work travels

My job has been sending me down to Asheville, North Carolina quite a bit recently. I usually drive down by myself, but I took mom and Henry with me last time. Even though I was working, it felt like a mini-vacation with a free hotel, lots of delicious food, and fun outings with two of my favorite people. Asheville is an adorable little town, filled with funky art, cute boutiques, and endless restaurants. Below are a few highlights captured with my Blackberry. Check out Henry eating sushi for the first time!!!

kill devil hills

Kat and I spent a day in the Outer Banks with the babies this week. It felt amazing to soak up some sunshine and listen to the waves break on the beach while the kids entertained themselves with sand and shovels. The Carolina coast has always been a part of my life, and it almost feels like I'm coming home when I visit. I can't wait to go back with my family at the end of the summer! Until then. . .

the big three

Saturday was Henry's third birthday. I can't believe how quickly the last three years have gone by, and how much he has grown up. He knows most of the United States, he can count and sing the alphabet, he has been potty trained for a while now, and he has the wildest imagination. He is absolutely precious!

We had a birthday party in the park early Saturday morning, before it got too hot. I learned to decorate a cake just for the occasion, and we gave out hand-painted monkey masks to each child, in addition to a lot of other fun things. The kids played ball and frisbee, and wore themselves out on the playground. It was a fun time all around, and I wanted to share a few photos here:

growing up fast

On Monday, I had the (not so) brilliant idea of attempting to get some portraits done with Henry. He acted like all of the "bad" kids that used to come into mom's studio with their families. He made faces, he wouldn't smile, he was wayyyyy more interested in picking up sticks/leaves/bugs than posing, and he even faked crying to get out of pictures. I can't say I was surprised, or that I blame him. He is, after all, only ten short days away from turning three. They say that three is far worse than the "terrible twos" ... I certainly hope not! Even though he was a little difficult, we got some wonderful shots. I gave up on posing and just started playing, which I should have known to do all along. When you're three years old, there are so many exciting things to do; why would you ever want to stay still for a picture? I'm posting my favorites for the world to see here. I love Henry more than anything in this world, and I think it shows.

nobody puts baby in a corner

Whew, it's been a whole month since my last post. I have actually been taking a lot of time off from work lately, but I've kept busy with apartment hunting, long walks, reading, and (of course) my sweet boy. I go back to the real world starting tomorrow, so I wanted to get some Etsy/Blogger time in before it's too late. My latest treasury, a collection of beautiful black and white finds, is below. Browse here.

splash of color

After a long period with no store updates, I finally posted some new and colorful wash cloths to MBG over the last couple of days, with more to come heading into next week. It's always exciting to have fresh listings up -- even if they are mundane things like wash cloths -- and I hope that these colorful little bundles won't stick around long. They are perfect for spring and summer, so head on over and check 'em out!

"oh, the amals!"

That's what Henry said when I took him to the children's farm at Maymont earlier this week. I love the way he says "animal" without the "ni" in the middle. So cute!

Henry is growing up into a wonderful little boy, and we have been enjoying the gorgeous weather recently. I love watching him as he plays with other kids and explores the world around him.

first giveaway!

Jenn, from the blog The Good. The Bad. And The Internet., is hosting a giveaway for MBGdesigns. The winner will receive a $15 store credit. Get on over there and enter for your chance to win!

spring is springing...

... And I have finally added something seasonally-appropriate to the shop. This cotton wrap is versatile and knit with my new favorite drop-stitch technique. I think it can be worn year-round, but the sage green is definitely spring-inspired. On a side note, my hair is copper and blond now (it makes me think of Run Lola Run, but it definitely isn't as crazy.) Check it out!

cables, round two

One last new design for winter scarves... The cabled unisex scarf. Check it out!

ink magazine

I am so excited to announce that some of my knits have been featured in the latest issue of VCU's Ink Magazine! I was contacted by the fashion editor a few months ago when they decided to do a spread on knitwear, and I quickly knitted a few pieces and sent them her way. My fellow VCU Photo alumna, Cassie Mulheron, took the gorgeous photos below. Check them out, and be sure to look at the whole issue here.

Featured items: Extra Thick Cozy Cowl/Circle Scarf, Knit Tank Dress, Unisex Crochet Cowl

forest clash

I just found these gorgeous photographs by Maria of forest clash, and I'm in love. They have a sort of faded, grainy, vintage feel that is incredibly beautiful. Check them out...




Oh and she has a pretty exciting blog, which is where I found the crazy knit below. I will forever admire people with the patience to create these incredibly detailed fiber scenes:

the ladder scarf

Just added this new take on the circle scarf to the shop today. I have never knitted with this drop-stitch technique before, but it's so much fun and I love the way it looks and feels. This could possibly be the last of my new scarves for the season, but we will see. Expect a shift towards spring soon!

beautiful

Since he was born, I have had a fascination with Henry's hands. They are incredibly beautiful, and I love to watch him explore the world with them. One of his sweetest new developments is to say, "I tickle your cheek, Mommy," while gently rubbing my face with his fingertips. It melts my heart every time. Below is a picture taken with my phone last weekend while at a birthday party at the children's museum. I love the shape his fingers are making around the colorful blocks...

fresh

All eight of the new listings are up in the store, and I have to say that I'm very pleased with how fresh it looks. I have more new designs on the way (expect to see them after Valentine's Day) and I'm looking forward to adding the last round of winter accessories to the shop. In March, I hope to lean more towards spring...


Almost forgot! Through Valentine's Day, everyone can take 20% off their entire purchase with code BEMINE. Get excited!