inspired mama musings

cozy*love

2012-01-31T10:11:00.001-07:00

luca and i recently had our photos taken for a local photographer's blog series. she took pictures of fifteen mamas and their nurslings for a beautiful celebration of breastfeeding.

we had our photos taken at a park at sunset in front of the prettiest frozen pond. i was thrilled that she was able to get a couple lovely captures because little luca was much more interested in chasing his big brother and sister around the park than sitting down for mama milk and snuggles.

if you would like to check out the rest of this wonderful series start with this post. then view the photos here. she will be posting photos of mamas and their babes for the next three weeks so be sure to pop in for a visit each day!.

by the way, luca, i can hardly believe you are 20 months old already. oh time, if i could just catch you in a bottle... but instead i will treasure each and every snapshot of you growing and changing, sweet boy. i will never forget running my fingers through your long, strawberry curls while you nurse or gazing into your eyes while you drift off to sleep. my mama heart will always remember ♥

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almost*

2012-01-30T15:24:00.004-07:00

i just made the appointment for his cast removal. eight more days. looking forward to soft baby hugs!

yellow*

2012-01-27T10:44:00.001-07:00

daddy is painting walls (guess what color!), mama is sewing curtains. new cheerful art to hang, new places to store small treasures.

it is an itty-bitty bedroom makeover! i can't wait to share this new cozy space for our sweet small folks.

happy friday, friends! i hope you are spending it doing something you love!

{barefoot in the sunshine print from FreyaArt}

happy*day

2012-01-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

it was theverybest birthday ever.

gorgeous sunrise, bright orange sky, text from hubby telling me he special ordered it, just for me.

i spent the afternoon with my kids and my friends and their kids.

food, coffee, tea, cake, playing, visiting, laughing, fun*fun*fun.

{me and my sweet friend bethany}

{two of my very favorite people :: chelsea and bethany}

{my dear friend heidi and baby solace}

{a new BIRTHday just around the corner}

{fun birthday games!}

{we celebrated my little friend xaria's birthday too!}

{lovely gifts from lovely friends :: fabric, yarn and handmade lotion. perfect in every way}

soon after our friends left daddy was home from work! yay!

{and look! he got me a shiny new dutch oven!! gahhh, so happy!}

{birthday dinner, just me and my love}

i feel blessed, loved and completely renewed. thank you for that, dear ones. xoxo

the night before...

2012-01-23T22:45:00.002-07:00

everyone else has been sleeping sound for hours.

i am watching a documentary about religion, and pinning lovely things, and knitting and drinking the ice cold can of coke that has been hanging out in the very back of the fridge.

this is my birthday eve, big things planned for tomorrow. looking forward!

goodnight, friends! xo

{birthday candle photo from pinterest}

winter*hoop

2012-01-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

it snowed today. fi-nal-ly!

get outside and enjoy yourselves today, friends! xo

catching dreams*

2012-01-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

busy dreams last night. a result of a busy mind, perhaps? one holding onto more concerns and worries than this mama recognizes?

let's see, it started with an upsetting dream about parting with my baby carries, every last one of them. i was very sad and reluctantly handing them over to an unknown recipient. the truth is luca just doesn't love to be carried like harper did. i put him on my back when he is extra fussy and often he will sleep but other than that he would rather be free {and wild}. i haven't worn him a single time since he broke his arm. mostly because he is casted up over his elbow so i cannot bend his little arm to get it under the strap.

up next i was browsing around a children's consignment shop when the lady beside me lifted off a shelf the most beautiful blue-green le creuset dutch oven. that's right, at the second hand kid's store. she happily scurried up to the register and paid next to nothing for it while i pouted over tiny jeans and t-shirts.

and the last dream i remember was about chicken pox, or the lack of pox, rather. three weeks ago my sweet local friend and her kiddos all came down with chicken pox. as soon as i heard i packed my boys into the car, stopped for a take and bake pizza for her family and headed over for a visit. we were at her house for 20 minutes in which time luca played with every toy in her house and with her 4 year old daughter who was covered with pox - bless her little heart.

so here we sit 19 days later with no sign of chicken pox. esmé and niko have both been exposed and have not had them either. i was really looking forward to getting it over with especially with harper starting school next fall. now what to do? have their titers checked? consider the vaccine and boosters to protect them later in life.

so friends, that was where my subconscious mind went while i rested. feel free to analyze away! i am sure some processing would be good for me but instead i am going to vacuum homemade granola off the living room rug {second time this morning} and then take my boys out thrifting. and who knows, maybe i will discover something amazing...

connecting, confessing and verbalizing change :: a vlog

2012-01-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

abandoning self criticism and insecurities. this is my very first video blog. i am putting it all out there in an sincere effort to put it all behind me.

thank you for being here, friends.

xo, erika

loveLOVELoVe

2012-01-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

yesterday while walking in the park the kids and i discovered these rocks. some are difficult to read in the photo. let me try to remember a few, there was ::

"don't chomp you gum!"

"have and emergency fund!"

"treat your mom like a princess"

"get out and PLAY!"

"keep trying"

and LOVE. love. LoVe. ♥ ♥ ♥

of course we now plan to make our own affirmation rocks and scatter them throughout the city to make people smile. and think. and laugh. and you all should totally join us in your own neighborhood!

this is my monday self portrait - i actually took a few self portraits yesterday. i was just having a happy day, that's all. i was all dressed and primped up to meet a brand new photographer friend in the park to take a some pics for a really neat project she is working on. something very near and dear to my heart and i cannot wait to share it with you. i should be able to link it up before the end of the month.

and, i am working on my first video blog post. just some random new year musings i would love to share with you all. hopefully i can get my act together and get it posted tomorrow evening. looking forward!

much love,

erika

january*FIVE

2012-01-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

a quick snapshot of my five on the fifth of the month. they were all a little grouchy and waiting (some patiently, some not so) for dinner to be ready.

i just might post a similar photo of the five of them together on the fifth of every month in 2012, however i am going to run into a little situation around the middle of the year - riley will graduate high school and turn 18 in june. can you believe it? big changes for inspired mama. i suppose the family five photo each month will be a little tricky but i am totally going to try!

{monthly family photo inspired by lovely steph from adventures in babywearing}

also, um, this was supposed to be posted yesterday but i forgot until like 11:58 when i was on my way to bed. let's just pretend for a moment it is the 5th of the month, okay?

sweet*teeth

2012-01-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

it was an impulsive purchase, at the fabric store of all places. we don't do it often and we went straight into the bathroom and brush-brush-brushed when we were finished. and it was fun.

too, too good.

my*january

2012-01-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

i decided that i was completely serious when i said i was going to devote the entire month of january to selfish projects, just for me. i am going to knit and sew myself some lovely items and not feel one bit guilty.

i have a couple knit skirts all lined up and we are going to head out to the fabric store in a bit for thread.

i also have that lisette pattern that i bought so many weeks ago on my mind.

i am currently knitting a brea bag for myself in green - amazing green.

i might stitch up some pretty patchwork potholders for my kitchen and toss all of the old, charred and ugly potholders.

and i need a duvet cover for the down comforter we received as a christmas gift from my mama.

i likely will not get even half of this list completed this month, or this year. but all of these ideas started swimming around my head the second i allowed myself to think only about {me}.

so, how about it, friends... does anyone want to join me in a month of selfish crafting? be sure to let me know so i can come visit and see your wonderful projects! looking forward!

disclaimer :: i started knitting my sweet husband a pair of charcoal gray knucks early last year and still have not completed them. one is finished and the other only needs the cuff. i might take them to our mom's night out this friday and get.them.done!! just to completely clear my conscience, of course. he really does deserve those hand knit knucks!!

itty-bitty, rough and tumble, hurt and broken.

2012-01-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

we ended 2011 with an tiny broken arm. no good. it happened in the car two wednesdays ago while we were out looking at christmas lights. i sat in the back seat with the kids and let them unbuckle while we watched this light show. when it was time to drive i put luca in his rear facing car seat then daddy came around to push the seat next to him forward so we could access the third row and sweet baby's teeny little arm got caught and pulled back with the seat. ouch. we sat in the car for another 15 or 20 minutes trying to console him and decide if a trip to the ER was necessary. he finally calmed down so we drove home and looked him over again. no swelling, no bruising or even redness and full movement of both the wrist and elbow with no pain. we put him in his jammies and i nursed him to sleep.

the next several days he was his happy little self but would fall on it or bump it or be pulled by harper and cry and cradle his arm. just when i was ready to take him to the doctor he would be fine and playing. we really thought he may have just sprained it. finally on wednesday, that's right, and entire week after the initial injury, he fell off a dining room chair and i had had enough and took him to urgent care. while i attempted to sign him in he ran through the waiting room, climbed on chairs and even tried to rearrange their furniture. the gal at the front desk actually questioned whether he was really hurt. i told her i didn't know, that was why we were there.

a brief doctor examination and x-rays of tiny arm confirmed it was indeed broken. one minor break in one of the bones right in the middle of his forearm, between the wrist and elbow. an appointment was made with an orthopedic specialist for friday afternoon and we were sent home with a small-ish sling. small-ish as in it fit harper and esmé pretty well, but not luca. turns out 19 month old kiddos do not like to wear slings and will angrily tear them right off in a hot second.

this is luca waiting to see the orthopedic specialist on friday. climbing, playing, happy as can be. she looked his x-rays over and informed us that both bones were actually broken - one is more "smashed and dented" and the other fractured. my poor, sweet little guy. i feel sick that he was hurt for so long before we had him seen. and of course his gentle, loving daddy feels absolutely terrible too.

since both bones are involved he had to be casted all the way up over his elbow. bright red cast, it matches his shoes. he will wear it for four weeks. i keep thinking that if i would have listened to my mama instincts and taken him in that night we would already have a week in the cast behind us. but i am trying to not beat myself up.i am working hard to conscientiously let go of all the stress and guilt. passing on the tension and loving on my boy. that is precisely where i am today. healing hearts and healing bones in a one day at a time, one hour at a time, one breath at a time process.

small people are resiliant, mamas and papas less so, but we are all going to be alright.

brand new year blessings to us all, friends.

happy 2012

2011 :: an inspired year

2011-12-31T21:51:00.001-07:00

playing * knitting * sewing * mama made * kiddo made * baking * cooking * nourishing * learning * dress up-dress down * nest fluffing * sharing * loving * laughing * crying * healing *

celebrating the simple and the sensational.

i love the new year. a fresh slate of sorts. i have some new goals for 2012 and some old resolutions that are ongoing works in progress. i want to work on being tidier {especially in my studio}. i am going to work on using my time more wisely. these things do not come naturally to me.

i also want to become a better spouse, and a more patient mama. more understanding, less yelling, don't sweat the small stuff, deep breathing and letting go.

tonight we are settled in with popcorn, sparkling {and hard} cider, cozy jammies and the times square count down. a simple yet sensational celebration...

happiest new year wishes, friends.

cheers, erika

christmas day :: instagram edition

2011-12-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

{christmas swagger}

{handmade christmas foxes}

{new collection of stuffies}

{christmas crew}

{mama, harper, and yet-to-be-named foxy friend}

{super hero cape - tiny tool bench}

{the big kids - new footie jammies - new faux fur and flannel hat - tiny fake tree}

{end of the day self portrait}

i hope your holidays were merry and bright, friends! i am currently looking forward to the brand new year and some selfish, egocentric knitting and sewing. in fact i think i will go ahead and dedicate the entire month of january to creating wonderful things only for myself... sounds pretty good, yes? perhaps you will join me?

