holly jolly.

The weekend was filled with so many festive activities, from a Christmas breakfast, to Santa Train, to a Holiday Get Together with some super close girlfriends to church to a live Nativity Scene. Oh, and a birthday party mixed somewhere in there.

Santa Hat Brownies, idea came from Pinterest. I would write down how to do them, but they are pretty self-explanatory- brownies from a mini muffin tin, white chocolate melted, and strawberries.

Today I mailed out my Christmas cards. Yay! I was going to splurge and buy them from Tiny Prints (oh the quality and customer service!), but I ended up winning them from Tiny Prints instead through my friend Lenae's blog. I decided this year to do a letter along with it. It will be fun to look back on over the years and read.

I found a fabulous idea via Pinterest (hello, addiction) on what to do with old Christmas cards. I have been collecting them (mainly just picture ones) since 2006, they have remained in the Christmas bin year after year, but this year, they are out for all to see. Such an easy and cute idea. Buy two metal clip rings from a craft store. Take a hole punch and punch two holes in all the cards. Make sure your hole puncher isn't ten years old, it will take twice as long and your hand will be sore the next day; lesson learned. Separate into years (fortunately, I already had them all divided in bags, so I didn't have to do any guessing), and make into a little coffee table book. I also had scrapbook paper to divide and label each year in the book. I've had so much fun looking through the pictures of friends and family.

Have you been working on any fun holiday projects? Do share! What about Christmas cards, do you order them or make them or buy Christmas cards on sale the year before? (I used to do that, years ago. Then I never liked them as much the following year.)

small style {recycled dress}.

We have had such lovely, chilly weather this week. Which means to me, making a lot of comfort foods- chili, pot pie, and white chicken chili. And I had to make a trip to Starbucks on the day the Pumpkin Spice latte was available. But to [my] toddler, cold weather, just means a lot more clothes to have to put on and wearing unwanted pants. I knew this was coming, Audrey still wanting to wear dresses when the temperatures drop. I'm thinking very few jeans will be bought, but a lot of leggings and tights will be on the arise. A couple of months ago, I snagged a simple striped Land's End dress from Goodwill for $3. And today I finally got around to altering it slightly, so it is a tad bit more fun, and totally suitable for this beautiful fall weather.

I used an old vintage apron and an old t-shirt for the material,

and basically did a similar design to a previous dress I had made for Audrey.

So simple and sweet. I love the little heart detail I added to the back.

A little late, but linking up with Morgan over at Mama Loves Papa for Small Style!

coloring outside the lines.

Sometimes it's about coloring outside the lines.

Feeling the urge and going for it.

Putting together mismatched pieces.

Dancing like no one is watching.

Letting your true colors shine.

Making mistakes.

Trying something without knowing the outcome.

Living for the now.

[Those words were interwoven in my hands and heart while

 making this dress for Audrey the other night.]

Made from old tshirts and a vintage apron.

small style. {bows and stripes}.

I have an obsession with bows. This isn't the first I have mentioned this love that gets me searching on etsy for anything and everything bow related.

A bow makes every outfit better. Take Naomi's shirt for example. At first glance, it's like, oh yeah, that's cute, stripes and all.

But then you look closer and the see the little bow detail and it makes me love the shirt.

What I also love? Naomi looks so adorable and girly without wearing pink or purple. [Audrey only wants to wear pink.]

Naomi is wearing:
Shirt- The Children's Place, handed-me-down from sis
Pants- H&M
Hairclip- Goody's, Target

Last week, I got all inspired to make Audrey a dress to match a Misha Lulu dress I bought Naomi for her first birthday from The Mini Social. I used this tutorial as a bases, but really just went at it using old t-shirts I had. And came up with this...

(Sorry, I only have iphone pictures for now. I need to get the real-deal out and take some more.)

