Bananafana Designs

Bananafana Headquarters: The Family Room

2012-01-16T23:53:00.109-07:00

Finally, a room complete! I've been working on decorating our house for the past year and wanted to share the pics of the first room I finished. This is our family room. We spend lots of time here watching movies, playing games, working on homework, and countless other activities. I wanted it to be cheery and fun yet elegant. So I chose colorful accents, a modern style couch, vintage tables that I painted and antiqued myself, vintage style wallpaper (that I hung myself, A LOT of work), I also filled it with beautiful pictures of the ones I love so so much! I bought the fireplace mantle at an antique store, it's solid wood, very heavy! I painted it and distressed and antiqued it myself (well with my hubby's help). The frames are mostly thrift finds or from our wedding, so that ended up being a pretty thrifty portion of the room, I just painted some of them for pops of color on the walls. A lot of the decor accents I re purposed from things I already had and just painted and distressed them. I had been collecting "G" letters for the last 3 years not sure when I would use them so I decided to make them in to a feature wall painting some of them metallic to add a touch of glam. I just wish I could find a lower case Times New Roman "g", yeah just like the one I just typed, but no luck yet, I think it would really complete that wall though. The pillows and curtains were all made by myself allowing for the customized tailored look. The bench was actually a coffee table I found at a thrift store but I decided to re purpose it to make it a bench by painting it and making a cushion and pillows for it. Over all I was going for an eclectic look and I think I achieved that all while making it a very inspiring room to be in! It was fun to decorate it, but it's even more fun to make memories in it and enjoy time with my sweet little family! More rooms to come at Bananafana Headquarters, so keep an eye out, you know they'll be inspiring and exciting!

Family Pics 2011

2012-01-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

Tasha Price took our family pics this year back in September, I thought I'd just share some of them. I personally think she did an outstanding job! I hung these pictures in our family room, I wanted them colorful because our family room is also fun and colorful. Needless to say they look awesome on the wall in all of my vintage redone frames. I don't know why but family pictures always stop me in my tracks and make me realize how big my little dears are getting. Lucy looks so mature and beautiful, Noah looks so handsome and cool and Jane, well, throwing her shoes off and pulling out her headband while Tasha was snapping pics is totally Jane. It was a wonderful photo session and I'm completely pleased with the outcome!

BTS 2011

2011-11-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how EXCITED these kids were to go to school! Noah was glad to get back to school so that he could play with his friends and Lucy was excited to start Kindergarten as most kindergarteners are. We went to BTS night to meet their teachers and see their classrooms. Their teachers are delightful, both were meant for teaching. Lucy's teacher said she had all red headed siblings and she always wished that she would have red headed children but didn't and so she was ecstatic to have Lucy in her class because it was like having her own red head. I'm excited for them to go and learn and develop those social skills, but a part of me has a little sadness to think they're growing up so FAST!!! I'll enjoy right now and soak it all in, because I always hear people say how fast raising their children went for them. Jane was pretty happy about the kids going to school, she didn't have to fight with anyone for the toys she wanted or be told what to do for a few hours.

It's just a little mosquito bite.....

2011-11-13T18:12:00.001-07:00

So Lucy is very allergic to mosquito bites, she swells up huge in the area around the bite. I mean like she's got a golf ball under her skin sometimes. She's never had one on her eye though. She went fishing with Jeff the night before and when she woke up the next morning her eye was swollen shut, and I mean shut. These pictures were taken later that afternoon and it had gone down quite a bit. I had to convince Lucy that she would want to see how it looked one day and so I needed to take a picture, she was embarrassed about how it looked, poor girl, It even made her nose swell a little. I included an adorable picture of Lucy at the end.

