Silly Happy Sweet

Moved to Tumblr

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:45:00 +0000

It has been such a hard decision for me but I find that, like many other bloggers, having a Blogger site is hard to maintain and keep relevant. I have so much enjoyed this blog and posting memories. Thank you for following me. I'm hoping you will follow me on Tumblr here. If you prefer to know the URL, it is: http://sillyhappysweet.tumblr.com/. I've been able to post there daily! Or follow me on Instagram @sillyhappysweet or my personal IG site @carolynmae18.

Father's Day is June 21!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:17:00 +0000

Father's Day is coming up. Have you though about what you get the man who has everything? How about a Daddy & Me bracelet set? Or a manly cuff? Visit my Etsy shop!

Custom Leather Cuff Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 May 2015 04:04:00 +0000

I'm giving away a customized leather cuff. If you win, you pick the cuff, let me know your phrase and I'll make it for you. To enter, visit me on Instagram at sillyhappysweet. It's super easy--you just comment and/or regram. You have a great chance to win--nobody has entered yet!

Sliced Leather Riveted Cuff

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 17:14:00 +0000

Starting next week, I'll have some sliced leather riveted cuffs in my Etsy shop. These cuffs are so light, you don't even realize you are wearing a bracelet! I love the extra bling that the rivets provide.

The Best iPhone Cases

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:01:00 +0000

I'm going to let you in on a little secret about one of my favorite things. I'm going to tell you where you can find the best selection of the best quality iPhone cases. Trust me, I've searched high and low.

Zazzle is the place to find or customize your case. You can bring in images of your own to create your case. Many cases allow you to add your initials. The selection is so amazing, I guarantee you will find what you are looking for and then some. Each case comes in a Barely There form (just a light cover), Tough form (a more heavy-duty form but still light enough), and the one I always buy--Tough Xtreme. Tough Xtreme is for those of you that buy Otterbox cases because you are hard on your phones. Here are just a few in their various tough forms (cute, right?):

Zazzle has a promotion going so that if you enter BLOOMSAVINGS you can save $5 to $35 depending on what you spend.

SHS Book Club--Wonder and Me Before You

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:00:00 +0000

My daughter read Wonder by R.J. Palacio. She enjoyed it so much, which made me want to read it. Because it is a young adult book, it was a rather fast read. What a sweet book. It's mostly narrated by Auggie, a boy born with a facial abnormality. Other characters occasionally narrate, which becomes interesting mid-book. Wonder takes you back to junior high, when nothing you did, wore, or said made you fit in. Only for Auggie, this isn't an existence that will end for him. Ever. In reading this book, you gain a new appreciation and can put in perspective the level of bullying or insecurity you might have ever felt. That's one reason I think it is such a good book for kids/middle school-aged kids. They can realize that not only could it be worse but they can recognize their own abilities to be kind and thoughtful to others who might be different. I gave Wonder 4 out of 5 stars. I would have given it five but I had a problem with the changing narration.

An interesting note is that I read filming for the Wonder movie will begin this year.

Another book slated to be a movie in the next year is Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. This is a book that will stay with you for a few days after reading. You will go through aspects of it in your head over and over. I don't want to give too much away. Will Traynor is a young, handsome man whose fate leads him to become a quadriplegic man through a motorcycle accident. Lou Clark is a woman responsible for his daily care. Will isn't exactly warm and friendly to Lou but Lou is no shrinking flower and can definitely hold her own against Will. The book takes you through their moving story. And that's all I'll tell you! I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. My reason has to do with Lou's mom's response to something I didn't think was necessary or normal.

Are you on Goodreads? Follow me here.

Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me Bracelet Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:46:00 +0000

Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me braided leather bracelets are available in the shop! There are many more colors available than those seen here so check it out!

Kids love to wear the same bracelets as their parents. These make great gifts! Mother's Day is coming up so keep them in mind!

Rachel's Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 03:23:00 +0000

I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to listen to Darrell Scott speak at a recent conference I attended. Darrell is father to Rachel Scott, the first high schooler killed in the Columbine shooting.

I can't even begin to put into words the amazing impact that this young girl's life has made. Prior to her death, Rachel, inspired by Anne Frank, kept six diaries of her thoughts and feelings. After her death, her father found her diaries (one of the was in her backpack the day she was killed and had a bullet hole through it). Her diaries offered her family insight into Rachel's deepest thoughts and now serve as her legacy.

