2012: New Beginnings

21Jan12

2011 was a good year. I have to admit, there were about three miserable months in there (morning sickness – need I say more?), but over all, a good year. I feel very blessed. God has given me more than I deserve (by far). Not necessarily material things (although I am thankful for those), but the things that mean more — reliable family, a loving husband, my needs met, an amazing church body, friends that I can have real conversations with, and most importantly, saving grace.

2012 is going to be a year of change for me and my husband. As I’ve already announced on here, we are expecting a baby girl in April. We are overjoyed to have the opportunity of raising a child of our own. We also bought our first home in December and are finally all settled in. It really does feel like home. I am anticipating getting the nursery in order and doing other DIY projects. Our house was built in the 1950′s, so there are plenty of cosmetic updates that could be done in the near future.

I’ve struggled with knowing whether to put personal things on this blog. Mainly, wanting to keep things strictly more design/informational than anything else. I don’t know — maybe to be more appealing to EVERYONE. But, honestly, that’s not what makes me who I am. I don’t find my identity only in the arts and crafts and pretty things. I’m a real person, with thoughts and opinions that I want to share without worrying if it is offensive to someone or not. So, with that said, 2012 is going to be the year I start blogging about life, too. Thanks to Bethany for inspiring me to do this. I’ve been thinking about it ever since she posted an honest entry on her blog.

Filed under: my life, Uncategorized   |  1 Comment

Sneak Peek

05Jan12

22 Weeks, Photo taken by Jonny Edwin Photography

I am very excited about a little project I’ve been working on, with the help of my photographer friend (Really, the only contribution I’m making is growing my pregnant belly). You’ll have to wait until my 40 weeks is up to see it, but here is one photo that is contributing to the masterpiece. It was taken at the Guthrie Theater in the Amber Room, overlooking the river. I couldn’t be more happy with the way things are going. A BIG thanks to the talented Jonny Edwin.

Filed under: me, my life, photography   |  1 Comment
Tags: Amber Room, baby, Guthrie, Jonny Edwin Photography, Maternity, Minneapolis, pregnancy

Baking & Other News

14Dec11

This past weekend was a Baking Extravaganza! On Saturday, I got together with a handful of my close friends and baked up a storm. We each made our favorite recipe — double batches — and at the end of the day, each took a portion of the different varieties home! It’s such a fun way to spend the day with dear ones. And on Sunday, I made more cookies and some Banana Bread with my Mother-in-Law and both Sister-in-laws! Needless to say, I now have quite the supply of sweet treats sitting on my kitchen counter.

In other news, Darin and I are planning for a baby GIRL this Spring. We weren’t sure we were going to announce the baby’s gender since we still felt a bit unsure with the unveiling — mostly because our Ultrasound Technician didn’t seem super confident during the ultrasound. But, I’ve had a few people tell me that when it’s a boy, it’s usually pretty obvious. So, I’m going ahead and telling people, even if my hubby thinks I’m being too confident.

Additionally, we’re closing on our new home in just a few short days! We will be sealing the deal early next week and moving in time for Christmas! I’m so very very excited to finally be a home-owner!

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Tags: baking, Christmas, cookies, new home, sweet treats, ultrasound, winter

Chunky Knit Cowl Scarf

30Nov11

Here’s an easy-peasy project that I knitted while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you’re a fast knitter, you could pull it off in 1.5 or 2 hours.

DEATS:
- 2 Skeins Super Bulky Cozy Wool by Loops & Threads, 90yrd (Michaels Craft Store)
- Sz. 17 Circular Needle in 19 inch length

Cast on 50 stitches and knit in the round until scarf measures 12 inches or desirable length, then bind off.

NOTES: My cast on stiches are slightly tighter than the rest, so I wear that side at the top because it is slightly smaller in circumference and lays nicely. If you’re good with decreasing stitches, you could taper off at the top by 10 stitches or so. Also, I found that the 19 inch circular needle worked OK, but, if you’re only going for 50 stitches in the round, a shorter length would do nicely.

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Tags: beginner, cowl, knit, knitting, project, scarf

FREE Printable Gift Tags

24Nov11

Happy Thanksgiving! In honor of the Holiday, I’ve decided to give away a FREE printable gift tag pack.

Why spend a lot on store bought gift tags when you can print your own? Well, now you don’t have to. Enjoy this freebie and check out more thrifty options in my etsy shop. For only $3, you can purchase the file and print AS MANY as you like, at no extra cost. Love to you all.

