Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Master Carver

Posted by Heather at Wednesday, October 30, 2013 0 comments

Twilight Sparkle by Light.


Twilight Sparkle all aglow.

Lil' Miss sure is lucky to have a talented artist for a Daddy! We don't just carve your typical Jack-O-Lantern shapes in the Jones household. Nope. Instead, Ted came up with this really cool (well, cool if you are three year's old and obsessed with My Little Ponies, that is!), Twilight Sparkle to carve into our pumpkin, this year. He did a great job and it turned out really well. Katy loved it!!

Wordless Wednesday- Snack in the Park

Posted by Heather at Wednesday, October 30, 2013 0 comments

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Halloween on the High Seas

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 27, 2013 0 comments


Our little "Cinderella" with her "Fairy Godmother" and "Prince Charming."


Katy loved meeting Princess Aurora!


We took another Disney cruise- this time a Halloween themed voyage- aboard the Disney Dream. The destinations (Nassau and Disney's own island, Castaway Cay) were irrelevant as there was lots to do aboard the ship! We had lots of fun taking part in all the boat had to offer!

First off, this was the first cruise that we've taken where Katy was old enough to partake in the children's activities. She had a blast in the Oceaneer's Club and was begging to go back. I have to admit, the kids' area was pretty cool! Each "room" had a different theme- Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Tinkerbell, etc. The kids were free to roam throughout the supervised areas, all the while their special "bracelets" located them throughout the space. Katy has fun playing and Ted and I get some time to ourselves? Yes, please!

As expected, Katy was crazy about the Princesses! The very first morning aboard the ship, we were up bright and early to get in line to meet six of the princesses- Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Belle and Ariel. Katy walked right up to them and happily had her pictures taken with the lovely ladies.

We met some other characters along the way- Goofy, Donald, Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Chip and Dale, Pluto- but Katy found them less approachable. She still wanted to see them, but just not really (willingly) get her picture taken with them. One thing about the Disney Cruises- it's WAY easier to meet the various Disney characters without the huge, long lines. Sure, there were lines (especially for the princesses!), but nothing compared to the parks.

We rotated through the three on-board restaurants- Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace and Animator's Palette- each night. We ended up in the Animator's Palette (per our request) and ended up sitting right next to the screen. Throughout the dinner, Crush, from Finding Nemo, "swims" around the room and interacts with the guests. If you are lucky enough to sit close enough to the screen, Crush may interact with you. Crush caught Katy waving to him and started asking her where she was from, how old she was, etc. To our pleasure, she responded and interacted with him. It's great fun for the kids and definitely keeps them entertained throughout the meal.

Of course, we took in the live shows, in the evenings. We even got to watch Planes (complete with popcorn, of course!).

The second night aboard the ship was dedicated to "Halloween." Everybody got dressed up (even Ted and I as Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother, respectively) and had (non-spooky) fun! The kids even got to go "trick-or-treating" throughout various stations in the main atrium of the ship.

We got off at Castaway Cay, Disney's own island, on the third day of the cruise. Ted did their Castaway Cay 5K in the morning (good job, Honey!) and then we all went ashore to play in the sun and sand, in the afternoon.

Katy stayed up way past her bedtime, ate too many french fries and chicken strips, but we ALL had a great time! Until the next time....!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Wordless Wednesday- Pretty Ballerina

Posted by Heather at Wednesday, October 23, 2013 0 comments

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Miss Donna's School of Dance- Halloween Dress-up

Posted by Heather at Tuesday, October 22, 2013 0 comments

Ballerina Parade in the Plaza


What's even better than ballet? DRESS-UP BALLET!


My favorite Little Ladybug

All this week at ballet, the girls get to come to class dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Since we'll be missing Katy's regular class on Wednesday, she took a make-up class, last night. We happened to find this ladybug costume in a bag of hand-me-down clothes and Katy insisted on wearing it to class. I'm not sure how much "tap" and "ballet" was accomplished, but the girls sure had a lot of fun showing off their costumes and dressing up. There were lots of giggles and laughter!

Doesn't she look cute and cuddly in her ladybug costume?

"Ladybug Picnic"

Posted by Heather at Tuesday, October 22, 2013 0 comments
"One, two, three..."


"...Four, five, six..."


"...Seven, eight, nine..."


"...Ten, eleven, twelve..."


"...And they all played games..."


"...At the ladybugs' picnic..."

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Sentence of the Day- Issues

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 20, 2013 0 comments
While on a car ride, this past weekend, Katy was playing and dressing her felt doll. While searching for, and not finding the doll's pants, Katy said, out loud, "Great! Now we've got an issue!"

