Hi everybody! I’m back in the real world after a totally surreal week with my family in Colorado. My in-laws rented a cabin in Grand Lake and it was incredible. Snow everyday, not too freezing cold, wood burning fires and lots of food and drink. We were insane gluttons and I think I gained about 15 pounds while we were there. I’m not much of a skier, but I still got to do tons of outdoor activities including sledding, snowball fights, snowmobiling, a ride in a horse drawn sleigh (on Christmas Eve!) and lots of hot cocoa. The girls had a spa day at an amazing place in Devil’s Thumb and Trent got to snowboard (for the first time in years) at Winter Park. Lucy even skied for the first time, and she LOVED ski school. I don’t know what else I can say, except I couldn’t be more thankful for my in-laws and this incredible family that I have somehow found myself lucky enough to be a part of. Incredible.
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-12-31 22:54:242013-01-19 23:35:37A Holiday Wrap Up in Photos
I’ve asked some Guest Bananas to help me out over this holiday week so I could take a little break from the blog (my first in over a year and a half, yikes!) Today features totally fantastic blogger extraordinaire, Michelle Peters (no relation) from So Wonderful, So Marvelous. Thanks, Michelle!
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Why hello there Crazy Bananas peeps! My name is Michelle and I blog at So Wonderful, So Marvelous. I met Megan through an online Alt class this summer and was instantly smitten with her blog… well, you’re here, so you know already the depths of her awesomeness. Turns out we both have Tates the same age, mine is the female variety. Needless to say, I’ve been hooked ever since and I am THRILLED about her new adventure with Design for Minikind, they are lucky to have her. This summer Megan and Trent were kind enough to share their marriage thoughts on my blog, so when Megan asked if I’d like to post for you, I jumped at the chance.
My husband and I had a rocky start to our New Year celebrating. It involved him vacating the contents of his stomach into my sink after too much drinking. It was not pretty. After that first highly disastrous celebration, we decided that we would start staying home. Our tradition has evolved a bit now that we have kids, but it usually involves a fancy dinner, most often fondue, champagne and spending time cuddled up on the couch. If we make it to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, we’re lucky. {Toddlers are early risers!}
I thought I’d use Megan’s space to share with you a great, romantic, stay in for New Year playlist. Maybe you’ll stay in too?
Wicked Way – Ben Taylor
You’re What I’m Looking For – Rooney
Sort Of – Ingrid Michaelson
Collide – Howie Day
Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
Sweet Thing – Van Morrison
Something – The Beatles
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie
With or Without You – U2
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-12-28 07:00:072013-09-09 14:46:18Guest Banana: Romantic New Years Playlist by Michelle
I’ve asked some Guest Bananas to help me out over this holiday week so I could take a little break from the blog (my first in over a year and a half, yikes!) Today features Kansas City-based stitching artist, former roller derby girl, and all around awesome chick, Kristen from Hey Paul Studios. Thanks, Kristen!
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I first started my quest to find Kansas City’s most unique and inspiring spaces after I sacrificed a lunch break in the name of checking out a new interactive art exhibit, near my office.
As I was floating in the field of hammocks, I made a goal to begin seeking unconventional lunch spots near work, as a way to practice a little self-care. Because I always carry an embroidery hoop with me, I began to eat less on lunch breaks and stitch more. I quickly found that these public spaces provided an incredible amount of inspiration and it had a positive impact on my work. I now seek out every opportunity to grab a park bench or spot under a shade tree to get my creative groove going.
Here is my list of favorite creative spaces around KC. Depending on the weather, you can spot me at one of these favorite spots, stitching away. I hope this guide inspires you to find your own public space to sketch, draw, write, and beyond.
Kauffman Legacy Park: There are so many spots within this six-square-mile area to spread out a blanket, your supplies, and work away. My favorite location is within the Memorial Gardens. The aroma from the flowers, the soothing sounds of the fountains, and the pleasant landscaping sparks plenty of creative energy. There is a general respect for noise level and although I am easily distracted, I have never struggled to remain on task in the garden. During the cold months, there is an indoor area where tropical plants are guarded by the friendly resident cat.
Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park: A sculpture of three giant bowls bowls and a striking metal tree provide lots of nooks and crannies to nestle into for shade and surroundings. Looking out across the Nelson-Atkins lawn and onto Theis Park gives me a sense being a tiny creator in a vast landscape.
Union Station: Now that the temperature has dropped, I have my eye on a workspace in the Grand Hall at Union Station. The architecture, people watching, and energy of the space gives me a boost of creativity. There are benches located along the walls where you can discretely work and take in the movement around you.
Dr. Sketchy’s: The anti-art school–sketch fest. I have been to several of these events in the past and hope to start going again. I use inspiration from the live models for stitching inspiration. It’s a great way to get out of your studio and out amongst other artists.
Art Exhibits (Photo Credit: KC Star): We all experience art in a variety of ways. Being surrounded by creative work stimulates my imagination. Without taking the focus off of the featured art, I like to take the opportunity to reap the benefits of the creative energy. I most recently attended the Picnic Project on the lawn of The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The textile art and excitement of the people made for a great picnic and embroidering opportunity.
I hope this short list gives you a little inspiration to take a break from your typical work environment and to get out and about into all of the creative spaces your city has to offer!
