I didn't mean to disappear for so long!

Work has been unusually busy, I've been doing some traveling, and I'm still continuing to work through my tendonitis. Wearing a brace is sure getting old, but most of the time it keeps my wrist from hurting so I guess I'll just have to deal.

Last month, DH and I went to Winter Park, FL to visit my sister and brother-in-law for a long weekend. It was nice to get away while it was cool in New Mexico, butbefore the temperatures became too hot in Florida. We didn't do much touristy stuff like theme parks (Winter Park is just outside of Orlando). But we did go to the Kennedy Space Center because DH is an aerospace fan. The Space Center is on the coast but not too far away.

A model of the Space Shuttle rocket assembly--

The Space Shuttle Atlantis' home is at the Space Center, and it is housed in its own exhibit space. It was a well thought out exhibit. You enter from the upper level for an eye level view. And then as you walk to the lower level, other parts of the craft can be seen, resulting in a very close 360-degree view.

The other major exhibit is about the Apollo project. Although that was a very long time ago, it was still pretty impressive. Perhaps even more than the Shuttle because space travel was so very new at the time and all of the science had to be developed in order to get the astronauts up there and back safely.

There were models of spacecraft around the grounds, and even my notoriously camera shy DH could not resist posing in one of them!

The admission also included a bus tour around the Space Center itself, where we got to see actual launching pads, etc.

Our other touristy activity was the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which is a bit of Old Florida. They started the tours around 70 or so years ago, and I'm sure it had more wilderness then than now.

Although there was some--

Winter Park is built around a series of lakes, and has many old and new luxury homes built on the water. So most of what we saw were mansions, like these two:

 Wouldn't it be nice to live on a lake?

It was a fun trip but ended too fast, but that just means we'll have to go back again soon!

A Visit to Portland OR

Last weekend, I headed up to Portland for a meet up with several delightful ladies for a weekend of fashion, food, and fun! I really needed a break and this getaway really hit the spot for me

First up, some shopping. Georgene and I headed off to the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store, the one with actual fabrics, located at 8500 SE McLoughlin Blvd. We both did a lot of damage to our wallets there! Following are some of the goodies I picked up.

Silk prints,

cotton shirting,

a remnant of Pendleton's signature wool,

and notions. Clockwise are felt binding, faux suede binding, and denim piping.

The fabrics were precut and discounted from the prices on the labels. In addition, I picked up a scarf that you'll see later. Definitely worth the taxi fare.

After Pendleton, we met with the rest of the group as they were finishing lunch at Habibi, a Lebanese place. I shared a few bites and it was fabulous, yum!

After, some of us headed to saysay, a nearby boutique. I picked up a pair of tights (which I forgot to photograph--trust me, they're cute!). I also got a wonderful handbag that can be worn two ways. Here's the bag all together.

The inner bag can also be worn by itself with a shoulder strap.

The scarf in the above pictures is the cotton scarf I got at Pendleton. I love the Pacific Northwest Native American design of hummingbirds.

But we weren't done yet! Off to Nordstrom Rack, where we had to look at (and buy) shoes. These are the ones I got. This pair was marked "Brookline" on the tag, a brand I'm not familiar with, but I did like the Fluvog/Tsubo look. They are also surprisingly comfortable.

The other pair is Bernie Mev, which I've liked since seeing Shams' pair last year in Santa Fe. Very light and comfortable. All those strips are elastic. 

After a brief respite at our home away from home, Hotel DeLuxe, we headed out for an Italian dinner at Piattino in the Pearl District. I think we overwhelmed the place, but we had a great time as you can see. Mardel, Liana, Jan, me, Rosie, Ann, Margy, Patti, Shams, and Georgene.

Saturday and breakfast at Cheryl's on 12th.  A hearty, delicicious breakfast and lots of coffee prepared us for our journey into fashion at ...

the Portland Art Museum! We arrived before it opened and had some time to explore the sculpture garden. Margy and Shams with a sculpture that matched their ensembles.

And then the doors opened for the show,

The exhibit was a very comprehensive review of Italian fashion, with several galleries over 2 floors. Alas, no photos allowed inside, but the catalog arrived Saturday (yay!).

Of course, more shopping around after the museum. We all wound up at the Button Emporium, since pretty much all of us sew. It's a very well stocked place, but it made me realize that I already have a lot of buttons. I really couldn't choose and left without buying, although I did like browsing.

Jan and I broke off from the group when we noticed a "boutique" Goodwill nearby (838 10th Avenue). I bought an Eileen Fisher cardigan and a dupioni top from Chico's. I liked the concept and hope Albuquerque will open one of these soon. Yes, the items are a bit more expensive, but worth not having to hunt through racks and racks of clothes to find one nice thing.

