Tissue Paper Cherry Blossoms

I just reached a realization that almost all of my posts have been baby-related. Well, here's a nice break. I collected some branches on a walk the other day and picked up some tissue paper for a buck and voila, cherry blossoms to cheer up my house! I don't think the pictures do them justice, they look really pretty in person! See here for instructions.

The Help

I have a problem. When I find I good book, I cannot put it down. I take it with me in the car and make Brian drive so I can read, I stay up late until my eyes won't work anymore, I tote it around the house and sneak a page here and there when I can. This book was no exception, I read it in three days. Such a good read, which is no surprise since it's top of the NY Times best seller list right now.

It takes place in the 1960s, a controversial and segregated time in the South. The book tells the story of African American women working as maids in the homes of white women in Mississippi. It's hard to even begin to explain the plot, but I can say that Stockett keeps you guessing and intrigued. I highly recommend it!

Baby Shoes

I have a hard time keeping socks on this girl and she's in between shoe sizes right now, so these little soft shoes work great! I've made a couple pairs and now that I know what I'm doing, the process goes pretty quick! Click here for the know-how.

Doesn't she look thrilled for her new shoes?

Baby Pants/Shorts

This past week I visited my sister in-law and we made some baby pants out of old t-shirts! She has a serger (which I love) and we whipped these babies out so fast! So easy and so comfy. Follow the link here to learn how to make your own!

Making the pants inspired me to also make these little shorts. I love the fabric and I think they look so cute on her.

Best shot I could get...

Catching Fire

This book is part two of the Hunger Games trilogy and it did not disappoint. Very action packed and left me absolutely hanging at the end. I can't wait to read the third just to clear things up in my head! Also, I heard they're making it into a movie! YAY!

BIBS

This past weekend my friend Brielle came over for a craft day! Between taking care of the kids we were able to work on a few things. Brielle tackled a few dress/skirt projects for her baby and I made these bibs. So easy and fun. I just made a pattern from another bib I had and went to town! You can never have too many bibs (especially with my baby who spits out half of the food I put in her mouth).

The girls were pretty good while their mama's worked...

"I'm not done playing with you Callie..."

Baby Kimono

This was another really easy project. The cutting and ironing took longer than the actual sewing. It's unique and fun and I got the pattern here.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I got this book recommendation from here and found it very touching and humbling. It is about the life of a young girl, Francie Nolan, growing up in Brooklyn, New York at the turn of the century. Although her family is poor, she is resourceful and has the perseverance to get through hard times. It offers hope to U.S. Immigrants and the "American Dream." It is a good read, I definitely recommend it.

The Hunger Games

Although this is a type of book I don't normally read, I really enjoyed The Hunger Games. It is imaginative, but not over the top and has just enough action to keep you engaged and turning the pages.

It involves a future America (re-named Panem), in which 12 districts and a dominant Capital exist. Each year a lottery takes place to choose one girl and one boy from each district to participate in the Hunger Games. This is a gladiator-type competition (which exists to keep the districts in check and for the Capital to show that it is in charge and rebellion is not an option) and the participants must fight to literally eliminate their competitors.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss volunteer's to participate (after her sister's name is chosen) and she must use a combination of strength, smarts, and survival skills to get herself through the Games.

I read it in three days and I think I'll pick up the next book in the trilogy!