My confession

Soooo... my secret confession is... I'm sometimes jealous of just how cute Addi gets to be in her PPB bows and her little outfits! Just check out her latest modeling photo!

But for me... it's always plain ol' jano boring clothes and then WHAM! something super duper cute and eyecatching for Addi but Mommy's boring clothes even tend to water down Addi's awesome sense of style. Well... being the crafty mama that I am, I've found the cure--with a little pizzazz!

As I'm introducing the PPB Clothesline (yes, the pun is intended), I will also be introducing M2M Mommy Shirts!

That's right... every dress and outfit I make in baby, toddler, and girl sizes, I plan to make available in Mommy's size, too! How awesome! We can be twinkies! Of course... she still looks super cute in her outfit, but now, my plain ol' jano clothes are NO LONGER dampering her super hot wardrobe! Together... we are making a fashion statement! Be unique, but above all... treat yourself like a precious petal, too!

Excuse the photos... Chad took them and it was rather last minute.

Check out our new referral program

That's right! Now our customers can earn free bow bucks just for handing out our cards and encouraging new purchases!

It's so simple! For more details and to order your FREE kit, read here for more details!

http://www.preciouspetalsboutique.com/category_70/Referral-Program.htm

Daddy's home

The words that make a long day feel short... "Daddy's home!" Ya know the feeling, "I've got sooooo much to do but I'm sitting here on the computer." Then before you know it... you've chatted with every friend in your address book, emailed your grandparents to see how they're doing... emailed your favorite preacher to make lunch plans for his visit home, answered 50 emails, submitted orders, and taken care of quickbook tasks... yeah, that feeling... and there's still more laundry to do, dishes to be put away, floors to be vacuumed, tile to be steamed, kids to be taught, kids to be fed, kids to... well, every five minutes it's something... so I'll just leave that last line to imagination.

So... the moment the entire house screams, "Daddy's home" you breathe a long needed sigh of relief. If you had half the energy the children had, you'd be screaming, "Daddy's home," too.

Our Daddy is awesome! He comes home to a house full of two children (I know... but it really seems like this 2 y/o and 4 y/o take up an entire house at times) screaming "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! Hold me. Pick me up. Not Dylan, Daddy, me!" He chases them, plays the seemingly infinite all-time favorite game--GET YOU. Afterwards he cooks dinner (yes, you are reading that right... my man cooks---only because he doesn't agree that all vegetables are a sufficient meal. If he wants red meat, he can cook it ;) ). I usually tackle clean up, because he TAKES THE CHILDREN OUTSIDE until it's dark!

Now... here in Arkansas, during the summer time, it's about 9 pm before it's dark! That's about 4 hours for me to do what I need to get done (which is usually orders in the studio).

Now see... I really should rethink my daytime thoughts... preserve enough energy... and at the end of our usual day I need to run screaming, "Daddy's home", because I understand just how lucky I am!


Yeah, I think I'm going to try running and screaming, "Daddy's home!" today. I mean really... I need to show this man just how much I appreciate him!

New pricing structure

Well... after careful review and consultation with a financial guru... we've found ways to cut our expense and cut your cost! Now, what could be better!

That's right... the PPB is proud to announce that after consulting with our financial whiz... we are marking down prices for GOOD!

Not only will you be purchasing some of the best bows on the boutique bow market... but now you will also be purchasing some of the most affordable.

So... GRIEF! stop random button pushing!!!

Shop with the PPB, today!

50% OFF Sale

So many people have asked for an extension on the BOGO sale that I'm offering a 48 hour extension on the buy one get one free sale.

That's right! Order now through Friday at noon (CST) and you may buy one, get one free! Or... heck, buy 2, get 2 free. That's right! 4 bows for the price of 2! Hurry! Act NOW! This offer will expire on Friday, June 12 at noon (CST), and I'm afraid I won't be able to offer it again until 2010!

To order your BOGO: Visit www.preciouspetalsboutique.com and make one purchase selection, then choose your FREE BOW and leave it in the comments section at checkout! Be sure you purchase the 1 or 2 bows according to your freebie selections. If you choose 2 free bows, you must purchase 2 bows (which will result in an order total of 4 bows). CUSTOM or Your Design bows will qualify for a purchase, however, I do request that custom bows NOT be your free selection (for obvious reasons). OIAL is excluded. Offer not valid with other coupons and existing discounts. Except to NAPB members. NAPB members please check out your private forum for specific details regarding the sale on your site.

