New Gig

Hello all,

Sorry for the lengthy absence. Check me out over at Karley's blog, Chic and Green . I will be sharing more of my favorite things that are handmade in America.

Hope to see you there,
Deanna

Huggerz boot wraps winner

The lovely founder of Huggerz, Debbie Thelen Miller, has generously offered to allow the winner to select one pair of Huggerz. That lucky winner is....

Keeley Rae

Congratulations Keeley!

Please contact me at mamagiglio@hotmail.com and give me your mailing address as well as which pair of Huggerz you would like to receive.

Interview with Debbie Thelen Miller: inventor of Huggerz boot wraps

A few weeks ago, after a particularly successful "hunting" expedition through Anthropologie's clearance racks, my friend Barb and I wandered down the street to a cute boutique called Oliver's Trendz. One of the very first things we encountered were these faux fur and knitted items that looked like hand muffs. My mind drifted back to early childhood memories of my own genuine rabbit fur hand muffs. {I know what you're thinking but it was the 1970s and we weren't as concerned about cruelty to animals in those days...} But I digress. My mid-day mind fog cleared and we deduced that what we were looking at were boot wraps. I liked what I saw but assumed they were "Made in China" like the preponderance of items in most stores. Boy was I WRONG. It would take just a short time to find out just how wrong I was.



Toddler's hand muffs from Little Muffet on Etsy, $26


About 2 weeks later, another good friend, Angie, sent me a link to Huggerz website. She had watched the local Sunday morning news that features a "Made in Michigan" segment quite regularly. Clicking on the link, my synapses started whirring and sparking. I realized these were the very creations I'd seen a few weeks prior. I was giddy as I realized Huggerz were invented by a clever local lady right here in the metro Detroit area!!! I joined their Facebook page and began drooling over all  the lovely styles.  I HAD to talk to the smart lady who came up with this clever product! Thankfully she agreed to allow me to interview her and share Huggerz with you!

~

These are my favorite pair of Huggerz: Sand Fair Isle, $34

Rabbit Huggerz, $39 shown with handmade rabbit pom poms,$14

{An interview with Debbie Thelen Miller: 

inventor of Huggerz boot wraps}

Debbie, thank you for allowing me to share your story with my readers. By the end of this interview, I know they too will share my love of your ingenious product.

MHA:

For those who aren't familiar with Huggerz, please tell us what they are.

DTM:

Huggerz Boot Wraps are a cover for your boots that make them look like a totally different pair of boots. They do not just look like something added to the leg of the boot.

MHA:

If you had a tagline for Huggerz what would it be?

 

DTM: Our tag line is "Wrap your boots to suit your moods." 

Embossed Brown Beaver Huggerz, $39

MHA: How and where did you come up with the idea for Huggerz?

DTM:

I was in a hockey rink and my feet were freezing. I was wearing boots and wool socks, but not the super warm shearling style boots. I knew then that I needed to invest in a pair, but when I started shopping, I could not decide what style to buy. I loved the ones with the fur. I loved the ones with the knit. I loved the patterned ones. But, I could not buy 3 or 4 different pairs, and I hated to spend all that money and be "stuck" with one look. That is when the idea hit me.

MHA:

During our phone conversation you shared with me that all aspects of production are done in Michigan. How many jobs were created by your company?

DTM:

To date, we have created 3 full time jobs!!!! We have also added 3 part time jobs. I hope to keep building from there.

MHA:

When did you first realize Huggerz was going to be a hit?

DTM:

Hmmm. Well, I knew that I was on to something when I wore my "test" pair out and about and had people stopping me to comment on my boots. The fact that they could not tell that they were covers, really made me happy. I am constantly thrilled to hear how much people love them and hope that the Huggerz "craze" as it has been called, continues.

**MHA: Deb also shared with me that 1500 pairs of Huggerz was sold in the 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010...that's impressive**

MHA:

How long did it take from the time you got the idea for Huggerz until they were first available for purchase?

DTM:

I had to wait until I had my patent pending status to sell any. So, I sold my first pairs 4 months after I came up with idea. But those were just more "test" pairs. They hit the market on our website and in local stores almost 2 years after I first had the idea. There was lots of research and product design, along with all the legal work, that had to be done.

