Thursday, December 18, 2008

And The Winner Is...


Cridg14!!!!!!!!!!!!

Except, I'm not sure who you are.....I only get email addresses of subscribers.....I kind of recognize your email though....

Anyway, contact Holly Slay to redeem your My Gifted Friends Freebie! She said you can email her with what you want on your cards (name or initials or which style), name and address, etc etc. Visit her etsy shop to view samples: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5286996

Merry Christmas!!!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Let It Snow!

Just a quick note about My Friends and the holiday season:

1) Whitney's Pikl Paper: all profits from December will be going to support two missionary families at her church raising support to move to England and Ireland. Visit online at http://www.piklpaper.com/ and let the shopping begin!
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2) Sara Ellen's Saradipity Signs: visit Saradipity's Blog to see her newest innovations- Painted Wooden Signs and Blocks!!!!!!! I got one over the Thanksgiving holidays (pictured above). She's combining paper, paint, wood, and pizazz!!!! Go see http://www.saradipitysigns.blogspot.com/
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3) Hillary Gamble Photography has launched her brand new wedding photography website: http://www.jevoisphotography.com/
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4) Boca Beth has free shipping and discounts everywhere. Visit http://www.bocabeth.net/ to redeem.
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5) Holly's Handmade will be the Free Friend Gift in December! She will be offering two packs of 12 notecards, winner's choice of styles! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5286996.
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That's all for now. We got to see snow in Alabama over the Thanksgiving Holidays so I thought I'd add some to my blog. Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

GRATIS!

Time to announce our drawing for the free Boca Beth CD "Boca Beth My First Songs in Spanish" CD along with a musical shaker.
And the winner is.......(drumroll).........Catherine Bierbach!

Catherine, just email Beth at bocabeth@bocabeth.com. Congratulations! I hope your boys enjoy the CD as much as we have.

It really is effortless learning. Lainey and I practiced our spanish tonight at Chic-Fil-A. Visit Boca Beth's Blog for more free giveaways and go to BocaBeth.com for some GREAT Pre-Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales!

From Beth's site: "And for shopping this coming weekend and into Cyber-Monday (who came up with these names?!?!?!) enjoy 30% off at BocaBeth.com plus free shipping....bocarocks (discount code) = 30% off any CD or DVD and 20% off any language learning set on our web site today through and including Monday, 12.01.08 only (then it's back to 20% off the CDs & DVDs and 10% off the sets)"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Window Shopping

If you haven't visited my blogshop lately you should come take a look around! New Blogs, new navigation, easier to reach Friends pages, lots to see. You can find any of My Gifted Friend pages links on the left sidebar, but just below are live/updated links to their blogs. You can quickly see new products by the thumbnails listed as well as information on when they were last updated. Sara Ellen, Jada, and Linley have brand new blogs- access any of them from My Gifted Friends.

Another neat thing is I'm taking my blogshop "on tour" around the blogosphere. If you look down further below the Friends Blogs you'll see more links to places I've applied My Gifted Friends to be listed/advertised in their directories. Check back as this list will be added to as the blog grows.

We are also listed on Boca Beth's blog! Which reminds me, our November Freebie drawing is coming up soon! Get ready to sing in espanol! Make sure you're subscribed so your name is entered in the drawing for a a free Boca Beth CD "Boca Beth My First Songs in Spanish" CD along with a musical shaker for rhythm fun! Hasta Luego!




Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Linley's For Your Bug

Meet Linley Wynne. No seriously, MEET LINLEY WYNNE. If you already know her I know you agree, and if you get the chance to meet her you'll believe me. She is an extraordinary person- Linley is intellect meets humility, she is enthusiasm meets wisdom, she is athlete meets artist. The artist part is why I am introducing her on the blog. When not coaching soccer and taking care of her family and friends, Linley loves to paint! And she is embarking on a new businesses venture of painting signs "For Your Bug"s room. On of Linley's specialties is matching your kids bedding patterns, colors, or characters. See for yourself on her blog: http://www.foryourbug.blogspot.com/ or you can reach her directly via email: linleywynne@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Free Cookies and Such

OCTOBER FREEBIE: INDOLCE DESIGNER COOKIES

So, I was excited to do our first cookie drawing yesterday and got way into it. I actually used a website (http://www.use4.com/lottopick.html) to generate random lotto numbers and came up with #24 which is JADA SCRUGGS. Congratulations on the cookies Jada! Maybe they'll come in handy for Chad's ordination! Contact Samantha Strong at Indolce Designer Cookies. Be sure to subscribe (and verify) to My Gifted Friends in order to be eligible for next month's drawing.



NOVEMBER FREEBIE: BOCA BETH

Beth has graciously offered to give away a free Boca Beth CD "Boca Beth My First Songs in Spanish" CD along with a musical shaker for rhythm fun! I have this CD and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It teaches great Spanish vocabulary and phrases set to easy to remember familiar tunes like "Jingle Bells". Lainey and I find ourselves singing Spanish and learning words without even trying! Share this blog offer with your friends and make sure to subscribe.

