Costume Fun of Autumn's Past

Happy Halloween Everyone!  Blast from the past our families costume fun! Enjoy....

YEAR 2008



Princess Leia



Buddy the Elf...."Santa I Know Him"



Magic Man Carter, Steve and Litte Blue


Year 2009

Family Halloween

Wolverine and Storm



Robin

Flash....Skinnest Flash EVER!

Super Hero Family

Super Powers!!!


Year 2010

Paul McCartney, Cat in The Hat and Mickey Mouse

Family Halloween

 

Mickey Mouse

 

Year 2011

Gnomeo and Juliet

Peyton, John Lennon and Freddy

Freddy and Scooby






 



Picture Perfect

I am filling this month with firsts. I started my very first exercise plan, my very first art journal, and a new blog that is going to be filled with pictures. So I suppose I am starting my very first photograph blog. I am taking a 30 day photo challenge just because I thought it could be interesting and fun. So this month of June is the beginning of my journey to move forward, to become stronger, to strive to become who I want to be!!! I am sure the ride will be bumpy and far from perfect.

If you would like to follow my journey in pictures just click HERE!

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made” psalm 139:14

Fun Superhero Style

My Superheroes

Back in March Cole Elementary hosted a Mother/Son superheroes party. Brilliant was my first thought on the idea. As a mother of only sons we miss out on getting daughters ready for Father/Daughter dances. When it comes to special events, often times the relationship between mothers and sons gets overlooked. I mean after all, boys are not too keen on taking their moms to a dance or tea party. I think the problem much of the time is a lack of ideas with alternative options for the boys. However, I think that Cole Elementary figured it out with the Superheroes. I am sure it’s probably not the first one ever done and the idea might not have originated at the school. It was however, the first one that I had heard of and, more importantly, participated in. It was so much fun! We all dress up like superheroes and head to the school in costume. The gym was spilling over with all kinds of superheroes like Batmen, Hulks, Captain Americas, Supermen and of course Supermoms! The music was loud, the rock climbing wall filled with heroes, and the food was hotdogs and pizza. The boys had a marvelous time and as mom it was really pretty special to get to share the moments and the memories with my sons! Yay for the Superheroes Party!!!

Super Fun!!!

Photography, Paper, Picturesque

I just could not resist spotlighting the latest creative creation by Kelli Trontell{photography} and ButterflyspArks. These beautiful young entrepreneurs are creative geniuses on their own, but when you place these two girls together, magic happens. It’s incredible, fun, simple, beautiful…it’s art! Combine ButterflyspArks' extraordinary talent for creating visually stunning graphic design pieces and Kelli Trontell{photography} unique ability to capture precious details through her camera lens and just prepare yourself to be inspired. Distinctive characters from both the ladies' creative minds creates an entanglement perfect for developing personalized memories, better known as photographs. Their latest collaboration took place shortly before both of the ladies moved away from Nashville, TN and involved drawing inspiration from a couple key ingredients their love of children and their passion to create and inspire. These ladies dreamed up a photo shoot backdrop where kids can be kids. Their goal was to inspire mom’s who run out of creative ways to photograph their children. The girls came up with fun paper cutouts: paper cheeks, mustaches, music notes, and so much more, which transformed the simple but bold backdrops into a world of imagination and for the kiddos resulting in fun and cleverly designed photographs. Every photo is overflowing with adventure and giggling children! Kelli Trontell{photography} and ButterflyspArks“Playing with Paper” is simply a brilliant use of imagination developing a fun and easy way to photograph your favorite little ones. Hope you feel as inspired as I did!



Speical Note: this article also appear at Cookevilletimes.com

Little Sock Elf{by Mandee Franee Designs}

Just take a look at this sweet little elf face. Don’t you just love him? I love him all the way from his big black button eyes down to the adorable little bells on his toes. I love all Mandee Franee Designs this is her second appearance on Inside My Head. To see the first one just click Monster Fun. The girl behind these creations has such an adorable imagination. I also love her Christmas lens pet collection. My personal favorite is the Gingerbread man, too cute! You can check her and all her creations out on her blog just click HERE. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what lovable creations she comes up with for Valentines Day!!!

A Crafty Sisterhood

Rebekah and Deborah Robson are two small town girls, originally from Overton County, Tennessee who just happen to be sisters, who just happen to fall in love with and marry two brothers, who just happen to be stay at home mommies, who just happen to be two incredibly creative people.

