Thinking Halloween Costumes

Well, it seems that every magazine has been advertising halloween costumes. The girls were going to wear one of their many Disney Princess dresses. Then the Pottery Barn Kids catalog came in the mail. There in the costume section was the one they couldn't possibly live without.

















A peacock. It is beautiful! I would love to have it for them. However, it is on SALE for $94.99....and I need two. No way that is happening.

So, I set my wheels a turnin' and came up with an alternate plan.
I bought long sleeved unitards off of ebay in a deep purple color. I have also purchased some sheets of 100% Wool Felt in various colors to make the feather ends and head pieces. I will have to wait until I get those to do much more, but here is a preview of the skirt.I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. Feathery and very easy! (Notice my new antique dress form who is modeling it. I love her!)
So, needless to say, I didn't do the sewing that I needed to do this weekend. I will be doing that tonight and tomorrow and the next day and the next....

I will be at the Princeton Christian Reformed Church craft show on October 11 from 9-3. You can drop by to see the new line in person and to make special orders for aprons.

Papa and Mimi Weekend

My parents came down to visit this weekend. This is the time of year that they start spending part of the month in Florida and part of it at home. The girls were glad to spend some time with them and had a lot of fun.
Claire decided that after our visit to the farmer's market, they need to have a tea party.




They ate muffins and cookies with raspberry lemonade. A good time was had by all!

Crayon Recycling

Over the last few days, I have had the tedious task of taking the paper off of all of the broken crayons in our crayon box. Today it all paid off.

I made alphabet crayons out of all of our broken crayons! Aren't they cute! I bought the silicone alphabet set from Let's Explore.


For a first try they came out pretty good. I broke 4 crayons. The U, E, H and S. The girls don't really care. They think they are pretty cool.
I used all of the crayons that I had left and made circle crayons in the regular muffin tin pan.

I had a very productive day. Library, grocery store, made crayons, made these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, cleaned our master bedroom. Just a couple more things to do before bed. Good day.

New Lunch Idea

Today Claire had something new for lunch. Peanut butter "sushi." I used a rolling pin to flatten the bread and then spread a thin layer of peanut butter, rolled them up and cut them into small pieces.








It went over well. The lunch was completely gone!

Another exciting moment at school today. Claire pulled one of her top front teeth. She greeted me with a big smile tonight. I am just glad I didn't have to pull this one.

Back to the good ol' MWLC

I am officially starting my diet again today. I am fasting so I can go get my blood work done and get the all clear from the doctor to start. I joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic last August and lost about 30 lbs. Well, I put my account on hold for July and August and lets just say it ain't pretty. I need to get back. I am not necessarily excited about going back, but I know that it works for me and I know I will feel better and fit into my clothes better.
So if you see me drooling over a cookie or cake, slap me back into reality and remind me that I don't need that kind of food to feel good.

Modbe Clothing

This will probably be one of several posts today. One thing that I haven't talked about on this blog is Modbe. Modbe is a clothing company that I became familiar with this summer after seeing it on Sandi Henderson's blog. I purchased this bathing suit from her party and loved it.
After wearing it a few times, the consultant emailed me and asked me how I liked it. I told her I loved it and hadn't seen anything like their suits in Michigan. She said they had an opening for a rep in the area and that there were many benifits to being a rep with very little requirements.
I thought about it for awhile and did the numbers. Just the discount I receive on the clothing is motivation enough. I really didn't need to sell anything. I have sold some stuff here and there to family and friends, but haven't put a whole lot of effort into it.
I just placed an order for some of the new stuff and really love it. I thought I'd share.
Just click on the picture to see items on the Modbe website.

The kids Pj's are SOOOO cute. They come in a brown and blue stripe or pink and red. The great part is that you order the top and bottom seperately so you can get the exact fit. They even have matching sets for mom.
The ruffle button up is a new must have for me. I just can't decide on the color.
The main stay of my current wardorbe is the cami. I have 2 white, 2 black, a navy, teal and green. I wear one under my t-shirts to lengthen my shirt. They are very long. Unlike most tops that barely cover my stomach. When I am picking up kids or running around the last thing that I need is for my stomach to show. I LOVE this cami.
The clothing line was started by a woman who wanted trendy, yet modest clothing and swimwear. The quality is great and I have not been disapointed with anything I have purchased.
Visit the website to see everything. If you want to place an order, you will need my consultant number. It is 1889. Check it out!

