darlyblog

The Great Necklace Giveaway!

2012-01-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! I have a little treat for you: I had a great year at the BEEHIVE BAZAAR this year, but have 11 necklaces left over. They are all different, so I don't really want to photograph each and every one to put on DARLYBIRD. So here lies my brilliant idea---the first 11 people to put "I want a free Darlybird necklace" on their Facebook status, linking to the DARLYBIRD facebook page, will get a free necklace. That simple. Comment here after you've done it, and you're in! You can send me your address at rachel@darlybird.com if you're one of the first 11 commenters.

(And let's be honest....you have a pretty darn good chance of getting one of these...not too many people following the ol' Darlyblog these days.)

Free Shipping on Orders over $30! Plus 60 new items!

2011-12-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

Almost everything I needed to say, I said in the title.

But, you'll need a coupon code to get that FREE SHIPPING! Here goes: freeship30

And please don't forget to check out our 60 new items.

Here's a little preview of my faves.

Small Business Saturday at Darlybird!! and my Thanksgiving recipes . . .

2011-11-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

Do you have an AmEx card? If so, go here and register your card for Small Business Saturday! It's pretty darn cool because if you spend $25 at a registered small business this Saturday, you'll get a $25 credit on your statement. That's called FREE MONEY in my brain, friends. And Darlybird is an official American Express Small Business! Wahoo!

And because I can't handle spreading cheer to only AmEx card holders, you're all getting something great:

25% off all Darly with DARLYCHEER at checkout. Yes, you can combine it with the AmEx offer (just make sure you're still spending at least $25 to make the AmEx credit work....)

Discount is not valid on Goody Bags or Earring of the Month Memberships. Discount valid through December 1st. But Small Business Saturday is just ONE DAY, so make it count! If you don't spend it at Darlybird, spend it somewhere small!

And last but not least, Happy Thanksgiving. I've made two peanut butter chocolate pies, and the sharp cheddar crust for my apple crostatas. Sweet potatoes with sauteed apples will be made tomorrow. And I can't wait. The sweet potatoes are my holiday feast highlight. But I must say I'm pretty excited about my desserts, too. Never made these ones before, but they promise to be palette-pleasing.

I hope you are spending this holiday with loved ones....cozy, snug, happy, healthy. And if not, at least I hope you feel blessed. I know I've been.....

Goody Bags are Back! And they're better than ever!

2011-11-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

Grab Bags are Back!

Sample goody bag:

two strand glass bead necklace
solid color bangle
2 pairs of earrings
paper fan/daisy decoration thing

OR

awesome pair of sunglasses
glass beaded bracelet
2 pairs of earrings
5 gift tags

OR

Any fun assortment of DarlyGoodies that I come up with. I don't take requests, but there'll be lots of fun items in your bag. Think of splitting them up and gifting them to friends, neighbors, teachers, family, etc...

Limited availability!

Earlybird Holiday Code

2011-10-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

On a late night this week, I sat at the computer and ordered a bunch of Christmas gifts. Wham. Bam. Done. Unfortunately, Darlybird doesn't carry all of the delights of my 3 daughters' hearts. Anyway, then I thought of you.....and how you might want a little extra shopping money. Am I right or am I right?

So here's the code: 'earlybird'. That's it. At checkout---for 20% off. Enjoy!

HUGE SAVINGS!!

2011-09-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Guess what? I woke up this morning and thought, "Today's the day!" (My new motto of forgetting the past, de-emphasizing the future, and focusing on the present...) Anyway, TODAY was the day to put everything on sale....30% off all DARLYBIRD just for today, tomorrow, and Wednesday. No exceptions. No excuse. Just a great sale.

Hope you're having a great day!

***OOPS! Forgot to mention: use code fallishere at checkout to get the savings. Prices are normal right now, but will reflect the discount after you use the coupon code.

5 Years and Kicking!

2011-08-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that on Monday, Darlybird turned 5!! I kind of can't. And I kind of can. I didn't really do any celebrating, but maybe I'll eat a cupcake tomorrow in arrears. It's been a fun ride. Who knows what the future brings? I certainly do not. I'm happy that I've undertaken this project, and have some reservations about it, but hopefully will work them out this year.

But, LET'S CELEBRATE! For the next 10 days, everything will be 20% off! Wahoo!! Use DARLY5 at checkout to take advantage of the offer....There are tons of new items (and I mean tons!) Check them out and consider giving yourself or someone you love a little darly....

On the homefront, this summer has FLOWN by. Seriously, where did it go? I'm excited for school to start, but also a little wistful about it. But mostly excited. This is the first year that all of my kids will be in school for part of the week. Phoebe is just going for 2 days a week x 3 hours at a time, but it's still something.

Looking forward to lots more adventures ahead. Until then, have a happy summer's end....

this time for real

2011-05-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

oops. hadn't changed my inventory for grab bags. it was still set to zero. they are NOW available. thanks for the tip-off, lisa.

GRAB BAGS ARE BACK!!

2011-05-16T15:01:00.001-07:00

And they're extremely limited. Every time I do this, I say I'll never do it again. The amount of work it takes borders on absurd. But I know how you love them so....and I love cleaning out and simplifying. So here we are again.

$16 buys you a whole lot o' fun in the Darlybird Bag o' Goodies.

25% off EVERYTHING! 3 Days Only!

2011-04-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Use code 'COMEWHATMAY' at checkout.

And can you believe it snowed like crazy this morning? Like, my girls and I pretended we were in a snowglobe {that was taking a beating from a frenzied 2-year old}. I told them God was shaking us around a bit. And maybe He was; at least my chain was yanked.

But guess what? You'd never believe what's out my window now: blue sky, puffy pillows for clouds, and a gargantuan maple tree with the most vivid chartreuse beginnings-of-leaves. That's how we roll around here. One minute stormy, the next delightful. True to form.

Please come, Spring!

2011-03-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

That injunction has nothing to do with post. I actually don't know exactly what this post has to do with, but I'll just go with it.

Mostly, I just wanted to move the last post out of the limelight; I'm not someone who likes to post a million pictures of myself on my blogs. But I did want to show off my crazy new blonde hair and document it because I tend to under-document such things. And just the other day, my sweet brother Ben asked me, "Do you ever feel like doing something kind of drastic/weird to change your look?" (Or something to that effect.) My answer: "HELLO!" (with hand pointed to hair). But that's beside the point.

Back to non-topic: there are some phenomenal new products at Darlybird. Really. And more more more to come. Japanese school supplies, fabric tape, robot tape, vintage Czech glass earrings, a slew of cute and affordable sunglasses. (And they're really really good.) Funny story about said sunglasses: I bought a pair of this brand of sunglasses at a store that sounds something like *****opologie a few years ago. They were $42, and I considered them a splurge, cause I'm a little bit frugal like that, but I've loved them to pieces (almost). Fast forward to last month when I was shopping at the MAGIC Market in Las Vegas and saw the same brand of sunglasses---when I found out the price, I couldn't believe the crazy mark-up. So, just sayin': you can get the same glasses at Darly for less than half of the price of *****opologie. You might not get a crazy display of pop bottles transformed into flowers and some ambiance to go with it, but oh well. I'd rather save you the dough.

New Do

2011-03-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

When Jon and I were engaged, I bleached my hair platinum. It lasted for a few months, until we had to get engagement photos taken, at which point I opted to dye it back. Since then, I've always wondered about/wanted to be a blonde again for a short stint. But, over-analysis always tabled it. "I'm too old"/"too stable"/"too worried about what people will think..." UNTIL....this winter. In the beginning of February, I decided that I'm sick of taking life too seriously, so I called to make the appointment. I couldn't get in for 3 weeks, and almost changed my mind a time or two, but I went ahead with it. Here's a little evidence, in case you're curious. And I don't pretend to think this looks better than the natural. I'm not about looking "better" anymore. Aren't we good enough however we want to be? I just want to feel like me.

These are all self-portraits...in the last photo, I'm trying on my new sunglasses (matte grey) that will be on Darlybird soon. Yes, sunglasses and lots of them on Darlybird. More on that later.

A Winner! A Winner! We have a winner!

2011-02-07T19:43:00.001-08:00

So I really didn't intend to make this giveaway last this long. How's that for deadening the excitement? Sorry. A cold, needed home improvements, and a barfing almost-3-year old are my sad excuses this time. But, I just wrote down all the names, closed my eyes, and pulled out:

ALLI, who said:

Pick me! Because I sure need a pick me up. I'm stuck in 4 feet of snow and below zero weather and a pair of your cute earrings would give me something to look forward to each day when I step out into the cold :)

Yay for Alli. But ladies, the truth of the matter is that I really really really wish you could have all won. And I'm not saying that because I'm a sap. I'm saying that because I believe in earrings, yes I do. And for a minute I tried to figure out how I could logistically send all of you subscriptions, but realized that wouldn't make fiscal sense. (I hate the whole fiscal sense aspect of business, which happens to also be the driving force. Dang!)

So, Alli, send me your info at rachel@darlybird.com. I'll catch you up quick (sending out February earrings tomorrow!) and hopefully your new earrings will warm your heart in your cold surroundings.

For the rest of you: One more week to order the Earring of the Month Club until next December. If you've got a great lover or a friend, give them a hint for the impending holiday. Or if you believe in giving yourself Valentine's gifts (totally not above it here!), consider it....

I'll have another giveaway soon, I promise. xo--R

GIVEAWAY TIME

2011-01-27T13:09:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends,

I've decided to give away a free subscription to my EARRING OF THE MONTH club. Just leave a comment and tell me why you want to win. Easy, peasy.

Over and Out,

DJ Rachey Rache (a nickname given to me in college by Lindy Lou, as I recall)

Testimonials

2011-01-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

I've never done testimonials or press links on my website, but I think it's about high time. Especially since last week, when I received some pretty awesome emails about January's Earring of the Month Club earrings.

Check these out:

Hi Rachel, I just wanted to let you know that I received my January earrings today and they made my day! How special they are! I had just woken up 3 of my kids from their naps, so we could go and pick up the 4th from school. All were whining, bumping heads, wanting snacks, and I opened the door to find the package on my front stoop. It made me so happy to find these beautiful earrings, your sweet note, and the adorable bobbie pin (which happens to match the lavender corduroy jeans I'm wearing, and is perfectly keeping my "mop" out of my face). This is my second order from you, and I receive many many compliments every time I wear my other items (the red rose earrings and the felted wool necklace). I'm smiling as I type. Thank you! ---Whitney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just have to tell you how delighted I was to receive my "J" earrings along with your note of explanation. I can already tell that the decision to join the Earring of the Month club was one of my best decisions of the year!

Sincerely,
Jill
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got them on Saturday and wore them to a party that night. I love them! I am looking forward to seeing the next pair.

