Kiwis Blog

Kiwi and Kiki 10K Fabulous Fan Celebration!

2012-01-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

It's that time again...Each time we host a giveaway to celebrate a milestone, we are blown away with the amount of support we receive from the fabulous fans on our Facebook page. When we hit 10,000 fans earlier this month, it seemed unreal...we are so appreciative of each and every person that clicks "like" on our page. To help us celebrate, we are partnering with some amazing other vendors to give away some amazing prize packages!

Prize Package #1 - Family Fun!
(for local Pierce County/Thurston County only)

Aspin Photography | Facebook

The Simple Session, a 30 minute session for up to 4 people with 12-15 images provided to order from. *Prints and/or digital negatives not included. Session must take place in Thurston or Pierce County. Value: $60

Book a session with Aspin Photography by February 10th and get 10% off your print order. Just mention that Kiwi and Kiki sent you!

Ryleigh's Room | Facebook | Shop

Forest Life Aubri Dress (Peasant Style) Sizes 3-6mo up to girls 6/7

Value: Retail $32.00 - $42.00

Discount Code: KKFAN15 gets you 15% off

Peek A Bootique | Facebook | Shop

Light Pink and Leopard Minky Blanket 30x30

Value: $38

Crochet Medley | Facebook | Shop

Set of 3 Crocheted Heart Dishcloths

Value: $12

Discount for Artfire shop : Kiwi-Kiki10 - FREE US shipping

Badge Reels/Mama's Little Monkeys | Facebook | Shop

One badge reel of winner's choice.

Value $9

Discount Code: "whodat" for 15% off for everyone

Colorful Creations by Nell | Facebook | Shop

Set of 2 Lip Balm Keychains

Value: $6.50

Auntie Di's De-Lites | Facebook | Shop | Etsy

Jelly Jar Candle in Scent of your choice!

Value: $7.50

Discount Code valid during the giveaway (KIWIANDKIKI) for 10% off all orders from my etsy shop http://auntiedis.etsy.com

Haff It Your Way: Custom Handmade Hats N Things | Facebook | Shop

Custom Summer Sensation Set (NB-12 Mos only)

Value: $43

Discount Code: KAKFAN for 15% off

Tiger Lilies Creations | Facebook | Shop

White & Pink Sparkle Ear warmer/Headband

(Has a beautiful sparkle to the pink accents-edging and flower; Pearl vintage buttons; Size: 21” around)

Value: $22.00

Discount Code: PINKSPARKLE10K for 15% off your purchase

Shaped Expressions | Facebook | Shop

$50 Gift Certificate

Total Prize Value - $282.50-$292.50

Prize Package #2 - Online Shopping Extravaganza!

Oopsy Daisies | Facebook | Shop

$50 Gift Certificate

Love by CC | Facebook | Shop

$40 gift certificate

Discount Code: GIVEAWAY15 for 15% off Ready to Ship items

Gracie's Garden | Facebook | Shop

$20 Gift Certificate

Discount Code: 10K Giveaway for 10% off your purchase

Artyschameleon | props | Facebook | Shop

$25 Gift Certificate

10% off 1 custom order item during the giveaway

AmeliaCalvin | Facebook | Shop

$40 gift certificate

Discount code: Kiwi10 (10% off)

Jewelry and Baby Bling by Dara | Facebook | Shop | Etsy | Artfire

$50 gift certificate

Coupon Code: See image

Splash of Color by Moonlight | Facebook | Shop

$50 gift certificate

Orange Blossom Photography | Facebook | Website

$25 Pottery Barn Gift Card

Norma Mitchell Photography | Facebook

$30 Gift Certificate

Discount: 20% off jewelry orders

Bébé Bee couture | Facebook | Shop

$25 Gift voucher

AMK's Boutique | Facebook | Shop

$25 Shop Credit

Discount Code: kiwiandkiki for 15% entire order!

Total Prize Package Value: $380

Prize Package #3 - Digital Dream Package!

Stacia Thompson Photography | Facebook | Shop

Custom Logo

Value $35

40% off any custom/premade logo during this giveaway!

N•I Creative Studio | Facebook | Shop

Photo Overlay Collection for Photographers

Value: $50

Use discount code for 20% off custom design services

Design by Huong | Facebook

Mini Marketing Set

Value $100

Cheyenne Kody Photography & Design, LLC | Facebook

Black & White action set & Four card templates

Value: $60

Discount Code: KIWIKIKISAVE1 (Save 50% off Black & White action set)

Total Prize Package Value: $245

Prize Package #4 - Photographer's Dream Package #1

Lindsey Clare Photography | Facebook

$75 Gift Card to Mentoring or Newborn Post Processing Workshop

Crafty Jones Creations | Facebook | Shop

Turtle Hatchling Critter Cape
Value: $45

Lovely Chic Boutique | Facebook | Shop

Newborn Earflap Hat

Value: $22.00

Discount Code: KKGIVEAWAY40 for 40% off

Primitive Elements | Facebook | Shop

Lace Newborn Crown

Prize Value $17

Discount code: KK10K (for 10% off purchase)

After the Bump | Facebook | Shop

2 fabric wraps

Value: $30

Just Be Happy | Facebook | Shop

Crochet Hat

value $26 (+FREE SHIPPING)

Coupon code: KIWIKIKI :15% DISCOUNT

HeatherBell Hats (and other things) | Facebook | Shop

Tea Time Scalloped Pixie

Value: $25

Total Prize Package Value: $240

Prize Package #5 - Photographer's Dream Package #2

kansas studios | kansas pitts photography & design | Facebook

lucky winner will receive a gift certificate of $250 towards portrait mentoring sessions or a gift certificate of $450 towards wedding mentoring sessions that recently launched. All the information is located HERE This is valid for a date within one year of the prize announcement

The Headband Shoppe | Facebook | Shop

Maternity sash that could be used for a boy or girl arrival -

Valued: $60

Little Keira's Bows | Facebook | Shop

Avery skinny headband gift set (choose any 3)

Value: $25

Emico Creations | Facebook

Newborn Lady bug critter cape

Value: $35

Total Prize Package Value: $340-570

Prize Package #6 - Photo Prop Explosion!

Stuff So Simple | Facebook

Winners choice of any 9 Ft 9 Flag Double Sided Banner

Value: $25

Jessys props and creations| Facebook | Shop

3 Stretch knit wraps

Value: $67.50

Discount code KIWIKIKI for 20% off stretch knit wraps

Christina Frost Photography | Facebook

1 OOAK Fully Customizable Sock Monkey Hat and 1 OOAK Fully Customizable Owl Hat

Value: $36.00

Handmade Crochet Accessories | Facebook | Shop

Newborn Set

Value: $34

Discount code: FREESH for free shipping!

