Advent {Calendar} Day 2

Day two and we've completed three pockets and started three more. So on top of the two I made yesterday {both white with red polka dots} we have 5 completed . . . 20 more to go.

I made the green with lime green polka dots the same as yesterday. I traced the dots using a poker chip {out of everything I could find that was the best size, but you obviously can use anything or even free hand them}.

My girls made the other two. My 9 year old made the ice skate {it's hard to see but there are two snow flakes above the skate}, and my 6 year old made the present. I cut out a piece of paper for each of them the exact size of the pocket and let them design their own. Once they had them drawn out, they cut out their pictures so they could trace them onto the felt and cut them out. I think they did such a great job! And it will be fun for them to see their own creations on our calendar. They've both started another one. My 9 year old is doing stripes and my 6 year old is doing a snowman . . . both of which are turning out super cute. I have another green polka dot one going too, but ran out of lime green, so I'm throwing in a red polka dot for fun. Anything goes . . . gotta love doing your own thing instead of going off of a pattern!

Advent {Calendar}

I have been really wanting to buy an advent calendar for the past few years, and while shopping for one this year I came across this cute Pottery Barn one. I fell in love, but didn't think I could stomach spending $69 {plus shipping & handling} on something that I think I could make . . . especially when I have so. much. stuff. stashed away from old projects. {I have an extreme amount of felt left over from when I was making {this} quiet book, and have been trying to figure out what to do with it. Ah. Ha. Moment}. Anyway, so instead of posting my completed advent calendar I decided to post as I go so that, if you feel the rush that I did, you can follow along.

We only have 2 1/2 weeks left! So that's A LOT of sewing to do if we want it done in time. You in for a challenge?! I know I am! So join me, or save the ideas {if you even like them} for next year when you have a little more time.

Here's the inspiration . . . cute, right!?

I like to sketch out how I want to do things before I dive in. I decided {I think} to just make mine a square instead of a Christmas tree. Although I'm making all of the pockets first, so I can always change my mind if I feel like it. There are a few pockets that I'm not sure what to do with yet . . . but I have plenty to "use" from the Pottery Barn one. Just haven't decided yet.

I'm cutting my pockets out of felt {but am not eliminating the idea of using some scrap fabric on anything either}. Each pocket is 4" x 5 1/2". {By the way, my camera must have been on a funky setting because the red I used is NOT that bright or orange. It's just a regular deep red}. I traced my circles using a "token" {aka poker chip . . . my kids earn tokens for good behavior . . . we don't actually play poker . . . if you were wondering. lol}. I'm going to make two of these, and then two more just like this using deep green for the pocket and lime green for the polka dots.

We have 25 to make and only 19 days to do it, so I'm giving myself the goal of making at least 2 pockets a day {but shooting for more like 3} so I have time to sew them all onto the main/big fabric and stitch all of the numbers on. I'm hand stitching most of them since I run around like a crazy taxi driver all week and sit through hours of sports with my kids. I actually prefer the hand stitched look anyway {not to mention every time I try to machine stitch felt it always stretches in absurd ways}.

So good luck! Let me know if you're following along so I can post more sketches the day before of the pockets I'm going to do.

And last note: it's good to be back!

Best Recipe Website!!

Okay, I know I am a serious slacker! So sorry!! I've been in a major slump. I'm almost positive that it has something to do with the morning sickness I've had . . . I'm pregnant with #4 and have been SO. tired!! I really do intend to get this blog back up and running soon!!

I have been craving cake from my favorite little cake store called Nothing Bundt Cakes, and since I live nowhere near one, I decided to look up a copycat recipe . . . which led me to this website tonight . . .

I am in love . . . it's a fan stinking TAStic website . . . can't wait to try some of the recipes. Enjoy.

Charish's Hope

My 8 year old, Hannah, came up with the idea to raise money {by selling bracelets} to help people with heart disease in memory of her Aunt Charish. {You might remember this post.} On Jan. 1 of this year she collapsed due to a heart condition called cardiomyopathy and passed away a few days later. She left behind three young kids and 4 nieces, all of which are understandably heartbroken. I'm so proud of Hannah for finding a way to channel that pain and do something good with it. She hopes that you will enjoy her creations!

Here are the three color options that she has come up with. From left to right, Cotton Candy, Watermelon, and Soccer Mom {she wanted to make one that boys would like too, and since Charish was an avid soccer mom, she decided to use the colors of her boys' soccer teams}.

Each bracelet is $2, and can be made Small {babies up to age 24 months}, Medium {kids 2-abt 11}, or Large {adults and kids 12 +}. We are going to set up a PayPal option for payment, but for now you can just comment to this post with your order and mail her a check {send me a message at lyricpoulson@gmail.com for her address}. I will try to get a PayPal account for her up and running soon!! Sorry for the inconvenience!

Thank you for supporting her cause!

{No Sew} Flowers

I love Made {here}. If you read my blog regularly you already know that. She always has cute . . . usually easy ideas. She is doing something until Mothers Day called Celebrating Mom where she will have cute ideas you can do for your mom or other women in your life. I'm excited to see what she has thought up!!

This morning she kicked it off with these no sew flowers. Find her free tutorial {here}. I'm going to pull out the scraps and make a few. I think they would be cute in the girls room too. I think I might actually sew along the bottom though to ruffle the fabric making it easier to "bunch" . . . but then again, she knows what she's doing, so I'm sure it probably is easier how she posted.

Thanks for another great idea, Dana!

{Egg-y} Cuteness!

I love LOVE coming across cute ideas for holidays . . . this is by far my favorite Easter blog post I have seen. So so cute. I can't wait to do this . . . hoping that I have enough time after planning a birthday . . . we'll see. :/

I found this idea on Poppy Talk. You can find the picture tutorial {here}.

Have I said I'm in L.O.V.E with this idea?! Happy Easter!!

Oh and {p.s.} . . . I promise, PROMISE I will get to the giveaway soon!! I have been SO busy with family and planning a GIRLY birthday party. 

Oh My {Egg-y} Cuteness!!