friends – Page 10 – Karla's Cottage

A holiday dinner party at the cottage

celebrations, cottage, friends, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 12, 2016

Last week, I hosted the annual holiday book club party. Here is 2014 and here is 2015. In the past, I've just done snacks and treats, but this year, I thought it would be nice to have a sit down dinner.

Since we have the new space, I was thrilled to have a chance to use it. Plus, the book club ladies are a nice group, it is good to have a night where we can kick back and chat about things other than books.

The new space is ideal for entertaining. I picked up a small, drop leaf table that I keep in the hearth room by the door, and we carried it to the dining area, slanted the main table and added the drop leaf one onto the end of it.

Originally, I thought I'd get a gigantic, rustic, farmhouse table to fill the space, and to seat my large family.

But then, I saw the price tags.

So, I bought a $60 drop leaf table to create more seating instead.

The drop leaf fits nicely, and solves the problem when needed. It is wonderful to have plenty of room to seat everyone without bringing in a folding table. In the past, I'd have to move the island (I built it on wheels), set up a folding table from the studio, and cram in a few extra chairs.

Now, all of the guests fit comfortably without having to move the island.

As much as I like the look of a farm house table, I think I prefer having a more flexible set up. My dining table has 3 leaves and expands to 110", the little drop leaf adds space for 5 more people. We had 11 for the party, and I think I can probably make three more fit if I got creative with where the chairs go.

Nothing on my table matches, and all of it is from garage or estate sales. Sometimes, I think, maybe I should go buy some matching silverware, or glasses…. but honestly, I don't think anyone minds. The lights are dim, the candles are lit, there is plenty of wine.

For this party, I used white dinner plates, table cloths and napkins, clear and gold salad plates, floral bread plates, and clear glasses. I added a string of battery power lights to a bowl of painted pine cones topped with Shiny Brite fruit, and put some sparkling branches with lights, a pink glass garland, and gold Shiny Brite balls.

My local grocery store has $1.99 flowers on Mondays, and just happened to have some perfect ones for the party marked down and waiting for me. Pink and green, with a touch of red for the holiday.

I was going for a white on white look with a splash of color.

I made vegetarian lasagna, and stuffed shells with chicken and butternut squash a week ahead of time, then pulled it out of the freezer to bake up that night. I always believe in as many short cuts as possible when planning a party. Everyone brought wine to share, I baked some bread, bought packaged salad, and kept the dinner part simple.

Add a nice bunch of ladies, and it was a very nice party!

A girlfriends’ day out on the town in the Big City

celebrations, friends, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 10, 2016

My pal, Angie, once again, generously invited a group of us to visit her apartment in the sky over looking the Plaza in Kansas City.

We started the afternoon with a late lunch at Union Station, and ended up with wine and desserts at Angie's home to enjoy this view of the Plaza lights.

As always, she went all out making it special for us.

Beth says that Angie is determined to bring some culture into our lives. She takes us to museums, botanical gardens, and other big city things that I never think about doing, but adore visiting when I'm taken there.

On this day, I did something WAY, WAY out of my comfort zone! We explored Science City at Union Station, and all of us rode the sky bike.

I'm terrified of heights, and have no balance. But apparently, this thing can not tip over, it is balanced by the load of bricks that hang beneath it.

Hmmm…

It felt like I was going to plummet to the ground. Bypassing that net somehow, of course.

But I did it. Twice! I did not enjoy either time, but it was good for my soul to give it a try. Just like all of the culture Angie has me soaking up, that is a nice change from my typical days, a little change of scene has been good for me.

We checked out the Kaufman Gardens to see the Poinsettias, and goofed off with a photo shoot. I'm channeling my inner Zoolander here.

Silliness was the main part of the day, we played like little kids, giggled, and belly laughed all afternoon.

In my opinion, adults need to get some childlike, joyous, laughing fits going every once in a while to stay sane.

I started out my day with some crafting, so was already in a very happy mood. In the last month, I've not spent much time with my glue bottle. I made up a few of these ornies to pass out at our lunch, and it felt wonderful to be doing things I loved again.

