Christmas Memories 2012

Merry Christmas friends! It's been so nice to be away and enjoy the holidays with Brandon's family and my own. We are so grateful for our awesome family and the (over) abundance of gifts we received. Each year I say that if I didn't get one thing I would be happy. After moving ten hours away spending time with family has become something I cherish so much. I would take more visits over gifts any day, especially with our upcoming move out of the country.

 

My favorite thing about this Christmas was sitting by the Christmas tree hearing my mom tell stories of Christmases when we were little and how hectic playing Santa was.

 

 

The funniest thing was our annual game of Balderdash. My brother-in-law comes up with the most hilarious/ridiculous definitions and then we quote him for the rest of the year.

 

With all the joy comes a little sadness. This might be the last Christmas with our dog Rudy that we got 15 years ago on Christmas Eve. I hate to think about it, but we all know that his days are numbered. Christmas also makes me miss my Grandma Norma. She made our stockings and I love their uniqueness. I feel like it will be wrong to ever split the four of them up.

 

 

I realized during the holidays the different little joys the internet brings. I gifted two handmade items from a shop that I found through Instagram and I received one from the same shop from my brother. It makes me so happy because I love supporting handmade. Note to self: Next year be sure to take advantage of the cyber Monday deals handmade shops offer.

 

True Love Ring via Amy Cornwell

 

Subtle Mini Necklace

 

I also made the BEST buttermilk pancakes from a recipe shared by Shelley. Not kidding. If you stop reading now to jot down this recipe and forget to come back, I don't care. Go write it down, and then make them. Now. It blows my mind the little joys internet friends bring. They just make your life better and the people in your life too if you make awesome recipes they share.

 

 

Of course Tag man loved playing with his cousin Buoy all weekend but he sure was worn out when they left today. That little man is wiped out.

 

 

I'll be flying solo for five weeks while BD is overseas for the start of our new adventure in Japan. Thank goodness Japanese Santa stopped here. He brought jet lag medicine, chopsticks, and chopstick trainers. Yep, going to need those.

 

 

I also felt like I needed to break in my new toy from BD with a post. He is way to good to me.

 

 

So here I am again documenting some of our life for anyone interested. To all of my new friends made through the world wide web, THANK YOU for sharing your life with me and so many others. I hope you ALL had a merry Christmas and that the new year will be full of great memories for you and your families.

 

Lauren

Anniversary Surprise 1

I didn't mean to leave you hanging for so long, but I just needed to be away from the blog for a while. Before I was telling you about our anniversary and the sweet surprises my husband gave to me. I have such a thoughtful guy. I know they are hard to come by. Brandon hijacked our wedding photo CD and mailed it to my sister to have her make it into a photo album! I had no idea and was so surprised and happy (I cried) when I opened it. It reminded me that even though all the planning was stressful, having those memories in hard copy to look at everyday is so special to me. Thanks sisters, and awesome husband of mine.

On Sale Friday & Discount Code

I never intended to offer the aprons I've been sewing for sale. I was making them for purposes of my own. Somewhere along the way, and with the positive feedback from my wonderful Instagram friends, I have decided to make them available for purchase. I take pride in making quality products to share with others. I have worked hard to create an apron that is practical and fashionable. I am delighted with the way the aprons have turned out and I hope that if you decide to purchase an apron you will be too.

Aprons will range between $26-$30 shipping included. They can be the perfect pick me up for yourself this baking season, a great gift for the ladies in your life, or the perfect hostess gift this holiday season.

In addition, I would like to offer a discount code if you help spread the word through Friday. All you have to do is tweet and mention @larnlevy and I will then DM you a discount code. Or you can use Facebook to mention my page or a link to this post and I will send you the discount code.

Thank you all in advance for the awesome support. Feel free to contact me with questions or suggestions you may have. 

Lauren

New Camera Strap Covers

Hello lads and ladies...I've had some time to catch my breath. 

I'm not really sure how different our lives would be if my family didn't live in Missouri. I've been hanging out here temporarily until Brandon gets back to Memphis and then I'll rejoin him at that point. I'm unbelievably thankful for this.

While the last two weeks have kept me extremely busy they haven't allowed me any sewing time and hardly any blogging time. It was similar to working out after you take a break. I didn't want to but...I did and it made me realize how much I've missed creating fun things.

Especially new fun things which leads me to the new ruffled camera straps available in the shop. These actually came about because one of my friends pretty much forced me into making one for her. I can't really say 'no' when a camera strap shows up in my mailbox. I'm totally kidding and thankful for our friendship because she is probably one of my biggest customers. 

The way I'm selling these adorable camera strap slipcovers is via custom orders. If you want one I'll make it for you and with the colors and fabric patterns of your choosing based on selection available. We will work closely together to pick out what is best for YOU. I will try to have a large variety of colors available. 

In the midst of all our moving and the chaos it sometimes bring, I look forward to having your business. Please feel free to contact me with questions/requests via email - laurendarlings@gmail.com or start shopping here.

