Come Join Me for a Pinterest Party at Michaels Stores!

** Please note update! Location change below!!

! I wanted to let you know that Michaels Stores are launching a brand new in-store event in November to encourage crafters to "Don't just pin it. Make it on you own." They asked me to be part of an exclusive group of bloggers who will co-host these events in their stores throughout the country! You can check out all the amazing bloggers and store locations below...

**Please note update! New location added below!**

Here are the deets for the Pinterest Party I will be hosting at a Michaels Store in Chicago....

Sunday, November 10 2013 

1-4 pm

at Michaels Store 

180 S Mannheim

Hillside, IL 

I would LOVE to meet you if you are local or will be in the area that weekend! We can chat, create, and have a crafty good time making a variety of Pinterest inspired projects :-) 

Attendees are encouraged to pick up specific craft supplies for the Pinterest-inspired projects--but no project is off limits!

You can learn more about the Pinterest Party here and get inspired by with Michaels Stores Pinterest boards here!

Hope to meet so many of you in a few weekends!!

XOXO,

Ikea Raskog Homework Station

With school in full swing now and homework starting to make its way into our house, I thought I would try to be a bit more prepared for all the color this, draw that, cut this, glue that directions that most homework begs of us.

Ya'll remember my love of Ikea's Raskog kitchen cart from my makeover post here, well, that one is for me...and all my sewing and craft goodness, muahahaha. Can I tell you how much I love that cart? So Dang Much. It's so handy to have around that I actually went back and bought another one for the kids. It had the makings for a perfect Homework station...and pretend library cart too! (my kids love piling it full of books and wheeling it around the house, checking books out and slapping overdue fines on each other, ha!)

I thought I'd share what I put in ours in case you needed a bit of "Homework Station" inspiration. Up top I have a simple pencil box full of colored pencils, next to it scotch tape, a white-out pen thing-a-ma-bob, and a pencil sharpener.  I also have little jars with kid scissors, crayons, pencils, gluesticks and erasers...you can never have too many erasers, am I right?

In the middle shelf I keep a big jar filled with fat markers, a small glass jar filled with fine tip markers, a mason jar of thick paint brushes, tempura paint, and a box of craft sticks.

The bottom shelf is for extra notebooks, folders, and paper.  I keep a few of these fun plastic paper protectors I found in the Target Dollar Spot. You just slip a piece of paper into them and write on them with erasable markers...perfect for practicing spelling and writing and math!

So there you have it, a simple Homework Station that we can roll into the kitchen, the dining room, or the porch! 

PS. I think right now a lot of stores are clearancing out their Back to School supply sections (at least mine are!) so you may want to head over and stock up for your homework station! I stock up every year!

XOXO,

Michaels' "Unplugged Summer Pact"

Back in May, I was asked to be a part of the Summer Adventure Mom Blog Challenge sponsored by Michaels. As I read through the challenge, I thought that this was such perfect timing. This would be the perfect way to help me entertain my 4 littles this summer engaging them in more crafts and creative activities and less 'let's just watch Netflix kids all morning', you know? You see part of the challenge is to sign the "Unplugged Summer Pact" which aims to decrease the amount of time spent with screen time...tv, computer, smartphone, video games, and on and on and on...by 2 hours. We can totally do that!

Here's what the pact states...

If you are interested in joining and signing the Unplugged Summer Pact, you can go here to do so now!

And to help us mommas out even more, Michaels is offering a 7-week summer crafting camp called Passport to Imagination that goes from June 17- August 2, 2013 at your local Michaels store.  Each class is a 2-hour crafting adventure that takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am -Noon. And the best part...it's just $2 per session for children 5 and up!!

To read more about the classes click here now!

I hope you'll join me in cutting back on screen time and engaging in more fun-filled creative activities with family, friends, and YOU!!!

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own.  
This post may contain paid links.

Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine Features Smashed Peas and Carrots!

Hi friends! I just wanted to let you know that a piece from my Smashed Peas and Carrots clothing line has been featured in a magazine....how cool is that!!

