The Birthday Shirt Burda 6874

Mr. Jimmy chose this fabric a while ago. Thought it was a fitting birthday shirt fabric.

Looks pretty swank from the back too!

We tried this pattern for the first time and I think it's our new favorite man beast shirt pattern!

We made view B.

The contrast fabric was odd cuts from decades ago. I think it was apron trimmings.

The inside collar, inside cuff, cuff band, under collar and pocket interior are all the mini floral.

Peek! I want to stay up all night and make more!!!

Mr. Jimmy's Birthday and the Traditional Meat Cake

Mr. Jimmy is another year older. We made him his favorite cake!

Meatloaf cake!!!

It's iced with mashed potatoes and the piping is done with ketchup.

Here are some bacon roses before the bake .

And after they were baked. They're beautiful, AND delicious!

I made him some bacon onion jam to go between the layers this year.

It was minced bacon, red onion, balsamic vinegar, honey and butter all stewed and cooked down into a really really yummy jammy meaty condiment.

I think he enjoys it!

Getting Ready For The Big Guy In The Red Suit

I found some time to make myself some toasty pants between Christmas present making.

We showed Lily how to make butter.

If you have the opportunity to try this with a kid, DO IT!!! Fill a mason jar 1/3 of the way with heavy cream and shake the heck out of it. keep shaking even when it feels like the contents aren't moving any more. Eventually it will make a loud sloshing noise as the solids (Butter) and liquids (Buttermilk) separate. That part always impresses. Then you can pour off the liquid and add salt and what ever flavors you'd like. We added rosemary.

Gave Mom a set of natural french nails. Her nails were pretty short. Just a sliver of white edge to build on. Natural looking nails are tough to make convincing.

We had some amazing help placing our Santa and gnome ornaments perfectly.

Baby Beastie is totally loving this decorating thing. She wants to hold and examine every thing we put out. 

This is going to be the best ever Christmas yet!

Fimo Rose Nail Inclusions and a Sunrise Through a Peephole

Here's a shot of the STAEDTLER Fimo mini roses in my gel nails. This is three weeks after application with a fill and re-balance. More on this fantastic nail product soon!!! 

SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

And just for shits and giggles, here is a 7 am view through my receiving door at work. It's so pretty out there until the big trucks come and block it out. 

Have a fantastic weekend out there! Play safe and be super kind to each other.

Happiness is a Toddler in the Fall Leaves

Oh my goodness, we have had such exceptionally beautiful weather this fall!

We've been spending tons of time playing in the leaves.

Baby Beastie thinks the leaves are wonderful.

Fall is by far our favorite season. The very best for walkies in the woods.

It's been so warm that shoes haven't even been required.

Playing with Lily and Nammy made me remember how much fun we had in the leaves when I was a kid.

I think it's one of those joys you kind of forget until you have your memory jogged. 

So much happy.

These two!!!

My heart might just explode...

Halloween 2016

Here is a whole whack of Halloweenie type pics. We've had a fantastic time the last few weeks. From spooky snacks to costume experiments.

Lily trying out the candy bowl for size.

We filled it right up!

I was The Flying Nun and Mr. Jimmy was The Pope.

James made his own hat! I sewed up a gown for him and my hat was stitched together. My smock was from the Bride of Frankenstein from a few years back.

I made some Mini Di Virgini cakes (or Nun's Tits!!!) They were lovely white sponge with ricotta filling and an almond paste coating with a rum soaked cherry nipple. I was beat out, (rightly so!) by some delicious chocolate covered bacon brought by Nicole (She was dressed as a piggy).

Maggie made the Birthoween boy this mini altered monk statuette. She added some horns and a tail because the monk was being naughty and passing judgement. Maggs used STAEDTLER Fimo Professional to make the alterations to the monk. After she baked the piece I painted it out to match with some Genesis heat set oil paint.

Maggie made Austin and herself these fantastic masks.

She did a bit of makeup too!

We gave Lily heaps of choices for her Halloween costume. She decided that she was going to be a spider.

Even though she had a nasty head cold she managed to have a fantastic time.

I think she makes a pretty cute tarantula....

Hope you all had a great Halloween too!