Available Now!

My new clutches are made with adorable cotton fabric measuring 11 x 9 after folded.

This clutch can be used for an afternoon or evening out. It can also be used as a case for iPads. Already have a case? Then consider this a slip cover. This clutch is lined with lightweight interfacing. There is NOT extra padding. 

Closes with matching ties into a bow. 

This clutch is reversible if you choose. Just iron on low to get rid of the wrinkles.

SHOP NOW!

A Messenger Bag

Here is my new messenger bag. 

I kinda love it. 

It's perfect for spring, summer, and the beach!

If YOU want one, I'm taking custom orders.

laurendarlings@gmail.com 

I'll even throw in a CHOOSE JOY bracelet.

My sister ended up going home with a bag in these lovely colors. 

Hope you're having a lovely Monday.

Houston We Have Internet {and products for sale}!

So sorry I have been MIA. We recently discovered we have internet on our patio! Now I can post and keep you up to date from here in sunny Florida more frequently than once a week. 

But for now I just want you to know I have LIMITED items in the shop and more great color combos coming as soon as I can get them sewn. Please go now and check them out.... HERE. I have the best husband I asked him to take the pictures for me. Thankfully he said yes and didn't get annoyed at me (at least that I know of).

I hope you all had a great valentines day.

For my family back home in the snow you will be happy to hear that I haven't been to the pool yet once. That will probably change soon though :).

January to February

Last day of January already? Where has the month gone?  The 2012 train is rolling and there isn't any stopping it.


I devoted a good portion of January into transporting and learning how to use my new sewing machine. I love it and can't really go a day without sewing something. Brandon has been on a couple work trips and hunting quite a bit. Today is the last day of the season so my hubby will be home again! Our fun date this month was to the Blake Shelton concert in Columbus, GA. Amazing!! I'll get to a full recap with photos soon. January has been good to us.


There is SO much to look forward to in February. My main goal is to have new items in my storenvy shop. I've been thinking about whether I should do this or not. Then if I could.  I have no reason not to. Brandon starts work again and so will I. I'm still working on the details and the products I want to offer and then the business-y side of things. It's fun for me and I'm taking it slow this time so that this is something that can last and grow! I hate to admit it but this hasn't been the case in the past. I tend to rush into things before thinking and planning for them. Then there is finding balance between the blog and shop and my focus may be more on the shop this month than the blog. I'll do my best to share this journey with you.


Here is a tiny preview of something I've been working on. If you follow me on  Instagram @larnlevydickson then you will probably get frequent sneak peeks.

Don't forget - giveaway ends tonight at 10 p.m. Excited to see who the lucky winner is. 

Lined Zipper Pouch

Ok please refrain from throwing anything at me. You might hate me after this post. I tried to warn you with my brain wiring post that sewing is coming pretty easy to me. With that said, here is my lined zipper pouch. I din't have fusible interfacing but that's nothing an easy trip to the store can't fix. It's not perfect, trust me and I have photos to prove it if you must see. I'm trying to keep in positive over here and not be my worst critique for once.  

  

Love Affair and Treat Sacks

I never told you how our first date ended. 

Well we are madly in love. 

And we will be heading home tomorrow..arm in arm. 

I was ready to sew instantly and sew I did. Haha.

My mom was taught to sew on old flour sacks.

Sure enough, I learned the same way. 

I hemmed all four edges and it was a little rough.

But the practice was good and I can tell my kids someday how I was taught, just like her.

I wanted something harder, more of a challenge.

An apron. I watched mostly but did sew several of the pieces together. 

It became a bit tricky so I let mom finish it & don't consider this my first project.

Then I lowered my expectations just a tad.

I started a project on my own and I'm a  little extremely excited about them.

I hit the fabric store to pick out something new.

I found myself touching every bolt of fabric in sight. 

I can see this being a problem in the future. I wanted it ALL.

I settled for a turquoise, pink plaid, and some muslin. 

I whipped up these adorable reusable treat sacks.

These bags will be perfect for Valentine's Day coming up and every other holiday.

Fill them up with you favorite sweet treats! 

It feels SO good to have made a project on my own! 

So simple and adorable. 

Linkin' up with I {heart} Naptime's Sundae Scoop and Tatertots & Jello

Boogy Woogy BUGLE snacks!

I fell in love with this little delight last week when we received a bag of Christmas goodies. 

Although peak holiday baking season is over, you may be able to garnish your NYE party table with this dainty snack.

Ingredients: 

Bugles

Creamy Peanut Butter

Dipping Chocolate.

Fill your Bugles with peanut butter. I used a Ziploc bag, cut the corner off and used it like an icing bag.

Then dip the end of Bugle in Chocolate.

Lay on parchment or wax paper. 

Refrigerate until chocolate hardens. 

Enjoy.

Not joking here. The first pan was gone that quick.

So easy a cave man can do it.