link luv roundup

i can't stop staring at this...i swear i can feel the flowers.

don't miss out on the next round of the photo e-course "unravelling" by the wonderfully talented susannah conway.

isn't this baby blanket fabulous? i luv it! designer lisa rupp made one for her little one (she designed the print) and is now selling the fabric so you can whip up your very own! the colors are so fresh and yummy! {via twig & thistle}

the sweet & lovely kristen has a new social bookmarking site for crafters that you must check out called "craftig"! this site looks like lots of fun and is a must subscribe for anyone on the lookout for craft projects galore.

chez larsson has to have one of the most organized and neatest homes i have ever seen. she is sure to give martha a run for her money when it comes to nifty tricks to spruce up your dirty closets. here's a great trick she did to revamp some drawer organizers.

lisa congdon's fave things posted on decor8 belong in my home :)

haven't you always wanted to try this................or is it just me & the photographer???

oh so delicious free tutorials for some bright baby room essentials over on sew4home!

isn't this just the sweetest pic?

ashley from lil blue boo (one of my current fave blogs) has a whack load of new tutes to share but this little wagon cover caught my eye and i thought it was a great idea to soften up a bumpy ride. click here for the how to.

i stumbled for what felt like hours to figure out the binding on my quilt for mackenzie, but i will stumble no more. the sometimes crafter has come to us newbie sewers rescue and posted this handy three part post to show us the in's and outs of binding! thanks christina!

i luv this refashion over on samster mommy on how she took a pair of her old cargo pants and revamped them into drawstring pants for her little girl! great idea! {via craft gossip}

i drooled over these gorgeous book covers! lovely illustrations!

things i'm luving this week:

- mique from 30 handmade days is right at the top of my list for my fave blogging ladies! she is such a sweetheart! if you want to know a bit more about me, head on over to her rockin blog to read an interview she did about lil'ol me! so fun! thanks so much mique! maybe i can interview you next time???
- artist samantha hahn is having an original art sale in her etsy shop!
- great list of baby barettes how to's on dollar store crafts.
- this breakfast panini looks delicious!
- speaking of food, i have been having a hard time deciding what to make first over on the pioneer woman ree drummond's new cooking site "tasty kitchen". how fun is this site? is there anything this funny & talented woman can't do???
- learn how to fold hospital corners for the perfect bed and to make an instant air freshener for small spaces over on AT.
- casasugar shows how to steal ideas from the august issue of anthropologie catalogue for your home.
- i seriously would kill to work in an office like this!

what are you luving this week?

link luv roundup

i am loving the new guest column "color me pretty" on decor 8 from "a creative mint" blogger leslie shewring! her photos are fantastic and i want to just pop into each of them, grab all the items and cover my apartment with them. so lovely!

hannah over on "while they sleep" has a new pattern out in her etsy shop for a pod swaddler! interested? swing by her blog and enter her giveaway to win one of your very own or pick up a copy of the pattern to sew one for yourself! either way this is a great project :)

i'm thinking of growing out my hair just so i can wear this pretty hairstyle.

can't get enough of the idea of using cake molds for wall display - the colours are so fresh!

this was definitely me last week - it was so friggin hot where we live!!!

a new e-book out from the object project called "sew expecting" is sure to be filled with some yummy projects for all you moms to be out there!

p.s. - i heart rachel from "p.s. i quilt" for making this easy, and gorgeous quilting tute over on moda bake shop! so summery and sweet!

ummmm, i want this trailer. bad. doesn't it make you just want to hop on inside and have a cup of tea? go check out the full pic here. i luv her little curtains and the fabric lined cabinet! {via a beautiful mess}

learn how to make the perfect add on fabric flower over on v&co.

i am a self confessed hat addict and i seriously get my hat wearing party on during most of the seasons of the year, but truly, my favorite time is the fall. i get to knitting and whip up way too many hats that i even have time to wear. i can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book - "hat heads"...it's time to feed my addiction, the wool monsters are hungry! {via craft}

things i'm luving this week:

- a great little roundup of boys tutorials over on thirty handmade days!
- an easy peasy hooded towel tutorial from obsessively stitching.
- love this diy art table with a faux bois wood finish. perfect for any play room.
- we are on a bit of a carb free thing in our house this week and i can't wait to try this cantaloupe salsa and roasted carrot and avocado salad from smitten kitchen.

