Blush and Bashful Studio: Review & Giveaway

Desiree, the writer of the blog Wee Share, contacted me and generously offered to write a review of Blush and Bashful Studio! I sent her one of my puff stitch beanies with the felt owl applique. Please check out her review and enter to win a free flower beanie!

Summer 2009

First of all, I know I have been slacking BIG TIME with updating the blog. I will not let it happen again mainly because it took FOREVER to load all the pictures to the slide show. =)

The last update about our family was the news of Kylie getting her 3rd tooth. Since then three more have broken through. She now has all four center bottom teeth and the two center top teeth. I'm so proud of my tough little girl, she has her whiny moments but for the most part she has been so good.

For our first family vacation we went to Catalina Island with my parents and sister. The trip over to the island on the Catalina Express was fine, I tend to get a little sea sick =/, Kylie did great and wanted to walk despite the fact that she could barely stand with the boat rocking. =) Our first afternoon we took a tour of Catalina which was beautiful. The most exciting part of the tour was when I recognized a man following our tour in his golf cart. I knew he played Nicollette Sheridan's husband on Desperate Housewives., his name is Neal McDonough and he's crazy on the show. I was so excited to see a "celebrity", who wouldn't be? Kylie was having fun but fell asleep by then end. We then took her back to the hotel and everyone took a nap. The next day we spent at the beach, Kylie was perfectly content sitting on a beach towel and playing with her sand toys. Steven and I however made her feel the water, she did not like it. Then she was happy sitting in the sand and playing with her toys, until I stopped her rom eating sand, then she was done and wanted to go back to her towel. My mom and I shopped while everyone else took an afternoon nap. That night we went on a tour to see the flying fish. We highly recommend it, it was awesome. The sky was gorgeous and seeing the lights in Avalon were gorgeous. Kylie was sound asleep on my lap the whole time and went straight to bed when we got back to the hotel. The next day we walked around visiting the sites of Catalina, most important the Casino, Steven was disappointed that there was no actual gambling. We also found a "private beach" that we're definitely going to spend more time at next time we go. It was a great trip and we literally could not have done it without my family, the amount of luggage that one little girl requires is amazing.

July 31st marked our 5th anniversary. We had a great dinner at our favorite restaurant Mario's and my mom and sister watched Kylie. As a anniversary gift my parents got us the pasta attachment for my Kitchenaid mixer and ravioli cutters, although I highly doubt Steven will ever use it. =) I love it! I made yummy ravioli that I've made before but it was 1000x easier and looked so much prettier. I hope to make much more in the future.

Our next family vacation was a road trip to Reno to visit Steven's grandparents and his Uncle Steve, Aunt Darci and cousins JJ and Alex. The morning our road trip began we left the house at 3am. Kylie was awake for the first hour of our trip but luckily fell asleep for the next 3 hours. We stopped to have breakfast in Bishop and of course get Starbucks (Yes Steven drank Starbucks more than once this trip!) Before we hit Yosemite we saw deer in the road and had a rock hit and crack our windshield. I love the drive because I was able to crochet. =) We reached our destination (Steven's grandparent's house) around noon, just in time for Kylie's lunch and nap. Steven's parents arrived a few hours late, then it was dinner and finally bed time. What a long day! The next day Steven, Kylie and I headed to Tahoe for the night. We enjoyed a relaxing day driving around the lake, walking around and having lunch. We had a great dinner at Garwoods, I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Tahoe area. The next morning we took Kylie to the baby pool at the hotel, she was hesitant at first but ended up having lots of fun, it also helped that we were the only ones there, we headed back to Reno in time for Kylie's nap. The next day we all went to Boca Lake to play on the Sea Doos. Kylie was content sitting on the beach most of the time, the water was too cold for her and she wanted nothing to do with the Sea Doos. Steven and I had fun riding around and relaxing too. That afternoon/night I was getting everything ready for our trip home the next day before we all went out for dinner. Steven and I really wanted to take Kylie over to Steven and Darci's house to see the chickens. She loved them and their dogs, we were having a great time until Steven began saying that something was wrong with his eyes. He went outside to get some fresh air and when he got back his right eye was swollen shut. LONG story short, we ended up taking him to the emergency room and thankfully it was only an allergic reaction and not anything more serious. Needless to say Steven wasn't exactly able to drive, so I was given the responsibility to get us home safely. It was a long day and we were exhausted but SO HAPPY to finally be home!

A few days later we headed down to San Diego, once again with my parents and Kimberly. We spent the day at Sea World, Kylie's second trip. This time I think she was much more interested in the animals. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time.

