Increase Your Sales and Traffic

I am now offering website/product reviews and giveaways on my blog.

I have done two product giveaways on my blog with MUCH success. I will write a full review of your product and website, you can either offer a discount (no minimum) or a giveaway. If you offer a giveaway, I will require that each participant visit your site, browse around and pick a favorite item. I like this because you get to see what items people like the most.

The participants can also gain extra entries by signing up for your newsletter, following you on Twitter, posting about the giveaway on their blog, etc.

I will also handle all of the PR for the review. All you have to do is send the winner their item (if you are hosting a giveaway).

The winner's are chosen using a 3rd party generator, so you can be sure that the product is NOT going to me or anyone I have chosen as the "winner."

Giveaways will start Monday, April 13th. Feel free to email me at marielynnboutique@gmail.com for more information!

We Are Going Green!

I married a country boy, born and bred. He grew up on a farm and dreams of living on acres of land high up in the Ozark Mountains. Me on the other hand, I love the sounds of a bustling city and thrive on chaos. How did we end up together? I have NO clue!

One thing D was able to convince me to do, was to grow our own fruits and vegetables. By no means, do I have a green thumb. Actually, I have killed each and every plant I have ever had, except my bamboo. He is hanging in there.

So when D mentioned starting a garden, I couldn't help but laugh. But I enjoy a challenge, so I thought I'd give it a try. It started out with a quick trip to the garden center, which resulted in us purchasing almost 300 Euro in plants and seeds. You'd think we were starting a farm with all of the items we purchased!

The next day, it is nice and sunny, a warm 40 degrees Fahrenheit (yuck!). So we set out on our adventure! By the end of the day, we planted strawberries, garlic, carrots, brocolli, rasberries, blueberries, cucumber, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, green beans, sweet peas, chives, parsley, basil and two rose bushes.


Carrots and Garlic


K planting strawberries

We still have watermelon, cantelope, potatoes, and onions to plant...but those will have to wait for a few more days!

I already have basil, parsley, and chive sproutlings! I am so excited! Maybe I won't be so bad at this after all!

Nikki's Character Creations

You've got all of the basic neccessities needed for your baby. You've set up the crib, you're stocked up on Diapers and Baby Wipes, the car seat is installed in the car. But you are missing something, you just can't put your finger on it. What are you missing? Nikki's Character Creations accessories for your baby's nursery! At Nikki's Character Creations, you will find handpainted Wall Art, Knobs and Drawer Pulls, Picture Frames, and Wall Letters...just to name a few!

We spend so much time, consumed over the long list of items needed for our children's upcoming arrival, that we forget to add that special personal touch to the nursery. Even the smallest items, like custom handpainted knobs and drawer pulls can make a world of difference!

Check out a few of my favorite items that you can find at Nikki's Character Creations:



Hand Painted Wooden Wall Letters



Hand Painted Eiffel Tower Wall Art



Brown and Pink Heart Knob

I Am Thankful

I AM THANKFUL:


FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT ' S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.


FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.


FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.


FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .



FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.


FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.



FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE



FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME


FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.


FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .


FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.


FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.



FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.


FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.



FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.


AND I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE crazy people I work with
BECAUSE they make work interesting and fun!

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL

BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE
THINKING OF ME.

Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!

Too Cute For Words

She loves to do anything and everything that Daddy does! Don't mind the mess, they were goofing off during lunch!

Lilly Pea Designs

Since I've been a mom, I've realized the need for great stationary. Stationary is needed for sending quick "Thank You" notes for gifts received or to say "Thank You", to that special friend for lending a helping hand. In a way, the design of your stationary reflects your personality and style. You can purchase your stationary anywhere, from office supply stores to WalMart, but why settle for what everyone else has when you can visit Lilly Pea Designs and customize your own?!

