Moving on up!!

2008-04-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, after several emails from my friends and family regarding the lack of blogging around here, I have decided to continue my blogging over on our Sweet Funky Vintage Blog. So, my business partner, Liz, can share in the blogging too! The blogging will still be mostly about us and our families and our lives, so lease come on over and hang out with us there!
We would love for you to link to us there if you have a blog, and bookmark the address so you can keep coming back!

See you there!

http://www.sweetfunkyvintage.blogspot.com

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

In the News...

2008-03-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Where can you see Sweet Funky Vintage these days??

Southern Mamas recently did a feature on us - check it out!

Baltimore Aquarium

2008-03-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

We had a big family day last weekend. We have been trying to do something at least once a month since we moved here, go into the city and do something neat. We have done so many neat things this past 8 months or so. Thanks to Kristi's blog Everything Pink and her terrific recommendations. We have eaten at great restaurants, gone to neat museums, and visited really cool places - many of the fun things to do in D.C. are free! I even saw her at the zoo a couple of weeks ago, and wished I had my camera so I could have snapped a picture of her! It was raining and we were both hurrying our families in opposite directions and by the time I realized it was her, and decided to go ahead and risk being thought crazy by yelling out her name across the zoo, the chance had passed. But, maybe we will have another chance to meet.

So, last weekend, we took the girls up to Baltimore. On the way there, we stopped at a really neat place in College Park, MD (there are other locations, but this one was on the way) called The Fractured Prune. We created our own doughnuts. Georgia and Olivia loved it! They were pretty yummy!

Our destination was the Baltimore Aquarium. I had heard it was really great, and was not disappointed. It was very cool. They are celebrating the year of the frog - so Georgia got a kick out of that. My pictures aren't the greatest, as it is pretty dark in there. Also, they don't allow any strollers, so Chris had to wear Olivia in a backpack, and I had to wear Sophia. So, juggling my purse, Sophia, and the camera was challenging!

Georgia collects the souvenier pennys that you can make at so many of the tourist attractions. She began collecting them at the San Diego Zoo a couple of years ago, and we have let her keep doing it. It is way cheaper than going into the souvenier shops, and the pennies take up much less room that the other junk she could be carting home! We bought a little folding book that holds them all in little plastic sleeves. She enjoys adding to her collection and getting it out and looking at it.

The aquarium was so totally cool and the 4D movie was terrific - definately don't miss that!

We ate a late lunch at a sandwich chain they have up here called Potbellys, great food, and often they have live music, and then headed home. But, we are planning to try to get back to Baltimore for the Children's Museum and some other neat stuff they have downtown - maybe even a baseball game!

More Blog Catch-up!

2008-03-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

I finally got a haircut. I am famous for not getting regular haircuts. I went last fall and had a haircut that was the most expensive haircut I have ever had. It was a nice haircut, but it wasn't fabulous and it was crazy expensive. I wanted to find someone that I think has great hair and see if their hairdresser could work their magic on me! So, one of the other Moms at Georgia's preschool has had great hair the last few months, several good haircuts, so I got the name from her and finally went. I hadn't had my haircut since last September, and it was only the second haircut since I moved to Virginia!!
What do you think about the haircut? Are you good about getting haircuts regularly?

I have been playing with my new embroidery machine, and having such fun! I recently embroidered these burp cloths. Aren't they the cutest? We will be selling some of our embroidered items through Sweet Funky Vintage.

Piggies!

2008-03-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

I am doing some blog catch up here and I wanted to share Georgia's pink pig cupcakes with everyone. I would love to take credit for the idea, but it isn't mine. I am famous for tearing out pages of magazines when I see something neat. A few years ago, when G was just an infant, I ran across the most fabulous cupcake animal designs and I held on to it, thinking for usre that I would use it someday. And, finally, I was able to. I showed the pictures to G and asked her what she wanted. I thought she would choose the frog, due to her fondness for her favorite stuffed animal, froggy. But, she is in the "PINK PHASE". So, the pig it was!
We had to improvise a little bit. The original pig used pink jimmies. But, I wasn't able to find any, so I used food coloring to dye coconut and this is what we got!
The ears are red licorice lace tucked into the cupcake. The eyes are raisins, the nose is a marshmallow (very carefully cut in half) with icing nostrils.
They aren't exactly Martha-worthy, but she loved them and that is what matters most!

Late, but no less LOVE!

2008-02-22T18:57:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not posting this sooner! Here is my LOVE Swap from Jen. WOW! It was lovely to open, and I LOVE every bit of it! Thank you Jen!

More 1st Birthday Hoopla!

2008-02-22T18:45:00.001-08:00

SPT: Love Me.

2008-02-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

Lelly's challenge for this week was to answer, "what will you do for yourself this valentine's day?"

The actual purchase wasn't really in honor of Valentine's day, but it is supposed to arrive in time for Valentine's Day...

Isn't it dreamy?

Happy Birthday Sophia!

2008-02-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Sophia is a year old already! Here she is enjoying her family's less than talented rendition of "happy birthday"!
Before you click to play the video, scroll down to find the music player on the right side of the screen, click the pause button twice and it will turn off the music!

Love Swap Reminder

2008-02-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that your "LOVE" Swap package needs to be mailed tomorrow so it will be sure to arrive in time for Valentine's Day! It should include little things that you Love, with one item that represents each of the letters in the word "LOVE"!
I can't wait to see what everyone got! If you will send me pictures, I will post them on my blog, or you can post them on your blog and just leave a comment with the link!
Have Fun!

National Building Museum

2008-02-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

We have heard how neat the National Building Museum is, so we decided to take the girls last weekend. They have an interactive room for the kids that was a huge hit! A few disclaimers, Olivia picked out her own outfit, and after being a single parent for the previous month, I was too tired to fight her. Heck, if she had climbed into the drivers' seat instead of her car seat, I might have let her try learning to drive! No, not really! Another disclaimer, in these pictures it is painfully obvious how badly I need to have my roots dyed. I will be taking care of that asap!

The first thing you encounter when you come into the museum is this exhibit about arches. Georgia was so eager to try it, she joined another family that was already working on it. In the end, it took 3 Dads and a bunch of kids to get it built.

While all that arch building was going on, Sophia and Olivia sat in their stroller and checked out the fountain in the center of the great hall.

In the interactive exhibit, the girls had a ball! Even Sophia got in on the fun.

SPT

2008-02-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Okey, dokey... a fun SPT from Lelly!

the other day, i was in my _____________, and i noticed this _______________. my only thought was, "why do i still have this hanging around my house?!?"

here we go...

the other day, i was in my dining room, and i noticed this pile o' unhung pictures. my only thought was, "why do i still have this hanging around my house?!?"

Because we only moved in here last JUNE!!!!!

Etsy Love

2008-02-04T13:25:00.001-08:00

I love etsy. Such neat stuff can be found there.
Some of my current favorites:

How cool are these things?

2008-02-04T11:09:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce that we are carrying Monkeybar Buddies shorts at Sweet Funky Vintage.
Girls can wear their dresses and skirts worry free when they’re hanging around upside down in Monkeybar Buddies. The ultimate in comfort, Monkeybar Buddies were created not to bunch, stick to your dresses, or look bulky under skirts. They are also great under athletic shorts or over dance leotards for an extra layer.
We currently have them in three colors - white, pink, and navy. Visit Sweet Funky Vintage.

Celebrity Twin

2008-01-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

I was reading Anna Maria Horner's blog and was giggling at her post on celebrity twins. She got the idea from here.
And, I got to thinking about my celebrity twin. When I was growing up, people used to often say that I looked like Linda Blair in the exorcist. At the time, I had no idea who that was and had definately not seen the exorcist. I still haven't seen it because scary movies are not my thing. But, I have seen pictures of Linda Blair.

Then, when I was in college, I worked at a summer camp, and one of the little punks, I mean - little darlings said that I, "looked like the girl from Beverly Hills 90210. Not the cute one, the other one - Donna."
Okay. If you say so. Which Donna?

this one?

this one?

this one?

this one?

Okay, enough of that! I am not sure if there is any celebrity that I look like these days...

What about you? What celebrity do you look like?

You-tube Saturday

2008-01-26T10:48:00.001-08:00

Some days I feel like this...

2008-01-26T10:47:00.001-08:00

Click on the picture to see it full size!
I saw this on a blog the other day and thought it was hysterical.
I know a lot of ladies who can appreciate this!

Fat Quarter Friday at I Want Fabric

2008-01-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

At our IWANTFABRIC.COM website:

We are starting something new here at I Want Fabric! We are going to give away - yes FREE - 4 fat quarters every Friday! How fun is that!?! And, all you have to do to enter is post a comment (NOT HERE - on the IWANTFABRIC blog)! Post by midnight on Friday night, and we will choose the winner with a random number generator over the weekend and post the winner on Monday!