MHA:

What has been one of the biggest challenges you've faced with the company?

DTM:

Pulling together the people and the funding to do it right!

MHA:

Share with us some of the surprising things that happened to you since Huggerz was "born".

DTM:
Good question! I think that I have been surprised by the overwhelming response to the product. I have been surprised by how hard it is to find products made in the USA. I have been surprised by all of the details that I never would have thought of! Frankly, I am surprised that I am running a company!

MHA:

How do you promote your product?

DTM:

Our primary vehicle for promotion is the internet. My marketing firm has sent out some press releases to the media, and we have had some nice responses from those. Our best promotion is from people wearing them!

MHA:

You sell Huggerz through your website but where else can readers purchase a pair?

DTM:

There are currently 10 retailers that carry Huggerz Boot Wraps and accessories. They are listed on our facebook page (Huggerz) under the info tab, and they are currently being added to our website.

MHA:

Do you have plans for eco-friendly and or organic material options in the future?

DTM:

Absolutely. From the very beginning I have wanted to do a line made from recycled sweaters. I would also love to use organic cotton.

MHA:

As wife, mother and business owner, how do you juggle all of your responsibilities?

DTM:

Some days, frankly, not very well! My 13 year old has taken to baking. My husband has learned to do the laundry, and everyone has had to get used to a less tidy home! They also expect my phone and laptop to be attached to me..... I have guilt, but I also know that they will all develop good skills from this, and that one day, I hope, it will all be worth it!

 

Fun and funky Black Zebra Huggerz, $28

~

Once again, thank you Deb, for allowing me to interview you and share your cool products with my readers!

Deb has agreed to sponsor a Huggerz giveaway on My Handmade Addiction. The lucky winner will receive one pair of Huggerz of their choice!!!

The giveaway will run through February 14th. To enter, please comment under this post. If you post a comment on My Handmade Addiction's Facebook page, you will also receive one entry!

Best of luck to all entrants!

Stay warm,

Deanna

Teaser....

I'm putting the finishing touches
on my exclusive interview.
It should be up within the next day.

I can tell you that the interview dovetails nicely with the alleged snow storm

due to hit in the next day as well....

Stay tuned,

Deanna

Exclusive interview coming soon....

I will be interviewing a local entrepreneur later this week who invented a clever product that I'm just crazy about.

I don't want to give away too many details so please keep an eye out for the new post! 

Have a lovely evening,

Deanna



Hot Cocoa

Rushing in through the back door from playing out in the white, blustery Michigan winter with snow drifts higher than one's head. What elixir will thaw a frozen child, quicker than a jack rabbit can cross the yard, embracing you with warm, chocolaty sweetness? HOT COCOA, of course.

An ode to that beloved beverage of my youth



Hot Chocolate & Cardamom foaming sugar scrub
from Nature's Edge Farms, $9 for 8 ounce jar.



Hot chocolate and blue mittens, from Miracle Mittens, $38

Peruvian Cacao sampler set from Flying Bird Botanicals, $29.75




Cocoa Mallow body butter  from Solstice Scents, $9, for 4 ounces



Hot Chocolate open edition print, $38 Janet Hill Studio



Ah...cocoa warms thy soul. Don't you agree?

What's in store for twenty eleven

Good Afternoon,
In the short time I've been blogging,  I've so enjoyed sharing my Etsy finds, favorite shops as well as a glimpse into my crafty pursuits. As much as I enjoy sharing those things with you, I find myself wanting to switch things up a little with the coming of the New Year.

 I LOVE a good story. In 2011, I will be interviewing a few handmade artisans and sharing their stories with you. I already have a handful of folks in mind at this time.

Stay warm and stay tuned,
Deanna

Happy New Year: help please

Hello all,
Today is the second day of the week and the second day getting back to a schedule of sorts. I've been pondering some new directions I'd like to go with the blog. I'd love to get some input though. Can you share with me what you'd like to see more of from My Handmade Addiction in 2011?

With my appreciation,
Deanna

December 2010 giveaway winner announced now

And the winner for December 2010 giveaway featuring Nature's Edge Farm handmade soaps and body lotion is....

Christy on the Craggy Moor

Congratulations Christy and Happy New Year!!!!

