angry chicken

mini pies

These mini-pies were made by the girls a bit back and I made extra dough, so I am hoping they will make more for next week. They were delicious. We are having a small low-key Thanksgiving this year with my family. It's rainy and dreary right now, I'm hoping for better weather next week.

I am up to my eyeballs in costume sewing— 3 shows are happening in the next 2 weeks (get your tickets for The Portland Ballet's Holiday show here! And Vancouver Dance Theater's Nutcracker tickets here!) all of which I am sewing for.

I've never worked on this many shows at once and even though at this very moment it's a bit bonkers, I still love it and am so happy to be making hats for 5-year old candy lemon drops, researching how to make a bustle, buying prom cummerbunds for a dollar, shopping goodwill and finding just the right thing for my Nutcracker party parents, embellishing 1940s style dresses, finishing mouse pants, wiring tutus, dyeing bodices, and hand-beading ballet headpieces. The 3 shows are all very different and my sewing room looks like a a crazy mad house.

Keeping me company during all of this has been Parks and Rec, which I had never seen. I'm up to season 5. I mostly listen, I can't actually watch, so I know I am not seeing a lot of the best stuff, but even listening to it is making me so happy. It's so great—the perfect thing to have in the background so I can both focus and not get all moody and weird which can happen when I think something is taking too long. I'm getting a lot better at reminding myself "it takes as long as it takes" and letting it go.

salad in jars

I have been making these on the weekends and eating them during the week. I originally made them to entice my daughters into eat salads more. They are cute and I think Instagram worthy, which a big deal with them. So far, I have been the only consumer of these. This hasn't stopped me. I thought they would be so handy for out of the house, but I find they are just as convenient at home. I just dump and add dressing and toss. Done. I love lots of bits on my salads and would skip making them during the day because I didn't want to take the time to add everything. Now I just dump. This also allows me to use the little bits of food, nuts, cheeses, what-have-you from the fridge, and then I feel very frugal and this makes me happy. 

We saw Thor: Ragnarök over the weekend and liked it a whole bunch. It is directed by Taika Waititi, who also wrote and directed What We Do in the Shadows, which is one of my favorite movies ever. It's like Spinal Tap, but with vampire roommates, not a band. So incredibly funny.

old movies

In the evenings we have been streaming old movies. This is usually while I am putting my family to work hand-beading 22 tiaras for a ballet piece at The Portland Ballet (tickets are on sale now!) This is The Curse of the Cat People, which I loved. It's weird, boring, and funny, although it's not supposed to be. We really are loving Film Struck right now. We go though phases.

It's been a busy weekend! We went to Kumoricon and had a great time, went to 2 Halloween parties, and Monday we are going to see John and Hank Green. I bought 2 extra tickets that I need to sell, and I think it's sold out. Please e-mail me if you are interested! I'm pretty excited to see them and got a little panic and clicked to many times when I bought the tickets.

cyclops mummy and friends

These are nutter butter cookies dipped in white candy melts. I saw this here (actually on instagram, but I can't find it now) and we had to try them. Candy melts are pretty horrible in every way and we can't really eat anything using them (they hurt my stomach!) but it's so pleasing to melt and dip stuff. We also made monster face oreos on a stick.

Other items 2 of which are spooky:

• The girls love drawing doodles from these tutorials, super cute and easy!
• BuzzfeedUnsloved: For adults (and teens who want to get freaked out and can deal with adult content) who like spooky/creepy stuff! The hosts really make me laugh hard while discussing really icky unsolved crimes and mysteries.
• Vox: We have been enjoying these videos that cover a whole range of topics. I especially like the ones discussing the fan base around The Room, which many believe is the worst film ever made

costume season

It's a crazy costume shop around here. I am working on 3 shows right now— all happening before the holidays, so my whole family is helping. There are some very good beaders in the house, so that's outstanding because we are making 24 tiaras. The solider hats are for a different show— these are made from board covered with fabric and embellished. I love making hats and headpieces so much.

While I am working, podcasts are my company. I heard a lovely and meaning one yesterday by Tara Brach. I usually listen to comedy and interviews, but also try to listen to deep stuff, too. This particular episode was great and I need to re-listen. When I hear about "trust" I think I know what is going to be said but she really had a different spin on this topic, which got me thinking.

stitching and learning about the Tudors

I started and finished this in August when we were on vacation. I'm starting to amass a stack of small stitched items. I used to always finish them as I go, in either hoops as wall pieces, or broaches, or something—but lately I've just been stitching and then putting them in a box. I  pull them all out at once, usually on a Sunday with tea and a good podcast, and see what they will become.

Lydia and I have been learning about the Tudors. I have only one homeschooler at home now—the older two are at the wonderful local performing arts school in 7th and 9th grade. Huge changes around here. It's been good so far, and teaching just one child at a time is new for me, and just heavenly. The older girls wanted to try school, this the the second year for my 7th grader and Sadie just started high school. They are the best students, so serious and on top of it. Their backpacks are ridiculously heavy. What's up with that? And no lockers. Crazy.

For the Tudors, Liddy and I have found so many great resources, this book, this irreverent book, this series on you tube, (sort of cheesy but good) and also this video (so interesting!!) on you tube. I'd love for her to see Elizabeth, the Movie, but it's not right for her age. We want to make a Tudor dollhouse.

dollhouse minis

I have been getting crazy working on my dollhouse. There's a story there, about my dollhouse, but I will save that for later. It's never been finished and I am finishing it now, slowly, and it's so fun. I've had it since I was about 5, I think. This is a dollhouse I made for the dollhouse.

Wood floors. This trick I learned in architecture school—you lightly draw pencil lines on balsa and paint with a watercolor wash.

These plates were printed on cardstock and pinched for a 3D effect. They have about 5 layers of clear nail polish on them. My Grandamother gave me Blue Willow china so this is to honor her. The clock face is glued on a button.

A yarn rug and some art minis, I used packing tape on the artwork to protect them.

This is the kitchen getting some finishes. I didn't make the furniture or food in here. I'm starting to apply the wallpaper.

This is the front of the mini-doll house in the first photo.

I made this sink and oven, the design is from the 1920s. So fun! I really like making the furniture. The metal sink is a mini altoids tin.

Bookshelves that have since been satined and/or painted.

This whole project is so great because I can work on it forever. I can built with wood, polymer clay, cardstock, and use yarn, metal, everything and anything I want to make—and then just put it in the house. You tube has been so educational. There's a whole lot of dollhouse action on instagram right now, especially with modern design houses. Are any of you working on miniatures? The Portland Miniature Show is coming up, which I am excited for.

