit more concise...or let me know what you think you would like for me to share!

Thanks for reading!