Quilting and dilemmas

I have a love/hate relationship with quilting. I've only just realized this. It's sooooo teeeedious but SO rewarding.

I've started this special quilt for Audrey ages ago. It was going to be her baby quilt, and I guess it still is (SHE'S STILL MY BABY RIGHT?!). I'm only just dusting off this forgotten project and finishing it now and so far it looks stunning. The problem is, when I resumed work on the project I didn't know whether to give it to Audrey (as originally intended) or give it to the new Baby. Audrey has a little patchwork play quilt that I made long before we were married or Audrey was even a thought. It's a little worn and stained and is sort of like a hand-me-down. Baby is getting a beautiful handspun merino/silk knitted blanket and Audrey got a teeny tiny little one. As a first time Mama I had no idea what size baby blanket was appropriate and made one that was entirely too small. It's nice and snuggly and would make a nice little keepsake, but it's basically useless. I'm thinking to go back and make Audrey a nicer one... but I don't know. The bottom line is, it feels like Audrey was getting jipped a little bit (in the way of handmade things) so I've decided to give her this quilt as I originally intended.

How far do you go to make sure things are even and fair between the kiddos? I know Audrey doesn't understand but I want both girls to have nice things to keep and look back on. It feels really important to me and kinda silly at the same time. Do you stress over this kinda stuff too?

Dilemmas: Update!

A week ago I posted asking for your help. It was a desperate cry for help and you ladies answered loud and clear! I love you guys. Like. I love you in a big way. Thanks for being awesome.

And I have updates.



1. Hair - I've been re-inspired to do my hair in nice little braided and twisted up-dos. I needed something that required a minimal amount of time (because of certain toddlers tugging on my skirt) and maximum staying power. My favorite is a side twisty thing on one side that comes into a messy bun on the opposite side. It's nice. It's easy. I feel really pretty. WINNER! I've also rediscovered the sleek low bun and red lipstick because, classy! Also a winner. Stay tuned for more discoveries.

A special thanks to Elizabeth for recommending A Cup of Jo's hair tutorials! Super helpful.

2. Pad Thai - So many great recipes and tips! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I seriously dream of overcoming this obstacle in my life. I've researched and I gave this method/recipe a try last night for dinner. http://chezpim.com/cook/pad_thai_for_beginners And it was really good! It was finally a step in the right direction, rather than a step sideways trying to find a recipe that I could perfect. Next time I'll make a few minor changes to make it taste exactly how we want it.

-More garlic and green onion for bolder flavor (I was a bit stingy)
-No dried shrimp (didn't need it)
-Scramble the egg faster

BOOM! I CAN MAKE PAD THAI NOW! I'M UNSTOPPABLE!

Thank you anonymous commenter! Whoever you are!

3. Maternity Style - This one really hit home for me, guys! You've inspired me to find an easy style that works for me and add some basics to my maternity wardrobe. I received a LOVELY pair of maternity shorts thanks to Soon Maternity. YOU WILL LOVE THEM. They're amazing. I'll show them off soon.

Also, I've been inspired to make myself a few items. I've made myself a pair of maternity legging shorts with lace at the hem. It's too hot to wear full leggings and I'm needing a tad more coverage as my dresses are looking a bit *ahem* shorter with new bigger belly. Result: FAN-TASTIC! Pictures shortly.


ALSO, I may have made myself a version of this dress. Super stoked. Just you wait. (My variations include two chevrons instead of three, and thicker straps with wider chest coverage.)

A HUGE thank you to ALL you lovely readers. I love this community. You guys rule. Don't change.

xo

Dilemmas

Sans makeup and wearing pajamas. And check that messy living room. You're welcome.
I NEED YOUR HELP.

1. Long Hair - My hair is getting long. Really really long. Like... to my belly button long. And it is GLORIOUS! I love having long hair and in some ways it's a lot less maintenance. I never blow dry my hair and seldom straighten it. I often just leave it to its wavy messy ways and I'm okay with that. The problem is, I can't have it down all the time. It SERIOUSLY gets in the way and babies love to grab it and never ever let go. I'm tiring of my too-worn top knot and I'm in need of some new solutions to tie back my mane of locks. Should I just cut my hair? I'm afraid of looking too... eh. How do you combat long locks and the same old?

2. Pad Thai - Here's the thing. It's not OFTEN that I find something that I simply can't do. I don't mean this in a braggy way, because my successes often comes with hard work. Generally when I really apply myself to a new area and do my research and put my time in... I'll succeed. Except with crochet. I hate crocheting. And my arch-nemesis. Making my own pad thai. I love pad thai. It's probably my favorite dish to eat. Like... EVER. But every time when I try to make it myself it's always... so-so. Lack-luster. Or that one time when it was just plain awful. (I cried hot tears out of defeat. And Phil went and bought pad thai takeaways. I love him.) Do you guys have the same problem? Have you successfully made a killer pad thai? HELP ME. This madness must stop. I cannot let preparing food be the end of me. And it will... oh it will.

3. Maternity Style - I am so lost right now. I've done this before but this time I feel like I'm floundering in the style department. What are your top tips?

HELP A WOMAN OUT!