freshly picked

I have been eyeing Freshly Picked baby moccasins for years, so naturally I was beside myself when presented with an opportunity to try a pair out on my Evyn girl.

These adorable handmade moccs are the real deal. Durable and sturdy, they are fitted with elastic around the ankles to ensure that they don't slip off baby's feet. They are available in a variety of colors of leather and suede.

I could not be more pleased with the quality and performance of these moccs! Evyn loves them, too - they help her walk with ease and she doesn't slip on our wood floors when they are on her feet. Plus, two words: Radiant. Orchid.

I'm also hosting a huge giveaway on Instagram that includes a pair of Freshly Picked moccs as well as a bunch of other treats for mama & baby. The giveaway is running for just a few more hours (ends at midnight tonight!), so get moving if you haven't entered yet!

**While I received a pair of Freshly Picked baby moccasins for free in return for this review, I was not paid to write this post.**

updates for days

Wooah. So. Much. Info. To. Share.

Let's just delve right in. This has been a busy, BUSY season in my life. It's funny, I feel like once school starts things will actually calm down- probably because we will actually have a set schedule. But, who am I kidding? I'll probably still be running around like a crazy person, because that's how I do.

My first VeryJane deal went super well, yet I did pull my first all-nighter of my whole life finishing up as my deadline loomed. So a few weeks later, I got the itch again, and here I am- currently I'm taking a break from cutting and ironing, in preparation to again make over 150 headbands for my second deal, which ended a few days ago. But bonus! As I sew the night (and early morning) away, Netflix comes to the rescue! I am an expert on many things now, thanks to Netflix, including Taylor Swift, Auschwitz, nursery schools in NYC, homebirths, and I also mastered the first season of New Girl and the entire series of Felicity. I've also listened to many o' sermon, podcast, and my entire iTunes playlist so many times that listening to them now brings me to the point of nausea. And yet, I love it all. I love growing my business, making some money, and feeling like I am contributing financially. It's stressful but fun.

Speaking of my shop, there have been a few more exciting things unfolding. I prayed so hard for my business to grow. I prayed that just ONE opportunity would come up. Most of all, I prayed that God would reveal Himself to me through even my business and keep my heart and intentions focused solely on Him. Not focusing on money, popularity, success, or my own skills and creativity, but ONLY on Him. And, with that mindset, He has graciously chosen to bless me. I need to have daily (sometimes hourly... okay, by the minute) heart-checks to be sure that I am not focused on how many people have favorited my shop or commented on my photos or how many sales I've made- and if I do let myself be consumed with those things, to be serious with God and if my intentions are not right, to request He take everything away from me. I love that He can grow me and change my heart through ANYTHING, even through business, as silly as it may sound. I pray that I consciously need Him every single step of the way.

The past few weeks have been a little extra stressful with the all my work and endeavors combined with mothering combined with Ryan being out of town all week. He got a new job and is training - so being mom and dad for weeks straight has been hard.

I've also updated my shop with tons of new pretties - and I have even more to photograph and list. I just tonight brought a bunch of headbands to my salon and they will be for sale there as well. 

Also! I am going to be a vendor in the Sashes Market at the The Influence Conference at the end of September. I am terrified and nervous. But crazy excited.
Also, also. I was a contributor to The Tethered Crate this past month and I'm giving away a shop credit on The Tethered Crate blog - there's still a few days left to enter!

We had some special visitors this past month. Kerry, Rob, Luke and Lilah stayed for a quick and wonderful visit at the beginning of the month. The next weekend, the Wards came to spend a super awesome few days with us. And then the next weekend, my sweet Sarah from Boston visited for the weekend. Love.

Then there's my kids... Brynlee is 4 going on 25, Mac is suddenly potty trained, and Evyn is a crawling machine and has two teeth threatening to poke through. How is this all happening all so fast?! I do love it so much though- I love my big kids and I love the reward of them becoming less and less physical "work" and more and more molding and teaching and humor and eye opening wonder. Just the other day, Brynlee randomly said to me, "Mommy, the world is just so interesting!" Oh my sweet girl.  Sometimes I feel like I learn way more from them than they learn from me.

