2/10/12

I Blame This Blog on My Daughter and a Little Blue Bookcase.


This gorgeous little redhead of mine will be 1 year old in just over 2 weeks. (Or rather, gorgeous little bedhead redhead! Love her hair when it's crazy...)

All I can think is "Wow." This has been the most ridiculously quick year of my life. It doesn't seem at all possible to me that three hundred and some odd days have actually passed since we were racing to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning for this little lady's hasty arrival! (A word of advice: when you are on baby #3, do not wait to go to the hospital. At all, for any reason! Trust me. More on that story another time!)

I've never thought of myself as much of a "creative," but since my daughter's birth I've felt a spark of creativity that's taken me completely by surprise. I'm excited to do things I never thought I'd want to even try, like painting furniture and learning to sew. I'm determined to improve in areas I've never thought I had much talent in, like interior design and fashion. And as for the things I already love to do...like writing, photography, party planning, and um...*a little shy here*...singing and performing...I want to get to the point of awesomeness that I know I can, if I could just stop being such a chicken. =)

When I think about all the things I want to teach my daughter about being a woman, and about how to be a happy woman, I feel a renewed ambition to dig up some old dreams, and chase after a few new ones.

Because I want her to always chase after hers.

(I'm just a little bit crazy about her.)

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Several months back I was looking for a little something to add some variety to my daughter's nursery. It has white beadboard walls and a white crib, and already had quite a bit of pink. I found this little old bookcase in a cute little boutique that refinished and sold old furniture (They have since closed their doors...*sniff sniff*). It was painted in black when I found it, but I had them repaint it in a pretty aqua for me. In my imagination it was cute, but I honestly wondered if it was going to look silly or garish in reality.


When I got it home and stuck it in the corner of Kara's room, I ab-so-lutely loved it! I may or may not have squealed, especially when the bright pink little bins I bought from Target fit in the bottom perfectly! It brings a smile to my face every time I see it! It brought a burst of color into that little room, and into my simple little world, and I realized that maybe I'm not so terribly without taste after all! It was just a tiny little incident, but in the months since then I've fallen in love with beautiful old things, or old things with potential to be beautiful! I can't stop perusing the local online classifieds for old furniture, I long for child-free trips to consignment stores and thrift shops, and I dream of a wardrobe full of vintage dresses!

That itty-bitty little triumph with my simple attempt at creativity has snowballed into a flood of all kinds of kuh-razy ideas...this blog being one of them. I decided it's high time I stop telling myself I'm not capable of being creative, or crafty, or fashionable, and being fantastic at it! I have big plans, and I'm excited to work on them and share them with ya'll!

To kick off, I'm so excited to feature my daughter's birthday party at the end of the month! I'm going to be creating my first-ever fancy-pants tablescape, along with a bunch of other fun details. It might be a smidgeon over the top for a first birthday, but planning it all out is such a ridiculous amount of fun! This last year has been my first chance ever to indulge in all the dreamy little wonders that come with having a little girl, and I absolutely love it. =)

Here's a sneak peek at the party theme and colors:













And...I wasn't going to, but I have to share...her dress is going to be in this fabric, but a little different style:

(I die...the cuteness, it kills me!)

Her party is going to be sweetly sophisticated and uber-girly. Can't wait to share it with you!

(Banner and dress both from Etsy. I want to sew beautiful things like this someday!)

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Tomorrow I'm going to post about some of the amazing women who have inspired me in my creative ambitions. I can pretty much guarantee you'll wind up inspired too...make sure to be logged onto Pinterest! =) And in the near future I'll probably end up blabbing about my recent furniture finds, including this lovely lady, who I think may be the furniture love of my life:

($20 for this diamond in the rough!)

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If you read this far, you're beyond awesome! Promise it's worth your while. =)

So, I got to thinking...I want to get this blog started off right.

And Valentine's Day is just four little days away...

So I say this first entry calls for A GIVEAWAY!












Ever heard of The Vintage Pearl? They create beautiful handstamped jewelry and keepsakes, handcrafted (no machines!) with sterling silver and pretty freshwater pearls. I love that the creator of this company started out just like me...as a stay-at-home mom (to 4!) who taught herself to make jewelry as a creative outlet. Awesome. I have been eyeing the hammered star necklace forever now! I would love to get 3 charms with each of my children's initials.

To kick off my blog, I'm giving away a $50 gift certificate to the Vintage Pearl on Valentine's Day! So, whether you're a fan of huggy-huggy-kissy-lovey day or not, one lucky winner will get an awesome gift she can use to get whatever piece of pretty she wants! They even have stuff for the guys, too.

And since this blog is brand-spankin'-new with only a handful of readers (Hi, Mom!), the odds are very much in your favor!

To enter, head over to www.thevintagepearl.com and take a look through their gorgeous creations. Then come back here and leave a comment with your favorite item (or items! Trust me, it's hard to decide...). The giveaway will be open until 11 pm on Monday, Feb. 13th. That night the winning comment # will be randomly drawn by Random.org, and the winner will be announced here Valentine's Day morning! You can get entered twice if you share this on your Facebook page and leave a comment here saying that ya did. =)

So there I went....first blog post. I took the leap, there's no turning back now! Good luck on the giveaway and thanks for reading. I'm excited to share all the fun stuff I have planned!

