It's TUTU THURSDAY!!

We're having our Tutu Thursday Sale today, and it's the last weekend to order our Frou-Frou Turkey Tutu, and get it in time for Thanksgiving.  It is also a great time to order any other Frou-Frou Tutu that you have been considering!

Use coupon code:  thursday  and receive 15% off any Frou-Frou Tutu and also get Free Shipping! 

Doesn't she look like she's ready to take flight?

Binky Bib Sale & Coupon

The Binky Bib is probably the least appreciated or looked at item in Punkydoo Kids, but I can guarantee you that it is one of the best if you have a child that uses a pacifier!  I make our own babies new ones out of every fabric that I use, and every time I see one of them they have a bib fastened on them.  I mean how many times have you had to hunt under every bed and couch in your home, or pull the car over to the side of the road, while your little one is screaming their head off because they either spit it out or threw it to the floorboard?

In order to make it easier for you to try this marvelous creation of ours, we are putting them on 25% off the month of  November, and if you read this you can also get free shipping on your entire order if you purchase a bib!  Just use coupon code:  freeship  and end the crying!!!

CAT Mask Giveaway

I keep meaning to get back to doing giveaways, and the holiday season is a good time to do some really cool stuff.  This giveaway will be for one of our hand decorated Black Cat Mask.  It would be great for Halloween, and my kids just have them hanging up decorating their rooms.  Also, another good thing about this mask is that it fits toddler thru adult!  The giveaway will run from today, September 13, 2010 thru September 30, 2010.  Just two short weeks to let Punkydoo Kids help you get ready for Halloween!!

To enter just leave a comment below OR go look around Punkydoo Kids and come back and tell us what your favorite item is. One of these is required and must be done before extra entries count.  If you would take the time to look around the store, and let us know what you think, that would be greatly appreciated!

Extra Entries


1 entry - Place a Punkydoo Kids button on your personal blog

1 entry - Become a fan of Punkydoo Kids on Facebook.

1 entry - Follow Punkydoo Kids on Twitter.

1 entry- Become a Punkydoo Kids Blog Follower (join followers on right-hand sidebar)

1 entry - Sign up for the newsletter at Punkydoo Kids

1 entry- Tweet (or update your Facebook status) about the giveaway with links to this post and mentioning @punkydookids.

Please let me know by commenting with your extra entries.leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile.  I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Olivia in Black Cat Mask

Coupon for Sunday, September 12, 2010 thru September 19, 2010

The coupon at Punkydoo Kids for the week of September 12, 2010 thru September 19, 2010 is for 20% off all Cuddle Gowns.  Simply use coupon code:  cuddle when checking out.

It's That Time of the Year (again)

Well, it's rolling around again, back to school.  I guess not just rolling around but already here.  Summer certainly didn't last long, and it brought a lot of new memories and changes into our house.

For the memories I always swear that this is going to be the year that I start that scrapbook.  Actually I've been promising myself that since my kids started school, so now I have a box full of pictures, school work, awards, dance and sports pictures, medals and art projects from three kid's elementary years.  That's not even thinking about the shelves in my closet that are filled with junior high memorabilia to high school diplomas.  I guess it's time to break out the scrapbook sheets, fancy scissors, stickers and stamps and ink pads, make a big mess, and spend the rest of the school year worrying about another uncompleted project.

Actually the beginning of this school year has brought about some big changes in our house.  Our oldest grandson, Elliot, is living with us this year.  I've always lived only a few blocks, sometimes miles, from him, so taking care of him isn't anything new.  However, one forgets the hard work and hours that go into getting a child through school.  From getting up at six in the morning to fix breakfast and lunch to picking him up from school and fixing after school snacks and a supper that is kid friendly, the hours in my day are quickly eaten up.  Elliot is in the fourth grade now, and that is the traditional year for "real" school to kick in.  He's been in CMC, Content Mastery, and has not had to do the same amount of work as other children.  This year we're trying to hang in with regular studies, so that is taking a lot of work and attitude adjustment.  Did I mention that he is also bipolar?  That's a whole other story....

