Guitar Hero? Give me a Basoon Hero!

I recently read an article about “endangered instruments.” These are instruments like the oboe, tuba, clarinet, bassoon, and string bass. I agree that “Oboe Hero” and “Bassoon Hero” are not as appealing as “Guitar Hero” so I am glad that there are Endangered Instrument Programs (EIP) across cities in the US that work to expose children to the wonders and magic of music and to make these instruments “cool” too.

I believe music is an essential ingredient in raising a healthy and happy child and promoting self-discovery. Cognitive and early learning experts continue to provide indisputable evidence that exposure to music education provides long-term benefits. I enrolled both of my children in Kindermusik programs, and I believe first hand that this foundation has and will continue to be essential to their learning and development. Songs and lullabies communicate feelings and expose infants and toddlers to joy and love. Music has proven to impact memory and the development of crucial language skills. It helps children learn to listen actively. Music reinforces logical and perceptual ideas of beginning and ending and harmony and dissonance. It can be used to familiarize children with counting, colors, vocabulary, emotions, and the wonders of the world.

Our house is full of noise, and I prefer it to be music whether classical, rock, country, children’s classics or my daughter’s latest song creation. Instruments and musical books, CDs and DVDs are wonderful gifts for the children in your lives.

Kobold, our rascal goblin and toy connoisseur, loves to play with instruments. He especially likes the offerings from Tatiri, an Italian brand collection that emphasizes beautiful, attractive, lovely, colorful, young and dynamic items. The company has strict safety regulations with regard to materials and manufacturing so you can feel good about the safety of the instrument. PlanToys also has a wonderful collection of musical toys that are of course eco-friendly and fun.

I know all of our little pirates and cowboys and princesses may not gravitate towards an instrument- but remind them that pirates love a good sea shanty….cowboys play their banjos and violins on the prairie…and it is a royal mandate that princesses know how to play at least one instrument, so why not the recorder! ?

Rock It Out Mr. Bassoon Man!~ Ashley

VPZ Designs has got the fun!

Shopping should be fun so come on over and get some super-great stuff for all the cool people you know!

Perfect stocking stuffers, great kids' tees, for getting them into the holiday spirit and the perfect gifts for all those fabulous teachers!

Be sure to check out our new line of helmet covers! Being safe is smart, but even smarter with a Tail Wags Helmet Cover! Lots of critters to pick from!

Our travel mugs are perfect with their stainless steel interior cup instead of plastic...no BPA! Pair with a gift card to a favorite coffee shop for the perfect gift!

Come visit and see what's new. Use our coupon code VPZFUN20 at checkout for 20% off your entire purchase! With our holiday order deadline of December 8th, there's still plenty of time to get those ordrs in to ensure delivery just in time for Christmas!

So, have fun!
~Victoria

BoulieBags are Back!

I started making mini handbags for mini ladies (otherwise known as little girls) last year and they were a bit hit. Each bag is unique and each is embellished with a Chichiboulie images printed onto a cotton appliqué which is then stitched onto the bag.

This year I wanted to try something new so I have made up some BoulieBags in felt. What a fabulously fun fabric!

The first BoulieBags have been listed in my Etsy store with more to come. I hope to make up some "Make Your Own Boulie Bag" kits as well. Both make wonderful gifts for little girls (otherwise known as mini ladies) as my own daughters will attest!

Available through Chichiboulie.

Sara Rose Tutus Now Has Embellishments!

Here is a wonderful summer tutu- the ladybug tutu. This tutu can be made in any size (and honestly any color that you want).
Here is an infant sized one that I made for a ladybug first birthday. How cute is that?


You can also get sparkles and flowers added to your tutu. Pricing for embellishments to come soon.

If you have any other type of tutu that you want- let me know and I will do my best to get you exactly what you want!

If you order a tutu from now until July 27 and let me know that you are a Posh Mama, I will give you a discount of 15%. Remember you must tell me that you are a Posh Mama to get the discount!

Have a Ball!

Summer is in full swing! Grab a soft fabric beach ball for your little one! You can find one in my Etsy Shop, New England Quilter.



My babe loves his. I hadn’t even finished stuffing it when he grabbed the ball and walked off. He really loves it!