Top 'Mini' Model .... LuLu

          LuLu Today ... 1st Grade

Over The Top Aprons ..."Top Mini" Model."    LuLu started modeling for me when she was a little over 4, in PreSchool  and is now 6 .... in the 1st grade..  She is so darling and will do any little pose I suggest.  She is sweet, bright and loves to model for Over The Top Aprons..  Isn't she a doll!?  I am afraid that as she grows I will need to keep up with her and make larger children's aprons.

A Little More Personal .....

First off ...  This is me ....  Corline ... Owner/Designer of www.overthetopaprons.com.   It is time again for a disclaimer.  Most people just assume that I am the darling model of the aprons on my website.










Here is the cute model ...  Syd .... University Student, premed student ... marvelous model for www.overthetopaprons.com  Our staff calls her 'Our Top Model'.  (Next post I will share with you our 'Top Mini Model').


I started my website about one year ago and people have been very, very supportive which I sincerely appreciate.  When I decided to do a website I was actually discouraged about the idea from several people.  Their recommendation was to go on some selling site like Etsy or Art Fire .... both wonderful sites but for me (because of my age ... and young in spirit! ) I decided it was now or never.  I opted for the now.  I am so glad that I did and I would encourage anyone debating about starting their own website to go ahead.  The cost is minimal depending on the hosting site you choose and if you can maintain the site by yourself.

I am very pleased with Pappa Shoppe for my hosting site; they  are very personal, always available and very quick to assist you and walk you through any problems you may have. They are always adding new free templates with a range of styles.   I am definitely still in the learning stage but if anyone has any questions about Pappa Shoppe or just starting a website I would be glad to share what I know.

I will be giving more updates of what I am doing, resources I use ... answering some questions that my customers and viewers have ask.  If I can be of help to any of you, please do not hesitate to drop a comment and where I can get in touch with you.   Have fun with whatever you decide to do ... go with your passion!

Apron Model - Just for fun!

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Children's Crochet Hats & Head Bands ... Cute, Cute!

Childrens Crochet Hat & Head Bands & Flowers & Bows & oh, so cute!!

Baby it is cold outside and childrens little heads need to be protected from the cold ... so... why not look cute!

I love everything children so I could not resist creating the darling look of the crochet hats and headbands. I love the bows, the flowers, the little hats, the headbands. It must be because I never had little girls that I love everything girly!

I would like to invite you to visit my website: www.overthetopaprons.com to see the other things by Kymie's Little Toppers. Thanks for viewing.

Featured: Val's Designer Tutus & Boutique Dresses

Wow! Boutique Dresses & Designer TuTus ... do you know a little Princess Wanna-A-Be? Then you do not want to miss out on these! Each of Val's unique outfits are all one of a kind. Once they are snapped up they are gone. So please check these out at: www.overthetopaprons.com

Just watch your Sweet Little Princess beam with smiles as she twirls in her new TuTu and models her Boutique Dress. That will be a priceless moment! Be sure to snap a picture; we would love to feature your Little Princess on our Blog and our Website ... with your permission, of course! Thank you for visiting.

Face Book or Twitter?

Face Book or Twitter? Which do you consider the best for your purposes? Business, personal ? Looking forward to what you have to share?

Guest Artist - Jessica (MissD'Lish)

Meet Jessica - Creator/Designer/Author of www.miss-d-lish.com

So, Just what is Miss-D'Lish? Lets see what Jessica has to say about that! "Welcome to my world! I am constantly oooozing with ideas so I had to find myself a little outlet that best matches my favorite skills ... experimenting in the kitchen and being a social butterfly! Who wants to write for a website from 1 point of view??? Not me...I thought why not make a place my readers are the writers with me...heck ya...and so...Miss D'Lish was born! Jessica likes graphic design and thought it would be fun to design a fun place to talk, share recipes and the "dish" on a fun topic like the cooking world. One of the things that gave her the idea was a lot of her friends take pictures of meals they made for their families for dinner. She would then use these ideas for dinners of her own and thought it would be great to create a place where everyone can all share thoughts, ideas and recipes ... The goal for the website is to make a fun entertaining place that people will WANT to come to weekly or better yet daily."

Jessica is the sole inspiration for Miss D'Lish but she admits to having tons of advice and help. She tries to connect with other related businesses or bloggers and she truly believes in helping each other to spread the word which has been fun and effective geting to know new people and businesses. Being involved in Facebook has been a good social media source her readers are her writers...they send her recipes, reviews on restaurants, cooking products, videos, pictures...its has been a lot of fun.

I ask Jessica how she felt starting this new adventure during these economical time. Her advise: "I think it depends on what you are doing. If you have to make a big investment and your products are not for everyone it may be better to start slow. Blogging is FREE! The only money I've spent was on (2) domain names. I get prizes donated sometimes and I'm optimistic as my readership grows I'll get some advertisers and maybe over time will be able to sell products too. I suggest careful planning and spending wisely...if at all."

To find sources for her business, Jessica googles all sort of things and looks at peoples websites, sometimes finds people on Facebook or through images on blogs. She typically shoots an email, ask questions, introduces herself, emails friends that have computer skills or blog knowledge...questions, questions, questions...key to learning and growing.

