worley house

The truth is She Doesn't.........

2012-02-01T00:00:00.002-07:00

I saw this movie a couple weeks ago, and it's really stuck with me. I love SJP so of coarse I wanted to see it, it's written and viewed from the perspective of a working Mom, her life, her kids, her woes and trials.

There's some funny scenes in the movie that I think all Moms and parents can relate to. Then there's really emotional scenes that I found myself relating to her character and seeing how that mirrors my own life.

The dynamic of a work out of the home Momma can be a tricky one. There can be moments of pure joy, and pure guilt. Moments where you feel or know you're missing so much, and it can be hard. There's this scene in the movie where Sarah Jessica Parker's character and the other working moms are scared and intimidated by the stay at home moms, and then later on you see the Stay at Home moms intimidated by the working Mom because they feel like "they can do it all" and they can't figure out their secret and wonder if they "measure up?"

Those scenes in the movie made me laugh, and really made me think.

A working Mom is something I can relate to, but the truth is I believe every Mom works. In the home or out of the home every Mother works and what she does is so important.

Want to know the other truth?

The reality is "SHE" me, you, other Moms we don't do it all. While although the illusion may make it seem like I can do it all, or the Mom next to you in the grocery store "does it all" the reality is NO ONE can do everything.

Nope, they can't!

For me, I carefully select what things I can and can't do based on my priorities. I know for a lot of Moms out there this is also true. Also, without the amazing support from my spouse and family I couldn't do anything. Not as a Mom, working Mom, wife, sister, friend, blogger, etc.

It's all about serving the Lord, the team around me and the support they give. Allowing me to follow my dreams, and giving me the freedom to be the MOM God has called me to be.

So when you're looking at that Mom who you think "can do it all" or when you're asking yourself;

"How does she do it?"

Know that she needs your support and encouragement just as much as you need it too! Let's create a community of motherhood that builds each other up. Instead of judging; let's encourage. Let's find strength in our differences and allow each Mom to be the best mom she can be for her children, for her family.

Here's my challenge for you; find a Mom today that you can encourage! Maybe it's a mom at your church, maybe it's your best friend. Or maybe it's a stranger. Encourage them! Tell them what you love about them, how you admire them, what ever it is find their strength and encourage them.

And, give yourself a break too!

You're a MOM, you ARE amazing!

Blog Roll Monday: I AM Momma

2012-01-30T00:00:00.017-07:00

A new blog I love served up fresh every Monday! I tell you why I love it and why you should be reading it too!

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I am Momma is a fun little blog that has a good mix of just about everything! Some musings about motherhood, some crafting, and some lessons of learning mixed it.

Cheri is a mother of two boys! She's a singer/song writer. Wife, craft er and lots more. Her blog is filled with lots of really fun projects that's what drew me in at first! I mean who wouldn't love her awesome son's super hero room, or the re done play room? One of my fave tutorials is her up cycled shirt dresses, I plan on making one of these pronto for Ava!

Go to her blog for fun easy arts and crafts.

Go to her blog to for Wake Up Wednesday posts! Original and fun!

She's was on Martha last week! Isn't that awesome! Go here to visit her blog!

A Day in:: January 23, 2012

2012-01-27T00:00:00.003-07:00

It's been a while since I documented a full day in our lives. I wanted to start doing this again since our days looks drastically different than they did almost a year ago. The biggest change you might ask? It's been in our schedule more specifically Hubby's work schedule.

You may remember if you've been reading for any amount of time that Hubby works till 7 pm, and I do this crazy run across town pick Ava up from day care and then drive back across town and get him from work. Getting us home about 7:30 pm nightly, and eating dinner around 8 pm. I'm happy to rejoice that the Lord heard my prayer and he answered it by giving my Husband a new schedule putting him to work earlier, and getting home earlier.

This is going to be a BIG welcome change to our family, and I'm excited about giving us more time together during the week nights, more time in general as a family. It's amazing how just a few hours can give you so much.

So now, here's what our days look like on a day of the week.

It was Monday January 23rd.

5 AM: My alarm goes off, I lay there and debate just how much longer I can sleep in before finally getting up to get ready for the day. True story.

5:30 AM: Hubby is up and getting himself ready and then gets Ava up while I am still getting ready.

5:45 AM: We're getting breakfast for ourselves packing our lunches and getting everything ready to leave for the day.

6:15 AM: We're heading out the door loading in the car on our way to day care.

6:30 AM: We're at daycare just down the road from home. I take Ava inside get her situated and then we're off headed towards Orion's work.

7 AM: Drop off Orion at work.

8 AM: I arrive at work.

Lunch! Me and Kindle have a date!

Head off to pick up Hubby from work. We're at Ava's daycare by 5:30 PM.

5:45 PM: We're making a quick stop at Wal-Mart, I loathe that place but they have the best selection of blank shirts and I have some custom orders to work on tonight.

7:30 PM: We're getting Ava ready for bed. We read stories, sing songs and say our prayers. Hubby gets Ava ready for bed tonight so I can watch this;

I spend the next two hours watching The Bachelor and texting my friend Jessie back and forth while we watch together!

After that, I head to my studio {aka: my bedroom} to start working on these:

10:30 PM It's bed time, and just about now is when Ava's insomnia starts to kick in.

That's our day!

What do your days look like? DO you document them in any special way?

PS- My sister is coming to visit today! To celebrate we're having a sale in the shop! 30% off using code: CYBER30 at check out! Click here to get your shop on!

All images were taken with the Instagram app, labels were added with the Picframe app.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake & Ambiance Coffee #MyBaristaMoment

2012-01-25T00:00:00.003-07:00

If you don't know by now that I'm a huge coffee fan, let me tell you again "I love coffee." A couple years ago I worked as a barista in a coffee shop, I had a lot of fun whipping up my own creations. I love trying new flavors and new drinks, Hubby bought me a Keurig last year for Christmas and I love it.

I headed to Smart & Final to try their line of Ambiance coffee, and whip up a yummy treat to go with it. I've never made a coffee cake before, so I wanted to try baking something new. I found a recipe on Pinterest that I loved for Sour Cream Coffee cake, and decided to make that.

I had a great shopping experience at Smart & Final, everything I needed I was able to find easily. Their staff was more than helpful since it was my first time shopping with them. I was able to pick up my coffee, and all my ingrediants to make my coffee cake right there in the store. They had everything I needed including the baking pan that I didn't already own but needed.

So, let's get started on making this Sour Cream Coffee cake! It's from www.foodnetwork.com

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the streusel:

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional

For the glaze:

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons real maple syrup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 4 to 5 minutes, until light. Add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and sour cream. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter until just combined. Finish stirring with a spatula to be sure the batter is completely mixed.

For the streusel, place the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter in a bowl and pinch together with your fingers until it forms a crumble. Mix in the walnuts, if desired.

Spoon half the batter into the pan and spread it out with a knife. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup streusel. Spoon the rest of the batter in the pan, spread it out, and scatter the remaining streusel on top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. (side note: I did mine in reverse since I used a bunt pant instead of a fluted pan, still tastes the same but the presentation is a little different.)

Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the cake, streusel side up, onto a serving plate. Whisk the confectioners' sugar and maple syrup together, adding a few drops of water if necessary, to make the glaze runny. Drizzle as much as you like over the cake with a fork or spoon.

While my cake was baking I started to get my coffee ready. I choose the already ground French Vanilla house blend from Ambiance coffee. I loaded it into my Keurig and brewed. Hubby decided to have the same.

We also got fancy and topped ours with First Street Whipped Cream!

Here's what my coffee cake looked like after cooling and adding the topping,

Paired with my yummy cup of Ambiance coffee and I was ready for a after dinner snack!

We had a ton left over, and I took some to work the next day for my co-workers and they loved it! For sure a crowd pleaser!

You can check out more of my shopping experience with Smart and Final on my Google+ page here.

Smart & Final has an offer for you, if you switch to Ambiance coffee from Smart & Final, they can go to www.smartandfinal.com/Ambiance2012 enter the code on the receipt from their purchase of Ambiance and be entered to win some of these amazing prizes: First Prize (one grand prize per week, 3 total over the campaign): DeLonghi BCO264B Cafe Nero Combo Coffee/Espresso Maker, a $200 value!, or one of six $50 SmartCash cards (Two winners per week, 6 winners total)

Also, visitors to the www.smartandfinal.com/Ambiance2012 will be able to vote for their favorite Ambiance Coffee recipe and everyone who votes will be entered for a chance to win $50 worth of Ambiance products! (6 winners - Two winners per week over the campaign)

This project has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for #collectivebias #CBias, as always I don't endorse anything professionally that I wouldn't personally all the products mentioned I have used personally.

Blog Roll Monday: Project Nursery

2012-01-23T00:00:00.031-07:00

Blog Roll Monday is a weekly feature where I share one of the blogs on my reading list and why I'm lovin' it, and probably why you should be reading it too!

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real life project galleries! Tons of inspiration there.

Project Nursery is one of my fave blogs for nursery ideas and everything baby! They celebrate the best in nursery design, parties and all stuff baby! I found them to be a great resource when I was pregnant with Ava.

One of the things that I love about them is how they celebrate and encourage their readers! They have monthly reader projects where you can vote on your fave nursery's and parties done by actual readers! It's such an awesome tool to browse different design ideas all in the same place and be inspired.

A couple months back I even interviewed for a job with Melisa and Pam. Both ladies couldn't be more sweet! And, even though I didn't get that job I fell in love more and more with what they are doing and how they are encouraging Moms to design more and sharing their love of anything and everything baby!

They are always showing the latest in design and party. Baby gear too!

When you visit their site you'll have so much fun checking out everything they have to offer. One of my faves is the

I have my own linked there too! You can visit Ava's nursery here, and see her first birthday here.

Check out their blog here.

Shredded Chicken Tacos {Crock Pot Style}

2012-01-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I haven't shared this recipe with you yet on the blog! It's easily one of our favorite meals and we have it usually a couple times per month! It's made entirely in the crock pot, which I love since I'm a working Momma anything I can make in my crock pot that is good, is a WIN for me!

This is a really easy meal, it serves a lot of people and it's always a home run for my family and friends!

Here's what you need: (feeds 4-5 people)
3 frozen chicken breasts
1 12 oz bag frozen corn
1 can black beans
1 can Rotel (tomatoes & green chilies)
1 taco seasoning packet
1 cup chicken stock

Directions:
Throw your frozen chicken breasts (yes, frozen) into the bottom of your crock pot, then add in your corn, black beans, rotel and taco seasoning on top. I don't drain anything I just throw it all in there. Stir together, then add your chicken stock just to keep it moist while cooking.

I usually do all this the night before and then turn it on before I leave for work in the morning. Turn it on low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. It's done by the time I get home from my work day. If you're home all day too you could still do the same thing.

When I get home, I take two forks and pull out all the chicken and shred it and then add it back into the crock pot to cook together for about 10-15 more minutes.

While that's going I get all my tortillas, and toppings together. I like to use corn tortillas and bake them in the oven but you could use any type of tortilla or taco shell you'd like. I top mine with cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

That's it! Eat and enjoy! For our family of three there's always left overs and they are great the next day for nachos, tacos again or even on a salad!

If you make this let me know your thoughts and if you love it as much as our family does!

Happy Friday!

Instagram:: Changing the Way I capture Life!

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I got an Iphone for Christmas! It was actually an early Christmas gift from the Hubs, I'd been hinting that I wanted one for a while now, and when my upgrade came up I made the switch and I'm excited that I was able to get it.

Love it! One of my fave apps has been Instagram. I've been using it for a while on the Hubby's Itouch but since now I have it on my phone I've been able to capture those every day moments and share them instantly with everyone.

Friends and family really love me for it, I am sure! :)

See what I mean......

A little shopping at Homegoods.

Dance party captured.

Birthday party crafting is happening.

Mommy and baby TOMS.

Sunday walk into church.

New bedroom decor in process.

Reading. Yup, check!

Little orange box arrived.

Party Planning in progress.

Capturing life one Instagram at a time.

I also really love the PicFrame app too, it allows me to make these super fun collages and add the labels! So fun!

I'm really excited to make some Sticky Grams, that turn your Instagrams into magnets. I can't wait to cover the fridge.

What about you? Do you have any fave apps for picture taking?

Do you Instagram? You can find me here (photosbyandrea)

Blog Roll Monday: Nesting Place

2012-01-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday friends! How was your weekend?

Miss America and The Golden Globes were on this weekend, it was like my Super Bowl! This morning, I am tired but I am excited about this week. We start some exciting stuff here in the Worley House this week, but first it's time for me to share with you another blog I'm lovin' from my reading list.

Here we go!

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I don't know how or really remember how I stumbled upon The Nester's blog, but I'm so glad I did. It was shortly after our move to Arizona two years ago that I did.

What I love most about her blog is her mission and desire to share with people about being intentional in your home. Loving where you live, and being intentional on how and what you fill it with!

Her motto: "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful."

I love that.

I've been so guilty of this many times, filling a space "just because it has to be decorated." And, also not having people over to my home because it's "less than perfect." Or being ashamed {I know, stupid} because we live in a rental and it's not really "our home."