I know it is cliché to say it but it does really seem like God takes the good ones much too soon. Rachel is no exception. The amount of compassion and love in this one young girl's heart was beyond her years. Her father played video of the many friends she had--popular or not--who all expressed how in times of rejection, Rachel was right there to extend friendship and kindness to them. Her dad displayed a paper Rachel wrote shortly before her death where she wrote, "I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go." These weren't just words to her. She lived out these words. She frequently expressed to others that she had a desire to make an impact in this world. Sadly, she wasn't alive to realize her impact as her words have outlived her but what an incredibly amazing difference her life made.

Her father started Rachel's Challenge, an organization based on the writings of Rachel, that promotes anti-bullying and visits schools around the world to create a culture of kindness. To date, more than 500 kids have contacted the organization to state that after hearing Rachel's story, they reached out for help as they were contemplating suicide.

Rachel was a regular teenager. She went to prom shortly before she was killed. She had big dreams. She wanted to change the world. She said as much to her teacher the very day she was killed. She had an uncanny knowledge that her short life would change lives. She drew a picture right before she was killed, and, I don't want to give it away because you should read her journals, but that image has amazing significance and insight into the events that took place that very day. She didn't know what was about to take place but on some spiritual level she was preparing. I can't explain it. It gives me chills.

God Bless this sweet family. The hurt that they've endured is immense but then they actively try to seek out good and live out creating a legacy that their precious daughter believed in so deeply. Please read about the life of this special girl. I feel so changed after hearing her dad speak about her.

SHS Book Club

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:23:00 +0000

I'm almost caught up with my book reviews! Here is the last batch from 2014 and all the way up to January of 2015. I've read two more books since these but I'll post on those later.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini--Five stars (I have loved every book he has written!)

Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham--One star (I was surprised. I like Lena but this book wasn't for me.)

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry--Four stars

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline--Five stars

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld--Four stars (I loved American Wife by this author too; see review here)

Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money by Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey--Five stars

Still Foolin' Em' by Billy Crystal--Three stars

The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year--Four stars (What can I say, I love all things pop culture. It intrigues me.)

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult--Two stars

Tips to Launch a Successful Kickstarter Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 04:51:00 +0000

You guys--I am so humbled by the success of my Kickstarter campaign. I seriously can't thank you enough for your encouragement and help. I'm so blessed to have good friends and such a great support system! Thank you!!!! My campaign ended on Sunday, Feb. 15. It ran for 30 days and was 117% funded!

That said, I've had a lot of people ask me questions. I want to help anyone else who is considering a Kickstarter campaign. I went into it having one idea of how it would turn out and ended up realizing that nothing will just fall into you lap without a lot of dedication and hard work. I really thought my idea would sell itself and I could sit back and watch the dollars roll in. Ha! No, it took some work, and knowing what I know now, I would have done more research beforehand. Here are some of my tips.

1. Never and I mean NEVER launch a campaign without a video. Do not expect that having pictures will suffice. Most campaigns without a video don't ever make it. Make sure that you watch a lot of videos before you make your own. I used Windows Movie Maker. It was easy and I'm no expert. Along with a video, make sure you have good music. You can't use copyrighted music. My ideal song would have been "Speak Life" by Toby Mac but using that would have been illegal. I downloaded a song I purchased from iStock.com.

2. Take good pictures. Pictures matter. Make sure your pictures are crisp and clean and void of clutter. The simpler the better.

3. Start a Kickstarter Instagram account. I didn't do this but now I've connected with people who did it and I think it is a great idea. Before launching their Kickstarter, they use that IG account to generate hype about their campaign. This is probably more common with campaigns seeking more money but even a small campaign would benefit. Develop an IG following and then launch your campaign. Those followers are a great first start for some backers. Go on IG and look up #crowdfunding and #kickstarter hashtags to see what is out there and what they are doing to develop a base before they launch a campaign.

4. Develop a straightforward business plan. Nobody will want to back you if you don't seem like you've thought through your business plan. Make sure to spell out exactly how you will budget this money. Show that you have a good head on your shoulders and are thinking through it all and taking it seriously. I made sure to spell out my plan in three key areas: Advertising, Trade Show Participation, and Stocking Up Inventory. Those are the three areas where my money is going.

