Inspirational Folders

I have been gathering pictures from the internet for a couple of year now. I try really hard to be careful about asking permission when using others photo's. Sometimes I do not have a source for the pictures I have collected, and as I always say, if I have used a photo that belongs to you and you would like it to be removed or if you would like me to source the photo and link it back to you, I will be more than happy to do so. But please know that I am so grateful for all of those who do share their idea's and photography with everyone. I love to look at them every so often when I have a couple of minutes to myself. They give me ideas as to what I would like to do in our home. Even if I don't do exactly what is pictured, they inspire me to do something. It helps when you re-decorate a room as well. I have, in the past, jumped in too fast without doing a little bit of research first, only to not really like what I ended up with. A inspiration file helps organize thoughts and ideas. You can also make a collage from with your collection and get an idea as to how it will all look when it comes together. Go get inspired!

{Thank you to all sources unknown}

Kiss me, I'm (1/8) Irish

Did you wear green? Did you get pinched?

We spent the day learning all about St. Patrick in honor of his day. There was quite a bit of really cool things that we did not know before! Did you know:

-Patrick was kidnapped by Irish marauders as a youth of 16 and taken from his home to Ireland, where he was then sold as a slave.

-The original color associated with St. Patrick's Day was blue.

-It is said that the reason we decorate for St. Patrick's Day with Shamrocks is because St. Patrick taught his followers about the trinity using the Shamrock (having 3 petals) as a representation. Although our family believes in the God Head and although we made our shamrocks with 4 petals (because as my kids told me, "they're lucky"), we thought it was pretty interesting! 

We also watched as the people of Chicago dyed the river green (the kids were quite concerned about the creatures that live in that river!! Too cute!). Apparently, if there is anything living in there, they use all natural biodegradable coloring.

The kids also got to try some super yummy cake pops, thanks to the inspiration of our friend the Huckleberry Fairy. 

Have you ever heard of these? They where so much fun to make. 

I have to work on my finishing technique - they are no where near as pretty as The Bakerella's. 

But the kids loved them just the same!

And for practice I still have a whole tray full of Cake Pops that are awaiting there candy coating. Hopefully I will be able to get these next ones a little smoother.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

White Linen

Noelle, Emma and I were able to spend some time sewing together last week. We made nightgowns. They turned out really pretty. The girls love them (they feel like they just stepped out of Anne of Green Gables). We used a pattern from the 50's that belonged to my grandma, which simply makes these p.j.'s all the more special! I wonder if she made this same pattern for my mom and her sisters?

{although it is fuzzy - this is my favorite, I made her laugh!}