what are you luving this week?

link luv roundup

kate from "censational girl" emailed me the link to this super fabulous diy project for your very own drying rack! i am over the moon about this project and only wish i had a more room in my apartment so i could make one. i swear i heard my bras/panties begging to be hung to dry on this lovely rack.

i am all over this photo today, so peaceful.

i am swooning, and i mean swooning over this pattern from classic elite yarns and have decided this is going to be my go to cardi for the fall. i just need to find the right wool and save my pennies to buy the pattern. why oh why can't this be one of the freebies? (via a friend to knit with)

pretty up your office by making your very own framed bulletin board. learn how here. (via craft gossip)

i so want to be soaking in this bath tub right now.....i was busy ogling the pages of this month's "house beautiful" while we were camping this weekend. lots of lovelies in this month's issue.

darling dexter - i so badly want your skirt or to find out what pattern you used to make it.

1) teach your wee ones the alphabet and spelling with this pretty little tute from "lil blue boo".
2) my ipod arm band looks shabby in comparison to this one from "make it and love it". i will definitely be making one and loving it...sorry, couldn't resist =)
3) i have been on the lookout for a great wallet tutorial when this pretty one popped up in my radar. (via craft gossip)

the purl bee has a quick, warm knit baby blanket pattern up that's just perfect for all those baby showers coming up. i love the color combos!

dana - move to victoria so we can hang out, i beg you.....no? maybe a visit? ok, i guess i will have to get me some cowboy boots and come out your way lady and no, i'm not stalking you, i just wonder what it would be like to have a face to face conversation while our kids play together. that's not stalkerish is it? in the meantime i will be making mackenzie one of your super fabulous market skirts. so fun!

things i'm luving this week:

- this fresh blueberry syrup for coffees, teas and any other yummy thing you want to add it to.
- make sure to sign up for scoutie girls new newsletter "throw me a bone".
- learn how to refashion a men's dress shirt into a stylish strapless cami.
- i have been needing a pin cushion and this one from one of my fave bloggers julie from jaybird quilts is definitely on the top of my list. make sure to check out her other fabulous tutes over on moda bake shop. (i seriously am hiding in your suitcase so i can come to houston with you and rachel..lol)

link luv roundup

i'm loving the necklaces as much as i'm loving the blog "for me, for you".

here's a great new easy fabric scarf/shawl tutorial from "pretty ditty".

my fave photo of the week

wonderfully lovely, cheerful and bright free printable notecards from creature comforts.

i wish this is what my table looked like......

i am dying to get my hands on one of the newly released small magazine orginal art coloring books. what a great break from the regular kids stuff you find at walmart etc. we also like to make our own coloring books at home here using photoshop. mackenzie loves coloring pics of herself or friends.

learn how to make this vintage tea towel throw pillow over on "girls kick ass". {via whip up}

and just in case you haven't already heard the sartorialist has a book coming out on Aug. 12th - insert drool!

make sure to swing by "happy together" to check out two, yep, not just one, two great new tutes on refashioning a tshirt for your little girl complete with ruffles and flowers. these are definitely on the top of my to make list! thanks jessica!

i want to move into this studio pronto! lovely, lovely, lovely....

things i'm luving this week:

- lamp makeover on "shabby chic cottage".
- homemade flea repellent recipe on craft.
- i'll be whipping up some lavender eye pillows with this tute from calli on "make it do".
- check out this great lovely package exchange.
- whip up has a great roundup of refashion projects to drool over.
- label tutorial using spoonflower over on jaybird quilts.
- this new blog is sure to be one my new faves. please swing by "the creative life" and join in on the conversation. {via craft}

link luv roundup

oh man are these pics from sarah london textiles making me want to get my hooks out start crocheting! i love the flower blanket! anyone have a pattern like that? you can find her work on here or on flickr.

rebecca danger is one of my fave knitters and i can never resist posting about one of her adorable creations. here's the link to her newest - "monster chunks". happy knitting.

craftynest always has wonderful projects to flex your crafting muscles with but this wine cork trivet caught my eye and i couldn't resist posting it. what a great idea to use up all those wine corks leftover from all the lovely summer drinking you may or may not be doing :)

i adore this necklace tute from resurrection fern and i admit i am mildly obsessed with her crocheted stones.....so lovely. check out her etsy shop for more eye candy.

