Twirling By With Stars In The Sky

Featured here.
Thanks, Molly.
Be back soon.

~Rachel

Show Me Something

I've been slowly working on a few things whilst on vacation in Oklahoma with my side of the family. I've added a few handmade baby blankets made from vintage sheets that have long been in my stash as well as some reversible, gender-neutral bibs, and a collage from vintage ephemera displayed on a cute little clipboard to the Red Velvet Art shop. (Larger collage will be added as soon as I can get the photos upright.) The 3-D boxed journaling sets from our RVA weekend will soon be back in stock as well!

I hope to add more collages over the next week as I get my hands on more clipboards. I've always been drawn to old maps and vintage papers so clipboards seemed the perfect way to display these handmade pieces.

The blanket above is one I'll reproduce for Ruby because I love that yellow sheet and the pairing of whites and creams with the blue binding. It's got 100% cotton batting on the inside and measures about 34" x 34". They are the perfect size to lay newborns down while you change your spit up laden shirt. Handmade shower gifts are also the best way to win a new mama's heart!

This blanket is made of blues, greens, yellows, and browns with a striped green backing and yellow, floral binding. See more pictures here.

Two styles of gender-neutral, quilted, reversible, machine-washable baby bibs are also new to the RVA store. The contrast of these polka-dots and bindings are my favorite! AND...the patterns won't show stains! Unless your kid loves prunes. And if your kid loves prunes...go ahead and show that off.

So, I've been with Sebastian in Oklahoma/Texas for a little over a week visiting my side of the family and have celebrated my cousin's wedding, Father's Day, my brother's birthday, and our wedding anniversary. The sad part is we've had to do all of this without Brett (make a sad face here). I miss, miss, miss my husband. This is the longest we've ever been apart and we've still got another week to go before he meets us out here before Sebastian's birthday on the 4th of July. I CAN'T WAIT!

I've been borrowing PC's from my family to catch up with e-mails and online class slots and I'm beginning to miss my Mac, too. I'm so used to using those shortcuts, that software, etc. so getting online has been a little less enjoyable. I'm also giving myself permission to take a break from being online while with family so that we can enjoy our short time together. BUT...I miss you guys, too.

Lots of missing things and lots of unusual bouts of hormon-fueled crying sessions this week. I'm blaming it on pregnancy but it might also have something to do with handling a toddler who has suddenly decided to do the opposite of everything I ask him to do, who has started using the sign for 'STOP' instead of directly saying 'NO', and who has taken advantage of vacation mode to ask for soda every time we eat out. I'm sure the weepy moments will pass and once we get back home the old rules and boundaries will be more easily accepted so I'm doing my best to remain optimistic.

Spending time running through the sprinklers and chasing fire flies has helped. A little chocolate ice cream has also been utilized to induce pleasant feelings. See you soon.

Rachel

The Verdict Is In!

IT'S A GIRL!

We're going to have a little shopping to do around here but we are just thrilled that we're going to have this baby girl. She will be well loved and probably really well dressed! Sebastian decided that a girl was okay with him and wanted to take the baby home right away. The technician got a shot of the girl parts early on but wanted to double check before she told us so we spent the next ten minutes looking at all of the other parts while she measured and took pictures. Then the baby kept its legs closed and I was afraid we were either going to be there all morning or have to go home without knowing! Finally, the baby gave us a good shot and the nurse looked at
us and asked if we were ready to know....YES! YES! TELL US ALREADY!

I prepared myself to hear, "It's a boy", but then was SO HAPPY when it registered that she said, "It's a girl!" We've called family and are still trying to get a hold of a few key friends but wanted to share it here and announce the winner.

"Good luck, lovely. I have a feeling it's a girl. Hope she is healthy and happy and shows off who she is..."

Elle C.
a.k.a mamaloves

So, Elle C., send me an e-mail at Racheldenbow (at) gmail (dot) com and let me know your address and if you prefer Sonic or Starbucks!

Thanks for playing along, everyone. We're really excited!

Rachel

Blue or Red?

