Spring Skirt

Happy Monday Everyone! 

This past week I have been thinking about friendship and how friendships grow and change. I often write about how lucky I am to have all of my wonderful friends.

I was spending time with a new(ish) friend last night. (We have just started hanging out outside of work.) I, of course, was bragging about all of our mutual work friends when I realized that I have known/worked with/drank a few too many beers with/LOVED some of these women for five years. FIVE.

I decided that I should no longer consider them new friends.

I have been lucky to have a lot of different types of friends throughout my life. Friends that I have known my entire life, friends that came into my life for just a season. Friends that I was SURE that no matter what happened, we would always be close, only to realize that time and distance have separated us. And friends that I thought were just "seasonal" friends who I've come to love as long time friends.

In thinking about all of this, I realized that there is a WHOLE other class of friends that you can only hope to be lucky enough to have. The friends that become family. 

These people are the people who you no longer choose to have in your life, they just are. The friends that you no longer worry about keeping in touch with, because you know that you could no more stop talking to them than you could your sister, aunt, cousin, or mother.

These are the people who help your husband pick out your engagement ring. The people who ask for your permission to marry your best friend. The people who become ordained to marry you, come to your sister's wedding, visit you in the hospital, go to your grandparent's funerals, adopt your friends and family as theirs.

They are the people in your life that want you in the hospital when their children are born. Whose children think of you as aunt and who you have loved since the day they were born.

I have two of these friends, Haley and Maggie. 

Maggie is married to Mike and they have Grace. Maggie is pregnant with babies two AND three right now. Maggie's having twin girls.

Jeremy and I went out to see everyone yesterday. We had a great time basking in the mundane, as only lifetime friends can. We went out to eat, went to Target to run some errands, and played with Grace. 

In just a few short weeks, Maggie will bring two more little lives into the world. I'll be there, in the waiting room, wringing my hands and anxiously waiting to meet the two newest members of my "family".

In the meantime, here's a look at my new spring skirt.

I modified the pattern shown below.

And here's a look at the finished product.

Don't mind Mosby in the background. Now that's it's nice out, he spends all of his time looking for dogs.

And now, a quick update on my 27 list. I have been making good progress.

1. Finish changing my name on all documents. (I sort of stalled mid-change)-some progress MORE has been made
2. Write four three two one more blog posts featuring a craft.
3. Finish a knitting project for a friend's new edition. 
4. Run 27 22.5 14 6 miles.
5. Update information for my Illinois teaching certificate. -some progress has been made
6. Four three two one weekly visits to the dog park with Mosby.
7. Use a new pattern to make a fun Spring skirt for myself.
8. Clean out my (and Jeremy's) closets.
9. Donate items to Goodwill.
10. Try one new food. DISASTER! I tried a chicken foot. It was HORRIBLE.

11. Call Haley.(Hal, hopefully this weekend!!)
12. Do some landscaping on the back patio. (Even though we rent, it's nice to maintain for guests.)
13. Purchase the graduation gift I've been eyeing for a certain grad.
14. Catch up on Mad Men.
15. Visit Maggie (and Michael and Grace).
16. Organize my craft room.
17. Purchase a few needed items for our home (including a new pillow for Jer).
18. Take one instagram photo a day. So far, so good.
19. INSIST that I watch Sofia while my sister and Tony go out on a date. 
20. Formally introduce Jeremy to Moscow Mules. (I mentioned them here.)
21. Ask for a recommandation, buy, and listen to an album of a new band. (Feel free to leave me a comment with a recommandation!)  Thanks, Lizzy, for recommending The Civil Wars. They are awesome.
22. See The Godfather. 
23. Call my Gram.
24. Finish The Paris Wife. SO GOOD! 
25. Change my blog heading. 
26. Start our honeymoon photo album.
27. One random act of kindness.

Until next time, keep crafting.

SB

Baby Hat

Happy Sunny Sunday!

Jeremy and I have had a really relaxing and productive weekend. We enjoyed some time together, catching up on Mad Men. We mostly just hung around the house, except last night, when we headed over to my sister's to watch Sofia so that Em and Tony could have a night out together. (Do not worry family, pictures of Sofia are coming up soon.)

We have friends, Ian and Lynn. Ian is one of Jeremy's oldest and best friends. They go way back to the days of hanging out in Jeremy's parent's basement. Jeremy and Ian are a part of a group of five or six guys who have been hanging out, playing video games, watching SO MUCH ESPN, and drinking until the wee hours of the morning since high school.

Lynn started dating Ian when she was still in high school. She was the first of the wives to be introduced to this group. She is a trooper and has made a very good den mother to these yahoos.

