Crafty Tuesday~ The "As You Like It" Dress

I was lucky enough to be asked, yet again by the fabulous Jessica of Happy Together, to test sew another fun pattern for her. Previously, I made her Octopus pattern, The Scrappy Bee, and the Modern Tie shirt. All were fabulously fun, and a huge hit with Sugar Bear. But this one.........OH MY! It might be my most favorite yet! ♥

This is the "As You Like It" dress and shirt pattern. I decided to go for a length somewhere in between a dress and shirt and pair it will capris. Folks......I love this look.

The fabric I choose for this project worked out perfectly. Not only did it use up fabric I already had......it just suits this pattern so well. I'm not sure I would have had a better bunch of fabric if I had gone out to buy it specifically for this outfit. It is just so bright and happy.

The plaid fabric has been sitting in my stash for....ummm....8 years or so, just waiting for the right project. Isn't it pretty?

I intended to make this a little bit big, so I could pair it over a shirt for longer wear, but I'm not sure it will work out, so we'll be wearing this little honey A LOT in the next month or so, to get major mileage out of it.

Never fear, though...I'll be making another one to replace it. I just love it that much......oh yes, I do.

Love it right down the smallest of details........like the buttons on the front,

And the super cool tie in the back. Sigh.........

It just SCREAMS summer, doesn't it? ♥

Thank you Jessica for giving me this GREAT opportunity. I'm forever grateful!

A Summer Evening at the River....just us girls.

No doubt....the BEST time to take pictures in the summer is the hours before sunset.....there is just something so very special about the golden light. Sadly, I rarely get to take advantage of this wonderful light, because I'm a real stickler for routine and bedtime. However, not too long ago, Sugar Bear and I were up visiting my parents at the farm and it was a good 25 degrees warmer than we usually get at home. After a long, sweltering day at a family reunion, Sugar Bear and I headed on down to the river for a quite cool off.

While Sugar Bear splashed around in the water, I relaxed on the beach with my book (well, in between taking pics, and keeping a VERY close eye on my girl, that is.)

Her recent success at swimming lessons helped give Sugar the confidence she needed to splish splash the evening away.

It was just all so very perfect. There was a slight breeze, the water was warm, and the bugs weren't.....well buggin' us!

I'm telling you.......it was delightful.

and action packed. The library MIGHT be wondering why there is a little bit of sand in the book I just returned.

As we made our way back up the creek, so climb the bank to our vehicle, the light coming through the trees was so very serene.

I had to get my camera back out of my bag. I didn't want to miss this light.

It was incredible. Sugar just happened to stand in the perfect spot to get a dramatic lighting affect.

She was breathtaking. I have not done anything to these pictures beyond my normal edits. The contrast is all true to the moment.

The glow in her eyes....it was all there.....and made me smile.

Gosh....I love this kid. and the golden hour......well, it is well worth missing dinner, and have a late bedtime. What a lovely evening.....just us girls.

Kitty likes....

Day 306

(Kitty likes Sugar Bear's Ferris Wheel.)

Day 307

(Kitty likes laying in WARM sand.)

Day 308

(Kitty likes fooling around with Foxglove flowers.)

Day 309

(Kitty likes checkin' out the fish in the water feature at our favorite Chinese joint.)

Day 310

(Kitty likes trying to catch butterflies by the butterfly bush.)

Day 311

(Kitty likes going to the farm!)

Day 312

(Kitty likes hangin' out with Sugar bear on a warm summer evening.)

Hosted by Chris

Team-Up Thursday~ White

This week, I suggested the theme of WHITE. I wasn't entirely sure Berta's back was going to let her be very adventuresome. White is something you can find just about anywhere. As I went about my week, I was on the hunt. While, crossing the creek on my parents place, I imediately saw some small WHITE water, and knew it was going to be my choice for the theme. I love the look of running water splashing over rocks.

Berta's shot makes me smile, as Petunias are a flower that reminds me of home. My mom always planted lots of pretty petunias around the house each year.

Be sure to visit Megan's site, the home of Team-up Thursday!

If you are a Team-up Thursday participant, please link up. There are so many great teams!