Moving on Up

So, after playing around with WordPress for the last couple of days I decided that I am going to move my blog there. =) It is just so nice and fresh to use and I feel like it is something I have been wanting to do for awhile.
But I am still going to blog like I have... crafts, Pinterest pins, life, homschooling, and lot of photos! Same taste, fresh start.

I am not going to transfer these posts from the last 4 years to the new blog because with them comes all my bad tagging and such. I will have a page linking this blog on the new one though so if there is a favorite post you are looking for, it will still be here waiting.

Make sure to update your RSS feeds, links, and page saves to the new blog-

I hope you all will join me there! I am going to be looking for people to guest post, crafters to submit tutorials, and lots of other fun. See you on My Sunny Side Up Life!!

Random Ramblings from a Tired Mommy...

I would love to be in that bed right now... preferably with curtains drawn, lavender lotion soothing me to sleep, and no thoughts of who needed what from me. Just for a moment... then I could get up and continue this dance called life.

Today I met two teachers who were planning on homeschooling their children. Doesn't it say something when even teachers don't want their kids in public school? These teachers lived in pretty affluent cities as well, so it wasn't as if the schools were impoverished. Both were concerned over about different things from the school atmosphere to curriculum and asked really insightful questions. It was nice!

Last week we went to the nature center and it just so happened that most of the schools were on Spring Break. Gabby met a very nice 7 yr old boy who was also in first grade. Inevitably he asked what school Gabby went to... I held my breath to see how the conversation would play out. Gabby told him that she "got to school at home" and you should have seen the boy's eyes light up! He asked how come she got to stay home and Gabby replied, "Because my mom likes to teach me! Go ask your mom if you can to!"

Ok, so I have 2 questions for all you Blogger/Blog queens: 
1. How do you respond to a comment right in the comment section?
2. How do you know who is linking to your blog or a post? I know that people share some things that I write about and would love to see the links!

I really need to get a jump on all the different things I have going... Usborne is up and going again but I need new business cards and stickers to go on the back. Etsy is going really well so I need to add more items and such, plus there is the craft show in June that I will need business cards for... AHHHH! Ok, time to go have a winecooler and paint some fairy doors... thanks for listening to me ramble dear friends!

Tons of Creative Bubbles Today!

So today is one of those days where my mind is going a mile a minute. I am thinking about all the career stuff in my life- dance, dance photography, homeschooling, caring for other children, etc. Along with that I am really thinking about the June craft show... need to get in gear for that and decide which products I want to sell. Then my mind drifts to my blog and how I really want to up the amp on this space that I call mine. I want it to look professional but still be "me"- colorful, quirky, and slide into my Etsy store.

The problem is though that I have no clue where to begin. I want to get rid of the ".blogspot.com" and have my own web address, have a design that is fitting and all my own, and be able to edit it as needed. So..... if you see some funky things going on here, don't panic... I am just trying to find a groove that is all me!!

(Oh. and take a peek at this AWESOME idea for a mobile.... I love how versatile it is to change the look with the seasons and the possibilities! More photos and details over at Crooked House!)

The List 3.31.10

Hip Hop Horray! Spring finally made a strong push here in NE Ohio! My crocuses are blooming, all the windows in the sun room were opened, and I had a very urgent need to wash every window I could...lol! With spring comes picnicking, gardening, and tons and tons of fun crafts along with fun warm weather fashions... love it. Here are some fun things I have found whilst surfing the Web tonight...

I used to be quite the early riser and have gotten in the bad habit of staying up wayyyy too late crafting. Hopefully these 4 Great Reasons to Wake Up Early will help me get back to my old good habits!

With warm weather comes the return of the Tiffin Tin! YAY!!! Get a pretty colorful one for yourself here at Target!

I always want to go on a huge organization spree when Spring arrives...how about making yourself some pretty fabric storage bins using a tutorial like this one? Then you get to organize AND use some of that fabric laying about!

Speaking of sewing and lunches... you could always make your little ones their own oilcloth lunch bags using this tutorial and oilcloth from this Etsy store... (make one for me too ok?)

Looking for inspiration on dying your Easter eggs this year? Here is a lovely collection of ideas from The Crafty Crow!

Even though it is a little late to be thinking about decorating your house for Easter, I think making these awesome plush carrots would be a great addition to your front door along with a sign about gardening.

Now that you all know about my love affair with Peeps, don't you want to take them out of that awful cardboard box and put them in a pretty bag with a tag? Download the printable (and adorable) tags here and show your peeps some love!