5. Have a strong support base. Ok, so this is where I was completely taken for surprise. I thought most of my backers would be total strangers that are searching on Kickstarter. I definitely had that happen but only 25% of my money was funded this way. The other 75% were all people who I know. When Kickstarter tells you to let everyone and anyone know about your campaign, they aren't kidding. I have little Moo.com business cards that I would hand out if the subject came up. I sent email messages to my closest friends when the campaign started, halfway through and right before the end. I was terrified about bugging people. I hated the idea of posting it on my personal Facebook page. I think I said it in another post--failing publically seemed scary. I was so surprised how much encouragement and support I received. Also, think about the businesses who help you create your product. The vendor who supplies my snaps and rivets gave to my campaign (Minkus Margo). Kelly at Minkus Margo has become an amazing support for me. You never know unless you ask!

6. Use social media. I used Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, this blog, Twitter, and Reddit. When you use your social media, don't just announce it but hashtag the heck out of it. I was on the treadmill one day and watching the Today Show and Donald Trump's daughter was talking about the #womenwhowork hashtag. So I started using that hashtag. If something relevant was in the news like that, I used it. I attached pictures and posted links to my campaign on every Kickstarter-related post. Here's a type of image I would post:

7. Make sure to offer many different backer levels. I ranged mine from $10 to $150. Everyone is in a different place in life financially so make sure you offer a variety of backer levels. I was actually surprised at how many backers I had who just gave and didn't want a reward at all--7 of my 24 backers. Here are some images from my backer levels:

8. Take your time creating your campaign. There are many facets to the campaign--the video, the pictures, the backer copy for each level, the About Me section, the My Story section, and more. Don't think you can plan it all quickly and launch it just as fast. I took two months to develop the copy for my campaign. I studied other successful campaigns and thought carefully about my titles and descriptions. I wanted to make sure if people did a search that mine campaign would pop up.

9. Probably the most important piece of advice I have is to be extremely conservative in the amount you set as your goal. Every single day that went by without one single backer or very few page views (Kickstarter lets you see how many views you get), I questioned the amount I set my campaign for. At the halfway point I was 47% funded. I kept thinking about how if I'd only set my goal at $1000, I'd be there. I had to work so hard for that 47% funding. I just couldn't believe I was only halfway there. Remember that if you are only at 90% funding at the end of your campaign, you don't get any of it. Think about your support base and be realistic about your goal. Looking back, I am glad for the goal I set but at the halfway mark, I was pretty discouraged. Things came together at the end for me somehow, someway.

10. Last, make sure your rewards are realistic and that you will be able to deliver. The last thing you want to do is not deliver to the people who believe in you! Make sure you can deliver your rewards in a timely manner. Don't leave people hanging.

I am grateful to Leslie Mader, Jerry Honeycutt, Doug Steen and Fayth Sims for their generous support to my campaign. They gave at the $150+ level. Thank you to every single one of my backers. I am so grateful!

SHS Book Club--Even More 2014 Books

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:30:00 +0000

I met my Goodreads goal for 2014 and read a total of 28 books. Rather than review every single book here, I've been posting a collage of pictures of the book and giving my star rating for each book (this is out of five stars).

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs--Three stars

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn--Three stars

The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls--Three stars

Spelling It Like It Is by Tori Spelling--Two stars

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman--Five stars

The Giver by Lois Lowry--Four stars

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith--Two stars

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt--Three stars

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak--Five stars

Follow me on Goodreads here.

Valentine's Day Bling

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 23:54:00 +0000

I can't believe we are coming up on Valentine's Day! Where does time go? I'm trying to not be so last minute this year and have been looking for ideas on Pinterest but more on that later!

First, the shop is stocked with blingy Valentine's cuffs ready to customize and is also stocked with red and hot pink braided leather cuffs. Both are really fun to stack. Kids love the colorful braided leather bracelets. So check out my shop! I can customize the cuffs with an inspirational message of your choice.

Now, back to Pinterest ideas. Don't you think Valentines have become so much more elaborate since we were kids? I stepped up my game last year with these Minion Valentines. Never again! But they were cute!

