Polka Dot Bungalow

Yep...I'm still here!

2012-03-07T11:58:00.002-05:00

Wow, yep...i'm here :) It's been a while!

What's going on? How ya' doin? Enjoying this crazy weather?

It's been hectic in the Bungalow! My sweet lovely is here and is she the sweetest thing EVER! Miss B is enjoying all the Big Sissy stuff.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
~ Numbers 6:24-26

I just sit back and smile at my two precious jewels...They are truly blessings!

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him
~ 1 samuel 1:27

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mr. Daddy and I are loving this new chapter of our lives!

So, how have you been? Any plans for the Spring??

{HUGS}

Steph

{Marvelous} Monday....No. 12 & A Baby Shower!!

2012-01-16T13:35:00.000-05:00

Before we start our {Marvelous} Monday, thought I would share with you the lovely Saturday we had.

We had a Baby Shower!!

The lovely ladies of our church gave a "Gift Card Shower" for "little lady". Since we have tons of clothes...and I mean TONS... from Miss B and all the BIG stuff (including furniture, car seat, stroller, etc) the main things in need are just the everyday items like bottles, pacifies, formula, diapers, wipes...you get what I'm talking about :)

My Sister-in-Love hosted it and what a lovely job she did!!!!

Here is the happy family :) We are looking so forward to meeting this little one...another precious baby girl!

{Big Sister at her table! She is sooooooo excited}

{The ladies were so kind to think of Big Sister...Miss B got some gifts as well. Here she is sporting her new Tutu and glasses... How Stylish..don't you think?!}

{...and her sign language gloves :)}

Here is the sweet sister who made it all happen! My favorite part of the whole shower: The Red Velvet cake balls dipped in white chocolate!!! OH yeah!!!!! Awesome, Tish! Thank you for all the hard work...YOU are amazing!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ladies, you always inspire me! Here are my favorites from this past week!

Anthro. Bedding Knock Off - The Turquoise Piano

{The Turquoise Piano}

Chevron Side Table - A Place to Call Home

{A Place to Call Home}

Laundry Room - Before and After...Freckle Face Girl

{Freckle Face Girl}

DIY Lucite Tray - Two Twenty One

{Two Twenty One}

Hallway Before and After...Harrison Home Blog

{Harrison Home Blog}

Closet Reveal...Imperfectly Polished

{Imperfectly Polished}

If you were featured today on {Marvelous Monday}, please feel free to button up!

(Buttons are available on the right hand side of the blog!)

Happy Monday, Lovelies! Now I'm off to get ready for a baby appointment!!!

2 weeks and 5 days to go!!!!

{of course, she is MORE than welcome to come earlier}

{HUGS},

Steph

Happy Friday!

2012-01-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Stopping in on this {lovely} Friday, to say

Hello

Can you tell where "Miss B" and I ventured out to today?? Hint: Red Buggy :)

Target, baby!

Came home and saw this on Pinterest!

LOL Who loves Target??!!

Funny saying of the day {from the inquisitive "Miss B"}: Told "B" this morning, over a huge stack of blueberry waffles that we were going to a baby shower for baby sissy tomorrow! Not even thinking about the word "shower" and how a 3 year old thinks...I though nothing about it. She looks up from dipping her eggo into the glorious, sugary goodness and says, "WOW...does she get a big bath??!!"

Enjoy your weekend, lovelies!

Ruffle Flower Headband Tutorial

2012-01-11T08:02:00.020-05:00

If you read yesterday's post {Miss B's Tea Party} then you may have noticed her Ruffle Flower Headband! For Christmas, the hubby bought me a ruffler foot for my sewing machine! In LOVE with that accessory! Why did I not purchase one AGES ago, I'll never know. The ruffles are precise and makes such a clean look.

Do you have one? What do you think about it?

It takes some getting use to, but once you get the hang of it...you're singing with each seam it places :)

The ruffler foot will be used with the tutorial I'll be sharing :)

Please note: If you do not have a ruffler foot, No Worries you can use this tutorial....love her blog!

Pin It

Ruffle Flower Headband

Let's get started, shall we?

What you will need:

Knit Fabric

2 Round Felt Circles

(Note: There is only one circle shown in the picture below)

(FOE) Fold Over Elastic

Scissors

Sewing Machine (You may hand sew if you prefer)

Thread

Glue Gun

Glue Sticks

Ruffler Foot (Optional)

Measurements I used:

{These measurements are for my 3 1/2 year old and a 7 1/2" Ruffle Flower}

{Knit Fabric}

Color: Cream

Size: 3"W x 124"L (You may have to sew the knit together first to get the length desired...I did :)

{Felt Circles}

Color: Cream

Size: 3" Circle

{FOE Elastic}

Color: Cream

Size: 17" (I go by the size chart below)

Newborn (12 inches), 0-6 Months (13 inches), 6-12 Months (14 inches), 12-18 Months (15 inches),

18-24 Months (16 inches), 2-3 Years (17 inches), 4-5 Years (17 inches), Older (18 inches)

If you are using a ruffler foot, go ahead and place onto sewing machine. I set the foot to gather at every stitch (1). If your not using a ruffler foot, just use the tutorial I showed you earlier in the post.

Your fabric is all ruffled and "Purty"!!! Set aside.

Attach your "ZigZag" Foot back onto machine.

We are now going to create the headband :) Easy, easy! Place the ends together, with one side overlapping the other ...just a little and sew together!

Creating the ruffle flower! Take one of your felt circles and place a drop of hot glue in the center.

