Sponsored Post- Crazy 8 Minecraft themed tees!‏

FTC Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Minecraft is the hottest kids game out there, and now, the much anticipated tees are available at Crazy 8 for just $14.88! These tees are sure to be a favorite and on the top of our kid's summer wardrobe list. Don't let this amazing deal creep by! 

Minecraft themed tees at Crazy 8 only $14.88!

Easter Egg Hunt!

 "My friends, Jackson and Macy had their annual Easter Egg Hunt, today!"

 "We searched for plastic eggs! The pink ones are my favorite!"

"I got to show off my pretty Party Dress by the Cottage Mama, that Mommy sewed for me. 

Tres chic!"

"Best part? I got to hang out with my friends (like Connor ;) and have fun!

Hoppy Easter!"

One Katy-sized Bubble, Coming Right Up!

I have had a day..... a long day (and night).....

I have already been to Urgent Care, this morning, and called Katy's pediatrician more times than I care to admit. We've been through a pulled elbow (or, as the Urgent Care doctor called it, "nursemaids elbow") and a cartwheel-like-trapeze-swinging tumble from our friends' sky-high clubhouse landing. If I hadn't just been through the whole elbow/Urgent Care thing, this morning, I don't think I would have reacted so hysterically when Katy fell off the clubhouse ladder.

Suffice it to say that I screamed.... Loudly....!

This all occurred before two pm, mind you....

Katy's okay, though. Tough little kid. My nerves, on the other hand....

Sterile, plastic bubble, please! No more falls, breaks, sprains or dislocations. No more scary moments when your heart literally stops and jumps out of your chest.

No ma'am. I am done for the day.

The Muppet Effect

Katy and I were recently jamming out to tunes on the radio when the 80's classic, "We Built This City" started playing. Immediately, Katy exclaimed, "The Muppets!" ("We Built This City" was featured when the whole Muppet gang is cleaning up the old studio in "The Muppets Movie"). She then proceeds to sing right along (knowing more words than I do, to the song). Like her father, pop culture references somehow always relate  back to the Muppets (and not the ACTUAL, true point of reference).

So her Daddy's daughter.... (and fellow Muppet lover, too!)!!

Sentence of the Day- "Up There..."

Yesterday was Katy's last day of Preschool before Easter/Spring break. Katy was talking to her teacher from last year, Ms. Amber. Ms. Amber asked Katy what she was doing for Easter. Pointing her finger upwards, she replied, "We're going up there- not heaven- just New Jersey, to visit my Nanny and Poppy."

Hahahahaha....!

Wordless Wednesday- Spring Has Sprung

Dentist Visit

"My future's so bright that I need shades....!"

"Open Wide!"

Having a peek inside her mouth and operating some of the dental tools.

Katy had her first "big girl" visit to the dentist today!!

She's come along with us to our appointments, up until this point. Sometimes, she would observe our exams. Sometimes, she would even let the hygienist "count" her teeth and brush them. However, this time, she actually had all the dental tools used on her (i.e. our insurance was billed, specifically for her! ;-).

I've got to admit, I was really worried about this one. In the past, she's been less than thrilled to even attempt to sit in the exam chair by herself. There have been times where she's been afraid of whatever tools the hygienist was using. I was afraid that a) Katy would refuse to sit in the chair and throw a tantrum, b) Katy would clamp her mouth shut and not let the dentist look inside, c) All of the above (and then some!).

You know what, though? Katy was AWESOME!!! She did SOOOOOO well this afternoon! Katy hopped right into the chair when it was her turn. She obligingly put on the "sunglasses" to protect her eyes from the exam light and opened her mouth willingly. She was pleasant and funny and interested in what was going on. She cracked a joke with the dentist! She even tattled on me by telling the hygienist that I had brushed my teeth right before our appointment.

After everything was done, Katy got to pick the color of her new toothbrush (pink, of course!) and pick a prize from the treasure box (a costume ring, of course!). She chatted her way out of the office and kept telling us how the dental tools "tickled." She liked "helping" the hygienist (Katy was allowed to operate the sucking machine thingy) when it was my turn for my exam.

No fights, no fussing, no complaining! Best of all, no cavities!

Sponsored Post- Crazy 8 Sale

FTC Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Warmer weather is quickly approaching, but not as quickly as your kids grew out of last year's clothes! It's time to start stocking up on this season's styles for spring. Luckily, Crazy 8 is offering 20% off markdowns so your kids can get everything they need (and some they don't!) without cleaning out your wallet. That's up to 60% off! The sale starts tomorrow (4/10) for a limited time, so hurry before it's gone! 

