Early Christmas at the Riverwoods

Last week I had a girls day with some fellow bloggers at the Riverwoods.

It was so much fun, and I now have some great Christmas gift ideas!

First stop...Blickenstaff's.

If you haven't been there, you have to make the trip.

It's magical!

Vintage toys and games, candy and soda, etc.

Here's my early Christmas recommendations:

-Rody Pony.  It's llike the old hippity hops, but animal shaped.  We have one and LOVE it!)

-Wiggle car.  Once again, we have one and my kids love it!  Even the baby can scoot around on it until he learns to wiggle it.

-World Floor Map Puzzle (got it on my Christmas list for Saxon)

-Vintage Games (for Saxon and Bridger...my boys LOVE games!)

-Faber-Castell art supplies.  I used to use them in Brazil and they are the best!  I've never seen them in the US before and was so excited to find them at Blickenstaff's.

If you live in Utah, stop by in Blickenstaff's in December because they are doing a 12 days of Christmas event where they are giving out gifts to random customers.  If you don't live it Utah, you can still visit them online. 

Next we headed over to Ike's Ice Cream at Provo Beach Resort:

It's Utah's best homemade ice cream!

They serve Bluebell ice cream.

Have you ever heard of it?

I had not, but I tried the Pralines and Cream and it was yummy!

After ice cream, we wandered over to Zion's Mercantile.

I think I could have spent all day in this store!

It's full of art, history, some replicas and some originals...all inspired by Mormon Church history and the pioneers.  The photography and art work were breathtaking.

My favorite piece...the Nauvoo Stained Glass Star.

I'm adding it to my Christmas List.

I want one for myself, and will probably get one for several family members as well.

Loved it!

Last stop...lunch at La Jolla Groves.

I felt like I was having lunch in a lemon grove in Tuscany.

The food was divine and healthy.  A bonus.

We started the meal with a fruit and gourmet cheese platter.

I felt like I was back in Europe.

My favorite dessert was the lemon bundt cake with a caramelized sugar dome.

They even do cooking demonstrations...which I am planning to sign up for.

Photography by Bryce Olsen Photography.

 Have any of you been to the Riverwoods lately?

Anything special on your Christmas list yet?

Point of View

THEME: gifts

I'm SO EXCITED to have the chance to guest post with POV this month!!!

Here's a list of everyone involved.

Just click on each link to see a tutorial of their project.

Amy     http://amerooniedesigns.blogspot.com/     Ameroonie Designs

Gwen    http://www.gwennypenny.com     Gwenny Penny

Jonie     http://easyascutandpaste.blogspot.com/     Just Between Friends

Leanne     http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/     Organize and Decorate Everything

Michelle     http://www.alittletipsy.com/     A Little Tipsy

Caitlin (Guest)     http://caitcreate.blogspot.com/     Cait Create

Debra (Guest)     http://www.housewifeeclectic.com/     Housewife Eclectic

Do you have a project that you would like to share?
Join the linky party over on Leanne's blog: http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/

For the theme "gift" I decided to do something that would make a great neighbor or co-worker gift.  I seem to always need last minute gifts for people that I didn't plan on when I did my shopping.  I also don't have a lot of extra money, so it needed to be affordable.  

The kind of gift that says 

"I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you."

I started with JUMBO marshmallows, melted chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

I melted the chocolate chips in the microwave and then dipped half of the marshmallow.

I sprinkled it with Christmas sprinkles while the chocolate was still warm.

Then I set it aside to let the chocolate harden.

I bought a white and a mocha colored dish towel at the dollar store.

Then I cut a piece of tan burlap, and a piece of white burlap.

I stenciled "Believe" on "Joy" on the other in red paint.

You can use your own creativity and style here and stencil whatever you would like.

It would also look cute with an image instead of a word.

Next I sewed the edges of the burlap onto the towel.

I didn't sew too close to the edge because I wanted to fray the burlap around the edges after I was done.

Last, I arranged the towel, marshmallow and a single packet of hot chocolate on a holiday charger (also from the dollar store).  All it needs is a cute Christmas card and it's ready to drop off to a neighbor or friend.

And while you're here...

Don't forget to enter the giveaway from CioCo Photography!

CioCo Photography Giveaway!

 -Giveaway Closed-
Winner:
Meg
*You have 72 hours to email me to claim your prize.*
Thanks again to everyone who entered the giveaway!


If you live in Utah, you are going to LOVE this...

Camilla Jones of CioCo Photography

is giving away a FREE 30 minute mini-session at her in home studio in Salt Lake.

