Literally takes my breath away every time I look at them & puts me even more in the holiday spirit!! Christmas orders have been coming in since the last week of October & I have been creating to Christmas music since then…loving it! I really don’t want it to end, but it must so that Christmas morning can appear! I have extended our Christmas cut off this year to December 5th so that everyone has a chance to get their orders in. I truly can’t wait to create your perfect design! A big huge thank you to Brooke for sharing her talent, what an amazing gift! You must go check out her work, all of it is stunning. The best part about Brooke, she is as kind & good as she is talented! Follow her on facebook to keep up with her as an artist & to be inspired daily!

I wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings filled with great food, laughter, joy & family!

I just adore this custom piece I made for my dear friend Amanda of norisada photography boutique. I cherish every custom piece I have made over the last year, so it is tough for me to say the time for custom work has come to an end. The great news, we still have the same extensive customization available on the website. If you have a special saying you would like hand stamped and aren’t sure what piece on the website will work best, please email me at kristen@3littlebirdsboutique.com and I will help!

Great news, we are once again accepting new orders!!! All orders placed between now and October 16th will be started upon our return on October 16th. Please allow for a 2-3 week creation time from the October 16th start date. Holiday orders will be accepted through December 1st 2011 to ensure timely delivery. Orders placed after Dec 1st cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas.

Thank you so much for your love & support, you all mean the world. Happy Fall!!!

I am so excited to introduce you to the girl behind the lens of some of my most treasured 3 Little Birds Boutique photos! Courtney of Small Beginnings Photography is the talent behind many of my product photos, I cherish her work. Here is one of my most recent favorites.

This is my favorite photo taken by Madeline James Photography of Courtney and her adorable family!

I just adore her talent but the best thing about Courtney is her kind & giving heart! Over time Courtney and I have become more than business acquaintances and really in truth, more than even friends. Courtney has become like a sister to me & is one of the most supportive cheerleaders you will ever meet! It’s no surprise she is first & foremost an amazing wife & mother, making her someone I adore even more. When Courtney let me know the topic she wanted to share with all of you, I knew it would be good because it is something I constantly struggle with. It is something I think all families struggle with. What I didn’t know was that I would be in tears at the end of her beautiful post because it would strike such a chord with me. Learning to say no when it is important for my little family is one of my biggest struggles but also one I am improving on lately. 

Thank you Courtney for your words of wisdom, love & greatness! You are pure inspiration!

xoxo, Kristen

I’m not quite sure where to begin. When I was asked if I wanted to be featured, my first thought was who, me?  Although I’ve never met Kristen in person, I feel we have grown together, both starting our businesses around the same time and have become dear friends in the process.  We share many similar feelings about what it is to own your own business while raising a family and how difficult it is to balance the two.  Initially I had no idea what I was going to write about and then, it hit me.  I should write about the one thing I’ve struggled with the most as my business has taken off, balance.  Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a few ideas that might help you get started.

 For those of you who aren’t familiar with me or Small Beginnings Photography, let me give you a quick bio.  I am a happily married stay-at-home mom of three young boys, ages 6-1/2, 4-1/2 and 2.  My husband has a demanding job with an unpredictable schedule and recently I gave up my job in the medical field so that I could be home with the kids and enjoy my ever-growing passion for photography.  I made the decision to jump head first into the business world just over a year ago, after much prompting by my peers.  I wasn’t convinced new clients would seek me out to take their photos, but I was happy photographing the same people I had been for years.  Little did I know my business would grow leaps and bounds over the coming months.  Oh yeah, did I mention I homeschool?  We just started our second year.  So how on earth do I have time to run a business?  This is a question I am asked frequently…usually preceded by “you are super woman” or something to that effect.  Super woman, I am not, although I have been known to fly around my house in a cape chasing after the boys.

