Friday's Feature

First of all....wishing you

Be safe & have fun!!!

Welcome to Friday's Feature! Every Friday I feature a spectacular company I have discovered and share it with you. So today, I would like to introduce you to Christy, creator of Better Home Interiors.
I originally was drawn to her site because of the Vinyl Lettering she offers. I don't know if you have discovered vinyl lettering yet, but it is pretty new down here in little old Georgia. And I love it! I have been waiting on my hubby to paint my shutters & front door black so I can put a little vinyl "Welcome" on my front door. (Hint, hint hubby if you are reading this!)


Vinyl Lettering isn't the only thing Better Home Interiors offers! She also offers these Snowman Plates...


Entertainment Centers..........


Furniture, Picture frames, Shelves, and the list goes on.
I asked Christy what inspired her to start her business and here is what she had to say...

"Better Home Interiors began nearly 6 years ago when my oldest son was just a baby. I knew that I wanted to stay at home with my children but I never wanted to give up the association with other adults. As women I think we need this to keep our sanity! I started with a fabulous line of furniture, accessories and some home decor. Once I got going I was hooked and have never looked back. Most of my business has been word of mouth advertising, just enough to keep busy in attempt to juggle business, home life and a growing family. This year we opened our business to online shopping www.BetterHomeInteriors.com and we have continued to add more furniture, decor, seasonal decorating and a full line of DIY craft kits. We have enjoyed the growth with the help of new vendors and fantastic and creative women and moms with the same passion. It's very rewarding to work with and support other women in their endeavors! We now work with a clientele all over the United States and Canada. Thank you to all of our current and future customers because we certainly couldn't do it without you and your support! As readers of The Gift Closet we offer to you a 10% discount on your order by using the discount code 'GiftCloset' when checking out as a thank you. "

So hop on over to Better Home Interiors and enjoy a 10% discount as a Gift Closet reader! Simply enter "GiftCloset" when checking out. And be sure to tell her I sent ya'!

Interested in a link exchange? Please email me...I won't bite! ;) heatherldt@bellsouth.net

See you tomorrow for Savin' on Saturday!

Thoughts for Thursday

2 things for today. First is a site called Gagas.com. I rented my daughter's Easter dress from there, it was gorgeous!!! And now they are going out of business & selling all their beautiful dresses, accessories, tuxes & suits for boys, etc. Go check it out!

Secondly, I received an award last week from Nana's Box & am behind in accepting it! Thank you!!




Here are the RULES for the Award:

*Mention the blog that gave you the award and comment on their blog to let them know that you have posted their award. You also have to list 6 things you VALUE and 6 things you Don't VALUE. Lastly, you have to pass the award onto 6 other friends!

Six Things I Value:
1. My Faith.
2. Family.
3. Friends
4. Health
5. Food-tee-hee-hee!
6.My Time.

Six Things I DO NOT value:

1. Pessimists
2. Rude people.
3. Closed Minded People
4. Politics
5. Anyone who messes with my babies! ;)
6. Any type of abuse.

Six Blogs I Pass this Award to:
1. Kiki & Lele-Beautiful Jewelry!
2. Sweet Cheeky Designs-My blog designer..the best! ;)
3. Vintage Flea-A local artist who is creative beyond measure!
4. Thirty Handmade Days-Lots of fun & craft ideas!
5. Kari & Kijsa-Designers & Inspiration
6. A Year of Crockpotting-Need I say more?


Interested in promoting your business through Christmas @ The Gift Closet? Please click on the "Email Me" button on the Right sidebar. Thanks!

Win It Wednesday

Welcome to Win It Wednesday. The winner of the products from Facial Care Boutique

#20-Wendy
Congrats!

Please feel free to snag my "I Won @ The Gift Closet" button off the right sidebar & wear it proud! ;)

CONTEST CLOSED

This week's giveaway is for a Seasons Greetings Chenille Stocking from Cotton Candy Creations!
Close-up....
I was lucky enough to win a Witch Hat centerpiece & 3 Pumpkins from Candy a fewweeks ago & have been enjoying displaying them for Halloween! And now she has generously donated this beautiful Chenille Stocking for one lucky winner!

