Organized Chaos

Just in time for Vday

I couldn't resist. Pick-up lines are so hilarious. I once had a guy(a friend, as a joke) ask me if there was a mirror in my pants and I actually started looking everywhere for a mirror(I didn't *usually* carry a mirror on me). After five minutes and me starting to get frusterated because there was NOT a mirror anywhere, he informs me it was a joke, which I ruined.

If you don't know already, it ordinarily would continue with "because I can see myself in them". ridiculous.

 

Alright, over the pick-up lines. 

I've always hated Valentine's Day. Ya know, I was one of those people labeling it a "greeting card holiday". Which I must admit, I still consider it just that for the most part. As of late, though, any reason to get crafty and create something is okay with me!

So far..

There in a frame that J made, incase you can't tell. The idea was a heart for J and I, and a small one for Kai:) Got the idea via the crafty crow.

I'm working on some other things as well. And other than that I'm just dreaming of things like this.

The *ultimate* romance if ya ask me.

 

And what do you think of Valentine's Day? Any special plans? Crafty ideas?

 

busy bee

Not really needing an escape but this image sure is appealing. 

I can't believe it's already Wednesday. My week has already been so(so) busy. I've been job searching, house hunting, and working on about 4 different handmade gifts(most of which are already late). Add these things with the usual of mothering Kai, keeping house, cooking, and maybe a wee bit of me-time..oh goodness.

While I can't share exactly what pretty things I'm working on, for fear of being found out too soon. No one like a ruined surprise. I will share some other stuff that's been on this mind.

I've had the idea for weeks now and have finally started working on it. THEN Small magazine posts this. 

Without giving away too much, I'll just say these are a much needed inspiration.

 

I seriously couldn't sleep last night because I'm so excited about doing my bed like this.

{via design sponge}

In need of touches of color(spring color) in my home. I came across this idea on goodknits.com.

So I'll be purchasing those doilies that I always come across in thrift stores and wonder what I would do with.

 

Elsie from A Beautiful Mess reinivated her shop. This really caught my eye. And got my wheels a-turnin'.

 

I made these apple pie bars for the superbowl, which I don't care much about except for a reason to get together with friends and family(or except for last year when the Saints WON). Anyway, they were addictive to say the least.

{via the velvet bird}

 

I'm listening to Radiohead In Rainbows on vinyl this morning and getting ready for another busy day. It doesn't get much better than this. Our bunny, Bonnie, and the cat, Gloria, were playing, yes, PLAYING, in the front yard this morning. I'll post video later. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

 

 

 

 

These Days

Whew! What a stressful past couple a' weeks. Getting ready for and surviving through Christmas was a major feat! It must be the vast difference in J and my family that made it so stressful for me. You see, I'm a pretty quiet, unassuming, even passive kinda person and there were at least 10 people around at any given time. There was a time for family pictures, a time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a time for family projects ect..

This is a rather tough post to get out. I'm still trying to reconcile with it all. Figure out my place and where I belong. 

 

06 These Days

 

That may take a while though. In the meantime, check these out.

The hat I crocheted for Ms. Lucca Sophia.

 

 
Family picture time!

Gracie loves her Uncle Willie!

Kai and Lucca had SO much fun playing together. They are only three months apart! Kai was even walking within a day of her being here. Monkey see, monkey do;)

 

The legendary Fleenor boys. From left to right: Murphy, Jessee, William(Will or Willie), and Jeremy

So it wasn't ALL stressful, I don't guess. Families are such a funny thing. Does your family, immediate, extended, or in-laws, ever drive you crazy in the most enduring sort of way? Have any crazy holiday traditions?

 

Merry Christmas Y'all!

And so it's finally here, Christmas eve. We read Kai "The Night Before Christmas" and sent him off to bed. I can't wait to see the look on his face in the morning. 

His dad's family has so many Christmas traditions. J's dad will read some poetry by Robert Frost before bed tonight, in the morning after we see what Santa brought, we will have breakfast and exchange our gifts from one another. Claire has also arranged a Christmas pageant this year!

 

 

 

 

 

I FINALLY finished all my handmade gifts. I don't think I realized what a huge feat that would be! I have to give a shout out to my "mother-in-law", Mrs. Sandy, I certainly couldn't have done it without all her help with Kai. I forgot to put J's coasters in this pic, plus I did find a few things in stores for him. Namely, a farmer's almanac! Too perfect:)

 Wrapping the gifts was just an extension of my "creativity". I bought craft paper from the dollar store and did a leaf press(it's kinda hard to tell that's what it is) design on each gift. I also wrapped yarn around sticks for a little lagniappe. I just love the look of yarn with something so organic like wood. 

Well it's about time I hit the hay. Hope everyone is toasty and cozy surrounded by loved ones. That's all we really need. Goodnight and Merry Christmas:)

 

So Little Time

This has definitely been me today, for the past two weeks, but very much so today. 

I came across this tiara yesterday evening..

..which kept me up all night, inspired, and brainstorming ideas for headpieces/headbands/bows ect.

First thing this morning, I gathered some scrap material and this is what I came up with.

Yeah, so it's not anywhere near as graceful and elegant as the Queen's. But here's a bit of a tutorial if you're interested.

Start by cutting 1/4 inch strips of a material that you like. You could also use three different materials.

Cut out another small piece of material to hand sew(or machine sew, whatever suits your fancy) the three pieces onto the small rectangular piece.

Then begin to loosely braid the three pieces together.

