Bella Bama The Boutique: Journey to Becoming a Work at Home Mom

It's been quite a while since my last blog post! I've barely had time to eat and sleep, let alone write. Reason being... I've ventured into the world of becoming a stay at home mom!

I once said "I could NEVER be a stay at home Mom"... I believe this was when I had gone weeks with no sleep, was still exclusively pumping, and had a newborn relying on my every waking minute. A trusty neighbor said, "Never say never," and he was RIGHT!

While I LOVED my job and everyone there, my heart ached everyday to be with my baby girl. It seemed as if I blinked an eye and she went from a tiny helpless newborn to this sassy independent 'big girl'. WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!?

Time is a crazy thing... B and I were just saying how the year I was pregnant seemed to DRAG by while this year has seemed to fly by at exponential speed.

I had to find a way to be home with my baby. I was at the point of depression it hurt so bad to leave her each day. I wanted something more. More time with little B and doing something not only that I loved doing, but that could help others as well.

B and I worked and re-worked the budget. The numbers just didn't add up for me to be a SAHM (stay at home mom). And I mean we worked it every which way... scraping by didn't even cut it.

I even asked other SAHMs how they managed it. Couples that seemed to have similar lifestyles as us. No one seemed to have an answer except it will take sacrifice and to PRAY.

So pray is what I did.... In the meantime I continued to sew as a hobby for a little extra spending money on the side. I created a few dresses for Brinley and posted them to my Facebook page. People started asking how they could buy them... a lot of people! I sold 20 of each dress in a matter of a weekend and then it hit me... THIS is what I can do to be at home with my baby!!!

After much more deliberation, a business plan and some more budget finagling, we decided to just take the leap of faith and do it. I put in my notice at work and we committed to me staying at home and starting my own business... Bella Bama Boutique.

The name might sound familiar ;) In fact, I've had Bella Bama Boutique with a little elephant scribbled on a sticky note for about a year now... hoping one day my dreams would become a reality.

With the patience, dedication, love and support of my husband my dreams ARE becoming reality! There are days that the going gets tough, but that just makes me work harder at what I do.

I have the best of both worlds... I get to work from home doing something I love a few days a week (and a few long nights too) while little B is at daycare (which was very important to us that she remain) and I get to spend the other days cherishing and playing with my baby girl!

My advice to anyone who is yearning to stay at home... PRAY! Glorify God in all that you do. Evaluate your talents and the areas you're willing to sacrifice. Eat out less. Reinvent your definition of vacation (think camping instead of all inclusive beach resort). Shop less (my SAHM wardrobe includes t-shirts and Nike shorts). And did I mention PRAY?

I want to give acknowledgements for those that have helped me begin this journey...

To My Wonderful Husband- That you for your support. Not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually. I could have never done this without you - even though it took me a while to convince you and I'm still not so sure you're 100% convinced! You have given me some of the greatest gifts I will ever know... our beautiful daughter and true love (not to mention my very first sewing machine). This past year has gone by so fast. I wish I could relive it over and over and cherish each and every second with you and Brinley. I love you and thank you so very much for giving me this opportunity and supporting me!

Mom & Dad- Thank you for raising me up in my faith and values. For all that you've instilled in me and all that you've given me. Now that I have a child of my own, I know the indescribable love a parent has for a child. That being said... sorry for all of the attitude I showed. I am sure I will reap it times two with miss attitude! :) Thank you for all that you've taught me. And Thank you for the gift of my first monogram machine! Mom- thank you for teaching me how to sew. I never would have dreamed this time a year ago when I was scared to sew a straight line, that I would be doing this for a living. Dad- thank you for being the best example of faith I know. And for showing me that anything is possible to those who work hard and have dedication. I would never have the courage to have my own business if it weren't for your example in yours.

Dee Dee & Poppa Lu- Thank you for raising Brandon to be such an amazing person, husband and father. He is so hard-working and I know he gets that from both of you. Thank you for always being there to watch Brinley at the last minute for us. And thank you for your encouragement. I WILL have a booth at Tannehill sooner or later!

Brittany Willis of Chic-A-Dee Embroidery- Thank you for your guidance and help in getting started! I know I asked you so many questions and I am so thankful for your encouragement and support.

