I did it. I opened an Etsy shop. And, to my own astonishment, I made my first sale the same day I opened the shop! Didn't see that one coming, but it was certainly encouraging.
If you are in need of baby and/or toddler clothing and/or accessories, please stop by! If you aren't in need of those things, you can show your support by liking the shop's Facebook page!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Cold Black Coffee
I found this in my list of unpublished blog posts. I originally wrote it in a notebook several years ago. It's funny that I had been struggling to write something about Grandma. It was here all along.
"There are two chairs on either side of the fireplace in my grandparents' living room. On one side is Grandpa's over-stuffed recliner with its worn out springs from all the years of use. This spot was always designated for Grandpa's chair, although the chair itself changed throughout the years. Once a chair was worn, the leather cracking or the upholstery fading, Grandma would banish it to the basement where it resided next to a nearly identical fireplace in the TV room. Upstairs a brand new replacement chair would appear and Grandpa would settle into the first nap of many in order to break in this new chair.
On the other side of the fireplace sat Grandma's armchair, which was always a little stiffer. Grandma didn't sit down often. She always had a cup of coffee set on a coaster on the hearth next to her chair. It was always in the same tan and brown mug, although for a brief time she switched to an over-sized pink polka dot mug that we bought her. She would brew the coffee fresh in the morning, but after pouring her cup, would inevitably busy herself with some household chore or meal to prepare, thus leaving the forgotten coffee to cool on the counter.
Eventually it would be time for a break. After searching for a few minutes, Grandma would remember where she left her coffee, reheat it in the microwave until it was scorching, and relax with mug in hand in her armchair. Grandma drank her coffee black, no nonsense, no need to gussy it up with cream and sugar. It was a simple, hot beverage that served its purpose: to warm you up and keep you going.
As children we loved to sit and cuddle in Grandma's lap, it was the coveted best seat in the house. If you were in Grandma's lap, you had her undivided attention and nothing short of kitchen disaster could take her away from you. Grandma would make sure to move the hot beverage to its home on the coaster so as not to spill it on us, and we would climb into her lap. This is where I tasted my first cup of coffee.
I do not remember all the details, but I'm sure it was the desire to drink this magical drink that was only for adults that lead me to request a taste. Grandma was sure I would not like it, and insisted that I must wait for it to cool first. Patience is a trying circumstance for a child.
The liquid was cold and bitter. Grandma was right, I didn't like it, but I drank it anyway. It made me feel like a grown up. Perhaps if I could just will myself to drink it, I might "learn to like it" as I'd often been told of certain foods on my dinner plate. Perhaps, if I could learn to like this cold bitter drink, I would be an adult and do all the thing I couldn't as a child! Alas, it was not true, but how was I to know? To this day, I will happily drink the cold coffee after the pot has cooled. It takes me back to my childhood, to Grandma's lap, where, for a time, this simple morning cup of joe was magical."
"There are two chairs on either side of the fireplace in my grandparents' living room. On one side is Grandpa's over-stuffed recliner with its worn out springs from all the years of use. This spot was always designated for Grandpa's chair, although the chair itself changed throughout the years. Once a chair was worn, the leather cracking or the upholstery fading, Grandma would banish it to the basement where it resided next to a nearly identical fireplace in the TV room. Upstairs a brand new replacement chair would appear and Grandpa would settle into the first nap of many in order to break in this new chair.
On the other side of the fireplace sat Grandma's armchair, which was always a little stiffer. Grandma didn't sit down often. She always had a cup of coffee set on a coaster on the hearth next to her chair. It was always in the same tan and brown mug, although for a brief time she switched to an over-sized pink polka dot mug that we bought her. She would brew the coffee fresh in the morning, but after pouring her cup, would inevitably busy herself with some household chore or meal to prepare, thus leaving the forgotten coffee to cool on the counter.
Eventually it would be time for a break. After searching for a few minutes, Grandma would remember where she left her coffee, reheat it in the microwave until it was scorching, and relax with mug in hand in her armchair. Grandma drank her coffee black, no nonsense, no need to gussy it up with cream and sugar. It was a simple, hot beverage that served its purpose: to warm you up and keep you going.
As children we loved to sit and cuddle in Grandma's lap, it was the coveted best seat in the house. If you were in Grandma's lap, you had her undivided attention and nothing short of kitchen disaster could take her away from you. Grandma would make sure to move the hot beverage to its home on the coaster so as not to spill it on us, and we would climb into her lap. This is where I tasted my first cup of coffee.
I do not remember all the details, but I'm sure it was the desire to drink this magical drink that was only for adults that lead me to request a taste. Grandma was sure I would not like it, and insisted that I must wait for it to cool first. Patience is a trying circumstance for a child.
