Jingle Bells?

That's right fellow Bloggers. It is nearing the end of August already. That means we have just about 4 months left until Christmas. While many of you might be begging me to stop the madness that is promoting Christmas prior to Thanksgiving, when you have a business making things handmade it is important to get as many people in early as possible.

To do this, I'm offering the coupon code BLOGGERFANS for FREE SHIPPING! Use the code to get free shipping on your order and start crossing people off your Christmas shopping list.

Great time to work with me to do a custom order. You can email me at JLooman515@gmail.com or convo me at my Etsy store. We can work on the perfect size, color, and item to wow even the hardest to buy for on your list. Best part, it is handmade with love :)

Just a few ideas:
Scarves
Hats
Fingerless Gloves
Beanies
Baby Booties
Diaper Covers
Elf Hats
Baby Blankets
Bath poofs
Dishcloths
Washcloths

Or contact me with your idea!

Obsession Confession: Purses

I once wrote a blog regarding my obsession with lip balms. I went through a phase where I purchased many many over a month and a half period or so. Other things I am obsessed with on a normal basis include shoes (which I have done very well at staying away from) and purses. Oh yes, purses. I could purchase a zillion purses and still desire more. One for every occasion...or day. I love them. My husband is always making fun of my purse choices. The length of the strap, the color, the size...he doesn't get why I would want so many. This is why I was SHOCKED when he came home with this!

It's a Sherpani Pinot S11. CUTE! I love how the company is big on sustainability.


Product Overview
Fun and flirty, small and light.

Product Details
•Earth Friendly - 67% Recycled Fabric
•Exterior zippered pockets
•Large opening for easy access
•Secure Top-Zippered Closure
•Smooth Webbing Handles
•Foam bottom for stability
•9.5in x 8in x 5.5in

LOVE!!!

It may look small but it holds everything my large purse was holding ;) You too can get one from the Sherpani website OR if you are in the Winona area stop by Sole Sport, the new outfitter store in town.

Good purchase Mr. Looman. You have a happy wife.

Back to the Grind

It has been really hard to get back into the swing of things this week. One week ago today we lost Grandpa and two weeks ago today I lost a dear Uncle. Mike is back from the grind of doing season shows and we're working on getting back into a schedule of picking up the kids from daycare, dinner, play time, sleep for kids, school, and so on. Day 2 and we're still out of wack but it's to be expected.

Only two more weeks of summer before Nathan starts 1st grade. I can't believe how old he has gotten and how fast it really does go. He did get the teacher I was rooting for so that is a blessing. She just seems like she wants to have fun with the kids. Nathan needs that in order to relate it to learning. He wont do what he doesn't have fun doing. I guess that's part of being six.

Hard to believe is that I only have 2 more weeks of class before starting my last class to end my Masters. That's 8 more weeks of school and then I'll be done :) ::insert happy dance here::

K - I am exhausted. Time for bed!

Oh Yeah!

I gots a new hair do! :)

Long Drives

The time it takes to get from Minnesota to Michigan is 8.5 hours. On the way there I completed 2 pairs of fingerless gloves. On the way home I completed another. I now have completed 5 pairs and have started my 6th. I'm a little obsessed with this pattern but more than that I plan on giving these away as Christmas presents to co-workers and friends this year.

While I faired well on the drive there and back chit chatting with my mother-in-law about life in general...my one year old was not as much of a fan of the long drive. About a few hours in on the way home he turned into the CRACK-ER MONSTER.

This was not a lot of fun. In fact, there was only a 20 minute break the entire trip where I was able to snag this precious picture.

Nice to be home. Jacob is already making up for the long drive by sleeping soundly in his bed and Nathan is watching Charlie Brown movies on the couch. Once he's in bed I'll get to school work and the happily crash in my own bed :) Not looking forward to going back to work but happy to start a normal routine again.

Etsy shop is back open! Once I get a good camera in hand, I'll have some gloves posted in the store ;)

Week in Michigan

While we have been here in Michigan, the days have been long and the emotions have run deep. Mike's grandfather passed away yesterday after a battle with dementia. We have spent the last 4 days praying and being by his side as he fought to take his last breaths. After yesterday we were emotionally spent. Today we spent the day gathering our hearts back together. I spent the day with my mother in law and playing with the boys.

We built a fort, played with loud toys, and ate out. Later on we decided to meet with my father and brother in law for dinner and some shopping to spoil the boys...and spoil we did!!! Nathan got some new t-shirts for school and Jacob got a few new outfits as well.

Pictures from our day include:

Nathan in his fort playing the drums.

My Jacob playing with some fabulously fun toys at Aunt Tanya and Uncle Goofy's house.

Caleb and Jacob playing in the ball pit.

Jacob eating at dinner. He loves his rolls and corn on the cob. Happy happy boy moment!

All of our boys together after a great day.

While it is emotionally draining it is beautiful to see the kids together and spend some time with family.

The Joys Of Being Six

Remember making forts from blankets and pillows? I sure do. There wasn't a better way than to spend the afternoon by completing a fort and then playing in it with toys. I can remember going to my best friends' house and using all her mom's couch pillows to build the most elaborate forts that could take up an entire living room. I also loved just getting a blanket, draping it over the table, and pretending it was a club house.

It's fun seeing my son enjoy the same thing and using his imagination. :) Makes me want to be a kid again.