Family is very important to Jessica. You will see some of her family in the pictures at the beginning of this post. She expresses how wonderful her family is. Her mother and grandparents and other relatives were always creative, painters, artists, they would sew or quilt or cross stitch. Her mother always cooked every meal so naturally as Jessica is now cooking for her son, Nate. Jessica said that she has always been creative and has a knack for business so she tries to intertwine it all. One of her other talents was modeling. (Picture show above). Lately she finds that her corporate America job puts her in a tired grumpy mood and decided there has to be a way to do something that makes her happy...so...she is trying out her ideas very carefully in her free time till she can just be happy only doing things she loves!

It has been fun getting to know Jessica and sharing this talented young woman with you. To reach Jessica and learn more about her or if you have recipes you want to share, contact her at: Miss D'Lish.

Just as all of you reading this are ... Jessica is unique, she is special, she is one-of-a-kind!

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentines Day has different understandings of the origin, and Valentines Day means different things to each of us. But may I suggest that the one common understanding and meaning has an understanding of Love - love for your family, friends, a dear one. The exchange of an exquisite gift, a simple handmade card from a child, a surprise bouquet at the ring of the door bell. It is a day we can express appreciation for people around us with the little comment of Happy Valentines Day.

I would like to say Happy Valentines Day to each of you who take the time to view my blog, to leave nice comments and just for stopping by for a visit, You are all appreciated ... Thank you and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Hostess Apron Pink and Black Polka Dots

Hostess Apron in Pink and Black ...
Cute Hostess Apron in Polka Dots that just says 'lets have a party!'. Available at: www.overthetopaprons.com

Featured Artist - Val

Meet The Artist: Val

Val has a passion for fabrics, color and design. Her inspirations come from following current trends, popular colors,and textiles. From these sources the creative ideas just seem to pour in. Being a seamstress for over 30 years has given her extensive skills ranging from Custom Quilting, Designing and Creating Boutique Children's Clothing, and teaching sewing classes.

Val has been married for 20 Years, has 2 children, Ben 11 and Madison 9. Residing with the family is a list of favorite animals.

Over the years Val's friends recognized her abilities in designing childrens clothing and encouraged her to pursue her Boutique line for kids. Val loves the freedom to create fun, unique clothing and hopes other enjoys them as well.

I asked Val what her future plans were and she said, "To keep sewing! I love it all, the fabrics, color, textures, and the endless possibilities they present".

To see more of Val's creations and to purchase her Boutique Items you may go to:
www.overthetopaprons.com

People Affect You - for good or for bad!

A common expression we often hear is that "Peole come into our lives for a reason, a seson, or a lifetime". We especally hear this when someone has passed on or when a relationships comes to an end. What ever the situation, how ever long the time, the people you meet, the people you are around, the people that come and go in and out of your life leaves an impression on you which brings about a change ... you are never the same.

In our lifetime, there are always people who leave their mark within us. Whatever kind of mark they leave, whether it is good or bad, these people seem to affect our lives in one way or another. The affect may be great joy or great pain. But generally speaking, people come into our lives for a reason. Some times, it could be that they are here to help us solve a problem, teach us a lesson, teach us more abut ourselves. Sometimes people pass in and out of our lives very quickly, others are friends for a lifetime. These are friends to be cherised. These are the people who grow and learn with us and continue to inspire us and make our lives more interesting, creating a greater depth wthin us.

I had a very close frined in High School; she was quite pretty, very bright, intelligent ... in fact she was the school Valedictorian! I was more social and considered that aspect of my life more important than studying. In our senior year we had a Biology class together. My beautiful, intelligent friend tutored me through and I got a B+ and she of course got an A. That one class made a big impact on my life. I found out that studying could be fun and rewarding. Infact, when I went to college I got on the Dean's List for good grades. Imagine that! To this day I love learning, reading and gaining new knowledge.

How about you, have you had someone in your life that made an impact on you that actually turned you around from the direction you were going ... be it good or bad?

We can all learn from each other ... it would be great if you would share your experience and in turn you will be impacting our lives!

Chic New Aprons

Chic Little Aprons ...

Valentines Day is just around the corner so why not make the Kitchen a Fun Place! Put on a Cute Valentines Day Apron ... bring out the smiles!

Looking for something that is a bit Chic and Sassy? The Chic Black and White Ruffled Apron is great for the Hostess for entertaining or maybe you just want to brighten the day? The Fuchsia Apron will make you feel brighter and happy whether you are cooking for your family or serving guests ..... pop over to www.overthetopaprons.com to see the full selection Thanks for looking.

Where has the time gone?

Is anyone else like me? .... Where has January gone? I was determined to get off to a good start, but January is almost over and I am not even caught up with 2009. Actually it is a good thing because my business has kept been to busy to 'get organized' ... but there is so much I want todo and I feel should be done. And, one of the things is to give some attention to my poor, sad, blog. But, I am determined, I will get there .... maybe in February ... anyone else out there that is feeling the same way?

Oops! January 11, 2010?

Where have the days gone? 11 days into the New Year and it seems like it is buzzing by. Between the Sewing Machine and the Computer it seems like there is little time for anything else. My goal is to Get Organized ...... I am trying, I am trying, but it seems like I am just putting out fires.

My mind is swarming with new ideas for my website: www.overythetopaprons.com .... adding some new products, bringing in a very skilled artist who make beautiful TuTus and that is just a beginning.

And of course with each new year it means getting your tax information ready and facing the reality of profit or no profit ....(lets just hope it is profit!)

Is anyone else feeling like the 2010 is getting away from you and yet it is just starting? I would love to hear from you and how you are approaching the New Year? Suggestions? Advice? I know you all have a lot of experience and a lot to share and I am always open to learning! Drop a note and let me know how you are doing!