My Lasts by Lindsay Asta; TCOT owner

As the delivery of my new (and last) baby approaches I am having such mixed feelings. So excited to meet this beautiful, perfect little one and yet willing the days to slow down at the same time. My three oldest children (2, 4 and 8) are just growing up way too fast. I love each new and exciting chapter with them and love to see the amazing people they are turning into. With that said, it's all the lasts that are making me heavy hearted.

My oldest son just lost his last front tooth. He picks out his own clothes. He gets himself ready in the mornings. I can't remember the last time he wanted to snuggle up and cuddle on the couch and watch a movie. When I tucked him in and kissed him goodnight on the eve of his 8th birthday a few weeks ago I cried like a baby! I wonder, how much does he really need me for these days? When will he be too old and too cool to hug me and tell me he loves me before leaving for school? When will I be completely uncool to him?

With my four year old son I just keep wondering...is this his last nap? Is this the last time he will cuddle up and ask me to hold him so he can fall asleep?  I can't believe this fall he will be in pre-k and it will be his last year of preschool...unbelievable, it feels like he were just born. Will he even need me to hold his hand on his first day of kindergarten? He plays soccer and goes out to play with the "big boys". He goes to preschool and then surprises me with everything he learns...(insert sigh here)

And my baby girl, I am unsure how she is already two! She tells me we are best friends, will she always say that? Right now she need your mama to fall sleep, comforting arms to hold you tight, when will be the last time until you too, won't need your mama so much? All this little girl wants to do is play babies and make-up, Minnie Mouse dress up and do hair and nails...with me! Will she always love to spend time and share all her favorite things with me?

I know we have so much to look forward to, but am I alone in missing all the lasts? We get so excited about the firsts in life...baby's first smile, their first words and steps...first day of preschool and kindergarten. How about the last diaper you changed or the last bottle you gave them or the last time they nursed. What was the last bedtime story you told them. It's all these things I will miss with my older children as I prepare to welcome our last baby.

So, I will continue to try to live in the moment. Enjoy each and every thing, because even in that moment I might not be having very much fun, but because it just might be their "last".

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The next book you should pick up!!! -Carly Morris, TCOT founder/owner

If you have read this book, then you know what I'm talking about! I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I would consider myself an avid reader, I am always looking for my next favorite book. Well let me tell ya, this book did not disappoint. In short, its narrated by a sassy/spunky teenage girl who is dying of cancer and her love story with another teenager who happens to be a cancer-survivor.
Their story is quirky and artsy fartsy and adorable. The character's wit and charm make you fall in love with them.

It is true that this book is categorized as a YA (young adult novel). Don't let that deter you!!! It has eloquent writing and really tugs at the heart strings. I would also go as far to say that this book provoked deeper thinking about death and dying....it did for me anyway.

Warning, this book will most likely make you cry. Like probably sob. Like probably that ugly cry/sob.
I actually read and amazon review of someone who said he was a teenage boy and he said this book made him cry. So buyer beware.

The author, John Green is a great author that has some other popular books available. I had to know more about him after I finished reading this book so I did a little digging. He actually wrote this book with someone in mind. His inspiration was this 16yr old girl, he randomly met at a Harry Potter Fan Conference with his brother. This girl had thyroid cancer and he kept in sporadic touch. Ready more about that here!!! (warning there might be some spoilers in that interview) The girl who inspired this book actually has a book of her very own. Find out about that here. I am thinking it might be a good follow up read for me since I just recently finished the book.

Another exciting thing about this book is that they are adapting it into a movie due out this Summer. I'm hoping that they do this story justice because it definitely has been added to my list of favorite books.

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Helicopter Dad? by Carly Morris TCOT owner/founder

We have all heard of "Helicopter mom" with its negative connotation of being uptight and clingy and who inhibits their child's independence/creativity with their "hovering."

But what about Helicopter Dads? Dads who "hover" and disrupt play at the first sign of a challenge or discomfort.  Well guess what folks, there are plenty of those out there too but we are too busy zero-ing in on moms to put the spot light on dads too!

My stance on parenting is usually "to each, their own" but recently while I was out at a play date at the Family Museum (on a Saturday,....ugh!) I noticed a huge amount of dads toting their little ones around. It was great to watch and observe the many fathers of the QCA playing with their children.
One thing really stood out to me though. There seemed to be two type of dads on this particular Saturday.

