braxton hicks how you torture me....

April 22, 2010

i can't find the link to where i found this comic, but it sure rings true in my life at the moment and i'm definitely sure there are a gazillion of you out there that can relate.

i'm taking a day off today to enjoy my constant braxton hicks...haha, ya right, spend some time getting things ready for the little ones arrival and rest after putting together that monster of a roundup :)

until then.....get your glow on ladies.....j/k! who else is due out there soon?

make it for mom - mother's day roundup

April 20, 2010

ohhhh, here it is folks! here's the monster of a post that's kept me up late the last few nights while i endure my braxton hicks.....the make it for mom mother's day roundup that i guest blogged over on "made" for celebrating mom! pop on over to made and check it out!

To me, motherhood comes in many forms. being someone who thought she may never be able to have children of her own i learned through my own personal struggle that motherhood is in our lives in places we may not always want to look, such as adoption, in-vitro, surrogacy, etc., but it's there, patiently waiting. Being a mom doesn't mean you have to give birth, it means unconditional love. Whether that child has your DNA or not, each and every little angel deserves that special kind of love and giving birth isn't the only way to develop and nurture that precious bond.

Being a mom is something that can be made. Whether it's in the gift of a child from across the world, being the best auntie you can be to your niece or nephew or being a caring foster home, it doesn't matter, you make what your possibilities are and if you have the love to give by all means make it happen. So for Mother's Day I figured it was quite fitting during these times in our world to "make" a gift filled with love to give to that special lady (or ladies) in your life who share that special and wondrous bond with you. So have fun with the roundup, get creative and enjoy the special power and beauty of handmade love, there's something in here for everyone!

Row 1
1. rope necklace 2. leather chain necklace 3. leather bracelet 4. ruffled scarf
Row 2
5. springy rings 6. zipper daisy 7. mother's day corsage 8. necklace

Row 1
1. ruffle necklace 2. embroidered scarve 3. hair band
Row 2
4. no elastic headband 5. camera/cell/ipod pouch 6. skinny headband

Row 1
1. layered skirt 2. apron 3. tie on slippers
Row 2
4. spring ruffle top 5. elastic waist skirt 6. apron

Row 1
1. pratia tank top 2. rose belt 3. zipper ballet flats
Row 2
4. ruffle shirt 5. flattering shirt dress 6. ruffle scrunch belt

Row 1
1. tea cup lights 2. white cherry branch silhouette 3. body scrub
Row 2
4. personalized magnet & tins 5. moisturizing body oil 6. organza sachet

1. kids tote bag 2. photo flowers 3. flower power 4. moms keychain

Row 1
1. straw flowers 2. eye pillow 3. handprint flower
Row 2
1. recycled flower pot 2. pasta plate 3. coupon book

Row 1
1. shower curtain 2. skinny table runner 3. gingham placemats
Row 2
4. gathered pillow 5. reversible fabric napkin ring 6. scrappy carrier bag

Row 1
1. sewing machine cover 2. shoe bag 3. spring napkins
Row 2
4. rubber lace coasters 5. quilt in a day 6. rice therapy bag

Row 1
1. felted slippers (ravelry link) 2. mary jane slipper (ravelry link)
3. twisted socks (ravelry link) 4. sockette pattern (ravelry link)
Row 2
5. textured shawl 6. summit (ravelry link) 7. anthemion wrap (ravelry link)
8. petrie tank (ravelry link)

(with some crochet thrown in for fun!)

Row 1
1. design yourself clothes book 2. sweetheart pin cushion 3. tissue holder
4. pincushion organizer
Row 2
1. coffee cozy 2. eyeglass case 3. vintage book planner 4. reversible journal cover

Row 1
1. big bow and clutch 2. scrappy clutch 3. suit coat clutch
Row 2
4. quilted garden tote 5. boxy pouch 6. reversible bag

Row 1
1. tank top totes 2. sling bag 3. pleated purse
Row 2
4. ruffled totebag 5. nigella yoga bag 6. buttercup bag

thanks so much for having me over dana - i'm honored! you're talent and creativity always astounds me, and you are blessed with a very beautiful family. i'm happy to have gotten to know you over this last year and i wish you a very happy handmade mother's day! luv ya girl!!!

make sure you head on over for the next two weeks to see what dana celebrates on made and disney on ruffles and stuff.

wishing you all a wonderful mother's day as well. what will you be making for that special someone?

happy birthday 3rd bday to my little angel!

