Craft day!

OMG, we did a craft day the other day and my normally organized space was turned into a chaotic mess! No matter, we all had fun and when everyone left I got down to sewing in earnest. I set out to make this Martha Stewart beach bag. I loved her idea of using a vintage tablecloth, but the last thing i want to do with my coveted collection of 1950-1960's tablecloths is cut them up! No way. So instead i used designer fabric remnants that I get from my secret place down in center city for absolutely free!!!

The kitties were very curious and all over the place, I guess wanting to help, play or cuddle. Sweetpea especially was all over the place!

The bag itself took longer than I wanted to make but i thought the instructions were a bit scant, and it took some time to figure out what went where. The next time I make it it will go faster, definitely. I will also use heavier material as my base because I think the chintz fabric I used wasn't quite stiff enough.

I gave the beach bag away to Sofia for her 14th birthday as she is soon going to Barcelona any day now and will likely be hitting the beach!


What a mess!!!! Sweetpea getting in the way.


Sweetpea cuddling in the fabric


The finished product!

Close up of the fabrics I used. I thought the match was pretty good even though the fabrics were very different. I think it worked.

Sofia on another beach...a real cutie!

Day trip to Terrain

Finally, after so many months of wanting to go, I made my way to Terrain the other day and took some photos.  This relatively new shop, developed by the Urban Outfitter folks, is a cross between R.O.O.M (terrible website) and Rosendals Trädgård (nice website!). It felt very country Scandinavian. We spent time browsing and taking some pictures but didn't buy anything except a pair of rubber boots (Tretorn), which were on sale (of course)! Lovely products and great merchandising, but things are on the pricey side.

The restaurant was also lovely, great organic and local food. BYOB. They are open for dinner now. The restaurant seems very affordable.

Some great ideas here, especially if you're redecorating or looking for inspiration (or recently purchased an old country estate?)




Inspired.




Chickie

I love a white pitcher.


For the restaurant

Lots of water features

Greetings from Camp Naomi

Dear Mom and Dad, Visiting Marybeth at overnight camp in the Poconos is a hoot. There are plenty of activities here at Camp Naomi. We especially like the slide. Please can I stay longer??



Me, getting ready to go down.

Splash

Fun!


And here comes Debbie...


Fun!


And finally Marybeth.

Fun!


Morning hug, Evelyn and Marybeth


Morning coffee

Happy to be alive

Driving back from the beach on the 4th of July, we suddenly saw this horrible burning car on the other side of the road! I happened to have my camera SITTING IN MY LAP (!) and I snapped a few shots.

Emma (who was driving) and I were both praying that no one was in the vehicle. I looked in the newspaper and didn't see anything; there was nothing on the radio, either. So I am assuming (hoping) all were safe.

When I think of all the close calls life delivers, it's a miracle we make it from one day to the next. Danger surrounds us. I'm not trying to be gloomy. On the contrary, I am LUCKY to be alive. And happy.

Be safe! Let's be good to ourselves -- and each other!

Charlie & Alexander

We had Charlie's friend Alexander visiting us from Sweden for a few weeks. It was a pleasure to have him.

We went to the beach for a couple of days and even though the water was cold the boys loved the ocean swimming and trying to body surf (the waves were not that great). Most of these pictures are from the beach but we did a ton of stuff.

PS So sorry I have been neglecting my blog. I have oodles of things to post!

 

Waterside

Smile if you like watermelon

Enjoying the kitties.

Another Saturday night. Alex bought real RAYBANS, apparently they are all the rage in Sweden.

Yes, those are eggs on my plate!

Sunday brunch, Alex had the strawberry waffles.

Charlie had the super duper breakfast, and ate every last crumb.