Maternity Shop Update

Alright, change of plans. A few weeks ago I gave you all dates for maternity leave. We had it all planned out and were excited to work up until the end. Baby boy has different plans. Apparently, this is a big baby or something. I am measuring 5-6 weeks ahead of schedule. The size of baby and me pushing myself to hard to run a busy little business while chasing around the other three kids is really taking it's toll on my body.

So, as much as I wish I could continue working until 37 weeks, I just can't. I will be taking maternity leave and closing up shop early. 

We will stop taking orders at 10pm PST on Sunday June 2nd and will not resume business as normal until the end of August. Please make sure to get your orders in ASAP. 

Like many of you, I need to create. It helps me keep my sanity. Plus, I just bought some super cute canvas for our leather fold-over clutches. I would hate to wait until baby comes to put them together.  So health permitting, I will be sewing on occasion and maybe even throwing in some Instagram or Facebook Frenzy Sales. Make sure to follow us on each so that you don't miss out. 

Thank you all for sticking with me and continuing to support this business of mine even through all of my chaos. I have the best customers around.

A Girly Little Shower

This weekend I had the honor of co-hosting a baby shower for one of my best friends. Since Stefani is expecting her 3rd baby girl, our friend Bryanna and I teamed up to throw a girly, more classy and intimate shower. It was so fun to see all of the ideas that were floating around in our head come together.

We got some inspiration from bloggers on pinterest and incorporated our own ideas in with them. We wanted something that shouted girl but wasn't quite as baby as most showers. We went with a pink and grey color scheme and just had fun with it.

To keep it intimate we kept everyone at one long table. The runner and centerpieces were inspired by the Anthony & Stork blog but made by Bryanna and myself. We put the place settings at each seat and wrapped bow sashes around each chair. The outcome was so pretty.

Since the shower was later in the day, we decided on a dessert shower. Bryanna was able to borrow a bunch of beautiful vintage serving pieces that we placed atop Rhiannon's dresser. Hung a fun banner and tutu balls above it. Loved!

We used our vanity as a drink table and covered it with stuff for coffee and yummy sparkling drinks to go into our champagne glasses.

For favors, we gave out Nail polishes and decals from the mama to be's  shop. Chevron decals to match the decor, of course :)

The shower was kept simple with an awesome devotional shared by Bryanna and Gift Time Bingo. For prizes I made up a couple of Fold-over clutches.

All in all it was a beautiful day spent celebrating Stefani and Baby Bridgette.

Photo Credit:
So I was lame and forgot my camera. Phone photos were not cutting it with harsh lighting. Luckily, our sweet friend Babara from Chase the Star was there to save the day and snap most of the photos :) 

Linking up at Sew Chatty, Whimsy Wednesday, Chase the Star,  Lil' Luna and Ginger Snap Crafts.

When the Surrender is Tough

Sometimes it is hard to have faith. Sometimes the world seems like it is crashing down on us. There are times when surrendering things to God is the hardest thing you have to do. There are moments when the possible outcomes look so horrendous that you would like to run a million miles away from where you are.

This week was one of those times. This week I received a phone call that stopped me in my tracks. That took me from a place of joy to complete and utter panic.

As I sat in bed and wept, I found myself praying that God would remove us from this place. That He would keep us all safely together. That God would take away this fear.

While I prayed, I felt a subtle reminder of a message our pastor shared recently. We should not be praying for safety but instead for boldness. God does not call us to play it safe. He surely did not want us to play it safe when He led us into this world of foster care.


God calls us to be bold.

What does that even mean?

I can't tell you much about our personal journey in foster care (yes, I know I sound like a broken record saying that all the time). I can tell you that we are part of a system that is broken. Seeing a little bit of the inside of this world, I am amazed. Things are not working. The system needs to be fixed. These kids need to be fought for.

How would praying for our safety help that? It wouldn't. We need to be bold. We need to fight. Not only for Little Man but for all of the kids in this warped world.

Boldness. Standing up for what is right. Standing strongly and distinctly.

The world pushes us down. Satan wants us to live in fear. I say, we take that fear and use it to our advantage. The more afraid we are, the harder we fight.

In our current state, I am referring to foster care. The fight to keep our child or make sure he goes to a safe home.

For you it could be anything; a job loss, missions, leadership.

Let's be bold. Let's fight. Let's use our fears to rock this world for the Kingdom.

We don't have to be held down by fear anymore. We can surrender our worries before the Lord and ask to be used in mighty ways. We don't need to run away but straight at the issues that want to keep us far from God's plan.

