I'm Loving....

These glass bottles. I work (very) part time for a friend of ours who is a contractor. When I was at his house the other day, he had about 50 of these in his garage. He found them under an old house he was renovating. "ummmm, can I have a few?" I asked. He said yes, and I brought home a nice little collection of beautiful glass bottles. This is just a few of them. I love them! I am going to display them in little sets throughout the house. I thought it would be cute to put just a few tiny flowers in each.

These flats. I bought these at Target a couple years ago. Until this year I have only worn them once, but I am loving them right now.

The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin. Since I am new to this whole "owning my own online shop" thing, this book has been invaluable to me. It is full of great information to help you succeed at your own handmade business. If you have been considering starting your own business, or even if you have been running your own for a while, this is the book for you!

The fall colors. They haven't been as vibrant this year as in years past, but I am still enjoying the change in color. This particular tree has always been one of my favorites. It is close to my parents house, and it seems that every year, even when the colors are a little dull, this tree is vibrant and beautiful.

This cowl. I had Julie, from This Cosy Life make this for me. Isn't it beautiful?! I love the color, and can not wait for it to get cold enough to wear it!

This necklace from Amy Cornwell Designs is definitely on my Christmas wish list. I love the simplicity, and the words "Love Much". I think they speak volumes. Amy has some beautiful pieces, so when you get a minute, head over and check out her shop!

Inspire & Encourage

I read a blog post this morning that is probably the best one I have ever read. At the very least, it makes the top three. Annie, from the blog Turning Pages, wrote a post that inspired and encouraged me.
As a stay at home mommy of two little ones, who is often in PJ's all day and only gets to shower about every other day (just being honest here), it's easy to be hard on myself. To not feel pretty enough, or thin enough, or stylish enough, or like a good enough wife and mother and on and on and on....
Annie's post reminded me that I AM good enough, not because of me, but because of who He made me! Please head over to her blog and read her post. I promise you will be encouraged!

http://anniesbutterworth.blogspot.com/2010/10/for-girls.html

Bag Lady

I wanted to share with you a few bags that I have been working on, and finally finished!
This first bag was made for my sweet friend Angela. I'm *in love* with this fabric. In fact, I have some tucked away for myself, waiting for the perfect project to come along.

My good friend Amanda just had TWIN girls! They are absolutely precious. I will refrain from posting 900 pictures of them. But honestly, they are adorable. Makes me want a little girl :) Anyway, I made this "diaper bag" for her as a gift. My goal was to make something that she would want to use later on, once the girls are older and she no longer needs a diaper bag.

I recently joined a bag swap hosted by Sew Mama Sew. This is the bag I made for the swap. My partner was Rachael of Park Ave. Sweatshop. When you get a few minutes, head over to her blog and check out her beautiful quilts. My bag is on its way to me, and I can not wait to see it! You will definitely be seeing pics when I get it!

and finally, I made these little treat bags for my good friend Ligia. Her son will be five, and after seeing similar favor bags at my little ones birthday party, she wanted these for her sons party. I used this tutorial to make them. The theme (obviously) is The Cat in the Hat, and I think they turned out so cute!

Shop Update

I've added several new zippered pouches to the shop, as well as some cute new hairpins. So head on over and take a look!

Spruce Up That (boring) Wall Space

My husband and I have a red desk in our room. I love the red desk. The space above the red desk, not so much. I mean, what's to love about a totally blank, white wall? I have been saying since we moved into the house that I was going to do something with that space. Add shelving or...something. Well tonight, I finally did it...

I picked up a pack of corkboard at Hobby Lobby. It was $10 for the pack of four pieces (size 12 x12). Please pardon the horrible photos. They were taken at night, with my iphone. Sorry.

I chose four fabrics that I love and cut them into 14" x 14" pieces, ironed them, and then using the staple gun, attached them to the corkboard. So easy....

Then, we hung them up on the wall above the desk. Now I have a place for photos, lists, notes, cards....

Much better than a plain white wall, wouldn't you say?

'Tis The Season

ummm, no, not that season. Although I love that one too. I am talking about the wonderful season of Fall. I know I mentioned before that I love Fall, but really, I love it. I love everything that it brings. Here are a few things that we have enjoyed this Fall...

Lunch at the Apple Festival

Picking apples (and having races) at a local orchard with the cousins

and carving pumpkins

What are some fun things you have been doing this Fall?

New Venture

Because I need one more thing to do in my "spare time"...

Next week I am starting a knitting class, taught by my friend Julie. I'm actually really looking forward to it. For one, we are meeting at a local coffee shop. Time away in the evening with other ladies and coffee. I'm in! And although that's reason enough for me... secondly, look at that beautiful pumpkin orange yarn. Isn't it lovely?!