Grap your ruffled fabric and place one end of the fabric onto the hot glue...press down.

Start to rotate your ruffled fabric around and place another drop of hot glue onto the fabric you just placed....press fabric down onto that drop.

Holding center of flower, you are just going to rotate ruffled fabric around and around, placing hot glue to secure the ruffled fabric onto felt circle.

Taaadaaa! You have created a ruffled flower!!! Love.that.look, don't you?

Let's help the flower look a little bit more polished. All you will do is open the center of flower and drizzle hot glue at the base of center. Next step will be to grab center fabric and scrunch together for a few seconds.

NOW....we have a perfect flower!

Attaching flower to headband. Lay headband down with sewn edges face up. Place a thick line of hot glue onto band.

Attach flower to glued spot on band.

Finishing backside of flower. Drizzle hot glue onto back of flower and place 2nd felt circle onto that glue and press down.

DONE!

Hope you enjoyed today's tutorial!

{HUGS},

Steph

Joining these {lovely} parties:

Whatever You Want Wednesday

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Whipperberry

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Tater Tots and Jello

Positively Splendid

"Miss B" & her Tea Party

2012-01-10T13:18:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't {LOVE} a fun tea party??!!

Miss B and I put one on this morning. "Make-believe" can be so fun, dandy and sweet :) Especially when it's with your munchkin. When I had set the table with lovely treasures and pretty linens, Miss B looks up at me and says "Where's the food and tea?" lol... I looked down at her and said well this is where we pretend...OH! A light bulb came on!

Later that morning, I was editing the pictures and overheard her tell the "make-believe" friends "No, we are pretending...that's what momma said :)" Oh! I just love this age!!! Full of life and funny, funny sayings!

{Enjoy our sweet morning}

Ruffle Headband Tutorial in the works! I will be posting instructions on how to make this lovely accessory!!!

TUTORIAL: Ruffle Flower Headband {Picture} Tutorial

Have a beautiful day!

{HUGS},

Steph

Joining this {lovely} link party!

The Hollie Rogue

Happy {Belated} New Year!

2012-01-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

Where have I been?!? SOO much has gone on in just a couple months...too much to explain and talk about.

How was your Thanksgiving.....Christmas...New Years!?! Missed you lovelies! Our New Year...2012...will start off just GRAND with the arrival of our lovely "lulu"...Cannot wait to meet her!! Not long now, just a little over 3 weeks...eeeeekkkkk! I've been busily sewing her and Miss B matching outfits (more on that later), burp cloths, etc!

With her arrival around the corner, the Polka Dot Bungalow SHOP will soon be closing up. You can read about that decision {here}

Here is an update and info. on the Shop Closing Sale!

What is left?

I Do Collection - Cream ruffle and black rosette pin (Only 1 left!)

$31.00

Classy & Sassy...Available in Red, Pink or Blue!

$26.00

Stocking Stuffer Fabulous Deal

$14.00

OOAK {One of a Kind!}

$34.00

....and more designs! Act fast, they wont be available long! Shop closes on Monday, January 23rd!!

I've also added some left over fabric! Please feel free to check that out in the shop...great prices!

It's great to be back with you sweet lovelies! Keep in touch, I'll be blogging in the next few days about

"What's been up in the Adkins life". Have a fabulous Monday!

{HUGS},

Steph

{Marvelous} Monday....No. 11 and {The Rustic Poppy) Frame Giveaway WINNER!!

2011-11-21T09:48:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving week has arrived! The anticipation of the Holidays is such a lovely feeling :) ...not the rush to finish the last minute things (which I will be doing...haha) but the actual meaning. It can be so easy to get caught up in life and the rush of it all.
This Thanksgiving, can be different if you put your mind to it :)

Being thankful for
Lord and Saviour...Jesus!

Family
Health
A roof over our heads
Freedom

...these are a few blessings in my life that I am truly Thankful for!

Now, for the {Marvelous} Monday!!

Pilgrim Treat Cups {Kids Table}

...from Homespun With Love

Wasted Space to Reading Nook

...from These Moments of Mine

DIY Printed Paper Pine Tree

...from Wonder Forest...this items is so lovely!

Making Messy Hair Pretty

...from the lovely, Ruby Jean!

DIY Chevron Ruffle Pillow Cover

...from Little Green Bow

(They also have an ETSY store!!!! Shop Here ) AdOrAbLe!!!

Winter Snowball Wreath

...from Addicted 2 Decorating

I've been thinking a lot lately (my husband would be saying..."uh, oh" right about now...lol), and am considering starting a Link Party on the

Polka Dot Bungalow! Need input :) Would you like to have your chance to shine (a project, tutorial, recipe, etc.) in a party?? Let me know!! The more comments and input...the bigger the chance is that I will start one up!! Love seeing new projects and ideas..you lovelies ROCK!

....____________________________________________________....

WOOhoooo...time for {The Rustic Poppy} Giveaway Winner!!!

I want to say a big 'Thank you' to The Rustic Poppy for asking the Polka Dot Bungalow if we would want to do feature them in a giveaway!!! You are always welcome, Jared and Kori!!

It has been a pleasure working with you both :)

Thank you to all who entered to win the Forget Me Not frame!! Good luck to you all!!!

Congratulations to:

Diane Conn, you have won the Forget Me Not frame in Beautiful Black!!!! So happy for you :) Please email me: pdbungalow@yahoo.com !!!!

YAY...just love Giveaways, don't you??

Have a fantastic Monday, Lovelies!!!!