these cute little boys knit capris from pickles caught my eye today.

gina at the shabby chic cottage has a great tutorial for this gorgeous honey bee pillow.

here's a lovely little roundup of girl's skirts that i can't wait to try:

1. baby, toddler or adult skirt tutorial from blue eyed freckle.
2. border fabric sundress from lil blue boo.
3. simple, sweet skirt tute from debra's creative ramblings.
4. a double ruffle, twirl skirt from treasures for tots.

swing by handmade by alissa for a free baby quilt pattern.

learn how to make your own fabric covered cork board over on sew spoiled. i was excited to see this as it's been on my to do list to make one of these for ages.

things i'm luving this week:

- check out this site if you are a bag lover who loves to make their own bags.

- who doesn't have loads of old tank tops laying around just begging to be made into fresh little girl's dresses? obsessively stitching has a tutorial showing you how to refashion yours.

- learn how to use to hem your own jeans.

- refashion that peasant blouse with "my mama made it".

- a great new skirt pattern that works for almost all shapes - even maternity, from "make it and love it" available in her etsy shop.

link luv roundup

how cute are these key cosies from bettysonics? (via skinny laminx)

the daintyness of this stunning crocheted necklace by wren handmade has me hooked! (via modish)

don't lose your little ones water bottle the next time you're out and about, you can get yours to stand out from the pack with this friggin adorable water bottle cozy!!! luv it!!! (via ohdeedoh)

i can't get enough of the peacefulness of this photo.....

jessica's got another great tute up for a gorgeous headband on happy together.

i wish i could romp through the grass in a tutu and look this stunning. i'm so hooked on tumblr. have you joined yet? come take a peek at my tumblr page for more pretty pics.

i'm wanting to deck my house out with this how to from zakka life for these pretty tissue paper flowers.

things i'm luving this week:

- pleated pocket tutorial from made by rae.

- cucumbersome has a great post linking 11 inspiring ideas for your home - it's a great list!

- i don't know how she does it but alexis from "my mama made it" has another tutorial up for a elastic smocked dress. i just made the bubble dress and loved it! i really don't know how she has time to do all this sewing with two little ones running around, i can't keep up..haha!

whirl it lampshade

i'm dying to try this diy whirl it lampshade! it's made from yarn and glue and it looks fabulous. i would love to see the rest of her house over on "pickles" because from what I can see in this pic, i wanna move right in. i have a soft spot for old wood tables and bright fun pillows.

what yarn would you make this from? i'm thinking i would love a soft, pale blue grey.

link luv roundup

1) my absolute favorite new crochet pattern - how adorable and refreshing is this hat!!!!!
2) spud and chloe's got a great new free cupcake pincushion pattern up along with their new line of luxe yarns in mod colors - so fresh!

luv this flickr roundup of afghans over on "desire to inspire".

i'd like to have breakfast in this kitchen.

i'm making these margarita cupcakes for the next bbq i go to - yum yum!!! cupcakes and booze, sounds like my kind of combination.

learn how to make these fabulous recycled magazine coasters on "how about orange".

i've been in quite the pillow making groove lately and swooned when i spotted this tutorial from "mermag" over on "kelly + olive"

nifty little clock transformation from censational girl.

don't you just love this dress? flutter, flutter......

things i'm luving this week:

- antler magazine and modern seamster both have new issues out.

- anything from madison belle

- super handy sewing tips part over on make it and love it.

- indie fixx's new summertime galleria up!

summer braid scarf

how fun is this braided scarf? i just can't get enough of these t-shirt scarfs/necklaces. they are so easy to make, cost next to nothing and look so stylish! you can find the pattern to make your own over on one of my fave knitting sites "pickles".

what do you guys think of this growing trend? would you wear one?

hope you are all having a great weekend and "happy father's day" to all you proud daddies out there.

new tutorials on the luvinthemommyhood radar

i spotted these tutorials yesterday and just couldn't wait until saturday to post them in the link luv roundup.

i am all over this leather necklace tutorial from cucumbersome! i am not a huge leather fan, but i do think the idea of refashioning an old second hand leather jacket into a few necklaces, it sounds fun and environmentally friendly.

