Sugarwings – Page 26 – Karla's Cottage

At Disney

By Karla Nathan / January 24, 2011

So much has happened since the new year, that I haven't had a chance to show you our Disney pictures. You didn't think you were going to escape a doting grammie's photos of her baby on vacation did you?

Sugarwings was thrilled to meet some of her favorites, Mirry Pippins (as she calls her) was way up on the top of her list of great movies, so this was a real treat for her.

And of course any one who wants to hear "Alice in Wonderland" read to her over and over can't miss meeting the White Rabbit. We were walking through the park as he was making his way to the spot set up for him to meet kids and when she spied him, she took off following him just like Alice did. Luckily, there were no big holes for her to fall into.

This was a moment when we could have used Mary Poppin's nanny skills, because Sugarwings saw no reason to stand in a line to give this rabbit a hug. She was determined to get right to him.

One character that she really wanted to meet, was not there. But it looks like there are plans for a Little Mermaid attraction to be built soon. And Ariel was featured in a 3D movie that we saw multilple times. At each showing, Sugarwings had to call out, "Hi Ariel!!!!!"

We got to the park early and it wasn't too crowded yet. It was nice to explore a bit and let our fairy princess run about. Once the place filled up, we had to keep her close. She likes to run, though, so we found a playground in Toon Town for her to play in for a while.

She made a few friends there, mostly boys. She was wearing her dress over her head part of the time and asking boys if they would marry her. I think she thought the filmy net of her skirt felt like a bridal veil.

I hope this isn't how she plans on meeting her prince charming someday…

We ended up carrying her through most of the park. She spent a lot of the day on her Pop Pop's shoulders. I took a few turns of holding her too. It made me not feel as bad about missing time at the gym to haul her 30 pounds around for a few hours.

Plus, I love any excuse to cuddle her.

We only spent one day at the Magic Kingdom, and two nights at the hotel. I think that if we go again, we'll take a bit more time to explore. Saying goodbye wasn't easy for me. I had waaaaayyy too much fun!

At the Gunkles/ 40% off in the Boutique/ and a May Day announcement

celebrations, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / January 7, 2011

Any trip we make to Florida has to include a visit to the Gunkles. (Gay Uncles) They have a home filled with magical decor, vintage treasures, sweet puppies, and lots of love.

Plus great food and laughter!

The guys are such good cooks, we never take them out to dinner as a thanks for having us stay with them. Instead we get fresh seafood for them to fix for us. This time lobster! Last time we were there, we had lobster tail on the grill with some fish too. When Sugarwings saw it cooking, she asked what the fish was and Gunkle Kevin told her it was flounder. So, she looked at the lobster tail and asked if that was Ariel.

Gunkle Randy sets up elegant dining in the back garden. This year, they'd had a freeze and told us that it looked awful. To me, they were wrong, any time there is something blooming and some green left in January, its quite beautiful to me! Plus the layout and design of the yard is so interesting and full of little surprises stashed amidst the plants. Its always a treat to sit out in the gunkle's garden.

Even better when there is a big plate of fresh seafood in front of me.

He makes a mean mac and cheese too. With chopped peppers, onions, white wine and dijon.

This little guy didn't care for Sugarwings, but the other dogs cuddled up to her. Bella, the Bichon especially took a liking to her.

So much so, that the two girls decided to draw with markers on each other's heads. Well, at least that was Sugarwing's story. That Bella drew on her head too. They both did it to each other.

We'd brought WASHABLE markers that were supposed to be invisible unless used on the special Color Wonder paper that came with them, but the Crayola company needs to change the label to say that the colors will show up on dog fur too. And that they don't wash out. At least not all the way.

Just ask Yella Bella.

Ollie managed to avoid any of the marker play. He's not a puppy like Bella, he was interested but kept his distance while the two girls drew on each other.

One of the best things about the garden was the fruit trees.

Nothing tastes better than fresh orange juice and lemon-aide that you get to make yourself.

I ate way too much good stuff while staying there. After the holiday treats and the vacation food, I'm afraid to wash my jeans. You know, how you wear them a couple days and they stretch out to fit nice and comfy, but if you wash them, they shrink up and become way, way too tight? It might be a while before I can wash mine again, if I want them to zip.

Christmas goodies were everywhere we went on the trip. And decorations were still up all over. I was so glad that Randy and Kevin still had theirs up, they have such a flair with decorating, and their house is so festive.

Its extra special to get to be at a family member's home while it is all decked for the season.

