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Category: inspiration

My Struggle With Patience

posted in inspiration, kids, motherhood by Hanna on
I’d like to think this blog is a place where I can share my latest projects, but also a place to get a little more personal. The blogs I seem to follow the most are the one’s where I feel like there is actually a human being behind the writing with a real life and stories that I can relate to.
So today I want to share a weakness that I have that I’m sure a lot of you out there face and that is patience. I’ve never been one for having a lot of patience and since becoming a mother it’s been a struggle I seem to face daily when taking care of my children. As much as I’d like to appear like the perfect mother to everyone outside of my home, I’m not. I loose my patience sometimes and a lot depending on the week; sometimes over things that really don’t matter.
For example, last week Eric was out of town for work and I had two cranky girls who seemed to be crying and whining at me all week. My 3 year old was having a hard time listening and obeying and my 1 year old needed to be held constantly or else an hour long tantrum would begin. By the third day of this my patience was literally on egg shells waiting for one of the girls to do something before I exploded on a yelling rampage. It didn’t take long until that happened. Once again I was that mom that I kept telling myself I would never be…that mom that ends up loosing my cool and yelling at my kids instead of trying to talk to and understand them. The worst part is that after all this instead of calming down I became mad at myself for not handling the situation well and continued to be impatient and ended up yelling more.
After episodes like that I feel like the worst mother and wonder if one day my kids will resent me for it. Even worse I can see that they sometimes struggle with the similar things and I wonder how I will teach them to deal with it when sometimes I can’t. Needless to say I am grateful for this time when my girls are quick to forgive as I try to figure out how to let certain things go and see each situation in the way their growing, young minds see it.
In my “quest” to try to have more patience with my children I have come to focus on three things.
1. Don’t be so focused on time and how long it takes for things to get done. Sometimes it frustrates me how long it takes Mia to do things after asking her repeatedly to do something especially when I am in a hurry. I’m learning to slow down and just plan for extra time so we can all be calm.
2. Let some things go and just enjoy the moment. I’m a little bit of a clean freak sometimes and I have two girls that LOVE dirt and messes. Since becoming a mom I’ve really had to work at just forgetting about the mess being made and letting my kids be kids while they enjoy the fun they are having and cleaning up the mess later.
3. Remember they are only children! You would think this would be an easy thing to remember but sometimes I find myself having expectations for how my girls should act being at an adult level when clearly they are not. I have to remind myself that they are still learning and trying to understand how to process feelings and thoughts. When I remember this it makes a world of difference.
So there you have it; my struggle with patience. I know I’m not alone in this struggle of having patience with my children. Some it takes a lot longer to break but I’m sure at one point or another we’ve all handled a situation with our kids in a way we aren’t proud of. So I basically wanted to let you know you’re definitely not alone and we’re all struggling every day to be the best mothers we can for those kids we still seem to love to pieces no matter what they do.

~ Hanna

Linked To:

Friday Finds #10: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

posted in crafts, diy, Friday Finds, inspiration, motherhood by Sara on
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, in fact it is in THREE days! If  you’re a last minute gifter like us, don’t worry, we’ve got some truly special Mother’s Day gift ideas for you that are sure to impress. This first idea is something Hanna and I put together that will provide your mother a peaceful day of relaxation. Who doesn’t love a good book and chocolate?! If that special woman in your life doesn’t like to read much, no problem, put in their favorite movie instead. The great thing about gift baskets is that they are completely customizable. Hopefully some of the ideas below with get the wheels turning in regards to what your mother would enjoy most. 
Once you’ve gathered up the items for your ultimate relaxation gift basket, you could deliver them in this beautiful DIY “Best Mom Ever” tote created by Jess over at Style Me Pretty. She has even included a FREE printable of the “Best Mom Ever” illustration so all you have to do is print it onto iron-on transfer paper, then iron it onto a canvas tote bag. How simple is that?! 
Below are a few other inexpensive Mother’s Day gift ideas that we absolutely adore. 
Mother’s Day Breakfast + FREE Printables |  by Jennifer at Hostess with Mostess Blog
Easy DIY Painted Flower Pots  |  by Bright Bold & Beautiful

Flowers seem to be a big tradition on Mother’s Day, so why not customize a flower pot to give the gift a little more meaning and thought. We love this simple color block DIY painted pot from Bright Bold & Beautiful!
We hope these easy ideas were inspiring and helpful. Happy (early) Mother’s Day to all you wonderful mommies out there who make this world a more wonderful and joyous place. Without a doubt, we would not be the women or mothers we are today without the loving example of our own mother and all the other influential women in our lives. We love you! 

