DIY: thank you for not smoking

Don't you just love this? I wish I could take credit for the idea.  I actually saw one similar to it hanging in a house our realtor showed me (so if you are currently renting out a house in austin that is on the market ... and you've got one of these ... I'm sorry. I stole your idea).

Anywho, I just had to make one for myself.  

I should tell you. I was a smoker. We were smokers. It was wonderful. Gosh, I miss it sometimes.  John and I spent many evenings before we got pregnant, staying up until 4am chain smoking, playing games, listening to music and talking.  I love those memories. so special.

I digress.

We quit smoking after the positive pregnancy test and now we have a pretty little picture to thank us for it! (well, that and a healthy baby!)

You might just want to get a stencil from hobby lobby ... 

Yay felt! Keep the stencil! become a tag-artist! exclamation mark! 

Oh, oops... how'd that adorable picture get in here? ;)

Ta-daaaaaa!

I hope you have had a great day!
<3
andrea

A Marvelous Monday for Vintage Fashion

Model: Sarah Arnold
Dress/Shoes: Thrifted
Earings/Belt: Vintage

Isn't she just darling? I've been saving these pictures to spark up a mundane day, and that is exactly what they're doing for me.  I love this girl so much and just looking at her beautiful face makes me happy.

This is a pretty non-impresive on-the-hanger dress, but just look how darling it is on! Always give the not-impressive-at-first-sight things a chance yall!

<3
andrea

The Dapper little Darling

Happy weekend darlings!
<3
andrea

Why life isn't over once there's a baby

Ok, first off, let me just tell you now.  I don't  have an answer.  I don't know why.  All I know, or believe, is surely it doesn't. It can't.  Just because you have a baby doesn't mean you are no longer an individual person. It doesn't mean you have been wiped clean of all goals and aspirations you once had.  It doesn't mean that you lose yourself in motherhood (or it shouldn't).

Just this morning I was talking (texting) a girlfriend who recently left everything here, picking up to move to New York for a Job opportunity at an art gallery.  I have another girlfriend who has a job interview this weeks at a very credible, magazine for photography.  Yet another girlfriend just sold everything she owned to move out to the west coast.  You get the picture.

I had plans too.  I was in my last year of college when I got pregnant.  I was going to take a year off to move to San Francisco to make big art.  A bicycle operated ferris wheel to be exact.  I was going to go to burning man and prance (dance?) around the desert scantily dressed.  I was going to travel to portland and ride bikes.  I was going to join the circus. I was going to ... (fill in the blank here).  Most importantly though, I was going to apply to grad school (in some far-away-and-very-cool-land).

Now, let me just say here, that in NO WAY do I regret the way things 'went down',  I am madly in love with my son and believe the universe brought everything together at the most perfect time for me. I truly believe that.  With all my heart.
However, with that being said, I am not signing over my life for the sake of 'Motherhood'.   I am not going to move to the suburbs, buy a minivan and start baking muffins for the jr league of austin (assuming we even have a jr. league).  (if this is what you do, I am not telling you it's wrong ... unless of course, it's not what you want to be doing. then, well, let's talk).


I think (know) I just need a little more excitement in my life than that.  Perhaps it's time to build a plan- like every week, do something to work towards applying to school.
Then for excitement, maybe try something new every week (or, who am I fooling? ... let's try every month).
For example, Tuesday night I went rollerskating (HOLY COW. IT. WAS. SO. FUN).  And, you know what I discovered? That I need my fun to be involving my body (i.e cycling, skating, dancing etc).  It is important for me to get physically worn out ... get the endorphins pumping.
(and remember: "working out gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands")
What do you need? I think it's time to figure it out! (this does not apply to only mothers! We all need to take care of ourselves!)


Geez, ok, this post was all over the place.
But, what I'm saying is this:
I need to know that parents are still leading an exciting life (outside of the 'holy shit! he just rolled over!' excitement).
I need to know that parents are still making and accomplishing goals for themselves (and not their children).

So, please, share with me your experience!
thanks for the listening ear. It is always so appreciated
<3
andrea

source

DIY: scrapbook with a vintage hardcover

This just might be my favorite DIY to date.  Which is encouraging because about half way through the project (It was a guest book for my brother's wedding), I contacted his fiancé in distress (using very 'choice' words) about how awful it was going to be.  BUT, look! I kept on going, and it turned out adorable ... if I don't say so myself!

