Link Up

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Happy March! I've gathered up a few links to take you on a tour of prettiness. Just in case your Monday happens to be a little overwhelming.

* You might want to enter this giveaway.
* Looking forward to this free workshop.
* Checking out new kids' clothing sites to get a clue about how to dress my growing little man. He's getting so big and dressing little girls is so much easier for me!
* Enjoying the beautiful colors in this interview.
* LOOK at these pretty pillows!
* Cutest Easter hat EVER.
* I want to live here.
* S and I are going to do this for our backyard friends.

I'm finishing up my product for the Spring Collection at Red Velvet Art so it's back to work for me! Feel free to share your own pretty links in the comments section. ESPECIALLY if they lead me to fantastic boys' clothing sites!

xoxo,
Rachel

My First Military Ball

This is us running late to the military ball. We looked quite dapper, I promise. I was thankful my SIL was able to take a few shots of us before we left the house because the line we thought we were in to take photos (at the venue) turned out to be the start of the line to walk down the hall to the receiving line to enter the reception. Therefore, no formal pictures. Once we had walked past the Colonel and his wife, Rep. Bob Dixon, and a few other important people, we were stuck.

It turned out to be a nice event. We were seated at a back table where I got to check out all the pretty dresses as couples walked in. My black cocktail dress was the perfect choice for the occasion as most of the other girls my age (read: not sophomores in college) were wearing them as well. We were all given the opportunity (command) to drink what was supposed to be the same stuff as in the grog bowl. It turned out to just be pineapple juice. We left right after dinner so I could get home and feed Ruby. I had introduced her to a bottle the day before so we could stay for the whole event but not only was she not interested, I think she was personally offended. I've not seen her get so mad before!

All in all we were glad for the experience and next year we'll know how to make it even better. Thanks again to everyone who shared their stories about what I could expect! It made the unknown a little less intimidating.

xoxo,

Rachel

p.s. I know it's kind of lame that we don't have more pictures but the only camera we own (other than the iPhone) wouldn't quite fit in my little clutch and I was way too nervous about what I was supposed to be doing/not doing to even remember the iPhone could take our photos! NEXT TIME!

Giveaway Winners!

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Winner of the Paper Sparrow Print Giveaway: Amie Kanengeiser
"Good morning! I am popping over from Smile and Wave. Your work is full of whimsey and simply beautiful. My son and I love looking at all of your work. He says they are like "magic". :) I agree."

Winner of the Gingiber Apron/Print Giveaway: Becks
"I'd make a tiny cherry pies with little hearts cut out of the top!"

Amie and Becks, send me your mailing information (racheldenbow (at) gmail (dot) com) and I'll forward it to Andrea so you can receive your prize!

Thanks for your patience as I promised the announcement on the 26th. There was this whole military ball to attend (see next post) and I forgot how much work it is to get ready for such an event.

xoxo,
Rachel

Like It's 1986

I was driving home from Target tonight and 'It Must've Been Love' by Roxette came on the radio. It instantly took me back to the roller rink we frequented when I was little and all of the sudden I wanted some fruit punch and ding dongs. It seemed like they were the venue provided birthday fare unless your parents paid extra.

I got my first Nintendo when I had my own birthday party in the back room with the carpeted walls. I once had a cute boy ask me to skate with him during a slow song and told him no. I remember the disco ball, the hokey pokey, and keeping an eye on a crush from across the rink. I had this same pair of plastic skates and velcro shoes (in blue) at her age (see above). I haven't been to a roller rink in years but I'm pretty sure I can still skate backwards.

What about you? Any stories?

xoxo,
Rachel

Sources: 1) Suzanne Broughton, 2) I Am Krisan, 3) Kristopher Hannum, 4) WeHeartIt, 5) Pup Vs. Robot

Before/After: Tater Box Turned Clothesasaurus

Before

After

I found an old tater box at a local thrift store and thought it would work nicely as a laundry hamper for Sebastian. I lightly sanded the box, took off the hardware, and painted it with two layers of blue paint before adding the face and thought bubble.

It's one of the ways I'm hoping to teach Sebastian how to take care of his space. We've named it the Clothesasaurus and told him to put all his dirty clothes into the dinosaur's belly because he's always hungry. Then we explained how we'd take them out once he was full and wash them before hanging them back up. I think he's game!

My next project is a fun chore chart. Polaroids anyone?

What are some ways you've made chores fun? Do you offer rewards or praise? Make a game out of it? Sing songs?

xoxo,
Rachel

Drool Catcher 2.0

I was inspired late last night to test out a Peter Pan collar for my heavy drooler. It's similar to this DIY from Katie of Skunkboy Creatures, but instead of connecting in the front with a button, it velcros together like a bib and sports some enlarged french knots.

