A Seuss Party

My daughter loves all things Dr. Seuss. She loves reading all the books and even knows little pieces of the stories that we read. So it seemed like the perfect theme for a party. I'm lucky because I have a bit of free time and I only have one kid so I can do way fun stuff like this! Enjoy the pictures!

The Invitation

 Treat Bags 

 Clover Bouquet (Horton Hears A Who)

 Oobleck (Bartholomew and Oobleck)

 Don't judge the cake- it was my very first one, and I hate baking.

The birthday girl loved every second of it!

About Love

I've been thinking a lot about Valentine's Day today. I'm lucky enough to have found love, but I have had my fair share of really bad V-days. There is one in particular that I will never forget. It was my freshman year in college, all my friends and roommates had dates or boyfriends on February 14. This was pretty typical of my freshman year. I was often the third wheel, rarely got asked out on dates and became pretty secluded. That day I decided to avoid my apartment complex at all costs. I stayed on campus all day and was studying in the library late that night. It was probably around 8:00 when a stranger came up to my table where I was studying, put down a note and left. I looked around, I was the only person on that whole floor besides the people working. I opened the note and inside was chocolate and a message that said something to the effect of: "Intelligence is beautiful. And the world needs more women with that kind of beauty. Thank you for taking your studies seriously. Happy Valentine's Day." I lost the note in the midst of multiple moves but will never forget the essence of that note. I was struck. It was a small gesture, I'm sure I was not the only recipient, but it was enough to get me through the rest of that night. You see, Valentine's Day isn't about lovers. It's about love. Everyone should love themselves and their family. And most people have that. Some other people have boyfriends/spouses/lovers and it's fun to celebrate that too. But mostly Valentine's Day is about love. I will never forget that, and I hope that is what most people remember.

This year Penny was old enough to pass out little Valentine's to the people she loves the most: her friends. And being a good mom, I am trying to indulge in her love of all things bugs and reptiles (even if it gives me nightmares and makes me want to vomit). We made Love Bug Valentines which I'm sure everyone has seen on Pinterest, but I don't care. Penny loved them and she loved giving them to her little friends. So here is a little Valentine's day post from both Penny and I. Happy Valentine's Day Love Bug. We hope you remember who and what you love, because we are remember all the people we love- and that includes you!

New Shirt

Sometimes I don't take time for myself. I think a lot of moms do this every once in awhile. One of my goals this year is to make more clothes for myself. My first project was this super simple top from C&C and I must say, I love it so much. It's not everyday you find a great shirt tutorial, use up some free fabric, and take a fantastic picture of yourself in a cute new shirt.

Tiny Ts

All my friends and family are probably sick of me talking about these shirts. But seriously? If you haven't made one, you need to. They are fool proof, easy, adorable (insert more adjectives that make you want to make one). I have made two so far and that is not NEARLY enough! I finally got pattern sizes up to 3T so that means all my friends with babies will be getting one very soon. Check out sheblogssheblogs tutorial HERE!

Dolls

I love these dolls. I started making them last year for my daughter's first birthday. I loosely started following the black apple doll pattern and then (obviously) made them my own. These three lovely dolls are for Christmas orders. I will have to make one for Penelope though because she thought that these three were all hers!

They are muslin, felt, polyester fill and yarn, handstitched in the back with each one having their own personal accessory "flair".  The options for hair, skin color and dresses are unlimited!

Apartment Garden Part 2

Our tomato plants have been doing fabulously, besides a case of bloom and rot on one of them. The parsely is more than we can handle. And everything else is slowly but surely growing. We can't wait for lots and lots of peppers and tomatoes! For now we are enjoying all the herbs. To all my fellow apartment dwellers: the bookcase garden is a success!

My Baby

Necessity: To keep my "baby" a baby.

I find myself more often wondering when my nearly year and a half old turned into a toddler. But I guess I'm lucky because many people are surprised to hear how old she is. She is a self proclaimed vegetarian with attitude and is still itty bitty. I love that I can still tote her on my hip wherever I go and that she still looks like a baby to most people. I fear that this summer will be the last where she can get away with wearing such "baby" clothes. I made her this romper last night while watching SYTYCD and making dinner, because this girl cannot have too many rompers!

Oh how I love that peekabo cut out. So funny and chic all at the same time.

Great pose sister!
The ($1.50 a yard!!!) fabric feels so vintage to me. I love it.

Speaking of vintage, our photo shoot with Lora Grady Photography is coming soon! We will be decked out in vintage Sunday picnic attire. Lora is in DC right now shooting a wedding, so I'd keep my eye on her site this weekend to see the shoot!