You can find one of my Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Peasant Dress in Pink and Red Dots on page 29 of this month's April 2013 issue of Pregnancy and Newborn magazine!

It's right there, you see it?  In the middle of the right hand column.
Being styled with a Mini Boden cardigan and a pair of red Tiny TOMS shoes...ps. I'm lovin' the outfit!
Here is a link to the digital copy too!

How about a slightly different view? ;-)

Thanks for allowing me to pinch myself in front of you and letting me share this fun bit of news with you!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by today!

XOXO,

Pick Your Plum Daily Deal: WASHI TAPE!!!

Just wanted to give y'all a heads up that Pick Your Plum's Daily Deal for Today is WASHI TAPE!!!  If y'all follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know I LOVE me a good deal on washi tape...I just can't help myself when the price is this good!! 

Click here to buy...it's coming in at $1.50 a roll, a total steal for these pretty Spring colors!!!

Click here to see a my Washi Tape Pinterest board for fun ideas on how to use it!

XOXO,

Random Acts of Kindness Week: Feb 11-17 2013

Did y'all know that this week is officially known as "Random Acts of Kindness Week"?  Yup, starting today, the next 6 days are meant to spread kindness to others, one random act at a time :-)

If you follow me on Instagram and Facebook you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE spreading acts of kindness!  I am very service-oriented and bit by bit I am trying to teach my children about doing acts of service for others whether it's their siblings, friends, neighbors, or just an new acquaintance we met in a class or at church.   

Every year in December my husband and I make it a point to take our kids with us as we do our daily errands and activities and we do acts of service for others as many times as we can fit it in.  (We do this throughout the year too, but we seem to drill it in their heads in December!) A few of the simple Random Acts of Kindess we did this December were...

1.Helping to address and mail Christmas cards for a neighbor in need.

2. Making Christmas cookies and other goodies to surprise friends and neighbors with and brighten their day.

3. Buying a few dozen donuts for our local fire stations along with saying "thank you" for their service to our community.  (As a bonus the kids got a tour of the fire station and were thanked for their good deed by getting to try on the fireman's very heavy gear!)

4. Buying a stack of Starbucks gift cards and handing them out to people we met while we ran our errands.

4. I found these great "JOY" Christmas ornaments and stocked up big time on them.  I thought they were so pretty, all glittery and all, how can they not make you happy?  We placed them on mailboxes, car windshields, trees outside of stores, you name it! It was fun to give our community a bit of sparkle!

5.  I made special treats for Noah's two bus drivers and surprised them at pick up and drop off one day! They were so surprised :-)  I wonder how often anyone thinks of them?  

A few other things we do off the top of my head are:

6.  Pay it Forward at the Starbucks drive through.  I pay for the tab of the car (or sometimes even a few cars) behind me to brighten their day!

7.  My kids love to draw and they love to make special cards to hand out to the check out people at our most frequented stores.

8.  Dropping off stickers, foam craft kits, crayons, and coloring books to our local hospital. 

9.  Bring Salvation Army ringer volunteers donuts and coffee.

10. Taping money to gas pumps with a note that says "To help you fill your tank! Have a happy day!"

I'm so excited to share a craft project with you tomorrow that is an easy way to show an act of kindness to someone else...maybe it will give you a bit of inspiration to show a little kindness to someone this week :-)   Michaels craft store is also celebrating "Random Acts of Kindness" week too!  They're hoping y'all will join them to "craft it forward" and are asking you to share your own random acts of kindness on Michaels Facebook page and to use the hashtag #RAOKDIY when sharing on Twitter and Instagram.

In celebration of the holiday, on Sunday, February 17 2013, Michaels hopes to inspire customers to participate by giving away more than $100,000 in gift cards at its nearly 1,100 U.S. and Canada stores. Gift card recipients will be encouraged to "Craft it Forward" and exhibit their own act of kindness towards another person.  

Customers who want to "Craft it Forward" can find inspiration for Random Acts of Kindness projects to give others on the Michaels Random Acts of Crafting Pinterest board.

