To gift or not to gift

Really, that is the questions. As a BzzAgent I was given the opportunity to receive a free 5x7 mounted photo. Of course I jumped at the chance. I shop at Meijer all the time. I am convinced if Meijer doesn't have a certain item, then it must not exist. On Thanksgiving I made my children wear decent clothes and actually sit next to each other, no fighting or whining, and smile real smiles. I didn't want any cheese with these smiles. Was I ever shocked when my two turkeys actually behaved and gave me the picture I wanted and NO whining was involved. All moms out there seriously understand why this could be considered a miracle. I then copied the picture to a CD and skipped all the way to Meijer (fine, I drove there. It was too cold for skipping). I put my cd into the photo kiosk computer and it was super easy to navigate through and choose what I wanted. I opted for the matte finish, because I'm more of a matter girl. Glossy is too shiny. The computer printed out my ticket and all I had to do was wait. You can get your mounted photos in an hour, but there was a problem with the photo machine, so I had to pick it up the next day. Not a problem at all, as I ended up running out of milk and was able to pick up milk and my fabulous mounted photo together.

(My two turkeys)

I also noticed that Meijer had other photo options, such as photo mugs and calenders. I now have some good ideas for some Christmas presents for those hard to shop for people. A photo mug would make a great gift for my dad. At first I was going to give the mounted photo to my mother-in-law as a Christmas gift, but the photo looks really nice up on my mantle. I may just have to keep it for myself........


(I was compensated for my time with a free mounted photo, but the opinions are all my own.)

From Wolverine Blue & Gold to Sparty Green

When we moved into our house 5 years ago, my son Aaron's new room was done in University of Michigan Blue and Gold colors. Fast forward five years later and my son is now a die hard Michigan State Sparty fan, who loathes his blue and gold room. We used Benjamin Moore Aura Waterborn Interior Paint and finally (after many months of begging from said child) updated his room, fit for a Sparty Fan. I received a free can of paint from Benjamin Moore through this fabulous website called BzzAgent. At first I was worried that we would have to use multiple coats of paint to cover the blue and gold, but was surprised that it only took one coat, with a few touch ups. The best part about this paint is that it is lower in VOCs (check out here for more info about VOCs) and is better for your family and the environment. Best of all, I now have a very happy son!

( I was compensated for my time with free paint, but my opinions are my own.)

Vintage Bicycle Ride

I have been in a vintage kick lately. I love to use vintage fabrics. It makes the item one-of-a-kind and I feel better about not adding more crap to an over crapped out earth. A few weeks ago a lovely friend of mine gave me two ginormous boxes of vintage finds from her stash. There were a few craft magazines from the 70's in the box too. I am going to have to take some pictures of these magazines. Flipping hilarious. Part of this stash was this unbelievable bicycle fabric:

I could make out with this fabric, I love it so much. (Pardon the hideous plaid cover on my sewing table.) Fun, no? I also made an apron with these same fabrics. This is definitely one of those items I will be sad to see sell. I get attached to my fabrics. They are kind of like my children. Only the fabric doesn't talk back. Or spill juice on my carpet. Details, schmetails. 

I miss sleep

After the birth of my second child I just assumed that I would be able to sleep the night through by the time she was three.

Who the heck was I kidding? Okay, to be fair she does sleep through the night a good part of the time, but then she goes through spurts, painful, agonizing spurts where she does not sleep. Last night (this morning?) I rolled over, just shy of 2:30 am to find a pair of big blue eyes staring at me. I don't know about you, but waking up to someone staring at you is just creepy. Or maybe that's just me remembering the year I had a stalker ex-boyfriend. Whatever.

"Mommy, I want to lay down and cuddle wif you."

"Mommy just wants to cuddle her pillow sweetheart."

I put her back in bed, give her a cuddle, turn back on her music, and go back to bed. I get all cozy and comfy again and am just about to fall back asleep when I feel those eyes back on me.

Rinse, lather and repeat. I am TIRED. Someone go get me a Diet Coke IV STAT.

Crafty Spaz

So, here's the thing.

I am a bit of a spaz when it comes to art projects. I call it crafty spaz. You may call it a lack of an attention span. Whatever. Potato, pahtahto.