55 comments:

GOT WOOD said...

Darci!! I love your blog. I'm so excited for you. I will definitely read your blog, because I too, want to get my creative juices flowing. I love the vintage pearl. I've been wanting to order from them forever, but can't decide what to order. I think my favorite is the circle of love necklace. Btw... I love how adorable your little Kara is!!

Amber said...

Darci you are so cute! Love the new blog. I started a new one a couple of months ago and you have already more than surpassed my creativity and insight. I about died when I saw that book case (seriously, audible gasp), you have quite the eye. And a giveaway on the first post, wow!
Love the Vintage Pearl's thin leather cuff. How darling.
Good look with the blog, I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the birthday party!

Maggie said...

oh my goodness, LOVE the blog!!! so glad you're doing this! you are such a fantastic person i just know you will blow me away with all your fun, creative projects!
also, even if i don't win the giveaway i am SO getting the dainty eclectic necklace or the layered circle. both are so pretty & i can totally see myself wearing them.
can't wait to see more updates & your little girl is so beautiful!!!

Anna Denney said...

I'm excited that you are starting a blog! You have to let those creative juices spill somewhere. : ) And your daughter is SUPER cute! It is such a different experience having girls. I just wanted to create all the time once mine were born. They must bring it out of you. I really like the vintage pearl. She has some really cute stuff. I don't even know how you would hand stamp metal. I had a hard time choosing my favorite so I liked the layered circle of love and pearl nest ring. For the circle of love it came down to which one would have enough room to fit all of my kids names, but I also really liked the phrase on it too. I can't wait to see what awesome ideas you come up and I am excited to see what you do for the birthday party!

The Espersen Family said...

Darci you are inspiring! I love the blog. First time hearing about The Vintage Pearl but WOW thanks for sharing. I love their circle and a heart necklace and a whole bunch of other stuff too. Keep up the great work, this is going to be fun!!

vanilyn said...

Congratulations on the new blog! I look forward to reading more from you! I love TVP's chunky love necklace, but all their stuff is just beautiful!

vanilyn said...

Just shared this on FB! :-)

Joni said...

I'm so glad to see you back...Love the new look and your red headed beauty...We love red in our family.

I love TVP's Mama's nest necklace...Such a cute idea!

Amber K said...

What a cute blog! Are you planning on reupholstering the chair? You were right it was hard to decide which item I loved most but I really like the golden love necklace. Pretty much all of them that could have names put on them!

Amber K said...

K- I just shared this on Facebook. I think I'll go put it on Pinterest too!

Maggie said...

i shared this on facebook too. :)

Karen said...

This is just so awesome Darci! Cute little blog, and i'm so excited to read up on all of your cute little creations. You are inspiring! So I headed on over to the vintage pearl, and you're right it is hard to just choose one item, I loved a lot of them. My favorite one though was the pearl nest ring.

Karen said...

Just posted it on facebook too! =)

Afton said...

Darci, I am so excited for you to start this blog. I have been missing reading your old blog and getting updates on your sweet growing family. What a sweet little girl you have, adorable pictures, and I am sure your boys are just as cute. :) Sounds like all is well for you, so happy for you. You are so talented and can't wait to see all the goodies you post. Yes, I love the vintage pearl but hadn't been on for awhile, it was fun to see some of the new things. So hard to pick but I think the dainty eclectic necklace would be cute for my growing family! Take care, Darci!

Sallebunch said...

Love your blog. I love the vintage necklace with the baby feet. Can't wait for more posts. I'll share on facebook.

The Grills said...

Yay, I love reading crafty ideas and seeing things transform! And I just love that blue chair! Oh and I love the eclectic charm necklace to have kids' names on.

Sallebunch said...

I shared your blog on facebook.

The Grills said...

Shared on facebook and I forgot to tell you that I also love the bookcase and I am on KSL multiple times a day as well looking for things to upcycle :)

Tally Layton said...

My favorite is the square layered one.

liz said...

Cute idea, Darci :) I'm in search of a gorgeous tall back chair like your blue one!!

Marissa Genta Pineda said...

I can't wait to see more posts! Oh, and I went to The Vintage Pearl--I love the pea pod pendants and the hammered stars!

Misty said...

Darci! I am loving the blog and am so excited to see what you have to post! I love the Vintage Pearl.. I have always had my eye on their pearls in a nest necklace, but they have come out with so many more cute things lately!

Misty said...

You know I shared it on fb! I am always all about helping out friends and getting their name out there.

catherine said...

Darci, what a fun idea! I can't wait to see what you make! :) I love Vintage Pearl! I have been pining for a secret message ring to replace my wedding ring - that I am allergic to - for ages! Although I've also got my eye on just about every pair of earrings as well! ;)

Oh, and can I just say that Kara is PRECIOUS! I can't believe she's almost 1!!!!!!!!

catherine said...

