Sugar and Dots

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE FEATURE DAY!

Let's get to it!

My Litter showed off this adorable DIY DOLL BED:

The Vegetarian Casserole Queen whipped up this yummy TACO CASSEROLE:

Dixie Chik Cooks made these scrumptious AVOCADO AND CHEESE STUFFED BUNS:

Queen B Creative Me made this sweet little BABY SWEATER:

Sew Can Do stitched together this lovely little GIRAFFE FLEECE COAT:

Sweet Little Gals put together this sweet VINTAGE TULIP DISPLAY:

The First Year Blog made this awesome TWIG WREATH:

And mouseVOLATILE showed off this fun BOYS' ROOM:

Ready to link up?

Remember, you can link up anything you're proud of- tell everyone what is on your heart, share a recipe, show off a makeover, help someone with your tutorial, etc.

The sky is the limit- have fun!

Oh, and buttons can be found HERE.

I love you guys to pieces when I come across my button on your posts/blogs.

Thank you for making these parties so fun!

Happy Wednesday!

Painted twigs and pipe cleaner wall art.

2013-05-21T13:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

It's me, Leslie from Pink Stripey Socks. It's craft time again, and this month's craft was inspired by my love for sunny weather, typography, and pipe cleaners. Lately, Chuck and I have been going to the park a lot. We live in an urban environment, so he's always tickled pink to see living, green things. Two weeks ago the dandelions were in their full fluffy white splendor, so he spent the afternoon crying "bubbles, bubbles," as he ripped them out of the ground and blew their seeds everywhere. (Sorry city gardeners. He knows not what he does.)

Anyway, while he blew his "bubbles," I found myself ~~hoardinig~~ scavenging for sticks. After seeing Ginette Lapalme's bright and colorful painted sticks, I kept wanting to make my own version. Here's my super easy, kid-friendly painted stick craft:

Materials:

- Sticks

- Pipe cleaners

- Yarn

- Scissors

- Glue

- Paint

- Paint brushes

- Mod Podge and foam brush (optional)

Directions:

1. Collect some sticks.

2. Play around with your sticks and see which ones best make a frame shape. Then, practice bending your pipe cleaner letters.

Notes:

- You could always write out the words on paper first and use your handwriting to guide you. I ended up just going for it and practicing with a bunch of pipe cleaners first to see what looked best.

- Make sure to leave extra pipe cleaner bits in the beginning and end of each word. You'll use those bits to attach your words to your frame.

I needed more pipe cleaner in the front and back of each word to attach the words to the frame

3. Paint your sticks. After painting them, coat them with a layer of Mod Podge to protect your paint job.

4. Use pipe cleaners to connect all four twigs together in a frame shape. Then, attach your pipe cleaner letters to the frame. Tie a bit of yarn to the top of your frame so that it can be hung. Use glue to secure any knots.

Tada! Now you have your very own piece of colorful artwork.

Thanks for taking the time to look at this craft. If you try to make your own painted stick wall art, I'd love to see your handiwork. And if you want to check out more of my crafty (and crapty) adventures, you can always check out my blog: Pink Stripey Socks. See you next month!

Meet May's Mama.

2013-05-20T21:36:00.003-07:00

Each month I will be interviewing one babywearing mama with a set of interview questions.

One mama per month.

Ten questions.

I'm hoping to spread the babywearing love and show you the amazing babywearing options that I haven't yet mastered.

1. What is your name, how many children do you have/ages?

Kasey, one beautiful 18 month old daughter

2. When did you start babywearing?

From the moment my daughter was born.

3. How did you hear about it?

I had seen some parents using backpack-like carriers out and about and knew it was something I wanted to do.

4. What is your favorite carrier/wrap? Why?

I couldn't possibly choose - they're all so different! I tend to love SHORT HEMP WRAPS the best though, so I'd have to say either my KKD MERLIN or DIDYMOS NHIndia. That being said, I couldn't do without my toddler TULA or WCRS for quick ups and downs.

5. What is your favorite thing about babywearing?

The closeness to your babe is a given, but the greatest benefit aside from that is the freedom it gives you to use both of your hands and get things done while keeping your baby happy and safe.

6. What do you want people to know about babywearing?

It's a lot more comfortable and easier to do than it might look! Just be warned, it's addictive! Once you start and realize how much easier it makes your life and how much happier your baby is, you won't be able to stop.