My main seller at all my fairs and on my Etsy page are my little girl dresses. Only I can't stay focused enough to make the same dress 8500 different times and stay happy. I have to make something new. This is the same thing with jewelry making and drawing. I can only stand to make things for so long and then I have to stop. Thankfully my love of fun fabric at least keeps me interested in sewing. I just have to broaden my horizons to make new and fresh items. It's the only way to keep up my craft mojo. If I don't then you'll just find me sitting on the couch with a package of Oreos and NCIS reruns. And possibly drooling. Oreo cookie drool is not pretty people.

Which brings me to these new dresses:

Applique fun with a touch of embroidery! Weeeeeeeee! Oh the possibilities. I'm really digging the one color dress and having the applique being the shazam factor. I made this in a 4T. I expect it will sell at my 4 (4!) fairs I have lined up, but if it doesn't I am so making my daughter wear it. That's my prerogative as a mother and as a crafter.

Things that scare me

Seeing that Halloween is just around the corner, I thought I would create a (not so) spooky list of things that randomly scare me (and may or may not be sewing related).

1. Buttons. Dude, the whole button hole making thing scares me.
2. Sewing knits. Double needles. Shudder.
3. Spiders bigger than a nickel. 'Nuff said.
4. Pinworm
5. Sewing with knits.
6. Toddlers on sugar highs
7. Man colds
8. Car repairs
9. That bad smell in the refrigerator you just can't find.
10.  Paper cuts. Dude, they hurt like a mofo.
11. Pleated pants
12. Socks with sandals
13. Those socks that have toes separated. I'm sorry. My toes were meant to touch each other.
14. Bugs with lots of legs.
15. My sewing machine breaking.

Care to add to the list?

New Fabric

Most of the time I use my funds from my Etsy shop to pay bills, like 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time I use it to restock my supplies. I will admit to having amassed a huge fabric collection, but I still have to work to keep up with what is fashionable. Last week I went to fabric.com (love) and purchased some new bag fabric:

I have enough for maybe 2 reversible bags. I cannot wait to make them. They will be fabulous, with a capital FAB! I have my first fall craft fair next weekend, the 28th and 29th. I will not be putting any new items up on Etsy until after the fair as I am having trouble keeping my stock up. (Also, on my cutting table is an Elvis Bag. Total awesomesauce.) Squeee!!!!!!

Boo-yah

So, my lovely sweet daughter decided it would be fun to come down with a 102 fever. Why? I have no clue. She's three and refuses to wear blue jeans. No one understands her. The fever finally disappears after two days and then she breaks out in the mother load of hives. HIVES. I've never seen a hive in all my 32 years. Safe to say, I know what they look like now. I don't do hives. Just like I don't do fungal infections, pinworms (gag me), and lice. The girl had to go and make me a liar. Hives, of the unexplained variety. Doc said just to give benadryl. In the meantime my kid looked like she was mutating or played is some radioactive alien ooze. Shall we list the ailments of this summer courtesy of both my children? Oh why not, it will be FUN**:

Reaction from injections placed into my son's plantar warts that earned a trip to urgent care due to the random WTF is going on with your foot syndrome. Also, it was Sunday and the doctor's office was closed.

Daughter gets viral pneumonia that takes a month to go away.

Daughter gets a random UTI.

Daughter gets a weird and out of the blue fever.

Daughter gets covered with viral hives. And yes, the benadryl took care of the hives for the 6 hours the benadryl was effective. Then they reappeared again. Of course THEY did.

Due to the above reasons I will be more than happy to have someone whisk me away on a private jet to some lovely sandy beach location where gorgeous men served me fruity alcoholic beverages with those adorable little umbrellas in them. I'm not asking for much. Really.

Fine. At least send me a giant bottle of Calgon.***

** This post is brought to you by lots and lots of sarcasm.
*** Do they even make Calgon anymore?

Bags, bags, and more bags

I have been really into making tote bags lately. I love the comfort of them. They have a touch of structure to them and hang nicely on your shoulder. The straps aren't too long. I think I am in love. Plus, I have been using a duck fabric (think canvas), as it helps give the structure a regular cotton wouldn't be able to do.