The year before we made felt heart pins. I felt better about these because I imagined the kids will pin these cuties on their jacket or shirts even days after. Cute, right?

This year I think we'll make these cute bookmarks. Easy enough!

My son won't be down with those so I found these cute hoppy ones. Check out Lil' Luna's site for these. She has printables and said you can find these cute hoppers at Target.

What cute Valentine's Day ideas do you have?

SHS Book Club--More Books Read in 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 14:30:00 +0000

I'm finding it hard to keep up with writing book reviews. So, I thought I'd create a collage of the books I've read. Titles and ratings below (out of five stars). I hope to write more detailed reviews in the future.

Blue Plate Special: An Autobiography of My Appetites by Kate Christensen--Two Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green--Five Stars

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg--Four Stars

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café by Mary Simses--Two Stars

The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons--Three Stars

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson--Four Stars

The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson--Five Stars

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter--One Star

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith--Four Stars

If you are on Goodreads, follow me here.

Kickstarter--Oh the adventure!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 02:10:00 +0000

When someone suggested Kickstarter to me, my first thought was "no way, that sounds scary." I've posted links to my Kickstarter campaign on my Facebook page and Instagram feed and I figured it was about time I share about it on my blog. So click on link to view my video!

Kickstarter, if you didn't know (more on this later), is a crowd-funding web site where you post a video along with a dollar amount you'd like to raise and the reason you are trying to raise it. You offer rewards at different backer levels so as to entice people to give. If you don't meet your funding goal, you don't get any portion of the money people have backed. If you do, or even surpass it, you get that money for your specified purpose and you then have to reward your backers based on the dollar amounts they've given. Anyway, back to someone recommending it for me...I envisioned failing but not only failing but actually failing PUBLICLY. I'd much rather fail silently than in front of the world. But you know what? I really got to praying about it. Nothing worthwhile I've ever achieved just came easy and fell in my lap. So when I shifted my attitude I thought "ok, let's do this thing!"

Kickstarter encourages you to share about your campaign with every single person you come in contact with. Share, share, share. Every. Single. Person. Ugh. Not my personality. It's one thing if someone comments on the leather cuff that I'm wearing. Perfect opening. It's a whole other thing to just tell people you are trying to raise money. I was at the eye doctor today and was so close to sharing about it and giving him my card but I just couldn't do it. He's a super nice guy I enjoy chatting with him and is even a USC alumni and we talked about his kids trying to get into my kids' school and I invited he and his wife to a special night we are having at the school. So I really had an opening to just give him my card and be humble but I couldn't. I have to go back and get my lenses so maybe I'll get braver. I'm working on it....

I'm sure he wouldn't have minded and of course I would never let anyone feel pressure. It is just good experience to share about your company and product and general. I'm learning that people don't really understand what Kickstarter is and when you share it with them they are so congratulatory and excited for you without knowing that they can actually help you. I hate to say it is a generational thing but I think it is. Most people under 35 get it automatically. Anyone over that age (my MIL is an exception--yay Les!!!) doesn't understand that you are asking them to participate. But that's fine. I am just happy people are happy for me.

So I will share with you my blog followers what I'm doing because I am safe behind my computer giving you my spiel. I'm a crafty person at heart. I love to create. It makes me happy. I love thinking of new things to create and building upon current designs. I love hearing people tell me how much they love their sweet cuffs and what an encouragement they are to them. I feel like I've found my thing. This is a corny story but my dad would make leather goods as a kid. I remember his leather tools in his rolltop desk. His family would make fun of him--this little boy making leather accessories and selling them. Oh how I wish I had his tools today. When he tells me his leather stories I laugh because it makes sense why I love working with these leather cuffs and bracelets so much! It's just, well, fun. Each cuff is different and has a different sentiment. Also, I've met people who have very sentimental items of their loved ones--belts, straps--who want to turn those items into a cuff they can wear to keep with them close every day. That's beyond cool.

