Shabby Vintage Christmas {Paper Doilies: Part I}

I love doilies.  I do, I do!  It might stem somewhere from me seeing them everywhere around the house when I was little, as my Grandma crocheted them nonstop.  Mix that in with the vintage style that's so incredibly "in" right now, along with the incredible femininity and intricacy of these little lovelies, and there ya go ~ we have ourselves a winner!

{paper snowflake doilies as part of Christmas package wrap}

So, I have just been totally inspired by these little lovelies, as of late.  I am currently working them into the adam's blankie hair accessory line {although, they're also currently available on our highly fashionable baby bibs now, if you just can't resist the doily, like myself!}, as well as all parts of our house.  Seemingly.  And much to my husband's dismay. Ha!

{paper doily snowflake in our diy shabby garland...tutorial to come later on the blog!}

Naturally, I wanted to implement them into my Christmas, too, of course!  So the first thought I had was making them into snowflakes.  Afterall, doilies inherently already have small cuts & eyelets that resemble snowflakes themselves.  So I figured I could just add my own distinct eyelets to them, and I'd end up with some "truer" looking snowflakes that are each unique to themselves...just like real snowflakes, of course.

{paper snowflake doily implemented into pre-made store garland}

 To achieve this look, you gotta go back to your grade school art class.  Not literally, of course.  But just think back to some of your earliest crafting as a child. Remember making paper snowflakes?  Yup.  I thought you would.  This is the same thing!  You're going to take your paper doily {available for purchase in any craft store {Michael's, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, WalMart} in their cake decorating aisle} and fold it into half 4 times, until you end up with a thin wedge, like so:

Now comes the fun part: snipping!  Just take a small pair of scissors and begin cutting tiny shapes along the folded edges of your wedge.  You can snip off the tip, or choose to leave it there.  Remember, every "snowflake" is unique, so make them all a bit different from each other!

{after all the cuts are in.  you can vary them up, tho!  rounded, heart half shape, etc.}

Once all cuts are done, open it up, and you'll end up with something like this!

So now we just need to flatten it.  To do so, you'll need to get some cotton fabric {if you don't have raw fabric yardage laying around like me {what's that you say? you don't? whaaaaat???  kidding!}, you can just grab a plain cotton tshirt instead} and put it over your snowflake.  Iron on top of the fabric for a few seconds.  Then flip over your snowflake, lay the fabric back on top and iron again.

 

 Now you should have a flat snowflake.

Now comes the real creativity!  You need to decide what you want to do with this little piece of fabulousness!  I had a hard time deciding...so of course I made tons so I could use them many ways!  Here are just a few ideas of what you can do with your doily snowflakes:

*Hang from the ceiling in clusters, creating your own snowy dream! {Would look fabulous over a front entryway buffet table/lowboy}
*Hang onto garlands {see images at top; tutorial for the diy shabby garland to come in next "shabby vintage christmas" installment!}
*Hang from your mantle
*Attach to your stockings
*Hang on the tree
*Sew together to form its own snowflake garland
*Use as tags for Christmas packages {see image above {NOTE: One was spray painted with the ahhh-mazing "Glitter Blast" spray paint from Krylon! You GOTTA get some of that stuff!  It's fabulous!!}
*Use as stencils {idea for this & tutorial coming soon!}

Enjoy!  And be creative!  Let me know how YOU decide to use your snowflake doilies!

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{Perfect} Timing.

You all may remember over the summer that adam's blankie hosted a "Spring into Summer" MEGA giveaway with about $1000 in giveaways going to just ONE {super duper!} lucky person!  Now, I'm sure some of you were sorely disappointed that you didn't win {as I would be!}, but I think it might help to know a bit about the story behind the winner...I know that I, for one, was AMAZED and touched by the journey she is currently experiencing in life!!  And honestly, I {er, random.org, that is} couldn't have "picked" a better winner!

It all started when I emailed Megan to let her know she had won the HUGE giveaway!  And she said something about how this was such perfect timing and such a blessing to her family....  Curious as to what she meant, I asked her to tell me more about that.  And she then told me her story....  It's a story of love, acceptance, heartache, patience, determination, guidance, obedience, perseverance, happiness & fulfillment all rolled into one beautiful making.  It is the "how," "when," "why," and "where" of how Megan, her husband & her son came to adopt a beautiful baby girl from far, far away....and how that action has forever impacted their lives!

