The Untold Story of Oz

My head was spinning, it felt like a tornado had hit me. I found my bed and drifted off to a deep sleep.


I awoke in the most colorful of places and looked up as the loveliest person drifted towards me.She introduced herself as Glinda, the good witch of the North.

All of a sudden, another person, well a rather green person, took me by surprise.

Her name was Elphaba, the "Wicked" Witch of the West. She went onto say that she wasn't really wicked, but just misunderstood.


That is when all three of us noticed the most dazzling shoes...
Then, both girls started bickering about which one of them was going to keep the ruby red slippers, apparently they were both shoe-a-holics. Suddenly, the shoes disappeared from their place and appeared on my feet.
Elphaba was a bit disheartened as she wanted to keep them as a remembrance of her sister. Glinda explained it was necessary that I have them, as it would guide me on my quest to go back home.

Frustrated with Glinda, the Witch of the West, hopped on her broom and headed home.


Glinda then instructed to me that I needed to find my way to the Emerald City because there would be answers on how to get back home to Kansas.

I asked, "How do I get to the Emerald City?"

"Simple, just follow the yellow-brown grass."


She bid me farewell.
Then off I went.

I'd been walking a long time when the yellow-brown grass decided to split into two. "Which direction should I take?" I said to myself.

Seemingly from the air, a voice said, "That way."

I thought, where did that come from?

"Okay, well, maybe it's that way," the voice said. "Look, I am up here!"

Astonished, I looked up to see the most handsome, talking Scarecrow ever. All I could manage to say was, "Wow!"
He asked for help down from the post and I happily obliged. He quickly sled down, while at the same time losing parts of himself everywhere. Then, he hurriedly stuffed himself again.
He said, "I can help you find your way to the Emerald City."

Once I looked into his eyes, how can I refuse such a generous offer. After all, it was getting lonely walking alone and he was pretty darn cute, even if he didn't have much of a brain!

As we were walking, I was falling more in love with the scarecrow. He was just marvelous! I didn't notice for how long we had stopped walking, but were just staring into each other's eyes when our lips started to gravitate together...

Suddenly, the Witch of the West appeared and was threatening the scarecrow. She said, "Don't you try to hurt her."
Then, she turned to me and asked, "Was he trying to hurt you?"

I said, "No. He was being very sweet."She said, "Oh... sorry, my apologies."

I think the Witch was quite confused and didn't realize that a kiss was a sweet gesture.

Quickly floating down, came Glinda.

Glinda asked, "Is everything alright?"
"Yes." I replied. "Just another misunderstanding."

She looked at Elphaba, whom she fondly calls, Elphe, and said, "I guess confusion happens again, you are getting yourself into more trouble. This isn't good for your reputation."

Elphe just shook her head and said, "I know, I know. I meant well."

At that moment, my little pup, Toto, was beginning to get a bit anxious stuck in a basket all day long. I took him out to let him run around a bit and it seemed the two witches were both interested in my little friend.

I was having such a grand time with Glinda, Elphe, and the Scarecrow that I didn't want our time to end. I just met them, yet they felt so familiar, almost like family. That is when I decided that maybe we should all make the trip to Emerald City together.

I said, "You all are so lovely. I love being here with each of you. I feel so at home when you are all around. Do you think it is possible that we can go to Emerald City together?

Scarecrow said, "Hold on. Let the three of us confer."

So they did.
They came back and said, "Yes! Let's all go together."

I was absolutely elated at their decision.

We all linked arms and headed on our way, while singing, "We are off to see the Wizard the wonderful wizard of Oz..."


We knew we had wonderful things ahead of us.
The journey to the Emerald City seemed to go by so fast with all four of us together. We laughed, played games, and had loads of fun. I was sad when we got to the Wizard so quickly.

Next thing I knew I was tapping my heels together and saying, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

Then, I began to stir.

I didn't want to wake up. It was the most lovely dream and I wanted it to continue, but my body was aching from the long sleep. I opened my eyes to see the three loves of my life staring at me.