Katie of My Little Monsters- Thank you for creating my beautiful website! You took my vision and made it a reality!

Maria at Style Graphic Design- Thank you for creating my Logo! It was one of the first things that made this all seem like a reality! You took my sticky note sketches and created the perfect image for my business!

Pam Brown- My amazing seamstress! I am so blessed to have you. I would be up many MORE nights if it weren't for your help. I am so excited to work together and to see where this journey goes!

My Amazing Customers- If it weren't for you I wouldn't have a business at all! Thank you for your patience and understanding and support. There are times when life and family takes priority over business, but everyone has been more than understanding and so very patient. I look forward to the ideas you bring and the customs we create. Most of all I look forward to sharing the memories and occasions with you as your children wear my clothes!

And most importantly I thank God. For His grace in allowing me to do this. I hope through my boutique, I can spread his Joy, Word and Love to others. "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" - I Corinthians 10:31. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" - Colossians 3:23

Chronicles of Making Homemade Baby Food

Of the many memorable milestones your baby will reach in the first year, one of the most exciting (and messy) is the transition to solid foods. There are many benefits to making your own baby food... you know exactly what's going into it and it's MUCH more economical than buying the pre-packaged stuff from the grocery store. It takes little time, and it's just as convenient! I've done the math, and I can make about 3x the amount of baby food for the same or less cost as the packaged stuff!

Not to mention, for those of us moms who choose to provide breast milk, this is another great way to provide nutrition for your baby! :)

There are many methods, but I am going to share my basic, no need to buy any fancy baby appliances version and recipes to making it homemade. All you need is a pot or pan to boil water in, and your everyday old fashioned blender! (And regular plastic ice cube trays if you plan to freeze) :) I usually whip up batches of baby food on Sunday afternoons about once or twice a month!

To freeze: I spoon puree into ice cube trays (each cube is approx 1oz), cover with plastic wrap, place in freezer, pop out frozen cubes and store in labeled zip-lock freezer bag for up to 3 months!

Here's the list of things I've made thus far, and how I made them...

Bananas: Probably the easiest to do... Just take a ripe banana and mash it up with a fork. To make a batch for freezing, put a few bananas in the blender with some water and blend away. Pour puree into ice cube trays and freeze! (I like to add banana puree to apple sauce or rice cereal)

Sweet Potato:  Wash & peel sweet potatoes. Cut into cubes. Boil until tender. Put cubes into blender and use left over boiled water until you reach the desired puree consistency.

Peas: Boil peas in a saucepan until very tender. Put into blender and add leftover boiled water to puree to reach desired consistency.

Carrots: I use baby carrots... You guessed it - wash, boil & blend!

Butternut Squash: Wash, peel, cut into chunks (remove and discard seeded portion), boil & puree.

Prunes: Boil & puree (I use a lot if the left over boiled water for these). Prunes don't freeze well, so I just put into small containers and store in the fridge.

Apples: Peel, core, cube, boil & puree.

Rice Cereal: See recipe posted on my blog HERE.

Brinley trying Sweet Potatoes for the first time!

Just a note, baby may make faces at first... but before deciding baby doesn't like that food, keep trying. They say it may take a few times for the baby's pallet to warm up to the new taste. For example, Brinley hated bananas at first, and now they're one of her favorites! Also, when introducing a new food, they say to wait 4 days before introducing a new solid to check for reactions.

One of my greatest and most trusted resources for homemade baby food is Momtastic's Wholesome Baby Food !

Christmas Stocking Tutorial & FREE Pattern

Materials:
1/2 yard main fabric
1/4 yard cuff fabric
1/2 yard liner fabric
20"x30" piece of batting
6" ribbon/ric rac
coordinating thread

Instructions:
1. Print FREE Stocking Pattern lay them out and tape pieces together as shown on pattern.
2. Cut out 2 of each in the large stocking shape:

• Main stocking fabric
• Batting
• Liner fabric

3. Cut 1 of each for cuff:

• 20"x5" piece of batting
• 20"x10' piece of cuff fabric

4. Assemble main fabric and batting for stocking (right sides together) and sew along seam, leaving top open. You'll have a layer of batting, main fabric piece, another main fabric piece (right sides together) and another layer of batting. Once this seam is sewn, turn right side out.