***

{the sewing pattern for the stuffed foxes can be found here}

peace and blessings.

2011-12-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

{peaceful garden}

{reindeer greetings}

{red-nosed bundle}

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace.

We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace.

We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul

~Maya Angelou - Amazing Peace

wishing you all a peaceful holiday. lots of love,

erika

small style :: bearded balaclavas

2011-12-22T17:10:00.001-07:00

i knit these little balaclavas with beards and mustaches for my friend tahirih's little boys in exchange for one of her gorgeous prints {this one to be exact}.

seriously, could they be any more adorable. i die.

normally i would link up the pattern except the pattern i tried to use was simply awful and i would not put you through that, friends. no good. so i kinda just winged it and did my own thing and it was smooth stitching from there. perhaps i will put together a little bearded balaclava tutorial and post it here for you all. after the holidays, of course.

i am linking these cuties up with morgan's small style post! go check it out!

winter solstice happenings

2011-12-22T11:12:00.002-07:00

welcoming the idea of longer days, coffee with a wee bit of homemade irish cream stirred in, a fun crafty project with the littles, welcome daddy home from work, a delicious homemade meal with my loves, a celebratory visit to the beautiful botanical garden this evening to chat with santa and pet prancer the reindeer {sad there is no snow this year}, and perhaps a late night toast with the mister after the kids are all tucked in tight.

{harper's solstice sweater :: december 2009}

i didn't make wonderful homemade solstice gifts for the kids this year and i have been feeling a little sad about it. i simply planned way too much for myself this month and was not able to complete many projects for my family. so instead of a mama-made solstice gift i picked up three white ceramic piggy banks at a thrift store a few weeks ago and we are going to paint them together this afternoon. and even though it is still just a little too big luca is going to wear harper's cozy orange wool solstice sweater to the gardens tonight!

love and blessings, friends ♥

hey girl, just for fun.

2011-12-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

handmade ryan gosling. new love. check it out.

handmade workshop :: tile magnets

2011-12-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

ceramic tiles, markers, magnets and a hot glue gun

become the most adorable and inexpensive handmade christmas gift.

i bought these small ceramic tiles at our local habitat for humanity restore for 10 cents each. we purchased an assorted pack of fine tip, permanent markers (similar to sharpies , but we used less expensive bic markers) with a 40% off office depot coupon for less than $6. and the magnets were purchased several months ago at the craft warehouse ($1.79 for 6) and were hanging out in our creative cupboard waiting for the perfect project.

this project is simple - let your kiddos draw adorable pictures on the tiles, hot glue a magnet to the back, and you have a sweet handmade gift ready to give! they are perfect for teachers, grandparents, aunts, uncles...

we wrote the artist's name and year on each tile. then i used glue dots to secure each set of four magnets to a decorated piece of recycled cardboard then placed them into a cellophane bag tie closed with pretty ribbon. super cute and super easy - you can make a little magnet set for everyone you know in one fun evening!

enjoy friends! xo

i am linking up with gingerbread's sweet saturday post!

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noseprint cookies :: a recipe

2011-12-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

1 cup butter

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 egg

2 cups flour

1/2 seedless jam

***

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

cream butter and sugar together. mix in salt, almond extract and egg. add flour and mix until a ball of dough forms. roll into 1 1/2 inch balls and place on cookie sheet.

make a "noseprint" in the center of each ball.

{if you happen to have a cute human button nose rather than a long pointy troll nose please use the end of a wooden spoon}

bake 10 minutes, then let cookies cool completely. read stories about naughty christmas trolls to pass the time. fill in each noseprint with jam and serve with tea.

tasty variation :: this is my personal favorite

omit the almond extract and add 1/4 tsp lemon extract instead and fill your noseprint cookies with lemon curd. yum!

giveaway day :: charming mr. fox

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

meet mr. fox. he is pretty sweet little fellow, yes? he has been hanging out with my in the studio for a few days. he is great company, i mean really, who could be grumpy in the presence of such a cheerful face?

i sewed him using this pattern. i am making christmas foxes for my little ones too. one for esmé, one for harper, and one for luca. they are all cut out and being worked on a bit each night after the kids are tucked into bed.

now onto the giveaway - i would like to offer this charming mr. fox to one of you! he is approximately 19 inches tall, firmly stuffed so he can be hugged and played with for years to come and is lovingly stitched out of woven cotton, soft cotton flannel and wool felt.

and just look at his darling fluffy tail!

*****

if you would like to give mr. fox a home please leave me a comment telling me so. i would love to hear all about who would be caring for him.

anyone is welcome to enter, i am happy to ship internationally.

comments will be open until december 16th.

if you feel inclined to follow my little blog and come back again for another visit i would be thrilled, though it is not required to enter this giveaway.

thanks a bunch for stopping by! i hope you win!

visit sew, mama, sew for more amazing giveaways!

comments are closed - i will announce a lucky winner this weekend!

charming mr. fox is currently on his way to meet kate who left the 11th comment ::
I have three daughters, the older two would LOVE Mr. Fox! The little one will too someday - now she's only 2.5 weeks old!
Hope your kids love their foxes too!
Thanks for the chance to win!

winter market.

2011-12-11T21:30:00.001-07:00

sunday ::

good morning * coffee, green juice, waffles, fruit * jammies til noon * finally dressed * tame three bed heads * brush teeth * bundle up * off to a winter market *

{cozy ride}

{layers of warm}

{sun in eyes}

{fresh air mama}

we found two perfect christmas gifts, bought special sweets at the candy shop, shared fresh doughnuts, said hello to friends, then packed up and headed back home for naps.

*****

in other news ::

tomorrow kicks off sew, mama sew's big giveaway day {which actually lasts a whole week!} i will have something special to offer so be sure to come see!

a couple of my lovely sponsors have holiday happenings not to be missed ::

go check out {and like!} humble luna's facebook page - there are only a few more days to have your order shipped in time for christmas and she is offering a generous discount to her facebook fans! find the coupon code on her page.

and knit girl in idaho is starting her 12 days of christmas count down tomorrow and will be offering amazing discounts and freebies! visit her on facebook to join the fun!

see you all tomorrow for the big giveaway fun! good night, friends! xo

handmade workshop :: in progress

2011-12-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

just a sneaky peek of the super cute project i am hard at work on {there are four of them, actually!}

i can't wait to come back and share with you!

happy friday, friends!

handmade workshop :: handmade, with love, toy swap!

2011-12-06T21:09:00.001-07:00

oh, dear friends, you have probably been waiting on the edge of your seat for this post, yes? no?? well, i certainly have.

my amazingly talented mama friends and i just completed another handmade toy swap. beautiful toys, created with love, and carefully packed up and ready to put under the tree. gah, i can hardley wait!!

here is a peek at the toys ::

{sweet stuffies}

{super hero capes}

{bean bags sets, matching and pb&j games}

{fairy wings}

esmé is wearing her fairy wings from last year's swap in this post

{felt story boards}

and this was my contribution ::

{woodland friends felt masks}

you can see our previous toy swaps here ::

2010

2009

2008

this is what we do.

2011-12-05T14:51:00.001-07:00

* christmas music * warm sunbeams * baby napping * mama sewing * empty box discovery * creative wheels turning * proper modifications made * a little paint here * some red ribbon there * imagination comes to life *

good on you, monday.

handmade workshop :: deck the halls

2011-11-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

currently i am working on ::

a winter bunting

***

a new yarn wreath for my front door to replace my mustard yellow autumn wreath.

{my new wreath is pale aqua with red flowers and will have some sort of winter/holiday-ish wish on a wee little bunting...}

***

fiber lover's ornaments - remember these cuties? so quick and easy! you can make them for all the crafters on your list in one afternoon!

***

i am still trying to figure out how we could possibly have a tree this year with mr. mischief maker {luca} in the house. my newest idea involves thrifting a small-ish {3 or 4 foot} artificial tree and putting it on a little table in the corner of the room then pushing the loveseat over to block off access to the tree corner.

it really is all about small, simple and sane this year, friends.

pattern winner, handmade holidays and shopping stuff.

2011-11-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

the little lamby knits pattern giveaway winner is carmen! watch your inbox for a message from me!

***

bending birches is currently hosting a wonderful giveaway for this sweet handmade doll from woodland woolens! if you have someone in your life who would love this little friend go on over and enter! best of luck!

***

my friend heidi from under the humble moon is putting together a handmade for the holidays directory. if you have handmade items to offer this holiday season get your name on the list, i would love to come visit you!

***

small business saturday is this weekend.

Pledge your support for Small Business Saturday®

The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday® is
a day dedicated to supporting small businesses
on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

On November 26, we're asking millions of people to Shop Small^sm at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge.

will you be shopping local this weekend? how about black friday shopping? i have joined some dear friends early black friday morning to shop at the fabric store for the past few years. we get up before the sun, stand in the freezing cold waiting for the doors to open, then buy lots of fabric and notions to finish up our handmade gifts. then we go to the local coffee shop next door to rest and chat and caffinate. it is actually a lot of fun mostly thanks to the wonderful company. this year however i am not sure that i will go. there is one item in the joanns black friday ad that i would like to pick up (a swivel ott light for my poorly lit studio) but i don't think i will be in line at 5am to buy it. i might save my spending money for small business saturday instead.

happy thanksgiving, friends! i am very thankful for the wonderful world of blogging that has connected me to all of you! xo

we met jan brett {she is our favorite!}

2011-11-20T14:23:00.001-07:00

look! jan brett's book tour bus! we were so excited!

there were a whole lot of people there but we all agreed that we were not leaving without saying hello and getting our new copy of "home for christmas" signed. so we took a place in the long line.

hedgie was there too!

she gave a demonstration on how she creates her illustrations.

there she is! we've almost made it through the slow moving line.

it is exciting to be so close.

at long last it is our turn! she was so kind and patient and chatted with the kids about their love for art and their favorite animals. even harper talked with her and told her he really likes bears.

{if you know harper you know this is a pretty big deal}

she wrote ::

Dear Esmé, Harper and Luca

Love is.

Jan Brett 2011

♥

esmé posed for a photo with her. harper politely declined.

we also picked up a copy of "the hat" for our little library.

now we are back home and all settled in for story time and naps and coffee part two for mama.

*happy sighs*

but before i go i want to share with you what i found! jan's website is full of printable fun for your kiddos! {including some adorable thanksgiving printables}

here are the activity pages.

a whole bunch of sweet coloring pages can be found here.

and she also has some learn to draw videos to watch!

enjoy, friends!

love is.

♥

little lamby knits pattern giveaway!

2011-11-18T09:36:00.001-07:00

i introduced megan from little lamby knits and her adorable patterns last month and now she is back with two new amazing patterns for your little ones!

