Women In Business, Review and Giveaway: GLITTER & SPICE

Glitter & Spice is a local company

that makes teething jewelry for mama and baby. 

They make everything from necklaces,bracelets and

teething toys that look just like Oreos! 

They are made from silicone that is completely safe

for your little one.

Unlike most teething jewelry I see,

they are cute enough to wear as well.

Sometimes I have worn my piece

even when I go out without my teething baby! 

I first heard about Glitter and Spice when

I read a review on my friend Codi Lynn's blog, 

Creative Wife and Joyful Worker.

She held a giveaway and I won!

I received the Kate teething necklace 

and completely fell in love.

Jane loves to chew on the beads 

while I am wearing or holding her.

They are a great way to always have

something for her to chew on,

and I feel good knowing that they are safe 

for her to have in her mouth.

Jane has her own teething necklace as well.

Their are so many options for colour combinations

I found it hard to choose.

I ended up going with 50 Shades of Greyson

because I knew then it would match with everything.

If you have a hard time deciding too,
there is also the option to create a custom order.

What I like about both the adult and kid necklaces 

is the easy snap off in the back.

If Jane pulls on the necklace hard it will snap

apart and come off.

This is very important when kids where jewelry.

Its also loose enough for her to pull over her head. 

Babies and children should never wear jewelry 

when unsupervised by an adult.

Glitter & Spice is giving the readers of Just An Ordinary Family

20% your purchase until January 8th. 

Use the coupon code MS20 at checkout.

In addition to the coupon code,
Glitter & Spice would like to gift one lucky reader a necklace!

Please follow these instructions to be entered to win!

1) Follow Just An Ordinary Family 

and

Glitter & Spice on Instagram.

*AND*

2) Tag a friend that you think would like to enter as well, one tag per comment.

Don't forget to like Glitter & Spice on Facebook too!

So I had full intentions of having an adorable photo shoot
with Jane using her necklace and bracelet.
Some photos taken of her nursing and using my necklace
(it avoids her pinching me, thank you!)
Do you think my active 1 year old wanted to cooperate?
Nope.
So I went for some candid photos instead.
Not what I wanted at all,
but at least you will see her using the products.
Jane loves them and wants her pieces on all the time.
Even big sister wants to as well!

Mommy Monday: Making New Mommy Friends

I see her over there pushing her baby in the swing. 

She's laughing and tossing her gorgeous hair behind her. 

I admire her boots, her gorgeous rain coat 

and wonder how she fit into those skinny jeans 

when her baby can't be any older than 6 months. 

Suddenly I feel frumpy. 

My hair is in a messy bun 

and I am wearing my husbands old football hoodie as a coat. 

I'm wearing yoga pants, again, and have no make up on. 

I want to crawl into a hole. 

Please don't notice me, I think to myself. 

Moments later my super friendly preschooler 

has approached the mom and baby and is chatting away to them. 

I keep my distance and play with my baby on the teeter totter. 

Though soon enough I feel the need to go over 

and make sure they don't mind the extra company of my daughter. 

Her smile is warm and friendly. 

She doesn't let on that my appearance is anything but put together. 

She inquired about my children and I ask about hers. 

It didn't take long before we were in a deep conversation. 

We both connected over our struggle to conceive. 

Hers with her first and I with my second. 

They are new to town and she hadn't met many friends yet. 

An hour passed before we parted ways. 

Now that I have lived here for a couple of years 

and have met a few other moms, 

I am finding that all it takes is a little courage to say hi first.

I am learning to let go of trivial things like messy buns 

and over-sized sweaters to reach out and say hello. 

We are moms, we don't care about that stuff.

We meet each other in some other universe. 

As moms we can connect on levels as low as boogers and lack of sleep, 

or as load bearing as birth stories and infertility. 

Making new friends at this age is similar to dating. 

It's uncomfortable and fear of rejection. 

How do we move from meeting at a playground to scheduling a play date, 

or even a moms night out? 