The Nester, has reminded me time and time again that people come to your home to see you and visit your family, not your things. To let go of all that and embrace your home, and make it one.

She's inspiring to me because she lives in a rental now, even after owning her own home once. {we're in the same boat.} And, it's ok.

Here's what she says:

I know what it’s like to want a pretty house and not have much to work with and still have to get dinner on the table and nurse little children. I know what it’s like to rent and live with white walls and ugly carpet. I have decorated on no budget in the past. I’ve decided not to wait until my house is perfect to share it, use it and love it. I regret those years where I spent my time wishing my home was something more and not enjoying what I had.

To read more about The Nester and her blog visit her here.

Hello, I love you: Blue & Pageant Gowns

2012-01-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

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I've had pageants and Miss America on my brain the last week. Searching for ideas for Miss St. Paul and my friend Elizabeth. I've always been very drawn to blue gowns, I wore a couple blue gowns myself in my pageant days.

So in my hunting and research this week here's some gowns I've loving that just so happen to be blue! Here's a look inside my pageant brain;

Source: shoplacasa.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: bessiesboutique.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: edressme.com via Andrea on Pinterest

This one has been a favorite since I saw it on Miss USA 2010 Kristin Dalton a few years ago!

Source: shoplacasa.com via Casey on Pinterest

What blue things are you loving these days?! Linking up with Heather today over at Angel Face Designs.

{DIY} Christmas Card Book

2012-01-13T09:56:00.002-07:00

I mentioned last weekend that I was making something special with the Christmas cards we received this year from friends and family, and today I wanted to show you what I came up with.

I came across this idea from Eighteen 25, I really loved the idea but I knew I wanted to use all my own stuff that I already had on hand. I'm desperately trying to get rid of my scrap booking supplies so that's why I wanted to use what I already had, just to get rid of it and make something with it.

Here's what I came up with;

First I used some glitter paper to make a cover, using some sticker letters I spelled out "Christmas" and the year. Next, I used a hole punch to punch two holes into all my cards for my book.

I added some ribbon trim to the front as well. Then cut two strips of coordinating ribbon to string through the holes to make my book.

After all the cards we strung through I added a cover to the back and then the front one again. Then I loosely tied the ribbons so that you could still open and flip through the book easily.

Here she is all finished. I plan on making these every year now and displaying them so guests can look at them during the holiday season.

What do you think? Have you done anything special with your cards lately?

Linking this project with:

Pity Part at 30 Hand Made Days * Sundae Scoop
Tuesday's Treasures * DIY Project Parade
A Bowl Full of Lemons * Get Your Craft On

iheart: my Clarisonic!

2012-01-13T00:00:00.020-07:00

A few of my favorite things, stuff I love, things I actually use and letting you know why

Iheart them so much!

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Source: ulta.com via Andrea on Pinterest

I first heard about Clarisonic through Whippy Cake, Becki talked about it in a video I watched on her site. I just had to know more about this awesome beauty tool. After doing some research and feeling a little overwhelmed about the price (it's kinda pricey) I began to mull it over a bit, for a few months actually.

I've always had really bad skin, mostly due to my PCOS. I remember years in high school having some of the worst breakouts ever! Going through college where you had late nights of studding and papers to write, washing my face was sometimes on the lowest priority. I've tried just about every cleanser out there, you name it I've probably tried it.

Actually the best skin I've ever had was when I was pregnant. Imagine that. Then about 3 years ago I found the best skin cleanser I've tried and it's been wonders for my skin. Still, I'll admit I don't always take the best care of my skin (ie: washing it every night and taking my make-up off) and it shows at times.

After hearing a lot of recommendations about the Clarisonic I decided that I really wanted to make the investment. After saving for a few weeks I purchased it after Christmas and have now been using it now for over a week. And let me tell you...it's WONDERFUL!

It really helps clean your face well, leaves it feeling super soft too. I use my own cleanser with it. Nothing fancy or special, it just deep cleans my face and leaves it feeling refreshed and a lot cleaner. I saw a difference in just 1 use.

Here's my suggestions for getting a great deal on it, since it's kinda expensive (in my opinion.)

I bought the Clarisonic Mia, through Ulta.com and got free shipping. They have deals like this all the time, so I suggest buying it through a site like that. They also have a great rewards program too, so you can earn points as well.

My other suggestion is buying it through Ebates.com you will get 3% cash back if you go through them, and then buy from Ulta.com.

It's a product I really love, and I think it's worth the investment.

Edited to Add: Alicia had some really great questions that I thought I'd answer here as well. I did try both the Neutrogena and Oil of Olay brushes before buying the Clarisonic. The biggest difference is the speed of the brushes. They aren't as fast, and don't give you that "deep" clean feeling, and they don't exfoliate as well because they have a lower speed. The Mia is faster, and the Mia 2 has two cleaning speeds. After spending $14 on the Neutrogena one, and borrowing the other one I decided the Clarisonic was worth the investment. After having it for a week now and using it, I'm glad I went with this choice. It's over all better than other cleaning brushes out there.

What products are you loving these days?! Tell me in the comments below.

I was not paid to tell you about this product, none of these companies even know who I am. This is just a product I really love and use myself.

Shh, It's Ok they're only little once.......

2012-01-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Our nightly routine begins after dinner time, usually around 7 pm we start cleaning up dinner and while I do that Hubby is giving Ava her bath and getting her dressed for bed. I come in sometime last after I'm done cleaning and we say prayers together, we read a story together.

Recently as Ava's sleep habits have started to change we've started taking turns putting her to bed each night. She's always been a great sleeper until 4 months ago when we took away the pacifier. That was a rough stretch for us. We had a few sleepless nights in a row and then she seemed to be good for a couple weeks.

Then out of no where, I think probably due to visiting friends out of town a couple weeks in a row where she slept with us she got used to it and now has been doing this at night;

7:30-8 ish she goes to bed.
Midnight she wakes up.
Falls asleep while I rock her.
Put her back in crib, and instantly wakes back up.

We rock again, and again. Still she wakes back up.

Then, I give in and bring her in bed with us. Where she falls fast asleep into a deep slumber.

This has been. going. on. for. weeks!

I worry about her crying it out.

I worry that she isn't getting enough sleep.

We've tried everything I can think of.

I worry that she's developing bad sleep habits, or that it's a bad practice we've started letting her sleep with us when she wakes up in the middle of the night.

Going home for Christmas for two weeks, didn't help our case any. She didn't want to sleep in her own crib there either.

A couple nights ago she woke up again, same thing wouldn't go back to sleep. I drug my sleepy self down the hall to her room. I seamlessly picked her up and fell into the rocking chair with her and began to rock her back and forth, back and forth.

I must have fallen asleep myself, because when I woke up I found myself in a pain because my neck hurt from the position I was in. I didn't know what time it was, all I knew was that I was uncomfortable.

I walked back down the hall with my child in arms, her heavy sleepy body curled into me and we went back to our bedroom together. I laid her down, in the middle of us and she rolled over and continued to sleep.

It was there that I listened to her breathe, her snoring too. I sat up watching her in the dark that night. Orion woke up and asked what I was doing.

I told him; "Watching Ava sleep, I could just watch her for hours."

He said; "Yeah, me too."

Hey Babe; "Are we developing a really bad habit by letting her sleep with us?"

"Shh, he said. "She's only little once, It's ok."

That statement got me thinking that night as I lie there in bed watching her sleep.

There are times when we "break the rules" during our parenting by letting her sleep with us. Sometimes we do the opposite of "what the experts" say you should or shouldn't do.

Orion reminded me that everything is not so cookie cutter when it comes to parenting. I am a firm believer now that every parent knows their child the best.

Ava is happy. She's is a vibrant little girl.

It's ok to break whatever the rules are every once and a while I tell myself, she is after all only small once.

This phase will pass, and soon we'll be onto the next challenge. The next thing with her.

Even though some phases and challenges seem to last longer than others, I am reminded to enjoy the season we are in.

I'm a firm believer that each Parent knows their child best, break your own ground. Do what you feel and know in your heart is best. Make your own rules for your family.

{Sweetheart} with Lifestyle Crafts

2012-01-10T08:55:00.001-07:00

Today, Lifestyle Crafts is release their Sweetheart Collection! Just in time for Valentine's Day. I decided to make some sweet pink cupcake toppers with my new Heart dies. These will be the perfect addition to those valentine cupcakes I want to make for Ava & Hubby!

I simply used a 3 inch circle punch to punch out 12 circles, and then ran my dies through on red glitter paper cutting out my hearts. I used some craft glue to adhere my hearts to each circle.

I also used some foam squares to make some of the hearts raised and "pop" off the toppers!

Then I used some glue dots to a fix a tooth pick to the back of each one.

Really simple and fun, that always dress up plain cupcakes.

Are you making any fun crafts for Valentine's Day?

Visit Lifestyle Crafts here. Check out their full collection of Sweatheart dies here.

Shop here.

Looking to snag some Lifestyle Crafts products of your own?

Use my promo code and get 20% off your entire purchase!

Sharing this post today with:
Pity Party * Sundae Scoop * DIY Project Parade
Tuesday's Treasures * One Project at A Time * Get Your Craft On

Housekeeping & Some Shop Updates

2012-01-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

In an effort to simplify, streamline and reach some goals that I have for this lil' blog I've decided to make some necessary changes. You may or may not have noticed them already but here's a little explanation and some updates.

When I started Ava's Closet back in 2009 I wanted a place to showcase the over abundance of goodies that I was making for children due to being inspired by my own pregnancy and desire to make beautiful things for Ava. It gave me a place to feed my creative side and make some pretties for family and friends.

Over the last two years my creativity and desires have expanded and grown. This year I really felt like I needed to stream line those things and find a way to encompass my passion for all things creative. I've decided to change the name of my shop from Ava's Closet to Worley House Designs to accomplish this goal.

For me it just makes sense to have everything under the 'Worley House' umbrella. It will also allow me the freedom to start creating some the home/everyday items I've been dreaming about. Now when you visit the shop you'll see an all new look, but much of the same items including things for babies, ladies and children. The new look will be a lot like what the blog looks like now with a new header and button, see here:

To visit the shop, click here.

Please "like" our facebook page, as the Ava's Closet page will be removed in a week. On the new page you'll find shop updates & discounts as well.

I'm also delighted to say that our Blogs&Coffee print was featured today in treasury list, click here to see it. Would you please visit the new shop and let me know your thoughts? I'd appreciate it and love to hear your feed back.

The other small change is that I've added a 'Shop Our Home' link to the navigation bar at the top of the blog. Since I'm so indecisive about a lot of things I have for sale some gently used items from our home and closets. All items are priced to ship anywhere in the United States. Go here to visit the page, or click the link above.

Thanks for going on this journey and changes with me. I appreciate YOU my readers and I'm excited for 2012 holds! Here's to goals and getting there!

Blog Roll Monday: Just A Girl

2012-01-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Blog Roll Monday is a weekly feature where I share a blog that I'm loving on my reading list and share why you should be reading them too!

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I've been reading Chris' blog for quite some time now, it's one of my favorites for decor and crafty things. One of the things that I love about her is that she's a working Mom of 2, and still finds the time to craft, create, decorate and do what inspires her and what she loves.

It inspires me so much being a working Mom myself. She inspires me and let's me know there's room for it all when your family is your priority.

She's also part of the brain behind the new Haven conference coming to Atlanta in June, I so wish I could go but it conflicts with another event I'll be attending during the same time. If you're looking for a home decor/DIY conference check it out!

She has some great great projects and ideas, one of my faves was her dining room makeover. You can see the full list of projects she's worked on for her home here.

I even found my friend Destiny's blog when Just A Girl featured her, and now she one of my good friends! Love this blog land!

If you're looking for a fresh new decor/craft blog she's your girl! Check out her blog and more here.

Happy Monday Friends!

{Traditions} Christmas Cards

2012-01-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

I send out a Christmas card every year, it's something I've done and look forward to for the last 4 years we've been married. I appreciate getting them as much as I love giving them to our family and friends. So when Christmas is over and we start taking down the decorations I can't bear to part with them.

I mean, people spend a lot of time and money on them and I think that's valuable. We started this tradition last year, and continued it again this year. I take off my Christmas cards people have sent off the wall and put them all on a serving platter and place them on our kitchen table.

Each night of January at dinner we pick a card up from one of the families that sent us a card, and we pray for that family. We know them all personally so we have some direction to pray, but mostly we pray God's blessing and favor over them for the year.

I love doing this, I feel like if someone took the time to send us a card the least we can do is pray God's blessing over them. Let them know in some small way we're thinking of them.

Afterwards I usually put them in a photo album and save them, but this year I did something a little different. Come back in a few days and see what I did with the Christmas cards this year.

Did you start any new traditions this year? I'd love to hear about them, tell me in the comments below!

Happy Saturday!

Hello, I love you: Kitchens

2012-01-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm linking up with Heather at Angel Face Designs! I met Heather at Creative Estates last year and fell in love with her adorable blog and cute little shop! She does this feature on her blog called; Hello, I Love you! Sharing what cute things she's loving!

