Friday, January 30, 2015

7 Quick Takes: Seven Craft Projects I Will Do

This post contains affiliate links.

While many of my craft projects involve yarn, knitting and crocheting are not the only ways I enjoy creating.  It's still January, so I am going to add making these seven projects to my New Year's resolutions.

1.  These earrings from All Day Chic look stunning and complicated, but the tutorial seems easy enough.


2.  A felt flower accent pillow.  I love this one by Allison:


3.  Make something using the peyote stitch used in beading.  I'd love to make a tubed necklace and some flowers.  Here's one beautiful example by Elina Ivanova that I'd love to emulate.  (Check out all of this talented artist's work. Amazing.)


4.  This Hi - Lo Top by Melly Sews would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe.


5.  I picked up some fabric on Black Friday that I'd like to make matching mother and daughter dresses.  I'm thinking the fabric will be the "matching" part, but they would be different styles.  This one for me and this one that I picked up ages ago for Catherine.  What do you think?

6.  I want to work with knit fabrics.  This pattern was under my Christmas tree.

7.  I also want to start and finish at least one scrapbook.

How about you?  Do you have any fun things on you New Year's resolutions list?  And speaking of resolutions, it's the end of January, how are you doing on yours?

Linking up here.


Thursday, January 29, 2015

Infinity Loop Lace Shell Circle Scarf with Red Heart's Swanky Yarn

I received this yarn from Red Heart.  There are affiliate links in this post. 


When I received this Swanky Yarn in Midnight Blue from Red Heart I knew right away that I wanted to make it into a fun infinity scarf.  It took me a long time to decide what pattern would best show off this yarn's unique bling.  After many searches on Ravelry I decided upon the Infinity Loop Lace Shell Circle Scarf by Accessorise.


The yarn is a basic yarn, but it has one cool feature that really makes it pop!  It has matching oval sequins throughout.  The yarn and sequins are dyed to match, so it is a unified color.  The 62% Acrylic 38% Polyester yarn is soft to the touch.  I was a little worried that the sequins would constantly be catching on the stitches, or just getting in the way, but they didn't.  Every so often one would end up in an awkward part of a stitch, but it was always easy to adjust.


I used an I crochet hook, which is larger than the H hook recommended for the yarn, but after experimenting with the pattern and yarn that's what I thought showed off both the yarn and the pattern best.


The pattern is well written and easy to follow.  There are a lot of pictures included in the pattern.

There are two lengths for this pattern.  I made the longer version.  At first I crocheted the chain for the shorter version, but it seemed really small.  The larger version is perfect.  I didn't crochet as many rows as the patter called for, as I was only going to use one skein, but I think it ended up perfect.  I did add one row of single crochet at the very bottom.  I think that it helped define the scallop edge a bit.

When I first saw this yarn I thought it would be perfect for my sister.  She both loves blue, and I this shade would look great on her, so this scarf was a (slightly belated) Christmas gift for her.


Be sure to check out this week's Yarn Fanatic Party -- link up your own yarn-y projects and enter the giveaway!



Wednesday, January 28, 2015

WIPS: Puff Stitch Hat

There are affiliate links in this post. 


I needed some de-stressing crocheting, so I am adapting a child sized puff stitch hat to an adult hat.  I'm using some Simply Soft in Soft Blue that I had picked up on clearance a while ago.  It's a nice, easy, relaxing project.  Just what I needed!  What are your go to projects for de-stressing?

If you have any yarn-y projects that you've finished, please share them at my Yarn Fanatic Party!  Be sure to enter the giveaway for a one year subscription to Happily Hooked, which is an awesome crochet magazine!

Frontier Dreams with Nicole
Yarn Along with Ginny

$150 Visa Gift Card & Soothing Prize Pack (Ends 2/11) US


Welcome to the Soothe and Play Giveaway, generously sponsored by Medi-Pals!

