Aurora Style: Pattern Mixing (Again)

I couldn't help it. I had to share MORE cute photos of Aurora.  She is really taking a liking to getting dressed up...mostly the shoes part (so much like her mama).  This weird in-between weather in conjunction with my laziness about laundry has caused me to be a little more creative with her clothes.

But this creativity turned out really cute!  Aurora is wearing a dress (12 months) as a tunic top--since she's now 19 months and it's too short--and a pair of pants as cropped pants/capris (since they're also 12 months). I was worried it might look a little like she simply outgrew her clothes (which, she did), but instead I think it was a really cute look! Especially with the red and white stripes and leopard. I added her little gold bow flats to give her that "petite jeune fille" look.  All that's missing is a beret! (She has one, but it's brown and pink, so it would clash too much with this ensemble.)

I also had to share that Aurora is becoming the sweetest little helper.  She helps to put away silverware, take things to the recycling, clean up her toys (sometimes), and most recently, she's started helping to bring the newpaper in for her dada.

Cute in cotton--->dress-Under the Nile (thrifted), pants-Carter's, flats-Gymboree (thrifted)

We are very careful about making sure no cars are coming/around when she gets the papers, even though it's a quiet neighborhood.  Don't worry, Grandma and Papa (if you're reading this!).

 I really don't think she could get much cuter...and then she does something TOTALLY cute and changes all that. I love that her personality is a little sweet, but a little feisty, and of course, very social (again...so much like mama already that it's scary).  We're looking forward to a fun fall weekend together, with weather cool enough to wear some of her new (thrifted) fall duds.  More photos to come--of course. :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

xo,
Amanda

Aurora Style: Back to Preschool

Aurora isn't going to preschool....yet. She's not even 2. But we are touring a Mother's Day Out/Preschool place next week where she might go to play (if we like it, there's a short waiting list)  two mornings a week.  I am definitely a little nervous (I will miss her!), but I know she will love the opportunity to be around other kids.  And two free mornings a week would give me a lot of time to get additional work/cleaning/etc. done, so that's not a bad thing.

I think this is the perfect little Back to School outfit...the mustard corduroy and the saddle shoes/ruffle socks combination? I die.  This jumper is great because you can add a long sleeve blouse or tee/onesie when the weather gets cool. (And it's in the shop here!)

She was trying to wear the gourd like a bracelet! Such a little smartie (and fashionista!).

Picking flowers/Picking up pumpkins (unsuccessfully).

Doing a little dance! (dress-vintage from the shop, socks-random, saddle shoes-vintage, hair clip-homemade)

Some days she seems grown up. I love seeing her learn new things and become independent. I love having little conversations with her. I love seeing her personality start to come through.  We have so much fun together!  I think she'll be a big hit at preschool. ;)

xo,
Amanda

A Cute Mama in Miskabelly!

We love, love, LOVE getting appreciation photos (if you have any, please send them to us! We'd love to feature you on the blog!).  We just got this adorable photo from a mama-to-be in Georgia!  How cute does she look in the Miskabelly Tribal Print Tunic Tee?

We love it!  Thanks for appreciating us--we sure do appreciate you (customers AND readers!).

xo,
J&A
(Aurora and Lyla, too!)

My Vintage Baby {the return of...}

Gosh, it has been months since I have done a "My Vintage Baby" post!  In fact, last time I did one, Lyla still wasn't even sitting up on her own.  Yesterday I dressed Lyla in my favorite vintage dress and chased her around the house trying to get a decent picture taking photos.  We used this dress in a photo shoot for our Miskabelly ad/button, when Lyla was just six months old.  It still is quite roomy and I'm hoping it will work as a tunic/top as she grows (how cute would it be with a long sleeve tshirt layered underneath?!).  One thing about selling vintage is that it's always hard to decide whether something is worth keeping.  I know this dress would sell for a decent amount of money....but I think it is just too special to let go!

dress:  vintage C.I. Castro, leggings: Gymboree

Here she is holding a candle she pulled down from our TV stand...T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

This poor little baby has a bit of a stuffy/runny nose as of late.  It is heartbreaking listening to her trying to breathe in her sleep and when she's nursing.  Pretty sure she picked up the cold at her 9 month well checkup at the doctor's last week (little miss is now 15.6 lbs. and 27.5 inches!).  Despite being sick, she is still a ball full of energy!

xo

Jayme

Vegan for a Day: Fall Favorites

I'm back with some recipes after a little hiatus. I've been cooking a lot, but mostly the same things. I was in a little bit of a rut. And also, I tend to be so hungry that I forget to take photos of the meals I cook.  In fact, I am borrowing photos from a few food websites for this post BUT the recipes are 100% mine/real!