Bumble Bee-Knees | Facebook | Shop

Moo Cow Hat (newborn size) - Value $30

Discount Code - KANDK10K - 10% off any order (not including Bucket Buddy Blankets)

JazCrafts | Facebook | Shop

newborn giraffe beanie

$22.00 value

Blessed2009 | Facebook | Shop

Black and Turquoise Skully Beanie in Newborn Size

Value is $25

Valerie Knits | Facebook | Shop

Handspun set of a hat and headband made of wool/silk blend yarn. Value is $42

Total Prize Package Value: $281.50

Prize Package #7: Kiwi and Kiki Shopping Spree!

$100 Gift Certificate to Kiwi's Shop

$100 Gift Certificate to Kiki's Shop

Total Prize Package Value: $200

Use code: 10Kgiveaway for 20% off either shops

The Details:

You get up to 3 entries in this giveaway!

Entry #1: Visit each of the sponsors' Fan Pages and "like" them (under your personal profile, not your business page), and whether you are a new fan or an old fan, it would be so nice of you to show them some love :)

Entry #2: Tell your nearest and dearest about the giveaway by posting about it in your Facebook status - don't forget to use the @ symbol and tag our page!

Entry #3: Purchase something from one of these amazing vendors, and let us know what you purchased!

Come back here to this blog post, and leave a comment for each of these items. Please also be sure to post your location (so we can make sure you are not selected for the Local prize if you are not a local fan)

The fine print:

The winner will be announced on this blog - once the winners are announced, you will have 48 hours to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed with 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn. You MUST be 18 to participate. International players may enter but you may be responsible for the shipping in order to receive your prize. This will be up to the individual vendors. If you are not willing to pay shipping, please do not enter. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Giveaway ends Friday, February 10th

Time to Vote! Pick your favorite Inspiring Pinterest Board!

2012-01-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun looking at the Pinterest Boards submitted by you! Here's a snapshot of each of them - please click on the image to view the whole board, and then come back here to vote for your favorite! Voting ends on the 25th!

The winner receives 1 (0-6m size) neck tie in each of the new fabrics Kiwi is going to be adding to the shop in January and February!

#1 Brittney's Board

#2 Tralisa's Boy-themed Board

#3 Tralisa's Girl-themed Board

#4 Michelle's Board

#5 Ashlee's Boy-themed Board

#6 Ashlee's Girl-themed Board

#7 Katrina's Boy-themed Board

#8 Katrina's Girl-themed Board

#9 Kamieo's Board

#10 Liane's Board

#11 Brittany's board

#12 Charli's Board

#13 Brandi's Board

#14 Krysti's Board

Vote for your Favorite using the Poll in the upper right corner!

Let's have some Pinterest fun!

2012-01-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am? I just love seeing all the new pins, and so much creativity out there!

I was hoping you would join me in having some fun with Pinterest - how about a little contest?!?

(do you need a pinterest invitation? Email kiwi at kerry@kiwiandkiki.com with the subject PINTEREST and I will send you an invite!)

Here's how it works:

1. Create a new Pinterest Board, titled K & K Photoshoot Inspiration

2. Your first pin should be something from one of our Shops - either www.shopkiwiandkiki.com or kiwiandkikitoo.etsy.com

3. Your other pins should compliment your first pin - to help create an idea for a fun photoshoot, inspired by that first pin. For your board to qualify in the contest, you need to have 9 total pins, but you are welcome to have even more! Find your pins from all over the web - get a good variety from different places. Etsy has some great items available, and there are so many photographers out there with amazing inspiration photos!

Here's a link to Kiwi's example board

4. Once you have created your board, come back to this post and leave a link to your board in the comments!

All boards must be submitted by Saturday, January 21st. After that, all qualifying boards will be put up for a vote to the blog readers (and everyone else you tell about it!) Voting will end on Wednesday, January 25th

Ready?!? Wait! Don't leave yet...you are probably wondering what you could win!

The winning board will win....1 (0-6m size) Neck Tie or Bow Tie of EVERY SINGLE new fabric that Kiwi adds between January 25th and February 29th! That could be a lot of new ties! (it will be at least 10, still working on adding more fabrics!) That's a value of at least $100!!!

Worth it?? I hope so! Okay, go pin!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone...what a year it was! A year ago, I was about 5 months pregnant, and getting used to the idea that I was having a baby boy. While my husband was probably dreaming happy thoughts of having a little fishing buddy, I was looking around my sewing space wondering what I could make for a boy! I had spent years making things for girls, and my fabric stash definitely hinted at that.

I spent a few months working on a quilt for my daughter Maddy, and a few projects for her baby brother - a Boppy Cover, and a mini quilt for him. When I had gone searching online for some boy project ideas, it was very clear there wasn't a lot out there. I also remembered from my experience selling at the farmer's market that Boys items are very popular, because you don't find them very often!

I started playing around with making Bow Ties and Neck Ties, and then my friend Danyel of Crazy Socks Crochet was having a giveaway, and she needed more boy items. I offered to giveaway a set of three bow ties, and that was just the push I needed towards this crazy adventure I've been riding on ever since. I was randomly surfing through Facebook one night, and noticed a post that Keri Meyers had posted, looking for photo props, different from the traditional hats/etc. I sent her an email, and we chatted a bit about how small of a world it is - we both graduated from high school the same year, and we grew up less than 30 miles from each other. That night changed my life - if I had not been on Facebook at the right time, life could be very different for me - our Facebook page was sitting around 800 fans, and today we have over 10,000. Absolutely INSANE.

This was the very first photo that Keri posted using one of my ties:

Keri*Meyers*Photography

I remember the day that photo was posted - I was sitting at my sewing machine working on something, and my phone started blowing up with emails from Etsy. I had no idea what was going on - I went online and immediately saw this photo, and it dawned on me what had just begun. If I only knew....

A couple weeks later I was in the hospital having my baby boy. Luckily I had brought my laptop with me so that I could stay in touch - otherwise I would have gotten so far behind. I am also very blessed to have a very supportive husband that is a very involved father.

Here we are about 8 months later and I have exciting plans for this year. I have reorganized my sewing space, and I took a couple weeks off in December to enjoy my family and the holidays - it was sooo needed. I actually shut down my online shop - the first time since starting this adventure - so that when I returned, I wouldn't be behind - I would be starting fresh. What an amazing feeling!