With surprise and excitement, I exclaimed, "You were there. And you. And you. We were all there!"
I went on to tell them my most delightful dream. They were a bit bewildered and confused at my story, but they were glad that I was alright and that my headache had gone away.

I immediately hugged my family and exclaimed, "There really is no place like home."

THE END

Hope you enjoyed my short (okay, maybe long) treat for you this Halloween (and I am glad this year's Halloween sewing is done, the only one I didn't make was Dorothy's, I borrowed from a friend). Ben and I watched the musical Wicked, which I highly recommend, when I was still pregnant with Brave, but we loved the story so much that we knew we had to recreate our version of it with our little girls. So with a little mixing and twisting of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked we come up with our own little story. So last year was Red Riding Hood, this year is the Witches of Oz, I wonder what it will be next year?!!

Hmm... I guess we have got another year to figure that one out.

Happy Halloween!!!

Lela part 2

I think I am liking the ginormous bow (compared to Lela part one)...
What do you think?

After some inquiries and encouragement, a few Lelas will be in the shop... soon. Still working out some kinks, but she will be a once in awhile item up for grabs.

Thank you so much to the wonderful blogs out there that have said such nice things about the rooms. I really just take different things I see in magazines that I love and a few things I come up with in my head and well, then you got the rooms.

Tomorrow is Halloween and we find that pretty exciting. Don't forget to check back tomorrow because I will have a special treat for you, in "true" Bratcher tradition.

repurposed

Vintage tablecloths turned into a bag and clutch, yet again...

They are now on their way to their new homes (thanks Mandi and Rychelle). I was tempted to keep the sunflower one because the embroidery is just divine. There is so much detail and handiwork done on that bag and well, the little clutch is just too sweet. I still have more left of that vintage table runner to make another. Anyone want?

I am trying to get ahead for the holidays and get massive amounts of things cut and ready. I am not sure what to expect. I also want to get some more once in awhiles in the shop (maybe some mushrooms, a doll or two, or more bags), those things give a nice to break to the regular Cakies sweets.

Also, check out Modish because my friend Nathalie's atelier is on that super blog... way cool!!!

still here

Thanks everyone for such sweet words about our little rooms. I am have a few more things I want to do in them and I will show those once they are done, but that may take awhile.

Well, I am back. I disappeared for a little while cause I had an overwhelming day last week and I was sewing halloween costumes, which are now done! So glad to be done, for some reason sewing costumes is something I dread. I get nervous that what I want in my head won't come out, so then I procrastinate it, but like always, when I am done I think, "It wasn't that bad." It wasn't and I can't wait to show you soon... it's fun, it's cute, it's us.

Also, another fellow designer tagged me, so I guess it is a nice way to start my week in this space...

Seven facts about myself:

1. I love to sing, well I can carry a tune, but I am not a singer.
2. I hate talking in front of an audience (I'd rather sing). Once, I had to do the pledge, well I was so nervous, I forgot how the pledge of allegiance went.
3. My favorite food is seafood, particularly crabs.
4. Like Resa, though I love to be crafty, I am not a scrapbooker. Like she said, somethings got to give.
5. I used to make handmade cards.
6. I lived in London for a short time while studying there for a semester.
7. I am married to the hottest man alive.

Anyone please join in the sharing. If you do share on your blog, please leave me a comment so I can check it out! And I can't wait cause my birthday is coming in one week! I love birthdays!!!

Happy Tuesday! I have some fun things to show you later...

the other little haven

True's room is probably the most complete in the house and I am in love with it. I mean, who can resist her antique little bed, vintage baby quilt (found on etsy), and French poster... certainly not me (sometimes I even try to lay in it)...
I had help putting the poster with the bed, as inspiration came from Australia's July/August issue of Inside Out magazine (I already had the bed and quilt), so when I saw it, I thought, "That is just what I am looking for," and off I went to find it, then it was all perfect (I even styled the bed just like the picture).

Then, a wonderful DIY project is this ginormous chalkboard that my Ben made. We bought a solid door at the local hardware store, had it cut 4.5 ft. by 3ft., then he primed and painted it with chalkboard paint, mounted it to the wall, and voila...
I love the thickness of it because it looks like a giant canvas. It is really big and the girls love it, and the can go wild coloring everywhere on it. We spend most mornings coloring here or on their little table. This is where we play pre-school. They even have a cute bucket for all their chalkboard-ing fun and little vintage milk stools to sit on...


