Monster Trucks for my little guy...

        My little guy LOVES trucks, trains, cars, construction vehicles, and airplanes.  However, monster trucks hold a special place in his heart!  So I asked him to help me and we came up with "the cooooolest monster truck, Mom!" design for him.   It's reminiscent of retro throwback monster trucks, similar to the iconic 'Bigfoot' from 1979.

My little guy happily goes to school multiple days a week wearing his monster truck hooded sweatshirt.  He got it in black because he is an outdoorsy boy and white won't stay white long!

Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy Monster Truck Youth Hoodie:

 

Since we just loved it so much we went from there to create a patterned Monster Truck Sherpa Blanket available in multiple sizes:

 

And then decided to REALLY have some fun.

So we created a Custom Monster Truck Velveteen Blanket that you can get personalized for your favorite monster truck enthusiast!  You can choose your custom name (up to 12 characters) upon checkout:

   

Cool, huh!?   What kid doesn't want their name on their blanket!? 

 

Then, as you've likely already spotted, there is the coordinating Monster Truck Broadcloth Decorative Throw Pillow:

Now, if you just are looking for something a little bit simpler, I did make available a classic unisex fit t shirt in a variety of colors.

Monster Truck Youth T Shirt:

We also made available a classic crew neck unisex sweatshirt.

VintageDutchGirl Etsy Monster Truck Youth Sweatshirt:

So there you have it. From one little boy a whole bunch of fun items from clothing to bedroom decor to cozy blankets!  Such a helpful lil dude he is :)

 A

Christmas Goats and Peppermint Mochas...

    Today, brand new in the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy shop, is a few last minute Christmas and holiday themed apparel items.

Cute animals in rows is a popular clothing trend right now, here is my take on it:

Christmas goats, wearing knit sweaters and santa hats. Adorable! It's a mama goat with her three kids:

This crewneck sweatshirt comes in a variety of colors to choose from. 

Next up is one of my fave's, a Peppermint Mocha. YUMMM.  The colder weather coffee drinks are so good.

 

 

And lastly, a women's t shirt with a ski chalet retro style poster in the middle of the busy skiing season:

 

 

    All the rest of the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy shop Christmas and Holiday items (I think there are 38 right now!) can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

A

Thanksgiving...Black Friday...Cyber Monday Etsy Sale!

The Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday sale is going on NOW!

Yep. I couldn't wait. I've always been a TAD impatient.

15% off the ENTIRE STORE!

Many many more styles to choose from in the shop. Also find ruffly aprons (perfect for gift giving!), earrings and a flower pin or headband.

Just enter the coupon code TURKEY15 at checkout in the appropriate coupon box to receive the discount.

There are MANY sold out styles. Ex. Chevron! Sold out styles will hopefully be reappearing on Friday provided my fabric acquiring recon mission goes well :) Check back frequently if your favorite scarf pattern has sold out!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours :)

Amanda - Vintage Dutch Girl

Animal Print and Stripes Infinity Scarf Trends...

Hiya!

Oh yes, I've been busy sewing scarves like crazy!  I've been following the Women's fashion section on Pinterest in order to see what's current, trending, popular...you know.

* Trend #1. Animal Print Scarves

Classic Brown Leopard:

And Snow Leopard Print Scarves:

Trend #2. Stripes, stripes and MORE stripes!

That's all for today, but I've got TONS more new styles coming! I'll try to keep up on blogging them...I mean really, CHEVRON print!? Yes.

Amanda - Vintage Dutch Girl

Ruffles & Rust!!!

OK folks, announcement time!
{deep breath}
I am so very honored to be invited to participate for my very first craft show! I am going to be a vendor at the uber-amazing, so-much-to-look-at-it's-dizzyin, handmade-heaven, inspirational Ruffles & Rust show! Eeek! If you've never been, it is HIGH time you go.

This HUGE 90+ vendor show, presented by Come Junk With Us, is a vintage market filled with antiques, clothing, home décor, handmade accessories and more…This show is very similar to the oh-so-sassy and fun Farm Chicks show. Uh huh. Wonderfulness.