 For me, creating a schedule is probably the most important piece to this puzzle.  During the summer, it’s like a free-for-all in our house, flying by the seat of our pants.  When fall rolls around, we get back to the grind.  Every Sunday, I lay out lesson plans for the week for our oldest.  We have a schedule we follow each day and I try not to deviate from it if possible.  I am, however, only human and there are times when the schedule falls to the wayside.  Having a routine at home when you have children is key when running your own business, in my opinion.  I need to know what lies ahead so I’m not scrambling to get everything finished before bedtime.  My “work” time takes place for an hour or two while the kids nap and again in the evening once the kids go to bed. Despite the awful amount of hours my husband works, when he is here; he knows just what to do to help me out when I need it.

 Set boundaries.  I will be honest, up until a couple of months ago, my business consumed every ounce of my time and energy.  I stayed up until at least 1 or 2 in the morning every night editing photos, answering emails, packaging up orders, etc.  I double-booked myself, scheduled last-minute sessions and completed sessions in 2-3 days.  As the bags under my eyes grew and family time began to suffer, I quickly realized I could not continue to go on this way.  One of my biggest weaknesses through this experience thus far has been confidence.  I feared saying no, and sticking to timelines would disappoint my clients and cause them to go elsewhere.  What I was really doing is putting little to no value on my time.  My time is valuable and so is the time I spend with my family.  So how do I fix it?

 I started planning ahead, updating my calendar at least a month or two in advance, setting a more reasonable “shut-off” time each night so I could actually function as a mother, and booking only one shoot per weekend in addition to weekday shoots so as not to impede on quality time with my husband and boys.  The end result?  A steady, workable, balanced schedule that works for me and my family.   

 Everyone has different goals for their business, no matter what field you’re in.  I never dreamed my hobby would turn into such a blossoming business but I’m sure enjoying the ride.  If you take anything away from this post, I hope it is value.  Your time is valuable to your family and it is valuable to your clients/customers.  Don’t be afraid to say no and set the bar high.  The last thing you want to do is sell yourself short.  If you are able to find the delicate balance that best suits you, the time you do focus on your business will be much richer and you will deliver a quality, more positive experience to your clients.

Isn’t she fabulous!! You can view more of Courtney’s photography on her blog and follow all of her awesomeness on facebook!

Woo hoo, we have 5 winners!!!

Prize 1 ~ 1 large rose ring Comment # 656 Stephanie

Prize 2 ~ 1 daisy ring Comment #350 Shiny Pigeon

Prize 3 ~ 1 daisy ring Comment #501 Paula Giglia

Prize 4 ~ 1 dainty ring Comment #442 Virginia Mason

Prize 5 ~ 1 bow ring Comment # 696 Heather Smith

Congratulations!!! Please email me at kristen@3littlebirdsboutique.com by Wednesday September 7th at 11pm PST  to claim your prizes!!!

I am ecstatic to introduce you to my newest obsession…Blush Envy. Blush Envy is owned by Brandy Johnson, one of the sweetest, most down to earth yet talented artists you will ever come across. Brandy is the type of artist you want to support just because she is that genuine & good, so when you add her incredible product line and the heart & soul she puts into each creation, you get perfection! Perfection that is made of paper, yep…this masterpiece is made out of paper, love & a secret glazing process.

Can you see why I own a Blush Envy dainty ring in just about every color? These little beauties are fabulous and they make the perfect gift too!

The large rose rings are my absolute favorite and I think every wardrobe needs a couple of these as well!!! As if we needed more Blush Envy temptation, Brandy just released this new daisy ring.

Drool!!!! Brandy also just released my new must have obsession…bow rings!

I am in love…with the artist & her work, it doesn’t get any better! Oh wait, but it does! Brandy is giving away 5 of her breathtaking rings to 5 different winners!!! 

Prize 1 ~ 1 large rose ring

Prize 2 ~ 1 daisy ring

Prize 3 ~ 1 daisy ring

Prize 4 ~ 1 dainty ring

Prize 5 ~ 1 bow ring

Ahhhhhhh, so exciting & it’s SO easy to enter!!!

