My past

February 27, 2013
You know a lot about what I do now, but I don't think I've told you very much about my past. Here are a few pictures to help you get to know why I am the way I am... Maybe...

Youngest of 12 children
Source of best entertainment


Played in flour
Multiple times
Bald until I was three

Favorite toddler picture

Best buds even back then
Lion King rules

Singing Group

Kind of a spazz...

Spazziness inherited from older spazzes
Not my fault

Cheerleader 
8th and 9th grade
Loved it
Go ahead and judge

Not afraid to try new things
Pole-Vaulted and did hurdles in track
Wasn't very good
At all

Performer
Laurey Williams in "OKLAHOMA!"
Mabel in "Pirates of Penzance"
Musical Theater/Show Choir

Choral Student of the Year Award
Sang a lot of duets with this handsome devil (Jon)
He has a blog

A little early for Throwback Thursday, but I hope you enjoy the pictures anyway. Check out Jon's blog, it's a good one. I'm always hesitant to make posts like this because I'm afraid that they're serious snoozers, but I promise... Really exciting things coming up on the blog, just as soon as I get pictures. See you Friday!

-Sue
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Changing Mat

February 25, 2013
Back when I first started my pinning on Pinterest, I came across a beautiful specimen. It was this changing mat.

via

So, I did what Pinterest is good for. I pinned it to my sewing board and never looked at it again.
And then my mother-in-law came for a visit. She lives in California and doesn't get to see little Chelsea very often so when she comes, it's a very special thing! This visit, Grammy brought a couple of gifts! She brought a book for Chelsea (Drew's favorite when he was a little boy), and some super cute, high-quality, cotton, chevron fabric! I loved it and had to think of something really special to make with it. That's when I remembered my pin from the past and I was grateful to find that it even came with a very informative tutorial with video instructions and written instructions. Maybe that's what I should start doing, too.
So here it is! I give this project an 11 out of 10! It has been so useful already and my cluttered bag was de-cluttered instantly! Plus, it wasn't too expensive (about $20.00 to make not including the fabric Mom-in-law bought me) and not too difficult, either. The only thing I would change about this tutorial is adding in a couple of steps to baste the layers together before stitching all four layers (or however many) because the layers slid around a little as I sewed and  I had to do some picking. Besides that, I love it.







The changing mat itself is Chevron and the pockets are a floral print with eyelet lace. Coincidence? No. Cute? Yes. Love it, I do.

If you're not the sewing crafty type but would love to have this baby, they're also available in my Etsy shop, ChevronandLace.

-Sue
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Oh snow...

February 22, 2013
Why don't I update you on my running? Believe it or not, I have been keeping up on it! I'll admit I don't quite get out every day my schedule says, but I always run at least three times per week and I always run the big ones on Fridays (3 miles, 4 miles, 5 miles, 6 miles, etc.). Sadly, the dumb snow is preventing my 7 mile run today so hopefully it'll be better tomorrow or I'll be finding myself running 63 laps at the recreation center. Not ideal.
Drew's mom is visiting with us this week and she brought us a couple of gifts. She brought one of Drew's favorite books when he was a kid (Dr. Seuss' A B C Book) and she brought me the cutest Chevron Fabric (when your blog is called Chevron & Lace, word gets around that you like the stuff). Lucky me! So now I'm working on a new project that I'm really excited about! I'll show you next week.
Until then, enjoy the spoils of this week's iPhone raid!


I love running in my hometown!



Chelsea is walking pretty well now! She's so proud of herself in this picture.

Must be the shoes


It's times like these that I'm reminded how tiny my little daughter really is.

Can you guess what I've made? Answer on Instagram!

Great Grandma Wilson dug out some old grandchildren's clothes the other day. I think this might be one of my new favorite outfits! So cute and so 90s!



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So many questions...