The liquid was cold and bitter. Grandma was right, I didn't like it, but I drank it anyway. It made me feel like a grown up. Perhaps if I could just will myself to drink it, I might "learn to like it" as I'd often been told of certain foods on my dinner plate. Perhaps, if I could learn to like this cold bitter drink, I would be an adult and do all the thing I couldn't as a child! Alas, it was not true, but how was I to know? To this day, I will happily drink the cold coffee after the pot has cooled. It takes me back to my childhood, to Grandma's lap, where, for a time, this simple morning cup of joe was magical."
Monday, June 17, 2013
Reboot
I took my blog down for awhile. At first I just felt too tired. Having a toddler is exhausting (some of you might already know that) and trying to come up with interesting, witty blog posts was, quite frankly, last on my priority list. By the end of a day of tantrums, time-outs and refusing to eat (and don't even get me started on what Ellie did), all I wanted to do was sit in front of the TV with a giant bowl of ice cream and let my brain go numb.
Then, my grandma died. I had several half-written blog posts in my head about how wonderful it was to grow up knowing my grandparents so well, how much she taught me, how lucky we were that she got to meet so many of her great-grandchildren, and how I didn't realize how alike we were until she was gone. But I could never get the words to come out right. There really weren't any words that could do it justice. So I just took the blog down.
I took it off my list.
I stopped trying to force it.
And things started to get better. I decided to finish projects that had been in limbo forever. I finished the gift for my cousin's baby, I sewed Ellie's pillowcase dress, and I opened the Etsy shop.
I still feel exhausted at the end of a tantrum-filled day, but they aren't all bad. Ellie is at a really fun age and, inbetween the Terrible Twos, she's a little sponge that can't wait to discover new things. I'm finding all of my little projects extremely cathartic (and maybe a tad healthier than that bowl of ice cream).
Then, my grandma died. I had several half-written blog posts in my head about how wonderful it was to grow up knowing my grandparents so well, how much she taught me, how lucky we were that she got to meet so many of her great-grandchildren, and how I didn't realize how alike we were until she was gone. But I could never get the words to come out right. There really weren't any words that could do it justice. So I just took the blog down.
I took it off my list.
I stopped trying to force it.
And things started to get better. I decided to finish projects that had been in limbo forever. I finished the gift for my cousin's baby, I sewed Ellie's pillowcase dress, and I opened the Etsy shop.
I still feel exhausted at the end of a tantrum-filled day, but they aren't all bad. Ellie is at a really fun age and, inbetween the Terrible Twos, she's a little sponge that can't wait to discover new things. I'm finding all of my little projects extremely cathartic (and maybe a tad healthier than that bowl of ice cream).
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Ramblings: Toddlers
We are trying to potty train. I hate potty training. I want her to be potty trained, but I don't want to do it. Is there just a seminar you can send them to for a couple days and they come back potty trained? I feel like there's millions to be made in something like that, but I still don't want to do it.
We converted her crib to a toddler bed. Here is what her pediatrician (the father of a daughter the same age as Ellie) told me when I asked about this particular transition:
"Keep her in that crib until she climbs out."
Seemed like great advice, right? Well, a couple weeks ago she was scaled the outside of her crib to try to get the toy she had just thrown into her crib. We thought we were really lucky because she had yet to try to leave her room. We would put her to bed, she would get out of bed and go lay down by her nightlight to read her books. Usually she fell asleep by the nightlight and we'd have to move her later. Nick and I were discussing our success with this transition, knowing it would be short lived, and the very next day she opened the door to her room at 6:15am to wake us up. I will never brag about my parenting skills again.
The Terrible Twos are a real thing, at least for girls. Until Ellie was born, I only had nephews. Boys are different. They seem to have a Terrible Threes phase. I have also noticed that toddlers are like mini-teenagers, which makes me wonder if teenagers are just giant toddlers. I mean, I've met a good share of adults who clearly never developed beyond the Terrible Twos. If this is the case, if Ellie's Terrible Twos are any indication of her teenage years, I'm going to just start drinking now. Seriously, it's like the worst case of PMS. Ever.
I had this wonderful weight loss goal for this summer. I had a whole routine figured out. I would work out during her nap time and possibly also after she went to bed. I would take her on walks in the jogging stroller around the neighborhood and on the greenway. Instead, by the time I put her to bed, I'm mentally and emotionally spent. You would think getting on the elliptical would help that (it probably would, I should probably do it), but all I want to do is sit in front of the TV and let my brain turn to mush.
I do want to lose the weight, I just don't feel motivated anymore. I just want to be skinny again. Can someone please arrange that for me? (I'm going to go eat a cookie now)
We converted her crib to a toddler bed. Here is what her pediatrician (the father of a daughter the same age as Ellie) told me when I asked about this particular transition:
"Keep her in that crib until she climbs out."