Organizing with Metal Label Holders

posted in crafts, home, inspiration, organization by Sara on
This week I’ve discovered something amazing… Martha Stewart Adhesive Metal Bookplates. I swear, this woman thinks of everything! For a while now I’ve been looking for someway to organize and spruce up my IKEA baskets. I really wanted to add some sort of metal hardware to create a more industrialized feel, but have had a difficult time finding anything that I really like. I scoured the internet looking for some metal label holders, but I found nothing that I could easily use on my baskets. Then out of the blue I came across these adhesive metal bookplates at Staples. They’re genius I tell you! They’re easy to use, they’re inexpensive, they’re available in several different sizes, and they will stick to just about anything you could think of. I simply love the look and feel of these metal bookplates, so I bought several more packs to organize my office/craft space as well. 
  
 

There are so many different possibilities when it comes to these savvy label holders that I thought I’d share some of the creative ways others have used them too.

Link’n Blogs Linky Party {#20}

posted in baby, blogging, crafts, diy, family, food, health, holidays, inspiration, kids, lifestyle, marriage, motherhood, organization, parenting, party, recipe, sewing, thrifted, tutorial by Sara on
Today we’re honored to be guest hosting the Link’n Blogs linky party brought to you by Put a Bird On It. This is our first time ever “hosting” a linky party and we couldn’t be more excited to share with you the inspiration and talent of so many wonderful bloggers! It is actually through linky parties that we have come across some of our favorite blogs and have connected with some amazing people. With that being said, we invite you all to share, connect, inspire, and be inspired yourself!

Welcome to Link’n Blogs {#20} !
A place to link up your projects and make new friends. We are all about visiting links and following new bloggers here at Link’n Blogs. Remember to leave comments and PIN PIN PIN!
Cause sharing is caring. 


**Your links will show up on ALL blogs hosting the link party!**

Interested in guest hosting Link’n Blogs?!
I’ve created a spreadsheet where you can sign up to host a link party! It’s a great way to get to know other bloggers, share a recent post with other party goers and pick the features. Sign up using the link below!

Grab my party button! 
 



*Feel free to post my party button on your blog and say you linked up here!*



I am sharing a feature I did on Warby Parker collaborating with Architecture for Humanity. It’s a good company working towards a good cause!

Warby Parker + Architecture for Humanity






Katelyn is sharing a DELISH recipe for a spin on cheesy pasta. This looks so good! I love that it has bacon in it. Everything is better with bacon!



Be sure to give some love to our guest hosts – you will love their creative blogs!



These two girls have one of the cutest blogs! You’ve got to check out the Pinterest challenge they’re doing. Today, Hanna and Sara are sharing some divine cinnamon rolls – with a twist!






Chastity has a fun lifestyle blog and is momma to an adorable little cowboy! Today, she is sharing a heart filled printable perfect for the upcoming Easter holiday. I love it!





Carolyn’s blog is all about her life as a stay at home mom to her two daughters {which she never thought she’d be!}. And her post this week is about just that.




Here are this week’s features:

My Pick

DIY Felt Flower Headbands by Maddie Moe’s




Katelyn’s Pick

DIY Stenciled Tray by Life in Velvet



Hanna and Sara’s Pick

DIY Geometric Photo Display by The Caldwell Project



Chastity’s Pick

Picnic Basket Tutorial by Over the Apple Tree



Carolyn’s Pick

Bacon, Egg and Avocado Sandwich by Belle of the Kitchen


Fan Favorites


Reversible Easter/Spring Wood Blocks by Something Splendid



Pantry Makeover by View from the Fridge




I know the bloggers featured would love if you would visit their posts and say hello!

