Procrastination

This little Nug turned 1 in November. I started working on a secret project for her birthday about a month prior to that.

My mom generously let me use her sewing machine for this project and even offered a helping hand when the going got tough! Thanks, mom!

My favorite part of sewing Molly's 1 year old dress was truthfully the smocking! Now, my fingers were curled up on themselves at the end, but it wasn't as hard as I anticipated (Maybe I chose easy stitches?).

And it looked so southern and vintage-y when it was finished.

I chose the fabric so it could be worn either in the fall (when I first anticipated giving it to her) or in the spring (when she finally got to wear it).

The dress was mostly done by her birthday, but lacked a few finishing touches (I needed to redo the sleeves because they were too tight for her chubby little arms). I'm not the best at revisiting a project that I have mentally finished and it made it's way to my to do list instead of actually sitting down and finishing it.

In the long run, it turned out great, for my first smocked dress. I hope there are more to come in the future. Maybe it won't take me 5 months to complete it next time.

"Her hands hold the spindle."

(Proverbs 31:19)

Happy birthday - Pinterest style

It was this lady's birthday recently

Daughter to this guy

And sister to this guy (<3)

I had a lot of fun picking out (and making) her presents.

Since she's moving into a new apartment she got very practical gifts this year. But just because they needed to be practical, doesn't mean boring. I loved how this project turned out so much that I wanted to keep it for myself. But don't worry... I didn't.

I bought these blank tags months ago and have found TONS of uses for them so far.

Including as actual gift tags.

I found the idea on pinterest and it was tons of fun to make (and easy too).

I used paper I already had and paint swatches (free from Lowes, people!) for the flower part and painted the canvas with brown acrylic paint.

The colors of her new bathroom are brown and blue and my hope was that by using several different shades of blue, I would match whatever color blue she chooses for her new space!

Happy 24th birthday, Aileen!

"She works with willing hands..."

(Proverbs 31:13)

Apple Dumplings

Wow! These little things were DElish! And super easy. I love to cook, and when a recipe calls for 10 or less ingredients, takes less than 20 minutes to make and then you top it with ice cream in the end are my favorites! I made them for Caleb's family last night and they were a hit!

Definitely a crowd pleaser!

No, I wasn't drinking mountain dew while I cooked. It's in the recipe! I promise, you can't leave this ingredient out!

They looked like this before the mountain dew.

Don't worry, they weren't soupy in the end.

And here they are! The finished product. Top with ice cream and plan for at least 2 dumplings per person.

Love.

"She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household..."

(Proverbs 31:15 ESV)

**All credit goes to: The Pioneer Woman