Tomorrow, Tuesday the 16th at 10:00 a.m. CST, I will be distracting myself in the waiting room at Ultrasona with a magazine so that I don't ruin the experience for the woman in front of me by hovering outside the door asking, "Are you done yet?"

To mark this special day when we'll (cross your fingers) find out if we're having a little boy or a little girl, I'm taking a poll and doing a give away. You just have to add your two cents as to what you think this baby might be by visiting the side bar on your left and clicking on one of two options. (Pretty sure we've outruled multiples so you only get two.) Since I'm not sure we can track who voted, you'll also want to add a comment under this post with your first name, first initial of your last name, and how you voted. Once we call our families and share the big news, we'll be back here to pick a name that guessed right. You'll receive your choice of a Sonic or Starbucks gift card for a sweet treat of your own!

I'll be closing the polls tomorrow (Tuesday) at around one and announcing the winner soon after so make sure you come back in the evening to see if you've won.

Thanks for playing!

Rachel

Right About Now

Oh, hello! Not much time for words today so I'll show you some pretty things that are happening in my life this weekend. The little owl bank was a recent church sale purchase. He's keeping my typewriter company for now but soon he'll be ready for someone else's home...because we're bringing the PONYPARTY back! Yes, after a temporary first trimester reprieve, the shop is ready to open it's Etsy doors again. We're working on the official date but it will be soon and very soon. I'll keep you posted.


I've been cutting squares, squares, and more squares this weekend in preparation for my next big project for the RVA shop. I'm hoping to get these vintage sheets turned into lovely baby blankets before too long. I couldn't put the nesting urge off any longer so this is how I'm channeling all of that hormonal energy.


I went into one of my favorite charity shops on Friday looking for more vintage sheet sets when I stumbled upon this beauty. She's a vintage Royal typewriter in her very own lock-in carrying case and she's a lovely shade of blush pink. I've only ever seen pink ones online so you can bet it was in my cart as soon as I checked its working status! I also found some vintage cameras and a white polaroid with a rainbow stripe down it's front. Some days I walk out with clipboards and ledger paper and feel lucky to have found something useful and other days it's like being struck by lightning.


The major news at our house this weekend is that Sebastian is recovering from a minor 2nd degree burn on his forearm. He was helping Brett make homemade popcorn on the stove and while turning the handle on the lid, he got too close and touched the pot. He was a brave little boy and let Brett hold it under cool water for a few minutes and then wrap it in a wet t-shirt. He only cried for three minutes or so and then wanted some popcorn! We called Brett's mom, an RN, and checked online for burn information to see whether or not he needed to see a doctor but it turned out to be something we could take care of at home. Brett made a Wal-Green's run for some first aid supplies and I made sure he didn't touch it out of curiosity.


He didn't want to wear the tubular gauze so I put some on and then bribed him with ice cream to leave it alone. He hardly notices it now. We call it his bracelet and he has been surprisingly still every time we've had to change the dressings. He's doing well and we're keeping a close eye on it while it heals. I keep recalling the last time I dealt with a 2nd degree burn. I just knew I'd have a huge scar for life but it went away in no time with plenty of ointment so we're hoping for a similar outcome with Sebastian.

If that wasn't enough excitement for one weekend, Brett has now come down with something and hurt his back at the same time. He was halfway done cooking burgers for lunch when he decided he needed to lay down and it was bye, bye, birdie from there. He's currently lying down with frozen ground beef in a ziplock bag wrapped in a towel and placed under his lower back with a fever and an empty stomach.

I just hope we can make it to Tuesday.

Poll tomorrow. Make sure you show up because I'm doing a give away!

~Rachel

p.s. So much for a short post, eh?

Where Have I Been?

Well, it was a busy, busy weekend!

I finally finished the binding on our memorial quilt. I'm not a traditional binder-er because I like to get things done soon after I've started them. Ana from Rearranged Design did a little interview about it if you're interested in the story. I'm really happy with how it turned out and have had it hanging around the living room all week.

photo by Will Vastine

I co-hosted the RVA Art Walk party with this fun girl. As you can see we take our roles at RVA very seriously.


I ate a lot more of this stuff! I ended up ditching the buy it by the slice method and had Brett bring home a big melon. I cut it in half and used a mini scoop to dig out little watermelon balls for easy snacking all week long. But they probably won't last that long.


