tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48918843427168702422024-03-13T05:25:21.175-05:00A Beautiful PartyArt and other pretties written by Ann Flowers.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.comBlogger780125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-38235398011642193012016-05-31T22:40:00.000-05:002016-05-31T22:40:34.355-05:00Hashtag No Filter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I jinxed myself yesterday. I just haaaad to write a blog post and talk about my Sunday Blues and my beginning of the week dread.... I woke up feeling optimistic. I had plans later in the day that I was looking forward to, Maybellene slept in so I was able to eat breakfast in peace, and when she did wake up she seemed to be in a good mood. And then it was downhill from there. She was fussing non-stop and by 8:45 am I was trying not to cry as I called our doctor to see if they could help. We have terrible health insurance so I don't take calling the doctor lightly. They thought she had an ear infection so I took her in. Truthfully I hoped it was an ear infection so that I could give her medicine and fix it. But it was... teething. The only cure for that is patience. Can't it be something where the cure is at CVS?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">So we had a very hard day. Here's a visual example of our hard day - when I asked her to smile for a picture she did this...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8gkpYfJIK0/V05UwYJpLiI/AAAAAAAAIlc/D_p2Tq5KBSsT-GwBYE4tXUs_QknMnnX6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_9977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8gkpYfJIK0/V05UwYJpLiI/AAAAAAAAIlc/D_p2Tq5KBSsT-GwBYE4tXUs_QknMnnX6QCLcB/s320/IMG_9977.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put her in her Halloween costume so she would at least be super cute while she was fussy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I also think I had my first instance of sort of mom shaming... In the waiting room at the doctor's office Maybellene was tugging at her pony tail. She seems to be fascinated with her hair when it's pulled up and she always plays with it and asks about it. A lady in the waiting room looked at me and suddenly said - "she doesn't like her ponytail." Maybe she thought she was being helpful but it made me feel insecure and I kept babbling about the different reasons why I thought she did like her pony tail. But when I got home I took it out. But then I put her hair in pigtails because it's hot outside and her hair gets sweaty and seriously -- I think she doesn't mind her hair in a pony tail!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSXeKAbWCc0/V05UwLvRJOI/AAAAAAAAIlY/1thAYAu1vrU-O657EsuTB8d-obsbhLDpACLcB/s1600/IMG_9980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSXeKAbWCc0/V05UwLvRJOI/AAAAAAAAIlY/1thAYAu1vrU-O657EsuTB8d-obsbhLDpACLcB/s320/IMG_9980.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken with iPhone from 1987.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Jeremy came home early so I could go to the hair salon and I felt like I truly earned those two hours off. Bleach never smelled so good. And now I'm just getting home from a night out with some great gal pals that I'm lucky to have met here so quickly. I'm going to go to bed without the Tuesday dreads and instead feel optimistic that tomorrow will be a great day.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-16545556787029020492016-05-30T20:03:00.000-05:002016-05-30T20:03:03.759-05:00Sunday Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkH3Zxxn6J0/V0zbg2tFDgI/AAAAAAAAIlE/bBiLFYeeShEHS7fi32hI_6KyqvcjJM4fACLcB/s1600/IMG_9961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkH3Zxxn6J0/V0zbg2tFDgI/AAAAAAAAIlE/bBiLFYeeShEHS7fi32hI_6KyqvcjJM4fACLcB/s320/IMG_9961.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have the Sunday Blues. I realize it's Monday but this long weekend makes Monday feel like an extension of Sunday.<br />
<br />
Anyway I've always had the Sunday Blues. When I was little I dreaded Mondays so much and returning to school that I would try to make Sunday as boring as possible. I wanted the day to drag because I wanted it to last forever. <br />
<br />
As a stay-at-home-mom I didn't think I would still dread Mondays (or Tuesdays) but I do. I get anxious about the coming week and feeling like I'm going it alone. All day today I have been feeling insecure about everything - myself, my parenting practices, my social practices... meanwhile the clock was ticking and now it's 7:30 at night and it's closer to tomorrow than ever. I love being able to stay at home with my daughter and I'm thankful that I can but some days are long. I feel like I'm working a high power job and no one trained me and I have a middle school education. My husband and I talk a lot about our parenting philosophies and on paper I feel confident in them but in practice I have no idea what I'm doing. And let me tell you - comparison is the thief of joy! I try not to get too bogged down with comparison but sometimes it sneaks up on me. Social media can make it really hard to avoid. I follow too many people on instagram who put a lot into curating a beautiful life online. I admire their ability to keep it up. I occasionally fantasize about having a beautifully curated instagram but I can not find a single spot in my house that has perfect lighting! white walls! spotless child with every hair in place! $150 doll that matches spotless child! spotless child smiling! spotless child wearing $50 tee shirt that says something cute! Our real life is not easily hidden. We're all cluttered messes- stained clothes bc babe refuses to wear bibs- and poor natural lighting over here. <br />
<br />
So I found a four leaf clover yesterday and I found another one a couple of weeks ago. I'm excited because I have such a belief in the power of four leaf clovers. I wish I could figure out what I can do with them to make them provide the most luck. Right now they are pressed in Amy Poehler's book because that seemed like the right place for them. Maybe I'll sleep with them under my pillow tonight and they will cure me of the Sunday Blues forever. I am having visitors this week that have me pretty excited so my blues should be gone pretty quickly. I think the luck is already happening.<br />
<br />
Is it weird that I haven't blogged in about 6 months and I just showed up like I've always been here? I've been thinking a lot about this space and my shop and I'm ready to start making some changes. I think I will start a whole new blog and everything is getting a new name. A Beautiful Party is going to be retiring. I'm excited to start fresh very soon. Stay tuned...A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-57678273013875655932015-10-15T14:09:00.005-05:002015-10-15T14:09:52.866-05:00Here Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We have now lived here long enough to take two of Maybellene's monthly pictures. Each month she has become harder and harder to photograph because she is becoming her own person and is going to do what she wants to do. That means not smiling for a picture and definitely eating her monthly sticker. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My heart is still pretty heavy but the lump in my throat is getting smaller and isn't there as often. It's lonely being a stay-at-home mom and navigating this new world. There are not a lot of activities here for Maybellene's age so the two of us go out alone daily and do lots of walking and swinging. She seems very happy but I worry about her not seeing other babies. Am I projecting my own desire for friendships onto her? Probably. I gave her a new doll that she loves to hug and kiss so there's that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bgtfm-dirQ/Vh_z0y26T3I/AAAAAAAAIic/N9cI_NRxwpc/s1600/IMG_2166-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bgtfm-dirQ/Vh_z0y26T3I/AAAAAAAAIic/N9cI_NRxwpc/s320/IMG_2166-2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some things:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The leaves are finally starting to crunch under our feet but it's still so hot! We are being a total cliche of people who move to the south from the north. Maybellene and I go to the park dressed for the dog days of summer on a sunny high 70s day and all the other kids are wearing long sleeves and pants. More often than not I'm pushing Maybellene in a swing and my hair is barely in a bun and it definitely hasn't been washed in days and I'm sweating like crazy and up walks a mom with a sweater on and beautiful hair and make-up. I want to wear a sweater in this weather and fix my hair pre-parking but I don't know how to pull any of that off! I'm sometimes lucky to fix my hair and make-up later in the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been wearing a fitbit and keeping track of my steps because it motivates me each day to just do one more lap on our walks. So I found out today that each time I rock Maybellene to sleep I'm getting about 1000 steps! So this whole time that I thought I was doing AMAZING I've really been rocking... a lot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELnUaZ7N9js/Vh_z08iz-cI/AAAAAAAAIiY/HCAWEhOWbJk/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELnUaZ7N9js/Vh_z08iz-cI/AAAAAAAAIiY/HCAWEhOWbJk/s320/IMG_2198.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">More often than not I get Maybellene to sleep but as soon as I lay her down she pops up like this. I used to let it upset me and feel like my day is ruined because nap time is ruined but I'm finally learning to take it in stride. How can you be frustrated at that face? Instead of being bummed we went out for a walk instead. She's now finally napping and I'm grateful.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been working! I have been making these ice cream cone dolls which has been fun. I'm excited to start working in a print studio again and am starting to make plans for screen prints. I've returned to the place where I fell head over heels for art and printmaking and I feel like it's gong to revitalize those feelings. I am optimistic about it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAkN-Jmoi0I/Vh_z0iWIfZI/AAAAAAAAIiU/Hi7-0qQ7NBM/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WAkN-Jmoi0I/Vh_z0iWIfZI/AAAAAAAAIiU/Hi7-0qQ7NBM/s320/IMG_2134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that is that. I may have another hour of nap time and I know I could shower but I probably won't. And then when we go to the park and I'm the only one that looks schlubby I'll feel sorry for myself but I'll have to remember that I could have taken a shower! But there's no way I can wear a sweater. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xoxox</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-78089467309224073802015-09-14T09:53:00.000-05:002015-09-14T09:53:00.728-05:00Here We Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Man oh man. I've been away for so long I don't know where to begin. Over the course of one month my husband got a new job out of state, we sold our home, bought a home, packed up our home, said goodbye to friends and family and drove south. Phew! Was that a run-on sentence? Our whole life has felt like a run-on sentence lately. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am not in a strange land. I have moved to the town I lived in and loved for six years while I was in college. I always knew we would move some day and this was the best possible scenario. Everything happened so quickly and we were in such a zone to get it all done that I never got much of a chance to process my emotions. When I said my goodbyes I never shed a single tear and I'm someone who can cry over a cheesy commercial. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I am here living among boxes I can't seem to unpack and navigating in a place that is familiar but different as the town has changed and I have changed and I have to figure out where I fit in. Maybellene handled the move like a champ which was a relief but in the past week she has taken a turn for the worse and I feel completely lost and alone on how to handle this new attitude. It's like we've all come out of the fog of the frenzied pace of moving and we are finally unpacking our emotions (cheesy, I know.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-KG5FLWdaY/VfbX0kGw3yI/AAAAAAAAIhU/jjrY5xWKkDU/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-KG5FLWdaY/VfbX0kGw3yI/AAAAAAAAIhU/jjrY5xWKkDU/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My heart hurts for Maybellene because we moved away from her first baby friends and even though she's so young and doesn't realize she won't see them again I guess I'm projecting grown-up emotions on her. I miss my friends so much so I imagine she misses hers, too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0Q8BYLzYGI/VfbX3lig0EI/AAAAAAAAIhk/q3yIdziXqbo/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0Q8BYLzYGI/VfbX3lig0EI/AAAAAAAAIhk/q3yIdziXqbo/s320/IMG_1691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm trying my best to get my studio put together so I can start working in there. I feel like working will make me feel normal. Maybellene has been fighting naps so it's been hard to find the time but I do what I can do get it done. I get so hung up on the details of organizing that it tends to slow me down. I have to channel the spirit of my gal pal Bryanne who can take a pile of stuff and turn it into a thing of organized beauty within minutes. I am guilty of walking around in a daze and end up finding an old magazine and start reading that instead. Bryanne, please come visit and organize my studio!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXhR_c_Z60g/VfbX1iNf0QI/AAAAAAAAIhc/QIzw_y_iZg4/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXhR_c_Z60g/VfbX1iNf0QI/AAAAAAAAIhc/QIzw_y_iZg4/s320/IMG_1695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was feeling particularly sorry for myself when I finally realized I had to snap out of it. There is so much happiness to find here and I am lucky to get to raise Maybellene here. The weather was perfect so we took a break from unpacking and got out of the house. We took Maybellene to the park to swing and she laughed harder than I've ever heard her laugh. We then took a walk at the beautiful arboretum that wasn't around when I lived here before. I finally felt at peace over our move. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6UMJLns1Uw/VfbX5_x_b9I/AAAAAAAAIhs/IhtuyzN8njI/s1600/IMG_1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6UMJLns1Uw/VfbX5_x_b9I/AAAAAAAAIhs/IhtuyzN8njI/s320/IMG_1698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night was a hard night with M and I struggled this morning to get her down for a nap. It's barely been any time and I can see on my monitor she's already wide awake. That familiar lump is forming in my throat but I plan on swallowing it down with coffee and getting out and exploring again today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This move is a great thing for all of us and I am so grateful for it. It's just a lot to process. Once I do I know I'll be able to happily move forward. In the meantime I can cure my homesickness with a strawberry limeade from Sonic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<3 p=""><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</3></div>
