Aurora's Photo Adventure.

My little three year old, Aurora, drives me crazy and also brings so much joy to my life. Seeing the world through the eyes of a toddler is always an interesting experience. She is amused but the simplest things. We could play hide and seek for hours or pizza parlor tea party and she’ll never get bored with it. Recently she’s become very fond of using my phone to take pictures. She loves flowers and trees and has grown pretty good at working the camera on my phone.


It amazes me how quick she catches on to thing. I think I’ve got a budding photographer on my hands. I love my little artist!

Sorry I haven’t been blogging very much lately (or commenting.) Between blogger being very goofy and my current photography class being extremely difficult I’ve kind of pushed blogging onto the back burner. I promise I will be back in full force next week. There are a lot of wonderful things to come!

Speaking of that; is there anything you could like to see more of from my blog? More blog love? Etsy Finds? Tutorials? Leave a comment and let me know!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

it's my birthday, i'll do what i want!

Birthdays have always been pretty important to me. I was an only child growing up so yes, I was a little spoiled. My parents were always wonderful and gave me the best they could. I didn’t get everything I wanted but I did get to be the center of attention a lot. Now that I’m a mom it’s nice to have that day/week and say “It’s my birthday, I’ll do what I want!” The fact that mother’s day is in the same month as my birthday is just a bonus. Call me self centered if you want but the other 11 months out of the years it’s all about my family, so I can have one right?

I’ve been crazy busy lately as well. I don’t think I’ve ever sent out so many e-mails before. I think that’s a pretty good sign though. I’m working hard to make my blog and Etsy shop something to be proud of. It’s what I really enjoy doing so it should be the best it can be. My school work may be suffering slightly for that but I learned my lesson. I just had to resubmit my first project ever; thankfully my Professor is extremely understood.


At the beginning of this week I made a list of all the things I wanted to get done. I must say it has been working way better than the daily lists I used to make. I’ve been feeling pretty productive but not over worked at the same time. I still have a lot to cross off and I keep adding too it, but I’m getting there. I started out pretty down in the dumps but this week has really been perking up!

I’ve been contemplating spoiling myself a little for this birthday. Most of the time when I have a few extra pennies to rub together I run out and buy more craft supplies or take my daughter to McDonalds. Since I have a few extra dollars of birthday money I’m thinking of spending it on a new and fun camera. I’ve really been trying to make photography enjoyable for myself again. Since it is my major I should at least want to take picture right?

Do you have any fun camera recommendations for me? I was thinking something in the ways of a 35mm lomograph camera.


Veronica from Crack the Sky got this White Angel – Wide Angle Lens that looks really fun.

I’m still up in the air. If you could buy yourself something a little special for your birthday, what would it be?

I know something that you could all get me for my birthday. Take some thought into donating to one of the great organizations that are helping those affected by the recent tornados and flood waters that are distorting our beautiful country. Those people need more than I could ever ask for right now.

Don’t forget: today is the last day to enter the little birthday custom order giveaway!!!

One more thing before I'm done. Here's a little Birthday from Zac Hanson. Maybe it was for his 21st Birthday and I'm way past that but everytime I watch it I crack up! So, enjoy...

baby bump: 27 weeks

I went for my 27 week check up yesterday. They did a sonogram to check on her growth and she seems to be doing really well. It amazed me how much she looks like Aurora, well, from what I can tell. Her nose and face shape are almost the same. I’m guessing she’s going to have a lot of hair like Aurora did because I’ve been having some pretty nasty heart burn as well. I’m at 172lbs right now. I’m so glad. I thought with all the eating out we have been doing that I would be a giant by now. As long as I stay under 190lbs I’ll be really happy. I’m determined to get down to size after this pregnancy. I didn’t try very hard after I had Aurora and I kind of regret it. I’m not going to go crazy, I’d be happy being 150lbs. I’ve been smaller than that before but I just don’t look right when I weigh less then 140lbs. I feel like a bean pole. I was built to be bulky and I’m happy with that.

