Poppy Flower Headbands

Yesturday I found this great Paper Denim & Cloth Dress at Marshal Store for only $12. What caught my attention about this dress is the tiny details that were pretty and simple. The buttons on the back were all different, the strap on the back created a nice twist the seams at the front and pockets were complementing the dress in every way. I was pretty excited to try in on Erika. But before that I had to make a headband that would go with that dress. Here is the outcome of my beautiful daughter Erika sparking in her new denim dress and a poppy flower headband.

These are some of the other onces that I've created.

Orange/ Brown Headband-$15

Turquoise Flower Headband- $14

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Rosettes Shoe Clips!

Almost out the door, on my way to go to Clackamas County Recorder's Office to file a lien. Not one of my pleasant jobs to do, but something that needs to be done. Sadly enought, due to economy these days, we are forced to file liens on several of the projects that were done a while back in order to get paid. Recently I've been learning more and more about Oregon/ Washington laws on proper lien procedures and legal property forclosure laws. In order to have everything in place and correct paperwork in time, I need to know as much as possible about these laws in each county.

On the other hand I wanted to post some pictures of my recent Shoe Clips that I managed to find time to make. I was really excited to start  making these cause I got a big shipment of the order that I've placed some time back with all the necessary gadgets. Also I was able to visit a fabric store with my friend (who came from Florida) That fabric store has so much to offer, that any person walking in, would be lots in all the beautiful fabrics, patterns and textures that they have to offer. So here I was getting as much fabrics as I could possible get.

One of the fabrics that I was especially exited to buy was different colors of silk dupioni which is a great fabric to work with. Later on all share the beautiful creations that I made with these fabrics.

Here are some of the shoe clips that I did so far.
Rosettes Shoe Clips, Removable- $17

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Beautiful Sun Day!

Yesturday was one beautiful Sun Day, that we spend with a family. I love Sundays like that. Had an awesome church service in the morning, that lifted my spirit up.
I just had to remember the quote that Paster Bill Richie mentioned "What humbles me helps me, what hurts me heels me." As if he was talking to me.

The we had a Yummy lunch outside. Enjoyed every minute of the sunshine and warm weather. The seemed as though the birds were gathered as well signing and prasing God.

Then spend some quality time with my daughter Erika. She loves when I devote my time and full attention to her and only her. While Abby was taking her second nap I devoted every minute of my time to her. She was my little baby as she like to still pretend. Love seeing a big smile on her face and hearing her giggles.

In the evening we had a awesome time by the fire with a hot cup of Herbal Mint Tea (gift from my husband's friend), while Erika playing with an halfway fixed playground (we bought for her that day).
I thank God for creating this universe the way it's was created. Everything seems to play it's role simultaneously perfect.

"Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."

(Psalm 104:5,24)

Completely down.

I don't know what it is, but today is not my day. Night sleep wasn't the best, had to get up several times for the kids (not unusual). Morning sucked big time. Starting from having and argument with my hubby to anything I do seems to be falling out of my hands. Some how made it thru the day, by cooking something quick for lunch and reading a book (which I thought would help me to relax and get ME back) and organizing all of the kids toys. (finally will donate half of their toys to Goodwill and empty some much needed drawers) .

Can't stand another minute at home, I am out. Dressed up the kids warm (since the weather is only teasing with a sunshine here and there, but overall its still cold, another irritataing thing).

Have an idea, I've promised Erika to take her to Chucky Cheese for a good behavior during the important appointment I had with them yesturday. She was GOOD and is very excited to finally go there. So no matter if I want to go or not. PROMISE is a promise that i must keep and we are going. Wish me luck, since bad mood might get worst.

Maybe this will help. The other day I saw this quote by Saint Francis de Sales and it came to my mind now.

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew."

3 hours later: Home, sitting on the floor with the kids, staffing our faces with Cotton Candy from Chucky Cheese, Cinammon Twists from Taco Bell and putting together a Spider Man 3D puzzle (a toy came with taco bell kids meal) Kids are having a blast and I am enjoying watching them. After all it turned out to be an okay day.

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Cook Off!

About once a week I get this urge to cook and bake. I mean I cook more ofter then just once a week, but those times are different. I cook cause of I have 2 kids and a husband who needs to eat. The other times I really enjoy doing it, trying new things and really spending time with every detail. Well today was one of those days. I decided to cook an appetizer (new dish), entrie (traditional Ukrainian) and a desert (my favorite). So for the appetizer I got a recepie from my sister which is delicious and for sure you got to be a garlic lover, this dish is packed with seasoning and garlic smells. Sautee Skinless Bell Peppers. Love it.

Entrie: is a traditional Ukrainian Borsh (which is like beef and vegetable stew), I don't do it often, but there is for sure a Ukrainian in me, cause I do crave it from time to time. Using my mom's original receipe.

And then the desert. This recepie is a curtesy of my friends Inna. She got me hooked on these harmful cookies. Roaster Hazelnut Cookies. They are small and delicious. You almost don't feel guilty eating whole bunch of them with some tea in the evening.

All set for today, now going to visit my hubby on the job site and then to do some shopping.

Looking forward to this delicious, gourmet dinner.

