{ Etsy-versary } Inked Tote Giveaway!

We are celebrating!
Why?
Because we just had our 2nd Cantaloupe Corner Etsy Anniversary!

I couldn't be happier with the success of our little shop! I'm a stay-at-home mom waiting for baby #3 and I get to be a business owner too! And not only do I have a business but it is growing! I am so deeply grateful that I have been so immensely blessed over the past 2 years.

I am grateful for the changes that have brought us this far. I hesitantly switched to a new t-shirt brand almost a year ago. The prices were higher but the quality of these shirts was 100 times better than the previous brand.  As a customer, I want to receive the best for my money, and that is what I want to offer to all of my customers. We offer the absolute highest quality toddler t-shirts available. And on top of that, they will always look great because there is no ink to fade, crack, or stick.

The best part is letting my own little boys help me with designs and model t-shirts for me. They love being involved in the business process. My 4-year-old even sets up his own "business" from time to time, selling things like rocks, pictures, and holiday decorations (I'm his best customer).
I can't think of a better way to teach them about earning money than to let them see how hard I work on my own business.


Giveaway time!

Ok, enough of the boring stuff. I want to invite all of you to celebrate our 2 year anniversary with us!

I haven't done a giveaway in a loooong time and it is high time I thank my customers/blog readers/fans by giving some free stuff to y'all!

How about a cute, springy, versatile, one-of-a-kind INKED TOTE!!!
(I am in love with these totes right now. I take them with me everywhere!)

Want it?

This tote is our Birds and Trees design on navy.  I have embellished it with pretty white lace. So simple and so pretty.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Click on over to Cantaloupe Corner and leave a comment with your favorite item.
2. Follow our blog.
3. "Like" Cantaloupe Corner on Facebook.
4. Tell your friends! Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your own Blog.


Thank you to everyone who has helped us along this 2 year adventure! I'm having the time of my life!
We will have another giveaway next week too! Betcha can't wait to see what it is!


Giveaway will end on Wednesday April 20th @ 12 noon, Arizona time. Winner will be announced on Thursday April 21st.

THANKS!

Spring Cleaning - Step #1

It's that time of year again.
Can you feel it in the air?

I've been feeling it for a while now. Not only have my maternal nesting instincts kicked in but it has felt like spring here for over a month. We have even enjoyed temperatures dangerously close to the triple digit mark. yikes! (Did I say enjoyed? I meant tolerated.)

I have busily been moving from room to room decluttering and cleaning. I still have a looooong way to go. As we all know, the house is never clean enough for an expecting mother. (BTW, only 6.5 weeks to go, and counting!! eee!)


Roll up your sleeves and apply some elbow grease because we are digging into some SPRING CLEANING!


Step #1: Declutter and Simplify

Declutter
I'm kind of a pack rat and decluttering can be emotionally traumatic for me. I don't like to do it, but I can't tell you how good I feel when it is done. Freedom!!!!

One room at a time, go through your drawers, cupboards, boxes, totes, bookcases, etc. and sort anything you aren't using into 2 piles: DONATE and THROW AWAY.

Keep in mind that the things you keep should be of value to you. If it doesn't mean anything to you and you aren't using it, get rid of it! Donate any nicer items that someone else would be able to use or enjoy.

REALLY think about it's value to you.
-Does it have sentimental value?
-Are you currently using it?
-Will you for sure be using it in the near future, or when it is in season?
-Does it add to the beauty and function of your life and home?

If it doesn't qualify for any of these, it is much better to get it out of your house.


Last week I took an SUV full of old clothes, books, toys, linens, blankets, decorations, etc. to Deseret Industries (D.I.). If you don't know about D.I., they are a thrift store set up by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. It works just like Goodwill.  They take donations and use the store as a way to offer job training and employment for those in need.
I choose to donate rather than to hold a garage sale because I love the feeling that my nicer items are really helping my community. And it saves me the work of sorting, pricing, and spending a day in the blazing sun.

-Take your "Donate" pile to the thrift store within a week of sorting to make sure it doesn't get forgotten or stuffed in the garage or spare room. (We've all done it.)

-Take care of your trash as quickly as possible also. If you don't have room in the garbage for bigger items, set up a pick up day with your local sanitation program, or find a friend with a truck and head to the landfill. Just get that stuff out of your house ASAP.