Pack includes 6 gift tags (3 “from” and “to” tags, 3 holiday wishes tags).
File includes .ai, .eps, and .pdf versions.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Check out my other PRINTABLE GIFT TAG SETS in my Etsy Shop.

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Tags: Christmas, free, Gift, holiday, ornament, print, printable, tag, xmas

Baby on the Brain

18Nov11

You may have guessed it already by my hinting in previous posts, so here is my official announcement: My husband and I are expecting our first child in April! The first few months were rough with morning sickness, but I’m feeling much better these days and have had time to start thinking about baby things.  Below are some lovely Etsy finds:

Links to above images: Squirrel toy, Marushka print, Wood blocks, Baby hat, Baby sweater, Sofi and Fish print, Baby blanket, Baby cradle

I will inevitably be posting about baby stuff in the future. Take it or leave it.

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Tags: baby, Etsy, neutrals

We Can Have Tea Parties Too

15Nov11

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a small Tea Party at my sister’s place. It’s not often you get invited to an event like this — at least here in America. A couple weeks ago, I got the cutest invitation designed by my sister, Dena Swenson. The party itself proved to be just as cute as her invite, if not more. She used vintage tea cups she inherited or found second-hand. The food spread was to die for — cucumber sandwiches, meat & cheese on crackers, and sweet treats galore — including fresh strawberries,  fruit thumbprints, biscotti and scones. And of course, a wide array of teas including tea brought back from England by our Mother, and some Trader Joe’s Christmas flavors. I only wish I was a better photographer so I could show you how delightful everything was.

Filed under: my life, pretty   |  2 Comments
Tags: english, tea party, vintage

Operation Christmas Child

14Nov11

This week is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s an operation run by Samaritan’s Purse to provide Christmas gifts to needy children, as well as bring them hope.

I turned in two boxes this week filled with candy, toys, hygiene items and clothing (forgot to take a photo). It was actually a lot of fun going shopping for my gifts. You don’t have to spend a lot of money if you think smart. I got most of my items at Dollar Tree for a buck each. I picked up a few additional items in the Target dollar aisle and made some too. I only spent a total of $25 on two boxes full.

If this tugs at your heart strings, check out OCC on the Samaritan’s Purse website. You can watch Idol Star, Scotty McCreery, give you instructions on how-to fill your box. All the tools and information is right there. But hurry – you only have until the end of the week!

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Tags: Christmas, Gifts, Needy Children, OCC, Samaritans Purse

DIY Gifts – Dad (free download)

05Nov11

If I don’t give myself plenty of time before birthdays or Christmas, I always find myself scrambling for ideas for that perfect gift. Let’s face it — when it comes to guys — they can be really hard to buy for. But there is at least one safe gift you can give — food.  Men like to eat, right? Well, here’s a simple, inexpensive idea that can be dressed up with a bit of creativity.  I give you The Nut Jar.

Dad label text says “these pistachios belong to DAD thieves will be punished”

I gave these to my dad and brother-in-law last year and thought I’d share a free printable template with you this year. Included in the free download is: one set of “dad” labels, and also one set of blank name labels you can print and either write in a name OR use pretty sticker letters or rub-ons to spell a name. NOTE: Blank label text says “these nuts (in case you don’t want to use pistachios) belong to ______ thieves will be punished”

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Downloaded Label Template (.eps & .pdf files included)
- Jar (I used an Anchor Hocking Jar from Target-$5)
- Craft Paper (or your choice)
- Paper Trimmer or Scissors
- Glue Dots or some form of adhesive
- Corner Rounder Punch (or freehand with scissors)
- Pistachios (mine is a 20oz bag from Target) or some form of nutty delight

Once you’ve collected your supplies, print out the template and cut around each rectangle using a paper trimmer or scissors.

If you chose the trimmer route, you’ll want to round the corners using either a corner rounder, or your scissors. Then apply your choice of adhesive. I personally like glue dots because they are less visible from the inside view. Once half of those nuts are gone, you will see the inside of the labels.

Lastly, adhere the labels to the jar (my jar has actual square guidelines and a nice flat surface) and fill with nuts. Decorate it with a pretty bow or get creative another way!

Hope you have fun making your own Nut Jar Gift! And please — share these free printable labels with friends! Enjoy!

Filed under: diy, holiday   |  1 Comment
Tags: Christmas, Dad, diy, Gift, Men, Nuts

Happy Birthday, Hubs

03Nov11

Happy 28th Birthday to my lovely husband.

Darin, I thank God for you. I could not have asked for a better match.

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