GRANDMOTHER PROVES AGE IS AN ATTITUDE

May 23, 2008 – 12:05 am (I brought this article to the top again to let people know who I am. Most people think I am the cute little model, that models my aprons .... no .... this is me!)

This week’s Featured Friday Female is Corline from the Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique.

I first met and discovered Corline’s amazing work when I first joined the Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network. Looking at her profile photo I noticed she was a bit older than the average Posh Mama. I was immediately intrigued so I went on to view Corline’s full profile. She is truely an inspiring woman!

The Mommy and Me Boutique’s specialty is beautiful handmade adult and toddler aprons. Some are updated and trendy, others are traditional. For each of her products Corline uses designer fabrics and ribbons. You can tell from her pictures that she takes pride in her sewing and workmanship.

Corline’s not only an online social networker and Etsy Store owner but she’s also a blogger too! Check out all Corline’s beautiful products at the Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique or read about her life and business on her Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

Here is our question and answer session. I hope you are inspired as much as I was!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your Etsy store? I have been happily married for 50 years, have 2 grown sons, and 4 grandchildren. I am convinced that age is an “attitude”. As for myself, I think young, enjoy people of all ages and applaud the uniqueness and talent of each individual.

I enjoy working with designer fabrics and ribbons because of the quality of the fabrics, the designs, and the feel; I want the best for the customer.

When did you start sewing? Actually, I did not start sewing until about 12 years ago. It started out making small Barbie size doll furniture (beds, chaise lounges, tea sets). I attended several craft shows, had great success and decided this was kind of fun. From there I moved to the larger size furniture which fit the American Girl Doll. I was fortunate to sell my doll beds in several children’s boutiques. This led to making American Girl Doll clothes for about 8 years and also sold them in boutiques.

One day while watching the Oprah Winfrey show, a lady was showing her new line of aprons. I thought, I can do that and maybe even a bit better, or at least as good! So, the aprons were born, sold them in boutiques and they have become my specialty. The first year I sold over 100 aprons. I was definitely encouraged and “on a roll!”

When did you open your Etsy store? And where else can someone you find your work? The Etsy store was opened about 1 year ago. My aprons and 3 Piece Japanese Baby Footsie Sets are sold in a very lovely, upscale boutique in Yuba City, California.

What has been the most challenging part of creating an online presence? The most challenging part of crating an online presence for me is being consistent in my presence and keeping up with new merchandise. It is a challenge just keeping up with the boutique sales.

Why did you start your blog and do you enjoy blogging? There is a lot of emphasis in the Etsy forums about the necessity of having a blog. So, I thought, why not? I was not sure what a blog was all about but I find it fun to do and enjoy featuring other artists. It gives them support and exposure and allows me the opportunity of learning about a lot of talented artists.

What is your favorite piece or pieces you’ve created? There is one particular hostess apron that I designed that I loved and kept it for myself. It is a black, a flocked dotted 5 tier nylon apron with black satin band and sash that can be tied in the back or in the front., It just make you feel happy, sassy, and ready for a great evening of entertaining.

What do your family and friends think of your online business? My family and friends give me great encouragement and applaud me for my online endeavor. My husband and sons cheer me on and say “Way to go, Mom!”

What are some of your favorite websites for business or pleasure? I try to keep up with Craft boom. They have a lot of good, practical information.

Also, I check in with the Etsy forums to see what is going on and what changes are taking place.

And of course, Posh Mom (PoshMama.com) … This is a unique, creative site and I admire how quickly it has grown and the entire staff of dedicated, talented young women who are behind it and work hard to create such a successful community.

Do you have any words of advice for anyone who is thinking about selling online? I would encourage anyone who has something that they love doing to just plunge right in and do it! The details come later and you soon find where your focus has to be. Allow yourself to keep changing, embrace the mistakes, learn from them and keep moving forward. This is not an exact science and there is no concrete formula. Success follows passion!

Corline’s story is all about growing and the continual process of learning to keep up with the changing time. She is truly an inspiration. Please remember to visit Corline’s Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique and read her blog Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

And remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.com. Elaine of Her Big Idea, writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network

Personality Feature ... Everyone Has A Story ...

Personality Feature ... Everyone Has A Story

June, the creator of

Cen's Loft - my thoughts and a little bit of me .... today's profile feature.

A little background on June: The first ten years of her life were spent in Scotland where she was born and later moved to England. Growing up in a family dominated by her maternal grandmother ... "a lady to be reckoned with!", and continuing in a family dominated by women, June decided not to continue in this role. June firmly believes that "life should be based on cooperation. We need to interact with the people we meet in life's journey and things are only achieved by working together not by force of any sort. I hope this is a message I have passed to my own children."

One of the points that stands out to June is when she compares her life to others it is the number of homes and places she has lived in... 34 houses ...! Places she has lived in are Scotland, England, and the West Indies. She feels that moving has widened her horizons and given her a confidence in herself that perhaps she would not have had.

My father was an extremely intelligent man, a scientist and mathematician who was also a pioneer into those new fangled computers!