Speaking of kids, I was wondering why no one warned me about the terrible threes! I thought I had trouble when she was two, but wow. Aurora turning three has brought a whole new attitude. I struggle to get her to do anything. I never had to really put her in “time out” before and now it’s an everyday event. I’m at a loss for potty training too. Yes, my daughter is three and refusing to use the potty. She knows how. I know she knows because she does it… sometimes… Ugh… I love that little girl but she is really wearing on me. If any other parents have tips on potty training PLEASE let me know. I’ve tried rewards, stickers, charts, and even letting her run around without pull-ups or a diaper. Yeah, I refuse to give up but at this point I’m running out of ideas.

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! I’m getting geared up for some things I’m really excited about. I hope I can pull it all together.

why do you blog?

Alycia from the curious pug asked an interesting question “Why do you blog?” It got me thinking. I feel like my blog recently took a shift in a very strange direction. I think I was trying to be like everyone else or something like that. I needed to take my own advice and be myself on my blog. The more my blog started to represent me, the better I felt, and the better the response I received.

So….

-To journal my families adventure in moving to Arizona-To look back and remember-To connect with others-To be creative-To share things I make with others-To share how to make things with others-To put my thoughts out there because it makes me feel like I’m doing SOMETHING-To vent and rant-To share things that inspire me-To get feedback-To comment on other blogs about their thoughts, feelings, and creative-To support other artists and bloggers

I could probably go on forever. There are so many reasons why I blog but the bottom line is that I love to do it. I hope you love to do it too!

So, why do you blog? If you post about it also go ahead and link it back to Alycia’s blog post! I want to read everyone’s. I think it’s funny that everyone’s response is pretty much the same and totally different at the same time.

baby bump: 24 weeks.

All I have to say is that I’m hungry and swollen 24/7. I have suddenly become a Thanksgiving Day blimp of a pregnant woman. I have kankles and cracked dry skin and I’m not so pleased about the 90 degree weather we’re been having lately. I know I sound like a sour puss; I’m going to blame the pregnancy for that one.



Yesterday I tried to put on my favorite comfy/frumpy but still cute preggo shirt… I could barely breathe… Needless to say that sent me on a whirl wind of emotions. It’s amazing how over night my stomach can grow twice its regular size. This little girl is a giant! This led me to the idea of going shopping last night. Maybe find a few spring dresses to wear during the really hot days in Phoenix. This doesn’t seem like a terrible task, right? I guess I was wrong.

I have always hated clothes shopping. I love clothes and fashion, don’t get me wrong, I just get so frustrated at spending money on it. I didn’t even go anywhere fancy to try and find something. I figured Target and Wal-Mart would be good stops. I’m hoping I only have to wear these clothes for a few months so I didn’t want to spend a boat load of money or anything. Some people may say I’m cheap, and I am, I can admit that. Something just gets to me when I see a cute simple, yet mass produced, dress that I have to pay even $25.00 for. I know that it was probably made by some poor woman making pennies an hour, cranking out hundreds of the same silly frock over and over again.

After making a few purchases I ended up driving home, in tears, calling my husband complaining about my horrible experience. He laughed a little. I go through this same thing just about every time I go shopping. My husband calmed me down and rationalized the situation with me. He helped me come to the conclusions that if I don’t want to buy something from a store, why not just make it myself? I’ve always been happier with things I’ve made than anything I’ve bought from a store, so why should a dress be any different? So I’m challenging myself to create a summer dress. I’m going to return the clothes I bought and get myself some fabric and go at it. I’m terrified! I’m not sure my sewing skills are really up for this but what have I go to lose!

If you know of any good dress patterns or sewing tutorials please send them my way! I’m determined to make this happen. Sorry about the clothing rant, I couldn’t contain myself. Thanks for sticking it out!

So, you opened an Etsy shop...?

I’ve been thinking about what steps to take next with my Etsy shop. Opening an online shop and getting those first few sales can be very exciting. So… now what? What’s up next for my little endeavor? I think May is going to be a very good month, at least I hope.

