Made By Angie

Name that Pattern and Win!

2011-04-11T15:33:00.001-05:00

I've been fabric shopping. I have some new patterns to debut, but this one is missing a name. With lots and lots of flower patterns, I'm running out of ideas.

Help me decide on a name and if I pick your suggestion, I'll send you the wipes case of your choice!

Please don't suggest proper names, as I assign those as friends and family have babies :) Post your ideas on the Made by Angie Facebook page. Thanks in advance!

Angie

PS Happy birthday to my sister, Lindsay!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-03-05T11:06:00.000-06:00

I'm no Adam Lambert or Justin Bieber (they raised over $260,000 and $46,000 in lieu of gifts this year for their birthdays!). This year I want to help too so I am donating my birthday.

On Monday, March 7th I am turning 38 years old and will donate $38 to Charity: Water. Please consider a small donation to Charity: Water in honor of my birthday. Or all March birthdays - go Pisces! Or your birthday this year.

It's not going to me, of course. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations.

A billion people in the world are living without clean water - but how much are they really living? Millions contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. 45,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won't, but still walk hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.

My birthday wish this year is to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it. I want to make my birthday matter this year.

I know that so many of you helped us raise funds for Charity: Water back in December. Our Hot Cocoa for Water was such a successful campaign - we raised over $730! I'm excited to keep the giving fire burning with my birthday campaign. $3, $8, $38 ... 38 cents. Whatever you can spare! Please join me. Thank you!

please note: Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete.

Introducing ... a rewards program that really PAYS!

2011-02-06T14:21:00.002-06:00

As if buying great products from Made by Angie wasn’t rewarding enough, we’re excited to announce a new program to make it even more rewarding!

Made by Angie has partnered with Free Tree Rewards, which is a rewards program where you earn free goodies with every Made by Angie purchase. And because Free Tree Rewards is a cooperative program, you will also earn points by shopping with any of the other amazing small businesses in the FTR partner network. We’re excited to be in great company with the other businesses in the network - Ellie Bellie Kids, Julian & Co., Hand Picked Pumpkin, Pop & Lolli, and Tiny Tales.

Free Tree Rewards offers these amazing benefits:

Points never expire
Completely free to join and no annual fees
Simplicity - 10 points are worth $10 towards goodies at any of the partner shops
Low minimum to redeem - rewards start at just 5 points
High earning rate - earn 10% of purchases back in FTR points (most rewards programs are 1% - 2%)
Grow your balance even faster by referring friends and liking the FTR facebook page

If you join Free Tree Rewards by February 15 you’ll receive 10 points, which is $10 in your pocket to spend at Made by Angie. We’re excited about rewarding our loyal customers, and hope you will jump on over to www.freetreerewards.com and join the program. It’s very easy to sign up, and once you do you’ll receive information about how to get credit for your Made by Angie purchases.

To learn more about the program, visit www.freetreerewards.com.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

Hope you all had a great holiday season. After returning Friday afternoon from a fun Florida trip, our New Years Eve was rockin' ;) Pizza at home with friends and asleep by 11:01pm, as soon as the New Yorkers began their midnite celebration.

We were so excited to watch football all day on Saturday ... and see our Wisconsin Badgers bring home a victory in the Rose Bowl. Sadly, the win did not happen but it was a great day in front of the cozy fireplace and so much fun to see Max get ultra excited about the game, players and team. He learned a lot about football this season! Nate, not so much - but he checked in for score updates a few times between Sponge Bob and iCarly episodes. I even dug out my photo album from '93/'94 and looked at pics from the Rose Bowl we did win -- Marc & I both went to that game, but didn't know each other yet :)

Final update on the Hot Cocoa for Water campaign. We collected and donated $541! Enough for 27 people to have safe drinking water for the next 20 years. Yay!

Happy and healthy year ahead...Angie

Hot Cocoa, Warm Hearts

2010-12-23T12:31:00.004-06:00

We excitedly opened our door yesterday to friends and in return they opened their hearts (and wallets!) to donate to Charity: Water. Thank you to all that stopped by (and brought yummy treats) and all who've helped us with our cause.

We are thrilled to share the update: yesterday, we collected $166 and in addition to the donations made through our Charity: Water donation page, we'll be sending over $370 to them this holiday season. This money is enough for provide 18.6 people safe and clean drinking water for 20 years. How cool is that!?

