Crafty Blog Hop! Join Here! Add your link to the left!

Ok, so you know how you hit Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby for the big deals and sales? But, when it comes to inspiration and the unique you opt for those "off the beaten path", individual artist owned shops that are tucked away behind the bars and restaurants of the town square? Well, that is what I am currently searching for on the web... Those individual, eccentric, delightfully quaint blogs and sites that make you think..."Wow! That is amazing!" or "I have got to try that- how cool!". Unfortunately, those blog writers probably do not have the top rankings on the search engines, so they get missed.

I personally spend a few hours a week just scouring the sites that I know have interesting projects and galleries, like Beadwrangler, Fire Mountain Gems, Crochet Me- But, I really want some new links to add to my bookmarks for those periods when you have 'creative block'. Sometimes a look at something fresh or original is all you need to spark your own juices! Plus, I am always in awe of other's passion and innovation when creating! Recently I ran across this fascinating collage on Cloth, Paper, Scissors- and Boom! I have become an avid mixed media fan! That is the way it works for a lot of us-

With this in mind, I thought it might be a great idea to do a "blog hop" so artists, bloggers, writers, etc. could list their URL and share with others who are desperately seeking a new perspective! The Blog Hop will officially open TODAY! (I know, short notice, right?) But, it is so simple, you really don't have to prepare. Just add your link to the hop. Once you do that, grab the code and add the hop to your blog, site, whatever! Readers can then hop from one to the next- But, this hop will only be open for 2 weeks-so if you find a site you just LOVE, make sure to bookmark it!

The Blog Hop will "officially" start here- but I have it added to my other blog, Mommy Tyme Gifts, at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com (so you can sign up from there) and on my site at http://www.mommytyme.org (look for it under the tutorials tab). Not only will you get a list of some fun, artsy crafty blogs and sites to check out, but adding your blog/site will increase your traffic and exposure! IT really is a WIN-WIN situation and takes just a few minutes to add to! The one and only rule is that the blog/site you add MUST BE ABOUT HANDMADE, ART, SUPPLIES, OR THE ARTIST BEHIND THE WORK! PLEASE DON'T ADD YOUR SHOP'S (LIKE YOUR ETSY SHOP, WINKELF, ETC) UNLESS, OF COURSE, YOU ALSO SELL ON YOUR SITE/BLOG (in which case it is ok!)

So, lets get started! Have fun! If you find a super blog that you just have to talk about, please come back here and dish! I don't want to miss anything!

Remember to add the code to your site, too!

Let's get hopping! Just add your blog/site/url to the Blog Hop at the RIGHT (next to this post)!

Squidoo : Lensmaster Workshop

Squidoo : Lensmaster Workshop

Do you use Squidoo? If not, you should! I just set up a lens, and have it "rolling" as they say...


http://www.squidoo.com/MommyTyme


Have a minute? check it out! It needs some fine tuning, I know, and I am working on it! Do you have a link, blog, list, etc. you would like to share on my Squidoo? If so, comment here- leave the link and I will add it to one of the lists, or sections on the Mommy Tyme page of Squidoo. I have a section for favorite blogs, and one for "hot stuff I found on the web" so, if you think your shop or blog fit either of those- just leave the url here and I will add it to the lens! If you have a lens, (Squidoo talk for page), then leave a comment here with that link and I will lensroll it!

Have fun! If you would like to start a free squidoo page, here is the link- (It really is easy!)

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/MommyTyme

Latest Share the Love Feature

Here she is....

Gabrielle is the owner/designer behind Gabs Bags! Beautiful and orignal fashion creations! You can find Gabs Bags at:

Shop URL
http://GabsBags.artfire.com
2nd Shop URL
http://gabsbags.etsy.com
Website URL
http://gabsbags.ning.com/
Blog URL
http://www.apassionforbags.com


To see more of the share the love series and previous entries, visit the Features link at the upper left column!

Whats New with Mommy Tyme...

