Small Sprouts

More New Small Sprouts Infant Or Toddler Car Seat Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:27:00 +0000

I love to keep the new covers coming! We love all our new fabric combinations and think you will too! You can find these on the Girl Covers & Boy Covers

Duck Dynasty Real Tree Camo with Mallard Duck Monogram

Rasberry Sorbet

Sorbet Splash

Maggie May

Is Diet Soda Addicting?

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:03:00 +0000

I know that some of you ladies that read our blog are pregnant or nursing. I though this was some great info to pay attention to.

The Addiction Question

Surveys show that people who drink these beverages rarely stop with just one. In fact, the typical consumer of diet sodas downs an average of more than 26 ounces per day, and 3 percent of diet-soda drinkers have at least four per day. But are hardcore diet soda fiends actually hooked?
If there’s anything in diet colas that could be addicting, the most likely suspect is caffeine (although many diet soda guzzlers prefer caffeine-free colas). Besides, comparisons with coffee show that cola can’t deliver the caffeine kick equal to a cup of java. An 8-ounce Diet Coke gives you a measly 47 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 133 in a cup of ordinary coffee and 320 in a Starbucks’ grande.

Insights from Brain Science

Another plausible explanation is habit: diet soda becomes part of daily rituals - a break from work, lunch, watching the news, you name it. And sipping a zero-calorie beverage may not seem to have downside to curb the urge to overindulge.
More persuasive, perhaps, is the notion that artificial sweeteners trigger the brain’s reward system. In a study of women who drank water sweetened with sugar or Splenda, the women couldn’t taste the difference between the two, but functional MRIs showed that the brain’s reward system responded more strongly to sugar.
Study author Martin P. Paulus, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego suggests that diet soda might be addicting because “artificial sweeteners have positive reinforcing effects - meaning humans will work for it, like for other foods, alcohol and even drugs of abuse.”

Is Diet Soda Harmful?

Beyond the addiction issue, diet soda has been linked to increased rates of heart attack and stroke, kidney problems, preterm deliveries, and, yes, weight gain. While not yet carved in scientific stone, the emerging evidence is a bit disturbing. Here’s a rundown:

Heart Attack and Stroke: Drinking diet sodas daily may increase the risks for heart attack and stroke and other vascular events by 43 percent, but no such threat exists with regular soft drinks or with less frequent consumption of diet soda. These results come from a study including more than 2,500 adults published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine on January 30, 2012. So far, no one knows what it is about diet sodas that could explain the added risk.
Kidney Trouble: In 2009, researchers at Harvard found that drinking two or more diet sodas daily could lead to a 30 percent drop in a measure of kidney function in women. No accelerated decline was seen in women who drank less than two diet sodas daily. The drop held true even after the researchers accounted for age, high blood pressure, diabetes and physical activity.
Preterm Delivery: A Danish study including more than 59,000 women found a link between drinking one or more diet sodas daily and a 38 percent increase in the risk of giving birth to preterm babies; the risk was 78 percent higher among pregnant women who drank four or more diet sodas daily. No such risk was seen with regular soda.
Weight Gain: Wouldn’t it be ironic if instead of helping you lose weight, diet sodas had the opposite effect? A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that compared to those who drank no diet sodas, study participants who did had a 70 percent greater increase in waist circumference; worse, drinking two or more diet sodas daily led to ballooning waist circumference that was 500 percent greater than those who drank none. This doesn’t prove that diet soda is to blame since the study was observational - it could be that participants began gaining weight and then started drinking diet sodas.

Resources: Yahoo.Health.net

Small Sprouts Large Selection of 3D Rosette Fabrics For All Of Our Items

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:59:00 +0000

The newest most popular fabrics are here at Small Sprouts and our 3D Rosette fabric selection is adorable. Choose these fabrics to pair with our minky fabrics for classy look.