If you could not make the shindig yesterday, please consider donating through our Charity: Water page. The campaign runs through December 31st, so click before then ... and of course their website is always open year-round for donations! The founder suggests "giving your birthday" ... donating your age on your birthday ... I thought this was a great idea ... just something to think about!

Here are some pics from yesterday - thanks again - I hope you learned as much as we did about the gift of giving!

Hot Cocoa for Water

2010-12-18T12:54:00.001-06:00

With all the gift getting this holiday season, I know Max & Nate don't need another thing. But we thought it would be nice to help those who do need something pretty important: access to clean WATER.

I recently learned of an organization called Charity: Water. Thanks to Jen from Ellie Bellie Kids for the introduction! You may have seen their 20/20 feature last night (see video clip below).

Their goal is simple ... to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations who lack access to this necessity. This is obviously something we all take for granted as we fill our water glasses directly from the fridge or turn on a hot shower. 100% of Charity: Water's donations go directly to fund water projects in an effort to bring safe water to the almost 1 billion people who need it.

We will be hosting a Hot Cocoa party (think Lemonade Stand in December!) on Wednesday to raise money for this cause. Another genius suggestion from Jen! (check out her blog post here - you can further help buy supporting some of the wonderful businesses donating sale proceeds to Charity: Water). I promise to keep the atmosphere cozy with a fire burning. We'll offer delish hot chocolate with fixin's and plenty of sweets to go along with it. Kids are off school and it's a tad nippy outside, so what better way to spend part of the afternoon. I am excited to help raise money and awareness and have some dedicated chat time with friends.

If you are local and interested in stopping by, please send me an email for our address. For those of you out of town next week or busy on Wednesday, you can still help :) I've set up a donation page through Charity: Water. Click here to help us out! An amazing fact: just $20 can give one person clean water for 20 years. Consider donating your Starbucks allotment for the day.

All the best, and Happy Holidays!
Angie

Thanks a bunch

2010-11-26T16:26:00.000-06:00

I was so lazy yesterday I didn’t even get to post this.

Ahhh, Thanksgiving Day. I have so much to be thankful for ... for starters, Max is still sleeping, and it’s 9:08am. Thank you, first born for channeling my love of slumber. Secondly, I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year, so I really don’t care that the house is a mess.

Finally, and in all seriousness -- I am thankful for family, friends & my business.

I’ve lived in Chicago since graduating college (go Badgers!), having grown up in Maryland. Although my sister and her husband live here too, my parents have remained home in MD ... until this year. My dad is teaching at Northwestern Law School and as a result, they’ve decided to get a place here. So now, I get to see Mom & Dad all the time (and they’re hosting Thanksgiving this year!), my kids get to spend extra time with Grandma and Papa and although I am not originally from this area, it finally feels like home. Special hugs to Marc & the boys (and Bela too!) - Marc, for keeping my heart warm and also my toes with his obsessive fire-building and Max and Nate for being loving, happy brothers ... how’d I get so lucky?

I recently spent a long weekend with some amazing friends. Lots of laughs, wine, yummy food and most importantly, togetherness. Although our homes span the country, I look forward to our yearly get-together for the same sense of comfy-ness I get from my own family.

Having just celebrated 5 years of Made by Angie, I am thankful for the ability to stay home with my kids, use my brain to run a business and exercise my creative side daily all while making lots of mamas happy with their funky wipe containers :)

A reminder that this Saturday, November 27th save 30% at Made by Angie -- use the code SATURDAY at checkout. Until then, I hope you get the shopping deals of a lifetime you are searching for and some good warm and fuzzies from those you spend Thanksgiving weekend with this year.

Feel free to post great deals that you've found in the comments!

Angie

Small Business Saturday

2010-11-24T08:49:00.001-06:00

Although every day should be Small Business Day, I support this movement, and you should too! There's a great deal for American Express accepting businesses ... shop at one on Saturday, November 27th and receive a $25 credit on your next Amex statement! Unfortunately, Made by Angie does not qualify (although we do accept Amex!) because we're online-only ... but that shouldn't stop you from shopping at your favorite small businesses on Saturday!

