little penelope lane

Living with Miracles

2012-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday someone asked me "Why are you so happy?"

That is a big question with many answers. But I summed it up in a quote:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

~Albert Einstein

I live with miracles.

I am not dancing on rainbows every day. I have hard, hard days. Yesterday when this person asked me that, little did she know I was having a really hard morning. My heart was heavy and it was weighing me way down. But I did what I do when I have a heavy heart like that, I give it to Him. I have learned through these last few years that only when I give it all to Him is when I can feel peace and happiness.

I have learned a lot this year. I always wanted a large family. At least four children but hoped for five. However, my child bearing years came to an end way sooner than I had planned. After my hysterectomy this summer, I went through a grieving process. I grieved that fourth child that I thought I would for sure have. Then I felt guilty for feeling grief when I had three beautiful children. I prayed hard and received peace. During that time, I fell more in love with my husband who cared for me and the kids so well when my recovery took longer than we though it would. I was so grateful for his love and support.

Once I accepted that my little family was complete, I felt more free. I made a choice to enjoy the miracles that I have, that I am blessed to call mine. I want to eat up this time I have with them while they are still little. I love going on adventures with them and making new memories.

My prayer is that they remember their childhood with magical memories.

Today I am happy. I am happy because I love and I am loved.

I am happy because I am surrounded by miracles each and every day.

(outfit: top: local boutique, sweater: Target, jeans: F21, shoes: sears, white T: downeast)

linking up:

Four LPL give a ways

2012-02-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

There are a handful of Penelope Lane give a ways going on this week.

Take a peak...

over here

and here

and do you have this on your calendar?

Only 17 more days!!

Meet Ani from AA Dreams

2012-02-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hello beautiful Little Penelope Lane Readers,

it is such a delight to be doing a guest post in

Sarah s beautiful blog. I love her blog and love her cute personality.

She is such an inspiration.

I am Ani Allen from AA Dreams.

Lover of all beautiful things, an Over Planner,

believer of a great God and A Beautiful Daughter of God

AA Dreams is where I share my Life and Learning Experiences and dream that I can make a difference in someone else Life.

Growing up in my teenage years, I never really took the time to see what a big responsibility it was to be a Homemaker

for my mom, didn't really appreciate the dedication,

love and patience my mom had for her family.

But everything changed when I had Drake, my first baby.

Things my mom had told me since a young age made sense now...

Things that she had taught me since a young age helped now...

I saw my mom and had such a deeper appreciation for everything she had done for me growing up, but the most important thing

LOVE ME for who I REALLY WAS THEN and STILL LOVE ME now

FOR WHO I AM TODAY.

"A MOTHER'S LOVE FOR HER CHILD IS LIKE NOTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD."

-Agatha Christie-

 It is such an unconditional love you have for your Children.  

You would do anything for them, You would climb mountains for them, 

You would fight wars for them. 

 

I've always said that been a Mom is a gift from God, not a job.

So you have to make sure to always

love Them..

be patient with them...

protect them...

listen to them...

guide them...

but most importantly always Tell Them how much you love them,

how special they are in this world.

xo

Ani

Blog / Twitter / Facebook

~~
~Sarah here. How cute is Ani?? Don't you just love this post! I love it and I love the advice she gave. So important and so true. Speaking of love, head on over to Ani's blog and give her some. XO

eighteen more days...

2012-02-21T07:00:00.001-08:00

eeeeekkkkkk!!!

It's coming up so fast and I am SO excited!! There are going to be so many amazing booths and bloggers there! I seriously have been dreaming (literally) about this boutique for the last few days!

for a sneak peak of who will be there click here.

Hope to see you there!

Spring Boutique Vendors:

A Handcrafted Home

Baby By Brooke

Bubba’s Basics

Cake Pops

Cinnamon Stix

Half a Dozen Daisies

Jams by Stephanie

Kara’s Fashions & Accessories

Kate's Paints

La La Trendz

L-Lee’s Touch

Lilly Bug Lane

Little Miss and Little Mister

Memory Lane

Once Upon a Cake Plate

Paper Savvy

Royal Spice Clothing

Rock a Bow

Sandy's Cards

Seriously Fun Photo Booth

Scentsy

Stella and Dot

Sweet Lemonaide

This Little Piggy

Theresa B. & Kelly Marshall

Vintage Moments

Wrap it Up

Yellow Bird

Make My Monday Questions

2012-02-20T12:42:00.004-08:00

I thought this "Make My Monday" link up sounded like a fun and easy one, so I thought I would join in. If you link up too, make sure to come back and let me know. I would love to read your answers.

What is one word to describe you? happy.
i am overall a happy person. Sure, I have my days but I find that it is sure more fun to be happy than sad. I have things that when I think about could make me realllllly sad or worrisome, but I made a choice early on to take one day at a time.

one word to describe your life? busy.

three kids, one with "extra's", wife, pta, church, advocate, home businesses, kids homework and activities.... the list goes on...

one word to describe your love? Forever.

one word to describe your body? in progress.

the last few years with uterus issues and then a hysterectomy this summer has done a number on me. But I am looking forward to a healthier me this year.

one word to describe your cooking? crockpot.

one word to describe your career? dream job.

mother, blogger, crafter=dream job.

one word to describe your hobby? fun!!

one word to describe your style? simple.

one word to describe your blog? hope.

my hope is that through this blog and my family blog that new mothers who just had a baby with "extra's" will see that life can still be lived and it can be wonderful. It's just a new life with new adventures, some harder than others. But mostly it's a life full of hope and miracles and that it can be a beautiful life. that is my hope. that is my prayer.

one word to describe your home? love.

linking up here:

Adventure with my Little

2012-02-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

I love one on one dates with my littles. On Friday this little guy and I dropped the girls off at school and off we went to California Adventure! We spent the morning riding rides and running around the park enjoying the gorgeous weather.

