My year in cities - 2012

I've done this a few times in the past, I missed last year so I wanted to make sure I got around to doing it this year, even if I'm a few days late.

Home is Westerville, Ohio

I spent a lot of time in Chagrin Falls, Ohio this year wear my parents live.

I also spent a few nights in Buckeye Lake, Ohio where my in-laws live.

A very memorable night in Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania.

We had a great cruise vacation this summer that had us spending a night just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, then a few nights on the Atlantic Ocean and Bermuda.

Another family vacation gave us some great days and nights in Deep Creek, Maryland.

A great year with some ups and many downs but I made it through and I'm ready for a fresh start in 2013. I'm already looking forward to a few nights in Florida coming up!

Happy New Year to you!

New Products!

I have been obsessed with embroidery and bunting banners lately so what better than to combine the two for a new craft!

These onsies and wall hangings make the perfect baby shower or birthday present. I can do rush orders to arrive soon after the baby's birth if you don't know the name yet. I am happy to customize colors and the size of the onsie - the perfect addition to any nursery!

The wall art is available in different sizes and backgrounds. I am happy to stitch up the message of your choice! Ready made items coming soon to the shop.

Email me with any questions or to place your order today! malloryhilldesigns [at] gmail [dot] com

Quote of the day

This pretty much sums up most of my mornings.

Here

Party Planning

Speaking of planning WAY ahead for parties... I think it was when my daughter was about 5 months old that I started planning her first birthday party. I am so excited to be close enough to start putting together the guest list and actually buy supplies. She is 10 months old tomorrow - only 2 months to go!

Follow my Party Ideas Pinterest board to see my inspiration for the event! There are so many fun ideas to choose from I don't know where to start.

Already thinking of Fourth of July

**Update: Hello to all of my visitors from Pinterest! Stop by my new blog at www.dazelikethis.com!**

Since I spend most of my downtime stuck in the world of Pinterest I am already trying to figure out what I will bring to the 4th of July BBQ I will attend this year. Desserts are, of course, the most fun to play with. There are so many fun ideas and I want to eat them all. Now to decide what I can actually accomplish. Here are a few of my top choices:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Star Cookies

More Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Strawberry Kabobs - I think I could do these with the white and blue chocolate

Cake Pops

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Brownie Fruit Pizza

Shop Updated!

I just listed a few of my stuffed animal friends to my shop. They've been hanging out at my house for a while and I figured they could use a change of scenery. Hopefully they will get to travel sometime soon!

Check out the shop for all of the available designs. Custom orders are always welcome!

Quote of the day!

I might need this for my studio

Found Here

Halloween Decorations - Entertaining using pumpkins

So this is kinda like decorating but I thought it deserved its own category since these show different ways to use pumpkins while you entertain. So fun and creative!

Pumpkin Dip - tablespoon.com

Veggie Tray - HERE

Pumpkin Soup - Pinned Here

Pumpkin punch bowl - Martha Stewart

Pumpkin Stew - tasteofhome.com

Sewing for Baby - Halloween Costumes

Originally I didn't think I really needed a Halloween costume for my little lady. I figured I could put her in the pumpkin outfit from her great Aunt and she would be all set. Then I started seeing cute costumes all over the place (mainly pinterest because that is where I spend all of my free time). Now I think I must have a costume for her. I haven't found exactly what I want for a newborn so I am working on my own creation. While I work here are a few pictures I found for future costume inspiration.

Pinned Here

Pinned Here

I Love Lucy - Pinned Here

Pinned Here

Halloween Decorations - Candy Corn!

I LOVE candy corn. Just another great thing about fall and Halloween. Check out how to use this delicious treat this season.

Woman's Day

Yum!! - Found Here

Pinned Here

Pinned Here

Candy Corn Vodka - Yes please! - Found Here

Candy Corn Bark - Found Here

Halloween Decorations - Decorating with pumpkins

More Halloween fun! I never knew there were so many ways to decorate with pumpkins!

Pinned Here

Pinned Here

Pinned Here

Pinned Here

Country Living

Pinned Here

Pinned Here

Halloween Decorations - Pumpkin Carving

I love Halloween for so many reasons, but mainly because it allows you to be crafty in so many ways. Take a look at all of these pumpkins!

Pinned Here

Martha Stewart

Pinned Here

Martha Stewart

Pinned Here

Strange Purses #8

Click HERE to see previous Strange Purses posts.

Today's strange purse comes to us from Lunacy Boutique. This site is full of fun and crazy stuff, I am sure I can go back to find more bags and purses that fit into the category of this post. But for now we will look at the telephone bag.

A bit crazy, a bit strange but it is a lot of fun. I can't see myself ever carrying this bag around but it has a bit of whimsy the I like. If I was 12 again I would be in love with this bag. I love the alternative handle, I'm a sucker for crazy purse straps and handles.

2 becomes 3

I can't believe it's been over 2 weeks since my little lady arrived. Everyone told me the time would fly and it's true, I swear she is getting bigger every day.

Building your business - blogs I like

Someday I hope to make my crafting and sewing into more of a real business and money maker. I don't plan to be the next Martha Stewart but it would be nice to be able to quit my day job, stay home with my kids and still provide income for my family. There are millions of blogs and books out there about how to do this, these are my two favorite blogs that I have found. Their posts are always relevant and written so that anyone can understand them. They cover real topics and I learn something every time I visit their site.

Check them out when you have time:

Crafting an MBA

and

Build a Little Biz

Sewing for Baby - Diaper Bag

I have been doing a lot of sewing for the new little lady who's on her way. First up is kinda for me and kinda for her - the diaper bag! I knew I wanted to make my own bag but I did a lot of searching around online to pull inspiration from bits and pieces of other bags that I liked.

2 Large exterior pockets on the front and back, 2 pockets on the side to hold diapers and other odds and ends. Then there are 4 pockets on the inside for more bits. A set of shoulder straps and a removable across the body strap will hopefully make it easy to use in any situation.

The exterior fabric is Amy Butler from her Soul Blossoms Home Dec collection. It has leather piping and a leather base.

I had a great time figuring out the size and dimensions and getting all the pieces together. Hopefully it will work out well for the baby and me!

Tutorial Tuesday!

I've kinda been obsessed with doilies lately. I just found this tutorial for a painted doily t-shirt, too much fun.

Find it here

Quote of the Day

Um...can I hang this in every room in my house? Also on the front door so people know what to expect when they come in the house.

Pinned Here

Fun ribbon project!

Love these, they look super easy to make. Would be great for hair clips, shoe clips, a broach, really the possibilities are endless. Check out Marthastewart.com for the instructions and a few other ribbon projects.

Quote of the Day

I love quotes, I love to collect them and share them. So here is a quote I found and like, from me to you. I'd love to hear your favorites!