Sugarwings – Page 12 – Karla's Cottage

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

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!

Merriest of Christmasses to you!

Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2014

I hope you are having a lovely holiday!

Full of hugs…

Special moments…

New traditions…

Special treats…

Silly times and laughter…

And love.

Merry Christmas from all of us, here at the cottage!

A Holiday Party for my Bookclub and some JOY

cottage, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 16, 2014

"Merry" used to be my favorite word this time of year.

But now, I kind of like "JOY."

It is this silly elf's middle name and that has made it my favorite seasonal word.

Plus, we could all use all the joy we can get.

I hadn't planned on Sugarwings being here for book club, but her daddy had a chance to go camping with his buddies. (Even though it was going to be EIGHTEEN DEGREES THAT NIGHT!!!!!!)

So, I picked her up after school, and we ran some errands, then came home to foof up the house for the party. She was glad to help, but I was worried about her being on her own all evening while I entertained.

She had no problem with it and was excited to dress up like an elf to greet the guests (she is all about the costume, no matter what the occasion is)

I set up a table of crafts in my bedroom in front of a TV full of holiday shows to watch on the DVR. First of all, she never gets to craft in the bedroom in front of the TV, and take food in there too. Double forbidden fun.

Of course, there was some hot cocoa spilled on the chair, but hey, why use slip covers if you don't plan on pulling them off to wash them?

I guess these photos are pretty similar to the previous post, showing the dining room all set up for a party. But since this is an evening gathering and that was a luncheon, maybe they are different enough to show?

I love to use lots of twinkly lights when I have a party. The ones on the table are wrapped on gold branches and are battery operated. (bought on clearance after Christmas last year, 75% off)

I've added lots of layers of table clothes, and some lights under the table too. This time, I have vintage curtains as a table skirt and the string of lights show more. Usually, I have a regular table cloth draped to the floor, and get a softer glow. But this look is kind of fun too.

I chose the wine for the pretty labels. And it was good, too, and very affordable. It's nice to find a tasty wine under ten bucks.

I kept the food simple, like brie sprinkled with rosemary and wrapped in puff pastry, with a side of fig jelly and crackers. That is one of the easiest things to ever make, but sure looks special.

Another trick I have for elevating an ordinary dish is to, well, elevate the dish.

Here, I've set a compote of chicken salad on a plate, and set that on a cake plate, making three levels.

This compote full of dip makes this veggie tray more interesting than it would've been if I'd had it served on an actual tray. And lining the bowl with ruffly kale made it prettier too.

The three vases of flowers (left over from my last party) are also on different levels. I turned a bowl upside down to set one vase on to lift it up.

The cheesecake is a regular cheesecake, but I added a hand full of chopped pecans to the graham cracker crust, and then mixed in some of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Carmel Sauce into the batter. When it was done baking, I drizzled a little more on top.

One thing I should have done was to take some leaves out of the table, but I can't do it by myself and my husband was out of town. There is too much space between the dishes. since it was a small gathering, I didn't have a ton of food out, and it was spread out a bit too much to look its best. But that is just nit picking, huh? I doubt if my friends were gossiping about how much space I'd left between bowls…

For party favors, I made tiny, glittered books out of vintage papers. I'll have a mini how-to coming up soon if you want to make some yourself.

Letting down the kiddos

Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 3, 2014

We have the sweetest, most forgiving, grand fairies. I let them down, big time, by forgetting an important item on our Holiday To Do List.

We have BIG plans for the holiday season this year. I want to do something special every week of December with them. (these gold flecked sugarplum dresses will be getting a workout for this month)

Between holiday crafts, gingerbread house building, and cocoa parties, we are also going to Breakfast with Santa at Lionsgate Country Club, to the Lawrence Community Theater's showing of Mary Poppins, and to see Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer at the Coterie Theater in Crown Center, plus the Festive of Trees, and some other fun outings.

One item on the list that I'm really looking forward to is following a map of holiday lights around town.

But, do to a major effing-up on my part, our schedule of fun events didn't get off to a smooth start. The girls and I talked all week about going to see Rudolf. Then the night before we planned to go, I discovered that my tickets were for that day,not the next.

Yep, missed it.

But see Dewdrop's sad face? That isn't about the play. She simply gets tired of too many hugs sometimes… and Sugarwings is a full on, heavy duty, non stop hugger.

Those girls were soooooooo sweet when I explained that I'd made a huge mistake on the date and we missed the show we were looking forward to. I didn't hear one single complaint, and no tears fell down cheeks. I was so pleased and proud to know how understanding and appreciative they are. We do a lot of fun activities together, but if I thought they were acting like spoiled brats over these outings, we sure wouldn't be doing them.