About today's sponsor: Having a sick infant or child can be emotional for both the child and caregiver, and that's why Medi-Pals created their kid-friendly medication dispensers. Available in 3 fun characters, Medi-Pals dispensers are familiar and fun for the infant, easy for the caregiver to use, and they always ensure that the child is getting the accurate dosage of medicine. Also, Medi-Pals are made in the USA! Thrifty Nifty Mommy recently had the chance to review the Medi-Pals medication dispensers, and she said they worked like a charm! Be sure to check out her full review to get the details on how these dispensers work.

Key benefits of Medi-Pals pacifier medicine dispensers:
  • They're softer than a straight syringe, and the syringe sits snugly in the nipple, so no medicine gets lost or stuck to the sides.
  • They're accurate - the caregiver is in complete control of dosage.
  • The diverter on the pacifier nipple fans the medicine to the sides, not straight to the back of the child's throat, so that the child won't gag and spit the medicine out.
  • They're reusable, dishwasher-safe, and easy to clean.
  • The pacifier and faceplate are easy to put together and take apart. You can even change faceplates!
  • They work with more than just oral vitamins, pain relievers, and oral antibiotics—it can also be used with baby food or even honey. If you can get it into the syringe, it will work.
Medi-Pals wants to help you SOOTHE your baby so they'll be ready to PLAY - that's why they've put together an AMAZING prize package for one lucky person!

This prize package is valued at over $500 and includes:
  • 2 Medi-Pals dispensers: Your children will get to take their vitamins and medicine stress-free with Freddie the Frog and Lilly the Ladybug.
  • 1 Blooming Bath in Yellow
  • 1 Mamaroo (Original version, classic gray color)
  • 1 Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether
  • 1 new and improved Step2 Easy Turn Coupe
  • 1 $150 VISA Gift Card
Open to the continental US only, ages 18 and up. Ends 2/11/15 at 11:59 PM EST. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!
Disclosure: The Philosopher's Wife did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email by the hosts of this giveaway, Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Viva Veltoro. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. Please note, design of Step2 Easy Turn Coupe may vary depending on in-stock availability as it's being redesigned.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

A Quick Review of Our Holland America Line Cruise Vacation

This is a sponsored post.  This post may contain affiliate links.
Catherine and I swimming at Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island in the Bahamas.
That's our ship in the background.
We were super excited to be able to cruise on the ms Noordam just before Christmas.  Our group, spanning three generations, consisted of myself, my husband, Catherine (age 4), Dominic (9 months), Grandmom, and Grandpop.  We started in Fort Lauderdale and visited the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.  There is simply no way I can fully cover everything that happened on our cruise, but here's a quick review!

This was my first time on a Holland America ship, and it was Catherine and Dominic's first cruise.  The ship itself was beautiful and classy.  I wouldn't call it understated, but it was not ostentatious.  There are a variety museum worthy masterpieces sprinkled throughout the ship.  I was also very happy that they decorated beautifully for Christmas.  Catherine thought the "golden room" was quite fancy.

Catherine especially loved the gingerbread village in the main atrium, aka the "golden room".
Our room was quite lovely.  We were pretty excited that we were able to have a Verandah stateroom at an affordable price.  It had a queen-sized bed, a little couch that converted to a bed for Catherine, and floor-to-ceiling windows. (There was also a drop down bed, but Dominic wasn't quite ready for it.)  The signature Mariner's Dream™ beds were actually quite comfy.  Our room stewards Hary and Yasa kept our room beautifully shipshape.  Catherine wasn't the only one that enjoyed the legendary animals that they made for us, I made sure to take a picture of every single one.

We attended a towel folding demonstration where they showed us how to make a variety of animals,
 including a swan and an elephant.
There was always something fun to do!  Catherine loved the Club HAL, which is Holland America's youth program.  (She loved it so much that I have dedicated an entire blog post to Club HAL.)  I enjoyed the cooking demonstrations; I especially enjoyed the Creme Brulee demonstration and tasting!  Since the ship had two pools, there was always room for us to splash about.  The midship pool even had a movable roof, which was great when we were in Mexico because it was a very drippy day.