PLEASE PARDON OUR DUST

I am continually tweaking different parts of this blog to make it more user friendly. As I learn and work with it you may receive some redundant emails as a subscriber. Please bear with me as I will try to keep them at a minimum.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Tidying up shop...a few notes

As I'm cleaning around my blog boutique I've thought about a few things you should know:

1. FREE COOKIES details- yes, they can be shipped anywhere. There will be one dozen custom made cookies for any special occasion or theme you prefer- any shape too I think! Samantha is excited to bake them for our lucky winner! (Drawing OCTOBER 22nd. Make sure you are both subscribed AND VERIFIED- if you received this post in your Inbox, you are).

2. A Gifted Friend Baby Girl was born yesterday to Holly Slay. Happy Birthday Abby Camille Slay and Congratulations Holly!

3.Boca Beth has just posted a new video to You Tube. Beth says "This Cup Game reinforces color words in Spanish and English...Kids will ask to play it by the hour!" It is so cute, and really quick (44 sec), check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7qyN3GJg-M


4. I love sharing My Gifted Friends with you and love that you are sharing some of your gifted friends with me. Be on the lookout for 'friends of friends' to join the blog store soon!

5. Finally, and by the way, did you know that if you return your child's toy out of their kids meal at Chic-fil-A you get a free kids ice cream cone? Way cool of the Cathys. You probably already knew that, but I'm still elated from this recent discovery.

Cheers!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Browsing the Boutique

Well it's time to window shop around My Gifted Friends a little and see what is up and coming.

Our First FREEBIE:
I wanted to first tell you for all subscribers we have a drawing at the end of October to win FREE cookies from Samantha's Indolce Designs. Just in time for holiday parties. So if you're here having a look around here please remember to sign your email up under the subscribe button to be entered in. I will literally be printing out the emails and drawing them from a hat!

On the store front:
Sara Ellen (Saradipity Signs) has a new blog going up so you can see more about her design process and her latest and greatest creations at Saradipitysigns.blogspot.com.

Lyn at Chalkydoodles has some really cute October/Halloween products out. And Samantha's website at Indolce Designer Cookies is undergoing construction and will be up and running soon so you can see more samples of her baking wonders!

In the blogosphere:
Do you have a blog? Any requests for this one? I'd love any ideas and input for what you would like to see/learn about. I'm also interested in 'tailoring' other peoples blogs to fit them better so let me know if you have any questions/wishes/frustrations for your own blog or website.

Thanks for keeping up with My Friends!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Lyn Pollard's Chalkydoodles


Lyn and I have been friends since we moved to Dallas in 2005. We used to meet frequently in a playgroup and see each other at church. Since my #2 was born last year I haven't been quite as social or out and about. So, Lyn and I haven't caught up in a while. Just look what Lyn has been up to! Chalkydoodles!!!! You have got to see this stuff! I knew she was artsy but I had no idea she had so much going on!!!! Chalkydoodles is her year old company and it is lighting up the blogosphere. Her stuff is useful, beautiful, and amazing. Lyn uses oilcloth, chalkcloth and an artists eye to make products for your kids and home you will go crazy over. I'm getting an apron for Lainey or a splashmat for under our dining room table pretty soon...can't decide. She also makes super cute basket labels, placemats, signs, etc but all with chalkcloth so you can write names and labels in chalk and then erase and change it up. And the oilcloths are soooo pretty yet soooo wipe-off-able. Have a look and see what you like! http://www.chalkydoodles.etsy.com/ or http://www.chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/

Amy Dunlap Quilts


My friend Amy can make anything. Just this morning we were at her home and someone complimented a fancy throw pillow on her couch- and she made it. Over the summer I was admiring another friend's bedding in her guest room- turns out Amy made it. She really is a rare talent. Her mainstay has been quilting with vintage fabrics, but her pillows are fantastic, and lately she has made onesies and other impressive baby items. I bet if you requested she really could make you anything. Enjoy her website http://www.amydunlapquilts.com/ which she is working on updating with new pictures coming soon. Oh, and she also makes stuffed animals from vintage fabrics which could be the perfect finishing touch to a special nursery!

