I Love Tutus

About a year ago, I was walking through the fabric district in Downtown Los Angeles - trying to find some inspiration for new product offerings, and I came across ribbon trimmed tutus.  I wasn't impressed with the product I saw, but they did provide much needed inspiration.  I just love the vintage look of these tutus, and I love that they're different.  There are so many creative and talented tutu makers that it's really hard to differentiate oneself in such a competitive marketplace.  I think this product does just that:

The skirt is full enough to provide countless hours of twirling and giggling, but not bulky around the waist, and the ribbon trim provides structure and body without without adding a lot of weight.  It's the perfect tutu for moms seeking a classic look, and girls who love dressing up.  Paired with a lace petti romper, and the look is pure vintage. 

Luke is Turning Three

I sold my first item on Etsy a little over two years ago, just before my son's first birthday. For several months my shop struggled, then I introduced this little number, and things just took off from there:

Two years later, I find that my shop is primarily dedicated to oufitting little ones on their first birthdays.  Since introducing this little outfit I've come across just about every type of mom.  There are those that say here are my colors come up with something, and those that want me to execute the design they've had in their heads since they started planning the big "ONE".  There are those that order six months in advance, and want me to help them figure out what size to order, and those who send me a late night message five days before the event, wanting something custom.  With a handful of exceptions, I have to honestly say, that aside from curing cancer, this has got to be one of the most gratifying ways to earn a little extra money.

I digress.  This post is supposed to be about Luke's third birthday celebration, not how much I love my little business.  About two months ago, Luke grasped the concept of birthdays when he attended the birthday party of one of his good friends (okay, I'm a work-at-home mom -- he only has two friends his age, and they're the children of my husband's and my friends).  Since then, it's all he can talk about, and he keeps asking when his birthday is.  Because of this hyper-awareness, and the fact that it is all so new, I'm setting out to make this a really special day for him.

For two reasons, I decided that the theme of the party should be Mickey Mouse.  First, Luke's first gift ever (which was a gift given to me for Valentine's Day while he was in utero) was a Baby Mickey Mouse, which he loves more than any other toy.  Second, each morning, when he wakes, Luke comes running to me, asking me, "can I watch Mickey on daddy's puter (computer)?"  Yes, I am mother-of-the-year... I let my son watch videos while I work... 

So, I've taken the first few steps, and I've determined the following:

• Theme
• Guests
• Budget

We will have somewhere between 15 and 20 guests, and my plan is to throw this party, complete with lunch for all in attenance, a dessert buffet, bounce house, and a few fabulous decorations for the bargain basement price of $200 - $250.  Truth is, I want to do it for $200 or less, BUT I have to give myself a little wiggle room.

Want to check out what I'm planning?  Follow my board entitled, Luke's 3rd Birthday on Pinterest.  This is not for the feint of heart!  There is a lot of DIY involved, but I can't think of any greater laor of love.

The Five Minute Appetizer

How many times has the following scenario played out in your home?:

You're invited to a holiday party, a summer barbecue or just an evening in with the girls, and you, with all your good intentions, offer to bring "something" (at another time, we'll discuss what road is paved with good intentions).  You're the amazing friend who does everything, and you're going to arrive at this party fashionably late, looking fabulous, with a mouth watering dish.  Cut to the day of your party, it's two hours before you're supposed to arrive, you can't account for all of your family members, you haven't showered yet (or if you're anything like me, you can't remember the last time you actually had a shower), and you certainly haven't had time to prepare "something."  Something has got to give, and you're certainly not going to show up with ratty hair, smelling like the litter box, so you decide that you'll just stop on your way, and "pick something up."

We all fall prey to this, and the Tampenade recipe I'm about to share with you, is my take on something I often end up picking up.  I'll admit, if olives aren't your thing, you're going to want to pass on this, but if they are, this recipe whips up in a snap (honestly 5 minutes or less), you can prepare it the night beforehand, and when you receive all those compliements on your dish, you can proudly say, "thanks I made it myself."  Heck, I'll even let you take credit for the recipe.

Mediterranean Tampenade

Ingredients:

1 Can Black Olives

1 Jar Kalmata Olives

1 Can Artichoke Hearts

1/2 Jar Sundried Tomatoes

2-3 Cloves of Garlic

Juice From one Lemon

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Open the black olives, kalmata olives, and artichoke hearts, then drain the brine.  Place the entire contents in your food processor.  Add your sundried tomotoes, garlic and lemon juice.  Pulse until the entire mixture is finely chopped, then drizzle in some olive oil.  The olive oil should act as a binder to keep the ingredients together.  You're mixture should not be oily.

Serve with some fancy crackers. 

If you're feeling ambitious, and you've (1) showered; (2) fixed your hair; (3) dressed in matching, stain free clothing, make some large croutons from a baguette that you purchased from the bakery department in your grocery store. 

Petti, Petti, Petti

Now that I am older, and very secure with myself, I can honestly admit that I love, love, love ruffles, glitter, and fluff.  If it is soft and/or sparkly or just over the top girly, chances are it will tickle my fancy.  My two latest birthday outfits are for like minded individuals. 

BARBIE

The color combination of Paris Pink and Black adds a touch of sophistication, that is balanced by the whimsy of the sparkle in the shirt, and the fluff in the tutu.  The overall effect is over-the-top girly.  I wouldn't be surprised if Barbie herself knocked on my door asking me to make her this outfit for her next birthday! 

I've used a special technique for tieing the fluff so that it is guaranteed to stay.  This tutu is constructed to last well beyond your little girl's birthday.  It is designed for years of wear about town, or at home playing dress up. 

DANDY DAMASK BIRTHDAY NUMBER SHIRT AND MATCHING PETTISKIRT

Full of fluff and frills, this outfit will delight all moms who want a fancy party dress, and all girls who love standing in front of the mirror twirling about.  The shirt pictured here was appliqued using Dandy Damask Candy, and the coordinating pettiskirt has candy pink for it's main fabric, and chocolate brown ruffle fluff. 

This outfit is fully customizable, making it the perfect choice for birthday parties of any theme.  I will use any fabric that is domestically available to make this outfit, and together we can design the perfect skirt to coordinate.

The skirt has approximately 25 yards of fluff at the bottom, but because of the materials used it weight about the same as a pair of jeans. 

Christmas Hats

I just love this time of year, and I love all the kitchy gear that goes along with the season.  One of the best things about having a small child is dressing them in fun, yet festive hats.  Here are two that I've created. 

Knit in the round, these little hats are so simple to make, that even the novice knitter can whip one up in one or two evenings.  The pattern is available free of charge, and can be downloaded here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/74228275

If you'd like me to make one of these beauties for you, they're available in my Etsy Shop.  If you want to make one yourself, but don't want to invest in three balls of yarn, I'll set up a kit for  $15.00 which will include all the yarn and felt you need (heck, I'll even send you precut felt circles). 

Enjoy the season.