This beauty was a snag at my favorite flea market, S.T.D. (I know, I know). Elsie and I took 'Margot from N.Y.' and her sister, Rachel, to browse the aisles this weekend while they were in town and this one had my name written all over it. Except really it's just going to my MIL's Etsy shop sometime soon. I'm really picky about which quilts stay at my house but I can't resist a great one in good shape when it comes to finding it a new home.

I'm not sure why I don't have ANY photos of Margot and Rachel's visit so I stole one from Margot's flickr stream. Margot is moving here, btw. Just kidding, she's not, just kidding, she's got a lease for the house next door, just kidding, just kidding. Just kidding. (Margot, you're the funniest!)


Sebastian, Brett and I also managed to go swimming at my SIL's pool, went to a Springfield Cardinals baseball game, had a pizza picnic in the park with our Shatto friends, hit up the farmer's market, and snagged one fabulous mid-century sideboard off of Craigslist.org. The previous owners were going to burn it if no one wanted it.

While that may sound ridiculous to anyone who knows anything about mid-century furniture and that this is a Brasilia piece by Broyhill circa 1960's (don't I sound educated), I can see how something from your parents' house that is now taking up too much space in your garage can make itself into a nuisance. Plus they lived in the country and you know how people in the country like to burn stuff. I would. Thankfully we managed to free it from it's prison on Farm Road 176 and have found it a nice place in our living room. I've been searching for a vintage sideboard for months now and feel so lucky to have this one in our possession.


Our midwife is coming Wednesday afternoon for our monthly check up. We'll hear the heart beat, she'll check my food log, ask me lots of questions and measure things. I'll finally be able to tell her I'm feeling the baby move! These last two days I've felt the gentlest nudges from inside and while they aren't strong and regular, it has put to rest those small worries that were creeping in after the first trimester signs stopped.

I broke down and called the ultrasound place to see if they could let me come in a week early but they were booked solid so unless someone cancels, I'm going to have to be a patient girl.

It's officially Wednesday now. I should go to bed. We've got the windows open and it's raining outside. No tornado sirens tonight please!

~Rachel

Last Chance for our Crafts Classes!

Elsie and I are offering our craft classes at a discounted rate of $50 for your summer enjoyment! Each class has 30 projects/tutorials. If you missed one of these classes, here's your chance to get all of the adorable projects & join in the fun!

Classes will be available on private blogs until the end of the year so you'll have plenty of time to access the information. Private blog info will be sent to you within 24 hours of completion of payment. If your PayPal e-mail is not up to date, please send us your current address. Thank you!

elsiecake class:

Pretty class:

XOXO, E+R

Oooh, I Can't Wait To Find Out

I feel pretty comfortable with boys. I helped raise a little boy before I had my own so most of my baby/toddler experience has been with boys. I know that I don't like royal blue but every other kind of blue. I know that I never want a sports themed room or clothes with cartoons on them. Having a girl would be new territory for me. I know that I like pink but not soft pink. I like ruffles but not 80's ruffles. I like lots of prints and patterns and skirts and leggings and headbands. However, girls are new territory. Not that I'm not up for the challenge! Here are a few things I've had my eye on for one or the other.

For A Sweet Little Girl

Granny Squares!

Tiny Toms

Horse Cushion by Zid Zid Kids

Fawn + Forest Mobile

Land of Nod Burp Set

Dwell Studio Stroller Blanket



************
For a Handsome Little Boy

Dwell Studio Stroller Blanket

Playsuit by Zid Zid Kids

Toms Shoes

Fawn + Forest Pillow Stitch Kit

Fawn + Forest Stripe Blanket

Fawn + Forest Mobile

Backyard Buddies Puzzle

One of the best gift registries I've seen online right HERE.
One of the best catalogs for little people. Appropriately named Small Magazine.

This is the only purchase I've allowed myself before finding out the gender of our baby. I first saw it on OhDeedoh and practically got in the car to go to Michael's thirty minutes later.



And since we're on the topic of little people, I thought I'd share this cute idea for summer sweets.