My Our worlds might be crashing down on us but I serve a God that already has victory over this world. He can help us put the pieces back together. The puzzle may not fit the way we think it should but with Him, it will fit more beautifully than we ever imagined.

Land of Nod

Going on baby number four, I have had the time and opportunity to really pin point our nursery style. Something modern and fun but still holding onto the sweetness that every baby should contain. Land of Nod offers just that: beautifully on trend items that are well made and pretty affordable.

Animal Wall Art

We have been glancing on-line lately, looking for new pieces to add some new furniture and decor to what we already have. I am really hoping to give our new little guy a space of his own even though he will be sharing a room with his very girly sister. The biggest piece I am hoping to add is a comfy rocker or glider for late night nursing and just good old snuggling. 

Swivel Glider and Ottoman in Aruba

When I saw this one, I about died. It looks so comfy and practical and the color. Oh, the color. I would love to sit in this chair. To have memories with my sweet little one rocking by his crib.

Oh and if the little ones are anything like Rhiannon was when I brought Talon home from the hospital, they will want to be involved in every little detail of baby boy's day. That includes rocking and nursing time.

Sailboat Nod Chair

I want them to feel welcome to be a part of everything. To help and keep me company. A chair like this, next to mommy's chair would be so much fun. Plus, do you know how stinkin' cute my kids would be hanging out in this thing? I mean I will use any excuse to add this to our home. Ha!

As you could guess, the second I found the Land of Nod site, I was putting things on a wish list like a mad man...until I discovered that they had a registry. Of course I set one up. Who cares if I already sent out my invites, I will be sending everyone there. I want it all!!!!

In case you haven't caught on, I am beyond stoked about my new find. If you could only imagine the pregnant cartwheels I did when I heard that Land of Nod is coming to California!!!!  Not just anywhere but only miles away at South Coast Plaza. ::Enter school girl squeel here!:: Dying you guys, dying!

Decor on Safari - Zebra

This zebra just might be found in a store I can send my family to...you know the family who won't dare enter their credit card number on the interwebs (yes, there are still people who won't and I am related to all of them).

May 31st, the grand opening of Land of Nod at South Coast Plaza will be happening. You need to be there. Like for real. There will be giveaways happening all day and customers who come to shop early will be getting free goodies. And let's be real, with products like that ^^^ do you want to miss the opportunity to win or receive what they have to offer? No? Me either.

I cannot wait to go and shop the store. Until then, I will be stalking the website. Making sure I didn't miss anything I want or need.

If you can't make it to the opening or you aren't local, it's okay, you can find them all over online.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Oh, one more thing...

Land of Nod- Real Families

The Land of Nod is having a Win a Room Sweepstakes that runs from now until 11:59 PM CT June 17, 2013. With a grand prize winner receiving a Room designed by The Land of Nod, including:

(1) Design consultation with The Land of Nod design team.

(2) Room makeover with selected product from The Land of Nod.

(3) Feature in The Land of Nod Real Families section of an upcoming Catalog.

Total Approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $4,000!!!!

You can thank me now for sharing that. I was almost greedy and left it out to better my chances. So, you are welcome. 

Let's have some fun, head over to their site now and come back to share with us what items are on your wishlist! 

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

The Princess

Boys, Boys everywhere... my oldest, Rhiannon has begun to notice that she may just be the only girl forever. A few doctors appointments ago when my OB asked if I knew what I was having Rhiannon chimed in and said "mommy can't make sisters, it's a boy". While, I thought she would be upset, this girl is thrilled to be welcoming another brother.

At  times, being the only girl is tough for her. Oh man, does it come with it's perks. Girls days are spent shopping and pedicures. We get to have makeovers and dress up time, just the two of us. She is the princess of the house.

To top it all off, she is the only girl on my side of the family as well. She has got it made. Her recent obsession is the fact that Auntie, my soon to be sister in law, is getting married soon. Wedding planning is in full force and Rhiannon is loving being all up in the mix of it.

Kelly, my amazing sis to be, went above and beyond to include her and make her feel special while asking her to be the flower girl.

We all met up at Starbucks for Frappacinnos, one of Rhiannon's favorite things in the world to do. We hung out and chatted over coffee.

After the drinks were gone, Kelly surprised Rhi with this adorable card she found on Etsy, as well of flowers, asking her to be the flower girl in the wedding.

Of course Rhiannon said yes. She was beyond excited and is taking her role very seriously. She talks about it almost every day, making sure she has it all figured out. She is sure to attend every wedding related thing, such as bridesmaid dress shopping. Girl, has a ton of input on how to make aunties wedding perfect. She really is a little princess.

