A Little Gift

I wanted to make a little something for our relatives when they came to visit from the UK this summer. I wanted it to be handmade - useful - and still small enough to not create a problem when they traveled home (because they pack light - unlike me).

(photo from eighteen25 blog)

I remembered this idea for an emergency clutch and thought it would be perfect (you can read the full instructions here).

What makes this so clever - is that they are made from an ordinary potholder - and zip lock bags. How simple is that?



Here is how mine turned out.

I started by going shopping to get the cutest potholders I could find.

...and I looked - and looked - and looked...

Too kitcheny - wrong shape - only sold in a set

I could not find a cute potholder anywhere to save my life.

But I did find some really cute fabrics.



I'll just whip up my own potholders. How hard could it be? It's just a quilted square!

Think again - they are much harder to make that it looks - so don't look at my wonky corners and uneven quilted stitching. It's the thought that counts.



I made a set in coral.



And another set in Blue.



And a third set in Orange and Green (that's my favorite).

Each one has a different coordinating pattern on the inside.

The zip lock bags are just zig zag stitched down the middle to create those great re-sealable pockets.



I started out by adding a contrasting tape to cover the center seam.



That step was quickly eliminated after just a few.



In the end - they turned out great. We filled them with gum, mints, band-aids, moist towelettes, mini tooth brushes, and other travel aids.

It really is a great idea - so if you come across some adorable pot holders - pick them up. They would be super easy to make with pre-purchased potholders.
Not so easy if you do it the way I did.

Story of my life.

Back to School Breakfast

We live on the end of a street that has 5 families that all go to the same Elementary School...so everyone gathers at our house and takes the Annual Back to School Photo on our front steps before heading off.

(I giggle at the term Annual - since we have only lived here a year....but that's why I love our neighborhood)

This year I invited everyone over for Breakfast before Shool:

Bacon
Scrambled Eggs
Belgian Waffles
Milk
Orange Juice
Coffee
(and a little Champagne for the parents)

Plus some extra muffins and sweet goodies contributed by the neighbors (thanks ladies)



I saw this free printable at eighteen25 a few months ago (around Teachers Appreciation time) and thought it would be a perfect reminder on the first day of school.

So I printed up a bunch, framed them and had them all around the kitchen. I just loved the bright and cheery colors - and coordinated a few other things to match.



I found these colorful food trays at the dollar store years ago (back in the playgroup days). We don't use them as much anymore, but they worked out great for our group of 15.

I didn't realize that the kids don't get their school lunches in trays like these anymore....so they all thought it was pretty cool. May have to start bringing them out more often.



I made some treats for each of the kids - for their First Day of School.



There wasn't much time to pull this all together (we only just returned from 3 week trip to Pennsylvania a few days before), so I kept it simple. I'm already planning on some even cuter treats for next year....



Blank signs were made for each of the kids to write their grade on (oops - sorry for the bad photo...I was a little busy)

I would love to show you a beautiful picture of all the kids perched on our front steps with these adorable signs....

That didn't exactly happen:

One had her sign turned backwards
Several were making bunny ears
Only half of them would smile
There were a lot of squinty eyes (too much sun)
One went running off in the middle of the picture
Another held her sign in front of her face

But I love that group photo...that's how our mornings really are.
And I'm OK with that
(because I got a whole bunch of great photos of my kid the day before - hee - hee).





And so we went - off to school. Some walking, some riding bikes, some running ahead...and the parents following behind (with Mimosa's in hand).

We've been in school for a week now. Back to our regular routine - and loving every minute of it.

How was your kids first day of school?

Dry Run Sunday

Monday is the first day of school around this area. Little K spent the weekend organizing her school supplies and picking out her favorite outfits for the week.

No matter how much preparation we do before, or how early we get up, the First Day of School is always rushed.



Little K hates to be late. So that means I don't get a whole lot of time to take pictures.

Which makes ME grumpy....

Which makes Little K grumpy....



Which is NOT a good way to start off the year.

So this year I had a (dare I say) Brilliant idea!

Why not take pictures the day before?

Kind of like a dress rehearsal - to work out all the kinks - and be sure everything is accounted for.

A Dry Run (on Sunday)!



Little K was able to take her time, try out different hair styles without being rushed, and pick out just the right accessories.



We discovered her skirt didn't have attached shorts (so we needed to dig a pair out the dirty laundry and get them washed before Monday) - much better than the alternative....



I was able to take all the pictures I wanted.



In all different locations throughout our yard.



So much easier to get a genuine smile when you can take your time (and when I'm not screaming....SMILE).



For those of you that think I'm a little Anal - or a Control Freak - or borderline Obsessive.
I say: GUILTY



But it if works for us.
And we have the time.
And reduces our anxiety and stress.
Then why not?



On Monday morning - we can take our time getting ready and enjoy a nice leisurely breakfast. That's a much better way to start the First Day of School.

OOPS - did I forget to mention that we're hosting a First Day of School breakfast for all the families on our street.

So maybe it won't be completely stress free Monday - but at least I'll have some great pictures of Little K (and she'll be wearing clean shorts).

The British Invasion

I'm currently in Pennsylvania visiting my Mum - who is entertaining her family from the UK.

They have only been here a few days - but it's been non stop entertaining since they arrived. Seems all of our family and friends want to meet the crazy Brits (and the Welshman).



Mum hosted a big party on Saturday Night. Everyone brought their favorit dishes (German Potato Salad, Calico Beans, Home Made Fudge, Chinese Chicken Salad)....yum.

My contribution arrived via UPS - from Cincanniti Ohio. Courtesy of my friend Deb at Mt. Lookout Sweets



She makes these amazing hand decorated cookies (and dozens of other sweet treats)....



...in addition to managing her busy daytime job, and taking care of her sweet (and very entertaining) mother who suffers from Alzheimers.



She's an inspiration to anyone who ever thought about turning their hobby and passion into a business. Starting up just over one year ago, her business is booming.

Maybe it's time I open that Etsy shop I've been dreaming about?



I'm excited that Deb and I were able to barter our services.



I recieved her amazing cookies in exchange for a little crafty project I'll be sending to her at a later date (shhhhh - it's a surprise for one of her clients).



And so the British Invasion continues - and we're loving every minute of it.