Hey Little Birdie!

I guess I’m kind of in a book mood lately. First up was last week’s giveaway, and now I’m staying with the theme. But don’t mistake this bookish correlation to mean that I think you should use one of the Penguin Clothbound Classics to make today’s find… well, I guess you could. Or, you could just order this dreamy creation from the Etsy shop, The Shop House.

I am seriously in love with this. I think it is genius for a mobile. Nothing too kitschy or childish, but instead classic and simply perfect. Too much gushing? I don’t think so.

I can honestly say that above almost all other skill set I strive to nurture my children’s creativity. They will spend years with numbers and letters, but art… that seems to be fleeting. I want them to relish in the joy of creating without boundaries or limitations but most importantly without criticism, again there is no shortage of that in their futures.  It seems to herald the Pablo Picasso quote “All children are born artists.  The problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.”

Their little creations are by definition beauty in the eye of the beholder.  You might see a mess of lines and scribbles. But I see the new little shapes they are trying to form, I spot the color they seem to be favoring that day. I watch to see what hand seems to be dominate. I look at their little faces all fixed in concentration or perhaps covered in paint and or marker.  That is what makes their art priceless to me.

I am constantly looking for ideas for crafts for my two toddlers, particularly around holidays. Mother’s Day is an especially fun occasion to create for because I know the kids’ grandmothers see those same elements in their art as I do.

Here is a little collection of ideas for your little ones to make for Mother’s Day gifts.

Go get several of the same sized canvases, like three 12x12s.  Hobby Lobby has cheap canvas packs.  Let your kids go for it.  Hang them as a triptych in your living room.  You remember how good you felt when your work made it to the fridge as a kid? Just imagine making it to the wall (with out getting in trouble).

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For the mom/grandmother who loves to garden (that would not be me) painted terracotta pots filled with flower would be a great alternative to the 9.99 bouquet you are going to pick up a Fry’s.  In my opinion, at least.

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For the higher maintenance gal, instead of heading to (insert body product chain here) for bath goodies, try making some homemade soap. Surprisingly easy, there are so many cute ideas out there. This one from Martha is my favorite:

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Or for the even HIGHER maintenance lady, you know the one that wants jewelry (me raising hand), polymer clay pendants could be a great project. They could also turn out very poorly, we haven’t tried it yet. I was thinking attempting a small bead made by hand but trying little mold or shape cutters could be an easier way to control the size. I mean, I love statement necklaces, but I want to make sure the chain it would go on would support it. This fingerprint pendant is too stinking cute.

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Here are a couple more ideas that are really sweet, they are obviously more labor intensive for the parent but still involve the kids.

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Ok, moms, I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day. You are doing a good job, let yourself celebrate that this Sunday.

My daughter, Claire, has a serious pacifier addiction which I am sure many parents out there can relate to. She also has the hardest time teething and it is extremely slow going because of her special needs. Recently she has taken to biting at her wrist when her molars are really bugging her or when she is trying to tell me that she doesn’t like something. But she also lifts her hand to her mouth when she is trying to tell me she wants her beloved paci as well. Claire’s amazing speech/feeding therapist, Jenn, brought over this simple bracelet today that resembles an old school telephone cord.

It’s called Chewlery and I am so excited about the possibilities it brings for Claire! Not only will it give an outlet for her chewing and save her pretty little wrist from her gnawing teeth, but it will also serve as a perfect transition to break this unbreakable pacifier habit! I’ve always been at a loss for how I would take the paci away…but now I have a plan. If I can get her to love this chewy bracelet and it brings her comfort by chewing, licking, or sucking on it then I can phase the pacifier out as the oral input of choice. You have no idea what this possibility means for us. It looks like a cute, fun colored bracelet, which makes it much more age appropriate. It is also easily cleaned, easy to take anywhere, and affordable too. I wanted to pass this info along not only for all the parents of kids with special needs out there but also for parents looking for ways to break the pacifier addiction or help with teething. Thank you so much Jenn for finding this for Claire!

I like when people rally together. There is something so uplifting, so inspiring, so pleasing to God when we unite for a common good… when we decide to care for each other. I think it’s at these times He must really smile the kind of smile that measures from ear to ear. Because really, so often the opposite is true – we isolate ourselves, we put ourselves in a secluded world where the ultimate in life is us. I know I do this… too often. I mean, did you read my post from yesterday? But that was never the design. The intention was for us to connect to someone bigger than ourselves, and then to use that girth of love to spill out around us. Aside from the word “girth” being kind of gross, that really is what I want for my life. I want to model that for my little girl so that it’s a natural part of who she becomes. I want to live a life of fullness (not because of my situation or blessings, but because of my attitude) that can’t help but ooze over.

Because of all this whirling around in my head lately, I’ve been drawn to and so excited by so many sites selling goods that will in turn send aid to Japan. So in an effort to combat our isolation and self-absorption, today I thought I would highlight a few… just in case this is a way for you to unite with the world and people around you for a common good – to care for others. Let’s help.

No doubt you’ve seen this floating around the web, but if not… W + K Studio has these Help Japan prints with proceeds to the Red Cross.

Finley & Oliver has the cutest Love for Japan kid’s t-shirts. They’ve closed the ordering, but just for a few days to catch up to demand. Proceeds to the Red Cross.

Stefanie Hoepner is an amazing photographer. She is selling any of her prints with all profits going to the Red Cross as well.

