A Valentine Giveaway

As Valentines' Day approaches I am thinking of lots of sweet things to giveaway! One I would like to start with is a Customized Digital Valentine's Day card or Valentines' Treat Toppers from Knapp Scraps!

Through my blogging adventures I have had the pleasure of meeting Jody from Knapp Scrapps. Jody offers custom digital cards and designs.

CONTEST CLOSED

For Valentines' Day Jody is offering these adorable Treat Toppers.....


or a Personalized Valentine!
Here is how it works if you win:
For the Card:
1. Choose your favorite design.
2. Send your photo, along with any text or special requests, to Jody. Please specify if you would like the photo in color, black & white, sepia, tes-stained (as shown) or any other finish. Cards are designed as a 5x7, so please let her know if you would like a 4x6 or alternate size. All cards are fully customizable so if you would like to change anything about this design (wording, fonts, orientation…etc.) just let her know!
3. A proof will them be emailed to you within 48 hours. Please review the proof carefully and feel free to make any comments or suggestions for revisions. Once you are satisfied with the design you will be emailed the final high resolution file (within 48 hours)so you can print as many as you need.

Or you can choose to win the adorable Valentine Treat Toppers!

I love it!!!!

Jody's Inspiration:

"I have always enjoyed making paper cards and invitations but in 2005 I was introduced to digital scrapbooking and I have been addicted ever since! Going digital has allowed me to expand my designs for cards and announcements. I love being able to change colors, fonts and designs with the click of a mouse.

I have enjoyed making products for friends and family but then I found Etsy! So here I am with my own little business. So thanks for looking and I hope you find something you like!!"


How To Win:
CONTEST CLOSED

1. Leave a comment here telling me if you would choose the Valentine Treat Topper or the Digital Card. Winner will be notified via email so be sure you have an email address in your comment or on your profile.

2. For an extra entry you can list The Gift Closet on your blog roll....or snag my button for your blog. After doing so, please come back here and leave an additional comment stating you did so. Easy as pie!

3. For another entry you can vote for The Gift Closet as "Best Breakthrough Performance" by clicking here!

4. Contest ends Monday 2/2/09 at midnight.

Friday's Features!

As you may know by now, a passion of mine is to promote and help other Mom-prenuers and Women Entrepreneurs! That's what my "Friday's Feature" each week is all about! However, I have found so many great women to feature, right now my waiting list for Friday's Features is into June! So, I'm doing a little re-vamping & each week I will feature not one, but at least 2 fabulous companies!

So without further adue, I would like to introduce you to my Friday's Features for today!

Three Pine Design is a site owned by 3 sisters (and friends of mine;) featuring hip accessories for Mom, Baby, & Toddler!

One of my favs is the Hip Party Hats they make! They offer a variety of colors & designs...and they are too cute!

Ashley, Ryan, & Samantha make blankets, bibs, burpees, and party hats.
Here is what inspired these 3 Moms to start Three Pine Design:

"Three Pine Design began in January 2008. We are a group of 3 sisters who were inspired by our children and the desire to create cute, affordable accessories for them. We love the process of selecting new fabrics and creating new patterns. Our goal is to create fun, hip and affordable accessories for both babies and moms."

And Three Pine Design is offering 20% off one item right now by using the code"skirt!" at check out!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My 2nd feature for the day is Janna with jacjewelry!

Janna's handmade jewelry includes Bridal Sets, Earrings, Necklaces, & Bracelets!
Here is what inspired Janna to start creating jewelry:

"I've always liked unique fashion accessories. In 2006, while on vacation visiting family, I went to a bead store with my aunt, and walked out of there with a big bag of beads… I came home and made my first piece from those beads immediately.

I made a few more pieces after that, but did not get absolutely addicted to jewelry-making until two years ago. After designing and making wedding favors, place cards and thank you cards for my own wedding, I thought it would be a great idea to offer customized bridal accessories to match a wedding theme. I created a website and started selling both “regular” jewelry and my wedding creations! Last March, I opened my Etsy shop (jacjewelry.etsy.com), which has become one of the main venues for selling my work.

Now, I’m absolutely addicted to making jewelry and don’t plan on stopping any time soon!"

Hop on over to jacjewelry and check out her creations!

Click here to shop with more great Women Entrepreneurs on The Gift Closet!

A Blog Makeover

My wonderful blog designer, Traci, from Sweet Cheeky Designs, is giving back!

Each month Traci chooses someone who she admires, or has done something to catch her eye, and do a courtesy blog for them! If you know someone who could use and deserves a blog makeover, nominate them by clicking here and posting it in a comment! Tell Traci I sent ya'! ;)

Thoughts for Thursday - A Different Valentine

I can't believe Sunday is February 1st! That means Valentine's Day is right around the corner! I came across some cute ideas last year (in a magazine, prolly Parenting) for a little bit of a different kind of valentine. I thought they were too cute and wanted to share this one. I plan to do it this year for teachers, etc....unless I get too lazy....which is usually what happens! HA!

