Sugarwings – Page 11 – Karla's Cottage

Earth Day

By Karla Nathan / April 29, 2015

Around here, school gets out at 1:30 on Wednesdays. And if I'm lucky, that is my day to play hooky from work in the afternoon and pick Sugarwings up. Since this Wednesday was Earth Day, we decided to plant something in honor of our planet. And what better to plant than some poppies along the Yellow Brick Road that we had been fixing up?

Sugarwings was excited to see the Lily of the Valley crowding its way out of the ground, she thought it looked like mini cornstalks and decided that when we got our Scarecrow made, it should go right there in the midst of the lilies.

She also had some ideas about getting yard art gnomes to use as munchkins, which sounds do-able. But when she started in on some sort of idea about big emerald gates, I told her it might be out of our reach. I was answered with, "You are an artist, you can make it work, just think about it."

hmmmmm……

This tutu was $2 at a garage sale recently, it is actually a dance costume for a much older girl, but with a few safety pins, it made a lovely Glenda gown for my little sprite.

I think this was the first time I'd ever seen her give up the role of Dorothy to play another part when she is imagining Oz. It didn't last long, though. Soon, the story became that Glenda (or Ga-linda if you are a Wicked fan) gave Dorothy a magical gown, and Sugarwings was back playing the starring role, just not in blue gingham.

Refurbishing the Yellow Brick Road

cottage, family, Sugarwings, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / April 10, 2015

Sugarwings got her love of all things Oz from her mom and Nanny. I've always been a fan myself and have done my share of encouraging her interests. When she was little, we'd go to this sidewalk at a nearby shopping center to do some skipping and pretending.

She enjoyed that so much, that I painted our flower bed's stepping stones yellow so she would have a trail here to play on.

And over the years, she has spent a lot of time along this short path.

Dewdrop loves dressing up as Dorothy too. (her mother sent this to me from her new home, looks like she is pretty happy and having a wonderful time there!)

Seasons of harsh weather has taken its toll on the pathway, our yellow bricks faded out and returned to the blah red bricks they started out as. I'd used latex house paint on them before, I think. Or was it craft paint? It has been awhile. I doubt if there are many paints that would hold up to Kansas weather, especially on bricks.

Sugarwings and I decided to give them a make over. This might not last much longer than the other paint did, but redoing is fun, so we won't mind freshening it up again if needed. This time, we worked in tandem, I sprayed them yellow ahead of time, then used a gold glitter spray over that after it dried. Sugarwings got the bottles of glitter ready to sprinkle over that as it was still wet.

We tried different shades of sparkle, but I really didn't care for the red or green as much, so we layered over it.

Sugarwings also helped out by running in to get her ruby slippers to try out the path, and by arranging our Toto yard art nearby.

Although, we have our own, live yard art Toto/Twinkle that worked just fine.

Sugarwings thinks we should add a scarecrow. Maybe. What we really need is some blooming plants. Spring is here, but not in this little corner of the yard yet, it's still pretty dull, even with the bright yellow paint.

But not in her mind. She sees the whole land of Oz ahead of her.

Arabella Cinderella Day

celebrations, Dew Drop, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / April 6, 2015

Around here, it doesn't take much to turn a simple trip to the movie theater into a big event.

The Hippie Chick and I had been impatiently waiting for the new Cinderella movie.

(the theater had big screens for previews in the lobby, how nice!)

When I saw these dresses from the Cinderella collection on sale at Kohls (plus 30% off with my coupon) I almost bought them, but fought the urge. (I'm very, very cheap).

But, on another trip to Kohls to snap up more the 70-80% off clearance items while taking another 30% off with my coupon and filling up my cart with school clothes for next year, I couldn't be strong enough to say no to these dresses a second time.

I figured I'd saved enough on the other stuff to make up for the splurge on these little confections. (That little white jacket Dewdrop is wearing was on sale for under $2. That beats Goodwill prices! )

Since Sugarwings and her mommy weren't able to join Dewdrop and I at the Fairy Tale village when we went a few weeks ago, we decided to make a day of it and bring them back with us to see Crown Center, the fairy tale land, Kaleidoscope, and the new movie.

