Hot Tips, Get Cha Hot Tips Here! May 7, 2008

I actually won an online giveaway!!! I left a comment at This Handmade Life (check out her thoughtfully written blog and her etsy shop) and received this bundle of beautiful cards with a spring theme. I took the photo from her site as my cards have all been mailed out!

Edit: And how could I have forgotten the cool fabric stash from Mellisa at Yummy Goods? who will forever live in my memory as my FIRST win. I also plan for her current give away to be my THIRD win, I’m just sayin’!

Pondering Ponteuf is one of my favorite Etsy sellers. Are these not the perfect pants for a fairy birthday party??? (hint hint K.) I got a similar pair of her board shorts for my little one and I’ve been racking up the compliments. I only wish I could say that I made them myself! Dropping Etsy into conversations with new people is my new litmus test ok, it’s the sad way I try to make myself feel more hip. If you use the word hip, it’s a done deal you are not.

And if you are looking for the perfect Mother’s Day Card A Favortie Design has made it:

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this fabric from MJ Kido’s etsy shop. I heard about her over at True Up which is a dangerous site if you have a fabric addiction (and I’m sure many of you do).

My friend Megin has a new blog, Labels are for Jars, that is worth a read. Here’s an excerpt from one of her posts talking about her son, aged 5, “He’s of a different ilk, this boy. He walks to the beat of his own drummer. He sees the world through different eyes. I think he’s very free, in many ways. He chooses what he likes freely, he follows his passions freely. And luckily he’s found a way to develop these passions free (or in spite of) many of the societal norms thrust (HARD) upon boys.”

I enjoy discussing education and mothering with Megin and I look forward reading more of her chronicles. Click the link. She’s out to change the world, one post at a time!

What are some of your new finds?

Fresh Air and Fabric! April 16, 2008

I walked out of my door this morning after being home sick for a few days and was greeted with a glorious warm sunny day! So I took a deep breath, dropped my big guy off at school, attended a quick library committee meeting, and then went to the fabric store!

I love my little local shops but sometimes you gotta hit the mothership.

Big plans, I’m going to dust off my sewing machine and make a little birthday present tonight (to be shared if I don’t totally mess it up).

And here is my lesson for today. It’s one many of you may intuit and not need spelling out. But for those in the back of the class, like myself, may I present to you DON’T GIVE YOUR KID A PEN IN THE CAR TO ENTERTAIN HIMSELF:

Me saying, “What did you do to your pants?!!!” and him saying, “This!”.

The photos don’t do the damage justice (both knees covered.) In theory it’s not okay to draw on any pants (I’m having sofa sharpie flashbacks) but these are OILILY! You bet your butt I didn’t pay an Oilily price for these, I found them at the thrift store. But I had big resale plans for these. I’ll let you know how the wash works!

I remember thinking, oh well, what harm could playing with a pen cause? I really think once we start sleeping through the night we’re going to turn into much more charming and intelligent people (at least comparatively speaking.) The little one is almost 2 and we’re having a heck of a time getting him to sleep through the night BY HIMSELF. Tips and tricks much appreciated!

This little guy has more pep in his little finger…

Hope it’s sunny where you are and that you are well rested!