Usually for New Year's I don't make resolutions, I decide on a focus for the new year. Several times, my focus has been patience. This year, my focus is balance. When I worked for Target, a huge "thing" is Work/Life balance - they wanted everyone to have it, stressed it, etc. Funny thing is, I don't think I knew a single manager that truly had a work/life balance there. At least not 100% of the time. Still, it's nice to know it's valued. Anywho...back to me and this year. I am focusing on my own Work/Life balance. This includes not sitting at the sewing machine for 14 hours straight - at least not on a regular basis. I am hoping if I focus on balance, I will enjoy my work, and enjoy the fruits of my labor - and spend more time with my family.

I am also hoping to blog a little more. I'd like this blog to be more than just a place to host giveaways.

Happy New Years everyone! I hope this new year is full of fresh starts, happy beginnings and plenty of BALANCE.

Cyber Monday Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-29T00:33:00.000-08:00

Congrats to.... #9! Danyel (CrazySocks)

Thanks to everyone who participated, it was fun reading all of your wishes :)
Danyel, please email Kiki directly at kiwiandkiki2@yahoo.com to claim your prize! :)

All I want for Christmas.....Cyber Monday Giveaway!!!

2011-11-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!

Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you
"Merry Christmas."

by Don Gardner

What do you want from Kiwi and Kiki for Christmas? We are doing a QUICK giveaway in honor of Cyber Monday! Post this as your Facebook Status:

All I want for Christmas from @Kiwi and Kiki is (Your 1 item here, up to $20 value)

Then come back here and comment stating you have completed that, along with what you wish for! (don't forget to use the @ sign so it shows up on our page and we see your wish!)

Winner will have their wish granted! Winner will be drawn at Midnight tonight! (pacific time, 11/28/11)

Good luck!

7000 Fan Spectacular! Winners Announced!!

2011-09-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Congrats to all of the winners! If your name is posted, you have 48 hours to contact Kiwi at kerry@kiwiandkiki.com to claim your prize!! If you have not claimed your prize by Tuesday night, a new winner will be drawn!

We are blown away with all the love everyone has shown us on our Facebook Page!

To celebrate reaching 7000 fans, we want to share the love and have a HUGE giveaway from some of our favorite vendors!

This time around, there will be one winner for EVERY prize! That's a total of 24 winners!

Crochet Medley

NEW Winner Comment #7 Melissa B

The Amelia Ear warmer - comes in 6-12, toddler, child, adult.
You choose the colors and size!

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ErinMedley

Crazy Socks Crochet

Winner: Comment #51 Em Hubi

“Stella Hat” Newborn or 3 month size

www.crazysockscrochet.com

Just Be Happy

Winner: Comment #28 Shannon Griffith

Crochet crown – you choose the color!

www.justbehappy.etsy.com

Badge Reels (Mama's Little Monkeys)

Winner: Comment #26 Lorie Hall

$15 Gift Certificate - great for keeping your badges, scissors, key cards and so much more handy!

www.badgereels.artfire.com

Jessy’s Creations

Winner: Comment #116 Tiffanie Davenport

1 knit wrap (vendor’s choice of color)

http://jessyspropsandcreations.bigcartel.com/

Splash of Color by Moonlight

Winner: Comment #32 Peta Anderson

$50 gift certificate

Artsy Chameleon Props

Winner: Comment #20 Heather Werhan

$25 gift certificate

http://artsychameleon.etsy.com.

Tiny Tops

Winner: Comment #18 Julie Wagner

$10 gift certificate

TinyTops.Etsy.com

Love Always Crochet

Winner: Comment # 47 Shanna Uptergrove

Ruffle Scarf

Two Kazoos

Winner: Comment #133 Kim Mansfield

Matryoshka doll clippie.

Cute little babushka doll hair clip.
1/8" Alligator clip sewn securely inside.
Approximately 2 1/4" tall by 1 3/8" wide.

http://www.twokazoos.etsy.com

The Organic Bloom

NEW Winner: Comment #68 Ashley Frederickson

8x10 Photo frame- Winners choice of style and color!

Photograph by Focused on U Photography

Melissa Morris | Photographer

Winner: Comment #137 Naomi Lineberry

Newborn Stool

**Shipping cost - $15**
Only available to a winner residing within the US

photograph by Keri Meyers Photography

The Headband Shoppe

Winner: Comment # 123 Vashie Miller

"Summer" yellow peacock feather hair clip - measures approx 3"x3"

www.theheadbandshoppe.etsy.com

3 Little Birds Boutique

Winner: Comment #5 Mandi Shelton

$20 gift certificate

www.3littlebirdsboutique.com

Blush Envy

Winner: Comment #86 Alejandra Fernandez-Rubio

$20.00 gift certificate

www.blushenvy.com

www.blushenvy.etsy.com

Birdie Baby Boutique

Winner: Comment #98 Bonita Adkins

$20 credit

Cora Louise Boutique

Winner: Comment #76 Traci Cheeseman

"Surprise 3 pack of adorable handmade leg warmers!"

www.coralouiseboutique.etsy.com

Sharon Neves Photography

Winner: Comment #24 Livia Zalewski

The Organic Bloom Photo Frame Ornament

http://www.sharonneves.com

Jaz Crafts

Winner: Comment #120 Malissa Newkirk
Winner's choice: Newborn fuzzy wuzzy bear ears beanie, or child size galilee hat in the 3 colors of your choice

www.jazcrafts.ca

Princess for a Day

Winner: Comment #119 Madralynn

Tutu Dress

It is a crochet band top with double layers of light blue tulle and halter style ties. Felt flower is on a clippy so it can be worn on the dress or removed to be placed in hair. The dress can fit up to a 3T

Twysted Yarn

NEW Winner: Comment #80 Kristen Hartwell

Women's Plum Blended Beanie from Twysted Yarn (fits teens/women).

www.twystedyarn.com

www.twystedyarn.etsy.com

Handmade Crochet Accessories

Winner: Comment #33 Linda Hill

Earflap hat – customized for winner!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/palomiux

Kiwi and Kiki

Winner: Comment #140 Stephanie Smith

$50 gift certificate to Kiwi’s Shop: www.shopkiwiandkiki.com

Photograph by Amanda McNeal Photography

Winner: Comment #132 Jennifer

$50 gift certificate to Kiki’s shop: www.kiwiandkikitoo.etsy.com

Photograph by Andie Freeman Photography

The Details:

To enter into this giveaway, visit each of the sponsors' Fan Pages and "like" them (under your personal profile, not your business page), and whether you are a new fan or an old fan, it would be so nice of you to show them some love :)

In your status, please post this statement (or something like it):

@Kiwi and Kiki are celebrating 7000 fans with a HUGE Giveaway! Join the fun by entering the giveaway today! (don't forget to include the @ sign so that it will tag our page)

Come back here to this blog post, and comment that you have completed these items. If you have trouble commenting, you may need to be a follower of this blog before you can post.