NYC in 40 hours & a giveaway

Whoo, the past few days have been a whirlwind. My mom-in-law and sis-in-law took a quick-but-full trip to NYC for the weekend to celebrate Leah's golden birthday (which is today). I had never left Evyn for more than a few hours, so leaving her for the weekend (in Ryan and my father-in-law's capable hands) was a little unsettling for me, but I just tried to relax and have fun. Which we SO did.

We caught our 6am flight on Saturday, sleepy but excited.

We explored 5th ave after finally getting checked into our hotel.  Our original hotel was closed due to the damage of hurricane Sandy, yet Expedia failed to notify us.  Those Vera Bradley bags get pre-tty heavy after awhile.

The one shop my mom urged me to visit was Tinsel Trading Company, which was full of vintage goodies and treasures.

I had been on the hunt for the perfect gold-tipped flats for awhile and had no luck.  I especially wanted them for the concert we were attending Saturday night (pretty flats + tons of walking = win).  So, I bought these Target flats, taped them off, and spraypainted them gold (and sealed them with a satin clear coat).  I couldn't be more happy with them.  The one chipped a bit, probably as a result of all of our walking, but I'm thinking it's fixable.

We were excited to dress up a little for the concert... and yes, BANGS!  Still not sure about them, but we'll see.

We saw Tyrone Wells (a favorite of Leah's) on Saturday night.  The show was incredible, and the venue was amazing.  We had a blast.

Sunday morning, Leah and I slept until ELEVEN.  I'm pretty sure I haven't done that in 4 years.  We fueled up on lots of Starbucks all weekend.  There was a strange/awesome exhibit of these alpaca-like beasts in the lobby of Grand Central Station, so naturally we took a picture of ourselves chilling in front of them.

My friend Dezirae told me that I must visit Purl Soho, and she was right.  It was an adorable wonderland of all things sew-y.  I bought some fat quarters just because.

And, oh this girl.  My MIL and I were making fun of how Leah was walking in the airport with her big bag in front of her and her purse behind.  Never a dull moment with those two.  We had the time of our lives.

*****

Here's a little happy for your Tuesday - I'm reviewing and giving away TWO PRINTS from French Press Mornings over at She {hearts} It today.  Sweet Jenny is offering a discount code, too.  I wish I could win!

winter essentials giveaway

Giveaway time!

I'm so excited! I thought I would do a fun giveaway of some of my favorite and essential items this winter.

One lucky winner will receive all of these items: 

1. Pretty teardrop necklace.  I may/may not have this necklace in mint and coral as well.

2. Touchscreen compatible gloves.  Because it's freezing outside but I still need to maneuver my iphone.  Obv.

3. Cutest journal.  I am so obsessed with pretty journals, and OF COURSE the notebook paper inside must be college-ruled.  Which it is.  I've been scribbling lists and She Reads Truth notes in mine.  With a black pen - my preference.

4. Starbucks gift card.  Five bucks.  Buy yourself a drink and a half (ha) on me.  I've been warming up/waking up with the vanilla spice latte made with soymilk.

5. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1.  This lip balm has been my favorite for years and protects my kisser in these cold temps.

I haven't been sponsored in any way in doing this giveaway, I just love STUFF and love sharing the awesome stuff that I've discovered.  And, I love everyone who reads my blog, which is mostly people I know IRL so I may even be able to deliver it to the winner in person.  BONUS!

To enter, follow the directions in the Rafflecopter widget.  Giveaway ends next weekend.  XO!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 I recently discovered Pick Your Plum... LOVE! 

I'm giving away a Plum box full of crafting swag worth $25 over at She {hearts} It... 

entries close tonight at midnight! I wish I could win!

GO ENTER!

I {heart} Earth Mama Angel Baby

We're kicking off our Baby Boom Virtual Shower at She {hearts} It! 

 Today, I'm reviewing Earth Mama Angel Baby and giving a lucky reader a chance to win a  

A Little Something For Mama-To-Be gift set. 

Enter HERE, and stick around for tons of great upcoming reviews and giveaways in honor of our baby boom!

I {heart} jamberry nails

I am in LOVE!  

GO WIN SOME over at She {hearts} It! Today's the last day to enter!

I {heart} ArtWark handmade jewelry

Check out my review of ArtWark handmade jewelry over at She {hearts} It. I am so in love with this sweet "Mother's Love" necklace and Sarah is offering an awesome discount until Mother's Day as well. Check it out!

