Our little world

Because.

2012-01-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

Last time 8 videos just wasn't enough.

I had to inject a little more cuteness into your life.

I mean really, he's still totally edible.

Celery Stamped Paper

2012-01-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Really good Saturday

2012-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

I got all of Gideon's invitations out.

On my lap before I plunked them into the mailbox.

And I found this in my mailbox from my dear friend Tori...

Wrapped in hand-stamped wrapping paper (would you believe I just did the same thing last week, both of us unaware of the other)...

She drew the design on the tea towel.
Remembered that I loved that hand cream from Anthropolgie.
And got Gideon a wooden toy, his favorite (says mommy).

It's moments like these that I feel known and kindred and I understand the proverb that says, "There is a friend that sticks closer than a [sister]." This has been a really good Saturday (much needed on the tale end of an entire week of Gideon fighting the stomach bug).

A Gideon briefing...

2012-01-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

He eats and talks. Actually he eats a lot. So much so that I can't share a meal with him when we're out (like I vowed to do to save money).
And I'm not exaggerating. It's amazing how much this kid eats.

(Turn your volume waaay down. No really, I mean it. I am super screechy annoying in this one. But you can see his two teeth peaking through & his cute lil laugh and that's the point.)

He bathes. And loves trying to crawl out of the bath tub.
And he loves to suck the life out of wet wash cloths.

He talks. Oh how sweet these moments are lately. To be honest, I've been teary almost every day this week. He turns one year old next month and everything in me wants to stop the clock. Freeze these precious moments. (I'm totally teary eyed again.) This kind of love is too much. And I don't believe people when they say things like, "It only gets better." Not possible.

Yesterday I cried at the grocery checkout with my manager friend Traci. We talked about how fast time goes. She has boys and she promised me that they still say, "I love you so much Mama" at age 21.
I'm holding her to that.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

(c) B.MoFoto

One reason to love winter...

2011-12-22T23:54:00.000-08:00

I finally get to accessorize my boy.

DIY Infinity Scarf

2011-12-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

I was in Anthropologie the other day and saw an Infinity scarf similar this one at Nordstrom .

.

It looked super easy to make. So I went home and figured out how to make my own version. Way easier than I even imagined. And cute!

Here's my tutorial.

The first length of my fabric is 31 Inches. This is the length around. I often make this end 34 inches so it hangs down further like most of these in my previous post. 31 inches sits closer to the neck, probably good for colder climates.

by 37 Inches. This is the width. It's also flexible based upon how tall & full you want it to be.

Fold in half, right side to right side. (I put my feet in there for visual interest. Aren't they so veiny and interesting?)

Sew a straight line & close the seam

It should look like this

Turn it right side out

The other side of your seam should look like this

Now fold it in half (here are my pink feet again). This is where we make our Infinity Loop.

Sew the unfinished end shut

Trim your seam

Turn it right side out

And put it on.

And here's it folded in half.

Several people have asked for a tutorial on the jersey knit braided scarf and I think I'd rather sleep outside (and it's 43 degrees) than try that one again. Big headache. Biiiig. I tried to follow this tutorial because I liked the fact she had so many braids thus so much bulk, but it didn't happen for me. I had to develop my own rough pattern on the fly (and say mean things under my breath). I was happy with the results, but not the process.

Here's another tutorial that was too detailed for my liking but you may find it helpful. Just add a couple more braids to achieve more bulk. Now I wasn't too much help on that front was I?

My advice is just make a pretty Infinity scarf and call it a day!

Here's what I've been working on...

2011-12-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Tutorial to follow...

How to: No Sew Felt Flower Ornament

2011-12-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Because people seemed to find my first Felt Flower Tutorial doable, I decided to post another tutorial, this time on my Felt Flower Ornament. The sad part is that my pictures are awful, I did most of this craft at night (when the babe sleeps for longer than those two much-coveted napping hours) thus I had no pretty natural light. And my camera phone is all I got these days. So. Nonetheless, you'll get the basic gist of how to easily make this ornament.

Step 1: Cut your circle, mine are about 4 inches in diameter (and I'm still lovin my Olfa Circle Cutter for this job)

Step 2: Spiral cut your circle

All of the way to the center

Step 3: Start winding together & Glue

See how there's a an empty cup in the center?

Step 4: This is why I add another little flower in the center, about 1.5-2 inches in diameter, to give it more body
(and this is where I shamelessly recycle pictures from last tutorial)

Step 5: And now add your pollen bud

And repeat Steps 1-5 three times...

Now we're ready to assemble.

Step 6: Using one flower to act as the base, glue another flower to it's side

Step 7: Here's where the pinching begins, pinch both sides together for about a minute or two, in order to allow the glue to harden & close that side

Step 8: Now glue your third flower in the same way

Step 9: Pinch

Step 9: Glue the final side, but leave the top open a hair to insert the stem

Step 10: Pinch some more...

Step 11: Cut your stem (mine is 5" but it's all a matter of personal preference)

Step 12: Add glue and fold your stem if half and insert into the top

Step 13: Pinch one final time!

Voila your done!

Now hang in some place highly visible, so passersby can gawk at your handy work. Well done you.

Baby's First Tree...

2011-12-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

B toys

2011-11-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

I am LOVING this new line of "B" toys carried by Target.
Their colors are so Mommy-friendly. My parents got Gideon the Zany Zoo a couple of months ago and he plays with it tirelessly everyday.
I love that there's no clean-up involved and it sits pretty in my living room:

Also, I am just a big fan of wooden toys period. Thus Gideon is a big fan of wooden toys (cause that's how it works right?). Look how much he loves his Zany Zoo...

I should also mention that this toy has helped a lot with his fine motor skills (sigh, priorities).

30 minutes in the life of Gideon...

2011-11-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

Hungry for dinner:

Full Belly:

At the sight of Mommy's plate of butternut squash (his personal fav), after eating a full meal of his own:

After consuming half of Mommy's plate of butternut squash:

Bathtime, always a party:

Roasted Bell Peppers

2011-11-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

The New Loony is out...

2011-11-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

You must check it out.

Baby gift ideas, $5 or under

2011-11-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

EMBELLISHED ONESIES & TSHIRTS

NAME OR LETTER WALL HANGINGS

And this Etsy shop inspired these name embroideries.

CLIPS & HEADBANDS

I got the tiny headband idea from my friend Erin's photo shoot. And I still love the itty bitty flower on Ellie's headband best (but I improvised with what I already had in my stash):

As a stay at home Mom, my time is money. So I spend time making birthday gifts instead of buying big nice toys. I made all of these for $5 or less. I find most homemade gifts make the mommies particularly happy (even though baby prefers the big nice toys...hehe).

One thing I've picked up on, I think most like the clothes and hair bows better than the letter or name art, which I can relate to, as decorating is such a matter of personal taste. So...I'm making three onesies today for tomorrows baby shower. And I will hold off on the name art for now.

Bath times...

2011-11-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

Proof that Gideon's a big fan of Bath Time:

The Gid Meister...

2011-11-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

We had his 9 month check up, he's in the 25th percentile for height and the 15th percentile for weight. Which boggles my mind. This child eats like a teenager! Waaay more than his friends who are always in the 90s. How is he not a tubbo? His doctor is testing is thyroid, but pretty convinced it's in his genes (and not from my gene pool). Stephen has always been tall and thin and his dad the same. So hopefully Gideon got the height & stout metabolism blessing.

He's over his dairy allergy (HURRAY FOR MOMMY'S DIET!) but he's now having asthma & allergy symptoms. So I am giving him breathing treatments twice a day and Zyrtec at night. Any advice there?

He's waking up about three times a night to nurse. For the love.
So I pretty much live sleep deprived (and high on coffee).

I have more notes on his crazy appetite later, but for now, here are a couple recent pics my friend Amanda took...

Patio, done.

2011-10-26T13:01:00.001-07:00

And my dad was THE BIGGEST blessing! We spent so much time on my patio during his visit and had fun problem solving so many different elements of this project (converting window boxes into over the rail boxes, staining concrete, efficiently painting those nightmarish floral shelves---who knew so many groves were possible?!). The finished product is worth every bit of our effort. It is now such a happy place.
I love waking up, grabbing a cup of coffee, and just sitting out here to read & be still. Thank you for all of your selfless hard work Daddy!
We miss you already.

Patio, before.

2011-10-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

So we've busy at work...

2011-10-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Painting

(What possessed me to do this I'll never know.)

Gardening

Enjoying coffee breaks with Grandpa

And tickle time with Mom Mom (his new name for me)

Finished products to follow (minus the baby part, he's just about perfect as is)...

The verdict is in...

2011-10-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

I've finally decided on the Patio Furniture color (after input from Debra and my mom). Drum roll... Blue Macaw

All three of us agree it goes nicely with the ottoman fabric, which is like three yards away from the patio. And it's all primed (FINALLY!) and ready to go...

