New Addy

I'm not moved completely, but check me out over here.

I've been having way too much fun with picnik, but it's frickin' incredible!

For Baby Nicole

Our neighbors just had their second child this week, so I whipped up a little something to take to the new mom once she arrives home:  a diaper clutch via diaryofaquilter's tutorial and coordinating burp and washcloth. 

The tutorial for the diaper clutch is very easy to follow and it's a quick sew, which you know I love.

I used some Urban Flannels Pink Friends fabric from my stash along with some light green cotton twill and it turned out great!  I just love the whimsical animal print and all of the colors.

                          

I love making gifts for people.  I think it adds a special touch, something that's more personal than buying off a registry.  It's useful and it's beautiful... it's handmade but not necessarily homemade-looking, you know what I mean?

Speaking of making things... I've got a new tutorial in the works as well as a possible address change.  I'll keep you posted.

Gifts for the Teach...

I know these posts are usually done in April or May, as that is when most kids' school year is over.  Since my girls go to pre-school/daycare in the summer, they don't "graduate" to another class until early August, meaning now is the time to start thinking gift-giving.

I'll admit it.  I am one of those people who used to think... um, I pay a lot for childcare and this is their job, so why do I have to get them gifts all the time?  I have since come to my senses and realize that these ladies have played an important part in my children's lives, and heck, I know my kids.  These ladies deserve gifts for putting up with them some days!  HAHAHAHAHA!

So, on the list of things to make:

Anna's (Noodleheads) Gathered Clutch

ginabean's Teacher Tote

howdoesshe's cute clipboard

or maybe Bloom and Blossoms's fabric-covered journal?

I don't know that I'll be able to choose from these great ideas... but I do know that better get to work!

***all photos courtesy of aforementioned blogs (Noodleheads, ginabean, howdoesshe, and bloomandblossom)

Lost in Blogland

I've read many articles and posts about finding your blogging niche, and I have to say I feel like mine is a little multiple-personality.  Some days, I'm a mom-blog.  Others, a craft blog.  Still others, foodie or shopping blog.  It's all a mystery, really.

I began this blog when mom-blogs were all the rage, and as my comfort level with parenting has increased, my blogs about parenting seem to have decreased.  Does this mean I know what I'm doing now?  Um, no. 

I could digress a long time on this one.

But I won't.  Point is, I don't feel like my blog name truly describes what I want my blog to be.  I feel like I'm no longer a mommy in need of a time out, but rather a working mom with a passion for creating and my family and making pretty little things, more in need of an outlet than anything else.

So what to do?  Do I begin again, fresh with a new focus?  Will you follow this crazy chicky so I can tell you my story?

Cause I think it's high-time I'm out of time-out.

Easy (and Delish) Italian Cream Cake

I love italian cream cake... so naturally I made it for my husband's birthday last week (so I could eat some!)  Since the recipe is so incredibly easy, I thought it fit to share: enjoy!

Italian Cream Cake

Ingredients:

1/3 c buttermilk

1/2 c oil

1 c sour cream

4 eggs

1 box white cake mix

1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 c sweet flake coconut

2/3 c pecans

Combine buttermilk, oil, sour cream, and eggs.  Add cake and pudding mix and beat on low speed to combine for two minutes.  Add coconut and pecans, mix for two minutes.  Spoon into prepared 9x13 pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Once cool, ice cake with cream cheese icing (store-bought or homemade), and sprinkle with more pecans.  YUM!

Back to Life, Back to Reality

We made it back yesterday from our family vacation, and now it's back to the usual routine... up at 5:15am, catching up on emails and blogs while I watch Robin and Co. on CNN (don't you just LOVE her?!), drinking coffee, and procrastinating getting ready for work.

It was so great being here...

but it's pretty nice being home, too.


***P.S.  I've been having fun editing photos on picnik - have you tried it yet?

Wish You Were Here

I'm lying on a comfy couch, looking out the window at the waves of the Gulf rolling into the sandy beach as kites and seagulls hover in the blue sky above. It is naptime for the kiddos so it is quiet and peaceful, the opposite of what it was like in here just an hour ago, when the kids were chasing each other, playing hide and seek and just enjoying every moment of this vacation.

This was our first real vacation with our girls. The last few trips we have taken were sans kiddos, and it truly changes the dynamic of the vacation. Whereas before it was about relaxation and getting away, now it about new experiences and savoring every moment of sunshine and every grain of sand.

It is exhausting.

And it is wonderful.

