Happy Easter! (a few last minute ideas)
Easter falls during the perfect season. My very favorite season. Spring. Spring means the cold is disappearing and color is reappearing; new blooms, fresh life, clearer skies. And my very favorite flowers are in bloom; tulips. Easter also has significant religious meaning for me and my family. The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings my family a lot of joy. And that’s what we celebrate most this holiday.
However, we like to celebrate some of the fun (totally commercialized and silly side) of Easter the day before. You know, the eggs, the candies, the bunny. Yep, we love ourselves a little Easter cheer in our home. And who can resist all of the color, the celebration, the gathering of families and friends. Ahhhh. Another beautiful holiday.
And remember our crazy life lately? Well, I haven’t had a chance to make several of the things I’ve been wanting to……but there’s still another day before the Easter celebrating rolls in for us. So, I’m serious about running to the store during nap time (while my husband keeps himself permanently attached to his desk, studying for his national board exam), to gather a few last minute things for the holiday weekend. I have been bookmarking (okay, pinning) a few Easter treats and egg decorating ideas that we still have time to do. So here are a few ideas that I’m tossing around.
Are you a Last Minute Lucy too? Well, hurry, there’s still time. Snag a few ideas for yourself too.
All pics below are edible. And all seem quick. Ack, how will I decide?!?! (Click on any image for more info.)
Delicious, right? And so springy.
The other thing, is eggs. We love to color and decorate and have fun with our little eggies. So here are a few ideas. There are even a few that don’t require any dying. So quick and simple. (Click on any image for more info.)
Okay, I’m off to the store in a bit. Wish me some last-minute luck.
And then, in my true last minute fashion, I’ll be finishing up some Easter duds tonight after the munchkins are in bed. I cannot break my Easter tradition of sewing up new clothes, just because we’re crazy and packing up to move. Ha. ;) (They won’t take long…….they’re pretty simple. And I already have the fabric and supplies. Last minute usually gives me strange surges of energy anyway. I’ll share pics next week.)
Have a beautiful weekend.
-Ashley
Want a really good deal (on thread and buttons)?
Okay, I wasn’t even going to post today (because I have deemed today “catch up” day and maybe “pack a few boxes” day. well, and maybe “clean the bathrooms” day. maybe.)……..but I just had to. Because I have to share a quick deal that ends today. So tomorrow would be too late. And you know I can’t stand passing up a good deal. Well, maybe you don’t know that. So just ask my husband……….he will tell you, “Ash looooooves a good deal!”
Anyway, Pick Your Plum is selling a beautiful set of pantone colored threads, in a box set of 10 spools. And I know many of you like to sew. And many of you like to sew with pretty colors.
The whole box is $6.95. Okay, that’s like stealing. Wow. (I’m think going to have to order 3 sets. I’m not kidding.)
Each spool has 340 meters (which is about 340 yards. which is a lot.) and you get 10 full spools of it. And the colors?? Beautiful. They’re all the hot colors right now. So, now you can match your thread to all of your new hip fabrics.
Now, if you’re not thread savvy, usually I buy a cheap spool of Coats and Clark type stuff at the fabric store for maybe $2 (on sale). And those are usually only 250 yards. So, these spools are less than a buck each. And have more thread than those other spools.
GO HERE to get your box of threads.
Oh, oh, oh……….I have also been asked where I get some of my coconut buttons. They have some of those up for grabs today too. They’re all gorgeous. My favorite are the creamy teal ones. They’re not perfectly round and are made from a corozo nut.
GO HERE to get your buttons.
Anyway, I know this was random. But I just had to share. We sewing gals need to stick together when it comes to buying our supplies.
And remember, when they’re gone they’re gone. That’s just how Pick Your Plum works.
So, I apologize if you don’t read this post until Thursday night, because I’m sure they’ll be gone by then.
(If you want to hear about their good deals earlier on, sign up for their email list. That’s how I find out about their good deals each day.)
