Pick me up

Lately I've been feeling a little "down in the dumps". Not really sure why. Maybe it's because of the crappy snow we got this morning. Yes, this was taken this morning looking out onto our front yard. May I remind you it's May 24th. MAY! No more snow please. Forget Spring, I'm ready for summer.

Anyway I've been having one of those weeks where I just couldn't get myself motivated to do anything. I hate feeling that way. I haven't been productive with my days, embarrassing to admit, but it's true. I was finding myself watching more TV than I normally do, putting my hair in a pony tail, letting laundry pile up, you get the idea. It's not like there weren't things that I needed to do, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. You ever have those days? Those kind of weeks?

Well, I knew I needed to find something useful to do with my time. I knew I needed to get my butt in gear and snap out of it. I knew I needed to forget about myself and help someone out. I found this great idea on this blog; making dresses for little girls in Africa! It looked simple enough and was for a great cause. I'm happy to report, I followed through with the project and got it done all in one day! Amazingly Charlotte had perfect naps today which allowed me to bust out this little dress.

You can make the dress using an old pillowcase or buy material and start from scratch. I opted to buy my own material and it was super easy to make. I'm so happy with how it turned out. I'm so glad I found a way to give to someone else.

President Monson, president of the LDS church in October 2009 said,

"To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy. We do not live alone—in our city, our nation, or our world. There is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor’s wretchedness. “Love thy neighbor” is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection."

Don't you find this to be true? You're the happiest when you forget about yourself and help someone else out?

You can get involved too! Just read here and see how you can help! It's so easy and I know like me you'll be so glad you did!

Have you done any kind deeds lately?

Have you had any kind deeds done for you?

What do you like to do when feeling down in the dumps?

Ever made a dress out of a pillowcase or made something else using a pillowcase?

SEW FUN

Since having Charlotte, in my down time (which isn't much surprisingly) I've really gotten into sewing. I have to say I'm definitely an amateur and I would much rather create my own project than follow a pattern. Hence, sometimes my projects don't turn out so fabulous. Regardless it's been a fun hobby to develop and I've found it to be very relaxing.

My first project was to make a cover for Charlotte's car seat. I've seen them in the mall and on etsy but I wasn't about to pay $15-20 bucks for it. Rip off. I thought to myself, "I could make that", so I did. It's probably not as durable or as long lasting as those I could buy in the mall but I think it turned out alright and it works for the time being.

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My aunt is the famous Bobbi from Boppityboo. Maybe you've seen her on etsy, her cute blog or even Studio 5. I feel cool because she's my aunt. She is a very talented seamstress so back in February I spent the morning at her house learning some of her tricks.

One of the things Bobbi taught me was how to make these darling skirts.

You would be amazed with how easy they are to make.

Can't wait for Charlotte to wear it this spring.

I've also made some burp clothes and swaddle blankets for Charlotte.

All snuggled up ready for a nap.

I've tried my hand at making some headbands for my sweet babus.

Can you see in the picture above of Charlotte, her balding head? She loosing her hair all too quickly. I'm hoping the headband will be a cute distraction to her thinning hair. (JK friends)

The projects I've been enjoying the most are spicing up some onesies for Charlotte. Check them out below:

The best part about all these projects: Charlotte has no choice but to wear them.

She can't complain or tell me how imperfect they are. Ha!

Sewing projects are in the air, my oh so darling friend Jen sent me these booties for Charlotte. Aren't they adorable?

I think she needs to open an etsy shop and sell them.

Thanks again Jen!

PS if you are ever needing a good book to read, you should look at Jen's blog.

She gives reviews on all the books she reads and she reads A TON!

She also has a book club blog you should check out.

What projects have you been working on?

Feeling crafty lately?

Do you follow patterns or create your own?

Please share!

Today was a good day

Mike is on a rotation where A FEW DAYS during the week he works a lovely 30 hour shift. So he starts work at 7:00 a.m. and works until 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. the FOLLOWING day. So on the days where Charlotte and I aren't going to see Mike, I try to stay extra busy. Today was one of those days and although we missed seeing Mike, we had a good day.

The SMOG is gone and the sun was shining for a bit.