{HUGS},

Steph

{NEW} Sponsor! Please welcome...Bluebird and Violet!!

2011-11-18T08:12:00.014-05:00

Shop

lovely.vintage.charm

These three words *definitely* sum up this adorable shop.

Vintage Blue Bottles (3)...shop for them here

Little Background on the Bluebird and Violet:

hi :)
a little tid bit about me~ I’m a wife to my best friend and high school sweetheart, a mama to my two little sweet peas, and just a girl who loves Jesus, to write, dream, eat ice cream and pancakes for dinner, wear ballet flats, laugh everyday, spin in dresses, listen to the rain, sinking my feet into the sand, basking in really good music, and listen to my children's giggles. I love farmers markets and blueberry picking.

I love to look for some sort of simple happiness wherever I go, the simple and quiet, and going to auctions and antique shops.

While one of my favorite places in the whole wide world is my hubby's arms with my kids in between and of course Mackinac Island, I still dream of traveling the countryside of France looking for antique treasures, rolling down the hills of Ireland and sitting in an old villa in Italy telling stories with old friends, but until then, I’m happy right where I’m at.
I love shabby chic and vintage cottage charm and I love estate sales and antiquing, it’s like a mini vacation. I love to create buntings for yummy celebrations and passing along a vintage treasure or two.

All handmade items are made while pondering lovely thoughts and dreams, and I hope you love them as much as I do.
have a blessed day~
Wes

Does she not paint such a vivid dream of what France, Ireland and Italy should be??

..... Here are just a few of my favorite items at the Bluebird and Violet .....

White Milk Glass Jars (3)...shop for them here

Christmas has already started to fill her shop

Vintage Ice Skates

Are these not great!!??

Definitely won't be doing any ice skating at the moment...but decorating??

Got great ideas for these beauties!!

Love them?? shop for them here

Some other lovelies from her shop to decorate your home for this

{Holiday Season}

Set of 8 Vintage Red Ornaments ~ Vintage Sheet Music ~ Christmas Cake Bunting (Noel)

Thank You to Wes at Bluebird and Violet

for such a bright, fresh and cheery shop!

{HUGS},

Steph

Interested in becoming one of Polka Dot Bungalow's Sponsors? Please feel free to email me:

pdbungalow@yahoo.com

We would {Love} to have you!

{I'm so Thankful} SALE

2011-11-17T16:33:00.000-05:00

Lovelies, I have a small treat for you. At the end of a normal workday, your tired from your exhausting day and with it being a Thursday, Friday cannot come soon enough :) WEEEELLLL... I wanted to spice things up a bit.

Usually, I post SALE items in the morning....it's always nice to have something at the end of the day too..Don't you think?

So here you go...an {I'm so Thankful} Sale

featuring our OOAK (one of a kind) camera strap covers!! There are only 3 so act quick!

Ends Saturday, November 19th...unless, of course, all 3 of our OOAK covers are sold :)

Black & White Polka Dot

Reg. Price: $40.00 NOW: $36.00

Sky

Reg. Price: $43.00 NOW: $38.70

Purple Passion

Reg. Price: $43.00 NOW: $38.70

{HUGS},

Steph

Ruffle Knee Socks {Tutorial}

2011-11-16T11:52:00.027-05:00

Part I

(***Part I: I will show you how to make the Ruffle Knee Sock. Part II: I will show you how to complete the look of this sock with a bow using scrap knit***)

Tickled pink to be able to write this tutorial up for you lovelies!!

Recently, Miss B received a grey dress...loving grey right now!!

She needed an accessory that would compliment the dress! I instantly thought....

Ruffle Knee Socks

Found several ruffle knee socks to buy, but whoa nelly are they pricey! No thank you...I'll create my own. Here is for all you frugal mommy's, grandmas, or ladies looking for a cute baby shower gift~

I have a ruffle tights tutorial in the works for newborns.

So here we go, it may be a long tutorial but I like details when I'm fixing to create something that I don't have that person right next to me showing me how.

Miss B's Outfit:

Darling, Crocheted Pink & Grey Hat: Sparkleberry Crafts

Grey Dress: Target {LOVE that store}

Shoes: Yep, you guessed it...Target!

Supplies you need for these

{Ruffle Knee Socks}:

Knee socks ~ ones shown are a size 3-4 Gymboree

Knit fabric

Thread ~ to match knit

Pins

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Measure and cut your knit: The measurements will be different with size of sock. For Miss B's (using a size 3-4 sock) I measured out

5 1/2" Wide x 16" Length

Remember when measuring to cut, you want to have enough material for a large ruffle to go around sock and we will be draping the material for a top ruffle. Two ruffles total!

Folding knit and ruffling: Take your cut knit and fold. Your fold will not be in half, you will want it to be at least 1" to 1 1/2"short. If you need to, mark where your fold is. Let's get ready to sew our ruffle!

To make a "relaxed" ruffle (which is what I did for Miss B's), you will just simply scrunch up your fabric and sew. I usually do this with both hands, but with only having one hand for sewing and the other to take a picture...it was a little difficult :)

Make sure you do not scrunch up too much fabric at a time or you will not have enough to go around the whole sock.

Adding your ruffle to sock: Starting at the side of sock (inside ~ where my thumb is) this is where you will start pinning your ruffle onto the sock. That way it will be on the inside of legs where no one will see the seam. :)

Keep your ruffled fabric open, like shown below. Remember to keep shorter fold on top and longer on bottom.

When done pinning your fabric onto sock, if you have any excess ruffle fabric just layer. That is what I had to do.

