Sweet Reminders

Two years ago this week, we were given the news that our referral for Myah was not included in that months batch from China and we were devastated. We were May 31 lid and they cut us off, they stopped at the 30th. That meant we had to wait a whole extra month. We were at the beginning of what is now the long wait, we thought we would get referrals in Novemeber and we didn't end up getting them until the end of April. Looking back we now know that there was a reason, Myah was waiting for us. Our Myah. I have to say I did get a bit depressed and once I got over myself, I re-did the nursery ( my way of coping) and took comfort knowing that we had to be included in the next batch. As I reflect on those months I remember vividly the sights, sounds, songs, etc. that bring me back to those moments of waiting for our precious Myah and the excitement that was abuzz in our household. We were floating.In addition to living on the internet at this time checking Rumor Queen, I had a few other favorites. I remember watching this movie over and over again, I loved it! The Asian women were so beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking.

And while I watched this movie I fell in love even more with cherry blossoms, and when I went into Bath and Body Works they were carrying a whole line of Cherry Blossom fragrances. My favorite was this one, I literally lathered myself in it, the sweet scent still reminds me of my time in China, I wore it the whole time we were there, the first time I held Myah, I was wearing it, it soon became a comforting scent to her, it was the smell of her mommy. I still love it but it is harder to find now. The White Cherry Blossom is my favorite!

I now am addicted to this one: Midnight Pomegrante! This was my favorite last spring. Wonder what it will be this year?

I also became slightly addicted to eating Wasa Cracker with Kaukauna Sharp Cheese spread. It was my comfort food! Yummy!

I also love magnolias! Nothing makes me happier than driving through town and seeing a huge old magnolia tree filled with the beautiful saucer blossoms and the ground beneath them just layered with gorgeous petals! I do have a small, very small magnolia tree in our front yard that our neighbor purchased for us after Mark's dad passed away. Someday I will have a huge tree but for now I just drool at everyone elses! I remember it blossoming right about the same time as we received our referral.

Tutu Tutorial~ Finally!

Ok, I know I promised long long ago to post the very difficult directions for making your very own poofy tutu. Now I should say that these are for children but if you feel the need for poof in your own life, then by all means go for it, just add a few more yards to the recipe. Also, I cannot give you my ancient Chinese secret tutu pattern without also telling you that you cannot screw this up, BELIEVE me, I have no sewing skills at all and you would never know it by looking at the tutus. I am sure if you can sew it would be even quicker for you.

Ok here is goes, first you need to pick up some tulle from your local fabric store, I usually go to Joannes and wait for a sale, you can get it sometimes for 50 cents a yard. For this particular tutu I used 2 yards of pink and 1 yard of lavendar. You can come up with all sorts of color combinations if you wish. You will also need some matching thread, a needle, and a package of elastic for the waistband.

The first step is to measure the waist of the child that will be wearing the tutu. If you need to guess , that is ok too because the elastic will give a little. Cut the elastic and set it aside. You will now need to cut the tulle. I usually fold the tulle to make it easier to cut, I set it on the floor and make a fan fold and I cut the tulle about every 3-4 inches.

Now I simply start tying the tulle in a knot around the elastic until I reach the end, you can move the tulle around a bit once you are finished to fill in any holes you may have. If you are using more than one color, you simply alternate the colors as you wish. Seriously a little bit of tulle goes a long ways once it is fluffed.

When you have finished tying all of your knots, sew the ends together any way you know how to sew, make sure it is good and secure. Give it a good shake, you may need to trim the ends in order for them to be uniform. At this point you can add ribbons, a flower to the waistband etc. Whatever your little heart desires. Here is this particular tutu after it was finished. Your little princess will love it!!

Now there is only one rule for giving away my ancient Chinese secret, if you make one you have to send me a picture!!! Have fun!

I am a Hot Momma, YUK!

WARNING, IF YOU ARE A MAN, YOU PROBABLY WANT TO SKIP THIS POST!!!!!!!

