The faces of Autism

I know it's been awhile since I've done anything on my blog, and once the kids are back in school it will become a priority again.

Having said that I'm many of you of you are aware of the hateful letter that has been circulating about a young autistic boy and the pure evil of a neighbor.

Having a child who is on the spectrum, this has become personal for me. Rather then focus on the pure evil of this letter, I want the world to see what autism looks like.

If you have a loved one or know someone on the spectrum please share your photo's. I have started a faces of autism album and I believe the world needs to see what autism REALLY looks like!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.628444087187742.1073741861.111552742210215&type=3

Here are just a couple of the faces - my son included.

This my 8 year old son Myles. He loves Pokemon, Star Wars, Skylanders, animals, lego and his family. He is the most amazing and protective big brother. He has a huge heart, a unique sense of humor and is incredibly smart. He teaches me everyday to think outside the box, to see the world from a different angle to accept other's just for who they are. I wouldn't change one single thing about him. He has autism.

Gavin is a non-verbal 8 yr old autistic boy who loves Blues clues, Dora and to laugh. He loves that he can read and spell and navigate a computer like a pro!!! We wouldn't want him any other way!!!!!

Super cute dress presale!

It's been a crazy, crazy time! I've been doing lots of fun creations, most of them being custom orders. I've also gotten in some really cute new supplies in and can't wait to get a little bit of time to start doing some more creating!

In the meantime I've ben doing clothing pre orders and I'm super excited as to how well it's been going, that I've been continuing on a bi weekly basis to add new items!

Be sure to check out what's available right now. If you have a wedding coming up and are still looking for that perfect flower girl dress - you don't wannt to miss this!

Be sure to check back soon for new creations!!


Pre order dresses!

Find out how to order your's here!

http://shelbystyles.weebly.com/current-pre-orders.html

It's a auction-bration!!

I can hardly believe it's been 3 years since I started this little venture called Shelby Styles. A stay at home mom, looking to bring in a little extra while doing something I loved - dressing up my little girl - Shelby Styles was born!

3 years later - here we are! We started at just hairclips and now carry headbands, hats, tutu's and so, so much more! We've grown, we've learned, we've struggled but most of all we've meet some wonderful people along the way.

So to all the other home based business who I've had the pleasure of connecting and working with - thank you! To everyone who has brought, passed along my name, and has continued to grow with me - THANK YOU! Without you all - Shelby Styles would be nothing.

Speaking of business's - there are some awesome ones who are helping us celebrate! Check out the awesome auction happening on my facebook page now! Lots of great vendors, lots of great items and some AWESOME give away items too!

Pop on over now!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.559709110727907.1073741833.111552742210215&type=1

Random act of kindness - for Newtown.

So, if you've been following my blog - you know that I along with many other's are participating in the 26 acts movement. A act of kindness, in memory of the children who lost their lives in Newtown, CT last December.

Although I haven't been keeping up as well as I did at the start, I'm very proud of this donation. I've been in contact with Hope Springs, located in Kitchener. For those of you not familiar with Hope Springs, it is a Cancer Support Center. (http://www.hopespring.ca/)

This week, I will be shipping out 10 adult hats, interchangeable flowers, and 5 completed headbands for cancer patients to wear. My hope is that these women will feel just as beautiful as they were before starting treatments.

I'm also excited as I've been in contact with a local child's cancer center and will be doing the same.

So in memory of James Mattioli, age 6 of Newtown, please pay it forward in memory of the lives lost in Newtown, CT.

Toronto International Auto Show and Barbie in the Pink Shoes

So, we had such a great weekend that I just had to share. (sorry, there won't be any product in this blog except what my daughter is wearing ;)

So, my 8 year old son is a big car fan! Can rhyme off the specs on almost any car like it's nothing. Last year we took him to the Toronto Internation auto show and he was in his glory. This year we decided to make the trip again, with our daughter as well. We had no idea she would enjoy it as much as he did.