-Ashley
Turn a Baby Dress into a Bubble Romper
Have you noticed my newest sponsor, Thoughts in Vinyl? Oh my word, you are in for a serious eye candy treat. This sweet shop is stocked full of all sorts of vinyl lettering/images for any part of your home or office. PLUS, Thoughts in Vinyl also offers tons and tons of craft kits (precut wood, vinyl, etc.), to make your very own creations. You can even host parties and make a little cash. (more info here) Thoughts in Vinyl is also offering all of you readers a 15% discount on all orders over $30. Enter “MAKEIT” at checkout. Awesome.
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Okay, I got a little distracted looking at the Thoughts in Vinyl shop that I mentioned above. I hit myself a few times for not noticing their great Easter projects sooner. And I’m not kidding, their prices are ridiculously good. Okay, onto sewing. And a really fun and quick (ish) project.
I know some of you like to sew but get a little nervous when you have to cut out your own pattern pieces. No worries, I totally get that. So sometimes I try and think of things that don’t require as much pattern designing. But still turn out cute. (However, even though you’re nervous about making your own patterns from existing clothing……keep trying it. You’ll get better at it. Promise. More clothing ideas here.)
So, while thinking of summer and then thinking of my baby girl………I knew there was an even easier way to make a baby romper. (Even though this one is pretty simple. Give it a try too.) But I wanted to show you a way to make a romper without having to design or cut out a bodice or neckline. Because sometimes that’s the most difficult part.
So, this idea is to transform a dress you already have.
I know you probably have a whole slew of dresses for your baby/toddler. Hand-me-down dresses, baby gifts dresses, a MUST BUY dress you saw at the store……..yeah, we have lots too. So, altering just one of them isn’t going to decrease your dress supply by much.
But, oh my word, what’s more delicious than a bubbled romper? Not much.
Dresses are sweet on little girls. But darn, they sure make it a little harder to get around and tend to get twisted or tripped on during play time. Rompers stay right in place…..and keep baby/toddler covered.
And there’s nothing too tough about this transformation. The whole structure is the same. I’ve just added snaps to the bottom (for diapering or potty), along with a little elastic around each leg. Nice and comfy.
(Do snaps scare you? Don’t worry……I have a tutorial for those. They’re easy easy easy.)
Rompers are perfect for warmer weather. And aren’t too fussy or restrictive.
And could possibly be the cutest thing to put on baby (or toddler) while she plays.
Would you like to turn a dress into a romper? Great…..here’s how:
Did you catch my April Fool’s trick yesterday?
Yeah, the chocolate covered veggies was all a joke. April Fool’s (a day late)!!
(In case you missed it, click here.)
Did I fool you?
Were you one who hurried and clicked away after reading that I mixed chocolate and veggies?!?! Ha. Yeah, I know. Gross. (I even tasted them all in the process to be sure it was actually gross. Yep, they were. Especially the broccoli.)
I’m sorry if you thought I had finally gone crazy. And had become desperate for content. Imagining what you were all really thinking still makes me laugh. Ha.
However, believe it or not, my crazy kiddos actually liked it. Forgive them…….they think anything coated in a sugary substance (that I don’t give them freely) makes anything delicious. So hey, maybe if you have a little one that refuses his/her greens, dip them in chocolate. You may have a winner! :)
Thanks for the laugh. Enjoy your day.
-Ashley
Chocolate Covered Veggies……(EDITED: April Fool’s!!)
I am constantly trying to convince my kiddos to eat more vegetables. They love fruit and will eat just about any type…….but veggies? Ugggh. They cause me some serious grief. So I have been trying to be a little more creative lately. I’ve been hiding it in recipes, disguising it, and even telling them tall tales about super heroes who gain strength from eating extra veggies at dinner time.
Our latest success? Chocolate Covered Veggies.
Ranch dressing is hit or miss in our house. But give them a stalk of broccoli doused in chocolate? Sold. Every time.
All it takes is a second to dunk all of our favorite veggies in rich chocolate…….
……and then there’s no more fighting my little monkeys to eat their vitamin rich veggies. Success.
I know, it sounds weird. But really…….it’s strangely addictive.
These are some our favorites……but I’m sure any type of veggies would be delicious.
But don’t take my word for it, this face says it all.
Would you like to test out my tried and true chocolate veggie recipe?
Scroll down for the full tutorial…
It’s delicious……..keep scrolling.
Ha. Did I get you?
I know it’s a day late but……………. APRIL FOOL’S!!!!!
