Castles N Crowns Boutique

Store Closing Clearance Sale on Capes Tutus and more

2012-01-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

In March 2012 I will be closing my online store CastlesNCrowns.com BUT will continue to sell all remaining items via facebook, this blog, and craigslist, until they are all gone.

Items include:
Kids superhero capes
Tutus
Fairy Wings, Wands
and more...

Please join me on facebook (CastlesNCrowns) for regular updates!

~Tricia/owner

QUESTIONS?

FACEBOOK
castlesNcrowns

7 pc. Tea Cup, Saucer, Tea Pot and Best Friends Featuring Madame Sassafras, Afternoon Spice and Strawberry Shortcake

2012-01-15T08:14:00.001-08:00

Tea Set "Best Friends: Coffee, Tea, My Friends, and Me" Collectible Tea Set

COLLECTIBLE TEA SET

Best Friends (TM) 'Coffee, Tea, My Friends & Me'

Madame Sassafras Mysterious and Sensitive Tea Cup and Saucer

'Afternoon Spice' and 'Strawberry Shortcake' Teapot with Lid

Includes:

Teapot and Lid,

3 Ladies (Madame Sassafras, Afternoon Spice, Strawberry Shortcake)

Tea Cup

Saucer

MATCHING SET: ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

7 PIECE Porcelain or Ceramic TEA SET

(without original box)

ON Sale! Was $65! Sale: $25 + s/h/pp

To Purchase:

QUESTIONS?
email

FACEBOOK
castlesNcrowns

Vintage Ballerina Pin

2012-01-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Vintage Ballerina Pin

As part of our storewide clearance sale,

we are offering a few pieces of Vintage Jewelry,

including this lovely ballet brooch pin,

from our personal collection.

PRICE: Was $25 SALE: $12 + s/h/pp

To Purchase:

QUESTIONS?
email

FACEBOOK
castlesNcrowns

Christmas Sale on Capes, Tutus and Princess Accessories

2011-12-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Everything is on sale!

Capes, Tutus, Princess Dresses and Accessories

and more!

TUTUS ON SALE Storewide Clearance Sale!

2011-12-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

HandMade Tutus are made in the USA with Premium USA Tulle

For Pretend Play, Ballet, Dance, Dress-up Costumes, Fairy Skirts,
Portrait Photo Opportunities, Birthdays, Parties . . .
We also carry ready-made Tutus from Little Adventures.

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE!!

Find us on Facebook

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE - Todays Sale CAPES

2011-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S SPECIAL CLEARANCE SALE:

Capes, Cloaks, Tunics and Masks
for your little SuperHero!

Huge 20 foot wide Play Parachute on Sale

2011-12-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Parachute 20 ft by Gopher Sports

This great play parachute (with handles) from Gopher Sport is made of durable fabric for a multitude of activities and games.

Measures almost 20 feet in diameter when stretched out.

Develops perceptual, cognitive, motor and academic team skills.

Machine Wash Cold. Gentle cycle or hang to dry.

Includes carry bag for storage.

Colors may vary from images.

Store Close-out. Clearance Prices. All Sales Final.

Ships to USA only.

SHOP Castles N Crowns

Mid-length Multi-colored Tutu

2011-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Tutus MULTI-COLORED LONG Size 2-3 Handmade USA

Our Boutique-style Designer Tutus are perfect for Ballet, Dance Class, Dress-up Costume or Pretend Play.
100% USA Premium Nylon. HANDMADE IN USA.

This Tutu fits approximate Sizes: 2-3 (maybe even 4?) (Go by the inches, not the estimated size)
Approx. 18-21 inch waist
Approx. 17.5 inches long from waistband to end of tulle.
Stretchy elastic waist.
Colors: Multi-colored (colors are darker, with some jewel tones)
Ready to ship! USA only.
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- here!
CastlesNCrowns.com

100% Cotton Baby Spider Costume Size 3-6 Months

2011-10-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

HARRISONS HALLOWEEN Costumes for Your LITTLE MONSTER!

100% COTTON Unique Halloween Infant Costumes Perfect for baby's FIRST HALLOWEEN!

For Concerned Parents - Our Harrisons Halloween 100% Cotton Baby Costumes are one of the few Non-petroleum-based cotton fabrics on the market today.