From the beautiful and high value exotic cars, to the your everyday family vehicle we checked out quite a few. My daughter *tested* out the back seats, forming her opinions and letting us know if she approved. My son, eager to hop in the driver's seat to take everything for a *spin*. The highlight of his day tho, was taking a trip to Chevy and checking out the new Hot Wheels concept car. I gotta say, it's quite the beaut! However, Chevy was also running a twitter contest and I was able to snag my son his very own Hot Wheels Chevy concept car. The cool part was that packaging titled the car - 2013 auto show!

My highlight was finding the Ford *Shelby* Mustang, and snapping a photo of my daughter in front of it. Bet you can't guess why?!? ;)

Here are a few photo's from our day.

Sunday, I was lucky enough to have won tickets from Momstown Guelph to the premiere of Barbie in the Pink Shoes at the ballet school in Toronto. Leanne from momstown and myself got the girls dolled up in thier tutu's and headed down to the school for some pink popcorn, ballet shoes cookies, ballet dance lesson's, meeting Barbie herself and of course watching the new movie released this past Tuesday. (http://www.barbie.com/pink-shoes/) The girls had a great time. Here are a few photo's from that event.

Was a great weekend! By sunday night we were all wiped! ;)


Now, for those of you in the Guelph area - don't forgot to pop by and see us at the Fling into Spring sale being held at Groove Studios, starting at 10am! Lots of great vendors and awesome handmade items! Hope to see you there!

More wedding beauties!

I have to say, I am having soooo much fun playing with netting and feathers! I'm working on becoming a bit more risque with colour's to appeal to brides who prefer the out of the box wedding colours!

Here are a few more creations I did yesterday. Gotta say, kinda makes me wanna take the leap and tie the knot with my hubby. (Confused? Ya, my hubby and I have been engaged for almost 8 years! LOL)


Adorable for your flower girls, on a clip or a headband.

Another super cute and simple piece.

Brides???

Let us help cut your wedding exspenses while creating your perfect piece!

Easter is JUST around the corner!

Easter is creeping up quickly. This year it's the end of March. Have you put any thought yet as to what will be in your favorite little misses Easter basket this year?

No?!?!?


Well let me help! :)

I made these last year for a show, and they did so well that I've decided to start taking pre orders for this year!

Option 1:

Two home made chocolate suckers in your choice of milk, dark or white chocolate. 3 flowers on partially lined alligator clips, 1 corker and 1 headband. Comes in cute container/basket. Artifical grass will cover the sponges items are interested into.

Option 2:

Basket filled with choclate. 4 home made chocolate suckers (choice of dark, milk or white), 6 mini home made chocolates (choice of dark, milk or white), with decorations and foil wrapped eggs.

Option 3:

Have something else in mind! I'd love to hear it!

Please email me at shelbystyleshairclips@yahoo.ca to place your order today!

The Website is live!!!

I'm so excited to share with everyone, that I've finally got my website done and it's now live!

I've been wanting to do one for quite sometime and have just never had the time. One of my vow's this year was to get a website going - so here it is. I'm hoping in the near future to also be able to allow ordering online!

Check it out!

  http://shelbystyles.weebly.com/

Let us help make your wedding day perfect!

Wedding season is upon us, and you have no idea how excited I am to be branching out and creating wedding party and bridal pieces. I have been doing them by request, but was looking for something to add to my current creations. It was suggested I start making, and carrying wedding pieces. Viola! I'm also excited about booking into a bridal show this coming September!

Here is a sneak peek of some pieces I've done.

A stunning, but simple piece for the bride

 

Again, a simple but elegant piece for the bride. Would also be beautiful in different colours for the bridal party

Perhaps for your flower girl?

And for those non traditional brides

 

 

 

Have a piece in mind? I love to do custom work!

 

 

 

Partying Over here!

 

Not Just a House Wife

 

Sugar Bee Crafts

 

Hip, Hip, Hippity Hop!!!

Easter is on it's way! I'm seeing post's all over facebook with photographer's lining up appointment's for their little one's to have Easter photo's taken!!! That sent me a instant reminder that the holiday is early this year and right around the corner! Soooo, Easter goodies are starting to roll out at Shelby Styles. Here is a sneak peek of a few items that are currently done, ready to ship or ready to order!

This is one of my favorites. The ballerina bunny on two pink shabby's!

 

 

I'm also super excited about these clips! The photo's really don't do them justice. They are simply adorable!

 

 

 

 

Be sure to check back to my facebook page often. Lots of super cute items still to be added!

 

Switching it up a bit.....

So I decided to take a short break from my normal creations and play around with a few idea's I found on Pinterest.

I'm fairly pleased with they way they came out and may just add them to my collection of items for sell.

I've been wanting to try this one for awhile. Having recently reorganized my daughter's room and putting her in a big girl bed, I decided what better time to go ahead and do it! Although I need to perfect a few things, in the end I'm really pleased with the outcome!

My daughter's new hairclip holder. This one even has hooks for her headbands and hats too!

Isn't it cute?


I've also been wanting to start up a memory jar. This jar would be where everyone writes down a memory that has happened through the course of the year. At the end of the year, pull out all the memories and recount all the good times shared. I decided to decorate it a little and put a little twist on it. I'm sure you've noticed by now, I've got a thing for damask prints! ;)

 

Ta da!!! Our family memory jar!!!

 

 

Who say's DIY isn't easy?! :)

Hello Kitty.......

Do you have a Hello Kitty fan in your house? Check out these super cute set's, that would make an a fantastic gift for your hello kitty fan!

Hello kitty adjustable ring fitting sizes 3.5 to 8, with hello kitty flower on partially lined alligator clip

 Hello kitty adjustable ring fitting sizes 3.5 to 8 with matching fully lined hello kitty clips.

Hello kitty adjustable ring fitting sizes 3.5 to 8, with hello kitty flower on partially lined alligator clip

Valentine's Day is around the corner!

So, I had originally decided to not do anything for Valentine's day unless it was requested by a customer. Having some personal things happening and knowing that Valentine's day isn't a huge market when it comes to little ones I was going to shift my focus on Easter. However, I just couldn't resist putting together a few items for this special day! Here's a photo of a few items currently available.

If your still looking for that perfect something for your little for the day of love - be sure to check out our FB page for details to purchase.

http://www.facebook.com/ShelbyStyles

Fantastic Photo's - T&J Photography!!!

 A big thank you to Amanda of T & J Photography for her donation of a birthday party package in the Auction for Tracy. I am thrilled to be able to feature her beautiful work on my blog! Def, check her out!

 

T&J Studios Photography is located just outside of Alma, about 30-40 minutes from Guelph or Waterloo. I am a full-time mom and a part/full-time photographer (depending on my schedule at the time!). I love my kids, and they are the reason behind the name! (T = Trent, J = Jocelyn). They are my muses and my best models! They are getting pretty good at it too! I even have them thinking and talking like me!

T&J Studios Photography has been operating since October of 2010 but came into full swing this past year. I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many families' moments. It's such an honour to work with each and every one of them!

I would love to be a part of your life experiences so you can remember those moments forever!

Please check out our website www.tandjstudiosphotography.com to see the various packages we offer. If you don't see something you want, contact us and we can help you preserve your families' memories.

Thanks,

Amanda Belec Newton

www.tandjstudiosphotography.com

 

 

 

 

 

Super Scents with Scentsy!

Melissa Cahoon, a independent lead consultant with Scentsy provided a awesome prize package for the auction for Tracy! I have to admit I am a bit of a Scentsy addict with way too many bars and 4 plus in warmers floating around my house! Once you go Scentsy, I dare you to go back! ;)

Dress up a room with a Scentsy warmer, add one of 80-plus fragrances, and enjoy! Wickless, flameless, and smoke free. Scentsy also carries travel companions, and Scentsy buddies. The Scentsy brand has also introduced new lines! Layers bath and body line, Grace Adele purses, jewellery and accessories, as well as Velata, which brings you chocolate fondue in your favourite, specailly designed, food safe warmer. Scentsy is a fabulous direct selling company to be a part of with many incentives to work towards. You set your own goals, and acheive them!

January is double hostess rewards month!

