From the monthly archives:

December 2008

KSWs First Giveaway

by Stacy on December 29, 2008

I am so excited to announce KSW will finally be holding its first OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY. We hope this will be the first in a long line of great prizes we can offer up to our readers. We’ve had such a great time over the last few months getting to know everyone and making new friends. We hope these giveaways will be another outlet for us to meet new faces and where there’s new faces, there’s always fresh ideas.

Dying to see a reveal of what’s up for grabs? Well, here’s a sneak peak in case I still need your attention

Katelyn Jane lotus bag

Got your attention now? Good, let’s continue…

I found KJ’s blog within weeks of starting KidsStuffWorld (over at its original Wordpress location in July 08). She had written a post on her blog stating she would like to see more visitors checking her site. I immediately responded and told her I would stop by her site from time to time, if in return she would visit mine. I know, I know a shameless ploy to bring a little traffic my way, but hey it worked and at the time I was a bit desperate for blog friends.

And friends we became, rather quickly in fact thanks to the infamous online NieNie Day auction hosted by Design Mom. Again, KSW was terribly new but I really wanted to contribute and help Stephanie and her family in anyway I could. I conatcted KJ on a whim and asked if she would be interested in contributing and she graciously accepted my offer on rather short notice I might add. KJ’s Lotus bag earned $85 during the auction, $170 when the donation was matched and helped KSW raise over $450 for the Nielson family. I realized then, we should do this giveaway together, a little late out of the starting gate, but four months later here we are. Hey, better late than never right?

Katelyn Jane Etsy

A bit more of a reveal, sort of like showing a knee… don’t you think

Tempted? We thought so. Want to know more about the mysterious lady behind this fantastic bag? Ok, we thought so. Somehow even in the midst of the Holiday Season, Katelyn found a few moments to give our readers a brief insight into the woman behind this bag.

Katelyn Jane Etsy

KSW: Thanks, KJ. Can you start by telling us where your desire/talent to create comes from?

KJ: I’ve always loved to create things, even when I was a kid. I’ve always been an entrepreneur too. The creative side definitely stems from my Dad, he was always making things, writing stories…

KSW: Hmm, a Daddy’s girl I see. What five words would you/he use to describe yourself and why?

KJ:
Creative: I just love to create things…I love crafting, no matter what the form is. I try one type for a while them try another and another, and I love them all!

Colorful: Not in the color way, but in the personality way. I’m very outgoing and love to try all sorts of different things.

Honest: I have no problem being honest (in a positive way!). As long as honesty is used properly, I think it’s a gift.

Friendly: I can talk to anyone. My husband gets embarrassed sometimes. Put me in a room of strangers and I’ll know them all by the end of the evening.

Entrepreneur: I’m always trying different business options and can’t wait for the day that I’m self employed! I get so excited when people tell me they have their own business!

KSW: Speaking of folks with their own businesses, can you tell us a little about your Etsy store? For instance, when did you first open it, have you received the amount of sales you anticipated, and what are your plans for new items in the shop?

KJ: I first opened my Etsy shop, Katelyn Jane, a couple years back. My plan was to earn $700 to go to a writing conference. Yeah, well that didn’t happen. I originally thought it would be an easy thing to do, but I guess I didnt’ realize the amount of work it would take. Don’t get me wrong, I was willing to work, I just hadnt’ thought it would be necessary. Honestly, I haven’t found the success in Etsy that I thought I would, even after putting tons of effort into it. It partly has to do with me being run thin with other jobs and projects though. If Etsy was my only extracurricular activity, I might have done much better.

I have a line of bags that I’m working on, a really exciting style that I can’t wait to put into the shop. It will take a little while to get there, but I do plan on making quite a few to sell in the KJ Store. I’m always looking for ways to improve my bags and I think that this style will be really popular!

KSW: We can’t wait to see your new styles (and snatch one up for ourselves) Sewing = Hard work. Yep, you don’t have to tell me that twice. I get so frustrated trying to make a project just “so”. How did you get your start sewing?

KJ: I started sewing when I was little but because my mom didn’t have time to teach me and I didn’t know what I was doing, I gave up quickly. I picked it up again a couple years ago and tried out a ton of things. I wanted to get into making clothes, but yeah….that didn’t go so well, so I stuck with purses.

KSW: Got any great sewing tips for a novice like myself? What type of sewing machine do you use? And where do you buy the bulk of your fabrics?

KJ: I use a Singer machine from Wal-Mart. I bought it with my inheritance from my Grandma and it’s been excellent. It’s a bit loud, and I do plan on upgrading soon, but it was worth the few pennies I paid for it.

I buy my fabrics from all over. Sometimes stores like Wal-Mart, sometimes Fabric Land, sometimes Etsy. It just depends where I am and if I see fabric that inspires me.

KSW: Tell us a little about the first bag you ever made (ideal or disaster?)

