Sewing Pattern Testing- Amelie Clothing- The Mina Blazer

The Mina Blazer- Front

The Mina Blazer- Back

I had another opportunity to test a sewing pattern for Amelie clothing (formerly, Kikoi Patterns). This time, a sweet little blazer- just perfect for cooler, NC fall weather. This pattern was very straight-forward- easy to read and follow, just a little time-consuming- but no questions with the pattern/tutorial, itself.

I'm so happy with the end result! I admit, the Robert Kaufman Princess fabric that I chose to do the pattern (with hot pink accents) is a little wild. However, it will go swimmingly with a dress I have in the works for Lil' Miss (for no other reason than I LOVE that fabric and so does Katy!).

I love how Amelie clothing includes lots of pictures and color-coded guidelines in the tutorial. They say that a picture can say a thousand words and in the case of sewing patterns/tutorials, that is so true! The fit of the blazer is roomy and light. I love cuffing the sleeves to get a hint of the accent lining.

This pattern could easily be made reversible and has lots of opportunity to personalize. Also, next time I sew with this pattern, I'll be making the pockets functional (in the pattern, the "pockets" are just flaps).

Fun, fun- thanks for allowing me the opportunity to sew for you, Amelie clothing!

Turkey in the Straw

"...Turkey in the hay, in the hay, in the hay..."

"...Turkey in the straw, in the straw, in the straw..."

"...Pick up your fiddle and rosin your bow..."

"...And put on a tune called Turkey in the Straw..."

"...haw haw haw..."

St. James Lutheran Preschool Thanksgiving Feast 2013

Pilgrims, Indians and Turkeys

Today was Katy's Thanksgiving Feast at St. James Lutheran Preschool. The kids led us in the Pledge of Allegiance (she actually said it!), sang a couple of songs, and then said the prayer. Katy was all smiles throughout the short program. Every once in awhile, she would look over at me, singing, smiling and waving. While she didn't sing every single word, to every single song, she did try her best and I'd give her an "A" for effort (SO MUCH better than what I was expecting!).

After the kids sang, everybody partook in a potluck Thanksgiving Feast. Katy must have been starving because she was practically dragging me to get in line. She ate corn on the cob and a peanut butter and jelly Uncrustable (that is totally authentic to the original Colonial settlers, right?! ;-)

It was so much fun and all the kids were really cute, standing on stage. Of course, I'm totally biased... ;-P

We are thankful for Katy's teacher this year, Ms. Kelly. We are thankful for a nurturing and loving environment where Lil' Miss has been able to thrive. We are thankful for St. James Lutheran Preschool!

Sentence of the day- Ancestry

We were in line at BJ's, this afternoon, and Katy overheard the cashier one lane over talking to her customer. The cashier said, "...Well, I'm Korean, so...."

Immediately, Katy very loudly said, "Hey, Mom! We're related to her!"

Hahahahah- that made me laugh! I had no idea that Katy even understood that she was part Korean! The things that girl picks up on....

Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine

I was recently given the opportunity to review Crystal Paine's newest book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. Written in the tone of your best girlfriend, Crystal really hits home with her frank conversation about how we, as women, sometimes feel the need to be "Superwoman." Then, in turn, we fall into the trap of just surviving. Paine relates her steps to a less stressful, more purpose-filled life. I won't spoil the whole book for you, but I will say that it's an easy read, one that you'll want to keep reading. More than once, you'll find yourself identifying with her anecdotes and train of thought.

The book won't be available until January, but if you'd like to pre-order it, you may do so at any of the following:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobel

Books a Million

Christianbook.com

Ibooks

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

Wordless Wednesday- Share Joy

Sentence of the Day- Pedestrians

While driving this afternoon, we came up to a stop light. Katy looked over to the side and noticed the flashing red hand on the pedestrian crossing sign. She informed me that she knew what it meant. Interested on her take of it, I asked her to explain.

Very matter-of-fact, she replied, "Well, when you see that hand it means you need to grab your Mommy's hand before you cross the road."

Well, I never thought of it quite like that, before....

Treat Holiday Cards Campaign and Giveaway

Thanksgiving is just around the corner (next week!) and that means that Christmas will be here before we know it. Time to start thinking about holiday cards and gifts! 

Take a look at Treat by Shutterfly for your holiday cards when considering what to send out for the holidays. They have lots of options- classical, festive and funny.

Treat  now offers digital cards, too! Most cards on the site have a digital option, too. Now, there's keeping up with the times!

What I love about Treat  by Shutterfly is the fact that all of their cards have the ability to be customized. Do the grandparents get called something other than "Grandma" and "Grandpa"? No more combing the card store racks for "Poppy," or "Gigi"- just enter in their nicknames onto a Treat by Shutterfly card and you are in business!

If you are still looking for a personal gift, look no further than Treat  by Shutterfly. There are lots of options to choose from- personalized coffee mugs to Iphone cases.

Now, are you ready for another giveaway? Thanks to the people over at Treat  by Shutterfly, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to  win one mug and one set of personal stationary. Entering is simple- just visit the Treat holiday cards page and comment with your favorite card. That's it! Now, enter away! Giveaway will end on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 and the winner will receive their prize directly from Treat.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

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

Sentence of the Day- Flavor of the Day

I always know if Katy has been good at Preschool if she comes home with a "sucker" (aka lollipop for us Yankees ;-). Today, she came home with one- yay! As she was unwrapping it, I asked her what flavor she had received. She replied, "Hopscotch! It's one of my favorites!"