Now I have to figure out how to work Punkydoo Kids into the equation.  Business is finally picking up a bit, and we've gotten some of our first wholesale orders, actually getting into some boutiques.   I think my next step will be finding out how to get some extra help, small manufacturing, of the Cuddle Gowns.

So, good-bye summer, I loved every minute of it with my kids.....Hello, new beginnings.

Elliot, Tate, Connor, Hannah and Collin

SEWING TIPS

There aren't a lot of home seamstresses any more, but if you are among those numbers here are a few handy sewing tips.  I came across a few of these a few days ago and added a few of my own.

1.   Keep a magnet near by, if needles and pins drop on the floor, it’s a quick pick up!  I have a whole wall of sewing machines, and I have learned to keep a magnetic pin cushion by each of them.  I'm anything but a neat seamstress when I get busy, and this way I can just hold the magnet and suck up all the pins on the floor and around the machines.

2.   Save all of your hand sewing, buttons etc. for a beautiful day. Then take advantage of it and sew outside!!  When filling an order this isn't all too easy to do, but I have gone out to sit under my climbing roses to hand hem, and fresh air does help clear your head of problems.

3.   Keep your rotary blade and scissors sharp!  Keep them for fabric only!  I find myself repeating this to every person that picks up my scissors, especially kids.  I keep one scissors where only I know the location.

4.  Two is always better than one!  It is a luxury for some people to own more than one machine, but it sure can come in handy when you're in the middle of a project and one decides to mess up the tension or refuse to quite knotting the thread.

5.  Find your “space” and keep it your own.  I know this can be hard to do, and it wasn't until I started Punkydoo Kids that I actually moved into one room.  This is my production and planning room, and woe to he who enters uninvited!  What are your must have’s in your workspace? Mine is good lighting.

6.  When the sewing gets tough, take a break. Seriously. Less stress means more fun and, less mistakes!  It can also be a lifesaver for your project.  There have been a few times that I have become so frustrated that I stood up and ripped the fabric in half before I even realized what I was doing.

7.   Measure twice, cut once….and save yourself the headache!  I've ruined some expensive fabric in my time by not doing this very thing.  Cutting out and measuring your designs can be one of the most time consuming parts of a project, but it is always worth it to do it right the first time.

8.   Never under estimate the power of pressing with a Dressmakers Ham!  I sew newborn clothes, and there is no other way to iron little necklines and sleeves without stretching your material.  One other thing that I would add to this suggestion is a good iron.  Save up if you have to, but get one.  I'm still saving to get an even more professional iron.

9.  Before beginning a new project on your machine take the time to run a full bobbin of the proper color of thread.  I actually keep a bobbin run of the colors that I use all the time.  Can’t think of too many things more frustrating than having to stop the creative process for something as mundane as bobbin winding!!


10.  If you hate to gather. Try elastic thread in your bobbin.  There are other tricks to gathering, but I think I will save them for another post!

Put some of these hints into practice and your sewing time will be much easier and a lot more fun!  That statement seems a little like "do as I say and not as I do", but I think I will put these up on my bulletin board for my own benefit!

Coupon for Monday, June 28, 2010 thruSunday, July 4, 2010

The coupon at Punkydoo Kids for Monday, 6/28/2010 thru 7/4/2010 is for free shipping!  Enter coupon code: freeship when  checking out! 

And I Think I Am Busy!!!

I think that anyone trying to start a business of any sort always has this idea in their head that no one could possibly be as busy as they are.  I know that a lot of the time I feel there aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week to get everything accomplished, from business to family.  When night comes and I'm thinking about my day I always worry that I cut somebody short on the time that I wanted to spend with them.

