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Come On Over! 1 Jun 2011 3:36 PM (13 years ago)

Updating my FAQ's Page 31 May 2011 9:39 AM (13 years ago)

I'd love to hear any of your blog/life/crafty/vintage related questions in the comment section below so I can update my FAQ page and keep it fresh and relevant. I know you guys are DYING to know if I floss my teeth every day. Ha! (For the record, I don't.) Thanks in advance for keeping it polite.

The blog makeover is coming along nicely and will be ready for action tomorrow afternoon!

xoxo,
Rachel

Work In Progress 29 May 2011 8:57 PM (13 years ago)

I've been spending most of my increments of work time rebranding and creating a new blog over on Typepad. It's given me a new appreciation for how much work goes into these things, even for those who aren't spending over two hours figuring out how to correctly code a nav bar. I plan on sharing a full post (or two) on how I decided to make a change, what tools I've used to feel slightly more adequate, and some tutorials that helped fill in the blanks.

I spent most of Saturday afternoon clearing brush from a fence line in our backyard for a background for a banner photo idea. Then I scrapped it. I also hauled (with help from the poison ivy-covered husband) props out to the other side of my house for another banner idea, spent two hours designing said banner idea, and then scrapped that one this afternoon after coming up with a third idea.

It's been quite the challenge but I haven't felt this excited about having learned something technical and complex since college. It feels good to have set a big goal and then knuckle sandwiched it into submission. This may lead to setting more goals. WATCH out.

I'd like to publicly thank Elise Blaha Cripe for offering her class on blog design and saving my night with some post-class assistance in coding. I heart that girl.

I hope you have a lovely Memorial Day. We're celebrating with a handful of neighbors and remembering those who have served and sacrificed for our country. There will be ice cream and a kiddie sized swimming pool involved.

xoxo,
Rachel

Giveaway Day: May Sponsors 27 May 2011 11:31 AM (13 years ago)

"Hi, my name is Stacie and I run Gingiber, and online nursery decor shop. I love to create doodles that will appeal to both the kiddos and adults in a home! I am super excited to be giving away a $25 credit to my shop!

Arian Armstrong is a wife, mommy, drawer of cute things, experimental chef, crafter, and lover of all things vintage.

Giveaway: 3 prints of the winner's choice, value-$45

For us the ultimate goal is to be a 100% ethical, fair trade, organic company catering for adults and children in all sizes. If you have any questions or want to work together to create a custom order, email us on info@greendandelion.com.au and together we can work something out.

Find us on our website Green Dandelion and from there you will find links to our online store, facebook and twitter.

Xxx The Green Dandelion Girls

The-Loudmouth

Hi! My name is Stephanie. I'm a small-town girl who recently moved to Los Angeles with big dreams & a zest for life! I have a blog about food, fashion and city adventures at The-Loudmouth.com and an Etsy shop that showcases my photography! I am sure one of these prints would look great in your home :)

Giveaway: Your choice of 5 prints, valued at $25.

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No Ordinary Mommy

Hello! I'm Faith, designer and creator behind OrdinaryMommy. My line includes hair accessories, jewelry, and home decor pieces full of color and soft textures; intertwined in all of my designs is a love for fun, style, and also my unique perspective! My fondest wish is that my pieces make you smile. If you open that package and there's a smile on your face, that's what really matters to me.

Giveaway: Plush Owl Door Hanger shown above. Valued at $25.00.

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One winner will receive ALL of the giveaway items mentioned above!

TO ENTER TO WIN leave a comment below sharing something you love about the handmade community. Short and sweet or long and wordy! The comments will close on Monday and a winner will be announced soon after. Thank you to all the sponsors that joined in on this fun giveaway!

Also, I'm making the move over to a new blog soon. I'm MORE THAN A LITTLE excited about this space getting a fresh look! If you'd like to join Smile and Wave as a new summer sponsor check out this post for details.

xoxo,

Rachel

Vintage Here, Vintage There: Out and About 27 May 2011 10:49 AM (13 years ago)

Ruby was so excited about those tadpoles that I thought she may fall in. She shimmied right down to the edge of the pond and waved and waved at those little swimmers. It's the little things, folks.

I bought my dress from Past Times Vintage a few weeks ago after seeing it pop up in a search for cotton dresses. I immediately fell for the colors and I loved the vertical stripes. Hello, slimming!

Ruby's wearing: Denim pea coat, thrifted. Vintage dress, gifted from an online friend. Tights and shoes, gifted from Mom.

