These Florida girls really lived it up in all of that snow! They made snow angles, threw snowballs, dug snow tunnels, went sledding down the hill, ate icicles, and had an absolute blast the whole time. New Hampshire was truly beautiful and I’m so glad we went there for their first snow experience. I couldn’t have asked for a more wintery wonderland!

I included most of my included projects in this mosaic, and I have several more in the works, including a knitted sweater for myself!

2011, I have no idea what you will bring, but I welcome you with great anticipation. This year, I hope to come back to this blog more regularly and develop it into more of my original vision. I also hope to continue to develop my handicraft skills. Some of you know that I would love to make some sort of career out of all of this crafting stuff. Who knows how much of a reality that is, but it would be my pleasure if you would join me on my journey. :) 

Happy New Year!

We’re getting read for another birthday party around here! Charlotte (the littlest one) is turning 3 and she is quite the little cowgirl. The girl was pulling herself up onto her rocking horse before she could walk, and by the time she was steady on her feet she had switched to riding her stick horse all around the house. Last year she picked out the cowgirl outfit for her Halloween costume, and now here we are at her 3rd birthday and she has decided she wants a cowboy birthday party. It’s so cute, and at a time when she spends most of her energy trying to follow the footsteps of her big sister, I’m glad that she is also pursuing her own interests.

Personally, I’ll be glad to get some time to try to pull together some of the details of this party. There will not be a live pony, although I thought about it. Before we had kids, the husband and I were so certain we would never be “that” family that went all out for birthdays and had over-the-top celebrations…like have a pony at a birthday party. Yet, here we are and it no longer seems that unreasonable. Funny how things change, isn’t it? But we still aren’t going to have one.

I was hoping to have a completed bag to show by now, but alas, my sewing time has been cut short lately. In the meantime, I’ve been knitting along with Susan Anderson and the Spud and Chloe crew.  It’s my first sweater and it’s for myself and I can’t wait to finish it! It’s coming along very nicely so far…pics to come, for sure!

Just the two of us, for three days, at the beach…it was heaven. We enjoyed sunsets together, ate more good food than I than thought possible, explored the beautiful Florida coast on kayaks, and just relaxed.

Last Thursday I was feeling a little run-down and was adamant that we were going to get away for a few days. I really lucked out with my last-minute plans. We had no idea where we wanted to go…just something beachy. Finally, after scouring resorts, B&Bs, and cottages from beaches all over the state I called and reserved a room at a cozy little beach-side inn on Anna Maria Island.

Have you been? I hadn’t, and it turns out I had no idea what I was missing out on. It was a beautiful beach, with soft sand, gentle waves, and an abundance of local food establishments to check out. One of our favorites was the Sign of the Mermaid. We went solely for a taste of their award-winning Key Lime Pie, but quickly succumbed to the waft of aromas that filled the air. We ended up ordering two appetizers before dessert including their Shrimp and Grits dish (we had actually already eaten dinner at another restaurant). If it sounds unappetizing to you, you’re not alone. I turned my nose up at it and ordered something else. The funny thing is now I can’t even remember what I ordered. I ended up devouring most of the shrimp and grits, which Cory ordered. It was sooo good!

Upon returning home Monday, we were still in a bit of a euphoric state from all that salty air and were planning on going back this weekend with the kids. Unfortunately, we realized later that the plan would have been far more romantic than practical, so it looks like we’ll be staying home for a while. But really, can you blame us for not wanted to leave…

It seems I’ve been losing steam these days. The ideas and good intentions are plentiful, but the time and energy are lacking. Making lately has been limited to baked goods with the kiddos and a knitted pair of slippers for a friend that were supposed to be a Christmas gift…last Christmas!

I find myself coveting the productivity of others and, after a short bout of self-pity, my husband recommended David Allen’s Getting Things Done, along with this link to get me started. What can I say, we’re a technology couple…we share links. :)

The book looks promising. The hard part will be deciding between using my extra time to sew something, which I desperately want to do, or read  the book with the hopes of, eventually, making better use of all of my time.  I’m guessing the sewing will win. :)

P.S. If you’re in need of a good sugar cookie recipe, look no further.

I thought an apron would be a fitting gift for Christine, and, knowing that she’s a big fan of Julia Child, I took my inspiration from this book:

I found this pretty little fleur de lis print from the American Jane Breath of Avingnon line (purchased at a local quilt shop) and it couldn’t have been more perfect with it’s tiny red fleurs all throughout.  And, as fate would have it, a visit to JoAnn’s led me to find two cuts of red Kona cotton, nearly a yard a piece, in the remnant bin. Fancy that. :)

Heather Bailey’s Daily Spice apron pattern is a really lovely pattern and came together relatively easily. I cut the pieces one night, spent an entire afternoon sewing all the bits together, and was able to finish the hand stitching the following day during two episodes of Glee. :)

Dinner was delicious and it was such a treat to be able to spend some time with our friends. The weekend is winding down now and things will be probably be slow around the blog next week as I try to attack my list of things to do to get ready for our little girl’s birthday party. Hope everyone stays safe and well over the Memorial Day weekend and I’ll be back when I can!

1. The Super Invite, 2. Three Wands for Wishes, 3. Anabel (sold), 4. Whimsical Crown – Roses, 5. DSC_0015-2, 6. atiTUTUde, 7. Strawberries and Cream bunting banner, 8. Make your own emblem, 9. bluejay / FLUTTER, 10. Cupcake cake topper on cake, 11. Whole table, 12. Untitled

Still in the planning phases, but I do know that there will be wings, capes, masks, and crowns.  Woohaa!

Thanks ladies for this great swap! I think next time I’ll sign up for two…double the fabric, double the fun!

We took the girls to Disney World for a couple days and had a blast. Poor Charlotte developed a fever on our first night in Orlando. Thankfully, she hung in there and was able to enjoy the latter part of our trip.

By the time we got home, however, both girls had picked something up and we spent our first day at home resting.

Poor Annabelle. She had vomited that morning and was down the rest of the day. I’m happy to say that both girls are back in action and Mommy is too! More to share tomorrow!

Hi friends! We’re back from our brief trip to Chicago. Cory had some business up there and I got to tag-along this time. Since he was in meetings much of the time I was left to explore the sites on my own. Here I am taking a picture of myself at the Art Institute at Chicago. One must do such things when one is by oneself. :)

Chicago was, frankly, unimpressive to me at the start, but by the end I think the city began to grow on me. It was a beautiful time to visit. The tulips were in full bloom and trees were blossoming everywhere…and, the weather was perfect: sunny and warm!

I was wholly unproductive during my downtime up there, even though I brought knitting and crochet books, plus a healthy supply of yarn. And now that I’m home I’m having trouble starting anything new. I did pick up some clothes from the thrift store today with the hopes of perhaps turning them into something fabulous, but I haven’t exactly been struck by any inspiration just yet. Hopefully I’ll be back soon with something worth mentioning. Until then…take care!