i had been crossing my fingers that jessica from "happy together" (one of my fave blogs and an upcoming "mom in the mommyhood") was going to do a tutorial for this super cute ruffle top after she gave us a peek of the first one she made a week ago. i can't wait to make this!

link luv roundup

gorgeous photos on a blog i never get sick of staring at - concrete and honey

i fell instantly in love with "life in the fun lane" and haven't looked back since! the reno's of this couples new home along with their adorable little girl is lovely to the eye. you won't be disappointed, go take a peek. (via a room somewhere)

{image: noema (left) and my kitchen addiction (right)}

yummy! i love rhubarb and have been on the hunt for some new recipes to broaden my rhubarb collection. i'm going to try this rhubarb soda {via soulemama} and a cherry rhubarb crisp {via jenloveskev}.

{image via restart my heart}

i'm in the mood to do some serious bubble blowing with mackenzie! we love bubbles in our house.

lovely, lovely, free knitting patterns on petite purls - summer 2009. how cute is that lobster?

fun little scrapeeps for sale at skinnylaminx.
learn how to make this great little tin can flower pot (via one pretty thing).
this flip hexagon topper is going to be a great project for me to practice my blooming quilting skills. (via p.s. i quilt)
dress up any little ones lamp with this project from make it and love it.

how cool are these crayon rings? (via twig and thistle)

things i'm luving this week:
- 20 minute simple skirt tutorial and giveaway over on grosgrain!!!!
- diy your own birch table . (via craftzine)
- the new kindred summer wallpapers.
- this post on getting familiar with forward shoulder seams - so handy!
- this lovely desk makeover on "made by girl".
- makezine's father's day diy roundup.
- anything on the blog "pretty good", so lovely.
- make your own shampoo recipes for all hair types. (via craftzine)

happy linking!

link luv roundup

{images: honer akrawi}

feeling inspired by the softness of the images in the rita saardi "private garden" collection (via luphia loves).

dieters beware! creature comforts has a tummy growling cupcake roundup and also a tutorial to repurpose your paper to deck out your cupcake and your room!

ohhh, paris, i hear you calling my name. check out the gorgeous pics from lobster and swan.

i might actually go out in public in a bathing suit in one of these beauties! retro swimsuits fever over on country living

softie alert! i got a kick out of these little mammal finger puppets from sotosofties and who could resist this snake tie!

i was wowed by this diy on censational girl. see how she changed this lonesome old footboard into a pretty message center!

1. happy together shows us how to make your own vintage clutch.
2. check out this newspaper basket on how about orange!
3. make some of these fun bean bag rocks from salt and chocolate (via one crafty place).

there has been so many wonderful and exciting refashioning tutes floating around lately and this one on thimbly things is one to add to your list. i know we all have worn one of these old denim jumpers in our lifetimes so go take a peek at her tutorial on how to revive and refashion it into one cute dress!

i've been sitting here listening to "heavenly day" by patty griffin and staring at these gorgeous, gorgeous drops and drooling over sfgirl's inspiration board roundup, finding father's day gift ideas over on photojojo, entering to win a fat quarter bundle giveaway and hoping to try this "grilled lemon oregano tofu"!

make sure you take a look at this great site - www.morecloth.com {via tiny decor}to help make buying fabric on etsy that much easier. they help you shop by the color of the fabric you are looking for and there are some great free quilt patterns up at michael miller fabrics to inspire you as well. the lovely rachel of "p.s. i quilt" has a super tute up on how to make your own sewing labels - so handy! there's also a fun post on making bean bag letters for your little ones here and learn how to make your own golden goddess gown in 2 hours with no patterns - wow!

happy link luvin!

link luv roundup

i just can't seem to get enough of all the lemony goodness going around right now. click here to make this happy hour frothy mint lemonade.

i would love to be daydreaming on a quiet beach right now snuggled up in this quilt like sleeping bag - how divine!!! {via mer mag}

i'm feeling inspired by this gorgeous photo from irene l via fubiz.

here's some skirt tutes that are floating around the blogs the last few days:

1. vanessa turns a tablecloth into a fun skirt.

