Birthday Party...all month long

In my family, February is a busy month. There are 5 birthdays and of course you gotta throw Valentine's Day in there. So, February is pretty much a month long celebration. It is kinda nice. It all starts with my sisters birthday on the 3rd. Then, my cousin's birthday is on the 12th and as my little 8 year old cousin recently pointed out, starting on her birthday there is a birthday every 3rd day. So, as I was saying, her birthday is the 12th (then Valentine's Day), my mom's birthday comes next on the 15th, my niece Violet's birthday is on the 18th and then there is me bringing up the rear on the 21st. Now if I want to go make things really complicated I can mention that Jeff's cousin's birthday is on the 20th and a good friend's birthday is on the 22nd. Whew!

I recently returned from a trip to Arkansas to visit my sister, niece, and brother-in-law (and of course his family too!). My dad, mom, and I drove up there for my niece's 4th birthday! She is just getting so big. She had a birthday party Saturday at a roller skating rink, and may I say she is a mighty fine roller skater. She can even skate backwards! It was a lot of fun.

When we arrived to Mountain View on Friday we checked in at the Pinewood Cabins. This place is wonderful. It is right on the square, within walking distance to pretty much everything. My parents had a cabin and "the kids" had a cabin. Here is a sneak peek into our cabin:

All the cabins have a theme. We sayed in the "Lancaster General Store". The cabins are so cozy. Saturday night it rained and we slept with the windows open so I was able to fall asleep to the sound of the rain. It was great!

Once we checked in and got settled, my mom, sister and I went to a class at Ritsy Rags to learn how to needle felt. It was a birthday present for all of us from my sister. It was a ton of fun. Ritsy Rags is the cute little store that sells fabric, patterns, arts and craft supplies, and handmade items. It was so much fun. I think we went went in there at least 2 days in a row. I am sure we would have went in again on the 3rd day, however, they were not open on Sunday.

The class was to needle felt a wool scarf. This is my mom in action needle felting her scarf:

This is Carrie and Rene, she is the owner of the store and just fantastic. She has got to be the craftiest and most friendly person in Mountain View.

A look at the scarf I was working on. I just had too much fun!:

After we finished up our needle felting class we met up with the men...my dad and brother-in-law for some of the yummiest Mexican food in Arkansas! Later we found out the place is owned by people from Texas....that has to be why the food was so good! Texan's know their Mexican food!

Since Friday was my mom's birthday, Carrie and I went over to our cabin after dinner to prepare a little surprise birthday dessert for her.

I also finished the felt pizza for Violet. I turned out really cute. I think I have found a new hobby! She liked it too!

It was a great time. I wish I were snuggled up on the couch in the cabin drinking a glass of wine and watching movie right now!

Cheers!

Before and After

I spent this weekend fixing up one of the bedrooms in my house. I really like the way it turned out. So here is my go at semi redecorating!

Before (the very messy before):

There is the kitty again. She manages to always sneak in the picture! Can you see her??

Now for the After:

It is amazing what some paint and new mini blinds can do!! I am very happy with the result. I finally have a bedroom with that Shabby Chic flair! Panting is exhausting though, by the way. I have also realized that I am about halfway done with decorating my house. Next I will paint the hall way...that will be quick and easy. After that I will conqure my office/laundry room.

Now I need to prepare for my trip to Arkansas to visit my sister and niece. I am going up there for my niece's 4th birthday! They are very lucky to have just missed the tornadoes that hit Arkansas. The surrounding area was hit pretty hard and it is amazing that the tornado skipped over them.

Cheers

"Curtains" Take Two

Much much better. Looks like the kitty still approves.

Pictures of the felt pizza in the works are soon to come. Stay tuned!

Casual Saturday

I love Saturday. I love that I do not have to wake up to an alarm clock. I also love that I can sit on the couch, watch T.V. and actually take the time to enjoy my cup of coffee. Today, I met up with my mom for lunch. After lunch we went to the best fabric store in town, Cabbage Rose. They were having their Birthday Sale and today was the last day. I purchased a ton of Anna Maria Horner fabric for a great deal! I love her fabric. I also was excited to happen across Heather Bailey's fabric, freshcut. The store has so much fabric it can be overwhelming to take it all in. I will have to go back again soon to make sure I did not miss anything. Anyhoo, take a look at the fabric I got:

I also got the perfect fabric for a second go at my kitchen curtains. I am still not happy with the kitchen curtains I made a few weeks ago.

We also went to this cute little shop just down the street from Cabbage Rose. For the life of me I cannot remember the name of that shop. There were all kinds of cute things in this little botique. I also came across a few Betsey Johnson dresses. I love Betsey Johnson. She has a ton of spunk.

Well, my brain is tired. I think I had too much fun today. I think I am going to go crawl into bed and watch a movie until I fall asleep. Happy Saturday!

Cheers!