kinder words

What to Watch {when you are not watching downton abbey}

2012-02-22T12:26:00.003-08:00

Are you a fan of the Masterpiece Classic, Downton Abbey? I have been since I stumbled across the second episode on PBS two years ago.

Even though I think it is worth the hype, it sort of surprised me when Downton really took off in popularity. People I meet at the park watch it, it is featured in entertainment magazines, and I have even seen folks proudly pinning photos of Maggie Smith that say things like, "Dowager is my Home Girl." {Yes, I re-pinned that one.} It is nice to know that in an age where reality TV is the fashion, a well scripted Public Television show can still make it.

And while we are waiting for the third season, I thought I would share some similarly well produced mini-series with those of you who are fans of the style of an age gone by. Netflixers, you will be happy to know that all of these are available in streaming {with the exception of Little Dorrit, which you WILL want to rent!}. Just promise you won't stay in your PJ's all day, lock the door, and occasionally eat peanut butter from the jar. View responsibly, folks.

The Forsyte Saga is only recommended if you are drawn to the drama of Downton Abbey. It is definitely a Soap Opera, with morality lines constantly being crossed. However, it is not without it's charm, oodles of well developed characters, and a pretty spectacular ending.

Check out Lady Mary Grantham in the British SciFi mini series Hogfather. "Human beings make life so interesting," Death said. "Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to invent boredom." There is nothing boring about this quirky tale of a grim reaper who must cover for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Little Dorrit, as I mentioned above is not streaming. But it is worth the 2 or 3 trips to the mailbox. Plot never made Dickens great. While the plot of Little Dorrit is superb, it is in true Dickens fashion that the characters take the cake. There are many familiar faces, splendid set pieces, and passages of social observation that go into creating this world you will want to get lost in.

The Wingless Bird deals with class issues in pre-WWI England, love triangles, and the dramatic elements of a "heavier" romance... but not mindlessly. There are the complications of the maimed war veteran, similar to Downton Abbey {though, this series was done many years before}, and you fall in love with the candy-making heroine.

Bonnets, wigs, a morgue, blackmail, suicide, embezzlement, kidnapping, and murder, not to mention tuberculosis, opium addiction, spontaneous combustion, oh yes, and romance... are some of what you will find in Bleak House. Maybe not happy endings for all, maybe mostly made of scallywags... but those who are good, and whose endings are good... will touch your heart dearly. Not to mention, a former X-Files investigator in a main role? Say Wha??

If you wish to see Lord Grantham in a less decent role, check him out as the rather heartless Henleigh Grandcourt in Daniel Deronda. This is a complicated but captivating tale of love, cruelty and redemption. It sheds light on a subject that most are not very familiar with : the plight and prejudice of Jews in Victorian England.

A mysterious waterfront death is the opening for the complex saga, Our Mutual Friend. A story that is full of romance, murder, secret identities, and amazing twists.

Wives and Daughters is not as much about the sweetness of that relationship as it is about the rivalry that all women feel sometimes when it comes to love, both with their fathers and future husbands.

While Colour Blind deals with interracial marriage, ignorance, prejudice and other more scandalous subjects... it is done tastefully. You end up falling in love with the main characters, and thanking God that some things have changed over time.

By the way, you can also watch the first season of Downton Abbey on Netflix streaming, if you have not yet joined in the obsession. :)

xoxo

Kristin

Project Jubilee

2012-02-17T11:17:00.007-08:00

I am on a break from the blog. I know that it has been seriously needed because within the first few days my creative juices were flowing freer and I was inspired by things instead of frustrated by them; my art journal was looking less blank, and my days in general were running smoother.

I am not back yet, but I have had a couple of things on my heart lately that I needed to share. This is one of them; this is Project Jubilee.

I encourage you to read my friend Lisa's post about why she started this project, and her goals to support the International Justice Mission. If you know very little about human trafficking, it would not surprise me. Most people are not aware of the long fingers that extend from this malicious industry. Maybe if you have watched that movie Taken or a few episodes of the Wire, you have at least a little idea of what I am talking about. Not a very realistic one, mind you. Daddies do not save the daughters who are sold as sex slaves in reality. There is no escape for the millions of children and women traded all over this world, even in our nation.

It is heart breaking. It really and truly breaks my heart, as a free woman and a mother to little ones who play in a very safe situation every day.

That is why I wanted to make some necklaces to help Lisa meet her fundraising goals. I wish I could help in some bigger way, but I think if we all do what we can with what we've got... we could make a difference.

When I learned about Project Jubilee, it was right after I had made my first necklace with this design. I made it for myself based off of something I had seen in a store, and it had little significance. Almost immediately after reading about Project Jubilee, I knew how I wanted to share this necklace. To me, each cluster represents a wishing star; the two broken stars are for the dreams of children enslaved. The middle star represents a hopeful restoration.

Please, feel free to donate, share Lisa's story with your own followers, or order a necklace. I will customize your order in any colors you prefer: I think this would be really cool in children's birthstone colors as a mother's day present.

At any rate, from what I know about the folks that stop by this blog, you are all intelligent and free men and women. Take a few moments to increase your awareness about human trafficking, and support the movement of those who are working very hard to rescue people from it. Or, if you are so inspired, start your own movement. :)

xoxo

Kristin

P.S.--- you can find these necklaces in the shop now!

Three Squeezes... or Four.

2012-02-12T16:26:00.004-08:00

There are times when I wonder how much my husband loves me.

I guess I know it. But I am greedy. I want assurances of his affection. I want to constantly feel like he understands me and is attracted to me, and while he may not always agree with my point, that he accepts it as a part of who I am.

I guess that in most marriages, there are times when you feel more like estranged roommates than God-endorsed soul mates. It happens. You are still individuals with lives that for eight+ hours a day are lived separately. It takes dedication to keep the romance alive.

Sometimes, I look at other couples, and am like, "Oh that's so cute, they have a thing." You know what a thing is, right? It is that special little way to know you love each other. Whether it is a song, or a place, it is something tangible that can always be connected to your story.

Sometimes I forget, because it gets stale from lack of use, that Matt and I have a thing. Back in the day, occasionally when we were holding hands, we would squeeze simultaneously three times, "I-love-you." Than an obnoxious squeeze to the death on the fourth for,"Mooooost!"

Matt once said that this was a way we could secretly let each other know our feelings. Even after a fight when we did not feel like talking. Even when we were old. Even as one of us lay on our deathbed unable to speak, there would be this other way for final communication. How Nicholas Sparks of him, right? He was such a sap when we were dating.

I hate that the dating version of us was in some ways better than the married one. Not in all ways, mind you. Our married life has a smoothness and a softness to it that the dating one did not have. It is like a rock that is constantly being washed. But when we were dating, he wooed me. And I dressed up for him. And we couldn't wait to be alone so we could kiss. I miss that so much. Now we are busy, we are lazy, we are tired. I don't want to judge one of us over the other; together we have been allowing dampness to settle on our flame.

So I think when he comes home, I am going to take him by the hand.

One-two-three-four.

Just so he knows, we still have a thing.

On my life {at the moment}

2012-01-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

1. I am starting preschool with the JeDi. Not trying to be too strict with it, but they are growing in their desire to learn, and their ability to pay attention is longer than 5 seconds now, so it's time to take advantange.

2. Potty-training the JeDi: this is proving to be much more challenging than I thought it would. I have come up with some solutions to get them going, but it is going to take a lot of patience, dedication, and encouragement.

3. Learning to sew. It's time I show that sewing machine whose boss! My Aunt got me some lovely patterns and such for Christmas, and I am really wanting to start!

4. I had some very clear and achievable goals for weight loss this year, that I have not been dedicated to. Mostly, when I have "me" time it is sporadic. I never know when exactly it is going to be, and it is easier to finish that craft I've been giddy about, or to sit in front of a computer, then to do a bunch of squats and crunches. Then I end up nibbling the whole time, and before I know it, 'sweet mother, I've consumed 500 calories!' This has got to change.

5. Personal callings: I am re-evaluating some of my goals... and really laying before the Lord my desires, to be processed and regurgitated...I just need to know if some of the things I am doing are selfish or not.

6. Making this house a home: I have had some home projects that I need to/ want to do to make our house more 'homey'. We have such a short time here, that I really need to complete these projects if I want to enjoy them at all!

~That being said, I am officially turning my blog off today, and will not turn it back on until March 1st. This is a well needed break, and I hope it brings me back with fresh perspective, some goals accomplished, and maybe some journey-sharing to do.

I am going to miss it! But, I think it will be a good miss.

xoxo,

Kristin

While I was away...

2012-01-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

While I was away last week, I received a nomination from Hey Sparky! What time is it? for the One Lovely Blog Award! Shucks, I'm speechless. The brains behind Sparky is Lisa, a funny and creative blogger whose outlook on life will both move you, and cause you to giggle at the same time. Thanks, Lisa!

This award is personal, just a way for bloggers to encourage each other to keep up the good work. There are three rules to follow:

1. Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Name your nominated blogs (10-15 is the standard number). Notify them that you have done so.
3. Share seven things about yourself.

I do not have 10-15 blogs to pass this award on to... heavens, I wish I had time to read that many! But there have been a few creators of kinder words that I have come in contact with who always brighten my day.

isavirtue Kaitlyn Patience's blog is always a treasure chest of inspiring quotes and images. And she makes some fetching stationary... a very lovely blogger indeed!

Rutheanne With an E is probably the youngest blogger I follow, but has more talent in her pinky than runs in the entire Seales/Waggy clan. Seriously. She sings, she sews, and she is incredibly witty.

Love.Bliss.Life. Alejandra is a new bloggy friend, but I feel such a kindred spirit with her through the eye-candy in her blog!

Little Cloud Ngaio May is a New Zealand friend. I say she is a friend, because she was one of the first people I did not know to leave comments on my blog. I don't think she has any idea how encouraging that was to me! Through her comments, I found her blog... and admittedly, wish I were a college student in New Zealand!

7 things About me:

1. I cannot fall asleep unless my hair is up.

2. I am neurotic about dental hygiene, and I'll give you a worthy hint: no matter how much you brush, your breath will smell if you don't floss.

3. I love felt. Really, REALLY love it. It makes me giddy that I can buy anything with such a realm of possibilities for 78 cents a square.

4. I convince myself once a year that I missed my calling to be the next girly folk singer, record myself on my laptop, listen for a few dedicated minutes, then press DELETE.

5. My little boys are my life. I feel a mixture of happiness and sadness every day, as I struggle to balance the discipline with the cuddling, and try to stop the hours-and-days-monsters that keep making them bigger.

6. No matter how hard I try, and I have tried a lot lately... I can't seem to figure out Twitter. Is there a hidden formula?

7. I am motivated and inspired by comments, like those I received from the above blogs. Thank you so much for sharing your love, thoughts, and experiences...

xoxo
Kristin

Kinder Words: Part 5

2012-01-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I know I am too competitive. Sometimes, I know I compare myself to other women, and see my ugliness in light of their beauty. Sometimes, I do that same comparison and feel I am a step ahead, only to have that flimsy notion deflate under someone else's glory.

In this whole wild world of paths and streets and avenues and roadways we can easily become lost. Maybe that is why we feel that we need to walk anothers path, or that perhaps they are treading on ours. I don't think that men have this problem quite as badly as we do. Perhaps it is because the traditional role of a woman is to spread her plumes. We all want to be the reddest rose on the bush.