It is good to see that my grands are big hearted and that they felt bad for me because I was sad about mixing up the dates. Neither of them felt bad for themselves. (So of course, I felt even worse about my major mistake!)

So, we decided to find some fun out there some where and headed to Kansas City, even though we were not visiting with our favorite ruby nosed deer.

Those little fairy girls didn't care where we went, they were thrilled to wear their new gowns (from Ross Dress for Less for only $18 each) and hang with the old folks for the day. Especially hanging with ole Mr. Claus.

He is set up at Crown Center in Crayola''s Santaland, with lots of giant crayons to climb on.

And a little crayon house to twirl in.

We went out to lunch, walked around the mall, (where neither one even asked for a toy) and did crafts at the Crayola store. Then, later a movie. All in all, a fantastic day.

( this is the photo before doctoring on picmonkey, where I used bokah stars to lighten it, wrinkle remover to take out the background, eye tint to remove the last bit of fuscia from Sugarwings' hair, eye tint to soften the banner and the red lights, plus some snow.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

celebrations, Dew Drop, fairies, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm hoping that as you read this, my house is all decked and my turkey is roasting in the oven. But for now (I write these posts ahead of time) I can just day dream of juicy turkey and all the trimmings while thinking about what I'm thankful for. And hoping to get time to get the tree out and the 6 overflowing boxes of sparkling goodies piled onto it….

While the furniture is moved around to make space for the upcoming tree, we decided to take advantage of the space and have a dance party. I looped a strand of rope lights around the room, gathered up the grand fairies, and hit the button on what my husband thinks is the world's most annoying toy.

It's loud, it's obnoxious, and WE LOVE IT. That is, the girls and I. Not so much their grandfather. But he will dance with us. I bought it for half price and with a 30% coupon off that price at Kohls. And I think the ten bucks is a much better investment than the two year gym membership that I bought. This little machine is a big workout.

We are learning to dance, "North Pole Style." Here I am shovelling snow. We also get to chase snowflakes and catch them on our tongue, go ice fishing, jiggle like Santa's tummy, and plenty more cool dance moves.

(I bought these slinky,fuzzy jammies at the same 50% off, then 30% off sale at Kohls, and have been very popular with Dewdrop when I wear them. She thinks I am some sort of a human stuffed animal and won't stop petting me.)

I think she is pretty snuggly too.

Enjoy your turkey and your thanking. I know I have a lot of things to be thankful for.

And if you are in the mood to get ready for the holidays, I have some kits available (with more to come).

I'm calling these Tart Tin Tassels.

Both kits are available in the Boutique.

Along with these fairy kits from Birdsong. Wouldn't they make adorable Elves on Shelves???

I'm doing that with one of them this year.

I'm also planning to fill a silver tree with them.

Or if you'd prefer to buy something ready to go instead of making it, I've got one ornie listed in the Etsy shop and hope to get more up soon.

Also, I have seats left in my Romantic White Christmas workshop at the studio on Friday Dec. 5. Maybe I'll see you in Lawrence??

A Fabulous Fall

Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / October 28, 2014

Around our house, princess frocks and fairy get ups are daily clothes. But the grand fairies still wanted to wear their pink ball gowns to some Halloween parties.

Our Hippy Chick and I both fancied up too. I was a white witch, she was a pixie.

My costume makes more sense with the hat, right?

We headed to the annual Ghost and Giggles party at Lions Gate Country Club.

Where Sugarwings was chosen from the audience to be Lulu the Clown's helper, and insisted that her baby sister come along.

It made my night to see her share the props for the magic trick. Since Dewdrop wasn't officially part of the show, there weren't enough glasses to go around.

It;s good to have a big sis to watch out for you and share.

We had a hay rack ride, games, a clown show, with balloon animals, and of course, great food. I always love the menus at Lions Gate.

It has been the most lovely fall. My flowers are blooming like crazy, tomatoes are still ripening on the vines, and we've had one party after another.

The city of Lawrence sponsored an Enchanted Forest at the nature center with woodland characters along a trail through the woods, and ponies to pet when your walk ended.

It was only $3 to attend and everything there was as cute as can be.

This was one of my favorite characters, a bald eagle in a giant nest, who had a bucket for kids throw stuffed fish into. There was also a Big Bad Wolf roaming the trails, challenging all the kids to a howling contest.

I think I might have won. Dewdrop and I both had a pretty good howl, though.

Afterwards, we had a little gathering to watch the Royals. I'm not a sports fan myself, but my husband sure is.