Both of these young women are drawn to the crafting world. Rebekah has been painting, drawing, and sewing for years now, while kid sister Deborah is just getting her feet wet and exploring the crafty side of herself. After the discovery that both of them were interested in creating, the girls set out in search of an outlet for their creative energy. Thus, “20 Little Toes” was born, an Etsy shop devoted mostly to children’s projects.


“20 Little Toes” was originally created by sister Deborah and the name is a homage to her adorable twin boys. Soon after, sister Rebekah came on board as a mainstay contributor to the shop. The girls thought about changing the name, since Rebekah is also a mother to a sweet baby boy, but both decided “30 Little Toes” sounded a bit creepy, therefore deciding ultimately that “20 Little Toes” was around to stay.

The shop is dedicated to outfitting your children with both fun and practicality in mind. Both girls bring their own sense of style and ideas to the table. Rebekah's style is quirky, bright, with a twist of bohemian, while Deborah brings a more modern, streamlined, linear style with a dash of soft and feminine. The girls have found that in the crafting world their individual styles compliment each other very well. Their ability to work so well together is what makes the shop work and shows off a collective combination of their creative abilities and unique styles.


The shop has already made one appearance in the Etsy treasury section. The girls were thrilled that other crafters had connected with their work and chose their shop to be featured in such a select group.

These days the girls are busy preparing for the Holiday season. On average the girls spend 2-4 hours a day crafting and as far as plotting new ideas, the girls' brains are always in motion, daydreaming about new projects.

While Rebekah and Deborah love the crafting world, their main focus is their children. They are self described, part-time crafters and full time Mommies. While crafting is fun and challenging, their main priority is shaping the character of their sons. Crafting is something they do for themselves, something they enjoy, something that allows them to use a different part of their brains, and “20 Little Toes” is a lovely side effect of the crafting hobby of Deborah and Rebekah Robson.

To check out more of their products visit “20 Little Toes” on Etsy




Special Note: This article also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com

Gifted

I am just giddy about this inspiring new Holiday magazine & gift guide recently launched by Creature Comfort (blog). Gifted is a stunning on-line publication bringing together an assortment of talented minds offering you gorgeous ideas and products. The magazine features include shopping, gift ideas, decor, treats, do-it-yourself projects and so very much more. After I stumbled across this magazine one afternoon via a Facebook status, I simply could not stop admiring the beautiful images that are so precisely laid out. Once I could bring myself to stop swooning over the whimsical appearance, I began to explore the written portion and blogger links the publication had to offer. The magazine itself is such a joyful experience, but the adventure lying on each of it’s pages appears to be endless. Inside you will discover a whirlwind of inspiration on each and every one of the 200 plus pages. Without elaboration, there is simply something for everyone. Each and every one of the contributor’s deserves a pat on the back for a job well done, along with the dreamer behind the idea for such a stunning piece of on-line publication. One more bit of good news that I must mention is that access to Gifted magazine is totally FREE. Not only is it free, it gives amazing gift ideas and provides links to each one, giving the magazine both beauty and brains.

Sunday Snippet{Halloween Past}

For today's Sunday Snippet thought I would share a couple photographs from 2009 Halloween Party!

Clever and Fun Children's Costumes{DIY}

I searched the Internet for a few DIY costume ideas for children. There are so many fantastic ideas out there. I just keep wondering where all the fabulous creative juices come from that these people have, because I want some of it. Anyway folks... I thought I would share some my favorite costume finds of the day. I would love to see some of your creative costume creations(All costumes are fair game:pets,adults,children, and babies,)….I may even have to feature them on my blog or hold a little costume contest(depending on how many emails I receive) here on Inside My Head. So if you have an awesome costume creation you would like to share email it to me at insidemyheadblog(at)yahoo(.)com before Wednesday October 8th .

5 Totally Phenomenal DIY Children’s Costumes

Photo credit and idea to Disney FamilyFun
1. Unicorn: transform your little darling into a fairy tale land with this mystical and unique unicorn costume. Made with felt and a hoodie this is sure to be a hit with all her friends, and the good news is it's fairly simple to pull it all together before the costume parties and trick or treating begins.

