Ok ok so Halloween 2008 is over in Ohio...

But I couldn't resist posting some pics of our trick or treat night. I was totally thrilled it was so WARM this year. Usually trick or treat in Ohio is pretty miserable-cold, damp, and often raining. We already had some light snow flakes fall SO I was a bit worried about how today would play out. I received the go ahead from Trinity's doctor to take her trick or treating tonight, coming off the tail end of her pneumonia and the great weather made me less nervous. Caitlin, as always was ready to go-of course when she was done putting on her makeup *rolls eyes*. She was a punk pirate against her will. We looked at costumes for WEEKS and she couldn't make up her mind so I took it upon myself to order what I wanted for her. I told her I was getting the same for her sister and she got upset, so Trin became a mouse because that is my nickname for her. Naturally after I ordered the mouse get up, Caitlin was upset I didn't get her sister the matching costume-one can never win with a pre-preteenager:)

Trinity was bothered by her hood which I planned on happening but we zipped off with her in the stroller and she soon forgot it was on. The first house was confusing for her and by time we got to the second house she was mad, in the stroller, out of the stroller, to walk or be pushed, she was so torn. BUT we made it to the third house without a major blowout and soon she realized that if she goes to a strangers house, looks cute, they give her sugar and off she goes to repeat the task. We only stayed out for an hour because quite frankly, they won't eat the candy they got, well at least not all of it that is but all in all we had a good time-saw lots of adorable kiddos and some friends and our neighbors. So enjoy the pictures from our night and also the customer appreciation photos have already begun to roll in from my Halloween orders so i'm thrilled to see all those cute little gals all puffed out

Sucker in one hand, chips in the other!

Argh!!!

AND from some of my customers:First we have the new titled Baby Queen at her pageant CONGRATS on the win!! Such a dollface

And next the cutest little peacock I EVER saw-her mommy is SO creative with her costume I just adore it!

And last there is little miss plum, her mommy added on a beautiful gerber daisy, all these cute kiddos make me smile!

Halloween facts and fun

Trin the mouse
Cait the Pirate

Here are some fun Halloween facts for everyone today! Wishing you all a safe and ghost and goblin filled HALLOWEEN!

Once Upon A Time...Halloween was born. The first Halloween celebration in America took place in Anoka, Minnesota in 1921.

Some Fun Facts to Throw Around at the Next Halloween Party...Jerry Ayers of Baltimore, Ohio has the record for the fastest pumpkin carver at 37 seconds

More than 93% of children, under the age of 12, will go out trick-or-treating

About 50% of adults dress up for Halloween, while 67% take part in the activities, such as parties, decorating the house and trick-or-treating with their children

86% of Americans decorate their house for Halloween

Money talks!Halloween candy sales average about $2 billion annually in the United States. It is the largest candy-purchasing holiday, bigger than Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day!

The first Halloween card was made in the early 1920's. These days, over 28 million Halloween cards are sent each year. U.S. consumers spend about $50 million on Halloween greetings

Over $1.5 billion is spent on costumes each year and more than $2.5 billion on other Halloween paraphernalia

Yet another reason you should be glad you weren't born a pumpkin!About 99% of pumpkins that are marketed domestically are turned into jack-o-lanterns

Get your paws off of my candy!90% of parents admit to sneaking goodies from their kids' Halloween trick-or-treat bags

Proof that some pet owners should seek therapy!Over 10% of pet owners dress their pets in Halloween costumes

Weighing in with a couple of final facts...The biggest pumpkin in the world tipped the scales at a whopping 1,446 pounds. This gigantic gourd was weighed in October 2004 at a pumpkin festival in Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada.

More than 35 million pounds of candy corn will be produced this year. That equates to nearly 9 billion pieces - enough to circle the moon nearly 4 times if laid end-to-end.

How to roast pumpkin seeds

For all of you doing your last minute carving, here are instructions on how to roast those pumpkin seeds! Wishing you all a Happy Halloween!!!!

Roasted pumpkin seeds have a nutty flavor and are packed with protein and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are delicious toasted and salted, but they're even better flavored with sweet and savory spices.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you've removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)
Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees F until toasted, about 25 minutes, checking and stirring after 10 minutes.
Let cool and store in an air-tight container.
Why Carve Pumpkins?
The story of the Jack o'Lantern comes from Irish folklore. Jack was a crafty farmer who tricked the Devil into climbing a tall tree. When the Devil reached the highest branch, Jack carved a large cross in the trunk, making it impossible for the Devil to climb down. In exchange for help getting out of the tree, the Devil promised never to tempt Jack with evil again. When Jack died, he was turned away from Heaven for his sins and turned away from Hell because of his trickery. Condemned to wander the Earth without rest, Jack carved out one of his turnips, took an ember from the devil, and used it for a lantern to light his way. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern."