7. What is your favorite carry/position? Why?

Since my daughter is bigger, we enjoy a variety of back carries - anything from a simple RUCK to a full on DOUBLE HAMMOCK. When she's wrapped well, I don't even notice her weight!

8. If you could say one sentence about babywearing, what would it be?

Babywearing is as natural as giving birth.

9. What wrap/carrier would you love to have?

I would love to try a PAMIR, just to see what all the fuss is about.

10. Eating and drinking while babywearing: yes or no?

Absolutely! I would have missed countless meals when my daughter was a newborn without it!

Validation.

2013-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I am- a craft blogger- a mommy blogger- a lifestyle blogger...

I really don't know.

But I blog about my children.

Lately, not so much.

But my blog is most definitely about my children.

About my family.

When I first started writing, Sedric was "Hubby", Taylor was "The Girl", and Warner was "The Boy".

A reader wrote me and said that she had a hard time reading my posts.

Something about not taking me seriously when I say that I love "Hubby".

Something about her wanting to vomit even more so than if I were just talking about him using his name.

So I gave her ~~rude~~ advice some thought.

And decided to stop blogging in fear.

The following week, I wrote a post introducing my readers to my real family.

I also made the decision to blog under a pseudo last name.

While I don't blog to make a name for myself like most bloggers do, I knew that I would need my last name to be out there to keep up with my peers.

To work with companies.

To contact sponsors.

Having a daughter makes me aware of what I put out there.

Had I started blogging when she was much younger, I am sure I would have done what other people do-

Announce her full name in a birth announcement or birthday invitation.

Post her name often and constantly blog my last name; making it easy for anyone to know her full name.

Today, when I asked her about her day at school, she said that it was iPad day- a day when they get iPad usage in class.

Today, her friends decided to look themselves up on Google.

Being in third grade, most people thought it was funny to type their names into a search engine and see any kind of results.

My daughter however, knowing that her mother is a blogger, immediately turned red and suggested another thing to look up online.

She told me her eyes got watery and that she was so nervous that her friends would see her in a diaper, or read something embarrassing.

Of course, as she's talking, I'm thinking of the much more personal things I have written about.

She told me that one of her friends typed her name before she could get them to search for something else.

And then she thanked me.

She didn't explain what was found online.

She didn't continue her story telling me how she felt.

She simply thanked me.

"Oh my God, Mom. Thank you so much for not blogging my name. Or whatever you did. Your blog didn't pop up and I looked all nervous for no reason. My friends don't even know about your blog! Can you believe that?! Nothing popped up! Seriously, Mom, thank you!"

I knew that one day, someone would look her up.

I had no idea that that someday would be so soon.

Or in a classroom setting.

Or that the person searching for her would be her best friend surrounded by her peers.

I had no idea that any of that would happen, obviously.

But I anticipated the day of the search.

And I did everything I could to ensure that her name is free from my site.

Sure, I'm sure there are things that have slipped over the years- a photo of a school award somewhere- a comment from a family member that mentions our last name- something.

I'm sure of it.

But it isn't something that her friends came across.

At least not today.

If you write about your children, you have every right.

As a parent, you are ultimately responsible for their online presence.

Or lack thereof.

You have the ability to stop right now.

To stop using their name.

Or to stop using yours.

You don't have to.

But there will be a time when your child looks up their name.

In the very least, please make sure that they will be happy with what they find.

Just some advice from a mama who got the ultimate validation today.

Happy day to you, sweet friend.

The dining room- post #832.

2013-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know... I post about my dining room all the time.

The room went from THIS to THIS.

Then I posted my DINING ROOM INSPIRATION.

And finally... the room is done!

Disclaimer: I centered the chandelier above the table after taking these photos.

I knew that if I didn't snap pictures right then- this post wouldn't happen.

At the time, the baby was napping, the floors were freshly mopped and drying, and the table was free from homework and piles of random mail.

You understand, right?

The room seems so much bigger now.

Brighter.

And we are not perfect- we eat together during every meal, yes- but sometimes we watch TV while we eat.

Loud giggles from Funniest Home Videos playing on Netflix.

Giggles with food in their mouths.

We are not perfect.

But in this room, we are so very happy.

Mismatched chairs found on local buy/sell/trade Facebook group.

Gold glitter banquet seating found on Craigslist.

(You can see in the above photo that our cat Bella adores the new seating arrangement.)

Mason jars are inside of a vintage hanging spice rack.