Ha…….I can’t help it. I love a good trick. Even if some of you may have known all along. You know me, I can’t pass up April 1st and all of the trickery. Ever. (Except when it falls on a weekend and I’m not blogging…….so then I save it for April 2nd.)
But really?!?! Chocolated covered veggies?? Ewwwwww. That broccoli picture up above was bitten into by my very own mouth………but ick, I spit it right out into a nearby flower pot. Gross. I couldn’t even finish chewing.
However, some of what I said above was true. Wanna hear something strange? My kiddos actually liked all the veggies. (Except for the radishes.) I gave them both broccoli, with my camera in hand, ready to take some “ha, this is how horrible they tasted” pictures. But that failed. Here’s what actually happened:
This little lady was curious at first.
But then dug her little teeth in……and actually loved it. Right away.
And then this little guy was sure it would be terrible so was hesitant to give it a try.
But he finally gave it a little nibble…….and then, ha, I couldn’t believe it. He loved it too!!!!
My kids are strange. Don’t believe them for one minute……..it was gross. Well, the carrots were manageable. But ugggh, that broccoli was terrible!
I couldn’t even get them to take a believable “ewwww, this is gross” picture. Little turkeys!
(Oh, and for the record, my kiddos actually do pretty well eating their veggies. I totally lied about them hating them at the beginning of this post. Broccoli is actually the number one veggie in our house. Even the baby loves it!)
So even though my kids sort of ruined the gross factor of my April Fool’s joke………..it was still gross. Don’t let my kiddos fool you. But hey, the best inventions are thought up on accident, right? If you start seeing Chocolate Covered Veggies popping up in recipe books, you know where you saw it first! ;)
Oh, and in case you’re new around this blog, here are a few April Fool’s Day posts from the past. (I kinda love doing them.)
Last year I pretended that I had the best idea to tie fabric tassels and a bow to my toilet. Ewwwww.
And then 2 years ago, I acted like attaching ruffles and such to my pots and pans was the best idea ever. Ha!
I hope you all made it to the end of this post.
And saw that this post was just another Happy April Fool’s Day (a day late) post.
(Without fail, I always have some who read the title of my April Fool’s Day posts or just see the first few pictures, and then quickly click away…………figuring I’ve finally run out of decent ideas. Ha…….that always cracks me up!)
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Hope you pulled off some great pranks yesterday. ;)
(If so, do tell!)
-Ashley
Turn a Purse into a Padded Camera Bag
Do you have a digital camera? Is it a point and shoot? A DSLR? Or maybe you still use film? Or still enjoy your Polaroid camera?
The nice thing about those little point and shoot digital camera’s is that they’re small. And they fit into a purse/bag easily. Plus, they don’t require extra lenses and accessories. However, I don’t use a little point and shoot anymore. I have a big ‘ol fatty DSLR camera. It photographs a lot better than my old point and shoot and of course I love how in control I am of my camera. But………….it’s bulky. And takes up tons of room. And I can’t just throw it in my regular purse without being nervous of it being knocked around. There’s just not enough padding in a regular purse either. And, well, that’s why they make camera bags. However, all of the affordable ones seem to lack color. And design. I know, there are some seriously darling camera bags out there……but dang it, they are pricey little suckers. (Most are well over $100)
So I decided to find a clearance purse (I found mine at Target)……..and then added my own camera bag foam inserts. And saved a few (or, okay, many) dollars.
The insert can be taken out, in case you want your regular old purse back. But mine is staying put.
Now I don’t have to worry about my poor camera/lenses getting thrown around.
And what’s cool, is that there are little velcro inserts that divide your camera and supplies. And are adjustable so that you can create the right sized compartments for all of your stuff. (This concept is not my own. Many camera bags are made this way.)
And I can move the insert out of the way and still have access to all of the regular pockets for my keys/phone/etc.
Oh, and maybe you’d like to have a camera bag/diaper bag/purse combo?? This bag works for that too. You can change up your dividers and put all of your regular purse items in one section……but then leave enough room for a padded camera section. Just change it up how you need it.
Yeah, sometimes I can’t stomach a hefty price-tag.
So I love when it’s something that I can figure out and make work for me.