I'm Cocoa For You
Simply write a message on a card stock heart, stick it to a red paper cup with double-sided tape, and add a package of Hot cocoa mix. Too fun!

If you have any crafty or unique Valentine ideas, please do tell! You can leave a comment here, or email it to me so I can post all about it (and link back to you! ~wink~) in a later post!!

And in case you missed my "pssstt" comment yesterday @ the bottom of the post, I am planning a Valentine's Day Blog Party, here at The Gift Closet, February 7-14th and there will be giveaways! The theme will be "Sharin' The Love". Details are coming! ;)

AND, if you haven't already, please hop on over to MomDot and vote for The Gift Closet as "Best Breakthrough Performance"! Click here to vote.
I'll owe ya' one!!

Win It Wednesday - $25 Gift Certificate to Beautiful Bridget!

Welcome to Win It Wednesday! I have a few "housekeeping" things before I announce the giveaway for today!

1. The winner of the $50 Gift Certificate to Sunshine Botanicals is #95 Cynthia . Congrats!

2. Be sure to stop by Petit Elephant, where little old me is the guest blogger this week! ;)

3. Thanks to all who commented yesterday on my question. I am looking into all the suggestions & I will let ya'll know who I use. I knew I could count on my bloggy friends to help me out!! ~wink wink~

I am delighted this week to give away a $25 Gift Certificate to Beautiful Bridget!
Kim from Beautiful Bridget offers Crochet & Knit Scarves, Cowls, Scarflettes, Hats & more!

Don't her pieces look warm & cozy?
Kim's Inspiration:

"My Mom taught me at a young age to crochet and so I've always had the knowledge and desire to create but never really thought of making pieces to sell until Etsy came along. I started out small but gradually grew my business over time...I really enjoy not only creating and selling new pieces but also the interaction with other artists on Etsy and other sites such as ArtFire, 1000Markets, ShopHandmade, etc."

Thanks so much for sharing Kim & for this great giveaway!

Here is how to win a $25 Gift certificate to Beautiful Bridget!

1. Leave a comment here. Winners will be notified via email, so please be sure there is a valid email address on your profile. If there is not, please leave it in the comment here. Thanks!

2. For ANOTHER entry click here and vote for "The Gift Closet" as "Best Breakthrough Performance" for 2008 on MomDot! I am honored to be nominated!!! After doing so come back here and leave an additional comment telling me you did it!

3. For an extra entry vote for me as your Technorati Favorite! After doing so, come back here and leave an additional comment telling me you did so!


3. Contest ends Tuesday 2/3/09 at midnight & is open to US shipping addresses only.

4. Interested in a link exchange? I would be happy to swap links and put yours on my "Links" page. Give me a shout if you are interested! You can reach me by clicking on my "Contact" button at the top of the page.

Question

I normally don't post twice in 1 day, but I have a quick question. Does anyone know how I can turn my Family Blog from last year into an actual scrapbook? I tried using Blurb.com & it looks as though they no longer support blogger. Any ideas??

Psssst......I'm planning a Valentine's Day Blog Party here @ The Gift Closet! The theme will be "Sharin' The Love", it will be Saturday 2/7-2/14 and there will be giveaways! YAY!!!

Tuesday's Tip - Time Management

First of all I want to thank all those who played Mamalicious Monday with me yesterday! (I sound like I'm a child again! LOL....) I enjoyed reading all the Mom posts!;)

The winner of the Oilcloth Board from Lilybella Boutique is #2 Karen of Sillymonkeez!! Congrats Karen! Can't wait to play again next week for another great prize! (Winner chosen via random.org)


This is week 3 of my "Launching Your Business" series. Please click here to see what it's all about.

This week I want to address a question from Krystyn over @ Krizzy Designs:

"When do you do most of your work with your kids? Nap time and bed time? That would be my biggest struggle if I were ever to stay home...how to get the work done while still taking care of the kids."

Honestly? Whenever I can! For example, right now, I am struggling to write this as we speak cuz my 3 year old is trying to get into some paperwork in my office!!

I sort of have a schedule I try to abide by, but I find I have to be extremely flexible. I try to write my posts the day before. The next morning I publish my daily post. On the mornings/days I have to get out, I just get done what I can.

Prioritizing has helped me a lot. Obviously for me, publishing my daily post & working on the next days' post are top priorities for the day. After that it's responding to emails, marketing, and if I'm lucky...at the end of the day....I get to play & actually go visit other blogs, etc.!