Quick Links for the Vendors:

Crochet Medley
Crazy Socks Crochet
Just Be Happy
Badge Reels
Jessy’s Creations
Splash of Color by Moonlight
Artsy Chameleon Props
Tiny Tops
Love Always Crochet
Two Kazoos
The Organic Bloom
Melissa Morris | Photographer
The Headband Shoppe
3 Little Birds Boutique
Blush Envy
Birdie Baby Boutique
Cora Louise Boutique
Sharon Neves Photography
Jaz Crafts
Princess for a Day
Twysted Yarn
Handmade Crochet Accessories
Kiwi and Kiki

The fine print:

Photographer Appreciation Month - Special thanks to....

2011-08-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

I could not have a Photographer Appreciation month without mentioning Terri Beloit

Terri and I met 2 years ago (Terri - has it really been that long?!?) She was a customer at the Puyallup Farmer's Market - she had purchased a Tutu from me, and hair accessories from Kiki. She had requested a custom color combination, and I made the tutu for her while she shopped. A few weeks later, she was browsing through our items again, and I asked her how the tutu had worked out for her. She mentioned she was a photographer, and she would email us some photos to use of our products. Kristin and I were over the moon that a photographer had taken pictures using our items.

Over the past two years, Terri has taken more photos for us, and generously shared the photos with us. She's also become a dear friend - I love browsing through the photos she posts on Facebook. Terri has a way of capturing moments that has me in awe.

Terri was among the first to know I was pregnant - I was so excited to share this news with her so we could start planning the newborn session! :) She travelled to my home (2 hours away for her!) to photograph Max when he was just 5 days old. Looking at this picture below, I can barely believe he's nearly 5 months old. Time flies! (and yes, I had to have a few ties on hand for him to model at his first photo session) :)

Miss Maddy, modeling her Christmas dress this past year

This photo below is one of my all time favorite photos of Maddy -looking deep in those eyes...I'm so thankful to Terri for capturing this moment.

Little did we know on that day when she bought a tutu from our little tent at the farmer's market that she would become a dear friend and business partner. We are so very thankful for all of the generosity she has shown us, and the friendship she has given us.

Thank you Terri!!!

{AUGUST is photographer appreciation month}

2011-08-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Vacation and street fair time is over - time to focus on August - Photographer Appreciation Month.

This year has flown by - 8 months ago I had no idea where I would be with my little business - I had no idea the direction I would be going or all of the fun this roller coaster ride would be.

In March, when I was just about 9 months pregnant I was on Facebook one night, when a very well known photographer had posted about looking for some unique boys items - something other than what everyone else already had. After this one night, life for me has changed dramatically - this little business has become much more than the hobby that it once was. I'm excited to tell that story to you soon - I have a couple photographer spotlights coming up in the next few weeks, and I'm looking forward to them!

This month, I have a couple fun things planned for the very special photographers in my life - I truly appreciate everything they have done for me, and all of the love they have shown!

Winner announced!

2011-06-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

drumroll please.....

The winner of our 5000 fan celebration giveaway is......

Congratulations!!! I love the brown/teal color combination also - I will be on the lookout for a good polka dot print in those colors!

You have 48 hours to claim your prize! Send an email to kerry {at} kiwiandkiki.com to claim it!

Thanks everyone for participating!! We are also involved in several other giveaways happening right now, check out our Facebook page for more info!

5000 Fan Celebration!

2011-06-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

It wasn't very long ago that we were celebrating 4000 fans, and here we are celebrating 5000! You guys are amazing!

These last couple months have been so exciting with all of the new products we have been offering - thank you for all of the great feedback! We love seeing all of the amazing photographs from our happy customers :)

We want to say THANK YOU for helping us reach 5000 fans! We are giving away one lucky fan a big prize pack with some of our most popular items!

From Kiki' Hair accessories shop, Kiwi and Kiki Too!

Five new "Vintage Style" Skinny Headbands:

"Dusty Rose" w/ Pearls, Fuschia Ranunculus w/ Diamonds, "Strawberries and Cream" Lace and Chiffon Rosette w/ Diamonds and Pearls, Fuschia and Black Double Chiffon Rosettes with Diamonds, Pink and Cream Silk and Organza 5 Rhinestone Center

From Kiwi's shop, Kiwi and Kiki

Your choice of 2 neck ties and 2 bow ties! You choose the size/fabric

The Details:

In your status, please post a statement something like this:

Come Celebrate 5000 fans with @Kiwi and Kiki - join in the celebration by entering the giveaway!!! (don't forget to include the @ sign so that it will tag our page)

Subscribe to our Newsletter by going to http://www.kiwiandkiki.com and fill out the form towards the bottom of the page.

**For a bonus entry, leave a comment with a suggestion for either a new fabric choice for the ties, or color combination for Kiki's hair accessories!

Come back here to this blog post, and comment for each item you completed (up to 3, including bonus comment) (Please become a follower of this blog to ensure your comments will post)

***PLEASE NOTE: The winner will be announced on this blog - once the winner is announced, you will have 48 hours to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn. You MUST be 18 to participate. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.***

The winner will be announced in the evening on Tuesday, June 28th!

Giveaway Winner!!!!

2011-05-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to....

myricks16!!

Please send me an email to: kerry(at)kiwiandkiki . com by Sunday night to claim your prizes!!! If the winner does not claim the prize by Sunday night, a new winner will be picked.

Congratulations!!!

4000 Fan Celebration!

2011-05-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

This has been an amazing month! A little over a month ago, we were sitting around 900 fans on our Facebook page, and here we are - with 4000 fans in about 5 weeks! It's been a wild ride getting here, and we are so excited to be sponsoring this amazing giveaway to one very lucky fan!!!

Check out this AMAZING prize pack!!!

