tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64796286467429248412024-02-20T03:42:45.648-06:00Sewing in the SuburbsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-71483201360388998982011-02-24T08:40:00.003-06:002011-02-24T08:46:15.602-06:00Celebrate the Boy...or the Girl...whichever you chooseIf you haven't already, you should be checking out the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2010/03/celebrate-boy-archives.html">"Celebrate the Boy"</a> month going on at <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">Made</a> and <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/">Made by Rae</a>. The ideas aren't *just* for boys...there are plenty of things that can be girl modified! I have already added a few project ideas to my ever growing list of things that I really, really want to accomplish one day...in the near future.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-74312108676241217752011-02-15T17:20:00.003-06:002011-02-15T17:23:17.623-06:0050 Followers! Well, whaddya know...I really don't have a ton to say about this. Thanks for thinking this blog is even remotely worth your time. I know I haven't updated it much (at all) lately. Maybe I will soon. Thanks for looking!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-33325787559599879072010-12-01T13:00:00.007-06:002010-12-01T14:18:45.687-06:00A cornucopia of projects, if you will...Let's go in backwards order, shall we?<br /><br />First up, here is the most lovely texture I've been working with for a scarf for my eldest. Organic cotton, people! It is so smooshy soft...which, by the way, is the only stuff she likes. She has rubbed her face on this piece of a scarf like a cat 80 times already. Love it!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPamxZxglxI/AAAAAAAAAyE/q6BJFQLnkZ8/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545803358815688466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPamxZxglxI/AAAAAAAAAyE/q6BJFQLnkZ8/s320/IMG_1166.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next up...a knitting boo boo turned ok? Well, see I just started this whole knitting thing and the previous scarf I knitted was for a child and so it was less than one skein of yarn. This was supposed to be an adult scarf...but I only had one skein and it was from my mom so it was some weird specialty kind. So I made it into a mobius cowl! It made me learn how to stitch two cast off ends together, so it was a good learning experience all around.<br /><br />Yes...it's on a child, but it really fits an adult...<br />Wear it longways...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPamtR5YgQI/AAAAAAAAAx8/_q-Vgl7TPTc/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545803287981752578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPamtR5YgQI/AAAAAAAAAx8/_q-Vgl7TPTc/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" /></a><br />Or loop it around and make it more snug...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPams16LU-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/qNo-Znq4Qgc/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545803280468890594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPams16LU-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/qNo-Znq4Qgc/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPamsk9I77I/AAAAAAAAAxs/nAzM0BRROgQ/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545803275917914034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPamsk9I77I/AAAAAAAAAxs/nAzM0BRROgQ/s320/IMG_1171.JPG" /></a> Anyway, kinda fun! It was a chunky yarn and I used sz 15 needles! That is some instant gratification!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Now, back to the the very first knitting project: The child scarf! I love it so much and so do the kids...both of them...which is why I am hurriedly knitting another one! Cotton again. I think that's really the only way to go for kids...no itchiness whatsoever!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaix4srg0I/AAAAAAAAAxk/VorMkWSHuaU/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545798969070420802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaix4srg0I/AAAAAAAAAxk/VorMkWSHuaU/s320/IMG_1173.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaixiO3n_I/AAAAAAAAAxc/dFUR0WNpXCo/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545798963039805426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaixiO3n_I/AAAAAAAAAxc/dFUR0WNpXCo/s320/IMG_1172.JPG" /></a><br />Done with knitting stuff, on to sewing!<br /></div><div><br />Tree Skirt: A Study in Tediousness<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaixYDAiOI/AAAAAAAAAxU/us134PVg1sA/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545798960305703138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaixYDAiOI/AAAAAAAAAxU/us134PVg1sA/s320/IMG_1137.JPG" /></a> Ok, so it <em>is</em> pretty cute, but OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was literally the most tedious, small scale sewing I've ever had to do. I was so anxious to just get through it that I would shout out my progress to the rest of the family after every few I finished. There <em>may</em> have been a celebration dance upon completion and I <em>may</em> have forced my husband and two daughters to join in...</div><div> </div><div>Can you smell the tediousness??<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaiwxyT2II/AAAAAAAAAxM/bEM1sfCKkl4/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545798950035118210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaiwxyT2II/AAAAAAAAAxM/bEM1sfCKkl4/s320/IMG_1136.JPG" /></a><br />Why would I iron this? I was already up to my eyeballs in mundane tasks, there was no way I was going to do any dreadful ironing. Besides, "the annual ironing of the tree skirt" is not a Christmas tradition I want to start...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaiwKt5heI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4T_nMZYdXm4/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545798939547633122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TPaiwKt5heI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4T_nMZYdXm4/s320/IMG_1135.JPG" /></a> </div><div>See?! I do sew and knit things...I just don't document them and post them in a timely manner! </div><div> </div><div>Hope everyone is enjoying the season! </div><div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-54966453481832560042010-11-10T13:06:00.003-06:002010-11-10T13:21:35.217-06:00I did it!!I'm pretty excited! I learned how to knit!! I went to the knitting group and a very helpful person taught me. It was awesome! Now, I really only know how to knit...not purl or cable or anything fancy at all. In fact, I don't even know how to end the thing. But a wee little scarf is in the works. Only 16 stitches wide so, obviously, it's for one of the girls.