Paint Party

If you "like" us on Facebook, you heard me say a few days ago that I totally spaced on posting my daughters birthday party. Not Little Man's 80's party I showed you yesterday. No, this party happened in October. Talk about a blogger fail.

Anyhow, here it is...

For months in advance, Rhiannon asked over and over for a painting party. Paint and toddlers. Scary thought right? I thought so too. What made the idea worse is that all of Rhi's friends have siblings. Younger siblings. I wanted to cry. I wanted my baby girl to be happy but I didn't want baby footprints painted on my floor indefinitely. What was a crazy paint fearing mama to do?

We ended up having two parties. The first party, just Rhi and her very closest friends. No families allowed. Just the girls. The second party was for our family to have desserts with the birthday girl. This eliminated my fright of toddlers and paint covered floors but still gave my girl the party she was dreaming up.

For the main party with her friends, we stuck with a typical art party theme with a touch of princess. The epitome of who our little girl is.

For favors each girl got an apron inspired by her favorite Disney princess, plus some art supplies. The favors were where our newest hot product originated. So much fun.

Food and desserts were all based around painting. From "paint brush" rice krispies to "art pallet" cupcakes. The girls were all in seventh heaven with their little sugar highs. I always forget to get pictures of food.

Entertainment was simple. The girls painted canvases, coloring sheets and did some swirl art. Face painting was a fun little perk on the side.

Every girl left there so excited with their art projects, aprons and leftover sugar. Rhiannon was once again beyond blessed by her sweet little friends. The day couldn't have been any better.

**Linking up at Sugar and Dots for What I Whipped Up Wednesday
And Chase the Star for Keep Calm and Link Up*

My Mothers Day

This years Mother's Day was my best by far. Not because of the dollars spent and gifts received but because of the selfless thoughtfulness that went into it.

My morning started off with breakfast in bed. Some yummy food served up by the big kids and a tiny bit of help from their daddy.

Breakfast was followed by gifts. The kids were beyond excited to bring in what they had got me. The amount of joy they have while giving blesses me. They wanted so much to make their mama smile. That alone was enough but my hubby went above and beyond this year. I got a few things for the kitchen that I have been dying for. No, it was not a trap when I put them on my mothers day wish list. I am so excited to use it all.

And then my big gift, a day at Glen Ivy with a couple of friends. I knew it was coming but I could have died when I opened the envelope of gift cards. So so amazing.

As if all of that wasn't enough, gifts were followed by manis and pedis with my mom, sis in law and favorite little girl. After that Steven sent me off, with some gift cards that were collecting dust, to go get a facial. I came home relaxed and ready to relax some more. So that's what we did. Went outside to play and I got to just lounge in the sun. Ahhh heaven.

The night was finished off with a family tradition of girls night dinner.


All day, all I could think of was how we were celebrating me but I couldn't do it without the man who stands behind me.

I have a husband who supports us financially and spiritually daily. A husband who never hesitates to give a helping hand with rambunctious kids. Who will give up a day to take care of his children without a second thought. Someone so willing to serve me and honor me on my day.

How I got so lucky to be his wife and the mama of his children, I will never know. I am just glad that I get to be. I have the most amazing man at my side and the most beautiful children, who clearly take after their dad in the awesome department. 

The material gifts are fun. The gift of being his wife and our kiddos mommy is one I cherish.

I cannot wait to bless his socks off on Fathers Day.

WIWW Maternity Style

Dressing the bump has proved to be quite the challenge this time around. With Rhiannon and Talon the baby doll style tops were really in. No need to buy maternity. A belly band and regular old clothes were all that I needed.

Oh how I wish that style would come back. Just until baby boy arrives. Let me tell you, the high-low and peplum tops just don't work when you have a bump the size of a basketball.

Don't even get me started on maternity clothes either. Finding stuff that doesn't look granny-esque but won't break the bank is tough work, yo. So, I have settled for looking a little bit frumpy. Long tanks from Old Navy and Target have become my B.F.F's. when I need to look half way decent I just throw on a cardigan or blazer and wa-la, I'm ready to go.

Sporting the 28 week bump

 This past weekend though, I needed to dress up for my cousin's wedding and it was way too hot for a blazer. After searching high and low for an affordable dress that didn't age me 20 years, I got desperate and went to the plus size section at Target. Everything was huge on me. But one dress fit the bump...still huge up top though. Luckily, my genius husband was tagging along. He told me to pinch the straps and see how it looked. Sure enough taking about an inch and a half in the arms made for great fit. Took it home, sewed it up and I was ready to go.

