What Did I Do To My Hair?

I cut it. Chopped it off. Hacked it.

before the cut

I have been so sick of my hair for a long time now. It was falling out, splitting at the ends and the middle. I wanted it shorter.

immediately after the cut

But now it is super short.  And... Guess who cut it? ... Someone trained? Nope...  At least it wasn't my son. :) And for not being trained, my hubby doesn't do too bad a job. He tried to get what I wanted, but cut too short on one side... Ooops...

after a washing

It is getting a little easier as time has passes (this happened in the late afternoon yesterday), I know that once I figure out some ways to style it I will like it more.

I think I am going to try to train the sideways bangs...

Here are some not-so-great side views. Pics were being taken with my phone because I could not, for the life of me, find the sd card... Yes, I would probably loose my head if it weren't attached. I feel like I loose everything. Like the other day, lost my keys. You know where they were? In plain sight, on top of the dining table.

Hey, I found the SD card!

now, I'm just tired... and don't mind the mess in the background. Toys haven't been earned back yet and I am running out of room to put them.

tangent... check it out, I have an old 1988 National Geographic World Map hanging on the wall! I should really get that framed...

Baby girl would not look at me for several hours. But at least before bed I think she felt bad. She showered me in kisses.

So, honest opinion, what do you think?

Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop: Lullaby Line: Bodysuit and Pants Testing

*This post contains affiliate links. All views expressed are my own*

I know I've said this before but, I love testing patterns made by independent designers... The release of the Lullaby Line over at Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop is due sometime today is now available! I am so excited to share these with you!

The bodysuit is a lap neck, which I think for squirmy babies, sometimes is so much easier to get over their heads!

The shorts fit nicely over a cloth diaper and I plan on making several more pairs of shorts and pants.

I re-purposed an old stretch t-shirt for the bodysuit and the shorts. The shirt I used for the shorts I also used for the hat and scratch mitts, which I used more to keep them a little warmer and came off immediately because she would not leave them on!

Go look for the new patterns over at the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop! Stay tuned, I'll show you the overalls!

The whole Layette Line is available for $35! That is discounted $10! so...Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.

Shwin Designs: Number 9 Trousers: Cargo and Removable Dinosaur Lining {Flip This Pattern}

Ok. I have been needing to make little man some pants and I want to re-purpose some of our old pants. I have a huge stack of them sitting in our bedroom just taking up space and looking... well... Messy...

And, lets face it, even though we live in the desert the winters can get pretty chilly, especially when you are used to 100+ degree weather. Also, I want to take Nikolai to a part of the city where the houses all decorate with Christmas lights... Walking around at night; it's just too cold for a 2 (almost 3) year old.

So, what better than lined pants? Removable lined pants! I was going to use fleece but as I was going through my fabric stash we saw some dinosaur flannel. How wonderful is that? Nikolai was so happy when he saw that! Brandon asked if he wanted pants made with it and Nikolai just beamed! So, dinosaur flannel it is then!

The Shwin Designs Number 9 Trousers are fairly simple to put together and lend themselves to so many options! 

Here is what I did...

I repurposed an old pair of Brandon's khakis that no longer fit (This Mama Makes Stuff has a pretty good tutorial). I kept the zipper and front crotch seam, but cut the back at the pockets. I added side cargo pockets (perfect for storing toys)...

I love how the cuffs at the bottom look when they are together. I added snaps at the waist under the belt loops to attach the lining. Good thing it was a bitty chilly from the wind outside today, otherwise it would have been too hot (we have been in the upper 70's this week, hurrah desert weather!)...

I made a second pair out of the dinosaur flannel and kept the slant pockets but forwent the welt pocket on the back to cut down on bulk. I did a snap instead of the button in the front. Nikolai loves his dinosaur pants!

Linking up at Frances Suzanne: December's Flip This Pattern

*update 12/23/2013 - he has worn both pants separately twice so far (they are the ones that he goes to if they are clean) and has worn them together today to get a Christmas tree. He was so excited, "They work, mommy! I'm not cold!" he had exclaimed! :) I am so excited and proud! :)

Blank Slate Patterns: Vintage V-Neck {Black Friday Sale}

*This post contains affiliate links. All views expressed are my own*

Just wanted to let you know about another great sale! Blank Slate Patterns. is having a Black Friday only sale (and her stuff is rarely discounted!).

I used the Vintage V-Neck for Nikolai's Halloween costume{I just went up another size and used fleece} and am planning on doing more (of the shirts) when the Holiday's end!

This might be an awesome time to pick up the Beachy Boatneck pattern for the pattern flip in March! I also have been eyeing the Coastal Cargos. I've been thinking about making Nikolai some cargo's lately, it just seems like a cool pair of pants to have...

So go check out what she has! Click here to visit Blank Slate Patterns.