30 on the 30th

2011-11-02T23:58:00.002-06:00

     August 30th is my birthday and this year it was my "golden" birthday since I turned 30. I was young when I got married to my sweetheart. At 19 I knew I was mature and ready for marriage, my whole life ahead of me, so many dreams. But I never dreamed of being 30 it was so OLD and at 19 you're still living in the here and now, I was going to be young forever right??? right....? But here I am over 10 years of marriage and 30 years old, now I know a lot of people would read this and think "30, you're so young!". But although 30 is "young" (young is relative) I was reminded this past birthday that time marches on. I admit I had a mini "tri-life" crisis (as I call it), I didn't want to get older, why couldn't I stay 29?
     Well, my dear sweet husband could sense my distress over the matter, he didn't want me to be down about it, he assured me that I would still feel young after I turned 30 and that it would all be okay. Now, mind you, my husband is not one for planning surprises, he tries, and that's what means the most to me, however, he knows that I adore surprises, and I REALLY do. The night before my birthday Jeff stayed up until 1:30 am buying food and flowers, decorating the house and making me an exquisite cheesecake. Our tradition for birthdays is that we cover the birthday person's bedroom door with tons of streamers and then when they get up in the morning we wait outside their door and take pictures and film them running through and breaking down the streamers, it's great fun, the kids LOVE it. So Jeff covered the kitchen doorway for my birthday, because if you know me, I love to cook and I spend alot of time in the kitchen so this seemed like the appropriate place for my "birthday doorway".
     On my Birthday it was only the second day of school so we got the kids off and Jeff made me an amazing omelet. Oh, I broke down my doorway of streamers, Lucy enjoyed watching that. He then told me to take the day and go shopping, so I did, I wasn't going to fight him about that. I LOVE clothes and shoes and I love to shop, I can't help it, it's just in me, so that's always my gift from Jeff. I spent most of the day shopping and let me tell you, I got some AMAZING stuff! It was sooooo great.....sigh.
     That night Jeff surprised me with a most fabulous dinner he cooked himself: rosemary roasted potatoes, marinated t-bone steak and roasted asparagus with shaved smoked gouda cheese on top, oh my word, it was UH-MAZING!!! And, cooked to perfection! We enjoyed a killer cheesecake also made by Jeff for dessert, I had been wanting to make this cheesecake, but I'm the cheesecake lover in our family, so I'm the only one who picks it for a b-day cake. Well Jeff told me to tell him what I REALLY wanted for my cake so I pulled out this Martha recipe and to just give you an idea of how amazing it was it takes 8 boxes of cream cheese, a cup of sour cream and it takes over 2 hours to complete all the steps just to bake it. Anyhow, it was heaven on a fork!
     The next day Jeff arranged for my cute, sweet sister-in-law Ashley to watch the kids so that he could take me on an all day birthday outing. Knowing that Jeff is not real big on planning surprises I was VERY interested to know what our day had in store for us.  We drove to Jackson Hole, the drive was, as always, beautiful! We ate lunch in Jackson at a cute little Mexican restaurant. We then went to Jenny Lake (it's at the base of the Tetons), I hadn't been there in a few years so I was elated! It's such a magnificent stunning place! The water is pristine and those mountains are absolutely majestic!!! I love the hike around the lake so Jeff had a pack ready with water and jackets and we took off around that beautiful lake. We hiked a couple miles around to the hidden falls on the other side of the lake and as always it was so glorious, it's definitely a must see!  So, a couple miles back to the car and we worked off our lunch, it was great! Then we headed back to Jackson and went to the alpine slide in town, that made me feel like a teenager, like we were on a date!!!;0) That was a blast!
     Jeff had reservations for us that night at the Bar-J-Wranglers Chuckwagon, he called and made them all by himself, impressive right? I thought so! That evening we enjoyed some down home cooking and fun western music/entertainment! That is a must go if you're in our neck of the woods and want to experience some western culture! It was a most delightful day! Jeff totally put me at ease about turning 30! He made me feel so special and loved! I love that guy! Sorry I don't mean to get all mushy, I can't hide the truth though!
     So, 30's not bad at all! I feel more beautiful, confident and spontaneous than I ever have, and that's what will always keep me "young"!

I don't know why, but I don't have any pics of Noah and Lucy on my B-day!?? I'm a bad mom!

Camping Summer 2011

2011-10-29T10:51:00.000-06:00

Yeah, Jeff forgot his real shoes, hah hah! Love the ninja turtle toes! Once again, nerdy! Love them!