"Lady on a scale" figurine was my husband's grandmother's- it was in her bathroom and I told her I loved it. She doesn't speak English, so she handed it to me as we were leaving and kissed my cheek.

So sweet.

And that owl cookie jar has been on my wishlist for years.

We frequent yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops, and after years of searching, Sedric got it for me a few days ago for Mother's Day.

Swoon.

I know my taste is different- I love our old counter tops and mismatched decor.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it will be so nice to look back on this room one day.

Seeing a highchair in the corner of the room.

And several kids cookbooks on the shelf.

This room is so special.

The heartbeat of our home.

Thank you for visiting today, sweet friend.

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-05-14T23:25:00.002-07:00

I usually plan things out much better than this.

But alas- it's now 11:25 PM, I have an angry teething baby in my lap, and I have no post ready for you.

Double feature next week, mmkay?

There were so many great links last week- I can't wait to share twice as many features with you!

Happy Wednesday, sweet friend.

Link up below.

Lazy girl cheesecake bites.

2013-05-14T09:59:00.001-07:00

I discovered the best thing ever while grocery shopping the other day.

PHILADELPHIA CHEESECAKE FILLING.

I was planning on making a quick and easy cheesecake, and totally spaced on walking down the pie crust aisle.

Cheesecake fail.

Being home with a tub of ready-to-eat cheesecake and no crust, I had to get resourceful.

Craving something salty and not sweet, I skipped the graham crackers and went straight for the RITZ.

Enter: lazy girl cheesecake bites.

Easy peasy!

Good thing I am addicted to BODY WRAPS...

I can't imagine a Summer body being created out of these little masterpieces, otherwise.

You guys... so yummy!

Happy day to you, sweet friend!

Bring on the brights!

2013-05-09T15:11:00.002-07:00

Bring On The Brights...

Finally Spring is in the air and I have can't wait to slip into something bright, whether it's a bold lip or a fluorescent frock I have my mind set on all things color. And while it took me for what seems like forever to test the waters on the this trend, I was pleasantly surprised on how much I love it these days. If you're still not sure how to go neon without going overboard, try adding a colorful accessory, a bag or shoes are easy yet fun, or perhaps a bright bangle or necklace for beginners. You might even feel better knowing it will in fact be sticking around for awhile since I spied it yet again on the runways at Fall 2013 Fashion Week.

How Do You Wear Brights?

Don't Forget To Keep In Touch!

tfdiaries.com/twitter/facebook/instagram

And Enter The 10 $50 Gift Card Giveaway for Mother's Day!

**Comments are disabled so that you can visit Megan and say hello!**

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Have you linked up to yesterday's linky party?

I know- two parties back-to-back.

Craziness.

You can link up HERE.

Now onto today's party!

Last week...

Steak N Potatoes Kinda Gurl whipped up this batch of yummy

BACON AND ROASTED GARLIC GUACAMOLE:

24 Cottonwood Lane shared her fun HOUSE HUNTING JOURNEY:

Spend with Pennies made these delicious LOADED MASHED POTATO CAKES:

Eat.Sleep.Make. put together these beautiful FAUX HAND-STAMPED NECKLACES:

And A Typical English Home showed you how to add a POST GALLERY TO YOUR SIDEBAR:

Thank you to everyone who linked up!

Ready to share what you've been up to?

Link up below!

Happy Wednesday to you, sweet friend!

Say hi to a blogger. (A linky party!)

2013-05-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people email me and tell me that they are looking forward to seeing me speak at Elevate this weekend.

I have to finish writing my speech, but so badly want to dive into the links that people are sending me.

Which got me thinking.

When this week is little less hectic (broken washing machine/sick baby/speech anxiety), I would love to say hi to you guys on your blogs.

Visit you.

See your space.

Sometimes I click over via comments, but seldom visit intentionally- with the purpose to sit back and read for a while.

I would love for you to leave your blog URL below so that when the free time comes, I can click through and see your site.

Feel free to link up and visit someone else.

Say hi to a blogger.

Connect with someone new.

Have a wonderful day, sweet friend!

Your child's artwork turned into jewelry.

2013-05-03T12:30:00.001-07:00

I am seriously in love with this company.

Kidz Can Design is a company that turns your child's artwork into one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Now you're in love with them too, right?

I know.

I was contacted about doing a review of this company, and as soon as my piece arrived, I broke the rules and started telling everyone I knew about the necklace I received.

No blog post up.