Use CAUTION with all costumes. Whenever possible for children, choose closer fitting costumes (like you would with cotton sleepwear that has not been coated with flame retardant chemicals) without loose accessories that could come in contact with halloween pumpkin candles, and other open flames.

Though our Harrisons Halloween infant costumes are not organic, they are 100 percent cotton, and as a natural fabric, they are a great alternative to toxic pvc and dangerous synthetic petroleum-based baby costumes.

SCARY SPIDER includes 4 pcs: Long Sleeve Black one piece bodyShirt with snaps and long sleeves (soft spider arms attached), Spider hat, Booties, Black Pants with elastic waist. For Boy or Girl!

0-6 MONTHS SIZE (fits most babies who wear 3-6 months clothing)

FABRIC:

100% COTTON: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Gentle. Allow for some shrinkage.

Click Here to Shop

Special Prices. All Sales Final. NO Returns.

CLEARANCE PRICES. ALL SALES FINAL. No returns.

Ships to USA only.

CastlesNCrowns.com

Orange and Black Halloween Socks and Dracula Sock Monkeys

2011-09-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Our darling orange and black striped Halloween knee socks for infants up to 12 months are a great addition to any Halloween outfit.

If you are crafty, you could make a Halloween Sock Monkey out of our striped socks, OR simply order this cute and clever COUNT MONKEYULA from Autumn Crafts on facebook! Autumn Crafts has many types of mini-sock monkeys also, and other sock animals (zebra, pig, giraffe, and more). Very cute and they make a wonderful gift!

Shop here: CastlesNCrowns.com

Birthday Wreath with Balloons and Tulle DIY Craft

2011-08-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Landeeseelandeedo posted an instructional craft on how to make a colorful Birthday Party Wreath you can use year after year. Using regular round balloons and strips of tulle and a straw or styrofoam circle, they show you step by step how to craft a cheery Birthday door Greeting. I was thinking that long balloons (like you would make balloon animals with) would also work (just tie them around!). I happen to have some of those, so I might try it sometime. I also happen to have tulle on hand from making tutus! Happy Birthday celebrating!!

All Cotton Baby Halloween Costumes in One Size 3-6 Months

2011-08-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

For Sensitive Baby Skin - Cotton Halloween Costumes - 3 to 6 Months Size

Five cute styles of 100% Cotton Baby Costumes for your little monster’s first Halloween. Cute, hip, spooky styles! One size 3-6 months:

FrankenBaby – Baby Frankenstein: cute soft hat, pants, shirt with attached vest, and booties. This style is sold out at Castles N Crowns, but is still available at EcoPartyTime.

Witchie – Little black witch dress with orange cat embroidered on front, cotton felt witch hat and darling orange and black striped booties. Optional long stretchy knee socks in orange and black can be added.

Spider – Clever design with attached ‘web’, great for boys or girls.

Vampire – Boy vampire design with attached cumberbund on pants! Cape, booties, onesie shirt.

Vampira – Girl vampire black dress with red spider design and red trim, cape and booties.

Made by Harrisons Halloween Costumes, imported. All 100% Cotton infant costumes come in one size that usually fit most babies who wear a 3-6 months size clothing. Available and On Sale at Castles N Crowns Boutique!

Find us on facebook too!
SHOP:

ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- Shop at CastlesNCrowns.com

Boys Dress up Costumes Reversible Super Hero Masks

2011-08-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Reversible Superhero Mask is soft and silky, with elastic strap and green on one side, blue on the other. Add to any costume, superhero cape, etc.

Be a hero today in this adorable reversible face mask! The soft, comfortable mask, with elastic band, is reversible and allows for many superhero combinations. So let your imagination run wild!

Soft and comfortable for everyday pretend play.
Reversible for many superhero costumes.
Colors: Navy Blue and Green.
Size: One size fits most 3-8.
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- Shop at CastlesNCrowns.com
Ready to Ship (USA only).

