Thompson Family-Life

just call me Frenchy

The pink is back! If you've been following my blog since last year, you'll remember my pink here from here, here and here. I knew I wanted to do it again this summer. I think it will become a rite of passage once the boys are out of school every year. I don't feel comfortable wearing it pink during the school year because, well, I don't want the boys to be harrassed by other kids with "Why does your Mom have pink hair?!". The girls might like it (Princess Hair!!!), but boys are notorious for heckling. (at least the little stinker boys are. >:(

My boys are pretty indifferent to it. It's like, "Mom's got pink hair... moving on..." Like, no biggie. 

Since this was my first time bleaching in a year or so, I knew it would take a couple bleachings to get it light enough to really hold the color. The first time I bleached and dyed it pink last year, it didn't get to it's fullest brightest until that second bleaching, but I did get this same peachy-pink which I do really love. The only thing about this time around is that it didn't dye evenly (as you can see from that orange patch at the top of my head!). I used Special Effects dye this time instead of the Directions brand I used last year. I do love the "Cupcake" color I used this time, but I have no idea why it didn't dye evenly. I knew some of the orange from would still show through, but not this badly. I dyed it yesterday and today with the pink, leaving it on for 2 and 3 hours both times and the color just doesn't seem to want to grab around my roots.

Luckily, it doesn't look too bad and has an "ombre" affect. So I'll just say I did it on purpose to be trendy. ; ) A lot of people that do pink are so put off by the "salmon" colors you sometimes get, but I love them. It's kind of a natural progression from the natural copper red I usually do. I do look forward to bleaching again in a few weeks (to give my hair a break). Upon the second bleaching last year, it looked incredible. Total even coverage and the pink was BAH-RIGHT!! Like day-glo. Hoping I can tone that down slightly. That is when you get the REAL looks in public. I actually went out today with hardly a look with this salmony/darker pink. I'll be sure to take new photos when the new pink is done.

My hair is finally getting to one length - quite a change from the super short style I had. And I think I'll keep it bob length for a while. The growing out process hasn't been too painful... only when I wait too long to get a cut and it starts getting mullet-y in the back (you short haired folks know what I'm talking about). I've finally given up the good fight on having bangs after all these years. I almost always have bangs cut and literally THE DAY OF THE CUT, I'm already pinning them back. I should buy stock in bobby pins. So, the big-bang-growout of 2013 has officially begun. And I'm hoping for good. I wish I was lucky enough to have lush, thick, Bettie Page style bangs, but having two cowlicks and wispy hair, bangs just don't ever stay put for me. (boo.)

Isn't the shirt cute? It's vintage from Highland Row Antiques here in Atlanta. It was actually a shirt dress that I asked my Mother-in-Law to shorten for me. The sunglasses are just for fun because I can't actually see with them on! Need a prescription. So I put them on just for you. ; ) But I like them so much I might consider having lenses put in! I did the same thing with another cheap pair from Urban Outfitters and it has worked great. These are "designer knock-offs" from ebay. I think I spent less than $10 on them. Thank-you to whoever tipped me off on these! Pinterest? Can't remember!

I'll have more pink updates soon. I know you're waiting with bated breath.

Lenore: Vintage Style

These were taken the day I took these photos. I found this little vintage dress at a thrift store many, many months ago. This is my most favorite item of clothing that I've found for her. So cute! Love the sixties styling... those buttons! I was so happy to see her dressed in this when her Mom brought her over. I'm so glad Ellyn enjoys these little vintage numbers I find for Lenore. She even wore it to a Kentucky Derby party they went to! I die from the cute. Even though I know I'm helping them out when I keep her, I have to say that I'm coming out even better in this deal. Toddler snuggles? Playing dress up in girly outfits? Hello, baby fix? Check, check, check. I feel pretty darn lucky. What a sweetheart.

nice press!

UK based Mollie Makes has been so good to me and to Kitschy Digitals! I absolutely love working with them... in fact, I'm working on some fun projects for them as we speak. If you haven't checked it out already, it's a gorgeous magazine - they do such a fantastic job with it, with so many topics covered - from crafts, to home interiors inspiration, travel and more.

