Font Fridays - Featuring Marzipan

Wow, we're back to Friday again and that can only mean one thing besides YAY WEEKEND - it's Font Friday time! Since we're still technically in Mother's Day week, I've decided to feature a font that's near and dear to me, Marzipan. My dad designed it in honor of MG right after she was born. Yes, we do things slightly differently in my family! Just like my little girl, Marzipan has a sparkle to it along with a spontaneous flare and a bit of whimsy. It's great for a multitude of applications including brochures, identities, packaging and scrapbooking. Hope it makes you smile!

- HAPPY FONT, HAPPY BABY GIRL -

Anthropologie Tea Towel Tutorial

Most of you know that I'm not a big time cook. In fact, I mostly shine in the dessert category - if you count eating tons of them!! The only thing I do often, thanks to my South African roots, is celebrate tea time. You know, the real deal with a proper tea pot and a pretty tray with all the accessories. So this free pattern is tea time, Cath Kidston & Anthropologie inspired (I'm always drooling on their linens in the store, oops!). You can sew up a few quickly to add sparkle to your kitchen or for hostess gifts (wrap a box of nice tea with one & add a ribbon - pretty!).

What you'll need:
• a dish towel
• fabric scraps to coordinate
• thread, scissors, sewing machine
Ok, I admit there's some sewing involved with this, but trust me, it's minor... start by cutting your fabric scraps into rectangles. There's no right or wrong, just randomly cut. Sew them into a strip - keep adding until it's a 1/2" wider than your towel. Trim the strip so that the long edges are even. Fold over the short ends 1/4" and seam. Hem one of the long edges with a 1/4" fold over. Pin the strip to the bottom of your towel (right sides together) and stitch to attach. Flip the strip over and top stitch with a zig zag seam. Ta da - you're done! Now have a cup of tea, you've earned it!!

- A SIP OF TEA CAN MAKE A DAY HAPPY -

Tickles

I am bursting to share this tidbit with all of you - after lots of work, my good friend Paola is opening her children's store "Tickles" in downtown Bethel, CT. Seriously, I am so happy for her! MG and I went for a pre-opening visit last week (see pic of MG with her buddy Lucas) and it's already got lots of great goodies. She's stocking items for babies through teens including Dwell Studio crib sets, colorful Tatiri products for fun gifts and beautiful bedroom decor. She's even been generous enough to stock some of my pinafores - thank you!!
So if you're in the area, please pay her a visit:
TICKLES
109 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT 06801
203.617.0657

- TICKLES MAKE KIDS HAPPY -

Happy Momma's Day!

This is a short but sweet and most heartfelt post to all the mommas out there - HAPPY DAY TO YOU!! Hope you felt loved, appreciated and warm & fuzzy all over! Being a fellow mom, I'm sure you deserve it tenfold!

Lots of new goodies coming up this week, so check back if you have a moment...

"It's my FAVORITE blue skateboard!"

After a solid 3 months of begging and lots of "practicing her cool moves" without one, I finally broke down and bought MG a skateboard. I know I'll probably regret it (especially after the first big tumble) but she's the happiest little girl ever. It's her "favorite blue skateboard" and she's going to "practice to be super fast". Plus, Uncle PJ is going to teach her "lots of awesome tricks". Yes, this may be regrettable, but it's really fun while it lasts!

- HAPPY GIRL WITH COOL WHEELS -

Chocolate Dots Hair Clip Tutorial

Ribbon is a dangerous business my friends. It has a way of wanting to be kept, regardless of having a purpose. Truthfully, I have tons of little ribbon scraps from all over creation bogging up my sewing boxes. I know they should be sent packing, but I just want to own them. Yes, it's a problem. So, I've decided to make use of some with this little tutorial. These hair clippies are quick, easy and could rival the expensive ones in children's boutiques. Trust me, you can make these!!
What you'll need:
- about 6 inches of ribbon (1" width works best)
- a couple buttons
- a needle and thread
- an alligator hair clip (available on etsy)
Here goes... thread your needle & knot. Starting on one end of the long side of your ribbon, sew a running stitch (looks like a line of dashes) all along the edge. When you get to the end, pull the thread so that it gathers the ribbon into a flower. Sew a little stitch to hold it in place and knot. Don't cut the thread! Now sew on the buttons using the same thread and knot to secure. Glue the flower to the clip and ta da!! Your home ec. teacher would be proud and your little girl will be happily stylish!

- CLIPPIES FOR HAPPY GIRLIES -

I'm Beaming

Big news everyone - we have a new addition to our family! No, not baby Newton 2, sorry to psych you out ... our new baby is a tad furrier than that (at least I hope so for 2's sake!).
About a month ago we realized that a raccoon is camping out in our front tree. Since we live on a busy road and the neighbors dogs are nuts, we happily gave "Rexie" political asylum. Yeah, we're softies. In return, Rexie is nice enough to stick her head out and say hi whenever we're outside - I'm not kidding! So last weekend Rexie wasn't very chipper and I began to worry. Have no fear, the poor thing was in labor and we now have the world's cutest raccoon baby ever - "Roxie". Seriously, it's insanely cute. Every morning we open the window and Rexie says hi and the baby tries to sneak by her. It's like Animal Planet but 20 feet away, really cool! I've realized that she's just as loving and tired as people mommies and I'm so proud of her. What can I say, they just make me happy.

- HAPPY, SWEET RACCOON NEIGHBORS -