How to Enter:

Like Blush Envy on facebook.

*then come back here and leave us a comment letting us know you are a fan (already a fan? Thank you! Please leave us a comment here letting us know so it will count as an entry).

Extra entries:

Share a link to this giveaway in your facebook status, making sure to tag @Blush Envy & @3 Little Birds Boutique.

Tweet about this giveaway.

Blog about this giveaway.

Head over to Blush Envy and drool over all of her beautiful jewelry, then come back here and let us know what your favorite piece is.

Couldn’t wait to win and purchased a ring? Awesome, leave us a comment letting us know about your purchase for an extra entry.

Like 3 Little Birds Boutique on facebook.

Follow 3 Little Birds Boutique on twitter.

Subscribe to our blog via email on the right hand side of this page under the welcome.

That is 9 total entries if you do all of them, good luck!!!

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with facebook. Participants are providing information to 3 Little Birds Boutique and not facebook. By entering the contest you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. No purchase is necessary. The total prize package is worth $195 & will be given in 5 separate prizes. Each participant may enter up to 9 times but only needs to enter once (like Blush Envy on facebook and leave a comment on this blog post). Odds of winning are based on number of entries correctly completed. Odds are based on total number of entries provided by all participants. A new winner will be drawn if the prize has not been claimed within 48 hours. You may not reside in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India according to facebook rules. International players may enter but will be responsible for shipping. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. Winners will be chosen Friday September 2nd 2011 at 11pm (PST). Any entries after this time will not be considered. Winners will be announced on the blog by Monday September 5th 2011. Winners will be chosen using random.org.

We have 10 winners!!!

Grand Prize: Comment # 894 Laurie G. Hayes

{Summer in Bloom} Comment # 365 Lori C.

{Summer in Bloom} Comment # 87 Rachel Irish

{Summer in Bloom} Comment # 821 Stephanie Andrews

{Cotton Candy} Vintage Style Ring Comment # 404 Meredith Brantley

 {Cotton Candy} Vintage Style Ring Comment #4 Angelina d

 {Cotton Candy} Vintage Style Ring Comment # 222 Katelyn

{The Perfect Bloom} Earrings Comment # 574 Jill Lombardo

{The Perfect Bloom} Earrings Comment # 537 Sarah

{The Perfect Bloom} Earrings Comment # 67 Aimee Broussard

Congratulations!!! Please email me at kristen@3littlebirdsboutique.com to claim your prizes!!!

 3 Little Birds Boutique is my heart & soul. Each time one of you helps 3LBB grow with an order, an endearing comment or a like on facebook you become part of my heart & soul, part of the 3LBB family! Thank you from the bottom of my full heart for helping 3LBB have a 1st year beyond my wildest dreams!! Each one of you mean the world to me & amaze me every day with your kindness. To celebrate 12 months + 12,000 facebook fans we are giving away over $1200 of my favorite things including 12 months of custom 3LBB jewelry in the grand prize package + 9 other 3LBB jewelry prizes!!!

The Grand Prize

Nars Lose Yourself Blush/Bronzing Duo + Lip Gloss Set

Clarisonic PLUS philosophy Face and Body Deluxe Collection

Child Perfume 1.3 oz roll on

OPI Nice Stems! Collection 

$100 Nordstrom Gift Card

3LBB of the Month Club!!! I will work closely with you each month for 12 months to create custom 3LBB handcrafted jewelry up to a $50 value each month!

Additional Prizes

3 winners will receive our {Summer in Bloom} necklace in aqua

3 winners will receive our {Cotton Candy} vintage style ring in pink & aqua

3 winners will receive our {The Perfect Bloom} earrings in aqua

How to Enter:

Subscribe to our blog via email on the right hand side under the welcome

Additional entries:

Follow 3 Little Birds Boutique on twitter

Tweet about this giveaway

Like 3 Little Birds Boutique on facebook

Share a link to this giveaway in your facebook status

Head over and like The Modern Polkadot on facebook. While you are there, please tell her a big HUGE thank you for designing the following FREE printables for each one of you!!!

