DIY Softie Owl for Baby Henry

Baby Henry is on his way! I am to be the proud aunt of a bundle of boy! Coming in September!

That said, I am working on putting together a diaper sprinkle for Henry's momma. I have all kinds of things up in my head.

I am working on a quilt for Henry. I'll post about it after the sprinkle, since that's when his mommy will get to see it completed. But, I'll give a little teaser!

Along with the quilt, I made a little owl softie that can be used as a play toy, a teether, or as a lovie. And he's super cute.

I found the pattern over at The Rubber Punkin. I printed it out, and got to work.

First, pick your fabric scraps and your embellishments, and cut out your pattern pieces. Pin these pieces to your scraps.

Next, sew the wings onto the right side of the body front piece along the insides, don't worry about sewing along the edges. Next, sew on the eyes and the beak. Then, sew the embellishments one. These are little ribbons that are easy for baby to grab onto. Make loops and sew the ends of the loops on the edges of the owl body.

After the front is completed, lay the front right side up and place the back right side down on top. Start sewing along the bottom of the body and sew all the way around until you come back to the bottom. Do not sew the owl closed. Remember to back-tack.

Now you are ready to turn the owl right side out. Once he's turned, take your turning tool (I got one in a package of stuffing for free, a capped pen will work just fine, too) and push the horns and edges out.

Stuff him with stuffing. Do not over stuff. You want him small and squishy so that he's easy for baby to hold.

Smooth out the stuffing and whip stitch the bottom closed.

Send him to quality control.

Once he's passed, you have an adorable owl softie for baby. Hopefully, Henry likes his!

And, because all of the fabric and embellishments were scraps, he didn't cost me anything!

Linking up here:
Thrifty and Fabuless
A Little Knick Knack

BookSneeze Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish

I enjoyed Money Secrets of the Amish. It's just a shame that what the book had to offer was no surprise to me. Being from Lancaster County, PA, I must admit that a lot of what the book had to offer was already common knowledge for me.

These things include:
Using coupons
Shopping at consignment shops
Purchasing meats and produce directly from the farmer
Shopping yard sales

The one idea I did really like was having a clothing/good swap with gal pals. I have heard of these before but would love to either be invited to one or organize one.

The author does share some gems of knowledge, but none that I didn't already know.

I really enjoyed the way the author gives assignments at the end each chapter. She also provides a lot of good resources such as blogs and other books to check out.

All in all, I would have to admit that this book is valuable and a good read for anyone wanting to cut their expenses.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blogging for Books book review and a Giveaway!!!: You Were Born For This

I have one word for You Were Born For This by Bruce Wilkinson…amazing!

This book is absolutely wonderful. This has changed the way I look at everyday miracles. And the way I look at being sent by God.

Bruce’s book talks about 7 keys to unlocking the miracles that God sends each of us to do. These include Master, Spirit, People, Risk, Money, Dream and Forgiveness keys. These all combine together when we, as Christians, ask God to send us on miracle missions.

Bruce takes the time to teach his readers what signals to look for, how to go about performing a miracle, how to return the glory to God, and how to (this may be most important) ask God to send us.

I was simply amazed by the miracles that he has completed and by the stories in the end of the book that others have done. I was also impressed by the time he took to break everything down. I am so excited to start living a life of completing miracle missions and to see the lives that are changed by God’s goodness and grace.

I would really recommend this book to any Christian who wants to increase the awareness of God in his or her life, or to the person who wants to experience the goodness that God has to offer to all of His children.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not paid for my review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

And...as a special offer from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, I have a copy to give to one lucky reader! How fun! So, here's the info...

This giveaway will be open until July 12th. I will randomly draw a winner and post it by July 13th. For 1 chance to enter, become a follower (if you're not already) and leave a comment. For chance #2, post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook (leave a link!) and leave a comment.

Two chances to win, and it's a really great book!