Lent.

We attend a Presbyterian church, so we don't "do" Lent as a church, but my family always did. My mother always tended to make it a diet, but my dad always took it seriously and for what it was meant for. It's a chance to see and experience a tiny glimmer of what sacrifice means.

This year for Lent I gave up secular music in the car. And hey boy howdy as a person who lives and breathes music- this was hard! My brother, dad and I were talking on Skype the other day and I mentioned it. My brother was sooo confused as to why I would give that up, but my dad explained it better than I ever could. He said "It's a major part of her day, Matt. Music is the soundtrack to everything she does. Not to mention, car radio is what your brain eats- what goes in has a major effect on what comes out."

It's so true! I need something positive and uplifting pouring into my brain as I'm driving- especially when I'm being cut off and people are driving like idiots around me- or I could easily slip into a terrible mood.

Luckily, we have an awesome contemporary Christian music station in Charlotte and they play tons of old and new songs. The other day I heard this one and was immediately taken back to 10th grade. Love it.

What makes you happy?

Can I just say that Facebook has been a little ridiculous ever since they start letting middle schoolers have accounts. Everytime I turn around I'm getting a chain letter message, reading someone's status about their celebrity lookalike/bra color/middle name/old school picture or seeing that my little brother became a fan of "taking one last sip of my drink before leaving a resturant" (I wish I was joking).

However, I do love those quizzes that people send around and tag you in in the notes section - and today I get to do a blog version! Yay!

I was tagged/awarded this little find by Meredith over at La Buena Vida. Have you read her blog? If not, go do it! She is such an inspiring beautiful lady who loves Jesus and is always uplifting and at the same time very real. Her blog has tons of pics (which I love - short attention span, you know) and she has a precious teeny tiny little lady named Lizzy who is always fun to look at!

The point of this award is to list 10 things that make you happy. Here I goes!

1. Quilt fabric. Oh man. I don't even sew well or a lot, but I sure love looking at all the pretty options out there for when I finally do get my act together and make a quilt!

2. My Blackberry. I'm sorry if you hate me because of it, but I am that lady who plays on her phone while waiting... for anything. Unless I have someone to talk to in person, I'm gonna be checking Facebook, playing brickbreaker or BBMing people. I should be ashamed and embarassed, but sadly I'm not.

3. Girl Scout Cookies. Doesn't matter what kind- I love them all.

4. Bald Head Island, NC. No cars, passenger ferry to get over there, golf carts and light houses. Love. If only Kate Gosselin hadn't ever stepped foot on it, everything there would be perfect.

5. LOST. Ok, well in 2 weeks, Joe and I watched the entire series from the beginning. Now, I long for Tuesdays.

6. Coffee. If you have a child, you understand this.

7. Dresses. I can not wait for it to get warm enough for dresses again! Every Sunday I growl and grumble and poke around in our closet for something to wear with black pants- I hate it! I have approximately 12 dresses hanging in the closet ready to go! Come on, temps above 50! COme to mention it...

8. Spring and Fall. Best. Seasons. Ever.

9. My Brother PE750D (embroidery machine). You had to know it was coming, right? Seriously, I have already made so many gifts with it already! It's seriously perfect for anything! Wedding? Monogrammed towels. Birthday present? Monogrammed tote bag. Baby shower? Monogrammed onesies and burp cloths. Joe wishes Noah had an Avett Brothers shirt? Thanks to a banjo .pes image- done.

10. Baby Led Weaning. We start this craziness Friday, so while I can't say I love it from experience, I 'm currently reading the book and I love the idea- can't wait to get to it!

Now to tag some peeps:
Michele at The Dr's Wife
Kerri at I'm Just Sayin'
Daisy at The Crunchy Wife
Jawe at Eco Friendly and Frugal
Leslie G
... and anyone else who wants to play! Just leave a comment here and I'll come check out what makes you happy!

wordless wednesday

oh geez.

I have found my people...

... at a sewing and embroidery shop. LOVE!

As I mentioned before, Joe got me an embroidery machine for my anniversary, all the threads and accessories and 3 classes to learn to use it. *swoon* I attended my first class Monday night. It was awesome for many reasons:

- I met people my age (!!!) who are into crafting, sewing, embroidering etc! Finally! Someone to talk to about this stuff that's under 60! (although I do love me some Mrs. Mary Agnes at church!)

- It was from 6-8pm so that means that Joe bathed, fed and put Noah to bed- I came home to a quiet house! Amazing!

- I am learning all of the things that my machine can do other than just pictures and letters!

So guess where you'll find me during every naptime this week?

Un-Paper Towel Winner!

The winner of the Eco-Friendly and Frugal UnPaper towel giveaway is.......
#9- nsees! Congrats!
I've sent you an email with details and to see what pattern of towels you would like- so check that out and get back with me!

Congratulations!

Easy-Peasy Headband Tutorial

Ok, confession time: I have big hair.

Scratch that- I have very, VERY large hair.

Don't believe me? Want proof? Ok well here you go:

So what do I do to manage my insanely big hair?

Well, I use Dove mousse, don't brush it after it's dry and wear my hair pulled back a lot.

However, wearing a ponytail all the time doesn't exactly look put-together, polished or professional now, does it? So, after about 20 years of NOT wearing headbands (because the plastic ones get so tight right behind my ears and give me a headache!), I have given them another try and I LOVE THEM! They're so cute, no hassel (can you say "go 3 days without washing my hair?" If you think that's gross, sorry. Having a 5 month old does that to you.) and, I learned last week, easy to make (plus the elastic in my version is so much more comfy)!

Want to give it a shot? Here's my very first ever picture tutorial for
the Easy-Peasy Headband
(it's big-time picture-heavy so you might want to right click and save the file)!

Go ahead and make yours wider or thinner, shorter or longer- whatever works for you! Even if you don't end up making one, still look through the tute and let me know if I'm just mindlessly babbling, or if it actually makes a teeny bit of sense!

Feeling lazy today? (that's ok- I'm lazy most days) Hop on over to my Etsy shop, wee little winslow, and grab an Easy-Peasy Headband! There's even a "pick your fabric" option!

Custom accessories for dirt cheap? Heck yes- One of the many reasons I love Etsy!

Have fun and look cute!

I have a new favorite thing.

RUN to check out http://us.moo.com/en

Oh my word- the possibilities!