hair.

"hair's" the deal...
(you know, I'm so funny sometimes...)

About 2 weeks ago (read 2 weeks before school gets out) my daughter decides that she would love nothing more than to wear flowers in her hair everyday. Because, as you should well know; "Flowers make me the most beautiful."

Well, remember how everyone jumped on the hair accessory band wagon... except me. (because I was lazy and slow)
So remember how everyone else has been sporting adorable bows and ribbons for like FOREVER... except me (by me I mean my daughter)
So remember how when my daughter asked for flowers in her hair I had nothing, and all her little hopes and dreams were crushed.

yeah... I remember that.

And so, rightfully feeling like the worst mother of a little girl monkey EVER I promised her that I would spend the day making her a bazillion flowers for her hair. (Even if it was 2 weeks until summer - which makes it now essentially 2 minutes before summer. But a promise is a promise and at least she'll be prepared to be the "most beautiful" 1st grader in 3 months.)


I've already hunted down my favorite hair accessory tutorials and pictures and have been saving them in their own special file on
delicious. (If you haven't heard of delicious CALL ME!! Best. thing. ever.)

As I gathered them up and was lining out my stuff I thought "hmm... self. I wonder if somebody else wants to come talk with me while I make these, therefore motivating me to actually do it." (because sometimes I'm actually productive when I have people come do stuff with me. only sometimes though.)

So.... I thought I'd throw it out there.

Here are the pictures of what I will be making. If you want to join me, let me know via the regular routine (facebook, email, comment, phone... you get the jist.)
If I get enough interest we will make it a full blown monkey mama extravaganza: complete with instructions, supply lists, food, and that one crazy lady who always seems to show up and make everybody glad they aren't as awkward as she is ... (I'm talking about me. naturally) Otherwise I'll be making them at my house with a few friends hopefully. (Or I'll be making them by myself... feeling like a completely productive looser.)





p.s. pictures with the words *TUTORIAL* are the ones I have actual tutorials for. (from websites...and such)
The rest are for inspiration and winging it.

Sooooo...
Does anyone remember this blog?

Shake your groove thang, Shake your groove thang. YEAH YEAH

I don't know about what happens in your house, but is there possibly any chance that monsters have taken over your monkeys? Is everyone so stir crazy they can think straight or is that just my house?

I am super excited about this one!
(as are my little monkeys. In fact they were the inspiration)

My littles love to dance. In fact, they are dance maniacs. And do you know the question my daughter asks me more frequently than any other? (well, besides "can I have a littlest petshop?") "Can my friends come have a dance party with me?" Seriously, no joke. I didn't just make that up. My monkeys have been desperately pleading with me to get their friends together for a dance party bonanza!

So, I did (I'm just cool like that.)

Come on Saturday, February 6th at 10 am and be prepared to shake what your mama gave you.
Now, if that wasn't exciting enough, I have something wicked awesome to tell you. Guess what? This dance party comes complete with a DJ, and a professional one to boot. (Shut up! NO WAY!) I don't know how we lucked out on this one but I am so excited I can't contain myself.

Do you know what that makes this dance party? Totally Professional, that's what!

So, tell all your friends, family, cousins, primarys, ... everybody. Even tell your husbands (because they are invited - this is a whole family event) and we will see you there. It's time to shake those wiggles out!

Todd (our DJ) has asked that if you have a flashlight to bring it. He has some fun games for the kids to play as well.

Just need to clarify: if your husband can't come, that doesn't mean you can't, by any means. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew that they could force their husbands to come dance with them if they wanted to pretend like it was required.

Yummy Yummerson!

I'm thinking we should start thinking delicious thoughts! The lovely Kim has volunteered to host this month's zoo and we are making rolls. yum!


Kim suggested that we do a roll tutorial and then have some soup and turn this into a lunch event. I, for one, think Kim is brilliant. (of course, you all know that.)

Here's what we are going to do. We're going to turn this into a lunch potluck bonanza of deliciousness.

The date:

Thursday, Sept 24th (one week away!)
10:00 am
LDS Stake Center
lunch will be served around noon.

So potluck means: bring some deliciousness of your own to share.
We are going for a soup and rolls theme because who doesn't love soup and rolls, especially as fall approaches, it makes us so warm and cozy. (orange is a very warm and cozy color.)
Here is where this gets "complicated". Because we are doing this zoo a little different than usual, and food is involved, we need some involvement and rsvp's. (very important, those rsvp's). If you are coming, please leave a comment. We need everyone that is planning on coming to bring a pot of soup. (No need to bring a pot bigger than what will feed you and your monkeys.)