Mini Sock Monkey update

2011-06-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sock monkeys made with our Harrisons Halloween Costumes brand
of infant/toddler socks. These mini sock monkeys were made by
Autumn Crafts/MissPBJ Designs on facebook.
(c) Autumn Crafts/MissPBJ Designs

I love it when businesses help each other! Harrisons Halloween Costumes (manufacturer of our infant/toddler halloween socks) made the socks we sell and gave us a great price on them -- We (Castles N Crowns Boutique) donated several hundred socks to a talented crafter -- and the crafter (Autumn Crafts/MissPBJ Designs) sewed them into these adorable little Mini Sock Monkeys! But the best part? The best part is the REASON:

The reason the crafter made these mini sock monkeys is because her heart (and ours) went out to Bryan Stow, the Giants fan who was brutally beaten at Dodger Stadium. She wanted to participate in praying for and helping raise funds for Bryan and his medical bills.

Just added! SOCK ZEBRAS too!

When Vonda (the crafter) contacted us and shared her desire and passion to raise money for this worthy cause, she asked if we could donate some of our orange and black halloween socks (which happens to be San Francisco Giants colors). After a little research to make sure the request was legitimate, we gladly sent them to her (she kindly paid shipping). They have been very successful and today's bid on one pair is up to $80 as of this writing.

http://www.castlesncrowns.com/item_140/Halloween-Socks-Orange-and-Black-Striped-Socks-Baby-Size-0-12-months.htm
OUR SOCKS SELL FOR $8.99 regular price. Now on sale!

Blessings to Bryan Stow and his family.

find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CastlesNCrowns

4TH OF JULY TUTU GIVEAWAY Winner!

2011-05-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's time for another CASTLES N CROWNS BOUTIQUE GIVEAWAY!

Fourth of July Patriotic Red, White and Blue TUTU.

Handmade. 10 inches long. Stretchy elastic waist fits most girls SIZE 2T-6.

TO ENTER:

USE THIS FORM AND *LIKE* US ON FACEBOOK TO ENTER.

Bring us 3 NEW fans and receive an extra entry!
6 new fans for 2 extra entries, etc!!

Original Value: $28
START DATE: TUES. MAY 25, 2011

Winner will be announced here first (per facebook rules).

END DATE: Tuesday May 31, 2011
And the ***WINNER is***: 1st place = ***Heather Runyan***
Heather will have 48 in which to give CastlesNCrowns@gmail.com her USA shipping address!
If we do not have valid shipping info after that time, I have drawn a 2nd name just in case:
Hannah Senn

Here is the screen shot of the 2 names picked:
(Uh Oh! Google is not letting me upload the photo! It says "Server Rejected"??? I will post on facebook page instead, and hope that works!)
YEA! IT WORKED! HERE IS THE PHOTO SCREENSHOT OF THE NAMES DRAWN!
CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER RUNYAN!

Little Adventures Dress Up Costumes ON SALE

2011-05-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Big Sale on LITTLE ADVENTURES DRESS UPS* and our other children's dress up accessories and tutus. Capes for boys and girls are our biggest seller!

*This CLEARANCE SALE has been authorized by Little Adventures.

Ready to ship!
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- SHOP CastlesNCrowns.com

Spiderman Costume Capes for Pretend Play and Spiderman Face Painting

2011-03-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

If your little guys are like mine, they love to play dress-up and pretend play. CastlesNCrowns nurtures the imagination with our very cool dress up costume capes in sizes 3-8 years. Easy velcro closure makes putting on and removing the cape fairly easy for little fingers. Washable and comfortable too! SPIDERMAN SOLD OUT. We still have other superhero capes!

Our spiderman-inspired cape [NOW SOLD OUT] is made by high quality children's costume manufacturer Little Adventures, and the fabric is a soft crushed velvet with a smooth chinasilk polyester lining. Only the best for our little guys, right? One size conveniently fits most kids who wear size 3-8 years.

OR, how about face painting a spiderman design with skin-safe professional face paints only:

(c)http://jinglesandtricia.blogspot.com/

http://jinglesandtricia.blogspot.com/

(c)http://jinglesandtricia.blogspot.com/

Soldier Costume Desert Camo Clearance Sale

2011-01-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Soldier Costume 3 piece On Sale MED3-5

Defending freedom wherever he goes, this soldier hero is clad in camouflage from head to toe.

What appears to be a button-up jacket is hiding a clever velcro closure to make it easy to get on and off.
Three embroidered gold stars are proudly displayed on the jacket chest.
The pants have an elastic waist for a comfortable fit.
A gold-star embroidered soldier cap is included.
Ready to ship! USA only.
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- SHOP CastlesNCrowns.com

Sizing: Approx:
Med 3-5, 16" inseam, 17" jacket shoulder to hem

Color: CAMO

Fabric: Polyester. Washable.

