Fall Mantel Design

I was talking with friends yesterday and mentioned something about my blog and they were like, " you have a blog"? and I was like...yeah, it has been a while, huh? maybe I will do the mantle post that I took pictures for a WHIIIIILE back! I mean, I used to get so into the link parties and decorating for the holidays, etc...

I used to do posts like this http://pickledblu.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html

and even if I was busy or running low on creativity and time, I would at least do something like this

http://pickledblu.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-fall-yall.html

anywho, just to let you guys know that I am still alive and kickin' it. ( I know the phrase is alive and kicking- this is my own personal version. "Alive and kickin' it" is like cold kickin' it live, which is completely different and much cooler than the original version).
Here is what my mantel looks like these days!!!

The 5 year ago me, would have been struggling to let this play session go more than about 20 minutes before we cleaned it up. Now I am all like, that is tooo cute! Let's keep it all week!

I am embracing my new life ya'll...it is a defense mechanism to try and keep the crazy at bay!

Favorite Side Dish- Company Mashed Potatoes

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to link up to Kelly's Korner, SUYL, Favorite Side Dishes. I received a recipe years ago for something called Company Mashed Potatoes. I have not pulled out the recipe since, but the yummy ingredients have lingered on in my holiday mashed potatos. They are delicious any day, but so fattening...I definitely consider them a treat! It is simple!

Boil, cut up and mash potatoes. Peel 'em or not...your preference. I ususally use a hand mixer. Add 8 oz of cream cheese, and 8 oz of sour cream and about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Here is the best part. Put them in the fridge overnight....I love a good side that I can make the day before. Pop them in the oven about 30-45 minutes before you serve( ummm...let's say 350)  and - WAH-LAH! YUMMY! Sorry for the lack of specifics. I have found in my old age that I cook like I always hated my memaw doing ( oh, just a handful of this or that. no recipe!!! It made me crazy).

 

So anyway- I know I am gonna enjoy checking out all of the recipes at Kelly's Korner today...hope you do too!

Oh...and if you are looking for something cute for your kiddos to wear for the holidays, check me out at www.thepickletree.etsy.com

 

Sorry- only Christmas stuff now, I am past the deadline for Thanksgiving!!!

Let's Hear it for the Boys!

 

 For Tigers, and Spidermans, and little boys of all kinds...

 

 

now that Halloween is over, it officially time to start the Christmas Season at the Pickle Tree!

 



 

We are having a great Fall around here, and I hate to rush the season, BUT....

 

this momma is closing up shop on November 30th...so get your orders in NOW!

 

 

With a 2-3 week turnaround, don't wait until the last minute if you have an event early in December.

 

 

Our Santa pictures are December 8th and I know we cannot be the only ones starting early!

 

 

 It seems that I have gone and become a regular boys clothes specialist!

 

 

I mean, I still have some girls stuff OF COURSE!

 

 

But after all of the years of shopping in the tiny little boys section, I feel good to be doing this

"boy mom" service of offering cute boystuff!

 



 

Need a brother sister set? This one is adorable! Quantities are limited on this dot fabric so order fast!

 



 

I can't wait to see it on my sweet little nieces!

 



 

LOVE this for a more mature, dressy look- would look awesome paired with brother in a red corduroy longall with a lime diamond monogram. Just ask!

 

Coming soon.....red corduroy peasant style dress with white monogram...

(that will take your through Valentines Day, folks...wink wink)

 



Last Chance Thanksgiving!!!!

 

I am still here!

Just trying to get used to my new work at home status which is proving to be my toughest challenge EVER!!!

 

Need Thanksgiving duds for your kiddos???

Last chance to order is 10/31/12 for guaranteed Thanksgiving delivery!

 

 

 

And while I am sharing deadlines...last day for Christmas orders is 11/30/12!!

What I Make or Sell

 

I just love it when Kelly hosts this so first of all thanks Kelly for having us!

The Pickle Tree is my etsy shop and it is my new full time job.

I just had my second child and I quit my awesome full time job to stay home with them!

My plan was to run The Pickle Tree full time.

I have QUICKLY learned, that I am taking care of my boys and running The Pickle Tree on the side!

So, here are a few of the things that you can find in my shop!

 

 

This is a build your own towel with Greek letters. It is super popular this time of year with big sister little sister gifts for sororities. It is affordable and something special that is handmade especially for your sis!

 

 This three letter circle monogram towel is one of my best sellers. It is so preppy and fun. I do not use my embroidery machine for these. I hand draw, cut, heat bond, then sew the letters onto the towel. Each one is different and special!

