neatness helps

Wow! Wow! Wow! Thank you for the well wishes and congratulations. Sunday will mark the 3 month period and I can't wait to get myself back. Here's to hoping and wishing. There are things to do and lots to clean, my family really needs me back. I really miss crafting and sewing too. The summer has me pretty excited...

Well, if you have seen my mess that has been lingering around my loft since I made my mom her dress, you seriously would have laughed at me. I never had a mess stick around that long (okay, maybe I have). Each time I did orders, I worked around the mess to only make it much messier. The floor was littered everywhere with fabric... literally. It was so bad. I couldn't think clearly. Frankly, neither could Ben, so I set out to clean my work room. It took a good 3 days, seeing how I had bouts of just staring at the mess when I was so tired, but it was done and the carpet can be seen again, which I am not sure is that much better than fabric. I dream of wood floors. That's another story. My work table is clean with the two beastly of machines, serger and sewing machine sitting side-by-side in peace once again... dreamy. Threads are lined up nicely and color coordinated and all icky mess in the trash. Such a nice feeling.

I like working on a clean table. It really feels so good. So with a bit of brain dreaming this morning, I set off to make some crowns that are now off to some special little people. I hope they (and their mamas) love them. 

I call this one floral wonderland...

This one is perfect for that little ocean lover...

I love making crowns... so much fun. As I sew, I like to think of all the wonderful play and imaginative places they will go while wearing the crown. Children's imaginations are really special, never a dull moment. 

Have I told you lately that True now plays with some "kids"? True and the "kids" go to the beach. True and the "kids" play in the kitchen. True loves these "kids" and I guess I love them too. Brave is a bit too young to play with the "kids" or so I have been told. Imagination at work I tell you... gotta love it. 

polaroid tuesday: week twenty-one

Adding another one to this family portrait. 

This is me: tired, sleepy, nauseous, queasy, picky, lazy, stuck, excited, and very pregnant. 

Another miracle from God. We all are so thankful and having been on cloud nine for almost 3 months now. Not quite done with the first trimester, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Six more months to go and we can hardly wait... and no, we have no names. Ask us after the baby is born. 

in progress

Lately, I have been letting True try embroidery, rather, her version of it. She has been getting the concept a bit. She knows to push the needle through and pull it out the other side and repeat. Her thread getting tangled around the hoop is getting less and less, so I think she is getting better, for her age anyways. Definitely, a work in progress. She will get it, I know she will. 

It is kinda cute as we will sit side by side, each working on our own project. She has me help her when she wants to change threads or her needle gets stuck. After awhile though, I think she gets a little bored of me and goes downstairs to work next to Ben. Though, I think she just shows him her project and proceeds to sit by him while he works. She just loves her Papi. He is a papi-lar guy around these parts. I love him lots too, as I am sure I have said many times before.

I have some quiet time as Ben and True are off on a Papi-Truey date,  Brave is napping upstairs, and the house is silent. That is a rare thing around here. Wish me luck as I attempt to clean. Key word: attempt. I have a feeling much won't get done. My house is a work in progress too, so we will see...

Happy long weekend all!!!

i love SMALL things

Thursday is off to a good start as the newest issue of SMALL just went out. I am especially excited because my fabric necklaces were used in one of the fashion editorials in this issue.

I love how the photographs are so artful. They are very visually appealing. The focus isn't just on the kids and what they are wearing, but includes so much of the textured filled scenery. Lovely, just lovely. 

To see Cakies necklaces, look here, here, and here. Now, that the necklaces are back in my hands, I will need to list them in my shop soon, along with some other goodies. Stay tuned...

It is always such an honor to be in SMALL Magazine. Praise God! Despite the name, it is always a BIG deal in our house! Happy Thursday!!!

polaroid tuesday: week twenty

I just can't get enough. I hope you can't get enough either. 

It is kinda cool living with superheroes.

Last week's polaroid is now up. Finally, got new ink. I know. It took me a week to get to the store. 

p.s. The Ultra-Appreciatives wanted me to tell you that they appreciate all the love you have given them. 

The Ultra-Appreciatives

Remember, I said my mama's day was to be continued? Well, I was in for a wonderful surprise. I stepped onto the set, created by my wonderfully clever husband, and was treated to a song and dance by... The Ultra Appreciatives!!!

