A Look Back at January

Oh hey, look, it's already the middle of February and I'm going to recap January. I have plenty of other things to do/blog about, but I was on a roll with monthly recaps last Fall and then fell off that wagon with all of the craptastic-ness that came with November and December.

I'm looking to get back on the horse, so I figure we'd start his month with a look back at January--my top three posts:

Garden Planning--Old School Style

This is the one where I whipped out my pencil and paper, armed myself with some seed packets, and tried to kick the winter ho-hums in the backside. Spoiler alert: it didn't work, but at least I have a plan to keep my gardens happy and thriving and the opposite of dead and sad.

Soft White Muslin Trees for Winter

After the crazyness of the Christmas decor had been packed up and put away, I craved something softer and less crazy than the red-and-green-and-gold-stuff-crammed-on-every-horizontal-surface look. Enter these sweet little trees made from poster board and ruffled strips of muslin fabric. Super easy, and they are still sitting pretty on my buffet.

Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

This was the most popular post on el bloggy blog in January. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that everyone I know has a serious case of the sniffles? It's that time of the year, and nothing helps you feel better more than homemade chicken noodle soup. And nothing is easier than making it in your crockpot. Truth.

There's my January in a nutshell! Looking forward to sharing a couple of mood boards and a Pottery Barn knockoff for the rest of this month, and then (hopefully...finally...PLEASE) getting my hands dirty on some projects in March.

Aaaaaand, this summer is shaping up to the QUITE the summer because of the following festive opportunities:

• My baby is turning THREE! Last year she kind of got the shaft on her birthday because I was burned out from wedding crafting and prep, but this year she has requested a Princess Party and so she will have a Princess Party of epic proportions.
• My Momma is getting married in July and wants a good ol' fashioned DIY wedding in her backyard. YES.
• My sister is having a baby! She is due in August, so this means four things: 1.) sweet baby cuddles! 2.) I finally get to be an aunt! 3.) nursery decorating! and 4.) baby shower!

If you can't tell, parties are my favorite, so we can all look forward to a summer of DIYing and festivities!

That Time I Did a Craft Show + Weekend Update

Hello, lovelies!

I missed posting on Monday, and I didn't even realize that I hadn't posted until I was crawling into my super warm bed to watch "Friends" re-runs until I fell asleep. Sometimes cozy beds and the best show to be on TV ever in the history of TV wins, ya know?

I participated in my first craft show on Saturday. I will call it a success because a.) I sold two items, which means that yes--people will want to buy my stuff! b.) I have realized that church-sponsored shows are not my scene--I'm super glad I did it, but glad I am learning; and c.) I was able to network and was invited to another craft show in April.

Things I learned at the craft show: make sure your handmade banner doesn't fall apart that morning and MORE HEIGHT.
Also: still working on a line of pom pom items for the shop. Hopefully I'll get them rolled out before Easter!

Signing up for another craft show means I am already half way to my 2014 goal of signing up for four craft shows this year. And we haven't even gotten into full-blown craft show season!

Speaking of other goals, I am so consumed with the winter yuck and doldrums that I can't bring myself to get started on projects to tackle in the house. I am, however, whipping up a few mood boards to help inspire me to get a move on, already.

And then there is this:

At the Atlantic City Boat Show.

The child has a need for speed. She is so her daddy's girl.

How was your weekend, friends?

Wanna see where I party? Click here for an awesome list of link parties I participate in..

Also linking up to:
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
Imparting Grace
Jennifer Rizzo

Taking Off This Friday

Hi, friends!

Just dropping in to let you know that there will be no Five Friday Faves today, because I'll be spending most of my Friday prepping for my VERRRRRY first craft and vendor show!

If no one has plans for tomorrow (February 8), I'll be selling my goodies at:

Deerfield United Methodist Church
1555 Hwy. 77
Upper Deerfield, NJ 08313

From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Looking forward to sharing details with you after the event!

Have a fabulous weekend.

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

Back to the Valentine's Day shenanigans!

If you missed out on Monday, I listed my five picks for Valentine's Day Gifts for Him, and I thought I'd also do a "for her" version, too. This one proved much easier, because these are things that I would personally choose if it were up to me for the gift-giving (winkwinknudgenudgehusband).

Let's get down to business, shall we?

via Kate Spade

I included a set of coasters from Kate Spade in my "For Him" guide, but I saw this necklace and it is PERFECT for Valentine's Day. If it's Kate Spade, though, can you REALLY go wrong? Methinks no, you cannot.

via Target

Spoiler alert: I already have one of these and I think it would be a gross injustice if I didn't tell you how much I love it. Because I love it. I can now bake ALL THE THINGS and not break a sweat. I can even shred chicken with it. And make mashed potatoes. Men, for serious, if you love your woman and you love baked goods, it would behoove you to purchase one for her ASAP.

via SYG Boutique on Etsy

I don't know about you, but I do enjoy a nice scarf. I have many of them, but I don't have this one. And I think that should change. Navy blue, chevron, and anchors: yes, please.

via Kmi Designs on Etsy

I think there is something so raw and simple about this: a gold-filled bar, hand-stamped with your name on a gold chain. So pretty. 

via JulieAnn Art on Etsy

And let's face it ladies: I am not the only one who has this battle at night, right?!

So there are my top five things "For Her" for Valentine's Day. Anything specific you have your eye on?

Wanna see where I party? Click here for an awesome list of link parties I participate in..

Also linking up to:
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
Imparting Grace
Jennifer Rizzo

Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

Ahhhhh, Valentine's Day.

Do you love it? Hate it?

Quite frankly, I think it's a fabulous excuse to decorate with a lot of pink and bake red velvet everythings, but that's about where my dedication to the holiday ends.

The last few years, the hubster and I have exchanged cards and small gifts, and I get Peyton a little something. I am always always always stumped what to get Denny, so I thought it would be fun to put together this little gift guide.

I present to you...

via Bella Mantra on Etsy

I love this skeleton key tie bar. If Denny wore more ties, I might have bought one for him.

 via Cyberoptix on Etsy

This tie made me smile...I mean come on--little pigs! This shop has a TON of screenprinted ties you can order.

via Target

Your guy a bit of an adventurer? I know mine is and all I hear him talk about is this GoPro camera.

via Kate Spade

I'm not going to lie, I would even like this gift. These silver-plated coasters from Kate Spade are fabulous.

via JulieAnn Art on Etsy

I am a huge fan of JulieAnn Art's cards for any occasion. And she makes cards for pretty much every occasion. You totally have to check them out!

So, what are your feelings on Valentine's Day? Do you struggle getting your man a Valentine's Day gift? Have you gotten it yet?

I haven't. Surprise, surprise.

See you on Wednesday for Valentine's Day Gifts for Her!

Wanna see where I party? Click here for an awesome list of link parties I participate in..

Also linking up to:
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
Imparting Grace
Jennifer Rizzo