Flying With Kids: Tips from an Amazing Blogger

We had six flights in three weeks.  We have two more next week.

I'm not saying I'm an expert, even though many TSA agents may have said so, but I'm getting pretty good at figuring out what to take and what isn't necessary to get you through the airport, airplane and trip.  Because those are three different things.  Airport, airplane and trip.

While I'm working on that post, and many, many recaps from our wonderful 3 week trip, here is an amazing blogger I just discovered.

The Mom Edit

I read her great post about traveling with kids and then started reading her more current posts about fashion and life.  I immediately was excited to discover this great blog!  Then quickly realized she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and just finished her year of treatment.  What an amazing woman.

She's pretty admirable.  And stylish.  And creative.  And funny.  And brave.  And witty.

Read her post talking about her 10 tips for traveling with kids here.

Current post about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale here.

Also on Instagram.

The Sweet Stitches Shop

As you know, I've started a teeny, tiny, monogramming and appliqué business.  More like short order business, favors for friends.

I am so thankful for all of you that have been ordering, requesting and having babies for me to make more and more gifts.

Until I decide what direction to go, I have created a blog with posts of my designs.

The Sweet Stitches Shop

It is also attached to this blog account so you can always find it in my profile.

This will be an easier catalogue to see fonts, thread colors, designs and items that I can do.  As always, I am up for a challenge or new design, so just let me know what you are looking for if you don't see it!

It is still a (major) work in progress so there are details missing.  You will see most of the finished products are posted.  I will be working to get more information attached to the pictures but you can always email me.

Everything is changeable, these are just past projects.  Color, size, font, arrangement, design, product and just about anything else can be changed!

I have more designs just waiting to be made.

Contact me at sweetstitchesshop(at)gmail.com for order inquiries or any questions!

One of My Favorite People….That I've Never Met

This is really long so if you want to just skip to the point of my novel, go here and vote for an amazing person to make an amazing journey.  You can vote every day and on multiple devices.  It's almost over, so do it today.  Super easy, just go to the link, click vote and click vote again!

Her post about the contest here.

I hate posting with out a picture, so I took this off the contest website.  Hope that is ok and not totally creepster.

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If you've ever talked to me about blogging, crafts, cooking, mentors, admirable mothers or really anything about anything, I've probably brought up Brooke.
(that sounds a little stalkerish now that it is written out)

She is probably one of the most remarkable people I've ever known and continues to shock me with her good in the world.  She also seems to be married and surrounded by amazing people, so I guess it's contagious.

I pretty much owe my entire blogging pursuit to her, my baking hobby which led to my crafting which led to me being a better person by discovering all these creative outlets.  Yes, it kind of all leads back to her.

Yet we've never met.

In 2008 I was quickly getting into reading multiple blogs on a daily basis.  I had just been introduced to the NieNie Dialogues and her terrible accident.  As I was following her recovery day by day, family members were posting sweet messages from other bloggers asking to name their favorite post of Nienie's.  One of the posts was touching, beautiful and encouraging.  It was written by a twenty something newlywed named Brooke.  Read it here.

I quickly went over to Brooke's blog and spent the rest of the day catching up on her life.  She was celebrating her first year of marriage almost the exact same time as I was, born and raised in Texas (went to Baylor) and living far away from family and friends for her husband's school.  She blogged about her interests in baking, crafting and photography.  Oh, her photography!

I did what any normal twenty something reading about someone amazing that they never met, I emailed her.  We were both Texans after all.  She wrote me back and after a few comments and emails, we became "friends".

Over the years we have emailed back and forth, mostly me asking her questions or congratulating her on yet another adorable baby.  She lets me make silly sewing projects for her kids.  She has written me words of encouragement and sent sweet packages my way as well.

And the kicker, our best friends, are best friends.   Isn't that crazy?  It's not even a Texas connection.  A friend of mine (originally from AZ) from New York grew up with her best friend that she met in college.  Small world.

I immediately knew I needed to get involved with something creative.  I really liked reading about her weekly baking recipes and wanted to learn more about cooking myself.  I researched her online baking group, was accepted and started baking weekly with Tuesdays With Dorie.  This group meant everything to me.  While we weren't pregnant yet and I was still working in not a great environment, it was an outlet for creativity, new things and something to really look forward to each week.

In turn, this started my crafting and photography confidence and interest.  See, it all leads back to one place.