My dad arrived today and we will surely get to painting in the next few days. And our lil helper is getting over strep throat and he's eager to get to work...

A laughing baby over here...

2011-10-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

The excitement over "poo-pooing" all started when we opened our package from Grandpa Bee (my dad) and found this:

And there was much rejoicing!!!

2011-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's Christmas morning over here...

As I just put my baby down for a nap with a clear nose for the first time in over a week. You wouldn't believe the amount of snot that came out on our first go round. I love you Baby-Vac. Stop what you're doing and buy it. Four thumbs up (two of mine and two of Gideon's)!

Things

2011-09-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

We got our first pair of shoes in the mail (from a friend who couldn't resist when she saw them at CVS)

We've been loving our walks at the Nature Preserve

And on a not so happy note, we've had our first sick day(s)

So tonight when I returned from my first mommies night out I promptly ordered this:

Apparently, puts the plastic bulbs and battery operated nasal aspirators to shame. The mommies confirmed what my friend Becca said when I was pregnant....this will be one of your best parental investments ever. They swear their kids are sick like a third of the time of the other kids because they get all of the snot out early on. This particular one you hook up to a vacuum. Scary I know. But it's actually very gentle (Becca let me feel the suction). Some similar models you actually do the sucking (and no, it never reaches your mouth, there are two filters) and a couple of moms prefer that one. Nonetheless, I'll review this for you after I test it out on my boy. Hoping to find it in my mailbox by Saturday (or sooner!).

I chickened out...

2011-09-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

And did another staple slap. After looking at several tutorials, I just decided to forgo the piping and seaming and sewing. I've yet to sew a zipper, let alone piping, and it was all just making me anxious. So, I did a make-shift job for the time being and I'll do it the "right" way when my mom comes in February.

And for now, we'll just appreciate the fabric staying put when prop our feet up (as opposed to sliding all around, begging to be stapled).

Still sanding...

2011-09-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

And my little wrist muscles are so tender (you know the ones on the inside of arm that connect to your thumb?). And I'm finding that other than a good lesson in stripping the paint off of metal, this was a silly undertaking. I'm not totally sure that I can prevent the paint flaking issue this second time around. But nonetheless, I am learning a lot about my sander and the process of stripping and sanding and vacuuming and washing and priming and painting and sealing....and and and.

Wish me luck!

I've taken three showers...

2011-09-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

...in 24 hours. And I blame it all on THIS LOVELY GADGET:

I bought this hand sander about five months ago when my dad was here for a visit and he built me two storage end tables. My intention was to sand and stain both end tables right away. Which I still haven't done. But today, 5 months later, I took this guy out for the first time. I also discovered that I bought the wrong size sand paper sheets (even though I had the guy at Home Depot pick them out for me). So I ended up cutting down some bigger sheets and they worked just fine. But I ran out. Anyway. I'm really here to tell you that I love the invention of the orbital sander! Quiet possibly the best $20 I've ever spent. Without it, I could envision myself sanding for days (and do you hate the feeling of sand paper in your hands like I do? It makes my teeth ache).

Now on the bathing note, last night I showered before bed. This morning I applied stripping solvent to my patio furniture. I showered again. Then I came home this evening and began sanding off the old paint. And covered myself in metalish paint dust. Third shower. Tomorrow I should be back to my normal water consumption. I plan to only sand and prime once in the afternoon. And I will post after pics eventually (because I forgot to take a before).

It feels good to actually paint my furniture the "right" way. A few summers ago when I painted the tables and chairs I didn't prime or sand anything, just spray painted the heck out them. And they've since chipped and flaked and it all looks really bad. So now I'm having to go back and start all over again. Reminiscent of Statistics in college.

And yes, this is another effort to avoid the ottoman (that my foots are resting on now). I also want to do it the "right" way, but I'm just not sure how. And I've yet to find a really good tutorial online. I talked to my mom, but she just made my head swimmy. So I freeze.

ANOTHER FUN MOMENT TODAY, I bought this tank at Kohls:

And this headband:

And I walked out of there for $20. I had a coupon and both things were 40% off. I wear a headband at some point in my day, almost everyday. But I will usually pay no more than $3 for one (bc I can jazz it up myself, if I want to). But I just loved how skinny this one was and the fact that the gold flower gets lost in my hair. And I could bend it open so I won't get a headache. I had to have it.

And I'm loving Lauren Conrad as a designer. Such cute tasteful stuff.

I happened to snap A FEW PICTURES today for your viewing pleasure (forgive the blurr, it's my phone):

At the grocery store

And in the bath

And finally, clean and ready for bed. And I'm headed there now...

Living Room...

2011-09-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

Feeling inspired today by our new cheery color palette:

And getting ready to take the plunge and recover this bad boy.
Candidly, I procrastinate the things that I am not totally sure how to do. Hence why it's taken me two months to finally begin to recover this ottoman. (And why I am sewing the couch pillows first...buys me more time.) My plan is to recover it in a very basic way, no piping, no new foam, etc, just fold and staple. Any advice for me:

Avocado eating (or almost) over here...

2011-09-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

A weird quirk.

2011-09-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

When I have new magazines I rip out the advertisements and fragrances. And I wipe the fragrances on my couch cushions and pillows. Odd and slightly campy I know. I can't help it, I love my things to smell good. And these are free and subtle and nice smelling (my nose can't do glade plug-ins).

(Now you'll never be able to see a fragrance page and not think of me. You're welcome.)

How to: Sew Simple Curtains

2011-09-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

I first measure my fabric and cut it to the dimensions I want for my window.

Then I change my needle to a denim/heavy duty needle.

Because I chose to use two different textiles, my first step is to sew the two fabrics together:

Then I open this seam by ironing it (this way it lies flat when hung):

And because I can never cut a straight line, I even up my edges:

In all of the corners and places where my fabric overlaps, I always remove the bulk (that extra fabric that results from folding it together). This way I prevent my needle from breaking and I don't end up with bulges:

Then I iron my hem all of the around:

In each corner, same thing, remove the extra fabric:

Your corners should look like this:

Now I sew my outer hem, I pretend it's one big burp cloth (because I can sew a burp cloth). And notice that I tuck the raw edge under as I sew. Essentially, I am folding the hem in half:

My orange hem is wider (don't know how that happened), but same thing, I tuck the raw edge under and sew. A simple seam alllllll of the waaaaay around:

I use blackout lining with my curtains. (Our electric bill thanks me.) And you can see in this picture my hem isn't perfectly straight.
Like I said, for some reason I can't seem to cut a straight line.
Oh well.

***Please forgive the quality of my pictures lately, they're taken on my cell phone (some even with a cute baby slung around my hip).

Dining Chairs: Restained & Recovered

2011-08-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:

And I didn't take step by step pictures for one main reason, I did a shoddy job (& my excuse at the time was that I was almost 10 months pregnant).

Basically, I loosely cut the fabric, folded it over the old nasty stuff and shot staples into it:

But from this angle all you see are neat, pretty cushions. And I'm perfectly okay with that.

I did use two different colors of Minwax stain, Red Oak and Jacobean, to achieve this color. But again, I wasn't too careful or methodical about the staining part either. I laid a towel down, set the chair on top, and applied the two stains in rotation with a disposable paint brush (my recommendation for wood stains). I was in the "get er done" mode...about to have a baby ya know.

Anyway, even though my chairs are happy now, I am still fawning over these. And I'm sure I'll make them happen someday.

But for now, my main concern is textile overload. (Because I am obsessed with them.) And I am getting ready to recover my ottoman in this oil cloth:

It needs to be my main textile because it is the centerpiece of our living room/dining room. And it needs to be my main textile because it is LOUD and cheery and totally stands on its own. (And my living area is teeny tiny.) So I will support it with solids. Which really all that means for me right now is sewing new covers for my two throw pillows.

Gideon & Daddy

2011-08-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

And then came Monday...

It's a Partay over here!

2011-08-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm inevitably doing three things at once tonight....

Making baby food:

Making curtains:

And kissing these cheeks:

Just a window into our wild fun on a Friday night.
Have a good weekend!

Anna Maria Horner

2011-08-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I follow is fabric designer/seamstress Anna Maria Horner. She is so unapologetic in her use of color and it has completely influenced the way I decorate. Today I feel particularly inspired by these curtains:

I remember when I discovered that red and green were considered complimentary colors, I was like "Wait, they're not just Christmas colors?!" I started to pair them together more often than just in December. And Gucci uses them together as they're signature colors...which I love (and own nothing of):

Anyway, I just had to share those red & green curtains with you and tell you to check out Anna Maria's blog. (And I'll also tell you that I just completed this entire entry typing with one hand & baby in lap. First nursing, then cuddling (which lasts about 70 seconds these days), and finally having my hair and tank top yanked...at which point mommy lovingly transfered him to the exersaucer).