Now, if soup isn't your thing, never fear, there are a couple alternate things we need volunteers for. First, the beautiful Kim can't make the dozens upon dozens of rolls that might be needed to feed us. So, if we could have 2 people sign up to bring a dozen rolls, that would be sweet. (first come first serve, leave a comment here on the blog claiming your spot) Also, we are going to need some bowls and spoons (about 50 of each) so, there are two spots for that, if you could/would bring 50 bowls, please claim your spot in the comments, and if you could bring 50 spoons, please do likewise (leave a comment). Now, if you are bringing an alternate item there is no need to bring soup as well. And thank you ahead of time.

So, to wrap it all up:
leave a comment here on the blog if you are coming.
Bring your soup.
Bring your smile.
Bring your monkeys.
and Bring Your Recipe!!
Come have fun because it is going to be a ridiculous good time!

One more thing:
Bring any and all ideas for future zoos with you.
Remember, the "Fall"-idays are fast approaching. So the potential for all things wonderful is ridiculous.

It's time to monkey...

Alrighty folks, let's stop all the monkeying around
(he he he, couldn't help myself)

It's time to get things up and moving again. School is back in session and so are we. So, send your ideas for fun-ness my way and let's get a zoo up and going for the month of September. Be warned, if you don't volunteer I will come up with something all by my alone-ness and you will be forced to do it, and enjoy it.
Also, even if you don't want to host a zoo, send your dire most, inner desires of your heart, and maybe somebody else will volunteer.

Also, I've updated the side panel with some ideas. Click away if you think it would tickle your fancy. Got to go, school is calling... (bleck!)

e-mail. facebook. or call your ideas/wants to me and I will get them to the public.
also, if you know my real e-mail, send it there. I'm awful at checking the g-mail account.

JULY!

Guess what?! We monkey mamas are so amazing we have women coming all the way up from Utah to be with us... ;)
Actually, we are very lucky. Brynn is coming with all her amazing talent on July 24th and she has a couple cute. cute. cute. (did I mention cute?) things for us to do.
So here is the scoop.

There are 3 options, that's right, 3 different projects. I told you Brynn was amazing. Pick and choose to your liking.

1. Kids Rag Skirt

3/4 inch elastic (measure daughters waist) I usually just buy a yard.
two to three different fabrics 1/2 yard each
thread to match

2. Shirt Dress

Men's dress shirt. make sure the dress shirt that you are using is a little longer than you want it on your girl.
3/8" elastic or 1/2" it's what you prefer. I wouldn't go bigger than 1/2"
Matching thread
Ribbon that you might want to add for fun (this can just be added on top or on the top and bottom)

PLEASE have the pocket and the tags CAREFULLY unpicked before coming so that there is time to work on the dress

3. Adult Jean skirt

I have usually used a pair of jeans that was a little too big for me or fit in the legs but gaped in the back. But your own size would probably work as well. If you don't have any then DI is great for finding some. PLEASE have the jeans unpicked before you come. making the skirt will go quick, but it takes a while to unpick and there won't be enough time for both. Just unpick the whole inseam, (up the inside of the legs, around the crouch, and back down the other leg).

I have also made myself a maternity jean skirt before and LOVED it.

Jeans (Baby does not come with the finished product, must get your own)
navy thread or thread that matches the jeans
jean material from fabric store. About 1/2 yard will work just match it to the jeans, or if it doesn't match make sure it is color that looks good in contrast.

Now, date and time (you just might need that...)

Friday, July 24th
LDS Stake Center
9:30 am - 12:30

BE THERE! You'll be so happy. happy.

Anyone up 4 it?

I am making this little (okay big) flag wall plaque sometime this next week for the 4th. I'm wondering if anyone wants to make it with me.

It will be 16" x 28" and cost around $15.

I have enough supplies for 5 women. First come, first serve. (If, of course, anyone even wants to do this...)
Let me (I guess I should tell you this is Brittany) know.

e-mail.
call.
facebook.
comment.

whatever.

April is for APRONS! (part 2)

Remember that I am still super excited?!
Our zoo is one week from today.(Wednesday, April 29th 9-12am) Check out your supply lists if you haven't already, here, here, and here. Amy has also sent me an adorably compromising picture of her young son in a baby chef, so go look at that picture.