I once read in a Victorian-era book that it's the midwife's job to sit on her hands and sing songs in the other room, while all-the-while trusting that mama can do it, that baby can do it, and that all will come into being just as it is meant to. I'm so grateful for this metaphor, as it has changed my approach to my fellow molders of the creative process.

I no longer look at a successful and skilled crafter, and think, "She is living my life... the tart!" I realize that sometimes we are giving birth, and sometimes we are sitting in the other room, singing songs of hope, encouraging the new mothers of art, and waiting our turn.

There is something loyal and sweet and not at all small about that role. I think most of us aspire to be midwives... to see new life enter the world, and to realize we have some small part in it even though the baby is not our own. Not wanting to claim the child, just wanting to take joy in the amazing process of birth.

xoxo
Kristin

Fancy Pants

2012-01-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

-Grey nail polish is very fancy. Yes, it even makes me want to spell fancy. Which is why 'grey' nail polish is my 'favourite.'

-My mother gave me this fawn brooch which she had since childhood. I could never wear it, because it was heavy and pulled at my cardigans, so I made it into a ring, when I saw this fancy tutorial.

- Frank Sinatra makes me feel fancy.

-This is a mighty fancy macaroon recipe.

- A glass of wine, and Adele make for fancy house cleaning.

- Making new friends is always fancy.

- Bright colored cardigans, with sweater clips of course.

- Pride and Prejudice, without argument, a very fancy novel.

- Gnocchi

- The second season of 'Downton Abbey' is making Sunday evenings most fancy. I brew a pot of Chocolate Chai Tea and snuggle up with hubs and Masterpiece Theater.

- Anthropologie

- I have never considered blue to be a favorite color, but it is fancy. Hence the little bluebirds I am in the process of making, sitting in their fancy perch on my bookshelf.

- Singing in the car
- Chanel
- Writing in my journal...

What is your fancy?
xoxo
Kristin

A Crafting Endeaver

2012-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends...

I have a new obsession: a crafting endeavor that has turned out so right, I plan to attempt one in every color. I just love it when this happens... which is not often. I spend a lot of time experimenting, which means working through the irritating, the sloppy and the unfinished. It's a learning process... and as all moms out there know, nothing is a "quick" project with youngsters. Even the most notably simple craft is plagued by countless interruptions, usually the kind that involve you making one end while the other is being destroyed by tiny hands. I am right.

So when something that is simple, and lovely, and exactly what you wanted just...

happens...

You shout, "glory to the stars!" and rise to that cheesecake and unicorn cloud, thanking the crafting lords for this victory. Finally. No, I'm not obsessed with unicorns. Moving on...

I may attempt a few of these for the shop. I really am giddy about mine, not that you could tell.
xoxo Kristin

A few thoughts on self-promotion...

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, a friend of mine wrote about the evils of women using blogs for self-promotion. To be very clear, this sweet lady is one of the most humble, feminine people I know. Truly, she is a dear. So when she posted very strong ideas about blogging in this way, I felt guilty about my desire to blog my thoughts, put up pictures of myself, or do crafty tutorials. For her, personal blogging as a mom should be about your family. Not boasting about the creative things you do, or posing in photos wearing a cute outfit. I get where she is coming from. How many self-absorbed minutes go into those posts, and are they glorifying to God...

That is why it has taken me months of battling to finally decide...

That I disagree. Respectfully of course.

The reason I started blogging was because I was up at 3 am every morning with two screaming babies, hundreds of miles from my mother, not working for the first time in ten years...and feeling lost. One of these mornings as I randomly googled, I came across a few women who changed my life.

Their blogs made me laugh and cry, and feel completely understood. It was nice to know I wasn't alone. It was good to be inspired. I felt like, through their blogs, I knew them personally, which of course I didn't. But that kind of transparency made me feel less guilty about my down days, helped me realize the messy work of mommy-hood is beautiful enough to be appreciated as well, and encouraged me to pursue some of my own little crafty endeavors, which both allow me to express myself and keep me sane.

So, with that said, here are a few reasons why I blog the things that I do:

~I blog my thoughts, so you can know me.
~I blog crafts, because it provides community. I know I am not the craftiest mom in the planet, but posting my little projects helps me connect with moms on a level that isn't based entirely on the fact that we are moms.
~I blog cute outfit posts in the KinderKloset to inspire others to buy second-hand.
~I set up a shop on Etsy, and advertise in order to make a little profit on these things that I do. The Proverbs 31 wife did the same thing in her day.

I have never felt jealousy over another woman's blog or personal vanity or self-righteousness over mine. I think that it is an art of communication... not a hierarchy. Certainly there are some excellent photographers, crafters, and writers, whose blogs become crazy popular because they provide us average folk with inspiration. But most of us are not blogging for fame and fortune... we are blogging for fun and friendship. Amen.

Please check out some of my favorite bloggers here.
xoxo Kristin

In an Instant...

2012-01-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

The belly grows.
The baby cries.
The snuggle's gone.
The first smile fades.
The giggles transform.
The spit is wiped.
The diaper changed.
The knee is scraped.
The hug is tight.
The hero is you.
The fright is over.
The night is gone.
The "I love you." is said.
The inches add.
The faces change.

...it's all over in an instant. Sometimes, this moment is the one to live in.

xoxo Kristin

DIY: Potty Chart

2012-01-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Supplies:
~Scrap fabric
~Felt
~String and/ or twine
~Pen
~Frame {take glass out}

Each time the Jedi successfully go potty, they put a starfish in the treasure chest, and get the appropriate prize {depending on if it is #1 or #2}. Whenever all of the starfish are in the box, we get a very special treat! This is really a great for us, because the boys are in love with boats, and we have been reading the Pirate Potty book. I'm hoping they will enjoy being competitive with each other.

xoxo Kristin

Self-Portraits are not my Thing

2012-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

If you have read this post, you know that I have had a continual issue with my hair. But all that I fessed up to were the things that happened after childbirth.

What I did not say was that ever since I was 17, I have cut and dyed my own hair. Before you are like, 'wow, she is SO the Renaissance woman', you should know that this was not always a good thing. It was pure stubbornness, and stinginess. I was so afraid of someone else messing my hair up, or not doing exactly what I wanted, and having to pay them $60+ for dissatisfaction, that I just refused to go.

After ten years of exploring various colors and lengths, it was my husband who finally said enough was enough. He wanted me to grow my hair, and have it professionally cared for {such an obnoxious doll, isn't he? Spending his hard-earned money to ruin my fun...} So, for Christmas this year he got me hooked up with a fabulous new-do. I mean, look at this hotness:

I am feeling seriously spicy with the abundance of vibrant color haloing my scalp. Definitely meeting my full lioness potential today. Look out, world! I might go all real-housewife on you! Just kidding, really.. that was a joke.

xoxo Kristin

2012-01-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Source: verandahhouse.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

I cannot believe it is a new year. When I was young the years went so slowly, filled with anticipation of things to come. Now I have reached a certain age and life is steady and sweet, and I find myself trying to hold on to the ever turning pages of it.

This is the first year in three that I am making resolutions at the beginning. For the past few years, I have been doing 20-something things on my birthday, and filling it more with “bucket list” itinerary than self-improvement issues. For 2012, I am doing a bit of both.

1. Be in the best shape of my life. It wouldn’t be a New Year without giving some thought to those extra bumps and bulges, now would it? Actually, 2011 was good for me. For years I was very gym-shy, and in 2008 a lovely lady whom I worked with volunteered to be my personal trainer. After I had the twins, and my body was something I no longer recognized, I was once again put off by the idea of publicly working out. But literally, I was very blessed to have one friend after another push and encourage me towards the gym. Since we have moved back to Florida, I have had the strength and confidence to go solo. I know that would never have been possible if it had not been for these outside sources.

My goals this year are to increase my run to 3 miles 4x per week, to shed 20 lb-or-at-least turn it from mush to muscle by changing my diet. I have awful snacking tendencies, and often times my food choices affect my health.

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

2. Be a little more fabulous.

Source: dribbble.com via Kristin on Pinterest

3. I have a tentative goal, which I was inspired into by this sweet blog, of creating something new every day. My desire is to stop my obsession with copy-cat ideas from the web, and begin to really embrace my own unique style in the crafting realm. So, each day I will produce one new thing, and I am limiting myself to short stories, sketches, and embroidered creations. Trimming the focus.

Source: google.com via Kristin on Pinterest

4. Master a messy hair-do. Reclaim my sense of fashion. I have been floundering in the mothering years, trying to decide if it is alright to still shop in the Jr. department or must I graduate to Liz Claybourne?

5. Successfully nurture my first kitchen garden. I have been pining after home-grown veggies lately. I am really looking forward to my Farmer Kristin role.

6. Start preschool and finish potty training. Amen.

7. As far as learning new things, this year I plan on showing the sewing machine who’s boss, as well as becoming more awesome at Twitter. I also plan on going scuba diving and wind surfing.

It's not too late to resolve! Need some inspiration? Why not try this printable resolution sheet from My Girl Thursday. Or check out some practical ways to start a plan here.

In Retrospective...

2011-12-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

This year we tried to keep it real. Christmas was about the simple and important things. We were going to spend it with our family for the first time since the Jedi were born. We were going to decorate a tree together, read the Christmas story, and distribute handmade gifts. It was supposed to be a time of intimate and adorable family fun. And not that it was not all of those things, but somehow, we still managed to get extremely caught up in the material world. I don't know how that happens, but I am determined not to fret over it... I enjoyed the blurry whirling-dervish of crumpled paper, the ecstasy on little faces, the entirely too late nights spent on pallets in the living-room watching Christmas specials, and the excited play that ruined nap-time and eventually led to mass chaos.

My lack of photography over the holiday season is my one true blue of Christmas. I am tired of this little photo of the handmade ornaments that I made for every one of our family members. But I didn't take any others, so, whoa is me. Other fancies for our loved ones included:

~felt dahlia brooches with sneaky wallet photo pocket in the back for the Grans.
~Handmade and embroidered photo journals.
~Framed pics.
~Bags of white chocolate covered pretzels.
~Hedgehog bookends for the sis {I simply will HAVE to share a photo of that sometime.}
~Exquisite jars of local honey.
~Embroidered gift tags

{Pinterest people. I didn't even have to try to be creative, it did it for me. But shhhh... don't tell.}

Some things that I now am enjoying, due to the influence of the season:

~Shouting in excitement at every signal light, "Mommy! Mommy! Lights!"

~Similar every time we pass an evergreen, "Mommy! Mommy! TREE!"

And thanks to Matt's parents, Nascar is now an official part of my day. If Nascar involves running into as many people, small animals and trees as possible, and melt-downs when the cars have to be put away for lunch-time. Awesome sauce, it truly is.

xoxo Kristin

Making Christmas

2011-12-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

There are some things we obsess over our entire lives. Certain smells, and textures, and tastes will always mean love, tenderness, and the warmth of family. Chocolate Chip Pie is one of those rich pleasures that hold me. I don't remember when in my childhood my mother perfected this goodness, but it was always something I anticipated {on special occasions, such as when we would have guests, or for the holidays.}

Now that I'm grown, I appreciate the rarity of this treat, since it tends to stick to my thighs. So, I allow the pleasure to be momentary.

I have added my own tradition to the pie: less chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of butterscotch.

You know that moment... about 10 minutes before the thing is finished, when the air carries it's goodness, and your mouth start watering? Then you open the oven and the only word that comes to mind is...

The Christmas music is playing, the lights on the tree twinkle softly, and a cool breeze whistles about the ancient window panes of my apartment. And I am waiting. Anticipating my moment of pleasure. I can think of no better circumstances for finishing some handmade ornament and gift tags. :)

xoxo Kristin

I AM {AT THE MOMENT}...