Having a 6 year old & 3 year old I really do have to prioritize & set limits for myself. When I first started this blog I was overwhelmed with all the ideas I had and all the great blogs I wanted to visit every day! I soon realized I couldn't visit all my favs each day, so I view them when I can.

I try to do my work during the day while my daughter is in school. Obviously I still have my 3 yr old and I do have to take breaks for lunch, snacks, diaper changes (yes he's still in diapers), and a little play time in between. If I have urgent urgent orders for my Scrabble Pendants, Body Butter, etc., I sometimes have to do those at night when the kids are in bed.

So to sum up my ramblings, I try to prioritize by doing my work during the day, and leaving the rest of the day for family. Setting a "stopping" time for yourself may help too. It's a hard balancing act....but it's worth being able to stay home with my little gifts from God, and do something I enjoy at the same time!

Well, looks like I need to wrap this post up. As we speak my 3 year old seems to have located my daughter's Red Dr Pepper flavored lip gloss, and drawn a lovely picture on her bedroom window! Time to take a break!!! ;)

P.S. Feel free to leave a comment here if you have a question about Launching Your Business.

Grab this button:
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Mamalicious Monday - A New Game & Giveaway!

Welcome to Mamalicious Monday! This is a fun bloggy game for Moms of all ages & another chance to win some Mom-prizes on The Gift Closet! Here is the low-down:
CONTEST CLOSED
1. Compose a post on your blog and title it "Mamalicious Monday". This post can be about anything Mom-related. It can be regarding parenting, marriage, funny things kids say, recipes, home-organizing tips, seeking or giving advice, etc. Anything a Mom would want to share or read!

2. In the post somewhere, please link back to The Gift Closet so your readers will know what Mamalicious Monday is.

3. Come back here and enter a link to your post in the Mr Linky box.

4. Here are links to examples of a Mamalicious Monday post:
Jennifer/Jaybird (Last week's winner!)
Heather (me!)
Contest ends tonight @ midnight & is open to US shipping addresses only.

5. A random winner will be chosen and today's prize is...... CONTEST CLOSED
An Oilcloth Pocket Board from Lilybella Boutique!
I can see this hanging in my office...great organizing tool! I already have some of Lilybella's products...and they are high-quality, original, and functional!

What inspired Karen to start Lilybella Boutique?

"My daughter, Allison and I created Lilybella in 2007, and I have worked with her behind the scenes in the roles of product design and sew contractor. My passion has always been sewing. My mother taught me to sew when I was a young girl and I, in turn, taught my daughter. We have had so much fun designing products that we love, for ourselves, and products for her children, i.e. my precious grandchildren.

Allison and I have enjoyed working together and it has been a rewarding experience for both of us. Unfortunately, with three young children, it has become more and more difficult for her to continue on in a full time capacity. Therefore, I have decided to "take the reins" and continue on, as I cannot bring myself to give up this fun and rewarding business. Allison continues on in the role of administrator of the web site."

So, enter your Mamalicious Monday post here to win!

A Proud Moment......

I normally don't post on Saturdays, but I have to share this. You may have seen this on the news. It is a story about my cousin, Truman Duncan.

I had just seen Truman at my Father's funeral in December of 2005. 6 months later, I was eating lunch, when I received a phone call that my cousin, Truman, had been in an accident at the rail yard he works at, and had been practically cut in half.

In the months that followed we prayed diligently, sent goody baskets his way, and waited. Amazingly enough, he came through. God answered our prayers, and must have something in store for him! He turned down opportunities to be on National television shows...until recently. He has come forward and shared his story of inspiration.

The following is a news story that aired on 20/20 last night about Truman. I must say, I am proud to be his cousin, and get homesick every time I see his face! :)

Truman Duncan

Friday's Feature - Author Lacresha Hayes

I first met Lacresha Hayes a few months ago when she approached me to be a guest blogger on her blog, Truth and Intimacy. This is a blog focused on marriage, with posts by both her & her husband.

Lacresha is the founder and VP of Living Waters Publishing Company and Christian Consulting Company. She is also the author of fifteen books, many articles, and a professional speaker. I respect and admire how she uses her past to become a better person, and share that encouragement and hope with others. Having been through some of the things she has myself, I appreciate her book, "The Rape of Innocence: Taking Captivity". I have the philosophy of "No Regrets" in my life. I choose to learn from what has happened and I choose to become a better & stronger person because of it. That is exactly what Lacresha has done. She has captured her experiences and how she has risen above them in her books. Lacresha also has an encouraging blog called Pretty, Prosperous, Powerful.
This is what inspired Lacresha to become an author:

"Writing has been a source of therapy for me. The books I write help me to heal from my past, accept my present, and hope for my future. Each time one goes to print and people begin to write me about them, it encourages me to write more. I find freedom when I write. I tap into my imagination where there are no walls and ceilings, no expectations. There's only me and whatever I want to create. That's a power most authors will tell you is addictive. When I tasted that freedom, I knew I'd write the rest of my life."

