October Already!

So it seems as if the time keeps passing faster and faster the older I get... and I'm not even all that old (32). Needless to say fall is upon us and I've been working hard on getting new products added to the shop for the holiday season. I love Halloween and everything the spooky eerie feelings that surround it, so naturally I'd have to incorporate a few hats to ring in the festivities. One of my favorites at the moment is the mini witch hat with feather accents and a tattered lace flower. To me it just screams Halloween! Gorgeous photo was taken by the fabulous Patricia Anderson Photography! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Model Call

It's been almost a year since I was invited to be a sponsor in the Precious Beginnings Newborn Workshop hosted by Cherise Kiel Photography. Her workshop tour is fast approaching and is taking her into Mobile, Alabama September 6-7th . She is in need of a few newborn models and must be under two weeks of age. If you or someone you know are due within just before that time frame give please contact Cherise Kiel at c_k_photography@yahoo.com All models will receive a free session and five free digital images. Hurry time is fast approaching!

Busy Busy Busy

I've seriously been way too neglectful of this blog of mine and for that my apologies. The summer has basically come and gone and my wheels have been spinning to say the least. Entertaining the kiddo, maintaining the house, creating a whole new line for the etsy shop, and trying to find time for myself in the meantime. Never the less I'm back and seriously going to do my best to stay current with all the latest in greatest. More to come soon but for now you can get a little peek into my world. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

No one told me that the day I became a mother that my world was going to turn upside down. The sleepiness nights, endless doctor visits, tantrums, and putting my career on the back burner are things no one can quite prepare you for. Although I accept it graciously and take everything that comes my way. There are days that are the farthest from fun, but I somehow manage to get through it. I know that this period in time will pass far sooner than I can ever want it to or imagine. I find myself never wanting to let it go... the nurturing, special bedtime routines, silly games we play are memories that I will hold dear and cherish when I am old. I see now just how much love and sacrifice my own mother and father gave to give my sister and I the best upbringing they could. So today I celebrate my own mother and all the love she gave to me! Happy Mother's Day Mom! With Love From Your Little Girl!

My New Obession... LACE

It's no secret that lace is huge this season. From fashion, accessories, even photography lace is turning up everywhere. It's beautiful patterns, peek a boo details and assortment of colors make me swoon. Naturally I had come to the conclusion that I had incorporate it into my spring/summer 2012 collection. From tiny little details, to completely draping those squishy little faces entirely in lace here is a little peek of my new collection.

All of these items (plus tons more) are currently listed in my Etsy shop. Head on over to see for yourself.

Proud Sponser of the Rachel Procell Photography Workshop

Are you new to the photography industry? Maybe you've been a photographer for years and are wondering with all your talent and knowledge why others are growing and establishing their presence. Well Rachel Procell Photography has just the workshop for you.

Rachel has designed and online workshop running fron May 7th thru June 30. Some of the features of her 2012 Photography Marketing Workshop are:

•12 hours of step-by-step, expert instruction
•8 hours of small group Q&A sessions
•8 weeks of one-on-one, personal coaching
•8 additional weeks of follow-up email support
•A personalized marketing action plan
•Dozens of checklists, templates, and videos
•Unlimited access to all recordings and resources
•THOUSANDS of dollars of free giveaways from our sponsors
Some of the valuable content we’ll teach during our 2012 Photography Marketing Workshop:

•How to choose a specialty
•How to develop marketing personas
•How to research your competition
•How to differentiate yourself from competition
•How to package your services
•How to set your prices to sell better
•How to get more clients by RAISING your prices
•Where to look for the ‘right’ customers
•How to advertise with free exhibits
•How to make a Google-friendly photo blog
•How to get more website traffic
•How to convert web traffic into leads
•How to convert leads into customers
•How to keep customers longer
•How to use social media the right way
•How to track your success and improve over time
•How to sell your services more often
•How to diversify your income
•And much, much more…

Such a wonderful thing she is offering to photographers of all levels! The best thing is you can do it from the comfort of your own home, but most importanly she guarantee's that if the techniques she teaches doesn't work for you to increase your revenue and client base, she’ll give you 100% of your money back! Pretty good thing if you ask me with nothing to lose. Check out this link for more information and registration, and don't forget to let her know that Petunia and Ivy sent you.

http://rachelprocell.com/information/2012-photography-marketing-workshop/

Memorable Epiphanies 1st Birthday Giveaway!

It's about that time again for another wonderful giveaway. Barbara from Memorable Epiphanies is celebrating her 1st birthday and decided to throw one heck of a giveaway. I was so excited when I was asked to sponser that I decided to put my new little lace bonnet up for grabs!