Photo credit and idea to Disney FamilyFun
2. Crocodile Wrestler: this adorable little getup is sure to satisfy even the most adventurous of children. The costume is created with simple Khaki color clothing, and handmade with soft Styrofoam , a crocodile, binoculars, and a safari hat.

Photo credit and idea to Lizette Greco
3. Mario mustache and all. This is one adorable little plumbing hero from Nintendo Mario Bros. game. The costume is manageable to pull together with over-sized overalls, red turtleneck, white gloves, red hat (painted or sewn on M symbol), and don’t forget the all important mustache. Add in a few accessories, and you are good to go save Princess Peaches!

Photo and idea credit to Quick&Simple
4. Pink Poodle: I just fell in love with this little puppy. Made with pom-poms and a sweat suit, this little costume is going to melt a few hearts into handing out the good candy bars.

Photo and idea create to Pera Chapita
5. Circus Folks: this is always a great last minute cost idea because it can work for boys and girls of any age range. You can transform your children into the whole circus ringmasters, mimes, lion tamers, trapeze artist, and of course the all time favorite clowns. With clowns you can dress them as crazy and wacky as you like, and it’s one time you don’t have to worry about matching. With any of these circus character costumes your imagination is the limit...let it run away with you at least to the circus!

Autumn in Tennessee{fun Fall activities}

Autumn is upon us. Autumn is a time of harvest and gathering together with family and friends. I always think of this time of year as perfect marshmallow roasting weather. Autumn brings the loss of the bees, butterflies, and long summer days, but in return Autumn brings a kind of flower itself as it turns the leaves an array of reds, oranges, and yellows. Autumn also brings in the mellow breeze of a perfect day for family adventures and couples retreats. With this in mind, I thought I would compile a list of fun Fall activities in Tennessee. There is entertainment for all ages, groups and budgets scattered all over the beautiful state of Tennessee this Autumn.

Fall Events List by MysticIris on Polyvore.com

(1) Nestled away in the quiet, but bustling little town of Cookeville, TN is Hidden Hollow State Park. The park is located on Mt. Pleasent Rd and is considered a family friendly park in Middle Tennessee. This year the park will host Haunted Hollow, a kid friendly family fun zone with hayrides, haunted forest, carnival games, mazes, and maybe even some live music. The fun happens every weekend in October starting the weekend of October 8, 2010. $

(2) Looking for something a little more on the romantic side this fall and maybe even something indoors? You might be interested in "She Loves Me" a play by Joe Masteroft, Jerry Bock, and Sheldon Harnick showing at Cumberland County Playhouse in the adventure theater. "She Loves Me" has become two movies "The Little Shop Around the Corner" and "You've Got Mail". This big-hearted musical with a small, but talented cast runs November 18, 2010- December 18, 2010. $$$

(3) Honeysuckle Hill Farms in Springfield, TN is more than just a pumpkin patch. It's a whole discovery of family fun down on the farm. Honeysuckle Hills features a 6 acre corn maze, hillbilly pig races, pedal cars, steer roping, spider slide, petting farm, farmers market, The Kiddie 500 ( tricycle race), jumping pillow, and the new pumpkin train. Wittiness a family feud between the Hatfield's and the McCoys. Better take cover we hear those Hatfield's have a giant pumpkin cannon. Also, don't forget after all the fun you have to take home your very own pumpkin. You will find a super assortment in every color, shape, and size. $

(4) There's an absolute Spooktacular event coming to the Nashville Zoo. Ghouls at Grassmere, a family friendly Halloween event designed to appeal to families with children 12 years and younger. The event helps raise money for the upkeep of the zoo. This year there will be several new treats, along with all the old favorites including many treat stations, kid's costume Parade, gypsy maze, monster mash dance floor, scary-go-around, and so much more. The ghoulish fun begins the weekend of October 15-17 and continues the weekends of Oct 22-23, and Oct 28-30(not open Halloween night). The Nashville Zoo opens the gates at 5pm and closes them at 9pm. So put on your costumes and come out to the Nashville Zoo and join the fun! Hint...Hint, you can purchase tickets on-line in advance to avoid long lines and get a discount. This year is the first year that a Ghouls at Grassmere(GAG) total access pass will be offered. Don't miss out! $$

