Friday, November 13, 2009

Vintage Pattern Find!



It's amazing what you'll come across out of no where.


Long story short, I have a wonderful batch of vintage patterns from the late 1960s. Most not even opened! What I don't have is the shape to be able to wear most of these styles. Your lucky day! I'm offering them up and you can find them here. Drop me a note if you need more info.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

A Nice Morning

I've been getting up early for, oh I don't know, a few months or so. It's the only time my house is quiet. I'm a homeschooler so it's not quiet during the day ;-) and, at night, I'm in a house full of night owls-- playing with legos, cds with music and stories going, and "one more hug!" goes on until well past 9:30, and that's on a good night.


So this morning, I woke at 7, came down scuffling in my jammies and slippers with a cozy robe and had my coffee. Eventually, I had to wake children so that we could get to our Homeschooling Group that we attend on Thursdays.

"Good morning!" I call up the stairs. Nothing. "Hello?" Still nothing. "Time to get up!" And, then, finally, I hear a "Hi Mom" creakily respond. Yep, reliably, it's my middle child-- my saving grace most days. I made him a deal. I'd make one of his favorites, Homemade Belgium Waffles with chocolate chips, and he'd get up and shower. Sigh :-) If it were only that easy to get the other two awake.


I've had this recipe for quite some time and have had the waffle maker even longer than that. Give it a whirl. You won't regret it (can't you see the steam coming up from the waffle iron? Oh yes, it's a treat, I'll tell you.


Homemade Waffles

Ingredients:
one egg
1 cup white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup skim milk
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp olive oil

Whisk egg in bowl until a little foamy.

Mix dry ingredients together in another bowl. Add milk and fold together gently (just stir it gently). Fold in egg and oil.


I've made this in MANY variations. Only the white of the egg, different flours, just skim milk, it all works.

For a treat, I like to heat maple syrup and frozen berries and use that to sweeten it. Yum!!

Oh, and don't forget, for your favorite middle child, add chocolate chips

Sunday, November 8, 2009

My Singer Treadle Sewing Machine

I have a close friend that has many things in common with me. She lives in my town, she homeschools her children and, well, she sews! This common interest started out innocent enough but has totally taken on a life of its own.

That brings me to my Singer Treadle Sewing Machine. Circa 1924. A beauty to behold.

Long story short, she owns many sewing machines. I sent her a link to a beautiful treadle machine that she ended up buying and taking home. She, in turn, saw a machine on the side of the road (no less) and that's how I ended up with my pretty lady.

I didn't take a 'before' pic but today is my 'after' pics. It was a beautiful day today. I took a short walk with the dog and kids. I should have stayed outside longer. Instead, I stayed inside while others cheered for the Patriots and I researched and cleaned up the machine and its table.

The above pic is the after. The below pic in the midst of painstakingly taking each piece, spraying it down, scrubbing it, removing clumps of lint, and just getting down and dirty with this piece of history. How I wish it could tell me the tales of where it's been, what it's made and how it was loved.



Thursday, October 8, 2009

Wolf Suit for Max!

maI love that book and I'm thrilled about the movie. Can't wait to see it actually.



And in my shop, I've put an interpretion of the Wolf Suit that Max wears. I have no little ones to model it but it's going to look so cute on some lucky kiddo!

Click here to see!





Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Proud Mama Moment..

Last week was a Graduation at my son's Karate School. He's taking Tung Su Do (probably spelled that wrong) Here he is at the graduation, partnering with a Black Belt to show what he's got. You can see in second 13(the green belted one), my son and his practice partner laughing because my son won't 'tap out' LOL video

videoFrom second 47 on over a half a minute, my son won't tap out or flinch at the nerve pressure his partner is trying to take him down with. The Sensei comes over and tells him to pull my guy over his shoulder and finally, my son goes down LOL

For the record, I'm told he's supposed to give in and not let the Black Belt look like he doesn't know what he's doing. Everyone is laughing so it's all in good fun.

He's now second level Brown Belt (4 Gup) and has six more months at this level. He's been taking classes for two years now. He's grown physically (he's now 6ft 2!) and emotionally throughout this time and I'm very proud of him. I don't know, frankly, what we all would have done as a family if he didn't have this great program.

As always--a thing to be thankful for.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

I love the Fall


I love fall. It's the best season of the year. There's no place like New England in the fall. Crisp air and apples--ripe for the picking.


We got together with a bunch of homeschool families and went apple picking. Below are some of the kids after the apple picking and before the cider donuts--- YUM!



Of course, my girl and her Godsister in matching shirts "Chillin' with my Gnomies"-made by me!


Today was spent outside, sweatshirts on, climbing through Purgatory Chasm. It's a local wonder-- a rock formation probably from the moving of glaciers 14,000 years ago.



It was so nice that my oldest came, climbed, laughed with friends.


My middle guy really enjoyed it too. His favorite part was all the little caves!

My girlie. Telling us where to go. She didn't want to leave!Even the husband came for this one!

Ok, one pic of me.We went to Purgatory Chasm one time. LONG ago when my oldest was the only child we had! We will definately be going back soon.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Recent Fundraiser Fair



I was fortunate enough to participate in a fundraiser to support Colorectal Cancer through the Amercian Cancer Society.There was music, good food and great company!

Here are some of the goodies I brought: Baby gown goodness

Embellished bamboo velour backed bibs "Snugglers" to swaddle baby!




Great messenger style bags







Generously sized hooded towels




More baby gown goodness with knot hats made from bamboo velour--super yummy!