Three Years (almost)

Today is my Friday this week. Hooray!!! I will be offline for a few days as I celebrate my third wedding anniversary on Friday and then the Fourth of July!!! Traditionally, the gift for the third anniversary is supposed to be leather. So, I got my husband tickets to see SPAMALOT. I figured some of the actors will be wearing leather. Right? We'll be spending the night in San Francisco after the show and it will be my first night away from Noodlebug. (gulp!) I'm looking forward to an adventure in the Big City.

I hope you all have a lovely and festive Fourth of July!!!

New Tutorials!

I posted two new tutorials in my sidebar that I found yesterday. The fabulous Maya*Made put up a tutorial on how to create the perfect travel pillow. It is so cute!!! I STILL haven't tried out the new sewing machine yet and I think this could be the perfect project. I'm envisioning Christmas presents!!! Find the travel pillow tutorial here.

Right after I had Noodlebug, someone gave me a wipes case with the cutest fabric cover. I always meant to figure out how to make my own but never got around to it. Now, I don't have to!!! According to Kelly listed a tutorial on making your own custom wipes case. I have found wipes to be the most useful thing under the sun but the cases aren't that glamorous. Until now. Find the tutorial here.

Isn't the internet great?

Favorite Things Swap

I have decided to ease my way back into the wonderful world of swaps!!! This fun little gem pairs you up with a partner to whom you will send three of your favorite things. Sounds easy, huh? And fun!!!! Go here for details. Hurry! Signups end this Friday, July 3rd.

Etsy Find of the Day

As a Texas girl, I identify with this sentiment perfectly. Loving this cute little Etsy store called Yeehaw! Find it here.

Weekend Plans

We are going to the county fair tomorrow after our swimming lesson. This will be our third swimming lesson and so far so good! Noodlebug loves the water but is having too much fun to understand how to close his mouth. I figure that this year will just be an introduction to the water and we'll focus on technique next year when he is two.

I'm excited to go to our little local county fair because I can't wait to see Noodlebug's reaction to everything. I have nothing new to say on the subjects of motherhood and children but I will say that one of the greatest things about children is their capacity for wonder. Everything is new. Noodlebug will point at things that I would normally walk past without noticing. I happen to be one of those hyperactive multitaskers and it can be hard for me to sit still. I am trying to take a page from Noodlebug's book and slow down and notice the little things. As Ferris Bueller pointed out, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

So, I vow tomorrow that I will slow down and take in all the fair has to offer from funnel cakes to stinky (but wonderful) livestock.

Hope you all have a slow and wonder-filled weekend!!!

Beth Quinn Designs

I just realized today I have never mentioned one of my favorite vendors nor have I listed her blog in my sidebar. I will no longer be remiss!!!

I just love Beth Quinn's jewelry. I bought the necklace above from her and wore it at Thanksgiving. She has truly wonderful pieces that are actually affordable. I think I have bought necklaces for just about every one of my girlfriends this year. Her treasures almost inspire me to take up soldering. Almost.

You can find her storefront here and her blog in my sidebar.

(photo borrowed from and owned by Beth Quinn)

Anniversary Reflections and A WINNER!!!

In honor of my six-year blogging anniversary, I thought I'd go back and read through all of my posts during my first two years of blogging. I started blogging a year before I met my husband. I seemed to whine a lot. About being lonely and hating my job. It seemed that everyone around me was going through life changes and I felt like I was staying in the same place. Now, six years later, I am living in California with a husband and a child and a very different job. I probably still whine a lot and depression can get me down. However, blogging has become more important to me than ever before. I decided to split my blog into two a few years back and focus my personal blog on life issues and book reviews. I created a separate blog for creative pursuits and little delights that I find. The new blog introduced me to a whole new group of blogging friends. The old blog focused my efforts and connected me to a wonderful world of fellow bibliophiles.

Thank you to my long-time readers and my new friends. You all inspire me so much.

And now for the winner:

"Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

21"


And lucky number 21 is:

"Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...
WOW!!!!! I am glad you are doing some better!!! What a great give-away...m.

June 10, 2009 7:00 AM"

Mary Isabella has been a devoted reader of mine for awhile. She always leaves me supportive comments and prayers for me when I ask for help. Plus, she has a delightful blog herself. So, Mary....I will be contacting you soon about your win!!!

The Life by Candlelight Anniversary Giveaway!!!

***FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER!!! PLEASE ENTER BY 5PM PST TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DRAWING!***

To celebrate six years of blogging, I will be giving away a prize package that will include the following items which represent facets of my life:

1) A signed first edition book (I have a few that I will allow you to choose from if you win)

2) A subscription to Sunset magazine

3) Some crafting goodies including ephemera and vintage pieces

4) a vintage children's book (or two)

5) some edible goodies

6) a crafty item made for you by me

7) a few surprises!!!

To enter, leave a comment here. If you blog about my contest, you will receive an additional entry. (just leave me another comment letting me know you posted about it) If you twitter about the contest, you will get an additional entry. (again...leave me a comment telling me you tweeted!)

You can start entering today. I will be drawing the winner on Saturday, June 20. Good luck!!!

New Shoes

As Paolo Nutini sings, "Hey, I put some new shoes on,
and suddenly everything is right!"

Just got these new kicks and I'm loving them! I've worn them five times so far so my cost per wear is going down. (justification, right?)

(Shoes by Gee Wawa)

Thought for the Day