No, I didn't fall off the face of the Earth

 I'm alive and the baby's kicking (not that I can feel but we saw on the ultrasound today.) It's a wiggly little thing. Our doctor was surprised at how stretched out it is. I guess most babies are curled into a ball at this point (12 weeks).

 

 I'm way behind on updating my blog. So here's a quick peek at what I've been up to besides growing a baby and sleeping.

Muffin Tin Meals

Nothing fancy but the girls don't care.

 

 A little bit of sewing for the Miss Mina.

 And a bit for my little cousin. She just turned 5.

And a few projects around the house I haven't gotten around to photographing. Like a new toothbrush/towel rack for my bathroom, chandelier and the start of the nursery/craft room. I promise another update by Friday.

I just cleaned my shower with an orange and some kosher salt

That's right. With food. And it worked great. Even better, it smelled great! So I'm addicted to Pinterest (and spend too much time on their site) and found this idea. Now my shower will never be dirty again. (By the way I'm about 10 weeks preggo and have the super smell ability, which means the smell of comet, scrubbing bubbles and yes, bleach make me wanna vomit.) So it had been a while since I'd scrubbed the shower. Like almost 2 months.

After a test spot.

Don't judge me too harshly for the disgusting before.

No chemicals means I get a little helper.

Ta-da!

And I have a feeling it will look even better when I clean it again next week.

 Super simple directions.
Cut orange (or lemon or grapefruit) in half
Sprinkle liberal amount of salt in tub/shower
Rub fruit in small circles, picking up fresh salt every now and again.
I scrapped out the worst of the salty-pulpy gunk but washed the rest down the drain.

Peek-a-boo skirt tutorial

Because Stef asked for it. ^-^

Supplies

fabric for overskirt- Width= your kid's waist measurement x 2, Length=measure from hip to knee

fabric for underskirt- Width= same as overskirt, Length= 3 inches longer than overskirt

ribbon casing- Width= 2 inches, Length= same as overskirt

ribbon-2 pieces, 2 inches long than length of overskirt

1/2 inch wide elastic- 1 inch smaller than waist measurement

1) Serge or zig zag both long sides and one short of the ribbon casing.

 2)Iron, pin and sew a 1/2 inch rolled hem for both under and overskirt.

 3) Measure 4 inches over from the middle of the overskirt, line up serged bottom of casing with hemmed edge and pin.

 4)Sew from top to bottom (or bottom to top) 1/4 inch from the edge on both sides of the casing. Trim top of casing even with overskirt. Stitch down the center of the casing. (don't worry if it's not perfectly straight but try to keep it pretty even)

 5) Feed ribbons through casing.

 6)Pin ribbons in place.

 7) Zig Zag stitch ribbons in place. (I went over it several time because I know my kiddos are rough and didn't want them pulling the ribbons out.)

 8) Fold back top edge of overskirt 1/2 inch and iron. Line up bottom edge of overskirt with the stitches of hem of the underskirt. Pin top edge of overskirt to the underskirt and top stitch in place.

 9) Your skirt should look very close to this if I don't completely suck at giving directions.

 10) Fold skirt in half width wise and line up bottom edges. Make sure both the over and under skirts are smoothed out. Pin, sew and serge. You should have an almost completed skirt.

 11)Time to make a waistband casing. Fold over top edge 1/2 inch and press. Now fold it over 3/4 inch, press, pin & sew leaving an opening to feed elastic through. Feed elastic through, zig zag elastic ends together. Stitch close opening.
                                                       Sorry, I forgot to take a picture.

 12) Put on cute little girl. Tie ribbons so overskirt is all scrunched up and adorable. Admire your work, if little model will hold still.

Peek-a-boo Skirt

I just finished a new little skirt for Caeti. It was fairly easy to make. I think it took me longer to decide on the fabric then to actually sew it. I originally bought this fabric to make curtains. The look on my hubby's face when I brought it home was one of horror, so it got thrown into my stash and has been waiting ever so patiently for me to be inspired. 

I didn't have a pattern, just a vision. Which is usually how I roll. I'm pleased with how it turned out. 

Mina wants one too, so if anyone asks for it I could do a tutorial. Just remember I'm NOT a professional seamstress, more like a ghetto seamstress. ^-^

I had to bribe her with a cookie to let me take a picture of her standing still.

Apron Skirt

First and foremost I'd like to say thank you for all the comments and emails I've received lately. They have made a huge difference in this difficult time. I'm working through it and knowing there are people who want me to be happy is a huge inspiration and relief to me. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Today I'm feeling good. The morning started out great. The hubby made breakfast for the girls and let me sleep then we all cuddled in bed and watched My Neighbor Totoro. Fantasic way to start the day. Afterwards, the girls and I got crafty while the hubby fixed the side gate. 

I made an apron skirt for my little cousin a while back and finally had the motivation to make one for Miss Mina, who is currently referred to as Broken Girl. She fell off her bunk bed and broke both bones in her wrist a week ago, in case you were wondering how it happened.

My little cousin's skirt