Peachy Keen Spring Afghan

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed, as of late. There is so much going on. With life in general. Then you add in, all these new babies. Weeks away from making their "Grand Entrance." And I'm behind. Way behind!!!

So I've been crocheting. Every possible, free second that I have, I'm crocheting. In the car. During my breaks. While I watch TV. When I'm reading blogs. Heck, when I'm talking on the phone. And I'm feeling "burnt out."

Tired of all the "regular" patterns. And the pastel colors. Heck, with blue and pink. But I'm trying not to "lose faith" here. I'm looking for new things. Making up baby blanket patterns. Opting for brighter colors of yarn. And searching out a few new patterns. Like this one.

I don't remember how I first found this pattern. But immediately, I wanted to make it. And as crazy as it sounds, I'm thinking "outside the box." I have a few skeins of chocolate brown yarn. And I'm thinking that would be a nice little present. Something that a new dad, won't mind carrying around.

Maybe after a random project like this, I'll be back to the pretty pastels. Because this peach really is pretty. Or maybe that blue-ish green color. Something slightly different. But still fitting for a new baby, and Spring. ♥  

Fairy Princess Crown

I've been searching for some fun little projects. Something that I can sit and make, you know, in a few short minutes. Because let's be real, I like a fast project. I like to sit down, and have something to show for my 10-15 minutes of work.

Not to mention, I've got a ton of beautiful Goddaughters. A ton! That LOVE dressing up. And when I make them a little present. So I'm searching for the perfect little "just 'cause" present. :) That's when I found Walker Whimsy. Such a cute blog! And this Fairy Princess Crown.

 



It looks like a fairly simple project. Something that you can adjust for kids of all ages. Can you just imagine, sisters wearing these? Like these little ones. Or these ones. Babies and little girls. 

 

Now I'm off to search through my yarn stash. This would be one of those perfect patterns, to use up your "scrap yarn." And now that we're on the road again, I'm sure I can make a few of these. Well, a bunch of them! Are you with me? ♥

From My Heart to Theirs...

Sometimes, you see something as a crafter, and say to yourself, "I MUST make that!" I had that feeling yesterday. You see, it's that "Time of Year" again. You know, when everyone I know, is having a baby. I'm not lying! From family to friends...co-workers to our favorite waitresses.

I'm feeling completely "Behind the Ball." I NEED to make a bunch of gifts. But I'm getting a little tired of the same patterns. So yesterday, I did a little searching. And found a lot of fun and new patterns. But none, grabbed my attention like this one.

I don't know what it is. Love is in the air. Babies are on the way. Sweet baby girls, ALWAYS steal my heart away!!! But this blanket, it's screaming for me to make it. No lie.

I'm not completely convinced with this color combination. I'm thinking something that says more "Baby Girl," rather than "Happy Valentine's Day." Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to make one for myself. To add to the "Love" decorations we got going on. But for my first take on this blanket, I'm thinking pink, white, and lavender.

And if you're just not "feeling" this lovely blanket, how about some potholders? The pattern says you can make dishcloths, but I'm thinking about potholders. Make 2 squares, and single crochet them together. That would be fun!!! ♥

Little Owls

We're on the road this week. Which means, I've got to have a handy, little project to work on. "Little" is the keyword here. So I did a little search, and found this fun pattern!

I'm so excited about this pattern! Many people in my life, happen to adore owls! Oh, and I'm thinking, these could make some nice gifts. Or, a nice addition, to an upcoming Craft Fair. That my Mom and I will be selling at. Yes, I'm pretty excited about this pattern. By the way, a GREAT way to use up your scrap yarn. Happy Monday! ♥

Fun Finds!!!

We've been spending a lot of time in the SW. Which I'm honestly LOVING!!! It makes for a heck of a lot of traveling. But it's well worth it. :)

I'm doing a lot of the "finishing touches," on our home in my hometown. We've had friends over. And a few of my family members. It's really turning into our "Dream Home." But there are still things we are putting up. Little things we need to buy.

That lead me, to K-Mart. I'm not a regular shopper there. When I was really little, my parents shopped there. But then when I was 5 o 6, we stopped shopping there. I don't know why. It just happened. And over the last 11 years, I've gone for very specific things.

