When your husband gives you cheese and sausage…
make {Valetine’s} pizzas.
I think I have the nicest, funniest, and most endearing blog readers on the planet. One day, I’m going to take the most hilarious comments and write a post just with them. I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in receiving unusual gifts. Do I even dare say some of your husbands may have him beat!?
First, queue the Hallelujah chorus… my parents are on their way from the still-frozen-mid-west for a little visit! This has been a long time coming and we are all anxiously awaiting their visit. This post will be short due to the fact that I should be throwing things in closets and under beds to prepare for them impending arrival. Rover’s already insisting that Daddy Boy play cows with him and that Mom play in the tree house with him… let’s hope they don’t disappoint, something tells me they won’t!
Second, it’s been a busy week around here and I’m still completely into making candles. Sometimes I laugh at myself when I think back to my mom and the crafting phases she went through when I was growing up in the ’80s… for instance, she was a basket maker, a dried floral expert, topiary queen, and I remember her taking floral fabrics, cutting them out and decoupaging them to baskets… were any of your mother’s into those things? Oh, and she was also known to stop on the side of the road and dig up wildflowers. Erika and I were always mortified in the backseat and would duck down, hoping no one saw her, or worse, us! Anyway, it is clear I am becoming her and one day the girls will say, “Mom, remember when you used to make candles and our whole house was so fragrant you almost made us all throw up?!” We met Justin at a restaurant for dinner Friday night and when he hugged me he was like, “Hmmm… what do you smell like?” You know how when you think you smell like something but can’t really tell if you smell like it or if it’s because you’ve been smelling it a lot… well, it’s likely that you do smell and it’s not just lingering fragrance in your nose holes. I was like, “Oh no… are you telling me I smell like what I think I smell like?” He went on to confirm that I smelled like a country store. Now, this was due in part to the fact that I made 3 or 4 different types of candles, all smelling really good in and of themselves but the combination was a bit much, especially since my hair and cotton sweater absorbed all of them. Make a mental note if you want to make candles… good ventilation is important, you may want to wear a shower cap and change your clothes when you are done.
This week is teacher appreciation at the school… in my book, a really good reason to make some more candles. Most were of the apple/cinnamon variety.
And some were cinnamon toast.
The tags were a gift from Pam at pixelimpress, aren’t they fun?
Now, switching gears, to Honey Bee Tees. I’m running a 3-Day Sale on all LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRTS & SWEATSHIRTS to make room for new spring and summer that will be coming in soon! All long sleeved shirts are 15% off today through Friday!
And look what else the UPS man brought in for all the little bitty babies… pink bunnies, neutral fawns, and blue Humpty Dumpties!
These sweet little daygowns are for little bitty babies {0-3 months}… complete with hand covers and elastic at the bottom for easy changes!
I apologize that there are no live pictures of babies wearing these sweet gowns… I thought about putting one on Darby Doll but was afraid it would be the end of Honey Bee Tees so I decided against it.
Ok, gotta go hide my stuff…
angela
February 16, 2011 at 11:37 amYou seriously make my day! I AM the mom who did all those things YOUR mom did in the 80s!! I laughed out loud!! You still remain one of my very favorite blogs. Thank you for being YOU!
Jacci in Ohio
February 16, 2011 at 11:45 amDarby, you are too funny. You two are some seriously hot Valentines. Smelling like a country store with sausage on your breath, no doubt.
I’m loving the baby items! I’ll have to talk to my hubby about stocking up for baby gifts 🙂 I’m sure they’ll be gone by the time I get back here, but if you keep ’em stocked I’m sure we can snag a few!
Andrea
February 16, 2011 at 11:48 amYou are too funny! Love reading your posts.
hollie
February 16, 2011 at 12:05 pmi love those little pizzas! and the candles, they look beautiful. I am sure they smell beautiful too. You forgot to mention puff paint sweatshirts! ha! my mom was the queen of crafts too! and i do think they pass it on to us! 🙂
Amy
February 16, 2011 at 12:06 pmYou are ever the super crafty one. I love those yummy looking mini pizzas. Of course that’s what Justin had in mind when he gave you cheese and sausage. He knew you’d come up with the ultimate love dish to suit everyone. The new spring gowns and tees are precious. Have fun with your parents! 🙂
pam
February 16, 2011 at 12:08 pmwhat a nice surprise to pop over here and see the tags! so glad you found a use for them…. i figured you would. they look awesome on the candles. have fun with your parents! pam
cat from constant in chaos
February 16, 2011 at 12:19 pmOk, I laughed out loud at LEAST 5 times in this post. You always make me smile. My mom did ALL kinds of stuff and was always doing new crafts and selling them. She was the Queen of all that. Everyone would sort-of roll their eyes and wonder what she was up to next. That was in the 80’s too. And, (can’t believe I’m about to type this) she and my Aunt started making lamp shades. Yea, seems innocent and someting that could be pretty for the home. But, then poked these holes in them to make a pattern so when the light was on and shined thru, it would say “The Smiths est. 1982” or even worse…it would have a duck, or pine cone….or a COW! Oh lordy! I won’t even go into the time she started making those throw jackets and selling them. Yea, you read right….the colorful throw blankets that had fringe on the edges adn she would make them into jackets. It was like the 80’s version of the Snuggie! AHHHHHH!