Ok, now that they are out of here, I have to confess, I have had my first hotflashes. I am not one bit happy about it, nope, no way, nadda. But what can I do? Nothing. This is how it happened. At dinner Sat. night, I had just sat down at our dinner table. My hubby was there along with my sister in law Lora and brother in law Scott. As soon as I sat at my seat with my meal, I felt a bit nauseous, then a very warm wave came over me, from my neck to my ears, it was so weird, I lost my appetite, didn't even eat my dinner. I sat there, and I explained what had just happened. Scott, looked at me, in between taking bites of his dinner and said, "it's a hot flash". Just plain as day. I sat there stunned. And then Lora looked at me and shook her head in agreement. I must have had a look of disbelief on my face because Scott said it again, and he elaborated that I needed to trust him because he works with alot of women and they talk about it all the time, and he also lives with Lora who just had a hysterectomy in August. I have to admit I was a bit relieved that my symptoms were "normal" and not the flu again. I had an episode the night before (Friday) and I felt absolutely exhausted afterwards, I was sick to my stomach and could not hardly walk up the stairs to go to bed. I have had a few episodes like this lately, so much so that I actually took a pregnancy test. If you know me, you know that this is almost a joke. It was just a way to rule out the obvious. My whole life I have been extremely irregular if you know what I mean. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism while pregnant with Dayton. My life before Dayton was one where I never had to watch what I ate in order to stay thin, I was always very thin and tiny. Not so much anymore. My energy levels are always low even though I have taken a tiny pill of hormones every day of my life since being diagnosed 13 years ago. I have a hormone imbalance as well. I really don't ever dwell on those two issues, I deal with them and now that I have 2 children to love in my life, I don't worry about them. So why is this bothering me so much? I have dealt with hormone issues my whole life. I was reading on the internet today about hotflashes and menopause. I need to get to my doctor, I know. But many things I read tonight involved alot of my health issues and the term premature menopause kept coming up. If this IS the case, it explains alot. Last year my cycles were very heavy, and for a long duration, this year, not so much, quite the opposite. That too is something that I have always dealt with. But now that the mood swings, hotflashes, and tiredness come into play, I have to believe my body is changing. I am 37 years old, but I feel really young, I dont' feel like I am ready for all of this yet. Especially right now, with all of the stress I have been under with taking care of my family and their illnesses. Maybe that is triggering this, I don't know. If anyone has any tips on going through this I would appreciate it. I have seen my body changing so much lately, my hair is thinning, my nails are brittle, my skin is so itchy and dry the only thing that helps in Gold Bond Medicated Lotion, isn't that sexy! I also have hairs growing out of my chin, I told Mark if something ever happens to me please make sure you shave my beard for me! Ha ha! I also have terrible back troubles, and always have since I was young. Carrying around Myah is so difficult for me. My hair is so gray anymore, I have to color it regularly. Maybe the writing has been on the wall that I would age prematurely, I have always looked forward to growing old with Mark and baking cookies for our little grandbabies, it has never bothered me. Until now. Somehow I feel like I am getting jipped out of my prime. Or maybe it is better to get it over with, I am not sure. I have dealt with horrible cycles for so long, maybe this is God's way of helping me get on with life, now that we aren't going to have any more children. It is just so overwhelming to read about this subject, there is so much confusion and controversy, how do you know what is right for you, how do you keep your sanity throughout it?

I know that this is probably way more information than you ever wanted to know about me but I figured that this was a place where my friends could offer me advice, I am sure I am not the only one going through this. My sister had a hysterectomy when she was 29 years old! I am aware of all that she went through and how difficult it is. I am praying that I won't need anything like that done but I also pray that this won't drag on forever either. I feel bad that my moods can be so up and down lately, especially for my family, I don't want my children to see me like this and have this be the mommy that they remember later in life. I was voted most friendly in high school for crying out loud, I am a nice person darn it! Where is that girl?

Well, I will find her again someday, until then, I will just find a nice little personal misting fan to carry around to all of Dayton's baseball games this summer. Oh gosh, I can't even imagine if these hit while at a super hot game! Like I said I am one hot momma!

My favorite yard sale find EVER!

The Nester posted about her great yard sale finds the other day and I just had to share my favorite yard sale treasure of all time. I bought this gorgeous hall tree at a lovely home, the people were moving and I was there the last day of her sale. I love yard/garage sale-ing, once I get in the groove I really can't wait to see what treasures I might find. I love giving new life to someone elses discards. And at the cheap prices I can afford to re-decorate more often. Although through the years I have developed quite the eye for the "good stuff", and I am becoming much more choosy about what I actually fork money over for. I like to go to subdivision sales the best, you can hit alot of houses and they are ususally really nice neighborhoods and actually the prices are cheaper, go figure. I also love finding those little grandma-type houses off the beaten path, some of my favs have come from little Granny's, their things are usually spotless as well! I have found Pottery Barn in the packages, antique pictures that I paid 50 cents for that are worth about $70 a piece!, I can't seem to find a picture of it but it was a beautiful hutch that had a $475 pricetag on it and I paid $50 and painted it black , it now lives at my sister's house. But my favorite piece of all time is my hall tree. There was a price of $100 on it and because it was the last day of the sale everthing was 1/2 off. So I paid her $50 for it, painted it white-ish and it fits perfectly in our foyer! I actually bought it before we moved out to the new house, I didn't have a place for it, when we toured this house for the first time I saw this perfect little nook for my hall tree and it has been there ever since we moved in. I have seen ones like it at the antique mall for around $800. Yeah for me! I love storing mittens in the bottom of it, gives us a perfect place to sit and put our boots on. I can't wait to see what treasures this year will bring!