Pinning is complete. Let's start sewing!

Sewing ruffle onto sock: This may be the most difficult part of this project. Just go slow and you will do great! Keeping ruffle open and starting at the side of sock where your ruffles meet, sew all the way around.

When you have completely sewn around your sock, this is what the result will look like. Two ruffles!

Pin It

Look at my little flapper girl! Just love her to pieces! See the bow on sides of each sock?? That is what I'll be showing you how to create in Part II of this project...so stay tuned!

{HUGS},

Steph

.......________________________________________________________........

Ok, lovelies...need you to do me a HUGE favor!

See that giveaway up there on the top right corner of the blog??

Well, that is the fabulous {The Rustic Poppy}!

They are giving away...YES, giving away a lovely

8x10 Forget Me Not frame (retail price of $56.00!!!) in Beautiful Black!

Now that's a great deal!

The favor is, if you have not entered, please go over and enter! Who knows...you may see your name as the drawn winner on Monday, November 21st!

Chances are really good right now ;)

Giveaway ends this Saturday, November 19th!!

{thank you.}

Linking this project to these Parties!

Frugally Sustainable

{Marvelous} Monday....No. 10

2011-11-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Wow! {Marvelous} Monday....No. 10!!! I will be featuring 10 lovely blogs and their craftiness today in celebration of No. 10!! YAY!

So hard to choose just 10 projects this week...everyone is hard at work getting ready for the holiday season! {LOVE} this time of year :)

Enjoy the top 10 most loved by .... ME :)

DIY Chevron Coasters

...from the lovely Shanty 2 Chic!!

Emily's Owl {1st Birthday} Party!

...from All in One Day

DIY Lined Drapery Panels

...from SAS Interiors

Thanksgiving Decor

...from The V Spot

My First Wreath

...from Cinsarah

Before and After Master Bath

...from Between U & Me...Talk about "Calgon Take Me Away!!!"

More Respect for Michelangelo and a Bathroom Reveal!

...from Creative Outlets of a Thrifty Minded Momma

Fall Letter Tiles

...from Everything Under the Moon

Hostess Cupcake Cake Balls

...from Chef in Training...Love Hostess Cupcakes!!

Simple Gift Wrapping Idea

...from The Polka Dot Umbrella

If you were featured today on {Marvelous Monday}, please feel free to button up!

(Buttons are available on the right hand side of the blog!)

{HUGS},

Steph

Talking about the Holiday Season, have you checked out our lovely giveaway from

{The Rustic Poppy}

going on now!! You can enter to win a Forget Me Not frame in Beautiful Black for you or someone on your Christmas list!

These frames are so precious! Love them all!

{The Rustic Poppy} Giveaway!

2011-11-12T10:19:00.001-05:00

***This {Giveaway} is now closed***

Okay, sweet lovelies....this is it! You have no idea how excited I am to introduce you to our giveaway!!!! eeeeekkkk!

Love photography...

......house accessories..........

..let me get a little more specific...

....fun frames???

Huge welcome (and a great big 'Thank You') to this lovely shop for allowing the Polka Dot Bungalow

A {Sweet} bio on this lovely couple and their shop:

Just a peek at their talent....

Today { the rustic poppy } is giving away an 8x10 Forget Me Not frame in Beautiful Black!!!!

Yes, you heard that right...Is that not just lovely?!?!

Please note that all giveaways are open to Polka Dot Bungalow followers only.

You can follow on the right sidebar via {Google Friend Connect} then come and enter!

How to enter:

Take a browse through the rustic poppy shop and come back to tell us your absolute favorite.

Believe me that's the hardest decision :)

Additional ways to enter:

1. Like {The Rustic Poppy} on facebook.

2. Follow the {The Rustic Poppy} blog.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restrictions to the Giveaway:

Open to US and Canada residents only.

Best of luck to all you sweet lovelies!
Giveaway closes Saturday, November 19th at 9pm EST.

{HUGS},

Steph

A Step Inside Our Bungalow...Miss B's and "Little Lady's" Closet

2011-11-08T11:03:00.018-05:00

I {love} organizing!

The fulfillment it brings in knowing that items are in order and easy to find is a wonderful feeling.

You've probably been wondering where I've been of late. Getting ready for our "Little Lady" to be here!!!!! With only 13 more weeks, (less if she is anything like her big sister) I have a lot on my "To Do" list!! To get started, last week I brought down from the attic all of Miss B's baby clothes and accessories. Let me tell you, that was an emotional roller coaster! Pulling out her "take home from the hospital" outfit, the outfit she wore to her first beach trip, her shoes (oh my, all the shoes!!)

Got my Target brand baby detergent (That stuff is awesome! Smells like Dreft but soo much cheaper) and started the laundry. Miss B was just oooing and aweing over the shoes and clothes...a lot of fun having a girl :) We found some newborn outfits that will be too chilly for "Little Lady" and we dressed Miss B's baby in them. She was in heaven!

After all the clothes were folded and hung up, shoes out of the boxes and hats, bows and accessories gone through we needed to organize the closet.

The thought came to mind, what do I do with all these clothes, shoes and accessories for two girls who are sharing a room?!?!!!! Oh dear...

When Miss B was born, I obtained my old, white wicker

dresser (that was mine when I was a little girl) and placed it in her closet for extra storage. She had a dresser/changing station to match her crib in the room but it's always nice to have more storage space for blankets, accessories, etc. Good thing we still have it!

