shey b

Me again

2010-07-28T11:37:00.002-07:00

I can't seem to stay away from here! haha! Seems like a lot of you aren't liking that I switched to Wordpress? But that's alright. I love it there!

You will too! I am having a giveaway.... I would love it if you would change your links and visit me over there from now on. :)

Click here.

OK...

2010-07-26T23:28:00.001-07:00

So it's me again. :) You all changed the link to my wordpress site, yeah? The winner of the giveaway is over there. :) www.shealynnbenner.com/blog

Wordpress

2010-07-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. I know it's not pretty. It doesn't look super fabulous like this blog does. But it's ok. That will change soon. I just didn't want to have to transfer anymore posts from here to there. Remember... it's not super fabulous yet... but in due time. Please change your links from this blog to ...

http://shealynnbenner.com/blog/

Adios Blogger!

First GIVEAWAY of the weekend! :)

2010-07-22T23:47:00.003-07:00

How would you like to win my current favorite fabric combination? Well, you got it! By saying my favorite fabric combination I don't mean the actual fabric, though. I mean a super cool Cell Phone Clutch! But you knew that. You didn't? Oh, sorry. Now you do!! :)

Here is what one super lucky winner will win...

But that is NOT it! We all like to match, right? Riiiiiight. So... how about a matching camera strap cover? YEAH!!!!

Here is how to enter!!

Cuz I know you're dying to know, yes? mmm hmm.

All you have to do is {leave a comment}

Easy!

Also!! Cuz you rock... enter BLOGPARTY at checkout and get 10% off your entire purchase!! Woot woot!!! My website is here.

Don't forget to enter the 7 other giveaways!!

Midsummer Blog Party!

2010-07-22T23:04:00.004-07:00

Welcome to our MidSummer Blog Party! However you found us, we are happy to have you and we hope you take some time to mingle among our friends. There are 8 Host Blogs to visit and each will have a giveaway or two and some other fun surprises for the weekend, so don't miss out.
What is the MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY? It's a weekend filled with wonderful giveaways hosted on eight different blogs, including mine! My seven co-hosts are a super cool bunch of chicks and I know you're going to love what you find on their sites. Here's the line up in case you want to pop on over and visit before all the fun starts.

If you would like to add your own giveaway or enter other giveaways that are currently going on, enter below with ourLinky Tools. Just click below and enter what your giveaway is for and the date it ends. The 2nd box will ask for the direct URL link to your giveaway post. OR just feel free to hop between blog giveaways listed for a chance to win!

This is going to be fun! So be sure to keep checking Shey b and all the other blogs for giveaways all weekend long! Giveaways end Sunday night! :)

Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links...

Advertising. Do's and Don'ts (in my opinion, of course)

2010-07-22T10:33:00.003-07:00

(please remember what is stated below are *my opinions*. No names are mentioned, nor will they be. please do not be rude in the comments. if you don't agree, feel free to say so politely, or I will delete the comment. thanks!)

A couple of weeks ago I was emailed rates for advertising.
They were seeking me out to advertise. Which is fine. I get a lot of those.
I see the rates and about faint. This has happened only twice. The almost fainting due to sky high ad rates.
And let's face it. I didn't almost faint really. But I did say "are they serious?" out loud.
This prompted a few comments on Twitter about advertising, and what is this world coming to, and pretty soon no small business is going to be able to afford advertising. OK, so you may be thinking I am being a bit dramatic, but am I, really?

This has nothing to do with my post, but I had to share the picture!

I love how Dana makes it look like it's a magazine ad!

The first time I almost "fainted" over advertising, was because the price was so high that I literally shouted "What the ..." H E double hockey sticks. Yep. I cuss like a sailor but not on here, m'kay? This website/blog had just started offering advertising. And their rate was $700 a MONTH! Seven Hundred Dollars. That did not include a giveaway which was an *additional* $300!!! Now we're talking $1000. $1000 could get me an ad in a small magazine! I politely declined. (though I wanted to ask what they were thinking, I refrained).

I have a hard time justifying high ad prices. I mean there are so many blogs out there that have a HUGE following, but have super reasonable rates.

Anyway. The rant on Twitter prompted several people to ask me what I thought was reasonable.

So here it is. I really can't answer that question. But for me, reasonable is not $1000 a month. Reasonable is not even $200 a month when the blog is new at offering advertising. Why do you need that much? And I have heard it from blog owners before... if you value your blog you'll charge what you think you're worth. Well, I'm sorry. I don't agree. Charging someone $1000 a month is insane. There, I said how I really feel. I have felt so many times that blog owners are getting carried away. They're getting greedy.

Now, maybe I am just too thoughtful. So what if I am? I like helping others. I like seeing other prosper and succeed. And I feel by charging such high amounts for ads on our blogs is just holding people back. Now, I realize this really is non of my concern. I get that. I know that. But for me it's still a concern. As I try and seek out places to advertise, or people seek me out, well, I have to think about this, do I not? And I'm sorry, but I do think about others too. I can't help it.

While I know some blog for money, and some blog for fun, and some blog for business, or whatever, I just don't get why the prices go so high. Now some of the prices I would pay. For instance. If The Pioneer Woman was offering advertising or Dooce or names like that. Then yeah. Paying $500 a month would be justified. They have several hundred thousand followers. And that $500 could help me get out there more.

But paying $100 a month for a blog that has 100 followers is just not my bag baby. I have to think wisely with my money. I need a return on my investment at least 80% of the time for my advertising dollars to make sense. Now I am hoping that I am making sense. Am I?

I have been thinking a lot lately about sidebar ads as well. About how they have become the norm. Everyone has sidebar ads. I get to the point now where I don't even look at the sidebar, because it no longer catches my eye. This is one reason I no longer offer sidebar ads and only offer weekly blog post sponsorships. Because now-a-days people are using Google Reader or some other form of easy blog reading. Sidebar ads are not seen on those. However. If you are having a giveaway on a blog or are sponsoring a week of posts, or someone is reviewing a product of yours, then you'll be seen every. single. time.

And can I ask something else? Some people are taking on so many sponsors that their entire sidebar is FULL of ads. How does this get anyone noticed? They all blur together and it's so overwhelming you end up dashing off the page because you're so overstimulated! What I have also noticed happening is those with too many ads on their blog can not do 1 giveaway at a time. So group giveaways are starting. Let me be frank. Group giveaways are ridiculous. It's like the mass grouping off ads. Your brain can't think. There is not enough time to go to everyone shop. You get all shaky and panic because you JUST CAN NOT HANDLE IT. Ok. I am being so dramatic! LOL! My point is... group giveaways take away from the point of advertising. You advertise to get noticed not to be herded into a mass group like cattle and be looked over. As a business owner we want our own attention, yes? We want to be noticed we want to show off our stuff and when we pay for advertising and giveaways we want the giveaway to be us and us alone, right? (I sound like I am starting a revolution or something)

My main point of all of this is, at what point do we say "no more"? At what point to the ad rates stop climbing so high and so out of reach?

What say you?

xo,

It's Decided

2010-07-21T17:24:00.001-07:00

OK! I know I just posted. Here I am again. LOL!

So. I just decided! I am going to sell the laptop bag! The fabric is Ginger Blossom by Sandi Henderson and it's now out of print, which means this bag is a ONE OF A KIND. I am hoarding the rest of it. :) It fits a 17" laptop. Interested? Let me know. :) Maybe I will just list it? Yes. I think I will list it in my store.

So click here!

Check It Out Homies!!!

2010-07-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

BOOYA!!!

I just finished dancing around my office. I have conquered the zipper. The zipper is no longer a scary "I must avoid at all costs" thing any longer! Take that zipper! I see many more zipper usage in my future! :)

So... what do ya think of my new laptop bag?

Ignore my horrible nails... they are nibbled on too often. Bad habit!

LOTS of pockets on the inside!!

And one ginormous pocket on the outside! :)

Off to work more!!

So, while I am doing that... tell me... you likey? Should it be available in the *Shey*[B] store? Tell a girl wassup! ;)

xo,

Night Owls Tweet Week 10 - Plants In My Backyard

2010-07-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

[Over the next 52 weeks, Me from Arizona USA, and Kris from the Gold Coast AUSTRALIA, will attempt to blog a total of 365 photos. Each posting ... 7 photos, from the last 7 days, on alternate Monday Nights]

Arizona is FULL of citrus trees. Almost every single house has at least 1 citrus tree growing. We have 3. The below 2 pictures are grapefruits.

Cactus. There are so many of these!

I hate these bugs that are hanging out on my pomegranate tree!! They are EVERYWHERE!

And more cactus.

These plants are evil. They grow incredibly fast and take over everything.

And some bougainvillea.

Check out Kris' pictures from last week! :)

Photo Contest!!!

2010-07-18T23:14:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is having a photo contest on her blog right now - I loved the idea. In fact, I loved it so much that I am doing one too! :)

The details are simple. I need some new photos for my website, and that is where you come in! We want to see YOUR pictures!! Not just pictures of our products, though! How about pictures of them in action! While a picture of the camera strap cover on the camera is fine, or the iPhone sleeve next to your phone is fine too, we would love seeing some shots our our products being used - like so...

These pictures are old. I took them over a year ago. An old friend was the model. Quite a model she is too... though she didn't think she was.
I love these shots, but I need new ones! So this is the deal. Email me your photos - shealynn AT gmail DOT com - we will pick THREE winners. This photo contest will start now and end a few days BEFORE I leave to go to New York for the BlogHer Conference. End date is Monday Aug. 2nd. So 2 weeks from tomorrow.

You can send as many pictures as you want. Get creative!!! Products alone are ok, but with you in them is even better!!! ALL *Shey*[B] products, please. Not just camera strap covers. ;)

GRAND PRIZE WINNER - will receive - $50 *Shey*[B] Store Credit

1ST PLACE WINNER - will receive - $30 *Shey*[B] Store Credit

2ND PLACE WINNER - will receive - $15 *Shey*[B] Store Credit

We can not wait to see what you come up with!!!

Scroll down to see a new product coming soon!! :)

A Peek

2010-07-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

I made this last night. :) I love how it turned out. Coming to my shop soon... whatcha think? The pictures are from my iPhone...

iPad/Netbook bags have been requested as of late. So, I figured I would deliver. ;)

I Confess

2010-07-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am here to confess some things that you may not know about me. I think you all need to write your own confessions too... no. I am not a priest. But this could be interesting. Got the idea on a blog I saw, forgive me for forgetting the name!

Bring on the confessions!

- I love to walking into a new tire store, because I think new tires smell amazing.

- I am not a patient person. I yell at my computer often, and refrain from yelling a lot. Sometimes I think steam will come out of my ears. Scary thought!

- I don't like my impatience one bit.

- I used to get mad at my husband when he would refuse to take vacation due to getting behind on work. That is until I started my own business. Now I get it.

- I still think we need vacations, but maybe just over weekends. ;)

- My husband has the best smelling deodorant, and I tell him his armpits smell good every time we snuggle. :: blink blink :: Yes I am dead serious.

- I think Twitter is great, but it can be like high school all over again. Drama, gossip, etc. I didn't like high school.

- When my kids, parents or other sensitive ears aren't around I cuss like a sailor.

- I like to cuss. *shrug* (enter an eye roll from my mom here. hehe)

- I am assuming my mom would roll her eyes or shake her head at that. Mom? Am I right?

- I do not like President Obama one bit.

- I love hearing my husband talk about things he's passionate about.

- I am a born again Christian, and love the Lord with all of my heart. But I don't go to church.