And I also shared on facebook. You totally deserve to be even more famous than any mormon mommy blogger out there! :) Love you!

bizzymomma said...

I love the eternity heart necklace. Cute blog, I am excited to see all of your crafty ideas.

Cher said...

I like your blog it's very inspiring. Love the to the moon and back necklace!

Heather said...

You go girl! You have beautiful taste. I love it. Hope you have a wonderful time shopping solo! Hugs & kisses!
I'm totally sharing this on FB, for a chance to win! (And because you're awesome...no brown-noses here, eh?)

Dani said...

Darci I just love your guts! You are so adorable. And I am absolutely posting about your blog on Facebook and Pinterest not just to be entered in the drawing twice but also because I want all of my friends to see how darn cute you are. :) I adore the pearl bracelet with charm. Can't wait to see all of the fun projects you post about in the future!

Jessica said...

Very cute blog! I love the Eternity heart bracelet the best.

Jessica said...

I just shared this on facebook as well. :)

chingchong7 said...

cute blog name, cute blog, and super excited to follow you!!! I love the vintage lovebird necklace!!!

Ashley and Brett said...

Totally darling blog Darci!!!!! I love it!!! I love Vintage Perl. I always have wanted any of her "simple" necklaces. They are so darling. I too want my kids initials on a necklace. I love all the simple drops, or the circles... so cute and just my style. I would be one happy lady to win this!!! Thanks love!

Ashley and Brett said...

I so did not want to share on FB, cause I want to win... but I did!!! So count me as 2!!

-A said...

There's absolutely no picking a favorite. I'd probably narrow it down to the messy nest or one of the initial necklaces, though. Everything at The Vintage Pearl is my kind of jewelry. Simple, yet elegant.

I don't know you personally, but I'm excited to see what inspiration I can draw from your creativity.

HappyDayMom said...

My two favorates are Names on My Heart and Cup Squared with Love. There are some great pieces. I shared on Facebook so feel free to choose me as the winner!

Rachel said...

Your blog is super cute Darcy!! I checked out The Vintage Pearl, they have so many cute things! I think I love the Circle of Love necklace the best!!! I hope I win!!!

Rachel said...

Btw I also shared on Facebook! Love ya!

Sara O said...

Cute, cute, cute! You are so fun and I can't wait to see what you do here on your blog! I have always loved the Vintage Pearl stuff! Too many things to pick, but I like the dainty drops necklace!

Em said...

Can't wait to blog-stalk you! I know everything you post will be nothing but adorable. And can't wait to win this drawing so I can get a cute necklace ;)

LeeAnnie said...

Soooo.... CUTE! I am totally going to follow as u chase your dream!! The leather bracelet is my fav!

Nessa said...

Yay for another creative Blogger! I need to throw myself out there too! I have a family blog but not any of my stuff yet. Anyway, following you now and don't worry about a bash being too big for "just one year old". I mean, how many times are they one-just once right? ;) As far as tvp goes, all their stuff is too adorable! I love their chunky bracelets and rings and their puzzle piece (my son has autism), the ballet shoes for my daughter, the coordinate piece for my Army hubs....I could go on! Lol Again, welcome, I look forward to reading more!

Sylvia said...

Darci,
What a fun blog! You are such a cutie! I love talking with you and now getting to know you via your blog! I love the vintage peas in a pod necklace on vintage pearl! I had never been to their site before so thanks for the link!

Stacy said...

I love the vintage collection! especially the lovebirds and vintage bloom :)

GOT WOOD said...

I also posted on Facebook the other day. :) I hope I win!

Stacy said...

shared on facebook!

Julie said...

I loved the Angel Wing necklace! Even though my daughter is almost seventeen, she is the angel that Heavenly Father sent to me when I needed her most! She is still my angel who keeps me centered. :) I love you Ashley!

Rachel said...

Good for you Darci! I will love hearing from you more often and following your creative pursuits! :) I love the simple gold names and a pearl necklace.

emilysthomas said...

Darci! !!
Amazing! I love the dual names necklace, because I would have my girls names engraved - Aria and Zya! This is such a wonderful way to express your creativity! I envy the time you have for such feats! Lol or what time you make for yourself!

Kotters said...

So I have been waiting until I have a chance to look on the vintage pearl but no time yet! Deep in the midst of Valentine box making and cards. I like jewelry. ;) Does that count?

The Espersen Family said...

I also posted on facebook!!

Heidi said...

Can't wait to see more of your blog! How exciting for you! Thanks for the giveaway and I {heart} the Vintage Pearl :)

Unknown said...

I loved it - you're such a great writer!! I can't wait to keep reading. Plus, I love the jewelry too!! Happy writing!

Darci said...

It's 11:16pm (the timestamp is wrong, gotta fix that!) and the giveaway is closed! Thanks so much to all who entered! Watch for the winner announcement in the morning. =)

Anonymous said...

WHAT A LITTLE CUTIE.
WILL KEEP HER AND FAMILY IN PRAYER.
MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIAT ABUNDANTLY BLESS AND PROSPER HER AND FAMILY ALWAYS!

 
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