So Charlotte and I bundled up and headed for walk in the park. It was oh so wonderful to be outside and exercising. Charlotte loved it too, she slept the entire time.
We both took much needed naps today. Charlotte is having her "fussy time" from 11:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Good times. Like I said, naps were needed today.
We changed many diapers. Man this girl poops like it's nobody's business. I couldn't be happier about that. It means she eating well and getting plenty of nourishment. Phew.
I even got a little sewing in. I made some flower accessories for her headbands,
and a burp cloth. It's not my best work, but I did it in 20 minutes. Time between Charlotte's feeding and napping is precious these days.

And now I'm ready for bed! Goodnight.

Side note. This is what happens when Mike is home and hanging out with Charlotte.
I think Charlotte and I had the same expression, as the picture above, when I walked in to see what Mike had done. I must admit my little darling looks cute even in a shower cap. And yes, if you are wondering if I rock the shower cap, YOU BET I DO!

One more picture...

How funny is this picture? It totally looks like Charlotte is picking her nose. She's not. I promise. Mike just snapped the picture at exactly the right moment.

For the sister who lives WAY TOO FAR AWAY!!!!!

Because they asked:

This is for you MANDY, Beves, Liz C. my sweet Aunts, Bobbi and Patti. I wish you all weren't so far away.

Baby Walker's room is coming together and I LOVE IT. It's VERY bright and different but Mike and I couldn't be happier with how it's turned out thus far.

I finished the birdie mobile I was working on. I had to revamp the project when the hangers I was going to use to hang the birds from weren't cooperating. But I'm very pleased with the finished project. Thanks to Spool Sewing and Spearmint Baby who provided the inspiration for the mobile. Man I love the blogging community.

Her beautiful bedding. Thank you Land of Nod. I love all the color and detail.

Bookcase/toy shelf. Pictures to hang on the wall to come later. One project at a time.
A few up close details.

The comfy corner where I'm sure many, many hours will be spent.
Dresser/changing table. I love the sleek, straight lines.
My most recent project. It's amazing what a few canvases and stickers will do. We'll hang them up on the wall at some point.
There you go.

Baby Walker's room.

Still not done but we're making good progress.

Mike and I seriously love it.

We go and just sit in there all the time.

We are nerds.

Something new

My word for the year is NEW. I'm really good at staying in my comfort zone, doing things that don't scare or intimidate me, and taking the easy way out of any situation. This year I've really tried to embrace my word and try NEW things. I've tried new recipes, new races, new genres of books. But I have to say, my sweet husband, who I adore, has really helped me step out of my comfort zone and try new things including, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, going on new adventurous hikes and not to mention having a baby and being pregnant (a whole NEW world, really).

Well Mike's done it again.

Some background info:

Since being pregnant my homemaker side has come out. I consider myself more a left brained person. I love math and puzzles, I'm analytical, I thrive off structure and order. But I just might be more crafty and artsy than I thought. I've started baking, I cook dinner everyday but I'm talking about making cookies, brownies, something I've never spent time doing. I helped paint our baby room, and want to paint a few other things on the walls.

We'll I've always wanted to learn how to sew. I took a sewing class in junior high but I'm pretty sure my mom sewed all my projects for me. I mentioned this desire to Mike and have had his full support from the moment the words came out of my mouth.

For my birthday Mike bought me this gem...

He sat down with me when I first got it and made sure I knew how to thread the machine, and wind the bobbin. (Yes it's true he is much better at sewing than I am.) Mike got me the best sewing machine ever, well as far as I know, I'm just a beginner. But I've already used the machine a lot. Some of my projects include:

A little family of owls for my little one.

My cute friend Lindsey, who is one of the craftiest people I know, made this owl and shared the link with her blogging friends. I found the link and tried it myself. I think they turned out pretty cute. Just don't look too closely, you'll see that I'm not as meticulous as I should be. (Thanks Lindsey for sharing your ideas and crafts!)

I've also tried making a few burp cloths for the babus.

Again, I know there are lots of mistakes but I've got to start somewhere right?

And I'm currently working on this little number for the baby room...

The project is almost complete. I'll post pics when I'm done.

I'm taking a sewing class ALL BY MYSELF. You've got to know this is a bold, new thing for me.

Tonight is our third session and we finally get to bring our sewing machines for the first time! Is it totally nerdy that I can't wait?

What have you tried that is new?

Is there something you've always wanted to do but have yet to do it?

Do you sew?

What do you like to sew?

Please share!

***PS thanks for the tips and advice on the post below! Your insight is much appreciated!