2 patterns for $10. Code is BLACKFRIDAY. Sale is good through the end of the day Friday. Discount on patterns priced higher than $7.95 is $5.90 per two patterns. The code will only discount 2 patterns, but can be used multiple times.

Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop: Comfy Cozy Slippers {And a BIG Sale}

*This post contains affiliate links. All views expressed are my own*

Don't you just love the holidays? I do! And I am really excited because this year, a lot of gifts are going to be handmade using my craft/sewing stash. And, I have already completed some stocking stuffers! Slippers using the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Comfy Cozy Slippers! I bought them with the robe and used the discount code to save!

I modified for the small pair a little bit because they did not go small enough for Samara's feet. I used the soles and toes from the classic footie pjs (size 6mos) and just downsized the heel to fit the sole and toes. I have to wait to try them on her when Nikolai isn't looking, don't want to give it away! I messed up with the direction of what was supposed to be lining (I used a knit) and the outer fabric (a fleece). But I think it looks cute this way. :)

For Nikolai's I used puffy paint on the bottom because I do not have non-skid fabric. Since this was a suggestion for the classic pjs, I figure why not on the slippers? I have his first name on one and our last name on the other.

Once I made the first pair, these were so easy to put together. The longest part for me was waiting for the paint to dry! I am gonna need to make me a pair and guess what? I can! the sizes range from toddler 3/4 to women 8/9 (and directions to go beyond)! Guess I can make this for years to come! :) I love longevity of things! Plus, if you do not want the back strap, you can make it without. It comes with the directions!

And now I'm sure you want to see?!?  Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop is having a sale! An awesome sale! It's the four days only. Gives you the chance to save even more!

*Update: Sale is now over. But, regular discount codes do apply!*

Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.

linking up at Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday

Happy Sewing, and prepping for the Holidays!

DIY: Color-Sorting Mat

I am so excited about this color-sorting mat. Nikolai just has so much fun playing with it! It doesn't matter how he plays with it I think, he is learning! So excited!

I found several nifty ideas for sorting colors online and on pinterest. Some of them were options that needed to be paid for. I figure I have *some* talent with sewing that I may as well give my own version a try! I even attempted embroidery for my first time too! So fun! And now, I want to share this with you in case you want to make your own. :)

Just Wanted to Share... Household Budgeting System from A Bowl Full of Lemons

I had been searching for a different way to budget for a while. If you follow me on Pinterest, you have probably seen some of the stuff I have pinned about budgeting.

I have wanted to make this wallet for the last 8 months. But I don't have the zippers nor have I taken the time to sit down and make it... But then, what good is it going to do for me without actually doing that type of budgeting? I used to do that way back before I met Brandon, but then stopped (why I have no idea). I needed to improved the system I had been using, but wasn't sure how.

Me, being the type of person I am, have to share this with you!

My Craft Space

I am excited to show you my craft room, though right now it isn't nearly anywhere I want it to be. But hey, it's a craft room and it's usable! :)  And, it is a lot better than what it used to look like. Isn't it just the way that things seem to go, the craft room or spare room seems to turn into a catch all for stuff around the house when trying to clean... Maybe if we had spots for everything it would be easier, or not as much stuff.... ;)

So when you first walk into the craft room, to the left is the desk where my sewing machine is located. I love the size (though a little big for the room). We acquired it in the move into this house 5 months ago. Brandon wants to cut a portion off the table to set the sewing machine down into it, but I don't think that is going to happen and now I am not sure if I want it to. The red chair was an acquisition with the house too.

The drawers are filled with scissors, sewing notions, thread, bobbins, old eye glasses and other crafting supplies, even baby food jars!

On the other side of the desk is an old couch that folds out into a bed but I am not totally taking a picture of that as it is in need of reupholstering, not to mention is has a box of carousels in need of a home and my yarn supplies for crochet work.

One more look at my Huge desk... It's awesome...

I have my ironing board set up in front of the window. That window gets so hot during the day. I think this room is one of the hottest in the house! I would show the view, but it is of the broken trampoline and the chicken coop. Granted the mountains are awesome, but not the other things...

My one bookcase is crammed with fabric in photo boxes, books, papers, albums, crayons and markers... I think I need more bookcases, but there is no room for them. The small plastic containers holds my scraps and WOF cuts organized by size. I very much prefer having these sorted by size than by color. If I need something 1.5" then I go into that container. It's so easy! The photo boxes are organized by color. :)

Then it is my craft table. Brandon made it when we lived in the old house. It's great for scrapbooking when I am putting my layouts together. I like to spread out. Course now it spans almost the full length of the room! The unpainted top was supposed to be a second table, but I am not sure the plans with it now...

I like my little cork display above the table... and my music notes...

This just makes me happy...

My grandpa made this, and my grandma painted it. It will always be special, and hopefully the current children can keep all the pieces together!