Before we knew it, it was time to leave to pick up the girls from school.

It was such a special day spent with my little buddy who can be quite the handful but melts my heart every single day!

linking up

Penelope Lane Bow Parties

2012-02-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

Lorena and her cute girls hosted such a great Penelope Lane bow party last night!

It was so much fun!!

I love it when my sister is able to come and help me.

She is so awesome and such a good helper!

Lorana had these AHHH~MAZING treats out that we enjoyed (a little too much)!!

Thanks Lorana and girls for SUCH a fun party! Your friends and family are so fun and so sweet!

If you are interested in hosting a bow party, contact me and we can set something up. If you are local (orange County/Long Beach) I can come to you. If you do not live in Southern California, I ship boxes all the time now so people can host their own show where ever they live!!

Bow parties are so easy, you just invite your friends over for a party or open house, they come over to mingle and shop and then you earn 10% of what the party earns to use towards free hair accessories (example Party earns $700 you get $70 of free hair accessories)!

No presentation no pressure involved. Just super fun and easy!

For more info email me at littlepenelopelane@hotmail.com

new.

2012-02-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

new hair wraps and more in the shop.

Hair wraps= extreme happiness.

especially when wearing them with your best friend.

XO

p.s. have you checked out the $50 Penelope Lane shop credit give a way going on over here?
or
the hair wrap give a way going on over here?

Girls Weekend/WIWW

2012-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Last weekend a few of us ~~tired moms~~ girlfriends had a chance to get away on a girls trip to Laguna Beach. My parents have a cute little vacation rental there and it just so happened to be open last weekend!
It was such a treat and the weather was ahhh-mazing!!
above: sat. morning breakfast at the cottage and walk on the beach and around main street Laguna.
(capri's: Simply Vera, sweater: Forever 21, purse: gift from mil)

On Friday we spent the entire day shopping. I have not done that in years!! The Irvine Spectrum has so many fun stores to shop in. We hit up Downeast Outfitters first and spent about two hours in there! They were having a crazy sale! After a morning of shopping we took a Diet Coke and cookie break for an hour just chatting. I loved not having an agenda and not being rushed and not having to worry about picking up kids from school on time. Such a treat in deed!

(Above Maxi Dress from Sears. I call it my "hysterectomy dress". After my hysterectomy, I could only wear dresses because the incisions on my stomach were so sensitive. So this dress always reminds me of that time).

Dinner at Olamendi's on PCH at Sunset.

Saturday morning breakfast at the Cottage.

Baja Omelet =oh yum!

We all look a little tired from staying up until 1:30 chatting! I love these girls so much. They are much more than just friends to me, they feel like sisters and I feel SO blessed to have them in my life.

I LOVED my weekend away with my dear friends and came home so rested and refreshed to my little family! This little guy was so cute when he saw me.

Melted my heart!

(Above: on our way to church. Dress: Downeast, Sweater: Forever 21)

Now, off to get out of my PJ's today!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

p.s.....

Are you coming?

and have you checked out the sneak peak here:

I am so super excited!!
XO

Celebrating Love

2012-02-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

"I love you" Breakfast with heart shaped pancakes!

We made these Valentines to pass out at Pre-school.

Carter LOVED that they had bugs on them and was so excited to share them.

Thank you pinterest for the idea!! So easy and fast!

Heart attacking Grandma Great last night!
(bbq skewers, card stock hearts, packaging tape)

lunches got heart attacked too!

Heart art projects with feathers, buttons and puffy balls.

Valentines for friends

Valentines Eve Treat!

Happy Valentines Day!
XO

I love love

2012-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

I LOVE being in love.

I love that I have had a huge crush on this guy for the past fourteen years!

I love how I could not WAIT to marry him and how young and in love we were.

I love how we had no idea what we were getting into, but it did not matter because we were in LOVE!

I love that we built our relationship on friendship first.

I love that we value marriage and the promise that we made to one another.

I love how serious we both take that promise.

I LOVE this man and I am forever and ever thankful for him.

Ten years ago when I married him, I was pretty sure that he would make a good husband and I was right.

I thought he would make a good father too....

and I was right.

(disclaimer: you might want to grab some crackers to go with this cheese)

He brings so much joy and happiness into my life every day. I love living a life with him. I love raising children together with him. I am so grateful for his endless love and sacrifice for our family. I love our weekly dates, I love our team work. I love that we communicate well. I love that we have peace and joy in our home. I love his love for the Savior and his dedication to teaching our children about Him.

I love taking the kids on one on one dates with him.

I love going on new adventures together.

I love that we both love the beach and spend so much time with our kids there.

I love that he gets in a wheelchair every Saturday and is such a support to Katie and all the other kids at wheelchair sports. (above putting on a wheelchair demonstration at the girls school during disability awareness month)

I love that he is a fun and silly dad

I love that he loves helping the kids try new things

I love that we can do hard things together.

I love that he supports my dreams
(above folding hundreds of hair wraps before a boutique)

I am so thankful for Bryant and for the beautiful life he has helped to give me and our children.

I love that he is my forever Valentine.

I love love.

Do you love love too?

the simple things

2012-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

What a wild week last week was.

It seemed like every hour was packed full.

But this weekend came and slowed me WAY down and made me stop and enjoy the simple things. I loved every second of this weekend spent with my bestest girlfriends on a overnight girls trip to Laguna Beach. I will blog more about that, but above are some of the photos I took enjoying the simplicity and calm that a weekend away will bring.

However, come Saturday evening I missed my littles and was excited to come home to them as their rested mama. This morning before church, the two little ones found a butterfly in the backyard.

