Even the darkness must pass

Tags

Literature, Lord of the Rings, Morning Wisdom, Quotes

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Alice’s Apron

Tags

Alice in Wonderland, Birthdays, Crafty, Literature, Parenting, Party Planning

Lil’ A’s big Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party is fast approaching so it’s high time mama got busy! This morning I made the apron for her Alice costume to great success.

I must admit that I cheated a wee bit. I purchased a white canvas child sized apron at Joann’s last week and some trim to speed up the process. Observe…

One canvas apron to get things started.

2 yards of trim was just perfect for lining the apron. The head loop was way huge so I cut it off and extended the trim all the way around to create a new opening.

A quick stitch all the way around to attach the trim to the apron.

I hadn’t planned on adding a sash but after the first fitting, Lil’ A declared the apron too long (she was right). Rather than starting clean over, I took it up in the middle and stitched across to secure, then attached the sash.

White Rabbit buttons in fastened to the top corners for a touch of whimsy!

Final fitting and one happy Alice!

I am super thrilled with the result and so is Lil’ A. She wanted to wear it all day! She did get to wear it at the park for a quick mini photo session with Miss Amy and her lovely assistant Jackie.

Next on my to do list… My Queen of Hearts costume. That’s gonna be a dozy!

*Note: A’s blue and white floral dress pictured above is a thrift store find. I’m pretty sure it was homemade. It is perfect for her Alice costume!

What I wore yesterday… {Celebrating Father’s Day}

Tags

Fashion

I’ve been a bit lax on the fashion side lately. The past 2 weeks have been spent getting ready for a yard sale and heels really aren’t basement stairs climbing attire. So when we headed out to celebrate Father’s Day with K’s parents, I dressed in something other than a tee and old shorts.

Floral blouse ~ Meijer
Aqua skinny jeans ~ Target

Purple suede platform heels ~ Target

I so so so love these shoes. Also… I know I mentioned this on Facebook but I desperately want a tutu.

Good news: I have a phone interview Wednesday afternoon and because it is a phone interview there will be no need to have a nervy b about the one thing that sends me over the edge… WHAT TO WEAR! Wish me luck!

My loves {Reflecting on Father’s Day}

Tags

Family, Love, Parenting

My little girl is so very, very lucky to have such an amazing daddy. I can honestly admit that there have been times that I’ve been a slight bit jealous.

My father is a good but very complicated man who is weaker than his demons. He loves all of us very much but there have been times that his addictions kept him from being the man he wanted to be. I have learned a great deal from my father. He taught me the importance of a solid work ethic, the necessity in being well informed and to always vote, how to have empathy for others because we are all struggling, and a fierce sense of loyalty. I am so much my father’s daughter – the good, strong side.

Lil’ A has a daddy that can teach her all of those important lessons but also will provide her with the security of his dependability. K will always be there for her. There is a sense of peace in that knowledge and I am so grateful he is able to give her that gift. I always joke and tell him that I’m glad he found the love of his life and while I know it’s a completely different type of love it’s one I could never penetrate (nor would I want to do so).

  

Choices

Tags

Eleanor Roosevelt, Morning Wisdom, Quotes

Source: bellaxthree.wordpress.com via Beth on Pinterest

Happy Father’s Day!

Tags

Parenting, Star Wars

Source: thechive.com via Andrea on Pinterest

The greatest thing…

Tags

Morning Wisdom, Parenting, Quotes

Source: piccsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Silly, honest, kind

Tags

Morning Wisdom, Quotes, Ralph Waldo Emerson

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The books by my bed

Tags

Books, Library, Literature, Me

Continuing my book theme for today’s posts, I wanted to share the titles that are currently stacked up next to my bed and on the nightstand. Some I can’t wait to read. Some I have started and stopped. One I always keep there for inspiration.

The Book of Jonas by Stephen Dau
Hand Me Down by Melanie Thorne
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (I’ve started this one 3 times but just can’t into it)
Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James (I read about 35 pages and am now bored. Thinking it’s time to return this one)
Any Day Now by Terry Bisson
Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden
Hope: A Tragedy by Shalom Auslander
Mad Women: The Other Side of Life on Madison Avenue in the ’60s and Beyond by Jane Maas
The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
Gossip by Beth Gutcheon (which I completed last night)
What Would Jackie Do? by Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway
The Pocket Muse: Ideas & Inspiration for Writing by Monica Wood (my nightstand staple)
Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin (both borrowed from my SIL and waiting to be read)
Diane Warner’s Big Book of Parties by Diane Warner
Nigella Kitchen by Nigella Lawson
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace

Everything I check out for the library is lovingly stacked right in front of my nightstand. It’s not only an organizational method but also a security blanket. I can reach down and have something to read at anytime.

In my youth, I forced myself to finish every book I started. For some misguided reason I felt it a personal shortcoming to not be able to finish a book. Now I give a book 30-50 pages before I chuck it if it can’t hold my attention. There are far too many amazing works out in the world that will grab my attention.

What books to you have on your nightstand?

Book Party {Pinteresting}

Tags

Books, Crafty, F Scott Fitzgerald, Library, Literature, Party Planning, Pinterest

There seems to be a bookish theme on the blog today! It’s been ages since I created a Pinteresting post. So I as slip back into sharing my favorite finds why not have a virtual book party!

I really miss my book club. We always had such a wonderful time usually not talking about the book at all! Maybe I will try to start one up in the fall and use some of these fabulous ideas to make the kick off event even more special.

Such a fun wreath to welcome friends to the club!

Vintage books as decor

Book page table runner with decorative edges

Vases full of book page flowers!

It wouldn’t be a party without confetti

Candles at a hint of mystery and romance

Bookmarks as a thank you gift

Literary inspired cocktails ~ Cheers!

Now I really want to through a book party! Who’s in?