Kapow, Cuppow

So, the morning was crazy.  As it always is when I am trying my best to get the few extra minutes of sleep that I am desperate for, get two kids dressed and detangled, then the other two fed and ready.
I didn't have enough time to drink my coffee.  Sad face.  I usually drink a glass of iced cold brew at home, then bring a glass with me when I leave.

The dilemma- full French press of awesome, no cup/ glass/ anything/ big enough to carry it in to my morning mom's group.

The solution- hello Mason jar.
Mason jar is all- got a problem, yo I'll solve it...

So I filled it up with ice, dumped the contents of my French press in, topped it off with almond milk, screwed on the lid, stuck a straw in my pocket, ran out the door.

Then I did what any good Instagrammer does, took a picture of said Mason jar.  Mason jar and catnapper.  Because they are so hot right now.

Sweet Jenni left me this comment:
Google 'cuppow', you need this in your life.

So I did.
And I do.
Right?????
How many nights have you stayed up wishing that you could turn your mason jar into a travel mug?
Rest well my friend.  Your problems are solved.

But perhaps you are still awake.  Stressing out about your cold hands, as you hold your iced coffee.  Or how it lacks style.  You know that you want cuter coffee.  Who doesn't????

Good thing my friend Alyce from Little Mamas Pretties listened to our pleas and added mason jar cozies to her super cute shop.  How adorable are these?  How much do you want pretty coffee tomorrow?

All because of a crazy morning, and the Instagram obsession with Mason jars.
I may never be the same.


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little miss sunshine.

I would like to say that I spent the afternoon burning bags full of money.  In fact it felt like I did.  Or that I bought a used car.  An invisible used car.  But I spent it in the dentist's chair.

Crying.

Like a crazy person.

Partly because I was in so much pain.  Partly because I was hungry.  {Five days of smoothies and hummus can make one stabby.} But mostly because I found out how truly not awesome our dental coverage is.


Oh, how I wish all it took to soothe me was my thumb and blankey.
She is my first kid to be attached to a blanket and to suck her thumb.  I find it honestly, truly, deliciously, adorable.  Except when the blanket goes missing.  She has a backup, but how in the world do kids know with 100% certainty the difference between two of the exact same things?  She has the real, much preferred "fuzzy" and the sad forsaken "fake fuzzy".  I'm also afraid that the thumb sucking will land her crying in the dentist or orthodontist chair too someday.  Sigh.
But she doesn't worry about dental insurance.
She isn't concerned in the least.
Just give her the fuzzy and she is full of peaceful sunshine.

Oh, to be one again.
I love my happy little sunshine girl.
I love the new letters for her room.  A rainbow of happiness for my bald little baby.

You can find them at Love, September.  They come in so many beautiful fabric choices and fonts. I am so smitten with everything about them.  Adore.  But now I am thinking she needs the rainbow ribbon banner to match...

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solve the puzzle

I always wanted a sister.
A sister who could hijack my blog and do something amazing.

You know who has a sister like that?

Her sweet sister Jessica of the lovely
is hosting an Autism Awareness benefit sale on behalf of Mique's oldest son JJ's tenth birthday.

Please visit the Allora Handmade blog to learn more.

It is no secret that I adore Allora Handmade.
Remember the necklace?
I love me that necklace.

Well guess what?
Jessica is donating 100% of her shop proceeds
to Autism Speaks until January 15th.

That is a sweet sister.

Visit her shop, say hello and pick up a treat or two or dozen.
Believe you me, it will be hard to pick.

Happy Birthday JJ!



A while ago I chatted with Mique about making a special flower to benefit Autism Awareness. Today is the perfect day to unveil it.

1 in 110 children is affected by Autism.
Chances are you know someone that is.
Perhaps you can show your support by wearing this pin, or even by treating them to their own.

I will be donating proceeds from this puzzle pin to Autism Speaks as well.

Let's help them find answers to this complicated puzzle.

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a little different

I have loved hosting giveaways each Friday.
It is so satisfying to spotlight wonderful women.
Fantastic shops. Happy handmade goodness.

But I am going to take a little break from
regularly scheduled programming.