You should make one too! It would make such a fabulous journal.

what you need:

1. hard cover book

2. heavy weight paper (about 1/3 as many sheets as there are pages in the book)

3. exacto knife

4. Zip Dry paper glue 

what you might want:

1. paper edge cutter things (to get that lace edge)

2. photo corners - if you are using it as a scrap book

ok, this is what I did, However if you have a better idea I'd love to know it!

• With an exacto knife I cut out the pages of the book.  Leaving about an inch and a half. (Saving pages for another art project!!!)
• Making sure my heavy-weight paper was the right size for the book, I then punched out the lace shape.
• I put glue on both sides of my heavy-weight paper and stuck it between two of the inch-long original pages.
• This paper is so much thicker then the original book paper you might want to do one heavy-weight page where there were before 3 or 4 pages.  If so, I would then cut those extra pages down even further (or rip them out if you have a steady hand - but don't do that if your original spine is super delicate).
• TaDAAAAA!

Look at how adorable my brother and his adorable bride were! (he and I picked out her dress. ooh ooh! maybe I'll do a fashion post about it!)

Well, that is it for now dearies.  I am very anxious to know if you make one and how it turns out!

love!

andrea

today's favorite things

Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings are a modern soul band, which completely capture the essence of 60's soul... I believe it's done not only by the style of the music but also by the sound (the way it was recorded).

The old Fisher-Price toys.  Now, how will my son ever know what this is supposed to be?

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson.  Don't ask, just go get it.

Clarks shoes.  I know they make you think of the wallabee style ... which, either will remind you of Grandmas or rappers. BUT, they also make adorable shoes (see above) and they are comfy as all get out. 

How could you not love this guy?

my closet: Go big or Go home

Well friends, this week in fashion I am encouraging you to go big or go home! wear those crazy pants, high heels or crazy hair do you've been too nervous to sport.

Do it. I dare you.

<3

andrea

a little twist on the: LIEBSTER AWARD

This week (last week? ... oops) two bloggers tagged me for the Liebster award.  Thanks girls! I have compiled both of their questions into one post. Beware this is a whole lot of andrea .... here it goes:

What is The Liebster Award?

The Liebster award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.


Here are the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you, plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs!

11 Random things about me:

1. my second toe is longer than my first
2. I will always have to remind myself when to use 'than' vs 'then'
3. I don't believe in proof reading (which you probably have caught on to by now)
4. I obviously don't believe in periods either (.).
5. I think it's scary being a mother
6. You know those annoying cyclists who run red lights and cut you off while not wearing helmets? I used to be one of them... and if it weren't for redding i probably still would be (so, I apologize for all of us. It's just SO gosh darn fun). Are you unfollowing me now?
7. At one point I had a really nice camera, but I left it on top of my car and drove off.  Now I have to use Johns. 
8. I am still sad about #7, even though it happened a couple years ago
9. I am afraid of the dark (not joking)
10. I am afraid of the boogie man (still not joking)
11. When I was in jr. high I really wanted to shave my arms, and I am SO glad I had sense enough not too. (jr. high is hard)

Answers to a an unfairy tale's questions:

1. I started blogging because I had crafts to share, then it was because I had nothing else to do, NOW it's because I enjoy the blogging community 
2.  (whats your favorite color?) 'red (no yellow... ahhhhh!)' (monty python anyone?)
3. cake, always cake
4. I am not a bookworm, I don't think. I am however always in the middle of at least two books, so maybe I am? what is a bookworm exactly?
5. My favorite part of high school was theatre. I loved the stage. Heck, I wish I was still on a stage.
6. I don't think there is anything I must have when leaving the house.  I actually like it when John drives places that way I don't have to worry about my keys or wallet. 
7. 'Pride and Prejudice' is the movie I can watch on repeat. I really don't know why I love it so much. I don't even really care for keira knightly OR jane austin, but, what can I say? I just love that movie.
8. I actually don't think I want to switch my life with anyone, even if just for a day.  OH OH ok, I know, I would want it to be someone who can sing.  I've always wanted to know what it'd be like to have a fabulous voice and be able to belt it out.
9.  I grew up playing the piano, flute and guitar.  I don't think I could play any of them today.
10. My favorite foods are Avocados and Tomatoes. I think those are both technically fruit, right?
11. I hate cupcakes.  I am totally not kidding. Why you ask? ... because they are so messy that I always end up spilling some of it (and getting icing on my face), and come on, sweets are far too precious to be wasted!  Honestly, I don't understand the cupcake movement.  I am ready for the brownie movement! 

