Sock Monkeys make a come back

Remember these? Sock monkeys... Aren't they cute?

I told you I've been obsessed with the blogs lately. Again, Darby showed me how it was done and had a post all about her adorable sock monkey bunny. I've always thought they were adorable and a great idea for any kid. I also immediately thought of my dear friend Alison who's baby shower was right around the corner. What better way to get in some practice than for the unborn child of one of your really good friends?

Darby found a tutorial online (here). She was clever enough to turn her's into a bunny. But for Baby Bailey I did a blue monkey. It was actually so much easier than I expected and quite the hit at the baby shower. I even stuck my initials on his rear for a little personal touch.

I've told myself I was going to make 2 of the bunnies for my nieces for Easter. It's Wednesday night and Easter is 3 days away. I better get on it! :)

Beach finds...

This past weekend was a great way to start off spring. We headed down to Sunset Beach for an oyster roast with friends. Before the party got started I ventured off to do a little thrift store/consignment store shopping. The great thing about eastern NC beach towns is that they are full of cute little stores just waiting for someone from out of town to by their very nice, but often over-priced goods. We found this great shop near Ocean Isle Beach that had some really great pieces that inspired me to get to work on some things around the house.

For example,

This chair has become part of my "mood board" for my bedroom. I want these colors in my new bedding. I wanted this chair, but I thought we'd start with the comforter first. I've got to get to the fabric store ASAP.

I also found these prints that I think would look great in my coordinating bathroom.

and these two

But perhaps my best inspiration - or the project that may get done this week - was this mirror! I've seen them everywhere and I wanted it. However, my pocketbook did not want the $450 price tag. And so, I was forced to leave it behind. But, I did find a round mirror on Craigslist that is MUCH larger and with a MUCH smaller price tag. (think $20). I'm rounding up my supplies and hope to have some to show off very soon.

The holy grail of mixers

It's official - I haven't blogged since December because I have become slightly obsessed with every other blog online. It's either A) I can't seem to find the time or, B) I fear I'm not nearly as clever or crafty as all of these other women.

However, these blogs haven't just made me a slacker when it comes to blogging, they've also inspired me to get a bit more creative and domestic. My most favorite blogger, Darby (Fly Through Our Window) is quite the bargain shopper and shows off some of her great finds. I love this. It gives me validation that it really is ok to be as "thrifty" as I've always been. There are others out there like me who love a good deal and would rather tell you about my $5 shoes on the clearance rack at Target than to confess that I spent entirely too much money on a pair of jeans.

So, imagine my overflowing excitement when I found this beauty yesterday on Craigslist...

Oh my goodness - yes, that is the Kitchenaid Artisan Mixer in white, with all of the attachments! These bad boys retail for $349 and up until yesterday I've always thought I'd have to wait my turn to have one. I've always thought you had to wait until marriage to receive such a prize. For me I've been waiting for that more than the diamond, the party or the man. I wanted this mixer, but couldn't wrap my mind around spending that sort of money on "art" for my kitchen. But, imagine my surprise when I found this online for only $100! Woo hoo. Unfortunately for the seller it was a bitter memory of her marriage that was ending and she needed to part with it. It was a wedding gift from his sister. (See I told you the Kitchenaid Mixer is THE wedding gift).

I've got so many recipes I want to try... breads, cakes - maybe even pasta when I get really good. I'm pretty sure this isn't going to be good for my diet! But, more than that I'm pretty excited that I've bought myself my own special gift and I didn't wait for any certain right of passage before I allowed myself to have it.

More to come, I have to go do some baking!

Angel Lush - easy, sweet and oh so good!