True's softie collection is displayed on some old, rusty, wire baskets. I have a thing for vintage baskets... metal, locker, picnic, woven, apple picking, you name the basket (and the more rust it has), I probably would love it!

I am still looking for more, so if anyone ever comes across some similar ones to these, please let me know.

My love for chalkboards is evident because True has another one on the opposite corner, this is an old French one and the stool next to it was handmade by Ben's dad. You really could never have too many chalkboards. There is also a nice little reading corner for someone to snuggle up in. Also, a lot of our books are some of Ben's books when he was little. Kinda cool that the girls are now enjoying the same books Ben read when growing up. Guess you can say that they are kinda vintage. Most everything in the room is vintage, minus the toy box, and the bookshelf was the best bargain of the room because we snatched that up awhile back for $5 at the flea market...


The jars are used to hold mementos or little collections that spring up from time to time (can't remember which design book I got this from). So far, they hold sticks and shells True has found at the beach and ticket stubs from her first time on an airplane...
I really love her room. The style isn't baby-esqe, heck, I would even love that poster in my room! We have so much fun playing in here.

The room is almost done, there are a couple of empty spots on the wall that need something, but I am not sure what yet (except I could use more metal baskets). Her dresser is also bare with nothing on top, so we will wait to see what collection may grow there, but for now, it is absolutely perfect for my little girl.

And she loves it, so that is all that matters...

her little haven

I think I have settled that my favorite color is white and that is quite reflective of Brave's room. I wanted very simple and clean look and I like what we have thus far. There are a still a couple of things I am keeping an eye out at antique shops and flea markets to add, but those may take awhile to find.

My favorite parts of the room are 1) the old wooden crate box carrying her wooden block replicas of places in London and Paris, 2) Her Babette doll whom she asks for first thing every time she wakes up 3) Her collection of vintage clothing on antique French faux bamboo rack 4) The antique enamel kitchen holders that now carry her favorite collection of softies 5) The $1 chalkboard I snatched up at a garage sale on the wall on top of her dresser. For the longest time, I couldn't figure what to put on that wall, but the chalkboard came in handy and I quickly sketched my version of Paris...


The room is so bright and airy that we love hanging out here and reading all over the floor, but we also like hanging out next door in True's room, which is slowly almost done. Though it seems everything will always be a slow process for us because the things we like are not at just any one store. We have to patiently and frequently scavenge through flea markets looking for the absolute perfect pieces, though it may take awhile, we like it this way. Each piece will then have a story and a previous life, it makes it all more special.

pumpkin picking

bonjour!

Lela sits on a bench and admires all that good 'ole Paris has to offer...

Grand cafes, Parisian flea markets, and glorious sites...

Then, she comes home to True and tells her the magnificent stories of her adventures.

Made of linen, wool felt, and some left over scraps, Lela's got a couple quirks. In my haste to make a True a new friend, her little bun was a bit lopsided, but she looks cute and simple, better than I imagined. Plus, quirky is always a good thing, it just makes things more special. I like her more that way. 

Plus, True loves her and that is all that matters.

the cooking apprentice

With the new season, comes time to try the vegetables of the season. Ben takes this as a learning opportunity for his little healthy cooking apprentice.

The vegetable of the evening... acorn squash.

The recipe of the evening... Roasted Acorn Squash and Gorgonzola Pizza.

First, they set off to play Pat-a-cake...


They rolled it, and patted it, but didn't mark it with a B...



Then came time to prepare the featured vegetable...


Once again, they rolled it, patted it, but didn't mark it with a B...

Later they took it out of the oven, for Ben, True-y and me...
This was so yummy and the acorn squash was super delicious. It kind of reminds me of sweet potato, kinda. Nevertheless, whole wheat crust, fine cheese, and autumn vegetables make for a wonderful dinner. Let us not forget my two adorable cooks!