A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-50321307561709659602015-04-22T14:30:00.002-05:002015-04-22T14:46:43.189-05:00Baby Fashions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Growing up I acted out like a typical art student and dressed in a way that some times went against the grain. No, most times... I think that I blend in a bit more now only because most of my clothes aren't held together with safety pins and I don't USUALLY wear several skirts layered up at once. Still, I doubt I'll ever make the cover of a Gap catalog. In college my friends and I had so much fun with clothing. We dressed for each other not in a way to make others envious but instead to have fun. I still have fun with clothes though lately I'm limited to wearing whatever is quick access to the milk-makers. It's a little depressing not being able to wear what I want but I am making up for that by living vicariously through my babe's fashions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When she was first born most of my newborn size clothes were hand-me-downs from babies who were not born in an Illinois winter. I layered what I could and took a lot of joy out of the crazy combinations that came out of that. I approached it the way I used to approach dressing myself - limited pieces, make it fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one of our better decisions. The pants were put on before we remembered to button up the onesie so we went with it. I would totally wear this. Look, she knows she's cool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbKCUOxq-tY/VTfw1Dh-zKI/AAAAAAAAIfk/BT-UnBra97g/s1600/IMG_8531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbKCUOxq-tY/VTfw1Dh-zKI/AAAAAAAAIfk/BT-UnBra97g/s1600/IMG_8531.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This stripes/polka dot combo seems to be upsetting her. She doesn't seem to know yet that mixing patterns is much more interesting and she should go with it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H3RlPRkflc/VTfw04liAHI/AAAAAAAAIfo/nG-hK_0vMnk/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H3RlPRkflc/VTfw04liAHI/AAAAAAAAIfo/nG-hK_0vMnk/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This dress TEARS ME UP. It's a hand-me-down and I could not wait to get Maybellene in this. It is tacky in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE. The brand is Guess and it is very Anna Nicole Smith (RIP) if she created a baby line. I would have worn this to an art opening - humongous hair bow and all. So fluffy. She needs some zebra print leggings to go with it but we unfortunately do not have any on hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tppULgHv9bY/VTfw07L6o6I/AAAAAAAAIfg/OQoVkIk_Xds/s1600/IMG_8885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tppULgHv9bY/VTfw07L6o6I/AAAAAAAAIfg/OQoVkIk_Xds/s1600/IMG_8885.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And this. This is my current favorite. A certain family member may have called this tacky ( but I'm sure she really meant cute). I totally want to wear leopard print pants all the time and I would if I was still in my twenties. Something about being 32 makes me feel like my animal print days are over. I love this mixed with a heart print top with a sweet deer on it. It might be tacky but it is the very best kind of tacky there is. And Maybellene looks quite happy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N00uBubl81c/VTfw2XjflgI/AAAAAAAAIf8/wCGW3r_u2IA/s1600/IMG_9573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N00uBubl81c/VTfw2XjflgI/AAAAAAAAIf8/wCGW3r_u2IA/s1600/IMG_9573.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope Maybe and her gaggle of girlfriends have the same free spirit when it comes to clothing when she actually gets to pick what she wears. I want her to have fun and express herself and be as tacky as she wants to be. I may discourage her from wearing clothes held together with safety pins but only because they are a pain to launder.<br />
<br />
As for myself. My hair situation is killing me right now. My hair used to be pink and platinum and red and so many other colors. It used to be short and wild and sometimes cut to look like a child got a hold of scissors and went to town on it. Now it's long and dull and is mostly my natural hair color which I haven't seen since middle school. Between postpartum hair loss and tiny but fierce fists puling out chunks of my hair it is all a mess. I have not had the time or money to get a decent cut but I finally figured out a solution. I am channeling my hairstyle from the 90s and have two buns holding it all together. It may sound silly but it makes me feel younger wearing it like this. The 90s are coming back, right? Where are my tiny butterfly clips?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RX7ScR5wAU/VTfw2jXtZSI/AAAAAAAAIf4/jUyC2_6qK7Y/s1600/IMG_9579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RX7ScR5wAU/VTfw2jXtZSI/AAAAAAAAIf4/jUyC2_6qK7Y/s1600/IMG_9579.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me after my last post. Y'all gave me so much encouragement and advice. I feel a million times better and will try not to be so hard on myself in the future.<br />
<br />
I think nap time is over. Time to go pick out a new outfit!A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-86327491294494115992015-04-20T09:55:00.004-05:002015-04-20T09:55:57.022-05:00Identity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday was one of those days where by 9:00 am I wanted to crawl in bed and call it a day. All weekend long was a tough parent time. Maybellene was fussy and tired and fought sleep. I was looking forward to spending time in my studio on Saturday and thought with nap times and Dad's at home times I would get to work quite a bit. Fussy, sleepy baby made that plan impossible. Fine, I thought, I'll give up that plan today because I know tomorrow will be better and I'll make up for lost time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nope. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday night I barely slept. We were up every hour to two hours. By Sunday morning I was too tired to sleep and so was Maybellene. I was cranky because I envisioned the day being spent once again desiring to work in my studio and knowing it wasn't going to happen. During a happy moment I snapped this picture and couldn't help but smile. I know there will be fussy days rough days but this cute face helps me get through it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtPT2V-NIYE/VTUOyt9py-I/AAAAAAAAIfE/-dnJ9VdoW3U/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtPT2V-NIYE/VTUOyt9py-I/AAAAAAAAIfE/-dnJ9VdoW3U/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She did finally sleep that afternoon but by then I was too exhausted to try to make my brain be creative so I spent the time cleaning my studio instead. I recently finished this fabric wall hanging and listed it in my etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/230251402/hi-hello-fabric-pendant-banner-baby?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=fabric+wall+pendant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">here</a>. I have been eager to make more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7ffIWIbBak/VTUOyR7Mo0I/AAAAAAAAIfA/Fx-_XzB_rsE/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7ffIWIbBak/VTUOyR7Mo0I/AAAAAAAAIfA/Fx-_XzB_rsE/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Not being able to work in my studio any time I want has been one of the most challenging things about motherhood. A little while back there was a trend on Facebook where artist's were sharing their artwork for five days and each day nominating someone else to show their work. Each day I saw friends posting work and each day I hoped to be asked to show mine but the nomination never came. I know it's a silly thing to be upset over but it made me feel like no one thinks of me as an artist. I shared my sadness about it with a friend who had also yet to be "nominated." Finally someone chose her and she in turn chose me. Again, I know - IT'S FACEBOOK-- no reason to think the world is ending. Some too cool for school people even wrote statuses making fun of the art share. But I am not too cool for school and I just wanted to be thought of as an artist. I don't mean to sound whiny. I have a lot of work to do if I want people to start thinking of me as an artist and I realize I have to find any little time I can to work in my studio. But I also can't be frustrated with my child when it doesn't work out for me work. I have so many friends with kids who are getting stuff done, making art, maintaining etsy shops, finding success... It gives me hope that things will fall in place for me but I know I'm going to have to work my butt off for it. <br />
<br />
Now Maybellene is down for a nap and I'm hoping I still have about a half an hour to go work. But if she wakes up in five minutes I will look forward to the next nap.<br />
<br />
Happy Monday.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-32955946667590286212015-04-11T10:15:00.001-05:002015-04-11T10:15:24.933-05:00Change of Scenery <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other day I was looking through past blog posts and came across these pictures from a little over a year ago. I was very proud of our living room. It's a mix of mid-century modern pieces with my more eclectic tastes of decorating with party supplies like banners, poms and balloons. The TV was put in a back room because I wanted this room to be where we sat and enjoyed life beyond TV. Ha!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKn1SmufSRU/UoBQw7GiU_I/AAAAAAAAHws/C_QhQenD9Kg/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKn1SmufSRU/UoBQw7GiU_I/AAAAAAAAHws/C_QhQenD9Kg/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gyxc16NjkwU/UoBRalXNb9I/AAAAAAAAHw8/IJncATUe-S4/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gyxc16NjkwU/UoBRalXNb9I/AAAAAAAAHw8/IJncATUe-S4/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4u2k2Vp23I/UoBRrmq1WlI/AAAAAAAAHxE/L_Bgc2iQYBg/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4u2k2Vp23I/UoBRrmq1WlI/AAAAAAAAHxE/L_Bgc2iQYBg/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And now?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MydntgmQRRY/VSk3MJbJk3I/AAAAAAAAIeg/UCg8vxjEfm4/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MydntgmQRRY/VSk3MJbJk3I/AAAAAAAAIeg/UCg8vxjEfm4/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A toy store came to our house, drank too much, and threw up all over and left without offering to clean up. <br />
<br />
Maybellene is in a phase right now where she gets bored pretty quickly with each plaything so I feel like we are on a constant circuit of finding something to do. The couch is the nursing/reading books station, we have a play mat for tummy time and back time activities, she can sit in a frog's mouth (you heard me, a frog's mouth) when she wants to be more upright but that gets old pretty quickly, a swing for... swinging... I carry her around and do little dances, there are stuffed animals to hug and chew on and there is pandora on the TV for plenty of music (yeah, the TV is definitely back). Did you know there is a station called Indie Kids? It's pretty much adult music that may appeal to children and it's kind of depressing. So we listen to silly songs and when we can... some rap. <br />
<br />