The Organic Seasons Jacket and Blanket

The Organic Seasons Jacket & blanket are complimentary pieces. The hooded jacket is worked seamlessly & flat from the bottom up, sleeves in the round & then body and sleeves are attached and worked
together with raglan shaping. Hood is knit
seamlessly from the neck up with shaping at the back and then grafted at the top. This sweet jacket features an asymmetrical front closure with button holes & buttons or toggles. The wave pattern is worked throughout with a border onthe bottom featuring the seasonal motif of your choice. Borders are worked by picking up stitches along the front and hood edges. There is 2-5" (5-12.5cm) positive ease for comfort & a generous fit.
The Organic Seasons Blanket is worked seamlessly from the center out and has a seasonal motif border along each side.
Both patterns are sure to become heirloom treasures!

so sweet, yes? megan has generously offered to give one lucky reader both patterns! to enter simply leave a comment on this post.

for an additional entry (leave a separate comment for this one) follow the little lamby knits blog to stay updated on all her wonderful patterns.

enter until monday november 21st.

good luck, friends!

comments are now closed.

super hero :: small style

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

i *think* {gosh, i hope} that he is finally feeling better. it was only three days. but it was three whole, long days {and nights}. i am really ready to get back into the rhythm of our home once again.

yesterday i got him dressed and took him for a short ride in the car to nowhere in particular, but anywhere but here. a little for him and a lot for me.

it turns out fresh air and familiar city streets and jackie greene on the car stereo is good medicine. a little for him and a lot for me.

i am linking up with small style at mama loves papa today.

here is what luca wore on his wee outing ::

green super hero hoodie - target

brown trousers with mushroom pockets - stitched up by mama

butter soft red leather boots - bären-schuhe

whinesniffgrumble {and some happy stuff : giveaways winners!}

2011-11-15T08:09:00.001-07:00

i really want to sew today. but luca is still not feeling his best so it looks like another day in jammies on the couch. harper is still in bed and i am afraid that he might not be feeling well either. i had a free appointment set up with my chiropractor for her annual customer appreciation day and i just now called her to cancel.

deep breathe, chin up, snuggle those sweet boys close. babies don't last. i'm going to throw open the curtains and let those healing sunbeams in. i'm going to make them warm herbal tea and rub their backs and kiss their foreheads. i am going to settle in to watch any movie they choose - home alone again? we know it forward and back now.

i really am lucky to be their mama. i am thankful that they are very rarely sick. and i am thankful that i am right here to take care of them when they are.

{giving thanks :: day 15}

now for giveaway wrap ups ::

the lucky mama who will receive the autumn issue of alphabet glue is vicky from mess for less! woo hoo!

annie has all three AG issues available for purchase here and she is currently hard at work on the winter issue. can't wait!

and i had to choose another winner for the jane austen stitch marker giveaway because i could not get in touch with the original winner. how unfortunate is that? so the new winner is...

nicole! yay, yay, yay!

watch for an email from me this afternoon vicky and nicole!

** oh, and great news, harper is now out of bed and eating breakfast and feeling just fine. thank goodness! have a lovely day, friends! xo

take care of YOU this {handmade} holiday season :: a guest post

2011-11-14T14:15:00.001-07:00

hello friends! i hope this monday finds you all well. we unfortunately have a mild tummy bug going through our house - no fun! belly crummies or not i've had lots to be thankful for the past few days. here is a quick summary ::

day 11 - various meet up with fantastic friends {thank you, loves!}

day 12 - sweet sixteenth birthdays {miss niko!}

day 13 - my washer and dryer {tummy bug}

day 14 - autumn sun {glorious healing sunbeams}

oh, and i haven't closed the comments on the alphabet glue giveaway post just yet, so get over there and enter, quick!

and now i am super excited for my first handmade holiday guest post! today i am featuring my sweet friend karen who i was lucky enough to meet at a local yarn shop two winters ago. we were both expecting and had our sweet baby boys just days apart :: my luca and her liam ♥

karen has put together a lovely {and so important} post about taking care of yourself while making a handcrafted holiday. thanks bunches for your contribution, karen! xoxo

We all know how much fun knitting, crocheting, sewing and general craftiness are, but too much of a good thing can lead to painful wrists, hands, forearms and shoulders. Listed below are some simple things you can do to alleviate the stress and strain of all the holiday craftiness you are probably in the midst of. Remember though, these self care techniques are good for anytime of the year, and taking care of yourself now will help to ensure you are crafting happily and pain free for many years to come!

***

Tips to Reduce Stress

1. Make a list of things to do, prioritizing what needs to be done first, and putting off things that can wait for a little while.

2. Try to maintain a normal sleeping pattern. Same thing goes for your diet. Yeah, yeah, I know it doesn't sound like fun and some days these goals may be totally impossible, but it will make it easier for you to deal with the ups and downs of the holiday craft season. All though, the occasional cookie and cup of cocoa does make the crafting just that much merrier ;)

3. Make time to do the things that are truly important to you; its important to take time for yourself during the holiday hustle and bustle.

4. DRINK WATER!!! It can help you feel better if you have overindulged, and also promotes general health and well being.

5. Realize it may not all get done, especially if you keep adding things to your to do list. Try setting a date that you will "throw in the towel" and be done with crafting craziness...if it isn't done my then, it can wait. This frees you up to enjoy some time before and during the holidays without feeling guilty. For me this year, that day is December 17th.

6. Go see your massage therapist, chiropractor or acupuncturist. All three treatments can greatly improve your physical well being as well as your mental outlook.

Tips to Reduce Pain and Tension While Crafting

1. Take a break! Stop every hour or so to give your hands a good stretch. Really open up your palm, stretch your fingers as wide as they will open. Shake your hands out and maybe rub some nice lotion on them, focusing on the middle of your palm and where your fingers join the palm. Rub the inside of your wrist with the thumb of the opposite hand. Make small circles with your arms and then let them hang loose at your sides.

2. Close your eyes for fifteen to thirty seconds every ten minutes or so, especially if you are working with a very small gauge knitting project or a difficult to read pattern/chart.

3. If you notice the discomfort lasting longer or becoming more intense, please see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Believe it or not, it is possible to hurt yourself by crafting.

4. Knitting yourself a pair of wrist warmers or gauntlets to keep your wrists warm while you are working is a great way to help keep yourself from experiencing discomfort. Just make sure when you knit them for yourself, you make them snug enough that they wont interfere with you are crafting. Natural fibers are best for this type of project, as they will retain heat.

5. If you have over-done it, place ice on you hands, wrists or shoulder to help alleviate any pain or swelling that may occur. A good rule to follow is ten minutes on, twenty minutes off until the pain subsides or the swelling goes down.

6. Last but not least, don’t forget that crafting is what you do for fun! Sure, we all feel the pressure of the holiday giving crunch, but your family would rather have you happy, healthy and sane for the holidays, even if it means they get an IOU (or better yet, the supplies to make their own gift and a bit of your time teaching them a new craft...its like two presents in one!).

--
Karen
www.albanyofthewest.blogspot.com

alphabet glue, story lanterns and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

story lanterns aglow

a few weeks ago i discovered alphabet glue - an e-magazine for children who love books {and their grown ups!} from bird and little bird. goodness sakes, what an amazing resource! we have acquired all three issues that are currently available and here is a small sample of what you will find inside ::

seasonal book lists {LOVE this! we printed ours and took it to the library}
book making tutorials - lots of book making!
scavenger hunts, mix and match story cards and many other fun games.
how-to-make story buntings
story starting jars
a printable year of favorites book calender
story lanterns
and much, much more, friends!

harper, esmé and i spent the last couple days making our own story lanterns from volume three, the autumn issue.

esmé typed out a condensed version of the gingerbread man story and drew pictures to go along. harper just colored random, cute designs to decorate his jar.

and at bedtime they wanted to take their jars into their room so we taped a glow stick to each lid and put a second glow stick in the bottom of the jars so they could safely be used as night lights.


glow stick lanterns are hard to photograph.

annie, the creative mama behind bird and little bird has generously offered to give one lucky reader volume three of alphabet glue! wouldn't these e-mags make the sweetest gift for your little book lover? maybe printed out and tucked into a basket full of goodies needed to make the projects along with a book or two from the seasonal reading list!

to enter the giveaway simply leave a comment letting me know who you would enjoy your copy of alphabet glue with. does your family have a favorite book for each season?

for an additional entry subscribe to bird and little bird so you won't miss a single alphabet glue announcement and leave a separate comment letting me know that you did.

a winner will be chosen on monday november 14th.

good luck, friends! i hope you win!

i am linking up with gingerbread's sweet saturday post! click over to visit april for a whole lot of wonderful inspiration!

a whole lotta this and that {and a giveaway winner!}

2011-11-10T15:11:00.001-07:00

luca is 18 months old! he is actually 18 months and 3 days old {i totally missed the actually day!!}

he is always busy, very funny, super sweet, often naughty, absolutely adorable, and just a big bundle of loveable energy.

he is starting to talk - shoes! see! {said while pointing}, yay! {usually exclaimed when asked "do you want to go bye-bye?} mama, daddy, yes, no and kitty are the words he is using most these days.

he likes to give kisses and hugs, he loves our kitty and dog, and he thinks he is a great big kid and keeps right up with harper most of the time. big and small brothers ♥

giving thanks :: day 9 and 10

day 9 ::

i am thankful for yarn and knitting. i am a dork, i know. but i have the most amazing sweater about to come off the needles. just wait, you will see.

day 10 ::

heated leather automobile seats, where have you been all my idaho winters?

oh, by the way, this is my 600th blog post! yippee!!

it really has no actual significance but i noticed it and thought it was a little exciting!

and now big winner news for the Jane Austen stitch markers ....

DangandBlast! they are all yours! watch your inbox for a message from me! huge congrats!

and the rest of you, don't fret, i have some more wonderful giveaways coming up in the next couple weeks from alphabet glue and little lamby knits so check back in soon!

giving thanks :: days 7 and 8

2011-11-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

giving thanks :: day 7

i am thankful for nap time. and once nap is done i live for bed time.

giving thanks :: day 8

thank you, coffee. you keep me going during the in-between-nap-and-bed times. i am thankful.

while you are here check out the Jane Austen stitch marker giveaway!

jane austen stitch marker GiVeAwAy!!

2011-11-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

In honor of knit girl in idaho's stitch markers being featured in Jane Austen Knits, {read about it here!} she would like to give away a set of Jane Austen stitch markers (set of 2, shown in photo) to one reader!

If you aren't lucky enough to win this set, there are plenty more available in her Etsy shop, Knit Girl in Idaho, or you can email her at knitgirlinidaho@gmail.com if she is soldout.

there are two ways to enter!

- simply leave a sweet comment on this post!

- then visit knit girl in idaho and add her shop to your favorites and leave a separate comment letting me know.

a winner will be chosen on thursday november 10th!

good luck, friends!

comments are now closed - winner will be posted thursday evening!

november sponsor love!

2011-11-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

here is what's new with my lovely sponsors!

reni from knit girl in idaho was featured in a magazine!

Are there any Jane Austen fans out there!? Interweave just released a special publication called Jane Austen Knits, and I am excited to announce
that my Jane Austen stitch markers have been included in the Dry Goods Supplies section of this beautiful magazine!

If you are interested in purchasing Jane Austen Knits, the digital magazine is available for immediate download now or you canstill pre-order the actual magazine and have it shipped to your door.
It's not supposed to hit the newsstands until November 8th, but I've heard that Interweave is nearly sold out and that knitting shops are already requesting additional copies, so get it while you can because they may not print anymore!
This magazine is a must-have and I am honored to have been included in this absolutely gorgeous Interweave publication!

robyn from girl a go-go designs has colour-your-own-dolls in stock! girls, boys, mermaids and bunnies! they would make the sweetest holiday gifts for creative kiddos!

colour-your-own-doll (bunny)

"A go-go" from the French "a gogo" meaning, "in abundance" or "galore".