(5) Join in the Costume fun at one of Tennessee's most popular aquariums. The Fall 2010 Aqua-Scarium Halloween Party is October 29th beginning at 6:30pm and ending at 9:30pm hosted by the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN. The event includes the ever popular costumed divers. You can also mingle with the lovable mascots donning their own Halloween costumes, dance the night away, and if you dare touch the unknown at animal encounters. Did I mention you can when prizes and gather lots of yummy treats.
Nonmembers $$$ (includes ticket to the aquarium) and Members $

(6) Dollywood's National Gospel & Harvest Celebration located in Pigeon Forge, TN. Four weeks of Gospel music beginning October 1, 2010. Your not going to want to miss Dollywood's fall celebration with music, crafts, and food located in the breathtaking smokies, nor are you going to want to miss Dollywood's signature fried green tomato's. $$$$

(7) Chester County BBQ Festival, Henderson TN September 30th- October 2nd 2010. The festival will feature arts, crafts, children's area, and the main attraction, BBQ. Enjoy Barbecue cooked with patience, skill, and experience in an open-pit barbecue producing "real barbecue" for all to enjoy. The first barbecue will go on sale by 10 am, September 30th. Admission to the event is free, but some cost will be required to fully enjoy the family friendly festival. You can contact the Chester County Chamber of Commerce for more information. $$

(8) Looking for personal treasures? Now is your chance to find them. September 30 - October 2, 2010 is the 25th annual Roller Coaster Yard Sale with stops at Glasgow KY, Tompkinsville KY, Albany KY, Celina TN, Livingston TN, Byrdstown, TN and many more stops along the way. A three day, 150 mile stretch of crafts, quilts, southern style foods, antiques and second hand treasures of all kinds. Detailed driving directions available on-line click HERE. FREE

(9) The Blue Man Group is coming to Tennessee's Andrew Jackson Hall in Nashville, November 16-21, 2010. The Blue Man Group theatrical show combining music, technology, comedy, and a touch of mystery to each show. Since there is no spoken word during the performances, The Blue Man group crosses over boundaries of all kinds, including age, cultures and language barriers. You are guaranteed to be left wildly entertained by this unique and visually stunning performance. Special note if you sit close to the front you may not want to wear clothing you value. Casual attire is welcome and encouraged for this show. $$$$

(10) Maybe you are looking for some adventure this Fall season. Well, your sure to find it at Fall Creek Falls State Park. For starters they are offering rock climbing workshops November 5-7, 2010, among many other events this fall. Enjoy any of these events while taking in the beauty and wonder of the Fall foliage and atmosphere. Fall Creek Falls is situated on the Western edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Pikeville, TN. The Park is Tennessee's largest state park with much to offer it's visitors from camping, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and lets not forget the beautiful waterfalls. This state park even offers top rate lodging for those who like indoor private plumbing areas. Cost of this adventure will vary depending on your agenda. $-$$$$

Cost Key
$$$$ Above $30 Each
$$$ Above $20 Each
$$ Under $20 Each
$ Under $10 Each
FREE

Special Note this article also appears at Cookevilletimes.com

Suprise Trip to Neverland

We took our two oldest children, Carter and Wesley, to see a small production of Peter Pan over the weekend. The theater was Belcourt located in Hillsboro village, a very charming little section of Nashville. The play was put on by Olde Worlde Theatre Company, who's motto is "progressively mixing the old with the new". I must say, I loved the feel and atmosphere of the old theater as soon as I took my seat. After much hype and plenty of guessing through out the week, I think my children were pleased with the outcome of their surprise outing as well. It was the first theater experience for my middle son Wesley, who has actually been glued to an old Broadway production of Peter Pan on our Netflix instant watch this past month. He was bouncing with excitement, so was I secretly. I love the theater. The play itself was by no means a Broadway production, but it's price fit nicely into the families budget. It was entertaining enough for the whole family to enjoy, about the equivalent to a high school play. The costumes where colorful, the actors were energetic and well spirited. After it was all over and every morsel of our large popcorn was devoured, we went out to the lobby where we found the actors mingling with the audience. I thought that was a lovely treat, although my children didn't want to get to close... The crocodile might bite you know. After all, it did bite off Captain Hooks hand! Later, I think my middle son was sorry he didn't meet Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Wesley decided that very day he was going to be Captain for Halloween, never mind that it is 5 months away. In typical Wes style, we had to dig up pirate attire for him to play in by days end, complete with a tin foil hook. It truly was a pleasant Saturday Morning with my family filled with imagination, faith, trust, and maybe even a little dash of pixie dust. The day just made me one happy Mommy!! !