Hot over here...

2011-08-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

It has been so stinkin hot over here! Highs of 108 some days. We had a little rain to break it up and cool things off for a day, but we're back in the severe summer business again today. We inevitably stay inside during the peak of the day:

And cry...

And laugh...

And pout...

And just be cute...

My Mirror got a Makeover...

2011-08-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

I used four supplies, all of which were in my cupboard:

1. A can of dusty purple (dated, ahem, 05.08.08).
And can I say that colored paint makes my heart happy. I wanted to slap it on everything. Seriously, I was walking around my apartment trying to figure out what else I could paint (but I stifled my impulse and just stuck with the mirror).
2. Cheap plastic paint brush.
3. Spray paint for the earrings which covered the drill holes.
4. Steel wool to remove the paint around the edges (after it dried) to give it a sort of aged look. I did the same thing on my filing cabinet, but I removed it at points when the stain was both wet and dry.

I also used a hot glue gun to attach the roses.

Aaaand I would've used wood puddy if I had it, to fill the holes and make it all look smooth.

I didn't prime it and I only lightly sanded the holes where the hook was (I was feeling too impatient). I just painted it and steel wooled the edges. I was grateful that I could easily take the mirror out of the frame so that I didn't have to tape and prep etc. Again, I have a habit of lacking patience for such things.

AFTER

Have a good weekend...

2011-08-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have three goals this weekend: to stay out of the 108 degree heat, to study about how to reupholster an ottoman (mine is waiting for it's new oilcloth), and to stop. eating. twizzlers.

Hellooo Tuesday...

2011-08-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Let the eating begin...

How to: Sew Ruffles

2011-07-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

I bought a bathing suit cover-up a few months ago and never really wore it. It was too short and frankly too "blah" for my taste.

I kept thinking about adding a bright fabric to it and I finally did it (on a spontaneous whim of course). I sort of haphazardly took pictures, so hopefully you get a vague idea of how to do this yourself (and please feel free to ask me questions). The ruffles here the same style of ruffle I added to my salvation army sweater last January.

First off, I pink my fabric to avoid fraying:

Then I measure my hemline. And I ushually use an EZHem, but I didn't have mine with me. My measuring tape also does the job:

Always using my trusty spray starch:

When I iron:

Do you see how I compensated for my crooked cutting in my measurements? Here's one end of my hemline:

And here's the other:

BIG difference in the width of my fold from one end to the other. But the fabric is an straight 5 inches all of the way across.

Then simply sew your hemline:

Now you're ready to ruffle. Begin folding:

Iron your folds (I usually eyeball this because I don't care if each ruffle is spaced perfectly from the next):

Then sew through the folds, so that your ruffle is somewhat permanent:

Pin it to garment:

And sew again:

Before:

After:

Now if "I" can do this, anybody can do this. Give it a try!

Have a good weekend...

2011-07-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Big Three oh my my...

2011-07-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, thanks to friends and a thoughtful hubby I brought thirty in with style.

Friday night I was greeted by fun lil goodies floating around Tom and Debra's house. My favorite of which was this sign.

Then Amanda, Debra and I drove to DIVE for dinner.

So fresh and so yum yum. I had ginger, soy fish tacos and sparkling wine (cause a girl needs something bubbly to drink on her birthday).

And three of us just relaxed and chatted. And appreciated the absence of LOUD music, which is the reason I don't go to a lot of restaurants in Dallas these days (I know I'm already old and crusty).

Then we went back to the goodies stash and ate my delicious dairy-free cake.

Opened little presents. And my sweet card from Tom and Debra.

Then more birthday fun began Sunday morning at 5:30 am...

And 8:00am...

And 8:15am...

And 2:00pm...

And I have still yet to discover the final stash (and I won't let Stephen tell me where it is because I love being surprised). Each one had a cute little note. And what girl doesn't enjoy twenty dollar bills and love post-its? Hubby done good.

We went to Starbucks as a family, one of my favorite things. I got my iced soy latte with three pumps of peppermint and Stephen his strawberries and cream frappuccino.

Then church, which was really good. One of the pastors talked about the difference between being committed to your marriage versus being committed to your spouse; one requires a heart of sacrifice & service and the other obligation. It was a good little nugget.

Then we ate and Patricio's, my favorite Italian restaurant. I ordered the chicken caesar salad with polenta crutons...the most delicious combination ever. (Forgot my phone, so no pictures.) And we each had a few lil baby belinis (they're on special for $1 during the month of July!). Delicious.

Then later we went shopping at Lowes for plants (my new favorite present) and I scored this cactus for $10 (originally $20, but I convinced them it was dying...which it is, but I'm confident that I can nurse it back to health). And the bamboo pot cost just as much, but it's perfect no?

And I got these coral flowers (I love that color) to go in my garage sale pot. But I now wish I had gotten something more squatty. These flowers are a little too tall for the pot, it needs something short.

And while I shopped, Gideon and Stephen had a photo shoot:

I must say out of all of my presents this year, my favorite gift from Stephen is working extra hard so that I can stay home with our little buddy...

And thank you everyone for all of the birthday love =).

It all made my day that much more special. Xx

Have a good weekend...

2011-07-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

Another love in my life...

2011-07-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

If you have never perused Lonny Mag online it is a must. It's very similar to the old Domino Magazine (that went under like overnight...and left every one of us in tears).

I get giddy everytime a new issue is posted (and sometimes look at it over and over again). Come and look. Your eyes will thank you...

Bumbo Time

2011-07-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

I scored this Bumbo yesterday off of Craigs List for $15.
I think he likes it.

Rolo-ed Pretzels

2011-07-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Let cool and enjoy. But be warned they are addictive. I recently took them to the hospital for a friend who had a baby and also to a funeral---they were devoured in both places. Because they are salted caramel chocolatey goodness. Mmmmm.

Headbands....

2011-07-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

I made these headbands for Madeline's 5th birthday, my friend Christina's daughter (and while I was making them, I maybe prayed once or twice that my next baby will be a girl).

Peacock Pillow: April's Wedding

2011-07-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

I was recently in my close friend April's wedding and I made her ring bearer pillow. Her wedding took place at Leo Carrillo Peacock Ranch in Carlsbad, California. (Pretty much the most beautiful city ever.)
The peacocks were my design inspiration.

As you know, when I design I was always start with a brain storming session...

First Draft...

Second Draft...

Final Draft...

The funniest part was the ring bearer was super tired (thus crabby) and wouldn't carry the pillow down the isle.

April was breathtaking...

We all had so much fun. It was like a high school reunion for me, I miss these girls...

Our lil splasher...

2011-07-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

2 kitchen successes....can I get an applause...

2011-06-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

The past three months I have failed miserably in the kitchen.
Going dairy-free has been a relearning of everything that I know in the kitchen. I had to abandon my motto "Butter makes everything better" and find creative replacements for my many go-to meals that involve cheese, milk, butter... I attempted so many new recipes and almost everyone of them flopped. This Vegan Mac and Cheese (which I added otherwise delicious ground buffalo to) was by far the most repulsive, I mean inedible. I discovered that nutritional yeast is ick and tahini is super ick (I went as far as to get a refund from Whole Foods for the tahini). Stephen will eat almost anything (the man hates to waste a napkin) and after "half" a bowl he wouldn't touch the large baking pan of leftovers. Inedible I tell you.

So...having two successes in the kitchen, in the same day, (be them small) calls for a big pat on my back. It's own blog entry even.
In order:

I finally discovered to how to boil the perfect egg (thanks to these simple techniques on Simply Recipes). I'm glad I learned how to boil an egg before I turn 30 (next month).

I whipped up a yummy egg salad with these bad boys (which spanish olives would've perfected). But I must confess, I was wishing that I could've made this recipe the entire time. Oh how I miss fancy cheeses.

My second success was non-mushy banana walnut muffins. Another big one down before the big three oh.

These made a few deposits back into my domestic self-esteem. And I'm lovin that website Simple Recipes.

On an unrelated note I'm drooling over these rugs posted on Copy Cat Chic today. They cost almost as much as my car. A girl can dream....

Have a good rest of the week.

The best traveling buddy...

2011-06-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Being stuck in a car for five plus hours is a breeze with this guy...

We made it home safe and sound from our mini-vacay to Houston and Galveston. It was fun to see different parts of Houston. So many people live there! Constant traffic. It's the 4th largest city in the US. I never knew.

I LOVED staying at the Intercontinential Hotel (which we got for a steal on Hotwire). We watched several episodes of Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, very interesting. And also Piers Morgan, I like him. We ate two days in a row at the Grand Lux Cafe. Ahh. Their menu is unbelievable (a welcomed indulgence for me). The beignets, oh my. We both enjoyed that a lot. We also got to have a long dinner with Stephen's family while we were there, a highlight for us.

