Walking in a Winter Wonderland/Christmas in the Northwest! Part 1

I am amazed by these pictures. I took them IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. There was a yellow glow cast by nearby lights reflecting off the clouds in the sky and the snow on the ground. I tried several times to capture the beautiful sight, and failed. Until I started to play with my camera. I set it on the "Starry Sky" setting, set the exposure on high, set it on the railing, and hit the button. I then left it there, not touching it or letting it move, and it counted to fifteen 2 times. It then took the picture, leaving the shutter wide open for a long period of time, thus soaking up all the light. The end result were these pictures! They are au naturel, no editing! They are only a bit brighter than it actually was, because of the exposure setting I put the camera on. These ones are getting framed!

Relishing the Glow,

Megan

Oh Tannenbaum Oh Tannenbaum!

How lovely are your braaaaaannnnnnncheeeesssss!

I'm a bit late for the Oh {Share} Your Christmas Tree party over at We Are THAT Family, but better late than never! I am planning to take some more pictures tonight, stay tuned!

Feeling Twinkly,

Megan

Do you? Do you?

Does anyone want to come over and do my laundry for me?

'Cause I'd rather be sewing...

The Mall, The Dentist, and The Self Flushing Toilet

That sounds like the beginning of a bad joke.

We did some shopping at the outlet mall near where I live, and I had a dentist appointment near there. So my mom came along to help with the kids.

Did I mention she broke her arm the day before???

Ok, fractured it. But still. She had been out walking the dogs and fell, while running, and fractured her arm! So here is my wonderful mom, with her arm in a sling, and she still wants to come help watch my kids while I am at the dentist. Love? I think so.

Thankfully for me, the dentist appointment was only 5 minutes. Sadly for my son, the appointment only lasted 5 minutes. You see they have a play room with toys, and he loves going in there. So they had just settled in for a good long play session...and oh look, here's mommy! All finished! And what? We have to go BACK to the mall?

We had arrived at the Outlets 2 hours early, and then headed to the dentist, and then back to the outlets! Every 3 year old boys dream....NOT.

So we are back at the mall...My Dear Son is exhausted, having skipped his nap. He is getting emotional...Finally when we are in Gap, he starts crying, wailing " I WANT TO GO TO THE DEEEENNNTIIIISSTTTT!". I am sure that anyone who heard him must have thought they heard wrong. This child is sobbing that he wants to go to the dentist? He must not get out much. What they didn't know is that he was robbed of his playtime in the most excellent play room at the dentist.

Later when we got in the car he starts sobbing "I WANT TO GO TO THE MALLLLL!" What?? We just left the mall!! My mom asked him why, and we were able to piece together through his sobs that he wanted to go back to the coin operated toy cars and such.

I digress. Back to my mom and her fractured arm. She is having trouble getting her clothes on because she can't move her left arm. So we came to a speedy conclusion that this calls for NEW CLOTHES! Of course! When you break (fracture...) your arm you definitely need a new wardrobe! It is a call to shop! But really, she needed some nice casual lounge pants with an elastic waist, because she will be a partial invalid for a good 2 weeks at least. And let me tell you, we had GREAT success!

I shopped for clothes for my kids, those little stinkers just keep growing! I tell them not to, but they just don't listen. I found GREAT deals. Let me break it down for you.

• 24 items purchased, for an average of $6.75 each.
• 2 Starbucks beverages consumed.
• 1 mini-van's gas tank filled up for $26- WOW!!!
• 4 toddler meltdowns
• 2 infant naps
• 1 dentist visit
• 1 fractured arm
• 6 hours of shopping (Oh my, was it really that much??)

I'm pooped! Oh yeah, and speaking of....

I HATE those self flushing toilets! Once upon a time, I heard a mother and child in a stall next to me at the mall. The toilet kept flushing while the little kid was on it, and in my pre-mom state, I found it amusing. IT IS AMUSING NO LONGER. My poor son had to go. I mean it. He. had. to. go. So I get him all settled on the toilet, and it starts flushing while he is sitting there. He starts crying. Sobbing. I-don't-want-to-go-Mommy-I-can't-go! I had to talk him down from that cliff and we headed over to the Starbucks bathroom, where you flush the toilet yourself. Good grief. And speaking of scary bathrooms, the hand dryers in the bathroom were so high powered and loud they had them both crying! Now I am grateful for the higher power (ha!) because it means my hands will actually get dry when I use the hand dryer, rather than walk out with still damp hands. But my kids, not so much.

We really had a good time though, and arrived home unscathed from our numerous adventures. We are now having a RESTFUL day at home. That is until swimming lessons this evening. That could be interesting.