I love creating all kinds of different things and I think this term aptly fits my views on my shop.

Whenever I can, I try to recycle materials. I also look for new fabrics from thrift stores in an effort to use what is already there. But, like anyone who likes to sew, I also buy new fabrics from my local fabric store from time to time. I can't help running my hands over all those beautiful bolts and dream of all the things I would like to create.

Girl A Go-Go Designs
You can follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/RobynJane
I also have a fan page on Facebook too!

and heidi from humble luna survived halloween costume sewing and is now cranking out fun and whimsical items for the holidays!


green and red dragon/dinosaur tail

Hello thank you so much for stopping by Humble Luna!
It isn't too early to start your holiday shopping!
Warm winter clothing and knit accessories are being added regularly so please check back often!
I am always happy to make custom orders with my costumes and clothing. Need a specific size, want a different color? I am happy to work with you to create a custom design.

I appreciate your business very much!

you can also find heidi here :: under the humble moon

***********************************************************

also, i have super fun giveaways from alphabet glue and little lamby knits to post in the next week and i will be starting the handmade workshop series with a few guest posts from some of my talented friends! be sure to stop back by to check them out!

who else is having a handmade holiday this year? perhaps we should all link up together, a little party of sorts! maybe once a week, we can all come and share our projects... thoughts?

giving thanks :: days 5 and 6

2011-11-06T12:39:00.001-07:00

giving thanks :: day 5

it was the morning after a fabulous night out with my mama friends. i woke up feeling happy and grateful for such special friendships. i dressed my family and we braved the brisk weather {okay, it was just plain COLD!} and watched niko march with her high school band in the veteran's day parade. then we warmed our bones in the cozy car as we drove to a thrift store to browse, and then to another. no treasures were discovered so we treated ourselves to coffee and cocoa and visited a handmade market that some talented friends were set up at. there were several new vendors there too, each with wonderful offerings for holiday shoppers. we spent a good while at the kid's craft table because honestly at this point in the day it was the only place my dear children were content. esmé made a bird out of fabric scraps, pipe cleaners and feathers and harper made a necklace and a feather wand. then it was home for rest and dinner and bath tub soaks and finally, at long last, bed.

i am thankful for days just like this.

giving thanks :: day 6

i am thankful for a husband who doesn't mind doing the grocery shopping for our family of 7 this week just so i don't have to drag all of the kids to the store with me. seriously, how lucky am i?! very.

whip up science.

2011-11-04T15:16:00.000-06:00

after dinner, in our jammies, right there on the dining room table we created erupting volcanoes! they were fizzy, and foamy, pink (not quite enough red food coloring!) and oh, so exciting!

we tried one volcano using only vinegar and baking soda and got a little fizz. the next round we added a bit of liquid dish detergent and had a big, foamy eruption that lasted for nearly 30 seconds and then foamed more when esmé gave the bottle a shake.

we were inspired to make volcanoes by issue #6 of whip up's action pack - zap and zest.

and we have already unanimously agreed that our next project will be homemade chalk from issue #5 - chalk and cheese. {homemade chalk!! squeeee!!}

i cannot even begin to tell you how much we LOVE these mini mags! seriously folks, we adore them, so much. and now there is a brand new issue out, called sticks and stones. we are pretty excited to check it out. though the activities are geared towards youngsters in the 7-12 year old range we are finding that harper (4 yrs.) can easily participate and he is a wonderful assistant!

the message behind these action pack mini mags is wonderful too ::

Action Pack: A mini-mag for kids who want to do stuff!

Get your kids off the couch with this printable mini-mag for kids (aged 7+) priced at only $5.
Inspire them with 25+ pages of craft projects, outdoor activities, cooking, art and more, everything a kid needs for a weekend (or two) of activities.
Educate them through the six senses without them realizing they are even learning.

good stuff, yes? so what are you waiting for, friends? go check it out for yourself!

happy friday, wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

giving thanks :: day 3 and 4

2011-11-04T13:28:00.000-06:00

giving thanks :: day 3

i love raising creative, free thinkers. always wondering and questioning and transforming as they take more in. everyday they learn and change a bit more, some days a lot more. i watch it all unfolding in front of me and there is no greater joy. a good friend posted this quote on facebook a few weeks ago ::

"The sign of intelligence is that you are constantly wondering. Idiots are always dead sure about every damn thing."
~ Jaggi Vasudev

this is so true. feel free to remind me if i ever forget. please.

i am thankful for wonder.

giving thanks :: day 4

i am thankful for cool showers after hot yoga. namaste.

autumn bunting winner and giving thanks

2011-11-02T14:53:00.000-06:00

harper chose lucky number SIX for the autumn bunting giveaway. that is you erin {sweet smile creations} erin is a very talented local photographer - she took the best photos of my family after luca was born, including the sweetest pics of my little guy nursing and showing off his adorable cloth diaper!

erin, i will be in touch with you this afternoon! xo

day 2 :: giving thanks

i am incredibly thankful for my family. yes, this sounds pretty basic and generic, but really, i am so lucky to be where i am and i know it. each one of these amazing children has taught me so many lessons about life. luca is currently teaching me about patience and slowing down to savor the moment i am in. i have been feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with his seemingly non-stop nursing. i feel like he should be sleeping more at night and nursing less, both at night time and during the day. but then it hits me that he is not going to be nursing and snuggling with his mama forever. i mean, just look at my family - i blinked and esmé and harper are big kids now. this is harper's last year at home with mommy before he begins his journey through school. and riley and niko are much too quickly preparing to try out their wings and leave our nest. it is all happening so fast. too fast.

so, i am thankful for my family. every single second, every crazy day, every tuck-the-same-child-into-bed-over-and-over night, the nursing, the snuggling, the kisses every morning. there is nothing basic or generic about any of this, dear friends!

yours in this moment,

erika

trick or treat {another waddler} and giving thanks.

2011-11-01T21:19:00.000-06:00

our little lion.

all he wanted to do is run around the yard and play but we made him sit for photos.

and there is little red and the big bad {super adorable} wolf again.

he was happy after trick or treating began. here he is after his very first house.

and remember harper's trick or treat waddle? no? you can see it here - it was his first trick or treat in the same little lion costume. we recorded luca's waddle too. turns out he is a lot more clumsy than his big brother was. not to worry, he got steadier on his feet after the first block or so. poor dear...

and lastly, i am joining morgan at mama loves papa in 30 days of giving thanks. i may not blog every single day, we will see, but i will be sure to fill in the gaps on the days that i do post.

day 1 :: giving thanks
today i am thankful for the amazingly sweet guy i am married to - the one that escorted {often carried} our little lion to each door last night and enjoyed every second of it. he is the very best daddy and husband and i am lucky, lucky to be his girl ♥

welcome november!

pumpkins and dress up

2011-10-30T23:14:00.000-06:00

here we are with just a little end of october fun!

big bad wolf and little red.

last minute mama costume.

a day of pumpkin carving with family and friends.

forgetting to turn off the flash for the big light up at dark.

ah, much better but most of the pumpkins had already gone home.

silly balloons.

colorful glow sticks inside white balloons.

we will certainly have more cute costume photos to share, including some of our wee little lion!

have fun and be safe tomorrow, friends!

happy halloween!

autumn bunting :: a tutorial and giveaway!

2011-10-28T16:34:00.002-06:00

i stitched up a bunch of these little autumn buntings for a market i did earlier in october. isn't it sweet! i have since had visions of bunting sets with a different little banner for each season - wouldn't that be a great gift for a dear friend or neighbor? i am adding this idea to my {ever-growing} handmade holiday to do list! if you would like to make some too here is a little tutorial ::

i used these old upholstery fabric sample books that i got at our local reuse market a long while back. burlap or wool felt would also work well for this project. i cut the little triangles out with pinking shears. if you are worried about fraying you can put a little fray check around the edges. i personally like a bit of fraying.

i made my own double fold bias tape from vintage linens using one of these. {here is a tutorial to make your own bias tape. it is easy. i promise!} but if making miles and miles of bias tape isn't your thing you can use packaged wide double fold bias tape instead.

to make the letters for my buntings i created a document in microsoft publisher in a font and size that looked just right then printed it directly onto cotton fabric. there are a couple ways to do this. you can buy the printable paper from the quilters section at your local fabric store. it is pretty spendy and you only get 5 or 6 sheets per package. if you have a coupon and don't plan to make tons of buntings this would work fine. you can also order printer ready fabric here. it is quite a bit cheaper if you will be doing a lot of fabric printing. i use freezer paper sheets that i can iron to back of my fabric so they will go through my printer. it is a little more work because i have to cut my fabric into paper sized pieces then iron the freezer paper on but i prefer this method because i do a lot of printing on fabric so this is the most economical option for me and i can use any natural fiber (cotton, linen, silk) in various weights depending on my project. also the freezer paper sheets can be used over and over!

after the letters are printed onto your fabric you will carefully cut them out in any shape - i suggest making a little cardboard stencil so they are all the same size. again, if fraying bothers you add a little fray check to the edges of your letters.

now it is time to sew it all together! start pinning your triangles and letters about 18 inches from the end of your bias tape. sandwich your pieces between the bias tape making sure you put the tops of both pieces right up against the fold so you are sure to catch all of the pieces when you sew. when you have everything pinned in place start sewing a straight stitch at the very end of your bias tape and continue along the open edge making sure you sew through all the layers when you come to each triangle and letter. sew for another 18 inches after your last letter and cut your bias tape off on an angle and admire the adorable handmade bunting you just whipped up! that was super easy, yes? so go ahead and make one for everyone you know!

now for the GiVeAwAy!

just for fun i have decided to send the cute bunting in this tutorial to one lucky reader! all you have to do is leave a comment on this post and i will choose a winner at random on tuesday morning {tuesday happens to be november 1st!! can you believe it?!} anyone is welcome to enter and i will get this in the mail just as soon as possible so you can display your autumn bunting all of november.

good luck, friends!

today i am linking up with gingerbread's sweet saturday post!

comments are closed - i will announce a lucky winner later this evening!

farm visit

2011-10-26T22:08:00.000-06:00

last week we visited our dear friend sarah and her family on their small goat farm. it was a lovely afternoon full of wonderful company, wonderful food and wonderful fun.

here are a few photos from our day at the farm ::

currently i am staying busy putting the finishing touches on handmade costumes, getting our home ready to carve pumpkins with friends and family this weekend, cooking, baking, sweater knitting, tea sipping and thoroughly enjoying this beautiful season. what is keeping you busy these days?

looking forward to november!

2011-10-24T09:18:00.001-06:00

hello friends! are you looking for an inexpensive way to advertise your shop or blog this holiday season? i am currently scheduling sponsorships for november and would love to have you! each sponsor will have a sweet little button in my sidebar as well as the opportunity for a feature post, giveaway and/or coupon code for readers.

please visit this post for more information!

thanks bunches and bunches!

xo, erika

smack dab in the middle of autumn.

