Gingerbread Extravaganza!

Every year my amazing mother hosts a gingerbread decorating day. She spends hours and hours baking, cutting out, and putting together a gingerbread house (or in many cases, something other than a house) for everyone, and we all decorate them together. Kids and adults big kids alike! It's one of my favorite days of the year, and I was so lucky to have been "home" for it this year!

This year she let everyone choose their "structure," so we had a big variety. And we aren't talking tiny houses here people. Let's just say my mother has a problem with the scale of these structures. (Note: a castle so large my niece could have probably climbed inside if she wanted.) 

What I love most about this day, is the creativity & imagination the kids display. It's refreshing & fun to watch them create with such concentration & concern.

the transformation...

is always magnificent!

A barn...

a farmhouse...

an 18 wheeler...

a train...

and a castle fit for a princess...

A day full of family, candy, & Christmasy fun...doesn't get much better than that!

A houndstooth dress for Bristol

One of my best friends, Amanda, has a beautiful little girl named Bristol. Bristol turned one back in late October, so I decided to make her a dress she could wear around Christmas time. Given my newfound love of houndstooth, I used a thick fabric in the print. And added that cute little black scottie dog. 

Now that it's Christmastime, A & B had a fashion show, and she was so sweet to send me the pics! 

 (Isn't Bristol the sweetest little girl you've ever seen? And doesn't her Momma take the best photos?)

I found a super soft and super cute knit red fabric with lighter polka dots on it, which I made the sleeves of the dress & the leggings.

And what girly outfit would be complete without a matching bow? Made very simply with hot glue, ribbon & a matching homemade fabric covered button.

a stylish dress for a very stylish baby!