I wonder when I will have a nice, clean living room again. Given my bad housekeeping skills my guess is never.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNE5kFcRBew/VSk5vJDzTUI/AAAAAAAAIes/J418_SYziSY/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNE5kFcRBew/VSk5vJDzTUI/AAAAAAAAIes/J418_SYziSY/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case you doubted frog mouth chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-84547358772662173532015-04-07T07:59:00.000-05:002015-04-07T07:59:40.517-05:00It's Been A While<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been three months since I last posted but it feels like it has been a lifetime. I planned on writing here last week but had every computer problem imaginable. I have finally resigned to writing on this 8-year-old Mac that is as slow as an 8-year-old Mac. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I had posted last week I would have been peppier. I was in the la la land of everything going mostly fine. The lack of sleep was still very real but felt manageable. Our routine was mostly non-existant but there was still a comfort to the day. Today feels like I've landed in a whole new world and I can't seem to navigate my way through it. I'm not basing my frustration on just one day but rather a slow build up over time. But maybe I just have a case of the Mondays. It's funny how Monday is no good no matter what you do for a living. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just stepped away to nurse and put Maybellene down for a nap. It's 2:42 and it's the first time I have been able to lay her down for longer than a few seconds today. I'm crossing my fingers that this nap can last at least an hour. As soon as I finished that sentence I saw on the monitor her arm fly up while she coughed and I held my breath and...are her eyes open?... phew, no, they are closed. This is my Monday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do not mean to come here to complain. I look at this face and I hear her trying so hard to talk to me and I don't care that I sleep in spurts that are anywhere from 1-3 hours. I hear the expression "The days are long but the years are short," and I repeat it like a mantra. One day she'll be 16 and she probably won't like me very much. I won't get her back until she's maybe in her twenties but by then she'll be so busy being a doctor that I won't get to see her very much but I will appreciate the huge home she she is going to purchase for her dad and I.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2:49... she's awake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfe3d1fyib0/VSLUYKuy9TI/AAAAAAAAId4/n_93qPLsHCM/s1600/IMG_9268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfe3d1fyib0/VSLUYKuy9TI/AAAAAAAAId4/n_93qPLsHCM/s1600/IMG_9268.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's now the next day. I barely survived yesterday. I think we were in a growth spurt from hell but she slept much better last night and I feel refreshed and optimistic about today. And look, she's cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98O0S0aF_4U/VSLUX7XMOPI/AAAAAAAAIds/80hYDxw70Zk/s1600/IMG_9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98O0S0aF_4U/VSLUX7XMOPI/AAAAAAAAIds/80hYDxw70Zk/s1600/IMG_9259.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This picture was not taken today but several days ago. When I picked her up I realized her pajamas were filled with poop. That sweet face is very deceiving. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm dying to get in my studio. Making stuff was a huge part of my identity and I'm trying to figure out how to get that back. If I wasn't a stay at home mom I would probably be returning to work about now. This makes me feel anxious about getting back to my own form of work. Over the past three months I have dreamed up countless ideas but find that it's hard to get much accomplished in the little nap time spurts that I get. I have many maker friends who have children so I have hope that naps will get longer and free time will be a bit more abundant. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's 7:57 am and I am feeling confident that we are going to have a good day today. Where's my coffee?</div>
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-12671605844599436852015-01-06T21:59:00.001-06:002015-01-06T21:59:52.985-06:00Clean Hair and Make-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I left the house to go to a doctor's appointment. It worked out that I was able to shower and wash my hair and actually fix my hair before I left. I even wore make-up! I have been feeling like I am the only person in the world who has a newborn baby and can't get myself in order enough to stay clean and put together. I am looking at too many social media sites late at night when I'm up with baby and it appears like everyone with babies has it so easy. I know that isn't real life but when it's 3:00 in the morning and you're covered in spit up and your hair has been in the same top knot for four days straight and you've maybe had a rinse off shower in that time and you've maybe left the house once for a quick hour, everyone else's pictures seem to show clean, well kept moms who get to go out. They have on make-up, they're having brunch with girlfriends, they are baby wearing their newborns (I have no idea how to use any of my baby wearing devices), they do not seem to have a single care in the world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wondered if I looked like one of those moms today. My big adventure out meant sitting nervously at the doctor's office wondering if my child was at home screaming and crying and wanting to be fed. As soon as I was done I hurried home and that ended my day out. I did get to take a picture of myself with Maybellene. I again hoped it would make it seem like I have it together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylEqLaGEO-Q/VKye-fWwCKI/AAAAAAAAIbo/jfR8xudynWM/s1600/IMG_8499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylEqLaGEO-Q/VKye-fWwCKI/AAAAAAAAIbo/jfR8xudynWM/s1600/IMG_8499.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not complaining exactly. I get to hang out with this gal and that's pretty great...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-fRUIIQCyo/VKye-pUbKhI/AAAAAAAAIbw/rCKavVZUenk/s1600/IMG_8488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-fRUIIQCyo/VKye-pUbKhI/AAAAAAAAIbw/rCKavVZUenk/s1600/IMG_8488.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm just not sure when I get to start feeling like I have things in some sort of order. I'm going to a friend's shower this weekend and am taking Maybellene with me and I'm excited for an outing but am also nervous. I have no clothes to wear that are a combination of cute and breastfeeding friendly. I'm still nervous about breastfeeding in public (although I did have to breastfeed M in Target's parking lot after a stressful series of events the other day but that's a whole other story) and I have not driven with M in the car without my husband. I know once I get over this hurdle the next one will seem a lot easier. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tR8gcqsXbvo/VKye9f1XdAI/AAAAAAAAIbY/r0qP1V_LbZs/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tR8gcqsXbvo/VKye9f1XdAI/AAAAAAAAIbY/r0qP1V_LbZs/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The horrible winter weather also seems like quite a hurdle. I have always had a desire to move south, I really want to land in Nashville. Since I had Maybellene I have been fantasizing about this move more than ever. I want to get my baby out of negative degree weather and if I never see snow again I think I'll be okay with that. I have a tendency to think things like "if only (blank), (blank) will be better." So I soothe my fears by thinking "If only we lived in Nashville, my new mother fears will be better." I know, I know- that's not how things work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KfrHFCZ6sM/VKye9X1sMWI/AAAAAAAAIbU/B4ygaiP4Ur0/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KfrHFCZ6sM/VKye9X1sMWI/AAAAAAAAIbU/B4ygaiP4Ur0/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look at this cute kid I get to hang out with. She doesn't seem to care that my hair isn't clean so that's nice. I'll keep her.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HS181gw3HbM/VKye9UM6GsI/AAAAAAAAIbc/Aon5ZkTTTCA/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HS181gw3HbM/VKye9UM6GsI/AAAAAAAAIbc/Aon5ZkTTTCA/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
It's 10:00 pm and I want to go to bed someone is fussing and sleeping seems like it is going to be a far off. It's a small price to pay to get to wear make-up today.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-52718646318196720212014-12-28T16:24:00.000-06:002014-12-28T16:24:47.827-06:002 Weeks InI'm frantically writing this before a two-week-old little girl wakes up and realizes that 1: I'm not holding her and 2: I should be holding her and feeding her pronto. Every noise my husband is making is causing me to hold my breath. We are two weeks in and learning more and more every day. All the kind feedback, advice and shared stories on my last post (comments on facebook) were so helpful and encouraging. <br />
<br />
Uh oh, we made eye contact. Oh wait, she's going back to sleep.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sE1FEn67S9A/VKBzNkrRI9I/AAAAAAAAIZo/eoWd315ws0o/s1600/IMG_8424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sE1FEn67S9A/VKBzNkrRI9I/AAAAAAAAIZo/eoWd315ws0o/s1600/IMG_8424.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not her current sleeping pose but it is one of many. I love her smiles, even if it's just gas. And believe me, it's definitely gas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway, the comments were super encouraging to read because I am definitely feeling that newborn baby isolation I keep reading about. Breastfeeding is a full time job plus mandatory overtime. I have not mastered the art of doing it gracefully which has caused me to shy away from having visitors over. I really want company but have not figured out how to not be shirtless to accommodate my baby. Friends have been sweetly patient with me as I continue to postpone meet-ups but I have gotten a little stir crazy. I know I can leave my house, I just don't know how yet.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks before I gave birth I finally finished Maybellene's room and proudly posted pictures on Facebook. Someone I know later wrote a status about enjoying seeing her expecting friend's pictures of their nurseries and knowing that in no time they will not be in that perfectly clean state. That stuck with me because I wanted to believe so badly that I would keep her room tidy. I had clothes organized by size and was sure I could keep that up. Well, after two weeks of baby here are some before and afters:<br />
<br />
This wall was perfect, I just needed to re-frame my Dolly Parton print because it was crooked. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yswsIERCv8s/VKB0OBrwjiI/AAAAAAAAIaA/uQcJVunnH58/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yswsIERCv8s/VKB0OBrwjiI/AAAAAAAAIaA/uQcJVunnH58/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I never re-framed it. And there is junk on that table that doesn't even need to be in the room. I didn't bother to include the floor which has a small handful of things that fell off the table and have not been picked up. Oh and, a water bottle cap is floating around on the floor. Why didn't I pick that up yet?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSgy3-R7gvk/VKB0Nk5gnAI/AAAAAAAAIZ4/jt7I0PbCa-M/s1600/IMG_8436_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSgy3-R7gvk/VKB0Nk5gnAI/AAAAAAAAIZ4/jt7I0PbCa-M/s1600/IMG_8436_2.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Diaper Changing table all set up and ready to go. We are going to introduce cloth diapering soon but for now are sticking with disposables while we figure this all out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wQEfi93VBE/VKB0Ohvzu9I/AAAAAAAAIaI/ArIyHnxT8RI/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wQEfi93VBE/VKB0Ohvzu9I/AAAAAAAAIaI/ArIyHnxT8RI/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B7.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Organized closet with shelf ready for blankets and hats and all baby's needs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrpRAJNOiWw/VKB0PMWTS-I/AAAAAAAAIaU/eTK6qFD0dpo/s1600/clean%2Bnursery2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrpRAJNOiWw/VKB0PMWTS-I/AAAAAAAAIaU/eTK6qFD0dpo/s1600/clean%2Bnursery2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And currently? DISASTER!! That pile of clothes is dirty laundry. It isn't in the basket because the basket is filled with clean clothes that I haven't put away yet. Hanging stuff up? Yeah right. It's all being shoved into drawers when it does get put away.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kZICwo2AsI/VKB0NZFlwOI/AAAAAAAAIZ0/5p1oxuDQi-0/s1600/IMG_8437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kZICwo2AsI/VKB0NZFlwOI/AAAAAAAAIZ0/5p1oxuDQi-0/s1600/IMG_8437.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This dresser is so clean and clutter-free. Surely it would not become a catch-all for stuff I do not know what to do with yet...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7l_NvWPEgTU/VKB0OeeGdKI/AAAAAAAAIag/P6e431yVmDA/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7l_NvWPEgTU/VKB0OeeGdKI/AAAAAAAAIag/P6e431yVmDA/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B6.jpg" height="302" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, wait, I was thinking I was someone else. Of course it became a catch-all.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JxRJqiAF9Y/VKB0NdU-jMI/AAAAAAAAIZw/CfHJpaDXzDw/s1600/IMG_8435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JxRJqiAF9Y/VKB0NdU-jMI/AAAAAAAAIZw/CfHJpaDXzDw/s1600/IMG_8435.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not even going to show you an after of the bed. Lets just say it's where clean clothes go before I can get them shoved into a drawer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ukmsAfi37w/VKB0N0EzAJI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/yDIkwA2u-gw/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ukmsAfi37w/VKB0N0EzAJI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/yDIkwA2u-gw/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm going to pretend that the bed still looks this pristine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbe63Z_YLnI/VKB0OHIg1_I/AAAAAAAAIaE/qQoaMty5hz0/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbe63Z_YLnI/VKB0OHIg1_I/AAAAAAAAIaE/qQoaMty5hz0/s1600/clean%2Bnursery%2B5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All the books I have read tell me not to worry about cleaning and to just focus on my new baby. I am a rule-follower so that's what I have been doing. Look at her. Her nursery will be clean some day. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9B76WOWBW0/VKB0T4lqO1I/AAAAAAAAIbA/FYZkA6P0wSQ/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9B76WOWBW0/VKB0T4lqO1I/AAAAAAAAIbA/FYZkA6P0wSQ/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
By the way, I did have to take an hour break in writing this to nurse and hold M. It's better than my last post. That one took me about five hours to get together. I am getting better!<br />
<br />
Send chocolate. xoxoA Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-32997078019744931832014-12-26T19:31:00.005-06:002014-12-26T19:31:54.693-06:00A Beautiful Baby (this title was inevitable, right?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PdXYVb_zG0/VJ4B7PXEGfI/AAAAAAAAIYU/WhnOIzSG-F0/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PdXYVb_zG0/VJ4B7PXEGfI/AAAAAAAAIYU/WhnOIzSG-F0/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