Go start your Christmas shopping in your pj's!

So Halloween isn't quite here yet, but we all know that Christmas comes so quick after all the ghosts and gouls retire for the year. Why wait until the last moment to shop for your loved ones?! On a recent trip to the local mall I was trying to come up with ideas for my friends and family for gify giving. I realized how tired I've grown of the usual selection of items, knowing my friends would be less thrilled to receive housewares from me so I naturally turned to Etsy to start collecting ideas. There is such a wonderful selection of items that are unique and wonderfully crafted by talented artists. My suggestion is to do a search by typing cafemom team into http://www.etsy.com/ to find great products from some of the best women on Etsy.

How about some custom Christmas Cards from Keepsakes By Janell

Try out some wonderful prodcuts from Shop Davina-her pumpkin cheesecake lipbalm is wonderful!

There are these beautiful wreaths from Littlepapoose

For that sweet tooth on your list stop by Keeping It Simply Sweet for tons of yummie goodnes including these great homemade marshmellows

For that little sweetheart on your good list take a spin into Cozy Cabin Creations for an adorable pillowcase dress

And for some seasonal jewelry take a looksie into Oogieboogiemom's shop

This is such a small sample of the fantastic items you can find! Search Cafemom team-you won't be a loss for ideas!

More Christmas Item Pictures

Here in Ohio the weather is beginning to get quite brisk brrrrr! It seems like just last week it was hot, but then again, that is Ohio for you weather wise. My little model wouldn't cooperate today so I photographed a new 2008 Holiday Line tutu with no model. She is in one rotten mood after day care so i'll reshoot this weekend.

There is a link on the side bar of my blog for a Calendar Contest Trinity is in for our local Times Reporter. They are taking donations for a local charity by accepting $1 per vote with a $5 minimum online purchase. All proceeds go to our local Woman and Infants Organization to promote health related causes. Anyone who donates and votes for Trinity will be entered into a drawing to win our complete Santa Baby Tutu set which includes the tutu up to size 4, the matching faux stole and wand retailing at $71.50 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16467525. Each person who submits their $5 in votes needs to copy and past the screen shot post purchase and email it to me at trinitystutus@ymail.com Here is an example of a copy and pasted post purchase listing.

Order Payment
Order ID:
UP14305

Description
Quantity
Subtotal
5 votes for $5
5
$5.00
Order Total:
$5.00

I will do the drawing on November 17 2008

Until then here are the snapshots of our new Snowflake Princess Tutu

Gearing up for Christmas OH SO SLOWLY

I am still unburrying myself from Halloween orders-so it is time to turn to Christmas. I know I know don't rush it right!? I imagine being a mom makes time fly fast when the holiday is on the horizon as the wish list start growing and growing and plans are being made with family and friends. I ADORE the holiday season! I love the snow, decorations, get togethers, everything about the coming time of year. I look forward to the smile on my children's face and the smiles we try to create by purchasing toys for children and supplying food and cookies to our homeless shelter on our Christmas eve tradition. As I work on my last few ladybugs and bees I am finally getting a couple Christmas items out one by one. So far I have my Sweet Santa Baby Tutu Dress and my Candy Cane Swirl Tutu and a Faux Fur Stole custom made for any holiday piece. I have a ton more ideas that will soon be coming to life in the coming weeks.

Such a busy time of year!

Fall is in the air FINALLY! It has been a favorite season of mine for quite some time. This year it is super busy for me, pumping out Halloween tutus for all those little princesses. It's been a lot of fun AND very exhausting! I wouldn't have it any other way though. Due to working on Halloween orders I haven't had the time to design much new just yet but as soon as this month is over, my christmas designs will be hitting the store and I am SUPER exicted! Here are a few shots taken recently.

The sweet little bumble bee is courtesy from the owner/designer of http://www.knottybabwear.com/

Her store has so many adorable items in it I could go on and on but I will admit I am addicted to her knotty legs! Check out her store for a HUGE selection of leggings for your little one!!