To show our excitement and thanks (it's Thanksgiving, afterall - gobble gobble!) ... please use the code: SATURDAY through November 27th for a whopping 30% off all orders at Made by Angie. Share the info with your friends & family and if you know someone ready to pop this holiday season, please consider how happy a Made by Angie wipe container would make them feel ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Angie

Gimme 5!

2010-10-26T18:51:00.001-05:00

My attorney (love ya, hubs) brought home my corporate annual report paperwork last night. As I wrote a check to the Secretary of State of Illinois to keep my "Inc." properly paid for, it dawned on me that this was the 5th time I've done so. I looked closely at the form and it was dated 10/25/2005, EXACTLY five years to the day that I had incorporated Made by Angie.

That, my friends, calls for an anniversary sale! The code FIVE at checkout will give you 25% off your order, through November 5th. Feel free to share this code with any/all of your friends!

Max, my tester

Five years ago, I was burnt out on "Baby Story" (6 months pregnant). Max (age 1.5) slept soundly every afternoon for four hours, and I turned naptime into work time -- Made by Angie was born.

Testing the durability


Making sure the wipes could survive push ups


Testing the wipes' sound barrier


Creative choo choo made with the gazillion Huggies boxes that filled our house

A few months later, Nate was born. Plenty of diaper changes in our house - and no shortage of wipes! Life moves so fast. It's hard to believe Max is 6 (and a half, as he reminded me of his half-birthday on Oct 21st) and the Tater is almost 5 (there's that number again!). The kids are no longer in diapers (!!!), but we use gobs of wipes still every day -- and are thankful for all the new babes being born who need fancy wipe cases in their lives ;)

Max's first time on waterskis

first Badger game

Plenty of amazing firsts to smile about, as well as recent family happy occasions. Be sure to bookmark Aunt Lindsay's blog, Wooden Table and read about her adventures in cooking.

Linds & Ryan's Wedding 10/10/10

I sure could use one of those four hour naps right about now, but as they say (not sure who says that really!) sleep is overrated. Lots of work (and play!) to be done -- stay tuned, Made by Angie has some new products in the works :)

Here's to the next 5 years - Happy Anniversary to me!

Buyer's Guide says Made by Angie, so it must be true!

2010-09-02T16:36:00.000-05:00

Thank you to our favorite magazine Pregnancy & Newborn for including Made by Angie's Madeline pattern in its Fall Buyer's Guide, on newsstands now through December 30! If you're expecting or just shopping definitely check this issue out -- it's chock full of fun ideas and lots of goodies.

So...California!

2010-08-17T17:54:00.001-05:00

A big thank you to 805 Living Magazine for including Made by Angie's Olive Stripe container in the August issue Style Find section.

Selected as a "Mother's Little Helper", our accessory looks fab with the featured mama-bags.

If you are local to area code 805, don't forget to check us out on page 20 and shoot me an email - I'd love a hard copy! ;)

For my Retailers...

2010-08-17T09:08:00.000-05:00

FREE SHIPPING on all wholesale orders through Labor Day (Sept 6). Check out my new patterns and place your order today! Email me with any questions :)

New Patterns available NOW!

2010-07-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

Check out the four new patterns available now at Made by Angie.

Meet Anna. Adorable and preppy. Named for Aunt Stefie's #2 (#1 is Cate)

Meet Carly. Nate's friend Maya's new baby sis. Carly has the longest eye lashes I've ever seen!

Meet Mason. My old co-worker Daria's first born. I haven't met the little dude yet, but if he's half as fashionable as his mom he's in good shape.

Meet Bloom Daisy. Ok, I ran out of new babies. More babies due in the Fall/Winter!

Made by Angie in NYC

2010-06-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

Last night we were out late with the kids when my phone went berserk with texts and emails...news that Made by Angie wipes cases were spotted on the latest episode of Bethenny Getting Married. Although US Weekly graces my mailbox, apparently I'm behind on this hot, hot, hot reality show. I did a quick DVR search when we got home, recorded the 1:00 am repeat and watched this morning, as Bethenny had a near nervous breakdown in Rosie Pope Maternity (one of my retailers) ... as she shopped for clothes. The cases have been a strong seller at RP since their debut. Hopefully, Bethenny picked one up!

Did you watch?

Angie

Bargain Shopper, and Proud of it

2010-06-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

I scour the internet for the best deal before buying. The deals are there (sometimes they are hiding, but it’s fun to search) and I figure I may as well get the best price for them.