I love how these pictures capture Ella's personality so well. She is so patient and sweet with Carter and she, especially, loves the simple things in life and her example teaches me to slow down and enjoy them too.

linking up with Rebecca

and

Lindsay

r&r

2012-02-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

I'm off for a little r and r weekend with a few friends.

We have been counting down the days until we can do this...

It has been a busy couple of weeks and I am so looking forward to just taking it easy.

I'll be back soon with so many new hair accessories for the LPL Spring Line... sneak peak below

needless to say, the photo shoot was really fun (but it's always fun with these two crazy BFF's/cousins)!

Speaking of Spring, Have you seen the sneak peak for this...

and don't forget to enter this give a way here

or the hair wrap give a way here

Happy Weekend!
XO

What I've Worn... a look back on the love of dress up

2012-02-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Fun fact: I LOVE costume parties!

Since I have been in my "yoga" (sans the yoga) pants all week, I did not have anything to post for this week's WIWW. So, today when someone asked me to send them the link to our 80's prom party we hosted a few years back, I got to thinking this might be a fun to share. A look back on What I've (or we) have worn the past few years and some of the parties we have hosted....

Forever Young 80's Prom

(pregnant with #3, we went as JLo-who was prego with twins at the time and Marc Anthony). How much do you love "WICKED" above on the red carpet!!

Hollywood Party~A Night of Glitz, Glitter and Glam!

Wild Wild West

A Pirates Life For me

The love of dress up has been passed down from one generation to the next. My 88 year old grandma is part of a silly club that still has hysterical dress up parties. Note, the dancing pirate next to me (above) is my mother and below you will see the next generation of costume party lovers has already started....

Garden "tea" Party

Our very first Hollywood party we were Anna Nicole (trim spa baby) and her old, dying husband. Another party we were Gilligan and Ginger. (parties before blogs were around)

Oh man, looking back on these pictures made me want to host another costume party!

Do you love costume parties too?

If so what are some fun ones you have been to or hosted?

Or do you have an idea of a good costume party??

Linking up with Mama Go Round here

and Savannah

"Smitten With You" give a way from Take the Cannoli

2012-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I "met" via blogging Natalie and I feel in love with her blog and her shop and her! She is a doll and it has been so fun getting to know her! She is such a beautiful person inside and out. You can just feel the love that she has for her little ones and for her husband (read more about that below).
I was so excited to work with her as I LOVE her hand stitched gorgeous decor and I am SO thrilled to offer a GIVE-A-WAY on my blog.
Without further ado, meet Natalie...

Hi there, I'm Nat from "Take the Cannoli". I am a twenty something (for just a little longer), wifey to Micah, mama to my two sweet babes; Elsie Pearl & Vernon Ribble, a Southern Californian girl, and a crafter of sorts. I am a lover of Jesus, coffee, the beach and of course pastries!

Through my blog I share about our life, faith, marriage and motherhood. I love sharing new inspirations, projects or whatever else I'm loving at the moment. Of course you will find touches of crafting, recipes and even fashion (which is rare due to the this season of life and having wee ones which translates to me never wanting to get dressed) I have just recently launched my new online shop and will often share my newest creations and promotions through my blog!

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday of Love I thought I'd share a teensy bit about my Sweetheart. We are coming up on our ninth year of marriage this May, which seems utterly impossible considering it feels like only yesterday we said yes to the greatest adventure of our lives. I couldn't imagine a better fit than Micah. God really knew what he was doing. I talked about him a little here in a recent post, but just can't help but let you all know how Smitten I am about this man.

So I'll stop there before I get all mushy and move onto the good stuff. In celebration of LOVE, Sarah in all her awesomeness is giving one of you the opportunity to win this little gem titled "Smitten" Of course being inspired by my own hubby I created this for one of you! Hand-stitched on linen, accented with vintage lace and displayed in a 6" wood hoop this piece is ready to be hung in your own home or will make a perfect gift for best gal!

Thank you Sarah for letting me share a piece of me with all your readers and hope you will all stop by for my ramblings of life and the lessons I'm still learning from it!

Smooches, Nat

Sarah here, Isn't Nat so cute? I just knew you'd love her and her darling items! Which one is your favorite? I am personally SO smitten with this one above. It's so romantic! Follow these simple steps to enter the give a way (fyi~you might have to click "read more" below to see the Rafflecopter tool. It makes entering SO much easier)! The give a way ends Sunday.

Blog/Shop/Facebook/Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eisley Rae and a Give a way

2012-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Do you follow Alyson over at Eisley Rae? If not, you should. She is such a cute mom, crafter and blogger. I love her ideas and inspiration. Her blog is so fresh and fun!!

Speaking of blog, she is doing a Penelope Lane give a way over on her blog right now!

I have loved getting to know Alyson via her blog and I was super excited to work with her. I sent her over a package of LPL goodies for her and her cute daughter (seen above). She had an awesome photo shoot with Tammie Halcomb Photography and got some great shots!!

Take a moment to go visit Alyson over at Eisley Rae.

You won't be sorry!!

Hair Wrap Sale

2012-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

There is a hair wrap sale going on over on Facebook today! $8 each or THREE for $20. Just leave your paypal email address under the hair wrap(s) that you would like, I'll send you over an invoice and ship your hair wraps out TODAY! Shipping is only $2 (flat rate)!

Remember hair wraps are ONE SIZE FITS ALL!

Simply tie the ends together for the perfect, most comfortable fit!

Click here to go to the Sale

Simple Things Sunday, A Love Moment

2012-02-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

The bright Blue mornings this week have been breath taking! This morning I grabbed my camera and went into the back yard to snap a few pictures of the sky. Blue is my favorite color and I love starting the day, especially Sundays with gorgeous skies like these.