So with all this hub bub about how much I adore her, she has once again done something amazing.  Or is trying to.  Please read about her past journeys to Africa, her amazing mothering of her own three children (all under 4) and her faith.  When you think this can't all be possible, it is, and then you see that they are actually in the process of adopting!  I know, good people in this world and I feel so fortunate to 'know' her.

And one day we will meet, I'll be super awkward, and I may actually believe she is real.

{Craft Corner} DIY Party Printables

What did people do for parties before cupcake toppers and water bottle wrappers to decorate?

I love the idea of a printable, it adds so much to a party theme. 

I do not love the idea of paying $30+ for a set of paper circles that will be thrown away three hours later.  I guess it's like a wedding dress?  You are paying for the decorations and then the memory in the pictures for years to come?  Not really.


My daughter's 1st birthday is quickly approaching us.  Honestly, I am still very far from being in a party planning mode.  But that is not fair to my sweet little girl, so the party planning must go on!

We decided to go with an ice cream party theme.  We love ice cream, she doesn't seem to care what we do and it's a fun activity for all the other guests.  2 years to 87 years.


Yesterday I finally sat down and googled and googled, pinterested and googled some more.  I finally found a tutorial that made sense and I had the right software to use.  I don't know why it was so hard to find how to do them, although maybe that's why so many just buy them.  Years ago I found a simple already created water bottle template for my son's 1st birthday that just happened to be perfect for his circle theme.  Since then, I haven't found anything that easy.

The tutorial was not difficult.  Just like making your own monogram.  It just takes a little time, tweaking and patience.  Lots of patience for this non creative design person.  My software was not exactly like the tutorial and I am still not 100% satisfied with the minor details.  I went back a few hours later and redid all of the designs.  I took what I learned and then played around a little more to really get the colors, design and placement I wanted.  I also ate a whole bag of Twizzlers.

Overall, I am very excited that they worked out.  I  can figure out those little details later.

New Find: Baby Name Leggings

This is one of those posts where you will either like or roll your eyes.  Totally ok, I get it.

I've been wanting, waiting and researching the new legging trend for babies of "hipster" designs.  I just can't decide and can't totally accept the prices.

Just a few sites here, here and here.  And more on Etsy.

Then I read about these.

Name leggings!

And of course the blanket to match.

Her store here and blog here.

All images from here.

New Bloggers/Instagrammers

It's not too often that I am introduced to new bloggers now that I don't read my blogroll everyday and definitely don't have time to search for new ones.  But with Instagram I've been introduced to a whole new way to find awesome sites and people.

Have I mentioned how much I love Instagram?  It's like the non annoying twitter of pictures.  Quick, informative and easy to just move on if you don't like something.  (which isn't very often)  If I'm looking down at my phone and the gap sale site isn't going on, I'm pretty much scrolling through Instagram.  Steve even gave me an intervention a few weeks ago so I am working on limiting my time on it.

Image from fancyashley.com

My latest obsession, is Fancy Ashley.  Her Instagram is @littlepresidents

It's just a bright read and follow.

From her cute kids, cute outfits, cute DIY and even down to her bright attitude.  She has an overall cheerfulness.  She's where I copied the Target peach leggings.

Sometimes you find a blogger/instagrammer that just makes you a little happier each time you see a post/picture and that's what following is (should be) all about.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Here are a few other Instagrams (blogs are in their profiles):
@danamadeit
@littlehipsqueaks
@lemonstripes
@saltcityemporium
@carolinegshop
@thelittlespoons

Summer Favs & Some New Blogs to Follow

A few new things I've been liking lately.

I'm such a sucker for a good Instagram photo rec.

I ordered these online when they didn't have them in store (hello, Target card free shipping anytime).  I am not normally a fan of anything tie-dye but I like these in the peach color.

I highly recommend following FancyAshley's Instagram @Littlepresidents.  She's super cute, super cute kids, super cute fashion and just fun to see what she posts.  Her blog (Fancy Ashley) here.  She's one of those women that always looks like she stepped out of a J.Crew catalogue.  And sometimes she wears matching prints to her adorable 2 year old.  It's cute.

Then after seeing Kate's new birthday lipstick shade on The Small Things Blog, Lovelorn by Mac, I decided I needed a new color.  Or two.
She is also worth following on Instagram @k8_smallthings.  She is a hair stylist and has great tutorials and make up posts.  I think I found her a year or so ago on one of her youtube tutorials.  The color looks much better on her skin tone here.

Lovelorn 

I also bought Niagra from Nars.  A coral color and not as "pop"as I thought it was.  Good for everyday and wears well.