The dress on the bottom left is the one I bought for Naomi. I wanted Audrey's to coordinate, but not be too matchy. And it just occurred to me that I must be into black and white stripes as well, hence, Naomi's shirt above and this dress. Bows and stripes, yes, I like.

Audrey sporting the handmade dress at the Farmer's Market last Saturday with her daddy.

Linking up with Morgan over at Mama Loves Papa for Small Style Thursday!

small style {handmade}.

Ever since I was little I remember thinking, I hope I have a girl someday. And lookie here, now I have two. And heck, we may just end up with a house full of them. [Who knows. I'm not picky, all girls, girls and boys, babies are so darn cute, it doesn't matter with me. But more indeed, I do hope.]

The point is, I love, love making things for my girls. This past weekend when we went on a train ride on Father's Day the girls wore t-shirt dresses I made. The one Naomi has on is made from a shirt I got while in Germany in 2001, and the sleeves are made from a vintage apron. And peeps, please don't think oh, I could never do that. Because you can, it really isn't too difficult. I can sew, yes, but I'm not some genius at it. If you look close you will see flaws, but I'm okay with that, it gives it character. [That's what you are suppose to say when something is messed up, it has character, you know.] I paired Audrey's with some shorts from Target and Naomi with baby leggings from Target. [I use baby leggings A LOT. Especially in the summer when it's hot outside, but cold in air conditioning. Quick and easy to remove and put on!]

Once I figured out how to make cute skirts for the girls, I just haven't been able to stop. Which is part of the reason I opened my Etsy shop. Skirts are awesome because you can wear them in the summer or with leggings or jeans under in the winter.

You don't have to tell me twice, I KNOW, she is getting so, so big and strong!

Naomi is wearing:
Shirt- Target
Skirt- Me, Rosemary's Cuppa
Shoes: Robeez

[Audrey didn't want her picture taken. That's a two-year old for you. Oh well.]

I'm linking up with the beautiful, Morgan, over at Mama Loves Papa for Small Style Thursday. Go check out the other cutie-patooties!

a creative space {new bookshelf and table}.

Recently Audrey has really picked up coloring. Like, sit down for a good thirty minutes and focus on a page coloring in each bow, foot, kitty, she can find. She also loves to paint, do play-dough, and she can put a 24 piece puzzle together in five minutes flat by herself. Especially if its a princess one. Anyway, all of her art supplies and puzzles used to be in a closest that she had a hard time opening the door (it's old and gets stuck) and it was dark in there, so we always had to help her. I wanted to create a space where she could openly and freely get out crayons, markers, paper, stickers, puzzles. [Yeah, she is two and the possibility of her writing on the couch with a marker is a high risk. We set boundaries. And she breaks them and she learns. That's life. We are okay with that.]

So, when we took a big trip to Ikea, Mother's Day weekend, we picked up a bookshelf. Which was sort of a big deal, because I very rarely buy any pieces of new furniture, it is usually vintage and from a thrift store or garage sale. I not only wanted a place to store art supplies, I wanted to get our DVD's out where they have been stored away in a cute, but inconvenient place so we never watched them. I wanted to get my books out too, again, stored away in a cute, but never used place.

purchased the print here

I'm happy with the over-all function of our new bookshelf. It's not complete, I still have an empty shelf and I need to arrange our books and magazines better. The fabric came from Ikea as well, I like the kookiness of it, wolves, deer, birds, yes please.  I just hemmed up the sides and added a curtain rod to hang it. Behind the curtain is all the puzzles and art supplies.

Then, just a couple of feet away from the shelf is a small white table and two stools for Audrey (and one day, Naomi) to create, also purchased from Ikea.

There you have it, a little creative space for the kiddos. That I often take advantage of as well. I can make a pretty darn good snake, butterfly, even Dora out of play-dough. And don't get me started on my mad coloring skills.

see ya soon.

Well, folks. It hit me. This afternoon the cold chills and the ache-y body started. I have eaten half a banana today. So, I may not be here for a couple of days. [And Naomi is still sick. And the husband is sort of starting to recover.]