SIMPLIFY:
Don't let those "hot spots" get cluttered up again. If you find places in your home where things tend to pile up, come up with an organization solution.
-Do you need a wastebasket to catch incoming junk mail?
-A mail sorter?
-Somewhere to hang coats and backpack, or store shoes?
-Maybe a basket for keys, and other items that we drop as soon as we come through the door?
-A filing system for bills and important papers, or coupons?

Take care of these problems now before they return to the terrible, menacing piles that they were before.

Whatever the area is, think "simplify, simplify, simplify."




Once the clutter is gone, take a deep breath. You just tackled the hardest part of Spring Cleaning!

Spring cleaning isn't just about spotless floors and clean cupboards.When you simplify your home you are also simplifying your life. Clutter in your home = Clutter in your life. Declutter your home and you will feel more organized and less stressed.
When you feel at peace with your surroundings you will find more happiness and peace in your life also.

I'm going through the life/home decluttering process too. The more "stuff" I can let go of in my home the better I feel. It really is a weight off my shoulders.

My new favorite quote is "Simplicity is the greatest form of sophistication." (Thomas S. Monson)


Now that you are feeling lighter and more organized, we can start deep cleaning!

News - Due Dates and Such

So. . .
We are expecting a baby!

I'm sure all of you knew that by now, but the due date is coming up, and fast!
Little baby Mason will be here in approximately 7 weeks! Can you believe it?!!
There is so much to be done and so little time remaining.

Me and my new recruit, a.k.a. my amazing husband, have been working hard to keep up with the business that has been coming in. I am way beyond thrilled with how busy Cantaloupe Corner has been! We are t-shirt printing maniacs!

I've been having way too much fun with all of this, but it is time to be a responsible mommy and start thinking about the new addition that is coming our way. He needs some cute clothes made and some projects finished for his room and. . . well, I have so many things I want to make for him.

We have finally decided on a maternity leave date. Our last day of business will be April 30th. After April 30th we will only be taking special requests so please get your orders in before then so you can get your birthday shirts, gifts, and summer tees in time.

I don't know yet how long we will have the shop closed, but my adorable hubby has volunteered to help me get the shop up and running as soon as possible after the baby is born. I'm not sure how crazy it will be around here with 3 kids (eeek!) I can't believe we are going to have 3 boys! This place is going to be a mad house.  Please pray that I can keep my sanity. 



We have some great new ideas and fabulous new designs we are working on to introduce when we come back. I've been holding on to some of my FAVORITE designs yet! You are not going to want to miss it!


In the mean time I will still be posting the latest and greatest from our adventures here on the blog. I have some more exciting nutritional tips and tutorials coming.


Only 18 days left! So get your orders in now!

If you have a birthday boy or girl that will need a t-shirt this summer, please get your order in so I can make them. Thanks!!

Choo Choo I'm 2! T-shirt

Distressed Number Birthday T-shirt

Personalized Distressed Name T-shirt

See more ink-free designs in our Cantaloupe Corner shop.

Be afraid of your. . . deodorant?

Be afraid. . . . Be very afraid!

Your deodorant may make you less stinky, but do you really know what that stuff is that you are spreading onto your skin?

My husband has been telling me for sometime that he doesn't trust deodorants. He heard that some of the ingredients could be dangerous cancer causers. I didn't doubt him for a moment, but I was very curious what those evil ingredients could be. \


Here is the list of 7 ingredients they found to avoid when choosing a deodorant:
Aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly or any aluminum compounds. Aluminum is absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the body. It has been suggested that there is an association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease.

Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl), are all derived from toluene, a toxic petrochemical derivative. Toluene is toxic if swallowed or inhaled. It is also harmful in contact with the skin. There is some evidence that repeated exposure to toluene may cause reproductive harm. Since 2000, 13 research studies have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogen in animals and in tissue culture. Estrogen is known to drive the growth of cancerous cells.

Triclosan is a skin irritant and may cause contact dermatitis. It may kill healthy bacteria as well as harmful bacteria. It may contain carcinogenic contaminants. It is stored in body fat and is classified as a pesticide by the FDA.

Talc is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer if it contains asbestiform fibers. The quantity of asbestiform fibers in cosmetic grade talc is unregulated. If talc is listed on the label, there is no way of knowing whether or not it contains asbestiform fibers.