Any questions? Email me... I will get any questions taken care of ASAP! Confused about how to place your order? Well... let's make it even simpler!

1. Choose 4 bows and fastener preference for each!
2. Email your 4 bow selection to me.
3. I will create an invoice for you and forward it to you!

That simple... I'll even do the leg work for you!

And... feel free to forward this to everyone and anyone you know! This will be our last BOGO event for 2009! Don't miss it!

questions? Email rachforchrist@gmail.com

--
Rachel Adamson
Precious Petals Boutique
www.PreciousPetalsBoutique.com

"Where your little girl is always treated like a Precious Petal"

I know, I know

Don't be discouraged. I've been away only because Daddy is home! Yes, after a seven month deployment it is awesome to have Daddy home!


Needless to say, getting into our regular routine has been difficult. Filling orders, being creative, finding time for family, home, paint, work, business and all the other great things I love to do... well, I'm swamped. I wouldn't have it any other way!

In the meantime, we are offering an awesome BOGO free deal & a $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway for the month of June. To be eligible for either offer and the $50 drawing, simply subscribe to our store Newsletter! That simple! Once subscribed you will receive information regarding the BOGO and $50 drawing!

For now... I'm headed back to the studio. After 4 hours here, I've finally removed a nasty virus from my computer and once again, I'm in love with Cyberdefender.

Coming Home ~ A follow up to Letting Go

Well... after his first night away from Mommy, Dylan has returned home--quite reluctantly I might add. He told "Nathan's mommy" that he wanted to stay more. (On a prior occassion she told him that he could call her April. He pondered a moment and then replied, "No thanks, I'll just call you Nathan's mommy.") Obviously touched she explained that he could come again soon, and that he and Nathan would get to play again very soon.

As soon as he came home he ran to give me a big hug; I love how big hugs from Dylan feel, but that feeling was cut short when he went on to explain, "Mommy, I told you I wanted to stay forever and ever." Obviously, my little man had an awesome time at his first ever sleepover.

About 2 hours after he came home, tornado warnings were issued for our city. When the tornado sirens sounded I told the kids "Tornado, bathroom!" They live in SW Arkansas, so they know the drill. We weren't in the bathroom for five minutes before Dylan fell asleep on the floor. Once the storm passed and the tornado warning expired, I picked up my little man and let him crawl into my bed. He's been there for two hours as I write this. Obviously... he had a great time at his first sleep over.

Letting Go for Growing Up

So... I've always been that overprotective mom that wasn't willing to share her children with just anyone. Dylan has never spent the night away from me... just the thought was always too much to handle. Then comes dear, sweet Nathan. Dylan's partner in crime. Well, frankly, they are both such good kids they can't be partners in crime... partners in... well, (for brain's sake, I'm hearing sponge bob in the background so my train of thought is being interrupted) partners in gum chewing and mud slingin'.

Well, for a couple of weeks Nathan's mom has been inviting Dylan over for a sleepover. I toyed the idea and ran it past Dylan. He inquired as to the "point" of a sleepover and what exactly was to be done at "said event". After further, detailed explanation--two weeks to be precise, Nathan's mom invited him again. This time, his answer was a very decisive yes.

For one solid week all I heard was, "When am I going to Nathan's house?" Not once a day, not twice a day, but everytime Dylan had the pleasure of seeing my face. Today (the very day of the sleepover) was much worse. All day he ran back and forth, when is Nathan's mommy going to get here? When am I going? The worst part was when he explained that he wanted to stay at Nathan's house "forever and ever and ever". It broke my heart, but at that very same moment I felt damn proud. My little boy, the same little boy that had to be delivered 2 1/2 months early, that same little boy that doctors said would be sickly and "slower" than most boys his age, the same little boy that wouldn't let anyone else but Mommy or Daddy hold him, has grown into my handsome young man. And to top all that... he's taller than most boys his age, he's average weight for his height, and he's not slow... he can do everything that is expected of four year olds and then some.


That is Dylan on the left eating dinner at his bestfriend Nathan's house. That is Nathan on the right. Photos courtesy of April - Nathan's Mommy.

Below: Dylan playing with train set at Nathan's house.



Oh yeah, when I was getting ready to leave he told me, "Happy Mother's Day... and it's a surprise mommy, you are getting a walking Mommy dinosaur." Such a sweet guy! And just 4! I love him so dang much!!!