A few accessories and I felt confident to leave the house again. I think I may have found a new dress purchase fix. Altering fashionable plus sized dresses may be the way to go. I'll just cut off the XL tags to help my self esteem. :)

Dress:Target
Belt: Forever 21
Boots: Milano Shoes
Necklace: Premier Designs Jewelry
Earrings: Made with Pick Your Plum supplies

Ariel's Grotto Girls

A few weeks ago a friend invited us to her little girls 5th birthday at Ariel's Grotto. I debated the cost of the restaurant vs. the fun I knew we had for quite a while 5 minutes. After our annual pass discount, our total would be coming up to over $60. I am cheap. The two things don't line up. But being a mommy that loves my daughter far more than money the decision seemed pretty simple. Rhiannon is obsessed with princesses and all things Disney really.

I told her right away what was going to happen. I think she died a little. She informed me that she wanted to wear the blue Ariel dress, not her princessy one but the "kiss de girl" dress as she says it. I bought a pattern from Sew Sweet Patterns, then altered and added to the pattern a bit to make a dress that made her swoon.

We brought Rhiannon's adorable friend a dress made from the same pattern. Not knowing the girly was obsessed with birds, Rhi chose what turned out to be the perfect fabric.

We got to Ariel's grotto and was immediately greeted by Ariel. Once seated we were brought a bread basket with butter, pesto and the most amazing seafood salad.

A few minutes later they brought out an antipasto tower. One tier of fruit and fruit jello. Another with prosciutto, delicious cheese and and olives, and a tossed salad with a yummy mango dressing.For the main course my girl got cheese seashells with grapes and I had tri-tip, mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. Delicious!

Then dessert. Oh the dessert. Fudge cakes. Cupcakes. Fresh fruit. Everything you can think of. It was amazing.

Through-out our entrees and desserts, numerous princesses came and seen the girls. The birthday girl and Rhiannon would smile and occasionally gasp as their favorites came out and chatted. They snapped pictures and had an amazing time.

Ariel's Grotto was just perfect. The girls had a magical lunch that I know neither of them will forget. All and all, worth every penny.

Shop Update

It's been a long time coming and a lot of requests waiting but the newest princess aprons have hit the shop.

We have four new aprons, with prices starting at $22.

Here they are. The newly released Pocahontas, Jasmine, Mulan and Belle.

Get them fast. I know we have quite a few people who have been patiently waiting their favorite.

Who is your favorite?

CLICK TO GO SHOP NOW!!!

Heaven is a Dance Floor

Our God is a party throwing God. He celebrates when we come to Him. He rejoices with us. Isn't that what worship really is? Us falling at the feet of Jesus in celebration of what He has done, what He has given us. He meets us in that place.

In the years since I have been saved I have often felt left out by those around me partying. By radically changing my life for Christ, I had left behind a lot... I thought.

 

As I walked into the Chris Tomlin concert, I was reminded that the life of partying wasn't taken from me. It was altered. It was made better.

Louie Giglio shared at the concert and spoke the words I was needing to hear. "Our God is a party throwing God. We, as Christians, have left the partying to the world but we have so much more to celebrate."


While hanging out with my husband and friends at the concert I realized that's what we were doing. Transparent Productions, a promotions agency who brings Christian artist all over the nation, threw a rager of a party and God met us there.

The music was phenomenal. Chris Tomlin is even better live than on the radio. The crowd was on fire. Laughing, dancing and having fun. This place was filled with worship. It was a party like no other I have ever seen.

 

Transparent Productions went above and beyond. They produced this concert, that not only filled the amphitheater with great music and a whole lot of fun but set up a place for us to meet with The Lord. To be reminded of His greatness and promises. I cannot wait for the next show. I cannot wait to see what God has in store, how He will use Transparent and their artists to move each of us.

I am so thankful for companies like Transparent Productions for giving us this place to worship. To party alongside each other, before our God. They have a few shows coming up too!


First, the Hillsong United Concert in Los Angeles on Friday June 7, 2013. It is at the Hollywood Bowl and starts at 8 PM. You can get some info and buy tickets here... I may have cried when I realized I couldn't make it to this one. I'll blame the preggo hormones but between you and me, I was just really upset to miss it.

I will however be attending FISH Fest on June 29, 2013, at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine California.  Go here to get your tickets and any info. Tickets go on sale today (May 3rd). Be sure to get 'em fast. Oh, and if you plan to go, let me know. I would love to meet you all in real life!!


Whether you are in So Cal or live far away, check out Transparent Productions. Find a show by you. You will NOT be disappointed. Pinky Promise.

 Get info on:

Their website 

Or Follow them on:

Twitter  | Facebook  | Instagram

Now go buy your tickets to FISH Fest! I want to see you there!


“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Transparent Productions but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BurningLights   http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”