Life lately [in photos]

Most days life is so busy I look back and wonder how on earth I get through it. Many days blur together, one right into the next. With children back in school, germs are in full force, wreaking even more havoc. With strep throat, upper respiratory and ear infection terrorizing my home, last week I only had time for one blog post. Just one! That made me a little sad, although I was glad I got to sneak in a little Photoshop time. I really enjoy learning it.

Friday was my day off, however. I took a girls day and went thrifting with Logan's mother and one of our neighbors. I picked up this darling little picture frame. It came with that photo inside. I liked it so much, I decided to leave it.

I also did some rearranging around the house this weekend. I brought my dresser full of fabric out of my room, into the living room. I had purchased a wooden toddler bed for my youngest daughter not too long ago, and in no time my children destroyed it. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM. THEY ARE CHEAP. While I was thrifting I found a metal toddler bed (much better) and snagged it. I took that cheap wood sleigh one, disassembled it, and used the headboard as a scarf rack. I'm considering using the foot board in my studio space.

And exciting, exciting, I got a new/used vehicle! This was an honest blessing. I have not had a car since mine broke down last December. It has not bothered me much living here. Bus service is free, paid for by the college. It's wonderful. But the buses don't leave the town of Boone. Anything outside of town has been off limits to me and all my children. And there's the snow. While there is bus service, I walk to most places, such as the bus stop, grocery store, bank, etc. I have been praying, leaving it to the Lord, knowing when a vehicle was right for me, I would know it. Logan came to me and said, Go test drive this car for sale, I'll watch the kids. I was a little dumbfounded. The whole thing was just that abrupt. But I did when Logan told me it was a mutual friend selling it who honestly needed it sold. She is a single momma of four and needed it gone. I had my mechanic look it over it, he gave it a thumbs up, and when I told him how much I was paying his jaw dropped and he said, "Take it!" So thank you, Lord, for a cheap, sound vehicle that will keep me from walking in the freezing snow this winter.

And how about this view of an Appalachian Mountain sunset? Yeah, I thought so. Things like this make me happy I live here. What a blessing God has been to me and my children.

How have your lives been lately? 

XO,

Steph

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First day of school

It has been a busy week. It was the first day of school for my kiddos. Am I the only parent that gets overwhelmed with back-to-school? I feel relieved it's over. 

Of course now I officially have a first grader and a kindergartner.  My son doesn't really like me taking pictures of him, but daughter will smile all day long for the camera. Her first day outfit was handmade (she even helped sew it), so she was happy to show it off. I plan to give more details about it soon.

I also wanted to take a moment to send out an update. Just as this week was busy, next week will be too. It's my 30th birthday and Logan took three days off work, and has quite the extravaganza planned for me. I kind of want to set blogging aside and devote my time to him since he's gone out of his way so much. I may not have a ton of time to post, but I will be back in the swing of things soon. I have a long list of upcoming blog posts. I'm actually working on one of them right now! We are even going to have our first giveaway here on the blog. I have annoucements coming up, including some information about our upcoming shop. That's right, NewlyMynted will be for sale. But with a great purpose!

I can't wait to share to all of these things with you lovelies! Have a great Thursday. 

So much love!

Steph

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Blogger Blooper Photos

When I take photos of myself for the blog, I try not to make them too posed. Who really gazes far and wide out the window, as if searching for their long lost soul? When I gaze longingly out my window it's usually because a cop car has pulled up across the way and I'm wondering why they're here. Then I remember our Lady Etiquette and draw the blinds closed. So when Logan and I head out to snap a few photos, we usually keep it as natural as possible. We talk and laugh and joke and act like goofs, and he snaps away almost candidly. These are all head shots, since that's what I was aiming to update.

Note to self: Just because it's overcast outside in the morning, don't wait till the middle of the afternoon for the sun to come out. That's a lot of shadows. At least it was warm!

 I have no idea what I'm staring at. A bird? A plane? Superman?

Must've been Mr. Freeze, from the looks of it. Why else would I do this if not for brain freeze?

 Earth to Stephanie!