The 'Tagged' Post

photo by Leigh-Ann

I've been tagged!

Six Gun Annie laid this one on me and it's been awhile so I decided to play! AND I really wanted an excuse to post the picture above even though Leigh-Ann isn't directly related to this post. Unless you count the fact that she's a cute indie girl (see below). Here's more random for ya!

What is your current obsession?
Finishing the Twilight series so I can get on with my life! And watermelon.

What is your current favorite memory?
Summer vacations in Oklahoma with my family. We spend about two weeks together doing a lot of eating, watching movies, playing outside, and catching up.

Starbucks or Peet's?
Starbucks. I'm loyal. Plus we don't have a Peet's here.

What's for dinner?
Roasted vegetables and grilled chicken. Watermelon for dessert.

What would you eat for your last meal?
My mom's chicken and rice. And watermelon.

What's the last thing you bought?
Citronella candles for our porch. We've got mosquitos REAL BAD!

What are you listening to right now?
Jenny Lewis, Elvis Perkins, Jose Gonzalez

Google Images

What is your favorite ice-cream flavour?
Chocolate from Braum's. Accept no substitute.

What do you think of the person who tagged you?
I think she radiates kindness!

What was your favorite toy growing up?
My Rainbow Brite doll.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
The Gulf of Mexico with my family.

Which language do you want to learn?
Teenager. Because I think I'm too old to remember and it'll change by the time my kids are that age.

What's your favorite quote (for now)?
"I give him my money. In my backpack." Sebastian Denbow, reaching around to his imaginary backpack to get his imaginary money when I told him his ice cream money was all gone.

What is your favorite colour?
I'm really into teal, green, and yellow.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
My red woven flats.

What is your dream job?
Still working on that one. I'd love to always have enough free time to feel relaxed and enough structure and challenge to feel productive.

What is your worst habit?
I tend to be pessimistic and worrisome. I also spend too much time online!

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?
I'd invest in a garden for our backyard. It would be the real deal.

Do you admire any one's style?
Cute indie girls.

Sally Jane Vintage

Describe your personal style?
Whatever you call it, don't call it soccer mom. I'll be mad.

What are you going to do after this?
Eat dinner.

What are your favourite movies?

I'm not good at this question.

What is your favourite fruit?
I can't get enough watermelon these days. Fiji apples and strawberries are tied for second.

Google Images

What inspires you?

Traveling through new towns, browsing through flickr favorites, a beautiful spring afternoon, a good conversation with a friend.

Your favorite book?
Currently...Eclipse.

Do you collect something?

I collect old globes, clipboards, mirrors, pretty chairs, vintage mugs, dead plants, and mosquito bites.

What are you most proud of?

Raising a son that eats healthy food. Seriously.

What do you like most about yourself?
People say I'm warm. I'd rather be warm and kind than fabulously intimidating.

What is your go-to nail polish color?
Dark, dark red.

If you're interested and want to join in, consider yourself tagged.

~Rachel

Blog Party Invite!

Elsie invited me to be a part of her 24 hour blog party today. I've gathered up some work from artists who are inspiring me right now and I'm offering fun giveaways to two lucky ducks. All you have to do is leave a comment here including five things you want to do this summer.

I've also posted a little tutorial on my latest thrift store find on the RVA blog. I see them everywhere but I usually don't pay them much attention. I think I just decided how I'm going to package Christmas gifts this year!


Today is the start of my new Art Journaling online class! The first two tutorials are up and I've already seen a finished page in our flickr stream! I've had a few people ask if it's too late to sign up and my answer is, "Of course not!" Click on this link to purchase a slot for 'I Do Solemnly Swear'. (If you happen to be that one person who gets picked for this class, you'll get a refund.)

Today's activities include:

* Getting our yellow hose back from the neighbors so we can attach the sprinkler head and run through it in our front yard.
* Make it to the YMCA for a good hour of working out.
* Eat more watermelon.
* Plan out our work schedules since Brett will be done with subbing on Wednesday.
* Finish Breaking Dawn and try not to give away too much about the ending to Brett.
* Make my first summer dress.

~Rachel