My journey:

1) Attended two events in front of the Butter Toast Boutique that were a big success.
2) Worked on photos and descriptions for my Etsy shop.
3) Created and shipped out my first official custom order.
4) Finally opened up shop! Yay!
5) Had my first two sales and successfully shipped them out.
6) Got great advice from fellow sellers that I couldn’t be more thankful for.
7) Listed new items and started creating new work.
8) Relisted.
9) ???


For the very first time I have decided to sponsor another blog. My shop ‘with a chance of’ will be sponsoring the curious pug. I’m really very excited about the whole thing. I know that it will totally be worth it and I can’t wait to see what the outcome will be.



I’ve been slowly but surely adding new items to my shop. You’ve probably seen my necklaces, hair clip, and combs soon I hope that I’ll have a whole new line of products to add.



I also have another little surprise for May, but you’ll just have to wait and see what it is.

I also feel like my blog is seriously lacking direction. I want to rework it a lot and get it more focused. I've been postin A LOT but I feel like my posts are lacking something. I want to put more effort into my posts like I used to do. I feel sometimes I just crank and bunch of posts out just to post. I'm really going to work on the quility of my posts, not just quantity. I'm thinking about even breaking my blog into two on that is personal and one for my Etsy shop. Who knows though! I have a lot to think about!

Do you have any new plans for your blog or shop? Any suggestions for me? You know I’m always up for good ideas!

just another blogging advice post.

All over the web you will find a million blogs and websites with a million different ways to tell you have to make a great blog. They will tell you how to get the most traffic, how to cater towards your audience, and even make a profit from blogging. I am taking a moment to add to the list of successful blog advice sites. I may still be a beginner, and I don’t have a zillion followers, but I have ideas and since I have a blog so I am going to share them.



1) Be Yourself. I think it’s really important to stay true to who you are as a person on your blog. It’s easy to lose yourself in links, photos, and information. Don’t forget that you are really the true story behind you blog. No matter if your blog is about family, cooking, or crafting you are the author.

2) Be Kind. I love getting comments on my blog. It makes my day bright and makes blogging feel worth it. Writing nasty comments to someone on their blog just isn’t cool. Let’s all follow the golden rule here people: Do unto others as you would have done to you.

3) If you express an opinion expect an opinion back. If you go on a rampage about a touchy subject expect negative feedback. This goes a long with #2. If you go on a tangent about on a touchy subject people are going to react, both in a negative way and in a positive way. Now if your blog is full of touchy subjects then you should be used to bad comments, but sometimes they can be pretty shocking, so be prepared!

4) Don’t forget to have a life. I think this one is mainly for me. I have a total obsessive personality, so when I find something I like, my world revolves around it. I can’t help but check my blog a million times a day, and read through my dashboard just as much. Sometimes I have to slap myself and remember there are other things in life besides blogging. And if I didn’t have a life, what would I blog about?

5) Be original. Although it might be the highest form of flattery copying another person’s work it isn’t very nice. A blogger probably worked very hard to come up with the ideas for their site, stealing it isn’t cool. There are a ton of blogs out there that have very similar, but they all stand out because of the individual nature the author gives them. I’m not saying don’t use someone else’s ideas as inspiration; just make it your own. Who wants a carbon copy?

6) Take your own advice. You can read and research and copy as much as you want but when you start blogging you are out there on your own. You’ll have the support of a million great bloggers but on that computer screen it’s all about you. If you don’t enjoy your own blog it will show. Have fun! People will want to come see your blog if you want to come see your blog!

7) Write about what you want to write about. Chances are no matter what you write about someone in the world is going to be interested in reading about it. It could be the most off the wall topic but someone in the south of no where will be interested in the same thing. Don’t be afraid to take a risk sometimes. It’s totally worth it.

I know I have a bunch of more things I say about blogging but I’m going to leave it at that for now. Enjoy the people you meet, and the things you find in the blogging world.