Bento Box- Goldfish and Pinwheels

Goldfish, Mint Bar, Turkey/Cheese Pinwheels, Strawberries

Nothing fancy, this week- just good ol' Goldfish and Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels. Sad to report that Lil' Missy didn't eat much of it at school. However, once we got home, she was starving and managed to eat a good bit of it. Guess she was too distracted to eat while in the company of friends.

"Autumn Leaves"

"The falling leaves drift by the window..."

"...The autumn leaves of red and gold ..."

"...And soon I'll hear old winter's song ..."

"...When autumn leaves start to fall ..."

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)- Just call her, "Cinderell-y."

She put this bandanna on in the afternoon and didn't take it off until her bath, later that evening. We walked around the grocery store and the dollar tree with it tied around her head. She told me she was dressed up like "Cinderell-y" (aka Cinderella before she meets her prince ;-).

Sentence of the Day- You-ish

This morning, Katy came up to me and gave me a big, tight squeeze. As she was hugging me, she sniffed and said, "Mommy, you smell you-ish." Then, she gave me a kiss and ran off to play some more.

Um, not sure if that's good, or bad...?

Carolina Renaissance Festival 2013

Welcome to the Renaissance Festival!

First Jousting Tournament with Sir Max

Second Jousting Tournament

Today, we joined our friends, the Domms for a day at the Renaissance Festival. Ted and I have been in the past, but that was well BK (Before Katy). It was a beautiful, balmy 73 degrees, today, to take in the festival.

When we first got there, Katy was enthralled with people watching (and boy, were there lots of "characters" to watch and observe!). After meeting up, we made our way through the various shops and vendors to the Jousting tournament. We found a nice sunny spot to sit and Katy LOVED watching the horses! She got the hang of who won each mini tournament before I ever did!

After lunch, we let the kids play a bit in the kids area and then we grabbed a bite to eat. While we didn't partake in the traditional mega-turkey leg, we did enjoy the improved offering of teriyaki chicken (don't remember that being there, last time!).

We took in the two o'clock glass blowing demonstration. It was neat to see the glass being formed into a drinking glass. Even Katy was straining to watch the demonstration. 

After the glass blowing demo, we headed back to the jousting field because Lil' Miss enjoyed watching it so much the first time. This time, though, we didn't get a seat and had to stand and watch. It wasn't so much a problem for Katy, though, since she had the best seat in the house upon her Daddy's shoulders.

After the second joust, we called it a day. Thanks for inviting us, Lauren and Joe! We had fun!

Lionel Annual Warehouse Sale 2013

"No more pictures, MOm!"

Ted was working hard for the money, this past weekend. It was the annual Lionel Warehouse sale and Ted was out late Friday night and all day Saturday because of it. We stopped by to see all the displays on Saturday and Katy loved hitting all the buttons (literally and figuratively) to make the trains move. It looked like a steady crowd of customers when we were there.

*For any one "nice" picture that I get of Lil' Miss smiling and being cute and sweet, there is always a dozen more like this one....*

Sentence of the Day- Adoption

Yesterday, the subject of adoption came up in conversation with Katy. I was struggling to explain (in words that she would understand) that I am adopted and that in turn, is part of Katy's own heritage. I told her that I didn't grow in Grandma Tinkey's tummy and that I came over on a plane from South Korea to become Grandma and Pop-Pop Tinkey's daughter. I told her that I even though I didn't look like my parents that some families come together through adoption. Katy's response was, "Well, you and Grandma do have the same hair color (black)!"

Sewing Pattern Testing- Kikoi Patterns Lily Ruffle Blouse

Kikoi Patterns Lily Ruffle Blouse- Front

Kikoi Patterns Lily Ruffle Blouse- Side

Kikoi Patterns Lily Ruffle Blouse- Back

I recently had another opportunity to work together with Kikoi Patterns to test out a new a sewing pattern (Thank you, Susan! :). This time, the Lily Ruffle Blouse  I really wanted to try this one out because the pattern involved sleeves and I still struggle with sewing sleeves onto dresses/shirts.

I decided to use some holiday fabric that I had on hand, along with some accent geometric fabric for the ruffles/button loops. I have to admit, this pattern challenged me.I made a couple of mistakes along the way and it definitely took me longer than normal to sew. However, I love the end result! Look how cute Lil' Miss looks in this shirt. The button closure detail in the back really make the shirt and of course, Lil' Miss Fancy Pants loved the ruffles in the front!

As a side note, speaking specifically about the pattern, I really felt that this pattern was sized appropriately. The length of the shirt hit her just right and there was plenty of room in the torso, without being too voluminous.

Now, how many days until Christmas...? ;-P

Bento Box- Boo!

Boo! Cheez-its, Cheese pumpkin sandwiches, Salami skewers with fun Halloween rings, Jack-O-Lantern Mandarin Orange and Red Grapes, "Mummy" Juice box

Since Halloween fell on a Thursday, this year, Katy's class had their Halloween celebration on the Wednesday before. So, I made Lil' Miss a fun "Halloween" themed lunch to go along with the festivities. I'm sure there will be lots of sweet treats during the day, so who knows if she'll want to actually EAT her lunch...!