weekend wishes - christmas edition!

that you all get to enjoy the pretty christmas lights in a whole new way...

that you eat lots of yummy guilt free treats and goodies over the holidays...

that the grinchies stay away from you and yours...

that your wee ones can handle a bit of sugar better than my little reindeer can...

that you let yourself get lost in the magic of the holidays...

that you got some handmade decorations done with your wee ones...

and that santa's elves come and clean up all of our ironing board monsters before christmas morning.

it's almost here!!!!! christmas is right around the corner!!! woot woot!  bring on the food, the friends and the family - we're almost ready!  i can't wait to see my babies get lost in the christmas excitement this year.  mackenzie is really into it this season now that she is older and harper is even more excited as it's all pretty new to her still.  it's gonna be fun and i think i'll be the most hyper one on xmas morning.  i love me some christmas morning!  we're gonna have the music playing, stockings to open, handmade goodies to share, a big breakfast to eat and some snuggles and playing to be had.  weeeeeeeeeeee!

i'm going to be hosting two big dinners and a brunch so cross your fingers for me that my cold magically disappears, my house cleans itself, the food cooks itself and fun is to be had all around and i'll wish the same for you :)  wouldn't that be an awesome xmas pressie?

this momma will also be taking a break peeps.  i won't be here much for about a week.  i'll prolly be back on the 4th of january. i'm taking some much needed time off (the boss ok'd it..lol) to spend some time with my hubs (who is also off) and the kidlets & maybe, just maybe get some rest.  i  may pop in with a pic or two but we'll see :) what i can promise is that 2012 is gonna kick butt! i can't wait!  i've got so many exciting things planned that i cannot wait to share with you all!  i also can't wait to see all the fun and inspiring things you are all going to be creating, cooking and writing about this upcoming year as well!  so much fun awaiting us all!

thank you to each and every one of you for being such a wonderful and amazing group of people.  you all fill me with joy, strength and happiness each and everyday and without you i would not be here in this little neighbourhood of mine doing exactly what i love - so thank you.  i'm wishing you all a super wonderful holiday season and a very merry christmas with your family and loved ones!  happy new year's and i'll see you in 2012!  now go sip some egg nog and get your xmas mojo on ladies! much luv....xoxoxoxox

what are your weekend plans?  what's your fave treat to make and serve on xmas?  are you doing turkey or ham?  c'mon take a wee break from your wrapping and let's have one last chat :)

*all images copyright luvinthemommyhood

winner of the fairytale frocks & lollipops giveaway

ohhhh...who was the winner of the fairytale frocks & lollipops giveaway?  was it you????

commenter #3 - nest full of eggs

"Figgy's Sunki is amazing !!!"

commenter #37 - twins squared

I would love to win either the Oliver & S Family Reunion Dress or the Sis Boom Shannon Dress. Thank you so much for the chance to win.

commenter #55 - luch

Holy patterns batman! With two girls to sew for, I could spend hours looking...! I do love that Molly jacket...especially in that beautiful Kelly green. Violette fields patterns are lovely!
Heather

congratulations you guys!  happy sewing m'dears!  fairytale frocks & lollipops will be in touch soon about your prizes!

you can find all things fairytale frocks & lollipops on their website and on facebook.  thanks so much for the giveaway terri and happy sewing to all of you :)

makin'it in the mommyhood - colds & crafts

it's done!  i finally got my deirdre shawl xmas pressie finished!  i LOVE it.  so pretty and acutally quite a quick knit for lace.  my problem came with the blocking.  i really need to get myself some blocking wires.  i tried my best but the blocking could have been way better.  you live and learn though.  i still think it will look gorgeous on the recipeient and i cannot wait to see her in it!

pattern: deirdre by linden down

yarn: ella rae lace merino in teal (love this yarn!)

www.mr.yarn.com

 i also couldn't resist sneaking a shot in here of the lovely and oh so yummy yarn that my fabulous pal hannah of ummashin's goodies (her shop is so great - go check it out, my girls wear their hats all the time) sent in the mail for me! what an awesome surprise! if my back hadn't been injured i would have done cartwheels.  i mean look at that color..and malabrigo...drool!!!!!!!!!  thank you so much hannah! and thank you mr. yarn for your awesome packaging! i love the sticker and magnet...so clever!

