Goodbye to Little Window Shoppe
May 18, 2009 by Emily · 62 Comments
My Dearest Window Shoppe Readers and Friends,
This post has taken me over a month to write - partly because this is my last post on this blog. I am so sad to announce that as of today, Little Window Shoppe is closing for good.
The decision was not taken lightly and was really hard to make, but a combination of factors came together that brought me to this post…very much wanting to spend more time with my family (I have a very busy two year old who needs more mommy-time), 
getting ready for baby #2 in November (I’ve been out sick for two months! But it’s totally worth it as we’re so excited to have a new baby come to our family), and finally getting ready for a move to a new state with my family this Summer (my hubby is starting a new job).
{Photo source: Wilson Library Reserve}
I have learned so much from blogging at Little Window Shoppe and will be forever grateful for the kind friends I have made and the amazing experiences that I have had here!! Thank you so much for taking time to make Little Window shoppe a part of your lives and for being such a fantastic community. And also, thank you for all of the nice emails and inquiries about how we are doing.
Before I say goodbye for good, I want to thank a few people who helped me along the way:
First and foremost, my husband Scott. He is an incredibly supportive husband and friend and was the first person to listen to my every idea and concern throughout my blogging adventures. He has also been Superman at my house and has cooked, cleaned, taken care of our two year old and helped me out while I was sick over the last seven weeks! I couldn’t ask for a better man in my life and I love him so much!!
I also wanted to thank Holly of Tutus and Turtles. She is so cool and listened and talked to me for hours on the phone as I worked out how I would end my Window Shoppe blogging days. Her blog has been an inspiration to me from the beginning and I think that her blog ideas rock!!
Finally, I wanted to thank each of the writers and contributors for Little Window Shoppe. Each of them had creative and beautiful ideas to share and I’m so grateful and honored that they wanted to be part of this blog with me. They have become some of my dearest friends and were the best group of writers a blog ever had! They even sent me tulips when I was sick (just about made me cry, I felt so loved).
Please visit each of their blogs to keep up with their cool ideas!
- Vanessa - her blog: I Never Grew Up
- Lauren - her blog: Supermom Central
- Michelle - her shoppe: Sweet Mady’s Paper
- Michaelle - her blog: Monkeys Momma
- Cassie - her shoppe: Madison Envy
- Kelly - her blog: Albany Mommy
Also, I wanted to leave you with a few additional recommendations of blogs I love - in case you are looking for new places to subscribe:
- www.simplemom.net - this is my absolute favorite blog to follow…it has the best family tips and ideas that make sense, the ideas are easy to follow and I just can’t get enough of its coolness.
- www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com - artsy, tons of crafts, diy ideas, printouts, and the best time-wasters ever.
- www.thepioneerwoman.com - recipes, photoshop tutorials, photography 101, down-to-earth life.
- www.makeandtakes.com - the coolest (and most creative) kids crafts ever!
- www.metropolitanmama.net - and for all you contest lovers, this Metro Mama has excellent giveaways all of the time - and she writes helpful articles with tips for parents. Love it.
There are so many more…but I think this is a great start.
If you want to stay in touch with me, you can follow me at a few sites:
- www.emilyjune.com (I’ll still be designing blogs and websites - starting again this fall).
- I’m also going to be checking in and updating my facebook page and my family blog regularly. They will have weekly updates of my family life and the cool fun things we are doing.
**If you want to stay in touch with me at my family blog or on facebook, just email me or leave a comment letting me know and I’ll send you the links.**
Thank you again for making this the best blogging experience I have ever had!!
Always,
Emily
ManiMina
March 25, 2009 by Lauren · 8 Comments
I know it’s a little early, but I can’t help it - I’m packing away the turtlenecks! The lovely warm days we’ve been enjoying have me a bit over-enthused to shed our winter warms and welcome in spring. Which also means it’s time to shop, and top on my list is Easter attire!
Ties for the boys, a new skirt for me, and an “oh-my-she’s-stunning” dress for my daughter. I head straight to my favorite Etsy find, Manimina. As usual, her collection has me drooling.
Who says exquisite style has to be expensive? Everything she sells is under $25, including this “Mango” dress which woos me with it’s colors. The soft neckline, flowing fabric, and simple bow place this dress firmly on my wishlist.
I also love finding girly frocks that incorporate the blooms of spring, without being overly floral. The “Pink Bloom” dress is perfect – blooming with style!
It’s also fun to think outside the box a little when it comes to traditional dress-up holidays. I’m tempted to pair this Whimsical Kimono with a simple white skirt and some fabulous sandals. The Japanese designer fabric down the middle has just enough Easter flower-power, yet remains tres chic!
Written by Lauren of Supermom Central
Spring Cleaning Tips
March 12, 2009 by Cassie · 9 Comments
{Photo by James Steidl}
The first day of Spring is March 20, and by this time of year I am ready to do a little cleaning after a long winter. Here are a few tips to help get you jump started, and hopefully get all that cleaning done as fast as possible.
Make a Checklist
Starting with the end in mind will help you to know where you are going. Make a “Master List” with everything you want to get done, and then daily lists for things to get done that day.