Now, in a few short weeks, Ian and Lynn are expecting their first baby. They have decided not to find out the gender of the baby. I wanted to make a little something for the baby, and decided to knit a hat. I found a pattern on Ravelry, a knitting website, and set to work.

Since they don't know the gender, I went with an oatmeal type color. I used a knitting pattern that is ribbed, so it will stretch and the baby will be able to wear it longer.

Here's a picture of it completed.

And, since baby hats look cuter ON babies, I used Sofia as a hat model. 

This hat is small enough for a newborn but has enough stretch to fit a 9 month old. The fold adjusts so that the length can grow as the baby's grows. The hat can actually be worn without a fold when the baby's head is too long.

Emily loved the hat, so I am going to get started on one for Sofia. I think that I will make her hat a little longer so it has a fold and it covers her ears well (and will continue to fit in the fall).

Here's a cute picture of Sofia and her Uncle Jeremy.

And now, a quick update on my 27 list. I have been making good progress.

1. Finish changing my name on all documents. (I sort of stalled mid-change)-some progress has been made
2. Write four three two more blog posts featuring a craft.
3. Finish a knitting project for a friend's new edition. 
4. Run 27 22.5 14 miles.
5. Update information for my Illinois teaching certificate.
6. Four three two weekly visits to the dog park with Mosby.
7. Use a new pattern to make a fun Spring skirt for myself.
8. Clean out my (and Jeremy's) closets.
9. Donate items to Goodwill.
10. Try one new food.
11. Call Haley.(Hal, hopefully this weekend!!)
12. Do some landscaping on the back patio. (Even though we rent, it's nice to maintain for guests.)
13. Purchase the graduation gift I've been eyeing for a certain grad.
14. Catch up on Mad Men.
15. Visit Maggie (and Michael and Grace).
16. Organize my craft room.
17. Purchase a few needed items for our home (including a new pillow for Jer).
18. Take one instagram photo a day. So far, so good.
19. INSIST that I watch Sofia while my sister and Tony go out on a date. 
20. Formally introduce Jeremy to Moscow Mules. (I mentioned them here.)
21. Ask for a recommandation, buy, and listen to an album of a new band. (Feel free to leave me a comment with a recommandation!)  Thanks, Lizzy, for recommending The Civil Wars. They are awesome.
22. See The Godfather. 
23. Call my Gram.
24. Finish The Paris Wife. SO GOOD! 
25. Change my blog heading. 
26. Start our honeymoon photo album.
27. One random act of kindness.

Have a great week!

Until next time, keep crafting!

SB

Stuffed Friends

Hi all.

First and foremost, I want to extend Jeremy and my thoughts and prayers to everyone in Boston. Our good friend, Nicolle, is out there right now running her first Boston Marathon, and we are so relieved to report that she and her husband, Vince, are safe.

Jeremy's birthday was a couple weeks ago. Jeremy and I have a few birthday traditions we love. We always give each other a gift (more on that in a minute).

We also always take advantage of living in Chicago, which, in our opinion, has some of the best restaurants in the country. We treat ourselves to a nice meal at a restaurant that we can't afford to go to everyday.

Being total food dorks, we COMPLETELY geek out over Top Chef, a TV cooking competition featuring up and coming chefs. Chicago is home to a lot of these chefs, including Heather Turhune, the chef at Sable. We had great food, great drinks, and a great time celebrating there.

So, back to Jeremy's gift. Jeremy (and I) are big fans of a new group called Of Monsters and Men. They are kind of indy folk/pop rock type band from Iceland. They are coming to Chicago in May. I jumped at the chance to get tickets to the show.

So, Jeremy's gift was decided. But, I hate giving just pieces of paper, so I wanted to do something a little more creative.

I decided to give Jeremy two clues. He had written instructions to open the first at breakfast and the second at lunch. If he couldn't guess by dinner, I would tell him what the gift was.

Luckily, a band by the name Of Monsters and Men lends itself well to being creative. 

I decided to make Jeremy little stuffed animals. One of a monster, and one of a man.

It should be noted. I made these stuffed animals assuming that we would just give them to Mosby (to destroy) after Jeremy got them as clues. They would have been cuter, with more details and probably some buttons had I known Jeremy would keep them.

Anyway, the process was actually pretty simple. I started by googling and printing off coloring pages in the shape of a monster and of a man.

I cut them out and used them as patterns for the stuffed animals. I used left over fleece to make the bodies. I cut out two of each, one for the back and one for the front.

 I used embroidery floss and more fleece to make the faces.

I turned put the "wrong-sides" together and sewed them up, leaving just a little opening to flip them right side out and stuff them.

Then came the stuffing and hand sewing.

Jeremy ended up guessing his gift correctly right after breakfast (after receiving the monster). I played it off until lunch, when he opened up the man.

