babyKAMP

What We’ve Been Up To

I know it’s been forever since I’ve blogged…but we have been really busy here at babyKAMP and just life in general.  In the easiest way possible – here is a little list of what’s been going on and why we have been M.I.A.

-my best friend, her husband and little boy Cal came to AZ for Spring Break – we were pregnant together and Cal was born 2 days after Olivia – so it was the first time meeting each other’s little ones – Dave also took the week off – it was SO nice to have him home for an entire week

-Olivia had her first Easter and is still playing with the Easter eggs (best last minute purchase from the grocery store)

-I turned 29…28 was the most amazing year and I can’t wait to see what 29 has to offer – it was a great day spent with family

-babyKAMP is OUT OF CONTROL busy…which is TOTALLY awesome – so I’ve spent less time bloggin’ and more time sewing

-we also decided to redo our Etsy site and streamline more along the lines of our website – it’s a slow process but it’s getting there

-my little brother Ian turned 21…watch out world

-Olivia had a play date with her friend Cruz…and the moms and dads enjoyed some adult beverages

-I was in my sweet friend Maria’s wedding

-Olivia is officially on the move – crawling and pulling herself up on everything

-I decided my workshop needed a makeover…so this last weekend was spent purging, organizing and buying furniture…we love the new look and I am working on a blog post about it

-my youngest brother graduates high school next month…so I am spending tireless hours making his slideshow for his graduation party

-I just finished my last class (today) until Summer School starts…SO looking forward to a little break!

-we are also doing a giveaway – so check out our FB page for more details

And that has been our last month - sorry there are no pics but follow me on Instagram to see what’s been going on!

ya I know…I suck at blogging…

So I was working on this great post about our Spring Break…and who knows I may finish it.  But let’s just be honest here…probably not.  I am in the throws of getting all new graphics for Facebook, Etsy and new labels, business cards, stickers, etc…on TOP of completing overhauling my entire Etsy shop.  So once again…blogging has taken a back seat!

On the bright side we are SUPER slammed with orders so that’s obviously our first priority…but I hope to get back to blogging soon!

KFP … {Stuff We Heart}

We are absolutely in LOVE with Megan from Keeping Focus Photography.  I’m sure by now you have seen Olivia’s adorable picture with all her babyKAMP goodies (located right at the top of this page and on our site)…well we have Megan to thank for that.

I actually met Megan through my friend Christina…and Megan and I used to have a mutual best friend and in talking…turns out we met each other and crossed paths back in our college days.  But Christina and Megan were in the same sorority at ASU together and Megan has done Christina and her family’s portraits.

Before Olivia was born I had no intention of getting newborn photos taken.  I was not interested in them…never researched it…didn’t even want them.  (It’s just like the wedding videographer…had ZERO intentions of getting one…thought it would be a complete waste of money and that I would NEVER watch it…my wedding planner insisted that I get one and it was by far my FAVORITE wedding purchase…I LOVE IT!)  So anyways, once Olivia was born I could not (and still cannot) have enough photos of her.  I HAD TO HAVE newborn photos and even Dave agreed.  Since, I hadn’t even researched it or looked into photos…I just asked Christina to send me Megan’s info.

Megan is absolutely a blast to work with.  She is fun, professional, talented and totally adorable.  This is like the most teeny tiny sampling of some of my favorites…

We also had her do our family portraits for our Christmas card when Olivia was 4 months.

Olivia: Puffy Vest, Shirt, Sweater & Hat: Ralph Lauren – Jeans: Elegant Baby – Socks: Trumpette

 I can’t wait for our next photo session with Megan, to capture Olivia’s new milestones.  I have linked Megan’s info throughout the blog but you can also find her here:

Keeping Focus Photography

KFP on Facebook

Reuse & Recycle

It’s often time questioned…what actually makes something vintage?  It seems today that the word “vintage” is thrown around like a style but those items are not necessarily considered to be “vintage.”

Vintage refers to something old, out-of-date, old fashioned or hard to find.  When referring to clothing as “vintage” that clothing must be made sometime between the 1920′s and the 1960′s.  So I think it’s safe to say that most items found in a mall are not vintage.

I often get asked where I buy my fabrics and the honest answer is: everywhere.  I have local shops I go to, online shops, one-of-kind shops, big box retailers…when I see something I like…I scoop it up.

