Football and a winner

It's football season! 
We had a fantastic Saturday.  The boys got dressed up in their football gear, ate some pizza and watched the OU game.  So glad for football Saturdays again! 

Celebrate your favorite team with a matching hair bow.

Get ready for this football season with some bows to match your favorite team.  Any of the bows in our sports section can be made to match your favorite team

Congrats to kimlee!

She wins the lil spidey clippie:)

In the Kitchen

So I've been enjoying so time in the kitchen lately....Cheddar Dill Beer Bread and the best part...homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Yummy!

Here's the link the bread.  It's so simple to make.  My only comment would be not to use a dark beer.  Something light would have been better:)

 Here's the recipe for the Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Loved these!  The recipe is for making it in the crockpot, but I just did stove top and it was great.

My Weekend In Pictures

1. New hair!  Thanks Brandi:)


2. Taught a hair bow class


3. Did lots of cooking, that's a picture of Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese


4. Tyler is wearing 3 months clothes now


5. We had church service on Friday, a Connect meeting on Saturday, then service on Sunday followed by a staff meeting:)


6. Got our weekly meals planned and To Do List ready

My Babies Are With Jesus

I was talking to God last week and He reminded that Baby Zee, our second child, has been with Him in Heaven for a year now. I was also reminded that it's been three years since our first baby met Jesus.

Growing up the only thing I wanted to do was to be a wife and a mother. I was married at the age of 23 and was surprised when after a few years of marriage, life was perfect and the thoughts of children still seemed far away.

Five years into our marriage I finally passed a pregnancy test. My husband and I always joked about my inablity to pass a test. I always failed my "tests" but this time was different because I had passed with flying colors!

Our frist Dr visit with Baby Zee

It was so exciting to be pregnant and my husband was already looking forward to being a dad. For the first time in our marriage we felt like we were ready to be parents. Unfortuantly, the pregnancy didn't go to term and our baby went to be with Jesus in Februray of 2009. We found out we were pregnant with our second child on July 4, 2010.

Once we passed the point in the pregnancy where we had lost our first baby, excitement began to build. I had a dream that we were having a boy and in the dream we kept calling him Zee. The dream seemed to give our baby an identity, something for me to picture and hold on to. It's amazing how that in just a few weeks you fall in love with a baby you've never meet. All Matt and I could talk about the next few days was baby Zee. Baby Zee had quickly become a big part of our lives.


Just days after the dream there were complications and I knew that our time with baby Zee would be short. The night we lost him was physically and emotionally hard. I don't think I was able to grasp what was happening. The only thing I knew is that I could trust God with all of this and He would be just what I needed.

While going through it, God reminded me of a video I had seen on YouTube a couple of weeks earlier. The video was of a lady singing while she was in labor. It was the most peaceful, anointed song I had ever listened to. I played the video over and over and it brought such peace to me that night. God always gives me what I need, even if it's through YouTube:)

My husband's mom died when he was a little boy. I miss the fact that I never got to meet her and often wonder what it would have been like to have known her. A few days after losing Zee, God gave me such a precious picture. Baby Zee would get to meet his grandma in Heaven. She would look after her grandson until I got there. It brought peace to me knowing that even though Zee wasn't with me, he had his grandma there with him. At that point I was able to let him go, knowing that he was in good hands with grandma and Jesus.

Ty, 2 months

Just 3 weeks after loosing Zee we found out we were pregnant again. Our third son, Ty, was born just 2 months ago in June and I treasure every moment I have with him. I know that someday he will get to meet his brothers in Heaven.

Before Ty came, I was reading the book, Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. There is a part of the book where the wife talks about losing her daughter and her being in Heaven. That book really struck a cord with me and I would highly recommend it to anyone that has experienced the lose of child during pregancy.

Even now as I'm writting this, tears are flowing as I realize how much God has brought us through in only 6 years of marraige. God has been so faithful to us. I know that no matter what is going on down here in my life, my babies are safe with Him...and their grandma in Heaven.