- I hate overly judgmental people.

- I am not a girly girl. I don't care for shopping, shoes, and makeup.

- When reading books I often think the main male character is extremely good looking. What? Don't tell me I am alone here.

- I love flip flops. I wear them 365 days a year.

- I love my name. Thanks Mom!

- I am a daddy's girl. And I think my dad is adorable. He's such a great dad!

- I think my husband is the greatest dad on earth.

- My husband looks sexy with tons of tattoos.

- I am very opinionated, and love to debate things I am passionate about. Just ask my husband. :)

- My favorite sound in the universe is my girls' giggles.

- I love blog comments, and wish I had more time to leave a comment on all of your blogs!

- My mom is hilarious! Love her!

- I think this confessions post is getting a bit long!

- I love friends I can be myself with. No holding back. Thanks for letting me - Julie, Melanie and Denise! Love you girls!!!

- I dream about living in New York City all the time. Upper East Side, please. Oh, maybe one day. NYC is my heaven. Love the city!

- I am an easy going person.

- I am proud of my business and myself. No I am not being cocky.

- I have some new products and camera strap covers to share with you. :)

New in my shop right now....

Shades of Grey...

The Photographer's Wallet ... Yahoo! A new product. Store your extra memory cards, batteries, chap stick and lens caps all in one super stylish place! Want a different fabric combo? Email me! Any fabric in my shop can be made into The Photographer's Wallet!

Lime Spree ...

Les Feuilles ...

The Pleated Chain {in bright pink} ...

And... The Lime Spree cell phone clutch!

These are *not* only for iPhones!

Any cell can be put in here.

That is all for now! If you write a confessions post, link up in the comments - if you dare! :)

Winner!!

2010-07-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

First off, I LOVED learning about all of you! Thank you to all that entered the giveaway. I had just as much fun reading your answers and you said you had reading mine! The winner of the giveaway is...

K. Davis who said:

such a fun giveaway!! That camera strap would match a skirt I just made for myself out of the same fabric!

If I could visit any place in the world, it would probably be Bali.... (definitely do Scotland, it was GORGEOUS!)

I can't leave the house without my lip gloss!

My favorite author is either C.S Lewis, or Jodi Picoult (two completely different spectrums, all depends on what I'm in the mood for)!

Congrats girl! Email me your addy! shealynn AT gmail DOT com

---
Also...

My email was hacked last week and ALL of my emails were deleted!!!!! IF you emailed me before last Thursday afternoon, PLEASE re-email me so I can help you! Thanks. :)

I will be right back with another post. :)

You Asked, Now I Answer! [giveaway too...]

2010-07-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! There were a ton of questions. This should be fun! So, grab a cup of joe or whatever it is you drink (me? Coke Zero!), sit and stay awhile! :) There is a giveaway as promised too. :)

if you could spend a day with any 1 person (dead or alive) who would it be & why?

Great question! I would definitely love to spend another day with my husband's grandmother, Betty. She passed away in October of 2004. She was the most amazing seamstress ever. I would love to sit with her, and have her teach me everything she could - her tricks, secrets, everything. Well, as much as she could in a day. But I would also love some time just to sit with her. Hug her. See her smile, hear her laugh. I miss her terribly. She was an amazing person. She also made my wedding gown! It was gorgeous. I will show the pictures one of these days... need to scan them. :) Betty had a part in playing who I am today. She was an amazing amazing person.

How did you come to designing the things you do?

I was on a photo shoot on downtown Raleigh, NC. I was shooting head shots of a model. It was a really hot day - really humid. I was sweating like crazy, and it didn't take long for my camera strap to begin rubbing my neck incredibly raw. I remember it hurting bad enough to make me pull the collar of my shirt up and around my strap, but it never stayed up long enough to give relief. I knew there had to be a way to avoid it, and cover it. It hit me that I likely was not the only one having this problem. 2 years later, I am finding this to be true that "camera strap rash" is a common complaint. Anyway. We ended up moving from North Carolina to Arizona, and that's when I officially began *Shey*[B]! 2 years ago next month! :)

What is your favorite fabric?!

This is a really tough question! I really don't have just one. I don't even have just 2. I think I like about 10 fabrics obsessively. Those would be Black and White Damask. I go through this fabric faster than any other fabric. I don't always buy it by the yard either... mostly by the bolt. haha! I go through almost 2 bolts a month sometimes. I am recently loving Patty Young's Knits! They are fantastic. Hoping to sew something with them soon. I about died when this fabric was released Cameras In Black. I LOVE this entire line: Bontanica. While I like her whole line called Glam Garden, I especially love this one and this one. I can't wait for this fabric line to come out! I just have to figure out what to do with it! :) I love ALL of these. They are simple, but fun to work with. Love this too!!! And this in the Pond Palette. :) I think I will stop there... I just love too much! ;) But those above are my all time fabric. What about you? Have some favorite fabrics you'd care to share?

Hmmm...how did your hubby propose and what kind of wedding did you have? I love LOVE stories.

My husband proposed to me one night after we went bowling with some friends. It wasn't some crazy elaborate way to propose, but it was perfect in every way. Elaborate is embarrassing and so not my style. :) Obviously I said yes. Then he proposed again when we got my engagement ring. :) He's cute like that. Our wedding was very simple. It was small. 70 or so people. Not sure what "what kind" of wedding you had means. But our wedding was great. In fact, we were actually married at the court house on Nov. 16, 2001. Why? I was pregnant. Nuff said. haha! We had our actual ceremony a couple months later on Jan. 5, 2002. My husband and his groomsman wore zoot suits. Something to this effect. I wore my handmade by Mike's grandma; wedding dress that was totally gorgeous. And my bridesmaids wore red strapless dresses. It was a great day!

My question would be how did "Moona" get her name? I love it!

Actually. Our dog's name is Luna. But Zoe can't pronounce her L's very well, so she calls her "Moona". It just kind of stuck. :)

My Q is Shey B related!!! LOL!!! I asked it on your FB, but I know you are super busy (being super woman and all ;) )

I see you are expanding your products and making different items now. Do you plan on designing some kind of SLR bag?? I know a lot more goes in to those bags (pading, interior design, etc). Just curious :) ( I am on the hunt and can't find a bag that goes well with my Shey B strap!!! LOL!)

Haha! I wish I was super woman! ;) The simple answer to this is yes! I absolutely plan to make camera bags. The complicated answer is - yes, but I don't know when. Time is not on my side right now. But I do have some things in the works, and maybe by Christmas, camera bags will be available. I am VERY picky about the design, and look of the camera bags that will come out. I will not be making the entire thing out of designer fabric. I don't like those - they get dirty so fast, and washing them can really make them lose their shape. But, stay tuned! What do you look for in a camera bag?

where is your favorite place to eat in Arizona? being from Arizona myself, i am always looking for a great little spot to get some grub, especially if it is a hole in the wall!

Favorite place... hmmm. Well, I have a few.

There is a restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale called "Frank & Lupes". They have the best mexican around. I love that place!

I also really like Blue Wasabi and Kabuki for sushi.

I eat at Paradise Bakery A Lot! Love their Asian Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Sandwich and their Snickerdoodles. :) We also like Wildflower Bread Co.

My husband eats out a lot more than I do, and Chandler seems to have a lot of really great hole in the wall/smaller restaurants. Both those above are a few I favor.

you are quite the reader, fav book of all time?!

Yes, I definitely LOVE to read. I'm really not much of a TV watcher. But, man! My favorite book of all time? That's like asking me my favorite fabric. haha! I have a few...

Right now. My favorite book that I have read so far this year (I have read 34 this year so far) is called The Iron King. It was absolutely fantastic! The 2nd book comes out next month! SO excited! Other books I love? The Hunger Games series, City of Bones series, 13 to Life, Raised by Wolves, Girl In The Arena, Vampire Academy series, Hush Hush, Shiver & Linger, The Forest of Hands and Teeth series. I am going to stop there. I have really enjoyed a lot of books. If you want to see what I have read my Goodreads shelf is on my sidebar. I have 2. One of them is books I have read and recommend and one of them is books I want to read. :) What books are you enjoying right now?

I want to know what your guilty pleasure is? Do you read trashy novels, take bubble baths, eat ice cream?

I don't know if this counts. But I love donuts. And I feel guilty after eating them. But they bring me great pleasure. And they make me smile. But they add to my waistline. And they taste so good. But they are so bad for me. But I don't care. Does that count? How about you? Have a guilty pleasure? Do share!

what's the funniest thing your kids have ever said? :)

They are a funny bunch, those girls. Hmmm. Now I am wishing I write all of them down! OK, let's see.

Zoe: "I want to watch TB" (instead of TV), She shouts "YESSSSS!" and does a fist pump when she hears something she finds exciting, Prettycorn (Zoe's word for Unicorn). But I think one of the funniest things was Zoe singing along to "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z. She was in the back seat singing "New yooooooorrrkkk!! deez stweets make ooo fewl bwand new. New yoooooooooorkk!! Yeah" - all while bobbing her head to the beat. HILARIOUS! She has also said "What up!" to a friend of mine before too. hehe.

Angelina: When she was a baby, she called Chinese - Chiiinnneeeeeessseee - no joke. Peanut butter was peanut butta. Mostly Angelina said hilarious stuff when she was a toddler. She gets pretty serious nowadays. One thing I do remember was when she was in infant, she loved a song by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Every time it came on she would raise her eyebrows so high they were almost to her hairline, and she would smile the biggest smile ever. She was only 4 months old! haha.

Unfortunately that's all I remember. Lame me!

Which product is currently your fave in your shop?

As always I have a few. :) Love this, this, this, this and this. But I mostly like everything. :)

If you had the choice of living anywhere where would you live???

NEW YORK! The Pacific Northwest, Montana or Wyoming.

And do you like AZ?? or you here cuz of your hubs job???

Ummm. No. I don't like it here. I love the friends that I have met here. I feel like I have grown here as a person. I started my business here, my kids are making memories here as we are making memories together. But, the heat is enough to make me want to pack up our stuff and get out of here, and fast. But that is not realistic. Is it??? :) Seriously. I don't think I could hate this heat anymore. I despise it. I loathe it. Think of the worst word you can and that's what I think of the heat here. Insanely Hot for 6-7 months of the year. Gross. Seriously. Turn on your oven, stick your face in there once it's heated up. And, welcome to Arizona summer! That's how it feels.
We moved here for my husband's job... well, he no longer works there, but works somewhere better. But it was ultimately my decision to make whether we moved here from NC or not. And I guess you know what choice I made. Do I have regrets? Not really. As much as I hate the heat here, NC just wasn't for us. And AZ just isn't for ME. Everyone else seems fine with this hades type heat but me. Moving on before I really get to ranting! LOL! Have you ever been to Arizona? In the summer?

What's your fave food?

I love Panda Express' Orange Chicken.
I love Asian Chicken Salads
I love SNICKERDOODLES and Donuts
I love Strawberries, Watermelon, nectarines, tangelos, honeydew, pomegranates and bananas
and...
I love Sushi! :)

What's in your purse?

Wallet, too many receipts, chapstick, cell phone, a couple gum wrappers (now going in the trash), car keys, Sour Skittles from our movie last night. And that's it. Boooring, I know. I am a boring person to ask that question to. haha.

What's your fave date place?

To be honest.. as long as my husband and I are on a date - I don't care where we go. Just nice to be out with the 2 of us. Connecting and being uninterrupted. :)

wondering where you purchase most of your fabric ... online, or in the stores?

