Moving....

After lots of consideration, I have decided to merge my two blogs together. There were some things that I wanted posted in both places, but I didn't want to make two posts. I also wanted my LoveAlways, XOX blog to be more personal. Since my wordpress blog was more established, I have moved everything over there. You can subscribe by email, and I hope you will! See you on the wordpress side!

www.wifemomwoman.wordpress.com

Gearin Up

Here in my neck of the woods we are gearing up for yet another snow storm. Normally I have a big problem with winter (beach weather is more my style). This year I was doing really great. Storm after storm and below normal temps weren't getting me down. Then last week we had upper forties all week and it was such a tease! Now I am ready for spring.

Please?

Ok fine, I know it's coming. Since we're all getting stuck in our houses we might as well get crafty right? What's that you say? You're not very crafty? Well, here are some ideas for you!
These craft kits are fun, beautiful, simplified..... I've been thinking of a few reasons why you might want to use a DIY (Do It Yourself) kit:

1. You don't know a thing about crafting but would like to try.
2. Birthday party crafts/favors.
3. Maybe you are thinking about getting into a new hobby but want to make sure you like it and/or want to learn more about it. 
4. You like the sense of accomplishment.
5. You are lazy. (that's me!)

Whatever the reason, check out these great kits! (And let me know what you are crafting on this weekend!)

Magnet Kit

Hailey Dress

Car Seat Tent

Square Glass Pendants

Butterfly Chandelier

Easy Catch Ball

Happy Birthday

My sweet Axel turned 6 yesterday. I am so proud of him. He is so sweet, kind, respectful.... and so full of love! He makes my heart melt.

I didn't make him anything. Can you believe it? We just don't really make a big deal of birthday gifts with the kids. We usually have a party (I really love parties) and they get plenty of gifts. I still might try and make up a car cozie for him. He was asking for one, and maybe I could do it before his party this afternoon.

So far, this age group has been the hardest for me in finding handmade gifts. After spending some time on Etsy I have found a few things that I think Axel would love.

Sneak in a little math learning with this fishing game. Those little fish are so cute!

Magnetic Fishing Game

My kids love playing with balloons but they are always worried about it popping when it hit the ceiling. Problem solved.

Balloon Ball

Axel recently discovered shooting spit wads and I think he would love this!

Marshmallow Shooters

And how neat is this?!

Spinning Top

Darn Fridge

Our fridge went out this week and so I had some food to either eat fast or throw out. It was time to get creative.

At Christmas time Andrew and I took the Dirty Bingo prize. We were so gracious about it too! haha.

So my sister-in-law really wanted the cup with the straw and when I saw them at Target last week I had to pick one up for her. But.... I promised to only give handmade gifts this year so I was stuck. Andrew said he could just give it to her, but it still wasn't quite right.

Enter food that needs to be eaten. I took a puff pastry, rolled it out, and cut it into 8 squares. In each square I placed either a bite size Snickers bar, or a bite sized Twix bar. I then wrapped them up and baked them. I have to say they were pretty tasty! Each puff was then wrapped individually and put inside the cup. Yeah! Homemade treats:)

This, That and Then Some

The last few days have been a whirl wind! Some good, some bad, but mostly great!

After having everyone so sick all week last week I was worn out by the weekend. Friday night we went to a friends house for Rook night and had a blast! It was so refreshing to take a break from the day to day and just relax. On Saturday we had a birthday party to go to but I was just too overwhelmed and Evangeline still wasn't feeling well so my amazing hubby took Axel and Miracle and they headed out with this gift in tow:

I stayed home and Evangeline took a FOUR HOUR NAP while I cleaned the entire house. It was so great. When they got home, Andrew and I went on a date. I felt so rejuvenated!!!!

Sunday we had a Valentine card making party at church:

And Monday (Valentine's Day) we had so much fun!

Pink Heart Shaped Pancakes

Sweet Heart

Pink Princess

Dinner at Carbone's

Love

Some Cake for Axel's Birthday

Our Valentine's Cards

i heart baby

Scallop Beanies

Kitch Polka Dot Frock

Heart Throb Bow Tie

Full of Heart Lovey

Sweetheart Hat

Personalized Baby Announcement

Brrr.....