Pin It

Here is how I got the girls closet organized:

The White Wicker Dresser

To start, I went through all of Miss B's hanging clothes and pulled out all the ones that were to small and placed them in storage. I do this every season. Organized her dresses, skirts, shirts, sweaters, etc. buy color. I like to mix and match her clothes so that's an easy way of finding certain pieces. For her undergarments, pj's, play clothes, and Spring clothes that she will be in next year we placed in the closet dresser.

"Little Lady" will take the dresser/changing station in their room for all of her non-hanging items. Just makes it easier when I have her on the changing station and for Miss B to help me get items :) All of her hanging items are on the lower right shelf in the closet, organized by size.

Pin It

ALL the shoes!

We kinda have this "thing" for shoes :P What girl doesn't? haha

My Mother-in-Love (a.k.a. - Mother-in-law) gave me this awesome rotating closet organizer when Miss B was born to help organize! I just found it again in the attic...Yes! This is what I have used for their shoes. When looking for shoes, especially small ones, you need to see them! Some people place them in baskets or drawers but I have found that this rotating shelf and clear pocket organizer has saved me time (you need to be quick when dressing a newborn or squirmy toddler). While doing research on where to buy this exact closet organizer, I found that no one sells them anymore!!! G-R-E-A-T!

Soooo, to help you out I found some ones similar to the one I have.

Rotating 6-shelf/24 Pocket Organizer

{Shop}

Real Simple Rotating Closet Organizer

{Shop}

Rotating Closet Shoe Organizer

{Shop}

Clear Over Door Shoe Organizer

{Shop}

Pin It

I used the rotating organizer for both Miss B's Shoes and "Little Lady's" and love it! Frees up so much space for other items!

This rotating organizer has three sides of clear pockets and one side of shelving (not shown). In the shelves, I have all of Miss B's sweaters, receiving blankets and bath towels/robes.

Baskets

These help out sooooo much! The liners can come out for washing and can be replaced! NICE! I used the white wicker baskets with pink liners in the girls closet for stuffed animals, dolls and barbies. I also used these baskets in the cream mirrored cabinet in the room for books and games. The smaller pink box is used for "Little Lady's" socks and tights.

On the top shelf, I used a pink laundry basket for Miss B's "Nigh Nights" and extra blankets. Rolled them and just stood them up!

{In this picture you can see part of the shelf on the rotating organizer}

So there you have it!

{A Step Inside Our Bungalow....Miss B's and "Little Lady's" closet}

Hope all you lovelies have a wonderful week!

{Hugs},

Steph

Linking up to these parties:

{Marvelous} Monday....No. 9

2011-11-07T08:12:00.001-05:00

Hello there, lovelies. Can you believe it is November....already!!!!!

Where has this year gone?!?! Where has this pregnancy gone?!? Not that I'm complaining but it has gone super fast and we are getting quite excited for our "little lady" to join us...especially Miss B :)

Talking about the "little lady", I ordered fabric to get started on some "accessories" for her and with that I will make sure to place the tutorials on the blog!

{ i.e. }

Car Seat Canopy

Tag Blankie

"Girlie" Burp Cloths

Ruffle Onesies

....and more...Cannot wait to get started!

Let's get started with our {Marvelous} Monday!!

Thanksgiving Subway Sign

Prairie Cottage Roset

Living Room Redo

Decorating the Ville

DIY Rustic Chic Wedding

Love of Family & Home

Give Thanks Bunting

A Pumpkin and a Princess

Easy Felt Neck Warmer & Flower Pin

Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss

Enjoy your Monday!

If you were featured today on {Marvelous Monday}, please feel free to button up!

(Buttons are available on the right hand side of the blog!)

{HUGS},

Steph

P.S. Have you taken a look in the shop lately?? Lots of new covers!

Enjoy your shoppin' !!!

Ruffleeeee Goodness....

2011-10-27T10:05:00.001-04:00

So you know I have this thing for ruffles....I {LOVE} em'!

What a better place than Pinterest to find sooooo many ideas, inspiration, tutorials, etc.

(You can follow my Ruffleeeeee Goodness board { here } )

Ruffles can be added to anything to create any style!

Let's start with a few of my absolute Fav's!

{via}

...from the talented French Country Cottage

This lovely tablecloth is made from a bedskirt!! Uh, yeah...can I just say brilliant!

{ via }

....from Ruffled Blog

Definitely want to sink my teeth into a slice (make it a large one) of this glorious and delicate cake!

{ via }

...from ANWJohnston Blog

Will be making this for my Christmas tree...yep, yep! Might be a little time consuming but, hey, it's better than paying a large price for plus YOU will have made it!!!

{ via }

...from the A Slip Shop

What could be better than eyelet and ruffles?

{ via }

...from U-Create Crafts

Use this tutorial to create the ruffled bag of your dreams!

Touch of chevron (zig zag)..yes, please!

{ via }

...from the Dill Spiel Blog

Is this just not the cutest thing....EVER! Tutorial on her blog!

(What a darling little model)

Have a beautiful and splendid day!

{HUGS},

Steph

Shop Update...the good news and the blah...

2011-10-26T08:12:00.001-04:00

Ok, so for the past month you may know that the shop has been closed for me to stock it full with {Ready-To-Ship} covers. With me being almost 6 months pregnant, I needed to do something to cut down on my time in the shop.

You know the usual, fatigue, achiness, and just plain worn out...To fix all that, I closed shop for the month of October and was able to complete all my inventory...YES!

Good for you and good for muah! With working on all the inventory, I changed up some designs and added some new fabrics into the mix...really hope you like :)

Shop reopens November 1st!!