Angela
February 16, 2011 at 12:32 pmFirst off I love your blog and have been following for almost 2 years now! I laughed about your mom doing crafts as my mother too got into basket making and actually made my Easter basket (which I still have) She recently made my oldest daughter one as well. She is super crafty but needless to say I did not inherit her craftiness. Good thing she still helps me out with all of my many projects!
HannahJ
February 16, 2011 at 12:41 pmOMGoodness- the fawn design- I might dare say- is my favorite drawing of yours so far- its just perfection!!!!
kat
February 16, 2011 at 12:42 pmThose gowns are precious. I loved those when my girls were babies. I nearly died when I read your V-day post. Cheese and sausage basket… hilarious, delicious and so confusing all at once. One could really run with the sausage theme… but for the sake of all involved, I’ll keep it clean. I think y’all need to make it a tradition from now on to come up with the most hilarious, “what in the world” Valentine’s day gifts. So funny. At least his heart, and his stomach were in the right place. Lucky teachers for getting those handmade candles.
Amy Hill
February 16, 2011 at 12:43 pmI LOVE the day gowns! I am pregnant with my 2nd and can’t wait to purchase a couple. I might have to get one for my friend who is pregnant as well. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Jill Cribb
February 16, 2011 at 12:56 pmNow I don’t feel left out. My momma would drag me along to dig up wildflowers on the side of the road and I too would duck down praying no one would see me! I was so mortified! She has a yard full of beautiful orange lillies and wild ferns now! Now the thought has run through my mind to do it too. If she sees a plant or flower she like and doesn’t have she’ll sneak a cutting to take home to root…doesn’t matter where we are. Oh, the crafty 80’s – Momma is GUILTY of that too, but I sure did like to get crafty with her!
Juliet
February 16, 2011 at 1:04 pmDarby –
I love your bare commentary regarding all aspects of your life (I gotta go hide my stuff!). I feel like you are truly able to live as God designed us to before Adam and Eve tried to “cover themselves” – In the perfect image of His love!
Glad you are back to blogging, I missed it.
Blessings!
Juliet
Alli
February 16, 2011 at 1:07 pmoh I LOVE those baby gowns. adorable. where do you find time for all of this with three kiddos?!
love love love the candles too!
Anna
February 16, 2011 at 1:09 pmYes, we’re hilarious-but your next post better be a candle tutorial! 🙂
The daygowns are SO cute. Love those.
Lindsay
February 16, 2011 at 1:21 pmYour posts always crack me up! The candles are great – what wonderful gifts to be able to give. Are you still planning on sharing the recipe? Also, where have you found all of those beautiful candle dishes?
I love the little gowns too. I just might have to get the pink bunny one for my itty bitty.
Emily
February 16, 2011 at 1:28 pmI love the new baby sleepers! Can’t wait to order one for my little bun 🙂
Kate
February 16, 2011 at 1:40 pmOh the decoupaged boxes!! And the wreaths. And stenciled EVERYTHING. Makes me think of my own crafty mom in the 80’s. Thanks for the smile. And get us a candle tutorial soon! 🙂
rhonda
February 16, 2011 at 2:18 pmOh, I covet those baby gowns!! I loved those when my girls were little..but they are little no more! (6 and 8 now)…and unfortunately my baby-making days are long gone…sniff sniff.
When ya’ gonna start selling candles? hint hint….And please, pretty please can you give us a bathroom update? You know- the yellow one with the carpet on the floor? I’m curious to know if you are living with the carpet or what is your in-between fix (what to do till you can remodel it like the orange one)…your creativity always amazes me!
Enjoy your parents!!
