Cora Anne Designs

Happy Mother's Day

2013-05-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

Source: homemadetoast.com via PickYourPlum on Pinterest

Free Printable found here.

Insta-Friday

2013-05-09T21:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the weekend!
Here's a peek back at our week...

Eric + Claire playing on the beach while I sat with sleeping Zachary on the pier.

This is what we endure months of Michigan winter for.

First Pronto Pups of the season.

Yummmm.

Wifey Singer jewelry has quickly become one of my favorites.

Hannah is always coming out with new pieces + new color combinations that I just have to have! And her prices are so reasonable too. I ordered the necklace on the right, and she surprised me with the one one the left. Seriously sweet, that lady.

Zachary and I have a Monday morning tradition of heading to a local market to pick up our meat for the week. Inevitably we end up scouting out the fruits and veggies too. I mean, how can we not when it's displayed so pretty??

I am soooo happy that it's finally grilling season again!

Goodbye heavy casseroles and hello fresh foods on the grill.

This dish included sausage (smoked or pre-cooked) plus peppers, onion and potatoes. Mix in a little olive oil plus some black pepper. Fill small packets made of aluminum foil and grill for about 20 minutes. Perfection.

Mother's Day at Claire school. Those pre-schoolers sure know how to throw a party!

That's a portrait of me, by the way, and Claire is practicing signing her name in cursive, because that's fancy, you know.

My first Stitch Fix box arrived!!

Did you know that I'm totally incapable of buying clothes for myself? Seriously.

Eric has to come with me or I'd come home empty-handed.

I'll share details of what was in my box soon!

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Teacher Appreciation Gift

2013-05-08T15:18:00.000-04:00

This week is Teacher Appreciation week, and I wanted to share what we brought in to Claire's teachers today.

Claire has been busy growing a garden indoors since Spring Break. Her zucchini is by far the best growing plants, and since we now have way more zucchini plants than what we'll need, we're starting to give some away.

We're growing our plants in Jiffy Pots (pots that can later be planted right in the ground), so to dress them up a bit, I wrapped them in burlap and tied them off with baker's twine. I made small plant markers out of washi tape + toothpicks and placed one in each pot.

Next I found (at our grocery store!) this adorable soap as well as some cute gardening gloves.

I packaged the gifts in strawberry baskets that I had on hand, and these gifts were set!

Of course there's so many other times where a small gift like this would be wonderful to give, housewarming and Mother's Day both come to mind!

Insta-Saturday

2013-05-04T21:07:00.001-04:00

It's insta-Friday time, one day late!

I hope you're all well into a nice weekend.

We're coming off of a b.u.s.y. week, here's a peek...

why yes Zachary, you can dance on that crinkly paper

flea market shopping in the rain=

bad hair + good deals

the bikes I walked away from at the flea market.

I mean come on, how cool are these???

one flea market find getting a makeover.

prep work is a bore, seriously.

cruising makes him sleepy

our back entryway has been bare for 5 years and I finally did something about it.

Prints for Brielle from PS I Adore You

"M" from Anthropologie

Kindergarten visit day. This girl is so ready.

Right before we left home, she ran to her room and put this necklace on which she made at VBS. The beads read "COURAGE"

Oh, how I love this girl.

trucks are working at the end of our street which means

we have been doing LOTS of truck watching

And finally, we had a 24 hour kid-free house setting up marathon at our summer place.

We made really good progress, here's a little sneak peek...

a little display in the kitchen.

Those jars will most likely be filled with something like goldfish crackers, for the kids.

And, since we didn't own the house yet last Spring,

I had no ideas that tulips would be popping up in the yard!

in the living room

Claire's room

front entry-way.
print by Red Letter Words

And, now I'm exhausted and might just climb into bed...

at 9:00....

...on a Saturday night.

Zzzzzzzz.....

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Insta-Friday

2013-04-25T22:23:00.002-04:00

FRIDAY!

(can you sense my excitement???)

This felt like a week of highs and lows,

and I'm really ready for a weekend and a chance of pace.

Here's a peek...

HIGH:

back splash tiling with my dad.

we chose a white subway tile with a crackle finish. classic.

HIGH:

the finished product.

LOW:

crying our way through Target. sigh.

HIGH:

discovering Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products at Target.

and learning that I am the last.person.on.the.face.of.the.planet to use the stuff.

LOW:

realizing that Zachary had been bit by another child in the playroom at the gym,

and having to figure out how to deal with it.

HIGH:

sewing new pillows for Rebel to bring to the Allegan Antiques Market this weekend.

LOW:

having a weepy-mess-of-a-mom kind of moment in the preschool drop off line realizing that we're only about 3 weeks out from Claire being done in preschool. But on arriving home from dropping her off, I read this:

"Don't be disturbed today by thoughts about tomorrow; leave tomorrow alone, and bank in confidence on God's organizing of what you do not see."