The fun is happening October 22, 2011 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington (click for map and directions). Doors open at 9 AM, with an $8 entrance charge….but I've heard shoppers start lining up before 7 AM! Grab your gal pals and get there early with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in your hand to keep you warm while you wait :
Yesterday, I dragged my sis-in-law in with me to the recently opened Ruffles & Rust Square located in historic Snohomish, WA. We were both drooling over the fun items in there! I was able to pick up something wonderful for you…and to shop a bit, of course. I've got a COUPON for you folks! Ah yes, LOVE me a good coupon.

Present this coupon at the entrance and get $3 off your entrance fee.
$5.00 is much nicer to see than $8.00, right!? (Plus, it means you can spend moreJ). If you see me out n about, I've got one I can hand to you personally, or you can just print your coupon off right here:


I will have a LARGE assortment of my infinity scarves available to try on and purchase, with new styles and patterns I haven't yet listed in my ETSY shop.
Many of the scarves will be pre-folded and tied up with a ribbon and tag, PERFECT for gift giving. All you gotta do is throw em in a gift bag, stuff some crepe paper in and good.to.GO.
Course, I don't just plan on scarves, I've got some SASSY half aprons – Rows and rows of ruffles, each apron is one of a kind! Add in a lovely bunch of handmade earrings (from subdued colors and sizes to jaunty reds, oranges, and blues to STATEMENT earrings), some nifty, witty throw pillows and a few other secrets I've got up my sleeve and that will be one FULL booth.
I've been a busy little sewing bee, running my sewing machine, serger, and iron to their very limit. And having a MAHvelOUS time! Oh to have a maid to cook and clean so I could play all the live long day…ah yes, a lovely dream J
Click on the link for some handy hints and tips for shoppers from ComeJunkWithUs.com. Some really good info, ex. most vendors are CASH ONLY.
HOWEVER, I'll be accepting cash, paypal (if you have a smartphone with you), and Credit Cards through the tiny yet amazing and secure Square accessory for my iPhone. SO nice for shoppers who find stuff they just can't pass up! Christmas shopping 2011? Oh yes. I plan to be DONE with my shopping by the time the show ends.
I do hope to see you there, can't wait to chat with you! Off to sew again…
Amanda – Vintage Dutch Girl
Keep up to date with newest products and show updates on my Facebook page found here!

Sneak Peeks...

Where have I been? Why aren't you posting sewing stuff? Why are you only posting once a week?

All good questions. All questions I'm sure are in YOUR brain as well as mine :) Some answers:

I've been here. Really. At my home, mostly. I've been working on some secret projects:

And once again trying to figure out the balance between Mothering and crafting. It ain't easy. I'm still working on it.

Finally did a project for ME. Well, it was for Lil Chick, but whatever. Maybe I'll do a tutorial, maybe not. It completely depends the on cuteness level. Still thinking on it.


Hee hee hee, OH the fun my sewing room has seen :) COLOR and RUFFLES, people. Makes me smile...it may make you smile too:


Currently drinking my very brand new uber yummmmmy Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. Let the peasants rejoice! Don't hate me, but I am officially ready for FALL. Are you?


Speaking of Sbux, my coffee cup is cuter than yours:


Sassy, no?

I've got a big announcement of sorts coming this week regarding crafting stufferoo. Hey, it involves coupons! That get your attention? I thought so.

Go get a Pumpkin Spice Latte right now. I give you permission. You may want to go half-sies on the caffeine like I did because hey now, some people need to get their beauty rest...

Amanda - Vintage Dutch Girl

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Stain and Germ Smackdown...

I cannot believe how excited I was yesterday for the FedEx truck to arrive.

I was actually giddy.

As a stay at home Mama with two very messy (and one pottytraining) younguns, I'd say these are pretty giddy-worthy:



On your left is the Eureka Enviro Steamer Hard Surface Steam Mop, 303A. I purchased mine here.

On the right is the Bissell Little Green Portable Deep Cleaner. I purchased mine here.

SO, STINKIN excited! My beautiful wood floors take a daily beating. As in milk drips from leaky sippy cups, being peed on (sad but true), trudged on with muddy shoes, sneezed on, sat on by toddlers with leaky diarrhea diapers, food squashed onto (and dried!) and other random disgusting grossness.