Thanks,
Emily

ps I'm wearing them again today!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My earrings arrived today! I have been so excited about this and wanted to let you know that I absolutely love them! They're perfect. My parents gave me the money for Christmas and I had been trying to think of something unique to do with the it. I just called my mom and gushed about my earrings. Can't wait for next month!

My mom thought the earring of the month idea was really neat and is considering doing that for my sisters for birthdays. She will probably email you with questions.

Thank you again for such a great deal!

Sharon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've also received a few fun comments via this blog. And let me tell you: this is the stuff that makes my day! I sent out the first pair with a bit of trepidation, wondering, "Are people going to think these are as cool as I do?" And apparently, lots do!

Subscriptions still available for a couple more weeks. And then I'm pulling it off so I don't have to deal with the nightmare of catching people up. (If you order now, you'll get January and February together.....in a week or a bit more, or maybe less, depending on my ability to move it, move it, move it.)

Thanks for those of you who contacted me. I'm already so glad that I started the club. ;)

Something Incredible This Way Comes!

2011-01-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

Click HERE for more info. It'll be a whole lotta fun!

Art on Plates

2010-12-28T13:41:00.001-08:00

I almost feel like there are no original ideas in the arts and crafts world anymore. And that's fine. We all love a good imitation. But then I saw the Marie Claire Idees December 2010 issue. (Marie Claire Idees {Ideas} is a French crafting magazine....kind of like Martha Stewart, but fresher, hipper, less stuffy, and way more inventive. Sorry, Martha.)

My mom picked up a copy when she was in France three weeks before me. And it was an absolute goldmine of ideas. I've felt a little less than inspired for the past year and a half; I think the wind was knocked out of my sails when Jon lost his job and we were sent reeling to figure out our future and chart a new course. (Pardon the sailing metaphors.) But the December issue of Marie Claire Idees filled me with inspiration: the colors, the patterns, the fresh take on old things. I was enthralled.

So when I went on my trip to Paris, it just so happened to coincide with the Marie Claire Idees Savoir Faire. Which is like a big crafting convention of booths with amazing products and curiosities. You can bet your bottom dollar that this was one of the highlights of my trip! Rows and rows and rows of crafting items. I was able to breeze past the quilting booths with expensive American import fabrics, and settle into the grit and delicacy of the European crafting scene.

At the end of the night, I purchased a 2-year subscription to the magazine.....to be shipped every other month from Paris to Provo. Wahoo! My mom and a few friends have already asked me to call them straight-away when it arrives.....and I will, but only after I've savored a good preliminary look.

One of the ideas that I slightly adapted, were the Matryoshka Plates. They had taken thrift-store type china, Mod Podged faces of little girls, surrounded by origami papers, and then colored in their lips, cheeks, and added scarves. I LOVED the look, and knew it would be perfect for my three darlies.

So, I went to the local thrift, gave myself one time to find 3 suitable plates (I could have waited months to find three PERFECT plates, but decided to force myself to get them all in one shot), and then went to work a few nights later.

I chose pictures that had great and appropriate expressions of each of my girls. Leah's profile is kind of serious, and she tends to be a thinker. I think it's a beautiful and romantic photo, and highlights her delicate and angelic features. It's one of my favorite photos from my Paris trip, taken in the Gare de L'est train station.

Esther's picture is from her 6th birthday. She's actually sitting on her new bike in the photo, but I just cropped that out and focused on her darling face. And this picture perfectly portrays what I love about Esther: she's happy, forthright, has in-your-face enthusiasm and joie-de-vivre like none other. She's a dazzler.

Phoebe's photo is coy, pixie-ish, innocent, but a little bit mischievious . . . . which is what I'm getting to know of her in her almost-3-year-old demeanor. I almost wrote that hers might be my favorite picture of them all, but then I realized that they are all so perfect for each of my girls and their personalities. I love when I get something this right.

Anyway, on to the process:

1. I cropped each photo, made them black and white, and then increased the contrast of each photo in Photoshop. I'm sure this can all be done with free software. I then printed them out on my dinky InkJet printer on normal printer paper----not even photo quality.

2. I started with Esther's plate. The concept of hers was my easiest. She is my girl who loves flowers. All kinds. I played around with positioning for only a minute, but then dug headfirst into the process. After trimming her photo to the appropriate size, I applied a thin layer of Mod Podge to the area where I was going to lay the photo, then pressed the photo on, and tried to get all of the bubbles out. I then applied another layer of ModPodge to the top of the photo. (I used the foam craft brushes for the entire project).

3. I then started layering the floral stickers and cut-outs from scrapbook paper, brushing the Mod Podge over and under each piece. After awhile, I decided to stop and work on another so it could sit with me for a bit. I then moved on to Leah's plate, and then to Phoebe's. I went back and forth at the end, adding a little here and a little there, until I was satisfied.

4. Brush plate with another layer of ModPodge. I used Matte, but you can choose glossy if you prefer.

5. I shouldn't have even used numbers for this project, because it's so simple, you really don't have many steps. Let dry. Hang.

(NOTE on hanging: I have never hung a plate from my wall. I didn't even know where to go to get a hook for a plate. And then I found something pretty genius. This might be common knowledge, but there's a way to hang a plate without the weird wire hanger system. They originate in England, but there's an EBAY seller who carries them. I purchased the 4" circles, and they are very easy to use.) I love the look of the plates stuck to the wall without the whole wire hanger showing.

I had them hanging on our red/orange dining room wall on Christmas morning. It took them awhile to notice them, but once they did, they were elated. They have added so much spunk, energy, and personality to our dining room. I plan on doing one with a picture from every year forward. (In fact, I almost want to go back and do them for the past several years.....)

My plates definitely deviated from the Marie Claire plates. (Maybe I'll scan and upload photos of theirs someday when I have more time.) But that makes them more mine. And that's all the fun.

And, if you have boys, no fear. Think ab0ut what your boys love: cars? dinosaurs? robots? space? You could have a little boy standing on a planet, with cool stars and rockets. Or a boy's face on a T-Rex body. Get creative, and no more whining that you can't do cute things for boys.

Hope you like yours, too. And, if you do the project, please send me pictures. I'd love to post a plethora of darling plates.

Have fun,

Rachel

Paris: WINDOWS

2010-12-27T22:14:00.003-08:00

If Darlybird were a brick and mortar storefront, I'd want a little of this and a little of that for inspiration. And a little of these last two for weary shoppers and shopkeepers. Join me?

But in reality, this is the cutest window shot ever (Leah by a Metro window). Do you see those curls? I love my darling girls!

Paris Senses: texture

2010-12-27T22:01:00.001-08:00

I couldn't help but notice the textures and lines of everything in Paris. From the Sainte Chapelle, to bridges, to the wood flooring in my sister's apartment, to fencing, packaging: the whole deal. Visual interest EVERYWHERE. Paris is full of texture.

Paris Senses: food

2010-12-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd get these pictures right up after my trip to Paris. But I hit the ground running, and have been working at a break-neck pace since the plane landed. I'm finally breathing....and reminiscing about the dream vacation. Enjoy. I'm salivating.

Last-Minute Dealio

2010-12-14T00:50:00.000-08:00

Thought you might enjoy a shot of true Alpenglow in my mountain town? This was one of the prettiest days of recorded history. It was also Esther's birthday, and you can see her HUGE YELLOW BALLOON in the front yard with her....

And this is my precious and precocious Phoebe. Just thought you might like to say "HI" to one of the three cutest girls in the world.

Matryoshka Mom and Baby

Vintage Joanna Earrings

Vintage Hodge Podge Bracelet

Hi Friends~

I've been frantically making, photographing, uploading, writing about, etc. lots of new products. There are still TONS more to come. I'll explain my newest project soon, but until then, enjoy this newest deal:

FREESHIP50 is free shipping for orders $50+

or, since we're sharing the love, you can still get 20% off with the code DARLYCJANE, until December 31. (Visit Courtney's blog to read about some very fun products.)

I'll leave you with a few images, and I'll be back soon. Lots to talk about. But right now, it's 1:52 am and I'm just a wee bit tired.

. . . . . .

Darn, it's now 2:04 and I'm still pluggin' away. Night night!

20% off EVERYTHING!

2010-11-30T10:51:00.001-08:00

In case you were wondering where the DarlyDeals have been, this one's for you:

20% off everything at darlybird with coupon code: falalalala

Be sure to check out all the new products.

Paris is Really Divine.....

2010-11-24T07:43:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a great trip to Paris with my 8-year old daughter, Leah. We had frequent flier miles, a free place to stay, and my husband was willing.....what can I say?

Let's just say Paris never fails----no disappointments from this traveler. This time around, we said TO HECK with museums. Instead, we enjoyed a fun time soaking in Paris' essence --- getting "lost" in the Left Bank, walking around the Marais, Monmartre, visiting long family friends, and staying with my sister and her family in their cozy apartment in the heart of the city. (A block from the Pompidou.....really.) Leah brought her Razor scooter and was a wizzy-dog all around the city, weaving through hoards of people with 4 cousins. It was a sight to behold!

We walked, and walked, and walked. We did take a jaunt to Notre Dame and climbed all 422 stairs up....and down.....to the top of the towers, and also to the Sainte Chapelle. I did a lot of Darly scouting, and even some Darly buying. (To be seen at a website near you, very soon!)

I'm rejuvenated, happy to be home, and wondering how I'll ever be able to replicate this fall of travel. NYC and Paris in 2 months? That usually doesn't happen in 10 years!!! But, I'll take it. And maybe learn from it: travel is clarifying, enlivens me, makes me feel young, spontaneous, and a little more like me. I might have to push off again soon.

Ready for some awesomeness?

2010-11-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

The above pictures came to me in an email tonight from Susie in Gainesville, FL. I remember this order because her dear sister asked us to rush it out; she left a message in the comments section that they were going to be for a wedding within the week. I loved imagining who the bride was and how they were going to be used. Imagine MY delight when I got to see the actual pictures. Here is the background in Susie's words:

My sister bought these balloons from you as a surprise wedding gift to me. I saw them on Stephanie Nielson's website and thought instantly they would be perfect for our wedding! The pictures turned out to be better than I could ever imagine! Our photography is Beth Mancuso (manicmotherphotography.com), she is quite talented and we were only her third wedding. I just wanted to say thank you for being part of my day (in a round about way) and helping to make my pictures perfect :)

{And isn't she a beautiful bride?} Thanks, Susie.

Preamble: The Dollhouse

2010-10-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

If you are a reader of the Darlyblog, you might remember a quick post on a dollhouse that I gave my girls last Christmas. I've had a few requests to share my steps/tricks/ideas on how it all came together. For some of you, this will be of absolutely no interest. But that's ok.

These are a series of posts with my rambling instructions on how to make this a reality for your kiddo (hey, you could do a boyish one, too!) this holiday season. I had an absolute blast making it, and wish I had something comparable to do this year. Don't you think each girl needs her own? (HA!)

So without further adieu, the DOLLHOUSE DEMYSTIFIED series.