Most of my fabric comes from here and here.
I mainly buy fabric online. It's pretty rare that I will find anything worthwhile in a store.
So much of it is too expensive or ugly. ;)

What kind of camera do you use?

My hubby got me a Canon 5D for Christmas. Love it! :)

when you were a little girl...what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a veterinarian. For a long time. And then I found out that as a vet I would have to euthanize animals. That's when I decided that I couldn't be one.
After that, and for most of my life I wanted to be a photographer.
And I am one. :) Love that!

What camera strap cover do you currently have on your camera?? :)

I switch mine out a lot. Right now my strap is not on my camera. I am trying to decide which one I want to use next. That's a tough one! It will likely be The Pleated Chain or Purple Rain. I find that the more camera strap covers I have for myself the more options my camera has to look pretty. :)

Hi, I was wondering how learned to sew? My grandmother was an incredible seamstress I regret I didn't learn more from her while she was alive.

This is the first time someone has asked me this on my blog! :)
And I really don't talk much about it, do I? I have my reasons. haha.
I am self taught. I have been sewing exactly 2 years now.
My husband's grandmother was a phenomenal seamstress, and like you I wish I had learned more from her while she was alive.

What can you *NOT* leave the house without??

My purse, my iPhone, a Coke Zero and my girls... if hubby isn't home to watch them. :)
What can't you leave the house without?

What are you most looking forward to at the BlogHer Conference?

Meeting women I have known online for 1 or more years!!
Being in New York! My favorite city. :)

Why did you not tell me that you were going to BlogHer? And yes, I will be taking pictures of you, and with you....

Great. That camera of yours. :P haha!
I told you at Bloggy Bootcamp... a little too much to drink, eh?
*wink wink*

what is something you can't do but wish you could....

Can't as in I physically can't? Not sure there is anything that I can't do, but there are things I won't do. Such as skydive, bungy jump or really anything that involves being so high above the ground that my fear of height kicks in 10 fold and I want to vomit.

Also, I can't blow glass, but I would LOVE to learn someday.
Fat chance if my husband has anything to do with it. I tend to be a bit accident prone.
Like I time I used to make soap that required lye. And that soap splashed into my eye. Or the time I cut off the tip of my finger while trying to cut said soap. Or the time I almost blew up our kitchen dumping soap something or other down the drain. Yeah. Glass blowing might not be such a good idea. haha! But maybe one day. ;)

What's your fave vacation spot?

The answer to this question is sad. I don't have one.
We don't go on many vacations due to both my husband and I owning our own businesses. When you own your own business, you get behind. That makes things rough.
If we travel anywhere it's to see my parents, and that prevents us from having a family vacation. Which is no offense to my parents. But one of these days, we are definitely in need of a family vacay for sure! I think we are actually going to the mountains pretty soon to stay for a weekend in our friend's little house. That might become a regular thing for us to escape this oppressive summer heat! But we make many memories at our own home. Swimming in our pool, playing games, just being together. Don't think we have to get away to do that.

If you could visit any one place, what would it be?

Paris, France. But my husband won't go there.
So... next up would be Scotland. :)
How about you?

Who is your favorite author?

Don't have one. Any author who writes an interesting book is my favorite.
Any of you have a favorite author?

Do you have siblings?

I do. :) A younger brother named Ryan.
He just got married last August.
See here. He's in there somewhere. ;)

How did you meet your husband?

My husband and I used to work together.
I was the receptionist and he was the tech guy.
Do you believe in love at first site?
I do! Not to be too cheesy, but when I saw Mike I instantly knew I was going to marry him.
It was the weirdest moment of my life, but it couldn't be anymore true. I just knew.
And, I we did marry, didn't we? ;)

Who's your favorite fabric designer?

Probably Michael Miller.
Maybe Joel Dewberry.
Patty Young.

That's a hard one. I used to love Amy Butler. But I have really not liked any of her lines lately. Her LOVE line is ugly in my opinion of course and her new line, SOUL BLOSSOMS is not looking so promising either. I miss the BELLE line. I do use some of her Midwest Modern, which I like, but that's about it.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla.
I love Coffee more, though.
Ice cream that is.
Coffee you drink is nasty. ;)

Dark or light meat?

Dark.

Do you sleep on your tummy, back or side?

I start off on my stomach, quickly get uncomfortable, switch to my back, quickly get uncomfortable and then switch to my right side. Awww comfortable. ;)

Have you ever had a pedicure?

Yes! I love them, and really need to get them more often!

Team Edward or Jacob? (I had to throw that one in there- LOL)

LOL! Team Edward. But Twilight is just, blah to me these days.
Are you still addicted to Twilight? What team are you on?

Do you buy big batches of fabric at once and then put them together as you see fit, or do you have a vision for what fabric combos you want to use and then go in search of those fabrics?

I buy 1 yard cuts of fabric at a time when designing new strap covers.
But, yes, I usually will buy about 7-8 different prints at a time that are new.
(That doesn't include what I buy at the same time to stock up on.)
Then I go from there.
I am a fabric addict, so I tend to have several hundred yards to pick from in my own
sewing studio. :)

Have you started teaching your girls how to sew?

My oldest girl, Angelina can sew a little bit.
Once the manufacturer kicks in I think I will have more time to show
her how. :)
Zoe is still too young.

how long did it take you to become "established" with your business?

It took me about 5-6 months.
Lots of giveaways!!
Then lots of advertising. :)
Now...
I work really hard to make new products as much as possible so my store doesn't get boring.
I also pay for a lot of advertising and still host a ton of giveaways.
The more you do this, the more known you will become. :)

when you want to shop for clothing.... do you have a favorite go to site you always check? what is it???

I actually don't shop online. :) I am not really a clothes fashion lover. I mainly shop at Target and Old Navy. Sometimes JCrew or Gap when I am feeling like splurging.
And a secret? I wear sweatpants most of the time. I wear what's most comfortable because I am sitting at my sewing machine so much.
Where do you shop?

What about your business do you most enjoy? Sewing? Designing new items? Or...

Some of you know the answer to this question. :)
I LOVE designing. Hands down. Maybe that's what I should have been when I grew up. haha.
I love designing most because it's such an amazing transformation.
It all starts in my brain. When the idea forms I can not get rid of it until I make what's consuming my thoughts. And my mind is constantly whirring with thoughts. I dream about new designs sometimes. I love those dreams. :D
When my idea moves from my brain to my hands, and then my hands take over and begin creating... that's when the amazing takes place. Seeing that idea come to fruition! The CHIC for instance was an idea I had for a while. When I created it, it looked so much better in true form than in my mind. It's such a good feeling! I love thinking outside the box. I think a ton about what I've been inspired by lately, and will that inspiration make a good camera strap slipcover or other item. Then I go from there and begin creating.
I love sewing too, but designing is just *it* for me. It's my happy place. :)

What is your daily schedule like? Have you made set hours for yourself?

Yes! I definitely have set hours. I have to or I would go insane. :)
I work Tuesday-Friday from 9am-5:30pm
Sometimes I work late at night when my husband is working late and my kids are asleep, but not always. I can't always be doing *Shey*[B]. I have to do other things too, like read. haha.
Mondays I only work for a couple of hours. Zoe is home from school with me that day, so I can't get much done with her. I must spend time with her. My girls need their mama.
Normally I wake up, and if it's during the school year I get my kids ready for school, take them to school, come home and begin working.
My assistants cut and iron all of my orders for me so I can just begin sewing and get as many orders out as possible. I LOVE my assistants!!!
It's summer now, so Angelina goes to Summer camp Monday-Friday and Zoe goes to school/summer camp Tuesday-Friday.
So, that's pretty much my day! :)

Do you buy your fabric at retail or wholesale?

I buy it all retail. Why? Because fabric manufacturers have really strict minimums that even I can't meet. Not to mention, buying by the bolt would restrict me from being able to provide the most fabrics I possibly can to you! :) So I am able to bring more to my shop by not buying wholesale, as well as support my friends that own fabric shops too!

Thank you all so much for all of those questions!!!
Most were comments on here and some were emailed!

As promised a giveaway is in order!
You were given a choice and whichever one was picked the most was the one to be given away! Yippeee! So, here is what's being given away...

Purple Rain!!! Woo hoo!! :)

All you have to do to be entered to win is answer THREE of the questions I asked you at the end of the questions that I answered. Please answer them all in 1 comment not separately.

Ready? GO!

New Camera Candy

2010-07-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

I made some new camera strap slipcover designs, and listed them last night. Seriously great camera candy if you ask me! :) Some of my new favorites! Have a look...

Orange Crush...

Taste The Rainbow...

Purple Rain...

I think Purple Rain is my favorite out of all 3. Just loving those colors!!! But all of them are great, and the pictures really don't do them justice! :) They are listed in my shop ... click here.

Mike and I had a date night tonight. :) Post Office, JoAnn's, Dinner, Barnes & Noble and a movie. Fun times!!! Love date nights!

Don't forget to get in on the questions for my Q&A post on Monday! Extra entry for all questions asked for the giveaway I will tie into the Q&A post! You can ask as many questions as you want, and that is how many extra giveaway entries you will get! One of the above camera strap slipcovers will be given away! Which one is your favorite? Majority rules, so whichever camera strap cover is loved the most is the one being given away! So, let me know! :)

Off to bed! xo

Some Announcements! :)

2010-07-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

I just bought my plane ticket to the BlogHer conference. Wondering why I am lame and didn't buy it 2 weeks ago when it was $150 cheaper. Ho hum.

If you're going to BlogHer and want something from *Shey*[B], I will hand deliver it to you at the conference. But you have to order ASAP! :)

Laptop Bags are now available for purchase. I am only allowing 5 laptop bag orders a month, so get yours in asap if you want one! For a custom fabric order, just email me. :) Laptop bags are here.

Also! The CHIC is now available as made to order! But! Only 10 per month. I am listing 5 every 2 weeks. Right now the CHIC is available in red. There are 4 more available. Current turnaround time applies to the CHIC now. Aren't you excited that it's available ALL the time now? :) Click here.

My email was hacked this morning!! All of my contacts got an email from "me" with a spam link in it. So sorry about that! Along with that was mass email deletion. So, my inbox is basically empty, which means, if you emailed me... it was deleted. Please please email me again!

Don't forget that these camera strap slipcovers will no longer be available after tomorrow. Vibrant Paisley, Ruffled Wicker, Brown Zebra, The India, Snip Snip, The Burlap, The Tuxedo, The Plaid, All the Suedes, All the Bros, Henna, The New York, Aqua Dot, Diamond Dot, and Laughing Leaves.

And, lastly... how about a Q&A Post? Sound fun? Sure why not! So... ask me anything! I love your questions. They're always so fun. :) And... let's add a little somethin' somethin' for you! Ask me questions on this post and when I answer those questions I will post a giveaway. All those who asked questions gets 1 extra entry PER question! I am currently making a few BRAND new camera strap slipcovers - one will be for a giveaway on here and I might throw in a cell phone clutch too. :) So... ask away! And in the giveaway post I get to ask you questions! Deal? Giveaway will go up on MONDAY, so start askin my friends! It can be about anything - not
just SheyB related.

Have a great night!!

"The Shallows"

2010-07-08T02:18:00.000-07:00

"Is Google making us stupid?" -Nicholas Carr

My husband is reading a book that I might not have found so interesting 2 years ago, but I found VERY interesting 2 days ago, and very sad at the same time. Not sad in a "makes me wanna cry" kind of way; sad in a "I can't believe these facts are true about people" kind of way. I have continued to mull over what he was telling me about this book, and decided that I will be making some changes.