Propylene glycol absorbs quickly through the skin and is a penetration enhancers. It may cause delayed allergic reactions. NIOSH says propylene glycol is a neurotoxin and may cause kidney or liver damage. The EPA says it’s not fully investigated for carcinogenic potential.

Silica is a skin irritant. It may be contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is a carcinogen.

Steareth-n (n may be any number like say 100), may be vegetable derived but is reacted with ethylene oxide (ethoxylated), a known human carcinogen.



Did you notice how many times the word "carcinogen" was mentioned? Carcinogens are cancer causers. They should be avoided like the plague.
 
 
 
If you can't just go pick up your favorite stick of Secret, or Degree, what do you do?
 
 
There are deodorants available with natural ingredients like vegetable glycerin bases, with natural preservatives. These are a much better alternative. They may not smell like "glistening waterfall" but if they keep you from spreading carcinogens onto your body, it's totally worth it.
 
The Wellness Wisdom Hiway listed some recipes for homemade deodorants!
 
The simplest recipe was simply to use Apple Cider Vinegar! It balances the ph of your underarms which will prevent the odor causing bacteria from growing in the first place. Check out the other homemade deodorant recipes HERE
 
You don't have to be smelly to be healthy!

Happiness is : a positive thought

How are you feeling right this moment?

Tired?
Joyful?
Lonely?
Excited?
Overwhelmed?
Confused?
Bored?
Happy?
Stressed?
Hopeful?

We have so many things going on in our lives. And there are so many emotions we are going through, sometimes all at the same time.  It is exhausting!

Now take those emotions you are feeling and focus in on only the positive ones. Focus on the JOY, HAPPINESS, EXCITED, LOVING and PEACEFUL feelings. They may not be the strongest emotion you are feeling right now but empty the others out of your head, even if just for a minute. Find a smidgen of happiness amidst the chaos of life. And make that feeling grow until it fills you up.

Think of someone you love, something you love to do, or a place that makes you feel happy.
Your children, your spouse or significant other, your favorite sport, hobby, or project, or maybe a tropical island, or your home town.
Really feel the good emotions in your heart.


Now how are you feeling?

Positive thought are extraordinarily powerful. Just one or two positive thoughts can help you let go of the negative emotions and replace them with real, happy emotions.

 One of my favorite quotes is "There is no reality, only perception." This means that your world exists through your eyes. The way you see your world is what is real to you. So why not add some more happiness to your world by letting go of negative thoughts and holding on to positive thoughts. The only thing in life that you can completely control is your thoughts. Take advantage of that and make those thoughts the best they can be.


When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you think of?
The first thing I usually think is,
 "It is waaaay to early for me to be up!"
 "I have soooo much to do today. I don't think I can get it all done."
 "Why does my husband get to sleep in when I'm pregnant and I have to get up and feed the kids?"
"My back hurts and I don't want to be pregnant any more!"
(boo hoo)

So naturally I wake up grouchy. I make myself the victim of my circumstances. (Who wants to come visit me first thing in the morning? anyone?)


This week I have tried to control my emotions and thoughts from the start of the day. It's not easy to do. In fact, it is one of the hardest things I have ever attempted. My brain has been programmed to think negative thoughts first thing in the morning.
So I force myself to take a deep breath and think things like
" I can't wait to take my kids to do _________ today!",
"I love myself and my family because _________"
"I am going to be a better person today because __________"
"I am going to be a really good wife today and let my husband sleep in so he will have a better day at work."
"I am going to be happy today because I deserve to be happy!"
etc.


Has it made a difference?

Y-E-S!!!

Not only do I wake up feeling better, but the feeling carries over to my kids and husband too! I have noticed that the kids don't fight as much, I have more patience, my husband volunteers to help with breakfast, the cluttered house doesn't seem like such a pig sty, and we all enjoy being together so much more.
It has been a noticeable change. I can't believe I have been depriving me and my family of this much happiness all because I wanted to play the victim. How selfish of me.

Because it has been such a great experience, I want to invite all of you to try it too. All you have to do is think positive thoughts from the moment you wake up in the morning. I would love to hear how it goes for you!


A positive thought is a seed that when nurtured can grow into real happiness!
Plant more positive thoughts in your head and your life will become a happier place to live.