Mesa Falls up by Yellowstone. Stunning huh?!!

They love being nerdy together! ALL the time!

That wind came up at just the right time!

Jane's like a little puppy, love it!

Don't worry, it's just dirt.

At the beginning of the summer I convinced Jeff that we needed a large tent for camping because our little 2 man tent we used before we had children just wasn't going to cut it if we were going to go camping this summer. So we bought a tent. A week later I told him we were going camping that coming weekend. I got all the food prepped and organized what we needed and we went camping. Laying there in the tent that night (freezing cold) Jeff whispered "I didn't think you'd actually want to go camping, I was a little surprised." I said "Well I'm full of surprises, you of all people should know that by now." He said "Well your surprises always surprise me!" I wanted to do it for my family, I love seeing the kids excitement and their excitement makes me so happy! I cooked some good grub, we had a skunk sneak up behind us just 15 feet away while we were sitting around the fire, we enjoyed the beauty of the earth, we told stories and gazed at stars, we ate to many smores and a garbage bag full of popcorn, and everyone slept like a baby (even Jane)! We only made it out camping twice this summer, but here we are in October and the kids still talk about it, that's how you know it was a successful family experience! I love spending time with my little family especially when we can get away from any of the daily distractions and just be together, no business, no work (well it's a lot of work for the parents to take everyone) nothing but focusing on the present and enjoying being together. I enjoyed it, and I'm really looking forward to doing it again next summer, hopefully more than twice! Anyone want to join us????

Alaska August 2011

2011-10-24T00:37:00.001-06:00

Couldn't get the rest of my pics on the last Alaska post. This will finish off Alaska and the last of the pics are from a couple days we spent in Seattle on the way home. The wall in the Seattle alley that looks like it has gum all over it, actually is covered in gum, it's called gum alley....and to think, it all had to start with a single piece of gum...yummo! The sailors were from Russia, I just couldn't help myself, it was totally a picture perfect moment!

Alaska August 2011

2011-10-23T22:41:00.000-06:00

After this picture Noah says to Lucy "Hold my hand so you wont be scared." And lucy said "Okay Noah, I love you." You should have seen their excitement on the plane. They both loved it when the plane took off and landed, you would've thought they were on a ride at Disneyland "Wooo, yay, wow, this is so fun!!!" Love my kids!!!

It took a 3 hour drive to Bozeman, a night's stay, then 2 plane rides and 2 ferry rides to get to the island. The kids held up so well!!!

A cute little native boy on the ferry

This was definitely our most exciting and fun family trip. The scenery was glorious, the fishing was fantastic and the culture and food was just as expected! We all had a blast! My Family, my younger brother and his family, my older brother and his family and his in-laws all went to stay with my parents and grandparents up in Alaska for a week of fun filled adventure! I was reminded on this trip why I loved fly fishing as a teenager, it's so therapeutic and relaxing and BOY the adrenaline when you catch a fish is spectacular! My husband had to pull me off the river one night because I was addicted, I kept saying "one more...just one more". We saw totem poles, native dancers, WHALES (one swam right under the boat), bears (one walked out towards the river just 15 ft. from my husband and son...little scary), bald eagles, seals, otters and countless other wildlife, OH and the scenery was amazing! It was a FANTASTIC trip! P.S. I out fished the boys on the river! Oh yeah, the Bananafana girl was reelin' them in!!! Can't wait to go again!

Bananafana Headquarters

2011-10-13T00:55:00.001-06:00

I FINALLY started decorating our home this past summer after being here coming up on a year in December (note to self: I've moved the past two Decembers, don't move in December ever again! You take what you can get I guess :0). I'm getting close to having the first floor of our adorable home all decorated! It's turned out really super fabulous and I'll post pictures here in the next few weeks once I finish up the decorating. Just to give you an idea of the style I'm decorating with I've posted a picture of the oustide. I designed the home myself inside and out and my charming VERY patient husband built it for us! So, wait until you see the inside, I'm very anxious to show pictures of the very eclectic/vintage/shabby chic/mod decor! We are the only house on our street and it's so fun to watch people drive by, you can always spot the ones who've never seen it before they drive pretty slow (I think the turquoise is a bit of shock for them ;0). Then, we've also had several people take pictures, not sure why..... Enjoy!