We took a day trip to Galveston, drove along the Gulf of Mexico. And can I admit something? I discovered that I am a closet beach snob. Growing up in California did me a total disservice in this area.

Gulf of Mexico....
....Laguna Niguel
Gulf of Mexico....
....LAGUNA NIGUEL!

Although we thought Galveston left much to be desired, we had fun with it all. We decided that "campy" was the best adjective. And we kept wondering where my mother's sources of information come from? She told us on our drive down that she heard Galveston was "such a beautiful city." Mmm.
(I love you Mom.)

Stephen ate two snow cones (yes "two" in one afternoon...one of his favorite indulgences), I breastfed in the car off and on all day (which I'm totally used to at this point), changed a poopy diaper on Stephen's lap, ate at a seafood dive, and waved to the burning ozone from our cool, well air-conditioned car. It was 101 degrees and it smelled like...well...the Gulf of Mexico.

I have to say, it was cute to see families together under their umbrellas and people waiting to start their Duck Tours. Kids don't seem to be phased by blazing temperatures, at least not when stuff's going on all around them.

We drove through the neighborhoods and looked at all of the vacation homes (entire neighborhoods of nothing but vacation homes), called a real estate agent and asked questions. We have a habit of doing this while on vacation I've noticed. We're always curious about property value. And we make a game of it. (And I'm lame at this game.) I guessed the house we called on was priced at 3 million, Stephen guessed 750k...it was 775k.

And this boy, well. He was just a total trooper. He didn't get many solid naps in, but he made do and never had a huge meltdown (which I'm convinced has nothing to do with parenting, this child just has an angel-like disposition). And his mama thinks he's SO cute! REALLY cute! You might just agree. (And yes, parenthood does weird things to the vocal chords.)

Free-style Quilting

2011-06-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am feeling very inspired today by Anna Maria Horner's post on Hand Embroidery. Specifically, this pillow makes me squirm:

Wishing that I had brought my embroidery circle and fabric along on this trip (as I sit in a quiet hotel room with my sleeping babe). I am a free-style crafter all of the way (meaning I am rarely intentional, but rather impulsive), so the concept of free-style quilting is right up my alley. And something as small as this pillow seems doable to me. (While the thought of making an entire quilt feels like a visit to sewing prison.)
Maybe I'll sneak in a trip to Joann's...

Gideon's first swim...

2011-06-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Gideon had his first swim about a month ago. He and I have since traveled to and from California, (recovered from traveling to and from California), celebrated Stephen's first Father's Day (with a Texas Tech license plate frame and a Journey TShirt) and our family of 3 is preparing to go to Galveston to celebrate our 4th year wedding anniversary. So forgive my tardiness, I'm sure you understand...

That's his Mr. Burns impression.

How to: Advice Cards

2011-05-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Kelly inspired me to create advice cards as a baby shower activity because she did this at my shower. I loved reading everyone’s advice when it was all over….and I still keep them in my bathroom and read a few here and there. So…I stole her questions and adapted the idea for Peyton's Baby Shower.

First, I used my address label Design Pro application from Avery to create a template for the cards (because I know nothing about graphic design). I used shipping label number 5664.

Cut them with my fiskars paper cutter (I’ve had this thing for over 10 years and I love it! The replacement blades are cheap.)

Then I get messy and design (my most favorite part of the whole process).

Neatly create an assembly line of all designed cards, so that I can just grab and sew.

SEW (forgot to take a picture).

Take to the shower….

Hang with twine and miniature clothes pins.

And have fun seeing what people wrote…

And of course, this was all made possible by mommy’s best helper...

Mommy life. A Marathon of this and that.

2011-05-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

I started writing this May 4th. I finished May 24th. Welcome to Motherhood.

Now that I am 12 weeks (15 weeks) into life with Gideon, I feel like I owe you an eternally long blog. And you probably won't make it to the end (I wouldn't). But this is the first time I’ve actually sat down, typed with both hands, in the next room from a contented baby, before midnight (29 minutes to be exact). So I’ll write as long as this sluggish body will let me. And I’ll try and hit on the good stuff. Like the color of my baby’s poop.

THE BEST TOY EVER

(c) Eileen Hart.

This new flirty grin is making all things right in our world.

I felt like I fumbled my way through the first two months of mommy life, but I'm now joining the “club” with all of you other mothers. I understand things like: leaving the house without a stitch of makeup on (and not realizing it until the end of the day), the loss and recovery of a jaw line, how fierce your desire is to freeze time, the blessing (curse?) of sonic ears, and the need for tummy control in a swim suit. I get it all now. I also feel like my life has just begun.

ACID REFLUX. And a DAIRY ALLERGY.

Some of you know that Gideon had some complications in the beginning. They were relatively minor, but they felt way major to this first-time mom. At about four weeks, I noticed that his saliva was sort of bubbly, his spit-up was projectile and while he slept he made these baby bear grunting noises. I brought all of these to his doctor’s attention and she diagnosed him with acid reflux. Acid reflux?! He’s four weeks old.

We altered my diet a little bit (no beef, no tomatoes, limited dairy) and tried to treat it naturally, but over the next two weeks it worsened, so we put him on Prevacid and maintained the changes in my diet. She also encouraged me not to ride in the car by myself with him until his swallowing reflexes were stronger because he could choke and stop breathing. “Just watch and if you see him turning blue, pull over and aspirate.” TURN BLUE?! Try that on for size. Every time he breathed I thought he was choking. And if I did have to travel alone with him, my lungs were tight and my entire body gripped the steering wheel. Oh and she told me to buy a couple extra aspirators to put around the house.
I bought seven.

It took about six weeks to get his reflux “managable” (though not completely under control), but in the midst of it all, I noticed that his stools (here’s the baby poop part) had a sort of green tint to them and they were a little slimy. Aren’t you glad you’ve read this far? I again made an appointment (only one week later) and described it to his doctor. As soon as I said the word “slimy” she echoed to me emphatically “Slimy?!”. I knew we were in trouble. She has that face that rarely changes expression and the temperament that doesn’t lend itself to drama (of which I know nothing about). So she asked her nurse to test the diaper I had just thrown away. About five minutes later, the nurse peeks her head around the corner and says, “It’s positive.” “Positive for what?!” I said. With her face returned to it’s natural, calm expression she says, “Blood.” The tears start. (“Lady why aren’t you freaking out?! You just told me my child has blood in his stool.") She reassured me that it is more common than I realize and that we have to eliminate all dairy from my diet (even the hidden stuff...like milk powder in taco seasoning, say wha?) because my child has a milk protein allergy and that’s what’s causing the blood. Dairy? Really? Okay.

My main concern was that I was going to have to give up breastfeeding, but she reassured me that if I cut out dairy it would eventually fix the problem. I just had to be patient and rest in the fact that God designed babies’ bodies to be fairly resilient to issues such as acid reflux and milk protein allergies. But in my mind, it was one more thing to monitor. This initiated a deeper battle against fear for me and I had to repeatedly refuse it possession of my thoughts.

NEW DIET. What I couldn't do for myself.

So after leaving the pharmacy with Gideon's reflux medicine, I met Debra at Whole Foods to begin my education on how to live dairy-free. Debra has been gluten, dairy and sugar free for over a year now (yeah, I know what you’re thinking…what does she eat? You’d be surprised). Debra said something so profound as we went around Whole Foods looking at labels, filling my basket with soy butter, almond milk and vegan chocolate chips. She said, “This may be God doing for you what you couldn’t do for yourself.” She was so right. Just eliminating dairy has created awareness in me about eating more even more natural, organically grown food.

I am the type that doesn’t diet or if I do I cheat with ice cream. But I knew up front that I had to do this all out because I want what’s best for my child. No cheating. Initially, giving up dairy was really hard (and I still have moments). I missed cheese, butter, milk, sour cream, ICE CREAM, and regular chocolate. But as the cravings subsided I’ve molded my palette to enjoy other things. Lately, my favorite treat (also thanks to Debra) is frozen strawberries, pecans and almond milk blended into a thin smoothie. It is divine. I crave that like I used to crave Blue Bell (Californians you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Blue Bell). And I'm now proud to say that after two months of absolutely no dairy, Gideon had his first blood-free poopy diaper, verified by his doctor. Success!

VOTING

“We vote three times a day…I think it's one of the most important battles for consumers to fight: the right to know what's in their food, and how it was grown.” Food Inc.

In this process, I made two other decisions for our family as well. How I purchase meat and produce.

I now buy meat that has been fed non-genetically modified grain, given no hormones or antibiotics and is sold from a trusted source (Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Central Market). And I am trying to purchase all organic produce.