Homemade Valentines Day Cards and Party Favors

2011-01-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

When it comes to making Handmade Valentines Day Cards, there are endless possibilities. Making cards for classmates or cards with goodies on them for party favors, we found a huge variety of ideas over at Family Fun.

There were so many wonderful ideas that we couldn't even pick a favorite! Boys will love the rocket ships and dinosaurs (no mushy hearts for them!), but dozens of ideas will inspire your own creativity. Have fun and Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year and Auld Lang Syne

2010-12-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a Happy 2011 from Castles N Crowns. Bring in the new year with the traditional AULD LANG SYNE song, shown in the English variation below:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and [days of] old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

and surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about theslopes,

and picked the daisies fine ;

But we’ve wandered manya weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine;

But seas between usbroad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !

And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a rightgood-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Source: WIKIPEDIA.

OR see Wikipedia for other translations and history of the Auld Lang Syne song.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Twas the Night Before Christmas Poem

2010-12-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Clement Clarke Moore - Published in 1822

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS -- MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CASTLESNCROWNS

Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

2010-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN its so.'
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be mens or childrens, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but thats no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the babys rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

CASTLESNCROWNS YES VIRGINIA THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

Legend of the Christmas Spider and Spider Ornament

2010-12-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas Spider Story

THE CHRISTMAS SPIDER

(There are several versions of this story, which is sometimes said to be a German or Ukrainian Legend. In the story, the house is blessed by either Santa, or Father Christmas or the Christ Child):

Once upon a time, a long time ago, it was the day before Christmas and the mother of a family was cleaning her house so it would be ready to be decorated and blessed by the Christ Child on Christmas Eve. The dust and spider webs were swept away, and the spiders scurried up to the farthest corner of the attic to hide.

A fresh green tree was brought into the house and everything was decorated with great care. That night, when everyone had gone to bed, the spiders returned to see what all the activity had been about. They were delighted by the ornaments and decorations and danced along the branches of the tree, looking at everything with great admiration. Of course they left strands of spider webs all over the tree!

Later that night the Christ Child arrived to bless the house. He loved the beauty of the home and appreciated the silky webs on the tree branches, but knew the mother had worked very hard to clean the house and would not view the webs with the same appreciation.

The Christ Child touched the spider webs and they began to sparkle and glisten, and soon turned into glittering strands of gold and silver. Christmas morning the family gathered about the Christmas tree and exclaimed that it had never looked so wonderful! Only the mother knew that the glimmering branches were a Christmas miracle.

Since that time it has been tradition to deck the tree with garlands of shiny tinsel. And to honor that little Christmas miracle, mother hangs a Christmas spider ornament on the tree each year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
CastlesNCrowns.com

Prince Cape or Knight Cape

2010-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Prince Cape, Crusader Cape, or Knight Cape - Call it what you will, kids will have fun with this everyday pretend-play accessory for boys or girls.

We like to nurture the imagination with 'open ended' playful dress-up clothes for kids that can be used all year round, not just at Halloween!

These wonderful themed capes are made of washable crushed velvet, fully-lined with comfortable china silk polyester. They're easy for children to put on and take off with quality velcro closures. Great alone, or add other accessories, for a quick and easy dress-up look. Great for everyday pretend play, birthday parties, and halloween costumes!

One size fits most children ages 3-8. Approx. 24 inches from neckline to hem.

Machine Wash Cold. Tumble dry gentle.Fabric: comfortable imported china silk polyester which resists wrinkles well and is easy to maintain.

Ready to ship! USA only.
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- SHOP CastlesNCrowns.com

Christmas Candycane Girls Purse Winner

2010-12-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

And the 12-5-10 WINNER is... JANIE F. Congratulations Janie, you won the white sequined CandyCane Purse from our FB Giveaway -- Which we are now no longer allowed to do on facebook!

But Don't Worry! We will still have lots of giveaways and we will still notify you on our FB page, with reminders to peek over here on our blog for updates and winner announcements.