It's officially fall, and you know what that means: boots and blazers (two of my favorite things), warm drinks (though not the soy pumpkin spice latte, which I just learned--after consuming TWO so far this season--is not vegan. Not even close. Time to try it at home!), and, of course, with cooler weather comes the desire for comfort food, which inevitably leads to delicious-smelling homes, like mine was last Tuesday.

Often, I load up on veggies, but they end up sitting in the fridge because I am lazy I don't know what to do with them. So it was with two pretty butternut squashes in my refrigerator. I tweeted a cry for help and got a fantastic recipe in return (that was non-vegan but easily adapted to vegan! Thanks, @PopFizzVintage!). Once I got in the cooking mood, I couldn't help but make my first batch of Maple Apple Walnut Bake (my own recipe, created in my first week as a vegan, and adapted from this recipe from Angela of OhSheGlows).

Vegan Curried Butternut Squash Bisque
(adapted from Better Homes and Gardens recipe)

image via instructables.com

 INGREDIENTS

2 pounds butternut squash

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 14-ounce can vegetable stock

1 13-1/2-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk

1/4 cup water

2 teaspoons red thai curry paste (an easy shortcut that adds lots of flavor!) 

1 heaping teaspoon curry powder  

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped cashews (for garnish)

1 cup quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat couscous (to serve)

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Cut squash in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Arrange the squash halves, cut sides down, in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn squash halves cut sides up. Bake, covered, 20 to 25 minutes more or until squash is tender. Let cool slightly. Carefully scoop the pulp from squash halves into a medium bowl; discard shells. Mash squash slightly with a potato masher; set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, cook onion in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and curry paste; cook and stir 1 minute more. Carefully stir in mashed squash (or use immersion/stick blender for easy blending, like I did!), veggie stock, coconut milk, water, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

3. To serve, spoon hot grain and bisque into bowls. Sprinkle with cashews (and cilantro, if desired). Makes 5 or 6 servings. 

Rustic Maple Apple Walnut Bake

(Vegan and Gluten Free)

image via eccel.com

 INGREDIENTS

Fruit

4 large apples (Granny Smiths are best!)

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. salt

1 T. lemon juice

1 T + 1 t. cornstarch

1 t. maple extract

Topping

1 c. chunky walnuts

1/2 c. rolled oats

1/4 c. sugar

1 T. maple syrup

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

pinch of salt

PREPARATION

1.  Preheat oven to 400%.  Grease baking pan/dish (approximately 1.4 L).

2. Roughly chop apples (you can peel if you want, but I don't! Hence, the "rustic" descriptor on the recipe). Add the sugar, cinnamon, lemon, cornstarch, salt, and maple extract. Mix well and set aside.

3. Process walnuts, if needed, until chunky.  Add topping ingredients to chunky walnuts and mix well (keep chunky!).

4. Mix 1/2 of the topping with apples and add to baking dish.

5.  Sprinkle remaining topping over fruit mix.

6. Cover with foil (poke a few holes) and bake for 40 minutes.

So there you have it!  Amazing smells and tastes, super easy, and best of all, vegan! I have a feeling I'll be making both of these things at least once a week--they're THAT good.


Let me know how you like them if you try (and I hope you do!). Also, if you're looking to vegan-ize any recipes of your own, that's my favorite thing to do.  Send me a challenge and I'll feature it in an upcoming Vegan for a Day post!


xo,
Amanda

Checking In...

Hi all, just checking in.  Sorry it's been quiet around these parts lately--we've been taking a bit of an [unintentional] break.  Hope you're all enjoying the first official weekend of fall.  And don't forget to enter our giveaway from Crafty Dancer (a gorgeous hand painted pendant, a $35 value).

xo
Jayme

CLOSED. GIVEAWAY for a Great Cause!

This Giveaway is now closed. We will be announcing the winner on Friday, September 30th. Thank you to everyone who entered, and to Sarah for sharing her work with us!

xo
J&A


 It's been a while since we've done a giveaway here on Miskabelly, but it seemed like a good time to change that.   We sell on Etsy to make money (to hopefully, one day, make a living!), but there are some shop that make things in order to support other creative endeavors. Enter my friend Sarah Council and her shop, Crafty Dancer.