Before I had kids, I had no problem sifting through TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s and Marshalls for deals. Now, it’s a different shopping world. I do most of it late night, but almost always online. Nothing is better or easier than a few clicks, in your pj’s and a package at your door the next day or so.

Lately, with the explosion of deal-a-day websites, my bargain shopping addiction has been fueled even further. Groupon was the first I came across (thanks, DER). What a genius business plan! A deal in your local city (tons of active cities) a day, delivered to your inbox. Easy peasy. Usually 50% off for retail bargains or services, you are guaranteed a great deal. Restaurants, spa services, etc ... it’s all stuff we do anyway, so why not pay less.

We’ve tried a bunch of restaurants I wouldn’t have otherwise tried, all with great savings. Other than restaurants I’ve scored deals on yoga classes, car washes, local kids store, local sporting good stores, family yearlong membership to the Adler planetarium (for over 50% off!), reusable snack/sandwich bags, poster size photos on canvas, amazing bracelets, mani/pedis, spahhhhhh. And the list goes on...

Here are some of my favorite deal sites:

WeDeal -- All North Shore (Chicago) deals. Fab-u-lous!

Mulamu -- Also, Chicago ‘burbs

Jasmere -- This one is amazing too. The more people that buy the deal, the lower the deal price goes!

Fly Coupon -- Similar to Groupon, select your nearest city

Living Social -- Also similar to Groupon, select your city

We Give to Get -- This one is Chicago specific. You pick a charity for them to donate 10% of the purchase price.

Two other discount websites that grace my inbox daily:

Hautelook & RueLaLa. Both are membership based (but free) and deals focus on upscale retailers. I did score a great pair of Joe’s Jeans for $60 and some (a-hem) Hanky Panky’s for nearly 1/2 off.

Don’t forget to share the wealth. If you see a great deal, post your special referral code (you’ll get one when you buy the deal) on Facebook, Twitter, email etc. and get paid if your friends buy it too using your link :) Credits vary based on the site, but are between $5-10 per referral which adds up quickly (trust me, I’ve gotten a bunch of freebies this way!)

Another super easy search before clicking “buy” is on Retail Me Not. This and several other similar coupon sites collect online promo codes from websites that may not otherwise be published. I always check here for FREE SHIPPING codes.

A few things to watch out for:

1. Be sure to check expiration dates. I enter them (a month out) into my calendar so that an alarm reminds me of an upcoming expiration date.

2. Tip on original prices at restaurants (duh) so the server doesn't get the shaft.
3. Deals are timed, and typically expire the same day or next day. If you want it, buy it!

4. Read the fine print, sometimes you can purchase more than one deal, and combine. Sometimes you can't combine. They are very upfront with the rules though (always reasonable) so just read before you buy, so that you are not surprised or disappointed.

If you have other favorite deal sites, feel free to leave me a comment.

Happy shopping ... oh, and if you need a baby gift, you know where to look. I’ll save you the trip to Retail Me Not, use the code BLOG for 20% off your order at Made by Angie.

Angie

MWS is a mom's best friend

2010-05-08T15:54:00.001-05:00

Feel like shopping? Please visit the Mommies with Style Summer Shopping guide ... lots of discounts for some amazing shops... http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/shoppingguide10.html

please consider Made by Angie for your shopping needs too ;) You can use the code: THANKS for 15% off!

A little help from Etsy

2010-05-05T11:16:00.003-05:00

If you have not checked out Etsy, do yourself a favor! It's an amazing website full of creativity and beautiful handmade products. The site is a collaboration of thousands of artists who may or may not have their own business websites, but showcase their goods in one spot ... which makes it easy for you to navigate all in one place. You can search by product category, color and even proximity if you are looking for local artisans. You will thank me (your wallet might be mad at me, but I'm sure you'll score some great finds).

In recent planning of my son Max's 6th birthday party (with Kobe!), we enlisted two Etsy ladies. We threw a Lego party, and found some adorable invitations and party favors. A shout out to both for exceptional customer service and just perfectly pleasant correspondence from the get-go to the finished products.

Invitations created by Carolyn at Cards with Care.

Carolyn actually suggested the soaps for party favors, which led me to...

Lego shaped soaps for the goodie bags created by Denise at AJ Sweet Soap.

And for anyone local to Deerfield/North Shore, Lego Beth did a great job with the party!