- Oswald Chambers

#truth

HIGH:

this bathing suit from J.Crew arriving at my door step.

is it summer yet???

Have a great weekend!

We're looking at temperatures in the 60's around here, finally!

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Fresh Start Sunday

2013-04-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Those who know your name trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

Insta-Friday

2013-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ahh, Friday.

This has been a looooong, rainy week, I say, bring on the weekend!

Here's a peek...

after an entire week of absolutely.no.sunshine, the sun was kind enough to come out.

It didn't last long, but it sure was nice.

you know that secret magic trick that teachers use...the one where they sing a little jingle, and the kids all willingly and cheerfully pick up the room? Yeah, I want that magic to work at home.

a new succulent from Horrocks and a new dish from Rebel making my kitchen counters happy

pretty coral polish in the bottle turned into shockingly neon-orange polish on my nails, oops!

posting a picture of my face wash on Instagram seemed to stir up lots of questions and interest.
I'll post more details on this soon.

the rain this week has been insane.

We had to redeem it somehow, so jumping in puddles it is!

I snatched up this adorable afgan in the @trishabrinkdesignshop sale proving that hitting "refresh" on your phone about a million times really does pay off. This will be the icing-on-the-cake in Claire's new room!

and finally, my heart goes out to all those affected by the tragedies in Boston and in Texas. And because my own words tend to fail me, I've had this hymn playing on repeat all week..

Lord, I need You, oh I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Have a nice weekend, everyone.

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Winner!

2013-04-17T21:56:00.004-04:00

A big thanks to everyone who entered the Shabby Apple giveaway!

And now for the winner...

using Random.org, the winner is #34!

Congratulations Rachel Travis!

Contact me at coraannedesigns(at)gmail(dot)com and we'll

get you all set with your $50 credit to Shabby Apple!

Happy shopping!!

Fresh Start Sunday

2013-04-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Insta-Friday

2013-04-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

First things first, have you entered the $50 Shabby Apple giveaway yet??

(hint : there's not a lot of entries yet which means

you've got a really good chance of winning!)

and now for a peek at our week...

we toured a greenhouse where Claire became hypnotized by the fairy garden supplies.

I'm with her on this one, there's some seriously cute stuff!

every morning and every day post-nap we look out the window.

Claire used to do the same thing.

Just checking out what's going on in the world, I suppose.

Claire's best bud from school brought her an antler from his Grandpa's ranch in Montana. I kind of want to paint it and keep it for myself, but I don't think she'll be giving up this treasure any time soon.

the seeds we planted last week are growing!!

So far marigolds, squash, tomatoes, radishes, and basil have all made appearances!

Not bad for a non-green thumb.

laying out all of the pieces for Claire's new room.

I've been waiting to do this ever since we bought the house last summer,

which could certainly explain why the collection has grown so large!

my mom joined us for lunch one day which means we ditched our usual PB&J's

for chicken salad squares, salad, crackers & cheese, and strawberries.

Yummmm.

a little peek into Rebel.Reclaimed that includes something new I'm making,

I'll share details next week!

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Hope you all have a great weekend!

I've got an appointment Saturday morning for a haircut and highlights, yessss!

$50 Shabby Apple Giveaway!

2013-04-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's GIVEAWAY TIME!
Yesssss!

You all have heard of Shabby Apple, right?!?

If not, you must check them out.
You'll find an entire online boutique of vintage-inspired,
modest (thankyouverymuch), affordable clothing.

Here's a few items catching my eye...

Gondola Dress

Me + this dress + date nights this summer would make me very happy

Race Point Skirt

and a cute bike + that beach?

yes, please.

Vineyard Sound Wrap Dress

forget diamonds, wrap dresses are a girl's best friend

So, here's the details on how to enter,
leave one comment for each...

Required :

"Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook (one entry)

Tell me which Shabby Apple item you can't live without (one entry)

Optional Entries :

Follow Cora Anne Designs blog (one entry)

"Like" Cora Anne Designs on Facebook (one entry)
Follow Cora Anne Designs on Instagram (one entry)

Giveaway ends at midnight on Tuesday, April 16.
(must provide a US shipping address)

Happy browsing and good luck!

Fresh Start Monday

2013-04-08T09:31:00.001-04:00

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

Ephesians 1:7-10 (The Message)

Insta-Friday

2013-04-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yay for Friday!

Claire has been on Spring Break this week and we've been home all week. While going away on vacations is nice and all, truth be told, having a very slow, very relaxing week at home has been wonderful. Here's a peek...

happy, happy.