My heart rate seems normal, and at Science City, I could run up and down stairs without needing a break or getting light headed. Looks to me like my cardiac procedure was a success, and I was celebrating feeling normal again.

I don't think I realized how bad I'd felt for how long. Most of my summer was droopy and tired.

Of course, spending a day with fun friends, is always helpful.

I've been throwing myself headfirst into holiday happenings, and for a while was feeling like I'd over scheduled and it was too much, but just this week, I've gotten past that and am loving all of the activities and excitement.

Now, my problem is trying not to feel guilty about not getting any work done…

I'd told myself earlier that I'd just take it easy and not worry about work for a while, so I haven't updated my Boutique with new items for Christmas. That was fine when I was still a little weak or droopy, but now that I'm flying through the sky on bikes, that seems a bit hypocritical.

Well, too late, the holiday selling season has about passed. I need to let go of the guilt, enjoy feeling better, and plan for getting some work done in January instead.

For now?

I am Merry Christmassing it up. Going for the glory and the joy of the month. And I am blessed by my new found good health!

A girlfriends’ weekend

friends, Sacred Circus

By Karla Nathan / October 11, 2016

Andrea Singarella, Jenn Hayslip, and Lori Oles came to visit over the weekend for some relaxation…

Craft time…

Shopping in the West Bottoms antique district…

Boating…

Girlfriend time…

And lots of laughs!

I'd asked my family to demonstrate the circus apparatus in our new room, and was happily surprised when they generously showed up with costumes, music, and an entire performance for my guests.

We even got lessons on doing some tricks ourselves.

Kia showed me how to do this move.

And Sugarwings taught me her favorite one, "Man in the Moon." More like, "Crazy Old Grammie Who Will Have a Stiff Neck the Next Day".

On our first evening, Beth joined us and Angie invited our group to her deluxe apartment in the sky on the Plaza "for a glass of wine" and this is the beautiful spread we found when we got there.

Afterwards, we had dinner at the museum across the street from Angie's apartment.

We squeezed a lot into the few days they were here, and most important for me, we had some studio time. I feel like I've been away from creating time too long because of the renovations we've been doing to the cottage. Now that those are behind me, I'm looking forward to being out there beading, painting, cutting, and gluing a LOT. It was great to be in the workroom with a few friends and a glass of wine. While I often have the grand fairies as company while making things, the wine was a rare treat. Hmm, I wonder if I should keep some stashed in the treat cabinet on a regular basis?

Our weather was ideal for boating on Saturday, but cool enough on Friday that a soak in the hot tub was refreshing. More wine –of course- and steam rising as the heat from the water met the chilled air was a relaxing way to end a day spent finding treasures at Good JuJu, Top Hat, and Bottoms Up. We had trudged from one end of the antique warehouse district to the other and the jacuzzi was appreciated afterward. Shopping there is practically an endurance sport and we needed the pt after it was over!

Here is what I bought. Now that I am a full fledged circus performer like my kids, I'll probably need it, huh?

Our time flew by too quickly, like fun times seem to do.

I'm lucky to have found such nice friends to get together with, even though it is not for as long as I'd like.

And to know that even if we aren't together often, when we are, we take off right where we left off, with lots to laugh about, family stories to share, and arty interests to talk about. We spent over an hour in Michaels discussing beads, favorite supplies, and resources for them on our way to the airport. It is good to have someone to share complaints with about too small holes in pearls. Who else would listen to me go on about that?

(We came across Jenn's cover story in Romantic Homes at Michaels too!)

And it was nice to have my family get to know some of my favorite people. And for my friends to hang out with my loved ones.

Angie’s castle in the sky

friends, Travel

By Karla Nathan / May 20, 2016

Beth and I recently spent an afternoon with Angie at her apartment on the Plaza. She has an enchanting place on the 8th floor within walking distance of the museum and overlooking the grand shopping district.