This little guy was all ready for church and while he waited to go he was playing with an eye ball and a squishy. All boy I tell you!

This is typically how the girls spend the majority of the weekend. Playing dolls, barbies, animal hospital. They will play for hours and hours. I love listening to their pretend play. It seriously melts my heart.

Speaking of heart, this morning while I was getting ready for church, listening to Sunday music, hearing the kids laughter, looking over at my husband dressed in his suit, I had one of those love moments.
The kind that takes your breath away and leaves you with a tear in your eye. The kind that makes your heart almost hurt because it feels like it could burst. The kind that makes you feel so much joy because of the love you feel.
That kind of love moment.
It really is the simple things that can bring those kind of overwhelming moments of love.
So grateful for those simple things that make life so sweet and so full of love.

linking up with Rebecca for

{Simple things Sunday}

My little boutiquer

2012-02-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Is boutiquer a word?

Last night Ella and I were in a cute Valentines Boutique. It was local and only three hours, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take Ella along. She was thrilled. She came up with some new bow creations and took her display so seriously.

After we were all set up we waited for the doors to open and she could hardly contain her excitement. When she had her first sale and they told her to "keep the change" her smile beamed from ear to ear and she got teary eyed (happy tears). So cute!

When things slowed down she took the opportunity to go from booth to booth and look at all the handmade creations. She wanted one of everything and has such a love for all things crafty and creative!

It was such a special and fun night spent with my Ella girl!

A big thank you to everyone who came by and a huge thanks to Liz for hosting a great boutique!

diet coke date

2012-02-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

I sure love the "coffee dates" that I read on others blogs. They are so uplifting, intimate and real. Recently, this blog has started to become my little guilty pleasure. A place for me to just have fun with.

For five years I have been blogging on my family blog. I have loved it, continue to love it and have loved the doors it has opened. I love looking back on our adventures, our joys and even our heartaches because we have learned and grown so much from them.

This blog, however, for the past two years has always been a place to post about upcoming boutiques, events, or whats new in my shop. But, this year I wanted to mix it up and dive more into this creative world and also get to know other creative bloggers that I have so much fun with. So I am spending a little more energy and time over here and really loving it.

So, on to our diet coke date....

I don't drink coffee but I sure drink diet coke (a little too much) and if I have a few limes handy, I throw those in for fun. Are you a diet coke fan?

If you came over for a diet coke you would walk into my front room and see a large mirror leaned up against the wall. I would tell you that I heard a large crash last week and ran to the living room to see that the mirror had fallen off the wall and had broken a few decorations that were under it. I would tell you how grateful I felt that none of the kids were playing near that area because they would have been seriously hurt. I would tell you how much I love my children and how that is one of my fears, them being hurt or scared and how I want them to have a magical childhood free of worry and pain.

I would ask about your children and what your hopes and dreams for them are.

I would ask about your favorite family traditions and what your plans are to celebrate Valentines day. I would tell you about how last Valentines Day my husband sent me flowers and my daughters and I gushed over them all day. I would tell you how I pray that my daughters end up with someone like my husband and then I would get mushy and probably cry as I tell you how much I love that man.

I would tell you that he wakes up early every morning and lets me sleep in 15 minutes longer as he starts the process of getting Katie ready for school. I would share with you how she can not feel her feet, so she needs help getting her leg braces on and how she has to be cathed every four hours every day and how grateful I am for a helping husband. I would share with you some of the miracles and answers to prayers we have received and how much peace the Lord has given us.

I would tell you how sweet Ella has started to make little bows and has worked so hard on them. I would tell you how I invited her to come with me to the Valentines Boutique on Friday and told her she can sell her bows there! She was so excited and last night came up with a display. I would tell you how Ella often makes me cards and wraps up presents for everyone in the family and then calls a family meeting to give the presents away.

I would tell you how fun it is to have two little girls that are growing up with a love of creating. I would tell you how Katie has made a goal to sew 25 new things this year at sewing class and how cute I think that is.

I would tell you that Carter rocks my world every day with all things BOY and how he keeps me on my toes but melts my heart all day long. I would tell you how we rocked out to "Let's Hear it for the Boy" on the way to school this morning and how the Footloose soundtrack was my favorite growing up.

I would ask you about your childhood and where you grew up and if you put the Footloose cassette tape in your stereo (whoa, words from the past) and danced around too.

As we finished the last of our diet coke, I would hope that I did not talk your ear off and that I had asked enough about you and how you were feeling this day. I would hope that we could gather again soon for another chat over our favorite beverage of choice.

XO

WIWW AND Penelope Lane Parties

2012-02-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

This is my second week of joining the "What I wore Wednesday" Challenge started by Lindsey over at the Pleated Poppy. She started this WIWW to help us get out of our pj's and put more effort into ourselves each day. I have to say it has been really helpful. I was finding myself in my sweats more and more, so this has been a great challenge and a lot of fun (and a little embarrassing, I must say, I am still trying to feel comfortable in front of the camera vs. behind where I usually am).

So without further ado, WIWW....

First off, a little afternoon at the beach with Ella. We went shopping on main street, walked the pier, enjoyed the gorgeous Southern California weather and had a little lunch. It was a fun mommy/daughter date.

outfit: seriously can't remember, hair wrap in the shop here

I love Seal Beach.

Miss Ella Bella in her skinny jeans and new O'Neil shirt and cozy boots

Pump It up Birthday Party (always a treat to chat and catch up with with good friends)

jeans: forever 21, Top: O'neil, shoes: Sears ($7 clearance)

On my way to do some Valentines photo sessions last Sat. morning

Top: TJ Max, Jeans: Target, Boots: one of those mall shoe stores, Necklace: Allora Handmade

After the photo shoot I picked up Katie and we spend the day at the ability expo at the aquarium.