Melise
February 16, 2011 at 2:34 pmHey girl. Have you ever heard of OleeO models? Google it. It’s a online ‘agency’ of sorts that hooks boutiques up with models to model their items. You have the toddler size covered but they have infants too so you could get that cute ‘professional’ looking model you’re talking about. Not sure how much it it for boutiques, but Abby Grace is a model and it’s only $50 a year so it can’t be too much. Anyway…fyi! 🙂
Renee
February 16, 2011 at 2:49 pmI’m sure you’ll get pics of little cuties in those gowns soon enough!! They are adorable!
natalie @ our old southern house
February 16, 2011 at 2:56 pmgirl, you are too funny!
cooper and i gave each other fixed plumbing for valentine’s day…’cause you know, nothing says love like a sewage-free bath tub!
and, oh yes, my mother was into decoupaging fabric flowers on baskets (she would use this stiffy paint stuff and actually make them stand up, if that make sense) AND on sweatshirts. she would seal down the edges with puff paint.
it looks g-o-o-d!
(HA!)
Beth
February 16, 2011 at 2:57 pmHa ha ha 🙂 Darby your blog made me laugh out loud today! Thanks.
Katie @ Pop Culture Cuisine
February 16, 2011 at 3:08 pmHi, I have been following your blog for awhile, but this is my first time commenting. As a soon to be mom (well in 7 more months that is) I really appreciate hearing all of your projects, advice, and just the general faithfully inspirational way you raise your children. Thank you!
P.S. My mom used to make these baskets with huge stiff floral print fabric bows glued onto them. Ahh the early 90’s!
The Mom
February 16, 2011 at 3:38 pmJust sayin’ it is pretty obvious to me from your Valentine’s gift that your man likes the country store smell. I think that sausage and cheese must be right up there with vanilla, cinnamon, and whatever else that boy thinks he can find in a country store (with you by his side, of course).
Now on to the crafty mother. I think all women alive must go through some aspect of this phase. I, too, was into wildflower pressing, making stiff fabric ribbons and modpodging them onto baskets (which I had shabby chic-ed to death), but the most ridiculous craze was my jewelry making phase where I used “shrinky dinks” to make earrings and even painted them in exotic colors. The daughter and I were laughing about this the other day! Shrinky dinks…and to think I wore them on my ears…probably with my t-shirt dress with a scrunchy on my side-pony tail! What a vision of loveliness!!! Can I get an amen?!
Amanda @ Serenity Now
February 16, 2011 at 4:08 pmWell, at least you got some use out of your gift!!! My handgun sits (locked!!) waiting for a robber to come so I can shoot him. ???!!
My mom totally went through the basket phase in the 80s. She also did cake decorating and cross stitch. And she liked those country geese. Wow.
Have a great time with your parents! 🙂
Taryn
February 16, 2011 at 4:11 pmMy mom dug up orange lilies on the side on the roads in rural Mississippi. But they live on, 26 years later! And are threatening to take over the yard. I am going to have to have another baby so I can buy the gowns! They are precious!
Whitney
February 16, 2011 at 4:30 pmSo cute! I’m in the midst of hiding my stuff too for my cousin to come stay tomorrow night. My mom made powder puffs with vintage sterling butter knives once. It was quite precious. That was one of many!
christy
February 16, 2011 at 5:18 pmgreat new shirts! good call on the darby doll:)
therobynnest
February 16, 2011 at 5:21 pmOur little girl will be born in June Since this is the year of the rabbit, and I was also born in a rabbit year, we’re working a few bunnies into her nursery decor. Those gowns are just perfect; I ordered 2.
E @ Oh! Apostrophe
February 16, 2011 at 5:47 pmYou made my day with the “throwing things under beds and in closets” mention. I thought I was the only one who prepared for guests that way 🙂
Jennifer Watson
February 16, 2011 at 6:09 pmYou crack me up about Darby doll!
Katie
February 16, 2011 at 6:10 pmha!!! the crafting phases cracks me up! as i go through my phases of fabric applique, plastic canvas, handmade felt barrettes, fabric sandwich bags, etc…. i can only think back to my mother. the workshops she held at our house to teach other mothers to make handmade cabbage patch dolls, the rock collecting expeditions at lake martin for our rock garden, the trays of dried flowers lining the top shelves of the pantry, the boxes of collected baby food jars for one thing after another…..it never ends. and i am clearly carrying on the tradition.
Kellie S.
February 16, 2011 at 6:37 pmI meant to comment yesterday – my husband hasn’t gotten me flowers in years. Well, I got some on V-day this year…except when I got home, they were displayed in a lovely giant Bubba Keg vase! Ha! That should make you feel better
Stephanie
February 16, 2011 at 7:10 pmheart shaped pizzas! LOVE IT! perfect to make a little boy to show some valentine’s lovin’!! almost everything else under the sun is a little on the girly side… you know?