But I did (thankfully) get some new items posted in my shop, before the sickness took over. Purty please go check them out- they have been so therapeutic for me to make over the last couple of days. [And if you can spread the word, it would be totally awesome. And yes, I'm trying to promote my shop. I love you guys, thanks.]

Also, I'm thinking another giveaway is in order, maybe next week when all this sickness has hit the road.
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See ya soon.

it's a boy.

I hosted a shower for one of my close friends today. And I was super pumped to do it because it was for a boy. And around here, we just see a lot of pink.

One of my favorite things from the shower: mustache straws. You read it right, mustaches all around.

(Here I am modeling one for you. I might just use one everyday because it's that fun.)

The mustaches are made from the cardstock-like felt. I just folded one in half and cut out mustache designs. Then used a hole-puncher for the holes. 

For the favors I made no-sew blue felt flower pins. Easy, peasy. Just cut, wrap, and glue. (To cut the flower, I just basically kept going around in a circle like a swirl.)

It was a fun day. Not to mention it was really sunny today, which always makes the day better.

i walked outside for the first time in four days.

Yesterday I spent a lot of time my time stealing things. Yup, I'm a thief. I would get on Facebook and see my friends post things they are doing with their kids and then I would proceed to do them. My friend, Jade, talked about making homemade pancakes. So what did we do? Make homemade (blueberry) pancakes. Then she talked about a tea party. And what? Yes, we had a tea party. Then my friend Mindy talked about making clean mud. And you guessed it- we made clean mud.

I'm always for sharing ideas, that's one of the many, many reasons I love blogging and just social networking in general.

So, now you may steal the clean mud recipe from me. (Which is really not my recipe at all.)

Another easy, fun, sensory activity for the kiddos. I used one bar of ivory soap, had my little sister grate it, then took about 1/3 roll of toilet paper and had Audrey tear it up. Then mixed the soap and toilet paper with hot water, a little bit at a time till it was a consistency I liked. I think I had a lot more fun playing in it then Audrey, but she did want her pigs to you know, roll in the mud.

So fresh and so clean clean

Also? We left the house for the first time today, since basically Sunday. (Besides driving around on Monday to pick up my sister.) Fresh air is amazing. It also feels good to not be wearing pajamas. What? I've been wearing pajamas for four days straight? Never. Ahem. Audrey sported her skirt that I made. I haven't posted the deer applique one yet on my shop, but do plan to.

And those of you that look really closely at pictures (like I do) will notice my super dirty floor. And a crayon randomly on the floor. Folks, this is the norm in my neck of the woods. Mmmmkay. Now come on over and have some tea, would ya.

skirt-a-loo.

I think I found something I really like doing. Making toddler skirts. Usually, I'm one to not like doing the same thing over and over again. But these skirts? It's like the same, but not. Same idea, but I love coming up with a cute design to finish it off. And picking out the pattern material is fun too.

After making my first one the other day, Yesterday I made FIVE skirts. Most of it was accomplished during naps and after the kiddos went to bed. It was like I couldn't get enough of making these suckers.

Check it.

I ran out of fabric, so unless I attempt to leave my little snow globe, then I won't get any skirts done today. My goal is to get ten made before I post them on Etsy. Plus, I want to buy some pretty tags to make them, well, official.

So, what do you say, which one do you like? Have any other fun ideas for me to put on the skirts?

toddler skirt.

Yesterday I got a Misha Lulu skirt in the mail that I ordered for Audrey off of The Mini Social. [I was able to buy it because it was marked down pretty low and they had an extra $10 off promotion.] It is so dag'on cute, I kind of want one in my size. And I love the fact that Audrey AND Naomi will both be wearing it.

The cute skirt inspired me to make one like it. I originally made it for Audrey, but I think it is going to fit Naomi when she is around 12 months. Other than the size, it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. I plan on making another one tonight. And maybe more for my Etsy shop.

