just to note

rain, gloomy days, depression and ho hos are not a good mix. just saying....

in search of free fabric scraps

In the ever eternal quest to save money, I refuse to spend money on clothes for me, my kid or her dolls. More so, her dolls. I will gladly make the child a Halloween costume and not buy it.

The cost for this was about $15 for the dress as opposed to the $30+ I'd pay at a store. The tights were extra and can be worn whenever (yes, she will, i know my kid). Not bad.. its cute and bright and whimsical.

So, for Christmas, I want to expand the doll clothes collection. I have the patterns but little fabric that is current. I have enough to do a patch work skirt and a halloween costume. I'd like to make some period clothes for her Elizabeth doll ( I found the patterns) but I'm lacking fabric.

Anyone have scraps of fabric they want to part with?

she tried

Erin has been on a "I can braid" kick. She tried to do her own hair. This is what the outcome was. Not bad if you ask me. I did have to redo it but I soon won't have to do her hair at this rate.

Baby Cakes

Saturday was Mary and Barb's baby Shower for Grace. I was honored to make the cake. Its a 3 tier pound cake with white frosting. I used Mom and Dad's recipes and it came out tasty. The frosting didn't come out as smooth and I need to play with the frosting a bit but overall, it was good.

Would I do it again? Not this big but maybe for Erin or Tim's birthday.

Pumpkin Tim

A few weekends ago Erin and I went apple picking at Blackman Farms. I adore this farm. They have wonderful pumpkins, great apple trees and a small area for the kids to run. Its a FARM... with real animals. You can even get a real turkey or side of cow. This picture is of the pumpkins.. they are PERFECT pumpkins. Thank you Blackman farms.

1st Day of School!

Its the 1st day of school for the kid and she's now in the 1st grade and gets to wear a uniform.
She was so excited, we had to be at the bus stop almost 20 minutes early. She recited all the rules she knows she HAS to follow while we waited. I have never seen a kid so excited about the bus. I wished her luck and she was was on that bus before the aid could get off!

This was outside our building.

This was outside our building.
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

Better Packing

I've done this trip enough to know how to pack and I messed up. In order to take the least amount possible, I totally missed a day for a shirt. And a long sleeved shirt. Those rooms get cold.

So off to the mall I went yesterday. Macys. I now LOVE Macys. And I bought 5 pieces (4 shirts and a cami) for $49. There was a sale and I took full advantage of it getting 2 tees at $4.99 each.

Speaking of the mall. When I went on Monday, there was someone walking around with what appeared to be secret service. Ear pieces and all. I couldn't get around them at one point. I have NO idea who it was. Not a clue. Secret Service, in the Fair Oaks Mall. Silly.

Where did the summer go?

I just found out that Soccer ends next week. I'm happy because that means I get to have my nights free again. I'm sad because all I'll hear from Erin is "I'm bored...". what can you do?

But really, where did the summer go? Its already August. I need to finish getting school supplies and shirts for school. And shoes.. and a backpack. I've already dropped $180 on uniforms. I just hope that they will last 2 years.

Today the lawn needs to be done.. again. The house needs to be cleaned... again. I really wanted to do something fun today. Roller Skating maybe. I doubt that will happen...