When I arrived in Florida for my sister trip, the shuttle driver who took me to my rental car asked where I'd flown in from. I told him, and he said, "Kansas City! That is HOT right now" I told, him, no, it was warmer in Florida. He spent the rest of the drive lecturing me on having some pride in my local team.

So, on the shuttle ride back to the airport at the end of my trip, when I ended up with the same shuttle driver and he asked where I was going, I went along with Kansas City being HOT and didn't bother to mention I hadn't noticed.

My husband sure noticed. He is loving the Royals. So, I fixed him a special meal, for his little get together and even wrote "K C R" on the pastry wrapped, rosemary brie, with rosemary leaves.

While I'm loving every minute of the fall parties, perfect weather, and cute costumes, I'll leave the sports watching to him.

But I did eat my share of the baked brie.

I hope that your Halloween week is an enchanting one too.

With lots of laughs.

Plenty of silliness.

And time to slow down and enjoy watching the leaves float down from the trees before you have to start raking them all up.

Kittens and corn

Dew Drop, family, kitties, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / October 24, 2014

We have not had the best luck with kitties lately. Poor Terrance Snowball disappeared. Our other cat, was distressed and lonely, so we got a kitten for her (and for Dewdrop, who is a major cat person),

Dewdrop named her Cocoa and loved her. Then, one morning, I woke up to find the tiny baby dead. We don't know why. I was able to maneuver Sugarwings out the door, and off to school without seeing the body, so that we could sit down and talk about it later, not right before class started.

When Dewdrop and I went to the pumpkin patch, she had spent a lot of time holding this kitty with the pumpkin colored eyes and heart shaped nose. So, I called Pendleton's Country Market to see if they had any kittens available and found out that this kitty was looking for a home.

Sugarwings and I took a trip out to the country to get the new cat, and of course, spent some time playing while there.

Her favorite part was the corn bath. It was an extra large horse tank filled with shucked kernels, and she couldn't get enough of it.

First of all, it is great for jumping in.

And you can bury yourself in it, roll in it, or just sit back and enjoy it.

I played in there for a long time with her, but got a bit itchy after a while. She was enthralled and stayed about an hour.

I'm afraid I got a bit slap happy while she dwaddled in the vat of corn.

I was finally able to coax her out by mentioning the slingshot. This place is a year round, working farm, not just a pumpkin patch. Farmer John culls the veggies that are going bad from the good stuff he takes to market and has the bad ones in baskets by the sling shot, so that you can test your skills in flinging rotten apples or eggplants.

There were some issues with getting the cat into our carrier, but all in all it was a great day. And Dewdrop has named her new kitty, Pumpkin Pie. She remembered her from the previous trip there and was thrilled ot see her.

Her little heart is broken over losing Terrance and Cocoa, but having Pumpkin Pie to snuggle has helped. I hope this sweet kitty is here to stay, and is still around for ages like our previous, old barn cat. It hasn't been easy to go through this revolving door of kittens for the last couple of years, after having the same old tom for over a decade.

Wish us luck, please. And Pumpkin Pie too, she probably needs it more than we do.

Kansas City Renfest 2014

fairies, family, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 10, 2014

The mermaids at the Renfest have a new grotto. Last year, they were plopped into a sad tank of water.

Now, they have a magical pond along a woodland trail.

Complete with a treasure chest filled with baubles to share with princesses who come to call.

As always, the Renfest provides the perfect backdrop for Sugarwings' fertile imagination. It is a beautiful location in a hilly wooded area, with a fairy tale village amidst the trees.

With fairies to meet.

Who like to frolic with guests.

And queens who love to dance with with visiting royalty.

We spent a lot of time playing a board game with the hand blown glass marbles.

And visiting the livestock.

This pony was named Sugar. That seemed to be a good fit.

I'm afraid I didn't catch the name of this lady.

Poor Sugarwings always ends up poisoned by some bad apple, every where we go.

Luckily, she felt better and was able to have a turkey leg for dinner.

Her Daddy was there, selling hand made magic wands and alchemy pendants.

In his free time, he and Miss Tree did some acrobatic yoga.

Sugarwings joined in.

I did not. But I did share the turkey leg.

There was dancing around the maypole too.

And pirate wenches in pink.

The only thing missing? Little Dewdrop. I hope to get a chance to take her this year too. She and Sugarwings have matching gowns, and she is just dying for a chance to rock hers too. (These pink gowns are from TJ Max and only $29 each. What a steal. Knowing Dewdrop, she will be wearing hers nonstop till it looks more like the "before" version of Cinderella's dress instead of the one the fairy godmother gives her.)

Sugarwings' dress already is heading that way….