Love Swap Update

2008-01-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, here we go! We have 30 - oops - nope - make that 31 - people participating in the L-O-V-E Swap. That odd number required some creative pairings, so you are not going to receive a package from the same person you send to. I am in the process of contacting each person to let them know who they are sending their package to. If you haven't heard from me, please email me asap!
Otherwise, you are all ready to put together your swap packages. Please be sure to mail your package by Feb. 9th so that your person has a package to open on Valentine's Day! And, be sure to post on your blog a picture/description/thank you for - your package after you receive it!
Have fun!
Missy

Holy Cow - It's a Blog-iversary!

2008-01-23T10:45:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe that I missed my blog anniversary on Jan. 20th. I had in the back of my mind that it was coming up, and then it slipped by and I missed it altogether!
Soooo....
I want to post a couple of giveaways to celebrate my blog-iversary. I am going to take entries until the end of this week - so please enter by midnight, Friday, 2/1/08.

1) I picked up this book awhile ago and thought it would be perfect for a giveaway.

You Can Do It!: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls
Grandcolas was an experienced sales and marketing professional embarking on a writing career when she died on United Flight 93 on 9/11; her husband, family, and publisher rallied together to complete her outstanding debut, which encourages middle-aged women to do the things they have always dreamed of doing. The text-patterned after a Girl Scout manual-is made up of seven "badge" categories (e.g., "Dare," "Create," and "Learn") that are further organized into activities such as learning to skydive and care for one's car and building family rituals or breaking bad habits. Each badge takes readers through the task from start to finish and includes excerpts from professionals in that field. A bibliography of books, magazines, and web sites for further information is included. A pure pleasure to browse, this is the perfect gift for those celebrating 40th birthdays and beyond and will enjoy a high circulation among public library patrons. Highly recommended. Library Journal

Not long before 9/11, Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas posted a motto on her refrigerator door: "Get busy living or get busy dying." The 38-year-old marketing executive, pregnant with her first child, had recently started work on a book encouraging women to pursue their dreams—no matter how outlandish—even as they struggled with the daily demands of children, marriage and career. Grandcolas came up with a set of "merit badges for grown-ups" and even hung her old Girl Scout sash above her desk as inspiration. Before she could finish, Grandcolas was killed aboard United Flight 93. After her death, Lauren's husband and sisters gathered her notes and met with her agent. This week, Chronicle Books will posthumously release "You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls." "She truly, truly wanted women to get out there and taste life," says Vaughn Lohec, Lauren's younger sister. "But it's bittersweet that she can't be here to talk about the book herself." Newsweek

Want to fly airplanes? Break a habit? Learn photography? Grandcolas demystifies 60 popular activities here. Low-key visualization and a biographical page featuring a talented mentor kicks off each chapter. Badge steps follow, conveying all the necessary how-to's. Margins contain revealing anecdotes, plus thumbnail definitions for mastering each skill's language. For example, the wine appreciation chapter offers brief descriptions of common whites and red, tips for ordering in restaurants, a glass guide, and suggestions for creating a wine journal. The final step--stocking your own cellar, in this case--concludes with a hearty "Congratulations!" and tips for venturing "Beyond the Badge." A pageful of resources including books, magazines, web sites, and related organizations completes each chapter. For those who groove on such things, 60 silver-dollar-sized merit badges await earning (okay, they're just really pretty stickers at the book's end). Never motherly nor professorly, You Can Do It! fuses straight talk and wry humor to keep the read enjoyable, and success within reach.--Liane Thomas

Winner: Comment #22 - Amanda

2) For all the fabric lovers I know, I am also going to give away a yard of fabric for you to do something fun with!

Winner - Comment #98 - Katie

3) I will also give away a child's felt hair do-dah of your choice (a couple of examples are pictured)

Winner: Comment #119 - Sheila

4) I will also give away a burp cloth and onesie baby gift set

Winner: Comment #122 - Heather

Soooo... that means there will be 4 winners. All you have to do is leave a comment to be entered. Please make sure that there is some way for me to contact you, either through your blog, or you leave an email address with blogger when you post. So, in other words, if you leave an anonymous post, I will not be able to get in touch with you about your loot!

I listed this giveaway on bloggy giveaways. Click here to go there!

I have used the random number generator to choose the winners. I will post them soon!
Click here to see the winners!

SPT

2008-01-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, I haven't done an SPT in entirely too long. So, here it is. I was sitting at my sewing table, looking out the window at the Potomac River. Yes, I have an amazing view from my studio, and I am grateful for it. Today, I was sitting at my sewing table, looking at the river, and thinking about what a day it had been.
I was woken by Princess Fancypants (G) at 5:30am. I made her get in the bed with me, in hopes that she would go back to sleep. Fat chance. She wiggled and squirmed and touched my face and snuggled and WHATEVER for another hour until my alarm went off. I woke up grouchy. Then, the morning kind of went downhill from there. I was having house maintenance issues, uncooperative children, and just general chaos. I was almost in tears several times, and definately very stressed. The situation with the girls got better throughout the day, but I was still dealing with house maintenance stress, and the weather was cold and dreary.
I bet you are wondering when I am going to get to the SPT part, right? Well, hang on. Back to the studio. I was sitting and looking out at the river when I spotted a rainbow. A rainbow! Just what I needed to remind me that I may have had a tough day, but I have a lot of blessings and the rainbow signifies hope for a better tomorrow. I grabbed my camera and my coat and went outside to see if I could photograph it. As I was walking outside to take the picture, I realized it was Tuesday, and by George, I am actually a she who is photographing on Tuesday. So, I decided to come back inside and pop over to Lelly's blog to see if, by chance, my photograph fit into the them for today's SPT. No such luck. But, I am sharing my picture anyway! :)
Can you see the rainbow just above that house? I'm sorry that you can't see the river from this angle. I'll show the river another time!

Now, back to the ACTUAL SPT for today...

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

Well, that's an easy one. My name is Missy. I have an addiction. To fabric.

Okay, seriously, I love to create with fabric. I sew almost every day. I own so much fabric, I am now part-owner of a fabric website (IWANTFABRIC.com). I design and create children's clothing (Sweet Funky Vintage) to sell, so I am buying, designing with, sewing, or talking about fabric every day! I just love fabric. I knew my blog would be about my family, my life, and my business. So, calling my blog "fabric of my life" just made sense to me.

Here is a picture of part of my fabric stash a couple of months ago. I was too busy taking pictures of rainbows today to take a new picture!

I have a dream...

2008-01-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

I read a post today on a new blog introduced to me by Lisa,The blog is called Boobs, Injuries and Dr. Pepper. The blog post was titled, "Yes you should", and it was in reference to "I have a dream." Please read it. I really liked it.

She said:

I have a dream....

I have a dream that one day we will unite as a country to care for the deserving ones who cannot care for themselves. We will provide health care for our elderly and not force them into poverty with rising pharmaceutical prices for medicines that enable them to simply live.

I have a dream that we will welcome our military home with joy and gratitude and not force our beliefs upon them about a war they fought while we watched it on the news.

I have a dream that one day I will not fear sending my children to a public school.

I have a dream that myself and others like me can speak freely and innocently, with no malice in our hearts, and not be labeled as a person who hates simply because of the words we choose.

I have a dream that people will rise above those words thereby taking away their power to harm.

Here is my dream:

I have a dream that stay at home Moms will be respected for the choices and sacrifices that they make to spend their days being their chidren's teacher, inspiration, and mentor.

I have a dream that Moms who work outside the home will not be treated like they care more about their careers than their children.

I have a dream that there will be a day where children in America do not go to bed hungry.

I have a dream that there will come a time when those who work hard to provide for their families will not live a more sparse existence than those who choose not to work.

I have a dream that there will come a time when everyone exercises their right to vote.

I have a dream that someday teachers will be able to earn more than executives.

Do you have a dream?

A Heavy Load

2008-01-21T16:43:00.001-08:00

I read this ages ago in a children's book called Zen Shorts, by Jon J. Muth. It has stayed with me. I am fortunate enough to have lots and lots of nice people in my life. I am even blessed by some really fantastic people. Sadly, not everyone in this world is a nice person, though, and sometimes those "not-so-nice people" cross my path. When I feel really down because of a "not-so-nice person" and their bad behavior, I think about this story, which is about letting go.

A Heavy Load

Two traveling monks reached a town where there was a young woman waiting to step out of her sedan chair. The rains had made deep puddles and she couldn't step across without spoiling her silken robes. She stood there, looking very cross and impatient. She was scolding her attendants. They had nowhere to place the packages they held for her, so they couldn't help her across the puddle. The younger monk noticed the woman, said nothing, and walked by. The older monk quickly picked her up and put her on his back, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other side. She didn't thank the older monk, she just shoved him out of the way and departed.

As they continued on their way, the young monk was brooding and preoccupied. After several housrs, unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. "That woman back there was very selfish and rude, but you picked her up on your back and carried her! Then she didn't even thank you!"

"I set the woman down hours ago," the older monk replied. "Why are you still carrying her?"

Last Day to Sign Up for L-O-V-E!

2008-01-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day to sign up for the L-O-V-E swap. So, please sign up, by clicking here!

I will email your swap partner's information to you by 1/23, and you will need to mail your package no later that 2/9 so it will arrive in time for Valentine's Day.The theme of this swap is L-O-V-E! So, include in your package anything fun that you love, but include an item that starts with each of the letters of the word "love"!Feel free to advertise this swap on your own blog. Let's really share the love!

