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

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

Fast Food...

I've blogged many times, about Lauren's Little Pink Playhouse. To date, it's the best money, that Billy and I, have ever spent on a toy. No lie!

Anytime that Lauren has some money, she wants to buy something for her playhouse. When anyone asks Lauren, what she wants for Christmas, or her birthday, she asks for something for her playhouse. Lucky us, T-Lo always sends something fun!

I can't lie. The other night, I couldn't sleep. So I logged on to our computer, and started "Blog Hopping." :) Not only did I find a fun, and new blog...I found this fun pattern!



In our house, we make pancakes once a week. And on special days...like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. This was a "no brainer" to me. I printed off this pattern. Looked through my yarn. And tonight, I'm going to start working on it.

This is going to be one of Lauren's birthday presents. :) I just wish that I could find some other quick, and easy patterns. Because I know that she will enjoy some new toys, for her playhouse. I don't mind buying the patterns either. So if you have some ideas, please leave me a comment. I'm always looking for new ideas, patterns, Etsy shops, etc.

~Manders

Little Polka Dot Tea Set

It's almost been a year, since Maribel got her tea set, from her Nana. AKA T-Lo. It was her birthday present. And immediately, Lauren was in love with it! LOVE! It looked just like this one. By the way, isn't this the cutest?!?!?! (A potential birthday idea.)



Well, we've searched everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE for this tea set! With absolutely no luck. A $5 toy from Wal-Mart. And it's causing so much stress! Lauren doesn't ask for much. Honestly. But this little set, she's been eyeing it for so long! Lola, Sals, Anna Marie, Emmers, Gabi, Crafty Mom, and Lizzie have all looked. With no luck. :(

It's almost Lauren's birthday. And I'd LOVE to give her this tea set. I've searched online, in stores, and at yard sales. With no luck! So I'm turning to you. My dear readers. Have you seen this tea set? I'd be willing to pay you for it. Please, if you can help, please leave me a comment. Thank you all!

~Manders

Planning 2 Birthday Parties

I spent 3 hours, last night, on this website. Trying to get some ideas. My kiddos' birthdays are in a few weeks. About 6 weeks to be honest! And I have absolutely no idea, what kind of party, we're going to have.



I do know, that we'll throw Lauren her own party. And the following weekend, the twins will have theirs. But that's all I know. Last year, Lauren wanted a Cowgirl and Pony party. That just what she got. :) It was really a lot of fun! And we had a cute Barn Animal party for the twins. This year, I'm all out of ideas!

Sals is planning a Sesame Street themed party, for her twins. Such a great idea. Because they LOVE Sesame Street. Me? I have no ideas. AT ALL!!! Lauren has no specific ideas either. Last year, she knew months ahead of time. This year, she just wants a strawberry cake with whipped cream. :)

Do you have any ideas? We'd welcome any suggestions! Any! To be 100% honest, I'm leaning towards a ballerina or dress up party for Lauren. She's big into both of those areas. And I think that she'd enjoy it. For the twins...I have no idea. What kind of party can I throw my sweet babies?

~Manders

New in 2012: Downton Abbey

I want to try something new on my blog. I want to document one of my goals for 2012. Trying new things. Every Friday, I'm going to tell you about something new, that I've tried. Something new, that I did, that week.

We're starting this week off, slowly. Mostly because my family and I, have been traveling. But there is something, that I've wanted to do, for a while now. Watch Downton Abbey.



Lola had been telling me about it. And it sounded like an amazing show! Weeks ago, I finally ordered the series. And I made sure, to pack it in my suitcase. While the BBs were doing their thing, I was snuggled into the dressing room. With my laptop, and Downton Abbey. I'm not lying!

I did watch some of the BBs shows. But not all of them. This is totally normal for me. But instead of reading magazines, or watching YouTube videos, I watched this show. And it's AMAZING! Billy was laughing at me. Because I'm sure, I'm addicted now. :)

I'm planning on finishing up Season 1, while my kids nap. I should have it done by next week. And I'm definitely all over Season 2. It starts Sunday night! So I have to TiVo it. Because I won't yet be done with Season 1.

In my new project, I'm looking for some ideas. I already have a little list. Sitting right here on my desk. And I want to know, and hear from you, about some ideas. What are some ideas or things, that I should try? Please leave me some suggestions. Let's see what 2012 has in store for me...

~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

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

Boy Crochet...Needing Some Help

My SIL recently found out she is having a little boy. We're so excited for her and my BIL. I really want to crochet something for them. But I can't find any good boy patterns. Either they are really ugly. Or too girly. Can someone help me out? I don't mind buying the pattern either. I just don't want a girly stitch. Something for a little man to wear. Thanks!

~Manders

Cherry Kisses

I know that these are "Special Edition" candies. But for the last few years, around Valentine's Day, I've seen these in stores. In fact, I usually buy a few bags. I leave one out. And put the rest in the freezer. That way, over the year, I get to enjoy these delicious candies.

But this year, I didn't see a single one! Not one. Has anyone seen them? Or are they forever discontinued? I hope not. Because these are honestly some of the best candies. Yes they are! Not as sweet as the chocolate covered cherries. But sweet enough to really enjoy. Oh, I hope I find some soon!

~Manders