...and now since we got all the good news said, it's time for the blah (I can't stand using the word "bad"). Where does one begin when trying to explain something that is sooo difficult!

Lets start here: The Lord is the one I give all praise to for allowing me to be home to raise my Miss B and open the

Polka Dot Bungalow

He made the way for everything to run so smoothly as it has for the past "almost" 2 years. He has blessed it in ways I never knew were possible. I love my talent {Designing and Creating} then being able to open up shop and sell it to all my loyal, encouraging and sweet lovelies...a dream come true.

My Mr. Adkins gave me the encouragement in words to start a shop on Etsy. If you've been with me since the beginning of 2010, you will remember it all started off with lady's brooches/pins, little one's hair pieces and headbands and car seat canopies. With my love for photography, it branched off from those pieces to Ruffle Camera Strap Covers and rosettte pins. Ruffly goodness is so fun to create.

When the nights and days got long and the house became a total wreck, the hubby would still come up and say keep on going on. The stress of a house being a mess can become a battle...haha...especially if your a clean freak like me...lol (my family can tell you that). My poor husband is now one too...do believe he is worse than me now...I have created a "clean freak monster".

Miss B is 3 1/2 and my time with her until, can I say it...oh dear...Kindergarten!! is sooooo close and I want to spend these last 2 -3 years with her and NOT behind a sewing machine, packaging up orders, cutting tons of fabric, rolling rosettes...you get the point....

Working as a SAHM

(a.k.a. Stay at Home Mom)

It can be quite overwhelming raising and tending to a 3 year old. Yes, I have tried to create a balance between the Polka Dot Bungalow and my time being a mommy and wife. Several mommy's work an online shop and tend to their children....I give them a standing applause...seriously, I have met so many talented mommy's...you gals rock!

With all that being said, prayers gone up, and several, I mean, several sit downs with the hubby making sure that I wasn't making a rash decision...I have decided to close up shop once all covers that have been made are sold. Phew, got that off my shoulders.

Plus....

...I have a baby girl on the way!!!

I have yet been able to make anything for her and am just dying toooooo!!!!

(Got a lot of cute tutorials in the works ;)

On a side note, once my babies are off to school and I have tons of time on my hand

{unless, I just can't get a way from my dream pool...haha}

who knows, I might reopen and start a brand new line of items.....the Lord holds my tomorrow...

Let's end this post with some good news again, shall we? Here are some of the new lovelies that will be available in the shop on November 1st!!

Enjoy the preview:

"I Do" Collection

{Available in: Mauve with Cream rosette pin, Cream with Black rosette pin or Black with Tiffany Blue rosette pin}

"Miss Fashionista"

"Classy and Sassy" Collection

{Available in: Blue, Red or Pink ruffles and a black rosette pin}

"True Love" Collection

{Available with a pink or ruby red rosette pin}

"Tickled Pink"

{Now created with a light, pink rosette pin}

"Kaleidoscope"

Soooo, do you like???? Several more designs and "One of a Kinds" still need to be photographed and edited...haven't decided if I'll give a sneak peek or make you all wait till November 1st :) hehe....

Here are a few recent pics taken this past Sunday during and after service....Enjoy :)

Miss B and her best friend...the thumb :)

Very tired of having her picture taken...lol

25 weeks!!! Kissing her baby sister :)

Much {Love} to you all...can't wait to open the shop!

{HUGS},

Steph

{Marvelous} Monday....No. 8

2011-10-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

It's a Relaxing and {Sweet} morning around here for a Monday. Mr. Adkins is off to his last Monday at the current rotation spot..which he has enjoyed, tremendously. The 5 week rotations fly by when it's a nice place for him to work...you could say it's bitter/sweet just because the place is such a great atmosphere but the weeks fly by. Now if it wasn't a nice rotation, the weeks would creep oh, so slowly :)

I'm sitting here, curled up on the couch finishing my coffee and realizing there is only 1 week left until the shop reopens :) I have had so many comments and emails from you lovelies letting me know how excited you are for the shop to reopen! That feels good. Making sure the shop is stock full of {Ready-to-Ship} covers can be quite exhausting! Already having over 80 ruffle camera strap covers and 90 rosette pins complete along with being a mommy to Miss B, cooking, cleaning, assisting Mr. Adkins at our church, tutorials for the blog and most importantly....PREGNANCY (and getting bigger by the moment) all in 3 short weeks.....it can be quite a load BUT it will all pay off in time. (more on the shop later)

...so to get back to my relaxing and {sweet} morning :) It's time to show off some talent!

Here are the latest tutorials, re-purposing, tours, etc. from last weeks parties!!!

Antique Chase

Embellishing Old Bread Boards

Classy Clutter

Craft Room Reveal

(Just love the cheery colors)

Delighting in Today

Leaf Wreath with Book Pages

Crafty Scrappy Happy

Shabby Chic Up-Cycle Chair

Gardners 2 Bergers

Gallery Subway Art Knock Off

Suburbs Mama

Shared Kids Room Tour

Que Linda

Bedroom Tour {Chevron Walls}

(Make sure you check back with her blog to find out how she did her picture frames...I know I will...{LOVE})

Michelle Lee Interiors

Gallery Wall Goodness

(More Chevron....oh, I want a wall like this)

My Life and Kids

L-O-V-E with Mod Podge

How to Nest for Less (I just love the name)

Trash to Treasure (Revamped Crib)

These talented {lovelies} are who caught my eye this week! Are they not fab-u-lous....

