Apparently I have long neglected my little blog.  This month has been a busy one.  Fall is a time of year that always brings about a sense of change.  I use this time to take stock in life and check in with myself.   I have started back up with yoga and I missed it so! My back is especially thankful for those nice deep stretches. The boys even join in for a moment or two.  Mom makes a great jungle gym when she is in downward facing dog LOL! 

I am in these blogs.Already Pretty and Fashion For Nerds. I love their sense of style and ideas that they offer.  A mom wardrobe is a very tough thing.  We feel like we must sacrifice style for comfort.  There is no time to shop for ourselves. Trying things on? Are you crazy? Who has time for that.  Well, I am going to try and make time! As the kiddos get older and more independent, I am slowly learning that it is okay to take some time for yourself.  I love a challenge of doing it on a TIGHT budget.  Thrift stores, you are my friend!

I am also working on some craft projects.  The goal right now is to get through the stash of fabric and yarn.  I have found this to be a very fun challenge.  A couple of Christmas items are finished and that is fantastic! Will have a new post all about those projects! Hopefully soon.  I am excited that I found some great fabric that make a nice fall/winter skirt.  Again going back to getting out of the wardrobe rut.  Fall and winter are always challenges for me in the clothing department.  Summer is so much easier to sew those cute skirts and dresses.  LOL!

I am looking forward to getting back on blog track!

Simple Vintage Style (and how to)

  A look that is taking off like wild fire is the Half Moon Manicure.  I like that it is a simple thing you can do at home.  All you need is a little time in the evening after the kids go to bed.  Have a talk with your cat to make sure he understands that lap time will start after the nails are dry. For a little history on this particular look check out this article.  My example may not be the most authentic, but for a first time out, here is how it went.....

1. Step one, get your cuticles in check.  Do a little maintenance with cuticle remover and an orange stick.  Then you can either apply  a clear base coat  or add a color if you want a "colorful" moon.  I used white.  I thought a good contrast would be fun.

2. Find a guide to help you. Unless you have a very steady hand, then freestyle it! I however need all the help I can get. These are pretty inexpensive, you get lots of "guides", and they are very helpful. You can find them at any office supply store, or other store that has a decent office supply section.

3. Apply your guide strips to nail. Make sure your nails are COMPLETELY dry. These will peel off and on without taking your polish off. You will need to play around to see how big your want your moon to be. For a first timer just do the best you can. The more you try this, the more comfortable you be a finding your placement. I mean look at mine, anyone who has done this would probably have a chuckle, but we are LEARNING here! And having fun!!

4. Finally apply your color coat. Allow for it to completely dry and then remove your guides. Then apply a clear top coat. Wow, look at what you did!! Of course you can do this all sorts of ways. Be creative and play around with color. A more authentic approach would be to also have the tip of the nail the same as the bottom. Only the middle of the nail would have polish. For a beginner, I thought is was easy just to tape off the bottom and paint all the way up. As you get more skilled tape off top and bottom and rock that vintage look!

  Enjoy!!

Wheatland

This past weekend our family said good-by to lazy summer days the best way we know how.  The Wheatland Music Festival!  It was a great time and the boys had a blast.  The music was great (folk, celtic, and traditional songs).  The atmosphere is wonderful, the kids were busy with making crafts and playing on the playground, checking out juggling and watching LARGE bubbles be blown.  Of course we finished up the day with trip to Rosie's Diner (as seen on Diners Drive-in's and Dives).  Nothing beats milkshakes after a festival!

School Days!

  School has started!   The oldest is in 1st grade.  One may think that things may seem more relaxed around here, but that has not been the case.  Actually I feel more busy and pressed for time.  Why is that??  He seems to be liking school, but going all day long is a big adjustment.  Next week the youngster' will start preschool.  Wow! Wow! Wow! 

In the meantime we were able to enjoy our final weekend before the school bell rang.  Nothing like being with friends, enjoying good food, and laughing until it hurts.

 I am hoping to return to a regular crafting program once things settle in.  The weather has turned a little cooler and thoughts start to wander to yarn and knitting. Projects are starting to form in my head. Stay tuned!