We are still learning the new FB rules, but here is a link to the Can's and Cannots of Facebook promotions: http://www.buildalittlebiz.com/blog/2010/11/28/the-cans-cannots-of-facebook-plus-some-dos-donts-too.html

Christmas Poinsettia Girls Purse Winner

2010-12-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

And the Winner is.... Keri J! Keri won this beautiful black, red and green sequined Christmas Purse to add some sparkle to her little girl's holiday fun! Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our 10th Giveaway in a month!

3 more facebook contests coming up!
http://www.facebook.com/castlesncrowns

Facebook Contest Winner of Pink Princess in Training Hat

2010-11-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to last night's FACEBOOK CONTEST WINNER! Hannah L. won our Princess in Training Hat in our Freebie Giveaway Contest (hosted by Mama's V's Reviews on Facebook).

Join us on Facebook.com/castlesncrowns for more contests all year long!

CastlesNCrowns.com
Facebook.com/castlesncrowns
Twitter.com/castlesncrowns
CastlesNCrownsBoutique.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving Cupcakes with Photos Recipe and Video

2010-11-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

HoosierHomemade.com

A Big Thank you to Hoosier Homemade for their Cupcake Challenge for the holidays. These Thanksgiving Cupcakes are adorable! Follow the Video on her blog for other cupcakes too (such as Turkey design).

Hoosiers Homemade has a holiday recipe Ebook available and many other great ideas on their site.

Check out these BUDGET FRIENDLY MEALS!

Celebrity Sighting - Pink Princess Capes

2010-11-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

http://pics.livejournal.com/unusualamnesia/pic/000xfpra/s640x480

Our Pink Princess Capes are SOLD OUT! (like the ones being held by actress Katie Holmes with her daughter Suri Cruise in the photo above)!

We carry SuperHero Capes for boys (and girls!) too.

THIS CAPE IS SOLD OUT. Other items still available: Store Close-Out!
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- SHOP CastlesNCrowns.com

1991 Collectible Troll Doll with Blue Hair

2010-11-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

VINTAGE TROLL DOLL

Surfer Troll Dude with Sunglasses and Blue Hair

Acme (TM)

1991

Made in

China

4 1/2 inches tall (not including his hair height)

Good condition.

Part of our Consignment/Vintage Collection.
SHOP CastlesNcrowns

Child Mad Hatter Charming Photo Shoot

2010-11-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a new fan of Jules Trandem Photography since finding her Child Mad Hatter photo shoot blog post. Find her on facebook too, and then Enjoy!

Handmade Black and White Tutu Witch Costume with Elegant Details

2010-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Elegant handmade Black and White Witch Tutu Costume has Victorian-styled details, making this beautiful Good Witch, Bad Witch a unique ONE OF A KIND Witch Tutu Costume.

Ready to ship! USA only.
ON SALE -- CLEARANCE PRICE -- SHOP CastlesNCrowns.com

Organic Halloween Cookies Haunted House, Witch, Ghost, Pumpkin, Black Cat, Bat

2010-10-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.ecopartytime.com/haunted-house-organic-cookie-gift-set.html

Eco Party Time has eco-friendly decorations, gifts, party favors, costumes, and so much more, including these fun ORGANIC COOKIES with Bat, Witch, Haunted House, Pumpkin, Ghost, and Cats.

Hypoallergenic, Glycerin, Vegan Soap Puzzle

2010-09-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Cool Soap Puzzle from Perpetual Kid. Hypoallergenic, glycerin based, vegan soap puzzle makes bath time even more fun! $9.99

Baby Frankenstein Cotton Costumes on Sale

2010-09-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Harrisons Halloween 100% Cotton Costumes for Your Little Monster. 100% COTTON Unique Infant Halloween Costumes are sized for babies 3-6 months (Size 0-6 months). Perfect for baby’s FIRST HALLOWEEN!

For Concerned Parents – Our Harrisons Halloween 100% Cotton Baby Costumes are one of the few Non-petroleum-based cotton fabrics on the market today.

FRANKENBABY includes 5 pcs: Green/Black Frankenstein Hat, Black Shirt with half-sleeves and attached Green Vest, Black Booties, Brown Pants with elastic waist. Chin strap extender for chubby babies. (Optional Free Chin Extender for ‘chubby’ babies!)

