Minion

I made a pattern for these cute little slipper boots.  I was going to make them look both the same but decided to make a different version.  Then when I got done I was going to make a matching pair.  After putting the 2 together I thought they looked cute with the 2 different versions.

I guess I am kind of like that though, I'm not totally symmetrical and have always liked something a little bit different.

I thought because my hubby is SUCH a symmetrical person that these would bother him, but believe, it or not he liked them this way too.

I think it is fun to just look down at your feet and see both of them smiling up at  you.  (I think a little kid would like it too.)

This is a fun pattern and would make a great Christmas gift for some cute little toes,  if you want the pattern you can find it here;

https://www.etsy.com/listing/168043413/crochet-patten-slippers-minion-boots?

It's kind of cold and blustery today, maybe I should make some to fit my feet!

Thanksgiving craft

Each year after Thanksgiving dinner the women make some type of craft.  Ever since last year when I pinned a mason jar snow globe, I knew we should make these for this year's Thanksgiving crafting project.  I have been saving bottles, all types, not just mason jars and here is my take on bottle Snow Globes.

I took the first picture outside and this is what was out there before I started taking photo's.  I think she wanted to see what I was doing!

I put them on the window sill of my office and they really are pretty with the sun shining through the bottles, but it is hard to take pictures on a window sill, the lighting is not what I see with my eyes.

I spray painted the lids a pewter silver, collected different little trees, snowmen and deer.  I hot glued the little trees to the bottom of the lids and them added the snow and glitter.

Oh, I see why that deer was looking at me funny, she was wondering how I got that big buck into this tiny jar! I also hot glued a little snow flake to the top of the bottle.

These jars don't have the water in them, but they are still just as cute and you can still shake them and the glitter flutters all over the jar.

Some of these jars had fruit, chili sauce, or olives, in them, just find a cute shaped jar and use whatever you have.

I turned some white bowls upside down to give some them some more height.  As you can see the one jar had a wooden top and I just left it like it was.

this one has a little deer in it as well, but it is hard to see.  It was hard to find a tree this small so I just cut off a tip from an old garland and made my own tree and sprayed it with snow in a can.

When I took the small little jar outside, it must have had some moisture in it because it fogged up and I had to open it up and let it dry a little more.

I'm liking this easy project and I hope those that come on Thanksgiving will have fun making them as well.

Changing to Fall

October has come and gone and I realized I hadn't taken any pictures of Halloween!  I have taken the Halloween decor but wanted to show you how easy it is to transition to Thanksgiving.  I usually decorate for Thanksgiving because I don't like to jump right into Christmas, besides the Fall is so beautiful and I love the leaves, acorns, and colors.

So, here is my table for Halloween.

My mantle.

I liked the look of all of these jars.

Here is the top of my piano, and do you remember this eye lamp I made out of a DI light? Still love it.

Here is the top of my buffet.

and more of the piano.

I changed the mantle just a bit and made this banner from burlap ribbon.  It was not very hard because I just printed off the "Give Thanks" from my computer. (Just a word document, use the font that you would like and make a double space between each letter.  Cut them out and ink the edges and voila! you have your letters.  I actually stitched around them with my sewing machine.  I found that it is easier than gluing and I like the look.)

Now the table, using the same bottles but changing what is in them to a Fall look.

A pumpkin, leaves and acorns to fill the cloche.

I used jute to string the burlap banner and tied ribbons between each letter.

The pumpkins and gourds were some old ones that I had, I spray painted them ivory and used and old paintbrush and rust brown paint to flick the little spots on them.

Hung a garland of leaves and lights beneath the banner.  Raided my husbands deer and elk horn pile, spray painted the horns the same ivory white and love the look!

Changed the buffet just a bit with some oldies but goodies.

Now I'm ready for the rest of the Fall!

The red nosed reindeer

I finally wrote this pattern up, I made this hat awhile ago and Courtney took such a darling picture with it, I thought I better get busy.

I took some pictures too, when the hat was finished, but on a real live baby, it is so much cuter!

It is fun to make and the weather is getting ready for some reindeer.

Try it out, it is so cute!!

I'm not quite ready for the snow though.

Chicago

Today I am going to share some information from a blogging friend Kendra Thorton who lives in Chicago.  Here is some of the information about her and her cute family.

  My name is Kendra Thornton and I'm 37 and a mother of 3.  Before being promoted to the full time position of mom, I was the former Orbitz Director of Communications where I was able to travel a great deal.  I now live in Chicago with my family, where they are my number one priority in everyday life.

What I Love About My City

Often referred to as “The Windy City,” Chicago is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities that the United States has to offer.  From the abundance of culture that has been in development for over one hundred years to the natural wonder of the landscape itself, there are few destinations in the country that have so much to offer.  The food is outstanding, it is a wonderful place to raise a family, and life in the city has numerous things to offer people coming to the area with all types of tastes and interests.  

Culture Calls Chicago Home

In addition to the Chicago Institute of Art, the opportunities to experience music, theater, ballet, and visual arts throughout the city are beyond measure.  The Museum of Contemporary Art is heralded throughout the world as being an institution of the highest quality, possessing one of the greatest permanent collections in the United States.  Located on East Chicago Avenue, this mecca of culture and artistic history is only blocks away from some of the most intriguing areas in the city.  The MCAC also opens visitors' eyes to the culture that blooms in this vibrant city.  All of these locations are also only blocks from the revered shopping that exists along “Magnificent Mile.”

Shopping

The “Magnificent Mile” is an area of Chicago that will have shopping fanatics overjoyed at the possibilities.  Situated on North Michigan Avenue, this stretch meanders along the Chicago River, offering shoppers a scenic view in addition to shops and outlets that are unbeatable.  The number of stores placed in this roughly one-mile avenue is astounding, creating a shopper's dreamland that is on par with any shopping avenue in the world.  Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and Fifth Avenue in New York can barely hold their ground when one considers the quality of goods and services that are packed into this one bustling area of Chicago.  High-class merchandise, trendy and second-hand clothing, and even Eco-friendly boutiques are all part of the temptations that will have shoppers returning again and again.

Nature Blossoms

The beauty endowed to the city by Mother Nature herself makes Chicago parks an absolute pleasure to spend time in.  Pack a lunch, bring a good book, or gather up the family for an afternoon of fun in the sun during your visit to Chicago.  Grant Park is one of Chicago's top attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.  This “Front Yard” of the city rests at the heart of its busy streets, providing a natural respite for anyone who needs the scent of fresh air.  The park features architecture that is on the cutting edge of design and tours or outdoor exhibitions that is free for anyone to visit.  

Fantastic Food

No visit to Chicago can be considered complete without indulging in the world-famous, deep-dish pizza.  Virtually any local pizza shop can offer a culinary experience that is unlike any other deep-dish that one may have had in the past.  However, Gino's East is one of my favorite choices.  Locals and visitors from all around the world delight in their pizza and other Italian cuisine.  The prices are great, and the food is like none other in the city.  They have been in operation on Chicago's South side since 1974, perfecting their culinary art in order to offer up the amazing food that they serve today.  My kids love coming here to eat, as the restaurant lets you “autograph” your name on the walls!

Visiting

If you ever choose to visit the city I call home, where you stay can have a big impact on your trip.  It is important to get a good deal on lodgings, however, it is just as important to be near the locations that you desire to see the most.  Chicago offers hotels of every kind to visitors making their way to the Windy City.  From five-star luxury, to quaint bed and breakfast locations, there is something for everyone.   Before booking your reservations, check out the site Gogobot in order see the very best and most diverse options available.  This site features user reviews of each location, pictures of the actual lodgings, lists of amenities, and other valuable details.

A Family Agenda

Traveling with a family to any location makes it necessary to outline your plans ahead of time in order to make sure that there are plenty of friendly and entertaining items on your itinerary.  In this vein, Chicago has plenty to offer.  The Chicago Cultural Center hosts a huge number of events throughout the year that include conventions, art openings, and music of all kinds.  It is centrally located near all of the best parks for family fun, including Millennium Park.  This institution always books events that are fun for all ages and reflect a true sense of what Chicago culture and entertainment is all about.  

Derby golf hat pattern

This pattern was a little hard to figure out at first but after figuring out how to make the brim it made all the difference.  I had a model night and this little guy loves to pose for the camera.  His little brother had been in front of the camera most of the night so he couldn't wait for his turn!

I hadn't planned on him having his shirt off but we had undressed little brother to get him set up for all of his newborn props so he figured he needed to take off his shirt as well.

It actually turned out pretty cute with no shirt.

No, I didn't pose him this way, I just snapped away as he did what he wanted to do.

Here's little brother and do you know how many times this little guy was pinned this last week?

Too many to count!