Seemed like great advice, right? Well, a couple weeks ago she was scaled the outside of her crib to try to get the toy she had just thrown into her crib. We thought we were really lucky because she had yet to try to leave her room. We would put her to bed, she would get out of bed and go lay down by her nightlight to read her books. Usually she fell asleep by the nightlight and we'd have to move her later. Nick and I were discussing our success with this transition, knowing it would be short lived, and the very next day she opened the door to her room at 6:15am to wake us up. I will never brag about my parenting skills again.
The Terrible Twos are a real thing, at least for girls. Until Ellie was born, I only had nephews. Boys are different. They seem to have a Terrible Threes phase. I have also noticed that toddlers are like mini-teenagers, which makes me wonder if teenagers are just giant toddlers. I mean, I've met a good share of adults who clearly never developed beyond the Terrible Twos. If this is the case, if Ellie's Terrible Twos are any indication of her teenage years, I'm going to just start drinking now. Seriously, it's like the worst case of PMS. Ever.
I had this wonderful weight loss goal for this summer. I had a whole routine figured out. I would work out during her nap time and possibly also after she went to bed. I would take her on walks in the jogging stroller around the neighborhood and on the greenway. Instead, by the time I put her to bed, I'm mentally and emotionally spent. You would think getting on the elliptical would help that (it probably would, I should probably do it), but all I want to do is sit in front of the TV and let my brain turn to mush.
I do want to lose the weight, I just don't feel motivated anymore. I just want to be skinny again. Can someone please arrange that for me? (I'm going to go eat a cookie now)
Friday, May 03, 2013
FO: So Much Sewing (and a little knitting)
I have neglected the blog. It was for the best. Things get stressful and when that happens, I have no desire to write about fun projects (which I also have no desire to make). This week has been a little better, despite the fact that we seem to be in the full swing of the Terrible Twos, but that's for another post. Or maybe a never-post.
I've managed to keep my sanity through these Epic Tantrum Days by sewing and knitting. We are currently on an extremely tight budget, so I have to be a little creative with my projects. Mother's Day is coming up and I knew I wanted to make something for both my mom and my MIL, so I rifled through my stash and searched the internet for inspiration. There are some very smart people out there and thanks to them, I was able to make some pretty awesome stuff for both moms and a couple things for the Bean as well.
For the MIL:
Gift: Oven Mitt
Material: old t-shirts
Cost: $0
I had originally planned to do this for Christmas and ran out of time. I was intrigued by the idea of using stretched strips of t-shirts as yarn, and I especially loved the price: free. I found a great tutorial on how to cut the shirts in one continuous spiral:
I used two of my old maternity t-shirts and two of Nick's undershirts (he has a ton, he won't miss them). One thing I learned: use seamless shirts if you can. My maternity shirts had seams at the sides which showed up in my knitting. No big deal, really, but next time I'm sticking with seamless.
I used this pattern for my oven mitt. The pattern was very simple, the project was done in three days, and it was free!
I was very happy with the finished product. And the best part about making an oven mitt: it's a mitten, but you only have to make one.
For my mom:
Gift: Tote bag
Material: canvas and cotton from my fabric stash and a placemat (that I never use)
Cost: $0
I felt bad about this one. Last year I made aprons for my MIL. I had promised to make some for my mom, but have yet to get around to it. I really wanted to get them done for Mother's Day, but with no extra cash and very little time (Ellie's birthday is the same weekend as Mother's Day and I'm already behind) it just wasn't going to happen. I rifled through my ridiculous stash of fabric (seriously, I have so much fabric) and found enough to make a tote bag. Then I found this fabulous pattern for free (yay!) and got to work. I literally made this during Ellie's nap, which time leftover to relax. It was so fast and so simple. I added the pocket using a placemat because it the only piece of fabric in my entire house that was the color I wanted (and I love that it adds a different texture).
I love it so much I could make a dozen more. Watch out folks, you might be getting tote bags for Christmas.
These next two projects were for Ellie. There wasn't any particular reason for making them, they were just fun projects. The first is a pillowcase dress:
This style/pattern was entirely from my head. I was basically winging it and hoping for the best. I love how it turned out. Because it was a vintage pillowcase, the fabric is so soft and flowing. It's the perfect breezy summer dress.
I don't have any pictures of her in it, but it fits her perfectly. She even has a little red cardigan and combined I think it might be the cutest 4th of July outfit ever. I have another pillowcase with which I hope to make a second dress. Hopefully I'll remember to take pictures. Maybe I'll even make a tutorial! (Don't hold your breath on that one)
I also made Ellie some yoga pants. We have started potty training (I hate potty training) and my daughter is so very tiny that whenever she wears her big girl underwear all of her pants fall off. So I took the one pair of leggings that actually stays up and used it as a guide. I had some stretchy jersey knit in the stash. It's a fun neon/gray stripe, which I bought with Ellie in mind.
So that's all my projects this week. Next week is birthday week, so I'll probably be too busy for projects, but I'll be sure to post party and yummy cupcake pictures!