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TNrtgRdD2zI/AAAAAAAAAw8/V1a-eowzK9Q/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537999830502333234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TNrtgRdD2zI/AAAAAAAAAw8/V1a-eowzK9Q/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>I'm amazed at all the different styles and types of yarn out there. I am going to try to stick with natural stuff. I'm using cotton right now, but I really like the feel of the bamboo/wool combo yarn too. The acrylic just seems so yuck. It's plastic. Plastic yarn. It kind of feels like I'm cheapening the craft if I use it. I find knitting to be a very earthy activity...using your hands, bamboo needles (I do, at least) and then to use plastic yarn? Anyway, stepping down from the novice's soapbox now...<br /><br />Let's talk Christmas gifts. I have a whole MESS of ideas for gifts! Some sewn, potentially some knitted, and some other just homemade things. I always really love making and giving homemade things for gifts. I think last year was the only year we didn't do ALL homemade gifts. I honestly have no idea how well received these homemade gifts are. I HOPE well. Or at the very least, I hope they know they are made with effort and love! Anyway, planning some fun things!<br />Is anyone out there planning some homemade goodies?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-43508330519509983582010-10-29T13:45:00.002-05:002010-10-29T14:21:11.047-05:00Knitting...it's a start, right?So it's not exactly a New Year's Resolution, but I really, really, really want to learn how to knit! It has become my super goal of the moment (Super goal=the one I will probably accomplish before any of the other 100 goals I have; the goal that is the most fun). This is as far as I've gotten:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TMsWfq_YjuI/AAAAAAAAAw0/6g-a5BbjDvs/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533541300526681826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TMsWfq_YjuI/AAAAAAAAAw0/6g-a5BbjDvs/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" /></a> Yes, all I've done is "cast on", but that counts for something. I've joined a knitting group that I'll meet with for the first time soon. Hoping they can teach me...a lot. It's an excellent lesson for the kids anyway...they see me excited to learn something. They see me try to figure something out. They see me practicing and (hopefully) getting better. All good things.<br /><br />Halloween costumes are DONE! They have been since last week actually. I will try to take some pics and post. Super easy costumes and the girls LOVE them! It's a lot easier when they are young and kind of have similar interests...you'll see!<br /><br />Now, for the yummy part! The whole family has been down this week with colds and when I get sick I really just want to make simple, vita-packed foods. So here are two things which fit that description:<br /><br /><u><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Butternut Squash "Fries"</strong></span></u><br /><br />Preheat oven to 425<br /><br />1. Peel, cut in half lengthwise and scoop seeds out of squash.<br />2. Cut in half short?wise...I don't know how else to say that...(so you have 4 pieces)<br />3. Cut those pieces into french fry like size and shape.<br />NOTE: about half of a butternut squash fed my family of 4...so don't cut it all up at once if you don't intend to make more fries within the next day or so)<br />4. Put the fries in a bowl and lightly coat with olive oil and kosher salt. (Probably about a 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil)<br />5. Place on cookie sheet and bake for about 25-30 min or until they have a little browning on the edges and corners of a few of them. (Mine only take about 22 min bc my oven is exceedingly hot)<br /><br />Probably the healthiest "fry" you'll ever eat!<br /><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:130%;">Oatmeal Biscuits</span></u></strong><br /><br />Preheat oven to 375<br /><br />1 1/3 c. whole wheat flour<br />1/3 c packed brown sugar<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />3/4 tsp salt<br />1 tsp cinnamon (if you like, I did)<br /><br />Mix all that up<br /><br />Cut in 1/3 c of butter or margarine until it looks like big crumbs<br />Add 1 c. rolled oats<br />Add 1/2 c. of milk (and maybe a splash more)<br /><br />Mix all that up. It'll be thick, but moist.<br /><br />At this point you CAN roll it out and cut out biscuits. I am lazy. I just roll a ping-pong sized ball and squish it to make a biscuit-like shape. It'll make about 10 biscuits.<br /><br />Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 15-20 min.<br /><br />It's kinda like a slightly sweet, cakey, oatmealy breakfast cookie!<br /><br /><br />Enjoy these two recipes! They are both great for this slightly cooler fall weather we've recently gotten in North Texas! Hope nobody else has been suffering with this terrible cold that's going around. I'm just really hoping it is gone by oh, say, tomorrow(!) so we can have some fun on Halloween!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-46592380289265575512010-10-06T14:59:00.006-05:002010-10-06T15:44:01.589-05:00Air Plants...who knew?? Probably everyone, but me...I've had this glass thing for I don't know how long. It has always been empty. At first, I appreciated it's simple, emptiness. Now, I am sick of it's emptiness and I feel it should be filled. With what, though? I'm not into decorative balls or pinecones or that sort of thing. I do, however, love plants. There aren't many plants that grow indoors though, with little natural light and, well, maintenance. Especially plants that are not totally boring looking. (Yes, some plants are exciting and some are boring.) I thought about a terrarium, contained type, but I just don't know about having constantly wet dirt and plants in the house...seems like mold would grow...?<br />What to do, what to do...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZXlq2DvI/AAAAAAAAAws/EnmKXjdTU5k/s1600/IMG_0862.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525029842148790002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZXlq2DvI/AAAAAAAAAws/EnmKXjdTU5k/s320/IMG_0862.JPG" /></a>Solution: AIR PLANTS!! What in the world?! A plant...that doesn't need dirt...or sun. That's two of the three things plants normally need, right?<br /><br />And they are so pretty and unique! These next pics are from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tohold?ref=seller_info">To Hold</a> on Etsy. Very reasonable.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZXIyQ_fI/AAAAAAAAAwk/bP7pluFti90/s1600/airplant3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525029834395287026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZXIyQ_fI/AAAAAAAAAwk/bP7pluFti90/s320/airplant3.jpg" /></a> The best idea ever: suction cup some in your bathroom and you will never have to water them...the showers you take will take care of that!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZW1G9B1I/AAAAAAAAAwc/EAKu-Pb5qmk/s1600/airplant2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525029829113349970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZW1G9B1I/AAAAAAAAAwc/EAKu-Pb5qmk/s320/airplant2.jpg" /></a><br />I love repetition in design.