Kickin Back with the Family

So hard for me to sit still, ya know, but I'm trying today. I hope you are getting lots of rest and relaxation today as we honor our veterans and the sacrifices they have made.

Happy Memorial Day to you and yours!

Hey-o!

What a fun little surprise! My View Master Baby Rattles recently were featured in the Etsy Blog.

Clockwise from top left: HOTI Leash by Apple Tree Boutique; Owl Crinkle Toy by Lil Bundle of Joy; Viewmaster Teether by Regal Cottage; Crochet Rattle by nitdia; Mini I Spy byEmmie's Designs.

You can read all about the Road Trip Essentials with Babyology here. There are tons of great suggestions for entertaining little ones in tight spaces.

Jane Goodall: What an Inspiration!

I find this book review by the New York Times to be so much more than a book review. The books look to be amazing, and I will definitely be adding them to our collection, but the thoughts that Jane Goodall shares about inspiring young minds, modern child rearing, overscheduling, girls and science, etc. are truly priceless. As we head into summer break, I'll be keeping her words in mind.

Me.. Jane by Patrick McDonnell
and
The Watcher by Jeanette Winter

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did.

A Little Trip: Granbury

Just as we neared the end of our Spring Break, my husband and I began to panic. Panic, panic, PANIC!

We had done almost nothing in our almost two week long Spring Break. The lazy days around the house were terrific, but we felt like we needed to do something. 

So we hopped in the VW van and decided to mosey on down to Granbury, Texas. What a treat this little fishing town was! We found a great hotel on Lake Granbury with BIG rooms and a lake view at very affordable prices. 

We were able to walk to this adorable lake beach.

 It was so convincing that the kids kept calling the lake, the beach. "Mom look out for the sharks!" "No sharks or jellyfish in the lake." "When is high tide?" "It's all high tide in the lake." It was quite comical.

There were tons of very happy ducks.

 The ducks were endlessly entertaining.

We also walked down to the  town square where we had tons of fun at the coffee shops, sweet shops, and antique stores-wish I had gotten pictures of all of those fun places too. I will get tons more pictures next time. I'm sure there are going to be many more visits to the quaint town of Granbury in my family's near future.  

Peek Inside the Sweetest Matryoshka

This is a busy, busy time at the Regal Cottage.  I'm hard at work getting ready for the party+craft+art+show known as the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash. So I thought it might be fun to give you a little peak behind the scenes. 

Here's a look at how I make the Sweetest Matryoshka dolls.  

First, I take this lovely vintage chenille, 

and mix it up with my favorite Matryoshka print. 

These sweeties are patiently awaiting their stuffing and rattles/bells. {I'm now making these in two options, with quiet bells or with louder rattles. I've found that some like them dainty and quiet, and some like to really hear them!}.

And then, finally, we have a fresh batch of Sweetest Matryoshka dolls all ready for the show!

Hope to see you at the Spring Bash Saturday, April 30th!