hello friday

True's favorite pose is her holding up a heart. It is really funny! I don't even know where she got that pose from.

She's five and lovin' it. All of a sudden, cause she is five you know, she is now able to squeeze some ketchup out for herself and she also tells me she now knows how to read. All this cause she is five. Wow! If this happens at five, I can't wait to see what happens at six!

The weekend is almost upon us and birthday wish making will continue. Horseys and ponies, here we come!

Things I learned this week...

- Rylee, a blog reader, emailed me telling me of the devastation in her city Tuscaloosa, AL and about the deadly tornado that hit (read about it here). I didn't even know until I got her email as I don't watch television. I get my news from all of you! Anyhow, there is a lot of help needed there and if you want to help there are many avenues. You can help through world vision here, or can send gift cards to her church here and it will go to all those in need in Tuscaloosa. Lots of people just need basic supplies. The great thing about this blogging community is when somebody needs help, we all give it!

- This lovely gal is also selling some pretty rad bracelets here (or here) that will go and help all those affected in Japan. The devastation there is also great and help is still desperately needed, so get a bracelet and it will go to a worthy cause! It is such a small world that I just found out this blog reader is good friends in real life with some of my real life friends! The world is smaller than we think.

- Hijkids, a lovely online kids boutique, is closing it's doors. Everything is 50% off which is only good until the end of this month, so hurry up!

- No matter how wrapped up your heart is in a sport team's win or loss, ultimately it is God who has control of the ball. God has the final say on who wins and loses. That makes me rest a little easier when I am watching a game and if our team doesn't make it to the next round (Go Spurs!), somehow (though we don't see it) that glorifies God the most.

That's all. Have a happy weekend everyone! Be back Sunday hopefully with some stories of a certain birthday girl's adventures!

vintage here, vintage there: easter dress

Easter was quite a busy day for us! There really wasn't very much time for picture taking. We got to church a bit after 9am, left church at 2pm, then went to Ben's cousin's house for a late lunch (we ate so much there), then went to my mom's house for dinner (and I ate so much there too).

At my last check up, I had only gained 3 pounds for this pregnancy (though I feel much bigger) and I am sure that this next check up I will weigh 10 more and it will all be because of Easter and the dessert and candy eating that has ensued after. Coupled with True's birthday where there has been cupcake making and I may or may not at this exact moment have another cake baking downstairs. *wink* Somebody please stop me and get this junk out of my house! I really have no control when it comes to sweets, so that is why it doesn't really come in this house often. If it ain't here, I won't eat it!

It was an unexpectedly cold day, so we all donned jackets and sweaters. I didn't even know what I was going to wear until good Friday when my BFF came to hang out and gave me my late Christmas present (that's how often we see each other), which was a vintage dress that was on my wish list. Mind you, this was my wish list pre-baby baking, so I had to do some tweaking to make it fit. Good thing I wore a jacket over!

The girls were so cute in their little outfits and Brave is really a cutesy little Madeline! True said she was Madeline too because she was wearing a tie.

on Ben: shirt, vintage. vest, vintage. jeans, diesel. shoes, nike (YAY! he got new shoes after like 4 years of the same pair!!!).

on me: dress, vintage (thanks lin!). shoes, seychelles. jacket, anthropologie.

on true: dress, vintage. cardigan, vintage. tights, target. shoes, vintage (gifted from Karen).

on brave: dress, vintage. jacket, old navy. tights, baby gap (gift from jane). hat, vintage. shoes, siaomimi via gilt.

on soul: dress, vintage. cardigan, vintage.

Right after these pictures were taken we had our annual Navales family Easter egg hunt and this one is especially fun cause money is involved! There is a section for the little kids and a section for the big kids, which include me and Ben. And boy did we make it out like bandits?!! Well, compared to my siblings (guys, we love you!!!). I think you just get better at finding things with age. Will have another post that shares more of our Easter celebrating soon!

dresses I am currently coveting on etsy: cotton day dress, one shoulder, gingham, and blushing heather.

Head "over there" cause the Denbows are one good looking family! They are dressed up in their Easter best and good thing I am not Rachel's neighbor, otherwise she would have found that dress suddenly missing. I wonder who it could be?!! Hmm...