I also love that they are reversible - change when your outfit changes! This is a medium sized tote - about 12.5 x 13. I am planning on adding a larger tote to my line, like a beach sized tote. So much fun! Woot!

I need a nap

Sing it with me!

I need a nap (boom, boom)!

I need a nap (boom, boom)!

Give me some Zzzzzzzzzzz's!

I need a nap (boom, boom)!

Catchy little ditty, no? Sing it to any tune you'd like. I'm an equal opportunity song maker that way.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend!

A new bag!

I've been in a bag kick lately. I think I will be offering a few in my shop and make some for the fair I am doing next month. They are super cute and just a very comfortable bag to carry. Does that make any sense? I use a duck fabric for one side and a 100% cotton for the other. The best part is that you can totally throw them in the washing machine if they get dirty.

I really love the reversible look. This is a medium sized bag and I am think of doing a large bag that would be good for a beach tote. The straps on this bag are a little thinner than I like, but I've changed it for next time. Hopefully I will get the bag listed on Etsy tomorrow. The hubster has the camera for a football game tonight. I think we might be reaching a point that I need to get my own camera. 

(On a completely different side note, I really want a doughnut.)

Can I just sit and pet this fabric all day long?

I think my self proclaimed love of fabrics is obvious. In truth, I'm not the greatest seamstress, but I can pick fabrics out like nobody's business. A few months ago I had an awesome week in my Etsy shop, so I let myself indulge a tiny bit in buying some designer fabrics. I don't usually buy the really good stuff, as it costs a crap ton of money and I would have to charge a lot more for my stuff to recover the price. I am so happy I gave in to my fabric weakness.

This is from the new Alexander Henry line. I picked it up from Fabricworm. It truly does make a difference in working with the good stuff. The feel of the fabric is unbelievable. I sat there petting it last night as I was sewing it. I may have asked my husband to feel the fabric too. He didn't understand and thought I was off my rocker, but whatever. Hopefully, I will get this dress listed on Etsy tonight. It will cost a bit more then my usual dresses, but believe me, it is oh so worth it. Trust me.

(OKay fine, I probably am off my rocker. What's your point?)

Looky!!

I made a bag! Woot!

It's reversible too! I'm hoping this is a sign that my burn out mode is over with. Maybe? Fingers crossed?

In other news my son has been getting bloody noses every morning at approximately 5:30am. And these aren't your "picked my nose too much" nosebleeds. We're talking half a roll of toilet paper nose bleeds. Going to try a cool mist humidifier, some allergy meds, and maybe some vaseline up the nose. If anyone has any other ideas let me know. I feel bad for the kiddo and am very tired of being woken up at 5:30 in the morning, because seriously after dealing with the yuck I am WIDE awake.

Hmmmmmmm, maybe I should just go sew then..................

Beauty on a Beer Budget Take 2

Shall we talk more on beauty items that don't cost an arm and a leg? Yes? Oh good. That's just what I wanted to do today. That and have a nice piece of chocolate and win the Power Ball jackpot. (The first Beauty on a Beer Budget post is here.)

1. I have horribly chapped lips that like to crack and yell at me. (And yes, I do drink lots of water.) I fell in love with the Fresh line of lip gloss. It makes my lips very happy. The problem being that it is $22.50 for a tube that doesn't last a lifetime. Thankfully, the other day I stumbled on Nivea Intense Moisturizer. It was $1.99 for sale and I love it long time. Not as awesome as Fresh, BUT it really works and for $1.99 I'm all over it.

2. Maybelline Great Lash mascara. Seriously hands down the best mascara ever. Plus, it's usually around $5 and you can find coupons. My only Debbie Downer about this product is the lack of fun colors. I love me some purple or blue mascara.

3. Pond's Cold Cream. This shit removes all the eye make up off in one swipe - without having to scrub all your eyelashes off. My grandma used it everyday and easily had the best looking skin I've ever seen on a 96 yr old lady.

4. Wet n' Wild nail polish. The best. Stays on 10 times longer than the expensive stuff, and less than $2 a bottle, you can't beat it.