QL Slouch by wooly wormhead

and here's another peek at another xmas pressie i finished and blocked.  love the way it turned out!

i also finished harper's quilt!!!!!!!!!!!  all bound, washed and dried!  love it! so comfy and cozy...i can't wait to curl up with it after xmas.  i'll post more pics of the whole quilt soon!  i also got a last minute gift done for both girls that allowed me to get on poppy the pfaff for a few minutes the other day and boy did it feel good!!! can't show you yet though, there are too many eyes around :)  i also am freakin' excited over a project i made for the hubs yesterday that he doesn't know about so i can't show you pics till after xmas but it's killing me.  i'm dying to show you all!

but in the meantime this is what we are up to.  kleenex, orange juice, coffee, halls, vicks, tv and knitting.  i'm just hoping the river that my nose has turned into goes away before christmas and that my little girls are both better soon too.

what are you all up to?  are you surviving?  what projects have you gotten done?  any left to finish?  show me your pics - i'd love to see :) 

luvinthemommyhood handmade thank you giveaway!

1. mallory cowl  2. carefree cowl

*this giveaway is now closed. thank you for you entries!"

can we say giveaway time?!! woot woot!  thanks to all of you wonderful readers we have reached over 2,000 likes on facebook! i decided that is definitely worthy of a giveaway with a prize handmade by me! fun!!!  i wish i could make a cowl for each and every one of you - you all mean so much to me and honestly help me to live out my passions each day....THANK YOU so much!

after chatting in the facebook group about the prize i think we all decided on the winner getting to choose which cowl they would like.  the winner will get to decide between the crefree cowl and the mallory cowl (child or adult sized).  you also mentioned that you would LOVE an adult mallory cowl pattern so your wish is my command - it will be out after the holidays sometime.  the winner will also get to choose an approximate color for the cowl of their choice (subject to availability).

so to all my lovely, wonderful, talented, inspiring, uplifting, comforting, hilarious, touching and special readers i adore you all and am so grateful you continue to read my little blog each day.

the deets & lowdown:

to enter the giveaway please leave me a comment below telling me which cowl you would like to win and in what color tone to enter (ex. greys, whites, brights, etc).  that's it folks! easy peasy :)  one rule...you must have a valid email in your comment or you will be disqualified.  giveaway is open until december 27th, pacific standard time.

but wait...i have other news to share with you all.  over the past few weeks i have been a busy bee designing and launching my good pal jane richmond's new website and blog.  it's been so fun and creatively exciting! i had such a blast and thank her so much for trusting me and letting me jump right in!  i think it looks amazing and just like jane - beautiful!  there's an awesome new pattern page and shopping cart so you can buy direct from her site as well as a handy contact form and other interactive features!  make sure to pop over and check it out and also to enter her launch giveaway!  a chance to win her entire pattern collection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wowsa! run..don't walk over...lol.  tell your knitty friends!

good luck and happy knitting! 

moments in the mommyhood - just breathe

i'm taking it easy today.  i've got 2 kiddos with colds and now despite my best "i'm not gonna get this efforts" i've got the cold too. we're going to rest up and keep getting ready for the holidays.  my family is due to arrive in town tomorrow and we're very excited to have them here for christmas.  it's been a long time since i've been able to celebrate christmas with them and we're very excited!