Do you have a purse you’d like to turn into a camera bag?
Re-purposing: Women’s Skirt into a Girl’s Shirred Dress
Have you noticed my newest sponsor MUVAZI, a natural skin care line (with a money back guarantee)?? All of Muvazi’s products are made with natural ingredients and fruit extracts and are “clinically proven to reduce the visible signs of aging, and creates a natural moisture barrier, which restores elasticity and a healthy, youthful glow”. Ummm, who doesn’t need a little of that?!! And the cool thing, is that Muvazi is offering you their Skin Care Renewal Kit (value: $119.95) for $69.95 (plus free shipping) to all of you. Just enter makeitloveit at checkout. And remember, if you don’t like it, send it back!
(Want to read a few testimonials and see what others are saying about Muvazi? Click here.)
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You thought I was holed up & packing boxes already, didn’t you? Nope, not yet. We have a few weeks until moving day…….and most of our stuff is still in boxes, waiting for us in a storage unit. (We didn’t need all of our stuff during this temporary basement stay.) So not much to pack up, really. So yay, I’m still around. (It’s funny, even when my life becomes chaotic, I tend to take a break from the crazy stuff and make a project or two. Something about it, tends to make me happy. Some people get pedicures to relax, I shop at the fabric/craft store.)
I have a few projects that I have been working on, that are only part-way finished. That may drive some people completely batty. But when I’m feeling un-inspired……….I leave them alone. And get out of the house. And leave those lonely projects sitting right there on my craft table. One of the places that I go to, looking for inspiration, is the thrift store. I know, I know………some may only see junk. But I see some junk and then a ton of supplies. I start browsing and hear my inner little crafting voice saying, “oooh, I could use that.” and “ha….broken? I’ll fix that!” and “oh my word, that is the ugliest dress ever……but that fabric! Ooh, that’s perfect!” It’s crazy, but sometimes heading to the thrift store gets me out of my funk. Anyone the same way?
About 2 months ago, I was at the thrift store and was walking by the lady’s skirt rack, on my way to the sweaters. I stopped and pulled out a few outdated skirts…….and stopped at an all white skirt. It was about mid-January at this time and my heart was craving warmer weather. And I knew this white skirt could be transformed into the perfect summery dress for my little girl. So I snatched it up, washed it clean, and stored it away.
Last week I pulled that white skirt out and decided that this warm weather meant that the white skirt needed a re-purpose. Pronto.
So I turned that skirt into the perfect (and seriously simple) dress for my little 5 year old.
The skirt already had all the lace and other details around the bottom. I just chopped a bit off the top and added some shirring around the top and some quick little ties. That’s it. (Full directions on how to shirr your fabric with a regular ‘ol sewing machine included below.)
She resisted to put it on at first but then agreed to give it a try. Now, I can’t get it off her. She has been happily twirling/spinning/swishing in it all day long. (Ha…….don’t doubt your momma!)
It helps that the dress is nice and full……..and really twirly. Success.
Not so bad.
A few bucks on a thrift store skirt, about 30 minutes of alterations, and SURPRISE…………..a new favorite dress!
Is it still a bit chilly where you’re at?
Add a sweater. Just as cute.
**If using a sheer white fabric, consider adding a lining or wearing dress with a slip. This dress is a little bit sheer because of the color…..so I’ll be adding lining on later. But you shouldn’t have any problems with a darker color or print.
Ready to transform your own skirt into a dress?
I can’t believe it…
Did you notice the winner of the KB Digital Designs photo shoot giveaway? Scroll down or click here.
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There are several things that I “can’t believe” today:
- My husband is currently taking his final tests for PA school. He is seriously all done (well, just about). Wow. We don’t even know a married life without some sort of schooling going on.
- My husband has signed his first contract for his real live career. I was beginning to think that we’d be students FOR. EV. ER.
- We are moving into our own home again. Soon.
- The grey hairs on my head have multiplied and have had babies. Rude.
The biggest thing?
- My itty bitty baby girl……..just turned one. Holy smokes. Where did the last year go?
Some of you have been around a while. So you may remember when I was nearing the end of my pregnancy a little over a year ago, getting anxious to have our newest baby. And then freaking out, because my big belly was overdue. And you guys all guessed how big my baby would be. And then she came. Finally.