So, I've started a Kickstarter campaign to raise $2K to grow my business so that I'll be able to advertise, take part in a popular local craft fair and increase my inventory. I offer rewards starting at the $10 level. Every little bit helps me. I have 25 days left to raise money. I'm 10% there. It's an UPHILL climb no doubt and I've shared on IG, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, email and more. I have asked my husband and friends to share my FB post. Honestly I don't know that I will hit my mark. I'm going to do my very best. I have a PR/Marketing background so believe me that the wheels in my brain are always turning. If I don't hit my mark, well, actually I'm not even going to go there. I hope you can help me either by backing me or spreading the word. Thanks for listening. If When I do hit my mark, I'm so happy to share my tips with you if you want to launch a campaign. Either way I think I have ideas and am happy to share them.

I've moved my shop to Etsy from Big Cartel. So my shop link is now here.

You can find me on Instagram @sillyhappysweet.

Premade Cuffs for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:37:00 +0000

I have a few premade cuffs left for purchase. See images below. Shop link here. If I get it in the mail by Wednesday (12/17), it will likely arrive to its destination by Christmas. Get yours today!

Shop Small This Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 03:11:00 +0000

One of my all time favorite movies is You've Got Mail. As the years go by and I watch it again and again, the sound of dialing in via a modem and the "You've got mail" sound always make me laugh. My daughter asks me what that is and I have to explain to her that is how we once got online.

But one aspect of the movie that stands the test of time is the age-old quest for a small business owner to keep alive as the big box stores take over. I know as I write this and recall all the small stores that I love to visit that you yourself can name quite a few. There is just something about Kathleen Kelly's The Shop Around the Corner in the movie that makes you feel safe, cozy and happy. I imagine walking through New York at this time of year, chai latte in hand, strolling through that sweet shop. Ah....so much better than entering a huge brand-name bookstore with its florescent lighting and hustle and bustle of mass amounts of people that makes me want to hurry up, get my books, and get the heck out of there.

My whole point is to stress that if you can, shop small this holiday season. Support your favorite small businesses--they need our support. If you can, support mom-run businesses too. There are so many crafty, wonderful moms out there doing what they can to devote some time to using their talents to create some products that will make some extra money for their family. We do it mostly because we love it. We won't retire on the money by any means but it allows us a way to keep our creativity flowing. Take some time to visit Etsy.com and find gifts there this season. You won't regret it because the gifts you find will be unique, special, handmade and likely one-of-a-kind.

Some of my favorite shops are The Honaker Home, Hello MayPole, Barberry and Lace, and Cinderberry Stitches to name a few. If you feel so inclined, please visit my shop too!

I love this sign:

Happy shopping!

SHS Bookclub

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:51:00 +0000

I'm so behind in my book reviews that I'm going to try to pile on a few each time I do a SHS Bookclub post.

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer was soooo not interesting. Definitely don't judge a book by its cover. Isnt' this a cool cover? Well the book is not. It is dull and drags on and on and on. It's quite a long book. It's about 6 people who met at camp when they were young. It follows their lives through their middle ages. It's unhopeful, sad, depressing, boring, dull, blah blah blah. I won't drone on. I didn't like it. Sorry Meg. I see she has a new book out. I just can't.

I read American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld and have since read another Sittenfeld book I'll tell you about another time. Great book. The book centers on the lives of Alice and Charlie Blackwell. Charlie Blackwell is a wealthy politician aiming for the highest office. The book is said to be somewhat in line with the history of George and Laura Bush. Many of Alice's life events mirror those of Laura Bush's, including the tragic accident that took place when Laura was seventeen. I love politics. If you don't, this probably isn't the book for you. Curtis Sittenfeld is a really good writer. I highly recommend!

Morning Glory by Sarah Jio is a great book! I gave it three stars on Goodreads. I would have given it more but it is fairly predicable. Despite that, it is a fast read and keeps your interest the entire time. The setting is a house boat community in Seattle. Now I don't know about you but I think that houseboats themselves are pretty interesting. Ada takes residence on the houseboat and discovers an old trunk belonging to a woman who lived on the boat 50 years earlier. Their stories intertwine and that's all I can really say without giving too much away. I love Jio and have liked every single book she's ever written. I will always grab a book of hers without hesitation.

