In Honor of Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois

In honor of Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois, we released balloons in memory of those who are gone but not forgotten. On Tuesday, May 31st, 20% of all sales benefits TMFSI.

Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois Balloon Release

TMFSI offers memory items, burial guidance, grief counseling, education, one-on-one support, confidentiality and annual remembrance events. TMFSI is also in the process of establishing a Tender Garden. The Tender Garden will be a resting place for children and babies in our area. It is more likely that parents will be faced with the decision on where they might bury their child only moments before or after their passing than it is that they have a plan in place for such occasions.  Some have family plots that are available to them and some have not even had the discussion for themselves, let alone their children.  There are visitors to our area that do not plan to stay.  There are those that simply cannot afford to purchase a forever place their child.

Contact them if you or someone you know needs their services: (618) 521-7463

XO,
Lauren Craig

June 01, 2016

Vacation Ready at Eccentrics Boutique

Shop women's trendy vacation wear at Eccentrics Boutique.

Are you vacation ready?? We know you got your hotel booked, cruise tickets purchased, and flights scheduled. But are your bags packed a week in advance? Do you have brand new outfits that are waiting for the ocean breeze to caress them? Well, don't worry. We have some of the cutest styles that are beach appropriate. We just hope you're prepared for all the heads turning in your direction!

Rosie Lace Blouse $89 // Quay About Last Night Sunglasses $50

Shop women's trendy vacation wear at Eccentrics Boutique.

 Get covered up before walking to the beach. Whether it's with a flowy white blouse with lace details or a fun colorful printed romper. These two cute styles are Instagram worthy when you're having fun in the sun!

The Wild One Bodysuit $89

Shop women's trendy vacation wear at Eccentrics Boutique.

Rosie Lace Blouse $89 // Quay About Last Night Sunglasses $50 // The Wild One Bodysuit $89

Shop women's trendy vacation wear at Eccentrics Boutique.

When you start packing, don't bring your old and worn out things. A refreshing vacation is even more rejuvenating when you get to wear something new. So go have fun and look great doing it!

May 23, 2016

Feelin' Bohemian at Eccentrics Boutique

Bohemian inspired summer outfits at Eccentrics Boutique

School is out. Graduations are done. Careers are started. Families are growing. It doesn't matter which of these statements relate most to you...sometimes you just want to escape reality and look pretty in the process.

Rose High Neck Dress $45 // Anna Ruffle Top $54 // Muse Rige Garage Shorts $89

Bohemian inspired summer outfits at Eccentrics Boutique

When the days are sunny, throw on a light and airy dress with delicate cutout details. our Rose High Neck Dress is soft and flowy. It has a flattering fit with a feminine style. With the earthy tone. embrace your inner boho goddess with wavy locks and neutral makeup.

Rose High Neck Dress $45

Bohemian inspired summer outfits at Eccentrics Boutique

Get some sun on those legs while wearing a cute pair of our Muse Rige Garage Shorts. Wear a breezy off the shoulder light tie dye crop top with crochet trim details. This lets you stay covered while showing a little skin.

Anna Ruffle Top $54 // Muse Rige Garage Shorts $89

Bohemian inspired summer outfits at Eccentrics Boutique

Forget the worries of your jobs, studies and other responsibilities. Just play some reggae tunes while soaking up the sun in a secluded spot with your best friends!

Bohemian inspired summer outfits at Eccentrics Boutique

Special thanks to our photo shoot contributors:
Lindsay Stockhecke of Deliciously Ordinary created our stunning bohemian summer scene. She is also a wedding stylist and a genius at what she does!

Katie Lirely of Fringe Salon turned our models into boho babes. She is a master of all things beauty!

Huge thank you to our stunning models: Anna Clare Crews and Karsen Burgrabe!