After the expo, we hurried home, changed and got ready for a baptism at church for one of our good friends. After we got some frozen yogurt with the kids. dress: old Navy, sweater: Target

On Sunday Bryant and I were asked to speak to the young adults at church (age 18-29) about Dating. My sister is in that group with a lot of her friends, so it ended up being really fun. We shared our story, shared how important dating is, fun date ideas and opened it up for a discussion. This is our third time giving our little talk. Bryant keeps questioning how in the world he gets himself in these speaking situations, but in the end, it is always a really fun and neat experience. above: Bryant and I on our way out and Sandy (my sister) and I at church.

Monday, I wanted to wear my PJ's, but hurried and got into this outfit. Nothing special, but not PJ's!

Black Jeans: Target, Top: ?, Ruffled Necklace and shoes: local boutique

Tuesday Night I was off to a bow party (where other people host Penelope Lane parties, invite their friends, I bring all my hair accessories for their friends and family to try on and shop and then the host gets 10% of what the party earns in free hair accessories).

above: Carter giving me some loves before I left.

Boots: payless, hair wrap "the mom" here.

Super fun bow party hosted by Laura! She had such a great party!

I have recently started shipping "Penelope Lane Parties in a Box!" (see example here) Like a trunk show! Where you can host an LPL party where ever you live (in the USA) and earn free hair accessories (10% of the party, ex: if the party earns $500, you get $50 worth of hair accessories)!!
I have gals that are on their FIFTH Penelope Lane party because they have so much fun hosting them, their friends enjoy the party and they love getting hair accessories for free!
If you are interested in hosting a party or would like more information, email me littlepenelopelane@hotmail.com

I have enjoyed doing WIWW for the past two weeks and I have enjoyed getting to know so many more bloggers recently. It has been so much fun!

Now, off to get out of my PJ's and meet a friend for lunch!

XO,

Sarah

linking up with

the Pleated Poppy

and

the letter 4
and

momma go round

The latest News

2012-01-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

Holy Smokes!!! The most exciting news is that we just got word this afternoon that Katie was chosen to be Jr. Miss Wheelchair of California!! Needless to say, there was a lot of excitement and screaming going on over here! Katie is thrilled!! We love that this foundation is about raising disability awareness. We are thrilled and so honored to be a part of it.

Katie will be crowned Jr. Miss Wheelchair on March 3rd.

I blogged more about it here

Tonight, once things calmed down we had a little family night where we discussed the importance of true beauty and how it is found within. We talked about letting our light so shine and how our inner light can truly make us shine brighter than any outer beauty ever could. I think (and pray) it went over well with the girls.

Also in the news...

I will be at this cute boutique this Friday night featuring all my valentines hair accessories and more! Come on by if you are in the area. I have been to this venue before and it's great for a cute boutique!

Next, the Penelope Lane Boutique SNEAK PEAK is up! Featuring all the local crafters that will be at the Boutique on March 10th. Check it out here

Lastly, have you entered the two hair wraps of your choice give a way over at Rags to Stitches yet?

whoa! busy, but fun times over here at Penny Lane!!!

"Dancing is just my thing"

2012-01-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Katie and I had the opportunity to go to the Ability First expo at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The day was full of exhibits, activities, classes, performances and more. We arrived just in time for the Hip Hop class where Katie learned some awesome moves and a little routine. At the end of the class, Katie was asked if she wanted to perform what she had just learned on the big stage a few hours later! She was SO excited!!

After lunch we headed to the big stage where Katie prepared for her dance. I was a nervous wreck. I sat in the front row with a nervous stomach while Katie gleamed with excitement on the stage! The time came for her little dance and then after the dance she did some "free styling". I got it on video here. Katie was in heaven and I was SO proud and had to wipe away a few tears! After I said to her, "Katie, you are such a great dancer!!" She responded with "well, mom, dancing is just my thing!"

more tears.

I am forever grateful for her example and how much she teaches me each day. She does not let her disability get in the way of all her abilities. It was such a beautiful day spent with my Katie girl. Sure love her!

Speaking of Love, I sure love this girl too! Ella was wearing some new LPL accessories this weekend and showing off her new hair cut that she got on our day out together!

p.s. did you check out the sale going on over in the shop? take 15% off your entire order! Sale ends tomorrow. use code: soinlove at checkout.

And while we're on topic of love, have you met Alyssa over at Rags to Stitches yet?

I met Alyssa in real life at a boutique in December. She is the sweetest thing and I have loved getting to know her more though the blog. Her words are so heartfelt and she is super talented too! Today she is hosting a Penelope Lane give away for two hair wraps of your choice here.

Happy Monday!

Hope your week is full of LOVE!

So In Love Sale

2012-01-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

Because Valentines Day is just around the corner and because love is in the air and because sales are fun, take 15% off your entire order from now until Tuesday.

use code: soinlove

shop: here

O'Neill Tour

2012-01-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Ella (my little "fashionista", as she calls herself) and I had the awesome opportunity of touring O'Neill this week. I loved our mommy/daughter time together.

It was such a special afternoon spent with such a sweet girl.

I blogged more about it over here.

Speaking of blog, blogging is so awesome!!

That is how we got invited to the tour in the first place.

A while back I blogged about how Ella has an interest in fashion and one of the designers and friend contacted me and invited us over for a tour!

I love the doors that open through blogging and especially meeting so many amazing people who each have a story of their own.

First time WIWW

2012-01-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

So the WIWW (what I wore Wednesday) blogs are always fun but I have always been shy about it. However, I have decided to get out of my comfort zone over here on Penelope Lane and mix things up. I think the reasons I am shy is I get embarrassed about posting just a picture of me. I have been self conscious the last few years but I believe that is due to always feeling bloated and tired. Thanks to the recent hysterectomy, I am feeling like a new person!!