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZWoHKeTI/AAAAAAAAAwU/afS3fOh0bOY/s1600/airplant1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525029825624570162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TKzZWoHKeTI/AAAAAAAAAwU/afS3fOh0bOY/s320/airplant1.jpg" /></a><br />Anyway, I'm about to put a million air plants all over my house!! I love them!! So, I think I'll just take the top off that glass thing and air plant it up! </div><div> </div><div><br />PS-- I am adding a new category, out of necessity, called "Why Haven't I Ever Heard of This Before??"<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-12702459763937160472010-09-21T14:39:00.004-05:002010-09-21T14:54:10.521-05:00Two Things Tuesday-- something free and something cute! Who could ask for more?<u><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THING ONE:</span></strong></u> Smithsonian FREE MUSEUM DAY is this Saturday, Sept 25th! Go <a href="http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/index.html">here</a> and fill out the form and get in to a museum for free!! Lots of museums around the country are participating. I love free stuff, don't you??<br /><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING TWO:</span></u></strong> Ok, this is just the cutest thing I have ever seen...no other motivation...just sheer cuteness. I don't even have boys, but come on...the cuteness. It's overwhelming! Knitted aviator hats for newborns might just be at the very top of my threshold for cuteness...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TJkKQFmlZvI/AAAAAAAAAwM/k09GbHl08ik/s1600/TTT92110.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519454089817450226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TJkKQFmlZvI/AAAAAAAAAwM/k09GbHl08ik/s320/TTT92110.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>Cuteness overload provided by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56387905/aviator-hat-newborn-baby-photo-prop-in?ref=cat2_gallery_12">NewBabyPhoto</a> on Etsy.<br /><br />I've got to learn how to crochet, knit---something! Actually, knitting/crocheting is in the "curriculum" for my oldest this year. I'll be learning right along side her!<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-20967470400630463972010-09-20T16:10:00.004-05:002010-09-20T16:28:18.403-05:00Something inspiring...and anxiety causing!"Kids Clothes Week Challenge" at <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/">Elsie Marley</a>...I'm not participating, though I SHOULD be because the kids do need clothes for fall...they always need clothes. Instead, I will sit back and watch everyone else create and then become so inspired that I can't stand it anymore and I simply must make something. That's my plan anyway! In procrastinating on making any fall clothes, (and I can, I live in Texas and we are still wearing tank tops) I have rearranged my oldest's room, painted picture frames, supervised the installation of a bathroom counter/sink/faucet, etc, etc...avoidance at it's finest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-54841009284040566432010-09-14T20:38:00.004-05:002010-09-14T21:09:50.489-05:00A very late Two Things TuesdayI know, what am I doing up at the late hour of...8:30pm??<br /><br /><br /><u><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THING ONE:</span></strong></u> So I am in major panic mode about my oldest and her clothes situation.<br />1) She's in "big girl" sizes now, which are NOT cheap! There are no cute little Old Navy, Target or Children's Place closeouts to work with. Even the clearance in her size is more expensive than I'm used to paying. Ugh.<br />2) She's got nothing, and I mean nothing that fits here in the way of fall clothes. Save one pair of jeans...one.<br />3) I just read a weather report that says we will be having fall temps very soon...like in a week or two! AHHH!!<br />So, here's what I have my eye on: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/heidiandfinn">Heidi & Finn</a>. That Chic Cocktail Swing Coat pattern is calling my name! As is the unisex hoodie, princess leggings, etc, etc.<br /><br />Chic Cocktail Swing Coat<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516951679080624098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TJAmUnKYb-I/AAAAAAAAAwE/LRYyVPo48oU/s320/heidi+and+finn+chic+cocktail+swing+coat.jpg" /><br />Unisex Hoodie<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516951673751919522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TJAmUTT626I/AAAAAAAAAv8/gTehXBeE6zI/s320/Heidi+and+Finn+hoodie.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING TWO:</span></u></strong> I am in "redo" mode which means I really want to go buy a bunch of stuff, but I can't, so I will rehash, redo, repaint, rearrange, reorganize anything in the house I can get my hands on. I believe my oldest girl's room is 1st on the list. Just some general rearranging there.<br />Then the big task...painting the hideous, gigantic brick hearth thing in my living room. I really don't know why we've let it go this long. It's terrible really. We have always greatly disliked the color of the brick on our house, and it is the same color brick...only inside...and taking up basically one whole wall of our living room! I just honestly don't know what color to paint it. I want something simple, bright----but not garish. We already have a spring green kitchen so I don't want to completely blind anyone. I don't know...but <em>something</em> will be done!! Something MUST be done!<br />Oh yeah, and painting the bathroom. I accidentally painted it avocado green...5 yrs ago. And I really do go back and forth about it. Is it too 70s? Is it retro, but still ok? I think in the end I've decided it's <em>too</em> retro for a house that is literally retro. So I'm thinking some sort of bluish green, maybe leaning toward a turquoise...again, it's unclear. My daughter thinks we should just go rainbow with every room. She has said that our house is too boring and we should just move---she's 5 people, 5 yrs old!<br /><br /><br />Just barely squeezed this post in there, huh? Well, bedtime is approaching and I have a lot to do tomorrow! There's your Two Things!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-82617707040031666762010-09-08T16:30:00.004-05:002010-09-08T16:45:35.731-05:00Kids grow (rapidly)...who knew??<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514659198218926802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TIgBUqct-tI/AAAAAAAAAv0/mEcUVM2wsU0/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" /><br /><br />My 5 yr old has grown several inches since the beginning of the summer. I think only in her legs because all the cute, little skirts I bought when it began to get warm are now just that...little! Some of the skirts have become her favs and part of her weekly wardrobe (especially since I bestowed the new responsibility of letting her pick out her own clothes!)<br />This orange skirt was just too young to die...so I gave it a stay of execution by adding a band of that orange polka dot fabric to the bottom. Yes, the same one I used for the curtains and lamp...that may be a little "Sound of Music"...oh well...I love that movie!