From This Valley

This week marks the 3rd anniversary that my Grandfather (Pop-paw) went to heaven. He instilled a love of Bluegrass music in me that will continue to run deep within my soul. This song by The Civil Wars reminds me of him. Oh the memories I have of him I will forever cherish. Until I see your smiling face,....

My Latest Obsession

So many of you who know me well, know that I am a little more than obsessed with anything that is from the UK. Through out my life I have found myself day dreaming of living in a cottage somewhere in the English/Irish countryside. Seeing that my reality falls short of that, I love to live vicariously through books, and movies. My latest addiction has been "Downton Abbey!" Many of you, more than likely follow along on the scrumptious bits of goodness that it is. (If you haven't, then go catch up! It's on Hulu+)  Lately it has captured all of my afternoon "me time" (i.e. Liam's nap time). I have been re-watching some of it, because it's just that good! It has really inspired my work lately on designing a new apron pattern. It isn't finished yet, but it's in the works. There is something so elegant about a woman wearing an apron. The woman on the show dress so elegantly. The costume director for the show does an amazing job. I wish woman dressed like that in these days.....::siggh:: Here are some photos that may just inspire you as well.

Photo links attached to photos. (click on them)

Thought for the day,....

Source: imgfave.com via Meagan on Pinterest

Fabric Store Love

This past month my dear husband took me out on a little adventure/get away out to Columbus. I admit, I haven't done a lot of exploring in the city actually I am embarrassed to say that I can count on one hand how many times I have been there. I have heard a few things about this little fabric shop downtown and have been dreaming about going to check it out ever since. The shop is called "Sew To Speak." What a surprise to find that my husband planned a trip out to the shop. Even helped me pick out some lovely fabric for some future aprons. I can't say many husbands are as cool as that! Even though it is small, the shop lived up to my expectations! Good things do come in small packages!! I will be going back!

I could have spent all day looking through sewing books, patterns and admiring all of the beautiful fabrics. The endless things I would make with all of the fabric goodness!! Here are a few samples of the fabrics I purchased:

If you are ever in the Columbus area, you should stop in! It will not disappoint! Here is a link: Sew to Speak

They also have some amazing fabric listed in their online shop!

And I am back,...

Yes I have been M.I.A. lately. Been super busy here at home catching up on household work, enjoying some much needed family time and getting the shop back in order. Can't believe it is almost April! Where has this month gone? I haven't forget about all of you,..just had other things on my mind. But hopefully things will settle down and I will post more.

I thought it would be fun to show you all some of my photos from our latest adventure in Ireland! Yes,..that is right, we went to Ireland! It was a last minute decision to just pack and go! (literally within a week) Let me tell you, it was so worth it! 14 glorious days touring the Emerald Isle and dreaming of what it would be like to live near castles and green rolling hills. It was a dream. Here is a wee bit of what we experienced,.....

New Music Love

So excited to share this with you,...

Last year my younger brother Luke started his own band called "Summerays." The "daydream" ep is compiled of pop, surf with an asian twist. He not only wrote all of the songs on the recording, he also played all instruments, and sings! It gives a new meaning to a one man band. It is an amazing record! Since uploading his record to bandcamp, there has been quite a buzz! He has been doing radio interviews, Live shows around the city and his song "Toyohashi" has been featured on Nylon Magazine's new video montage (behind the scenes) for this month! I am so proud and excited for him! He has always been a very talented guy,.... Check it out! (his song is the second one on the video)

This summer a record label called "cool summer records" in CA,
is compressing a 7" vinyl. Super excited to own one of these! If you would like to download Summeray's ep "daydream" head over to Bandcamp. You wont be dissapointed!

You can also visit his FB Page: Summerays

(This is one of my favorite photos of my brother Luke and my soon to be sis in law Allyson. I took it last winter when they got engaged!) So excited to see what is next little brother!

Hello March!

I have missed all of you! It has been a whirl wind month of February! My husband came home from yet another business trip and mentioned that he wanted to go on vacation. So we booked a flight and packed, and went to Ireland a few days later! Before you ask,....yes,we are crazy! We just couldn't pass up the price and we had the time. Two full weeks in Ireland was a dream. But I am back!!! I have some really amazing things to tell/show you this month. (I am sorry I have been M.I.A.) Pictures, stories and some new apron colors in the shop. So exciting!