The first type was the Dad that looks anxious and nervous and a little "out of his league", Let me defend them for a second by saying that The Family Museum is a complete Nut house on weekends/Spring Break. Its packed most of the time when its crummy outside. If you have ever been to Chik Fil A when noon strikes, then you know what I'm talking about. Back on topic, those dads look terrified and are trailing their kids like the NYPD. They are on top of them, telling them to "be careful", "be nice" and telling them how to play at each station. "No splashing" is heard a lot at the water table. When a child is playing with something in a non typical way, they are quick to let their child know. (ie: "don't use that stethoscope on the Milk Carton") I have even heard some "shushing"! Yes!!! At a Family Museum, there are Dads that get VERY uncomfortable when their children shrieks (loudly) with delight. I just want to reach out and tell them "its ok, I know...its overwhelming but it can also be A LOT of fun if you just relax."

And then there are the Laid back Dads...the ones who are getting in there and playing with their kids instead of instructing them. They look like big kids all over again. I think they are enjoying themselves just as much as their kids. Living in the now, and letting their kids go off on their own a little bit without breaking out into a sweat. They are getting served wooden Melissa and Doug Pizza at Sal's Pizza. They are working the register at the Harvest Market while their lil one checks out with their overpriced fruit snacks and block of cheese. But they are also letting their kids explore without interfering. Letting their kids make some decisions on where to go and how to play. It was interesting to watch as these dads were very comfortable on stepping back to watch from a distance.

Needless to say, I was definitely having a good time observing the parents at the Family Museum while my kids splashed at the water table, shrieked with delight,  and served me some yummy Wooden Pizza. PARENTING....to each, his own.

Which type of Dad is your husband? We would love to hear from you!

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Five Places to Shop on a Budget by: Sherri Scott, Interior Designer

                                                            Five Places to Shop on a Budget

Sometimes I have a bit of a problem cracking open the wallet and making a purchase, sometimes!  I blame my mother, really.  Like most mothers her first priority was her children and she spent money on us before she spent it on herself or something for the home.  And I have unfortunately inherited that trait.  I find myself in the store just thinking it over forever, sometimes leaving and coming back (hello, because sometimes with the little ones they leave very little time for thinking something over, am I right?).  Anyway, it really can annoying! So here are a few places to shop on a budget for the mass population.

1.      Target  Now this should be NO surprise to anyone.  Target has everything.  They have a lot of bold patterns in drapes and rugs.  Great picture frames, vases, artwork, lamps and furniture.  I love the look industrial look of these stools and the turquoise console table has been calling my name.  I do find sometimes the quality can be a bit lacking but for the most part there are some good finds.

2.      Home Goods  I checked out the store locater and saw that there is not a Home Goods listed within 100 miles of Davenport.  Total disappointment.  Home Goods is a sister store of TJ Max.  They are filled with seasonal items, frames, kitchen, bath, furniture, artwork, lamps (love the lamps), bedding….and really so much more.  They also have a kid’s section with room décor, toys and books which is a must hit if you have kids.  They have decent quality chairs for kids very similar to the Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair.  This is a must hit if you are on a budget but looking for a change up or even updating your mantel for the new season.

3.      Hobby Lobby  I first went to Hobby Lobby during college for supplies for my design boards.  That store is HUGE.  My girls love going there and picking out a new craft to work on.  The last time I was there I fell in love with an apothecary type dresser that was distressed and had the alphabet on it.  (complete fail and didn’t take a picture) It would look awesome in a little boy’s room.   They also have some fun table clocks (pictured) and metal art that would add a little something to your simple gallery wall.  KNOBS (pictured)….tons and tons of dresser knobs or pulls that you can get to easily change up your dressers.   I bought some for my daughter’s room and will share in a future post of her nursery. 

4.      Etsy Is an ecommerce site that sells vintage items and just about anything that someone has made.  I have purchased subway art (similar to the picture below from Word Whipped) and stuffed animals for my girls on the site.  You may have to be patient and do some searching but it is an awesome site and can hook you for hours.  You can also find creative seasonal items or craft starter DIY items such as felt cutouts for garland.  Check it out.

5.      World Market  Is also a unique place to shop with a very ethnic and eclectic vibe to it.  They have curtains, rugs, furniture, wall art and more.  They also have a small food and beverage section in case you need a snack.