I hate to mop. As in hands n knees with a bucket of soapy water and a rag mop. Up till now I haven't really found any other cleaning device that is as effective as the old fashioned way. But THIS steam mop!? Cue the hallelujah chorus. Drips, smudges, etc just melted away effortlessly!

Here is a before/after shot of my kitchen floor:

Yes, they really ARE gleaming!

The ultimate test, the corner where Lil Chicks' high chair lives:


Smooth as buttah! And all it took was WATER....and killed tons of nasty bugs, because that steam? 220 degrees. Twice as much as the Shark one.

Before deciding which steam mop to get I read reviews like a crazy lady, and especially the seven steam mop comparison review on Amazon.com. I was most concerned about reviewers saying it leaked all over the floor the first time using it. Not at all! Smiled like a techy dweeb the entire time I used my new fave cleaner.

Hey now, don't forget about my cutie lil green machine! I've taken it out of the box and kissed it, but haven't used it yet. I have a list of about 10 pillows, pieces of furniture, places in my car and carpet spots that I'll be using this baby on. Can't wait for the stain smackdown to begin!

Ah yes, I must truly be a Mama to be THIS excited about cleaning appliances....

Amanda

***Oh yes, I should probably say that I've received NO compensation, was provided NO tester products or given anything except for a smile ole fat smile for this post...it was all me baby.***

VintageDutchGirl on FACEBOOK :)

Vacuuming up a Sock and other equally STUNNING information...

Why, hello blog! Sad little neglected blog.

Don't got it lately. The 'it' being the bloggy mojo. Well, lets keep it real, shall we?

I'll just gab and pretend someones listening.

I just vacuumed up a sock. Awesome.

Lil Chick clomped her way from one end to the other of our wood floor wearing her dried-on mud winter boots. More than once... more than a few days ago. OK, a week. (Dontcha just LOVE those cute little shoe/boot tread shaped clumps of dirt? SO handy....you can be all CSI and track the criminal down.)

So I hauled out the vaccuum and hoses and such and got to work. (OK, who am I kidding, my central vac attachements and tube are ALWAYS out. Unless I'm hosting a party, our bible study group or my Grandma is coming over. True story.)

Vaccuumed up the boots tread dirt clumps, vacuumed up all the hair from Bubbalu's haircut (Yes, I moonlight as a barber, didn't ya know? However, I only know one haircut and I'm WAY too expensive so don't even ask. Unless you come bearing coffee giftcards. I may be willing to negotiate.)

Flung the vaccuum over too quickly and SCHLLOOOOOP! the brown sock is gone. Of course, its one of Bubbalu's brand new, just ripped the plastic thingies off (DANG how many little plastic thingies does one pair of socks need?), worn once socks. Why couldn't it have been one of the old ones? (You know, the ones with huge holes in the big toe area that you can just switch to the other foot for awhile...until there are TWO huge holes in each sock....then you just tell em to suck it up and wiggle their toes if it feels wierd. They you pray that they won't go to a friend's house that requires all shoes off at the front door, thereby brandishing the less-than perfect socks...and revealing that Mama doesn't have it all together. I've got a pretty good Shoe Policy Awareness Sock Rotation going on but sometimes I flub. Yeah, those ones.)

Granted, they are a one dollar pair of socks, so really its just a 50 cent mistake. (Nothing at all like shattering one of a kind antiques.)


And really now, I could go out to the garage, open the vaccuum canister and retrieve the stupid sock but that would mean I'd have to get off the couch. And that would make my chocolate chips lonely.

Nobody wants lonely chocolate chips.

There you go. Keeping in real...

Amanda

Why yes, I AM on Facebook, are you?! C'mon over and say hi!

Don't Assume ANYTHING. It Makes An......

First of all, you need to understand some things about me.

1. I don't pay full price. On anything.

2. I don't like to spend money on kiddos clothing.

3. I'd MUCH rather make Lil Chick a dress instead of spending $$ on one.

So, now that you know those few tidbits, I can continue.