Fabulous Diaper Bags

Adorable car seat covers

Car Seat cover, crib bedding, muff boot blankets and more

Feel free to Contact Us with any questions you might have

More New Small Sprouts Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:54:00 +0000

We are always looking for new and adorable fabrics to add to our collection. Check out our newly updated Fabric Page

Grey, Blue & Brown collection Red, White & Blue collection

Pink, Green & Orange Collection Lilac & Green Collection

Blue & Green Collection Hot Pink, Chocolate & Orange

Blue, Navy, Green & Yellow Blues collection

Mango Red & Orange Paris Pink & Gray

Lime Green & Black collection Owl Blue & Chocolate

Hawaiian Selection Retro Floral & Dot

Bright Hot Pink & Green Pink & Black Collection

Lime Green Zebra Floral Black with Green collection

Argyle Gray & Blue Black & Red Collection

Minky Smooth comes with a $5.00 upcharge

Five Common Hair Mistakes Every Woman Makes~Frugal Mompreneur

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Chances are, you've committed at least one or two hair faux pas. From waiting too long to get a haircut to combing hair while wet to choosing the wrong shampoo for your hair type, we're all guilty of making a few hair mistakes in our time. Fortunately, these common hair mistakes are all easy to fix, so fear not and tread forth with determination to correct your past errors.

Delaying Haircuts
Waiting too long in between haircuts is one beauty sin women habitually commit. Always stay on top of hair appointments to keep hair manageable and beautiful. The ends of your hair often become brittle and dry, giving them a dull and unhealthy appearance.

"Get a haircut every six to eight weeks, depending on your growth," says celebrity hairstylist Vasken Demirjian, whose client list includes the Kennedy family and whose salon has been named as one of the country's top three by Salon Today Magazine.
He adds, "As a stylist, I know when a woman's hair is at its optimum condition. It's vibrant, shiny, reflective and alive. When you wait too long, you have split ends and your hair is less shiny and out of control."

Choosing the Wrong Shampoo
Always choose a shampoo that's tailored to your hair needs. For example, certain shampoos are created for fine, curly, color treated, gray or dandruff-prone hair.
"Read the description on the label and do your best to match the description on the label to your hair type," advises Colin Lively, a NYC hair stylist who's served as the artistic director for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons for 10 years.

For example, shampoos that say something like "for dry and brittle hair" will be too heavy for natural or fine hair, explains Lively. Conversely, shampoo intended for oily hair will be too harsh and drying on other types.

Once you've selected the appropriate shampoo, massage it onto your roots and scalp and rinse thoroughly. Any residual shampoo left on the shaft results in dull locks.

Combing Hair While Wet
Did you know that when your hair is wet, it's more susceptible to damage? That's a shame, considering so many women experience a tangle battle post shower. Turns out, combing your hair while it's wet and tangled can result in hair breakage in addition to pain. Always use a detangling spray or softening agent before combing wet hair, advises Demirjian.

"You have to be extremely delicate when you comb your hair, whether wet or dry, but particularly when wet," he says. "Also make certain you are using an excellent toothed comb."

Lively adds -- and this goes along with hair faux pas #2 -- that if you struggle with matted and tangled hair, you're probably using the wrong products for your hair type.

Putting Ponytail in Same Spot
Your hair is also susceptible to breaking when you place your ponytail in the same spot every day, explains Demirjian.

"A tight pony tail will have residual damage on the hairline, from the pull and tightness, as well as on the area where the ponytail is held by the band," he explains. "Depending on the type of bands you use, you can even have loss of elasticity."

Switch things up by either wearing hair down, moving the location of your ponytail or by using a less damaging hair tool, such as a barrette, claw or bobby pins.

Demirjian adds that wearing your locks the same way every single day -- pony tail or not -- is an injustice to your hair. Try something fun and flirty.
"Hair is your number one accessory," he says. "Use it effectively."