Not the best photo of the color, but you get the idea.

I purchased Roman Holiday as an impulse purchase with Niagra but quickly returned it after buying Lovelorn.  It's a very pretty color although a little too frosted pink...for me.

I apologize for all the "selfies" as they call them but it's the best way to show the real color.

Father's Day Car Shirt

I thought this was a funny/cute idea.

Photo and tutorial here.

Or you can buy them from her Etsy store here.

2 Year Olds Being.....2

I really liked this blog post from Barefoot In The Kitchen about yourself during a tantrum.

She's right.

So right.

If only I vacuumed.  But the rest I could do.  Should do.  Will do.

She makes really yummy desserts too.  (source of my "famous" pumpkin crumb cake)

Fun Things On A Cold, Snowy Day

A few really fun things. (to me)

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS IS THIS WEEKEND!!!  One of my favorite days of the year!!!!  Spring ahead!  (snowstorm today but they say it may be the last)

Out of my former NYC playgroup, five of the eight of us are expecting babies.  Two of them, who happen to be the closest BFFs out of the group, both had their babies this week.  One due on Monday and the other went three weeks early on Sunday.  But the kicker?  They are in the same hospital and floor.  (and there are a lot of hospitals in NYC) I want a friend next door to me when I'm in the hospital.  So crazy, right?

All Things Target blog

I found this blog about Target and their sales.  It is ridiculous the steals she finds with in store coupons, in store promotions and newspaper coupons.

I bought a two pack of pack n play sheets for $2.99.  They were on sale for $7.99 (from $9.99) and then I used my mobile $5 off any Circo bedding coupon.  That's a deal.  Crib sheets are the same deal.

This week alone she shows you how to get Bounce dryer sheets for FREE, cheap cosmetics and a ton of other deals that you may not see just by browsing the weekly ad.

L.L. Bean Dock Shoes

My leather boat shoes are on their way out.  I love these L.L. Bean shoes I found last week at the store. I know, we randomly have two L.L. Bean stores near my house so you don't just have to guess from their catalogue.

They are light and easy to slip on but the best part, extremely cushy!  I can't wait for warm weather.
Meg, you've got to SWF these.


Motorized Airplane Candy

This airplane thingy majigy is actually a holder with candy at the bottom.  But he doesn't know that.  He loves pushing the button, the cool colors in the middle and the air that the fan creates.  Or just flying it around like an airplane.  The propeller is made of foam so it doesn't hurt your furniture, walls, floors, or face when pushed against it.  Because he's two and that's what he does.  Found at any Target or BBB check out line.  Believe me, there were many tantrums because he couldn't take it home before he received it as a Valentine's Day gift.  Perfect Easter basket present or shopping trip distractor.

Laptop Cover

After replacing my computer ( I still don't want to talk about it ) I knew I needed a full time cover and maybe even keyboard cover.  I was about to buy this a few weeks ago for my old computer but figured it wasn't a "need" item when I have so many other things to get right now.  But considering it might have saved my computer from the hot chocolate bath, it would have been worth it.  Oh well, can't cry over spilled hot chocolate milk.  Anymore.

Now you can tell the difference between my husband laptop and mine, it isn't as cold, I am a little less worried about sticky fingers (not mine) and ruining it so quickly.  The keyboard cover is a little weird.  Pushes other keys sometimes but I'll get used to it.  It's also a little 'sweet sixteen' but I love anything the color of Robin's Egg blue/green.  Sold at the Apple store but I bought mine for much cheaper off Amazon.

 Willams-Sonoma Working Glasses With Lids

I'm really into smoothies right now and Steven loves his new fancy juicer he got from work.  These are perfect for any drink, especially those you may want to refrigerate with a lid.  They come in small and large and you can buy separately in store or case of four online.

Why Your Kid Freaks Out and It's Not Their (Or Your) Fault

Article here.

Thanks Dad, it did make me feel a little better and was very interesting to read.

Why We "Hate-Watch" Glee
Article here.

So true.  Exactly how I feel.  Used to be a fun, silly show and now it is too serious, confusing and I am so over Lea Michele.

Looks like another lay around day.  Maybe some organizing, maybe some crafts.  Definitely some snuggling.

...and being a human jungle gym.

The Beauty Department

The other day I found a new website that I love.

TheBeautyDepartment.com

It's two girls that post tutorial after tutorial (even some youtube) of hair, nail and other beauty tips.  All the popular trends that you want to know and some not so popular but fun ones.

