To Be, Or Not To Be . . .

That really is the question this afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving.

For those of you who know me, you know I do not like to cook or bake.  I find it to be a total bore!  This proves problematic many an evening since my husband and I do not buy or eat prepared or packaged foods.  Luckily, I am married to a man who has decided he likes the job and though his repetoire isn't extensive, he does just fine in my cookbook.  (I think it's the "survival instinct" in him)

Can I cook?  Well, that's a matter of opinion ... but let's just say that I avoid the chore as often as I can.  In fact, I go by the philosophy I found on a greeting card ...

However, last week we made the decision to stay put ... at home ... on Thanksgiving, and came up with an "untraditional" holiday menu.  A feast that will delight our tastebuds ... and a day to do as we want that will satisfy our "souls".  Sounds good to me!  However, I'm determined to throw an apple pie into the mix, so to speak.  It's Tom's favorite ... and think it might be a nice gesture, on my part?

Full Disclosure: I've never made an apple pie in my life ... or any other pie for that matter.  So honestly, "to be, or not to be" that is the question before me this afternoon.  Will this work? Who knows! But I am prepared and off to the task at hand ...

But before I go, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very ...

 Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy ...

M-A

Bye, Bye Birdie

In my previous post, I mentioned that I recently sorted through many of the pictures I've taken over the last few months (going back to last summer) ... and I came upon this set as well.  You see, I had visitors at the Children's Couture Showroom last June; visitors that stayed for four weeks but ones that captured my attention and imagination every day. They were not the kind of visitors that come inside and make themselves comfortable ... instead they chose to "nest" outside and make themselves at home on the storage shed located behind the Showroom ...



See the Boston Fern on the left ...

To my surprise, I saw an adult robin fly out of this hanger one afternoon.  From past experience, I do know that robins will make their nests in the most unusual places ... but a hanging plant?  Sure enough ... and further investigation revealed ...

A nest with four blue eggs ...

 


After two weeks, they "cracked" and four baby birds emerged

For the next two weeks, it was a feedin' frenzy ...


 

YUMMY!

But one thing I can't figure out ...
Look how tightly squeezed these four birds are in the nest (for two solid weeks).  Granted, they are small but really, the nest could have been a touch bigger!  Nevertheless, somehow they manage to turn themselves around, day after day ... how'd they do that?



 After two weeks of endless "grub" and tight quarters, they were ready to go ...

And go they did, into the wooded grove behind the shed where I'd like to think they were safe until late fall, when it was time to head south for the winter.  Next spring I'll be sure to hang the ferns on this shed in anticipation of their return.  This is just too cool!

Yes, I suppose I've lived in the country "too long" as I've become engrossed in the nature around us and on our property.  And one lesson I've learned over the years is that "we may watch and protect, but don't interfere" ... and life will play out as it should.

Enjoy,
M-A

Pretty in Pink

Many people work hard these days.  I know I work hard.  I also know I should learn to play hard(er) ... but when you love what you do, it's often difficult to find a distinctive line between the two.

I was sorting through the numerous pictures I've taken over the last few months and came upon this group which, in my opinion, give a little bit of insight into the work I put into each and every piece at Children's Couture.  The dress is one of my best-sellers, Breakfast with Tiffany, well-accessorized with my Cheshire Hat, another popular item from my Accessories Collection.  

And please note: I often use a mannequin for "viewing" the proportion and
drape/hang of a garment.  This mannequin, which some mistake for an actual child, is shown in the following pictures ... with pencil marks around her neck and arms (which are not "on" at the moment).  Please understand that I do not draw on real children.

Patternwork

Cut, Tuck & Center Back Loop Closure

Cut Collar, Bind Edge in Contrast and Preview Layout & Fit



Bind Armholes, Attach Collar and the Finished Result; an oh-so-nice roll-line



Cut Skirt Front (and back, not shown), Cut and Bind Tie Ends

Bodice Waist Piped, Skirt Attached and Tucked Hem Complete

Covered Buttons, Snaps and the Finished Back View ...

Well-Accessorized with the Cheshire Hat

And Ready to Ship

Who wouldn't want this dress!
Enjoy ...
M-A