Travel – Page 8 – Karla's Cottage

I never get tired of Disney, but it is even better with grand fairies!

By Karla Nathan / October 31, 2019

We had quite a trip for Khya’s 18th birthday and Dewdrop’s farewell party.

All of the kids were “the perfect age” for Disney. Some old enough to be on their own for roller coasters, no one needed a stroller, all could stay out late.

There was some rain, but not enough to bother us. But enough to make the crowds lighter.

My husband even joined us for most of a day at Animal Kingdom.

And while he is not a fan of the parks, he seemed to have a good time.

We took a ride on the new skyline just to enjoy the views.

The other two days were a later start, not going to Magic Kingdom til the special event, Halloween party at 4 pm.

The lazy days by the pool were ideal. I am used to being at the parks from open til close, and having long, lingering days to enjoy til it was time to visit Mickey, might be my new favorite way to go.

While I was spending a lot of time pretending that my skull wasn’t pounding in time to the African drums, I still was honestly having the best days ever.

Lines were short, the weather was comfy, and I had my four girls nearby.

Who knows what the future holds, with Dewdrop living in North Carolina full time, Sugarwings growing up, the big girls’ mom and my son splitting up?

But I do know that I love them all so much, and I will always be here for them when they miss their Grammie.

My husband has retired, our budget is changing, the kids are moving on, our family is divided. Some people have shown how little they care when times are tough.

But I have had a blessed time and know how lucky my life has been. It wasn’t so much that I got to go to Disney with them as much as I got to share special memories and time.

No matter what changes are ahead, I will always have that.

Mickey’s Halloween Party

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 30, 2019

We went to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party while in Florida. Dewdrop was Cinderella, Sugarwings – Tiana, and myself – a fairy godmother. The blue one, Merriweather.

I made the hat, added sparkling tulle and a vintage blue rose.

But, with my black eye and vintagey dress that was a blue/gray, I am afraid I looked more like a Haunted Mansion ghost than a fairy godmother.

The headband wasn’t great on my achey head, so I ditched it.

While not everyone guessed Tiana, the grand fairies were clearly royal.

Even though the hairstyles didn’t last after a wild night of spinning on teacups.

That party is such fun, we went twice. It is a ticketed event from 7pm-midnight, but you can enter the park at 4pm. Crowds are less than regular park days because the tickets are (slightly) limited. Our first night was a little rainy, and seemed much less crowded. Many rides were only five minute waits. But the shows got rained out.

It didn’t rain the entire time, but got a little heavy toward the evening. We had ponchos, and powered through. The weather was warm, not hot, it really wasn’t bad to be rained on. I think it was more pleasant than the days I have been there when it was 100 degrees or higher.

It certainly wasn’t too chilly for Dole Whips!

We also had Jack Skellington pops. And there were generous trick or treat stations where they gave out handfuls of candy bars.

My luggage was much heavier after packing all of that loot.

Since the Villains Spectacular was rained out on our first day, we watched it twice on our second trip.

Sugarwings and I ended the night at the Monsters Inc Ball, dancing til midnight, while the others rode Space Mountain.

As the two of us left for the bus ride back, she was pensive and snuggly. I had told her that with her grandfather retiring, this might be our last trip. She thanked me for taking her and said that she didn’t know what her future career would be, but she would be sure to make enough money to take her grandkids to Disney.

A very welcome getaway

friends, Travel

By Karla Nathan / September 2, 2019

I certainly needed a break. It has been super busy around here, between hungry pups needing snugggles, getting a property ready to put on the market, malfunctioning machinery, blown circuit breakers in the studio, plumbers needed in our house, and more.

What could be better than a getaway with good friends?

At a beautiful location?

Down the road from my favorite flea market?

With crafting!!??

Karen invited me to stay at Rawhide Outfitters Camp

Overlooking a bluff of the Missouri, in Northern Kansas. This is the third year in a row that I have been lucky enough to attend this gathering and enjoy the Whetshire's hospitality, and Tracy's expert cooking.