The make believe village was a bit more crowded than when were were here on a weekday, this was a Saturday during spring break, and the whole place was packed.

Sugarwings was a tad overwhelmed, but I kept telling her that we had plenty of time, and weren't rushing through it. We had a three hours to hang out, and I was happy to stick around.

So, we played a while, and then took breaks to ride the escalators up and down a bit, or go sit and color in the Crayola store.

We also took snack breaks, and walked around.

And spent a half hour session at Kaleidoscope. I'd hoped to go to two sessions, but it was pretty busy. We were lucky that my son was there early to get us passes for this session. It's free, but can fill up. Going early to reserve a spot on busy days is a good idea.

We get plenty of craft time at home, but not in surroundings like this. I probably like the place as much as the grand fairies do.

Dewdrop's name is Mayara, I call her Ara, and that has sometimes morphed into Arabella Cinderella. We decided to name the day after her. Everyone needs a day of their own sometime, don't they? We also made this day her going away party for her big trip out East.

She was a bit young for the movie though. The only parts she was really into were the ones with magic or mice. Sugarwings, her mom and I loved every second of it. My husband decided to stay home and watch the KU game instead (I have to admit, it was a play off, and he is pretty into that stuff, I certainly understood- March happens), so my son used his movie ticket at the last minute and came along to help keep the little one entertained when the parts she didn't care for came on.

I had a feeling, that I would need back up so I wouldn't have to miss any of the show.

As part of the special day, we went to a theater in KC where you have recliners to lounge in, and a great menu to order from. They have a wine bar upstairs and if you request it, you can order a full dinner from that menu, not just movie theater food. And you pick your seat in advance, so we chose back row by the door, and brought an iPad, (on mute with the lights turned down) for our Arabella Cinderella to play with after she was done eating.

It was a long day for her with no nap, and lots of activity. The big day was a lot for our other princess too, so there were some moments far from perfection. But, that is part of doing things with kids, and you have to know when it is time to go look at the fountains, or twirl in the lobby, and get away from the hustle bustle for a bit.

Over all it was a very special day out. And I love having these photos to look at while I'm impatiently waiting for tiny Arabella Cinderella to return to Kansas from her time with her mommy out east.

Life’s little parties

Dew Drop, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / March 21, 2015

I've been soaking up the grand fairy fun for the last few weeks before Dewdrop took her cross country adventure. Sleepovers, play dates, parties, and hikes.

One highlight was the Nutrition Festival at the library. There was a performance by the Last Carnival Circus School.

Two of my good friends were part of the show.

Impressive, huh?

There was an interactive show by the Hoop Mamas.

Which my fairies loved.

Some exercises, some jumping.

Well, lots of jumping…

And lots of booths with learning games.

With healthy treats. And all free. You might have noticed, if there is a free kid's event around, we are THERE. I've always done things like that with my own kids,and now with these babes. My boys were raised to love to attend a grand opening of any business to partake in free hot dogs and popcorn.

For me it wasn't just the free stuff, it was the party attitude. We were very poor when the boys were tiny and free was all I could afford. I'll never forget the joy on my young son's face when he spun the wheel of fortune at a grocery store opening and won a giant jug of ketchup. It didn't matter that his prize was ketchup, it was a PRIZE and it was fun to win it. Sounds weird, but it sure was a good day for us.

But I've learned over the years that it isn't the price that matters, it is getting out there and doing something festive with your family. And with the right attitude even hot dogs in a parking lot for a used car lot grand opening can be exciting.

PS- thank you for your concerns and worries about me missing my little Dewdrop. Heck, I miss her when I don't see her daily, but I know how lucky I am to have my grand fairies on a regular basis, and how most grandparents don't have that luxury. Also, I know that it is going to be very hard for her parents to be away from her, but have to say I am quite proud of the way they are handling it and making it work. That little girl gets to spend time with all the people who love her and that is what is important.