I read Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness by Candace Cameron Bure. I gave this book five stars on Goodreads. I think this is a book that every woman over 30 should read. Bure offers amazing biblical perspective into self-control and the ability to have a different perspective about food. If you are like me and have tried different diets and different exercise programs and continue to feel discouraged, you should really read this book. I was able to get so much more out of this book than I ever expected. I have highlighted quite a bit of it and refer back to it when I am discouraged or needing to reset my mind to what God wants me to believe. I'd like my daughter to read this one day in the distant future. It really is a good one!

The Bungalow by Sarah Jio is another great book. I just said above that I like Jio and think she is a consistently solid author. This book is no different. The book partially takes place in 1942 on an island near Bora Bora where Anne Calloway serves as a nurse during the war. The story is very touching and emotional. I don't want to write too much but just know that in typical Jio fashion there is love, loss, redemption, etc.

Ok, those are my reviews for now! I have plenty more. Yes, I'm a reading fiend. Where I find the time, I don't know but if my kids are getting hair cuts, I'm usually buried in a book. I find time when I can. I stick a heavy soap dispenser on my book and read while I blowdry my hair. That is a good 10 minutes I get in. I'm weird like that. If you are on Goodreads, follow me at https://www.goodreads.com/sillyhappysweet.

Casual Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:39:00 +0000

Are you out shopping today? Is it crazy out there? I completely avoid shopping on Black Friday. I'd rather shop online while wearing my PJs any day of the week.

I've been working on quite a few cuffs for customers. Visit my shop to see the restocked items. There are some cute ones!

Linking up with Two Thirty Five Designs for Casual Friday.

I couldn't resist snagging this argyle cuff from my shop for myself. I love it with chambray. It is both casual but dressy. Perfection.

Shirt from Ann Taylor Loft

Scarf from Old Navy

Leather Cuff from My Shop

Boyfriend Jeans from Gap

Dingo boots from Macy's

Remember you can save 20% at my shop by using the code SHS20.

Restocked and Ready!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 04:35:00 +0000

I find myself blogging less and less these days. I do miss it though!

I'm still an avid reader and read every opportunity I have. I have a backlog of book reviews to post. I'm surprised how popular my reviews are but I'm thankful you like my reviews. I'll get back to them soon.

On an exciting note, my shop is restocked and ready for the holidays! My rose jewelry sales slow down over the cold winter months. I have put a lot of thought into how to branch out. My girls leather cuff bracelets sell so well that it is hard to keep them in stock. Leather cuffs are popular so I have stocked up on some leather cuffs that you can personalize yourself. It's fun! Basically you pick a cuff you like, and find a metal blank that you think would look good with your cuff. Choices include:

From there you think of a phrase that has meaning to you. Or maybe you already have a sentiment of your own and that's cool too! Here are a few we've used:

From here we'll hand stamp your message on your cuff. I hope you will like them and tell everyone you know about them. Here are some pics for you:

Here are some pics of some of selection of cuffs you can purchase at my shop. These are just a few of them. Visit www.sillyhappysweet.bigcartel.com for the entire selection.

I don't know why I never started an Instagram page for Silly Happy Sweet. I've had my bigcartel shop, blog, and Facebook page for some time. Won't you do me a favor and follow @sillyhappysweet on Instagram?

And because I love my blog readers, save 20% off any leather cuff by using the code SHS20 on any purchase from my shop.

I hope you are having a blessed and beloved Thanksgiving weekend. Stay safe out there while shopping! :)

SHS Book Club--And the Mountains Echoed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000

I read And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini in three days. I didn't want to put it down but I didn't want it to end. I love books that take you to other places--books that have characters with real depth and heart. This is that kind of book. This is my first Hosseini book. I have The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns on my "Want to Read" list. I've read that And the Mountains Echoed isn't as good as his other two. If that is the case, I can read those two because I thought this was so good! I am saving those two for later because I know once I start them I will probably not put those down.

The book takes place in Afghanistan, Paris, San Francisco, and a Greek island. Don't worry, it is easy to follow. The theme of the novel is about separation. Despite the sad theme, the book is beautifully hopeful. If you see this book at your library, snap it up. My library never seems to have it available. I was on a waiting list for it.

Are you on Goodreads? Follow me here on Goodreads!

SHS Book Club--The Husband's Secret

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 31 May 2014 04:03:00 +0000

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty is a book about a husband who writes a letter to his wife in the event of his death only his wife finds the letter while her husband is still alive. Intriguing, right? The plot had serious potential but it kind of all fell apart for me. I would have loved to see this book go more of the mystery route, instead it felt more like chick lit. The women in the book didn't have much depth and seemed gossipy and blah.