2. men's dress shirt into a cute pencil skirt over on megan nielsen.
3. epicurean shows us how to turn a men's t-shirt into a child's adorable ruffle skirt.

oh, and don't forget to enter the shabby apple dress giveaway on grosgrain!!! i am crossing my fingers for that one! craftzine and singer also have a new contest going for all you sewers out there to come up with some fresh new swimsuit cover-ups! details here.

loving the sweet home tour of interior decorator tracey leigh over on made by girl.
mackenzie and i have been loving watching this animated video of the new chronicle book "wave" by suzy lee. i worked in the book industry for years and still have a soft spot for wonderful children's books and hope that i will one day find the time to write my own.

buy yourself some of the lusted after raindrop wall decals from elizabeth dunker's home tour that are finally for sale in her online shop "studio violet" {via nesting} and then learn how to keep those receipts organized with this video from AT. finally, check out the new summer issue of popknits! find some great tips on the art of paper cutting over on chica and jo, and then read some touching words with imagery on "i can read" along with this illustration by kevin cyr and click over to "one pretty thing" for her revamp roundup filled with some fun DIY's to fill your weekend with.

p.s. don't forget to check out our lovely sponsor michelle who is an independent representative of that delicious healthy coffee organo gold. try some today - she's offering free shipping on your first order!

link luv roundup

loving this table, oh, so much. {via wide open spaces}

deck out that boring old planter with some bling - learn how over on censational girl.

i can only dream of having my house be as neat and organized as chez larsson's. go pop over and see how she used up some leftover wallpaper to revamp a tin can and an organizer.

ok, seriously, like cupcakes aren't irresistible enough, now there are cupcakes in an ice cream cone??? oh, my hips are growing as i type this. click here for the recipe if you dare!

check out all the great styles and even better prices at ruche! {via for me, for you}

i think i need to put a regular spot on here for any work that the fabulous katie makes over on "katie did". i could gush and gush for hours, if you haven't been to her blog yet, be warned, it's drool worthy. here's her newest outfits for those lucky little girls of hers.

i love this pretty, fresh cabled travel pillow! knit up your own copy from missknitta here or here.

last month's "mom in the mommyhood" jane richmond has a new pattern available in her shop! this cute, little, cozy bolero could easily take you from summer through winter. fyi - jane's shop "alterknits" has moved and has a new etsy address at www.janerichmond.etsy.com.

ok, i am seriously kicking myself for not thinking of this! what a great idea! tote bags as throw pillows - genius!!!

easy and all natural foot scrub - get those heels beach & flip flop ready! {via craft gossip} after scrubbing those heels go download some adorable and free stationary from creature comforts, i love the calm and airy feeling i get whenever i visit this site - it's one of my faves. then make some fun cozy cone motels for your little ones race cars. get the how to here. end off your day by knitting up a great pair of fingerless mitts from "a black pepper"

wishing you all a weekend filled with this................

{image: sundsbo solve, via definitely golden}

link luv roundup

i'm adoring this refashion over on grosgrain

i can't wait to try this project out! learn how to turn those old paint cans into a planter! what great idea! you can find the how to over on censational girl.


check out the new fabric line "au.then.tic" from sweetwater. {via craftgossip}

i am a font addict. these beauties were rounded up over at how about orange. you can find these fonts and much more over on dafont.
my birthday is coming up next month - ahhhh! it sure would make it a lot easier to bear if my hubby surprised me with one of these handy pin cushion rings from artnest.

i have a love affair with pine cones. i have them hidden in all sorts of decorative manners all throughout my home. we love them in our household, so when i saw this bird feeder tute over on make and takes i had to post it.

i've got another tutorial from amazing mae this week. she's keeping me busy with all her goodies lately. this one is for a comfy, summer linen skirt. i luv the ruffles!

brit from cucumbersome featured a lovely tute for the corsage shirt from curiousitys that was a finalist in the spring top week over on made by rae.

need to knit a cover for that plastic deck chair you have? why the heck not? this was too fun and funky not to post about. you can find the pattern here or here.