A few honorable mentions would include Joss and Main (a members only site with daily deals), JoAnn Fabrics and let’s not forget GARAGE SALES or estate sales.  You can find a lot of vintage furniture items and bring new life to them at garage sales.   These are just a few big box places to shop but I love love love to find a gem in my neighborhood to support the local talent and business owners.  It is the best way to find something unique that not everyone else will have.  So when possible, shop locally.  What are some of your favorite places to shop?

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The Perfect Winged Liner Tutorial by: Brittany Chevelle; QCA Make up Artist

How to achieve the perfect winged-liner

 

When it comes to eyeliner, most women tell me that they are afraid to use liquid liner, or to even try the  cat-eye look. Mostly, because one line is thicker than the other, longer than the other, or one points up and the other.. is pointing down.

 

Lauren Conrad always has flawless Winged liner

 My first tip is to use a kohl liner before applying any liquid liner. That will come later.

Before you apply your kohl liner, you want to decide where you want your wings to end. You will start by placing a little dot where you decide you want the wing tip to end. From there, you want to draw a straight line from the outer corner of the eye to the dot. Some artist choose to use a piece of tape or toothpick to create a straight line from your two points.

Now, you will line your upper lash line. Instead of trying to line the entire eye in one movement, you may find it easier to first line the inner corner to the middle lid, then start again from the middle and connect it to the wing. (I like to start with a thin line at the inside corner of my eye, and gradually make the line thicker until I reach the point of my wing. This will give you a more “cat-like” appearance.)

You may stop at this point and apply your mascara. If you are wanting a dramatic, bold cat-eye, then trace over the kohl eyeliner with your liquid liner. Now you have perfect liquid liner!

Another Celebrity that has nailed the winged liner

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Make a Small Space feel larger! Tip and Tricks by Sherri Scott, Interior Designer

How to Make a Small Space Feel Larger

Our old house was a small, quaint, three bedroom home.  There were a lot of things that we loved about it and as usual, a number of things we compromised on.  The main level did not have an open floor plan.  The kitchen/eat in area was completely walled off from the living room.  What it did have was a great cathedral ceiling that helped the main living areas feel more open and spacious, but we also had to get a creative with our décor and layouts.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when putting together a small room.

1. Clean up your space and keep the clutter at bay.  Often with a small room storage can also be a challenge.  It means that organization is that much more important.  Use baskets and multi-purpose furniture pieces to minimize what is out visually.  Try not to over accessorize; keep it simple.
2. Selecting the right paint color.  Neutrals are typically the best way to go with small rooms.  I am not talking white, but a warm gray or even a very subtle cool blue can be a neutral.  Then throw in accent colors of cool, soothing colors such as light greens or blues to give pops of color without closing the space in on you.
3. Mirrors.  Mirrors will give the room an illusion of being larger.  Here are a few ways to use mirrors: place them near a window to reflect the natural light, use a tall mirror to give the space visual height or use mirrored furniture for fun.
4. I touched on this in a previous post.  Hang your window treatments at your ceiling to create height.  Also keep as much of the window open as possible to allow the natural light in.  Window treatments are meant to frame your window when they are open, not cover them (accept of course when you close them, right?!)  Have the fabric stack overlapping the window slightly and the rest stacked over the wall.
5. Keep the furniture at a proper scale. Who doesn’t love a great, comfy sofa to lie down on?  My husband is tall so one thing that was important when shopping for furniture was buying something he could stretch out on.  But sometimes you have to find something that fits in your room. Buy furniture at the correct scale.  Often smaller furniture is referred to as apartment scale in stores.  Try a sofa or entertainment stand that is on legs for more openness.

As mentioned on first house we compromised a lot.  And now the second house…we compromised on different things.  The space is much larger, but the home doesn’t quite have the same character or open ceiling. We are continuing to work away on projects and I hope to share some with you soon.

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Fashion Friday: Anchor's Away; TCOT Boutique Style

We are always excited when a fun new trend spreads like wild fire! Not because we like to dress like everyone else but quite the opposite. We love to see everyone's else's take on a certain trend.
The one we are diving into for Spring is Anchors (you may have seen this last year too!)

It has such a fun "All American" feel with crisp colors and clean lines (also seeing lots of stripes again). Lets take a look what is out there!