I've managed to keep my sanity through these Epic Tantrum Days by sewing and knitting. We are currently on an extremely tight budget, so I have to be a little creative with my projects. Mother's Day is coming up and I knew I wanted to make something for both my mom and my MIL, so I rifled through my stash and searched the internet for inspiration. There are some very smart people out there and thanks to them, I was able to make some pretty awesome stuff for both moms and a couple things for the Bean as well.
For the MIL:
Gift: Oven Mitt
Material: old t-shirts
Cost: $0
I had originally planned to do this for Christmas and ran out of time. I was intrigued by the idea of using stretched strips of t-shirts as yarn, and I especially loved the price: free. I found a great tutorial on how to cut the shirts in one continuous spiral:
I used two of my old maternity t-shirts and two of Nick's undershirts (he has a ton, he won't miss them). One thing I learned: use seamless shirts if you can. My maternity shirts had seams at the sides which showed up in my knitting. No big deal, really, but next time I'm sticking with seamless.
I used this pattern for my oven mitt. The pattern was very simple, the project was done in three days, and it was free!
I was very happy with the finished product. And the best part about making an oven mitt: it's a mitten, but you only have to make one.
For my mom:
Gift: Tote bag
Material: canvas and cotton from my fabric stash and a placemat (that I never use)
Cost: $0
I felt bad about this one. Last year I made aprons for my MIL. I had promised to make some for my mom, but have yet to get around to it. I really wanted to get them done for Mother's Day, but with no extra cash and very little time (Ellie's birthday is the same weekend as Mother's Day and I'm already behind) it just wasn't going to happen. I rifled through my ridiculous stash of fabric (seriously, I have so much fabric) and found enough to make a tote bag. Then I found this fabulous pattern for free (yay!) and got to work. I literally made this during Ellie's nap, which time leftover to relax. It was so fast and so simple. I added the pocket using a placemat because it the only piece of fabric in my entire house that was the color I wanted (and I love that it adds a different texture).
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| Oh yeah, and it's reversible! |
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| So there is a pocket on the outside and the inside. |
These next two projects were for Ellie. There wasn't any particular reason for making them, they were just fun projects. The first is a pillowcase dress:
This style/pattern was entirely from my head. I was basically winging it and hoping for the best. I love how it turned out. Because it was a vintage pillowcase, the fabric is so soft and flowing. It's the perfect breezy summer dress.
I don't have any pictures of her in it, but it fits her perfectly. She even has a little red cardigan and combined I think it might be the cutest 4th of July outfit ever. I have another pillowcase with which I hope to make a second dress. Hopefully I'll remember to take pictures. Maybe I'll even make a tutorial! (Don't hold your breath on that one)
I also made Ellie some yoga pants. We have started potty training (I hate potty training) and my daughter is so very tiny that whenever she wears her big girl underwear all of her pants fall off. So I took the one pair of leggings that actually stays up and used it as a guide. I had some stretchy jersey knit in the stash. It's a fun neon/gray stripe, which I bought with Ellie in mind.
 |
| She's never very cooperative when it comes to pictures... |
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| Watching the ceiling fan... (you can kind of see the foldable waistband) |
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| Dancing... |
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| The visible side seams were a mistake. I was too lazy to rip them out and in the end I think it's kind of cute. |
So that's all my projects this week. Next week is birthday week, so I'll probably be too busy for projects, but I'll be sure to post party and yummy cupcake pictures!
Have a great weekend!
Monday, April 01, 2013
Mommy Monday: Cookies!
No April Fools post here, sorry. We traveled this past weekend for Easter, so I'm too tired to come up with pranks.
Ellie and I made cookies last week. Ellie has been "helping" in the kitchen since she was tiny and she loves it.
Lately, she has been obsessed with play dough, the colors blue and yellow, and stars, so I figured, why not turn that into something edible? So we made sugar cookies. The recipe I used was from the Joy of Cooking cookbook (p. 711). I had never used that recipe before and it was really good. I liked the fact that they weren't too sweet (only 2/3 cup of sugar, when most cookie recipes call for 1-2 cups).
I split the dough in half and turned half blue and half yellow with just a few drops of food coloring. Then we rolled them out and cut out stars.
Well...that was the plan, but once I opened the drawer and she saw all the cookie cutters we ended up making girls (gingerbread man cookie cutter), socks (Christmas stocking cookie cutter) and tulips.
I happened to have some iridescent dust (from my cake decorating supplies) so we made the star cookies sparkle. She seems very please with her work!
Oh and I suppose I should point out: I wasn't feeling well on this day and when mommy doesn't feel well we are all allowed to stay in our pajamas. It just seems fair.
Ellie and I made cookies last week. Ellie has been "helping" in the kitchen since she was tiny and she loves it.
