Oh Fiddlesticks!

What To Wear {Astronaut In Training}...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Corbin~Astronaut in Training!

Today is my nephew Corbin's FIRST birthday. Last weekend he hosted a fabulous Astronaut in Training birthday party. WE even got to sample astronaut ice cream. It is surprisingly tasty. My girls gobbled it right up! For his birthday I made him a rocket tee to coordinate with his birthday theme and colors. I think it turned out so cute and look forward to offering it in our shop because we don't have too many options for boy birthdays...

Happy birthday sweet boy, I LOVE you!

xxoo,
Aunt Melissa

What I Wore

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:09:00 +0000

I must tell on myself.....

This dress is from the KIDS department at Nordstrom!

It is from the Peek line (which I adore).

Buying this way definitely saves $$$ and makes me

feel better about being freakishly short. ;)

headwrap - Free People

clutch - Target (it came with make-up brushes ;)

boots - Aldo (old)

this photo was edited with Picmonkey.com

i highly recommend it if you were a fan of the recently closed Picnik.com :(

I may even like it better once i get used to it!!

and its FREE!

Try It Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:10:00 +0000

I wanted to share a quick how-to of

RE-WORKING lamo rhinestone POCKETS.

I bought Eliza these great bell bottom jeans from Gap.

They are SO cute on her, but i hate the back pockets.

....not to worry....

I took out my scissors and cut them right down the center.

I splayed open the two sides and used my machine and some

NEON THREAD to tack down the corners.

It has a very BOHO non-perfect look which i LOVE!!

I would do this to MY pants!

Im kind of over seeing labels (Seven, Joe's) ect.

on everyones bums!

Let's be unique folks.

Get your scissors out!!!!!

Customer LOVE {Emma}...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Tue, 22 May 2012 02:15:00 +0000

Our Vintage Silhouette Tee in light pink modeled by the darling birthday girl~ Emma

Meet Emma, our darling customer who is turning the big FIVE and is having a glamour girl in Paris party. Happy birthday sweet girl and thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous photos your mom took of you {merci beaucoup Dian!}

We LOVE this party and of course our vintage silhouette tee. Did you know Jen hand cut this original art for our design. We originally designed the silhouette tee with a custom piece for Kate {Kim of The Tomkat Studio's daughter} for our Glam Camping photo shoot. After the shoot we decided to create a 'stock' silhouette that we felt any girl would LOVE to model. Kim then asked to use Jen's art for her party collection and for us to create the tee in the above colors to match the collection. You can find the full printable collection here and our vintage silhouette tee in here...

{If you are fan/reader/customer interested in having your child featured for a customer LOVE blog post, email us at: ohfiddlesticksaustin@gmail.com. Only requirement...your child must be modeling one of our tees!}

Bon Nuit!

xxoo,
Melissa

Vendor LOVE {LuLu's}...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Last year I was contacted by Lyndsey of Lulu's to customize our vintage rosette corsage tank {you can find them in our Etsy shop} for a birthday photo shoot she was doing. I was excited to work with a new vendor, and one who had a specific feel she was going for. I did my best to create a tank that would coordinate with the colors she gave me. When I received the photos I was thrilled to know I had been spot on! I was also completely taken with L's impeccable styling. I have told her I want to have her come to Austin to do a party for me! {I wish you lived closer L!} I have since done another tee for one of Lyndey's customers {can't wait to share that party with you soon} and am working on a new custom piece for her daughter's 3rd birthday {LOVE this!}...

And now a bit about the Vintage Pink Birthday shoot...

'I'm so excited to tell you about our Vintage Pink Birthday shoot using our Little {She-Nut} Collection. This suite is a spin off of our Little Peanut Collection. We had so many requests for a soft and shabby girl elephant collection that we had to design it! It was originally intended for a baby shower but I had a client request an all pink birthday girl setup, resulting in this Vintage Pink Birthday Party. We set up our mini dessert bar on an old dresser and a Singer sewing machine {whose drawers had been sealed for 25years}. We used yards of vintage patterned fabrics and lace in a shabby chic canopy. The color palette was mostly pink with fun pops of peach and seafoam green. We added vintage suitcases and train cases to set our food in and emptied the old spoils of thread from the Singer. We kept the menu simple (but pink!) with Rosy Rice Crispies, Painted Pink Popcorn, Flushed Fortune Cookies, Rolled Pastries, Elephant Cookies, and Cotton Candy. Our birthday girl had quite the blast playing under the canopy, and her Oh Fiddlesticks! tank added the perfect sweet, feminine touch!?" ~Lulu's