About two weeks ago I looked like this. I was excited to see my little girl but thought she was never going to come. I was also ready to eat sushi, deli meat and sleep on my stomach. But most importantly, little girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Saturday, 12-13-14, I went into the hospital to be induced. We naively thought we would have deliver on that same day and Maybellene would have a neat birthday. Look at how optimistic I look. Look at that fresh hair. Check out the fake tan and light make-up. I wanted to look nice but not like I tried too hard to look nice. I imagined pictures of me holding my baby and looking fresh like Kate Middleton. The word of the day was Naive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCQmKF07BQo/VJ4B67rHXnI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/x3BxHRMcNtc/s1600/IMG_8315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCQmKF07BQo/VJ4B67rHXnI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/x3BxHRMcNtc/s1600/IMG_8315.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally Sunday evening, 12/14/14, Maybellene arrived just in time to not have to be delivered by cesarean section. We were seriously about a half an hour away from having it done when my body changed directions quickly and said, "No! We are doing it this way!" Something tells me this may be part of Maybellene's personality, make it a struggle and then finally give in. I don't care how long we argue, she is not getting a tattoo before she is eighteen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bggt05uusr0/VJ4B7d2ad9I/AAAAAAAAIYY/K73tsgTl8eo/s1600/IMG_8332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bggt05uusr0/VJ4B7d2ad9I/AAAAAAAAIYY/K73tsgTl8eo/s1600/IMG_8332.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Look at her, perfect. Maybellene Rae, 19" long and 7 lbs 3 ounces. The first night my husband and I were terrified. We had her at 11:00 pm and by the time everything was finished it was past midnight and our family left and the nurses and doctor left and it was just the three of us. The whole time we were in the hospital it was a total blur. I held my baby tight and tried to figure out how to be the best parent I could be. I read books and took classes but once I had this tiny creature in front of me my brain melted and I was unsure of everything. <br />
<br />
We came home and it was even scarier. I suddenly didn't have a button that would call a nurse to make sure the little wheeze in her breathing was nothing or that she was sleeping and eating the appropriate amount of time. I was so sleep deprived that I continued to ride through the blur and make sure I was doing the best I could. <br />
<br />
Putting her in her moses basket was a real highlight. I had imagined her in it for many months before and now she was finally there. But the crazy worrier in me can't be totally relaxed while she is in it because I worry she isn't getting enough air in there or that the handle will come down and get in her face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFRKTJ632Tc/VJ4B80NBWLI/AAAAAAAAIYs/qkPe5NBpNtc/s1600/IMG_8348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFRKTJ632Tc/VJ4B80NBWLI/AAAAAAAAIYs/qkPe5NBpNtc/s1600/IMG_8348.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been almost two weeks now and I have spent way too much time worrying. I worry that I worry too much. I get embarrassed for worrying so much. Nights are long and we are awake more than asleep so it just gives me more time to worry. I know this is common for most first time moms so that eases my worries a bit but it has shown me what I really need to work on as a parent. I can promise to fill her bedroom with a million balloons during the night before her birthday so she wakes up to magic. I can read her a million books a day and take her on various adventures and make her yummy healthy treats. I can do all those things to make her life a beautiful party but until I learn to slow my worries I know I will never be truly present. So this is the first thing I have learned since Maybellene has entered my world. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLIr40_ZTrY/VJ4B8e4-osI/AAAAAAAAIYo/NK19OQFE-aY/s1600/IMG_8379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLIr40_ZTrY/VJ4B8e4-osI/AAAAAAAAIYo/NK19OQFE-aY/s1600/IMG_8379.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
My mom helped me a lot the first week we were home and J's parents came and helped out, too. Now week two is almost over and the three of us are figuring things and are mostly a long way from where we were that first night. I think we are even keeping our house cleaner than we ever did before there were three of us. By we I mostly mean J. He has been more amazing than I could have hoped. Because feedings are exclusively up to me he gets much more sleep during the night and does so much work during the day to keep his girls happy and comfortable. I don't know what I'm going to do when he goes back to work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv4KkgHxhAQ/VJ4B9SdAGdI/AAAAAAAAIYw/md7Gt8PcV48/s1600/IMG_8386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv4KkgHxhAQ/VJ4B9SdAGdI/AAAAAAAAIYw/md7Gt8PcV48/s1600/IMG_8386.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture was taken late one night while we were nursing. Right after I took it M tossed her cookies on me. I then went to change her diaper and she peed while I was in the process which meant I had to change her clothes, too. After that we nursed some more and cookies continued to be tossed. I was grateful I had this adorable picture to remind me of the nice quiet moment we had before it all went awry. I'm learning that is also a big part of parenting - sweet little moment followed with vomit and pee- metaphorically and literally. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYTSrVEsF6Y/VJ4B-NXkFGI/AAAAAAAAIZA/ujN_PXxALp4/s1600/IMG_8389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYTSrVEsF6Y/VJ4B-NXkFGI/AAAAAAAAIZA/ujN_PXxALp4/s1600/IMG_8389.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Upside down baby. She's so serious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LYBaELMPm8/VJ4B_rxf4cI/AAAAAAAAIZI/velBkSsJZvs/s1600/IMG_8398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LYBaELMPm8/VJ4B_rxf4cI/AAAAAAAAIZI/velBkSsJZvs/s1600/IMG_8398.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent Christmas all alone, just the three of us. My Mother-in-Law had the flu so we had to postpone M's first big holiday. I had imagined I would still wrap her two gifts I bought her and would make a big fuss of opening them for her but it was such a sleepy, lazy day that the most we did to celebrate was to wear a fun Christmas shirt. It was all we needed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fttz4DQVNUw/VJ4B_frkgGI/AAAAAAAAIZM/joJhmUDQzuI/s1600/IMG_8408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fttz4DQVNUw/VJ4B_frkgGI/AAAAAAAAIZM/joJhmUDQzuI/s1600/IMG_8408.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Today M needed to sleep off all the sleeping she did the day before. We have been trying out her new swing and I have been trying to not hover over her too much. What if I didn't put it together right? What if the mobile falls down on her? What if she starts spitting up and chokes? These are all the worries I'm working on. But I still sat close by. Not all worries will go away so quickly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enVgnMxkt4U/VJ4CARoxgBI/AAAAAAAAIZY/5IVxBQUvj5U/s1600/IMG_8418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enVgnMxkt4U/VJ4CARoxgBI/AAAAAAAAIZY/5IVxBQUvj5U/s1600/IMG_8418.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
And now she's ready for second dinner. Which will be shortly followed up with first dessert. <br />
<br />
It's going to be a wild ride!A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-22154866015529813642014-11-07T15:17:00.000-06:002014-11-07T15:17:24.235-06:00TGIF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This has been a weird week. My first week off work did not turn out the way I expected it to. Disappointing elections, reminders of bills and daily responsibilities, not getting nearly as much done as I hoped.... but the worst thing this week was that my sweet rabbit Rue passed away. It all happened so quickly and I am still completely stunned. Wednesday night she was breathing heavily. I worried that she had a cold and planned on getting her to the vet the next day. When we woke up Thursday morning we discovered she did not make it through the night. I could not believe it would happen that fast and I felt so guilty for not being with her in the end. There is such a void in the house now. I usually chat with her throughout the day and now I catch myself starting to say something to her only to look over and remember she isn't there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here she is when we first brought her home and we still had our other rabbit Luxie. It took the two about a week to get used to each other and then they were best friends. Lux was in love with Rue and constantly groomed her and kept her close. For the first six months that we had Rue we joked that she was not our pet, she was Lux's. After Lux passed away we finally got to make Rue ours. We got rid of her cage and made her a home in the living room where she could run around and explore. I hope she felt like her life was good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeB0dVJmuV0/VF0xqvyS0SI/AAAAAAAAIXc/PCECPZ8nZS8/s1600/IMG_3233.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeB0dVJmuV0/VF0xqvyS0SI/AAAAAAAAIXc/PCECPZ8nZS8/s1600/IMG_3233.PNG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were not outdoor bunnies, the just got plenty of outdoor time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She loved to be pet. We would sit with her on the couch and she would let us pet her for forever. When she had to go to the bathroom she would get restless so we knew it was time to put her down. She would run straight to her litter box and take care of business like a lady.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21XkVTKJWRs/VF0xpbB3uaI/AAAAAAAAIXU/bV1BxzqvFBc/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21XkVTKJWRs/VF0xpbB3uaI/AAAAAAAAIXU/bV1BxzqvFBc/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved watching her eat treats. She always got a little mustache the color of her food. I'm slowly getting used to her not being here but I wish I could have one more chance to sit and pet her. The same day we lost Rue my Grandmother lost her sweet cat Clover. Clover was a neighborhood cat who would leave Grandmother little "treats" at her door as a thank you for feeding her and providing her with warm shelter in her basement. I told my Grandmother that Clover, Rue and Luxie are all together having a blast together. I'm sure pet heaven is a very fun place to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwMaYcLe-Q4/VF0xsLBCuiI/AAAAAAAAIXk/gAuwoXxf9s8/s1600/IMG_6554.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwMaYcLe-Q4/VF0xsLBCuiI/AAAAAAAAIXk/gAuwoXxf9s8/s1600/IMG_6554.mov" /></a></div>
<br />
The week wasn't all bad. I met with a dear friend and started the journey of learning about Nichiren Buddhism. The practice is so beautiful and I really think it has helped me get through these rougher parts. I also had a wonderful visit with my doctor this morning and learned that Maybe and I are in good health. He did an ultrasound and she kept her hand over her face the whole time! It would have been frustrating if it wasn't so cute. Maybe she will be really into peek-a-boo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evxyBXETnCs/VF0xvOp6nyI/AAAAAAAAIXw/hfd9aZ7b_Lk/s1600/IMG_8077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evxyBXETnCs/VF0xvOp6nyI/AAAAAAAAIXw/hfd9aZ7b_Lk/s1600/IMG_8077.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am trying to spend my time wisely the rest of this afternoon. Working in Maybe's room is so overwhelming but I at least have one little section that looks promising. <br />
<br />
But then I turn around.... I have hopefully 5 more weeks until she arrives... I'm not sure if that's enough time to clean up this mess. Help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esKhzbze9JA/VF0xuajXqDI/AAAAAAAAIXo/8g9mw7uMduw/s1600/IMG_8076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esKhzbze9JA/VF0xuajXqDI/AAAAAAAAIXo/8g9mw7uMduw/s1600/IMG_8076.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you have a great weekend. If you also had a rough week now is the time for things to turn around!</div>
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-84989990908298986622014-11-04T08:58:00.001-06:002014-11-04T08:58:11.946-06:00Budget Woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go vote today! J and I went early this morning and it felt good. I wish he didn't have to go to work so soon because it would have been nice to have a post-voting celebratory breakfast. Instead I had a pre-voting celebratory bowl of cheerios. Whether your day includes fancy breakfast or not please go vote.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWB_Mh-YsMI/VFjfpPKknpI/AAAAAAAAIW8/eWkRCHFjRJ0/s1600/IMG_8045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWB_Mh-YsMI/VFjfpPKknpI/AAAAAAAAIW8/eWkRCHFjRJ0/s1600/IMG_8045.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday started out well even though I was a bit overwhelmed by the state of our house (I promise it's just unorganized and not yucky). I couldn't figure out which room to tackle first so I wondered around doing a little bit in each room. Then the mail came and all productivity came to a halt. Our electricity bill shot up super high and claimed we used 245% more electricity than last October. I was freaked out and felt doomed. I sat at the kitchen table and cried because just when I thought we were doing ok and I could take some time to stay home with baby something like this comes along and makes me feel insecure. After enough time of feeling sorry for myself I finally went outside and checked our meter and realized the numbers were completely off, the reading had been recorded inaccurately. I called and reported and let out a sigh of relief. One more bullet dodged. On the night of my last day of work we thought our furnace broke. I couldn't breathe while I waited for my husband to figure out what happened. Again, it got figured out and we feel confident we at least have another winter with it but what happens when it does finally quit? Eventually we will not be able to avoid something like that happening and that's when I become overcome with worry. I pinch pennies every chance I can in order to prepare for these possibilities but will there every be a point where I can worry a little less and live a little more? I have trouble figuring out where to draw the line between being prepared and being terrified of not being prepared enough. If we had a celebratory fancy breakfast today it would have been served with a side of guilt.<br />