The next day we went to the Del Mar Race Track, one of our favorite things to do. We brought Kylie to Del Mar when she was just 2 months old so she is an old pro at horse racing. Along with my family, Kylie's Uncle Jeff and a friend were able to spend the day with us, which was fun since he was not able to come to Reno. Sadly, no one took home any money. Kylie loved looking at the horses and one jockey even waved at her, we bet on his horse but I think he came in last place. We'll have to try again next year.

Kylie also participated in the Nordstrom Kids Fashion Show. She did great but everything was so unorganized I would probably not have her do it again. The last big event of the summer was Kylie's first Angel game, we went on a Sunday afternoon and it was HOT. Kylie's Uncle Michael and his friend were able to come along with us. She was so good despite how deathly hot it was, Steven bought her a rally monkey that she fell in love with and a good time was had by all.

If you made it through this entire post, congratulations =). I told you Kylie had a busy summer, I'm just glad she let Steven and I tag along.

Blush and Bashful Studio

I've been working very hard on adding new items to my Etsy shop. Unfortunately, still no sales but I haven't given up hope. I've created a blog solely dedicated to my shop with the items listed on my shop as well as information on upcoming items. I'm very excited about the new items I will be posting very soon. Please tell anyone you think would be interested about Blush and Bashful Studio.

I will have new postings about Kylie soon. She has had a very busy Summer. =)

Number 3

Last Friday Kylie's 3rd tooth FINALLY broke through, we had been watching and waiting for weeks. It is right next to her bottom right tooth. It looks like #4 won't be too far behind (hopefully) and will be on the left. The top teeth and no where in sight. Just our luck she is going to get a handfull all at once, I will need a vacation (and a margarita) if that happens.

At this rate she may have all her teeth by the time Kindergarten starts. =)

Kylie's 1st Birthday Party

Kylie's birthday party was a big hit! The day was beautiful and our little girl had lots of fun. I was so happy to see all my hard work come together. I have to give a huge THANK YOU to my parents, not only for offering to host the party at their home but also for all their help leading up to the big day. Also my very understanding husband, who pretty much let me do whatever I wanted, knowing this day was most important to me. Just wait until she gets married =), I may have to hide the credit card bills then. Thank you everyone who came, for those who were unable to make it, we missed you. We are so blessed with great friends and family, all who clearly love our little girl very much.

I guess posting pictures of Kylie's birthday party a month later isn't too bad. Kylie received so many wonderful presents on her birthday, one in particular will help me save the memories of the day for Kylie to keep forever. My good friend Brooke bought Kylie a scrapbook to preserve all the memories for her big day. I found a website where I was able to create digital scrapbook pages. Scrapblog.com is wonderful! I was able to work on the scrapbook when I had a free moment without having to clear a table to work on. Here are some of the pages that I've completed. I may add a few more later.

Here are the pictures from the big party. Thank you everyone who sent me your pictures.

1 Year Pictures

Just a few days after her first birthday Kylie took pictures with our favorite photography studio Cean One. This time our photographer was Paul, he did an amazing job, look how gorgeous the pictures came out. ♥

I'm working on a digital scrapbook with all the pictures from her birthday, hopefully I'll have it ready to post soon.

Audrey Anne Arciniega

We proudly announce the birth of Audrey Anne Arciniega, born to Kylie's godparents and our cousins Scott and Kelly Arciniega. She was born at 6:20p.m. weighing in at 8 pounds, 11 ounces, 19 inches long. We were at the hospital for her birth but we're unable to see her as Kylie's bedtime approached. Hopefully we get to see the little family tomorrow along with big brother Ethan.

Welcome to the world and this crazy family little Audrey!

Swim Lessons

In April I signed Kylie up for swim lessons with a retired firefighter who has been teaching for 10 years here in Riverside. My good friend Carrie told me about the classes and we were able to get into the same class. The swim lessons started just 3 days after her 1st birthday, they would last for 2 weeks 4 days a week. One interesting thing I learned when we arrived on our first day is that the instructor is allergic to lotion, before we could get in the water we had to rinse ourselves and our little ones off if we had lotion on. He did tell us that we would need to buy wide brimmed hats to give shade to ourselves and our babies.

Only minutes after getting into the water we were told that as first time moms we would cry. I can happily report that no one in my "mommy and me" group cried at any point in the 2 week session. =) Day 1 was hard, I counted 1-2-3 and dunked Kylie into the water, she became much better at doing this as the lessons progressed. I like the fact that we did everything on 3, Kylie became very aware of what we were going to do and would hold her breath or close her mouth as necessary.

Kylie in her car seat after the first day.