It's the same premise as the bib I shared earlier this week but I altered the pattern so that it was much shorter and had the rounded parts at the bottom.

It's still a little large around her neck and maybe thicker on the sides than I'd like for aesthetic purposes but it'll do for the next three months or so.

What do you think? Does it make her look like a clown? Because PeeWee Herman's Big Adventure has put me off clowns for life.

xoxo,
Rachel

Hello, Mr. Octopus

I've managed to escape my captors and do a silly blog post over at RVA. (cutest little pirates ever)

xoxo,

Rachel

Now Accepting March Sponsors

If you're interested in sponsoring Smile And Wave in the month of March contact Leigh-Ann at Frecklednest(@)gmail(dot)com to secure your spot. Readership has jumped again this month with blog mentions on Design*Sponge, Poppytalk, sfgirlbybay, OhDeedoh, and more which means your vintage, handmade, or craft supplies shop or blog could be seen by quite the new crowd.

We've got spots available for large or small ads as well as a three month discounted package that will snag you a button in the right hand column, a mention at the beginning and mid-point of the month, as well as a chance to offer a giveaway in your own feature post to bring direct traffic to your shop or blog.

Don't forget to check out the two giveaways posted below!

xoxo,

Rachel

Sponsor Giveaway #2

"Hello friends! My name is Stacie from GingiberSnap. I find myself most happy when I am doodling. I find that it helps me think and explore my creativity. Sometimes I kinda like some of my doodles and put them in my Gingiber Etsy Shop.



I also like to decorate, cook, and sew. Recently, I have been on an apron kick (you know a lady can never have too many aprons). So today I am going to give away both an apron and your choice of print from my Etsy shop!"

The value of the giveaway is approximately $38.00 and all you have to do is leave a comment in this post telling us what you'd bake (or pretend to bake) wearing this pretty little apron! Comments will be closed on Feb. 25th and the winner announced on Feb. 26th.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget about the giveaway posted below!

xoxo,

Rachel

Sponsor Giveaway #1

'I'm Andrea, the artist behind PaperSparrow. My art is inspired by walks in the woods, animals, memories of the New Forest and vintage childrens' books. I love imagining all the things that forest animals get up to when we're not looking. My shop offers original art, prints, cards, mirrors and badges.'

The giveaway item is a 8x10 Spring Deer Print by PaperSparrow, valued at $15. To enter to win, visit Andrea's blog and leave a little 'hello' or something nice in this post on or before February 25th. Andrea will pick a winner at random and I'll announce it here on my blog on the 26th.

The foxes are my favorite!

xoxo,

Rachel

Ruffle Bib Tutorial

Ruby is three and a half months old. This means she drools. A lot. I didn't want to go out and spend a bunch on ugly bibs with sayings like 'Daddy's Princess' on them (no offense if you're into those) so I bought one ugly bib and then used it as a pattern to make my own. Now I'm ready for the drool.

To make your own you'll need a bib (for your template), two coordinating fabrics, chenille, velcro, scissors, straight pins, and a sewing machine.

Place the bib on your chenille, trace and cut out. Cut a strip of fabric about 3" x 14" and pin the top, middle, and bottom of it to the center of your bib. Pleat your fabric evenly and stitch down the center.

Then stitch back up on both sides.

Cut out a small square of velcro and stitch it to the top of one side. Put the chenille face down onto your other fabric and pin down. Cut around your pattern. Then stitch around the edges stopping about 3" short of where you started. Unpin and turn right side out.

Iron flat and stitch around the outer edges. Stitch the other side of your Velcro piece on the back side. Then test it out to see how pretty it looks on your little one.

Simple and quick because who has time to waste when there are babies cooing at you!

xoxo,
Rachel

New Favorites from Urban Outfitters

All items can be found here.

xoxo,
Rachel

My Favorite Colors

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Today I spent hours cutting fabric on the floor of my studio (see yesterday's example), came up with an unexpected product for my contributions to the RVA spring collection, took both kids to Hobby Lobby to pick up new notebooks, quilt batting, and bells, gave the kids baths, watched Grey's Anatomy with Brett and am ready for bed.

It's been a good day. I could use a few more!

xoxo,
Rachel

Let's Pretend

If I were going on an adventure...

I'd wear this but change into this once I got there.

I'd take a good book and lose track of time.

I'd find a place to fill my bags with pretty, old things.

I'd make sure I had someone to go with me.

So I wouldn't get lost.

And to stay warm at night.

What would your adventure look like?

xoxo,
Rachel