Do we switch phone numbers or email addresses? 

What if we get business cards made? 

How do we go that much deeper and grow a friendship? 

The same courage it took to say hello. 

You just do it.

 It might be so incredibly awkward,  

but you may be so incredibly thankful you did. 

(via huffingtonpost)

Comment below telling us about a friendship you made meeting at a playgroup or playground 

and you could win a Starbucks card to take that friend for coffee! 

The fine print:

Valid only within Canada and the United States.

Must be 13 years or older to enter.

Must comment on the blog

or the photo on Instagram to enter.

Contest closes Wednesday 10am PST.

Honey Stick Threads Give Away *WINNER*

Congrats to Amy for winning the summer romper!

It was about 6 months ago that I first heard of Betsy,

the owner and founder of Honey Stick Threads.

She had been selling some items on VarageSale

and I purchased a slouchy toque and matching scarf.

Immediately, I fell in love with her product.

Adorable fabrics,

cute patterns and

 quality product for a fair price.

Supporting another local mom is always an added bonus!

Everywhere I went Jane was getting complimented

on her adorable accessories.

I happily told them about 

Betsy and passed along her information.

Betsy was kind of enough to share with us their journey

of creating and starting Honey Stick Threads.

Read on below to see what they are all about!

"I started Honey Stick Threads a few months after I had my daughter Lily. I’ve always had a passion for sewing and creating, but when Lil’ came along, I decided that I wanted to make clothes for her. I saw so many hip little outfits on Instagram and I thought, “I can do this, I should start making my own stuff!” and I decided to give it a go. 

I sourced some cute fabrics online and did a lot of research on working with different materials. Soon after I was on my way, whipping up cute Harem pants with matching infinity scarves. Almost as soon as I started making the clothes, people started showing interest in what I was doing. I was urged by family members and friends to try and sell my creations. I began by selling my clothes on VarageSale, and eventually branched out and started my own website.  

Sewing is something that I do as a creative outlet, but I also find that it’s therapeutic for me. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of fitting all of the scraps together to make a complete piece. I’m always looking to see what else I can offer. It all started with Harem pants and infinity scarves, but now I make shorties, hoodies, headbands and a plethora of other kinds of clothing. I also have some great ideas looming for autumn.

My partner and I have also discussed the possibility of silk screening our own t-shirt and pattern ideas.  Justin is a graphic designer and illustrator who has already created some prints for Honey Stick Threads. Namely the pattern for my Organic Cotton Fruity Shorties and the “Big Poppa” t-shirt. We've been brainstorming some fun t-shirt and pattern ideas that should be coming out soon.

I like to say that I dress vicariously through my daughter. I make her clothing with prints that I myself, would totally rock. I love leopard prints and other wacky stuff, so when something jumps out at me the urge to create something takes over. I also follow trends and try to make them available. Really, I aim to please. If someone has something in mind, I will hunt a pattern down that suits both their idea and my style.

I’m quite happy with all of the local business that I’m getting, but I like to push myself and am looking to branch out further.  I hope to be a part of local markets in the near future. Also I am planning on selling to the United States soon as well.

It’s hard to say where Honey Stick Threads will be in 5 years.  Justin and I have plans to expand our family and I’m not sure how I’d handle the workload with two little people in tow.  I currently work full time outside of ­­­­the home. I sew at nap-time and after my daughter is in bed. In the meantime however, I’m going to keep doing what I love and see where it takes me. I advertise mainly on Social Media (Instagram and Facebook), but most of my business has been generated by word-of-mouth and I’m very appreciative of that."

Thanks for sharing with us Betsy! 

We hope to see you at the local markets

and wish you all the best as your business grows.

Just An Ordinary Family is happy to share

the amazing items you are creating and can't wait to see what

is in store for us next.

 In the photos our sweet Jane

is sporting Honey Stick Threads romper.

It is so adorable and she has had loads of compliments on it!

She is a crawling, furniture surfing, beach going baby

and it is perfect for all occasions.