Now, a couple new things that have popped up.

1. Angela is offering for y'all to contact her to get the pattern ahead of time in case you want to have your flirty skirty apron cut out ahead of time.
2. Gwen and I are asking y'all (yes, I want to be Jesalee when I grow up) to bring your favorite recipe to share with everyone at this months zoo. I will provide the 3x5 cards, so you only need worry about bringing a master copy for everyone to look at. Won't that be yummy?

Pleated Purse Pattern

I found this very cute purse over on tip junkie (she had found it on my spare time) It has a complete tutorial.

It's super cute huh?

You Can Make This

Awhile back I stumbled upon this amazing website You Can Make This. It's chalk full of patterns to make all the kinds of things your heart could desire. It even gives away free patterns.
Those are my favorite.

There is a free headband pattern

a skull cap, a holiday door hanger, a receiving blanket, and even how to make cute little crochet flowers

and guess what!!!

They've got a free pattern for a chef's hat!

Isn't that just our luck? Perfect timing for April's zoo. So check out the pattern and then buy yourself extra fabric to make a coordinating chef hat for you and your little monkey.

woot. woot.

(Disclaimer: This project will not be taught at April's zoo. Though I am sure there would be several women who could help you figure it out if you needed the assistance.)

All images and links are from YouCanMakeThis.com. A very awesome website which I suggest you check out.

There are even many more possibilities for free that we haven't even tapped into yet.

Go look. I dare you.

April is for APRONS!

Everyone already knows that I am super stoked for this month's zoo. But, in case you didn't get that memo...

I am super stoked for this month's zoo!

As you should be as well.

Amy, Angela, and Kayla have teamed up to bring us 3 incredibly adorable, incredibly functional, and incredibly amazing aprons! I don't know how you couldn't be excited.
The sidebar holds the date and links to all the fabulousness about to happen. Your monkeys are once again welcome as are your friends so invite the heck out of them! Let's get this party started...
(The zoo isn't until the 29th of April but I just couldn't wait... this stuff needs to be celebrated.)

Baby Chef

Amy, I love you.

Not only was she the first (and possibly the only one) to sign up on my sign up list (why don't you like sign up lists people?!), but she fueled the fire for this month's zoo (Wednesday, April 29th 9-12 am) And I couldn't be more excited! Can you tell?

Amy's apron is so brilliant I can't stand it. Finally I will have an apron for my messiest monkey (we affectionately call him pirate boy) and, on top of that, it will be so sturdy and easy, that if by chance he manages to make it spontaneously combust, I will only cry my eyes out for a little while before I just whip him up a new one. (Which, I'm not sure if this apron could spontaneously combust... it's monkey tough!)

YAY!

Did I mention how cute it was yet? Or how brilliant? Or how simple? (At least Amy says it's easy EASY)

Are you sufficiently excited yet? Totally pumped?

Then, let's get the supplies to make ourselves some Baby Chef's:

(Look at that cute little boy.)

• A kitchen towel or hand towel


• A matching hot pad, the square kind not the mitt


• 2 yards of coordinating ribbon, probably 1 inch will do.

That's it. Seriously. That's all you need.

Of course, there is thread and a sewing machine and then accessories if you like. But how much simpler could your supply list get?

Congrats to your monkeys, they will be getting a rockin' awesome apron!

Flirty Skirty Apron

So there was this day, once upon a time, when I was so brash and bold as to ask/tell nearly a complete stranger that she was to co-host our next zoo and come up with something fabulous?

Well aren't you glad I did!

YAY me! Look at what Angela's got for us!

So, actually, it should be YAY Angela. YAY YAY Angela!

Here's what you need:

• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Marking pencil
• Shears
• Measuring tape
• Seam ripper (just in case)
• Iron and ironing board
• 1 yd fabric for front and side
• 1/2 yd fabric for ties, neckstrap and pockets
• 4 1/2 yd jumbo ric-rac - You can find this at JoAnn's or Sierra's
• Thread to match ric-rac
• And most of all....patience!!

But don't be scared. Don't you think it's worth it? I for one do.
We are going to patience our way through this apron and then we are going to wear it when we bake all our bread, and our cookies, and heck, even our meatloaf. And, we're going to look so cute and flirty while we do it, and our husbands will be so happy.
I can see it now.
Come on the 29th and lets start the revolution!

Ruffle Apron

Remember around Valentines day when Kayla forwarded on that adorable apron tute? Well, for this month's zoo (Wednesday April 29th. 9-12am), she will be using that tute from one more moore, plus her own experience, to teach it to all of us!

If you are planning on making it, which you should be planning on making it, you will need the following:

Adult Ruffle Apron:

• 1 piece of fabric cut to 15 1/2" x 20 1/2" for the back of the apron
• 4 pieces of fabric each cut to 6 1/2" x 33 1'/2" for the ruffles (you can choose all the same fabric, alternating, or all different for this. It's whatever you heart desires.)
• 2 pieces of fabric cut to 4 1/2" x 24 1/2" for the apron strings
• 1 piece of fabric, 4 1/2" x 20 1/2", for the band

Coordinate the fabrics as you wish. The pieces don't have to be cut before you show up, but if they are not cut, make sure you bring a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler with you. Kayla does, however, suggest that if you want to have time for all 3 aprons, it would be best if your fabric was already cut.

Now, guess how awesome Kayla is? She has also modified the pattern to be able to make a monkey sized apron as well. My little monkey is going to be stoked! So if you want to make all of your little monkey's dreams come true, bring the following for a monkey sized ruffle apron.

The Monkey Ruffle:

• 1 17" x 13" piece for the back
• 4 4" x 24" pieces for the ruffles
• 1 17" x 4" piece for band
• Ribbon for the apron strings (If you would prefer to sew little ties for your monkey's apron, you will need 2 pieces of fabric cut to 18" x 4")

Irons and ironing boards will be a necessity for this project. As will sewing machines and matching thread.

We Did it Again.

Yesterday's zoo was amazing! So many cute projects, so many cute women, so many cute monkeys. I, for one, had such a good time I couldn't manage to leave. My poor husband was locked outside our house in the cold waiting for my return. (whoops)

A big thanks goes to Emily and Jami for hosting yesterday's festivities. You are such wonderful, creative, beautiful women and we are very lucky to be in your circle of friends.
Congrats goes to Jami by the way.

So did you see all that amazing talent and creativity? Holy Crap! (excuse my language) But man, you women are amazing! Seriously, so much talent in one room should be illegal.

Also, Gwen with her "I won't host another zoo for a long time" goes out of her way to bring supplies for all of our monkeys to make sock puppets. Seriously, her creativity and compassion/charity knows no bounds. Wow. Thank you Gwen, you rock. My kids were so excited about their sock puppets they kept them on for hours yesterday.

So to wrap this up (since I tend to ramble): Wonderful zoo yesterday. It was so great to get together with everyone, flex our creative juices, and just talk every one's ears off.

Oh, a couple more things before I forget. If you know a wonderful women by the name of Amy, give her a big hug and tell her thank you for all she does. I kind of forced her to be our official camera women and what with her being the incredible women she is, she has done an amazing job and has been so giving and wonderful with her time. Thank you Amy. Photos for this months zoo and last months are on our facebook group.

And, since I seem to be in a forcing/coercing kind of mood lately... I may have "suggested" that a couple women be in charge next month... (I promise I'm not bossy. Or maybe I am. Oh no, sorry.)

So here goes: Next month Amy, Kayla, and Angela will be hosting an apron zoo. I for one couldn't be more excited. Keep posted for those details.

(For the record, Amy did sign my sign up sheet and Kayla did send me an e-mail saying she would be willing, and Angela, well she was just too talented not to rope into the idea. Angela, how come I haven't known you before? I really like you. Your creativity is nothing short of inspiring.)

Also, and this is the last one I promise, we have some very talented women waiting in the wings to teach us some baking classes. (Hence one more reason to be uber excited about your aprons) There are just a few details to iron out, but I am so excited for their wonderful talents. And who knows, we might even be blessed with 2 zoos in the month of April...

March's Zoo

All right mamas, this month's zoo is in just a few days,

Wednesday, to be exact.

9-12 am at the stake center.

Please double check over the lists to make sure you have everything you need. And, just in case you didn't see it (since I added it later) Bring your iron and ironing board if you can.

Also, we will be taking care of a few "housekeeping" measures at the very beginning. So...show up on time, or come hunt me down for the 411.

("housekeeping" basically means sign up sheets and the like.)

Also, also, also if you have any ideas, wants, desires of your heart, please bring them with you Wednesday.

Yay for Jami and Emily. This is going to be fun times.