Personally, I've never been a city person, but after visiting this lofty space, I was pretty taken with the idea of living in the city.

We explored the Kaufman Gardens

and had lunch at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. I felt like I was on vacation, and the day was a getaway from my regular life, not a typical meal and shopping with friends.

When we arrived, Angie had a fruit plate for us.

And a thoughtful gift.

This apartment is only temporary, Angie is a country girl too and is looking for a home with some land after her wedding date in August. Although, with that vista from the living and dining rooms, this apartment doesn't feel small or closed in like most apartments I've ever lived in. The view is such an expansive space, that her rooms feel larger because of it.

And of course, they are filled with beautiful things. Her decor is light and airy too.

I don't know how I've lived in this area for so many years and have never explored the Plaza, except for a few shops here and there. The Nelson has this gorgeous dining room, that truly made me feel like I was a world traveler.

It was a quite a special day, with special friends.

I hope I get another day to visit and pretend to be a city girl before Angie and her fiance buy their dream house together.

A playdate tea party

fairies, family, Food and Drink, friends, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / May 9, 2016

Sugarwings has been wanting to host a play date, and asked me for help. We decided to turn it into a fancy tea party with crafting and a walk in the woods after.

She and Dewdrop worked on the food, making these grape caterpillars with googly eyes, after a mini lesson from me on how to do it. We used blackberries for the heads and simply pushed the googly eyes (meant for cupcakes) down into the berries after we had them on the sticks with the grapes.

And see how nicely the table is set? Sugarwings did it all on her own.

We made the the place cards together. I cut a strip of died coffee filter, rolled it up, pinched the bottom and added a staple to hold it in place. Then gave her two leaves cut from scrapbook paper. She wrote the names on them and stapled them onto the rose buds.

The guests seemed to appreciate the efforts. One girl kindly told me that the tea was "divine".

We used cookie cutters to make the french fries into flower, butterfly, and bird shapes, then cut the hot dogs to make octopi.

Of course, any food looks special when you use the best dishes.

And it all tastes better when eaten with friends.

The girls explored the Fairy Berry Trail, before heading across the creek for a walk in the woods.

The creek was low, it was a good day to cross.

For me, the cutest part of the day was watching them sit in the Fairy House and point out all the sprites they imagined flitting about. The girls had full descriptions and stories about the little winged creatures they saw.

It was adorable to watch them build tiny homes from twigs, leaves, and ribbons for their new imaginary friends to live in.

This part of the day was so much fun, we ran out of time to do any crafting.

Looks like we will have to invite them back for that part, huh?

A weekend of fun, family, and friends

celebrations, friends, holiday decor, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 10, 2015

My friend Tami, throws the most fun craft days. The one last weekend was a holiday theme and she gifted us all with the supplies to make these Christmas themed boxes on candlesticks.

And it is always fascinating to see the varied way the projects go as everyone selects the components they want to use.

I went there with determination to get some work done and packed up a bunch of supplies to make banners to sell in the Boutique. But, when I saw the tempting display of goodies to glue onto a box top, and the creations the other ladies had going on, I had to join in. And I'm glad I did.

There is always time to make something to sell. But to slow down, enjoy a day with friends and craft a special piece to treasure as a memory of the day is much more meaningful. And every year when I unpack it, I'll think of the laughs and silliness we shared that day.

Like how Beth compared the angel hair to Donald Trump's head and we all called it that all day, making jokes about "adding some more trumps" to our trees, and other goofy plays on that theme.

Of course, I'll remember the day every time I try to button my jeans too.

Tami's home is decked out with holiday cheer from top to bottom.

And I am always touched to see a project from one of my classes in a friend's home.

The next day, I went with another group of friends on a holiday home tour, and while we saw some pretty things, none of the homes were nearly as festive or creative as Tami's was. But it is always fun to go with my buddies and check out the houses. We all liked this pink and dolly themed bedroom.

And I'd enjoy being invited to dinner in this jolly setting.