Lately, she has been obsessed with play dough, the colors blue and yellow, and stars, so I figured, why not turn that into something edible? So we made sugar cookies. The recipe I used was from the Joy of Cooking cookbook (p. 711). I had never used that recipe before and it was really good. I liked the fact that they weren't too sweet (only 2/3 cup of sugar, when most cookie recipes call for 1-2 cups).
I split the dough in half and turned half blue and half yellow with just a few drops of food coloring. Then we rolled them out and cut out stars.
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| This was when she told me to stop taking pictures. |
Well...that was the plan, but once I opened the drawer and she saw all the cookie cutters we ended up making girls (gingerbread man cookie cutter), socks (Christmas stocking cookie cutter) and tulips.
I happened to have some iridescent dust (from my cake decorating supplies) so we made the star cookies sparkle. She seems very please with her work!
Oh and I suppose I should point out: I wasn't feeling well on this day and when mommy doesn't feel well we are all allowed to stay in our pajamas. It just seems fair.
Friday, March 29, 2013
FO Friday: Easter Outfits
In my last FO Friday post, I mentioned that I made a skirt for my niece. Well, I did. And a little more...
I didn't end up doing a WIP Wednesday post because I had been so busy making stuff I forgot to write about it. I made matching Easter outfits for my niece and nephew. I can't wait to see them in these! I tried them on Ellie to see how they fit. The funny part is that both outfits fit Ellie even though one is 12 month size and the other is a 3T shirt. Ellie actually fits in 12 month clothes. The 3T shirt was too big, but I tucked it into the skirt so you can't really tell. She wasn't a very cooperative model, it was mostly me chasing her around the house with the camera.
I didn't end up doing a WIP Wednesday post because I had been so busy making stuff I forgot to write about it. I made matching Easter outfits for my niece and nephew. I can't wait to see them in these! I tried them on Ellie to see how they fit. The funny part is that both outfits fit Ellie even though one is 12 month size and the other is a 3T shirt. Ellie actually fits in 12 month clothes. The 3T shirt was too big, but I tucked it into the skirt so you can't really tell. She wasn't a very cooperative model, it was mostly me chasing her around the house with the camera.
First up, my niece's outfit:
I made the skirt from scratch. It's a circle skirt, which is one of the easiest things to make, great for beginners (or people like me who just haven't sewed in a really long time). One of these days I might make a tutorial. But for today you just get pictures. The waist band is just the exposed elastic. I picked the gray suiting fabric because it's a good neutral. She can wear it with any t-shirt all summer long. Plus it's lightweight, so it makes the shape of the circle skirt fun and bouncy.
For the shirt, I found a plain white shirt second hand. I really should have taken a before/after shot of this shirt. It already had the color, but the sleeves were full length. I shortened them to be elbow length, but retained the original hem using this method. Then (after hours of contemplating) I added the ribbon down the middle and the bow at the neckline. I think it gives it a 1960s mod look.
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| Wearing here daddy's shoes. |
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When you put the whole outfit together on our rambunctious little model it looks like a prep school uniform. I love how it turned out!
Next up, my nephew's outfit:
Both his pants and onesie were found second hand. The onesie was the most challenging part, but I knew exactly what I wanted and I think it turned out great. I cut the tie out of the gray fabric and ironed on some interfacing to help it stiffen. That way it would hold its shape better when I sewed it to the onesie. Then I pinned the ribbon to the front to look like suspenders. I'm not sure how other people sew onto a onesie, but it is not easy! It looks like a balled up mess while you're working, but somehow (assuming you pinned everything well), it all works out in the end.
The plan was to sew a little strip of ribbon onto the pocket of his pants, but after several tries on the sewing machine, several more tries by hand, some serious fray of the ribbon, and two broken needles, I gave up. The pocket ribbon was not meant to be. *Sigh*
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| I think she looks pretty cute in a tie. |
When Ellie tried on the outfit she was wild. I mean, seriously wild. Trying to get a picture was challenge because she was running from one end of the house to the other. These are just a few that I got that weren't terribly blurry.
I had a couple other ideas to add to their outfits, but there wasn't enough time. At some point I really want to make my nephew a little newsie cap and I had all the materials to make my niece a matching headband (with ribbon wrapped around the headband), but can you believe I don't own a glue gun!? I don't! I have no idea how I got this far without owning a glue gun. I foresee a trip to the store in my near future. She might get that headband after all, just not in time for Easter.
The original plan was to make Ellie an outfit to match as well, but we won't be seeing them at Easter, so I slacked on Ellie's outfit. I'll finish it at a later date and hopefully I'll update with a picture of the three cousins!
UPDATE:
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| Here they are in all their cuteness! |
Monday, March 25, 2013
Mommy Monday: Playdough
I use this recipe: Homemade Playdough Recipe. It is so perfect. It's super soft and cooks so fast. I made our third batch just the other day. We have done different colors with each batch (I just happen to have a gigantic store of food coloring from past cake projects).
*For the record, she definitely ate some. She has tried it a couple more times. Apparently it still tastes gross.