Dollhouse Demystified--Part 1

2010-10-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

In time for the holidays, I thought I'd share with you a tutorial-of-sorts {although it's not much of a tutorial, because I didn't photograph the steps} of how I made my girls' Christmas dollhouse. I had as much fun -- or more? -- in making this dollhouse as they do playing with it. I think you will, too.

**sources will be listed at bottom of post

I started with these Foremost brand modular shelving units. I purchased 3 in white (exactly like the top picture), without any dividers. If I were doing it again, I think I'd choose the honey color (bottom). Then I could've left some of the floors plain for the wood look. I also might have chosen to use a divided one for the top floor (again, bottom). But maybe not.....I built my own divider, which I think works well for flow (they don't go all the way to the edge, so there's a Barbie "walkway" in between spaces).

These modular shelves are a cinch to put together (my husband did three in 1/2 hour or less). I didn't connect them together (there is a peg system to attach them to each other) until Christmas Eve, when I assembled/staged it.

But before I started mod-podging, wallpapering, carpeting, flooring, etc, I worked on a lot of my furnishings and accessories. This was actually my favorite part of the whole process. I scoured thrift stores, dollar stores, ebay, and craft stores for things I could use; a huge portion of the dollhouse accessories were items not intended for dollhouses. I had to really expand my brain every time I went somewhere to think outside the box.

Example of thinking-outside-the-box: My bathroom sink is made from a tiny cut crystal dish (a little salt dish?) from the thrift store, glued to a "crystal" candlestick from the dollar store. I then glued a clip-earring post to the sink for a faucet, and used regular metal earrings backs on each side of the faucet for faucet handles. That just may have been my most glorious moment.

Let's talk about flooring:

I tried to use as many things as I already had to economize. On the bottom floor, I used papers from my favorite company, SassafrasLass. I'm not much of a scrapbooker anymore (at all), but I had picked up some paper because I found it positively lovely. That was mod-podged to the floor. On the second floor, in the kitchen, I had a scrap of Black Paradise Lace oilcloth and decided to put it to good use. I first tried to transform some bamboo placemats into flooring for the dining area, but that didn't work out so well, so I scrapped it and remembered I had some real cork paper with gold flecks from my book-binding days. That was perfect! For the top floor (bedroom and bathroom), I wanted it to be cush and fun. I knew that my girls would LOVE carpeting, even though it's not my first choice of flooring. So, I went to a local carpet store and bought a small sample. I also got some wood-floor-looking linoleum. Combined total? $10.00. They were very friendly and happy to help with the project. I am especially thrilled with the carpet. So are my girls.

Now, wallpaper: I went again with favorite scrapbook supplier, SassafrasLas for most of my papers. I also used some SEI and American Crafts. It's a bit tricky because a scrapbook paper is 12x12" and the house was 15" deep by 30" wide. So there was a fair amount of patching, figuring out borders to add to make the space work. Look at the bottom of this photo. You'll see that there's a coordinating color of graphic floral-print paper filling in the space between the bottom of the trike girls and the line of the floor. You can leave that just white, but I really wanted to have full coverage.

You can see in the picture, that there are seams that don't match and a whole lot of pattern going on for one space. Obviously you wouldn't overlook these things for a real house; but that's why I think it's so incredibly fun to decorate a dollhouse.....you can totally go over the top! This wallpaper is particularly fun because I have three girls, and there are three little girls on the trikes....

A word on Mod Podge here: There are websites and blogs devoted to its use . . . and it's really quite simple. Apply a small amount to both the wall or floor and to the paper. Carefully hang paper on wall or lay on floor. The trickiest and most crucial part is to get as many air bubbles out at this stage. I used a dry dishtowel to try and wipe them out. Apply a layer of Mod Podge on top of the wallpaper. Let dry. Apply at least one more, if not two more layers for the strongest and most durable finish. Mine could literally be wiped off with a very damp cloth and there would be no problem.

SOURCES FROM THIS POST:

Foremost Modular Cube Storage System

Divided Foremost Storage Cube

Paper from the bottom floor flooring

Lace Oilcloth Floor

Cork Floor from Dining Room

Bedroom Wallpaper

Darling paper for wallpaper

Other great wallpaper

*Thanks to my friend Jennifer, for giving me the inspiration and basic idea of how to build this beauty.

Dollhouse Demystified --- Part 2

2010-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

In Part 1, I mentioned "thinking outside the box." Here are some other examples:

1. The couch was the tipping point. I had thought about doing this dollhouse, but wasn't committed. My father-in-law works in the grape industry, and he brought us a big crate of grapes one weekend. As we were talking one Saturday night, I got out a serrated kitchen knife and started sawing the box into pieces. Before I knew it, I had made a bit of an impromptu pattern, and had the glue gun plugged in. I got out some of my favorite vintage yard-sale fabric, a bit of quilt batting, and some ribbon trim, and started constructing, padding, gluing, reinforcing, and upholstering my cardboard grape-box couch. I didn't know what to do with for the legs until I remembered my dear friend Emily had given me a bunch of vintage wooden thread spools for my birthday. I whipped out some acrylic paints and painted them the green of the fabric, and glued them on. Now, if I were a perfectionist, I would have done a better job on the upholstery....maybe done some piping or fixed my mistakes instead of covering them with vintage ribbon. But, I'm not a perfectionist.....so my couch is a little funny and flawed. But I think it adds to the character.

2. For the dining table, I went to a craft store and bought 2 wooden plaques like these. (You can find them at Michael's and JoAnn's.) They come in many sizes and shapes, and I chose a large, almost reverse-scallop one for the top and a small circle for the bottom. I bought a pretty sturdy dowel and we used little wood nails to attach them all together. A good coat of acrylic craft paint and some sealant did the final trick. I found the chairs online at a random unfinished craft seller. Can't find the exact info right now, but they are Darice brand.

3. The bathtub (with cheesy decals) came from the dollar store in the gardening section. I loved how it was galvanized metal, and was the PERFECT size for a Barbie bathtub. I actually displayed it first with the decals not showing, but my girls loved the flowers, so it now stands with the flower-side out. It got the same treatment for faucet and handles as the pedestal sink--- a blank clip-on earring pad and some pierced earring backs. Voila! Also, take a look at the shower curtain/separation between the bedroom and bathroom--- a piece of fabric with lace sewn on the top. The holes in the lace are large enough for the hooks to easily go through. The girls love removing the curtain and putting it back on. More on the bathroom cabinet in the next post.

4. I thought I was going to buy Barbie-sized beds, but then found that the only pre-made wooden ones available were going to be at least $20.00 each. I found some handcrafted beds for ~$95.00 on ebay. NO thanks. And this is kind of a stupid description because you don't even see them under the quilts....but, I'll give you my cheap and quicky way of making 3 Barbie beds for ~$15.00 combined. Go to your local craft store and find the section with wood supplies. There should be a big display with a bunch of pre-cut items. I found a long strip of baltic birch plywood (~4" wide by 36" long) and had my husband cut them into three lengths. That was the base of the bed. I then found some cute scallop-cut baltic trim in the same section. I bought a length of this because I used it as the headboard and baseboard of each bed. To build up the sides of the bed so the mattress and doll would stay put, I bought another plain strip that was essentially a long squared-off shape. I used wood glue to assemble them and it worked like a genie! I added more of my vintage spools to the base of the beds and then spray painted it after it was all dry and assembled. I remember going out into the freezing cold and setting the beds down on top of snow. The next morning, my girls asked why the snow had turned purple. Oops. I didn't cover my tracks. ;)

A note on the quilts and pillows: literally, these took me no longer than an hour to complete. Cut 6 pieces of fabric, pair two together, inside-out, and sew up 3 1/2 sides, leaving a section in the middle of one of the sides open. Add batting which has been cut to the same size, and sew up the rest of the way. Then I just machine quilted over the fabric. I tried to follow the pattern of the fabric, mimicking what the fabric did. I also made quicky chenille mattresses basically the same way as the quilts, only they were made smaller to fit the inside dimensions of the bed. I also didn't quilt them.

5. Last word on "thinking outside of the box": SCOUR your local thrift stores. You'll find fabulous little trinkets that will make your dollhouse unique and amazing. I found a miniature plastic vintage Japanese clock that has flowers painted on it for $1.00 (kind of looks like a grandfather clock, but way awesome-er). When my grandmother died this summer and we were going through her things, we saw that she had the same exact one. Also, don't be so literal. I found cute crocheted doilies, and they became rugs. A crystal candle-holder is our toilet.

6. Have fun with this aspect. It was actually my favorite part of the whole process. I wish I could make another house just so I could start all over again.....

Dollhouse Demystified Part 3: RE-MENT

2010-10-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

For the last installment of my dollhouse craziness, I'm going to talk about some of the things that I just had to BUY. Like, couldn't resist.

I searched high and low for a cool Barbie kitchen. Everything that came up was cheap, or made of cardboard, or super expensive. I wanted a cool, modern kitchen for my girls' Barbies, dang it, and I wasn't going to stop at nothin'.

***A little note on scale: Barbies are considered 1:6 scale. When you do your internet searching for Barbie paraphernalia, make sure you google "dollhouse 1:6 scale." Most avid dollhouse makers and collectors use the 1:12 scale. So if you think you've found the perfect Eames chair for your dollhouse and you order it, it will arrive more the size of a Polly Pocket. Eek!

Anyway, in my hours of searching, I finally came upon something called REMENT. Made in Japan, like almost everything else irresistibly darling, they are miniatures in the 1:6 scale. Let me share with you some of my images:

Let me present the perfect modern kitchen:

The Rement items here include the actual kitchen (purchased for $20 on ebay....the price seems to have gone up since I purchased last year!), the mixing bowls, canisters, orange utensil holder on counter with utensils, vintage-looking Pyrex, "swanky swig" vintage cups and cup lazy-susan, and Jadeite salt and pepper shakers. (The green cupboard was only $1 at Michaels in unfinished wood. They have a few varieties and did even last time I shopped there.) The drawers and pull-outs are fully functional and store a bunch of rement plates, utensils, pots and pans, platters, etc. Yes, I went a little crazy on the kitchen.....but, I really wanted this to be a star part of the house.

This bathroom cabinet was also from the Rement lines. I loved the print on it and the fact that the opaque, textured-plastic door opens and closes. I also scored some Rement beauty products (tiny perfume bottles, lipstick, nailpolish, etc.) I'm pretty sure those items are long-lost (I have a 2-year old!), but it was a fun effect.

I also used rement to accessorize other parts of the house; I bought a stand mirror that I set on the bedroom dresser, a set of donuts and pastries with a cakestand to go on the kitchen table, plates, tea set, and a little pink dresser/sideboard for the downstairs, and 2 cute cats complete with heart-shaped food bowl and little tiny food.

I think it was very fun and effective to mix/match the Rement stuff with the thrifted "out of the box" items.