The Gift Closet readers can get any of her books, for $10 each, even the newest release, Truth and Intimacy ($19.99)! You can order by clicking here.

Thanks for sharing with us today Lacresha!!

You can share this post via email by clicking on the small white envelope below. Have a great weekend & see you Monday for another great giveaway on my new MEME, Mamalicious Monday!!

Thoughts for Thursday - Your Gift Closet

The winner of the Vinyl Wall Art from Scribble It (Mamalicious Monday) is #4 Jennifer/Jaybird. Congrats Jennifer!

I am so excited to announce a new place to shop...Your Gift Closet! Please click here to visit!

Do you know what a Gift Closet is? It is a "closet" or a place in your home where you keep a little stash of "ready-to-go" gifts. For example, while shopping you come across some adorable notepads, or journals, or pretty candles...at a great price of course! You stock up and stick them in your Gift Closet. Next time a birthday comes up...or special occasion...you can turn to your Gift Closet for a gift!

This page is specifically designed to be Your Personal Gift Closet! Your place to shop when you need a special gift! Most of these stores are owned by Mom or Female Entrepreneurs...who we love to support! My hope is that when you need a gift, you will turn to The Gift Closet and support these hard-working women!!

Click on the tab in the above navigation bar that says, "Need A Gift?" anytime you need a gift....for yourself or someone else! We appreciate your support!

If you are interested in seeing your company listed on "Your Gift Closet" please email me at heatherldt at bellsouth dot net! Orders are already being received from this page!

Win It Wednesday - $50 Gift Certificate to Sunshine Botanicals!

The winner of the Tag Lovie from All Sewn Up is #36 Karen.The 1st name drawn was #26, but she left no email addy. ;( Congrats to Karen!!

Jen from All Sewn Up would also like to extend a 10% discount to all Gift Closet readers who order within the next week. Use the code Gift Closet Give 10% when ordering.

Last year a friend invited me to a Ladies' Night Out at a local chiropractor's office. That is where I met Emily from Sunshine Botanicals. As a former owner of a Bath & Body product company, I was immediately drawn to her Natural Beauty products. I had the opportunity to try some of them & watch her perform a facial on a volunteer, and her products are wonderful! Click here to see some of the awards Sunshine Botanicals has received, as well as pics of Emily sharing her products with stars at the Emmys...too cool!

Emily Fritchey, the President of Sunshine Botanicals, is a clinical Aesthetician licensed through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology with over 20 years of experience in the field of professional skin care.

A self proclaimed "ingredient freak", Emily's passion for skin care developed as a direct result of her own difficult skin issues as a teenager that traditional medicine could not remedy. Determined to understand "why" these conditions existed, she began a path of study and research that ultimately led to the development of Sunshine Botanicals.

She has everything from Cleansers...

to Moisturizers & Serums...

to a new Pumpkin Power Peel Kit!

Emily has so generously offered to give away a $50 Gift Certificate to Sunshine Botanicals!

CONTEST CLOSED

How to Win:

1. Go to Sunshine Botanicals, find out what product she is offering for her January Special, come back here, and tell me what the product is in your comment. Winners will be notified via email, so please be sure to leave a valid email address in your comment, if it is not on your profile.
2. Contest ends Tuesday 1/27/09 at midnight & is open to US addresses only.

CONTEST CLOSED

Would you like to see your company's ad on the bottom of the next Win It Wednesday post? Please email me at heatherldt at bellsouth dot net for more info.

Tuesday's Tip - Pricing Your Product

Welcome to my "Launching Your Business" series. For more info on what this is, please click here.

This week I want to talk a little about how to price your product. First you can start by searching the Internet for the exact competition of your product. For example, let's say you sell Soy Lotion in a 4 oz plastic bottle. Do a search on "4 oz Soy Lotion". Be as specific as you can. After finding at least 3 competitor's prices, I try to price mine somewhere in the middle. You don't necessarily want to be the lowest, because that doesn't always say "quality".

You can also shop competitors at local stores. I usually see what my competitors are pricing theirs at and go somewhere in the middle. I also try to think...what would I pay for this product? You can also ask close friends and family & get their opinions as to what they would pay for something. Chances are they are going to be your fist customers anyway! ;)

Someone once told me my Scrabble Pendants were to cheap. I personally wouldn't pay much more for one than what I sell it for...so I left it at that price. Don't get too greedy and price too high. And don't sell yourself short by pricing it too low.