5. Revlon 16 Hr eye shadow. Now these usually run about $12 for a 4 color palette. More than I like to spend, but I wait until CVS runs a buy one get one sale. The shadow seriously stays on all day, especially if you use an eye shadow primer beforehand (Almay sells a nice one).

Have you found any item lately that knocked your socks off? Do share!

Still in burn out

I think it's safe to say that I am still in burn out mode. I haven't sewn in a really long time. Which is NOT helpful seeing that I have a fair at the end of September. A two-day fair. As in I need to make enough stuff to last for two days in a row of selling things. I'm sure you understood what a two-day fair meant, I just needed to clarify it for myself. In hopes of maybe lighting a fire under my ass. It's not like I don't have oodles of adorable new fabric, sitting on my drafting table, calling out to me every night, "Nikki, come sew me. I need to be made into a skirt." Instead I sit on the couch. Or holding a horking up the lung 3 year old.

Speaking of the horking up the lung three year old, my daughter has pneumonia. That's right, pneumonia. In the SUMMER. Who gets pneumonia in the summer? My DAUGHTER, that's who. Round 2 of antibiotics and I think she might be getting better. Maybe. Kind of. Oh hell, I don't know.

I think I just need a nap. Or a beer.

Better yet, BOTH.

Back to school shopping party

Make sure ya'll (I don't know why I say ya'll, I live in MI and don't have even the slightest southern drawl) are friends with Funklicious on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/Funklicious. I just dropped a really good coupon code for some back to school shopping fun! Double woot!

Beauty on a beer budget

Okay. I'm going to admit it.

My name is Nicole and I have a beauty supply addiction.

I follow many blogs that talk about their favorite beauty supplies, new hair care products, etc. I'm always interested in finding out what works well for others and what I should look into getting for myself. The thing is - 9 times out of 10, I can't afford the product the blogger is talking about. I am a beauty on a beer budget kind of a gal. (That and I'd rather save my pennies for more important things. Like fabric. And ribbon. And buttons. And more fabric.) I thought I'd write a couple of posts and talk about the products I love and for the most part you can find them at CVS or Target. Most everything is $15 and under.

1. Cetaphil face wash: Only I go the extra cheap route and buy the store brand. I will admit that after my daughter was born my skin went ape shit. After a year or so, I finally broke down and got Proactive. I am a big fan of Proactive and for $20 you get a cute little introductory kit. And then a month later you get a ginormous kit and they charge your credit card $100. Ooopsies. Make sure you uncheck the automatic order box when you place your introductory order. The $20 kit lasts a long time. And then I just copied the wash treatment by using cheap drug store items. Seriously, store brand Cetaphil runs $7 for a huge jug of it. Well worth it. I am also finding out now that you can buy Proactive like kits made by Aveeno and like brands.

2. Face Toner: Definitely find a face toner you like. I recommend Aveeno or Neutrogena. Fabulous stuff. I've also been told that Witch Hazel works as a good toner too. Anyone have thoughts on this?

3. Moisturizer: I like Aveeno for this. And get one that has some SPF in it. Oil of Olay is a good one too.

4. Night cream: Yes. I am of that age now where I have started to use a night cream. I HIGHLY recommend the Oil of Olay Age Rejuvenating Night Cream. Plus it's under $14. My skin has never felt better. And watch your coupons too! Oil of Olay has coupons in the Sunday paper almost every month.

5. Body Soap: I use just plain old Dove or Oil of Olay bar soap. It just depends upon which is on sale when I need to buy more. Plus, they are mild enough that my kids can use them.

6. Lotion: The one area I spend a touch more on because I am addicted to The Body Shop's Olive Body Butter. It's a whopping $19 a container, but I wait until it's on sale or I get a gift card. I refuse to pay full price. REFUSE. If it's not on sale and I don't have a gift card I will buy the Target Brand of Aveeno's body lotion.

7. Shampoo: I buy what's on sale. Currently I am using Suave's version of Biolage. Although I just got a container of the new Clear brand of conditioner and so far I really like it. I will not buy name brand shampoo. $22 for a bottle of Bed Head shampoo is just not worth it. My hair is just as happy when cleaned from stuff I get at CVS.