April 20, 2010

it's my little ladies 3rd birthday today so i'll be spending the day celebrating with her. i love you sweetheart, you are my angel and my miracle baby all in one. thank you for blessing our lives with your sweet self - we love you more than we can say.

i couldn't resist posting 2 of my fave pics of mackenzie and i, trust me when i say i could have spent hours putting together mosaic after mosaic for you all to ohhh and ahhh over. it was hard not to, but i decided to go with 2. yep, just 2....ok, i may post more later...haha, but for now just 2.

she wasn't even 1 yet in these pics and we were still living in lovely vancouver. these pics were taken at stanley park in the fall, it's stunning there at that time of year and i miss it...gosh how time flies. the above photos capture an important time in my life with her and they won out amongst the gazillion pics i have our little girl, i must have baby on the brain! i cannot believe she is 3 years old today! insert my sobs.....ok, moving on...haha.

sorry this is just a quick post, but i'm busy getting tomorrow's special guest post for "made" that's part of "celebrating mom" ready to go for y'all! i'm excited! make sure you pop on over to see what dana's got going on and also disney from "ruffles and stuff". there will be lovelies up for the next 2 weeks!

any of your little ones having special bday's this week?

moments in the mommyhood - i'm pooped!

April 19, 2010

we had a busy weekend here in the mommyhood and i'm not embarrassed to say i am one pooped preggers mommy. here's a few quick shots of what we got up to this weekend....

park time fun with friends

little league and face painting with daddy

lots of yummy, yummy cupcakes to eat at mackenzie's 3rd bday party

getting out to enjoy her new bday tennis racket

needless to say these are only a few shots from the activities that went on this weekend...there's more, but hey, a few is better than none for now right?

i'm busy working away on my post for "celebrating mom" over on "made" and "ruffles and stuff". go check it out!!! it's lots of fun and the next 2 weeks will be filled with goodies galore!!! my post will be up on the fab dana's blog "made" on wednesday! make sure you stop over and say hello!

how was your weekend?

*all images luvinthemommyhood

weekend wishes

April 16, 2010

that every woman would tell herself this every day......

image via

that i could wake up each morning and be so inspired to quilt that i even cover my closet doors in it.....

image via

that my little girl's weekend "tennis bday party" (her choice of theme) goes great and is tennistastic....

image via photomequickbooth

that i can get some more sleep, or rest, or even a few hours without swollen feet, some heartburn and copious pee breaks....

image via

that i can finally get my little bird mobile finished for the little bean before she arrives (more to come next week, hopefully)....

image via luvinthemommyhood

that i could grab these out of my computer and eat all of them....yep, every single one folks...

image via

my little girl is turning 3 next week. i cannot believe it. i've got a new one coming and my other one isn't a baby anymore....i think the horomones are kicking in....insert my tears here. i was looking at her the other day and it was like looking at another person - where did those longer feet come from, where's your baby chub (or what you did have of it), how did your legs grow so much in a week or two that your pants don't fit anymore, when did your face start to look like a little lady instead of my toddler? eeeekkk! i can't take it, it seems like yesterday i was breastfeeding her and reading sandra boynton board books and now we're having serious discussions and contemplations about why we can't name the baby after the little mermaid. oh my.

anyhoo, it's her bday and she has requested a tennis themed party. what you say? tennis? not princesses, not ballerinas or fairies but tennis? yep. my kid loves sports, and thankfully she has developed a love for tennis. i'm over the moon about it. tennis is my fave sport and i'm super excited to have my little girl love it as much as me and her daddy do.

she's over the moon to get her pink tennis racket and pink tennis balls for her bday....i keep hiding them in the house and the darn kid keeps finding them telling me she has to practice. too cute. so cross your fingers for me that the baby doesn't come before the party, that her tennis ball cupcakes turn out and i don't burn them and that no kids are injured during some of the activities that i have planned to entertain a group of about 18 adults and 6 kids in my tiny 2 bedroom condo.....have i lost my mind? yep...those horomones are kicking in for sure.

what are your plans for the weekend? any bdays causing tears on your end or am i the only one gettin' emotional over here?

p.s. don't forget to check out our sponsors who help keep the mommyhood a friendly neighbourhood to be in :) they are those lovely little boxes in the sidebar to your right.....go ahead click on one. they are some of my fave ladies, go say hi and ogle some of their lovely, lovely goodies.

moments in the mommyhood - the results are in

April 15, 2010

just a quick little post to let you know that we had our ultrasound yesterday and the little bean was turned the right way! yippeee!!! i'm so thankful! baby looked healthy and we're all relieved. i'm crossing my fingers she stays that way and bakes in the oven until at least may 1st.

thought you might all enjoy another goofy shot of mackenzie. this is what she got up to when i got home with a cute face picture of her sister to be. don't you just love these moments?

also, i couldn't resist sharing a snippet of her phone call with daddy last night before bedtime. she asked jer "daddy, do you have a bed at your office?", now if that isn't a sign your hubs is working like crazy i don't know what is.

thank you for all your comments the last few days and your emails in regards to all your experiences and advice with breech babies. it helped me out a lot!