My daughter, Marian, has recently started her own blog that I would like to share with you called   "Raisingcrazy's Blog.....just trying to raise my bipolar kid". If you have ever felt overwhelmed with your life or your kids, you need to read this.  For ever Marian and I both would joke that she needed to write a book, because no one would ever believe the road she has traveled since her son was born ten years ago.  She has had two more sons in that time period, and I don't want to give away anything that has happened, but I can't help but remember when my own son's doctor said, "If you would have had girls you probably would not have these problems, but you have to watch out for those boys!"

I'm proud of Marian for having the courage to share her experiences, a lot of which have been difficult, but she writes with so much love and humor that you learn a lot while you are laughing!

Coupon for Monday, May 24, 2010 thru Sunday, May 30, 2010

Our coupon for the week of Monday, May 24, 2010 thru Sunday, May 30, 2010, is for 15% off all Cuddle Blankets.  Use coupon:  cuddleblanket  when checking out.

If you would like a blanket made to match one of the cuddle gowns just send me a message or leave a comment below!

KILLER

My pitt bull, Killer, died this morning.  I have to be grateful that it happened just like I hoped it would.  Sounds sort of silly to be saying that about a dog, but we've all watched her go down this whole month of May.  She had cancer.  I knew it was coming last night, and I got up to check on her several times.  She had gotten to where she would sleep on the brown couch during the night; I'm sure it was more comfortable than her usual spot in a bed under the covers.  It was like she waited for my husband John, who loved her most of all, to get up so she could tell him goodbye, and then died quietly while he was getting ready for work.  I guess it's weird to say, but the house seems that it is missing something now.

I am sitting here this  morning looking through the pictures on my computer, trying to find the right picture of Killer that would let you know what a special dog she was.  I would give anything if I had one of her when she would "smile" when she was really glad to see someone.  Of course that just scared some people.  I've had the postman and UPS stand on the sidewalk and throw packages on the porch rather than approach the door with Killer watching them.  But anyway, I know the pictures I want and I will probably spend most of this day looking for them.


She was given to my son, Jason, as a Christmas present from a girlfriend.  I remember when Jason brought her home and she was so small.  Nobody wanted to tell John that she was a pit bull, so we just told him that she was a bull dog.  Personally, I don't think he believed us even then, but he loved her from that night on.  She has been his best friend all these years, and I know that he will miss her more than the rest of us. 

Killer was here to meet both of my son-in-laws when they came for the first time.  It was sort of a family joke that how Killer reacted to a boyfriend determined whether they could stay or go, so a lot rode on Killer's liking them or not. Some people she loved from that first greeting, and others were tolerated because they simply wouldn't go away.

People began to ask me if I was going to get rid of Killer when the grandchildren started coming.  I had never considered it, but I spent a lot of time watching carefully to see if Killer would be jealous.  Needless to say it was never a problem.  I can still see Killer when we brought the first one, Elliot, in and sat him down in his baby seat.  She looked over every inch of him, or maybe I should say licked, and from that moment on all seven babies were greeted in the same fashion.  I always knew if it was one of the kids at the front door because Killer would never bark, just wag her tail and wait for me to open the door.

Killer has been a part of our family through marriages, births, some sickness, but mostly for some of the happiest years of our lives, and she will be greatly missed.

These are not my favorite pictures of Killer, and now after several hours of looking I realize that they are not on my computer.  Those were taken back before the days that I had a digital camera.  Makes me realize how quickly the years go by, and that I have enjoyed every one of them.

Coupon for Monday, May 17, 2010 thru Sunday May 23, 2010

Our weekly coupon for May 17 - 23, 2010 is free shipping on any order.  Simply add coupon code:  freeship

COUPON FOR MAY 10, 2010 THRU MAY 16, 2010

It's time to start back with the weekly coupons, and since I am going to be adding a lot of our new lines of Cuddle Gowns, the coupon is going to be 10% off all Cuddle Gowns.  Use coupon code: cuddle when checking out.

Why Am I Doing This??

Why am I doing this? Right now I ask myself that every time I sit down and try to think of ways to get people interested in our line of clothes and our store. I tweet, I friend, I like, I'm trying to blog, I read every helpful hint I come across, but it's hard to do in the beginning when you don't get a lot of response. I'm not whining (maybe a little), because I know that gaining members and sales is a long slow process, but it's one that I am willing to do.