We have a winner!

2011-10-13T00:36:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the delay! My blog has failed me! I've tried SEVERAL times to post the winner of our giveaway we had in September but for some reason the universe is against me! I couldn't get on for quite some time, and then when I did get on it wouldn't post anything!!!! UGH! I posted the winner on Facebook right away, but for all of you non Facebookers I thought I'd post it on here now that I've made it back on, even though it has been a whole month. So, our winner was: ALICIA KING! She won a sample version of the Megan's Bag (she won an actual bag;). She had two entries, one each from our blog and Facebook page. Yahoo! Congrats Alicia! Don't worry, we'll have plenty more giveaways! I'll even give you more opportunities for additional entries! I may even decide to just do a quick random giveaway.... so keep your eyes peeled!!!

Feature on Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops!

2011-09-13T01:58:00.001-06:00

Bananafana is being featured on FF&L, go check it out! http://www.fairytalefrocksandlollipops.com/ Their website is super fun and very intriguing! I know you'll find something you like on there so head on over! You also need to check out their blog http://www.stitch-it-up.blogspot.com/ You can also find them on Facebook (give them a like;0). But, before you go make sure you enter Bananafana's giveaway by becoming a follower of our blog and as a bonus entry liking us on Facebook (see details on post below).

Let's celebrate with a GIVE AWAY!!!!

2011-07-25T17:17:00.003-06:00

Well, our new website www.bananafanadesigns.com is up and running! You can purchase all things Bananafana directly from our site and get the inside scoop on Bananafana Headquarters! Go check it out! So to celebrate our new website we are going to have a GIVEAWAY! All you have to do to enter is become a follower of our blog with the Google friend connect. As a bonus entry you can also like us on Facebook!: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bananafana/263026393726240?sk=wall&filter=2 We will choose a winner on September 15th and post it on the 16th. The prize will be a box of goodies containing things like free patterns, fabric, and whatever other fun things I can come up with (surprises)! So pass it along, let everyone know! This will be the start of regular giveaways, no purchase necessary (but encouraged ;0) to enter our drawings! As long as you are a follower you will be entered in each giveaway we have! So become a follower and go check out our new website! www.bananafanadesigns.com

Daisy #BF109

2011-05-13T22:25:00.004-06:00

Sweet and ruffley! Guaranteed to make your little one look like a doll! Size 12 mos.-Girls 8. Pattern for the dress.

REX #BF105

2011-05-12T10:02:00.002-06:00

This would be the hit of any baby shower. Pattern includes hat, outfit and dino. Size 6 mos to 24 mos.

Poetry #BF108

2011-05-12T10:01:00.003-06:00

Rad, mod and punk! Something unique for the more spunky little gals! Size 12 mos.-Girls 8. Includes patterns for the hairwrap and skirt and embellishments/appliques for the leggings and shirt.

Whimsy #BF107

2011-05-12T09:48:00.003-06:00

Add a touch of whimsy to your child's bedroom with these adorable decor accessories. Patterns for the large and smalle pinwheels, lanterns, "LOVE" pillows and ruffle flower pillow

La Fleur #BF110

2011-05-12T09:43:00.002-06:00

Very roomy with lots of pockets to keep you organized. Fun different handles and beautiful flower detail. Size: 17 1/2" W x 27"T x 8 1/2" D

Betty #BF104

2011-05-12T09:34:00.003-06:00

Get that fun retro 50's style! This skirt is guaranteed to make you feel young and fun! With a petti skirt and fitted waistband for a complete tailored look. Pattern for the headband and skirt. Betty comes in misses sizes XS-XL.

Urban Amour #BF106

2011-05-12T09:16:00.002-06:00

Pockets and pleats and loads of fashion! Comes in misses sizes XS-XL. Easy comfortable style with the pattern for the hairwrap too!