One of babyKAMP’s biggest sellers is sports themed items…it is very popular among the little baby boys.  So, I am always on the search for something unique and completely different.  Awhile back I stumbeled upon this amazing “vintage” breadspread from Recycled Wares that was actually from the 1960′s.  I thought I can definitely find something to do with this…some way to reuse and recycle this vintage treasure.

Well it turns it – it has been one of my all time favorite pieces and I think many babies and families are also enjoying it.  It’s amazing to me that something from the 60′s can last this long…it was used for a purpose backthen…probably several times over and it being reused and refurbished once more.  The thing I love most about babyKAMP items is that they are not something tossed to Goodwill once your little one outgrows them…they stored and treasured forever and maybe someday passed down again.

This vintage sports themed bedspread has been a part of many babyKAMP creations…here is a VERY small sampling:

 Nerrissa from Recycled Wares, definitely has an eye for unique findings and was sweet enough to blog about babyKAMP‘s recreation of her treasure, and you can read about it HERE.

 The downside to vintage fabrics is once they are gone…they are gone.  In this case, we are coming to the end of this amazing piece…I still have some baseball players and possibly a couple football players but the basketball areas are all gone.  To accomadate all my favorite basketball clients I have picked up this new gem (from the 1970′s…so not QUITE vintage)… but either way I cannot wait to create it into something special.

AND…We Have a Winner

 We had 72 entries in our Give-A-Way…and our WINNER is:

Kristen Donadio

Congratulations Kristen!! You have won your choice of a small or large pail of your choice!!!

(Okay WordPress is having some serious issues…because I keep writing this post and it only half of it appears when I publish it…so we’ll try again)

Thank you so much Kristen for all your support for babyKAMP and letting everyone know how much you love it.

And thank you to everyone who participated…and don’t worry…there will be a lot more give-a-ways in 2013!

Since WordPress is having a issues…I am unable to upload any photos - I will try to get the picture up from Random.org ASAP!

Thank you again to everyone who participated!!!

Basketball…babyKAMP…and Baby Duds

My youngest brother Austin, has been the starting point guard for his high school basketball team the last 4 years and I could not be more proud of him.  He has grown into such a smart and talented young man.  This being his last year…we didn’t want to miss any games…so, we packed up a 3 month old baby and hit the gym 3 times a week.  I think it’s safe to say that Miss Olivia spent the better part of her childhood in high school gyms all over the valley.

Olivia & Me – First Basketball Game

Olivia & Dave – First Basketball Game

Olivia’s First Basketball Game

Onesie: babyKAMP – Jeans: Baby GAP – Vest: Cannot Remember and it’s already packed away – Blankie: Aden + Anais

**I’ve had a lot of questions about Olivia’s clothing – so I will try and post where I got some of her outfits…if I can remember**

Getting Ready for a Late Night Game-4 Months

Hoodie & Leggings : Baby Gap

Friday Nigh Bball

Sweater & Leggings: Baby Gap - Beanie: Yagmurkids

Practicing Her Cheering

Sweater & Jeans: Baby Gap – Socks: Trumpette

Getting Ready for a Tournament

Sweater: Ralph Lauren – Jeans: Baby Gap – Socks: Trumpette

Go Uncle Austin

Sweater & Leggings: Ralph Lauren – Onesie: babyKAMP – Shoes: Retro Jordans

Go Broncos

Sweater: Ralph Lauren – Leggings: Ruffle Butts - Shoes: Retro Jordans

Sweater: Old Navy - Leggings: Ruffle Butts – Hat: Yagmurkids

Blazer: Baby Gap - Onesie: Gift (don’t know) – Legging: Ruffle Butts – Shoes: Retro Jordans – Hat: Yagmurkids

Uncle Austin, Daddy & O

Onesie & Vest: Baby Gap – Leggings: RuffleButts - Shoes: Ugg

Austin’s Big Head with the Coaches…Second from Left

Go Uncle Austin

Jacket & Pants: Juicy Couture

It was such a great season and Austin and his team played their hearts out and Austin even over came a serious injury.  Unfortunately, they lost in the first round of the state championship in overtime.  It was heart breaking none the less but it was time to move on.

Last Game of the Season-6.5 Months-Valentine’s Day

Sweater & Jeans: Baby Gap

So earlier this year, my parents volunteered to host the basketball Christmas dinner at their home.  My parents always do an amazing job entertaining for guests.  My mom is a brilliant decorator and has a beautiful home and my dad is an amazing cook.  