I’ve purchased “all natural” chicken from regular grocers for the past three years (Tom Thumb, Kroger) and after trying chicken from Whole Foods, Tom Thumb chicken doesn't hold up. Since making the switch, I can attest to such a significant difference in the texture, tenderness, flavor and fat content between the two grocers’ “all natural” options. The difference in price increase is only $1-2 per pound. Not to mention, Whole Foods is very committed to total integrity in the tracking their food sources---the way it’s grown, fed and processed. This integrity is evident every time I cook it. I used to think going organic and paying attention to every little thing you put in your body was extreme and frankly expensive, but I’ve price compared and a lot of organic/natural options have gone down in price because we’ve created more of a demand for them.

Price comparison: Okay, I’m about to step off my soap box… Yesterday I bought a head of organic red leaf lettuce for $1.99 and organic Gala apples at $.99 a pound.

Red leaf lettuce an exact price match to the “non” organic option at Tom Thumb and the Gala apples at Whole Foods were a dollar cheaper. Extra Virgin olive oil, red cabbage, pecans, and ground turkey are also on par with my mainstream grocers.

Our grocery receipts tell farmers what to produce and how to produce it. It’s easy to think that my little bag of organic apples has no influence on the apple orchards of America, but it's not true. When we are individually proactive, our collective voice reaches these farmers. Eventually prices go down ($.99 a pound folks) because we've created more competition in the market.

Okay okay, just one last thing and I'll stop…about a month ago, I was in Costco buying apples (we eat a lot of apples) and my only options out of all varieties were organic. AT COSTCO! I almost peed my pants. Our warehouse grocers, that only sell in bulk, are counting our votes. Okay, rant over.

BREASTFEEDING. God's diet pill.

I was convinced that this would be a huge painful undertaking. Not entirely true. Painful, yes. Impossible, no. Initially, my toes would curl every time Gideon latched on. It hurt badly. Waaaay baaaadly. But just like the lactation consultant said, “Give yourself a month and everything will normalize.” Three months later I have no pain and no regrets. And it's a walk in the park compared to pregnancy.

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right nursing bra. I tried underwire, but they cut off my milk supply. And I got to discover this when my child crawled up my chest refusing to be comforted. Fun.
The Anita soft cup bra is what I ultimately went with. And Target's nursing tanks (better than Bravado).

I haven't worn a soft cup, non-underwire, since the 6th grade.
Ladies, these are so comfy.

I'm close to my pre-baby weight and I credit breast feeding to a lot of it. They say you burn 500 calories a day. I hope it will get me to my goal weight...which is 17 pounds further.

GOING BALD

My hair is falling out my the fist fulls. Is this normal?

MOTHERS WRIST

When Gideon was about two weeks old, every time I picked him up there was a sharp pain in my wrist. I started using my left hand as my predominate hand when carrying him and picking him up and sure enough, the pain moved to the left wrist. I thought I was getting carpal tunnel. But when I mentioned it to my friend Violet, whose baby is four months older than Gideon, she said she felt the exact same thing! We discovered that there is a condition called De Quervain syndrome and it's commonplace among new mothers. I've worked with it, trying to strengthen it, and my wrist feels good today. We'll see...

BABY WISE

As a mother, I have had four moments of what I consider "measurable" success. The first was when I delivered vaginally and didn't have to have a C-Section. The second was when my milk came in. The third was Gideon's first clean, blood-free stool. And the most recent was getting him on a consistent sleeping schedule.

At about 9 weeks Gideon was sleeping an eight to ten hour block during the night. I decided to read "Baby Wise" and be more intentional about his nap and wake time. I found that most of what they suggest in terms of "Parent Directed Feeding" was what we were already doing. He was eating every two hours and sleeping through the night. I just didn't have his naps and bedtime on a consistent schedule. At twelve weeks, I decided to be intentional about it. I took his feeding times from every two hours to every three hours. And I followed the order: eat, play, sleep. It took six nights (right in a row) of 45 minutes of howling, screaming, my mother is an abuser, type of crying before he went down the seventh night without a peep. The first night I felt cruel. The fifth night I sat in the hallway and read four magazines, helping him soothe himself in between pages. Now he goes down almost every nap and bed time without a whine. And he's sleeping about twelve hours. Actually, last night I kept peaking on him (in the dark room with his sound machine on) and he was looking around, content just to lie there, for AN HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTES. Not a whimper. It worked.

CREATING MY OWN STRUCTURE.

I am not one who gravitates to regiment. I don't stick to routines. I am not entirely disorganized, I need a clean house, but I get easily distracted and swept up in the “moment” with worthwhile endeavors (like re-decorating my mantle):

and forget boring things (like folding and putting away my laundry...uh my least favorite chore):

Living in a small apartment with a baby is a constant picking up of onesies and burp rags and his huge car seat. Things get cluttered so quickly. So I’ve tried to safeguard my laziness by declaring Monday as my homebound day, dedicated to cleaning and doing laundry. So far, I’ve done this five weeks in a row and it has helped me start my week off on a good foot. (But I still never get every piece of laundry folded and put away.) The idea is to get what I don’t love to do out of the way at the beginning of the week. And a clean space frees me up to take care of other things without feeling overwhelmed.

LESS IS MORE.

This is my new mantra. Again, when living in such a small space, things can get congested quickly. So I just repeat my mantra all of the time…in decorating, cleaning, organizing…

FIRST THREE MONTHS. Baby product must haves.

These are my top, can’t live without, baby products. All of which I wasn’t sure I would use.

Aden and Anais Swaddling cloths. Both muslin and bamboo.

I love how breathable they are because my baby loves to sleep like this:

Plain white cloth diapers, which serve as a liner for my changing pad. This way I don't have to wash the cover every other day and I can dry that little baby bum before I put on his A&D ointment.

My Little Lamb Swing. Graciously on loan from baby Laila. This has been great almost from the very beginning. If I need to cook dinner or vacuum or whatever, he loves to sit in it and rock and look at the turning mobile.

And the Nap Nanny, acid reflux wedge. This stopped the baby bear grunts (which turned out to be a sign of discomfort) right away. And it has helped him not spit up as much or cough at night.

GOING FORWARD.

Okay, so this blog has been entirely consumed with my child the past few months, but I’ve been crafting and renovating and decorating and I plan to post all of it soon. Bit by bit.

If you made it to the end I applaud you. And here’s your reward.

Bath time

2011-05-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

These cheeks are even more munchable when they're clean...

Lavender Sachets

2011-05-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

I got the idea to make lavender sachets a couple of years ago from Martha Stewart. We test drove it at my baby shower and it was a cute party favor and activity. So...I had planned on hosting the same for my close friend April's "Italian-themed" bridal shower. But low and behold having a seven week old baby and traveling to California to help host a shower didn't quite happen. So instead, I made everything and shipped it to one of the hostesses. They said it was a fun touch.

If you ever need a unique, somewhat inexpensive, and "useful" (that was my main motivation...no party favor is like ever useful) shower gift & activity, try lavender sachets. Super duper easy.

I didn't take step by step pictures, but you basically:

1. Cut two same size pieces (in this case I lined the lace so I had four pieces).

2. Sew right (pretty) side to right (pretty) side, leaving one side (the top) open.

3. Trim.

4. Turn right side out.

5. Fill with lavender and tie with ribbon or yarn. Done!

I really like how Martha did her sachets, they're much more polished, but without everyone hopping onto a sewing machine or taking the time to hand sew, it wouldn't work as an activity. However, they'd make a perfect gift.

If you're interested in purchasing lavender by the pound, I bought mine from this darling couple in Royse City. This was pre-baby times, so I actually drove out there. But I'm sure if you emailed them they would sell it by the pound (not advertised on their website) and mail it to you.

Best present ever...

2011-05-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

He's turning over...

2011-05-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

And I think I'm one of those moms that will like document everything.

Someone's busy being cute again...

2011-05-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

...And mommy must spread the love:

He's edible...

2011-04-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

The many faces of Gideon...

2011-04-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

I promise a real update soon (like with words).

8 weeks later...

2011-04-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Moments old

1 week

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

5 weeks

6 weeks

7 weeks

From today, almost 8 weeks

We have much trouble concentrating on our grocery list...

As Stephen often says, "He's better than TV."

Is it just me?

2011-03-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

Or is there a theme going on here?

I realized this morning when I was reorganizing Gideon's clothes that I may have a slight obsession with stripes and solids. I knew I typically don't like silk screened stuff, but man I guess I'm serious about these stripes and solids.

And somehow I don't think he cares what I put on him. He's irresistible in anything. Just look at him...

Letters on the brain

2011-03-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

I've decided I'm going to do a simple collage of "G"'s on Gideon's wall. Thus far, I covered one in mustard yellow yarn similar to these:

And bought a small gold one. I'm debating between mixing and matching a bunch of random "G"'s or having different sized/shaped letters and making them somewhat mono chromatic in shades of gold.

Here are some of my findings:

At Anthropologie:

Inspiration from Knack:

Your thoughts?

Look who's awake...

2011-03-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah, more of this little guy...