The book is called "The Shallows: What The Internet Is Doing To Our Brains" by Nicholas Carr. The basis of this book is this... "an explosive look at technology's effect on the mind". Remember, I haven't read this book, but had quite a detailed conversation with Mike about it. Let's start with some facts... or the sad part as I might call it.

Fact: The average person reads 49 minutes A WEEK!
I was shocked by this. That is 7 minutes a day. Really? That's it?
As you all know, I am not average. LOL! I read at least 25 hours a week.
Do you read? And if so how much? Blogs do not count. ;)
Carr also pointed out that we should be reading things that make out minds think.

Fact: The average person watches 35 HOURS of TV A WEEK!!
Wow! The first thing I said to Mike when he told me that was "are you serious?! That's practically a full time job!" I just can not fathom sitting in front of the television for that span of time.
I am also not average here. I watch maybe 5 hours of TV a week.
How much TV do you watch? Movies are included in this, so include those.

Fact: The average person is on the internet 19 HOURS A WEEK! This may not seem like a lot, but those 19 hours are NOT including work hours. Just browsing and goofing off on the internet.
I have lessened my internet usage considerably in the last 2 weeks, so as of this moment, I am on the internet (not including ANY work stuff) maybe 4 hours a week. How about you?

I don't know about you, but those stats really got me disheartened. I mean... what is so necessary that people need or want to spend that much time in front of the TV and that much time on the internet?

Now, let me be honest here. I cringe when I hear someone say, "I hate reading. It's so boring." Why? Because I used to be that person. Yes, me! I used to "hate" reading. That is until I picked up a REALLY good book that I couldn't put down. And I found the genre I enjoy. Boom, done! I am a reader, and find myself wanting to read instead of watching TV or being on the internet. Now, I am the person that says "I LOVE READING! There are SO many great books out there, and I can't wait to read them all!" Now, if you don't like reading, I will still like you, of course! ;) I'm just saying maybe give reading another shot!

Carr also attributes people's excuses of having ADD to the internet as well. He also states that the internet is like a drug and so many feel the need to get their "fix".

I get this. 100% understood this when Mike was telling me about it. I used to be addicted to Twitter. Needed to know what was going on ALL the time. Now... I find myself not really caring as much. Yes, I still like Twitter and all my Twitter friends, but to be honest, Twitter is a mind suck and a time suck! Before you know it, 2 hours have gone by, and nothing has gotten done, and your brain hasn't gotten any form of workout. The same goes for email. Feel like you constantly have to check your email? Or every time your iPhone beeps letting you know you have a new email do you feel that need to have to check it? *insert the word addicted here in a sing song voice*

I feel like there is so much always going on on the internet, so it can make me feel less focused. Hence the ADD remark in Carr's book. So so true for me. I hear many people say they can't focus or they have ADD, but I bet when it came down to it, it could be all that internet time. The Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Emails, etc, etc so on and so forth. And! I bet most of you will end up skimming this post, because it's so long... am I right? That was another thing Mike was telling me about that book. So many skim or bounce all over the place, because they can't seem to focus.

Here is a great excerpt from Chapter 8 of Carr's book:

"The development of a well-rounded mind requires both an ability to find and quickly parse a wide range of information and a capacity for open-ended reflection. There needs to be time for efficient data collection and time for inefficient contemplation, time to operate the machine and time to sit idly in the garden. We need to work in Google’s “world of numbers,” but we also need to be able to retreat to Sleepy Hollow. The problem today is that we’re losing our ability to strike a balance between those two very different states of mind. Mentally, we’re in perpetual locomotion. . . ."

So... do you get it? What is the internet doing to your brain?

I will write a follow up post about what I am doing to "change my brain". Because Carr quotes studies and talks about rewiring the brain, and changing how we do things. This conversation with my husband about this book has definitely shown me how I want to change my habits. Is the internet a bad thing? I definitely don't think so, but I think it's like everything else in life ... balance.

Ta-Ta for now friends!

XO,

Night Owls Tweet - iPhone Pictures

2010-07-07T00:44:00.001-07:00

[Over the next 52 weeks, Me from Arizona USA, and Kris from the Gold Coast AUSTRALIA, will attempt to blog a total of 365 photos. Each posting ... 7 photos, from the last 7 days, on alternate Monday Nights]

This weeks Night Owls Tweet theme is iPhone pictures! :) I got the new iPhone 4 and man what a difference that camera is compared to the iPhone 3G. Took some pretty good shots with it. So, here is a little of my life outside of the walls of my house. :)

Stolen Zoe kisses in the car in the driveway. :)

A blazing hot day makes for fantastic clouds!

HOT! (excuse my nasty dusty car! ewww! Must take care of that stat!)

My oldest girl reveling in her new found talent of bracelet making. She learned that at camp. :)

Eclipse! Waited in line to see it with a bunch of my girlfriends. Pretty good! For the record... Bella's wig. UGH! The Cullens hair? Ugh again! Except Edward and Emmett - their hair is way more normal. And the sparkle... still lame. Other than that, greatly enjoyed the movie!

Ummm... yeah. I have a slight addiction to Coke Zero. :)

Another REALLY hot day produced such a beautiful sky. I hoped for rain, but no such luck.

Check out Kristopher's Night Owls Tweet post too! She took some amazing shots!

***

I also wanted to state for the record that today was the most productive day in *Shey*[B] history! I completed and sent FOURTY ONE camera strap slipcovers - in ONE day! Whew!

Also. There are several camera strap slipcovers that will no longer be available after Friday. Which ones will they be? Sadly these: Vibrant Paisley, Ruffled Wicker, Brown Zebra, The India, Snip Snip, The Burlap, The Tuxedo, The Plaid, All the Suedes, All the Bros, Henna, The New York, Aqua Dot, Diamond Dot, and Laughing Leaves.

Making room for more new items!! :) So, get em while you can, because before long they will be gone!

I also found more FRENCH GIRLIE fabric!!!! I have enough to make FOUR camera strap slipcovers. They are listed here. I don't have any scraps, so lens cap pockets can not be added, but padding can! Hurry hurry and click here. :)

I am also going to do another Q & A pretty soon. Whatcha think? :)

Ta-ta for now!

Hello!!

2010-07-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, huh? Almost a week. Geez!! When you're busy I guess it really shows.

There really isn't much going on here other than my girls in camp and school and me sewing mass amounts of orders, spending time with my family, and reading. See. Like I said. Nothing new. :) haha! I love my life. As per usual in the summers and beyond here in Arizona it is unbearably hot. Today it will be 115 degrees and there is a heat advisory in place until 8pm tonight. Meaning - do not spend excessive time outside unless you want to get heat poisoning or exhaustion. And by excessive time outside I mean more than 15 minutes. ;)

Anyhoo. I have a few book recommendations for you all. I have read almost 20 books this year so far. Most in the last month. Here are some that I loved immensely.

The Girl in the Arena - Fantastic!!! I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

The Fallen #1 by Thomas E. Sniegoski - Very good. There's a talking dog in it too. :) I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Iron King (Iron Fey #1) by Julie Kagawa- One of the best books I have ever read. I absolutely LOVED this book!! 5 out of 5 stars for sure.

Winter's Passage (Iron Fey #1.5) by Julie Kagawa - A great novella to hold us until the next books comes out in 1 month. :) This one you can ONLY get on the Kindle. But. If you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can get the FREE Kindle App and then you can read it. Winter's Passage is free. 5 out of 5 stars

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (Forest of Hands & Teeth #2) - Loved it!! Can not wait for the next one! 5 out of 5 stars

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - This book caught me by surprise. I found it very good... especially if you stayed up til 5:15am in the morning because you just could not put it down. I'm crazy. I already know that. ;) 4 out of 5 stars

13 to Life by Shannon Delany - I just finished this one today after starting it last night. It was awesome. 5 out of 5 stars

Speaking of reading. Since I was told about the free Kindle App, I have decided that I will be reading books on my iPad from now on. Just so much easier. My husband has been trying to get me to switch to an e-reader for some time now, and I am just stubborn. But finally I have changed my mind. The sheer amount of books I read and buy are filling up my office VERY quickly. I will likely be donating to my husband's office's library for other's to enjoy. :) I only keep the books I figure that I would like to read again. Now, I can bring a million books with me without actually bringing a million books with me. All stored in my iPad. So easy!

Lastly... how about a super awesome discount for my amazing blog readers? :) Twitter got the discount yesterday, and you all get it today! However... since you are all so amazing I am going to end it later than I did for Twitter.

Get 25% (TWENTY FIVE) off your ENTIRE purchase through tomorrow at midnight!!! This excludes gift certificates. Enter SPARKLERS at checkout! :)

And because I like to add pictures... here is a picture from my *Shey*[B] product shoot I shot a month or so ago... not sure about this one.

How is everyone? Have anything outrageous planned for this 4th of July weekend?
We don't. I think relaxing is in major order!
Have a great one!!

Winners and Prayers

2010-06-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hey friends. Happy Saturday to you. I have some winners to announce, but I have a prayer request. When I got this message from my friend I got teary eyed. I am sure you all know who Erin of The Vintage Pearl is. :) She is such an amazing person. Though I have never met her in person, I have been friends with her for almost 2 years. She has help me a lot with my business, and as you know, her business is just booming. I am so proud of her. She has accomplished a lot.
Anyway. I got a message from her this morning that her mom unexpectedly passed away yesterday morning. I am so sad. Losing a parent would be so hard. I have cried for her, prayed for her, and sent messages to her letting her know she is in my thoughts and prayers. Would you all mind going to her blog and leaving some love for her too? Click here. Let's show her lots of thoughts and love and lift her and her family (especially her dad) in prayers. Thanks everyone! Life is precious.

The winners are as follows.

Winner of the t-Shirts are: Sydney & Jodi

Winner of the Couture is: Ashley!!

Hurray ladies!! Email me your addresses! :)

OK. So regarding the t-shirts. We are going to have them professionally printed. So stay tuned for that! :) And the angel wing shirts... LOTS liked those.... haha! The wings were printed on the back of my girls' shirts. Someone had asked that. IF you're interested in a wing shirt, let me know. Depending on the amount of requests I might just list them in my store. We will see, though. There are a ton of other designs I want to try out too. :)

I also listed some more new stuff! WOW! ;) Check it...

This Couture sold, but wanted to show you all anyway. It was Twilight inspired. haha. Figured it was fitting since Eclipse comes out WEDNESDAY!! Yep. I am meeting some friends on Tuesday night for dinner and a seat at the midnight premiere! :)

Navy Blue, White & Pink. :)

And my newest favorite! The Pleated Chain. LOVING that green ruffle!!!

Yep! All but the Couture are available in my store now! :) Click here.

OK. I missed out on the aquarium with my hubby and girls today to catch up on orders, because I am behind. Better get back to it!

xo,

New to Shey[B]!!

2010-06-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Stopping in at midnight after a VERY long day. I might have stood in line for far too long to acquire a iPhone 4. :) But, enough about that... I want to show you a couple of new products. I hope you'll be as excited about them as I am. Cuz, they turned out fantastic.

Who has a point and shoot camera? Well... how about a cute clutch to carry your point and shoot in? You got it!!

I couldn't find my point and shoot camera, so it's not pictured with the clutch, but if you want one of these cuties for a PSP or a DS - well, those fit too... see Angelina's PSP below. :)

I love this clutch. It velcro's closed. Super easy to just keep your camera in and when you need it it's there. Of course, custom orders are welcome, so contact me for a custom fabric order.