Shop the look:
Rose High Neck Dress $45 // Anna Ruffle Top $54 // Muse Rige Garage Shorts $89

 

May 14, 2016

May 2016 Give Back Beautiful: Tender Mercies Foundation

Eccentrics Boutique Give Back Beautiful Campaign Tender Mercies Foundation

Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois is a non-profit charitable organization to benefit those affected by pregnancy, infant and child loss. TMFSI offers memory items, burial guidance, grief counseling, education, one-on-one support, confidentiality and annual remembrance events. TMFSI is also in the process of establishing a Tender Garden. The Tender Garden will be a resting place for children and babies in our area. It is more likely that parents will be faced with the decision on where they might bury their child only moments before or after their passing than it is that they have a plan in place for such occasions.  Some have family plots that are available to them and some have not even had the discussion for themselves, let alone their children.  There are visitors to our area that do not plan to stay.  There are those that simply cannot afford to purchase a forever place their child.

Stop by Eccentrics Boutique to leave a donation and write a message in memory to honor a life that had so little time. Messages will be attached to balloons released on
Memorial Weekend: Saturday, May 28th. Lauren will match all donations received during May.

Cash & check donations only.

Eccentrics Boutique Give Back Beautiful Campaign Tender Mercies Foundation

TMFSI provides mothers with memory items so they do not leave the hospital empty handed. Here are items they provide...

Memory Box:  A custom handmade memory box that each of the mothers and families are able to hold onto through time.  It is their choice on what to include in these boxes but often times you will find birth information, gifted items and pictures.  This is a box that each family is able to personalize to their experience.

Lullaby Gowns: Often times these babies are a pound, or less, and are barely the length of an adult hand.  Following the lead of others, TMFSI plans to turn donated wedding gowns into lullaby gowns for the newly born.

Edwin the Elephant: Mothers will receive Edwin with a TMFSI contact card so they do not leave empty handed. Mothers are encouraged to hold onto Edwin until they are ready to let go. TMFSI will have the baby’s name and birth information embroidered on the ears.

Impression Kits: No matter how big or small, having an impression of your child’s hand or foot when born is something always cherished. TMFSI hopes to help supply the hospital(s) with special kits, made especially for such tender skin, so that such a gift can be available.

Tiny Flower Pot: To recognize loss by miscarriage, TMFSI wants to provide mothers with a tiny flower pot containing an elephant shaped seed. This will bloom in memory.

Pin for Nurses: Nurses are on the front lines with patients during pregnancy and child loss. TMFSI wants to recognize nurses experiencing their own feelings of loss.

Eccentrics Boutique Give Back Beautiful Campaign Tender Mercies Foundation

The elephant has become the symbol of Tender Mercies Foundation. The elephant is the only known mammal that actually grieve for their loss. When an elephant is pregnant, other elephants will circle the mother to offer support like a doula.

Help us help Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois. Each donation will make a difference for a very important foundation in our communities.

XO,
The Eccentrics Team

May 07, 2016

Graduate in Style at Eccentrics Boutique

Shop women's ttrendy graduation dresses!

Graduate in Style!

Congratulations, graduate! You have done so well in your studies. Now let us help you get an A+ in fashion! We have a great selection of graduation dresses. View the images below to see my top picks!

Buy your graduation dress before Monday, May 23rd and be entered to win a $50.00 gift card!

Here's how to enter:
In-Store: Tell us at checkout when you shop in-store.
Online: Comment "graduation dress" in the notes section at checkout.


One random (and lucky!) winner will get a $50.00 gift card from us!

XO,
Lauren Craig

Shop women's graduation dresses at Eccentrics Boutique

Shop women's trendy and stylish graduation dresses at Eccentrics Boutique

Shop women's stylish graduation dresses at Eccentrics Boutique!

Shop our favorite graduation styles online now!

May 04, 2016

Mom Life: Embracing the Beautiful Chaos

 

How to embrace the chaos of mom life! Mother's Day blog post. 

Before I became a mother, I thought life was so easy to balance. In fact, I imagined picture perfect Etsy birthday parties, Hallmark movie moments and only one outfit change for the day. But reality hit and all these expectations went out the window. Between spending time with my family and running a business, the definition of perfection has drastically changed! Three years later, I have learned to let go and let God take the lead and trust Him.