Although, I am sick of my own holiday foof and ready to see it go, I loved being at my bro's home and seeing his.

When I got home from the trip, I walked into a house still overflowing with not only my Christmas decor, but the holiday mess from opening gifts and having lots of company. I didn't have a chance to clean before I left, and it was a shock to come home to such clutter after staying at Randy and Kevin's perfectly clean and decorated house.

(all of these photos are from their lovely home)

Not only was my house messy, it was dusty and just felt deserted. I vowed to never go out of town and leave a dirty house behind again. Its worth the extra effort to pick up and spiff a bit before leaving. The end of a vacation is sad enough without being depressed about coming back to an unwelcoming house.

And it hasn't helped that my furnace bit the dust while I was gone. The house was freezing cold too. There is a repairman here now, and I've got my fingers crossed that its a simple repair and that we'll have some heat soon.

Luckily, the studio has a separate furnace, so I'm staying out here till the main part of the house warms up. Its a good excuse to avoid cleaning it or taking down the Christmas decorations too. I'm not ready to face all of that yet.

So,I'm hanign out in the warm and toasty studio and I'm slowly but surely packing up all the purchases made during my BIG clearance sale. Thanks so much for shopping with me!

I'm going to extend the sale for a few more days. If you want anything for 40% off in the Boutique, please use this link to go there to shop.

There are big plans for redoing my Boutique and the less I have in it, the easier it will be to redo. I'll be making new labels and categories, so will be starting from scratch.

I'm also working on setting up the sale site for my "Bird Song" art gathering on May Day weekend. I've had lots of inquiries and promise to have the sign ups ready soon. Sadly, we've lost Dawn of the Feathered Nest, she had to drop out as a teacher.

But, the timing was good for asking my friend, Debbie Dusenberry to join in her place. Her fabulous store, Curious Sofa, is closing this weekend, and she will be branching out into different ventures (and you can still shop online with her). I'm so thrilled that she agreed to do a class at my workshop!!!!

Things are really hectic for her at the moment, so I told her not to worry about photos of her project yet, just a YES was all I needed from her. I have a feeling that anyone who signs up for the classes will agree with me. We'll all be happy to learn from her, no matter what she teaches!

Thanks for all of your interest. Its going to be the BEST, with Lisa and Carol as teachers too, I'm feeling pumped about the weekend!! Plus, Beth and Mary Green will be setting up vintage goodies for sale.

As soon as I get project ideas settled and menus priced, I'll open it up for enrollment.

Hiccups, glitches, and bumps in the road on the way

family, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / January 6, 2011

We're back! What a trip. Not everything went as planned, but all was good. Sometimes you just have to roll with it and let it all turn out which every topsy turvey way it will.

No matter how carefully you plan the details, life happens and changes develop. There is no use pouting or being sad. Instead we looked for the good parts and made the most of them.

On the first leg of our journey, our free hotel room disappeared and we had to stay elsewhere. We found a room nearby at a good price, and it was fine, just not the freebie, 4 bedroom guest house at the ritzy country club we thought we'd have. But the friends we met up with and the fun we had made up for any inconveniences along the way.

Then, in Hilton Head, where these shots were taken, our ocean view room disappeared too. We stayed at a great resort and were able to get a half price room, but we had a roof top view instead. Our plans of tucking the fairy in early and toasting the New Year while sitting on the patio,sipping wine, and watching the ocean didn't happen.

But Sugarwing's comment about the ugly view of hotel roof tops and parking lots as far as the eye could see- "Why would anyone do this to our world??" was so funny and heartfelt that it will be 1,000,000 times more memorable than any glimpse of the ocean that we could have had.

And the hotel was still on the beach. The weather was chilly, but that didn't stop Sugarwings from running headlong right to the waves as soon as she saw the water.

If we'd stayed in a room facing the water instead, I might have missed that awed look on her face as she walked over the hill toward the beach and saw the Atlantic waiting for her.

While the weather wasn't perfect, it was plenty good for a Kansan, and good enough for me to decide that there is no place better to be on New Years Day than a misty beach with my fairy grand baby!

I think this little sprite agreed with me.

We'd packed a portable DVD player and a stack of movies for her to watch during the driving parts of the trip, and it stopped working as soon as we turned it on. So, I pulled out my magic phone, looked up children's DVD players online, and then found the closest place was to buy one, and 15 minutes later, she was engrossed in the adventures of Pooh and Piglet, and we were only out $99.