Thanks for hanging around!

Fashionista

One of my 2012 goals is to "dress better!" So I am super excited to see that Jason Wu will be bringing out a collection for Target starting early February. (In store and online) What an amazing collection! I can actually see some of these dresses working well in my wardrobe. Plus they are affordable. Between 19.99 - 59.00. The big question will be,...which one to buy? Maybe one of each!? lol

There will also be handbags available (you can never have too many of these in your closet!)

Links: 1. 2.

Dreaming of,.....

It's been a very mild winter thus far (at least in my neck of the woods)...but with all the snow, and now the slush,..uggh! It makes me dream of warmer, sunny places. It's time for a vacation!
So today I was dreaming over on Pinterest (surprise, surprise) of all the many places I would love to go. Here is a little traveling inspiration,....

1.2.3.4. 5.

Music Speaks To Me

This is soooo my life! Looking toward the positive today! Happy Friday!





By: Francesca Battistelli

Why Hello There 2012!

Hello! :) Yes I am still among the living! A bit worn out from the holidays, traveling, sickness,..you know the norm for this time of year. It's always such a let down after the holidays. The funny thing is, I have logged onto my blogger account a few times in the past few weeks intending to write something,..but just didn't have the motivation to do it! See,..the first post I usually post for the new year is my "goals" for the new year. It wasn't until today that I have actually written down those actual goals. (See if I write them down, then I have to be held accountable! Lord knows I have just been too tired!) So here they are........

My Goals of 2012!

Eat healthier - I know, I know,...everyone has this goal right? But seriously,..If you saw all the cookies, pies, and chocolates I have eaten over the holidays...yikes!! ha ha Less sugar, more water, more veggies and fruit.

Cook More - This sorta is a two-fold goal with my last goal. I have been working on some new recipes and such lately. My family is loving it! Started pinning some menu plans (on Pinterest). Hoping to get my act together and try some challenging dishes!

Exercise - Time has been my issue with this one. But with the weather being fairly warm for this time of year, it's been great to go outside and run around with the little guy. Fresh air does wonders!!

Blog More - I think I am getting over the writers slump. I have never seen blogging as a chore,...just need to get in a routine. Looking to do some blog hops! Anyone need a guest blogger to visit their site? I am still learning how to network. But I really just need to update more often. Mostly for myself,..even if I don't have anyone reading it! It's been fun looking back at all the things I have done,thought,dreamed the past few years. Sort of like a diary! Fun thing is,..I get to share things with all of my friends! It makes life more fun to have friends there beside me on my blogging journey. I cherish every comment! So continue to do so!

Take More Photos - YES!!!! I need to do this! My camera has been feeling neglected. Next step,..learn photoshop! ::Crossing Fingers::

Dress Better - Been looking through my closet lately....it needs a re-do! I still have clothes in my closet from Highschool!! It's time for some change in that department. Slowly I am planning on adding some classic pieces to my wardrobe. I may be asking for some help in this department. A Make Over is long over due! :)

Read More - Making time to read my Bible and have some quiet time with God has been a bit of a struggle lately. This is a BIG need in my life and again, I need to schedule this in my day. Prayer is something I am always doing,..but really need to focus my attention on scripture.

Work On The Shop - I have many ideas in my head at the moment of how I want my etsy shop to improve. I have big plans!!! Can't wait to share them. So thankful for all the fun I had this past year with it. Craft shows were a bit of a bust,..but Christmas season was good to me!

Love Others - I have been reminded many times this past year that life is precious. Making time to spend time with my son and enjoying every little milestone in his life,..dating my husband! Yes,..Lord knows we need some time together. He has been running ragged lately with work and finding a new job....it's been a bit of a struggle. I have been a single parent these past few months as he travels and such. But praising the Lord for the blessing that he is working and providing. I know that over time things will get better. I have been making it a point to visit and be around my friends whom I cherish so much. These friendships mean a lot to me I have been sooo blessed! Making it a point to "tell them" how much I appreciate them for being there for me. Makes me smile just thinking of the answered prayers for the needs I have had for close friendships.

I guess these goals aren't too difficult! :) Looking forward to an amazing new year! Out with the old, in with the new!!! What are some of your goals?