Sewing Pattern Testing- Kikoi Patterns Reversible A Line Dress

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 20, 2013 0 comments

Reversible A Line Dress- Main Fabric (Isn't that the most darling ballerina fabric from Robert Kaufman?)


Reversible A Line Dress- Accent Fabric

Guess what?!

For the first time, I got to test a sewing pattern for the talented Kikoi patterns! I've heard of fellow sewists doing this, but never had the opportunity... That is, until today! I was pretty psyched!

What is pattern testing, you ask? Well, basically, I get access to a specific sewing pattern before it is released to the public. Then, I go through it and give feedback to the creator (in this case, Kikoi patterns).

I got to test out the Reversible A Line Dress from Kikoi Patterns. This is a super-simple pattern that even a beginner seamstress can tackle and end up with a really nice end-product. I love that it's reversible (I've got a thing for reversible things!)! The pictures are easy to follow and this pattern doesn't require too many "extra" notions. Because this pattern is so simple, it's easy to embellish and make your own. I'll definitely be making this one, again... and again and again.

Thanks, Kikoi patterns, for giving me the opportunity to test out the Reversible A Line Dress pattern! I had a lot of fun!

**Look! Katy's famous!! She's featured on the pattern's etsy page.**

They're Not Babies, Anymore...

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 20, 2013 0 comments

Savannah and Katy- practically babies-
August 28, 2011


Savannah and Katy are all grown up!
October 19, 2013

Quick Trip to Wilmington

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 20, 2013 0 comments
 "This weekend, Mommy, Daddy and I took a quick trip to Wilmington, NC, to help our friends, the Woolards. 
They planted Venture Church there a little while ago and needed some help with set-up/break-down. They meet at a YMCA. (Ahhh- the joys of being a mobile church!)"


"On the long, four hour car ride to Wilimington, I caught up on my beauty sleep..."


"...drew a picture of Daddy..."
(How cute is this little drawing?! Pay special note to the spiky hair, mustache and beard)


"Once we got there and checked into our hotel, we took a little walk for some lunch and to stretch our legs. Well, Daddy stretched his legs and I 'rode on high.'"


"Best part of the whole weekend was getting to see my friend, Savannah! YAYAY!!"

Thursday, October 17, 2013

"Vogue"

Posted by Heather at Thursday, October 17, 2013 0 comments
"...Strike a pose..."


"...Let your body move to the music (move to the music)..."


"...Come on, vogue..."


"...Let your body go with the flow (go with the flow)...
You know you can do it..."

Fall is here and with the cooler temperatures, we say good-bye to all of Lil' Miss' sundresses! Up until this point, I've shied away from sewing dresses and tops with sleeves because I've found them intimidating and above my level of sewing knowledge. Unless I want to give up sewing dresses for Katy until next Spring (and I don't), I need to figure out this whole sleeve thing...

I've done peasant dresses with some success but when I venture off and try to do sleeves on my own (without a pattern), that's when I get in trouble. So, I turned to Pinterest and found this little tutorial from the The Sewing Rabbit/Me Sew Crazy for a flower tunic.

Lil' Miss would wear a dress every day of the week, if I let her. So, instead of doing a tunic, I decided to lengthen the hem and create a dress, instead. The provided pattern is a size 3T and I sized it up a bit to fit my little 4T cutie. The provided tutorial doesn't mention a seam allowance, so I used 1/2" all around. Also, I added a long sash for the waist. Otherwise, the tutorial delivered and was clear to follow.

So, what do you think? I think Little Missy liked it from the looks of her "photo shoot." :-)

"Dancing in the Street"

Posted by Heather at Thursday, October 17, 2013 0 comments
"...All we need is music, sweet music..." 


"...There'll be music everywhere..."


"...There'll be swingin' swayin', and records playin,..."


"...Dancin' in the street..."

(The last picture is what Katy's ballet teacher calls her "cute face.")

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Shutterfly Holiday Cards Campaign and Giveaway

Posted by Heather at Wednesday, October 16, 2013 8 comments

It may only be October, but Christmas will soon be upon us. Our local craft store started putting out Christmas decorations back in AUGUST!! Can you believe that?!?! Whew!

Anyway, there is lots to love about the holiday season but one of the things that I love the most is giving and receiving Christmas cards. It's the one time of year where your mailbox is stuffed with more than bills, statements and random solicitations for various products I do not need, nor do I want. Christmas cards, in my opinion, are like tangible smile to brighten your day.