Garnish

I found this website a few months ago and I re-visited it this past week because I am trying to plan a few parties for up coming birthdays and needed some ideas. You have to go to Garnish and check out their awesome party ideas. They are very "Martha"ish. They carry all of those really cool little containers that you can never find in stores. They also give you great ideas as to how to use them. The best part is that you only buy what you need, you can order 1 or 1,000! I love to give out goodie bags/favors at parties, now I can get a little bit more creative than a baggie or a Chinese take out box. I think you all will love this site! The website can be reached by the link above or by going to www.thinkgarnish.com

Grandma's Jewelry

I have had a bag of old costume jewelry of my Grandmother's since she passed away almost 6 years ago. I never really knew quite what to do with it. I love the old pearls, the sparkly bracelet, and the silver apples. I remember her wearing quite a few of these pieces and thought it would be pretty displayed on the antique brown transferware tray that I got for $6.00 at a little shop off of the beaten path. I just placed the jewelry in a random way on the tray and I love how it looks! I put an old travel clock of hers in there as well and placed it on a table in my bedroom, such a simple, yet pretty and sentimental accent piece. I love to have meaningful items in our nest. I always say that everything has a story behind it and I love it when someone asks "where did you get that?". I have inherited many pieces over the past few years and they are so special to me. They don't have any monetary value but to me they are priceless. I will have to post about a few of my favorites later!

Love these Magazines!

What would a great magazine about Michigan be without featuring the Grand Hotel!

I discovered the new Michigan Blue magazine last fall and have enjoyed every issue since. It is a wonderful resource for those of us Michigander's who are looking for new ways places to visit in our gorgeous State. Michigan has such beautiful beaches, quaint little towns, city life and country living. This magazine features great places to stay, eat, shop or relax. The pictures are amazing by the way! I also love the Midwest Living magazine as well. It covers the midwest region of the US. Wonderful for finding day or weekend trips. It also features many great recipes and decorating tips. If you see these on your newstand pick them up! You will love them!

PS: Thanks for the sweet messages about my new hair style! You all make me feel so loved! Yes, my eyes are really mine, no I don't wear contacts! You guys crack me up! Oh and the picture of the old house was actually my Great Grandparents farmhouse. I love having their "nest" on my blog, keeps me grounded!

My new look!

Ta-Da!!
It is short and sassy like me (ok, not short but sassy!)
Oh my goodness!
My Little Pony
I hope this will make a little girl very happy!

I did it! I have been in dire need of a hair cut and color for about 3 months now but I have been so busy taking care of my family, my needs kind of take a back seat. So in addition to my new blog look, I have a new hair do! I have been wanting to donate my hair to Locks of Love for a long time, over the years I have had cut some major long locks cut off way before this wonderful organization was ever formed. My hair has been getting thinner through the years and with my thyroid issues I lose alot of hair every day. My beautician Cindy is a family friend who I have gone to for about 6 years now. Last night she suggested a new spring cut and I was finally ready to part with my hair! She cut a 12 inch pony tail off for me to donate to Locks of Love. It really means alot to me, especially this year when so many people I know and love that are dealing with cancer. Locks of Love makes wigs for children who are cancer patients and have lost their hair. I am not used to the new look just yet but from the reaction of my family members I think it is a hit, Dayton called it "awesome, mom you look better than you did on your wedding day" (ok, not sure if this was just sucking up to me or what but he seemed sincere!) Mark was very surprised that I did it and called me a "hot sexy momma", I think he liked it ALOT! Anyhow, no matter what anyone thinks, I did it for a good cause and it is just hair, it will grow back!

Canterbury Kids

This dresser and bed are now at home in Myah's room! Wonder what they put there in it's place?