what funny moments are you having today? anything in particular you're feeling thankful for?

all images luvinthemommyhood

special sponsor announcement - kennedy photografik

April 15, 2010

ok, yep, if you look real closely to the right of the image above that's me and all my glory in the banner of one of my fave photography gals jennifer kennedy from kennedy photografik. i'm blushing and oh, so honored to be in a header, yep, a header for her blog......you're such a sweetie jen! thanks!

i met jennifer last year at the wedding of some dear friends. i fell in love with her photography and had the pleasure of sitting next to her at the reception and let me just say that i've been stalking her blog ever since. jen's photography covers everything from weddings, engagements, babies/maternity and family shoots. plus she's funny and fun to be around and actually made me look somewhat photogenic!!! a miracle to say the least - what more could you ask for out of a photographer?

i'm super excited to announce kennedy photografik as one of our new sponsors in the mommyhood. i've put together a special post with some questions i had for her, a sneak peek at the maternity photo shoot she did for me and some of my fave photos of hers.

a little about jen.....

I love coffee.

I love my tilt-shift lens.

I love traveling.

I love flip-flops, and wear them pretty much all year.

I love big cities, but coming home to a small town.

I love peonies.

I love chocolate, in all its forms.

I love early mornings.

I love weddings!

I love taking photos, and I'd love to take yours!

"Photography to me is a lot of things; but primarily, it's the ability to capture moments. Moments in time that cannot be duplicated. Real moments."

LOVE IS CONTAGIOUS

What kind of camera do you use and what is your favorite lens?
I use a Sony Alpha a900, and my backup is an a700. Right now, my favorite lens is my 70-200 f2.8. My go-to lens is my 50 f1.4.

What is your most loved thing to photograph and why?
I'm in love with photographing couples in love. It's magic when you can capture *that* connection.

What is one thing you have always wanted to photograph but haven't got the chance yet?
I'd love to photograph a birth. I don't have my own children, but can imagine bringing one into this world would be unbelievably emotional experience.

Any advice to moms looking to start doing photography as a business?
Love what you shoot (if you love kids, specialize in little people, if not, don't!). Charge what your worth. Invest in good equipment. Develop a style. And photoshopping is NOT a style!

You travel a lot for your business, how far will you go for photo shoots and why did you decide to offer this service?
I will go as far as my clients would like me to. I offer this because I'm from an isolated community and need an excuse to get out every once and a while! And... I love photography, and people are willing to add travel to my fees because they like my work and want my services. It's pretty flattering!

What are your Top 5 Tips for Taking Pics of Babies/Kids?
Here are my top 5 tips for capturing your kiddos... not in any particular order!
5) Turn off the flash. Want to avoid the "deer in the headlights" look? This is the easy way. This works best outdoors, in bright, natural light, but can be achieved indoors as well.
4) Don't interrupt the action. Let them play, capturing them in a documentary style.
3) Move in closer. Let that gorgeous face fill the frame! Turn on the macro, even!
2) Be quick. Have your camera on hand... you never know when the next opportunity will strike!
1) Be visible! For gosh sakes, get in that photo. Yes, you. Put it on auto, set the timer, and say cheese as a family.

jen's gonna be in my neck of the woods this summer (Victoria, BC) and she's got some specials going on:
Among all the wedding hub-bub, I'll be in Victoria two weekends over the summer, and am offering an insane deal on portrait sessions - couples, maternity, family, you name it! Please email me jennifer [at] kennedycorp [dot] ca for details.

thanks jen!!!!! for the photoshoot and for the mini-interview! it was fun!

you can find more information on jennifer kennedy and kennedy photografik on her website, blog or facebook page.

all images are copyright jennifer kennedy 2010

hang in there

April 14, 2010

image via helgasams

link luv roundup is not going to be up today....i know, it sucks, i'm missing it too - but i have a good excuse. we've got lots and lots of goodies coming your way. things may be a bit up and down here the next few weeks depending on how i'm feeling as we get closer to the little bean's arrival and i'm also working away like mad getting a few super fun surprises done on the sidelines.

image via maria ramirez

first up i'll be doing a very exciting special guest post for dana on "made" next week so watch for that! it's a thrill to be on her blog and i'm honored she asked me to join her over there. more news to come about what will be happening on her blog soon.....and also i will be making a special announcement in the next week or so here in the mommyhood about what i've got planned for when i take my "baby leave". yep, i'm going to actually take a few weeks off...haha, it will be hard, but i promise to pop in now and then with updates and pics of the new babe. but i will be leaving you in some very lovely, talented and crafty hands. so hang in there with us.....we're not going far. i'll still be posting on here until i go on "baby leave" or the baby makes an appearance.

