Twirls for Girls

Short notice for us already busy crafters, but I can't think of a better cause this season!

The silence...

Can you hear the crickets chirping...
My poor lonely sewing machine. The only thing I have sewn on her is a wrist cuff for my brother so his jacket wouldn't interfere with his bow string during deer/bow season. I still have to change the needles on my serger.

I really need to get back into my creative mood, I wonder why I'm so tense, I haven't sewn in months, MONTHS people. Hubby wouldn't make it that long without, you know what... I need to go cut some fabric or something!

Musical Instruments in my near future.

I was a musical person, I still am. My husband & his whole family are musical people (2 out of 5 nieces & nephews are music teachers, 4 out of 5 could be). Given my kids obsession with music I am certain that musical instruments will always be a popular gift for them. We already have a piano, thank you freecycle! I just need to have it tuned when they start taking lessons. The kids have a guitar, but it was a gift because it is broken.

I am thinking that a guitar or a junior drum set might make good Christmas gifts this year. I may regret it come February when cabin fever sets in, but I think they'd both benefit from it.

When I do finally sit down to order their gifts I think I'll start at Shopping.com. The selection of musical instruments they have for comparison shopping is impressive. Looks like everything from the instruments to the smallest part, definitely a good to know, especially once they start playing in band! I only have 2 years before that starts!!!

Lame Halloween...

I'm not sure how I managed to escape an elaborate costume project, but this is a no sew Halloween for me.

The Princess is going as Snow White, found at a yard sale & the Prince is going as a race car driver, suit & helmet borrowed from family & friends! I decided I don't feel like dressing up this year & if I need a last minute outfit I have a tote full of previous costumes, lovingly made by me!

Sorry to those that don't "do" Halloween, it's my sister's favorite holiday & we are usually really into it! I will be posting our pumpkin before & afters in a few days, we have 7 huge ones so it's gonna take a few days to carve them all!

Cool freebie...

Go to You Can Make This & check out the free section.  There is an awesome PDF file on how to use a ruffler!  That tool is #1 on my Christmas list this year, now I know how to use one!!!

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To ink or not to ink, that is my question...

So my younger sister has multiple tattoos. She isn't head to toe, or anything but as far as I know she is up to 5 individual tats. Each is significant to her. I know she is itching to get more & keeps bugging me to go with her for one.

My issue isn't the pain involved, hey at this point I feel more like Dalton from Roadhouse "Pain don't hurt"... It's more the question of what do I want on me FOREVER? It'll be there when I'm 80 & hangin' with my grandkids. I'm not sure how I'd feel if I found out Grandma has ink... strange.

I really want to do something that encompasses me & my kiddos, the constants in my life! I thought a snowflake would be perfect, some how work the kids names into it & honor our winter births. Of course my sister thinks it's "lame". My concern is it being interpreted as I am a cold flake...

She drew a fabulous tree that has the Princess's name in the branches, my only problem with that is it's only 1 kid, I'd have to get 2, plus the normal person is only going to see the tree & wonder why I have a tree on my back. Not that I am putting it where anyone will be able to see it, just when I bend over or forget that the shirt I'm wearing rides up when I reach for the top shelf.

SO who has ink? Anyone answered this quandry for themselves? Any pros or cons? Quick before she drags me kicking & screamin' "wait I don't have a plan yet...."

Travel to London

Not that I am planning an overseas trip anytime soon I was sent to a website offering a selection of London hotels.

I have read that the London nightlife is a thing to be experienced. Of course If I could I would be going to see the Led Zepplin reunion! I would be looking for cheap London hotels because the ticket prices are insane! Of course that's if you even get one!!!

It is one of the places I'd like to go see at least once. I remember the hotels we stayed in in Paris I wonder how different the London hotels are? As students we didn't stay in the newest or priciest places. Of course all we did was sleep there, at least we had our own bathroom...

A Writer's Wool Gatherings Giveaway

Cloth Lunchbag Giveaway

I made lunch bags for my kiddos too, hubby's is the only one I have left to finish. Of course I did forget myself...

Pampering Beki giveaway

Pendant Giveaway comment until Monday Sept 10th to be eligible.

My garden bounty

The spot on the Zuke is a dime... just in case you can't tell it's massiveness from the taking up my whole sink thing...