February 20, 2013
I am from Idaho. Give me them potatoes and  I'll eat them skin and all! I love Idaho. Yes, sometimes the weather is less than ideal and it's a little more rural than some others like, but to me, Idaho is home. In a way, it reminds me of the Shire. I know, I'm weird, but it's true! It's just peaceful and quiet where I'm from. The people are kind and friends are not hard to come by. I'll always feel at home in Idaho.
But here's the thing... No matter where I go, even if it's somewhere as warm-hearted as my beloved Idaho, I will never truly feel at home unless I have my little family with me. Not the twelve kids family (although I love having all of them around, too!), the husband and daughter family. Chelsea and I spent the weekend with my mom, dad, sister, and her family while Drew stayed home for work.
I had a great time playing with Chelsea and her cousin, but I really missed Drew. It's interesting how the phrase "He's my other half" really has some truth to it. It's almost like I'm lost without him. Sure I still have a good time even without him around, but Drew makes me a better, more interesting person. I'm a better version of myself when he's around.
Sometimes I feel like I'm really not that interesting of a person. When people ask me what I'm doing with my life, I feel like my only two options are my baby and my blog and I don't want to be one of those people who all they talk about is their blog, and I know that bragging about your baby can get old pretty quick, too. So, after a good, intimate talk with my best friend, Liz and my mother, I've come to a conclusion: I need to ask more questions.
I used to be a pro at asking questions! Before Drew and I started dating and I was crushing on the cute California Soccer kid, there was a time a group of us were driving from Rexburg to Idaho Falls and all I did the whole time was ask questions, and these weren't just everyday questions, either. I mean, they went from "What's your favorite color," to "What's your favorite meal of the day" and "Would you rather be a snake or a sea turtle." Maybe I don't need to get that in-depth with my question asking, but it is a trait that I've lost that I would like to exude (Like that word? Exude. Definition in "Warm Bodies." Good movie.).
So here are a couple of questions that I would be delighted if you, my lovely lovelies, would answer for me.

1. Does your name have a special meaning or did you inherit it from someone in your ancestry?
2. What is your favorite snack?

So please answer one or both of those questions for me, if you'd be a dear. Also, I've got one more to ask you, and this one is more about me, I'll admit. These are a few of my favorite posts. Which of these posts is your favorite?


Thanks for reading. You are all gems! Whenever I get down on myself and feel like I'm not a very interesting person, all I have to do is think of you and I am reminded that I do have a few people out there who think I am worthwhile. Thanks for reading!

-Sue


















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Da da da daaaaa!

February 17, 2013
The first giveaway is closed and I'm pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was! I think I'm on some sort of giveaway high right now, to be honest. I wonder if Santa feels like this all the time...
Okay, so I guess I won't delay any further. All the entries have been counted and a winner has been randomly selected. The winner is...

Tysha C from Diapers and Pearls! Congraulations, Tysh! I will be getting in touch with you shortly and a lovely package will be arriving on your doorstep in a matter of days. I'm sorry there can only be one winner this time, but I plan on doing more of these giveaways in the future so keep checking back! Also, all of these items (except for the bow headband) are available in my Etsy shop so feel free to stop by there any time! I'll be looking for you!

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Three days to go!

February 15, 2013
Aaaannnnndddd it's Friday! Only three days left until the Love Week giveaway closes! Let's review the prizes, shall we?

Adult or Child-sized bow scarf:
For adults or children, this handmade bow scarf will definitely keep you warm and, let's be honest, it's really cute!

Striped Lace Bow Headband:
This bow headband is made of a striped lace and will add a little something special to any outfit!

25% off electronic sleeve (laptop, iPad, tablet, etc.)
You have two options here: You can have one with a heart pocket (for charger storage) that opens from the side, or one with lots of colors and buttons on the top. Your pick!

The now FREE Bow Beanie:
Keeps your head cuddly warm and it has a bow! Need I say more?

I'm really excited to find out who the winner is on Monday and I hope you are, too! In fact, lucky for you, I'm adding a new way to get an extra couple of entries. If you share the link to the giveaway on your facebook, you can get not one, but TWO extra entries. What do you think about THAT?! Have a great weekend everybody! I'm headed to my hometown! Idaho, here I come!
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Happy Valentine's Day!

February 14, 2013
Love,
My baby's feet

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Cupcakes

February 13, 2013
Here's a little secret for you: I have never made cupcakes before. Can you believe it? What self-respecting woman of 23 years (almost) has never made cupcakes?! Well, I hope I've made amends now. I finally made some the other day, besides the ones I made with Corey (you know, the ones with cookie dough on the inside?). I'll admit I still had help (from the lovely Mariasha who took the pictures this time), but I made the batter all by myself! Check 'em out!




Although the recipe I used is top secret from Mariasha, Here's an equally amazing cupcake recipe that I am pretty excited to try in the next couple of days. Who knew that making cupcakes can be so easy and so fun?!

Vanilla with Buttercream Frosting

Classic Vanilla Cake Ingredients:
6 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
2 2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups buttermilk

Directions:
1. Separate eggs and allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (reserve yolks for another use). Meanwhile, line muffin tins with cupcake liners. In medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla, beat until well combined. Add egg whites all at once, beat on medium-high for 3 minutes. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to butter mixture, beating on low after each addition just until combined (batter may look slightly curdled). Divide batter among muffin tins until a little more than half full.
3. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and/or a wooden toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes entirely before frosting.