Friday, March 22, 2013
FO Friday: Master bedroom progress and pillow!
This week I decided I was going to work on our master bedroom. Our house is small and our master bedroom isn't really any bigger than the other bedrooms, it just happens to have a half bath. I have a "vision" for most of the rooms in the house, but for our room I just feel completely uninspired.
I painted the walls a pale teal color because I love that color, but beyond that I just didn't know where to go. I tried to find inspiration online, but it's frustrating when all other master bedrooms are the size of my entire house. I have yet to find a specific inspiration room, and I'm still rather stuck on what to do, so I decided to start with just cleaning it. Like, really cleaning. I think I neglect our room a lot. No one sees it, it's just not high on my priority list.
I bought an area rug to attempt to make it a little cozier and I rearranged (for probably the 30th time).
I eventually want to get rid of the TV/dresser and put a full length mirror. The shelf with all our games is only in here temporarily because I'm trying to keep it out of Ellie's reach (tiny game pieces are probably not the best toy for a toddler who still loves to put things in her mouth), so that will eventually go and I'm debating whether or not to keep the recliner in our room, or find a smaller chair for that corner. I'd like to get a bench for the foot of the bed and, oh, let's talk about the bed. I want a real bed. Like, a real bed, with a headboard, like a grown up would have. But I am completely stumped on style. I have no idea what I want and, believe me, I have looked.
So right now I'm fine with a clean room, I finally got a couple of pictures on the wall (not sure if that's their permanent home, but it works for now) and I made a pillow for the bed!
I found this orange fabric in the remnant bin at the fabric store. I've had it for probably a year. I knew I wanted to make pillows out of it when I bought it, but I never got around to it. Yesterday Nick was home so I got to do a few sewing projects. At the last minutes I decided to add the piping, which I had on hand for a different project. I plan to make two pillows, one for each side, but I only had enough piping for one, so the second pillow will have to wait. I love how it turned out. It's the first time I've used piping on anything and I love how it gives it a finished, store bought quality.
Oh, I also made a skirt for my niece. More on that later...
I painted the walls a pale teal color because I love that color, but beyond that I just didn't know where to go. I tried to find inspiration online, but it's frustrating when all other master bedrooms are the size of my entire house. I have yet to find a specific inspiration room, and I'm still rather stuck on what to do, so I decided to start with just cleaning it. Like, really cleaning. I think I neglect our room a lot. No one sees it, it's just not high on my priority list.
I bought an area rug to attempt to make it a little cozier and I rearranged (for probably the 30th time).
I eventually want to get rid of the TV/dresser and put a full length mirror. The shelf with all our games is only in here temporarily because I'm trying to keep it out of Ellie's reach (tiny game pieces are probably not the best toy for a toddler who still loves to put things in her mouth), so that will eventually go and I'm debating whether or not to keep the recliner in our room, or find a smaller chair for that corner. I'd like to get a bench for the foot of the bed and, oh, let's talk about the bed. I want a real bed. Like, a real bed, with a headboard, like a grown up would have. But I am completely stumped on style. I have no idea what I want and, believe me, I have looked.
So right now I'm fine with a clean room, I finally got a couple of pictures on the wall (not sure if that's their permanent home, but it works for now) and I made a pillow for the bed!
I found this orange fabric in the remnant bin at the fabric store. I've had it for probably a year. I knew I wanted to make pillows out of it when I bought it, but I never got around to it. Yesterday Nick was home so I got to do a few sewing projects. At the last minutes I decided to add the piping, which I had on hand for a different project. I plan to make two pillows, one for each side, but I only had enough piping for one, so the second pillow will have to wait. I love how it turned out. It's the first time I've used piping on anything and I love how it gives it a finished, store bought quality.
Oh, I also made a skirt for my niece. More on that later...
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ramblings: The Grocery Store
Ok, i finally made my list and went to the store. I don't know why this has become such a chore. I hate making a grocery list and I always irrationally panic that I've left something off, as if I can never go back to the store again.
Lately I've been craving salty snacks, but I'm trying to eat healthy. I bought Triscuits as my salty snack. Oh, and pretzels, but I don't really like pretzels (I don't really like Triscuits either. I wanted potato chips). I managed to walk away from the pudding and cheesecake mixes in the bakery aisle that were calling my name. Like, really loudly calling my name. I also had chocolate chips on my list in case I felt the urge to make cookies, but I didn't buy them. Mostly because there was a guy in the way and Ellie was getting fussy, so I just gave it up. Whatever works, I guess...
Lately I've been craving salty snacks, but I'm trying to eat healthy. I bought Triscuits as my salty snack. Oh, and pretzels, but I don't really like pretzels (I don't really like Triscuits either. I wanted potato chips). I managed to walk away from the pudding and cheesecake mixes in the bakery aisle that were calling my name. Like, really loudly calling my name. I also had chocolate chips on my list in case I felt the urge to make cookies, but I didn't buy them. Mostly because there was a guy in the way and Ellie was getting fussy, so I just gave it up. Whatever works, I guess...