Custom orders are also welcome for the next new product too. Now, since the iPhone 4 is so new, there are no cases for it. Until now that is. Welcome the new Cell Phone Clutch! How cute is this?! But wait! You do not have to have an iPhone to purchase! Any cell phone fits. :)

All you Ruffled L.C. Camera strap slipcover owners out there can match your cell phone clutch with your camera strap cover now! Of course, like I said, custom fabric orders are definitely welcome! What fabrics will you choose?

So, that's what's new!!! Do you like? They're in my store now - click here and here. :)

Peace out homies!
xoxo,

Night Owls Tweet - The Office

2010-06-23T12:29:00.001-07:00

[Over the next 52 weeks, Shey B from Arizona USA, and I from the Gold Coast AUSTRALIA, will attempt to blog a total of 365 photos. Each posting ... 7 photos, from the last 7 days, on alternate Monday Nights]

This was supposed to be posted on Monday. I am a total slacker! ooopsie. :) I have been really busy, and part of that busyness is enjoying my little girls being home. They returned last Friday.

I have decided that for me it's easier to keep with a theme for my Night Owls Tweet posts. So this week the theme is tid bits of my office. How crazy is it that this is already week 6 of doing this? nuts!

A fraction of the orders sent in one day...

This shelf holds books I need to read ...

One of these days I will get my office all done. But I do like the vintage things on this shelf.

Some of my current favorite fabrics.

This is the shelf that holds all of the books I have read. I have read more than what is actually there. I have sold some of the books and donated some to Mike's office's library. :) I have read almost 130 books in the last 1.5 years. 100 of those last year alone.

When I do decorate my office, it will be partly a New York theme. :) I will be going to New York at the beginning of August for a blog conference, and while I am there I plan on taking a lot of pictures to have printed/blown up for my office and my house. I LOVE New York! Oh and that picture is resting on my iPhone doc. I play my music through my iPhone to the speakers. And it charges my phone the whole time. I love it. That New York word art is from Red Letter Words. Their shop is one of my favorites and is listed over there <----------------

And lastly. Some orders ready to go to their new homes. :)

Click here to see Kris' Night Owls Tweet post from last week. Great pictures!!

How is everyone?

I will be ending the giveaway for the Couture and the shirts tomorrow... so better hurry up. IN the meantime I will be posting another giveaway here no later than tomorrow. I am so so excited the owner of this company (who is also an AMAZING photographer) has offered to do a giveaway here. Your mouths are going to drop. Trust me. ;)

Ta ta for now. xo

Father's Day

2010-06-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

First and foremost I want to thank my girls for a wonderful and memorable Father's Day. You guys mean the world to me. Breakfast was terrific, the bike ride was fun, the movie was funny and the massage was wonderful.

Being a "Daddy" is the single best experience in the world. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you walk in the door and your kids coming running to meet you before your second foot even makes it across the threshold. Watching the girls grow up and become little ladies is both rewarding and terrifying at the same time. Every new experience they share with me makes so proud of them. Hearing the excitement in their voices as they discover new things and the awe in the expressions as they unlock the mysteries of the world around them is what makes every day worth it.

With that comes the fear and questioning of "am I doing the right thing?", "am I teaching them the right lessons?" and "am I being a good father?". I suppose all of these are common questions we all ask ourselves and it is days like today that put those fears aside. Not that it is Father's Day, but more that today was no different than any other day (except maybe the fact I didn't have to make waffles for breakfast).

My children thought they were treating me "extra" special all weekend. But what they don't realize is that this is how they treat me everyday. This is how they make me feel every morning when I wake up. Begging me to go for a bike ride, play with their dolls, go swimming and just spend every second with them let's me know they love me. And, of course, I oblige, even if being the Prince means I am going to get eaten by a shark (yes that happened in the fairy tale today).

So thank you girls for not doing anything different today, but rather making me feel special and loved every other day of the year.

I love you,

Daddy

Father's Day

2010-06-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of the umbrellas. I know I posted it already, but had to again. I think I might have it printed and hang it up in my house somewhere. It just makes me happy. :)

Want to stop in and let you all know... this weekend only (starting now) I am offering 15% off your entire purchase for Father's Day. Just enter FATHERSDAY at checkout. ;) Moms - go get yourself something special.... because why not? Click here to head on over to my store.

My girls come home tonight! Excited to hug and kiss their faces.

I got the prototypes back from the manufacturer. They look GREAT! It's a go! I would say definitely by mid July my turnaround time will go down. At least that is what I am hoping! haha. As always, I will let you know!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below this post to win a Couture or a t-shirt!

And... stay tuned sometime this weekend for a post written by my husband!! Excited for that.

Have a great weekend, and dad's... Have a super great FATHER'S DAY!

xo,

How about a Giveaway?

2010-06-17T18:38:00.001-07:00

Haven't had a giveaway in a while! Got a little burnt out after my birthday giveaway week. :)

But, let's have one now, shall we? What's up for grabs? Hmmm... Three things, my friends. Three winners too.

First up... a Couture!

Next up. I have 2 shirts to giveaway! A size small and a size medium. These shirts run big, so they really aren't true to the size they say they are.

Now. A few weeks ago I splurged and got a Yudu Machine. It's a screen printing machine, and it's so much fun once you get the hang of it. :) I made my girls each shirts that have wings on the back...

Anyway. I asked on Twitter if anyone would wear a *Shey*[B] shirt, and I got a ton of responses stating that YES! They would wear it. Photographers said they'd wear them on shoots, friends said they'd wear them whenever, etc etc. So, here we are. I made some *Shey*[B] shirts! Want one?

The green one shows the front and the turquoise one is showing the back. :)

I am going to make this simple for you. All you have to do to win 1 of the 3 items is leave a comment. Let me know if I should sell *Shey*[B] shirts in my store too would ya? So 1 person will win the Couture and 2 people get a shirt. Their choice... turquoise or green.

I will pick a winner sometime next week.

Ready? Set? GO!

Good luck!!

More Vegas.

2010-06-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

Another blog post! I like it! :)

I sat on my couch tonight and made myself edit pictures. I am so consumed with orders that so many things, including my blog become an after thought. I don't mean for it to be that way. But it is what it is. I am trying to be better about it. My girls come back on Friday, so I won't have the time I have now. I am trying to take advantage of that!

So... how about more pictures from Vegas? :)

I loved the Venetian! It was like I walked out of Vegas and into Italy.

I about died over these umbrellas hanging in the mall of the Venetian.

I just LOVED them!!!

Then there were the dolphins at The Mirage. :) I adore dolphins. I mean. How could you not?!

I want to swim with dolphins. Maybe one day. :)

The Mirage also has many other exotic animals. Tigers, Alpacas, Lions, a panther and more! So amazing to see these WHITE lions there. Of course they also had white tigers there as well. So baby tigers too. So adorable. Unfortunately all of the other animals besides the lions were too far away or behind something for me to get a picture.

And here is a ginormous bridge they are building over the Hoover Dam. This bridge was just huge. I can't even express the sheer bigness of it.

That's all for now!!

How is your week so far, my friends?

Behind the Scenes

2010-06-14T14:00:00.001-07:00

I have been super busy. How about you? My kids come home THIS Friday! Wow! Where does the time go?? Seems like just yesterday I was flying them out to stay with my parents. Then there was Vegas, and dinner with friends, and work and more work and work some more. ;)

I thought it might be fun to see a little behind the scenes of *Shey*[B]... whatcha think? I swear my office is never going to be complete because I haven't even finished decorating it yet... but one day, right? It will likely be the day we move into a new house that I ever finish it. haha.

Here is one of my cute assistants. Say hello to Anne. :) Her sister also works for me too. But she is in FIJI at the moment on a missions trip. No, I do not feel sorry for her. FIJI?! Hello! Wish I was there! haha!! I love these girls! They work very hard, and do all they can to make my life easier.

So, that's a TEENY peek into my daily grind. I think I will do a Behind The Scenes series, actually. Whatcha think?

Here is a sneak of a *Shey*[B] photoshoot I did a couple of weeks ago. As soon as I can find time to edit pictures I will show you more. :)

Her eyes are STU*NNING!

More later! Peace out. ;)

Advertising Change

2010-06-11T11:16:00.001-07:00

Hey all!

I wanted to drop in, because I have thought about the advertising that I offer on my blog, and I want to make it better. When I advertise for someone, I like to be recognized in as many ways as possible, or in the best way I can be.
This got me thinking about all of you that have businesses just like I do. I kept wondering what I could do to offer better advertising options for you. Here is what I decided. . .

I am no longer going to be offering sidebar advertising. The buttons there will only be buttons of websites/shops that I frequent often. Advertising will be on a weekly basis. Your shop button/blog button will be displayed at the bottom of every blog post I write. I will also write up a little feature about you and your shop as well so we can get to know you as the shop/website's owner. I feel like this is the BEST advertising. I wish everyone did it this way. It brings more attention to you in 1 week than it likely would in the entire month. During your week of being featured, you can offer a giveaway as well, which in turn will likely also bring you more traffic. :)

Advertising rate: $30 for 1 week.

So, that's it. I think this form of advertising will be much better, and benefit you better as well!! If you're interested in advertising, please email me: shealynn@gmail.com

I will be back soon with more pictures from Angelina's birthday party and Vegas!

xo,

Night Owls Tweet - Las Vegas!

2010-06-08T22:53:00.001-07:00

So this was supposed to be up yesterday... Bad me! I was feeling pretty sick last night, so I ended up going to bed early. But here it is! Night Owls Tweet Week 4! I decided to do it all of Vegas, since I am lame and can not seem to find much time to edit pictures and post a blog post! I'm trying. So sorry! ;)

[Over the next 52 weeks, Me from Arizona USA, and Kris from the Gold Coast AUSTRALIA, will attempt to blog a total of 365 photos. Each posting ... 7 photos, from the last 7 days, on alternate Monday Nights]

How gorgeous is this shot of the Hoover Dam??? Just kept my shutter open a bit longer than normal and bam, a gorgeous night shot of it!

Hello Vegas! The lights are stunning!

New York New York! Love that hotel. :)

The Paris Hotel is my favorite hotel on the strip. It's so awesome inside. And they have the BEST restaurant ever in there called Mona Mie. Nom nom nom.

I ADORE this picture of Mike and I even though I have many chins in it. ;) It's just such a candid! We were trying to take a normal say cheese to the camera pic, but we ended up cracking up and my finger hit the trigger on accident. So glad it did! xo

Click here to see Kris' week last week! Awesome!

I have more Vegas pics to come... now if I could find the time... where does it go?

How are you, my friends?

XO,

BiG bIg BIG BIG news!!!!

2010-06-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

OK. So I have been pretty vague on Twitter about some news that is about to change my business. BIG time! And I feel pretty comfortable sharing it with you now, even though it's not in full affect yet. But I just got the green light and was told that it would happen as long as I approve of some things. Please note that this is NOT in affect yet. Likely will not be for at least 2 more weeks. I will announce when it is in affect, because then it will effect you as my customers. But I know you'll all be thrilled with this news... at least I think you might. I am OVER THE MOON about it. OK. Enough babbling. I have held out long enough and I am bursting with excitement, because my business is going to a WHOLE NEW level. Ready?

I have partnered with a mom owned business to sew 90% of my camera strap slipcovers!!!!!
Basically they are a very very small scale manufacturer.
Ummm, I am squealing as I type this, because it's making it more real! I never in a MILLION BILLION years thought *Shey*[B] would come this far, but I can not tell you enough how excited I am. How proud I am of myself. And how truly truly thankful I am for ALL OF YOU! God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams.