Bookmarks

2008-01-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a blog I surfed past today, The Memory Bee, and thought it might be fun to do. So, here are a few random sites that I have bookmarked on my computer...
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10287 - just bookmarked this the other day to use for the preschool Valentine's day party.
http://www.bayberrycove.com/ - just love these, don't own any, but I will someday.
http://laylagrayce.com/home_store.aspx - beautiful things.
http://community.livejournal.com/craftgrrl/6920998.html - a craft that so inspired me, I started making them for my girls.
http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/HourglassPillowFreePattern.pdf - a free pattern from Amy Butler.
http://www.aidanbell.com/sound/The%20Lords%20Prayer.mp3 - love listening to this when I need a pick-me-up.
http://darnkat.wordpress.com/quilted-fabric-wallet-tutorial/ - going to try this.
http://www.surlatable.com/product/wilton++giant+cupcake+cake+pan.do?search=basic&keyword=giant+cupcake&sortby=gsa&asc=true&page=1 - think this is totally cool.

So, I am tagging a couple of you to share some of your website bookmarks with us!

Kristi, Carlo, Liz, Lisa, and Jonnelle!

2007 In Review

2008-01-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

RECAP for 2007

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? I exhibited at my very first craft market - market days in Tallahassee, FL, in December. It was very fun and pretty successful (which made it fun!)

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't remember making any specific new year's resolutions, but it is possible I just blocked them out because I wasn't very good at following through!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? me!

4. Did anyone close to you die? no

5. What countries did you visit? none

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? more peace and joy

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? February 7th - Sophia's birth.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Going into business with Liz - Sweet Funky Vintage - a dream realized!

9. What was your biggest failure? I don't know if I think of any failures as big, except in the sense that I learned from things that didn't go like I thought or hoped they would.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? nothing more than common illnesses, thank God.

11. What was the best thing you bought? I can't think of anything specific that I bought myself that was "the best"

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? The girls have done really well with the big move from South Carolina to Virginia. Kids are really as resilient as everyone says.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Those you read about in the news who do terrible things, and seem filled with hatred.

14. What did you spend most of your money on? fabric!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? my businesses - Sweet Funky Vintage and I Want Fabric and my girls

16. What song will always remind you of 2007? I can't think of just one. Probably the mix of songs that I put together for my BMW girlfriends.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder?  b) thinner or fatter?  c) richer or poorer? a)happier b)thinner (gotta love being able to consider that I was pregnant this time last year! Better lose the rest of that baby weight so I can say that I am thinner again next year!) c) poorer (darn real estate market!)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? spent time with my family

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? feeling sorry for myself.

20. Did you fall in love in 2007? I fall more in love with my husband and my girls all the time!

21. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy, House, NCIS, The Unit, General Hospital, Brothers and Sisters, Project Runway - whoa! I watch too much t.v.!

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No. But, I did waste alot of time being angry with people who weren't worth the energy it took to be angry with them.

23. What was the best book you read? I read alot, but didn't read anything really spectacular last year.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery? hmmmm. don't think I discovered anyone specific...

25. What did you want and get? I wanted an embroidery sewing machine - thanks Mom and Dad!

26. What did you want and not get? more peace and quiet, more bubble baths.

27. What was your favorite film of this year? I didn't see any stand-out movies this year.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 35. My family took me out for pizza!

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? taking time to be more creative for myself, my house, and my kids.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? I am really working hard to get out of the "soccer mom" mode. I am having some success with finding some trendy casual clothes that fit my lifestyle and my budget!

31. What kept you sane? My ipod; Blogging; sewing, my family.

Ginger Blossom

2008-01-17T05:05:00.001-08:00

We LOVE Sandi's (of Portabello Pixie fame) new fabric line - Ginger Blossom. She is designing for Michael Miller and the fabrics are to-die-for!!

We are offering them for pre-sale on I Want Fabric for only $7.99 per yard! Check them out!!

L-O-V-E Swap!

2008-01-14T04:47:00.000-08:00

We love Valentine's day around our house. We have already done a little decorating, and are planning to introduce a new holiday tradition in our family. I got this idea from Kristi - make a special Valentine's pillow to place on everyone's beds. The pillow will have a pocket in it that family members can place notes and little Valentine's treats in throughout the few weeks before Valentine's day.

So, let's go ahead and unveil our Valentine's Day Swap! You don't have to have a blog to participate in this swap - so to all of my friends who pop in here, please feel free to join in!

You have almost a month to get ready for this swap. Sign up this week, by Monday, 1/21.

**** I have had several late joiners today, and I want everyone to be able to participate, so I am extending the deadline to midnight, Tuesday, 1/22.****

I will email your swap partner's information to you by 1/23, and you will need to mail your package no later that 2/9 so it will arrive in time for Valentine's Day.

The theme of this swap is L-O-V-E! So, include in your package anything fun that you love, but include an item that starts with each of the letters of the word "love"!

Feel free to advertise this swap on your own blog. Let's really share the love!

Just post a comment here to sign up for the swap. And be sure to send me an email so I have your email address to send you your swap partner's information.

Okay, Jennifer suggested that I add a Mr. Linky to this swap! Thanks Jen!

This swap is now closed! I will be sending out information to each person about their swap partner. So, please watch your email inbox. If you didn't email me with your email address, please do!

Our First Press

2008-01-10T12:30:00.001-08:00

Sweet Funky Vintage has been featured over on the Boutique Flair blog! Krista of boutique flair had done a product review for Sweet Funky Vintage. We are offering the boutique flair readers a disount too - so check it out!

A shopping epiphany!

2008-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

I don't know, maybe I just don't get out much. But, today, I made a fabulous discovery - Steve and Barry's. Have you ever heard of it? Of course you have, I appear to be the only one who didn't know about this marvelous place!
Well, I happened to catch a rerun of Oprah yesterday on which Sarah Jessica Parker appeared, talking about her new clothing line, Bitten. My ears perked up when she mentioned that nothing in her entire collection costs more than $20. NOTHING. I couldn't believe my ears and I was determined to go in and check it out as soon as possible.
I happened to have a few spare minutes today between Mommy and me Tumbling and pre-school pick-up, so I popped in. HOLY COW! It was a sale! And, when I say sale, don't think that I mean it was a few really awful things bunched up on a couple of racks way in the back of the store. I mean it was a SALE - everything in the store was $8.98. EVERYTHING!!
So, I started to SHOP! Here are a few peeks at what I purchased!

I got these in this color and also in black.

I got these in dark gray.

I also got a black leather headband, a great black tunic dress with bell sleeves, and a pink long sleeve t-shirt.

But, the Pièce de résistance - or in English - the really skippy deal was this coat:

A New Year...

2008-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Quote for the year: 'First, think. Second, beleive. Third, dream. And finally, Dare.'
Walter Elias Disney

I admired Kristi for choosing a word for the year and then applying it to her life in such a real way all year long. I have tried to think about what word I would choose for myself this year. So far, I have not come up with a good word. Any suggestions? I could sure use some!
Kristi's word for last year was Stretch. And she definately did stretch herself in many ways. If you have never read her blog, I highly recommend you reading it. I am really inspired by her.

So, maybe I will come up with a word for the year, maybe I will not. But, I like the quote that I found above.
1. think
2. believe
3. dream
4. dare

Many of you know that I am working with my friend, Liz, on a new business venture. Although, I am not crazy about the word venture - maybe Ad-venture would be better. It is an adventure. It is exciting and crazy and fun. I am really passionate about making Sweet Funky Vintage into a success. To me, success isn't just about money. Although, don't get me wrong - money would be nice... I want it to be fun, creative, and inspiring. We have incorporated into our business plan a social mission. We want to make sure that we are giving back to society. We have a couple of different programs that will enable us to donate clothing to a local shelter in Tallahassee, FL, and to a national charity, as well as a monetary donation program that will buy books for children through First Book. It is really cool. We may not be Brad or Angelina and be donating gazillions to rebuild a city - but we are doing our part to be global citizens.

On a level closer to home. I have made a pact that I will sew for my girls more often. Before I start working on "work" projects, I am going to complete projects for my home and my children. In looking back, I discovered that I was most happy this past year when I was creating for myself, my home, and my girls in addition to working. So, I am going to aim to remember to nurture myself too.

I really didn't start out writing this post to talk about my new year's resolutions, but I guess I have shared a little bit of those too. I have some of the stereotypical resolutions that many people have - lose weight, eat healthy, take better care of myself, start fewer projects - finish more, save money - that sort of thing.

It will be interesting to see where the coming year leads us, won't it? I wish you a happy, healthy 2008. Best of luck to you!

Oh - my blogiversary is coming up on Jan. 20th. I would like to do a couple of giveaways in conjunction with that. If you make anything that you would like to donate, or if you would just like to re-gift something that may not be fabulous for you but would for someone else, please let me know! It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive, just something fun. I am going to be offering a few giveaways myself. So, let's share a little cheer in January!