Check it.

Sorry, folks, I don't have a tutorial for it. Because I usually just wing my crafts. But it's pretty basic, none of my sewing skills are advanced. Ha.

It felt good to get my craft on last night. It's like therapy for me.

and so. i'm trying.

I started the New Year with a positive outlook. Like, watch out winter I'm going to kick your butt and actually enjoy it. Low and behold, it's only January 10th, and I'm already over this cold. I have 50 projects on our house that I want to complete, but most of them involve being outside for some reason or another. Or at least the windows open. [I still want to paint my entire house a light storm grey. Oh, and you like how I added the word storm, I thought it made it me sound more like a cool interior designer or something.]

So after faking it for about a week, this dumb winter got the best of me and I started to get all woe is me. I even told my husband that I sometimes I wish I had a full-term job so I could clock in and out. And that I wished I could get away by myself for a day. And right when the words rolled off my tongue, I knew it wasn't true.

Because, oh my, am I ever grateful for my life. But, I'm also human and sometimes think the grass is always greener on the otherside. See, I'm sort of struggling with this whole stay-at-home-mom gig. I know it's the right job for me right now, but there is no monetary rewards for this type of business. [Because the rewards are much, much greater.]  And sometimes I feel like I should be contributing with dollar and cents, you know. Also, who ever coined the term stay-at-home-mom? I think we need to kick that to the curb, and just be work-at-home-moms, whether it's with your kids or on a computer or what not. We all are working, aren't we? Doing the best we can.

And so, after a woe is me weekend, today I'm choosing joy. This morning, while eating breakfast with Audrey, we read from the Bible (Psalms and Proverbs). Audrey kept asking me to read more. I pray that her heart thirsts for His Word as she gets older. Also? When I opened the egg carton there was scripture on the inside. Have you ever noticed that?! [You know you want to check your egg carton now.] It was an awesome way to start my day. I needed that reminder. This is the day which the Lord has made.

Switching gears.

[Apparently I'm horrible with transitions.] I am still consciously working on my goals. I managed to get my cover for my sewing machine finished. Which took a week to complete, even though it should have took like an hour. [It's sort of embarrassing if you knew how I made it.] At least my sewing machine looks pretty sitting on my desk.

I made it from an old pillowcase I had on hand, a vintage doily and a vintage lace collar--stained those with coffee. [My unfinished cup of coffee was sitting out, I had the doily and collar and thought hey I will see what happens if I let it soak in my coffee. And it worked. True story.] And some buttons sewn on to add a little bit of color. 

Oh, to those who are curious, I bought the cross-stitch embroidery pattern, Filled with Love. [See how much I know, I thought it was cross-stitch and it wasn't.] You all encouraged me to try it. So I am. Now it's just the matter of time of me getting the actual supplies I need to complete it.

So, here's to a week of goaling reaching and choosing joy. Happy Monday, friends.

give thanks.

I want to so badly get out my Christmas decorations right now. I love the twinkling lights, the smell of pine, the festive spirit that goes along with the season. (Not judging, if you already have decorations out. Seriously.) But, I'm settling for playing just Christmas music (yes, I caved and started listening to it yesterday) until the day after Thanksgiving. So, I'm keeping my fall decor up and giving thanks.

[I made this banner out of burlap, ribbon, and used a stencil to paint the letters. Super, easy. I like the reminder that it brings as it hangs in our living room.]

Sometimes it seems so much easier to think about all my wants, instead of my haves. I want those new pair of shoes. I want a bigger house with a master bathroom.  I want to go on vacation. I want new dishes. But in all reality, I have so much. So much more than I will ever need.

So I'm searching for contentment and giving thanks for what I already have. I'm so thankful for my home, my sweet swaggerwagon that I drive everywhere that pretty much screams I'm a mom, the camera that I have to capture the little moments, my hard-workin' husband, my two little girls, and especially thankful for good health in my family. Oh, and I am thankful for Nutella. [Have I mentioned how much I love food?] If you have not tried that stuff, you should stop reading this and go to the store right.now (they sell it at Target). Nutella is the perfect excuse to have chocolate hazelnut spread for breakfast.