Mostly things in their "Garden Center." Years ago, I like to shop for Martha Stewart home goods. When I can't find a movie, I head there. Once in a while, I find some cute clothes, shoes, or accessories. But it's not a store that I gravitate towards.

We need some sheers, for a very sunny room. I searched everywhere! Online, in stores, anywhere I could think of. Then while talking to my cousin, she told me they had some at K-Mart. Nice ones. For cheap! So I headed over.

My Guy and I spent hours there. Not lying! We bought 6 outdoor chandeliers, some flower baskets, various kitchen goods, our sheers, and I literally stumbled on the "Clearance Toys."

With all my Goddaughters, nieces, and my friends' little girls...I'm ALWAYS on the hunt for some cute toys. I buy stuff, and save it for birthdays and Christmas. Well, I dug around. And I found something.



Fisher Price's Minnie Mouse's House! I know a little girl, who would LOVE it! 2 actually. So we dug around some more. Found 2 more. The sticker said $20. Marked down from $40. I thought it was a decent deal. Nothing to be calling people about. But when we went to pay, it was $10!!! Yes, we got 3, for less than the regular price of 1!

When we got home, I looked up the toy. Found out they are back ordered until February 2013. What? I wrapped one up for a birthday present. Another for a Christmas present. And the 3rd, I took out of the package. My little cousin J, was coming over for a visit. And we don't have many toys around here.

Well, she adored it! Played for almost 2 hours with it. And only stopped when we went outside to the pool. I think it was a great hit. And a lesson learned by me. ALWAYS go check out random stores. For their "Clearance" section. Not just your favorite Target. :)

I headed back to another K-Mart. The next morning. Since I let Little J have the house. And I picked up 2 more. Along with some princess dolls, Bratz dolls, and a few tea sets. I felt like I was robbing the place. Literally 25 toys, for under $100. I'm well on my way to completing my "Christmas List" early! ♥

Cutest Animals Ever!!!

I don't know about you, but I'm a very indecisive person. It takes me weeks, sometimes months, to buy something. I have to look at it, research, debate if I really want it. It's sorta a pain in the butt.

For example. Every single time, I go to a craft store, I look at this book. "Easy Crochet Critters." I even put it in my basket. Then when I get to the register, I decide not to buy it. Well, not too long ago, I went shopping with my Mom. And I debated this book again. Even with my coupon. Making this book $2...



I think my Mom had had enough with me. She bought me the book. And you know what? I think it's my favorite crochet book ever! There are so many cute patterns in this book. Definitely worth the cost. And the best part, they are super easy to make! I whipped up a lion, elephant, hippo, giraffe, and monkey in one night! The monkey is by far, my favorite animal of the bunch! The face of the lion is also to die for!!!



So I've taken this book, and created a few different gifts. A musician I used to work with, has a little girl. That just turned a year old. I made her 5 animals, whipped up a little bag, and bought her an animal book. She LOVED it!

Then a friend of ours, also has a little girl that's turning a year old. I made a few different animals, and pretty much made her the same gift. I whipped up a few, to send to another cousin. Who just had a baby. And I have a list of kiddos, I still want to make a set for.

But by far, that little monkey has been the winner. I've made 10! That weren't in these sets. And I've sold every single one! I'm not even trying to sell them. But everybody is in love with them. I've got a few more ordered. And I'm starting to make some extra animals. Because in September, my Mom and I are going to sell at another Craft Fair. :) I can't wait! ♥

Little Piggy

Let me tell you, Miss Sarita is a BIG fan of pigs! I don't know what it is. But she is a cutie. :) So I spent a little time today, looking for some new crochet patterns. And I found this cute little piggy! With a pancake! :) Have you ever read, If You Give a Pig a Pancake?



Well, I'm busy as a bee! Crocheting this little piggy. And I even bought a new copy of If You Give a Pig a Pancake. I can't wait to get this little present, in the mail! I don't know who is going to be more excited. Me or my gorgeous Goddaughter! ♥

His Favorite

I'm ALWAYS at a loss, at what to buy this guy. For his birthday, Christmas, or our Anniversary. It's so difficult! Because he has everything he needs, and wants. And whenever he finds something he wants, he buys it. Unlike most of us. Who put it on a list. Hoping one day, to own it.

