2012...get ready.

I am so excited to start the new year and jump feet first into the goals I've set for myself, both personally and professionally...but I do have to say that I am a little sad to say goodbye to 2011.  we talked about it today at our friends house, and over black eyed peas, turnip greens, black bean burgers & spicy wings (like my rhyme??) all agreed that we were blessed with a wonderful year on so many levels. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again (probably many times) - thanks to all of you for following along in this incredible journey. 2011 has been probably the most challenging and rewarding year of my life-  taking a leap of faith in my career, the birth of beckett, a successful business and family health scares overcome- we are so lucky.  one of my goals for the new year here on the blog is to post at least once a week.  I'm inspired by my friend, emily ley, who has taken on the challenge of posting every day. of course I want to keep you all coming back to see what silly musings I have (hopefully entertaining) but I also know that one day I'll look back on this and be so grateful that I kept a running dialog of daily life, back in my early 30's.  and yes- I'm saying 'early' even though I'm almost a few years in. ugh.

throughout the next couple of weeks I'll post about a couple of other goals I want to achieve this year. hopefully you'll help keep me accountable for them.  

here's to a happy and prosperous new year for us all! xoxo

Colossians 4:5-6  Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

christmas fun.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and were able to celebrate with those you love.  we had a great time visiting my family in Tallahassee and celebrating Beckett's first christmas. he sure racked up for such a little guy...and not quite sure how, since his dad and I had decided not to buy him many gifts this year. :)

here are a few favorites from this last week. 

tuckered out after all the gifts. :)

foldovers.

fun little numbers I'm adding to the shop. 10" wide, 5.5" tall. use on its own as a fun accessory or slide into a larger bag to keep yourself organized. (I've been using it to hold little man's diapers this past week) works like a charm! :)

bridal party trifecta.

helloooo, coordination lovers! new in the shop I'm going to have a little 'combo' buy for those of you who like the one stop shop for bridal party needs. I'll be offering a coordinating 8 inch clutch, 6 inch frame (with chain) for the smaller hands & a matching 5x5 inch ring bearer pillow for your pleasure.  they are customizable as far as picking one exterior and one interior fabric for the duo, and deciding on the color of your bloom/ribbon.  the combo will be retailing for $100, which is $20 less than if you were to purchase each of the items on their own. as a reminder, below are the patterned fabrics I have available in the shop, but if you're looking for something different I can always source that for you as well! happy holiday shopping to you all. :)

hooray for monograms!

so excited to announce that I finally have monogramming up and running!  I'll be offering the full circle monogram (pictured) on any of the items in the shop for an additional $5.00 charge.  we'll see how that one does and then maybe add a few other options.  

[source: apex embroidery]

being from the south, I am just a tad bit obsessed with monograms...now that I've personalized several of beckett's bibs & burp cloths I'm moving on and am going to attempt to make him his first christmas stocking this week. if it turns out ok, I'll share it with you all. :)

thankful.

 this has been a roller coaster of a year for me.  many more ups than downs and amazing in so many ways.  I'm so thankful for all that has resulted from the changes.  highlights, you say? here we go...

* gained 34 pounds

* became solely self employed
* kept my etsy shop alive and kicking for over a year

* went 8 months with no alcohol

* bought my first new car

* made it through a year of marriage

* weighed 7 pounds less than my husband...

* lost 25 pounds

* had a baby!

(the weight gain/loss were direct results of being pregnant, as was the 8 months of no drinking) :)

thanks to all of you who read this blog and support all that is oatmeal lace.  it's been an incredible journey. can't wait to see what the next year brings. xoxo

survey says...

photo source etsy.

I need you guys input, por favor.  I am debating adding the option of a reversible clutch to the shop.  I've had a couple requests for this in the past, and wanted to poll you all to see if it will be something that is worth offering.  you can either leave me a comment or just vote in the poll I've included...or you can do both! I so appreciate you taking your time to leave an opinion. :) so, here we go!

  would you be interested in a reversible clutch, for a slightly higher price?