A few years ago I did extra mini pails for the Xavier Gatorline (cheer team) and so my mom thought the pails would make a great gift for the boys to take home as well as perfect centerpieces.  The extra mini pails are perfect for your night stand (especially the guys) because they can throw their change and all their other stuff in there.

I did the pails in Bronco colors (red, black, white) and personalized them with each player and coaches name.

 My mom filled them with basketball stress balls, some adult beverages for the coaches, and some other items.  They turned out so adorable!

Sorry for the crappy quality of all my photos – I take just about everything on my iPhone…so get used to it!

We are sad that the season is over and Austin’s basketball career has come to an end but we feel so fortunate that Olivia got to see her uncle play…even though she won’t remember it!

The Shop is: OPEN

We are so excited to have a special visitor to our sweat shop on Friday.  My dear friend Erin and her adorable little bump flew in from Vegas to pick out all her babyKAMP goodies.  This is seriously one of the TOP reasons I LOVE my job.  I love having visitors in my shop and being able to get creative together.  Seriously. Best. Job. Ever.

Erin-Shopping in bK

I met Erin my freshmen year at UNLV and we were sorority sisters together in Delta Zeta.  I’m pretty sure it is possible that we may or may not have had an entire class shut down because we were talking in the back row and the teacher got pissed – LOL.  We have definitely had our share of fun and crazy times together!

Anyways, she is now married and she and her husband Jeff are expecting their first little girl in June.  We are so excited for them and we were even more excited when Erin said she needed to come to Phoenix!

We had a great girls day picking out fabric and then joined our husbands for dinner before she had to head back to Las Vegas.  I am hoping that we can get up to Vegas for her shower this spring.

Here is a a little look down memory lane…if I was more organized I would totally pull out the old sorority pics – but I gotta get this done while Olivia’s napping!

Disneyland

My Bachelorette Party-Las Vegas

My Rehearsal Dinner-West Des Moines, Iowa

My Wedding-West Des Moines, IA

Funky Bunch Christmas Party-Las Vegas

***don’t forget to enter our give-a-way!!! details can be found HERE***

{Diaper Days}

{diaper days}

Okay…since we are going to give this bloggin’ business another go, I’mjust going to be up front and admit that I am so bad at actually committing to it…but in my defense I am a just a little busy.

I thought I would dedicate most some space on this blog to the leading lady in my life…little O.  Here you will find some mommy tips, rants, questions and A-Ha moments.

Let me just start by saying that I am in NO WAY an expert…I am learning as I go and unfortunately Olivia is being raised by trial and error…but weren’t all first borns? I am the first born and I turned out okay…right?

I will share things I have learned, things I wish I had known, things that no one tells you and things that EVERYONE tells you that you don’t believe and should! I will also share my experiences with different products that I can’t live without and things I can’t get rid of fast enough. I realize these blog segments might just open a giant explosion a can of worms for judge-y mean mommies…but hey it’s time to be nice because we all have ONE thing in common…we love our kids and want what is best for them. Right? I welcome your comments and opinions but let’s remember we are on the same team here!

So I hope you will enjoy reading my trials and tribulations as a new mom and hopefully have a laugh…or two.

So let’s just jump right in with the basics (and the essentials) and start with…diapers.

Again let me EMPHASIZE that this is merely my opinion on what works for ME (and Olivia).

I am a die hard supporter of Pampers Sensitive…I even like them better than the Swaddlers…and I have to say that I hate Huggies. I used Pampers Sensitive from the get go and had stocked up before Olivia arrived. I had received a lot of Huggies and store brand diapers from a baby shower from my students…so naturally when the Pampers ran out I just switched to Huggies. Well they didn’t last long because they leaked THREE DIAPERS IN A ROW! Needless to say I did NOT use them again and I didn’t even try the store brand diapers. The same goes with the wipes…once you use the Pampers Sensitive you really can’t use the other wipes. Huggies are super thick and the store brand are just blah…and don’t stay up in the container because they are like half the size of normal wipes.Even my husband…who is ALWAYS trying to get me to save some money was like don’t ever use those other wipes again! So my suggestion to new moms would be go the Pampers route. I have also heard the different things that Huggies work better with boys but I have a few friends with boys who had leaking problems as well.

You will NEVER…EVER…EVER convince me to use a reusable diaper…it will NEVER happen…EVER.  So let’s just skip that nonsense and continue on, shall we?

