handmade gift || glass bead keychains

I'm a little behind with my posting, but I wanted to share/document Logan's handmade holiday gift that she gave out to some of the favorite women in her life this Christmas. She hand selected the beads for each keychain herself, and strung them too. It was bitter sweet for me to see her, so independent, crafting with little guidance. They came out so much better than we had anticipated.-- so much so that we kept two for ourselves. We did have a few setbacks with the string and durability. The night before Christmas eve, we were re-stringing them onto fishing wire. It later turned to be that fishing wire maybe wasn't the best option either as some have snapped, while others are staying put nicely. I think it all depends on the way their handled. Next time we make these we are going to use a more tough and  flexible, rubber base fishing line rather than the standard type. The beads are glass and beautiful in color. You can find the ones we used here. The hardest part was deciding which ones to use as they are all equally beautiful. These may be my favorite handmade gift yet. It will definitely be hard to top them next Christmas.

winter: in march

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” --Charles Dickens

Every year I always feel a little nostalgic transitioning from winter into spring. As much as I've dreaded shorter days and colder temps, I find a sense of comfort in the slower pace of winter and the cozy times we spend huddled under blankets, upon blankets, reading together in bed. 

Winter (especially like the one we've had this year) provides the most beautiful white backdrop for the sweetest photos of my peaty girl, and I'm convinced that everything looks prettier covered in snow. Correction: everything except the roads, especially when I have to drive on them. Ah, it's the worst. 

Just when it feels as if indoors is the only option, we get surprised with a nice sunny day. Little things like that allow for winter to also be sweet and unexpected. Exploring the ground once the snow begins to melt is like a treat-- never knowing what will be uncovered, and then getting a chance to rediscover little bits of fall from months before. 

We've been studying branches and get giddy at the site of buds, as a sure sign that spring is on it's way. Though they've been covered twice now since they've been visible, the snow isn't stopping them. We've may have even already ditched a layer or two, and have picked up a few new lighter pieces in anticipation of warmer days. 

March is a beautiful month, full of opportunity. We're soaking it all up.

monthly grid // feb. jan. dec.

february || it was cold and crafty, full of snowdays and presents. 

we celebrated a birthday and started swim class. 

we snuggled lots and listened to our favorite songs on repeat.

january || it was fast, cold, imaginative, and silly. 

we discovered old toys, and new states. we spent more time than we'd like to admit "plugged in." 

we're february hoping for more active time, less sniffles, weekly library visits, and a whole lot of chocolate.

 december || it was sweet, latte filled, with lots of white and red and green. 

we ventured out to friends upstate, we spent a night in new york city, 

and indulged in all the holiday goodness. 

it was our favorite december yet.

february 20th twenty-fifteen

10.52

"A portrait of my child once a week, every week, in 2015."

Logan: I don't quite remember a day light savings like this. We were totally and completely feeling those negative effects that everyone talks about. We weren't sleeping right, we weren't eating right, and the first few days came and went in a blink of an eye. Your face here explains it all. I think we have finally adjusted, thankfully.

9.52

"A portrait of my child once a week, every week, in 2015."

Logan: This winter has been the coldest one I can remember, and definitely the coldest in your little life. As a result, we've spent a lot of time indoors, unable to enjoy the snow. Some of my best memories as a child include playing in the snow, and I so badly wanted the same for you. It was looking as if we were going to have to wait till next winter to start making those memories until the other day when we got hit with a 45 degree day. It felt like spring, literally. The sun was shinning, birds were chirping, people were out jogging, and we were soaking it all up. I captured the sweetest shots of you in the snow, but this one may be my favorite. You were so, so excited to lay in that snow, nothing else mattered.

5. 6. 7. 8. || 52

"A portrait of my child once a week, every week, in 2015."

 I'm playing catch-up this week, and cheating a bit, pulling photos from my Instagram, but nonetheless, they are weekly photos documenting my beautiful growing girl.

^ 5.  a sicky pea in her favorite shirt-- blue and stripes: double win.

^ 6.  lately her social life and wardrobe, both, far exceeds ours.

^ 7.  morning hangs in mama's bed have become a favorite part of our day..

^ 8.  five fingers for five years...how fast time goes!