Cream of the Crop: Goat Milk Stuff

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured site, Goat Milk Stuff.

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I don’t know about you, but I believe that natural products are typically better for you than highly-processed, chemical-laden ones.  Therefore, I was very pleased to discover Goat Milk Stuff when PJ graciously contacted me to offer her homemade goat milk soap as a prize for our launch party in Febraury.

Recommended by numbers of people including MckMama (blogger and mother of baby Stellan, for whose healing many are praying), the goat milk soap sold at Goat Milk Stuff is handmade by quite an extraordinary family.  The Jonas family is a large family (they have 8 children) who live on a 3-acre homestead.  They raise their own Alpine goats and lovingly turn the milk from their goats into fabulously natural soaps. Here is an excerpt from the Details page of their website:

Each bar of soap contains over one ounce of raw goat milk. The Alpine goats that produce the milk are not fed any antibiotics or growth hormones. Goat Milk Stuff use natural fats, coconut oil and olive oil to make their soaps. The colors of the soaps do not come from dyes or synthetics but from natural compounds and herbs. The soaps are scented with high quality essential or fragrance oils.

They even have a soap of the month feature which allows you to buy one bar of a different scent (they currently have 34 scents) each month for $4.50 instead of $5.00.

While I have not yet tried the soap for myself (I intend to very soon!), Dina, the winner of our launch party giveaway, had only high praise for this soap:

I have dry sensitive skin that gets even drier in winter. I have tried a variety of soaps, shower gels, moisturizers, without so far finding one that does not dry out my skin. Goat Milk Stuff’s soaps are far superior to any commercially available soap I have used. After using the goat milk soap, my skin feels soft and moisturized, making lotions and creams unnecessary. The soaps produce just the right amount of creamy lather, and leave my skin softly scented. My kids love the soaps too – my preschooler calls them Mommy’s yummy soaps! Bath time is more popular than ever, thanks to Goat Milk Stuff.

If you like boutique soaps, if you prefer natural products, or if you have sensitive skin or eczema, you’ll definitely want to check out Goat Milk Stuff.

Cream of the Crop: IM Web Graphics

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured site, IMWebGraphics.

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If you are an info marketer, IMWebGraphics is a site you will want to check out.  When you sign up for the free newsletter, in addition to the newsletter you will receive a free collection of graphics to use on your website.  The newsletter itself will contain useful tips such as how to get embedded images out of a Word document, how to make your own original graphics, and more.

Cream of the Crop: Sparkle and Charm Boutique

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured site, Sparkle and Charm Boutique.

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I discovered Sparkle and Charm Boutique when Kathryn contacted me to see if I could help her set up and design a store for her fabulous, handmade creations.  I thoroughly enjoyed having a hand in creating a unique website for her charming business, and I have loved seeing the products she has added.

What does Sparkle and Charm Boutique offer?  I’m glad you asked!  Sparkle and Charm caters mostly to little girls, although the personalized beanbags and Spiderman coloring and activity tote are certain to delight little boys.  Little girls will be enthralled with the beautiful and well-made tutus, hair accessories, flip flops, crowns, and baby doll diapers.  Moms are sure to like the beaded bookmarks and designer burp cloths.

If you are looking for high-quality, well-made, unique products and/or gifts, I highly recommend you take a look at Sparkle and Charm Boutique.

Cream of the Crop: Doodlebug & Peanut Creations

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured site, Doodlebug & Peanut Creations.

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Doodlebug & Peanut Creations is a fascinating boutique that offers a wide variety of products relating to children of all ages.  Alexis, the owner, kindly consented to be interviewed by me and even gave more information than I had requested.

When did you start your business?

June 2004

How did your store come to be?

Our store grew out of my father’s designs for parents to hand-build toys for their children – even with the child’s help. Although we no longer sell his designs, the business grew into a complete store with everything from infant to tweens and all the years in between. We have two daughters as different as night and day and learned that selection is key to being able to meet everyone’s needs – not just one personality type or another!

Who are Doodlebug and Peanut?

Doodlebug is my pet name for my oldest daughter, Ainsley, and Peanut is my pet name for my second child, Adley. And they are the sole inspiration behind this site.

What will visitors find there?

We carry dozens of lines of tried and true products that are not only guarantee to be some of the finest available but are also the most functional so that you know you are getting a quality product that will actually do what you want or need it to do. And if you are not completely satisfied – we take it back – no questions asked!

Why do you sell what you sell?