This baby took me FOREVER to cut up! I made some zucchini chili and cut some up to make fried zucchini fingers & maybe some zucchini strudel. What didn't go into the chili went into the freezer. Impressive, except I still have 4 more smaller, but large sized waiting on the table. It was also a little on the woody side so I had to trim more of the skin off than usual.

Guess that's what happens when you find one hiding under weeds...

Company Picnic

Had a blast Saturday at the Company Picnic!

Evening at the Beach

Took these at a nearby beach on Lake Erie. We just drove down for a relaxing evening, had a pizza picnic & went for ice cream afterwards.

Tackle it Tuesday

I don't have pictures yet but we put in the rest of our veggies & a couple of strawberry plants this weekend.  The pumpkins, zucchini & strawberries will be wonderful once they get growing.  I already have fruit on the grape tomato plants I put in a month ago, and we are enjoying the fresh lettuce in our salads & on our burgers.

I also started cleaning off the front porch from the yard sale.  Most of the stuff went, but a couple things needed to get put back, tables, a chair that didn't sell, etc...  Just the S.H.E. in me I guess!  No one will ever accuse me of being B.O. (born organized).  But we are working on the everything in it's place (at least after it has a place).  Then we decided it was too hot to stay outside & do WORK.  So we temporarily retreated to the air conditioning!  Then the Princess & I will be off to start dinner!

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Just had to share

Got this in my email today & I am still laughing over #7!  Not sure I agree with #1, but obviously someone finds it amusing.  And #6, don't get me started!!!

1. A WOMAN'S PERFECT BREAKFAST
She's sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.
Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.
Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.
Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.
And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

2. WOMEN'S REVENGE
"Cash, check or charge?" I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.
As she fumbled for her wallet, I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
"So, do you always carry your TV remote?" I asked.
"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me,
and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally."

3. UNDERSTANDING WOMEN
(A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE)
I know I'm not going to understand women.
I'll never understand how you can take boiling hot wax,
pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root,
and still be afraid of a spider

4. MARRIAGE SEMINAR
While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication,
Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor,
"It is essential that husbands and wives know each other's likes and dislikes."
He addressed the man,
"Can you name your wife's favorite flower?"
Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, "It'sPillsbury, isn't it?


5. WIFE VS. HUSBAND
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"
"Yep, "the wife replied, "in-laws."

6. WORDS
A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day...
30,000 to a man's 15,000.
The wife replied, "The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men...
The husband then turned to his wife and asked, "What?"

7. CREATION
A man said to his wife one day, "I don't know how you can be
so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time.
"The wife responded, "Allow me to explain.
God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me;
God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!

8. WHO DOES WHAT
A man and his wife were having an argument about who
should brew the coffee each morning.
The wife said, "You should do it because you get up first,
and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee.
The husband said, "You are in charge of cooki ng around here and
you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee."
Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee."
Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me."
So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says ......"HEBREWS"

9. The Silent Treatment
A man and his wife were having some problems at home
and were giving each other the silent treatment.
Suddenly, the man realized that the ne xt day, he would need his wife to wake him
at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper,
"Please wake me at 5:00 AM."He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:0 0 AMand he had missed his flight Furious, he was about to go andsee why his wife hadn't wakened him,
when he noticed a piece of paper bythe bed.
The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.
God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece

SEND THIS TO SMART WOMEN WHO NEED A LAUGH AND TO MEN YOU THINK CAN HANDLE IT!

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Fat Quarter Swap

**Edited to be sticky***

Due to the overwhelmingly successful book giveaway... (just kidding! I knew it was a serioulsy niche book when I started!) I have decided to start a fat quarter swap. I am thinking that we'll have sign ups until the middle of June & then swap! Since I am feeling Patriotic after the fantastic Memorial Day weekend, that is our theme! I am not sure how I am going to run it, I think groups of 10 is more than enough. I think the last one I participated in was 10, so if we have the problem of lots of people signing up, I'll limit the size of groups to a more manageable number!

Fat Quarters must be at least 18" x 22," cotton, unwashed, and red/white/blue/patriotic themed.

To sign up sign in the Mr. Linky & link back to this post, if you don't blog it's ok. Just leave an email address so I can get a hold of you

I don't even like yellow...

it's so SUNNY

YELLOW

You are very perceptive and smart. You are clear and to the point and have a great sense of humor. You are always learning and searching for understanding.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

New apron pattern

One More Moore has shared the pattern (instructions) for an adorable ruffled apron.

