Bella and her "mad" face. Not wanting the camera this day. Poor kid.

Taking a stroll in Fine Handmade Clothing.

Bella lost in the corn in Irene's unbelieveable creation. Fine Handmade Clothing is an Etsy shop that I stumbled upon, and fell in love with right away. Irene's handmade clothing for girls and boys is classic, and unique. Stop by her shop today, and purchase something special for your child's holiday . www.finehandmadeclothing.etsy.com

Bella was into being a cowgirl last week.

Bella communicating

The Shamu Trainer in action!!!

My 30th birthday cake.

Bella's (angels) Teachers. We just love them both so much.

So much going on here. From the Farm visit with Bella's preschool, the Shamu trainer costume that I have been working on, to my 30th suprise birthday party last weekend, to today's harvest festival with Bella's school.

Life is good, preschool is awesome, and Bella is loving life. What a lucky mommy I am.

Just picked up some new fabrics for the shop, can't wait to get started with them...it will have to wait till next week I am afraid :(

Sewing

I have been taking it slow, making things for the shop for Fall. I haven't been in the mood since I want so badly to make items for cool weather, yet it remains 110 dregrees here! This top is ultra feminine, and just fun to wear.

Next on the agenda are flowy tunics and tops constructed of ultrafine cotton/silk voile. (Thanks Jules.) Both for Momma and Girl.

Bella is adjusting nicely to school now. She has a wonderful teacher that she has clung to. She is holding on tight to her for dear life. Hey, whatever works. I am so proud of her.

More Fall items appearing soon...

Shamu Trainer

We are finally somewhat adjusting to preschool. Bella isn't excited to attend, but doesn't totally disagree with going. She is obsessed with making it clear that she wants to be a shamu trainer, and that is why she is attending preschool. She learned on our recent trip to San Diego, that you must get a good education to be a shamu trainer. Her days are currently spent "pretending" that she is a real shamu trainer, and she insists that she is NOT simply playing the part.

" I am a real trainer mommy. I am not pretending. When can I get in the water with the other trainers?" You know what?, I tell her, I believe that you are a real trainer. She says, " The other trainers can hold me up in the water, and help me swim with Shamu since I am small."

Go get um Belle....

First Day of Preschool

Please tell me there are so many other mom's and dad's out there with photos just like this. Yesterday was Bella's first day of preschool. We had prepared her for months for it. She never wanted to go. She was scared of the kids she didn't know, just everything about it. She did great when we dropped her off, and picked her up. She seemed to have a new found confidence. When we went to leave, a little boy pushed her off of the platform she was standing on because apparently she was in his way. She cut her knees on the rocks below her. Being a mother of a child that never pushes, bites, kicks, whatever, this is very hard for me to understand. I know kids do these things, but it is just beyond my comprehension what to exactly to do about it. My child looked at me and said, "Why did he do that? Friends aren't supposed to do that!" Like I had lied all along to her as to how people treat each other. How do I explain, "Oh honey, he only appears to be about 2 1/2 years old, he doesn't know better, it's OK"

At least the mother was apologetic, and I had a friend say to me on the way out, "Oh, it won't be the last time." Really? Seriously? Lovely. Bella did not want to go back today, we fought all morning regarding the matter. When I left her, it was hard for me for some reason. I have cried two days in a row. Not because I have to leave her, god knows I have been waiting for this day. I am just not sure what it is. Maybe it is because I can no longer protect her, and be there to guide her every moment. Maybe it is because soon enough, she will be influenced by something much bigger than me, Her Peers. All I can hope for, is that when another kid gets knocked down by someone she will be the one there to pick that child up, and say, "Hey, sorry that happened to you. Wanna go play?"

Daddy found a big huge Palo Verde Beetle in his shop, and promised to bring it home to Belle. She waited all day for him to bring it home. She has a bug book that she frequently looks her bugs up in, and she couldn't kind this particular one in her book. It was so cute, she was holding the beetle up to the book, and comparing it to the other bugs saying, "nope, this doesn't match."

We have been busily working away at the shop. Please visit our flickr site to see what we have been up to...I have been very bad at updating my blog, I am a flickr addict!

LOVE

I have another assignment waiting in the wings... A very good client of mine, has had me busily working away on garments for her children. It has been a very rewarding project for me, frankly, I am honored she chose me. Here is the latest shipment of fabrics that she loves, her favorite being liberty, but this time, she sent several Heather Ross, and Naomi Ito fabrics. I can't believe the quality of these textiles. I am very anxious to get started.

Stacks just waiting to be sewn.

Rowan-Just ONe

What fun! What a year it has been. Rowan is happy and healthy. What more could a mommy ask for?

Swiss MIss

I have been wanting to make this dress for a very long time, but because of the expense of the fabric, I have been putting it off. It is finally complete, and I love it. It will make a great beach portrait garment.

The hem is not complete here.

Available upon request in sizes 12mo- girl's size 8

My thanks goes out to Kinder Kouture for this award!

Now it's my turn to nominate 7 more Kreative bloggers. For those bloggers listed below, here are the rules to fulfill the award process...1) List 7 things you love.

2) Link to the person/blog that sent you the award.

3) Choose 7 more bloggers to pass the award to and link to their blogs.

4) Comment on those 7 blogs to let the recipients know you've chosen them. for this award.
Now it's my turn to nominate 7 more Kreative bloggers. For those bloggers listed below, here are the rules to fulfill the award process...1) List 7 things you love.

7 Things I love:

1. My husband of 8 years, and together for 15, Steven. He supports my mad need to constantly craft, and purchase fabric!

2. My daughter Isabella. She is the inspiration for all I do.

3. My loving family, Mom, Dad, brothers, and sister in law.

4. My loyal friends

5. The ocean, the mountains, anything outdoors

6. My career as a NICU nurse.

7. My Pug/Boston mix: Ed, and my Boston Terrier Frank.

1. Smallville

Wow is this lady talented. She has an amazing eye for detail, and a huge inspiration to me.

2. Ibikotten

Using fine fabrics, and unique patterns for her children's clothing. I love to see what she is going to make next.

3.Miko Design

I love the fabrics that she uses, and have been in love with everything she creates for some time now.

4.Lille-Ursus

She always has something nice to say about everyone else's creations. I love how much support she gives to all us crafters out there!

5.Petunia

Has a "Nostalgic" feel about everything she does. I never can wait to see what she will whip up next!

6.LucyandI

Extremely talented fashion designer and mommy that I admire, and adore.

7.ThulaThula

Another talented fashion designer, and mommy that I love.

Baby Gracie

Bella and her cousin Gracie had a blast at our city's children's museum the other day. The girls are exactly 3 years apart to the day. It is so fun watching them grow along side each other. Gracie loves to explore everything. She is happy, and smiles all the time! Gracie and Me

Bella contemplating her next move....

Hey! A tea party!

Lovin it!

Treasury Times

Thank you so much Righthand for including me in her treasury. What an honor. It was fun seeing my little dress next to all the other talented designers items.

When you have a momnet, check out Righthand's shop. She has a ton of beautiful items herself!

If I have been posting less, I apologise! I have found flickr, and am an addict. Please visit my flickr site for more "frequent" updates :)!

Just Listed

Farmers Market Skirt

My baby's growing up.....

Memories

My brother's birthday was this week, and Bella and I payed him a visit. He still lives a few hours away in my hometown, where I grew up as a young adult. During my early childhood though, we lived way out of town on a small farm, on 20 acres of land. That is where my roots are, even though I only spent the first 8 years of my life there. I have more fond memories there, than any other part of my life so far. Our visit back to "the farm" was a huge trip down memory lane, and one of the most memorable visits ever.


My brother Will and Belle

Birthday cheer

Madeline, giving Belle a piggyback ride.

Our old road. Madeline and Will.

The shrine that we would frequent. It was always a treat stopping here, and checking out the cliff that is right behind this.

Art someone left

Mary

This is the black walnut tree that we climbed as kids, harvesting all the nuts for our mother as she sat below and watched.

View from the fence that used to be our land. The original house has been rebuilt.

Mini Market

Blueberry shortbread cookies

Bella and I couldn't resist making these today, one of the most delicious cookies we have ever made. Try these today, and you won't be disappointed!!!!

YieldMakes 36

Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups flour 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon finely shredded orange zest 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed 2/3 cup dried blueberries

Preparation1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and salt. Add butter, then pulse until fine and crumbly. Remove bowl from food processor and stir in dried blueberries.

2. Measure 2 tbsp. mixture into each of 36 mini muffin cups*, pressing down firmly.

3. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool at least a few minutes before serving.
*If you don't have mini muffin pans, press 1/4 cup mixture into each of 18 regular muffin cups and bake about 20 minutes.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per shortbread.

Nutritional InformationCalories:82 (43% from fat)Protein:0.7gFat:3.9g (sat 2.4)Carbohydrate:11gFiber:0.3gSodium:56mgCholesterol:10mg

Just Listed

Olive Shirt Coat SHOP

Lace Detail