All the products on our site are items that my girls or my close friends’ children love. For example, I cannot tell you how excited children are when they walk in my house and see their very own, kid-sized table and chairs. Although my best friend (and mother of my oldest child’s best friend) and I have also spent hours sitting in those pint sized chairs, I would not trade my kiddie table for anything! They eat at it, play at it, and – in fact – we like them so much we actually have two!

What is your favorite item in your store right now and why?

The Belli Skincare Baby Gift Box. Belli Skincare has set the highest standard for prenatal safety as the only skin care line in the world that is teratology screened, which means they can guarantee the safety of you, your baby, and your unborn children!

What are the top sellers in your store?

Boon Frog Pod, Boon Bug Pod, and the various shoe lines.

Can you share some products that you are planning to put in your store soon?

We’re excited to announce we will be adding Haba toys, Oopsy Doopsy Tutus, Papila and Lucy Locket (plus a few more…)

Why do the products change?

Simply put, the products change because availability changes and so do the wants and likes of the children in my life. Although I’m the mother of two girls, we have a very close knit group of friends with children of all ages and sexes…and no two are alike. I want to have products that meet lots of needs!

Why is shipping included in your prices?

By including the shipping costs in price of each item, I am able to offer you the lowest price available. Some things are expensive to ship – desks, tables, bulky stuffed animals – but other things like wallet-sized cameras are much less expensive. I want you to pay for what you get…not share the cost of someone’s desk purchase shipped to Alaska!

Do you offer coupons?

All the time! We’re consumers, too and there is nothing we like more than a good deal, so we like to offer those to our customers, too. As any true shopper can attest, clothes purchased at a great sale price even feel better to wear! Please be sure to register with the site so that you can be notified of all our sales and clearance events.

Do you offer Military Discounts?

YES! 365 days a year! My husband has proudly served in the U.S. Army for 12 plus years, and we acutely understand the sacrifices those in the service have made for our country. In order to get the military discount code, simply fax your ID to (877) 273-8707 or email it as a .jpg or .pdf to alexis@doodlebugandpeanut.com, and I will immediately send you the discount code. Whether you’re a dependent, active, retired or reservist we will gladly extend a discount to you!

Do you want feedback?

Yes! Please! Love us, hate us, think we’re just right or just crazy, please drop us a line. We want to hear from you so we can learn what products you want to see more… or less of!

Do you link to other sites?

Of course! If we find a product we love that we cannot offer to sell, we’ll gladly offer our customers a link to where they can purchase those products.

As a business owner, what is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Treat every customer the way you would want to be treated as a customer. Never forget to shop your own store.

Thank you so much, Alexis, for the informative interview. I know I learned a lot about you and Doodlebug & Peanut Creations.

You definitely want to visit this boutique.  You will be absolutely amazed at the sheer number and variety of products they offer.

Cream of the Crop: The Pink Poodle Boutique

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured site, The Pink Poodle Boutique.

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The Pink Poodle Boutique is another online boutique that carries unique items. Here is what Christian had to say when I interviewed her.

Please tell our readers a bit about yourself.

I like to think I am Super-Single Mom (no cape necessary) : My world revolves around 2 children; one with special needs. My career and day job is in corporate event coordinating and event facilities management. I head up a online mother’s group, TxRIOT. My family is all local and VERY active. And then I offer freelance event coordinating services and have my little boutique.

When did you begin your business?

2003

What inspired you to open The Pink Poodle Boutique?

After the birth of my first child, I wanted to do something from home to marry my professional career as a freelance events coordinator with my new life as a stay at home mother; coordinating while providing unique, hand-made print pieces, decoration and gifts for children functions was the natural step.

What will people find at your site?

Infant to youth fashion & dress-up clothing and accessories, along with special event supplies and decor.

What is your favorite item in your store right now?

I really like the Personalized & Photo Confetti.

Do you plan to add anything new to your store soon?

I will be expanding the selections of confetti shapes within the next year. I will be adding confetti in a Beach/Summer theme, Western theme, Graduation theme and Baby theme.

Do you offer any specials?

Yes, you can receive 25% off your order by utilizing promotion code MomPack at check-out

If you haven’t checked out The Pink Poodle Boutique yet, do stop by and take a look. You will find many neat items. Like Christian, I really like the personalized confetti.

What is your favorite product from The Pink Poodle Boutique?

Cream of the Crop: Sunny Island Breezes

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured blog, Sunny Island Breezes.

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Well, it would have worked out better if I had either finished this post before I scheduled it to post or had just saved it as a draft. My apologies!

Nancy of Sunny Island Breezes is one of my favorite clients, and I enjoy stopping by her blog, too.  Not only is her design serene and peaceful, evoking a feeling of the tranquility of a tropical paradise (which was the atmosphere she wanted for her blog), but her content is also interesting and is regularly updated.

