Top 5
On the eve of Hank's 1st birthday, I thought I would share a few items that helped us make it through this first year.


On the eve of Hank's 1st birthday, I thought I would share a few items that helped us make it through this first year.


Posted by Jennifer at 7:51 PM 1 comments
Just one last post, and then moving on. I wanted to share a last minute idea I had to throw together a super simple costume
I had the black capris, hoop earrings, and Cons, and my mom had the black and white t-shirt which I have permanently confiscated. I used Hank's "play silk" for my head wrap. Argh - I'm a pirate. Feeling quite pleased with myself, I have come up with a series of costumes that can be made using the basic outfit as a base
A ladybug
Not sure if I will try out the alternate versions in coming years, or if that will be too boring. But, at least I know I have something to fall back on in a pinch!
Posted by Jennifer at 4:25 PM 3 comments
Posted by Jennifer at 9:09 PM 6 comments



Posted by Jennifer at 8:13 PM 1 comments
Here's Hank in his *real* Halloween costume, as Link
Despite a long tradition of creating costumes for myself that try to get every detail just right, now I am more inspired to create representational costumes. To me these are costumes that are mostly thrown together from what you have, and therefore you have to make do. Also, making kid's costumes from real clothes gives you a better shot of them staying on a little longer on Halloween (understanding of course that the hat is a no go after about 5 minutes).
From the top - Hat is handmade from felt. Turtleneck is a hand-me-down from Hank's cousin. Thrifted green polo shirt turned tunic (in the past I would have made this element from felt, but the large polo works just fine). Two of mama's belts were used to make a bandolier and a utility belt. The ocarina was a splurge at $6, but I figured this is quintessential Link, and therefore was a necessity. Instead of the white tights Link wears, Hank is wearing some tan knit pants we already had. He is wearing these booties, but since he is more mobile now (almost walking!), he will probably have to wear his regular (unmatching) shoes on Halloween. Bent sword from dollar store. Felt shield handmade. Total cost for thrifted polo shirt, ocarina, and sword: $10.
As previously mentioned, most people think he is Peter Pan. I'm ok with that. Just hope people notice all the work that went into that damn shield. It even has felt rivets.
(Update: Full lederhosen shot added to this post)
**********
Favorite of the day: Ah good - now I can feel guilty about not being prepared for the holidays as I unwrap and read the cheerful holiday messages on the wrappers in addition to feeling guilty about eating too much chocolate.
Working on: justonemoreday until we leave for our trip!
Posted by Jennifer at 7:38 PM 6 comments
My "big project" for Hank's party...is not going to get done. I'm ok with that - really. Fine.
Just for the record, it was going to be a photo printed fabric bunting of him wearing all of these disguises. The first fatal flaw was the fact that my son cannot sit still, does not "do" hats, and every picture was a blur, which I'm sure would look worse on fabric. Then, we don't have a printer set up here at home. I know - it's 2009. My grandma has a printer for crying out loud. Finally, I had plans for embellishing the bunting with regular fabric, ribbon etc. Too many steps for a maxed out mama. Did I mention I threw my back out last week (wah), and I am making 6 different dishes for an office party tomorrow (sadly gone are the days of buying an El Pollo Loco family meal)?
{breathe}
Fortunately there is always plenty on the internet to brighten one's day. Like imagining an internet meme costume for myself. I would be Keyboard Cat. Although apparently the real keyboard cat is wearing a baby t-shirt (I always thought it was a kimono), I don't think one would need to go that far to complete the costume. A baby blue t-shirt should suffice. An adult onesie? Creeeeepy!
**********
Favorite of the day (besides internet meme costume maker): Beautiful and subtle
Working on: Let's see - Chinese chicken salad, green salad with pomegranate seeds and goat cheese, baked mac n cheese with butternut squash (from this month's Parents magazine), roasted root veggies, apple crisp, and whole wheat rolls. Trying to do all of the prep tonight and cook at work tomorrow.
Posted by Jennifer at 7:47 PM 1 comments