Look what arrived in my mailbox today... Ok, so the picture isn't the best but she was busy twirling around with her new pretty dress. She even gave me a big hug before she put it on.... apparently it was a big hit! Usually she just puts on the skirts I make her but this one called for a hug! Isn't it ADORABLE? I got it from Lil Miss Muffin's shop over at Etsy. I saw it, hummed and hawed as to whether I should buy it... and then I gave in. I figured I'd buy it for Isabella and then Sofia could use it as well, plus, I could use it as sort of a pattern. Maybe make another dress. So this got my mojo going... I was already trying to find the same fabric on etsy incase I wanted to make one for Sofia. I'll keep you posted as to what I come up with.

In the meantime, there are some shops at Etsy that not only sell the patterns (see above) for these kind of cute clothes, there are shops selling DIY kits (see below). How great! They send you the precut fabric and info and you do all the work! It's a great way to try and dive into making something on your own. (images are linked)

Gosh! I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged! Bad blogging momma! I had good intentions to try and keep up with this little thing but hence, it's summer, it's hot and hubby's away at work which means, more walking trips to the grocery store with the kiddies and more walks to the local coffee bar so Isabella can use her little shovel and pail in the pea gravel there (as our town has the most crappy and unsafe playgrounds I've ever seen!) Isabella doesn't mind, infact she usually asks to stay longer. haha!

So to keep my sanity I've been trying to get my crafty mojo back on. I've ordered fabric and I bought some more yarn... did I mention I sold my first hat the other day? Made 20 euro! Plus I got a few free things at the local coffee bar... The lady that works there (it's her family bar) ordered one for her 6 month old neice... she didn't have any colors in mind and had seen 2 different hats I made for the girls (a floppy hobo sunhat and a newsboy) and gave me full freedom on colours and style... I settled on newsboy as I figured it would stay on baby's tiny head better. Little ones are always pulling at hats (or at least my Sofia did). Anyways, she loved it, and I mean LOOOOVVVED it! The last 2 times I went for coffee I didn't pay for anything cuz she paid for my stuff then the second time the baby's mom was working and offered everything on the house again. Woot Woot! Apparently it was a wild hit!!! Auntie even asked if she could ask again in the future for more hats.... I said sure, I could do up a little kitty winter hat if she liked. I think I'll be getting another order :) This is Sofia modelling it.... it's a bit tight as it's for a 6 month old but it sure is cute on her!

So anyways, back to fabric, I ordered some cute fabric in the past and made some skirts for the girls out of some fat quarters.... and now I'm hooked. I ordered some more and saw this shop (see below) with the most adorable items and thought, I wanna make something cuter than just a skirt. I didn't get a pattern yet, I figured, I'm crafty, let's see what I can come up with.... I'll keep ya posted on how things go. This is the fabric... isn't it fun?


This shop has awesome patterns, click the picture above to check out her blog. She also has an Etsy Shop.

Happy Monday!!!

Or should I say sad Monday.... hubby starts his new job today.... he's off to Venice and then all over Europe. This new job is "supposed" to work better for us (the operative word is SUPPOSED). He's on about 20-23 days on and around 20 days off..... we'll see how it works. He might even see if it works to do 20 on and 10 off. Anyways, he'll be doing japanese tours so it should bring in more money than he's making now, plus he's used to doing these tours.... the people are so much easier to work with and not such long hours like his last job. The only part that sucks is that he's gone a bit longer. The sacrifice better be worth it. Anyways, we enjoyed our couple of days with "Ba" a lot! We went to Sarnico on Lago d'Iseo to visit with our friends Marino and Elena and their family. That town is so much nicer than ours! They actually do stuff for their citizens like installing AWESOME parks for parents and kids. They have great markets and the city is just so pretty on the lake.... we would totally consider moving there if we could.... G even told me to look into the real estate listings on the web. Even Paratico would be nice. It's on the other side if the river but it literally feels like all the same city. That little bridge in the photo is what joins the towns. Plus the city has so many beautiful villas all along the lake.... like so beautiful George Clooney should seriously consider buying one. They are fantastic. If you google Sarnico you should find some amazing picts.

Anyways, I know I am trying to keep up with the Monday Mojo thing but I'm not really upto it today.... sulkingis more my mood I suppose.... but I won't leave you empty handed... I found this little linky for a great do it yourself project at The Long Thread... It's an adorable little kids' drawing case.

I love this show.... Gillian McKeith is so flat out honest. I'd love to have her help in losing the last 5 kg from both pregnancies. I've decided to try (and the important word is TRY) to eat a litter better, lighter and just basically get this body back to what it used to be.... curvy and sexy. I have this sort of (I think) lumpy body.... ok hubby would say I look fine but I AM the one who would like to be like I was and that's why I need to do this. Wish me luck cuz I sure could use it!!!

Well, I'm always looking for visual and crafty influence so here's a bit of crafty stuff I've found lately....

I ordered this fabulous pattern from Sewing With Me on Etsy

and I got the fabric from Brody & Ma on Etsy....
let's just hope it turns out this good....

I'm also working on a little crochet gifty for my friend Sherry who's expecting her 2nd baby in May.... we're not sure if it's a boy or girl, but either way, this little gifty should be a hit...
I'd share a pict, but in the chance she sees this post it would ruin the surprise.