You will NOT believe this little Etsy shop that I have found! Up My Sleeve, owned and operated by mommypreneur, Sarah, of Hamilton Mass, is one of my most unique finds yet!  Her New England inspired hand made product lines include GORGEOUS, sophisticated Nantucket basket purses, jewelry (”Hope N Joy”), silk floral arrangements (”Up My Sleeve”), and the cutest little soaps (”Wishy-Washy Soapery”).

I stumbled across this little gem of a shop when I was desperately looking for some stunning centerpieces for my princess party tables.  I have an upcoming princess birthday party event this weekend in Danvers Mass, and I have gorgeous little coaches for my tea party tables, but the tables just are still missing something…FRESH FLOWERS! Well, as you can imagine, fresh flowers were not the answer for me. I wanted something that I could use over again, but that would really look exquisite.  I wanted something chic, pink, royal, sparkly, elegant, and perfect for a Princess Sharon birthday party celebration. They HAD to be stunning.  I searched and searched and nothing quite hit the spot. Until I found “Up My Sleeve”!  I saw this photograph of one of her green and pink arrangements in a Nantucket basket.

I just KNEW she was my girl!! The arrangements that were in her store were amazing! They looked so REAL! I knew they would look smashing on my little tea tables, and I envisioned them on my tables but knew I needed a custom, princess touch! Here are the beautiful arrangements! Thank you, Sarah!

Obviously the girl has some seriously good taste! It can be hard to find sometimes, and then to find that she is also such a sweetheart, professional, flexible, and fun!

I can’t leave you without also telling you about her rediculously cool line of jewelry and Nantucket baskets.  They make me want to flip off the glass slippers, put on my flip flops and capris and head off to the beach!  Seriously, Sarah is a one of a kind find and I would highly recommend shopping at Up My Sleeve!

The Family Groove, that is! An online mag founded by two moms (of course!), Amy Beth Sestito and Jillian Swartz, The Family Groove is an online magazine and regional resource guide for parents (and parents-to-be..AND their fams!) I LOOOOVE what this site has to offer (and I’m a sucker for a good, fun website name!)

They have TONS of totally fab product suggestions, hip tips, articles AND coupons.  Here are a few of my fave finds from their site…

Check out one of their finds…the CUTEST little flats from, who woulda’ thunk, PAYLESS! What a baaaagin! $22 and there’s one around every corner. Gotta love the boutique look that won’t burn holes in the pockets (or the bottom of a cute purse…but we’ll talk about cute purses another time!)

They also have trendy suggestions for moms and mommies-to-be who are on a budget (I love that!)

Visit their “Bump Watch” section (isn’t that so cute?) if you or someone you know is pregnant.  Wish I knew about this when I was watching MY growing bump!

This Nukka Puff Sleeve Maternity Top is very clever. It’s totally flattering (”puff” sleeves where you might have a little extra jiggle!) and looks oh-so-cozy!!  Though I can’t say that I wish I could have back the nausea and the leg cramps, this top makes me want to have a third!

Ok, this is one of my favorite links  http://www.thefamilygroove.com/nov08_CalmTogether.htm

As a meditating princess (yes, I meditate every morning!) I am a true believer in the philosophy that it’s just as important to easy-does-it BEFORE that baby comes as during.  I am also totally aware (from first hand experience!) that ones serenity is easily ruffled when two people join together, having been living in just-the-two-of-us land, with the expectation that their lives will change drastically over the next 9 months. Given that there is NO way to totally prep for this blissful but trying shocker, there is still some fantastic advice for getting you prepped.  Those 9 months are a magical, wonderful time but yes, it can be anxiety provoking! You have to check out the link.

Don’t do it on your own…get into The Family Groove! They are here to help!

Ok, so I have discovered the absolute BEST in belts! Helena, of Helena’s Closet (visit her ETSY site here) creates hand cut, GORGEOUS, designer belts. These belts stand up to the test of time (I have…um…10?) and are made with fabrics that are rich in color and truly unique. She works out of her home locally here in Cohasset, Massachusetts where she resides with her husband and two children.  Her passion is belts and she does it the right way ~ high quality, and has something to please every taste.

Helena has fabulous belt buckles like silver starfish and bamboo, and also will work with you to create something custom to go with that special outfit.  You have to check it out!

Velvet Teal Belt with Starfish

Also be sure to check out lkgilbert.etsy.com for gorgeous photos and art!

Never heard of Etsy?? Well let me tell you about it!  I discovered it when a seamstress/friend of mine told me she was going to start selling her custom belts there.  Well, of course, this princess HAD to check it out!

Etsy is an online one stop shop to buy and sell ONLY things hand made.  I have been buying the most adorable princess accessories, favors, invitations and have even found my wonderful glitter chocolate vendor there!

I have been having such great experiences with all of the creative men and women I have found.  Everyone is just so nice and as a children’s party company owner and event planner, I am ALWAYS looking for tiaras, wands, favor bags, gowns, you name it! I would much rather solicit someone to craft for me who has put their heart into something than buy something mass produced and shipped in.

My first lucky experience was with Laura of “Tickled Plum.” I found her when I was searching for someone to create invitations, favor tags, stickers, and other paper goods to help promote my brand.  Laura was FANTASTIC! She’s creative, professional and her quality is outstanding! She creates all of my invitations now for me and even adds embellishments like rhinestones, ribbon and other princess-ey things!! Her heavy stock paper and amazing attention to detail really makes her stand out from the rest. Thanks Laura

Another diamond that I found is Denise, from “Iguanamakeit,” also an Etsy shop.  Denise, like Laura, was so excited about the business opportunity and  is such a pleasure to work with.  Denise also happens to be a fabulous quill-er (the art of paper rolling!) Denise creates sparkling, iridescent chocolates for my princess parties, spa parties, diva glamour parties and other custom events.  Her chocolates really stand out. She has a knack for really making them shine! She has everything from princess shoes (monogrammed!), tiara and ear ring sets, butterflies, glitter star wands, and more.  You have to see these in person~ She even has a chocolate makeup kit fully equipped with hair dryer and curlers!

Etsy, of course, is not just for girls that wear bubblegum pink gowns…it’s for everyone!  Let’s face it- We all LOVE hand made stuff and we love a personal touch.  You can even put out an “Alchemy Request” on Etsy if you want something made for YOU that you can’t find while searching for it.  I put in a request, for example, for a custom gown for me.  I put in the request, name my price, and wait for bids to come in!

There are so many talented people out there and there are so many people who are looking for that creative talent.  Etsy has allowed us to find each other.   So while I continue to provide upscale birthday parties and events for children, teens and tweens in the Massachusetts area, I always am on the hunt for great products for my online boutique currently filled with custom children’s clothing, accessories, party favors, chocolates and invitations.

In the New Year I will be offering Sweet 16 event planning, Bat Mitzfah, and Quinceanera’s fit for a princess!  I can’t wait to start shopping around for amazing items created by my fellow “Etsy-ans!”

Princess Sharon

…Bring on the Sparkle!

www.PrincessSharon.com