Enjoying a peaceful day at home with toilets you flush yourself,
Megan

Bliss Bliss Cranberry Bliss

My Neighbor brought over a plate of dessert tonight, she copied Starbucks "Cranberry Bliss Bar". Oh. My. Word. Those little tasty treats didn't stand one chance to last the night at our house. Y.U.M. I have never actually had them at Starbucks, but my neighbor had me at first sight and first bite! The picture above is of the Starbucks version. I would have taken a picture of the ones given to us, but there is nothing left to take a picture of save the empty plate with barely a crumb.

Again, not my own picture, but you get the idea. They were GOOD. And the tummies in our house are happy.

Full Belly, Warm Heart,

Megan

Feliz Navidad, Feliz Taco Salad...

First the Feliz-

I love Mexican food! After getting a positive recommendation from two sources- 1) My neighbors, and B) Kristen over at We Are THAT Family, I decided to venture forth and give the taco truck a try. It was good! I liked it a lot. But next time I think I might try beef instead of chicken. It seems like they used cubed chicken and shredded it but didn't do a very good job.

Meat and I have Issues. It must be well cooked, non chunky, and not scary. Really, that's not such a high standard is it?

I could eat Mexican every day, but it must be accompanied by a coke, IN THE BOTTLE. Not the can, nooooo way Jose, in the bottle. It has more fizz that way!

I'm NOT weird.

I promise.

So last night my husband got home from a long day at work, and I have the audacity to bat my eyes at him and ask "Can you get me a taco salad from my favorite restaurant?". And that angel of a man did just that. And it was good.

I sat here this afternoon eating leftover chips and soda from yesterday, enjoying myself. Until I bit one wrong and it stabbed the roof of my mouth! Argh. I hate that!

And now for something completely different-

My business is rather new, and my etsy shop is very new. I realize that it is too late to sell for Christmas, save a few items. I put on my thinking cap this morning, and realized that I need to prepare for Valentines Day and Spring!

GASP.

I have only just entered Christmas! How can this be? It comes with the territory. So I am now having to do a mental shift. Oh I am still in full Christmas mode here at home, but in my sewing I am thinking ahead.

My question to you is-

What fashion trends do you see for spring and summer? And what do YOU think would be cute on my baby and toddler clothes? And what is your favorite meal?

Share your thoughts with me!

Still loving my Christmas tree, and last nights Taco Salad,

Megan

"Perfect parcels tied with perfect bows"

(Title quote from "Green Christmas" by the Barenaked Ladies)

Two new onesie designs!

Here is a Onesie with Holiday Cheer! Now in my Etsy Shop!

Featuring baby reindeer, a festive striped background, and bordered by snow white lace!

Close up of the patterns used-

Also availale is a set with the Tutu and Onesie! Go HERE

AND A DEBUT!!! New LOTUS BLOSSOM RUFFLEBUNSIE ONESIE!!!!
Lotus Blossom edged with Lace, Matching Ruffles on the Buns!

I don't think I can even describe how excited I am about this one. It is the first in my new line of rufflebunsie onesies, that will feature -what else- ruffles on the bumsies! I used Amy Butlers "Lotus" fabric and created my own lotus design, each petal individually cut out and sewn on. I can't wait to put one of these on LaLa! (She is sleeping right now so I must have patience...) The ruffles have a rolled hem so there are no raw edges, I have taken great care in sewing this, and I believe it turned out beautiful.

ALL of my designs are available on toddler size T's!

Both of these are now in my Etsy store- What better Christmas gift for your baby or a friends baby?!

Enjoying creating creations,

Megan

Vintage Hankie Infant Apron Now On Etsy

(I couldn't think of a Christmas song or quote that has to do with aprons...)

I created this beautiful apron yesterday and have put it on my Etsy site, after much debate on if I should keep it or offer it up for sale. So it is currently for sale, but I may just end up keeping it for myself. The body of the apron consists of 100% cotton fabric, and the neckline and skirt are embellished with vintage hankies, which I picked up at the antique store. I just love how it turned out! It should fit a baby 6-12 months old, perhaps a little older.

Put this apron on over a simple cotton dress and you will have both charm and style. Use this for your baby's professional photo shoot and you will have a beautiful memory to hang on your wall. Or have her wear it while you are doing the holiday cooking- she will be ready to 'help' mommy bake delicious treats! Finally, you can hang it in your babies room, adding vintage charm. This is a keepsake to treasure forever.
The very bottom layer that you see here (the one with the scalloped edge) has a tea stained effect.

Now I am off to work on some more items for my shop! Have a happy Tuesday!

-Megan

"Did you just call me Skillfully Delicious?"

(Jack Frost talking to the Legendary Figures Council in Santa Clause 3)

My challenge, if you care to join me, is to title every one of my posts up until Christmas with either a quote from a Christmas movie, or Christmas song. I might have to deviate when I post about my business, but then again, I may not.