Here are some pics of my winnings....



I asked Candy what inspired her to start these fun creations and here is what she had to say....

"We started Cotton Candy Creations about 12 years or so ago. We have had great success selling to Bass Pro, The Cracker Barrel and at shows. We were living in a 4 story Victorian home, with every floor filled with baskets of body parts, snowmen, wood items, etc. waiting to be finished and I had a baby on my hip and one on the way. We decided to close up shop for a while, and raise babies. Now years later, my kids are fat, sassy and independent, crafting is all I want to do.

We enjoy all the emails we get from customers, and how happy they are with our items. We think you will really love our site and all the primitive and country items we have to offer. So come see us, we will craft some thing up for you here in the heart of the Ozarks!"

CONTEST CLOSED

Grab this button: <center><a href="http://thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-gift-closetcoming-soon.html"><img border="0" src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/giftlady64/comeseechristmas.gif" /></a></center>
then come back here and leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
Contest open to US residents only & ends Tuesday 11/4 at midnight.
Thanks & Good Luck!

P.S. Christmas is less than 2 months away!! ~Giddy!~

Tuesday's Tip

Ok, I don't have a picture for this so it may be a pointless post, but I wanted to share it anyway!I haven't done it this year, but for the past few years I have gone and bought the real, miniature pumpkins. Cut out the center, to about halfway through the pumpkin, drop a tealight candle in it, and light! It is the cutest little Pumpkin candle you've ever seen! Tried to find pics online, but can't. Maybe if I do it before the week's out I'll share some pics....

Also, a while back I won a Hip T from Maria's Space. It sits right on your hips, right where you need it. You slip it on, pull it over your jeans, shorts or shirt and pull it over your hips, done.

No more muffin top or what color underwear you are wearing displays!
It comes in all the colors you will ever need; Olive, brown, aqua, cream, orange, and many more!




Feel free to grab my button and place it on your site! Thanks so much for helping me spread the word about The Gift Closet!! ;)


Grab this button:
<center><a href="http://www.thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/giftlady64/giftclosetbutton.gif" /></a></center>

Make It Monday

Welcome to Make It Monday! Today I would like to share a yummy Fall recipe...

Pumpkin Bars

Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 cup oil
1 (16 oz) can pumpkin
4 eggs
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup softened butter or margarine
1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Combine all bar ingredients except nuts & raisins. Beat at a low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in nuts & raisins (optional). Pour into pan and cook 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For frosting, combine all ingredients. Beat until smooth. Frost bars when cooled. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator. Yields 48 bars. A 13x9x2-inch pan can be used, but bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Enjoy!!


Feel free to email this post using by clicking on the little envelope below with the black arrow on it....

See you tomorrow for Tuesday's Tip!

Be Still Sunday

Savin' on Saturday

Welcome to Savin' on Saturday! Each Saturday I have a sale @ The Gift Closet.
Before I announce my sale for the week, I would like to thank Sandra over at Mommies Gone Crazy for the great feature on the Gift Closet & my Soy Linen & Body Spray!
Also, be sure to check out Lil Peanut Patch and Posh Point of View as they are both giving away some of my Soy Whipped Body Butter!

This week's sale is on my Soy Linen & Body Spray. They normally are $5 each and until Tuesday 10/28/08 they are on sale at 4 for $15.00. So basically you buy 3 get 1 free. There are some great scents to choose from....Eternity by Calvin Klein, Plumeria, Chanel's Chance, and the list goes on. Click here to shop and have a great weekend!

And click below to shop with some great Female Entrepreneurs! Some of our latest additions are
The Spotted Box, Dragonfly Designs, & Aly Dots. See more here.....

Friday's Feature, BOGO, & free shipping!!

Today my very yummy feature is Creative Cakes and Cookies . And I do mean yummy! Jana is a local friend, but she does ship her tasty treats, so keep on drooling, I mean reading!