I am going to start sign-ups for a swap soon too. It will be a Valentine's Day swap. So, watch out for details on that!

100 things about me...

2008-01-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

I said that I would re-evaluate this each year on my birthday. My birthday was over a month ago, so it is about time!!

1. I am not as good a friend as I would like to be.
2. I surround myself with friends who have qualities I admire and would like to emulate.
3. My birthday is December 4th
4. My husband is my best friend
5. I am so lucky to have some of the best friends a girl could have.
6. Nothing in life gives me more joy than my children
7. I think Gerbera daisies are the happiest flower
8. I love music so much, I listen to music much of the time.
9. I love cherry limeades from Sonic.
10. I am completely addicted to Starbucks Cafe Mochas.
11. I read alot.
12. I love to do anything crafty. I wish I had more time, and more follow-through!
13. I am teaching myself how to knit.
14. I have been knitting the same baby sweater for over a year!
15. I rarely change my jewelry, I just wear a couple of simple, basic pieces.
16. I drive an SUV
17. I am messy and own entirely too much crap.
18. I wish I could play the piano
19. I wish I could play the guitar
20. I love to watch a few shows on tv - Grey's Anatomy, General Hospital, All My Children, House, NCIS, The Unit, Project Runway... I can't stand to watch TV programs unless they have been Tivo'd.
21. Tivo is the best invention in recent years!
22. I am a dyson vacuum convert. The first time I used it on my rugs, I couldn't believe the difference!
23. I love chocolate and eat it almost every day.
24. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream and wish I could eat it every night.
25. My all-time favorite ice cream flavor is Ben and Jerry's Wavy Gravy
26. I do not like any form of athletic activity.
27. I used to collect vintage Home Economics textbooks and vintage sewing patterns.
28. I love jars of old buttons.
29. I love black and white photographs.
30. I love stained glass windows.
31. I love Italian and Mexican food.
32. I think family traditions are very important and try to start several new ones each year.
33. I love to wear sandals.
34. I like the way my toenails look painted, but don't like to paint them.
35. I still have the stuffed animal that I got when I was 14.
36. My house burned down when I was 14.
37. I love to sew.
38. I sew almost every day.
39. I grew up in Florida.
40. I have lived in Florida, Texas, California, South Carolina, and Virginia.
41. I have been to Mardi Gras.
42. I love to visit London.
43. I love candles.
44. My favorite candle scent is dream by the Gap - unfortunately discontinued.
45. I love getting flower bulbs to bloom.
46. I wish I was a better home decorator.
47. I don't like to clean, but like to have a clean house.
48. My favorite movie is Breakfast at Tiffany's.
49. My favorite actress and style icon is Audrey Hepburn.
50. I love holidays.
51. I love plants and flowers, but am not very good at remembering to water them and take care of them.
52. I still have a baby tooth.
53. I love magazines and subscribe to way too many of them.
54. I love scented soaps, especially handmade ones.
55. I hate to use fabric softener, it makes me sneeze.
56. The San Diego Zoo is one of my favorite places.
57. The National Zoo in Washington DC is becoming a favorite place.
58. Some of my favorite people are my online friends.
59. I don't drink coffee at home.
60. I don't like to think about how fattening Starbucks is!
61. I believe it is important to eat organic food when possible, especially dairy.
62. I am trying to eat healthier.
63. My car is usually a disaster area.
64. I like a cross between the "shabby chic" style and pottery barn.
65. I like to wear skirts.
66. I like to shop at Ann Taylor.
67. I would like to make a quilt someday.
68. I start Christmas shopping earlier every year. This year I started later than ever!
69. I love fabric shopping.
70. I own way too much fabric.
71. I love to eat fresh fruit, especially oranges and apples.
72. I rarely wear shorts.
73. I love to wear capri pants.
74. I wear a size 7.5 or 8 shoe.
75. My feet got bigger after I had children.
76. I have 4 sewing machines.
77. Sometimes I am very moody.
78. I love handwritten letters.
79. I love to get greetng cards in the mail for no special occasion.
80. I love to eat raw oysters.
81. I love taking bubble baths and reading in the bathtub.
82. Most types of deoderant make me itch.
83. I am rarely on time.
84. I set the clock on my car 6 minutes fast on purpose.
85. I want a pair of pink Crocs maryjanes.
86. I am trying to learn to spend less money on things I do not need.
87. I love to send "good mail" and think it is one the most fun things I have heard of in awhile.
88. I feel good when I go to church, and sad when I don't.
89. I have been blogging almost a year.
90. I want to learn how to take better photographs.
91. I love the feel of sunshine on my face.
92. I like to play games - board games, card games, computer games - whatever!
93. I love pretty stationary.
94. I own a lot of stationary!
95. I love monogrammed items.
96. I love to give gifts.
97. My eyes are brown.
98. I am generally satisfied with my appearance.
99. I need to lost some weight.
100. I rarely wear makeup.
101. I wore braces.
102. I wish I had a better memory.
103. I wish I didn't say stupid things sometimes, especially to people I care about.104. Sometimes I say stupid things when I don't know what else to say.
105. I want to be a better mother.
106. I can drive a stick shift.
107. I love hydrangeas.
108. Friendly people make me smile.
109. I have worn glasses/contacts since I was about 6 years old.
110. I don't have one favorite color. I like pink, green, and blue.
111. I often compose letters to friends in my mind and when I finally get around to writing them out, they are usually not as well written.
112. I love the smell of rosemary mint shampoo.
113. I love to shop at Target.

Okay, last year I only had 100 but this year I have 113...

Back to the routine

2008-01-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well, we have returned from a great holiday visit to the mountains of North Carolina. We enjoyed Christmas with family, and New Years' with friends. I, naturally, took few pictures, so I will have to beg pictures from others before I can blog about our holidays.

This morning, we were back to our routine, and boy, are we out of practice! Yikes! We were almost 25 minutes behind schedule! So, I decided to create a morning routine chart for Georgia. It turned out way cute, so I thought I would post it here. The idea is that you use a clothespin, and clip it on the spot that corresponds to the task she is currently doing. Her morning tasks are: wake up and make bed, eat breakfast, take dishes to sink, use the potty, wash hands and face, brush teeth, get dressed, brush hair, get backpack, go to car. So, hopefully, using this chart, she will stay on task, and that will free me up to work with the babies. Olivia is currently potty training, so it is quite a job to get everyone fed, dressed, and out to the car in time to get Georgia to preschool.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

Georgia played Santa last week while we delivered homemade fudge to several of our neighbors. I had to share - it was too cute! Dontcha love our pink feather tree? We were only home for 2 weeks this month, so we didn't go all out and get our normal tree. Georgia had admired the pink feather trees at Michaels, so when they went on sale, we got one. I figure that I will just put it in Georgia's and Olivia's room next year!

Thankful Swap

2007-12-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

I recently participated in a Thankful Swap over on Liz's blog and I got the most amazing package from Jamie!
Wowzers! Just let me share...

Preschool Class Christmas Gift

2007-12-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share what I did for the kids in Georgia's preschool class for their Christmas party. I wanted to get a little something for each child from Georgia, but didn't want to (couldn't afford to!) spend a lot of money. So, I went to Michael's and bought a craft kit - said it made 36 snowmen crafts. It was on sale for about $5. Then I bought a couple of Martha Stewart's packing kits - also on sale for less than $5 each. So, I was able to put together these little craft kits for the 16 kids in Georgia's class for around $1 each! They turned out totally cute!

Catching Up...

2007-12-20T13:17:00.001-08:00

I finally sat down to download pictures off of my camera today. Boy, am I really behind in blogging! I know this because I still have pictures on my camera from October!! Holy Cow! How did I lose the past two months?!
In any case, please forgive me for being tardy with the chronicle of the past couple of months.
Back in October, we went to Beaufort, and while there, Georgia had quite a full social calendar. She was able to visit with Aunt Kelly, Uncle Mike, Madelynne, Amelia, and Emma Kate. We stayed with Alison, Jeff, Avery, and Alex. Georgia and Avery had a really big time together! Georgia was able to visit her old school, spend the night with Abbie, go to a play of Junie B. Jones, and attend a fabulous princess birthday party for Emma Grace!

Georgia and Avery

Georgia and Abbie

Saying goodbye is always sad...

Emma Grace's Princess Tea Birthday Party

Going back a little bit farther... Olivia turned 2 on October 25th and we celebrated, Pooh style!

Going back even a little bit farther... one day I caught Sophia in the hall bathroom. She had discovered the spare roll of toilet paper and decided to see how it tasted. She had a good bit of the roll spread around her too!

Fancy Nancy Birthday Party

2007-12-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

I realize that my daughter turned 5 on November 25th, but we are going to be holding her birthday party on January 12th. So, put on your thinking caps - all you uber-creative ladies, and help me put on the most amazing SOIREE (that is fancy for party) ever! Our theme is a Fancy Nancy Posh Pink party and we are inviting the kids in her class, including the boys - so I need activities, games, crafts, etc that will appeal to the dudes as well! I bought a great book at Micheals, so I think I have the food and drink covered, but would love your ideas on decorations, games, activities, crafts, and that sort of thing. We think we will rent the little community center in our neighborhood that has two sections - a kitchen/dining area where the main party will happen, and the garage/storage area and we are going to investigate renting a bouncy and having that in there for the kids to play and jump in - too cold to be outside in January!! So, pretend you are an outrageously expensive event planner, and give me those ideas!!!
For those of you who are not familiar with Fancy Nancy - check it out - it is stinkin' adorable! And there is a sequel - Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy. I understand, too, that there is another one being published in February, can't wait for it!!