2011-03-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

I can't help myself, his cuteness is just painful...

Lately he makes the sweetest puppy sounds after he nurses. And baby bear grunts while he sleeps (which often prevent mama bear from sleeping).

My mom left today, sad day. But it was so good to have her here for an extended period of time, sharing every "little" moment. (And she went to work on the sewing machine. Hopefully I'll finish Gideon's nursery before he turns one and post pictures!)

It's also nice to begin to settle into our new life, just the three of us. This is the fulfillment of the dreams that have been deep in my heart for so many years. I am choosing to savor it and thank God from a new place inside of me. Lately I've just felt full of so much gratitude. I think babies do that to ya huh?

My new alarm clock

2011-02-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

You gotta get you one of these, so easy to wake up to:

He loves to chill with his daddy:

And snuggle with his mommy:

He gets the best of both worlds...

Gideon Ray Keilers

2011-02-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the first time I’ve opened the computer in five days and I did so reluctantly (I can’t pull myself away from this baby!). But I decided it would be wrong of me to keep this face from the world for one more day, I mean really:

It dawned on me during our last morning at the hospital that our room had a television, I hadn’t even thought about turning on the TV. Every moment was tender. I considered posting pictures, but it was between spending thirty minutes writing a blog or thirty minutes staring at this miracle in my arms…Mmm, easy choice.

People told me that our life would change overnight and I believed them, but had no idea the gravity of that statement. Our lives will never be the same. We see everything with new eyes, we feel every pot hole in the road now, and he's given our heart stretch marks. The last five days have held the most sacred moments of our lives. I have never felt such a tidal wave of love for anyone or anything ever. The tears haven’t stopped. The song that echos in my mind is Aeorsmith’s “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.” Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to sleep.

Another thing that I have been struck by is how good God is in His giving. I now know that children (especially this newborn in my arms) are a slice of heaven that He brings to earth and allows us to enjoy for a time. This is His richest blessing.

And in case you’re wondering, my labor was amazing, so peaceful and so beautiful. And so opposite of what I imagined, coming on the tale end of a really difficult pregnancy. He ended up being smaller than was estimated and I was so grateful to push out 6 pounds 14 ounces instead of 8 pounds plus. I rested throughout most of my labor, while snow fell outside of the big windows in our room. They rotated my hips all throughout the day, which resulted in turning him from sunny side up to face down. I was so grateful he turned, my nurse and doctor were wonderful. I pushed for 40 minutes and out came our Gideon. Stephen says my new mantra is, “Get the epidural.”

I feel like Stephen and I have come out of several deep valleys and stepped onto the most amazing mountaintop yet. God so knows what He’s doing. So on that note, I’m going to return to my Baby La La Land… And you can just enjoy this cuteness…

Last two photos courtesy of Eileen Hart

Wednesday is the day...

2011-02-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Went to the doctor today and Wednesday will be the day. Due to my blood clotting disorder, it isn't safe for me to go past 39 weeks. And we were hoping that he'd come on his own by now (he's already 7lbs 15oz and he's been in the birth canal for like ever), but apparently he needs a little help. I check into the hospital tomorrow night and they will put medicine on my cervix to continue to soften it and it may initiate labor. But chances are it will just prime me for an induction Wednesday morning. So...our little guy will make his appearance so very soon! And mommy and daddy and nana will be there to greet him!
Pictures to follow...

*Photo courtesy of Beth Morgan

Silk Scarf Pillows

2011-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

I started with two silk scarves:

(lost camera temporarily, so the rest will be all text, so sorry.)

Step 1: I cut each of scarf down to a 22" square for my 20" pillow forms (about 1.5-2 inch seam allowance). Also cut my backing fabric (the berry red silk) to match, same size.

Step 2: Ironed fusible interfacing onto the back of each scarf, about a 23" square (and it didn't stick perfectly because I couldn't have the heat on high, but it still provided additional durability to the silk).

Step 3: Sewed a flannel lining to each scarf to add even more strength (and protection from the pokey feathers in the down pillow forms that I used).

Step 4: Sewed right (pretty) side of scarf to right (pretty) side of back fabric, leaving one side open to stick the pillow form into.

Step 5: Turned pillow cover right side out and stuffed it with my 20" inch down pillow form.

Step 6: Folded the bottom edges under and pinned them closed. Then sewed the bottom closed...thus forever trapping my pillow form. (If I knew how to sew a zipper, or had the patience to do a folded envelope closure, I would've done one of those instead.)

I remembered seeing silk scarf pillows in my Martha Stewart Living Magazine sometime last year and sure enough I just found her tutorial online. I obviously didn't use her tutorial, but you make like it better. She is much more polished and by the book than I am, I mean she is Martha Stewart afterall. (I hear the woman sleeps with her light on and a memo pad & pen on her night stand.)

But the coolest thing about this project is most of you probably have a vintage scarf or two lying around that you could easily make into a little pillow. The white one with circles was my mother-in-laws, she gave it to me a while ago, and I knew I wanted to do something special with it. And I thought this was the perfect project because now we use it everyday.

And just in case you missed the felt flower pillow, you can catch it here.

How to: Felt Flowers

2011-01-31T08:48:00.000-08:00

Step 1: Cut your circle (my Olfa Circle cutter makes this a cinch):

Step 2: Spiral cut your circle

Keep going...

...all of the way to the center

Step 3: And here's where I differ from most tutorials...roll your spiral around the circle...

Step 4: And glue only the tail to your edge. The reason I prefer the circle being in the center and initially gluing only the tail (with the edges not being entirely secured) is because you will be able to manipulate and play with your flower and give it more texture later on (as opposed to being left with a very tightly rolled bud).

Volia...

I repeat Steps 1-4 with a slightly smaller circle and glue it into the center, on top, of the first circle (don't worry if you're covering up part of your flower, this adds body):

Same thing, repeat Steps 1-4 with an even smaller circle and add it to the others:

Here's to give you an idea of the size of my circles:

Step 6: I also make a tiny center roll:

And add it to the center. Again, we're just creating more dimension.

And for the finishing touches, I just twist and tuck and glue the petals to give them movement and texture.

Now this "How to" was for the largest flower on my wreath, but for the smaller ones you only need to layer one or two circles (instead of three)...and I always add one tiny center roll, the most charming part in my eyes.

Itz Fitz provided the inspiration for my wreath.

And Eighteen 25 (an incredibly cool blog I now subscribe to) was my spring board for "how to" make felt flowers.

Brief Nursery Update

2011-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

So...I thought that I was going into labor Tuesday night and I told myself that if I didn't, I would spend some time Wednesday sewing burp rags for my little guy (as I have sewn nothing for him up to this point, believe it or not). So here I am, with him still curled up in my belly, and I went to town yesterday. I sewed not only burp rags, but I made two pillows and finished the tassels for his lamp...

Now I can go into labor...

Our Bump Session with B.MoFoto

2011-01-23T01:36:00.000-08:00

All photos courtesy of Beth Morgan

Gave me a good laugh

2011-01-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hubby sent THIS VIDEO to me this morning and it gave me a really good laugh...all three times. You know I love this kind of humor.

Wreaths on the brain...

2011-01-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Pickles

Courtesy of Knack Studios

Courtesy of Katie Runnels

Courtesy of Itz Fitz

And I'll post pics of my wreath once it's makeover is complete...

It's 3am, so I blog...

2011-01-16T02:32:00.000-08:00

I'm up at 3am, as is usual these days, so I blog. I woke up about an hour ago flat on my back unable, literally unable, to turn over or get up on my own. I tried for a long five minutes. My struggling woke Stephen up and he attempted three different ways to help me, third time was a charm and it involved me pulling myself up with his resistant arm and my bicep muscles only. (Our conversations go something like this, "Don't help me, just flex, give me resistance." "I'm trying honey. Like this?" "No don't pull." Eventually we find success.) My lower ligament muscles are shot. I have no abs and it's odd to be so limited physically. I almost never lie flat on my back these days, but I learned tonight that it's just not an option anymore at all. This baby is too big now. We found out this week that our Gideon is already 6.5 lbs (my due date is four weeks away) and he's already managed to wedge himself in the birth canal. Meaning his cute little head is comfy in the middle of my pelvic bone. (Here's a cool video that I found on You Tube, helping me to understand where his head is exactly.) When my doctor examined me this week she said, "He is low. I can feel his head." Oh so that's what I'm feeling when I walk around.

All of that to say, here I am...at 3am. And rather than toss and turn, I thought I'd catch you up on a few things. Like my lower ligament muscles.