I've been having so much fun playing that I've not even taken many pictures!

Guess that's what happens when you're busy making memories.

Up this afternoon... More beach time and wave chasing and enjoying my chickies. It doesn't get much better than that. Unless of course, you want me to mention the smores.

Mmmmm. Smores.

Yep - definitely doesn't get any better than that!

LBB Round Two!!

Okay - I don't have pics of Lil Sis wearing it... but here are some pics of the LBB halter dress. 

It turned out really cute... dh even thinks so!

Things I did differently this time... I serged the inner seams rather than straight-stitched (for durability).  I think I might try serging on the outer edge next time, but I'm liking this look for now.  I also added three rows of the bottom section to make the dress longer and give it a ruffle-y feel.  Can't wait to see it on her!

Etsy Eye Candy - 7.21.10

I'm leaving today for a place that's full of sand and sun and fun... so fittingly, the theme for today's Etsy loves is the beach!

Check out this fabulous sailor knot headband from marcelacamargo.

photo credit: marcelacamargo

This little octopus towel is so fun! This is from elisehooperdesigns.

This bowl is so organic and, well, just cool.  From elementclaystudio.

photo credit: elementclaystudio

And finally, a little memory from my childhood - little seashell boxes to hold your trinkets!  Love this gorgeous one from tropicalcottage.

photo credit: tropicalcottage

 Have a wonderful week!

Bring it On, Tooth Fairy

The tooth fairy pillow is complete, and ready for whenever that little tooth decides to make its entrance, er exit.  Big Sis had her fingers in her mouth quite a bit this evening, just wiggling (and willing) it to come out... she did manage to take them out long enough to snuggle up to her new softie and give her a name:  Toothy.

Yeah.  Original.

I was hoping for something like Flossie or Queen Canine or Molarita... but no.

Toothy it is.

So, without further ado... I present Toothy!

All that's missing... is a tooth!

Teaser Post... and a big event coming!

I finished another LBB halter dress last night and it is C-U-T-E!  The problem?  My camera battery is dead and the charger is at my in-law's lake house.

Dangit!

I found a 2T shirt still in Lil Sis' dresser drawer and knew it would make another great upcycle, so I got to cutting and it turned out so great.  I promise pics soon... cause I really want you to see it!

In other news... I've started making one of these:

photo credit:  Larissa

When I went to pick up Big Sis yesterday from preschool, I was informed that she has a loose tooth... and she does!  Not just one, oh no, but two.  Her bottom front two teeth are just barely wiggling - *weep*!  Knowing I'd soon have to assume Tooth Fairy duties, I knew I had to get to work on a tooth pillow... and found this awesome one from mmmcrafts.  I should finish it tonight and I'll post pics (provided I can charge those batteries!)

I can't believe my baby girl is already at the tooth-losing stage.  She's not even in kindergarten yet!

I made the Cherry Treasury!

I was so excited to be included in kohaku16's My Sweet Little Cherry treasury!  Check them all out...

Lovin' Lil Blue Boo

After admiring her creations for some time, I finally purchased one of Lil Blue Boo's patterns... and I am in love!  I made the most adorable little dresses for the girls out of some of their tee-shirts and some jersey knit I picked up on sale at Hobby Lobby. 
I chose the T-shirt halter pattern, since it is summer, and was so pleased with the results!  Check out this cutie:

The tee is one she got from Nana and Popo's trip to Mount Rushmore - I love the shirt, but she'd never wear it, so I turned it into a dress.

Big Sis was the recipient of a dress as well, but she was not happy about being told what to wear this morning.  The drama was ridiculous.  She has lost her fascination with anything that mama makes her, and thus puts up a fight when I want her to wear something I've made - I admit, I was not the most patient mama this morning while listening to her wailing and whining.  I wonder sometimes if any other 5 year olds in the world act like this... I sometimes think we give her too much freedom and independence that she thinks she is the one running the show.

I digress.

Back to the dress.  The cutting and sewing was incredibly quick and easy, and I can see myself making a lot of these in the future - right down to getting a limited license from LBB so I can sell some, perhaps? (I love the idea of using soft old shirts with interesting graphics and turning them into something new and completely different.)  Rather than add the loops in back to tie the straps, I simply added some elastic to help pull in the fabric in the back for a better fit.  In the future, I'll probably either get thinner elastic and place it under the trim or I'll attempt some smocking with elastic thread.  We'll see.