I want to share what Elizabeth and I do to work toward our goals, the people we meet along the way, some special projects and maybe help a few people wanting to do the same thing. Writing is definitely not my forte, but I am going to give it my best attempt.

We've been in business for a little over a year now, and we are determined to make this work. I believe in the concept of Punkydoo Kids, the line of clothes and our beliefs and ethics that we put into our work every day. One of the best things we do are our infant gowns and blankets. They give us such joy to create, plus a great feeling of responsibility, because we get to be a part of a new family's beginning, and we sincerely hope that they can feel the love and thought that goes into each cuddle blanket and gown.

I greatly appreciate every person that looks at our store or reads this blog, and would love to have any comments you care to leave. If you have any ideas or questions please let us know.

YOUR CHOICE APRIL GIVEAWAY!!!

I guess I should begin this by apologizing for being so far behind on posts and contests; but for five months??  Come on!!  I could give you a list of really good reasons, and every one of them would be true, but instead I decided to run a really good giveaway.  It will run from today, April 23, 2010, to May 22 (my birthday), 2010, and the prize will be your choice of anything in Punkydoo Kids!!  Pretty awesome, huh?  We have a lot of cool things in now, and during this next month I am going to be working really hard to get the rest of our line and new materials in also.

To enter just leave a comment below or go look around Punkydoo Kids and come back and tell us what your favorite item is. This is required and must done before extra entries count.


Extra Entries


1 entry - Place a Punkydoo Kids button on your personal blog

1 entry - Become a fan of Punkydoo Kids on Facebook.

1 entry - Follow Punkydoo Kids on Twitter.

1 entry- Become a Punkydoo Kids Follower (join followers on right-hand sidebar)

1 entry - Sign up for the newsletter at Punkydoo Kids

1 entry- Tweet (or update your Facebook status) about the giveaway with links to this post and mentioning @punkydookids.

Please leave a comment for each entry. 

Giveaway ends May 22, 2010, when a winner will be drawn at random.  PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile.  I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

Coupon for November 30 thru December 6, 2009

This week's coupon code is: binkybib. Use and receive 20% off one of our Custom Binky Bibs
These bibs are wonderful and make your life with your baby much more easy and fun.

50 Top Noise-Free Twitter Tips in Social Media, Marketing, SEO & Design!

I am always looking for good tips on social media and marketing. This article was sent on our Twitter page, and it would be a helpful read for anyone that a web site to promote. Catch it here on a blog called thoughtpick.

Coupon for November 13, 2009 thru November 20,2009

This week's coupon is for 10% off all our Cuddle Gowns. Just use coupon code: cuddle when checking out!

Santa's Helper Giveaway

We're going to do several giveaways during the last weeks in November and the first couple of weeks in December so that everyone will have a chance to win something for Christmas. Santa's Helper Giveaway is scheduled for November 13, 2009 thru November 30, 2009 and is for a pair of BabyLegs called Santa's Helper.

To enter just leave a comment below or go look around Punkydoo Kids and come back and tell us what your favorite item is. This is required and must done before extra entries count.

Extra Entries

1 entry- become a blog follower by adding yourself to the group of followers on the right hand sidebar

1 entry-blog about this giveaway and link it back to this post and Punkydoo Kids

1 entry- follow Punkydoo Kids on Twitter

1 entry- become a fan of Punkydoo Kids on Facebook

1 entry-sign up for the newsletter at Punkydoo Kids

Contest ends on November 30, 2009, when a winner will be drawn at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. I will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond!

TGIF

It's TGIF at Punkydoo Kids!! Use coupon code: TGIF and get 20% off your entire order all day long! Effective 11/6-11/7

Halloween 2009

It was a pretty good Halloween around here. Here's a few pictures of our very own True Blood's Bubba, Sam the Dog, Sookie, Eric and Vampire Bill...