5. Sew liner pieces together and insert into main stocking piece. The main stocking portion is done, now we just have to add the cuff and ribbon for hanging.

6. Assemble and sew the cuff piece. (fold cuff fabric over batting piece and sew ends together to form a circle. If you want to monogram your stocking, now is the place to do it!

7. Insert ribbon for hanging and cuff into stocking (right side in) and sew to top of stocking.

8. Fold cuff over and hang on the chimney with care! :)

Note: I wanted to go ahead and post the pattern for those of you who want it... I will add pictures to go along with the tutorial soon! For now if you need help, here's a great tutorial with a similar pattern. http://fabricworm.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-stocking-tutorial.html

Mad About it Monday ~ OPI Malaga Wine

Just stopped by Ulta to pick up a few things and found this gem of a nail polish color! Perfect for fall/winter and even more perfect for us Alabama fans (Roll Tide! How about that nail biter against LSU? Good thing I painted my nails AFTER the game!)

The color is OPI Malaga Wine. The first coat goes on red, but with a few coats and drying time, it comes out a RICH beautiful Deep red. BEAUTIFUL.

It's my new favorite. I think it's going to replace the OPI Lincolin Park After Dark I've been wearing the last few seasons.

What's you're favorite polish color for fall?

3 Gifts for Christmas: Just as Jesus Received

Now that October has come and gone (where did the time go!?!) I thought I would share a tradition Brandon and I hope to practice with our own little B for Christmas!

I believe I first heard about this idea on the radio. The poem says, "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read." Naturally, my husband being the frugal accountant he is - we liked the idea. This idea is clever enough, but we really wanted to incorporate the true meaning of Christmas into our gift giving.

I searched a little further (http://www.habitsforahappyhome.com/2010/10/three-gifts-for-christmas/) and saw the idea of only giving THREE gifts for Christmas... Just like Jesus received.

What a wonderful way to remember the true meaning of Christmas and share it with your children time and time again! So here it goes, taking these two ideas and combining into our own little Shipley tradition...

Just as Jesus received; Our gifts, they come in three.
Something to share. {toy}         (Gold- Royalty.)
Something to wear.  {clothes}   (Frankincense- Divine)
Something to read.   {book}     (Myrrh- Sent to die for our sins)

{Disclaimer: Grandparents feel free to spoil little B however you may like ;) LOL}

 For more on the story of Christmas and the meaning behind the gifts of the wise men... http://www.helium.com/items/1258365-meaning-behind-the-gifts-of-the-wise-men

I love the idea, especially for B's first Christmas since she'll only be 6 months old. (What do you get the 6 month old that has everything?) We love clothes, and I think it would be fun to get her very first bible, or a nativity/Christmas story book, and I'm not sure about the toy... maybe a play kitchen of some sort. I'll be bargain shopping and consigning for that one! I can't wait until she's old enough to truly understand the story of Jesus! It will be so much fun teaching her and sharing His love with our own little one.

FREE Printable Door Hanger ~ Pumping in Progress

Because I've been walked-in on a time or two, here is a FREE printable door hanger that I created for breastfeeding/pumping! I thought I'd share for any mommies who pump too!

Easy Peasy Shrimp and Grits

This has become an EASY weeknight staple in the Shipley household. I randomly threw it together one night, and it stuck!

Ingredients:
1 bag Frozen cooked shrimp, peeled, tails off
1 onion diced
3 Bell Peppers (use assorted variety for added flavor/color)
Cajun Seasoning (we use Southern Flavor)
4-6 packets Instant Cheese Grits
Milk/Chicken Broth
Sausage (We like Conecuh spicy!)* optional
2 tbsp olive oil (vegitable or canola is good too)

In a skillet heat oil and add onions and bell peppers (and sausage if you're using it). Simmer 2-3 minutes until onions sweat. Add shrimp and cook on medium until shrimp are pink and cooked through 10-15 minutes. Season with cajun seasoning to taste.

In a saucepan, cook grits as directed. To add flavor use 1/2 milk 1/2 chicken broth until grits reach desired consistancy. If you don't have either, you can use water and cook as directed.

Put grits into bowl and top with shrimp/onion/pepper mixture. Serve and enjoy!