do the pattern mix & giveaway link-up 5

Pants: Gap Outlet, T-Shirt: UO, Plaid Shirt: Old Navy Men's, Leather Jacket: Mango, Boots: Hunter  

We've had a pretty mixed week this week. It's been freezing and we didn't get to leave the house much. Instead we had a fire going almost every day, drank lots of tea and coffee while catching up on some shows like House of Cards and Sherlock. I highly recommend both!!
Jason has been taking a lot of road trips for work over the last couple of months and even though it helps me prepare for when he's gone even more, during baseball season, it also makes things so much more difficult.

When he's home we work together like a well oiled machine. We split up chores, making meals and taking care of Logan. We don't make charts or plans or anything, it just happens. It's simply the best feeling in the world to have my little family home, watch them play and learn from each other.
Sharing so many of the milestones and simply breathtaking moments that parenthood has brought us is like pure gold.

However, when he's gone, I pressure myself so much more, trying to do the work of two. I catch myself loosing my cool with Logan a lot more, especially now that he seems to be testing his limits (and mine) every 5 minutes. I seriously bow my head to all you single mamas out there!!

On top of everything else, Jason's grandfather's health has taken a drastic turn for the worse over the past week and he may not make it through the weekend.
So for now I am trying to set all of my lists and to-do's aside and take the weekend to be with and support my family.

Wishing you all a much happier weekend to enjoy :)

Giveaway Link-Up 5

- Please only link up giveaways, you may link up giveaways that are not yours because you think they are just so rad and need to be shared!

- Link up as many as you'd like from the current week.

- Come back next Friday to link up again.

- Please, please, please link back to me from your giveaway post or sidebar, or share in some other way.

Enter a few giveaways :)

Thank you!  

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Disclaimer: The Forge is not responsible for content linked in this widget or prize distribution. This link-up is simply a collection of third party giveaways which are not in any way affiliated with or sponsored by The Forge. 

one outfit to wear for the rest of my life

Jeans: BDG at UO, Turtleneck Sweater: H&M, Jacket: F21, Ankle Boots: UO, Necklace: Aerie, Ring: Claires 

If I had to choose and outfit to live in for the rest of my life I think this would be it. You know, except for on those hot summer days maybe but other than that this thing works 3 seasons long. 

Add some thicker socks and a big scarf in the Winter, take that coat off in the Spring :)

I got that lovely jacket at Forever 21 for $15!!! All the clearance was 50% off, it was Thursday evening, the store was nearly empty, wonderfully clean and picked up aaaaand I had a tired, cranky, crying toddler with me.

Yeah great timing you clearance gods you! 

Of course such a thing always happens when you have no time to come back to the store that is also about 35 minutes from your house anyway, anytime in the near future. 

I figured by the time that weekend was over all the good stuff would have been picked over anyway, so I grabbed this coat and a sweater ($8) without even trying them on and left.

I got over it, I promise ;) especially since that jacket fits like a glove. 

Then I wore this Monday afternoon while it was 45 degrees warm. Yes, i say warm because compared to what we've had I'd say it pretty much felt like Summer to me. 

It's snowing again now by the way... How about that early Spring groundhog Phil??

Any good sales you've perused lately? Do share :) 

DIY: how to make a vintage lace dreamcatcher

I've been wanting to make a dreamcatcher for months now and let me tell you, it's really super easy to do and doesn't take more time than watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy! I know this isn't the most traditional dreamcatcher but it sure is pretty, isn't it? I love looking at all the different vintage lace, buttons and feathers. 

Months ago, when there wasn't any snow on the ground yet and we were cleaning up the last piles of sticks and leaves in the yard, I asked Jason to cut me a few skinny branches off of that tree that had gotten cut down in the Spring and had since just been chilling in our yard. 

He cut up the tree for firewood and left a few assorted branches on the porch for me to do whatever with. Most of the time he doesn't even ask about my intentions anymore... ;)

Of course I had a project in mind but for a few more weeks those branches just peered up at me every time I went outside like "are you gonna pick us up anytime soon or not?" 

So one evening I finally picked out one of those branches, brought it inside and decided it was time to start working on that dreamcatcher I had been imagining in my mind for so long.