Yes, all his years of hard work, do pay off. It allows him, to buy what he wants, when he wants it. But for me, it's tough. Because when these special days roll around, I'm hopeless. What makes things 100X's worse, is he spoils me to death!

Can you see my issue? You should have seen me at Christmas time! I didn't know what to buy My Love. I spent weeks and weeks, searching stores. And online. Then one late night, I found this table on Etsy. I ordered 2!!!



What I didn't realize was, he'd TOTALLY LOVE THEM! My Guy has an office in our home. And he promptly moved furniture around. Gave away the 2 end tables, that he had in there. And put these 2 tables in their place.

And while a buddy of his was over, a month ago, he was raving about these tables! It made my heart grow with LOVE! He REALLY LOVES his gift. It was the best feeling. To know that he didn't even know about these, before Christmas. But now he enjoys them!

Now people, I'm on the hunt for a good birthday present. I've got just over 3 months. I hope I find another treasure out there! Between, don't you just LOVE Etsy? ♥

Making Me Dream....

If you've been reading my blog, for any length of time, you'd know that I LOVE to organize things. I literally spend hours and hours, organizing the craziest things around here. Like straight pins, books, and cooking utensils...by color! My label maker, is honestly my best friend. So when I seen a "Gift Wrapping Station" DIY, I was thrilled!

In our home, I'm a little ashamed to admit it, I have an entire room dedicated to gift wrapping. Pathetic I know! But when you have 2 adults, no kids, and all these rooms...well you find ways to fill up rooms. Like gift wrapping, video gaming, and craft rooms. Yup, that's how we roll!!! :)

But in my home, space is sacred. I know, it's ONLY my stuff in my home. And it's a large family home. But it seems like, I NEVER have enough space. EVER! This would be perfect. A few hooks, a couple of pieces of wood, and dowels...make for perfection!



Sarah has her "Gift Wrapping Station" near her door. In her laundry room. Me? I'd put it in my dining room closet. I already store my wrapping paper in there. This would be perfect! Thank you Sarah, for sharing such an AMAZING idea! One that makes me feel less crazy...about my organizing ways. ♥

Fun Crochet Food!!!

My cousin asked me, almost 3 years ago, to be his daughter's Godmother. It was a very special day! My Goddaughters really do mean the world to me. And I see being a Godmother, as a blessing.

Unfortunately, she happens to be my one Goddaughter, who I see the least. It makes me so sad! But I make sure, to call her weekly. And send her little notes, and surprises every other week. I think it's so important to stay close. And to let her know, that I'm here for her. After all, she's ONLY 4 years old!

Well, for Christmas I bought her a little Kitchenette. And it hasn't quite made it to her. So I've been slowly crocheting her some fun food. And I hit the jackpot last night! I found this AMAZING blog. With so many cute patterns!



First up, some breakfast. How cute is this? A friend egg, toast, and bacon. I'm sure, this will be a hit!



How about some milk and cookies? On the blog, they're labeled as "Santa's cookies." I just think they're cute! I'll probably make the cups a more neutral color. Not so Christmas-y.



Would you like a hotdog? I just adore this pattern! Because I've NEVER seen anything like it. But I'm going to have to add some relish. Because that's my favorite part of eating a hotdog! :)



Or maybe a hamburger is more your style. The lettuce just cracks me up! But I think this will be fun to recreate!



And you can't forget the shake and fries! I adore these curly fries!!! I've never seen a pattern like that. The twist on the shake is also ADORABLE!!!



Or maybe you would like a movie snack. Popcorn and a pretzel. How fun is this? I LOVE the shape of the popcorn. :)



And crochet food, just wouldn't be complete without a few s'mores! How fun is this! S'mores just happen to be a favorite of mine. :)

I'm hoping to crochet quickly. I would like to get a nice set done. Before I see my Goddaughter. I think these will be a nice addition, to her Kitchenette. Who knows, I might even sew up an apron and oven mitts! ♥

Did You Say Minnie?