I was so honored that my home studio was included in their special HOME issue (I was shocked to see myself on the cover!) If you are a sucker for beautiful and colorful interiors, this is a MUST buy! I'm a little late sharing this with you, so it's been hard to find still in stores, but I heard it's still available at some Joann's and Barnes and Noble stores in some states over the past few weeks. You can also subscribe to the US edition of the magazine here and it's also available in digital format.

They also featured Kitschy Digitals designer, Heather Davulcu, and her gorgeous Downton Abbey Embroidery Patterns in their newest issue. Congrats to Heather!

a stitchy gift

I have been stitching this gift over the past couple weeks (the cross-stitch pattern is available here at Kitschy Digitals!) You might have seen my progress on Instagram? I haven't cross-stitched in a while! But it's totally addictive! So much fun. The pattern was designed by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery. They've created several country themed patterns (you can find Italy, Japan, England in our shop, and they will have more coming soon!). I think doing a bunch of these, especially if you've traveled to these places, and incorporating them into a quilt would be so crazy cute! 

I knew I wanted to make this pattern for my Mother-in-Law who's half Irish (her Mother was born in Ireland!) and is also visiting there this summer. I also knew I wanted to make the design into a pocket on the outside of a tote bag... because I don't know about you guys, but around our house, there are never enough totes. We use them for everything. I was thinking she could use it for all sorts of things, to carry books or keep a knitting or smocking project in (she's a seasoned sewer and knitter!). I tend to have totes the hold all sorts of different projects I'm working on. They're a great way to keep your project all together in one place so you can grab it on the go if you need a project to work on outside of the house.

The cross-stitching took the longest... the bag was super easy and quick! What took the longest on the bag is attaching the binding to create the two pockets. (I used this tutorial if you need a good bias tape tutorial.) And you can tell I was rushing to finish this in time for her birthday party because my bias tape stitching is wonky in places (oops!). I used a piece of a blue floral Liberty of London fabric I bought at Purl Soho while in NYC many years ago, for the other front pocket. 

And speaking of Purl Soho, I used their 20-minute tote bag tutorial to make the bag! What makes it so fast is that you use webbing for the straps and you don't have to make a lining for the bag because you're using upholstery fabric (yes.) (I bought this upholstery fabric at Joanns.) You can again tell I was in a rush to finish it because the bottom corners are uneven (double oops), but you won't be able to tell when it's full. ; ) I definitely recommend this tutorial as an easy beginner project.

Aren't the pens cute? Those are more of my loot that I picked up in Little Tokyo, LA.

I'm excited to start another project. There's nothing like having a project waiting in the wings. We creative types thrive on this, am I right?

What's Happening at Kitschy Digitals

April is almost over and we can't believe it! There are some lovely holidays coming up in May: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this gorgeous Frida Kahlo Embroidery Pattern. The felt flowers add such a beautiful and unique touch. You could have a get-together, May 5th, with your crafty friends and stitch up lovely Frida in celebration of this holiday!


And let's not forget Mom! We have some charming printable Mother's Day cards (one with a girl, one with a boy!). Around 25 skin tone and hair color combinations included!


There's definitely something to be said for the classic, simple games, like this very retro printable memory game designed for you to print and make!

Is doesn't get more charming than this "Cute Butt Club" printable garland by Mel Stringer. 'Nuff said.

What makes donuts even better? DONUTS WITH FACES. : ) Donut Shop Journaling Cards: print them out (perfect size for your Project Life Albums) or use the PNG files in your digital art. You could also print these out for gift tags! Coordinates with the Donut Shop Embroidery Pattern.


Looking for a new stitchy project? Look no further than this very kawaii cross-stitch pattern featuring Japan! Or what about Ireland, Italy or England?


Firefly fans unite! An embroidery pattern set dedicated to this cult classic.


Welcome a little Sunshine into your home with this printable garland! Perfect for parties or everyday use.


Looking for a unique take on the classic Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey game? What about Pin-the-Tiny-Arms-on-the-T-Rex?! Dino fans will love it!


We've got another FREEBIE for you! This is from Wild Olive. Springtime Printable Journaling Cards! 

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