Cuddly Crochet

Not long ago, Lola was working on some cute presents. Baby Shower gifts. But to me, the little animals, would be perfect for my kiddos! When I asked her, where she got the patterns, she immediately pulled out this book!



Oh, goodness! These are cute patterns. And this book is AMAZING! I just can't find it anywhere. And that makes me sad. I was shocked, to find it out of stock, on Amazon. I guess, I just have to keep searching for it...

~Manders

Big Girl Shoes

Recently, I was searching the internet. For a little inspiration. A little fun. Something to add to my wardrobe. And this is what I found...



Oh wow! The perfect shoes! With a CRAZY price tag attached. I'd LOVE this shoes. Maybe in another lifetime. Because I just can't get past that price tag!

Pink, sparkly, red bottoms, high heels...what more could you ask for? If I had a pair of these, I'd be a little worried, that I'd on my way to Baby #4! :) But aren't they gorgeous?!? One can dream....

~Manders

If Only I Could Find This Dress...

I'd be such a HAPPY Lady!!! I just LOVE this dress. I found it, somewhere on Pinterest. But there was no source. Now I can't even find that Pinterest source. And I've spent way too many hours, searching for this dress! But I can't help myself! I just adore the color, style, and print of this dress. If only I could find it!

~Manders

Eyelet Love!

I have a little confession to make. I've been searching, for an eyelet dress, for a while now. More than a year, to be honest. It all started when I saw my sister, wearing on. It was last summer. And she paired it, with some roughed up boots, and turquoise jewelry.

Since then, I've been wanting, a similar dress. Well, sort of. I was looking for something a little more, simple. I've always liked eyelet. In fact, my daughters, each have 5 dresses, made of eyelet! So I searched. With not luck. Until, I went shopping at Forever 21! And I found my dress!



The best part, it was on sale for $15. I've found it here, listed for $27.80. I don't think, I've been this excited about clothes, in years! Let's not tell Billy, I bought a few more things too! OK, a lot of stuff. As in 4 bags. :) But honestly, I had just cleaned out our closet. And was left with little clothes for summer. Oh, it was a good trip to Forever 21!

~Manders

Bedroom Ideas

With our "Big Girl," turning 5 yesterday, we've been wanting to do something. Something special! Lauren has pretty much, had the same room, for 5 years. It's beautiful! Lola designed it for us. Sewed everything! Cari painted beautiful murals.

But Lauren is 5 years old. And we think, it's about time, that she got a "Big Girl" room. Something more special. More Lauren. So we talked to Joe. A good friend of ours. Who is also a very talented carpenter! And Lola. A very talented designer, and organizer! We've decided, to give Lauren, a new bedroom.

So I've done a little research. A little digging around. With Lauren a bit. And a bit on my own. And this, is what we've come up with, so far.



Maybe something "Fairy Tale" inspired! Believe it or not, Billy and Joe found this. Lauren LOVES it! And from what Joe told us, this is very doable!



How about a Cinderella carriage? Maybe a little over the top for us! But this definitely reminded me of Sarita!



How about this? Much more Lauren's style! But honestly, would my daughter, ever get rest? Would she sleep? Or would she want to play all night?



This is the same idea, but I think is a little more "sleep friendly." A place that Lauren, could actually sleep! But still have some fun in. :)



Or should we go with something more "Grown Up?" Something that Lauren can "grow into." That say, in 5 or 10 years, she can still use.

So many decisions! But our Big Girl deserves it! We might not know, what the details are. What "theme" we will go with. But Lauren did tell me, it's definitely going to be pink! Oh sweet girl! I wouldn't have thought differently. This from the girl, who dreamt of pink Christmas trees!

What do you think? Are we crazy? Do you have any ideas? I do know, it's not going to be as detailed, as Miss Emma's Snow White room. But it will be something special. Just for Lauren!

~Manders

Beauty and the Beast

Have you ever caught a movie, and just fell in LOVE with it? How about watching it, with your kids? Yes, my kids and I, happened to find Beauty and the Beast, on TV. Not the Disney movie. But this movie.



Unfortunately, we found it, halfway through. And I haven't been able, to find it, on TV again. So I went looking for the movie. To buy it. And can't find it either! Very sad. Because my girls just loved it! Have you seen it anywhere? Online? In stores. I really wish I could find it. Because honestly, it was a good movie! And I'd like to watch the entire movie.

~Manders

For the LOVE of Wisteria

I've ALWAYS liked wisteria. Since I was a little girl. :) Just loved the way it looked. Draped over a fence. Last Spring, I had every intention, of buying 3 bushes. But, at the end of Summer, I realized that I hadn't! :(

Over the Winter, I was talking to my friend Cari about this. And she told me, that this Spring, she'd give me some. Oh, Cari's yard is beautiful! I wish that she'd post some pictures of it, on her blog. She doesn't just have a "green finger," she has an entire "green hand!"