Answers to the questions from muffington post:

1. My favorite color is Pink. (or see question #2 above).
2. I am a day person who could stay up all night painting.
3. Hot chocolate doesn't deserve to be in the same sentence as Coffee. I drink Coffee all day (which is probably why I can stay up all night painting).
4. My perfect day would consist of: everything bagels, land before time and a comfy couch. And perhaps a couple of friends to cuddle with.
5. My favorite show as a kid was 'I dream of Jeannie.' 
6. I do craft, and my favorite is always what I haven't yet started. (does that make sense?)
7. CHRISTMAS! I LOVE CHRISTMAS. SO HARD. ok, halloween too. and valentines day. Honestly, I just really really love holidays.  They are the exclamation points of life.
8. NO! You can not make me choose between harry potter and Lord of the Rings.  Although, actually I do love 'harry potter' more, 'The Lord of the Rings' holds a very dear place in my heart (my dad read them all aloud to us when we were kids).  (note: I do not like the movies to either).
9. Last meal... hmmm, this is hard:  fried okra, avocados, sweet potato fries, peaches  and a chocolate milk shake with homemade whipped cream.
10. There is no perfect outfit, just an outfit that fits perfectly to your mood.  Lately I've been wanting flowy pants, a long flowy tank, turquoise jewelry and wedges.
11. My heritage is a little bit of everything.  But, I suppose my last name is Irish and I love that. My name. I gave it up once and I will never do it again (don't quote me on that though).

Here are my questions, and I'm sorry I am not going to tag 11 specific people, rather I would just like everyone to do a little journaling and figure out the answer for yourself!!! (or blog about it and send me the link!)

1. Do you love your body?
2. Do you respect yourself?
3. Do you consistently set goals for yourself and work towards them?
4. Are you outspoken for what you believe in?
5. Do you listen to both sides of the story with an open mind?
6. Do you read to the news and know what's going on in the world?
7. Are you respectful of others, even those with radically different views?
8. Do you regularly judge other women for how they look?
9. Are you getting enough sleep and eating well?
10. Are you in the habit of doing one nice thing for yourself each day (and one for someone else?)
11. Are constantly trying to educate yourself on new things? 

wow that was a whole lot of andrea, eek, sorry.  If you made it through that whole thing then you deserve an adorable picture and a fun song (enjoy!): 

SIX WHOLE MONTHS!

Holy moly, can you even believe it? It's been six whole months that I've had this little guy around.  It's gone by so incredibly fast.  I held my friends darling four day old baby today and I can't believe Redding was ever so small.

In case you can't see in the pictures, my sweet baby has two teeth!  (owwwie! for both of us).  

I love this stage, he is so all over the place.  Within just this last week he has started rolling, twisting and turning.  He wants to grab everything, shake it and put it in his mouth.

And I love that it doesn't matter how upset he is, if I start singing 'little bunny foofoo' he immediately starts laughing. 

My house is just filled with laughing, squeaking and more grunting than you can even imagine. 

He's actually taking such a long nap this afternoon that I miss him! Redding wake up and play with me!

Good golly, i love that little munchkin!
<3
andrea

How to secure your own oxygen mask first...

In the event of a loss in cabin pressure, yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above you. To secure, pull the mask towards you, secure the elastic strap to your head, and fasten it so it covers your mouth and nose. Breathe normally. Even if the bag does not inflate, please keep in mind that oxygen is flowing. Please make sure to secure your own mask before assisting others.

In my house we have a rule, and that is it.  To make sure your own mask is securely fastened before assisting the baby's.   We figured this out pretty early on and it probably had to do with eating.  I tend to get incredibly incredibly 'hangry' (hungry-angry: 'hangry'), I, probably at some point tried to nurse little ol' redding in this state and John realized it was no good, that I always need to take care of me or I'm a useless mommy.  So it's not unusual in my house for the baby to be crying and I run to the kitchen to get a glass of juice or a few crackers... and perhaps I'm completely wrong (I haven't read this advice in any of my research) But, I think it's better for him to cry an extra 50 seconds and me ensure that I'm able  to be a nurturing mom in that moment (and that's not even getting into the whole physical aspect/ milk letting down thing).


