:: Pinterest Pretties

Source: sugarandcharmblog.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: now I know what to do with all those vases . . . painting them yellow!

Source: confettisunshineblog.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: so wish I would've seen this last week!  will be doing this next Valentine's day!

Source: cornflowerbluestudio.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

::  love this idea of a rotating goal list.  although, I don't think mine would be as cute as this one.

Source: ohhappyday.com via Amy on Pinterest

::  I tried this the other night for Ava's birthday.  We'll just say I might have to try this again.

Source: ginnyphillipsphotography.com via Amy on Pinterest

::  I absolutely adore this wall. so many bright colors and different shapes.

Source: shanty-2-chic.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: so easy, yet so cute.

What have you pinned lately?
You can follow me on pinterest here.

:: Embrace the Camera 02.16.12

Yesterday, we'd decided to take Ava out to breakfast for her birthday since the hubby 

needed to leave for school by 7.

So, the plan was to surprise her and wake her up at 5:45 and take her to the nearest breakfast joint.

Unfortunately, she's been having a terrible cough which kept her awake most of the night.

So, she ended up in our bed.

My alarm went off at 5:20 and I told the hubster to wake up.

Ava was, of course, wide awake.

She told me that she was getting up too.

Under normal circumstances, that would not have happend.  

I would have told her to go back to sleep.

But this was different.

Ava was turning 4!

So I told her we had a surprise for her.

She was so excited and told me in an angelic voice, "Oh, I just love birthdays!". 

She absolutely loved it!

Here's her birthday montage I made yesterday.

Love this girl.
Have you been embracing the camera lately?

Oh, and don't forget about the shabby apple giveaway here!

:: Family Happenings - 4 years old

4 years ago, our lives quickly changed when this little one was welcomed into our family.

Ava is so full of life and energy.

She keeps us on our toes and always makes us laugh.

We wouldn't be complete without her.

I've learned so much since becoming a mother.

- learned that no matter what anyone tells you, you'll never be prepared for motherhood

- learned how to love unconditionally

- learned that sleeping in until 7:30 is just lovely

- learned how to make a song out of anything . . . and everything

- learned that the best smell is my baby's skin

- learned what the meaning of life truly is

- learned how to change a diaper with one hand

- learned that loud screams can mean both joy and utter despair

- learned that I truly can be selfless

- learned to watch what I say and do, because they'll do the exact same thing

- learned that time really does fly, especially when it comes to your children

Happy Birthday Ava!

You are such a joy to us!

Don't forget about the shabby apple giveaway here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Another Valentine's Day has come.  I decided to make this simple card (above)

for my special valentine.

I came home from work today to find this home-made card sitting on the counter.

For the past 5 years, I've been trying to train the hubby that I could care less for store bought cards.

Homemade cards mean more to me.

And it looks like the 5 years of training has begun to work.

I loved it.

And love that he was gushing with pride because of his card idea that he came up with all by himself.

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

We're off to see "The Vow" in a few.

(yes, I'm forcing him to see it with me)

:: Giveaway - shabby apple

I don't know about you, but I love beautiful dresses.

I usually am in scrubs half of the week and then the rest of the time in jeans and a t-shirt, 

so, when there's a chance to wear a dress, I take it.

And I'm absolutely smitten by the vintage-like dresses from Shabby Apple.

They're gorgeous and elegant.

Not only do they have dresses, but they also have little girls dresses,

maternity dresses, a swim line, and vintage-like jewelry.

Love them all!

So, thanks to Shabby Apple, we have a giveaway today!

One lucky person will win this "unlock the Queen's castle" necklace.

Lucky indeed!

What do you need to do for this giveaway?

Well, you first must be a follower of my blog and then follow the directions below.

(if you aren't a follower, go ahead and sign up under google friends at the right)

Mandatory Entry:

- visit shabby apple and tell me what item you'd choose if you could have anything in their store

Extra Entries:

- "like" Our Daily Obsessions on facebook here

- "like" Shabby Apple on facebook here

- repost this giveaway on your facebook, twitter, or on your blog (and give me the links)

The giveaway starts today and ends on Monday, February 27 at 9pm (pst).
Giveaway will be announced on Tuesday, February 28.

* leave a separate comment for each entry (a max of 4 entries)

** the winner must have a US shipping address

*** there will be no exchanges for the winning piece of jewelry

Here's a coupon code for 10% off!
Just enter:  obsessions10off

Have a wonderful Monday!

:: Discovered - paper coterie

Have you ever heard of Paper Coterie?

If you haven't, good thing you're reading this right now!

I discovered them in December through the blog HowDoesShe.

They were giving away $30 to anything in their online shop

and I was able to make the cutest desktop calendar for my mom.

And seriously.  They have the cutest items.  From Calandars, to canvases, to journals, and growth charts.

And guess what?!

They're doing it again!

When I found that out, I thought it'd be the perfect gift for the hubby for Valentine's Day

{if it arrives in time}.

I made a memory box the other night, for all of our scattered notes/memories with each other,

and the next day I received an e-mail saying it had already shipped.

Most of the items are under $30 so you're really just paying for shipping {which is about $10-$12}.

The coupon code is:  HOWDOESSHELOVE

It ends on February 17th.

{okay, I loved the example they had on HowDoesShe so much that I decided to make the same one - - 

it will help me be much more organized}

Come back on Monday for a giveaway you won't want to miss!

:: Embrace the Camera 02.09.12

Last week we traveled up to Utah for my brother's lovely wedding.

The bride was gorgeous and the groom was looking quite dapper.

It was a beautiful day.

We spent that evening at a reception for the cute couple at the Eldridge Manor.

We were even able to snap a few of ourselves.

I love this picture of Reese and I.
My girls are such a bright light in my life.
Lovin my family.