I'm a proud mama tonight. My little boy is growing up. It breaks my heart to be letting go... to have to let go, but to know that I can let go and he will do well and succeed makes me feel like screaming out with joy. This job might be hard... being a mommy might be hard... but right now I dwell in the joy that I have done him well, he is doing me well!

Dylan, tonight your mommy is so proud of you!

Love my photo editor/designer

All I have to do is send her a pic and she knows me well enough to know exactly what I like! How great is that! Interested in working with her... I swear, she's great! Email Debra at giftofgracedesigns@yahoo.com

Why PPB?

Photo Shoot

And it was fun, fun, fun! Thanks Addi (my daughter) and her bestie Hannah for taking such snap happy pictures! They are always so sweet together! Makes photography for anyone a breeze!

This last one is my absolute favorit-est!

Rainy Day Blues

It was especially hard to get through today. We've had nothing but rain here for days... we've been stuck in the house, stuck doing nothing but clean up, work, and laundry. So... there was a small break in the clouds today and we took the opportunity to head outside and P-L-A-Y! Nothing like a good romp through the mud to lift anyone's spirits!

Phew... Doing What I LOVE best!

Another day... another bow! I sincerely love my job but being a single mommy while Daddy is on active duty really bites! It's hard enough owning your own business, but throw in a four year old and a two year old... well, I've got my hands full! There are days I feel like an utter failure and then days I actually kick my feet back and think, "Gollie, this is pretty good!"

I had a birthday! Everybody wish me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Yes, that's right, you heard me, my birthday. On April 16, I turned 28 years old. I feel like I've earned the right to say I'm getting old, but I know... this ain't old yet! Granted, I've already had to dye my hair to hide the gray, and I've already had to buy push-up bras to fix what two years of nursing have done to my boobs... but, 28 ain't so bad.

In the meantime... I've spent my birthday doing what I love only second to being a mommy ... creating!



Handmolded, handpainted
polymer clay hair clippies!
More coming soon!


The Diva Bow... I'm currently taking silent auctions on this bow.TONS of detail! Send max bid to rachforchrist@gmail.com to be considered. Bids close Sunday night!


Summer Sunset: I was looking for inspiration one evening and found it out my window!



I never intended to make this one a public purchase, but after showing it as a custom people started calling the studio asking where to purchase it... so yes, it's now available for purchase!


Fun & Funky Free
What more could you want in a summer bow?

Why buy from the PPB?

Ya know... that's just not a tough question. The proof is in the pie.

Just do a google search and look up "boutique bows". I dare you. No! I triple dog dare you! Look around, please! Check out my competition. Now... any bow maiden will tell you that comparing my bows to their bows is like comparing apples to dog biscuits. Yeah, I said it.

Anyone can make a basic four loop bow--whether it's the flat style or the classic boutique loopy style. ANYONE can learn to do this!

But a real boutique style, unique couture hair bow takes more than a knack for folding! It requires a creative imagination, the ability to see past what simple colors are laid out before you. It's the process of taking something ordinary and simple and making it something extraordinary... worthy of such dignified clientele as your diva. It's the ability to put something together in such a way that viewers are left wondering, "How did she do that?" "Where did she start?" "All those colors... man, I never would have considered that." See, that's what separates the PPB from other "boutiques". They so frequently accept praise for single layer 4-loop bows that well... you can buy those anywhere!

But a true piece of art, well, that's better left to Precious Petals Boutique. Go check us out... you'll see the difference!

50% off entire website

A 12-hour 50% OFF the entire website SALE!

Sale will commence this Saturday, March 28 from 8 am - 8 pm (CST).

This will only be open to people that send an email to rachforchrist@gmail.com with "50% Sale" in the subject line (or simply reply to this message and change the subject line to "50% Sale"), friends on myspace, or www.preciouspetalsboutique.blogspot.com blog followers.

All myspace friends & blog followers will receive the log-in information for the discount AT THE TIME THE SALE COMMENCES (that will be 8 am CST Saturday).

Everyone that emails rachforchrist@gmail.com with "50% Sale" in the subject line will receive an email with the log-in code within 12 hours of the time they sent the email.

Please DO NOT attempt to use your log-in code prior to Saturday, March 28 at 8 am CST or after 8 pm CST. All orders placed with the 50% off code WILL BE CANCELLED and all payments will be IMMEDIATELY REFUNDED! I MEAN 7:59 AM OR 8:01 PM, TOO!