VENDOR CREDITS:

Styling and Party Products by Lulu's (www.etsy.com/shop/shopLuLus)

Photography by Kendy Schimmel Photography (www.kendyschimmel.com)

Elephant Cookies by Kimmie's Custom Cookies (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimmies-Custom-Cookies/191494250864780?ref=ts)

Desserts by Teri Lee's Creations (local catering service)

Birthday Tank by Oh Fiddlesticks!

Balloons by Shop Sweet LuLu (http://shopsweetlulu.com/)

Tissue Garland hand made by tutorial (inspired by The Flair Exchange http://theflairexchange.com/)

10 Things You Didn't Know About Lyndsey of LuLu's:

1. I'm a mother of three beautiful children, who just happen to be adopted (see pic attached:)

2. Sometimes, I eat so many baby carrots that the soles of my feet turn orange :) Can't help it...they're a fave!

3. I've been married to my best friend for almost 9 years. He stole my heart when we were eighth graders and I've been head over heels since!

4. I am a breast cancer survivor of almost 7 years! Woohoo!!

5. If I could choose a store to live in, it would be Anthropology :)

6. My husband is the graphic design expert behind our endeavor and he's my hero {followed in close second place by Jack Bauer...I was devastated when 24 ended:}

7. LuLu's is named after my "Grandma Lou" who is pretty much the craftiest woman I know!

8. I have a chocolate lab named Brooks that fetches you toilet paper down the hall when you are "in a bind" in the bathroom ;)

9. I played college basketball and loved it...but now the only exercise I do is "running behind" :)

10. I'm in love with Jesus. He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams and I'm so thankful to be a part of His love story.

Thank you Lyndsey for allowing me the opportunity to work with you and for sharing your lovely party with us. I adore this party and working with YOU! YOU are a gem and am thrilled for our next project together!

xxoo,
Melissa

p.s. become a fan of Lulu's here and tell her Oh Fiddlesticks! sent you...

What I Wore (gasp) on the BEACH

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:22:00 +0000

I can't believe I am putting bathing suit photos on here but let me tell ya peeps...... How in LOvE I am with this vintage inspired suit made by Fables by Barrie. I feel it is so stylish AND actually flattering. Ok, so I admit I am TOTally sucking in my GUT! I actually have diastasis recti ( separated abdominals) pretty severely after having Quinn. In a time of not feeling attractive much of anything, I actually feel quite good in this get-up!! Pin-up like! I may just wear it to Target, HeB, and other general Mommy errands.

I've decided. Less is nOT more ladies. More is more. Put your big girl panties on up to your REAL waist and wear 'em proud!

I am obsessed with vintage style swim wear now! I plan to do a more detailed post soon with more beach pics and some other suits I love for kids and Mommas with links for you to shop if desired.

Keep livin'
JEN

What To Wear {Vintage Circus Birthday}...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:58:00 +0000

Vintage Circus Photo Shoot 2012

Images via Lynette Weber Photography

Styling by Savvy Styled Sessions

A Vintage Circus Birthday is such a bold, colorful, and popular birthday theme. I adore this look, and chose this theme for my Paisley for her 2nd birthday a few years ago. I looked everywhere for the perfect elephant tee {this was before the birth of Oh Fiddlesticks!} and I didn't find what I was looking for. If I were to do this party again, I would select one of the above outfits for my girls to sport. I think my fave is Joy The Elephant tank~ I had to sneak chevron in + I adore how it all came together...

What to wear for a Vintage Circus birthday party or photo shoot...

Option One:

Joy the Elephant Vintage Circus Tank by Oh Fiddlesticks!

The Circus Time Elephant Skirt by Laken and Lila

Headband by Birdie Baby Boutique

Option Two:

The Big Top Ruffle Tank by Oh Fiddlesticks!

The Big Top Circus skirt by Laken and Lila

Headband by Birdie Baby Boutique

Option Three:

DREAM bunting tee by Oh Fiddlesticks!

