Be My Valentine Vendor Spotlight and Review: Polder's Old World Market

This evening for our third and final spotlight in this series we have Polder's Old World Market.

Now, before I move any further I need to let you all know that they are one of the vendors in the Be My Valentine Giveaway.  The giveaway ends TONIGHT my friends, only a couple more hours to get in and get your chance to win one of 18 wonderful prizes! Click here to go to the giveaway.

Polder's Old World Market is offering up The Sweetheart Dish. It is an absolutely beautiful heart-shaped "dish" hand carved from Black Walnut.

I have known the Polder Family for quite a while now. I consider them dear friends. I have more Polder wooden spoons in my kitchen than any other utensil!! A few of my FAVORITE things can be found in their shop right now! The Pasta Salad Server is my newest set and definitely one of my very favorites.  The Simple Paddle spoon has an extra long handle and is very sturdy.  It has made lots of cookies and stirred lots of pasta in my home! And if I HAD to choose just one more, I would choose The Southern Hostess serving set. Oh but, the spatula, the spurtle, the sunrise scoop...they are staples in my kitchen too. They require very little care beyond any other utensil - we wash them up after use and every few weeks we oil them with a little bit of olive oil and let them dry. Every piece is a work of art, you will NOT be disappointed. I send my personal guarantee with that statement!

The Polder's Bakers Dozen
Photo Courtesy of the Polder's

The Polder's work as a family (a BIG family I might add) with lots of hands and hearts working in the work shop on their homestead in Tennessee.  

I love seeing the care, detail and love that go into creating each piece.

Here are a few words from the Polder's: 

“Polder's Old World Market emerged slowly out of two things: number one, a lifelong desire to get back to a simpler way of living, and number two, a need to turn our talents and available resources into a way to earn a living. 

Polder's Old World Market is a reflection of all of our dreams and interests put together- it truly is a slice of our life, and we count it as a special opportunity to share it with each of you. We combine our homesteading endeavors with our cottage industry- the one is entwined in and dependant on the other. We take so much delight in crafting our fine wooden kitchen utensils and other housewares! All of our utensils are crafted from a solid piece of (almost exclusively) a local fallen hardwood. They are 100% natural. Each one is sketched, rough cut and sanded to a silky smooth finish entirely by hand. Each one is made with lots of care and a personal interest in the home it will be going to. We love our customers, and next to making the products themselves, our favorite part of Polder’s Old World Market is being able to get to know our customers, and in some small way, share in their lives and interests.

For the most part, each of us tend to do what really interests us the most, or what we are the best at... many of us help design and produce our wooden kitchen ware, but only a few of us make candles, or sew aprons, or carve figurines J. We all do what we're good at, and we all add a unique element to Polder's Old World Market that it wouldn't have otherwise. 

We love being and working together on our farm! Homeschooling and homesteading has afforded us opportunities to learn and grow together that we are truly grateful for. We enjoy gardening, classic board games, old-fashioned instrumental music, Christmas, eating yummy baked treats and drinking fresh, creamy milk from our cow, among other things. It is our chief desire to truly honor the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we do- both on our homestead, and at Polder's Old World Market. He has made everything that we are doing possible. Thank you for your interest in our family owned, handcrafted in the USA Market!”

~The Polder Family”

I encourage EVERYONE to stop by the Polder's Facebook Page and show them some love. If you have a piece of their work, let them know how much you love it. Everyone in the family will get your message even their newest addition LindyAnn! :) If you don't have one of their utensils yet, I encourage you to take a look at their Etsy Shop! There is something for everyone and lots of gift giving potential including a new item, this Southern Rice Spoon!!

A special thank you to the Polder's from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, generosity, positive encouragement and friendship! 

Remember, head on over to the giveaway now to enter to win The Sweetheart Dish!!!

Enjoy!

Kim

Be My Valentine Vendor Spotlight and Review: Weensy Baby

Do you Cloth Diaper? Know someone who does? Or, maybe you just love CUTENESS??! 

I would love to introduce you all to my friend and fellow artisan Joanna.  On top of being a wonderful and hardworking mama, she makes MINIATURE cloth diapers. Just when I am tired of making another set of diapers, I think of Joanna sitting behind her machine making 2" pocket diapers with ruffles on the butt.  Thank you for the inspiration Joanna.  Now on to the cuteness factor.