i've got 2 big family dinners to  plan as well as a christmas day brunch, baking and holiday snack making and we're still decorating...lol.  i've got xmas pressies to finish making/blocking and shopping for!  and in the meantime we've been making sure to stop and take time to be thankful to live in such a beautiful place to see views like the one above.  we stopped and watched this cloud/sun formation for at least 15 minutes on the weekend and i swear it soothed my soul.  it was like a warm, soft energy that was more calming to me than anything i could think of.  i made the hubs jump out of the car and take 100 pics of this gorgeous cloud over our giant ocean with the soft creamy glow softly whisping down from the sky to light up and bronze the dark, cool waters below.  it was magical and soooo what we both needed to see.

i hope you are all able to find a sense of calm amidst the craziness of the holiday season right now.  take a minute to envision a "happy place" of your own and try to remember to take a breath and enjoy some of it.  i know it's tough cause i'm just as much of a stresscase at this time of year too but honestly, i just keeping putting this pic up on my screen and trying to remember to just soak it all in and breathe.  just breathe.

what are you all busy crafting?  are you getting the week before xmas crazies? remember you can come and chat in our facebook group, here in the comments below and also in our ravelry group for "christmas knitting 911 - your holiday crafting support group".  we're all in this together :)  coffee's on....wanna chat?

Fabric Christmas Tree Ornament Tutorial

are you guys getting in the festive spirit yet?  we are!  with the hubs finally done his exam we crammed all the xmas goodness we could into our weekend.  it was lots of fun and pics of our adventures are coming.  in the meantime i thought i would share this fun fabric christmas tree ornament tutorial with you all.  i wanted to put together a cute ornament using some amy butler scraps along with some button love and hand stitching - thus the tree was born.  we had a lot of fun in our house making a few of these and we plan on making a few more!

you ready to get making some ornaments?  grab the kids and jump into your fabric scrap stash...i love digging around in mind looking for treasures and so do the kidlets!  let's get making!

Fabric Christmas Tree Ornament Tutorial:

Materials:
- scraps of fabric
- batting
- glue gun w/glue
- brown felt for stump (approx 3"high & 1"wide)
- button for top of tree (optional)
- embroidery floss
- sewing needle
- pinking shears (optional)

Instructions:
*Please note I will be giving you directions to make "1" tree.
1. On a piece of paper draw and cut out 3 triangles in 3 different graduating sizes going from large to small to form the tree.  Play around with your sizes.  My tree was about 5" or so high not counting the stump when finished.  You don't want it too big if you're putting it on the tree or it will be too heavy. I do think a large one would look cool on a door as a hanger or on the wall as well.  Have some fun with it or even better get the kids to draw the triangles for you!

2. Get out your fabric scraps and fold them in half so they are equal to or more of the height of the triangle.  Once you have your triangle templates cut out place them on your fabric scraps (you could also make this tree out of felt as well).  Place the bottom of the triangle on the fold of your fabric so that way you only have to sew up two sides of the triangle after stuffing them (hint: your triangle will look like sort of like a diamond when you open it up).  We're all about fast here :) Cut out your triangles.  I pinked along the edges of mine with pinking shears so they didn't unravel and also because it reminded me of a tree but this is optional.  You will be cutting out 3 triangle pieces only.  Each triangle you cut will fold to form a 3 dimensional triangle.

3. Get your brown felt out (or whatever material you choose to use) for the stump.  You will cut out a rectangle that is 3"high by 1"wide.  This will be attached later.

4. Grab your embroidery floss in a co-ordinating or contrasting color and using three strands held together start to sew the largest triangle shut (right sides facing out - wrong sides facing each other) using the running stitch or whichever decorative stitch you desire that will hold the triangle closed.  I am a crappy hand sewer but I like doing it so mine is not perfect, don't worry about perfection here - it's supposed to look handmade! Once you get to about half way done the last side get your batting and stuff that little triangle.  Not too much though, just enough for it to be softly poofy.  Continue to stitch your triangle closed.  My daughter loves to help stuff crafts so this is her official job in our house :)  Do this step for the middle triangle as well.