Here are a few of my favorite rement items:
BlueBird's Tea Party
Red Kitchen (only $20)
Princess Tea Party
Vintage Tray/Serving Stuff
Mushroom Jars
Elegant Fruit Tart
Retro Chairs
Little Red Riding Hood Plates

There seems to be a bit less available this year than last, and it seems more expensive, too, but I think if you look hard enough, you can still find some great deals. The key is really putting in a bit of time.....the Little Red Riding Hood Plates were $2.99 on ebay, but $7.99 from a store. So do a bit of searching to get the best deal.

Dollhouse Demystified--- Part 4: Ideology and Clothing

2010-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

{I said Part 3 would be the last. I lied. Here's another section. Please forgive.}

I'll be the first to admit that my husband and I decided that our girls would NEVER play with Barbies. We didn't want the self-esteem issues that come with the women-are-one-size-fits-all and the hoochiness of the Barbie image in our household.

But then one day, pregnant with my second daughter, I was browsing the aisles of KMart with my first daughter, and we saw a Barbie. But it wasn't any Barbie. It was Midge. And Midge was pregnant. She had a magnetic tummy and a cute maternity dress, and a little tiny baby curled up underneath that magnetic belly. And there was a crib for the baby, and ..... I caved. I bought the Barbie for Leah because I knew that had I been her, I would've wanted that very Barbie. I justified it as a great teaching tool. But we all know that our tummies don't pop off with magnets, leaving us back in perfect form. (Wishful thinking!)

I played with Barbies for years on end. And yes, I had body issues. But who's to say that I wouldn't have had them even if I didn't play Barbies? I know plenty of non-Barbie-playing girls who have felt that there bodies aren't just right. So, we have Barbies.

Anyway, I've opted to let my girls play with them; the truth is, they don't even play with them that much. One way we've felt okay with this is that we buy them home made clothing off etsy---clothes that aren't so creepy, metallic, showy, sleazy. And I'm going to show you some of my faves right now. Many of them are made by grandmas who want to earn a little extra moolah; a lot of them are made from vintage fabrics, or at least have a vintage sensibility. Most of them are darling. All are affordable.

Gray Hand-Knit Dress
Red and White Polka PJs
Red Orange Dress
Cute Striped Pants
Black and Pink Polka Dot Dress
Black and White Striped Lipstick Dress
Kaffe Fasset Fabric Dress (Mustard with Dots)
Apple Dress
Salmon Hand-Knit Dress
Little Red Riding Hood Cape (Hand Knit)
Pants and Top
Rosebud Dress
Brown Polka Shirt and Skirt
Yellow Polka Romper
PJ SET: Robe and Short set

OKAY. That was more than you bargained for. Now you better not beat me to that Romper, Kaffe Fasset dress, and Little Red Riding Hood Cape!

Nail Polish of the Year

2010-10-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm not really the type of person who always wears nail polish. But I like it. I just hate how it chips off in 20 minutes, or 20 seconds for that matter. Last Monday, I went with my sis and sis-in-law to get manicures in SLC that we'd scored off of Groupon. I chose a cool OPI gold color. It was scrunched before I even left. I was bugged, but determined to keep it on for a few days. And I did, but not without being mildly to moderately bugged. But then I went to Walgreens to pick up a prescription and perused the nail polishes. (I have a weakness for buying new ones, even though I have crappy nails that don't justify it.)

Anyway, I found Rimmel Nail Polish in Steel Grey. Went home that night and removed the old, applied the new. Since I did it at night, I fully expected to wake up with creases in my new nail polish from where the sheets or my hair caused creases. Oh wait, I don't really have much hair anymore. I digress....but that usually happens.

Let's just say I'm going on day 3 and there's nary a chip, crease, or sign of wear. I'm hooked. Who knew that a $3.99 bottle of nail polish could outshine the $8.99 ones? My nails feel great, they look great, and I'm going to have to buy some more Rimmel.

Note on the color: awesome opaque, mauvey grey. A little less grey than this picture portrays, but not much less. No shimmer or sheen. Just straight. If you purchase at Walgreens or Rite Aid, you can return it even after using, if you're not satisfied. Just thought I'd share the love....

DarlySurprise Goody Bags are BACK!

2010-10-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

I just listed the DarlySurprise Goody Bags.....there are only 40 s0 far (last time I sold 150 in a week), so if you're interested, I'd snatch one now. I intend to make at least 20 more, but that might be it. I'm on the verge of adding tons of new and great stuff, so that's where I'm spending most of my time these days....and I might say, these just might be the best yet!

Oh yeah, if you're not on my DarlyMail list, you might want to add yourself. I send at most 1 email per month, but usually less. In those emails, you'll get exclusive coupon codes that I don't always mention here. So....just sayin'. Click here for the DarlyMail link.

Happy Shopping!

--R

So MUCH NEW! And a sale soon, and grabbags again?

2010-09-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

I've been making, purchasing, photographing, uploading, and brainstorming like a maniac. My recent trip to NYC left me re-invigorated and ready to hit the Darlybird with a full-court press. You'll find many new items on the New Products page, and more will be coming soon.

In the spirit of cleaning up and starting fresh, we'll be offering our legendary grab bags again, soon! For $15, you'll receive at least $45 of merchandise. These will be one-of-a-kinds, things I've had in my inventory for awhile and need to move on from (that's very hard for me.....), and random samples, etc. Check back in a week or two for more news on the grab bags.

Have a happy day. Expect more postings here at darlyblog, including a tutorial on my doll house I made for my chicas last Christmas.

Until then,

Rachel

The Big, Delicious Apple: Food Edition

2010-09-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

People's Pops at the Brooklyn Flea. We shared Roasted Plum. Absolutely divine.

Levain Bakery. The cookies are the size of softballs.

Jon contemplating life at the Shake Shack. The fries were the highlight.

My pb pie at Bubby's.

Grimaldi's pizza.

In fine form, my husband booked frequent flier tickets for us to NYC 3 days before we were to leave. Not only was I surprised, I was elated! Jon and I haven't been to NYC together since 3 months before we were married. I've been itching for the city since last June when Lindy and I had our epic and fabulous trip. I think the city gets in your blood (or it doesn't)----and I had the fever.

Anyway, after perusing several blogs and websites for NYC suggestions, we had a list of restaurants a mile long, and realized that food is a big part of NYC's splendor. Several activities made the cut, as well as the Garment District (for me) and a bit of shopping and relaxing, too. My dear s-i-l Becca asked me yesterday if it was a relaxing trip. My answer? Heck no. We walked, and walked, and walked, and went, and went, and went....the only thing relaxing about it was that we didn't have to hustle 3 little girls around every where we went. So after explaining this, I realized it was most relaxing in one way. We missed our girls (and our flight home), but had a fabulous time nonetheless.

So if you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, here are some pics and picks and pans. Just our experience.

FOOD:
*Cafe Habana in Soho. Delicious grilled corn, slathered with butter, and sprinkled with a spicy chili powder and cilantro. So dang delish. The rest of the meal was good, but the corn was the highlight. Wait a second. I just remembered that I had the most delicious guava limeaid there. It was off the hook. And the ambiance was amazing. Price? Very reasonable.
*Norma's at Le Parker Meridian near Central Park for breakfast. Went with Lindy Lou last year, and had to bring Jonnie back. I had the Wa-Za, which is a waffle with papaya and mango inside, then with bananas and blueberrys on top, and then slathered with raspberry (bechamel?) sauce and then bruleed, so it has the crispy coating on top. YUM! Price? $24 for a huge waffle. Worth the splurge? Yes.
*Grimaldi's in Brooklyn. Literally at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, this place is an institution. Deliciously thin-crusted pizza (just how I love it), for a steal of a deal (esp if you don't choose a lot of toppings). Fresh mozz, fresh basil, yummy sauce. Done. Expect to wait in line. Small pizza (that fed both of us for dinner) was $12 without toppings, plus $6 for the toppings we chose. YUM!
*Good was more than good, it was great~! I had lemon ricotta pancakes in the goodBREAKFAST category. Jon had the Basil and Goat Cheese Scramble on Toast. We went there for brunch, right after church. Location? Fab. Close to High Line Park.
*Bubby's for pie. I had the most amazing peanut butter chocolate pie. Jon had the Michigan Sour Cherry pie. Thumbs up! In Tribeca.
*Levain Bakery for the cookie of a lifetime. I tried chocolate cookie with peanut butter chips. Jon tried choc with choc. I bought a chocolate chip and walnut for my mom. When we found out we missed our flight, I ate a third of it out of sorrow and stress. And it was worth it! My mom even enjoyed it the next day.
*Shake Shack near Times Square. For the record, I am not a burger or shake person. But I heard this was a must-do. Jon and I both had the portobello burger, shared fries, and each had our own shake. Results? Totally underwhelmed! The burger was too greasy and cheesy (deep fried portobello), the shake was okay, but then again, I'm not an icecream person. Didn't even come close to finishing it. Give me a baked good any day! The fries were very delish. I think if I went again, I'd try the real burger. Those actually were probably better (and healthier!) I'm sure burger/fry/shake people would love this place. I adored the concept and the design, but when it came down to it, I didn't love the food. Maybe I was just in lipid overload by this point, though.
*People's Pops. Saw this stand at the Brooklyn Flea. Remembered I had read about People's Pops somewhere. Decided to try Roasted Plum. OH MY Divine! I have a whole plum tree bursting with plums. Get that oven cranking~!

When you eat like this for 4 days, you get a little weary. I'm now trying to "cleanse" so-to-speak, and came right home and signed up for Weight Watchers. We only ate 2 times per day, and added a snack or treat here or there. I am glad to have my own kitchen back and be in control, but I would give a pretty penny for a guava limeaid, an ear of Habana corn, a Levain cookie, and a slice of Grimaldi's pizza. There's always next year...

Last Chance to Claim the Prize...

2010-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Andrea Berg, Lizzy, and Queen Scarlett~
Where are you? Please email me at rachel@darlybird.com by Saturday pm to claim your prize. Otherwise, I'll have to pick new winners!

And the rest of you who read my blog, I'm starting to restock for the holidays. Lots of amazingly charming things to buy. You'll want to check back in the next few weeks. I guarantee goodness.

WINNERS!

2010-08-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased as punch to announce the winners of the $50 Darlybird 4th Anniversary gift certificates!!

Kelly O.
Queen Scarlett
Andrea Berg
Lizzy

Please email me and I'll send you a code to use at checkout! Wahoo, ladies!

a giveaway ? a giveaway ! happy birthday darly !

2010-08-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

It's been 4 years and 4 days since Darlybird launched. Yep, it's true. I almost can't believe it!

To celebrate, I'm offering four $50 gift certificates. Yep, four.

Just comment. Tell me how much you love Darly-ness. ;)

Actually, no mumbo jumbo required. And we'll pick four winners in four days.

Good luck!