Some inspiration:

Instagram:

• miniaturehandmade
• pretty models
• thesquaretospare
• my mini mansion
• calevie designer houses

You Tube:

• The Square to Spare
• akamerukawaii
• manmaruko49
• real life dollhouse miniatures

Iceland 2017

I got back from Iceland 2 nights ago. It was amazing trip although it was ill-timed—during the first week of all our activities, which require both parents and grammie for driving. When I am gone, it's pretty impossible. But it all got done and I am so happy I just crossed my fingers and left. 

I try to travel alone without my family every year, but it's hard to do. I took a little 2-day trip 2 years ago to Breitenbush. The last time I took a big trip was when I went to Santa Fe 3 years ago. On that trip I didn't know a soul and did the whole trip alone, but I usually know someone where I am visiting. This time, I was meeting a dear online friend for the first time in person and it was just so mind-blowing. I feel like the trip had 3 themes :

• Seeing Iceland for the first time and experiencing all it is—beautiful, powerful, barren, harsh, and welcoming. 
• Planning and taking a trip for myself with no thought of what my family might want to do and see, which is such a big part of family vacations. I could go to 3 museums in a day and not worry about the kids being bored.
• Connecting with a friend in person, after being online friends, in the most meaningful way. And connecting with her family and country. I find it hard to write about. I'm also a bit tired still. So imagine a lot more profound and descriptive words in this part here.

The trip was the perfect mix of everything— incredible nature sites, conversation, coffee, baked goods, yarn, and just hanging out. I am more afraid at this point in my life of NOT planning trips alone. They feed my soul and make me feel alive. I really want to go back to Iceland and am so excited for my friend and her family to visit us in Portland. 

Thank you so much for all your audio book info. I got some great ones—both from audible and the app hoopla, which is a library app. 

flavored syrups

I've had two amazing drinks on heavy rotation this summer. Both were copied from ones I had bought, a Hibiscus Iced Tea from Tea Bar and a Lavender Matcha Milk Tea which was a special at Maplewood Cafe. My homemade ones don't taste exactly the same, but are delicious. I realized they must be using flavored syrups (I think?) so I made my own.

To make the syrups:

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon dreid lavender (or 3 cinnamon sticks)

Boil for 3 minutes, let cool for 20 minutes, strain and put in bottles and store in the fridge. I kept the cinnamon sticks in mine because it's pretty.

Then I added the syrups to taste after making the hibiscus iced tea (Tea Bar uses carbonated water. I never have any so make it flat) or the matcha milk tea. Amazing!!

Unrelated:

Thank you so much for all your tips about audio books and tips on getting them. I had also forgotten about the Hoopla app I have on my phone, which is also through our library (like Overdrive) and the UI is really easy to use—so I just downloaded 5 books from there. Yippee!

plant wall

I took down our needlework wall and have been working on this plant wall for a few months. It's still evolving. The wood panels came from craft warehouse and I glued various items to the wood to make little homes for the airplants. The bottom panel has 3 test tubes I can use for single stems—or grasses in this case. I'm so happy with how this turned out, it's so fun to tinker with. I still might add some plants to the bottom panel. I mounted the orchid on the left, which was really easy and very satisfying.

We have had busy end-of-summer weekend. Oaks Park, a sleep over, picking up a child from overnight camp, baby sitting a 1 1/2 year old all day, and attending the last night of Faerieworlds, 2017. This gathering is so great, please search google images "faerieworlds" to see all the amazing costumes. This was all in the last 48 hours. It's still so hot here, summer won't quit, which is fine with me. I love fall, but as I get older, I really like the warm, and the light.

Okay, is there anyplace to buy audio books besides audible? I get them from our library, which is great, but has some limitations, and there are a ton for free (in that copyright infring-y way) on you tube, but anywhere else to buy them? I just hate the idea of paying a monthly fee at audible and having to buy the audio book. grrr. 

LSP in the house. Or, in this case, the car.

The world seems to have gone bonkers. And the eclipse is coming up so Portland has gone a bit crazy because we are so close to the path of totality. That sound like a book title. The Path of Totality. It probably is. I'm not going to look.

Lydia and I made a huge Lumpy Space Princess (from Adventure Time) and she has been traveling with us, even on vacation. She was so fun to make. She is huge. Way bigger than reasonable.

I finished reading Mister Monkey and really liked it and now am reading Swing Time.

Craft-wise I have been all over the place, but hope to focus my efforts on building some stairs for my doll house that lives at my mom's. I also need to get the wallpaper in and the wood flooring. This has led me to you tube which has resulted in too much time watching miniatures being made. I find this very relaxing. 

beating the heat

I'm not sure how hot it is here today. My phone says 102°. It feels about 115°.

We have no AC. At all. Long story, but our windows don't easily take window units and central air is a big "thing" involving a new furnace and new electrical and all that, so we just suffer every summer, but it's not usually for very long. This year it's bad. The cats are sleeping in the shower. The dogs are just dumb and won't go into the basement where it's cooler. Yesterday was bonkers so I am having a portable ac until overnighted to the house. There are none left in Oregon to buy. I will then hack together a college style foam core make-shift thing to get the venting out of our sliding glass door screen. It will be awesome. I feel like the house is regressing a bit this year. What with the basement flooding and rug that got torn up and isn't replaced yet, and all.

This orange vanilla cupcake and iced espresso made me feel much better. Market of Choice is nicely air-conditioned. Also making me feel good is the great book list Alicia put together from her comments. I am reading Mr. Monkey right now and like it a whole lot. I had to read it because it's called Mr. Monkey. I'm off to get in my air-conditioned car to buy linen to make a comfy bag-like dress. Or 3.

a super helpful book I think everyone should read

I randomly picked this book up at the library There is No Good Card for This, and can't put it down. This been a hard year for our family, lots of health stuff and schedule stuff and lots of big plans failing in a huge epic way. We are fine, but it has been hard. I know our friends and family have been at a loss at times on figuring out how to help us.

During all this, many of my friends are also going through life with big stuff happening. As it does. Death, divorce, health issues—there's just a lot out there and now that we all seem to be getting older (this happens, I keep being reminded) our parents and kids are dealing with big life stuff, too. It's hard to figure out what to say and how to help. This book is so helpful. And funny. And is really great to read right now because I am NOT in the middle of a huge crisis and so I can actually focus on what I am reading.

These pages are from the book.

I think this should be required reading in high school and then re-read every year. It's not written for kids, but I think high school is the perfect age to be thinking about how we can help others in very difficult times and to get in practice with how it can be uncomfortable but is something we need to do as evolved humans. It's more than just helpful tips—it's a way to look at how we process empathy. And also it talks about giving care, and how it's directly related to how we receive care. I wish I had read it a long time ago.

new organic facial care products in my shop!

I am very excited to be selling 2 new products in my etsy shop! A Cleansing Oil and Facial Toner. Both 100% organic. They smell amazing and are luxurious to use.