2011-12-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

…confident and calm one second, overwhelmed and floundering the next. It's very frustrating and a little ridiculous. I hate feeling so anxious.

…enjoying the coziness of a handmade scarf from my darling sister. And also appreciating the scarf weather that manages to show up here and there.

…trying to reevaluate a few things. Trying to figure out if finding a perfect balance is even possible.

…entirely too giddy about Starbucks seasonal drinks, the Muppet Movie {which I ?may? take the boys to see}, and anything shiny.

…thankful for small successes. I have not mastered the Etsy thing yet, but each time an item enters a treasury or a wishlist, I feel that I am getting just a bit more successful with my craft. And I allow that to counteract the feelings of failure that creep up. Also a bit excited/ nervous about my goal to enter a few craft fairs next year{!}.

…feeling incredibly spoiled by a husband who picks up toys, makes boys breakfast, buys me little presents, and always treats my crazy moments with humor. Amen.

…currently obsessed with the Frank Sinatra holiday station on Pandora, anything involving mass amounts of semisweet chocolate chips, trying to get the munchkins to sing Deck the Halls {and giggling over the way it sounds like the final scene of A Christmas Story}, Suave Professionals dry shampoo, and New Girl.

…wondering who I've become, considering that what I really want for Christmas this year is new drinking glasses, and possibly some lawn furniture.

…sleepy. All the time. Which doesn't make any sense.

…happiest on a rainy day. Spending a cozy morning cuddled up on an expansive couch with toddlers, and dogs, and massive amounts of fleece blankets. Drinking coffee with delicious (albeit fattening) creamer and a hint of cinnamon. Staying in our PJs for longer than necessary.

…incredibly giddy about the holidays. I have a feeling they're going to be different this year. A good kind of different, because we have our tiny little family in the place where Matt and I grew up, and so much to be thankful for.

xoxo Kristin

The Kinder Project: Part 2

2011-11-16T06:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes those things that seem big, are really quite small.

{...remembering that if you were two, you would grab a peer by the hand, smile unashamedly, and play your heart out.}

The Kinder Project
To Write Love on Her Arms

xoxo Kristin

The Kinder Project: Part 1

2011-11-14T08:18:00.001-08:00

Listen for them, sometimes they just whisper.

And what, pray tell, could be happier than the spinny chair?

In moments of despair, there are truths that we can cling to. One being, that each member of humanity {like branches of a tree}, exists for the sake of others.

The best way to be loved, is to love.

The Kinder Project
To Write Love on Her Arms

xoxo Kristin

The Kinder Project:

2011-11-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

{source}

There once was a girl.... a very beautiful, very sad girl.

It is time I told you a little about her. Because of her, Kinder Words was born.

I can still see her when I close my eyes, as I saw her nearly four years ago. She was the kind of pretty that's hard to forget... flawless skin, shiny hair, everything petite and graceful.

I was a bit intimidated when I first met her. She had just come home from deployment in Iraq and was going to be training me in my new civilian position on the Charleston AFB. She was very nice to me, and patiently guided me... but her speech was rough, as had obviously been her life.

I was a little afraid to be myself around her... I felt naive and sheltered. We had little in common.

Yet, somehow... a bond was formed.
Not as tight as some I have experienced, nor as some she had experienced I am sure. But it was undeniably there.

After several months of working together, we became friends. We would go to the gym together, exchange silly emails, I made her tiramisu on her birthday, and we goofed off into the wee hours of the morning.

It is amazing to me how I could have been so clueless to the extent of her suffering. Of course, I knew there were things wrong... I knew she wanted to stick it to the man, she had plenty of ghosts in her past, and a couple of drawers full of anti-depressants. But I never knew how unhappy she was...

There was a call early one morning. As I hung up the phone, I felt numb... not sure if I believed it. How could it be possible that she had really done that? That she was really gone forever?

...I was honored to be able to speak at her funeral. It's not easy to say the right words when you are so confused. I just wanted everyone to know how lovely she was, and how important her life was. But the right words...

the right words...

the right words...

Haunted me.

Had I not said them? I could think of half a dozen times when she had shared intimate secrets with me, and I had not known how to comfort her. I could think of even more times than that when a complaint, or a remark that seemed normal was actually a cry for help. Good God, I knew there had been failures that I could never undo. Any opportunity to shine kindness into this girl's life was over.

Because of this devastating reality, my eyes were opened.

I am not invisible.

You are not invisible.

Every time you come in contact with another human being is an opportunity to make their life better, or worse. But it will never the same.

It was a huge awakening for an introverted soul like mine.

For some reason, simple actions were/are difficult for me sometimes. To smile and wish a good day to a stranger, to encourage a cashier, or lend a quick hand to an elderly person or struggling mother, to speak to my neighbors when we are out on the lawn...

But, it was time to stop making excuses for opportunities lost. It was time to speak some kindness into the lives of invisible suffering that surrounded me.

Of course, I still fail. There are days, even weeks, when I revert back into my shy habits. But, then I wake up and jump back on that horse again.

In honor of Rachelle, I am doing something a little different this week. I am going to be taking photos and posting them, each containing some words that I hope will inspire you into a movement of your own. If at any time during the week, you feel especially touched, and would like to help the victims of depression, please go to this site, To Write Love On Her Arms and donate a few dollars. It would mean so much to me if you would tell them that you are doing it in honor of Rachelle Sloan.

Rachelle Sloan
1984-2008

xoxo Kristin

She and Him: Part 2

2011-11-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Ta on Pinterest

Confession: I was squeamish about posting that first encounter with my husband.

Confession: I get a little flustered when people ask me about when we met.

When you meet the love of your life, it is supposed to be perfect, right? He looks, she looks, a dim glow enfolds the room, perhaps doves take off from somewhere... the chemistry is magical... there is no mean or awkward in those first moments of attraction.

But sometimes,

the best love stories happen when we see each other transparently from the beginning. We see the things we don't like, and we realize that person is so worth it anyway.

Sometimes, genuine love stories are filled with awkward details, that other people may not get... but are perfect signs that two people should be together.

Source: Uploaded by user via Tara on Pinterest

The first time Matt and I went out, we fought like brats.

The first time we kissed, my dad came in the room.

The first time I told him I loved him, I took it back.

I had never had this much trouble before.

Yet, in spite of it, I knew deeper each time I was near him, that this was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. I think the permanence of that thought brought out the worst in me. It was a little scary...

But beautiful. I felt a calmness settling over me that I had not experienced, that no girl can understand until she realizes she is willing to give her years to someone. I could imagine Matt, a grumpy old man in sweaters and fishing hats, and me with ultimately blue hair and knitting needles sitting together on a park bench... and I knew it was all I wanted.

We didn't plan a wedding. He didn't propose {officially} until 2 weeks before the day we already knew we were going to get hitched. We quietly exchanged our personal vows on a lovely beach, with a bulldozer in the background. We didn't invite anyone, but wonderful people showed up anyway. It was perfect.

The greatest part of our love story is that we are determined to keep writing it. We don't let the arguments, or the awkward moments {yes, they still exist at times}, or the hard times deter us... maybe because we started with them we know their rhythm.
Maybe because of them, we experience greater joy in those calm serene moments, when we have nothing to do but sit together reading, and can occasionally look at each other and smile.

xoxo Kristin

A "Latte" Goodness

2011-11-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

images borrowed

Peppermint Mocha

1 candy cane {crushed}
1/2 Hershey's milk chocolate bar
1/3 C milk
1 sm cup espresso ~or~ strong coffee

In a medium-sized coffee cup, microwave chocolate and peppermint on high for 2 minutes. Add milk and microwave for 3 more minutes, stopping each minute to stir briskly with a small whisk. When completely dissolved, add coffee.

*For parties: top with frothed milk, and red sugar crystals.

Butterscotch Latte

2 T butterscotch chips
1 T choc chips
1/3 C milk
1 sm cup espresso ~or~ strong coffee

{repeat same steps as above.}

*For Hot Chocolate, add one more T choc chips, and when completely dissolved, fill to the top with milk and heat for 30 sec longer.

Why have dessert and coffee when you can have dessert "in" coffee?!! Now that it is cold outside, I am definitely going to serve some friends a sweet steamy drink this weekend.

xoxo Kristin

2011-11-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

They make great gifts for kids, too! xoxo Kristin

She and Him: Part 1

2011-11-08T04:55:00.001-08:00

"So, what are you doing later tonight?" I asked my friend Ashley as I drove across the Mid-Bay bridge.

"I'm going swing dancing in P'Cola with the Alabanza crew."

"Oh," my "Oh" sounded a bit like an "Ew".

Ashley laughed, "You could come with me."

"Let me think, I have four left feet, so that could equal disaster." I didn't add the other thing I was thinking... the "Besides, I don't really know those people, and you will leave me as soon as J arrives and I don't want to be forced to be sociable and... touch people I don't really know."

"It's up to you," she said in that snooty voice which meant she knew I had nothing better to do, so she wasn't going to beg.

"Fine," I said. "It could be fun, I guess. I have a vintage skirt."

Ashley was one of the few people who knew me. She knew that I was just out of a serious relationship and still ridding myself of it's baggage. She knew that was why I had nothing to do on a Friday night. She was my confidante, and a completely understanding friend.

But, Ashley was in a different place than I was. She had met the man she was going to marry, and couldn't be carrying my butt whilst convincing him to give up his bachelorhood.

I got it.

I needed to branch out.

The Alabanza crew were good people. They were our local church group, and while I hadn't particularly made an effort to "hang" with them before, I was sure they would be cool about it. Of course, I was not going to dance.

"Could you just show me the basics one more time?"

Ashley rolled her eyes,"They teach you there."

"I need to be pre-taught just to get the teaching."

"You just follow the guy's lead. It's that easy."

"I don't know how to do that. I'll just watch."

"Whatever you want."

My heart pounded a bit, as we arrived at L's apartment where everyone was meeting up for snacks first. I shouldn't have come, I thought. This is out of my element. No one is going to be here that I can... hello.

That "hello," in my brain greeted a very cute smile and a pair of twinkling blue eyes. They twinkled. I recognized him, I had met him before... but I guess I just hadn't noticed. I had always wanted for my entire life to marry someone with twinkling blue eyes. Wait, what was I thinking? No, no, no. No boys. Boys equal disaster. hmm....twinkly.

Maybe I could dance after all. I mean, they did teach you, and how hard could it be... my grandmother did it. And I could get a few minutes, just me and blue eyes. That could be fun.

...

I wonder why blue eyes isn't asking me to dance? Maybe because I stepped on his toes during the lesson. What a pansy. I noticed he was paying a lot of attention to that Kari girl. Maybe I'm not his type. Oh, well. who needs him...

"Are you ready to go? Kari and Matt are riding back with us."

"Oh." it sounded a bit like, "Ew." Ashley looked at me, but shrugged it off.

Kari and Matt climbed snuggly in the backseat of Ashley's convertable. I buckled up front.

"What was your name again?" Matt asked.

"Kristin."

"Well, Kristin..." he said, leaning forward until his face was close to mine, "You really can't dance."

"I can, too! You just don't understand my moves." Loser... I was so glad Ashley was dropping me off first so I wouldn't have to be in the car with them for very long.

Next morning Ash called me.

"Hey, Kristin! " she squealed.

"You're gushing... why are you gushing?"

"You know that Matt guy who rode with us? Well, he is J's best friend and he's a really good guy. I think you should know that."