Here is the song, written by Ben, that was sung during the performance (to DMB's "Save Me"):

 Ultra-Appreciatives, how grateful we,

For what U do, and what U be...

Never heard of us, heroes kinda new,

Our super-power is our thanks for U...

With these here U's, we call 'em Uuumerangs,

So vital to-us, the name's just slang...

Symbolizes-how U save us, Papi, Brave, and True,

And-what, would-we-do, with-out "U"?...

U're there for us in, every way,

Brave drops her blankie, U save the day

U save us, Papi, Brave, and True,

What's an Ultra-Appreciative, without their "U"?...

U save us, save us,

A big thank-U, from us three

U save us, save us,

A big thank-U-from-us-three

We're so lost-when-U-are-gone

It's a conclusion forgone...

Caring for True from womb to now,

Potty training her, I'd have a cow...

False alarms and all, you're still content,

Even wiping up, all those accidents...

U save us, Papi, Brave, True,

And-what, would-we-do, without "U"?...

U save us, save us,

A big thank-U, from us three

U save us, save us,

A big thank-U-from-us-three

We're so lost-when-U-are-gone

It's a conclusion forgone...

I need U to free our clothes and house of dirt,

You wake up so early just to iron my shirts...

When I think of your love, I wonder wh-y-y-y-y-y

But Papi thanks my "double-U" for saving me

Ultra-Appreciatives, how grateful we,

For what U do, and what U be...

Never heard of us, heroes kinda new,

Our super-power is our thanks for U...

Equipped. With these here U's, we call 'em Uuumerangs,

So vital to-us, the name's just slang...

Symbolizes-how U save us, Papi, Brave, and True,

And-what, would-we-do, with-out "U"?...

Now, Ben would not consider himself crafty, but really, he is just too modest. I mean, come on, he cut and sewed on U's to shirts, found some tights, used my scraps for the U's and the capes, painted masks, drew a whole set, and wrote a song. If that isn't crafty or artistic, well, gosh, then I don't know what is! My husband is superhero-ly hott! 

They were just insanely adorable that I had to take lots and lots of pictures. I mean, what husband will dress up in tights for his wife?!! Apparently, mine and I love him even more everyday!!! See more pictures here. 

I love my Ultra-Appreciatives! I am getting spoiled, how are they gonna top this next year?!! I don't know, but I can hardly wait! I love being a mama!!!

slow and stuck

This week has been a tough one. Not much getting done and not much desire to get anything done. Ever have one of those weeks? Though with my slowness and stuckness, there has been a lot of cuddling. Now, that is good. The girls and I will spend the morning just cuddling in my bed. Then, the afternoon is spent cuddling on the family room floor. Really, those are good times. I am treasuring these moments.

I got myself a little perk up, or energy booster, or creative juice flow-er, or just whatever you want to call it. The most recent issue of Lula (ah! such visual eye candy!) and a piece of fruit (okay, maybe I had 4 on the plate and already ate 3).  I am hoping this will help unstick me and make me faster. Hoping. Maybe.

Therefore, if I owe you an email or comment (and I know I have a few deadlines looming), please forgive me. I will get to it. I promise. It's just right now I am stuck and slow. Just one of those weeks when nothing much is going on except lots of cuddling and laying in bed. You wouldn't even want to see my house. Ah! Such a mess. Maybe I should hire an assistant, okay, maybe not, the job description would sound more like slave and I don't think anyone would want that job. Nope. I am sure no one would want that job. That wouldn't be much fun. 

Well, here's to my fruit munching and juice flowing and Lula browsing need to get some inspiration back time... 

How are you all feeling today? Anyone stuck too?

meet my mama (and her dress)

Repeat, this is my mama not my sister. 

Yeah, I know. She looks super young. I hope I get her genes. Really, I am crossing my fingers. Her name is Lolita and she is just as sassy as her name. She has definitely got some spunk and a lot of passion, and her and my dad are still madly in love. They make out all the time, in front of us too. It makes us all go "ewww!" but we are really glad they still love each other. I am going to make sure Ben and I are still making out even after being married for over 25 years... I love my husband lots too. Anyways, this is supposed to be about my mom. She is the bestest mother ever. Yesterday, I gave her a call just cause I wanted to talk to the mother of the year, well, at least in my book anyways. She was laughing about that one. 

