A Princess and her hat

My uber cool sister helped support my crafting hobby this Christmas {she really understands how much I "need" it and how important it really is.}  I think it was one of my favorite presents, but life has been so busy the last few weeks I hadn't been able to really enjoy it.  So yesterday during naptime I whipped out my yarn and a crochet hook and went to town making this for the little princess. 

I found these awesome patterns from the Inner Hooker on etsy.  She has so many cute patterns it was so hard to choose from.  I made this hat with the frog pattern but since I didn't have any black or white yarn I whipped up a cute little flower {check out this tutorial for a super easy flower}.  I can't wait to pick up a couple more skeens of yarn to make a few more for all the little ones in my life.     

Mommy, I know you dream of me being a hat lover but.....

I really don't like stuff on my head.  Although.....

I think my hat is really cute!!  Thanks!!

Party, Party, Party!!!!

It's so hard to believe that the little princess is already a year old.   It feels like only yesterday that we were bringing her home, staring at her and trying to figure out what to do next.  This last year has been one of the best years of my life. 

Invites

e celebrated in style today at the farm for the Miss Maddie's first birthday.  Family and friends came out to party with the little one.  I started thinking about and planning for this party in my mind for about the last 6 months.  I had so much fun the last few weeks putting all my plans into action.

I was able to make all the decorations myself.  The inner Scrapbooker in me was in heaven.  I've missed crafting so much the last few months since my office is still in shambles from the move.

I've been calling the little princess "bug" or "ladybug" since she was really little and knew that it was the theme I wanted for the party.  

Cupcake Toppers

Balloons!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Banner

Ladybug cake

I really have no experience making cakes, but I had a good time making this little ladybug cake for Maddie.  After having a little difficulty with the first body breaking apart into about 17 pieces, I was able to get it to cook right in a glass bowl.

We haven't let Maddie have much cake or any sweets, but she dove into the cake like a pro.  She was a little unsure at first, but she loved it.  I'm not sure how much got into her mouth, but she loved squishing it between her little fingers.

She wasn't too sure about the candle.  Daddy was there to help her.

Mmmmmmm........

We choose to host a book exchange for the party since Maddie's birthday falls so close to Christmas.  We still had a couple of gifts to open and Maddie had a great time tearing paper and discovering the treasures inside.  Keeping her on task was a struggle, but she had a great time with her new presents this evening after all the excitement quieted down.

She loves books!

Getting the hang of this present thing.

Thanks to all our family and friends that helped make my little princess first birthday so much fun.  Maddie had a wonderful time!

Big Girl!!

Missing in action....

Life has been crazy at the farm the last 2 weeks.  We successfully ripped out the old kitchen and are almost done putting back in the new one.  I'm sore, I'm tired but it is looking beautiful.  I can't wait until we get our counter tops next Wednesday.  I'll share some pics soon, I promise.

I've also taken a little time to do a little overdue crafting.  I'm gonna work on getting a tutorial put together to share with everyone for these fairy princess wands I made for the little princess.  Hope everyone is having a terrific week!

I'm sure she was watching the weather channel here, it's her favorite.
 P.S.  Please ignore the laundry in the background.  I'm still holding
my breath for that maid to show up soon.

I won, I won, I won!!!!

I never win anything.  I mean NEVER.  You would have thought I won the lottery when I opened my email few days ago.  I am soooo excited!!! 

I can't thank enough to Jennifer over at Tatertots and Jello and Cristil at Lilsteinstyles for this amazing little tutu outfit for the little princess.

I can't wait to get this awesome outfit, dress up the princess and share pictures with you all.  I have actually been contemplating making Maddie a cute Christmas tutu, so this couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  I can just see her sitting on Santa's lap wearing this cute little number.

Everyone should check out Cristil's shop.  She not only has adorable stuff for little girls, but check out these capes and shirts for the little guys.














I'm so glad I found Jennifer's amazing blog awhile back while surfing the net for DIY ideas for the new farm house.  I enjoying reading her blog everyday and winning this contest is just a bonus.  Please everyone go show these two some love and check out what they have to offer.

So, I have this obsession.........

I have always been a crafty person. I think it comes from my mama. You should see her sewing studio and you would understand exactly where it comes from. I don't just love to craft, but also collecting crafting supplies (again this MUST come from my mama.) I've tried to make a conscious decision in the last few years to finish what I start and use up some of these supplies I've been "collecting." I absolutely LOVE making things for little girls. I'm pretty sure that is why Roy and I were given Madelyn first. I have been stumbling across several amazing sites with patterns and ideas for little ones. I thought I'd share them here for my own reference and for anyone else out there that has my addiction........enjoy!!!

First, this apron dress is going to definitely be part of Maddie's wardrobe this summer. It's so stinkin' cute. Thanks to Bridget at Everyday Chaos for sharing her adorable idea with everyone! I can't wait to tackle this.


Most people out here that have known me for awhile know I've been making these pillowcase dresses for a few years now. Maddie wore her first one this past Christmas, but I want to share the pattern with everyone because it is so easy and so much fun to make. You can come up with so many easy variations of this dress and they are always adorable. You can find several tutorials out there, but this one at A Room Somewhere is really easy to follow.

Love this idea for one with the side tie with matching fabric and not ribbon.


I just found this awesome idea for recycling a men's shirt this morning into a little girls dress. I love the idea of taking something old and making it new and useful again. I think I'll have to hit up Goodwill and some consignment shops to find so cute, funky shirts to try this with.

Okay, I'm gonna share one more before I have to get off here. I love this twirly skirt. I can just see Maddie in a cute onsie with this skirt on and a matching bow in her hair (what little of it she has). Isn't it adorable??

If anyone finds any cute ideas, share them with me!! I love finding new ideas and revamping old ones. Well, the little one is up from her nap........feeding time!!!