Gift Exchange

A few weeks ago, I was enjoying one of my favorite blogs, www.crowleyparty.blogspot.com . My heart starting beating a bit faster when I saw that a gift exchange was taking place amongst interested bloggers. It brought me back to my teen years of writing to my pen pals all over the world! Before I knew it, I was given sweet Katy's email. Katy's gift to me is this amazing mug! She knew me enough to know how much I LOVE coffee. It is absolutely adorable and I can't wait to use it! Her blog www.katyloves.com is a delight to read. I especially like her series "Weekend Cravings". If you get a chance please take a moment and say "hi" to my new friend.

Valentine's Day Tutorial

Every morning I reach for a k-cup.  Sometimes, I reach for two!  I love my keurig coffee maker, however I do not like that I'm throwing away a sweet little box each time.  So today I'm going to show you a super easy way to reuse one of them.  It's perfect for storing many different items or using it to put all those valentine goodies in :)

Supplies needed:

one box
fabric
mod podge
a foam brush
paper
pen or fabric marker
scissors

First of all, this is very easy and takes little time.  I probably would have been done in less than 20 minutes if I didn't have to stop  a couple different times.  The puppy was chasing the cat and my  coffee had to be reheated.

Supplies

Trace out each side onto paper and then trace onto fabric.  Cut out.

Brush mod podge onto one side, then quickly place on fabric.

I then placed a light layer of mod podge on top of the fabric to make it all neat.

I added a chalk cloth strip and wrote my daughter's name and attached it with some hot glue.  Then I filled it with some treats.

7 Pretty Things

Just Be You!

Coffee.

A miniature antique teacup.

Colorful blanket made by my mom years ago.

My favorite potholder.  Too pretty to use :)

A Christmas gift from a special girl.  I love that she repainted her dollar store find for me!

Bright school artwork above our kitchen doorway.  Love oil pastels!

I'm linking up with www.gussysews.com for a blog party!  Happy Sunday!

Thirteen Years

Thirteen years ago, I became a mother. Little did I know that two more daughters would follow. I never thought I'd be a mom to three girls.  Today, we celebrate that life changing moment.  The moment when I saw my husband become a dad.  I was amazed at his patience and willingness to help out in any way possible.  He changed diapers and got her dressed and even helped give the first bath.  Nothing phased him.  He has played a huge part in the girl, now teenager she has become.  We will celebrate tonight with handmade Snoopy garland and some vintage party favors.  Most of all we will celebrate the beginning of our family.   

Favorite Things

My birthday was in December. I usually like to get something extra special with any money I receive. I've been wanting a Jo Totes camera bag since I first purchased my dslr camera over the summer. It was a happy day when it came in the mail. I love that the dividers are removable when I don't need to take my camera with me. I also purchased my favorite planner to date!  I had read about this amazing item on a few different blogs.  I happened to get it for only $20.  It was definitely worth every penny.  It's heavy duty, personal, has inspirational quotes, lists for goals and to dos for the week.  Really I could go on and on.  The website is www.erincondren.com.   So there you have it.  A little peek into my favorite things.  What are some of yours?

2012

Happy New Year!  We rang in the new year with wonderful friends and all the kiddos made it until the ball dropped.  Actually, we didn't get to bed until almost 2:00.  That's what happens when you are having so much fun!

I have been busy sewing up ring bearer pillows.  I sold five in two days. Did lots of people get engaged over the holiday?!  I love making these.  I thought I'd share with you all how they turned out.  The other picture is how it looks when it leaves my little shop.  I enclose a business card and then wrap it all up in tissue and ribbon.  On top I place a reusable chalk cloth tag and of course, a piece of chalk.  Many times, I get caught up dreaming about what each of the weddings might be like!  I'm honored that the bride chose something that I created for her wedding!

Now, I'm off to check the mailbox.  I'm really hoping that it will be stuffed full of fabric!