image via helgasams

thanks for all of your support over the last few weeks, you have all made it that much easier to get through the hard times and believe me when i say i appreciate every comment and email. in the meantime cross your fingers for me that the wee one is facing the right direction. i'm going for an ultrasound today to make sure the babe isn't breech. so "hang in there" really does seem fitting doesn't it? hang in there little monkey, but hang in there the right way :)

any of you have a pregnancy that the doc thinks may be breech at 37 weeks? what did you do? any advice? did you go the "let's turn this one around" or the c-section route?

moments in the mommyhood - goofy girl

April 13, 2010

we had a bit of a goofy day yesterday, or i should say mackenzie did. i think it might have been the yummy cupcakes we both ate for her friend josh's bday. the sugar seemed to keep us both going for quite a while :) yum......cupcakes.... ok, i'm getting off track...haha.

things are a bit better at our house but still stressful. i've tried a new tactic for discipline and hopefully that is going to control some of the issues i've been struggling with. it's hard not to get mad at your little one when they push you to your limit, but i'm trying to remember that she's going through her own things just like i am. she's missing her daddy...lots and probably wondering what's going to happen to our family dynamic when the new bean comes along. i think once we get our routine back she will be back to her chipper old self. for now, i'll take my goofy little monkey when i can get her.

as for me, here's the latest pic of the giant 36 1/2 week belly.....it's huge....and heavy....and feeling like babe is ready to just fall out. please stay in a little longer wee one...momma's not ready for ya yet. we can't wait to meet you but you need to bake in the oven just a wee bit longer so daddy can enjoy you too.

hope you're all having a bit of a goofy day too!

what do you do to try to calm your nerves when your little one pushes every button know to man to make you angry? especially when you are hugely preggers, hormonal, emotional, tired, achy, tired of time outs and just about willing to pay anything to just lay on the couch for 20 minutes and not move.....let's trade mommy tips, i know i could use some new ones :)

all images luvinthemommyhood

etsy monday in the mommyhood & makin' it in the mommyhood

April 12, 2010

"Float like a Cadillac, sting like a Beemer". ~ Lightning McQueen

1) small cars - set of 6 by small town toys
2) soft plush cars and trucks by by nanas hands
3) 'my first cars' set of two by birdy boots
4) natural race cars - set of 3 by happy squash toys

it's one of mackenzie's friends bday today and he is a huge fan of cars. little cars, big cars and of course the movie cars. his favorite color is red. whenever we see him he has cars with him so i thought what better gift to give than a car caddy!

i based this one on "homemade by jill's" tutorial. i also adore the one lindsay made from "the cottage home". i did make a few changes though. here's what i altered:

- different measurements. mine was shorter in length and height and only has 5 pockets. i didn't have jeans that had a wide enough leg to give me the measurements jill used.

- no piping used. i simply sewed the edges right sides together and then left an opening to pull the carrier through. i then attached my ties to the top right hand corner instead of the side and hand stitched the opening shut. i'm sure i could have top stitched for extra strength where the ties are but i didn't think i would like the look and couldn't decide on the color of thread to use so i left it. i made the ties from felt and figured he has a bit of pull leeway before they would fall out anyways. i also decided to let him knot it instead of using velcro.

-i added his name in felt onto the top half of the caddy above where the car is stitched on for cuteness factor.

this was a fun project to do especially since i am used to making girly girl things. i was happy to do the hand stitching and not have to be at the machine. it's proving harder and harder to make it for very long at my sewing machine...boo hoo.

have you made a car caddy? what tutorial did you use or did you make your own? i'd love to see them!

luvinthemommyhood specials & some news!

April 10, 2010

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earth-friendly!

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FREE Shipping on most orders over $99!!

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Coupon Code
'FreeShip'

whoooo, don't you just love a good sale? i do! steph from our sponsor "abby sprouts" is nicely offering all you luvinthemommyhood readers 15% off store wide for the month of april. all you gotta do is use the code 'mommyhood' and happy shopping you go!

in other news....................

i did a guest post yesterday over on the fabulous blog "simply modern mom". tiffany so sweetly invited me over to be part of her simply said series. so i simply said my "luvinthemommyhood must make baby items". click here for the roundup!!! lots of goodies!

what's your favorite must make baby item?

*****luvinthemommyhood is under construction. if you notice any weirdness or glitches it's due to our revamp of the site.************

weekend wishes

April 09, 2010

i wish i could be doing this right now to erase the stress of this week.....

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to have the energy to get all the posts i have planned done before the baby comes....(there will be more preggers pics of me to come soon)

image via kennedy photografik

to jump in this pic and bring home all that yummy wool and that cozy blanket....

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to find the time to reflect on this pregnancy and really relish in the special moments of the last few weeks that i will be pregnant....

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to not have anymore nightmares about keys and the lack of keys for locked doors....

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to enjoy the sunshine and a warm breeze.....

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and to actually get to spend time with my other half that's way longer than an hour here and there.