Now I just need to dig through my stash to find just the right fabric....

My newest subscription.

I just recently subscribed to Blueprint Magazine. "The fresh Fun Guide to Personal Style" a Martha Stewart Magazine.

I found this link to a sweet quilt pattern from the May/June issue. Handmade Patchwork Quilt - a la Blueprint Magazine

I have only barely skimmed the 2 issues I've received, however I like what I see so far. It's like Martha but for the more modern clean younger style set. Not me AT ALL! I'm more of a cluttered, shabby chic kind of girl, but I am finding the clean line style really inspiring. Maybe I'll give it a try in a room or two & see how I feel.

Be forewarned that a bulk of the item featured that can be purchased are extremely pricey. I don't think I'll be buying that $275 pair of pumps or that $260 umbrella anytime soon, ya know!

Swap & a contest

***updated 6/6/07***
Island Life is hosting a gift exchange as well! Visit before June 8th!

Favorite Thing Swap

Life is Like a Lunch Box apron giveaways!

Found these through Monkey Giggles

Tags: contest, swap

They are here!

So not all of my Pay Per Post $ went to pay bills... I have been itching to spend some moolah on Etsy & these clips were too cute to pass up! They came from Pampering Beki's Etsy shop. She can also be found at her Blog. I have to corner the princess & brush the hair before I can get a pic of them "installed"!!!

The camo & pink flower clips were my purchase the dot clip & adorable mini tote are bonus! (Thanks Beki, loved it!)

Now I know I could have made these myself, I have the technology, just not the raw materials & I know that if I had wandered down that path I surely would have spent more than the $11 I spent (including shipping). Besides, Beki does great work, I'd have botched more than a few before succeeding to create anything this cute!

I'm not sure what I'll find next, but I am leaning towards something jewlery for the Momma!!!

Now for a contest...

Check out the Contest at Pinks & Blues Blog ~for a Dooney & Bourke Splash Denim Bucket Handbag in summer white with a white leather strap. Retail value: $135!

This bag screams summer with its fun, playful “splashes” of color, and includes the must-haves of an inside zip pocket, cell phone pocket, inside key hook and top zip closure. It’s fully lined in red canvas and has a strap drop length of 5.25.” The full dimensions are: L 9″ H 8″ W 5.5.

We’re also tossing in a sumptuous .5 fl oz bottle of Dream Angels Heavenly Eau de Parfum purse spray from Victoria’s Secret. Retail value: $29!~

Tackle it Tuesday #6

Today being Tackle it Tuesday & all I figured I'd better get something done! 

We did get tons done outside this weekend.  The yard looks better now than ever before!  We didn't get much done last year besides mowing.  So I/we trimmed back the lilac bushes (really they are trees at this point), weeded more of the garden spots, got all the stuff out of the garden to get it ready for tilling, trimmed most of the weeds back with the weed eater, I got a set of lawn furniture from my Mom & fixed it up so that it is ready for painting, dh cut back the pine trees (some of the branches were so low I nipped them with the push mower), and we put out a ton of garbage from the concession trailer and side porch.   I don't have any pics yet.  But I will definitely take a shot of the chairs once they are painted.

My plan for today (besides 4 hours of working) is to get the dishes done & to declutter another drawer.  Plus I need to do my home blessing (FlyLady thing) & zone missions. 

We finally got the large round table upstairs for the kids to work at while I am on the computer.  DH'd foot is feeling better, so we should be able to finish the move.  So the Princess has been upstairs with me coloring & cutting out paper.  That should help amuse her while I work, although I don't like her up here at all while I work, some of the sites I view are questionable at best...perk of the job???

I need to work on my shopping list as well.  I don't want to forget anything important.  One of our local home improvement stores is having a window clearance, so we want to be able to pick up a few now & get them installed over the summer.  Plus I NEED a new vacuum!  The shop vac is great & all but I have a little over 2400 sq feet.  It would take me 4 hours to vacuum it all on my hands & knees (at least!)  So I don't care what as long as it works.  Probably whatever is cheapest at Wal-Mart, maybe I'll try Big Lot's first.

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Contest for a TUTU!!!

Tutu Fantasy contest at 5 Minutes for Mom.