8. Styling products: I have curly hair, so I usually use a leave in conditioner. I love Biolage's Leave in treatment, but I don't buy it often because it costs more than $10. I have found that Herbal Essence has a good Curly Detangling Spray. Marc Anthony also has a good curl hair care line. Plus, I am told Bed, Bath and Beyond sells it, so save your 20% off coupon! I prefer the Anthony's curl creme to the spray. Just an FYI in case you were interested.

The best part about buying items at CVS or Target is that usually you can get coupons for them to make them cheaper. What is your favorite "drug store" beauty find? I'm all about saving me some $$!

Energy?

I need energy with a side of get up and go mojo.

My etsy shop was hopping a few weeks ago. Sold out of all the 3 pocket aprons in stock. It was awesome. And then I lost all my mojo to create more and get new things made. I have all these awesome ideas running in my head that I want to create and get up for sale. Yet, after the kids are in bed and I have some time to go work in the studio I don't. Is this what burn out feels like? Working all day, then dealing with the kids, I just don't have it in me lately. All I can seem to do is sit on the couch and drool.

I really hope this feeling goes away soon. I have a 5 day weekend coming up. Hopefully this will help me to feel refreshed.

Kissing Diva

The husband chaperoned a high school trip to Hershey Pennsylvania over the weekend and came back with a few goodies for everyone, including this cute little shirt. Although, back off boys. There is no kissing of my girl.

Shirt: From Hershey, "Don't just stand there, give me a kiss!"
Shorts: Circo biker shorts from Target
Socks: Elmo rainbow striped dollar bin goodies
Shoes: Dora slip ons from Target
AND A BARRETTE. ANOTHER ONE.

People, who is this girl?!

Jeans, Upcycled

I had a pair of jeans in my closet that I have owned for many years. They had a small hole in the leg. I hadn't worn them in a long time and considered adding them to my donate pile. And then a light bulb went off in my head (it kind of hurt). Why not upcycle and make them something I would wear again! (Genius, I know.)

The jeans:

First I cut triangles out of the bottoms sides of the legs. I only meant to cut the outside bottom part, but...uh..messed up and cut both side. You could do either and it would look just fine. (Ignore my toes.)

My mom often said I was born in the wrong decade. My heart seems to be a little on the free, hippie style, with a touch of Elvis side. Next, I cut out triangles of fabric that were slightly larger than the triangles I cut out of the jeans. I hemmed the bottom of the fabric triangles. 

I pinned the triangles on, although I found that it worked much better if I used a glue stick to hold the fabric in place. And yes, you read that right. A glue stick. It washes out, holds the fabric perfectly and doesn't glue up your needle. Now, it's going to be a slight pain in the ass to sew the fabric on the jeans. I used my sewing machine, but it might have save me some of my precious sanity to hand sew. I specifically decided to leave my jean edges unfinished. I wanted the rough jeaned fray look. If you prefer not to have that look, you could always sew it together to make a clean look, with all edges sewn. (Put right sides together of the fabric and the jeans and sew the edge. Repeat on the other side.)

This is what it looked like all sewn. Don't be like me - using matching thread so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. 

Next I decided to applique some fabric on the legs. I love appliques. Now, I make my life much easier when I applique. I use Steam2Seam (Make sure you get the Steam2Seam2). With Steam2Seam you do not have to sew your edges. It is permanent and keeps your edges neat so they won't fray. I ended up stitching around the applique anyways because I like the look, but you don't have to. Admittedly, it's kind of a bitch to sew on a pant leg, but if you take your time and not afraid of a possible needle break, then go for it. I love the way it turn out.

My hippie dippy loving soul is very excited. I hope you get a chance to upcycle a pair of your jeans/pants. Send me a picture if you do!

Barrette Diva

Barrette Diva, also titled WHO IS THIS KID?!?

Yesterday it was blue jeans, today it's a barrette. I have no clue who this kid is. The Diva's hair is kept short for a reason. She HATES it to be messed with. No piggy tails, no ponies and for the love of all that is chocolate chip cookies, NO BARRETTES. You don't mess with the Diva's hair. She even gets pissy if you try to tuck her hair behind her ear. This morning she woke up with all her hair in her face and brushing it didn't help. I told her we would have to wet her hair down to fix it or (pause, wait for it) wear a barrette. SHE HAPPILY CHOSE THE BARRETTE. (Obviously I have issues with the caps lock button. SO SORRY.) It was still in her hair when I dropped her off at daycare. I'm all "Where did MAH BABY go?!"