I will still be making some camera strap slipcovers (i.e. Couture, Chic, Burlap, etc. etc.), but having this company manufacture most of them will A. Give me more time with my KIDS! And B. More time to focus on NEW DESIGNS AND PRODUCTS! My passion in my business is designing. I adore coming up with new designs. Having an idea in my head come to life is a feeling I just can't express in words. But I get pure joy from coming up with the newest latest designs. So I am so excited about this that I could do 50 cartwheels in my front yard. And I just might. :)

This will also take my turnaround time down from the horrid ONE MONTH to about 2-3 days!!!!!!!! Yes. TWO - THREE DAYS! Eeeek!!!!

Remember... This is NOT in affect yet! But I will definitely let you know when it is! I need to approve the prototypes and then we are under way!

So... what do you think? Was this news worth waiting for or what?!?!?!

I love you all! Thank you for the encouragement, the nice comments, and all the love you give me each and every single day!

xoxo!!

A Birthday Dinner She'll Remember

2010-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Angelina's birthday dinner was really fun. She told me that she will never forget it, because she had so much fun. She told me that it was cool to watch the food being made right in front of you.

Where did we take her that she would have said this? Benihana!! I love this restaurant!! The look of amazement on my girls' faces as our cook made, tossed, made it smoke and threw our food was priceless. If you ever want to take your child to a restaurant and know with almost 100% certainty that they won't whine much because they'll be too busy being entertained, then a teppan room is your place! It's more pricey than McDonald's, but it's SO worth it! :)

Here are some pictures of our night at Benihana...

My girls LOVE edimame!

And to my surprise, both girls loved the soup below. Even though it had onions and mushrooms in it. Angelina was surprised at herself too. She says, "Mommy! I love this soup. I even ate the MUSHROOMS AND ONIONS!" :)

Fried rice is so good! But, it's even better when it's shaped into a heart first... don't you agree? :)

Our cook was awesome! He pulled out all the stops for Angelina.

Flipping bowls of fried rice in the air and catching it - without spilling 1 grain of rice.

He cut the food at lightning speed, and even flipped an egg around with his spatula.

Angelina's mouth hit the floor with each new stunt. :)

And Zoe just watched on in 3 year old amazement.

mmmm!

And of course he promised us the volcano, which I knew Angelina would love.

Once again her mouth dropped open and she giggled.

Zoe stared. haha!

She was so excited the whole time!

They sang her Happy Birthday and gave her an elaborately decorated wedge of pineapple

and we all got ice cream. Perfection!

I made the girls these skirts the night before Angelina's birthday.

I also decorated a plain white shirt with rolled flowers.

Angelina's rolled flower was a little more gigantic than I originally planned.

But she loved it even more.

And Zoe was excited to get a new skirt and shirt too.

All was right in their world.

And mine too. :)

So. Next time you're not sure where to take your kids on their birthday.

Might a suggest the teppan room?

Trust me. You won't be sorry. Just the looks on my

girls' faces made it priceless.

Angelina's Concert

2010-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am so behind on event posting. Oye! I don't think it's possible to be any busier than I am. Which is definitely a great thing. But it can be pretty stressful.

So... let's catch up! Back on May 13th Angelina had an end of the year program. She was granted a talking duet piece in the concert. She was super nervous, and mom and dad and sissy were so proud of her. She got the part because she is an accelerated reader (6th grade level). She ended up doing awesome, which we knew she would! Here is a picture through my video camera of her...

And I snapped a couple pictures of Zoe and Mike while we waited for the concert to start. . .

I DIE over this picture! Perfection!!!

And this one cracked me up!

Such a funny girl.

Next up! Angelina's birthday!!! New post for that one. :)

Vegas Baby!!

2010-05-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

I am finishing up some orders to go out today because there will be no working for me this weekend. There will be no working for Mike this weekend. Our kids are at their grandma and papa's house in North Carolina for a few weeks. So, why no work this weekend?

Because Mike and I are going to be in . . .

Mike and I haven't been away just the 2 of us in FOREVER! Longer than forever I think, actually. So we are so excited to escape! We had friends going with us, but they couldn't come. So now it's just the 2 of us. In this city of lights! My camera and I are going to have a blast!!

But... while I am away... I want you to enjoy a fabulous discount! 15% off your ENTIRE purchase!!! Just enter VEGAS15 at checkout. :)

There are some new things listed in there. Like...

The Raspberry Lemonade: So FUN!

And the Ruffled Duo {in burnt orange} SUPER fabulous! :)

So go ahead! You don't need to gamble to feel like a winner! Discounts work too, yeah? ;) Well, then. ding ding ding! winner!!! 15% off entire purchase - enter VEGAS15 at checkout... cuz I just love ya.

Have a great weekend!!!

Huge!

2010-05-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

This girl...

Just POOPED in the potty! HUGE HUGE HUGE! I know this is a bit weird and TMI for a blog post, but this is such a huge milestone! I was beginning to worry because she's 3 1/2. But worry no more! She did it!!!!!! There might have been screamings of YAY and WOO HOO and we are SO PROUD of you Zoe!!! Yayyyyyyyyy!!!

That is all. :)

Night Owls Tweet

2010-05-25T00:12:00.004-07:00

One night I am chatting it up on Twitter with my lovely Aussie friend, Kris. Then an idea hits me. Like a palm to the forehead! So, I ask Kris this question...

"Hey! I just got a SWEET idea! Wanna play?"

To which she replies...

"lol - so long as it's SWEET"

I tell her my idea, and she calls me crazy, but is totally on board, because crazy can be fun, right? Of course it can. Especially when the ideas come while you're up late at night like she and I always are. We are crazy night owls. :) What was my idea? Blogging photos of our lives. She lives in Australia and I live in Arizona, USA. What could be more fun than 365 Photos over 52 weeks? I can't think of much.

So... Night Owls Tweet was born. Every other Monday I will be blogging 7 photos. 1 photo from each day of my life. The other Mondays, Kris will be blogging them on her lovely blog.

SO, without further ado... the last 7 days of my life in pictures . . . I know! Most are of my girls... they're cute. Can you blame me? ;)

Week 2: Arizona

I adore these trees! They bloom the most gorgeous yellow flowers ever!

The new Cherry Limeade camera strap slipcover added to my shop here.

A view of Angelina through the video camera.

Angelina's Birthday dinner at Benihana. Yum!

Just looking cute. Not too hard. :)

Angelina making a wish!

She's a little model, huh?

You can see Kris's Night Owls Tweet Week 1 by clicking here. She is an amazing designer, so take your time and check out her blog. It's fantastic!! She designs fabric. :) I need to order some soon!!!

So, what do you think of our little gig? Fun, right?

Giveaway winners!!

2010-05-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

I know I have been a bad bad blogger! Currently sitting in the corner with a dunce cap on. Oh and writing, I will blog more, I will blog more, I will blog more...

Though, this coming week is going to be SO SO busy! I am only working 3 days this week. Well, 2 1/2 days really. Wednesday I am flying my girls out to my parent's house in North Carolina, where they get to stay and visit for 3 1/2 weeks! I fly back home alone on Thursday afternoon. Friday afternoon, my husband and I are leaving for Vegas for the weekend!! I can't tell you how excited I am to get my hubby all to myself! And not only getting my husband to myself, but getting my husband to myself while we escape for the weekend! Such a rarity.

It's always so weird when my kids are gone the few weeks in the summer they are visiting their grandma and papa. So quiet. I slowly get used to it, but by the time they come home I am so excited and cry at the sight of them when the realization hits me of just how much I have missed them.

So, I hope to blog more this week. Lord knows I have tons to share, just not a lot of time to do so. I am so exhausted right now that I won't be mustering up the energy to upload, edit and post pictures of Angelina's school program, her birthday party, etc etc. But I will very soon. Perhaps tomorrow. :)

For now, here are the giveaway winners I was supposed to post yesterday!

Winner of the March bag pattern from Melissa of May and Mae is Joy - winner of the June bag & fat quarters is Jacky - and the winner of the Sunday bag is Crystal!!!

Winner of the personalized name pillow by Marie of Bella Marie Designs is Julie!!!

Winner of The Pleated Poppy giveaway is Heidi!!!

Winner of the Lisa Leonard giveaway is Polka Dot Moon!!!!!!!

And, the Giveaway Day winner is Mary Keeley McAllister!!!!

Congrats to ALL the winners! Those who didn't win, go visit these stores! They all offer amazing amazing items!!!

Winners of Giveaways 5-19!!!!

2010-05-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's taken me a little longer to get the winners up!! But, here they are! If you are looking for the Giveaway Day giveaway, please scroll down. It ends today.

Winner of The Art Of Paper Giveaway is - Jarka!!!
Winner of the Jaybird Quilts Giveaway is - Peek At My Paper!!!
Winner of the CHIC strap from me is - Maria/Curly Birdie!!!!!!!!!!!
Winner of the Tilt a Twirl Kit from Above All Fabric is - Marie!!!
Winner of the Rya's Creations Giveaway is - Jessica!!!
Winner of the Donuts from Sonia is - Sarah S!!
Winner of the Karamat bag pattern giveaway is - The Chubby Dove!!!
Winners of the Half-Pint House Handmade Giveaway are - Krissa and Rebecca @ Piggy Bank Dating!!
Winner of the PolkaDot Moon Giveaway is - Just me and z!!!!
Winner of the HeartSmiles Giveaway is - Deserae!!
Winner of the Dolly Outfitters Giveaway is - Jackie!!
Winner of the Haute Tots Giveaway is - Julie!!!
Winner of the Maplecreek Giveaway is - KraftyKash!!
Winner of the Tweet Baby Designs Giveaway is - Carrie Haughey!!!
Winner of the Busy kids activity pouch is - Denise!!!

The rest of the winners will be announced tomorrow. Now... ya'll go buy yourself a little somethin' somethin'! All of these shops off Awesome items for great prices, and they were all so generous in offering to give something away, don't you think? So, let's support them!! They ROCK!

Be back later with a special post dedicated to my oldest girl. :) Today is her 8th birthday!!!

xo,

Give-A-Way Day!!

2010-05-17T00:52:00.002-07:00

WELCOME!! :)

If you're new here, feel free to take a look around! I love new visitors!!

Today is Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day!! I participate every time. It's so much fun! I know I did giveaways ALL last week... some of which are still going on, but I couldn't pass up on this event. Fun fun fun! Go check it out for yourself. They say there is over 250 giveaways listed!! WOW!

Today I am giving away TWO items from my store, *Shey*[B]! :) There will be TWO winners. Each person will win one of my camera strap slipcovers. :) This giveaway IS open internationally too.

One lucky winner will receive The Ruche. It's Brand New. Just released last week.

Another winner will get their choice of one of the "Click" camera strap slipcovers or the "Shades" in pink camera strap slipcover!!

Sweet!

Here is how to enter:

Go to my store. Come back here and tell me your fave! Or if you have more than 1 that is ok too. :) Also include which of the above camera strap slipcovers you'd choose for yourself!

Extra Entries: (These are not required. Unless you want extra entry points. :) )

:: Follow my blog
:: Follow me on Twitter (tweet about this giveaway & make sure to @sheyb me so I know you did! :)
:: Sign up for my newsletter over there on the left sidebar <-----------

THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS ON MAY 20th! (my oldest daughter's birthday. SHE gets to randomly pick a number of the winner.)

Good Luck!!!

Don't want to wait? Enter SHEYB at checkout to

receive 10% off your entire purchase!!