God has been stirring something in my heart for quite a long time.
It is exciting.
Big.
Scary.
More than I can do alone.
But I have Him.


My ultimate desire is to bring Him glory and change lives.

I can't wait.

Now I need you.

Want to be in on it?
Want to use your hands, your talents, your shop for
something much bigger than you could ever imagine?

Click on the Contact Me tab up on the left.
Let me count you in.

I can hardly contain my excitement.

It is going to be so very, very good.
I have been crying happy tears about it each and every single day.



I re-opened the shop and added some fun new flowers.
Half of all sales are going to buy water.

So shop and save lives.

Giddy. I can't wait to tell you what it happening!

Can't. Wait.

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Sew Fantastic Giveaway.

I am so excited for you to meet Terri of

Sew Fantastic.

I adore everything she makes and she pretty much has my dream fabric stash. You would not believe the rare and out of print fabrics she has. Can you say "jealousy"? A five minute shopping spree in her fabric closet would be almost better than winning the lottery.


"Hello to everyone at Joy's Hope. My name is Terri , I am a mother to one beautiful angel named Sophia, and wife to a wonderful husband named Rob. I started sewing at 15 teaching myself from library books and sewing on a vintage green and white Singer machine. From then on I was hooked, and 15 years later I am the owner of a great creative outlet called Sew-Fantastic. I started my shop about 2 years ago when I was pregnant, looking for a way to be able and stay home more with my little girl. I discovered Etsy last October and I am truly in love. Etsy as well as the blogging world, have been creative outlets for me, as well as my inspiration that comes from my family. I am truly blessed with everything I have been given and hope that I to can make a difference in someone's life the same way mine has been impacted through my blessings. I hope that everyone here finds their creative outlet and inspiration the same way I have, it really is a wonderful feeling to make something with your very own hands."


It all began with crayon wallets.
Beautifully designed, carefully crafted and charming.
I am thinking that my crazy monkey Lucy might even be able to occupy herself for lets say, at least two minutes when armed with this cuteness.


This is pretty much my favorite boy fabric. What little guy wouldn't want to be awesome at guitar and art?
Did I mention that they are machine washable?
That is honey to a mother's ears.
Especially one with stain removal OCD.
(Not like I know anyone with that problem....)


Her newest addition is the Sketcher Wallet.
Perfect for the tween who has outgrown the crayon phase, but still has the passion to create.
I wouldn't even mind sketching in style.
I truly believe that you are never too old to color.


This classic and funky Designer Carryall Clutch will save my sanity during the next few months. Moving, appointments, remodeling and general chaos can all be contained within it's stitched goodness.


A place for everything, and everything in it's place.
Plus a matching pen to boot.
She had me at hello.


This week Terri is offering
two winners their choice of
or

Can you say hooray?

How can you win?
(Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry.)

1. Visit Sew Fantastic.
Come back and tell me what your fave item it.
2. Make a purchase from her shop.
3. Visit her blog.
Leave some comment love.

A winner will be drawn on Friday, September 4th at noon.


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one stupid bird.

It is May 2007.
I don't sew.
But I heart handmade.
I am peeking through the custom boutique resells on Ebay and
come across a dress made with The. Best. Fabric. Ever.
I am obsessed.
I find out the name.
I google it.
I click on a link.
For a website that I have never heard of.
Etsy.
Within a day I am ordering fabric.
Within a week I am sewing.
Addicted.
Hoarding.
Dreaming.
Obsessing.
Nothing is ever the same.

Because of that one dumb little turquoise bird,
(which is so weird considering I don't even like birds)
and the fabric line that goes out of print as soon as I fall in love with it.
So thank you Urban Chiks.
Your Summer in the City line changed my life.
Now if only I could get my hands on some more for less than a million dollars.
Or go back in a time machine and buy bolts and bolts of it.
For now I will just cuddle my lowly charm pack and try to think of ways I could somehow multiply it.



Even sweet Janey is in on my bird fever.
She rocked her Lassie Girl pinnie and
matching grin today at the DMV.

Yes, I could eat her.
Yes, she is always this happy.