Free of pain and discomfort and more full of life!

Second, I am not a big clothes shopper.

I like clothes shopping but when I go, I never know what to buy and always come home with the same looking clothes that I have in the closet. Something that I want to work on and maybe being a part of WIWW will help with that.

Third, I don't shop at fancy places. My reality is that I am a mini van driving mom and I spend the majority of the day driving kids around. That includes getting the wheelchair in and out of the car and without fail getting dirty. So I keep it safe with jeans, shirt and sweater or sweatshirt.

BUT, with that disclaimer, I am still going to try and take the WIWW challenge (as I type this in my fifteen year old Ricks College ratted sweatshirt) because I need to.

This is a new year and this is a new, healthier me and this will be fun!

Above: On our Palm Springs 10 year anniversary trip on our way to Sushi.

Shirt and sweater: Khols,

jeans: forever 21,

boots: payless

My every day life as a mini van driving mom.

On our way to drop Katie off at Sewing Class and then off to take the littles to gymnastics.

Wearing "the mom" Penelope Lane hair wrap that can be found here

This was a treat. A night out at Roy's for my husband's company dinner. He and his business partner like to have their holiday party after the holidays. So we went out with their company last week and had the best time! I LOVE the people he works with. Such good (and really fun) people. We had a great time!

Jacket (that I kept on the entire time because I was freezing): Forever 21

So there you have it! My first WIWW.

That was fun!

Linking up with Lindsey over here

and Nina at

FYI's and a $25 Target Gift Card Give a way!

2012-01-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

First, the on-line shop is now full of these items and SO much more!

Shop can be found here

Second, We've been working hard organizing this boutique coming up Sat. March 10th with over 40 local vendors. We have just a few more spots (however, we have enough baby,crochet, and hair accessories) still open. More info/application can be found here .

Also, you can rsvp, get updates and invite your friends to this boutique here or just follow the boutique blog here.

Third, I have some exciting new things coming up with Penelope Lane.

Are you an LPL blog follower? or LPL facebook fan yet?

Fourth, how about a give-a-way?!? A $25 Target gift card!

How to enter the give a way: There are six ways.
Do just one or two or do all six! You choose. Each comment is an extra entry.

1. Visit the Shop and let me know what your favorite item is.
2. Follow the Penelope Lane Boutique Blog
3. RSVP to the Penelope Lane Boutique
4. Follow Little Penelope Lane Blog
5. Become a Little Penelope Lane Facebook Fan
6. For extra entry share any of this info on your facebook or blog.

The give-a-way will end Tuesday Jan. 24th at 9:00 p.m. If you win, I'll send your gift card out Wednesday morning in hopes that you can be on your Target Shopping spree by the weekend!

Open House Monday Jan 23

2012-01-21T17:33:00.000-08:00

OPEN HOUSE FULL of Valentines goodies and more!

When: Monday Jan. 23rd

Time: 10-12 and 5:00-7:00pm

Where: my house

If you would like the address please email me at littlepenelopelane@hotmail.com

children welcome

Clips $4 each

or Six for $20!!

Crochet headbands $6

Felt Bow Clips $2

Minnie Clips $6

Crochet Flower clips $5

Come on by!

Come be a part of the Spring Boutique

2012-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

We're super excited about the Spring Boutique coming up on March 10th.

We have six more booth spots still available.

We already have enough baby/children apparel, crochet items, hair accessories, purses.

We are looking for more vintage, adult clothing, candles, soaps/lotions, paper/print products, baked goods,etc.

If you are interested in being a part of the boutique and would like more info please click here:

http://penelopelaneboutique.blogspot.com/

P.S. We are REALLY excited that Seriously Fun Photo Booth will be joining us for this boutique!

Guests and fellow vendors can jump in the booth and take a free picture with their friends, sisters, daughters, etc!

Come be a part of this fun boutique!

Baby Penelope wearing Penelope Lane

2012-01-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

So... a few years ago when I started this little business I came up with the name "Little Penelope Lane". I just loved the name "Penelope" and so I went with it.
Soon after my brother, who was recently married reminded me (as I totally spaced it) that since forever he wanted to name his first daughter "Penny."
We all agreed and joked that the future Penny would just be the poster child for my business (not really sure if this business would even still be around, but here we are).

The day came when my brother and his darling wife Christy announced their pregnancy.

I cried and cried as this was truly a miracle.

You see my brother battled bone cancer from the time he was 14-16.

he was very sick and it was

a tough battle.

that he won.

(but not without many, many surgeries, lots of chemo, worries from loved ones, and miracles).

The doctors said he might not be able to have children from all the chemo.

the doctors were wrong.

My brother's dream of naming his first daughter "Penny" came true.

In September they welcomed Penelope Ann into their family.

Since starting this business people would ask me where the "Penelope" came from and I always said I just loved the name.

Now I can say:

"It came from a miracle."

Sure love that little Penny of ours!

Clips like the one Penny is wearing (attached to the headband) and more can be found in the shop here

New Look

2012-01-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks Molly at Tank and Tink for the cute new blog design!

Love it!

p.s. I'm back from the busy Holiday season and vacation and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things real soon.

I have some fun things planned and I am super excited to share.

Stay Tuned.

Funky Vintage Lovely 12 days of Christmas give a way

2011-12-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

My darling friend April over at Funky Vintage Lovely is hosting a 12 Days of Christmas Give a Way and is currently featuring Penelope Lane for a chance to win a baby headband, hair wrap and two felt flower clips.