It is so cold here right now. I'm in Minnesota where the temperature was -12F when I brought Axel to school this morning. Then you add in the wind chill, and your fingers are frozen before you even make it out the door. It seems like most of the country is experiencing a colder (and snowier) than normal winter.

That being said, I really wish I knew how to knit (or at least crochet). A friend of mine made me some fantastic chunky knit pink gloves for Christmas. I would love to knit hats and gloves for my family. The fun knit flowers and the cute baby hats with the ears....

I bought this hat for my girls when Evangeline was born. I actually have a few. One the same as pictured and then two in a cream with brown. Unfortunately Evangeline has grown out of hers, but Miracle's still fits. We get so many compliments! I was going to link you to the etsy shop, but it is no longer there. Bummer!

Another Etsy favorite of mine:

Bear Ear Flaps Hat

 

 

 

I saw these at the mall a few weeks ago and think they are a really fun accessory (bought handmade instead of course!):

Chunky Ear Warmer Headband

 

And I really want some chunky legwarmers. I've been wanting to try the whole skinny jeans/legwarmers/boots combo.

Dotted Custom Legwarmers

My Miracle

We were back at the dr. today with little Miss Miracle. On top of the prednisone and albuterol she now has amoxicillan. She is in a pretty good mood despite not feeling well. I'm guessing it is probably the steroids though!

Here are some sweet gift ideas for your little miracles.

Magnetic Block Picture Frame

Scrabble Tile Pendant

Miracle Frame

Life Story Blocks

Handmade Valentine's

Our whole family has been sick off and on the last week. As a result, my house is a disaster and everyone is starting to feel a little cooped up. I think tomorrow a project is in order. Little M requested that we make Valentines and I think that is a good idea. Here are some fun ideas and tutorials.

My son is really into space so we might have to do these rocket ship Valentines. I have kisses and tootsie rolls on hand, so hopefully they work. Lots more ideas if you click around the 'family fun' website.

These drinks from 'Tatertots and Jello' would be fun, but maybe a little bulky to bring to school.

I suppose the kids at school want real candy, but I might like to make a vase of these felt suckers 'Pamela Susan' shows us how to make.

And because I am usually last minute (and try to be eco friendly), I love this post from 'Crafting A Green World' on Five Different Valentines to make with recycled materials.

Grocery Bag Cards

I am definitely going to have to try out idea number 5 for the tie envelopes, since I have a fetish (and a stockpile) for using old ties.

I'll post pictures of how our Valentines turn out, and I'll keep searching for more fantastic ideas!

Wine Lovers

I have a relative who started making their own wine and even fashioned a little bar/distilling (is that what it's called???) area in their home. I thought this would be the perfect addition for their new past time.

To me there are so many pros to this serving tray. It is eco friendly as well as an awesome conversation starter. The tray has a classy look to it and is very reasonably priced. Oh, and I loved the one I ordered and so did the receiver. Check out d'Pholk Designs for more colors too.

Men's Ring

I purchased this ring for my husband as a Christmas gift. He has been wanting a second wedding ring for a while. Something that he could wear on a daily basis and not worry about dings or scratches to his nice wedding band.

It is lightweight and the oxidation is wearing in such a cool way! Hubby absolutely loves it. I had his engraved with our wedding anniversary. No excuses now right? Tina was so great to work with, and even though I ordered past her Christmas deadline she still got it to me in time. She has many other styles in her shop as well. Check it out!

One Hour Bag

For my sister (in-law) on her birthday I made this purse from a tutorial I found over at Ric-Rac. The tutorial is very detailed with lots of great pictures. This was my biggest sewing project so far and it went so smoothly thanks to the wonderful directions!

There is a little pocket inside and I couldn't find the magnetic snaps, but I did get a large snap from the sewing section at Wal-Mart. I think they were $2 or $3 for a set of 3.

I'm also really excited about the button embellishments! I purchased a little kit from Jo-Annes for around $3 so I could make matching buttons to add a little pizazz to the straps. 

If you aren't up for making your own, you can check out some of these great bags I found on Etsy.

Deer and Mushroom Bag

Freebird Emma

Colorful Songbirds Buttercup Bag

Birdie Sling Handbag

The Pixie Handbag

Buttons n Arrows

Slouchy Shoulder Bag

Knitted Handbag

Peek A Pink Handbag