She's decided to open it up to a Saturday link up party for everyone to share things they are loving to! Sounds fun right?!

This week's theme: Kitchens

I love a good kitchen! One day I dream of a white kitchen with lots and lots of storage and a dreamy pantry. Here's a few I've been finding inspiration from via my pin boards on Pinterest.

Source: houzz.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Andrea on Pinterest

I have a thing for white cabinets with dark flooring. That's my dream kitchen. One day I would love to buy a home and redo the kitchen ourselves.

I also love the idea of some open shelving. Maybe not all the cabinets but some really light my fire. I think it's a great way to display some of your "prettier" pieces of dish ware too.

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Andrea on Pinterest

And remember when I mentioned about a dreamy pantry? Well, here's a few of them that I've been finding inspiration from.

Source: houzz.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: housetweaking.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: houseofsmiths.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Wanna join in on the fun? Join Heather and visit her blog and read all about it today, and then link up your own kitchen loves too! Linking up here.

Watch Me Grow: 21 Months

2012-01-05T00:00:00.044-07:00

Ava turned 21 months old on Christmas Eve. Each month is always a little bittersweet for this Mama, but this one is probably extra bittersweet because that means she'll be 2 in just three months. Where has the time gone, seriously?!

I love seeing how she's growing and changing. Right now she's in a phase of repeating everything we say. It's so cute, and sometimes we just throw out words just to see if she'll repeat them back to us.

Hello, Homogenize.

She still loves Yo- Gabba Gabba, coloring, music and dancing. Singing songs with us and Elmo.

Lately we've been having lots of issues with sleeping through the night. We've never had an issue with her sleeping through the night, but ever since we took away the binki she's been sleeping and then
waking up in the middle of the night screaming from her crib.

We've tried a lot of different things during this time. Right now rocking her completely to sleep at night is the only thing that's helping her sleep, but she's still waking up in the middle of the night and crying.

If you have any tips for this tired Mama, I'd love to hear them.

She loved being at home this Christmas. It was so fun to see her interact with family, play with her cousins and laugh with them. She loves them, and it's so sweet to see.

Here's some stats about Miss Ava;

She's wearing a size 5/6 shoe. Size 5 diapers. Size 24 month- 2T clothing.

She weighs about 25 pounds.

Some of her favorite foods include: milk, apples, oranges, bananas and gold fish.

We recently turned her car seat forward facing.

Her New Year's resolutions this year are:

- sleep in my own bed through the night again!

- transition to a toddler bed.

- start potty training.

We're so in love with this little girl! We feel truly blessed to call her ours. I'm deep in the planning process of a magical and fun second birthday party for her. I hate to see her get bigger, but I love watching her grow, change and learn new things.

Love you baby girl!

{JOY}

2012-01-04T15:58:00.001-07:00

Last year I challenged myself to simplify. I wanted to focus on one word for the year and live that out in the everyday. Last year I worked hard to accomplish the goals I set out to focus on for the year, and I know I'm better for it. Our family is better for it as well.

In thinking and praying about my word for 2012 I really felt a stirring in my heart about the word JOY!

At the start of last year our church closed down without notice, it was a sudden change to our lives and in our ministry. There was a lot of confusion that surround this decision we had no control over. When the church closed, Orion and I knew that we'd be OK regardless of what had happened or the emotions surrounding this decision.

That event led us on a journey of trying to figure out what was next for us? We moved to Arizona two years ago to take a job at that church, and now that it was closed it left us answering the question of what's next?

I'll be honest and say that the last year was very hard for me in the regard of not feeling "settled." There was an un easy feeling in me most of the time feeling like I couldn't really unpack our bags here so to speak because I was unsure of whether or not this would be our forever home.

I know that it might sound weird to some, but for me we've experienced so much transition in our lives since 2008 that I am just ready to be in a place long term.

No more moving. I want to create a home somewhere for my family and enjoy this life.

In the last six months I've really been evaluating myself, my heart and my emotions. I realized that I was trying to find my happiness in the circumstances instead of finding JOY in where ever the Lord has us at the time.

Happiness is based on good things happening to us.

JOY is eternal! Knowing that no matter what happens or doesn't happen;

The Joy of the Lord is our strength. Neh. 8:10 (NIV)

Source: moneysavingmom.com via Andrea on Pinterest

This year the word I want to focus my heart and life on is JOY!

Choosing JOY in every circumstance. Choosing to find the JOY in everyday things and not be so caught up in what does or doesn't happen.

Find JOY in my relationship with the Lord knowing it is and always has been enough.

I know that when I am focused on eternal things, and joyful towards others they catch it too. It makes a difference in me, in my home, and in others.

I wanted to choose a Bible verse for the year to go along with my word for 2012, I choose this verse:

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It really sums up in every single way how I am feeling, and how I want to live this out. No matter what this year I want to choose JOY.

Be filled with JOY.

Take it with me.

Enjoy this life and the journey that God has us on.

Today I want to challenge you to take a look and see how you could be more joyful in your own life.

Maybe it's towards others.

Maybe your children or spouse.

Maybe you're going through a hard time and you need to choose to be JOYFUL in your circumstances. Change your attitude and choose JOY today.

*************

30B430: Learn to Sew, again.

2012-01-01T11:34:00.014-07:00

#12: Learn to Sew

I say again because I used to sew all the time in college but haven't since. This year I really wanted to learn again, start doing, and start creating projects. I started doing this back in September of last year {wow, that's weird to say} but I did.

A bunch of my friends were having babies so I wanted to make them some special gifts to give them for their little ones.

I made these little shirts for my nieces, nephew and Ava for Christmas. They turned out so cute, and I was really pleased with them.

I sewed myself a little grey hound sooth table runner you can see it in the table above, and more here in this photo below.

You can see some of the baby onesies I've worked on here in my Etsy shop. The point is, I've been sewing and I'm really enjoying all the things I've been creating!

Goal, checked off the list!

What goals have you been working on? Tell me in the comments below, I'd love to hear some of your goals for the year!

Our Christmas Vacation

2011-12-31T00:00:00.020-07:00

We've had a great 10 days here in Iowa for Christmas! It's coming to a close, we jump on a plane tomorrow back to Arizona. First we're going to enjoy ringing in the New Year with family tonight. Here's a few high lights from our Christmas vacation.

{Our family on Christmas Eve}

This year it was a lot of fun watching her open gifts. She was really into playing with everyone else's gifts, and not opening her own. It was sorta cute. Christmas is truly magical seen through the eyes of your own child.

{The Christmas Outfit}

These were some of my favorite gifts to give. They all turned out so cute! My sister bought the girls these matching red skirts to go with their shirts.

{Our family Christmas Day}

10 days went by so fast! They were filled with lots of wonderful family time. I got to sneak in a date with my Hubby, lunch with friends, and time with my siblings while the Grandparents took the kids to see the Christmas lights. Orion and I teams finally played against each other in a bowl game, his team won which makes me very sad! As we close 2011, I'm thankful for all the Lord has blessed us with. And, very thankful for this time we've had with family during this season.

I'm also looking forward very much to 2012! We have so many wonderful things on the horizon I just can't wait. I'll be back in a couple days to reveal my word for 2012 as well and start the new year!

{Top 10} Posts of 2011 & A Bloggy Review

2011-12-30T00:00:00.077-07:00

Oh, hello there last week of the year! How did you get here so fast? I think it's true what they say about having children makes time go faster, because I definitely feel it.

SO many great and wonderful things have come out of blogging in this last year. I'm amazed and very appreciative. I love this online community here, I love the encouragement of other women that I am seeing all over blog land and how people are coming together to help one another.

It's amazing and humbling all at the same time. I love how relationships go from online to real friendships. A year ago, I met my friend Destiny through our blogs. A friendship that quickly grew from online to dinner in her home, to real life friends who hang out and do stuff. I appreciate her friendship so much and love that she's become a real life friend.

If I hadn't met her, our husbands wouldn't have met and my Husband wouldn't have the job he has now! It's amazing how God has a plan, and how things work out for his glory & purpose! I often joke that my Husband owes his job to my blog, it's sorta funny but really kinda true!

I wanted to review with everyone the TOP 10 Blog Posts from the year {as determined by the stats} and then review MY TOP 10, the ones that maybe didn't make the list but the ones that I loved writing the most, or the ones that meant the most to me! You can see last year's list here.

TOP TEN {by the stats}
1. Closet Series Jen from Iheart Organizing
2. Closet Series Megan from Honey We're Home
3. Ava's First Birthday Party
4. Simplify Wooden Sign
5. Cabinet Door Chalkboard
6. Closet Series Cori from La Vie Petite
7. Summertime Rosette Wreath
8. The Real Reason I'm Not Pregnant with #2
9. Board, Batten & Wainscoting
10. Holiday Comforts

MY TOP TEN
1. Simplify - I started out the year with a word, and a goal! I'm happy to say that I accomplished what I wanted to this year in these terms.
2. Happy Birthday Ava - One of the BEST events of the year was Ava's 1st birthday! My first year of Motherhood complete, my thoughts for her recorded here.
3. Project Baby B - This post didn't get nearly as much attention as I think it should have, and was easily the most controversial post I've ever written. But sometimes that happens when you follow what the Lord has laid on your heart, people don't always like it. I am thankful to the many who donated to this project, for those who gave and to The Brookers who are such wonderful and amazing people who are now parents because of what the Lord has done!
4. Noble Character - a challenge to bloggers and everyone to be real and do good with this life they are living!
5. He Sat Next to Me - my encouragement to Mothers everywhere.
6. Catalyst - life changing events.
7. Summertime Wreath - my fave DIY project of the year!
8. Mine - a favorite that I wrote about my Husband.
9. My Trip to Minneapolis - fave travel post from the year.
10. Be Inspired Series - my fave feature that I was apart of this past year.

What do you think, did your faves make the list?

I've had a great journey this year blogging. I'm excited for what's next! I've got some great ideas about where I want to take this blog in 2012. My mostly, I want to do good always with this little blog. Is it to much to ask for the blog to change the world? Make it a better place? Provoke thought? Bring JOY and encouragement to those who read it? I think not, and that's exactly what I want this blog to be about.

Thanks for reading, commenting and making blogging so much fun for me this last year! I also want to thank other fellow bloggers for featuring Worley House in some small way this year. I really enjoy being apart of this awesome community, and you all make it so special to be apart of!

Joyfully,
Andrea

{Top 20} New Blogs of 2011

2011-12-28T00:00:00.041-07:00

{buy it here}

In keeping with a tradition I started last year, I wanted to review the TOP 20 New Blogs {new to me} I've grown to love in 2011! I love finding a new blog, and I'm sure a lot of you do too, so here's my picks:

{in no particular order}

1. A Bowl Full of Lemons

2. A Small Snippet

3. Bring the Rain

4. Designed to the Nines

5. The Small Things Blog

10. Less Cake More Frosting
11. Little Baby Garvin
12. Momma Go Round
13. Nesting Place
14. No. 17
15. Paisley Petal Events
16. Scissors & Spatulas
17. The Believing Woman
18. The Preacher's Wife
19. Take Heart
20. This is Me Thinking

{you can read last year's list here.}

Okay, now it's your turn! Tell me what some of your fave blogs of the year have been, what have you been reading?!?

Come back Friday to see my thoughts & my own Top 10 list of our little blog here! Hope you're all having a great week, we're still enjoying time here in Iowa with our family!

******

I wanted to say thank you to Megan from Honey We're Home for featuring our Christmas tree on her blog last week! You can read it here.

Blog Roll Monday: Without Wax

2011-12-26T00:00:00.018-07:00

Hello Friends! Did you all have a great Christmas? I hope that you did, maybe you are still enjoying the Christmas spirit! We are! We're still here in Iowa with family and are enjoying some much needed time with them. Making memories is what this time is about!

*******

I read a lot of blogs. I read a lot of decor/design blogs. A lot of photography blogs. A little bit of crafting too. But, I also read a lot of faith based blogs as well.

Blogs that make think about myself and my relationship with the Lord. Ones that challenge me as a person, challenge my relationship with God and others.

Ones that make me a better person.

One of those blogs is Without Wax by Pete Wilson.

I heard about his book when I was listening to the radio one day while I was out running errands. I think it was a God moment.

After reading his book, it sorta changed me. In the most positive way. You can read more about that here.

Shortly after that I started reading his blog Without Wax.

I always walk away with an encouragement.

Something that sparks thought.

Sometimes a good laugh, since he also blogs tidbits about his family and life.

And he's probably the only Pastor I "know" that's been in a Taylor Swift video and I think that's just plain awesome!

If you need some inspiration today, or an encouragement I invite you to visit Without Wax.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.009-07:00

Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas day!

We celebrate the birth of Jesus today, so grateful he came for me and for YOU!

Merry Christmas.

{Handmade Holiday} Frosted Monogrammed Glass Jar

2011-12-23T00:00:00.044-07:00

I'm back to share with you another handmade gift idea. I think this is a great idea for all sorts of occasions. I saw a lot of tutorials on glass etching. I wanted to use mostly what I had on hand so I decided to go another route. The only cost to me was the glass jar & Rustolem paint. The rest of the stuff I already had on hand.