The Clowning Around Turquoise Polka Dot Skirt by Laken and Lila

Headband by Birdie Baby Boutique

Other lovely vendors:

Banner + tent via Palm Tree Princess

Food Labels via Frosting and Ink

Thank you to Lynette Weber Photography for including Oh Fiddlesticks! in this Vintage Circus photo shoot. It is so special to work with such talent. I am tickled with JOY each time I get to work with these gals!

xxoo,

Melissa

Vintage Kitty + Chevron= 5 Year Old Perfection...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:48:00 +0000

First stop, a little froyo afternoon treat. They were elbowing each other while I was trying to take this picture. Such sisterly love! They are the best of friends but they have their moments...

Oh, this smile just melts my heart.

My Pais is such a love. What a tender heart she was blessed with...

Paisley is obsessed with the monkey bars. She figured out how to maneuver them a few months back and is so proud of herself {as she should be! } Every park we go to must have bars for her to swing on. It is her requirement...

Paisley's 5 year old style...

Vintage Kitty tshirt by Uniqlo

Chevron skirt made by her momma

Headband by Gymboree picked out by her daddy

Ahh, I just ADORE this last picture of my Paisley Grace. I snapped this the other day at the park. She stayed home from school that day with a low grade fever and a headache. So I am amazed that it turned out and she doesn't look too puny! I decided to make her a skirt as a treat and to check off one more thing from my Project Me list. I have been threatening to make the girls skirts for at least a year. I bought this fabric from Fabric.com back in January to use for Paisley's rainbow birthday party. I used it as a tablecloth at the party, and then we used it in a photo shoot, too. I couldn't just let it sit around as a prop any longer. I went to it and made the skirt with no problems at all. I followed this simple tutorial from Made. If you haven't already seen Dana's blog you should. She is a fellow Texan and has some lovely tutorials that I am sure you would love to add to your Pinterest boards for future projects!

I am off to make pancakes for dinner for my littles...

xxoo,
Melissa

Somebody That I Used To Know...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:25:00 +0000

Walk Off The Earth...

2 Kids Singing...

Like many people I have been introduced to the band Gotye. Their song + video 'Somebody That I Used To Know' has become quite popular and was even spoofed when the band was on SNL a few weeks ago. I have joined in and have become a fan. I even created a Gotye Pandora station. Yes, I am a little geeky like that. My bff played the first video for me last weekend when I was in New York and I saw the second video of the kids this morning after a college bud posted it in on Facebook. Sit back with a cup of joe, watch, + enjoy like I did this morn...

xxoo,

Melissa

What I Wore rewind a year

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Whew, one year ago I bought this dress at Free People with visions of a dreamy maternity shoot in Kerrville where my parents live.

My mom took these photos for me and I cherish them.

Hard to believe this was a year ago.

Below these preggo shots are a couple ways I have been wearing it lately...minus the baby tum. :) well, most of it. ;/

Fast forward 1 YEAR.....

and see the different ways I wear this now

......and just for kicks I had to share my sweet Eliza's pick from this week.

She finished the 3rd Judy Moody Chapter book in one DAY!

She was so proud and asked if she could write it one a shirt.

Just before shooting down the idea, I tht for a moment....

Sure, WHY the heck not?!

So we did it with a magic marker. It made her SO Happy.

I was ...sooooo happy.

I think it is my favorite shirt.

Sending Birthday Love To My Big Sis...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:03:00 +0000

My big sissy and I~Spring 2012 near Austin. Texas

{aka Chauch~ our nickname for each other!}

image via Dorean Pope Photography

Today is my big sister's birthday. We are thousands of miles apart and my heart aches because I can't take her out for some tea, spend time in a yoga class together or attend our family dinner party tonight at my grandmother's house. These are the days I long to live closer to my family. It is hard to not jump on a plane and surprise her. Instead I donated to this non profit org I discovered today. It is called Little Dresses For Africa. I was searching for something that would strike a chord with me but would be in honor of my sis and her birthday. My sister is really on fire about education and Africa so I felt this was a perfect way to celebrate what is in her heart. It felt so good to do something different. No fretting over the perfect gift. I know my sis has no need for material things and this just felt right. I look forward to working with this organization and making some dresses for them to ship to Africa to distribute {more on that in another blog post}.