 20% off markdowns, up to 60% off at Crazy 8

Sewing Pattern Testing- Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Stopping to smell the flowers.

Circle Dresses are make twirling FUN!

Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Presenting another sweet pattern from Amelie Clothing- the Adria Circle Dress! With a full circle skirt, this dress has lots of twirl factor! Lil' Miss received so many compliments when she wore this dress. I already have visions of other Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress, done in other fabrics/combos, in the near future!

I love the attention to detail on this dress. The shoulder seams are attached by a little ribbon that you sew within the pattern. The full circle skirt is twirly, flouncy and fun. With the two layers on the skirt and the lined bodice, this dress has lots of coverage and no see-through factor.

As with all Amelie Clothing patterns, the tutorial and pattern and easy to read and follow. The pictures aid with the understanding of each step. The Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress pattern is for sizes 2T- 10. I would highly recommend this pattern!

Sentence of the Day- Looking for Mommy

On the way home from visiting with some friends out of town, we stopped at Target. We split up so that I could get some towels and Katy and Ted went to retrieve the reusable shopping bags that we keep in the trunk of the car.

When they had re-entered the store, Ted told Katy, "Okay, Katy- be on the look-out for Mommy. She should be around the towels."

Katy thoughtfully replied, "Hmmm..... Mommy's kind of a pop shorty. This is gonna be a toughie.... OH MOMMY!!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!"

Love that girl- she makes me smile!

Sewing Pattern Testing- Amelie Clothing- Reversible Simple Tunic (and Learning to Sew with Knits)

Amelie Clothing- Reversible Simple Tunic

Amelie Clothing- Reversible Simple Tunic

I've a got a sewing confession to make... I am scared of knits! Rather, I WAS scared to sew knit fabrics.... not anymore, though!!

Susan, of Amelie Clothing, recently contacted me about an upcoming pattern that she wanted me to test- the Reversible Simple Tunic. I saw that it was made of knits and I immediately wrote back, "Thanks, but no thanks." Susan insisted and I relented- I decided to give knits another try. I am so glad that I did!!

First, I read several articles floating around the internet about how to sew knit fabrics. There are several conflicting ways to go about sewing stretchy materials... twin needles vs. single... walking foot with straight stitch vs. walking foot with stretch stitch... pins vs. no pins.... and you wonder why I was scared to work with knits??

Then, I watched a series of YouTuble videos by the Crafty Gemini. Having a visual of all the intricacies of working with stretchy, knit fabric, really helped me understand how to best approach sewing the Reversible Simple Tunic.

So, I broke out my sewing machine's walking foot for the first time and installed it on my machine. I figured out which stitch setting is for sewing with knits- number 3 on my machine- kind of looks like a lightening bolt. I purchased a ball point needle and set to work. I put together the pattern pieces, cut out my fabric and press the start button.... and I promptly broke my brand new needle.... what luck!

Not to be deterred at my new mission (sewing knit fabrics), I installed a new needle (thank goodness I bought a multi-pack of ball point needles! :-). Turns out, I hadn't properly installed the walking foot and that's why the need broke. Lesson, learned.

At first, I went really, really, really slow. Then, as I built my confidence, I started sewing to my normal speed... and you know what? It's really not that bad. It's really not that scary to sew stretchy, knit fabric.

Honest.

I might even go as far as to say that it's kind of FUN to sew with knits.... watch out, now! Knits don't ravel, so you don't need to hem them. Knit fabrics are great for making kids clothing (and there are so many cute patterns out there for working with knits- Amelie Clothing- Reversible Simple Tunic, being one of them).

Back to the pattern, though. Amelie Clothing- Reversible Simple Tunic really is simple. It's straight-forward, it's basic and it's a great entry into the world of sewing with knit fabrics. As always, the directions and pictures in the tutorial work well together to help direct and guide you in the creation of the Reversible Simple Tunic.

The end result is a super cute reversible top. I love the fit of the waist and the flowy sleeves of the tunic. Lil' Miss said that it was comfy and she insisted on wearing the tunic to school, the next day.

I am so, so grateful that Susan gave me a little "push," and urged me to try the Amelie Clothing- Reversible Simple Tunic pattern. It was a great first knit project and confidence booster. Thank you, Susan, for your guidance and another wonderful pattern! This one's a keeper, for sure!!

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Amelie Clothing. The opinions expressed here are my own."***