Pearl #BF101

2010-06-15T17:27:00.005-06:00

My goodness, the compliments I've gotten with this bag!!! I have yet to go out with it and not have people ask me where I got it or tell me how much they love it (or want it:0)! So trendy and yet so shabby vintage looking make this bag a must have! The pattern is very straight forward and so easy to follow! Size: 16"Wx18"Tx6 1/2"D.

Photography by Katie Wells:

http://www.katiewellsphotography.com/

Prairie Girl #BF100

2010-06-15T17:17:00.007-06:00

She'll really feel like a cowgirl in this outfit. This pattern is sure to be a favorite! The skirt is very swingy and ready for dancing the dosey doe with it's fabulous petticoat layer. The shirt not only goes great with the skirt, but it's way cute with jeans as well! Size 12 mos.-Girl's8.

Fabric by Holly Holderman of Lakehouse Dry Goods

http://www.lakehousedrygoods.com/

Photography by Katie Wells:
http://www.katiewellsphotography.com/

The Polka Skirt #BB102 (NEW-now in larger sizes)

2010-06-15T17:11:00.007-06:00

Same as the original pattern loved by many, but now with more sizes! Paper pattern pieces along with "Cut and Sew" instructions make this pattern quick and nearly (I said nearly) effortless! It's just one of those patterns that you can't help but make over and over again in fabrics for every season. Sizes 12 mos. -Girl's 8.

Photography by Katie Wells:

http://www.katiewellsphotography.com/

Mae #BF102

2010-06-15T17:06:00.005-06:00

Easy to wear and easy to make! Adorned with tons of details make this dress very eye catching! Sizes 12 mos.-Girl's 8. Simple "Cut and Sew" instructions along with paper pattern pieces make this dress a cinch to make.

Photography by Katie Wells:

http://www.katiewellsphotography.com/

Gumdrop #BF103

2010-06-15T16:58:00.005-06:00

This is a super easy "Cut & Sew" pattern! Layer after layer of ruffles trimmed in customized bias tape make this skirt very fashionable for any little gal. Sizes 12 mos.-Girl's 8. Pair with any adorable shirt or sweater and she's set to go!

Photography by Katie Wells:

http://www.katiewellsphotography.com/

Fabric by Riley Blake:

http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/

My Groovy Family Room #BFB601

2009-06-17T19:24:00.004-06:00

My first book! Filled with 12 projects to make one "Groovy" family room. Simple intrigueing projects for all skill levels. From lamp shades, to curtains, to pillows and much much more! Also includes decorating ideas and a few other simple explained projects besides the 12 fully explained projects. Featuring fabrics from "Art Gallery Fabrics".

Lollipop #BB209

2009-03-26T23:10:00.006-06:00

Lollipops and childhood...inseparable! This outfit is as yummy as a lollipop! Pattern includes a halter babydoll dress with wool appliques and a darling pocket, short bloomers, and an oh so cute beanie! The body of the dress uses a jelly roll which gives you a huge variety of fabric without buying the yardage. Sizes 12 mos.-5T.

My Pennie Purse #BBA303

2008-10-20T23:31:00.004-06:00

This bag is just right to hold everything you need, but not to big to take everywhere you go. Super fabulous, and so fun to make. I promise, you can't make just one!

Happy Ever After #BB208

2008-10-20T23:17:00.004-06:00

She kissed a frog and lived Happy Ever After........So fun for dress up and so cute that you wouldn't even mind if she wore it out. I must say this set is perfect as a gift for any little girl, she's sure to adore it. You might not get it off her come bedtime!;0) Size: 12 mos.-Children's 8

The Lipstick Skirt #BG102

2008-10-20T23:08:00.005-06:00

Woman's sizes Small, Medium & Large. Three different skirts all in one pattern. So cute with fitted long tees, jackets, button up shirts or whatever you you can come up with. Have fun and pep up your wardrobe!

Once Upon a Time #BB207

2008-10-20T22:58:00.004-06:00

Once Upon A Time......let your little one imagine the rest in this beautiful head turning skirt. Elegance and whimsy make this skirt so unique and fun. So many beautiful details the picture just doesn't do it justice!