Running In Place 26 May 2011 8:31 PM (13 years ago)

Just Pull The Blanket Over Your Head 24 May 2011 8:04 PM (13 years ago)

Today's sunny, breezy, warmish weather paired with a porch project involving outdoor string lights reminded me that summer is almost, almost here. It took me back to last summer's family vacation to Destin, FL and the perfect afternoon Ruby, Brett and I had the day before we went home.

Project ReStyle Guest Post on A Beautiful Mess 22 May 2011 8:26 PM (13 years ago)

I found two old children's cots awhile back at a local thrift store. This is what happened next. For the full story head over to Elsie's blog for my Project ReStyle Guest Post and favorite ReStyles from our Flickr group.

xoxo,
Rachel

Now Accepting June Sponsors 22 May 2011 11:46 AM (13 years ago)

I've been working behind the scenes for a few weeks on a much needed Smile and Wave makeover after almost two years with it's current design. I'm refreshing the navigation bar pages, organizing my features, and generally bringing things up to date in appearance to reflect what this space currently represents in my life. I can't wait to see if it turns out how I envision it in my head. Fingers crossed!

That said, I'm currently accepting sponsors for June. Ad sizes will be different but the price will remain the same through the end of the summer so it's a great time to jump on board before I raise rates in September!

I am introducing a new single feature ad spot starting in June. It will be larger, remain at the top all month, and have the option of a separate giveaway or feature post. First come, first serve! E-mail my ad managers at admanagers(at)frecklednest(dot)com for more details and to secure your spot(s).

I'm excited for a new look and can't wait to share!
xo,
Rachel

More Wedding Photos! 21 May 2011 7:38 PM (13 years ago)

An Instagram Wedding Weekend 17 May 2011 8:20 PM (13 years ago)

The Best Wedding Ever 16 May 2011 7:33 PM (13 years ago)

To Elsie & Jeremy On Their Wedding Day 15 May 2011 3:36 AM (13 years ago)

Elsie, I remember the day I met Jeremy after having heard all about this bearded man that made beautiful music. I was nervous to meet this guy you held in such high regard because it obviously meant he was extra special. I had a feeling from the beginning that he was going to be a part of the rest of your story.

Jeremy, you and Elsie are so well matched. It seems as though you enable each other to step into your fullest potential and share a special understanding of how valuable each other's gifts and talents are. It makes me so happy knowing one of my best friends has found happiness with such an exceptional guy.

I'm so thankful to get to watch all of this happen and to share in your special day by standing up there with you two and all of the people that love you most as you commit your love to each other. I love you guys.

xoxo,
Rachel

Sharing Love, One Dress At A Time 10 May 2011 6:14 PM (13 years ago)

As you may know, this week is KCWC over on Elsie Marley's blog. I'm sure some of you have been squeezing in an hour a day over the last two days to make something for your own little ones to wear. I started early and took a break on Sunday to sit down and work on one of the simplest of patterns out there, the pillow case dress.

I thoroughly enjoy making things for my kids. They don't always understand or have the capacity to appreciate handmade things right now but I hope they'll look back at photos and old blog posts and see it as another way their mama loved on them. (There is that pose again!)

For this pillow case dress I used a vintage floral pillow case from my collection, extra-wide double fold bias tape, and grosgrain ribbon. The trim on the bottom was already there. I used what I had on hand and it took me about twenty minutes to figure out the logistics and put it together. Twenty minutes, folks!

I love me an instant gratification sewing project!

The thing is, our friends Katy and Adam are headed out to Haiti in June to take clothing and necessary supplies to orphans that attend a school that their church, New Bru (or Center City Church) helps sponsor. The organization that started the orphanage, Center of Hope, celebrated it's opening last October. New Bru is hoping to send over as many pillow case dresses as possible for the little girls that attend the school as well as ones in surrounding communities.

So, one pillow case dress turned into three.

And three turned into five. Five dresses took me an hour and a half to make but will be enjoyed by a handful of girls at the school for a long time.

I would LOVE if you would join me in making a pillow case dress (or two, or five) to send to these girls in Haiti. If you're participating in KCWC, or just really like to sew, think about taking an extra twenty minutes this week or next to put together a simple pillow case dress for an orphaned girl in Haiti.

My friend, Katy, has more information on the work their church does through members that live and work there if you're interested in finding out more. You can contact Katy Shatto at did2613(at)hotmail(dot)com to find out where to send your dresses when you're done.