(Wimper)

Shirt: Princess shirt from JcPenney

Shorts: I think JcPenney, but I bought it on clearance years ago and stashed it away. I think it had a matching shirt.

Shoes: The Target Dora wonders

Barrette: Plastic Green Butterfly, from CVS. I think. 

(MAH BABY!!!!!!)

A Momentous Diva Moment

I didn't think it was possible.

Behold!

The Diva is wearing BLUE JEANS. PANTS THAT TOUCH HER FEET! Sorry, couldn't control myself. The excitement kinda got to me. YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES.

Shirt: The infamous "Soccer shirt"

Pants: Mudd Jeans, hand me downs

Shoes: Dora, Target

Not pictured: In the pocket are 2 bracelets and a penny. Sing with me "I have a penny in my pocket (boom, boom, boom)"!

From earlier in the week:

Jacket: The favorite Arizona Jean Jacket

Shirt: Circo - it has some sweet lacing detail you can't see

Shorts: Circo, biker chick style

Socks: Animal the Muppet socks from the dollar bin at Target

Shoes: Those Dora favorites, from Target

Where the Diva Tries to Match

I was quite shocked when the Diva actually tried to match her clothes over the weekend, and for the most part, she was rather successful.

Saturday:

Dress: I think this is Kohl's Jumping Bean brand. My MIL then went and knitted/crocheted the bottom rainbow part and around the sleeves/neck. She is one talented lady. Knitting/crocheting is against my religious beliefs, and by against my religious beliefs, I mean I can't do it to save my soul. 

Shorts: Not pictured are black biker style shorts from JcPenney. 

Sunday:

My husband has dubbed this look "a barrage of geometry". Only slightly painful on the eyes, yet all the colors somehow match.

Shirt: Circo brand from Target

Leggings: Also Circo brand I believe, but I bought them on clearance a year or so ago.

Shoes: The Dora wonders from Target

Attitude: Helped by the cold she has. 

Today:

This morning didn't go too well. Someone (note: not me) was full of three year old attitude.

Shirt: Circo brand again, I believe. It's been enhanced by the MIL.

Shorts: Rocking the biker-Donna-from-90210 look again. They are another Circo item.

Socks: Elmo rainbow striped goodness from the dollar bin at Target. 

Not pictured: Huge bruise on knee from running into a bedroom door. Grace, she has it. 

The Diva Returns

(Sorry for the bad picture, it was sunny as all get out and Diva was too busy dancing and jumping to get a clear, solid picture.)

Shirt: "Not my first rodeo" shirt was a gift. I have no clue where it was purchased from.

Leggings: Baby Gap, clearance

Shoes: Dora slip-ons. It's what all the three year olds are wearing these days.

Jacket: Clearance Arizona Brand from JcPenney. "No snapping my jacket, Mommy." I assume it's because if I snapped the jacket she wouldn't be able to wear it like a cape. 

Not pictured: Animal (the Muppet. Ok, the BEST Muppet if you ask me.) socks from the Target dollar bin. 

Diva acting too much like a Diva

Alas, today I do not have a Diva of the day picture. I know, I know heartbreaking. Why, you ask? Because the Diva decided that she was not going to sleep last night. I finally gave up at 11pm and went to bed myself, informing her to stay in her own bed and please just be quiet. No more talking to your hands or having a party with your stuffed animals. Even teddy bear needed to go to effing sleep. Apparently all the stuffed animals had a major conference early this morning and needed their rest. They were all up in arms about poor turtle who busted open a seam and lost half of his stuffing. It was like an OSHA meeting, but for stuffed animals. I think the seminar was going to cover things like, "Quick, Hide From The Cat" and "Washing Machine Survival Techniques". Anyways, the Diva was quite grumpy this morning. I didn't want to risk the ultimate melt down by asking her to stand still for a picture. I think if she would have stood still she just might have fallen asleep. Oh well. Hopefully tomorrow is much more successful.