My project wall. A simple fleece blanket pinned to the wall. It works for what it has been used for. Right now it is sporting the blocks I got from the baby shower. I am still waiting on a bunch and trying to figure out the layout which has changed many times and probably will again before it is actually pieced together...

Last but not least, my music notes above the door... :)

I am linking up at Ellison Lane: Studio Spotlight Linky Party! :) Check out the craft/sewing spaces of others for some inspiration, admiration, or just to snoop... ;)

Potty Time!

It feels like it has been forever since we started trying to get Nikolai to use the potty. We tried naked, only to have him demand a diaper. We tried underwear, only to have him demand a diaper and accidents galore. (don't mind the yellow on the walls in the bathroom, we haven't decided what color to paint yet)

 

Then I started to tell him, as soon as the diapers are gone, you have to start using the potty. So then, after every diaper change we counted the number of diapers left and talked about when you wear underwear you have to tell mommy and daddy when you have to go potty...

Dinosaurs and the Fair

Last weekend I walked way too much! It took a toll on me and I was hurting on Monday and into Tuesday. But, Nikolai had fun and that was the whole purpose of last weekend! We were such tourists! :)

 

Friday I went fabric shopping! I got some fabrics from JoAnn's for a coworker's baby shower this past Friday! We shared the baby shower and I feel so thankful! The people I work with are amazing! It makes me sad to be leaving, but it is for good reasons. :) But I will do another post on that later. :)

Zoo Membership

Yeah... I caved in today when waiting in line to get into the zoo. It was incredibly busy. Thank you, Spring Break! Nikolai was not at all thrilled with having to wait in line to get in to see the animals. He kept turning around to look at me and say, "go inside? see animals?" Of course when I responded with a yes, but we needed to wait he thought that was a cue to start getting out of his stroller and head to the entrance. Some people waiting in line thought it was cute. I did not.

But it was at the same time.

He hasn't been through the zoo in a while. It's expensive and a bit of a drive. But as I was doing the math, the cost of a zoo membership for all three of us, if Brandon or I was to take him to the zoo at least another 3 times this year (until next March) we will have gotten our money's worth. If all 3 of us go, we only need about another 1.5 times. Not too bad. And it will give us something to do with Nikolai once baby girl comes along, maybe get in some parent and little man time in as well.

Crochet: Animal Bath Mitts

Isn't pinterest great? I found this cute project and thought that I just had to do it for my friend's baby shower! I made one for my son first to see if it was even worth it and he loves it! I may need to make the other animals for him!

Good News; Conundrum

Yesterday I had my 14 week prenatal check-up. I was talking with the lady at the front desk thinking how quickly this pregnancy has flown by. February 20th we can find out the gender of the baby! :) I am so excited! With Nikolai I was in the doctors office almost every week for the first few months, and with this one I have only been in 3 times! It is amazing the difference! But it is a relief at the same time, everything is healthy and looking good! And, in case you missed the last post, you can check out my preggo belly here.

Energy is Back?

I am so excited! It started yesterday. I do not feel nearly as tired as I have been! A sign that I am getting over this silly cold? Or is it because I have exited the first trimester? (Missed the news, check out our announcement pics here) Maybe both? But I have been really stressed because of moving (our closing date was moved back to the end of the month) and the mess that this house became after me being sick for the last 3 weeks and the holidays. A lot of sites have been calling this month Organizing Month, so I am going with that thought for today.

Tough, Difficult Week...

There is no other way to say that. This week has just been one kind of week that I honestly feel I could have done without. That is aside from a few things. I could have done without a lot of it.

 

 

I feel that I need to get it out today. Vent it out. Let it go. Release the tension, stress, anxiety and everything else that went on this week.

 

Take into consideration my work schedule is 7:50-12:30 Monday through Thursday...

Jelly Roll: the first blocks

I have finally started the first blocks on the jelly roll quilt that I have been meaning to do. It is amazing how little time there is in the day! I feel so swamped and overwhelmed with work and IEPs and everything. Then to top it off, we are just playing the waiting game right now for the house. Short sales are so ridiculous. But, if all goes well and things go through, it would be so awesome to be able to actually use the craft room. Blocking it with a baby gate is just a big pain in the rear to get in and out. Not to mention the cat box nastiness just keeps us at bay anyway!

Friday Happiness III

I feel I have to make up for missing a Friday. But I missed it because of vacation! And, it was Nikolai's first airplane ride! To make it even better, he loved it!

Ups and Downs were accompanied by ooh's and aaah's. He would open his mouth when we asked him to, and that later became a game (I think that he figured out it was a good thing).  And, I got to see my cousins! A bummer they live all the way on the other side of the country. It just means we get to travel to visit, and travel to someplace entirely outside our desert norm. :)

 

But this Friday we leave for camping. Two vacations in one week? How lucky are we? So exciting!