If you'd like to make a similar dreamcatcher you will need the following:

a fresh, thin branch

cotton string 

(packaging string works fine, martha stewart makes cotton hemp string in various colors as well)

lace trim 

(I used mostly vintage trim I bought at an antiques shop in a big bag for like $3, you can also find it online for pretty cheap, lace heaven is a great place I've ordered from before) 

feathers 

(any craft store will have a variety)

suede cord 

(craft store or etsy)

wool

buttons 

(again, I used vintage buttons from the thrift store I've collected over time)

You can add whatever you like to this. Make it your own. Check out the trim section at your local craft store as well. 

First you'll need to bend your branch into a circular shape and use some of the cotton string to tie it with. A second person can be very helpful with this. Once you've got it tied nice and tight, cut another extra long piece of string for the net or web you want to create on the inside.

I didn't measure mine and it will depend on the hoop size but if you're unsure just be generous with the length. 

Tie one end to the hoop and then just start wrapping it around the entire hoop leaving about 1.5"-2" between each loop you make. Don't pull the string too tight. Once you get back around to your first loop you want to guide the string through that loop and then through the next and so on.

If you keep doing that you will automatically create a net that will get smaller to the inside of the hoop.

Because the hoop isn't perfectly round, my net also doesn't look even and like the traditional dreamcatcher net. 

If this just confused you a heck ton (yes, you can say that) please refer to the diagram below ;) 

source

I used the end of the string to tie a button but you could also just cut it off or string beads into your net while you're working on it. Wooden beads would look amazing!

Once the net is all done, simply tie all of the decorations onto the branch. I tied a few feathers together with the suede cord which worked great, no glue needed. Whenever you're satisfied with the way your dreamcatcher looks, hang it up and admire your work!! 

Outfit Additions Jewelry Giveaway

Jewelry is one of those things a girl can never have enough of, am I right? I don't know how many times statement necklaces or a great pair of earrings have saved an outfit of mine from drifting into that "boring" category no one wants to be in. 

A statement necklace is also my go-to piece for dressing up a plain white t-shirt when I want to feel a little bit glamorous, while performing all of my mommy duties. Good thing they're strong and sturdy enough to handle grabby little hands :) 

Being a mom, you sometimes just can't do much more than throw your hair in a bun and hope that people will stare at those amazing earrings you're wearing instead of the juice stains on your shirt. 

So whether you're a mom or not, today my sponsor Outfit Additions is letting one lucky giveaway winner choose their one favorite piece out of their entire jewelry collection!!! How awesome is that?

Not only do their statement necklaces rock (I own this, worn here) but they also just got in some pretty cool bracelets for Spring. Make sure to check out all of the jewelry they have to offer and choose carefully :)

If you simply can't wait to see if you won the giveaway or not (can't blame ya!) then just use discount code FORGE to save 15% off your entire oder. Best of all, if you win the giveaway you can either get another piece or the lovely folks over at Outfit Additions will refund you for your most expensive item. So shop with confidence. I told you they rock! 

To enter simply complete the following two mandatory steps: 

Visit Outfit Additions and pick out the item you'd like to win. Then come back here and leave a blog post comment letting us know which item you chose. 

Follow The Forge via GFC. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Giveaway runs for 7 consecutive days. Winner will be picked at random and announced on this post as well as contacted via email. Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. 
Open to US residents only! 

This is a sponsored post.

Little Boogaweezin Giveaway & Giveaway Link-Up 4

Today I have something very special for you, something that is also very near and dear to my heart. My wonderful friend Jen, whom I sadly haven't met in person yet but hope to someday very soon (oh internets... the amazing people you make me miss in my daily life), is launching her baby&toddler clothing line, LITTLE BOOGAWEEZIN today!!! 

I met Jen on Instagram and it felt like we just instantly connected. Her little boy Dylan is such a cutie and seems to have this sweet spirit that reminds me a lot of Logan. A few months ago, Jen started posting pictures of the most adorable onesie designs that had me instantly hooked and wanting more. 

I was ready to buy each and every one. 

With a ton of reinforcement from the Instagram community and I am sure from her friends and family as well, she finally decided to turn this hobby into a business. 