2011-10-23T10:56:00.000-06:00

our tiny street is so pretty in october. the trees are every shade of gold and orange and there are gorgeous virginia creeper vines that turn deep scarlet red and climb all the way up the tallest trees. i have posted photos of it before here and also here. just a couple weeks ago it was still green and lush. it is lovely, yes? so i suppose i should post some new pictures...

it was a terrible time of day to take outdoor photos {we waited until esmé got off the school bus at the end of the day} so i am going to get out there again and take even more photos! it is just too good and too short lived not to.

happy sunday, friends.

friday.

2011-10-21T14:00:00.003-06:00

* good morning * hot coffee * green smoothies * elk roast in the crock pot * play, play, play * clean up * baby nap * preschool workbooks * sweater knitting * reading * one more cup of coffee * what should we do next, little loves? *

happy friday, friends.

meet robyn :: girl a go-go designs

2011-10-20T21:48:00.000-06:00

i am excited to introduce to you all my good friend robyn from girl a go-go designs! robyn and i have shared space at several markets and shows and i always have a fantastic time with her. she has some wonderful items available for the holidays - i have already tucked away a couple color-your-own-bunnies for harper and esmé and can hardly wait for them to open them!

here is robyn - enjoy!

Tell us about yourself and the wonderful things that you create!

My name is Robyn and I am Girl A Go-Go Designs. I live in Boise, Idaho, with my husband, three kids and a myriad of pets. I love to be creative. I always have. I used to draw and paint and batik, but with the constant interruptions of home life, I had to find something that I could easily stop and start. So I took up sewing. I’m really enjoying using different fabrics and coming up with my own designs and patterns. I like the challenge of hunting for materials that I can reuse and seeing beyond what it is now to what the potential could be.

recycled tee shirt skirt

When did you learn your craft and who taught you?

I learned how to sew in my grade 8 Home Ec class. Funny thing is, I never really liked it. But when I took it up again, all those things that I learned suddenly came rushing back.

Where do you get inspiration for your handmade items?

I don’t have a particular source of inspiration. Sometimes ideas just pop into my head from looking at a particular piece of fabric. It helps being surrounded by creative people to share the spirit and joy of making.

colour-your-own-doll {mermaid} i LOVE these!!

Are there any new items in the works for your shop?

There is always something on the back burner of my mind for new things. Right now it’s getting ready for a fun holiday season. Since I’ve been working with reclaimed burlap lately, I’m flooded with ideas on how to use it to make unique decorations for the home.

little basket made from reclaimed burlap and hand stenciled.

Do you have any other hobbies or passions?
Besides sewing, I like to crochet and bead. I’m also an avid reader. I’ve gone back to school to become a library technician so my studies have taken a priority in my life. Since I love books and libraries, this is really up my alley.

Please let us know where we can find you - etsy, blog, facebook, etc.

Here are a few of the places that you can find me:

Facebook - Girl A Go-Go Designs

Etsy - Girl A Go-Go Designs

Twitter - RobynJane

a little autumn love.

2011-10-19T17:24:00.000-06:00

acorn caps + wood beads + hot glue = the sweetest autumn acorns for our nature table

{there are a couple glass bead acorns in there too}

this one is my very favorite!

♥ autumn ♥

chocolate zucchini-coconut cake :: a recipe

2011-10-18T12:33:00.000-06:00

this recipe yields the most amazingly moist and decedent cake, not even kidding. it is our new family favorite!

ingredients ::

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups raw sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

3 cups shredded zucchini

3/4 cup shredded coconut

1 cup chocolate chips

preheat oven to 350 degrees. prep your baking dish (spray, flour or line with parchment - this is pretty sticky stuff) i used a 9x9 inch stoneware dish.

combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. add the eggs and beat for a minute or so then add the applesauce and mix well. fold in the shredded zucchini and coconut. pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.

bake for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. remove from over and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cake while it is still hot. wait a minute or two then spread the melted chocolate over the cake. let cake cool (if you can wait!) completely and serve.

go bake yourself a cake, friends! you totally deserve it!

enjoy ♥

meet heidi :: humble luna

2011-10-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

i am thrilled to introduce you to heidi, the extremely talented mama behind humble luna. my littles love dress up - capes, crowns, hats, old halloween costumes - it is make believe all the time around here. heidi makes many fantastic items for small people including pants, smocks, hand knits and the most amazing and fun plush dragon tails! read her introduction, check out her shop and be sure to like her facebook page so you can stay updated on all of her lovely offerings! xo

Tell us about yourself and the wonderful things that you create!
When did you learn your craft and who taught you? I taught myself to sew while I was in High school and made a lot of my own clothing. After my oldest child was born I became obsessed with making and designing her Halloween costumes and would look forward to them all year. Now that I have two children( and another on the way) I enjoy making and designing costumes and clothing for them more than for myself but I am sure I will find time to make things for me again in the future.

Where do you get inspiration for your handmade items? The dragon tail costumes that I sell in my Etsy shop were inspired from my time as an intern as a textile designer at the Portland Children's museum. My job was to dream up costumes for each exhibit and then I would design and create the costumes that were then used by hundreds of children each day. It was wonderful, like Halloween every day of the year. The costumes I designed for them had to be gender neutral, suitable for varying ages, easy to put on and take off and they had to be really durable. One of my most successful costumes were the dragon tails. They have lasted at the museum for several years. I got so many compliments from parents and the staff at the museum that I decided to make them to sell on my own when my internship with them had ended.

Are there any new items in the works for your shop? Yes, there are many. I have a few new costume ideas and I have been working on new clothing designs such as pants, hats and boots and will be adding them to my shop once my Halloween rush is over. I also plan to add several items for newborns and very young babies. Since I am pregnant I am thinking a lot about teeny tiny people and what I can make for them. Plus I will have a new model soon to try out all my baby clothing designs;) I also will be adding more hand knit items to my shop very soon for the winter season.

Do you have any other hobbies or passions? Besides knitting and sewing I also love to paint and draw. I went to Art School for illustration and I dream of being a Childrens book illustrator. I wrote and illustrated a story for my thesis in Art School and hope to more aggressively pursue it's publication in the future. For now I am busy enough being a stay at home mom and sewing for HumbleLuna.

Please let us know where we can find you - etsy, blog, facebook, etc. You can find my shop at Humbleluna.Etsy.com, and HumbleLuna is also on Facebook. I blog about knitting, sewing, the beautiful state of Oregon and precious times with my family at Under the Humble Moon, humbleluna.blogspot.com

current loves :: v1

2011-10-16T18:35:00.000-06:00

the crochet edition

i do not crochet but i think i need to learn. soon!

winter wool {and a winner!}

2011-10-13T22:56:00.000-06:00

i am sweater knitting again. this time i am knitting this pattern with this wool. so far i have knit the collar and the shoulder increases. once again i am in love. with this pattern and this wool joining forces to create the greatest winter sweater ever. at least that is the plan.

on to giveaway winner news ::

the randomly chosen winner for the knit girl in idaho stitch marker {or wine charms} is lorraine! yay, yay, happy day! watch your inbox for a message about your winnings, lorraine!

and guess what - there are even more giveaways to come! don't miss out, friends! see you soon. xo

sarah doll, we love you.

2011-10-11T13:45:00.001-06:00

this is sarah. she was esme's handmade christmas doll a couple years ago. she has been dressed up, dressed down, styled, carried, cuddled, played with and loved hard since her holiday arrival. last week she was left out in the yard and got rained on. i discovered her soggy, stained body the next day and nearly cried. esmé did cry. i told tony to please take her to the garbage. but he didn't and she laid on our front porch for several days. we saw poor sarah every time we came and went. i finally picked her up with the intention of throwing her into the garbage. but i just couldn't do it. we put her into the washing machine instead on the delicate cycle with a bit of lavender scented castile soap.

her wool hair is a tangled mess. her wool stuffing is all clumpy. her pale cotton skin still has water stains. but my heart is so happy she is still here. and her little dress washed up nicely. she probably deserves a brand new one.

have you ever had a special or handmade toy lost or ruined. sad day, yes? because secretly i am feeling just a teeny bit silly for being so upset... over a dolly.

while you are here be sure to enter the fun giveaway from knit girl in idaho!

meet reni :: knit girl in idaho {and a giveaway!}

2011-10-09T17:30:00.003-06:00

time for another fabulous sponsor introduction! reni makes super cute personalized stitch markers for knitting and crochet as well as wine charms. i met her last december when i was lucky enough to be her neighbor at a holiday craft show. i had so much fun chatting with her that afternoon! please read her introduction, visit her shop and enter her generous giveaway at the bottom of this post!

xo, erika

Tell us a little about yourself!I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and moved to Washington for my freshman year of college, which is where I met my husband a short time later. After dating a few years, my husband and I were married one week after we graduated from college, which is almost 25 years ago now! In 2005, we decided we needed a slower lifestyle so we packed up and moved to Idaho. We have two wonderful boys, our oldest is 18 and just started his first year of college, and my youngest is almost 15 and started his freshman year of high school. Being the only female in the house sometimes has its downside (like cleaning toilets!), but most of the time I feel blessed and lucky to have three very special men in my life. My family is very supportive and always encourage me in my "crafty" endeavors!

Tell us about the wonderful things that you create! When did you learn your craft and who taught you?

My mom taught me how to knit when I was a little girl, but I lost interest somewhere along the way and didn't pick it back up again until after my second child was born. I have been absolutely addicted to knitting ever since. My first knitting projects were very simple garter stitch scarf projects, and then I went through a phase of knitting nothing but dishclothes! Dishclothes are very small, quick projects that are a wonderful way for a beginning knitter to try new techniques they might otherwise be intimidated to try. Knitting dishclothes is how I learned to master cables, yarn-overs, ssk, etc.... Once I acquired these new skills, I felt confident knitting more advanced scarf patterns.

Eventually, I was bit by the sock knitting bug and now socks are my all-time favorite project to knit! Sock projects are great because they are small, portable projects that travel well (you can carry it with you in your purse!). Most sock patterns can be knit with one skein of sock yarn, and there are literally thousands of free or inexpensive sock patterns available for knitters at every level. One thing most sock patterns have in common is that they call for stitch markers or place markers. Stitch markers slide on your knitting needle to help you keep track of your stitches while knitting a section of the heel. There are many different types and styles of stitch markers available, but I found most of them to be boring so I decided to create my own. I shared a picture of my new stitch markers to some of my pals on Ravelry (a FANTASTIC online knitting and crochet community!) and a couple of them said they would pay me to make them a set too! This led to more and more people wanting to buy my stitch markers, hence my Etsy shop, KnitGirl in Idaho was born. My best customers today are these same friends from Ravelry!

I specialize in making personalized stitch markers using any photo, personal logo or short saying. The question I get asked more than any other is "how do you make those?" My answer is that it has taken me years to perfect the process and countless hours of trial and error, so I am very protective of my craft! I will say that whenever I think I have the system down to an exact science, undoubtedly there will be equipment failure or a supplier that changes. I have to be flexible to change and ready to roll with the tide at any given time. There are other Etsy shops that sell similar items to mine, but don't be fooled by the copycats out there! My stitch markers are the originals of their kind and can be found at The Loopy Ewe as well as many other online retailers and yarn stores. Also, be watching the newsstands because I received good news that my stitch markers will be seen in a couple magazines in the coming months!

Are there any new items in the works for your shop?

I am very excited because I recently started selling removable stitch markers for crochet, which is a brand new market for me! Unlike knitting stitch markers that slide on the knitting needle, these stitch markers use a lobster
clasp that clips directly on the yarn in a crochet project.