Potpourri of Pretty

I feel like part of my brain is still in Christmas mode while another is thinking New Year's and changing seasons.  My selection of "pretty things" seems a bit disjointed. I just wanted you to know that I'm aware of my seemingly odd selection.

Are you feeling this way too?

 

This weekly planner, $25 from  Lily Jane Stationery caught my eye!



 But so did this red tinsel string, $6 for 18 feet from Vintage Handmade by julie collings



Wouldn't this white statement necklace, $39.99 from
 Nueva Espana look so lovely on New Year's Eve?

 


Oddly, this autumn necklace entitled, Melody of Fall, $45
from Beauty Spot still appeals to me this time of year.



Browsing today, I couldn't help but stop and pause to gaze at these vintage
green Polish ornaments, $14.75 for one dozen.  They just ooze old-school charm!
Stop by Oodles and Oodles to view more of their vintage eye candy goodness! 

  

I love the saying on this nifty little pin from Beanforest, $1.
This sentiment is season less!

Have a cozy Wednesday evening all,
~Deanna

For the lover of lavender...a gift set from Nature's Edge Farm

Yet another reason to shop with Nature's Edge Herb Farm on Etsy... convenience{ and value}!

Just take a gander at this pretty Lavender gift set John put together for us....


A beautiful, natural gift for under $25 {including shipping to your doorstep}!

 

The gift set includes:

*1 Lavender Fields bar
*1 Lavender Lemongrass bar
*1 French Lavender lotion in a purple organza sack
*1 Lavender Fields body mist perfume
*1 cotton sachet of organic lavender buds

♥

This would make a lovely gift for a teacher, friend, Secret Santa, hostess gift or gift to yourself to enjoy after the holidays are over.

Head over to Nature's Edge Herb Farm to pick up yours! :)

Have a happy afternoon,
Deanna



Crafty distractions

Hello readers,


Boy is it chilly here this afternoon. I apologize for being a bit absent again from the blog. If you're like me you're busy too trying to get Christmas shopping/prep done. I have to sit down later this afternoon to get a handle on what I've done and what I have left to do. 


In typical fashion, although I tried not to do it...I've veered a bit off course and got myself involved in a Christmas "project". I'm really diggin' making "scrabble tile" necklaces. The ones I've been prepping to make are actually round and rectangular. I got the itch to make them after buying the one pictured below. I get so many compliments on it when I wear it.

There are various shops on Etsy selling them but I was fairly confident I could make them. So, I spent hours upon hours looking at the graphics, jewelry supplies and paper cutting tools both online and in the local craft stores. So this is my current obsession/creative outlet/time consumer in my life!  I'll post some of my work when I finish a few pieces. I'm even thinking of making one for my son for Christmas with a soccer ball and his team number on it.


If you'd like to join the madness, here are a few of the places I've found my supplies:

Michael's and JoAnn's both carry the Fiskars "round and round" paper punches in 1 and 1.5 inch diameter. Use a weekly 40% coupon and you'll spend much less than you can get them for online. Both craft stores (and Hobby Lobby) carry the 1and 1.5 inch wooden circle/disks that will be the base of the pendants. I picked up the bails and ball and chain necklaces at Hobby Lobby in silver but they're probably not the best quality and the price wasn't great.  I already have Mod Podge but there are other glue/glaze products made specifically for this kind of crafting. I'll be trying out a product called Diamond Glaze very soon and also have Paper Glaze.


I've looked at several Etsy shops*{see list below} for graphics that I may buy from in the future. For now I've been raiding my scrapbooking stash for pretty designs.


I bought the bulk of my supplies from Candy Tiles Craft and Jewelry Supply on Etsy. My goodies should arrive this week and I hope to be crafting shortly thereafter! I can't wait!

Have a warm and toasty night with your loved ones,
Deanna


*A few Etsy shops that sell pretty digital graphics in 1 and 1.5 inch circles:
Charmed Memory Collage

Sabine Sydney

Kitsch & Kaboodle

P.S. If you have any questions about crafting these pretty little baubles, please feel free to contact me!

