Hope the weather is treating you well. In southern California, we've been lucky enough to enjoy warmer days and cooler evenings lately. As I type this, I'm listening to the birds sing and the leaves flutter on my Mulberry tree. The 3 tier pond in my backyard is bubbling away. This is what heaven sounds like-peaceful and serene. I live in southern California, but am not in Los Angeles. I'm far from it, actually. We live on a quiet dirt road. I don't hear cars drive by. No basketballs bouncing in a nearby driveway. I do however hear the occasional dirt bikes ride up and down the hills.

I love where I live. I'm thankful every day for the beautiful things and landscape that surrounds me. 

On that note, I'd like to introduce you to my close friend and brilliant photographer, Erica. She is the owner of Desert Sky Studio, a southern California photography business.

You know the saying, you either have it or you don't, Erica has it. And she has a whole lot of it! She takes beautiful pictures of people and places. I was fortunate enough to have her take some pictures of me in my new pants. If you're local to southern California, check her out at www.desertskystudio.com. She does weddings, portraits, families, and more. Erica has taken photos of my kids in the past and I couldn't ask for an easier person to work with.

So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let me walk you through Simplicity's pants pattern 8243 a.k.a. my favorite pair of pants. 

Me Made May. Huh? Me made what??

​So...what's this Me-Made-May thing about anyway? Have you heard of it? Maybe you are reading this with a "deer in the headlights" look. 

It's a maker challenge created by Zoe at So, Zo... what do you know? 
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​​The challenge starts on May 1st and runs the entire month of May. It is supposed to make you aware of your handmade wardrobe-jewelry, sewing, knitting, re-fashioned piece, anything you make, that can be worn. Sounds fun right? 
Read here for Zoe's explanation: Me Made May

The challenge helps you in knowing where your handmade wardrobe is at. If you need to add more pieces. If you need to make things you actually wear. Do you need to make more tops because you only sew up pants? Or, do you sew all the fancy dresses but don't have anything you can throw on to wear grocery shopping?
I'm curious what the month will entail for me.