But this might have been my favorite part, understated whites and warm browns. Like a cuppa cocoa with marshmallows.

The weekend was a whirlwind of friendship and family. After spending both afternoons with buds, the evenings were full of birthday celebrations.

That was pretty exciting too. I'll share more pictures in my next post.

Southern fun

friends, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 26, 2015

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be included in a girl's weekend with this talented group down in Georgia.

Hope Wallace, Suzanne Allison, Lori Oles, Jenn Hayslip, and Andrea Singarella

We spent a day at a flea mkt, did some crafting, but mostly oohed and awed over Suzanne's restored 1800s farmhouse, sipped wine and enjoyed the company.

The farm is in such a scenic spot, every where you looked, there was something pretty too see, from the natural beauty around us to all of Suzanne's decorating details.

But the very best part?

Buddy time!

Suzanne is a spectacular hostess, and has the ideal home to host a gathering in. It is filled with sentimental family pieces and she has stories to tell about each one. I never get tired of her stories, each is better than the one before. And there seems to be hardly anything in her home that doesn't have a funny or sweet tale attached to it.

Which makes her warm and welcoming farmstead even more astonishing. It wasn't put together just with her decorating skills (which are impressive) but with her heart.

And on top of that, she is a great cook. She always has some tempting appetizer trays out before filling us up with a fancy dinner.

The outside of the house is beautiful too, from the barn she got married in last October with the old truck to pose with in front-

to the cows strolling around the pond across the street.

I should have gotten more shots of the house itself, wow, it is spectacular. This kitchen is a dream, with Suzanne's eye to detail showing in every bit of the room. But here is the only picture I took of it, sorry. I was having such a relaxing and fun time that I was focussed more on friends than on photos. But you can tell what a wonderful room this is, can't you? It is a place we all gathered around in to talk and bond and of course, snarf up those cheese trays Suzanne kept whipping up.

The craft room has 14 foot ceilings with the home's original beams. What an inspiring room to work in.

We rode around in the golf cart on the trails in the woods and visited her neighbor's land where we picked fresh figs.

I took this from the back of the golf cart as we drove by.

None of us knew what these flowers were, but what a fluffy pink they are!

Here is the journal that Hope made during our crafting time. She found the book at the flea the day before, it was meant to be.

Andrea and Lori worked on jewelry, Hope and Suzanne did some journaling, Jenn made her pretty, dainty wonders.

And I got started on some angel and sugar plum fairy prototypes. I'm always thrilled to have creative time on a getaway.

Seriously, why didn't I take more photos of this breathtaking home? I guess I was just having too much fun talking to my friends. That is a pretty good excuse, isn't it? I took this pic of the bathroom door from my bed, across the hall.

Thanks again, Suzanne. I can't express fully how much I enjoyed it all!

ps-I will be away from home for a bit, having a sister getaway in Florida. I'll be answering emails from my iPad, but if you order from the Boutique, I'll mail packages on Tuesday the 27th. Same with Etsy, unless you are buying a coloring page, those are a digital download that you will receive right away. I'll have fresh blog stories pre-posted while I'm away, so please still come by to visit!

Shopping (and playing) at Scheels in Kansas City

family, friends

By Karla Nathan / October 24, 2015

Do you have a Scheels in your area? Wow, what a store. It is the size of a shopping mall, and in the atrium, there is a ferris wheel.

Beth's husband is a manager there and invited us to the grand opening a while back. They went all out, with great food, entertainment, shopping discounts, and presents. I was so thrilled to be included!

Beth and I handed the camera to a passerby and asked her if she'd get a shot of us with the ferris wheel behind us. It wasn't until later in the evening when big shots started giving speeches that we realized we'd asked the owner's wife to be our photographer. (She was very gracious).

It reminded me of the time that I was in my vendor space at Silver Bella and asked Mary Engelbreit to take a photo of me with a friend. (She was also very gracious)

The next day at lunch, I saw the speaker and realized it was the kind lady who was patient enough to take a few pics of my friend and I in my booth, and wished I'd got a picture of Mary Englebreit shopping in my booth instead.