Well, for Mother's Day, she had requested for me to make her a dress and that is what I set out to do. I am happy with the outcome and I think it was the perfect dress for her. Totally, her style. I just made a loose, tent-ish dress  out of silk, then made a coordinating black, silk, bow to go around the waist. It was fairly easy, though doing hems on silk is quite difficult. I am so glad my mom loved it!

I know some have asked about my patterns. I don't have any, I just call it guessing and cut right on the fabric. Sometimes, unfortunately for me, it doesn't always work. If you are nervous about making something for yourself, don't be. It is no biggy to mess up and that is how you learn. I have mess ups all the time, they just don't make it on here. I promise to show you my mess up pile. After hanging out with Liberty yesterday, I told her I would draw one of my patterns in illustration form so you could see the styles I make are simple. Really, you could do it too! 

Anyways, you know the saying "if it doesn't come out right the first time, try, try again." Did I get that saying right? My memory is horrible these days! Well, you know what I mean. 

polaroid tuesday: week nineteen

We like using umbrellas under the sun.

They love their grandmama. 

*Thanks for the printer help!

sweet sweet day

I am quite spoiled by my Ultra-appreciatives. Mama's day was full of love and whatever I wanted. It started Saturday night (after a full day of spoiling from my parents), when I came home with my little ones bringing me a surprise from my favorite store. Followed by my Sunday morning breakfast in bed, in which I requested coco pebbles. Then throughout the day, the granting of my every whim. Thus, a stop for shaved ice at Guppy House. I must say I feel loved, such a good feeling. Being a mama is good. 

Then, in case you didn't get the memo, Mama's Day will continue on Friday (at least for me anyways). I wonder what my Benny and the girls have up their sleeves. Hmm... I am excited!

i am a mother

I know one day my children will leave me and grow up and make nests of their own, but I am hoping that one day comes very slowly. Though, word on the street is that day comes in a blink of an eye. I don't think I will ever be ready. Is anyone ever ready for that "one day"? It is coming slowly, but surely for my parents and Ben, well, he flew far, far away years ago. I have a rule: my kids have to live in the same state as me. Can I make that rule? I don't know, but I am making it. Oh no! As I type this, I see the kind of parent I will become... I will try to rule my children's lives forever. Okay, maybe I take back the rule. They can live wherever God calls them to. May God get my heart ready for that one day... yikes, I dread that day. 

All this empty nest talk and thoughts is due to the fact that we really do have an empty nest... 

I never even got one last picture of the fast growing baby huneybirds (I am kicking myself in the butt now). It was Tuesday afternoon, I watched them fidget in their nest and saw Mrs. Huneybird perched nearby, then I went upstairs to shower (yes, I got a late start that day). An hour or so later, we were all headed to the park when I went to take a little peek and there were gone.   G-O-N-E. Gone. Nowhere to be found. My heart sank. It is still a bit low, darn, this empty nest thing ain't gonna be easy. Thus, Sun and Moon were now off on their own somewhere. They have yet to return and visit us. We put a feeder there hoping to entice them. Still haven't seen them. 

We miss you Sun & Moon! You provided us countless moments of entertainment. Brave and True (Ben and me too!) want you to come back. 

Onto mother-ness. I like being a mother, scratch that, I love being a mother. Some days I don't feel like a very good one, when my patience grows thin and yes, I do have those bad days. I am not perfect. Thank God for the cross! I really need to constantly remind myself to find the joy in serving my family, it is easy to forget when hormones are raging. See everyone, I am normal. Despite my shortcomings, my girls still love me even when I'm cranky. I am so thankful. I love them so much and highly recommend motherhood. It definitely changes you. You get an extra dose of understanding and compassion as a mother. It really is amazing. 

Plus, I get another day for me, since I am a mother. Another day to get spoiled by Ben (no pressure Benny!) and my girls. I like being spoiled by my husband. He's just so darn good and it's fun. So in honor on mother's day, I didn't buy myself a new dress, rather just made one out of some very nice linen. I love linen...

I bunched flower-ish things on the side. I am thinking of undoing it and switching it to the other side, something just doesn't feel right. I don't know. Maybe, I am just too picky. Nevertheless, I will be wearing this to celebrate my day (and all the mother's everywhere) with my little family, whom I love very much. 

I still have some sewing to do as I need to make my mother her present (and finish shop orders), so I will be bidding you farewell early. Have a good Thursday, Friday, and tell your mama you love her this weekend! 