Winners of Giveaways 1-4!!

2010-05-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

We have some winners!!!

Winner of the scrapbook kit giveaway from Lisa of Scrapbook Circle is... Jessica!

Winner of Toile Tails giveaway from Amy and Lori is ... Sena!

Winner of the Happy Heat Pack giveaway from Kashoan is ... Cindyj!

Winner of the Frankie Magazine & Your choice of "Click" camera strap slipcover from me is ... JadesGirl!

Yay!! Congratulations!!! Please email me to claim your prize! You will have 5 days to claim them or I will choose another winner. :)

Please visit Scrapbook Circle, Toile Tails, Krafty Kash, And my shop if you want. :) Get 10% off your total purchase at my shop by entering SHEYLOVESU at checkout. :)

Now go get yourself something awesome! YOU deserve it!

Thanks again to everyone who donated items to the giveaway week to celebrate my birthday and thanks to everyone who entered these giveaways! I know the shop owners really appreciate your support! :)

XO!

COUTURE RAFFLE WINNER!!! And Red Letter Words Winner!!

2010-05-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

First off. I want to say thank you to everyone who entered all the amazing giveaways on my blog this week to help me celebrate my birthday! You all know how to make a girl feel loved, that's for sure!!! There is still time to enter! All the giveaways are staying up for 1 week from the time they were posted. Click here to enter all the giveaways! :) Also! The winner of the Red Letter Words giveaway is: #13 JadesGirl!! Congrats email me!! :)

Now. The COUTURE winner drawn from random.org is...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max:

Result:

11Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats goes to SARA SOPHIA!!!! Congratulations!!! I know you're going to be thrilled! :) Contact me to claim your prize, girl!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-05-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

What a crazy year. You have grown more in the last year than all of the years I have known you. You have become a business woman, taking your company to the next level. A fashion designer, coming up with the most unique ideas. And even spoke in front of a crowd about running a small business. I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished. Our lives have gotten busier and time more sacred, but that has only strengthened our family and love for each other.

I am excited to see what the next year will bring and wish you the best in everything you do.

I love you more than you will ever know and hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend and all your wishes come true. Although, I wouldn't get your hopes up on the wish regarding the summers in Arizona.

Mike

A Stamped Giveaway

2010-05-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet woman at Bloggy Bootcamp (which I swear to blog about soon!). I know so many of you know of her. She is EVERYWHERE! :) You think I am everywhere? Well, Lisa beats me hands down! I so enjoyed hearing her speak at the conference. It was neat how she started her business and it was so so small and now it's just HUGE.

I am always leery of meeting really well known bloggers. Let alone well known bloggers with really well known businesses. But, can I just tell you that Lisa Leonard is the sweetest person in the world? She is incredibly down to earth, and I found her to be humble about her business, but very proud of it. She should be!
What surprised me even more was that Lisa knew who I was!!! *faints*

I have a few Lisa Leonard necklaces. They are really cute!! These are what I have...

So. Lisa is incredibly generous! She is offering 1 VERY lucky winner a $50 gift certificate to her store! So nice!!!!! Thank you Lisa for offering to do this giveaway! It was great meeting you and I look forward to the next time... let's chat longer. ;)

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Lisa's Website. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Lisa's Blog!. Follow her & leave her some comment love.

- Follow Lisa on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

Good luck!!!

A Poppy Kinda Day

2010-05-14T11:54:00.001-07:00

Do you ever meet someone and just click? Have so much in common you just know you'll be friends with this person forever even though you've never met in real life? Yeah, well, that's how I feel about Lindsey of The Pleated Poppy. She and I just click.
We have loved talking about our businesses together, about our lives, our kids, husbands, and sometimes just nonsense. It's just awesome. I have "known" Lindsey for several years. I think almost 3. She is just such an amazing person. My life is better because I know her. I have several people in my life like that and she is one of them.

Did you know one of my camera strap slipcovers is named after her? Yep! You can read about that by clicking here.

Her zippered pouch that I matched. :)

Did you also know that Lindsey's oldest daughter and my oldest daughter share a birthday? True story! May 20th baby! How awesome is that? God has definitely brought us together. What a blessing!

Lindsey emailed me a couple of weeks ago wanting to participate in my birthday celebration with a giveaway. Of COURSE I could not refuse. Love her stuff! And I know you will too!

Let's learn a little about Lindsey shall we?

hi ! i'm lindsey cheney. i am married to an incredibly supportive husband and am mom to 3 littles, 6 and under. my days are full of sewing, home schooling, crafting, snuggling, avoiding the laundry, sneaking bites of chocolate, and wondering "is it naptime yet?".

We talked about laundry last night on gChat. Let's just say... we had a lot in common in that area as well. haha!

Lindsey has so generously decided to give away a $25 gift certificate to her store! Eeeek!! So many fun things in there!!! Things that caught my eye [well, just a few things, because I love everything]...

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Lindsey's Shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Lindsey's awesome blog!. Follow her & leave her some comment love.

- Follow Lindsey on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

Good luck!!!

Like Free?

2010-05-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday!!!!! WOO HOO!!!
So, to celebrate, I am giving away a FREE SEWN IN LENS CAP POCKET
with EVERY single order starting RIGHT NOW!!
And it's good for today ONLY! So hurry. :) Sewn in lens cap pockets can not be added to Couture or Chic strap slipcovers.

In order to get your free lens cap pocket, enter FREELENSPOCKET at checkout. You will also receive a 1% discount. Just because I couldn't do it any other way. And because ya'll deserve a random weird discount, right? :)

There will be 2 more giveaways today from 2 lovely people. And I "might" be back with some new designs and other fun stuff! Stay tuned!!!

Thank you all SOOOOO much for all the birthday love! You have truly added so much happiness to my day!

P.S. ALL GIVEAWAYS END STARTING MONDAY!!!

Want A Couture?

2010-05-14T04:07:00.004-07:00

The raffle is now CLOSED!

Thank you to everyone who entered. :)

I am raffling off a COUTURE today! This Couture, as all Coutures, is brand new. It is one of a kind like all of them are. But this Couture is only available to all of you. It will not be listed in my store. I will just cut to the chase as to not cause any heart attacks as I have been told that I was doing on Twitter. Sorry bout that. ;)

Here is how it will work. Click here. That leads to my store. Specifically to the raffle ticket listing. Raffle tickets are $5 a piece. Each $5 is 1 entry into the raffle. Instead of a number, you will need to leave me a comment with the name you ordered your raffle ticket under. This will help me verify in Paypal. You can buy as many raffle tickets as you'd like. Just leave a comment for each ticket purchased with the info required and you're finished. The winner will be announced Saturday morning!!! I will pick a random number, but instead of doing it by shouting out ticket numbers, I will do it will The Random Number Generator.

So, basically... you could get a Couture for $5!! That's a $75 savings for you!! Yay!!!

Happy Raffling! This Couture is dying to find a new home. :)

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #21

2010-05-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

Yay!! I am so excited to share this shop with you!! I love the owner too! She is super super really super duper sweet. Got that? :) We follow each other on Twitter, and I so enjoy tweeting with her. I am IN LOVE with what she is giving away... I think I will be ordering soon Marie!!! Let's get to know her shall we?

Hi! I am Marie. I'm a mama of 3 and married to the most awesome guy ever who totally supports what I do. He even stays up late w/ me to help me stuff pillows when I'm slammed with orders. :) My love for sewing began in high school when I took a fashion design class and resurfaced again after I had my first daughter. I made a skirt for her and was smitten with the idea of handmade and it was all over from there! I opened my Etsy shop 3 years ago just for fun and to see how well I would do and it's been a great outlet for me ever since. I've met some of the coolest people ever through my love of sewing and crafting. It's been a wonderful journey!

Marie is giving away one personalized name pillow of the winner's choice!!! Holy Cow! That's awesome.

Can I enter my own giveaway? No? Darn it!

Open to U.S. & Canada residents only.

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Marie's Shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Marie's Blog. Follow her & leave her some comment love.

- Follow Marie on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

- Answer this - are you liking all these giveaways? Overwhelmed?

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #20

2010-05-14T01:30:00.002-07:00

Seriously. When this lovely woman contacted me wanting to do a giveaway on MY blog, I about fell out of my chair. Though, it's not a polkadot chair. ;) Umm, have you SEEN her blog??!?! Yeah. I was so honored that she wanted to be included! So let's meet the lovely Melissa of Polkadot Chair shall we? But first! TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY TOO!!! :) How fabulous!

My name is Melissa Mortenson, I have always loved sewing and crafts. About a year ago a decided to start a blog as a "memory keeper" of all the things I liked to make (especially since I gave most of them away). That blog is called the Polkadot Chair, after the comfy chair I have in my craft room. It started out small and has grown over the past year. It is now the best job I've ever had!

In January I started a little company called fourteen may (that's my birthday). I sell sewing patterns and kits through my etsy shop, may & mae, that I run with my friend Traci of Amazing Mae.

I design patterns based on things that I need. I needed a good bag to carry with me on vacation thus the June Bag was born, I needed a large sturdy bag for all my church stuff, hence the Sunday Bag. and my 14 yr old daughter wanted to give her friend a purse as a birthday present so she drew me a little sketch and I ended up with the March Bag.

I'd love for you to visit my shop www.mayandmae.etsy.com or stop over to my blog an say "Hi"

Someone pinch me! "owe"! Ok. This is really happening.

June Bag...

March Bag...

Sunday Bag...

Melissa is giving away 3 patterns, the March Bag, June Bag & Sunday Bag. She is also giving away 4 fat quarters. There will be 3 winners. 1 winner will get the June bag AND the fat quarters. The other 2 winners will get the patterns only. But, since I have hooked you up with some fabric stores during these giveaways, you know where you can find some fabric to make them. :)

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Melissa's Shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Melissa's Blog. Follow her and wish her a Happy Birthday!

- Follow Melissa on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

- Do this for me: What is your favorite cake?

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #19

2010-05-14T00:30:00.002-07:00

OK. I am seriously dying over this giveaway. Because I know my kids would adore this! Especially in 2 weeks when I fly them out to Grandma and Papa's in North Carolina where they are staying for 3.5 weeks. This is just sweet! After I post... I am going to email Malia and beg her to open her shop ASAP! First. Let's meet the mastermind behind this shop...

My name is Malia and I like making stuff. I'm into crafting, elegant upcycling and finding fun vintage items. I enjoy finding the art in everyday life-- picking a pretty wildflower or making watercolor painting with my kids.

Bee Busy Kid Bags: Designed to corral kid's activities + toys while riding in the car, at restaurants and waiting for appointments. Each 9 1/2 x 8 inch handmade canvas carryall is fastened inside with kid friendly velcro. Features chalkboard material on the front of bag so child can personalize. Also comes with a reusable tin, covered with chalkboard material and filled with crayons and colored chalk. Also included-- a pad of recycled paper.

Busy Kids = Happy Parents

I am giving away the apple bag + contents.

Yes please!

Here is how to enter ....

Comment here telling Malia how much she NEEDS to open a shop!!! She is going to open it soon, so the link should be available soon... let's demand encourage her to open it asap! ;)

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Malia's Blog. Follow her & leave her some comment love.

- Follow Malia on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did!