Sheels has a lot of photo ops for the kids.

For kids of all ages, that is.

It is a sporting goods store, covering any aspect of sport that you can think of, including a whole home decor department with a cabin type feel.

And a lot of wildlife to visit. Our girls enjoyed petting the bear while I picked out a summer clearance priced boogey board for the new boat. (less than half price)

The coolest part of the store? They blow up photos of their coworkers enjoying the sporting activities they love. That is Beth's husband, Jeff, below the photo of him at the top of some colossal mountain that he'd just rode his bike up to the peak of.

He is a very nice guy, if you see him there, say hi. I know for a fact that he keeps a pocketful of tokens to pass out so you can ride that ferris wheel for free.

ps- I will be away from home for a bit, having a sister getaway in Florida. I'll be answering emails from my iPad, but if you order from the Boutique, I'll mail packages on Tuesday the 27th. Same with Etsy, unless you are buying a coloring page, those are a digital download that you will receive right away. I'll have fresh blog stories pre-posted while I'm away, so please still come by to visit!

Books with Beth and poor Dorothy

Books, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, friends, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / September 30, 2015

Beth and I had a fun craft day together recently. So much fun that I forgot to get out my camera. We redid her booth at the antique mall, made a run to Costco (where I kept mumbling to myself, "we're gonna need a bigger boat car"), then made a couple of books from some great old albums she'd found at an estate sale.

She gave me a lesson in stitching the signatures into the book. But, I had a hard time with trying to be precise with templates, and poked my own holes with a needle. Her book is going to be lined up much better than mine. I always go with the idea of throwing something together "good enough" then hiding any crookedy spots with plenty of lace.

We spent most of the afternoon cutting paper, and sewing it in. She had to help me so much, she didn't get hers put together that day.

It was also a play date for our dogs. Dorothy Rosebud has been in hell since the kittens were born. She never liked the cats at all, but when Pumpkin became a Protective Mama Cat with a Temper, Dorothy's life fell apart. Then, along comes Honey, the big galoot of a puppy who thinks Dorothy makes the most interesting squeaky noises when squeezed.

I've been keeping Dorothy away from Honey, but honestly, I don't even have to try. She keeps herself tucked into hidey holes and darts furtively from one secret spot to another, always on the lookout for attack by kittens, their mom, or the giant dog who adores playing with her.

I thought I'd get her out of the house for the day, and it wasn't until I saw how happy she was at Beth's that I fully realized how terrible she felt at home. All day at Beth's, she was full of energy, happiness, and wiggles. Typical Yorkie behaviour. I'd forgotten just how happy she used to be, because her mood changes were so gradual, I didn't realize how drastic they were.

Now, I'm determined to do something to make her life better. I've seen how she can thrive and have fun again.

It kills me to think of giving her away. Because she is my baby. She is such a snuggler. But with all of the dogs, chickens, cats, and kids, life is too overwhelming for her here. I have to think of what is best for her, and not be selfish about wanting to keep her myself so she can be my teddy bear at night (she likes to be held under my chin when I sleep).

But I think I'd sleep even better knowing that she wasn't living her life in terror when I wasn't holding her. I don't know that I am ready to give up yet, I started to write an ad to find the perfect home for her, but I couldn't go through with it.

Still, I have to think about her, not me. She was injured as a baby, and has a bad leg. Honey grabs it and has re-injured her. Luckily, my son is a massage therapist and can repair the damage (he is MAGIC). That doesn't mean it isn't going to keep happening, though. Being in fear is bad enough, but getting hurt is even worse. Plus, that makes the terror even greater.

It is breaking my heart to see her fade away to a shadow of herself. Seeing her jump with joy and play at Beth's house with her brother, Button, gave me hope that she can have a good life again.

Yes, I know it is all my own fault. I do LOVE animals and wish I could have dozens of them. But it is irresponsible to take on more than I can properly care for. This is a problem I caused myself by filling my house up too much. Dorothy is suffering from my mistakes.

