It's February! {love is in the air}

Yup, LOVE is in the air around our house! This year, especially, our home is filled with more love than ever imaginable. And I love it.



I also love the way the sun begins to drop, creeps behind the clouds, yet still those warm golden rays find a way to sneak into our kitchen. Around 5:30pm, the light shines through our home in a strikingly beautiful way. 'Tis gorgeous!

You know what else is gorgeous? This little girl ;) We think so, at least!

Did you know that 'weaning' isn't just a term used for babies?! Yup, I'm weaning myself from sleeping during baby naps, and learning to use nap time as Mommy Time. So this week, this is just one of the projects I've done with Mommy Time.. (but don't get me wrong, I still require a morning nap some days while baby girl is sleeping..it happens!)



I certainly slacked with the Thanksgiving and Christmas decor as baby girl was brand-spanking-new and this momma was brand-spanking-tired and busy. So, I decorated for Valentine's Day. And am excited to decorate for upcoming holidays as well..St. Patrick's, Easter, etc. etc. But let's not get ahead of myself!

I got my craft on and was loving it.





This Valentine's Day will mark 11 years since J and I began dating. Oh, that day he asked me to be his girlfriend will forever remain in my memory! I'm so very glad he asked ;)

And Valentine's Day isn't just about loving a significant other -- I know how the single folk tend to hate on V-Day -- but it's a day to just love. Love anyone -- your friends, your family, your dog! Everybody loves somebody..so there's something to celebrate!

I do hope our pup has been feeling the love, even though our love is now shared with another little one! There's plenty of love to go around ;)

And this girl..she has shown us a whole new meaning of love. Absolute unconditional love.

Oh hey..check it...a chalkboard photo -- it's been too long since one of these babies ;)

Love, love, love....

Love is in the air around here and I hope it is for you too.

I do apologize for the way this post was thrown all around. But, point is, be sure to celebrate love..whether it's someone you love, something you love doing, or somewhere you love to be. Love is a powerful word and a wonderful thing. So let's celebrate it!

{Project 52} week 5 :: finding the light

My Project 52 Challenge by Paint The Moon

Week 5 Theme: Finding the light
My photo: The calming sun

Why I chose this photo: I just love that stepping outside can soothe our baby girl, especially when the sun looks so beautiful! I love capturing moments like this...you can tell just how much Daddy loves his girl from a still image. I couldn't exactly choose only one photo, as seeing her little face just melts my heart sometimes...or all the time! So enjoy these 3 for this week :)

How To Make a DIY Camera Bag {a tutorial}

If you're into photography and you're anything like me, chances are you either a) own one of those beauty camera bags by Epiphanie, Kelly Moore, Cheeky Lime, etc. or b) long to own one of those beauties but can't afford it!

I fall into the latter 'b' category.

With those beautiful, brightly colored camera bags ranging anywhere from $160 - $250, they are simply a far off dream for me. One day, maybe! But for now, I've resorted to making my own -- for a whopping $6 if you use a purse you already own!

Here's how! (and I do apologize for crappy photos taken at night! that's my time to craft away!)



FYI, I suggest using a purse with several pockets for all those camera accessories!

Supplies you'll need:
-Purse
-1/2 yard fabric (~$2.50)
-Foam square (craft stores have this ~$3.50)
-Scissors
-Measuring tape
-Hot glue gun



Yes, my original plan was to use the sewing machine. But, I like to do things the easiest way possible, so when the hot glue gun popped into my head, I figured I'd go that route instead!

First, measure the bottom of the bag. Then cut a rectangle of foam in the appropriate length x width to cover the bottom. Do make sure it fits inside the bag :)



Using that same length, cut rectangles for the 2 long sides. You decide how tall you want them.

Lay the 3 foam rectangles on top of the fabric, leaving just enough space in between so that you can fold the sides up.  Fold the fabric over top. Then, fold up one foam side and hot glue in place. Do the same for the other side. (I realized after this step that it may just be easier to wrap each piece of foam like a present, gluing the sides in place where you normally tape a present shut.)



Measure for what size foam you will need for the 2 short sides and cut the foam accordingly. Here's where I used the 'present wrapping' technique for the 2 short sides. Then hot glued them in place.



Use the same measurements from the short sides to make as many inserts as you would like. (You can make them taller or shorter than the sides, however you want them!) You can glue the inserts in place as you'd like, or use Velcro strips for flexibility.

Here's how it'll look!



What I like most about this style of camera bag is that you can use it as a purse as well by slipping your wallet in between the purse wall and the cushion wall. Dual-purpose! -- a purse and stylish camera bag in one..heck yeaaa!


side-note: I do normally keep a lens on the body in here as well, just so you know it fits! I just needed to use it to take this photo :)

And room to stick your phone in one of the pockets.



Interior pockets for lens caps, remote, etc.



And there you have it: your very own, very CHEAP, stylish camera bag!

simply enjoying

Amidst the chaotic details of everyday life, I'm loving the chance to kick back and simply just enjoy living in the now. Just simply enjoying my (busy) husband, my beautiful baby, my playful pup, our great friends, and everything in between. The calming scent of candles nestled in the perfectly dim lit living room call for just my kind of night -- even if they only happen few and far between.  The wide open windows welcoming fresh air and that 'feel-good' scent of freshly laundered clothes call for just my kind of day -- again, even if they only happen few and far between. When I stop to truly just enjoy simple pleasures like this, it makes everything else in life that much better.

The sound of my girl's soft cries seriously sound like music to my ears at times. It reminds me just how blessed I am to have her here. And my soaking wet pants after getting peed on by her before a bath -- well that's okay because I know my baby is about to love every moment of her warm bath, and following that, a yummy smelling cuddly baby, and soon after that, freshly laundered jeans, of course.  And when we realize at 8pm that we've accidentally skipped dinner, well it's no big deal because we'll just find something quick to eat in the house (like a fluffernutter!) and that gives us more time to just be. And just enjoy. Days where I'm able to just kick back and think like this -- oh they are wonderful. (...and don't we wish we could all think like this every day?! Easier said than done, yes, but oh so wonderful when they happen!)



I've been enjoying: Days at the park, Bachelor night with friends, watching my husband solve his Rubik's cube over and over again (because he can* after years of having it), reading to my girl and teaching her things I shouldn't be teaching her for another 4 years because she has no clue what I'm talking about, after dinner milkshakes, DIY projects, doing a little photography research so I can hopefully one day master the art, Blue Moons with a fresh orange slice, the fact that I'm able to pump while blogging right now thanks to the hands-free pumping bra that Baby E got me for Christmas, homemade chicken fried rice, day dreaming about all the future DIY projects I'd love to tackle, watching Grizz let himself in and out of the house to bask in the sun (mostly out, he still hasn't mastered the getting back in thing),  and I think the thing I've been enjoying most are my mid-morning naps on the couch cuddling with Baby E + 2 homemade blankets (1 new and 1 old).
*thanks to internet tutorials

It's all about the little things, lately. As I've said before, the little things take me far.













A picnic in the park on a Sunday? Yes, please!



Me = Simply enjoying! For now, at least :)

Baby girl went to sleep at 8:30 tonight and I may be setting myself up for a rough night after this happy happy joy joy post, but hey, if a rough night follows a few wondrous days, I'm okay with that!

What is it that you've been enjoying lately? Take the time to ponder that ;)