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TIgBUF9xlKI/AAAAAAAAAvs/D5CsMSA0KIc/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514659188425462946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TIgBUF9xlKI/AAAAAAAAAvs/D5CsMSA0KIc/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" /></a> She can still wear the skirt she loves (and that could really be for at least another month) and keep the modesty a 5 yr old should have!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-73701628504471432722010-09-02T13:42:00.002-05:002010-09-02T13:50:40.643-05:00I've got nothin'...well, nothing to share...right nowDreadfully sorry, but there's not even a "Two Things" this week. I am in the middle of pre-birthday frenzy and it's not over yet! I am sewing though! Sewing up some princess dresses for the girls for the PRINCESS BIRTHDAY PARTY---AHHH!! In a million years, I never thought I would be all into a princess party...but I am...I'm in it up to my elbows! It's a little bit of an out-of-body experience, but you have to go with the flow. Little girl wants a princess party--LET'S DO THIS!<br />Anywho, so I haven't had time to take pics or edit or write more than what I'm writing right now. I'd say, "Sorry I let you down" but I don't post that regularly to begin with...so everyone should be just fine with this I think! ;)<br />Princess dress pics to come!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-90629016756352076862010-08-24T15:19:00.004-05:002010-08-24T16:00:40.924-05:00Two Things Tuesday...done with one type of fabric...I am in a bit of a rush this week because it is the count down to my littlest girl's 3rd birthday and birthday party! Which means guests who will stay and guests who will visit and I always have this last minute "oh my goodness, I haven't done ANYTHING to the house since the last time lots of people were over" madness. It is a true sickness. I have people over to my house quite regularly actually. It's just really around the birthday parties, Thanksgiving and Christmas that I get all in a tizzy. I'm really hoping that saying it "outloud" will be some sort of therapy. I KNOW no one is really expecting anything...like I said, it's a sickness , an inexplicable one. Anyway---<br /><br /><br /><u><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">THING ONE:</span></strong></u> New curtains! This is a project that has been on the list for 2 yrs *whince* and I finally bought fabric and completed it--yippee! I Have really been on the fence about my house's color scheme lately. I thought I was going to go green and turquiose-ish, but now I think I may go green and red-orange. Maybe some turquoise will still get in, although that seems like a lot of bolds. I found this fabric on sale at Joann's for $1.99/yd--couldn't buy them at IKEA cheaper (I tried). Very simple, not much to them. That pattern is so busy I thought it was enough. (PS--Curtain rod, IKEA, $1.99, 'nuff said)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrOh_rvGI/AAAAAAAAAvk/FIR48Rc0w9I/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509075772824599650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrOh_rvGI/AAAAAAAAAvk/FIR48Rc0w9I/s320/IMG_0604.JPG" /></a> Obviously, this is the playroom....someday, turned guest room. Those dots are so fun and modern, how could I pass it up?<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrOQmVUKI/AAAAAAAAAvc/tamG0YcuK6U/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509075768154869922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrOQmVUKI/AAAAAAAAAvc/tamG0YcuK6U/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>THING TWO:</u></span></strong> Then I went orange dot fabric crazy...slightly. I have had these two floor lamps (other one depicted above in curtain pic) from Target for...ever. They had a crinkly paper thing going on which, I don't know if you know or not but, paper rips!! Kids grabbing stuff to hold onto+paper lamps= horrible looking!! So I did an impromtu recovering of that white one in the pic above. It was ok, just sorta boring. Well, give me a little extra orange dot fabric and TADA--new and interesting lamp shade! I really can't decide if I truly like it or not. It does give off an orange-ish glow I'm not used to.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrOBiwcLI/AAAAAAAAAvU/9upqUD8q454/s1600/IMG_0602.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509075764113338546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrOBiwcLI/AAAAAAAAAvU/9upqUD8q454/s320/IMG_0602.JPG" /></a><br />Here it is, turned off, so you can see what it really looks like.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrNiU0PVI/AAAAAAAAAvM/6aiU3E9SnoI/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509075755733368146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/THQrNiU0PVI/AAAAAAAAAvM/6aiU3E9SnoI/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" /></a> The recovering is amazingly simple. Measure the length, add a little for a seam. Measure around the metal rings at top and bottom and sew a tube to match that measurement. Then I just folded the fabric around the metal ring to the inside and handsewed all the way around. I literally just tore that paper lamp shade thing off the metal rings! It was pretty much no going back from there! Had I known how easy it was, I would've done it a long time ago. I also found out that those types of lamps give you a big range of length to play with. I went pretty short with the plain white one, and longer with the orange dot. Something to think about...</div><div></div><div></div><div>So, there are two things with one fabric! Hope my hubby recognizes the house when he gets home...!<br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-84792672144881085822010-08-17T15:25:00.004-05:002010-08-17T15:44:15.858-05:00It was an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka dot...SHIRRED HALTER!!Yes, it's true...I have successfully integrated shirring into a project. I just started with a simple halter top for my 5 yr old. I have been hanging onto this yellow with white polka dots forEVER and it was finally it's moment to shine! I love it!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx__OK3rI/AAAAAAAAAu8/pBvseAmTAys/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479576018771634" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx__OK3rI/AAAAAAAAAu8/pBvseAmTAys/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" /></a> Here's what it looked like when I was doing the shirring...not very gathered until I did the ol' spritz and iron!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx_lxpNYI/AAAAAAAAAu0/-zYiM3BUvPA/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479569188238722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx_lxpNYI/AAAAAAAAAu0/-zYiM3BUvPA/s320/IMG_0540.JPG" /></a> Yep, that's a real plastic flamingo in our backyard...not a photo shoot prop unfortunately...