Inspired by Miss Dolly Parton.

Recently I found out about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Communities across the nation are partnering with Dolly to provide books to low income children in their area. Dolly's library sends these kids one book a month, every month, until the child reaches 5 years old - school age. I think this is an amazing idea. It's been shown over and over that children who read frequently go so much further in their education than those that don't.

I was so inspired by Dolly that I've decided to try to replicate this within my family for my nieces. I've started checking the children's section when I thrift, seeing if there are any books that my nieces might enjoy. I just started this last week so I have only found two books so far but I'm excited to discover more, and to see if I can keep this up and not let my enthusiasm fizzle. Finding books for my newborn niece is going to be more difficult than for her 2 year old sister but I'm excited to try. I know my nieces are going to love this. What kid doesn't enjoy receiving their very own mail, especially when there is a present inside?!

Dolly also has information on her website about setting up an Imagination Library program in your area, if you're interested.

Baby Crochet.

So many loved ones have been having babies lately. First my sister and now a childhood friend. I used to have such a hard time buying baby gifts because I wanted to clean out the store, baby stuff is so cute. Lately, if a girl is on the way, I've been making this sweet little pinafore. I love them and I think I need to adjust the pattern to make toddler sized dresses too. Now to dig up a pattern for the perfect baby boy garment.

Las Vegas!

Last week Jake and I went to Vegas to visit his cousin who lives there and help him to celebrate his birthday. We had so much fun! We went bowling, ate delicious meals, lounged around the house, visited Fremont Street where the boys went on the zip line, and the guys went to the strip. I decided to stay home and knit while they explored the strip because I didn't think my leg was up to that long of a walk after Fremont Street the night before.

It was so nice spending time with family and having a quick trip away from home together. Being sick this summer meant that I was in the hospital for our anniversary and we had to scrap our plans for that so being able to go away together felt like a real treat.



Don't these strip clubs have the greatest signs? I've always been a sucker for bulbs and neons. Love it.

My Kitchen has been Spoiled Lately.

Okay, so perhaps I'm the one being spoiled. We finally were able to buy a dishwasher in December which was really exciting. It's probably my very favorite appliance ever. I hate hand washing dishes. Ever since the dishwasher arrived in our lives, our kitchen has slowly been getting some pretty items that bring a smile to my face.

Jake's mom gave us some fancy knives for Christmas. These Cutco knives are so much nicer to use than my $3 set from Ikea. I especially love the white handles. I guess they had a family conference to decide whether or not I would prefer the white or black handles. They decided on white and I absolutely love them! I went to the local restaurant supply store to get a magnetic strip to hang my knives on. I feel so fancy.

My little brother gifted me a beautiful Gucci watch for Christmas. It was gorgeous but I don't wear watches and I politely asked him if I could return it. He graciously said yes and I was able to pay off some of my medical bills and set a little aside for something I've been wanting for years. I had saved up enough money from tips before I got sick but I ended up spending that money on prescriptions and I was kind of bummed but I knew I'd get my Le Creuset eventually. After returning the watch I called my sister and found that Le Creuset had opened a brand new outlet just a few miles from her home. Since she's the world's best sister she went and picked up this french oven for me and even got an extra discount because of their grand opening sale. I hugged it for so long when it finally arrived at my house. Pure joy.

Lastly, this is what Jake is getting me for Valentine's day. It's from etsy shop Pinkkiss and I love it. I looked at hundreds of spoon rests before discovering this one. It's going to look great on my stove and save me from having to clean up saucy messes every time I lay the spoon down. Thanks honey!