Which, if you've ever travelled with a 4 year old drama princess, you will understand that is a small price to pay for her entertainment. And the sanity of the adults in the car.

Her only souvenir from Disney World was a balloon, she isn't a child who demands anything or needs to shop. When we took her to the Disney store in our Orlando hotel, she ran straight to the coloring books and crayons set out for kids to play with and was content to make pictures. No thought at all about the merchandise around her.

And one of her favorite things at Disney was chasing bubbles in the dark.

I think she has her priorities straight in life. So, I don't think it hurts to spoil her a bit by treating her to a new pink princess DVD player.

My husband's vacation got cut short and at our Baltimore layover on the flight back, he rented a car to drive to VA to work. I flew the rest of the way with Sugarwings on my own and was so happy to have that "princess computer" as she called it. Although she was perfectly happy pretending that the seat belt was a snake and my fingers were baby snakes, I am old, tired and was ready for a break. The DVD player was much more important to me than to her.

Disney, and all of the rest of the trip was fun, but it was the little things that were the best about the trip. Laughing with family, visiting friends, watching the joy in Sugarwing's face as she fed the seagulls from this restaurant in St. Augustine.

Yep, feeding pigeons and seagulls meant as much or more to her than any ride at Disney. Here is a couple seconds long clip of her laughing at the birds. See what I mean? Kids know that its not what you spend, its what you do that counts.

To and From

holiday decor, show and tell, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 5, 2011

Before going to Florida, I whipped up a couple gifts to take along. I needed a hosting gift for my baby bro and his husband for having us stay with them, plus a Christmas gift for both of the guys.

This year, they lost their darling Tilly, who had been their baby for many years. They've adopted a new Bichon, named Belle, so I made up a Belle fairy box for them.

I covered a wooden box from the craft store in this vintage dictionary paper printed with butterflies (a gift from Mary) since the guys raise butterflies in their garden.

Its topped with a tiny Bichon figurine that I added wings to. She is nestled in moss by a couple of mushrooms I made from paper clay and a mini bottle brush tree.

The arch is a wire, bent over and poked through the top of the box, then twisted under the lid to stay in place. It was then covered in millinery, a sparkled branch cut from a garland, and a vintage bumble bee brooch.

Another box was covered in vintage paper and topped with a snowman head. I'd made a dozen of these heads up for Christmas Dinner Craft Hour at my home, but the night became so chaotic, that no one had a chance to sit and play with me. I guess I'll save the heads for next year.

But for now, I thought my little brother, Randy would enjoy one. His husband, Kevin gets a foofed tree.

Its fun to have gay brothers, they love the things I make more than anyone else!!

I go the idea for this little guy from my buddy, Dawn. She makes the BEST stuff!

I know I'm a bit late with Christmas goodies, but these guys decorate their home big time and will certainly get use out of both of these.

This tree is a gift for my pal, Angie. We didn't meet up before the holiday, but I can see her setting out this pink frothy tree for Valentine's too, can't you?

I'll take her to lunch too. Something to look forward to after getting back from our Grand Adventure to Disney! Planning a day out with a buddy will help with that after Christmas/post holiday let down.

While away on the trip, I'll be meeting up with Suzanne and Jenn. So, I made them a couple of Frozen Charlotte fairy brooches.

I just love these 1" little dolls! They are so dainty and sweet, they just HAVE to become fairies.

And this is not from me, its to me. From the talented Miss Sandy! What a nice surprise when Beth brought it over. Sandy sent one to each of us in a box to Beth. I chose this one because 5 is my lucky number. (my birthday is 5-5-58, and it would be even better if I was born 3 years earlier, but then, I'd be three years achey-er and tired-er)

My good friend, Kim, sent a Fairyopolis book for Sugarwings and me to share. Its got this great pop-up in the back, and we have really enjoyed exploring all the details.

Sugarwings also got a package filled with fairy friends to share with her baby sister and Pixie Pie.

They brought lots of giggles with them. Thanks, Marilou!

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

Happiest of holidays!

celebrations, fairies, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 3, 2011

What happens when two little cousins get matching ballerina dresses for Christmas?

Well, they are asked to pose for a picture, of course.

But soon, they just can't contain their happiness about the new outfits…

And the dancing begins!

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

A year in pictures part two

Books, celebrations, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 1, 2011

This is the book that I made for our Hippy Chick from all of my favorite 2010 images of her and Sugarwings.

Before I wrapped it up, Sugarwings wanted me to "read" it to her over and over. Of course, being the drama queen that she is, she loves any story that she is the star of.

