Trying Out A New Look... What Do You Think?

i have a new banner. (look up) i'm trying out new looks for my blog - since i've been on maternity leave i have a lot of time to read other people's blogs and i've been quite impressed at how beautiful some of them are! so, i'm trying to "prettify" my space now too.

i just wish i knew how they get those wonderful layouts! my HTML knowledge is quite limited so i've resigned myself to just fooling around with what blogger offers.

the mini's new crib set
i also went shopping today with the mini muffin and my cousin and her kids in search of the perfect crib set... and i was pleasantly surprised when she found a gorgeously beautiful one hidden in the clearance section of our local Winners store! here are some pics of the mini's nursery - it's made a HUGE difference! i can't wait to add accessories etc. - we've both been browsing etsy like mad for decals. i'll post before and after pictures once we're done. who knew i'd be so excited about decorating an NURSERY??!!? it must be the estrogen. :)

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Rings, Rings, and More Rings!

i've been working on some fantastic custom ring orders... i'm pretty stoked! i love the textures and contrasts!!!

i've also been mulling over ring designs in my head lately (mostly while mindlessly flicking through the channels from the breastfeeding "lounge") and used some of my spare time putting these prototypes together. i'm not sure if i'm 100% sold on them - they are a little too spiky, i think - but i LOVE the textures! any thoughts?

my cousin and i have also been discussing nursery decor - i never did get around to decorating the mini's room the way i wanted to since she arrived 10 days early - and my cousin is due in october. we've been surfing etsy and the web for ideas... d*mn you, target, for not delivering to canada! - and going shopping on tuesday. i've never been the shopping type, but the idea of making the mini's room an even happier place to be is kinda exciting - and making sure the handmade movement is duly represented! i'll post before and after pics when we're done!

p.s. i took the plunge and am now on flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/muffintopdesigns/

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Happy Birthday to Me... and Yay To ArtfulGoodies!!!

so now i'm officially closer to 40 than i am to 30... and i can honestly admit that i definitely DON'T feel that way! well, maybe on those nights where i don't get any sleep, but otherwise, i feel great!!! i woke up this morning to feed the baby and there was a birthday card and present waiting for me in her crib! even though i had told the husband that he had already bought me a present - the fabulous, exquisite Bella Twilight bag from stitchandswash here on etsy (yes, i know i'm on maternity benefits, so shoot me for treating myself! LOL), he snuck out and bought me perfume with the loveliest card. i'm a very lucky gal!!!

to make things even better, shortly after i blogged about the mini's "witching hour", it miraculously began to subside. i didn't want to say anything in case i jinxed myself, but over the past couple of weeks, she has been fussing less at bedtime, and we haven't needed to dance/sway/rock/swing so much!!! hmmmm. either she's growing up, or we just got better at our nighttime routine! she's also been sleeping for 3-5 hour stretches at night between feedings, which feels luxurious! so, knock wood - i'm hoping we'll be able to keep this up! thanks for all the advice and tips!

now onto the next fun part - ArtfulGoodies is the winner of my skinny ring giveaway!! yay! thanks to everyone who entered and added their advice - i love you guys!!! this giveaway was so much fun i think i'll do it again soon - so watch this space!!! (April - i'll send you a message with the details! )

xoxo

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Psssssst... Want Some Skinny Rings?

i need some distraction! plus, the mini muffin has been in a sweet mood lately! so, i'm running a contest from the couch! the winner will receive a custom made set of my Simply Skinny Copper Stacking Rings! all you have to do is this:


- go to my etsy shop - http://muffintopdesigns.etsy.com/ - heart what you like the best, come back here and leave a comment

- become a "follower" of my blog (if you are already, that's fantastic!)

- for an extra entry, feel free to read my baby posts and leave a word of advice!


i'll get the husband to draw a winner on July 5th - my birthday! make sure you leave details (a link to your blog, an email address, etc.) so i can find you!

go enter! now!

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