Back to School...

...with the Schoolhouse Tunic.

I figured I might as well sew this up.  I cut the pieces way back in June, before the boys were out of school.

It sat around and collected dust while I languished the summer away eating bonbons and laying in the sun carting my boys around to their various activities.

 I sewed it out of lightweight cotton and I made the extra small.

The pattern says to sew 5/8 " seams but next time I might go to 1/2" just to have a bit more ease.

 I have to say that I really am proud of this one.  

Of course, there are mistakes because I misread the pattern, but those will be fixed on the next one.

 I'm thinking a soft, lightweight denim or corduroy.

Add some tights, boots and a long scarf! 

Perfect autumn outfit!

 One modification that I made was to place only one pleat in the center of the skirt rather than have a bit more boxy look with two.

I saw this one and knew that it would work better with my body type.

 So now it's your turn!  Go, buy the pattern and get sewing!

If I can do it, you most certainly can!

San Francisco:part two

As we all know traveling with children can be fun and exhausting at the same time.  My husband and I have made it a point to show the boys as much as possible before they are out on their own.  They are confident travelers and appreciate a new experience when offered to them.

The last few year that we have vacationed we stepped away from the hotel model and have rented through VRBO.  Renting a home offers us the space that we all need at the end of a long day exploring.

 Last year, when we traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming we were lucky enough to find a beautiful home overlooking the town of Jackson.

 This year, we immersed the boys into city living by renting a two level apartment right in the middle of San Francisco.  Again, the space and the privacy of their own room helped to eliminate the nastiness that can occur at the end of a long day.

 I'm always a bit nervous to send off the check or charge my credit card to someone I don't know.  But VRBO has a good advice page on being safe with the people you rent from. It's a good thing to always try to speak to the owners on the phone first to make sure they are legitimate. 

 Unfortunately, we ended up in a hotel for the last two nights of our trip because of scheduling.  And, as always, even with having connecting rooms, the hotel demons were out and the sharing of a room did not go as nicely as our stay in the apartment.  What is it, with kids and hotels?

So, if you are planning a trip soon, check out this alternative to hotel stays.  I think you might be pleasantly surprised!

We went West....

to San Francisco!

And I believe, we all left our hearts there!

Be back soon!