Rubbing Hair in Towel
It's OK to wrap your hair in a towel post shower, but rubbing your hair in your towel is a beauty mistake that'll leave your hair frizzy, unkempt and less healthy. The best post-shower protocol is to wring out excess water from hair with your hands and then to wrap it in a towel for 5 to 10 minutes. If you still have excess water in your hair, either re-wrap and wait another 10 minutes or gentle press your hair between a dry towel. Never, under any circumstances, rub. (Unless you want to sport a frizzy mane for the rest of the day.)

Resources: VoicesYahoo.com

Another Happy Small Sprouts Customer!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:12:00 +0000

I love when customers send pictures of their adorable little ones inside there Small Sprouts Car Seat Covers

Lil princess Klaudia is now 8 months old and still stylin in her Small Sprouts cover

Here she is at 2 days old, wow how they grow!!

Congrats to Mom Teuila, who is expecting baby #9 in late 2012

15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Here is a list of 15 things which, if you give up on them, will make your life a lot easier and much, much happier. We hold on to so many things that cause us a great deal of pain, stress and suffering – and instead of letting them all go, instead of allowing ourselves to be stress free and happy – we cling on to them. Not anymore. Starting today we will give up on all those things that no longer serve us, and we will embrace change. Ready? Here we go:

1. Give up your need to always be right

There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?” Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?

2. Give up your need for control

Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.” Lao Tzu

3. Give up on blame

Give up on your need to blame others for what you have or don’t have, for what you feel or don’t feel. Stop giving your powers away and start taking responsibility for your life.

4. Give up your self-defeating self-talk

Oh my. How many people are hurting themselves because of their negative, polluted and repetitive self-defeating mindset? Don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are better than that.
“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive.” Eckhart Tolle

5. Give up your limiting beliefs

about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. From now on, you are no longer going to allow your limiting beliefs to keep you stuck in the wrong place. Spread your wings and fly!
“A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” Elly Roselle

6. Give up complaining

Give up your constant need to complain about those many, many, maaany things – people, situations, events that make you unhappy, sad and depressed. Nobody can make you unhappy, no situation can make you sad or miserable unless you allow it to. It’s not the situation that triggers those feelings in you, but how you choose to look at it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

7. Give up the luxury of criticism

Give up your need to criticize things, events or people that are different than you. We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and we all want to be understood. We all want something, and something is wished by us all.

8. Give up your need to impress others

Stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not just to make others like you. It doesn’t work this way. The moment you stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not, the moment you take off all your masks, the moment you accept and embrace the real you, you will find people will be drawn to you, effortlessly.

9. Give up your resistance to change

Change is good. Change will help you move from A to B. Change will help you make improvements in your life and also the lives of those around you. Follow your bliss, embrace change – don’t resist it.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” Joseph Campbell

10. Give up labels

Stop labeling those things, people or events that you don’t understand as being weird or different and try opening your mind, little by little. Minds only work when open. “The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” Wayne Dyer

11. Give up on your fears

Fear is just an illusion, it doesn’t exist – you created it. It’s all in your mind. Correct the inside and the outside will fall into place.
“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

12. Give up your excuses

Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.

13. Give up the past

I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.

14. Give up attachment

This is a concept that, for most of us is so hard to grasp and I have to tell you that it was for me too, (it still is) but it’s not something impossible. You get better and better at with time and practice. The moment you detach yourself from all things, (and that doesn’t mean you give up your love for them – because love and attachment have nothing to do with one another, attachment comes from a place of fear, while love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.

15. Give up living your life to other people’s expectations

Way too many people are living a life that is not theirs to live. They live their lives according to what others think is best for them, they live their lives according to what their parents think is best for them, to what their friends, their enemies and their teachers, their government and the media think is best for them. They ignore their inner voice, that inner calling. They are so busy with pleasing everybody, with living up to other people’s expectations, that they lose control over their lives. They forget what makes them happy, what they want, what they need….and eventually they forget about themselves. You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.
Resources: PurposeFairy.com

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Several months ago, 2 Canadian Geese showed up in our back yard and became regular occupants on our property. We got some flock food to keep them healthy and they came back every day & even ate out of our sons hand from time to time.