If you were featured today on {Marvelous Monday}, please feel free to button up!

(Buttons are available on the right hand side of the blog!)

Have a great day everyone!

{HUGS},

Steph

"One of the things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people."Dick Gregory

{Going to the Fair}

2011-10-19T08:12:00.004-04:00

Ok, so today I may be a little boring with pictures, but I just had to share with you my baby's first trip to the fair :) We had a blast. With me being the preggers this year I enjoyed the food...a little too much. The most enjoyable time was seeing my Miss B on her first fair rides! What an experience for her.

{Enjoy}

The swing: This was for sure to put a smile on her face.

Caterpillar Roller Coaster: Her 1st roller coaster!!! Daddy is so proud :) He finally has someone to ride them with...mommy is a chicken when it comes to heights ( as you will remember I explained in this blog post )

The Boat: She and her sweet cousin enjoyed the independence on this ride :) Just look at the faces!

The Macaroni and Cheese Bowl: One of a kids favorite foods :)

Times, like these with my family has to be one of the best things on earth.

{HUGS},

Stephanie

Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial

2011-10-14T18:21:00.017-04:00

Sitting here, working on this fun tutorial, I have the windows open and it is just {lovely}. Makes me even more anxious to work on fall crafts knowing that the weather is changing...yay ;)

Let's get this going!

Supplies that will be needed:

(picture below)

Needle & Thread (I used a thread color that matched my fabric)

Scissors

Wire cutters

Polyester Fiber Fill

Brown Paper Stem Wire

Naturally Wired Brown Vine Covered Wire

Fabric

(For the tutorial I used burlap. But for my other pumpkins I used plaid flannel and felt)

For this tutorial, I will be showing you how to make a large pumpkin. I had to lay my burlap fabric on the floor to cut a large circle. You can easily do this on a table...depending on how small or large you want your pumpkins :)

Cut out a circle. It does not have to be perfect...yay!

Once your circle has been cut, thread your needle. I chose for my thread to blend with the fabric. Start sewing in and out of your fabric. You do not need to sew small stitches...make them about

2 1/2 to 3 inches apart.

The above picture is showing the fabric coming together in a circle.

Ta-Da! You have made a fabric pumpkin! Do not close your pumpkin yet. Now its time to tear open that fiber fill and lets get to stuffin'! This is a good way to get your kids into the project :) Miss B sure enjoyed it! Picture below shows the fiber fill going inside the fabric pumpkin. I just loosened the stitches to fill.

Once you have the desired amount of fullness, it's time to close the top. Using your threaded needle, pinch the top of pumpkin where all the fabric is gathered and start sewing it up. Again, this does not have to be perfect. You just want to make sure the top is not going to pop open.

Top closed, lets make the stems. For the larger pumpkins I used 2 of the brown, paper stem wires.

Bend in half.

Do the same for the other.

Your stems are now ready to be inserted into the top of pumpkin. Just push them into one of the sewn seems.

Let's make those cute twisted vines :) Again, for the large pumpkin, I'm going to make longer vines. Using your naturally wired brown wire and wire cutters, cut off three 30" pieces. Take one of those and twist around your fingers to make them curly. Remove off fingers and slightly pull top and bottom for a more relaxed curl. Taking one of the ends, insert inside the top of pumpkin. Repeat this step for the other 2 vines.

It's starting to look like a pumpkin!

Time for leaves: I used a darker color for my leaves. The place where my index finger is where the top of your leaf is. Using your scissors, cut out a pointed (fat) oval shape. I made 3 leaves in different sizes.

If you are making 2 or 3 leaves, place them together as shown. One on top of the other.

Sew together.

10.

Attaching your leaves to the pumpkin: Place your just sewn leaves to any side of the pumpkin. Just simply sew them on around the center where the stem and vines are! Guess what, you are done!

These would look so cute in black and white polka dot fabric....think I just might have to make some :) Good thing about these are the kids can pick up and if they drop there not gonna fall to pieces...yes!

Enjoy your Fall decorating!

Need another Fall project? Check out the Fall Wreath Tutorial posted a couple weeks ago.

Link Parties I'll Be Joining!

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Romantic Home

Finger Prints on the Fridge

{HUGS},

Steph

{Fabric Pumpkin} supplies using Polyvore!

2011-10-13T14:00:00.023-04:00

Fabric Pumpkin Tutorail by pdbungalow on polyvore.com

Working with Polyvore can be so much fun! I used it to create design board for my Kitchen Remodeling.

I wanted to make a board so you could see what was used to make a fabric pumpkin...the cutest little things ever! I have them all around my fireplace and am fixing to make some for my dining room. They bring such warmth to the bungalow :) Thought you might enjoy creating them as well. Hoping to have some time this weekend to whip up the tutorial

{Think I deserve it... working day and night on a shop full of ready-to-ship covers can be a little tiring}

...this is what we will be making!

Can't wait to share! Happy Thursday, lovelies!

{HUGS},

Steph

{Marvelous} Monday....No. 7

2011-10-10T08:12:00.002-04:00

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal..." -Thomas Jefferson

It's Marvelous Monday time!! Love those Link Parties...don't you?? While visiting a few of my favorites, I found these talented bloggers/crafters!

You gals ROCK!

How To: Paint Horizontal Stripes on a Wall

Classy Clutter

Anthro Style Ruffled Scarf

{LOVE my ruffles!!}

A Couple of Craft Addicts

Refillable Sachets

Frugalicious Me

$100 Laundry Room Makeover

Blissfully Ever After

Fall Mantle

Bring Restoration

I also wanted to take a minute and brag on my two, sweet sisters!!! They have done a marvelous job on their fall wreaths.... I just HAD to show-&-tell :)

Shona used Craftaholics Anonymous Fall Wreath Tutorial!! Isn't it adorable! {LOVE}

Have you seen those coffee filter wreaths???