In January of this year, I also opened a second Etsy shop called Wine Charms by Design. I started this shop for those people who love my stitch marker charms but, sadly, don't knit. I use the same charms as on my stitch markers, but they are on a wire hoop that wraps around the stem of a wine glass or other stemmed glassware. As with my Knit Girl shop, I also specialize in personalized wine charms and have done several sets for weddings.

What's your day job and do you have any other hobbies or passions?

My husband and I also own a business together that has been in the family for 3 generations. He's the sales & marketing dept and I'm the taxes & bookkeeping dept! We've always had the luxury of working from home so one or both of us is usually around when the boys would get home from school. Now that the boys are almost grown up, our family time is a high commodity. We cherish our time together, whether we're watching a soccer or basketball game or just relaxing at home in the evenings together. Aside from knitting, I am an avid reader. I will read just about any genre and never, never leave home without a book!

Please let us know where we can find you - etsy, blog, facebook, etc.

Knit Girl in Idaho Etsy shop: www.KnitGirlinIdaho.com
Facebook: Knit Girl in Idaho
Twitter: KnitGirlinIdaho
Ravelry: KnitGirlinIdaho
Email: knitgirlinidaho@gmail.com

Wine Charms by Design Etsy shop: www.WineCharmsbyDesign.com

Facebook: Wine Charms by Design
Email: winecharmsbydesign@gmail.com

for today's giveaway reni has offered to one lucky winner either a set of 4 Personalized Stitch Markers (choice of Knitting or Crochet) OR a set of 4 Personalized Wine Charms (wouldn't these make GREAT gifts?!). also she is happy to ship internationally so anyone is welcome to throw their name into the hat!

- to enter visit reni's shops and let us know what item you would choose!
extra entries (leave a separate comment for each one)
- add either (or both!) of reni's shops to your etsy favorites
- "like" reni's facebook page
- follow reni on twitter

i will close the comments and choose a winner on thursday october 13th. good luck, friends!

comments are now closed - i will post the lucky winner's name later this evening!

pumpkin patch {and a giveaway winner!}

2011-10-08T19:45:00.000-06:00

yesterday we packed up and headed to the pumpkin patch. we were supposed to meet esme's girl scout troop there. however rather than look at a map before leaving the house i simply looked at the address and thought that i could drive right to it. after we were lost for 20 minutes we finally arrived but her girl scout friends were no longer waiting out front. sad little miss. but she got over it pretty quick and we went ahead and did all of the pumpkin patch activities by ourselves.

this was minutes after we arrived. not sure why harper is the one with a grumpy face on.

here we are on the hay ride to the pumpkin fields.

we made it!

this pumpkin was good for sitting but too big for us to carry.

but these are the right size {uh oh, grumpy face is back!}

they played in this giant box of wheat and corn for about 30 minutes.

these little piggies were so cute! but poor luca was terrified of the obnoxiously loud donkey across the way so we didn't get to visit them for long.

esmé and harper rode the barrel train on our way out then it was time to take my sleepy crew and their pumpkins home. we had a great time even though we never did see the girl scouts. next time i will look at a map. i promise. moving on.

and now onto big giveaway winner news! harper chose lucky number 8 to receive the union suit pattern from little lamby knits - rebecca (knittingwithwords) that is you! watch for an email from me!

i will be back tomorrow with another sponsor introduction and giveaway! see you then!

2011-10-05T13:27:00.002-06:00

it's raining here.

i thrifted a small hand full of umbrellas back in july. when it was very hot and very dry. i felt kind of silly buying them but now i am so happy that i did. i am really trying to make that be-prepared-ahead-of-time way of life stick. it does not come naturally to me, at all. i am trying though. i started buying and stashing holiday gifts in july too. go me!

today our agenda is ::

*more umbrella walks * puddle jumping * wet socks * soaked boots * crock pot dinner * hot cocoa * buttered popcorn * family movie * bath tub soaks * story time * tuck in * good night.

♥ happy day ♥

while you are here don't forget to enter the little lamby knits pattern giveaway!

meet megan :: little lamby knits {and a giveaway!}

2011-10-04T00:21:00.005-06:00

today i am excited to introduce you to one of my lovely sponsors, megan from little lamby knits. megan designs some of the sweetest knitting patterns i have ever seen! seriously CUTE! and i love that she has a family very similar to mine with a big kid, a tiny kid and all the sizes in between ♥ i hope you enjoy getting to know her just as much as i have!

organic seasons jacket

organic seasons blanket

Tell us about yourself and the wonderful things that you create!
I am a Canadian girl who loves the cool weather and all the wonderful knitting opportunities! I homeschool my 8 children (ok, my oldest is in College now!) and work part time designing knitting patterns and work at our Post Office. I have a background in sewing garments & quilting. I love creating garments that are seamless, comfortable and last more than one season, as well as unisex patterns.

When did you learn your craft and who taught you?

My maternal grandmother taught me how to cast on, knit, purl & cast off, when I was 4 years old. I made a pink variegated pillow and still have it :) From there, my Aunt taught me how to crochet, sew & quilt and I learned how to read and design patterns. Cabbage Patch outfits & miniature doll clothing were my specialty way back when :)

Where do you get inspiration for your handmade items?

My children and nature inspire me every single day. They teach me what is comfortable and fun; my favorite things are hoods, stripes and colors!

Are there any new items in the works for your shop?

Always! I currently have in testing, the Organic Seasons Blanket & matching Jacket. These are two of my favorite projects that I have created and are perfect for boys or girls. The blanket features one season per side & is available in 3 sizes; lovie, stroller & crib (shown). The jacket features a wave pattern, motif border, seamless construction & an asymmetrical opening, in sizes 3 months - 10 years. They should both be available early November :) Also, upon much request, 2 new Union Suit patterns; one for sizes 4- 14 years & one for ADULTS!

Do you have any other hobbies or passions?

I am a scrapbooker, crocheter, sewer & quilter....once upon a time. Eventually, I will get back to these crafts :) In the present, I have time for cooking & knitting & little-children-hugging :)

Please let us know where we can find you - etsy, blog, facebook, etc.

Etsy: TheWittyKnitter

Blog: www.thewitknit.blogspot.com

Ravelry: thewittyknitter

{GIVEAWAY!}

megan has generously offered her union suit pattern to one lucky reader!

- to enter leave a comment letting us know who you would knit this adorable pattern for.

- for an additional chance to win (leave a second comment for this entry) follow megan's blog, little lamby knits to stay updated on her new pattern releases! if you simply cannot wait to cast on her patterns are available for purchase here.

i will choose a winner at random on friday october 7th. best of luck, friends!

comments are closed - i will announce a winner in the morning!

october!

2011-10-03T11:10:00.000-06:00

october feels a little more like autumn, even though it has been 80+ degrees here in boise. it looks like it is going to get cold later in this week (in the 50s!) and i think i am ready. hand knit sweater washed and blocked, recycled wool mitts properly embellished, hoodies for the littles folded neatly next to the front door...

how is the weather in your neck of the woods?

today i am planning a trip to the fabric store to buy this pattern for myself and this one for esme. that's right, i am going to purchase a pattern and fabric then sew her a coat and hope like heck that she loves it. she already looked over the photos and approved this project so maybe it will all be gravy.

wish me luck, friends.

while you are here be sure check out my wonderful sponsors over there in the side bar! ---->

they each have some amazing offerings! their fun feature posts and super awesome giveaways will start tomorrow! trust me, you will want to come back and check it out.

autumn blessings!

erika

i love handmade and so do my readers! sponsorship opportunity!

2011-09-29T11:42:00.002-06:00

hello dear friends - do you have a sweet handmade shop, or perhaps a blog full of inspiration or tutorials for handmade items? inspired mama musings is gearing up for another handmade holiday and would love to promote your shop or blog!

inspired mama musings sponsorship will include a button in my sidebar that will link directly to you, as well as the opportunity for a featured post, a giveaway or coupon code for readers.

there are two sidebar button sizes available at amazing holiday rates! that's right, now through december you can advertise for the following prices ::

250x125 $7 per month

125x125 $4 per month

want more information? please contact me at InspiredMama@msn.com

xo, erika

small style :: pixies!

2011-09-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

over the weekend i tried to take a few photos of my boys modeling the recycled wool pixie hats that i sew and sell. harper's photos are pretty darned cute. i even put one up in my new autumn banner.

luca wasn't quite as interested but still absolutely adorable...

we gave him acorns and leaves from the oak tree to study while i clicked away. that kept him still for about 10 seconds.

then he chewed the hat. that is daddy's leg over there on the right of the photo. he was on active duty and instructed to catch the baby if he decided to make a run for it {which he totally did}.

this was the last photo, right before he ran. but it doesn't even matter because it turns out there is nothing quite as cute as a toddling pixie streaking across the yard wild with giggles while daddy tries to catch up.

a note to my little pixies - please do not outgrow your love for pixie hats and make believe and general silliness for a long, long time. or perhaps ever. that would work for me too. love, mama xoxo

all about the hats ::

i make them from pristine recycled wool and cashmere garments {and occasionally fluffy angora!}

they are embellished with wool felt and braided wool ties.

each hat is one of a kind.

my amazing hubby made the beautiful wood buttons that i add to them!

i am linking up with mama loves papa today!

happy eleven.

2011-09-23T17:24:00.000-06:00

it was the first day of autumn. i wore vintage pearls and lace.

he had tie dyed socks on with his tuxedo.

i cried when i said my vows.

niko and riley were so small.

our cake was covered with mums and topped with a vintage red candy dish.

i carried roses. there were also coffee beans in my bouquet.

eleven wonderful years, and counting. happy anniversary, love! i really am the luckiest girl. xo

naptime bustle.

2011-09-22T16:57:00.002-06:00

here is what i did while the baby napped today ::

i wiped the sticky, smudgy hand prints off the glass patio door. and it is still clean an hour later, because the baby is still sleeping.

i swept the dining room. it is the third time i have had the broom out today and not even close to the last time.

i collected acorn caps from the backyard for a fun project. they are teeny and really cute. but i am hoping to also find some larger caps. i think a visit to the park is in order!

i folded a load of laundry AND put it away. that almost never happens all at one time around here.

right this second the baby is still in peaceful slumber so i am blogging while knitting a lovely, hand-dyed gray, merino-cashmere blend hat (for you, tahirih, if you are reading!) while drinking iced coffee and admiring my tidy floors and clean glass door. i should be getting dinner started. but not yet. just give me a few more minutes...

what do you do with yourself during nap time, friends?

vintage thrift

2011-09-19T22:12:00.000-06:00

today i found this ::

a vintage pattern carefully and thoughtfully cut out and ready to sew.

at first glance i simply wanted the fabric. see the tiny acorns! LOVE! it feels a lot like linen and the background is a delicious espresso brown. but after i got it home and looked again i think i will go ahead and sew it up and see how it turns out. i believe it is the top, second from the left. and if i hate it i will cut it up and use the fabric for something else!

this sweet tiered dessert stand came home with me too ::

$2.99! how could i leave it behind?

i also found more (!!) vintage fabric yardage and a really funky vintage skirt. maybe after i find the perfect top, shoes (or boots) and accessories to doll it up i will come back and share photos. you all can't wait, right? that's what i thought!

happiest monday, friends!

i am here. come visit!