And many of you were close with your guesses. My beautiful and pudgy little porker came out at a whopping 11 pounds. But she was my smoothest and quickest labor. Bless her.
Gosh, this picture takes me right back. I miss those tender first few days.
But that little baby girl has reached about 7,000 mile stones since then and is turning into a little girl. A big one year old.
Hooray.
This Little Miss has lots of sass. And definitely knows how to protect herself from two bigger siblings.
But that little spunk makes me love her from the top of her fuzzy little head…….all the way down to her itty bitty little toes. Mmmmm.
Just recently, we celebrated a year of milestones. And a year of extra loves and kisses in our home.
On her birthday, this one enjoyed her first taste of cake. And well, it was her first taste of any kind of sugar. She had a tight grip on that cake for most the time. I think she was afraid we may take away the most delicious flavor she had ever placed on her tongue. Oh my, we may have a daughter who loves her sugar like her momma. (Because her big sister isn’t a huge fan.)
And that’s what we’ve been up to lately.
Lots of changes that I just “can’t believe”. Including this baby turning into a one-year-old.
**I didn’t make the dress/leggings. Target did. But the shoes are the ones I made here.
Who wins the KB Digital Designs photo shoot giveaway??
Did you win the KB Digital Designs photo shoot giveaway? I’m sure your fingers are crossed. So let’s hurry and find a winner.
Thank goodness random.org will be choosing today.
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
40
Timestamp: 2012-03-22 07:39:39 UTC
And who is #40???
Lesliesays:
I love her families category!! I would absolutely love to get updated pictures of my kids! We have a 16 month old and have yet to get pictures of the kids together. What a great giveaway… thanks!!
Yay Leslie! I will be contacting you soon with more info.
Thanks to all for entering!
-Ashley
Bubble Romper for Baby (long leg style)
Looking for the Photo Shoot giveaway by Katie of KB Digital Designs (Denver, CO area)? Katie was the talent behind the Denver Meet-Up photos from a week ago…..and she was so great to work with. So hurry and enter………you know it’s time for a new family photo of your family. Or new baby. Or your sister’s getting married and needs some bridal shots. Click here to enter.
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I can’t even tell you how happy this recent warm Colorado weather has made me. It has brightened up our home and has helped give these lingering colds/infections the boot. We’ve had the windows open and have been playing outside. It’s been so refreshing. (I hear there’s snow in the forecast for this week……but I’m ignoring that.)
With all this warm weather, we’ve been pulling out short sleeves, twirly skirts, bermuda shorts, and sandals.
Little Baby Girl of the family doesn’t have many cooler things to wear yet……..so I made her a little bubble romper last week, to scoot around in. The long legs keep her a little warmer and also keep her legs covered while crawling around.
And yeah, we still need a little more warmth and moisture before the grass is softer to the touch. (But do you spy the green grass poking through? It’s coming. Yay.) So the longer legs are perfect for that too.
The top of the jumper is encased elastic, for easy on/off. With simple little bows on each shoulder. The little legs are cinched in with elastic as well.
Pretty perfect for all this high 70′s business.
I think it will surprise you how simple this romper is. To keep things extra sample, there is no snap crotch to deal with. And because it’s an elastic top, taking it on and off for diaper changes is actually quicker than unsnapping/re-snapping the leg area. (However, if you prefer a snap crotch, maybe I’ll help you tackle that another day.)
We’re so happy the sun hung out with us all last week. We have missed him.
Speaking of this baby girl, look who is finally standing solo. She still hasn’t mastered walking solo……but I’m kinda loving the last drippings of her immobility. (Standing felt better to her than sitting in that weird grass stuff. So it was good motivation to practice.)
Summer is quickly approaching. So I’m finding every excuse to start the light and summery clothing projects. Hooray.
Sewing for little ones is so satisfying.
Would you like to make your own bubble romper?
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Hi, I’m Ashley….. welcome to my little corner. I am a mom to 3 wiggly kiddos and a wife to a very patient (with my craft clutter) husband. In case you’re wondering, I always choose crafting/sewing/designing over mopping/dusting/wiping base boards……but bathrooms/laundry/full bellies are always attended to. Whew!
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