And have I told you that my stretch mark cream failed me miserably? I was secretly hoping that I could defy Mother Nature and have a beautifully unscarred stomach at the end of this road, but rather, I have like the worst most purplish stretch marks you've ever seen. It looks like a cat crawled up on my stomach and clawed her way down. U.G.L.Y. Why do I always think somehow "I" will be the exception? Like, "If I use this expensive cream I will somehow avoid the stretch marks that the other 80% of women get during pregnancy." Instead I get a good dose of humility. Dont' buy this stuff:

I have a cold and can't take anything, so that's fun. I've been doing a saline rinse in the morning and nasal spray before bedtime (which is controversial, some say don't take it while prego, some say it's okay). And today I rested and drank a pint of apple juice (mixed with water, I always mix 1/2 & 1/2) and ate several of our favorite fruit strips:

Both just sounded good and I reasoned that I was pumping myself full of vitamin C. But now I'm all gassy.

In my resting today, I brainstormed some more about the nursery and reupholstering my living room ottoman. And yes, my nursery is still not done. I keep changing my mind, because I'm the creative, can't make up my mind, get lost in the details, procrastinating type. But the upside is that I really love the direction it's taken as of late. I will post pictures once it's finished. Eileen is coming over Monday to help me assemble the crib and we'll hopefully make lots of progress on hanging art, etc. My mom is coming February 2 (I'm due the 14th) and hopefully we'll have time to do the extra things, like hem my curtains and such.

I also found a cool mirror on Craigs List. This was my one outing today. I mean wouldn't you leave your sick bed to pick this beauty up:

It was originally $200, but because it had a few dings they sold it for $49 even. I really really like it and I think it'll look perfect for over our couch (our ahem, $85 Craigs List couch). I'll post pics soon.

It's now 4am and I'm going to settle down for my second bedtime (lately I've had two bedtimes, 9:30ish and then I get to be awake for awhile around 3am and fall back asleep between 4:30-5ish). Is my body getting ready to nurse a baby? Or are people just trying to make me feel better?

Throughly showered with love...

2011-01-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of the sweetest memories I have made. I felt so loved and so "known". Down to every little detail. The theme of the shower was a sort of crafty shabby chic and it was perfectly executed. Oversized spools of ribbon atop burlap tablecloths, gobs of buttons, mini cupcakes from my favorite bakery, we drank sweet tea & strawberry lemonade out of little mason jars, ate out of pie tins, and wiped our mouths with homemade cloth napkins...all of it made my heart so giddy. And more than that, being surrounded by people I know and love was most precious to me. I loved just being with everyone. And Stephen and I have loved reading the parenting advice cards left in the birdcage. Our favorite so far, "Advice for calming a crying baby....stick a boob in it."

It's in the beginning of these new chapters of life that I so value my good friends. Thank you ladies for making this such a special day. And now just 5 weeks (or less?) until our little man makes his appearance (he's been super super active and rolly today which is fun, but doesn't make for a comfortable mama)...

All photos courtesy of Eileen Hart

My yarn wreath

2011-01-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

I got the idea to make this wreath from an adorable Etsy store (which I can't find to give credit to). And it cost me like $6 for materials. But in the process of looking for the other store, I happened upon this Etsy store. I actually like these better. Aren't they fabulous?! This one's my favorite:

It makes me want to revamp my wreath a tad. I've been busily nesting, I'll share more crafty tidbits soon...

The latest belly bulge and curtains...

2010-12-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted a current belly shot. So here are a couple of blurry shots. Are you ready? I'm HUGE...

And we just found yesterday that this little boy is already 5.5 pounds and estimated to weigh at least 8 pounds. Ay Caramba!!! He's coming out of me! Wow. But of course we love the fact that he's big and healthy =).

I am now 34 weeks and this has been my favorite part of pregnancy so far. I love sitting and watching my belly move. And it's rare that I'm sitting down without my hands on my belly, feeling his little feet and elbows roll around. It never gets old. Never. ever. This is the first time I've really understood how much of a true miracle life is and how evident it is that we come from a Creator. I am continually humbled by the fact that God chose me to bring forth another life, I feel so inadequate.

Well, I still can't find my camera, but I wanted to show you the nursery curtains we just hung. I took a pretty sorry picture using the little camera on my computer, but you'll get the basic idea:

I changed my mind on the nursery fabric after looking at it for a few days, so I mailed it back. It was too loud and the colors were too much. I love bold colors, but I think I love them most when they're acting as accents, not the main color scheme. When I found this natural linen fabric with the seagulls I knew immediately it was perfect (and perfect for our budget, as it was on closeout for $3.50 a yard). I used blackout lining behind the panels so it will actually block out light. Eventually I'll make a ruffle on the bottom with another fabric. (And eventually I'll take a good picture so you can see the entire curtain panel and not just the corner).

For the past few years I've been using copper plumbing pipe and plumbing fixtures in lieu of curtain rods because I love the industrial feel of it.

And after staring at this fabric for days it still made the cut, so I'm going to use it for the crib bed skirt:

I've been working on a bunch of little projects and I'll post pics very soon...

The blog behind the blog

2010-12-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

So sometimes it’s easier to just abandon my blog for a month or two, instead of spending the emotional energy to sit down and write about what’s “really” going on, you know, the blog behind the blog. Today I just wanted to post more pictures of my nesting endeavors and spare any explanations, but I had a change of heart because I want to be authentic and transparent for the first time in a while. And I think that I‘m resurfacing mainly because I am coming out of the fog of life’s happenings.

First of all, we moved into a new apartment about a month and a half ago. I was six + months pregnant and unable to move and lift and rearrange whatever I wanted to. I felt like a caged tiger (which at one point landed my tush in labor & delivery with contractions/false labor, but that's for another day). Anyway. I really was a happy tiger and so relieved because it’s been a year and a half since we’ve had our own space. You see, we moved in with my in-laws for what we thought would be three months, while we closed on a house, and then Stephen was laid off. Three months turned into 18. This was one of the hardest times of my life. I didn’t have the know-how to blog or write about it at all. It was hard for several reasons. Firstly, I am the domestic-artsy-homemaker type and pretty much always have been. Living in some else’s home (who doesn’t share my taste or my way of doing life) was really hard, it forced me to let go of my preferences (which I didn’t always do graciously) and it felt impossible at moments. But more than wallpaper or frozen dinners being an adjustment, watching my mother-in-law’s health rapidly decline and my father-in-law come to a place of utter ruin was the most difficult part of living with them. My mother-in-law, Linda, was diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy) about four years ago and her brain has been shrinking gradually since her diagnosis. With this particular condition she loses daily life skills every few months. She has now reached a place where she cannot feed, bathe or walk herself. She also cannot open her eyes in a way that’s natural or communicate with ease. And my father-in-law, Jerry, is losing his right arm. They’ve been married for 43 years. They had a little JOP wedding as soon as Jerry returned from Vietnam and haven't been separated for more than a few days since. After we moved out Jerry realized that he didn’t have what it took to care for her by himself and he had a real breakdown. We have since stepped in and today is the day we are placing Linda into a skilled nursing facility. This was a hard decision for all us to come to, but it was time and it is what’s best for Linda and everyone else. And this entire process has reminded us that heaven is our reward, the real gold at the end of this rainbow, and our life on earth is but a vapor. And yet even in the midst of it all, life is something we are celebrating, as we are all eager to meet our little Gideon.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:21

So while there isn’t garland and stockings hanging from my mantle this year, there is a new life being formed in my belly and this is the silver lining. God chose to juxtapose the loss of one life with the beginning of another. That’s amazing to me. And today we’re focusing on what we’re grateful for and the fact that we do still have Linda and her mind is still present and we have a little happy, healthy baby boy on the way. And life and death is something only God can begin and end and we trust His timing and His goodness.

Folded Felt Flower Pillow

2010-11-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

I made this pillow recently (as I happily procrastinated between packing and unpacking and cleaning and organizing and laundry...):

I've been wanting to make a felt pillow ever since I this one online like a year ago:

But for the life of me I couldn't quite figure out how to mimic those roses (however, now I think I might've discovered how they did it). So, when I saw a similar style in this post I got busy immediately (and yes, ignored the packing that had to be done). Here's my how to (which includes a couple "cheaters" tips):

Cheaters tip #1, Olfa Rotary Circle Cutter (which I bought at Joanns with a 40% off coupon). SO much time and frustration saved with this gadget:

Fold once:

Fold twice:

Sew (or glue, see cheaters tip #2):

Find center & measure even borders to form a square:

Cheaters tip #2, The fine tipped glue gun. At about this phase I ran out of patience with the sewing of each rosette (yeah I think I made it to 3) and resorted to the glue gun (don't judge). And I don't think I touched the sewing needle after that.

After much gluing (and tender finger tips) here's the end result:

And I'll post more pics when it's stuffed and happy on my couch.

We've moved

2010-11-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Well we moved this past Sunday and we love our new place. It's an apartment nestled among a lot of trees (a rarity in Dallas) and it's really quite and residential here, as opposed to clusters of apartments and shops. We still don't have internet (I'm sitting close to the window, borrowing the leasing offices connection), so it will be a while until I check back in here. But for now, I leave you with the color scheme that I dreaming up for our living room (found at one of my new favorite places loonymag.com).