I have always washed my face with a custom blended oil cleanser followed with a facial toner before I use the facial oil. I have sold the facial oil for years but not the cleanser or the toner. Sometimes the cleanser people use can be very drying and it can strip the skin— so the facial oil isn't enough moisture, which is why I use an oil cleanser. Also, nothing gets off make-up and sunscreen better for me.

The toners I use (and now sell) are 100% organic hydrosols. I use them any time of day, over and under make-up. They smell lovely and have wonderful benefits. I like using hydrosols that are unusual—not the typical lavender and rose. I love these too, but they are easy to find at the health food store and I like to have ingredients that are a bit more exotic and harder to source.

I made 3 different formulations of these 2 products to go with the existing line of Restorative, Balancing, and Nourishing Facial Oils. You can use the 3 products from the same line, or mix and match. They all work well together. I sell them singularly and also as a set for a $5 discount.

My goal is to keep my prices low, and keep selling direct instead of wholesale to shops, so please spread the word if you like my products and to those of you who have supported me all these years, thank you so much! I see similar products (not organic) sold for double the amount. I am so happy to be offering these at a much more reasonable price.

I hope you love these as much as I do.

crazy scary puppets

We learned about Paul Klee's puppets recently and they were new to me. They were mentioned only in passing, in a video or a book, I can't remember which, but he made them for his son. I am completely obsedssed wth them. I was terrified of Mr. Rodger's puppets (and the Purple Panda) when I was small. Why were their noses so big? And their voices so horrible? I still don't like them, but I do like these and I like the idea of disturbing puppets.

I want to make some and now that the kids are older, I don't have to worry about them actually being scared by them. All these images are from this book I bought myself for my birthday which is wonderful.

jello cake thing

The jello cake I linked to in my last post was made for the 4th of July.

It was really fun to make, but was pretty much a fail. We were able to get a good slice out of the middle for this photo. The white cake was fine, as was the jello/mousse layer, but when we poured the jello red layer on the top, it slowly started to sink into the mousse layer and kind of disappeared. It was really funny. Also, the cake was really gross, flavor-wise. The strawberry red jello might have been ok, but the blue mouse made it just so crazy sweet and weird, no one could eat it. So, there you go. It was still fun to make, but yeah.

I sewed 3 gymnastic leotards this weekend and am starting on a ballet leotard. I feel like my life right now is really about getting the girls to their various camps, events, and classes, which is fine, but I also want to just still in my backyard for a bit. I have so many things on the to-do list. All fun crafty things—mounting an orchid, making henna paste for hands and feet, getting the new facial products in my etsy shop, going berry picking. All that kind of stuff. I also have bought a plane ticket to Iceland in September, just for myself, and I am beyond excited! So, I am having fun researching for that.

knitting that I have been neglecting

This project is hibernating. For now. I did finish up some embroidery work at the beach recently and should have brought this project as well but instead started and almost finished The Nix, which is a very thick book. I'm almost done.

I have so many ideas in my head for projects right now and all involve money and time and then a serious analysis of what I would actually do with these projects when completed (sell? gifts? what?) but I try not to think about that part too much.

We are in full summer mode with the girls, getting them ready for various camps and trips. This is the first year all 3 of them will be gone multiple nights alone at different times. Exciting! But also a bit hard. Things seem to be moving pretty fast around here.

Every year for the big holidays I struggle between making a semi-gross yet funny dessert involving questionable chemicals or a simple elegant edible one that doesn't have the humor or spunk, but surely is the mature and choice. I usually make both. I will report back.

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colors

This is a shot from the Portland Fjällräven shop. It makes me so very happy. This is a popular stop when we are at Lovejoy Bakers or the Tea Bar.

I'm in a sewing jag right now. I have a shawl knitting WIP that I was working on but got the urge to use up all the precious fat quarters I had to make totes, small pouches, and purses. These are going in the gift bin, or I may try to sell them on etsy/instagram. I just like making them and playing with the different color combinations. I also need to clean out my stash a little bit.

Thanks for the book suggestions! I just started and finished The Keep, by Jennifer Egan which was neither funny nor stress-free, but I loved it and read it in 2 days. I really liked A Visit from the Goon Squad, which I read a few years ago, also by her. We are headed to the beach soon and I'll probably just grab what I see at the library.

Podcast-wise I have been a big fan of Dear Hank and John, and the Nerdist lately. 

We can't stop watching this SNL skit. It gets funnier every time.

I'm working on some new facial products to add to my shop (very excited!) and I scheming a way to do a little pop-up sale here in Portland so you all can try before you buy and also not have to pay shipping. I just need to find a space. Stay tuned and if anyone knows of a place that would be down with this, please let me know.

one of my favorite bakeries

I wish we lived closer to bakeshop or some of the cafes that sold bakeshop items. Maybe I don't. Maybe it's a good thing we don't live closer. Anyhoo, these items are from there, and they were delicious. 

Summer has started. it's been a whirlwind around here. I finished reading Handmaid's Tale. I'm wanting to read something happy next. Or funny. Or maybe both. I'm also pulling books for summer reading for the girls. 

I am feeling the need to make some puppets. I will show my inspiration soon. They are not normal puppets. I want to get my hands back into paper mache and sculpture.  I'm also feeling the urge to work with some concrete in the backyard. I'd like to make something kind of big. You tube is helping me with this delusion.

kinpira gobo

I made some kinpira gobo a bit ago and it was a huge success. I was at Uwajimaya and saw the burdock root and remembered the dish and how delicious it was. Thanks to you tube, I made it. I loved it so much, just with rice. My family was less interested. So, that means I had a lot of it. That's a lot of fiber in a few days. I'll just leave it at that.

The rain here has been really sad. The plants are so happy, rain with a day or two of sun, but it's cold. Like, it's rainy right now and it's about 55°. I'm trying to stay positive, but it also not only throws off my clothing choices, but my cooking. It's seems weird to eat fish tacos and limeade when it's so icky out. But eating stew and soup make it kind of depressing.

We are having a lot of fun watching all the new MST3K on netflix. It's pretty great to watch these with the girls after being fans for so long in college. Only two of the girls really like it—it does require patience. There's that odd thing that happens when you are watching a movie that is so bad—it's both incredibly boring and amazing at the same time. Pretty great.

air plants

I am working on a new decorating project in the living room. I took down our embroidery wall and am putting up a plant wall. I loved seeing our needlework everyday, but I needed a change and have been really loving air plants and their creepy alien vibe. I bought these from Aura Creations and they were packaged so cute! I have also bought some locally at Pistals Nursery, which is a favorite shop of ours. This wall is a fun challenge because I'm trying to mount plants, which I haven't done before. I have hopes to mount a staghorn fern and an orchid. There are many you tube videos on this which I have been staying up too late watching. These ladies crack me up. And this interesting way of mounting orchids with glue instead of wire is very cool. 