 I am hoping to get to the store & pick up some blue tulle to make the red & white tutu a red white & blue tutu.  Just think that would be adorable!  If not I think I have some blue ribbon I can add!!!

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Random posting...

It has been a few days since I've blogged!  We have been fighting the flu here, one at a time.  The process has taken a week & thankfully I was the last & unfortunately for everyone else the least affected.  I just felt nasty, everyone else was worse than nasty.  I spent 2 days doing laundry to clean up from the Princess.  It was her first real vomiting illness so trying to get her to stay in one spot was a challenge. 

I have stripped my couch cushions, steam cleaned the carpet, washed every blanket & sheet that was on the couch or in her room... I do so love to do laundry!

I did manage to plant my flower box & front garden.  I am going to my Mom's later to cut some pachysandra  to plant in my other front garden.  Right now it is a mess of weed & one lonely rose bush (just planted it so more like rose stub!).   We went to the local green house & bought some petunias, a Vinca vine & some cherry tomato plants (for the princess).  One of my neighbors had a stand out with primroses & Gerbera daisies, so I bought one of each of those.  Now I just need to go to my "guy" and get some hanging baskets, then the front will be complete, at least for this year.  DH wants to buy some trees, but we don't agree on the kind of tree.

Not a whole lot of sewing going on at the moment.  I did manage to cut out for a canvas shopping tote & I have the fabric pre washed & shrunk (my former boss was right about the 20% shrinkage, Glad I didn't sew first!)  I probably should have washed it before I cut it.  I think it is going to be smaller than I was hoping for.

I've been trying to make a list of my upcoming or overdue projects so I can fit them in with my "need to do" projects

• Mixer Cover for Grandma


• curtain tabs for sister


• shirt dress for Princess


• finish lunch bag for DH (hem & Velcro)


• canvas tote


• Irish chain - camo quilt, finish top then quilt


• T-shirt quilt - back


• red& white tutu


• My sister's swing canopy (still waiting on measurements & fabric)


• handbag for me (recycling pair of pants that I love but will most likely never fit me again)

We have a baseball game tonight, I am working the snack stand!  Love it.  I'll probably have to run the register, since I am usually the only one with experience at it...   Not that I mind, I am missing the retail interaction a little, especially now that we'd be going full swing this weekend if we were opening...  So I miss it a little, but come July when it is nice out & I am floating in our pool instead of scooping ice cream & mopping goo every 5 minutes I'll be happy with our decision to not reopen! 

I am going to try not to be too censorious this weekend.  I'd love to make up for all the work that didn't get done while we were sick, but it is a HOLIDAY after all!

I am loving Qumana!  I'm still working out the category thing & I have to add pictures online, but it's still pretty cool!

Tags: Misc, projects, UFOs

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Giveaway Winner is...

Monkey Giggles! I drew names out of a basket since there were only 2... Guess not too many paper piecers out there that don't already have it!!!

I'll update this post later with pictures of my slips, as the camera is already downstairs. At the moment it's all ready to go to the first baseball game of the year... Wish us luck, he hasn't had any practices & is scared to death of the pitching machine. My husband is VP of the tball & "they" hadn't bothered to tell him there weren't enough volunteers for coaching until last week... It is really hard to adjust, when the old leaders who had been in charge for almost 30 years decide to finally resign. What amazes me is that everyone is so quick to complain & judge, but when it comes time to help they disappear... Or if you volunteer to help, they don't give you anything to do... Small towns stink sometimes!

Anyways, Congrats again!

My first giveaway!

**This post is sticky*** It will remain at the top until May 18th! Scroll down for newest entries

I am cleaning out my stash of books I will never use! This baby is one of them. I don't see myself ever getting into paper piecing quilts & if I ever do it will be many many years from now!!!

So all you have to do to enter is sign the Mr. Linky below, link to this post in your blog & then wait until May 18th. I'll use the online random # thing to pick the winner. I'll set a cut off time of 9PM EST May 18th.

A little about the book - It is a revolutionary technique. (so says the cover!) There are tons of templates for one piece paper foundations to fold & sew. Not sure what else to mention except this book is like new, I think I've barely ever even opened it to look at it!

Testing...

Just checking out how my new blog software works.  This way I can blog even if I'm not logged in to blogger, which is hard to do otherwise!

Tags: test

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Tag You're it!