She is going to be one happy little miniature gypsy!

A Sweet Valentine Gathering

celebrations, cottage, Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Valentine's Day, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 14, 2015

One of my favorite things is to have a studio full of friends, whether it is at Birdsong, a craft day, or a kid's holiday party.

I don't always get to host a bash for every holiday, but love it when the timing works out to have everyone over.

Sugarwings and Dewdrop went to Michaels with me to fill a cart with pink and red heart supplies, I nabbed a few Dollar Store tablecloths and balloons, and we were set to go.

We made faux cupcakes by gluing a styrofoam ball into a cupcake paper, smearing it with modelling compound icing, and glitter.

Lots of glitter.

Besides that, the projects weren't organized, it was every artist on their own.

Valentine cards for loved ones were a popular choice.

Dewdrop completed this one for her mommy.

Lizele made lots of colorful hearts. She is a prolific crafter.

Besides the cart full of stickers from Michaels, I had vintagey goods out too. And had saved empty valentine candy boxes to be redone.

Sugarwings and her mommy made a mail box for her upcoming class party.

The littlest workers got a bit burned out and turned to coloring books full of ponies, then decided to work with playdough. That is always a hit with Dewdrop.

The older kids had already headed out to the creek and woods behind the house when I got my camera out. They usually make a few nice things, then head outside, not caring that it was horridly cold out there. Of course, someone always slips into the creek and needs dry clothes, but it never stops them.

I really should plan more summer time craft days, where they can get out there and enjoy the woods when the weather is better.

Before the party, Sugarwings and I made chocolate dipped strawberries to serve, and I saved the plastic containers that the berries came in. Those were ideal for sending wet modelling compound cupcakes home in. Cars might have been muddy from the creek on the way home, but at least they didn't have any pink, fake icing all over them.

I can't say there wasn't any glitter drizzled into the seats, though…

My new water jug from Victorian Trading was ideal! I filled it with ice, poured cold water over it, and it was still chilly the next day.

The pottery really keeps the water cold.

For punch in the cut glass dispenser, I mixed white cranberry/strawberry juice with a couple cans of Sierra Mist. The night before, I froze cranberries in juice to make a giant, floating ice cube to slip into the punch. Very pretty, and tasty, but so easy to make.

I'm already looking forward to the next party.

A Recycled Gingerbread House Tradition, and a Home for the Fairies

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), fairies, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 21, 2015

We've had some nice weather this week. And Sugarwings has been here with me to share it. We took advantage of the break in the cold to deliver our Gingerbread house to the Fairy Berry trail.

It is now a home for the woodland fairies that live out in the woods behind the cottage.

Lucky little fay!

The dogs were happy to get out and explore too. You can hardly see them, they are as grey and brown as Kansas is in winter.

This week long break in the winter has been exactly what I needed. That and having my buddy around a lot, Sugarwings and I have had quite a bit of girl time. Nothing beats the January blahs like a ray of sunshine and a dose of little girl smiles.

I've also started some redos around the house. My son ripped up the carpet in the guest room and I gave the walls a fresh coat of sunny day blue. He will be laying a dark hickory floor for me, and then I get to fill the space back up, after shifting furniture from room to room and figuring out where I want to place what.

There is something about January that makes me want to shuffle my belongings and brighten up the house. I guess, at other times of the year, I'm outdoors a lot more. Being cooped up in January during the cold spells, after all the sparkle of the holidays is packed away, lends itself to redos.

Although, I do need to get into the studio… I've got to make prototypes for my Birdsong classes. If you'd like to come visit the Fairy Berry Trail yourself (when the grey days of winter are gone, and spring makes the woods inviting again), there are spaces available for Birdsong 5.

Project pics from me will be coming soon.

Cottage Garden Fence

cottage, Dew Drop, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 11, 2015

Way, way back, before the cold snap hit here in November, my son built us a new fence.