Having said that, I definitely got through the book quickly and wasn't bored. It is a good summer read. I can imagine this story being a "movie of the week" type of movie. Just like those movies, you are pulled in in the moment but asked months later what the book is about, you can't remember and have to read the jacket to recall.

Are you on Goodreads? Follow me on Goodreads here!

Creating a Fairy Garden/Linking up with Lily Jade for Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:53:00 +0000

It's warming up outside and that means Fairy Garden time! It seems that any nursery you go into has a whole section devoted to creating a fairy garden. They even host Fairy Garden parties, which MiniMe wants to do for her next birthday.

You can create a Fairy Garden for very little or you can go all out. It's really up to you and your budget. We spent about $75 on items for our two gardens--my daughter and I each made one. We had the pots and soil already so that was just for the little trinkets. Looking back, I actually think we could have spent way less but once you're in the nursery looking at all the little cuteness, you go crazy. After looking at some Pinterest boards, I realize there are many items you have around your home you could use--corks from wine bottles, rocks or pebbles from old fish tanks, old dollhouse furniture, tiny tea party dishes, bark from your garden, sea glass, sea shells, sand, beads and so much more--just look around!

Here is a pic of my supplies and plants before we start planting. MiniMe is planting a Fairy Garden and I am planting a Gnome Garden.

The first thing to do is to prep your pot with soil. We each have large pots that we can pull inside in the winter. Make sure if you are planting live plants that you have a hole at the bottom of your pot as well as a protective plate to prevent leaks on your carpet/wood when you pull your pot inside. We live in Colorado so we will be pulling our pots in.

Once you have your pot filled, just start creating and arranging. We kept our succulents in the center and plants that will grow more on the side so they won't take over the garden.

Here is the overview of my finished Gnome Garden and then a close up of some of the details:

And MiniMe's Fairy Garden:

Making a Fairy Garden with your daughter(s) is a fun way to spend time together. You don't even have to be a green thumb to make it work (I'm definitely not one!). Most of the plants are super hearty and it is easy enough to dig a hole and water on occasion. It will definitely get you in the mood for spring/summer!

I'm so excited and honored to link up with Lily Jade today to host a giveaway of a statement necklace and brooch from my shop! If you aren't familiar with Lily Jade, check out the site. Lily Jade sells beautiful designer diaper bags. How fabulous is the Madeline bag? I mean seriously, how many times do you have to drop what you're doing to help your little one? Every diaper bag should have a backpack option. Tori Spelling featured her Lily Jade bag on her Instagram account. Lily Jade followers can enter the code LILYJADE30 from now until Friday to save 30% off their purchase.

Hickory Cap Finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:29:00 +0000

I love Brooklyn Tweed. BT if you're listening, can I please become a test knitter and receive all of your patterns for free? I can't say enough great things about this company and their BEAUTIFUL patterns.

This cap was so very simple to knit and hardly requires much yarn at all. It only requires 160 yards of worsted weight wool! I have enough yard from my skein to knit one more. Below is the image that drew me to the pattern in the first place. I was looking for a hat that didn't smoosh my hair and make it static-y. This cap accomplishes just that.

Visit the Brooklyn Tweed site if you knit--you won't be disappointed. I have a long list of future projects. Their design team deserves some major kudos for making knitwear more fashion forward.

SHS Book Club--My two favorite books of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:03:00 +0000

I'm still catching up with books I read last year. I'm lumping two books together in this post because they were my absolute favorite. The first is The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. There are no words. This is a beautifully, touching book. The setting is Alaska, 1920. The main characters, Jack and Mabel are a childless couple who make their home in the brutal Alaska wilderness. The Snow Child story is inspired by a Russian folktale in which an elderly childless couple make a snow child that comes to life.

A lot of reviewers have commented that the beginning of this book is slow moving. I didn't notice that at all but mostly because it kept my attention and was so beautifully written that I was captivated. Having been to Alaska, I loved the imagery this author created. It's amazing to me that this is Ivey's debut novel. What an incredible first book! I felt emotionally tied to the characters and was invested in their outcome. Without giving too much away, there are some really touching parts that might even make you cry.