For Christmas, I made a few Hello Kitty hats. One was for my little cousin. She adores all things "girl!" And since Christmas, she's been wearing her little hat. Don't try and touch it, take it away, or hide it. Even in this warm weather, she is wearing an earflap hat!!!

But the truth of the matter is, she LOVES Minnie Mouse. So when I seen this crochet pattern, I just knew I had to print it out. Never mind that it is June. I'm starting this year's Christmas presents!!!




I just can't get over how cute these hats are. I think I can get a few done, before December. A few for my Goddaughters, nieces, and little cousins. Oh, I just can't wait!!! ♥

Did You Say Strawberry Shortcake?

For Christmas, I bought one of my Goddaughters a little Kitchenette. Can you believe, 6 months later, it's still at my house? Put together, wrapped up, waiting to be delivered...

So I thought, I should crochet her some little food. Something to play with, in her little kitchen. So I've been searching the internet. High and low. For some fun patterns. That's when I came across this Strawberry Shortcake. :)



You know about my love of strawberries. So I just thought, this would be perfect! I've been making lots of crochet food this week. Do you have any patterns, blogs, or websites that I should look at? I'd LOVE to get some more ideas! ♥

Too Supreme

I'm a VERY LUCKY WOMAN! This Guy, he surprises me all the time. With lots of gifts. Things that I never ask for. And most times, don't even know, that I want. :) But that's part of the fun, of having an AMAZING boyfriend!

Let's press forward. My Guy, knows that I have this semi-serious, LOVE AFFAIR with makeup. MAC to be more specific. :) And without fail, weeks before the collections come out, he comes home with them. How? I still don't know! But it's pretty amazing.



For example, MAC's Too Supreme Collection, came out March 1st. This guy, came home with them, about 6 weeks ago. And I swear to you, it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!!



The collection has 24 pieces. 24 pieces of pure bliss! 11 Sheen Supreme Lipglasses. Which are limited addition. And 13 Sheen Supreme Lipsticks. Which get this, are PERMANENT!!!



Now let's take a closer look. :) These lipsticks are a dream. A dream I tell you! They are a lipstick, with the finish of a lipglass! They don't leave that, "weird sticky feeling." Just a beautiful finish. Not too shiny. Just perfect!

I'm still a little uncertain, about the lavender. When do you wear lavender lipstick? And the darker nudes, well are a bit dark. But these are a dream! And I'm going to figure out, how to make them all work! Between, they're $14.50 a piece.



Then you have the "clickable" lipglass. I LOVE the colors. The finish is wonderful! And did I mention? They are clickable! This germaphobe, is so excited! I HATE sticking the lipgloss wands back inside the tube. This concept, just seems so much more sanitary. And $19 a lipglass.



Yes, this is one of those collections, that just excited me! In ways, I NEVER thought makeup would! I've worn these products, every single day, since I got them. This man is just AMAZING!

How he knows about these things, I may never know. But I have a feeling, one of his assistants, has to be on top of this stuff. One day, I'll catch somebody, researching beauty products! Until then, I'm off to enjoy some Royal Azalea! ♥

A Taste of Yesteryear

This guy and I were talking the other day. About the "Good Old Days." Like either of us, really lived through them. OK, we sorta did. This guy's childhood, happened during the 70s and 80s. Mine was more, the 80s and 90s.

Another thing on our minds, was finding a really cool gift, for this little guy. Something fun. Meaningful. And something that would bring a bit of the past, back to life. We're just like that. We like retro and vintage type of things. We enjoy learning about the past. So I did a quick search. And found a few of our favorites. :)



Do you remember this little guy? Being that I spent a lot of time in the mountains, I remember him well. My grandparents lived in the mountains. And I spent so much time with them! So seeing Woodsy, was very common. This guy remembers Woodsy too! As he and his family, spent a lot of time, hunting and fishing, while he was growing up. :)



The same can be said for Smokey the Bear. I remember going to the State Fair, every year, as I was growing up. And all I ever wanted to do, was go see Smokey, and eat a turkey leg! :) Smokey would also come to our school, and teach us all about Fire Safety. Yes, we saw a lot of him in the mountains too! In fact, this guy and I, went to go see his memorial. :)



And lastly, are all these books. I didn't have any of these brand new. None! I don't know if they came before I did. But that's how it happened. And oh, I just LOVE books! I've always had a ton of books. But I did have some of these books. OK, a nice collection. I don't know where they came from. Perhaps, they were from my older siblings.