Sarah runs her own dance company in New York ( no small feat), but even more amazing is that she's about to become a mom! The profits from the shop help to fund her dance projects.  I want to share a little more about Sarah and her project here.  Sarah's work is also near and dear to Jayme and I as girls who grew up in dance classes and who have a passion for art (and for women who are living their dreams!).

Sarah, hard at work.

How did CraftyDancer start?

 

I am a choreographer living in New York City and lifelong Craftster.  I am most at home sitting right in the middle of the creative process. As I was looking for ways to support my dance company Sarah Council Dance Projects, CraftyDancer was conceived. What better way to raise funds for my dance projects than sharing and selling my crafty projects.

Who makes the crafts in the shop?

 I make most of the crafts in the shop with an occasional Craftydancer guest artist. 

 Are you involved in any other arts besides dance? Crafting, etc?

I am addicted to color and line, my creations range from original paintings and one-of-a-kind wearable art, to paper crafts. I would love to learn to sew but beyond the occasional dance costume alteration I really haven't had much success. Maybe that's my next project!

Are there other ways to support Sarah Council Dance Projects? 

Sure!! Along with visiting our Craftydancer Etsy shop, take a peek at our some of our latest dance projects at on our website.  You can check out pictures, videos and help keep us dancing by giving a tax-deductible donation here.

You can also catch up with us on facebook for the latest news from the studio and the stage. 

Images from Sarah Council Dance Project performance of Shadowlands

  

Do you have any favorite Etsy shops (besides your own!)
 

I love the bags and fun graphic fabrics at fromnancy.

The abstract wood sculpture art from paintsquare is so interesting. I especially enjoy the lines and texture.

The illustrations at mamarobot are so fun! As an expectant mom I've been eyeing the robot baby onesie made of soft organic cotton.

What's your favorite item/bestseller in the shop?

I really love the newest miniature painting pendants just recently added to the shop. I worked with some different shapes and sizes and added lots of bright colors!

Sarah is giving away one of her beautiful miniature painting pendants from the Craftydancer shop to one lucky reader.

About the pendant:  This pendant is an original miniature abstract painting on canvas set in a 5/8 inch square tray and preserved in resin.  Hang it on your favorite chain, cord or bit of ribbon and you'll have a beautiful one-of-a-kind necklace, an original work of art and a wonderful conversation piece. Pendant tray is silver plated, with a base metal of pewter and is antiqued, oxidized and lead free.

How to Enter:

Mandatory Entry

1.  Visit the Craftydancer Etsy shop, and leave a comment letting us know what your favorite item is.

Additional Entries:

1.  Become a follower of our blog...and leave us a comment to let us know! (If you're already a follower, keep reading for other additional entry opportunities).

2.  LIKE Sarah Council Dance Projects on Facebook...and leave a comment.

3. Follow @miskabelly on Twitter (if you don't already)...and leave a comment. :)

4. Tweet/Retweet this giveaway...and again, let us know you did in the comments! 

This giveaway is open to everyone and will end Wednesday, September 28th.  Good luck!

Lyla Georgette {9 months}

Hmmm....wasn't it just the other day I was writing Lyla's 8 month post??  Not much new around these parts after last months big milestones.  Her one new trick?  When asked "where's your nose?", Lyla points to her nose!  It's funny how these new things just happen.  It amazes me everyday what a quick learner Lyla is.  Crazy how babies just pick up on the smallest things.
Lyla is such a playful, silly girl.  She's is SO sneaky.  And she has this coy little smile and giggle/snort when you catch her [eating paper, pulling clothes out of the laundry basket, crawling into the dog's cage].
I think these photos attest to this...

playing peekaboo with the curtain

sitting in her high chair, having a snack

playing tug with Sophie

I'm pretty lucky, huh?

I love how our gestures mimic one another's in these photos!  And the matching messy hair (oh--notice my new 'do?).

Yes, yes I am.

xo 

Jayme

Birthday (in photos)

I turned 28 on Wednesday.  It was a strange birthday for me because I can distinctly remember when my mom was that age.  My little friends would say "your mom is so pretty and young!  how old is she?" and I felt cool telling them she was in her 20s... I was in 4th grade.  I always thought I'd be a 'young mom' too (not that 28 isn't young!) but here I am just starting my family and still feeling a bit like I'm in over my head.  I keep expecting to feel more "grown-up" but so far I still feel like silly little Jayme.  If you're only as old as you feel, I would say I'm about 16 in mind and 50 in physical condition (due to lack of sleep and/or time to exercise).  haha

Okay..now on to too many photos...

