Sunny day

After several rainy days we decided to head to the nearby park for some fun. We had wanted to put Noah in the kiddy swing but the metal on it was way too hot. Guess that is what we get for living in Arizona. We had a good time anyway. And we're SO excited Daddy gets off work tomorrow for an extra day of play!

Getting my feet wet

So, I've been absent for awhile. What have I been up to?

For starters...I've been learning "The Drugstore Game." If you've never heard of it you must check it out, or ask me more about it. I'm just now really understanding how it all works and thought I'd get my feet wet this weekend by checking out some of the deals. I've vowed to give this a try for 3 months to see if I can make a go of it and make it work for our family. I'm excited about the opportunity to save money as well as give freebie extras to friends and families in need! I'll have to keep you posted on how it goes. Here is a picture of the items I received for FREE this weekend. Yes, FREE! In addition to these items I got paid $3 for buying them and also received a coupon for a free toothbrush. All of that for about 30 minutes of my time.

I've also been busy playing with and learning how to use my new camera (got an awesome deal). Exciting! I had been saving for quite awhile for this baby. I can't wait to take some memorable photos of our family as well as use it in conjunction with my upcoming business venture (I'll have to tell you more about that a little later). If you have any camera advice...please share!

My "studio" was moved once my son was born to make room for his nursery. Ever since then I've had to set up a table in our entryway when I've wanted to sew. We finally put our heads together and came up with this idea for our little nook in the dining area. It's not my ideal space but will work just fine. I can't wait to give it a little character and organize it a bit. Oh, and notice I got to use my green color on the shelves! I'll have to take a photo of the finished product once we get there.

Cruiser

Our little cruiser loves to attack the camera. And one of his signature faces reminds me of a roaring lion.



Here he is...spotting his prey and going in for the kill.

A friend of mine sent me this link for my Fabulous Find Friday. Can you believe you can actually create your own Keds shoe! You can customize it with a photo, logo, words, etc. and also decide if you want the shoe laced or a slip on. Very cool.

Ever wonder how restaurants and stores get their chalkboards to look so neat with artistic designs and great writing. Check out the chalk markers here. We recently painted our pantry door with magnetic and chalkboard paint and they work great. I picked mine up at our nearby hobby store.

This book sounds really neat. Lots of craft projects to get your kids involved in nature. I'd love to get my hands on this and check it out.

Having a party and don't want to write names on your guests plastic cups? This chalkboard coaster is a great idea. Use your non-disposable glasses without the worry of people forgetting whose is whose.

Go vote

In case you haven't seen this . . . NBC is taking a poll regarding the phrase 'In God We Trust' on our currency. Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on this issue. If you'd like to vote, you can do so here.

P.S. Wasn't the Civil Forum at Saddleback great! Praise be to God for allowing that to come together. I'm sure if you missed it they will replay it on Fox News or you could search for it on YouTube.

I find this first idea hilarious and perfect for Halloween or an Over the Hill party. Actually, I think it's funny no matter what time of year it is! Go get your frozen smiles.

I really enjoy stationery designs. Patty Young has a new line you should check out. She's so creative and to prove it her fabric line with Michael Miller Fabrics is going to be debuting just around the corner as well.

If you have a baby, or know someone that does, you're familiar with the many things that can creep, or drip, onto their clothing never to wash out. Little Bird Creations has come up with a fabulous, and cute, way of covering up these stains and keeping you from having to replace clothing. I think they're worth ordering even if you don't have stains to cover up!

Teeth 7 & 8

This is what you get when trying to take a photo of a 7 1/2 month olds mouth. Noah's teeth are coming in like crazy. I'm definitely not letting him teeth on my finger anymore...those chompers hurt! And I don't care what you say mom...you wouldn't let him do it either.

Two completed pillows. Check.

Do you ever have those projects that you started months ago, perhaps even years ago, and wonder why you never finished them...then once you pick it up and start it again all of the reasons why you quit the first time come flooding back? These pillows are that type of project for me. It isn't that they were hard to do. I just sort of lost the motivation, the thread had gotten tangled on one part of it and my taste had started to change for the fabric I had picked to use.

Today I was determined to finish them. So while Noah was napping I sat at my machine and went full steam ahead. I think they turned out decent. Decent enough for the front room with my orange curtains and light blue floor rug. I do have a confession to make and I'm sure it is most likely a sewing sin. I was so anxious to finish the project that after stuffing the pillow in I refused to hand sew it closed...so up it went under my sewing machine to finish it off. Gasp...I know.

You can find the pattern I used free here.

Benjamin Moore 2147-30

That is the number of my new favorite paint color, Jalapeno Pepper. I never knew how much I liked green until I noticed my home was decorated in it. I have dreams of Jalapeno Pepper tables, desks, shelves...and I'd love to paint a wall with it. It is splashed all over the pages of the recent Pottery Barn catalog. L.O.V.E. it! Now if I could just convince my husband to love it as much as I do.

Life has been busy here in the "studio." Hopefully some new things coming up to share with you soon. Until then...here are some fabulous finds I've recently discovered.

I really like paper, and paper products. This idea cracks me up.

It's always fun to add personal touches to everything you use on a daily basis. Make walking the dog a little more fun with this tutorial from Anna Maria.

We'll be painting this weekend so I thought I'd share this fabulous find with you that saves a ton of time and worth the 14 bucks..or however much it was. Sucks the paint right up into the roller and saves a ton of time having to get it out of the tray, etc.

And lastly, I need to have these ribbons from Jessica Jones. You can find them here.

Open house

If you enjoy driving through neighborhoods at night looking through lit windows to see how the inside of the home is decorated, you'll love the blog party that is happening here. Head on over and get yourself a peak without feeling guilty about it.

Ephesians 2:10

A couple pics from the week

Noah's shipping himself off to go visit his Grandpas and Grandmas. If only it were that easy.

Noah learning sign language from Baby Einstein with Daddy.