I digress...

I went to two shops yesterday, an antique store and a store called the "Vintage Vault." I did not go Black Friday shopping, though I would have liked to, but I did manage to get out of the house for a bit for this little venture. And Oh and I'm glad I did! Eye Candy for the Soul...

Definitely Skillfully Delicious.

Everything was color coordinated. And sparkly! And yes, that was an upside down Christms tree.

Welcome Christmas!

Feeling Merry and Bright,

Megan

My Last Words Before a Turkey-Stuffing-Potato Inspired Coma

I forgot to post these pictures of a post card I found at the antique store the other day. It is special because of the word "Violets" on it. This is a name that is found in our family, so I had to get it. I plan on framing it. It is from 1910!

The back of the postcard has the date postmarked on it. The letter is from a lady who seems to be corresponding with a friend, telling her she hopes they can visit soon.

It seems special to be able to peek into the past like this. It leaves me wondering about the writer.

I wonder what things I will leave behind for others to find? Hopefully whatever those things are, they will bring smiles and joy to those around them.

Going to Gobble,

-Megan

A Tiny Apron, 3 Year Old Conversations, and The Crud

A Tiny Apron:

First let me introduce to you this little baby apron I made for LaLa to wear on Thanksgiving. Because she needs to get in on the baking too, doncha know?

I will have to get a picture of it ON her next. It came out pretty cute, wouldn't you say? Next I hope to get one made for my son to wear. Without ruffles. Or pink.

On to the 3 Year Old Conversations:

The other day my dear son was playing with his cars. (An hourly occurrence here) He was having a little conversation with them that went something like this:

"Hi what's your name."

"My name is race car." (of course, because it IS a race car. so what else would it's name be??)

"Hi race car. I'm going to pass you by."

"Ok, pass me by!"

That one cracked me up. Another one was between he and I. I had him in the car, and LaLa was at home with daddy. I told my Dear Son that we were going on a date together. (We were headed to the library and then Starbucks).

Me: "Hey we are going on a date!"

Him: "A date Mama?"

Me: "Yep!"

Him: "What is date Mama?"

Me: "This, you and me together without LaLa or Daddy"

Him: "I don't see the date. Where the date Mama?"

Me: "This is the date, me and you together."

Him: "Where date go? I don't see the date!"

This continued back and forth..this is the date...I don't see the date...till I finally said:

"Ok, there is no date. Do you want to go to the library and Starbucks with me?"

Silence....

Him: "Where the date go Mama???

Obviously I didn't explain that one to him very well!

The Crud.

We have what my dad calls "The Crud." I'd say that defines it pretty well, but let me explain just in case- we are sick. If I were to define it I would say the flu with out the throwing up part. It started with LaLa. I hate it when my kids get sick, and it's doubly sad when it is the baby. Then it hit me, then Dear Son, and lastly Dear Husband. Now Dear Husband seems to be fending it off pretty well, but boy has it got me. Fever, chills, stuffed head, sore throat, blah. I am glad we got it before Thanksgiving, hopefully it will be gone by then! Begone Thou Crud!

P.S.

If you love fabric like I do, go check out Bee Square Fabrics. She has tons of delish designs to choose from! And a really nifty new website. Go shop!

Wanna go for a walk with me?

Today we went for a walk in the park...do you want to come along?

We saw an airplane

And Ran really fast!
The sun began to set

Casting an afternoon glow.

Little LaLa squealed while watching her Brother run so fast
Hey We found You!!!

Thank you for taking a walk with us.

We took a little Autumn walk this afternoon. The air was crisp, spirits were high, and the sun was shining its last rays on us.

I had fun taking pictures, but had to put the camera away when I asked my Dear Son "Do you want to walk with me and hold my hand?" "Yes." He said. And I knew then, these moments wont last long. My little boy will want to start acting like a man soon, and one day will blush at the thought of holding his mom's hand. So I zipped up the camera, took his little hand in mine, and we strolled down the path.

His little boy hands...3 years old...and I cannot imagine life without those hands. Sometimes sticky with peanut butter, or grimy with dirt. Lining hotwheels up in a row to 'park' them. Stacking paper towel rolls high in the kitchen. Reaching out to hug his baby sister and pat her on the head.

As we walked up the path on our way home I asked if he wanted to sing me a song. So he began to sing, making it up as we walked along "look at the rain...it falls down from leaves..." And then the classic he made up at the beginning of the year "Ding Dong, Ding Dong, Look at the snow and the rain!"

Little LaLa rode shotgun on my hip, squealing at the top of her lungs as her brother ran ahead. Crinkling her little nose in 'that' smile filled with joy.

Its a good life.

-Megan