Happy Mother's Day everyone (well, to the mamas)!

p.s. I am re-thinking my rule.

flowers on my mind

That's what spring is about after all, right?

This new crown will be up in the shop sometime today or tomorrow. Time is a rarity for me these days...

And True's little birthday made its way to Cookie Magazine's Nesting blog... so fun! Thank you!

polaroid tuesday: week eighteen

I love flowers. This polaroid looks like a painting...

Have I told you that I was once a floral designer? I used to do weddings. Maybe I will show you some pictures sometime.

Tuesday is already is a good day. I am so honored to be asked to be part of Jen's "a week of mothers." Hop on over to Ambrosia Girl to read my little interview. Thanks Jen! 

Then, stop over to Spearmint Baby to see the feature on Brave and True's rooms (you probably have already seen this) and my shop. I love this blog as it finds some really cool vintage items for kids. I am drooling over this wallpaper!

Like I said, Tuesday is a good day. Happy Tuesday!

growing thoughtfulness

My good friend Heather, who shares my love for Anthropologie, gave the most wonderful gift for True...

When Heather was born her grandma gave her a camillia flower bush for her parents to plant just for Heather. The same was done for Heather's sister, except it was in a different color. To this day the plant continues to grow and thrive, just like Heather all these years. Heather said when she was little and sad, her parents would cut a flower off and give it to her to remind her she was loved. Her bush has been moved and replanted, nevertheless it is still there and has brought forth the prettiest blooms...

We were all in awe at the beautiful camellia. I definitely want those in my backyard too! 

Well, to keep the grand tradition of love and thoughtfulness growing, Heather gave True her own special floral bush. True was given a gorgeous bush of pink hydragneas...

It is a wonderful punch of pink, as pink is True's favorite color at the moment, and we can hardly wait to plant it somewhere special just for our True. This beautiful plant is a wonderful reminder to True that she is super duperly loved. I think it is marvelous that this present will continue to grow as my True grows and maybe one day she will be able to transplant this into her own yard. I hope that one day doesn't come too fast because True will always be my baby (and Brave too!). 

Seriously, this present is such a wonderful idea. Watch out friends! If you are a good friend of mine, your kid will be a getting a plant on his/her birthday sometime (if I think you won't kill it). This is a most marvelous way to honor a special child and every child is indeed special. Forget the toys and clothes, give them plants!

Thank you so much Heather and Ele! We love you guys too. Brave is eagerly awaiting hers...

hatched

A week ago, I got up close to check out Mrs. Huneybird's teeny nest and saw nothing. I kinda freaked out as I couldn't see the 2 eggs. Ben, being much taller than me (I am rather short at 5'0'' and darn proud of the 0'') peeked in and saw the teeny little huneybirds... 

We were all so excited that they hatched and much sooner than we anticipated. 

Now, a week later, they are growing at full speed. Mrs. Huneybird only comes by to feed the little ones, I don't think she sleeps there anymore. I think these little huneys may have kicked her out...

The other day, I asked True, "What do you want to name the baby huneybirds?"

She paused for a moment. Then, matter of factly said, "Sun and Moon."

She must get her naming skills from Ben and me. So, Sun and Moon it is! They are so cute. We just stare and watch them. Now, I haven't seen Mrs. Huneybird feed them myself, but Ben says it looks like she is woody woodpecker pecking them all hard, though I guess that is how it goes. Every time I come to watch, she flies away. I take it the big camera in my hand might be a tad intimidating. Just a tad. I will continue to try though. Until then, we are content to watch whatever they like to show us. Though, I do get a bit nervous when I see things squirt at the backside. I guess when nature calls, nature calls. 

Speaking of hatch, if you are in the Lititz, Pennsylvania area, Bethany's Hatch Studio & Art Gallery will have their opening night this Saturday evening. You can check out the website and see the long list of artists that will be represented in her wonderful studio. I am proud to have my little things there along with some exclusive crowns I made just for HATCH... 

These will only be made for HATCH, so if you want one, you better contact Bethany. I so wish I lived closer, I would have definitely enrolled in the photography classes coming up and my girls would definitely have been enrolled in her summer art camps. I can't wait to see all the budding artists will be "hatching" in this wonderful environment! 

I hope you hatch up some good fun this weekend! 

for designers

A little message from one of my sponsors Liz over at the Daily Stroll:

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