It's ALMOST Spring. And it's starting to warm up around here. I honestly, can't wait! Is it crazy, that I've been counting down the days, until I get my wisteria? I just have such high hopes for it. To grow outside our "reading room." At least that's what my kiddos, call our living room! Or even up the trellis, outside our bedroom. Hurry up Spring! We're all excited for you!

~Manders

Quirky and Cute

Lately, I've been really interested in accessories. I came across some really fun pieces, that I want. :)



Have you ever seen such a fun and unusual ring? The House This? Ring is just so quirky! I've surprised myself, with how much I want it.



How about a deer ring? Lauren really likes this one too! She keeps calling it the Bambi ring. It's called the Fawn Never Stops Ring.



And my personal favorite, this deer pin. It just reminds me of days past. Of a more rewarding time. I could just imagine, something similar, in some dusty Antique Store. Mixed in with some old buttons. The Love You Deer-ly Pin is my favorite.

I really want these little trinkets. They're such fun additions to anyone's wardrobe. Something that adds a bit of whimsy. A little interest. What's something, that's catching your eye lately?

~Manders

Good Intentions Wedge...It's Love!

For weeks, possibly even a few months, I would visit ModCloth's website daily. Yes daily! Why? Because of the Good Intentions Wedge. It was love at first sight!



The beautiful blue leather, literally was calling my name! I wanted these shoes so bad. But I couldn't get past the price tag. Until a recent, late night search. When there was only 1 pair, in my size! I took the plunge, and bought them.

I've had these beauties for a week now. I've worn them twice. I just can't wait, for the warm weather to come...and stay! Because these shoes, are going to be my new best friends!

~Manders

Soda Fountain Dress

Do you ever get an idea in your head, and you can't get it out? I've been hunting for a cute dress. Something with a classic shape. But a fun color.

I thought I found that dress, at JC Penney. But it turned out, to be a disaster for me. That gorgeous magenta sheath dress, was just not meant to be. I couldn't find it in my size. There was one a size too big, and plenty that were a size too small. And let me tell you, I searched everywhere! I really wish that I could find that dress!

Right before Christmas, Lizzie emailed me. A link to this cute dress! But it was before Christmas. And I didn't want to spend any money on myself. 2 days ago, Lola performed in this color. And I just fell in love with it! After the show, I was telling her, that she needs to buy that dress. It was just perfect on her. The right color, style, and fit.

It only got me thinking, about this dress again. The color, is so saturated. And I think it looks amazing, against dark hair! Lola and I got to talking about this dress. And I'm 100% positive that this man found out about it. He just adores his precious girlfriend. And this morning, a box arrived. With 2 of these dresses. One in each of our sizes!



I was so shocked! I definitely didn't expect it. And I'm positive that Lola didn't either. But let me tell you, this is one of my favorite dresses! I can't wait to wear it. Maybe Billy and I should plan a date! :)

~Manders

Dreaming of Snowflakes...

Am I the only one, that thinks snowflakes are for the entire winter? My mother-in-law just sent me this picture. And it has me dreaming of a window, decorated with these snowflakes. :)



I grew up in the mountains. And I'm used to months of snow. Now just a random day or two. Oh, if I could just find a snowflake pattern. And this thread. I'd get started right now. There's something very "vintage" about these snowflakes. Something playful. And oh so fun! I wish I had a bunch, to make into a garland.

~Manders

Smashbox Burlesque Set

I've had a few friends ask me about the holiday collections that are coming out. One that I would not pass up, would be the Smashbox "Burlesque Set."



Especially if you've never tried Smashbox Cosmetics. This is a GREAT buy! And you get a little of everything. I personally have this case. And I'm a fan. It's a great buy, and you get to play with so much makeup! I'd say, add it to your "Santa Wish List."

~Manders

Hmm

I was very excited, when I read about a giveaway, on Lola's blog. I didn't think I'd win, but I figured I'd give it a try. You never know what will happen. Right? So I went to this certain blog, and read all the rules. I started to go through these steps, including "following" that blog and the sponsor's blog.

I did all of this because I was excited about the giveaway prizes. You had the chance of winning a $25 credit to Love Stitched. Just look at these pretty pieces.

This necklace immediately caught my eye!

And this headband. I really like it. Not too childish. But something I'd add to an easy updo. To just add a bit of elegance and whimsy.

Because I was working, I was doing this in steps. I "followed" both blogs, looked in the shop for my favorite items, and I was getting ready to blog about the giveaway. I had a few minutes before Lola made the switch from the LBs to the BBs. You know, when I have to work.

As I was going to go write a post, I noticed something in my "Reading List." The giveaway winner was already posted. Some 3 hours before the giveaway was over. I re-read the giveaway post. No, it said that you had until 11:59pm EST. It was only after 9pm EST.