I will show the wall as I get it together, I plan to add to it and change it as I go, kind of a living art project. I have been told by the girls not to make it too gross and creepy. They also said that adding crystals and gemstones might be too trendy, which cracked me up. But what if I like the trendy thing? I was into crystals in the 80s in highschool, so I make no apologies.

this coat was a blanket

I have had this lovely lightweight throw for a few years and it was getting pretty damaged by cat claws and general life wear. It's lightweight cotton that's been hand quilted. I tucked it away and then realized I would actually enjoy it more if I could wear it. So I sewed it into a coat. I didn't use a pattern or tutorial but I did find this one later, which is pretty much how I sewed it. I added a pocket and also some hooks and eyes to close it at the top. I love it! my girls think it's a bit crazy, but you know.

It's been so busy around here, with both exciting things—recitals and performances and a birthday (I turned 45!) but also hard things, family members with health issues, the world in general and Portland dealing with tragic stuff. It feels so crazy right now. Everyday it seems like there is another horrible thing to wrap my brain around and also talk to the girls about.

We had a lovely blast of sun over the weekend. I made a crisp with rhubarb, we got some junk hauled out of the back yard, and I am almost done sewing for this week's dance performances at ACMA. I am half-way through reading The Handmaid's Tale, which I had never read. I wantedto read it before I watch it. While sewing, I've been listening to Call Your Girlfriend, which is really great. Two smart women talking about politics, music, books, and sometimes Keanu Reeves.

bubble tea

We have been spending a lot of money at bubble tea places ( Tea Bar, Tea Chai Té, Bubble and Tea,) so I started making my own. It wasn't really on my radar years ago because all the bubble tea places I knew of were using super sweet powders with artificial flavors and it just seemed like a big slushie to me. But then I was noticing milk bubble tea using real tea (maybe this was always out there I just never knew it) and got on the bandwagon. I am a huge fan of Hong Kong style which is a black tea with sweetened condensed milk, and I love matcha milk tea as well. This is mango black tea with green tea instant boba that I found at Uwajimaya.

I have fined tuned my approach—I like the boba really soft and sweet so I have been making it in the morning and letting it sit a in a syrup for a few hours. I usually will have a milk tea around 3pm. I love how I can vary the strength and sweetness of these drinks. I only have one boba straw right now, which is pretty pathetic, I need to get more.

 

casting on right away

I casted on again and made this last week. It's so cold here I have already worn it a lot. I'm on the fence about blocking this type of thing. A wet block is what I am questioning. Maybe a light misting would be better? On big needles and with super soft yarn this grew quite a bit and I liked it better before it grew, but I am still quite happy with it. The details, there aren't many, are here.

I have a shawl on the needles now. It's all stash busting around here, and I mean it. Same with my needlework. No new purchases for a bit. I think I am in a process phase right now, not really too concerned with what I make as long as I am making, so working from my stash is easy. If it's not exactly what I would make for myself, it can become a gift.

Years ago a started a handmade gift stash, where I just make stuff, anything I wanted (this could be 1 scarf or 15 pin cushions) and then just kept it safe it a big plastic box with a tight lid. During the year I pull from it for gifts. I love it. I have hats, baby booties, pincushions, little charms, handmade books—all that. It's so freeing because then I don't have that "why am I making this?" feeling when I start something new. I know many of these items I could put in my Etsy shop, and I do sometimes, but often I just like giving them to friends that would appreciate them.

I have been making bubble milk tea at home, with instant bobba. More on this soon. I also am on a 16/8 eating plan and so far so good. My body has changed a whole lot after 40 (hello jowls in this photo!) and this has made my gut feel so much better. I'm on day 10 I think? I will report back. I don't expect it to help my jowls.

WIP done.

This project was from a kit I bought at For Yarn's Sake at the Rose City Yarn Crawl 2016. I bought another kit at the yarn crawl this year, from the same shop, and couldn't start it until I finished this one. So I did. I have all the info on my Ravelry page for it. The yarn was so fun to work with.

I met a dear friend for dinner last night and we were talking about kids, knitting and British mysteries (as we do) and I told her how I went to bed 2 nights ago at 7:30pm. I didn't actually sleep, I was just in our bedroom, with jammies on and did very little. I wasn't sick or upset. I went down because I was in a good mood. I NEVER do this. I never give myself permission to just leave and read or lie in bed or watch a movie alone for no reason. I need to be either sick, emotionally distraught, or have some type of back/feet/leg pain or a headache. It was so great. People and animals could visit me, but I didn't come back up. I did get some visits, but for the most part, I was left alone.

I'm going to schedule this early bedtime on a weekly basis. This seems both crazy and so obvious it's embarrassing. My hang-up is not just that I want to see my family, but also I feel to get the reward of alone time, I need to be creative with the time—adding oils to my shop, writing a novel, sewing a dress, or coming up with a concept album. I'm not really joking. I feel like I have such little time that when I do I need to use it as an artist, so I don't take the time because I will feel guilty not creating—which I realize it a very important thing for me to do.

I curled up with the trio of MDK field guides and read them and was so happy about these little books and knitting and stripes and fair isle and the awesome ladies of the internet who are still around kicking ass.

Unrelated:

We just found Artrageous with Nate, which is art history, science and history on youtube and we dig it. The episodes are a bit high energy and loud? I think that's just us. We are not a loud family. Well, the dogs are loud.

laurel burch

A couple years ago I was out to dinner with a close friend, exactly my age, who was wearing Laurel Burch earrings. She kept them from the 80s. I had totally forgotten about Laurel Burch but when I was in middle school they were a big deal. I usually stole my mom's, but I had a few paris of my own. Her early work was really expensive and done in cloisonne, and then later her enamel work came out and was much more affordable. I have collected about 5 pairs now, including a pair of cats.

When I wear them, women my age and older always notice, which is pretty fun. These I just bought, which are duplicates of a pair I originally had when I think I was about 13. They have never been worn and I was thrilled to find them. I don't have any of my original pairs, so I have been rebuilding what I remember having. The enamel still really easy to find and pretty inexpensive on easy.

a japanese bakery

We finally made it out to Oyatsupan a bit back. It was delicious. The we went again about a week later and I thought they would have the same items, but they didn't. There were different ones available, which was thrilling. Sadie and I got our Japan fix. This reminded us so much of the bakeries we visited in Japan. The light green item is a matcha bun/fluffy scone-type thing. And there was live music on a weekday afternoon! I love homeschooling, the girls were so into it.