When I asked Jennifer, owner/creator of Lilly Pea Designs, when and why she started her business, she had this to say:

For a few years now I’ve been creating hand made cards and invitations, and it has always been my dream to sell my creations. With encouragement from my family and friends I opened my Etsy shop in November 2008. I’m not certain how successful I actually have been, but I’m really enjoying the adventure & pretty please with the sales I’ve had. Every day I learn something new, I have a super long list of ideas, meet a new person, make a new contact- it has been really exciting. The BIG goal is to quit my day job and be a full time crafter.

Here are a few items I loved at Lilly Pea Designs:




The Betty




Little Birdie Promotion




Debbie's Mix

As you can see, Lilly Pea Designs has great stationary at afforable prices! Be sure to order yours today, you know you will need it!

It's Time To Partay!

I'm new to the blogging world, so when I heard about a blog party, I was confused! How? Where? Huh?

So after I read a little more information about it, I thought, this is pretty cool. Now, I'm still a bit confused, but when someone says "Party", I'm there!

If you'd like more information on this huge, weeklong blog party, visit 5 Minutes For Mom!

If this is your first time viewing the MarieLynn Boutique Blog, feel free to comment below and tell me about yourself! Join my super cool list of "Followers". They are the most amazing group of people I know! Lastly, check out my website, MarieLynn Boutique! I am always adding new products, so check back often. If you don't see something that you like, email me and we can work together to come up with something that is uniquely yours!

Fat Lip Number One

It is inevitable, when you have a toddler, there will be bumps and bruises. I'm what you can call a "manic mommy", and I try to envision any slips, trips, and falls so that I can do my best to prevent them.

Today, D went to the store and found a Patio Set for K to play with outside while we do our gardening (more on the garden tomorrow). I thought, that's a great idea! It will keep her occupied while we plant our fruits, veggies, and flowers.

So D is setting up the Patio Set here in the Living Room, I run into the kitchen to grab a drink. I come back to find K sprawled out face first on the floor. She tried to sit in her chair and it fell over. Poor girl, she isn't crying too bad, but I see her lip swelling. D is holding her trying to comfort her and then I see blood! It's the first time she's ever bled, in all of her 18months. So I immediately take over, telling D to grab a washcloth, a bag of ice, and the motrin. By the time he gets back, she is already distracted by Sesame Street on the tv. Somehow, her bottom tooth cut her upper lip. Not too bad, the bleeding stopped after a minute or so.

The swelling is still pretty bad. I gave her the Motrin for the pain and told her to give the ice kisses, trying to keep the swelling down. If you have a toddler, you know that there will be tons more moments like this...as a mom you know seeing your baby hurt just breaks your heart.




The Victim: It's hard to see the swelling, but it is on her upper lip on your left hand side.




My little Rolie Polie wouldn't sit still for a clear photo.




The Culprit

Little Miss Julia

At Little Miss Julia, you will find an assortment of Hair Accessories that give every girl a little glitz and glamour! Each barrette is handmade to order, to ensure that you receive the best quality product.

Little Miss Julia opened in December 2008, after Joanne (owner of Little Miss Julia) received compliments on the hair accessories that she had made for her daughter. Little Miss Julia is easy to navigate and very "user-friendly". Customers can customize their own hair accessories, by visiting the Color Chart on the site to view the broad range of colors available for embellishments.

What will you find at Little Miss Julia?


Green,Blue, and Yellow Daisy Barrette



Pink,Yellow, and Orange Smiling Daisy Barrette



Three Lady Bugs Barrette

While you are shopping for your daughter, don't forget to purchase a few barrettes to give as gifts. You can even have your items gift wrapped! If you have any questions before you purchase, be sure to email or call Joanne at Little Miss Julia!

Diaper Bag Sale!

MarieLynn Boutique has a sale on all Diaper Bags! These Diaper Bags are all great quality and very durable. What is even better, they are super cute!

Each Diaper Bag is spacious enough to carry all of your babies nessecities, and then some! I should know, my daughter's Diaper Bag is a mobile refridgerator, closet, medicine cabinet, etc. All of that, in addition to the diapers, diaper wipes case, and matching changing pad (included with your Diaper Bag).

So head on over to MarieLynn Boutique and swap that drab Diaper Bag you've been carrying for a hip Diaper Bag from MarieLynn Boutique!