Also, the H2Z wrap bracelet giveaway ends tomorrow - go enter!

Happy Thursday!

I {heart} H2Z wrap bracelets

I'm featuring these gorgeous H2Z wrap bracelets over at She {hearts} It today. Hop on over and enter to win one of these pretties! H2Z is also offering a free shipping code. Go! 

thoughts on a Wednesday

My mind is a jumble right now. Here's my brain unload for today. 

1 - I am CRAVING ramen noodles like crazy right now. I haven't actually given in yet, and I cannot stop thinking about them. Brings me back to my college years. 

 2 - I haven't made even a small nick in my projects for the week. Oops. 

3 - Check out the great giveaway going on over at She {hearts} It today... you could win a prize pack of plantable paper, cards, and a journal. I love the idea behind these products! 

4 - Speaking of She {hearts} It, I am really excited to share my latest review and giveaway item over there this Friday! Carrie graciously stopped by today to do a quick photoshoot (oh I wish I knew how to model... or just not look silly in front of the camera) featuring the giveaway item.  

Here's a little outtake :)

5 - I am 17 weeks pregnant this week! It's flying by. I've already been having Braxton Hicks contractions for weeks now! I am confused though, as I sift through the pictures that Carrie took of me today... is my face pregnant or is my belly?! Sheesh. I've only gained a few pounds so far but I've blown up all over. I guess this time around my body is doing what it wants to whether I like it or not! Heehee. 

6 - I bought my Hunter wellies last fall and have been loving them. Love the functionality, color, and look of them. Worth every penny. However, I've been noticing a strange film covering them for awhile now and would rinse them off with water, only to have the film return to them almost immediately. I was crushed at the thought of these expensive boots being ruined. I finally turned to my good friend (and worst enemy), Google, and discovered on this blog that the film is actually the rubber "sweating" out a fat, and the white film is a result. Kinda gross, right? She suggests using olive oil to get rid of the film. So I tried it... 

before

after

YES!!! I hope this is a long term solution... and I hope this helps any of you out there that have had the same problem. 

7 - So, is anyone else so bummed that Picnik is gone forever? Gone are the days of easy collages and edits. I tried to do a little collage of my boots side by side (which would normally take mere seconds in Picnik) in the new Photobucket editing thing, and after trying to "layer" and such for 20 minutes I gave up. I think I need to just suck it up and learn to use Photoshop. It's always been a super daunting thing to me but I need to do it. Also, is anyone else totally hating the new blogger posting format? I am having so many issues with it! I'm not good with change. Bah humbug. 

8 - Today is Wednesday. Wednesday nights are small group nights, which mean... naps for both kids at the same time! I really should go clean the kitchen. 

9 - I also need to get going on this yummy dip, which will be for group tonight. I throw in some mozzarella, too, for good measure. Can't go wrong. 

10 - I am thrilled that I've gone over 100 Etsy sales in my shop this past week. Please feel free to use the code HUNDRED25 for 25% off your whole order until next Wednesday 5/2 in celebration of me hitting the big 1-0-0! Yay! 

11- I've been meaning to document this little tidbit about Brynlee- she just loves dancing. She's always, always dancing and is always in costume. I have taught her a few basic ballet moves, but I really think I am going to get her in dance class sooner than later. I never thought I would put my three year old in a dance class but I think she would really love it and catch on quickly. We will see. I think part of the fun for her is the costumes and she loves trying on Leah's old leotards and costumes when she is visiting my inlaws. The funniest part though, is that I think she thinks a "Leah-tard" is called that because she dresses up in Leah's old ones! She kills me. Nana got Brynlee her own leotards (Brynlee-tards? baha!) for her birthday and she loves them too! 

12 - I still haven't finished unpacking from vacation. We got home over a week ago. Distress. 

13 - Something pretty to end with. Love. 

daybook

Outside my window...

it's chilly, almost freezing... hoping the tree buds that have formed in the freaky-abnormally warm Spring weather we've had in the past week don't freeze off.

I am thinking...

about many things... mostly about how I'm hoping and praying Brynlee doesn't have a high fever tomorrow like she's had in the past two days. It hurts me so to see her so miserable, plus I'm not feeling too hot either so it's a recipe for crankiness all around. Let's just say I'm pretty sure the past few days have been a mothering fail. Clinging to my word of the year.