That's a $55 value for 1 child and a $100 value for multiple children.

Is it cheating if I enter myself?

LOL, ok, yes, that's cheating...

A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.  ~Ansel Adams

Camilla's work is stunning and whoever wins this is going to end up with gorgeous portraits!

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory:

1.  Just leave a comment telling me that you would love to win a free mini session!

Bonus:

2.  "Like" CioCo Photography on Facebook.

3.  "Like" Cait. Create. on Facebook.

4.  Become a blog follower of Cait. Create.

5.  Get my button.

6.  Blog/Tweet/Facebook about this giveaway.

7.  Visit Camilla's blog and leave a comment.

8.  Since we really want to spread the word about this giveaway, 

for every person that you get to enter the giveaway, you also get an extra entry.  

For example, if you convince 5 friends to enter, you get 5 bonus entries.

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends on Thanksgiving Day, at midnight and the winner will be announced on Black Friday.

What I Wore...Fall Skirt

My little sister Brooke is my fashion inspiration.

I keep thinking that for "What I Wore Wednesday", I should post pictures of her.

You would definitely feel inspired!

But...is that cheating...if I didn't actually wear it?

This week, I tried to channel my inner-Brooke and wear a long skirt and flowy top.

Brooke always wears skirts, and lots of flowing layers.

Skirt: Nordstorm SALE $15

Shirt: Charlotte Russe SALE $9

Boots: Charlotte Russe SALE $20

Earrings: Love Stitched GIFT

Bracelet: Brighton GIFT

(and I'm wearing a half-tee under my Charlotte Russe shirt so I didn't have to worry about it falling off my shoulders and I carry my kids around)

I love wearing "fall" skirts.

I get bored of wearing jeans everyday...

I had to try a few times to get this outfit right.

My instinct told me that a loose skirt needed a tight shirt.

But my inner Brooke whispered that it doesn't have to match, 

and not to worry about breaking the rules.

Brooke never follows the rules because she doesn't want to look the same as everyone else. 

I wish I were braver.

One more shot of my boots, because in Utah, you can't live without boots.

It's FREEZING here!

Are there any fashion trends that you've been dying to try?

(even if you're not brave enough...like me...LOL)

Thoughts on Pregnancy

 This is a post that I wrote when I was 38 weeks pregnant with Dalton.  

I mentioned it yesterday.

Enjoy <3

 

I wanted to write down a few thoughts on pregnancy while I am still pregnant:

First of all, I need to thank Brittany who spent the day with us taking maternity pictures for me. She did such an amazing job that I had a hard time picking which ones to post. I'll probably post more of them on another post.

I love being pregnant.
Not everything about it. In fact, some things I forget how much I dislike until they start happening again, but I don't want to make a list of the hard parts of pregnancy. Overall, I love it more than I hate it, and this is why...

I found a quote once that talked about spending more time enjoying the miracle of being able to create life, rather than wishing away 9 months of pregnancy. I try to enjoy each pregnancy. I am so grateful that I get to experience pregnancy. Not everyone does. It is something that only gets to be experienced a limited number of times, and I want to remember and appreciate each time.

I love it when I first find out that I am pregnant.
My world is instantly filled with hope, love, gratitude, anticipation, excitement, and a little fear. It starts as a special secret that only Nate and I share. No one else knows, and no one can tell. I can't even tell for a while, but I love knowing that we created life. It is amazing to me, when I look at my boys, to remember that they started as a little egg in the first stages of pregnancy, and became the amazing little people that they are.

I love hearing the heartbeat for the first time.
On all 3 of my boys, I have had an ultrasound on the first visit. It is such a miracle so see my baby for the first time and listen to his heartbeat, even if it is long before I can feel him. It eases some of the fear to see and hear that he is growing and thriving.

I love feeling the first movement.
Even if it is small and not yet often, I love the reminder to stop and think about the baby that is coming. With each pregnancy, my life gets busier. Those little kicks are good reminders to stop and be grateful. Each pregnancy has gone faster than the last. With Saxon I felt like all I could think about was being pregnant and wanting to meet my new baby. With Bridger, I had Saxon to take care of and worry about, so I felt like it was over before I knew it. This time has also gone fast. I'm down to about 2 weeks and I can't believe it. I love laying down to sleep at night and feeling him move all around. It is my mommy-baby time.

I love the 20 week ultrasound.
I love seeing my baby again watching him move. I love finding out the gender. It finally becomes concrete. The "it" becomes a "he" and I can start planning my life and envisioning what it will be like with 3 boys. I can think of names, decorate the bedroom, and really start planning. I also love being in the second half of the 9 months. The second half is a lot more fun. It is fun when I finally start looking pregnant and not just fat. It is exciting to have less time in front of me than behind me. This is when time starts speeding up...