Some other things we worked on were leg kicks, arm pulls (teaching them to move their arms while swimming) and holding onto the wall. I would pull Kylie into the pool and teach her to kick to the top and grab the side of the pool, obviously she didn't quite master it but it is something that I know how to work on with her. By the end of the classes she was learning how to kick her legs when I pulled her in the pool. Steven was able to come watch our last lesson. I tried to warn him as best I could so that he wouldn't be too shocked at what we had been doing. =)

Kylie waving to daddy, me in my horrible hat.

When we were told at the beginning at the last lesson that ALL children would be "jumping" off of the wall that was about 3 feet from the pool into the pool, Carrie and I thought all the kids but the under 3 years group. Then we heard the dreaded words "Mommy and Me group you're next". WHAT?!?! This is the first point in the whole time that I was really freaking out. My poor baby was going to be dropped into the pool from 3 feet above, not to mention the part of the pool she was being dropped into was 6-7 feet deep. I was treading water along with a lifeguard waiting for her. She was crying and upset before she went in but not because she was scared about was going to happened, by this point she was scared of the swim instructor. She did great, she doesn't float up as much as the other kids because her head weighs so much compared to the rest of her body. The lifeguard grabbed her and she was not happy, but got over it pretty quickly, she was more upset the first day after being dunked in the water.

Kylie and Carter after swimming, Kylie wanted to be held.

I know that their may be some moms out their that couldn't do that to their baby, but it is important to Steven and I that Kylie learns to swim as early as possibly, especially with both her grandparents having pools. She is no scared of the pool either, I thought for sure she would freak out being near the pool let alone in it after her first day, but that's not the case at all. I just think about what the swim instructor said:

• You don't hear the big slash when kids fall in the pool, many times you don't hear anything
• It can take only 30 seconds for s child to dr
• If they are crying they are breathing
• Never dunk them when they are sneezing or coughing since they can get water in their lungs and drown

Kylie will be our little fish in no time. =)

Happy Birthday Kylie Bug!

Kylie standing while watching TV and "dancing"

Tonight at 6:13p.m. Kylie Marie will be 1 year old. Today Steven and I took her to get a hand and footprint mold taken, she also had one taken at the hospital after she was born, we should get it in a few weeks. Right now Kylie is napping, once she wakes up we are going to take her to Tom's Farms where we can all enjoy lunch. I know she won't remember today but I always want her to know that her birthday is a very special day.

The time has gone by so fast but I wouldn't change a second if it. Instead of being sad that I will never have the moments from the first year with her again, I feel blessed that I had those moments and look forward to all the new moments I get to see her experience. There is one emotion that I really didn't expect to feel so strongly when Kylie was born was feeling so territorial over her. I've done my best to share her with everyone, but at the end of the day, I carried her for 9 months, she is a part of me and I don't like when people try to tell me what to do with my daughter. I hope in time they will learn, but I guess it doesn't matter since Steven and I are the final say in all things Kylie related.

I love to think that Steven and I have done a great job with Kylie this year, of course she has been such an easy baby, I hope we can keep this good momentum up. Her big birthday party bash is tomorrow! I can only hope that with all my planning everything with turn out great. I will post pictures and hopefully some video of the big day.

Happy Birthday Kylie! We LOVE you!

Steven's First Post!

Finally, after several weeks of lurking behind the scenes, I decided to make my first blog post. Although I work with computers and am basically online all day, I rarely spend any time posting or contributing to discussions on the internet (ie. see my limited activity on my facebook account).

To just bring everyone up to date with what I'm currently doing/involved in, I'm working for PlantCML down in Temecula as a Software Developer.  Our core product is 9-1-1 telephone software for PSAP's (Public Safety Answering Points), the center that answers your call if you ever dial 911.  It's a pretty interesting domain to be working in, and pretty cool to know the work you do helps first responders out in the field save lives.

In addition to my full-time job, I still do some consulting work for my previous company ISD Corporation in Corona.  This is a perfect example why you never want to burn any bridges.  I'm able to work from home, and this has been nice to get a little extra income.  ISD does Court Case Management Software for several counties in CA (including Riverside and San Bernardino).  Just a warning, don't get into any legal trouble in Riverside/San Bernardino cause I'll find out about it =)

My weekly workout/hobby is an ice hockey team that my twin brother Jeff and I play on.  Our team is the Avalanche and we play our games over at IceTown in Riverside (off Magnolia by the Tyler Mall).  It's a lot of fun and a GREAT workout, I've been playing about a year now, and am getting better.  I'm still getting used to the ice skating part, we used to play a lot of roller hockey growing up, so I'm still a much better roller blader then I am an ice skater.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, the real love of my life is my family. Rebecca has been a wonderful wife, and an even better mother.  She continually amazes me in her strength, love and devotion she has to our family and household. 