Source: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, February 2011 issue.*
*With additions/alterations by Sue from Chevron & Lace


Whipped Buttercream Frosting: From Our Best Bites
Ingredients:
3 Tbs. flour
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. real butter
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract (almond, lemon, orange, or pretty much any other flavor is also delicious)

1. Whisk together the flour and the milk in a small saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, over medium heat until it starts to thicken. It should look like pudding - you should be able to see the bottom of the pan when you stir it.
2. Press the mixture through a mesh strainer and then let it cool completely to room temperature or chill it in the fridge. It needs to be cooled completely or it will melt the butter and you'll have runny frosting.
3. In an electric stand mixer, beat the butter and the sugar for a minute or two with the whisk attachment until the mixture is well-combined and fluffy.
4. While the mixer is running, add in the thickened milk mixture and the flavoring. Beat for 7 minutes on the highest speed you can without spraying it all over the place. It may look curdled at first, and it may take up to 12 minutes. If you have to beat the frosting longer than 7 minutes, try placing an ice pack on the bowl to keep it cool.
5. When the frosting is velvety smooth and perfectly fluffy, use it to fill cupcakes or other pastries or as a frosting on top.

Give it a try! I know I will!

-Sue

P.S. The Love Week Giveaway is still going on, but you better jump in on it! It'll only be around until Monday! And, as always, may the odds be ever in your favor!
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Love week!

February 11, 2013
I know I've been promising for a little while and it's about time! I'm hosting my first giveaway, and perfect timing since it is love week! So here are a few things for you to love...

1-Bow Scarf for adult or child
2-Striped and lace bow headband
3-25% off electronic sleeve (laptop, iPad, etc.)
4-Bow Beanie

All you have to do is follow my blog and leave a comment on this post telling me which item you like best! Of course there are other ways to get more entries... May the odds be ever in your favor, and happy love week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Risks...

February 9, 2013
Just before the first snow fell in my hometown, I was over at a friends house helping her clean up her yard a bit. During our conversation about family, friends, the past, the future, etc., Jill told me something that has really inspired me. "If you don't try, then you might regret it. Don't live with regret." My dad has always told me something similar. "If you don't try out, you're guaranteed not to make it!" And a wonderful friend up at college said to me, "Life is all about the risks. If you don't take any risks, you're not going to go anywhere."
It seems like sometimes I forget their advice. I'm grateful that I haven't always forgotten because as a result of my college peer's advice, I decided to date my husband a little longer when I was considering breaking up with him. As a result of my father's advice, I participated in many activities that brought me so much joy, especially dancing on the World Dance team at BYU-I.
Jill's advice has remained un-practiced since she gave it a few months ago... Until now.
I've decided to try something new. I'm going to open up an Etsy shop and this time, I'm going to make it stick! I've been a little apprehensive about it since it has not done well in the past, but I'm really excited about what I have to show you and I think you will be, too!

I've been knitting since I was eight, believe it or not! Most of my family got into it, actually and at one time we all had our own matching slippers, and let me tell you... Those slippers plus some nice, long wood floor? Amazing. Anyway, it's been my favorite past-time for General Conference ever since (when the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints broadcast via television and radio direction and guidance from God).
At this time, I'm not selling slippers, but here's what I do have, and I think you're going to LOVE it!

Bow Scarf:

I can make this scarf in any color you like and any size, whether you want it for yourself or for a little one. It'll keep whoever it is wrapped around nice and toasty warm while making them just about the cutest button anyone has ever seen!

Bow Beanie:
Why stop there? I am loving this bow beanie! Keeps your head warm and draws attention to your face and the eyes in-particular!

Laptop Sleeve:

This is the reason I've been a little absent from the blog this week. This laptop sleeve is really nifty when it comes to protecting your laptop from scratches! Not to mention its colorful design. Not particularly fond of the multiple colors?
Try the sideways heart! Other colors/designs available upon request.

To come (maybe):

iPhone, iPod, iPad, etc. sleeves. Protect anything scratchable!
Heart patches on the elbows? Yesh pleash!
Baby booties
Matching children and adult skirts. Single skirts available as well.

So what do you think? Which one is your favorite? Also, I'd really love some comments on whether or not to even try selling the heart patches, baby booties, and matching skirts. Would you buy any of those?
Need further enticement? Check back on Monday!

Hmmm... Should I tell them that I enjoy blogging in the middle of a sidewalk? Naw!


In case you're wondering...
Jacket: Old from Maurices and one of the best purchases I've ever made.
Shirt: Target on sale for $8.00 (approx.)
Belt: Cheap belt from pants that I bought at Target
Pants: Plato's Closet via H&M $10.00 (approx.)
Shoes: Ross $10.00 (approx.)
Smile: Mommy and Daddy (Dad says it's worth a million bucks!)

This is what blogging in Heaven must look like...


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