My, Oh My.....Coming Soon

2010-07-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've had some fun trying to add new products lately. It's slow going because summer is so jam-packed.....but look for a coupon code and lots of new in the coming weeks.

New, New, New

2010-05-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

There are a few new things going on at Darlybird. First off, I've just updated a ton of new items for your pleasure. (And mine!) View at your leisure. (Please say it so it rhymes with pleasure. I love it that way.)

Also, I'm going to start discounting lots of things. I've decided that I really want to focus on my vintage jewelry habit. That's what I get most excited about. And maybe the cupcake liners and new (really old) vintage trims that I need to list. Bolts and bolts and bolts of them. And some other odds and ends. So, to kick things off, I'm going to mark all of my purses down to $30 and under. Some of these originally retailed at 80 smackeroos! Have fun! More soon, I promise.

Cookies, Anyone?

2010-05-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

I just made the best cookies I think I've ever made. I just put in a pinch of this, a pinch of that....and voila! they were perfection. Thought I'd jot down the recipe I used just in case you get a hankerin'. Cause I always have a hankerin' for cookies.

Hankerin' Cookies

2 cubes butter, softened
1 3/4 packed brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs + 1 egg yolk
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2-2 3/4 c. flour (I think you need more flour in higher altitudes. And less baking soda. So if I were in Cali, I'd probably use 2.25-2.5 c. flour and 1 tsp soda. I'm still getting used to these mountains!)
2+ cups of big fat milk choco chips. But sometimes I love a trio of chocolate: dark, milk, white. And I just realized that ~1 cup of coconut and some slivered almonds would've pushed these cookies in an even more amazing direction. Next hankerin', I guess. Which probably means tomorrow.

I baked these beauties for 10-11 minutes at 325 degrees in my convection oven. If you don't have convection, push it up to 350. They have a perfect crackly outer layer, and a soft and satisfying center. I better go to the gym tonite for sure!

BEEHIVE BEEZARRE

2010-05-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to remind the Utahns in the house to come to the Beehive Bazaar. (Or BEEZARRE as my sweet Esther says.) Starts tonight at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi (exit 284 on I-15) at 8:00. Ends at 8 pm on Saturday. I saw lots of cuteness being set up today....and I'm proud to say that I think my little booth packs lots of sweetness and adorableness and darlingness as well. Go Darlybird! Go Beezarre~!

Vintage vs. Reproduction: Boring Post

2010-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is a topic that I am very interested in. And you probably don't care, but I'm going to write about it anyway. When I started Darlybird 3.5 years ago, I didn't know anything about the vintage jewelry scene. Nothing. And then I ran across some fabulous jewelry that seemed unlike anything I'd ever seen before. Feminine, floral, sometimes a wee-bit overstated, but mostly perfect. Not afraid of color. And guess what? Most of it was from the 40s-70s. (The 80s started a blight in the fashion/jewelry world as far as I'm concerned, with a few exceptions. No, I don't care for skinny jeans, shaker sweaters, and the neo-80s styles.)

I started buying pieces, a few at a time. Little plastic and glass baubles that I could transform into anything I wanted. Or nothing at all. Just look at them like little specimens in their aluminum cases with windowed lids. I am embarrassed to say that I've amassed quite a collection. A huge walk-in closet-full of curiosities . . . . enough vintage pieces to make jewelry with for the next 50 years. And I keep buying, with a little more trepidation since the closet is full.....because who knows when this stuff isn't going to be around anymore?

About a year and a half into my jewelry-making and amassing habit started full speed, I saw a shift in the available supplies. Suddenly every vintage piece was now being reproduced in mass quantities in China. No longer were the little floral cabochons curiosities. They were available in every color, size, shape. They were in Forever 21, Target . . . . every etsy store had them. BUT, they weren't the real deal. Because as far as I'm concerned, if it isn't vintage, it lacks something huge. History. A life of its own. Craftsmanship.

Before I bag on all reproduction pieces, I will admit that I do buy and sell some reproductions. Some pieces that I used to be able to source from vintage stock are not available anymore. Gone. So I've purchased reproductions of those pieces. I will never call something vintage that isn't vintage. And that's where I get a wee bit perturbed. The majority of what you see being called vintage really isn't. And that's silly, because most people don't care. If it's cute, it's cute. But I guess I do care. I love to catalog the origins of each piece. Strange, but true.

I've learned a lot about old jewelry in the process. Did you know that the capitol of American jewelry making used to be Rhode Island? Still is, but it's diminished since most everything is outsourced overseas now. I'm dying to take a trip there and go to the remaining factories, close-out places, but I know if I do, I'll come home poor and in need of a new home and husband. So I'm waiting on that one until I clear out some room in my closet, and butter up that Jonnie of mine.

A huge portion of vintage plastic and glass comes from Western Germany (pre-war and post) and Japan (even during occupation during WWII). I love imagining the designers, the producers, the people that used these intricate and feminine pieces in their work. It's amazing. If you ask me, nothing new compares to the old.

What's up with Darlybird?

2010-04-22T19:50:00.001-07:00

It's been a long and tedious winter; just when I think spring has sprung in the great state of Utah, I awoke to snowfall this morning. Really? Seriously? Though i lived in Utah for 10 years before my 10-year California hiatus, I still can't fathom that people live in winter for 6 months of the year. In Sacramento, tulips are long gone. It's time for azaleas, irises, vegetable gardens, flower beds. It'll take me awhile to shift my gears. (Maybe never? Who doesn't long for an early and long spring?)

But, all the winter and the two moves, and the adjustments to new school, new neighborhoods, new friends, new routines, new weather has kept me a bit of a hermit---that means lots of Darlybird R&D in my think-tank. (Which happens to be my whole house....signs and signals of Darlybird everywhere, much to Jon's dismay. Need an earring back? Scrounge on the floor of any room long enough and I'm sure you'll find one. A bead? There's always a bead close underfoot.) But that's another story. I digress....

I'm starting to slowly and surely post new glorious pieces. Mainly jewelry, as my heart has taken a fondness to procuring vintage delights and working them into fabulous and simple statements. Check back often. I hope to be posting newness throughout the next few weeks.

And I must be honest about a few things: In this winter of winters, I've often thought of giving up the Darlybird ghost. I've asked myself about every question possible---is this worth my time? Am I actually making any money? Do I enjoy it? Why can't I just make fun stuff for myself and let that be that? Am I a good mom? (sometimes.) Am I a good wife? (Don't answer.) Am I a good housekeeper? (Don't look at the floors or mirrors, but come over for dinner sometime. That's where I shine.) Does any of this matter? I don't know. We'll see. I could always decide that Darlybird is done tomorrow. As for now, I think I'll stay around a little while. Nothing's for sure around here---least of all the seasons. Snow tomorrow? Perhaps. But, all that's certain is that I've got some new great things to share with you.

40% off EVERYTHING!!

2010-03-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

Enter HAPPYSPRING at checkout to get 40% off your entire purchase. No minimum!

Happy almost-Spring!

(And don't forget to set your clocks ahead tonite. Love the lighter later, but darn that lost hour of sleep!)

Bags, Bags, Bags and Coming Soon . . .

2010-02-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

I lucked out. My go-to bag company decided they had overstocked some of their best designs. So they lowered many prices. That means that starting prices on these beauties are already about 20% off the supposed price. Yippee! Check here for more great deals and cute styles.

In other business, I'm working on a Darlyblog and Darlybird look overhaul. Although the branch and bird are cute, I need something new! And let's face it, the overused polka-dot blogger template just isn't cutting it anymore. So, stay tuned for some changes. I love newness!

More cupcakes than you can believe!

2010-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

Yum? Yes. I must admit I didn't make these ones. Didn't have it in me to bake and bake and bake and make and make and make and make all day. So I just dolled up cupcakes from Sweet Tooth Fairy with Darlybird accoutrements. I ate half of a peanut butter cupcake and scraps from Esther's 2nd cupcake. Thumbs up. I have been trying to get rid of them so I don't totally OD. Wish you all lived near me and we could have a cupcake party. Bummer. Get your supplies HERE.

For the Love of the Cupcake

2010-01-25T21:16:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day Cupcake Kits are HERE!

You can't fully appreciate the true adorableness of the heart sprinkles until you've seen them in person. I am in love. Truly.

Valentine Fun at Darlybird

2010-01-13T12:38:00.001-08:00

We got our shipment of EEBOO Valentines in, and I'm smitten. Basically, they are as cute as can be and I'm not joking. Limited supply of each style. Buy and be happy. 5 different styles of cards. 32 cards in each set. Pure loveliness.

The last few months have been filled with change.

2010-01-13T12:31:00.001-08:00

Well, friends, it's been a long time since updating. A little rundown of the last few months:

*we moved to Provo, UT---but left Darlybird inventory in West Sacramento at our fulfillment warehouse.
*tried to get kids settled into school and preschool---it's an ongoing adjustment, friends.
*we had a great showing at the Beehive Bazaar, Provo's indy craft fair.
*we had a cozy Christmas, hosting lots of family parties at the manse.
*I made a dollhouse for my 3 girlies. I'll post more about that later.
*Jon flew back to Sac, where he rented another moving van to move the remainder of our belongings to the Beehive State. We also decided to pack up Darlybird and bring it home.

WHOA.

Just thought you'd like the update. Reclaiming the Darlybird shipping project is a mixed bag. On the one hand, I love getting each box ready, writing a handwritten sentiment on the invoice, and knowing that everything is just as it should be. On the other hand, shipping can be drudgery, and it was nice having that out of my hair. But hopefully this will mean prompter service, more personal touches, and faster turn-around when I have new inventory. So, order away!

GRAB BAGS ARE BACK

2009-10-27T10:58:00.001-07:00

These were a smashing success last time around. And they're back. But in a limited availability. Friends, they're perfect for Christmas gifts. Buy a few, open them up, and allot to different friends and family members. You'll really be the queen of frugal this holiday season!

Be back to Darlybird in the coming weeks for our influx of Holiday Gift Ideas. You won't be sorry.

Phoebe HEARTS Darlybird

2009-10-23T08:37:00.001-07:00

For the Love of the Cupcake!

2009-09-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Lots of new cupcake liners....polka dots, pinstripes, solids. I think I want to be a cupcake artist in my next life. Or maybe tomorrow? Have I shared my lime-curd-filled cupcakes with lime butter cream recipe? I best not. You'll be making them weekly.

Recessionista Collection

2009-09-22T21:58:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say the recession hasn't hit close to home. But it has. (Just ask my husband what he's been doing lately....he's got a whole new level of compassion for stay-at-home moms!) So instead of crying over spilt milk, I'm trying to spread some cheer. Check out the new Recessionista Collection. Earrings for $6-8/pair. Maybe you can find some sweet Christmas gifts among the lot....? I have!

