October 17, 2012

5 Etsy Gifts for Knitters

I love knitting. I say that loosely because I've only ever knitted a long scarf-like thing that was horribly uneven. But I loved doing it! I have, however, wonderful knitters in my life who I think would love these following gifts. Enjoy!

1. This lilac yarn knitting bowl is a perfect for keeping a ball of yarn stationary while knitting. The bowl is from Blue Room Pottery for $32.00.

photo by Tallow and Pearl

2. Need to mark your spot? Try doing it with one of these flower stitch markers from Tallow and Pearl, priced at only $8.50.

photo by Fiore Jewellery

3. This adorable silver knitting needles necklace would be the pride of any knitter. Offered by Fiore Jewellery for (approx) $45.52.


4. I love these fun ball of yarn earrings by Sierras Sunshine for $8.00.


5. This knitter's coffee mug is hilarious! It's by Wine Maker's Sister for $13.95.

Hope you've enjoyed this {very}mini series of 5 Etsy Gift ideas! If you missed last week's post, it featured 5 Etsy Gifts for a Seamstress.

October 15, 2012

The Fallacy of Being Right

My daughter's party was so fun! We had an adorable One Direction cake (compliments of big sister). Lots of friends, lots of food, lots of laughter and screaming (at the Haunted House). It was almost perfect. Almost...
Except for the fact that I stole some joy. I didn't intend to, I didn't set out to; but I did. Sometimes I get sidetracked with being right. And in those moments, I'm so wrong.
During the party I assumed my daughter was being cliquish. Later, I found out my assumption had been wrong. But in that moment, I thought I was right. I whispered to her about it, and a look of hurt crossed her face. I'd misjudged her. I'd assumed my perspective was right. But I had been wrong.
In moments like this, instead of caring about the person in front of me, I care more about looking knowledgeable, wise, or right.  I end up only showing my ignorance; caring more about appearances than loving.  I should have asked questions, assumed the best, and sought to understand her perspective. But I didn't.
Sometimes I get sidetracked with being right and miss the chance to love.

October 11, 2012

Let's Watch Movies in a Living Room Tent


Sometimes the best remedy to life is tucking yourself away from the world with the ones you love.

We have fun, busy plans this weekend. My sister is coming in town with her kids for my daughter's birthday party Saturday night. We're doing it up spooky this year with a haunted house mixed into the birthday agenda. And tonight we're going to a wedding ceremony for two precious friends. I can't wait to see it! Even though our weekend will be a little hectic, there will still be plenty of time to rest and relax. I'm looking forward to it!

Wishing you a happy, relaxing weekend; one that might include hiding in tents watching movies!

I Forgot Who I Am


I forgot who I am. I got busy trying to find my place on the internet.  I tried on faces. After awhile, I forgot who was underneath all those layers. Now I'm taking them off. I'm looking into my soul and remembering what is there.

Just myself; little ole me.

I'm not a fashionista, or a crafty genius, or a parenting guru. I'm not skinny or athletic. I don't keep a gorgeous house or have a thriving career. I'm not at the top of a great career. I'm not a great planner. I'm not young or wrinkle-free.

I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a visionary, a searcher, a thinker. I like to put honest thoughts into the world. I'm simple and silly; I tell stories with paper and canvas. I'm messy and messed-up. I want readers to feel safe to share honestly here; so I'll start by sharing honestly first.

I'm going back to my roots. My blog will be simpler, honest; hopefully artistic and helpful too.

I hope you don't mind the shift, but even if you do, it's one I need to make. Thank you for understanding.


October 10, 2012

5 Etsy Gift Ideas for a Seamstress

For the past few years, our family has tried to reduce our spending on "stuff" at Christmas time and instead focus on thoughtful gifts (like cleaning the garage, or painting a room) or handmade (something from the heart made by our own hands or picked from a quality handmade vendors). I love that Etsy is one of those places you can go to online to support handmade and to find gifts that completely fit the person you want to lavish gifts on. If there is a seamstress in your life, today's ideas are adorable. In fact, I'm so excited about them that it makes me want to sew! :)

photo by Extra Toppings

1.  This mending kit is so colorfully adorable! Something about mixed patterns and trim make me swoon! This kit by Extra Toppings is only $9.50.


2. Isn't this the cutest flower pin cushion?? I'd love to have that sitting out...if I was a seamstress (or maybe just because). It's from Evergreen Garden and is priced at $12.00.


3. Okay seriously, SO adorable! This necklace says it all, right? I mean every seamstress has to have an incredible pair of scissors. This sewing scissors necklace is by What a Novel Idea for $26.00.


photo by Chatnoir77

4. How fun is this sewing machine bookmark? Just right for all the sewing books and instructions a seamstress is bound to have. This is from Chatnoir77 priced at $14.00.



5. This is such a darling whimsical, yet classy brass sewing machine necklace! I love the colors together. It's by Cherry and Violet, priced at $25.00.

There'll be more gift ideas next Wednesday for the Knitter in your life! Last week's feature was 5 Etsy Gifts for Crafters.

Do you sew? Or are you like me, full of sewing envy?