I've let her down, and I have to fix it.

Honey is going to be a great dog, I can see the intelligence and the calm in her eyes. But for now she is a big oaf of a bouncy pup. It will be a while (years???) before that stage has passed.

But in the meantime, Beth and her sweet husband, have offered to let Dorothy stay with them for the month of October. That will give the giant Golden some time to mature, at least a little. Then, I've made an appointment with a dog trainer for private sessions for the two combatants. I'm also keeping Dorothy on a leash or carrying her around, to keep her near me.

This little dog is not going to be allowed to spend her life hiding away. Things have got to change for the better for her! Spending some time with her foster family and her bro is a start.

Crested Butte

friends, Travel

By Karla Nathan / August 13, 2015

Our trip to Crested Butte sure was nice. Not only did our hospitable friends have a homey cabin for us to stay in while we visited, they took us out and about, on the town so we could explore the area.

My husband got to go fly fishing, which he says is even better than playing golf. I watched part of his lesson, but didn't go along on their day on the river.

Instead, Judy and I cruised the art fest going on downtown. First of all, it is one of the cutest downtown areas you will ever see. Quaint buildings, great shops, beautiful view, and good food were all topped off with this big, juried show with artists from all over the country.

With lots of booths, filled with spectacular art. Judy and I both were commenting on how elaborate and well done many of the displays were, I always like to take in the styling of the work as well as the work itself.

I had a few faves, like this artist.

Ethereal and whimsical. For me, you can't go wrong with that combo.

And this artist's work touched me. So dainty and sweet. I might have indulged a bit in her booth…

But as wonderful as the art was, my eye was caught by a less typical festival sight.

A BEAR!

Yes, a real, live, gobble you up, growly bear.

A real one.

Downtown?

During an art fair?!

With about a 1,000 people mulling about, shopping, relaxing, having a good time. Not a single sheriff telling us to stay away from the bear in the tree. Aparently, they think it is the same bear that was stuck in a tree the week before.

No one runs away screaming, nothing is barricaded off, everyone goes about their business. Although every once in a while, someone would grumble something about the poor bear and that everyone should leave it alone. Well, it looked to me like it was left alone, abysmally so. I thought it needed guards!!

We saw other wildlife too, although not in the center of town. Driving to our whitewater rafting adventure, I spotted two sheep in the mountains, so we pulled over to look. This is similar to the photo of the bear, you have to have really good eyes to find it. Colorado had lots of "Where's Waldo" type moments.

Impressed that I saw them while driving by? I was!

I was a terrible failure at white water rafting. Within minutes of getting in the boat, my paddle privileges were suspended. My husband was trying to hold onto me as I teetered on the edge of the boat, and quivered in fear over the rapids, so he couldn't paddle himself. I was told to use both hands to hold on, and he was able to concentrate on paddling without taking care of me.

We were much better off with him rowing full time, and not having to worry about me and my pathetic attempts to act like I was using an oar. First of all, I have no balance, everyday tasks often go wrong for me. Kind of like the day I knocked a tooth out on a cabinet door. Or right after white water rafting when I climbed into the hot tub and fell face first into it when I missed a step. I was wishing I still had the helmet on that I'd worn on the river that day.

After my oar was put away, and I was a passenger instead of a rower, and could grip the handles with my white knuckled fists, I was a lot more comfy and could enjoy my ride. It was quite a trip, the river was exciting, and there were rocks everywhere. When we were driving to the excursion, along the stream, I didn't think that could possibly be the one we would be floating down, I saw so many rocks sticking up out of the water. But yes, that was our wet,obstacle course for the day.

We had hoped to get in some hiking too, but between rainy weather and altitude adjustments (ugh, that can be unpleasant), we decided on a lazy afternoon at the cabin instead. Then, a trip downtown to see more of the sights and go out for dinner.

There are such cute, old buildings in the town itself. How could you not love this little cottage?

Or this one?

I hope to visit again someday. What a place!