Catherine and I enjoyed the pool.
Isn't the dolphin sculpture behind us neat?
The nighttime entertainment was about average in my opinion.  On all of the other cruises that I've been on there were two viewings of the nightly big show.  This time there was only one.  Dominic, Grandpop, and I attended most of the magician's show.  While he didn't have any completely knock-your-socks-off tricks he did have a well put together routine, and it was quite humorous.  My husband, Grandpop, and I also enjoyed the comedian.  The big song and dance show was entertaining.  (Although I couldn't quite decide if the accompanying light show was cool or distracting.)  We didn't really participate in any of the other nightlife festivities.  Two activities that I never got the chance to attend (because I was busy doing other fun things!) were the Sit and Stitch and Afternoon Tea.

This was the best fourless chocolate cake ever.  Seriously.
The food was amazing.  This was my fifth cruise and I think it was the best cruise food yet.  The service was impeccable.  I wasn't sure if I would like having a set dinnertime, but I have been completely won over.  Not only would I say that I didn't end up minding it, I might even say that I prefer it!  The wait staff got to know our preferences after our first day!  Our server, Doni S., went above and beyond.  He made Catherine one happy little girl by making her a new origami animal every day.  The maitre d', Robbien F., was always helpful.  Doni and Robbien both made sure to have yogurt and milk for my extremely picky eater.  Our second waiter, Febi, was also fantastic.  We considered ourselves to have the best table in the dinning room.  We were at the very back by the windows.  Every night afforded us a gorgeous view.  (The food was so good that I decided to give it a blog post of its own!)

My cuties posing outside of the buffet.
Can you cruise with kids?  Absolutely!  Dominic and Catherine loved the cruise.  The staff absolutely doted on them.  I couldn't believe how many of them were able to call my children by name!  (I think Dominic was the most popular person on the entire ship!)  While cruising as a family was a very different experience from cruising as a couple, it worked out very well.  All of the restaurants had high chairs.  They made sure to deliver a child size and infant size life jacket to our room.  Club HAL gave Catherine a safe place to have "normal" playtime.  Kid friendly foods were readily available.  Even my extremely picky eater never went hungry.  (Be sure to check out my post on what to bring on a cruise if you have small children.)

Here's a quick run down of our itinerary and activities:


Monday
Fort Lauderdale, Florida  
Board, explore the ship
Tuesday
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Beach day
Wednesday
At Sea

Thursday
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The Blue Hole
Friday
Georgetown, Cayman Islands
Saturday
Cozumel, Mexico
Grandmom & Grandpop: ruins
Sunday
At Sea

Monday
Fort Lauderdale, Florida


In a nutshell, we had a great time and I highly recommend Holland America.


For more of our cruise related fun check out the following:

Disclaimer: I received a few amenities while on board in exchange for my honest opinions.   



Monday, January 26, 2015

Yarn Fanatic Party 21 (Happily Hooked Crochet Magazine Giveaway)

Welcome to the twenty-first Yarn Fanatic Party!


This week's giveaway is sponsored by Happily Hooked Magazine.  I'd like to share a little about this sponsor before getting to the weekly yarn-y link up.  Don't worry though, the linky is at the bottom of the page and I can't wait to see what you have to share this week!


I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed paging through my Happily Hooked Magazine.  There are so many great patterns and designer stories!  I love how inspiring it can be to see other crocheter's creations.  It gets my own creative juices flowing.  I really enjoyed the interview with crocheter Twinkie Chan.  You simply have to check out her amigurumi, she is quite talented.  (Yes, those "pretzels" that she is holding are crocheted.)