 

The Maxi Anchor dress by The Cherry on Top Boutique will be added to the online shop soon!

The Maxi Racer back Tank Top will be perfect for outdoorsy trips and family picnics. The Cherry on Top is excited to be adding this top to the online shop very soon!

Old Navy is crawling with Anchor Sweaters and Tops. Check it out here! We are loving the pop of color with the bright coralish red Anchors on this lightweight top!

Even Target is getting on board (no pun intended) with Anchor themed fashion! We are loving the red exposed zipper on back too! Reminds us of our zipper back tops!!!

 

 

 

J Crew took it a step further with Anchor themed/accessories for the whole family. At J Crew, you can find tie clips, socks, handkerchiefs, sweaters, belts, and dresses with the Anchor logo!!!

I am personally a huge fan of J Crew because of their great quality and timeless fashions.

 

So what have you been adding to your wardrobe, lately?

 

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A Picture of Health -Libby of Advocare

A Picture of Health

So the girls have not been napping lately...Which means no sacred mommy time. That is precious more than I ever expected! I have felt more frustrated with the girls which I hate to say but that little hour break was important for me to relax. Or at least to wash dishes in peace. I’ve always been anxious after my kids were born. I was reading the other day what kind of physiological things happen to a mother when she hears her baby cry. Instantly wanting to make everything ok. That’s me for sure. Do you ever just hear that and tense up instantly?

I’ve been trying to find things that help me relax. Working out is definitely one of them. Releasing that tension and anger sometimes helps. Meditation helps too but when you have 20 minutes do we really lay there?

Last week I took the girls to The Children’s Museum in Normal, IL.. That was soo fun! It was nice to see another museum and what they have to learn about there. It kept the girls busy for hours and afterward we hit up our favorite place. ... T.A.R.G.E.T. Oh yes, that store is quite awesome and could surely spend thousands of dollars on really nothing per visit. Especially with three little girls who also like to shop.

Today I promised them I would buy them some paints. I love all things crafts. All the messy, gooey crafts that are possible.

 

 

Paint, Play Doh, glitter, stickers....love it all.

Of course kids LOVE painting but I had totally forgotten how much I loved it too. It was relaxing and corny to say but Good for My Soul. It’s like just a way of expressing yourself right on paper with your choice of color and stroke. Liv and Bella being 4 and Bre almost 3, it is was enjoyable because they weren’t trying to eat it and were making one picture after another for whoever they could think of. I was one relaxed Momma to say the least and perhaps it helped all paints were washable.

So if you’re ever in the art aisle, grab some paints and get to it. You may just surprise yourself in how sometimes a mess can put you back together.

As for the girls, they say it’s their favorite time is painting with Mom... :)

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Valentine's Day Hair Ideas for every Length! -Krista, Quad City Hair Stylist

Quad Cities Hair Wizard, Krista 

            Ahhh, it’s that time of year again where women crowd around the TV on Sundays to watch what they have been looking forward to since last year.  Sorry guys, it’s not the Super Bowl, it’s award season.  This month’s blog is going to be talking about what we are seeing on the red carpets and how easy it is to transform these looks into everyday styles. Just in time to jazz it up for Valentine’s Day with that special someone. 

            I love how easy, breezy the styles have been so far.  I’m a big fan of less is more, and your style should represent that.  I feel like with a softer style, people can focus more on your natural beauty instead of focusing on your over hairsprayed, over backcombed, and over curled style.   You want all eyes on you, not just your hair.  I’m going to go over 5 styles that are easy, trendy, and appropriate for all occasions. 

            My first look is a hairstyle that I lightly talked about last month, which is Jennifer Lawrence.  Once your hair is cut into this style it is very low maintenance.  I’ve been cutting this style on a ton of women!  They all love how easy yet trendy this cut is.  Just a light styling product when wet to give it some volume, and then when dry a texture product to rough it up to bring out the layers in the haircut. Voila!  You’re ready to go. 

            My second style that I am seeing on numerous celebrities this award season has been around forever, and is a timeless style.  It is a classic bun.  This can be worn from the office to cocktails to a wedding, and is just as appropriate for all occasions.  I suggest teasing the hair and pulling it straight back like Mila Kunis did, or doing a deep side part for some added drama into the hair like Emma Roberts and Emma Watson.  When doing this style you can make the bun very clean, or mess it up a little to put a more youthful vibe to it. 