I'm not sure what this book is classified as--adult or young adult or fantasy. I wouldn't normally pick up a book based on a folktale but I'm so glad I did! After turning the last page, I put the book down and thought that it was one of the best books I've ever read. It was super satisfying.

My second favorite book of 2013 was also somewhat in the "fantasy" realm. It is called The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker.

Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay but who was brought to life by a rabbi using magic. Chava looks and operates as a human being. She has the special ability to read people's thoughts. She arrives in New York in 1899. Ahmad is a jinni (genie) who is trapped in a copper flask and released by a tinsman in New York City in the same timeframe. The story takes you through their individual stories until they eventually intertwine. It is really hard for me to describe this "fairytale" and do it justice without giving the plot away. But I want so badly to express the reason you should read this book. Though it sounds fantastical and strange, the tale that Wecker weaves through these two characters is not only beautiful but leads you to examine the deeper meaning of the book, of life.

I read that it took seven years for Wecker to write this book. This was her debut novel as well. I can't believe my two favorite books of 2013 were written by new authors! She did a tremendous amount of research before she tackled the writing. It's obvious that she did the work. I was able to envision New York in the early 1900s as if I was walking the streets myself.

Chava and Ahmad became very real and tangible to me while reading this book. I found myself Googling terms like "golem" and "jinni" just to learn even more about the historical background of these fantasy creatures. I knew that genies were of middle eastern folklore. I didn't know much about golems but they are of Jewish folklore. A golem reference even appears in the Bible--Psalm 139 when God uses the word golem and in translation refers to our "unshapen forms."

Anyway, give this book a chance. Don't let the unusual plotline deter you. It's rated 4+ stars on Goodreads.com for a good reason. I was so hesitant to pick it up but then kept reading the reviews and I'm so glad I did. Not once did I ever consider giving up on the book as I had fears I would. I found myself excited to press on and find out how things end for Chava and Ahmad.

If you are on Goodreads, follow me here.

My Stitch Fix Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Have you heard about Stitch Fix? It's a personal styling service--your very own Rachel Zoe! You simply fill out some information (your Style Profile) about your body type, your type of style, your budget, favorite colors (the questions get pretty specific as they nail down your style). Then you get a FedEx package with an entire surprise outfit! What's the catch you ask? You do pay a $20 "styling fee" BUT that amount goes toward the purchase of anything you want to buy. Stitch Fix provides you a return FedEx envelope that you use to pop in whatever items you didn't like--postage paid for by them!

I was certain that my stylist wouldn't get it right but I gave it a try anyway. I actually loved every item I was sent! I was sent a pair of pants, a scarf, a short sleeved navy and white striped top, a V-neck sweater, and a coat. Though I loved the color and style of the pants, I think they were more appropriate for someone who has straight hips (aka No hips whatsoever) and zero butt. I returned the short sleeved, striped top as well because my stylist nailed it so well that I have about six of those in various sized stripes.

I did keep this cute scarf:

I love the cute scarf instruction card they included--for scarf-challenged individuals.

Here's a pic of my V-neck sweater. Looks cute with the scarf and coat (not in picture).

And the cute coat:

Here's me with the coat on:

Yup, Stitch Fix is kind of genius. It's one of those ideas that I wish I had thought of. After I returned my items, I filled out a quick survey stating that the skinny jeans were cute and technically fit on my body but certainly weren't flattering to my body type. I also adjusted my budget. The coat was $68, which I think is reasonable. The striped shirt I returned was $88, which isn't reasonable to me considering I could get one like it at Ann Taylor for $25. The scarf was $32, which might seem pricey but when I took into account that the color would go with most everything I own and the fact that it's been below 20 degrees here for weeks, I didn't mind. I wear it all the time. But they'll accommodate all budgets. If you are interested in trying to get your Stitch Fix on, would you click on this link? For every friend that tries my link I get $25 toward my next fix. I'd appreciate it! If you've tried Stitch Fix, what has been your experience?

My favorite part about it was being excited for the package to come and seeing if they'd get it right (it also helps to have a Pinterest page that they scan to get a better sense of you) and receiving items that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself but discovering they were cute anyhow.