Just Jen

Andiegirl

"Wook, Mommy! A wizard!"

WubbaNub

We were at one of my shows when a couple with a little one wandered into my booth. I nearly tackled them when I spotted this little guy stuck in their sweet baby's mouth. I'd never seen a pacifier quite like it, but knew Andie had to have one! It's a Wubbanub - a Soothie brand pacifier (the one they give you at the hospital) actually sewn into the mouth of the bear. Jack ditched his pacifier at about 3 months, but Andie's bear is her best friend. From the start, she could easily get it in her mouth herself, and the weight of the bear is just enough to keep it from flying out onto the floor.

I just ordered Mr. Giraffe as a backup for when we can't find Mr. Bear - or when Mr. Bear is stinky and gross, in which case, you just toss him in the washer with the laundry and then let him air dry. There's lots of different animals to choose from if bears and giraffes aren't your thing. If you use a pacifier with your little one, this one will definitely keep you both happy!

Clay bead necklace project

I came across this tutorial from Delighted Momma on Pinterest the other day and thought it looked fun and EASY. And it was! I love the way it came out. A few helpful tips she doesn't happen to mention:

1) Make your lighter colored beads first - especially white. The clay tends to stick to your hands, so if you start with red beads, for instance, then decide to make some white ones, you'll probably end up with pink. Wearing gloves would be less messy overall and eliminate the color transference if you change them out for each color. A huge hassle, yes, but worth it if you care that much. I didn't. :)

2) My necklace ended up a little on the heavy side, so keep in mind -  the bigger/more the beads, the heavier the necklace will be.

3) When making the holes, twist the toothpick as you slowly, gently push it through the bead. When you get it through, send the toothpick back through again the other way. This will keep the hole a little neater and help keep the nice shape of your bead!

Can't wait to try this technique next!

 

7 months

Crochet Dress Project

I've been having so much fun making little dresses for Andie. This time I wanted to crochet a dress since my sewing skills are still only so-so. I couldn't find any patterns for full crocheted dresses that I liked well enough, though - everything seemed too stuffy and old-fashioned looking. I decided to just crochet the top and make the skirt out of fabric. It's much more practical anyway, since before we know it, it will be hotter than the bad place here in Texas. I was inspired by this and this, but ultimately made up my own pattern for the top. I am happy with the way it came out and think it will be a fun spring outfit for her! She seems to like it, anyway.

Pinny Adventure

This past weekend I decided to try to make a little dress for Andie. I can work my sewing machine fairly well, and have even taught myself to quilt, but sewing clothing has always seemed a bit intimidating to me. I thought it would be wise to start with a very simple pattern and see how it went before taking on something more complicated. The classic pinafore seemed to be a reasonable choice since it didn't involve buttons or zippers and would be easy for everyday wear. I headed off to my favorite fabric shop, the Quilt Asylum, and by the end of the night it was done! I love how it turned out, so I plan to make another one for her soon. I found the pattern (by Betty Kingston) on Etsy. The instructions were detailed, the pattern was easy to follow, and it fit her really well, so I do recommend it. There is also a pattern included for matching bloomers, but I wanted to put it with leggings or pants/shorts instead, so I skipped them.

Side note: baby girl is getting actual HAIR! Ok, so it's still mostly in the "fuzz" state, but it's been growing like crazy lately. Finally. Looks like I'll have a sweet little brunette on my hands. :)

I think I'll tackle this pattern next - we'll see how I do with the elastic...

Avalanche Bars Recipe Link

I've often joked that I'm going to change the name of my food board on Pinterest from "Good Eats" to "Food Porn", because that's what it is for the most part for me. I see some ridiculously sinful looking treat, gawk at the photo, wipe the puddle of drool off my desk, repin it to my board and move on. I usually don't go to the trouble of actually making anything, and when I do, it's often disappointing. Like, "Definitely NOT the best enchilada recipe EVER of ALL TIME."

Not this time. I needed a quick "thank you" treat for a neighbor, so while the husband and son were off at Monster Jam, I hopped on my "Food Porn" board for a quick, easy recipe and decided to whip these up.

And my life changed in an instant. These will be made again and again. And again. So easy and ridiculously good. I'm not even going to try to describe them. Just go here to get the recipe, go to the grocery store and get the ingredients. Go. Go NOW.

I'm trying her red velvet popcorn next, by the way, when I emerge from my sugar coma.

Image, recipe, and better quality of life all thanks to Cookies & Cups.