The magazine is quite a deal.  For example, my favorite pattern from this issue is the SnuggleMe Pterodactyl.  The entire pattern is included in issue #10 (January 2015), starting on page 58.  This pattern is also available on Ravelry for about four bucks.  This is only my first issue but I am sure that there will be many patterns that I will be adding to my to do list!

Photo Source.
I am hooked on this magazine.  (Get it?  "Hooked"?)  I currently view this magazine on my laptop.  While it works just fine this way, I could certainly see how it would be an easier read on a tablet.  They have an iPad app, but I don't have an iPad.  If I get the chance later I will try it out on my daughter's Kindle.  (And I'll let you know what I think!)

Have you seen this magazine before?  Did you like it?   


Happily Hooked is giving one lucky reader a one year subscription to this awesome crochet magazine!

Details and Important Information: This is not a physical magazine -- it is a web based magazine that can be viewed on a web capable device. You must be 18+ and a US resident to enter. Void where prohibited. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be drawn.  The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you see the awesome sunburst tutorial shared by Little Crochet last week?  She has great pictures and instructions.  I want to make a blanket out of lots of these little squares!  I've been planning on making granny square afghan soon, I might have just found my pattern.


Time to party!
What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  It can be a new project or an old one.  (I would appreciate it though if it had not been linked up to a previous Yarn Fanatic Party.)  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:
  • Add my Yarn Fanatic Party button to your post or party page.
  • The Philosopher's Wife
  • Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots.
  • Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
  • Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment.  Personally I do a little happy dance every time I have a new comment -- and I bet that I'm not alone.  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts . . . eventually.)  
Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

WIPS: Beanie Update

Make sure to come and link up any of your yarn projects at my weekly Yarn Fanatic Party!  This week I am giving away a year subscription to Happily Hooked, which is an awesome online crochet magazine.


I am still knitting my Berries Blast Beanie.  I've decided to do the top in stockinette instead of the garter stitch.  Hopefully I know what I'm doing well enough for it to work!

I almost purchased yarn yesterday.  I have a special project in mind and the yarn that I wanted was on sale at Michael's and I had a 20% everything (including sale items) coupons.  For some unknown reason it never let me check out.  Oh well.  I just might have to go yarn shopping this weekend.


   

Monday, January 19, 2015

Yarn Fanatic Party #20

Welcome to the twentieth Yarn Fanatic Party!

I hope that everyone had a great weekend, and that it included yarn in some fashion.  My parents were able to come for a long weekend visit, so we played lots of games and I neglected all of my crafting.  I did visit a cute little yarn shop on Sunday, and although I greatly loved their selection, I did leave empty handed.  Nothing was "just perfect" for me right now.

This party is dedicated to your projects that use yarn.  The vast majority of these projects are either crocheted or knitted.  However, there are many other creative ways to craft with yarn!  Last week Cindy shared this adorable wreath that she made, without a hook or needle in sight!


This week's giveaway is sponsored by Happily Hooked Magazine.  They are giving one lucky reader a one year subscription!  I just received my own subscription, and I am already hooked.  (I'll be telling you more about it this week, so lookout for it!)



Details and Important Information: This is not a physical magazine -- it is a web based magazine that can be viewed on a web capable device. You must be 18+ and a US resident to enter. Void where prohibited. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be drawn.  The Philosopher Wife and Eye Love Knots are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Time to party!
What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  It can be a new project or an old one.  (I would appreciate it though if it had not been linked up to a previous Yarn Fanatic Party.)  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:
  • Add my Yarn Fanatic Party button to your post or party page.
  • The Philosopher's Wife
  • Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots.
  • Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
  • Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Please, take a moment to visit a couple of posts and leave a comment.  Personally I do a little happy dance every time I have a new comment -- and I bet that I'm not alone.  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts . . . eventually.)  
Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.


Friday, January 16, 2015

Kindle Fire Giveaway (Ends 1/31) US

This post contains affiliate links.
.