After changing for dinner, we headed to Josephine's. It's a re-boot of the the venerable Portland fabric store that closed in 2013. The new store is in D Street Village and has a well-curated selection of fabrics. Below are Liana and Margy checking out the goods.

I bought a yard of Liberty Tana Lawn cotton that I fell in love with. Now I know why people go nuts for it. This print is called "Anna's Garden."

Next up, dinner at PokPok, a Thai restaurant. It's very popular but somehow Shams managed to get reservations for us! Here's Jan, me, Georgene, Ann, Patti, Mardel, and Liana.

Mardel and Liana again, Rosie, Shams, and Margy's(?) hand.

Interesting food and delicious drinks.

Since Ann, Georgene, Shams, and Rosie were leaving on Sunday, we did a show and tell after dinner with all our goodies. The front part of this pile is mine (yikes).

We had a farewell breakfast Sunday morning at the hotel's restaurant, Gracie's. Mardel, Liana, Jan and I went to Knit Purl. I didn't get anything since I'm "World's Slowest Knitter" and had already bought so much stuff, but it was a lovely store. Afterwards, we had dessert at Petunia's. I admit that I didn't have high hopes for a vegan and gluten free bakery, but the food was remarkably good! I had pie, a sliver of Mardel's cake, and a spoonful of Jan's mac and cheese.

We took in a movie since Dior and I was showing locally. It's a documentary of Raf Simon's first collection for the House of Dior, and quite good. We all appreciated that so much attention was given to the staff who make those beautiful couture garments.

One last meal, back at the hotel since we were all pretty tired at this point. Thanks Driftwood Lounge for having wonderful burgers and other items that we could make a meal of. And here we are: me, Margy, Mardel, Liana, Jan, and Patti!

Thanks to Patti and Shams for "herding cats" and putting this weekend together! And thanks to all who attended--Ann, Georgene, Jan, Liana, Rosie, Mardel, Margy, and Patti! I loved being with each and every one of you.

Other posts about our Portland weekend--Shams (here), Margy (here), and Mardel (here and here).

Holiday Time

Here it is, almost Christmas and I haven't posted any news this month. It's been a busy time, like it is for most of us. There have been multiple projects at work that have pulled me away from blogging. And on top of that, some medical issues that have taken up some time. Thankfully nothing too serious, but I've been making the rounds of doctors and having tests.

I also needed to burn off some vacation time since I can't carry it over, and it disturbs me to just lose it. So DH and I did a quick getaway to Las Vegas recently since it's a quick and easy flight and hotels are relatively inexpensive in the run up to Christmas. We stayed at the Mirage, our usual Vegas home away from home.

Since we hadn't been in a while, we went the the Secret Garden at the hotel. It features a dolphin exhibit and a small zoo of big cats...

...including three lion cubs. They have a minder in their exhibit at all times. They're still young, but I imagine that will have to stop that soon. 

We also did a lot of dining out, and went to see Penn and Teller. Their magic show is very un-traditional and a lot of fun. 

The casinos went all out in their decorating. The Venetian and Palazzo featured a peacock theme that was quite pretty. The scale of the decorations is hard to capture, but the peacocks were enormous! I'd guess that the ornaments in the picture below are at least as large as a yoga ball.

The poinsettias below are the size of a coffee table.

Being Vegas, there are some strange contrasts. This menorah was in front of a fountain. I think someone forgot what the statuary was. As they say, it's the thought that counts! At least Hanukkah was not forgotten.

I'm home until Friday, when I have to go back to the office. I think I'm done with most of the duties that DH has assigned for me this week and can relax a bit before going back to the office. 

Have a wonderful holiday everyone, whatever you may celebrate (or not)! 

Christmastime 2013

We went back to the Mirage in Las Vegas again this year. I had a week off scheduled, and both of us desperately needed a change of scene. The trip was our main Christmas gift to each other. The pricing was amazing at about $80 per night including the resort fee and also a buffet. I was surprised at the assortment and quality of the food...that being said, I had sushi every day.

We also had some amazing evening meals at the Sin City outposts of celebrity chefs Mario Battali and Tom Colicchio (Top Chef). I found Mario's place a bit meh considering the money that we spent, although DH liked it. I liked Tom's restaurant better--an upscale steakhouse with great food, attractive decor, and an interesting soundtrack. Unfortunately, Onde was dark for the week and it's traditionally been one of our favorites. Next time.