This was the first time I've sewn with jersey knit, and I'm loving that as well - I even threw together a little racerback tank this afternoon (that was not picture worthy, but it'll be good for a trip to the gym - LOL) for me.  I can't wait til Ashley comes out with a pattern for adults - I'll be all over that.

Now... just wishing I hadn't taken all those old shirts to Goodwill! 

Pins and Needles

My dh didn't really want me blogging about this, for fear of "jinxing" everything... but having faith that things will work out as they are intended, I'm going to anyway! 

We have a contract on the house!

Woohoo!

I feel okay talking about it cause there is still a lot that is up in the air, so I'm not 100% confident that the house is completely sold.  I can thank the decline of the housing market and a lot of foreclosures for that.  Financing a home is not as easy for people as it was four or five years ago, which is good because it's preventing a lot of bad lending... but it's difficult when you're trying to sell your home!

So, we wait on pins and needles waiting to see how it'll all work out.

Speaking of pins and needles... ever wonder what happens when your dh decides to sit with you while you're sewing?

Seriously.

Organized by color, like a Rubik's cube!

He actually did this a while back but I just pulled this pincushion out again and had a giggle over the memory!

Have a great weekend!

Popsicle Sleeves, anyone?!

I just finished a batch of popsicle sleeves to put in the shop, and they're yummy!  Made from Oh Cherry Oh! charm packs, they're bright and cheerful and summery!

End of the Blogging Honeymoon

Not so long after I wrote this post, it seems that I'm not the only one disillusioned with the blogging world.

Disney is retiring from her ruffled throne.

Vanessa is enjoying her summer, sans daily blogging.

Anna is questioning her reasons for blogging.

There seems to be a common thread amongst all of us, though.  We're all focusing on the things that truly matter most:  family, children, friends... life.

Enjoy your summer... enjoy your life.
And if you have time, then maybe come back and share the story with us!

*** Countdown has begun!  Only 6 days til sand and sun! ***

New Items in the Shop!

Whew!  I finally got some items listed in my Etsy shop!

I tell ya, after taking pictures and editing and saving and uploading, etc, etc, etc... I think it's less work making the items than listing them!!  There's only two trash bags in the shop as I sold two before I could get them listed... so hurry!

I will be filling it up slowly but surely, so be sure to check back.  I'm on a mission to get me a new sewing machine (and just may fry the current one in the process)!

Lovin' This Tutorial!

Jessica from Happy Together has an awesome tutorial for a Scribble Flower Tee over at Simply Handmade by Paige.  Check out how easy it is to make something this adorable!

photo credit: http://ohsohappytogether.blogspot.com

Operation New Sewing Machine underway...

Dh took the girls swimming yesterday so I could get in some sewing time (Love him) and I worked my little Singer like it's never been worked before, all in an effort to build up my Etsy inventory for:

Operation New Sewing Machine

I was delayed a little when I had to make a needle run - I kept breaking them - but I made some good headway on car/truck trash bags and tissue cozies.  I still need to work on some popsicle sleeves, then take pictures and post everything... but I had to come up for air sometime yesterday!  I'll try and get them posted tonight!

Truck Trash Bag... for Him!

When I was writing the trash bag tutorial way back when, I offered one of my prototypes to my dh to use in his truck, and he gave me two reasons he didn't want one.

1.  It wasn't "manly" enough.

2.  It wouldn't fit on his power cord cap.

Darnit.

I bought some camo fabric and altered the design a little... and came up with this:

I omitted the buttonhole and instead added two straps with velcro, to secure the trash bag around your headrest.

I love the camouflage, and I think it'll meet the "manly" requirement.  I did sneak in a little bit of girly with the coral liner (cause that's the color I had!)... we'll just call it "Safety Coral", right?

*** I will be adding the strap option to the tutorial, but probably not until the weekend.***

And for those of you not wanting to make one of these, I'll hopefully be adding some to my etsy shop this weekend as I am beginning:

Operation New Sewing Machine!!

That's right... I'm ready to trade up for a better sewing companion but I'm gonna need to sell some 'wares to get the dough for it.  Stop by this weekend to check out my etsy and get the new tutorial option!

Three Day Weekend!

Holiday weekends are always so exhausting that it's nice to have an extra day to recuperate, rest, and catch up on all of the laundry!!  We spent the weekend at the lake with my in-laws and, as usual, had a wonderful time...

We made it home last night, just in time to catch the many displays of fireworks that surrounded our house... which wasn't so great for my dh, who had to get up at 4am for work this morning.  Poor guy.  Love him.