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx_GZU8EI/AAAAAAAAAus/mlLlxChZm3I/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479560764747842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx_GZU8EI/AAAAAAAAAus/mlLlxChZm3I/s320/IMG_0541.JPG" /></a><br />A little tie halter...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx-9zsZwI/AAAAAAAAAuk/NMc2WHg7uIc/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479558459418370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TGrx-9zsZwI/AAAAAAAAAuk/NMc2WHg7uIc/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" /></a><br />I am officially in love with the shirring. It adds a cute detail very quickly!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-77754271741154630922010-08-10T20:07:00.003-05:002010-08-10T20:12:33.660-05:00Shirring---VICTORY!!I really want to take a line from my kids and say, here and now, "NANA NANA BOO BOO!!" to shirring!! You have NOT conquered me! I have, in fact, conquered you, shirring!! Go check out this video <a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/08/technique-tuesdays-shirring.html">tutorial about shirring</a> on Grosgrain. It has saved my shirring self-confidence. The main piece--- SPRITZING AND THEN IRONING! If you have tried to shirr many times to no avail I say, watch this video! You will have springy, tight shirring in no time. YAY!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-86137094233572342572010-08-06T16:05:00.006-05:002010-08-06T16:30:44.829-05:00Easy Livin' T-Shirt Dress 2<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7Xjxs0TI/AAAAAAAAAuc/-R_x4_8zg00/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502408489410810162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7Xjxs0TI/AAAAAAAAAuc/-R_x4_8zg00/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" /></a> I am in LOVE with making these little dresses! They are super easy. They are comfy. They are endlessly customizable! Knit is so much easier to work with for me right now. Any little additions you make will actually look ok once you wash them. I always have trouble adding stuff onto reg cotton fabric because once you wash and dry it---it looks different, wrinkled, yucky.<br /><br />Sweet little pleated neckline...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7XMPdN5I/AAAAAAAAAuU/nAelb5edjVA/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502408483093165970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7XMPdN5I/AAAAAAAAAuU/nAelb5edjVA/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" /></a> </div><div>The addition I made this time was these little pinched rows on the bottom. I have no idea what the proper name for these might be...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7W5zz6hI/AAAAAAAAAuM/TfQEZe0OEJs/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502408478145374738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7W5zz6hI/AAAAAAAAAuM/TfQEZe0OEJs/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" /></a><br />Close-up view. A very easy detail, very hard to mess up. I think next time I'll try some that are kind of uneven, wavy almost.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7WSap-0I/AAAAAAAAAuE/BmWVn6k-Eq4/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502408467570883394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFx7WSap-0I/AAAAAAAAAuE/BmWVn6k-Eq4/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, just another something quick to whip up. This one was made out of one of my old tees. It ends up being a good length for a 3T, with the gathers ofcourse. I'm thinking these will also be cute with leggings and a long sleeve underneath for the colder months. Assuming we actually <em>get</em> some colder months before they outgrow these suckers!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-56097439520339019972010-08-03T15:55:00.004-05:002010-08-03T16:21:12.560-05:00Post-Storytime Bargain Browsing Pays Off!!The girls and I have been enjoying storytimes this summer at Barnes and Noble. We were never able to get to them when the in-home daycare was up and running...so now we are hitting them up pretty much every week. Plus, it is air-conditioned and it is OVER 100 degrees here right now so...<br /><br />Usually, after storytime we browse. Browse the children's section, browse the parenting section, browse the cookbooks, browse the sewing/crafting section and ofcourse, the bargain section. Well, today I found a BEAUT!! Lookie, lookie!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFiDjuK6oAI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Ezs1Pq-HHao/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501291594545537026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFiDjuK6oAI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Ezs1Pq-HHao/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" /></a> Love this!!! I love sewing knits and now maybe I can figure out how to sew knits ...ahem ...correctly! But the best part...did you notice the BEST part??!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFiDjHqfsaI/AAAAAAAAAt0/cFqTufq1Mc4/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501291584209007010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFiDjHqfsaI/AAAAAAAAAt0/cFqTufq1Mc4/s320/IMG_0437.JPG" /></a>That's right! $7 for a $25 book!! WOOHOO!! That made me happy for the rest of the day! Needless to say, I've been pouring through it and <em>really</em> want to sew up some stuff! But I promised myself I would read all the way through before starting any projects inspired by it. It is excellent so far...so many, many valuable tips in all facets of sewing that I honestly have not read on any of the bajillion sewing blogs I've stumbled onto. That's pretty rare I'd say! </div><div> </div><div>Lesson of the day: ALWAYS take your kids to storytime. HA!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-89018823206183512412010-07-30T13:59:00.007-05:002010-07-30T14:32:58.484-05:00The Easiest Dress EVER!!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499777457238153522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFMidVJhmTI/AAAAAAAAAtk/-dNNgpsVH6Q/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" /><br />I've made a few of these super-dee-duper easy t-shirt dresses for my 5 yr old. They are just that easy...easy to make and made for easy livin'. No fancy schmancy-ness, except for the uber cool snaking ruffle ofcourse! It is made from a man's grey tee, no more, no less. Chop off the shoulders and sleeves inward at a slight curve, then cut the rest of the way down in an a-line fashion. I ended up taking it up a bit and hemming with a double zig-zag stitch bc it was a little long for something so plain and simple. Put it over her and exactly measured and pinned* where I needed to take it in on the sides so half her body didn't show through the armhole. Then just sew up the sides. No stitching ANYWHERE ELSE!! No sleeve stitching, no neckline stitching--glorious!