0-6 MONTHS SIZE (fits most babies 3-6 months)

FABRIC:
100% COTTON: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Gentle. Allow for some shrinkage.

ON SALE NOW: at EcoPartyTime.com
Other Cotton Baby Costumes on sale at CastlesNCrowns.com

Specialty Baby Products on Sale at Mini Bargainz

2010-08-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mini Bargainz for featuring our sister company, Harrisons Halloween Cotton Baby Costumes on their 24 hour special discount page Today.

MINI BARGAINZ BLOG shows you the kind of products they feature, with something new each day. Our Cotton costumes are at a huge discount at Mini Bargainz online store today only!

Don't Kiss (or touch) a Frog!

2010-08-09T12:57:00.001-07:00

The Center for Disease Control has a warning on their website about frogs. Many people (mostly children) have become ill due to a type of Salmonella associated with frogs, and specifically the African Dwarf Frog.

WebMD says the outbreak has reached 31 States, and started from a single CALIFORNIA breeder.

Parents Magazine says: If you have a frog as a pet, wash your hands after handling the animal, its housing, food, or the tank water. And never clean the tank in the kitchen sink or near food-prep areas. It's best to wash it outside, but if you have to use the bathtub, disinfect it with bleach afterward.... Experts strongly discourage any type of frog in households with kids under age 5.

I think our Castles N Crowns frog is safe though!

Girls Fullness Slip vs Petticoat vs Pettiskirt vs Pettitutu - What's the Difference?

2010-08-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

What is the difference between a fullness slip, a petticoat slip, a pettitutu and a pettiskirt?

Using the images above, the top 2 pictures show our Fullness Slips (sold at Castles N Crowns) which sell for $9.99 to $11.99. These slips add a bit of fullness under our Princess Dresses or any dress and are very budget-friendly.
This 3rd photo shows one type of petticoat slip (sold at daintydress for $34.95). A petticoat is generally much more full and twirly, and is great when you need a big full look, such as under a pageant dress.
Another type of Petticoat is the Pettiskirt Tutu (above) which can be worn alone or as a petticoat slip, for dance or dress up play or just for fashion fun.

And last but definitely not least is the fullest designer pettiskirt (above). This one from Kaiya Eve is the original and most famous of the designer pettiskirts, priced at about $80.

So depending on what you need and how much you want to spend, you have a great range of choices, all fun, and all delightful to see little girls wear!

Buy our fullness SLIP here.

Alice In Wonderland Queen of Hearts Costumes

2010-08-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

As an Alice in Wonderland fan, I was amazed to see the beautiful Queen of Hearts costume (above) by the Duct Tape Bandit. What's more amazing is that the entire costume is made from Duct Tape!

Here is another Queen of Hearts Duct Tape Costume, this time with the Mad Hatter by her side. This pair were part of the Duct Brand costume contest in 2009.
I'm an even bigger fan of TUTUS, so I had to share this beautiful Queen of Hearts Tutu from Tiara's Boutique on Etsy. All of her tutus are lovely and Tiara is very professional and friendly.

Free Ruffled Socks Instructions - How to Add Ribbon Ruffles to Socks

2010-08-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

When my daughter was a toddler, I used to sew her clothes. I made smocked dresses, corduroy overalls, hair bows, and I even made a life-sized stuffed doll for her. I was in my 20's then and had more energy I guess. My daughter is a mom herself now and just gifted us with our first granddaughter. So I've been thinking about what I could make for this little angel, but my energy is long gone. I've even retired from tutu design (something I did successfully for the last 2-3 years), though I have saved a few tutus for the new little princess in my life.

Though I'm not sewing or crafting anymore, I still love to search the internet for creative women who make their own children's items, whether it's clothing, tutus, accessories or toys. The Ribbon Retreat has generously shared this FREE INSTRUCTION pdf on how to make ruffled socks. Their photos are well done and the instructions are easy to follow. One of the best diy instructions for adding ruffles to your socks that I have seen (for free!)

Fairy Wings on Sale at Castles N Crowns

2010-08-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Lovely fairy princess wings (aka butterfly wings) in Purple or Rainbow Multi-color (all others are sold out!) are on sale here.

Boys and baby costumes available also.

