Productive Moving

I am so blessed to have had such an amazing family! Thankfully some people have come back that have been gone for entirely way to long.  It was a very sweet experience to say the least. J is on top of the world!!

AND... I am pretty much moved in to my new place.  Who knew that the lack of cable and internet would make me SO productive!!! Two hats and two head bands down and still going strong. It is amazing the things you can accomplish when putting off unpacking boxes.

Black Headband with Bow $15

Steelers Ear-flap Hat $40

Aggie Ear-flap Hat $40

I hope everyone had holidays that were as fantastic as mine!!
<3 Mariah Lynn

It is almost Christmas...

It has been a very productive couple of days.  Packing my entire apartment up, several starbucks dates with Jackie, three completed hats, and did I mention visits from the Hoskins and Barkers?  Now that is kicking it into 3rd gear!

Jackie carrying boxes

Hunter helping pack

The Reason I drive an Expedition

 I am so thankful for everyone's help.  We got everything into my new apartment, now all that is left is to unpack the boxes and settle in.  Of course is occurring after all of the Christmas cheer that will be happening today and tomorrow.  We got everything in last night, luckily beating the rain that came in today. 

The Hoskins after moving

 Even the little one's were pitching in with the move.  So we had time to snap some pictures last night after we moved everything in. I certainly am feeling all of the love.  I was awoken this morning by a visit from the sweet Barker baby.. and will continue with "Christmas cheer"  for the rest of the day. 

Playing with the Barker Baby

Now time to FINALLY relax!  I hope every one has a Merry Christmas and gets to spend it with tons of friends and family!

<3 Mariah Lynn

Merry Christmas Y'all

Oh the Places I will Go

Today it is official. I got my sweet condo!! I am so extremely excited.  And now that I have the key it is time to send the paint crew over.  How fun! So now I must start planning and decorating.  My furniture is currently a coffee table and a bed, so I guess I should start investing in pieces so that other people can come visit and be comfortable.  Be prepared for some house warming!!

Yesterday we had the first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.  It is a tradition I am so excited to have started.  I made two giant gingerbread men FROM SCRATCH.  I even had to grind the ginger since I couldn't find it pre-ground ANYWHERE!  Since this was so much fun I must say it was well worth it. SO people start preparing to wear ridiculous sweaters for next years party.  You will have to bring your A game, since Leah's sweater lit up, and could also do various light shows.  Plus it had every Christmas pin imaginable on the thing. 


It's almost Christmas time!! I hope you guys have a fantastic Christmas and get to spend it with family and friends.  And if you are not spending it with family and friends I hope you at least get really awesome gifts =). Since I will be sending some of yall's gifts a little late, I apologize in advance and I hope that you enjoy them!!

<3 Mariah Lynn

The Survival Guide: To Condo Hunting!

As most of you guys already know I am on my way to moving to Austin.  Today began the hunt for my perfect condo, and so far I am claiming the hunt as MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I will share a couple of photos, but I don't want to give everything away as I am fully expecting some house warming!  This is what Dr. Grant would call the "slow tease"

 

The view from the kitchen

So the exciting perks of which I am thoroughly enjoying include the sweet fire place.  I am totally wiggling my eyebrows right now because while this is Texas and I doubt this will ever be used, Santa can now enter my home.  It is obviously something I was concerned with about my current apartment, we don't have any entrances other than the door.  I just don't feel like large men carrying red sacks are as exciting when entering through doors.  I'm not sure if every one agrees with this idea, but whatever it is my alternate reality.





So then did I mention the balcony?  I am positive that this will actually be used, and not just for the entrance of fairy tale creatures.  Now instead of Austin traffic causing panic attacks, I will get to watch from my balcony while drinking a cup of coffee and thinking "haha suckers" as the nine-to-fivers sit in their cars honking their horns.  Oh traffic, I would just like to say this revenge is so sweet. 

The view from the balcony

Speaking of mystical creatures, Suga Mama (current alias Santa) enjoyed some serious retail therapy on this wonderful day.  While getting my nails painted "romantic" with the mutti she began wearing my sweet new creation. Cute right? I am so digging earflaps right now.  I felt like we needed to take this hat out to explore before I send it oversees to my dear friend <3.  I LOVE that I can keep yall's ears warm!  Today it was as chilly as this Texan can take, which made me so excited to take this little beauty out for a test drive!



This is the picture from the start of my day.  I call this "My apartment hunting face"   Of course it just wasn't complete without my sweet new creation from last night.  And it was below 90, so I was FREEZING! =) How I love Texas.  Also for all of you guys which I know are so insanely interested as to how the bacon & peanut butter cookies turned out they were pretty fantastic. 









Um yeah, to bad my roommate is visiting her family and not allowing me to fatten her up.  As she will be back Saturday I am so making up for her lack of bake goods, and I will not feel accomplished until I have made her gain a good 15 lbs.