"...why?"

"He has the BIGGEST crush on you and couldn't stop asking me questions all night long! Of course, I made it VERY CLEAR you weren't dating now." she stated proudly.

{stay tuned for part 2}

2011-11-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

November is a busy month. Not only do I have several Christmas projects to finish, we are moving for the second time this year. It will not be far, but still the effort it takes to box and un-box doesn't happen overnight for a family of four.

I am very grateful, however, that we are able to make this move. It will be a good thing for us in many ways, and it truly is a blessing.

I did finish my first felt ornament. She is an owl, and her name is Clementine.

I was making her as a gift, but I may create a sister to give away and keep Clem for my tree. She is just so sweet.

xoxo Kristin

dear generation...

2011-11-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Angels are not the only evidence of God's devotion to us. They are not the only ones who bestow grace, or perform miracles, or send us divine messages.

If you are blessed enough to have been surrounded since birth by those that love you, then you know what I mean. If you had to wait until you were older to experience this kind of love, then you know how rare and beautiful it is, and I hope you will pass it on to those under you.

Nothing makes me more sad than to see wayward young people continually hurt the good folk that love them. Certainly, we all have to walk our own path... but there is always a way to do that and still show respect where it is deserved.

Even when I was too full of myself to admit it, it was always this haven called family that took me back when no one else would, or guarded me against harm, or helped me up when I had fallen.

So, my dear generation, I believe it is time for you to lay down the hatchet you took up against your clan. It is time to stop regarding their imperfections, as they so gallantly have done with yours.

{For someday, I hope: you will see the patriarch of your heritage influencing the whims of your young ones... and it will make you smile.}

xoxo Kristin

2011-11-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

I just love pairing a sundress with some leggings and boots. It is such a lovely way to transition a summer outfit to cool weather. It is a misconception that you need an entirely different wardrobe for winter than for summer. All you really need is a coat, a couple of cardigans, and thick tights. xoxo Kristin

Under the Weather

2011-11-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have barely been online since Friday.

The reason being, I have been a bit ill. When you are feeling under the weather, and have two rambunctious toddlers, all of your spare moments are spent sipping hot tea and slipping into unconsciousness.

At any rate we had a fabulous Halloween. Despite Titus' expression in my last post, he wore his cape most of the night, and enjoyed putting his mask on and trying to frighten people.

Their grandparents thoroughly enjoyed them, and stuffed them well beyond their limits of sugar. :/

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When I am sick, my lips get pretty chapped. Well, in the winter-time in general, that happens. This is my home remedy, that keeps my lips feeling soft, no matter what:

Equal parts:
sugar
olive oil
kayro syrup

I rub this concoction on lips twice a day before I wash my face. {It's so sweet and tasty, too!}

Do you have any "winter" home remedies? xoxo Kristin

The Rascally Waggy Boys

2011-10-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a recent post that I am not an all-out Halloween girl. I just love the candy and the costumes. I am more of a Fall Festival girl. In fact, if we had one of those available to us this year, that is exactly what we would do.

Anywho, I wanted to keep Halloween costumes simple, for a plethora of reasons.

1. We won't be trick-or-treating at all. We are just going to spend the evening with extended family.

2. The nudity obsession apparently isn't seasonal. My kids are constantly peeling their clothes off. What is the point in making/ buying elaborate costumes for them to end up on the floor?

3. We're poor. We can't afford to spend $30 a pop for something they will wear one time.

4. My boys are two... They don't really care a lot at this point. Therefore, they don't need much to be happy.

5. Titus' expression below. I figured the more heart and soul I put into a project like this, the more likely they would hate it. So, I spent $6 on materials, and about 2 hours of my time. We will see if they will wear them come Monday.

{By the way, when I was sewing their initials on the back of the capes, it did NOT occur to me that this looked a bit like the Tide emblem.}

I still have to tighten the strap on the masks a little, and hem the bottom of the capes. Also, these pics look like the eye-holes are small, but they really aren't, I think it just looks that way because the straps needed adjusting.

And despite what you would think, they have actually been asking to wear their costumes all day. I believe they feel mommy won't punish them for yelling and body slamming each other incognito.

xoxo Kristin

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

2011-10-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

1/4 C chilled pumpkin puree
1/2 C frozen cool whip {light}
1/2 C vanilla frozen yogurt {or ice cream}
1/2 C milk
1 sprinkle pumpkin spice
2 handful gingersnap crumbs {fine}

blend.

Add a generous dollop of cool whip and a sprinkle of ginger-crumbs to top.

"Fall" in love promptly. Close your eyes and dream of holidays past, flannel nightshirts, and piles of multicolored leaves. Just, dream.

Yes, this is how we do Autumn in Florida.

xoxo Kristin

Mr. Bicycle Man

2011-10-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Up til this point, only my husband knew of my obsession.

There is a man who rides his bike in our neighborhood. Contrary to the happy state of cyclists that I had come to believe in, this was the grumpiest man I have ever encountered.

Every day, I would wave to him, and give him a friendly greeting.

Every day he ignored me, and scowled.

I made it a personal mission to brighten his day. I thought, this man may have a sweet family, and just a bad disposition. But maybe he doesn't have anyone... maybe he has a lot to be grumpy about.

So every day since June, I have been waving like an idiot to this unresponsive person. Sometimes I say, "Hello," or "God bless you today!" But mostly I don't say much, in order to not be obtrusive. It has been frustrating, and I have been tempted to give up. But...

Yes. That's what I saw yesterday. Mission accomplished.

Spooky Shoe Clips

2011-10-24T08:44:00.001-07:00

I am not much of a Halloween girl, in theory. I don't like scary movies, or big spiders in the lawn, or orange and purple twinkle lights. I have never been trick-or-treating, and don't intend to take my kids.

But I do LOVE candy....

And I do LOVE dressing up...

When I was working, we had the option to come in costume on this one day of the year. I was never one to be embarrassed to show up dressed to the max. But other ladies were. If you want to take part in Halloween dress-up, but are a little shy of going all out, here is a good project for you.

Let your feet be festive!

All you need is felt, hot glue, clip on earring backs {or alligator clips, which you can get from Walmart}, and thread if you want to do a little stitching, which is completely optional.

The scariest picture is of my unpainted toes. Yikes! ~Happy Monday~ xoxo Kristin

2011-10-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

For the soon-to-be mom of a boy:

I really don’t have much knowledge about the differences between raising girls and boys. I know they exist, because others have told me. But I'm sure each child is different.

I have noticed, however, that mothers of boys tend to look a bit more worn, a bit more defeated.

...boys just know how to scare us, and surprise us, and stretch us to our limits.

...there comes a point when you have reached that final straw and realize that each day has to be given to the Lord, because He alone can guide you through its many opportunities.

It is so easy, if you are a stay at home mom, to try to have control of your days, to schedule them out in advance, to structure them...

...to feel like if you don’t accomplish certain things in your home and with your children then you have failed.

But little boys don’t always succumb to structure; they don’t often respect the rules of gravity, let alone mommy.

Training them is not something you can expect to happen in a calm and serene manner. It happens on the move, in mid air, through turmoil.

Training a boy is dirty work; things get broken, and mommy emotions are often sky-rocketing.

But it is such a sweet experience.

And through their little whirlwind ways, the Lord shows you the untamed side of His own nature, by forcing you to let go, and let Him.

I encourage you to maintain your gentleness. I encourage you to discipline in love. I encourage you to allow your patience to stretch, and not break.

Take comfort in the bad days: you are not alone. Love the good days, they will be the the most precious you'll ever know. Be thankful for each day: you'll miss them so deeply, and they are fading so fast.

And mostly: wishing you rest that is ever peaceful, coffee that is extra strong, and MANY blessings on your adventure in parenting! xoxo Kristin

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

The boys have been learning how to set the table. It has been a great little chore for them to do; they are always so proud of the praise they get when they put the silverware on the right side of the plate.

Since this is something they enjoy, I decided I would take it on the road with us to Tampa. It proved to be a huge success.

Another great use for sticky sided-felt: find pictures of food in magazines, cut them out, and back them with felt so that they will be more durable and will stick to the felt plates a little. The kids love helping with this part too!

xoxo Kristin

...a "ta da!" list {because doing is magical}

2011-10-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

... get unpacked. We are finally home, after a very successful trip down south. My grandfather did well with his surgery, and enjoyed having the minions there to entertain him shortly after.

...rock a new hairstyle. Because I find it empowering.

... attempt to blog a recipe. I don't normally do this, because my family eats very simple, usually raw meals. But I am in the mood to make some Fall treats.

...finish the boys' Halloween costumes.

...finish my fall decorating.

...say kind words to six strangers. When you are as shy as I am, you have to start somewhere.

... Get a few new items in the shop. I am working on some hair accessories, and other sweet things.

... Take 5 pictures a day. I have been really lax in polishing my photography skills lately. It shows.

Notes to 18-year-old me...

2011-10-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Kristin,

When I look back at you, I see you really were clueless. You thought you knew everything, that you had it going on.... but you were scared sick every day. I wish being 18 wasn't so hard for you. I wish you had more confidence, more wisdom, more true friends. But more than that, I wish you knew what I know now. Here are some things I would tell you, if I had the chance.

1. You are going to make BIG mistakes. SO stop pansy-ing around like a goody-two-shoes. You aren't better than anyone.

2. Boys are just as clueless about life as you are. Quit waiting for one to be the answer to all of your questions.

3. Girlfriends are important, so don't ditch them just because they are acting like self-absorbed hoes. You can love on them without joining them. And by the way, you are also a self-absorbed hoe at times.

4. Find hard work you love doing. And give it your all.

5. Stop blaming your parents. It's not their fault that you are awkward at times, that you are disliked at times, that you are in over your head at times. That's life, and they are just trying to help you through it.

6. So you're cute for the first time in your life, get over yourself. Don't be so aware of the heads that turn when you walk by; you'll be a mom in sweats one day and happier than ever. Don't get caught up in personal appearance.

7. Always be honest about what you want. Otherwise you'll wander aimlessly.

8. Spend more time in silence. Every minute of every day doesn't have to be full of loud music, loud company, loud activities. Cultivate inner peace.

9. Nurture relationships with older women. Face it, they know more than you do.

10. Live below your means. Save those paychecks for future investments.

11. Stop pretending no one cares. People notice how you handle situations, how you handle pressure, how you handle yourself. You need to do those things right.

12. Take pride in that creative side. Don't give up on being an artist just because you aren't the best in your class. Keep striving. The arts are about heart.

13. Run. Literally. Every day. Pride yourself in staying fit.

14. Embrace your innocence. Don't be embarrassed by it. So you're a late bloomer, people will appreciate that. Your husband will appreciate that.

15. Spend more time with children. They're fun!

16. Invest in challenges. Don't avoid every uncomfortable opportunity to grow. It's just part of the season.

17. Cling to like-minded people. Because they are rare, because there are too many who will try to rob you of your morals, because there is strength in community.

18. Become domestic. Cook. Sew. Garden. These are life skill. {And by the way, you'll wish you had more time for them one day.}

..and most of all, I would tell you that despite all of your mistakes, all of the dangerous situations you put yourself in, all of the hurt you endure, IT ALL TURNS OUT GREAT!

xoxo Your Future Self

2011-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

{and knot them together.}

{2 SEPARATE strands. You will combine these in the middle to make the necklace. The loop goes over the knot to connect the necklace in the back. Sorry if that was not clear.}

Hair Challenge: Day 3

2011-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

So far, this is my favorite hair style. It took 2 minutes, and it's so fun and flattering. Definitely check out Paper Mama's tutorial in my original hair challenge post!