My favorite thing about this is that I order them all on Amazon. You can sign up for subscribe and save and they are delivered right to your door! That’s right I said it! If you are an Amazon prime customer (which is $70 a year – but if you’re like me and order EVERYTHING on Amazon – it pays for itself in about 15 minutes) it’s free shipping. You set up the size, the quantity and the date you want them shipped. and you can cancel at anytime or adjust your deliveries at anytime…so if you need them sooner – it’s free two day shipping – you just select it and BOOM it is on your doorstep!

When we first brought Olivia home we were running out of diapers all the time and I couldn’t buy them fast enough…it was a pain to run to the store all the time. I also use Subrscribe and Save you on the wipes too. I am sure it is available with other brands as well…but it is seriously amazing and they are way cheaper on Amazon.

Wow…how life has changed when you have so much passion for a pamper!

Jack of All Trades…Master of…Educational Administration and Leadership???

Well…ALMOST.  For some crazy reason BEFORE I got pregnant I thought it would be a great idea to get my Masters.  You know that extra $300 a year on top of the NOTHING that teachers make was so enticing {insert sarcasm here} that I wanted to pursue higher education.

Okay not really…but I have always wanted to earn a Master’s degree and I thought it would be a great time to start…again POOR choice.  But I am more than half way done so I can’t quit now.

I decided to leave teaching at the end of last year so that I could stay home with Olivia and pursue babyKAMP full time.  And bK has literally exploded which is SO awesome…it definitely makes homework THAT much more UNappealing.

I have to honestly say that I really don’t miss the classroom.  I definitely miss my cheerleaders and working with some great people but the whole education process is in such turmoil, it’s depressing.  I really feel like things are only going to get worse before they get better.  There is just SO much politics in teaching.  One thing I will take away is what kind of parent I want to be when it comes time for Olivia to start school.  Aside from the testing…dealing with parents is mentally and emotionally exhausting.  Not all of them of course…but it only takes a few!

Okay ENOUGH about that!  So, in December I will be graduating from ASU with my Masters…hopefully!

Don’t forget to ENTER to win a chance for a free babyKAMP pail!!  Just go to the new site and write a review of your favorite item for your chance to enter!  Contest closes next Wednesday.  All the details can be found HERE!

babyKAMP {DOT COM}…and a GIVE-A-WAY

Well A LOT has changed since my last blog post…and we mean A LOT!

We moved locations (from upstairs to downstairs…at my house)…which means we went from 2 rooms with 2 walk-in closets…to 1 room with NO closet! YIKES!  But we made it work and I absolutely LOVE my workshop more than ever.

I have left teaching to pursue babyKAMP and mommy-hood FULL TIME!

I am getting my Masters…AND

MOST IMPORTANTLY…we had a baby!

We welcomed Olivia DeMier Andrew on July 25, 2012.  She was 8 lbs 10 oz and 20.5 inches long.  She is the BEST thing ever and we couldn’t be happier!  You can see her picture plastered all over my Facebook page…apologies to my friends.

Okay and after 12 weeks off for maternity leave we began a special project.  We have completely rennovated babyKAMP.com!  It is all NEW and IMPROVED.  This has been my (second) baby since we began rennovations in November.

I’ve worked with the MOST amazing web designer who has transformed the site and the blog.  It is SUPER USER friendly so now ALL orders can be placed directly on the site.

We are still adding on special features to the site and making some tweaks to the blog but all is up and running!

As a special Welcome to the site we are offering an awesome giveaway to our loyal customers…here are the DETAILS:

-go check out the new website

-post a review of your favorite bK items (you have to set up an account to do this…but trust me it’s worth it) – next to each item it says: write a review

-for every reveiw you submit you will be entered to win a FREE personalized PAIL (small or large…your choice) and FREE shipping

-when you complete a review it will be emailed to me and your name will go in the generator in that order

-the more reviews you complete the more chances you have to win

-the contest will close at midnight (AZ time) on Wednesday, March 6th

-the winner will be announced on Thursday, March 7th

A Few More Things…

-we will be offering a monthly newsletter with sales, specials and promotions EVERY month so make sure you sign up

-I especially want to thank my dearest friend Miss Christina for listening to my complaints and frustrations for the last few months

We are SO SO SO excited for this new chapter in babyKAMP’s life!

Thank you for all your love and support!