<br /><br />*exactly measured and pinned=pinched it with with my fingers, closed one eye and squinted the other while tilting my head slightly askew :)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499777467560739842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFMid7mnxAI/AAAAAAAAAts/IpWguJJoZhc/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" /><br />I just love the way it fits her in the shoulder area...it's an amazingly good fit despite...errr, I mean...ofcourse it fits well, you know, because of all that measuring...!<br /><br />She's wearing a hat we got today so that when we go peach picking this weekend her scalp doesn't get fried, which is a real problem for those who love the piggie tails. It's from Children's Place and it is sooo cute! She has stated that she cannot wear it everyday, but she can wear it today, tomorrow and the next day...<br />{Check out the expression on that face...backyard modeling is serious business}<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499777446347923106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFMicslF3qI/AAAAAAAAAtU/csYuq54YoAU/s320/IMG_0404.JPG" /><br />Close up of the ruffly coolness...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFMidF-2diI/AAAAAAAAAtc/gxljvQdS-7E/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499777453166851618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TFMidF-2diI/AAAAAAAAAtc/gxljvQdS-7E/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-29603795494115091982010-07-29T13:43:00.002-05:002010-07-29T13:59:11.212-05:00Answer: This BlogWhat is...things that are hard to keep up with???<br />DING, DING, DING!!!<br /><br />Yes, I am having a really hard time keeping up with this <em>and</em> making stuff...and all the other things I have to do and like to do to keep the family happy and healthy. I started this thinking that it would be cool to share some ideas and projects in an unobtrusive manner...like without having to drag out projects and say, "hey, lookie what I did!!"<br /><br />I'll try to be better about sharing--it's just so hard to opt for, say, editing photos over FUN summer activities!<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll get a pic or two up of some things I've done soon...<br /><br />Until then, let's all just enjoy summer while it lasts!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-31007454052293926002010-07-20T14:23:00.006-05:002010-07-20T16:05:21.105-05:00Two Things Tuesday--Yummy and well, not yummy...<u><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>THING ONE:</strong></span></u> <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">Bakerella</a>!!! Again, probably way late in the game on this...but OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE THIS SITE!! I was checking it out and my eldest walked by, caught a glimpse, and said, "Can you make that?? Do we have all the ingredients?? Can you make it right now??!!" My thoughts exactly, little one...<br /><br />Exhibit A: <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/pillow-cookies/">Brownie Pillow Cookie</a>??!! How did I not know this existed?? I'm ashamed of myself...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TEX4kYJQ5nI/AAAAAAAAAtM/ogv3tzui7bU/s1600/Brownie+pillow+cookie.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496072224115844722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TEX4kYJQ5nI/AAAAAAAAAtM/ogv3tzui7bU/s320/Brownie+pillow+cookie.jpg" /></a> Exhibit B: <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/dont-lick-bite%e2%80%a6/">Cake Pops</a>. I have made cake balls, but cake POPS takes it to a whole new easy, not messy, cute level. I believe I have found what I am making for my youngest's bday...which is right around the corner!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TEX4kCjJyMI/AAAAAAAAAtE/KDfFYqmib3U/s1600/Cake+Pops.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496072218318850242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TEX4kCjJyMI/AAAAAAAAAtE/KDfFYqmib3U/s320/Cake+Pops.jpg" /></a>There are many, many other reasons to go over and drool on this site...mini popsicles is one more. Also, very well organized site so you can find what you want to drool over quicker...yay!!<br /></div><div></div><div><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></u></strong></div><div><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></u></strong></div><div><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></u></strong></div><div><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING TWO:</span></u></strong> I really have too many projects I want to accomplish right now. Being that I am a former elementary school teacher, I think I have developed this weird inner clock that starts ticking at the end of summer--- "You'd better hurry up and do everything you wanted to get done...free time is about to end!!" Clearly, I haven't quite adjusted to being a stay at home mom, fully, because I still feel that rush to get it all done. Just when I had finally (sort of) come to peace and realized that I can relax a little, I do have time to get everything done <em>throughout the year</em>---termites!! Ugh...horrible, burrowing, disgustingly clear, EXPENSIVE termites! So all leisurely buying of fabric is on hold until the home itself is structurally sound. I don't say the "h" word often...but I HATE TERMITES! </div><div></div><div>Ok, so these two things couldn't be more opposite. Just be glad I didn't include a picture of a termite as they are truly gross! Even my husband got the heebie jeebies from seeing them. Geew....<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-25283774805540669522010-07-19T11:17:00.006-05:002010-07-19T14:26:35.546-05:00VacationHaven't posted in a while because I was so busy looking at this:<br />(these are real pictures, completely unaltered, that we actually took--not postcards, which is what they could be!!!)<br /><br /><br />Gorgeous!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESkJOTlQwI/AAAAAAAAAs8/abkTevNzfeM/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495667100132673266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESIHDs1hvI/AAAAAAAAAr4/jCUUzO2idXg/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" /></a><br />Relaxing...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495697923664855810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESkJOTlQwI/AAAAAAAAAs8/abkTevNzfeM/s320/IMG_0292.JPG" /> Lush!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495667115917073202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESIH-gIWzI/AAAAAAAAAsA/wnQ-7krdK5g/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" /><br />Beautiful!<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495697900101838706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESkH2huJ3I/AAAAAAAAAss/Cj_fyodf8xI/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" /></div><div>Lovely!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495667121595615682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESIITqACcI/AAAAAAAAAsI/kQZbFLPmigo/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" /></div><div>Awe-Inspiring (double rainbow--no joke!)</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495697914352364754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TESkIrnT7NI/AAAAAAAAAs0/NZaRawixf3E/s320/IMG_0200.JPG" />Ahhh...New Mexico! It was a wonderful vacation...hope we get to go again before another 5 years goes by!<br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-47795590742200650252010-07-07T13:29:00.004-05:002010-07-07T14:24:32.323-05:00One Thing Wednesday??So...I forgot yesterday was Tuesday. Not that I have no concept of time and had no idea what day it was, just forgot to do Two Things Tuesday! Honestly, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off getting things ready for a vacation. A real, really real vacation! We haven't had one in about 5 yrs...we are due! Needless to say, all I've had on my mind is packing. The temp is going to be cooler than it is in Texas and you know, you just kinda forget what 70 degrees feels like when you've been in the 90s for so long. I feel like I am packing every article of clothing we own (plus some I frantically made).<br /><br />Since it's that time of year, I figured I may not be the only one who needs this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/planning/pack-suitcase-00000000002225/index.html">How to Pack a Suitcase</a> from Real Simple magazine. Enjoy, my fellow travelers!! Roll, not fold---GENIUS!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-32599778815480488652010-07-02T15:58:00.004-05:002010-07-02T16:16:50.638-05:00Did you ever just NEED a backpack...?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U6JWHYZI/AAAAAAAAArI/7O-HX5Eaqaw/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489418353729036690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U6JWHYZI/AAAAAAAAArI/7O-HX5Eaqaw/s320/IMG_5285.JPG" /></a> One that sits on your shoulders just right and actually STAYS on your shoulders?!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U46BmAaI/AAAAAAAAArA/jwjiGLT33I4/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489418332436562338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U46BmAaI/AAAAAAAAArA/jwjiGLT33I4/s320/IMG_5286.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U3m_5bBI/AAAAAAAAAq4/KJ50aWI-dl0/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489418310149303314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U3m_5bBI/AAAAAAAAAq4/KJ50aWI-dl0/s320/IMG_5287.JPG" /></a> ...big enough to carry a few toys in...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U3N_G8yI/AAAAAAAAAqw/Z_eAHvO3Oqc/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489418303435109154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U3N_G8yI/AAAAAAAAAqw/Z_eAHvO3Oqc/s320/IMG_5288.JPG" /></a>... and ofcourse, you're REALLY lucky if your mom was nice enough to put a velcro closure and not one of those fussy clips, snaps or zippers!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U2GdjRbI/AAAAAAAAAqo/XKu8PgQBlaA/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489418284235441586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TC5U2GdjRbI/AAAAAAAAAqo/XKu8PgQBlaA/s320/IMG_5289.JPG" /></a><br />All in a day's work, my child, all in a day's work...<br /><br />*I'm not certain that I will be doing a tutorial on this or not yet. I still have some tweaking to do and I'm genuinely considering putting something like this in the ever present, ever empty etsy shop with my name on it...hmm, not sure...<br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-60146688275690236462010-06-29T12:31:00.004-05:002010-06-29T13:25:58.126-05:00Two Things Tuesday<strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING ONE:</span></u></strong> Sunglasses for kids-- 2 for $5 at The Children's Place. You can't beat that for some super cute, retro-polka dot little numbers! I think that's where I've bought them since my oldest was born. I will say though, that we always buy a size up...maybe I have big headed kids, ok?! That just means they're smart, right?? Yes, it does...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCo2m_LrReI/AAAAAAAAAqg/BzdSkeryTTM/s1600/TTT62910.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488259139327706594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCo2m_LrReI/AAAAAAAAAqg/BzdSkeryTTM/s320/TTT62910.JPG" /></a><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></u></strong><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></u></strong><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></u></strong><br /><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING TWO</span></u></strong>: Travel pillow for kids. I had no pattern-- just a confusing amount of orange fleece and my determination. I've made two thus far. They have both been categorically rejected by both girls in favor of...a plain, long skinny, rectangular pillow made of the same "awesome" orange fleece. They have given several reasons as to why they dislike them...you can clearly see them all in the fakeness of the smile I got...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCo2mQ-IhcI/AAAAAAAAAqY/l6QhcmgTJ-w/s1600/TTT62910a.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488259126922872258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCo2mQ-IhcI/AAAAAAAAAqY/l6QhcmgTJ-w/s320/TTT62910a.JPG" /></a> Why orange fleece?? What was I going to make with it? I'm sure it was purchased from the sale rack, as so many things are. I obviously have a hard time with passing up <em>anything</em> that's on sale! I thought the pillow itself came out quite well for having not ever done one...though the orange does make it very life jacket-like. Eh, who cares! It's for sleeping and drooling on in the car--we're going function over fashion on this one.<br /><br /><div></div>There's your Two Things...now you go make a life jacket/travel pillow! You know you want to!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-19641207087282527812010-06-25T13:12:00.003-05:002010-06-25T13:43:23.091-05:00Homemade Pasta...yep, I did that!I will tell you that everytime I home-make something I think, "I wonder if anyone I went to high school with ever would've imagined I would do this?" The answer is always the same---never in a million YEARS!! So anyway, I guess I've come into my own with this whole homemade living. It's only recently that I've even been interested in making stuff from scratch...cooking wise. It's not that I'm not a good cook, I'm decent. I'm able to put ingredients together <em>without</em> a recipe, if needed. But I don't just LOVE it...<br /><br />The thing I do like though is the satisfaction of knowing EXACTLY what is in the food I am serving my family. I really dislike looking at a label and seeing words that I have to think about to pronounce. It's oogie. It makes me want to run to my computer and look up that bunch of consonants--but I don't. I've looked up things on the internet before and it doesn't matter what it is, it says it's bad for you. So, my solution is to make as many things I can on my own with REAL ingredients that can directly traced back to something found on Earth. We don't do this all the time, ofcourse. I figure the <em>occasional</em> pre-packaged, preservative laden foods is better than eating that stuff all the time, right? Right.