Oops.

But seriously- as a sentimental mama, this piece of jewelry might be the best gift I have ever been given.

And it was given to me from a company full of people I have never met.

Funny how life works.

With Kidz Can Design, you send them your child's artwork, and they send you sterling silver jewelry with your child's artwork engraved onto it.

Want to see an example?

I know- amazing, right?!

So I sent them the first drawing that was ever drawn of our family of five.

(Made by Taylor (8) shortly after Franky was born.)

And Kidz Can Design sent me this:

Looking back, I now see that they probably had a serious challenge with my piece- but I am so thankful that it was able to be created!

Look how dainty and detailed:

Love.

Grab yourself something for Mother's Day- or get something for the grandma/aunt/best friend/neighbor in your life.

The normal price is $129.99, but right now they're on sale for only $49.99.

Best.Deal.Ever.

There is truly nothing better than wearing something special near your heart all day long.

Happy day to you, sweet friend.

necklace c/o kidz can design

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last week...

A Little of This, A Little of That showed off this adorable GIRLS BEDROOM:

Vanessa's Values whipped up these yummy FROZEN LIME CHEESECAKES POPS:

Sweet Pea Pop made this delicious WATERMELON SLUSH:

It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life showed off this lovely KITCHEN MAKEOVER:

Etcetorize stitched together this fab LITTLE BLACK DRESS:

And Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons whipped up these fun CINCO DE MAYA MARACAS:

I hope you are having a wonderful week!

Link up what you've been up to below.

Happy Wednesday!

Meet April's Mama.

2013-04-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

This month was insanely busy.

Saving the best for last, I suppose...

Each month I will be interviewing one babywearing mama with a set of interview questions.

One mama per month.

Ten questions.

I'm hoping to spread the babywearing love and show you the amazing babywearing options that I haven't yet mastered.

(You can see other interviews, photos, tips, and tricks by clicking on the "babywearing" button on my right sidebar.)

1. What is your name, how many children do you have/ages?
My name is Claire Pedroza, and I have two boys, ages 4 1/2 and 19 months

2. When did you start babywearing?

I started baby wearing when my first born was just a few weeks old.

3. How did you hear about it?

I, of course, knew about the mainstream carriers, and when I was pregnant with my first baby I looked around a bit and found something I thought was pretty (and I liked its name -

"BALBOA BABY" sling). It was a hybrid pouch/ring sling. Not the easiest or best thing to use with a newborn, but it got me from point a to point b with the baby close and hands free. But when the baby got a little bigger, I discovered that I could breast feed in the sling and life really got good!

4. What is your favorite carrier/wrap? Why?

It is so hard to choose a favorite, now that I have a collection of carriers that I love. And they each serve their own purpose. I love my OBIMAMA WRAP CONVERSION MEI TAI. It's made from a NATIBABY BLUE DUCKS WRAP, and is the most comfortable thing ever! The straps spread out over my shoulders and keep the weight off my neck. My favorite wrap to wear right now is DIDYMOS ORIENT. It's amazingly soft and cushy and supportive. And the colors and pattern are gorgeous. And I love my GIRASOL DOUBLE RAINBOW RING SLING. It's the go-to carrier for popping in and out on the go.

5. What is your favorite thing about babywearing?

It makes life with two kids so much easier. I can have the baby snuggled close, nursing, sleeping, while having mobility to keep up with the big boy.

6. What do you want people to know about babywearing?

It does not "spoil" the child to carry them. It's the exact opposite. They become strong and independent people when they have the reassurance and confidence they gain from being attached to their parents.

7. What is your favorite carry/position? Why?

Good old front wrap cross carry. It's cozy, multiple pass supportive and is my baby's favorite nap time position.

8. If you could say one sentence about babywearing, what would it be?

When they're all grown up, would you ever say "I wish I carried them less"?.

9. What wrap/carrier would you love to have?

I feel pretty "stashified" (stash-satisfied) at the moment, however, there is this golden unicorn of a baby carrier....the Obimama made from Oscha Okinami Kai. It's a marvel. I want it.

10. Eating and drinking while babywearing: yes or no?

Yes. Many times its the only way I CAN eat!

Thank you for spreading some babywearing love here today, Claire!

Happy day to you, sweet friends.

Crafts for kids.

2013-04-29T11:53:00.002-07:00

It's no secret that I love crafts.

I especially love crafting with my kids.

Creating happy memories and encouraging teamwork.