The giveaway is currently live and will run through April 15th. So many fabulous vendors, 80 in all, with some serious prizes to be won! Head on over to her webiste below for all the details. She's even got bonus entries to up your chances of winning!

http://memorableepiphanies.wordpress/2012/04/08/memorable-epiphanies-1st-birthday-big-bash-giveaway/

Good luck to you all!

Benefit For Baby Jillian

Any woman who has ever been blessed with the ability to give birth to a child knows just how many emotions come into play being a parent. Knowing that the little person in your arms is so fragile and precious and is completely dependant upon you. As a mother you want to protect them, keep them safe, and love them with your entire being. Nothing is more special than knowing you brought a new life into this world.

I would like to share with you a story of a family and a little angel named Jillian. Brandy and Stephen were thrilled to have given birth to a brand new baby girl August 24, 2011. At a doctor's appointment, Jillian was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart was discovered during an ultrasound. On November 29, 2011 she went into children’s hospital for open heart surgery to repair the hole. After the seven hour long surgery, Brandy, Stephen, and their families were relieved to hear their baby girl made it out okay. While in the CICU Jillian had more obstacles thrown her way, which her parents stood by her side every minute. On December 28,2011 Jillian left this world and became one of God's angels.

Rikki Knight Photography reached out to me regarding a charity benefit on behalf of Jillian and her parents to help raise money to help cover funeral expenses and medical bills. There are so many wonderful vendors that have donated items to be auctioned off, and I am so proud to amongst them. The auction will take place on Facebook starting this evening and running through Monday January 23,2012. Please copy and paste link to get all the details and participate.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rikki-Knight-
Photography/295466629397#!/pages/Rikki-Knight-Photography/295466629397

I can only imagine what Brandy and Stephen must be going through. I hope that they take comfort in knowing that although Jillan left them them far too soon, god had a much bigger plan for her. She will be an angel to all of us and may she soar with the angels above.

Precious Beginnings Newborn Workshop

Ever see a picture and think to yourself in awe just how they captured a particular shot? Well it's no surprise that newborn photography has taken on a whole new meaning. Just seeing some of the images from so many talented newborn photographers leave me speachless at times. Seeing those sweet little bodies scultped into the most adorable little poses is honestly the custest thing ever.

Cherise Kiel, a photographer specializing in newborn photography, is now offering workshops all about tips and techniques on how to get those perfect jaw dropping images. Although she is based out of Arizona she travels around for her workshops. I was honored when she contacted me to see if I'd sponser her workshop by donating items into her swag bags for all in attendance. She is currently working on her 2012 workshop dates with the next one being hosted in Dallas. If you are looking to learn the art of newborn photography or just wanting to brush up on your current skills then this is the workshop for you. What are you waiting for head on over to her FB page and see for your self!

Message From Santa

About a week ago I was talking with a parent in my daughter's kindergarten class. Her son has been getting himself into quite a bit of trouble in class lately and since Christmas is weeks away she thought she's use the Santa is going to put you on the naughty list line. She took to the internet and found a site that allows you to create and fully customizable video message from Santa. I took the opportunity to check out the site and create a message to be sent to my 5 year old daughter. It allows you to enter the childs nams, age, item they are asking for as a gift, and even if they are on the naughty or nice list. It was classic to watch my daughter in amazement watching Santa speak to her. The icing on the cake was the uncertainty when the elves were checking to see which list she was on. All is all it's a great site that is a fun way to make Santa a reality. See for yourelf and have some fun!

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home

Happy Holidays!

Prop Insanity Ultimate Holiday Giveaway!

The weeks keep passing and we are getting closer and closer to the Holidays. Tracy over at Prop Insanity was kind enough to put together the ultimate giveaway. Ever heard the saying go big or go home? Well that's exactly what she intended on doing with this giveaway. She's got the best vendors donating so many generous items and ONE, yes I said ONE, lucky winner is going to take them all home! You won't want to pass on this one. Up for grabs on my end is a $50.00 shop credit. Follow the link for all the details on how to enter, but you'll have to hurry as it comes to an end on December 10th.

http://www.propinsanity.com/2011-joyous-ultimate-giveaway-come-spread-some-holiday-joy-one-winner-one-huge-prize/

Imajen Backdrops Giveaway Winner... Is it you?

Just got word on the lucky winner of the Collection 4 package from Imajen Backdrops. Congratulations Kristen Fults, you are the lucky winner of the piggy hat among many other great gifts from the other talented vendors! I will be contacting you shortly to get shipping info from you.

Sending all of you a huge thank you for entering! There will be another giveaway coming before the end of the year so stayed posted.

Giving Thanks Giveaway!

