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

Winter Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Natures Nurture Boutique

Here is our Fourth and final post in a series of the PatsycakeBaby Winter Giveaway 2013 posts.  It is an very crafty momma named Victoria and she is the WAHM behind Natures Nurture Boutique.  She makes the most amazing cloth diapers, crocheted hats and sets, and I think I recall seeing some mama cloth in there :).    I'm proud to have her as part of our upcoming giveaway! In our giveaway Natures Nurture Boutique will be giving away this Adorable Lion Wildling set. 

and a few other items that she has in her shop!!

 

 

 

all photos courtesy of Natures Nurture Boutique

 

 

And now a few words from Victoria:

I am a stay at home mom with my 15 month old son, Lucian. I enjoy working with materials to create works of art. I am smith of many trades.
I've always had an interest in crocheting, but it wasn't until after my son was born that the interest really developed into a passion. I crocheted full outfits for his newborn and six month photo shoots. Friends and family who saw those pictures liked what I made, and wanted outfits for their children.

That was the beginning of Nature's Nurture Boutique.

I have be into handmade items and crafts since as long as I can remember and I want to offer people a more natural "green", money saving alternative products. My website (NaturesNurtureBoutique.com) is currently a work in progress. Once it is complete, you will be able to browse a list of my completed works to get an idea of what you might like to have made.


If you're interested in one of my designs or have something custom you'd like created, just send an email to info@naturesnurtureboutique.com or message the page here on Facebook. Please include any pictures you may have found or drawing of what you want made.

Thanks,
Victoriahttps://www.facebook.com/NaturesNurtureBoutique
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaturesNurtureBtq

Thank you Victoria, for being part of our giveaway!


Show her some love by letting her know what you love from her shop!

Kim

Winter Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: An Enchanted Affair

Here is our Third post in a series of the PatsycakeBaby Winter Giveaway 2013 posts.  It is a dear friend of mine who has the hearts of so many young girls and boys!  Andria is a very talented dancer, vocalist, musician, actress, performer and the owner of An Enchanted Affair. I'm proud to have her as part of our upcoming giveaway! In our giveaway Andria will be giving away a Warm Winter Wish, a very unique and wonderful wish from your child's favorite fairytale princess!

 

 

And a little preview of the many characters available to entertain your prince or princess!

 

All photos courtesy of An Enchanted Affair

 

 

 

 

 And a few words from the Princess herself:

 

 

My name is Andria, and I’m the owner of An Enchanted Affair – Authentic Princess Events and Entertainment.  I’ve been a dancer/singer my whole life, and feel so fortunate to do what I love for a living.  I began entertaining at children's parties about 8 years ago, but it wasn’t nearly on the same scale that it is today.  After taking a break for a few years to join the cast at the world’s most beloved theme park, I returned to San Diego and established An Enchanted Affair in 2010.  Our mission is to give children (and their parents!) an authentic experience with their favorite fairytale characters.

 

Each of our cast members bring a great deal of entertaining experience with them, which really adds to the depth of the characters.  And, in order to truly bring the fairy tales to life, our costumes are custom-made for us and include special details, including Swarovski crystals, unique trims and theatrical-grade fabrics.  Although our characters may look similar to other well-known versions of classic fairy tale characters, we strive to respect copyright and heavily base our characters on the original stories.

 

Visit online today and experience our own special brand of fairy tale magic!

www.AnEnchantedAffair.com

www.Facebook.com/AnEnchantedAffair

 

Stop by and show Andria some love! Thank you!

Kim

Winter Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Wonder Stitch Mom

Here is our second post in a series of the PatsycakeBaby Winter Giveaway 2013 posts.  It is an up and coming crafty momma named Stephanie behind the little crafty shop: Wonder Stitch Mom.  She makes adorable crochet crafts like baby hats, baby slippers, and other adorable crafty items!  I'm proud to have her as part of our upcoming giveaway! In our giveaway Stephanie will be giving away One of these ADORABLE hats!

 

 

Here are a few words from Stephanie herself:

 

Hi, I'm Stephanie and I love to do crafts!I 'm a kid at heart and I guess a bit of a nerd/geek haha..When I'm not doing a craft I like to play W.O.W(world of warcraft),t ake pictures of us having fun with family and/or friends not only that but watch anime shows. My grandma is the one who inspired me to want to learn. She can sew just about anything! I wanted to learn but just never had the chance. I'm married to my loving husband. We have 2 great kiddos. I really began my crafty obsession when I was pregnant with my son. I did a scrapbook for him, then a little bit of jewelry then sewing. Thanks to some sweet ladies and family I made my first handbag. After we moved and settled down, I did a little bit of knitting and now I enjoy crochet. All of the things I made were not perfect of course but I love doing it; when I get the chance. I hope to have my own small business one day. Well at least see if its for me. I know it will be hard work but with great people around me and God nothing is impossible. Thank you!

If you would like to follow me. Here is the link to my Facebook page Wonder Stitch Mom 

 

 

photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/JeniBeePhotography 

pattern by http://www.mooglyblog.com/baby-in-bloom-bonnet-free-crochet-pattern-newborn-cardigan/

 

Thank you Wonder Stitch Mom! Don't forget to head over to her shop and tell her HI!

