Sister Fun Time

My sister Emily came for a visit this past week.  We had so much fun.  She brought her baby and it was so great to have a girls week. On Tuesday, we spent the day in Old Town. We kicked off our day of fun by going to Peek-a-boo time at the library.  I don't know about you, but I love libraries.  Not only do they let you borrow all their stuff for free, but there are always fun activities happening.  Tuesday morning is baby story time, so that's what we did.

The babies loved hearing the stories.  

And eating the books. 

They liked meeting other babies.

And spending time with their mamas.

And playing with the library toys. 

After that we walked over to Snooze for a tasty breakfasty lunch.  Before she came to visit, I told Emily to pick one place from my Fort Collins Pinterest board for us to visit while she was here.  She picked Snooze, which made me happy because it is one of my favorite restaurants.

Here is Emily enjoying the goodness.  

Note the fun twinkles.

It happened to be Pancake Day while we were there. Fun! I love obscure holidays.  We decided to split a Blueberry Lemon Bar pancake and it was awesome.

My little lady and me enjoying the happy atmosphere. 

Sister Fun Time!  

Emily's baby was the only one who truly understood the concept of "Snooze" and slept the whole time we were there.

After that we wandered around Old Town, visiting our favorite stores, until it started to sprinkle.  We made a mad dash for the car and headed home in the rain.  All in all, it was a super fun day.

Mama Said Sew is Moving

Mama Said Sew has long been one of my favorite places.  It is a sweet little fabric shop in Old Town in Fort Collins.  After nearly four years at 121 E. Mountain, they have closed up shop.  Not to worry, it's only for a week.  They're scheduled to open again on March 4, just a little ways up the road.

It is a really exciting change for them.  They'll have a bigger space and even a parking lot. Yay!  Me being the super sentimental type, though, I can't help feeling a little sad that the old place will be no longer.  Anyone who knows me knows that I hate saying goodbye to spaces that I've loved.  Anyone remember how distraught I was during the last episode of Friends when they scanned over the (Spoiler Alert!) empty apartment?  Seriously, so sad, and that place wasn't even real.  I went to the store on Saturday so I could soak in the goodness one last time.  Angela, the owner, was gracious to let me wander around with my new camera and take all kinds of pictures so I can always retain the memories of that happy place.

Let me tell you about the first time I walked into Mama Said Sew.  My husband and I had recently moved to Fort Collins. I had just left a home and a life that I loved.  I was feeling uprooted and adrift and trying to figure out what my new role in life was to be. Someone recommended to me that I visit the store, so I decided to check it out.  I walked in and I was instantly struck by the feel of the place.  I think I actually stood there with my mouth hanging open and said to one of the employees, "I think I'm in heaven." (That's a super cheesy thing to say, but that's what I said and I meant it.)  It was so colorful and fun!  So new and so vintage-ey! This sounds weird, but I felt like I was home.  I felt like, "These are my people, they think like I do, I think I'm going to like living in Fort Collins."

And guess what folks, I do. It's been so fun to pop into Mama Said Sew through the years and be inspired and encouraged, to meet new people and find fresh ideas.  I will miss the old spot, but change often brings good things with it.  I'm excited to see what their new space has to offer.  So mark your calendars for March 4 and check out the new location at 406 N. College.  Until then, here are some pictures to tide you over; I hope they make you happy, too.

Tea Time

I love Fort Collins, there are so many cool places to visit.  My friend Deb invited me to go to Happy Lucky's Tea House with her.  I have been to many coffee houses but this was my first trip to a tea house. 

We sat in the back on the comfy couches and worked on our knitting projects.  Here is Deb.

Here is me.

Here is our tea. 

We had a tea that tasted like chocolate, and one that tasted like roses.  They were both really good, as were the pastries and peanut butter cookie that we shared.  Yum. 

I like the tea shop atmosphere.  It's cozy and warm, and a little bit arty and fair-trade worldly.  They also had a cool paper crane chain.  I love paper cranes. 

So if you find yourself in Old Town Fort Collins, grab a friend, mosey on over to Happy Lucky's and have yourself a spot of tea.