The other girl in my life, of course is Kylie.  Where do I begin...Wow what a year (almost) this has been.  It's so true when people say there's nothing like having a child.  I can still remember the day she was born, and the experience truly is like nothing else you'll ever go through (and I had the easy job).  This has easily been the best year of my life (up till now).  Watching her go from being unable to do much of anything, to rolling over, to sitting up, then standing up, then crawling, walking and getting her first teeth has been awesome.  My only regret is that she seems to be growing up too quickly.  

Anyways, I think I've rambled on long enough.  That's all for now.

Computer Monitor For Sale!

We're selling our old 17" LCD Monitor. Please check out the ad on Craig's list if you or anyone you know would be interested.

Thanks!

We have a WALKER!

This started at 11 months!

Kylie walking.

Invitations

Today I finally mailed Kylie's birthday invitations. Months and months ago when I started planning Kylie's first birthday I was determined to find the perfect theme for her. Of course the theme I was dead set on and could picture in my mind did not exist. I did find another theme that I am very happy with, however, I did not like the invitations. After spending quite a bit of time looking for alternatives I had a thought, I'd make them myself. I could not be happier with the outcome and I was able to mail invitations out that I was truly proud of.

While making the invitations I found that I had a true passion for creating unique invitations. With Steven's encouragement I decided to start my own customizable invitation "shop" called, Blush and Bashful Studio. I started the shop on a website that is a marketplace for people who handmake products http://www.etsy.com/. I fell in love with Etsy since Kylie was born and have found many wonderful handmade items that I could not find anywhere else (including her birthday outfit). The name Blush and Bashful Studio comes from one of my all time FAVORITE movies Steel Magnolias, it really is too hard to explain so if you haven't seen the movie I suggest you rent it immediately!

I'm trying to be as patient as possible while waiting for orders to start with my new business. Please, if you or anyone you know is looking for invitations please direct them to my shop. I have some samples up but I would love to speak to you and create something very special.

Please visit my shop! I also have a link to it on the side ------->

Kylie's invitations

Kylie's First Birthday!

My First Mother's Day!

I figure writing about my first mother's day is better late than never.

My day started off great, Steven got Kylie up and gave her a bottle. I was able to enjoy my time with her feeding her cereal. Steven made me pancakes, then we got ready to go over to Nana's for brunch.

I love that I was able to spend most of my Mother's Day with the women who have shown me how to be the mother I've become. Most importantly my mom, I don't know what I'd do without her. She became Kylie's "Mema" way before she was born and never tries to tell me how or what I should be doing. She loves Kylie simply because she is Kylie, and we love her for so many other reasons. My Nana and Aunts who have constantly supportive and give advice when needed. I had a wonderfully relaxing time with them. I'm so glad Kylie will grow up with strong women around her.

After brunch we went to my parents house. It was Kylie's nap time so once she was asleep we went swimming. I love their pool and can't believe they didn't get it until I moved out. I would have stayed floating in the pool all day if I could have.

After swimming we went to Steven's parents house for dinner. It was nice, we were able to see his Aunt Karen and The Reyes.

All in all it was a great first Mother's Day. I can't wait for the many more to come!

Here are a few pictures of Kylie and I during our first 10 months together.

Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers

On Saturday May 9th, my mom, Kimberly and I participated in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers.  

My day started at 3:30 a.m., I'm sure their day started around that time.  We were part of the Haz-Mat Trans Inc. Team and met everyone in San Bernardino.  Kimberly's friend Savannah and her mom Ronda were nice enough to pick us up.  The highlight of my morning was stopping by Starbucks (thank goodness they open at 5:00 a.m.).  =)  We rode down to LA in a bus that was pretty nice and comfy.  

We were dropped off right next to the Coliseum, we then walked to get out shirts and put on signs if we wanted to.  Meanwhile Christina Applegate (Samantha Who), Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives), Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious) were all speaking on the main stage.  Miley Cyrus and her mom Tish were also there, as were Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough (Dancing with the Stars).  

It was really moving to see how many people have been effected by cancer and all the people that were there determined to find a cure.  I'm so happy that I can be one of the lucky people who still has my mom, unfortunately so many around us were walking in remembrance of someone.  

Needless to say my mom, Kimberly and I are hooked.  As we were walking were we making plans to walk in the Susan G. Komen walk in Temecula in October.  This year we hope to have a bigger group to join in our new annual tradition.