December giveaway sponsored by Nature's Edge Farm

My Handmade Addiction's

BIG

December giveaway 2010:

From Nature's Edge Farm


Regular readers know how much I love the handmade soaps, lotions and scrubs from Nature's Edge Farm. I've been shopping with Nature's Edge Farm since August 2009. I have never been disappointed with any of my purchases from John EVER!  ALL of his products are truly handmade. He doesn't use bases but rather blends all of his lovely bath creations with his own hands {not bare handed mind you, lol}.  He scrutinizes each ingredient as thoroughly as a scientist. I adore everything about his products from the ingredients to the packaging. Nature's Edge Farm also offers  very generously sized soaps (usually 5 ounces each) at very reasonable prices.  John makes using his handmade soaps an affordable luxury. Packages from Nature's Edge farm are shipped so fast I'd swear that we live in the same state.


Nature's Edge Farm first began in Canterbury, CT.  John recently moved to the gulf side of Florida. Boy those folks in Florida sure are lucky!  Local readers can buy Nature's Edge Farm soaps now at Kitty Deluxe in St. Clair Shores. Perfect for those of us who need "instant gratification".


If you've never tried handmade soap, do yourself a favor and buy a bar. I think you'll like the results. Please keep in mind that handmade soap is softer than commercial bars. Use a well draining soap dish and DON'T keep the soap in the shower. Soap lasts much longer when it can dry out between uses!


To view the details of the products in this month's HUGE giveaway, please click the following links:
holiday five pack
evergreen body lotion

snowflake soap

 +

  

bayberry soap

 +



citrus peel and pine

    +



Mistletoe soap

+

 

frankincense and myrrh soap

   +

evergreen body lotion

 

=
One thankful blogger,

One magnificent giveaway for December,

many people hoping to win,

One darn lucky winner,

&

{after using their prize}

One winner with soft, lovely smelling skin!!! 

HOW TO ENTER:

1) If you are not a follower of My Handmade Addiction please do so = 1 entry

2) "Like" My Handmade Addiction's Facebook site = 1 entry3) Comment below with your current email address = 1 entry

4) Check back here and on Facebook throughout the month of December for a few extra chances to win :)  

My sincere thanks to

John at Nature's Edge Farm 

for sponsoring this month's giveaway!

 You've made me a handmade soap snob!

December's giveaway will be announced tomorrow

Be on the look out for

My Handmade Addiction's

December giveaway 2010...

it's a great one!

November's giveaway winner announced...

The winner of the Sweet Potato Soap , a 5 ounce jar of Sweet Potato Sugar Scrub and a cream colored Soap Sack from Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium is.....Indira G!

Congratulations to you, Indira!!!!

More pre-Black Friday deals to share... savings from LouBird Handmade Jewerly

Hello Readers,
I have an exclusive offer for you! Karley over at loubirdhandmade.com just emailed me this special offer:

"I have a special code just for readers of My Handmade Addiction....enter code HANDMADEADDICT and save 15% on all orders now through 11/30 at loubirdhandmade.com! I even have a $5 sale rack to make room for all the new stuff going in this weekend, so there are some GREAT deals :) Karley"


Just a small sampling of the loveliness and great deals....


Gabrielle -- Dainty Yellow Rose Hair Pin Duo in Antique Brass, $5

Only  $4.25 with your 15% discount



Nathalie -- Jet Set Cluster Necklace in Black, $25

only $21.25 with your discount code

 

Gigi -- Green Vintage Olivene Dangle Earrings, $15

Just $12.75 with your discount code!!!


Head on over to www.loubirdhandmade and check off a few items from your shopping list or pick up something for yourself to wear over the holiday season!

♥Many thanks to dear Karley

for sharing this sweet deal with us♥

Let the deals begin.....

Everyone knows that Friday is in official start to holiday shopping. I have a few deals to share with you to get a head start on the Black Friday Madness. On Saturday posted about a fantastic product called Boot Buffers.


Boot Buffers shared a great 2fer deal with me.
Two pairs of Boot Buffers for $30.

 If you're extra, super nice to me, I'll let you in on another deal.........{is that you, being super nice.......thought so}.......Joan shared a super special coupon code with moi.  

use the coupon code "LOVEMYBOOTS" to get 10% off, starting immediately!

Be on the look out for more deals from some of my other favorite HANDMADE shops!

