Well, Hello There!

HAPPY SPRING!!!  I love the little buds and leaves popping out everywhere.  I peek out my office window to a row of lovely birch trees with beautiful green leaves peeking out everywhere.  My boys and I just planted about 100 bulbs in the front yard, all sorts of flowers that will spray yellow and pink across our fence.  Hee hee!  I also just planted oodles of flowers on our front walk and am happy to breathe in the spring air.

We headed to Hawaii January 14th and returned February 13th.  That was an AMAZING, breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime trip.  I have never had such a wonderful time in my life.  We stayed at a gorgeous little house on the beach on the windward side of Oahu just south of North Shore.  We woke up to the sound of waves and walked up and down our beach with a fresh hot cup of Kona coffee each morning.  The boys built gigantic damns in the stream to redirect it.  I found buckets of beautiful sea glass on the beach and have brought it home to play with!

The picture above shows our beach with a cruise ship passing by in the distance!  We watched "Swiss Family Robinson" so the boys and my hubby were building a shelter on the beach with driftwood.

We had such an amazing time.  The boys all took surfing lessons on the north shore.  How many 4 and 7 year olds can say that?  We went on a tour of the "Lost" set...a bit of a joke.  We saw the grassy knoll where Hurley played golf in season 1! LOL  We still giggle about Hurley's grassy knoll.  Although we did get to go in a bunker from WWII that is now being used on this season of Lost.  The boys don't even know what the series "Lost" is!  But anytime it comes on we pause it and let them see the bunker. :)  They are so excited.

Well, back to work for me!  I am sending you tropical breezes, warm cups of Kona coffee, relaxing times with your family, warm salt water on your toes and fresh ocean air.

Blessings from our Family to Yours,

~ Julie Miller

Coupons, Discounts & Deals

There was such a fabulous response in my last newsletter when I offered some great discounts and coupons from family-owned-businesses from across the country that I decided to do it again!  Happy Shopping!

* All coupons expire on 7/1/08 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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MOD MAMI
Fabulous Baby & Mommy Accessorie
Coupon:  20% off and free shipping on orders over $30.
Coupon Code:  AUGUSTSEPT2008

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N-Style Mom

For Moms that Travel N-Style!
Coupon:  Free Shipping on all orders over $75.00 & Free Wipes w/Style Baby Wipe Case! (Your choice of fabric)
Coupon Code:  springfling1

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Invites To You
Personalized invitations & announcements
Coupon:  15% of all orders over $10.00
Coupon Code:  WAHM
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Tickled Pink Boutique
Posh fashions for four paws!
10% off every order
coupon code: tickled

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Ginbug Bows
Accessories from head to toe!
Coupon:  10% off $10 purchase
coupon code:  BOWS

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BabyKisses Dolls
Handmade cloth dolls
Coupon: 20%
Voucher Code: Julie

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Michigan Egg Connection
Egg Art, Decorated Gourds, and more
Coupon: 10% off your first order
Voucher Code: NEW10

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Quote the Walls
Personalize your home with words!
Coupon: save 15% on any size order
Voucher Code:  save15

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Scrappin' Stuff
Sports-related Scrapbook Supplies
Coupon: 10% off all orders
Voucher Code:  JULES

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Spring

Latest Happenings...

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

Contest

Joyce Ellison from Indiana...you just won one of my signature heart dangle necklaces!!  Joyce, please email me within 7 days (by May 29th) to claim your prize. Congratulations, Joyce!!

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

10% off an a fabulous free gift from any of my shops!  Happy Shopping!  Use voucher code SPRING10 at checkout to receive your discount.

One coupon/discount/promotion per order.  Cannot be used on previous orders.  Voucher code must be used to receive offer.

Mention you saw this in the newsletter and receive an extra free gift with any size order!

Hee hee...

Hey, you read all the way to the bottom!  Good for you.  Quick, drop me a note with your favorite new hand-stamped personalized jewelry design.

This journal's winner is Cindy Philips!!  Congratulations, Cindy!  Be sure to claim your prize within a week.  So drop me a note by May 29th 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 20 entries last time (out of over 1,200 subscribers), so you have a good chance of winning!  Come on, what have you got  to lose? *Ü*

Talk to you soon...

*Jules Gets Personal*

Okay, how could I not fall in love with stamping!  I mean, come on...cute sayings and special meanings stamped on sterling silver, copper and 14 kt gold-filled charms.  How could anyone resist!!  You can check out the entire line HERE.

Here are a few examples.  I also offer fun charms with kiddo names/birthdates and sweetie names/anniversary dates.  They're all on sale, too!