My actual birth-day was spent with Lyla and Andrew.  I was treated to homemade breakfast and dinner and a shopping/coffee/lunch outing.

My vintage birthday blouse!  More outfit photos on the Miskabelle blog.

The day before my birthday, my parents made me dinner (gluten free lasagna) and GF cake and ice cream.  Photos above are of Lyla crawling around, being sneaky at my their house.  Makes me wish we had more space for her to explore!  And carpeted space, at that.

 My mom always gets me some pretty mums to plant as a birthday gift.  But my parents' big gift for me this year was a haircut!  I went yesterday... photos soon to come.

So another birthday has come and gone.  But hey, I still have leftover cake and lasagna for days!  So it's all good.

xo
Jayme

Aurora Style: The Comb-Over

Aurora loves bath time, and I love how she soft and sweet-smelling she is after her bath.  I also love brushing her hair, which is getting really long (and which I refuse to cut, though I do trim her bangs).  The other night I brushed her hair over to the side.  We were playing in her big sister's room and she caught a glimpse of her cute self in the mirror.  I had to capture the moment on camera.

This isn't exactly a style post, so we aren't linking up.  If she had on one of those camo/denim diapers (no), then maybe it would qualify.  But for today, I just wanted to share her sweet little moment admiring herself....if only we could all be so pleased with ourselves and how we look.

On another note, sorry we haven't been blogging!  We are evaluating our priorities. The shop is doing great, and we have things we like to share on the blog, but it's definitely lower on the priority list. That doesn't mean we don't love our readers and supporters, but sometimes we need a break.  And working at home means just that: watching a baby full time and WORKING in any spare moment we get. 

The shop has also been kind of slow, but we promise, we have adorable new kiddo stuff on the way!

xo,
Amanda and Aurora

Funny Friday with Aurora

I think Aurora gets more and more funny with each month that passes. She is doing so many new things and talking up a storm.  But sometimes the things she does are naughty...and yet hilarious.  How do you keep a straight face when you want to scold her because she did this?

Well, before really scolding her (and taking this photo...luckily I had just uploaded some photos and had the camera with me!), I had to rush her to the bathroom to scrub her face.  Fortunately, a little Johnson's Baby Wash did the trick because the writing was fresh. I sighed with relief, thinking I was going to have to explain to people why my toddler had a tattoo on her face. She also drew a line on the rug, the chair I was sitting on, and her arm and leg (pants). Those lines did not come off so easily.

I was sitting in the same room. I don't even know where she found the marker.

The problem is that she has been using those Color Wonder markers that only color on the special paper. She can make lines anywhere else and they don't show up.  But permanent marker is a different story.

The other problem is that I do some editing work for an hour a few days a week: usually I can put one of Auroras shows on (Elmo or Yo Gabba Gabba) and sit in the play room/TV room with her. She'll watch TV and play with her toys and I'll edit.  I guess I just got too caught up in what I was doing to notice she was wielding a dangerous weapon.  I think I learned my lesson...but at least I got a good laugh in the meantime.

We are so happy it's Friday!  No big plans this weekend, but we need the time to relax--can you relate?

Have a great one!

xo,
Amanda and Aurora

Rocker Chick

Lyla is getting more and more active by the day.  She's starting to notice sounds and music and bounce a little to the beat (I die of cuteness overload!).  Yesterday we introduced her to Yo Gabba Gabba...oh my.  She could not take her eyes away!

Here she is in her ACDC tshirt.  She's totally into classic rock.

Notice Sophie the pup in the background...those two are still attached at the hip!  Unfortunately, they've started to, um, share their toys.  You can see in the photo below the tiny doggie tennis ball laying near the pink bunny.  Not sure who was playing with what.  Terrible right?  

ACDC tshirt- Old Navy, printed leggings- C&C California

I guess this is Lyla's version of "everyday wear"--onesie and pants (and a bow to hold back her rogue bangs that are about 3 inches longer than the rest of her hair).  Usually for Small Style Thursday posts (we're linking up with Mamas Loves Papa as usual!) I have specially planned outfits/photo shoots and try to include at least one vintage piece.  This week has been rainy and blah so I feel content with myself for the fact that I even managed to get a post up!