We soon realized they were a Male and female. Then they disapeared for 3 weeks and we thought they went back to Canada. We were very surprised to come home and find them at the back porch, proudly displaying to us there new 6 babies.

We fed them all and rejoiced at the great blessing of getting to meet the little ones.

Best Mother's day for me!

My Son Joel brought this poem home for me yesterday

MOTHER

You laugh at my laughter,

shed my tears,

return my love,

fear my fears.

You love my joys,

care my cares-

And all my hopes

And dreams you share.

And so you see--

I've known since I was small

that I have the

Very best Mother of all!!

How To Navigate Our New Small Sprouts Site

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Here is a little tutorial to help you navigate our new site! Please be patient as we are still a work in progress

Girl Infant Car Seat Covers can be found here

Fancier Infant Girl Cover can be found here

Boy Infant Car Seat covers can be found here

Gorgeous Stroller Covers can be found here

Diaper Bags & Blankets can be found here

Toddler & Convertible Car Seat covers can be found here

Monogram info & Adorable accessory items can be found here

Custom Baby Bedding will be on this page

Question about car seat and stroller models can be found here

Our Custom Design Service Ideas are here

Small Sprouts Site Change

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:13:00 +0000

If you went to www.smallsprouts.com and ended up here, you are in the right place!! We have moved our site here with the blog while we are rebuilding the main site. You will find our products here on the blog site and feel free to email us at admin@smallsprouts.com with any questions or concerns.

Please Vote!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Only 2 days left to vote for me! Start Up Nation ~Leading Moms in Business

Vote for me here

Everybody knows one. Like a super hero, she balances running a family with the heroics of running her own business. We’re talking about moms in business, of course. And now, StartupNation is conducting its third annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.
But, how do we know who’s the best of the best? We’re leaving that in part to you. Over the next few months, it’ll be your daily votes that determine the top 200 Leading Moms in Business. In addition our judges will determine special awards and accolades for moms within the top 200 who deserve special recognition.

Real Tree AP Camo Collection With Mallard Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:51:00 +0000

I am so excited to present this new bedding fabric selection available for all of our products. We have a ton of Ducks in our backyard these days and I love to just watch them play

Look at this adorable Boppy cover with the Mallards

Real Tree AP Mobile with Stuffed Mallards

Window Valance with a peekaboo Duck

Cutest pillow ever

Diaper Stacker

Super soft changing pad

Shopping Car Cover

The Whole Bedding Set

Contact us at admin@smallsprouts.com

Another Happy Customer

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Look at adorable Jiael in her large black and white damask hot pink custom car seat cover

Thank you Mama Marcy for sending this to us!

Winner Of The Small Sprouts Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:16:00 +0000

The winner of the Small Sprouts Purse Giveaway is MrsMChappel!

Congrat Michelle, Your Marina bag will be shipped promptly if you will contact me at admin@smallsprouts.com

Thank you all for your participation and stay tuned for another giveaway soon!

Small Sprouts Contest Finale

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:20:00 +0000

All of you ladies participating in the contest need to do one last thing as stated in the guidelines of the contest

Before contest end, You must comment on the blog giving a final total of points which will be verified.

You will have until Midnight tonight to post your total number on the blog and winner will be announced in the morning

I love Good And Uplifting News!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:43:00 +0000

Texas Christians Rally to Help Atheist in Nativity Scene Controversy

One of the many grinding controversies that have pitted people of faith against atheists over religious symbols on government property took a new twist when Christians united to help the very atheist with whom they had been fighting.

Christian Charity for an Atheist
Patrick Greene, the atheist in question, has pronounced himself "flabbergasted" when local Christians in Henderson, Texas, raised money to help with his living expenses as he struggled against a detached retina that threatens to take his sight, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph. Greene's interactions with Christians have been less than pleasant, according to him.