Wow!  this has been a really great week for Mommy Tyme Gifts!  Several cool things are going on...

First, Mommy Tyme is featured on Inspiration Avenue this week as an Introduction.  I am so excited about being part of this new group of Etsy sellers!  Amazing ideas, creativity and team work is found there- and I would like to show off the Inspiration Avenue Blog !!! So , check out the link or button below and go directly to the blog!  There are weekly contests, items from the Inspiration Avenue Store, and an array of information any handmade lover will not want to miss!
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com


Second... I wanted to show off the latest additions to the Mommy Tyme shop!  I have put together some set options for scent layering, getting the most out of your shipping costs, and gift ideas!  Plus, a few new crochet jewelry items I am really excited about!


handmade gifts from Mommy Tyme Bath and gifts!  Visit www.mommytyme.org and find all the great shopping links, ordering information and more!

 The facebook fan page contest is up and running!  Take a moment to check it out, see these great handmade entrants- and vote for your fav!  These fantastic items are a Must See!  Really!  So, you can vote for your choice of winner at
http://www.mommytyme.org/untitled1.html


I also just opened a new contest you do not want to miss out on...  You can find out more at http://www.mommytyme.org/untitled1.html

Customer Appreciation Days at Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts!  4 Random customers or email subscribers will be chosen to recieve one of the following:

10% off coupon
20% off coupon
Free Lavender Butter Bath Bar
Free Natural Sweet Pea Sugar Scrub (1.7 ounces)

What do you do?  Just sign up!  No purchase necessary!
http://signup.vpweb.com/ValeriePoling/signup.html.


Oh, yes.... I almost forgot!  Lately I have been finding some fantastic blogs in the handmade arena that I can only tweet and share so much... I would love to Reblog entries so my readers can see them, too!  This will give you a little more exposure and maybe a few new readers!  If you are interested in sharing some of your blog entries with my readers and participate in Zemanta or Reblog- just leave your blog url here!  It will only post a short paragraph from your blog, but enough to give the reader an idea of your post and the link!  So, if you are interested, just leave your blog url here- and I will share some of your fantastic ideas and links with Mommys Reviews Readers!

Squidoo.... Have you tried it!

 Have you Tried Squidoo?


Want a fun and easy way to promote yourself?  How about your blog- you can actually add a feed to your lens!  Or your Etsy mini?  Sell on ebay?  You can pull your items from ebay and promote them here, too!  There are so many things you can do with squidoo!  If you don't have one, get one!  They are totally free.  Plus, you can actually earn money simply by allowing Amazon and other top name vendors to advertise on your lens!  It is really easy to set one up.  Use it to sell, promote, talk about your hot new items.

 Sign up here!  Piece of cake, I promise!
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/MommyTyme

Once you have signed up, come back here, comment and leave your new lens URL!  I will promote, lens roll, twitter, etc! Your new Squidoo Lens!  Lets all help each other!  It is a great source for getting your name and shop out there!  Really!

For the next few posts I am going to talk about the tools Squidoo offers and the best way to utilize them.  I am in the learning process, too!  So, lets work together!

So Remember, leave your Squidoo Lens URL here so we can all find it!  Readers... Take a minute and visit the Lens posted!  Comment, comment, comment! 

I look forward to checking out everyones!  Oh, here is mine:

http://www.squidoo.com/MommyTyme

Facebbok Fan Page First Ever Contest- Sweetest Sweet for Your Sweety!