 

 

 These little gowns are so precious! It is a go to baby gift for a few of my customers. It is so special and fun and the personal touch is just what people LOVE to give and receive!

 



 

Each letter is hand drawn and cut. I use high quality Monag gowns that are 100% ring spun cotton. They are so sturdy and soft!

 

These giant fancy monograms tees are another special item that are hand drawn, cut, heatbonded and sewn. They are so cool!

 



WAR EAGLE! This precious aubie jon jon is a personal favorite of mine! The Aubie applique is so versatile. It can go on a jon jon, a dress, or a tee. Great for mixing and matching sibling sets!

 



 

This mix and match ruffle pants set is another good one for the Auburn Fans!

Great bang for your buck!

 



 

I have two little boys. All you moms with boys know that we get left out of the cuteness most of the time! I always try to include the boys!

This pumpkin pants set is perfect for the pumpkin patch! I am going to make a tee for big brother too!

 

 

Spiderman Birthday party anyone? This spiderman number tee is a MUST!

 



 

Are you starting to see a pattern? Yes...I am an Auburn fan!

We have the best fans! My search stats always show "auburn" as the number one search word on etsy! LOVE MY AU FAMILY!

This truck with Aubie driving is ALL boy!

 

 This turkey jon jon is adorable. I do not have it listed in my shop yet! I gotta GET BUSY!!!

 

 

This corduroy jon jon is made of high quality kaufman corduroy and is another one that is not listed yet. I will be listing it soon!!!

 

 

This santa pillowcase dress was a favorite from last year!

 

 

How sweet is this snowman pinafore?

 

These Auburn Pillowcase dresses are hands down my best seller!

 

 



 

 

I just love the fresh colors on this turkey dress! It is definitely a top seller in the fall!

 



 

 

TURKEY TEE!!!

 

And the ever popular personalized one letter towel. There are not many other options out there to give someone such an affordable personlaized gift. I sell these in huge numbers for bridesmaids gifts, bachelorette parties, birthday party favors, christmas gifts..,you name it!

 

 

 

I love what I do! It is crazier than ever these days with a busy 4 year old and a new baby in the mix, but I would not trade it for the world!

 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas for your special order!

If I take a moment to respond, you can bet it has something to do with these two cuties!

 

 

 

 

Changes for the Better

 Going from a family of three to a family of four has been lots of fun and lots of work!

We have a Memorial Day baby and a Fourth of July baby!

Well, neither on the exact date, but super close. That is going to make for busy summers EVERY year with birthday parties to plan and execute!

Invitations, thank you notes, invitations, thank you notes....ahh, the postal service is going to love us at this time of year!

I promise that I am not pinching him here!

ANYWAY, the point of the post is to say, that I have officially turned in my notice at my daytime gig and am a stay at home mom, now.

Well, a work at home mom anyway!

I think the look in my eyes says it all....I am not so sure about this. I have been working outside of the home since I was 15 years old. This is going to take some getting used to.

Just the fact that I have not been setting an alarm for the mornings is SUPER weird to me.

I will be tackling the Pickle Tree full time.

So far, I found that I have less time to work at it than when I was working.
Go figure.

This staying at home bit is tough.

But so far, I am LOVING every minute of it and I am certain that once Blu is in school, I will find a routine.
Right now, we are just in an anything goes because it is summer state of mind!

So, sorry for the absence, but I have been adjusting to so many new things. It is hard to fit in fun frivolous stuff like blogging!

This is going to be a true adventure for me. I am looking forward to it and am anxious about it at the same time!

Say a little prayer for me.

And stay tuned to The Pickle Tree. I am trying to keep it low right now, but once school starts I should be turning up the volume!

The Pickle Tree- I'll be back!

Yes, I am currently out on maternity leave, but....

I will be back!

And there will be some major news when I return!

SO stay tuned SWEET PICKLES!

And be sure to check out my shop!

www.thepickletree.etsy.com

and like me on facebook

so you will get the up to the minute details!

on all of the latest bubble romper designs, giant monogram tees, precious new baby layette gift sets, personalized towels, Auburn Football wear for kids...

Okay- so I will be doing most any SEC team gear!

Seriously...I am already itching to get back to it!

Truth be told...I have not slowed down yet, but I am trying to get caught up before bubby boy blu II arrives!

Thanks for looking and have fun checking out all of the other talent over at Kelly's Korner today!