I've been tagged by Monkey Giggles


Here are the rules as passed on - Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about the seven things and the rules. You need to choose seven people to tag and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I like music…everything from classical to country, heavy metal to power ballads, even the occasional disco. Bee Gee’s anyone?

2. I could eat pizza every day (as long as the toppings were a little different)

3. I don‘t believe that one CAN drink too much coffee.

4. I have a scar on my tongue, from 4 stitches. I bit it doing a flip over a bar on the school playground, mostly because I had a habit of sticking it out when I was concentrating. Still took years to break the habit & I catch myself doing it. What’s worse is my daughter does it as well, genetic bad habit???

5. I have recently dropped 2 sizes so I have nothing that fits properly (OK 1 pair of Capri pants & one shirt, everything else falls off), I say 2 sizes because the Dr’s scale says I’ve lost 1 pound in the last 3 years. GRRR

6. One of my TV guilty pleasures is watching the Girls Next Door, don’t ask me why, I am as opposed to even blurry naked people on tv during the day, as any Mom, but they are just so darn funny & I just keep watching.

7. I run my local FLYlady yahoo group & I think I am one of the worst at following the plan!

Think I'll refrain from tagging, if you want to play feel free!!!

Mother's Day Contest - Jewelry

5 Minutes for Mom has posted a give away of a Designing Diva bracelet & earring set.

Just head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom comment on the blog post & then link to it on your blog for your chance to win!

Make it From Scratch #12

I had the privilege of hosting Make it From Scratch #12 over at The Frugal Momma. There are some great projects & recipes, go check it out!

Mother's Day Giveaway #3

5 Minutes for Mom has their 3rd contest up, for their Mother's Day giveaways. This one is for Hannah Keeley’s Total Mom Makeover book. A work form home, homeschooling, Mom of 7, Hannah must have a lot to say! Think I'll be picking up this book if I don't win it!

Just head on over & comment & link for your chance at this really cool looing book!

New project

I am sewing lunch bags for the family! I'll add pictures when they are all done. I am making 3 because I already have one & even though the Princess doesn't go to school yet I knew she'd complain if she was the only one who didn't have one.

I decided to make them because I am sure that dh's new job will bump us out of our reduced lunch program at school & I just can't see spending the $1.65 for a lunch. I am really annoyed that there is no happy medium. It's either $0.25 or $1.65. But oh well, It'll be bologna & cheese for the rest of the year, he'll love it!

I used Kwik Sew pattern 2191. I also just made the Princess a library bag scaling down the tote pattern. I added a cute bow & used my letter kit for my sewing machine to add her initial. She loves it! To scale down the pattern I just folded the paper pattern until I had it the size I wanted, making sure it was still even. I know you don't really need a pattern for this kind of thing, but I bought it when I was a novice & directions never hurt!

I still have some hemming to do to finish them up & I think I am going to add handles to the kids bags, sorry dh just gets velcro. I think handles would be a little to "un-manly."

Mother's Day Contest #2

5 Minutes for Mom's second contest is for a Mei Tai from All Natural Mommies donated the Mei Tai (Asian Baby Carrier) or equvilant store credit! So head on over, comment & link up for your chance to win!

Prayers for Heather

I found Heather through the blog party at 5 Minutes for Mom. She is having surgery Thursday on a tumor in her brain. She has been blogging about it, so all the details are at her blog. I admire her strength and pray that I could react with the same grace in such a situation. There is a prayer chain going at Living in Grace. All the time slots are filled but if you wish to show your support or give enchouragement feel free.

Carnivals

Craft Carnival #3 is up at Anastacia Knits

This is the first I've participated in, so go check it out. Looks like some great projects there.


Also Make it From Scratch #11 is up at Stop the Ride. This one literally covers everything from soup to siding!

Also one I frequent is Carnival of the Recipes hosted by Paging Polly Prissypants. This weeks theme is quick & easy, the crafters dream!!! More time for sewing, less time cooking the usually boring day to day meals...

Pocket Tissue Holder

Mostly so I don't lose the proper dimensions again...

Pocket Tissue Holder

I have made bunches of these, I did some in holiday prints and usually crank out a few around the holidays. It's a great use for scraps!

A couple Contests

Madison's Room hair clip contest over at 5 minutes for Mom

Madison's Room is a Mom-owned business retailing handmade hair clips, bands & caps.