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-12-27 07:00:152012-12-21 10:50:32Guest Banana: Public Displays of Creativity by Kristen
A Holiday Wrap Up in Photos
/6 Comments/in Family, Fun, Happiness, Photos /by MeganHi everybody! I’m back in the real world after a totally surreal week with my family in Colorado. My in-laws rented a cabin in Grand Lake and it was incredible. Snow everyday, not too freezing cold, wood burning fires and lots of food and drink. We were insane gluttons and I think I gained about 15 pounds while we were there. I’m not much of a skier, but I still got to do tons of outdoor activities including sledding, snowball fights, snowmobiling, a ride in a horse drawn sleigh (on Christmas Eve!) and lots of hot cocoa. The girls had a spa day at an amazing place in Devil’s Thumb and Trent got to snowboard (for the first time in years) at Winter Park. Lucy even skied for the first time, and she LOVED ski school. I don’t know what else I can say, except I couldn’t be more thankful for my in-laws and this incredible family that I have somehow found myself lucky enough to be a part of. Incredible.
Guest Banana: Romantic New Years Playlist by Michelle
/0 Comments/in Guest Banana, Tunes /by MeganI’ve asked some Guest Bananas to help me out over this holiday week so I could take a little break from the blog (my first in over a year and a half, yikes!) Today features totally fantastic blogger extraordinaire, Michelle Peters (no relation) from So Wonderful, So Marvelous. Thanks, Michelle!
Why hello there Crazy Bananas peeps! My name is Michelle and I blog at So Wonderful, So Marvelous. I met Megan through an online Alt class this summer and was instantly smitten with her blog… well, you’re here, so you know already the depths of her awesomeness. Turns out we both have Tates the same age, mine is the female variety. Needless to say, I’ve been hooked ever since and I am THRILLED about her new adventure with Design for Minikind, they are lucky to have her. This summer Megan and Trent were kind enough to share their marriage thoughts on my blog, so when Megan asked if I’d like to post for you, I jumped at the chance.
My husband and I had a rocky start to our New Year celebrating. It involved him vacating the contents of his stomach into my sink after too much drinking. It was not pretty. After that first highly disastrous celebration, we decided that we would start staying home. Our tradition has evolved a bit now that we have kids, but it usually involves a fancy dinner, most often fondue, champagne and spending time cuddled up on the couch. If we make it to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, we’re lucky. {Toddlers are early risers!}
I thought I’d use Megan’s space to share with you a great, romantic, stay in for New Year playlist. Maybe you’ll stay in too?
Guest Banana: Public Displays of Creativity by Kristen
/1 Comment/in Guest Banana, Kansas City /by MeganI’ve asked some Guest Bananas to help me out over this holiday week so I could take a little break from the blog (my first in over a year and a half, yikes!) Today features Kansas City-based stitching artist, former roller derby girl, and all around awesome chick, Kristen from Hey Paul Studios. Thanks, Kristen!
I first started my quest to find Kansas City’s most unique and inspiring spaces after I sacrificed a lunch break in the name of checking out a new interactive art exhibit, near my office.
As I was floating in the field of hammocks, I made a goal to begin seeking unconventional lunch spots near work, as a way to practice a little self-care. Because I always carry an embroidery hoop with me, I began to eat less on lunch breaks and stitch more. I quickly found that these public spaces provided an incredible amount of inspiration and it had a positive impact on my work. I now seek out every opportunity to grab a park bench or spot under a shade tree to get my creative groove going.
Here is my list of favorite creative spaces around KC. Depending on the weather, you can spot me at one of these favorite spots, stitching away. I hope this guide inspires you to find your own public space to sketch, draw, write, and beyond.
Kauffman Legacy Park: There are so many spots within this six-square-mile area to spread out a blanket, your supplies, and work away. My favorite location is within the Memorial Gardens. The aroma from the flowers, the soothing sounds of the fountains, and the pleasant landscaping sparks plenty of creative energy. There is a general respect for noise level and although I am easily distracted, I have never struggled to remain on task in the garden. During the cold months, there is an indoor area where tropical plants are guarded by the friendly resident cat.
Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park: A sculpture of three giant bowls bowls and a striking metal tree provide lots of nooks and crannies to nestle into for shade and surroundings. Looking out across the Nelson-Atkins lawn and onto Theis Park gives me a sense being a tiny creator in a vast landscape.
Union Station: Now that the temperature has dropped, I have my eye on a workspace in the Grand Hall at Union Station. The architecture, people watching, and energy of the space gives me a boost of creativity. There are benches located along the walls where you can discretely work and take in the movement around you.
Dr. Sketchy’s: The anti-art school–sketch fest. I have been to several of these events in the past and hope to start going again. I use inspiration from the live models for stitching inspiration. It’s a great way to get out of your studio and out amongst other artists.
Art Exhibits (Photo Credit: KC Star): We all experience art in a variety of ways. Being surrounded by creative work stimulates my imagination. Without taking the focus off of the featured art, I like to take the opportunity to reap the benefits of the creative energy. I most recently attended the Picnic Project on the lawn of The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The textile art and excitement of the people made for a great picnic and embroidering opportunity.
I hope this short list gives you a little inspiration to take a break from your typical work environment and to get out and about into all of the creative spaces your city has to offer!