Purse Profile

What my purse, and the contents inside say about me. What you didn't know a purse could talk? As a teenager I pretty much refused to carry a purse, and when I did decide to be nice and lady like I usually left it somewhere. You know slung across the back of a chair at a restaurant, in the dressing room of the local department store, in the floor of a friends car, even at a couple of parks. Lets just say times have changed a little. Today my purse is a staple in my everyday life. My current purse of choice is a sling style. That could change tomorrow, I change purses, almost as much as I like to change my hair. What can I say I get bored. Anyways back to the purse this purse like I said is sling style with birds stamped all over the material. I think they look sort of like peacocks that have been fed steroids, and dyed the color of Easter eggs. What the outside actually says about me. Well lets start with the color it's bright pink which is what made me buy it in the first place. I love pink! The style of the purse is easy to manage and gives me the ability to be hands free since I just sling it over my shoulder and go. The style also says I have a inner hippie chick begging me to buy a broom skirt, and dig out my oldest flip flops from the bottom of the closet. You know and be that free spirit, peace loving, girl with Carol King singing in the background "I Can Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet". Okay okay maybe that's getting a tad carried away. So lets move on and dump the inner guts of my purse on the table. First inside you will find my wallet that I have had since I was in high school. The wallet is full of business cards. Pretty much from anyone who has ever given me one. Hey you never know when you need the services of clown who's main talent is to craft animals out of balloons. This collection says hey this girl fights against being a pack rat, and keeping everything. Not to mention I have had the wallet for over 10 years. Also my wallet has the total of zero cash in it. This says I spent it at Sonic Happy Hour =). There is also lip gloss, clinque compact, ponytail holder, and little pink mirror. Which of course says I think about beauty, but actually have little to actually ever use these items to freshen up. Not to mention my hair is to short for a ponytail at the moment anyways. Now then there is a camera which says I don't want to miss anything not even the little moments, but usually do. Now the I must be prepared list: an extra pacifier, wipes, candy, and couple of toy cars. This just screams MOTHER, as if the three children tagging along beside me wasn't obvious enough. Crystal light on the go because well I am not sure how that ended up there. I don't even like the stuff. Sunglasses which I never wear correctly. I mostly use them for a headband to keep my hair out of my face. A sharpie because heck you never know when someone might want my autograph. Lastly my IPhone never leave home without it. Unless I forget it. The IPhone shouts that this girl loves the Internet so much she likes to have it 24/7 true story. I get a little cranky without it. As for the actually minutes on the phone I never hardly use them. I am not big on talking on the phone, which is kinda funny because I sure love to talk, but I had much rather talk over good food and a Margareta with no children present. That is if I want to have a real conversation that gets to last more than fifteen seconds before being interrupt by one of my adorable rug rats. Well folks that about wraps it up as far as what my purse has to say. Besides the lint in the bottom of my purse we covered just about everything. So what does your wallet or purse say about you? Just something random to think about.

Pink Elephants and Purple Cows

Why.....Well because well...well just because that's just the way it is. Yes sometimes things get a little crazy, and a lot busy. My house is sometimes not much more than controlled chaos, but lets be honest without a little chaos life would get kinda boring. If things ran smoothly everyday what we have to learn from or laugh about. Even still I must admit today I am tired, and a bit cranky. Okay so a lot cranky. I don't really want to talk about that at least not right now, not today. I want to talk about the quirky, crazy, off the wall thing I think about when I need a little laugh inside my head. No you do not want to be inside my head it's dangerous, weird, geeky, complicated, and well just a bit odd at times. So anyways when I am stressed or need to switch my thoughts. I think of.....Are you ready for this? I think of Pink Elephants and Purple Cows. Why well because counting to 10 never really worked out to well for me, and well this is just way funnier, and it makes me smirk before the stress even have a chance to devour me. So before you write me off as a totally insane(which I my very well be, but that's a different blog)you should try it out. I bet you at least grin. Pink Elephants, Purple Cows, Pink Elephants, Purple Cows! In my experience it's all about finding what works for you, and knowing it really is okay to be a little off the wall!!! =)