To download your very own 3LBB art print click HERE

To download your very own 3LBB Gift Tags click HERE

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, that’s 6 chances to win if you follow every step, good luck!!!

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with facebook. Participants are providing information to 3 Little Birds Boutique and not facebook. By entering the contest you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. You may not reside in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India according to Facebook rules. International players may enter. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. Winner will be chosen Sunday August 7th 2011 at 11pm (PST). Any entries after this time will not be considered. Winner will be announced on the blog Monday August 8th 2011. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

***We have a WINNER*** Congratulations to Jamie Delight (comment #43)!!! Please email me at kristen@3littlebirdsboutique.com to claim your prize!!! Little girls are so precious and innocent, everything about them is pure perfection…especially their clothing options! Oh how I love dressing my little one in ruffles and fun bright colors that seem to make the world feel that much happier!

These darling triple denim ruffles are high on my wish list from Missie Moosie! I am happy to introduce you to Alana the owner/designer of Missie Moosie and tell you about the $50 gift certificate she is giving one of our lucky readers!!

My name is Alana, and I am the owner/designer behind Missie Moosie clothing.
  I began designing, creating and sewing outfits after the birth of my first daughter. I wanted her to wear clothing that was different, unique, and would make a statement. I truly believe in the philosophy, they are only young once, and so I loved having the ability to dress her in one of a kind boutique style outfits. 
  Although, the business really began 4 years ago, I have always loved the creative aspect of design; whether it was drawing up new outfits for Barbie when I was a child, to gluing fabric swatches inside a homemade doll house for curtains or slipcovers, to playing fabric store as a kid; my instinct to create has always been there.
I love fabric and the creative process of putting fabrics together to make something unique.

How to enter:

Like Missie Moosie Children’s Clothing on facebook 

*then come back here and leave us a comment letting us know you are a fan (already a fan? Thank you! Please leave us a comment here letting us know so it will count as an entry).

Extra entries:

Like 3 Little Birds Boutique on facebook

Share a link to this giveaway in your facebook status.

Visit Missie Moosie’s website, pick out your favorite item and leave a comment about it here.

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with facebook. Participants are providing information to 3 Little Birds Boutique and not facebook. Winner will be chosen Sunday June 26th 2011 at 11pm (PST). Any entries after this time will not be considered. Winner will be announced on the blog Monday June 27th 2011. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

***We have a WINNER*** Congratulations to Nicole Deitrick (comment #54)!!! Please email me at kristen@3littlebirdsboutique.com to claim your prize!!!

 I am so excited about our giveaway this week and proud to tell you about my friend Katy of Birdie Baby Boutique . Katy is the creative genius behind Birdie Baby Boutique, a boutique full of anything and everything cute that Katy creates with love. I own one of just about everything Katy makes and each little treasure is even cuter in person than the pictures above! Did you notice the little miracle in the lower right corner has ankle blooms on that match her headband? Precious, Katy makes them! Or the photo prop box in the upper right picture, yep, she makes those too, custom made to your specifications! We love our name and alphabet blocks Katy has made for us and everyone at Kailey’s 2nd Birthday party loved their felt cupcake party favors!!!

How could you not love them!?! They are adorable and perfect for play food, photo props, pin cushions, party favors or just to add a little cuteness to every corner of your home.  Each little creation from Birdie Baby Boutique is drool worthy, her headbands are one of my favorite items.

Drool, I know! She creates more amazingness then I am able to show you here, really! She has goodies for every member of the family, even your little dudes!

Awwwwww, homemade perfection & Katy is offering one of my lucky readers a $25 gift certificate!!! Yippee!

How to enter:

Become a fan of Birdie Baby Boutique on facebook and then come back here and leave us a comment letting us know you are a fan (already a fan? Thank you! Please leave us a comment here letting us know so it will count as an entry).