I was a little sad. Because I wanted a chance to enter. But I wasn't going to waste my time. Obviously, the blog owner had decided to end this giveaway early. I was most sadden by the fact ,that she was still accepting "entries" in the form of comments. I know this, because she had to OK the comments.

I don't hold this lovely shop at fault. Honestly, they have some beautiful items. I'm already putting together a list of things that I'm going to purchase. This was a giveaway that was being done on another blog. What do you think of the situation? I know it's a giveaway. And it's something, that someone else, is doing for hundreds of blog readers. But what happened to a fair playing field?

I'm just wondering about the integrity of this blog, that I had been reading for a few months. I'm no longer following it. Because I just don't know if the blog author is credible. Not just because of this one post. But I went through other posts. For pretty much all of the giveaways, done on that blog, the "Giveaway Winner Post" is a "scheduled post." Not sure what that has to say about this person. Being that all of these posts where written and "scheduled" while the giveaways were still open.

Hmm, I don't know what to think. But again, I don't blame the shop. The shop owner had nothing to do with the way the giveaway was being run. Like all the previous sponsors. I guess it just makes me question some of the blogs that I read.

~Manders

Cuteness!

Here is another cute pattern that Mrs. S blogged about. Isn't this cute? This definitely makes me want to crochet. If we get some free time on Sunday or Monday, I'm going to go buy some supplies. With every cute pattern, it just makes me want to crochet more and more.

I think Lauren would also enjoy these veggies. You know, to play with. In her playhouse. I hope crocheting isn't too difficult. Because I'm really feeling inspired. I just want a fun hobby!

~Manders

Adorable

Mrs. S blogged about this cute little set today! How have I not already learned how to crochet? Probably because Lola is always making us some amazing things. All of my kiddos have the cutest and most precious little items. I just wish that I could make them too. I should probably start with buying some supplies.

~Manders

Booties

I've been thinking a lot about booties late. Not the kind that my twins were wearing a few months ago. No. Booties like in this picture.

I read a post on Lola's blog recently. And it just made me smile. There are so many different styles of booties. Sandals, peep toed, and just little boot type. But I need to schedule in an hour or so of shopping time. That means Billy is going to be on "Daddy Duty." He really does enjoy hanging out with our kids.

And honestly, I couldn't imagine trying to shop for shoes with my 3 kids. They're not bad. But twins and a 3 year old...ya, I need some time away. I really like #4 on this picture. And I've seen some other styles that I like. I just need to go shopping!

~Manders

Cute Crochet

Lola's mom posted about this little pattern today. It's adorable! And it makes me smile. I just wish that I knew how to crochet. I really want to learn. And I'm going to ask Lola to show me, during the gigs in October. I'd love to make little things like this. Just to decorate our house.

~Manders

Dreaming

I've been dreaming about going to a spa. Just having a few hours to myself. To stop and breathe. Perhaps have a meal without holding one of my children. And maybe just maybe, not feel like I'm a feeding machine.



Doesn't this look so peaceful and relaxing? Maybe I'm just tired. It's nearly 5am, and I swear, the last time I looked at the clock, I was putting my son down for the night. He had just ate. It was nearly 1am. Here I am, feeding him again. He's an eating machine!



Just a few minutes. Sans husband. Sans kids. Just me. With no worries. Just 5 minutes. To stop and breathe.



and a massage! What I would do for one of those! It's been months. Maybe even a year. It's not that I don't love my kids. I love them with all my heart. They are my world. And I would do anything for them. But mommy, she's tired. Breastfeeding twins is like a 18 hour job. I love it. But at the same time, I just want 5 minutes.

My son is done eating. Maybe I can catch a few minutes of sleep before Abby wakes up. She is like me. She likes her sleep. And Billy, well he'll keep Lauren entertained until 7am, when he goes to work. Time for mommy to get a little more sleep. :)

~Manders

Chanel No. 22

Chanel No. 22 is one of those gorgeous fragrances that Lola introduced to me way back when we first met. It is a light scent. Softer than No. 5. More like a little sister to No. 5. But the scent is elegant, immediately reminding me of an elegant lady. It reminds me of a time passed. Of pure perfection.

This perfume was first introduced in 1922. It is made of white flowers. The notes include: orange blossom, peach, citrus, orchid, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vetiver, and vanilla. Lilac, jasmine, and rose can also be smelled. You can only purchase No. 22 at Chanel boutiques. It is a little on the pricey side at $175.00 for 200ml.

Honestly, this is an investment piece to any perfume collection. A bit difficult to find. But one of those fragrances that just has you thinking of elegant ladies. One that is always on my Wish List. Chanel No. 22 is one of those fragrances for special occasions.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.