Hair Challenge: Day 2

2011-10-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

The hair is the richest ornament of women. ~Martin Luther

Hair brings one's self-image into focus; it is vanity's proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices. ~Shana Alexander

Women.... Who made 'em? God must have been a... genius. Their hair. They say that the hair is everything, you know? Have you ever buried your nose in a mountain of curls, and just wanted to go to sleep forever? ~Bo Goldman, "The Start of an Education," made popular by the movie Scent of a Woman

Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself. ~Hubert de Givenchy, Vogue, July 1985

{Loving the simple look for today! Hoping everyone has an AMAZING day. xoxo Kristin}

Me & Martha

2011-10-05T05:47:00.001-07:00

Martha gives a tip about covering cereal boxes with scrapbook paper and using them as organizers. I love this idea! I did her one up, by putting a magnet on the back of mine, to make it a fridge organizer. It's perfect for keeping coupons, mail, my "Ta Da!" list, and it ensures I have a pen in at least ONE room of the house. :o)

I made a little dry erase patch for the front by altering a plastic pocket. it's exactly what I needed.

Doesn't it look adorable up there, sittin' all organized and crap? Oh, Martha: you do make me so happy.

Every artist needs coffee...

2011-10-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

“As coffee is prepared with art, so one should drink with art.” --- Arab adage

Coffee drinking can be a ritual that is refined and pleasurable. I think putting an effort into making everything you do more fancy isn’t pretentious. It is giving ourselves our best. And when we put our best into everything we do, we feel good about it.

For instance, while drip coffee is convenient, there is nothing like sitting at your kitchen table with a book, and a French press in front of you. Savor the indulgent smell of the coffee preparing itself; slowly press down and watch the foamy lather rise on the rich, dark liquid.

I drink my coffee unaccompanied by sugar, cream, or food of any kind. I read, and sip. I curl my feet up under me. I open the window to feel the soft dew of the morning air. I enjoy using pretty mugs. I am a little obsessed with them, and have far more than my cabinet can hold.

Somehow I feel like I am a little more a part of myself in my singular coffee moments. I get up early to have them. Sometimes as early as 430, depending on the criteria of the day. It is always worth it.

Wishing a little coffee love into everyone's morning... xoxo Kristin

2011-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE my first hair challenge of the week. Did I mention I am awful at braiding? And I hadn't washed my hair in a few days. It's amazing with the negatives that this style still turned out pretty darn cute. Happy Monday!!!~Kristin

Hair, hair, hair...

2011-10-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Source: itsabridesworld.wordpress.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: piccsy.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: wedding.theknot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: thesmallthingsblog.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: funkedupfaces.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Have you ever felt, after you have mourned, that you just need a change? I do. Hair"do", that is. I am going my hand at these fancy styles this week. Something about doing it makes me giddy. Even small changes can be good for the soul. I'm excited for next week! xoxo Kristin

"Kind" of tough...

2011-09-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been full of little tragedies. Some are healing, some may not ever. Most of them popped right out of the blue, and took me by surprise. These things have not made it hard to believe that God is good and faithful; in fact, I find myself clinging to that hope as comfort.

My struggle is to not become self-consumed when the negatives pile up... To remember that there is a full world, and each hardship is known. Mine are not insignificant, but perhaps not as significant as I make them.

I am being taught to transfer my pain to prayer, and when the prayers come, they flow with names and needs I could not have thought of without prompting. I praise God for lending some sensitivity to my soul right now.

I thought today I would share some words of comfort and inspiration {at least they have been for me this week}.
xoxo Kristin

Source: creationcorner.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

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Victorian Collar DIY

2011-09-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

I know, who wears slips anymore? However, if you need to get one for a special occasion, 10 to 1 it will be too long, and you'll have to chop it off. I never do a pretty job of that, by the way. If my slip could talk it would probably say, "Me Jane, you Tarzan."
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At any rate, this is such a lovely way to use that lacy trim. The collar makes a great embellishment for a plain tee or a collared shirt. {The tee pic really doesn't do the cuteness justice. I am still learning to do good self-portraits, and this was like, the bazillionth shot, so I just went with it.}

~xoxo Kristin

2011-09-22T04:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know you could dress up a plain pair of flats with a little ribbon and fabric glue? Did you also know that when Glenda told Dorothy never to take off her ruby slippers, it was the author's way of saying "Never lose your inner spark."? In the book, Dorothy's slippers are silver... but when they made the movie, they thought that inner spark would look better in red. I completely agree.

Did you know that the pencil skirt is traditionally the most flattering skirt on ANY body type?

{I think she is particularly fond of the feather headband.} BTW, if you own this type of head band, and have medium or long hair, you can twist and pin strands into curls over the strap to achieve this flapper look.

Altered red flats: $10
Striped shirt: {GW} $2.50
Pencil Skirt: {outgrown from a friend} free
Headpiece: Handmade est. $2

The Price of Being Fabulous: $14.50

2011-09-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Oh yes we do! By the way, if you are "puzzled" by the boys lack of attire, this type of nudity is a daily occurrence in the Waggy house. It is pretty much a warm weather staple. And since we live in Florida, that covers ten months out of the year.

Boy works on puzzle.
Villain steals essential piece.
Boy discovers deed.
Boy seeks justice.

Soy is very puzzled indeed. He seems to think tables are places of rest these days.

Oh well,... happy Wednesday, everyone!

a time to harvest...

2011-09-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Source: wetbehindthears.com via Kristin on Pinterest

“Change in the natural world is subtle, but relentless,” A friend once told me. We don’t always see the change happening around us every day, because it is gradual… then all of sudden we have leapt from May to the middle of autumn… blink once more and we are stepping into a new year.

I’ve been thinking about resolutions lately. I love reading old books and magazines, and in a printed copy of Good Housekeeping from 1949, Elizabeth Fite wrote: “Why do you suppose so many of us waste the autumn? Why don’t we make the effort that would provide something new in our lives? January’s negative resolutions are made when we are worn out in Spirit, body, and pocket book, and we have no real urge to do anything but rest.”

That inspired me a few years ago to try to do my resolutions when the weather starts cooling, and the first signs of autumn drift through the air. September is traditionally a harvest month, and that is exactly what I strive to do: harvest all of the great memories, and projects from the previous season, and prepare my internal garden for a new crop.

I suppose that is why Autumn is my favorite. It puts a little pep in my step, reflecting on my blessings, and listing out my goals for the next year. Instead of guiltily writing out all of the things I am struggling with at the end of a busy and gluttonous holiday, I feel no need to punish myself. I am seeking after the things I truly want; I am refocusing my pursuit to live my life in the way I was created to. I am shedding {like all of the lovely trees around!} in an appropriate and timely way, the self I have grown out of this year.

I read somewhere that January resolutions are about will, September resolutions are about authentic wants. September asks for a positive change. I can try do that. So can you. xoxo Kristin

me & martha

2011-09-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Do you love Martha? I do. I love getting lost between the pages of her magazine. I love the tantalizing recipes, the table-scapes, the crafty projects. I think Martha is synonymous with perfection. The end.

Here is a pretty and simple Fall project you can do with your youngsters, courtesy of the great Ms. Stewart. The boys and I gathered leaves on our nature walk today. They were thrilled to help transform them into images they recognized. Disclaimer: It does take a while for the leaves to dry, and they have to be pressed under a heavy book.. so if you want INSTANT gratification, not quite it.

____________________________________________________________________________________

{AND, I worked on a great weakness of mine this weekend: organization. Don't you just love how MANIC this schedule is?? BUTTT... it does work.}

shop re-opening

2011-09-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

So, I have a few little things I am going to be putting in the long closed-up Etsy shop soon. I am excited about re-opening. And nervous. I put so much heart into the things that I make, and I just hope that someone will like them. Here's what I've been doing lately:

~twin-inspired wall art.~

~fabric wall hangings.~

~sweater clips {I'm in love with these!}~

~folksy autumn earrings~

~vintage tins~

~fabric journals {more photos of these coming soon}~

Hope to have some of it on Etsy next week! xoxo Kristin

2011-09-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that word is "slacklining?" Not too sure. Do you know what slacklining is? Only a very cool past-time. I used to have a slackline in my backyard. Should really re-establish that.

Boots and tights are Autumn's companions! My Outfit: {roughly}$12; Missy's Outfit: {roughly}$15; The vintage suitcases are heirlooms of sorts; {this post is a bit long, so I won't break down the expense of each item. One cool note: my scarf was a haggled purchase from a gypsy in Paris.}

~Handmade Bows~

Handmade headband {you can get the tutorial in my DIY}, and handmade sweater clips. Aren't they tasty? I am considering putting a few on Etsy, because I think everyone should have some of THAT goodness. ~Kristin

2011-09-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, Goodwill hunting{NOT a movie reference, ha} lands you with a really unique find.

The price of being fabulous: $5

A few thoughts for the weekend...

2011-09-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a very blessed weekend!

Fridays are for felt, friends, and summer reads...

2011-09-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love this pretty ring my sis made with wire and a rock she found? She's so creative, and has an eye for details.

My 28 before 28 list includes reading a book every month. I try to stagger between challenging, substantial books, and relaxing, imaginative ones.

I am stoked about this months read! Did you ever watch the TV show Castle? I did, when we had cable. I loved it, and especially this guy. So, this is the book... you know, the one he is writing in the show? If you don't know what I am talking about, rent the first season. Or get the book. They are both awesome.

I finally made the boys a felt board and some counting things for their school corner.

I still have puffins and polar bears to go. I think maybe walruses too... if you would like some, leave a comment. I am considering making some sets on Etsy... they will be super cheap. You can help me know if that's a good idea!! :o)

Happy Friday, folks!

2011-09-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Neutral colors complemented with vibrant accessories. That's what this post is about. NOT the rusty things it appears I am talking to in this photo.

antique-ish earrings: Flea Market, $1 {P.S.-don't you love my vintage ring? Two amethysts for my February babies!}
wide belt: Rue 21, $3 sale; beige top: GW, $2.50; Navy blue shorts: Cotton On, $6

I love this bangle: Flea Market: $6
The price of being fabulous: $18.50

2011-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

You know how I said in the month of August I was going to share some rad DIY Christmas ideas? You know how I never did...

Well, one big hit last year were these coasters for the grandparents. I actually got the idea in the Charleston Market. A guy was selling a bunch he had made with pictures from the downtown area and they were REALLY PRETTY. SO, you don't have to plaster your kids faces on them. You can use them as a chance to show off your photography skills!

All you need for this project are scrap tiles {Lowes}, ModPodge, photos, sticker letters {if'n you want} and those felt strips that you put on the bottom of chairs and things {yeah, my terminology is technical. You can find them in Walmart, with that exact description}.

Since these are already made, I am sort of cheating you on the tutorial. Fortunately this project is super easy, so you won't need visuals for each step.

1. Print your photos out close to the size of your tiles, I used 4x6, knowing I had plenty of trimming room.

2. Trim your photo, and glue it to the tile with a generous amount of ModPodge.

3. Let it dry for a few minutes. Add any embellishments you like to the top of your photo, also using ModPodge.

4. Brush 2 layers of ModPodge over the top and around the sides of your coaster, and LET DRY COMPLETELY. REPEAT.

5. After, coaster are dry, add sticky felt strips to the bottoms. The coasters I saw had cork on the underside, and you can do that as well. This is quicker, and works just as well in my opinion.