If you have not had a chance to check it out, I am so excited about the new contest we are running on the Mommy Tyme Facebook Fan Page!  if you have not seen my ads for this, then really, you should stop by and add your item!  It's one entry per person, you MUST be a fan of the page, but really... That is the only catch!  Just post your picture of your item, a link to your shop, and your email or contact for me!  Thats it!  Oh, deadline for posting is 2/1!  I will put all the photos and shops together in a scrapbook style page, post it on facebook, the fan page, my blogs, and my website!  I will also give you all the code, if you want to post it!  We will all vote (and guests can vote,too!  so get your family and friends involved!) for the Sweetest Sweet for your Sweety!  The winner receives a cute little mini bath box I created with handmade mini bath bars, lip balms, and solid all natural fragrance!  Hope you enjoy, and just in time for Valentines Day... So check out the facebook posting at the top of this page, click on Fan, and come in to join the fun!

http://www.facebook.com/MommyTyme?ref=name#/pages/Mommy-Tyme-Bath-and-Unique-Gifts/87968482686?ref=mf
For those who do not create or sell handmade items... That is ok!  Jump on in and see the fantastic items people are listing!  Wow, there is some gorgeous jewelry, great scarves, and so much more... You can help us find the sweetest gift by voting!

Last chances to win a free bath bar, handmade soap, butter bar!

Contest!  Contest!  contest!
 It is the last few days of my contest!  I will post the winner on the 12/25 (or 26)!  So get those entries in quick!.... It is really easy to do, and if you have not visited the shop in a while, I have a lot of new items recently listed!  So, if you did not find a bar last time around, you may find something special this time!  I love to hear people's thoughts on my products, which is why I host these giveaways!  So, enter, then come back and tell me what you thought! 


This one is for all My blogs and Website!  Easy to enter....

You can win one of my new butter bath bars  ... Choose from Honey almond, Sweet Pea or Lavender Butter bath bars! Here is all you have to do:

1.  Subscribe to this blog or follow this blog

2.  Comment with your email address, blog address or website address so I know how to reach you

3.  Visit my website at http://www.mommytyme.org AND comment on something that you saw at the website that peaked your interest!  Whether it be the contest page, the business tips, the handmade sections, etc.  Just comment on any of it!

That is it!  Now, if you would like some extra entries, here is how you get them:

1.  Visit my etsy shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and comment on any item there
2.  Visit my winkelf shop at http://www.MommyTyme.winkelf.com and comment on any item there
3.  Sign the guestbook at my website http://www.mommytyme.org
4.  Follow   my other blogs:
http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com

Make sure for each of the extra things you do, you leave a comment so I know to add that as an extra entry!

Choose between the following:

 

 

 

Win a Butter Bar Soap in Lavender, Honey Almond, Sweet Pea or Chocolate!

Contest!  Contest!  contest!

This one is for all My blogs and Website!  Easy to enter....

You can win one of my new butter bath bars  ... Choose from Honey almond, Sweet Pea or Lavender Butter bath bars! Here is all you have to do:

1.  Subscribe to this blog or follow this blog

2.  Comment with your email address, blog address or website address so I know how to reach you

3.  Visit my website at http://www.mommytyme.org AND comment on something that you saw at the website that peaked your interest!  Whether it be the contest page, the business tips, the handmade sections, etc.  Just comment on any of it!

That is it!  Now, if you would like some extra entries, here is how you get them:

1.  Visit my etsy shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and comment on any item there
2.  Visit my winkelf shop at http://www.MommyTyme.winkelf.com and comment on any item there
3.  Sign the guestbook at my website http://www.mommytyme.org
4.  Follow   my other blogs:
http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com

Make sure for each of the extra things you do, you leave a comment so I know to add that as an extra entry!

Choose between the following:

 

 

 

Pursuit of the Perfect Handmade Christmas...

I have woefully been lax on my blog here! So, this morning I am devoting more time to getting back to my roots and less time Playing on the social network sites! with the holidays coming I want to share as many great opportunities there are with you as I can... I really encourage you to consider buying handmade or artisan crafted items for the holidays. Why? Well, you know you are giving a one of a kind, unique item to someone. You are also supporting a struggling artisan out there! When we think of artist we have a vision of a twenty something eccentric woman with a beret on her head, glass of wine in hand, diligently facing her canvas with a paintbrush held between her teeth lost in thought... Well, the reality is- art comes in many forms and there are so many new and interesting modes out there that you can really find your creative niche and express your own individuality and sense of self by your fashion, accessories, decor of your home, activities you participate in, etc.