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Precious Gift

Precious Gift
Source © Sherri Lawrence (http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=195)

When times seem too hard to bear & I l feel like giving up
I vision your beautiful face, the twinkle of your eyes and things of such
The bond we created from my womb to the day you were born
Is a mother and daughter bind that can never be torn
With the strength and guidance of God and the blessings he pours down from above
I want to be the best mom I can be to you and embrace you with all my love
You are as precious as a flower and as gorgeous as a rose
You have been specially made to the very tip of your nose
You are as sweet as honey; such an innocent young child
You are brighter than any star in the sky every time you smile
I want you to be proud of who you are and strive to be the best
Put forth your efforts to achieve your goals and let God do the rest
I will always be your mother first, but I'm also your friend
Your are the most precious gift, that I've ever been given


With All My Love,

Mommy

My little helper

Recently I came across some older home videos of my kids, while showing some pictures to my sisters-in-law. Here is one of Erika that put a smile on my face. Even thought she was hands full, but I wish she was this little always.



 

Learning ABCs.....

I can't beleive I am saying this now, but my baby girl will be going to school next year. Everytime, I would hear moms talk about schools, in my head, I was like "Oh, I don't have to think of schools for a while." Well I can't say that anymore. Someone asked me the other day, "What school Erika will be attending?" Yes, it is my time to think of it. She'll be 5 next year.

So as I had the school issue on my mind for some time, I've decided to start now teaching her as much as I can. Starting with ABCs, numbers, colors and shapes. How to write, pronounce and recognize. Since my priority for her is to know Russian as a first language, I've been teaching her russian, but now I will have to do both at the same time. Hopefully it wont be to much of a pressure for her. We'll take one letter at the time.

So grown up...

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Napa Valley, California!

I've been wanting to post these pictures a while back, but kept forgeting about it.

We've took a road trip, with another friends couple to Napa Valley, California about 2 weeks ago. The trip was planned to celebrate our= My hubbies 30th and My 26th Birthdays. I personally love road trips especially if joined by a fun people. This trip turned out to be lots of fun and definetly memories for life.

At first we've planned to stay a day or two in Napa, CA and then head to San Francisco, but end up staying in Napa for the whole trip and loved every minute of it. That little town has so much to see and taste. Starting with the different vineyard to tour, wines to taste and beautiful senery to see.

We've setteled in a gourgeous hotel in the center or Napa Downtown called "AVIA Hotel". Even thought it was a bit out of our budget, we still decided to stay after voting on it. The hotel is bearly 1 year old and the rooms were very relixing and well furnished.

The outside lounge had a fire pit, wodden swings and beautiful benches. It was decorated with lots of real plants and flowers. We would come out there with the delicious fruit parfaits and enjoy the sunshine.

Then there were furniture and art work inside that was absolutely gorgeous and drawn my attention.

The Chairs, Chairs and more Chairs. Every corner and room of the lobby was furnished with these beautful, rich chairs, sofas and loveseat.

Breakfast was to die for. The Yogurt with Fresh Berries Parfaits were delicious.

We were able to visit a beautiful Castello di Amorosa Castle Winery.

Taste some good wine. YUM

Do a picnic outside on the beautiful green hills of Napa California, with some aged cheese, olives, balsamic vinegar, bread, olive oil, salami and some good vine.

Visit shops, antique stores and art galleries.

In conclusion the trip turned out to be great and very relixing. I would do it again anytime.

Relaxed.

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Decorating Tips.

I've been given as a gift for Christrams a "House Beautiful Mazagine" subscription for a year from one of my husband's friends. (By the way, a very good idea for a gift). Always when I am at the checkout I would always glance thru them, to try to memorize good decorative ideas for my house. But the minute I walked out of the store, I would forget them. So now I have been getting this magazine every months delivered to my door and I get to reffer to it when ever I want.

As I was looking thru the new May issue, that I received yesturday, I came to realize that my house was missing lots of decorative details that are very important. So I began making arrangements, (while my husband was watching the kids). I began to move things around, putting extra details on the tables, and rearranging the furniture a bit. Even thought I love real plans and my house has at least 1 plant in every room, I came to a conclusion that I need some more, especially the once that are bloomed. My new rule is to have at least one center piece of bloomed flowers at all times.
Here is what I came up with:

Also found out something new about pillows.

"Pillows have to bring something new to a room scheme. A pillow can introduce an entirely new color, add graphic pattern to a room of solids, or layer on texture"

Since we've always had leather coutches, I always thought they look good without pillows. Then I found some cheap pillows at Ross store, that I though would look good on my couches. I am thinking right now I will be on a hunt for more pillows that could compliment my room and at the same time bring out something new and fresh.

Speacking of something new and fresh, I ended the day with crocheting this wonderful bracelet, that I actually wanna keep for my self. I am not big on jewelery, that is heavy and seems to be always in a way (especially when you are holding a 8 month old all the time.) So I actually gave up on big/ long neckleces ever since Abby was born. But this bracelet is very light, soft and my favorite colors. 

 

Crochet Hand Bracelet- $15

Also here is one I've knitted couple of days ago.

Knitted Bracelet with Buttons- $12

Interior Decorator...
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