<br />
I grew up always wanting things. I wanted clothes and shoes and purses and stuff. So much stuff. It's hard breaking from that. I was at a shoe store recently and wanted a pair of shoes so bad. I even got a coupon in the mail for that shoe store and held on to it for a bit thinking I would finally buy a pair but then life happens and I get a scary electric bill that reminds me of our reality. It forces me to let go of feeling like I need so many things but it is still an adjustment. I know that my problems are so minuscule when compared to so many problems in the world but these are the little things I'm working on overcoming.<br />
<br />
Today I am tightening our grocery budget again so that we may start prioritizing what is important in our life. I think taking control in some areas will help us have a little fun in other areas. <br />
<br />
Do you guys have any money-saving tips? Do you also struggle with finding a proper balance with spending and saving? I'm all ears!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-91738235892323962642014-11-03T10:18:00.002-06:002014-11-03T10:18:39.624-06:00Indefinite Maternity LeaveI have been on a blogging hiatus because I have been storing all my thoughts internally. Every time I think I should write something down I'm not sure what to say. My mind is in overload and I suppose a lot of it could be hormones that are whipping me every which way. <br />
<br />
Today starts my officially official first day of my indefinite maternity leave. I know I have been unemployed before with question marks hanging over the future but this time feels so much for bizarre because it feels very permanent. With a baby coming soon, that is a job that I don't really know how to train for. I'm excited and nervous and scared and overwhelmed and feel completely unprepared for this big adventure. It seems all I can really do is clean my house and finally learn how to organize. Does that gene kick in when you have a baby? I hope for her sake it does. I am a pretty terrible housekeeper and my hormones have made eating a chore so I'm not even good at grocery shopping and making dinners these days. I hope to document this journey here while also keeping up with my online shop, making dolls every chance that I can and exploring new ways of artmaking. I will admit that I am terrified that I will lose that part of myself. All I know how to do is sit in my studio and make stuff. For the past month I have not been anywhere near my studio. I know it's going to be up to me to make that extra effort to find the time to keep up with my own interests. It's my own fault if I don't.<br />
<br />
Lets talk fun stuff. I have had several showers in the past month. My sweet friends had a shower for me and they pulled out all the stops. <a href="http://shealwayslovedlarking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://www.robayre.com/news/" target="_blank">Robyn</a>, <a href="http://bryannepolacek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bryanne</a> and Janey hosted and it was mostly book club friends and co-workers and my sister and Mom who drove up from Kentucky. There was also a very special guest from Slovakia who was visiting her daughter on her first trip to America. It was a real honor to have her there celebrating with me. Here are some highlights of the beautiful day.<br />
<br />
Photos taken by Robyn. To see her process of making the invitation check it out on her blog <a href="http://www.robayre.com/news/2014/10/23/illustrated-invitation/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GugUX7kmU0/VFelytH5eOI/AAAAAAAAITs/or7KD3wHrwo/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GugUX7kmU0/VFelytH5eOI/AAAAAAAAITs/or7KD3wHrwo/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtney killed it with the Pinterest-Approved treats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXJrTpQb55o/VFemSR_mbTI/AAAAAAAAIVs/q7RKmToN9R8/s1600/IMG_4558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXJrTpQb55o/VFemSR_mbTI/AAAAAAAAIVs/q7RKmToN9R8/s1600/IMG_4558.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robyn made the beautiful leaf garlands. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AO-pVNiss5A/VFelyh2aolI/AAAAAAAAITo/BXP-eZ3qkq4/s1600/IMG_4560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AO-pVNiss5A/VFelyh2aolI/AAAAAAAAITo/BXP-eZ3qkq4/s1600/IMG_4560.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had trouble choosing my cupcake. I wanted all the bunnies and deer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw46HxiDS_4/VFel0sRvsTI/AAAAAAAAIT8/azoVTMq4bAc/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw46HxiDS_4/VFel0sRvsTI/AAAAAAAAIT8/azoVTMq4bAc/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryanne made beautiful flower arrangements.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The girls kept me in the dark on most of the shower things. It was so fun to arrive and see everything they had been planning over the last couple of months. The one thing I did get to help with was the "photo booth" backdrop. I'm not sure if I have said before but the baby's name is Maybellene and her nickname will be Maybe. I know the Maybe part throws people off if they don't know the whole story.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1TSwVzZRtM/VFel08wbCgI/AAAAAAAAIUA/RVmkSHTmaXs/s1600/IMG_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1TSwVzZRtM/VFel08wbCgI/AAAAAAAAIUA/RVmkSHTmaXs/s1600/IMG_4569.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and sister and I as little critters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXdyYeHOd18/VFemdG9qthI/AAAAAAAAIV0/ooar8qGHN9U/s1600/IMG_4561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXdyYeHOd18/VFemdG9qthI/AAAAAAAAIV0/ooar8qGHN9U/s1600/IMG_4561.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the Fall/Woodland theme.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhgbze2oheU/VFel2deKpbI/AAAAAAAAIUU/YWl_AJq6GO8/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhgbze2oheU/VFel2deKpbI/AAAAAAAAIUU/YWl_AJq6GO8/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a craft table! Everyone got to make their own party favors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skD3ml0YQuY/VFel3auTirI/AAAAAAAAIUg/W93dRcP-foY/s1600/IMG_4596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skD3ml0YQuY/VFel3auTirI/AAAAAAAAIUg/W93dRcP-foY/s1600/IMG_4596.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also made pendants for a garland for Maybellene's room. Pictures of that soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTUvc2UP-SA/VFel1JvfFUI/AAAAAAAAIUE/Aqia5dO7GLY/s1600/IMG_4578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTUvc2UP-SA/VFel1JvfFUI/AAAAAAAAIUE/Aqia5dO7GLY/s1600/IMG_4578.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Cutie Critter Friends.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTkB5L5jdTY/VFel3cG9AvI/AAAAAAAAIUc/1SzEVSWymX8/s1600/IMG_4604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTkB5L5jdTY/VFel3cG9AvI/AAAAAAAAIUc/1SzEVSWymX8/s1600/IMG_4604.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvyIsYptxM/VFem0Mra7LI/AAAAAAAAIWE/JoWAxzlIRp4/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvyIsYptxM/VFem0Mra7LI/AAAAAAAAIWE/JoWAxzlIRp4/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No shower is complete without actual children.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2X-4bG0GzgQ/VFem0FkH9cI/AAAAAAAAIWA/Xaq1X8XjvLs/s1600/IMG_4579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2X-4bG0GzgQ/VFem0FkH9cI/AAAAAAAAIWA/Xaq1X8XjvLs/s1600/IMG_4579.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KKf0NZbji4/VFel3xCuUlI/AAAAAAAAIUo/gAnujmVSdis/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KKf0NZbji4/VFel3xCuUlI/AAAAAAAAIUo/gAnujmVSdis/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJKGeF_mdws/VFel40wpixI/AAAAAAAAIUw/WYEl2cj35iY/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJKGeF_mdws/VFel40wpixI/AAAAAAAAIUw/WYEl2cj35iY/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEsXkqDWIfI/VFel56LtPdI/AAAAAAAAIVA/rN8sKJHOuaA/s1600/IMG_4617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEsXkqDWIfI/VFel56LtPdI/AAAAAAAAIVA/rN8sKJHOuaA/s1600/IMG_4617.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My party "throne" was surrounded in balloons and gifts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDeYhcEeZg0/VFel6pEnSAI/AAAAAAAAIVI/KV_FDtjZZxQ/s1600/IMG_4619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDeYhcEeZg0/VFel6pEnSAI/AAAAAAAAIVI/KV_FDtjZZxQ/s1600/IMG_4619.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thoughtful guest collected my ribbons and made me a bonnet. I decided I should wear this to the delivery. ( ;</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHVW3LOXu44/VFel7FUG65I/AAAAAAAAIVQ/BRnqwa5V0g0/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHVW3LOXu44/VFel7FUG65I/AAAAAAAAIVQ/BRnqwa5V0g0/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the beautiful crafting results.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLV67V0qGtA/VFel72iqs5I/AAAAAAAAIVg/KNiVyBPEd3Q/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLV67V0qGtA/VFel72iqs5I/AAAAAAAAIVg/KNiVyBPEd3Q/s1600/IMG_4632.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hostesses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That was such a beautiful day and having my mom and sister here made it even more special. I am excited for Maybellene to meet all of these amazing women that are in my life. <br />
<br />
Today I'm going to start cleaning, so begins the nesting period. My biggest challenge is not eating the leftover Halloween candy. Maybe just one piece will be okay.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading. <3 p=""></3>A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-87464457615150539182014-06-30T08:55:00.001-05:002014-06-30T08:55:13.964-05:00Clean Up Clean Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you follow me on instagram (<a href="http://www.iphoneogram.com/u/3077181" target="_blank">abeautifulparty</a>) then you may have seen me on there this weekend trying to do anything but clean my studio. The great clean up and clean out began sometime last week. I am ready to start taking my work in a different direction so the first thing I had to do was change my creative space. I am such a hoarder when it comes to anything arts/craft-making. I was starting to realize that having all that stuff made it difficult for me to decide on things to make because I could make anything. I need some limitations in order to come up with creative solutions. At least... that's what I like to tell myself. I also love excuses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SU_kcKaHCZI/U7Fk7XCMXHI/AAAAAAAAIR8/U8_R0SAWjtM/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SU_kcKaHCZI/U7Fk7XCMXHI/AAAAAAAAIR8/U8_R0SAWjtM/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
In the last few weeks I have been thinking about the things I truly want to make. After making my first doll I am in love with the process but I know that in order to get better I need to give it my all. So now my studio is set up for doll making. The only thing that kept me going all weekend long was knowing that as soon as I was done I could start making more dolls. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MuQQamM8LU/U7Fk7aBBRFI/AAAAAAAAISA/rKYuL9J4PYo/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MuQQamM8LU/U7Fk7aBBRFI/AAAAAAAAISA/rKYuL9J4PYo/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The stats:<br />
Over the weekend I binged watched season 1 and most of season 2 of Orange is the New Black. I got through 7 levels of Candy Crush (why did I download that stupid game?!) I made one box of Goodwill donations, a large box for consignment and a pile of stuff to give away to friends. I got rid of two and a half bags of garbage and 2 trashcan-size recycle bin recyclables. I ate a mini Dairy Queen M&M blizzard. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvSnplpz0xE/U7Fk7Tt46DI/AAAAAAAAISE/dY9Wk622QQo/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvSnplpz0xE/U7Fk7Tt46DI/AAAAAAAAISE/dY9Wk622QQo/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwnqSSvRCVc/U7Fk9QNEOyI/AAAAAAAAISU/8huvt5EEXL8/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwnqSSvRCVc/U7Fk9QNEOyI/AAAAAAAAISU/8huvt5EEXL8/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It's also really important that I have a good space to make art. I love this weird "booth" that holds all my supplies so easily.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSb9iUN1XWA/U7Fk-F7WW3I/AAAAAAAAISc/gENHkDGInfo/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSb9iUN1XWA/U7Fk-F7WW3I/AAAAAAAAISc/gENHkDGInfo/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
My walls are covered in inspiration including these prints from people I admire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rjt0U-cS4so/U7Fk_FYKz6I/AAAAAAAAISk/f4ll83_omzs/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rjt0U-cS4so/U7Fk_FYKz6I/AAAAAAAAISk/f4ll83_omzs/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Bi9ILOasc/U7FlAa_LGcI/AAAAAAAAISs/iMxOM1vTMPQ/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Bi9ILOasc/U7FlAa_LGcI/AAAAAAAAISs/iMxOM1vTMPQ/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Look at those organization skills! I didn't know I had it in me! I promise promise promise to keep it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5nHycOQmas/U7FlAZXGc6I/AAAAAAAAISw/5EPEhnWDOAI/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5nHycOQmas/U7FlAZXGc6I/AAAAAAAAISw/5EPEhnWDOAI/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So last night around 8:00 I finally got to make a doll! I have been wanting to make tiny dolls that will be perfect for newborn baby hands. And I just realized I never shared on my blog the first doll I made. It is the second photo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SA76Y79yOM/U7FlG6FovNI/AAAAAAAAIS8/QyCOTAYLNVE/s1600/babybunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SA76Y79yOM/U7FlG6FovNI/AAAAAAAAIS8/QyCOTAYLNVE/s1600/babybunny.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And I just realized I never shared on my blog the first doll I made. Both dolls are not made from patterns. I wanted to try to figure out the construction on my own in order to understand the process better but I think I definitely need to start looking at patterns now. The tiny doll had some definite problems. Her ears came out a little funky and her face did not get properly sewn in so there is a little hole for stuffing to come out. I was also in such a hurry to make this that i sewed the back piece on backwards. Rookie mistakes. My first rabbit, below, also has some goofy mistakes but I love her anyway. I am hoping by the end of the day I'll have a new doll that is almost perfect. Did I mention I love this?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eE5jvuNp1l4/U7FrF0Vv7MI/AAAAAAAAITM/64wFSEbd75o/s1600/10359252_10100555835967579_1348648107797820355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eE5jvuNp1l4/U7FrF0Vv7MI/AAAAAAAAITM/64wFSEbd75o/s1600/10359252_10100555835967579_1348648107797820355_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for taking a look around. Now I have the rest of my house to clean but I may just hide out down here forever and forget that the rest exists.<br />