I had some very specific needs for it:

*The gate had to be on a spring, and swing closed so the grand fairies didn't let the dorkies out.*

*The gate had to be very lightweight, and it had to open easily, so those fairies could get in and out by themselves.*

*IT HAD TO BE PRETTY!!!!!!!!!! And if it looked like it belonged on a fairy tale cottage, that would be a big plus.*

The gate is under the deck off my husband's office, right outside my studio door. Here is a photo in process, where my son started wrapping vines around the posts. The top photo shows all the vines twisted into place. I plan on planting Clematis at the base of it, to fill in even more.

The metal filigree panel at the very top, under the deck, is a vintage one I had hanging around. The ones built into the fence and gate are from Hobby Lobby, and were on sale for 50% off. I love my son's idea for building them in.

The area outside of my studio is where the girls play most of the time. So, their Daddy made the fence feel like a play area instead of a barrier. He cut hearts into the wood so they could peek through.

And he drilled holes to pound marbles into, to give the space some sparkle. There are plans to add a lot more marbles later on, but while finishing up the fence, we were hit by a huge wave of cold air.

It was the weirdest thing, one minute, it was a beautiful fall day…. the next, a huge whirlwind of leaves blew over us, bringing temperatures about 10 degrees lower. From one minute to the next, the temps dropped. And then kept dropping. So, we were done working outdoors for a while.

At first, I was worried about the kitties, and wondered if a new fence would pen them in. Nope, they love it and spend a good part of the day running around on the top of it.

And now, our entire courtyard is fenced in. The place looks like a maze, with so many partitions and gates, but the dogs and chickens love it. There is a fence in the front yard, with a doggie door for the little fuzzballs. Then, there is a huge chicken run. And the side yard is fenced. Now the courtyard. All the gates can be opened to connect them, or only select areas can be left closed off. And then, there are extra gates big enough to drive a truck or 4 wheeler through if jobs need to be done in that part of the yard. And a gate that can connect our yard to the neighbor's yard so their dogs can come and play with our dogs.

It's kind of weird. But that is how my whole house is built too. All customized just to fit our needs. We will never be able to sell this odd conglomeration of mazes, doors, hallways, gates, fences. We are stuck here forever.

We don't mind though. We all kind of like it here.

Family Vacations aren’t always what you’d plan them to be

Dew Drop, family, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / January 5, 2015

Our trip to Texas wasn't exactly what we had hoped it would be. But it was filled with moments like this, and that is exactly what we wanted.

We packed up with excitement, hoping for 60 degree days. Knowing it would be too cold to swim, but planning on long afternoons reading on the beach while the girls played in the sand. And we were thrilled to be getting away from the deep freeze of Kansas.

But it was soooo cold in Texas, we were barely able to skiddaddle over a pier to get out to a restaurant on the water. We also had booked hotels with no indoor pools, so didn't have a sub for the sand.

Til we discovered that Schliterbahn water park was covered! We love the Schliterbahn in Kansas City and go every summer, so we thought that would be the perfect solution to battling the cold and it could save our vacation.

Once again, not exactly what we had expected. The place was draped in plastic sheeting and had heaters, but I wouldn't call it an indoor pool. And it was freezing that day, with winds coming through the gaps in the plastic. And with condensation from the heated pool that made big drips fall unexpectedly from the visqueen roof right down the back of your neck. Or into your drink. Or your iPad.

But there was a huge table of holiday crafts set up. The girls and I probably used enough glitter glue and pipe cleaners to make up for the ticket price to get in to the park that day. The grand fairies spent half their time crafting, and the rest in the heated kiddie pool. We were all too frozen to go elsewhere and ride the slides.

It ended up being a very fun day. I bundled up in a jacket, the littles stayed under water and kept warm, my husband and I sat in lounge chairs and watched them play. I heard that the raging river ride had artificial snow and was a lot of fun once you got used to the chill of the water temps, but I stayed bundled in three towels and a jacket and had my fun watching my little sprites enjoy themselves and make friends in the pool.

