Saturday, February 22, 2014

Motivation

I remember the good 'ol days when I used to upholster for extra money to go on dates with, decorate with, and just generally spend on whatever I felt like. But no more. Stupid Obama. Nowadays I have a different motivation to upholstery, it starts with and "insur" and ends with an "ance". Bleh. And bleh again.
So I have been pretty busy lately trying to supplement our income this way. I'll be honest, its a lot of blood sweat and tears for not a lot of money, but its what I can do from home, still be with my wee ones, and help out in a small way with the bills. So for now, I will count my blessings that I have the skills to pay the bills. Ha!
My latest project was actually a favor I did for a girl I used to visit teach. This was the chair she bought off of Mesa Consign.

The fabric she chose was a dark brown corduroy she found for $5/yard at Home Fabrics (steal!). When I found out I was going to be working with corduroy, as you know a pretty heavy fabric, I was so glad I had bought my new sewing machine about a month ago.


There were many, many points during this project that I was sewing through 8 layers of corduroy and this machine didn't even flinch for a second. With my old machine I probably would have broken several needs and my stitches would have been erratic. It was fun first project to use this machine on.

After about of week of stealing time here and there, I finish her chair.


She has plans to use it in her, hopefully near future, nursery. 

And before I could catch my breath from this project, I am on to the next....

Isn't this an adorable couch? I am using a beautiful, but neutral, fabric on this and can't wait to show you the finished product. This one I will sell myself and hopefully make a good chunk of change. Wish me luck because this couch is 90% sewing! Ack.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Heidi's 1st Birthday!

I know this is one of the most cliche things a mother can say, but seriously how is my baby already a year old?! I feel like I just had her (you know, minus all the pain, stitches, and general misery).

Having a big party is a definite must for my kids' 1st birthdays, because kids are a big deeeeeal! Toy R Us reference, anyone? Anyone?

I had a lot of fun decorating our house for Heidi's party....as you can see below.






On top of decorating I sort of obsess over making the birthday cake. I made a tiny little one for Heidi to destroy and also a big one for all the guests to eat. I would be lying if I said I didn't make THREE practice cakes the weeks leading up to the big day to test recipes and decorating techniques. I am a freak, I know.

I finally settled on a pink ombre chocolate cake for Heidi.


She totally hated that hat.

At this point I decided to ditch the hat for fear of her snapping her face off with it.


 "Happy birthday dear Heidi, happy birthday to you-oooo!"

 Avery quickly decided she needed to settle in, right in front of Heidi's cake and help her eat the frosting.



 This is my favorite.....


Heidi (and Avery) did a pretty good number on this cake.

Heidi was one spoiled girl. The aftermath of tearing open presents (again, Avery decided it was her job to pretty much open all of Heidi's presents, she was too quick!)

 Heidi's main gift from Steve and I was this tiny little bike. I think this picture says it all. Winning!

Some facts about Heidi:
  • She can stand up in the middle of the room (walking is just around the corner for her I think)
  • She says: "Hi" "Mom" "Dad" "Puppy" "Heidi" "Thank you". The cutest is when she says her own name because she sort of sings it.
  • She loves to: swing, pet the cat (when he is feeling daring enough to get close to her), push her walker around the house, be rocked, blow kisses, give slobbery kisses, turn the TV on an off at really annoying times, be tickled (she has the best laugh ever), pull her sister's hair when riding in the double stoller (classic little sister), throw balls and chase them around, snuggle with her blankie, crawl as fast as she can to her daddy when he walks through the door, fake cough and sneeze, be dang adorable.
  • She weighs 21 lbs, and is 31" tall.
  • She is super duper loved.