Here's the supplies you'll need for this:
waxpaper
frog tape
Rustolem Frosted Spray Paint {used 50% coupon at JoAnns}
X-ACTO Knife
Printed letter in your choice of size & font
Oversized Glass Jar {mine is from Wal-Mart}

Here's what I did;

Then place your cut out letter onto your jar, make sure you rub the tape onto the jar and seal all the edges.

I just followed the directions on the can, and sprayed it onto my jar.

I wrapped the top with a ribbon, and placed a gift card to their favorite restaurant inside to complete the gift.

Linking Up with:

Get Your Craft On * DIY Show Off Project Parade
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Sundae Scoop

{Our Home} Mantle Re-Mix with #KmartHoliday

2011-12-20T00:00:00.038-07:00

I'm excited to show you what I did with the holiday decor items we recently picked up on our shopping trip to Kmart! You can read more about that experience here.

Sunday afternoon after church I got to work taking apart our mantle so that I could do a little mantle re mix with these awesome pieces I found at Kmart. The first thing I did was add another piece of garland to "beef" it up a bit, I felt like there wasn't enough, and that we need one more to really add an impact and make it "pop!"

Next, I started to add in the different decor items I picked up while on our shopping trip.

Here's some of the items that I used in the garland;
Midnight Clear Glass Bird Ornaments
Midnight Clear Glass Ornaments in Green
Trim A Tree Garland
Celebrations Ornament Hanger

Here's the beautiful after our mantle re mix:

I want to show you a close up of these amazing glass birds, I have a thing for glass birds like this. So when I saw them in the store I knew these glittery, feathery gems had to be mine!

Pretty huh?! Here's another close up of the mantle details again; I just love how much everything sparkles!

I really loved how it all turned out, using some of what we already had but also adding some new fresh pieces makes it such a fun mantle to look at!

If you're still looking for holiday decor head on over to Kmart to do some decor shopping. They have some great stuff at really affordable prices. Right now most everything is 40% off, and I'm sure after the holidays it will be discounted even more. The perfect time to get decorations for next year!

You can see their full holiday collection here.

If you haven't done so already, become a fan of Worley House on Facebook. It'd make my holiday! :)

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias all opinions and ideas are 100% mine though. As always, I wouldn't endorse someone professionally that I wouldn't personally.

Festive Holiday Table Decorations with #ElmersHoliday & #GluenGlitter

2011-12-19T14:12:00.002-07:00

This past Saturday night was the ladies Holiday Tea at my church. I signed up to host a table this year, which meant that I would be in charge of decorating the table, and serving my guests once they were there.

I love entertaining, to me it's one of the sincerest ways you can show love and appreciation to people. Serving them, inviting them in your home or hosting something like this. I wanted to add some special touches to my table to make it extra special for my guests. So, I started dreaming up some ideas of what I could do.

Then, I headed to Wal-Mart with the help of Elmer's & some X-ACTO products I was well on my way to creating something special for my guests.

Wal-Mart has the complete line of Elmer's & X-ACTO brands, one stop shopping is definitely a plus!

Here's what you'll need for this project:
Elmers Craft Bond Glue Spots
X-ACTO Craft Knife
X-ACTO Craft Mat
X-ACTO Zero Centering Ruler
X-ACTO Precision Sissors
X-ACTO Basic Templates

For a while now I've also been saving the empty glass bottles of Starbucks fraps, I knew these bottles would be perfect for parties and gatherings.

You'll also need some scrap booking paper (any color) to wrap your bottles with.

First measure out your paper so that you have enough to cover the number of bottles you have. I had 6, so I measured accordingly. Then I cut out my measured strips of paper.

Next, using the glue spots I covered my bottles. I ended up adding glue spots as I went along and covered the bottles. These glue spots work really great, they are heavy duty and really keep things in place especially since I used a heavier card stock for this.

Here's what they looked like all finished.

I also wanted to create some festive tags instead of place cards to use on my table. Using some glitter scrap book paper, and the basic templates I created them. Here's what I did;

I used an X-ACTO craft knife to cut out the shapes using the tag shape from it I cut out 6 tags with my knife. I also used the X-ACTO craft mat to cut these shapes out so that I didn't ruin my table.

I used some scrap booking glittery letters to spell out words on my tags. I used words that reflected the Christmas season like Love, Believe, Joy, and Hope.

Here's what they looked like all finished:

Want to see what both these projects ended up looking like on my table? Well, here's a preview:

See more of my shopping experience here in my Google+ album.

Interested in how you too can win some amazing products from Elmer's? Go visit the link below and see how you can win an entire wall of crafting supplies from Elmer's & X-Acto!

Blog Roll Monday: See Kate Sew

2011-12-19T00:00:00.015-07:00

Hello, Monday!

Did you all have a good weekend?!

One of my goals for the next year has been to learn to sew again. I say again, because I haven't sewn in years. In college, I sewed my own curtains for my then apartment. Yes, I was that girl who came back to school from summer break with her own homemade curtains.

My roommates didn't seem to mind. Anyway, I haven't done it since. I've had a sewing machine that was given to my by my Grandma that I've been hauling around with us every move.

A few months ago, I decided I needed to re learn this valuable skill that my Grandmother taught me. I knew the basics but wanted to learn more.

So what does any DIY'er do when they want to learn something new? Well, they turn to the Internet for inspiration and tools! Right!

I started searching for different blogs and videos to teach my different sewing techniques. I found this one, called See Kate Sew and I fell in love with her simple projects and instructions.

It was easy to follow along with her, and she's got great projects for beginners and some for more advanced people.

Click here for her list of Sewing 101 if you'd love to start too and learn something new.

Her blog isn't just for sewing either, she's got great projects too. Check them out here.

Happy Monday & Happy Sewing Friends!

30B430: 2012 Challenge

2011-12-16T00:00:00.048-07:00

For 2012's challenge I wanted to do something because I'm turning 30 next October! So I decided 30 goals to complete by the time I turn 30 years old.

Some of these goals are small, some are big. But, they all are goals or ideas that I've been thinking about that I've wanted to accomplish.

{in no particular order}

Go to a movie solo
Pay for someones coffee at Starbucks
Do a boudoir shoot
Eat at a restaurant solo
Go to a concert with my Husband
Take a vacation for our 5th wedding anniversary
Build a piece of furniture
Establish an exercise routine and stick with it
Learn to use Photo shop better
Take another photography class
Buy our forever home
Learn to sew again
Reach 50 sales in my Etsy shop
Have my favorite blog posts put into a book
Read through the entire Bible gain
Get featured in Amy Atlas's website
Overcome a fear
Take steps towards having my book published
Do a service project as a family
Bless a family in need
Develop better eating habits
Learn something new (a skill)
Have a garage sale & clear out clutter
Throw a 35th Birthday Party for my Hubby
Pay off all our debt besides school loans
Read every Nicholas Sparks' novel
Get featured as a 'Real Couple' in The Nest magazine
Stop drinking soda
Have a booth at a local craft fair/farmers market
Do 30 Random Acts of Kindness on my birthday!

Join me in the next 365 days as I try to accomplish every goal on the 30B430 list! I'm excited to accomplish my goals, I'll be blogging along the way sharing my experiences and thoughts as I cross each one off the list!

*****

Check out past challenges here:

2011 Challenge: 12 in 12

2010 Challenge: Be Creative 

Shopping Holiday Decor with {#KmartHoliday}

2011-12-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

I really love Christmas! I love just about everything about it, including decorating my home. It's about just the only holiday I really go all out on with decor. I would do different themes/colors in every room I think if I could. Someday I dream of having multiple trees in rooms decorated in different ways! So, naturally I was excited to get the opportunity to go shopping at Kmart in partnership with Collective Bias!

Hubby, Ava and I put on our coats and headed out the door to check out all that Kmart had to offer for holiday decor. I was pleasantly surprised at all the wonderful decor items they had to offer at Kmart. And, we went at a really great time because a lot of the ornaments were 40% off already in addition to a really great price! We were able to get more for our money!

Wanna take a look at some of the awesome things we scooped up? Okay, sure I'll show you;

Aisles and Aisles of golden, red, green filled the store. When I start with holiday decor I'm always drawn to colors first. What are the colors we're using in our home? What colors could we use more of, and what ones can we accent with? Kmart didn't disappoint in this department either, they had a great selection of items in a wide range of colors.

We found some great items in the holiday decor items; we found some ornament balls in various colors, some really fun ornament hanging options too. My favorite was the Midnight Clear wreaths we found with matching garland.

You can see them here in the photo below! Those were our jumping off point for the rest of our decor items we choose.

Even Ava got in on the holiday decor action. She was a great assistant holding various ornaments for us in the shopping cart.

Come back next week to see how we use all these items and more and incorporate them into our home for the holidays.

See more of our shopping experience in my Google+ album here.

*****

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias , All opinions & thoughts are 100% mine.

{Handmade Holiday} Mama Bird Nest Necklaces

2011-12-14T14:51:00.004-07:00

I made two of these pretty necklaces for gifts for some special ladies in my life. I won't tell you who just in case they read this post! :)

I saw this tutorial on Pinterest and knew it would be a personal gift that I could give this Christmas. I've never made any jewelry before in my life so I was a little worried but it ended up being an easy tutorial to follow.

I made two of them; one with three "eggs" and one with just two "eggs" in the nest. I used an already pre cut chain instead of measuring one like the tutorial suggests. My chains were from Michael's, the wire and pearls came from JoAnns craft store. I also used a "shinier" wire than was used in the tutorial.

They turned out really beautiful, and I can't wait to see the faces on the ladies I give them too. I really think they are going to love them as much as I do!

Let me know if you have any questions or need help making these.

edited to add: I've had such a great response to making these I've decided to sell them in my Etsy Shop. Check them out here if you're interested.

Linking Up With:

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia * Get Your Craft On * A Bowl Full of Lemons
Thirty Handmade Days * Sundae Scoop * Weekend Wrap Up Party

{Handmade Holiday} Monogramed Christmas Shirts

2011-12-14T00:00:00.010-07:00

I knew this year I really wanted to make all the gifts we'd be giving to family. I've been having a lot of fun making all these gifts, they are so personal and special to me because I've made each and every one. I really hope they love them too.

This is the first Christmas in three years that we'll be at home with my side of the family. I really wanted all my nieces, nephew and Ava to wear some sort of coordinating outfit, because yes I am that Aunt and Mother who thinks it's cute to match and coordinate with your cousins!

I decided to make them each their own monogrammed shirt to wear on Christmas day! Here's what I did;

What you'll need: {most of this can be found at your local craft store, and use a coupon for more savings.}
-blank shirts in any color {I choose red & white and mine are from Wal-Mart, by far the cheapest I've found them at about $4 a piece.}
- heat bond
- felt in any color for as many monograms as you need
- sewing machine & thread
- Christmas fabric
- needle and embroidery thread {in coordinating colors}

Here's what you'll do; {these pics were all taken on my iphone, turns out it's hard to man a camera and sew! :)

I choose to do a circle design, and then sew a monogram on top. I traced out 4 circles in the same size for my 4 shirts, and then used the heat bond to "bond" the fabric to the shirt. It helps me for when I sew the fabric so it doesn't slip around, and will also acts an an extra "glue" so it all stays together.

After that I sewed all 4 of them around the edges of the circle.

Here's what they all looked like after I sewed on the fabric circles.

Next it was time to do the monograms. I picked out a font I liked and printed all the initals out on paper and then pinned them to the felt and cut out the letters. I tried to free hand them but they were a mess, so this was much better for me and they look prettier.

Next, I used the same method and used heat bond {follow the directions on the package} and fused them to the fabric circles.

After that, I wanted a contrasting color around the monograms so I used embroidery thread and hand stitched around the monograms. You could also use your sewing machine and so it that way to, but this is what I choose to do. {pop on a movie and do this while you watch since it might take a while depending on how many shirts your doing!}

Then when you're all done they will look like this:

Box them up and give them to the kiddos! I can't wait to see them all in their shirts Christmas day!

Linking Up With:
A Bowl Full of Lemons * Get Your Craft On * My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Thirty Handmade Days * Sundae Scoop * Weekend Wrap Up Party

{Handmade Holiday} Easy DIY Gift Packaging

2011-12-13T12:48:00.003-07:00

I've been making handmade gifts all season long, and for some of them I needed some small boxes to wrap them up in. So instead of buying ones I used what was already in my home in a creative way. This is an easy DIY method that you could repeat many ways for different occasions not just Christmas.

Here's what I used:

You could also use left over paper towel rolls and just cut them to size. Also you can use different paper too like scrapbook paper, newspaper or any kind of paper really. Remember this is just a method so you could switch out the ribbon and paper as you see fit for your gifts.

Here's what I did next:

Pretty simple and easy right?!! Let it dry completely. After its done drying fold one end in and then fold the other end over it, repeat on the other end of the roll to seal your gifts inside. It will end up looking like this, after you've tied an pretty ribbon around it of coarse!