Nick brought home some frozen par-cooked tempura chicken (he brings home random free food sometimes). We've been slowly eating it. I made stir fry with it one night. Ellie has been eating for lunch. I'm going to make mac n cheese and have tempura chicken with it. Not super healthy, but definitely easy. He's also going to bring home french fries and so one night we'll have more tempura chicken and some french fries. I try to be healthy, but free food definitely makes me willing to stray from my rules because in the end I'm just really lazy.
I really want to try the chocolate cake from Pinterest where you take a cake mix and add one cup of greek yogurt. I'm curious, but I have a rule about only going to the store once a week. I don't go back, unless absolutely necessary. We'll see if chocolate cake becomes absolutely necessary....
Oh and I bought beer. There go all my calories.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
WIP Wednesday: The Etsy Shop
I have recently decided to open an Etsy shop. I have a ridiculous stash of fabric and yarn and all these grand plans for projects. I thought that opening an Etsy shop might force me to finally finish said projects. So far the plan is working, although it is taking longer than I thought it would. It's really hard to knit with a 2 year old around. With all the meal-making, playdough-playing and story-reading, it's really hard to find time to knit. I always have big plans to knit during nap time, but by then the house is disaster and I'm exhausted.
I love knitting, but no one ever explained how relaxing it is. Three rows in and I'm ready for a nap. It's very similar to reading. I want to stay awake, but if I sit still for more than 20 minutes I'm going to fall asleep. That's why I never go to the movies...
I have a goal to have items for sale in the Etsy shop by the end of the month. I'm not generally good at reaching goals, but I'm trying to do better this year. So check back in a couple weeks and you might find a link to an Etsy shop!
I have a goal to have items for sale in the Etsy shop by the end of the month. I'm not generally good at reaching goals, but I'm trying to do better this year. So check back in a couple weeks and you might find a link to an Etsy shop!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Ramblings: Exercise (or lack there of)
I worked out for almost an hour today while Ellie napped. Thirty minutes on the elliptical and then some crunches and stuff. My stomach is finally getting smaller, but it seriously needs to be toned. I still feel like a whale most of the time. I can't seem to get under 180. It's incredibly frustrating and I'm tempted to try something more extreme with my diet. Although I'm not sure what I can do on a limited grocery budget...
I'm mostly just tired of eating. I know that sounds really weird, but once I get dinner made and clean up after, I have no desire to actually eat it.
So, I've been doing sit ups like this. At first I did them holding a 5 lb medicine ball because it gave me enough momentum to actually sit up. I hadn't realized how completely non-existant my abs were until I tried to do a crunch. Not even a sit up, just a crunch. I'm tempted to take pictures of my stomach, like progress pictures. Maybe write about it on here. Depends on how much progress I actually make, especially since no one wants to see that.
Other than that I'm just doing the elliptical, some planks, stretching, a few push ups.
Oh! I did plies using the back of my couch the other day. Holy crap. My legs hurts for days. Days. As in plural. I guess if it hurts it's working, right? It didn't hurt during, at all. It felt easy, actually. But the next day...wow.
So maybe if all this totally random compilation of exercises works, I'll let you know. I'm pretty sure any crazy compilation of exercise works as long as you actually do it regularly.
I do really want to start running, but I still have to figure out the "when" of that one. I don't want to have to take Ellie with me, I want "going for a run" to be a me-time thing. So my only real opportunities would be on days when Nick closes, which means I wouldn't be running on any kind of regular schedule, but maybe it'll work. Sometimes I feel like I would rather run than get on the elliptical. I wish we could have gotten a treadmill, and I guess eventually we could but then we're making space for two gigantic machines. I wasn't looking to have a home gym.
I am borrowing my sister in law's jogging stroller, so maybe that will work for now.
I am borrowing my sister in law's jogging stroller, so maybe that will work for now.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Mommy Monday: Going for a hike
We have had really great weather the last couple of days, so I've tried to take full advantage of that and get Ellie outside as much as possible. This can be tricky, as she takes really long naps, so I have to make sure we get out in the morning. I pack lunch and we try to get out the door by 9:00am. (I realize I could go earlier, but I am not a morning person. 9:00 am is as early as it's gonna get.)
Yesterday we just went to the park in town. I tried to get some pictures of the hat I made for my niece, but Ellie was wild and not particularly cooperative.
Today we loaded up a backpack and the Ergo (in case Ellie got tired) and went to Radnor Lake. It's a bit of a drive, but it's totally worth it. We were lucky enough to see an owl as soon as we got there. He was just chillin' on a branch about three feet from us. Ellie just stared at him. I wasn't sure she had even really noticed him. After he flew away, all she talked about was that owl. The whole time. We also saw a wild turkey, a chipmunk, lots of birds, turtles and some ducks. But Ellie only cared about that owl.
