Today is my birthday. How wonderful to turn 26 on the 26 in 2026. My birthday wish is that you all believe I'm actually 26!
Today I'm celebrating at home, cleaning the disaster I created trying to build this set in order to be ready for this shoot. I'll be celebrating into the night by making it a mess again by making props for my next shoot.
Just a piece of my personal history from The Wizard of Oz. A photo of me with Margaret Pellegrini, one of the last Munchkins who later passed away in 2013.
Don't make fun of 14 year old me... Hahahahaha
Wouldn't you know it... a little birdie - or in this case two - keep chirping in my ears for the next couple of days. I found myself back in Lowe's to grab a few more supplies and couldn't help but grab one of the red faced and green faced bird planters!
I plan on repotting my succulents into some Grecian Urn looking planters I got a few years back from the 99 cent store (They were 1.99 each, wonder why they went out of business?). That way I can use the planters for what I originally imagine them for... table decor for votives, or fresh flower cuts, or maybe for some mixed nuts or candy!
Pull up your garters and preheat the oven, Darling! Today we’re getting our hands floured and our hearts full!
In this charming little kitchen escapade, I tackle baking bread for the very first time. I knead the dough, wait for the rise, bake, slice, and eat. So grab your apron (bonus points if it’s frilly), settle in with your favorite drink, and join me as I attempt to bake, and maybe even fall in loaf. 😉
There’s something about a warm breeze, the smell of cut grass, and the gentle quack of ducks that just feels like summer. For part two of my Summer Sun Top Challenge, I wanted to bottle that feeling and stitch it into something sweet… and so, this little duck-print top came to life. I just love it! I couldn’t resist this whimsical duck and duckling print—it’s sweet, summery, and gave me instant vintage picnic vibes. Naturally, I had to take this one out for a stroll near the duck pond for its debut!
I found this cheerful fabric at Walmart during the same trip as the bunny fabric and couldn’t resist the charm—tiny yellow ducklings waddling along a pale background like they owned the world. I knew it needed to become something soft, sunny, and full of personality. 🌼 This top follows a different view from Simplicity Pattern 1426 that I used in my first sun top (hello, bunny print!), and this version really let this playful fabric shine. Light, breezy, and full of retro charm—it’s exactly what I want to wear all summer long.
I also filmed the entire sewing process, from cutting to final stitches, and shared it over on YouTube in Part 2 of my Sun Top Challenge. If you’d like to see how it came together and get a peek at the peaceful park setting:
The ducks weren’t too impressed with my top, but they tolerated my presence with grace… and maybe mild confusion.
What I love about this project:
✨ It’s whimsical, wearable, and breezy—perfect for pinup picnics or park days.
✨ It made me slow down and enjoy the process. I let the stitches meander like little waddling duck feet.
✨ It’s a sweet reminder that fashion can be both fun and handmade with love.
If you're sewing along with me this summer, let me know what prints you're working with! And if you ever doubted whether ducks count as a summer fashion statement… I think this top answers that!