The Henderson Nativity Scene Controversy
Greene gained some notoriety when he became involved in a controversy in February when he threatened a lawsuit to remove a nativity scene that was displayed at the county court house in Henderson, according to Malakoff News. The controversy had started in December when a Wisconsin based organization called the Freedom from Religion Foundation urged that the nativity scene in question be removed. Then the FFRF shifted its efforts to trying to get an atheist banner displayed next to the nativity scene. Greene is not a member of the FFRF and has been acting separately

Greene's Sight is threatened
Things took a turn when Greene was diagnosed with a detached retina which threatens to take his sight. Retina detachment can be caused by a variety of causes, including aging, eye injury, and the side effects of diabetes, according to WebMd. Surgery, either using a laser or a cold probe, can generally fix the condition and restore the sight that is threatened.

Greene's Reaction
Greene has since dropped the case to concentrate on dealing with his medical issues. He has stated how astonished and pleased he is to meet Christians who are behaving as they are supposed to behave. He has actually pronounced himself so moved that he has donated a star to the nativity scene that he had been struggling to have removed.
As for his surgery, since Greene is an eight year veteran of the United States Air Force, there is the possibility of the VA handling his medical expenses. In the meantime, a website has been set up for those moved to donate to his expenses.

Texas resident Mark Whittington writes about state issues for the Yahoo! Contributor Network.

Small Sprouts Giveaway Time Again!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:40:00 +0000

~REALLY BIG GIVEAWAY TIME AGAIN~

~TO MARK THE NEW SMALL SPROUTS DESIGNS PURSES/BAGS/TOTES/DIAPER BAGS~

Tres Chic Cute!

Rosalia Bags are super cute!

Marina Bag - Fabrics from the yucatan

Adorable Mini Messenger

Tropical Fabric

Mini Mochilla Cowgirl

Vintage Roses Leopard Messenger

Rosalia with Exclusive Yucatan Fabrics

~YOU CHOOSE ONE OF THE BAGS SHOWN ABOVE ON OUR BLOG~

~Rules To Win~

Mandatory
1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know that you already follow. Come back and leave me a comment letting me know you follow. This will be verified.~

2. Go to my new store, Small Sprouts Designs-Etsy , then come back & leave a comment on the blog or Facebook letting me know what design you like best

Extra Entries:
BONUS 5 POINTS~If you have a blog, Blog about my contest and grab my Small Sprouts button off the side of my blog (copy html under my button & paste into your blog) Then return here and leave a comment letting me know you did so & the name of your blog to be verified. Button must be kept on your blog for the month of the giveaway. If you leave my button on your blog, you will automatically receive points on every giveaway we do. **Please note-Your blog must be an active blog with at least 100 followers

2. Become an email subscriber. This is found on the upper right hand side of blog. leave me a comment letting me know you did so. this will be verified. (1 point)

3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Please leave a comment with your twitter name letting me know you did so. (1 point per tweet) maximum 2 tweets per day

4. Become a fan on my Facebook, go to the upper right side of my blog to click on the fan box. Please leave a comment on Facebook & Blog letting me know you did so. (2 points)

5. Share this contest on your Facebook page and tag Small Sprouts. ( 1 point)

6. Send your friends to my Facebook page, every friend that "Likes" my Facebook page button and leaves a comment saying who sent them (Add 1 point for each friend)

** Please note that according to new Facebook rules, this is not a Facebook page sponsored contest. It is my blog that is sponsoring the contest

This giveaway ends March 31 , 2012 at 6am & is open to the U.S. only. Make sure that you leave your email address in your final comment. Leave a separate comment for every entry that you make so that these will count for you! Before contest end, You must comment on the blog giving a final total of points which will be verified.

Have fun and I look forward to announcing the winner of this great giveaway! You must claim your prize within 24 hours of winner announcement or forfeit the prize to the next chosen.