<br />
xoxoA Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-54688653501069311212014-06-24T12:38:00.002-05:002014-06-24T13:01:20.817-05:00Rockford City Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2HZpULj9vo/U6m3cYKcaVI/AAAAAAAAIRs/uxv3DeCkZMw/s1600/rcm+market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2HZpULj9vo/U6m3cYKcaVI/AAAAAAAAIRs/uxv3DeCkZMw/s1600/rcm+market.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Last Friday I participated in a market in Rockford called the<a href="http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/" target="_blank"> Rockford City Market</a>. I was with my dream team Robyn of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/robayre?ref=si_shop&view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Robayre</a> and Courtney of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/larking" target="_blank">Larking</a> (who was there in spirit and merchandise but not person) and together we call ourselves the Lucky Penny Collective. We are participating in a rotating booth as part of the <a href="http://rockfordetsyteam.com/" target="_blank">Rockford Etsy Team</a>.<br />
<br />
I was excited about signing up for this show but I have to confess that in the days leading up to it I was dreading it. Because I am pregnant I was really afraid of the physical work involved in setting up a booth. I know I'm not completely helpless but I am also afraid of overdoing and putting this baby in any sort of harm. I'm sure by my second pregnancy I'll be over it and carrying huge bins of stuff on each shoulder but for now I'm living life like I have bubble wrap over all over me.<br />
<br />
So I worried. But it was all for nothing. Robyn was a huge help and her fella came along and saved the day by taking over when it came to the hard labor. Overall it was a great day and the market itself was amazing and huge. I can't wait to check it out when I'm not tied to a tent. I met lots of great people and found a new audience for my work. And any day spend with Robyn is a treat. Courtney was out of town but we were happy to set up a table for her. She will join us in September when we do this again.<br />
<br />
The worst part of the day? Besides using a porta potty? Right when we got into Rockford my power breaking decided to go out. Well, I'm assuming that was what it was. I spent the whole day trying not to think about my potentially dangerous drive home (I was about 45 minutes away). By the time my car was loaded and I got in to drive home it acted like there were no troubles and I got home safely without a single problem. That was weird. Fingers crossed that everything stays that way.<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-81562531290714607742014-06-09T22:13:00.000-05:002014-06-09T22:33:50.702-05:00blog hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
my friend robyn invited me to participate in a blog hop. every monday different bloggers share a post about themselves and what they are currently working on. i'm excited to participate. robyn has been mentioned here numerous times and if you haven't taken a look yet i really encourage you to check out her blog <a href="http://www.robayre.com/news/" target="_blank">here</a>. you can also find great work in her shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/robayre?ref=si_shop&view_type=gallery" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>what am i working on?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
some days i really don't know. since i found out i was pregnant my brain has turned to sludge. before that i was making lots of crafty things but that has come to an unceremonious halt. in the last couple of weeks i decided i needed to completely change everything up. i even opted for a change of scenery and turned our dining room table into my studio (much to my husband's annoyance). i have been making little watercolor doodles and am desperately trying to make something start to finish. i have piles and piles of papers that have starts. it's the finishing that gets me every time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
here is a blurry image to prove to you i am doing something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apA_4Nuaj30/U5Z05n6OLwI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/cB-nwDyo4EQ/s1600/IMG_7382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apA_4Nuaj30/U5Z05n6OLwI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/cB-nwDyo4EQ/s1600/IMG_7382.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JoGJ0mqrIoM/U5Z0501Tf-I/AAAAAAAAIOU/fWaamQ1vsM4/s1600/IMG_7405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JoGJ0mqrIoM/U5Z0501Tf-I/AAAAAAAAIOU/fWaamQ1vsM4/s1600/IMG_7405.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ocpeR9Y2oo/U5Z06VDPR4I/AAAAAAAAIOg/Qsy4Q0wNMFY/s1600/IMG_7406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ocpeR9Y2oo/U5Z06VDPR4I/AAAAAAAAIOg/Qsy4Q0wNMFY/s1600/IMG_7406.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
i am also making an attempt at creating softie dolls. i have always wanted to give this a try so today i finally made myself sit down and see what i can do. i'm learning as i go so this first attempt may be a little wonky.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skAuW7jlD9k/U5Z067xjW7I/AAAAAAAAIOk/igfAW0NGpGo/s1600/IMG_7409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skAuW7jlD9k/U5Z067xjW7I/AAAAAAAAIOk/igfAW0NGpGo/s1600/IMG_7409.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and keeping it crafty... i made this commissioned sign recently and i would love to make more and more. this is up my alley.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP_RHJczNs0/U5Z0_GAjjbI/AAAAAAAAIOw/m9Ym4aLhEC0/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP_RHJczNs0/U5Z0_GAjjbI/AAAAAAAAIOw/m9Ym4aLhEC0/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2. how does my work differ from others in it's genre?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
i guess the best answer to this question is that it is made by me and not others. Robyn answered this answer similarly. when i make crafty things it's easy to fall into the trends of what others are doing. but i try to add an extra element that is very "me." when i am painting pictures i create worlds that are my dream places. i want them to be magical little places that you would like to get lost in. others may make worlds that are their dream places but where mine has horse running through flowers with a girl wearing a bunny hat, their world may have a car driving around saturn's rings with dolphins spinning around the moon. everyone had their own interpretation of magic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBCzaiZuix0/U5Z38rO8fPI/AAAAAAAAIO8/EYqMnb1aUHk/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBCzaiZuix0/U5Z38rO8fPI/AAAAAAAAIO8/EYqMnb1aUHk/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>3. why do i create what i do?</b><br />
because i love it. and even when my brain turns to sludge i'm still dreaming up things to make.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4N0C7ql_Do/U5Z5JUynNMI/AAAAAAAAIPE/bM_C6Hyu4nc/s1600/wildheartdetail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4N0C7ql_Do/U5Z5JUynNMI/AAAAAAAAIPE/bM_C6Hyu4nc/s1600/wildheartdetail2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>4. how does your creating process work?</b><br />
it's nice having a studio at home because i can make stuff all the time. there are definitely lazy days where i don't touch a single art/craft supply but trust me, the torment that happens in my brain is punishment enough. when i'm not working i feel so guilty. but i wish i was more organized about creating. i get ideas for something and i hold them in my head until i finally make it, or make an attempt at making it. there are people who can make notes in their sketchbooks and draw out designs or thumbnail sketches and i would love to be that way. it would make my "winging it" approach much easier and i may have a better chance at finishing what i started. i fantasize about completely cleaning out my studio and limiting the craft supplies i have. having too much stuff makes me feel overwhelmed and when i want to sit down and make something sometimes the possibilities are so endless that i simply cannot decide on what to work on. i don't know if that answers the question. i guess most of my creative process is on a wing and a prayer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkwWSD4Fh0Y/U5Z64HUtEaI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/mhnCjou6g5M/s1600/IMG_5535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkwWSD4Fh0Y/U5Z64HUtEaI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/mhnCjou6g5M/s1600/IMG_5535.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
i have always wanted to make some sort of art work using this image of a plant i saw at the conservatory in chicago. it reminds me of the hill monsters i used to make:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLhdAerrCeE/U5Z7TB6uMrI/AAAAAAAAIPY/jB3TR2j5-hc/s1600/hanging+around+to+get+here.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLhdAerrCeE/U5Z7TB6uMrI/AAAAAAAAIPY/jB3TR2j5-hc/s1600/hanging+around+to+get+here.JPG" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
thank you, robyn, for tagging me.<br />
<br />
I am tagging:<br />
<br />
jane ryder of <a href="http://fluxbiota.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">flux biota</a><br />
julie tillman of <a href="http://thedailyartchallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">daily art challenge</a><br />
michelle moode of <a href="http://millionsofpeoplehappy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">millions of people happy</a><br />
<br />
<3 p=""></3>A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-74612219987113557422014-06-05T10:13:00.000-05:002014-06-05T10:13:50.817-05:00Creating MagicThis morning I woke to the sound of my phone buzzing with text messages. Two of my girlfriends were group texting about a blog post recently written by<a href="http://katiedaisyart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Katie Daisy</a> and the magical journey she has been on in her life. If you do not know Katie Daisy (Daisy is not her real last name) you probably have seen her work everywhere. We marveled at what a beautiful and successful life this girl has led already at such a young age. I can't speak for my friends but for me it definitely gave me a pang of envy. This girl was so fearless and chased after what she wanted with no looking back. <br />
<br />
But then I did something. I pushed aside the envy and instead thought about my own journey. I grew up in a small, rural, southern town that I couldn't wait to leave. I felt like I didn't fit in there and wouldn't be happy until I was living in a big city and living a crazy bohemian life (it was the late 90s and I saw Rent twice). But, as I am not fearless enough to go from small town to big city over night I went the fairly conventional route and went to college in a slightly bigger town in the same state. What I found there was an amazing group of people who all wanted the same things as me. We dressed like little Edie of Grey Gardens before we even knew what Grey Gardens was. (Once we saw Grey Gardens we dressed like her even more) Art was a huge focus in our lives and we all adored it. The weirder the better. We were living as bohemian a life as you could in small town Kentucky. But I still dreamed of bigger and better things, cities and lofts and being oh-so-famous. But again, I was scared and so instead I went to a slightly larger town up north and began grad school. Grad school was safe because it still kept me in the bubble of school but I still wanted more and more. I planned on moving away from here as soon as I graduated and finally go after the things I was afraid to do before. I was going to move to Nashville, which is no New York City but is still a dream, and I was going to do whatever it is you do in a city. But life got in the way and I met and married the man of my dreams. And the man of my dreams had a grown-up job and enough sense to know you don't just pick up and leave an income that includes health insurance. So, for a while-- for a long while-- I was happy that I was married to a wonderful man but I also mourned so badly for the life I dreamed of living. <br />
<br />
But you know what's funny? Somewhere along the way I quit caring about living in a big city and instead longed for the country. The small town that I used to dream about leaving started to seem like the most beautiful place in the world and why wouldn't anyone want to look outside and see rolling hills? One of my very best friends moved to Brooklyn a few years ago and I was definitely jealous when she left because she was doing what I knew I would never do. But now, even though I'm dying to visit her, I'm okay with not living there.<br />
<br />
I still want to move south and the minute we can go I will be gone but it wasn't until the discussion this morning that I was able to be at peace with where I live now. Sure, it would be nice to look out my windows and see Kentucky bluegrass and rolling hills but for now I'm terribly happy that I look out the window and see the gorgeous gardens my husband worked so hard on. The 16-year-old me would have never known how happy a vegetable garden could make me. <br />
<br />