What did you all wear for Easter? Please share the links to see them here!

homemade play dough

Play dough. I have never really been a fan because I have always thought it smelled funny, at least the store bought ones, so the girls and I have never played it together. Though they have with Auntie Heather who once made it with them in their favorite color pink! Then the other day, I saw this post and thought, "Hey! Play dough looks kinda pretty like that." I really liked those colors versus the ones they sell at the store, so I thought we would give it a shot.

I told my BFF of our plan to make play dough and she said just to hide the color in the middle and tell the girls to make wishes and that if it changes color, the wish will come true. Oh man. My girls were all about those wishes. Actually, only Brave was. True got tired of kneading the ball pretty quick. Brave on the other hand kept saying, "I wish I may, I wish I might." over and over again! It was as darling as darling could be.

Needless to say, lots of different colors were made and we had a blast. Even Soulie was making something (or eating it) as she played with her big sisters. True made snowmen and caves and Brave made ice cream sundaes and snakes. We played and played until they started fighting, then one got sent to time out and play dough time was over. We have them sealed in a ziploc and ready to play again tomorrow.

It was the easiest thing to make and I used this recipe. I really like making fun, quick, and pretty things with my girls! I need to compile a list of easy to do kid projects because things like this are so much better than television (though sometimes t.v. is necessary to let me get some cleaning done!).

What other quick kid projects do you know of?

her special day

True is five and it was a low key, very happy day! She pretty much ruled all day long and whatever she wanted, she pretty much got. Of course, every birthday must start off with breakfast in bed because that is our family tradition! Along, with a Papi made critter of course!

Funny little tidbit about the seal Ben made. He decided to make it on his own without using his normal book, well True said, "Mommy, Papi made my seal sad, but I want him to be happy." It is just funny cause when Ben poked the squash to put in the eye, it leaked out fluid and so it makes it look like a tear is dripping down.

In preparation for her birthday request of riding a pony, we got her a vintage cowboy hat. She loved it and my kiddos have a hat collection going on these days.

The birthday princess then requested some cartoons, so she got to watch a bit of throughout the day. In between, we would have little projects.

Cupcakes were baked at her request and since she doesn't like frosting, she didn't get any! That's just the way she likes it.

This gal on the other hand, loves the frosting!

A present from her grandmama came in today and she was so excited to put it on. A dress in her favorite color was a must wear for her special day. She actually even went to sleep in it!

The day was all about fun and doing whatever True wanted, within reason of course. The most special moment of the day was when I asked her, "True is there anything else you want or want to do?"

She said, "I want my Papi to come home."

It was a melt your heart moment. Ben was with us in the morning, but he went to work around lunch time, and he had a late night at work today so it was just me and the girls all day long. Though we will be sure to have a special family outing this weekend to grant her birthday request of riding a pony. Ben and I go back and forth between having a party and not, but sometimes simple birthdays are just the best kind!

new month coming and giveaway winners

May is right around the corner and if you wanna get the word out on your shop or blog, sponsorship is a great way to do it! Send me an email to get more info.

And without further ado, here are the winners of the most recent giveaways:

The winner of the For the Love of Joy giveaway is Ruth Abel who said...

The winner of my polaroid giveaway is Nadia who said...

The winners of Style Your Space e-course are Emily Lynn and Renae who said...

All you lucky people please send me an email, so I can get your proper info and get your prize in your hands! Everyone, I promise to have more good giveaways soon!!!

five

This is True. Five years ago today.

My first baby is now five. FIVE!!!

Today will be spent doing whatever the birthday girl wants! It will be a low key day, but we have a treat in store for her this weekend. All this birthday girl wanted was to ride a pony, so by golly we will find a way to make that happen!

Happy birthday Truey... we love you!!!

p.s. all the winners of the giveaways will be announced later tonight, but right now a special birthday princess is requesting for some home baked cupcakes.

:: sponsor welcome ::

Say hello to my sponsor... For the Love of Joy.