More Christmas Fun...

2007-12-14T04:38:00.000-08:00

I saw this today on one of my favorite blogs - all sorts. What a great activity for the kids to do! Decorate your own gingerbread house online - totally calorie free and no sticky fingerprints all over YOUR house! http://www.jennybharris.com/activities/home/sweethome.htm

Some Christmas Spirit...

2007-12-11T04:48:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Kristi's blog and just had to share it here. I absolutely love this! It makes you smile and feel like tapping your toes!

A visit to Santa!

2007-12-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

We ventured over to the mall today and the girls visited Santa. As you can see, Olivia was less than thrilled with the experience! Oh well, maybe next year!

Sweet Funky Vintage

2007-11-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Sweet Funky Vintage is almost here! Liz and I have been busily preparing for Market Days, but have also been preparing our spring preview collection too. We have just about finished putting a few peices online on our website. I think they are fabulous! We have even more great things planned for Spring. We have chosen some really yummy fabrics that will arrive soon!

Missing in Action...

2007-11-13T04:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging much. And I have really missed it! We have had back to back to back company lately. My parents were here for 5 days, followed by Chris's parents for 5 days followed by my sister for 6 days. It was great to see everyone and we had such a good time. But, I didn't take much time to blog during those visits. I will try to get caught up soon. This weekend we are going out of town to visit friends, and next week is Thanksgiving, which will be followed by a week of the girls and I visiting my family in Tallahassee, Florida. I will be down there, preparing for Market Days, where my friend, Liz, and I will be exhibiting for our individual design lines, and showing a spring preview of our joint line, SweetFunkyVintage. I am really excited and nervous about showing at Market Days. I hope to have a couple of sneak preview pictures for you in the next day or so!

I wish you enough...

2007-11-06T04:48:00.000-08:00

I have seen this before many times, and maybe I have even posted it on my blog before. But, I still like it and want to share it again...

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Thanks Tami!

Thinking about...

2007-11-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Sermon in church today was interesting. It was basically the sermon on the mount and spoke about money - Matthew 6:24-34. No big surprise to hear that money is the #1 cause of worry according to a recent consumer survey. I was familiar with the biblical reference to the love of money being the root of all evil, as well as familiar with the reference to "no one can serve two masters... you cannot serve God and money." We all know that money has power. The pastor outlined the power of money as follows: money *)provides security *)determines status *)destorys marriages (found this interesting - hadn't ever thought about this before - it has to do with having enough, what to spend it on, who makes the decisions about what to spend it on - he/she who controls the money has power in the marriage) *) influences emotions (envy, guilt, regret, worth)

The pastor then talked about where to turn for financial advice -
1. Get God's counsel - Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
2. Learn contentment - Isn't this a biggie? - Phillipians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Contentment is an internal disposition, not an external reality.
3. Make a Commitment - Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

This verse really hit home for me today...

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Now, ain't that the truth?

Halloween - Looking Back...

2007-10-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

Oct 2003 - Georgia's first halloween - a hydrangea.

Oct 2004 - Georgia's second halloween - Tinkerbelle.

Oct 2005 - Georgia's third halloween - a Ballerina.

Oct 2006 - Georgia's fourth halloween - Little Bo Peep.
Olivia's first halloween - a Sheep.

Oct 2007 - Georgia's fifth halloween. Olivia's second halloween, Sophia's first halloween - the three little pigs!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

We have been to the pumpkin patch! We took the girls on Friday afternoon. They had such a good time! It was a beautiful day, sunny, but not too warm, with the high at about 65 degrees. The girls played, dug in the sand mountain, went on a hayride, and went down the slides over and over again. Even Chris got in on the fun!

Whoops!

Another Youtube find...

2007-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

I got this one from Marcia and Lori. Pretty good!

What's Cooking...

2007-10-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

I have made a couple of yummy recipes this week and I thought I would share them with you!

Broccoli-Sausage Pasta

2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 large onion, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
8 oz white mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed, sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
3 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets
1/2 c half and half

1. heat oil in large pot. Add onions and cook 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, sausage and mushrooms; cook 10 more minutes, stirring ocasionally.
2. Add wine; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, paste, salt, oregano, nutmeg, pepper. Bring to boil. Lower heat to low and cook, covered, for 25 minutes, stirring ocasionally. Add broccoli during the last 5 minutes.
3. Add in half and half and simmer, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Serve over pasta and sprinkle with parmesan.

Brie and Caramelized Onion Stuffed Chicken Breasts

1 tsp olive oil, divided
1 1/2 c sliced onion
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 c dry white wine, divided
2 ounces Brie or Camembert cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces (about 2 Tbsp)
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
4 (4oz) skinned, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tbsp minced onion
1 tbsp chopped fresh or 3/4 tsp dried sage
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (10 1/2 oz) can low salt chicken broth

1. heat 1/2 tsp oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion, saute 30 minutes or until golden brown. Add sliced garlic; saute 5 minutes. Stir in 1/3 c wine; cook minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Spoon onion mixture into a bowl; let cool. Stir in brie, salt and pepper.
2. Cut a horizontal slit through the thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket. Stuff about 1 1/2 tbsp of the onion mixture into each pocket.
3. heat 1/2 tsp oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken; saute 6 minutes on each side or until chicken is doen. Remove chicken from skillet. Set aside; keep warm.
4. Add 1/3 c wine, minced onion, sage, and minced garlic to skillet. Cook over medium high heat for 2 minutes. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil, and cook 7 minutes or until reduced to 3/4 c. Return chicken to skillet; cover and simmer 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve sauce with chicken.

Something fun to check out!

2007-10-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Visit this blog and comment so we can both win!

Food doesn't have to be boring!

2007-10-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

You know me - I love to do little fun things to jazz up food for the girls.
Recently, we made a couple of cute critters.
Ladybugs!

G was pretty tickled to open her lunchbox at school and find this surprise for snacktime.
To make:
2 ritz crackers
smidgen of cream cheese
licorice
gel icing
- spread some cream cheese on one side of one cracker. Carefully cut the other cracker in half. Cut small pieces of the licorice for antenna and place those in the cream cheese. Position the cut cracker on top at an angle to form wings. Pipe 3 small dots of gel icing on the dimples on each cracker wing.

Kitty Cat Pancakes!

Daddy makes pancakes or waffles with the girls for breakfast each weekend. G had seen a picture of a kitty cat face on a pancake in her new magazine, so we created one like it using some strawberries, grapes, bananas, apple, and coconut.

Wow, what a week... Wait, it's only Wednesday!

2007-10-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

I am soooo tired right now. It feels like a really long week, and it is only Wednesday!
Georgia started ballet classes this week. They will be every Tuesday. Olivia started mommy&me tumbling, which will meet every Wednesday morning. Georgia also has soccer every Wednesday evening. At her age, she is only learning how to play soccer and it only lasts for 6 weeks, thankfully! We were thinking of taking the girls on a family outing one afternoon this week, to a pumpkin patch, but we are now not sure if we will be able to do it. We will probably have to re-schedule for next week. Sadly, the cupboards are bare, so we have to do a big commissary grocery shopping trip. We generally go every other week.
We have our very good friends, the Kucabas, visiting this weekend with their two kids, and are really looking forward to that. I am sure I will have lots of adventures to report about next week! And, Georgia has a birthday party this weekend!
Wow! I am tired just typing about all of it!
Part of why I am so tired is because I am not sleeping that well. It must be a phase of the moon or something. I spent an hour reading in the middle of the night. At least I have a good book to read!

I believe

2007-10-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is a nice little email I got today...

I believe
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe
that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in awhile and you must forgive them for that.

I believe
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe
that it is taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe
that you should always leave loved ones with kind words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe
that sometimes when I am angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe
that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe
that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I believe
that life is more precious than money will ever be able to be.

Thanks Maggie for sending me this!

Mom jeans

2007-09-29T17:13:00.001-07:00

Am I the last person to see this Saturday Night Live spoof on "mom jeans"? Unbelievable funny!