The girls and I are making our way through Downton Abbey. I am trying not to yell, "Thomas!" or narrate my own MSTK3000 the whole time, but it's hard. The the show is so quiet, I have to keep it together so we don't miss anything. I love series so much. We are are only on season 3. I stopped watching it years ago because I didn't want it to end, but now that I finally finished Penny Dreadful, I feel like I can do anything. I also didn't want that series to end, and I knew how it would end, and then it did actually end how I knew it would end and then I was exhausted and sad and had weird dreams for a week.

Pete made Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Arugula Salad and Dilled Orzo this week and it was so good. It was a winner for 4/5 of us.

albums and that whole thing

I have a decent to-do list going right now and I'm trying to hack away at it before adding new distracting crafts and projects. I finally finished the Japan photo album from our trip in October. It's shipping right now. I am so happy. This came together pretty easily. I had most of the photos on my phone so uploading wasn't too bad.

The key for me is to edit ruthlessly before I upload, so that I can use almost all the photos when I start to layout and don't have to stop and make decisions. This makes a huge difference. I have used Shutterfly for years now for our family albums, I make one a year. This is more of an ordeal because I collect photos from all our phones and cameras. I haven't started this year's yet. I usually finish them by now, but the Japan one took the lead.

Over the years I have made about 12 of these books, for trips, ballet performances, and yearly albums. For the trips, I add text. A whole lot, usually. I dictate on my trips (voice to text in Evernote) and then clean it up and drop it in the album later. I dictated during this trip every night, and told stories and little details I knew would be forgotten or couldn't be described and remembered with a photo. The text is such a great addition to these books. I don't do this for this yearly books because that's crazy.

The rain! It's raining here again. I know there is a lot of snow and power outages for people elsewhere, I'll take the rain. But I do wish for some sun. Just a little.

rose city yarn crawl 2017

I had a great time visiting some yarn shops last weekend during the Rose City Yarn Crawl. I only went to two shops, I usually go to about 4, but I still had fun. I spent less money this year which is good for me. I need to finish up my project from last year. I haven't been knitting much this year, I usually go through 2-3 month knitting phase, but this year I have been stitching and doing more needlework.

I took this photo at the Knitting Bee, where Yoth yarn was having a trunk show. Such elegant colors. Really lovely yarn. I also went to For Yarn's Sake and met some lovely designers (Debbi Stone and PDXKnitterati!) and picked up a cowl pattern and some yarn. I am really excited to get started on that project.

I'm almost done with The Girl That Fell From the Sky. I can't put it down. I feel like I have more to share, but I have a distracting headache right now. Unrelated, my brother is telling me I have to watch The Patriot. It's an Amazon series.

hair barrettes

On a lazy day a bit back I gathered up some stray hair barrettes and nail polish and fancied these up. They have held up pretty well. We have been wearing them for about a month. The teal one is painted with glitter nail polish and has held up the best. There is a little chipping on the others. I think next time sanding the surface lightly before painting would help. These all have about 3-5 coats of polish and then a clear coat. I glued the mini pom-poms on with E6000, which is what I use with metal. To paint them, I clipped them to a piece of waxed paper, first. Super easy.

There are ton of fun barrettes ideas here, all of which I want to try. (The comments are cracking me up) And here's a video and info on how to use bobby pins. It's pretty helpful (even though the video cuts off some of what you need to see) There is a way to use them so they lock and you don't need 100. We know bobby pin technique here in the dance/gymnastics house, but this is also good to for everyday hair.

custom birthcharts and our house is having issues

It's snowing right now. Again. We had some sun yesterday, but not now. And we had record rainfall this month. We have some flooding in our house, a broken backdoor, a wet/dry vacuum that now needs to stay in our downstairs bedroom "just in case", an overhead light fixture in the kitchen that is broken, and a leaky shower. So. It's feeling pretty college housing around here. I am procrastinating on my taxes.

We finished Stranger Things, which we loved, now I just need to get through Penny Dreadful.

I have been getting orders for custom birthcharts. They seem to come in waves. I just love making these so much. They are often baby gifts, but are lovely gifts for everyone. My favorite order was for a woman who was 78 —she ordered one for herself.

embroidered earrings

I have been stitching a lot lately. I was working on some pieces when we were in Japan and came home so inspired by I was seeing over there. Instagram has kept me going, especially ant sally who I have mentioned before as a huge inspiration to me right now.

These are stitched and finished as post earrings and I have been wearing them a lot. So much fun! And so quick. They are really satisfying to make. There is some beading in there, too, and sequins on the pair in the back.

I am watching Stranger Things, finally, I know I am very late to this. My middle daughter binge-watched it recently with a friend and is now obsessed and has watched and read everything she can find about series. She is eager to talk about it and it's killing her that Pete and I haven't finished it yet because she doesn't want to spoil it. So, I have 3 episodes left. We need to get on it, I am reminded daily.

I started reading Mothering Sunday and finished My Brilliant Friend, which I had mixed feelings about. I was moaning a lot while reading this. I loved the time, setting, and Italian-ness of it all, but was waiting for a story arc—and there was none. I have since been told that all 4 books were written as one, so the first book is not a "complete" story, and it reads that way. I want to know more about these women, but I'm not sure the story will hold me for all 4 books. We shall see, I am planning on starting the second book soon.

I am almost done sewing a leotard for one of my dancers. The outcome is still dicey. I put in a zipper in the front, (like this style) which I am now going to take out. It almost worked.

some homemade drink bases for winter colds

We can't seem to shake the winter colds since some of us got the flu a bit back. One or two of us seem to always have a sore throat, runny nose, and low energy. Not enough to be in bed, just a low-level crud we are walking around with. After trolling the internet I made these two syrups that have helped me a whole lot. The kids don't like them, but Pete and I sure do.

The big jar is 5 chopped lemons, about 2 inches of chopped ginger, and honey. All the juice from the lemons weep out and make a wonderful syrup. I add a big spoonful of this with some lemon pieces (and a pinch of cayenne pepper) to hot water and stir and then strain it into a mug. Delicious! The pepper helps feels good on my throat. This also is great cold with bubbly water, minus the pepper.

The little jar is a base for golden turmeric milk. I didn't really measure here, but it's probably about 2 teaspoons of this spice mix, with a tablespoon of turmeric and then enough honey to make a paste. I add a teaspoon to of this in hot almond milk (or whatever milk I have on hand) and it's so good, like a wonderful chai with a kick.

washi tape holder

I made this washi tape holder last week for my middle child and it was one of the most satisfying projects I have done in a long time. I found the wood square at craftware house, white-washed it with acrylic paint, and then screwed on the tiny hooks, which also came from craft warehouse. I already had the wooden dowels. She had her collection in jars and was hard to know what she had and if we had dupes. Now it's all organized and pretty. I need to make one for myself although I have only about 5 tapes right now because my children are thieves.