Love. Love. Love.

Recently I was contacted by KIWI CRATE, a monthly subscription service for kid crafts geared towards 3-7 year olds.

I can tell you right now that my 9 year old daughter did these craft projects too, and had so much fun!

I don't think an age should be mentioned- truly, any child would love these activities.

Kiwi Crate generously offered one crate for me to try out.
If I liked it, I could tell my readers about it.
So, yeah... here I am.
;)

Our crate came with so many goodies!
We made our own paper and we created our own nature stamp and stamped a reusable tote.
The paper was turned into cards for our neighbors, and the tote is full of lemons on our kitchen counter.
Little pieces of happiness created from this fun craft kit... so great!

Want to make your own paper?
There's a fun tutorial similar to the instructions from our Kiwi Crate HERE.

I asked for the subscription for our own family as my Mother's Day present.
Now that I have gotten a sample, I am hooked!

Kiwi Crate has a giveaway going on right now, too.
You can win a year of fashion and fun from Fab Kids and Kiwi Crate HERE.

Yay!
Happy crafting!

Dining room makeover inspiration.

2013-04-25T18:14:00.002-07:00

About a year ago, I made over my dining room area.

It went from drab and boring to this:

While I loved the decor at the time, it eventually started to bother me.

Too decorated?

Too color-coordinated?

Too something.

We never used the space because 4/6 IKEA chairs broke over time.

And with the baby eating meals with us now, the space just doesn't work for us right now.

So I'm re-doing the entire space.

The only thing that I will keep is the wall color and the table.

I think.

Still deciding.

I am so inspired by so many looks for this space.

Join me in some daydreaming, won't you?

via SWEET DESIGNS

via SARA MINCY

via COOKIE MONDAYS

via A GOLDEN AFTERNOON

via THE HOUSE OF BELONGING

via BLUE SKY BLOGGER

via COZY LITTLE HOUSE

via VINTAGE ROSE BROCANTE

via POLKA DOTS AND PUPPIES

The most eclectic mix of style, right?

I know.

I have no idea which direction I want to go in...

Feel free to tell me your favorite things from each photo in the comments below.

I numbered the photos so that you could reference your ideas for my dining space.

Can you tell that I really really want your help?

Haha.

Happy day to you, sweet friend.

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-04-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

Last week...

Meeha Meeha walked you through a quick HOME TOUR:

Kayboo Creations showed off this lovely TEA PARTY BIRTHDAY:

And Mommy on Demand whipped up this yummy CROCKPOT CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP:

For more inspiration, please browse my pins on PINTEREST... I am literally re-doing every single room in our house right now at the same time... and pinning away as the ideas come to mind.

Link up below!

Happy Wednesday!

"Say cheese" - a handmade kiddie camera tutorial.

2013-04-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everoyne!

It's me, Leslie from Pink Stripey Socks.

Happy Earth Day! Today I'll share about how I made this cardboard "say cheese" (get it? get it? hee hee) camera for my son. This crapt was inspired by his love for eating cheese and touching my camera. Here's what the camera looks like from the front:

And here's what it looks like from the back:

Materials:

- small metal cylinder container with lid (or you could probably use a paper towel roll)

- can opener

- small, sturdy cardboard box

- craft knife

- scissors

- self-healing mat

- drill

- pencil

- 3 caps (I used 3 baby food squeeze pack caps)

- 3 brass fasteners

- packing tape

- lanyard (or string)

- disposable baking sheet (or plastic container lid or heavy duty aluminum foil)

- glue

- craft paint

- paint brushes and foam brush

- Mod Podge

Directions:

1. I used a can opener to remove the bottom of my small, cylinder container. I made sure that the can opener made clean cuts so that I wouldn't cut Chuck's fingers. This cylinder became my camera "lens."

2. The photo below shows my original box. It was initially too big, so I chopped off a couple of inches off the right side of the box. I used the cut off bits to fashion a top for the camera.

3. I cut out two circles, one in the front and one in the back of my camera. The circle in the front was the same size as my cylinder. (I just traced the cylinder and then cut the circle out.) The circle in the back of the box was slightly smaller than my cylinder. (This ensured that my lens would poke out through the front, but not slide out through the back.)