The park was decorated cute for the holidays, and they did their best, with themed activities and lots of space heaters. But the temps were about 20 degrees below average for that area for that time of year and I don't think the water park was meant to be used on days that cold. On a 55-60 degree day with sunshine heating up the plastic walls, it would probably be very nice. But I can't recommend it on a day in the 30s.

On our way home (all dry and warm thanks to "family dryers" that you all climb into and pay $3 to be blown dry together, pretty fun and the perfect end to a cold afternoon), we simply had to stop by the Gulf of Mexico for Dewdrop, who had never seen the ocean.

We ran as fast as we could, because it was about 40 and windy.

Because everyone knows that the happiness of being at the ocean, and plenty of giggling will keep you warm enough, temporarily at least, to visit the water.

And yes, the happiness and giggling worked.

At least for these two. They ignored the icy feelings and waded right in. Notice that there are no pics of ME doing that??? Nope, I didn't take off shoes or coat, or get too close. But I'm so happy that Dewdrop got to experience the waves.

And the sand.

And since they were wearing their Anna and Elsa jackets, they had to sing, "Do You Want to Build a Sandman?".

Because it was too cold to stay at the beach, we took them to the Rainforest Cafe, thinking that would be a real treat, but Dewdrop saw the flames shoot from the volcano on top of the building as I walked in to check on seating, and she thought for sure I'd met a certain death. So, a fun treat, became a torturous threat to her. Poor kiddo.

To make up for the lack of sunshine or warm weather in Galveston, we headed up to Grapevine and checked into Great Wolf Lodge.

Where Dewdrop fell in love with the "marshmallow bears."

And story time in the lobby.

Not to mention the constantly warm, 84 degree swimming area. Now THAT is an indoor pool! Not a space heater and plastic wrap sham of an outdoor pool pretending to be an indoor complex.

If we'd had any idea how well run, clean, friendly and wonderfully warm that place was, we'd have spent all of our vacation there. (and probably all of our money, it was not cheap for one night during the week between Christmas and New Years)

Sugarwings and I agreed that it was a lot like going to Disney. I thought it was interesting that she picked up on that. Great Wolf in Grapevine shares the same attention to detail and themes, plus caters to families and has the same welcoming service that Disney offers. It's of course, on a much smaller scale, but they sure do it right.

The lifeguards are attentive, the staff is constantly cleaning, picking up wet towels, smiling, and working hard. I can't recommend it enough.

Over the years, we've had plenty of vacation mishaps. Record cold in the Bahamas, a back thrown out in Florida, the flu on a cruise ship, and other small issues that could ruin a trip.

And of course, on every trip, there are always these moments too.

But it is the special, sweet moments on a trip that stay in your heart. While the mishaps just become funny stories that your family tells and retells over the years. Vacations aren't much different than every day life, just in a different location (and cost a bit more)

And when you have hugs like this, life is pretty good, no matter where you are.

Thank you so much to Christee, Caike, and Adam for letting us have this time with their tiny fairies. It was so nice of them to let us take them along.

Sparkly, happy, rainbow feet- a Pinterest fail, but still fun

how to's, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2014

At the end of the summer, I found these canvas Mary Janes in the clearance bin at a craft store for a couple bucks. I kept thinking I'd turn them into something arty and wonderful, but realized that Sugarwings was going to outgrow them before I got around to it.

So, I turned them over to her. I'd seen a Pinterest pic of a tee shirt rainbow done with Sharpies and alcohol, so thought we'd try that.

It was a big deal for her, because she isn't usually allowed near a Sharpie. Permanent markers and 8 year olds rarely are a good mix.

We used a dropper for the rubbing alcohol, and it only took about a 1/4 cup or less for both shoes. We realized that the marker wasn't bleeding as much as we liked, so we scribbled in more yellow here and there. Yellow is a nice color for blending when you are creating a rainbow effect.

The silver marker did nothing. No bleeding at all. Maybe it faded a bit, but it wasn't the best color to use for a tie dye look.