Yup, this is ours now too!


I thought I would share a few pictures from the store that we purchased Myah's furniture. The lady was so gracious and let me take a few so that I could see what I purchased before I picked it up. The whole store is just so yummy! It is in Jenison Michigan if you are interested in visiting. They own a home decorating store next door and last year opened the children's version of it. Definately worth the drive if you are looking for something special for your child's room. Go to Myahs Days to see this furniture in her room!

If You Like Pina Colada's.....

Ok, these are my favorite finds of the week for sure! I had a day out on Tuesday to shop/browse around and I found some great treasures. I found this yummy Pina Colada juice, I am not a person who likes the taste of alcohol at all and this juice is so tasty, I don't feel like I am missing out at all now! And take note of the crushed ice, my ice maker is finally fixed yeah! I also found these pretty glasses at IKEA, I also bought the tumblers and juice glasses to match, so so cheap, like 59 cents a glass. They are so durable, we need that around my nest, we are always breaking glasses! And look at the April Cornell placemats that I found at Home Goods, April Cornell people! For $2.99! They will be perfect in our dining room! That is alot of bang for not much buck!

She Sells Sea Shells.......

I have to let you in on a little secret, I am in love with seashells. I have several pretty jars around our "nest" filled with our favorites from vacations that we have taken. I figured since Spring Break is coming next week, I would encourage those of you lucky enough to be at a beach somewhere to bring home a bucket of shells to put in your nest as a beautiful and very inexpensive souvineer from your trip. We love searching for the most unique and beautiful shells that we can find. I have been known to take a ziploc baggie to the beach as well and bring home some sand too! Every year the shells are a bit different from the past years that we were there and it has made a really pretty visual scrapbook of sorts and we try to remember which year was which. A few of my favorites are from our honeymoon almost 15 years ago, we were in the Bahamas and we purchased a huge conch shell from a man off of his boat. This was my first trip ever to the ocean so that one holds a special place in my heart above all of the rest! I have found jars at Target, lots of pretty ones at TJ's, Marshalls and Homegoods and boutiques. They have really come down in price and you can usually find a good sized jar for around $10. I am sad that this year we won't be going to the beach (maybe later in the year for our anniversary, cross your fingers), so think of me when you are in the sun and are filling your buckets!

Love these frames!

Look at these gorgeous frames that I scored the other night at Marshalls. Dayton has practice every Friday night in town and I have an hour and a half to blow while he is there so Myah and I usually go wander around Marshalls or Target. I loved these as soon as I saw them and hated to look on the back to see the price, when I saw $3.99, I looked around to see if there were any more! What a deal! I found the matching album and put my letters (real mail!) from bloggy friends in there. I love the red frame, I thought it would look great with my Grandma's Strawberry Chiffon Pie recipe in it. She made this pink pie for every holiday, you can tell she loved to make it from the looks of it! It looks so pretty on my kitchen counter. I love Marshalls, Home Goods and TJ Maxx. I can always find beautiful things there at a fraction of the price!

A New Place To Hang My Hat

Ahhhh, my OWN space! I am so excited to finally have my own little spot in the bloggy world to share my favorite things in life with you! So many times on Myah Days I want to post about great finds, recipes, pictures from my home, tips on decorating, parenting and just plain fun girly stuff but I wanted to keep that place for my family separate from what makes me tick. I am a shop-o-holic who gets excited about great deals, I love to shop in antique shops, local consignment stores, yard sales and LOVE hand me downs! I enjoy making our home into a haven for my family. I ususally refer to it as my nest, hence the new name. I love it when all of my birdies are at home in my nest, that is when I am happiest. I hope you enjoy visiting and I look forward to sharing my life and all its craziness with you!

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On It's Way!

Here is a little Easter eye candy for you, it is calorie free I swear! I love my vintage-y looking Easter decorations, I picked them up at various places throughout the years. Mostly on clearance after the holiday or at Homegoods. One of the large chicks I purchased at the hospital gift shop while visiting my sister. I just love the glitter and the antique feel to them all. I haven't put my decorations out for the past few years because usually we are in Florida for Easter Break, however, this year with Myah's surgery the week before we are staying home, I was excited to bring these out of storage and add some much needed signs of spring to our home! Myah loves the last one with the mommy pushing the baby carriage. She says it is "Myah and Mommy". The cute little hat with the eggs in it came from my adoption buddy Laura's flower shop, I bought it right before we received Myah's referral.