All features will be pinned to my Link’n Blogs board. Follow it here!



Follow my blog! If you want to receive an email reminding you about the link party, leave your email when adding your link.
Link to your blog post — not just your blog.
Share the love! Visit the other links and say who sent you.
If you enjoy a link, you can LIKE it {new feature!}
Adding your link gives me permission to feature you on my blog. 
Grab my party button! – See more at: http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-christmas-scriptures-advent.html#sthash.mPINNYsH.dpuf
Ok, here are the guidelines for the link party:  


Follow your HOSTS and GUEST HOSTS

If you want to receive an email reminding you about the link party, leave your email when adding your link

Link to your blog post — not just your blog.

Share the love! Visit the other links and say who sent you

Adding your link gives me permission to feature you on my blog
Share this link party on social media to help Link’n Blogs grow!

*Don’t be a LINK & RUN partier. Visit a couple links before you and a couple after!*


Happy Linking!

Leave a permalink on your blog back to the party to help our party grow!
*here is the link*
http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/04/linkn-blogs-20.html


 

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I monitor each link and may delete a link if it is not something I want to promote on my blog. If you see your link was deleted, please email me. I’d be happy to chat about why! Thanks! 

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Pinterest Challenge Week #2

posted in inspiration, Pinterest Challenge, women's fashion by Hanna on
Stripes and Polka Dots: The Pinterest Challenge Week #2
What I loved most when I found this outfit inspiration on Pinterest was that I actually had most everything already in my wardrobe to duplicate it! Not to mention I love the color combination with the pop from the leopard print. The only thing I had to buy was the scarf which I found at Walmart for $3. This was my first time wearing this combination, which already seemed like a “no brainier” but thanks to Pinterest and a lot of help from Sara I am slowly starting to see fashion in a whole new light.
Stripes and Polka Dots: Green, Navy, Leopard Scarf, and Wedges
Sweater: Downeast Basics | Pants: Gap | Scarf: Walmart | Wedges: Lands End

——————–

Ooo, I’m loving Hanna’s outfit! Too bad we don’t live closer so I could borrow it!

Anyway, on to mine…I’m sure all of you remember this awesome slouchy tee I made about two months back (if not, you can find a full tutorial on how to make one HERE). It has become one of my go-to pieces in my wardrobe because a) it is super comfortable, and b) it is versatile. While it is fairly versatile, the bright bold color has definitely made me step outside of my comfort zone some. I naturally gravitate toward neutral colors, so choosing this bright cobalt blue is me stepping outside of the box (shocking I know). With some more color in my wardrobe I’ve been having fun experimenting with mixing and matching different pieces. I saw my inspiration for this outfit on Pinterest soon after I made this tee and I instantly thought, “I have all those things! Why not give it a try?” …So I did.

Stripes and Polka Dots: Blue Slouchy Tee, Cranberry pants, and Leopard Flats
Top: Made by me (tutorial) | Pants: JC Penney | Leopard Flats: Target | Necklace: Forever 21

I was getting really sick of all the fancy, shmacy, posey pictures I’ve been doing of me lately, so I thought I’d made it a little more “real life”. A huge part of fashion and personal style to me is the functionality of it. I have a two-year-old. I chase, I bend, I dance, I lift and I am up and down all day long.  I like clothes that are low maintenance and comfortable to wear, while still looking stylish and put together—I think I nailed it with this outfit! 
That completes week 2 of the Pinterest Challenge! Be sure to visit the other talented bloggers joining in on this challenge– they’ve got some great projects planned! There are:

Katelyn // Ginny // Corey // Megin // Vanessa
 Amy // Havalah // Stephanie

Pinterest Challenge Week #1

posted in diy, home, inspiration, Pinterest Challenge, women's fashion by Hanna on
Hey, it’s Hanna! When I saw this gold-dipped frame from Sarah at Pretty Providence, I fell in love and I had just the mirror to do this same thing with so on to my pin board this went. Sadly, not too long after I pinned this inspiration my mirror fell over and shattered. Now that I think of it, it was only a few weeks later I had to get my appendix out during our vacation in Florida…yep…bad luck! Anyway I still loved the idea so I decided to take this inspiration and use it on a picture frame.