The Gift Guide

"The 3 ways to start a successful business are: Creativity, hard work, and faith." Bill Wilkinson


While I am on my way to becoming a successful business founder etc.  I am currently selling my creations as practice.  All proceeds of Southern Charm by MLKuykendall go directly to the "College Fund."  I have recently been talking to several people who are unaware that I am actually making all of those things I post on FB, and they also didn't know that they are for sale.  So readers this is my gift guide for all of you guys, and the links to how to buy them from me =)

The Gift Guide:


-For the crazy boys in your life.  The Hunter $30.00
    This hat features ear flaps, a mohawk and a sweet camo pattern.  Of course you can FB me or leave a comment for me to create this for you in any color you would like.

 

The Hunter

 -For the Sweet babies in your life, or funny adults. The baby Jayhawk hat $20.00 for babies and $40.00 for adults

   This hat features ear flaps, mohawk, and a bird face.  We can make this into anything.  I am currently working on a panda for an adult.  Birds, Bears, Racoons, Fish and Dinosaurs are all possibilities.  Any colors are available, as well as additions like bows and flowers.  FB me or leave a comment for this.

The baby Jayhawk

-For the trendy women in your life. The Head Band with Bow $15.00
  This headband has 3 chains held together by a bow.  We could also do flowers or whatever else your considering.  I love wearing this, and HIGHLY recommend it. Leave me a comment or FB for any colors or additions you might want.

The Headband with Bow

-For the Small Business Owner in your life, Java Jackets- $60.00 per set of 10
    These Java Jackets are to be used, and reused, for your favorite on the go coffee.  These feature pockets to help in handing out business cards, and can be reused to hold credit cards, money etc.  We can do these in a variety of colors with many different buttons (To include personalized buttons with an extra $20.00 fee).

Java Jackets

-For the ULTRA trendy (and cold) women in your life: The Infinity Scarf $60.00
   The infinity scarf, can be both a scarf, and a cowl.  This one can be wrapped 3 times, if you would like a smaller one of course the price will change.  The Infinity scarf features 3 buttons, and can be worn in a variety of ways.  We can add pockets, flowers, bows, and anything else you can think of.  Leave me a message to tell me colors and all of the other customized pieces you would like. 

The Infinity Scarf

For the Hot Girls That love Football, in your life: The Shanel and the Shanel #2- $45.00
These are made with custom buttons, the fleur de lis can be changed into ANYTHING you can think of.  These are hand crafted and seriously fantastic.  The shapes of the Slouchy beanies cover the ears fantastically, and a great shape.  I LOVE THESE!!

 

The Shanel

The Shanel 2

For the Practical College students in your life. The Sascha $30.00
   The Sascha is a multicolored beanie featuring a sweet flap and button.  It covers the ears well and is very soft.  Add the matching scarf for an additional $20.00.  Message me if you would like to have different colors, or additions like bows, or specialized buttons.

The Sascha

For the Spoiled Teenagers in your life: The Victoria $45.00
 The Victoria is a purple very slouchy beanie, featuring a bow.  It covers the ears even when worn back on the head.  In Austin, showing a little bit of fiery red hair is all the rage!   Add the matching scarf for an additional $20.00  Message me with any color or addition you would like to add.

The Victoria

-For The Powerful Women in your life- The Cowl $35.00
  The Cowl is a very powerful piece, to be worn under your favorite coat. I used a yarn made from bamboo to create this, it is tightly woven and EXTREMELY soft.  There are 3 customized buttons added to this. I created this for my grandmother, if you know her you can understand why.  She is a fantastic business woman, and did I mention EXTREMELY stylish?  Yes, the cowl is for those powerful and inspirational women. 

The Cowl

For the Really Cool Young Girls in your life- The Katelyn $30.00
This hat is like a pink camo pattern, it features a really sweet bow and a cool bunchy shape.  This was my first paid order so I am extremely proud of this piece.  Add a matching scarf for $20.00.

The Katelyn

Hope You guys enjoyed my gift guide =)  And that you guys found something you enjoyed.  I am pretty creative, and extremely hard working, so I have faith you will message me and have me make you something warm and cozy!!  Get your orders in now so I can create them before Christmas!

<3 Mariah Lynn                                       

Crafting for Sanity?

Studying for Ecology using Sugar Packets at 2am in ihop.

While my to-do list is forever expanding... and my studying is ever shrinking (I know it's bad, I don't need the lecture thankyouverymuch)  alot of very interesting decisions have been on my mind.  AND to cope I have been crocheting, thinking through things, considering the massive test I have tomorrow afternoon etc.  So first I will show you the wonderful crafts produces (You can always put in your orders here), then the decisions, I know like a soap opera right? Maybe we will feel like really clean singers afterwards.