HURRY - Run like the wind to my facebook page and enter to win this Adorable "Love and Kisses" Keychain.  The giveaway ends at midnight on January 22nd, 2014.  You can get a head start by Liking her Facebook page here.

How do I know how fabulous these keychains are??? well, I own several of them. Including this one below in a pocket style diaper with an insert.  It's attached to my wallet and my kids LOVE to play with it while they are in the shopping cart. It has been yanked, pulled, mauled, mutilated, chewed on, drooled on and loved.  But guess what - I just throw it in the washer with my other diapers and it's as good as new.  Her diaper key chains are made from the SAME high quality fabrics that regular diapers are made from.

And now, here's a few words from Joanna:

"My name is Joanna, and I am the WAHM behind Weensy Baby. I am married to my childhood sweetheart, and a stay at home, homeschooling mom to seven wonderful kids, from toddler to teen. When I am not sewing itty bitty diaper cuteness, I teach my kids, manage my home, and raise goats, chickens, and a large garden to help feed our growing family.

            I started sewing as a young teen, and have enjoyed creating new and fun things for my family and friends ever since. I cloth diapered all my children, starting out using flats, pins and plastic pants. When my sixth child was one year old, I really wanted to try something new, but the thrifty part of me could not bear to buy cloth diapers when I knew I could learn to make them my self. Learning, and then making and using them became a passion that I had not expected. I have been sewing diapers for 4 years, and have made just about every type known to man (or woman).

            Early in 2013,  I was part of an online discussion about cloth diaper key chains, and I decided I wanted to try and make one for myself. I had seen many simple ones, but I wanted to challenge myself and try making a miniature cloth diaper with all the details. I found that I really enjoyed the challenge, and it turned out so cute that I had to share it online. The response was overwhelming, and I had several requests to buy one. Weensy Baby was born shortly there after, and I have found my own “little” niche in the cloth diapering world.

            Since the beginning of Weensy Baby I have continued to experiment, challenge myself, and develop new products for my fans. I make a variety of cloth diaper styles including most of the popular types of cloth diapers on the market. I have even made replicas of a customer's favorite diaper style and brand.

            People have, at times, asked “Why key chain diapers? They are adorable, but what's the point?” It is a great question, and I will share my thoughts. Many people out in society have not heard of cloth diapers, or if they have, they have a picture in their mind of soggy, saggy prefolds and pins, covered by poofy plastic pants. These cute little key chains are a great conversation starter that allow you to show others what modern cloth is, how cute and convenient it can be, and just how modern cloth diapers work. They are portable, visible, and are kind of like a bumper sticker for your keys, diaper bag, or purse, allowing you to share your love of cloth, and, perhaps, introduce others to modern cloth diapers."

Thank you Joanna.

More samples of her work.

Adorable right?  

By now, you just have to get your hands on a couple of these beautiful diaper keychains. You can head over to her Etsy Shop: Weensy Baby and let her know we sent you.

One last reminder, you can enter to win through our giveaway ending tonight!

Enjoy! Kim

Be My Valentine Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Ileena Zamfino Tastefully Simple

Many of the Vendors in the Be My Valentine Giveaway by PatsycakeBaby are handmade vendors, but one thing that we all have in common is the fact that we are all hard working mom's and families. And my first vendor spotlight is one of those moms.

I would like to introduce you all to Ileena Zamfino.  In addition to being a consultant for Jamberry Nails (have you seen those amazing nail designs????) she just started with a new company called Tastefully Simple.

Before this giveaway, I had never even heard of Tastefully Simple.  But a little bit of info off of Ileena's Tastefully Simple Website will introduce you to the delicious world of TS.

"We offer a wide selection of convenient, easy-to-prepare foods designed to help people spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the rest of their lives. Our products are available through independent Tastefully Simple consultants primarily at home taste-testing parties nationwide." - Tastefully Simple.

On Ileena's end, she hosts parties and introduces groups of busy people to simple, easy foods that can be ordered directly from her website and shipped to your home. Bread mixes, drinks, appetizers, marinades and rubs and much more. My eye stopped at the My Mug cake in a mug. YUM and you don't have to share LOL!

Here are a few words from Ileena,

"I just started with the company about 2 weeks ago but have been using the products for years! I decreased my hours at my boring job to stay home more with my son whom just started kindergarten.  I decided now was a perfect time to start a new business with a company I love. 