The boys had a blast. And so did the adults :)

Mother's Day is soooooon (hint hint)

2010-04-13T18:23:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at Cool Mom Picks have compiled one of their famous gift guides, with every type of mom accounted for ... check it out! ------> http://www.coolmompicks.com/mothersdaygifts10/

Stock up on baby gifts

2010-04-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

Through April 18th, use the code APRIL at checkout for 20% off your order. It's a good opportunity to stock up for those spring/summer baby arrivals! Happy shopping and feel free to spread the word :)

Angie

Lions & lambs, happy patients and new wipes!

2010-03-20T11:36:00.001-05:00

Yep, it's March in Chicago. Yesterday we played outside in the warm 60s sun and awoke today to a few inches of snow. Gotta love the first day of "Spring". At least it makes for a good fire day, and I've been informed by my pyro husband that the fire will burn all weekend (he's desperately trying to use the ridiculous amount of wood he ordered this winter!)

We welcomed spring by heading to the kids dentist this morning. They LOVE going! What is wrong with these boys!? Oh, TVs showing movies on the ceiling, cotton candy fluoride treatment and a treasure chest deep with goodies. Maybe that has something to do with it!

Here are two new patterns. Meet Henry (named for Henry, born in January to Nancy & Eric and big brother Harris!) and Spice Dots (no, I don't know any babies named Spice Dots, lol). Enjoy and buy some -- dentist has informed me both kids will need braces, so we better start saving now :)

Happy Spring ... What are you doing for Spring Break? Leave me a comment!

Angie

PS I've pulled the trigger and bought a sewing machine, step one of my 2010 goals - yay! Can't wait for it to arrive. Ain't she a beaut?

HB to me

2010-03-07T16:47:00.000-06:00

It's here, the big 3-7. Whoopie! A gloomygrayrainy day in Chicago, perfect for ... eating the hub's french toast, playing jenga, building a fire, being goofy, making brownies, skyping aunt Linds in London and eating some more (Roti falafel and Happ Inn tonite). A perfect no-rush, no-pressure day to enjoy the fam...and maybe get a little work done too (for those of you waiting on an order!)

Cha-ching!

2010-02-17T15:53:00.000-06:00

It occurred to me recently that gold prices are through the roof. I know, news flash. An invite to a friend's "gold party" got me thinking so I dug out my jewelry box to see what little pretties were collecting dust, just waiting to be traded for cold.hard.cash. I don't wear a lot of jewelry, and let's face it - with two boys, what am I really passing down here. Plus, everything is a tad, well - dated. Like from my Bat Mitzvah (circa 1986!). I hung on to my monogrammed pinky ring for sentimental value and took a bag of stuff to visit with the jeweler. I apologize to the gold studded anklets and rings from my trip to Israel in 1989 (among other items) ... but my wallet thanks you. I am $812 happier!

Now the big question: what to buy :)

In other news ... Happy 4th Birthday (tomorrow) to the Tater. How did that happen!?

Snow Envy

2010-02-05T18:46:00.001-06:00

Growing up in Maryland, I remember two things about the snow. One memory was building forts/igloos on Park Ave (so I must have been around 5 years old) in what seemed to be several feet of fallen snow.

The other is multiple "snow days", days off of school (sometimes a week at a time) -- often after we'd only received a dusting of snow. I guess we had the mountains and icy roads of upper/western Montgomery County to thank for these days, and as I recall as a kid there were no complaints!

Now that I live in Chicago we just don't benefit from cancellations due to our wintry abyss. Is the city more prepared? Are the kids tougher? My dad always reminds me of his Chicago childhood when he walked miles in the snow to/from school, uphill both ways...never missing a day.

My kids are not at the age where they'd be excited for a snow day, but as an adult, I miss them! What I'd give for a day off, forcing us to remain home watching the snow fall. We've got hot chocolate for the Keurig, plenty of wood for the fire (I'm sure my pyro husband would like nothing more than a day at home to build a fire), and hours of Lost, 24 and Sponge Bob to catch up on.

Facebook is abuzz with snow predictions and weather reports from my DC friends. I'm sure they are frantically grocery shopping and getting ready to shovel. I am a little jealous. As we head into the weekend, it is currently snowing here ... but life in Chicago goes on outside. DC/MD/VA, hopefully you'll enjoy some cozy indoor chill time this weekend.