**Please note that winners choice must be within the regular customer parameters. All Bedding products are excluded from this offer. 1 item only, no extras included but you may purchase additional items like blankets, monograms, etc.,

Olive Garden Review Gone Viral

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:42:00 +0000

Olive Garden Critic’s Tips on How to Review a Restaurant

I had to print this! My Husband & I met and married while working for The Olive Garden almost 14 years ago. They are a great restaurant, standards of cleanliness are very big! Great food and not a bad price either.

Two weeks ago, Marilyn Hagerty was a restaurant critic for the Grand Forks Herald. Now she's an international sensation. The 85-year-old grandmother's sincere review of the new Olive Garden in her area, hit a nerve on the internet. Nobody outside of an Olive Garden commercial had ever described the decor as "Tuscan farmhouse style" or the portions as "warm" and "generous." But it was Marilyn's summation of the eatery as "the largest and most beautiful restaurant now operating in Grand Forks," that had readers sharing the review like it was going out of style.

While food snobs scoffed at her fine dining approach to the pasta franchise, others defended Marilyn, calling her critics "ageist." One thing was clear: Marilyn wrote one of the first restaurant reviews everyone in the country wanted to read. Not only did it highlight the different relationships Americans have to chain restaurants depending on where they live, but it showed the impact a single franchise can have on a local community.

While the New York Times continues to review the latest 10-seat restaurant only 1 percent of the country will ever gain access to, Marilyn, a retired lifestyles editor for the Herald, writes about the restaurant the other 99 percent can eat at any day of the week (except the Olive Garden in Grand Forks, Marilyn says, because it's too packed these days).

On Monday, Marilyn was taking her new-found fame in stride, taping segments with the Today Show and Piers Morgan in her Grand Forks home. Her son, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, thinks the whole thing is "really funny." She's been doing this job for over 30 years, so she doesn't get why everyone's paying attention now. "What do I make of it? Not much," she says. "It is just a wild, interesting ride right now!" The irony of being an internet superstar is that Marilyn isn't exactly a web guru. ("Yahoo?" she asked at the start of a phone interview with Shine. "I know I've heard of it, but can you tell me a little more about what it is?")

What Marilyn does know, better than most, is how to review a local restaurant. She doesn't give out Michelin stars, and she doesn't follow the latest trends in molecular gastronomy. She goes to the places that open up in her town, you know, like the rest of us. Then she writes about them. Here are some of her tips for doing it yourself.

Pay attention to ambiance: One of the first things Marilyn notices in any restaurant is the design touches. Dinner service lighting should be "dark but not too dark." Last week, a page from her reporter's notebook charted the "crystal chandeliers and mahogany woodwork" at The Bay House in Naples—Florida, that is. "I had brunch there a week ago while I was on a trip and that was an elegant experience," Marilyn tells Shine.

Napkins should be thick: " I don't like those flimsy ones that look like toilet paper," says Marilyn. She uses her napkin a lot, which is why she's partial to cloth. "But you don't always find those, so if it's paper I like something that's substantial."

Bathrooms are the window to a restaurant's soul: The first place Marilyn inspects is the last place you'd think. "I always check the restrooms," she says. "I think it says a lot about a restaurant if there's paper all over the floor or if the sink is dirty." It makes perfect sense: if a restaurant doesn't keep its bathroom clean, there's a good chance the kitchen isn't sparkling either.

Watch what you drink: If you're going to weigh in on a restaurant, you need a clear head and a clear palate. "I don't drink much before a meal," she says. She'll have a glass of wine with her main course, or start with a shot of Crown Royal, but never the over-powering house cocktail. "I don't like to have mixed drinks because it ruins a meal."