The Hunter

Baby Jayhawk

Bragg About

As you can tell I have been on a recent earflap kick.  Mainly because they fit perfectly and are SO incredibly warm.  So typically I name these after the people that inspired them, but since it's Christmas I can't really do that =).  I have already introduced everyone to the baby jayhawk, which is going to be so sweet... And yes I do measure baby hats on my knee. and then I further fit them on the children's heads I babysit..

Eph wearing The Hunter

Thankfully Eph is typically a good sport, and makes funny faces for my pictures.  He will occasionally let me fit a girl hat on him. I'll insert the picture if his mother approves it.  Suga Mama used to get mad at us for dressing J in our sequin dance costumes etc. so I figure I need the blessing. 

Alright so onto the decisions that I have discussed earlier:
Most of my friends know that I have begun feeling a little antsy in this small town. Sure we have a lake, but fishing can only do so much to help bring me out of this slump.  I also recently had a been considered for a very cool research position.  I figured this position would be worth this tight wool sweater feeling that Belton has been giving me.  I ended up not getting the research position.  (Nothing sad though, I know there is always a plan) So it appears that there is a strong possibility this will be my last semester at UMHB.  I am in need of change.  Plus I have some much more interesting and stronger opportunities that have sprung up in much more fun areas.  Don't worry I'm not dropping out of college or anything, just moving schools.  So keep me in your prayers as I will be in need of all the help I can get while I'm going through all of this.  Now you can understand the crafting for sanity thing.  I need to invest in the stocks of Hobby Lobby.

Arms full of crafting supplies

I can see the light--- ITS FINALS TIME!!

Finals are FINALLY here.  I am so glad that this semester is nearly over!  And I am excited for all of my friends who are graduating, of course you guys are in my prayers... that is obviously right before my prayer "PLEASE LET ME GRADUATE SOON... please... PLEASE!!"
In between studying I have been crocheting.. it is almost Christmas of course!!  Plus I feel like it is the only thing that keeps me sane.. you may argue my sanity I however would not be able to make a comeback to any comments.  So, I have been working on the Jayhawk hat- because the Kuykendall's are just full of Kansas University graduates.  I made my first earflap hat, which I am ADORING.

I then added the bird face.  Because I felt it was not completed I added a Mohawk, it just seemed more appropriate for the person this has been made for. I loved making this! Mainly because I am imagining the person it will be on, and that makes me chuckle.  This hat marks my first bird face, earflap hat, and baby beanie.  Which is making me feel very accomplished... now on to studying for Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, and Ecology.  I really need all the prayers I can get!  Have a good week everyone!

-Mariah Lynn

Post Thanksgiving- Kicking it into 3rd Gear

Thanksgiving was awesome.  My youngest brother J is officially taller than me; Thus making me the runt of the family.  We spent hours making pies and preparing food, as well as socializing and playing poker.  Fun was had by all.  And now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to step it up a notch.  The rest of the break I spent crocheting like a mad woman!! The main part of the boots from last week have been finished, now all to be added is the fur lining and waterproof soles.




My sister has started her crocheting now, which has resulted in a wonderful collaboration of the dall sisters =)
She has made her first cowl, and is also started a really trendy collection of headbands.  All of which can be purchased at Southern Charm. 

As for me I have finished the "Java Jacket" project I have been working on, and have nearly completed another hat.  These were created for an extremely special woman in my life (AKA Suga Mama) in order to help her spread the word about being a Real Estate Agent.  They were made in Coldwell Banker Blue, a pocket was added so she can give out her business cards, and all was completed with personalized buttons displaying her name and phone number so she can always be reached.  This was a really fun project to work on and I am so proud they are finally completed!

 Me and the roommate have also started decorating our apartment for Christmas thanks to the amazing starter packages her mom created.  So it looks like tomorrow will include some Christmas tree shopping.  I would like to leave you guys with a smile, and post the pictures of our stockings (Mine is obviously the high heel).  We live in Belton so I always knew our fish would come in handy.  Now that is some Southern Charm y'all!

My Turkey Resolution: To Blog

Because I don't believe that New Year's resolutions EVER work, I will instead make a turkey resolution.  That will be to blog!  So here it goes:

Today after a WONDERFUL 2 hour interview, I have begun the boot project that I have been setting off for two weeks.  My fingers (and crochet needle) have been itching to start this, and I am SO excited!  Because I am on an A&M kick (pun intended), my first boots to be added to the Southern Charm collection are a wonderful maroon! 

The inspiration: This shirt is just begging for some awesome maroon boots!

They are coming along!  I have another sole to finish, and then the slouchy tops.  Check my etsy out to see my other sweet crochet projects! 

How is that for my first blog? Take THAT Turkey Resolution.  I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with great family, great friends, and great food! I am thankful that I have nearly a week off, have started my new project, and that the Ecology test went well. 

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!

- Mariah Lynn