A week to remember

2010-01-24T20:53:00.000-06:00

My grandfather, aka Stormin' Norman passed away on Tuesday, his 95th birthday. He was a great, loving grandpa - a very special guy. As my dad pointed out in his eulogy, Grandpa always finished everything he started, even his final year...to the day. I was lucky to have spent his last 5 days at his bedside with him in California. He was surrounded by family and comforted by loving caregivers. My kids are so blessed to have known him...we will miss him! Here's a cute pic of Gpa and Max, taken 2+ years ago.

Angie

Morning Person

2010-01-13T16:22:00.000-06:00

I am so not a morning person. Luckily I've been blessed with kids that sleeeeeep. But three new additions to my home are making it easier to deal with facing the day head on.

Ever have back or neck pain? It stinks. The least I could ask for is a comfy bed to lay my aching back. Instead, every morning for the four years since we bought a new luxurious pillow top mattress I wake up cursing the moment that bed was delivered. Boo pillow tops! Needing a crane to get out of bed is not my idea of morning fun. Anyway, after years of constant complaining we finally replaced our very expensive evil mattress with a new super firm one. Ahhh. It's been two nights of happy sleeps. Hooray, I can stand up straight immediately jumping out of bed ... and move my head side to side. Praise the Vera Wang Firm Mattress!!!

Does your pantry look like the cereal aisle at the grocery store? We love us some cereal and now I smile every time I open the pantry. Check these puppies out!

Jealous? Don't be ... just pop on over to your local Costco. They come in a three-pack for $15ish bucks.

Do you have a Keurig? O.M.G. It's a coffee-lover's dream! I am not sure why I still after months of owning this toy get so excited to make myself a cup of coffee in the am, but why ask why? And the afternoon Cafe Mocha or Hot Chocolate ... oh yeah. I literally have not stepped foot in Starbucks since November!

So, mornings aren't so bad. Just don't call me before 9am :)

Angie

Hooray for MiniMe!

2010-01-08T07:45:00.000-06:00

In my previous post about easy ways to go green, I linked to some great snack bags. I did not realize that the creator of the bags (and the equally fabulous Wet Happened bags), Jamie also sold them on her site. Jamie created a special 20% off code for the snack and wet bags when purchased on MiniMe.

She has amazing stuff - a great collection of baby goodies - so check it all out (coupon code only applies to the bags, though).

The code is: ANGIE

Thanks, Jamie!

PS We use the Wet Happened bags a ton around here -- great for wet suits after a swim and stinky gym clothes after a workout.

Apologies to the Garbage Man

2010-01-03T15:21:00.000-06:00

Three super simple changes I've made in the last couple of years ... make for good resolutions in my book. I try to "be green" as much as possible on a daily basis, and these products are no brainers.

#1 Reusable grocery bags I have a dozen or so, and use them not only at the grocery store, but Target, clothes shopping ... well, anywhere I'd get a bag. I keep 'em stashed in my car and purse, so I am never without. Just think of all the grocery bags you collect...then trash...you can buy these just about anywhere these days, but I've gotten mine from these online stores: Reusable Bags and Nubius Organics. I also have an insulated tote from Neela Bags. So all cold/frozen stuff goes straight in there. Makes for easier putting away at home.

#2 Water Bottles I used to buy bottled water by the case at Costco, and almost two years ago quit cold turkey. Instead, I stocked our family with a variety of water bottles. They ain't cheap, but think of all that plastic you are keeping out of the landfills. Plus, water is good for you - so really, you're doing yourself a huge favor! Maybe you heard about the Sigg bottle craziness a few months back (Sigg, a popular water bottle manufacturer claimed that their bottles were BPA free. In fact, the liners ended up having traces of BPA in them). Grrrr, I promptly returned our large stash and was given a credit to buy new ones, equipped with the NEW BPA free liner. I took their word for it and now have all new bottles for the fam. Anyway, some other great bottles are Camelbak and Kleen Kanteen.

#3 No waste lunches This is a work in progress but I'm trying to pack no-waste lunches for the kids. I use re-usable and washable snack/sandwich bags (try Snack Happened bags) and buy way less individually wrapped snacks. Easier on the wallet and garbage can.

These are just a few of my favorite things ... I'm always looking for ideas to incorporate eco-living into our daily routines. Leave me a comment sharing what you do. We can help each other out!