So, does anyone have this little fujifilm INSTAX share printer that you can use from your phone? We LOVE our INSTAX cameras, but there are so tricky to get a good photo from and these little printers print direct onto the fuji film, unlike the whole zink system, so you still get a photo that is exactly what would come out of the camera. I'm so curious if any of you have used it and what you think. I have to say right here that I am a printer weirdo and I have three printers—this would be my fourth. it's kind of a weird thing to collect. I use them all for different things and have never regretted buying one. And this one you can get a cute case for! I don't need this. Wanty!

time for toast

We went over to say goodbye to Happy Knits last week. This Portland yarn shop will be so missed. We picked up some yarn for Lydia and then went over to Oui Presse and got some toast on their homemade bread with strawberry jam. Is there anything better than toast? It was cold out and this was the perfect cozy snack.

I feel like the weather here is echoing the political state of our country—there was an ice storm friday and now snow expected tonight and we have a 3 hour drive to a gymnastics meet which starts at 6pm. What gives? On a Sunday night? In a potential snowstorm? So, I'm not sure how this is going to play out.

Today I am making soup and this One-Pot Curried Cauliflower Rice which I adore. I am still meal planning and still feel a huge difference when I skip it. It's not good—I over-shop for food and then have too much and stress about waste and things going bad before I can use them. I also get in a rut and feel like the girls just eat the same 5 things.

I am stitching up a storm for a book I am contributing to, have sewn 2 dresses, sack-like, which I suspect are not that flattering but very comfortable. I was told by a daughter, sweetly, they should be shorter and I should add a belt. I also am sewing a leotard that involves a front zipper, making a wall mounted washi tape holder, and working on the Japan photo album. So, there's stuff. What I am not doing is cleaning out the garage, which is in a terrifying state.

I have been trying to figure out how to talk to the girls about our political situation and keep them updated and found this really great explanation by John Green on the recent immigration order which was really helpful and clear. Pete has been showing them all Seth Meyers in the evenings which adds some humor to the lunacy of it all.

house plants

I finally made it over to Solabee after seeing some lovely images of it on IG. it's a dreamy little floral shop that sells lovely pots and crystals along with house plants. I have a mixed relationship with house plants. I have a few sedums, succulents, and airplants and over the years I've kept an orchid or two around, but for the most part, I don't have any. My cats pee in them. Also, when I had a lot of plants in college they seemed to get small spiders in them, or would weep and get strangely sappy. I recently bought a deer fern that I have hanging on the wall and I love it so much. It's out of the way and also is safe from pee. I have a pinterest board started with house plants, mostly mounted vertically, which is where I'm at right now.

I asked a good friend about book reviews on you tube, I subscribe to a few for YA books for homeschooling, but for myself, I didn't have a go to channel and she directed me to some really goods ones that have me all excited. Well Done Books, and Savidge Reads are the ones I'm stuck on right now. I'm trying to read a bit in the morning and at night instead of doing my normal internet/phone trip of IG, and the news, which I check a few times a day anyway, so why do I need to check it one more time? So, I have a few real books and books on my phone I can jump into. It's making me feel better when the news is so intense right now. I also have been listening to more podcasts while I work. Music can be hard for me, I feel like I need the perfect music when I work and that search becomes a whole thing, so podcasts are easier. I've been enjoying the Nerdist and Women of the Hour.

I have been reading chapters of Me Talk Pretty One Day to the girls and it's so flippin' great. I need to edit a little bit for the 9 year old and some chapters I just can't read, but it's our sense of humor so much, it just warms my heart. And speaking of warming my heart, my 14 year-old discovered Ghostworld.

portland 1985

We were in NW in between snow episodes and I took the girls to Escape to NY pizza. I have been taking them there since they were little because that's where I always went. It's exactly the same. Exactly. Like the same stickers and posters and all that. And the same pizza. The downtown location is the one I went to the most, but it closed when I was away at college, but the one on 23rd is still there. So much is gone on NW 23rd from when I was little, so I am very comforted that this is still there. And the same owner was still working the counter and I heard him talking to a customer asking her how her Christmas break was and how college was going and it just warmed my heart.

I'm doing a little better, but the flu Pete and I got is a real bad one. And then life on top of that. And I feel like the animals save up all their personal needs for when we are sick. Do they really go to the bathroom that much when I am healthy? I don't think so.

In the Sunday paper I always read Parade magazine. Always. It's comforting and amusing. There was a recipe in it that Pete made and it's been the only thing that has made me feel better. Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup. Delicious and so easy! And on the same page as the recipe was a weird add for dry foot skin or something gross, because it's Parade magazine.

coffee break

This was taken from before all the crazy. Before the weather and the travel and the bad head cold (flu?) I currently have.

A bit of a gripe—I've noticed at very fancy coffee shops, which I LOVE, often my drinks aren't hot. No big deal. I don't like them scalding. But sometimes they are like, not hot at all. Almost room temp. Which this one was. I was going to take it back but didn't want to wait in the very long line again, and also had a suspicion that I would be told they were made that way on purpose and then might be educated as to why. I'm not a fussy coffee person, but I do like cappuccinos (5oz) and for them not to be room temp. I had a barista gig in college and I know that if you use previously steamed milk you can make the drinks faster, but they aren't usually hot enough and this one came to me suspiciously fast.

I think I am feverish as I write this. It's before 7am and I am getting ready to do Delia's hair in Dutch braids before she leaves for school which starts so early. 7:40! for 6th grade!

Random Links:

I can't stop watch this video of the cutest porcupine. The sounds it makes!

 

yummy rice

I got this rice seasoning at Uwajamiya a bit back and it is delicious and so cute! see the little purple flowers? Adorable.

So, the snow has been crazy. Pete was in China all last week for work so when we lost power for 2 days I was cooking outside on the camp stove and trying to bundle us all with blankets as a single mom. We made it to my mom's, who had power, in the 10" inches of snow thanks to my brother and his awesome truck and stayed there with the dogs. It was crazy. Then we came home and then drove to Seattle for ballet auditions in the snowy ice. Once we got out of Portland, it was an easy drive and so beautiful. Snow on the trees, but none on the roads. I felt so free getting out of town after feeling so trapped. Plus, I had a fight with my frozen garbage can lid which didn't go well and at that point I had to get out of town.

Pete came back from Shanghai just two days ago and brought some cute little gifts and amazing stories that involved lots of karaoke (john denver songs are very popular) and eating chicken feet, jellyfish and duck heart. Life has been busy. I have been working on some embroidery projects for an upcoming book I am contributing to and also painting barrettes with nail polish in my spare time. Why have I never done this before? It's so satisfying! I will show the results soon.

 

the oregon coast

These photos are from our beach trip right after Christmas. The tide was so far in there wasn't much beach for walking. There were my favorite fish tacos from Local Ocean Seafoods however, which has the best seafood in Newport, in my opinion.