$25 gift certificate to Crochet Medley

Dress and Headband from Fairytales and Fireflies, valued at $36

Custom Newsboy Hat, from Handmade Crochet Accessories by Gracie, valued at $18

Choice of Newborn hat, from Amelia Calvin, valued up to $25

Russian Matryoshka Doll Wool Felt Hair Clip from Two Kazoos, valued at $6.50

Crab Wall Art, from Aeden Seppe valued at $15

Cocoon from Crafty Jones Creations , valued at $31.99

Yoda Hat, in either Child or Toddler Size, from Mary Originals , value up to $25

Set of three Knitting and Crochet pattern booklets from the 1949s and 1959s from Red Hen Studios, Valued at $25

Lace Petti Romper (choice of size, color based on current availability) from Peek-A-Bootique, valued at $39

A Bow Tie and Neck Tie in sizes/fabrics of your choice from Kiwi's Tie Shop, valued at $20

Doggy Hat, from Just Be Happy Crochet valued at $26

Beanie in your choice of color, from Colorful Creations by Nell, valued at $12

Newborn Elf Hat by Tiny Tops, valued at $25

Collection of 4 "prop" Foldover Elastic headbands from Kiki's Hair Accessories Shop, valued at $45

The Details:

To enter into this giveaway, visit each of the sponsors' Fan Pages (links below) and "like" them, and whether you are a new fan or an old fan, please show them some love!

In your status, please paste this statement:

Come Celebrate 4000 fans with @Kiwi and Kiki - join in the celebration by entering the amazing giveaway!!! (don't forget to include the @ sign so that it will tag our page)

Come back here to this blog post, and comment that you have completed these items. Make sure you are a follower of this blog!

Fan Pages:

Kiwi and Kiki

Aeden Seppe

Colorful Creations by Nell

Mary Originals

Just Be Happy Crochet

Amelia Calvin

Red Hen Studios

Fairytales and Fireflies

Two Kazoos

Peek-A-Bootique

Crafty Jones Creations

Handmade Crochet Creations by Gracie

Crochet Medley
Tiny Tops

***PLEASE NOTE: Relatives of any of the vendors may not enter to win. The winner will be announced on this blog - once the winner is announce, you will have 48 hours to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed with 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn. You MUST be 18 to participate. International players may enter but may be responsible for the shipping in order to receive their prize. This will be up to the individual vendors. If you are not willing to pay shipping, please do not enter. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.***

The Winner will be drawn on Friday, May 13th.

Good luck!!!

More items for boys!

2011-03-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

If you follow me on my facebook page, you may have seen the new bow ties and neck ties I've been working on:

I can't wait to see Max wearing a few of these :) They are not yet listed in my etsy shop, but they will be soon!

6 Weeks!

2011-02-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

If all goes as planned (I think I can hear God laughing at me...) exactly 6 weeks from this moment, I will be holding my newborn son, Max. What that means is, I NEED TO GET TO WORK!! I have so many more items left on my list to get completed.

This is the color palette I decided on for Max's bedroom:

They are Bella Solids, and the colors are: Chocolate, light blue, pistachio and Caribbean. The light blue is mostly an accent color.

Slowly but surely, I'm working on a few items for his room. The first was the boppy cover, complete with a (not-so) scary zipper. Next up, his crib quilt! I'm not going for a traditional quilty quilt. I don't have time for that, but I am going to try to do some fancy quilting on a very basic blanket. We'll see how that turns out. The first part I wanted to finish was the Monkey applique I'm going to put in the bottom corner. I wanted it to be my own monkey, so I did some work in Photoshop, and came up with this image:

So, I got to work printing out the individual pieces to use them as patterns, cut it out of fabric, put some wonder-under on the back, and I have this!

(excuse the awful cell phone picture, please!)

I love when I can translate something directly from the computer to my projects!

I'll post pictures of the blanket when it's completed...the goal is to at least get the fabric cut for it tonight!

Project #1 For Max!: New Boppy Cover!

2011-02-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have a baby boy coming in April! With the new addition to our family, I have a long checklist of things to accomplish before he gets here. On the list is getting his room ready. According to USPS.com, my box of fabric for his room should be delivered tomorrow! EEK! So excited to get started on his bumpers, crib sheets, crib quilt, and other little projects.

Yesterday I was going through a box of Maddy's baby things, trying to see what I could use for Max...most things were a little too girly. I found my boppy, but the cover was no where to be found. Too bad, too - hers was a really pretty green with brown, and embellished with an Elephant. It would have been perfect! Oh well, time to make a new boppy cover! I had just gotten some light green damask minky fabric that was calling my name.

I decided upon the other print I would use, and started searching the internet for a good boppy pattern. The one I used came from here: http://www.vanillajoy.com/how-to-boppy-cover.html

The cover came out a little big, and I don't like the wrinkles, so I kept adjusting until it was perfect for me. Here's the finished product:

The green damask side even has a hidden zipper under that flap towards the top! This is my second project with a zipper, and I have to say, they aren't as scary as I thought...I see more zippers in my future!

The pattern even says you are allowed to sell items made using it, so maybe I'll make some for the Farmer's Market this season! Trying to improve the line of products, and this just might be a good one!

Dress Featured on the Project Run & Play Blog!

2011-02-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

***SQUEAL*** I've been following The Project Run & Play Blog for the last several weeks, and this week I decided to submit a dress I had made for Maddy into the Reader Submissions. This is the dress I submitted:

I was so excited to wake up this morning and see that my submission included in their Readers Submissions Blog post!!! Definitely made my day.

I also have this dress for sale in my etsy shop, and the pettiskirt can be purchased separately. Click on the photo to see the listing.

The photograph is by the super-talented Terri Beloit. You can visit her website here: http://www.terribeloitphotography.com/ to see more of her fabulous work.

I realize I need to update this blog more often that just when we are going a give away. I promise to get better at it! You may or may not know, but we are expecting a baby boy in April - so I will have plenty of boy items to work on posting about!

For now, have a wonderful Valentine's day on Monday!

And the winnner is.....

2010-12-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

Comment # 19! Congrats to Ambrelee!

P.S. Ambrelee...tell Santa that Kiwi has a Cricut Expression for sale! haha :) Congrats! We'll email you to get your mailing information! Thank you to everyone that participated!

700 fan giveaway!

2010-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who 'likes' us on Facebook! We made it to 700 fans, so we are giving away at set of three Mini Cupcake Ornaments- the classic collection - Red, White and Lime Green!

To enter to win, please leave a separate comment for each of these steps:

1. Leave a comment here telling me what you are hoping Santa brings you this year!
2. Follow this blog
3. Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook page and/or Twitter (leave a separate comment for each!)