Melissab74
February 16, 2011 at 7:25 pmThe Valentine’s Day gift and comments have been so funny! I did get flowers, but it’s only because my mother-in-law owns a flower shop! So it’s like, “I’d BETTER get some flowers!” Ha! Oh, such memories…I remember my mama doing those decoupaged baskets, too, complete with stiff fabric bow on top. And of course, everything was country blue and mauve! Blech!!! We also had some of the geese/duck themed stuff. Have fun with your mom & dad!
cousin
February 16, 2011 at 7:40 pmDarby you are a riot! Love you and that you’re hiding things right now under beds. Love it. Can’t wait to make the granola bars! Thanks for checking on me today! XO
annek
February 16, 2011 at 8:26 pmMy mother sewed most of our clothes (7 kids) (by the time # 8 came along…no time! haha), knit and crocheted. I don’t remember her ever being into crafts. When we were all going to the orthodontist for braces…she did a lot of needlework. She probably couldn’t wait for the last one of us to be done with all the appts…when she pretty much gave up the needlework and started reading again!
annek
February 16, 2011 at 8:29 pmI forgot to mention John’s mom who was always into some sort of craft…I’ll never forget when she was making shell covered frames, mirrors, lamps…etc…I think she was working on a table or something when John saw it he said…”Okay Mom…I think you’re getting a little carried away” hahha…ask your in-laws about the shell crafts sometime.haha
emily mancini
February 16, 2011 at 9:59 pmLOVE the daygowns! What a great baby gift 🙂 These will come in handy when I have my first baby in June, my sister swears by these for those middle of the night changings.
Kellye
February 16, 2011 at 10:11 pmOkay am I the only one who had the mom that was head over heels with the country blue and mauve phase…late 80’s? She painted baskets, painted egg shells and put the eggs in the baskets, and the best of all were the painted ducks, pigs, and all the country sayings on the random farm animals that she painted and hung EVERYWHERE!!! “Kitchen’s Closed, this CHICKS had it.”
sherry
February 16, 2011 at 10:22 pmI have a crafty mother, not the deceptive crafty, the cake decorating, doll making, pottery painting, macrame braiding, clothes sewing…heck, she even made my Barbies clothing! And I am now my mother! It can’t be helped…so just embrace it and enjoy the ride! lol I love your blog, it is my favorite. I laugh or smile everytime I read it, but tonight…I laughed, OUTLOUD, twice, while watching American Idol, with my husband…who is probably thinking I am chatting online with someone special since I smile and laugh so much! I LOVED that you went out smelling like a candle woman! lol
Jill P
February 16, 2011 at 11:40 pmCandle tutorial….please??? 🙂
Sarah
February 17, 2011 at 1:02 amDarby you are so funny! Your hubs is a thoughtful gent and I love that you made these heart pizzas with your sausage and cheese valentine gift. Also, I am seriously slacking in the gift department for my sons teachers. These candles are amazing. I can smell them through my computer. Have a great visit with your parents.
Rachel
February 17, 2011 at 8:19 amI LOVE the new gowns – so sweet! I find out my babies sex on Tuesday so I hope they stick around long enough for me to get one or two 🙂
Stephanie
February 17, 2011 at 9:13 amI have a 14 month old who I received “daygowns” for and I never knew what to do with them- thank goodness I read this post! It’s too late now- but maybe next time around!
kathleen
February 17, 2011 at 10:16 amOn their way down to Dothan, did your parents swing thru Auburn? If so, when there; if they picked up a copy of the Auburn Plainsman (available on line) with the shocking story, the sad story regarding the Toomers Oak tree did they read it with disbelief?
Kelly
February 17, 2011 at 10:45 amI don’t usually leave comments, but your last post about the Cheese and Sausage gift had me absolutely rolling in laughter. I saw that you are friend with Ginny Grimes from your pictures at an Auburn football game. My husband, John Wells, grew up with Ginny in Andalusia. Small world! Anways, I really enjoy your blog and your family is so precious. Thanks for sharing!
Raylan
February 17, 2011 at 10:47 amWhere did you find the little dishes you use for your candles? I love them!
Valerie
February 17, 2011 at 3:45 pmI discovered your blog a few months ago and I absolutely love it! I just saw the new daygowns… and totally fell in love with them! My husband and I are expecting our first one (he is due June 3rd), and I just could not resist… Just ordered one! 🙂
Thank you so much for your blog and for the inspiration it is in so many levels!