In order to price your product, you need to figure out exactly how much it costs you to produce it as well. That includes taxes, shipping, etc. Come up with a complete cost per item. Let's say it costs me $2.50 to make something. All my competitors are selling it for $4.00. You have to ask yourself is it really worth $1.50?

This may be a crazy way of doing things, but here is how I kind of figure out if something is going to be worth my time. Let's just say I am making Bubble Bath and it takes me 1 hour to make 15 bottles....start to finish...labeling it and everything. I have figured my cost, what I will sell it for, and come up with a profit of $2.00 per bottle. So, if I can make 15 bottles in one hour at $2.00 profit per bottle...that means I am paying myself $30 per hour. Not too shabby!

I once wanted to make notecards. After looking at the time it would take me & the cost of the product, I could not justify doing it as a business. If it is a passion, and your number one goal is not necessarily making money, then go for it! But if you are looking for a decent profit, then, this is something worth considering.

So, that's just a little help in pricing your product. Next week I will discuss wholesale versus retail. Questions or comments on this post? Please leave a comment here or email me.

Interested in advertising on The Gift Closet? This blog receives over 10,000 hits per month. I offer 6 ways to promote your business on The Gift Closet! Email me at heatherldt at bellsouth dot net today to receive your Media Kit!

Mamalicious Monday!

Woo-hoo! Welcome to my first Mamalicious Monday!
Contest CLOSED

I have been trying to think of something new & fun for Mondays on The Gift Closet and this is it! Not only that, but I have companies lined up till May to do giveaways on The Gift Closet, so it looks like I need to add another day to give stuff away! ;)

Mamalicious Monday is an opportunity for Moms of all ages to blog about anything Mom-related…and win prizes for doing it!

1. Compose a post about anything to do with being a Mom. It can be regarding parenting, marriage, funny things kids say, recipes, home-organizing tips, seeking or giving advice, etc. Anything a Mom would want to share or read. Be sure to link back to The Gift Closet in your post.

2. Then, come to Mamalicious Monday on The Gift Closet, and post a link to your Mamalicious Monday blog post using Mr Linky!

3. I will have a drawing for a giveaway for one lucky Mom who has entered her blog post on Mr Linky! The prizes will be Mom-related….no baby gear….just goodies for Mom…gift certificates, candles, jewelry, etc. It will be fun and easy so be sure to stop by!

4. If you want to offer your product, or a gift certificate to your website, as a Mamalicious Monday giveaway, please email me!

5. Questions? Email me!

6. There will be 2 lucky winners today who will receive these Vinyl Wall Art from Scribble It:

(1) vintage chandelier in chocolate, size: 24"h
(1) blossoming poppy in chocolate, size: 22"h
What inspired Cammi to start Scribble It?

" Being a mom of 3 and on a budget, it was hard to find quality vinyl wall art and lettering at an affordable price. So I decided to start my own business, Scribble It. We specialize in quality vinyl, custom designs at a great price. At Scribble It, we have a variety of pre-designed quotes for any budget, and wall art that is funky and fun. From monograms, to personalized silhouettes to owls, birds and more, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Scribble It. For custom orders, please email us at ScribbleIt@msn.com"

So enter your Mamalicious Blog post link into the Mr Linky box above and you will be entered to win!! Contest open to US shipping addresses only.

CONTEST CLOSED

Be Still Sunday

Friday's Feature

I was unable to contact my feature for today, so I have no feature! ;( I think this is the 1st time this has happened! Anywho-nothing to write about today except to tell you to please join me on Monday for something new I am starting...Mamalicious Mondays! I am so excited...a day just for Moms...and another day of giveaways...for Moms only! Woo-hoo!!

I also want to point you to a new page on The Gift Closet...Your Gift Closet! Please click on the button in the top navigation bar labeled "Shop". There will be more companies to come and please let me know if you are interested in seeing your company on it as well!

So have a great weekend & I'll see you on Monday.

P.S. The Gift Closet receives over 10,000 hits per month! Please email me if you are interested in advertising on The Gift Closet! heatherldt at bellsouth dot net

Thoughts for Thursday -A Year of Change

A quick note to say thanks to Traci from Sweet Cheeky Designs for adding my new Navigation Bar at the top of the page!! Doesn't it look great? I'm running out the door to Bible Study this morning, but am looking forward to "de-cluttering" my side bars this afternoon! Hope you like the new look! And look for lots more companies coming to my new "Shop" page...can't wait!

Congrats to #79-Melissa, the winner of the Mini-Daily from Mom Agenda! And thanks to all 86 who entered! ;)

A Year of Change

A few weeks ago we returned from our Christmas trip to visit family in Texas. We had a wonderful time & always seem to come home praying God will open a door for us to move back.