How to embrace the chaos of mom life! Mother's Day blog post.

Here's a list of the small stuff that I'm no longer sweating:

  1. I'm so lucky to get my kid dressed and to daycare on time.
  2. Let him be Superman even if we're just getting milk.
  3. Sometimes I just have to let him put peanut butter on his nose.
  4. Picture perfect is a matter of opinion. All of my family photos are perfect because we're together. One of us might be crying....but we're together.
  5. Tears come unexpectedly. Whether it's from a boo-boo or not sliding down the correct slide.
  6. Bed head is the hottest hair style for 2016.
  7. Sometimes brownies really are the answer to all life's problems.

How to embrace the chaos of mom life! Mother's Day blog post.

Raising a boy has been a huge adjustment considering I don't have any brothers. So my sister Ashton and I have had the opportunity to learn together. I'm never too old to have a girl's day with my sister, only now we get to include our two boys!

How to embrace the chaos of mom life! Mother's Day blog post.

Each day brings its own unexpected challenges...but I cherish each one.  And once baby #2 arrives, I might have to remind myself of this list all over again! (Haha!) I hope each mommy out there can embrace the beautiful chaos and find her own definition of perfection!

How to embrace the chaos of mom life! Mother's Day blog post.

XO,
Lauren Craig

May 03, 2016

DIY Thursdays in Review

We've had so much fun with our DIY Thursdays! Here is a quick recap of the projects hosted by Jordan Sparks of Lily White Designs.

Spring Wreath

DIY Thursdays projects at Eccentrics Boutique

DIY Thursdays projects at Eccentrics Boutique. DIY Spring Wreath

Shirt Silkscreen Stencil

DIY Thursdays projects at Eccentrics Boutique. DIY Shirt Silkscreen Stencil

Paper Flower Frame

DIY Thursdays projects at Eccentrics Boutique. Paper Flower Frame

DIY Thursdays projects at Eccentrics Boutique. Paper Flower Frame

We will be taking a break during the month of May due to the busyness of Mother's Day and graduations. So stay tuned for our June DIY Thursdays schedule!

XO,
Lauren Craig

 

P.S. We got our beautiful silk flowers from Steven's Floral Gifts and Framing!

 

April 28, 2016

2016 Community Service Award

Caritas Family Solutions 2016 Community Service Award Winners Eccentrics Boutique

What a weekend it has been! We had the honor of attending the Caritas Family Solutions 12th Annual Charity Brunch on Saturday, April 9th. We were surrounded by so many incredible service leaders in our community. And heard powerful testimonials by two young men who have succeeded with the help of social workers from Caritas. And let us add that there wasn't a dry eye in the entire room!

Caritas Family Solutions 2016 Community Service Award Winners Eccentrics Boutique

Gary Huelsmann (CEO) and Michelle Bradley (Regional Director - Carterville) presented Eccentrics Boutique with their 2016 Community Service Award. We are so honored to support a non-profit organization that makes our communities a more beautiful place. We want to thank Caritas for recognizing us and we want to acknowledge that our customers help make our Give Back Beautiful campaigns such a huge success. Thank you for taking the time to donate and participate in our local charity campaigns. This award is for YOU as well!

XO,
Lauren Craig

 

April 12, 2016

DIY Thursdays: Palette Art at Eccentrics Boutique

DIY Thursday at Eccentrics Boutique

Our first DIY Thursday event was a HUGE success! We had a group of 11 women who were excited to learn a new craft! Jordan Sparks of Lily White Designs taught our guests how to create palette art. With a step by step tutorial, the ladies spent an evening of crafting and laughing. Plus they got to take home a beautiful work of art! We're excited about the spring wreath DIY project this week and hope to see you there!