Hope you're all having a productive week!

xo
Jayme

Real Mama Style: Rainy Day Errands

I think this is my first (Amanda) style post on the Miskabelly blog! I post my vintage looks more frequently over on the Miskabelle blog because I get dressed up from time to time to show readers how to wear vintage.  Jayme had lots of pregnancy photos just in time for our blog start and has been doing a great job looking stylish while toting a baby (and breastfeeding! yeah!).  But what do real mamas of toddlers wear?

I am finally to the point where I can't stand being in pajamas all day. Even if it means just going out for a long walk, I force myself to get dressed.  I am definitely more stylish in a regular 9-5 job setting (because you see many more people and have to make an impression), but in terms of working at home, it's just not necessary.  But I've decided to start thinking of my jobs as real work...since they are, after all...and maybe I should take myself more seriously and get dressed!

This is what I wore yesterday for a trip to the post office, a vegan cupcake, a run to CVS, and some late night Starbucks with Q and Aurora (had a drink around 8 since I had to teach 12am-2am last night!)

blood orange cardigan-thrifted, white tee-old, jeans-Seven (old), heels- UO (last fall), pyramid necklace-vintage

This is a really easy and comfortable look! (In total, the whole outfit may have cost me about $50).  A comfy tee with a bright cardigan (and heels!), your favorite jeans, and a standout accessory.  Just make sure the heels aren't too high, since you may be chasing a toddler around the post office lobby...

I feel like I'm finally hitting my stride with post-baby fashion. I've gotten rid of a lot, I'm settling into my (new) size (though still trying to stay fit and, of course, eating vegan), finding things that work together, and saving the sweats for bedtime.

Also, the next time you see a photo of me, I may look a little different...stay tuned for that. ;)

xo,
Amanda

Meet in the Middle

In attempt to get the whole family together and avoid anyone having to endure a 4 hour car ride, my parents planned a family camping trip in Maryland for Labor Day weekend (the halfway point between PA and VA).  It's always an adventure when you're traveling with babies but our gals were pretty darn good all weekend--other than the 2 babies taking turns waking up the 2 grandparents, 4 parents and 2 teenage girls during the night (we all shared one tiny cabin!).

We lounged around camp, playing cards and flipping through magazines at the picnic table, cooking mountain pies and s'mores on the fire and being participants at the camp's activity offerings of mini golf, canoeing and swimming.

Sunday we took a break from the "great outdoors" and went to some antique shops (where we scored two awesome dresses for the Miskabelle shop) and out to lunch.  It was so nice seeing Amanda and her little fam and I'm thankful my parents put together this little trip for us all!  But as my dad said--sometimes the best part of vacation is that you come back appreciating your own home and surroundings (yay for non-communal bathrooms and comfy beds)!

Hope you all enjoyed your long Labor Day weekend as well!

xo
Jayme

P.S.  Like our new look?  We're still tweaking some things here and there, so please bear with us!  : )

I think she likes me....

The other day I went outside to sweep off some leaves from our front porch (yay, leaves falling!  Autumn, is that you??) and Andrew snapped these photos of little Lyla.  She pulled herself up to the window to look out at me!  Cutest. Thing. Ever.  She is also saying "Mama" a lot these days.  Though she says it when she wants another bite of food, wants to nurse, wants picked up, is tired/grumpy....so it's kind of more of a "I need you/something!" default word.

This weekend we are going on a camping trip with my parents and Amanda's family.  I can't wait!  We're sharing a cabin so let's keep our fingers crossed that this sweet little lady decides to sleep more than usual.  Have a lovely Labor Day weekend!

xo

Jayme

Aurora Style: Hi, Rain!

Aurora loves to be outside in the rain, so VA's hurricane weather was just fine by her.  Q and I took her outside to play (pre-65 mph winds, mind you), all dolled up in her rain gear. She likes to say, "Hi, Rain!" when she feels it on her hands, which I think it about the cutest thing ever, wouldn't you agree?

Hi, Rain!

Puddle jumping with Dada

jacket-vintage, top-Oshkosh (thrifted), leggings-gift from Aunt Jayme, boots-gift from Aunt Jayme

We made the most of the natural disasters...like we do of every trying circumstance.  We're always "making it work."  I hope that resilience is a quality that we pass down to Aurora, as well as joy despite circumstances. We were healthy, happy and dry (except for that half an hour in the driveway).  Our house did not flood. No trees fell.  We cleaned out our gutters just in time.  We counted our blessings.  At the end of it all, I didn't want the weekend to end...


It's Small Style Day over on Mama Loves Papa, so we're linking up too!

Enjoy the day,
Amanda