Oh  my gosh, I didn't mean to disappear for months again.

Over the last few months I've been focusing on in-person events and shows, mostly building inventory and getting my 10' by 10' booth "just right". I never, in my wildest imagination, could have grasped how much time and energy and money could go into such a small space! Of course, it's still not exactly right and I'm guessing the reality is that it will never be perfect, but it's getting better. If you follow Because I'm Me on Facebook or Instagram you've probably seen many booth pictures, and also many pictures of products I'm selling face-to-face that aren't available online. I'm working on bringing more of those products to the shop - hopefully more very soon, but if you're interested in something you see just message me. Oh, also follow the Facebook page for locations of upcoming events.

 

So here I am with some new bow ties, just added to the shop.

These fun bow ties are available with the added Easter bunny or chick for both adults and kids. And cats, each bow tie comes with it's own collar with breakaway clasp. And .... our first bow ties in the shop for dogs! The dog bow ties have a velcro closure and they simply attach to your pup's collar ... easy peasy.

 

The gingham and dot bow ties can be happily mixed and matched with these large-scale gingham print bow ties, in pink, green, and soft blue. These fun bow ties are also available for adults, kids, cats, and dogs.

 

Stopping by to let you know that Because I'm Me and Jude Harbor are both having storewide sales this weekend. Save 20% on everything through September 7, 2021!

 

 

This is the third go-around with this pattern. The first I sold on Etsy immediately and the second was a commissioned quilt based on the first one ... gotta love that! 

 

This one I changed up the prints a little bit - less orange and more darker colors, just to see how it played out, and I love it. The orange was fun and definitely worked but without it the quilt is able to focus more on the blues and whites ... I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

It is available at either the Etsy shop or the Jude Harbor site, and I suspect it won't last long!

 

 Another baby bodysuit for a sweet baby.

 I feel like I haven't talked about bow ties in a while. I guess because I haven't. But they're on the radar too ... because I now have two machines that can personalize them! So watch out, because that's all coming soon. :)

These fun onesies come in boys and girls designs and are available in sizes from 0-3 months up to 9-12 months, and they're available in the Jude Harbor shop.

The boys loved baby bodysuit is here and the girls is here.

Check out this fun tie!


Available for both men and boys in the shop.

What a good, happy feeling this tie evokes.

Created with Heather Ross' blue and orange snail print (from her Far Far Away line) this tie is filled to the brim with whimsy and character. Proof positive that bow ties are fun.

Available in very limited quantity for men, boys, and cats.

Many of my kids are voracious readers and love finding new books to read. We've found, though, especially with the boys, that once you get past the Hardy Boys and Harry Potter you enter an adult world of books which often have a little more romance and graphic violence than middle school kids need or can really relate to.

I was recently introduced to Brian Wells' new novel The League and the Lantern, and I have to say it really fits the bill for middle school boys (and Moms ... I really enjoyed this book) by being entertaining, suspenseful, age appropriate, and a whole lot of fun.



I'll be the first to admit that when I heard it was for middle school boys I was, as is my usual, very skeptical. I was expecting a bit of brain candy with no real substance. Before opening the package I told my son, Kaden, that I needed him to read the book, but inside I was cringing a bit thinking I was giving him something he'd feel was beneath his abilities and maturity.

My bad. This book nails it. It begins with adventure and adventure happens on every page of the book. The words aren't small and simple, with the top 140 works middle schoolers need to know subtly blended into the text, and neither is the plot, full of twists and surprises. The book is very, very engaging, and even I was hooked from the first page.

The book begins when we meet Jake, a seventh grader starting a new school, who is in the midst of recovering from a near drowning in a local fountain. Jake doesn't have the best of luck in social situations and being the new kid doesn't help. But he perseveres as best he can. He and his 7th grade class are having a sleepover which is invaded by a dangerous organization. What follows is 48 hours of excitement as Jake and his new classmates TJ and Lucy fight to survive on the streets of Chicago with new adventures meeting them at every turn of the page. The three unlikely companions learn to work together and develop a strong bond and friendship through understanding, humor, and compassion.

Brian Wells wrote The League and the Lantern to fill a void, seeing a need for great engaging entertainment options for his own kids. To get the book to print and distributed he created a Kickstarter campaign to raise $10,000. That goal was met in the first four hours and amount raised in 30 days was a crazy $62,000.

Kaden, 13, gives the book a thumbs-up, and he's already looking forward to a sequel. He really devoured the book and is excited to have River read it when he's old enough.

You can get your own copy of this book from LeagueandLandern.com, $16.99 plus shipping for the hardcover book and $7.99 for the e-book. The book is written for ages 9-14, but will appeal to older kids/adults as well. You can also find a preview of the first six chapters of the book at that site.

I'm really excited to share that I have a copy of the book to give away! Just leave a comment below (any comment at all - makes no difference what it says, but something fun would be great!) to be entered to win and I'll choose a winner next Saturday morning, May 21st. Good luck!!

Michael Miller's Ahoy Matey sailboat prints sure make awesome ties.

Available with either coral red or green hulls, these little boat bow ties are so cool, and are available for both boys and men.


Happy sailing!

Such sweet ties, check out these and more bird themed ties in the Because I'm Me shop.

Enjoy this pretty fall paisley tie, featuring a simple brown paisley design on a green woven cotton tie.


This tie is available for both father and son, creating a wonderful photo opportunity.

Available in the shop.


Be sure to look for our coordinating ties as well, on both bow tie and necktie styles.

Less than 70 days until Christmas.

Just saying ...



Find this fantastic boys necktie in our shop now for just $17.99, available in Dad sizes too.

It's smooth sailing for the captain or any sailing enthusiast with this flag themed necktie.

This nautical or patriotic theme features color and style on 100% woven cotton fabrics for quality neckwear.


Available in the shop for men and boys from $19.