Megan and her daughter {headband by adam's blankie}

So here is an intimate glimpse into that story, as told by Megan herself {her wording is in pink, just to make it easier to distinguish my words from hers throughout the remainder of this post}.

What made you decide to adopt?

My husband and I began talking about adoption when we first started dating (in high school).  We had adoption in both of our families and it was always on our hearts.  However, after we got married and made the decision to start our family, adoption was in the back of our minds.  After a difficult pregnancy and delivery with my son, we both knew we didn't want to try to get pregnant again any time soon...and yet we both began to have the "baby itch".  It was our friends' adoption that refreshed that desire and we knew that God had arranged every detail to lead us to this decision.  

{hat by Hooked by Kristen}

How did you decide on Ethiopia for adopting your child?

Back when we decided to start our family, I began having dreams about Africa.  We kept brushing them to the side thinking they were just dreams...but every friend I shared them with said we were meant to adopt from Africa.  =)  When God laid adoption on our hearts and we began researching country guidelines, Ethiopia was one of the few countries we fit the criteria for.  Suddenly those dreams seemed more like a calling.  Putting in our application just filled our hearts with peace, and we just knew that we were making the right decision.  

{headband by Purposed Life}

 What were some of the struggles you went through in the process of getting her?

Financially this was very straining on our family, but we had great support from our family and friends.  We made a couple lifestyle changes and began fundraising - we sold t-shirts, threw a garage sale, sold Ethiopian coffee, and worked with a few reliable organizations to help raise the money. It was not easy by any means, but very successful and proof that God truly funds what He favors!  =)  

Emotionally though, the wait took a HUGE toll on us.  After we announced our adoption we watched friend after friend announce their pregnancy and welcome home their bundles of joy...all while we were still waiting to find out ANYTHING about our daughter.  Twenty-two long months after we sent in our initial application, we brought our precious girl home.  Apparently God had a LOT to teach me about patience.  The verse I clung to during the hard times was Habakkuk 2:3.  

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."

brother and sister {custom dress by Night Owl}

How long have you had your little girl?

We have now been home with our Lil' Lady for close to three months.

How has your son responded to having a new sister?

We have a three-year-old at home and at first, it was not an easy transition for him.  Despite the two years we had to prepare him for his little sister...once she got here, he didn't want much to do with her.  He was never mean to her by any means, he would just ignore her and refuse to touch her.  After about a two week transition...you would have never known he ever had any hesitation!  The two of them are now great pals!  Our Lil' Man now loves to make his sister giggle and lovingly calls her "sweetheart".  And he will often cry if we don't let him run in his room and say hi before we get her up from naps!  He is an AMAZING big brother! 

Tell us about what a blessing your daughter has been in your lives.

Words can't express what a joy she is.  The question we constantly get is, "Is she always this happy?"  And in one word - YES!  She has a smile that lights up the room and a laugh that just melts us.  She is content and a CHARMER!  Sometimes we have to hold her back a little bit from charming the whole world while she is still learning that we are her mom and dad.  We know we are going to be in TROUBLE once she starts talking!  =)  It still feels a little surreal that she is home...but at the same time hard to remember what life was like without her!  We are so in love... 

 

{happy birthday banner by a to zebra celebrations}

 What would you recommend to anyone reading this who might be considering adoption?

First of all, PRAY about it.  It is not all smiles and laughter and love.  It is also hard, HARD work.  Yes, we have a lot of smiles...but those came after the tears, and looks of terror, and inconsolable sobs.  I think in order for an adoption to be successful, it needs to be a calling.

Second, you'll want to find a good agency.  For us, it was important to seek out one with high ethics, who was finding families for children....not children for families.  It also really mattered to us what kind of care our child would be receiving until she was in our arms...and I truly believe that our agency's transitional home is one of the best care facilities in Ethiopia!  The staff's commitment and love for those kids was WAY beyond what we could have imagined.  We are SO grateful for the women (and men) who loved those children as their own.