Cinder & Smoke from karmaticoma on Vimeo.

a fave song of mine caught my attention over on one of my daily reads "for me, for you". isn't it always fun when you discover a talent that you never knew someone had? love that she sings, and love that she shares her singing even more.

there has been a lot of goodness floating around the blogging world this week and i can't contain it all in this one post. if you have room for more goodies in your to make pile, check out how to turn a men's shirt into a child's smock here and how to turn that onesie into a shirt for your toddler here.

what are you loving this week?

link luv roundup

1. dress up your outfit with this flower headband tutorial from curiositys
2. i love this idea of making your own recycled stationary over on geek+nerd

i am so in luv with this photograph by whatmegsaid

3. i will definitely be making one of these for my glasses - great tute from amazing mae!
4. i am sure we are all in need of a mouse pad makeover! learn how at the long thread
5. i am on the hunt for how to sewing tutorials to help sharpen up my newbie skills. little girl pearl shows us how to insert piping into a collar.

yummy! spring always reminds me of broccoli slaw! smitten kitchen has a great recipe here.

learn how to make a wet bag here and revamp an old tshirt with some sass over at ecoteametsy's fab blog here. then, head on over to photojojo for a great post listing the top 10 online photography mags, whip up a fun french press cozy (luv this) at one of my favorite blogs to drool over - the house on hill road.

we are revamping our deck and i am collecting tin cans for this great summer tute showing you how to turn tin cans into great summer garden lanterns and last, but not least, nesting shows you how to revamp that jean skirt into the perfect summertime maternity skirt.

link luv roundup

1. dressmeup's organic teething bonbon - so deliciously organic.
2. leethal's 1 year of diy roundups she did for threads mag - so many great projects listed here!

3. i can't wait to try these funky knit bangle wrist warmers from a house called nut.

inspirational eye candy from the may anthropologie catalogue over on darling dexter

4. cloud 9 fabrics sneak peek at their new fabric line shade garden
5. turn those old sheets into a duvet cover over at nest decorating.

6. make some personalized wallpaper stationary over on design sponge .
7. turn an ugly plastic mirror into a stunning bulletin board - craftynest shows you how!

make sure to pop over to lollychops if you dare for cupcake week, go peruse scoutie girl , learn how to add pin tucks and gathers to a standard pattern at justtutes and then take a peek at what others crafter are up to at the new vickie howell site craftcorps.

link luv

1. om shanti yoga mat bag - crochet tutorial

2. gomukasan by kellyloveswhales (flikr)
3. kukkutasana by gosia janik (flikr)

4. AT diy mail holders roundup
5. quick and easy toddler purse tutorial from getting crafty
6. i am definitely adding this toddler halter top tutorial to my "must make" list

how to turn fabric scraps into a necklace

(image courtesy cakies)

in our house there is never a shortage of fabric scraps or old clothes to turn into fabric scraps, so when i spot a craft project that i can actually use to rid myself of these little piles, i am one happy momma. i adore a lovely white summer top and think that these great fabric necklaces just add that pretty pop of color we are all looking for during this season.

i have seen some of these around in the last few months but hadn't spotted a tutorial until now. you can find the tutorial here at cakies. these seem so easy and fun to make. i like it when a craft can be the more the merrier. why stop at one, when you can make five? or three? or 10? knock yourself out, make a bunch, give em' to friends. heck, adorn yourself in them.

is it just me or does that first pic make you want to sit on the beach in mexico, in your flip flops, all tanned and content, sipping a cool, refreshing corona?

what do you guys think? have any of you made these before? would you make these?

(image courtesy cakies)

(via craftgossip)

how to make a photo lantern

oh how i wish i had a backyard when i see projects like this. i guess i could make these and hang them from my balcony, but it just isn't the same vibe. don't get me wrong though, i am happy to even have a balcony, but i won't deny the fact that i long for my own yard to sit in at night and lounge with my hubby with a nice glass of wine on a summer evening, c'mon now.

we are on the hunt right now for the perfect deck furniture and i have my heart set on a comfy two seater so mack and i can have lunches and snuggle out there. i picked up some rowdy, loud, bright pink, retro flower fabric, for like a dollar at the local flea market, and i am dying to make some pillows for out there. gotta add some color to the neighbourhood, not that many will see it as we are on the top floor.

you can find the tutorial for this gorgeous photo lantern by livi kanaley of "a field journal" over on the fabulous decor8 blog. click here for the how to. if any of you decide to make these, let me know, i would love to at least bask in a photo of your summer backyard glory even if i can't have mine - yet :)