Tastefully Simple offers an amazing guarantee on all their products so its pretty much risk free. With all recipes needing just one or two items added i am now a master in the kitchen! :] "

For our giveaway, Ileena is offering a $15 gift certificate to Tastefully Simple. Valid only through ileena zamfino's website. All orders must be placed through the consultant directly.

You can also connect with Ileena through her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/tsbyileena

So, hurry over to the Be My Valentine Giveaway and Enter to win your Gift Certificate Today.  Thank you Ileena!!!

Cloth Diapers: How To Lanolinize Your Wool

Two questions people always ask me about wool.
#1 Isn't it itchy???
#2 Is it too hot for summer???
The answer to BOTH of those questions is NO.
Then the 3rd most common question:
#3 Isn't  it a pain to care for?
and the answer to that one is a little more complicated I suppose.

First of all, I live in Southern California. San Diego to be exact, which in case you didn't know is the capital of 72 degrees and sunny.  It's really hard to find wool to upcycle here. Most people all around the USA can go to their local thrift store and pick up a bargain bin load of sweaters for $5. Not the case here. Most thrift stores know what they have and auction in off to the highest bidder - usually at about $7 PER SWEATER. I feel like I get a score when I find a men's XL at that price ;).  I use upcycled sweater wool for my wool wraps, but I also have to supplement with some crocheted wool soakers.  I use upcycled wool sweaters because they are usually soft and use long hair wool so the surface of the wool isn't as scratchy as you would think.  Of course, every one of them gets the "rub-against-my-cheek Softness test" and if it passes I buy it because i never know when I'll find another.  The other part of that scratchy wool issue is care.  When you use the wool for diapers, they are usually lanolinized first.  In simple terms, Lanolin is the oil that is found on sheep to make their wool water resistant.  During processing of wool and turning into fabric and yarn all of that lanolin is washed away.  But lucky you - you can add it right back in through the process of Lanolinizing.  I don't think I made that word up - all of us wooly mamas use it!

These are the diapers I have in my shop:

Wool Wrap from upcycled sweater wool.

Hand Crocheted wool soakers.

I use wool year-round here in SoCal, in the summer it's the only thing my kid wears, and in the winter he wears it under his jammies or clothes.  He doesn't seem to be any hotter than when he has on a plastic coated non-breathable diaper! Wool is a natural fiber, breathable and non toxic.  The only issue may be an allergy to it since it is an animal hair. In that case, wool is not better for you. Aside from that- it is the best. When you coat the diaper with a small amount of lanolin, the soft fibers are able to resist wetness from the fitted soaking layers of the diaper. Any urine that comes in contact with the lanolin goes through some magic process that turns it into salt water....Seriously magic - you will have to google the deatils on it - it's completely true.
Wool needs to be hand washed BUT not very often. So when your babe wets his diaper, you take the wool off, turn it inside out and hang it to dry. You can rotate it back onto your babe at the next change.  After about a week or so depending on your rotation of diapers - you can hand wash in warm water with gentle soap.  I'll explain that in a minute. After a few of those washes - I would say about once a month, it's about time to put more lanolin on your diaper.

How do you know when it time to dun-Dun-DUN relanolinize? Your diaper may smell like urine or it may start to leak through frequently.
It's an easy process and here it is for you in pictures:

Wash your wool. Add your diaper to a basin of warm water, a drop of soap. Swish. Rinse until clear.

Lanolinize your wool. Squeeze out a pea size bit of lanolin.

In a small jar add 1/2tsp of gentle soap and the pea sized drop of lanolin.

Fill halfway with warm water and swish until lanolin is melted.

Pour onto the wet wool diaper.

Fill bowl with warm water.

Swish around to coat the diaper with the lanolin. Then, let it soak for a few minutes.

Squeeze the diaper (like this). Do not wring it out or it might warp it's shape.

Lay it flat on a dry towel.

Tightly roll the diaper up in the towel.

Then, Un-roll the diaper

Hang to dry!

And, there you have it. As always - if you need help, please feel free to ask, or send me a message!
Enjoy!
Kim

Washing and Care Instructions for PatsycakeBaby Products

Washing And Care Instructions

Download your PatsycakeBaby Washing and Care Guide.  Click on the photo to download the PDF file from Google Docs.  If you have any questions or concerns, please send me an email. Find PatsycakeBaby on Facebook or on Etsy.