Since there was so much sun overhead, I decided it would be a good idea to move under a big tree so that all light and shadows would be even. It worked. Sort of. Anyone else notice the tree reflecting its splendid colors off my hair? Photography do's and don'ts!

Hmm? Oohhhhh!

"'Sup?"

Ahhh, just right. Naturally windswept hair and all!

I hope this gave you all a little laugh. Thanks for goofing off with me today!

Love and hugs,

Steph

Camera settings: f3.4/ISO 400

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Weekend in photos :: Lake Norman

For Logan's birthday this weekend, we took the kids out to Lake Norman. It was a long weekend, but a fun weekend. It was actually the first time I've traveled out of town with my kids in any kind of leisurely manner. It was well worth it. They had so much fun!

Some of Logan's family came with us, and Livvy trekked off on a hike with the others. We took the Liam and Lana fishing, which disappointed them. We didn't catch anything. They determined the fish were boring fish whom they didn't want to eat anyway. Who wants to eat boring fish, right? Lana explored, searching for dragon flies and pretty rocks, while Liam and Logan got some good one-on-one time.

Now it's Monday and back to the grind. Why oh why can't laundry wash itself?

Steph

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Life this week through Instagram

 First was a much needed day out with my honey. He introduced me to Thai food. A-ma-zing! The rest of the day was spent antiquing and thrifting. Yeah, he does that!

 Got to work on some goodies for my niece. I'll have more pictures to share soon. I made her quite a few things.

 Allow me to introduce you to smiley egg rolls, the best egg rolls around. When Logan and I first met we spent the weekend on Pensacola Beach. My BFF lived there and kindly let us stay with her. We got frozen egg rolls one night and Logan served them to me shaped like a smiley face. I burst into laughter! I knew right then and there he was a keeper!

We've had tons of rain here in the high country. I mean TONS. As in I just assume it's going to rain everyday and when it doesn't I jump for joy. Some days I daydream of being back in Phoenix.

I started on my headboard! Here's a tip, provided the BFF: I live in a small town with no real craft supply store. This was a bummer because I needed foam and had to go 40 miles to get it. It's already pricey enough as it is. That super awesome bestest bestie of mine had the idea to just use a mattress pad (or egg crates) since it wasn't furniture I was going to be sitting on. Twin size mattress pad, $9.94 at Walmart. Thank you so very much!

And how about ending the week with this smile! We made mohawks in the bath. This here is a curl hawk, it's a mohawk for girls with class!

Much love and smiles this weekend!

Steph

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Photo Diary

Liam lost his first tooth. I have to admit, that was an overwhelming moment for me. I thought I had another year. I thought surely he would be seven, making his way closer to second grade, before that happened. But here we are, fresh out of kindergarten, and the first of many is gone. 

I remember the days when he grew his teeth and went around, grinning, with that one lone tooth. Now we're growing up and moving on to adult teeth. This breaks my heart a little. My little Liam boBiam is no longer that long, skinny baby that fit perfectly across my lap. He would look up at me with the oddest expressions. Now he's shopping in the boys department, riding two wheelers and losing teeth. He still makes the odd expressions though! I hope that not something that ever changes. I want to him to always be expressive in his own way.

Much love!

Steph

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Photo diary

Insta-what have I been up to when I'm not here, delighting with you? Let's see ....

 I've been working on getting my studio set up. These fabrics will be put to great use. We're going to have curtains and a re-upholstered chairs soon. By the way, these rolls of home decor fabric are all from Goodwill. In total, they cost $7.

 I was gifted three dozen cupcakes, so I've been eating cupcakes for breakfast. Yum!

 My son, Liam, was not only student of the week, he learned to count money. He's saving to buy a Lego pack he wants. It's true I'm that mom. I make them earn any new toys.

 My honey surprised me with this sparkly necklace. On our first date he gave me a green pendant similar to this and I was floored by the intricate design. Ever since he always surprises me with new murano glass pendants when he finds them.

Yesterday's thrifty finds were spectacular. This mirror was bursting with character. I just need to decide what color to paint it. Any suggestions?

And don't forget to follow me, @newlymynted, on Instagram so you can see all my daily craziness firsthand.

So much love from me to you. Have a blessed day!

Love dearly,

Steph 

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