{we're back!}

Source: asortafairytaleblog.com via Claudia on Pinterest

Hey folks! We're back from a long weekend in West Virginia. Sorry for the unannounced hiatus, but we try to be careful about the whole "don't announce to the world that you house will be empty for 4 days" thing. Our vacation was so much fun, and just what our little family needed. Since returning home, I've started decorating for Christmas (not going crazy this year; stockings hung and nativity set up, tree will go up soon), Jack has started teething, and Emma got her first hair cut (done by yours truly!).

Hopefully things will return to normal soon and I'll be able to start posting regularly again. We've got a busy week and busy weekend ahead, so I'll pop in when I can. Have a great week!

ps. Isn't that ornament adorable? I'm thinking about doing those with Emma and Jack for our tree... they would make cute gifts for the grandparents, too!

{yum}

{via}

I love chocolate chip pancakes and love the idea of doing this as a birthday breakfast. 

Using ice cream instead of syrup is an amazing idea (especially if the pancakes are still hot!).

Have you noticed that I'm on a bit of a birthday ideas kick lately? I've been forcing myself to wait until after thanksgiving to think about Christmas, so I've been focusing on birthday ideas instead. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week {we'll be spending it with family and friends}. I might pop in once or twice but won't be posting regularly. Ciao, lovelies!

succulents

{via}

I'm loving succulents these days. They seem to be the perfect plants for winter - low maintenance, simple, but pretty. Design Sponge did this post a while ago showing how to create a bouquet with succulents. I love it!

{emma style}

Sweater - Gymboree (gift from Mimi)

LS Onesie - Oshkosh (gift from Mommom)

Pants - Old Navy

Shoes - Kohls

Emma loves slides. She's fearless and always goes straight for the slide at the playground. This one had lots of static and made her hair stand straight up!

{rock&shop}

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Aren't these photos gorgeous? The dress with the blazer is definitely my favorite look. They're from a promo shoot for the Rock and Shop Market in North Carolina. If you live near Durham, you should
definitely check it out. They feature local bands and local designers, plus their website is pretty :).

{hello, monday}

How was everyone's week last week? I was glad to give myself a break from blogging. It was becoming
more overwhelming than enjoyable, and I'm definitely of the mind that if you're not having fun you
should do something different! We spent the week playing with friends, organizing our winter clothes,
and then ended it yesterday with a trip to Winchester, VA with the hubby and kids.
What were you up to this weekend?


Not sure yet if I'll be having a Monday Giveaway today, but check back later just in case!

{beautiful}

{via}

Just stopping in to share this gorgeous photo with you all. I love everything in it: the snow on the trees out the window, the wreath, the curtains, the floor, the quilt (and I'm so not a quilt person). The gifts by the bed are adorable. Wouldn't that be a fun birthday tradition - waking up to all your gifts in a pile by your bed? 

Can you believe it's almost winter? I've been keeping warm by snuggling my babies :).

Have a lovely weekend!

{taking a break}

Hello lovely readers, I'm just popping in to let you know that I'll be taking a break from married lane this week. I've felt like things have spiraled out of control a bit and I need to take a week to pray, get rejuvenated and get back on track. Please pray for me if you think about it; I could use lots of encouragement and love.

2hands Week {a winner!}

I'll email you with instructions! 

Thanks so much to everyone for entering!

{be there!}

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2hands week {vendor feature - whoop}

{vintage bead necklace, $25}

{starry night "fascinator" hair clip, $15}

{up-cycled cocktail ring, $17}

Some pretty things from Dana's Etsy shop, Whoop. Bonus: they'll also be at the 2hands Indie Craft Market this Saturday! I'm especially in love with the cocktail ring. If I buy one do my chances of getting invited to a cocktail party go up? ;)

2hands Week {vendor feature - 2hands studios}

Things have been a bit of a roller coaster around here lately, and I could use a break! So for today's feature, grab yourself a nice cup of hot coffee (or tea if you prefer), relax, and let the beautiful things available at 2hands Studios take your mind to a happy {nautical} place! 

Who are you?

2hands Studios is a collaboration between Jill, Ally & Carleen. We were friends first, each of us working on our own individual lines, which we still do. After many cups of coffee and lots of show and tell sessions, we decided to open a studio where we could combine our talents in sewing, felting and jewelry design and create a wedding accessories line. 

Where are you based?


Annapolis, Maryland 

{sentiment flag, ahoy, $5.75}

How did you get started with Etsy?

Etsy gives artists instant access to a demographic of shoppers who appreciate artist made. It's really a no-brainier to have an Etsy store and tap into their huge of community, not only for selling our work, but also for buying supplies and being customers ourselves. We're constantly drooling over other artist's work and getting inspiration from all the talent that Etsy showcases.   

{personalized wedding hanger, $20}

What would we be most surprised to learn about you?

Well I don't know if this is much of a surprise, but we also organize a craft market called 2hands Indie Craft Market. It's this Saturday, November 5th from 10 - 2, at Holy Grounds Youth Center in Severna Park. There are 30 crafters and musicians on tap and the caliber of craft can be described in one word - awesome! More info can be found at 2handsmarket.com.     

Is the studio your full-time job?

We are full time craftspeople. We also maintain our own individual lines which are also available through Etsy and at local boutiques and Whole Foods stores around the Mid-Atlantic.

{heirloom silk ruffled clutch, $45}

Of the items currently for sale, which is your favorite?

We are having so much fun cutting up used sails and up-cycling them into flower clips and flags. It feels so good to breathe new life and energy into something that was headed for the discard pile.

You can win one of their adorable flower clips here!

{recycled sail & ticking bouquet, $190}

And finally, where did you get the idea for your shop name?


It all started with the Ben Harper song, With My Own Two Hands. It's a beautiful song that speaks to how each person can change the world with small gestures. Our work is a catalyst for allowing us to donate to causes that are close to our heart. The name also reinforces that our products are handmade by us. Although, it seems we're up to six hands at this point.

Can't get enough of these adorable ladies? Like their facebook page and
follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

Be sure to check out their shop and enter this week's giveaway!

{knittybutton}

We're all a bit under the weather, so our halloween consisted of me putting Emma in her disney lion costume (Nala from the Lion King) and Jack in his winter coverall that has little lion ears and walking up the block to my mom's house. I didn't even take any pictures! So I thought I'd share this adorable photo with you instead.

This is my friend Ali's son, Sam. Is that not one of the cutest costumes you've ever seen? Ali knitted the costume herself! I absolutely love it. To see more of her awesome creations, check out her blog.

2hands Week {vendor feature - donna's decembers}

Absolutely loving these things from Liz's etsy shop, Donna's Decembers! Wouldn't that scarf be cozy for the cold winter months that are {too quickly}approaching? And I'm loving her statement necklaces. You can either buy them from her shop, or come meet her in person at the market this Saturday.

{it's free, and there will be live music!}

Can't get enough of her shop? She's got an adorable blog, too! Check it out here.