That's a possibility of 4 different ways to win! Please make sure one of your comments includes a way for us to reach you in case you are the winner!

****Giveaway ends on Sunday, December 12th, to ensure the winner receives in time for the holidays!****

Good luck!

And the winner is....

2010-08-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Digital Gypsy!

Thanks to everyone who entered! The Random.Org number generator picked lucky number 11!

Here's her winning entry!

Digital Gypsy - please contact me at: kerry {at!} kiwiandkiki.com - to let me know what quote/word you would like on your bracelet!

Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who participated! We are looking forward to the next giveaway!!!

Introducing Ruby Lou!

2010-08-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

The moment I set eyes on Ruby Lou, from SewMuchAdo.blogspot.com, I fell in love. I have made other dolls before, but none as cute as Ruby. The pattern had been for sale for a little while before I got up the courage to contact her about how I could purchase rights to be able to sell this little cutie. After communicating back and forth, the deal was done, and I was officially allowed to make and sell my own Ruby Lou's! I had so many plans for them, but being that it was in the middle of summer, not much time to actually execute my plans.

Here's a little peak at the first 5 Ruby Lou's I will be listing on Etsy. I have already sold one pre-made Ruby Lou, and I will admit it was emotional selling her. Each time I stitch on her little face, I immediately fall in love. I spend so much time selecting the fabric for her outfits, and working on each one, that I feel a connection with them.

Abby Lou comes with a tutu and she's also wearing bloomers under that tutu! :)

I will be listing these on Etsy, along with custom listings that allow the purchaser to select their own hair color, and clothing - skirt, bloomers, or bloomers & tutu. What little girl wouldn't want her very own Ruby Lou?

The Ruby Lou Doll is designed by SewMuchAdo.blogpost.com

Time for another giveaway!

2010-08-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

We have reached 300 fans on the Facebook page for Kiwi and Kiki!!!

As the end of summer is approaching, we are looking forward to the holiday gift giving season!

Now you have an opportunity to check someone off your gift giving list (or, you could give it to yourself, we won't tell! :) ) In Celebration of our 300 fans on Facebook, we are giving away a custom hand-stamped Sterling Silver Bracelet!

These are currently not available in the shop, but they will be listed again soon! For details about the bracelet you will be receiving, click on the link below the picture to go to a previously sold bracelet:

http://www.etsy.com/transaction/22226913

How to win:

Get an entry for each of the following items, by leaving separate comments for each:

1. Follow this blog! (if you already follow, just let me know!)

2. Be a fan on Facebook (if you are already a fan, just let me know!)

3. Let your friends and family know about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or on your blog and let me know how you posted it! (can get up to 3 entries for this one! Just leave a separate comment for each one!)

Please make sure I have a way to contact you! If I don't know you personally, and you don't leave me an email address to contact you, I will post the winner on Facebook and here, so be sure to check back!

The Giveaway will Close on Sunday, August 15th at 10pm Pacific Time Good luck!!!

Saturday's Photo Session!

2010-07-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, my sister and I hired Terri Beloit to photograph some of the new items we have coming soon to our online shops and Farmer's Markets. It was an exhausting week, prepping for the show, making sure everything would fit the specifi little models, and worrying about the weather. When we first scheduled the photo shoot, we were worried it would rain! This year, the weather has been very strange. When the week finally came, we were worried it would be too hot! In the end, it was a beautiful day, and Terri managed to scope out a great place in the grass that had a good amount of afternoon shade.

Everyone showed up, and we will soon have some great pictures to show off our new items! We have some new boys items, and new hair accessories...all in all, it was a very fun day! Here's a couple pictures from the photo shoot. Please visit Terri's blog to see more of the pictures!

Winner!!!

2010-06-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who entered! I have new followers, and I promise I will try to keep updating this blog :) Now for the winner! (drumroll please)

Lucky number 16!!!

And who is lucky number 16? That person is.....

Congrats Celyn! Take some time to look through all 4 shops, and just send me a message on Facebook with what you want! :)

Shoes for your baby's tootsies!

2010-06-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

I have a slight (ahem) fabric addiction. My favorite part of making infant/toddler shoes, is that it takes a relatively small amount of material to make them. I have been busy lately on other projects, so when I finally got a chance to sit down and make some shoes, I was so pleased with the results! Here are the latest fruits of my labor:

Green with Cream polka dot Mary Jane Style (for boys and girls!)

Black and Cream Houndsooth-like Mary Jane Style (for boys and girls!)

Chocolate Brown with Multi Color Jumbo Dot Kimono Style (for boys and girls!)

Minnie Mouse inspired Red with Cream colored Polka Dots Mary Jane Style

I am in love with them. I wish Miss Maddy's feet were small enough for them. Heck, I wish my feet were small enough for them!

Another Giveaway for our Fans!

2010-06-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

We hit another milestone on the Kiwi and Kiki Facebook page - 250 "likes" To celebrate, we're doing another giveaway! Last time, the winner got to pick the theme of their goody bag, this time the winner will get to choose what they want! The winner will win a $15 credit towards any item(s) in any of the Etsy shops, or from our booth at one of our events (check here for our current event schedule) This can include shipping! The winner will be sent an email with instructions on how to make your selection.

To enter the contest, there are three ways you can enter (make sure you make a separate comment for each entry)

#1 - become a follower of this blog! (or tell me that you already are)

#2 - Visit any of the etsy shops, and let me know what you might spend your $15 credit on!

Here are the links:

#3 - Post this Giveaway to your Facebook/Twitter account (post to both, and get a bonus entry!)

Contest will end on Sunday evening - June 27th at 10:00pm Pacific Time

Good luck! Winner will be chosen using Random.com

Farewell, Old Friend

2010-06-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

You see this bottle, innocently sitting on the top shelf of my fridge. This is my weakness. My Achilles heal, if you will. There are two particular ways that I love to drink Coca Cola. Preferably, from the fountain. But it must have the perfect syrup to soda water ratio, or it's no good. McDonald's and Wendy's typically are a safe bet for a good Coke. Very rarely can you go to a gas station convenience store and find a good fountain Coke. The second way I prefer to drink it is from a can, straight out of an ice cold cooler. Excuse me while I feel a little faint. Okay, back to you.

To make a long story short, my love affair with Coke must come to an end. When you start to consume a minimum of 32 ounces a day, you really have to stop and think about what exactly you are drinking. I'm sure at some point in the future I will visit my friend, but I cannot continue on the path I have been.