Growing baby boy

Our little one is getting big!  10 weeks old today. 

He's still our little guy weighing in a 11.5 lbs and 22"long

My new favorite dish.

Chicken Artichoke Pasta

This is one of my new favorites.  I found the receipe through Pinterest and "loosely" followed the directions:)

Here goes my version of the recipe. I highly recommend trying this!

2 chicken breast, cubed

16 oz of pasta shells

16 oz bag of spinach, thawed

4 oz cream cheese

2 cans of artichokes, quarted

2 C of shredded cheese, divided

1/4 C of Parmesan cheese

3 Tbs butter

Garlic powder

Pepper

Cook pasta according to directions.  In a frying pan, melt butter and add the cubed chicken.  Sprinkle some garlic powder and pepper, however much you'd like:)  Combine chicken, pasta, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.  Stir until melted, then transfer to a 13x9 dish and top with the remaining cheese.  Put in broiler for 4-5 minutes until cheese is brown, then eat up!

Seriously...one of my favorites.

The early days...

I was going through my HUGE file of pictures the other day and I ran across Miss Eden.  I had sent hair accessories to my friend Erin of The Vintage Pearl when sweet Eden was born.  She sent me the newborn picture and then a few months later she did some modeling for me.  Sweet baby girl...that's now 3yrs!

When I first started in the bow business I hooked up with Erin and her sister-in-law Jennifer.  Jennifer made the outfits, Erin did the jewelry and I was the bow lady:)  We teamed up several times and came up with some adorable sets that we sold on eBay.  Here's 2 that I found in my old files.

I enjoyed looking back:)  

I'm very interested in...

photography.

I've always enjoyed taking pictures.  Even when I was little I loved taking pictures with my camera, you know, the kind that takes the 110 film cartridge and that fit easily in my My Little Pony purse!  I went through so many of those little cameras!

I'd like to think that my photo skills have improved a little over the years, but WOW do I still have a lot to learn. After being somewhat disappointed in the newborn pictures that we recently had taken, I decided I would take some of my own with my little point and shoot camera.  I was more satisfied with my pictures than with the "professional" ones, though my still needs improvement.

I came across a photography series on brown paper packages, one of my favorite blogs, and it's been very informative and fun to read:)  Here's a link to the first post in the series.

Here's 2 pictures from my photo session attempt.  I love his little scrunchie head in the first one:)  I just grabbed a white sheet and threw it on my bed, then covered his boppy with a white blanket and that was oh-so-impressive back drop.

On my wish list is this camera, a Canon Rebel XTi and a few classes to go along with it!  I'm still researching, but I've heard great things about this one.

Anybody have any thoughts on this camera?  Would you suggest another one?  I'd love to hear from you:)

Back to Work for Me

My 8 weeks of maternity leave flew by. It was back to work today.  I am a spa coordinator for an upscale spa & salon and if there was ever a job that suited me, this one is it!  I've been there for 3 years now and still love it.  I only work 3 days a week so I can't complain about that!

Matt kept the baby today while I was at work.  He has a few weeks left at his current management job then he'll be a full time work from home daddy!  That makes going back to work for me so much easier!  Looks like they had fun today:)

What I enjoyed the most about maternity leave, aside from my precious baby, was spending so much time with hubby.  We have such crazy schedules I forgot what it was like to cook breakfast for him!   And while both my guys were still sleeping, I loved the quiet mornings with just me, my coffee and my Bible app on the iPad.  I do have to say though, having to fix my hair everyday now stinks!  I wore a hat or had a pony tail nearly everyday I was off!

My sweet baby is 2 months old today.

Breastfeeding Week

In honor of National Breastfeeding Week, you can find free products here.

promo code: Breastfeeding

Free after shipping:)

Good Deals for All!

Here's a super deal for all those nursing mommies out there!