It is near Sparks and White Cloud, so we spent some time shopping at the flea markets.

I found piles of treasures!

Tami provided a project for us to create one evening over wine and giggles.

I was only able to be there for a day and night, due to pressing concerns at home. But I adored every single second of the trip.

And- I slept for a solid 9 hours. I hadn't done that since the pups were born. I came away rested and refreshed.

Park City Glam

family, Food and Drink, Travel

By Karla Nathan / July 13, 2019

Park City is a beautiful place to visit any time at all, but we were lucky to be there for Savor the Summit, a dining event that took over the streets.

Restaurants showed off their finest dining displays all up and down the street (and I do mean, up and down, it is on a hill).

I didn't have my camera with me, (what was I thinking??) but I borrowed Guncle Kev's to get a few shots of the pretty tables.

We had some time to walk around and appropriate appreciate the dining designs that lined the slope (making plans for future tablescapes for our own homes) before joining the rest of the fam for a fancy dinner.

As pretty as the outdoor tables were, we were glad to be eating indoors, the air was nippy.

Actually, downright cold. I was happy that I had bought this new coat at the Sundance outlet store earlier that day, because we did not pack for temps in the 40s.

And the girls were loving a chance to wear the new shawls that Aunt Terry wove for them on her loom.

They loved them so much, they insisted on sleeping with them too.

Luckily, it was warmer the next day, for Silly Sundays.

Yep, the fun never ends in Park City! We spent Sunday morning at the outdoor market, and made the most of the kids' activities offered. It was practically a pet parade/fashion show downtown, everyone was dressed in their resort wear and walking their dogs. We saw a lot of doodles and yorkies, it made me feel like a trendy dog owner myself.

These cousins all picked out a special bloom at a flower cart to give to Aunt Terry as a thank you for the special weekend she treated us to. I think that they made some remarkable memories, and I am thankful to my sis for making all of this possible. What a trip!

Magical Mermaids

celebrations, family, guncles, Travel

By Karla Nathan / July 10, 2019

While absolutely EVERYTHING about our trip to Utah was wonderfully fun, there were some extra special moments.

Like when cousins and cousins of cousins got to know each other and spend a whole day together as magical creatures.

The Park City Marriott had an atrium and pool that was inviting, spacious, just made for gathering a flock (or pod?) of merfolk together.

It was ideal for gathering family members too. We had our luncheons there, our gossip sessions, and our wine sipping by the pool when we weren’t out exploring the city.

Terry and Guncle Kevin even threw a poolside birthday party for Guncle Randy in the space. And what kind of cake do you get for a Pet Butler?

A pupcake!

We even used the area for our prepping spot to get ready for the costume ball, with the girls doing each other’s makeup.

Me too, I was going for raven eyes.

The hotel itself was just what we needed for a family reunion. There were tables to play cards, lounging areas, a bonfire pit with s’mores, and an ATM that the grand fairies decided to use to play banker. I think I saw some playing cards inserted into it at one point.

ps- while the kiddos had a blast with these $39 Amazon tails, this is what Sugarwings’ looked like after one hour. They are hard to put on, hard to keep on, and easy to rip. Too bad, because they were beautiful and fun!

So nice, I Went there Twice- The Sundance Outlet Store

show and tell, Travel

By Karla Nathan / July 7, 2019

After getting in to the Salt Lake airport, after a flight delay that left us sitting on a runway in KC for a while, then RUNNING at top speed through the Denver airport to make our connection, we were ready for something fun.

Honestly, though, traveling with these two is always a pleasure. And Sugarwings was so grown up, she seems to know more about getting around airports than I do. I don’t think I could’ve made it without her.

(Doesn’t this guy look like a bluebird of happiness, or is that just our point of view?)

While waiting on the plane, not knowing how long it would be, I was told that I should go speak to the agents at the desk.

While leaving the two girls alone on the plane?

At first, I was totally against it, and wondered how I could load both girls and all of our stuff off the plane then reload, but the stewardess looked at the kiddos and said they seemed like they would be fine. I viewed them through her eyes and realized that they weren’t so little after all, and that she was right. I left the plane with confidence in them, and even took time to stop at Starbucks to buy the ingredients for a cocoa party.