An easy gift packaging option that I think is really simple and cute too!

What ways are you packaging up your gifts this year? Pretty paper, ribbons and bows?

Tell me about it below!

Linking Up this project with:

A Bowl Full of Lemons * My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia * Get Your Craft On
Thirty Handmade Days * Sundae Scoop * Weekend Wrap Up Party

On a complete side note; Our Dwell Studio Bedding is for sale. I'd be willing to ship it anywhere if you're interested. see the Craigslist posting here.

{Countdown} with Lifestyle Crafts

2011-12-13T00:00:00.002-07:00

I was really excited when I got the email about the Lifestyle Crafts Countdown preview in my inbox! There are so many fun dies to choose from to celebrate the new year with! I really loved these drink label dies a lot, I have a ladies tea coming up at church this weekend and I knew they'd be a fun way to dress up my table at the tea that I'm hosting.

Here's what I used:

- Drink Label dies

- Glitter Scrapbook paper {you could use any coordinating color}

- Letterpress machine

- chocolate straws {found at Cost Plus World Market}

- mug

- cocoa

Then I just ran three of the drink label dies through my letter press machine and cut them out. I did 4 in white and 4 in red paper. I slipped them through the straws and used a bit of double sided tape to make sure they stayed closed on the straw.

So simple but so pretty! I can't wait to put these on all my place settings this weekend at the holiday tea at church! To see more of the new released collection click here and start dreaming up creative ideas!

You can also use my discount code for an extra 20% off your order!

Contest runs from today till Dec. 19th! All you have to do is say something in your Facebook status about the contest and link back to them! So simple & you can be entered to win!

{Bake It} Pecan Praline Cookies

2011-12-12T10:00:00.005-07:00

This post was originally shared last week at Kate's blog The Small Things but I thought I would also share it here for those who might want to see it too. You can read the original post here, if you'd like.

*******

This cookie recipe is a great one for Fall and the Thanksgiving Holiday. These are super simple to make, so let's get started!

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup chopped pecans (set half aside right away for the glaze)

1 1/2 cups All purpose flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter softened

1 egg

For the glaze you'll need:

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup half and half

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 3/4 cups powered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

In a small bowl mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl beat together brown sugar and butter on medium speed till combined. Add egg, beat till fluffy. Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat until combined, stir in 1/2 cup pecans.

Drop by rounded teaspoon full onto cookie sheet. (I used my measuring teaspoon for this.) And Bake.

After cookies have baked and cooled you can prepare the glaze and drizzle it onto your cookies.

For glaze; In a small sauce pan combine half and half and brown sugar together and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in powered sugar.

Sprinkle remaining pecans over cookies and drizzle with glaze.

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk!

Blog Roll Monday: La Vie Petite

2011-12-12T00:00:00.016-07:00

Happy Monday friends! This week bring lots and lots of Christmas parties and festivities! All of which I am very, very excited for.

*****

Today, I want to share with you Cori's blog. She blogs over at La Vie Petite! She's guest posted here before, remember here?

Here's a few things I love about reading her blog:

She's a mom.

She's witty.

She likes clothes and she's not afraid to tell you about just how much.

She's a bargain hunter, thrifting kinda girl!

She tells you all how to make the most from your outfits, and your budget!

She loves her life, and shares it accordingly.

So, when you need some read fashion advice from a real girl she's your gal. When you need a good laugh and reminder it's ok to be lady like to, see her.

When you wanna curl up and read a good blog, she's got one of the best!

If you haven't visited her yet, go today!

12 in 12: Book #12 & What I Learned

2011-12-09T00:00:00.031-07:00

This is my last book of my 12 in 12 Challenge:

Something Blue

by Emily Giffin

After Something Borrowed you really don't like Darcy Rhone, but by the end of this book you're reminded that people can change if they want to.

Here's what I really loved about both Something Borrowed & Something Blue; both books take a real look at friendships and relationships and how sometimes things aren't always cut and dry. Sometimes they are complicated, messy, and not picture perfect.

And that my friends is real life.

I think this book was about change. Darcy changes as a person, and it allows her to become better in every area of her life. And, of coarse there's a little love story mixed in. The book gives you just a little glimpse into the lives of the character's and where they are now from Something Borrowed but the main focus is on Darcy and her life now.

By the end you kinda fall in love with her too. Or at least I did.

I'm a big Emily Giffin fan now after reading these last two books. She's sparked my interest in reading fiction again so it's kinda fun.

{***** my rating}

So what did I learn from my challenge this year?

I started out the year just wanting to read more, for myself. I used to read all the time and sorta just stopped when I didn't feel like I had enough time. I've realized that there's always time to make for something, we make time for the things we want to. {this is a life lesson} It was true in this case too.

I made more time to read. I found time on my lunch breaks, at night when the baby was in bed and hubby was watching t.v. I read. I read a lot of books that fed my soul, made me laugh, cry, think and ones that challenged me.

My sister bought my a Kindle for my birthday, and it made me want to read more. I found myself reading books faster than before. It could be purely psychological {I'm sure it is} but I like it!

I really want to continue to read just as much as I did this year, and hopefully push myself even more next year in 2012!

What about you? Any challenges you completed for yourself this past year? Tell me about it in the comments below!

What's next for 2012's challenge? Well, it has to do with turning 30! Stay tuned for the first of the year when I reveal next year's challenge for myself.

{Cook It} My Stuffing Recipe

2011-12-07T00:00:00.016-07:00

I didn't cook at all for Thanksgiving, since we went to a friend's house for dinner. But, a couple days after Thanksgiving my Husband requested that I make my stuffing recipe. I had most of the ingredients on hand, but quickly ran to the store to get the rest. I make it now from memory, so I had to stop myself to write down all the measurements to share with you.

It's the best, hands down! We love it so much in our home, it's the perfect "comfort" food I thought I needed to share it with you too!

Here's what you need:

1 lb. pork sausage

1 yellow onion chopped

4 stalks of celery chopped

2 cans chicken stock

1 bag Pepper ridge Farm Seasoned Stuffing

Here's what you do:

Brown the sausage in a large stock pan, adding the onion and celery as well. Stir until meat is completely browned and done. Next add in the chicken stock and stir ingredients. Add pepper to taste, I don't add any salt since the sausage already is salty enough.

Next stir in your Pepper ridge Farm bread crumbs till they are evenly coated with the liquid mixture. Spread into a 9x12 baking dish, cook at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Top should be slightly brown and crispy.

Take out, and serve.

That's it, so simple and good! You'll probably want to make this any time of the year, it's that good.

psst....want more cooking today? I'm sharing one of my fave cookie recipes today over at The Small Things Blog with Kate! Check it out here.

{Our Home} Holiday Table Scape

2011-12-06T10:22:00.001-07:00

We got a new dining table last month, it was a really big purchase for us. We graduated ourselves from my tiny Ikea table that I had since before we got married to a real life grown up table that seats 8! It's amazing how a piece of furniture can change your outlook on entertaining and make you feel a little more like an adult.

Since then, I've been having a lot of fun decorating and making center pieces and coming up with cute table scapes.

Here's what it looks like for the Christmas Holiday;

It's simple but I love it! All the items I used we already had, I didn't buy anything new I just "shopped" the house till I found pieces that I liked and thought would work. Here's a little run down of where things came from:

The table runner we've had since we got married, it was actually used in our wedding for the unity candle table. It's from Michael's.

Latern & Candle: Cost Plus World Market {2011}

Gold Pillar Candles: Crate & Barrel {2009}

Pine Cone Berry Garland: Down East Home {2011}

Glass Vase: Ross {2010}

Red Ornaments: Ikea {2007}

Gold Berry Ornaments: Crate & Barrel {2009}

Candle/Cupcake Stands: made by me here

Sharing today with:

Decorating with Down East Home

2011-12-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

You all know how much I love Down East Basics for clothing! If you don't remember you can see my love for them here.

Did you know that they also have lovely items for your home too? I recently had the opportunity to review some products from their home line. Here's a look some of the home products I choose to review and decorate with in my own home.

Pine Cone Berry Garland

Sequin Pillow

Ceramic Dove

I love trying new things, and being intentional about my decor. Here's how I worked these pieces into my own home.

I picked up the white sequin pillow there in the back and added it to my chaise lounger. I love that chair, these cozy pillows make me love it even more. It adds just the right amount of "sparkle" to my living room.

Next, I used the Pine Cone Berry Garland to create a Christmas table scape on our dining room table.

I love these two new pieces, I loved finding a way to work them into our home. Down East has a great line of home decor items, they are always getting new items too! Here's a few other items I really like too; pearl garland, dome bird cages, and I really love this leaf pillow too!

Now through December 9th Down East Home is having a contest, one lucky winner will win $500 towards a holiday home makeover! All you have to do is "like" them on Facebook and be entered to win! Go here to "like" them on Facebook for your chance to win!

Down East Home doesn't have stores here in AZ, so I did all my shopping online in their home section. For a complete list of their store locations, click here. Save 20% on your purchases of $50 or more using code: CHEER at checkout!

Find them on Facebook here.

Follow them on Twitter here.

What new decor items have you added to your space lately? Tell me in the comments below!

Happy Shopping & Decorating Everyone!

This post was sponsored by Down East Home, in return I received products or compensation. All opinions are 100% mine though.

Blog Roll Monday: The Dating Divas

2011-12-05T09:47:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday Friends! How was your weekend?

Ours was good, we'd planned to go up North to visit friends but due to the snow and driving conditions through the mountains we decided to stay home. Instead we did some Christmas shopping, and decorating!

Can I tell you a secret? I wasn't going to decorate anything this year since we're going to be in Iowa for two weeks at Christmas time. My husband was kinda feeling like I was sucking the Christmas spirit out of it, since I didn't want to put up the decorations this year.

Sunday, he started pulling out boxes and I agreed to put up a few decorations. Just not the tree. So that's what we did, I decorated the mantle and hung our stockings. Hubby wanted Ava to have a little Christmas cheer before we go off to Iowa for Christmas.

Okay, now onto what we're here for, right!? I want to introduce you to a blog I really love..........

******

When I found this blog, I nearly jumped for JOY! I mean, a whole blog about date night ideas, and stuff to nurture and spice up your relationship with your Hubby?!

Hello, sign me up as a faithful reader!

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for ideas for date nights, and creative ways to nurture my own relationship with my spouse. This blog is full of ideas for just that!

No matter where your marriage is at, I think we all can agree that sometimes it's hard to sneak in that extra needed time together. It's easy to do when you're dating, and before you're married it seems. But, after you say "I do" it all seems to get a little harder, and take more effort.

Anyone with me?

Written by a collection of women who post weekly about dates with your Hubby, creative gift ideas, and more! Meet them here.

They have date ideas for just two people, or double dates, theme dates, and more! Check them out here.

Their tag line: Strengthening marriages, one date at a time! I couldn't agree more, check out their full site here.

Jump on over, and give them some love. And while you're at it start planning your next date night!

{Christmas} Gifts for The Kiddos

2011-12-02T00:00:00.033-07:00

This is not my own idea but and idea that I read about from Andrea on her blog last year. It's a simple idea/ method of gift giving for your children. I just loved the idea so much that we started doing it last year for Ava's first Christmas. You can read more in her post here.

The idea is that each of your children get 4 gifts at Christmas time. Something........

they want

they need

to wear

to read

Ava is still too young to tell us really what she "wants" but I still really love the simplicity of this. Last year we got her a new book for us to read to her. She got clothing as part the "wear" gift. She got two toys for the other two gifts since she couldn't yet tell us what she wanted.

Source: francineclouden.typepad.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Here's a couple reasons why I really love the idea of this;

- It helps keep everything even between children. No having to worry how many gifts each child got, or if 1 child got more gifts than another. Less fighting over this too.

- It helps with your Christmas budget. If you already know each year that you're only buying 4 gifts per child you can budget an amount for each thing.

- I think it also provides an opportunity for parents to teach their children that Christmas isn't about gift getting or how many gifts you get.

- I think it allows children to really value their gifts, knowing that they get to voice their desire for 1 gift they really want and make it something they really enjoy and would love to have.

So what is Ava getting this year? Something......

to wear: a new outfit.
to read: a new Christmas book.
she wants: a toy.
she needs: a winter coat; since we're leaving AZ this Christmas and heading to chilly IA she'll need this.

Do you love this idea? Hate it?

What about your family? How do you approach gift giving to your children at Christmas time?

Source: thecraftingchicks.com via Andrea on Pinterest

{Ava's Closet} New Prints & Items

2011-12-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to post today, but I wanted to share with you somethings I've been working on these last few weeks for Ava's Closet.

I'm always trying to come up with new items, and push my creativity a bit. I've been making a lot of these prints for my own home and I wanted to share them with everyone.

Here's a collection of prints I've been working on.

{from a Taylor Swift song I'm loving these days}

{Holiday Inspired Prints}

If you love them too, you can purchase them here in the shop.