KJ: First bag…hmmmm…oh yeah, that one. Well, it wasn’t a disaster or an ideal bag. I knew it was a tester bag so I used crappy fabric just to see if my plan would work. Had the bag been sewn in good fabric, it would have been awesome, but since it was made out of gauze type stuff, it was raunchy looking. But the pattern worked out so I was thrilled!

KSW: You’re right you are creative. How do you stay inspired to create new things and where do you find the time to make all of your goodies?

KJ: I’m inspired by fabric and sales. And boredom, haha. Etsy is more of a side business for me so I don’t feel pressured to sew constantly. But as soon as I see fabric that would look awesome as one of my bags, I’ve got to get into my crafting room! Time is something that I can’t “find”, but I have to “make”! I work full time, sell Arbonne (I’m working to make this my full time job), craft constantly, balance our families and friends…I have a really busy life, so I do have to “make” time to create. Usually it’s in the evenings, when I’m listening to my MP3 of Arbonne training, or on the weekends when I want to hide in my craft room.

KSW: Do you ever see yourself turning your craft into a full time business or is it something you prefer to do for fun?

KJ: Crafting is something I would love to do full time but I just don’t see that happening soon.

KSW: Ok, final question. If you could buy one item from Etsy today, what would it be?

KJ: I would buy a leather belt from Foster Weld. My hubby bought me a buckle for my birthday and it was AMAZING!!! Just need a belt now!

Lotus Bag

The Katelyn Jane LOTUS Bag – a highly versatile hobo style bag that can suit any mother’s needs. This bag would be perfect as a makeshift diaper bag as it has lots of pockets for bottles, wipes, pacifiers, etc. It also makes the perfect bag for a quick trip to the mall or to the park. Best of all, this bag looks great with a T-Shirt and jeans and what could be better suited for each of us than that. Store a few snacks and your cellphone in the outside pockets, your camera and some sunscreen on the inside and your all set for a day at the zoo or any outdoor adventure. I really can’t describe how wonderfully this bag will fit into your lifestyle, and perhaps best of all … we’re giving it to you… FREE.

HOW TO ENTER:

1: Visit KatelynJane@etsy – Take a look at her current bags as well as ones previously sold. Find a fabric on any website that you would like to see one of these bags made with, come back here and leave a comment saying which bag and leave a copy of the link to the fabric. It’s OK if it’s not an active link as long as I can copy and paste the text to follow to your fabric choice.

Example:

Reversed Kiki bag + Garden Party Fanfare Blue

Reversed Kiki Bag paired with Garden Party Fanfare Blue fabric with pink lining (and possibly a yellow trim?)

One fabric = 1 entry or 5 fabric choices = 2 entries

2. Leave a comment telling us which KSW category is your current favorite

Example: I just love the Kids Rooms & Nurseries section of this site

Only one category entry per visitor please

3. Nominate a topic you’d like to see us cover in a future post or series

Example: Fun Family Things to do in Charleston, SC on a Saturday or What are some ways to keep young kids occupied on airplane flights

One idea = one entry or Five ideas = two entries

Enter to win using only one of the options above or enter in all three for multiple entries. Enter as many “combos of five” for options #1 and #3 as you’d like. I’ll tally up your total entries and add them to the cumulative list. Be sure to include you email in the post so we know how to contact you.

Winner will be chosen by random number integer drawing at midnight Central Standard Time, Wednesday, Jan 7th 2009

Interested in your very own KSW Feature/Giveaway? Contact us at kidsstuffworld@gmail.com for more details.

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KSW loves TOMS shoes

by Stacy on December 20, 2008

and we think you will too.

TOMS Shoes is a shoe company with an amazing One for One business model. Meaning, for every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS will give away a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Since 2006, TOMS has given away over 100,000 pairs of shoes, and in the next twelve months, they will give away an additional 300,000 pairs of shoes to children around the world! Please take a moment to watch this inspirational advertisement on their latest endeavor – 30K in 30 DAYS

In addition to all their giving, TOMS also funds other one for one projects, like this personal favorite of mine:

TOMS feed bag

The FEED bag is designed to raise awareness and funds for hungry children and to help them get into school and out of hunger. Each FEED bag sold will provide a school year of meals for one child in need and give them the hope of an education and a regular meal.

FEED bags are available in burlap or white, and are priced at $65. When you think of the gift you’re giving – it’s a deal that’s so good, you couldn’t possibly pass it up.

Use the link below to take you to their site and take a look around, if the shoes aren’t your style check out the other great items available and their causes. You’ll even get FREE SHIPPING for your efforts.

If you end up purchasing an item, feel free to add this badge to your site – you will have earned it.

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Don’t forget your FREE stocking stuffers

by Stacy on December 19, 2008

One Day from Brighter Planet

There’s still time to claim these wonderful little stocking stuffers, Brighter Planet, has so graciously bestowed to us. To claim a stocking stuffer, simply click on the image to the left, enter the name of your giftee and your email address. Print out the certificate that goes along with your very green gift and tuck it into the stocking of someone special.