Fall Decor

You remember the door decoration with the frame and the arrangement? Well, I am part of the way there. I am trying to find the best way to get the arrangement to hang in the frame. In the meantime, I am using it as a buffet decoration in our dining/living room.
The table runner and welcome sign (dollar section) are from Target. The lanterns have a candle and faux fruit in them. Overall, I like it here too. I may have to make another one!

Horse Riding Lessons

Claire is taking some horse riding lessons. Her friend, Cameron, is taking them with her. Us mom's talked about doing this after their field trip to the pony farm last spring. Both of the girls loved riding the pony and Cindy took the initiative and signed them up. This is actually the second lesson, but there was a camera issue at the first one.

Friday's Cool Cold Lunch Bento

I am running out of ideas for Cool Cold Lunch. If you have any ideas, feel free to comment. I cleaned house for a few hours tonight. We have lots to do this weekend, so I thought I should get a head start. I put the girls' laundry away. I knew it was time when Claire came down for school today in a jean skirt that was so short I could see her undies, cowboy boots and a sequined tank top. Adorable! She left crying because I made her change. Now all of her clothes are in their correct spot and she can find something a little more appropriate for tomorrow.
Lunch today: Mandarin Oranges, Broccoli and Cauliflower with Dip, Peanut Butter Sandwich and a bit of chocolate.

Tuesday's Cool Cold Lunch

Just a quick lunch update. Claire had hot lunch today. Corn dogs. Not my idea of a great lunch. She has only had hot lunch twice this year, so I gave in.
Here is her lunch for tomorrow.


Broccoli, Cauliflower, Grape Tomatoes, Ranch Dip, Mini Muffins (I made mini chocolate chip this time), Chex Mix with a few treats mixed in.
Maybe with all of this she will skip the corn dogs next time.

More Inspiration

If only I had about 10 more hours each day. These things would be on by list of things to make.

This awesome door decoration for fall. I can't find the link to where it came from. If anyone knows, comment and I will add it.







Sandi Henderson's awesome children's messenger bag. Claire would love to have another bag for school.






Blank board books! Yes, you heard me correctly...Blank Board Books! How much fun could these be? Have your child write and illustrate their own books. Stories for Grandpa and Grandma, for a friend's birthday... the possibilities are endless!








A couple of things from Heather Bailey. First, the adorable strawberry pincushion. Then her beautiful couch-flower. Both are great ways to use little scraps of material.








I have actually started a few things....I'll be sure to post pics when they are finished.

Girls Club

Our girls are very into making forts and playing in tents. They love their playhouse at Papa and Mimi's house and seem to enjoy making spaces their own.
They have been asking for us to build them a Girl's Club fairly regularly. We pile up pillows and drape sheets and then they play. But, inevitably, it falls down and we need to rebuild several times. This frustrates Claire and she asked for a tent or play hut. I looked in the store and online, but they were around $50. I didn't really want to spend that much.
So, I took the hula hoop that Aunt Marcia made and draped it with fabric. Then I made some decorative flags and a Girl's Club sign and we are in business!
I did all of this while the girls were in bed last night. This morning they got up and went downstairs and saw the new club. I heard a lot of excited screaming and Lilly yelled "Mom, you are AWESOME!" It is all worth it. Especially since they have played in it for several hours already.

Bento Box Lunch Update

Since school started, Claire has only had hot lunch once. Today they are serving French Toast Sticks and scrambled eggs. I thought that would be an ok one to choose.
I did take a picture of her lunch on Wednesday.
This one included a wrap, carrots with dip, grapes (notice the adorable kitty fork), pringles minis and 3 pieces of chocolate. She took a fruit for snack (one of the really cute mini bananas), so I thought a little treat at lunch would be a surprise.
I got the itty bitty animal forks and the condiment container off ebay. The dip container is the perfect size for some ranch dressing for the veggies. The wrap is on a Mini Whole Wheat FlatOut. I had no idea that these came in a mini size. They fit perfectly in the box. This one is turkey with lettuce and mayo. I held it closed with one of the fun picks.
Even though the plan was to let her pick out one lunch a week (or a total of 4 lunches a month), Claire often opts for Cool Cold Lunch instead of things she had marked as something she'd like to buy for lunch.