Cait @ Hernando House
February 17, 2011 at 4:53 pmDarby, you are hilarious. And those pizzas look delicious!
Also, I hope I am not the first to send you this, but after a friend posted a link to it on Facebook I thought of you: https://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/02/17/toomers-corner/
Kelly
February 17, 2011 at 6:40 pmHi Darby – I love your blog and always enjoy seeing what crafty idea you’ve come up with. I also loved following you and your sister as your cheered for Auburn this past season. I am not necessarily an Auburn fan but love college football, and completely understand cheering “for the home team.” I heard the terrible news today about Tommer’s Corner! I immediately thought of everyone who loves that school and the landmark. I’ve been to an Auburn game and remember that tradition more than anything else. I know you must be upset, it’s like loosing a family heirloom! Once again, those Alabama fans take things TOO far!
Jodie
February 17, 2011 at 8:52 pmI was cracking up at the story of your mom, mine was the same way. We had wreaths and arrangements all over our mauve and country blue house! Complete with ducks,then village houses, then fruit…
Now I’m on the same path too. Craft on sister!
kim
February 17, 2011 at 11:08 pmhi darby,
i was horrified over the awful news about the beautiful trees on your old campus! i immediately thought of you and your sister. i am so sorry to all of you auburn fans for the loss. what an incredibly ignorant thing for someone to do. i am so glad you and your sister were able to celebrate together with all of your dear friends this year. i know it will be a time you all will remember.
God bless and i can’t WAIT to order some t’s if i can ever get to them while they are still in stock! 🙂
live love small
February 18, 2011 at 1:07 ami love those candles and the baby gowns are really adorable. first time here on your blog…so much inspiration! your now on my regular blog list to visit…
today's letters
February 18, 2011 at 2:02 amd, it’s almost 1am and sitting here waiting for our kayak to be delivered. finally catching up on the last couple of posts and i’ve come to the conclusion that a) my nails might need a little more flair like raiger’s b) your daygowns are not good birth control and c) rover appears to have traded in his equestrian love for something that moo’s.
love you, friend.
e
Sara
February 18, 2011 at 10:25 amMy three kids (two boys, one girl) lived in dressing gowns for the first two months. It made diaper changing so easy, they were so comfy and honestly, they just looked like little dolls.
Yours turned about adorable!
Stefanie
February 18, 2011 at 11:15 amDarby, what recipe do you use for your candles??? 🙂
Thanks!
Michelle
February 18, 2011 at 4:43 pmHey Darby! I’m really interested in learning how you’ve been making candles! I definitely think it would be an awesome hobby to take up. That pizza looks delicious and I was cracking up reading about your cheese and sausage basket! Enjoy your weekend!
Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys
February 19, 2011 at 9:25 ami too would to know how you make your candles~they are so pretty and what a wonderful/thoughtful gift!
i remember my mom doing all kinds of funny crafty things in the 70’s & 80’s~having no idea that one day i would be doing a lot of the same things :)my kids are still young enough to not be mortified but i know my day of them ducking down is coming!
Shely
February 19, 2011 at 5:19 pmI am LOL about your “cheese & sausage” V-day gift! I have followed your blog for a few months now and LOVE it. I had to let you in on a laugh of mine. My husband and I share 5 kids and were just married in December of last year…yes 3 months ago! It’s the Bell Bunch instead of the Brady Bunch. Anyway…I got a gorgeous bouquet of flowers for V-Day. The funny thing is this…his ex-wife works at a flower shop. So…can you guess where my flowers came from? Yep, you guessed it! When we have belly laughed about it this week I’m glad to know she offered to give him a discount if he wanted to send me flowers. So, being the nice guy he is, he agreed! He was so sweet to think of me. So, I turned 40…TODAY…and I asked him what “she” had picked out for me for my BIG DAY! LOL…he smirkishly (if that’s a word) adorably, sweetly, smiles and says…lingerie???!!! Another belly laugh! Sorry for the long post, but I am still LOL and glad I could share!
miranda
February 20, 2011 at 4:27 pmI would love to know how you make your candles! I really enjoy all the different recipes and craft ideas you share. You are very talented and have a lovely family!
Thanks.
Catherine
February 20, 2011 at 10:35 pmI find out this Friday whether our little bun in the oven is a little sister or little brother! I can’t wait to order one of these daygowns! Our children refer to the baby as “Rabbit” so it would be sweet if it’s a girl and we can get the pink rabbit gown. 🙂