A soft color palette and encompassing all things sweet, For the Love of Joy, is full of handmade creations for you or a special little one. Anna, the creator of all the pretty things in the shop, says, "I design and create to bring JOY to women and their family, friends, and home." By the looks of every piece, it will definitely bring a bit of joy! From the mini quilts, family name pillow to child's name custom pillow, everyone single one is equally as sweet and lovely. Her creations are sure to be treasured by everyone!

For all you readers, you can win a $50 gift certificate to anything in the JOY shop! To win, here are some things you can do:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me about your favorite item in the shop.

2. Blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and leave each separate links here.

Now, if you do all of the things mentioned above, you might even be able to up your chances by getting your name in 4 times! Fantastic, right? Even if you are overseas, please feel welcomed to join in on the fun!

If you can't wait to purchase something, Cakies readers will also get 20% off anything in the shop using code MYCAKIES up until Monday April 25th! Not bad, eh?!

The giveaway will end at midnight, Monday April 25th PST. The winner will be announced sometime Tuesday morning. Good luck!!!

for the love of joy shop...

for the love of joy blog...

*****

More giveaways!!!

- win this camera

- win a spot for this class

*****

friday and a giveaway

Alas! Friday! Not just any other friday, the friday before Resurrection Sunday. Many years ago, a very important event took place today and an equally important event took place on Sunday. If you need a place to celebrate, come join us! See more info here.

And so to celebrate, I am giving away a working polaroid camera to one of you!

I am pretty sure you all love polaroids as much as I do, so I am sure you all want to win. Well, to win here are some thing you can do:

1. Tell me about your Easter plans.

2. Become a follower through google or bloglovin' and tell me so with another comment.

3. Blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and leave separate links here.

4. I feel blessed to be nominated alongside some of my friends (and other wonderful blogs) for Circle of Moms: Kids' Style and you can give me a vote by clicking the widget on the top of my right sidebar and give me a thumbs up! The contest runs until May 9th (you can even vote everyday if you want), but really being on that list is fabulous enough as there are so many blogs I admire on there. If you vote, just let me know in another comment.

So in total, you can leave me 6 separate comments, which means 6 chances, to win the polaroid camera! I think that is pretty great! If you are overseas, you are welcomed to join in too! The giveaway will end Sunday, April 24th midnight PST and will be announced sometime Monday morning. Polaroid film can also be purchased here, in case you are wondering.

Good luck folks and have a happy Easter weekend! If you decide to visit our church, let me know and please don't be shy to say hello!

p.s. there will be another giveaway tomorrow, so check back and don't forget about this other giveaway going on now too!

style help anyone?

Need help designing a home you love? Well, Rachel's e-course is now up for grabs! Two lovely winners will be picked by the random robot.

This course is everything Rachel has learned about styling a beautiful home on a budget. She shares how to find your interior style, tips and tricks on arranging, interviews and room tours (one of which is mine) from eight other women whose own beautiful homes have influenced her style, and a few DIY's to make things more fun.

All you have to do to enter is answer one or all of the questions below:

1. Tell me a little about your current style.

2. If you could buy anything for your home and money wasn't an issue, what would it be?

3. Tell me about something you collect in your home.

Easy, right? The giveaway will end midnight on Sunday, April 24th PST and will be announced sometime Monday morning.

Get more info here or purchase here. Good luck!!!

vintage here, vintage there: a vintage easter

Me oh my... I am alive (in case any of you were wondering)!

I was really burnt out after the wedding shower on Saturday. I had been going strong like a cleaning maniac for about two months now, all in preparation for the party and once it was over, I was clearly done for. Throw in the fact that during that two month period I was still in my first trimester of pregnancy, and if you have been pregnant before, you know what that's like. Your house is super messy from the first trimester woes, then to get it back in working order is like fighting an uphill battle, especially when three little kids are involved. My house is now clean, except the room (and maybe closets) with all the junk thrown in, and the ginormous pile of laundry that won't seem to go away!

Now we are here. Here being that Easter is this Sunday (you are invited to join us) and True's fifth birthday is next Tuesday. Don't even ask me what we are doing for True's birthday, cause honestly, we don't even know! We have a few ideas, but so many things are up in the air right now, so we aren't sure.