I am thankful for...

quiet trips to the grocery store (with a Tim Horton's cappuccino in hand) after sick kids are in bed. I seriously circled Wegmans about six times tonight, just because I could.

I am learning...

that I would have loved to live in the early 1900s. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. I love today's technology and stuff, but the properness and tradition of that time intrigues me... or perhaps it's just Downton Abbey that intrigues me. Or maybe I'm obsessed. And maybe I watch the interviews with the cast members a little too closely. And maybe season 3 needs to come out, like yesterday.

I am creating...

decorations and a menu for my B's birthday party this weekend.

I am going...

out for hibachi tomorrow night (grownups only!) with our small group... as long as fevers don't make another appearance tomorrow (please please)!

I am hearing...

the monitor. The usual.

Around my house...

so much is getting done! My dad and Ryan are building built-in bookshelves in the living room and my mom has been painting the kitchen cabinets (eeeee!) and I have been cleaning up after them and pretty much just bossing everyone around.

One of my favorite things...

is giveaways!!! Don't forget to enter the Nourish Organics sugar scrub giveaway on She {hearts} It... and Keight is now hosting a giveaway for a free pair of earrings from my shop. Get at it (see how bossy I am?)!

A few plans for my week...

going out to eat, cleaning like crazy, party prep, taking a MUCH needed trip to see my hairdresser (I think I'm going to do something different for once), and partying it up on Saturday. Then the prep and packing for the OBX begins... ahhh I cannot wait!

A picture...

I feel lame for pretty much only using my phone to take pictures, like, always now... but it's better than nothing, right?! Plus my camera is totally in the process of biting the dust. Sad. I DID, however, take pictures with my real camera of my kids painting the other day, until Mac decided to paint his entire body and I had to toss him in the tub. He was not the happiest, to say the least.

My Net girls and I went out to celebrate Amy's birthday on Saturday, complete with lunch, dollar store candy, the biggest tub of popcorn EVER, and The Hunger Games.  So fun!

Brother goofing off with sick sissy, trying to make her feel better. :)

Painting kids!  The mess was worth it!

I {heart} Nourish Organics

I'm gushing about featuring Nourish Organics today over at She {hearts} It. Not like you need to be further convinced that I LOVE their products, but you are NOT going to want to miss this: Raechel and Olivia are giving away an organic sweet orange sugar scrub to a lucky reader, along with offering a sweet discount good until Sunday. Get going and enter!

I {heart} Putapuredukes

I'm featuring Keight's shop, Putapuredukes, today over at She {hearts} It. Keight is also giving away a custom jewelry roll to one lucky winner. Go enter!

I {heart} C and Me Designs

I'm featuring my dear Erin's shop, C and Me Designs over at she {hearts} it today! And pssst... she's giving away something from her shop, too! Check it out!

52 in 1: WEEK 39 - happy hexagons

Ohh, special-looking, fun tile makes me just giddy. I've been keeping busy this week, between the kids, {still} unpacking, feeling quite under the weather, wiping noses, and the day to day. I've been attempting little projects here and there, but I feel like talking about and planning projects has been the way it goes around here lately. I am excited to share some fun projects my parents have executed around the house, big plans for the kitchen (I received a huge box of Anthropologie knobs the other day... squeal), oh I could go on and on. My head is spinning! Plus, sewing has taken the back burner since my machine is still sitting, apparently broken, in my sewing space in the basement. Boo. I'm excited to get my space prettied up and share that here too! I also need to share my Ward weekend recap. Bear with me!

So, this week, I decided on the materials for the project, but didn't actually execute it myself. Ryan is actually at the store as I type (I think getting grout or something) but he will be grouting our new entryway tile tonight! He laid it throughout this past week (not his favorite this to do, but he's good at it!). I wanted something that was a little different, not to crazy, but still special for the front entryway. It's not all that grand of a space, so I thought this black travertine hexagon tile was perfect. I'm in love, and it's (obv) not even grouted or cleaned yet.

Before: multi colored, chipped slate. Not my cup of tea.

After (almost): simple, fresh, and interesting! 

Sometimes I may or may not like to just pet the smooth travertine.

