DIY – MonkeySmiles

Toddler Swimsuit Tutorial

March 28, 2016 3 Comments

Of all the projects I was willing to take on, sewing a swimsuit was definitely not on that list. Call me crazy but the thought of trying to manipulate the fabric as it got pulled and stretched in my sewing machine just didn’t sit well with me. Then it happened. I found the cutest bathing suit ever, made by Eberjey. It was on sale and I had to have it….sold out. So I looked elsewhere and the only place I could find it was on the brand’s website for a price that makes my heart drop. Plus, the smallest size they sell is 2 years and I needed something closer to 18 months. So I decided to give it a try.

Baby, DIY, Kids

Swimsuit Pattern Tutorial

March 28, 2016 11 Comments

I created my own pattern using an old swim bottom. I put the swim bottom (size 9 months) on Sister and beside it being too short (can we say baby plumber crack?), it was just the right width which is what I needed. I drafted up how I thought the swim suit would be constructed and decided which measurements to take whenever I could get Sister to sit still (yes, it took some time).

Baby, DIY, Kids, Sewing

10 FREE Summer Dress Patterns

March 28, 2016 No Comments

I am always on the lookout for sewing patterns for the kids. Now that it’s getting warmer, I have dress patterns in my sights and have been on the hunt! I’ve compiled some of the cutest, cheek-pinch worthy, FREE dress patterns that I’ve come across.

Baby, DIY, Sewing, Upcycle

DIY Toddler Dress

March 4, 2016 2 Comments

Purchase the pattern or buy the dress already made! (photo 3 via mingo & grace)

Allow me to introduce you to the Blake dress by mingo & grace. How stinking cute is this? As soon as I saw it I thought it would be perfect for Sister to wear for Easter (or a holiday party, special occasion, flower girl dress or just because – who needs a reason?) and I couldn’t resist. I mean, who doesn’t love a little girl in a dress? Ugh, love. You can’t tell in my photo but this dress has pockets too!

DIY, Holiday

St. Paddy’s Day T-shirt

March 1, 2016 No Comments

St. Patrick’s Day is upon us once again! Need a last minute (or not so last minute) idea for a pinch-proof shirt for your kids? Look no further! This year, Monkey is in preschool (‘kindergarten’ here in Germany) so I wanted to make sure he’s dressed festively and wards off any pinching.

Birthday, DIY

First Birthday Smash Cake

November 25, 2015 No Comments

Sister is turning the big O-N-E! Where has the time gone? November is our crazy month. We have both kids’ birthdays, 8 days apart(!) and then we finish up the month with Thanksgiving. I remember making Monkey’s birthday cake last year, about to go into labor any minute and kept thinking to myself, “just let me finish this cake. Please don’t go into labor!”

Birthday, DIY, Superhero

Avengers Birthday Cupcake Toppers

November 17, 2015 No Comments

My baby boy is turning 4 today. It’s so hard to believe how much he’s grown and how much time has gone by since seeing his sweet little face for the first time but I really can’t remember life without him. His arrival created our family and I’m beyond happy to call him my own.

DIY, Holiday

DIY Silhouette Christmas Ornament

November 12, 2015 No Comments

So I’ve been obsessing over my kids’ silhouettes lately. I just made two prints and framed them in our dining room and after scrolling through my Christmas Pinterest list (yes, I know it’s a little early to think about Christmas but with two November kids birthdays, I need to be prepared for Christmas gifts), I came across a beautiful silhouette ornament from Paloma’s Nest. Feeling frugal, I can’t fork over $40 for an individual ornament (although I sure would love to!) and figured there has got to be a way I can make this.

Baby, DIY, Kids, Sensory

October Sensory Bin

September 28, 2015 No Comments

Monkey has been into arts and crafts lately…and really everything to do with the imagination and learning. I’ve never made a sensory tub before but I’ve heard nothing but positive things about them and figured why not give it a shot.

Baby, DIY

Baby Shower: DIY Diaper Golf Caddy

May 13, 2013 2 Comments

We weren’t sure the weather was going to hold out for us to hold my sister’s baby shower over the weekend. We had to move some decorations inside while the weather made up its mind and covered the tables with trash bags but alas, it turned out to be a gorgeous day! My mom and I decided to hold the shower for both the mom and dad-to-be because everyone was traveling so far to come celebrate and we figured it would be great to have a party with spouses and kids too.