I didn't even wrap these with paper, since they are heavy. I just stacked them, wrapped them with twine, and added a name tag and a holly twig. They looked charming under the Christmas tree {I wish I had photos to share of that!}.

{By the way, It's been nearly a year... so you can see they have held up well!}

2011-09-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Boots. Jeans. Solid tops. These are basic things that you can find second-hand for sometimes less than 1/3 of the price as a retail shop. I remember squealing in excitement when I found a pair of brand new Abercrombie jeans at a Waterfront Mission. Most of time jeans DON'T get worn out... people outgrow them.

You can find the exact color, style, cut {and sometimes brand!} in a thrift store as you can at the mall.

Solid tops that are long and have a unique style are good to have because they are so versatile. This top looks great with skinny jeans... it would also look good with tights and chunky heels, or over leggings and a collared shirt. There is a wide realm of possibilities.

One thing I don't normally recommend buying second-hand is shoes. I mean, it's just kind of gross, if you think about it. However, a slightly used pair of sturdy boots isn't a bad thing to look for. Leather boots are normally a bit pricey, and if you can find a pair in good shape.. I say Lysol those suckers and enjoy!

Another thing that you can find in a thrift store is unique jewelry. It IS hit or miss in this department, but the fun thing is that normally if you find a piece you love, you will never see anyone else with it! {By the way, isn't my sister SUCH a cutie? I'm so glad she was willing to model for the KK today!}

The Breakdown:

Grey top: $2 Loaves and Fishes
Jeans: $4 Goodwill
Boots: $10.50 Flea Market
Necklace: $.50 Goodwill
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The price of being fabulous: $17.00.

2011-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

So, this is my first Kinder Kloset post {queue the doves}. I really had a lot of fun with my sister rummaging through our collectively cheap closets, taking photos, and conversing about important things like why bugles don't fit our fingers anymore {we agree, they are making them smaller}, and how much our mom's dog reminds us of a prehistoric lizard we recently saw on SCIFI. I am super excited she climbed on board the crazy-Kristin train for this project!

The first thing I look for when going to a second-hand store is sturdy fabric. I run my fingers down the row of garments as I look, and when I feel a fabric that is strong, I stop. Two of the things I run into the most as being a problem with re-loved clothing are stretching and fading. Both things to avoid. You ARE thrifty, but the goal is to not let the world know it at first glance!

I absolutely love this fabric. I have made clutches, and necklaces, and many, MANY appliques with it ever since I found it on clearance for $1.50 per yd and HAD to have the whole thing. The lace trim is vintage. I have mounds of it left by my similarly eager-to-own pretty fabrics great-grandmother. If you want to make this skirt, check out the tutorial by the lovely Disney of Ruffles and Stuff {she is one of my idols!}.

{Are these shoes not to die for? They are Missy's. If her foot were not a size smaller than mine, they might have accidentally made their way home with me. :-)}

The Breakdown:
Shirt: $2.50 from GOODWILL
Skirt: $4.00 est. materials Handmade
Shoes: $8.00 Flea Market
Flower: $1.00 {bunch} Walmart
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The price of being fabulous: $15.50.

The Kinder Kloset

2011-08-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew where I read it, but a question was posed in some book somewhere that burned in my memory: What if you loved, REALLY LOVED, your wardobe? I think, if we all really loved everything in our closets, we would be less consumer-driven, we would spend less time getting ready each day, and {most importantly} we would FEEL BETTER ABOUT OURSELVES.

When I was growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes. I was home-schooled, so it didn’t really matter if I had name-brand tennis shoes, or designer jeans… {or a pair of jeans for every day of the week for that matter.} I remember going back-to-school shopping with a friend in high school and thinking, “Sweet cherry, you are going to spend $20 on a solid colored T-shirt from the Gap… and you need one in every color?” I just couldn’t wrap my brain around that.

Not saying that shopping at the Gap is a bad thing; I DO think, however, that any time you buy clothes to try to blend into a crowd, you are doing yourself a disservice.

I have had {and still have!} my fashionably awkward moments. But I am always MYSELF in the way that I dress. I have found that this form of expression has aided in my finding like-minded people {Goodwill-preferred costumers can always spot each other!}. It also attracted my husband to me. He told me not long after we started dating that he could tell from my style that I was creative, and probably well-read. Your style can say that you are fun-loving, athletic, relaxed, professional, uber-feminine, tomboyish, neat, or many other things. But… no matter what you are saying about yourself with the way you dress… YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE. You are not a label.

KINDER KLOSET is a sales-rack challenge: to really go through the closet and figure out how to like it… no, LOVE IT. Each week, I will be revealing some of my favorite outfits and how much {little} they cost, and sharing some tips and tutorials for those of you who need help streamlining, or are uncertain about purchasing second-hand. I am going to {attempt!} my first link-up party, for all who want to show-off their awesome looks, and how little they spent to make them work.

{I am also going to take this time to De-clutter my own closet, so aren’t you lucky to be on this bandwagon with me? :o)}

Make the Most of Your Words

2011-08-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

I had to put a photo of my crazy little guy's first big injury. Doesn't he look just like a little soldier? 5 stitches. He'll have a scar in his eyebrow to match his mommy's {which she got when she was close to his age}. We are all very pitiful, and have been drinking entirely too much chocolate milk and watching entirely too much Kipper.

Now, moving on.

We all want to make our words count, right? Sometimes, the right words just need to stand out a little from the rest to make the appropriate impact. I struggled with this for a while in my blog, so I thought I would share a few tips for changing up your font.

Change this:

A Few Kinder Words.

To this:

A Few Kinder Words.

With this code:

Just a quick note: "p" is for paragraph. You don't need the "p" if you are changing text in the middle of a sentence.

Here is the breakdown: "font size" ranges from 1 {smallest} to 7 {largest}. Your default font size is 3.

The "Font Family" is a little tricky because it has to be a font you have available on your computer, such as through Word or a similar program. Also, you don't want to go to crazy, because if there is a unique font you have, and your viewer does not have, it will not show up on their end.

Color: If you want to use a basic color, you can simply type in the name, however i you are looking for something a bit more specific, you will want to use the Hex Color Chart to find your perfect match.

I hope this was helpful! Have a great weekend!!

Feather Head

2011-08-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Recently, as many who stop by know, I got a sweet little feature on
LMM for a headband challenge. One headband everyone really seemed to like was the blue feather piece. I thought today, I would share with you all how to make your own!

You will need a bag of feathers {$1.99 at Walmart}, scissors, a long piece of lace or cloth, a button, some string and a needle, and fabric glue.

You are going to measure your strap by wrapping it around your head, and leaving about 1/4" stitching room.
When you arrange your feathers, you are going to want to go in a circular motion to get a good flow.

Glue your feathers down in layers using the ever fabulous fabric glue {Micheal's $3.99}. You'll need to press them in place for a few moments and then leave them to dry.

You can either glue or stitch down your button {I did both, just to be secure.}

There you have it! I wish I had a better shot of how the brown one turned out, but, this morning, that was the best I could do. It IS really cute, and I will be able to wear it with more casual things than the blue. I hope you all enjoyed!

Summer in Review {A Guest Post}

2011-08-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

hello all! my name is cailen, and i blog over at lifestyle maven - a guide to being simply fabulous. i offer tips, recipes and inspiration for cultivating health & unearthing happiness. so, what am i doing here? 20 something bloggers is coordinating a mass blog-swap, and kristin and i were paired up. so without further ado, here is my summer in review...

delicious roasted veggie scramble with homemade biscuit in the outer banks.

my friends, cate & chad's, first dance as a married couple.

fresh, delicious, oh-so-sweet cherries! i have been eating them by the bowl-full.

clothing swap with my sister and friends. i got SO MUCH new stuff! and all of it was super cute : )

homemade pizzas on french bread.

seafood dinner for my cousin, andy's, 4th of july birthday.

craig, my fiance, watching the storm roll in from the upper deck in north carolina.

me with my eggplant and ricotta pizza & sundried tomato pizza from pina's. biggest pizza i've ever seen.

straight off the grill. portabello caps, peaches and potato packets. delish!

food & wine tasting at the bellevue hyatt in philadelphia for our november 2011 wedding. fun day!

cocktails...cocktails...and more cocktails at bobby's...

as usual, summer shot by. but, i have to admit, i love fall. i love when the leaves turn and the air gets a subtle chill. i love fires in the fireplace and handpicked apples and sweaters. so, summer, i bid you adieu. it was a blast while it lasted!

be sure to stop by lifestyle maven sometime to say "hi".

cheers!

cailen

(Check out Kristin's Kinder post over at Lifestyle Maven!)

Book Binding: Felt Addition

2011-08-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

The journal work is definitely improving! I'm loving how this felt art journal turned out. I think it is not quite perfect yet, but this is just my second one, and you can see that it is VASTLY better than the first. That is encouraging.

A Kinder Summer...

2011-08-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello to all who look into Cailen's world! My name is Kristin, and I have the privilege of swapping blogs with your lovely host for the day. My blog is called Kinder Words, and it is a place of learning and release for me. Cailen and I were paired on 20SB, to talk with each other's followers a bit about our summer.

{Summer morning's still begin early when you're a mom}
I think that summer time is just like being in your 20's. It is full of life and color. There are days {and nights} full to the brim of activity. Then there are the lazy, introspective days, where you just lie on the beach and try to care less about what tomorrow brings.

This summer has been the latter of the two for me. There has been less bikini presence and volleyball, more building sandcastles and teaching the tadpoles how to swim.

There has been less shopping, and vacations and parties; more intimate barbeques, and time spent in the craft room, or at the park, or the free aviation museum.

It has been a quiet sort of summer. With lessons learned, friendships strengthened, and flowers smelt. And, as hard as I try, I can't seem to keep these sweet lazy days from slipping by.

I have enjoyed blogging this year more than ever.

I love jotting down my life lessons, and sharing little artsy tips and recipes. I have even been able to put together a few tutorials. I'm a bit of an artist, and crafting makes me giddy. It is a bad addiction, y'all.

I hope everyone will be able to keep a bit of summer love in their pockets through the winter this year. The part that makes you slow down, reflect, and feel sunshine all over. Come visit me at Kinder Words!

first book-binding project

2011-08-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have known for a while now that with a name like "Kinder Words" I should make journals. This is my first project, and while it is not that pretty, it was successful. I just needed to figure out how to do it, and now that I know, it's fancy paper, and cloth, and leather from here on out! I am so happy with this plain little book, because it is the start of a new passion for me. I hope to have some pretty inspirational journals in my store this Fall.

2011-08-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about why I do what I do. Why I have this irresistible drive to work with my hands, and how do I explain that to someone who can’t understand creative addiction. I have a feeling sometimes that people think it’s really simple to be an artist. That inspiration just falls in your lap. That success just happens.

But when you are still grasping for that inspiration and success is still a pipe dream, being an artist is REALLY hard, and I am going to explain some reasons why.

Outside Motivation.

Even though you feel like the things you make are special, without feedback, you wonder if they are. Because you have EXPERIENCED ugly "art." I’m always afraid of turning into the tacky old lady who has unnecessarily embellished the crap out of everything around her and has lost all essence of truth and beauty. I mean, that obviously CAN happen to people. Who’s to say I’m not next? You have to be constantly evaluated what you are doing, what the end product will be, and what kind of people you are going to attract with it.

You put your heart out there, then fail.