Instead of going with gold I decided to try bronze to match some of the other decor I already had in my living room. This lovely frame is the center of a photo wall collage I did above our new piano. I’m in LOVE with it all! Now I just need to get a family picture in this frame and it’s complete!
Stay tuned for a complete look at this framed wall collage with bronze accents coming soon!
Sara here, to show my first project of the Pinterest Challenge– a DIY studded collar! Studded apparel is everywhere this season and it’s one trend I’m absolutely in love with! Best of all is that I found this simple tutorial on Pinterest a while back on how to create your own studded look.You can buys these studs at almost any craft supply store (I got mine at Joanns with a 40% coupon for $3.60) and they come in all different colors. Each stud has little prongs that you push into the fabric. Once the stud is placed right where you want it, you bend the prongs inward to secure the stud. You guys, it is soo easy! I’m trying not to get too carried away and bedazzle my whole wardrobe with these studs, I love them!

We hope you enjoyed this first week of projects! Be sure to follow our Pinterest Challenge board on Pinterest so you can check out all the amazing projects by us and the other bloggers!

Picnic Themed Birthday Party

posted in crafts, diy, family, food, holidays, inspiration, kids, party by Hanna on
It is officially spring (as of March 20th) which for me marks the beginning of shorts, sandals, vacations, and birthday celebrations. Ironically enough, my daughter and both of Hanna’s girls all have birthdays in April about one week apart. 
Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots
Last year, instead of throwing two separate parties (little Livy was not yet born) Hanna and I decided to combined our girl’s birthday parties. Growing up, we never really had big elaborate birthday parties where we invited all our friends. Instead, my mom would make whatever we wanted for dinner and dessert and we’d celebrate our birthday with our family. However, this is not to say that we don’t enjoy throwing a good party. In fact, since Hanna and I have started our own families, throwing fun little parties together have become one of our favorite hobbies.

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

We wanted to keep things simple, yet provide a fun environment for our family and friends while creating a sweet memory for our little girls. We finally decided on a casual picnic themed birthday party at the park. Minus the unexpected chilly weather, we managed to pull off a fun party for all ages on a small budget of just $100. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Since the food took up the majority of our budget, we looked for inexpensive packaging ideas and decorations. Instead of purchasing “to-go” boxes, which can end up costing a lot of money, we bought simple brown paper sacks and then printed a cute little banner on them. All the sandwiches  were wrapped in wax paper and this cute pink checkered tissue paper that we found at Walmart for $3. The fruit cups were packaged in cheap plastic cups and then topped with saran wrap and baker’s twine. Finally, all the different sack lunch items got a colorful label that we made with scrapbook paper. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

For the decorations, we used some balloons I had leftover from my baby shower a year earlier and then we made some matching ruffled streamers. Here is a great tutorial from “Dana Made It” on how to make ruffled streamers– so cute! All the baskets and flowers were things that we had at home. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Great parties do not have to mean spending a lot of money. Try and look for areas where you can cut back or make simpler. Find things around your house, friends or family’s homes, or at second hand stores that can be reused for party decorations.  And last but not least, have a good time. What truly makes a good party is the people that you celebrate it with. 

Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots
Honestly, this party seemed like it was just the other day. I can’t believe it has been almost a year later and that I’m already planning out birthday #2 for my daughter. Sadly, this year will not be a combined party since Hanna and I live much farther apart; however, we did manage to come up with the same birthday party theme for our girls. I guess great minds really do think alike… or maybe it’s our crazy twin connection. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed this picnic party flashback! And for all you “go-doers” out there, I’ve also gathered up some more fabulous picnic party ideas and inspiration shown below:
Picnic Themed Party | by Stripes and Polka Dots

Popsicle Picnic Party | Little Lovely
Boxed Lunch Picnic Party | All Things Heart and Home
Fabric Tent | Inspiration via Pinterest