I was driving down the road one day after returning home, and thought to myself, "I am ready for a change." Do you ever get in the mood for a change? I don't do that very often, but for whatever reason, I decided that day I was ready for change. Not that anything was bad in my life, just ready for something different I guess.

Well it seems as though God was preparing my heart, cuz we've had some minor changes around here lately, and some big life changes are on the horizon. Course, as a Mom, you know, kids are always bringing about change in our lives. They are ever-changing. Just about the time you get used to one phase...it's time for a new one!

Just this week my 3 year old had his 1st dentist appointment, my 6 year old lost her 1st tooth last night, and we found out last night we are definitely being re-districted into a new school next year. Other changes are on the horizon, but I am sure thankful God prepared my heart for change, since it seems as though this will be a year of change.

Psst...coming soon...Mamalicious Mondays...you won't want to miss it!

Win It Wednesday - A Tag Lovie Blanket

Welcome to Win It Wednesday! Thanks to all 194 who entered the contest to win the beautiful handbag from Nest Bags! The lucky winner (chosen by random.org) is #12 Lisa Sheldon!!

CONTEST CLOSED

And this week on Win It Wednesday you can enter to win an adorable Tag Lovie blanket for your baby or toddler from All Sewn Up!

These little blankets are ultra soft and a must-have for a blanket loving baby or toddler! approximately 12" X 12"
Made from ultra soft flannel*, will get softer and softer as it is washed! A variety of ribbons around the edges, of differing sizes and textures, make it fun for small babies to explore. All of the tag lovies have a solid flannel backing. The backing colors are as follows (and can be seen at jwsew.blogspot.com) butterflies: purple, monkeys: pink or blue or brown, cats: aqua, bugs: charcoal gray, and tractors: green. All fabrics are completely washable and have been prewashed for your convenience.

(*the cat material is not flannel but a really soft cotton)


I asked Jen Wilson, the creator of All Sewn Up, what inspired her to start her business, and here is what she said:

"I started All Sewn Up because I love to create things. I also found that I love to create things for moms and babies that are useful, affordable, beautiful and made with quality and integrity. I have two children and they have been recipients (guinea pigs:) of the things I have made and loved them, so I thought other moms and babies would like them as well. I hope that others will enjoy my creations as much as I do!"


Jen from All Sewn Up participated in our Christmas @ The Gift Closet promo, and now is kind enough to offer one of her Tag Lovies to a lucky winner on The Gift Closet!

Simply leave a comment here & be willing to blog about your winnings! Easy as pie! Winners will be notified via email, so please be sure you leave a valid email address in your comment if it is not on your profile. Contest ends Tuesday 1/20/09 at midnight & we can only ship to US addresses.

CONTEST CLOSED

All giveaways can be found under our "Current Giveaways" button on the left sidebar. Have a Blessed Day!

P.S. I am shamelessly begging for votes! I've never asked for votes in a contest before, but I love MomDot and wanted to participate...so please click on the box below, and cast your vote in the comment box for The Gift Closet as the "Best Breakthrough Performance"!! Muchas Gracias!! ;)

P.P.S. Hop on over to Giveaway Today to win one of my Soy Linen & Body Sprays!!

Tuesday's Tip-Know Your Product

I'm so excited to start my "Launching Your Business" series on Tuesday's! For more info on what "Launching Your Business" is click here.

This week I want to talk about Knowing Your Product.

The 1st thing I do when I am trying to decide about whether or not to make and sell a product is to learn more about it. If you want to sell necklaces or jewelry or clothing...whatever it may be....you need to first know your product.

You can find just about anything you need to know on the internet.If you want to make and sell...let's say Soy Candles...for example. You need to know what size...what container...etc. Once you know exactly what you want to sell, search the internet for that specific product. Let's say you are selling 4 oz Travel Tin Soy Candles. Do a search on that exact product. It would then pull up all your competitors....their sites....their retail prices, etc. This is a great way to start looking at what you want, and don't want, on your site as well.

You can also get a feel for the market by talking to friends and family. Ask them what they think of that specific product, would they buy it, what fragrances, colors, etc. would they choose? You have to get a feel for the market for your product, as well as know the pricing, and know your competitors, before making a decision about whether or not to invest your time and money into the business.

This may not seem like much, but if you are considering starting a business, getting to know your product can take some time. I usually take about a month researching something before I ever decide to make it or sell it. Especially if you are going to be selling a product you will be making by hand.

And let me say this too. You can learn how to make just about anything on the internet. I learned how to make body butter...scrabble pendants....magnets, etc......from the internet (and some help from mentors never hurts!)