I'm a pretty big fan of the Kindle line.  I've have my Kindle for a couple of years now, and I use it almost every day.  (It even made it's way into my blog header!)  My daughter has a Kindle Fire and we both love it.  There are lots of great academic apps for her that she enjoys "playing".  Of course, the creative child that she is, Drawing Pad is her favorite.

Since this is a product that I like, when Danielle of Life with Two Boys put out an invite to join her with this giveaway I jumped on it!  I would love one of my readers to be able to win this great prize.



About Today's Sponsor: I love a good deal, and I love saving money.  Oony you can help you save money on your favorite products, brands, and even at your favorite stores!  How?  Simply visit Oony.com or Oony.co.uk, type a store, brand, or product name into the search box, and voila! Or just browse their website to see all the great deals they have to offer. Plus, when you join Oony, you can even get personalized deals and recommendations delivered right to your inbox.


Thanks to Oony, with the help of Life With Two Boys, one lucky reader is going to win a
 Kindle Fire HD 6 16GB Tablet!


Details and Important Stuff: Open to US residents only.  Must be 18+. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on January 31, 2015.  The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment.  The Philosopher's Wife and the rest of the participating bloggers were not compensated for this post.  Facebook and other social media are not associated with this giveaway.

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another Crochet Project: Polar Bear Hat


I love how this crocheted Polar Bear hat turned out!  I was heavily inspired by Repeat Crafter Me's free pattern.

I made this particular hat with the intention of selling it, so if you're interested feel free to drop me a line.  Catherine wants to buy it, but I think she needs to learn that she doesn't get all the hats.  (Besides, she already has about a dozen and there's many more in my project queue that are for her!)


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

WIPS: Beanie using Red Heart's Medley Yarn

This yarn was provided by Red Heart

I'm knitting a Beanie using Red Heart's Medley yarn.  The yarn is super soft and squishy, I think it should make a very comfortable hat.  My biggest complaint with the yarn and pattern so far is that the cable doesn't really pop. I'm hoping that the completed project won't be underwhelming.

Just in case you are wondering, yes, this picture is from today.  Yes, we still have our Christmas tree up.  And yes, it is intentional.  

If you crochet, knit, or have blogged about any projects that use yarn, please come link up at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!  I'd love to see your projects!  (While you're there, be sure to enter the pattern giveaway!)

Frontier Dreams with Nicole
Yarn Along with Ginny

New Year, New Gear Giveaway (Ends 1/28) US


I'm excited to be joining with other bloggers for this giveaway!  Together, we're kicking off 2015 with an awesome, New Year, New Gear Giveaway!

This giveaway is perfect for you if you are expecting a new addition to the family in 2015, or if you have already welcomed your bundle of joy!

One lucky person is going to take home this entire prize package (with a value over $900!).  Dynamic Duo Media has gathered more details on the prizes and our sponsors:

Booty Goo: Booty Goo has a soothing blend of high quality ingredients that not only treats diaper rash, it also prevents future rashes. You won’t find another over the counter formulation of ointment quite like Booty Goo. It’s fast acting formula works by sealing the skin to protect against moisture while providing a clean environment to encourage new skin cell growth. With its soothing blend of high quality ingredients, Booty Goo not only treats diaper rash, but prevents future rashes from occurring. This awesome diaper ointment is available at your local Walgreens and Booty Goo wants to be sure you have plenty diapers to go along with the six tubes of ointment they're providing... so they're also giving away a $500 Walgreens gift card!

Step2: The Step2 Company, headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of plastics. They strive to be the leading innovator of children's products that build imaginations and enrich the family's celebration of childhood. Step2 products are made to last and will hold up despite the beating that children tend to give everything they come in contact with. Their toys are colorful, fun, and encourage imaginative play. Not only does Step2 create fantastic toys, like their Push Around Buggy, they also have children's furniture and storage solution ideas like the Step2 Fun Time Room Organizer. You can never have enough toy storage when you have kids! One lucky person is going to win BOTH of these great items!