I have been lucky enough to taste her homemade cupcakes, cakes, cupcake cakes, Apple Cake, homemade doughnut holes, from scratch cinnamon rolls, and cookies...well....any chance I get! ;) I have had her make cakes, cupcake cakes, and cookies for both of my children's birthdays and have never been disappointed. The frosting on her cakes is to die for! After several requests, she has finally started shipping her delightful yummies...lucky for you! ;)

I asked Jana what inspired her to start her business & here is what she had to say...

"I remember as a child watching and helping my mom bake all the time. Then on our birthdays, she would always make a special cake to match the party theme. She is very talented and taught me a thing or two about cakes. Before I had my own children, I was a nanny for three boys and I made their birthday cakes. After having my own boys, I wanted to do the same thing for them. My boys are pretty fortunate to have the opportunity of trying new cookies all the time. Shortly after having made a few cakes, I had several friends encourage me to go into business for myself doing what I love. So here I am, making and creating cakes, cupcake cakes, and cookies. "


So hop on over to Creative Cakes & Cookies and see some of her adorable custom cakes and other goodies she has created.

And....Gift Closet readers can enjoy a "sweet" offer from Jana....Buy One Dozen Cookies, Get One Dozen Free Cookies and Free shipping until 11/1/08!!! YUMMY!

Upon placing your order, just tell her you are a Gift Closet reader and you will receive the BOGO offer as well as enjoy free shipping.



Interested in getting your company name in front of thousands of readers every month? Please email me for details to advertise on our main page.... heatherldt@bellsouth.net

Thoughts for Thursday

Drum roll please.............

I am thrilled to announce Twelve Days of Christmas is coming to Christmas @ The Gift Closet.....er.....12 Days of Giveaways!
Yes, that's right. December 1-12 you'll need to stop by daily cuz The Gift Closet is having an awesome giveaway each day! And the companies that you can look for to sponsor the giveaways? Well ladies, they are right under your nose. I am sure if you are a fabulous reader ~wink wink~ of The Gift Closet, then you surely have read about "Christmas @ The Gift Closet". Just click on this little button anytime you see it....


and you will be looking at some great companies to shop with and out of those companies, 12 of them are offering some really great giveaways for our Twelve Days of Christmas! So mark your calenders ladies for December 1-12.
See you there!
BTW....feel free to email or pass this post along and help me spread the word. Also, feel free to snag my "Christmas @ The Gift Closet" button below and put on your site. Muchas Gracias! (My lame attempt at Spanish. )

Grab this button: <center><a href="http://thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-gift-closetcoming-soon.html"><img border="0" src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/giftlady64/comeseechristmas.gif" /></a></center>

Speaking of giveaways...click here to see what great products ( yes I said products...meaning multiple) ~giddy~ I have on Win It Wednesday now! ;)

See you tomorrow for our Fabulous Friday's Feature! I dare say, if you like cookies......you won't want to miss it!

Win It Wednesday

Welcome to Win It Wednesday! Our winner for the Personalized Size 2 Girls Tee from Polka Dot Market is

#28 "Raspberry Light Bulb"

Look for her blog post about her winnings coming soon! Congrats!
(Winner is selected each week using random.org)
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CONTEST CLOSED
I am so excited to announce this week's giveaway from Facial Care Boutique . It is for one full sized Goat's Milk Firming Night Cream with Argireline and Hyaluronic Acid (sells for $15) as well as Goat's Milk Eye Treament Cream with Eyeliss (tm) (sells for $12.50). Both just launched and mix the latest technologies with the most natural ingredients.


I asked Karley to share with us what inspired her to start her company and here is what she had to say:

"I have been interested in facial care for a good long time. In my "past life" pre motherhood, I was a makeup artist and aesthetician. I sold Mary Kay at 19 in my dorm and worked as a freelance makeup artist for Lancome while in college as well. I did facials for Clarins. I was a poli sci major in college, and I thought I may be an attorney or a journalist covering politics. Skin care won out, though. I have always had a love for this. Two life altering events changed my personal focus to the ingredients being natural. When I was pregnant with our first child in 2003, I started studying the effects of toxins used in the cosmetics and toiletry industry on our bodies. Then my dad died of pancreatic cancer when I was pregnant with our second child. I started studying at great lengths the possible links between cancer and what goes into our skin. I harnessed my knowledge of this industry, studied everything I could about formulating, read as many studies and relevant articles as possible, and decided to put my knowledge and passion to good use. I believe in what I make. I love the products. I believe in working hard and truly having equal parts passion to equal parts knowledge & experience. My Goat's Milk Facial Cream is now in the Oct. 2008 issue of Martha Stewart's BODY + SOUL magazine, so I am very pleased!"