If you know of some great shopping deals, share the love either here in the comments section or on
 My Handmade Addiction's Facebook Page

Boot Weather

As the temperatures begin to flirt with the freezing mark, winter coats, scarfs, boots, knitted gloves and mittens all start making their way to the front of the coat closet. I like to be warm in the winter but not bundled up and sweaty hot {think of little Randy from A Christmas Story, bundled so tightly that he couldn't put his arms down }.  I prefer to wear thinner jackets or vests instead of big, heavy coats for all but the most frigid of winter's weather. 

Around mid-October I started getting the itch to buy a new pair of boots. If you too have been browsing boot styles recently, you've no doubt noticed this season's trend of above the knee boots. While I really like that look, I don't have the guts to purchase a pair. After much deliberation, I chose a pair of tall riding boots in an grayish taupe color.  The color coordinates well with browns, neutrals, charcoal, black and the pretty plums and peacock shades of the season. This versatile boot can be dressed up or down and therefore very practical and very "me". 



Under the knee tall riding boot



While watching a Piston's basketball game a few weeks ago I spied a casually clad, yet fashionable twenty~something wearing tall boots with woolly, warm socks peeking out of the top.  This look was simply adorable. Given my aversion to hot, sweaty feet, I suspected that translating it into a practical, everyday look for myself would be nearly impossible. Nearly! The next morning I scooted up to my keyboard and started browsing...where else but Etsy!  I didn't take long for me to hit pay dirt!

Boot Buffers are offered in a variety of colors, $16

 Boot Buffers knits up faux socks in an array of winter colors.

Marketed for ladies with small calves {not me} who need to "fill the gap" between their too big boots and their lovely little calves! These little knitted wonders are also just plain cute and give the illusion of wearing thick socks without the bulk! OK, I'm convinced...I "need" some!  My only "problem" is which colors of boot buffers will coordinate with most of my wardrobe... :) 

Pumpkin Pie



Nature's Edge Farm,  Pumpkin Pie soap, $4



I just realized that Thanksgiving is exactly one week away. This time next week I should be enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie with a cup of coffee.

My favorite soap shop sells a to die for, calorie free version of that traditional Thanksgiving dessert.  John from Nature's Edge Farm makes a Pumpkin Pie Soap that not only smells amazing, but is stunningly beautiful.

Why not order a bar to take as a hostess gift next Thursday. Your host or hostess may just slip you an extra piece of pumpkin pie to thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Have a lovely afternoon,
Deanna

De-stressing for the Holidays: Priorities vs. "shoulds"

Hello readers,
Today is the first installment in a series on maximizing enjoyment during the upcoming holiday season. Common sense tells us if we pare down on holiday obligations, we'll likely enjoy the activities we do partake in much more. So why is it that few of us actual do this? There are a host of reasons no doubt with guilt topping the list. As parents in particular, do we really want to be teaching our children to continue certain "traditions" that are obligatory, stressful and eat up precious time that could be spent elsewhere? The types of activities I'm talking about are very subjective and relative to your circumstances.  For example, several years ago when my son was but a mere toddler, baking cookies for Christmas was one of those nasty "shoulds" that jeered at me from my Christmas TO DO list. It wasn't feasible nor enjoyable at that stage in my life.

I stopped baking Christmas cookies for several years...not that I didn't get some "flack" from some who did not approve of my decision.  As my son got older, a nice family tradition has emerged in our house. My husband and I bake cookies with our son. I have to tell you, it's so nice having the extra hands in the kitchen. Eventually Cole's attention span and enthusiasm wanes, and Frank and I are left in the kitchen to bake those last few dozen cookies.  Even though the baking doesn't quite match up to the "perfect" scenario I have in my head, I still look forward to this annual tradition.

One reason why I actually look forward to it is because we've eliminated other less enjoyable "traditions", thereby  freeing up time and energy. By way of example, though decidedly beautiful and festive, our Department 56 Christmas village hasn't seen the light of a day in many, many years. It's not that I don't love it. It's just that the amount of energy and time it takes to set up isn't worth it to me at this stage in the game.

I challenge each one of you to identify one tradition you want to make time for this year as well as identify one that you'd like to ditch.  And please, please, please, do tell so you can inspire the rest of us!

Have a fine day editing your Christmas to do list,
Deanna