My big sis is a remarkable gal. The sweetest person I have ever known. She is my biggest fan and my greatest strength in times of need. She has been cheering me on since day one. In many ways she raised me as well. Always the one I would go to with a problem {like boys!} or share my deepest darkest secrets with. She has helped pull me out of some pretty dark places and I am eternally grateful for this. I am so amazed at all she has done in her life and have been reminded of her strength and courage this year. Jen {yes, my sister is named Jen, too!} has been digging deep to find her true joy + happiness and I cannot wait to see how this unfolds. What timing. My sis, my bff, and I all working on ourselves this year {remember Project Me?} I am so humbled by this process and can't think of better company to share this journey with...

We will be together soon enough~ in about 1 month I am closing up our Etsy shop {for about 5 weeks} and taking off for California with my family to spend lazy summer days at the beach, and lots of time hanging out in my hometown with my parents, my sister and her family, and my grandma, too! Ahh, I cannot wait to catch up and have long talks with these special people. My girls are also counting down the days...

Happy birthday to the best Big Sister Ever...

{thank you for always letting me play Barbies with you!}

xxoo,

My Little Cowgirl Is Growing Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Magnolia True Caroline

Summer 2011

I came across this picture this morning of my Magnolia at her 2nd birthday party last August. I chose the vintage cowgirl theme because one of my babies had to have this party. I mean, you cannot get a cuter cowgirl top then ours {okay, I am a bit biased!} Oh, my this little girl is growing up fast. It seems like she was just turning 2 and we were throwing her this party. Now she is almost 3. And not much of a baby anymore. She potty trained herself this week. She is even pooping in the toilet. And she decided to start coloring in the lines this week too. No more scribbling. All the little baby traits are slowly falling away and I am left with 2 BIG girls. My heart is heavy. Gone are the days of babying for me. This is so hard. Why doesn't anyone prepare you for this? No one told me how this would feel. And my other baby is starting kindergarten this fall. I am in serious morning. This is another reason why I am slowing down this summer and spending time just being mommy with my gals. This season will pass and soon we will be in a new season full of new joys, and challenges but for right now I am going to embrace these changes and savor every moment of this stage. This growth. This time...

xxoo,

Melissa

Putting A Little Soul Into Cycling...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Love this Soul Cycle Mantra

{Image via Soul Cycle}

Last week when I was in NYC, my lovely cousin M tried to convince me to attend a spinning class with him at Soul Cycle. He almost got me there. Dark room. Candles lit. Awesome music. The possibility of biking next to Nate Berkus or Kelly Ripa. Yup, it did sound interesting. I had been wanting to do it but alas I did NOT. I chose to drink wine with him the night before and woke up the next day not feeling quite up to taking the train from Brooklyn to Manhattan to meet him at his new mecca. I did however make it to an amazing yoga class that afternoon with bff so the day was not completely wasted...

Yesterday hubby and I decided to hit the gym early for a total conditioning class. Unfortunately we were not the only ones who had this idea on a Saturday morning. We were even 20 minutes early and the class was already completely full. No room for us. Boo. We decided to get in some push ups, pull ups, and box jumps. Perfect way to warm up for yoga. Yes, I was going to hit up a vinyasa class. I was on a roll this week with yoga and wanted to keep it going. Hubby did not go for it. He started talking about the spin class that was at the same time. I whined. I complained. I fought to go to the quiet yoga studio to get my sweat on. He was NOT going to have it. With some more encouragment he convinced me. I was not going to have a dark, candle lit, celebrity filled room but a dimly lit, sweaty, South Austin gym room. Hmm, didn't sound as good as Soul Cylce but I was going to do it.
We got to the room. I surveyed those around me. I felt like I atleast looked as in shape as the others. They were all serious and warming up. I felt like I was going to puke. My mind was racing. I wanted out. Please, let me go to yoga. Hubby got me on a bike. In the last row. Didn't want anyone watching me freak out. He adjusted the seat, got me all plugged in and I started to whine a little more about how uncomfortable it was. I still did not get it. Why or why do people do this to themselves? I only stayed because I am competitive and I knew I had to proove it to my sweet hubby and to myself that I could do this. Did I mention my husband is serious on the bike? Yeah, he even competes in mountain biking races. So, I was surrounded by die hards.
The teacher came in to the room, got the music pumping and I surrerendered. Almost completely. But I did it. 45 minutes of intense cycyling. I did not have a life changing moment. I do not want to do this form of excercise everyday or even every week but it was not as challenging as I made it out to be. It was liberating because I actually did something I was afraid of. I conquered my fear and scratched off #6 on my list of 36 for Project Me. I will be back. But next time, for Spin Zen. 30 minutes of cycling. 30 minutes of yoga. That is much more my speed...

xxoo,

Melissa

Been Making Pretty Little Things...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Cinderella Inspired tank in red, aqua and cream...