I just love the new style of hair clips for our little princesses! My Mom just found one of my old clips, you know, the kind with the beaded dangly ribbon & lots of lace...ah the 80s!!!

Thanks to Ribbon Rock Star who was kind enough to send her pdf instructions to my eager email! I have started making my own ribbon clusters. I am currently attempting a pink & brown set for hair clips. I didn't buy the clips yet, figured I'd get through the ribbon first! This could be an expensive & very addicting new hobby!

Also thanks to Ribbon Rock Star I found Overwhelmed with Joy who is having a book giveaway!
Two copies each of "Wait Until Then" and "Heaven for Kids". Both books were written by Randy Alcorn.

I do so love a good contest!!!

Just doing a little surfing

Thought I'd share some of the cool sites I discovered today!!!

Newbies on the Top Momma Site, just like me! Hey, has anyone seen my sanity??
and
Suburban Psychosis

Thank you Technorati for these! Whoever searched for "how to sew" found me & I found these great sites, so Thanks to you too!!!

Sewing Success Sewing Blog

Darci Ray Darci's technique for hemming jeans is going to get used here today! I don't know why I the Queen of "lazy" sewing didn't think of this! I was actually going to break out the twin needle...

Craft Site Directory

Sew City Blog

Make it From Scratch 10

Make it from Scratch is up!

Also check out the "In Stores" section at Walmart.com for some great freebies, jsut there & scored a bunch!

Listerine Agent Cool Blue Recall

Agent Cool Blue Recall
Didn't feel like writing the whole post over, so I just copied my link...

Wiping Sleeves???

Rocks in My Dryer has a post about Sheryl Crow's new endeavor to save trees. Wether you are "Green" or not you'll get a chuckle, if not from the article, then from the comments! It's a good read!

I can say that she must NOT do her own laundry!!!

Coach Purse Contest

Life, Love, Family...and then some is cleaning out the closet & one lucky reader will benefit! A lovely, barely used Coach purse & matching sunglass case is what's up for grabs! All you have to do to be eligible is sign the Mr. Linky, then post & link to the contest!

Good luck all!

One Day Blog Silence

Easy Crafts 4 Fun Posted about the upcoming "One Day Blog Slience"

On April 30th 2007, the Blogosphere will hold a One-Day Blog Silence in honor towards the victims of Virginia. 33 died at the US college massacre.

The Blogosphere is in deep mourning.

All you have to do is spread the word about it and post the graphic on your blog on 30th April 2007. No words and no comments. Just respect and empathy.

One Day Blog Silence

Just thought I'd share, because there are no words...

Bloggers Choice Awards

I did a pay per post over at The Frugal Momma about the Bloggers Choice Awards, but I wanted to share some of the nominated blogs I found, ones I read regularly!

Mommapop

Dosh Dosh

And one or two I just discovered!

Tired But Happy

Coffee Talking

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

I have finally perfected this recipe! It took combining several to get the right consistency & chocolate flavor. I used rolled oats, not cut oats, just what I had on hand, it made them prettier somehow...

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

2 c. sugar
4 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
3 c. uncooked rolled oats
1 tsp. vanilla

Put 2 cups of sugar in a boiler; add 2 tablespoons of
cocoa. Stir. Add 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1/2 cup of butter or margarine.
Stir. Put the boiler on the stove. Turn heat to low; cook until it
starts to boil. Stir as it cooks. Boil 2 minutes; remove from
stove. Add 1/3 cup of peanut butter; add 2 cups of rolled oats.
Stir until well mixed. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla; let cool. Drop on
plate by spoon and refrigerate.

Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies.

American Idol & Lost???

Not to jump on a bandwagon here, but I can't contain myself!!!

I will say, I didn't vote, I don't usually vote. I think we might have voted for Chris Daughtery once or twice, & I think we got through for Bo Bice once, but usually it is too big of a pain to keep dialing, don't have a cell to text from...That said...

I have no idea how to say ... I am shocked & yet not surprised at the same time. I can't believe that Sanjaya wasn't even in the bottom 3! Did people think Simon was being serious? I got the sarcasm, was it sooooo subtle. His last performance was vocally bad & I've seen better High school musicals, heck I've been IN better High school musicals... I get it, he's cute & entertaining, but Idol is supposed to be a singing competition. Didn't they say that OVER & OVER during auditions.