Sometimes there are many facets to one lesson though and I realized another to this one friday night. I was driving my car home in inconsolable tears.  Everything was wrong ... and nothing (I'm sure you know the story).  "I'm so tired" *sob* "I have nooo friends" *sniff* "the house is always dirty" *snort* "and I have nothing that fits" *wail*.  I was actually on my way home from a movie, so normally I'd be feeling revitalized, but I think some time to myself was just too far overdue. 
You know that you are in a bad spot when the thought crosses your mind 'I could just not go home ... I could just never go home ... again'.  And normally (ok not that normally, I've only thought this a couple times before now) the following thought would be 'oh no, that's awful- of course I want to go home!' ... But not this time, I was too far gone. Ya'll I'm serious, my next thought was: 'but not in my loafers, I  don't want to run away from home in my red skinny jeans and loafers' !!! 
When I got home a few minutes later, redding was awake crying too. So I nursed him back to sleep and we both laid there for twenty minutes doing the post-cry hiccuping. Poor, poor john. poor mommy. poor baby.
John and I had a serious talk the next day.  And by 'John and I' what I really mean is John sat me down and had a serious talk with me the next day. About trusting him to be ok with redding while I'm out of the house. About finally hiring that babysitter so we can get out once a week. About taking care and getting out of the house before it turns from a 'want' to a 'need'.  (Gee wiz I have a good man).
So, you wanna know what I did saturday night? I crashed at a girlfriends house, my first night away from redding.  It was full of girls, glitter, champagne and dancing until 3 am.  And would you like to know the best part? sunday morning I came home (with a slight headache) and loved that baby so much harder and appreciated him so much more.  
Moral of the story: when mommy takes care of herself, everyone benefits.


So, mothers (heck, everybody needs this!) let's remember to H.A.L.T.  Are you Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired? That's a little acronym I learned many many lifetimes ago in rehab, but that my friends, is a story for another day.


 Take care of yourselves today lovelies! (and I will too! promise!)
<3
andrea

cross country thrifting #3

sarah's tip #3: Mom-Butt is IN STYLE!!!

(ok, that's more of a style tip than a thrifting tip... but, I'll take it).
ok, but in all seriousness.  It is in style! So grab those awkward high-wasted, pleated pants (skirts, skorts or even culottes) and throw 'em on.  The more long and momish your butt looks the hipper you will be.  Oh, what? you remember tip number one about the belt? ok! put the belt on higher (like pictured below).

ok, so really, we were cracking up while talking about how true this mom-butt style situation is.  Now sarah has gone back to california and my heart hurts. :(   But, I am so lucky to have such a good girlfriend.
<3
andrea

cross country thrifting #2

sarah's 2nd thrifting tip: who needs to try stuff on? who cares if the dress is huge on you? grab a belt (ahem, remember tip number one?) and throw it on.  And when applicable (like this dress) role up the sleeves.

She actually left me this dress. (I hope it was on purpose? if not... oops).  Isn't it great!? Don't I look like a watermelon?

have a lovely day dearies! happy thrifting!
<3
andrea

cross country thrifting #1

Recently one of my best girlfriends came to visit.  On her drive to texas from Northern California, she said she stopped at a thrift store in almost every town. Wooo! That's my kind of road trip.

Honestly, I never viewed her much as a fashionista (sorry sarah), she has much more of a yogi-cyclist-comfortable feel. However, while showing me her finds, she offered some awesome advice.  (especially for me, since I haven't dared going to a savers with a baby.  That has just seemed way to overwhelming). 

Her first tip was this: The belt.  I know, I know ... nothing new.  But I never seem to have the time for them anymore.  I realized that I should change this though, a fun belt can completely spark up the simplest dress.  AND right now super thin belts and fat belts are in style... oh the options!

Sundresses with cowboy boots. so good. Is this in style everywhere else? or is it just one of those austin things?
So, We are going to have nonstop fashion this week! featuring all of sarah's cross country thrifting goodies and tips.
Happy Tuesday darlings!
<3
andrea