<br /><br />Ok, no more rambling--- <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/05/homemade-pasta-yes-please.html">Homemade Pasta</a> from Blue Cricket Design. I made it today for lunch and it was VERY easy and only takes 2 ingredients (eggs and flour)! It turned out wonderfully well and the girls went on and on about how yummy it was! I was highly pleased with the whole experience! I lightly sauteed some zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder(didn't have fresh, which was kinda dissappointing) and italian seasoning to go with it. We had a little leftover grilled chicken from last night so I threw that in there, too. The pasta itself I just tossed with some olive oil, garlic powder and parmesan. Turned out lovely! Next time I'm going to try it with whole wheat flour and see how that is. We normally eat the pre-made whole wheat pasta, but I decided to follow the recipe exactly for the first try and then trick it up later.<br /><br />So go make your own pasta! It's easy! You can do it!<br /><br />PS-- Just went and looked at the ingredients list on the pre-packaged pasta already in the pantry, there was nothing oogie. It lists semolina flour as the only ingredient though...so how is that being held together?? No eggs? Weird. I can only assume that there is something else in there they aren't listing, right? I don't know...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6479628646742924841.post-36964105950178497992010-06-22T08:02:00.006-05:002010-06-22T09:08:25.630-05:00Two Things Tuesday<strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING ONE</span></u></strong>: One of my many goals for the summer is to spruce up the backyard. We have no seating or tables or <em>anything</em> back there. It's basically a play area/dog area...that's it. I know I don't want a "patio set," so I think I want benches. Ofcourse, benches are EXPENSIVE!! So, I will (hubby will) probably be making these suckers. Here are some inspirations.<br /><br />This first one I already have the materals for actually---just a little on the plain side...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44504638/upcycled-4-foot-long-cedar-fan-back?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=garden+bench&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Fan Back Bench</a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8o5lZfkI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/RgL7aDtj-KY/s1600/TTT62210a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485591756975734338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8o5lZfkI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/RgL7aDtj-KY/s320/TTT62210a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /> I love the organic lines of this one...but I have no idea how to a) acquire wood like that and b) how to put that together.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48428540/garden-bench-2?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=garden+bench&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=2&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Garden Bench</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8oX65duI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DGSk-lK0Wgg/s1600/TTT62210b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485591747939104482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8oX65duI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DGSk-lK0Wgg/s320/TTT62210b.jpg" /></a><br />This one I am DIGGIN'!!! Maybe not this <em>exact</em> style, but the whole "reusing the door" thing is awesome! It wouldn't be black, for sure. Maybe have the back part be slightly shorter so it's not so formal looking. What a great idea, huh?<br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38586491/black-distressed-old-school-door-garden?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=garden+bench&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=4&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Door Bench</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8oPFjV_I/AAAAAAAAAqA/pTQEZKfKOsE/s1600/TTT62210c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485591745567873010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8oPFjV_I/AAAAAAAAAqA/pTQEZKfKOsE/s320/TTT62210c.jpg" /></a> Who knows what I'll end up with! It may not even happen this summer as I already have umpteenbillion other projects in line, waiting to be done!<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THING TWO:</span></u></strong> This one is random. Literally. I just stumbled upon it. So no--I haven't been contemplating sponge holders...</div><div> </div><div>I'm only showing 2 because the other ones I saw seemed like they would collect water in the bottom and these two seemed like they would drain better. The verdict is still out for me with using a sponge to begin with. I KNOW they are breeding grounds for all kinds of gross stuff---but I am addicted to it. I can't see having a bunch of rags hanging around...and would that even be <em>less</em> of a breeding ground? I don't know. I wipe the counters down many, many times a day so it seems wasteful to use a new rag everytime. I do the microwaving it thing to kill bacteria every couple of days. No one has fallen ill from my sponge usage yet, so I guess I'm doing ok. </div><div>Digressing...</div><div><br />Here's one that's really a card holder...but could also be a sponge holder. Notice the open sides for maximum drainage...YES!</div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47851033/card-holder?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=sponge+holder&ga_search_type=category&category=ceramics_and_pottery&ga_page=2&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Card/Sponge Holder</a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8n-VecbI/AAAAAAAAAp4/rvPcSIQCCLE/s1600/TTT62210d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485591741071258034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8n-VecbI/AAAAAAAAAp4/rvPcSIQCCLE/s320/TTT62210d.jpg" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>This next one is just plain cute! I dare someone to tell me that seeing these cute little birds right before you are about to wipe down the counters wouldn't cheer you up...just a little bit?<br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49479884/chubby-love-birds-sponge-holder">Chubby Little Love Birds Sponge Holder</a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8nqM_OUI/AAAAAAAAApw/orr_ozyGrRI/s1600/TTT62210e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485591735666948418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_z9x_l2293ZA/TCC8nqM_OUI/AAAAAAAAApw/orr_ozyGrRI/s320/TTT62210e.jpg" /></a> <div> </div><div>Happy Tuesday! </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/84/061CE5A445E891312A5FEB303DC88D94.png" /></a></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0