I never buy fresh flowers, but having some tulips in my house this week is making me realize I need to do this more!

my desk from my bedroom growing up is becoming a

seriously Begonia-pink desk for Claire's room. I hope she loves it!

girl scout cookies, yesss!

oh this boy.

this was his first time let loose in the yard since walking,

he didn't even know what to do with himself

(and he sure didn't know what to do with hills!)

prepping for a little seed-starting project with Claire

#washimakeseverythingbetter

grow little seeds, grow!

opening day, go Tigers!

it was such a simple idea, until it involved hauling the 8 foot ladder in from the garage.

special mom + Claire day.

we visited baby animals at a farm. So ~~stinky~~ cute.

I so love one-on-one time with each of my kids. Claire has been acting pretty goofy a lot lately, yet when you're alone with her, she's the most chatty, thoughtful and interesting little girl.

Have a fabulous weekend,

don't forget to enter the $50 Shabby Apple Giveaway!!

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Easter

2013-03-31T21:52:00.001-04:00

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"

Luke 24:5-6

Happy Easter!

I have always loved this day, and having kids of my own makes it so much more special.

we hosted our annual neighborhood egg hunt at our house.

Carrot cake cupcakes ready to go for the egg-hunters!

Saturday night baking to prepare for our guests on Sunday.

Contented Sparrow's Sour Cream Almond Pound Cake

it was dark and dreary before church plus Zachary had no interest in having his picture taken. This picture of the kids looking off our front porch is the best one I have, but it sure is sweet. I love how she's such a little momma to him.

Off to church.

2/3 of my heart right there. I'm holding the other third.

post-church cookies. Always a highlight.

In fact, we pick Zachary up from his nursery, and all we hear is "cookie" as he sprints for the refreshment table

back home to prepare for our guests.

We hosted my brother and his two kids and had a wonderful, relaxing, really nice time.

I added strawberries plus freshly made whipped topping to the pound cake.

It was heavenly!

Happy Easter, from our family to yours!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is yourlife, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

Fresh Start Palm Sunday

2013-03-24T20:58:00.000-04:00

(apparently Claire thinks Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a rainbow donkey)

Hosanna Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest

Hosanna Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like You have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks

Yours Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause

As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest

Hosanna Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest

Hillsong United

DIY Pillow Sham Tutorial

2013-03-22T14:35:00.003-04:00

I just recently made two pillow shams for Claire's new bedroom, and about halfway through it occurred to me that others could probably use these instructions to make some of their own. So I quickly started snapping a few pictures along the way with my cell phone (sorry!)
~
If you don't normally sew a whole lot, don't be intimidated...
if you can cut and sew a straight line, you can make these!

I made these using an envelope back, so each pillow sham is comprised of three pieces :

Front : 29 inches x 22 inches
Back : 20 inches x 22 inches (2)

After pieces are cut, you will need to hem one side of each back piece,
which is where the envelope will be.

On one piece, begin with the left side, fold it over apx 1/2 inch and iron, and then fold it again and iron. Stitch the length of the hem to hold it.

Repeat with the second back piece, this time hemming the right side.

Lay your front piece down, right side facing up. Then, lay your two back pieces down over it, right sides facing down. The two back pieces will overlap several inches, creating your envelope. Pin the pieces, right sides together.

Sew around your entire rectangle, using about a 1/2 inch allowance.
(Be sure your envelope pieces are pinned well so they don't fold over as you sew!)

Trim the corners, then turn your pillow right side out.
Push out the corners.

Iron all of your edges so they are nice and flat.
You can re-pin the edges so they hold together well.

Stitch the perimeter again, this time using an approximately 2 inch seam allowance.
~
That's it!

Go ahead and insert a standard size pillow, and you are done!
This is such a quick and easy way to spruce up a bedroom, let me know if you have any questions!
~
Linking up with :
Skip to My Lou
Tatertots and Jello

Insta-Friday

2013-03-21T20:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring, everyone!

It sure doesn't look like Spring around here, but come summer when Michigan fruit trees are actually producing fruit, we'll be glad about this snowy-situation we find ourselves in.
~
Here's a peek at our week...

new Young House Love light fixture, being hung courtesy of my brother
(because anything electrical-related just scares me!)

did you know that Claire is the main reason we decided to have a second child? Eric and I were so content with just one, but Claire began to ask and ask for a sibling, so now we have Zachary. Looking back, I can hardly even fathom that we considered being done after one, especially when I catch these sweet moments between siblings.

learning to eat with a spoon is tricky business.