Fairhaven Health: The mission of Fairhaven Health is to develop products designed to safely and naturally promote fertility, pregnancy wellness, and breastfeeding success. From preconception through pregnancy and nursing, Fairhaven Health is there - every step of the way - to provide clinically-proven products to help you along your journey to and through parenthood. To help breastfeeding mothers, Fairhaven Health is offering 3 amazing products to our winner! The Milkies Milk-Saver will allow you to save every drop of breast milk that you make - you know it's a precious commodity! The patented Milk-Saver collects your leaking breast milk as you nurse - allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly with each feeding. To store your milk, they're also giving away a Milkies Milk Tray that freezes milk into convenient, 1-ounce sticks that fit into all bottle sizes. They're made from PET plastic, a food-safe plastic that contains no bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, or dyes. The winner will also receive Milkies Freeze, the patent pending "first in, first out" breast milk storage system that fits in your freezer. You'll simply collect your precious breast milk in any milk storage bag, then once frozen, slip the bag into the Freeze storage system through the slot at the top, and the bag will fall to the bottom of the storage container. When you need to thaw a bag of breast milk to feed to your little one, pull a bag out from the bottom of the Freeze - that way you are sure to use the oldest milk first!

Dynamic Duo Media: Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Viva Veltoro have joined forces to create Dynamic Duo Media, a meeting point between brands and bloggers. They'll be coordinating BIG giveaway events (like this one!) and are donating a few parenting must-have prizes to sweeten the pot for our lucky winner! A video monitor is so very helpful for keeping an eye on your little one, and you'll love the Summer Infant Baby Zoom Wi-Fi Video Monitor and Internet Viewing System (valued at over $200). Our lucky winner will also win a Boba Wrap in Brown for comfortable babywearing for newborns to infants up to 35 pounds.

One lucky person will win this $900+ prize package from Booty Goo, Step2, Fairhaven Health, and Dynamic Duo Media!

Open to the US only, ages 18 and up. Ends 1/28/15 at 11:59 PM EST. 
Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This giveaway is hosted by Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Viva Veltoro, and generously sponsored by the participating brands. Thrifty Nifty Mommy, Viva Veltoro, The Philosopher's Wife, and the participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact thriftyniftymommy(at)yahoo.com with questions about this giveaway. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Pampers® Are A Part of My Life

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for IZEA
All opinions are 100% mine.




Preparing for Dominic's birth was very different than preparing for Catherine's arrival.  With Catherine I needed everything, a crib, a stroller, a car seat, clothes, and so much more.  For Dominic the must haves were a new car seat and diapers.  Lots of diapers.

As an experienced Mom I already had a favorite diaper.  (Oh motherhood!  The things that you will say are your "favorites"!)  I loved Pampers®.  I must be in good company, because both the hospital where Catherine was born and the hospital where Dominic was born were stocked with Pampers®.

Just about everyone assumes a new or expectant mom will have a registry these days.  Walmart has an easy to use online registry.  It's great because Walmart has just about everything!  Plus, if you're a new mom, or just don't know what you need, check out the checklist and Pampers Baby Basics for Any Mom on Walmart.com’s Parent & Baby Center.  They are like having your own personal assistant!  You can view my own registry here.  While you're building your registry be sure to visit the New Mom Stories and the tips.  They have nutritional tips, exercising tips, even tips on diaper changing.

A couple of items that I don't think any registry should be without include: car seat, diapers, wipes, a few basic pajama sets, and a baby carrier.  There are a lot more things to add to a registry, but the items I mentioned are must haves. Always make sure to add diapers, such as Pampers Swaddlers Super Pack, because you really can't have too many!  Also, keep in mind that you will need more than just newborn diapers, and the Swaddlers have a huge range in sizes: newborn to size 6.

Being a Mom is wonderful, and often challenging.  Pampers® make it just a little bit easier.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Monday, January 12, 2015

Yarn Fanatic Party #19


Welcome to the nineteenth Yarn Fanatic Party!