Jen's designs are hand drawn and then screen printed onto quality onesies and t-shirts for littles.

Logan's onesie touches my heart every single time he wears it. I know Jen has put a ton of love into the creation of these designs while drawing ideas from motherhood and the love and admiration she has for her son Dylan.

I am so happy for Jen and admire her for taking this big step into small business ownership. I know she is passionate about bringing fresh designs with a handmade quality to you and the little people in your life. 

Here is what Jen has to say about Little Boogaweezin in her very own words:

Half mom / Half son.

Together we make up Little Boogaweezin, a baby and toddler 

line of hand drawn, screen printed designs. He inspires and I draw.

What first started as a creative outlet while being at home with 

my son has now become a little online shop where we can share

our designs and celebrate all the precious little boogaweezins 

in the world!

You can find Little Boogaweezin here:

WEBSITE  www.littleboogaweezin.com

TWITTER  https://twitter.com/BoogaweezinKid

FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Boogaweezin/367746689973548

PINTEREST  http://pinterest.com/boogaweezinkid/

To celebrate the launch of the Little Boogaweezin website and shop today, we are giving away a onesie to one lucky winner :)

The winner will choose from the following 3 designs and also have the choice of sizes 3-6-9-12 or 18 months.

To enter, simply do the following:

1. Follow Little Boogaweezin on Instagram (if you don't have Instagram, follow them on Twitter or Facebook instead).

2. Follow The Forge via GFC (google friend connect)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to US&Canada residents only! Winner will be drawn and contacted via email. Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Good luck! 

Now link up your own giveaways as we do every Friday :)

Giveaway Link-Up 4

- Please only link up giveaways, you may link up giveaways that are not yours because you think they are just so rad and need to be shared!

- Link up as many as you'd like from the current week.

- Come back next Friday to link up again.

- Please, please, please link back to me from your giveaway post or sidebar, or share in some other way.

Enter a few giveaways :)

Thank you!  

toddler style: chevron military pant DIY

Whoever said dressing a little boy wasn't as much fun as dressing a little girl?
Yes, I admit it is harder to find stylish and modern clothing for the little men in your life and it can be quite frustrating when you're not really in the market for another one of those overly cutesy, bright, not so funny saying across the chest, chain store from your local mall, outfits.
Of course there are a ton of wonderful independent kids fashion labels and Etsy handmade shops that sell the most drool worthy clothing for little ones. Most of the time though, these options can be quite pricey compared to your local mall stores.

When it comes to dressing Logan I like to keep a good balance between these different options.
When he was smaller I got tons of onesies from places like Carter's and Oshkosh. I try to stick to the most basic ones and get plain white or gray t-shirts, socks and sleepers there quite frequently.
I also like to pick up a few things for him every time we're in Germany because I just can't get them here.

A few of my favorite places to shop for him include but are not limited to:

H&M
Zara
77kids (they just changed into RUUM and aren't quite the same anymore. bummer)
Gap Kids (awesome clearance)
Timberland (shoes)
Minnetonka (shoes)
Converse (shoes)
Next UK
Cotton On
Target
Oshkosh

Splurging on children's clothes is something I don't usually do. I am in love with Freshly Picked moccasins or Bobo Choses but I just can't justify spending $60 on something he will only wear for a few months. My husband is frantically nodding his head while reading this ;)

So what to do when you're looking for something different and unique without the hefty price tag?
If you have basic skills using a sewing machine then the following little tutorial is for you.

In just about 30 minutes you can make this pair of military style, chevron appliqued khaki pants for your little guy and all it will cost you is about $10!!

I recently picked up this pair of khaki green pants from the Oshkosh clearance for $8. I already knew I was going to spruce them up a little bit to make them less boring. When it comes to kids clothing, comfort is key so I avoid any major adjustments as well as all itchy fabrics or unnecessary zippers and the like.

To do what i did with these khakis you will need the following:

• A pair of basic khaki pants in your child's size. I recommend you not go smaller than a 2T (what I used) for sewing purposes, unless you're sewing the pants as well. Then just applique the different parts before sewing them together.
• Fabric for the appliques. I used a corduroy.
• Scissors
• A ruler
• Thread in your color of choice.
• Heatbond Iron-On material
• Sewing machine

First, trace your shape of choice on the back side of the fabric and cut out the pieces. Then cut the same shapes from your heatbond material. Another option is to first iron a piece of fabric onto the heatbond material and then trace and cut out the shapes. Either way works fine.