Here are some pictures from our day.

 

Cover Girl

Kylie has been entered into 2 magazine cover photo contests.

The first was suggested by her proud Papa (Wayne), who heard about it on Good Morning America. It is with babytalk Magazine.  You can't see the picture we submitted but trust me its cute. =)

The second contest is with the Parents Magazine that I subscribe to.  With this contest we were able to create and album.  If you get a chance please go online to rate Kylie's pictures, unfortunately it doesn't help her chances of winning.

Keep your fingers crossed for our future cover model.  

Printer for Sale!

I almost forgot, we're selling our old printer on Craig's List Please let me know if you are interested or know anyone who would be.

Kylie and the Boys

Before Kylie was born Steven and I had two cats, Rascal and Scout, they are our boys. Some people were concerned about how the cats would be with "the baby" but we weren't, we know our cats and if they don't like something they stay away from it, they wouldn't attack her. Well the first few months of Kylie's life they were more interested in her things (i.e. her swing, the boppy, etc...) than they were in her. Now, Rascal lets Kylie get close but not too close, he knows that she pulls on his fur and isn't about to let that happen. She does chase him when she is in her walker, I think she thinks he is playing with her, not running in fear. =). On the other hand there is Scout, our fluffy boy who lets Kylie abuse him endlessly and doesn't mind one bit because she is paying attention to him. This week, before I've gone get her up in the morning, I have been leaving her bedroom door open (it is usually shut since the cats would sleep in her crib all day). This is what I have found.


I fear that Scout's future has him being dressed up in doll clothes and participating in Tea Parties. =)



I should have good posts for next week. My Mom, Kimberly and I are walking in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women in LA and Kylie gets to spend the day with Steven. Also, I get to celebrate my first Mother's Day!

Kylie's Latest Adventures

This should get everyone caught up on what's been going on with us...

Yesterday Kylie took her 10 month old pictures with our favorite photographer Cean. You can view the pictures here. Warning: there are naked baby pictures and she was very comfortable taking them, uh oh.

Kylie was invited over to her future in-laws house to go swimming with her betrothed Carter. This was Kylie's first time in a swimming pool of any kind and she did great. She was a little unsure at first but after a while she played like she does during bath time. Now that she has conquered the baby pool she is ready to have lots of fun this summer in her Mema & Papa's pool. =)





Since we had such a warm weekend Steven and I took Kylie to the park. She can't do too much there right now but she really does love the swings. The slide she's not to sure about, we'll work on it...

We had a very busy Easter, to make things a little easier we went to church the night before. We put Kylie in the Nursery for the first time. She was assigned the number 5000 in case she freaked out and they needed one of us to come get her. Needless to say Steven and I were watching for the number to come up the whole service. Happily, she did great and was very happy to see us. =) Next time we may not be so lucky since she'll realize that we're leaving her with strangers.

Easter morning Kylie opened her Easter basket which contained, Puffs (some of her favorites), a book, and some ladybug Easter eggs. It’s so nice that she is at the age where she is happy getting anything and if she doesn't get anything she doesn't care. =)

Of course Kylie wasn't able to open her Easter basket completely on her own. Our curious cat Scout just needed to know what she was getting. He was very interested in watching her look at everything. He loves her and lets her abuse him.

We went to Brunch at Victoria Club with Steven's family. There was a person dressed as the Easter bunny. Steven and I were a little worried that Kylie would be scared of it, but our brave girl loved it. She wanted to bite its face and she actually let it hold her.

Kylie looking at a ladybug.

After brunch we went over to Nana's house. For those who don't know my family has a money egg hunt for the adults. There is a $5 buy-in and clues (which are necessary) are $1/each. Its very serious and has lasted for hours in previous years. This year my Uncle Art and Aunt Joani were in charge of hiding the egg which meant the egg could be anywhere. Just to give you an idea of where they hid the egg in past years:

• in a grapefruit (yes IN one)
• froze it in a block of ice and put it in with the drinks
• cut out the middle of a Harry Potter book (my aunt pretended she was reading the book)
• in dirt with dirt glued to it
• inside a Dr. Pepper can

just to name a few. This year I can happily report that Steven and Kylie's godfather Scott found the egg together. Long story short, it ended up being glued to the bottom of a sippy cup. Since Steven and I hid the egg last year (oh so very stressful), we decided that Scott and Kelly can hide it next year.

Sorry it was so long. =)

Kylie with the Easter Bunnies

Kylie LOVED the bunnies and she did such a good job. Thanks to my Aunt Di for letting us know when the photographer would be coming to the school. =)