Serious Ouchie + Is It Just MY Boy?

So...my son is a super-hyper, never-stopping, 100MPH kinda kid. I've been reassured by friends and family that it's a boy thing, and of course, my little girl is laid-back and for the most part, relatively calm.

Last night, as he was running through the kitchen, bouncing into walls and crawling across the ceiling, he slipped and banged his chin right on the corner of one of the kitchen chairs...HARD. After a few stray tears and some ice, I was able to survey the damage.


Yes. I had multiple heart attacks, but was glad it wasn't worse. It's so dark, though, that it looks like he has ink on his chin! We keep a 'boo-boo book' where we put pictures of his various nicks and scrapes. Papa Muffin started this (why do boys think injuries are 'cool') so my son would be able to look fondly back and remember every one of his mishaps. *rolls eyes*

In fact, even during ER trips (nothing too serious, by the way), he's there, snapping the camera. What is it about boys? Are they just completely and totally fearless? This one wasn't the scariest for me. It was about a month ago when my son cut his foot wide open on a shard of glass and was bleeding copious amounts - or at least it looked like copious amounts to me! Poor mothers - we get a very regular heart-check when we have sons, don't we? What has been your scariest 'boo-boo' and is (are) your son (kids) the same way?

Etsy Spotlight: Bullfinch and Barbury

I have a fabulous treat lined up for you guys on this Etsy Spotlight! I may have mentioned a time or two or twelve that my favorite jewelry is bracelets. As I browsed through the fabulous sellers and shops on Etsy, I came across Bullfinch and Barbury - and some of the most fabulous bracelets I've ever seen!

Look at the rich, bejeweled tones of the enamel that has been painted on these bracelets! They are quite eye-catching, but the seller has more than just bracelets. Fabulous pins and necklaces are available in the shop as well.

What I really love about every single item in this shop is that they're unique and so striking - like the colors are just jumping out at you! They're so elegant and versatile that they can be worn with faded jeans or a dinner dress.


This shop is a true gem of Etsy and I hope you will all visit and at least favorite the item you like the best! If you purchase anything, be sure to let the seller know that 2 Lil Muffins sent you. What's your favorite of the items above? For me, I'd have to say it's the top set of bracelets - so beautiful and striking. I am so amazed by the talent of Etsy sellers and hope you will stay tuned for the next Etsy Spotlight!

I was not compensated in any way for this post and have simply stated my opinions without having actually used the products above as a way to highlight the shop and seller's products.

Pink Lemonade Asymmetrical Necklace Giveaway (CLOSED)

I don't really know why asymmetrical necklaces appeal to me - maybe because they don't look 'cookie-cutter,' and I've always had an odd taste when it comes to jewelry. That's why I created this necklace. It features pink glass beads and a large silver-colored wire decoration with tiny 'bling' in the center of the flowers.


The actual chain is a dainty, silver-colored metal and it closes with a toggle clasp. I think it's fun and pretty, and can be worn with pretty much anything. And guess what...one of you are going to win it! Please note: You must be following this blog publicly to enter!

• How to Enter: Make sure you're following this blog publicly, and then comment on one of the posts that is not a giveaway post. Leave me a comment letting me know! (1 Entry)

Extra Entries

• Visit my partner, Yona Williams' blog and sign up via RSS (left of page and scroll down a bit.) She has great posts and info about coupons, discounts and giveaways. Come back here and let me know. Make sure to leave a comment for each entry. (2 Extra Entries.)

• Follow me on twitter. (2 Extra Entries.)

• Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done daily. Example: "Win a Pink Lemonade Asymmetrical Necklace from @2LilMuffins -http://tinyurl.com/yk2xx6c" (1 Extra Entry.)

• Refer a friend. Have a friend sign up to follow the blog publicly, and have them leave your profile name or email in their comment. Then, leave a comment letting me know you referred someone. (5 Extra Entries.)

The contest will end February 13, 2010 at 8pm EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck and don't forget to leave your email address in your comments if it's not available in your profile!

Barking Maddison Customized Leather Cuff Bracelet Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Bracelets are my absolute favorite type of jewelry! I love them all - dainty and sparkly, chunky and funky, bright and earth-toned. My favorite bracelet usually changes from week to week - and I'll admit that I have a bit of an obsession. Now, I have a new love that doesn't look likely to change soon! Barkingmaddison from Etsy sent me a custom leather letter word cuff that I. ABSOLUTELY. ADORE.


Forgive my terrible picture-taking skills (obviously I only took the above one - lol) for the moment and let me tell you how much I love this bracelet. First of all, when you get one of these cuff bracelets, you can completely customize it. You choose the color, the words, and you give your wrist measurements so that it can be created specifically for you! I chose pink, and the words 'To Live is To Write.'



You can choose 1 to 3 words that will be repeated, or you can choose up to 20 words - so song lyrics, your kids' names, a poem - pretty much anything can be put on your bracelet. Niclana will totally create your bracelet just for you. It has a snap closure, and is the perfect chunky bracelet for any outfit - plus it's not likely that anyone else will have a bracelet like yours, which is something I love!

