Peek-a-Boo Patterns La Jolla One Piece Swimsuit

I got to test another pattern for Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  Yay!  This time it was a swimsuit.  I know sewing a swimsuit sounds scary, but she makes it so easy.  As you know from this post, I've used one of her patterns before for a swimsuit and really liked it.  This one is even easier.

I started with some super adorable fabric from Girl Charlee.  I spent hours and hours trying to find the right swim fabric for inexpensive enough.  Then I remembered Girl Charlee and fell in love.  They have so many great fabrics for a great price.  That is where I found this fabric.

Don't you just love that lace detail!

I cut into my maternity swimsuit for the black, since I didn't know what else to do with it.

I'm so glad I did.  I just love the contrast of the black bows.

I made the headband using a tutorial from my favorite blog.

I love how it turned out too.

My bald, baby girl needs something up there.

I pretty much love everything about this outfit.

I hope this helps you want to overcome any fear you might have to sew a swimsuit.  I'm even going to make one for me soon.  Now that's scary.  If you want to make your own, you can purchase the pattern here.  She's even having a sale on swim patterns through June 1st, just use the code "swim20" at checkout.

(Just so you know.  We aren't super rich with a fancy boat.  We are just lucky enough to live at a summer camp.)

Teaching at Home

Today, we've started homeschooling with the girls.  I'm terrified, but I think it will be alright.  I found a fun preschool curriculum of sorts that I think is going to be wonderful.  It is called Before Five in a Row.  It is basically an activity idea book for children ages 2-4 based on a bunch of fantastic children's books.  It is designed to prepare a child for learning while maintaining the wonderment of childhood.  Since Eleanor absolutely LOVES being read to, I thought this was perfect for us.

I bought the book from their suggested retailer before realizing I could get it for much less on other sites.  Oh well, live and learn.  But I did make up for it when I bought several of the children's books.  I bought a couple of lots on ebay, sold the duplicates again on ebay and got back almost what we paid for one of lots (yes!).  Some of the books recommended are out of print so I'm having a harder time finding them for a decent price.

  

There are a lot of other blogs out there using B4FIAR and have some great ideas and printables for all of us.  I go to them and pinterest for inspiration.  Then I plan everything out for the book I'm using each week with this great online lesson planner called PlanbookEdu.  They offer a free basic service.  It is really helping me keep track of everything I'm wanting to get done with each book/week.

We are starting out with Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?,so I'll let you know what we do and how it goes.

Wish us luck!

L'amore Photography 1000+ Fans Giveaway!

I just wanted to let you all know there is a great giveaway going on right now at L'amore Photography's blog.  My Etsy shop, Little Ella Lu, just happens to be one of the many fabulous vendors who donated.   I donated an owl playmat personalized with the winner's child's name on it.

But there is a lot more than just my play mat.  This giveaway is worth more than $250 in sheer cute prizes. 

It is running till May 10, 2012, so hurry on over and enter!

L'amore Photography's Giveaway

Good Luck!