What is something you are giving thanks for this holiday season?

you are my sunshine.

A couple of weeks ago I bought this print from Bright Side Photos on Etsy. The owner was really awesome to work with. I wanted a custom size and and it shipped fast, double bonus. [I'm always giddy when I received something in the mail, I wait for it everyday like a child excited to ride a roller coaster even though it can take a two hour wait for a thirty second ride. It's so worth it.]

I bought the print to hang above our bed and to use in an old window we took out of our little bungalow we are remodeling. I took the print and window to Michael's Craft Store to get a matte made for it.

And now it hangs above our bed.

One of our favorite games to play together is Scrabble, so I just loved this print when I found it.

It is such a sweet reminder, that yes, we are each other's sunshine.

**I didn't get asked to write about my purchase and I'm not compensated for it. I just really like it and wanted to share. You should check out her store, because she has some pretty cool stuff.**

september first {is here}.

To celebrate the first of September, which in my head, means fall, even though it doesn't really, but to me it does, I put out my first fall-like decorations. [I know I totally don't make sense. Just keep reading. I like to be all confusing like that.]

On Monday we went to Menards (I'm really a Lowe's gal) and I was sucked into the autumn decorations. Actually, I was forced to go over there because Audrey wanted to turn on the evil witch thing and make the scarecrow kick it's legs. I was telling Audrey how lame all of those decorations were and we needed to go to buy mums and pretty fall stuff someplace else. And she agreed. Okay, maybe she didn't. Nor did she really get what I was trying to tell her. She just wanted to hear the funny noise over and over again. Then I spotted it. A fall candle. After my nose became raw from smelling every $5 candle Menards had to offer, I picked one and put it in the cart with every expectation that when I actuallly went home to light it, it would smell like dirt. Because it was from Menards and it was only $5. But, friends, to my surprise, the candle rocks. And I'm lighting it every second I can.

Here's my fall wreath I made, hanging on our front door. Sort of like this one I made for my sister-in-law.

Next to our door, I made a welcome sign out of an old window that used to be on our house, burlap cloth, and paint. It states "welcome" and I truly do mean that. Come on over, friends.

And to add a touch of yellow to our kitchen, I bought a bouquet of sunflowers that make me really happy every time I see them.

I'm holding off on putting out my white pumpkins and buying mums. But probably not too much longer, I just can't stand it. And watch out, you may see me sporting a light scarf!

craving fall.

[I made this wreath after being inspired by one I found on Etsy. This one is for a friend, but I plan on making one for myself. I wanted it to be not too "over-the-top" fall so it can be hung early and stay up for a while.]

I'm a lover of summer. I really am. Give me the heat. The sun. The lazy days on the boat. But after a couple of weeks of it being so incredibly hot, where we were actually stuck inside all day because of it, I'm ready for that beautiful fall weather. [But that winter, it can stay far, far away. Gah, I really really hate the cold.]

In fact, we have had a couple of days where it only reached around 84. I pretended it was fall and wore jeans and put cute leggings on Audrey. We ventured out to the park and soaked in the breeze with the leaves falling. Leaves are falling here. Seriously. The scorching heat has outright tried to burn them.

When September first hits, watch out. You may see my white pumpkins make an appearance and my fall candle, that I buy every year. I'm ready to change out my front door wreath. Keep the windows open all day. And sit and eat pumpkin pie on my front porch. I'm ready for light weight scarves, while still wearing sandals and jeans. And mums. Oh, how I love mums. They are such a gentle reminder of my mom.

Without wishing away time, I'm definitely anticipating the change of seasons. There is a season for everything, right?

tinkle tinkle wittle star, now i know my abc's.