Lilly's Twirly Skirt

Well, I knew that I would have to make another outfit. That is what happens when you have two girls so close together. Everything comes in twos.
Lilly's is made of Sandi Henderson's Ginger Bliss fabrics. I made the design for the shirt and added a button for the center.

Website Update

The website has been updated. I added aprons and fixed some areas to work a little better. There is now a link to my etsy shop on the bottom of each product page. This will let you go directly to the shop from the site to place your orders. It is then really easy to use Paypal to make payment and speed up the process of receiving your product.
Aprons are a 3-4 week special order item. You will be able to select your own fabrics from my current stock. When you order, I will email you an order sheet with the current in-stock fabrics and you will email back your choices.
I already have quite a few orders for these so, if you are thinking Christmas (which I know we all are), please place your orders soon.

Edith Twirl Skirt and Mariposa Top

I purchased Jona's Edith Twirl Skirt pattern awhile ago. Claire loves twirly skirts so I knew this one would be a big hit.
I had seen several of these on the blogs and finally got around to making one for Claire last night. And she needed a shirt to match (of course).
I am thrilled with the finished set. The skirt took about 1.5 hours start to finish. The shirt was about 30 minutes. The shirt is based on the Mariposa template from Sandi Henderson. This link seems to be stuborn lately. I just used it as inspiration because I couldn't get it to print.

I am getting a lot of requests for aprons since I posted about them. I will be making up a sample to take to craft shows and adding them to the website. Adult sizes will be $35 and kids $30. I will make a generic post on etsy for easy ordering.

Email me if you are interested.

Parenting With Style Review

Shanda from Parents with Style contacted me a few months ago about a bag that I had in my line last season. I happened to have one left in the style that she wanted. She had been wanting the bag for a long time and I was so glad that I had one left for her.
Today she reviewed the bag on her blog.
She even included an awesome video about what she keeps in the bag and how to use the stroller straps.
Parents with Style has been kind enough to give Handbags by Jen their Stylish award.

Be sure to check out their sister site Lemon Kisses where you can find all kinds of cool things.

Shanda:
Thanks so much for the great review. I am glad that you like your bag and use it so often.

Coco's Senior Pictures

Courteney's senior picture gallery is up. There are some wonderful shots. Feel free to weigh in on your favorite.

• go to www.simplylifephotography.com
• select “LIFE”
• select “CLIENTS”
• type in your password: Courtney2008

They will be up until Monday night. Be sure to check them out before then.

Marybeth is an excellent photographer and she captured Coco really well.

Fun Stuff to Add to My To Do List

This is a great pattern for a round neck dress that I plan on using to make Claire some school dresses. Paired with a long sleeved t-shirt, it would be adorable.







Barrettes are necessary accessories with two small girls around. These are awesome! Angry Chicken has a tutorial that makes them look really easy.






I recently picked up these patterns from Heather Bailey. They are great! They look like they will be easy to follow.

We went to the mall last weekend and picked up Roxaboxen for the girls. It is a great book and it is now on our nightly reading list.

Labor Day Weekend Up North

One last hoorah up north for the year. The girls were in the lake for hours on end, we had camp fires, made smores, and read lots of books. Since the girls took swimming lessons, they are little fish. Claire tested out every pair of goggles in the swimming toy box. Lilly, on the other hand, will not put her face in the water. She will play in the water, but not get her eyes in. So, if Papa is around, she has her own "transportation."
I made progress on another project this weekend. Claire is loving the "cool cold lunch." I am looking for new things to include in the lunches. I decided to make zucchini mini muffins. I thought I could sneak in some veggies where she would least expect them. She saw the batter and wondered what the green stuff was. I told her zucchini and she didn't say much. They turned out great! They didn't take a lot of time and one batch of batter made 48 mini muffins. Much more cost effective and healthy than the store bought ones.
Here are the girls baking with Mimi.I whipped up the aprons for the girls on Saturday night. They have a playhouse where they play restraunt all of the time. They can keep these up at Mimi's and use them to play or bake.
All in all a very good weekend. Now, back to the real world and the fall schedule.