AND, it looks like we have another lefty in the family which means we now have three lefties and just one righty (me!)

hot tea + candles inside and pretending it's not freezing outside

one thing here does not look like the others

another hoop for Claire's new room
(we're sooooo close to being ready to set up rooms, I can't wait to show you!)

dinnertime behavior lately has been out.of.control.

the whining and sobbing over what we're having for dinner has reached all-time high levels (especially considering I make such extremely kid-friendly meals) So, I made a dinner expectations list, and two nights in our dinners have been MUCH more pleasant.

yes, this is a picture from last week. but I just couldn't resist one more.
seriously, just look at him!
~
So, here are my absolutely favorite things about Instagram:
1. Catching small moments that I might otherwise look past
2. Meeting such wonderful people, including Sara from the blog, August Fields. She did a sweet write up this week, be sure to hop on over to her blog and check it out. (And check out the rest of her blog too, seriously.)
~
Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Fresh Start Sunday

2013-03-17T21:02:00.002-04:00

Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

~
Psalm 119:33-35 (NIV)

Insta-Friday

2013-03-15T22:10:00.000-04:00

It's Friday night, yessss!

I hope you're all having a great start to your weekend!

Here's a peek at our last week....

I tried encouraging Spring by wearing bright colors + ditching boots for ballet flats.

Claire told me I looked like an art teacher. What does that even mean???

boys + overalls. the best.

oh yes I did!

A new Home Goods just opened in my town. Yes, this picture is of Target. I tried going to Home Goods on opening day, but a few too many rude people in the parking lot made me think that even trying to go inside would be a mistake. So I headed to my happy place instead. And seeing as the entire universe was at Home Goods, I just about had Target to myself and it was awesome!

Easter baskets are done!

(I spy hohos)

Today was another stop-just-pinning-start-actually-printing day.

I love fabulous (free) art!

I checked another painting project off my to do list this week.

Craigslist has been so good to me, I can't wait to show you this new little dresser in its new home!

my peeps, butterfly watching at Meijer Gardens

fellow insta-addicts, find me on Instagram as : coraannedesigns

Fresh Start Sunday

2013-03-10T20:31:00.000-04:00

Source: myfabulesslife.com via Jill on Pinterest

Insta-Friday

2013-03-07T22:41:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday, all!
~

Whew, we've had quite a two weeks over here, so this upcoming weekend is more than welcome right now. Here's a peek first at why these two weeks weren't my favorite...

sick baby = sad mumma. Zachary was the first to come down with the flu. Our family is normally so exceptionally healthy, and this was our SECOND round of the flu this winter, I still can't figure out where we've gone so wrong this year.

I think somewhere in the Mom Handbook it states that if a small human being throws up on you repeatedly, you are welcome to redeem your day post-bedtime with as much ice cream as you want.

and because having one kid with the flu is no fun, why not add a second?

This girl also suffered a week's worth of night terrors.
Horrible.
By far my least favorite thing to deal with as a parent to date.

I spent an entire day cleaning and disinfecting the house.
It was only 35 degrees out, but windows were open, this family needed fresh air!

and somewhere in the midst of trying to eliminate all the germs, I picked one up myself. Blah. I'm so so thankful that Eric was able to stay home from work for a day to help me with the kids, I really don't know how I could have done it otherwise!

there, have I depressed you enough yet??

I promise it gets better, keep reading....

we still have a loooong ways to go on the house we're renovating,
but I did start moving some furniture into place which was so exciting!

working on a little art project for Claire's new bedroom!

oh, if you could just hear this boy laugh!

I called on my Instagram prayer warriors to pray for this girl that the night terrors would disappear, and we're so relieved that she has not had a single one since!
Thank you, Jesus!

our basement storage room currently looks like a half-finished project warehouse.
Ugh.
I WILL attempt to finish a few projects before I start any more new ones.
(maybe)

you're looking at the special person of the day at school.

BIG stuff!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Insta-Addicts : find me on Instagram as coraannedesigns

Fresh Start Sunday

2013-02-17T20:32:00.002-05:00

Source: cookingloveandlife.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Insta-Friday

2013-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, all!

Here's a peek at our week...

snow day pajama wearing + PBS watching

and, of course, a full nano-second after I took this they were jumping on the couch!

the way this boy plays has been changing by leaps and bounds recently.

this was the first time I caught him actually building with his Duplos

#proudmama

happiness = finding one last jar of our peaches from summer in the back of the pantry

oh, if you could just see the back of his mouth right now.

I'm pretty certain every.single.tooth is coming in at once.

poor buddy!

pictures on my night stand.
Feeling so grateful for this life I've been given.

at 15 months old, this boy is far too busy to cuddle.

Therefore, I have no shame taking him from his crib and just holding him while he sleeps.

Princess Claire off to her first royal ball!

future heart-breaker (because he's all mine!)

We've got a long weekend coming up, yessss!

AND, Monday is Eric's birthday. The kids and I have a few things planned, should be fun!

Insta-addicts, find me on Instagram at : coraannedesigns

Happy Valentine's Day!

2013-02-14T14:30:00.001-05:00

Free Printable by the fabulous Abi of Sincerely Abi Inspired

Fresh Start Sunday

2013-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

Source: southernpiphi.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest