POP-UP ART MARKET!

ART MARKET THIS SUNDAY!!!!!  Noda, arts district in Charlotte!

I have been bustin' my butt getting ready for this art market and I am SO excited! I'll have a booth and so will a few of my girlfriends! I'll be selling a load of my Charlie & Nell dolls, vintage button jewelry, and other old to new goodness.  Jessie  and her shop Lost & Found will have some AMAZING and eclectic baubles, up cycled jewelry and other super cool stuff that you will empty your pockets for! My friend Kim will have a booth as well selling her magazine worthy jewelry from her company SWOON. She uses vintage chains, and broaches to create some of the most stunning pieces I've seen, I'm not even joking! Have you heard of Paige from Light Nest? Um....if you haven't you're in for a treat! She is an amazing seamstress, photographer and artist all the way around! I drool over the bags and vintage blouses she makes. Ah!

 If you are in the area on come out and say "hey," feast on the food trucks, buy some goodies and get some super early holiday shopping done! There will be over 22 different artists and booths displaying and selling their wares and creations! I really hope to see you there!

I have a few more dolls to finish and over 20 pairs of ear-bobs to finish! Until Sunday! Bye lovelies!

 Charlie & Nell Dolls

 Treasures from The Lost & Found

 Jewelry from SWOON vintage

 Amazing wears from Light+Nest

Dolls, Dolls and More Dolls!

After a recent score of yards and yards of vintage fabrics and trims, I have been working away, crafting lots of new dolls for my Charlie & Nell doll shop! Before the new baby comes, I have set some pretty big goals to try and achieve with my little dolly biz.  I also want to get a jump start before fall rolls around (I can't believe it is right around the corner!) eeek!

Of course I absolutely LOVE making these dolls, but I also have some extra motivation to whip these vintage beauties out right now! We have decided to enroll Kael into a two day a week preschool (just for half a day) with a few of his best little friends. I never really thought I would put Forest boy in preschool and especially so young. But, I have been observing how Kael thrives when he is around people and kids his age. (He is truly Mr. Social!) He loves being challenged and having hands on crafts/activities to stimulate him. Let's face it, with having a new born right as he is turning 2, I won't be able to do finger painting and make cotton ball butterflies with him every week. I'd like to, but the reality of that happening is next to zero!  

Actually, it's really perfect timing and an ideal situation on so many levels. One of my closest girl friend's husband is the principal at the school. I got to visit there last year to watch her daughter and my other friend's son perform their Christmas program. It was SO precious! So, my comfort level is beyond at ease. He starts school right around the time of my due date. I'm also hoping to go a wee bit late so I can take him to his first day. This is such a big deal to my momma heart. 

So, I'm super excited and in total sewing mode. I am hoping my dolly business will help supplement and pay for his tuition. My goal is by mid next week to have half of the ones I've finished up in my shop ! (I've been cutting out tons and tons of outfit combos, doll body parts and stitching countless faces for the holiday season, as well!) There are SO many extra sweet dollies I've made this round! I can't wait to show you guys! I'll be doing that very soon....Below are some sneak peek pics of goodies come. ;)  www.charlieandnell.com

I hope you all are having a fabulous week! 

-Jess

37 Weeks

My favorite mini man in: gap jeans I found on sale for $10, gap sandals and an H&M tiger shirt hand-me-down

Sam snapped a couple of quick pictures of my bump bod while we were at the park. Park day clothes : $6 black jersey mini skirt from forever 21, a knit vest my mom got me years ago,  grey shirt/dress from wet seal I found 4 years ago, leather sandals from one of my trips to Israel. 

So, 3-5 weeks left until I hold our new little sunshine. This pregnancy has been pretty easy and it hasn't been until the last few weeks that I've started to feel the "I'm over being pregnant" feeling. For the most part, I like being pregnant. (Minus the throwing up and the aches.)  Chasing around, and enjoying all the new stages of a toddler have made it a bit more taxing on my energy levels, to say the least. I was talking to my midwife about how my workout routine has been next to zilch. Other than a walk in the park here and there, a handful of squats and my vitamin smoothies, workout life has missed me. With Kael, I biked 10 miles several times a week well into my 3rd trimester, did weight training and walked my butt off. Not this go 'round. But, when I break my days down, I conclude that I get an all over body workout pretty much everyday. Cleaning, picking up, playing with and chasing after my little man gives me the calorie burn I need. haha.

This pregnancy has zoomed by, seriously. It's been like a blink. It's just really hit me in the past week or so that we are actually going to have another little personality in the house. Getting so distracted by daily life, I think I've just become used to being pregnant and forgotten what the end of pregnancy means. BABY TIME! :) Sam and I are ready for a newborn to be in the house again. I'm so looking forward to it. Aaaaaaand, at this point, I'm ready to stop waddling. ;)

Here are a handful of differences comparing this pregnancy with Kael's:

* I'm 20 pounds lighter than I was with Forest Kael.

* I'm tanner (thank you mr. pool).

* I'm way less stressed.

* No new stretch marks (The old ones are still there but barely visible, again thank you to mr. sun.).

* A bit more tired (Ok, a lot more tired now. haha).

* No swelling whatsoever this time!

* Way less junk food. (Only 2 milkshakes compared to literally countless with Kael.).

* Naming this little munchkin has been taking quite a bit longer, but I think we've almost narrowed it down.

* I pee way less with this pregnancy, but am drinking more water? Who knows...

* My tummy is carrying this little boy lower and tighter.

* I'm way more sleepy (second time mom syndrome).

I kinda have a feeling that I might go late with this little tug boat, but we'll see. I'm happy either way. I know what it's like to be late so I'm not freaking out. It might be kinda nice to have the extra time to get the last loose ends around the house all organized and just so. But, then again, I'd really like to get this baby in my arms asap and say cheers to the end of a race and to one heck of a party to celebrate! (Lauren, I'm thinking the champagne is a dang perfect idea.) ;)


A little bit of recent happenings, I've been doing serious bulk production of my Charlie & Nell dollies and getting ready to add a ton of stock to my store! More updates on that very soon!

Park Day

Kael has been so obsessed with farm animals lately, especially horses and cows, it's so precious. We have a green way, not too far from our house and decided to take our little buddy to see and enjoy their farm animals. His face was pure joy when he saw the horses grazing. His little voice started making horse and cow sounds. I could feel my Texas heart swell with pride as he fearlessly fed and patted them. (I used to be a cowgirl, no joke. Longhorns, wranglers, bareback riding and all.) He roamed, found magical sticks, climbed up 100 year old porches of the cabins on the property and explored the trails with us. 

A hysterical moment happened when his first time worn, vintage Alf shoes, which he LOVED, started to fall to pieces as he ran through a field. The soles just started falling off. (This boy loves him some shoes, and fine threads.) He was seriously upset and distraught that his beloved shoes were ruined.  He looked so confused. I felt so bad for him, but it was SO, so funny. Sweet boy. Thankfully I packed an extra pair of sandals,  just in case and our day continued.  

It was such a wonderful, simple time with the 3, almost 4 of us.  I'm so glad we went. It was kinda last minute and didn't make all that much sense to go, seeing we had tons to do before an out of town wedding trip. But, years down the road I'll remember the sweetness of the time we made for this little adventure. I won't remember all the stuff we had to do once we got home. That's the beauty of happy memories. 

Oh little boy, knowing we can make your heart happy is the most amazing feeling for your daddy and me. We talked about that very fact driving down to see your beloved horses and cows today. You are our happiest smile. Love you little handsome. More adventures to come. 

37 Weeks with our new  handsome little boho boy. I can't wait to bring my boys here to romp around and explore together.

Daddy kisses are the best. The love between these two makes my heart burst. This thing, this experience called life, keeps having more meaning and more beauty every step of the journey.  

35 Weeks

The reality that my little adventurer #2 is almost here is blowing my mind. 5 more weeks (if I'm not overdue). 5 weeks!? Seasoned moms always say it goes by so much faster after you have had your first. It's definitely been that way with this pregnancy. I have to say, I've experienced so many more bold emotions of love with this little boy earlier on, as he ripens away in my tummy, than I did with Kael. With Forest boy, I didn't know what it was to be a momma. I learned what a mother's love is with him, this time I know. I didn't fully understand what exactly I was looking forward to with Kael. With this new little boy, I'm expecting the known goodness of new love from a place of having experienced it. I can't wait to explore the world together as a family of 4. The whole family of 4 thing of course is unknown and uncharted territory for me. (There's a little bit of an "eek!" in my soul, not gonna pretend to be fully confident in all that yet.)  

I'm carrying this little boy so much differently, in so many ways. (20 lbs lighter than pregnancy #1...maybe it's the no milkshake rule that I've given myself this go round. haha.) I just can't wait to hold him, kiss his face, to look into his wondering little eyes, peaking into his new, wee soul. Gah, my world is about to be blasted with a new wonderful chapter of love. I'm not just about to have another little love, I'm giving Kael his best friend. *tears*  Will I really have two little stinkers running around in my living room next year!?  Hello to my world of boys! Yay! 

The necklace I'm wearing is a Mala, a type of prayer beads from Tiny Devotions! I LOVE them and I love their company! I wear them everyday and plan on wearing them during labor. This one is the Amazonite mala that encourages love, without fear or anxiety. As I wear them, I'm reminded to let the stresses of the day take their priority at the bottom of my heart. 

Mala from Tiny Devotions

Free People skirt
Minnetonka Moccasins 

Aunt Jess

seriously? <3

My beautiful little nephew, Laef Owen was born last week. He's so precious I can't even handle it. It was a crazy experience watching him being born. It was so surreal sitting back and watching this little life say hello to the world for the first time (and NOT being the one in labor.) Every time my sister in law would push, I would have to remind myself to breathe and relax. ha. Birth, in all it's grossness, pain and newness is so magical. Life is magical, it's miraculous and beautiful.  Hearing his little cry for the first time... undid me.  Aunt Jess loves you little Laef. <3

5 weeks left (I hope) until my new little bear is in my arms. Time is zipping by so fast, so dang fast.

Another little man came into our lives last week as well! One of my closest friends, Lorean had her handsome little Asher Bristow the day before Laef arrived! You should read her birth story here. She and I had similar crazy first births and my heart was SO encouraged by the awesomeness of round 2 for her. (Please Lord!) Asher is a dreamy little bundle of yumminess. Sigh. All these babies, thank God I'm about to have a baby... other wise my baby fever would be out of control. haha.

look at those new born rolls! ah! 

My Little Soul

Little boy, you are magical. I cannot tell you how much fun I have had with you these past couple of weeks. It's like I'm getting views into your little soul that I've never had before. Watching you enjoy is the ultimate kiss from life. How is it that you are so amazing? I'm finding that when I hear you call my name so distinctly from the other room, it's like you are singing a love song to me. You call me with such assurance in your voice that my love is yours. As your eyes light up like fireworks when you hear your daddy open the door, coming home from work, I literally feel like my being cannot handle any more goodness. Hearing your squeals and your giggles as you guys wrestle on the living room floor and seeing the joy bursting from your daddy's eyes as you play, takes my happiness to a whole new level of perfection.  On our way to the swimming pool this week, I was singing to you and I caught you looking at me in the rearview mirror with the most adoring look I've ever seen you have. My heart couldn't take it. Our life is so full.


The things you like most lately are: you make any and everything some sort of a gun. Sound effects and all. (I have to say, I think it's the cutest and boyish thing ever.)

Brushing your teeth. Dear goodness you LOVE this right now.

Anyone who gets on floor level with you must be a horse, needing a rider. haha.

Swimming. You love splashing, wading and now venturing out into the deep end. You think you are quite the stud. I agree with you. ;)

You can't get enough of your drums, seeing someone play them or creating your own.

I love you little soul. I can't wait for all the new adventures that are waiting for us!

Love,

Momma

How To Tie A Bow Tie

A friend of Sam's made this and posted it last week. I thought it was pretty fabulous. Enjoy! 

Did you all have a fun and fantastic 4th of July!? We had a sweet, simple and wonderful day! I'll post some pics later today! I can't WAIT to show you pictures and a video from the shower we threw my friend Kate last weekend!!!! Ah! It was lovely! Hope you're having a wonderful week! 

Days with My Dapper Boys

Man, the past two weeks have been really full. Full of goodness and lots of plans for celebrations. Samuel and I have been in full gear of preparing our house for 2 boys. We bought another crib, cleared out our guest room/office to transform it into a play room and made space for Sam's workspace in our room. (Can you say amazing desk that I LOVE from Ikea?!) I know I've said it before, and will say it until the new little mini is here, but I'm trying to soak up every minute with Kael - extra book readings, play days and silly crazy moments. Today, we spent the whole day at the pool. We splashed, made "soup" with lots of buckets and soaked up the sun together with friends. I finished the afternoon with a spontaneous drop by at my mom and dad's, which turned into a coffee and cupcake date. Life is so much more enjoyable when I relax, stop juggling everything and everyone and truly living presently in the moment. Here's to more simple, happy, summer days.

One of my besties Kristina sent this sweet dapper hat to Kael for his first birthday and it has been re-discovered with lots of smiles. <3

Elmo slippers, 4T rock t-shirt, hat...everyday perfection ;) 

Sam, myself and our amazing friends, Kate and Jason, spent the day in Asheville last week. The boys had some filming to do and we had some eating and shopping to knock out. ;) Kate is expecting her first little sweet boy this mid-September!  We are bumpies together!!! She is so lovely. 

Kael hoop dancing with some cool hippies in downtown Asheville. My heart was pretty much bursting and they were the sweetest; totally encouraging him to join them. <3

 I found a pretty awesome beat up copper bell at a little shop in Asheville for $2...new fav necklace. ;)  (Plus some pretty sweet Mala beads from Tiny Devotions.) 

Took my guy out for Father's day breakfast. 

Spent the rest of the day with my amazing folks for Father's day...my dad is pretty much the bomb. 

Playing with daddy. (Sam is the most amazing guy. Best dad, friend and everything else. It's so fun learning how to be a parent,  grown up and better artist alongside of him. ;) 

Sketched and designed a tattoo for a girlfriend. (She wanted 3 arrows for her 3 boys)

Helping daddy put together our amazing new desk! (Ah! We are having SOOOO much fun nesting and really putting time and purposed energy into making our house more personally ours.) 

From our pool day today...

(Gran, did you enjoy all of these pictures!? I'm going to be sending you lots of copies of them, so get ready!)