Monday, March 28, 2011

pure wonderful

What a wonderful weekend!

And it was just PURE WONDERFUL!!!

It started out with a wonderful first birthday party, to a very special little boy, I hold very dear to my heart!  Happy 1st Birthday, Behr!  We had a fabulous time, and Mama Bear you TOTALLY outdid yourself - it was FABULOUS!!!

Then Saturday was the Pièce de résistance.  Many of you that follow my blog, or that know me, know that this time last year, I was in the hospital, for what seemed like a REALLY LONG time! 

(For those that don't a quick recap:  At 24 weeks pregnant with my second I started to 'funnel' and was put on hospital bedrest, where I stayed so on til I delivered against ALL ODDS a very healthly and beautiful baby boy at 39 weeks!)

Well, this Sunday last year was the WORST day while I was on bedrest.  I had purchased tickets to the local Thomas the Train Event months in advance. And my MoNkEy and I were ESTATIC to go with Daddy, Nonny and Poppy!!!! 

But I did not get to go.  I remember that day all too well, smiling through the phone calls and 'acting' chipper' on the phone as I heard the excitment in the others voice as they got to see the amazement and joy on my sons face.  That day, I felt my 'emprisionment', but all for a short while, as I knew that I was there for a greater purpose and well....
This Sunday proved it!  I got to take BOTH of my beautiful healthy active and perfect baby boys to the Thomas the Train Event this year.  Even though the weather was cold and wet, it was BEAUTIFUL! 
oldest
youngest













It was so wonderful to see how excited they BOTH were riding Thomas, and interacting with one another during the activies!!!


Loving the train ride!!
I count my blessing and my lucky stars to be able to hold my two MoNkEyS tight daily, but Sunday was a very VIVID reminder of what could of been, and where we have come!  WOW!!!
Me and my MoNkEyS
And well, you know that the smiles and giggles and great pictures is only good for so long... and when we realized that we need a family picture the boys decided to revolt against us!!!  I LOVE IT!!!

I think this is my FAVORITE pic of the day :o)  HA!!!
Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Little Bunny Foo Foo and friends


Oh happy Spring.  Pretty soon we will be celebrating Easter 2011.  YEAH!  There is nothing so fun than watching the kiddies on a massive Easter Egg hunt!  I love it!  And this year is EXTRA special to me, since last year I missed all the fun 'outdoor' activities, while in the hospital on bedrest for my littlest MoNkEy to arrive safely a few months later ;)

I have a few of hunts planned for my MoNkEyS, but still trying to find/ figure out the perfect 'outfit' for each hunt.  I have made several items, which I hope that you, too have enjoyed, but if you are seeing something that you want just let me know.  I love requests!!!

Here is what I have been working on/ done:

 
 

Year mark Personalized Happy Easter Onesie or Tshirt

Personalized Peep, can be done in Any color
Yellow Peep :o)
Pick your own color peep and name



Then after what I have already stitched, there is also what I have too that I need to stitch out to place on Etsy.  Here is the Peek-a-boo bunny with a Ric Rac Egg.  Anny color combo can be done on this.  The pictures below show it either in green or pink.  You can also add personalizatioin if you wish, above or below.

 

Then, of course, I am constantly still 'shopping' for designs, looking around and trying to create something else Fabulous.  Here is an Spring Wreath that I am considering stitching, what do you think?


Hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of Spring.  Our weather here has been quite nice :o) and the MoNkEyS and I have ventured out on numerous occasions to enjoy it.  I hope you have too.



Me and My MoNkEyS wishing you a HAPPY SPRING!!


Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!!
Christina



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Professional

Professional:  According to whom?

In our house this work has many different meanings... but if you ask my husband, I honestly believe he thinks it is the equivelant to his name :o)  He can do 'x' once, or even merely think about completing it in perfect balance and he will deem himself a professional.

Rather amussing, isn't it.  I know even after 11 yrs, it still hasn't stopped making me giggle.

However, all jokes aside, this term has been on my mind ALL day.

Today I was told, in 'persons' own way that I was NOT a professional at what I do.  I merely dabble, or it is merely a hobby.  And quoted reference to someone else whom is a PROFESSIONAL at 'embroidery'.

So I must ask myself, What is a PROFESSIONAL?