Diva Day Whatever Day It Is

I do believe that this is my favorite look so far. I don't know what her statement is, but whatever it is, she's rocking it like nobody's business. 

Shirt: This strawberry beauty is from Walmart that matches the pink and white striped shorts she wore last week. But if you haven't figured out by now, she is not a child who believes in "outfits that go together". It totally ruins her style mojo.

Leggings: From the ever stylish Old Navy.

Jacket: This jean jacket special was a clearance at JcPenney's

Shoes: Dora shoes from Target.

Sunglasses: The free 3D pair of glasses that the husband and son got from the Avengers movie on Sunday.

(Not pictured was a pink rubber "Silly Bandz" bracelet and striped purple socks. That fit her when she was a baby.)

Diva Weekend Recap

Saturday:

It was too cold to wear shorts. So, the Diva threw a major fit. I compromised and told her she could wear shorts if she wore leg warmers. And OBVIOUSLY she chose legwarmers that didn't match.

Shirt and shorts: Both from Walmart. (Might I add that my child is such a peanut that none of her pants stay up. 2 hours into the day and my kid looks like she's a pimp daddy mac hanging her pants down low.)

Legwarmers: From Etsy, bought years ago. LOVE them.

Attitude: All her own

Sunday:

Shirt: This whale of a beauty (snort, whale, get it?!) is Carter's from JcPenney's.

Leggings: Old Navy clearance special.

Shoes: Dora special from Target. Get them fast if you like them. They are selling like crazy. 

Rubber Blue bracelet: From her brother.

Today:

Shirt: Butterfly special from Walmart.

Leggings: Baby Gap.

Shoes: Dora Target Special. (Seriously, I had to go to 2 Targets to find her size.)

 

Diva Day 4

It seems my daughter likes to mock me and prove me wrong. Instead of her same pair of shoes that she has worn for weeks straight she has busted out a NEW pair of shoes and no socks! At least I've got her trained on the no socks with sandals rule. I mean, I do have some standards as a parent. Not many mind you, but definitely no socks with sandals. Clubbing baby seals on the other hand is totally cool.

(Just kidding. Seriously baby seals are too damn cute.)

Shirt: "It's my soccer shirt, Mommy!" I have no clue where we got it from.

Shorts: Walmart Faded Glory. And there Diva goes, rocking the Donna from 90210 look again. 

Sandals: Jumping Bean brand from Kohls. 

At least she somewhat matches today! 

Diva Day 3

For the Tiny diva, the clothing choices usually starts with socks. She loves herself a nice pair of striped socks. And it never matters if the socks match her outfit of choice. In fact I think she purposefully chooses non-matching socks. Probably because she knows it makes me twitch internally.

T-Shirt: this cupcake cutie came from JcPenney - Okie Dokie Brand

Shorts: Okie Dokie again. They remind me of something Donna wore in 90210. 

Socks: (non-matching, of course) Old Navy from 2 years ago. They don't fit. I try to throw them away. She somehow finds them again.

Shoes: The same Oshkosh Mary Janes from Meijers. What can I say, when the girl finds a pair of shoes she likes she will wear them every day until they fall apart. 

Facebook Sale Reminder

Just a reminder that the May Facebook Sale started yesterday for Funklicious. Remember that you can only find my monthly sales on Facebook, so make sure you like Funklicious (http://www.facebook.com/Funklicious)  to get all the great sale and promotions! Mother's day is just around the corner. Place your order now to get it on time. I just started making aprons. Reversible aprons to be listed this week. Click here to go to see the new items listed. Woot! Woot!

Diva, Day 2

The Diva went for a layered look for today. Very snazzy look for her, in an unmatched sort of way.

T-shirt: Arizona brand, thank you JcPenney. Can't find it online anymore.

Skirt: Circo Skirt, via Target

Leggings: Old Navy. It's no longer for sale either. And the pants must always be leggings. No pants are allowed to touch the feet. The world ends if pants touch the feet.

Socks: Striped Elmo socks from the dollar bin at Target. 

Shoes: Oshkosh, clearance from Meijers. No longer for sale. 

Sophia was very proud of this look. I think the bright colored socks made the look, don't you agree? 