Starting a business can be a huge endeavor...very time-consuming...but it can be so worth it!

I got lots of great topics and questions emailed to me last week for future "Launching Your Business" posts. Keep the comments, emails, and questions coming...anything you want to see discussed!!

Join me on next Tuesday's Tip for "Pricing Your Product"!

Make It Monday - Monogrammed Ceramic Plate

The winner of the set of 3 Posy Pins from The Pleated Poppy is #42 summerdays. Congrats!!

Welcome to the 1st Make It Monday of '09! If you are new to The Gift Closet, normally (unless I get a wild hair) Make It Monday is all about how to make things....perfume, body butter, recipes, etc. If you have something that you make, or have made, that you want to share, please email me so I can feature you & your creation! It can be your favorite recipe, a chore chart you made for your kids, something crafty you made for around your house. I am so not crafty...so please do tell!! ;) Email your craftiness to heatherldt@ bellsouth dot net.

I wanted to share something I have had bookmarked for months!!! I love Karis & Kijsa's blog & we have even swapped awards with each other! This is a project I have had bookmarked for ever, and some day....when I have all that spare time(yeah right!), I will do it!!

Click here for a tutorial on how to make these beautiful art pieces (plates) in your oven!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit The Gift Closet! Please join me tomorrow as I start my "Launching Your Business" tips on Tuesday's Tip!! ~Giddy!~

Be Still Sunday

Friday's Feature- Grill Charms

I came across a product and site a couple of months ago called Grill Charms, and thought these were so unique! And when I found out they were created by a Mom-Prenuer & Breast Cancer Survivor...I had to learn more about the creator of these Grill Charms!

Grill Charms™ are similar in concept to the wine charm. These dime-sized solid stainless steel charms are placed in your food BEFORE grilling. The stems are serrated to hold securely while grilling, moving and flipping. Grill Charm™ your food PRIOR to cooking to distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures, or to avoid health or allergy issues. When dinner comes off the grill everyone knows which one is theirs!

They have lots of charms to choose from.

"Medium" Charm.........
And a fun more personalized charm...
I contacted the owner, Leslie Haywood, and asked her if I could feature Grill Charms and what inspired her to come up with this creative idea!

"I worked for corporate America until I had our first daughter and left a fantastic company and wonderful career to be a stay-at-home mom. I didn't mean to throw myself head first back into business, but I just couldn't help myself.

While sitting down to eat at a dinner party I was hosting, my husband served me an extra hot Jamaican Jerk piece of chicken instead of a mild one because he had forgotten which pieces were which. After this very memorable and very spicy light bulb moment in April 2006 I have felt what I can only describe as a compulsion to insure every American gets what they want - how they want it - hot off the grill.

I have tried very hard to balance family (passion #1) and business (passion #2). I hope to make our two daughters proud one day, and even though I am making some sacrifices now (trying not to make too terribly many as they are only babies once), I hope that in the future they can look at what I have done and know that their opportunities are limited only by their dreams.

Oh yeah... one last part of "who I am". I am a Survivor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2006, had a bilateral mastectomy in August of 2006 during the middle of all the start-up stuff involved with launching a company, and now, two reconstructive procedures later, I'm better then ever! The scars never let me forget so I feel I must mention it, but it by no means defines who I am; it's just another facet to the ever complex and changing person that is first and foremost "Mommy"."

Leslie has very kindly offered $5 off your box of Grill Charms! Simply go to Grill Charms, shop away, and upon checkout put the code "grilling" in the coupon code box and you will get $5 off a box of Grill Charms!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend & see you Monday! Looking for current giveaways going on @ The Gift Closet? Please visit the "Current Giveaways" on the top of the Left sidebar!

Win a Mini-Daily Day Planner from Mom Agenda!

To get your New Year off to a great (organized) start, I am offering one lucky winner a Mini-Daily (Day Planner) from Mom Agenda!

Mom Agenda is a place where you can get organized with style!
They offer all sizes & kinds of day planners, chore pads (pictured above), gift sets, notepads, clipboards, and the list goes on!
So how can you win a Mini-Daily from Mom Agenda?

Simply leave a comment here, and if you win, be willing to post my button on your site. Easy as that! Winner will be notified via email, so be sure you have a valid email address in your comment if there is not one listed on your blogger profile. Contest ends Wednesday 1/14/09 at midnight & is open to US shipping addresses only.

The Gift Closet receives over 10,000 hits per month. If you are interested in having your site or product featured on The Gift Closet please email me at heatherldt at bellsouth dot net.

Win It Wednesday - A Handbag!