Goody Bags are Coming Back

2009-09-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

OK friends: Last spring I decided to offer Bags O' Goodies....and they went gang busters. I've decided to reinvent them this fall for a very limited time. And there will be a limited number as well. It actually might be somewhere in the range of 40 instead of 140 like last time. So, just check back in the next week and you'll hopefully see some amazing DarlyLove in the form of those sweet grab bags.

Happiness to You (20%) for Back to School Spree

2009-08-24T11:34:00.001-07:00

You've been wanting to acquire a little Darly, but wanted to wait for the perfect time? Well, now's that time. 20% off everything. NO MINIMUM! Just a little offer for backtoschool. We just dropped off Leah at her first day of 2nd grade. No better time to inaugurate a new coupon code.

Here's the full scoop.

Thanks be to CJane for "sponsoring" this discount. Ends Sept 7, I think...

Shrek Soup! Read on . . .

2009-08-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

While in NYC, Lindy and I happened upon a charming little Italian restaurant on our first night in the the city. We were tired, hungry, and needed some major nourishment. And that's what we got. First course? Zucchini soup. Incredible. So last week, I was trying to figure out what I was going to make....and we happened to have a lot of zucch. So the soup experiment was ON!

What did I do? Chop a bunch of zucchini up (5 medium-sized?) and dice a yellow onion. Saute in olive oil. Add a peeled and chopped carrot or two and a few cloves of minced garlic. Keep sauteeing. Then add a quart of chicken stock (or vegetable stock) and bring to a boil. Simmer till vegies are soft. Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. (I added about 10-15 leaves from my basil plant). Use an immersion blender (one of my all-time favorite kitchen tools) and puree until it's to your desired chunkiness. Serve with grated/shaved parm. Some homemade bread or crusty croutons would be divine, too. We actually ate ours with simple quesadillas. YUM!
Why is it called SHREK soup? Jon and I are a bit protective of our kids when it comes to media choices. Leah is 7 and hasn't seen most of what everyone else her age has. That means no High School Musical, no Hannah Montana, no pre-teen Disney crap----because she doesn't need that yet. I'm sure it will come soon enough, and I know being overprotective has its downsides, but so far she hasn't missed a thing. Don't get me wrong....she has her fair share of movies, computer time, etc. So what does this have to do with the freakin' zucchini soup? I digress....it's one of my less favorable traits. She saw Shrek for the first time last weekend. When she saw the soup, she said, "Hey! That looks like Shrek soup!" And that's it. I humbly present Shrek soup. {Leah ate the whole bowl and loved it. Esther was a different story.}

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

2009-08-05T19:30:00.001-07:00

A few years back I fell upon the motherload of garage sales in Davis, CA. It was insanity, friends. I bought a whole vintage Fisher Price Main Street little people set for 3 dollars. That was the piece de resistance, but just the beginning of the awesomeness. My three girls have played with this set for the last 4 years. The best $3 I've ever spent. Well, over the years we've lost a few people, and some of the luster has worn off (barely). So, for last Christmas I had an idea: paint a bunch of new ones for them to add to the set. I found wooden people at a site which I can no longer find. But lucky you, I just found an even better resource:

CLICK HERE FOR AWESOME RESOURCE

A few minutes ago, before I saw the above source, I bought a few sets on ebay, too. But these prices are insane! Are you getting great Christmas ideas yet? I'll be posting the most adorable wool houses for these little folks on Darlybird in the coming weeks.

I bought several colors of acrylic craft paints and painted the skin tones first---two coats. Then, I plan the outfits. It's harder than it looks---buy super duper small brushes, and I've considered using permanent marker with fine tips for details, but haven't invested in a good set of markers yet. My girls were playing with them tons last month, so I pulled out more of my unfinished stash and let them design the outfits this time. Leah was particularly interested in that aspect. Let them dry REALLY WELL and then apply a sealant/varnish. I made sure these are completely non-toxic, because my girls always put everything in their mouths. The first time I used a matte sealant and the second batch were done with a gloss. I'm not sure which I prefer.

And as I'm typing, Leah has just gone and got out the village and the "village people" for more fun. Hope yours enjoy them, too.

Thursday's Salad is not very exciting. But the croutons and the pizza are!

2009-06-29T12:42:00.001-07:00

This salad is nothing to write home about. But the pizza was! And the croutons are! I used the extra sauteed bread from the Panzanella and saved them for croutons for the next day. Brilliant. I'm always going to do this from now on.

The Pizza was super tasty. This is where I admit that I used pre-made dough. Usually don't, but sometimes I do. And why not? The sauce is homemade, and hold onto your trousers: Jon made the cheese! (Not the mozz, but the chunky white stuff you see.) I bought him a cheesemaking book and kit with enzymes, etc, for Christmas and he just made his first batch. It was delish---esp on this pizza.

For the sauce: My sister Leah taught me this one. Olive oil, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, kosher salt, basil or oregano. Sautee the garlic in olive oil, add diced tomatoes. REDUCE on medium heat....you need to let it cook so most of the juice goes away. Add seasonings to taste. I usually stick my immersion blender in the pot and blend up the tomatoes. Last time, I used the HUGE can from Costco and reincarnated it as pasta sauce for Father's Day. I also have a bag in the freezer waiting for my next pizza hankering. (Probably sometime this week.)

So this wasn't much about the salad. But a little bit. I'll be doing more salads this week. A Chinese Chicken Salad that is so yummy, but most-importantly, EASIER than pie.

10 Days Later: Wednesday's Salad

2009-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite salad recipes is Ina's Panzanella, i.e. Tuscan Bread Salad. I make it frequently in the summer, with produce mainly from our garden. {Talk about satisfaction.....if you don't have a garden, just imagine.}

After I've made a recipe a few times, I usually stop following the directions. Don't even bother to get the cookbook out. Such is the case with this salad, which sometimes works in my favor. For example, the other night I felt like putting cannelini {white kidney beans} in with the salad. Delish!

We usually have this as a main dish, but since 2 of my 3 kids are allergic to wheat and the other is "allergic" to most vegetables, I decided to pair it with Aidell's chicken apple sausages and home-grown blackberries.

For this particular batch, I used a loaf from Amy's Breads in NYC, which was stowed away in my suitcase. It was perfectly hard and ready to go. It was so yummy and satisfying---and helped me eat in more of NYC since I was home and almost ready to go back.

The other best part of this bread arrangement is that I sauteed the whole loaf---and had croutons for Week of the Salad Part 3. Yum!

The Week of the Salad: Tuesday

2009-06-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

After eating out for 5 days straight, (some divine meals and baked goods, but total eating-out overload) I was ready to hit the kitchen. I especially craved fresh fresh fresh foods and have eaten a salad every evening since. I actually took a snapshot of each meal, and will share brief instructions.

Apologies in advance for the fact that I don't photograph each stage of the cooking experience. And I rarely use recipes. It's more fun to experiment, says I.

So on Tuesday, I came up with a salad utilizing what I already had on hand.

From the fridge: romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, cilantro, red pepper, queso (the actual Mexican-type cheese . . . . jack or cheddar would do just fine), sour cream

From the freezer: chicken breasts, white corn

From the pantry: black beans, lemon pepper, Herdez tomatillo sauce

I grilled the chicken breasts w/ lemon pepper and mixed a bit of sour cream with the Herdez sauce for an impromptu dressing. [Jon had purchased Salsa Ranch, but Esther managed to drop it and cut her thumb while trying to clean up before anyone was the wiser. Left us in a pinch for our salad, and a pool of blood for Jonnie to clean up. Thank goodness I was somewhere over Nebraska when it happened. Kids and blood make me nervous.] I actually liked the tang of this dressing a lot, and since it was Lite Sour Cream, was better for me anyway.

Yum.

Week of the Salad Wednesday: Tuscan Bread Salad
Week of the Salad Thursday: Simple Salad as an accompaniment to pizza

2009-06-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

We stayed at the famed ALGONQUIN in midtown. Literary and jazz hot spot, it boasts that it's the oldest operating hotel in the city. We couldn't have asked for a better location, really. And better than the location was the price. List price: $599/night. Priceline name-it-yourself price 5 days before departure: $125/night. Boo-yah. I recommend.

NYC Hodgepodge, cupcakes included

2009-06-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

We took a little cupcake taste test upon ourselves. We tried three whilst in the city, and came up with a unanimous, hands-down winner.

The contestants: Amy's Bread, Magnolia, and Crumbs.

The winner: AMY'S BREAD

More info? I had looked into yummy cupcake places before we came, since I have an affinity for them. Wanted to go to Magnolia (top photo) and Crumbs, and Lindy added a bakery, Amy's, that I hadn't read about. I almost didn't get the cupcake, because I thought it couldn't be better than the others that I was so excited to try. It was the first cupcake. It was the best. Perfect frosting (Magnolia's frosting was too pasty and thick for my liking---I actually ended up throwing some of the cupcake away, since we had already enjoyed Norma's and had sugar-overload that morning). Crumbs' Reese's cupcake was my most looked-forward-to, but disappointed in its overload of sugar and more sugar and weird frosting, which tasted like it had shortening in it. Amy's cupcake was of perfect density---not too sweet, but still a bit crystallized on the edges. Frosting? Luscious. Smooth. Light. An A+ cupcake, not to be missed in a city filled with many options. (Amy's photo on bottom.)

The other pictures? #4 is of the Puerto-Rican Jon-Benets. There was a huge Puerto Rico parade that started RIGHT OUTSIDE OUR HOTEL and went down 5th avenue. It was HUGE!!! It was amazing. These little girls were posing for numerous pics. Thought I'd snap one, too.

Pic #2 highlights the Vintage Ida earrings. They really are great. Love them! (More now in stock, but hurry, because these vintage goodies have a way of selling out.)

More Normas and Jack-o

2009-06-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

A little out of order, but just had to add a few more. Jack was super friendly.

Sunday at Norma's with a Famous Encounter in The Park

2009-06-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

We had it on good word that Norma's was the best breakfast in town. We had 45 mins to kill before our table was ready, so we headed to Central Park, a few blocks up. We were doing random photos (why do I love the self-portrait so much? I tried to get me and Lindy in so many, but we're mostly half cut off) and I saw two men walking and two other guys walking in front of them with a camera and boom. "Lindy, that's someone famous!" So we hoofed it and---YEP!---Mr. Jack Black himself was filming in Central Park. We got some pictures with him and chatted for a second. Then we came to the park exit and a bunch of people saw him and converged. With perfect timing, he stepped into a horse-drawn carriage (nice getaway vehicle) and took off. I like a few celeb brushes in my lifetime. Last time it was Pierce Brosnan at a flea market in Kauai. (His son was trying to get him to buy him a huge shark-tooth necklace. Pierce was trying to be supportive, but was steering his son to something a bit less gaudy.) Who's next?

Donut Plant, East Village

2009-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yum! Lindy and I headed to the East Village for some donut love. And love we did. I tried the pb&j: raised donut w/peanut butter glaze filled with house-made jelly. I also purchased the Blackout: choc cake donut w/ choco pudding and choco shavings on top. Divine. Notice the cute, the favorite, UP UP AND AWAY necklace. Full of possibility. And sweetness. Just like the donuts.