We all discussed that everyone's dream is different so I'm not trying to say that the life that sounds magical and dreamy to me would be that way for everyone. Certainly it would not seem that way to my teenager self. My girlfriend in Brooklyn is oh so happy there and I am oh so happy for her. <br />
<br />
We all decided that there is magic in this life even if we sometimes want for other things. It's just about recognizing those magical moments and filling your life up with them as much as possible. For me that means sitting outside in the shade with my husband, going to the pool, craft dates with girl friends, book club nights, talking on the phone with family and friends who live too far away, finding beautiful places in nearby towns, dreaming about this baby and creating the most magical world for him/her... All of these things outweigh any of the bad by a long shot and for that I am ever so grateful. <br />
<br />
So I look to my friends who live in this town with me and I have gone through their blogs and found so many examples of the magic we find in our day-to-day lives. I adore these girls and am grateful to have them around to remind me just how great life is.<br />
<br />
Robyn is always doing stuff and I love hearing about her adventures. Here is some of the beauty she has captured. These can be found on her blog by clicking <a href="http://www.robayre.com/news/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qh6YdahBdsE/U5CAyWaaWyI/AAAAAAAAIMc/pDcZAxUIgzo/s1600/robyn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qh6YdahBdsE/U5CAyWaaWyI/AAAAAAAAIMc/pDcZAxUIgzo/s1600/robyn2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuciRdhJth4/U5CAyp4wQtI/AAAAAAAAIMg/u63sxVVQyBQ/s1600/robyn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuciRdhJth4/U5CAyp4wQtI/AAAAAAAAIMg/u63sxVVQyBQ/s1600/robyn3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZq73p9g5K4/U5CAyUns7WI/AAAAAAAAIMk/QMyOsqNMqEc/s1600/robyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZq73p9g5K4/U5CAyUns7WI/AAAAAAAAIMk/QMyOsqNMqEc/s1600/robyn.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Courtney is the kind of momma I want to be. She has been a great mentor for me when i have countless questions. She has two adorable babies and the world she creates for them is one I hope to make as well. See her blog <a href="http://shealwayslovedlarking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5pCFm-ojo4/U5CCPnYpklI/AAAAAAAAIM4/un6_6MjjbYE/s1600/courtney2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5pCFm-ojo4/U5CCPnYpklI/AAAAAAAAIM4/un6_6MjjbYE/s1600/courtney2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J3Q81mvB28/U5CCP8ykSbI/AAAAAAAAIM8/Jz7VME1QhJg/s1600/courtney3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J3Q81mvB28/U5CCP8ykSbI/AAAAAAAAIM8/Jz7VME1QhJg/s1600/courtney3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yLG-3DxG3k/U5CCP2M2SKI/AAAAAAAAINA/TYUbiha6M4Y/s1600/courtney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yLG-3DxG3k/U5CCP2M2SKI/AAAAAAAAINA/TYUbiha6M4Y/s1600/courtney.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
.<br />
<br />
I have said it a million times before that my friend Bryanne has the ability to capture magical beautiful moments in the day-to-day. Here are some examples of her work that remind me of the beauty in this world and see more <a href="http://bryannepolacek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNQhL6FtCYQ/U5B-OPFr5CI/AAAAAAAAIMA/r_ra6RPqmIE/s1600/bryanne2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNQhL6FtCYQ/U5B-OPFr5CI/AAAAAAAAIMA/r_ra6RPqmIE/s1600/bryanne2.png" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jm-apZThYbE/U5B-QH0JieI/AAAAAAAAIMM/oMEVDOWhPe8/s1600/bryanne3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jm-apZThYbE/U5B-QH0JieI/AAAAAAAAIMM/oMEVDOWhPe8/s1600/bryanne3.png" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXUVw7SZGlo/U5B-PaAvuHI/AAAAAAAAIME/DzCvbwgLwWs/s1600/bryanne.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXUVw7SZGlo/U5B-PaAvuHI/AAAAAAAAIME/DzCvbwgLwWs/s1600/bryanne.png" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I met Katie years ago but know her best through Bryanne. They are a friendship duo that can make the most beautiful moments. See more of her world and drool over her gorgeous art <a href="http://thenaivetreekatiedrum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YBMyA8Cyzg/U5CGb3cPOmI/AAAAAAAAINY/MGgoVkKj2A0/s1600/katie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YBMyA8Cyzg/U5CGb3cPOmI/AAAAAAAAINY/MGgoVkKj2A0/s1600/katie2.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTOuZXUIca4/U5CGbwcZnqI/AAAAAAAAINc/JLV4VKEn77Q/s1600/katie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTOuZXUIca4/U5CGbwcZnqI/AAAAAAAAINc/JLV4VKEn77Q/s1600/katie3.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQKajJGr_tQ/U5CGb1w2LlI/AAAAAAAAINU/-kKDpTftfIs/s1600/katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQKajJGr_tQ/U5CGb1w2LlI/AAAAAAAAINU/-kKDpTftfIs/s1600/katie.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is the beauty I captured the other day at a dreamy garden in a town nearby:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyeAR2bJ-_Q/U5CHePWVi7I/AAAAAAAAINs/NQ8AXQQBkfc/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyeAR2bJ-_Q/U5CHePWVi7I/AAAAAAAAINs/NQ8AXQQBkfc/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wra4L0CczZY/U5CHhZPx_NI/AAAAAAAAIN0/6jLinTsYio4/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wra4L0CczZY/U5CHhZPx_NI/AAAAAAAAIN0/6jLinTsYio4/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRi0NY8tY3g/U5CHh8H-ZXI/AAAAAAAAIN4/Qc4iXpU5W-Y/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRi0NY8tY3g/U5CHh8H-ZXI/AAAAAAAAIN4/Qc4iXpU5W-Y/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And so I'm grateful. And I may still have times where I long for other things and am very sure the grass is greener anywhere else but here but I just need to go through these images and reconnect with my friends and be reminded of all the beauty that surrounds me now. <br />
<br />
Here's to the 16 year old who didn't know there was magic happening in front of her the whole time, she just wouldn't take the time to see it.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-52119231185492632362014-06-04T13:21:00.000-05:002014-06-04T13:21:28.689-05:00Art Makin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I first started this blog I was in grad school working on my master's degree in printmaking. It was a place for me to show my processes and share the artists who influenced me. I finally got that degree and ever since then I feel like I've been floating in outer space. They all warn you that when you get out of school you will feel lost but nothing can fully prepare you for just how lost you can get. Since 2010 I've tried so many different things and tried to find the right fit for me. I'm still trying to find that fit. But somewhere along the way I put art making on the back burner and turned to crafts. Now I know arts and crafts can be done simultaneously but I wasn't doing that. </div>
<br />
With all these great changes happening in my life I feel like it's time to start falling back on my one true love. Yesterday I pulled out my latest pieces of work that have been taking up space in my studio. I finally photographed them and got them all listed in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/abeautifulparty?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. I have also set up a small studio at my kitchen table where I can specifically focus on watercoloring and drawing weird little doodles over layers of flowers. It's hard to get back into that frame of mind. It's not just throwing down some color on paper. It's forcing me to truly think about what I want to make work about and what it all means to me. As I have gotten older the things that I love are evolving. I still love balloons but I love flowers even more. I wish I could decorate my whole house with beautiful crystals instead of the pez dispenser collections of my past. It's interesting to make new work with a whole new collection of things that make my eyes purr. <br />
<br />
So here are the pieces I just listed in my shop. I'm excited to start focusing on this again. I wish I could pretend it was 2010 all over again and I transitioned easily from grad school to every day art making. Click on the images for details.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191870534/dreamy-dreamy?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-um0lJYk0dcE/U49h9rSbS9I/AAAAAAAAIK8/uTBdOUe98bM/s1600/beautiful.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191870534/dreamy-dreamy?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSQFUoMoDDE/U49h9uYsZkI/AAAAAAAAILk/bqs5H-bcL_c/s1600/beautifuldetail2.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191878085/bunny-girl-flower-garden?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbhZ2xstuKI/U49h9Xg2dcI/AAAAAAAAIKw/6a05kBGYjoA/s1600/bunnygirl.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191878085/bunny-girl-flower-garden?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Ma-gtSjHY/U49h-vKepuI/AAAAAAAAILA/DsCxu1wyG8I/s1600/bunnygirldetail1.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191886307/undersea?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ii4iCE2-sjo/U49iCm-Ne5I/AAAAAAAAILo/PmoAX6YkwXg/s1600/underseadetail1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191886307/undersea?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGDp0h-GNCM/U49iCYvKt1I/AAAAAAAAIL0/hjRB82z-5hA/s1600/undersea.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191884915/igloo?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izbUeeF9IH8/U49iBi3j1qI/AAAAAAAAILg/W-d2iummE4c/s1600/igloodetail2.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191884915/igloo?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RacX79KYsT4/U49iASFyPeI/AAAAAAAAILU/x175H6dROv0/s1600/igloo.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191879649/diamond-city?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTs5E_ZcR-0/U49h_Bf_uGI/AAAAAAAAILE/C-fBadr0hOQ/s1600/diamondghost.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191879649/diamond-city?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gDzHHSiZ5as/U49iAFGVmXI/AAAAAAAAILw/zVvJpPZFVOU/s1600/diamondghostdetail.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-29138423203862001302014-05-30T10:09:00.001-05:002014-05-30T10:09:38.565-05:00It's a Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmJ-IDErHU4/U4icHrOcSlI/AAAAAAAAIKY/li33dNBnBRw/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmJ-IDErHU4/U4icHrOcSlI/AAAAAAAAIKY/li33dNBnBRw/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday I had my 12 week check-up with my doctor and felt pretty in the clear about finally being able to publicly say out loud that I'm pregnant! If you regularly read my blog you may have seen me write about my struggles with this and my fears that I would never have a child. Being at the end of the first trimester has not made those fears go away but I feel much more confident about my progress. For the past 12 weeks I have barely blogged because it felt so weird to not write about this huge thing that was dominating most of my life. I think I was in a total fog because it was all that I thought about. All I know is that I spent that time laying in bed more than usual, eating the bare minimal of foods, watching my natural hair color grow longer and longer and wanting sushi more than I've ever wanted it in my life. <br />
I made this huge announcement yesterday on Facebook and was overwhelmed by all the "likes" and sweet comments. It was better than Facebook Birthday! I struggle with FB because sometimes I really want to delete it but in moments like that it feels so good to have this community of people rally around you. Those moments are what make the site special. <br />
I am still in a fog. I'm still worried about everything. It's hard for me to work in my studio because I have such a one track mind right now. I just want to sit in the sun and read. It's the least productive I've been in a very long time. I think maybe it's okay to let myself off the hook a little bit but I'm starting to get that itch in my fingers to make something again. I will hopefully pull myself out of this blur very soon and see what this new body and life will create.<br />
<br />
Have a beautiful weekend.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-37673537035057067442014-05-19T13:36:00.000-05:002014-05-19T13:36:04.393-05:00Fresh Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is nothing like the first sale of the season to make you second guess everything you are doing. Yeah, it was one of those days. But it's good. It is making me think long and hard about what I am doing and what I should be doing. For the past few months I have had more on my mind than ever before. I can't focus on anything. The sale yesterday sort of snapped me out of it. I feel a little lost and a little unsure of myself- a lot unsure of myself- but it's forcing me to think. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrySRmZkdSE/U3pM4cr0cVI/AAAAAAAAIKE/mMP5n6ypVlA/s1600/IMG_7277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrySRmZkdSE/U3pM4cr0cVI/AAAAAAAAIKE/mMP5n6ypVlA/s1600/IMG_7277.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm starting by cleaning this neglected space. I sort of designated this as the "art space" in my studio as opposed to the "craft space." We'll see what happens. I wish I could wipe the whole slate clean and begin anew and really- I guess I can. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2J980rlef4/U3pM3xBxBZI/AAAAAAAAIKA/XbV-PfOh6Ck/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2J980rlef4/U3pM3xBxBZI/AAAAAAAAIKA/XbV-PfOh6Ck/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Wish me luck.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-82810555184333602522014-05-09T10:34:00.001-05:002014-05-09T10:34:46.165-05:00recipes from a girl who barely cooks.i am not much of a homemaker as many of you know. if i won the lottery or... you know... just became very successful with my business and had so much money... but probably if i won the lottery... the first thing I would want is a personal chef. i kind of like to cook but mostly i don't. so occasionally i come across a recipe that pulls me out of that lull. usually it's something kind of odd that i know i can't get my husband to make so i have to do it myself.<br />