So, I'm putting this out into the Internet world, so someone besides myself will know about it. If you see me drinking a Coke, feel free to question me about it, hold me accountable. Unless you see a slightly crazed look in my eye - if that happens, then BACK OFF! Really, it's for your own safety.

Diving in!

2010-05-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Up until this year, I was scared to make clothing...last year, I sort of dipped my toes in the water with the bloomers, but I didn't go fully in until I made my daughter and niece's Halloween costumes. They were butterfly fairies, inspired by Tinkerbell. Here's their costumes:

For my niece Abby's first birthday, I wanted to make her a lady bug dress, to go along with her Lady Bug themed birthday party. I searched everywhere for Red fabric with black polka dots, and I couldn't find any that reminded me of a lady bug, so I decided to applique black polka dots on to red fabric. Turned out much better than I could have imagined! Here's a picture of her wearing it: (photograph provided by Terri Beloit Photography)

Well, I'm diving head in - I'm listing dresses on the Etsy shop!

You can find the lady bug dress for sale here: Black and Red Lady Bug inspired Bubble Dress, available in size 6-12M, 12M, 2T, 3T

There are other new items available also! Check out the new bloomers and pink & brown polka dot dress.

A break from reality....and the sewing machine

2010-05-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am on the second to last day of my vacation at Lake Chelan. This has been the second time I've been to Lake Chelan in the spring, and I LOVE it. It's so quiet and peaceful, and since it is so late in the spring (almost Memorial day, afterall!) it is still warm and sunny, and perfect laying-on-the-beach weather. Or if you asked my daughter, perfect sandcastle making weather. She would know.

This is the view from the condo's balcony (with the help of a really cool photomerge thingy in Photoshop):

We had a fun weekend with friends, and now its just me, Maddy and the hubby. I am beginning to feel withdrawals from my sewing machine, which I haven't been able to use since last wednesday, but I am feeling excited to get back and start on a few new projects for the Market and for the website.

I'll let you in on a little fun fact....this is where I got married. Almost 9 years ago. That's crazy. In the very left corner of the picture, off in the distance are some trees next to a little fish pond (which happens to be nearly empty right now, they fill it for the summer months) - this is where the ceremony was. In the middle of the picture there are bushes around some utility thingamabobs...in front of those, on the grassy side, is where the reception was. It rained a little, and we danced in the rain, but I didn't care, I was married! I almost ran into the lake afterwards, dress and all....but for some reason we didn't.

Here's a couple of other fun pictures from our week:

view from our lunch table at my FAVORITE burger place - Lakeview Drive In. However, my family affectionately calls it the "Hole in the wall" I think my mom started it - because it really is just this little burger place. Established in '57 - they serve Fries in a bucket, complete with MSG! :) What could be better than that.

Miss Maddy sitting in a tree....she liked hugging the tree. What can I say.

Can you spot the little piggy that escaped the shoe? Maddy came running up to me...."my toe, Mama! my toe!" I wasn't sure what was wrong, until I saw that her little piggy was trying to escape!

On our first day, we arrived around 6pm, we unloaded our cars, and headed to the beach! The day was slowly slipping away, but the water was calling to us. Maddy had to dip her toes in, and so did Mama and Tina!

And one last picture for now...Maddy on "Maddy's Beach" as she likes to call it. She's wearing her new bucket hat, something I tried out for her, and hope to be making more to add to the online shop and the markets.

We have one more day of sun ahead of us, and then we pack up and head home on Thursday. Back to rainy western Washington, and back to my sewing machine! Oh how I've miss you.

Opening day at the Farmer's Market!

2010-05-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

It was a chilly opening day at the Puyallup Farmer's Market today, but it was successful! We saw some familiar faces from previous seasons, and some friends stopped by to show support! Here's a picture of our new setup:

There are more items coming soon to the market, and a larger selection of some of the items I had today. I was testing the waters on a few items, and since we had a great response, there will be more! There will also be a separate section for custom order items, including embroidery options.

This past week was one of little sleep, but after getting a good night sleep tonight *fingers crossed* I will be ready to put the finishing touches on the additional items for next week.

I will definitely miss being at the market every Saturday, but hopefully we will have a chance to do some other festivals/street fairs that we have been wanting to do.

This week, I'm hoping to also start adding a weekly recipe and/or tutorial to the blog. I have an ambitous week ahead of me! Time for some sleep! nighty night

And the winner is.....

2010-04-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Giveaway! This little blog now has 19 followers, and we had 22 comments on the give-away post. Now, the winner is.....

Lucky Number Seven!!!

ding ding ding, we have a winner! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!! Okay, enough of that. Here's our winner:

Congrats Sylvia! Sylvia has her own adorable shop, you can visit it here: Hopscotch Square

(Sylvia, I'll send you and email to get your details! )

We've reached 200 fans (well, now 'likes') on Facebook! Time for a Give-away!

2010-04-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely, we made it to 200 fans on Facebook! Thanks for the support! To celebrate, and kick off the beginning of the Farmer's Market season (coming up so quickly on May 1st!) I am offerring a give-away!

The winner will receive a goody bag, with your choice of theme (for baby, for mommy, or for home) - in keeping with our shop theme!

3 Ways to Enter this Give-Away!

1) simply comment on this post, with your preference of theme for your goodie bag.
2) Follow this blog, and leave a separate comment telling me you are following
3) share this give-away on Facebook/Twitter and leave a separate comment letting me know!

Giveaway drawing will take place on Friday, April 23rd in the evening. Be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you if you are the winner! Winning number will be drawn by Random.org

Less than a month to the Farmer's Market in Puyallup!

2010-04-13T19:35:00.001-07:00

In previous summers, we have enjoyed coming to the market every Saturday, June through August, and sometimes into the fall. This year, since I now live about 1 and a half hours away, we are just doing the market on the first Saturday of each month - maybe adding a few days here and there. This year we will just have 1 tent, but we are planning on filling it full of new items - including a new variety of items for little boys.

Meet Terri Beloit, Photographer located in Puyallup

2010-04-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

If you have been a fan of our on Facebook, you have probably seen me post links to Terri Beloit's Photography Blog and Website. She is located in Puyallup, and Kiki and I met her while she was shopping at the Puyallup Farmers Market, where we are vendors. She purchased a Tutu and some hats and headbands, and she showed us some pictures she had taken using our products. We have met with her a couple times to have pictures taken of our girls wearing our products, and we have developed a friendship. If you are looking for a photographer in Western Washington, take a moment to consider Terri - she takes amazing photographs, and she is so great to work with!