Lindy tried the creme brulee donut (probably the tastiest donut I've ever sampled) and the coconut creme. Will this place open a Sacramento branch already? Oh yeah, maybe not, because then I'd gain 50 lbs in a minute. Will return.

Thanks Eroo via Olivia for the rec.

What a Weekend!

2009-06-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Friends, I had the time of my life in NYC with Ms. Lindy Lou. Talk about inspiration. Talk about perspiration. We ate, shopped, watched, ate, and shopped more. It was fabulous. I came back with a new lease on life, and some wonderful new products-in-the-making for Darlybird. Also, a promise that I will take a trip like this once a year. I am a new mom, a new wife, and a new human. Watch out world!

1st picture: Rachel (me) and Lindy in Times Square. They apparently just shut down one whole street and had set up the cheap-o plastic woven lawn chairs. We sat and people-watched for awhile after having walked the streets all day.

The 2nd and 3rd pictures in this post are a huge story in themselves . . . we met some wonderful characters (shout out to Tommy, Carl, and Elise) in a warehouse that sells old jewelry parts. Some from early 1900 Japan, and some from 1980 NYC. Their business spans a floor (5000 sq ft) of an unmarked building in the garment district. I didn't know what to expect, but I had an appointment and was excited. When the elevator doors opened to reveal stacks and stacks of boxes and more stacks and stacks of boxes, I literally felt my heart beat in double speed. I told Carl (who's been in business for 59 years, first as a jewelry manufacturer) that this is the stuff my dreams are made of. He thought that was kind of pathetic, but then admitted that he dreams about beads, too. But nothing could've prepared me for this, folks. Piles and piles of stuff. Random pieces in random places. No air conditioning. [Note to self: Never go back in July or August.] Folks, this was complete overload. I spent much more money than I anticipated, but there will be some glorious new offerings in the accessories section. So just you wait. Elise and Carl (a father/daughter duo) even took Lindy and me to lunch after my whirlwind buy-a-thon. Thanks again!

Last pics are from Tinsel Trading. I bought thousands of hand-dyed vintage silk petals (1940s) from the owner, Marcia, at the San Francisco Int'l Gift Fair last year. Her shop is lovely. More than lovely. Thanks, Lindy for documenting the ribbons.

More on NYC in a jiffy.

I Heart NY

2009-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Off to the BIG APPLE in the morn for some r&r, as well as scouting out new darlywonderfuls. I've found some great vintage warehouses to hit up for jewelry parts, and plan to peruse the Garment District for new inspirations. Accompanying me is one Righteous Mama and we plan to have fun, fun, fun, {yeah}.

I meant to solicit my customers for their favorite NY-eries (eateries, shopperies, fun-eries), but never got around to it. Will have access to my laptop, so if any of you happen to stumble upon this entry and have a NYC tip, send it my way.

Back soon.

Rachel

Holy, Moly! So Much on Sale . . .

2009-05-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

It is time for a little spring cleaning around Darlybird. Quick, run to the SALE section for some amazing deals. 50+ items added to the sale pages. Mostly jewelry. All lovely. Just time to clear out and clean up.

While you're there, don't forget to check out what's NEW---I've been working myself into a dither with some fabulous new {vintage} designs. I think you'll like. What's not to?

Hope you're having a fabulous spring.

xo,

Rachel

Another Deal

2009-05-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

20% off again. I'm feeling the love this spring. DARLYMAMA at checkout will get you 20% off. No minimum order this time! Ends on Sunday. Happy Mother's Day.

And the winner is . . . .

2009-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

CHELSEA!! Wa-hoo!

Just so you all know, I used Random Integer Generator to find the winning number. (Each person was assigned a series of numbers based on order of commenting and number of entries.)

Chelsea is one of the dearest, sweetest gals around, so I'm thrilled she's the winner.

But actually, I wish I could send this package to all of you . . . . really . . . .

Surprise! The savings continue....

2009-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to a few messages in my inbox that the coupon code, as found on Cool Mom Picks wasn't working. My first thought was, "what coupon code?" So I went to the site and found that they had featured Darlybird today with a coupon code, DarlyLove, which was exactly the same terms as my 'springishere' coupon code. Hilariously enough, I hadn't ever heard that they were going to do this-----nor had I made that coupon yet---so I quickly made up the coupon and am turning it over to you, too....

enter 'darlylove' at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase of $30+. Lasts until the 15th. Thanks, cool mom picks, for your economic stimulus. ;)

On another note, I'll be making a drawing later on this morning. The winner will be posted hopefully this afternoon. Bonne chance!

remember, coupon ends sunday

2009-04-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

springishere ends sunday, and so does your chance to save 20%.

Giveaway!

2009-03-31T20:30:00.001-07:00

I wasn't intending to do a giveaway just yet; truth be told, I finally just mailed off the last of the Goody Bags to my last winners----but I think it would be a good thing.

You're going to get the Goody Assortment of all Goody Assortments. A Funktion apron for a grown-up, a ruffled Funktion apron for a kiddo, a cute clutch, some jewels---at least one ring, one pair of earrings, and one necklace. Oh, a bobby too. Can't forget the bobbies. And a red currant lip balm. And a few more things. A headband? Sure. Some cupcake supplies? Why not. These will be things I'm no longer carrying because I just had one or two left and didn't want to transfer them to the warehouse. Or things that I have extras of. Still awesome stuff; maybe a bit too awesome for a traditional goody bag. Fit for a DarlyQueen.

Maybe we'll add a catch to this one: a comment gets one entry into the drawing. A link from your blog to Darlybird or darlyblog gets 5 entries. A new post about Darlybird or any DarlyItem is worth 10 entries! If you don't have a blog, email at least 10 of your contacts about Darlybird (with a link) and you'll get 5 entries. If you forward my promo email sent out yesterday to your contacts, you can 5 add'l entries. You can tell me what you did in the comments section, i.e.:

My name is Jane and I linked to Darlybird on my blog. I also forwarded my contacts the promotional email. And here I am commenting. 5+5+1=11 entries for the grand poobah of prizes!

You'll have to do your own math. And if this is too confusing, don't worry. Just comment and get your one entry. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Contest ends Monday. I promise the winnings will be worth your while.

A Recipe, in case you wanted it . . . .

2009-03-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite meals is a variation on a Moosewood Restaurant recipe. Jon loves it to bits and pieces; I was in a bit of a rut with it and hadn't made it for ages until last night. It's one of those meals that I was excited to eat for leftovers for lunch today. (And tomorrow!)

Sweet Potato Burritoes

1 1/2 c finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 TBS vegetable oil
4 c grated peeled sweet potato (I use one hugey)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
generous pinch of cayenne (I usually leave this out for the kiddos' sakes)
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Saute onions and garlic in oil until onions are translucent. Add the grated sweet potatoes, spices, and cook, covered, for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. When the sweet potato is tender, add salt and pepper to taste and remove the filling from the heat. Voila!

This is especially tasty in tortillas with black beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream and guac. I made my black beans last night in my $3 garage sale pressure cooker. Love it!

A Coupon Code

2009-03-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! A quick post. In case you didn't get my email this morning, darlybird has a deal-i-o going on right now in celebration of spring and outsourcing. Type 'springishere' into the coupon field at checkout to receive 20% your order of $30+.

Enjoy!

Be sure to check out the new products, too! Some awesome stuff if I do say so myself.

A New Day for Darlybird

2009-03-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

In the very near future (i.e. this week), I'll be moving all of my Darlybird inventory over to a fulfillment warehouse. What is this, you may ask? And why? A fulfillment warehouse is a business that specializes in holding other small business' inventory, and then fulfilling their orders and shipping them out. I'm really excited about this change because it will free up so much time and stress from my current situation. I'll be able to spend time doing the things I love to do with Darlybird and learn new skills---like web design, Illustrator, etc . . . .

I will be sad not to be able to handwrite a note in every box. I like feeling a connection to my customers and that's going to be the downside. But when push came to shove, it was either outsource or shut down. So we're going with the outsource route.

I'll leave you with some images of new darly---I've got some great projects up my sleeve that might be debuting in a month or two. Until then, enjoy the new spoils.

---R

One more thing: I'll be putting a message on my front page that orders received after Tuesday will not be processed until the next Tuesday. So if you need something pronto, order by Tuesday. Adios!

And the Winners Are . . . .

2009-02-09T12:30:00.001-08:00

AFTER OVER 100 ORDERS for goody bags, I've finally taken a moment to breathe and pick 4 winners. Thanks for entering! Look for more Darlybird giveaways in the weeks to come.

Jamie said...

What a fun idea! I love the petit four cake stand - but then I love pretty much everything at Darlybird.

pixie sticks said...

I love, love, love my modern sparkler ring from darlybird. Am now dreaming of a darlybird cake stand. All the best.

Stephanie said...

I just found your shoppe and was holding my breath while reading that post! Phew! Now I don't have to go on a maniac buying spree... kind of sad about that actually, but my husband will thank you! I love so many items in your shoppe and will certainly become a frequent shopper! Grab bags rock it!

danielle said...

Gosh I have often wondered how you do this all!

I have SO MANY favorites. I love my cake stand and vintage earrings. And my pink cuckoo clock. I love All of your jewelry, oh and I can't wait til my little girl is big enough to wear the giant flower clip I bought her.

Glad you are sticking around, although I have to say I am going to be sad not to get my package with your personal handwritten notes...but I guess--you know..sanity is important too ;)

*****Ladies, email me your shipping addresses to rachel@darlybird.com!

Darly Bags o' Goodies Now Available

2009-02-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

You can now purchase Darly Grab Bags! Available for a limited time only!

I'll pick the giveaway winner sometime this week. Stay tuned.

Freebies!! This time there are 4!!!

2009-01-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Darlybird is in transition. I've decided that my sanity and stress-level are important factors in this business. There have been some unpretty moments chez moi the past few months. And my health and family have born the brunt.

Q: Should I retire darlybird into the ether of used-up URLs and call it a fun experiment gone haywire? Or do I plan for world domination Darlybird style?

A: Is there a middle ground? I hope. (Do you like how my answer was in the form of a question, Trebeck?)

I never do things the easy, most direct route. Nope. I'm pretty much a wanderer---a very decisive wanderer, but a wanderer nonetheless.

What does this have to do with Darlybird? Good question. (Have you noticed I'm particularly a 'wanderer' in conversation and the written word?)