OK, so this Mama had a major "I'm overwhelmed and underappreciated" freak out moment Sunday night...which was promtply addressed and rectified with a Mama only shopping trip Monday afternoon and evening.

It was GLORIOUS! Not to just push a shopping cart without being kicked in the stomach by a 4 yr old but to not have to keep track of two littles. Muchly rejuvinating!

Anywho, so I'm a shoppin and I see this adorable dress at Old Navy that would look superduper cute on Lil Chick:




Of course, the first thing I thought was, "hey, I could make something JUST like this with my extra pink tulle and her tshirt I have at home" but I decided to just go ahead and splurge.

It was full price.

There were NO coupons.

I bought it anyways. I was SO excited!

And sure enough, it looked ADORABLE on her! She twirled and smiled saying, "I pretty I pretty!" (seriously, WHERE do these little girls learn this stuff? I sure didn't teach her to do that)

And it stayed cute the entire 15 hours we owned it.

This is what it looks like now:



Every single arrow points to a splotch of dried on nail polish in hues of dark blue, red and pink. I didn't even bother pointing out all the clear nail polish. It was EVERYWHERE....believe me, the entire bottle was used up.

Oh yes, they didn't just ruin a brand new dress, they also did this:


(sorry for the blurryness....that woman never sits still)

(Looks awash in guilt, huh? Completely unrepentant.)

What you can't see is that Lil Chick is wearing FOUNDATION. Oh yes, my two year old is wearing a full layer of base makeup. Apparently Bubbalu has watched me get ready a few too many times. He's taking notes and practicing on Lil Chick.

I was less than gentle as I scrubbed the polish off with remover....and then had to quickly do a full body shower scrubdown to get the polish remover off their delicate skin.

Whattya know, we only had lukewarm coldish water today! ;)

They are BOTH currently napping...it's a first of Febuary miracle!

What ran through my mind not three hours ago, "huh, I haven't blogged in awhile, what the world am I going to write about???"

Ask and you shall receive...

A


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Etsy Shop Coupon Code...

Happy Thanksgiving! We spent a lovely day over at the in-laws, arriving home late but full. Our hearts AND stomachs. SO much to be thankful for.

I've been a leeetle busy the past few weeks. Busy shopping for fabrics, sewing them into pretty infinity scarves and posting them on the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy shop. Turns out people like to wear cozy scarves in the wintertime. Who knew!?

Argyle Fleece Infinity Scarf:


As a thank-you to my dear readers who have supported and stuck with me, I am offering a four day weekend coupon code for 15% off ANYTHING in the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy shop!

Paisley Flannel Infinity Scarf:


Click on over the Etsy shop and see what you can find. If you decide to purchase anything, be sure to add this coupon code for your extra 15% off!!! (Valid Nov 26th through 29th)

FOLLOWERLOVE15


Happy shopping my lovely readers!

A

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More Infinity Scarfyness...

I've been CA-RAZY busy whipping some delicious scarves together to get the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy shop ready for the holiday season.

Oh, you wanna see some? OK, here you go:

A funky and fun Argyle Flannel infinity scarf:



A sassy Zebra flannel infinity scarf:



For those who don't like a colorful scarf or loud pattern, a SUPER Cozy ivory infinity scarf made of sweatshirt material. This scarf is C.O.Z. Y. I made one just for me!



A chic Brown and Tan Plaid Infinity scarf:



Ahhh, so much fun! Stay tuned, I've got at least six more coming in the very near future.

And because I love my readers so very stinkin much, you'll get a coupon code for a discount on Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

OK, the snow is really coming down here, I think I'll wrap my cozy sweatshirt scarf around my neck and grab a cup of white peppermint hot chocolate to stay warm!

A

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The Dining Room Battlefield...

What to do when you don't have any blog fodder? Quite simple really.

Change darling daughter's super blow-out diaper and remove her clothing as it is full of poo. After a thorough hosing off in the shower, put diaper-only clad baby into high chair. Give diaper-only clad 16 month old a bowl of stawberry yogurt and a spoon.

Leave unattended for....oh...about 65 seconds.