I was thrilled when April asked me to be a part of this Give a way. I love her blog, shop and especially her.

Last Spring I met her at the Queen Bee Market and we had an instant connection as we share something very special in common. Sweet little ones with the same special need.

We could talk the same talk.

The same Spina Bifida language.

It has been fun to get to know April a little more over the past few months. She is such an inspiration.

If you have not met April in real life or on her blog, then head on over and start following.

She is such a delight!

(and SUPER crafty too)

Holiday Open house on Thursday

2011-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning we attempted to take a few family photos before church. It's always quite the adventure with this group! After church we put on Christmas music and decorated the house for the Holidays. The kids were bouncing around in excitement! We are super excited about the Advent Fairy (a tradition we started four years ago) making her arrival on Thursday.

Speaking of Thursday, I am super excited about the Holiday Open house coming up on Thursday evening!

I have been busy making clips and headbands to fill the table full of new hair accessories for the Open house....

Come on by! Bring a friend or two and enjoy some apple cider and cookies while you look around. Clips, headbands and hair wraps are all under $8 and make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers!

Sneak Peak...

Hope to see you there!

for more info you can email me at
littlepenelopelane@hotmail.com

The Boutique

2011-10-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Fall boutique came and went, just like that! It was packed full of amazing crafters and wonderful guests! Thanks to everyone who participated and everyone who came and supported.

AND.. a HUGE thank you to my parents for letting me once again completely take over their home and fill it with tables, crafts and people. They are the best!

Here is a glimpse into the boutique. I linked up those who have shops so make sure to check them out. Such awesome, talented ladies!

Wisalya Bath and Body

Little Wellies

Little Penelope Lane

Amazing Cookies by Sandy

Yummy Baked goods by Cakes and Crumbs

beautiful hand made scarfs and blankets by Heather

Paintings by Katie

Paper and Bobbins

Jams by Stephanie

Nanny Goat Designs

Scentsy by Kelly

Cinnamon Stik

Pumpkin Seed

Mayflower boats by Ruth

Malibu Petals

Yellow Polkadot

The Spunky Little Monkey

Half a Dozen Daises

Baby By Brooke

Kutz, Paper, Scissors

Once again thank you to all who came and participated!!

The shop is stocked full!

2011-09-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

I just stocked the shop full with these items!

Lots of new baby,child and adult hair accessories.

Check it out here

reminder, hair wraps are one size fits all.

Simply tie the ends together for the perfect fit!

http://littlepenelopelane.bigcartel.com/products

Boutique This Week

2011-09-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Little Penelope Lane will be at this boutique as well as lots of other great vendors. I have my inventory stocked FULL of fun new items! Come on by...

Stock and Stuffers

Cinnamon Stik

Arts and Crafts Boutique

1882. N. Placentia Ave.

Placentia, CA.

Located at the corner of Placentia Ave. and Bastanchury

in the Joann Shopping Center

Wed.-Friday 9am-8pm

Saturday 9am-6pm

Halloween, Fall, Primitive, Shabby Chic, Victorian, Garden, Pillows, Baby, Jewlery, Clothing, Beach, Home Decor, Baked Goods, Candies, and more....

sneak peak of new LPL items... (fyi~some of these are for sale right now on fb here)

Little Penelope Lane Party in a box

2011-08-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Last week my dear friend Carrie from Carried Away Bags (seriously the cutest and best bags ever) hosted a LPL party...

In Utah!

I have done this traveling LPL party a few times and each time seems to go really well.

I sent Carrie a box of LPL products and she hosted a party! She decided instead of having a party for a few hours, she would keep the display up for a few days. Her friends set up times to come by and shop. Once the party was over she added up the earnings and then got 10% of party earnings to use towards LPL products! She then packed everything back up and shipped it back to me.

It was a super successful party (which was awesome since I was so low on my inventory)!

Look how cute her clip display was! So creative!

hair wraps and headbands

Thanks so much Carrie for being such a great LPL host!
Enjoy all your new hair accessories!

Sew Funky Market~Save the Date

2011-08-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

I am super excited for this market! I'll have tons of new items including lots of new holiday clips and headbands for all ages!

Hope to see you there!

*more info and list of vendors here

LPL updates

2011-08-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

Give a way going on over here

and

Auction for this Angel Baby's family

going on over at Mom's Helping Miss Ruby Jane

and

another auction going on over at Bows for Ruby here

if you have not read about baby Ruby and her family please click here.

They have truly touched my life.

Penelope Lane Wedding Accessories

2011-08-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when Krista asked me for some hair accessories for her wedding. I was even more excited when I learned that my dear friend Stacey Bishop was going to be their photographer! Such a great combo!
Krista wore the Vintage inspired clip and her bridesmaids wore (custom made) yellow hair wraps with hot pink flowers to match the wedding colors.

Such a gorgeous and happy couple!

Congrats Tallen and Krista!!
Thank you Stacey for the pictures!
Beautiful as always!!

The Queen Bee

2011-08-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

The Queen Bee this past weekend was nothing short of amazing!

So many wonderful, talented, kind ladies all in one ballroom!

I could not have pulled this weekend off without my awesome sister.

The Great Headband Challenge

2011-08-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

So... last week I took Little Miss Mama's headband challenge and it was super fun... but super awkward. I have a hard time in front of the camera these days. But, I made the goal to take the challenge, do my hair and photograph myself wearing my headbands and hair wraps.

Here is a little re-cap of the week of headband wearing.

(above: wearing hair wraps at a cute candy shop in Balboa Island after a fun photo shoot and on the way to "Mary Poppins")

Driving the kids to their summer activities wearing a double mini rosette headband (new at LPL)

on my way to a Girls Night out wearing a triple mini rosette headband (whoa, super awkward poses above)

GNO at Cafe Rio. Love these girls so much!