In other news, we had a third showing of our home today to some potential buyers, so I hope and pray they'll put in an offer.  (Especially after I got up early to mop and dust and vacuum and clean the bathrooms and make cookies... oh, you bet I did).

Hope you're enjoying a day off too!

Happy Fourth of July

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

LET FREEDOM RING.

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Love Your Lunchbox!!

I finished Big Sis' new lunchbox this morning, and I adore it!!  Let me tell ya, if she doesn't want to use it to take her lunch to school, I have no shame using it for mine! 

The fabric is just so gorgeous and soooo my daughter - it truly makes this bag beautiful.

My dh kept watching me construct this bag, acting like it was the most difficult project ever, and I had to laugh... because it wasn't!  There are quite a few steps involved, but it really is an easy pattern to follow and an easy project to make.  If I didn't have to make things in stage (due to wanting  needing to get some sleep), I could've finished this in a day or two.

There are pockets on either side of the bag, just the right size for utensils or for a fruit roll-up, and dontcha love the contrast of the fabrics?  Moments like this make my heart go *pitter* *patter*.

And the glorious interior!  The pattern suggested oilcloth or cotton for the interior lining, and I opted for the cotton since I knew I'd be washing this bag frequently.  (I also didn't feel like switching out my sewing needle, but we won't mention that...)

A couple of things:  I didn't put in the bottle holder that was part of the pattern.  After cutting it and looking at its size, I didn't think it'd fit any of the cups or bottles we own, and at that point, I was too anxious to put the bag together that I didn't make a larger one.  No biggie.

If When I make this again (I can already guess that Lil Sis needs one too), I'll make a few more changes.  I'll probably add an interior pocket so I can insert a cold pack or smaller snacks.  If I add a bottle holder, I'll just make two fabric strips with velcro so it is adjustable for different size bottles/cups.  I'll also probably reduce the seam allowance, which is a generous 5/8 inch.  I hated cutting off so much of the seam, thinking that the bag could've been a teensy bit bigger otherwise!

Other than those, I wouldn't change a thing.

Now... is it lunchtime yet?!

Fabulous Snow White Dress at Crafterhours

I'm staying home today... secondary to one little chickie with a fever and what appears to be strep throat.  The girls are still sleeping so I'm drinking some coffee and catching up on blogs (I'd be sewing but my P.O.S. WalMart Singer clacks so loud it'd wake them up!), and I came across this fabulous creation:

Snow White - Crafterhours

She is so winning Mom of the Year. 

Have You Seen my Mojo?

Do you ever feel like you're cruisin' along... bein' all crafty and cranking out projects left and right, sewing machine smoking from all of the action and then WHAM!

Your mojo is gone.

Just like that.

That's kinda where I was after finishing the dress.  A little burned out, maybe?  I don't know, but I would just walk past the sewing machine and not get any urge to sit down and get to work.

That's just not right.

So I took some time this week to spend some time with my girls:

And some time to just relax... and now I'm ready to warm up the Singer again.  There's fabric in the dryer just waiting to be ironed and turned into a fabulous lunch box.

Welcome back Mojo, welcome back.

A Wee Pause...

Not much to post in the blogworld this week... I've been taking a little break from sewing to keep the dining room somewhat clean in case we show the house.  I did take Big Sis to the quilt store to pick out her "Love Your Lunchbox" fabric - she picked out something bright and fabulous when she wasn't distracted by the little crickets hopping around the store.

She is my bug-child.

Fittingly, she picked out a butterfly fabric, and the girl has good taste.  She chose this "Flights of Fancy" print:

as well as a coordinating turqoise blue butterfly for the interior.

I think I'm gonna love this lunchbox!

But for now... gotta go bring home the bacon.

Keeping up with the Bloggers

Do you spend your mornings like this?  I get up about 5:15am, after battling with the snooze button since the alarm first went off at 5.  I stumble to the coffee pot, pour a bowl of cereal, turn on Robin Meade, and open up the laptop to read about all of the wonderful things everyone else has been doing.

Tutorials!

New designs!

Homemade cherry cobbler!

New pattern drafted!

Teacher gifts I just whipped up last night!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... I've got tutorial plans written in my idea book, waiting to come to fruition.  I made cookies yesterday, from Nestle pre-cut cookie dough.  I took the kids to McDonald's cause an unexpected detour on the way home from work didn't allow time to make dinner.  My sewing machine sits and waits... along with my fabric stash... and I need to get ready for work.