We had such a good time, the college girls seated around us chimed in on a chorus of “Shake it Off”

Still, after the flight was over, I was ready to leave it behind.

I have been wanting to go to the Sundance store’s outlet, and the girls were kind enough to indulge me. I figured that the festive weekend would be so kid centric, that I could indulge myself for a quick visit and they would still have plenty of fun.

And yes, they did. There was so much fun to be had, I don’t know how it was all squeezed into one weekend!

Our stop wasn’t a long one, barely enough to whet my appetite, but about as much as the little sprites could handle, so I scooped up my beautiful deals ($10 lace top, $69 velvet jacket originally $200, a lace skirt, still high for me, but worth it, and a $19 Johnny Was tee)

Plus a $39 silver and moonstone ring.

I was very satisfied with my binge bargains, and told the Guncles about them. And mentioned that all men’s wear was 30% off the sale price. So, the three of us left the grand fairies with cousins at the pool and made another quick trip over. Kevin found $10 wool slippers and Randy got this great, casual jacket for $70 (originally $198).

And yes, I over indulged again.

Johnny Was leggings, $39, black velvet and lace top $10, and thought I was happily finished.

Although, it was hard to tear myself away from these bins.

So much treasure hunting! This is where I found the $10 shirts. I made some friends there, as we all dug and looked for each other’s sizes. There were ladies from all over the country, and even a family from Europe who were exploring the boxes.

Not everything in the store was at a huge savings, the Sundance store’s prices are way up there to start with. But ooooh, so pretty! And so much to see. There were new items on Saturday that weren’t out on Thursday, so if you go, try to check back again.

As the Guncles and I were leaving, Randy pointed out this jacket (and it was cold outside, much chillier than I’d packed for).

it was $249 on sale for $49, and I fell in love with its furry lined coziness. (Looks like someone else in the crowd buys Johnny Was pants, huh?)

Typically, I’m a tee shirt (usually from Walmart) and jeans person. But I do love pretty things and am glad I let loose to get these new pieces!

Even though I don’t seem to have enough sense of style to avoid wearing a J. Was shirt with a kid’s $3 jacket from Kohl’s clearance.

Oh well, works for me!

Zionsville

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / June 27, 2019

While in Indiana, my sissies and I had a shopping day in Zionsville, and hit the Noblesville Antique Mall on the way.

Where I found these dresses!

Oh my!

We had lunch in a cute, old house that was transformed into a tea shop.

All three of us were stumped by these flowers. They seem to have the body of a carnation and petals of a begonia.

My grand fairies would swoon over the teacup selection!

The town was more boutiquey than antiquey, but lots of fun.

It doesn’t matter what the shopping is, it is the Sister time that counts.

But when a sister matches the shop, that is pretty cool too.

My home town

dogs, family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / June 25, 2019

Since we started taking annual Sister Trips to Florida a few years ago, I haven't been visiting Indiana as much as I used to. So I made sure to detour through Pendleton on my way to meet up with Dewdrop in Kentucky.

Sadly, the town was hit by a tornado, the first in almost two hundred years. And apparently, they didn’t think a siren was needed because tornados just don’t hit there…

Luckily, there were no tragedies. I was glad to see the Falls Park lighthouse was still standing, even though it now had a tilted top. Lots of trees were down, you can see an example of the mess in the right side of this photo.

There were tons of big, old trees fallen throughout the town.

The twister’s path damaged one of my sister’s and a niece’s homes, trees, and fences. But on the other side of town, my niece, Shelli, had no issues at all. Her beautifully painted fence was looking great!

Cool, isn’t it?

She says she got the stencils off of Amazon. It is a unique look, I really liked it.

I also really liked Kevin, Shelli’s grand dog. He is doodle-riffic, and every bit as cute as his cousin, Sugar.

While in Indy, I had a chance to catch up with family I don’t see often enough. And to make plans for the next Sister Trip. This time, we are including my sister’s daughters, and making it a Big Girl/Little Girl Trip.