2011-09-16T20:54:00.000-06:00

hey, local friends - this weekend you can find inspired mama MAKES! at the oh, so good hyde park street fair. i am tucked away in the idaho indie works booth with 20 talented and super fun artists. seriously folks, you don't want to miss it!

here is a little of what i have to offer this weekend ::

eco mitts made from recycled wool, cashmere and angora.

wool dress up crowns and headbands knit from soft, hand dyed wool.

handmade buttons for all of your crafty projects.

lots of whimsical coloring wallets.

i also have wool flower hair clips, and fabric button bookmarks, earrings and rings and the sweetest eco pixie hats, available in every size!

as if the handmade goodness wasn't enough there is also live music and entertainment, loads of activities for the kids {bouncy houses, face painting, games, hula hooping...}, and yummy food and beer.

i hope to see you there! chop, chop lollipop!

small style :: when big brother was small.

2011-09-15T09:13:00.000-06:00

just a few more things that harper wore, mama loved and luca is now growing into.

these pants with the butter-soft heather ross lily pad pockets. i made them for harper when he was nearly two but i am hopeful that they will fit over luca's cloth diapered bum this fall.

harper's solstice sweater from a couple winters ago. i am positive it will look as amazingly adorable on luca as it did on harper.

and this little cassette tape jacket {target, i think} we still have this handknit pixie hat too.

have i mentioned how much fun i am having with another boy baby?... ♥

linking up with mama loves papa's small style post.

before you go...

2011-09-12T21:30:00.000-06:00

honestly i am not too terribly sad to see summer go. today on our afternoon walk i spotted three bright red leaves on the virginia creeper that lines our small street. my heart fluttered. there is a chill in the evening air. an i-need-to-put-on-my-handknit-sweater kind of chill. i really wish i had knit myself a shawl this summer.

i am ready for change. i need change. new hair, new clothes. different food, different mood. i am ready.

meanwhile we are keeping busy soaking up every last lingering second that summer has left.

the last wildflower bouquet.

one more pedicure.

a final day spent playing on the river.

until next time...

small style :: the striped romper

2011-09-09T11:07:00.002-06:00


riley at a birthday party in the striped romper from the gap - summer 1995

harper just learning to walk in the striped romper - summer 2008

and luca running and playing in the striped romper - summer 2011

seriously, how sweet is that?!

i am linking up with mama loves papa (a day late, OOPS!) click over and visit her for more small style!

just now.

2011-09-07T15:12:00.000-06:00

just now, on a whim, i decided to open my HP gallery and quickly choose a random photo to post. this was our last pumpkin harvest, three years ago. we haven't grown pumpkins since. i miss those crazy vines snaking around the garden and watching the pumpkins get bigger and bigger then slowly turn orange. i miss home grown jack-o-lanterns glowing on our front porch. i miss harper and esme being that tiny.

i still have those little brown corduroy pants and striped shirt that harper is wearing and i think they will fit luca this year. i just now decided that he will wear this very outfit to the pumpkin patch next month. yes, a pumpkin harvest photo of luca in his big brothers pumpkin harvest hand-me-downs will happen for sure.

we are also planning a big, crazy fun, backyard pumpkin carving party with all of our friends, something else we have not done for three, maybe even more, years. i can't wait. i love autumn. that is all for now.

for the LOVE of LONG hair!

2011-09-03T17:04:00.001-06:00

alrighty, postpone the new edgy short hair that i have been day dreaming about for a just few more months because lookie what i just discovered!!

i know, too good, right? you can buy it here (only $4.99!) and there is a giveaway you can enter here.

i wear the waterfall braid (in fact i wore one last night, mom's night out mamas!) and the bohemian twist all the time but i simply cannot wait to try all of the others.

so, instead of chopping off my tresses in the near-ish future i think i will adopt a fun, new color for autumn. any suggestions for me? please share!

how to properly finish a handknit sweater.

2011-09-02T13:07:00.001-06:00

alternately titled "oh hey, you finally finished that sweater of yours, now you get to spend three long days trying to decide which buttons are perfect for it!!"

i loved the gray buttons first, then i thought maybe i wanted wood buttons. but i add wood buttons to everything, i am kind of over it. the top-left button in the first photo, right next to the gray ones, is actually a dark green. and the button right under it a dark brown.

once you sew on some darned buttons already you can then put your new wool sweater on even though it is nearly 90 degrees and go into the backyard and have your eight year old take some pictures of you looking all dorky as i have demonstrated below.

no make-up and a grundgy pony tail. but this post is all about the sweater, friends. i would seriously hate to take the spotlight.

now if it would just kindly get cool enough for me to wear this lovely i would be a very happy girl.

here are my yellow sweater's deets ::

pattern :: tea leaves cardigan

yarn :: cascade 220 in lemon ice

needles :: addi turbo circulars in sizes 6 and 7
buttons :: vintage from my button jar. and i really do think i made the perfect choice!

back to school :: make it fun!

2011-08-29T16:53:00.000-06:00

super cute binder pouch!

FuN reusable lunch bag from bend the rules with fabric! tutorial includes instructions to print your own custom fabric!

lunch box love notes :: a free printable!

good morning and bedtime checklists to download from children inspired designs (we LOVE CID!!)
we printed these out and slipped them into plastic page protectors - the kind that slip into a binder. the morning checklist is on one side and the bedtime checklist is on the other and they can mark on them with dry erase markers then wipe them clean for the next day. i would prefer one with pictures for harper since he doesn't read just yet. i have plans to create one for him soon. and when i do i will be sure to come share it with all of you!

button flower headbands! adorable and so easy. go ahead, make one for every day of the week!

and lastly i stumbled across this flickr group with tons of photos and lunch box inspiration :: lunchbox recipes

so friends, what are some of your favorite back to school projects, ideas or websites? please share!

small style :: back to school edition

2011-08-25T14:57:00.003-06:00

i can hardley believe that summer vacation is over. didn't it seem to last forever when we were kids. this year we sent two kids to high school (!!), one to third grade and still have two at home. since it is still super hot here we put off buying new clothes for a few more weeks when it will be cool enough to wear jeans.

'cept the big kids are already that cool and they wear jeans even when it is 100 degrees...

here is what they wore for their first day back ::

on esme ::

striped sweatshirt by old navy

polka dot gray tee by target

ruffled rainbow skirt by old navy, a hand-me-down from a special friend

and brand new, pink plaid NSS shoes with ribbon laces.

on riley and niko ::

they both wore old tee shirts and old jeans. they try to deny the fact that they are a bit alike but i think these photos say otherwise...

and here are the little cuties who stayed home with mama.

on harper ::

we are encouraging him to choose his own clothes and i pretty much just go with whatever he picks out as long as it is weather appropriate and fits him. this day it was a brown polo shirt and brown sweat shorts. his summer sandles are, you guessed it, brown. can't go wrong with all brown, i suppose.

on luca ::

short overalls by babyGAP

ooga booga tank top by mama ♥

laguna sandles by soft star shoes

today i am linking up with morgan at mama loves papa. if you love small style like i do be sure to pay her a visit!

the flip side

2011-08-23T17:12:00.002-06:00

this is a follow up of sorts to sunday's happy little post. yesterday went a whole lot different. it did start with smiles and dancing and a yummy breakfast with my tots. but then it became one big ol' ball of crazy as the kids bickered and whined while mama tried to get not-so-fun chores done and baby luca went from one destructive activity to another right under my feet.

he ate one of esme's markers. the dark blue one. he also bit harper, hard, right on the cheek leaving a dandy bruise. i was stressed and so were my little people.

thank goodness for rescue remedy, coffee, leftover cake and popscicles. i was able to stop and take a deep breath {or two} and somewhat pick our day back up just before a gnarly crash landing.

today is the very last day of summer vacation. we went out earlier and picked up a couple last minute neccesities {like a new pack of markers for esme who simply cannot live without dark blue}

she told me she can't wait for today to be over so she can hurry up and sleep so it will be time to go to school already. she just really loves school, i guess. i've got mixed emotions - sweet summer, i am so sad but relieved at the same time to see you go so soon. oh hey, who is that next in line? ahhh, autumn ♥

sunday

2011-08-21T10:41:00.001-06:00

good morning * hugs, kisses, big happy smiles * green juice and waffles * coffee, oh, glorious coffee * dining room clean up, round one * birthday cake baking * dancing in the kitchen * wildflower bouquets * hula hooping on the back porch, still in our jammies * more coffee... more dancing... more smiles and giggle, giggle, excited giggles...

there is nothing more i need.

happy sunday, friends!

small style :: summer repeat

2011-08-18T11:14:00.001-06:00

at one point during my last pregnancy i thought that i wanted another little girl. how much fun would it be to sew sweet dresses and skirts and create tiny, frilly handknits. but as luca grows i realize how wonderful it worked out that we had another little boy.

i made a bunch of cute little tank tops for harper a couple summers ago. when he outgrew them they were carefully tucked away into luca's dresser. luca has been wearing them nearly every day the past couple months. the tanks are a perfect fit. luca is a perfect fit.

harper :: summer 2008

luca :: summer 2011

harper :: summer 2008

luca :: summer 2011

yes. this is just right.

i am linking up with morgan at mama loves papa today!

one of those days.

2011-08-11T23:36:00.000-06:00

{image from pintrest.}

i woke up sick this morning. like throwing up, head pounding, everybody please just SHHHHH! kind of sick. 'cept i have a house full of kiddos so there is no quietly sleeping it off. i did nap on the couch in between getting up to attend to matters that simply could not be ignored.

{baby on the dining room table, he's a climber. harper swinging a golf club on the back porch right next to the sliding glass door. finally talking the kids into watching a movie only to realize 10 minutes later that they had the jersey shore on. you know, that kind of stuff.}

i was also jumped on, smacked in the head with the remote and completely soaked when the lid came off luca's sippy cup while he was jumping on me. my cozy couch bed was also very wet.

esme made breakfast {toaster waffles} and lunch {pb&j sandwiches} for herself and her brothers. when dinner time rolled around i actually thanked the universe for the two cans of spaghettio's hanging out in our pantry. two minutes in the microwave and dinner was on the table and mama was back on the towel covered couch.

after dinner luca had a horrible messy diaper. the kind of messy diaper that requires an immediate bath and an improptu laundry session. so i bathed the boys and got them into jammies. and i was starting to feel much, much better so after bath i loaded everyone into the car and drove them to the dairy queen drive-thru for sundaes. it was kind of a "yay! we all survived the day!" celebration.

now the kids are all in bed and i am eating a pear and blogging while trying to dismiss the current state of my house. like the spaghettio's stuck all over the dinner table and high chair, for example.

being a mommy is such hard work. being a sick mama is even harder. but being nurtured back to health by the little people in your life is a magnificent thing. and i am going to tell them all just that first thing in the morning.

goodnight friends!

happy world breastfeeding week

2011-08-03T14:11:00.001-06:00

baby luca - august 2010

and little luca today - 15 months old and still loving mama's milk!

for more festivities visit the world alliance for breastfeeding action (WABA) here :: world breatfeeding week

lunch.

