{snapshot}

With all the gorgeous weather we have been having, the kids request almost daily to eat their lunch outside. It thrills me that they love to be outdoors so much and there really is something special about eating a picnic surrounded by nature. Hope you find a moment this week to bask in a little sunshine and enjoy a tasty treat!

gifts galore

We have had birthdays coming out of the woodwork. We love celebrating our friends, but when they all hit at the same time, I have to start getting creative. I must admit that this wealth of birthday fun has made me a big fan of the dollar store. And lest you think me too cheap, I generally think it is a wonderful idea. You all know how expensive toys are, and when there are multiple gifts to be purchased, a nice gift of $20 a piece five to seven times over in a month adds up really quick.

The great thing about these colorful buckets is that I could quickly personalize them with a paint pen, label all of their things, and drop a few personalized notecards in with the gift (they are not pictured with the ensemble above). Seriously, though, what little boy or girl doesn't enjoy an afternoon flying a kit, playing with sand and water toys, or a water pistol for that matter. For littles, these items are just perfect for a day of play.

So... next time you are scrambling to find a reasonably priced gift, remember the ole dollar store. You can't go wrong. :)

b l e s s e d

My Mother's Day weekend was full - full of happiness, treats, discipline (because unfortunately it must be done), and play time, snuggling with my little guy, talking princess with my little girl, date night with the hubby, a nice relaxing afternoon, park time, and a pancake dinner (with my fave wine, I might add).

I am truly blessed to have these little munchkins and the man that gave them to me. Not to mention a momma that I "rise up and call bless-ed!" So Happy Mother's Day to all you out there. Remember that you don't have to be a momma to bless others like a momma can. :)


Oh, and just to humor you, the wine was given to start the weekend and the Amaretto liquor - for my fave beverage - an Amaretto Sour (plus a pedicure gift certificate from the hubs). Guess the fam thinks relaxing a little with my favorite beverage is in my best interest. :)Hope your Mother's Day was filled with joy!

Friday's Find

With Mother's Day this weekend, this photograph immediately caught my attention - bath salts. Now what doesn't sound more relaxing and wonderful than a warm bath, with aromatic bath salts working their magic in a candlelit room with your fave glass of wine? As you can see I am pretty easy to please and this simply would hit the spot. Check out more of For Strange Women's things over at their shop. If her things don't make you want to buy, they will certainly make you want to slip mysteriously into a little world of your own. :)
Happy Mother's Day!

Have you seen...

This?


and this?

I just added them to the shop this week - sibling personalized calling cards (what a novel idea) and water bottle labels (but they could honestly be used for anything). And if you want to check out the ADORABLE party these cute little labels adorned, see it here. Can I come next time? :)

commissions

At the beginning of the year Doug and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Seminar. It was grueling, enlightening, encouraging, and discouraging all at the same time. Doug and I thankfully had financially wise parents as examples and decided to follow suit, but that doesn't mean that there haven't been things here and there that we could have done better. Nonetheless, we decided to get even more proactive with our budget and started a few of the things he encourages in his seminar - one being startings commissions with the kids.

You might think that Douglass Charles and Charlotte are too young to understand saving and earning money, and in some respects I would agree. But, Doug and I decided we would try a little project with the kiddos.

We gave them three chores a piece that they had to complete every day and at the end of each week, if they completed those chores they would get paid. It was a very small amount, but they were all about it.

I honestly was surprised at how Charlotte took to the whole thing. She had a goal in mind - her Jessie doll - and if she didn't want to do her chore/s that day I would just remind her of her goal. After several long weeks she finally had enough - with some other money she had saved - to buy her doll.

Douglass Charles followed her example (and we weren't quite as strict with him - he also earned less money per week because of this), but they both, in their own way got it.

I think I was prouder of Charlotte when she handed her "monies" over to the cashier at Walmart that day, than she was excited about the doll. And hopefully, all her hard work will stick with her. I pray she and Douglass Charles both capture at a very young age the value and responsibility that comes with money and can dodge some of the pitfalls and mistakes that we have made.

{custom}

So you may remember that this time last year I was rolling out a few new designs - like my popular cowboy boot, May flowers, and the timid lion. This year, well, I am slacking in the new design department, sort of...

Since Christmas time I have had a series of custom orders, these adorable invitations were just a few, but there have been logos, cupcake toppers, water bottle labels, and a few other things. These little projects have kept me busy and time for "new" creations for myself just haven't been able to happen. Honestly, though, I have LOVED this custom direction my business has taken me as of late. So much so that I have begun to wonder if I should offer it in my shop. The other thing I have realized is that while I LOVE paper, my true passion is design. I love everything about it.

So, I would love to have your input. What do you think about having a "custom" listing available for you - or anyone else out there who might be interested? Inquiring minds want to know. :)