Say HELLO TO the SHABBY APPLE

I am so excited to tell you all that I have been introduced to an amazing new figure in my life...this figure is full of new life, bright and cheery attitude, and best of all - fulfills many of my dreams!!

I would like to introduce you to the Shabby Apple!  They sell everything from maternity, to kids, bridesmaids, work, swim, and athletic clothing.  You can click on their links from my site and take a good look around their shop (links displayed at the top of my blog as well as along the right side of the page).  The create all things vintage and chic and hand make the products right here in the U.S. (New York to be specific)...there I go again on increasing our GDP.  Best of all - they are currently running a promotion of 20% - use code WINTER20 at checkout.

Check them out:



Check back in with me regularly and I will keep you up to speed on available promotions they are offering!

When Tragedy Strikes

I feel like lately have been hearing tragic stories about little babies passing away.  This is something that truly saddens me, and although I know it is not the same as being the parent of that child, in some respects, I feel as a mother I can feel the family's heart ache.  I am going to share a couple of stories I have recently come across and I hope you will all take a minute to read them and realize how fortunate you are when everyone in your family is happy and healthy.  We can take such big things for granted sometimes and not realize how lucky we really are.  The first story I am posting a link to is asking for donations to help a family bury their 7-day old child.  This family is unaware that this fund has been setup, and I think it would be humbling to know that I helped spread the word of this fund and helped the family get some support. 

First Meet Baby Levi, born with a hole in his heart:

Baby Levi

Meet Paxon, born with Cystic Fibrosis (there were a series of three storeis about this precious little baby...read in order of the links posted)

If you can bare it

Meet Rachel and Her Family

Baby Paxon


Meet Gavin, diagnosed with Pertussis and lost a few days later...

The beginning of diagnosis

A Special Request

Gavin David Bruce Norton

Getting Vaccinated

There are so many tragic stories of children being inflicted with compromising health conditions.  It is important we live each day to the fullest, appreciate what we have, and love with every ounce of our being.  There are people around us all the time that are less fortunate than we, and the least we can do is offer them our love and support.  I hope everyone can reflect on the more important things in life and potentially make a point to give to others that are struggling.

BEING a MOM

I'm sorry to disappoint - I know I have not posted anything since before the holidays...in my defense, I have a heavy workload and I was only recently able to come down from all of the holiday craziness...only to be greeted the next day with the start of school again...Blah...why do I do this to myself? Anyways, enough about me - this is about you or the potentially future you...or that someone you know, you...or your own mom - anyways, you get the idea. 

So on to the punch line...my husband recently, and sweetly, purchased me a book (as if I have time to actually read a book when I am not working, cooking, cleaning, doing homework, or reading textbooks) but any who...the gesture was sweet.  The title of the book is Babyproofing Your Marriage.  I was not sure what to think of this, uuhh humm, kind gesture - but then I opened it - just for a few pages before mindlessly being swept into changing a poopy diaper and attempting to nourish both myself and my child with dinner before I sloughed myself into bed.  Once I opened it, I was pleasantly surprised.  It is a humorous book about the trials of becoming a mother, maintaining your partnership with your husband, and being able to laugh at life's challenges and greatest joys.  In short, the book was good.

I have only read about 25 pages (stop laughing) this is actually quite a triumph in my current stage of relentless work and schooling and living life off of very little sleep...but none-the-less those 25 pages have been invigorating. 

Here are a few little clips I thought I would share with you that just had me laughing out loud.  Perhaps the mother in you would enjoy this book as well...

I have to agree with that last clip and I think I will making a phone call to Mother Nature myself.

Oh Holiday Ho HUM

I love Christmas - CLEARY.  But, even if you don't celebrate Christmas, there are many great ways to show your holiday spirit.  Currently my daughter is busy making arts and crafts all day long at daycare...and it has just been killing me not having a way to showcase her beautiful works of art.  So, this predicament had to be resolved FAsT because Christmas is almost here and they NeeD to be up!  Here is a really simple trick that allows you to easily showcase any kind of art - even more formidable art (though I must say, I may have a regular Pablo Picasso on my hands)! 

Tools: 2 small nails, 1 hammer, and as many clips as you want...I got mine from Ikea, but you can also get close pins, or other clips from art supply stores.

Materials: string, wire, or any sort of long, thin material

Tie a knot around each nail, place nails in the wall where you would like the art to hang, and attach clips...and WHA LAH...



Credit to MY LITTLE ANGEL

 FuRTherMoRE...

Here are just a few little tidbits of some things I love right now - primarily due to holiday decorations:

Make a Card Wall

If you don't know what to do with all those Christmas cards, but want a place to showcase them...and easy, quick, and effective way to do so would be to TAPE them to a wall!!

We actually have many more cards now...so the wall has become quite a spectacle of beauty.  The picture was taken at night, by a not-so-good photographer so I apologize for the poor quality. 

And Last BUT NOT Least - this is arguably my favorite thing in my house right now, other than my husband and my daughter of CoURsE...

                                                      HaPPy ChiRsTmAS EVE, EVE

I want to Wish You and Your Family, Friends, and LoVEd ones a Happy Holiday Season. Spread the Cheer!

Costco Jewelry Road Show - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

Costco Jewelry Road Show - San Diego Accessories Examiner.com

A San Diego Fashion Trend - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

A San Diego Fashion Trend - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

2nd and LAST holiday craft :)

Here are a few pictures of my second craft idea.  It is still cute, but did not turn out as cute as I had hoped.  I think if you opt for the large clear bulb ornaments the hand would fit better and get the look I was really hoping for.   The first ornament I did was much more unique and since I wound up making about 7 of them, I am all crafted out!