gift for Kaden, gift for me

I went into Old Navy yesterday and fell in love with the toys that they are carrying right now. They feature puzzles, games, and books from Charley Harper! Both fun and visually stunning for Kaden and me! Find them here.

on inspiration and the world wide web

First, an update: A few posts back I promised I would let you know how the light keeper pro worked out. Well I did figure it out- it is pretty cool. I highly recommend them if you have a pre-lit tree.

Now on the world wide web: other than cleaning house, working on some designs, and playing with my little guy today, I, of course, surfed the internet. Can you believe the internet?! The avenues it has opened up to the whole world?!?! I subscribe to a bunch of blogs that inspire me and introduce me to all sorts of cool new websites, people and things. But sometimes I feel a little too inspired if you know what I mean. There are so many amazing people and things out there, who needs little old me?

There are so many cool things I see I never know what to share exactly that feels true to who I am, what I want this blog to be, and isn't just copying someone else. What I have come up with for today is oeuf. The products, the website, the images just spoke to me. Unfortunately they are a little out of my pricerange for the time being (as are most things that speak to me). But until I can afford them or learn to knit like my amazing mother, it doesn't hurt to share it with others and enjoy it all the same, right?! Below are some of the drool-worthy things you can find there.



See more here.

cute as a button

I really do plan to post more than just crafts on here, but these were my favorite things I saw from all of the blogs I saw on reader this morning. See these and other great Martha craft ornaments here.

It reminded me of a project I saw on Ali Edwards blog last year that I wanted to do. See it here.

december first

December is officially here! To me, December first has always meant the arrival of one of Santa's special helpers in my home, my beloved Mr. Goody. I grew up with a Mr. Goody at my house. Mr. Goody comes to watch over little boys and girls to make sure they are being good. Every morning Mr. Goody hides in a new spot for us to find him. We can't touch him or he will go back to the North Pole. I missed Mr. Goody from my childhood, so I am excited that Santa decided to send us a Mr. Goody this year:)

{I got him here}

In other December first related traditions I have seen a few advent calendars on this wonderful world wide web that I have loved. I don't have one yet, but am thinking of making one this year so that I have one next year. Here are a few favorites from my round-up.

1. craftastica blog creation.
2. flickr find.
3. from shimandsons
4. from mod cottage
5. found here. My sister did one like this last year that turned out really cute.
6. the oh-so talented Ali Edwards came up with this lovely idea.
7. from loveland misc. {free download!}

A few more flickr finds:

8. Love this style.
9. Love the fabric used on this one.
10. If I were a more confident quilter I might attempt this one.

And one more... how cool is this. I may have to start buying more mints and collecting tins!

thankful

"A Thankful Heart" by Morgan Weistling

It looks more like Christmas in my home than it does Thanksgiving, but I can hardly wait for the feast that awaits me tomorrow.

I must say I have MUCH to be thankful about. I am thankful to live in the United States of America where freedom rings. I am thankful to live healthfully and comfortably in my warm home with a loving husband and an adorable little boy. I am thankful for all of our stuff. I am thankful for how comfortably we live and for the loving family and friends that surround us. SO much to be thankful about. SO MUCH! For nature, for knowledge, for government, for technology. The list really could go on and on. Nothing but blessed. Nothing.

give thanks banner

I can't wait until I have kids old enough to craft with me. I think this may just be the cutest Thankgiving craft I have seen.

I am excited for Thanksgiving and need to get baking. In my home, however, I have been trying to get a head start on putting my Christmas decorations up since I will not be hosting Thanksgiving at my house.

We have our pre-lit tree up that we got on sale after Christmas last year. Does anyone have any tricks for fixing lights on pre-lit trees. We fixed a few bad sections last night, but there are still a couple of sections we need to figure out. We bought this at Home Depot to aide us in our attempts to fix the problem, but haven't quite figured it out all of its bells and whistles yet. I will let you know if we find an easier solution or learn to work our new little "Light Keeper Pro."

handwriting

{My handwriting}

I don't know if it is perfectionism, or being a girl, or what, but I have a tendency to be a little obsessive when it comes to handwriting and though I realize I don't have horrible handwriting I know I don't have beautiful handwriting. I remember from a small age admiring my dear friend Kelsie Donleycott's handwriting. It seemed no matter how hard I tried or how long I practiced my handwriting never looked as artistic as hers.

In fourth grade however my shining moment came. At my school each student was required to cover their books to protect them. Most everyone used kraft colored grocery bags to cover them and then we would spend much of our time after that doodling all over them. I had long been practicing "bubble letters" and somehow my bubble letters seemed to be outstanding enough that they had gotten the popular group's attention!! I was then commissioned to doodle on several of their kraft covered book with my doodle letters.

Maybe that was the beginning of my design career. At any rate, I, to this day, obsess over people that have naturally artistic looking handwriting.

To further exhaust the topic of handwriting, I found a few related things on the internet that I thought were fun.

1. This article displays skilled typographers handwriting. Turns out that a lot of typographers don't have that great of handwriting either no matter how beautiful of a typeface they design.

2. This silly quiz. These were my results:

What Your Handwriting Says About You

You are a fairly energetic person. You know how do pace yourself, and you deal well with stress. You are reserved and not very outgoing. You are deeply thoughtful and introspective. You have a lot of control over your actions and emotions. You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others. You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well. You are somewhat traditional, but you are also open to change. You listen to your head and your heart. You are a decent communicator. You eventually get your point across, but sometimes you leave things a bit ambiguous.

What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?