Target has the Gilliagan & O'Malley Nursing Tank tops on sale. 

$10 each and free shipping!

Here's a link to the sale.
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/?asin=B004OX1IX2&ref=sc_sk_viewdetails_qi_1_1

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Don't Forget...

Basic Hair Bow Sale starts today and ends midnight Sunday!

Happy Shopping for Mommy & Baby:)

Back to School Style

Can you believe the summer is almost over for the kiddos? 

It's back to school time...and that means shopping for new clothes!  Can't forget about the bows to top off their new outfits either! 

If your girls are wearing uniforms, check out our hair bows for school uniforms. 
Click the picture to take you to that section in our site:)

Whether the girls wear uniforms or not, you can never go wrong with basic bows, espciallay when they are on sale!

Starting tomorrow, the basic bows will be marked 25% off the retail price.  No need for a coupon code:)  Sale ends Sunday.

Meeting & Muffins

It's time for a breakfast date with my hubby!  Breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out.  It's even better when I have coupons for free muffins from Mimi's Cafe! 

Once a week Matt and I have a planning session for our businesses, our responsibilities at church, and our home life.  It's so nice to have him to bounce around ideas and pick his brain.  He's gotten pretty good at putting on the "girly boutique hat" and shootin' out some doosies!  We're a good team.

I'm sure I'll walk away from this breakfast with lots of ideas...which means work for me.  I'm glad I love what I do!

Here's a link to a coupon for you if you need a breakfast date with your hubby or business partner:)

On sale

Need a gift for a sweet little girl?  Take advantage of our sale products.

Click the picture to find these great deals!

Bowbands now $9.99

Pink rose on brown crochet hat now $11.99

Follow our Blog

I have a ton of blogs that I love to read, but I never have time!  My favorite blogs I follow so I don't miss a new post.  You can follow Hair Candy by clicking the link to the left "I want to follow this blog".
Follow us and you'll never miss a giveway or new info from Hair Candy!

Celebration Giveaway

It's only taken 2 months to hit our 100th like on our Facebook page. 

We should give something away!

How about this?

Our pony-o's are perfect to spruce up those everyday ponytails!

How to enter...
1. Leave a comment on our blog or facebook page
2.Pass this on to a friend, leave me a note saying you did, and you'll get double entries:)

You have until Sunday to enter:)

Pretty In Pastel

It's past time for a new design and here it is!  

Our new Pretty in Pastel Over the Top Hair Bow is here! 

The bows are available in our small Over the Top size and available on a pinch or french clip.



Dad's Corner, Family Update

My husband started a blog to document the life of our son and I thought I'd share it with you:)

Dad's Corner

Ty is 4 weeks old already!  I can't believe that.  Where does the time go?!?!  I've manage to sneak in some work time:)  I'll have new bow designs coming soon.

I love his little scrunched up forehead!  Could you tell he was hungry when we were taking these pictures?!?

Pricing Sheets

So now that diapers, wipes and formula are on my shopping list, I wanted a quick way to find the best deals.  I came across these price sheets and they are super helpful!  I just log what the prices are from each baby item I buy and then I'm able to compare to the other stores I shop, sort my coupons and find the best deal for my money!

Here's the Price Book pdf.

I think this will be an excellent way for me to track my ribbon and hardware cost for the Hair Candy too!

from Money Saving Mom

Our son is here!

I am proud to introduce Tyler Joseph McWilliams.

Born June 6, 2011 at 10:30 pm

6lbs 15 oz 18 1/2 inches long



He's 12 days old in this picture and I can all ready see how much he's grown in such a short time!  Mommy had an unplanned c-section so recovering is slower than expected, but we are all doing well. Daddy enjoyed his first Father's day too:) 

The Hair Candy Bows website is now reopened from it's baby break and ready to receive your hair bow orders!

