Emergency Diaper "Kit"

As I mentioned before... I am expecting a little bundle in about 5 weeks!  One of my best friends is expecting a little girl in 6 weeks (eek!) While pursing Pinterest lately, I stumbled upon this adorable idea.  What a fun idea to make as a small gift for my friend... and who am I kidding, myself! 

Here is my tutorial, which may vary from the original idea because I didn't really read it so much as LOVE the picture and explore on my own. 

Begin by cutting the fabric to size.  I used a size 1 diaper, but I wanted bigger ones to fit so I cut the fabric large. 

Hem the tops of the fabric. Be sure to leave plenty of room to thread the ribbon through.  (I should know this, but I'm admitting that I don't... ) I used the 2nd and 3rd line guides on my machine.

3 pumps of the needle after the last picture, I ran out of bobbin thread - annoyingly refilling the bobbin

Pin the ugly sides together when you are done hemming the tops and sew.  I used the 1st line on my machine for this one.. I also decreased the space stitching to make for a tighter hold on the seams. 

Once you turn inside out, this is what you get.  You can stop here and thread the ribbon or...

Sew small diagonals across the bottom seams and cut for a more specialized look. 

My favorite tip for threading ribbon (or elastic) through a hem.  Secure a bobby pin a few inches down and push the bobby pin through the hem... super easy! 

Stuff full of any goodies you'd like in your emergency kit... I have a Ziploc snack bag of 3 wipes, a size 1 diaper, Sani-hands in case of contact and no sink and 1 extra shirt... because worse things have happened. 

Enjoy your beautiful Emergency Diaper Kit for your car, your spouse's car... or as a cuter alternative to carrying a diaper into the gas station's restroom. 

I hope you enjoy making this!  If you would rather just buy, I've added it to my Facebook shop By Nicole

Until next time... XO

Kind of starting over

Hi out there.  I'd like to take this opportunity to sort of... start over in a sense.

So, hi!  I'm happy to meet you.  I am a mom to 1 adorably ornery 3 year old and a soon-to-be-here little one (soon-to-be-here meaning 6 weeks... but with this weather, hopefully a tad bit sooner).  I am embarking on a new journey as a stay-at-home homemaker as well as taking on a second child and am loving it so far - but I'm pretty sure I'll love it more when I can bend over and do the dishes without wanting to die.

I love love love organization, although I sometimes get so caught up in what I really want to do, that it's hard to tackle it and may procrastinate it far more than I should.  I also sincerely enjoy DIY crafts and creations that I pick up for Pinterest, HGTV, other blogs... where ever!  As I begin my new adventure into homemaker, I'm trying (not very convincingly yet) to become better with cooking and managing our finances.

This blog is going to be a collection of sorts... more or less, me trying to depict my successes and struggles with 2 kids, a home and maintaining some sanity throughout it all.  I hope you enjoy and come back often.

Until then... XO

Leaving on a jet plane

Today is the big day.  Only a few hours left before I board the plane to 'Sunny Southern California'.  It's been almost 3 years since I've been out that way to visit and I'm super excited for some time away to relax.

The week's not over yet, but since I'm leaving home I was looking back at my goals from this last few days:
Goals for this week:
*Pack my suitcase for a sister visiting trip!!
*Grocery shop for Ed and C while I'm gone
*Make some freezer breakfasts that do not include oatmeal or yogurt for C
*Spend time outside everyday
*Do all the laundry before I leave Thursday


 Have I mentioned what a struggle keeping a clean house is when you're around all day, and even better.. you're 3 year old is around all day.  I'm hoping to come back to find it at least as clean as I'm leaving it today (but I know this is extremely wishful thinking)

Here is my favorite pic from the week - On Monday when I return, it will be Ed and I's 1st wedding anniversary!  I can't wait for him to open his present... something he's been asking for for a LOOONG time!

XO!!

It's almost sister time!!

This week is shaping up to be as busy as the last 2 weeks!  I cannot believe how many things we've had going on since the last day of school... and I don't see it slowing down too much as the weeks are coming up.

Goals for this week:
*Pack my suitcase for a sister visiting trip!!
*Grocery shop for Ed and C while I'm gone
*Make some freezer breakfasts that do not include oatmeal or yogurt for C
*Spend time outside everyday
*Do all the laundry before I leave Thursday

Something we've been struggling with the last few days is nap time.  What are your nap time tricks to getting a 3 year old who NEVER NEEDS SLEEP to calm down enough to fall asleep?

XO

Summer is HERE!

Day 1-5 of a stay-at-home mom has been so much fun!  I can not believe the difference in our little girl's attitude just in 1 week of no daycare - it absolutely astonishes me!

We have done all sorts of things this week, including the Henry Doorly Zoo which was a blast!
As I review my goals, I feel pretty good...

Goals for this week:
*Get a morning routine started that does not include pajama's until lunch (how our typical weekends always end up, which isn't a terrible thing for the weekend I suppose)
*Spend time outside everyday
*Plan a menu for dinner everyday this week (not even 1 day :-( )
*End the week looking closer to this  (it was at least closer)


Here are a few favorite pictures from our week. 

After the zoo

Loving the park

Feeling fancy!

Relaxing in our new towel wrap after our bath... thinking about adding straps to her version to help it stay up.

If you would like to see how I made the towel wrap, send me an email and I'll put up the steps!

XO!