BIRTHDAY GIFTING: EMERY

My Emery girl turns FOUR in just a few days. INSANE! I thought it'd be fun to share some of the goodies she's getting! She requested an umbrella, critters (calico critters), and surprise puppies (puppy surprise), so we made it happen and added a few extra things too.

clear umbrella (not pictured)

miffy lamp

woodland doll

alice in wonderland book

cuckoo clock (not pictured)

sunglasses

calico critters

unicorn

puppy surprise

miffy plush (ebay)

vw van (ebay)

Just when I thought I was ready to embrace the "less is more" mantra and stick to the want/need/wear/read rule, I decided to do a birthday basket for Em this year, and had so much fun putting it all together that I think this will be a new birthday tradition! I used a bolga basket we already had and filled it with random items including quirky finds, little things like stickers, washi tape, and temporary tattoos as well as, sunglasses and calico critters. A good portion of the basket items are from various dollar stores with a few higher priced items thrown in since I wanted to invest in some of the toys she's getting. Emery is starting to show interest in the same things I did when I was little. I always looked forward to little grab bags my grandparents would send around each holiday (mainly my birthday, valentine's day, and christmas) and now, she is too! There's just something about her and I enjoying the same things that makes my heart swell a bit. While her birthday has nothing to do with me, (except the whole me bringing her into the world thing) I hope she loves her gifts as much as I do and as much as I think she will. As we approach her birthday, I can't help but look back on that day and her birth story. The story she has written since then has been a beautiful one as well.  I can't begin to explain the magnitude of joy she brings. I'm sure I'll be an emotional wreck that day. Seriously, where does the time go, and can my baby please be returned to me?  

do you have any go-to-gifts or shops for birthdays or holidays?

p.s Emery and her cousin, Sophie ("snuffie" as Emery calls her) share the same birthday two years apart and no, it wasn't planned. Isn't that just cool!?

DIY FABRIC GARLAND NECKLACE

Fabric Garland Necklace

inspired by this fabric garland

Supplies:
Fabric- in varying colors, patterns, and textures.
fabric scissors
cord measuring about 32" (or whatever your desired length may be)

step 1: cut one strip measuring roughly 1/2"x10" from each type of fabric and place them in the order you want them to appear on the necklace.

step 2: take your first strip of fabric and fold it in half placing a finger in the middle while holding the ends together with the other hand as shown.                                                                                                                                     

step 3: place the folded fabric behind the cord.

step 4: bring the fabric ends in your right hand up over the cord and through the middle of the two strands of fabric in your left hand.

step 5: using one hand to hold down the cord pull the fabric knot tight.

the first knot will look like this

step 6: repeat steps 2 through 5 until you have as many knots as you desire on your necklace cord.  here you can cut the ends so that they're all the same length. i personally like mine a little uneven, so i left it as is. you could also jazz it up a little by adding handmade tassels or small beads. tie on your necklace and enjoy!

this necklace is super simple to make. grab a few friends, some pizza and have a necklace making party! have a great weekend, friends!! xo- amanda.