He was really excited about the concert. He also decided to keep the little friends at the office for company.

And now a quick update on my "27 List". I crossed out what has already been done and used italics to show progress or changing in quantity for my works in progress. 

1. Finish changing my name on all documents. (I sort of stalled mid-change)-some progress has been made
2. Write four three more blog posts featuring a craft.
3. Finish a knitting project for a friend's new edition. done
4. Run 27 22.5 miles.
5. Update information for my Illinois teaching certificate.
6. Four three weekly visits to the dog park with Mosby.
7. Use a new pattern to make a fun Spring skirt for myself.
8. Clean out my (and Jeremy's) closets.
9. Donate items to Goodwill.
10. Try one new food.
11. Call Haley.(Hal, hopefully this weekend!!)
12. Do some landscaping on the back patio. (Even though rent, it's nice to maintain for guests.)
13. Purchase the graduation gift I've been eyeing for a certain grad. Purchased, came today, just need to send it out.
14. Catch up on Mad Men.
15. Visit Maggie (and Michael and Grace).
16. Organize my craft room.
17. Purchase a few needed items for our home (including a new pillow for Jer).
18. Take one instagram photo a day. So far, so good.
19. INSIST that I watch Sofia while my sister and Tony go out on a date. We have the date set.
20. Formal introduce Jeremy to Moscow Mules. (I mentioned them here.)
21. Ask for a recommandation, buy, and listen to an album of a new band. (Feel free to leave me a comment with a recommandation!)  Thanks, Lizzy, for recommending The Civil Wars. They are awesome.
22. See The Godfather. 
23. Call my Gram. I called her, but she was out. 
24. Finish The Paris Wife. Getting close.
25. Change my blog heading. 
26. Start our honeymoon photo album.
27. One random act of kindness.

Until next time, keep crafting.

SB

27

Hey All.

A random mid week post from me.

27 has been a good year. A very good year. Today I realized that I have exactly 27 days left of being 27. Serendipity.

1. Heidelberg, our honeymoon   2. Mosby's trips north   3. Suds on the Shore with our parents   4. Texas trip                   5. Our wedding   6. Sofia was born   7. All Emily and my showers!   8. Trip to NYC   9. Mosby turned 1

I also realized today that there are some things that I want/need/should get done. Some REALLY need to get done. Some should make my life easier. Some are wants, which will make my life more fulfilling.

To honor my wonderful 27th year, I am making a list of 27 things that I will accomplish in the 27 last days of my 27th year.

I'll keep you updated on everything that I have checked off.

Here we go!

1. Finish changing my name on all documents. (I sort of stalled mid-change)
2. Write four more blog posts featuring a craft.
3. Finish a knitting project for a friend's new edition. 
4. Run 27 miles.
5. Update information for my Illinois teaching certificate.
6. Four weekly visits to the dog park with Mosby.
7. Use a new pattern to make a fun Spring skirt for myself.
8. Clean out my (and Jeremy's) closets.
9. Donate items to Goodwill.
10. Try one new food.
11. Call Haley.(Hal, hopefully this weekend!!)
12. Do some landscaping on the back patio. (Even though rent, it's nice to maintain for guests.)
13. Purchase the graduation gift I've been eyeing for a certain grad.
14. Catch up on Mad Men.
15. Visit Maggie (and Michael and Grace).
16. Organize my craft room.
17. Purchase a few needed items for our home (including a new pillow for Jer).
18. Take one instagram photo a day.
19. INSIST that I watch Sofia while my sister and Tony go out on a date.
20. Formal introduce Jeremy to Moscow Mules. (I mentioned them here.)
21. Ask for a recommandation, buy, and listen to an album of a new band. (Feel free to leave me a comment with a recommandation!) 
22. See The Godfather. 
23. Call my Gram.
24. Finish The Paris Wife.
25. Change my blog heading.
26. Start our honeymoon photo album.
27. One random act of kindness.

Wish me luck! Until next time, keep crafting.

SB

Spring Break and a Chevron Update

Hi all!

Somehow, even over Spring Break, I managed to keep myself busy enough not to share one of my new favorite projects.

Here's a rundown of my (two week) Spring Break and the project I completed between all my fun.

Spring Break started off quiet. Jeremy was out of town, and I spent most of the weekend relaxing with Mosby and dogsitting for our favorite furry friend, Fate. There was much relaxing done by all.

Once Jeremy got home, we went for some corned beef and cabbage (pizza) and beer to celebrate St. Patty's Day. (I am talking about St. Patty's Day, I know, I am FAR behind!!!)

My first week of break consisted mostly of crafting and babies. Lots of babies. 

