Things have been busy!!!

I realized this evening that I haven't posted anything in awhile. There's been a lot going on. A couple of weeks ago I got the crazy idea that I wanted to learn how to smock and make Doodle's Easter dress. My mother-in-law and I have been working hard on that! On top of that there have been baby showers to host, consignment sales to attend, babies being born, family in town...the list goes on and on!! I think things will calm down a little after Easter!

Until then, here is a peak at my practice piece of smocking (my first try ever!!!). The colors on Doodle's Easter dress are different but this is the official pattern:

A trip to the park!

Kenley and I went with my friend and her son to the park yesterday. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we all had such a great time. Kenley just sat in the grass trying to figure out what it was! She got to try out the swing for the first time and she just loved it! I think we're going to have to make this a daily trip!!

GIGANTIC GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Still new to this blogging world, a fun thing I've noticed is that a lot of blogs do fun giveaways. I love these, not only for the chance to win something cool, but I LOVE finding out about all these great products out there!!!

I've been following Kelly's blog for a couple of months now and found out about the GIGANTIC GIVEAWAY through her. I had to go check it out and OMG did I find some awesome goodies!!! I have already added each etsy seller represented in the giveaway to my favorite sellers! I cannot wait to get my hands on these items...and maybe a chance to win the giveaway!!

I haven't won anything yet...but this would be an AWESOME one!

Please check out this blog...not only for a chance to win some amazing gifts, but to have an opportunity to help them with IVF. My heart and prayers go out to this family! I can't wait to read the blog announcing a pregnancy!!!!

Kenley's Easter Basket

I think most moms are aware of Pottery Barn's Easter baskets. I have been dreaming of having one of these for my kids for a long time. I just think they're absolutely beautiful and classic.

Well it's finally my turn to do an Easter basket and I have to be honest...I'm not getting my PB basket. I'm sorry, but I just can't spend $24 on a basket. I mean, I can spend it but it's just a basket...it's wicker! AND that's just for the small basket. That doesn't include the lining which is $12 (online, $10 at the store) OR the monogramming which is $6.50 online ($10-12 somewhere here in town). SO...if I had ordered this from PBK, I could have spent $42.50 plus shipping. Sorry...I just cannot spend that much on an Easter basket. It just doesn't make sense in my head...or maybe I'm just too cheap! :o)

What's my solution? Simple. I have recently fallen in love with treasure hunting at the Thrift store. If you hit it right, and look hard, you can find some of the coolest things!! At one of our recent trips, I found a basket that looks just like the PBK baskets for (wait for it) $1.50!! I also found an adorable Easter bunny for (wait for it) $2.50...because every kids needs a little bunny at Easter. I'll admit something...it totally used to skeeve me out thinking about buying a stuffed animal at the thrift store...but all you have to do is throw it in the washer and it's good to go!!

Once I had my basket, my mission was clear. I was going to make my own liner and paint the basket white. I headed to Wal-Mart (ugh I know). I found a can of spray paint for 96 cents and some fabric for $2.44/yard, I got 2 yards in case I mess up. My mother-in-law is going to do the monogramming for me (woohoo!) So for roughly $10, Kenley will have a beautiful Easter basket AND a bunny. I'm so proud of my thrify self!!!

The Easter bunny sent me an email and said he was planning on filling her basket with Mum-Mums (her FAVORITE), some puffs, a little toy and a new Veggie Tales, "Lord of the Beans!"

I just LOVE doing these crafts projects and I think it's so special to make her basket for her instead of buying something at the store. Plus, these days, it helps to save a buck where you can! Here are a couple of pics of the basket so far. I can't wait to post the finished product!!!

Before:




After: (might do one more coat)


And here's a little peak at her bunny!! He seriously looks brand new!!!

Mum Mums

I found out about baby Mum Mums thanks to some dear friends (much love Nesties!!). I have to say, Mum Mums might just be one of the best "must haves" for any mom.

What are Mum Mums? I'm so glad you asked. They are rice husks made for babys to chew on. I'm sure most people are familiar with zwieback toast. Kenley likes it but it makes one heck of a mess. With 4 dogs, a husband, myself and a baby, the last thing I need is more mess. Mum Mums, however, are virtually mess free. Here are a few reasons why Mum Mums rock my socks! (and Kenley's too!)

* Great Taste, No Mess
* Dissolves Easily
* No Artificial Colours or Flavours
* No Preservatives
* Each Serving Individually Wrapped For Convenience
(I think they're pretty tasty myself!!)

I just can't say enough about them! When I pull out the Mum Mum package, Kenley's eyes light up! She knows exactly what they are.

Moms, if you haven't let your little one try Mum Mums...do yourself a favor and get some. I have found mine at Wal-Mart (ugh, I know) but the Mum Mum website has a list of retail partners where you can find yours.

Here are some pics of Kenley enjoying her Mum Mums

Let it SNOW!!!!

Sunday, March 1, we had our first (and I'm sure only) snow of the season. I'm so glad Kenley got to see snow...not that she'll remember it, but I will.

She woke up that morning just before 7. Before I went to get her, I peeked out the window to see if the weathermen were right about the white stuff and they were!!!! Everything was white (at least 2-3 inches) and the snow was really coming down!

We were bad a skipped church that morning but had a lovely time sitting in bed watching the snow. After Kenley's morning nap we got her all bundled up and went out for some pictures. Being in Alabama, we don't have snow gear so we had to improvise. She had on thick cotton tights, a onesie, 2 pairs of fleece pants, socks, baby ugg boots, a fleece shirt, a hat, mittens, and two fleece coats. I knew my ears would be cold but I didn't have a hat or earmuffs so I tied a scarf around my head. We made it work! :o)

Sadly by early afternoon the snow was gone and the forecast was predicting 70* temps not even a week later. Last weekend we had snow and this weekend we'll be in flip-flops!!You gotta love crazy Southern weather!!

I'm too big for my britches

No, not me :o)

A friend of mine has set up a great site selling her daughter's outgrown clothes. The clothes are ADORABLE and very well priced. If you have a little girl...you need to check this out!

http://www.imtoobigformybritches.com/