B3Boutique

Dallas World Aquarium

2010-03-21T21:10:00.008-05:00

Spring Break is coming to an end and since we stayed home, we decided to take the kids to the Dallas World Aquarium. Well, so did everyone else cause it was packed...bumper to bumper! It felt like waiting in a long line for a ride at an amusement park. Since there were 3 floors, it was a very long line.

Nonetheless, we still had a good time. The waterfall was beautiful. It started on the 3rd level and splashed into a lagoon on the 2nd level.

(mist from the waterfall)

Out of all the amazing exhibits, my favorite was the 40-foot, 400,000-gallon shark tunnel. One of the things on my bucket list is to dive with sharks (actually, be in a shark cage), but my problem is that I have a fear of deep water. Yes, I know it's crazy. So the tunnel was the next best thing. My son was just as excited to see the sharks and stingrays all around us. Apparently, all the boys were (big and small).

We'll definitely go again, but on a less-than-hectic day.

BIG Thank You to Joyful Girl Naturals!

2010-03-12T18:40:00.005-06:00

WOW! I got an award from Shelly at Joyful Girl Naturals. Well, it was actually 2 weeks ago and I know I'm really late on announcing it, but there's a good reason - I had the flu for almost 2 weeks! I didn't even know it was still around. Ok, enough about that.

THANK YOU Shelly for choosing me! You are too kind. I will display it proudly!

So this is what I have to do...

link back to the blogger who sent me this award
post where I would like to be in 10 years
pass it on to 10 awesome bloggers

Where do I want to be in 10 years? I've thought about this and even though I would like to foresee something grandiose, I have to be conservative cause I have 2 special needs kids. In other words, not a whole lot of extra time. So my answer...have several sewing patterns and be as successful as I can be.

Here are the next 10 recipients:
DtsArt
Craft Apple
gock's frocks
Pink Penguin
Sew Serendipity
de Cor's Handmade
My Byrd House
Soapalaya Says
Pink Lemonade Bags
Magic Hands Workshop

Joyful Girl Naturals

2010-02-03T20:08:00.011-06:00

I just have to rave about Shelly Henley, owner of Joyful Girl Naturals. She creates organic products from scratch that will make you feel good inside and out.

Bath and Body

Skin Care

Herbal Remedies

Home Care

and so much more!

All of her items are created without the harmful chemicals found in mass retail products and knowing this makes me feel even better about using them on my family. All of her products rock, but one of my faves is the Organic Mango Butter cream. It is absolutely luxurious!

My daughter suffers from severe allergies and eczema that led to lots of uncomfortable, sleepless nights. I've tried just about every cream (OTC and prescription) to calm her skin, but nothing worked. In my relentless search for natural alternatives, I came across Joyful Girl Naturals. After Shelly and I talked about my issues, she came up with this FABULOUS cream. It's thick and rich and leaves your skin baby soft. All I can say is adios eczema and hello beautiful skin.

Of course, this cream isn't just for eczema sufferers. The 2oz. tube is perfect for a purse, diaper bag, travel, etc. Show your skin some love...anytime, anyplace.

Do you need another incentive to try this cream? It's only $5! Now where else can you get deal like this?

Lotus Flower Pin

2010-01-27T21:26:00.005-06:00

Ok, it's obvious I'm not the best blogger since my last post was ages ago. What happened? One word - life! Right now, it's the rotating door of sickness - first my son, then my daughter, then me, then hubs...lather, rinse, repeat. Good thing for a new year is that it gives us (by "us" I mean "me") a chance to start over.

So here I am...starting off the new year with exciting news! Kim of YouCanMakeThis.com discussed several ideas for Valentine's Day gifts in her Say "I LOVE YOU" DIY Style article on Boutique Cafe and mentioned my Lotus Pin eBook. The sickness cloud couldn't hold me back on this one.

I just have to say that I love receiving handmade gifts cause they're priceless. Whether it's something big like a quilt or small like a pin, a lot of thought and time goes into it and it just means that much more. Of course, I'm not knocking diamonds or a trip to the spa, but that's another time.

I do have another eBook on Ruched Flower Pins as well as a Bundle Pack savings on both eBooks available at YCMT. The possibility of uses for both pins are endless - bags, clothing, etc.

So why not make a little something and brighten someone's day? Karma is a very good thing.

What happened to time?

2008-12-21T10:50:00.004-06:00

Well, where did the time go? I've had so much going on that I realized my last posting was in November! HELLO, MCFLY?!?!?! Oh, I'm losing it. Throw in crazy holiday shoppers and there goes my sanity.

I've made a few new items, so I promise to post the pictures after Christmas. I just pray that I don't end up cooking everything again like I did for Thanksgiving. That was a nightmare! I cooked all of the side dishes only to send them to my parents house instead of taking them cause of the wonderful "Thanksgiving bug" that hit our house.

Well, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays! I hope I said it correctly. I just didn't want to leave anyone out.

Got Christmas? Lounge Set

2008-11-13T08:20:00.006-06:00

Well, I gave in and decided to list a boys lounge set on eBay. I haven't sold anything there in a long while, mainly due to the many rule changes for sellers, but figured...what the hey! I may open an Etsy store, too, so we'll see. I'll let you know.