Other offers and discounts may NOT be applied to this sales event!

Offer not good for wholesale orders or registered wholesale vendors.

Forward this to anyone that might be interested!

Myspace URL: www.myspace.com/the_happy_mum
Blog: www.preciouspetalsboutique.blogspot.com
Website: www.PreciousPetalsBoutique.com

Please allow up to 2 weeks for shipments that take place on the sale date! I expect huge things to happen that day! If you need your order sooner, place it prior to the 50% off sales event!

I will be out of town on Friday. If you have any questions... ask them by Thursday!

Now is the time to stock up on bows! Need gifts for birthdays, showers, homecomings, etc? Grandmothers... these are the best gifts from gammy to baby. We won't do this again this year--maybe the only time EVER... for sure! So order now while prices are so low I'll be kicking my own butt come Monday morning!

--
Rachel Adamson
Precious Petals Boutique
www.PreciousPetalsBoutique.com

"Where your little girl is always treated like a Precious Petal"

We're giving away a $25-$50 PPB Gift Certificate

Do you myspace? If so, Add us, add us, add us! And, visit our website!

Everyone that reposts this message into their bulletin section on their myspace account will be entered into our DRAWING FOR A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE to our website at www.preciouspetalsboutique.com

Simply repost this message in its entirity in your bulletin space and then email me rachel@preciouspetalsboutique.com and I'll get you entered into the drawing.

Drawing will be held on Easter for the $25 Gift Certificate!

However, if we hit 300 by Easter Sunday, I'll up the gift certificate to $30. If we hit 400 by Easter, I'll up the gift certificate to $50! Good luck and happy adding!

AGAIN!
1. Repost this in its entirity in your bulletin space encouraging your friends to add Precious Petals Boutique to their friends list,

2. and then email rachel@preciouspetalsboutique.com and request to be added to the drawing!

3. Every time you repost, I will re-enter you in the drawing! Repost as often as you like! There are no limits! The more you repost the higher your chances of winning! Good luck and happy adding!

MYSPACE URL: www.myspace.com/the_happy_mum

"Cute boy you got there"

I so often hear people murmur, "Why such a big bow?" and "She never leaves the house without putting a bow on that girl." Well, yea! Afterall, most little girls are simply in love with princesses. Are they not? My two year old daughter flips when she sees a Disney princess anywhere! So... why not give her a bow fit to be worn with all the dignity and grace of a princess's tiara? That's why she wears her bows.

Originally, she started wearing bows because I was sick and tired of little old men telling me what a cute little boy I had there... all dressed in pink with earrings--which she had from the time she was just a few months old. Yes, I was blessed with a beautifully bald baby. There was no way to attach any of the bows I could find to her scalp. At least not anyway that would stick. Hospitals insisted that a "backless" bow with a little K-Y would hold it there. Okay... so I'm supposed to use the same stuff that made making her a smoother process to now hold a bow in her hair. Imagine my confusion... hmm, in the past it made things a little slippery and now it's suddenly "sticky". I didn't quite get the concept but I gave it a go anyway. And, like the countless times I'd used it for others reasons... it proved to be quite the slippery substance. No luck there!

A few months later some sweet little ladies at church were explaining that they'd heard tell of velcro attachments. I thought, "Finally, a lead." Then, after many failed attempts I assumed the only possible way to make that technique work would get me a quick trip to jail. Afterall, someone might have something to say if I chose to adhere the sticky side of the velcro to her head permanently. Again, a no go!

Then, amazingly, someone suggested a headband... something similar to what I had on at that very moment. Then, I heard someone else mention pantyhose... and I started thinking... finally, something that doesn't involve permanent fixtures or adult personal products. I was sold and from that point on... I began selling my headbands.

So... thank you to all the sweet little old men that told me, "That's a cute little boy you got there." Even in her pink dress, pink blanket, and diamond earrings. Thankfully, we didn't hear it anymore after we started wearing the big bows!

HOW TO: Wear a Precious Petals Boutique Bow

Yeah... it seems simple enough right? WRONG! You'd think it's easy... but it's tricky. To keep your child from looking like a gift wrapped box in her bow, let me make a few suggestions!

FOR HEADBANDS

The trick to properly wearing a bow headband is to make sure the bow rests on either side of her, NEVER directly on top. She will end up looking like a gift. PROMISE!