When you come to the end just sew the other it just as you did at the beginning.

Then cut two more strips, just long enough to tie it around your head. I used the straps from a spaghetti strap shirt.

I like it all right. The only thing I would have done differently is to use two ties on either side to help ends stay down. It was so easy and inexpensive though.

Can't beat that:)

 

I've also been working on my plarn bag. 

I really like how it's turning out. It was kind of tricky at first, working with plastic and all. I got the hang of it pretty quick though.

I'm halfway through with Kai's teddy bear too. I'll post pics when I'm done completely:)

And last but not least. A sort of look at things to come(other things to come)..

 That skirt, this dress, plus lots of other pretty things will be up on my Etsy store within the week!

Christmas List

In an effort to get this organized myself, I though I'd share it with you.

J and I have split responsibilities this Christmas. He is getting the boy's gifts while I handle all the ladies. Fine by me:) All my gifts will be handmade!

 

I'm making this scarf for J. 

And these coasters. I'm using souvenirs, maps, and pictures from our vacation this summer. 

J started taking pictures again with his old 35mm camera this summer. His camera strap was completely worn out though. I want to surprise him with a brand new one. Here it is(almost finished).

I made this for Kelly. Ignore the sink full of dirty dishes;)

And I'm still working on this crochet neck warmer.

I've been looking up how to make plarn. I think I'll make Mrs. Sandy("mother-in-law") and Christine a bag out of plarn. I love the idea of recycling old grocery bags. It seems no matter how hard I try to use my canvas bags I still acquire so many plastic bags. I'll put them to good use:)

Amanda is expecting a little one is April so think I'll make something for him/her.

These booties are so cute I could eat them.

And for her lil' ladies. I'm making scarves. I am still working on Claire's and here is Grace's.

Last but certainly not least: Kai. 

I want to make him something that he just may keep forever(fingers crossed) and I think this cute bear may do the trick!

Kai Thomas' First Birthday!

 

 

After a day like yesterday, I had to start this one on a high note. So I put in some Ms. Ella Fitzgerald doing it Christmas style and watched this.

He just couldn't believe his eyes at first!

We celebrated Kai's first birthday this weekend. It's just too cliche' to even say, "I can't believe it's been a year!!" He's so mischievous. Notice the sugar coma he falls into during the last 40 seconds. 

I was so pleased with the turnout. It was cowboy themed. Claire and I made the paper chains out of old magazines. We had  these quesadillas, corn on the cob, and sloppy joes. I was going for a southwest feel. We even had a Roy Rogers dvd on in the background! 

 
The cupcake recipe can be found here. I used this icing recipe though. It's whipped cream cheese icing! The cookies were probably my favorite though. I couldn't get enough of them!

Everyone dressed in their best cowboy gear. 

 

Kai loved all his new toys. Especially when mom played the harmonica for him!

 
   



And his new boots!! J and I found these at a local thrift store a few months ago. He's just the perfect lil' cowboy:)

 
The day ended with ANOTHER birthday celebration. Uncle Jer turned the big 24. What a day!:)

Kai would like to thank everyone for such a wonderful first birthday!

Character Development

Who I am today has more to do with who I used to be. The new me (the mom-me) is still under construction. Here's a list of what I do know, more or less, about myself.

 

1. First and foremost, I'm a mom. Again, this is the newest development but by far the most rewarding. I've reached a whole new capacity for love and joy, not to mention patience and tiredness.

 

 

2. I've been labeled a free-spirit, a modern day beatnik, a wanderer..the list goes on. I do know that from 18 to 21 I didn't live anywhere more than 6 months. Everything I owned would fit in my car. 

 

 

3. I live on a blueberry farm. It's only been a year but it has really shaped my life. It's the farm where my boyfriend( who you will know as J) grew up. His older sister(whom I love and adore), along with her husband and two girls, live here too. She has chickens and a milk cow. Which, yes, means we have fresh eggs and milk! We plant a garden every Spring and the blueberry pickers come in the Summer. J's dad also has 15 beef cattle and slaughters one that keeps us in beef all year. It's quite a dream come true.

 

4.I love clothes. I guess you'd call it fashion. I consider fashion to be what's mainstream though and I simply wear what feels right to me on that day. My "look" changes often. Materialistic or not, one of the favorite parts of my day is getting dressed. It's some kind of outlet that keeps me sane.

 

5.My "nieces" (that I mentioned above) are a big part of my life. I don't get to spend enough time with them. Claire and I will feature a children's craft project once a week though:)

 

6.I'm a Louisiana girl, yes, but I have to admit I'm obsessed with all things Tennessee. I got swept away there twice in my travels and I like to say that my heart is still in those hills. The music, mountains, the people, the weather-it's all perfect..sigh..

7.I love to work with my hands. Whether it be crocheting, cooking, gardening, sewing(though I'm still learning), or what ever other craft projects, I can't get enough of them!

 

8.Garage Selling, thrift store shopping, flea markets. Loooove them all. Once, when I was moving from Phoenix to Knoxville all I had to do was stop thrift store shopping to save the money to go. Another time, J and I, and Kai(meet: the little guy) went on a 2 week road trip around Appalachia Country. We visited at least 30 thrift stores and flea markets. At least.

  9. I'm accused of being a bit of a health nut. That said, I'm also a believer that "Everything should be done in moderation. Including moderation." Stay tuned to see just what I mean.

 

Also, later this week I'll explain the vision that I have for Organized Chaos. If you relate to any of the above you may want to follow up! :)