It's a dreary day in my little corner of the world.  That means a that it's a perfect day to play with my yarn.  I currently am working with Red Heart's Medley Yarn.  I'll be showing you more of that later.
Image source.
It simply is too dreary of a day, my photos of this yarn simply didn't do it justice.
So this is a stock photo from Red Heart.
There were so many beautiful projects linked up last week!  I'd like to give a special shout out to Laura at Sew. Knit. Grow. for the amazing coat she knitted for her daughter.  I've added the pattern to my Ravelry favorites, and whenever I get around to making it, I hope mine turns out half as nice.


The Yarn Fanatic Party co-host, Alexandra of Eye Love Knots, has been busy.  Did you see her free crochet pattern for a Slanted Shell Mug Cozy?


This week's giveaway is sponsored by Frayed Knot.  THREE lucky readers will win a pattern of their choice! I've been in awe of Jonna's patterns since I started following crochet blogs.  I've made quite a few of her "Easiest Headwrap Ever" and just finished "The Perfect Cowl".  The "Easiest Headwrap Ever" is one of her free patters, so hurry over and make one right now!  I also have her "Glamour Gloves" pattern and plan on making a pair soon.  (Is it just me, or are there so many projects and too little time?)


You must be 18+ and a US resident to enter. Void where prohibited. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be drawn.  

Speaking of giveaways, make sure that you check you emails.  I emailed the winner of the $5 Amazon giveaway this morning.  She has 48 hours to respond.


Time to party!
What have you created with yarn?  It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn.  It can be a new project or an old one.  (You just can't have linked it up here before.)  I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.

I would appreciate it very much if you:
  • Add my Yarn Fanatic Party button to your post or party page.
  • The Philosopher's Wife
  • Follow The Philosopher's Wife and Eye Love Knots.
  • Check out some of the other yarn goodies people have finished.
  • Leave comments here, there, and everywhere.  (Seriously, don't we all do a little happy dance when we get new comments?)  I try very hard to comment on everyone's posts.  
Also, by linking up you are giving me permission to use your photo if you get featured.



Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Crocheted Kitty Dolls

This post contains affiliate links.

These three little kittens were Christmas presents.  I have to say, I am pretty happy with how they turned out!

I used Simply Soft yarn for the dresses and a mystery white yarn from my stash.  (I'm pretty sure it was a Red Heart baby yarn, but I can't find the label.)  I did a basic ruffle (three stitches in every foundation stitch) using treble crochet for the skirts.

Here's Catherine with her Kitty from this morning.  Frozen nightgown and bedhead included. 

I do have a crafting confession.  I am still finishing a few Christmas gifts.

Be sure to link up your projects at my Yarn Fanatic Party, and enter to win a $5 Amazon gift code while you're there.  (This party and giveaway will end January 11, 2015, but don't worry, another one will begin on Monday!)




Edited to add:  These items were for personal use only. 

What I Wore Wednesday: Paris Dress Photo Shoot

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

If you're a long time reader, and have a fantastic memory, you might remember me showing you this dress.  It's the Paris Dress that I received from eShakti.


While this technically is a summer dress I thought it was warm enough the day after Christmas to pull it out.  Of course, it might have also had something to do with the fact that I had my sister around to take photos for me.  She is an amazing photographer and I don't get to take advantage of her skills often enough, since we live so far apart.


Sadly, It doesn't look like this particular dress is currently available.  I suppose that isn't surprising, since it really is a pretty dress.  Don't worry though, there are tons more options at eShakti!


I like the Paris Dress paired with this open front cardigan from Old Navy and these grey boots.


The pretty flower necklace really makes a statement doesn't it?  I love it.  It was a Christmas gift from my sister.



Connect with eShakti:

All opinions are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, and any and all other social media are not affiliated with this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Linking up at The Pleated Poppy.