Thank you!
Kim

WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!! Be My Valentine GIVEAWAY Hosted by PatsycakeBaby!

WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED! Check below each photo to see if you have won a prize in our giveaway! All winners have been emailed. If your name is listed, please check your email for instructions on  how to claim your prize!!!
Questions? Please feel free to contact me via email or facebook!

Round 1: All Winners have 48 Hours to claim their prize, cut off is SATURDAY JANUARY 25th at 9:00AM Pacific Time. New winners will be announced if prizes are not claimed.

Will you Be My Valentine?
That is the question we are asking, and we hope the answer is YES!
Lots of fabulous vendors have come together for this giveaway.  Sweet handmade gifts and a few more to choose from - there's something for every sweet Valentine. Winners will also be announced here at the end of the giveaway!

WINNER: ELIZABETH FULLER STREBECK
$20 Shop Credit to Patsycakebaby.Etsy.com

WINNER: SHAWNEE ROBINSON POLING
Polder's Old World Market Free 4x4 Sweetheart Dish in Black Walnut.  

Free Shipping in the US

WINNER: KATIE SHESKO
Weensy Baby: Free "Love and Kisses" 2" fitted style cloth diaper keychain. 

Free Shipping in the US

WINNER:ANGELA HOLLINGSWORTH
Faded Leaves Naturals: Hand sanitizer and lotion bar 

(you choose of apple, orange, peppermint, or unscented) from Faded Leaves Naturals

WINNER: JENNIFER GIERHART GRACE
Add-A-Tutu:Tutu Set including US shipping $25.00 Value

WINNER: AMBER BROWNING
An Enchanted Affair: A Valentine Greeting from An Enchanted Affair ~ Your little one will receive a special greeting in the mail from their favorite fairytale princess...Includes a Personalized Card and Autographed Photo of the Princess. Postage includes; US only, please.

WINNER: MELODY TINSLEY GAY
Kween Karol's Boutique: Handmade tutu up to a size 6 from Kween Karols Boutique. 

Free US Shipping

WINNER: CARLA GRIFFIN
Two Two Cute Designs: Free Chunky Necklace

.

WINNER: ASHLEY FOSKEY
Become ACEmazing with Shayna: Free 1 week supply of ACE or X-treme 5000- 

or receive a $15 credit good toward any Saba product!

WINNER: SARAHANDSAUL STILWELL
Misty Lady Beading: Blue crystal heart/key earrings and necklace set. Chain is 18-20 inches 

Free US Shipping

WINNER: EMILY ELDRIDGE
Two Hearts: Hello Kitty Valentine Pillowcase Dress 

available in sizes 6 months to 4T.

WINNER: JISELLE PARKIN-LOTZ
Witt's End Design: Pink polka dot super absorbent 

white cotton chenille burp cloth and matching elastic knot headband. 

$15.50 retail + free US shipping!

WINNER: LYNSAY LEITNER
Crafty Creations By LB: 

A $15.00 gift certificate to Crafty Creations By LB. 

Handmade scarves, cowls, beanies, hair bows, and burp cloths.

WINNER: ROBIN CLINTON
Harper's Treasures: A $15 gift certificate to Harper's Treasures. 

We specialize in boutique bows. 

We love custom orders so if you don't see what you are looking for just ask!

WINNER: HOLLY RODRIGUEZ
Spitties4kiddies:$15 Gift Certificate to Spitties4Kiddies

We make MINKLES!!! Animal shaped blankies made out of minky fabric. 

They have taggies on their toes and knots on the legs!

WINNER: SHAWNA ANNMARIE JANUSIS
Ileena's Jamberry Nails: $15 Jamberry Gift Certificate. 

Valid only through ileena zamfino's jamberry site. 

ileena.jamberrynails.com

WINNER: KIMBERLY PARKER BENTON
Lisas Lifetime Memories: Large Valentine's Day Bow from 

Lisa's Lifetime Memories!!

WINNER: BETH EMELANDER
Tastefully Simple: $15 gift certificate to Tastefully Simple. 

Valid only through ileena zamfino's website. 

all orders must be placed through the consultant directly.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3cc59c4/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway