Bringing In the New Year

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People around the world finish each year with some sort of celebration.  For many it's a get together at someones home, or if you're in America, it could be joining thousands of others in some sort of public celebration.  And, that got me to thinking....what do people in other places of the world do to celebrate New Years Eve?  I did some research and found some pretty strange customs....well, strange to me since I grew up in the USA.....and thought I'd share with you.

 ~~There's a city in Chili, called Talca.  In mass, the people participate in a religious mass on New Years Eve and then they all go visit the graveyard.  They all pull up their chairs and wait for the year to arrive with the dead.  Gives new meaning to the word "dead beat" huh?

 ~~How about wearing brightly colored underpants?  You'll find many of the residents of Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia and other South American states welcome the New Year by doing just that. If you're looking for good fortune you should  wear red, yellow or other brightly colored under-wear past midnight. It's also believed to help one find a loving mate. Red means an amorous love life ahead and yellow expresses the desire to gain money and wealth. The wishes of the locals are expressed via their underpants.  Which begs to question....does that mean they wear nothing but their underwear on New Year's Eve?  Fortunately for me, I'm not superstitious because if I was, I'd have neither good fortune or the possibility of finding a loving mate in the New Year since I wouldn't be caught dead in any color of underwear outside my house!

~~My heritage is predominately Scottish, and here's a tradition I never knew about.  It's called the Hogmanay Festival and takes place on December 31st of every year (in the city of Edinburgh it actually takes place over 4-days!).  While holding blazing balls of fire & swinging them over their heads, the men parade through the streets of their town.  This practice is supposed to bring purification and sunshine.....just wondering how many end up with no hair by the end of the parade.  This tradition dates back all the way to the Vikings.....could that be an explanation for why there are  no more Vikings?

 ~~Okay....jogging over to the Philippines.....they wear polka dots and eat round food on New Years Eve. Their belief is that by wearing polka dots, and dining of food that is round in shape they will have prosperity.  You're wondering how the heck does a polka dot relate to wealth?  Polka dots are round, and so are coins.....and if you have a lot of coins you will be wealthy.  Okay--it's a stretch, but I didn't invent these beliefs!

 ~~In Ireland, the single women there have an interesting way of garnering a mate for the future.....they sleep with mistletoe under their pillows.  Far be it from me to tell another woman how to catch a man, but I just can't see this being really effective.  Plus, isn't mistletoe really a fungus?  My head is starting to itch while I type this stuff.........

~~Time honored American tradition--the midnight kiss.  There's such an anticipation about this particular kiss for so many, I can't help but wonder if it's as good as they dreamed it would be or what?  The superstition that goes along with the kiss, is the it brings true love.  I'm wondering how many drunken people have kissed each other at midnight on New Years and don't remember it the next day?  It's also rumored to wash away the bad memories and issues from the past, marking new beginnings.........but again.......is the anticipation more than the reality?  Just a thought. 

Regardless of how you celebrate, or don't, the new year does bring the anticipation of a new start, along with new challenges.
I'm particularly fond of this quote:

Every man should be born again on the first day of January.  

Start with a fresh page.  

Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, 

or let down one, according to circumstances; 

but on the first of January let every man gird 

himself once more, with his face to the front, 

and take no interest in the things that 

were and are past.  

~Henry Ward Beecher

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I'm off to put on some red underwear, with a polka dot bra, to eat my Oreos while sitting next to a large candle and praying the mistletoe pinned to my clothes doesn't catch on fire....

2012 Wedding Fashion Trends for Spring & Summer

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The trends for 2012 seem to falling in favor of the Romantic or Minimalist look for brides.  The Romantics will be choosing silhouettes that are  flowing with soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Many of the dresses will incorporate delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and laces, embellished with crystal, cubic zirconia, and/or pearl bodices.

The Minimalist will opt for the modified A-line skirt (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom).   Strapless gowns are perennial favorites, but this season will bring back the off-the-shoulder look for brides who want to accentuate their neckline or draw attention to gorgeous jewelry, as well as the illusion neckline (sheer fabric covers the area of skin normally exposed) for a soft elegant look.

As our international societies blend, you'll see more and more cultures blending their own customs and colors into one wedding.  The one thing is for sure, the "traditional" wedding is no longer constrained by  one color, and one way of doing things.  With access to the internet, television shows about weddings, and the time honored printed magazines about weddings, every bride is sure to find just her own look.

Colors are trending towards the vivid, as well as the soft neutrals.  You'll see these colors combined with lace and floral prints.   Black and white is coming on strong, with the navy nautical look as well.  Expect to see a myriad of patterns, stripes and bold geometric patterns.

As for the children who may play a part in the wedding, the one thing that seems to hold true, is the preferred suit for little boys is the traditional tuxedo.  Here at Adorable Baby Clothing, you'll find not only color choices, but various styles, from the tuxedo with tails, to the tuxedo with a cummerbund, to actually choosing the color of the vest and tie to coordinate with the rest of the wedding party.  No longer are you confined to black or white.

The flower girl dresses are incredible.  Not only will you find sizes from infant to big girls (here I mean pre-teen and teen), but the colors and fabrics are scrumptious!  You'll find a wide array of styles, colors, and many that like the boy's suits and tuxes, allow you to choose colors to coordinate with the wedding party.  Every dress is lined and has a crinoline slip sewn into the body.  Your little one will feel like a princess in the dress you choose.  The new spring styles that have started to appear are a mixture of tulle, embroidery, and yummy colors like soft butter yellow, mint green, as well as the splashes of brights like fuchsia, purple, orange.  There's just so much to choose from.  You'll even find the traditional flower girl baskets, and headpieces to compliment the look.

At AdorableBabyClothing.com, you'll find formal wear designed with classic styling, contemporary fabrics, and constructed with children in mind.  They're not only beautifully made, they're made to be worn.

Looking to the future........

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I'm sure we're all alike, thinking, "where the heck did 2011 go?".  I remember when I was little and some days used to drag by like they'd never end, wishing time would speed up.  My mother would tell me to be careful what I wished for......no truer words ever spoken.  As I've "matured" it seems like every day goes a little faster than the one before.

With that in mind, I was thinking about all the spring and summer weddings that are being planned, and how it may seem along way off, but in fact they're just right around the corner.  The details can be over-whelming if you aren't organized or have someone to help.  One of the details that rarely gets serious consideration is what the ring bearer and flower girls will wear.  Most people tend to think they'll go right out and find it at the very last minute and then end up in a panic trying to do just that.  If I had a nickle for every one of those phone calls I've received, I'd be laying in a hammock somewhere on an island right now....

Adorable Baby Clothing has some of the most beautiful and well made special occasion clothing for children that you'll find any where.  We keep our prices reasonable, and now offer free shipping on minimum orders of $40.00.  You'll find lots of dresses and suits can even be customized to match or compliment the colors of the wedding party.  

The details of our clothing is what is truly amazing.  The jackets of the little boy's suits are fully lined--no details escape the attention of our manufacturer.  The embellishments of the girl's dresses will truly astound you, from little tiny sequins and seed pearls, to satin bows and ruffles.......and the fabrics....oh my gosh the fabrics--gorgeous! Virtually every dress is lined and has a crinolin slip sewn into the body to make sure it doesn't lose it's fullness. The clothing you'll be receiving from Adorable Baby Clothing, is the clothing you'll pass on to the younger brothers and sisters, and eventually pack away as a keepsake.  They are constructed to last, designed for classic style, but always made to wear the way a child is going to wear them.

The new Spring Line has started to trickle in, and you'll find not only retro looks, but timeless classics that never go out of style.  We hope you'll stop by and take a look for yourself.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Christmas with Grandchildren....what fun!

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I have to confess....I'm in love with my grandchildren.  This year has been fun because the twins - Leila and Lilly,  are just reaching the age of "kind of, sort of, understanding" Santa Claus.  At least this was the first year they didn't scream and cry like someone had set them on fire,  trying to get off Santa's lap when we went to see him.  My little grandson (Calvin's, 11-months old) was more confused for the most part, I think because his sisters were sitting on either side of him, but towards the end of the picture taking he was on the verge of crying.

It's been fun going to see the Christmas lights in our area and hear the excitement in their voices when we pass the next house......they've told me repeatedly they NEED the same thing in front of their house.  So I'm thinking.....hmmmmm.....all the decorations will go on sale after Christmas....think I'll have to go shopping and get some exterior decorations for next  year. 

Christmas has changed for me......now I'm enjoying experiencing it through the excitement of my little grandchildren.  I even sat with Santa this year to get my picture taken....I think all of us should do that at least once or twice.....

I can hardly wait for Christmas morning!

Let's all eat cake....oh wait....what's that on top!?

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I've had the pleasure of meeting a lovely, talented lady who has the most amazing artistic talent.  Her name is Sachiko Windbiel, and she is the lead talent and owner of a company called Mimicafe Union @New York.  Sachiko creates the most incredible cake toppers you'll find anywhere.  Each one is hand crafted by Sachiko and her love for what she does is apparent in every one of her creations.

Sachiko worked for many years in various restaurants in Japan, and then by fate, met two talented women in Chicago and became fascinated with their pastry creations.  So inspired by what they did, she relocated to New York City, and enrolled and graduated from a culinary school there.  After she graduated she worked for a custom cake company in New York, eventually taking a leap of faith and starting Mimicafe Union.  Made of edible fondant, she creates a whole fantasy that will make the most simple of cupcakes, or cakes a marvel for all to see. 

I've listed her various links below, and you really need to take a look.  It's hard to believe that she can create such amazing little works of art.  And, by the way, they are shipped around the world.  So if you see something you love--let her know.  And, if you have a great idea, get in touch with Sachiko.....I bet she'll absolutely amaze you!

Oh! I almost forgot...Sachiko asked to use the design of one of the dresses from Adorable Baby Clothing for a topper and see for yourself....she captured the dress to a "t"!

http://web.me.com/mimicafeunion
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimicafeunion
http://mimiletter.exblog.jp

Times change & so do Things....

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Since I became "Adorable Baby Clothing.com" I've been on a whole new adventure.  Having owned another business, I thought, gee, how much different is a website from the traditional brick and mortar type store.  Well....let me say--they are two different universes!

The one advantage I guess I have, is I'm willing to try new things, and when I'm wrong I can admit it.  I'm not saying that's always easy, but only being human, I have to admit I don't know everything, and I'm going to make mistakes from time to time.  I have spent countless hours studying other websites, and talking to people to try and figure out, what brings success to some and failure to others.  I of course, want my site to be considered among the best of the best........but that takes some doing for sure.

As I studied other sites, I was seeing offers of free shipping, or various discounts--no real pattern of what was being offered.  I've offered discounts of various amounts on a fairly consistent schedule, but never offered free shipping.  However, I feel like I've entered another world because now FREE SHIPPING is available at Adorable Baby Clothing.  After visiting countless sites, I was able to come up with what I thought was a great deal.  If you make a minimum purchase of just $40.00, you'll get free shipping.  After looking at other sites, this is really a great deal--most require a much larger purchase.

Hope you'll stop by.  I'm starting to stock a lot of the baby and toddler boy's suits, as well as the LeTop line of clothes.  That means, you can order one day and if it's in stock, it will ship out the next!