Our 2012 'Kindness' Project

"I think what’s important for kids to know is that your decisions here on earth matter, your behavior matters and how you treat other people matters."
-Matt Damon; American actor

I make it a point, each and every day, to reinforce good behavior in my children (as we all do).  Anything from the usual, "Say Thank You", to the "Why don't you go out of your way today to talk to a new friend at school who could use SMILE?"  Do I always do a great job at it - - not necessarily :(  These conversations are usually quick ones as we're putting on clothes, brushing our teeth, hair, and eating cereal all at the SAME TIME!  I'm sure most of the time the girls are just nodding in agreement to make me go onto the next topic.  And this habit isn't JUST directed at the kids, it's at myself as well.  A simple reminder that small things DO matter, and it could be some random act that could literally make a huge difference in someone's day, or even life. 

I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, at all!  To be honest, I don't think I have ever had one.  This isn't a resolution for our family, but a 12 month 'project'.  My goal is very simple:  Kindness.  With working outside the home 3 days/week, running a small business, 4 kids under age 6 (and all their activities) I always struggle to find time to volunteer, or do the charitable things I wish I could.  Sure, we make a point to sponsor a family every year around the holiday, and donate to organizations and charities, but not to the extent we should.  And, it's not just about giving monetary gifts, but it's about donating our time or sharing things that can't be bought - a smile, a thank you card, etc...

I've shared with you my LOVE for Pinterest (lol), and have to say this wasn't a Pinterest idea.  I know...shocker!  *I can't say that a couple things I found on there didn't give me other ideas about how to make this FUN for the family though :) 

We have, effective today, a basket that sits smack dab in the middle of our computer desk.  it contains 12 envelopes, one for every month.  Each month contains an 'Act of Kindness'.

These gestures contained in each envelope are bigger gestures, things that are going to be a family affair.  We will be opening each envelope at the beginning of every month and working together to accomplish the Act of Kindness.  All of us brainstormed ideas and penned them to paper.  *Here is a sampling below.

The second part of the project are small, weekly Acts of Kindness.  Contained in the jar below are a bunch of things on paper that the girls will draw from every Monday.  They are smaller gestures that they will do each week.  This is merely a means to once again instill in them the power of kind behavior on a daily basis, but to make it FUN too.

I'm hoping this to be a successful, fun, family project for 2012...and one that you will share! 

xoxo
Beth

{Game Night} ...how it all works ;)

To keep everyone up to speed with Game Nights, and how they work...here ya go!

What are they???
I will periodically pick a night to share via Facebook a grouping of items (anywhere from 10-30 items) at a reduced price.  All different types of pieces are offered - anything from clips, to headbands, to bows!

How does it work???
I will upload a picture of each item for sale 1 by 1.  I will clearly state the description of the item (Details, Price, Qty available, etc).  The first person to comment with their email address gets the item. 

At the conclusion of the game I will send invoices (totaling all the items purchased) to your email address via PayPal.

*Important Note:
- The items are NOT *free*.
- If payment is not made within 2 days, your invoice/purchases will be canceled.

Happy Playing!!

It's a week of contests! :)

Ok, so in addition to the 'Photo' contest that is currently running (see previous blog post on how YOU can win $10 off your next Bow Chick purchase of $30 or more), I am adding another.

I think 500 is a lovely number, and I would love to hit that milestone of Facebook fans on or before Thursday.  Share the The Bow Chick with friends, and encourage them to say that 'you' sent them on my Wall.  The lucky person to refer my 500th Fan gets 1 item (up to $10 in value) *FREE*!  Yup, so you basically get $10 in credit ;)

**A couple ways/tips on how to share...there isn't a 'share' button anymore :(  BUT, you can copy and paste The Bow Chick Facebook Page link in your status, or you can 'tag' The Bow Chick in a post/status too.

Share away friends!  I THANK YOU ALL for being so wonderful, and allowing me to do something I just love!

Everybody Loves a Contest!

Summer is coming to an end, the air is feeling more fall’like every day, and I’m bummed.  BUT, Fall is my favorite time of the year!  And to kick start the ‘Back to School’ season, I am giving one lucky customer the chance to get $10 off your order of $30 or more.  And, what makes this so great is that it CAN be applied to your {GAME NIGHT} purchases!  So, coupled with the already *crazy* good prices offered that night, someone will cash in on MEGA good deals ;)

How do YOU get entered??!!

Post a picture of someone wearing one of your previous Bow Chick purchases to my Wall.  Your name will then be entered into the chance to win $10 off $30!

*Contest begins NOW and ends Thursday @ GAME TIME (9 pm EST).  Winner to be announced before the game begins.

Ready……..set…….POST!!

4th of July Hat winner!...AND a 2 hour *sale*!!!!

I am am super excited about my new line of accessories, and even more excited that I can share one of my first pieces with one lucky Facebook fan.  It is seriously TOO cute!  Many thanks to The Sweet Sugar Beet (http://www.sweetsugarbeet.etsy.com/)  for helping make these hats even more fabulous with her ahhh-mazing flowers.  You will thank me for introducing you to her, but your pocket book will not, lol.  You will want one of everything!

And now...drum roll pahleeeassse!!!!!!!!!! .......................
The randomly selected winner of one of the 4th of July Boutique Bow Chick Top Hats is........................
*Courtney Bennett Elliott

Congratulations Courtney, contact me to claim your hat, just in time for the 4th! :)

~ 2 HOUR SALE ~
Now (8 pm EST) until 10 pm tonight BUY 1, get 1 50% any items!  *Not valid on past, present, or future orders* 
If you don't see something in my shop/FB that you like, this IS valid on a custom request.  For example, if you see something listed on FB, or in my Etsy shop you like, but would prefer a different color/color combination.  Please email me thebowchick@ymail.com with your request and I will set up a listing for you.

THANKS THANKS THANKS SO MUCH to all who are now a fan of The Bow Chick, and all who 'shared' my page.  I frequently run deals for FB fans only, so check back often!

No rest for the weary! ...AND, and a little *giveaway* action ;)

For those that know me, I am the typical "do a million things at once" kinda gal.  Or, as I would like to call it, a "great multi-tasker".  (Well...I think I do great at multi-tasking anyway).  My motto is GO BIG, or GO HOME!!!  I thoroughly enjoy every day, and wake up anxious about what that day will bring, and all the enless possibilities it has in store.

With that being said, I am excited about what has transpired in a mere 6 months since I decided to go 'live' with The Bow Chick.  Late December 2010 I opened my Etsy shop, followed by launching TBC on Facebook.  Sometimes it feels as if I've been doing this for years, but then remind myself I am only on the 2nd half of my first year in business.  I am still a work in progress, and learning as I go.  But one thing is for sure, I am overwhelmed with the support I have received, and all the wonderful comments and new customers that contact me each and every day, referred to me by YOU...all of my fabulous customers.

The Bow Chick is now in 3 local boutiques, with a couple more 'pending' (hint...think resort town).  I too am overflowing with ideas, and will actually be putting them in motion this weekend...eek!!  I have hinted at what they will be on Facebook, but I guarantee they will be amazing! 

In lieu of all the exciting things going on...I want to announce 2 things:
1.  Facebook Fans only...20% your order of $20 or more.  Share with friends, encourage them to 'become a fan' to receive this limited, special offer.  Use code FBFAN20 upon checkout.  **You can contact me for a custom order too and I will set up your listing on Etsy for you.
2.  500 FANS - When TBC hits 500, I will be GIVING 1 lucky customer a *new* piece, that will be part of my expanding line of items, valued at $30!!! 

So...once again, I APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!!  I love what I am doing, and love making your girls pretty :)  Share TBC with your friends, and remember - 20% now for a limited time for Facebook fans, and an outstanding giveaway at 500!!!

xoxo

Hippoty Hoppity Easter's On Its Way!!!!

After being away for most of the week, I am slowly but surely trying to get back into things, and most importantly dig out from my emails!  I am so grateful that all of you have thought of me as the WARM weather approaches to be the 'go-to' for your little ones' hair accessory needs!

With that being said, I have been wanting to (and at the request of some customers) offer The Bow Chick Easter Baskets.  They will be a perfect gift on Easter morning!  

Details on The Bow Chick Easter Baskets:

-3 sizes (small, medium, large)

-Each size will have an assortment of hair clips, bows, flowers, & *headbands (large baskets only)

-The assortment of accessories will center around 'warm weather & summer' (think along the lines as flip flop ribbon, ice cream cone ribbon, bright & fun colors)  They will also contain at least (1) 4th of July themed piece (bow or clips).

-You do not get to hand select what each item will be, but you are guaranteed the following for each size:

• Small Basket $20 - (2) 3 inch single layer Boutique Bows, (1) multi-layer spiked Boutique Bow, Clip Set/Mini Flowers (over $25 value!)
• Medium Basket $25 - (2) 3 inch single layer Boutique Bows, (2) multi-layer spiked Boutique Bow, Clip Set, (1) large Flower clip (over $35 value!)
• Large Basket $35 - (2) 3 inch single layer Boutique Bows, (1) multi-layer spiked Boutique Bow, Clip Set, (2) large Flower clips, (1) Headband (over $50 value!)

These baskets will be adorable!  As soon as I have a picture of one completed I will post.  I will be setting up the custom Esty listing for these today.  

If you have ANY questions, just ask!

thebowchick@ymail.com

Thanks, and HOPPY Easter!