And well, I called upon the ever so clever Mr. Toodles  Google.  Which lead me to Wikipedia and to this:

A professional is a member of a vocation founded upon specialized educational training
Main criteria for professional include the following:
  1. A professional is a person that is paid for what they do. Qualifications have little to do with being a professional as the world's "oldest profession" is strictly a monetary gain career. An amateur maybe more qualified than a professional but they are not paid, thus they are an amateur.
  2. Expert and specialized knowledge in field which one is practicing professionally.[6]
  3. Excellent manual/practical and literary skills in relation to profession.[7] ** I strive for this**
  4. High quality work in (examples): creations, products, services, presentations, consultancy, primary/other research, administrative, marketing or other work endeavors.
  5. A high standard of professional ethics, behavior and work activities while carrying out one's profession (as an employee, self-employed person, career, enterprise, business, company, or partnership/associate/colleague, etc.). The professional owes a higher duty to a client, often a privilege of confidentiality, as well as a duty not to abandon the client just because he or she may not be able to pay or remunerate the professional. Often the professional is required to put the interest of the client ahead of his own interests.
  6. Reasonable work morale and motivation. Having interest and desire to do a job well as holding positive attitude towards the profession are important elements in attaining a high level of professionalism.
  7. Participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs b : having a particular profession as a permanent career c : engaged in by persons receiving financial return[6]
  8. Appropriate treatment of relationships with colleagues. Special respect should be demonstrated to special people and interns. An example must be set to perpetuate the attitude of one's business without doing it harm.
  9. Professional Attire – Including but not limited to, dress slacks, long-sleeve button down shirt, tie, dress shoes, etc. ** This one I can't claim :o) ha!**
  10. A professional is an expert who is master in a specific field.
Interesting?!?!

I kinda thought so.  But I still don't know really what to conclude. 

Points are:  I do pay income taxes, I do pay monthly sales taxes, I have tax ID number, I do devote a set number of 'hours' to my work each day, uninterrupted, I have constant customer communication, etc...

So to this "persons" I didn't have a response.  I was actually utterly shocked.  I am first and foremost a full time Mom with a very busy schedule, but as a 'business' owner/ 'hobbyst';  I answer emails, convos and questions throught the entire day and constantly check in... then at approx 9 or 10pm, my 'work' day starts, and that is when I will create all the wonderful and beautiful pieces that are ordered.  This usually happens nonstop until around 2, 3 or sometimes 4am, then off to bed for a quick wink of sleep to start the day fresh with my MoNkEyS.

NOW, let me PLEASE say, that I didn't do this to call attention or woe to myself, just merely as a blog as "what was on my mind today".  It was a point that hit my heart because I do put so much into my shop and my work.  I don't ever want my work to be discredited because I don't have a personal website or a storefront, or a personal line or etc...  Maybe one day I will have all or some of those things but for now it is Me, Myself and I working at Three Monkeys Unique, here at my home, while I have the ultimate joy of getting to stay home and be Mom, first and foremost, to my two precious MoNkEyS!

Thank you so much to everyone who supports my shop, whether it is a hobby shop or a professional, none the less, I love all that I get to do for you!

Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina King

Oh Boy!

It surely has been that kind of week... 

A wonderful week filled with BLUE,

And well, as most of you know, I don't complain too much about that, since that is what consumes my wonderful home :o)

But this week, not only has been, boy, boy, boy... but unique boy...  Each item I have done has been 'tweeked' to perfection, to the perfect liking of Mum and Dad - How FABULOUS!

Here are a few snaps of what I've done.  Keep check out the facebook page for more pictures.

 


 








And of course, today is also UBER special because a winner was announced from Houghton Happenings!  Congratulations, Jacqueline Viera!!!  I look forward to working with you. 

And for all of you wonderful fans that entered and didn't win THIS TIME, don't worry here is a coupon code for 15% off entire purchase just for YOU!

Code: HAPPENINGS

Happy Shopping!  And don't be shy to convo me, to 'tweek' your own listing!

Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina King

Sunday, March 20, 2011

upset, but lesson learned

Tonight I feel like a grade schooler that wants to hide my report card from my parents!!!!

Tonight I learned that I recieved my FIRST EVER negative feedback on Etsy.  This was a COMPLETE shock to me.

I have had issues come up, as does any business, but I handle them; with what I thought was grace and dignity.  And this I thought was handled and both parties were happy at the end of the day, but 2 months after the purchase I find the feedback to be negative :o(

I must ask "Why?"!  If I did try and make the situation right, and offered alternative solutions, which none were taken, is it still fair and poliet to grade me in such a manner.