Then to sit through another weird LOST & I am left feeling way to unrelaxed. Although Hurley trying to get Sawyer to kiss the baby was hysterical! Is it me or are they leaving more unanswered questions than they are answering? Locke? the whole connectedness of the survivors is CRAZY... It's like you expect to see Kevin Bacon show up...

Just found, cool graphics

Don't know if this is going to work it didn't work here, but I found the site on another blog (Thanks Renee's Ramblings)Gonna add my banner to the bottom, just cuz it's cool!!!

Overall dress

I have been saving the shiny pink satin dress since winter ball 1991! I don't have a before picture of the dress, I do, but I'm in it with the biggest hair imaginable, so I ain't sharing!!!

I finally got to ripping it apart & decided that it would make an adorable dress for the princess, but how??? Then I found an old pair of overall shorts in my stash of things needing repairs. I decided to cut off the legs & make a dress. I tried it on the princess & it fits fantastically!

The bottom is from a ruffle. So it was already gathered. It is longer in back than in front, that made it too cute! The straps are also made from pieces of the second ruffle, just 2 tubes sewn on 3 sides, pressed & attached!

I had to shorten the lower pockets because they hung down too low & I snipped one taking the legs off anyways.This is the back view. When I took off the old straps it made a V in the back & would have been too far down her back (so said daddy!) so I used another piece from the dress, topped with a cuff from one of the legs (stability).I removed the pocket to do the applique, so I had to put it back on & rather than hide it I used the same zigzag stitch & embroidery thread.

Thus ends the Monday recycling sessions!!!

Halter Top

I found inspiration at You Can Make This for this adorable top. I don't remember off hand what size the jeans were that I used, but they were adult & I only used 12" off the bottom of one leg, so loks of parts left to recycle!

I didn't add a neck strap, simply because I think she'll be wearing this over a shirt most times. I made mine reversible

I used this fabric because I made her a headband out of it & they will look cool together!

Gaucho Pants

I had a pair of jeans in a 4t from the Prince. They had stains & weren't very cute (at least not for a little girl). So going through my huge stash I found an adorable green print & began the project I posted before pics of the jeans here

I cut a slit in each leg & cut out the seam (it was just below the pocket, but I think the next time I'll make it higher on the leg) Then I cut a wedge of fabric (mine measured 10"x 10" & the point was 90 degrees, this left a little more fabric than I wanted, so for the next one I'll cut the angle back maybe to 60 degrees). I cut 2 strips for the ruffle, hemmed 1/2", I pressed the hem then top stitched it in place. I used a XXXX pattern on one leg and a __]__]__] pattern on the other. Then I sewed the ends to complete the circle.

I do ruffles the hard way, I haven't tried couching dental floss & gathering that way & I haven't bought the ruffler foot for my machine yet. I simply lined up a seam on the inside leg with the seam on the ruffle & pinned. Then I Pinned the opposite side & worked my way down to having pins every inch, then I sewed & removed pins before I got to them. After pressing I top stitched the ruffle into place & added some decorative stitching up the legs of the jeans.

I can't wait to try it again & see if it turns out just as cute. Next time I do pants though I am going to take the legs off completely & attach a patchwork leg on each... sounds cool!

Fabric Sale...

I just got my email from Fabric.com announcing their April anniversary sale.
I am going to be looking for some fantastic fabrics for summer outfits for the kiddos. I have been surfing the net for ideas & styles I want to try, now I just need some coordinating fabrics...imagine that...I need to buy fabric, LOL!!!

Great deals from Fabric.com! Click here

Another Giveaway...

The ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom have been given the opportunity to give away a new Dyson Slim Vacuum to a lucky reader! So head on over & check it out!!!

Emblished burp cloths...

A CHELSEA MORNING

I found this through 5 Minutes for Mom.

I made some custom burp cloths for my little one too! I added an edge of fabric (I had seen one that had ribbon & beading, too much for baby!). I'll have to dig one out & post a pic. I love Barb's version. I can't wait to make some for the next baby shower!!!

Tackle it Tuesday #5

My Tackle doesn't even feel like a tackle this week! We went out side & began the L-O-N-G clean up from the mess of winter. We have only lived in our house for 3 years (4 in July) & we didn't have the $ to finance all the projects that need to be done (yet) so we do a little at a time.

Our house was built in 1867 so it is celebrating its 140th birthday this year! So it has all the old home quirks & charm & problems!!!