With a little star on the back handstamped with the word 'wish'...

Nerdy little bow tie onesie for a newbie of a broadway actress...

With a star on the back hand stamped with his precious name...

Vintage circus inspired tank for a photo shoot with Lynette Weber Photography
{thank YOU all for the feedback on this tank, I will be listing it in the shop soon!}...

'Where The Wild Things Are' Max inspired tee for a photo shoot with Birdie Baby Boutique...

The back...

I is for Izzy custom intial tank. LOVED working with such cheerful colors...

Sugar Magnolia organic violet onesie with a cream flower + yellow center...

Put a bird on it. Seriously cute. Love the little bird handstamped with her name which happens to be Magnolia...

Princess Tiana inspired rosette corsage tank to coordinate with a skirt for Ross and Rosie Designs...

My favorite part of this tank is the back...

Even though I was on a 2 week vacation, I did take time to catch up on a bunch of custom creations. I honestly was not at yoga everyday! Can't decide which is my favorite but by the response on our Facebook wall, y'all really seem to be excited about the vintage circus tank I designed. I plan on listing it in the shop really soon!

Our shop is now open and will be for the next 2.5 weeks. We will be closed the last 1.5 weeks of May and will only be open a short time in June. We are closing shop for about 4 weeks {beginning of June-beginning of July} to go on vacation with our families. We will re open after the 4th of July holiday. Thanks so much for your continued support and understanding. We LOVE creating one of kind tees for your tots but also enjoy finding the balance in our lives and spending time doing other things that bring us joy...

Happy Thursday!

xxoo,

Melissa

New York, I LOVE You...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:12:00 +0000

The view from Bff's apartment. Can I say dreamy?

Half the time I visit, I sit staring out her windows to this view. Do you blame me?

Dragged Bff and her darling hubby to Park Slope to find 'Trixie's' pad from the beloved children's book 'Knuffle Bunny' by Mo Willems. Back in the day we were looking for locations where HBO shot Sex And The City. Yes, life has changed...

Bluegrass Sunday brunch at one of my fave places Superfine in Brooklyn. Such a great vibe. Loved the music, the company, + the food...

Sunday family dinner at my cousin's apartment in Manhattan. He and his lovely friends {from grade school in California} all meet up and cook dinner together. They are too cute + quite impressive for their age. I am blown away by this group of kids and what they are DOING with their lives. I thought I had it together when I was 25...

I ended my New York Bff weekend with a 90 minute Anusara yoga class with Bff. It was life changing. The instructor was amazing and the class was just what we needed. I want to go on this yoga retreat. Maybe not now but someday...

I am back from my 2 week vacation and my long Bff weekend in NYC. Oh, it was so good to have down time. To get back on my yoga mat. Breathe. Play with my kiddos. Cook family dinners. Listen to new music. Bike ride with the family. Take long showers. Read. Write in my new journal. I've really missed these things. They make me happy and I am going to continue to do more of them...

My bff and I are both doing Project Me. She started hers a bit before me and without realizing it, was definitely apart of my inspiration to dig deeper and take time this year for ME! While I was in NYC, we spent a lot of time talking. Talking about this movement that is happening with the women in our lives. Searching for simplicity and to work towards living a life of joy. We wonder if it's our age? Apart of our overstimulated, overworked culture? We are finally getting the idea of letting go of these unrealistic ideas and expectations we set upon our selves in our earlier years. I realize not every moment can be full of enlightenment but teaching myself to embrace the idea of doing more of what makes me happy and doing less of what overwhelms me and stresses me out. I am in the process of letting go of a long list of expectations I put upon myself years ago regarding marriage, motherhood, and running a business. I am blessed to have these choices. I recognize this and I am so grateful. I was a public school teacher for 6 years in a demographic in which most families did not have many choices. The children I taught did not have choices. That is the reality for most people. It is heartbreaking. It makes me desire to help even more, which is also on my list for project me.