Yesterday, this guy and I, we went shopping. At the most AMAZING antique, and second hand shops. Oh hello! The southwest has some amazing ones. I just wish, that we would have had more free time to shop. We found lots of pieces, for our homes. This guy added to his Vinyl Collection. I added to my own Cookbook Collection. And we picked up some gifts.

It was a day, dedicated to "Yesteryear." We "rescued" a lot of the past. And hope to bring new life to it. Including a nice stack of books, for this guy's nieces and nephew. Something that we hope, brings them many years of happiness. Yes, it was a nice trip, down "Memory Lane!" ♥

Be Mine Cherry Brownies

Yesterday was Valentine's Day! And around here, we enjoyed a nice and quiet holiday. Alone. It was heaven! Something we don't get to do often. But we cherished every single moment!

I did lots of cooking for My Guy. Something that I absolutely LOVE to do! And he spoiled me with lots of nice gifts. Which was incredibly sweet,and unexpected! But back to that cooking. Earlier this week, I had been looking for some good dessert recipes. My Guy likes him some dessert! And I baked for almost 2 days. :) One of the recipes that I used, was this week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week.



Be Mine Cherry Brownies

18.3-oz. pkg. fudge brownie mix
3 1-oz. sqs. white baking chocolate
1/3 c. whipping cream
1 c. cream cheese frosting
1/4 c. maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1-1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. butter
Garnish: candy sprinkles

Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Line a 13"x9" baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving several inches on sides for handles. Spray bottom of foil with non-stick vegetable spray; spread batter into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 24 to 26 minutes; let cool. Lift brownies from pan; remove foil. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut brownies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white baking chocolate and whipping cream for one to 2 minutes, stirring until chocolate is melted; refrigerate 30 minutes. Stir frosting and cherries into chilled chocolate mixture; spread over brownies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter for one to 2 minutes, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a plastic zipping bag, snip off a tip and drizzle over brownies. Garnish with sprinkles. Makes 14.


So I can't lie! I got this cookbook as a gift. From K. She knows that I collect cookbooks. And that Gooseberry Patch is my favorite! This is one, that I've had on my list, for a little while. K actually gave it to me, right before we left. And it has been such a treat to have! I've already made 3 different desserts!

The funny thing is, I had flagged this recipe. In the cookbook. It was one of my favorites. But when I saw it this week, as the Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week, I knew that I just had to make it! Even if we, had to make a midnight run to the grocery store. Luckily, not on Valentine's Day. I realized I was missing 2 ingredients, 2 days before. :)

My Guy also told me, that he enjoyed this little treat. Though we both agreed, one is more than enough. These brownies are pretty sweet. But a nice change. I'm pretty sure that I can find a friend, or two, that would like to finish off our little stash. After all, we should share! I'm telling you, there is nothing like chocolate and cherries. And these were well worth, the midnight run to the grocery store! ♥

Isn't It Lovely?

I'm funny about things. When I like something, I like it. I don't care what brand it is. Where you buy it. Or if it's endorsed by a celebrity. When I like it, I like it.

And that's just the way I feel about Lovely. Sarah Jessica Parker's first perfume. I was not a big fan of Sex and the City. The reality is, I didn't start watching it, until 2007. When it came out, late at night, on FOX. Now I just feel like it's over played on TV. But once in a while, I get in the mood to watch it. Or one of the movies. But back to the perfume!



This perfume, and me, we were best friends, from the beginning. I had initially got it as a gift. From a good friend. And I was hooked! I think I averaged 2 or 3 bottles a year! That's how much I liked it. I liked that the scent lingered on my scarves. But it was never too over powering.

A few years ago, I stopped wearing it. I don't know why. I just did. The crazy thing is, I had 2 and a half bottles of it. Sitting in my fridge. So it wouldn't go bad. :) The other day, I found an old scarf of mine. And it smelled just like Lovely. Immediately, I knew I had to find my perfume!