5. Now we're going to stitch up the top triangle.  Start stitching the triangle closed along your first side then when you reach the top stop and place in a piece of embroidery floss the size you would like your ornament hanger to be that is folded in half to form a loop.  Place the two ends of the floss inside the top of the triangle and stitch over the top of the triangle (I backstitched a few times here to make sure I secured the floss) and then continue to sew down your other side taking care to stop to stuff this triangle as well - stitch the rest closed.

6.  Now get that glue gun heated up ladies!  I forgot how much I love using a glue gun.  Mine has sadly been ignored for quite some time but my little girl was sure pleased to have seen it!  She thought it was pretty cool.  You're going to take your piece of brown felt and fold it in half gluing the open ends together along the short side (1") ends so it forms a loop of sorts.  Then place a line of glue along the outer side of this same edge and glue to the bottom of the largest triangle. *I chose to have the side where you could see my stitches be the "right side" of my tree as the back of this tree is not as pretty as the front :P

7.  Glue your tree together.  The easiest way to do this I found was to dollop a line of glue along the bottom edge of the medium triangle and stick that puppy on the largest triangle where you would like it.  Wait for this to dry then using the glue gun touch up any spots that are loose or wobbly so that the triangle is very secure.  Next do this for the top triangle and attach it to the middle triangle.

8.  Now it's time to add your button! This is my favorite part.  I looooove me some buttons.  I let Mackenzie have her way through my button jar to pick her faves out for the 2 trees we made.  Once you've found your button simply glue that puppy on to the top of your tree or if you so desire you can sew it on.  I preferred to just hot glue mine though - the kids were getting restless :)  *I hope all the steps make sense..if anyone has any questions send an email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca or let me know if you feel like it would be better to have some illustrations showing you what I did.  My kiddos are both sick with colds today but I can always add them in for you later.

you're all done!  go hang your pretty ornament or tie it on a lovely wrapped gift as a special little pressie!  mine have gone to 2 lovely homes of 2 lovely women :)  i hope they like them as much as we did when were making them.  i'd love to see your trees if you make any -  make sure to add all your crafty goodies you've been whipping up into our flickr group!  happy making!

what is your fave handmade ornament to make?  do you agree that amy butler fabric makes a great pop of color to add to any tree?  which fabric would you use if you were to make one?  hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

weekend wishes

that the hubs does awesome on his exam today...

Source: wallpaper.goodfon.com via Becca on Pinterest

to remember these three things when things get tough...

Source: terri-2.tumblr.com via Kamme Fred on Pinterest

to get some serious blocking done...

http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/howto/archive/2009/05/06/using-blocking-wires-to-block-a-lace-shawl.aspx

to sneak some "adult drink" into my eggnog and coffees this weekend...oh man do i need that...

eggnog milkshake from babble.com

and to have as much determination as this cat to fight my battle with google adsense.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-taken-at-exactly-the-right-time

it's been a long week.  i''m hoping my little girl get's over her cold soon and feels better and we're also super excited that the hubs will be done his schooling for a bit.  i cannot wait to have him around more just in time for xmas.  i will be battling google adsense this weekend like nobody's business - they seem to think my account should be disabled due invalid activity. i appealed and they denied my appeal.  i am forever banned.  hello? since when did traffic from a wonderful company promoting me in their holiday newsletter become invalid activity? seriously. and of course there is nobody to speak to, nobody to help me or to ask questions. typical google. why am i not surprised. unfortunately they are a source of income for me that my family depends on and now it's gone.  everything they owe me.  merry xams. ho, ho ho.  jolly times.  but i digress...i won't be giving up, at least not yet.  i don't think it's fair so i will rant my little head off till someone out there in the big ol'google world helps me out & reinstates my account.

in the meantime i'm trying to stay chipper and focus on the happy things about this time of year.  my family will be in town soon and lots of good times are ahead.  i'm feeling thankful for what i do have and hopeful that 2012 will be my year and yours as well.  thank you for all your support this week my lovelies and i'm wishing you all a wonderful, special, eggnog filled, xmas tree loving, holiday music and family laughter filled kind of weekend.