Our new Spring/Summer 2013 catalogue launches March 1st!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Melissa-Cahoon-Independent-Scentsy-Lead-Consultant/264065966973830 

Adorable Petti Dresses - Your princess will want one!

So, I'm slowly getting over the craziness of the holidays and clearing out everything that is *so last  year!* :0)

I'm slowly starting to add new items, and one of our first pre sale's of the year are these super adorable petti dresses! Great for Easter, photo's or a warmer weather wedding you know you'll be attending this year.

Available in sizes 3mos and up to 4 years. A steal at just $15. Follow the link for more details!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=525354047496747&set=pb.111552742210215.-2207520000.1358819628&type=3&theater

Bottle Caps, zipper pulls, bracelets and more! Kahn Kidz

Another one of my friends who was kind enough to help out by donating some awesome items to the Auction for Tracy.

Check out Lisa's amazing work through her company Kahn Kidz.

I started Kahn Kidz actually as hobby.  The very talented Mandi from Shelby Styles was making cute bottlecap corkers for my daughter.  I thought it would be relaxing to produce the caps and use as a creative outlet.  Well my little hobby that started because of Mandi has snow balled and we continue to grow.  I make bottlecaps for hair clips, bookmarks, magnets and zipper pulls.  Kahn Kidz is just launching into kids jewlery inspired by my daughter Avery.  Check us out on facebook or email me at kahnkidz@gmail.com.

I LOVE Momstown Guelph!

Leanne Ballard, my friend is also the owner of our local Momstown chapter. Not only does she provide some awesome programs for the tots, but there are also some cool events and trips to keep the kiddo's entertained. Momstown offers up events for JUST moms too!!! Imagine that - a group for Mom and babe!!! Find out more about Momstown:

Momstown.ca is for neighbourhood moms in Guelph, Ontario and the surrounding towns of Fergus, Eramosa and Rockwood wanting to connect for support, conversation and just plain fun. We bring you an online calendar chock-full of momstown specific events, a 24-hour interactive message board (perfect for those sleepless nights), and exclusive member privileges and discounts. Click here for a photographic glimpse into momstown. Or join us today for a FREE two week trial membership!

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/momstownguelph?fref=ts

Twitter https://twitter.com/momstownGuelph

Spice up your Valentine's Day! Passion Parties

A big thank you to Lisa Clarke, a local Passion Parties rep for her donation to the auction for Tracy. Check out her feature!

Putting the Va Va Voom back in your Bedroom!!
My name is Lisa and I am a SAHM by day and Passion Diva by night!!
Are you thinking GIRLS NIGHT IN? Are you thinking FUN? Are you thinking UNIQUE & MEMORABLE? Then you were right in thinking PASSION PARTY!!!!!!
I offer in home, CONFIDENTIAL shopping to ignite your Inner Diva!!

You and your friends will be treated to a great night of giggles, education and sassy secrets. A cross section of products are brought into your living room and I will explain how to bring different types of toys, lotions & edibles into the bedroom to enhance the passion!

I am located in Rockwood, Ontario but am happy to travel so contact me and let's get your party set up!!!!

FB Page http://www.facebook.com/PassionPartiesLisa
passionpartiesbylisa@hotmail.com
519 856 0594 (texts welcome!)

Usborne - Heidi McNeil

 Our *Auction for Tracy* feature vendor is Heidi McNeil, a local Usborne rep. My kids have some of these books and not only are they fun and colourful, but educational too! A hit for children of any age. Thank you Heidi!

I'm so excited to share Usborne Books with you! I've been with the company for close to 3 year and I love their books and I love watching my kids read their books! The company is based out of the UK but has been in Canada close to 20 years and was named Children's Publisher of the Year 2012. They specialize in high quality and educational books for children from babies to teens and with over 1500 books in the English catalogue, there is truly something for everyone! Whether it's a touchy feely board book, an internet linked resource book, a drawing and doodling book or one of our many readers or novels there is something for even the most reluctant readers!

Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/readingwithheidi or check out my webpage www.usborneonline.ca/heidi