Are you living a life of joy? Do you make choices to make sure you are doing the things that make you happy? I pray YOU are. YOU are special and worthy just like me. Let's do this together. Let go and LIVE! I think the yoga is getting to me...

xxoo,

Melissa

What I Wore

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:49:00 +0000

My sis and I went on "date" to a spa opening! Super fun.

shirt- Antrho

rust colored jeans - Free People

wedges - Antro

Dries Van Noten bag - yikes, this was a BIG purchase with some $$$ I made from a large mural project a few years back...hub told me to treat myself...so i did ;)

and doesn't my sis look SO cute too?! love ya.

read the ribbon! Eliza (7 yr old) had just milked a goat at Whole Foods....Jer thought it was hilar to give the ribbon to our breastfed baby. clever, babe, clever.

went to see Feist!!! great concert.

im shopping for the perfect summer hat......

carry on.

JEN

I Am Learning.

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:53:00 +0000

Image via Print & Pattern...

I Love this quote. It resonates with what I am working on with myself right now. 'What you are comes to you.' It does. As you experience life. I am learning who I am at a new level as I experience Project Me and I'm learning a lot my friends. Right now I am learning how to say no. Oh man this is so hard for me. Especially when it comes to the business. I feel like I have got the no thing down when it comes to other areas of my life. Okay, maybe not got it down but have practiced it a bit more. My business is my baby and I am still tweaking it as I go. Jen and I are still farely new at this whole handmade biz thing. Would you consider 2.5 years new? Maybe not so new but still discovering...

One of the best pieces of advice I could give someone starting their own business, handmade or not is to limit the amount of projects you take on. Know matter how wonderful a collaboration, photo shoot, ad spot, giveaway {fill in blank here} may sound they are not ALL what is best for you. Or your business. In the beginning I didn't even grasp what NO meant. I said YES! with a loving heart to everything. Seriously. I didn't have clear boundaries. Now I do. Or at least I am creating them. It is a practice this saying no business. Saying YES! is so much fun but it is also so much WORK. I have wasted countless hours on projects, wholesale accounts, etc. that brought me nothing but lack of sleep and time spent with my gals. Ugh. This part is frustrating. But, it is a process and I am grateful that I NOW recognize how valuable my time truly is. YOUR time is valuable too. Don't forget that...

I am off to NYC tomorrow to have a BFF weekend. Yeehaw! I am at the end of my 2 week vacation I gave myself and I have loved every minute. I am not quite ready to head back into production for the shop but should be after my getaway. I hope! This week has been full of doing different things on my list for Project Me like coffee with girlfriends, homemade meals for my family, yoga, and trying a new activity. This week I hit up Dance Jam {yikes, this was a bit intimidating for me but I did it and it felt so good to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone}. Next up The Bar Method and some Cross Fit classes...

Wishing y'all TIME to just be...

xxoo,

Melissa

A Little Wildflower Photo Sesh With My Gals...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:10:00 +0000

All images courtesy of Dorean Pope Photography

Tanks by Oh Fiddlesticks!

Last month my gals and I met up with my pal Dore to bring her some props for her upcoming bluebonnet photo sessions. She offered to take a few pics of me and my gals. Of course I jumped on the opportunity! I am so grateful for these pictures because they are priceless. I treasure all the various photos she has taken of my family and of our product {she is truly a gem, but more about her in an upcoming post!}
It is amazing to me how photographers can capture moments and make you forget about all the craziness that led up to the pictures. Well, almost forget. I haven't forgotten this day. It started out with getting my period. Just what I wanted to deal with. Ugh! Then, it was humid so forget the hair looking good. My outfit was not coming together the way I had envisioned but I was going to let that go because I knew Dore would take more pics of the girls and just a few with me. Letting go is HARD for me to do. I am still working on this. Oh, and of course my car did not have any gas. We were driving over 30 minutes to the wildflower field so gas was a necessity. Then I had promised the girls Starbucks. Once you make a promise like that you cannot take it away. At least with my kiddos. And I really needed a coffee. The line for the drive thru was out the entrance so we parked and trekked inside. Got our treats and headed back to the car when it started raining. Just a few drops but enough to make me wonder if the shoot was going to happen at all. I texted Dore to let her know our status and that we were late. She of course was flexible and waited patiently for us to arrive. We got to the wildflower field without any coffee or hot chocolate spills, put our clothes on in the car {classy dressing room, eh?} and headed out to the field with props a plenty...
We let Dore take over and what you see above happened at the end of our session. The girls and I got silly and had fun just loving on each other. The funniest thing was Magnolia wanted Dore to keep taking pics of her. In her short 2.5 years she has NEVER wanted her picture taken. Something has shifted and she was all over it!
Thank YOU Dore for blessing our family with these amazing photos. We LOVE them and we LOVE you. Can't wait for our next session...

