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

Stylish Baby!

I'm always telling my sister, that she should have a baby. I know, I'm a bad influence! But she's been married nearly 2 years. And I know that she would be such a GREAT mom!

Lizzie likes to come and visit us, as often as she can. We live a couple of hours from each other, and she works full time. So it can get a little complicated sometimes. Being that she is usually off at the beginning of the week. And Lauren goes to school M-F.

But when T-Li, that's what my kiddos call her, comes over, it's always loads of fun! My sister is known to crawl into Lauren's playhouse, for hours of play. T-Li likes to dress up in a tutu and high heels, to pick up Lauren from dance practice. Heck, my sister runs through the sprinklers with the kids, 5 minutes before we leave for church! :)

I told you, she's fun. One of the things my girls like the most, is playing "dress up" with T-Li. She ALWAYS brings my kids new, and very stylish clothes. Fashion is very important to my little sis. I tell her, she need a baby, to dress up too!



This hat just reminds me of my sister. I can just imagine it. If Lizzie were to have a little boy, she'd dress him up in little button up shirts, and the hippest hats. Probably with little loafers. Forget it, if she had a little girl!

But I guess I'm just dreaming now. I'd LOVE it, if my little sister would have a baby. But I know that's not in her immediate plans. That's OK. But I'm pretty sure, I'm going to make this hat. And save it. Maybe a little "lovebird" will come sooner than later! :)

~Manders

Super Cute!

In the last few months, so many people we know, have welcomed a new little one. It's such a blessing! In the next few months, we know of a handful of babies, who will also be born. I'm telling you, this is such a joy!

I've wanted to branch out. And make a few gifts. Something made with love. I've made a few things for our nephew. And our friends' little girl. But I'd like to make a few more gifts. For some upcoming Baby Showers, that I'm invited to.

I'm not the fastest crocheter. Nor the best. But I try. I have a few projects that I'm working on, for my own kids. So I was looking for something simple. But cute. And I found just that, in this pattern!



I'm seeking some help from Lola. I want to make the hat for newborns. And well, Lola has been at this, a lot longer than me! I want to have 3 or 4 done, by May. Fingers crossed. I can get this done! Because this hat, is seriously cute! I wonder if Abby would like one too...

~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

New in 2012: Crafting with Felt

One of the things that I've always loved, is crafts involving felt. Before I even got pregnant with Lauren, I used to Google felt crafts. And I would just stare, at all the beautiful pictures. Reading tutorials for hours and hours.

When I was pregnant with Lauren, we moved to Texas. To the family Ranch. Near the end of my pregnancy. Right before we left, I bought a bunch of felt, and other craft supplies. I had all these big plans. But I never got to them.

Over the last, almost 6 years, I've bought so many cute hair bows, hair clips, headbands, and other items made out of felt. And you know what, it just makes me want to craft even more! I was pleasantly surprised Monday, when I found my box of supplies. I was cleaning out the closet in our guest room. And there it was. I put it in my office, and knew, I'd come back to it.

Monday night, after the kids were asleep, I took to Google again. And I found some amazing inspiration. Granted, most of it has something to do with Valentine's Day, I want to try these projects. Take a look...



So stinking cute! These hair clips have to be my favorite project! They're similar to some the Lola made for Abby and Lauren. They look so simple to make. And I can just dream up, so many fun color combos. :)



And this cute headband. Just imagine all the fun headbands, that I could make, for Spring and Summer. I've already begin to buy the kids warmer weather clothes. These would make the perfect addition, to all those new dresses. :)



This heart headband, is just too cute! I was thinking of making one for Lauren, Maribel, and a few of our nieces. I might be getting a little ahead of myself. But it's just too cute!



Valentine's Day garland. What more can you say? Isn't this adorable? I think it would look so cute draped over our kitchen windows. :)



How about some gorgeous Valentine's Day wrapping? So simple. But very cute! Now to think of what's going to go inside...



And finally, a little project for me. A fun necklace. I'm thinking more of a soft pink, light grey, and white scheme.

Do you like all of my inspiration? I actually got down to business on Wednesday night. I whipped up some hair clips for my girls. 2 flower ones, and 2 heart ones. I want to try and tackle some headbands this weekend. These projects are so simple. And fast! Can you think up, any other ideas for me to tackle?

~Manders

New Project

One of my goals for this year, is to get crafty. To actually, put some of my craft supplies and gear, to use. Good use hopefully! :)

I especially, want to start creating things for my kids. Things that they want. Things they can use. Heck, I have entire files, on our computer, with saved pictures and projects. And I need to actually start working on them. The first that I'm about to attempt, is this cute hair clip.



For the world of me, I can't remember where I saw this picture. I even Googled, "Karma Box." I got nothing! But I know that this project looked pretty easy at the time. My daughters are in love, with all things Hello Kitty. And have I told you, they won't leave the house, without some type of ribbon, bow, or hair clip.

I have my felt, some clips, and embroidery thread. I'm ready. I've never attempted something like this, but I'm very excited! Lauren has already asked me, if I can make Hello Kitty clips, in different colors. Because she'd like to wear them to school! :) I guess, I should get started! What other projects would you suggest for me?

~Manders

Did You Say Hello Kitty???

Just the other day, I ran into Wal-Mart, for a few things. And to my surprise, they had this HUGE display of Hello Kitty items. Abby was so intrigued by them. She kept her eyes glued to that display.

When we got home, and I was making dinner, she came into the kitchen. To tell me all about the Hello Kitty stuff. Describing everything to a T! And she really wanted a hat. The one with the kitty face, and big pink bow. When Billy got home, she told him, exactly what it looked like.

That night, after the kids went to bed, Billy headed back to Wal-Mart. And he couldn't find it. He actually went to the 2 stores nearest us. No luck! So I called my sister, and asked her to keep her eye out, for the hat. In fact, the next day, she went looking for it. Yet again, no luck!

Billy had some business stuff to work on, so he headed to the larger city, near us. And ended up, going to all the Wal-Marts in town. The very next day! Still no luck! I called friends, and family. Nothing! Just my luck. The one thing that Abby wants, and I can't find.

Lola recommended that I try to crochet one. I had honestly never thought of it. So I began my task with Google. And I came up with this picture. Isn't it cute? Most importantly, it has the "Big Pink Bow," that grabbed Abby's attention!



OK, I must have some bad luck. The link was to a listing on Etsy. That's no longer listed! Boo! So I saved the picture. Consulted my dear friend. And I have a plan. Let's just hope, I can get it done before Christmas! :)

~Manders

Crochet Bear Hair Clips...Yes Please!

My beautiful baby girl, is all grown up. And adjusting perfectly, to school. I think the easy transition, is because Lauren is going to school with her best friend, Maribel. They're even in the same class! I on the other hand, I'm not adjusting as well.

That means, I'm trying to keep busy. Being that my daughter is in school from 7:15AM-2:15PM, every day! The twins, well they still nap for 2+ hours a day. So I'm going a little crazy. That means, I'm trying to expand my crafting. So I took to my dear friend, Google. :)



Aren't these absolutely adorable? I'm not exactly sure what they're "real use" is. Mostly because, I couldn't find the source. And this picture, is as far as I got. But it got me thinking. Lauren has to wear a uniform to school. But they're allowed to wear cute accessories, shoes, etc. I want to try and make these. And turn them into hair clips!

Don't you think that will be cute? She wears bows, hair clips, or a headband every day. I think these little bears will be perfect! I might have to call Lola. You know, to help me out. I wonder if Lola can figure it out, just with this picture. I sure hope so!

~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