We are fastly approaching Thanksgiving and what better way to say thank you than with a giveaway hosted by Imajen Backdrops! It kicks off today, Nov 17th and runs thru Nov 24th, closing at midnight. Winners will be posted on the Imajen Backdrops blog on Black Friday. Hurry on over to her blog and get all the details for entry. I've donated my fuzzy piggy hat, but there are tons of other fabulous prizes to be won!

http://imajenbackdrops.com/blog/

P.S. Don't forget to spread the news! Good luck to you all and thank you for being such great fans!

It's Time to Celebrate!!!

Today marks the day that I entered into the world 32 years ago! I thought it would be fun to offer 15% off all orders today only for all to enjoy. Simply use coupon code 15OFF upon check out to take 15% off your purchase. Happy Birthday to me and Happy shopping!

This Little Piggy...

Halloween is over and done with, but what a busy month that was. I'm a few months short of having been a selling on Etsy for a year so I am still learning the in's and out's as well as the high's and low's of selling online.

The most popular request I had last month was for the little piggy hat. Lots of families were dressing up as the three little pigs and were having me make this hat as part of their costumes. One customer shared her picture of her little sweetie all dresses up for Halloween. Just look at her.. she's beautiful! I love seeing pictures from my customers!

So crazy that it's been featured in 13 treasury lists on Etsy and has been admired by 45 people, it's definately my best seller at this point. Never did I think when I was asked to custom make this for Mona Lisa Photography, that this would be so popular!

Megan Kathryn Giveaway Winner- Package 1

Winner's have been chosen in the Megan Kathryn giveaway. From my understanding vendors were grouped into 3 packages and there was a winner for each package. For my grouping (package 1) the lucky winner of the ice cream hat is Alicia Osborn! A huge congrats goes out to her!

I am so thankful to have been asked to donate in Megan's Giveaway. She did a fabulous job getting everything together and launching this. Many thanks to all who entered and who are now following Petunia and Ivy as a fan!

Yes that's right another one!!!

Who doesn't love a giveaway? I mean it's always fun to enter a contest but even better to actually win the prize, right. During the last two weeks I had been contacted by a contestant from one of the prior giveaways and was looking for vendors in her 1K fan photographer's giveaway. I gladly accepted since I found myself with over 1K fans most recently too and thought it would be a fun way to celebrate and give back to all my fans, both long standing and new! Below you'll find a link for entry details and my apologies for not being able to get the link to function (yarn I can work with, technology not so much)Good luck!

http://www.megankathrynphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/mkps-one-kay-give-way-for-photographers.html

And the Winners Are...

I know everyone has been anxiously awaiting to hear who the lucky winners are in the three giveaways we sponsored. Drum roll please...

Giveaway #1
Holly Nichole Photography
Winner Janine Huggins - gets a hat of your choice

Giveaway #2
Love That! Crochet and Kendra's Closet
Winner Renee Palermo - gets the flower petal bonnet

Giveaway #3
Winner Suzie Losey - gets the little lamb hat

Congratulations to the winners and a huge thanks to everyone who entered. I have email contact info on the winners and I will be in touch to redeem your prizes.

Tons of work goes into hosting a giveaway behind the scene and I am honored to have been asked to donate in all three. Holly, Tabitha, Nicolette and Traci you all did an amazing job. Thanks so very much for extending the invite to take part in your giveaways!

Total Giveaway Madness!

My oh my, little did I know that when I was invited to participate in 3 separate giveaways they would all be running simultaneously! It's pure madness, but hey that's half the fun right? Okay so here is what's up for grabs...

Giveaway # 1
Holly Nichole Photography - Hat of your choice
Ends October 1st. Follow link for entry details www.hollynicholephotographyblog.com

Giveaway # 2
Love that! Crochet & Kendra's Closet - Flower petal bonnet
Ends September 30th. Follow link for entry details www.lovethatcrochet.blogspot.com

Giveaway # 3
Confessions of a Prop Junkie - Little Lamb Hat
Ends September 30th. Follow link for entry details www.confessionsofapropjunkie.com

Check them out, and good luck to all!

Prepping Up for Halloween

Halloween has always been such a fun time of year, and was always a big to do in my house growing up as a child. My mother loved Halloween! Now having a little one of my own I've taken on the Halloween spirit as well. If only I had known 5 years ago how to create more than just crochet blankets I could have had lots of fun with a festive little hat for my daughter. Being that she was only 2 months old on her first Halloween and weighing a little over 4 pounds, sadly there wasn't any costumes small enough for her :( Needless to say that has inspired me to have some fun and add some new little items for the teensiest little squishies out there so that they don't have to miss out on the fun! Here is a little sneak peek of what's to come for October. Mona Lisa Photography provided me with these adorable photos from her sessions with these little cuties! How much fun she must have loving these little babies and getting amazing shots in the meantime!