Random Thoughts of a Homemaker: Boutique Critique!

I've been suckered into the world of facebook and blog giveaways! I've been pretty lucky so far, too, winning about 1 a day. Of course this does not count the ratio of entries to wins, but I'll still consider myself lucky. :o) Anyway, most of the winnings I put into our Relay for Life gift baskets which we'll sell drawing tickets for at our event in July to raise money for the American Cancer Society. And when I do win an item and put it into the Relay Baskets (as they're affectionately known around here), I post a thank you and give kudos to the business we won from on our Relay for Life blog: Raven's Rascals. There are some winnings, though, that just don't make it into the Relay Baskets because the 5yo (known here as Thing 4) finds them utterly beautiful, princessy and too irresistible to not be in her possession. Most of these have been the hair pretties. So, I've decided these boutiques need some shout out kudos as well and figured that my Homemaker blog would be a great place for that to happen.

We had 3 different packages come our way this week and it demanded an outdoor photo shoot since it was our 1st warm, sunny day this spring. Only one of these items was an actual giveaway winning from a boutique. The other 2 boutiques sent items I purchased for the diva in training, but they also get kudos!

1st: Shelby's Sweet Bows

We won our choice of an interchangeable hair bow. If there's one thing Thing 4 likes as much as princesses, it's ballerinas! So she chose the Ballet Slipper interchangeable bow. Basically, the ballet slipper can be worn with the white bow or separately.

The bows are well made and passed what we call, the Spin Test. The Spin Test is Thing 4 spinning in the bucket spinner at the playground as fast as she can which is fast enough that we all become dizzy just from watching. The bows stayed put and when she finally stopped spinning, her hair was still in perfect position. Quite an accomplishment!

2) Next is what we're now calling the Roller Derby Diva outfit. I purchased this tutu, leg warmer, bow set from Sweetie Pie Couture. It received quite the workout today, let me tell you. And everything withstood Thing 4's constant activity beautifully! She skated, blew bubbles, played soccer, went on the slide, climbed the rock wall and more all while looking the part of the princess she so enjoys! Nothing snagged, nothing tore and this bow also passed the Spin Test! It's great to have an outfit that looks delicate and sweet, but can withstand a tough day with the Roller Derby Diva!

3) Last, but not least is an Easter Grab Bag I purchased from Little Princess Bow Boutique. It was fun opening the package and finding 3 cute bows inside! All passed the Spin Test with flying colors and all are unique in styles and colors so that they would work with a variety of outfits.