Travel – Page 9 – Karla's Cottage

A Failed Attempt at being a Fairy God Mother

By Karla Nathan / November 10, 2019

This is who I was going for as my Halloween party costume, Merryweather, the blue fairy godmother. We were “Disney Bounding” which meant I only needed a suggestion of the fairy. I had a blue dress to wear, as well as a blue scarf that could replace the cape Merryweather has.

Disneybounding is a subtler, more fashion-forward way for fans to show their love for Disney. Instead of wearing full-on costumes as cosplayers do, Disneybounders dress up in stylish, everyday outfits (known as Disneybounds) that are simply inspired by a particular character.

At the last minute, I decided a hat would be nice. I found this headband style witch’s hat at Michael’s for 50% off, and our flight didn’t leave til afternoon, so I had plenty of time to transform it.

Because, who doesn’t whip up craft projects right before heading to the airport?

The black hat was a gamble, I bought it hoping that the black netting could be cut off and I could go with the silver fabric underneath as a base. And yup, it worked! I pulled off all the existing trims to replace with my own, more god motherly like ones.

I added sparkly tulle, a velvet ribbon and blue millinery rose to cover any black threads or remnants.

What possibly ruined the look was my black eye… And the fact that my dress and hat were sorta vintagey. People thought I was a Haunted Mansion ghost, not a fairy. By adding make up and glitter over the black eye, it probably looked fake.

Although, Merryweather is the bossiest of the three fairies and I am sure there were times when Flora and Fauna thought of smacking her.

I ended up tearing the rose offer toss in my bag (of course I would save that rose!) and putting the hat in the trash after being at Magic Kingdom for an hour or so. Rides were more comfy without the hat and it was just too bulky to carry.

Seashell fairies in Clearwater Beach

family, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / November 4, 2019

Our trip to Florida was extra special with the four grand fairies along. It has been a very rough time for us lately and we wanted to have a big celebration for Khya’s 18th birthday to let the kids know how much we care.

Although it ended up being a bigger “bash” than I thought it would be…

We’d had the balcony doors open to enjoy the ocean, and beautiful weather, and I didn’t realize that the housekeeper had just shut it right before I ran out onto the patio. Oops.

Instead of going out the door, I bounced off of it. I spent the rest of the week pretending it didn’t hurt, so I could enjoy the wonderful trip with my sweet girls.

Due to my carelessness, I didn’t swim much. But I enjoyed lounging by the pool or ocean and watching the kids play from my one good eye.

And even with my sad, uneven vision, I had some gorgeous views!

When my son married Khya and Avahni’s mother, we took the girls to Florida as a welcome to the family trip.

Now that the marriage has ended, we wanted those two to know that they are our grand daughters forever, and we flew them off to Florida again to show them we are still family, no matter what.

I also wanted Dewdrop to have some happy memories of her last weeks with us.

She has moved back to North Carolina now, and will not be living with us in Kansas every other year. Her daddy wanted a new beginning and left to live in the mountains.

This trip was my attempt to hold on to those that I loved, but I think my heart may be more beat up than my face.

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

family, Travel

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!