I think my love of this perfume, comes from my love of lavender, orchids, and nectarine. The Woods White Musk, helps the perfume to not be so floral-y and girly. It anchors the scent, but allows it to still be feminine. Let's just say, I've been wearing it every single day. And I'm more in love with Lovely with each passing day! The pink bottle just melts my heart! ♥

Grimm's Fairy Tales

Recently, so many people that I know, are having babies. Friends, family, and colleagues. It's such a time of blessings! And one of my favorite gifts to give, to new babies, are books. I know, it sounds crazy! But I think they're precious gifts. Books that can be used for many years to come. And one of my favorite books to give, is Grimm's Fairy Tales.



Yes, I think this is just the perfect gift! I still have my copy, from when I was little. I think most parents don't expect it. But end up, very excited. What are some of your favorite baby gifts to give? I definitely could use some suggestions. I have 5 Baby Showers to go to, in the next 6 weeks! ♥

What Cards Really Mean...

Unfortunately, I don't live near, most of my Goddaughters. That really bothers me. As I want to be active in their lives. But I try to stay in touch with them. How do I do this? Well, a few ways. Mostly, I call my Goddaughters. I also Skype. For the older ones, that is one of the best things. :)

But I also send lots and lots of letters and cards. Filled with notes of love. And little treasures. Like stickers, pictures, and books. These are the most meaningful. I hear, that my Goddaughters wait for their "mail" to arrive. Knowing the little schedule, that we've got going on! :)

I usually get a call back. With a very excited little girl, on the other end. Which makes me smile. I want my Goddaughters to know, that I LOVE them. And that I'm ALWAYS thinking of them. Because, they each have a piece of my heart.

And then, I'm blessed. With little things that they send me too! A picture of them. A piece of "school art." And sometimes a beautifully colored picture. Yes, I hang them on our fridge. Or in my office. Because these things, mean the WORLD to me!



I think about this a lot. Because my Goddaughters, really do mean so much to me! I LOVE them with my whole heart! And I just think, that it's special to have this contact with them. But above that, I think they really enjoy the mail too! What kid, doesn't like to get mail? With their name on it!

I'm sure that Hallmark, and the USPS just LOVE this! They make bank off of me. But honestly, it's a small price to pay. When I stood up there, taking the vows, to be their Godmother, I was making promises to each of them. And to God. I don't take that lightly. And I hope that they know it. And that their parents know it. And especially, that God knows.

I know that my Goddaughters enjoy their cards. But for me, I enjoy them much more! It makes me feel amazing, to sit there, and write out a special card. To make it colorful and fun. To add something special inside. Just to let my favorite little girls know, that I love them. It means so much, when I get a scribbly picture back. That I know, they took the time to color. Just for me. Yes, those little cards, sent both ways, mean the world! ♥

Monkey Bib

There are so many babies being born. Since July, I've been trying to just keep up. But I've fallen slightly behind on the gifts. All these Baby Showers. So many of my friends and family, are all having babies. And tons of them. I've got a fairly large collection of patterns. Most, like 90%, are for girls.

This has left me in a bit of trouble. As most of my family members have recently had, or are very soon expecting, baby boys. So I've been hunting high and low, for the perfect patterns. Little boys are a little tough to craft for. But I've found a few cute patterns. This one, being one of my favorites!



Oh my! Isn't this bib just the cutest thing ever? I thought so. And I've added it to my list of projects. If only I had a few days, to do nothing at all, except crochet. Anyway that I look at it, I need to make uh, 5 of these. ASAP! Oh boys! ♥

So Sweet!

Don't baby items just make you smile? There is something so sweet and innocent about them. And I've been completely immersed in baby stuff lately. So many of my friends, are having babies. And I'm expecting so many Goddaughters, in the coming months. Yes, I've been trying out new and old patterns. But this pattern, it just makes my heart melt.



I bought it on eBay a few years ago. I have no idea what it's called. But it is one of my favorite patterns. And right now, I'm working on a few of these little beauties. In the most amazing, and saturated colors. Oh, how I can't wait! Until my Goddaughters are here. And we can play dress up! :) Yes, I'm that kind of Godmother. That just has to shower her itty bitties in the prettiest little things. ♥