You go girl! What an accomplishment to have your products in a national magazine!


CONTEST CLOSED

Be sure to click on the button below to visit our latest additions to Christmas @ The Gift Closet!

Tuesday's Tip

Welcome to Tuesday's Tip!

Hopefully you won't ever need to use this service, but I did a few years ago & it accomplished exactly what I needed. Ever needed to file a complaint about something? Using the right words and doing so in a professional manner can make a big difference in getting what you want. Fill in the complaint letter template at www.consumeraction.gov (search complaint letter) and show that shoddy manufacture, service provider, or store that you mean business. There's no guarantee you'll get your problem fixed, but at least you'll have a fighting chance! Also, instead of working your way up the chain of command, start @ the top. The head honcho is going to care a lot more about their company than some supervisor.
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Would like to be my next Fridays' Feature and get your company name in front of thousands of readers? Please click my "Email Me" button on the right sidebar. I look forward to hearing from you!

Make It Monday

Welcome to Make It Monday! I went to my friend Kelly's house last week & I have always loved the way she has her house decorated. Well, her Halloween decorations were something to envy as well! I didn't have my camera so I wasn't able to snap some pics of her homemade" Boo" pics, or her white pumpkins, or her handmade Fall wreaths on her front door. When I got home later that day she had sent me a pic. of her latest creation, her painted pumpkin. Check it out!

How cute is that???? I asked her how she made it & and she said she got the pumpkin for 60% off @ Michael's=$7, black acrylic paint for $.50, and ribbon at the dollar store. How fun!! Now if only I can be that creative!!

And here is another one she just sent me that she did for a teacher 2 school....lucky teacher! ;)


Here are some other Fall decorations that I have come across. Please feel free to send me yours so I can feature all you crafty folks out there!!! ;)

Pumpkin Topiaries from "Grams".


One of my favorite blogs is Ask Kari & Kijsa. They create some of the most beautiful things! I love the whole idea of the pumpkins on the candlesticks.


Another site I like is Better Home Interiors



Anywho, I could go on all day w/ the Fall decorations. Feel free to email me your Fall/Halloween decor around your home for next week's post & have a blessed day!!



Check out my sale going on now...15% off all of my Soy Bath & Body products! Click here to shop.

Be Still Sunday

Savin' on Saturday

Welcome to Savin' on Saturday! My Soy Linen & Body Spray & Soy Whipped Body Butter are 15% off until Tuesday 10/21. Click here to shop & save!

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Submit your product for Win It Wednesday by emailing me at heatherldt at bellsouth.net!
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I am working hard to promote these awesome sites that are joining us for Christmas @ The Gift Closet. Won't you help me promote small businesses like these by putting my Christmas @ The Gift Closet button on your site?

Grab this button: <center><a href="http://thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-gift-closetcoming-soon.html"><img border="0" src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/giftlady64/comeseechristmas.gif" /></a></center>Thank you!

Christmas @ The Gift Closet

Welcome to Christmas @ The Gift Closet! Let this be your "go-to" guide for where to shop this Holiday Season. All of the companies listed here are run by hard-working female entrepreneurs. Not that I have anything against the men, but let's here it for the ladies!! ~~claps & shouts!~~

Benefits of shopping from home and from this list of wonderful ladies:
1. Save gas!
2. Support lots of SAHM,WAHM, Female Entrepreneurs, & Small Businesses
3. Give unique, custom handmade gifts!
4. Save time driving all over town shopping. (Well, that can be fun, but anyway!)
5. Help promote small businesses!

Let's shop!



If you are interested in seeing your company here please email me at heatherldt at bellsouth.net


More to come............