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it's been a rough week, a few rough weeks that is. i miss my hubs. i miss him a lot. our daughter misses him and his lack of presence is missed in our house. the laughs aren't as loud, the dinners aren't as yummy, the bathtime/bedtime routine isn't nearly as fun, and we both keep finding ourselves looking for him. i call him too much at work to whine and to tell him that i love him and asking when are you coming home, when i know he isn't and he can't but i still ask anyways.

does it mean i'm weak? nope, just in love..and very, very pregnant. ok, and hormonal and sappy...haha. oh well, what's a preggers to do? we'll get through it, we always do. damn you tax season. you make life hard but you also make life good. without the paycheck it just wouldn't be worth it :) we love you hun. thank you for working so hard and for making such a good life for us. xoxoxo.

ok, i'm done with my mushy gushy stuff. couldn't help myself. i'm going to be without the hubs all weekend so i really don't have much going on except for the above paragraph..hahaha. oh, and praying that my feet can't possibly swell any bigger than they already have and to be able to throw a kick butt bday party for my little girl next weekend without going into labor.

what are you missing this week? do you have an "absent spouse"? any of you doing fun things that i can live vicariously through you? share girls, share :)

moments in the mommyhood - one of those days.....again.....

April 08, 2010

ok, so if you are a regular reader of my blog you all know i am almost 36 weeks preggers with a baby that has dropped, with a super energetic almost 3 year old going through some stuff right now, a hubby who is an accountant which equals a hubby who isn't home at all, ok, he sleeps here, but that's about it, the usual run of the mill chores, a birthday party to plan for next weekend, a to do list a mile long...i could keep going but i won't cause i'm sure you get the picture... and then what do we get to throw in there....a locked bedroom door with no key. my bedroom door with no key.

did the bobby pin trick work? hell no. did the 10 videos i watched on you tube scarily showing how to break into doors and locks of all kinds work? nope, and oh, by the way, why are there so many videos for thieves to learn how to steal from us in the first place? so what happens next? my child goes buck wild causing all sorts of problems, i'm on the phone with the hubs crying because some locksmith in town told me it cost $125 for a 10minute house call and then an additional $103.50/hr for any time after that and i swore it was because i was a woman calling and i sounded stressed, which of course, i was. so the hubs leaves work early to rescue me from my cramping belly, swollen feet and toddler in the middle of a tantrum marathon, finds a locksmith to come save the day (still cost $70),and yes, we didn't have a key to our stupid bedroom door because our landlord never gave us one.

image luvinthemommyhood

why was the door locked? yep, you guessed it....mackenzie did it. i've got a child thing on the door from the front but she decided to lock from the inside and then when i closed it the next time voila - locked door, crying momma and a laughing toddler. all i can say is thank god i had my bra and clothes on cause no locksmith wants to see me in my jammies and my girls swingin' in the breeze...trust me.

so why is today's post about this? well needless to say i just wasn't up to writing the cheerful final bday celebration post i had planned and i believe in showing what my life is like, not a fake cheery version of it, so here's a bad day for you guys. i figured there a tons of you who can relate and knew your comments would cheer me up today. i also know that even though you may not admit it, you might agree with me when i say the pics of my daughter are part of their survival instinct. it keeps them from driving us completely over the edge of insanity. it also makes us want more of them. darn cutie pies...why can't they just stay angelic all the time???

image luvinthemommyhood

are you having one of those days? let's cry on each other's shoulders.....comment your thoughts below ladies.

link luv roundup

April 07, 2010

- i think i would like disney from ruffles and stuff to just make me a new wardrobe - i want this skirt!
- don't these cupcakes in a jar look sooooo delicious?

1) i've always wanted to give a shot at making my own lip balm and this diy might just be the push i needed to try. (via got craft)
2) easter may be over but that doesn't mean the cute little rabbits have to dissapear does it? i heart this tute from chez beeper bebe.
3) what a cute idea for a bunting? get the pattern here.
4) finally a knitted tank you could wear a bra under! you can get the pattern on knitty now.

1) don't these look super cozy? i don't think i would be caught dead in them out in public but they would definitely make adorable lounging shorts. click here for the pattern.
2) pretty ditty shows us how to go from cardi blah to cardi hurrah!
3) moda bake shop has the adorable tutorial up for these pretty spring dresses.

oh gosh, i'm swooning, i could only dream of having such a gorgeous selection of wooden buttons, love this pic. (via oh, hello friend)

1) this message in a bottle diy is soooo lovely!
2) whip up your own patterned hair band with this tute.
3) learn the secret to perfect patch pockets here.
4) ok, i will seriously be making a giant and i mean giant sized pitcher of this magic juice as soon as it's easy for me to consume a few hours worth of alcohol....yummy!