It's so fun to nest again. Although moving should be rated at the top of stressful experiences. It was funny, when the movers were bringing up our boxes I kept saying, "Is that the last of them?" They would laugh at me and say, "Nope." And the boxes just kept coming. I don't remember accumulating so much stuff. How?! My mom flies in next Saturday and I am so looking forward to her visit. I feel like I need her "nesting hands" right now. We will definitely sew a lot (and organize).

They've arrived...

2010-10-25T18:49:00.001-07:00

Some for nursery, some for our new craigslist couch, and some will double as covers for our dining chairs. I have to play with colors (and bring in other fabric) before I decide...

And here's a sneak peak of what I'm working on currently:

Maddie Kate Banner

2010-10-18T20:17:00.001-07:00

Here's the banner that I was commissioned to make this summer. My good friend Beth (also the photographer at our wedding) gave this as a gift to her best friend Casey at the arrival her new little Maddie Kate. Beth had hoped to snap several shots of the banner (with you guys in mind, of course), but due to hospital happenings this is the only shot we've got right now. More to come...

How did this happen?...

2010-10-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

I noticed today that I am now walking with a slight waddle. And things are too short. This happened like overnight...

And are you guys sure that babies don't just split your belly right open and crawl out? Cause it feels like that's what's about to happen. It's already so tight. And four+ more months of this growing belly. Tell me I can do this. I guess anything is better than my first trimester. Anything.

Another word on polish. I found a new pale pink that I love. I spotted it on our leasing agents nails and I asked her, "Did you go and get a manicure last night?" (we had just seen her the day before) and she said, "No it's just this new polish." And she pulled this out:

Sally Hansen "Shall We Dance". So I bought a bottle at Ulta (with my $5 off coupon). And I really like it, it does look salon worthy. And I want it to at least look like I had it professionally done. I typically do my own nails & toes (though I love manis & pedis) because I would usually rather buy a shirt or something on sale for the price.

My parents ordered me a few bits of fabric today, mostly for Gideon's nursery, but also a few half yards to recover our cool hand-me-down dining room chairs. I will post pics when the goodies arrive. But here's a sneak peak at Gideon's first two fabrics:

Also, my appetite is picking up. I was really pleased with the fact that I haven't eaten much more than I would not pregnant. Until now. I now eat breakfast (cereal & banana typically), snack (sandwich), lunch (grilled chicken with a side or something similar), possibly a granola bar on the way home and then a full dinner later on. It's like I'm now packing in an extra meal and if I eat light for lunch (like today I had a cup of soup and an order of California Rolls) my stomach literally starts to hurt a couple hours later until I fed it (or rather until I feed this little boy). So I now get the "truck driver" comments ladies. Now I'm with you...

A cheap facelift...

2010-10-09T18:49:00.001-07:00

I bought this maternity shirt today for $3 from a garage sale. Replaced the buttons with some vintage ones I had in my box. My goal was to make it look sorta Anthropologie-like.

Evolution of the Belly...

2010-10-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

12 weeks

16 weeks

20 weeks

It's a BOY!!! His name is Gideon (and he's starting to tap inside his mommy's tummy).

More pictures from Alaska...

2010-10-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

We went to visit our friends Daniel and Melissa Bunker in Homer, Alaska. You can see what's called the "Homer Spit" in the background. It's where all of the boats dock and a lot of fishermen come to fish for Halibut. Isn't this place beautiful?

Our precious friends: Daniel, Melissa, & Caleb Bunker

We had such a great time with our friends, fishing, eating, boating, and talking. Of course the highlight for me was a couple late night talks with Melissa =). I miss her! Fishing was fun, very chilly, but fruitful as we brought home 90lbs of Salmon (and yes, Stephen has already made his first batch of yummy smoked salmon dip).

I felt like I was in another country. It made sense to me that America bought Alaska from Russia in the 1800s. It felt reminiscent of my trip to the Northern Caucasus mountains. Melissa took me to an amazing coffee shop called Two Sisters and I ordered my first latte in like five months. It was made with locally roasted organic coffee. Amazing. We brought home two pounds and I already sent one to my dad (my number one fellow coffee lover). For me, this cafe took a nod to my Californian roots, it could easily belong in San Diego. Everything was fresh and interesting. And their flavor combinations were delicious! And yes, I'm enjoying food again...woo hoo! The "two sisters" were clearly foodies. Okay, enough about the coffee shop. (except one more thing, I ate a brie and tomato croissant that melted in my mouth.)

We took several really good videos but I can't get them to load (I've tried three different times). Hopefully the Techy Prince will come to my rescue again.

Bird Mobile

2010-10-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am lovin this bird mobile from Project Nursery

Thoughts on homemaking....

2010-09-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I've been making a mental list of all of the things I was to learn in my upcoming career as a Household Executive. Here's what I got so far (feel free to add your .02):

1) Learn to make the following from scratch:

Sushi - Y'all I'm in love with sushi rolls (I think I'm Asian on the inside). If I could have them every other meal I just might.

Cinnamon Rolls- I baked them out of can this weekend and it's just not the same (this one could be dangerous).

Sweet Sticky Rice - This stuff is divine.

Pecan Pie - Stephen's favorite

Green Tea Ice Cream - I love the texture.

(Can you tell my my sweet tooth has returned?)

2) I want to be able to sew piping on the edges of pillows, like my blogger friend Alyson has done so well here:

and actual garments like these:

3) Breast Feed (I hear this is a HUGE, initially excruciatingly painful, accomplishment)

That's all for now. This list will grow...

All about fishing...

2010-09-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here's what one does in Alaska:

I caught the first (and ahem biggest) fish of the day:

Stephen's fish just looks bigger:

55lbs of Silver Salmon:

Mmmm caviar:

A few things...

2010-09-15T20:44:00.001-07:00

Here are some baby things that I've been working on for a college friend. And by "been working on" I mean, I took my sewing machine to mine and Stephen's getaway weekend and set up shop while he watched football. Romantic huh? I just started a new job about a month ago and it leaves me with limited free time, so hey, why not sew in our hotel room?

Pre-pregnancy I could confidently say that I was a true Californian (meaning I lived on tofu and wheatgrass juice) and had never ordered an "Italian" sandwich with all sorts of saturated fatty meat (pepperoni, salami, ham) and vinegar and pepperchinis. But pregnancy has fixed that one. I think I've ordered this sandwich from Subway like at least ten times now. And I have to have loads of those pungent peppers in every bite.

Another side note, I've started to exercise again and I was really worried because I've been experiencing sharp pains when I turn a certain way throughout the day or when I turn over at night, but I was relived when I found out it's what you call Round Ligament pain. Completely normal. Thank God!

And Stephen and I are headed to Alaska on Saturday for eight days! My in-laws gave us advantage miles and we're going to visit our good friends Daniel and Melissa. They moved to Homer last summer and we've been itching to visit them.

We all went to Turkey together in 2005, before any of us were dating. Crazy how different we all look now. All grown up and stuff.

Tech Game at Two Brothers

2010-09-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

Here's what we did this weekend...

Daniel (above) and Stephen went to Tech together.

We watched the Texas Tech game at a sports bar called Two Brothers. And they had the game on ALL 16 TVs, yeah baby! It was packed out with Tech fans. And of course we beat New Mexico. And ate Calamari and queso (and I might've had a little sip of Stephen's beer and margarita...oh how I miss margaritas). It was so fun to be at a kinda watching party, I am such a cheerleader at heart =). And there were lots of kids and several couples there with new babies. Stephen and I had fun talking about how we'll deck out our little one in Tech stuff. We're both getting really excited to have this baby. More from me later. Off to work...

16 weeks

2010-09-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's the bump at almost 18 weeks. Not flattering, but I couldn't put this pic off another day (this belly won't stop growing! and I feel like I'm already running out of room!), so I had Stephen take it as soon as I got home from work today.

Odd cravings: All things vinegarish, greek or italian dressings, lemonade (I tried to drink my weight in it yesterday...let's just say my bowels didn't thank me. at all.), tart desserts (lemon pie, sorbet), severely cold beverages.

Odd aversions: Bacon (super gag), coffee (what?!), chicken by itself (I can eat it in a salad or mixed with stuff, but not solo), buttery sauces, ALL things fried, dog breath, strong perfume smells.

New "take it or leave it's": Ice cream, chocolate (another what?!), sweets in general, etc.

Honestly, food still isn't a happy occasion, not drudgery like before, but just not normal. If I could just drink my way through pregnancy I'd be a happy camper. But this little one needs food, so eating is like a major focus of my day. We go for our next sonogram soon, so I'll definitely post details about that...like the gender!

What were your odd cravings or aversions?