Dollar Store Decorating

2007-09-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted a new wreath for my front door, but I couldn't afford to spend much money on one, nor did I want to spend much on a wreath that is really exposed to the elements.
So, Dollar Tree to the rescue!! Dollar Tree is my favorite dollar variety type store. Everything in the store is only a buck! I buy lots of things there on a regular basis - packages of tissue paper and plain white gift boxes, as well as diaper disposal bags (they are the best for double-wrapping the really bad diapers - the ones G calls "muddy stinkers").
On my most recent trip, I picked up a grapevine wreath, 2 bags of artificial leaves, and a fall floral decoration. Viola! A fall wreath for $4 plus tax. It only took about 20 minutes to make, start to finish (including hunting for supplies in my studio, and fixing myself a coke zero and turning on my iPod). All I added was a glue gun and a few glue sticks. As an afterthought, I dug around in my bin labeled, "More Craft Crap" and pulled out some floral ribbon and wire and whipped up this bow. But, really the wreath looked fine without the bow. I only added the bow to poke fun at Liz, who asked me, "Are you really ever going to use any of this crap again?" So, Liz, yes, look what I made! Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!
I also picked up a couple of hardback books - one by Martha Stewart and the other by Brooke Shields. Neither are best sellers, but looked interesting, and hey - they were only a dollar!

speaks for itself

2007-09-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

Sophia Hunts for Food

2007-09-27T13:10:00.001-07:00

How funny is this?! Sophia has been crawling for a few weeks now, but it seems that she gets more and more brave everyday and goes farther (further?)...
She crawled from our living room into the kitchen and over to the open shelves we have and pulled a bag of onions from the bottom shelf. So, instead of going over and re-directing her, I grabbed the camera instead. Bad Mommy!
But, it made for cute pictures!!

What kind of New Yorker...

2007-09-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

I got this from Liz, who got it from Lelly...

You Belong in Soho

Although you may not be a professional artist, you do dabble in one form of art or another.
And you indie culture of all kinds - from little botiques to art house films.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

Book Report

2007-09-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I placed a feature on my sidebar to share with everyone what books are on my bedside table.
One of the books I have been reading is Mary Lou Retton's Gateways to Happiness

It is a book I have been wanting to read for years, and finally picked up at the library the other day. I am still reading, having just read the introduction and the section on Gateway #1, but so far, here are some of the things that have struck a chord with me...

* Remember, being happy isn't something that simply comes to us without effort. It's an ongoing challenge that we all face every day, especially in an unpredictable world where our stregnths and faith are constantly being tested.
* No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished? (Lee Iacocca)
*The truth is that an ideal family is not something that we are simply born into - it's something that every single family member has to work at every day to create.
* Families can suffer tremendous stife and unhappiness if family members refuse to treat each other with respect and choose to act selfishly instead of generously.
* Talk to your family with an open heart and listen with an open mind.
* One way to maintain the balance between family and career is to give 110% in all you do. By "giving 110%", I don't mean working yourself to the bone until you collapse from exhaustion - I simply mean being fully present and involved with whatever you are doing, when you are doing it.

So, that is my book report from the first gateway. Stay tuned for the rest in future posts...

Have you discovered Etsy?

2007-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Etsy is the neatest place to shop from independent craftspersons! I love browsing there!

Check out these awesome sushi soaps!

Typewriter keys bracelet -

and this fun handbag -

Last Week

2007-09-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

My sister was visiting last week, so that is why I haven't posted lately. We had a really busy week - we did some shopping and some sightseeing. We took the girls to the zoo and it was such a beautiful day. Naturally, I forgot my camera, so no pictures, sadly. The weather was gorgeous so the animals were all out and about. It was pretty funny, though, at least half of the animals that we stopped to look at chose that exact moment to do their "business". Georgia thought that was pretty funny. The day after the zoo, we went back into the city to visit the Museum of Natural History. We picked up Georgia from school and drove straight into the city. We needed lunch, and the Museum of the American Indian's restaurant had been recommended (thanks Kristi!), so we decided to try it. Holy Cow was it good!! We were hungry, but I was sad that I couldn't eat everything I saw!! Kim and I decided to share, and settled on an Indian Taco, made with frybread topped with buffalo chili and lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese. MMMMMMM Good! Georgia and Olivia split some frybread topped with honey and cinnamom. Kim and I also shared a lobster roll. Their restaurant is a cafe and it set up in regions according to what part of the country the Indians were from, hence a large variety of foods. I am not a huge coconut fan, but the macaroons were enormous and looked very tempting. I will definately be back to try some more of the yummys that I saw! We popped into the National Gallery of Art to use the potty, and Georgia was able to see a Jackson Pollack painting.

This meant something to Georgia because she is a big fan of the Olivia the Pig books, and in the original book, Olivia visits a museum, views a Jackson Pollack painting, and then goes home to attempt one of her own just like it on the wall!! I promised to bring Georgia back to see the ballerina (Degas) paintings another time.
Then we went over to the Museum of Natural History, viewed the Tiffany and Hope Diamonds, and other amazing jewelry. Georgia said that she would buy me some jewelry like it for my birthday! That's my girl!! The girls enjoyed the dinosaurs and the hall of mammals.
Over the weekend, we went to Mount Vernon for the 18th Century Fair. I will post pictures from that in another post.

Most of the evenings that Kim was visiting, we would give the babies a bath in the large double sink in the kitchen. It was pretty cute and they had a blast!!
Here are some of the pictures:

Fun One to Try!

2007-09-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, saw this over at one of my favorite blogs, Allsorts. Thought it was pretty fun.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Lance Suburban

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
Mint Chip Kitchen Sink

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
M-Sev

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Red Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Lynn Tallahassee

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),
Sev-Me

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Blue Mocha

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy),
Spring Rain Chocolate

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Sandra Mansfield

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Manning Manhattan

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Spring Hydrangea

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Banana Skirtie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Granola Magnolia

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Sewing Sunshine Tour

Have Fun with This one!

What's Cookin' - Literally!

2007-09-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some recipes that we have tried lately that were dy-no-mite!!

Zucchini Oven Chips (pictured above)

1/4 c dry breadcrumbs
1/4 c grated fresh Parmesan cheese (you could probably use the sprinkled from a can stuff, buy why would you??)
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp milk
2 1/2 c (1/4 inch thick) slices zucchini (about 2 small)
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 425.
Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Place milk in a shallow bowl (I use a pie plate), and dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place coated slices on an ovenproof wire rack coated with cooking spray, place rack on baking sheet. (I think you could use a broiler pan also. I happened to have a deep dish pizza pan with another pan that fits over for a thin crust pizza and the top pan has a bunch of holes in it - that is what I used) Bake at 425 for 30 minuts or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.

Citrus and Rosemary Grilled Pork

1/4 c dark molasses
3 T balsamic vinegar
3 T olive oil
3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped (2 T)
1 orange, zested
4 (1-inch thick) boneless, center cut pork chops
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Salt and Pepper

Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl with a whisk or fork. Pat chops dry with paper towels and rub with seasoning. Turn chops in marinade and let stand 15 min. Season chops with steak seasoning. Grill chops for 6-7 minutes on each side.

Sausage and Egg Casserole

8 sourdough bread slices, cut into cubes)
Vegetable Cooking spray
1 (12oz) pkg cooked pork sausage, crumbled
2 1/2 C milk
4 large eggs
1 T dijon mustard
1/2 c buttermilk
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I used cream of celery)
1 c shredded cheddar

Arrange bread in 2 lightly greased 3 inch square baking dishes, or 1 lightly greased 13x9 baking dish, or 10 ovenproof coffee mugs (greased) placed on a baking sheet. (for mugs only cook 25 to 30 minutes).
Top with sausage. Whisk together 2 1/2 c milk, eggs, and dijon mustard. Pour evenly over bread mixture. Whisk together buttermilk and soup. Spoon over bread mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake 1 hour or until casserold is set.

This is precious!

2007-09-06T06:29:00.001-07:00

Touching...

2007-09-06T06:19:00.001-07:00

I received this email from a friend (thanks Amy!) - it came just when I needed it!
"Invisible"
Author Unknown

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Pick me up right around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going she's going . .. she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was feeling pretty pathetic with my unwashed hair that I felt sure smelled of peanut butter and slightly out of date dress (the only clean one in the closet), when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

No one can say who built the great cathedrals -- we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees." Closing the book, I realized that if we maintain the right perspective, we should not see ourselves as invisible, but as great builders -- builders of great cathedrals. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

First Day of School

2007-09-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Georgia started preschool today! She was pretty cute all dressed up with her brand new backpack. This is not her first time attending preschool, but it is a new school for her. And, this is the first time she has used an actual backpack for school. She is pretty excited about the backpack!

This is Olivia's first time modeling today. She is modeling for Liz and the outfit she modeled is to DIE for!!!

Think Pink!

2007-09-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Love this from Target - buy the exclusive pink Dyson vacuum and Target and Dyson will donate $40 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. First of all, if you haven't used a Dyson - you just will not believe the difference it makes. Sure, they are expensive, but they really are THAT much better!
I love my Dyson! I only wish it were pink!

And, even cooler - buy this week and Target gives you a $100 gift card!

Favorite You Tube Video

2007-08-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

This cracks me up every time I see it!

Just Listed on Ebay

2007-08-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

Want to visit the auction? click here!

doh!

2007-08-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

I just found out that one of my bestest friends, Alison, had no idea that I was blogging! What a terrible oversight! How could that be??!! Well, I sent her the link so she can see my random online thought process!

Check this out!

2007-08-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

I found this today and what a neato tool it is!!
It is called "Spell With Flicker"! I could play with this all day!