CastlesNCrowns.com

Get a Grip on the Juice Box

2010-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

When kids grab their juice box, they sometimes squeeze it and the drink spills out. If you open the top corners out first, then hand the box to your child and tell them to hold those flaps, look ma no spill!

Parents Magazine mentioned a juice alternative which I haven't tried, but it supposedly has 75% fewer calories than juice. I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has tried this fortified kids water or what they think of the idea.

Cartoon - Do It Yourself Consumer Warning - Watch Out For Everything!

2010-07-28T15:59:00.001-07:00

Check one box from each column... This clever cartoon says it all. Thanks FreeRangeKids for posting it.

MADE IN USA Reusable Snack Bags from Itzy Ritzy

2010-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Itzy Ritzy Snack Bag - Reusable, made in USA, pvc-free waterproof lining, cotton fabric. Several cute styles for boys and girls. $9.99 Available at OOMPA.com

Why Pretend Play is Important for Kids

2010-07-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here at CASTLES N CROWNS, we are all about pretend play, role play, and nurturing the imagination.

As a former toy store owner, I once had a customer ask me about a particular imaginative toy she was looking at (no batteries, no structured rules, just use your imagination) for a 4 year old. She asked, "But what does it DO?"

I found the question shocking and my answer was, "It does whatever the child can imagine it to do, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination". She decided to pass on the toy, which was heartbreaking to me. Not because she did not buy that creative toy, but because she wanted a very commercial toy that does the playing for you... so you don't have to interact with your mind, only with batteries and buttons to push.

4 year old children are very creative and they love pretend play. My grandsons have been playing with costumes from my Castles N Crowns Boutique since they were about 18 months old and even now at 5 1/2 still love to play with them.

Scholastic says that Pretend Play builds Social and Emotional Skills, Language Skills, Thinking Skills, and Nurtures the Imagination. Read the full article HERE.

Recycled Newspaper Gift Bag DIY Craft Project

2010-07-21T10:14:00.001-07:00

HOW ABOUT ORANGE... offers this great FREE DIY Craft Project for reusing newspapers to make a charming and clever gift bag. We really loved this idea!

BALL CLAW Storage Hook for Basketball, Football, Soccer, Vollyball

2010-07-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

The BALL CLAW is a great way to display or store your basketball, football, soccer ball, or volleyball (there is a claw for each style). Decorate your garage or bedroom with these amazing storage claws, so the ball can't roll off (like on a shelf). Can be attached to your basketball pole too, so the ball is always handy! Price: $12 and up. From BallClaw.com

The Importance of Free Play Outdoors

2010-05-04T14:07:00.001-07:00

Let's go out and play! Outside free play is a wonderful thing, and many children these days don't get enough of it. It's not only about physical health or losing weight, both of which are critically important. Playthings magazine writes this:

"Outdoor play teaches children to be good citizens of a democracy; it teaches them to be leaders; it teaches them to be entrepreneurs; and it teaches them to get along with their neighbors. Here's why: Unlike indoor games, outdoor games typically don't have strict rules... Play outdoors and you will usually have to establish the rules yourself.

"When we were children, we had lots of free time, particularly in the summer when school was out. If we decided to play Wiffle Ball, we and not our parents, decided which bush or tree was a base and whether hitting the ball out of the yard into the street was a hone run.... In short, we made the law, we obeyed the law and we enforced the law.... You don't have to have lots of money to play outdoor games.

"So why don't kids go out and play today? They simply don't have the time... soccer practices... music lessons... adult-organized play groups... too many hours spent riding in the back seat of the car. When they finally get home they need to do their homework.

"Children have lost the spontaneity that comes from having no adults in their way. Children simply do not have any freedom. They are in perpetual lock down... Give kids back their free time and their freedom. Let them employ their imaginations, their backyards and their friends to choose what they want to do as well as when, how and with whom they want to do it. We will all be better off for it." -Authored by Playthings journalist Richard Gottlieb.

- Notice the author of that article doesn't bring up the world we live in today, and safety concerns, which we are all well aware of. However, he still makes valid points and it's something to think about. We at Castles N Crowns believe in nurturing imaginations through creative free play indoors or out!