4. I also cut a rectangle from in the top, right hand corner of the front of my camera. This became my "flash."

5. Hubby drilled five holes in my cardboard:

- Two holes in the back to insert my back red knobs

- One hole on my top piece to insert my top green knob

- A hole on each side of the camera to string my lanyard strap through the body

He also drilled a hole into each of my three caps. All the holes had to be big enough so that a fastener could fit through them.

Here's a photo showing how the pieces fit together on the inside. (I didn't use fasteners on the sides of my camera. I just poked them through the holes to show you where the holes were)

Here's how the camera looked like with the top piece on:

I took this photo before cutting out the rectangle hole for the flash.

6. After making sure my camera parts fit together, it was time to paint. I gave the cardboard parts and cylinder two coats of yellow craft paint. I also painted on my grey circles.

7. Once the paint dried, I attached my "knobs", "lens", and "flash." I used the brass fasteners to fasten the knobs onto the cardboard pieces. I cut out a rectangle from my disposable baking pan and taped it over my rectangular "flash" hole. I used a lot of packing tape to attach my cylinder to the inside of my camera.

8. I touched up my paint job a bit. Then, I coated my camera with Mod Podge to protect the paint.

9. I strung lanyard through the body of the camera and then used glue and packing tape to attach the top piece to the body.

10. To further protect my paint job, I ended up putting a thin strip of packing tape on the edges of the camera. (I've noticed that paint chips off the edges first, so I made sure to protect those with tape.) I also put some tape near the lanyard hole in case the weight of the camera pulled on the lanyard and ripped the cardboard.

Phew. Once I was done, I couldn't help but smile a cheesy grin. (Hee hee.) Here are some photos of Chuck playing around with his new cardboard camera.

Say "Cheese!"

Thanks for joining me on another crapty adventure. If you're interested in making other crapty cardboard toys, check out my cardboard guitar, cardboard rattle drum, cereal box elephant, or cereal box giraffe.

See you next time!

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last week...

Rose Bakes whipped up these FUN-COLORED CANDY APPLES:

Repeat Crafter Me stitched together this adorable SOCK DINOSAUR:

Meeha Meeha Showed off this lovely LIVING ROOM:

Oh Mrs. Tucker shared this yummy NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S POTATO RECIPE:

And Mouse Volatile (awesome new blogger alert!) shared this beautiful

VINTAGE TABLE RUNNER:

No rules this week.

Link up and have fun!

Bitchy Gypsy Giveaway!

2013-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today I encourage you to pray/think happy thoughts for Boston and for those affected by yesterday's events during the Boston Marathon.

Spread some love.

You have a chance to win some love for yourself, too!

The gals over at BITCHY GYPSY are giving one of you a silver LOVE HEART BRACELET.

Simple.

Sweet.

Spreading the love.

They also have other great accessories that I adore...

You can check out their full accessory line HERE.

To enter:

Do one or all of the entry options in the Rafflecopter widget below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Life lately. {a linky party}

2013-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is our life lately.

Happy chaos.

Sometimes I need to stop.

Pause.

Stop trying to get the whole world to like me.

Stop doing everything in my power to ask who truly likes this blog.

I recently found myself stooping to the lowest possible level just to find out who actually reads my words.

Hoping for a compliment from a stranger.

Risking it all just to feel acknowledged.

This online world can chew you up and spit you out.

I see it so often- posting only the happy things on Facebook.

Sharing photos on Instagram that induce likes.

Tweeting in hopes of retweets.

I post from my heart- the truth.
Sometimes it's really ugly.
And sometimes I want to be liked so badly that I do really ugly things.
Life lately hasn't been sparkles and rainbows.

It's hard to see other people succeed sometimes.

Watching other people come along and do what you've been doing for years and then do well.

It's hard.

It's hurtful.

I can't possibly be the only person who feels this way.

Wishing for something more.

Looking through photos, I am reminded at how loved I am.

How blessed I am.

How happy my little life is away from the computer screen.

Everyone loves being acknowledged.

Feeling loved.

Feeling admired.

I encourage you to reach out to someone and make them smile today.

A kind word can go so far.

I hope that life has been happy for you lately!

Please share it with me, and link up below.

Link up Rules:

1.) Follow your hosts via GFC or Bloglovin.

2.) Follow your co-hosts via GFC or Bloglovin.

3.) Link up your life lately posts or any post about your life.

Layering a maxi dress.

