Free Valentines from CiCi Art Factory

I absolutely adore CiCi Art Factory. We recently reviewed them on Peekaboo Picks, Taryn did a fabulous review (with some cute pics of her daughter too!)

Be sure to check out their site and take advantage of their free Valentines - just download and print! Very fun and whimsical, and of course, free is always good too!

If Only I Could Sew...

Yes, I got a sewing machine for Christmas this year from my dear husband. And all kinds of accessories and fabric from my family too. But I haven't made it to a sewing class yet and I have no idea how to use the sucker! Hopefully I'll make it to class soon so I can get on making some of these projects I have floating around in my head.

If I could sew today I'd make a sweet little red dress for Ireland for Valentine's Day. But since I can't, I might have to scoop this one up from Three Lovelies. Isn't it darling? I love it!

Oh, and while I'm there...I might have to pick this up for me!

The Year of Change

We heard the word over and over this election season: change. Change we can believe in. Change we need. Yes we can [change]! Now that the election is over, and the economy has gone down the toilet, I for one am ready for change! A little more change in my pocket would be nice too.

And while I'm confident President (Elect) Obama truly will be the change this country needs, I'm also thinking about the changes I will be making personally in 2009.

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm hoping to change my perspective in 2009 when in comes to being a SAHM. I never thought I would be asking my hubby (er, I mean Santa) for a sewing machine for Christmas, become a regular at bunko nights, or be this excited about going to story time at the brand new library. But what can I say, things change.

Next year I'll be making some changes to Peekaboo Picks in hopes of remaining relevant in the oversaturated baby industry, to bring more of my personal influence to the magazine, and well, simply to keep it fresh and fun as I have a tendency to get bored with it.

I'm also launching a new site in January! I've been toying with the concept for a couple of months now, and I've decided it's time to make it happen! I'm in planning mode now, working on the site design and ironing out the details. So stay tuned...

And then of course, there is The Novice Mom. This is where all of these changes will be documented on an (almost) daily basis. Yes, 2009 will be the year of change and I'm looking forward to the journey! I hope you'll join me.

It's the Little Things

While browsing a few of my favorite blogs this morning, I noticed a common theme - little things. Whether it's capturing that first smile or cleverly displaying their latest sewing creation, the women I most enjoy reading in the blogosphere have a knack for capturing the little things that make life so special.



Here's a little thing that made me happy today. No, it's not my creation, I wish! I found it at a cute Etsy shop, Elsie Marley. How fun would it be to be able to sew one of these adorable diggers for Aiden and Ireland. Inspiring!

Happy Friday - hope your weekend is filled with many special little things!

Design on the Mind

I've always loved design but lately I've been really obsessing about it. I've been reading lots of blogs and getting super inspired! So I've made a few resolutions for 2009...


1. Learn how to sew. I'm yearning to make drapes, duvet covers, and throw pillows from vintage fabrics. I want to sew Ireland little dresses and make monster dolls for Aiden. So step one, learn how to sew. (image via www.prettylittlethings.typepad.com)



2. Start shopping thrift stores and flea markets for furniture and decor. Our house has such charm and whimsy - I don't want to fill it up with Ikea! I'm craving mid-century modern mixed with vintage. Classic pieces with a modern twist. Pops of color in funky accessories. Time to get shopping! (image via www.mycakies.blogspot.com)



3. Create a space just for me. I need an office in our house, somewhere I can go to feel creative. I'm thinking something like this. (image via www.droozstudio.blogspot.com)



4. Learn photography! I probably should have listed this as number one since this is my number one resolution for 2009. I'm hoping 2009 will bring a camera and some photography classes. (image via www.shannonsewell.com - one of my favorite photographers and such an inspiration!)


5. Bake. Okay, so this doesn't have a whole lot to do with design, but I'm considering it part of my 2009 creative makeover. I'm not much of a cook, and probably never will be. But I do enjoy baking and who couldn't use a few more cupcakes in their life, right? (image via www.bakerella.com)

6. Share. I'm hoping to share my design journey here on The Novice Mom through my words and lots and lots of photos! I'm so excited, aren't you?!