Nancy’s archives reach back to March of 2008, and if you explore them, you will find that she loves to read and review books.  I have really enjoyed her book reviews because they always include the first chapter from the book, which gives me a better view of the book than a review alone could do.

In addition to reading and reviewing books, Nancy also publishes weekly blog posts on various topics: Finance and Fitness Fridays, Thursdays Travels, and Sunday Scriptures are three regularly featured categories.  If you like cooking, explore Nancy’s Recipe Box.  Sewers will enjoy perusing Sewing on Saturday.

Overall, you will find a variety of interesting content at Sunny Island Breezes.  What is your favorite category from this blog?

Cream of the Crop: Bargain Briana

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured blog, Bargain Briana, a blog devoted to bringing you the best in bargains.

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Bargain Briana is where I learned the most effective way to use coupons. I had tried using coupons one time before, and after saving a few cents on a name brand product but still paying more than I would have paid for the store brand that I usually bought, I gave up, figuring that coupons weren’t worth my time. Boy, was I ever wrong! Since finding Bargain Briana’s instructions, I have consistently saved 40%-60% on my grocery bill and am able to purchase better food and more of it for less money.

Because of my experience with her site, I was thrilled when Briana agreed to answer my questions.

Please tell our readers a bit about yourself.

I’m Briana Carter of BargainBriana.com and a mother of four active children ages 2-10. By day, I utilize my Master’s Degree in Accounting as Controller for a Plumbing & HVAC contractor. After work, practices, dinner, showers, and the kids are in bed, I blog and love every minute of it!

I started my blog this past summer (2008) in response to family and friend’s interests in my bargains. I don’t consider myself frugal by nature because I love to shop! Finding bargains, deals, freebies, and cheapies are a great way to curb my spending. I save money in one area so I can spend it in another. If it is a bargain, BargainBriana.com (http://bargainbriana.com) covers it!

My goal is to teach others to save money while shopping by utilizing effective coupon methods. I always knew about coupons but never really knew how to use them. This is not something that can be learned overnight and the savings usually start to show after you have a nice stockpile of your basic items. When I first started “hard core” couponing in 2006, my family was resistant. Once they realized how we really could buy more for less, the whole family is involved with saving money. From the kids looking for coupons at the store, clipping coupons, or helping me shop, saving money is a family project. Being called a “Coupon Freak” is a term of endearment in our household.

For struggling families or families who just want to save more while shopping, Bargain Briana, can help. Come visit me at BargainBriana.com for the latest coupon match ups, freebies, and bargains!

Why do you blog?

To share my fabulous deals!

What do you normally blog about?

Bargains, deals, and money saving tips!

What is your favorite post?

How to Make Your Own Free Ringtone!

What are some of your readers’ favorite posts?

The 15 days of Couponing Series. It is a basic guide to couponing. [Note: this is the series that taught me how to coupon.]

As a blogger, what is the best piece of advice you ever received?

I don’t remember anything specific but I love reading Blogcoach.org to get fabulous tips on a regular basis!

Thank you, Briana, for taking the time to share a bit more about yourself. If you aren’t already familiar with her blog, stop by Bargain Briana and find out for yourself how much help it could be to you.

Cream of the Crop: Seeryus Mama

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured blog, Seeryus Mama.

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Sky of Seeryus Mama is another blogger who has become more than just a client, and I am so pleased to be featuring her blog today. I appreciate her taking the time to answer my questions.

Sky, please tell our readers a bit about yourself.

I’m the 30 year old mother to two. Johnny is 9 and Pea is 19 months. I’m a part time library lady and I also volunteer as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging seriously in March of 2008.

Why do you blog?

Blogging has brought so many wonderful people into my life…I don’t know who I’d be otherwise!

What do you normally blog about?

I blog about my kids and product reviews and giveaways.

Do you have any upcoming events or posts that you think our readers would like to know about?

I have a lot of exciting giveaways coming up! Stay tuned!

As a blogger, what is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Just be yourself! And you know, it’s true!

Thanks, Sky, for letting us get to know you a bit better.  You always review great products, and I love your giveaways at Seeryus Mama.

Cream of the Crop: Shady Side Farm

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured blog, Farming in the Shade, and its corresponding Etsy store, Shady Side Farm .

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I admire those who make a living from agriculture and livestock.  My husband’s grandparents have a small herd of cattle and plant a large garden every year to provide meat and vegetables for the family.  I know how hard they work, and I cannot begin to imagine the amount of work it would take to make a livelihood from a similar source.  Yet that is what Lona and her family are doing at Shady Side Farm.