I love that the baby is all mine.
That may sound selfish, but I love it. I get to experience him and connect with him in a way that no one else can. I can take him everywhere, always feel him, protect him, love him... My experience with him started 9 months ago, while everyone else has their first experience with him only after he is born.

I love being in labor.
I think it's my favorite part. I love staying up all night before in anticipation. I love getting ready that morning knowing that I'm about to be the mother of (now 3). I love that the waiting is finally over and the big day is here. I can't wait to see what he will look like and what he will be like. Will he have crazy, dark hair like my other 2? Will he look like Saxon or Bridger, or have his own little look? I love holding my baby for the first time and marveling at the miracle of the whole thing. I love spending a few days in the hospital full of time with just my baby. Once I'm home, real life starts again. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, chasing the other kids (all while trying to recover), etc. I love the initial one-on-one time with the new baby. After it's over, all I can think is that it was such an amazing experience that I can't wait to do it again. All of the hardships seem to fade a little as you hold your new baby.

Here's a quote I found online about pregnant women:

"Pregnant women! They had that weird frisson, an aura of magic that combined awkwardly with an earthy sense of duty. Mundane, because they were nothing unique on the suburban streets; ethereal because their attention was ever somewhere else. Whatever you said was trivial. And they had that preciousness which they imposed wherever they went, compelling attention, constantly reminding you that they carried the future inside, its contours already drawn, but veiled, private, an inner secret". -- Ruth Morgan

Here a a couple of quotes I found from Ensign articles on having children:

"Into this happy home and pleasant atmosphere will eventually come the children for which the marriage was consummated, and who will add immeasurably to the joy and fulfillment which God the Father intended when he instructed Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth. When parents understand the purpose of their existence, that they are literally the spiritual offspring of their Father in Heaven and that they have a responsibility to provide mortal bodies for others, then they rejoice in the miracle of birth as they realize they are copartners with God in the creation of each child who comes into that home.

In keeping with the revelations on this subject, one of our early leaders, the late Melvin J. Ballard, said this: “There is a passage in our Scriptures which the Latter-day Saints accept as divine: ‘This is the glory of God—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ [see Moses 1:39]. Likewise we could say that this is the glory of men and women—to bring to pass the mortality of the sons and daughters of God, to give earth-life to the waiting children of our Father. … The greatest mission of woman is to give life, earth-life, through honorable marriage, to the waiting spirits, our Father’s spirit children who anxiously desire to come to dwell here in this mortal state. All the honor and glory that can come to men or women by the development of their talents, the homage and the praise they may receive from an applauding world, worshiping at their shrine of genius, is but a dim thing whose luster shall fade in comparison to the high honor, the eternal glory, the ever-enduring happiness that shall come to the woman who fulfills the first great duty and mission that devolves upon her to become the mother of the sons and daughters of God” (Sermons and Missionary Services, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1949, pp. 203–4, italics added)."
-President N. Eldon Tanner, May 1980, Celestial Marriages and Eternal Families.

"...you have been born at this time for a sacred and glorious purpose. It is not by chance that you have been reserved to come to earth in this last dispensation of the fullness of times. Your birth at this particular time was foreordained in the eternities. You are to be the royal army of the Lord in the last days. You are “youth of the noble birthright.” (Hymns, 1985, no. 255.) -President Ezra Taft Benson, May 1986, To the 'Youth of the Noble Birthright'.

I love being a mother.
I'm so grateful that I'm able to. I'm lucky to have a great husband by my side also.

I love my children.
They are so wonderful. They have such amazing little personalities and I'm sure that they will accomplish amazing things. I can't wait to meet Baby #3 (Humpty Dumpty) in just a couple weeks.

Mystery Solved.

When I was pregnant with Dalton, I wrote a post on my family blog about pregnancy.

It was straight from my heart and very special to me.

I got a lot of comments on it from friends and family.

For weeks, that post got a lot of traffic.

For months, it got traffic.

A year later...it was still getting traffic.

So...I got a little suspicious and called over my cousin Mike who is a computer programmer to investigate.  He went on all of his special websites to find out where my blog was linked to.  We didn't find anything.  His guess was that some baby blog must have linked to me and that's why it was still getting so much traffic.  But it was strange that we couldn't trace it...

It was a mystery.

And week after week, I continue to get traffic to that specific post.

I started paying more attention to the key words that are targeting my blog.