As Ryan laid tile today, I tried to entertain the kids and was failing miserably.  The combination of being sick and having a million things to do myself made it pretty impossible.

So, playdoh for the girl: 

And whipped cream for the boy.  He instantly ate it, rather than play in it.  I gave him cars to drive in it and little utensils to poke it with.  Instantly in the mouth.  No fear, no hesitation.  And as a result, he got two baths today.  Such a boy. :)

And how about a bit of miscellany on this chilly Saturday night:

1) Head on over to Keight's blog to win a pretty pretty PCB ring... the ring inspired by the sassy saffron lady herself.

2) I am SUPER excited to share that I will be writing for She {hearts} It, THE lovely review site featuring great products for ladies to love. So many giveaways, too!  Oh I am so lucky and so elated!

3) Just had to share a picture of me and my love on Valentine's Day before we went out for dinner. My mom and dad offered to come watch the kids and we ordered them a pizza in return. Have I mentioned at all how much I love being home again?!

The red lipstick made it out of the house!  I almost wiped it off at the last second, but I resisted.  I guess I was feelin racy! ;)

PCB giveaway winner!

Oh this weekend has been nutzo. Nutso? Insane. But I promised a giveaway winner and here it is:

Lucky #29 is:

 

And I find this hilarious because I have personally known the winners of the last 3 giveaways I have sponsored!  I swear it's not fixed.  So glad my dear A-dubs is the winner, though!

Oh and we did make it safe and sound to our new house.  Despite a snowstorm and all the little things that could have gone wrong and the stresses of a move, we made it.  My house looks like an explosion of STUFF, but I'm trying to tackle one room/area at a time.  

So. 

Much. 

To. 

Do.  

Breathe....

daybook: moving on the brain edition

Outside my window...

it's clear and chilly.  It hasn't rained/showed for weeks, and we have had sun and clear skies.  Tomorrow it's supposed to rain... the ONE day we will be packing up the moving truck.  I am praying it holds off!

I am thinking...

that perhaps staying up until 5am packing my kitchen will affect/is affecting my productivity today.  

Also, I'm thinking/highly suggesting that you should hop over to Keight's blog and enter her fun giveaways (do I spy a PCB giveaway?!  Oh yes I do!) and don't forget to enter my PCB giveaway this week right HERE!

I am thankful for...

my mom and dad, who are watching the kids this week while we pack.  I truly don't think packing this house would have been possible with my sweet rugrats underfoot.

Also, my love who turned 30 on Sunday!  I had plans for an elaborate birthday post,

but they were squashed.  Wonder why.  Thankful that Ryan is understanding/not needy!

I am learning...

how much STUFF we have... makes me want to chuck everything and live a simpler life.

I am creating...

plans to decorate the new house!  Speaking of creating, check out these.  HILARIOUS!!!

I am going...

out to dinner with friends tonight, and have done so with various friends every night this week.  Part goodbye, part break from packing, part lack of food in the house.

I am hearing...

Us and our Daughters.  Oh, Phil LaRue, you will always be my teenage crush.

Around my house...

there are boxes everywhere.  Duh.

One of my favorite things...

is talking to my sweet B on the phone while we are apart this week... despite the conversations lasting 7 seconds.

A few plans for my week...

do I really need to say it?

A picture...

My mom has been super diligent with sending pics of the kids this week.  Love her and them.

That picture of Brynlee makes me weep.  Miss them so much.

52 in 1: WEEK 33 - movin out and a giveaway

So, guess what?

I've cleared out my dining room/craft (I still shudder at that word, can't we think of something better??) room/sewing room and packed it all up.

This is what it looked like prior/during the pack up:

Embarrassing!

And this is what it looks like now:

Obviously still needing some TLC, but better.

Clearing out and packing up this room was my big project of this week (besides getting and trying to recover from the stomach flu. YUCK). Why?

BECAUSE WE ARE MOVING BACK TO NEW YORK!

Like, next week. So life is going to be crazy(-er) and messy(-er) and (more) chaotic for awhile. We bought a house in Rochester (our home sweet home) a little over a month ago and will be packing up this upcoming week and heading out for good on Friday (Ryan's job is transferring back). I'm so excited and overwhelmed and sad and stressed. I'm so bummed to leave the sweet (now {rest-of-my} lifelong) friends we have made here in MA, but I feel like God has grown and molded me so much during this past year and a half, and I am so ready to follow His plan for me and my family. It's funny, because I felt like I had FINALLY "embraced the space" I had been given here and really, truly felt content. I think He just wanted me to give it up and surrender to His plan.  He's funny.  And amazing.