My first stop was to see my friend, Cathryn, and her 16 month old, Emma. Right before I left to see them, Cathryn graciously offered to let Mosby come along to play with Emma.

This was Mosby's first playdate with a non-furry friend. It went well. Emma enjoyed giving Mosby treats (and later, food from her highchair). Mosby really enjoyed Emma giving him the food, too! 

As far as playing, Emma followed Mosby around, then Mosby would follow Emma. They enjoyed putting each other's toys in their mouths (before the adults could reach them). Mosby jumped on Emma a few times, but Emma was a really good sport about it all. 

Getting a dog and a one year old to both stand still or look at the camera is pretty much impossible.

Later that week, I took a trip out to the suburbs. I have a couple friends out there, and it worked out to have lunch with one and dinner with the other.

Lizzy and I worked together for two years, right when I first moved to the city. We have been close friends ever since. I've mentioned her in Casey's post and probably several others. 

When Lizzy had her daughter, Audrey, she left her 9 to 5 job, to start her own business and be a stay at home mom (lucky duck). It's been great for her, but our impromptu coffee/tea/beer dates after work have been harder to work out, as she is no longer working downtown.

(*Shameless plug for Lizzy's business, Home Sweet Hale. She does embroidery and sewing for your little ones and home. It's adorable and fantastically made. Check out the link here.)

Ms. Audrey

After a lovely afternoon with those ladies, I went to see one of my favorite families. My best friend, Maggie, her husband Michael, and daughter, Grace. I've mentioned them plenty of times, including in this post, where I framed my maid of honor speech.

Well, I love this little family, and now that it's "facebook official", I can share that this little family won't be little for much longer. Maggie is due with TWIN GIRLS this summer!! 

It was fun to go to see these three while they are still only three. Grace is getting so big, and we had fun playing and reading books. It was nice to spend time with Maggie and see her belly start to grow. We stayed up late (9:00 pm people) chatting. (Maggie is the only adult I know who goes to bed earlier than me, pregnant or not).

I rounded off my week of babies by spending time with Sofia. My parents came back from their nine week trip to Florida and the Dominican Republic, and the seven of us had a nice time spending Friday together.

I even got to get in the pool with Sofia for her swim class. She LOVES the water, singing songs, and especially looking at the other kids in the class. My parents took photos, but I forgot to snag a couple from them.

We did bundle Sofia up for a walk. It's nice to finally be able to get out of the house!!

On Saturday morning, Mosby and I left with my parents to go up north for a week.

We were greeted by icy, muddy roads and about a foot of snow in the driveway. Happy Spring Break!

We had a nice time relaxing in front of the fire and drinking Moscow Mules, which is our new (old) favorite drink.

vodka, ginger beer, and lime...yum!

Mosby enjoyed going for muddy walks, although he wasn't a fan off meeting some aggressive new "friends" or the baths that uncaked the mud from his belly and paws.

We did meet up with my Pat and Den, my in-laws, and Michelle and Tim, my brother and sister-in-law for dinner one night. We also saw our friends Karrie and Randy, and Craig and Anne for dinner. I always seem to forget to take pictures when only adults are around.

Although it was cold, there were signs that spring was coming. 

We walked out to Lake Michigan, through the woods, and were relieved to see that the beach and water were snow and ice free. 

And of course, the most tell tale sign that spring is here....the year's first Oberon. (Never mind that snow in the background.)

Spring break was good. It went too fast. And now, after just a week back at work, I'm already counting down to summer (12 more weeks).

But, my project this week has brought a POP of summer fun into our apartment.

Jeremy and I have these TV trays. They are in good shape, structurally. However, the paint had seen better days.

I decided to spruce them up a bit. I had left over off white spray paint from some wedding projects, so I decided to spray paint them. I used about 3 coats to completely cover up the black.

Then, I decided that my tables needed some color. I LOVE pops of bright color. Jeremy and I have neutral, black, and oak toned furniture and walls, but I love using room accessories to add color.

   

I have been really liking the chevron lately. (Not sure what chevron is? Click here.) I had some red acrylic paint left over from another project. While acrylic may not be the best choice, it was on hand and it worked out well.

The hardest part of the project was making the chevron pattern. I used this blogger's pattern to make the pattern and her advice on how to apply it. My pattern is now one of my prized possessions.

my pattern

 

the pattern applied (using pen) to the top of the table

From there, I used a paint brush to carefully apply two coats of the red paint.

coat one

The first coat needed some more POP. Here's a look after the second coat.

After both coats dried. I sprayed a clear coat of spray paint to protect the stripes.

And the finished product.

Whew, that just about sums up Spring Break. Sorry for the LONG and rambling post.

Until next time, keep crafting!

SB