- Answer this: What is your favorite way to keep your 3 year olds busy... if you have a 3 year old. :)

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #18

2010-05-13T23:30:00.001-07:00

How about two gifts for one winner? Deal! Meet Ashley of Tweet Baby Designs:

I am a wife to one amazing man and mama to 6 littles. I create because I have to, it's what makes me, me. Fabric is my passion...I love it. I love finding new ways to create with it, new uses for old fabric, and ways to repurpose fabric that seems useless. My shop is always updated with new ideas and creations. All of the items I carry were inspired by my children, either out of necessity or just fun. Because everyone needs a little fun in their life!!

Come visit my shop and take a look around.

We are given one life to live... I plan on creating a beautiful one.

Me too!!!

Ashley is giving 1 lucky winner their choice of a fabric covered coptic stitched journals, the other is for leggies leg warmers. One thing for mom, & one for baby.

How generous!! Wishing I had a baby to put the leggies on!!! I would buy every. single. pair!

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Ashley's Shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Ashley's Blog. Leave her some comment love.

- Answer this: What does Shey want for her birthday? hehe. :)

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #17

2010-05-13T22:30:00.001-07:00

How about a giveaway for you cat or dog? I knew you'd love that!! haha. See mind reader, over here!

I have a Maplecreek Dandy Damask dog collar on my pup. She looks ultra in style with it on too. Our dog, Luna (whom Zoe calls Moona) ran away a couple of months ago, and that collar was the only way the woman at the humane society was able to confirm over the phone that she had Luna. So, I big puffy heart Maplecreek for their unique collars!! Let's me Carol, the owner, shall we?

My name is Carol. I'm a stay at home mom to twin 4 year old girls, married to my soul mate and best friend Mike, and owned by 3 of the most complicated and loving Jack Russell Terriers. Oh yes, we have just added 2 bunnies to the family. We live in Central, PA and love the outdoors, animals, crafts and FISHING!

My passions are my family and crafts. I love anything that will keep my hands and mind busy; scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, screen printing, you name it and I've tried it or can create it!... I just need to find more time for all of it.

I think we all need more time Carol! LOL! I need an extra day between Wednesday and Thursday. haha.

Carol is giving away the exact collar that my dog, Luna or Moona if you're Zoe, is wearing! Suh-weet!

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Carol's Store, Maple Creek. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Carol's Blog. Leave her some comment love.

- Follow Carol on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

- Do this for me: If you have a *Shey*[B] - add a picture of your strap cover to the new Flickr Pool. :)

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #16

2010-05-13T21:11:00.001-07:00

How is everyone doing? There are A LOT of giveaways, huh? So many generous people! How awesome!!!

Let me introduce you to another generous person. Her name is Erin. And she totally rocks. She is such a nice person. Knowing her puts a smile on my face. :) Without further ado...

Hi! My name is Erin Burns and I am living my dream.

I have a soft spot for Sapphire martinis.

I Google everything.

I have Ab Fab girlfriends.

I constantly have 5 projects in the works.

I bake.

I blog.

I garden.

I can't say no to fresh flowers.

(Or the beach.)

I have a love/hate relationship with Diet Coke.

I pound the pavement with my Nike+ Magic Shoes.

I just ran my first half marathon this month!

I'll do it again before 2010 is done.

Running is my therapy.

I love being at home.

I'm hot for Teacher.

(He's also a football coach.)

A big piece of my heart is in Chicago.

I don't like coffee, chocolate or peanut butter.

My mom says that's unAmerican.

I'm a bit of an insomniac.

I buy my blonde.

(But I didn't used to have to.)

I read.

I sing Showtunes.

I spend way too much time (and money) on Etsy.

I love Jesus Christ, Barack Obama, and Miley Cyrus. [She forgot to add Robert Pattinson Edward Cullen] :) And I will not comment on the fact that she loves Obama. Nope I won't. You should be proud! Because I don't like him one bit. Ooops. It slipped.

(Yes, it's possible to love all 3. Yes, I am 34.)

I both found and lost myself the day my first born was laid in my arms.

My youngest, a boy called Munchie, has me double wrapped around his pinkie.

I'm wife to Mr. Burns (remember that teacher I was talking about?)

Together we are Co-CEOs of,

Bringing Up Burns - a family owned business of raising happy kids!

Erin is giving away her super popular - Too ChaCha for Words Tank with ruffles, flowers and bling - Nice!

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Erin's Shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Erin's Blog. Follow her & leave her some comment love.

- Follow Erin on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

- Do this for me: If you have a *Shey*[B] - add a picture of your strap cover to the new Flickr Pool. :)

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #15

2010-05-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Do you have little girls? Know someone who does? How about granddaughters, nieces? Your neighbor has a daughter? Well, you might like this giveaway then!!

Dolly Outfitters carries tons of great stuff for Mothers, Daughters, and Their Dolls. Lori Burrow started her business by teaching sewing classes to little girls. Their interests were in making clothes for their kids - their dolls. After seeing her samples fly off the tables in local craft shows, she opened up an online store and also added more gifts for girls and their dolls.

Dolly Outfitters designed their own doll carriers that girls love to carry their dolls in. Their doll carriers are practical, stylish, and durable. They also have cute outfits and accessories for 18 inch dolls like socks, shoes, tights, and underwear.

Dolly Outfitters is giving away a $40 Gift Certificate to their online store!!

Giveaway open to US residents only.

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Dolly Outfitters. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go fan Dolly Outfitters on Facebook. Leave them a little note.

- Answer this: Do you have a *Shey*[B]? There is a reason for this question... you'll see soon. :)

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #14

2010-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

How about another chance to win a crocheted hat? Well, here we go then! Let's meet HeartSmiles!

Heartsmiles.etsy.com specializes in boutique quality accessories for you, your children, and photographers. These adorable and unique accessories are designed to add that extra cuteness to any outfit; because afterall, it is all about the EXTRA details that give your heart smiles. All hats are made to order with love and care and come from a clean and smoke free home. Heartsmiles ships anywhere mail is delivered and custom orders are gladly welcomed.

Heartsmiles is giving away $25.00 in store credit to one lucky blog reader.
******* AND all Shey B blog readers receive 10% off their purchase by mentioning "Shey B" during checkout in the "message to sender" box. Discount will be refunded through paypal.****

Sweet!!!

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit HeartSmiles Shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go fan HeartSmiles on Facebook. Leave them a little note.

- Answer this: So you have a *Shey*[B]? There is a reason for this question... you'll see on the next post. :)

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #13

2010-05-13T09:40:00.001-07:00

I am super excited about another giveaway! This giveaway is fun, because this girl is a SUPER good friend of mine. And, I love love love her shop! She makes unique vintage style jewelry. I have bought several things for gifts, and a couple things for myself. Everything I have gotten from her, gift or not, I have wanted to keep for myself. :) It's all just ooh la la lovely! haha.

Let me introduce you to the one and only super fabulous Denise! I know you'll love her. I mean, how could you not? Not to mention... she and I are rappers on Twitter. :)

Hi there. My name is Denise and I’m a SAHM of a 2 year old and 8 year old. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t doing something creative. It is a huge part of me and my family! I have a love for pretty papers, fabrics, and beads. Lots and lots of beads! As much as all my family and friends love to receive my whimsical gifts, I felt the need to do something more. So I opened up my Etsy shop 3 years ago. (Really only 2 years - 1 year off due to high risk pregnancy).

My shop is ever-changing as I come up with new creations. And to help celebrate SheyB’s birthday week, I’m offering her readers 15% off everything in my shop. Just put “sheyb” in the notes to seller.

You rock Denise! Love you!

Here are a few things that I am in love with in her shop...

Love the detail on this ring.

I bought a necklace just like this from Denise for my

mom for Christmas. My mom LOVES it.

How much do you love this?

SO SO pretty!!!

And here is what Denise is giving away to 1 super lucky winner:

Like I said. Ohh la la!!! Don't forget! Put sheyb in the note to seller box to get 15% off your whole purchase!! Awesome.

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Denise's shop. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Denise's blog. Follow her & leave her some comment love.

- Follow Denise on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

- Answer this: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 5 foods/drinks with you, what would they be?

Good luck!!!

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #12

2010-05-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

Meet Megan. She is super sweet, and the mastermind behind Half-Pint House. I have been lucky to get to know Megan on Twitter. She is incredibly sweet, and fun to chat with! She makes the cutest things too!! Here is a little bit about her...

Hi my name is Megan. My husband's name is Mitchell. We live in Missouri and we sell marbles.

Okay, my name really is Megan and my husband's name is Craig (but his middle name is Mitchell). We do live in Missouri, but ixnay on the arblesmay. (We don't sell marbles).

We do love to write. My husband has a couple of books [ http://seconddraftspublishing.bigcartel.com/ ] and I goof around on this blog [ www.halfpinthouse.com ] and get a little more serious on this one. [ http://online.worldmag.com/author/megan-dunham/ ]

We have four girls and edumacate 'em right here at home. I'm a Mary Poppins wannabe by day (which is to say I have house cleaning issues) and an occasional crafter by night. I just opened up my little shop [ http://halfpinthousehandmade.bigcartel.com/ ] a couple of weeks ago and have been having fun filling it up bit by bit. I'm using the proceeds of this venture to pay for my participation in two upcoming conferences: The Savvy Blogging Summit in July [ http://savvybloggingsummit.com/ ] and the Relevant Conference in October. [ http://therelevantconference.com/ ]

I heart awesome fabric in a serious way and have an addiction to Michael Miller and Moda that could probably rival most of the crafters on Etsy.

She sounds so fun! I hope to meet her one day! :)

Megan is super awesome because she is giving away a business card wallet to TWO lucky winners! I just bought this one... Could NOT resist! So cute!

But she has several others! Here is another one that caught my eye:

She also makes SUPER cute handbags! I have been debating for a couple of weeks on the two that are in there. Can't decide! They are So darn cute!!!

Anyway! So, like I was saying before I got lost in more procrastinating. :) Megan is giving a business card holder to 2 lucky winners!!! How fabulous.

Here is how to enter ....

Go visit Megan's Store. Come back here and tell me what you loved.

Extra Entries:

- Go visit Megan's Blog. Leave her some comment love.

- Follow Megan on Twitter. Come back here and let me know you did.

- Answer this: How long have you been following my blog? Just curious, cuz I love ya all and want to know. :)

Good luck!!!

shey b

Me again

OK...

Wordpress

First GIVEAWAY of the weekend! :)

Midsummer Blog Party!

Advertising. Do's and Don'ts (in my opinion, of course)

It's Decided

Check It Out Homies!!!

Night Owls Tweet Week 10 - Plants In My Backyard

Photo Contest!!!

A Peek

I Confess

Winner!!

You Asked, Now I Answer! [giveaway too...]

New Camera Candy

Some Announcements! :)

"The Shallows"

Night Owls Tweet - iPhone Pictures

Hello!!

Winners and Prayers

New to *Shey*[B]!!

Night Owls Tweet - The Office

Father's Day

Father's Day

How about a Giveaway?

More Vegas.

Behind the Scenes

Advertising Change

Night Owls Tweet - Las Vegas!

BiG bIg BIG BIG news!!!!

A Birthday Dinner She'll Remember

Angelina's Concert

Vegas Baby!!

Huge!

Night Owls Tweet

Giveaway winners!!

Winners of Giveaways 5-19!!!!

Give-A-Way Day!!

Winners of Giveaways 1-4!!

COUTURE RAFFLE WINNER!!! And Red Letter Words Winner!!

Happy Birthday!!!

A Stamped Giveaway

A Poppy Kinda Day

Like Free?

Want A Couture?

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #21

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #20

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #19

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #18

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #17

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #16

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #15

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #14

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #13

:: Birthday BASH :: Giveaway #12

New to Shey[B]!!