DIY Thursdays at Eccentrics Boutique

DIY Thursdays at Eccentrics Boutique

DIY Thursdays at Eccentrics Boutique

Here is our schedule of April workshops:

 

DIY Thursdays at Eccentrics Boutique

How to participate:

Grab a group of your girlfriends and sign up for a DIY Thursday night hosted by Jordan Sparks of LilyWhite Designs. Cost is $25 to attend including materials and light snacks. Just bring your own bottle of wine and wine glasses! Plus you will take your beautiful creation home. Each DIY night will hold up to 12 guests. Reservations will close the Monday before the event or as soon as 12 guests are reached.

 

XO,

Lauren Craig

April 09, 2016

Easter Dress Hunt at Eccentrics Boutique

Easter Dress Hunt at Eccentrics Boutique

Easter is upon us! Let us show you some of our favorite styles for Sunday!

Spring green women's Easter dress at Eccentrics Boutique

Spring Green Dress $58 // Mint Cardigan $29 // Nude Heels $32 // Quay Sundance Sunglasses $50

Women's pink printed Easter dress at Eccentrics Boutique

Spring Shift Dress $42 // Pink Cardigan $29 // Nude Heels $32 // Purse Lucy Bag $40 // Quay Kitti Sunglasses $50

Women's pink flare bottom Easter dress at Eccentrics Boutique

Pink Bottom Flare Dress $44

BCBGeneration pleated dress and BCBGeneration denim jacket for Easter at Eccentrics Boutique

BCBGeneration Strappy Pleated Dress $88 // BCBGeneration Denim Jacket $138

Pink tulle skirt and denim top for Easter at Eccentrics Boutique

Peach Tulle Skirt $76 // Denim Button Down $99

 

What are you wearing for Easter Sunday?

Stay Stylish!
XO,

Lauren Craig

March 26, 2016

Cupcakes & Cashmere Clothing at Eccentrics Boutique

cupcakes & cashmere clothing line sold exclusively at Eccentrics Boutique

We adore Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere...so you can imagine our excitement when she announced a brand new clothing line! These beautiful feminine and sophisticated styles are available in-store only. If you have any questions, feel free to call at 618-681-2177.

cupcakes & cashmere clothing line sold exclusively at Eccentrics Boutique

cupcakes & cashmere clothing line sold exclusively at Eccentrics Boutique

cupcakes & cashmere clothing line sold exclusively at Eccentrics Boutique

cupcakes & cashmere clothing line sold exclusively at Eccentrics Boutique

We hope you love this collection as much as we do! So come in the store and shop it up!

XO,
Lauren Craig

March 16, 2016

March Give Back Beautiful: Farming God's Way

March is full of promise with the arrival of spring and celebration of Easter. Flowers are blooming and there is hope of a beautiful world after a dreary winter. This March we want to pass on hope to a village that is in need of so much. Our Give Back Beautiful campaign supports Farming God's Way which is a Christian organization working in the village of Hatte Cotin in Haiti. Gordan and Shirley Montgomery founded this ministry to help the people of the village utilize sustainable farming to provide food for their families.

farming god's way in haiti

Farming God’s Way seeks teams of 4-15 people to go to Hatte Cotin, Haiti to assist with the work of this mission by:

  • Offering farming education with local farmers
  • Implementing a feeding program in the local school
  • Providing clean water from wells for drinking and crop irrigation
  • Building schools and churches

farming god's way in haiti

I am proud that my parents, Doug and Tina Grounds, volunteer with this organization once a year. After several years, they have grown to love the families and children in the village of Hatte Cotin. My father has been involved in the construction of the mission house and the school. My mother has been involved in the women’s and children’s Bible studies and the women’s sewing and craft ministry.

farming god's way in haiti

How can you help:

  • Join a mission group by contacting Farming God’s Way: farminggodsway@hotmail.com
  • Pray for the ministry.
  • Buy goods that help support local artists in third world countries.
  • Make a donation to Farming God’s Way at Eccentrics Boutique. You will receive a bracelet made by the youth in the village. Eccentrics Boutique will match all donations through the month of March.

farming god's way in haiti

We hope you will open your heart to the village of Hatte Cotin and help us make a difference in their lives.

XO,

Lauren Craig

March 08, 2016