I'm also pumped to own a house again and my mind is brimming with PROJECTS!  Oh, 52/1, you aren't going to be able to handle the plans I have up my sleeves.  I can't wait to document the fun stuff we do to this house to make it more "us," which is funny because that's the reason I started this blog in the first place, when we bought our first house. 


So, in this next crazy busy week, I will probably be a bit absent from the blog. I had been promising a Poppy Chain giveaway this week, and I won't go back on my word! So here it is: Just for fun and as my way of saying happy new year, one lucky recipient will win a $25 credit to my shop, plus free shipping of whatever the winner picks!

To enter:

Leave a comment telling what you would pick from my shop if you won!

Additional entries:

become a follower (or let me know that you already are) of my blog

"favorite" The Poppy Chain Boutique on Etsy

follow me on Twitter

Leave me comments for each method of entry! I feel kind of silly with all this "follow me" stuff, but I have to start somewhere, right? :)

You have until next Saturday night (the 14th) to enter and I'll pick a winner at random and announce the winner next Sunday, January 15th. Hopefully the dust will be semi-settling by then!

Nourish Organics lip balm WINNER!

And the winner of a Nourish Organics lip balm of choice is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jenny is actually my cousin (in law)! Do you think Rafflecopter knew?!  ;)

Get ready for another fun giveaway this week!  Yay!

Happy New Year!

Nourish Organics lip balm giveaway

I am so, so excited to be hosting a little post-Christmas treat today: a Nourish Organics giveaway! Not only do I now consider Raechel and Olivia (the sweet ladies behind Nourish) as my friends, but I really believe in this stuff.

Let's talk lip balm. Raechel and Olivia perfected the lip balm formula themselves, and I could not love it more. Made with organic shea butter and beeswax, the organic sweet orange lip balm is bright and citrusy, and the organic peppermint lip balm is refreshing and festive. The lip balm's formula is wonderful, so very smooth and hydrating. I actually bought a few lip balm bundles and gave lip balm to all the women in my family and Ryan's family, and they were met with rave reviews all around. My mom especially loves her peppermint lip balm; she loves how it feels on her lips, the scent, and how it is not waxy feeling. The peppermint is my favorite too, and it's definitely not just for Christmastime.

Somebody else loves the peppermint lip balm ("It's minty!")... my little thief!

I can't say enough how much I love Nourish Organics' products... and I can say that I've tried almost every one! I use the balms on my kids' rashy skin, the washes as a shower treat for me, and the sugar scrub is my favorite product. It looks and smells so amazing, good enough to sneak a taste which I may or may not have already done. I love that only pure, safe, organic ingredients go into these products- and I know this first hand since Ashley and I were able to get a little sneak into Raechel's Nourish HQ during our Tennessee trip and even made some lip balms ourselves (note: we are not good lip balm pourers. Fail.). I feel comfortable using Nourish's products on my kids, even though they have eczema and super sensitive skin. I could not recommend the coconut balm more for those itchy patches! FYI: Mac's new favorite word is BALM.

Now that I'm finished with my gushing, I'm going to get to the giveaway part: Raechel and Olivia are offering a free lip balm (winner's choice of flavor) from Nourish Organics to one lucky recipient!

And the nitty gritty.  You must be a follower of my blog to enter (I'm gonna check!) and visit Nourish Organics and leave a comment telling me which lip balm flavor you would pick or any other Nourish Organics product you would like to try.  Be sure to enter your name in the Rafflecopter widget after you leave your comment so it will actually count as an entry!  You can enter through the easy, easy Rafflecopter widget below until 11:59 pm Saturday December 31 (so technical).  Follow Nourish Organics on twitter and/or facebook for additional entries!

Discount: Use the code thanksashley at checkout to receive $1 off lip balm bundles, now through December 31st.

I'll announce the winner New Year's Day!

To ring in the new year, get ready for a big PCB giveaway next week, right here!  For now, go get some lip balm.  And one of each of everything else.  Consider yourself Nourished.




a Rafflecopter giveaway