And if she is a princess in the story, even better!

And combining princess crowns with fairy clothes, just about makes her giddy with happiness.

Still, I think what she liked about this book was that it was a story of her and her mommy and things they had fun doing this year.

Happy New Year! I wish for you a year filled with hugs from people that you love!

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

We believe!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2010

Was Santa good to you too?

We had the best Christmas morning ever, even though it was a couple of days after Christmas….

Sugarwings and her mommy stayed all night after the big family dinner on Sunday, and Santa came to see us that night. Apparently, he came by my house on Christmas Eve, but Sugarwings was not here, so he came back another day.

Kids are happy with any story that you tell them, as long as it ends in them getting presents.

He brought her a new art table, and lots of supplies. Plus, the little girl who sang "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" a few hundred times a day, got the game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.

I had it when I was a kid, and it is every bit as much fun now as it was then. We sat on the floor and played it for quite a while before even opening the other gifts. She was so sweet and cute with her presents. Just one would have been plenty for her. She was happy to sit and play with the first thing she opened and seemed surprised that there was more.

I think she was more fascinated by Santa's empty cookie plate than by the gifts themselves.

She also got a fairydoll that lights up with a pretty rainbow glow. It will be just perfect to play with on the airplane when we go to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, that gift is for me. I get to take my Sugarwings to Disney. She is the perfect age to go, she is in her princess prime. She believes.

Her parents are very anti-commercialism, but love me and indulged my whim to take her there. They know that I love princesses and fairies as much as their little girl does.

We are staying at the park itself for two nights, and I can hardly wait. I've told Sugarwings that we are going, but she doesn't really get it. She does like the idea of taking an airplane trip with us. When I went to DC, she was heartbroken to be left behind. And being 4 years old, plus very dramatic, when she says her heart is broken, she MEANS it.

So, this time, we are cashing in the Southwest airline points and taking her along. One of the great things about SW Airlines is that you can fly into one city, rent a car, travel around and fly home from another city for no extra cost. So, we are hop scotching our way across the South.

We're going to Atlanta first to meet up with friends, then driving to Savanah for cupcakes on our way to stay at Hilton Head for a night. Then on to my baby brother and his husband's house in Jacksonville before our couple of nights in Orlando. Lots of driving time for a 4 year old, but she travels well with us.

Sugarwings is not a low key type kid, but when she gets one on one time, she is a joy to be around. Now, if I try to do something that doesn't involve her, things can get complicated.

We are meeting up with Jenn and her fairy Vivie. I'm hoping that our little Tasmanian Devil won't scare that sweet little Southern Belle away…. We are having lunch with them and with my pal Suzanne who lives in Atlanta too. And my husband has given up a round of golf to come along and help with Sugarwings so I can chat with my friends who I rarely see.

She is a wonderful, sweet, loving, caring child, but she can be a handful. There is just way too much personality to fit in that tiny little body of hers, so sometimes we have to do tag team child care with her. One person can't always manage alone in public. She has a way of going off into a land that only she can see and doesn't hear anything that is said to her.

Sugarwings and I are so close because I understand her and can find her when she goes off into her make believe world. But if I am distracted, she has trouble dealing with it. So, bringing my husband along will help.

A week is a long time to be away from my other babies, all the grand kids and the dorkies. I have a feeling I'll be homesick about half way through the trip. But then, we'll hit Disney World and that will get me over it!

Not only did I get a trip to Disney for Christmas, I also got this pretty pillow/wall hanging.

Beth made it for me. Look at the detail in the embroidery!

My oldest son gave me some candles, which is his standard gift. He keeps me supplied for every holiday and has it timed just right, so that I run out just as the next occasion arrives.

Mr. Zen, Sugarwing's Daddy, found me an old fashioned pop corn popper along with some organic coconut oil and local popcorn for it. I tried some of the corn he makes with his and have not had microwave popcorn once since then. YUM I was thrilled with his gift!

Yep, my family and friends know me well and spoiled me rotten. I know I say it a lot, but its true, I am very lucky!

My talented son, made wire wrapped charms for all the kids in the family, this one went to his brother RyGuy. There was a lot of hand made and heart felt gifting going on around here, the best kind of presents! I hope your Christmas was a jolly one too, with gifts from the heart and lots of family time.

Frazzled, but happy

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 26, 2010

Agnes Rosebud and I are almost worn to a frazzle by Christmas. But not quite yet, two parties left to go! We'll have to muster some cheer and hang on to that last frazzle of strength to get us through.