Extra entries:

Share a link to this giveaway in your facebook status.

Visit Birdie Baby Boutique on Etsy pick out your favorite item and leave a comment about it here.

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with facebook. Participants are providing information to 3 Little Birds Boutique and not facebook. Winner will be chosen Sunday June 19th 2011 at 11pm (PST). Any entries after this time will not be considered. Winner will be announced on the blog Monday June 20th 2011. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

New in the shop {Imagine}

Cool & refreshing aqua blue amazonite faceted beads adorned by a teeny tiny detachable white flower. Just listed in the SHOP & perfect for summer! Available for a limited time at intro pricing + a complimentary pair of matching amazonite earrings. You choose your length up to 30”, finished with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp. Wear this alone as a statement necklace or layered with any of our hand stamped necklaces just like in our logo.

The teeny tiny white flower is on a pin and pops right off for versatility! A must have for the season & sure to become your signature piece!

I met my sweet friend Jill of Modern Cupcake during my NYC Martha Stewart trip.  Jill introduced me to Shannon Smith of Sassy Soirees and they both shared the vision of an upcoming charity with me, Owl Love You Forever. I believe very much in this charity and I am honored to be involved. Here is an introduction as to how Owl Love You Forever came to be:

Arie and Shayla VanHofwegen founded Owl Love You Forever to help turn tragedy into joy… this is their story.

How It All Began

After battling infertility for two years and experiencing two miscarriages, we finally got the news we had been praying for. We were expecting twins! We were cautiously excited! We made it past the first trimester, which is the furthest we had ever gone before. The big ultrasound appointment revealed two very healthy babies, a baby boy and a baby girl. We could not have been more thrilled! However, our joy was short lived due to preterm labor caused by an infection and/or incompetent cervix. We ended up in the hospital at just 22 weeks along, praying and trying everything possible to stop the labor. However, it continued to progress and we were blessed by the birth of Arie James and Hadilyn Faith on May 24, 2010. Arie was born an angel and Hadilyn lived for a few short minutes. We were given an amazing opportunity to spend time with the twins, bathing them, dressing them, and taking pictures with them in our hospital room. This time will forever be invaluable to us.

Owl Love You Forever had their first box making party on May 20th where boxes were filled with meaningful items and love to give to other families who experience a tragic loss. Look at this turn out!!!

And these incredible boxes of pure love

Visit Owl Love You Forever to learn more about it and find out how you can help! For as little as a $5 donation you can add love & comfort to a family during a very tough time.

Beautiful photography taken by Jackie Lindfors Photography

Meet Molly. My very next addition to my collection of the little works of art Amanda of Nori Boutique Designs calls fashion for little feet…I call them art!Call them anything you like, I desire all of them!!! Amanda just launched her new wedding line, aren’t they heavenly!

As if those aren’t enough temptation, she also just launched her new summer line!

Are you drooling yet? Good, because Amanda is offering one of my lucky readers a $40 credit to use in her SHOP!!! Don’t have a little princess? No problem, her little works of art make the perfect gift! I know because I have gifted them. Warning: you might just receive the cutest little picture ever of the sweet girl you sent them to wearing her new beauties with a HUGE happy smile and feel a touch jealous that they don’t come in your size. Don’t let it get you down…I hear rumors that Amanda has thoughts of possibly adding an adult line in the future. Shhhh, you didn’t hear that from me!

How to enter:

 Become a fan of Nori Boutique Designs on facebook.

Extra entries:

Become a fan of 3 Little Birds Boutique on facebook.

Share a link to this giveaway in your facebook status.

Visit Nori Boutique Designs and then come back and leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite item from her shop is.

BONUS:

Nori Boutique Designs is also having a giveaway right now! Visit Nori Boutique Designs BLOG and enter her Spring Giveaway Celebration and score an additional entry! Wow, SO many chances to win!!! Good luck!

Winner will be chosen on Saturday May 7th 2011 at 11pm (PST). Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Winner will be chosen using random.org.