Let's make this week a good one!

Til tomorrow y'all!! 

XOXO,

Sew Fab ePattern Sale Starts Today for This Week Only!!!

It's here!  Today is the day the Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale starts, yippee!  You are seriously going to love this bundle of PDF patterns that Jenny from The Southern Institute put together, pinky swear.  All the designers are amazingly talented women and their patterns are top notch!  So without further ado, let me share with you the awesomeness that is the Sew Fab e-Pattern sale!!

  Today is the 1st day of the 1st ever Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale and giveaway, sponsored by The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop!

Over the past eight weeks a lot of behind the scenes work has taken place to bring you this amazing bundle of ePatterns from several of the top pattern designers and bloggers in the sewing and blogging world.  The result is a bundle of 18 PDF sewing patterns that you don't want to miss.

For one week only, ten pattern designers have come together to bring you 18 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at over $139.00, for the incredible price of $24.95!  That's over 80% off of the combined retail value!  Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway valued at $390 from some really great shops!

For less than $25.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.  The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft.  They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blogland and elsewhere.  Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please!  Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.

If you've never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is!  After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will.  Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern!  At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tissue paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size.  Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

Click here to buy the bundle!

Now let me tell you a little bit about the giveaway!  

The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing!  One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, fabricworm, Jennifer's Jewels Custom Labels on Etsy, Green Bee Patterns, author Deborah Moebes, Mee a Bee, Gussy Sews, I'm Feeling Crafty, and Ball and Chain on Etsy. See the end of the post for giveaway details.  This giveaway is not to be missed!

I know you're dying to know "What is included in the pattern bundle?"

18 well-loved ePatterns from 10 well-known designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle.  Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below to see more details):

Goodship Dress by One Girl Circus, Mommy & Mia Apron by Sew Much Ado, Ruby Lou Doll by Sew Much Ado, Mini Maxi Dress by Seamingly Smitten, Miss Mod Top by Seamingly Smitten, Love Your Lunch Box by Ginger Cakes, Modern Folksy Bunny by Ginger Cakes, Banyan Pants & Shorts by Figgy's, Banyan Top & Tunic by Figgy's, Go To Shift Dress by Go To Patterns, Go To Gift Bags by Go To Patterns, Sidekick Suitcase by Sew Fearless, Madeline Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Forget Me Knot Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Alex & Anna Summer PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Alex & Anna Winter PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Commuter Cowl by luvinthemommyhood, Scirocco Dress by Figgy's

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again!  You can purchase the bundle from February 4th at 8 a.m. EST through February 11th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered.  Due to the nature of the sale there will be no refunds 
offered.

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 18 PDF sewing patterns from 10 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaway!

You are not going to believe the prizes included in this giveaway!  Can't buy the bundle?  It's okay... purchase is not required to enter.  Take a look at what you have the chance to win:

A Sewing Themed Box of Goodies from Pick Your Plum Fabulous Wristlet from Gussy Sews (not necessarily the one pictured) The latest release, Stitch Savvy, by Deborah Moebes Sterling Silver Sewing Machine necklace from Ball and Chain on Etsy $50 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop $50 Gift Certificate to fabricworm A free online class from Craftsy.com The Scoop Tote Pattern from Green Bee Patterns 60 Custom Tags from Jennifer's Jewels Red Riding Hood Little Girl's Satchel from Mee a Bee Handmade Sewing Machine Cover from I'm Feeling Crafty

YES, ONE WINNER WILL WIN ALL OF THOSE GOODIES!!!

There are lots of chances to win and no purchase required to enter the giveaway. Just use the Rafflecopter widget and enter to win this amazing prize package that will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with fabric for many projects to come!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips...

only $24.95!

Get your bundle now!

Graphic design by Andrea Panell.

Sew Fab Sale...Coming Soon!

Hey friends! Just wanted to really quickly let you know about this e-pattern sale that will be on the blog next week!

Coming next week!