I also treated myself to a massage, oh yes! A bit of a splurge but so worth it! A good knead for my stiff muscles...

I got very brave on the day after Christmas with a trip to the Fashion Show. That place is quite a location for window shopping since they have every store. It's almost too much to take in. I braved Macy's shoe sale and got a wonderful pair of Aerosole loafers in blue suede and a pair of teal suede and black leather D'Orsay flats. My feet aren't handling heels well lately so I've been stocking up on flats for now. 

Yes, I know Macy's is just about everywhere now, but I guarantee you that neither location in Albuquerque has shoes like these (and the 1000s of others at the sale).

I am hoping to gain some sewing mojo now that the new year is coming. I made some adjustments to my TNT Kwik Sew 2565 T Shirt this month and cut out a new version on Sunday. I've made this pattern so many times that it should be a fast project to make. The fabric isfr

I've been cutting out some new patterns too! JillyBe's version of Vogue 8962 encouraged me to get going with mine. I also enjoyed Barbara's Vogue 8961, so will need to give that one a try since it's also in the pattern stash.

Random Thoughts

I've been trying to put together a "real" post for a while but nothing has come together yet. In the meantime, here's another edition of Random Thoughts.

• I've worn the new T and like it very much. Sorry, no pictures yet. But it passes the wear test.
• I did spend a weekend in Chicago with a great group of friends! A wonderful girls' weekend featuring the Haute Couture Club's annual fashion show and a visit to the Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. 
• I didn't plan to fabric shop, but it was impossible to resist the lure of Vogue Fabrics in Evanston. More on that soon.
• Material Girls was last weekend. Much tracing and cutting of patterns. It's nice doing sewing related things with a group. We all work on our own projects, but it's a nice opportunity for conversation. I got some advice on what size to sew for the First Day of School project from one of the ladies. She sews for her little nieces in Puerto Rico. As a result, I cut a darling little peasant top out of a fabric remnant that's ready to sew up. Should be quick and fun. I'm planning on making some linen pants to go with, so some little girl will have an outfit. 
• I experimented with a free HotPatterns download from Fabric.com yesterday. It's almost complete but I still can't tell if it's going to fit and exactly what it's going to look like. A try-on with the proper underpinnings is in order.
• I submitted my entries to Fiber Arts Fiesta on Thursday. Interesting moment--the sewing competition is run by a long-time ASG friend. There was some confusion when I walked in because she couldn't find my name on her sheet. Well, she was looking for my former name! Yes, and we see each other pretty often and she knew I was married. Too funny!
• DH and I are getting ready for a trip to the Tri-States next week for his college reunion. Other than that, we're still planning out some of the details (we're staying with family so that makes it easy). We will be seeing a Broadway play--we have tickets for the Motown show. 
• Time to get up, more sewing today. I am hoping to sew up new pair of TSW Hudson pants for our vacation. 

Santa Fe Weekend

We had another opportunity for a getaway for Presidents' Day weekend, so we went an hour north to Santa Fe to soak in some Northern New Mexico atmosphere. We had gorgeous weather, sunny but not too cold.

As we often do, we stayed at the LaFonda Hotel right on the Plaza, which meant we could park the car and walk to whatever we wanted to do. The hotel is undergoing a renovation right now, so prices were much lower than usual. Delicious food and drink were still available though!

Except for Bill Maher in concert, we didn't do much scheduling. He was hilarious, by the way. We had a lot of time to just hang out and explore. Of course, that's an opportunity for window shopping. Lots of jewelry! I liked the necklace below, with its heart motifs:

One of my sewing goals is to eventually make a Pendleton coat, so I always like to see examples:

Santa Fe has many arty clothing boutiques. I was quite taken by this ensemble, especially the scarf:

I also liked the top featured in this ensemble. Fortunately, it's pretty similar to this Vogue pattern, so I will be making one.

Sandra Betzina and Marcy Tilton favorite, Babette, has established a Santa Fe outpost. Interesting clothes, but I couldn't look much further since I walked by before the store opened on Sunday:

In the end, I did do some actual (sale) shopping. I purchased a slate blue cardigan, a skirt, and these shoes by a new-to-me brand called Fly London. Oh so comfortable, but with an edge!

On the way out of town on Monday, we also stopped by Santa Fe Fabrics where I picked up several items while DH relaxed at the bakery next door. I bought some basic black ponte for separates, a textured knit, and a couple of separating zippers.

This weekend has been at home, and I spent all day yesterday in the Sewing Cave working on a couple of items. Stay tuned for that! I'm not sure I will have them posted today but hopefully soon.