In the fall I plan to put a jean jacket over top

to make it last another season.

Today is the big release for the romper! 

Want to win one for yourself? 

Head on over to Instagram and follow these 

simple steps:

1) Follow Just An Ordinary Family

and

Honey Stick Threads

2) Like the photo

3) Share the photo with the hashtag #hstrompergiveaway

Want another chance to win?

Tag 3 friends in 1 comment on the photo in my account. 

(More than one comment, or more than three tags are appreciated 

but still only count for one additional entry.)

Contest will run all weekend and the winner will be announced on Monday morning 

at 10 am PST.

Good luck!

To keep up to date on what

Honey Stick Threads is creating

follow her on

Facebook

and 

Instagram.

Women In Business: Frou Frou and Frill

Are you tired of building your accessory

stockpile and paying big bucks for each piece?

Frou Frou and Frill thought the same thing.

Founder and owner Jocelin

created Frou Frou and Frill

so that it wouldn't cost an arm and a leg

to accessorize with the trendiest pieces.

Read on below to find out 

what encouraged her to start her own business.

Just An Ordinary Family: What inspired you to start Frou Frou & Frill and how did it come to be?

Frou Frou & Frill: Frou Frou & Frill is an online women’s accessories boutique that sources the most dazzling, trendiest items at the most affordable prices. It’s a woman’s source to finding stylish “in” pieces that she’ll feel beautiful wearing while spending very little. Because of our affordable price point, customers can purchase several accessories to fit their ever-changing styles and moods. I’m the girl who loves to have a huge variety in my collection and one who always wants to have the trendiest, latest pieces of jewelry. I realized that while I love jewelry, it was foolish of me to spend upwards of $60 on one single accessory. Styles come and go so quickly that it becomes almost prohibitively expensive for most women to constantly keep up with the latest trends. I actually found myself wearing those expensive pieces only a few times before they were no longer ‘in’, and then I’d move on to the next round of trendy necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I needed to find a method to be fashionable in an economical way.  My passion drove me to provide a way for women to feel good about themselves wearing stylish, beautiful jewelry at affordable prices. My line of jewelry is affordable, ranging between $8-20, and we offer free shipping to the USA on all products.

JAOF: Where is the name Frou Frou and Frill from?

FFF: Frou Frou & Frill is about embellishing a woman’s everyday look with pretty accessories that she’ll feel beautiful and confident wearing. We thought the name Frou Frou & Frill was fitting to our purpose. It’s about having fun and not being too serious, so that’s why our logo has a whimsical feel to it. And as for the color hot pink, besides the fact that it’s our favorite color, it also stands for being passionate, playful and charming. Traits that we admire in a woman

JAOF: Where are you based out of, and how do you run your shop?

FFF: We are based out of the US and operate strictly online. Without a traditional storefront, we were able to save significant start-up costs, as well as ongoing costs associated with operating a physical store. We are able to pass on sizable savings to our customers, thereby offering lower prices for our accessories.

JAOF: As your own boss, how do you stay motivated and stay on track? 

FFF: I LOVE operating my own accessories company. I enjoy sourcing jewelry, holding it in my hands and admiring its design, inspecting it for quality, and packaging it for my customers. My customers also keep me motivated when they send me photos of themselves wearing Frou Frou & Frill jewelry, or email me kind, complimentary notes. It’s so much fun that it doesn't even feel like much work!

JAOF: What kinds of goals do you set for yourself and for your company?

FFF: We set goals to broaden and diversify our product line. For example, we just added handmade, sequin hangers and monogrammed decals to our product offerings and will soon be adding monogrammed koozies. In addition to accessories, we like other fun stuff and so do our customers! We also set monthly goals to increase our reach on Instagram and Facebook.

JAOF: Who inspires you in your work?

FFF: I draw inspiration from everywhere, really. But nature, new places, boutique owners, fellow entrepreneurs, bloggers and stylists are my main sources of inspiration.