From February 4th- February 11th...

the first ever

For one week only, ten pattern designers will be joining together to combine 18 of their best PDF sewing patterns (valued together at over $139.00) and selling them to you for the incredible price of $24.95! That's over 80% off of the combined retail value! 

That wasn't a typo! For less than $25.00 you will have the chance to purchase a library of resources to get you started on several great projects that you can sew over and over again. The designers that are joining this sale are experts at their craft. They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blog land as well as in children's and women's sewing pattern design circles. Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite sewing patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use. 

Figgy's Patterns, Go To Patterns, peek-a-boo pattern shop, Seamingly Smitten, One Girl Circus, Sew Much Ado, luvinthemommyhood, Gingercake, Sew Fearless, Me Sew Crazy... this is the lineup! But you have to wait until Monday to find out exactly which sewing patterns are included in the pattern bundle. I can tell you that you won't be disappointed! 

We are offering an affiliate program for this amazing sale too! If you think your blog readers, Facebook friends, or Twitter pals would be interested in buying this bundle of sewing patterns, why not sign up as an affiliate? As a Sew Fab Sale affiliate you can sell the pattern bundle on your blog and earn 40% of all of your sales! Contact Jenny at thesoutherninstitute@gmail.com for more details.

Oh! And there will be a giveaway! The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing! One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from some of your favorite companies and online shops! I can't wait to reveal the giveaway package next week!

Don't miss the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale

starting Monday, February 4th!

Sponsored by

The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop

We'll see you there!

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available from 8 am EST February 4th through 8 am EST February 11th. Due to the nature of the sale there will be no late sales or refunds.
XOXO,

The Top 12 Tutorials in 2012!

I can't believe it's the last day of the year today, how the heck is tomorrow the beginning of 2013 already?  I don't know about you but I'm always sad to see another year go by...it means I'm getting older and my kids are getting older, it just kills me to think that I am about to start Oliver on solid foods, whaaa the what?  Stop growing up, baby!

In looking back at the awesome year 2012 was I have to say the biggest highlight was the birth of Oliver in June.  What a tremendous blessing he is for our family.  He continues to grow and roll around and move all over the house on that beautiful scrumptious belly of his.  He seems to be following in the footsteps of his 3 siblings in being a mover and a shaker.  He found his voice and loves to sing and talk, especially while he nurses!  

I also had another outstanding year with my boutique clothing business and it continues to grow in leaps and bounds and has taken on a life of it's own that I could never have imagined.  This little 'ol blog has continued to amaze me too.  All of you are just so sweet in stopping by everyday to read and comment and email, sharing in the love I have for creating, whether it be sewing, cooking, crafting, etc.  It has been so, so, so much fun to do! Blessed truly sums up how I feel every day thanks to all of you.

And since we are saying good bye to 2012 why don't we take today to look back at some of your favorite posts from this past year, the top 12 for 2012! It always amazes me when I do this post every year at which ones were the most popular. And true to form, there is a little bit of everything here, I guess kinda like my blog :-)  I hope you enjoy the round-up and most importantly I hope y'all have a great start to your New Year!

12.  Pretty in Pink Bridal Shower

11. How to Paint Ikea Laminate Furniture

10. Rustic Chalkboard Easter Eggs

9.Vintage Girls' Birthday Party

8. Crossover Pinafore into Sweet Little Top

7. The Runaround Knit Cowl (Free Pattern)

6. Crockpot Hot Chocolate

5. Furniture Rehab: How to Paint Over Varnish

4. My Studio Tour-The Reveal

3. How to Make: Mason Jar Frog Lids

2. Easy Baking Soda Air Freshener

And the number one post of 2012....

1. Chocolate Coconut Cups {Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free}

That was fun, right?!  I told you it was a little bit of everything :-) Thank you all for enjoying what I post here!  I really, truly want to thank y'all from the bottom of my heart for making my blog what it is today!  I appreciate all of you so much and just want to say thank you for stopping by and fueling the fire to keep me going. You rock!

I hope each and every one of you enjoy celebrating the end of 2012 in style and have the Happiest New Year possible!

XOXO,