{November} In A Nutshell

2011-11-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

November flew right by me. I mean seriously, where did it go? We have been filling our weeks and weekends with all sorts of family things. We're definitely keeping busy and on the go. Which is kinda nice. We've been able to do more things as a family this year, which was one of my goals at the beginning of the year.

It's nice to feel that we're accomplishing that. Making memories together, and carving out intentional time. Here's some of the high lights from our month of November.

Nov. 2, we celebrated my Husband's 34th birthday! He is not much of a party person, and prefers quiet at home celebrations when it comes to his birthday. I made him a cake {a tradition I've done since we got married} and we hung out as a family that night. Eating, and opening cards.

We took Ava to the pumpkin patch later that weekend. This year was so much different than last year, it was fun to see her up and running around. She was interested in taking all the "punkins" home with her.

Nov. 11th, that afternoon Ava painted her pumpkin. I thought this would be really fun for her and it was. She really enjoyed getting paint on it. It was fun for me to watch her dip her fingers in the paint and look at me the first time making sure it was ok. We tried to do hand prints all over it, but then she smeared them before they could dry so I just let her "paint" it the way she wanted to.

Nov. 19th, Orion ran the Arizona Run for Rescue 10k! We woke up early that day and headed to Surprise for his run. He finished with a time of 59:09 and placed 7th in his age division and 11th over all for the 10k runners.

We're so proud of him! It's really fun to see him accomplish these goals and get to be there with him cheering him on at the finish line.

Throw Thanksgiving in the mix and that's how our November was spent! I'm actually very much looking forward to the month of December. We're traveling home to visit family for the first time in three years, it's going to be one amazing holiday.

I'm excited to see our family and get to spend Christmas with them. I'm taking a whole week off before we leave to spend it with Ava, I can't wait!

{Bakerella} Book Signing & Blogger Meet Up

2011-11-30T00:00:00.003-07:00

The best stories of success are those when people are just being themselves, doing their thing, working hard after their dreams and doing what they love.

Bakerella is one of those stories. Pursuing her passion led her to making some of the sweetest treats! {pun intended}

A couple weekends ago I attended a Bakerella book signing event, and met up with some other Arizona bloggers.

She is sweet as apple pie and so humble! I enjoyed hearing her speak in person about her journey to blogging, and eventually writing a book all about cake pops! She's every bit as adorable in person as she is online.

I love the way she took the time to sit down and talk with every. last. person. there! While she signed books and hung out with people.

{me & Bakerella}

{sharing all her secrets with me}

{more secrets written on the inside of my wrist band}

{i kinda wanna write a book just so i can sign it with a pink sharpie. no lie.}

{my sweet friend Destiny & Bakerella}

{bloggers waiting to meet her}

A whole group of us AZ bloggers. It's fun to get together with these ladies. We all have a lot of the same desires, and interests. And, I admire what each of them is trying to do on their own blogs. Paving their own way, and pursuing their dreams.

Meeting Bakerella was a lot of fun. I've been waiting for her to come to Phoenix for a while now, it was worth the wait!

Blog Roll Monday: The Small Things Blog

2011-11-28T00:00:00.026-07:00

Good, Morning! Have you fully recovered from your turkey coma?!

I've had the last few days off from work and they were awesome! I'll be sharing more about our Thanksgiving later this week.

First, I wanna share with you a great new blog this week. It all started with this picture:

Source: itsthesmallthingsblog.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Amazing hair right!?!!! And then I needed to figure out who and where did this gorgeous hair come from? Which led me here:

Allow me to introduce you to Kate from The Small Things Blog!

Her blog is amazing, and filled with all sorts of really great hair tutorials! She's generous enough to answer all your questions about everything hair & beauty related.

She also write about every day things too like outfit inspirations, her sister, and her Hubby!

She owns an Etsy shop with her sister and they together make some of the cutest jewelry. I already own two of their peices and just love them both. Go here to take a look!

I know you'll fall in love with her darling personality and her blog too!

And while you're there, check out some of her amazing hair tutorials.

Happy Monday!!

12 in 12: Book #11

2011-11-25T00:00:00.017-07:00

For book #11 I read.......

I'm probably the last person on the planet to read this book, but after watching the movie recently, I decided that I really needed to read the book. {you know since they often leave a lot out when making a book into a movie.}

And after reading book #10, I was on a kick to read more fiction.

It's been a long time since fiction has taken over my reading, I have to say that the book was a good read. I enjoyed it even more so than the movie. Author Emily Giffin does a great job of brining her charachters to life. I reall felt like I got this amazing sense of who these people were.

I like that it's about a realtionship that's a little unexpected. A little complicated too.

I found myself relating to Rachel and Darcy's friendship.

I found myself thinking, even though it was fictional. It was thought provoking.

I really liked the book, and the story left me wanting more, which is a good thing because now I'm reading this:

{as luck would have it, there's a second book!}

Thank you Ms. Giffin, thank you.

What about you? Reading anything fun these days? I'd love to hear your book suggestions in the commments below.

{**** my rating}

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T00:00:00.008-07:00

Source: adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Today is Thanksgiving. I believe everyday we should be thankful and greatful not just on Thanksgiving. Everyday, we should be greatful to wake up and live the life we live.

Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues

through all generations.

Psalm 100:4

Each day I am so very greatful for small little things in my life. For, I have seen the other side of a lot in the last couple years and I am greatful to be in this place, this season where God has us. No, it is not always perfect or roses coming up daily. But, I am reminded of times when things were a lot worse. When the world around me seemed to crumble each day. And, then I remind myself just how far the Lord has brought us. How he has redeemed every. single. situation.

I am humbled.

I am greaful.

Greatful for this day to serve me, and do something important with this life I live.

Greatful for a new day to be joyful and share his love.

All month long I've been seeing strings of thankful posts on people's facebook pages. I haven't really chimed in at all, but there's a lot that I am greatful for this year. So, here's a small little list that I wanted to share with you today.

I am thankful for;

Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

My Husband and daughter.

My Parents, brothers and sisters and extended family.

My truest girlfriends.

Our jobs.

A warm home to live in, food on our table, and clothes on our backs.

God's provision to us in so many ways.

Our church, we have met some great people and are enjoying worshiping in such a wonderful church.

There's so much to be thankful for this year. I am greatful for this wonderful season in life.

I am thankful for YOU my lovely readers. Thank you for helping make this blogging this special and fun. And for sharing a small slice of life with me.

I hope you all are blessed today, and find goodness and JOY today.

What are you Thankful for today?

To {My Sister} on Her Birthday

2011-11-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

Today is my Sister's 30th Birthday! She is my older sister, my eleven months. Throughout the years we have not always gotten along, we haven't always been close and I am reminded that we are very different from each other.

But, as the years have gone by we have become closer and closer. Loving each other more today than I can ever remember.

She knows me. And, in her I am reminded that people can change. Never give up on then because they can surprise you and relationships can become better. I am reminded that loving someone can help them become better.

There are so many things that I truly love about my sister, here are just a few;

She makes me laugh, and has a great imagination.

The way she takes care of the elderly and has a passion for them is pretty amazing.

She's a great Mom.

She made me an Auntie to these three littles.

She's a great Auntie herself, and I know and see how much she loves Ava. It makes my heart happy.

She took care of me after I gave birth to Ava, and was there for a lot of my first Mommy moments. Thank you for the advice and encouragement sister.

Sister,

Today on your birthday I hope that you're reminded of just how much I love and care for you! I am so thankful that our relationship has grown stronger in these last few years. We are more than just Sisters, you have truly become my friend. And, even though we have walked a long road together. Not always understanding each other I am thankful that the Lord redeems all! He's brought us together again, and I am grateful. I wish you nothing but the best day today, and always. Thank you for making me laugh, for those late night talks. For the sleepovers, even though we're probably too old for them I will never take for granted laughing with you till all hours of the night. There's no other Sister I'd rather have than YOU!

Happy Birthday!

I love you!

Annie

{Sponsor Love} Black Friday Deals with Tea & Layla Grace

2011-11-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Are you getting excited for Black Friday deals? Do you get up early and brave the crowds to get some awesome deals?!

I do. Last year I got up early baby & Hubby still sleeping and went to Target. The aisles were packed and it was nuts. I got in and out and home before they even woke up. When there's a great deal I don't mind getting up and braving the people. Especially since I always have a plan and get what I need, and then I'd done!

Today I wanted to share with you two great deals from our Sponsors! First up, Tea Collection! They are one of my faves. Ava has tons of their clothing, and it's so darn cute!

Ready or not the Holiday season is upon us! One of my favorite places to shop for kids’ clothes is Tea Collection! Tea Collection will be having a special Black Friday sale featuring $15 dresses for girls and $15 pants for boys valid 11/25 through 11/27. Here are some of my absolute favorite gift ideas:

For girls, I love the Pinata Stripe Dress! This dress was inspired by the brightly colored striped pinatas in Mexico. The dress is made of 100% cotton and machine washable and is sure to create tons of fun. The Ticking Stripe Pant for boys is definitely a staple item for any outfit. These stylish striped pants are 100% cotton, machine washable! Keep children dreaming with Little Citizens Pajamas. This adorable pj set is inspired by Mexico's famous Arbol del Tule. Not only are these pj's adorable but proceeds from your sale will benefit the Global Fund for Children and their work advancing the dignity of children around the world. I also love the Art To Go Deluxe Set. This is the perfect gift for the little artist whose creativity won't be contained--even on the road! Let their imaginations run wild!

Next up, faves from Layla Grace:

Layla Grayce is offering a fabulous Black Friday Sale! For four days only, save 15% off the ENTIRE site (some exclusions apply) with promo code LGHOLIDAY11 valid 11/25 through 11/28! While I certainly love all things Layla Grayce, below are a few of my absolute favorite gift ideas:

Do you always find it difficult to shop for the man in your life? Treat him to the Timeworks Clocks Round Aureole Wristwatch. Not only is this wristwatch beautiful it cleverly combines form and function. You never have to worry about him missing a meeting or a romantic date night because this wristwatch is equipped with an alarm clock.

Give the chef of the family a makeover this Holiday season with the Jessie Steele Apron Courtney Dotted Parlor Floral apron. This vintage inspired apron is simple with a few glamorous touches like a removable bow, defined waistband, bottom ruffle, and trimmed pocket for a flattering fit!

The Mirror Magnet Board is perfect for any co-worker! Let them re-decorate their office space with this adorable magnetic board. Five brass magnets are included so they can start hanging their memos and photos right away!

Happy Shopping!

What deals are you planning to score on?!

Blog Roll Monday: Bower Power

2011-11-21T00:00:00.022-07:00

Happy Monday friends! Did you all have a good weekend?!

Um, can you believe that Thanksgiving is this weekend? I can't. Crazy, huh?!

My lovely Sister's birthday is tomorrow. {more on that later}

But, today I want to share with you a blog I'm lovin'.

Bower Power

I find a lot of blogs via other blogs I already love, I found Katie via Sherry. They are actually BFFs in real life. They found each other through blog land and now are real life friends. Kinda like me and Destiny....yeah exactly like that!

One part home improvement.

One part parenting.

Lots of talk about bacon & her boyfriend!

Yup, a mix of just about everything and that's why I love it.

Kinda reminds me of my own blog in a way. And confirms to me that it's OK to talk about celebrities, crafts and parenting all in the same blog!

Jump on over to Bower Power and give Katie some love today. Tell her I sent ya! ;)

PS- she's super funny too! You'll love her and her sweet little family.

{Bake It} Fall Inspired Mini Donuts

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

This post was orginially written for a series on Mom Endeavors, but I thought I would share it here as well.

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A while ago I got this mini donut baking pan from the grocery store. I've had it for a while now, and was just waiting for a good excuse to whip some of these up. During nap time one day I made a batch and sprinkled them with some fun Fall inspired sprinkles.

They are so festive and fun, and my daughter was happy to be my taste tester once she woke up from her nap! These are a cake donut that are baked in the oven. Much more healthy than a fried version.

Here's what you'll need:
1 1/4 c. cake flour
1/3 c. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
3/4 tsp. buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 table spoon butter, melted

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake for 4-6 minutes until the tops spring back when touched. Let them cool in the pan.

In a large mixing bowl blend together flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Add buttermilk, egg and butter and stir until just combined. Fill each donut cup 1/2 full.

I put all my batter in a Ziploc bag and snipped the end of it and filled my pan. It makes it a lot easier to fill them with less mess.

Bake 4-6 min. Until tops spring back when you touch them. They will be golden brown on bottom.

Next I gathered my sprinkles and frosting. For the frosting I just used some store bought vanilla icing that I melted a bit and put into another Ziploc bag and snipped the end to drizzle across my donuts.

Drizzle frosting across the donuts and then top with sprinkles as many as desired. Then you're done! So cute and simple! You'll wanna eat more than just one!

How's your weekend so far? Last night, I attended the Bakerella book signing with some girlies. {more on that later}

Today, Hubby is running a 10K!
What are you up to this weekend?

Happy Friday!

Catalyst

2011-11-17T11:11:00.003-07:00

cat·a·lyst [kat-l-ist] noun

A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.