And.....PRESTO! Blog fodder:



My favorite part of this whole dining room mess was a lonely little strawberry perched precariously on the windowsill:



And which is why today I geared up, cranked my Ipod and scrubbed my dining room walls, chairs, windowsill, baseboards, table, high chairs and floor. It helped that I was listening to Jordin Sparks, 'Battlefield' on replay.

Cause I felt like I was fighting a battle. Amanda VS. Dried-on Food.

I have mini-skirmishes daily in the Amanda vs. Dried-on Food saga, but attempt a full-on war battle about once a week.

Each side will pull ahead for a time, only to be slapped back into last place. Currently, Amanda is sorta ahead. However, Dried-on Food has a champion fighter on their side which will most certainly attempt to slap my lead down around dinner-time tonight:



Isn't she ferocious?

She's also a bit sassy too. I have NO idea where she got that attitude from:



A

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A Quick Lil Sneak Peak...

Amazingly, I remembered to grab one quick picture before bringing over a huge box full of fun new product over to Grandiflora yesterday.

A quick lil sneak peek for you:



A

Shopping for Toothpick Boy...

I am freshly back from a refreshingly efficient shopping trip. Meaning I was able to cross some things off of my list.

Item #1: Get Destructo Boy some new jeans.

After all, his ankles were starting to get frostbite. It's not such a good look to have come short-wearin' season.

And can I just say? Trying pants on a toddler in a dressing room is NOT my idea of relaxation.
Those dressing rooms ECHO. "Mama, why are you taking my pants off??? Mama, I don't want to try on jeans!!! Let's go home, sound like a good idea???"

And then when I finally gave up on him and had the AUDACITY to try some on for myself, (because of Item #2: Get Mama some new jeans that don't make her look schleppy) he yelled, "Mama, why are you taking your pants off??? Let's go home, sound like a good idea? Mama, stop looking at your buns!"

BIG echo.

Finding pants for my toddler boy is proving a real challenge. Especially when your 33 lb and off the charts height toddler is able to remove his already cinched to the max jeans easily without undoing any snaps, buttons or zippers. He is one skinny little string bean. Kinda like a marshmallow head with a toothpick body.

However, Old Navy once again came through with their regular dark wash jeans, 2 for $22, plus an extra 10% off entire order coupon.

And I almost forgot to mention, I DID find myself some new jeans. I am STINKIN excited.

Perfect fit, perfect wash and on the clearance rack....with an extra 50% off lowest price.

Y'all, I paid $7.25.

Wait! I had an extra 10% off entire order coupon!

Y'all, I paid $6.52.

:)

A

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White Baby Doll T Shirt Gets Some Sass...

Yes, I do realize this t-shirt sassifying thingy is getting a tad monotonous. But guess what? I LURVE it.

So, here we go again.

My adorable cake-baking sister, Brown Eyed Girl, commissioned me to sassify a few of her blah shirts. She has a cutely cut, white baby doll t-shirt that needed some oomph and detail.

We decided tone on tone would look fab. Here's what happened, before and after:



Three separate flowers, frayed to perfection and stitched down to be machine washable and hang to dry.



Add some trim to the neckline and VOILA!

A basic, nothing special t shirt is now a signature piece.



Throw on some rockin' jeans, cute wintry boots with poms on the ends of the laces (am I the only one who thinks those are adorable?!) and this shirt, and you are good to go:



A

Flower Creatin' Obsession...

Uh, I've been kinda busy. And NO, not because my house is now all shiny and sparkly. I wish.

I may have a flower creatin' obsession. It's quite the invasive disease. Not that I'm looking for a cure. It's fun and I'm loving what I can come up with.

Brace yourself.

Flower overload heading your way if you scroll down. Just to break the trend is something a little different at the end. It has ruffles people. RUFFLES. Ruffles make me happy.

Everything (including MORE photos, if that's even possible) is now up for grabs in the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy Shop:













PHEW! Still with me? I'm impressed!

OK, here you go, some happy smiley RUFFLES:



Need a closer shot? Mkay:



*(insert sigh of contentment)*

RUFFLE quota of the day has just been met...

A