Eating healthy is really yummy... or maybe my Ben and True are just really good cooks.

artful scribbles

It is absolutely a delight to see my little ones color and create to their heart's content. The little hands moving around and around, lines going this way and that, the vision of a child cannot be recreated...

Their (and all children's) art are truly unique. Innocent. One of a kind.

I wish I had the talent and vision of a child.

yet, another

Though this is not for a giveaway, but may be going to a special home...
Made with another vintage tablecloth, thought not with embroidery, but with crocheted trim. It is equally as lovely as the others I have made and it will be equally as difficult for me to part ways with it. I really just love these bags.

And guess what?!! So I am officially crossing the Twilight series off my birthday list because thanks to a most wonderful Bethany, it is already en route to my house! I love this early birthday present! Eek!!! So excited. Now, if I disappear from blogging for a few days, that means I will be with Bella and Edward. 

There are also a few giveaways going on that include Cakies:

1. Peppers and Pollywogs

2. Craftsbury Kids 

You many be able to win a crown or in the case of Craftsbury Kids, a whole load of goodies.

Just in case, I don't pop in here again today... Happy weekend!!!

steak and potatoes

I'm hooked...

Twilight is quite addicting. I have read 4 novels in a span of 3 weeks and Twilight is my newest addition. Thanks to Nat and Bethany raving about it, I had to give it a shot. I went to the library hoping to check it out, but to my dismay, there was already a long waiting list for the book. I didn't want to buy it because 1) We are trying to save money 2) I read books so fast, it almost becomes a waste of money. So a couple days ago, I succumbed to buying it, as the paperback was on sale at Target. I started it yesterday... and well I am done today. No worries, I wasn't a neglectful mom and I still made and sent out my orders, I really am just an unusually fast reader, which has its pros and cons. Novels can be the death of me... it is such an addiction.

Anyhow, I started reading yesterday and Bella (the main character) was cooking for her dad, Charlie, for the first time. It was steak and potatoes. Now, I am not usually a red meat eater, we don't ever buy it at our house. But at the instance, I had to have it. Even while I ate my lunch, fish tacos, it didn't taste so good compared to the idea of steak and potatoes. I had to have it. 

Immediately, I called my Ben and declared my immediate need for it. He was surprised. But the good and loving man that he is, he came home with a steak and a potato (and he is quite thrifty in that he got the steak from the discounted meat section of the market for $2.50!). Then, he whipped it up for me with a delicious recipe he found. Then with utter contentment, I relished in my steak and potatoes as I continued to read...

So now, the books is done. I have decided that for my birthday I would like the rest of the series, but the only problem is, my birthday is still 3 weeks away and I am not sure if I could wait that long. 

Since my Benny reads this, here is my birthday wish list (just in case he wants to get me something):

1. wide angle lens (though I know with the economy Ben is scared to spend).

2. these shoes (they're on sale).

3. or these (doubt anyone is gonna have them shipped from the UK).

4. this basket (but I can probably find a similar one for cheaper at the flea market).

5. and I would really love one of her Lumi dolls (this would be for me to play with).

But really, I want the rest of the Twilight series, but I don't think I could wait that long, so I probably will have them before then. I mean, come on, who could wait to continue the story of Edward and Bella, so very much forbidden, yet so romantic. 

My Ben is my Edward.

I know, I am a sap who loves to read. Reading is like watching a movie in your mind. If you love movies, you would love to read. Reading is actually better, cause it doesn't end in 2 hours. For me, it ends in 4.

Well, anyways, happy thursday! Tomorrow I may have some new things to show you...

***While just rereading this post, it may seem some may think I am pregnant. I am not. Just to be clear.***

mealtime

Light pappered chicken with a side of scribbled broccoli and strawberries...

True declares, "Eat! Eat! Eat!"

Then, as usual, Brave always wants what's on True's plate. It's funny how even when I make two sets of something, they still go after the same one...

I guess sharing is not an innate ability.

These quickly made eatery softies have become such hit at our house. I think I need to make one for Ben and me, so that we  have a place at the pretend play table too, cause these little babyCakies make mealtime look fun and delicious...

Bon appetit!