I am absolutely enamored with this bracelet and have gotten so many compliments about it! It's such a great accessory and can be paired with jeans, a cute skirt, a summer dress - whatever you want. It's a definite statement piece with a literal statement.

I can't tell you how pleased I am with the bracelet. There are a ton of other great handmade items in Niclana's shop, too. Based in New York, Niclana often creates items that are inspired by vintage items, and her travels to various flea markets and other places also help her create her fabulous pieces.



Not only does Niclana create fabulous leather goods like guitar straps, clutches, belts and bracelets, but she also makes beautiful jewelry.



The Giveaway:

Now - here comes the exciting part!! Niclana has kindly offered to give one of you lucky readers your very own, personalized cuff bracelet. There are so many colors to choose from - and which words will you show off on your gorgeous bracelet? It will be created just for you...



How to Enter: Every comment must contain your e-mail address if it's not on your profile!

• Follow this blog publicly - mandatory! Visit Barkingmaddison on Etsy and browse through her amazing creations. Then, leave me a comment letting me know what words you'd choose and which color you will choose if you win! (Initial Entry)
  

Extra Entries:

• Make a purchase from Barkingmaddison and come back here and let me know. (10 Extra Entries)

• Heart the Barkingmaddison shop. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow me on twitter. (1 Extra Entry)

• Tweet about this giveaway. Example "Win a customized leather cuff bracelet from Barkingmaddison and @2LilMuffins - http://tinyurl.com/y9voa8m" (1 Extra Entry and you can do this daily.)

• Enter any of the giveaways over at Champagne Wisdom and let me know which one. (2 Extra Entries)

• Subscribe to this blog via email. (1 Extra Entry)

• Visit my partner Yona Williams' brand new blog and subscribe via RSS! (left side of page, scroll down) Come back here and let me know. (3 Extra Entries)

• Refer a friend! Have them tell me in their comment who referred them and the email address. Then, you leave a comment letting me know you referred someone. They must follow this blog publicly. (2 Extra Entries)

SHEW. That's a ton of extra entries, so you get a ton of chances to win. Keep this beautiful bracelet for yourself or give it to someone as a great customized gift. It's absolutely gorgeous and mine has found a comfortable place on my wrist. This giveaway will end Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8pm EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck!

I was sent an item to review for free by the sponsor of this giveaway. I was not compensated monetarily in any way for my opinions, and they are 100% honest and mine.

Blueberry Muffin Winner

Congrats to our newest winner of the Streusel-topped Blueberry Muffins from Home Bakery on Etsy.

Winning Comment:

Sarah said... 60

i favorited HomeBakery's Etsy shop (#2)

sarahjgarraty@gmail.com

January 28, 2010 10:30 PM

As usual, the winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is generated. I know Sarah's going to really enjoy this yummy treat, and thank you to Home Bakery for hosting this giveaway. More great giveaways coming soon!

10 Handmade Valentine's Day Gifts Under $30

There is still time to order the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the one you love. Valentine's Day is all about that special person in your life - the one that still gives you butterflies and melts your heart - and it's up to you to let them know how special they are! Here are 10 great handmade Valentine's Day gifts for under $30!

For the Lady You'll Never Let Go Of:

Listen up, gents...these are the things she really wants, and a gift from this list won't empty your wallet, either!

1. Vintage Style Brass Heart Locket from Pinking Edge Designs on Etsy:

$23

2. Valentine Heart Ruby Red Swarovski Crystal Bangle Bracelet by Beaded Jewelry For You on Etsy:

$24.99

3. Relaxing, Rejuvenating Spa Extravaganza Basket by CRSisters on Etsy:

This gorgeous basket features handmade soaps, bath salts, bath oil beads, a candle and more!
$15

4. Enchanted Long Swarovski Crystal Earrings by Luxedeluxe on Etsy

$29

5. Leather Flowers Wallet by Vintage Pass on Etsy

$20

For the Man You'll Always Stand Beside:

Ok ladies...you don't want to get another electronic gadget for him this year. So what do you get your man on a day that's monopolized by flowers and candy? Here you are...

6. Craved Unisex Necklace by On The Bead on Etsy:

$13

7. Wooden Vintage Pinup Girl Cufflinks by Nostalgiclink on Etsy

$18.99

8. Leather iPod/iPhone Case by inblue on Etsy:

$14

9. Rising Sun Bi-Fold Wallet by QuietDoing on Etsy:

$28

10. Shotgun Barrel Belt Buckle by City Cowboy on Etsy:

$28

What an amazing selection, right? Remember to buy handmade this Valentine's Day! The sellers above have a ton of other great items worth looking at, as do all the talented sellers on Etsy. If you make a purchase, tell them 2 Lil Muffins sent you. Happy Valentine's Day, all!