10 reasons not to buy ink-printed clothing

Top 10 Reasons Not to buy ink-printed clothing.

1. Plastisol inks, the most popular t-shirt printing inks, often need to be cleaned up using chemicals. Water based inks can require chemical clean ups if they dry onto the silkscreen, or other tools during printing. Ink-free printing involves only soap and water clean up.  Ink-free is the environmentally friendly choice.

2. Plastisol and Water Based inks are considered to be hazardous chemicals in their uncured state. They must be disposed of as such according to local regulations.

3. Inks may contain lead. American made inks are lead-free but lead is still found in inks purchased overseas.
  For example, HERE is a site that has recalled items, some containing lead in the screen printing ink.

4. You cannot iron a plastisol screen printed design, or many water based ink designs. The ink will melt and smear.

5. The design can also stick to itself or another item if it is put into a hot dryer or exposed to other forms of heat.

6. Over time, the ink will wear and break down, causing cracks in the design. This always happens to my favorite t-shirts.

7. Also, due to wear, the ink will fade over time. Ink-free shirts will look just as good wash after wash. There is nothing on them to fade of wear out.

8. The hand, or thickness and touch, of the ink design can be thick and sticky, or even scratchy. Even when water based inks are used you can still feel the design on the shirt. In contrast, ink-free printed shirts leave nothing but soft fabric for your fingers to touch.

9. The CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) 2008, requires that children's items must be lead free. If a company cannot prove that an item is lead free it must be tested by a third party. This drives up costs for children's ink-printed clothing.
Because we don't use ink, there is no concern about lead. And we can keep our costs down while still providing the highest quality toddler t-shirts available anywhere!

10. Everyone owns ink-printed clothing. There are so many screen printers out there that print using the same ol' inks. Be unique and choose something ink-free!

Easter Projects - Idea Roundup!

Need an Easter Project?

Here's a handful of fun, colorful, Easter ideas that will make you DIY till you're dizzy.

Enjoy!

Ruffled Easter Egg Tee from Positively Splendid

 Bowtie Tutorial from papernstitch

Spring Wreath tutorial from Stone Gable

 Craft Thread Eggs by Craftberry Bush

Peeps Rice Krispy Pops by Love from the Oven

Easter Silouettes by k.i.s.s.

Marshmallow Bunny Plushie by Dandelions and Lace

Bunny Easter Buckets by Positively Splendid

Peeps Bunny Bunting by Rae at MADE (found on V and Co. blog)

{ Rainbow Krispies }

I posted thisrecipe for Rainbow Rice Krispy Treats a while back.  With spring and Easter in the air I thought they would brighten things up around here!  They make a yummy after school snack or a fun anytime treat.
And they would be so cute at an Easter Party!

I made these happy rainbow krispy treats for my son's preschool class last week.
They were learning about rainbows :)
They are so vibrant, colorful, and rainbow-licious!

Rainbow Krispies:

You are going to be making 4 small batches of treats (it is faster than it sounds.)

For each small batch:

1 1/2 Tbs. Butter,

5-8 drops of food coloring (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red)

1/2 of a 10.5 oz bag of mini marshmallows

3 cups of Rice Krispies

1. Melt the butter in a pot over med/low heat.

2. Add food coloring to desired color. I added between 5-8 drops of color per batch. Blue, Green, Yellow, Red.

3. Add mini marshmallows to butter and stir until melted.

4. Remove from heat.

5. Add rice krispies and stir until well combined.

6. Pour mix into a large buttered casserole dish or roasting pan.

Use buttered spatula to press the krispies down.

7. Wash your pan or use a new pan to avoid mixing colors.

8. Repeat this process for the next 3 layers.

Let set until completely cooled and hardened.

Cut into squares and enjoy!

P.S. mmmmm, they are soooo good!



Vitamin D - A Sunshine Solution

This stuff is a big deal!

We have been hearing a lot about the importance of Vitamin D lately. Doctors and Scientist are discovering that it effects us waaay more than we once thought. 


WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH?
30-80% of our population is deficient!
Vitamin D deficiency has been long known to cause Rickets, a disease that makes bones soft and weak. Deficiancy can also possibly lead to heart disease, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, PMS, Crohns Disease, cancer, MS and other autoimmune diseases, athsma, and even cancer.
The Vitamin D Council states that Vitamin D deficiency can also cause stroke, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting and birth defects.