Resolutions

2010-01-01T21:56:00.000-06:00

I'm a list maker. I'd forget to brush my teeth without the reminder. But
I've never been big on New Years Resolutions. Maybe I'm lazy or maybe I
know not to set expectations I may not meet. I'd rather make a to do
list. Everything might not get crossed off but at least I know I will
try.

The exercise resolution is easy for me - I couldn't make it through my
week without it. Zumba is my latest obsession. It's Latin dancing.
Lots of hip shakin. So fun. I'm sure I look like the biggest goofball,
but who cares?! Try it, such a blast.

I take each day as it comes. Not a very good long term planner (in my
pre-kid life I was a corporate meeting planner, which is laughable now
to me.) If I remember to pack a lunch and plan a playdate, it's a good
day. Being a mom is hard. There is so much "stuff" to remember. Thank
goodness for my good friend, my iPhone to remind me of everything.

So back to the resolutions, I can't imagine adding more expectations to
my days.

And then there's Made by Angie to throw into the mix. I've been
blessed with a successful business. So let's just resolve that it will
continue. 5 years and counting. That's a lot of diaper changes!

So, it's 2010. On my to do list (this was also on my '09 list...told
ya!) is to buy a sewing machine and teach myself to use it. There, I
am putting it in writing this time, will you help me with this
accomplishment?

If you've made it this far, I'd love to hear what's on your list. Leave
me a comment here. I'll leave you with this pic of Nate taken last night, shortly after he tuckered out after a long night of party-ing. I'm going to add "take a nap" to my list. He looks mighty content.

Happy New Year!!

The perfect xmas gift for Ashlee

2009-12-23T09:33:00.000-06:00

I wholeheartedly agree, every celebrity parent needs a Made by Angie wipe case! What can I say, as a card-carrying subscriber to US Weekly magazine, this makes me happy :)

The Possessionista Gift Guide

Check it out, and remember - 20% off all order through December 31st using the code BYE2009 at checkout.

Happy Happy!!
Angie

There's Still Time (but HURRY!)

2009-12-18T12:30:00.002-06:00

Last minute shoppers, you're in luck!

There's still time to shop Made by Angie (grrrrrreat stocking stuffers!) and get your order delivered by December 24th.

Just make sure your order is placed by this Sunday, December 20 and my elves will do the rest (well, with a little help from USPS!).

Added Bonus: Upgraded shipping to Priority Mail (at no additional charge) - you don't have to do a thing, just place your order by Sunday and it will ship Monday!

Added Bonus #2: Use the code BYE2009 at checkout to receive 20% off all orders placed by December 31st.

New Patterns ...

... EVA (aweee, isn't she cute?)

... BEN (cheery and bright!)

... COLE (whatta superstar!)

Happy Holidays to you and yours and warm wishes for a fantabulous 2010!

xo, Angie

i HEART unexpected press!

2009-12-10T12:48:00.000-06:00

Thank you cousin Dan for letting me know you saw my Made by Angie wipes cases on the WGNtv midday news! A little digging, and here's what I found. Congrats to Ellen Sternweiler, owner of Chicago baby store Bellybum Boutique (located at 4347 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago) for the awesome segment, and many thanks for including Made by Angie in the line up.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-09T15:26:00.001-06:00

In lieu of a real live, send in the mail holiday card ... here's one to smile at :)

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Happy Holidays!

Love, the Beermann Family

Anatomy of an Adorable New Pattern

2009-12-07T11:50:00.001-06:00

Introducing "EVA".

Ever wonder how I name the wipes case patterns? If you know me well, chances are there's a pattern named after your offspring.

I try to shop for new fabrics in conjunction with pregnancies! That way, when a new pattern is ready to name, there's a cute fresh new name to use :)

So...Eva K is our gorgeous new friend. Born Halloween 2009 to parents Bari and Steve. If you have boys, please check out their website: Camp Menominee.

And the BIG winner is...

2009-12-01T22:59:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Mary C., winner of all the loot! Thanks to Julian & Co, MiniMe Babygear and Ellie Bellie Kids for contributing such a fabulous giveaway package for Mary!

Cheers,
Angie

Congrats are in order...