Standard sized pillow cases will fit most elementary age girls in Haiti but they are also passing them out to younger girls in surrounding communities so they have a need for smaller sizes as well. The only guideline is that they aren't made from solid red pillow cases or any fabric with patriotic (American flag) prints. You can find a variety of tutorials to make your own including this one, this one, or this one.

For every dress sent to Katy, a name will be added for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Fabricworm! If you send five dresses, you have five chances of winning $50 worth of fabric! All dresses must be post marked June 1st in order to arrive in time and the winner will be announced later that week.

Vintage Here, Vintage There: Mother's Day 9 May 2011 7:06 PM (13 years ago)

Mother's Day this year was pretty low key. Brett had finals looming so he had to study, Ruby got sick and was working on a few molars coming in, and I was just plain tired. Thankfully, we had beautiful weather! We let Brett study in my studio and got outside for a bit to play in our makeshift pool.

Ruby had a fever the night before but she was happy to get in that cold water and forget she was sick for awhile.

Her sun suit is from Nanna's Attic on Etsy. I saw it last week when preparing links for VH,VT and it reminded me of something I had when I was little. I think mine may have been a smock but it had a tulip on it. Mom or Grandmother, does that ring a bell? I got another vintage romper for her from the same shop that I'm hoping to use as a pattern to make some myself.

This is a dress I got from Red Velvet last year and wore earlier in the year on a bowling trip. I realized after we left the house that I was wearing the wrong bra with this dress so it looks a little busty! HA!

I'm wearing: Vintage dress, Red Velvet. Belt, thrifted. Shoes, Target. Vintage scarf, thrifted. Sunglasses, ModCloth.

While Brett was taking photos of me, the littlest one was sneaking drinks from my iced coffee. Naughty, naughty.

Sebastian was pretending to be Spiderman and loved being in those back alleys! Ruby chased birds and tried to climb some loft dweller's back stairs.

Ruby's wearing: Summer smock gifted from 3RingCircus. Bloomers, thrifted. Vintage Minnetonka moccasins, thrifted. Heather of 3RingCircus is a sweet online friend and sent this and another pretty embroidered top that her daughter, Penelope, had outgrown. Thanks, Heather! We love them.

I'm so thankful to be their mother. So, so thankful.

I'm pretty sure every lady needs a vintage scarf in her wardrobe. Here are a few I found on Etsy: Here, here, here, here, and here.

Did you have a special Mother's Day? Did you get to wear a pretty dress? I know Rubyellen and her family had a relaxed Mother's Day weekend as well and I can't wait to see what she wore on her special day!

xoxo,
Rachel

p.s. Thank you for your votes for the Top 25 Kids' Style Blogs! You got Smile and Wave in the top 10 and I'm so flattered and thankful!

April Sponsor Giveaway Winner! 8 May 2011 8:12 PM (13 years ago)

"I collect salt and pepper shakers, the cuter the better!"

Last Week in Instagrams 6 May 2011 6:17 PM (13 years ago)

It's going to be a full week ending in a fun and exciting weekend! I'm going to be playing catch up all day on Monday and Tuesday with posting (hello, April Sponsor Giveaway!) and Mother's Day photos. Ruby got sick and Brett had finals to study for so it was low key and we were all pretty sleep deprived. Nevertheless, it was good to be together!

I hope your weekend was enjoyable! Monday starts Elsie Marley's Kids' Clothes Week Challenge and I fully plan on squeezing at least two dresses into some nap time slots. I'm also excited to share an opportunity to help clothe some orphans in Haiti so stay tuned!

xoxo,
Rachel

P.S. Monday is the last day to vote for friends in the Top 25 Kids' Style category on Circle of Moms. It's been exciting to be in the top 12 since the start of the contest! I'd love your last vote today. Thank you for being such lovely readers!

House Tour #3, Part 3: Master Bedroom 4 May 2011 2:21 PM (13 years ago)

I've shared the kids' room, the living room, the kitchen and middle room, and now the master bedroom. We've been in this rental for six months now and other than the studio feel like we're settled. Almost everything has found it's place, the walls are full, and most importantly it feels like home.

Our bedroom wasn't a complicated space to set up but it took me up until the day before I took these photos in late March to decide what to put on the walls. We didn't have much on the walls in our old bedroom besides two mirrors and a giant gas station number (still included in this one) and we had a completely different furniture arrangement. We also purchased our first ever bed frame for Christmas! This means we're adults now, right?

I brought in a few things I had hanging in my studio in our last rental like this orange and cream gas station signage as well as some things that were in storage tubs such as the For Like Ever print and a matted photograph from a friend in college.