We are going the week after A Snowbird’s Song, and November just cannot get here soon enough for me!

Lovelies from Lori

friends, Lori's Class, Travel

By Karla Nathan / June 22, 2019

Dewdrop has come to spend some summer with us. My pal, Lori was kind to offer to have me stay over in her Kentucky home as a half way spot to pick up our grand fairy, who was coming from NC.

Not only did I get some precious time to reconnect with an old friend, I got to meet her family for the first time. And yep, they were as wonderful as she is.

And her home? I was probably too full of seething jealousy to take photos…

Seriously, what was wrong with me? Why didn’t I take pics?

Every inch of her home is a delight. I snapped this of some of her artwork on display in her studio, but it doesn’t represent her home, which is more neutral toned and filled with vintage and farmhouse glam design.

Plus, the most important part of any home, comfort and hospitality. There wasn’t a single area in that house that didn’t call out, “Hey, sink into this comfy chair and relax a bit!”

Lori will be teaching at A Snowbird’s Song, and she sent her finished examples home with me (photos soon.)

That isn’t all she sent home with me…

She filled my car with this load of vintage glory!

(Maybe she was afraid that I would steal her sweet, little Lucy, and wanted to make sure there was no space in the car to squeeze her into? I did fall for her girls, and that littlest one really grabbed my heart. I wanted to keep her.)

Recently, I had redone my studio and had everything rearranged and streamlined. But all of the wonders Lori sent home with me went seamlessly into the room and made it even better. Probably because all of it was stuff I loved.

If you decorate with things you love, they always mix and match well together, right?

This prom gown and stack of boxes from her look like they were supposed to be here, don’t they?

Thank you, Lori, for your generosity in sharing your home, family, and pretties with me.

I'm glad I didn’t kidnap your daughter, that would not have been a very nice thing to do to repay you for your kindness (although, I would have enjoyed having her around!)

Winging it at Disney World

Food and Drink, Travel

By Karla Nathan / May 10, 2019

Before heading to Universal Studios to hit my head, we hung out with royalty at Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge. I'd never been to this restaurant before, but now it is my favorite place to go!

We were lucky to get in, the night before, we checked the Disney planning app to see where we might find an open reservation. If you have spent much time at the Disney parks you know about all of the tips and rules about making plans way ahead, to get the best reservations and fast passes. People plan months in advance to try to get the ideal dining experience and get up at 6am the day the window opens for them to make their plans.

We weren't even sure what day or what park we were going to the night before, so had no itinerary at all. But everything fell into place for us, after buying my ticket at 9pm that night.

One thing I have always found, is that while it can be hard to get reservations for the princess dining, there are thousands of people who are working the app to get exactly what they want, and they often book multiple experiences, as they weed through to finalize their plans. While it is kinda rude to hold up so many spots, eventually they do have to release the holds because they can't do it all. And they have a deadline where the restaurants are non refundable.

I have had lots of success in getting to go where I wanted, by checking online to see when cancellations pop up. 24 hours before you go usually has lots of openings, and it did this time too. Plus, we were fine with whatever happened, we were three adults who have been to the parks many times and weren't pinning all of their vacation hopes and dreams upon magical perfection.

We were winging it and just happy to be there, wherever we ended up.

There are some Facebook Disney groups I follow (because, yes, you know I am a Mickey nerd and can't get enough!) and these people can be quite over the top about details and spreadsheets and planning. I do believe you need to go into it with some idea of where and what and when you are doing things, or you waste a lot of time, but I sure don't think it needs to be as desperate as some of these people make it out to be.

Artist Point and the Story Book dinner was the BEST, and I hope to go again. But we would have had a good time, no matter what we did that day.

If you get a chance, you should try it out. It is in a resort, not a park, so no ticket is needed to get in. Just remember to check back again if reservations are full, some might open up.

And don't forget to give my pal, Dopey, a kiss on the top of the head. I got to, just like Snow White does. He was pretty dang cute.