I had the opportunity to find out more from Lona about her family farm.

I’d like our readers to get to know you a bit better. Please share some background about yourself, your blog and store, and anything else you’d like others to know about you.

I started blogging in June of 2007, and opened the Etsy shop in November of 2007. We’ve been full-time farmers for 13 years and have become more concerned about the lack of accurate information about farming in America. We’ve also felt the economic pinch brought about by the “get big or get out” reality of agriculture. It was our hope that the internet could be a tool to help put a face to one American farm family.

Why do you blog?

To help people understand farming better.

What do you normally blog about?

I blog about our daily life on the farm (with photos), some fun farm facts, farming struggles, fiber arts, a smattering of politics and sometimes an inspirational post from the Bible.

What is your favorite post?

I think my favorite post was an early one–Farming in the Shade. It has a lengthy excerpt from a novel “Jayber Crow” by Wendell Berry. It captures better than I ever could some of the worry I see among those who work the land and tend the animals.

What are some of your readers’ favorite posts?

I get the most comments from our shearing day and baby lamb blog posts. Hard to compete with cute!

What will people find in your Etsy store?

Our etsy shop includes wool items made from the wool from our sheep. You’ll find wool yarns and roving for knitting, spinning and crafting. In addition, you’ll find wool socks knitted by Mike on his antique hand crank sock knitting machine, and rag rugs handwoven by Lona on her antique floor looms.

What is your favorite item in your store right now and why?

My favorite item is a set of 3 socks–it is definitely a unique item!

What are the top sellers in your store?

The hand cranked wool socks are our biggest sellers at this time. People love the whole sheep to sock concept, and once they’ve tried our socks, they are really impressed with how warm and soft they are!

Can you share some products that you are planning to put in your store soon?

I am working on some felted wool balls to use in your dryer in place of dryer sheets. They don’t make your clothes soft, but they do reduce the static cling problem, and without any chemicals at all! They can be used over and over again, and don’t leave any nasty residues on your clothing or the inside of your dryer.

As a business owner, what is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Do what you love and love what you do.

Thank you, Lona, for sharing more about yourself, your blog, and your business.

Cream of the Crop: Sisterly Savings

Welcome to this week’s edition of Berries and Cream Blog Design’s Cream of the Crop series. We hope that you will enjoy today’s featured blog, Sisterly Savings, where you will find great ways to Save More and Spend Less.

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Sisterly Savings is owned and published by Jennifer, with whom I have worked on several projects. Because of our frequent contact, she has become a friend, not just a client.  I don’t, however, think I am biased when I say that Sisterly Savings consistently offers its readers great ways to save money.

I asked Jennifer to share a bit about herself and Sisterly Savings.  Here is what she had to say.

What prompted you to start Sisterly Savings?

Sisterly Savings began in January 2008 as a blog by two sisters who shared a passion for finding deals and saving money. With a desire to help other families reduce their household budgets while still enjoying life, my sister and I began detailing our couponing adventures as well as educating our readers about how to use coupons strategically to save the most money.

I’ve seen several different blog authors at Sisterly Savings. Does your sister still write there, too?

As the demands of life took their toll, writing and maintaining the site became my sole responsibility.  With coupons in hand, I rose to the challenge.

Although my sister no longer writes for SS, I have consistently reached out to other bloggers by offering them the opportunity to guest post, and several of those guest posters now are featured editors, regularly contributing articles that compliment and enhance the mission of SS.

What is the purpose of Sisterly Savings?

Sisterly Savings is dedicated to the idea that it is possible to save more while spending less. From weekly drugstore and grocery store sale and coupon matchups to online deals to advice for living a more frugal and organized life, I constantly strives to bring the hottest deals to my readers while sharing real examples from my own life of how I’ve cut costs, re-organized, saved with coupons, and earned extra cash through legitimate online endeavors.

Giveaways are a popular way to reward loyal readers and entice new readers to stop by. Do you ever have giveaways?

Sisterly Savings has partnered many times with small businesses to promote their products through Bloggy Giveaways hosted at SS. These giveaways not only create buzz and word-of-mouth advertising for the products, they allow my readers a chance to win the featured product.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I maintain a Facebook page so readers can better connect with me on a personal basis. I also have a presence on Twitter to leverage the power of instant communication to promote what’s new at SS.

Thanks so much for telling us more about your blog, Jennifer.  If you are not familiar with Sisterly Savings, I highly recommend your stopping by to check it out.  I myself have benefited from Jennifer’s tips on several occasions.

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