There is still time to tell your son or daughter's teacher how much you appreciate what they do on a daily basis to help with the growth and development of your child!  Here are a few inexpensive gifts I created for my son's teachers this week. I thought I would share... just in case you are looking for a useful gift idea from a teacher's perspective. :)  Most of the tags I found online as free printables, and I can always send you the links if it will help.  Have a great Mother's Day this weekend!

If you read my last blog entry, you know Cards, Crafts, and Cake Pops by Amie is celebrating a one year anniversary this month!  In addition, I thanked all of my friends and family for their love and support over the past year.  I specifically thanked my dear friend Suzanne, who gave me the extra push and encouragement I needed.  Her push gave me the courage to believe in myself enough to just go for it!  Unfortunately, my cheerleader is now supporting me from above, but her memory and legacy lives on.  To honor her friendship, memory, and most importanty inspiration to students, I have decided to donate a portion of every cake pop order to her scholarship fund.  The Dr. Suzanne Cooke Scholarship fund will provide students with opportunities and support they may not have had without Suzanne's help.  Although my monthly donations may not be sizeable, I feel the small monthly contributions will make a difference in the long run.  After all, sometimes the small things in life can make the biggest difference.

Today I celebrate you, Suzanne. Thanks for making such a big difference in so many lives, especially mine. 

I can hardly believe the end of this month I have had my website up for a year! This year has taught me so much about myself, and about the important things in life. I have absolutely loved the creative cake pop ideas friends and clients have challenged me with, working with good friends to try a "boutique event", and meeting so many new people through this adventure. I thank and appreciate everyone who has supported me over the past year!

In particular, one person believed in me long before I even imagined this little side gig was possible.  I would always say "I have this idea", or "someday when I retire I want to"....  There was no hesitation.  Her reply was always "Why not now?"  The wheels were spinning, the ideas flowing, and she has been the biggest cheerleader imaginable.  Why not do something you love?  I am sometimes asked how I do it all, and really I do it becasue I love it.  To be perfectly honest, I do nothing in comparison to my "why not" friend.  She traveled, became fluent in spanish, interned for the Miami Dolphins, does an unbelievable job with students as a Dean at a huge high school, earned a Master's Degree AND her Doctorate, and has battled cancer for 10 years.  Teaching, having a family, and a fun side gig/hobby seems insignificant in comparision.  For me, this creative outlet makes me extremely happy. I have many wonderful supporters, and I appreciate my family and friends so much!  Without the push, excitement, and belief in me from an extrordinary friend, I wouldn't be celebrating this year anniversary today.   When you think something will be difficult, just ask yourself "why not".  You can do more than you think!  My friend Suzanne is the perfect example of "why not". I am blessed to have you in my life! XOXO

I had a slower week for goodie orders, so I started making some new hair bows.  I loved trying layered bows as well as looking ahead for St. Patty's Day and spring colors. I only have a few Valentine bows, so make sure to contact me right away if interested! 
I have 4 orders for "Valentine's Day", however, they are all for pick-up week before! Lucky for you, I can still take another order or two if you still would like some goodies. :) 

Flo placed a cake pop order for a baby shower she was hosting today! The mother to be is having a boy in the near future, and his name is beginning with the letter "E". Thanks to Laura for the recommendation, and to Flo for placing the order and being flexible with the pick-up! :)  I hope today was amazing!!! Here are a couple pictures.  Stay tuned for JR's pirate cake-pops for his 6th birthday!! I am really excited to create pirates again, it has been a long time!!

I am ready to start taking orders for 2013!! I was able to enjoy some fantastic time with my family as well as catch up with a pile of grading for school! I am getting the itch to craft and bake, so bring it on! :)
If you are thinking of ordering anything for Valentine's Day, place your orders early. Cake pops, Valentine's Day themed hair bows, teacher Valentine gifts, or some cards! I am anxious to start back up, and I have my first order of the year this week. Can't wait!!

I also have pink, red, and white hair bows for sale from $2-$5.50! I have posted just a few pictures. Please contact me if you would like more pictures or information!

Thanks to the Bartlett Fire Department and Paramedics for their kind and caring help one week ago today.  My son and I were involved in an accident about a block away from home, and the fire-fighters that responded to the call were wonderful at the scene!  They made my son feel safe in a scary situation, and we appreciated their help. Naturally, I made some cake-pops for the holidays, and delivered a bouquet to the firehouse as a small token of our gratitude. :) I tried some holiday flavors that seemd to be a hit with the family as well.  Thin mint, eggnog, and chocolate peppermint bark were the three flavors this year.

I hope all of you had a fantastic holiday with

I just want to take a moment "off" from the craziness of the Holiday rush to thank all of you for being you.  I completely appreciate the love, support, encouragement, and time you have all spent this year helping me follow a passion of mine.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the daunting "to do" list this time of the year and loose sight of what is important.  Family, friends, loved ones, and time spent with those close to you should be the focus this time of the year.  I am very much looking forward to Christmas break with my family, and a little break from my baking and crafts until the middle of January.  Just a little break... I will get the itch, but I really want to enjoy the people around me and the time I have to spend with them.  I am blessed, very blessed, and I appreciate every one of you!  Thanks for a fantastic year! XOXO

I am so excited for our final event before the Holidays!  We hope you might be able to stop in and say hello, browse, shop, have a cocktail, and socialize.  I know I am excited to finally get to try on some jeans for the holiday parties, as well as purchase more fabulous L Swoboda cosmetics that I can't live without!  Personally, I will feature Holiday gifts and decorative items from $2-$25.  Most items are packaged for giving, so attach a tag and your shopping is done.  Here are a few items different from the first event, so let me know what you think!  Get in those RSVP's all are welcome! See directions, time, and date on my Pre-Holiday Boutique page on my site. Happy Holidays everyone!!