With my darling and another darling peaking through. love them!

awesome camera phone quality pictures of the girls at Mary Poppins! Which was super darling by the way!

After another photo shoot in Shoreline Village (my sister is often my assistant and we often grab lunch after our shoot. above: on our way to the shoot and at a cute little lunch spot on the water).

At the Queen Bee this weekend wearing "at the fair" . Pictured with Tracy (and her cute booth) from Creme De La Gems.

oh my babies! I could just eat them up!

The girls wearing new "Minnie" hair wraps to match their new skirts!

the end.

Thanks Miss Mama for the fun challenge and for getting me out of my comfort zone (which is behind the camera)!

Linking up at Miss Momma here

p.s. If you scroll down on the post I am #72 if you care to "like" me.
xo

2011-08-05T16:34:00.001-07:00

More info here~http://thequeenbeemarket.com/category/visitor-info

Hope to see you there!!!

eeeekkkkk!!!

Queen Bee Sneak Peak

2011-08-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak of what I have been working on the past few weeks as I gear up for the Queen Bee Market this Saturday.

HUNDREDS of new hair wraps!!!

I will be there all day! Come on by and say hi!
More info here:

http://thequeenbeemarket.com/category/visitor-info

Penelope Lane in Action

2011-07-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

cutest twins Liz and Kate

LOVED seeing you and your little ones wearing LPL!

Thanks so much to everyone who sent their pictures in!

So fun to see!

Cute little Gabby wearing a yoyo clip!

Beautiful Tracy at the circus wearing LPL

Darling Cierra and Jillian wearing hair wraps

Brittney wearing her hair wrap as a belt. So cute!

sweet baby Jayne wearing a baby headband

my girls wearing hair wraps that match their little vintage skirts

Crystal with her little felt clip

Veronica's sweet daughter wearing hair wraps

check out sandy wearing one of the newest hair wraps (double sided and thicker)!

Queen Bee Buzz

2011-07-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

QBM is just a little over a week away! Over 50 of the best in handmade will be showcased at this special one day Downtown Queen Bee Market.

SUMMER SHOW VENDORS:

Facebook page

the Queen Bee Market
	1,196 followers 757 tweets following 843 people
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Penelope Lane in Action

2011-07-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

I love when I see others enjoying their Penelope Lane hair accessories! (Just look at Beautiful Michelle above, doesn't she look so happy to be wearing her Strawberry Fields Forever hair wrap)!

I also Love when you send me a picture of you or your little ones wearing Penelope Lane!

If you have a picture you would like to share, send it on over before Friday afternoon.
I will then post the pictures on the next blog post.

e-mail the picture to: littlepenelopelane@hotmail.com

(let me know if you would like me to include your name and or blog address as well)

To thank you for sharing your picture I will send you back a coupon code for 30% off in my shop.

p.s. I am going to take this challenge from Little Miss Momma.
Are you?
I will be honest, lately I have been hiding from the camera but I am going to do it anyway. It will be awkward, I mean fun. It will motivate me to do my hair and snap some pictures of the new Penelope Lane products I just came up with last week. I'm excited!

Let me know if you decided to take the challenge too. And if you wear Penelope Lane products make sure to send me to the link. I'd love to see!

O.k., off to go wash my hair....

p.s. don't forget to send over your pics... littlepenelopelane@hotmail.com

Baby Liv Headbands

2011-07-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Baby Liv Headbands here

Rompers Here

New from Penelope Lane

2011-07-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lots of new items in the store here

In other fun news LPL is being featured this weekend ..

Here

AND

Here

So fun!

Hair Wrap of the Week

2011-07-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Miss Red Ride Hair wrap is on SALE this week for $6!!

All hair wraps are one size fits all. Simply tie the ends together to fit your comfort level!

This wrap is perfect to wear to all your Summer activities!

Just click on over here to check out the sale!

Sew Funky~Sew Fun!!

2011-07-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the Sew Funky Market and it did not disappoint! My sister and I left at 6:30 am to get there in time to set up. We walked in the doors and all we saw was talent! These crafters were/are amazing! I could not get over the cute booths and all their darling items!!

Our little booth. Check out my new find... yellow curtains on clearance for $3! I bought two of them and used them as a backdrop for Saturday's booth! They worked out great!

Here is Christina, the creator of Sew Funky market (which she did amazing at) and her super cute booth Little Wellies! Her items are DARLING!! I met Christina at the Queen Bee in San Diego and was so excited when she told me about her boutique! She is such a doll!

From the moment the doors opened at 9:30 the place was packed!!

Two of the cute Sew Funky girls (sorry for the totally dark picture)! Everyone was SO nice and so helpful!

Thanks Sew Funky team, you guys are awesome!

Looking forward to the Fall Market!

Date coming soon!

Sandy and I could only stay for about an hour until we had to get home to a family event, but that hour was pure awesomeness! A HUGE thank you to my friend Tiffany and her daughter Cassidy for running my booth for me... and taking it all down and bringing it home to me! So awesome! Thanks so much Tiff!!!

Here is the List of all the awesome vendors from the show:
Agape Live Love
Amarilo
Anklebiters
Austenland
Bobbysoxie
Etheloos
Danimakes
Daphne Paramo
DebzDoodlez
Dogwood & Poppy
Fairly Fabulous
Flububba
Foxwise
Hello Bird
Kutz, Paper Scissors
Life by Hand
Life's Little Lovelies
Little Bird + Babies in Green
Little Penelope Lane
Little Wellies
Love Jennevy
Old North Wind
Paper from Heaven
Rock-a-Bow
Sugar Pumpkins
The Lee.f
This Little Piggie
Three Lucky Ducks
Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard