Mission Accomplished!

Babygirl is now the proud new owner of a winter cape!  While surfing the net I stumbled upon this tutorial.  It was just what I needed. In order to make it a bit warmer for our (normally) cold New York winters I doubled the fleece.  And successfully used my sewing machine without cursing and having to call on my sewing guru neighbor ;) Please excuse the funky fabric, it's what I had in the craft closet.  I plan on getting some girly fabric and making two more for LLM.  Another one which is doubled, with a hood, and a single layer one for the Spring/Fall.

First step: Cut 2 40x40 pieces of fabric (based on LLM's measurements and the fact that I wanted a double cape.)

Next step: Following pattern directions fold the squares into quarters, measure out and cut.

This next step was a bit tricky because I had a helper....
Line up the two fabrics and pin together. 

Finally: Sew the fabric pieces together.  And WA-LA, babygirl has a cape!

I am planning to attach Velcro as a closure but am waiting to get a better idea of fit.  I made mine large enough so that we can also use the cape next year.

First FO of the New Year: Little Miss Monster's Poncho

Crochet hook and yarn to the rescue!  After attempting to make a carseat poncho out of fleece and failing miserably I pulled out some yarn and a crochet hook.  I needed something NOW for LLM to wear on top of her fleece jacket when we take her out.  Yarn and needles/hooks are my friends, fabric...not so much.  As stated before I will get back to the fleece poncho, but it's going to take time for me to figure it out.

I was able to crochet a poncho for LLM rather quickly to give her an added layer of warmth when she goes out.  I used this pattern and Lion Brand Suede yarn.

ODIZ Baby Giveaway: Wrapeaze

Remember my post about making a poncho for LMM for the winter.  Well, it's not working out so well.  I can't seem to get the head right.  I am going to continue to work on it, because at this point it's become a challenge.

In the meantime I came across this giveaway on ODIZ Baby Supply for a Wrapeaze.   It looks even better than a poncho because it's a cape and should be easier to get on/off LMM.  The designs are great!  I love the pink argyle and flower burst.  Right now they are giving one away at ODIZ Baby Supply .  Head on over and enter, there are only a few days left!

Ella's Kitchen

 Ella's Kitchen


My friend Nancy introduced Miss H to Ella's Kitchen products about a month ago.  Hannah absolutely loves them, which works out great for me!  At her last doctor's appointment it was discovered that H is anemic.  The doctor said to give her eggs, spinach and baby cereal five times a week.  H will tolerate eggs, and only eat spinach if it is mixed with something else.  Baby cereal...well, it's just boring.  While reading the back of the Ella's pouches I discovered that there are a few with 45% iron!  Woo Hoo!  A quick, easy, nutritious food/snack that baby loves. Hannah's favorite seems to be the purple pouch (sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apples and blueberries). I've been stocking up particularly on the iron rich varieties lately because it's a win-win option in this house.

I love the fact that these are organic and introduce children to veggies that are not always household favorites.  Really, when is the last time you cooked pumpkin or parsnips for your child?  I know I've never done it.  But now that I know she likes some of these foods I'll be adding them to my shopping list.

Holiday Traditions: Christmas Books

A few months ago I was surfing the net and read a post from a mom who gets her kids a  new Christmas book every year.  I love it, so I decided to borrow the idea.  I purchased H's first book at Kohl's.  It was part of the Kohls Cares Book Collection. The Spirit of Christmas  is the book that started H's collection.  The story is beautiful and the illustrations are amazing.  I look forward to adding a new book to her collection every year.

Happy New Year!

Let's start the New Year off with a freebie.  On Martin Luther King Jr weekend many National Parks will be offering free entrance.  Check out National Park Serviceto see if there's one near you!  I'm hoping the weather is nice enough that H and I can get to one!

New Year's Resolution

Normally I don't make New Year's resolutions because I promptly forget all about them.  This year I made one: to spend as much time together as a family as possible.  This weekend the laundry didn't get done and the bathroom didn't get cleaned.  But this weekend we went for a walk with the babygirl and spent some time with friends.  This weekend we laughed and enjoyed each other's company.  Don't take for granted that you will get a tomorrow.  Life is just too unpredictable!