{sign by Sassy Talk}

Thank you for sharing that AMAZING story with me & our readers, Megan! I think I speak for many others when I say that you are a true inspiration to us, and we admire your courage, spirit, & patience in this journey!

So now that we know the important stuff, next we gotta know...

 

How did you feel when you won our mega "Spring into Summer" giveaway?!?

I was in complete shock!!!  This came right in between our two trips to Ethiopia and was such a blessing to our family.  With the financial strain caused by the adoption, our budget was rather tight.  And being that this is our first little girl...I had been looking forward to spoiling her with all kind of goodies.  That just wasn't a reality though.  But after winning this amazing giveaway...I got to pick out colorful and original headbands, dresses, hats, room decor, birthday party decor, invitations and more!  Not to mention lots of goodies for mama too!  =)  It was/is such fun! 

Megan at home {shirt by splash designs}

What was your favorite prize you won from the giveaway?

I don't think I could pick a FAVORITE since they fall under so many different categories.  But I think the most meaningful is the living locket I got to pick out with Origami Owl.  I designed it in honor of our daughter.  It contains the birthstone for both the month she was born and the month we gained custody of her, a cross for our faith that carried us through the wait, a tiny airplane for the journey, and a stamped plate reading "forever".  It is so beautiful and both my kids are drawn to it....our daughter for teething purposes...and our son just loves to look at the "baby airplane"!  =) 

{living locket necklace by Origami Owl}

 Anything else you'd like to add?

THANK YOU!  Kari, I know it takes a LOT of work to put together a giveaway, let alone one of this size. Thanks for hosting it and for choosing me as the recipient!  And thank you for allowing me to share our story to our daughter.  It is one that has forever transformed us, and our prayer is that God will use it to touch someone else's life as well.   If anyone wants to find out more about our family or our adoption journey, feel free to stop by our blog!  And don't hesitate to ask questions! =)  thisdomesticateddiva.blogspot.com

Megan & her beautiful family

Thank you again, Megan, for sharing your story with us!  I am so, so happy that this fortune {of getting your daughter} was laid upon you, and even more excited that you now serve in a position to help others in taking similar steps to adopt!  You have a BEAUTIFUL family and much happiness to revel in!  God bless!

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{Pinterest:} The Rescuing Hug

Found this on Pinterest {have you become as obsessed as me?!} and just had to share! Had me near tears, for sure! {Thank you to this pinterest account for sharing!}.

 {verbatim from the aforementioned pinterest page}: "This picture is from an article called "The Rescuing Hug". The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby's heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal."

Awwwwwww!! Melts my heart!!

xoxo,

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Peanut Butter Pie {Recipe}

I made an absolutely sinful Peanut Butter Pie the other day!  As some of you may already know, I have a serious weakness for anything peanut butter, and this. one. takes. the. cake! {errrr, pie!}!!

It's a very easy recipe, too, and doesn't take too much time to make! 

{Peanut Butter Pie} 

1 jar creamy peanut butter {the middle size one will do!}
1 cup sugar
1/2 of 8 oz original cool whip
1 8 oz package of cream cheese {let warm up to about room temperature}
1 jar of hot fudge
1 oreo or graham cracker pie crust

In a large bowl, mix the sugar, peanut butter, and cream cheese in a mixer until smooth.  Fold in half of the cool whip until thoroughly mixed.  Spoon the mixture into the pie crust, and refrigerate.  While the pie is in the refrigerator, put aside a tablespoon each of the peanut butter and hot fudge into plastic baggies, in the corner of them.  {You'll later cut a very small part of the corner and pipe onto the top of the pie!}. Then place the rest of the jar of hot fudge in the microwave to melt {check instructions on jar for how long to microwave}.  Once it's smooth, pour it evenly on top of your pie, all the way to the edges.  Place pie back in refrigerator.  When you're ready to serve, cut the very tips {very small part!} of your baggies and pipe the fudge and peanut butter over the pie in a zig zag motion.

Mmmmmmmmmm.....dive in and savor every drop of this rich little thing!

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Give to Bless {{Kate McRaw}}

It is a story of heartache.  Of compassion.  Of strength, courage, hope and faith.

