Oysters in Vegas

So I went to Las Vegas on a work trip...here is a Pre-Expo picture of me on our new Vibe! Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is all the rage.  Have you tried it yet?  The sunglasses are part of the exercise, we call them horizon glasses and yes, the top half you can't see out of.  I think I'll call this picture Ode to Top Gun due to the rockin' aviators.  You agree, don't you?!


So I had a "first" while we were there.  I've never really felt compelled to try an oyster, but, well...why not?  So here's what I was looking at before I took the plunge.  

Slimy yet satisfying...Mon Ami Gabi is an AMAZING restaurant with outside dining that looks out at the Bellagio fountains which is heavenly. The food is always fabulous and the ambience cannot be beat! Here is my lamb t-bone and potato medley meal.  De-lish and tastes as good as it looks on the plate!

I'll leave you with a picture of the view while I ate....what are your favorites in Vegas?

Easy Upcycling for T-Shirts

Need a quick project that  you can feel good about finishing fast?  I came across this super easy and wonderful idea for upcycling old t-shirts on BurdaStyle.com featuring Martha Stewart and Singer.  This project will take less than 5 minutes and you will save the earth from many plastic bags in landfills by making one of these yourself.  I challenge you to keep one of these in your handbag and several in your car so you have them on hand whenever the urge to shop comes on. The only improvement I might make is to sew across the corners so they are boxier and not as flat, other than that, it's a cinch!





Happy sewing!

Officer Owen to the Rescue

Grandma and grandpa got Owen a police costume for Christmas and ever since he has been a bossy cop!  

Common phrases when Owen gets in the law enforcement mood are:


"Did you do somefing wrong?"
"Hey c'mere, I'm giving you a ticket."
"Did you steal somefing?"
"I'm gonna get the bad guys."


He is mostly a charming little police man, but you wouldn't believe everything your big brother is doing wrong when you are in charge.  What do you do when the cop is acting up? Bad cop, no donut?  That might just work...

Famous Dave's and Devils Spit

Did we do anything over Christmas break?  Well yes we did, thanks for asking.  

The boys were just dying to go stay in a hotel so we ventured out to the local Owatonna Holiday Inn and Serengeti Waterpark. Loved the walk-in wading pool! 

I have to say that it was the perfect little getaway without having to travel too far.  On the way we stopped at Famous Dave's next to Cabela's--yes I've dropped a lot of cash at that outdoorsman superstore and so has Huz.  

Back to the BBQ.  Huz and Baran, 7, like their BBQ hot, so they tried the devil's spit sauce.  When they say smokin' hot, they mean it.  Right on the label it says XXX Hot, for Adults only.  Baran is reading labels now.  Valuable lesson learned!

{Don't you love the way I managed to get the Coca-Cola sign in the picture?}

What did you do over Christmas vacation?

I Absolutely LOVE it, she says

I just love getting fan mail--well who wouldn't!  It's great hearing from someone who's enjoying my handmade goods.  Here's a note from a recent Etsy Baby Shower recipient.  Thanks for the note Andrea!

I wasnt sure if I ever thanked you for the towel you made for my son (etsy baby shower) I absolutely LOVE it. We have used it many times and it still looks new! Thanks for being so generous! Andrea

Embellish the New Year

Accessorizing is the current trend.  Give new life to an old necklace, headband or shrug by adding interesting details like a zipper flower.  I love the mix of color and the metal edge which is so eye catching. These are easy to make and don't require a sewing machine so really anyone can make them.  Watch this video for step-by-step instructions by Evange over at IHeartSewing, which is a wonderful sewing supply store.








I'd love to see your finished zipper flowers, post pictures on Facebook!

Ahmelie Featured on Parent Map!

I was so excited to get this note from Jen at Parent Map this week that my burp cloths were featured on their 15 Nursery Must-Haves post!  Here's what they had to say.

Colorful cloths

Ahmelie features these beautiful burp cloths in various patterns and colors for only $17. Made with 100 percent cotton fabric and cloth diapers for an easy peasy wipe up, these adorable cloths are machine washable and can also double as a changing pad when needed. As Ahmelie notes, "Who says function should come over fashion!"

Here are a few other great shops that were featured, The Wood Owl, Sleepy King and Graham Bear Wear!

Colorful baby birdies

The Wooden Owl Etsy store features these adorable birdie bookends ranging from $49.99-59.99 in various bright colors and patterns. Also available in super cute owl characters, these bookends are all one of a kind and handmade with love!

Baby's cuddlers

Sleepy King's stuffed woodland animals are just too adorable not to share... just look at them! Ranging from $28-38, these fuzzy cuddly new friends are made with fleece, wool felt and a fun, patterned vintage fabric. Plus, the eyes and noses are made with child-safety buttons and are attached securely so you won't have to worry about your young teether and any choking hazards. Love these little animals!

Eco-friendly diaper choices

We love Graham Bear Wear's fitted cloth baby diapers! Available in a three- or six-pack bundle, these colorfully patterned cloth diapers come with a snap-down front for healing belly buttons and three layers consisting of a knit outer print, organic cotton velour and hemp/bamboo viscose fleece. The bundles range in price from $37-67 and each newborn diaper fits infants that are between 5-12 pounds.http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWoodenOwl

Thanks Parent Map for including me and I agree, Parenting is a trip!