what are your plans this weekend?  do you have any special weekend wishes you want to share? coffee's on and i'm always happy to chat!  c'mon..pull up a chair....it's friday :)

p.s. don't forget to get your entry in for the fairytale & frocks giveaway!

christmas knitting 911 - in the home stretch

 hi all....i'm taking care of a wee one who's not feeling so hot this morning so one of my besties and partner in crime rebecca from the blog - nook is here to guest post with some christmas knitting 911 goodness!

now here's becca...

only 10 days left! how are you feeling about it? i'm surprisingly not stressed! because you  know, you've all been working hard (me too) :) and just the fact that we're all giving handmade in some form or other will be so appreciated. well truth is, i'm trying not to be stressed :)

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

i've been so impressed and inspired by everyone's drive to the finish line in crafting. though i've been a little slower getting my butt in gear... last night was my first late night session. i stayed up until 1am. !!! and i know there will be a few more late nights. not because i'm stressing, but well it's just where we can slot time, right?  so here's the first thing i wanted to chat about....

christmas gift list from woodland christmas

our lists.... how many times have they been tweaked? are you having to change them now, knowing we're into single digits until the big day? does it bother you to have to change your list? one thing the tweaking of lists is not supposed to do is to add stress. really really, the important thing is that you are still enjoying the process of a handmade christmas... right? (or just some handmade gifts).

of course my list is tweaking... always is :) but now that we've made plans to travel to see family in the new year, i've got a few more weeks... because even later christmas gifts are just fine! who says it has to be on dec. 25th? right? we'd love to hear what's left on your lists! are you stuck on any projects? need ideas for that one person you just don't know what to make for, or having to change to a faster pattern? some great last minute, quick gifts are:

 kiddos:

source: 1. "kid lid"by edgebrook covenant church 2. "forecast: la nina" by sarah gresbach

women:

source: 1. "carefree cowl" by shannon cook 2. "shannon" by jane richmond

  men:

source: 1. "bulky knitted hat" by kristin omdahl. 2. "mug hugs" by nook :)

but in all honesty, we're probably pretty resigned to what we've made, and how much needs to be done... and that leads to other planning....

do you still have baking to do? are you entertaining guests for the holidays? do you have your christmas dinner all planned out? personally, i love to entertain. it's so fun! but it really does add to the work load for sure... especially when i really need my hands to be knitting away :) i've found a few great snacks/treats that will help to keep your guests happily munching away while the turkey is a cookin'.

1. nuts & bolts!

who doesn't love to snack on these?? and our very own shannon of "luvinthemommyhood" has the. best. recipe for it! it's very easy peasy, and your house smells ah-mazing while it's cooking away. seriously. go make it. you can find the recipe here.  and this yummy recipe was also just recently featured on "sweets and treats christmas countdown".  i promise you it's uber yummy! and you'll probably find lots of other goodies on that site too!

2. peppermint bark!

three layer peppermint bark from orangette

i made this last year, and it's so refreshing! if you're a peppermint and chocolate fan... make this! it's very easy, and it looks soo pretty! munching on this with hot chocolate is sooooo good!!! you can find the recipe for it here.

3. turtles!

turtles from misocrafty

ok. so i haven't made these...yet. but i've been meaning to! don't these look just ah-mazing!? and they are very easy to make... you can choose to glaze the top with the extra chocolate, or not.. i bet either way they'd look and taste sooo good! you can find the recipe for them here.

and there you have it! some easy last minute patterns to go to, as well as recipes to keep those hungry in-laws happy!  we're so excited that christmas 911 has had such a great response..we've so enjoyed seeing your FO's and chatting about patterns, yarns, lack of sleep... lol!  christmas is getting here pretty quick, that's for sure.. and we're so happy we have you lovely ladies to chat with!