What does this certificate mean exactly? Glad you asked, these certificates are part of the One Day campaign – a wonderful attempt to “make up” for the pollution generated by one person each day. An individual who receives a certificate can rest easy knowing processes are in place to offset the amount of carbon they generated that day.

What’s One Day Worth?

One Day equals 136 pounds

The average American emits 136 pounds of carbon dioxide each day. About 36 pounds come from driving, flying, and other travel. Another 22 pounds come from heating, cooling, and powering our homes. The final 78 pounds come from producing, transporting, and disposing of all the stuff we buy, and from shared services like schools and street lights. 136 pounds would fill 5,000 balloons — imagine releasing that every day.

Think one day doesn’t matter? So far, KSW readers have signed up for 7 One Day gifts – the equivalent of taking 29 cars off of the road for one day. Help us triple these numbers by claiming your FREE gift today.

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Let’s talk Flooring, Pt 1

by Stacy on December 19, 2008

You’ve probably wondered if we were ever going to get started on the KSW Green Living Home project – let me assure you the ball is rolling; albeit rather slowly. A string of illnesses to include: bronchitis, walking pneumonia, a sinus infection, and full blown pneumonia have slowed me down on many projects I was working on. Still, I’m happy to report a mere 7 weeks later and I’m ready to move forward in sickness or in health.

Enough about me, let’s get on with the eco-friendly flooring topic.

After much investigation, we’ve discovered eco-friendly flooring options can be narrowed down into a few short categories:
– Bamboo
- Cork
- Carpet
- Laminate
- Linoleum
- Stone
- Tile

In order to make the most educated decision about our Green Living Home, allow me to elaborate a bit about each one. To shorten this read, today we will discuss Bamboo and Cork. We’ll do a few follow up posts to cover the other options.

Bamboo:

Pros: A great substitute for hardwood flooring, bamboo is a rapid growing plant that can replenish itself and will regenerate even after harvesting. It is incredibly strong and durable (superior to many hardwood species) and easily matches hardwood flooring in natural beauty, being available in a range of earthy tones as well as caramelised colors.

Cons: It’s only drawback is that it is vulnerable to excessive moisture, which can cause warping, so it may be unsuitable for rooms like bathrooms and laundries. Deforestation techniques and the use of pesticides are also potential problems with bamboo. One final note, just as I would do to my hardwood – Pay close inspection upon delivery of your bamboo (check the sides and edges) to ensure the wood is not wet, warped, or cracked. This will ensure you get the most out of your bamboo flooring

Why We Love It: Commonly referred to as the “40 year floor”

Cost: (as shown) $2.39 to 3.09/sq. ft.; builddirect.com

Cork:

Pros: If you like walking barefoot in your home, you’ll love natural cork flooring. Why? Because cork flooring feels warm and soft to the feet. It’s quiet, clean surface is also very durable. Unlike cold hard tile, vinyl or laminates, cork is firm but not bouncy. If you drop a dish on it, the dish will not break, but will leave a small dent. Within a few hours the dent vanishes due to its incredible resiliancy. It’s great in kitchens and playrooms. Cork is also antimicrobial and is resistant to mold and mildew. If allergies are a problem, cork is the ideal alternative to carpet. Cork does not absorb dust and consequently does not cause allergies.

Cons: It’s expensive and cork purchased without the right finish can even start to flake after normal wear and tear. Most retailers will suggest an additional finishing after installation to ensure optimum results. To keep cork flooring at its best, it should be refinished every 5-10 years. Refinishing cork floors is a delicate job and may not be a DIY project. This additional maintenance should be figured into the cost before purchasing. The resilience of cork flooring can also be its weakness; padding should be placed under heavy items such as furniture and appliances.

Why We Love it: Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree which grows in the forests of Mediterranean countries. Cork trees are stripped of their bark every 9-14 years, the tree is never cut and the habitat remains undisturbed. The bark was designed by Mother Nature specifically to protect the tree during its average 300-500 year lifespan. Not only is the bark inherently fire retardant to protect the tree from forest fires, but it is also resistant to extreme temperature changes, common in its growing regions, as well as resistant to more than 38 species of insects including the termite, and to the development of microbes.

Cost: (as shown) $2.77 to $4.31/sq. ft.; builddirect.com

So what do you think, would you like to add some bamboo or cork flooring to our KSW Green Living Home? Keep in mind when you make your decision, we also want tp be practical. To cover the entire home in the cheapest bamboo flooring option would cost $8,600. To use all Napa style cork would cost over $15,500! If you want to use some cork, let’s do so sparingly so we can splurge in other parts of the home. I’d like to keep a running total on what we spend to use as a guide for those planning a Green Living home makeover of their own.

Do you like a particular style featured here? Have you seen a great photo of a bamboo floor or a cork floor featured in a home? Have an opinion on which flooring option you prefer? Whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment or email us at kidsstuffworld@gmail.com

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