This time of year brings a season change. Temperatures start to cool down. Schools reach their mid semester time. Kids start to get excited about a break, and the impending Christmas time ahead. Halloween leads to the excitement of Thanksgiving, and that eventually leads to the excitement of Christmas.

Isn't it amazing how smells take us back to a certain time or place. How a song on the radio can remind you of a special time in life. It's crazy how our brains work, holding onto images of those seasons in our life. And, how if even just for a moment when you think about those images you start to recall that time, or feeling like you are living it all over again today.

Still vivid in your mind. Emotions that you start to feel all over again. Good, bad, happy or sad. You can taste them, smell them, suddenly you're transported back to a memory or event in your life that changed you, made you who you are, and forever is apart of you!

A catalyst, if you will to the rest of your life.

The Fall always brings me back to that time. The time in life when everything I once knew changed. The time in life when I changed.

I remember that cold, wet, rainy day in October three years ago. I stood outside frozen under the awning as I said good-bye and handed over the keys to my office building to my boss. Clenching my box of belongings from my desk as I walked to my car I started to cry. Still confused, stunned and barely able to speak let alone drive myself anywhere.

I made the frantic phone call to my Husband, the kind where you're crying so hard the words don't make sense at all. Through the tears I muttered; "I just lost my job."

Without hesitation he said come to my work, I'll take you home. I drove the few blocks to his office building and stepped out of the card in the pouring rain so we could switch drivers. I cried the whole way home that afternoon, we barely spoke.

I got home that afternoon, and peeled the wet clothing and socks off and crawled into my bed and fell asleep. I remember waking up that evening in a fog, like I didn't know what just happened and I hoped it was some how a dream.

It wasn't. That day I got laid off from my job.

My world was rocked, turned upside down. My reactions led me down a road of bitterness, anger, hurt and depression.

I completely lost my JOY.

That season of life marks a time not only of job loss, but also at the same time consequently we also lost our home because of it. Our first home. The home I thought we'd be in forever, raise babies, and grow old in. One that we worked so hard for to obtain, was now gone. Just a memory.

These were also the events, that now define me.

They have changed me. They were the catalyst to the person I am now.

I wish I could say that the road was easy. That I didn't spend months angry at people, or hurt, or bitter. I can't. I wish I could say that I had a good cry and it was over, but I can't say that either.

I needed healing from my brokenness. I needed to forgive. I needed the Lord to do something inside of me, to heal me and take all those broken pieces and put them back together again.

My anger at those in voled kept me from this healing for a long time.

My running away to what I thought was greener pastures, and not dealing kept me from my healing.

My putting on a brave face, and not letting anyone close to me kept me from the Lord and all that he wanted to do in me.

I remember when I started going to see a Counselor, I remember sitting on that couch thinking in my mind how I was living some sort of movie.

Isn't this the stuff that happened in movies? It didn't happen in real life did it?

During that season of life my eyes were opened to a whole different perspective. Through all these trails the Lord has shown me his love, grace and mercy in a new way.

In a way that I didn't know before.

He has healed and redeemed more than I could have imagined.

You know why? Because I let him.

It took me a long time {probably about a year afterwards} to really let him start to heal the brokenness that I was in. But, once I made the choice to give all that pain to the Lord he started to show me things about myself, and things about my character. I started to heal.

Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heave for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, through now for a little while you made have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed!

1 Peter 1-7

This scripture is a beautiful picture of exactly how I feel today. My point in all of this is; God can redeem anything!

If you give it to him, he will! He will make something more beautiful out of your situation than you could have ever imagined. I am convinced that God is more concerned about our reaction to things that happen to us, than the actually event that occurred.

Because, it is in those moments of your reaction when you decide if this will draw you closer or farther apart from HIM.

My reactions drew me away from God, and people around me for a long time. Sure, I put on the bravest face and smiled to those around me but inside I was dying an emotional death, slowly that I thought would never end.

It didn't end until, I decided that I couldn't do it alone anymore. I needed to reach out to my heavenly Father and ask those around me for help. I needed to be honest with myself about my emotions, and where I was really at.

Today, three years later I can truly say that the Lord has redeemed and healed my heart. My brokenness, and my broken relationships.

These events are ones of definition. They are apart of me, who I am. Apart of my story of grace and redemption now.

When the Fall hits, the season changes, the temperatures grow colder it instantly takes me back to that rainy day in October, and I remember that day like it was yesterday.

They were the catalyst of what changed my relationship with the Lord.

Today, I am forever grateful for those times of trial and grief. For how the Lord has been able to use my situation, our situation to give others hope and encouragement.

I know that this is not light hearted stuff by any means, but this was on my heart today and I wanted to share it with you. I hope and pray that no matter what you may be going through today or in your season of circumstance that you turn to the Lord today.

He Loves you, beyond your situation.

Thank you for letting me share my heart today.

Joyfully,
Andrea

iheart: Video Beauty Tutorials

2011-11-16T00:00:00.019-07:00

I love finding video tutorials on how to do hair and make up! There's so many great ideas floating around the Internet in the last few weeks I've been able to find some really great ones that have helped me look my best. I wanted to share a few of them that I really love, hopefully they inspire you to try something new with your look, and give you confidence.

This first one is from Michelle Money from The Bachelor fame. She's pretty funny, and has great video tutorials. This is how to curl your hair....it's changed my life. I wear my hair like this all the time! And I've finally mastered this technique! Check it!

Next up, make up! I always love finding great new tutorials on how to do make- up. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to make up so I love, love finding new videos with great explanations and deets on products. This one if from Becki at Whippy Cake. Check out her channel here, and watch the video below.

This is my second fave way to do my hair from Kate at The Small Things blog! She's awesome at giving all kinds of tips and tricks. You've gotta check out her blog, if you haven't already.

Do you heart beauty tutorials too? Tell me your faves in the comments below!

Ps- I announced the winners of the Shutterfly contest today on my Facebook page! Did you win? GO here to find out.

Just For You {Lifestyle Crafts}

2011-11-15T13:10:00.034-07:00

This week Lifestyle Crafts released their Just for You new die cuts! I was sent some die cuts from this collection to try out, and make something fun to share with you.

Since, the holidays are upon us and I'm all about Christmas I decided to make some mini note Christmas Cards.

I used the Oh, Happy Day die cut, the cutest letters for the holidays. I also used the Paper Mini Folds for the card paper.

I found some old Christmas themed stickers in my scrap booking supplies to use.

I really love simple sayings on cards, that speak volumes. I wanted one word on each. Using some green card stock I cut out my letters using the Letter press machine. Then I glued each of them onto the cards.

Then I added the wording inside using the stickers I'd found. Simple inside too.

Next, I added some glue to the edges of the cards on the front and sprinkled a generous amount of glitter on them and let them dry.

Here's one last look of them all together, I love how they turned out.

Lifestyle Crafts is still running some awesome contest & promotions on their site!

Black Friday starts Nov. 23-28th! Score you're self some amazing deals!

I Made This Week #3- Win yourself and Ipad2!

And as always snag yourself some great products at 20% off using the code: WORLEYHOUSE at check out!

Wanna score some of these cute little cards for yourself? GO here to shop and get your own from my shop!

Blog Roll Monday: The Beauty Department

2011-11-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

Blog Roll Monday is a weekly feature here where I tell you about one of the blogs on my reading list and why you should be reading it too. For a complete list of all the blog I heart, click here.

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Hi Friends! It's Monday again, did you all have a lovely weekend? I hope so. Today's blog is all about beauty.

Allow me to introduce you to; The Beauty Department

Lauren Conrad got together with her team of hair and make-up people to bring you this amazing site full of awesome tips, tricks and tutorials! Weather you're looking for hair tips, makeup tips, or just a little inspiration they've got you covered!

Here's a few of my fave tutorials I've found on their site:

Source: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Megan on Pinterest

Isn't that fun! I know you're just itching to jump on over to their site!

Today I'm guest posting over at Mom Endeavors! Check it out here. If you haven't yet entered the Shutterfly giveaway, scroll down to the next post to enter!

Happy Monday!

Shutterfly Give & Get Joy House Party + A Giveaway!

2011-11-13T01:14:00.002-07:00

This weekend, I got to host a Shutterfly party sponsored by House Party! The awesome people at Shutterfly & House Party sent me some great goodies to share with my friends! I was able to share with everyone why I love Shutterfly and their products so much, and help them make photo books of their own.

It's a great way to preserve and share memories! Shutterfly is already my fave place to get photo books, and holiday cards. It's a lot of fun getting to share with someone who's never used Shutterfly before, and show them all the amazing things you can do with Shutterfly products.

We all know I love pictures, and taking them is like breathing almost! This was a really fun party to host!

I set up a yummy coffee/ cocoa bar for guests.

Made some yummy desserts! {recipe to come}

Shutterfly set me some great photo cards to use as examples. I also displayed some of my own photo books I've made through Shutterfly.

Each guest received a free 8x8 Photo book, 10 free holiday card + free shipping! They also received $10 gift card to Plum District and decoders to see if they won a chance for prizes at the House Party website!

I had a really great time hosting this party. It was a blessing to bring friends together and share my love for an amazing product and laugh a lot! Thank you ladies for attending, I hope you're able to preserve some of your memories this way!

Lucky for you readers, I have a few free swag bags left to giveaway! Each will contain the amazing products handed out to my guests!

Wanna know how you can win?{mandatory to enter}

I wanna know what you're most looking forward to this holiday season?! Tell me in the comments below and be entered to win!

Want more entries? {1 entry for each thing you do}

Like Shutterfly on Facebook

Like House Party on Facebook

Tweet about this giveaway and link to @andreaworley so I can see that you did

Blog about this and leave me the link

Follow Shutterfly on Twitter

Follow House Party on Twitter

This contest starts now until Wednesday! I will announce the winner Thursday morning on my Facebook page If you aren't already "liking" my page sign up & hear if you're a winner!

Have a great Sunday friends!

This part was sponsored by Shutterfly & House Party. I received free product in exchange for hosting this event. All opinions are 100% mine.

Holiday Comforts

2011-11-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

It's crazy to think that Christmas is just around the corner. It's one of my favorite times of the year, so special and a magical season. It's my fave holiday to decorate for as well.

For us in our home Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the center of everything we do, daily we are thankful for his saving grace, love, and provision. This season is also a time to reflect and take time out as a family to celebrate traditions, and make new memories.

Our Christmas traditions start out like most families by putting up the Christmas tree. There's something special and magical about this. Pulling out ornaments that you made as a child. Stringing each light on the tree till it's glows perfectly. Then standing back, turning off the lights to admire it in all its glory.

Every year I look forward to the small comforts and traditions of this season. The first snow fall. I used to love the first snowfall in Minneapolis. There's something amazing about a fresh blanket of snow that glitters off the lights from the city.

I miss snow on Christmas.

The last couple years we've enjoyed a fire in our fire place during the holiday season. Such a small little thing, but it becomes a holiday memory as we gather round it while sipping on hot cocoa or watching one of our fave holiday themed movies in front of it.

Plus stockings are so much more perfect hung on a pretty mantle.

This year we are looking forward to spending our first Christmas with family in three years. Ultimately this is what the holiday season and Christmas is all about. We're also looking forward to experiencing another Christmas with our daughter, she's older now than last year and I can't wait to see her be more involved and take in the JOY of Christmas.

It's also about creating new traditions for us as a family. I already have a slew of ideas for different things I want us to incorporate into our Christmas this year.

Spreading love and JOY about Christ.

Celebrating with family.

Those are our holiday comforts.

What about you? What are your favorite things about Christmas? What do you do to celebrate together? What holiday comforts do you enjoy most? Tell me about them.

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic's Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

{COOK IT} Grown Up Mac N' Cheese

2011-11-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

I saw this mac n cheese on Pinterest, I'm always looking for a good mac n cheese recipe. So I thought I'd make this one and try it.

This mac n cheese is based off of a fondue cheese made with white wine. Have you ever been The Melting Pot? This is just like their cheese fondue there.

I call it grown up mac n cheese because of that. Here's my disclaimer, if you don't like dry white wine or have never had cheese fondue made this way you probably won't like this. It has a bit of an after taste of wine, although all the alcohol burns off in the cooking.

Here's the recipe; Enjoy!

Swiss Mac & Cheese
recipe inspired by Tyler Florence

1/2 pound imported Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch nutmeg
2-3 cups cooked macaroni or shell pasta
2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/4 cup crisply cooked bacon, chopped

Place the shredded cheeses in a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Carefully toss the cheese to coat with cornstarch.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering liquid. Melting the cheese gradually encourages a smooth sauce. Once smooth, stir in the mustard and nutmeg. Carefully add the cooked pasta and chopped parsley to the cheese sauce and fold in to combine.

To serve, plate up the mac & cheese and garnish with the crisp chopped bacon.

The Real Reason I'm Not Pregnant with #2

2011-11-09T00:00:00.068-07:00

It's that season again, somethings in the air and people are drinking the water. I have a bunch of friends who are pregnant again, and 3 who just had babies within the last month.

It seems like every time I log onto Facebook someone is announcing the news, or saying they just had their baby. It's a really exciting time right now for a lot of people I know. And, I know just first hand how exciting this time of life can be especially when it's your first baby.