FOR CLIPS & BARRETTES (No Band)

Same thing... I always recommend wearing the bow to one side or the other, especially if she has a small head. Now... she can get away with wearing it on top of her head if a) she has bangs or b) if the bow is placed closer to her forehead directly on top of her head.

TIPS

Big bows should be worn on the side. The bow will drape the curvature of her head and really pop. Where on top it will not drape well and end up looking "weird".

Medium-sized to Small-sized bows can be worn safely on top of the head. I do however, recommend that if your child does NOT have bangs, the bow should always be worn on the side.

Now that you know how to SAFELY wear a Precious Petals Boutique bow... go check us out at http://www.preciouspetalsboutique.com/ and get her started wearing our bows today!

BONANZA

I get to see my active duty husband and the kids get to see their active duty daddy in just 2 weeks! So... help us raise money for travel and other finer luxuries while visiting him while he transitions to Maryland!

ONE WEEK ONLY! Save 15% on all orders placed at http://www.preciouspetalsboutique.com/

Enter code: Save15 at checkout for savings to be applied!

Coupon good February 9 - February 16

And the winner is...

Congratulations Elaina Cromer!

She is the winner of our Easter Game!

She wins a $25 gift voucher good for any purchase(s) from www. preciouspetalsboutique. com

We do this sort of stuff all the time! Pay attention! In today's economy, $25 goes a long way!

Congrats Elaina and thanks to everyone that participated!

The correct answers were:
1.Bunny
2.Easter Egg
3.Love

Our new Easter bow will made with Lots of each of the above!!! Look for it this week!

CLUE #2

CLUE 2:

"One April morning when the air was soft and sweet, a boy and his sister went outside to gather eggs.

'Easter's coming' the sister said. 'Let's pretend we're hunting _________ _________ (two words).'

'What are _____________ __________ (two word)' the boy asked.

'Don't you remember?' the girl said.

He thought and thought, but he couldn't remember. He was going to ask again, but just then, she scared up a hen, squawking, from its nest in the grass. 'Look!' she cried. Smiling, she held up a rosy brown egg. ~Copyrighted material



The answer that fits in the blank is the correct answer to #2. Collect all three correct answers, and win a $25 gift certificate!

Good luck!!

Confused? Email rachforchrist@gmail.com and I'll help the best I can! PROMISE!

GAME RULES for 3-clue giveaway

If I were a new easter bow just waiting to be born... I'd have grosgrain ribbon, marabou, and bling... but most importantly, I'd have 1.____________ , 2.____________, and 3.______________ (the answers will be found in the clues).

The first to submit all three correct answers (after all 3 clues have been posted) to rachforchrist@gmail.com will win a $25 gift certificate!

Good luck!

The first clue has already been posted on both myspace and the blog... but the next two clues will be posted in either place without notice! So be on the lookout!

CLUE #1

Clue 1:

If you were my ______ and I were your mama, I'd pick you out from all the other ________ and nestle you beside me. Then you'd close your little pink eyes and I'd sing you a __________ song. Copyrighted material

The answer that fits in the blank is the correct answer to #1. Collect all 3 correct answers during the next five days, and win a $25 gift certificate.


Any confusion? Feel free to email me at rachforchrist@gmail.com and I'll help you out! PROMISE!

GAME TIME!

game time...

well... soon, not just yet. And... everyone is eligible to win! Myspace friends, website subscribers, blog followers, etc... everyone.

So... collect the clues and at the appropriate time, redeem to win!

Each clue will be found in either the blog or in the bulletins on myspace at www.myspace.com/the_happy_mum !

There will be a total of 3 clues posted in 5 days! First to redeem as instructed via the clues will win a grand prize $25 gift certificate to the website!

The new spring line was released this week and man oh man, I'm tired and not even half way there yet! We have many more new bows coming out, including Easter and Summer novelty bows (with some great handmade centers). We've also got three great giveaways coming after the Valentine Holiday.

Have you checked out the Hearts Collection bow? This bow has received so many popular reviews and was recently included in a parenting magazine! You won't want to miss this one!

I'm chasing children as today is our official day of rest and hanging out with family!

Go check out the new line at www.preciouspetalsboutique.com or directly at http://www.preciouspetalsboutique.com/category_42/Spring-Collection--2009.htm

Blessings to you!