JAOF: Where did you work before Frou Frou and Frill?

FFF: I’m currently a full-time copywriter in addition to owning and operating Frou Frou & Frill.

JAOF: How do you balance home life and work life?

FFF: I wish I had a secret formula to this, but I don’t. All I can say is that when I’m at work, my focus is on work. When I’m at home, I try to forget about work, which isn't always easy. I allow myself the leeway to make exceptions when necessary.  

As a thank you to my readers,

I would like to give away two of her
  be still and know that I am GOD bracelets.

One for you, and one for a friend.

How to enter:

1) Like Just An Ordinary Family on Facebook and follow us on Instagram

2) Like Frou Frou and Frill and follow them on Instagram

3) Tag one friend per comment, and they can win a bracelet too!

Contest ends Wednesday May 20.

You can reach Frou Frou & Frill by:

email: sales@froufrouandfrill.com

Facebook: Frou Frou & Frill

Instagram: @froufrouandfrill

Pinterest: @froufroufrill

Wheat Canada: GIVEAWAY *WINNER ANNOUNCED**

Congratulations Jonnie!

Check your email for details on how to claim your prize.

Last year my dear friend introduced me 

to one of her favourite clothing brands, Wheat Canada.

After browsing their website I fell in love.

Their simple yet whimsical style is exactly what I love.

Their colours are soft and have a feminine touch.
The boys clothes are simple yet boyish in a very sweet way.

Their design is impeccable.

But would they hold up to being worn for play?

Sure they look cute, but will my preschooler who insists on wearing dress up clothes,

actually choose to wear these clothes too? 

Could we actually agree on the same clothes suitable to be in public?

It seemed too good to be true.

Jane wearing the Dots sun hat in mint.

After placing my first order I

waited patiently for my package to arrive.

I was so excited to pour over its contents.

I had chosen matching Powder Tulle skirts for the girls,

matching Aretha dresses,

some basic long sleeve tees for Claire,

among other things for both the girls.

The colours were beautiful.

Now for the test of my preschooler.

After 3 months I am so pleased 

that she wears her Wheat clothes all the time!

The skirts are always the first things she pulls out of her drawer

paired with one of the basic tees.

She is a girly girl that loves to play rough

and the clothes meet both of her needs.

She can be rough and tumble in a skirt or a dress

and we haven't needed to make any repairs.

Claire wearing basic long sleeve tee and trousers. 

Some of my personal favourites are the basic tees 

and cardigans for everyday wear. 

The skirts and dresses are sweet as well.

Their sun hats give good coverage and look absolutely darling.

They also do surprise bundles! 

That was a super fun shop.

All I did was send them my girls' sizes and their gender

and whether I wanted the $50 bundle or the $100 bundle

and they put together items for us out of their Spring/Summer collection.

Make sure you follow them on Facebook and Instagram for their next bundle.

At the beginning of March we had amazing weather.

It was around 13-17 degrees and we were outside constantly. 

One Saturday after Spencer was done work

we packed a picnic and went to explore a new adventure park near us.

Claire had chosen to wear her Wheat Clothing, so I put on Jane's Wheat Sun Hat and t shirt

and brought my camera along for some fun photos.

They turned out so great.

Claire played so hard and although she got dirty,

the clothes weren't damaged at all.

If you are a mom,

you know that this means business.

Cute, affordable and can handle the wear of a child!

Wheat Canada has so kindly offered 

one of our lucky readers a $30 gift card to put towards 

their clothing and accessories.

Claire wearing the Ice Lolly t-shirt and Tulle Skirt in neon yellow.

To enter to win

 leave a comment on the blog with your email address 

and tell us your favourite item on Wheat Canada! 

For extra entries like Just An Ordinary Family on Facebook

and follow @just.an.ordinary.family on Instagram,

leave a comment tagging friends on the post photo on our Instagram account. 

Good luck!

To follow Wheat Canada

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

{all photos belong to me and cannot be used without my permission}