One little, two little, three little princesses and more

Wow what a busy week it has been.  I have been trying to get all the little projects done for my oldest daughter's birthday party.  She is turning 4  and wanted nothing more then a Disney princess party, so what's a mom to do.  Of course I start with hitting up my favorite place on the Internet, pinterest, for party ideas.  There are so many cute things out there, and one of the first princess items that caught my attention were these adorable princess peg people!  So after thinking about it and really wanting a set to decorate with (and of course thinking of all the years my daughters will enjoy playing with them) I decided to try my hand at making them.  I set out for Micheal's craft store to get a few things I didn't already have (I think I could almost open my own craft store with all the supplies I collect).  I used quite a few different sets on Etsy as inspiration!  I am quite pleased with how these turned out :)

Baby Shower

Last week I was invited to a baby shower.  I love to make handmade items to give to the new mom.  I decided for this shower to crochet up some hats and booties and sew up some soft blocks.  I love the soft blocks.  I decided to do a rainbow of them with different patterns.  I figured this will be visually stimulating to the baby in early development and later on could serve as a color learning tool.  Plus they are soft and can be tossed around.  There are different ways to make these super cute blocks.  I found this tutorial through Better Homes and Gardens.  To me this technique was easier then some of the other techniques and tutorials I tried.

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/cute-craft-christmas-gifts/?sssdmh=dm17.586418&page=4&esrc=nwwu031312b&email=3634569526#page=26

The hats and booties are coordinated so the booties could be worn with both hats.  The purple hat has a removable band that can also be worn by it's self as a headband and both flowers are attached with a button so they can be removed and switched. I love these colors!  The pattern for the booties can be purchased through www.hookcandy.com the purple hat http://annavirginiafashion.blogspot.com/2010/11/baby-flapper-girl-hat-pattern.html I added the headband myself it is not part of the pattern.  The pattern for the white hat is here: http://whowantstobemarthawhenicanbeme.blogspot.com/2011/11/bear-y-sweet-hat.html I just left off the ears and the flower pattern which is my tried and true go to pattern from a fellow North westerner is http://www.action-hero.net/blog/2004/09/crocheted-flower-pattern.html. 

Cute huh?



Pamper me more

Day 5

Every have days when you are on your feet all day long and by the end of the day you are ready to trade them in for new ones?  I have the perfect solution that says "it's all about my feet".  Dr. Teal's foot soak is awesome, it smells fantastic and the soothing Epsom salt and spearmint relax tired feet and revive them in no time! 

Give it a try and enjoy a relaxing foot soak!



Friends

Day 4

Hi sorry I missed a couple of days there, I have been feeling a bit under the weather but after a full day at the Dr.'s office getting stuff sorted out I am starting to feel better. 

21 years ago two 7th grade girls were put on a project together in a Language Arts class. They were supposed to research the origins of their last names and that put both in the Irish group.  Shortly thereafter these girls became inseparable and still to this day talk on a daily basis and are still the best of friends.   That's right my best girlfriend and I are celebrating 21 years of  through thick and thin friendship, it's hard to believe.  Throughout the years we really have come to see each other as more sisters and family then friends.  She is my sister-soul-mate and I feel so blessed to have her in my life.  So when I need some "me" time, chances are she needs some "her" time too.  We like to plan date nights just the two of us, usually to dinner, a movie, and sometimes some dessert and late night chats. 

Today's "me" item is call a friend, new or old and plan a date for just the two of you.  Enjoy some quality time with a friend!

20 Days of pampering

Day 3

What scent are you drawn to? I am drawn to lavender, I love it! So when I have to choice to choose a product that has a lavender scent more often then not that is the one I go for. I also love me a good warm, relaxing bath and who doesn't recall the old TV commercials for Calgon.....Take me away! That is what I am talking about. Sometimes I need to be taken somewhere else, even if it is only 5 minutes before I hear the continual knock on the bathroom door from my 3 year old or the bellowing from the baby. So here is my day 3 "me" item: Calgon's lavender vanilla bath beads.

So after you put the kids to bed (if you have them) draw a warm bath, pour in your favorite bubble bath, bath salts or bath oil, dim the lights, light a few candles, turn on some relaxing tunes, get a glass of wine or sparkling cider and enjoy the peace.

Pamper me

DAY 2

One of my favorite things that makes me feel girly and pampered is slathering on a great smelling, all day moisturizing lotion. I have always been a fan of Aveeno products and recently found Aveeno's active naturals, Positively Nourishing lotion in the "calming" formula, which is scented with lavender and chamomile. It smells amazing, goes on smooth and is not greasy feeling. So for day two go slather yourself in your favorite smelling lotion.

20 Days of pampering

Some of you out there will be able to relate to me when I say, sometimes I just need it to be about me, me, me. Now don't get me wrong I love taking care of my girls, my husband and my house but after all the love and care I give, most days there is very little time for me. Anyone with me? Maybe not, but that doesn't mean you don't need to do some "me" things for yourself.

For the next 20 days I am going to do something for me everyday, and I will share with you my "me" things.

DAY 1:

Finally we are getting a little spring action in here in the Northwest. The last few days have been warm and sunny!! LOVE IT! So my first "me" item is a new purse. I had fun making this little gem. I decided my old worn out purse just wasn't cutting it. The baby is now 14 months old and needs very little for short trips to the store or out to dinner so I no longer need to carry a diaper bag all the time. I knew I just wanted something smallish and cute and fun. I had found this sweet pattern for the Buttercup bag at made by RAE. This tutorial and pattern was very easy to follow and turned out great and believe me when I say my sewing skills are still in the begining stages! I am now enjoying my spring purse!~

http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern/

The inside, I used a regular snap instead of the magnetic snap and only because this was what I had on hand

The front