Let me first tackle what event is coming up next... Easter! Resurrection Sunday!!! I have been wanting to buy the girls' new (vintage) outfits, but after all the cleaning I did, I decided, 1) they didn't really need clothes and 2) I don't really have extra pennies to buy them more. Okay, maybe I did a slight trade and got one thing, but that isn't so bad, right?!! The big girls will wear some dresses that were in their closets and haven't been worn yet (by them), so that is special enough for me.

True paired my hat with this outfit herself and no, the hot pink shorts underneath aren't part of the whole deal. At least not on Sunday. It is a bit big and a really stiff polyester, but good thing she loves the dress so she isn't really complaining about the feel. She says now she gets to be Madeline in this dress. I will just have to take in the sleeves and width of the dress a bit, but then it will be good to go on Sunday.

I had a couple options for Brave, but settled on this one. I can't remember if it had been worn before, but it is too adorable to not wear again, especially for such an occasion such as Resurrection Sunday.

Soulie's dress is the only one I got and it came from Ms. Tips. Originally, I was thinking something a bit dressier, but really I loved the picnic feel of the dress and she looks darn cute in it, so that sold me!

The girls are such hams together! It is hard to get them all in one picture because either one is off running around or getting more costumes or just plain not staying still. Imagine next year there will be one more into this mix?!! Crazy!!!

As for me, I have no clue what to wear just yet. This baby is kinda moody and hard to dress, so who knows what I will feel like wearing on Sunday.

If you still need an Easter outfit here are some of my faves...

for big girls: lace trim party dress, polkadot skirt, ballet dress, abstract blues, cotton wrapper

for little girls: dirndl dress, flocked with dots, apple core, plaid swing dress, organza blue

for the lads: vintage plaid overalls, liberty of london button down, bow tie, houdstooth shirt

Be sure to check out "over there" and see what little lady Ruby might be wearing for Easter. Now that little girl has got some great options! They have even have the shoe department covered. I figured we would figure that out as we were running out the door to church on Sunday morning! Do you have your Easter outfit figured out?

vintage here, vintage there: week one

vintage here, vintage there: week two

vintage here, vintage there: week three, part one

vintage here, vintage there: week three, part two

vintage here, vintage there: week four

vintage here, vintage there: week five

vintage here, vintage there: everyday wear

vintage here, vintage there: outerwear

vintage here, vintage there: texas style

vintage here, vintage there: borrowed

vintage here, vintage there: family outing

vintage here, vintage there: what's in my bag?

vintage here, vintage there: handmade

vintage here, vintage there: shoes

vintage here, vintage there: love day

vintage here, vintage there: casual

vintage here, vintage there: boy edition

vintage here, vintage there: just me

vintage here, vintage there: soulie and me

vintage here, vintage there: misha lulu mixed in

Don't forget if you are in the Los Angeles area, you are more than welcome to join us to celebrate Easter! We will have a buffet lunch and the Cupcake Princess (as seen on food network's Cupcake Wars) will be there with some cupcakes for all who come! And it would be fun to meet some of you!

I will be taking a bit more of a blogging break, (yes, I am still drained) so the next few days will be posts filled with some fun giveaways from me and my sponsors! Promise to be back to normal sometime next week.

xoxo

my snack

I had a craving for peanut butter yogurt sprinkled with oreos, butterfingers, and snickers, so on Ben's way home from work I made him get me some from the yogurt place around the corner. Today was a very full day and we have a full weekend ahead. Thankfully, my friend Owen was a trooper and let me drop off my big girls at her house and let them play with her two girls. It really help me get a lot done (Thanks O!).

The wedding shower that I have been cleaning the inside and outside of my house for is this Saturday and next week I have plans to not clean. Okay, maybe I do still need to clean because I used an unused bedroom and stuffed all our junk in it, so it would be out of sight out of mind, but now that room looks so bad!

Some tidbits learned this week...

- Going to the flea market throws me into a decorating frenzy.

- I need a system and so I ordered this book. I don't think I will finish the Bible in a whole year, but by God's grace, I will finish sometime.

- We have way too much junk in this house and the purging will continue. Fabric anyone?!

And if you are in the Los Angeles area and are needing a place to celebrate easter, come join us...

Happy weekending folks!!!