P.S. If you have any of this ridiculous fabric and want to be my best friend forever and ever and ever and ever let me know. Seriously. Best friend. Forever.

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a peek inside my brain

what is it...
crazy people don't know they are crazy?
so if I know I'm crazy, than I'm not, right?

let me take you on a tour of a typical night for me and my crazy brain.

It's 10:30.  
Jason's not home.  
All of the girls are sleeping.
My projects are done.
The house is picked up.
I just started a new book. 
(I haven't read a book since Twilight and that, well...)
I turn off the lights and head to my room for a few hours of reading.
But then I pass by the computer.
Maybe I'll just read a few blogs.
I set a ten minute limit.
Visit Kelly.
See this post.
Click on this tutorial.
Think, well my new book does need a bookmark.
Turn back on the lights.
Go the garage to collect supplies.
Set everything up.
Make a bookmark.
Think, well everything is out I might as well make a couple.
Soon one dozen bookmarks are sewn.
Then I have to trim them, 
so I might as well watch something on the Tivo.
How is it 3am?
Turn off the lights.
Go to bed and read.
One page in, I am falling asleep.
Save my place with cute bookmark.
Nite nite.

Who are these bookmarks for?
Make a purchase during my stroller sale and you just might find out.

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me. me. me. me. me.

Hi,
thanks so much for adding to the stroller fund.
I am giddy and crazy from too much coffee,
toffee crack and insomnia.
So what do I do?
for you  grown-ups who say

"if only I had girls..."
or
"I could never pull that off..."

You can.  I promise.
Or you can't and I am just a dork...
(well I am a dork, maybe I 
just look ridiculous)
which if that is true, let me live in denial.

To me, funky hair accessories are like shoes and purses.
They always fit.
They make me happy.
They distract from 
under eye circles,
spit up stains,
wrinkles in the land of botox,
straw like bleached hair,
and two inches of roots.

Have a good hair day, or at least pretend like you are.

Secondly,
something hilarious is happening.

Someone nominated me for 
two BlogLuxe awards.

Which I hardly deserve,
which I will NEVER win,
but are really fun.

(but if I can be honest, coming in 
last place... not very fun.)

So would you take a second and hop over
and cast a vote for little old,
over-caffinetated,
under rested,
messy flower wearing,
me?

I will big puffy heart you forever!


2009 <span class=
Really?

2009 <span class=
For reals?

(If you really puffy heart me,
feel free to vote every day..
just saying.)


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shameless plea for help


I need a new stroller.
I want a really, really, really nice new stroller.
My awesome Graco has been really good to me.
It has survived near weekly Disney trips for 
the past three years, countless walks and probably
one hundred beach trips.  But there comes a time
when enough is enough.  When it is near impossible
to push empty, much less filled with critters, a car seat
and tons of assorted bags, coolers, and beach toys.
I want my new stroller to be able to handle whatever
comes its way without wearing out or killing me.
I go to bed dreaming about this stroller.
I beg and beg for this stroller.
I pretend that Bumbleride will hear my pleas,
feel compassion and send me one.

But then I came back to reality and devised a plan.

I have dozens of one of a kind, limited  edition
Pretty. Messy. Flowers.
Would you like one?
Would you like to put me and my Graco out of our misery?
Would you like being a part of my dreams coming true?

What's that?
Your answer was yes?

Well lucky you!

I am having my first ever sale.
Buy two of anything in my shop and I will send
you a pin or clip in the color of your choice.

For reals.
For my super cool blog readers.
Just tell me your color preference and if you would 
rather a pin or a clip in the 'notes to seller' section.

Happy shopping means happy strolling.



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introducing...

After quite a few failed attempts,
most which looked more like a doctor's mirror, 
and less like something you would want to put on a baby,
I am happy to introduce the latest line of happiness in the shop.


Meet the Pretty. Messy. Baby line of headbands.
Perfect for the little one in your life who,
regardless of how much pink she wears,
or how over the top girly her carseat is,
or how you tell the stranger her name is Janey,
is still called a boy.
(Not like that happens to me.
Every single day.)

Now she can be called a boy with 
a stinking cute flower on her head.

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