Lurman Woodland Theater

Last weekend, we ventured out to Lurman Woodland Theater in Catonsville for their free summer concert series. I was a bit apprehensive about this since it started close to the kids' bedtimes and I wondered how they would do. It turned out to be a wonderful evening. We took our blanket and headed over after dinner, although food is allowed on the grounds. The kids had sooo much fun dancing and playing and us adults got to enjoy some good music. Best of all... its LOCAL and FREE. Here are some photos of our night. Enjoy

Sibling love

Dancing to the music

Happy little man

Diving into Crafts

Other than my scrapbooking, I haven't really explored many other types of crafts. However, after looking over some very crafty websites and blogs, I have decided to give some stuff a try. Here are my latest accomplishments....

I got this idea from my friend Kimberly over at The Muddy Princess. She made a cute headband holder for her daughter and I thought I would give it a try. I used a pink and white gingham fabric to match my daughter's room. I dusted off the old sewing machine and spent an hour or so re-teaching myself how to use it. After pouring over the instruction manual, I was finally able to start sewing. I hemmed the sides and sewed it into a sleeve. I'm pretty impressed with myself that everything was straight. Since sewing circles to fit the ends is totally out of my league, I just gathered the extra fabric and tied with a pretty satin ribbon.

It looks perfect sitting on my daughter's dresser and she loves it too.

A few months ago, I decided to give headband making a try. I always see people selling these boutique looking headbands and wondered how difficult it was. Turns out, it is super easy. Four ribbons, a headband, and a glue gun is all you need to make a beautiful headband like this one.

Today has been a very rainy day. My outdoor plans for the day got ruined so during the kids' naptime, I decided to make this super cute lemon sugar hand scrub inspired by Stephanie over at Under the Table and Dreaming. I think it brightens up my kitchen windowsill and I can't wait to see what it does to my hands. Add a cute tag and a spoon and this makes the perfect gift as well.

Next up is a superhero cape for my daughter.

Party Time!!!!

I'm in party planning mode for Cutter's first birthday which is coming up VERY soon. I have decided to go with a sea-life theme to match his room decor...mainly because he really isn't "into" anything. Also, its kinda fun to be able to plan a party and do whatever theme you want. Unlike my daughter's birthday party which will likely end up being some sort of mix of dinosaurs, super heros and princesses. I'm trying to keep the decorations simple and cheap but still look good. The jars will go on the food table, either filled with sand or some colorful candy. I still have to add more embellishment to the jars.

I got the centerpieces for the table at the Target dollar bin. These will be filled with sand with sea glass on top and some decorations sticking out of the sand. More embellishments to these will also be added

Check back soon to see more party updates as the date gets closer!

Our Garden

I have attempted gardens in the past with no luck. Last year I got one measly tomato out of my tomato plant. So the thought of trying a garden again this year just daunted me. But I headed out and bought some tomato plants in the spring. I bought ones that were specifically made for containers and it made a HUGE difference. We have two pots on our deck and are able to pick ripe tomatos every day or so. Madison loves pick them. Here she is in action. Yes, she is wearing a dress while helping me garden. I can't seem to get her out of dresses lately.

In addition to our container garden, Chris built a small garden next to our shed. We planted green peppers, orange peppers, chili peppers and cucumbers. The cucumber plant has totally taken over and we have lots of yummy salads once or twice a week.

The peppers are coming along but I am slightly disappointed. There is one orange pepper and it took FOREVER to turn orange. There are about three green peppers and three chili peppers that don't have a hint of red to them yet.

At least Madison's flower garden looks good....