That trips feels far away, but also close, because we are in the middle of another weather episode here in Portland so things are shutting down again, which always feels like a beach trip to me. Everything slows down and is stuck in molasses. Or, I guess stuck in snow. We have food and power, so that's all good. And I can walk to the store. Having one child in school and two homeschooled makes "snow days" interesting. We have already had a few and probably will have one tomorrow.

• I have been trolling the amazing embroidery work over at ant sally on instagram. I am going to stitch something similar soon—they are so beautiful.

• Sadie and I watched The Fundamentals of Caring on instant Netflix and she liked it a whole lot. I saw it over the summer. Lots of swearing and older teen issues, and very well done.

• I'm between books so that means I pick up what we having lying around which is a lot of YA horror and paranormal. That's the trend over here right now. So, I am almost done with Frozen Charlotte and enjoying it quite a bit. Who doesn't love creepy little dolls that can eat flesh? The middle-school-aged V.C. Andrews fan in me is very excited by this book.

 

and even more holiday stitching

Happy 2017!

I stitched this little Gudetama when we were in Japan. He was the mascot of our trip and I'm going to try and be a little more lazy like him in 2017. He also suffers from chronic depression (seriously) so I will skip that part.

Looking at 2017 I realize we are at the height of activities in the house now with the girls all getting older and doing so much. I just wrote our the weekly schedule and I can't really hold any of in in my head more than 2 days at a time and even then I forget what I am doing. I think have two girls at home and one at school is also a bit crazy making. It is all is working out pretty good, but balancing the time in the car and schedules has been the biggest challenge.

My New's Years Days plans:

I'm going to throw out some stuff today. And do some stitching. And listen to some podcasts. We had a great holiday and New Year's Eve. We all saw Rouge One and loved it, but seeing Princess Leia at the end was so sad. We did a lot of reading on the sofa with blankets and hot coco. I read the wonderful cookbook, Small Victories, I nabbed and devoured Sadie's copy of I'll Give You the Sun, and also read cover-to-cover the newest The Gentlewoman Magazine. All with two very lazy and dogs and a cat here and there.

 

cactus rocks

The two younger girls were a bit bored yesterday and so they found this DIY over on Sea Lemon, went outside and got some rocks, and asked to go to the craft store to get some pots. My only involvement was driving to the craft store. I don't remember what I was doing during all this, but it's pretty great they are old enough to be self-sufficient at crafting and choosing projects. I can't believe how adorable these turned out. They were really inexpensive to make, which isn't always the case with DIYs.

The holidays have been good the last two weeks, but also hard. I hurt my head (I fell) and and foot (on the same fall) and it's taken a bit longer to get back to normal than I thought it would. I figured I'd be fine in a day or two because that's what my schedule would allow. You know how it is. I hear this term self-care and I don't think I really even know what that means on a basic level. I'm not very good at identifying what I even need at a given moment. I know when I am hungry and tired. This is good. But I am a far cry from  when I was in my 20s and just did what I wanted to do. I scarcely remember that time. This might be something to look at more closely and work on for 2017.

more holiday stitching

I finished this little piece when we were in Japan and have I all wrapped ready to be received. Portland is still playing catch-up with all the snow closures last week and many of my purchases have been delayed in the mail. grrr. My cat just barfed. We have 3 cats, 2 dogs, (and 1 fish) and so at some point something gross will happen every day. Usually more than once. It's morning still, there's plenty of time.

Stuff:

• I am teaching long division to Lydia and we found this really funny and very catchy tune on you tube (set to a Lumineers song!) for memorizing the steps.

• I knew I didn't dream that Bert had a nephew and it was the cutest bit on Sesame Street EVER. I die!!

• A tiny doll house in a walnut shell. stop it.

 

holiday stitching

I started and finished this little brooch last night and and am so happy with how it turned out. I used mostly crewel wool and then a little cotton floss for the detailing. It's on linen, stretched onto the clever brooch form made by Clover that I got in Japan. I haven't found it in the US, if any of you know where I can find them, let me know. I should have bought more.

It's been crazy around here—snow, ice, parties canceled, lessons canceled, one of our cars is stuck in a hedge blocked in by ice in a neighbor's yard. But, there is plenty of food and craft supplies in the house and it's been really nice not driving anywhere or 2 days. I've been baking and sewing and made a new sweater for our bad chihuahua. It's been an unexpected break, which I think we all really needed.

I am between books, which I hope to remedy today. I also have some netflix shows I need to catch up on. I'm not sure when this will happen. Now I just want to do more needlework.

favorite kids books, 4th edition

 

 

There has been a whole lot of reading in the house this year. I usually do a family best-of list, but this year I am doing it by kid. We still love our books from the 1st and 2nd edition and 3rd edition lists from previous years.

Above is Lydia's list (9). She tends to like complicated books that are quite a bit above her reading level, so we read them to her and have her read a page or two here and there, so she doesn't get exhausted. She is a pretty big fantasy fan, her favorite series being Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.

The Littlest Family's Big Day by Emily Martin Winfield: Our love of all of Emily's books knows no bounds, this newest one is just lovely and has a special place on our shelf.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley: Part of a mystery series with an 11-year-old sleuth! We all love these.

Ranger's Apprentice, by John Flanagan: She likes series and fantasy books other kids might find kind of boring or slow paced, but for her they are fascinating and she remembers every detail.

The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander: Another fantasy series she likes.

 

Delia (12) has some strong favorites this year. Most books didn't make the cut, she's pretty critical, but these did.

Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen

Ghostlight, by Sonia Gensler: This is scary, but in a safe way. It's kind of a gateway horror/ghost story book.

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio: Her favorite book right now. She talks about it all the time.

Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio: She said she almost like this one more than Wonder.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry: Her first distopian and the book she compares all other distopians to, which I have mixed feelings about. I want her to read 1984.

 

Sadie's List (14) She reads a lot of manga, like a whole lot, but also reads non-manga, too (she is always reading) and this list is of the non-manga books that she has really liked. All these books are for teens, except for Nimona, which is for all readers I'd say, but some might not agree with me. The others all deal with teen subjects (sex, drugs, death, pain, love) and do it quite well, with much to discuss. I have read them too, and I wish these books had been around when I was 14.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki: Beautiful graphic novel

The Bargaining by Carrie Ann West: It was totally scary, she said! I didn't read this one.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephan Chboski: Her favorite book right now. Very heavy, but very good.

Nimona, by Noelle Stevenson: This book was loved by all the girls—it was on all their lists. Wonderful graphic novel.

Looking for Alaska, by John Green: So much to talk about with this one.

Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell: Ditto, a lot to discuss

I hope this helps your gift giving! Shop local! Or maybe you need to shop online today. I have linked these to amazon, where I am an associate, so if you use my links, I thank you!

 

gifts for sewers

I made more pincushions this year to give as gifts. I made some last year, too. These are simpler. They are backed with wool felt. I am always looking to use up supplies during the holidays. I bought the coolest fat quarters over the summer that have been made into aprons and bags and these are the scraps. They are heavy—I filled them with a mix of polyfill and crushed walnut shells (in the form of natural kitty litter) so they have a nice heft.

I listened to WTF while sewed, this time the interview with Dan Clowes, who I have never heard speak. I've read all his comics and interviews, but never heard him. It was so great to listen to. Sadie needs to read Ghost World. Wow, that went by fast. It wasn't that long ago I stashed all my comics away.

holiday gifts (that you can buy from me)

I have been getting more holiday orders from my Etsy shop, which is wonderful!

I have little sheer bags I tuck gifts into, and can add a little card (all for free) so please let me know if it's a gift you are ordering. This year, there are more oils than ever to try, many of them are a very price friendly range ($12!) and I also have one-of-a-kind jewelry alters available, which would be a an amazing gift for an arty jewelry lover. There are prints, birthcharts, and enclosure cards available, too. I also have a few PDF sewing patterns, which would be fum to give, or make into gifts for friends and family.

I will be closing up shops mid-December, so order soon and thank you!!

 

matryoshka dolls

It's been a crazy 2 weeks around here. The ballet shows just ended and now we are on to the rest of the holiday season, which should be pretty mellow. My two eldest dancers were in this show and they were both cast as matryoshka dolls. Coincidentally, we have been reading my youngest the Rebecca AG doll books, and noticed Rebecca's doll is a matryoshka. So, we thought it would be fun to get some unpainted dolls and decorate some. They turned out great. These are my 9-year-old's, she painted everything but the face. I helped with that under her direction. The other sets are being painted now-

I painted two sets of these dolls years ago, before Lydia was born .They were red and white. The girls were so tiny then, too little to be crafty yet. It's so amazing to see them paint their own now. I loved my sets of these dolls when I was little. I don't have them anymore, which makes me sad. I remember them so well.

Unrelated: I listened to Kristen Wiig being interviewed by Marc Maron on WTF. Marc Maron, as a host, can be tiring for me. I have to be in the right mood to deal with him. Pete usually listens WTF episodes and then tells me about them, which great, but I'm so glad I heard this one myself. She was so mellow and normal and t was wonderful to hear her path. It was not exciting at all, just a lot of hard work and a love of improv. I just spent 30 minutes writing and re-writing a bunch of words about process, paths, late-blooming interests, and pressure on 20-year-olds to figure it all out lest come across like flakey losers, but I couldn't get it together. I need my matcha.

 

favorite kid gifts, 7th edition

Here's the 2016 favorite kid gifts list.

This year I tried to focus on the toys we have that interest a large age span, ones that I loved as a girl, and made sure we had in the house for our kids. The older girls are now into more room accessories and clothes and that kind of thing, but we still have plenty of younger kid toys around. My oldest two are baby sitting, the baby toys have come out quite a bit this year, and they are still popular! Babies never change. They all love silk scarves, paper cups, and wooden spoons. It cracks me up.

There's lots of great items in my previous lists: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010. Our 4th edition favorite books list will be coming soon.

Takenoko Board Game

Ever year we buy at least one new table top game and this was what we got last year. This video on Table Top is a great way to learn and see how it's played. I know I have blogged about Table Top before—we all love it. This game is really fun and has adorable pieces, which is always a good thing. Who doesn't love bamboo eating pandas?

Newton's Cradle Balance Balls

I had to triple check I had not put this on the list before. These are used all the time. I had them, I remember loving them so much, and got ones for the girls about 4 years ago, when they were a bit older, to minimize the inevitable tangling that happens. These are still working great, despite some pretty serious tangles. They are mezmerizing.

 

Bubber

Okay, this is one of these toys my middle child begged for for a long time, but after all the silly putty, magic sand, slime, goop, and what-all getting lost in the sofa I had had enough. However, we did end up getting this tub of weird malleable foam years ago and she still loves it and still plays with it. And it's called Bubber, which is hysterical.

Kid's Size Pots and Pans

Every child needs pots and pans. My babies and toddlers used the normal kitchen ones, but as they all got older, these mini-ones became very important. My 9-year-old still plays with them mostly for her outside cooking involving lots of mud. Countless hours are spent with these.

 

Old Fashioned looking Scrapbook/Photo Album with matching box by Innocheer

FaCraft Scrapboking Kits

As the girls have gotten older scrap booking and any paper arts have been a hit. I like both of these—one is much more open-ended and allows for more artistic freedom. The pages of the album are black and so there's a vintage feel. It can be a little intimidating for kids that want more guidance. The second set is easier to start, but more of a specific look—both are fun and have made wonderful gifts.

 

Hubsan X4 Drone

Drones are my brother's gig. I know very little about them. There are a ton out there and many are hard to control. This one is great for kids, has a good body, and is affordable, so it has been a big winner in our house. It also looks cool. My 9-year-old is really into these, although the 12-year-old is the master with the controls. I noticed this particular one is discontinued, but you can still buy it, the  upgraded one is out, but I haven't used it, so I'm not sure what the difference is.

Okay! I hope this helps with some holiday gift ideas. I have linked all these up with Amazon, where I am an associate. I love shopping local, and I hope you all can do that, but if online is your jam, I sure appreciate you using my links. Thank you!

japan 2016

Sadie and I are back from Japan and it was amazing. It's hard to sum it up in words. I took a ton of photos and at the end of each day I did an audio-to-text dump in Evernote so I can just edit that and add it to our photo album when we get it printed. I'm so gald I did it every day because it was all such a blur I would have never remembered the details. We went to Toyko, Okayama, Osaka, and Kyoto and were traveling with 3 others. It was such a good group, it was a very mellow mood and we all had a mix of interests which took us to places I think we wouldn't have normally gone, which was fabulous. It was such a gift traveling with Sadie, seeing her in such a different environment, thriving on all the new sights and culture, we will remember it forever.

The food, sights, and sounds were so vivid and strong. The fabric and textiles were amazing, as were the temples and shrines. I had a little bit of a freak out in a few shops, particularly this embroidered patch shop, KYO-TO-TO in Kyoto that we went to twice. I should have bought more patches. Loft was one of my favorite shops, with all the pens and papers I could want and the Sanjūsangen-dō shrine in Kyoto was incredible as was the art island, Naoshima. There are so many other places we went, it's had to list them all.

I had this all written a few days ago and was going to edit it, and then the election happened. And then I had a hard time focusing on anything. But here we are, moving forward, and staying strong.