Shay used hose insulation for the wreath base and 2 packs of coffee filters!

Total cost: $4.00...can't beat that!

It's so fun to be crafty :)

Have a beautiful Monday!

{HUGS},

Steph

Boy or Girl....do believe I'll need a pair of these :)

2011-10-01T11:08:00.000-04:00

The beginning of September we found out what we were having!!! I totally forgot to mention...lol.

Mr. Adkins, Miss B and I are very happy to announce that we will be introducing another princess into the house!

We are all VERY excited and just cannot wait to meet her :)

Do believe she will need a pair of these...

Sugar Plum Tree

via

Happy Saturday {Lovelies}

Steph ~ the momma of two precious girls :)

My Life is Blessed...

2011-09-29T08:45:00.000-04:00

Do you ever step back from this CRAZY life we live in to see all that you are blessed with? If your like me, I don't do it enough. The days roll bye with the same routine and we just live life. Don't get me wrong, of course I'm grateful for all that I have...it's just that I don't take that step back enough (looking in the window of my walk here on earth) to appreciate life:

Mine and my families health

Peace in my home

My lovely father and mother who raised me (a lot of wisdom gained there)

Sweet words from my Miss B

Hugs and a kiss from my husband returning home from work ~ everyday

A roof over my head

Small and wonderous kicks of the precious baby growing in my womb

My church

The washer and dryer that I just simply walk to in my pjs and wash clothes

....soo many more, the pages just cannot hold.

You might be asking, what made you sit down and meditate on these things? This past weekend, Mr. Adkins took Miss B and I to see my family in TN. We spent a long and lovely weekend with them relaxing at home , walking the streets of Blue Ridge, eating, coffee mornings with my Marme, playing and watching my nephew as he attempts new things, eating, showing the family new things Miss B is saying and doing (which are quite Hil-a-ri-ous), did I mention eating.....

Me with my Hunk-of-a-man, Mr. Adkins

Miss B & Honey

My darling, little nephew ~ Stanton

Mr. Adkins & Miss B (She is such a daddy's girl!)

Look at those teeth! Love this grin :)

...growing up too fast...

Make sure you take some time out of your hectic day, to thank the Lord for all your blessings.

{HUGS}

Steph

{TWO} Giveaway Winners!

2011-09-21T12:51:00.000-04:00

Sweet Spot

CARD SHOP

Winner

***Due to not hearing from our first winner, I had to pick another.***

I was so honored to have this lovely sponsor do a giveaway on the blog! She truly has a gift with paper. Just adore her cards!!!

Specializing in beautiful cards {All are handmade!}, hair pins, thumb tacks, DIY kits and more!! This shop definitely has talent!!

The Shop: Go Shoppin' Facebook Page: Go Like

Blog: Follow & Read Twitter: Tweet, Tweet

The winner of this lovely Giveaway goes to.....

Congratulations to Julie!!! Winner of the $20 Gift Certificate to Sweet Spot Card Shop! Please contact me within 48 hours to claim your giveaway! (pdbungalow@yahoo.com)

Thank you to all who entered....& a Great BIG Thank You to Sweet Spot Card Shop for your lovely Giveaway!

______________________________________

Polka Dot Bungalow

{Photo Prop} Wednesday

Giveaway

Description:

Up for grabs this week is a darling Feather Flapper headband. The headband is made of crocheted elastic.

Colors to choose from:

Pink

Black

Purple

White

Sizes to choose from:

Newborn

3-6 Months

6-12 Months

12 Months and up

The winner of this Giveaway goes to.....

Congratulations to Brooke!!! Winner of the {Photo Prop} Wednesday Giveaway! Please contact me within 48 hours to claim your giveaway! (pdbungalow@yahoo.com)

Thank you to all who entered!!

Hope all you lovelies have a beautiful day!

{HUGS}

Stephanie

{Photo Prop} Wednesday...Giveaway No.2

2011-09-14T09:19:00.000-04:00

It's the 2nd Wednesday of September! You know what that means:

{Photo Prop} Wednesday....Giveaway

Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, I will be creating a photo prop to {GIVE AWAY}! Yep, you heard it right :) The giveaway is mainly to update photographers accessories, but anyone can enter!

Do you have a photo prop design that you would like?

Please contact me! I'd love to discuss :)

pdbungalow@yahoo.com

Today, I'm giving away a {Fancy Flapper} Feather Headband

Description:

Up for grabs this week is a darling Feather Flapper headband. The headband is made of crocheted elastic.

Colors to choose from:

Pink

Black

Purple

White

Sizes to choose from:

Newborn

3-6 Months

6-12 Months

12 Months and up

Here is how to win:

Mandatory: You must public follower of this blog {Polka Dot Bungalow} ~ One Entry.
Leave a comment on the blog. One Entry.
Spread the word about our shop through Twitter, Facebook or on your blog or sidebar. One Entry for each.

If you like me, please "like" my Facebook Page...PDB Facebook Page ~ I just can't use it as an entry...bummer :(

***Make sure that you leave a comment below telling all that you did!!! Each comment is an entry :)***

Restrictions

~ US and Canada Residents Only ~

ENJOY!!!

Giveaway will end Sunday, September 18th!

{HUGS}

Steph