Finally, I am totally 110% smitten with this pretty little Tiny Woodland Terrarium by WoodlandBelle that features a teeny nest and a little silver bird.... I am going to go pimp my store out right now so that I can buy it asap!

Happy Spring and Happy Easter to all!

The List 1.7.10

A New Year and already I am finding so much inspiration to get back to what I do best and to become the kind of mom and wife that I want to be. Yesterday someone on the Etsy forum checked out my blog and had lots of great things to say, but also commented that I should try to par down the list of Inspiration Blogs that I peruse. I thanked her for her kind words and took a look at that list. And I couldn't delete any... they all inspire me in one way or another. Some are full of parenting advice that is steering me into unfamiliar but more friendly paths of Waldorf and Montessori learning, others are simply great blogs about families who are triumphing over tragedy, while others have homes that are chuck full of unique things and design. I feel inspired reading them and take away so much information and spark.

Here are some things that are inspiring me in some way and I hope that they do the same for you!!

I really want to get even greener this year by getting rid of our plastic sandwich baggies. For the most part we don't use them, but they are still there in the drawer, just in case.... I would so much rather use these reusable ones... plus they are very nice to look at! (@ RosyUndPosy) 

Another goal of mine is to make our playroom really imaginative and fun. I know Gabby and Amelia would love some Super Hero Poncho Capes like these... I will have to learn how to sew a zipper though, lol!  (@ Filth Wizardry)

A lot of families that I know need to encourage their kids in a more positive way instead of focusing on the bad... including us. I think that we would really benefit from using a system that rewards good and thoughtful behavior. Why not try this idea with marbles and a jar? You can even use buttons! (@ Let's Explore)

Another personal goal of mine is to stay at home and enjoy our home more instead of always going off to here and there. An activity like making our own play dough seems like a good start that will keep all of us busy for a bit! (@ Babyccino)

Even though I really love designing for other people, sometimes it is fun to sit back and let someone else do the designing for my own business cards and such! I would love these adorable Kokeshi Calling cards for my birthday or Valentine's Day (hint hint!) (@ Stephanie Fizer)

The word budget has always had really bad connotations for me... but maybe with the help of this guide I won't see is as something that is going to force me to give up what I love but as a tool to start clearing out all of our debt and saving for the future! (@ Simple Mom)

There are even more things that have caught my eye... but I am in the process of piecing my new duvet together for sewing (yay!!) so I will save those for next time! Till then Ciao and Happy Inspiring!
~Connie

The List 2.4

How is it that I have gone so long without making a List? There are so many things that I find everyday here on the web and with Christmas speedily approaching, the list is a bit lengthy this time...lol! Let me know what you guys out there in blog-land think!

I think that instead of buying AJ an expensive doll from Pottery Barn I will make her a cute Black Apple Doll instead! (@ Martha Stewart)

I have a thing for Kokeshi dolls and so does Gabby now. I am loving these adorable friendship dolls and you can even stick a sweet love note in there for that special girl! (@ Garnet Hill)

I have made legwarmers in the past for my girls using this tutorial, but never did I think about using thigh high socks to make arm warmers for myself! Genius! (@ Little Birdie Secrets)

Parents are always looking for cute holiday crafts for their kids that can actually be taken out and displayed every year. This easy peasy hand stuffed turkey is on my list for crafts this week! (@ Tangled and True)

Sometimes it is hard to find a cute way to package all those little gifts that you want to give, this innovative use for a regular can into a gift can is simply crafty! (@ The Idea Room)

These apple cranberry pocket pies are making my mouth water..... yummo! (@ Birthday Girl)

Finally! A clock that both teaches the kids about telling time and lets them know when it is ok to get out of bed and pounce on sleeping Mommy and Daddy! (@ Amazon)

And last but not least, a beautiful and easy wreath suitable for any home that is bookish and stylish! (@ Living With Lindsey)

The List 2.3

It seems like it has been awhile since I posted a list... there is so much going on with Halloween here, holidays coming up, and the weather changing I guess time got away from me! Here are some really cool links to projects, decor, party ideas, and more!