2013-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself on TfDiaries every now and then there's a pretty good chance you'll catch me in a maxi, there's just something about the long flowing length that makes me happy as a lark. So when I spotted this gorgeous dress on sale at TjMaxx I obviously couldn't wait to get it home and throw it on. And since I'm a gal about layering, I couldn't resist topping my girlish dress with my other favorite, this draped leather jacket. Spring perfection.

dress and jacket tjmaxx, wedges madden girl, clutch vintage, necklace vintage, bracelets t&j designs

Don't forget to find me and keep in touch...

tfdiaries.com/twitter/facebook/instagram

PS I Adore You.

2013-04-11T11:15:00.001-07:00

Today I want to help spread the word about childhood cancer.

Nothing heavy.

Nothing wordy.

Just a quick post about an amazing cause and how you can help.

SHELLEY BEE ORIGINALS and the bloggers from LUNNCH PAILS AND LIPSTICK are joining forces in PS I ADORE YOU's fight against childhood cancer! They have created an exclusive print for PS I Adore You's campaign. We hope you will buy this skirt in honor of all the kids out there battling for their lives, put it on your kids and remember that every child deserves to wear GOLD! Hold your kids a little tighter, enjoy life's moments a little longer, and do something to help these kids!

P.S. I Adore You will be donating 100% of the commission, and Shelley Bee Originals is slashing the price of this skirt. We are raising the money for CURESEARCH which goes to childhood cancer research.

You can read more about this campaign on the PS I Adore You BLOG.

Feel free to share this on your social media/blogs and be sure to grab a skirt for yourself and for your littles!

This community can do so much when we spread the word.

I am so thankful to be a part of something so wonderful.

Happy day to you, sweet friend.

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

2013-04-09T22:47:00.004-07:00

Thank you for being so kind and patient with me while I took a week off from blogging.

You are all gems and I adore you!

Opening this party early so that you can link up more than one post and get caught up!

Link up below.

Happy Wednesday to you, sweet friend.

My boys' shared bedroom.

2013-04-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

When I envisioned a shared space for my boys, I thought about our family lifestyle.

We are a co-sleeping family.

Always happy to welcome a little one into our room.

Snuggled together as we dream.

Knowing this, I skipped the purchase of a crib and planned to briefly use a bassinet in our bedroom when needed.

My mom got us the Pack N Play that we wanted- what I had hoped to be the perfect place for Franky to nap once he was too big for the bassinet.

It was perfect in the beginning.

Eventually his predictable schedule had me walking to the back of the house with a sleeping babe, and then having him wake when I put him down.

We now have a crib in the boys' bedroom- a truly shared space now.

Nap time is so peaceful.

So calm.

So routine.

Franky will sometimes shoot his eyes open as I set him in his crib, but he closes them immediately after looking around, and goes to sleep without a sound.

We do not believe in crying it out.

To us, a baby cannot be spoiled.

Our little guy is growing so quickly- and the love he has for his bedroom is so fun to witness.

You can see what their bedroom used to look like HERE.

Warner loves having his brother in his room- even if the only time they are in there is for quiet time/nap time or brief daily routine like cloth diaper changes or getting dressed.

Books and soft music.

Comfort and familiarity.

I love how this space has transformed since Franky has been in our lives.

Crib c/o DELTA CHILDREN :: iHome c/o eKIDS

Babar book pennant flags c/o RAGAMUFFIN BEAUTIES

Twin size sheets: Target :: Crib bedding & Twin quilt: Pottery Barn Kids

Have a wonderful day, sweet friend.

Small biz love affair- The Printed Palette!

2013-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to get back in the swing of things around here with this new venture that

LAUREN and CHELSEA have started...

Each month, those two lovelies will be collaborating with a small business and teaming up with two other bloggers to help spread the word.

(Be sure to check out the hashtag #SBLA on INSTAGRAM and TWITTER for more looks!)

I am so honored to help kick-start this awesome idea!

This month we are bringing you different looks from

THE PRINTED PALETTE

Etsy//Website//Pinterest//Facebook

I have already professed my love for Alissa's rad company, but really...

how great is this tank from The Printed Palette?!

LOVE.

Be sure to check out these other bloggers to see some other ways The Printed Palette is loved!

OLIVE AND IVY

PINK ON THE CHEEK
THE CHIFFON DIARY

Disclaimer:

I have several children...

I have curves.

I am not a fashion blogger...

I am not claiming to be one.

I took these photos a few days ago, and my roots are now blonder than the sun...

Keepin' it real around here.

Also, I promise to water my grass more.

Have a wonderful Monday, sweet friend.