Winter Giveaway Vendor Spotlight: Magnificent Chaos

Here is our first post in a series of the PatsycakeBaby Winter Giveaway 2013 posts.  I would love to introduce everyone to the magnificently talented Jodi of Magnificent Chaos.  A little look through her Facebook shop and you will see she makes beautiful bags and colorful, fun toys.  I'm proud to have her as part of our upcoming giveaway! She is generously giving away this beautiful bag to one lucky winner! Mark your calendars - giveaway starts December 4th!

photo courtesy of Jodie Dean/Magnificent Chaos

Here is a little introduction to the work at home mom behind Magnificent Chaos!

Hi, I'm Jodie, stay at home mum to 2 kids, we love being outdoors with our two boxer dogs, baking, crafting and generally having fun!
I started my little business making nappy bags after seeing some awesome fabric and wanting a bag for myself, moving on to getting some friends to test out my design and finally selling! I am also expanding now to include some little games and other bits and pieces (of course I have millions of ideas but so little time to implement them all!)
I have recently made up some monster bags! They are so fun and cute, a great little present for kids for Christmas who you don't know what to buy ;)
I will be offering a small nappy bag for the competition, this is not the usual size I make, but is still a good size for a trip to the shops etc, and of course featuring a great girl power focal fabric!https://www.facebook.com/itsmagnificentchaos is my facebook page I hope you can all stop by and "LIKE" it!
 
Please, head on over and like her page, give her a little love and stay tuned to win one of these bags!!

KIM

Eeko Designs Fitted Diaper Review

I'm so excited for my first diaper review! It has been a long time coming, let me tell you.  My Son Maddox is the test model for this fabulous fitted diaper from Eeko Designs.  I first met Lauren at Eeko Designs when I won a giveaway for some training pants.  I was so greatful for actually winning a prize in a giveaway!! I upgraded the order to an organic fitted diaper - side snapping (which I had never used before!). I gave her full artistic control and let her pick the fabrics, I told her I had a boy, size large, love colors, rainbows, prints etc...
She was so easy to work with, so nice too.  She even made a huge intercontinental move during the process and my diaper arrived in the most adorable newsprint wrapping and very quickly!

Here's the Construction of the diaper:

 

Outside: Beautiful Euro Knit - Lillestoff Organic Cotton in Sweet Days.
Love it because: It's a high end, super soft, unique print, vibrant colors, and organic.
Don't love it because: For no reason other than, I know it's going to fade as all bright prints do. (see update below)

Inside: Red Organic Velour
Love it because: it's so pretty, super soft and I've never used velour in a diaper so it was special ;) It also has great soaking power and keeps the wetness away from the bottom.
Don't love it because: I was afraid it was going to fade (see update below)

Liners: This diaper came with a double snap-in soaker, of several layers of knit and topped with orange velour and an additional lay in liner with knit and red velour.
Love it because: There is TONS of soaking power in these layers!
Don't love it because: well, there's no reason not to love super soaking power...

This is my one year old son, Maddox. Yes, he has red hair. Maybe that's not a surprise to anyone who doesn't know that my husband and I both have black hair and our children are both red. 
When I asked Maddox how he felt about his new diaper he said, "ZZZZzzzz". That's his favorite word so I'm guess he really loves it ;) He wore the diaper right out of the package.  I was warned that I may need to prep the diaper a few times before it really had soaking power.  But, he wore the diaper for at least 2 hours and I'm guess 2 pees - and I only felt dampness.

Fit:  My son is one and about 25 pounds.  I ordered the size large.
Love it because: there are adjustable tabs on the side to snap for a good fit, Elastic is stretchy and didn't leave a mark on any part of his skin, and there was room to grow as he was at the lower end of the weight suggestions.
Don't love it because: at the smallest setting the wings came all the way to the front and poked out the top - not a huge deal and definitely not a flaw - I know the diaper wings will get shorter as my son grows :)  And I was confused - diaper wings behind the liners or in front of it? I chose behind because it made some sense to me but I think either way would have been fine ;)

As you can See the diaper fits him very well and he loves it!

 

 

Got to have a bum shot ;)

Update:
Maddox has worn this diaper several dozen times over the last few months! He's had a chance to make some big messes in it :)
Love it because: it HASN'T faded very much! I thought for sure something so beautiful couldn't last - but I was wrong, the velour is vibrant, the knit isn't pilled or faded. Sure, it has normal fading but not even close to what I was expecting.  It is a workhorse diaper with all those layers, he can stay without a cover for several hours and at night I just slip a woolie over it and it's bulletproof.  There are NO stains, and it is still soft and very comfortable. 
Don't love it because: I can't say anything bad about this diaper - we love it and look forward to more of Lauren's beautiful work!

Now I know you are just dying to get one of your own.  How can I get one you ask?  Click on the photo to go to the Facebook Page.

 

Or you can head over to her Etsy shop: Eeko Designs 

And please, don't forget to tell her that PatsycakeBaby set you :)

 

 

 

Disclosure: **I did not receive any compensation or product from Eeko Designs or any other affiliate for the purpose of this review.  The diaper used for this review was paid for by me and is for my own personal use.   This review reflects my own opinions and experiences and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Eeko Designs.**