I'm sure many of you are already aware of this story of which I tell....of sweet Kate McRae, a 7 year-old girl who has been battling an aggressive, malignant brain tumor for over 2 years now.  Millions of people from all across the world know Kate.  You may have even seen her on the Dr. Phil show, or perhaps are one of the millions of people who diligently follow her caring bridge page.

I have personally known the McRae's for a few years now, as we attended the same church and share mutual friends.  So when I first found out about Kate's diagnosis, I wanted to help, like so many of us do!  I prayed. And cried.  And brought a meal to her family, and then a blanket for Kate.  But ultimately, I felt that wasn't enough.  I wanted to do something special for her.  Something that would honor her and her courageous battle against cancer.  Something that would empower her to keep winning that battle.  Something that would inspire & encourage us to live with such aspirations and faith as Kate does each and every day.  Something that would remind us to PRAY for her, and to have FAITH that she WILL beat this cancer!  And, so one day it dawned on me....

For a few months now, I've been working with Kate to create a headband.  Not just any headband.  But one made with her instruction alone.  It is a headband made with her favorite textures and colors (pink and yellow).  It is the one she chose from a few samples I made based on her instruction.  And it is aptly named, "The Kate," in her honor.

I am so honored to announce that this headband will be available for purchase ($30) from adam's blankie, and that half of the proceeds from each sale will go directly to the McRae family to support them!!  Visit our site to purchase there, OR send a paypal payment of $32.50 {includes shipping} as a "gift" to adamsblankie@gmail.com. When you purchase, please be sure to leave the age of the wearer for the headband {0-3 months, 3-6 months, 3yo, adult, etcetera}.

Below you'll find images of Kate in "The Kate" headband. These were taken just a week ago by my dear friends Jessica & Jason Williams of Session Nine Photography.  You can also visit their blog to read about this recent photo shoot with the McRae family.

 

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

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Back to School {Fan-tabulous Finds!}

Wow.  I can hardly believe it's already that time of year again ~ time to go Back to School {at least here in Arizona, it is!  Some kids have already been back to school for a couple weeks now.  Simple WRONG if you ask me!! Whatever happened to starting AFTER Labor Day?!??}.  Now, can someone please explain to me just where exactly time goes?!  Sometimes I swear it just flies right on by, and I miss it all!

So, of course, I had to go on a hunt for some awesome school supplies.  Everyone gets fresh, sharp crayons, notebooks and folders {remember Trapper Keepers?!  Seriously...am I that old?!??}, but I'm talkin' about finding some fan-tabulous finds!  Stuff that will make all the other kids {and their Moms!} go, "Oooooh! Where did you get that?!??"  So here you have it: head turners for school. ;)

Clothespins ($4) Give these to the teacher the first day, and your kid is sure to score some points!

Backpack ($38) Many delicious fabrics to choose from at this shop! {We heart ours!}

Pencil Toppers (2 for $12) Now how stinkin' adorable are these!??

Mini Crayon Roll ($14) Not bragging here, but I really do heart this product of ours! ;) + 48 fabrics to choose from!

Retro Lunch Box ($25) - many different styles from this shop.

Reusable Snack bag ($7.50) OR purchase pattern from OUR shop to DIY and make as many as you like!

Apple Jacket ($5) Let your kiddo be surprised with {love} when she opens her lunchbox to find this!

Happy "Back to School" shopping!  And, pleeeeease, if you have an awesome BTS lovely you know of yourself, please pass the link along here!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

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Hair Accessory Sale - TODAY ONLY!

I know, I know.  Where have I been?  I tell ya, I took a blogging break, and it felt good.  Not that I didn't miss it (and you all), but seriously...sometimes a break is just what you need, eh? :)

But in the meantime, I've been working diligently on getting some new hair accessories created {see images below!}.  And I couldn't be happier about them ~ I'm really digging some of these new pieces!  Soooo....now that I'm back, I wanted to celebrate with a HAIR ACCESSORY SALE!  TODAY ONLY, score 20% off your ENTIRE hair purchase from adam's blankie!  All you need to do is put HAIR20 in the "notes to seller" when checking out, and your refund will be sent via PayPal today!

Enjoy!! So happy to be back! :)

 Have a product you'd like reviewed?
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