Don't expect special treatment: New York Times' restaurant critics famously go to great length to conceal their identity so their presence in a restaurant doesn't alter the experience. But as a 30-year veteran of the area's only major food column, Marilyn doesn't have that luxury. "Sometimes when I come to a restaurant they whisper, 'there's Marilyn Hagerty.'" Still journalistic integrity is crucial. "I make it very clear, I don't do this for free food, so if people want to give me something I have to turn it down," she says. "We don't feel it's professional." In fact, she pays for every meal she covers out of her own pocket. "I'm not compensated at all by the Herald," she says. "I do this because I want to do this." Note: If you're planning on joining Marilyn for a meal she's reviewing, expect to go dutch.

Talk to fellow diners: "Sometimes I visit with patrons in a restaurant and ask why they come and why they like things," says Marilyn.

Take service seriously: "If have my granddaughters from Bismark with me, they check the time from when we ordered to when the food is delivered," says Marilyn. She also looks for waiters with experience; they should be able to tell you right away the best thing on the menu. At one of her favorite Grand Forks restaurants, The Bronze Boot Steakhouse, "the waitresses have been there forever." Usually she orders the 4-ounce steak but "last time I was there Trudy (the waitress) told us to order sirloin." She was so right.

Condiments and extras go a long away: Another thing Marilyn likes about The Bronze Boot? "They serve a little relish tray on the side, like restaurants used to. Also your ice water comes with ice in a nice goblet." Dressing up the freebies really adds to a place's charm.

Marilyn's fast food favorites: With only 100 licensed restaurants in Grand Forks, Marilyn has expanded her coverage to include the fast food drive-thrus in her area. On McDonald's: "I actually like the lattes they have. One morning I had one of those biscuits with the egg. I ate it in my car on the way to the Herald and my editor said 'you didn't eat that!' But liked it. Once in a great while I'll have their big hamburger. I like it too, but I always watch the needless calories." On KFC: "People like KFC pretty well here. I've been over there 2 or 3 times. I usually turn up my nose at KFC but actually I've tasted some pretty good beans there. I like the potatoes too."

If you can't get enough of Marilyn, spend the day poring over her columns here. We did. If you're feeling inspired, leave your own review of your local Olive Garden in the comments section.
Copyright © 2012 Yahoo Inc.

Small Sprouts Custom Boutique Diaper Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:44:00 +0000

For a limited time we are offering $10.00 off our Boutique Diaper Bags

Here is our London Hot Pink Diaper bag, Choose your color of Minky Dot or Minky Swirl Rosette

Choose from any fabrics from our Site

This Black Houndstooth looks good with any color minky

Small Sprouts Spring 2012 Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:32:00 +0000

~Our new Spring 2012 fabrics are in and they are gorgeous~

~Order any of our products made from these fab fabrics~

Red, white and blue collection

Silver gray, blue and brown collection

Bright pink, green and orange collection

Lovely lilac and green collection

Vivid hot pink, pink and orange collection

Blue and green collection

Blues Collection

Navy, green and yellow collection

Do You Think This Is True!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:26:00 +0000

I ran across this article this morning and what I found to be interesting in the comment section, that alot of people felt that this was a planted article by EBay. I personally stopped selling on Ebay years ago due to the policies and fees. What do you think? Do you sell on EBay?

Published by Yahoo Finance and written in the first person

In these tough economic times, it's crucial to find new and creative ways to earn money. One of the top ways to make some spare cash is by selling items on eBay, the world's largest online marketplace.

Before starting my venture, I searched online for the closest thrift shops to my house and then visited each of the nearest five. When I first started this venture, I would just buy a whole bunch of random items that looked appealing, and then attempt to sell them on eBay for profit - this method obviously didn't work. One of the keys to becoming profitable was investing in a smartphone with Internet access. Once I had that, I could instantly search the completed similar items on eBay while I was still inside a thrift store deciding what items to buy.

What I discovered is that some of the best items to sell are vintage sports jerseys. Most thrift stores have a section set aside for sports jerseys, and you'll likely have to dig through a pile of gently used high school and college jerseys just to find a few rare gems buried underneath.