2009-12-01T09:21:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Marybelle! Your comment was selected at random to win the Made by Angie wipes case of your choice! I've emailed you for details :)

And the winner of the biggie giveaway of goodies is...going to be announced as soon as I reach her!!!

Thanks for shopping, and playing!

Angie

How was your turkey?

2009-11-30T12:46:00.000-06:00

The family has left (missing everyone!) our house, and Thanksgiving is a fond and now distant memory. What a great weekend of fun, family and food.

Now, kiddos, it's time to shop. And there's not much time left!

Shop Made by Angie until midnite tonight using the code THANKS2009 for 20% off. An adorable Made by Angie baby wipe container will be sure to bring a smile to the face of your pregnant friends/new parents. Think stocking stuffer. Stock up, it's our best sale of the year! AND...you'll be automatically entered to win an incredible assortment of goodies (details in recent blog post below).

In addition, comment on the previous blog post and let me know your favorite pattern for a chance to win your choice of patterns (no purchase necessary for this one).

Finally, let me know how your Thanksgiving weekend was (still stuffed?) by commenting on this post, and I might just give you an additional entry into the wipes case giveaway. Here are some highlights from our weekend.

me and the hubs

the bird

my mom, me & grandma (she's 93!)

the yummy spread

the boys on the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower skyledge

the amazing elephants at the circus

One week left to win!

2009-11-24T08:56:00.001-06:00

On December 1st, I will pick a winner at random for our amazing $180 valued giveaway. Goodies are listed in the previous blog post. All you have to do is place an order at Made by Angie by Nov 30th using the super-discounted code: THANKS2009 (for 20% off) and you will automatically be entered to win the whole kit and kaboodle of prizes (think of how this will ease your holiday shopping!)

And now...for your SECOND chance to WIN. I'll be giving away an additional wipes case (winner's choice, valued at $30) to those of you who comment on this blog post (no purchase necessary). Tell me your favorite wipes case pattern (visit Made by Angie for all of your choices). Don't forget to sign up for my mailing list while you're visiting.

That makes THREE great chances to win:

1. Use the code THANKS2009 for 20% off your order through November 30th. Think pregnant friends & family stocking stuffer, the best "oooh ahhhh" shower gift, treat yourself, grandmas purse...

2. Orders placed by November 30th will be automatically entered to win the GIVEAWAY PACKAGE (brought to you by your friends at Made by Angie, Julian & Co, Ellie Bellie Kids and MiniMe Baby Gear)

3. Comment on my blog post for an ADDITIONAL CHANCE TO WIN your choice of Made by Angie wipes case.

Thanks & Good luck!!!

20% off SALE and SUPERHUGE GIVEAWAY starts today!!!!

2009-11-15T22:36:00.001-06:00

This year, I give thanks for healthy kids, lots of family converging at my house for a food fest and another successful year at Made by Angie.

I am celebrating a little earlier than usual by offering a super fun & exciting SALE and GIVEAWAY. Here are the deets: Enjoy 20% off all orders using the code THANKS2009.

All orders placed between now and November 30th will be entered to win ALL of these awesome prizes* (valued at over $180)...a great way to jumpstart your holiday shopping.

$75 Gift Certificate ... you know what great gifts Made by Angie wipe containers make ...
so stock up for your holiday needs!

$50 Gift Certificate ... gorgeous personalized jewelry for the whole family.
Such a special gift.

Winner's Choice of black or white five point crown ... crowns, capes, tutus and messenger bags to inspire your little ones. My all-time favorite birthday gifts! ($28 value)

Winner's Choice of adorable Minky Dinky Blanket styles. Seriously, how cute are these?! ($29 value)

Now go shop!

*Coupon code expires on Monday, November 30, 2009. Giveaway winner will be picked at random and notified via email and announced right here, on my blog: MADEBYANGIE.BLOGSPOT.COM on December 1st. While you're here, be sure to bookmark my blog :)

Entering 21st Century....NOW.

2009-11-12T15:56:00.000-06:00

it happened. i'm blogging. i've managed to avoid creating a blog for made by angie (or my personal life for that matter) and i'm feeling a little alone. everyone's doing it. so here we are! stay tuned for announcements regarding the biz, beermanns who knows what other interesting tidbits.

here are a few recent pics to get me started:

the fam striking a goofy pose

buzz (nate) and spidey (max)

sunset in Longboat Key ... last weekend spent with great friends :)