Looking at Sugarwings' happy little face is usually all it takes for me. Although a nap doesn't sound bad… I wouldn't mind curling up on the pillow with the pup.

Ever notice, that no matter how soft the surface is, whether it is a couch or a bed, or a chair- that a little dog will always climb up on a pillow or blanket that is lying there? Like the sofa itself isn't quite soft enough, they need a pillow too.

Tonight is our dinner for 21, which is a pitch in meal, so should be easy to make. I'm keeping it simple so I can relax and enjoy the company. I'm still making a few gifts in the studio, then need to re-fluff the space into a dining room. But I'll leave an area set aside for artwork, while dinner is cooking, we'll be making projects out there.

So far, its been the loveliest weekend, ever. Even if I am worn out by all of Sugarwing's excitment and energy. She has stayed all night with us a few nights this week, but tonight is the one when Santa is coming to our house. Her mommy is having a sleepover here too. We are making pancakes again in the morning, along with a salmon quiche after we see what Santa has brought.

Friday morning, we took our fairy grand baby to the restaurant that her Daddy cooks at part time while he is trying to build up his massage/energy work business. Since he had to work on Christmas Eve, we thought we'd come to see him and eat our breakfast there.

Sugarwings ordered a strawberry pancake and her father surprised her with a Santa face on it.

Its the happy little fun details that have made this Christmas so wonderful. Cuddling up to watch Rudolf, painting each other's noses red just like our favorite deer's nose, having a hot cocoa party every night before bed, drawing pictures with a pen shaped like Frosty. Nothing that costs much, but lots of happy Holiday things to do together.

The last few days, an elf has come in to our home and hidden her candy cane that she needs for stirring her hot chocolate. So, she has had to follow clues around the house to lead her to the treasure. After jumping up and down with glee a bit when finding the jackpot candy cane, we pull her table over in front of her pink lit Christmas tree, and have our party.

I hope your Christmas has been one to cherish too. Ours is full of good memories, and more to come. I'd better go color on my Rudolf nose and get busy before the guests arrive.

I've been reading my comments and emails on my magic phone, but haven't had a chance to answer any. Thanks for the Christmas wishes! And that I am wishing the Merriest of Christmas seasons right back at you!

A Christmas Elf

Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 20, 2010

This is what happens when I ask Sugarwings to pose. Which explains why most of my photos of her are candid shots!

(you can click on the mosaic to see details in a larger picture)

I'm off to send packages, finish my shopping and wrap presents. I kind of feel like Sugarwings looks in the photo collage. Zip-zip-zipping around. Busy as a bee right now.

Holly Jolly

celebrations, fairies, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 18, 2010

Sugarwing's school play was cute as can be.

The whole family came out to watch her and Mr. Fin, who sang his little heart out. He was enjoying his moment in the lime light and really got into performing.

Sugarwings, on the other hand, was just having a good time, and sometimes plain old forgot to sing.

This afternoon, I'm getting ready for another holiday party. Can you believe Christmas is almost here??? I don't like to think about it being so soon, because that means it will soon be past too. I want to waller in every moment of the season and soak up all the joy I can. The holidays make me happy as a pig in mud.

If possible, I want to squeeze in another craft day with my local art friends. Last week, some Kansas City buddies came by for a holiday art day and we created these dress forms. Normallly, craft day is individual projects, but this time, we did a group effort and I taught a class on how to build these maniquins based on a Barbie doll model.

Its interesting to see how different everything comes out, when we were all doing the exact same thing. Except for this dress form, she was made with a vintage doll as the model and kind of came out potato shaped. But we added a couple of ruffles and gave her some curves and I think that she turned out lovely. (I've picked up a few tips from years of watching What Not To Wear!)

Since tis the season, some of us decided to transform them into angels. Mine is going to be part of the table decor for my dinner party tonight.

I'd better get busy… We have 15 for dinner and I'm arranging chairs at the studio tables. I've had the Christmas music blaring all afternoon while I finish up a few little things I've been making. But now its time to get the party details in line. Lettuce to wash, appetisers to make, wine to chill.

I made up the food yesterday, veggie lasagna, stuffed mannicotti, and meatballs. Ready to pop in the oven. I also made 4 batches of Christmas cookies and have goodies out for kids to decorate them tonight. Don't you think a freshly decorated cookie tastes better than just about anything else? And kids love to do their own.

I'm off to work! Hope your weekend is a jolly one too.