Savoring memories of the big game

Unique sports themed memorabilia can be a wonderful item to collect or to share with others in order to foster a true love of the game. One particularly popular pastime is to follow football teams, both professionally and collegiate level teams. Many children share this passion with parents that have instilled a fondness for football through attendance at games, sports themed toys, and displays around the home.

Super bowl collectibles are very prized among those that have an affinity for the game of football, while also having the potential of being prudent investments that will someday increase in value. These items might be cherished accents to give rooms or spaces of the home a dedicated theme, or they may be items that are better off tucked away due to their potential value or the nature of the item. For instance, some Super Bowl special edition coins might be best contained in a safety deposit box or other secure spot rather than displayed and prone to tarnish or wear.

Some of the most treasured items to find might include Super Bowl Champion team prints, posters, souvenirs, and game used equipment or apparel. This extends to the players for these teams, particularly authentic autographed products by lauded players. These are the items that seem to hold their value the most, and that retain an exemplary resale value for those collectors that later on opt to sell or liquidate their prized collections.

There are some online vendors that offer some wonderful items that could initiate the novice collector and start their vigilance in accumulating related football mementos. These sites offer items including jerseys, balls, and novelty gifts, as well as videos, periodicals and publications related to football collecting. The prices for these products starts at very low and affordable gift items or trinkets, to far more expensive items that might prove to be the focal point of a burgeoning collection. Consider this when seeking gifts for young people that are fond of football, and start their hobby out with a high quality souvenir item symbolizing their favorite team. These gifts will bring far more than the smiles and appreciation garnered when gifted; they could instill a passion that lasts a lifetime.

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Oil cloth apron

As you can see in the photos, P is not into posing for me anymore. He had to do it, because I made these oil cloth aprons for his kindergarten so he felt somewhat obliged to put it on, but not really enough to put on his model face too.

These were surprisingly simple to do. The pattern was drafted from the old cloth apron they've been using in the group. Since they use them when they put away dishes after lunch (4 kids are always in charge, one for each of the 4 tables they have) I though it might be useful to make it stain and water proof. 
This is actually the same fabric/different color I used in my Last minute floorbed. When I did it then I had some problems with the machine catching on to the fabric, I thought it was because of the plastic feel to it so I had some doubts, but this time it was so simple I couldn't believe it. Cutting the fabric was extremely simple, because it is like paper, it doesn't really move or wrinkle. So I cut the shape out and used twill tape as binding/straps. I did iron the binding in half to get that bias tape look and from there on I just went around, didn't even pin it. No problems with sewing, I am not sure if it is because of the twill tape or my machine just decided to do it this time, but it worked like a charm.

Kids love it! What do you think?

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Brown Eyed Boy...

 

"A portrait of my child(ren) once a week, every week in 2014."

Portraits of my children every week in 2014.
Visit Practising Simplicity blog for more about the project.

DIY Colic pain remedy

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It sounds pretty bold to say you have a remedy for colic and it is also a lie. However, my both kids had bad cases of colic and while with P the only thing that helped (and we tried everything) was to physically squeeze out the air from his tummy, the only thing hat helped soothe Ilija's pain was warming his tummy with those gel patches. One bit problem with those is that they get too hot, and you need layers and layers in between baby tummy and the patch if you don't want to burn delicate baby skin.
So, when my pretty sponsor Ewa told me her baby son Theo is suffering from colic too, I wanted to make something nice for them and possibly help them soothe the pain a little.

It is basically a rice bag that can be heated up in the microwave, but I added some Croatian lavender to the filling (personally picked and dried by us). Lavender is great for kids, if not to soothe the pain, it is good to help them sleep, to calm down in the evening, and don't get me wrong when I say it, I think any baby would love to have this bag as their lovey.
What makes it so special is that it is made of B!MBA fabric. I am lucky to be friends with Dia, the designer behind it, and sometimes she gifts her scraps to me, which I cherish and use for special projects like this one and to update my kids clothing or make unique presents for little girls.

Winter KCWC 2014

This Kids Clothes Week did not see much of me. See, I went skiing...after over 5 years we took a winter break and retreated to the Austrian mountains with 3 other families, 2 kids each. you can imagine the mornings when all the kids woke up at the same time...Also, there was not much fuss about clothing: base layer, mid layer/fleece, jacket, ski pants, gloves, helmet and goggles of course, and that is it. When they got home they jus continued running around in their base layer/socks until they dropped, when we put them to bed and got to engage in several moments of grownup talk and CROCHET. I mainly started to crochet so I'd have something to do with m hands in situations where I don't have my sewing machine. AND to be able to participate in KCWC even if I am on my skiing trip. I already crocheted beanies for Pavle and hubby and two for my brother, all women in my family got crocheted circle scarves for Xmas, but somehow it was never Ilija's turn. So here it is now, beautifully soft baby yarn and this tutorial made it worth the time. It took me a while, since the yarn was pretty thin (I used 3.5 mm hook) even though it is a baby size.



And then on Sunday, when we were already back home and Ilija and daddy were taking an afternoon nap P decided it was time to make his PJs. We bought flannel around Christmas time, because he has outgrown most of his pajamas, it was time to use it.



My favorite pattern for flannel jammies is the Kid Pants patern by MADE. I've been using it for years and it still fits, I only change the length every time I do a new one.
The only difference on this pair was the sewn on elastic band, instead of the hidden one. When my husbands Boss boxer shorts fell apart I kept the elastic and it came to good use now.

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                                           "A portrait of my child(ren) once a week, every week in 2014."

P learned to ski this week...
(Bandana he is wearing was made by my friend Monika from Aspen, Colorado...if you want one let me know, I will send you her contact.)
See previous portraits.
Also make sure to visit  Practising Simplicity blog for more about the project.

Affordable party dresses

Popularity of Internet resources has simplified the process of shopping around, as well as broadening the variety of each and every specific product. Every girl has a moment in her life that she feels the need to buy a new dress for a specific occasion. Inexpensive online retailers provide reasonable prices for clothing, with different patters, colors, and styles to choose from. Fun, affordable party dresses give a woman true wardrobe variety without a significant burden on the personal finances.

Buyers who are motivated to find online discounts and sales on dresses will save by avoiding inflated prices found in local boutiques. Well-stocked stores, such as affordable party dresses offer the total package of clothing and accessories all in one place. Whether attending a formal party, or having a casual night out, there are appropriate categories dividing styles into easy-to-navigate sections. No matter what a personal financial situation may be, investing in a few different dresses for any occasion does not have to be expensive. There is no such thing as having too many dresses, considering it a necessary staple to every complete wardrobe. Check for discounts on last year's most popular styles to avoid paying full retail prices on coveted items. Get a head start to take advantage of promotions, sales, and clearances by subscribing to Email newsletters.