Yesterday we just went to the park in town. I tried to get some pictures of the hat I made for my niece, but Ellie was wild and not particularly cooperative.
It's supposed to be an over-sized hat, but it's extra over-sized on Ellie because she's little.
Today we loaded up a backpack and the Ergo (in case Ellie got tired) and went to Radnor Lake. It's a bit of a drive, but it's totally worth it. We were lucky enough to see an owl as soon as we got there. He was just chillin' on a branch about three feet from us. Ellie just stared at him. I wasn't sure she had even really noticed him. After he flew away, all she talked about was that owl. The whole time. We also saw a wild turkey, a chipmunk, lots of birds, turtles and some ducks. But Ellie only cared about that owl.
She got tired trying to find her owl.
Watching the ducks.
Hiking is very hard work...
Friday, February 22, 2013
FO Friday: Hat
I don't have pictures yet, but I did technically finish a project today! With one hour to spare! I'm going to break my "no blogging on the weekends" rule and post pictures tomorrow. Hopefully Ellie will consent to being my model...no promises.
Pattern: Wurm
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in Seaspray
Needles: Size 8 circular
I didn't follow the pattern exactly. I only cast on 80 instead of 90 and I didn't do the increase after the edging. I also did the edging differently, in stockinette instead of the folded ribbing. I'm not entirely sure I'm happy with it. Initially I liked it, but the shape isn't quite what I wanted. I might make some adjustments, or just make a second one and see which one I like better.
Pattern: Wurm
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in Seaspray
Needles: Size 8 circular
I didn't follow the pattern exactly. I only cast on 80 instead of 90 and I didn't do the increase after the edging. I also did the edging differently, in stockinette instead of the folded ribbing. I'm not entirely sure I'm happy with it. Initially I liked it, but the shape isn't quite what I wanted. I might make some adjustments, or just make a second one and see which one I like better.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
WIP Wednesday: Already Behind
Hey, look at that. It only took me two weeks to get behind on posting. Figures.
I forgot to post for Mommy Monday, but I was busy chasing two toddlers instead of my usual one. Ellie and I had a playdate with one of her little friends. I watched him for a couple months over the summer when his parents had a lapse in childcare, but we hadn't seen him since Thanksgiving. They were really excited to get to play together again. It was so exhausting, they both crashed before their usual naptime.
Today I'm lucky enough to have the husband home, so I get to escape to the fabric store. Hooray! I plan to come home with armfuls of yarn and maybe a little fabric.
Projects on the to-do list:
I forgot to post for Mommy Monday, but I was busy chasing two toddlers instead of my usual one. Ellie and I had a playdate with one of her little friends. I watched him for a couple months over the summer when his parents had a lapse in childcare, but we hadn't seen him since Thanksgiving. They were really excited to get to play together again. It was so exhausting, they both crashed before their usual naptime.
Today I'm lucky enough to have the husband home, so I get to escape to the fabric store. Hooray! I plan to come home with armfuls of yarn and maybe a little fabric.
Projects on the to-do list:
- A knitted stuffed elephant and matching sweater, a gift for my cousin's baby.
- Some fingerless gloves for my friend's birthday
- A hat for my niece
- Fabric for circle skirts for this summer, one each for Ellie and her cousin.
If you're wondering about the progress on those baby blocks: I accidentally left them at my mother-in-laws house, so....no progress.
Hopefully I'll have a FO on Friday from that list above! Stay tuned to find out!
Friday, February 15, 2013
FO Friday: Christmas
Yes I know it's February, but I don't have any recent finished projects.
So, until I do, you get old ones that I never posted.
For Christmas I had a goal to make all of the Christmas gifts.
I failed.
But I got about half of them done! So we'll call it a partial win.
Next year I'll start earlier...
This hat for my father-in-law
A cowl for my dad, for when he rides his motorcycle.
Me modeling the cowl.
Matching outfits for my niece and nephew.
Ellie also has a skirt in the same fabric.
I was originally going to make this blanket out of granny squares, but decided it would be quicker and more fun to make it out of fleece squares. I made it for my nephews. I only made one.
They have to share it...but I'm sure they'll survive.
I'm really proud of this hat. I made up the pattern. I started off thinking I would use a basic hat pattern, but then I decided to just wing it! It was really fun! It was for Nick's stepdad, who is a huge UT Vols fan, which should explain the color choices.
Stephen wearing his hat on Christmas morning.
This kiddos wearing their matching outfits
I should have fixed the lighting issue...
My dad being a goofball with his neckwarmer.
The boys and their blanket (the other two boys are underneath it somewhere).
I also made a scarf for my sister-in-law and put together a Shutterfly photo book for my parents (not pictured). So I may not have finished everything I wanted to accomplish, but when I put it all together on this post, it feels pretty significant.
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