Sure it would be exciting and fun to be pregnant with them, and experience that together. I'd be lying if I didn't say I've thought about it. Then, my husband gently reminds me that just because your friends are pregnant doesn't mean you should be too.

I suppose he's right. ;)

Orion and I are hitting that natural time when our first child is over a year and people start to ask when you're going to have another?! Friends, family {especially family} they all want to know. I can't blame them.

We do want more kids.

It's not even the fertility issues that scare me. Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about them from time to time.

But, the truth is I really am just enjoying Ava. There are days when I fight motherhood guilt stronger than other days. The reality for me is that I hardly feel like I am with her, it tears me apart. I spend 10+ hours a day away from her and by the time I get home I don't wanna do anything but be with her.

I don't want to cook, or clean or do really much of anything except play on the floor with toys. Sing silly and annoying {but she loves them} Yo-Gabba-Gabba songs together. I'm tempted to keep her up past her bed time every night just because I want to spend more time with her. But, I know that I shouldn't and so I do my best to keep her on her schedule so she can get the rest she needs.

No, the real reason is I long for time with her.

There's still so many things that I want to experience with her. I want to take one last family vacation

with her. There's still so many things this family of three hasn't done yet.

The other truth?

Being a working mom, isn't my calling. It's been a little over a year since I went back to work full time. Truthfully, it's the hardest thing I've ever done being away from her.

It's something I've cried over. Something I agonize about. Feelings I fight daily.

Prayed over. Found peace in the sense that it's only for a season. But, it doesn't make it any easier. It makes it a little easier but not really.

I truly know that every mother no matter if they work inside the home or outside works so very hard. It doesn't matter to me what you do, or how you make it work for your family. The beauty is that you get to choose what's best for your family.

I knew going back to work that it wouldn't be forever, when I started working full time it became abundantly clear that this wasn't where I was to be. It took me a long time to come to grips & have peace about the season the Lord had me in.

The other reason I'm not pregnant with number two, is because I don't want to work full time.

I want to be at home with my children. Teaching them. Playing with them, raising them the way Orion and I want to, and feel called to do.

And, before that happens I want Ava to have time with me. More like, I want to have time with her. Just her. I want her to feel completely and utterly adored and cared for. I want to take the time and nest with her and a brand new baby.

I know this season will come to an end.

The Lord knows the desire of my heart. I believe that he has a perfect plan for us.

I believe in the right timing of things too.

Sure, I think about how far apart in age Ava will be to her future sibling, sure I wonder about the age difference, I go back and forth in my mind playing these situations over and over again life a broken record.

But, then again I am reminded of God's peace he's given us about this decision.

Remaining faithful to his promise to me.

In the mean time, we will wait. We will enjoy every single day. hour. minute with our girl!

Cherishing those family mornings when we're all snuggling in bed together. The endless amounts of gabba on the t.v. and every moment in between.

I Made This Contest Week 2 {Lifestyle Crafts}

2011-11-08T00:00:00.018-07:00

Lifestyle Crafts has some awesome and exciting prizes coming up in their I Made This Contest Challenge. Week #2 is no exception! This week their giving away this:

What do you have to to enter?

All you have to do is follow their blog & tell'em I sent you!

How easy is that?! And, you'll be entered to win a dream craft space!

Click here, to start following their blog.

Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them you follow along from Worley House!

Go shopping while you're there and use my code to get 20% off your purchase!

ps- have you "liked" Worley House on Facebook yet?
Go here to like us, or scroll down and hit like in the box to the right!

Blog Roll Monday: All For the Boys

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001-07:00

Blog Roll Monday is a weekly feature here, where I share with you one of the blogs on my reading list and tell you why you should be reading it too! For a complete list of all the blogs I heart click here.

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Happy Monday Friends!

I'm today to share with you a blog I'm lovin' these days. All for the boys is written by Allison Waken, Mom to two boys, married to one! Her blog is filled with all things for boys! I had the pleasure of finally getting to meet Miss Allison just a couple weeks ago at a blog event for Down East.

What I love most about this blog, is her ability to see a need out there and have a passion for sharing with the Internet world ideas for boys in a girly, girl, parties everywhere all the time land of pink and ribbons. Allison shares with you some great ideas for crafts for boys, party ideas, simple experiments to keep your boys occupied.

Meet Allison;

(from her blog)

This space was created for boys, moms with boys, and people who love to find boy things! Basically All for the Boys! I found myself wandering down isles of craft fair booths always trying to find something new that was created just for boys but it always seemed to find very little and what I did was just like everything else. Boy stuff doesn't have to be all baseballs, footballs, and soccer balls am I right?! The Internet is much the same - there is some amazing boy inspiration to be found but it is often buried under the (maybe much easier to please?) girl stuff!

Isn't that awesome! See I told ya!

I don't even have boys in my life, I probably wouldn't know the first thing to do with a boy but Allison's blog makes it look easy and fun to come up with great ideas for your little ones. A lot of the stuff I find on her site I think is fantastic even if I am a Mom to 1 girl.

Some of my favorites are her Fort Fridays. Seriously, what boy doesn't love a good fort? I think I love them too just as much. And, if you're a big fan of Harry Potter check out this amazing birthday party she threw for her son. Allison also took her kiddos and Hubs on a little road trip this summer, she was awesome enough to record all the details along the way in her Road Trip Round Up series! It kinda makes me wanna take a road trip, to bad I can't get my Hubby on board with that.

If you have sons, if you home is all boys all the time, or maybe you have 1 boy in a sea of girls check out her blog. You'll leave happy and full of inspiration and ideas for your little boys!

Happy Monday Everyone!

{Fall Fun} Making Carmel Apples

2011-11-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

Now that Ava is getting older, it's fun to start doing more fun things with her. This Fall she's able to do a lot more than last year. Last weekend we made our way to the pumpkin patch. On our way home we picked up stuff to make Carmel apples.

Ava was more interested in eating them.

We dumped sprinkles on the floor. We had sticky fingers. Carmel on the stove.

IT. WAS. A. GOOD. EVENING!

Gather your supplies.

Grab yourself a helper.

Who also doubles as a taste tester.

Makes for a very fun night with your family.

Love them.

What have you been doing to make this Fall special with your family?!

Happy Sunday!

{Photography Inspiration} Ava's 18 Month Photoshoot

2011-11-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've had this idea for Ava's 18 month photos in my mind. I love styling shoots, coming up with creative ideas and inspiration. Sometimes, I think I have more ideas than clients. For Ava's shoot I saw this picture of a hot air balloon on Pinterest. I was inspired by the colors, and the idea of using balloons.

Here's the inspiration:

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Andrea on Pinterest

I hunted down a great outfit and put all the styling together. Wanna see more of how her shoot turned out? Go here to see more of my little one.

Happy Friday!

My Salsa Recipe

2011-11-04T00:00:00.023-07:00

I thought it was high time I share my salsa recipe with you! I love salsa & chips! It's one of my favorite snacks. Really, I could make it a meal all on its own.

But, that probably wouldn't be well balanced.

This salsa is good, it's fresh, it's my fave!

Here's what you need:

6 tomatoes
1 bunch of radishes
1 chili pepper
1 red onion
1 yellow onion
1 bunch of cilantro

Chop everything up but the chili pepper.

Once everything is chopped up put it into your food processor and blend to your desired consistency. I like mine less chunky so I blend it a little longer.

Afterward cut your chili pepper in half. The seeds are where the heat live. The more seeds you take out the less heat you'll have. I like a little spice, so I take out half the seeds and chop the rest and add it to the food processor and blend again. I also at this time add in my cilantro and blend.

Then put it into a bowl, add chips and dig in! That's it! So yummy!

Happy Birthday {TO MY} Husband!

2011-11-02T00:00:00.029-07:00

Happy 34th Birthday Husband! I'm so very blessed to get to be your wife, blessed that God put us together this live this life! Remember when we met? I was 22 and you were 27, I joke a lot about you being older but the truth is with it comes wisdom.

You always have the right perspective in mind when you talk to me. We've been through a lot together since then and you always are logical and your wisdom is based on the truth of the Bible. You always speak truth and love into our lives. Always calm, always rational, always loving.

There's just a few things I love about you, some things I want to celebrate about you today on your birthday.

I have seen you in many roles over these last few years. You're good at all of them, but the ones I love you most in are that of Husband and Father. We are so blessed. Ava is blessed to have a Daddy that loves her, and I am blessed to call you Husband, lover and friend!

I love and celebrate your sense of humor.

The way you can talk to anyone, from any walk of life no matter who they are or where they come from. You always make people feel welcome.

I admire your faithfulness to life's challenges. You always shine through and give me strength that with the Lord we can over come anything.

You are passionate.

Dedicated.

Strong.

Respectful.

I know you don't care much about birthdays, but I pray today you feel loved, appreciated and celebrated! We love you so much and are so blessed to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday to my sweet, loving and generous Hubby!

xoxo

Andrea & Ava

I Made This Contest {Lifestyle Crafts}

2011-11-01T10:17:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to share with you an exciting contest that's happening all week with Lifestyle Crafts!

Have you made something really awesome with their products?

Love shouting from the roof tops & showing friends what you made?

Well, this contest is for you!

All you have to do is make something {anything} with 1 of their products and then share it with the Lifestyle Crafts community and you're automatically entered to win!

How simple and awesome is that!

What you going to win? I'm glad you asked, I'll tell you:

This week their giving away a Jo Totes camera bag & a Canon 60D camera!

Seriously, so fun!!!

Go here to create your account & link up your projects!

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Happy Creating Friends!

12 in 12: Book #10

2011-10-31T10:32:00.024-07:00

Book #10 was a happy accident.

Why a happy accident? Well, because my sister got me this for my birthday. I was looking for a book to read on it, and went to the "free" books section and read the description on this book. Here's the book description from Amazon.com

Joan Sanderson's life is stuck. Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is living at home with Mom and looking after her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement. That is, until a hunky young doctor moves in next door. Suddenly Joan has a goal--to get a date. But it won't be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly with him and Joan is sure that she can't compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, maybe Joan can find her way out of this rut.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, spiritual searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.

It's been a long time since I've read fiction, so long I can't even remember the last time I read something fiction. It was probably a Nicholas Spark's novel, but I can't even remember which one cause it's been that long.

Moving on....

This book sounded interesting, it was free, I was in.......

This book turned out to be more than just the store of 3 sisters, and a girl trying to find herself. There was a surprise little love story in the middle of it.

I got lost in the words. Reading words on a page describing feeling and emotions are so much better than just watching them on t.v. or in a movie. You just get a better sense of what the characters are feeling, and you feel it to I think even more through written words.

I really loved this book, I won't spoil it for you because I think you should read it for yourself. Now, I want to go read the other two books in this series. This book definitely leaves you hanging, and wanting to know more about these characters and what will happen.

Go here to pick up the copy for free via your Kindle.

(****) my rating

Celebrating the Holidays with {Shutterfly}

2011-10-30T00:00:00.057-07:00

Picking out a holiday card to send to friends and family is a great way to give them a recent family photo. It's also a great way to say Merry Christmas to those that you haven't seen all year long! I love sending our holiday cards every year. We live so far from most of our family and friends and it's a great way to give them an updated picture and let them know what we've been up to all year long.

Picking out the perfect holiday card is always a really fun thing, I look forward to all year. Thankfully I never have to go to far in "searching" for that perfect card! I've used Shutterfly for the past few years for our holiday cards and I'm never disappointed.

Their customer service is always great! They always have a great promotion or sale going on so it makes getting my cards even more affordable! And, I love their wide range to choose from. Something for everyone!

I've already been browsing their Christmas cards in search for the perfect card for our family. I always like to incorporate multiple pictures into our card, and I'm drawn to more traditional ones. They have a variety of cards to choose from though. Everything from whimsical, traditional, red, green, contemporary and more!

Here's just a few of the new {2011} designs that I'm loving:

They have cards in all shapes, sizes, flat or folded! You can't go wrong with snowflakes, I love snowflakes!

I also love the idea of using your family name on your card, like the one above or like this one below.

Here are the two designs I'm considering this year for my own family:

I really love the colors in this one, and I love the idea of listing your top moments to share with friends and family. The one below is more traditional, and since the photos I'm using this year on the card are from our family shoot with Carrie Fay we're wearing yellows and blues I think this one will go nicely with it. All the cards are so customizable I think I might just have to do a hybrid of both of these!

Holiday cards aren't the only things Shutterfly has to offer though, they have a wide range of photo gifts that are perfect for all those Grandmas & Grandpas, Aunties & Uncles on your list!! Calendars and photo books make great gifts!

What about you, have you already decided on your holiday card this year? Jump on over to Shutterfly and see all the great and amazing products they have to offer to help celebrate your holidays!

Are you a blogger too? Wanna learn how you can get 25 Free Holiday cards from Shutterfly too? Go here, to find out more details!

images via Shutterfly

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This is a sponsored post written for Shutterfly. I was compensated for my honest review and opinions on this post. All opinions are 100% mine.