The third contributor is none other than my favorite go to beauty person (and slightly obsessed) Lauren Conrad.

They are also on instagram.

all photos from thebeautydepartment.com

Bad Grammar Guilt

I am guilty, oh so guilty.  I use 'but' to start many, many sentences.  Love a comma and basically throw them in where ever possible.  But, I will say most of the time it is me trying to convey my language in my head.  Or I'm lazy and don't proofread.  I won't even defend Me and I.  I'm aware, it's always incorrect.

Just yesterday I happened to glance back at my post and noticed I used there instead of their.  Now that is a no brainer and I just typed too fast for my own good.

I agree, they all make you look foolish.  Don't judge, but we all do.


Like this infographic? Get more copywriting tips from Copyblogger.


Taken from Alpha Mom via Copyblogger.

No Heat Curls

I always love a new way to curl my (won't hold a curl) hair with out a lot of effort.

I tried this sock bun technique back in July.

The latest was this pinterest find.  Tutorial (and video) here.  A headband?  That's it?

And it worked.  So easy.  My hair was still pretty damp and I kind of just threw it up but it wasn't too tight.  Next time I'll do it even looser and with dry hair.

It fell a little through out the day.

Taking Baby Photos

The closest I have to a newborn shoot of my son

Baby Rabies had an interesting post about taking newborn and baby photos and using safety precautions at all times.

I always did kind of wonder.

Post here.

{Craft Corner} Vintage State Ts

How did I forget this craft?

I made it a few months ago for one of my all time favorite blogger friends that just had her second son.

I posted the original here.

She is from Texas but currently lives in Pennsylvania.

Easy applique with felt and then hand stitched with embroidery floss instead of regular thread.  I think it stands out more and kind of resembles the dashes from a map.  

I just can't promise that it didn't come loose. 

Blogger Phases

Very true.  Not that I went through it on this level (obviously) but it is very accurate.

picture from the heir to blair

Pinterest

I was doing so well with no tv during the day.  But this pinterest?  Not only does it take up time (and I don't even know how to use it yet) it leads me to even more blogs and sites that I end up spending hours on.  I haven't been going to sleep until way after midnight because of this thing.

I need a job where I spend 8 hours a day just surfing the internet.  Oh wait, I already had that.

This makes my hundreds (literally) of bookmarked sites so much easier to navigate, organize and simplify.  Plus the gazillion of new ideas I get each time I look at one more.

It's never ending, overwhelming and wonderful.

Like this idea?  Love it.

Source: flickr.com via Jess on Pinterest

It's not just for crafts or fashion.  Food, decor, houses, electronics, music, anything!

Favicon

Notice the

next to your web address?  Look again and squint.

It's called a favicon and if you have blogger and didn't already know how to change it, you can do so easily.  Here is an easy tutorial from A Teacher At Heart.

My Drunk Kitchen

I love to find new, interesting bloggers.  I just don't usually get them from my father.

I received this email from him the other day.

I don't want your blog to turn into this..............


(profanity included in video.  and drunkeness)



I happen to think she is pretty funny.  And many of those things I have found myself saying.  I mean, who really reads the entire sentence before you start?

She's pretty well known by the looks of her "as seen on" side bar.  She has a store for pete's sake.  It's interesting that she's only been around for a few months and already gotten so much hype.

I've only made it through a few others and her slipping after the ice cream mess had me in tears.

The Sock Bun

I wear my hair up a lot.  Like, 99.5% of waking hours.  I am always looking for something new.  Side braids are so 2009 even though I still do them often.

I've just started reading Ya'bout that and I lurve her.  That's really what I wish my blog looked like. She posted about the no heat sock curls the other day.  This is why following 401 blogs is rewarding.  Or at least Tinsely because she always leads you the right way.

Tutorial for curls here and for just the bun here.  I like this girl and she totally dumbs it down.

I went ahead and did the curl over night just to see if my no curl hair would do soft curls.

The classic phone in the mirror shot

A little too curly for me.  Maybe I'll spend a little more time to make it neater when setting the bun.  Even when it straightened out some it was too messy for my liking.  Plus I tied the ponytail too tight and there was a crease at top.  Something my sister and I both anticipated.  I will say this is non brushed just let out and slightly finger combed.  It really is that easy.

I really like the bun.  The curls need work.

You can buy a foam donut but I happened to be at my brother-in-law's who has a few mismatched tan socks that he was willing to part with.