In case you need fabric, click I Want Fabric!

What's Cooking this Week

2007-08-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

A friend of a friend, Kim, has created a great new blog for those of us who get creative block in the kitchen.
Come join in and share some food inspiration!

My Menus for the week:

(R) indicates that the recipe is below...

1) Liz's lasagna rolls (R)
Spinach Salad (R)

2) Taco Ring (Pampered Chef)(http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/pampered-chef-recipes/taco-ring.htm)
Home-made Salsa & Chips (R)

3) Barefoot Contessa Barbque Ribs
Blue Cheese Coleslaw (see last week's post for recipes)
Fresh Fruit

4) Goat Cheese Pizza (R)
Salad

5) Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_35561,00.html)
Salad

6) Quiche Lorraine (R)
Salad

Liz's Lasagna Rolls

Parmesan
Small container Ricotta
2-3 c. shredded mozarella
1 egg
italian seasoning
lasagna noodles

*Boil noodles, drain. (6-8)
* Mix up cheeses
* Lay out noodles, spread each noodle with cheese mixture, then roll up.
* Place in 8x8 baking dish, dump marinara on top, sprinkle with more cheese.
* Bake 350 for 25 minutes or until bubbly and "melty"

Spinach Salad
Dressing:
1 c oil
3/4 c sugar
1/3 c ketchup
1/4 c vinegar
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt

Salad:
Fresh spinach greens
1/2 c shredded carrots
4 thin slices red onion, separated into rings
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 c sliced fresh mushrooms

Fresh Salsa
6 tomatoes
1 onion
2-4 Serrano chile (remove stem and seeds for milder salsa)
1 bunch cilantro (stems removed, rinsed in cold water)
juice of 1 or 2 limes
salt to taste

Chop, dice or mince to desired consistency. Add lime juice, salt and enjoy!

Goat Cheese Pizza
Pizza Crust (boboli)
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1/3 c mozzarella, shredded + 1/3 c mozzarella
4 slices crumbled, crisp cooked bacon
12 thin slices plum tomatoes
4 thin slices red onion, rings separated
1 lg. seeded bell pepper sliced into rings
1/4 c crumbled goat cheese

heat oven to 500. Brush pizza dough with olive oil. Leaving a 1 inch edge, sprinkle with 1/3 c mozzarella cheese and crumbled bacon. Top with sliced plum tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, goat cheese, and another 1/3 c mozzarella. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until brown and crisp.

Quiche Lorraine
Pastry for one-crust pie
8 oz (2 cups) swiss cheese, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp flour
4 eggs
1 1/2 c half and half
1/4 c chopped onion
8 slices crisply cooked, crumbled bacon
dash pepper

prepare pastry for filled one-crust pie using 9 inch pie pan.
heat oven to 350. Toss cheese with flour. In large bowl, beat eggs slightly. Add half and half, onion, bacon, pepper and cheese, mix well. Pour into pastry lined pan. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted just off center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Sooooo Sad

2007-08-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

I broke one of my favorite china platters last night. It was really dumb. I tossed the pepper shaker to my husband and he wasn't expecting it and it was a really bad throw and it hit the edge of my platter and broke it. I feel terrible. The platter is part of a collection Vietri serving pieces I received as wedding presents, so we have had them almost 11 years. I am desperately searching for a replacement. So far, no luck. Any ideas?

What's Cookin' in the Kitchen!

2007-08-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago, we had a feast! We grilled BBQ Pork Ribs and made Blue Cheese Cole Slaw. Both were Barefoot Contessa recipes - and OUT OF THIS WORLD!!

I recommend you give them a try!

BBQ Ribs Recipe:
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 small red onion, diced (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
4 racks country ribs (8 to 10 pounds)

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, and saute the onions and garlic for 5 to 7 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not browned. Add the chili powder, ground cumin and red pepper flakes and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add the zest and ginger and cook for an additional minute. Add the vinegar, tomato paste, honey, mustard, soy sauce and orange juice and simmer uncovered on low heat for 15 minutes, until thick.

Marinate the ribs in 2/3 of the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Prepare a grill with a single layer of hot coals and then add a few more coals 5 minutes before cooking, which will keep the fire going longer. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning once or twice to cook evenly on both sides. Brush with the marinade as needed.

Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

** Now, getting organized ahead of time is something I am working on. So, I didn't marinate the ribs early. I just made the sauce and started basting while the ribs cooked. The flavor of the sauce is outstanding! It got thrown away after dinner, and I wished we had saved it in the fridge for bbq sandwiches!

Blue Cheese Coleslaw:
1/2 small head green cabbage
1/2 small head red cabbage
4 large carrots, scrubbed or peeled
2 cups (16 ounces) good mayonnaise
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled Roquefort blue cheese
1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Cut the cabbages in half and then in quarters and cut out the cores. Set up the food processor with the slicing blade (according to manufacturer's instructions) and place the pieces of cabbage, one at a time, lying horizontally in the feed tube. (If they don't fit, cut them to fit lying down.) Place the feed tube pusher on top and turn on the processor. Don't push on the feed tube pusher or the slices will turn out too thick! Continue with the remaining red and green cabbage quarters. Transfer into a large bowl, discarding any very large pieces. Before you pour the dressing on the salad, save a handful of the grated vegetables to decorate for serving.

Change the slicing blade for the large shredding blade and cut the carrots so they also lie down in the feed tube. Since the carrots are hard, replace the feed tube pusher and press firmly with the food processor on. Transfer to bowl with the cabbages.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, both mustards, vinegar, celery salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Pour enough mayonnaise dressing over the grated vegetables and toss to moisten well. Add crumbled blue cheese and parsley and toss together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

** Again, the flavors only got to meld for about 30 minutes - but the slaw was still dy-no-mite!!

While I was browsing her website, I found a recipe for Tzatziki. If you have never had Tzatziki - you are missing out! It is one of my favorite, low-calorie dips. I have tried making it several times this summer but not quite gotten it as flavorful as I have bought in a store. I love to eat it as a dip with vegetables, but it is also a crucial ingredient in gyros!

What's Cooking in my studio!

2007-08-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

I just listed this set on ebay for halloween...

click here to see it on ebay.

Here is my fall collection for Cherry Tree Avenue.

Will be offered for sale soon:

My Studio!

2007-08-15T05:43:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post this for awhile. I want to show everyone how AMAZING my studio looks. Anyone who has seen it at any point in the past would never believe how incredibly organized it is now. My good friend, Liz, came up to visit and helped me unpack and organize it. I don't feel like I did much, she really cracked the whip and worked magic! Liz is a true miracle worker!
So, here is the before picture:

Here are a few in-progress pictures:

And, ta da...

Free Printables

2007-08-13T17:45:00.001-07:00

I love things that are designed to make my life easier! I was reading a blog recently, and ran across this printable grocery list! Here is another one from Working Mom.

I found these great babysitter printables:
Working Mom's Babysitting Checklist
Babysitting Information from Printable Checklists.

I also found this incredible resource for getting organized if you truly want to take household organization to a new level.
Household Notebook: Make Your Own Planner for an Organized Home This is a truly inspiring resource. I have just spent a little time printing everything out, putting it in sheet protectors and assembling my binder. I think this is going to revolutionize our home. I cannot wait to try it out. Through this home organization system, I have also found a Christmas organization system that I have already printed out in anticipation of having a less stressful (and hopefully less expensive due to not duplicate gift buying, etc.) holiday season! As I am looking at my freshly assembled binder, I cannot help but think of a few of my friends who would love to use something like this. I realize it isn't for everyone - but there are people who pay home organizing people big bucks to help them set up something like this, and this online resource is totally free! I just need some notebook dividers and I am ready to rock and roll!!

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo! Jump on the Fabric Train!

2007-08-10T12:08:00.001-07:00

Our new fabric store is chugging right along! Need some fabric to feed your addiction? Check us out!! Http://www.iwantfabric.com

We are in the spotlight!

2007-08-10T12:06:00.001-07:00

We are the featured blog in this great website Boutique Savvy- check it out!

Sewing Projects for Kids

2007-08-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but my oldest child, who is not quite 5 years old comes into my studio, sits down and gazes longingly at the shelves full of fabric. Of course, this fills my heart with pride - like Mother, like daughter, right? And, she is always spiriting away snippits and scraps of fabrics to play with. I often find them draped and fashioned around her "babies" (the gazillions of stuffed animals she has and plays with).
She is longing for the day when she can actually sew something herself. So, I have been compiling a list of sewing projects for kids, in search of a good one for a child her age.
Tic Tac Toe Bean Bag Toss
Rick Rack Fish (not a sewing project - more like a craft project - but terribly cute!)
Lunch bag (I am picturing giving G some muslin and some markers and letting her decorate and draw on the fabric and then I will use the new fusible vinyl I found to make the fabric water resistant and protect her design. I will stitch it into a lunch bag for her. This idea could evolve into some great party favors, etc!)
Pillowcase

Do you have a favorite kids sewing project to share?

Some Pictures of the Girls

2007-08-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Just sharing some pictures I took of the girls in the last few days...