            Our third look to discuss is one that is so simple once your hair is cut like this all you have to do is smile to look good.  It is an asymmetrical bob.  It can be cut at a variety of lengths, and looks great with or without frontal fringe.  This cut can work with all medium hair lengths.  From chin length or collar bone.  My model was inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s haircut but wanted a shorter version of it.  The trick to achieving this fabulous cut is to have the longer part on the opposite side that you part on, or also known as your heavy side.  Then for the finishing touch, tuck the shorter side of your hair.  This will lift and bring out your cheek bone while also showing off the haircut.  I recommend finishing off the style with a shine spray.  This haircut looks best worn down either straight of curls.

 

    One of the top trends right now is to wear your hair with a loose wave.  This can either be down with a curling iron or a flat iron. Next month’s blog will go over how exactly to style your hair to achieve the perfect wave.  An easy way to up the ante on this already crazy popular style is to push it over the should to one side.  This style is best achieved with those who have longer hair (hair that is passed the shoulder).  All you have to do is style hair into desired texture, and then push the non- heavy side of your hair behind your shoulder, or push it all over to the other shoulder.  Make sure you use a  flexible hold hairspray to ensure that the curls stay in place!  You are ready for your night out on the town.

 

            Our last look that I’m going to touch base on this month is another fancier way to wear those loose waves that we are all already wearing.  This style is good at any length, and will instantly add drama to your hair.  I recommend curling hair with a curling iron.  Start with a deep side part, and make sure you are using a heat protectant because you are putting heat on the hair.  We don’t want to be damaging our beautiful locks. Once hair is curled, you want to insert comb into curls starting at the bottom and push upward in a vertical direction, to create a tighter curl.  This adds fullness at the bottom of that hair and gives a more glamours look to the hair.  If you want more glamourous look like the picture on the left, curl hair and DO NOT run fingers through curls before combing upward.  If you want a messier, tousled look, you would curl your hair.  Then DO break apart curls with fingers before combing each section of curls upward.

            That’s my blog for this month. I hope you all enjoyed it, and this helps you come up with some new, easy ways to style your hair no matter what length of hair you have.   Until next month, I hope everyone stays warm and fashionable. 

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Valentine's Ideas for the Home by Sherri Scott, Illinois Interior Designer

Happy February, Everyone.  Who is so over winter?!  This girl is!  The kiddos and I are starting to get a little stir crazy with these frigid temperatures.  There is a lot of snow outside to play in but many days too cold and windy to go out and really enjoy it for a length of time. We are keeping warm and doing a lot of arts and crafts inside and enjoying play dates and trips to the library.  How are you passing the time this winter? 

One of the ways I noted to freshen up your house was to decorate for the holidays.  And although Valentine’s Day isn’t necessarily a holiday that you go all out in decorations it can still be fun to put a little love in the air.  Little holidays like this are even more fun with kiddos and a great way to get them involved.  Here are a few ideas on easy Valentine’s Day decorating you can and many of them the kids can help.  Let’s take a look!

The first one is great watercolor craft to share with your kids.  You can use cut outs or doilies for the garland and then frame any other artwork you create.  Add some greenery or flowers and you are set.

Don’t forget adding fresh flowers to your home.  They smell great and you can get something simple from your local grocer or stop by the florist for something more fancy.  Add love notes in the arrangement to make it personal.

Add new pillows to your bedroom or living room. If you aren’t handy with a sewing machine, check out etsy for great selections.  Here is just one that I found.  You don’t have to stick with the traditional pink and red either.

  

Make a new wreath for your front door.  Little ones can help with these and although they may not turn out like the picture a crooked heart never hurt anyone!  Check out this one from Mine for the Making.

I also came across a great burlap wreath.  You can easily make a burlap wreath and make changes to it throughout the year to fit a different holiday.

Online you can also find a number of free printables to frame or use another way.  Check out these hearts from Shutterfly and Tatertots and Jello to use as you please. 

Have you done any great arts and crafts with your kids for Valentine’s Day?  I am getting ready to bust out my sewing machine to make Valentine’s Day shirts for the girls.  We are also still in the process of unpacking (goodness, that process was much easier before babies).  Once we get a few rooms completed then I will share some before and afters.  Stay safe and warm; spring is coming sooner or later!!!

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