Welcome to the 1st Win It Wednesday for 09!
CONTEST CLOSED
I am excited to introduce you to Kim from Nest Bags. I featured Kim's wonderful bags in October, she was a part of Christmas @ The Gift Closet, and now Kim is giving away this gorgeous handbag on The Gift Closet!
I asked Kim what inspired her to start Nest Bags & here is what she had to say:

"I love fabrics! When I relocated to North Carolina I found myself surrounded by a treasure trove of beautiful textiles! My line is inspired by beautiful fabrics and interesting details. I search for wonderful fabrics and interpret them in modern yet vintage feminine styles. The line features silk jacquards, tapestry velvets, lace overlay and metallic shots mixed with jewelled brooches, buttons, leather trim, bracelet and chain details, frames and sartorial details all for a classic, yet unique look."

I stumbled across her site one day while surfing & I think her handbags are gorgeous!

Kim is also offering 20% off your order on Nest Bags using the promo code GC20!
Here is how to win the handbag pictured above (top picture):

CONTEST CLOSED

Go to Nest Bags, pick out your favorite item, come back to this post & leave a comment telling me which one you chose. Winner will be notified via email so please be sure you leave a valid email address if it is not on your profile.
Contest ends Tuesday 1/13/09 @ midnight & is open to US shipping addresses only.

Would you like to get your product in front of hundreds of readers by offering a giveaway on The Gift Closet? Please email me at heatherldt at bellsouth dot net. Thanks & have a Blessed Day!

Tuesday's Tip- Launching Your Business

My Dad instilled in me the Entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. As a child I collected news from neighbors, typed it up, then sold it as the "Neighborhood Newspaper". Since then I have been in sales most of my life, selling everything from Lumber to Body Butter. I was the #1 salesperson in the US for Chase Staffing before I left the company to stay home w/ my 1st child. While staying home, I got ancy, started a Soy Bath & Body Company, grew it to a nationwide business, then sold it 2 years later for a profit, again, to focus on the 2nd baby.

I say all that not to "toot my own horn", but to let you know that I want to use my experience to help those of you who have your own business, are thinking of starting one, or just launched your company or website.

I have had lots of people email or call me asking for "business" advice. By no means do I consider myself an expert, and some things I am going to share may be old news to some of you. Either way, what I would like to announce is that, starting today, my Tuesday's Tips are going to be all about helping you with your business! You'll read about marketing, accounting, networking.....and anything else you want to know, let me know!!

I love to help people, and I look forward to helping anyone I can with their business endeavors!! Hence, my Friday's Features and Giveaways...I am all about promoting you!! I have learned it is better to give than to receive and it gives me much joy to help & serve others!

If you have questions please feel free to leave a comment here or email me at anytime.

I don't want to make this a super long post, so please check back next Tuesday as I look forward to helping you launch and grow your business!

About Me

I'm a Stay-At-Home-Mom of 3, married to my wonderful hubby for 13 years, church going girl. I love family, food, & friends. This blog is a place where I can let my creative side flow. I strive to promote other Female and Mom-Prenuers, wonderful products, as well as offer helpful tips, giveaways, and recipes on my blog. I am involved in my community, at my church, my children’s school, and the local MOPS group. I also can be found blogging at A Real Housewife in Georgia. Thanks for stopping by. :)
~Christmas 2010~

Click here to view my Full Disclosure.

Click here to view The Gift Closet Media Kit.

First Giveaway for 2009!

I'll be playing catch up this week with giveaways and features. So get ready to enter to win some goodies & see some great companies featured here @ The Gift Closet!

My 1st giveaway for '09 is for a set of your choice of 3 Posy Pins from The Pleated Poppy!



I ordered some of the ponytail holders from Pleated Poppy and her packaging is so cute & creative...as well as her products!

And I've always wanted one of these for my artsy daughter....
Lindsey Cheney is the artist/designer behind the Pleated Poppy.

In Lindsey's own words, here is what inspired her to start The Pleated Poppy:

"Last year I decided to make all of my Christmas gifts. I enjoyed making some of the things so much that I decided to try selling some of the items on my personal blog, imperfect. Everything sold faster than expected and I was hooked! That was basically the start of my little business. I've now added a new blog for my business,The Pleated Poppy, as well as a website. My product line is continually expanding, currently at about 20 different products, with the posy pins being my most popular item. My favorite part about this business is that I can do all my work from home and still be with my 3 kids."
So how can you win a set of your choice of the Posy Pins from The Pleated Poppy?

Simply leave a comment here! Winner will be contacted through email only , so please be sure you have a valid email address on your blogger profile or leave it in your comment.

For a 2nd entry, post my button on your site/blog, and then come back here and leave an additional comment letting me know The Gift Closet button is on your site or blog.

Contest ends Sunday 1/11/09 @ midnight & is open to US shipping addresses only.