What blogging advice do you have?

Etsy Shop Grand Opening!

The moment is finally here. My Etsy shop is finally open and I have listed my first offical items. I'm excited for the future of this shop. The floral hair clips and pins are just the beginning. I can't wait to share the rest of my ideas and items with everyone!

Thanks everyone for your support and smiling a nodding through all of my talk about opening this shop. It's been a long time coming and I don't expect it to be a success over night I'm just extremely excited I finally got over my anxiety and opened up shop!

So, now that I'm open, what do you think? You know how I feel about feedback! The more the marrier!

Have a great day everyone, thanks again!

Overcoming my fear of…

the sewing machine.


{source}

I consider myself a pretty crafty lady. I’m not the best at everything but I’ll try anything at least one time. I really enjoy finding new outlets for my creativity, and I’m really still trying to find my niche in the crafting world. Back in the days of Home Economics I was a wiz kid on the sewing machine. I made just about everything and I really enjoyed it. I was a “tom boy” though, so sewing wasn’t supposed to fit into the things I did. I stopped soon after those classes ended and never touched a sewing machine again. New that I’m older I wish I never would have stopped. I received a really nice sewing machine from my parents two Christmases ago and it still sits in it case. I’ve attempted to use it a few times, but got frustrated and gave up.


{source}

Traci and Jasmine over at Butter Toast has decided to create a lovely bunting banner to decorate their already beautiful shop. I then began to think of my fear of my sewing machine and home many amazing projects I’m missing out on because I’m too scared to use it. Really, I’m afraid of making mistakes. If I can’t do something perfect the very first time I do it I tend to give up on it. It shouldn’t be that way and I definitely don’t want my kids learning from my poor example! So I’m going to take out the old sewing machine and for the next couple of weeks really give it my best. I have some time off from school, and even though I have a million things on my “to do list”, I think I need to try something new. Who knows what will come of it!


{source}

If you have any tips or sewing machine ticks PLEASE let me know! I’ve been perusing the Burda Style website for some ideas but I can use all the help I can get.

Oh, and thanks to Traci for inspiring me to overcome my fear! (Good luck with the Bunting!!)

someone call the board of health, kat cooked!!!

First off let me start with say that I HATE cooking. If you didn’t already know this fact it is one of my least favorite tasks. I think the main reason I had cooking is that it grosses me out. I hate seeing food, mainly meat; go from its uncooked form to cooked. The smell the texture… ew… I have come very close to becoming a vegetarian many times. Not that that would really matter now, I cook for my family and that’s the important part.

I’ve been trying to find new recipes to try to get us out of our food rut. We always make the same stuff over and over, and frankly, if I have to eat another noodle I might vomit. I have also been trying to make much healthier meals. With the second lil one is brewing inside me, I’m TERRIFIED of how much weight I’m going to be gaining this time around. I’m much hungrier than I was with Aurora. Hungry hits me like a ton a bricks. It’s either eat that very second or pass out, scary.

So, to get to the point, last night I attempted to make stuffed peppers, and amazingly no one got sick and they tasted great! They are so easy and super filling! If my husband (the bottomless pit) could only eat one, so I did a good job!

After searching google and consulting with my mother, I came up with a pretty happy recipe. I found it on Allrecipes.com.



Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 cup water
• 6 green bell peppers
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until evenly browned.
3. Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers. Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward. (Slice the bottoms of the peppers if necessary so that they will stand upright.)
4. In a bowl, mix the browned beef, cooked rice, 1 can tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper. Mix the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed peppers.
5. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, basting with sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

I did change it slightly. I didn’t use tomato sauce with seasoning; I decide on Classico’s Four Cheese Pasta sauce. I mixed that in with the rice and meat as well as putting it on top (with shredded cheese of course!) They turned out soooo yummy. I’m definitely going to make them again.

Wow, I can’t believe I just blogged about food… crazy! What's your favorite recipe? I need some more ideas!!!