I have not won yet; I have no idea if anything I make will ever be appreciated, but I am ALWAYS putting my whole heart into every piece that I do. Even this past year, as I see my craft improving, I wonder how I could have been so proud of the first wallet I made, or wall hanging I embroidered. They really pale in comparison to what I can do now. That is the encouragement, and the drive. That someday, as you progress, you may get it right.

It’ SCARY when you are searching, because it ultimately means that for the time being, you are lost.

Nobody wants to lack direction. Nobody wants to admit that they have no idea where they are going. But that is where you are when you are trying new things. And it is the nature of the artist to try new things. It is a very insecure and often lonely place to be. You don't have any guarantee that you will ever find your niche, you just feel compelled to keep trying.

The balance is always a huge struggle.

From things I’ve read from other artists, both musical and hand-crafters, this never goes away. If any aspect of your life tilts a bit, it overtakes the rest, especially if you are the only one accountable for your schedule. I tend to become obsessed with whatever I am doing, and even when I’m not working on it, I am working on it. You know? You're head is always wrapped up in it. It takes effort to focus on anything else. And when you have a family, and work, and other responsibilities, this part of who you are has to take a backseat. It's really hard at times. But that's how it is. All we have is a lifetime, and it is good to pursue beauty and try to make a mark. For some, the dream will come true, and success will happen. For the rest of us, the JOURNEY is very good for the soul.

Monday Morning Music

2011-08-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

My morning started out like this. {Believe it or not, 6:00 am is sleeping in for these guys! But a serious allergy head made me wish this morning would be later!}

Still, I got a little quiet time. And a little time to enjoy some good tunes. I love First Aid Kit. You should look up their Pandora station. It rocks so good that even Monday mornings seem awesome after some time with them.

And now that grumpy Kristin is gone, I may be able to speak in kinder words today! Blessings to all who stop by!

7 heady days

2011-08-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, Ashley of Little Miss Momma presented her readers with a challenge: wear a headband every day for one week.

I was super excited, because you see... I have had issues about my hair. The I-don't-feel-pretty, so I won't even try sort of issues. My hair changed a lot after I had twins; I think even with the prenatal vitamins, I just wasn't getting enough nourishment for three life-forms. It broke, it thinned, it lost it's brilliance. I hated it. I had to try to hide thin spots. I felt hideous. And as it started to get healthier, my confidence was still sick. I don't normally jump all over the chance to enter a linky party...

But to me this was more than just a linky party....

This was a chance to redeem some of that brilliance. I didn't own but two headbands, so I got busy in my crafting room...

And the result: I felt 100% better about myself. Seriously. I felt pretty every day. A little flamboyant at times, but I even enjoyed that sort of. It was a good week.

{a little boasty moment: all of these headbands were made by me. Except for the one noted.}

Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.
{a special note: this headband was re-purposed from a hanky that belonged to my great-grandmother. I wanted to embroider some kinder words on it that reminded me of her. She was full of sunshine, and the more I grow as a woman, the more I feel connected to my heritage in her.}

Day 4.

Day 5.
{handmade by my girl,Jana}

Day 6.

Day 7.

"U" is for Unicorn

2011-07-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

I had some fun with unicorns this morning. Don't get me wrong, I know from my Lisa Frank days that the unicorn has a gaudy reputation. I haven't a "fetish" for them, but this morning I woke up and thought, I could make a really cute vintage unicorn shirt. And I did. I loved it so much, I wanted to share it!

I am not very computer savvy {though I try really hard!}, but I did finally find a PDF down loader that worked for me.

After you download and print the applique, I would recommend both fusing the image and stitching the edges with a simple back stitch. Most appliques would be fine without the stitching, but this one has some smallish detail that just won't hold with iron-on fusing alone.

Other ideas for your applique: use scrap paper or fabric to make a "U is for Unicorn" journal cover or wall hanging, adorn a pillow or bag, or use it as a child's coloring page or activity.

UNICORN PDF
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A No-Sew-Shoe-Make-Over!

2011-07-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

{I know, nasty right? One of the not-so-romantic results of being habitually barefoot. These shoes need help!}

{Trace the sole of one shoe onto a piece of paper. Pick a fabric---I picked two fabrics, because I wanted to be able to switch them out. Double your fabric right side out, and cut your sole pattern.}

{Using HEAVY transfer paper, iron your alternating fabrics together. The heavy paper will give your insert a stiffer quality, that way it won't slip and slide. You may need to trim the edges up... but at this point your insert is done, unless you really want to stitch the edges.}

{Cut and fold four squares of your fabric to make bow clips.}

{Using the blunt end of a needle, push lace, ribbon or other trim through a couple of buttons.}

{Take two of your folded fabric squares and wrap the ribon around it a few times, tying securely. I love old lace, I also love the simple, natural look of twine, which is what I used for my gray bow.}

{Attach SHORT bobby pins, which you can find anywhere,in a secure place on your ribbon, and then try it on your shoe to make sure your bow is not crooked.}

{A definite improvement. And in under 30 minutes, too! BTW, I showed my Grandma this post before she saw the actual shoes, and she was like, "Why would you wear shoes that don't match?" "No, Grams... they are reversible. I was just showing what they both look like.}

{click to view larger photos}

Mommy Memories

2011-07-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

The First 48. On Preemie Births.

When you are facing the labor and delivery room for the first time, it is an unnerving experience. When you arrive at the hospital 9 weeks early, because you have two little boys that just can’t wait to get here, it is downright scary.

You try to conjure up those novels of advice that have been thrown your way ever since that unexpected word floated up on your pee stick. Still, the brain is flashing with the same questions. Have I weighed all of the possibilities accurately? Have I done everything possible to prepare for this? Do I have all the information that I need? Am I ready for this?

Then you begin to think about how long this has been your dream, and everything starts to settle.

You realize that all of those months you spent trying to picture what your hobbits will look like, and those prayers that their eyes will be blue like daddy’s {followed by the back-up prayer that as long as they are healthy you don’t really mind if they have brown eyes} are about to be answered, one way or another. You realize that as the time approaches you would do anything– even give your life— to see this new person(s) into the world.

In 2007, reportedly 32% of births were delivered by C-Section. So I know I am not alone. And I know from my experience at MUSC, that quite a few of those births are complicated.

I certainly am not out to give some mom-to-be the heepy-jeebies by writing a horror story. Preemie births happen. It is marvelous how modern medical care is able to save so many of these young lives. It is incredible how quickly most of them are able to recover from a rocky start, and live out their days as normal human beings.

But it is nice to know, to be prepared for, what you will experience that day your wee one {or two!} enters the world early.

You will be so overcome with fervent love, that it will rip your heart. You know that your baby is fine, because the doctor told you so. But you haven’t actually seen him yet. They took him away to be hooked up to countless tubes and wires that are going to ensure his existence in this world. You wait patiently for several minutes, which seem like hours, only for them to wheel Baby X in for a brief moment bundled in a bazillion blankets with a hat covering half of his face and tubes covering the other. You aren’t sure if you just saw your baby or a cyborg. Hold me!

They then need to take Baby X back to NICU. But you can’t go --because-- well, you just had your abs cut in half and can't actually get up. If you are like me, and determined that you will be out of bed the next hour… you will probably land flat on your face. The next 24 hours are spent battling tears for your little one whom you were so looking forward to meeting, and who looked like a pitiful alien mummy in a glass coffin.

Then there’s the jealousy: because your husband, your mom, your coworkers, and your neighbor down the street have all been up to visit Baby X, while your doing fun things like watching CNN and peeing through a tube.

Eventually, you force yourself to get up, against every screaming nerve in your body. You half-walk, half-crawl to the bathroom where you do some unknown horizontal maneuver to get into the shower, all the time cursing whoever it was who put such a high lip there because didn’t they know you wouldn’t be able to lift your leg that high?

You dress, you tell the nurse you are ready to go up, to which they respond… “You can go up now, but you won’t be able to hold him yet.”

The tears threaten again, but you fight them.

Hubby wheels you up {he enjoys seeing how fast he can make you go down the hill in the hallway}, you sign in, sanitize your hands and some sweet girl leads you through rows of aquarium babies until you reach yours.

And despite his jaundiced skin..
His scrawny limbs…
His old man face..
His billion wires…

You think you have never seen anything more beautiful in your life. And in some heart-wrenching moment of comprehension, you realize you will spend the next several years waiting… learning to patiently watch him grow… wanting desperately to hold him but not being able to… letting others help where you cannot… but all the time being utterly in love.

Then the tears fall, silently, down your face.

You thank God that your baby is doing so well, and that even though you feel like you have been robbed of some valuable first mommy moments— your experience is unique and priceless.

I first hold J 48 hours after birth.

I first hold T 53 hours after birth.

Summer Hair Tutorial

2011-07-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

1. Gather supplies: a medium/long piece of ribbon or lace, bobby pins, and a bad hair day.

2. pin the top piece of the ribbon in your bang region, making sure you have enough hair to comb over and cover the pin.

3. wrap the ribbon around your hair twice, pinning the bottom to itself in the back.

4. Muse up hair, and gather and pin the little "messes" {if you have longer hair than me you can make messy little buns for the same, if not better, effect}

5. Cheese at the camera.

6. Thank your stars that this is such a quick fix since your primp time is now being invaded by little monsters!

summer hair via Skunkboy Creatures

I Wish It Would Rain

2011-06-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

I wish it would rain today
So I could do rainy day things
Like creep into the blanket fort
With mom, and my flashlight,
and my Dr. Seuss book.
And stay in my jammies all day long
And drink hot chocolate with mallows
And put on my galoshes just to go to the mailbox
And play matching games, and sing silly songs
And watch a whole movie
And color big sheets of paper
Mommy hangs on the wall…
{And I wouldn’t need a bath if it rained
Because none of those things
Make you dirty or smelly at all.}

May little showers of joy reach your home today.

---KW

a little "me" project...

2011-06-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Don't you just LOVE the idea of using an embroidery hoop to hang jewelry? It's so simple, and pretty. And another good point for me is that I can hang it well out of the way of curious little fingers that seem always able to reach my jewelry. {the boys decided to unmake my bed while I was taking pictures of my earring hanger. Stinkers.}

grace in the small things...

2011-06-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

A pretty bathroom...

personal emails from friends
misty mornings
a good cup of strong coffee
new resolutions
cuddling on the couch together and watching movies past bedtime
a new silhouette design...

an hour spent in the Word
the arrival of a new book
anticipating a trip!
a focus in my heart that grew from somewhere beyond me
visits with the grandparents
my rather small spoon collection...

waking up to little hiccups in my face
fresh, sweet honeydew melon
catching lizards for the boys {Jayden growled at it}
buckets full of buttons...

My--I have a lot of grace in my life! :-) What small things are you thankful for?

The Kinder Life: Simple Giving

2011-06-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, I took the Handmade Pledge, which basically says that I plan to buy handmade products (or make them myself) to give as gifts, and request that others do the same for me.

You have no idea until you try it how much money you save. I have $200 in my charity fund that I would have in previous years used to buy gifts for those I love... and I haven't even hit Christmas yet.

I like to use inexpensive, easy to find materials such as felt, paper, twine and scrap fabric. But there are all SORTS of resources for the want-to-be crafter. I didn't even know where to start when I had an interest in crafting nearly two years ago. But then I found this website called One Pretty Thing that had all sorts of easy, creative projects from around the web.

Once I started with the tutorials, I had some idea of how to make things of my own. Let you in on a secret: there is not much more fulfilling then a labor of love that is loved in return. It is the BEST type of gift-giving.

