Well, Hello There!

Hello, Hello!!  I can't believe it's been 10 months since I sent a newsletter!  Goodness how time flies.  I hope this newsletter finds you and your family doing fabulously!  Our family is in full swing spring mode.  We're planning some great new projects for our yard including an amazing pond/waterfall.  We are thinking about adding in some raised veggie beds as well.

We've traveled a bit over the last 10 months, but nothing like our wonderful Hawaii trip last year.  Just a couple of local trips to visit Mickey Mouse and the desert.  That was a fun trip with my parents!  The boys were quite surprised at what the "desert" entailed.  We hit Palm Springs and the boys were expecting tents and sand and cowboys.  They were pleasantly surprised that the place we stayed had a pool and golfing.

I have had so much fun with some new designs.  My hand-stamped charm necklace line is expanding and I'm always happy to take custom orders.  I'm adding beautifully sparkly and gorgeous cubic zirconia (man-made diamond) charms that can be added to any of the necklace I carry.  I also came across some funky and whimsical vintage brass jingle bells if you'd like that added to a necklace just holler!  Far too much fun.  I just love jingly things.

School is going well for us.  The boys are crazy into anything science.  They love planting all sorts of things in the garden and tending their "crops".  Our oldest actually helped mow the lawn yesterday!  Now when on earth did he get THAT big?  I don't think I'm ready for that.  They are both little whippersnappers at math, and although reading continues to be a bit of a struggle they are really starting to pick up on it.  They have also decided to become "artists" and each now has his own sketchbook.  It's so much fun to see what they draw...a little peek into their souls.

I hope you and your family have a truly lovely spring filled with flowers, the smell of dirt on your hands and lots of giggles and hugs.

Happy day to you!
~ Julie *Ü*

Doily Baskets

I saw these on MarthaStewart.com and just fell in love!  Soak a lace doily (not a paper one) in fabric stiffener until saturated.  Then place the doily over a flipped over bowl (or inside of the bowl) and leave it until it's dried.  Then just peel the dried lace basket off of the bowl...so sweet and Super Eastery!

Coupons, Discounts & Deals

Below are some wonderful local US family-owned businesses that create their own beautiful handcrafted goodies for Mother's Day!  Happy Shopping...

* All coupons expire on 6/1/09 and are not combinable with any other discounts or specials or previous orders.

Jules - Whimsical Jewelry

Sweetly handcrafted jewelry with meaning

Coupon: 10% off and a fun free gift

Coupon Code: news10

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Whimsy Kisses

Whimsical gifts to spark big imaginations

Coupon: 10% off & a fun free gift

Coupon Code: news10

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Little Girls' Pearls

Sweet keepsake pearls - family traditions

15% off and a free gift

Coupon Code:  news15

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Katie Carrin - Sea Glass Jewelry

Unique and Rare Sea Glass Jewelry with Gems and Freshwater Pearls

10% off your order

Coupon Code:  JULES

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QT Sunglasses
Designer Inspired Sunglasses
15% OFF all orders - No Minimum
Coupon Code:  QT09

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Michigan Egg Connection
Unique keepsakes and gifts crafted from real eggs! Our custom photo egg art makes great gifts for mom!!
15% off your order

Coupon Code:  mom15

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Tidbit
Stylish organic & natural cloth diapering products ~ for your "little bit"!
10% off your first order
Coupon Code:  momsave10

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Jan's Bath Scentsations
Handmade natural soaps, organic soaps, bath and body and soy candles
Save 20% on all orders over $30
Coupon Code:  Momsday
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Spring

Latest Happenings...

Check out my silly blog.  Musings of my sleep-deprived mama mind.

Contest

Pat Feest from Wisconsin...you just won one of my signature heart dangle necklaces!!  Pat, please email me by Sunday, April 5th to claim your prize. Congratulations, Pat!!

By being a newsletter subscriber, you are automatically entered into the contest with each new newsletter.  So each time "A Bit of Whimsy" is published a new winner is chosen.

The next newsletter's winner will receive a surprise.  I haven't decide what it is yet!  It is certain to be fun and lovely, though.

Winners are chosen at random.

Invite your friends to join our newsletter list.  We'd love to have them.  Just have them sign up HERE.

Spring Specials

The below Coupons, discounts and specials may be redeemed at any of our shops:

Jules

Little Girls' Pearls

Whimsy Kisses

This CAN be used with other specials and discounts.  Receive a free pair of freshwater pearl and sterling silver earrings with your order of $30 or more (a $14.95 value).  Just be sure to tell me you saw this little "earring note" in my newsletter and let me know if you would prefer white or pink earrings.

This offer expires 6-1-09

Hee hee...

Hey, you read all the way to the bottom!  Good for you.  Quick, drop me a note with your favorite Whimsy Kisses Product.