(I know, I know - there is a child missing - Olivia was napping!)

Hurry Before You Miss This Great Deal!

2007-08-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

I saw a great sale posted on the Madie Jane blog, and hurried to place my order for some shabby t-shirts! Then, I was rushing over here to blog about it so I could share the love with all of you, and with great sadness realized that the sale ended yesterday. So, I emailed Bobbie and she confided that the coupon code will be valid through tomorrow. So, run, don't walk over to madiejane.com and take advantage of the 50% off (yep, you read right - for once, a sale that is a GREAT DEAL!!) by entering "blogsale" during checkout!
I ordered shabby t-shirts for my girls - G, O, and S.
Only ours will be made in the raspberry birds fabric in the upper left corner!

I also admired the baby doll dresses, and was very tempted to order the girls all matching dresses in the freshcuts floral and the raspberry birds.

I have been meaning to share this for ages...

2007-08-08T10:39:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to share this for ages, so I thought I would finally do it. I got this fabulous idea from Kristi. I took Kristi's directions and with the help of fellow class Mom, Bradi, we collected questionnaires and money from the classroom parents and created these precious books for Georgia's teacher's this year. They are from all of the kids in the class. Aren't they fabulous? I hope the teachers will treasure the quotes from the students and are able to buy themselves something special with their $50!

Have you ever made home-made marshmallows?

2007-08-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

I read a blog posting about making homemade marshmallows and think I might give them a try.
Here is a great place to find lots of recipe variations.

Wow!

2007-08-06T07:04:00.001-07:00

The aesthetics of this wedding are just amazing. Can you just imagine what the pricetag must have been?? Sigh.

Click here and here to see the pictures.

Wanna be a winner?

2007-08-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Some contests I have found...

* Over at Ashwin’s blog, you will find one crazy blog owner!! You can win $2500!! To enter just copy this text and paste it in your blog!! But hurry, this competition will not last long! So get posting!

* 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away an Insignia 37" flat-panel LCD HDTV. Go leave a comment at 5 Minutes for Mom by August 17. (Thanks to Best Buy for sponsoring such a great contest!)

*Win a $50 gift certificate from Koo Koo Bear Kids, take a look around, then let Kailani at An Island Life know by posting a comment on her blog!!!! tell her the name of one item that you would get if you won.

*Design Mom is giving away $150 gift certificate from CWD Kids!

I found it on the web, so it must be true!

2007-08-05T06:39:00.001-07:00

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and expressive, you were meant for Paris.
The art, the fashion, the wine!
Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park...
You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

Check out my new venture!

2007-08-05T06:32:00.001-07:00

Are you a fabric addict?
There really is no such thing as too much fabric!

More Food Fun

2007-08-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I served a couple of fun things to Georgia and Olivia the other night for dinner.
It all started off with a recipe for a "fruit rainbow" that came in Georgia's new copy of My Big Backyard magazine. And, I decided on a whim to try to artfully arange her dinner as well. Turned out pretty cute, don't you think?

Good Mail

2007-08-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo! Aren't I lucky to have such nice friends! ;)

I received some great good mail recently - a fantabulous package from Kacey, and a sweet thank you note from another good mail-er - Shawna!

Any Parents of Middleschoolers Out There?

2007-08-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

I read about this book today and thought it looked promising - check it out!

And, no, your eyes do not deceive you - that is the girl from The Wonder Years!

Quote for the Day

2007-08-02T07:45:00.001-07:00

I read this quote in a book this morning. Okay, I was reading a book to the girls, and it did have pictures of Olivia the Pig in it, but it has been kind of a tough morning, and it is an accomplishment that at that very moment, nobody was crying! The quote stuck in my head and I thought I'd share it!

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

Guess who said this quote? No GOOGLING allowed!!!

Winner gets a prize!

Belated Tag.

2007-08-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

So, sorry, Lizzie! I just happened to see your tag today, over 2 months late. Please accept my apologies! And, Thanks for visiting my blog!

Here are the rules:

1. List seven random facts/habits about yourself

2. Choose another SEVEN bloggers to tag and list their names in your blog

3. Leave your seven tagged bloggers comments to notfiy them of their tagging and to direct them to your blog for tag instructions.

Ok so here goes.

1. I love to cook. I don't think I am terribly talented at cooking, but I am pretty adventurous - not afraid to try new things, or to try a recipe that calls for lots of ingredients and is labor-intensive.

2. I have entirely too many magazine subscriptions. But, I love magazines! My current favorite is Country Living.

3. I have a serious fabric addiction. I have more fabric than I could possibly sew up in the next few years! But, I love new fabric. I love the feel of it, the smell of it - you name it!

4. I love to play games. I love cards, board games, computer games, puzzles - whatever!

5. I love the public library. I completely dig the online library catalog. I can find books that I want and have them sent to my branch and they email me to come and pick them up - I don't even have to go in and browse the shelves.

6. I would like to own my own brick and morter retail store someday, full of eclectic things that I love.

7. I have a clothes dryer that is almost as old as I am and refuses to die so that I can buy a new, fancy, fabulous one (that will probably die after a few years!).

Now, let me see who I can find to tag!

Bobbie
Hilary
Jordan
Amy
Lisa
Chelsea
Patrice
Kim
Lisa

Strawberry Mice

2007-08-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

I saw the idea for this cute snack in a magazine a few months ago and tore out the page so I wouldn't forget it. Last night, I created some of these strawberry mice for the girls - tooooo cute!

To make:
Cut the leaves off the strawberry, and a small slice off of one side so it will sit flat on the plate. Tuck a small piece of string licorice underneath for the tail. Use mini chocolate chips for the nose, and small dots of black gel icing for the eyes. Almond slices are perfect for the ears.

Olivia's First ER Visit

2007-08-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well, those of you who know Olivia well, are surely surprised that her first ER visit didn't come before now! But, she is 21 months old and has just had her first visit to the Emergency Room. She decided she was through sitting in her high chair and climbed out and fell to the floor. She bled some, cried some, needed a few hugs, and then relatively quickly forgot all about it. We felt like since it was her face and she had obviously hit her head, we should probably take her to the emergency room to have it looked at. In the short time that it took us to get there, she appeared totally fine, running around the waiting room, pointing to the vending machines, and saying, "Nak!"
The doctor looked at her wound and decided that a little dermabond would be all that was necessary. They put a steri-strip on it to secure it so that she wouldn't pick at it. Olivia lost the steri strip sometime the second day! It has been about a week and a half since it happened now, and she is almost healed to the point where you can hardly tell at all. So, I completely anticipate in a few more weeks, there may not even be a scar.
Sweet Olivia!

2007-08-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

It appears we are following a Disney princess theme here! Georgia is on a cleaning kick lately. Not wanting to discourage this, I try to help her when she asks me, "Mommy, is it time to clean something? I want to help clean." Now, as you can imagine, with three children under the age of 5 in the house, it is ALWAYS time to clean something. But, I don't always have time to stop what I am doing to find Georgia something to clean and set her up to clean it. I love to give her the swiffer duster and just tell her to go dust whatever she wants. Often, I can tell her to go get the dustpan and dust broom and sweep under Olivia's highchair. This past weekend, we were working on finally getting curtains hung in the living room, so we weren't able to stop and give Georgia some cleaning direction. So, she found an old scrub brush under the sink and found something to clean on her own. I cracked up when I spotted her and raced for the camera. Does Cinderella come to mind? Now, if I could just teach her how to do laundry, and fold and put it away, and load the dishwasher, and unload it and put the dishes away, and change diapers, and...

Pirate Sisters!

2007-08-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well, after we watched Peter Pan for the twentieth time in the past few weeks, Georgia decided she wanted to play pirates with Olivia. I don't think Olivia quite got the concept, but they had fun, nonetheless.
I got out yesterday's Washington Post and with a little bit of masking tape (okay, quite a bit of masking tape), I crafted these makeshift swords, and the girls went outside and played pirates! Our rule was that you could only hit the other person's sword with your sword, not their body!

Neat!

2007-07-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is pretty cool. Create your own sign.

i have been tagged.

2007-07-30T09:10:00.001-07:00

I got tagged by Kacey.

Four Jobs I have had:

Pumping yogurt at TCBY
Lottery Girl (televised lottery draws)
Family and Consumer Science Teacher (modern day Home Economics)
Children's clothing designer

Four Films I Can Watch Over & Over:

Breakfast at Tiffany's
Pearl Harbor
Grease
Steel Magnolias

Four Places I have lived:

Tallahassee, Florida
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Beaufort, SC
Quantico, VA

Four Favorite TV shows:

Law and Order
Grey's Anatomy
Friends
All My Children

Four Favorite Foods:

Pizza
Lasagna
Chocolate
Ice Cream

Four Websites I visit Daily:

www.fabricofmylife.blogspot.com
Ebay
www.Iwantfabric.com
everythingispink.blogspot.com

Four Places I would love to be:

at the Beach
at a fabulous, reasonably priced vintage store
in a hot bubble bath with a good book or magazine
Ikea! (hahaha)

Four people I am tagging:

Liz
Lelly
Laura
Amelia