Poetry is fun as it is with kids, but I think this cute list poetry would be really fun with Gabby, especially since she is on a zombie kick! (@ Let's Explore)

It is early to be thinking about Christmas, but I might want to get a jump start on this adorable wooden spool advent calendar... (@ Just Something I Made)

We love dressing up in costumes around here, but sometimes all you need is a mask and tail to transform into that favorite woodland critter! (@ Oeuf)

With Christmas only 9 weeks away I am not only thinking about gift giving but also charitable giving. Here are some great ideas to get you started on a very charitable holiday season with your family!  (@ Simple Mom)

Now that the weather is a bit chillier I know that I am going to have to have some tricks up my sleeve to keep all my little ones busy. This DIY Chair Tent would be perfect and looks so easy! (@ Instructables)

We have a Japanese platform bed and Gabby wants one too, but I love the look of a headboard. This is why these wall sticker headboards are a easy, cheap, and fun solution! (@ Blik)  ---->

If I was going to throw a monster bash I hope it would have food like this one!! (@ A Home Grown Life)

Leave it to Jill to not only make a cute homemade playhouse for her son, Oscar, but to do it so beautifully with felt! I wish I had sewing skills like these!! (@ Homemade by Jill)

Currently we are having Nerf Sword battles at our house... but I think if my family (especially the hubby) had their hands on these marshmallow guns, I would have to duck and seek cover more often! (@ FangleTronics)

If you thought all embroidery was about girly cuteness think again... total hotness in thread here...mmmm (@ Feeling Stitchy)

As the mommy of a biter, hiter, and toy taker I think that these "I'm sorry my kid is naughty" cards are a much needed addition to my stationary! (@ Tan-ja-reen)

Well that is it folks! Hope you have a lovely evening!

The List 2.1

Are you all falling in love with fall as I am? I got out the heated blanket today, a very blustery chilly day here in NE Ohio. Mmmmm.... brewed some coffee with caramel apple creamer.... lovely! So here are some things that have caught my eye these past couple of days- Enjoy!!

So I have discovered a store on Etsy that actually sells Bento supplies! Yay!! Check it out here!

Here is another cute idea for a cupcake topper, of course found on Etsy! (@ The Small Object)

Gabby loooooves snakes! I bet she would love making her own silly snake using this great how-to! (@ Skip to My Lou)

I am having a love affair right now with letters, ABC flash cards, and typography (art using jsut words). This wall alphabet would be a labor of love for sure! (@ Spearmint Baby)

Being a dancer I adore any kind of ballet flat... these pretty pink ones are available in sizes for Gabby and me! (My name is Connie and I wear kids shoes!) (@ J.Crew)

Having a good smelling house is really important to me, especially since I have pets. This beautiful cinnamon box would be a lovely addition to my decor. (@ Montessori Services)

Finding crafts for all the members of my mini tribe (the two almost 2 yr olds that I watch and my 2 yr old) is challenging... they still put lots of things in their mouths and can't really follow directions too well. This adorable tree craft would be pretty easy though!! (@ The Ramblings of a Crazy Woman)

So that is all for now... I am sure there are more great findings on the way. Till then Ciao!

The List 2.0

Wow, September is FLYING by! It is hard to believe that in one short week my youngest girl will be 2... she is so little but already so big! Since I have a crazy week ahead of me this is an extra long list and definitely geared towards Miss Amelia and her likes- dolls, crayons, fashion, and decorating! Believe me, this lil one has an opinion about everything!

First off I have to mention this awesome cake topper found all over the blogsphere!! I am thinking one for that special Quinceañeras (Sweet 15!) would be awesome for the girls! (@ Lollipop Workshop)


Wouldn't it be cute for AJ to write little lunchbox notes for Gabby? So much cooler than the mom doing it!! Here are some really neat ones! (@ Leo on the Loose)

AJ loves playing dress up and I think that this Halloween is going to be especially fun for her. Check out these really easy and fun crafts for this scary day. (@ Value Village)

Some days I think that there is nothing better than a good PB&J. Why settle for those store bought jams when you can make your own with this easy peasy recipe? (@ The Idea Room)

Maybe someday AJ won't feel the need to color on herself, the walls, and the cats... when she does I will surely get her these awesome markers that are perfect for little hands with big imaginations! (@ MUJI)

There are days when being the mommy of a budding two year old can be very VERY trying. This article series is a great reference for all of you out there who needs help being a little more of a Mindful Mother. (Just reading the first article made me feel more calm and in control!) (@ The Parenting Passageway)

I love decorating AJ's room! She is so girly and loves her dolls and animals... I know she would adore these animal nesting dolls!!! (@ Modern Dose)

Crayons are a very popular thing with AJ, but little hands break normal crayons pretty easily. Now I know what to do with these broken pieces!! Very cool DIY chunky crayon tutorial! (@ Make and Takes)

Finally, remember that awesomely cute cake topper up top?? Well here is a tutorial on how to make something similar yourself! If you can't wait 8-10 weeks for one to be made for you, go ahead and try to make one all on your own! (@ Going Sew Crazy)

Well that is all for now, I can't wait to try out some of these fun, easy, and calming ideas. Have a great weekend and week everyone!