This journal's winner is Susan Turner from Oregon!!  Congratulations, Susan!  Be sure to claim your prize within a week.  So drop me a note by April 5th to let me know where to send it.  What is it you ask???  Ha ha!!  It's a surprise. *Ü*

Winners are chosen at random.

I only received 31 entries last time (out of over 1,300 subscribers), so you have a good chance of winning!  Come on, what have you got  to lose? *Ü*

Talk to you soon...

Whimsical Spring Magnets

Caleb's Fun and Beautiful Magnet Gift Sets

Many of you know my 8 year old son... Well he comes from a very entrepreneurial background!  He has started his own magnet business over the last year, and it is booming.  He has actually hired his 5 year old brother to help.  They are such dolls!

He has several types of magnet sets, but honestly this is my absolute favorite!  Sweet teenie tiny critters and flower magnets.  They are really far too cute for words and crazy super strong, too!

Fun Craft

Grow your own Easter basket grass

I don't know about you, but I really don't care for the plastic Easter grass.  It gets everywhere and is such a pain to clean up.  So I decided to try something new this year.  I found a little instruction sheet on Growing your own Easter grass from Living Crafts magazine.  We're starting our project this weekend.

...Twitter...

I've finally joined the 21st century and have a twitter page. *Ü*  You can follow me here:  http://twitter.com/julesjewelry

Easter Goodies

It's definitely not too late to order for your sweetie for Easter.  Here are a few of my favorite picks for your sweetie's Easter basket.

Hand-Embroidered Fluffy Felt Bunnies ~ Scented with Essential oils of Lavender, Jasmine or Gardenia ON SALE NOW
First Pearl Easter Necklace
Beautiful Sea Glass Jewelry
Funky Felt Clutch Purses
Pearl Easter Jewelry
Super Soft Minky Blankies
Sweet Heart Necklace
Cute Felt Hair Clips - ON CLEARANCE
Apron Gift Sets for Kids Each comes with a wooden spoon, 10 kid-friendly recipes, a cookie cutter & a kid size rolling pin!
Silk Play Capes for Kids

*:~:* Product Reviews *:~:*

For years I have had people ask if they can advertise in my little newsletter.  Nope...I have never accepted paid advertisements and most likely never will in the future.

However, I have decided to start doing product reviews (no charge).  If you are a small family-owned business that creates their own product let me know.  You can find the product review information page HERE.

Super Easy Dinner Idea

We use this dinner idea at least once a week at our house.

Chicken & Noodles Dinner

* Roasted Chicken (we buy a pre-roasted chicken at our grocery store)
* 1 box or bag of pasta (we use whole wheat or brown rice pasta, but any will do.)
* 1 medium onion, chopped finely
* 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 head of roasted garlic...a bit more work but well worth it!)
* Olive oil or butter
* Salt/Pepper to taste

Cook the noodles per package instructions making them slightly undercooked.  Shred roasted chicken and be sure it is shredded into bite-size pieces.  In a large pan, sauté onion, garlic and chicken in enough butter or oil to coat the bottom of the pan until everything is hot (not too long or the onions get sweet).  Add a little bit more if the veggies start sticking.

When noodles are finished cooking, drain noodles and wash under cold water.  Add 1/2 cube butter to the pan with the veggies and dump in the noodles (we like oodles of butter, so you can definitely use less if you prefer).  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are as crispy as you'd like.  YUMM!!!

Add a salad and some veggies and you've got a wonderful family meal.

My Current Obsessions

What I'm Listening to:  I am currently listening to the band Death Cab for Cutie...haunting and beautiful.  I've always been a bit of an alternative girl.  I've also picked up a couple of old Train albums that I've been enjoying.

What I'm eating:  Spring veggies abound!  I just finished making some beautiful pea and lentil soup with homemade garlic croutons...smells delicious!

What I'm reading:  I am in the process of reading "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" along with a a book on interval training benefits.

My Weight:  Still working at it.  Slowly but surely!  I was up to 5 miles a day (1 hour) on the elliptical every day.  My hubby and I only missed two days out of 6 1/2 weeks of daily elliptical training.  Then I sprained my silly ankle.  I took 2 1/2 weeks off (although 1 of those weeks I was walking around Disneyland).  Now I'm back and feeling great.  I'm back up to about 3 miles a day.  I've added in some free weights and of course crunches like crazy.  I have 4 personal trainer sessions at my local gym that I got as a promotion...I'm excited to get started on that as well.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Thank you all for all of your support in my exercise journey!  I really appreciate it.

Contact Us

Please feel free to pass this Bit of Whimsy  on to your friends.  Anyone can subscribe for free, just send us an email.

To contact me:
Julie Miller
Jules
Julie@JulesJewelry.com

Blog - http://www.bitsofwhimsy.com

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/julesjewelry 

http://www.JulesJewelry.com

http://www.littlegirlspearls.com/

http://www.whimsykisses.com/
1.888.497.0456

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©2001-2009 Julie Miller ~ Jules

Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity.  ~ Lindley Karstens