xxoo,

Melissa

Project Me Is In Full Swing...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Self portrait~spring 2012

Did you read my recent post about PROJECT Me~ 36? Well, I have set out to create a list of things I have been talking about doing for years but haven't and to actually start doing them as I approach my 36th birthday in July. I have almost finished my list. I am on number 29. I have begun a few of the items on my list. A few are to take time off. To breathe. Go to yoga classes, breakfast with my hubby when the gals are at school, meet girlfriends for coffee, and take time to just be a momma. I miss the simplicity of that. I LOVE having my own business. It is a dream. But I have placed a lot of pressure on myself to keep it going non stop. That just can't be. I don't know who can do that without loosing their sanity...I have too many other important jobs that I have been neglecting. I am going to enjoy the NOW because it is precious. Today my girls and I just sat outside on the porch and made play doh creations. It felt so good to be creating with them. To bask in their joy as we created together...

As I continue to work on ME, our little business will change as well. For the better. One thing I know for sure is we will continue to close up shop at least for 1 week out of each month. My family has a planned extended vacation to visit our families in Southern California this summer. Oh, I cannot wait to spend my days with the fam at the beach. And a trip to Disneyland is in the works of course. My girls have already told me they want to dress up as Rapunzel + Sleeping Beauty. I am off to go sit in the sun and continue enjoying the beauty that surrounds me.

Hoping y'all are enjoying the beauty + creativity that surrounds YOU today.

xxoo,
Melissa

Cup+Cake...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:58:00 +0000

Cup+ cake...
One of our very first designs...
Jen and I worked so hard to create the very first pieces. We were so new
at this process. We LOVED the idea of hand drawn original art on the front+ the
funky font on the back. What we did not now is how labor intense this
process was. Now our first few designs are limited in quantity!

{Our photog and pal Dorean Pope took these pics of her sweet daughter in her tee!}

This compound word design was so fun to create!
We drew inspiration from Anthropologie,
vintage cakes and cake stands, and a color combo
of hot pink, black + white....

The hot pink tank is my favorite combo! We sent this to Kim of The
TomKat Studio for her daughter Kate. She was so gracious to model for us and let
her momma Kim take a few shots...

Jen snapped a few pictures of her lil' gal Eliza modeling our tank for us. We used the picture above as a postcard when we were just beginning.
Boy, has our look changed {and Eliza, too!}

In the Fall of 2010 we flew to Arizona to work with the amazing Laura Winslow Photography. I will forever treasure the quick trip and photo shoot we got to experience. We even had the pleasure of meeting Grace of Finley and Oliver, Katie with Vintage Rose Wraps, and Kim from the TomKat Studio. Ah, it was pure handmade heaven! Laura continues to blow me away with her work and I am hopeful that we will get to me meet + and work together again in the future!

Today and Tomorrow I am posting specials on our limited quantity of cupcake tees and tanks. Once they are gone, they are gone for GOOD. We are moving in a new direction with our original pieces and have decided to discontinue our line of screen printed on fabric compound word tees. We adore them but are looking forward and are enjoying the evolution of Oh Fiddlesticks! YOU never know what we may create next....

p.s. don't forget to keep up with us on Facebook~ I am posting the sales on our wall here!

Many thanks to all you loyal blog readers and fans.

We LOVE ya!

xxoo,

Melissa

Merah Muda + Oh Fiddlesticks! Giveaway Winner...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:38:00 +0000

Congrats to NUMBER 24~ Shannau...you have WON our fab giveaway with Merah Muda!