I was getting a lot of "September C_________ Pregnant."

Well, I have a friend who is linked on my side bar with the last name of C________ and she is pregnant.  I figured that friends of hers were searching for her, but since her blog is private, they were finding mine.  But my friend isn't due in September...so why would someone be googling that specific phrase?

So...I googled it...

and oh wow was I shocked...

I got pages and pages of porn sites.

Apparently "September C_________ is a porn star who has pregnant porn pictures out there.

You know how when you google something, it will give you 5 sample pictures from google images?

My picture was 2 of the top 5 pictures for those key words.

If you google this porn star...you will find pictures of me?????

My cousin the programmer explained that since I have the words "September" (because I was due in September) "C___________" (because it is my friends name), and "pregnant" (because that's what the post was about)...google ranked me as the #1 image.

So here I was, thinking that some big baby blog was inspired by my thoughts on pregnancy and sending over traffic.  And instead, it was hundreds of people looking for this porn star.

I was speechless.

Everyone else was in hysterics.

Even my mom was cracking up.

Mystery solved...I guess.

Mike had me change the name of my friends blog from "C_______ family" to my friend's first name.  Without that major keyword, he said I should start to lose my #1 spot.

And in case you're wondering why I'm not saying the name...

because for how many times I've mentioned it...this blog would become the #1 site!

Geesh.

So tell me...if it were you...would you laugh or be utterly horrified?

I laughed, because what else can you do...

and I was horrified...because...seriously!  How could this happen?

And just for fun...

tomorrow I'll be posting the pregnancy post for you to see what I wrote :)

Giveaway - Nails Shields from Dashwood Shoppe

-Giveaway Closed-
Winner:
Lowercase Letters
*make sure to email me within 72 hours to find out how to claim your prize :)
caitcreate@gmail.com 

First off, did you realize that today is 11/11/11?

So, in honor of a fun date, I have an awesome giveaway for you today...

Jacilynn from Dashwood Shoppe is giving away 3 sets of nail shields to one lucky winner!!!

First of all, let me introduce you to Jacilynn:

"I'm a crafting crazy Mom of 3. I really love cute things, whether it is a handmade hat or a great pair of boots or some nails shields for my toes.  I love the satisfaction of making pretty things for my home and family.  I have always felt it was important that when you give, that it be personal and from the heart.   And let me be honest, with 3 kids I hardly have the time to hand make all the gifts I share.  My way of personalizing the gifts we give is to include a handmade card or tag with the gift.

I started blogging 2 years ago to share my papercrafts.  I have had to opportunity to design for multiple manufacturers and retail companies in the paper crafting community and continue to do so on my blog.  This year I've started focusing  more on my other craft passions on my blog.  I love to sew, crochet, cook, make home decor and re purpose vintage items. I love meeting people all over the world that share my passion for hand made. "

Jacilynn even sent me a few sets to try out!

I tried out the black and white checkers first.

This is how they work:
1. Manicure your nails by trimming and pushing back the cuticle. Buff nails to remove oil or dust.
2. Select nail sticker that closest fits your nail and trim as needed.
3. Peel nail sticker from backing and lay on nail. Rounded edge against the cuticle.
4. Once sticker is in place, rub all areas to smooth sticker to nail. Use cuticle pusher to press sticker firmly to nail.
5. Trim excess sticker from your nail and/or use nail file to file excess sticker from your nail.
To Remove:
Simply peel off and wash with warm, soapy water.

I've used nail shields before, and each brand are a little different.

These ones are really nice because you don't have to heat them up first, and they are really thin, so I don't feel them on my nail.  And the best part...they don't chip.  I don't ever paint my fingernails (unless it's a special occasion) because they chip so badly after a day or so.  Between dishes, and baths and cleaning, nail polish doesn't stand a chance.  With these, you just wear them until you are done and then peel them off.  Jacilynn plays volleyball a lot and said that they stand up well against sports too.

Are you dying to win some of your own?

Here's how:

 Mandatory:

1.  Go over to Dashwood etsy shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is.

Bonus Entries:

2. Become a follower of Cait. Create.

3.  Get my button

4. Become a facebook fan of Cait. Create.

5.  Blog/Tweet/Facebook about this giveaway

6.  Become a follower of Jacilynn's blog

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends Thursday at midnight and winner will be announced next Friday.

And...in case you can't wait to win and just want to try them out now...

Dashwood Shoppe is currently selling all of the nail shields at 30% off and offering FREE SHIPPING. 

*If you entered the "My Junk Drawer" giveaway, make sure to check back on that post to see if you won.