1) i've been loving this fun canadian blog "the stylish tot". go check it out!
2) adventures in dressmaking shows us how to take that men's dress shirt and make a very fab skirt - too cute!
3) i fell in love with this wallpapered dressing table. maybe it's because i've been wanting to wallpaper the top of a diy project sitting in my home for over a year now and just haven't gotten around to it. here's the diy.

what do you guys think of this? love it or hate it? (via handmade charlotte)

- jessica's getting me in the mood for summer! too bad my sooon to be breastfeeding girls won't be wearing this top anytime soon...haha, but i love it nonetheless. here's the how to. my girls ain't going out anywhere unless they are strapped down and secured...haha.
- alexis from made by lex has a sweet tute for a fun play dress for your little girl.

- learn how to add some homemade lace applique to a basic tank top for some girly fun this spring!!!
- i think this ruffled peasant top is so adorable! head over to the sewing dork for the tutorial.

1) kathreen from whip up has a new book out! so excited to see this! in honor of her book release she is doing a mini quilt month on her site. go join in!
2) the book "carefree clothes for girls" looks really interesting. after reading the review on the purl bee i just may be brave enough to give it a try, ok, maybe after a few more months of working on my sewing skills, but i can dream right?
3) make yourself a new quilted table runner to freshen up your table for spring with this tute from the quilting diaries.
4) mique from thirty handmade days is starting a new series called "practically practical", it's fun, go take a looksie.

things i'm luving this week:

- yippeee...insert my happy dance, it's quilting month on sew mama sew! i seriously need all the tips and how to's i can get my hands on!
- check out the new sewing website "we all sew". lots of goodies on here.
- go look at a "new dress a day". there are seriously the most amazing and creative refashions on here. my jaw just dropped. the ugliest things into the prettiest of outfits.
- join in on a 24 hour virtual make-a-long over on leethal. sounds like a lot of fun!
- learn how to master the art of sewing an internal zipper pocket for a bag.
-amazing mae has a fun recycled magazine envelopes diy up.
- learn how to make your own shower curtain with this tute or a pretty shirred pillow with this one.
- get a look into one of my fave bloggers (sfgirlbybay) san fransisco home on etsy's "there's no place like here" series. click here for the video.
-turn a placemat into a little boy's toolbelt with the creative maven.

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

makin' it in the mommyhood - it's party time dress & shirt

April 06, 2010

april is a busy month for us. besides the dreaded tax season, it's also birthday season. a few of mackenzie's friends have their bday's this month as well as her, plus we are busy trying to get things ready for the baby. so what have i been up to at night - sewing!

i love making dresses for mack's little friends for their bday. this one was made from the tutorial "one hour sundress" on the blog "from an igloo". i found the tute very easy to follow but it seriously took me more like 3-4 hours not 1...haha. i blame most of it on my sewing machine, i swear it tried to kill me while i made this. swear words came out of my mouth that i didn't even know i knew - it was a sight to be seen. at the end of it all i decided that i needed to buy better thread and a serger, but i got it done and i love it! it was hard to part with and i think it's a fun dress for any little girl!

i made the dress out of my favorite fabric line at the moment "nicey jane" from heather bailey. the two prints i used below were hop dot cherry and lindy leaf - pink. i purchased them from the wonderful skyreve fabrics! natasha has a great selection of a huge chunk of my fave designers all at lovely, lovely prices! she's sweet to talk to, and speedy when it comes to shipping so pop on over and stock up on some pretty prints & say hi for me while you're there!

once i finished the dress above you would have thought i might stop there, my feet were seriously the biggest i have seen them yet. huge, gigantic and looking ready to burst, but did i stop? nope. i kept on sewing. i figured my little princess needed a party top to wear to her friends bday party. i think the pregnancy has got to my brain. i started it at 9:00 at night and didn't finish it until a hour before the party the next day.

i let her help me make some of the decision for the style of the shirt and the fabric she wanted. we decided to go with a take on this pattern from "prudent baby". i followed her basic outline for the neck line and arm holes and of course the placket on front, except i didn't use adhesive interfacing and big buttons. i decided to go with an applique and a little jewel of a button to pick up on the blues in the print (you can't tell in the pics but the placket is a soft blue print) and the shirt.

the bottom of the shirt was my idea. mackenzie loves an elasticised ruffle and we seem to keep buying tops with this same elastic style on the bottom of them. i figured i might as well have a go at it myself this time round. i like the way it turned out and she liked wearing it. i call that a success, but my feet may not agree with you, or my back, or my legs, or my belly.......oh i could so easily go on and on here, but i won't torture you all :)

the above pics are what happen to your child after a mixture of bday cake and easter candy - they wear bowls on their heads, stain their tops with chili and parade around the house with a cat balloon singing at the top of their lungs. oh my..........anyhoo, i hope you all had a wonderful easter weekend and your sewing machines have been nicer to you than mine has been to me.