Little Fashion Diva, Instagram Style

My three year, my sweet petunia, my stinkweed, has decided that she now has to pick out what she wears. Me, deciding I have bigger battles to fight with her, am letting her choose her clothes. As long as all all appropriate areas are covered, I don't care. And since I am highly amused by her choices, I thought I would start sharing them here, Instagram style. And yes, I just downloaded the app. Apparently, I am very slow with the times.

Sweater: Special riding hood sweater made by Nana. Perfect for playing Little Red Riding Hood. Minus the red hood. (Details)

Shirt (not seen): Plain purple Circo brand 

Pants: One size too small Circo brand leggings.

Shoes: Oshkosh brown Mary Janes. 

Astonished

I cannot believe my baby, my last child, just turned three. Where. In. The. World. Did. The. Time. Go? Seriously? Just yesterday she was a tiny baby who hiccuped all the time. And now she is a walking, talking, big girl machine who demands that mommy give her "birtday party hair" and make her a cupcake "birtday party skirt". Of course that meant that the night before her birthday party I was up late finishing the requested cupcake skirt.

Is it possible to stop time? Because I am not ready for this girl to grow up any more. I need a hug. And a shot of vodka. In no particular order.

(sob!)

Sad

It always makes me sad when I finish eating the last chocolate chip cookie in my lunch. 


On my to do list: create a magic never ending box of chocolate chip cookies. Of course this means I might have to find a genie in a bottle or a leprechaun. Details, schmetails. 


(You're totally singing Christina Aguilera's "Genie in a Bottle" right now, aren't you?)


(If you weren't, you are now.)


(You're welcome. Or not. Just don't get too pissy with me or else I won't share my magic never ending chocolate chip cookie supply.)


((( )))


(We needed a few more parenthesis in this post.)


(Although, now that I look at it ((( ))) looks like a crude and rude emotie.)


I'll shut up now. 

February 16

Today would have marked my mother's 61st birthday.

She's been gone almost three years. It will be three years on May 13th. The day before my son's 8th birthday.

I keep waiting for the sharp stab of pain to disappear. For the tears to stop coming to my eyes when I think of her. To stop cursing everything in sight from taking her far, far too early. For knowing just how damn much she is missing.

And I keep on waiting.

Fabric Acid Trip

I am a self proclaimed fabric nutcase. I love to look online and see all the wonderful styles and prints. It makes me want to learn how to design and print my own fabric. The other day as I online window shopping I came across this doozy of a fabric choice:

Dude, what in the hell was the designer smoking when they came up with this design?! It's like the elephants are frolicking in the Land of the Great LSD trip. And of course I immediately start to wonder what I could make with such a fabulous fabric. 

Even more importantly - do you think I would be able to get a contact high? If so, damn, I'd have to buy the whole bolt. "Sorry kids, mommy's busy playing with the elephants and giant polka dot mushrooms."

Pretend I'm saying something worth while

Blah, blah bla blahablah blahblah blah blah blah.

And then I was all, "Oh no, he didn't!"

Blah blah blah blahblahblah-de-flippin-blah blah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah blah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah blah.

I know, I mean really.

Blah blah blah blahblahblahblah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah blah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah blah-hah-hoo-ha.

You totally agree, don't you?

Blah blah blah-hidey-ho-ranger-joe blahblahblahblah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah blah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah blahblahblahblah blah blah blah blah blah blahblahblah blahblahblah blah blah. BLAH.

I'm so glad we had this talk.

Happy 2012

Hello! Happy 2012! Was 2011 good to you, or like myself are you looking for better and brighter times in 2012? I am still on the path to be able to help support the family with my Etsy shop and with the few fairs I've started doing. I still have to work my 9-5 job, but I will get there one day. Mark my words (insert evil cackle here).

In other words, I totally resemble this definition. And I see nothing wrong with this.

I cannot pass up a good fabric sale. At least I can honestly say I use what I buy. So far I am gearing up for 2 shows in March, a possible show in April and maybe an Open House. I guess I better get sewing. With my trusty Diet Coke and sewing machine by my side I will not fail! Perhaps a super hero cape is needed?