Crochet Victory!

 Yessssss.  After 2 "how to crochet" ipod apps, multiple you tube tutorial videos, and roughly 37 failed attempts, I finally figured out the "granny square". Victory!  I know it's one small step in the world of crocheting but I can finally check that off my Christmas vacation to-do list. : )

So now I just need to decide what to do with this new power of mine. Granny square garland?

(here)

Granny square afghan?

(probably a granny square baby blanket is more realistic)

Or do I venture into new territory? I looove this pillow!

and this one...

and this hat is pretty sweet too. So many color combo possibilities!

I'm just looking forward to having a reason to make frequent runs to this little yarn shop Jude and I recently discovered within walking distance from our house.

Soooo pretty : )

Are you guys crocheters? I'd love to see what you've made. Post links in the comments and I will be sure to check them out!

You know what else I'm excited about??....WARMER WEATHER!!! I know it's probably just temporary and there's probably another snow storm in our future. But driving with the windows down and the sun roof open has been gloooorious! Hope the weather is lovely in your neck of the woods!

Arian : )

Party Girl

 I finished the crocheting project that's been like therapy for me just in time for my little friend Ruby's birthday!

 It was such fun to work on and I'm anxious to start a new project. I downed a few apps for my ipod and have been bookmarking inspirational photos.

Well, hopefully Miss Ruby enjoys her little party banner. Jude turns three next week so maybe I'll get started on one for him!

(Jude trying to get some love from the birthday girl. She was uninterested. He's never had much luck impressing the ladies.)

Arian : )

Candy Bar Wrapper

 Here's another fast, free Valentine's Day printable for you. Pick up a candy bar that has a foil wrapper (this one is a giant Hershey bar) and remove the candy bar's outer wrapper. Click on the image below for the full version then right click or drag to your desktop to save it. Print it, trim it to the right size, tape it in place, and there you go! I embellished this one with a cute little ribbon, a metal rim key tag (got mine at an office supply store) and a heart sticker.  And there you go! A quick, easy, little Valentines Day gift : ) You could even write a message on the inside of the wrapper if you wanted.

Do you have any Valentine's Weekend plans? As much as I love my husband and celebrating holidays with him, I get just as excited about doing fun things for our boys. I bought their presents awhile ago. I've got a fun Valentine's Day breakfast planned and we're going to have a fancy, family dinner at home on Valentines Day evening. Good stuff. Hope your weekend is special no matter who you spend it with!

Arian : )

Bag Lady

 My dad is in town for the weekend! He got here late last night. Snow somewhere along the way in West Virginia set him back a couple hours so I got out the sewing machine to keep me occupied while I waited up for him.

 I've been wanting to pair these two fabrics together for awhile. So I made this simple tote bag. The inside fabric is a retro-licious remnant from Granny's stash and the outside fabric is soft and sturdy upholstery fabric from my favorite discount fabric store.

 I'm definitely a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of sewer-- no pattern, no planning, no measuring...just wing it.  It's good for my soul that way.

The boys (and I!) are glad to have PopPop in town, as you can tell by today's pic-a-day. It promises to be a good weekend : )

Muuuuuch Love,
Arian

Coping

Thanks for all the love, hugs, prayers, etc. And thanks for sharing about your losses too. I wish there weren't so many women who can relate! It's quite a bummer to go through.

 I have some moments when I feel like super woman--like it's no big deal and I'm totally fine. And then there are other moments, like when I go to reach for my maternity jeans, that I feel a bit lost. It's an odd transition to go from pregnant to not pregnant without a little baby involved.

 But we're coping. There are a few songs I've been listening to on repeat, like "Season of Rain" and
"After the Storm".  I'm diving into some creative projects and keep yarn and a crochet hook with me most of the time to fill quiet moments.

And we're making good use of all the Starbucks gift cards I got for Christmas (thank you!!). Coffee shops are good because you can be surrounded by people but you don't actually have to talk to them : )

 We sketch, and listen to music, and craft, and sip our drinks and let time pass.

It's good.

Thanks again for the love : )
Arian

ps-- I'm probably gonna keep wearing the maternity pants anyways. Skinny jeans with elastic waist bands are a blessing that need not be reserved only for pregnant women ; )

Was loved. Will be missed.

I hadn't told you guys yet (was waiting til next week!) but we we've been expecting our third baby since December. We found out yesterday, though, that our little one probably never made it past more than a few cells big. My body just didn't catch on until yesterday.

I'm well. We're all well. And we've been getting lots of love, including long-distance love from my sis in South Africa.

Tiny four-celled baby Armstrong was deeply loved, greatly anticipated, and will be missed.  We're grateful for the two sweet, healthy babies we already have and are excited about the sweet, healthy babies to come!

Arian : )

Valentines Day Cards!

I just added little Valentine's Day cards to the shop! Get a set of 8 (2 of each design) with 8 round, white stickers to seal them closed for $8. OR, get a set of 4 FREE WITH ALL PRINT ORDERS THIS WEEK!

So if someone you love has had an eye on a print (or if you want to treat yourself to a little art this Valentines Day), hop on over! Your print and cards will be sent out Friday : )

Arian : )