what are your fave. recipes? last minute patterns, anything during this busy and crazy time? do you have many more items on your list? i've got the biggest pot of coffee on... and later today there *might* be a little bailey's involved... wanna share? xo

thank so much for coming on becca! you can find more of rebecca on her blog nook, facebook page & etsy shop - luv ya girl!!!!  and all you knitters taking part in christmas knitting 911 make sure you get your pictures uploaded into our ravelry group here or our flickr group here...you just may be up on the blog next week..wink wink!

makin'it in the mommyhood - we're getting close

we're busy crafting away over here today....stars for a mobile from some fun scrapbook paper...
(edited to add: here's the origami tute i used to make our stars - http://www.craftideas.info/html/tutorial_origami_star_b.html)

and i'm madly trying to finish hand sewing the binding on harper's quilt for xmas. i have to tell you i've been having a love/hate relationship with sewing the binding on.  i only have to do one side as an awesome pal of mine machine stitched (cut & sewed my binding too) the other side on.  what i've learned is that i am not a great hand sewer (no surprise to me there..lol) and that i really, really need a thimble.  any recommendations you guys? there are so many out there but i really want a good one for quilting with.  hopefully i'll have pics to show you soon of the quilt all washed, dried and crinkled up with love & quilty goodness.  i love that part :)

the back

 i could not resist trying out my machines alphabet sewing capabilities even though i didn't do a perfect job..it was my first time doing it after all, i love that her name is on it :)  warms my heart.

i've also got to get a hat and shawl blocked and get the hubs hat on the go.  what are you all up to?  are you starting to get a little panicky like i am that xmas is only like 10 days away??? oh my! anyone else finishing up some handmade pressies? 

p.s. christmas knitting 911 will be up on a diff day this week :) and i'm super thrilled to be mentioned in the "knit and crochet now" christmas gift guide newsletter yesterday! what a thrill to see the mallory cowl in there i tell ya!  thank you knit and crochet now! if you haven't seen their show start watching - it's awesome. i mean how can you go wrong with a show all about knitting & crocheting? LOVE it! :)

moments in the mommyhood - view from the daddyhood

daddy and the camera have struck again..lol.  j took the kids out on the weekend for a good ol'run around at the park.  this is the evidence of their fun.  eating dirt, jumping in mud, swinging their hearts out, and just plain good ol'daddy & me time.  i love seeing these pics and they are even more fun to find on the camera later when i don't know they are on there.

our little harper is sure a mischievous one just like her big sister.  that humorous spirit runs strong in this one...lol.  she's always looking and watching and soaking it all in......

and mackenzie, well she is mackenzie.  always up for a good adventure, some fun and lots of laughs.  she never ceases to amaze me with her energy and her big smile!  always up to mischief this one..but good mischief.

we've had a rough few days around here.  you know those days where little things just keep driving ya nuts or going wrong? yep..had a few of those around here.  oh well...i figure after a few days of that must mean some good things are coming my way! i had to pull a few sarah jessica parker moments from "how does she do it" scenarios but we survived and i feel a bit proud of myself for making it through...gibbled back and all.  now to make it to the weekend.

we're coming up on jer's exam on friday and boy am i counting down the days.  it feels like this last module of studying he's been doing has taken forever.  crawled by to be exact.  i managed to get almost all of my xmas cards done yesterday though...a miracle as i had to address them with both kiddos helping and trying to allow them to be involved without destroying my cards or pictures.  what an adventure that was to say the least.  now to finish the holiday crafting/shopping.....hopefully :) i can't believe it's only like 11 days left till xmas! seriously?  when did this happen?

how's your week been so far?  any of you having "one of those days" too?  let's commiserate together..lol.  have you been holiday crafting? what are you making?  let's chat, this momma could use the company today.

p.s. thank you to all my loyal and lovely readers for being there for me this morning.  you all know who you are and i wish you could all know how much your comments meant to me.  i love this blog and i love all of you and i hope we can continue to be honest and open with each other and that this remains a happy place to share in our good days and bad days of mommyhood :)  big hugs to you all!