"One of her huge passions has always been history. As a young child my father played, what he called "games" with me ... he was ambitious in this field. The best one was a little game with a homemade map that showed the decline and fall of the Roman Empire; not an easy concept for a 6 year old. "Dad managed to grab my interest and hold it with the tiddly wink counters that were my imaginary legions. I am sure that his enthusiasm rubbed off on me and my never ending love affair with the past began way back then thanks to him. Today I work as a Family History Researcher specialising in the county of Hampshire, England and I love it!"

June believes that Family History helps give us a sense of self when we start to understand where we came from; it show us we aren't just little islands in a busy world. So many people are woven into the mesh that formed us, many we have never known, but their effect is still there alive in us.

June's beloved CS2 is her other passion. "How I look at everyday things has changed since I took up photography and I really started to notice the world around me. The colours are clearer and I notice details that I missed before. From there the digital design just followed naturally."

June expressed that the thing that keeps her going through the problems and troubles of life are her family, her long suffering husband and her little guiding lights ...(well, not so little now)...her children. "I care deeply about them all and feel so blessed to have know my children from the start and to have watched them grow into the wonderful people they have become. Even better still I now have grandchildren who I find so much pleasure in. Family is impotant to me personally, they keep me connected and grounded if I try to stray too far from reality!"

What advise would I give to younger women...that's a tricky one! " I think I would say two things, be kind to yourself and learn to forgive yourself. Life is a hard road, full of lumps and bumps and expectations are so high now of what we should achieve. Everyone wants the perfect family, a wonderful job, a beautiful home, and so much more. Society puts pressure on us all to achieve in every field, constantly. The temptation is there to use our achievements as a yard stick of how successful we are as people... but don't go down that road!!. Be kind to yourself and accept yourself as you are...then go forward from there.. And smile as you go!"

"Part of me wishes I was perfect, lol, but I know my limitations. But, even knowing some negatives things about myself I can still smile because deep down I've learn to quite like me...just as I am."

As you can tell, June is very interesting, fast paced, witty; she has the ability to "paint a picture in words". You will find this same style when you visit her blog:

Cen's Loft. It projects the same energy, interest, fun and full of useful information and often times delightful graphic "freebies" that we can all use.

Why did I invite June to share her life with us - she is unique, she is special, she is one of a kind!

Personality Feature ... Everyone Has A Story ...

MamaFlo's Place Mama Flo's life journey started in Missouri, the oldest of 7 children. (1 sister and 5 brothers). The large family extended to two Grandmothers and Aunts who shared their love of life and made the children laugh all the time. Mama Flo's young childhood was filled with many fond memories.

Immediately after high school, in the early 70's, she enlisted in the Army, becoming a W.A.C. (Women's Army Corp) where she was trained as a combat Medic. Her husband was also in the Army and they have been married 31 years, raised two children , and are now enjoying the "retired life" together.

Along with five other women, she started the Army Reserves Family Support Program in the early 1980's as a volunteer service.

I asked MamaFlo what did she consider her greatest passion in life and without hesitation she proudly responded ..."raising my children." And now what she looks forward to each day is having another day to spend enjoying life with her husband.

Does she have any regrets? "Mmmmm.....I have no regrets, my life has been a journey filled with roads that taught me how to be a good person, how to give love, how to work hard, laugh often, and worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. I am happy and content."

Does she have any words of wisdom or advice for today's younger women ..."Plenty. Don't expect life to be wine and roses; you get what you give. Marriage is work, every single day , with the end result hopefully being a mate for life. Parenting is an awesome responsibility . You are hopefully training another human being how to be a healthy, happy, educated, respectful, productive human being. Tell your child every single day from the moment they are conceived that you love them, that they are beautiful, talented, smart, wonderful human beings - every single day. The more they hear it the more they will believe it."

"Life is all about the Journey and you get back tenfold anytime you give. Have pride in how you keep your home, the happiness of your family, the meals you share, the time you spend together. You will always learn more with your eyes open, your mouth shut, your ears listening."

Mama Flo is far from ordinary ... she more than qualifies for being unique, special, one of a kind!

We can all learn from the wisdom and experience that Mama Flo has gained during her Journey in Life

Personality Feature is going to be a weekly feature; if you have anyone you would like to recommend just leave a comment and I will get back to you. I hope you have enjoyed the first Personality Feature.

DESIGING MOMS - Featured Mommyandmeboutque

INTRODUCING: Our very first DM Spotlight recipient for the group Designing Moms!!!!! THEMOMMYANDMEBOUTIQUE!!!