2011-08-02T19:36:00.000-06:00

and we have a brand new favorite combination that we want to share. it goes like this ::

green smoothie

fresh spinach or kale (i pack my blender half full of green leaves. we are using spinach mostly but kale is yummy too)

1 heaping cup of fresh pineapple chunks

1 avocado

1 mango

1 frozen banana (i cut bananas into chunks and freeze them in zip lock bags)

1 tsp. spirulina

a dash of vanilla and cinnamon

2 tbsp ground flax seed

1 cup grapefruit juice

if i need more liquid to blend (i usually do) i add cold water.

blend, blend, blend and enjoy! we make 2 batches each morning and the kids drink 8 ounces each and i drink 2 mason jars full thoughout the day.

do you have a favorite green juice recipe? please share!

vintage :: kitchen :: love

2011-07-08T17:38:00.000-06:00

i spent the afternoon decluttering and organizing in my kitchen. except it turned out to be one of those projects where the room actually looks worse now than it did when i started. that means progress was made, yes?

i got rid of lots of stuff that i never use to free up space for all of the things that i love to use. i cleared a special shelf to hold my vintage pyrex collection. i parted with several cookbooks though i still feel that we own a few too many so that shelf will likely go through a second clean up round.

i got this set of treasure craft woodland canisters all cleaned up with the intention of finding them a new home. but in the process of spiffing them up i fell in love with them all over again. *sigh* so now i need to fill them up with goodies and find them a proper home on the counter top, not up in the dark cupboard from which they were rescued.

and do you remember this adorable birdie crock from a couple summers ago? it was also stashed on a shelf in the very, very back. not anymore, it has been dusted off and moved up front where it will surely get some loving.

this yellow tea pot is also a favorite vintage piece of mine. it belonged to tony's great grandmother. we use it occasionally in the winter months but i am terrified that it will get bumped off the table and broken. things like that happen in a house full of small people. a lot.

the little cozy that covers it is lined with gray wool felt. i love that part!

it is funny how happy these things made me today. had i only known i would have retrived them from their dark hiding places long ago.

what treasures have you discovered or rediscovered recently?

still weekending...

2011-07-05T12:35:00.000-06:00

in my last post {nearly a month ago!!} i wrote about my love for summer break. even though it is only july i am starting to sense back to school lurking around, sneaking right up on us. i am just trying to soak up every single second of the carefree, never ending weekend that is summer vacation.

here is a sweet little video of my adorable little guy toddling around last night while we waited for the fireworks. he is in that clumsy and dangerous but super, super quick stage so i spend a whole lot of time chasing him around and trying to keep him from seriously injuring himself or destroying everything in his path. i am careful to not wish it away because i know one morning i will wake up and he will be big. just between breakfast and dinner each day he changes and grows. babies don't keep and never has time passed so quickly.

so dear friends, please excuse my absence from this space as i spend my days loving, protecting and nourishing my little people. i will return very soon, perhaps even tomorrow.

love and blessings, erika

i live for weekends.

2011-06-11T14:48:00.000-06:00

except now our summer vacation has officially started so the weekends seem to never end. i really am a no schedule, let's just see where the day takes us, laid back kind of gal. yes, this summer lifestyle suits me fine.

hope your weekend is treating you right, friends!

small style :: made from scratch

2011-06-09T14:23:00.000-06:00

yet another mama made collaboration on little luca.

hand dyed hemp/cotton tee with owl applique.

reversible linen trousers - they are brown with mushrooms on one side and blue with owls on the other.

pediped sandles previously worn and loved by harper.

i always tell my husband that we made him from scratch. from his ginger curls to his tippy toes. and mama is busy covering everything in between!

i'm linking up with morgan at mama loves papa today!

take action!

2011-06-08T19:10:00.001-06:00

you have all checked out the action packs from whip up, yes? if not what are you waiting for?!

Action Pack: A mini-mag for kids who want to do stuff!

Get your kids off the couch with this printable mini-mag for kids (aged 7+) priced at only $5.

Inspire them with 25+ pages of craft projects, outdoor activities, cooking, art and more, everything a kid needs for a weekend (or two) of activities.

Educate them through the six senses without them realising they are even learning.

and there is also an action pack flickr group where you can show and tell. i will be sure to share all of our action pack adventures with you here. looking forward...

HaPpY SUMMER!!

paper bag owl pinata :: a tutorial

2011-05-31T11:33:00.001-06:00

i cannot believe that today is the last day of may! i feel like i blinked and the entire month was gone. i am still planning to post some of our fun birthday celebration photos... soon, very, very soon!!

but first how about i share some of our party crafts with you? this one is my favorite - a quick and easy make-it-the-night-before-the-party pinata tutorial. esme and i actually did make this one the evening before the party!

here is what you will need ::

brown paper bags - 2 or 3

construction paper for the eyes and beek (white, black and yellow)

masking tape, and/or glue (we used both)

rope, string, or yarn to hang your pinata

and of course some sweet treats!

start by filling one of your bags with your pinata goodies.

cut off a long piece of your rope/yarn/string to hang your pinata. mine was approximately 5 feet in length. (always better to cut it too long rather than too short!) and i doubled mine up to make sure it was nice and strong. next i folded the top of the bag over 3 times sandwiching our rope-yarn in between. we used a little glue in between the folds and then lots of masking tape on top of the last fold to secure everything.

now it is time to decorate your owl! this is the super fun part and you can get pretty creative and make your owl's face anyway you like. here is how we did ours ::

to make the eyes we simple traced the inside of the masking tape roll on the black paper for pupils and the outside of the roll for the whites of his eyes. the beek is just a small triangle cut from the yellow paper. to make wings we cut ruffle-y feathers from one of our extra paper bags and glued them to the pinata in layers. glue your eyes and beek in place and you are done! look at that, you just made your very own pinata in probably less time than it took to write this tutorial. now sit back and enjoy your beautiful work. and don't forget to take a few photos of your feathered friend!

we hung our pinata from the playset and the littles used a piece of pvc pipe to break it open. (that is our little friend freya having her turn) it held up just fine and everyone had a couple turns before the candy fell out. we had lots of toddlers and preschoolers and a few grade school aged kids at our party. i think if you are making a paper bag pinata for older kids you could easily use two bags and it would work great. and you could make any little creature you wanted! just imagine the possibilities... also, you could paint the eyes and wings onto your bag or even use colorful markers before you filled it with goodies. or maybe add craft feathers and google eyes to your creation!

if you make your own paper bag pinata please leave me a message so i can come check it out!

happy crafting, friends!

Pin It

thank you so much {and a giveaway winner!}

2011-05-26T22:10:00.000-06:00

thank you for all the sweet and thoughtful happy birthday wishes that were left for esme. i read every single one of them to her and they made her day even more special.

today we choose a winner for our little knit kit giveaway {esme wanted you all to win, by the way}.

we will be making a kit for felicia of 3 little birds stitch. YaY!

{big sigh} we survived birthday month. and we had a whole lot of fun! i have a couple birthday craft tutorials to share with you as well as some party pics! i will work on getting them posted this weekend.

thanks again {and again} for celebrating with us, friends.

with love, erika and the may birthday bunch.

sweet birthday girl EIGHT {and a giveaway!}

2011-05-23T05:30:00.004-06:00

our sweet and sassy little esme is eight years old today. i stayed up way past bedtime making rice cereal treats with chocolate on top for her entire class. that is what she requested and i have to admit i was a wee bit relieved to get out of baking. it is birthday month after all - i have done my fair share of baking recently.

and now, onto esme's special birthday giveaway!

do you all remember the little knit kits i introduced last christmas? if not let me tell you all about them. they include a 2 ounce ball of hand painted wool yarn and small (6 inch) handmade, wooden needles that are the perfect size for small hands learning to knit. everything is contained in an adorable project tote.

and the wool yarn included with each little knit kit is a very special magic yarn ball. a magic yarn ball contains little treasures carefully wound into the yarn. these small surprises are discovered as your child knits the yarn!

esme received her very own little knit kit for christmas and she started knitting that same day. she has made a few mistakes and has even ripped all of her work out and started over a couple times but even so she loves it!

for this giveaway we are offering one little knit kit in the color/print of the winner's choosing! you tell us what your child would love and we will put a custom little knit kit together with handmade needles, a hand painted magic yarn ball, all neatly tucked into a cute project tote and send it your way! girly, boyish, or neutral, we can make a kit for anyone.

to enter simply leave a happy birthday wish for esme in the comments on this post.

we will choose a winner at random on the evening of may 25th.

PLEASE make sure you leave me a way to contact you.

i will e-mail the winner and discuss fabric options and yarn colors and their custom little knit kit will be put together and mailed within 10 days.

i can only ship with the US at this time. thank you for understanding.

also, i would love for you to follow my blog and stop by for another visit soon, or check out inspired mama MAKES! on facebook. neither are neccesary to win but they are pretty nice things to do.

and the fun doesn't stop here - it is giveaway day at sew, mama, sew so don't miss out!

HaPpY giveaway day, friends!

have fun, best of luck, i hope you all win something wonderful!

comments are closed - we will post the lucky winner's name tomorrow! thanks friends!

inspired mama musings

cozy*love

almost*

yellow*

happy*day

the night before...

winter*hoop

catching dreams*

connecting, confessing and verbalizing change :: a vlog

love*LOVE*LoVe

january*FIVE

sweet*teeth

my*january

itty-bitty, rough and tumble, hurt and broken.

2011 :: an inspired year

christmas day :: instagram edition

peace and blessings.

small style :: bearded balaclavas

winter solstice happenings

hey girl, just for fun.

handmade workshop :: tile magnets

noseprint cookies :: a recipe

giveaway day :: charming mr. fox

winter market.

handmade workshop :: in progress

handmade workshop :: handmade, with love, toy swap!

this is what we do.

handmade workshop :: deck the halls

pattern winner, handmade holidays and shopping stuff.

Pledge your support for Small Business Saturday®

we met jan brett {she is our favorite!}

little lamby knits pattern giveaway!

super hero :: small style

whine*sniff*grumble {and some happy stuff : giveaways winners!}

take care of YOU this {handmade} holiday season :: a guest post

alphabet glue, story lanterns and a GIVEAWAY!

a whole lotta this and that {and a giveaway winner!}

giving thanks :: days 7 and 8

jane austen stitch marker GiVeAwAy!!

november sponsor love!

giving thanks :: days 5 and 6

whip up science.

Action Pack: A mini-mag for kids who want to do stuff!

giving thanks :: day 3 and 4

autumn bunting winner and giving thanks

trick or treat {another waddler} and giving thanks.

pumpkins and dress up

autumn bunting :: a tutorial and giveaway!

farm visit

looking forward to november!

smack dab in the middle of autumn.

friday.

meet robyn :: girl a go-go designs

a little autumn love.

chocolate zucchini-coconut cake :: a recipe

meet heidi :: humble luna

current loves :: v1

winter wool {and a winner!}

sarah doll, we love you.

meet reni :: knit girl in idaho {and a giveaway!}

pumpkin patch {and a giveaway winner!}

meet megan :: little lamby knits {and a giveaway!}

october!

i love handmade and so do my readers! sponsorship opportunity!

small style :: pixies!

happy eleven.

naptime bustle.

vintage thrift

i am here. come visit!

small style :: when big brother was small.

before you go...

small style :: the striped romper

just now.

for the LOVE of LONG hair!

how to properly finish a handknit sweater.

back to school :: make it fun!

small style :: back to school edition

the flip side

sunday

small style :: summer repeat

loveLOVELoVe

whinesniffgrumble {and some happy stuff : giveaways winners!}