This is what it has to do with the D-bird: I'm going to be outsourcing all of my packaging and shipping to a third party. Thus, I will be able to spend more time on the Darlybird things that I love~ and also grow my business and find fab new products instead of always trying to catch up and barely make it just with fulfilling orders. In order to do this outsourcing, I'm going to have to do a major streamlining of products. I can't turn over this large-scale hodgepodge and expect it to run like clockwork. Therefore, I'm going to be putting a Darlybird grab bag up ~ it will be a way for me to get rid of a lot of sweet items in record speed. It'll be something like this: you pay $15 for a Darlybird smorgasborg. I pick the products (worth at least $45) and send them off to you. You open the package, delighted to find so many fun things for so little money. It's a win/win. Each package will be unique . . . . and non-refundable. And to kick things off, I'm going to give away 4 of them. Comment ---- maybe tell me your fave darlybird product just for fun. I'll pick 4 people to be my grab bag guinea pigs. Grab bags will be available for purchase next week.

Example package:

Bobby pins x 2
Drink Parasols
Prada lipbalms
Carved Rose Band
Stationery Set
Vintage Gift Tags

Who wouldn't love a little package like that? Talk about recession-friendly shopping!

Hip Hip Hooray!

2009-01-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

Regardless of your political orientation, I hope you took a moment to revel in the history that was yesterday's inauguration. We had an Obama Party at our house. The girls were in full festive mode and helped out with the preparations. Thanks to Cindy of Skip to My Lou for the brilliant printable cupcake toppers. Thanks to Darlybird for the cakestands, sprinkles, and cupcake wrappers. And thanks to me for the home in disarray.

Forgot to Mention.....

2008-12-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

Doing a little PROMO at Darlybird. Enter LASTCHANCE at checkout for 20% off total order amount. No minimums. No buts. Just a pure, unadulterated 20% discount. Ends soon. Friday? I can't remember....maybe Monday, but I wouldn't count on it.

Blank Board Books

2008-11-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Make the best Christmas or birthday party gifts EVER! I think the girls will make Jon a book about their favorite things to do with him for a homemade Christmas present. LOVE IT!

New Velvet Hairclips

2008-11-22T12:14:00.001-08:00

Vintage Acrylic Necklace

2008-11-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Love it! Coming soon! Just in time for Christmas. Only 4 available. Or is it just 3?

Vintage Japanese Glass Graduated Blue Necklaces

2008-11-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Beads made in Japan long, long ago. Gorgeous glass.

Vintage Czech Glass Necklace

2008-11-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

New at Darlybird. Available in a few days. To die for beautiful.

New Vintage Jacquard Headbands . . .

2008-11-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Coming soon. I love this vintage embroidered ribbon. It is perfect for a headband. Short hair or long? It works either way. Tons of new styles coming right up.

recession, smosmession

2008-11-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

Or so I thought. But I realize that people are legitimately struggling. I feel like we've (me and my fam) been let off a little easy so far. Gas is cheaper, and for that, I'm thrilled as can be~! That's an extra couple hundred a month burning a hole in my pocketo. (Or going straight to savings, whichever the case may be. Pocket?)

Either way, I thought I'd give you a coupon code. Yes, I know your inbox has been inundated with sale offers up the wazoo! Mine has, too. It's pure craziness in the retail sector. But, c'est la vie. So here's the darlyscoop:

Use code DARLYPEACE for 15% off your total order or DARLYJOY for free shipping on orders over $50.00. Incentive lasts until November 21, 2008.

#2, It's You!

2008-11-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Tammy, email me to claim your prize!!! (rachel@darlybird.com)

Thanks, random.org.

Phoebe Rocks the Jellicle Rose Like a Star

2008-11-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

One of my BFFs--Phoebe (yes, I have a friend and a daughter with the same name. Coincidence? I think not...)--wanted some big flowers for her darling daughter, Agnes. Looks like Phoebes (feebs) has been feeling the love. I think it's fabulous on her. Get yours here. Also, her earrings are here. (She is a Darlybird fan through and through.) Thanks, Ph!~

Long Time No Give . . . and some new products!

2008-11-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends~

I've just made a Darlybird shop update. Lots of amazing vintage jacquard trims, earrings, pins, etc. I've been one busy lady! And for that, I think we need to celebrate with a giveaway. Don't you think?

Here's what's up for grabs: (The pictures above are not the giveaway. They are just for fun.)
Vintage Esme Cuff

Vintage Red Tags

Vintage Tannenbaum Ribbon (3 yards)

It's a fun little package.

Enjoy the photos. They're some of my new favorite products.

Bonnie Blue Cake Stand and Duckies

2008-10-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

I always love to see Darlybird products in action. Sweet Bonnie bought a Bonnie Blue Petite Four Cake Stand and used it at a recent baby shower. Look how cute the Ducky Cupcake Toppers look on her cupcakes and mini cake. Thanks, sweet Bonnie, for documenting your darling shower and sharing your pics. Should you want to share any of your darlybird products in action, please email me photos at rachel@darlybird.com. I'd love the darlyworld to see!

And the Winners Are . . . .

2008-10-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Did you notice the plural? That's because the winner of the last "party favor," Jill Ann, never contacted me! Oh, I hate to see a prize winner forfeit. But since I don't know dear Jill Ann, I can't get a hold of her. So I picked another winner.

But, I'll announce this most recent giveaway winner first:

It's NUMBER 6, Patti!!! (I think random.org likes the number 6!) She said: "I'm in. Pick me. I just placed my first order with you last week. Can't wait for it to get here." Pattie, please email me at rachel@darlybird.com with your belt preference (size and color).

Go Patti!!!

And for Winner #2 of the previous party favor: #29, which means---Lynnette, who said: "I'm in! I absolutely *adore* your shop!" Lynnette, email me and you'll get your fun goods asap.

Happy Halloween, by the way. I've got Dorothy, Little Red Riding Hood, and a pumpkin or a flower (can't decide which costume to dress Phoebe in) to look after. I'll post pics of my sweet girls on Darlybird's Nest soon.

Fun Times . . . .

2008-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Eroo came to town for some R & D. (In the scientific field, that's short for Research and Development.) :) Why am I laughing at myself right now? I actually told someone that I did R&D and they didn't have any idea what I was talking about, since I'm about the least scientific person in a 15 mile radius. (Thus, it couldn't have been the widely-known real abbreviation.)

R&D with Eroo is always a wonderful thing. This girl's got ideas. And lots of them. And they're rad ones. Hence, her adorable brooch, made with lots of my vintage supplies and a few new ones. She's a one-of-a-kind friend from long ago and way back when. I wish I could have R&D sessions every weekend with Eroo. Boo hoo.

You Need This Recipe

2008-10-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

I made a yummy Butternut Squash Soup tonite. No picture. Sorry. Didn't feel like doing the full-on my-blog-is-my-life thing. Cuz this blog definitely isn't my life. :) It was tasty, and Jon and I loved it. Too bad that L & E weren't nuts. They loved last night's Chicken with Yogurt Curry Sauce, so I had high hopes. Cold cereal for them.

Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Parmesan Croutons via Real Simple Magazine

1 3-lb butternut squash---peeled, seeded, and cut into 1" cubes (5-6 cups)
3 TBSP olive oil
3 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 TBSP butter (I omitted so Leah B could eat it!)
1 large onion, diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 TBSP chopped fresh sage (from our Native Cali herb garden)
6 c chicken broth
1/2 c grated Parm

Preheat oven to 400. In a lg bowl, toss squash with 2 TBSP oil, 2 tsp salt, and pepper. Place on baking sheet and roast in oven for 15 mins. Turn cubes over and roast for 15 more mins, or until they are carmelized; set aside.

In a large stockpot, heat the butter and/or remaining oil. Add onion, celery, and sage, and saute' , stirring occasionally, until vegetables are translucent and tender, 10 mins. Add squash, broth, and remaining salt and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 30 mins or until the liquid is flavorful. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the soup until smooth. Top with Sage and Parm croutons and grated Parm.

Sage and Parmesan Croutons
3 oz rustic white bread
1 lg clove garlic
1 TBSP finely chopped sage
3 TBSP olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP finely grated parm

Preheat oven to 375. Toss all ingred together in a mixing bowl to coat. Spread the bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast in oven for 10-12 mins or until crisp and brown. YUM!

Lotsa New & Another Favor

2008-10-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

at Darlybird. Make sure you check out the New Products frequently. Today I'm feeling the love and have decided to give away 3 of my new products. Just because. And, Jill Ann, I still haven't heard from you! I'll pick a new name for last week's package if I don't hear by Thursday.

#1 Sophie Bow Belt--your choice of color and size!

#2 Madeira Envelope Clutch--yeah, it's white, but that biz about white after Labor Day is decidedly bogus.

#3 Hot Air Balloon Ornaments--as cute as can be!

So make a comment, any comment, and I'll pick at a time TBD by me, myself, and I. Could be 10 minutes, 10 hours, or 10 days. That's how I roll.

Time Flies, but Time's Up

2008-10-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yep, ladies, I decided to throw the DarlyBlog readership for a loop. This one's over. Watch for more exciting posts soon.

And the winner is . . . . #6

Jill Ann!!!

Email me your address at rachel@darlybird.com and I'll be getting your prizes off to you.

Time Flies

2008-10-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

And here I am again realizing it's been 2 weeks since my last darlyblog giveaway. How could it be? Maybe because I had a husband out of town for 2 weekends in a row followed by his 32nd birthday celebration, mixed with my Darlybird sale, and don't forget 3 darling daughters who sometimes find fabulous ways to torture/delight their poor harried mother!?!? Life is beautiful, but it's life.

Today's offering:

A little something for everyone.

An apple a day.
Earrings?
A fabulous game?
And don't forget the cupcakes.

One comment, that's all I ask of you.

Just Thought I'd Mention . . .

2008-10-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

I've got a pretty fun sale going on at Darlybird. If you've ever signed up to be on my mailing list, you probably already got the email. If not, read on:

Mention 'darlygood' at checkout for 15% off a $50 order
Mention 'darlybetter' at checkout for 20% off a $100 order
Mention 'darlybest' at checkout for 25% off a $150 order

Fun, eh?

We Have a Winner . . .

2008-10-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

Azucar, since you're so so so so sweet, Random.org picked you! #1!!! Hopefully you'll have fun mixing up some dolces with this yummy package. Congrats!

Another little favor for you faithful . . . .

2008-09-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Decided to start the week off with a fun Darlybird package. This one includes many of my favorite products----yum, yum!

You'll be getting a selection of Darlybird Baking products:

1. Pinstripe Cupcake Liners in red and brown (one stack of each)
2. Square baking wrappers (three stacks)
3. Cupcake picks in your choice of: ducky, ballerinas, Santa, black bats (not shown yet!), Valentine's Lacy Heart
4. Cocktail Parasols (great alternative cupcake toppers)
5. DarlySprinkles in your choice of 2 colors
6. A tin of darling sugar flowers for baked good decor (not yet shown! I better get on it!)
7. Glassine bakery bags
8. Waxed paper window bags for cookies with tin tie (not yet shown!)
9. Set of tags for delivering treats.

This contest will end when I get around to ending it! Make a comment, any comment, and we'll pick a winner.