Stick to One Room
Don’t hop around from room to room trying to get everything accomplished. By staying in one room or project until it is done helps to not leave rooms half cleaned.
De-Junking
When cleaning a room or area, especially closets, make 3 piles. Throw Away, Give Away & Keep. If you haven’t used or worn the item in the last year it is probably time to get rid of it. If you have nice clothes in wearable condition consider trying to sell them on sites like craigslist and ebay, or there are always donation sites as well.
Cleaning With Kids
Don’t forget to get your kids involved in the Spring Cleaning. Assign them their own areas to clean like their room, their toys, etc. Make a game out of the cleaning to get them excited, or put some music on and do some dancing!
Written by Cassie of Madison Envy
My New Spring Coat
March 9, 2009 by Emily · 23 Comments
Okay ladies, I went shopping this weekend and picked up this gorgeous green coat for $39 at Target and had to tell you all about it. What can I say? I love green. I have already had three compliments on it too!
This is the perfect spring coat, it fits perfectly and has an a-line cut (which makes me feel extra cute), it’s warm enough for March weather and the sleeves are just the right length too. Love it!
Are you a Target shopper? Have you seen these? If green isn’t your favorite, they also come in red, black, tan, blue and yellow!
Top it Off and Pishposh Totes
March 9, 2009 by Emily · 4 Comments
I’m thinking Spring this week…yep, there’s something about this time of year that makes me want to go shopping. ;) And since totes and handbags are usually the first on my list, these next two shoppes are a great place to start:
Top it Off Accessories has very colorful handbags and totes that come with a blend of fashion, function and fun all in one. They also have cute flip flops too…can you tell I’m ready for the beach?
Pishposh Mommy Bags = your stuff organized with style. These purses double as a diaper bag organizer to help you with all your baby essentials when on the go. Very handy and always a favorite!
Win a Pair of Havaianas Sandals
January 28, 2009 by Emily · 607 Comments
Contest Update:
*We have a winner!! The randomly chosen winner for this contest is: #219 Willo - Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated - please stop by again as we have a new contest each week.*
Spring is coming a little early for Window Shoppers! Perfectly paired with flirty skirts, tailored shirts and jeans, Havaianas Sandals are soft, bouncy, flexible and they have blissfully cushioned the feet of many happy fashionistas over 40 years.
Recently, Havaianas combined their signature marshmallow-y comfort and alluring designs, to create new sandal styles for 2009! From glamorous to cute, you are bound to find a pair that you love.
Win It:
Because I simply can’t wait for Spring…one Window Shoppe reader will win a pair of Havaianas new 2009 sandals!
To Enter:
Simply leave a quick comment letting us know your favorite new style. This giveaway ends on Thursday, February 5th at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced at this post Friday, February 6th. Good luck, everyone!! (Please feel free to read our contest rules for additional details)
(Optional) For extra entries:
- Are you a Subscriber? Just let us know you’re subscribed to Little Window Shoppe in an additional comment.
- And/Or Add this contest to Twitter. Simply let us know about it with your Twitter name in an additional comment.
Vintage Modern with Amy Butler
January 26, 2009 by Emily · 12 Comments
After gazing at Amy Butler’s bright and beautiful patterns, Spring feels like it is just around the corner. Amy Butler is a fabric, fashion, home and print designer known for her fresh and modern vintage style. With bright colors and gorgeous prints, her designs are splashed throughout the fabric industry in handbags, bedding, sewing & craft patterns (free pattern downloads too!), stationery, gift wrap, project books and home design . I love her style and her commitment to give back.
She has a shoppe too! Not only is this gift wrap an eye-catching display of green and pink elegance, it is made with 100% recycled/biodegradable tissue paper, 100% post-consumer waste paper, soy based ink, and all of it can be recycled after use. Isn’t that impressive? It makes gift wrapping pretty irresistible.
Welcome back Spring
March 31, 2008 by Michelle P. · Leave a Comment
I love this time of year, when Spring is finally starting to make an appearance. Now is a great time to get out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Spring. Lowes is helping us do this with all that we will need to bring in the new season.
The thing that I love most about Spring is beautiful bright flowers. I love to plant them in my yard and just watch the dreary winter disappear before my eyes! Right now there are plenty of flowers for sale in the Lowes garden center, so you can get started on your Spring planting!
If you are ready to do some major landscaping changes, or if you just do not have the room for a flower garden, container planting is a great idea. You can still enjoy those beautiful flowers without the hassle of maintaining a garden. There are plenty of pots and containers to choose from, so you can find one that best fits your personality and style.
If your thumb is not as “green” as you’d like, there are some great gardening tips available on the Lowes website, or from their knowledgeable experts at your local garden center. Or if you need even more help, there are gardening courses available through one of Lowes partners at
And lets not forget about the singing birds helping us welcome back Spring. You can attract more of our feathered friends with these great bird-feeders, also from Lowes.
Lantern Bird Feeder $5.97 Hummingbird Feeder $7.86
Remember, gardening is a such a fun activity for kids. Get your little ones out there with you and let them get dirty! Happy Spring!
Featured Shoppes