Remove the backing paper from all of the fabric pieces. Then find the perfect placement of your pieces of fabric on the clothing item. Make sure they stay close to a leg opening or the waist because you won't be able to pull the pant legs over your sewing machine very well. Knee patches wouldn't have worked for me or I'd have sewn the front and back of the pant leg together ;) Carefully iron each piece in place. Make sure to leave some room in between the pieces (like my chevron) to allow for the zigzag stitch. 

Now comes the hardest part and you'll be happy you used the heatbond instead of just pinning the pieces down. Depending on your machine, bunch up and pull your fabric over the plate as well as you can, make sure the backside fabric isn't in the way so you don't sow the pieces together. 

Slowly sew down all the sides of the corduroy fabric. Just take your time and don't forget to sink your needle into the fabric at each turn. 

As you can tell, the sewing is a tiny bit wonky but that really won't be noticeable once your busy boy wears them. The bigger the size pants you use, the easier this sewing process will be. 

Now here are some more pictures of Logan "posing" in his new pants. Excuse the picture quality but with the lighting situation and trying to get this 20 month old to stand still for two seconds... well, let's say these are actually pretty amazing given the circumstances :) 

pants: oshkosh (appliqued by me), shirt: the children's place, bandana bib: bambinos and bunny, beanie: 77kids

The reality of photo shoots with toddlers! 

funny story, a creepy old man and this outfit

Hi-Lo Skirt: Target, Sweater: Only, Leopard heels: Target (clearance), Leather jacket: Target, Purse: Vintage Louis Vuitton 

I wore this outfit when Jason and I went to see Les Miserable at the Benedum in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago. We had tickets and a table reserved at Meat&Potatoes right across the street before the show. 

So as you do when you have a momentous occasion like this happening, like once every 6 months due to parenthood, well you dress up a little bit.  Little insert here: [I always get a little sad when I find a cute dress and put it back on the rack because I simply don't have any place to wear it to. Just a little sad though because I have someone that gives me way better feelings down in the pits of my stomach than any cute dress ever could...]

Sooo anyway, I put on this cute hi-lo skirt from Target, where I also found that "best pleather jacket ever" and the leopard heels for $8. The ones that make you look like a fool because you have serious problems walking in 6" heels but they just make you legs look so darn amazing for once. Ha!
It's the truth folks! I bet I could master them if I wore them often. Let's picture me hauling Logan about town, you know from Target to the grocery store and then to the library in those puppies... or maybe let's not.

I swear I am getting to the funny part of the story.
So we get to the restaurant before the show and they have this reception and sitting area right outside the dining room. We sit down and wait for someone to seat us when all of a sudden this older guy in his late 60's comes out of the dining room. He stares at us for a few seconds and then starts telling me how absolutely amazing my outfit is. He does so quite loudly and in an exaggerated way, so of course people start looking at us. I'm taken off guard, flattered of course and embarrassed at the same time. I politely thank him and hope he will just go away. After a few more nods of approval he finally turns around and disappears back into the restaurant.
Jason and I just stare at each other like: Did he really just interrupt his dinner to tell me how great my outfit is?
Someone finally comes over to bring us to our table. As we walk into the restaurant he is of course sitting right at the first table. Again, all we hear is him loudly exclaiming to the wife he is having dinner with and all the rest of the restaurant (it's one of those smaller places where everyone sits really close together): "See, this is how it's done!", "She looks fantastic", "Well done young lady, well done" and a few more of that sort. Jason actually got quite the kick out of doing an impression of this guy ;)
Needless to say, by the time we get to our table I am bright red and everyone is still staring at us.

So, to this guy I say, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. I do appreciate them more now that the embarrassment of the moment is over. Maybe next time, the whole restaurant doesn't need to be involved?

Moments like this make me realize how self-conscious I actually am...

That's the story of this outfit and of course Les Miserable was fantastic!! Go see it if you can.
Now please share one of your own embarrassing stories where you really should have been flattered instead of turning beet red :)