Yesterday was start clearing the side porch so we can use it day, it's amazing how much stuff piles in the cold months on a covered porch. Plus a corner is dedicated to ice cream shop stuff that I need to weed through & see what's salvageable for resale & what just needs to get tossed.

So that is my tackle...finally beginning spring cleaning, yipppeee!!!

Easter stuff & a SEWING project!!!

I am starting to think about the upcoming holiday (I feel like I am just a tad behind!) We did bring the decorations up from the basement & I definitely don't need eater grass! That seems to be all I have an abundance of. I also have a couple towels I made toppers for (so they hang like the crocheted ones do.) I was looking for something the kids could do & ended up finding "Marthas" crafts for me!

Chick & HEN Table Decor


Rabbit Template
Bunny Napkin Fold

On a sewing note I started my next project for the Princess. So far I have cut 5" off the bottom of the legs & slit the sides (just about to the crotch) & trimmed out the seam. I decided on a springy green print. I am going to wedge the print in to give the pants a gaucho feel & create ruffles for the cuffs. I hope it comes out cute! I also have a pair of jeans the Prince wore out at the knees. I cut off the worn parts & I left them as shorts. I think I will be turning them into a skirt, maybe a 2 layer bubble... who knows!
And since I have put my dorkiness on full display in the last few days... How about last night Battle Star Gallactica??? I actually said what the Frack!!!! Between BSG & LOST, my head is going to spin around & then explode!

Top Momma

I had to get in on the fun over at Top Momma.

It is just a collection of Blogs! I will be adding a badge to my sidebar for your clicking pleasure next!

The Fellowship of the Monkey!

Melissa over at Little Wool Gatherings has joined a contest that would pay her to blog for a year! She has even gone to the lengths of creating a fellowship of bloggers to help in her quest. (I feel my dorkiness is peeking here just a BIT, so ignor it if you must!) I am an honored member of the fellowship of the monkey & our mission is to click the monkey once a day until Melissa wins! You will find the Monkey in question on my sidebar, just ignor the Great Eye in the distance & click! Click like the fate of Middle Earth were at stake... okay dorkiness not even trying to hid now...

I am off trying to ignor fabric shops online...Spring has sprung & I am itching to sew...must resist...

McCall email

I have been getting the McCall Pattern Co's newsletter for a while, every so often they have something I really would be excited about...

This month they announced 4 patterns based on designs of Hilary Duff. Not that I am into celebrity endorsments (can't stand that the cute stuff for girls at Wal-Mart is Kate & Ashley) but the 4 patterns McCalls has in their Stuff by Hilary Duff are really cute!

The patterns feature hooded jackets, tops, skirts, capris & shorts. Only 2 of the 4 come in sizes I will use anytime soon
The children & Girls Jacket, Top & Skirt are really cute & highly detailed. I'm not sure if I am into sewing a knit
shirt yet, but the hooded jacket might be worthy of an attempt! The Children's & Girls Tops & Capris pattern has the most adorable cap sleeve top.
I'm not sure why I feel like sewing a polo style shirt seems beyond my skill, but a pair of denim capris...bring it on!

I'll probably wait for the next $0.99 pattern sale...Sewing @ Joann.com!
I just can't bring myself to pay full price...I guess that's not a bad thing :D.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Just poppin in to say howdy & have a great safe day!

We hade green eggs & banana pancakes for breakfast & I am still cleaning the kitchen, so I am off!!!

Tackle it Tuesday! #4

This may seem like a strange tackle to most, however it was nagging me, due to our current former & current tenant situation. They continually complained about the strom door not latching. So finally yesterday it was nice enough to venture out & take a look. Well I can tell you that it looked like someone had ripped the door frame off & then reattached it BADLY. ~I painted the door trim in 2005 so paint was newish & could tell it had been moved form where it was when I painted~ So the door now latches & I have more pics to take to court with me.

This is the window that was cracked by the former tenants junk being pushed into it (her ex dropped off an organ one day & left it on the porch, well needless to say I wasn't letting them put it upstairs, so it sat on the porch until they removed it this weekend):

And this is the porch railing that was fine in January, last time we shoveled off the steps & now is falling apart (after the former tenant moved her stuff out).

That isn't all I did this weekend, but today I am tackling my house! You can tell that I haven't been focusing on housework, eeek!