Fun Craft

We see rainbows daily as we water our new spring plants and bulbs.  I thought a fun rainbow craft would be nifty for this time of year!

These are great little stick pins if you sew, or the also work fabulously as bulletin board pins!  Goodness, you could even wear one on your sweater!  Just watch out and don't get stuck!

* Pearl headed stick pins (find them in the florist section at your local craft store)

* Beads with a hole big enough to fit on the pin

* Craft glue that dries clear

Take a TINY drop of glue and place it up near the bottom of the pearl part of the straight pin.  Slide the bead up the pin until it sits just below the pearl (touching it).  Let the glue dry.

That's it...super fast and really beautiful!  These make great Mother's Day gifts, simply use birthstone colors for the beads!

Stuff for Sprouts

I just received some goodies from Stuff for Sprouts.  Oh it's right up my ally!!  Fabulous handmade goodies for my skin and my kiddos' skin!

If you know me, you know I am basically a lip balm FREAK!  I told my hubby to buy me a bouquet of lip balm instead of flowers!  I ripped open the package expectantly to find the cutest packaging and to my delighted surprise a HUGE "Lip Stuff for Creamy Kissers"!!  Hee hee...it has no parabens or other nasty stuff in it, just good old natural yummy creaminess!  I tried the chocolate and I must say it was divine.  It was also HUGE!  Perfect for swiping my boys lips/cheeks/whatever in one big old swoop.  Great for kiddos that never sit still!

I also received the Blueberry Muffin cream which definitely smells completely true to its name.  I can't wait to try it on my 4 year old who has terribly itchy skin this time of year with allergies galore.  I tried it on my hands and it rubbed right in (something I love) while still keeping my hands soft and lovely.

Stuff for Sprouts is, in a word, wonderful!  It is just what I've been searching for.  Natural skin care products for my kiddos (and me)!

So go visit Kristen at Stuff for Sprouts and check out her amazing goodies.  Tell her Julie sent you!

*:~:* 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.  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

In a pinch for a quick but super filling dinner?  Here's a lightning fast dinner idea that I used tonight.  High in fiber to boot!

Super Easy Bean Dinner

* Large can of refried beans (black beans work nicely, too)

* 1/2 onion chopped

* 1/2 cup shredded cheese

* Garlic Powder

* Onion Powder

* Cumin

* Salsa or hot sauce to taste

* Tortilla chips, taco shells, or tortillas

Heat the beans with the cheese & chopped onion (save a little onion for sprinkling on top).  Sprinkle in a bit of garlic powder and onion powder and cumin (I sprinkle but use about a teaspoon or so of each).

That's it!  You can make burritos, tacos, tostadas or use it as bean dip with the tortilla chips.  YUMMM and super filling.  We added some fresh peas and a salad from the garden.  Voila ~ 15 minute dinner.

My Current Obsessions

What I'm Listening to:  I am currently listening to the "O, Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack.  I just love its "soulful" sound.

What I'm eating:  We've discovered the joy of juicing!  The boys and I have been working on juicing fabulous organic greens, beets and carrots weekly.  We are now enjoying the fruits (actually veggies) of our labor from our organic garden at my parents' house!  YUMM!!

What I'm reading:  I Just finished "State of Fear" by Michael Crichton and "Jumper".  I normally don't have much time to read, but after returning from Hawaii, Hubby and I made it a priority.

My Weight (yeap, still):  Yeah, oh well!  My Hawaii trip and funky gallstone attack has knocked me down!  I'm back up about 9 pounds.  Working to get that back down.  My goal is to be under a giant milestone by the end of the year.  A completely attainable goal if I stick to it!  I uncovered the elliptical machine in the garage and have been hopping on each day with my oh-so-wonderful cordless headphones hubby bought me for Mother's Day.  I'll get there.  Even if my weight doesn't budge, it has to help keep my heart happy!  Today I started the BES program with the Raw Divas.  I think it's going to be a fun journey.

Recycled Nifties:  I've become a bit obsessed with turning "recycled" thrift store sweaters into cute little owls.  I hand-stitch them, attach vintage button eyes and embroider their little eyelashes.  So much fun!  I found some cashmere and wool sweaters that I'm going to stuff with natural un-dyed wool. 

Here's Olivia, she was my first owl.

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

http://www.JulesJewelry.com

http://www.littlegirlspearls.com/

http://www.whimsykisses.com/
1.888.497.0456

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm PST (Yeah right...I'm here most of the time!  Just call or email me.)

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Custom background by Olivia.

©2001-2008 Julie Miller ~ Jules