I know for those that don't follow/sell/buy on Etsy this may sound strange to you, but on Etsy, feedback is IMPORTANT.  It is your report card, the BBB, the end all tell all of Etsy buying.  I know that I look at it when buying.

For those that are interested here is the feedback:

"Private
Shirt was cute but the friend I gave it to said the back of the monogram was scratchy on her baby's skin. I also questioned the owner when I got the shirt about 2 loose threads on one of the letters and she replied it was normal and would not unravel. I just question that because I have gotten SEVERAL things monogrammed over the years and have NEVER had hanging threads on anything. Hopefully it wont unravel. I guess my friend will find out over time. "


Okay, and I am probably a little overboard, but my feelings are hurt.  Had I not tried to 'fix' the situation, and even refund the money since the problems announced really could not be 'fixed'; then yes, maybe I would of deserved it... but there were emotions and sleepless nights on this, so at the end of the day... my feelings are hurt, but I am going to have to get over it.

For those of you that have purchased from me in the past, know that I stand behind my product.  My babies even wear my work often, and I give my pieces as gifts to friends and family.  I promise you, that I would not sale/ send you something that I would not give as a gift myself.

But if for any reason, you are dissatisfied with your product, please contact me, in hopes that a happy ground can be found.

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina King

Thursday, March 17, 2011

St. Patrick's Day

(((PINCH)))

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Everyone!

Today has been a fabulous day, full of laughs and giggles... oh and the traditional errands and blah.  But with these MoNkEyS of mine, everyday is an adventure.

So I woke up this morning, knowing that it was GREEN wearing day and had everything laid out (in mind) on what I wanted the boys to wear - but low and behold I could not find the oldest MoNkEyS shirt. 


Personalized Shamrock Shirt by Three Monkey's Unique

So what to do, except make him something else to wear.... Funny enough, he decided in the midst of making his shirt that he needed input and did not want 'certain' things on it.   All in all, it ended up being a green shamrock :o)  Cute, but not what Mommie had in mind :o)

All excited, the MoNkEyS are handsome in their shamrocks and green, now it is PICTURE TIME... well... just see for yourserlf how that one went ....

And I had them sitting pretty, turned my back and heard ...
"No SIT here" ...  which lead to ....

"OH MOM, it wasn't me..."  as the youngest tries to 'escape'
Well, I give myself an 'A-' for the effort, maybe I will have better luck this evening AFTER nap time :o)

Hope everyone is enjoying their Saint Patrick's Day festivities!

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina King

PS. Both shirts made by Three Monkey's Unique

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Baseball

Baseball season is upon us and I just got the oppurtunity to do a wonderful design for a beautiful set of twin girls!!

This set turned out fabulous, and it only has my mind racing with all kinds of 'different' designs that can come from its creation...  Take a look below, and just think of all the wonderful fabrics and colors... OH the possibilities!!!

The design was the Baseball team on the front, and on the back, name and #.  The number was completed as an applique. 

Here it is:

Front of one and back of 2

back of both : embroidery for name and applique for number

close up - just because it's SO CUTE!
Hope that you like them as much as I did!  I can't wait to see pictures of these precious MoNkEyS in their outfits cheering on their team!  I know their wonderful Mommy will surely share :o)

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

new

new.

In the midst of getting the 'ball' back rolling and getting everything back into 'working' order, I have decided that we need 'NEW' :o)

Spring is quickly approaching, and it is time for COLOR!  I believe that Spring should hit in just a hand full of days, March 20th, maybe?!?  How exciting.  But with Spring comes, new beginings, beautiful flowers, the sunshine and funtimes.

so new...  Girls... I found this wonderful Ruffle Dress that looks A-mazing with applique or monogram.  Check it out:

Black & White, pink center,  Hot Pink Outline
Listed: http://www.etsy.com/listing/69981594/personalized-initial-applique-ruffle
 Isn't it just SO CUTE!  And you should see it on - GORGEOUS!  I just love the double ruffle on the bottom for the skirt and the ruffle sleeves!  Oh and if you thought that the black and white combo is CUTE, then you also must see the plaid that I LOVE LOVE LOVE...


Plaid, pink center, teal outline
Listed: http://www.etsy.com/listing/69981594/personalized-initial-applique-ruffle
  Isn't it great!  The plaid just says SPRING TIME is here!  Yeah Yeah Yeah!  I can't wait to do more of these and see the fabulous combo's that y'all come up with.  I have tons of Fabric options... Oh the FUN!