Dreamscapes Baby Boutique

Dreamscapes Baby Boutique is the place to shop for the fresh, hip mom and baby. What makes Dreamscapes Baby Boutique stand out? They cater especially to boys! While you will find numerous items for your Princess, Dreamscapes Baby Boutique has everything for your little Prince or Rock Star-In-Training!

When asked when and why owner Amber opened Dreamscapes Baby Boutique, she said the following;

I officially started business in February of 2008. The idea however happened the year before after I had my son Aidan. Originally, I had planned on just designing and creating nursery bedding and baby accessories, but my mother pushed me to do more and the boutique was opened in June of 2008! Before my son was born, I had a definite idea of what his room should look like. The last part to add was the bedding and I couldn’t find what I wanted anywhere. I searched many stores and online and found nothing exactly what I wanted, or any business that could create what I wanted at an affordable price. I ended up buying a solid green set and was very disappointed. Not 9 months later, my best friend had a girl and experienced the same problems. Before the shower, we searched for days to find round crib bedding in her favorite colors and found nothing even close. To top it off, round crib bedding is expensive! I ended up making her a bedding set as a surprise in those colors and loved it so much I made it into a business!

Dreamscapes Baby Boutique is such a fun place to shop! I am absolutely ecstatic about their custom crib bedding. I am anxiously awaiting Amber's line of ready-made bedding so that I can add it to MarieLynn Boutique. Her talent and passion for what she does definitely shows in her products, I am sure you will feel the same way! Here are just a few of my faves at Dreamscapes Baby Boutique:



Happy Skulls Leg Warmers Set




Appaman Race Car Tee





Nano Brown Car Tee

Be sure to check out Dreamscapes Baby Boutique's Custom Crib Bedding! You can work one on one with Amber to create your own Crib Bedding!

Amber would also love for you to know;

Well, the first time you visit you’re a guest! The next time you visit, you’re family! We hope every parent out there sends us photos of their darlings in our clothing or bedding. We want the details too! Every client we’ve created for has become a friend and we love to hear about how the babies are doing and what is going on in their life. We’re not out to create customers, we’re out to create friendships!

Leading Women In Business 2009

Thank you to everyone who has voted for MarieLynn Boutique in this competition!
The competition ends on 31 March, so there is still plenty of time to cast your votes. Please remember that you can only vote once each day.

I also wanted to share with you a few great sites that you can also vote for. After you vote for them, be sure to check out their websites. These ladies are really talented and deserving of this award!

MarieLynn Boutique
Pitter Patter Creations
Nanny Deprived
Photo-Card Designs
Little Miss Julia

If you find another site that you would like me to list here, please send me the link! I'd be happy to post it here.

Teacups And Mudpies

Besides having a darling name, Teacups and Mudpies is a darling boutique! Teacups and Mudpies was launced in September 2008. Holly, owner of Teacups and Mudpies, worked tirelessy each day for a year to turn her dreams of being a stay at home mom into a reality. All while caring for a one year old AND pregnant. Oh, the strength us women possess!

So what can you find at Teacups and Mudpies? Well, only the very best in unique gifts, trendy room décor, and fashionable clothing!

Below I've listed just a few items I fell in love with at Teacups and Mudpies:



Sushi Sushi Sey By Dilly Bop Designs



Baby Paris Infant Car Seat Cover by Nollie Covers



Garden Party Movable Mural by Three Little Ziglets




Pinacle Red Pettidress

So, stop drooling already! Head on over to Teacups and Mudpies and do a little retail therapy. Your kids will thank you!

St. Patrick's Day Hairbow Winner!

We had a great turnout for our latest giveaway! Be sure to follow this blog, follow me on Twitter, sign up for our newsletter, or fan us on facebook to stay up-to-date on all things MLB!

Using Random.org, the lucky winner is....

Tamara B!


Tamara B. said...
Beautiful bows. I love the This Emerald Green Shamrock Layered Bow.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

February 24, 2009 10:01 AM

Congratulations! And thank you again to everyone who entered.