The bench finally got it's coat(s) of paint and was given a home at the end of our bed. In a perfect world I would have adorable pillows stacked in the corner but it currently acts as a clean laundry catch all.

Yes. We have piles.

We have two bedspreads and a duvet (gift from a special lady) that we regularly keep on our bed during the colder nights but keep the duvet stored in our closet when it's warmer. The hounds tooth bedspread is from Urban Outfitters and still one of my favorite patterns. The pink bedspread is from the Liberty of London line from Target a few years back. The duvet (not shown) is from Anthropologie.

I've always loved the look of random photo collections hanging near a bed. I had photos of me and my best friends taped to the wall through high school and college but stopped when I got married because it felt too 'young' and uncouth. Ha! I've made this one a little more grown up by using photos and art with common themes and colors.

The stair case is where Brett and I spent one of the last evenings chatting away before Christmas break our first semester. We weren't dating yet but it was obviously headed that direction. He was off to India and I was going home and it felt like we'd never see each other again. Ahhh, young love.

The old photo is a copy of one my Meemaw gave me. I'm not really sure about the story behind it but it's right after her and my PawPaw's wedding ceremony. Mom, remind me of those details next time we talk. They look so happy and smitten.

The Enid Collins purse was given to me by my Grandmother and has seen some use lately but is usually carefully placed on a little shelf in my closet to keep certain toddlers from coloring on it.

The only thing left to show is my studio but don't hold your breath. I may save that one until the very end of the year the way things are going right now. It's full of half-finished projects and those last few boxes we haven't unpacked. Maybe I shouldn't even look in them and donate them to Goodwill, huh!

Also, our home is rarely as clean and clutter free as it is in these images because we lead busy lives and have little ones like many of you. Ask my neighbors! However, all my messes are colorful and all my piles a sign of fun being had.

I totally subscribe to the idea that you can make a space you love on a budget with a little patience and a strong idea of what you want. If you're totally overwhelmed with where to start in your home or are wanting to plan for your next place I've shared everything I know about
pulling it together and making it work in my recent E-Course, Style Your Space. It includes guidance and resources on finding your specific style, how to work with what you have, getting the most out of your arrangements, and four fun DIY's to make your space more fun. Details here.

I'm so thankful for our current house. Even our leaky basement. We no longer have to worry about where to go when the tornado sirens go off!

What's your favorite thing about your space? Do you have a lot of half-finished corners? Do you like to rearrange every few months? How do you keep it feeling fresh?

xoxo,
Rachel

Furniture: End table and two dressers, Craigslist. Bench and chair, thrifted. Lamp, K-Mart. Bed frame, AllModern.

Lighting & Accessories: Large industrial light, thrifted. Large gas station #3 and smaller metal gas station sign, thrifted. Vintage fan, books, and birds, thrifted. Picture frame, thrifted and painted. Fake rotary phone, found but originally from Pottery Barn.

Art: For Like Ever print originally from ReForm School. Frame purchased from Michael's Craft Store. The New Pornographers poster, Domestica.

Linens: Hounds tooth bedspread, Urban Outfitters. Liberty of London bedspread, Target. Liberty of London pillow, thrifted but originally from Target. Cross pillow and curtains, handmade by me. Afghan, thrifted.

Vintage Here, Vintage There: Warm Weather 3 May 2011 2:32 PM (13 years ago)

We took full advantage of the sunny weather today after so many days of rain and gray skies. Total mood changer! We went to a few fabric stores, played in the front yard, and made some messes inside. We're good at making them but I wish we were better at cleaning them up.

Ruby's wearing: Thrifted vintage top, tank top American Apparel from Gilt Group, white capris from Old Navy, navy Mary Janes gifted (Old Navy) from my mom.

Sebastian's wearing: Vintage shirt from Miskabelly, pants and shoes, Target.

I'm wearing: Vintage floral dress, Red Velvet. Vintage belt and shoes, thrifted.

Do you think it's easier or harder to incorporate vintage into your wardrobe during warmer months? If you love vintage dresses, probably. Even with cardigans, tights, and boots I was always a little too cold to feel really comfortable wearing dresses in January (or April this year!). Now that it's May I foresee dresses every day that we're hoping to get out of the house.

Here are a few of my favorite every day dresses from some favorite shops: Collared, Embroidered, Checked, and Denim and lace.

Their New Pillows 2 May 2011 11:41 AM (13 years ago)

Misha Lulu Giveaway Winner! 2 May 2011 10:44 AM (13 years ago)

Karen is so talented. My favorite activity is making crafts outside in our yard and also watching my 4 year old daughter water our plants and flowers. She loves to do that.

Congrats, Ana! Please be sure to e-mail me so I can pass it along to Karen. Thanks to everyone who took time to enter this fantastic giveaway!

xo,

Rachel

The Monday After 1 May 2011 8:51 PM (13 years ago)

I will always remember hearing about it on Twitter first. Nothing's over but I'll still take it. I'll take a little hope that things have a chance of shifting.

I'm proud of my brother and husband and the ways they are committed to serving their country and wonder how this changes things. IF this changes things.

I stayed up way too late thinking about all of this. Remind me to buy a newspaper or two.

xo,
Rachel

Project Weekend 28 Apr 2011 8:50 PM (13 years ago)

source: Canadian House & Home

April Sponsor Giveaway! 28 Apr 2011 8:06 PM (13 years ago)

It's that time again! Time to see what some of our sponsors have in store for one lucky winner! Check out their shops, see what they're sharing, and find out what you have to do (below) to enter to win. All my thanks!

"hello, my name is meg, and i'm the owner/designer behind pretty things by meg, a collection of vintage-meets-modern jewelry. if you take a peek at my shop, you will quickly see that i love color.

i also love using a variety of materials in my pieces, including linen, antique bronze, vintage glass beads, and chiffon. hope you find something you like!"

Giveaway is for $25 shop credit.

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Red Ribbon Fox

Hi there! I'm Heather-- a wife, a crafter, a blogger and a rogue ballerina! Lilac & Lace is my little corner of the internet where I share my daily escapades in the slums of Beverly Hills. I like the color of eggplant, holidays, sparkles and making tutus.

I am honored to be sponsoring Smile & Wave this month! I am the proprietor of my very own Etsy shop, Red Ribbon Fox, where I sell handmade tutus, hair accessories and all kinds of pretty things for ballerina's (or wanna-be ballerinas) of all ages!

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Apple Blue

Hi there! My name is Amanda and I'm the proud owner of Apple Blue, a cute little online shop filled with vintage goodies and handmade creations. I also have a fun blog where I write on topics like small business, tutorials, DIY and the life of a creative entrepreneur.

I am passionate about giving old things a second life and empowering people to start their own small creative businesses. I'm one girl with many dreams. I hope you'll stop by Apple Blue and say hello... I have lots of incredible things planned for May and I can't wait to get started!

Giveaway: $25 credit to the shop and surprise gift.


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MadeYaLook

Madeyalook is pleased to be able to offer these vintage Northern American Beauties as a sponsor giveaway for April. I understand the marketing of these prints made the sale of Northern skyrocket back in the late 50's and early 60's.

These 4 girls are in the original package, measure 11 x 14, and I don't think they have ever been framed. These are just a taste of vintage offerings from MadeYaLook.

Retails for $40+.

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Gadanke

Start celebrating your story with a Gadanke journal. After all, your story matters!

At Gadanke, Katie hand-crafts each book of writing prompts. You'll find inspiring diaries, baby books, travel journals, books for kids, and very soon - recipe journals!

Each book is built with 100% recycled paper, textured European paper, pockets, library cards, and embellishments that are just perfect for documenting your world. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll never forget.

Giveaway is for a $25 gift certificate to Gadanke.

Vintage Here, Vintage There: Last Weekend 28 Apr 2011 9:02 AM (13 years ago)

We managed to sneak in some family photos in our Easter best last Sunday after lunch. I'm pretty sure it's always worth it to make these happen even if a certain four year old is rarely interested. We'll be looking back on these for years trying to recall what life was like when these two were this age!

I wore this vintage frock for the first time and think it's going to be in regular rotation all spring and summer! It's from Red Velvet here in Springfield. I forgot how much I love wearing navy!

Ruby wore her new shoes but a dress we already had rather than the ones I got so excited about the week before. They'll be ready for her next year when she can fill them out. This year she looked just peachy in her smocked vintage top and plaid Mary Janes.

Brett's wearing: I can't even remember. Probably from the mall.
Sebastian's wearing: Target and Old Navy head to toe. I think those pants are going to fit him next year, too!
I'm wearing: Red Velvet vintage dress, thrifted Michael Kors wedges, vintage belt, bracelet from F21.
Ruby's wearing: Vintage smocked dress, Etsy. Mary Janes from Payless. Last minute cardigan from Wal-Mart.