<br />
for instance, cookies made with avocados. you read that right. <br />
<br />
please don't be turned off by this picture. the yellow tint makes it look like something from the 70s and most all desert recipe books from the 70s look entirely unappealing. but these cookies are ahhhhmaaazzing. i found the recipe on <a href="http://thesmoothielover.com/healthy-avocado-chocolate-cookies/" target="_blank">Smoothie Lover</a> via pinterest. i got drawn in by the promise of "healthy" cookies. i have a horrible sweet tooth so i am always looking for recipes that will satisfy that that but also act as a healthy alternative to the dairy queen blizzards i would eat every day if i had my druthers. click on the smoothie lover link above for an in-depth recipe guide. it's very simple and only calls for avocado, coconut sugar, baking soda, dark chocolate cocoa, 1 egg, and dark chocolate chips. if you are a grain free eater like one of my favorite gal pals this will be the perfect recipe. let me know if you make some. i guarantee they're the best.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEct1DsRAQ4/U2zyDyDRd0I/AAAAAAAAIJo/BGiqr2OvghM/s1600/IMG_7234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEct1DsRAQ4/U2zyDyDRd0I/AAAAAAAAIJo/BGiqr2OvghM/s1600/IMG_7234.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
okay so smoothie making is not exactly cooking but this one really packs a punch so it makes me feel pretty accomplished when i pour it into my cup. this is an almond date shake that i found via <a href="http://lainbloom.com/webisodes/2011/09/20/webisode-date-shake/" target="_blank">LA in Bloom</a>. there is a video you can watch or the recipe is written out when you click the link. this shake consists of almond milk, almond butter, a banana, two pitted dates, a pinch of cinnamon and ice. it's making my stomach growl thinking about it! lately i have also been adding a handful of spinach. the other ingredients conceal the taste nicely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOF6nnb8sYs/U2zyD6T1y9I/AAAAAAAAIJs/7oASvSSYlsI/s1600/IMG_7231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOF6nnb8sYs/U2zyD6T1y9I/AAAAAAAAIJs/7oASvSSYlsI/s1600/IMG_7231.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
i hope you'll try one or both of these recipes. make them both together and have a sweet, protein-packed power meal. <br />
<br />
now i'm off to buy some lottery tickets. ( ;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-45465870589039085702014-05-07T20:24:00.000-05:002014-05-07T20:24:04.180-05:00daily routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
you guys are the best when it comes to support. whether you left a comment here or on facebook or told me in person i have felt a million times better about my new arrangement after hearing your encouragement. last summer i was pretty uptight and worried all the time about what i was doing and whether i was making a mistake. this summer i'm a lot calmer. i'm taking it one day at a time and am not suffocating myself with pressure. thaaaaaaank goodness. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
i'm trying to set up a little routine for myself that includes working on art, working on crafts and getting in plenty of computer time whether i'm blogging or etsying or trying to catch up on the many amazing blog reads. this morning i fumbled my way through art time. that one's going to be a slow go as i try to figure out just what kind of art i want to make. i had a nice lunchtime break where i met my sweet friend paula and we walked one of the many paths in this town. we estimate that we walked 3 miles. well, we agreed to say we walked 3 miles and not question the accuracy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and then this afternoon i did a little photo shoot with these new little garlands i made. they are intended to be mail art that you buy and mail to someone else. i think it would be a fun surprise to receive in the mail. of course, you could also just send one to yourself. everyone needs a treat now and then. i plan on making many more but i wanted to get what was made in my shop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvdItdb4Ws4/U2rZWP4kcxI/AAAAAAAAII8/SImG-_NvSl4/s1600/1happyday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvdItdb4Ws4/U2rZWP4kcxI/AAAAAAAAII8/SImG-_NvSl4/s1600/1happyday.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188884083/happy-day-garland-mail-art?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Happy Day</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2k3LEp-8iNY/U2rZWDvBmjI/AAAAAAAAII4/1S1IKrkcyrs/s1600/1happydaydetail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2k3LEp-8iNY/U2rZWDvBmjI/AAAAAAAAII4/1S1IKrkcyrs/s1600/1happydaydetail1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AL-lEmzsBPM/U2rZWFFDL2I/AAAAAAAAIJA/OdEbw1Rvl6k/s1600/happyday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AL-lEmzsBPM/U2rZWFFDL2I/AAAAAAAAIJA/OdEbw1Rvl6k/s1600/happyday.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188884761/happy-day-garland-mail-art?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">Happy Day</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmdeD2Rn_qA/U2rZWxrMXLI/AAAAAAAAIJE/HOsxcKUzVbk/s1600/iloveyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmdeD2Rn_qA/U2rZWxrMXLI/AAAAAAAAIJE/HOsxcKUzVbk/s1600/iloveyou.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188883421/i-love-you-garland-mail-art?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">I Love You</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x34uvzAliy0/U2rZXKRSxaI/AAAAAAAAIJM/_C4slsQH-8A/s1600/itsagirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x34uvzAliy0/U2rZXKRSxaI/AAAAAAAAIJM/_C4slsQH-8A/s1600/itsagirl.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188885281/its-a-girl-mail-art?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">it's a girl</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
now i am debating whether to go holler at my college age neighbors who are sitting on their roof and yelling for whatever reason. i'm trying to stay calm by telling myself they will be moving very shortly. very very very shortly.<br />
<br />
hope it's quiet where you live.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-47835725766414707392014-05-05T18:12:00.000-05:002014-05-05T18:11:59.993-05:00self-employed youuuuu guyyyyssss!<br />
<br />
i am unemployed... my friend <a href="http://www.robayre.com/news/" target="_blank">robyn</a> reminded me that i mean to say: i am self employed...<br />
<br />
remember me last summer? trying to shop on a crazy budget, trying to keep my perpetually messy house clean, never buying new clothes, toiling away in my studio, making art out in the sun... it was the best... but it's also oh so scary... so many millions of changes to get used to.<br />
<br />
i'm off to a slow start. since i'm writing here now you would have thought today was my first day off but no... i had all last week off, too. i'm not sure what i did last week. i guess i took a pseudo vacation. i did not make any suppers. tonight i have a casserole in the stove! <br />
<br />
i do have a temporary part time job that will start in june so it will be a little bit different from last summer. not much but a little. meanwhile... i plan on killin' it at this self-employed thing. i already added these banners to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/abeautifulparty?ref=si_pr" target="_blank">shop</a>:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NReDq9JBcp0/U2gZZslvy4I/AAAAAAAAIIQ/QBwhDBNb1NA/s1600/bemybaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NReDq9JBcp0/U2gZZslvy4I/AAAAAAAAIIQ/QBwhDBNb1NA/s1600/bemybaby.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188628363/be-my-baby-small-pendant-banner?ref=pr_shop" target="_blank">be my baby</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWzs6TGsSto/U2gZdK2-PlI/AAAAAAAAIIY/nto9rFBLm8M/s1600/urafox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWzs6TGsSto/U2gZdK2-PlI/AAAAAAAAIIY/nto9rFBLm8M/s1600/urafox.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188595475/ur-a-fox-mini-banner?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">ur a fox</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u65KNZhMlZ0/U2gZhtf_9aI/AAAAAAAAIIg/DyF3YYJK5gU/s1600/wildheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u65KNZhMlZ0/U2gZhtf_9aI/AAAAAAAAIIg/DyF3YYJK5gU/s1600/wildheart.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188624238/wild-heart-small-pendant-banner?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">wild heart</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5crrOV8Sm8/U2gZjspTzHI/AAAAAAAAIIo/e5FcwHU7n2U/s1600/sofly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5crrOV8Sm8/U2gZjspTzHI/AAAAAAAAIIo/e5FcwHU7n2U/s1600/sofly.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188626917/so-fly-mini-pendant-banner?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">so fly</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
i am also looking at instagram a lot. follow me if you'd like. sometimes i wish my blog could be on instagram. i guess it can? i don't know.<br />
<br />
supper time and last night's mad men.<br />
<br />
kiss kiss.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891884342716870242.post-68200441538885618302014-04-23T19:55:00.004-05:002014-04-23T19:58:14.982-05:00hot cakes again and again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my gal pal <a href="http://bryannepolacek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">bryanne</a> and i took to the kitchen recently and made a new batch of cakes. <a href="http://danielledobies.com/" target="_blank">danielle dobies</a>, an art student, was doing a really cool installation about things you find on pinterest. she asked different people to participate and make something from pinterest in either a serious way or a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. danielle saw the first batch of cakes we made and asked us to make some for her show.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before we sent them off we did a sexy photo shoot with them on my kitchen table. we think we are getting better at making perfectly imperfect cakes. i can't wait for round 3. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtHwVuOhz2c/U1hdoin7FMI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/PL1w7pmygnw/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtHwVuOhz2c/U1hdoin7FMI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/PL1w7pmygnw/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_95lpa3Zis/U1hdomiQSXI/AAAAAAAAIGM/64Wko21lVuI/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_95lpa3Zis/U1hdomiQSXI/AAAAAAAAIGM/64Wko21lVuI/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQqGw7ibhec/U1hdovnxxVI/AAAAAAAAIGU/9qzc3br5Cwo/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQqGw7ibhec/U1hdovnxxVI/AAAAAAAAIGU/9qzc3br5Cwo/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLNMtjau78M/U1hdpvVpC4I/AAAAAAAAIGc/4JcHJ3cUVdI/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLNMtjau78M/U1hdpvVpC4I/AAAAAAAAIGc/4JcHJ3cUVdI/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Apvx30WXz0/U1hdp8ayclI/AAAAAAAAIGk/eQ6ujPM1wnY/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Apvx30WXz0/U1hdp8ayclI/AAAAAAAAIGk/eQ6ujPM1wnY/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DP16CSyi8T0/U1hdqCS6VdI/AAAAAAAAIGs/WASWW3wN3fA/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DP16CSyi8T0/U1hdqCS6VdI/AAAAAAAAIGs/WASWW3wN3fA/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bn1MqA06Qcc/U1hdqtEliBI/AAAAAAAAIG4/t4ZU6URcups/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bn1MqA06Qcc/U1hdqtEliBI/AAAAAAAAIG4/t4ZU6URcups/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGBLFCLxiZg/U1hdrA__2mI/AAAAAAAAIHA/skVHOrNVAMs/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGBLFCLxiZg/U1hdrA__2mI/AAAAAAAAIHA/skVHOrNVAMs/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icngTiAWu9w/U1hdrVYuFsI/AAAAAAAAIHI/9bkKIvzV5sk/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icngTiAWu9w/U1hdrVYuFsI/AAAAAAAAIHI/9bkKIvzV5sk/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcSCpjTG944/U1hdrqTUOdI/AAAAAAAAIHM/iWGAaIZbt-c/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcSCpjTG944/U1hdrqTUOdI/AAAAAAAAIHM/iWGAaIZbt-c/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBYzvyYiyDc/U1hdtvUjWkI/AAAAAAAAIHs/p5c4l52Yhks/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBYzvyYiyDc/U1hdtvUjWkI/AAAAAAAAIHs/p5c4l52Yhks/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1uYo3OUfq8/U1hdsoGftBI/AAAAAAAAIHc/8c2hn5UPvUA/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1uYo3OUfq8/U1hdsoGftBI/AAAAAAAAIHc/8c2hn5UPvUA/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrKJIo0hapY/U1hds-2x33I/AAAAAAAAIHg/iOKFtiRxu7M/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrKJIo0hapY/U1hds-2x33I/AAAAAAAAIHg/iOKFtiRxu7M/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
danielle's installation was so cool. it really embodied the DIY aspects that make pinterest so popular. funny side note... we never intended for our cakes to be eaten, they were for looks only. they were made with real food but we made them three days before the installation and they were not properly stored. at the end of the day when i checked in on the show all the cakes had been devoured! luckily it's been a few weeks and no one has complained of stomachaches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHkvPdKIgjg/U1hdtx7Yw2I/AAAAAAAAIH0/A3l1yCL75vw/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHkvPdKIgjg/U1hdtx7Yw2I/AAAAAAAAIH0/A3l1yCL75vw/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
if you are on instagram you can find more pics of the installation by searching the hashtag #arendspinterestdiy. for more information on danielle's work check out her website <a href="http://danielledobies.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7q01V04KR8/U1hdt9De1CI/AAAAAAAAIHw/9cCNenjZe78/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7q01V04KR8/U1hdt9De1CI/AAAAAAAAIHw/9cCNenjZe78/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
check out bryanne's blog for more pictures of our cakes <a href="http://bryannepolacek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.A Beautiful Partyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346585782805033328noreply@blogger.com0