*all images luvinthemommyhood

giveaway winner to the cottage mama!

April 05, 2010

a big thank you to all of you who commented to enter into the cottage mama giveaway for $25 off any item in her shop! that was exciting! i only wish i could have entered myself..haha, i adore lindsay's stuff so much! now don't hesitate, check below to see if you were the winner.......................

and the winner is:

tanya french said... 64

: Wow! all so cute - I love the 60's inspired Mod jumpers - love the interview as well!

congratulations tanya!!! lindsay will be in touch with you soon!

you can find more on "the cottage mama" lindsay on her blog, at her etsy shop, facebook group and on her flickr page. thanks again for being part of the mommyhood lindsay!

new sponsor - welcome to the neighbourhood abby sprouts!

April 05, 2010

we've got a new neighbour in the mommyhood! i'm happy to introduce abby sprouts! abby sprouts is eco-friendly shopping for the today's family. owner steph is a local victoria, bc, mom where i live and i am so excited to have her be a part of the mommyhood!

abby sprouts has a wonderful selection of hand picked items ranging from organic cloth diapers and clothes, eco-friendly & handmade toys, to organic cotton slings for the parents & breast pumps. as soon as i saw steph's online shop i knew i would become a customer. she carries all of my favorite lines and is canadian to boot!

let's find out a little bit more about abby sprouts:

"Abby Sprouts was born to promote earth friendly, eco-conscious and most of all child safe products. Abby Sprouts provides parents with a place where they can shop in the comfort of their own home while the kids are sleeping, playing or

shopping alongside you. We only sell products we have tested in our home or on our friends and everything in our store is environmentally friendly.

After being frustrated with searching for safe products throughout my pregnancy and for my baby I decided the green family needed a place where the leg work was done for them. I select every product Abby Sprouts sells based on earth friendliness, play factor, enjoyment, quality, and functionality. If it's junk, we don't sell it. I'm a true believer in buying less but buying good quality."

1) melissa & doug wooden bear dress up family puzzle
2) "mine (don't mess)" organic cotton onesies & t-shirts
3) AMP one size duo diaper
4) wool felt perfect sandwich making play food set

"Abby Sprouts offers a variety of toys for children and babies. All of our products

have been selected for low-environmental impact, safety, and fun. Our toys are made from a variety of eco-friendly materials including recycled food grade plastic, reclaimed wood, sustainably harvested wood, rubber wood, organic fabrics and stuffing."

to read more about abby sprouts check out their "green policy" and their "price guarantee", it sure is refreshing to see :) too many times businesses toot their eco-friendly horn, but fail to comply to some of the most basic standards of living a green lifestyle spanning from their home to their business. you can find abby sprouts on their blog and their facebook page! thanks for being part of the mommyhood steph :)

are you interested in sponsoring luvinthemommyhood & being part of our little neighbourhood? if you think your business, shop, blog, etc would be a great fit for the mommyhood, email enquiries to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca or click here for more info - we'd love to hear from you!

weekend wishes

April 02, 2010

wishing that you all have a wonderful easter holiday filled with smiles and laughter....

image via *meppol

to try not to indulge in too many of these...ok, who am i kidding, i will prolly gobble a lot down...damn you mini eggs....

image via *zara

to decorate our easter eggs half as good as this gorgeous one....

image via poppytalk

to join my two fave people in slumber instead of spending the night peeing & restless....

image via luvinthemommyhood

to go pounce around in the ocean and pretend it's summer already....

image via a little triangle

to get some reading done while i'm not sewing...or parenting...or blogging...or trying to carry around my large pregnant body....

image via noora bint abdulrahman

to be able to refashion this super comfy maternity dress after the baby comes so i can still wear it...

image via luvinthemommyhood

well the hubs is working all easter weekend, no holidays for accountants..haha. we are planning to spend a pretty quiet easter this year. i'm too exhausted and worn out to attempt to do more than a simple egg hunt and some candies. no early labor for this momma!

i've got a pretty summer dress to finish up for a pretty little girl's bday party this weekend, and some bags to pack for the hospital, car seats to install, baby clothes & goodies to be washed and folded, and a maid to find! yipeee!!! yep, you heard me right! the hubs is getting me a maid to come in once at the end of April before the baby makes it's arrival to do some chores around the house. god knows our house needs it! this is the best gift he could give me at the moment! thanks hun, love you!

i hate not being in control of our house, but i just can't keep up right now no matter how i feel, between my back and the belly there's just no give. so unless this bean wants to come early this momma's gotta take it easy. it's been a bit tricky trying to find an affordable, eco-friendly, non-chemical using maid though.

in the meantime, i hope you guys have some yummy easter fun and enjoy your families!