Audrey loves, loves to sing her ABC's. Except it's her own version. [Note to self: GET IT ON VIDEO.] And it usually goes something like this:

a-b-c-d-e-f-g now I know my abc's

OR
tinkle tinkle wittle star, now I know my abc's

OR

Jon-e, Jon-e, Jon-e, now I know my abc's (her cousin's name is Jonathan or Jon-e and she loves him dearly, she also will plug in any words at the beginning and make a song out of it)

OR

hmm hmm hmmm, hmmm hmmm hmmm (this is her humming to the tune of it. all.the.time)

OR

a-b-c-d-e-f-g hmmm hmmm m-o-p, s-t- now I know my abc's (this is her latest from yesterday)

You get the idea, right?

Anyway, due to her love for the song, I wanted an ABC poster to put up in her room. Except I didn't want a really corny one. And I searched Etsy for one, which I found some awesome picks, but I didn't want to spend a lot on it.

So, using these supplies: (Which cost me a total of $7 from Michael's Craft Store. The canvas was 50% off and I bought the stencil for around $2. I already had the paints.)

Last night I painted this for her room to hang right next to her chalkboard wall I painted a couple of weeks ago:

It's not perfect. But I'm happy with how it turned out. (Note: The yellow and blue and brown in the picture really aren't that contrasting, but the picture makes it out to be. It's looks a lot better in person. Oh well.)

my brain is scattered and so is this post.

I'm at the point in pregnancy where you actually start counting down. When you tell people how many weeks you have left. 8. That's it. It may sound like a lot. But in my head, it isn't. And last night I totally had one of those "you are very pregnant and emotional" moments. My sweet husband took the blame and apologized [For what? I don't even remember. That's pregnancy for you.] and I managed. I even did some sewing therapy.

I made Naomi her own diaper clutch and two burp cloths.

Yesterday I had my regular every two-week doctor check-up. Things are looking well. I don't want to take for granted these appointments that come so easy. Great blood pressure and no problems. I am very thankful for that. And just to make sure all is well with little Naomi's heart, next Tuesday we are going up to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis to get a fetal heart echo. This will tell us if Naomi has the same heart issue that Audrey had when she was borned (it's genetic). Audrey was born with Severe Pulmonary Stenosis. But after her heart surgery at 5 days old, she now only has Mild Pulmonary Stenosis and everything has checked out great since. [Sometimes that first week of Audrey's life still seems so unreal to me.] So if you think about it next Tuesday, little prayers would be much appreciated for our little Naomi.

For good measure. Here is my 32 week belly.

Today I got the official "mom seal." We bought a mini-van. [I told myself years ago I would never, ever drive a mini-van or wear a jean jumper as a teacher. Excuse me, while I swallow my pride on that first one. And I am determined to hold true to that second one. No jean jumper for me, no sir-re.] I can't believe we actually chose a mini-van to buy. But we did it, and I am so glad. It really is practical and makes sense for us, since we want more than two kids. My favorite part? The automatic power doors. Oh, and that we don't have a car payment (we bought an older one).

To keep the scattered post going, let me share with you the shirts I bought off of Etsy today from the shop Funzee with Onsies.

Except not that exact one. Because I don't have a daughter named Olivia. [Although I think that name is super adorable.] Instead I bought two shirts with that stinkin' cute mermaid on it. One shirt will say "Big Sister Audrey" and a teeny onsie that will say "Little Sister Naomi." So, so excited to received these in the mail. And you should check out her shop, there are tons of adorable shirts there that you can get customized. A lot of vintage looking ones! (I'm not getting anything for mentioning her shop, I just think it is really cool and wanted to share.)

So did you get everything in from this post? Let's review: 32 weeks pregnant, Naomi's heart echo on Tuesday, diaper cluth and burp cloths, bought a mini-van, and purchased some super cute shirts on Etsy. And somehow my brain still feels full and cramped with things that I can't organize.

Oh well.