So, from now until the holidays I am going to present you with artisans and finds that I come across in my attempt to give the great Handmade Christmas!

My first stop on this journey is to tell you about Tracy Cornell, or Braggin Rights! She has a fantastic blog where she meets and explores handmade artisans and crafters! she gets deep into their craft and shows you many examples that you surely do not want to miss! This is a great starting point for finding the perfect gifts! Check her out at: http://bragginrightsfinds.blogspot.com

Make sure you look for her interview with me, Mommy Tyme, on January 5th! You can also check Tracy out by going to my website at http://www.mommytyme.org and I have listed her links and banner for Braggin Rights on the front page!

check out her web site at http://www.bragginrights.net and find fantastic handmade gifts, items for your home, and fashion! I actually stole a quote she wrote about herself because I think it really expresses her work

"I love altering art in any way that mind "sees" it. I like to do embroidery, with floss or thread, ribbon, or crewel; draw with charcoal , pastels, & paint with watercolors. I sew, do quilting, crochet, make quilted & embellished photo albums, & custom wedding albums. I've recently begun a line of recycled creations as well."

So, take a gander at Braggin Rights and keep coming back here to share your great finds in our pursuit for the Perfect Handmade Christmas! If you have a shop, are an artisan, etc. Please feel free to leave a comment with your link and your information! This will help us all find more of the artisan marketplace out there! Who knew there was so much to choose from?

Visit http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com for A Contest/drawing! Win free advertising for one month and a great gift!

For 2 weeks I am doing a drive to get more subscribers here at Mishaps of Mommy! I love to help promote, and I want to share all the tips and tricks I learn along the way with you...
So, Here is what is up for grabs....

I will give you one month Front page advertising on my website at http://www.mommytyme.org Banner and link
I will give you one month advertising on my Spotlight page (avatar and link) at http://www.mommytyme.org/contact.html
I will give you avatar size free advertising on my blog at http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
Plus, check out any of my shops, pick one free giant bath bar and I will send that to your free! You won, so celebrate and relax!
check out the shops at:
http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com
http://fuzzb.com/MommyTyme
http://www.MommyTyme.winkelf.com
http://shophandmade.com/MommyTyme


Here is what you have to do:
1. Subscribe to the blog here at Mishaps
2. Comment on what type of promoting, ideas, tips or tricks you need help with...

That is it! One free entry!
Want extra entries?

1. Follow me on facebook
2. Tweet this contest
3. Visit my shops and comment on which of the soaps you will choose
4. Subscribe to my other blog at
http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
5. Sign the guestbook at my website http://www.mommytyme.org

For each of the above, comment that you have completed it here and you will get an extra entry. Tweet me more than once, blog about this contest more than once, mention it here and I will add extra entries for you!

Grab my banner at the bottom of the page and get 5 extra entries! Leave a link here of where you posted it!

Have fun! This is a win! win! situation!

Visit http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com to enter!

Excerpt from Mishaps of Mommy Blog- Enjoy!

Well, here it is September.... I have been very busy with the blogs this month! I hope you have learned and benefitted from some of the tips, links, and ideas we have shared here! I also hope you have had the chance to check out some of my other blogs-
Mommy's Reviews you Can Use at http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
A New You at http://mommytymeswordsofwisdom.blogspot.com

Each of these blogs has different content to help you with your life, family, business, etc. So, please give them a view!

Also, as a new business owner, salesperson, handmade/handcrafted artisan, you may still find the market a tough nut to crack! I know I do! Some weeks are great, while others I feel like I am just wasting time- but, patience and diligence are the keys! So, keep moving forward!

Last month on the web site at http://www.mommytyme.org I gave away several free sample products for my contest/drawing- and the winner has been announced- visit the site and see who it is!