I'm amazed by the creativity. 

I'm adding tutorials to my list of things to make.

I'm wowed by the incredible organizational skills.

And I'm envious.  Of people I don't even know!  Isn't that crazy?  Almost instantly I get into this "woe is me" state of mind, wishing I had all this time that seemingly everyone else has to accomplish all of these fabulous things, wishing I was able to sleep in and not be a slave to an alarm clock, wishing my "job" was staying at home, raising kids, and blogging to an audience of 5000 followers.

Is this really what blogging is supposed to be about?  I started blogging as a way to chronicle my life when I was away from friends and family... and while I still do that somewhat, the focus has changed.  It's not so much anymore about chronicling life as it happens, but rather making life happen in the form of a post.  It's about linking and commenting and following, when it should just be about... blogging.  Weblogging.  Writing.

Life.

You know, the thing that's happening around me as I'm huddled over a laptop, reading through my browser.  The life that started this whole blogging adventure.

My gorgeous man.

My sweet little chickies.

And, yeah, my suzy-homemaker domestic side.

The life that gives me a good swift kick in the arse when I'm feeling like everyone else has it so much easier and better.

So while I may not be whipping up a new project every day, wowing you with the way I juggle everything, or making everything from scratch, I can promise you this:

I will be living, and enjoying the blessings bestowed upon me.  I will be creating, but sometimes with two little girls and some playdough rather than a new project.  I will be trying to impress the people that matter most rather than the people that comment the most.  I'll be telling our story, not creating a story to tell.

And I'll be eating cookie dough, straight from the package.

Last Minute Father's Day Crafts - Roundup

In case you haven't heard... Father's Day is Sunday.  So if you haven't had time nor the means to get a gift for Dear Ole Dad, never fear!  There are a ton of great tutorials out there in crafty blogland:

Father's Day Tie from the Purl Bee

Apron from Tote from Betz White

Mini Tie Keychain from Creative Itch

Photo Coffee Sleeve from Spincushion

Father's Day Wallet from Quiltish

And let's not forget my favorite:  Fast Food Fun from Bakerella!

Okay, now get to it!  You have two days to go!

To Make List

With the growing popularity of craft blogs and my ever-growing list of them on my blogroll, it's no wonder that I have a long list of things I want to make.  I find this both exciting and frustrating at the same time, as I'm always excited to find a new project but frustrated when I can't find the time to make it or finish it or blog about it.

Nevertheless, the list remains.  Seriously.  I have a favorites category called "Stuff to Make".

That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?

Here are the things I'm tossing up for the next sewing round:

Preschool Backpack from Pattern Play Designs (via You Can Make This)

photo credit: Pattern Play Designs

Gathered Clutch from Anna at Noodlehead

photo credit: Noodlehead

Love your Lunchbox from Ginia18

photo credit: ginia18

Guess it'll be some sort of bag project, whenever I finally decide!

I feel a trip to the local quilt shop comin' on for some fabric browsing!

Simplicity 2586 - I've Conquered the Dress

So here it is... the big reveal.  I have to say, even a size or two big, this dress is cute.  I still need to alter it down to fit me properly, but here are some pics anyway... cause I just couldn't wait!  I enlisted the help of my dh to be photographer - Lord knows you can't get a decent pic trying to set the timer and run!

The linen is a little heavy, but the color makes up for it.  Hopefully it'll just get softer with each wash...I bought the fabric here

.

The ruffle detail at the bottom is one of the reasons I first picked up the pattern - and you know how much I detest gathering... but it was worth it.  I love the way it flounces when I walk.  Whee!

The gathered detail around the neckline and sleeve add a special something as well... I love this neckline.  And as much as I procrastinated on the sleeves, they were really nothing to be afraid of.  The instructions were easy to follow, even for the gathering part!

I love it.  Seriously - I can't wait to alter it so I can wear it out somewhere!  And don't you think it would be great with one of these great Anthro belts??

Totally.

Crazy as it sounds, I'd love to make this again.  The end product is worth it - I wonder how it'd look in a jersey knit??!!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage

Eight years ago today, I married my best friend. 

Wow.  I can't believe it's been that long... because it doesn't feel like it's been that long.  I am still crazy for him today like I was back then, even moreso because I fell in love with him first as a man and then I fell in love with him all over again as a father.

I am still head over heels.

And every day, my heart still goes pitter-patter.

I am a very lucky girl.

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life!