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - SimplySaidBySarah -

SIMPLY SAID BY SARAH - today's featured artist in the 90 Features in 90 Days Challenge ...... SIMPLY SAID --- there is nothing "simple" about SimplySaidBySarah! Sarah is a graphic design student and her art pieces demonstrates a fun spin on a contemporary sense of style .... it is fresh, delightful, brings smile and charm; updated. Each piece is personally handcrafted by Sarah, very unique, very special! HANDMADE AND ALTERED STATIONERY AND GIFTS (this is how Sarah refers to her etsy store: http://SimplySaidBySarah.etsy.com Sarah makes personalized invitations, cards, tags, magnets, note pads, memo pads, .... pretty much what ever you are lookin for - she can do it. Sarah loves custom orders so just send her a convo and she will get to work for you! All of her items are resonably priced and will make great little "thoughtful" gifts and great stocking stuffer. So, head over to her etsy store and find some great ideas to add to your Christmas shopping! Here is where you will find Sarah: http://SimplySaidBySarah.etsy.com http://SimplySaidBySarah.blogspot.com

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - Cryztalvisions -

CRYZTALVISIONS - our featured artist for the 90 features in 90 days challenge. Cryztal Visions makes all of her jewelry creations as one of a kind or limited editions. Each piece is lovingly created with meticulous detail. Se has 20 years in the jewelry making business., In the store you will find: earrings, handcrafted chains. necklaces, and rings. Please visit Cryztalvisions store: http://cryztalvision.etsycom her blogs: http://www.cryztalvisions.com http://cryztsalvisions.typepad.com

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - Cagedbirdsings.com

90 Day Feature Challenge - CagedBirdSings CagedBirdSings features stained glass items such as wind chimes, candle holders and ACEO's. She attends the University of Norther Colorado majoring in History with a secondary in education and visual arts. CagedBirdSings has some beautiful work that would appeal to just about everyone. May I suggest that you take time to view the Etsy store and her blog: http://cagedbirdsings.etsy.com http://cagedbirdsingsstudio.blogspot.com

FEATURED ETSY ARTISTS- http://stacirose.etsy.com

90 Day Challenge - Featuring Etsy Artists STACI ROSE .... Talented, unique San Francisco artist. Staci is a self taught artist and musician. When you visit Staci Rose's Etsy store you will find that she offers a range of beautiful jewelry and unique gifts. All of her work is original, handmade designs; one of a kind. Staci Rose loves what she does; she loves to create. Staci says "it is a part of my being , just like my arms or toes - my creative need for artistic outlet is a physical part of me ." Staci welcomes custom orders, she loves the challenge of taking an individuals request and creating through her personal artistic interpretation a piece that the individual will be delighted to own or to give! If you are looking for just the right Christmas present, a present with the "wow factor" look no further, the Etsy store you will want to visit is Staci Rose. If you do not see something to your liking just contact her at her Etsy store or her blog...remember, custom work is her greatest delight. Staci Rose's work can be found at: http://stacirose.etsy.com http://stacirose.blogspot.com Her joy comes from the artistic creation; she hopes that others will find joy in the work she has created..

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - http://kalicat.etsy.com - 90 day challenge

Kalicat - remember this name... Kalicat is the latest featured artist on themommyandmeboutique blog and her work is unique and beautiful. What makes Kalicat stand out is that she offers a range of styles and prices that makes her OOAK creations available to all. She is a quality artist and illustrator having been trained in jewellery at Central St. Martins and Hatton Gardens in London. Works that she has created range from bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and bling. She offers something for all of us whether your taste is simple or runs more to the lavish ornate look. You can find her wok at: http://kalicat.etsy.com http://kalicatcreative.blogspot.com and http://honeyandsweets.blogspot.com/, her blog about other designers. Take some time and browse through Kalicat's store. Her craftmanship, her style, her varied selection will gives you an appreciation of the true artist that Kalicat is! Custom orders are welcomed. Kalicat likes to work with gold, sterling silver or base metal, and beautiful stones.

FEATURED ETSY ARTIST - Adobe Sol Designs

May I introduce Rebecca of Adobe Sol Designs. One morning I woke up to check my e-mail and had the nicest message to please check out the Etsy Treasury posted by Adobe Sol Designs. To my surprise and to my delight Rebecca had included my Etsy store: mommyandmeboutque in her beautiful treasury. I felt very honored so I immediately viewed her Etsy store to find out just who this artist was. As it turned out she is a jewelry artist that I have admired for some time. It is now my honor to feature her and share her great talent with all of you. First I would like to share just a little about Rebecca. Adobe Sol Designs was started in 2005 in Rebecca's studio in New Mexico. Each of her One-Of-A-Kind pieces is made from a variety of Earthy and Rustic materials. She particularly enjoys working with Sterling Silver and Copper, Handmade Artisan Lampwork beads and Gemstones. Each design is unique and handcrafted by Rebecca with maticulous attention to detail and construction. On a very personal note ... Rebecca is the mother of a 14 year old child diagnosed with Type-l Diabetes. Rebecca has a Charity Section set up on her website; 100% of the sales price of these items will be donated directly to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For those of you who may have an interest or concern for this Charity you might want to keep this in mind as you browse Rebecca's web site. Rebecca's work can be seen and purchased on: www.adobsol.etsy.com http://www.adobesol.com When you view Adobe Sol Designs you will see and appreciate the great talent and beauty of this artist's work. Only 10 more weeks till Christmas; this just may be one of your favorite stores for shopping.