A much needed vacation

Mark and I just got back from taking the kids to south Florida for 10 days. His parents rent a house every year for a few months so we love to fly down for a bit to spend some time with them and with the warm weather. As many of you are experiencing, we've had quite the winter and we really needed to get away. I felt many times before we left that I was going a bit crazy - lack of vitamin D?? The sun was perfect. I highly recommend it, if only for a few days!

Mark's parents have a pool so we spent a lot of the time swimming (ok I'm a lounger but the kids swam a lot with Mark and his parents!) and took a few side trips to the beach and to the zoo in Tampa (Leo got to feed a giraffe!). There was only one day of rain and one other day was on the cool side, but over all it was amazing weather. It was worth it to go a bit later in the year to catch the warm rays and get away from the snow (did you hear we're getting more tomorrow?? ack!)

To top it off, the kids were amazing. They shared a room (Leo in the bed and Mila in a pack and play) and they slept so well there. They were up pretty early every morning (5 am on the morning of the time change - yikes!) but over all it was a great set up.

Thanks for the visit Nonno and Mimi! xo

How are you keeping warm this year? Did you go away?

florida

Last week, we took a little trip to hang out with my husband's parents in Florida. It was our first trip with Leo and honestly, I was expecting the worst on the plane, but he was great. He loved seeing the clouds and also, when we were close enough, the houses etc. below. Also, we were able to keep him happy with a few iPad apps and some rice crackers we brought along :).

If I can give any advice for traveling, it would be to rent baby stuff! We ended up renting everything we needed for the trip including a crib (Leo does not sleep well overnight in a Pack n' Play), a booster seat for eating and a car seat, so we didn't have to lug it along on the plane. The only thing we brought with us was our stroller. This was honestly the best decision we made for the trip.

Here are some shots from the week:












Have a fantastic weekend!

five fabulous frenchies

A while back I showed you a prototype for a project I was working on but I couldn't show you what the project was exactly. I gave you a hint last week but it's all I could do... but I think it's safe now. two of the people that may or may not read this blog are basking in the loveliness that is Roma, two don't really read my blog (I don't think), and I'm seeing one of them today so hopefully she doesn't see this BEFORE I see her.... plus I myself and taking off to Rome today and I don't want to post this there for I will be stuffing my face with pasta and cheese I'm sure.

It's a little strange that I'm making them frenchies when we're heading to Italy but here we go -- in lieu of getting my bridesmaids jewelry for my wedding, I decided to make each of them a bag with various fabrics I thought they would appreciate and that suited their distinct personalities. They're all from Amy Butler -- I love that I can go through her 'stash' to find something for everyone.













As I mentioned, I'm off to Italy today (to get married!) so I won't have any sewing posts for a while - I will try to add some fun Italian adventure pics during my travels.

Ciao!

October fun

we were spoiled for a few days with the amazing weather we've been having and now that it's gone I really miss it. it's raining today and feels so dark and gloomy. At least the rain gives me more time to be on the computer and sew.





Last night I made these napkins -- I kind of followed the Bend-the-Rules sewing book but mostly I made these from a set of napkins i already have. I was looking through the book last night and realized that I have made so many things already! It really is a great book and I feel that it really is helping to establish this online crafting culture that I love being a part of.

These napkins are part of a gift -- shhhh -- I don't want my giftee to find out! these will accompany a BTR table runner which I think will go quite nicely together.

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On another note -- I've been quite busy this fall. On Thanksgiving we went to my mom's house where she participated in some town activities. She's the mayor of our little town and it was quite fun to see her talking and having so much fun with everyone. Here is a pic of my mom and my grandmother at the festivities.



And last weekend we went on a wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake with M's work. It was so much fun -- we were picked up in a limo and taken to five or so wineries. I have to say although all the wines we tried were scrumptious and wonderful, I will not be drinking wine again for awhile!

the dress

I was just on martha stewart weddings and they have a post on their blog about JCrew weddings. I have a weird obsession with JCrew -- maybe it's because we don't have them in Canada? Anyway I just wanted to let you know that if you're in need of a wedding dress or a bridesmaids dress check them out! I got my wedding dress from them months ago for next to nothing and recently just ordered all of my bridesmaids dresses.