So, if you're interested, please click here for the listing. Big bonus - it's starting at a sale price!! You won't be disappointed! The set is a custom in sizes 12m - 5T. Plus, the pants are fully lined. Oh, your little man will look so cute in this...or a little man you know. Can you feel the love?

What a week!

2008-10-30T18:36:00.003-05:00

Ok, I'm lagging behind on my postings. It's been a crazy week filled with illnesses and sewing into the wee hours. Yes, I'm operating in zombie mode.

I created a pattern for a scrub hat since a friend of mine is a NICU doc and said she was looking for one. It turned out awesome for never making one in the first place. I wanted to take pictures, but ran out of time. Promise I will on the next one. Now I need to get a head mannequin cause I'm not modeling.

Plus, I'm in crunch mode for finishing a Halloween costume. Red Bull...give me wings! I just need to wear one of those beer hats with a funnel so I can keep the flow of Red Bull coming.

Hopefully my next post will be more interesting.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Ok, it's a day early.

Cozy Coffee Mix

2008-10-22T13:36:00.008-05:00

Christmas is coming too fast and since the economy isn't that great, I decided to give gifts that are inexpensive and can be used by everyone - FOOD! Who doesn't love a food gift? So I searched the net to find recipes with dry ingredients that can be put in jars, either layered or mixed, and came across this one. I'm calling it Cozy Coffee Mix, but feel free to call it whatever you want. ;)

So you may be thinking..."It's too early to think of Christmas." True, but I'm the type of person that if I don't start now, I won't have anything when it's here. Believe me, it's happened.

COZY COFFEE MIX
2 cup instant cocoa mix (containing sugar, milk, and cocoa)
2 cup powdered coffee creamer
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup instant coffee
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Mix all together. Keep in an air-tight container. Use 3 to 4 heaping teaspoons per cup, fill with hot water. Topped with whipped cream if desired.

Of course, I had to try it first cause what kind of cook am I if I don't sample the goods? Let me tell you, this mix is wonderful! I made mine unleaded (decaf), but you can make it regular (caffeinated).

This recipe does make quite a bit. I put it in a 60oz container and had a little room left for shaking everything together. I'm going to give them already mixed in a jar with a recipe card. That way, the recipient can make it again if they run out or for gifts, too.

There, now doesn't that make you feel all cozy to give something made with your own hands? Put your apron and let your inner Brista come out.

My Pattern Logo

2008-10-18T21:04:00.009-05:00

I'm so excited about my pattern logo!!!! My good friend, Dardi of DtsArt, created a gorgeous logo for my pattern.

What pattern you ask? Well, it's a surprise. :) Ok, I'll tell a little. It's an easy-peasy tote that can be folded into a compact size so it's easy to take anywhere. Store it in the glove box, diaper bag, luggage, etc. Never leave home without it! Perfect for a beginner's project and easy enough to make in snap for gifts. Stay tune for more. This is one of a million ideas floating in my crazy head.

Here I Am

2008-10-16T20:59:00.014-05:00

Well, I guess I should've added some pictures in my last post. That's what happens when you're working with a headache...forgetfulness. Oh, I also suffer from M.A.D.D. - Mommy Attention Deficit Disorder. A friend of mine came up with that and it's so true. :)

First, let me say that I hate being in pictures and had to dig around to get a decent one. So, here I am along with hubby at Harley Davidson's Open Road Tour at Texas Motor Speedway. I forgot the date, but obviously it was "BK."

Talk about having a blast! There were so many vendors...not to mention one of the main reasons for going (ok, for me) - watching people & bikes. Only in Texas will you find this bike. No, it's not ours. :P

It was a chilly day, but it ended with an awesome concert - Aerosmith! Rock on!

Now, in case anyone is wondering, I'm not going to post pictures or talk about my kiddos. I love them to death, but it's just a privacy issue with me. I'm sure no one would really care, but I hope you understand.

So now I'm sure you're wondering..."When are you going to open your website?" Yes, I do get asked that a lot. I'm so behind schedule cause of my chaotic family life (just go, go, go) that I'm fitting things in when I can. I need 20 of me to get things done, but I'm sure that goes for anyone. I'll keep everyone informed of my grand re-opening. I know Christmas is coming way too fast. YIKES!

Hi. My name is Maria...

2008-10-15T22:13:00.007-05:00

...and I'm finally connected to the blogging world. I feel like a hermit coming out of its shell and moving on up. I am so new to all of this and I know I'll hit several pot holes along the way. Hopefully, the ride won't be too bumpy.

Well, I want to say hello to all who are reading this. I guess I should tell you a little about myself that's not already stated in my "About Me." I am half Vietnamese and half Mexican and come from a large family. Not my immediate family, but I do have tons of relatives. I don't speak either language, only "Spanglish." Oh, how awesome it would be to be tri-lingual.

I've lived in several places, even Iran, and have visited several countries. My dream is go to Hawaii (anywhere in Hawaii, really) as well as Europe and Asia. Maybe one day.

I have two of the most gorgeous kiddos and THE BEST husband! Sorry ladies, there's only one and he's mine. ;)

I used to be a biker babe. That was before kids or as I like to say "B.K."...no, not Burger King. Now my hubby rides solo. Ok, he has ridding buddies, but you get the idea.

So all of this makes me a WAHM. I used to call myself as a SAHM, but aren't all moms working...regardless?

Thanks for taking the time to read my short bio blurb. I hope you come back for more.