Terri Beloit Photography

http://www.terribeloitphotograpy.com/
http://blog.terribeloitphotography.com/

by the way...the adorable model is my daughter, Maddy :) You can purchase the purple hat with lime green flowers in my sister's shop: http://kiwiandkikitoo.etsy.com/

Tutorial: Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Jewelry

2009-09-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Jewelry

(originally published on my PNN page)
My latest addiction - once I learned how to make my own hand stamped sterling silvery jewelry (so easy!) I knew I had to share it with the world. One thing I learned while trying to find information on this craft was that it is hard to find information about it! :) This tutorial will outline the basic tools you need, and help you get started with how to use your tools.

Basic Tools:

You will need a mallet (or some people prefer to use a regular hammer), steel bench block, 600 grit sandpaper, polishing pads, design stamp (I use a snowflake stamp in this tutorial), black permanent marker (for the oxidizing look), 1/2 inch 24 gauge sterling silver disc, 1.7mm hole punch pliers, a sterling silver jump ring (sizes vary, use the size that you like best) and a necklace chain (I am using an 18" 1.2mm sterling silver ball chain.

Okay, after seeing that list, you should be getting the idea that this is not an inexpensive hobby/craft. It will take a little investment in the beginning, but it will pay off when you are creating beautiful pendants that people charge a lot of money for.

Okay- let's get started!

Step 1: Start by placing your sterling silver disc on the steel bench block. Place your design stamp carefully in the desired place on the disk. For this small pendant, I'll place the design slightly below the middle of the disc, so that when the hole is punch on the top, it still looks centered.

Step 2: Firmly hit your mallet against the design stamp several times, to ensure your design has been stamped into the sterling silver disc. You want to make sure you get it right the first time - otherwise, it would be difficult to place it perfectly back on top of the design to stamp it again.

Step 3: Using your hole punch pliers, place your disc in the hole punch, lining the disc up so that the hole will be place properly. Squeeze the punch tightly - if you don't do this correctly, you could end up damaging the disc, and you'll want to start all over again.

Step 4: This is the step that makes your design image pop off of the disc - to give your silver the "oxidized" look, we're going to cheat a little by using a black permanent marker to mark in the grooves of the design. When you are done, it will look something like the picture at right.

Step 5: Use the fine grit sandpaper to smooth off all edges of the disc, and then follow it up with the polishing pad. As you work the polishing pad over the design area, it will polish off the excess black marker, leaving your disc beautifully polished and your design will stand out on the disc.

Step 6: Add your jump ring and necklace chain (or you could make several of these and add them to a charm bracelet), and you are finished! Here is an up-close picture of my finished product. This particular sized disc also works well for single letter.

What do you think of this tutorial? Was it easy to follow? I love getting feedback, so please feel free to comment!

Who am I?

2009-09-04T12:45:00.001-07:00

Well, I suppose you could ask many people, and they would give you different answers. In short, I am a nearly (gasp!) 30 year old mommy that recently quit her corporate job to stay at home with her beautiful nearly 2 year old daughter. Out of my husband and myself, I am the only one with a college degree, so it does slightly bother me that I am the one staying home, but I am small business owner, so I guess that counts for something.

Why am I blogging? I have always loved writing, and being that I don't get a lot of adult conversation during the day, I needed some kind of creative outlet. I think I am funny, so why not bless the rest of the world with my gift of humor? ha ha.

My house is a home to me, my daughter, my husband (only about 2 days a week, more on that later), our 2 dogs (Ernie & Buddy) and our 4 cats (Fat Head, Smooches, Squirt and Pepper). We also have a grey cat living under our house that runs away when we drive in. Oh, and I think at present we have at least 2 mice living in our stand-alone garage type-shed building. There is a lot of love in this house.

What can you expect from this blog? The down and dirty details of my life as a stay at home mommy, my opinions, and other random ramblings. If you don't like it, you don't have to read. Or better yet, read and leave a comment! My husband can attest that I love to argue.

I'll also shamelessly plug the items I am currently selling, if the mood strikes me. I will also advertise other mommy-made things (or daddy-made, if I find those). I think that with our economy in a state that it is in, if we help each other, we might be able to get to the other side a little bit smoother.

You won't see me blog about politics, unless something really chaps my hide. But that doesn't usually happen. I might put my two cents in about current reality shows, etc.... who knows.

Okay, enough of all of that. I hope you will join me on this journey of expressing myself, my opinions, and general frustrations. Enjoy looking around!

Kerry

OOPPs...I forgot one of the most important things. Why am I called Kiwi? Well, when my neice Lily was born, we wanted her to call me something cute, rather than just Auntie Kerry. She and I have been very close since she was born, and having a special name was just that important. At first, we wanted my name to be Kiki, but Kiwi was easier to be said when Lily actually started talking, and my sister decided she wanted to be Kiki (her name is Kristin). Yes, my sister is very selfish, so I finally gave in. Ha! Secretly though, I absolutely love it every time I hear Lily call me Kiwi. Now, our business is called Kiwi and Kiki.

Okay, enough of that...for real this time.

Kiwis Blog

Kiwi and Kiki 10K Fabulous Fan Celebration!

Time to Vote! Pick your favorite Inspiring Pinterest Board!

Let's have some Pinterest fun!

Happy New Year!

Cyber Monday Giveaway Winner!

All I want for Christmas.....Cyber Monday Giveaway!!!

7000 Fan Spectacular! ***Winners Announced!!***

Photographer Appreciation Month - Special thanks to....

{AUGUST is photographer appreciation month}

Winner announced!

5000 Fan Celebration!

Giveaway Winner!!!!

4000 Fan Celebration!

More items for boys!

6 Weeks!

Project #1 For Max!: New Boppy Cover!

Dress Featured on the Project Run & Play Blog!

And the winnner is.....

700 fan giveaway!

And the winner is....

Introducing Ruby Lou!

Time for another giveaway!

Saturday's Photo Session!

Winner!!!

Shoes for your baby's tootsies!

Another Giveaway for our Fans!

Farewell, Old Friend

Diving in!

A break from reality....and the sewing machine

Opening day at the Farmer's Market!

And the winner is.....

We've reached 200 fans (well, now 'likes') on Facebook! Time for a Give-away!

Less than a month to the Farmer's Market in Puyallup!

Meet Terri Beloit, Photographer located in Puyallup

Tutorial: Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Jewelry

Who am I?

7000 Fan Spectacular! Winners Announced!!