Whitney Preg's Pikl Paper









First, I would like to introduce you to my friend Whitney Preg in Alabama. We met at Auburn through RUF and she and her husband Nate let me live with them when I was dancing for a ballet company in Atlanta. Whitney is a gifted photographer and graphic designer. She uses her talents to create very professional and stunning products on paper. She is also a hilarious, down-to-earth, way cool mama of two boys. I highly recommend her stuff for your family and to give as impressive gifts. Check her out at piklpaper.com.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Sara Ellen's Saradipity Signs


Sara Ellen is my dear friend and sister-in-law. I met Sara Ellen at Auburn through a bible study before later marrying her older brother. Now I get to see one of my best friends each holiday and family get together, and she is the aunt to my kids! Sara Ellen is a very creative and artistic person and has finally put her ideas on canvas. She can paint the most precious signs for the bedrooms for the most precious children in your life. Her paintings are one of a kind and made to order. I have one in my son Gaddis' room- I love it. You can see it under Boys Rooms on her website: saradipitysigns.com.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Samantha's Indolce Designer Cookies

YUMMY! I recently met Samantha when she delivered beautiful iced cookies for a friend's baby shower. The cookies were pink onesies and pink strollers and they were so delicious everyone at the party couldn't stop talking about them. Beautiful AND declicious. What a great idea for showers, parties, and special treats for special people. Samantha lives in Dallas, TX and can be contacted via email through her website: http://www.indolcedesignercookies.com/

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Leigh Wilkerson's Bows & Tees


Yipee! Leigh is my first friend of a friend to be on this blog! She is a friend of Holly Slay's and makes the sweetest bows and appliqued tanks, tees, and dresses. If you have a little girl, these bows are handmade, well-made, and so very cute. Lainey has recently had the opportunity to sport one of Leigh's bows. The bows were a ladybug and butterfly which were so cute Lainey decided to take them out of her hair and name them. Check out Leigh's website as she is always adding to and creating new products. She has a blog with her newest items as well as an etsy store.
http://sassynsavvyleigh.blogspot.com/
http://leighwilkerson.etsy.com/

Holly Slay Handmade


Holly and I met when we lived in Brookhaven, MS. She is a very close friend and confidant and we love to share ideas on everything from homemaking to hobbies and husbands! But our favorite topic we especially love gabbing about is our kids. Our first daugters are 4 months apart and she always gives me a preview of what's ahead. I'm now able to return the favor as my second kiddo came first and hers is on the way! Holly is also a savvy internet and blogger pro when it comes to cool mommy and baby stuff. Holly does it all from paint to photography. Her painted pottery is my favorite of her talents. I have given her painted plates as gifts to many friends. See what special gifts you can find on her Etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5286996.

Jada Scruggs Calligraphy


Jada Scruggs is my neighbor, confidant, and friend. Her husband is the RUF campus minister at SMU. Jada has begun practicing the art of calligraphy. She is just starting out in the business and enjoys addressing envelopes for special occasions, inscribing special scriptures, recording names, birth dates, and poems. I have a beautiful framed print of my daughter Lainey's full name with scripture surrounding it all in calligraphy. Now that I have a son, Gaddis, I'm going to get Jada to do one to match! Contact Jada via email: jadascruggs@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Hillary Gamble Photography

Hillary Gamble and I went to Auburn together but really didn't get to know each other until we taught ballet at Briarwood in Birmingham, AL. Hillary is a jack of all trades. She is combining her artistry and ambition into a new photography business- so if you're in Alabama strike while the iron is hot (and prices are low)! I have an idea this venture will take off soon. She is currently offering Christmas Card pictures beginning in October- check out her blog! http://hillaryphotography.blogspot.com/




Monday, September 1, 2008

Beth Butler's Boca Beth


Beth and I have gotten to know each other very recently as I often visit her website for tips and tricks to teach Lainey spanish. She is a mom and bilingual educator and lives in Florida. One day I called to ask a question about a product and we started chatting. Lately we've been talking about how to get her company Boca Beth out across the country in retail settings. Her cd's and dvd's are kind of like a Spanish Baby Einstein. They are very cute and catchy and it is amazing to watch your kids soak it in. Bocabeth.com has great freebies like downloadable flashcards and mini lessons on You Tube. Lainey loves it and her stuff would make great unique gifts for kids so I thought I would share her with you!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Contact


Each of The Friends are willing to ship to addresses within the United States, contact them for details. Their websites, blogs, and emails can all be found on The Friends pages (link available soon). Please let them know you found them through My Gifted Friends.


If you are interested in becoming a Friend please email me for further information: taylorkillian@yahoo.com


Saturday, August 2, 2008

About This Blog


This blog began as what I call a blog boutique where I showcase my gifted friends...I have a lot of them. I wish I could open up a shop and sell all their products, but alas, we are spread out over many places. It has been so neat to see all their different ideas, talents, and creativity. Now, as I have worked to develop My Gifted Friends I can say it has three purposes:


1) To show off and promote my many friends with their home based businesses. I find extra joy in being part of their promotion, especially the brand new businesses who operate solely on word of mouth and those who are just starting to create. See The Friends.


2) To encourage people just starting out, or thinking about starting out in their own businesses. And to lend ideas and motivation to those in the dreaming stages.


3) To brush up on my over-a-decade old technical skills....and follow wherever that may lead.


Thanks for subscribing to this blog, even if you just stop in to look around, it is encouraging to everyone involved.


Taylor :)