I will be posting tutorial soon for a pop-up photo album that I make for my Grandparents every year for Christmas. It is simple, and they LOVE it. Oh, and guess what we are giving hand-made for Father's Day? Smoked Brisket! It doesn't have to happen in the craft-room to be the perfect gift. What do you like to hand make?

so proud...

2011-06-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

My man got his B.S. a few weeks ago, as well as commissioning. We are officially back in the Airforce!

I can't say it wasn't a tough ride.
At times I wanted to quit.
So did he.
But together we found strength.
We pulled through.
We learned mutual respect.
We grew deeper in love.
I am proud of him.
Of our family.
Of our singular life.

I am proud of how has taught our children
By his example,
His work ethic,
His determination.
I hope they always
Want to be just like him.
I love you, Baby!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-05-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

We have just moved into a new neighborhood...

I was THRILLED when our neighbors invited us to their little girl's birthday party!

But, I have taken a handmade pledge, which means I only give handmade gifts. What was I going to make in the day between the invite and the party?

How about some simple and adorable felt veggies...

And how about resizing a stained canvas bag to make a miniature shopping bag?

I hope she loves it!

Question: has anyone ever actually SEEN a white radish? My husband is pretty sure it doesn't exist.

Coming Clean...

2011-05-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I dealt with a very serious addiction to lying. I really couldn't stop, and I wasn't even good at it. Seriously. I didn't lie about rational things. I would make up incredible, wild tales, hoping that the mere strength of my conviction would convince other people they were true. Sometimes, I was even trying to convince myself. It is shameful to recall this phase of my life. And the hurt I did to other people, especially my poor parents, makes me cringe.

The truth is, that even though I was able to overcome the intensity of my lying habit... I never fully conquered it. That's the thing about lying, for those who might be dabbling in it. It festers into every crevice of your life, until you can't even tiptoe without feeling it's painful effects. I am sure there are lies I have told, that have gone unconfessed (I really can't keep up with them all; sometimes I will remember one specifically that I need to come clean about), but now I am dealing with a different type of lying. I don't have the urge to tell wild stories like I used to, nor do I feel the need to lie in order to be noticed or accepted.

So, why do I keep lying to myself?

As a Christian, I am a lover of Truth. It is a guiding light to the redemption of my Savior. It is also one of the few pure elements in existance. I love Truth, I hate lies. Lies disgust me, they entangle me, they devour me like a hungry lion.

But whenever I am discouraged, undisciplined,or lacking focus...THERE COME THE LIES. I am too willing to repeat them, too willing to embrace them. They look something like this:

He won't know if I eat that piece of pie that I am ashamed anyone should know I ate.{and trust me... he ALWAYS knows}

I really should just stay inside today. My eyes are puffy. My hair is crazy. The world shouldn't see that. {like hermitizing myself or my children is EVER a good idea.}

I don't know. What I want. Where I'm going. Who I am. {Of course I KNOW!! Just because I don't like the answer, doesn't mean I don't know it!}

If I don't start the day right on schedule, there's no point in trying to stick to any kind of regiment for the rest of it. {like starting fresh can't happen a couple of hours after I said it should}

If that child yells one more time, I am going to lose it. {No I am not. I am going to discipline him lovingly, and calmy... even if it means I have to step away from him for a few minutes to remind myself of that.}

And, do you know what? The more lies you TELL YOURSELF ABOUT YOURSELF, the more lies you start telling yourself about other people. You begin to resent people you should love, be merciless {even if it is just in your thoughts} towards those for whom you should feel compassion, wobble when you should stand, and eventually FALL.

They may seem silly, but these little lies create strongholds in my life at times. This is why this blog is called KinderWords: I am learning to deal with the negative, the ugly, the merciless, and the untrue with the very valuable tool of kindness. I confess these things to any who read this, and I encourage you: don't tell yourself lies that have to be bandaged with sappy movies and chocolate {or whatever comfort you use}.

This is the day WE MUST LIVE IN THE TRUTH.
Even if it starts with emailing me {it's a safe place, if you need to}, I encourage you to begin confessing areas of dishonesty, however little they may seem. They really aren't worth holding on to. Believe me.

A's Illustrations

2011-05-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

getting comfortable...

2011-05-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

My HOUSE is giving me HUGE ANXIETY attacks this week! It is broken apart, boxed up, cluttered, the counterspace is completely covered, and I desperately need to mop, but can't 'til Matt gets some stuff transfered to the garage. This wasteland has induced snappiness, headaches, and moments where I just want to curl up in a ball until the moving fairy has arranged all of this stuff nicely in our new home.

One thing I have learned, and I guess everyone knows, is that a house is not a home. Home is family, home is familiarity, home is comfort.

So I thought, what a great way to tackle my daily fight with surreality than to share some things that make me comfortable.

Comfort blogs:
A few blogs that I love to skim over, and never fail to put me in a good mood are: Casey's Elegant musings--I love the vintage-like prettiness of it; Little Miss Momma---not only is she adorably honest, she shares great information... I really improved my blog style after reading her blogging tips; I really should start making the boys' lunches like these, but for now, I just enjoy avid browsing; and although I am not a vegan, I am always looking for creative ways to use vegetables which is why I enjoy this blog.

Comfort food:
homemade hummus with raw veggies, a crisp green apple, blueberry cobbler, baked sweetpotatoes with cinamon drizzle, chocolate hazelnut gelato, brown rice sushi, buttered corn, baked macaroni and cheese... are we hungry yet?

Comfort music:
I always go to the stuff I loved as a teenager...I guess the memories make it comfort: RHCP, Jewel, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Alanis Morsett, but I could recently listen to She and Him on repeat for several hours at a time.

Comfort movies:
My husband would probably say my love for The Royal Tenenbaums is bit over the top, and I really don't know what it is about that movie that puts me in an excellent mood... perhaps the use of silence and tension, the understated humor, the fact that every scene could be still-framed and hung on my wall...

I am also a sucker for Pride and Prejudice--- and no, not the new short version where Kiera Knightly runs about dressed like a peasant, I am talking 5 hours-BBC-true-Jane Austin-dialogue-Collin Firth-goodness.

Oh, and a few comfy classics are My Fair Lady, A Patch of Blue, and Arsenic and Old Lace.

Comfort books:
I love SO many books, but there are really only a handful that I could pick up any time, open to any place, read and be content... because they flow poeticly, because they successfully transfer me to another place or time, because they are just plain good: The Saint's Everlasting Rest, Jane Eyre, The Last Unicorn, and Rebecca.

What things make you comfortable?

oh my, GOODNESS

2011-04-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

These scrumptious cupcakes are some of the most NATURAL treats you can make! And they don't require too many costly ingrediants. Sure, you might have to go to Publix... but that's better than an expensive health food store, right? AND think of all of the potential allergens you are keeping your family from ingesting.

I never gave much thought to things like GLUTEN-FREE or DAIRY-FREE until my son began breaking out with Eczema before he was even a year old. Nothing I do really keeps it from happening, but with diet control it does seem to calm down.

So, here's how to make 'em:

Cupcake:

1 C brown rice flour
1 C tapioca starch
1 t baking pwdr
1 t xantham gum
2/3 C honey
2 T vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 C unsweetened applesauce
1/2 C water

Mix together all ingrediants, and bake @ 350 for 18-20 min.

Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (vegan butter if you want to keep it dairy free)
4 cups powdered sugar (I made my own by blending unprocessed cane sugar and cornstarch)
a dash of salt
2 tablespoons vanilla
4 tablespoons almond milk

Mix ingrediants together on high until well blended, about 5 min.

Garnish with unsweetened, grated coconut.

...And as you can see, they are irresistable.

Kinder Words: Part 4

2011-04-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

The hand of a friend is a beautiful thing.
It is comforting,
encouraging,
helping.
I will miss my sweet Charleston friends.
It is such a bittersweet thing...
moving back to the place
where I grew up
when in many ways the
place I live now is home.
I know I will leave a little piece of myself here,
as I take a little piece of here with me.

2011-04-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday mornings
at the W’s
look something like this…

all snuggled in...

zzzzzzzzzzz......

i see YOU...

"Yes, ma'am. We are all quite comfy. Now could you please stop taking pictures and bring in our breakfast?"

Uh-oh.... I think we lost Daddy.

....confessions

2011-04-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

... today I thanked a man for not stealing my purse. (I had just put the boys in the car, and turned around and he was taking off with my buggy, which still had my purse and a bag of groceries in it. I simply said, "excuse me... I am not done with that, thank you," and he gave it back. But really... "thank you"??! Geez, I'm weird.)

... today I saw a turtle crossing the road, and I stopped the car to help him. I literally stood there for five minutes trying to decide if I wanted to touch him. Thank goodness neither of us got hit.

... today I told Titus to "be nice to the tree" and was immediately worried that I might have turned him into a hippie.

... last night I went to bed before washing the dishes, or straightening the Living Room.

... yesterday, I ate apple pie for breakfast. It was sinfully delicious.

... sometimes, I don't unload the dryer for a few days... I keep hitting the de-wrinkly cycle, and taking things out as I use them.

... today I am pretty sure a man on a bicylce saw me pick my nose while I was driving to the library.

... alot of times, I will hold my boys cheeks close to mine because I like to feel how small and soft their faces are.

... I usually wait about 48 hours after misplacing my phone to look for it.

... 5 out of 7 days, I forget to floss.

... oh yeah, and my closet is a mess.

...recently, in the sketchbook

2011-04-20T14:08:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day...

2011-04-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

I designed the "Love is..." mom tote last year, and I must confess a twinge of pride every time I see a lady carrying one. Being a mom, and having such a brilliant mom has inspired me in so many ways. I think that is why this bag is so special to me, There is nothing that teaches you like the love of being a mother. It is like being handed a new set of eyes, a younger more patient pair to view the world through. Hmmm... I'll probably bring this one back when I reopen my Etsy shop this fall. :)

Grace in the Small Things

2011-04-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

...flowers in my hair...photo albums...a large glass of lemonade
...book stores...early morning crafting...$5 movie bins (a little ashamed to claim this one!)...Duct tape (is there anything it CAN'T do? And Target has such fancy ones!)... Shells and rocks, and weeds... all of the gifts my boys give me...a cup of red bush tea, fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market, dramatic teen fiction(I can't resist it)

'Round

2011-04-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

...Sometimes circular reasoning can be fun.

Thoughts on Getting Older...

2011-04-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

(I secretly cry little tear joys as I look at this picture... because I can imagine his adult hand holding my aged one.)

Tomorrow, I will be 27. It has been a weird year... if you were to ask me how old I was on any given day, I would have to pause for a moment to remember. Maybe it is because people don't ask that question so much after highschool, or maybe it is because I don't have the time nor the desire to dwell on my age like I did when I was 16. At any rate, I have had absolutely no thoughts or feelings about being 26. It has been a completely neutral year. I have felt like I am getting older...

Yes, there have been a few sensitive moments on this side of the 20's hill... for instance, that one gray hair I could neatly hide has sprouted offspring, I nearly wept the first time a college-aged girl called me "Ma'am", and I look for the "anti-aging" element in moisturizer. But for the most part, my identity has not yet been tied to aging game. I am healthy, I am loved, I am momma... these are the things I focus on.

I did make some goals, to make this year fun, and exciting, and to keep from losing myself completely. I did pretty well on them, if I do say so. Check out the results!

Lovely Rings

2011-04-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

I got the idea for turning some old pendants into fashionable rings from Little Miss Momma. I love the way they turned out--- especially the antique lamb, which I got from my mom!

Sushi Softies: PIC-torial

2011-04-11T06:51:00.000-07:00