Summer Must Dos: Make A Dress

       Dresses and summer are like cookies and milk. There are a ton of summer dresses out there, and it is sometimes hard to find the one that you love. I love wearing dresses during the summer, and it is easy to make one that you will love.
     My sundress is something not-so simple; it was going to be a simple elastic band dress. But you know me I don't do simple if I want something better! It was a pain in the rear to make without a pattern, but I really love the end result!My dress form Angelina is modeling my design, I bought her at a yard sale for $50. I really like how her measurements are adjustable, and I can stick pins in her.
    But I don't suggest that you try that out unless you are prepared to get patient!
 An easy sundress to make is one like this:

It's made of a smocked material that is hemmed at the bottom.You can usually buy the material at Joanna's or Walmart, basically any fabric store.You buy a yard or two depending on how large you are around the bust. Then you can buy some ribbon to make the straps.All you have to do is sew the side of the dress and the straps on and Ta da! You have a fabulous new sundress, that didn't take that long to make! I would suggest getting the fabric on sale, because if you don't it can be pretty pricey. They also sell the fabric in different lengths, so you can make them for girls of all ages.

~ Maren

Summer Must Do: Sidewalk Chalk

      There's nothing more fun than vandalizing someone sidewalk! The best part was they didn't even know we were doing it! Sidewalk chalk is one of my favorite things about summer, and my neighbors are always drawing on their driveway. So that gave me the idea to draw some get well cards on two boys' sidewalks. It's funny because both of them are named Taylor, and both are on crutches! I guess it's the new fad to break yourself.  

     Sidewalk chalk is a great way to surprise someone and brighten their day. We also made them brownies. I also drew on my friend's sidewalk for his birthday last week. It feels good to be nice even if we were vandalizing their sidewalks, which I am sure is against some law. My favorite drawing was the gingerbread man who broke his leg and was saying "Oh Snap!".

    Go out and draw something today! Even if it isn't your sidewalk! Leave someone a note or just a random smiley face. Don't waste today and make your summer fun!

~ Maren

Summer Must Do: Go to a Festival

One thing I love about the summer is festivals! I love festivals! There's so much to do and see at a festival. You get to try new things and experience so much. Going to a festival is definitely a must do this summer. There's food and music, games and booths, prizes and lots of things to look at.

Here are some ideas to help you fully enjoy the experience:

1. Take Pictures! Lots of them! Of everything!

Toy display for Year of the Dragon

2. Eat the food! Festivals always have something new and interesting to try!

Some of the things that they had at the festival were Chinese food , Indian food , Filipino food , Thai food , Korean food , and Tibetan food. Different candies and drinks were also present.

I'm drinking my favorite Japanese soda Ramune. It's Peach flavor!

Ramune bottles have a marble that seals the top instead of a cap.

3. Watch a performance. Music, Dance, Theater; there's always something going on.

Some of the performances at the Asian Festival were Tibetan Cultural Dances, Lion Dance, Dragon Parade, Japanese Drums, and lots of Martial Arts and Dancing.

The performance stage! Don't you love the whole setup?

Traditional Tibetan Dance

The Lion Dance was my favorite performance!

4. Buy something for someone or yourself. Festivals always have booths where you can buy cute little trinkets

Girls love cute hair accessories!

Cute little charms to hang in your car or locker!

Cell phones are lame this is a real phone!

5. Visit all the booths, even the boring ones. Talk to the people running the booth, they have been there all day. They will enjoy the conversation.They usually give you free stuff!

This is the tea ceremony booth

6. Look at the displays that’s what they are there for.

Awesome Dragon display!

The kite display was really cool!

Owl Kite!

This was my favorite!

Best origami ever! It's made out of a map!

7. Make something! There is usually a crafting booth where you can make a cute little something to take home.

I made a cute bookmark that has my name in Japanese on it!

8. Visit the children’s booth, I doubt they will care if you are over 12.

9. Walk around and enjoy the experience.

10. Bring your friends and family, and tell everyone about the festival!

Find out when the next festival is going on in your area! Hope you are having a great summer! Don't waste it!

~ Maren