what are you up this weekend? any special plans? know of a kick ass eco-friendly maid in my area (victoria, bc) that won't break my wallet?

p.s. don't forget to enter the giveaway for "the cottage mama". you've got till saturday night to enter. here's the link :)

a small celebration - part four

April 01, 2010

image via incurable_hippie

luvinthemommyhood is turning "1"!

it's our one year bday on the site so we're having a wee bit of a celebration. click here to read some more about my thoughts on turning "1" and to see "part one" of our celebration, check out "part two" - a look back at our tutorials and crafty goodness in the mommyhood and part three for our fave posts from "notes from the mommyhood" series.

next up in our party is my fave posts from our "fit friday in the mommyhood" series. i heart this series. it's been on the back burner for a bit due to my pregnancy but i have big plans to reinstate it monthly once the baby is born. i'll need to get rid of the jiggly bits, well attempt to anyways...haha. so here ya go ladies, why not have a good chuckle (it works the abs) while you get some great exercise tips!

work out videos, soft porn & g-strings and best workout videos

oh man, you gotta love richard simmons in all his slimy, shiny glory...i don't think there will ever be another him that's for sure. this post is one of my fave all time posts on the site. i laughed until i almost peed myself while writing it and reminiscing with my mom about some of the good ol' workout videos on VHS that we used to swear by.

i was lucky enough to have a shorter, and in my opinion, funnier version of this post published on the wonderful site "the yummy mummy club". it was lots of fun and i was honored to be included so i figured it only fitting to give you the links to both versions (click here for the yummy mummy article and here for the blog post). i wonder in hindsight though if the world can have cher sweat her tush off in a g-string and carmen electra striptease her way fit what the heck can they seriously come up with next? a female version of richard simmons? i'm scared...very scared....

the obama/ripa arm workout

any of you longtime readers will know i have a serious obsession with kelly ripa's arms. i love them, i dream of one day having them, those arms just kill me. i admit sometimes the only reason i watch her show is to stare at her arms. in my quest to achieve arms like hers (insert laughter here) i put together this post combining two of the best set of guns i have seen. yes, i know madonna is up there too, but hers tend to freak me out a bit....too manly. so get your gear on and welcome to the gun show!

top ten abs workout

ok, not to go on about kelly again, but seriously her abs are to die for as well. so i couldn't help putting together a post all on getting some great abs. did it happen for me? nope, but that was because i had to stop doing them cause i got knocked up...or at least that's what i tell myself the reason is. hey, it's so i can sleep at night ok? no judging...haha.

best chest exercises to lift up those girls

i don't post a lot of pics on here that show my body but one thing you guys know i do talk about is how the size of "your girls" or aka "boobs" can be a hindrance. you can't run without wearing 2 sports bras and a running tank or risk getting a black eye, dresses never fit right, tops don't fit right, they are heavy and hurt your back and your kid likes to smack them around like fun toys. sometimes the only person who i think really enjoys them is the hubs...but we won't go there...haha. anyhoo, if any of you would like to keep the girls pointing up to the sky instead of the dreaded "rock in the sock" boob this post is for you. not too sure if us breastfeeding folk have any chance in bringing the life back after breastfeeding multiple kids but it's worth a shot right?

don't forget to check out the other posts in the "fit friday in the mommyhood" series:

- kelly ripa and physiqe 57
- fit friday playlist summer 2009
- how to keep safe and in shape in the heat
- yoga wear roundup
- stroller fitness workout
- mommy calorie countdown

ok, i had a good laugh looking back through all of these, i hope you guys did too. don't forget to share your thoughts, i love to get comments!

you can also find all these posts on our sidebar. look for the pic on your left and it will take you to our posts. remember ladies....you're worth it and you deserve it!

hmmm, is the party over?? no way!!! i think i have a bit more party energy left, what about you guys? stay tuned for some more goodies next week!!!

maternity sewing tutorial roundup

March 31, 2010

**make sure to also pop over and check out our maternity sewing tutorial roundup 2011 and 2012!**

i'm super excited for this post! i've been meaning to do this roundup during my whole pregnancy and now since i am a month away from little beans arrival i figured I better get on it. i spent a lot of time hunting down maternity tutorials during the last 8 months, but never got around to finding the energy to make any of them. boo for me but good for you guys.

i've been getting some emails lately asking me for references to good maternity tutorials, well here's your answer ladies! i've scoured the web and found what i think are some goodies! i also threw in some great sewing resources for alterations, places to buy vintage maternity patterns and even how to convert a regular bra to a nursing bra! yeehaw! that one i may try!

so save the moula on all those expensive maternity clothes and make or refashion your own! i know what i'll be up to soon, turning all my mat clothes into regular clothes - my baby making time is over after the little bean comes along. so scroll through, go say hi to some talented ladies and show your belly some love!!!