From my experience, I found that thrift stores price "old jerseys" very low because of their slightly worn, vintage appearance. For example, I found a Champion-brand vintage Chicago Bulls jersey from a local thrift store for $2 and I was able to sell it on eBay for $35. I also found an old New York Rangers Brian Leetch jersey for $5, and I was able to flip it for a $50 profit on eBay. I made sure to search the items online on my smartphone while I was still inside the thrift store, to make sure these were items that sell for decent money on eBay.

It's not quite as simple as finding a two dollar item at a thrift store and flipping it for $20 on eBay, as you have to keep in mind a variety of fees that will cut into your bottom line. When all is said and done, approximately 10-15% of your overall profit will go to eBay and Paypal fees.

You also have to remember to charge enough to cover shipping costs, and keep in mind small expenses that add up like gas money to drive to the thrift stores and the post office when you ship your items out. Packaging costs such as tape, boxes and envelopes, is another key consideration for mapping out your expenses.

Once you have the items that you want to sell, there's a few things you can do to make them more appealing online. One of the things I did was to offer free shipping on my items, because eBay boosts you up in the search results when a seller does that. Since I was mostly selling vintage sports jerseys, the shipping on these items was only $3 or $4, so it was worth eating the shipping cost in order to get boosted in search results.

There's no such thing as a get-rich-quick scheme that will work on eBay, as this method does take some hard work and a little research. My year-end tally was $24,000 in sales, minus $7,000 in shipping fees, $4,000 in inventory costs (items purchased from the thrift stores), and approximately $3,000 between eBay and Paypal fees - making my overall profit close to $10,000. As you can see, the shipping fees, eBay and Paypal fees, and inventory costs, were extremely significant, so you'll need to keep that in mind before getting started.

New! Small Sprouts Bags/Purses/Totes

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

New! from Small Sprouts, Custom Bags, Purses and Totes

We are adding a new line up of custom made!

I just returned from the Yucatan of Mexico with some limited edidtion fabrics, get them while you can! You can find info on this Marina Bag , or order a custom one from our many fabrics.

Take a look at our new Helena Messenger

Helena Messenger in floral

My personal favorite is the Rosalia Bag which can be made in any of our fabrics

Mini Mochilla Back Pack in little cowgirl fabric

Small Sprouts New Bucket/Back Pack Diaper Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:44:00 +0000

New! at Small Sprouts , our adorable new bucket style diaper bag/back pack

Wear it as a side shoulder bag or unzip for a back pack

Generous 4 large pockets on the outside and 4 large pockets on the inside
18" tall and 14" wide at the top

Choose from the fabrics on our items on our site, bedding fabrics have an upcharge

The Meanest Mother In The World

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0000

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also.

But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and where we were going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one hour or less--not one hour and one minute. I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's pants. Can you imagine someone actually hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends?

The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine each night and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did.

By the time we were teen-agers, she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were really there. I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen, that is, if you dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe twice a year.

Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We could not lie in bed, "sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If our friends had a toe ache, a hang nail or serious ailment, they could stay home from school. Our marks in school had to be up to par. Our friends' report cards had beautiful colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks.

As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put to shame. We were graduated from high school. With our mother behind us, talking, hitting and demanding respect, none of us was allowed the pleasure of being a drop-out.

My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults.

Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean. Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

written by Bobbie Pingaro (1967)

Small Sprouts Custom Made

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Christine) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Here at Small Sprouts, we custom make most of our items. Many customers ask if they can mail their own fabric to us to make an items. Yes! we are happy to do that for you. Our biggest seller right now is our custom designer fabric items. See some of the designs below that our customers have asked for.

Adorable cover! we can change any fabrics, any colors you want

Cutest tent cover ever

One of my most favorite items! Customer wanted to match her bedding set

So Cute!!

**These are fabric provided listings, contact us for details. Designer fabrics are provided by customer, we provide a discount when you supply the fabric.