Baby Break & a Facebook Deal

We only have 6 days left until the arrival of our first child.  In anticipation of our "life adjustment", the Hair Candy website will not process orders until June 13th.  We are still open for orders, but your order will not begin production until then. 

In the meantime, how about a Facebook Deal for our local clients?!?

During the month of June, use your mobile device to "check-in" 3 times to the On The Corner (the store in Broken Arrow, OK that carries our products) and on the 3rd check-in, your total Hair Candy purchase will be 25% off.  It's like a virtual loyalty card!  Simple show the cashier your phone on the your 3rd visit and the total will be deducted at the register.

In case you missed it, the winner of our Freedom Bows giveaway was Mae Phillips.  The funky bow was her fav:)

I'll keep you posted on the baby news.  Enjoy your week!

Nice Colors!

I love to see the color combinations that my clients choose when they order bows.  Here's a peek at an order that recently.

Custom Boutique Minis

Torrid Orange, Shocking Pink, Maize and Regal/Shocking Pink

 Korkers

Pink/Purple &; Turquoise/Century/Navy

 Simple Stacked Bows

Red, Antique White, Emerald and Navy/Torrid

 Fluffy Pony-O's

Delphinium/Light Orchid/Regal and Light Pink/Pink/Hot Pink/Shocking Pink

Giveaway...and a Giveaway!

Rememeber this post?

http://haircandybows.blogspot.com/2011/05/freedom-hair-bows-and-giveaway-too.html

We will draw a winner tomorrow evening.  You still have a chace to enter and win!

 

And how fun is this...

Go to http://www.uddercover.com/ to receive a free nursing cover!

Just enter code "family2011" and  pay shipping. 

This is the one I got:)

Freedom Hair Bows- and a Giveaway too!

I've been getting ready for Memorial Day and the 4th of July with some fun hair bow designs.  Here a peek at what's been made today:)

Maybe we should give one away??

Tell me which is your favorite and we'll have a drawing at the end of next week.

1. This is one of new desings, the 8 Loop Hair Bow.  It's a big one measuring 5" around.

2. This is another new design, our Funky Style Hair Bow.  It is 7" and attached to a french clip.

3.  Yet another new desing!  Our Ruffle Ribbon Hair Bow is perfect for your little measuring only 2 1/2"  across.  It is attached to a lined pinch clip

4. A smaller version of our Funky Style hair bow attaced to a pinch clip.

5. Last by not least, another version of our new 8 Loop Hair Bow

How to win one of these Hair Bows...

• Leave a comment on our blog or facebook page telling us which you like
• Pass this on to a friend, leave me a note saying you did, and you'll get double entries:)

Winner:)

Congrats to Kimberly Lee Miller, the winner of the new Funky style hair bow!

One more day and a question...

There's one more day left to win our new Funky style hair bow.  Follow this link to see the post!  The winner will be drawn tomorrow evening:)

Question...
Would you rather be taught how to make your own hair bows or would you prefer to buy them all ready made?

New style giveaway!

What do you think? 

Like it? 

The bow is attached to a french clip and measures 7 inches wide (it's a big one!)

How about a free one??

 

Enter to win:

For 1 entry-

Follow our facebook link on the left to our Facebook page and like us. 

For 2 entries-

Like our Facebook page and email this to a friend, then leave me a comment you sent the email.

The winner will be picked next week!

$6 art work

If any of you have followed me on Facebook, you probably saw a post with this picture, the caption reading..."these crazy looking squares are going to be some amazing art for the baby's room when I'm finished."

I started this project when we were snowed in for almost 2 weeks in February.  I took foam board and cut it into squares.  I went to Walmart and took advantage of the free paint chips.  Then I modpodged over and over and over again!  I finished it up with some stain, and tada!  Here's the finished project.  Custom artwork for Baby Ty that only cost $6.00!

Alphabet Wall

I was reading some favorite blogs tonight and came across this.  This would be a good idea for Ty's room:)

Alphabet Wall-
Before & After

Find the link here!