My go-to site to get personalized photo greetings has always been, and always will be, Shutterfly. This year, their holiday cards are as varied as the people you send them to. Here are some highlights from the 2013 Holiday Card Collection:



New card design styles for 2013 - 5x7 folded tri fold & back of card designs
o   Classic: Traditional colors, iconic illustrations, aspirational sentiments, snowflakes, monogram
o   Contemporary: trend forward colors, texture and layering, water color techniques, shine, glitter, Instagram pictures are perfect for this style
o   Whimsy: humor and nostalgia meet, fun sentiments
o   Merry and Bright: all about color and having fun
o   Religious: metallic type treatments, incorporated story ideas
o   Photo Basics: multiple colors, vertical type, family name highlights
Following, are my personal top five favorite cards/photo gifts (In no particular order) of the season (For those on my mailing list, don't be surprised if one of these little beauties show up in your mailbox! :-)

Year In Photos Christmas Card- The tri-fold card is new for 2013 and I love it! It offers more space to add pictures, a newsletter, etc. Plus, this particular card offers a green card offering and a red card offering. 


Dots And Stripes Christmas Card- This card is simple and graphic. Yet, it offers lots of room for pictures. Plus, most importantly (to me), is that it says Merry Christmas.



Thankful Monogram Table Runner- Holiday time means holiday meals. Might as well make them cozy and personalized! I love that you can add pictures to the runner to remember those near and dear.



Family Wall 30x22 Decorative Wall Decal- I come from an art/design background and in a previous life, I worked for an art and framing gallery. So, naturally, I love hanging pictures on the wall. A room isn't complete until the pictures are hung. These vinyl decals make it so easy to have those special memories surround you! Plus, these vinyl decals would be great in a renting situation (no holes!).


Wonderful Year Deco Square Metal Ornament- We have lots of grandparents and great-grandparents to shop for at Christmas time. These ornaments are perfect for adding a little personal touch to the old fir tree. I love that there is space for more than one picture on the ornament.

To get you excited for the upcoming holiday season, Shutterfly is hosting a Pinning Party (TM)  #PhotosYouLove on October 16 at 8 PM ET. Feel free to stop on by an pin away!


Now, for the best part of this blog post.... my first giveaway!! One lucky reader of All Things Katy! will receive a $50 off total order (plus free shipping) code at Shutterfly. 
Here's how to enter:
o   For the main form of entry, please visit Shutterfly Holiday Cards and leave a comment on this post about your favorite card.
o   As an optional form of entry, pin your favorite card with the #PhotosYouLove hashtag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 And that's it! Entries must be received no later that 10/22 and the winner will be selected at random and notified via email. Please be sure to include a valid email address when commenting.

Good luck and Merry (early!) Christmas!




*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received non-monetary compensation for this post and givaway. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

Wordless Wednesday- Working 9 to 5

Posted by Heather at Wednesday, October 16, 2013 0 comments

Monday, October 14, 2013

Bento Box- "Arrrr, Mateys!"

Posted by Heather at Monday, October 14, 2013 0 comments

Pretzels, Teddy Grahams (with Pirate Tatoo), Turkey and Cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, Watermelon

Lunch Bunch was cancelled, last week. So, instead of eating at school, we walked to Memorial Gardens for a picnic. Or, as she calls it, we dined, "al fresco."

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Silly Pilgrims 2013

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 13, 2013 0 comments

October 9, 2010


October 15, 2011


October 10, 2012


October 13, 2013

Bus To Riverbend 2013

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 13, 2013 0 comments

October 9, 2010


October 15, 2011

October 10, 2012


October 13, 2013

"I Got This..."

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 13, 2013 0 comments
"Today, I went pumpkin picking with Mommy and Daddy."


"Here's a good looking pumpkin."


"Boy, it's kinda heavy...."


"Don't worry, Daddy- I got this..."

Pumpkin Pickin' with our Lil' Pumpkin

Posted by Heather at Sunday, October 13, 2013 0 comments

Everybody has a special dress to pick pumpkins in, right?!?


Katy and her pumpkin


Family Pumpkin Time!


Our family's October calendar is jam-packed! We managed to carve out a little time, this afternoon, to make our annual trek to Riverbend Farm to select our family pumpkins. As always, we had fun riding all the slides, taking pictures with the various landmarks and, of course, selecting our pumpkins! This year, we chose a bright orange pumpkin to carve, a small pumpkin for Katy, a whitish one for moi and a cute little gourd that Katy couldn't seem to part with.

 

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