Finally, one of my favorite blogs out there is Creature Comforts. Ez has also decided to put all of her Etsy site, Wren & Chickadee, on sale with the profits going to the Red Cross. Keep in mind, that once these sell out, the sale is over. So shop quickly.

So go, enjoy shopping and helping at the same time!

So, it’s February… which means it is time to shower those you love with lovely things… time to express what may go unannounced throughout the year… time to give and receive affection. And don’t think I am simply referring to my cute, Pride & Prejudice-watching husband. Although, side note: Did I tell you he asked to watch it this past weekend? I know, husband jackpot. Sometimes I feel it’s unfair, but at the same time, I am such a joy to live with all. the. time… he pretty much scored as well.

Anyway, believe it or not, this is about you. But not all of you, just one special one of you. But we’re not going to tell which one yet, because random.org hasn’t selected you quite yet. Okay, okay, enough mystery already, right? I’m talking giveaway! (Said with my best Oprah voice, but without the grandeur of a free car or trip to Australia). But don’t get discouraged, this is still good. And I know it’s good because I already own one. I love mine so much, I’ve decided you need one too. How’s that for a personal reference?

Dolce Vita Mia is such a cute etsy shop filled with amazing hair accessories. And if you are a Phoenician, she’s local. Can’t get any better than supporting those around you. Check it out.

Okay… the rules on how to enter:

1. Click on Comments and leave one on this post.

Then, earn 2 extra entries by:

2. Sharing this Giveaway on Facebook!

3. Tweeting about it on Twitter.

If you do anything on FB or Twitter, let us know in the comments, so we can give you extra chances.

You will have until Midnight next Tuesday night (2/8) to enter. Next Wednesday we will reveal the winner!

(Image Credits: 1. Stuf Yellowbird; 2. Zara Button Jacket Dress; 3. roughdrAftbooks Y Journal; 4. Cynamonn Honey-Gold Linen Necklace)

Every once and a while I find myself overwhelmed by a particular color combination. So today, I have a treat for you – a retreat into the crevices of my mind. Don’t be scared. Today, it’s a wonderful place. Now yesterday, I wouldn’t have taken you there… but today it is nothing but sunshine and unicorns and pastries… because who can stomach unicorns without a muffin or danish, really. If I am completely transparent, I find unicorns slightly unnerving. I think it’s their obsession with rainbows and their ability to impale me at a moment’s notice.

But this color medley has nothing to do with rainbows. I know it’s a bit autumnal, but I love fall. So suck it, Mr. Unicorn. Sorry, I had no idea I felt so much hidden resentment towards the mythical horsey with a horn.

What about you? Are you still red and green and Christmasy all over? Or are you already looking forward to spring colors? Or do you buck all trends when it comes to colors? I didn’t intend to “pun” there with buck, but I’m leaving it in because I am that rebellious.

You know what it’s like when you buy something, and then you are so struck by its awesomeness that you want to tell everyone about it. But you don’t want to be all showy and “keep up with the me’s” about it. So you’re stuck.

That’s one of the reasons why this whole Hey Little Birdie thing is so great for me. I mean, you guys basically want me to do that. You come here everyday asking me to enlighten you on things I deem awesome. If I didn’t do it, you would be upset, devastated perhaps. I just can’t bring myself to let you down like that.

So, in light of the holidays, let me bestow upon you some goodwill… and throw in some tidings of great joy (why not, right?), all while spotlighting the cutest handmade doll I just purchased for my newest niece, 3 month old Kayleigh Mae, for her very first Christmas.

(Side note: if you are my sister reading this, you have two choices… look away right now, or at the very least, make sure that Kayleigh isn’t surfing the web with you… in order to ensure a Christmas morning surprise.)

Crafty Mama Creations makes the most amazing one-of-a-kind dolls! That’s right, our little Kayleigh Mae doll will never find its twin. And she got it to me in plenty of time for Christmas. Thanks Kelci!

Oh and a special shout-out to all of you who enable another seemingly “flaw” that I have. Self-improvement is so overrated anyway.

I’m not really a DIY girl…home improvement or craft-oriented. But that doesn’t stop me from collecting ideas of things I could create if only I had the necessary supplies, skills, or at the bare minimum, an ounce of follow-through. Maybe that should be a resolution for me for the new year… but honestly, who expects a girl with little follow-through to actually take on the whole New Year’s resolution thing. I would be a walking oxymoron, although walking might imply a certain level of exertion I’m not sure I’m ready for.

Okay, I need to stop typing before I betray my inner couch potato and appear to be completely devoid of all initiative and true effort. Insert DIY Chalkboard Block Puzzle, thanks to the revolutionaries over at Momtastic (they totally live up to their name).

I honestly think I could do this, and… I think it is super cute and… inexpensive, and… I think I love it. But even if I don’t get this done, that doesn’t mean you can’t. I believe in you. I mean, I bet you already have your list of resolutions ready to go for January 1st. I’m so inspired by you. Go forth and DIY!

I just have to share with you these cute, little pinafore dresses from the all the numbers shop.  Not only are they adorable, but they are reversible.   You know what that means?  Two dresses for the price of one! (I like to state the obvious at all times.)  I also like the fact that they can move with your little one through the seasons.  They would work great as sundresses, but in the winter you could throw some tights/jeans and a long sleeve shirt underneath and it would be just as adorable.

Reversible Pinafore Dresses are the way to go!

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Feast your eyes on the cutest tees for babies and kids from Finley and Oliver (via The TomKat Studio).