Now...  the girlies have something cute, and fun to wear this Spring and Summer, so what about all those handsome boys???

And if you know me, this is a problem that faces me on a daily basis, since, I have 2 handsome little MoNkEyS here :o)

But of course - the Romper/Creeper!!!!  I haven't gotten the order in yet, but here is what they will look like without the 'Three Monkey's Unique' special touch!!  I can't wait!!


Oh I am so excited!!!!  That will be PERFECT for my youngest MoNkEy and then of course, a matching tee for the older brother :o)

Spring Time... you are just days away and I await you.  I am ready to enjoy the wonderful days that lay ahead with my boys and in creating the wonderful pieces for your MoNkEyS to enjoy this Spring!

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Back in the saddle, and starting with FREE

Well after a much needed break and 'work-on' for the ole machine, we are in full motion now....

And I have to be honest, at first, I stood outside the studio doors and hesitated before entering, knowing that my life was going to change, again :o)  Oh, but not to worry, change in a good way!!  I LOVE THIS, I LOVE Y'ALL and I LOVE MY WORK!  How awesome is that!!!

What a great way to kick off the opening of the shop than with my first ever blog review and give away.

Go ahead and head on over to Houghton Happening's and follow along for your chance to win your very own boy or girl 3 pack!!!

I would love it for you to not only win, but to pass the word!  Please feel free to spread the love and pass the link around to anyone and everyone you know. 

I think everyone deserves to know of the awesomeness that is Three Monkey's Unique!!!


Okay, well as you can tell from that last liner, I might of had to watch Kung Fu Panda a few too many times while my machine was at the shop, and might of gotten a little carried away, but hey - I do take pride in my stuff, so I am showing it off ;o)

Enjoy this giveaway, and make sure to check out all the other great give aways that Houghton  Happening's has going on!!

I will keep my fingers crossed for you!  Oh and if you don't win, make sure to stay tuned... I am sure this isn't the last that you will be seeing of giveaways, coupons and speicals...


Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Once last time...  Check it out - HERE ;)

Thursday, March 3, 2011

I 'scream' you 'scream'...

These MoNkEyS SCREAM for ICECREAM :o)

oldest MoNkEy
youngest MoNkEy










And can you blame me... with 'sweet' faces like that, well, ice cream they get!

A lot of times, since Daddy travels, I let the oldest MoNkEy pick dinner.  I know, not the healthiest option... in fact... it probably explains some undesirable traits of mine that I would like to get ride of but... such is life and we are enjoying it! 

My 'baby'
Well this particular night, specifically the 24th of Feb, he choose noodles and ice cream.  And let me tell you, I worked hard on those noodles (wink wink)  -  Boy LOVES his Ramen Noodles. 


But much to my happy hearts surprise, I caught my sweet boy sharing with his brother.



Awww!  Sharing, melts Mommies heart
Loving those noodles


After the noodles is when the FUN began!  Just take a look:


give it to me...

Oh yes, this is MINE


What?!?!

A little cold, but working through it

Yummmmm
Double Yummmmm


triple yummmmm



Point of NO RETURN... Must finish!
What? No MORE!!!!

I WANT MORE!!!!!

Needless to say he LOVED it!  And well, you guessed it, straight to the tub they went! And yes, I know this is a mess and a pain to times to clean up, but, one thing I have learned (rather quickly) it is goes by WAY TOO FAST to worry about these little messes... it is more fun to ENJOY the MESS and clean when they are asleep ;)

Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

'the' band-aide

the original 'aide'
Okay well... I kinda thought this was a one time thing, but it continues.

My oldest MoNkEy is obsessed with band-aides.  More specially, ONE band-aide, that in leiu of the placement of the 'owie', the band-aide MUST be place in the center of his forehead.

This is not something that I did, nor my hubs, but the kid, himself, did one day to make his 'toe' feel better!!  Yes, in case you are unaware of it, a band-aide in the middle of your head makes your TOE feel better ;)


Man I love that KID!!! 

todays heart 'aide'
Well, today Daddy (aka the hubs) had to take flight again, and oldest MoNkEy woke up to find Daddy not home...  what did he do...

He ran and got a band-aide and put it on his head.  I guess, it also mends a broken heart!!  (melts my heart)

So no matter the looks I get in the store, a band-aide on the head will remain, since it makes him feel better!!! (remember, he is only three - he he he)



Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

PS.  So if you are family  or friends and see pictures of this MoNkEy, band-aide there - please note:  We did not bump our head ;)