LET'S ROCK!!! #BQ502

2008-05-15T23:43:00.008-06:00

For all those little rock stars in your life! Finally a quilt for those more spunky kids who want a garage band one day. Perfect for boys or girls! Or maybe the rock star is you! Can't you just see this quilt in hot pink and brown!?

Little Miss Muffet #BB206

2008-05-15T23:39:00.008-06:00

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating her curds and whey.......She wore a pretty little skirt and a head wrap to die for while basking in the morning sun rays! BEWARE!!! Bananafana skirts are known to take over itty bitty wardrobes without warning! Addictive I tell ya!!! Don't say I didn't warn ya! :0) Sizes 12 mos. to 3T

Tea Party Twirl #BB205

2008-05-15T23:36:00.009-06:00

Tea parties are super fun, especially when there are pretty dresses to wear and twirls to twirl! Your Bananafana babe will feel like a princess in this outfit of whimsy! Sizes 12 mos. to 5T

Lu Lu's Flower Patch #BQ501

2008-05-15T23:29:00.008-06:00

This quilt will definitely satisfy a ric rac addiction! There are so many fun details on this quilt including ways to use ric rac that you may have never thought of before! Mix it up, change the colors, have fun!

Pony Ride Pattern #BK401

2008-02-18T01:48:00.005-07:00

Make playtime fun again, filled with imagination and laughter. To many toys today require batteries and quick thumbs, I know, I'm a victim of it as well. Let this whimsical toy remind you of the fun that kids should be having using their imaginations and participating in real active playtime. Boys and girls will get a kick out of galloping around with this pony!

Bedy Bye Dolly Pattern #BB204

2008-01-25T14:02:00.004-07:00

This whimsical little set will make your little gal's domestic playtime even more fun! We all know dollies need a place to sleep too, and you're little "mommy" will be overjoyed to put her favorite little one in her own bed. Hours of fun playtime begins with Bananafana! Enjoy!

Plush and Fancy Pattern #BB203

2008-01-25T13:47:00.009-07:00

Perfect for those cold winter months when you have to dress up and go out. Made from plush warm fabrics make this outfit super comfortable for your little one to wear. SO easy to make and SO cute on. She'll have endless compliments!

Megan's Bag Pattern #BBA302

2007-11-07T22:38:00.005-07:00

The perfectly preppy bag, great for your everyday attire. Made with heavier fabric, this bag is perfect for all of your fall and winter fashion. The argyle detail makes this bag unique and exceptionally cute! It's just the right size to carry all of your outing items. With an outside cell phone pocket, you'll never have to go digging again to find that ringing gadget. Trust me, the compliments won't stop with this bag over your shoulder!

The Polka Skirt Pattern #BB202

2007-10-03T23:14:00.005-06:00

The Polka Skirt will bring hours of twirling fun, for the little one that's wearing it that is. These skirts are sure to turn heads. Everyone loves to dress their little one in something unique and fabulous. This skirt will be customized when you choose your own colors or make it your own signature style by coming up with your own embellishments! Pair these with tees, sweaters, leggings, tights, boots, sandals, or mary janes and let the skirt make it's own fashion statement! Includes patterns for a gathered waist skirt with two different embellishment designs including flower appliques and an adorable belt!

The Brooke Bag Pattern #BBA301

2007-10-03T22:49:00.005-06:00

This bag is super cute and super roomy! It has so many fun details the picture just doesn't do it justice! With a bag like this you're bound to get stopped with comments like "Where'd you get that bag!?" or "So cute! I want it!" Named after my adorable friend Brooke this bag is just as fun and spunky as she is. Customize it to match your wardrobe just by picking out your own fabric. Couture for sure girl!!!

The Lucy Skirt Pattern #BB201

2007-10-03T02:06:00.004-06:00

The Lucy Skirt, named after my sweet little Lucy (the fiery red head in the pattern picture). This pattern is so easy and fits sizes 12 mos. to 3T. This includes patterns for an adorable pleated skirt with two embellishment designs and a ragflower headband! So versatile, it could be made out of any type of fabric for any season. Just pair it with tees, sweaters, leggings, tights, boots or sandals! So cute, trust me!!!!