WHAT IS VITAMIN D ANYWAYS? 
It's more than just a vitamin. It is a "prohormone" that your body produces from cholesterol. It influences at least 200 of your genes, but could influence as many as 3,000! It aids in the absorption of calcium and helps form strong bones. And it goes much farther beyond that to help repair your body at a cellular level (referenced here.)

Vitamin D is also a mega- immune system booster. It is very effective in preventing colds and the flu.

And even more amazing, it is being used to treat cancer! According to Dr. Mercola, there are over 800 studies showing it's effectiveness against cancer.

Read more about the benefits and studies on Dr. Mercola's site.



MY STORY:
I started learning about Vitamin D when my sister, who was living in Iowa, wasn't feeling well and couldn't get over the feeling that something was wrong. So got her vitamin levels tested. When the tests came back the results showed that her Vitamin D levels were very low. So she found a great supplement and immediately started to feel better. She even started her kids on daily dosages and she saw something marvelous happen. Her kids never got sick!

I was astounded when she told me about all of this. My kids had been fighting colds off and on for 3 months and I was desperate for a solution. Once I got them on Vitamin D supplements the colds quickly went away and never came back! I am a true believer in the power of this vitamin!

WHERE DO YOU GET VITAMIN D?
Sunshine is our main source of obtaining our daily dosage of Vitamin D but people in this sedentary, electronic-driven age bolt from their home to their car to their desk jobs, where they spend the day under florescent lights. And when the day is over it is straight back to their car and into their house.

The skin produces 10,000 IU of vitamin D in response to 20-30 mins of sunlight. This is 50 times the amount the US government recommends!

Yes, I am guilty of spending days locked inside. I often choose to spend any free time I have on my laptop in my dark living room. I have to force myself to enjoy the benefits of the miraculous sunshine that lies only steps away from my door. But what an incredible difference it makes when I sit outside in the glorious Arizona sunshine. It does more than boost immunity, it is a mood booster as well.

Low levels of Vitamin D can be also found in foods such as:
•Fish (preferably wild caught)
•Cod liver oil
•Mushrooms
•Liver
•Eggs (preferably from free-range chickens)


WHAT ABOUT SUNSCREEN?
We are also a sunscreen-loving society, and for good cause. We all want to look young and fight off the dangers of skin cancer. But to boost your Vitamin D levels, skip the sunscreen for the first 10-15 minutes and just enjoy the miracle that your skin is. Your skin actually MAKES this vitamin! No supplements needed. But if you will be outside for more than 15-30 minutes protect your skin with a good sun block.



Most regions have seasons that make it near impossible to sit in the sun. I live in Arizona where the summers are blazing hot and 15 minutes outside would practically make you pass out. Others live in freezing cold regions where winters don't allow anyone to leave their homes for more than a few minutes and even then they are covered from head to toe. In any case, it is good idea to have your doctor test your vitamin levels and if you are low or deficient in Vitamin D ask about supplements. There are plenty available over the counter, and doctors can also provide a Vitamin D shot.
So many of us are lacking this important vitamin so it wouldn't hurt to get tested.

Spring is here and the weather is getting warm. Get outside and enjoy the sun!
A little Vitamin D will make you feel a whole lot better, and keep you healthy for life!




Other References:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/06/vitamin-d-linked-to-cancer-and-autoimmune-disease-genes.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-d-deficiency

http://tdathletesedge.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/vitamin-d/

Creativity comes in many forms.

Sometimes it's hard to look at the bright side when your 2-year-old finds your makeup and smears your favorite mascara and eyeliner all over his cute little face.

:(

But I imagine that he is a budding artist and he is using his face as a canvas. At least that keeps me from yelling.

Our 4 year old is becoming quite the imaginitive builder. He LOVES his legos and this week he built himself a MONSTER TRAIN (monster truck/train hybrid) with big wheels and a "real" boiler filled with hot water.  I just wish that filling the "boiler" didn't involve flooding the bathroom counters and floor.  :)

 

No matter what form it comes in, I'm amazed and inspired by their creativity!

But I still get really nervous when the house goes quiet. . .

What kinds of mischief/creativity do your kids get into?