We look forward to hearing from you and sending you YOUR new messenger bag + a Peace tee of your choice!

xxoo,

Melissa

What I Wore... On my face :/

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Ugh. Really face? Are you REAlly still doing this?! Lame.
Proactive refining mask to the rescue! My hub calls this look "toothpaste face". He's a huge fan.
Seriously though the sulphur smell aside, this stuff is awesome!
Other things to report... A new asymmetrical hair do. Yikes! It's growing me. Sorry about my ridiculous facials..... It's a condition.
I threw in an Easter pic for cute sake.... not for Pete's sake. Har har. It's late.
Also one of my Quinn at the market with me... Her first ride in the buggie!
She has on her headband I made in one of our tutorials! My doll.

Night night folks .

Project ME~ {36}...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Image via Pinterest

It hit me this weekend. My life is blessed. But somehow I am creeping toward 40 {I will be 36 in July} and there is so much I still want to do with my life. I have lists. I have ideas. I talk about them. But I don't always follow through. After church on Sunday I was inspired. An idea came to me {Thank YOU God} and I decided I would do a project on myself as I move closer toward my 36th birthday. I am going to create a list of 36 things to do that will encompass mind, body, spirit, soul, + home...Some items on my list will be small, simple things. Others will be BIG. They will challenge me. They will make me dig DEEP. That's what I desire. To MOVE into a new space in my life as I continue to grow + age. Why not do it with pizazz? With flair? With INTENTION?

When I mentioned my idea to my hubby he was so sweet. He got IT {that's why I LOVE him so...} We started playing around with names for my project. We tossed around quite a few but I think I have settled on project ME~36.

My first task is to start journaling again. I miss it. It has been way too long. I am going to brainstorm my list of 36. I will blog about it. I will talk about it. I will start doing. Looking forward to sharing with y'all as I embark on Project ME because I do want to be a good one...

p.s. Have YOU ever done anything like this? If so, I'd LOVE to hear...

xxoo,

Melissa

Merah Muda + Oh Fiddlesticks! = Peace, Love, Rock N Roll...

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:52:00 +0000

All images courtesy of Pinkle Toes Photography
Peace Tees + Sugar Magnolia Tank~ Oh Fiddlesticks!
Tote + messenger bags~ Merah Muda
Yellow + Purple rosette headband~ Sweetharts Shoppe

Happy Friday y'all!
Time for another fab giveaway hosted by Merah Muda and us, The OH Fiddlesticks! gals {can I get a yeehaw?}. We paired up with the lovely Merah Muda this fall for a mini collaboration featuring our PEACE tee for boys + girls as well as our Sugar Magnolia Tank. LOVE these gorgeous pictures courtesy of Pinkle Toes Photography.

After the shoot, I LOVED the bags we used so much I purchased them for my gals. YES, they are as cute in person. And so soft! Each piece is special and unique. We use them for different occasions but often you will find my gals toting them to ballet class...{precious!}

This week we are giving away the PEACE, love, rock N roll messenger bag AND one of our Oh Fiddlesticks! PEACE tees {don't worry, we have a few short sleeve tees} OR a Custom Sugar Magnolia Tank {girls, boys, baby, or ladies...you get to pick!}

To view more of Misha's designs visit her Etsy shop here.

The rules of engagement are as follows:

Entry 1: become our blog follower and leave us a little comment {if you are already a follower just remind us!}...
Entry 2: become our fan on Facebook and leave us a comment here telling us so...
Entry 3: become a fan of Merah Muda on Facebook and leave her some love...
Entry 4: share the giveaway on your Facebook wall and leave us your link here...

Pick ONE entry. Or pick all 4. Do what you want and what works for you. The giveaway is open from Friday April 6th, 2012- Sunday April 15th, 2012. We will announce the winner on the blog on Monday April 16th.

Good luck peeps!

xxoo,

What I Wore ... to the airport

noreply@blogger.com (Oh Fiddlesticks!) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Ok... Late again..... What I wore Wednesday has turned into what I wore Thursday to the airport. :/
We are now in Lubbock visiting family for Easter. I hope you all have some time with loved ones and children over this weekend. May we celebrate that our savior died and rose again for ALL of us.
Be blessed.
As for outfit... Trying the new short/long hem skirt trend. I love this one from Nordstrom junior department. I don't care for the ones that expose a white lining visible from the front, but this one is nice.
My sandals are from Target.... KIDS ! Ha. Yeah I'm freakishly small. $14!!
Loving this pistachio colored nail polish from Ulta! Did NOt have time to paint myself yet. :(

Gotta go enjoy the fam now!
Go live it up.
JEN