Thursday, August 28, 2014

Pick Me | Review and Giveaway of Freshly Picked Moccasins for Children

(In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I am required to disclose that we (FiFi Ruffles) received product in lieu of payment for the review and hosted Giveaway. The opinions expressed below are that of my own)


Unless you have been living under a rock or don't have young children, by now you should have heard of Freshly Picked?! It is THE hottest Children's Moccasin Company {at least in my opinion}. I'd even venture to say- the HOTTEST Kids shoe company right now-period. Perhaps I am biased!


As a regular IG'er (Instagram) I see these darling little moccs EVERYWHERE! It's no surprise, I recently learned that this very popular mobile app helped boost this company into the stratosphere! They have a following to kill for, really, over 200K followers! Their numbers say it all!

In the past couple months, the CEO, Susan,  was featured on The Shark Tank. This is how I learned a lot about the company. You just have read about their story or view their episode (fwd to 32.31). Just imagine, a company starting over salvaged windows and growing to this!







Until recently I was not aware that Freshly Picked made some toddler sizes. Well, when I saw that on there website I knew I HAD to have a pair for FiFi! We received out first pair a few days ago to review and host this Giveaway. I wasn't really sure what to expect...I tend to NOT go with the flow and what's in so I was a little apprehensive.

As we opened the box, I made sure FiFi was sitting next to me, she started getting very excited, wanting me to tare them open. WHY? The shoes come in basic, non descript brown box. As you open them, you notice black printed words on the insides of the flap;  garden tools, fruits, veggies and more. We continue to open the box, on top is the signature off white bag, inside are the Gold Moccs (eeek)..I put them aside before opening the bag to see what the else the little treasure box was hiding! At the bottom were the most adorable gardening stickers. Yep, I'm a little slow sometimes!   What a sweet idea tho! I explained to Sophia that we have a little project to do later! And yes, we will be sharing!

Now onto the Moccs. Mind you, the entire time she is trying to swipe the bag holding the moccs in Swiper fashion {swiper no swiping!)! To be honest, she was little perplexed about what we were opening. Finally I left her open the bag. She has never owned a pair of moccs and was not quite sure what they were but started squealing in delight because she knew I was excited, wide eyed and saying "oh sparkly" pretending not to notice the bag. We have many nic names for Her, one of them is "Bag Lady". She is obsessed any kind of bag and will put anything she can find in them. It's not uncommon to see 4 or 5 of them in the livingroom full of play food and such (most often something of mine I didn't notice she swiped!). So, really, if you add it all up, the box contained 4 items our daughter loves; stickers, craft project with said stickers, bag, shoes. This box packs some punch!! Genius packaging/marketing I might say!



She tried them on an she walked like a dog with slippers on {you can see that image in your head now, right?} She is quite klutzy and has pretty big feet for a little 3 year old (size 10 Moccs.). I was not surprised in her little show..lol. The real test was walking on the tile floor. Most Floridian's have tile floors, which I love, but cause injuries for klutzy non skid sock wearing kiddos. She DIDN'T slip. Yep, I'm sold!


On to the real test. We decided to explore local alley ways in our downtown Art District. A new friend of mine is an artist {Jennifer Kosharek | Kosharek Art} that, she and other locals {Chad Mize / Blue Lucy}, had painted Murals in the alley ways of the 600 block in St Pete. Perfect time to explore. After all, the alleys are made of uneven brick and pavers, random rocks and slippery old leaves.


As you can see, they(shoes) were perfect for the occasion. She did not complain once that her feet hurt or were slippery. She probably thanked me a few times for getting her the shoes {she is very polite--I hope that sticks;P)


I see these little Moccasins getting plenty of use! They are so versatile and compliment casual or more formal attire. Dress 'em up or down ;)



Styling Credits;

Shoes: Freshly Picked | Gold Moccasins

Skirt: FiFi Ruffles | Gilded Flight Circle Skirt

Scarf: FiFi Ruffles  | Slately Gold Infinity Scarf

Headband: Birdie Baby Boutique | Tribe Vibe

Top: Target 

Now for the Giveaway! The giveaway is running for one week. 8/28 7:30pm est thru 9/4 11:59pm est. The winner will be announced 2-3 business days later (depending on the volume of entries)

Please be sure to read the terms and conditions before entering. If you have won a pair of Freshly Picked Moccs. in the past 12 months you are not eligible. Remember, the more entries you make, the better chance you have;)
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thursday, March 20, 2014

For the Love of the Mouse!



Recently I read a post on Facebook Business Page asking their fans what sort of fashion you are
 
"diggin'" now, as taste and fashion changes so fast & frequent. I chuckled to myself
 
because that very topic has been gnawing at me lately. I'm sure you may have noticed, I don't
 
really favor one style. There are so many I like to experiment with. In there lies my concern,
 
does my eclectic taste confuse my followers? Perhaps, time will tell I suppose! Let's clarify
 
before I move on, my style is NULL, I am referring to my Daughter's style that it! If you want to
 
read about mine, read this post by mylifesuckers, I think she stole my wardrobe!
 

I do know I have never been a fan of any type of main stream children's characters on
 
clothing...nope, not all. My sons were born in the 90's, and with the birth of the first child he did
 
sport quite a bit of Mickey Mouse One Pieces and such. But really, after he out grew them
 
as an infant,  I was none too happy to be out of that fashion phase! If my boys were wearing 
 
a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle T-shirt or Sesame Street Sweatshirt, I can almost guarantee  a
 
grandparent, Aunt or Uncle bought it for them.  I can't explain, I just DONT like it unless it's a
 
tastefully done applique for special occasion of sorts. I know, did I just commit social suicide for
 
admitting that (I think this secretly mortifies my Mother as well)?! Now, be kind, no hate mail
 
please;) I'll let you in on a little secret though, we do let FiFi wear jammies in whatever she
 
wants! Read on, trust me, I will make my point soon!


Do you remember that sweet little heart cutout dress that went viral last year?


 
 
 
 
A girlfriend of mine over at Sew Sly Designs bought up the pattern and created these adorable
 
dresses. How cute is this photo by Photography by Ashlynn!! It just captures the sweetness of
 
little girls and there contagious energy! The cute little brunette there is no stranger to this blog.
 
Yes, she is the sassy little girl that walked in the SPFW event for us in 2012.
 

I fell in love with the dress along with everyone else! As a fan of the talented miss Shannon
 
Cook of the blog Luvinginthemommyhood, I was ecstatic to see she was offering dress patterns
 
and WOW did she knock this one out of the park! Not only is it the classic (fully lined bodice and
 
full skirt) design that is my more favorite of all, it allows you to celebrate a little bit of whimsy,
 
yet staying classy at the same time. I know, are you thinking, "they are just kids"? Yes, they
 
are, however I think we should embrace the classic MODEST style when we can with little ladies
 
(when the opportunity arises)!
 

The talented lady behind Sew Sly and I were chatting a few months later about the dress.
 
We discovered we both had the same great idea, let's try it with a Mouse Head! (Hint, hint, h
 
here's my point) I was shocked in myself that I wanted to make such thing. Yes, I love Disney, I
 
do, I do, but to design a dress around it, not my style whatsoever....once again, FiFi's love of
 
the Mouse was infectious, I wanted to do this for her, I just had too! Did I mention she asks to
 
go to Disney every single day for about two months now?!
 

After several pattern attempts and a couple prototype samples I have figured it out! Geesh, I
 
really need learn pattern design, I'm sure winging it was not the most efficient! Sounds simple
 
though, right? Just take the existing pattern I've used over and over (Mermaid Dress) and add a
 
silhouette. Ha, ha, joke was on me.
 

The dress was a little big on her, I assumed we could size up as she is another year older,
 
however the little bean pole apparently has not grown since the last dress I made! Anyhow,
 
without further ado, here is FiFi showing off her


Mouse Party Dress



 
 
 





 
 
 
A big Thanks to the one and only Amy Smith of Spark Babies Photography for the beautiful
 
 photographs! Feel free to visit her Facebook page and let her know you loved the photos!
 
 
 
Spark
 
 
Dress Notes;
*A snap at the top will be added to keep the dress inline.
 
Dress can be purchased/preordered HERE
 
Be sure to check out our NEW website, along with the fabulous steals in the clearance Section!
 
 
 
For a all of you Disney Lovers, Here are a couple of sites you may appreciate!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lastly, but not least, Trekaroo is hosting a Giveaway for a Disney Trip in Florida & California!
 
We've entered, so should you! Enter HERE
 
 
*In no way is FiFi Ruffles Affiliated with this Giveaway-we're just sharing the knowledge!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, October 26, 2013

For the LOVE of Little Red Riding Hood

 
Over the past couple of years I have become very fond of fabrics in which Manufacturers feature/sell prints made by Designers that favor an artistic, fine line (less cartoon) look to their children's fabrics. Don't get me wrong, I have a wide taste of prints but I am just such a sucker for those types of prints!! If you have been following me on Facebook you will/do know how I am totally in LOVE with Sara Jane Illustrations.




 
 Well..now, Tasha Noel for Riley Blake has my love as well! I discovered the Little Red Riding Hood fabric back in the Spring and pre-ordered it and started planning what I would do with it! I just HAD to have it! SWOON Tasha Noel!!

Although it was released in the summer, I knew I wanted to wait until the fall to create with it. Besides....Red and her trusty little buddy are dressed for cold weather can't you see?



 
     
 
 
 You must agree; this classic, feminine, clean

and innocent design is so fitting for a little girl?!  I admit, I love some of the over the top, unique dress designs and fabrics for

 little ones, but nothing makes a little girl so precious as a print like this. Isn't this dress the perfect way to showcase it?

 

 


The beautiful headband you see is made by the talented Katy Bjork of Birdie Baby Boutique. Birdie Baby Boutique has GORGEOUS headbands, crowns, custom blocks (and more!)! Her creations are quality & handmade. Just check out her approval rating on Etsy-you'll be impressed,  I know I am!  I Did I mention she is local too? It was my pleasure working with her to design this custom, one of a kind piece!




 

I had the chance again to work with the talented Ms. Amy at Spark Babies! Amy has a special talent of making your children feel very comfortable and even bringing the most shy or uninterested child to life and want to pose for her! I have dubbed her the "photo whisperer" ;)



 Be sure to click on the images to see them in my Etsy Shop!







During this shoot, as you can see, we had several wardrobe changes as well as 3  models to work with. During all of this, Amy was so calm and relaxed! I'm not sure how she does it, I was a ball of stress ;O. Oh...and I was finally able to use her beautiful Bindi in one my pics! Doesn't she have the prettiest color fur?


I can go on and on about my LOVE for Spark Babies...How can you not??


 
I believe in giving credit where credit is due! About half of my collection was made with Whimsy Couture Sewing Patterns. If you are a sewer or a wannabe, you must head on over and see what she has to offer! All of her patterns have step by step instructions and photos...not like those horrible patterns your Mom would've used!


Now for the Giveaway! I while giving away this dress along with the headband Birdie Baby Boutique donated (used in this photo). Don't have a little Girl, well, no fear! The winner can substitute a boys outfit from this collection for the dress and headband. There are plenty chances to win!

Be sure to check out these great businesses Facebook pages once you've LIKED them...and maybe pick up a copy of Little Red Riding Hood at the bookstore today and snuggle up with your little one to read it tonite;)!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

"My Favorite Giveaway Ever!" Giveaway

Yikes, I know, I keep saying I am going to discipline myself and start blogging and sharing..but really, I have NO clue how these woman do it!! Family, Business, creating AND blogging-phew!

Here is another attempt! I love to sew AND share Giveaways of fellow "handmakers" like myself. Yes, I know, another made up word..hehe.

Now onto the serious business!

"My Favorite Giveaway Ever!" Giveaway

I have been working with Katie (Owner, creator and seamstress) for about 9 months now. I absolutely LOVE her style and drive to be successful and most of all her "story" is similar to mine. I am finding that there are many Moms that have left the career world to stay with their little ones and somehow either use or find their creative side to support their families.

I was introduced to Katie's line "Kangacoo Designs" by my Giggle Moon rep. No question about it, I was gushing and said YES, YES, YES I want to carry her collections in my store! After all, ruffles are MY THING!  I then learned that Kangacoo offered custom, oh yes, custom designs!!! Jackpot!!

Here are just some of my favorites! The first was a non commercial order..just an outfit I LOVE and just had to have for FiFi. Amy at Spark Babies captured this magical number for me



Gone Boating...the fastest and most popular seller!

 
A great collection is one that has something for everyone! Babies to Adults, Katie has nailed it!  




 
 
And perhaps my favorite..the "Mermaid Gown", a custom made creation just for FiFi Ruffles;) If you didn't know already--I love Mermaids!
 


Here is FiFi showing her sassy little Mermaid Tall Tankini off.



Now for the Giveaway! When I met Katie (sadly only via phone and email;( I asked and maybe begged a little for her to do sponsorships, giveaways, just something! She has a great following and just the sweetest personality..and have you seen her daughter?! Just as cute as she!  I was so excited to learn she was finally going to do it!!! Her first giveaway was a huge success with over 900 entries. She had some GREAT participants and even a local boutique I know and swoon over (Birdie Baby Boutique). Take a look:  

 
This time around here are just some!  Items include clothing, jewelry, advertising, blogging, mentoring, party items and more!
 





I would love to hear what you want to win?! Go on over to Katie's blog and enter! You will see the full list of prizes and hopefully discovered great new products, shops and services!

http://www.kangacoo.com/1/post/2013/08/my-favorite-giveaway-ever-giveaway.html

Kim