Hans Christian Andersens 205th Birthday

2010-04-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

Today is the 205th birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. We found the image above at the Solvang Greyhound Fest website here. Here in Solvang we have Hans Christian Andersen Park and also Hans Christian Andersen Museum. For more HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN and SOLVANG info, please visit SolvangUSA.com

BABY SLINGS RECALLED

2010-03-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

BABY SLINGS RECALLED - NOT ONLY THE ONE SHOWN and not only the brands listed, BUT ALL ARE IN DANGER:

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISION (CPSC) says:
On March 12, 2010, CPSC issued a warning about sling carriers for babies. Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against the infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.

CPSC has determined that a mandatory standard is needed for infant sling carriers. White a mandatory standard is being developed, CPSC staff is working with ASTM International and concerned companies such as Infantino to quickly develop a voluntary standard for slings. There are currently no safety standards for sling carriers.

Hooded Knight Tunic and Hooded Crusader Tunic

2010-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

The metallic thread looks just like chain mail on our Knight and Crusader Hooded Tunics.

This is one of our most popular new items at Castles N Crowns.

Yes VIRGINIA, There IS a SANTA CLAUS

2009-12-19T13:09:00.001-08:00

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN its so.'
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be mens or childrens, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but thats no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the babys rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Santa Claus is Here!

2009-12-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

If you have been looking for a local place to take the kids to see Santa Claus (not just in a parade, but to sit on his lap and get pictures taken) in the Santa Ynez Valley or Santa Barbara County, try the new mall!

You may have discovered that Santa is absent from La Cumbra Mall in Santa Barbara so far this year. But have no fear — Santa Claus is here! In the new Santa Maria Town Center Mall that is. I say 'new' because under the fabulous new ownership, the formerly run down mall has been remodeled and upgraded to a higher quality standard.

They have a great place to visit SANTA, right across from the new TOM’S TOYS downstairs next to Fred Meyers Jewelers. Upstairs you can find fun ride-ons such as Space Ship, Race Car, Motorcycle and more (our grandkids love to sit on them and pretend, or you can add quarters and give them a real ride).

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas everyone! (There is a fee for visiting Santa and getting photos taken.)

Flat Stanley Reading Project Visits Tom's Toys in San Luis Obispo

2009-11-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

I'm in Webkinz World. No, not really, that's me with a bunch of Webkinz in a toy display behind me.

Hi, I'm Flat Stanley. Can you see me hanging with the magnetic monkeys from the ceiling above? And in the next picture I'm on top of a flaming tower in a window display. You probably wonder what's going on, so let me tell you about it.
My 3rd Grade friend Katie thought I'd like an adventure in a big toystore, so she sent me to visit Tom's Toys in San Luis Obispo. Have you ever been there? It is 2 stories high and looks like Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

One of the workers, Tricia, took lots of pictures of me while I was there. She showed me all around the store and I had a lot of fun. In the next picture, instead of taking the stairs to the top floor, I tried to climb up the giant castle tower with the chimpanzees. Can you find me near the top?
They have so many toys in this big toystore that they need signs to point to them all:
I wanted to see how the amazing Wowie Zowie Gumball Machine worked, but somehow I ended up inside it. Fortunately the manager, Mike, had a key to get me back out again:
Finger Frights are monster finger puppets. I put some on my feet and hands. They are made out of a slimy rubber material.

I hope you are not afraid of snakes. These 2 snakes were crawling all over me. Good thing they aren't real.
I know that my friend Katie likes dolphins, so I sat on the back of this soft dolphin stuffed animal just for her.
Tom's Toys has a lot of good old fashioned toys, like the poseable Gumby and Pokey below:
I was so excited to be here that I needed some exercise to get some of my energy out, so I tried to ride a Tech Deck skateboard down a Tony Hawk Ramp:

HELP, TARANTULA! Oh, wait, nevermind, it's not real, it's a remote control toy. Whew, it looked so real!

Tom's Toys has tons of Legos and I met a little Lego Man while I was there. He was dressed up as Indiana Jones.

After a ride on a toy Excavator, I was getting a little hungry, so I bought some candy. You won't believe what happened next...

Suddenly, some wild animals surrounded me. They must have been hungry too. I hope they wanted to eat my candy, and not me! Well, that was my adventure in San Luis Obispo. I guess you could say I had a ball at Tom's Toys! Thanks for sending me there Katie. All Photos copyright (c) Tricia and Castles N Crowns Dress-up Boutique 2009