But it was nice for her lettering, the words, "Love" both stayed legible, but the pink hearts melted away.

I washed them alone in the machine with hot, sudsy water and they a bit faded. I just hope they didn't shrink. Kids' feet grow fast, and I've had these around a while. It would be too bad if they were already too small.

Still, it was a fun project, and I think we will try it on some other things. One problem we did have was with the alcohol burning a small ouchie on her hand, so she asked me to handle the dropper for her. I doubt if a band aid would prevent that, but gloves might for next time.

Now, we probably need to add some glitter fabric paint before she wears these, doncha think?

Our Christmas

Dew Drop, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 27, 2014

Sugarwings and her mommy spent the night with us on Christmas Eve, so we had her here when she woke up to find what Santa had brought to her.

And to check and see if he'd found the cookies she'd made for him the day before. (Yes, and speaking for the jolly, old guy, I have to say, they were YUMMY!)

We do our family party on Christmas Eve. It's a day of hanging out, baking, dinner, and then opening gifts together.

Mid-afternoon, we realized that we had no cookies to leave out that night! Oh my! So, we all chipped in to mix, roll, cut, bake and decorate a giant batch of sugar cookies and a small batch of gluten/dairy free ones too.

I discovered that almond meal is perfect for dusting the table to roll out the gluten free ones. I'm not a fan of most of the flours used in that kind of baking, and if you dust with them, the cookies aren't very good. Almond flour was ideal, plus it gave a nutty flavor to the goodies.

Making cookies at the last minute set us behind a little on our dinner. So, the prime rib got into the oven a bit late, then just would NOT cook. It was taking forever, we started in on gifts and decided to open a few before we ate.

So we had some back and forth, checking on dinner and opening pressies. Till we realized that the hunk of meat was going to be in the oven way, way too late, and we might still be waiting to eat, with Santa sitting up on the roof waiting for us to get tucked in so he could come on down.

We went into high gear, slicing up the giant slab of prime rib, and turned it into rib eye steaks, while my husband fired up the grill (in the dark, on a 30 degree night).

I was glad he did because, man, were those good, and grilled to perfection!

My son sauteed a few pounds of mushrooms with eggplant and golden beets, and I'd baked a layered red beet, asparagus, and rainbow carrot casserole. Along with that, we had smashed potatoes with garlic aoli sauce and panko crumbs. Plus fresh, homemade rolls, and canned green beans from Aunt Jenny's garden.

No one minded waiting, it was delicious, and a big group effort.

And soon, we were right back into the fray. Leftovers were popped in the fridge, the table was cleared, and dishes were piled up to do later, getting those packages open was much more important.

We like to open one gift at a time, with everyone getting to watch and enjoy seeing what the other person got. That way, there is time for modelling and admiring the presents too.

And plenty of time for hugs and thank yous.

We are all about the hugs around here.

See what I mean?

I hope there was lots of love in your day too.

For the rest of the week, my husband and I are loading up these two fairies and driving south till we find some sunshine. It's an impromptu trip and who knows what we will find on our "maventure" as Dewdrop calls it.

Our adventures have been nonstop for the holiday, and it is very exciting that they are still ongoing.

Last week, we saw "Mary Poppins" at the local theater the same day that we attended a "Santa Splash" at the indoor aquatic center. Along with all of the other parties and plans, it has been one fun event after another for about a month of Christmassing. A little vacation is just what I need to rest up from all of the celebrating that I've been whooping it up with since Thanksgiving.

Between being on the go all of the time with holiday happenings, buying and wrapping gifts, shipping packages like crazy (by the way, thank you for all the shopping at my Boutique and Etsy store!!), being sick for months, (I'm finally done coughing, it was a Christmas miracle), redoing the bedroom (pictures to come of the new look) and everyday life, the beach is sounding pretty good right now. I hear it will be too chilly to swim in the Gulf, but I'm happy with playing in the sand.

There are new pre-posted blogs upcoming, so please do check back. And have a great new year!