This month, again, I am offering a free gift for participating in the contest that runs between all of my blogs and the site! Up for grabs - an extra large, 50unce, butter Bath Bar- these great bars are jam packed with skin loving essentials like organic jojoba oil, honey, shea butter, a heaping scoop of organic cocoa butter, kokum butter, lanolin, vegetable glycerin and more! Moisturize while you shower or bathe! These come in fantastic, rich, long lasting scents that you will love! I will be giving one bar away every 10 days until October 10th! So, check back often and see if your announced! Then just contact me with the shipping address!







So, here are the new entry rules for the Butter Bar Giveaway:

1. Follow Mommy Tyme on Twitter - see the follow me button below (I will follow you back!)



2. Follow the blog
3. Sign the guestbook at the website http://www.mommytyme.org
4. Use the share button below - simply share this with at least 3 places (facebook, twitter, digg, etc. any of the choices listed, or you can share with the same site 3 times- it does not matter to me!)

Once you have done that, your name goes into the drawing bowl! That's it, that's all! To ensure your name is entered (in case you have any doubts) you can ask for confirmation in a comment on any of my blogs, or you can request confirmation in the guestbook at the site, or you can even email me at Mommytyme70@yahoo.com

Good luck!


More opportunities- Do you write well? Would you love to share a story about your WAH? Your opportunities you offer? Your items? etc? Do you have an article that women can benefit from? Well, write me an article for the website! Submit your article to Mommytyme70@yahoo.com and if I use it on the site, you will receive free Banner advertising with a link for as long as I use the article! You can write about your work, your items you create, offer a free pattern, recipe, whatever. I am open to take in all types of content! This is a great chance for more exposure for you, and for your business!


Finally- Interested in posting a link on my shopping pages of the website? It's simple! Just pick up one of my banners listed below, - post it on your site or blog with my link



Link to : http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com



http://mommytymeswordsofwisdom.blogspot.com





http://www.mommytyme.org



then send me an email with your banner and link and let me know where I can find mine on your site! That is it! I love reciprocal advertising and banner exchanges!

Free online recipes- check it out!

One of many reasons why people love the internet is due to the remarkably quick and painless way you can locate information. Within seconds, you can find a library of knowledge relating to almost any topic imaginable. While many of us don’t utilize the internet for in-depth research, one way most of us can enjoy the convenience and power of the internet is by locating free online recipes.

Barely 15 years ago it seemed impossible that in a few short years, millions upon millions of recipes covering almost every dish would be readily available at their fingertips. Since the future is here, here are the many ways to cash in on free online recipes.

Obviously the free online recipes are extremely practical because you access a recipe in a matter of seconds. While a lot use a search engine like Google, many people often have their favorite recipe websites that offer vast amounts of recipes. Just input a key word or keyword phrase like “chili” or “chicken soup” and you will usually find a few to hundreds of useful recipes.

In addition to being easy to access, a lot of recipe websites are full of people that enjoy cooking, have their own favorite recipes and enjoy adding recipes to the database for others to use. These community recipe websites are a great way to share knowledge. In addition, a lot of recipe websites offer the ability to add comments. So whether you love a recipe or not, you can simply share your thoughts with others. This is a great way to try out a recipe (especially if many people liked it) or avoid it the recipe if it received bad reviews.

In addition to being able to view recipes on your computer screen, many cooks take it one step further- they print out their favorite recipes. It is incredibly easy to print out recipes and many free online recipe sites offer the option of special recipe formatted files which make it a snap to print out your favorite recipes. This way you no longer have to worry about ruining the recipe card while you cook or losing it. If you spill liquid on it, you can easily print it out again.

In addition to all these advantages, a lot of free online recipe sites have taken it one step further in providing quality information on how to cook specific meals. Many free online recipe sites now provide images and some even include videos describing step by step how to create a moderate to difficult dish.

Free online recipe web sites are perhaps the quickest way to locate new recipes, read reviews, and chat about the newest or best techniques on cooking and sharing with millions your prized or time honored family recipe. Free online recipe websites are truly the ultimate home recipe box.
Author Resource - For a large collection of family friendly free online recipes visit http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/archives.htm


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