Happily Ever After, Why These Stories are Important

To tell the truth these dolls I made for me. I loved fairytales! When I was growing up I often recreated them in my playtime. I  did my chores while pretending to be Cinderella. These dolls and playsets are where play can recreate old time Fairytales.

 I hear people say that these stories were not good role models for girls, but I feel it depends on how you tell the story. These were tales told in a time when woman were thought of as less, and they gave our fore-mothers the inspiration to bring change to each generation. All the way up to now to get us to where we are and the rights we now have.

These girls had power in spite of the odds, certain doom, and personal tragedy they suffered. They changed their world in a time when women had no rights. These stories have a powerful message that is still of value to the girls of this and the next generation. These are not just silly stories; they are our past and our future.

These wooden toys and more can be found at http://www.theenchantedcupboard.etsy.com/

Product Review: Custom Playscapes by Rumpos

Here is another GREAT Etsy find! We just feel in love with this shop, Rumpos. These great playscapes are custom made and you get such a great selection to pick from.

Here is what the seller listed:
A medium 15x15 inch custom playscape with 4-6 natural elements from your imagination, or I can work with you to create the perfect playscape. Look at the photographs for ideas or for remake requests. Your playscape will be made from natural materials and depict a natural environment perfect for imaginative, narrative play with fingers and figurines or for a centerpiece on a dining or nature table. These are also wonderful display items in the home, playroom, or office.

We could not just pick one and bough a few to go with different wooden toys we already had. I gave the seller an idea of what would be played with in the different playscapes and allowed her to be creative. One of the really great parts about Etsy.com is that you get to chat with the sell/designer and find out where they got there inspiration from. This got thumbs up from the kids and one big one from mommy.

If you like what you see and want to know more check out my interview with Mary Ann of Rumpos.

WOW

What a week this has been, so much done and so much happening.

Read my latest feedback:
I am probably looking more forward to showing these things off at the wedding than anything else! You nailed the way my fiancé looks! We plan on turning them into Christmas ornaments after the big day so we will have a fun way to display them for years and years! Thank you, they are wonderful!!

I just love that she is going to take my craft and make it in to something new and reusing it! My next big surprise was that I have been contacted by The Knot mag. they are going to be featuring my Wooden Wedding Cake Toppers sold in my shop on Etsy! My head has been spinning ever since I heard the news! Interested in a set of custom dolls contact me.

Tuesday GREEN Tip

Many people think that going GREEN means the lose of convenience. I hope to show you that GREEN living is a more convenient and cost effective way of life with an added bonus of protecting our Earth. Many of us use or have used these new wonderful cleaning products like the swiffer and other brands of fast and disposable cleaning products. These products make cleaning a speedy process, but the problem has always been the costly and wasteful replacement parts.When I started on my GREEN quest I wanted to challenge myself to prove that going green didn't mean the loss of convenience for myself and others. I found this great seller on ETSY that makes great replacements that are eco-friendly and reusable.

Check out her shop! http://www.thegreenmarket.etsy.com/

Tuesday Green Tip

This week you get a 2 for 1 with this post. I love sponges for cleaning, They do a great job and fit nice in the hand. Here is a great tip for keeping it fresh, clean, and sanitized. While doing this you can also do a safe clean of the microwave. This will make even the hardest baked on goop come of easy.

Dirty sponge and microwave.

What you will need:
1 Dirty Sponge
1 Dirt Microwave
1 (microwave safe) Dish
Water (fill bowl 1/2 full
A few squirts of lemon

Clean sponge and microwave!

Put the sponge in the bowl fill 1/2 full of water and add the lemon juice right on the sponge. Place in microwave and cook for 3-6 minutes depending on you microwave. It is going to get very hot and steamy. Let it sit and door stay closed for 15 -20 minutes. Once things have cooled down to where you can touch the sponge, wipe down the inside of the microwave. Everything will come off easy from the steam bath, and smell fresh from the lemon!