Tealovinglady's Weblog

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T02:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a wonderful special day with family and loved ones. I know how it's so easy to get lost in the stuff of the day- cooking all of the special dishes and family favorites, making sure the house is cleaned and spotless and that everything is just right for our family gatherings. We women are just like that! I guess that's why they call it "nesting" when we are ready to deliver our babies. We just want everything to be ready on time and just perfect. I know I'm not the only one out there and I'm sure there are plenty more just like me!

Thanksgiving is finally here and that means that Christmas is just around the corner. It's time for us to gather around the table with those we love and give thanks for all the blessings we have in our lives.

We have our family....our treasured friends....a home to keep us warm....our health. I have a supportive husband who loves me dearly, two wonderful children and their great spouses and now two beautiful grandsons that I love to the moon and back. I have been truly blessed!

Dear Lord I want to take the time to thank you for all you have give us this year and every year. We need to remind ourselves how truly blessed we are and keep this thankful spirit each and every day of the year!

How to Make Your Own Laundry Soap

2011-09-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

I know that there have been many posts recently showing how to make your own laundry washing soap for your clothes. Well a few weeks ago I decided that I would try my hand at making laundry soap of all things! My 3 sisters responses were almost the same. They all said " Why?"

Well I thought it might be fun to try it. I have also been very sensitive to chemicals for most of my life and it seems that lately it is getting to be a little more of a problem. I had also heard it is much less expensive and better for your plumbing to use more "filler free" products My daughter is always telling me to think about the planet and try to be greener so that is one of the reasons I thought I would try it too.

It was really easy and simple to make. It also only took 3 simple ingredients to make! It was pretty cheap too! All you need is Washing Soda, Borax and Fels Naptha or Ivory soap. I quadrupled the following recipe and it turned out great. The only thing I would change is that I would switch to Zote soap next time just because I would like to make pretty pink soap instead of the yellow soap. I know! What is with me and pink? You can also add in some pure lavender oil or any other pure essential oil that you like to make it smell even better. I was also told that to make it even stronger you could add in some Oxy Clean. But here is the simple basic recipe that I used:

1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1cup Fels Naptha or Ivory soap (grated finely)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

The most tedious part is grating the Fels Naptha soap. I used an old metal grater and had no problem at all. It was a little larger pieces then I wanted so I then put it in a small old food processor that I wasn't using anymore. That worked out great! Mix all the ingredients and stir well. Put your new laundry soap in a pretty container with a lid. For lightly soiled loads I use 1 TBS and for heavily soiled loads I use 2 TBS.

Of course I needed an antique silver scoop to put in my container with my laundry soap. I found this beautiful one on E-Bay. I know I don't need that big of a scoop since you only use 1 to 2 TBS. but I just thought this would look cute in the container.

I'm linking up to a few parties this week: Tater Tots and Jello, Under the Table and Dreaming,My Romantic Home, The Shabby Nest, I Heart Nap Time, Flamingo Toes, A Vision To Remember, A Dittle Dattle , Sew Can Do ,Between naps on the Porch and 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven.

HOTH - Roosters and Chickens Party

2011-08-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

I decided to join Sheila over at Note Songs for her Heart of the Home Roosters and Chickens Party. She asked everyone to post pictures sharing our favorite roosters and or chickens. My kitchen has quite a few roosters in it. I think I've always loved roosters and chickens so it was a no brainer for me to have them on display.

These are a few of the pictures that I have hanging on my kitchen wall above my buffet server. They are an off -white colored tin picture frames. My husband and I found the prints and then sized them to fit the frames. I have a off-white tin type ceiling and these picture frames match it quite well.

I found this hand made rooster at a local Craft Fair a few years ago. I just love his long legs! My little grandson sometimes likes to walk by him and make his legs swing back and forth. He hangs on the side of my built in refrigerator and he welcomes everyone into my kitchen.

This is the shelf that is hanging above my buffet server in the kitchen. I had my husband custom make the shelf for me. He made it out of oak and about had a heart attack when I told him I wanted to paint it! Had he known that he probably could have made it quite a bit cheaper. I have several different roosters and chickens up on that shelf in addition to a few off-white pitchers and canisters. I put the leaf and fruit strand up there last fall and liked it so much I decided to keep it year round.

These two little roosters flank my metal basket that I use as a hold all for mail and stuff that needs to be put away. It's almost full so I guess I better clean it out. The poor rooster on the right has been knocked off the counter a few times and his head was cracked. I couldn't stand to throw him out so I glued him back together and he keeps his cousin company!

This large rooster sits in the center of my buffet server. He has been moved all over my kitchen at one time or another. I just love this big one! I picked him up at an antique store up in the mountains when we were up there for our anniversary a few years ago. I love him because his feathers have a dark antique stain over it that makes him look aged and worn. This rooster is very heavy and makes a nice statement I think.

My sister gave me these two little roosters last year for my birthday. I have them on each side of a moss covered basket that is full of wooden eggs. The eggs are both white and brown. My sister picked these up for me when we were at a tea house in Colfax. They had lots of roosters and chickens and I wish I had gone back there and gotten a few more roosters before the tea house went out of business. They were very reasonably priced also.

This rooster is a tea light holder also. Another one of my sisters bought this for me for my birthday a few years ago. I believe it is a Party Light product. When the tea light candle is lit the rooster is really lovely. There are numerous cut outs in the rooster to let the light shine through.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out a few of the roosters I have in my kitchen. I have several more that I did not showcase. Please head over to Note Songs and check out the rooster party!

Thrifting Fun!

2011-08-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I was in Las Vegas for a few days visiting family for a funeral. We had a little extra time on our hands so I went antiquing and thrift store shopping. Teapots, scales and rolling pins are some of the cool things I came home with.

I have always loved tea cups and teapots and have quite a collection already. When I spot a pretty one my heart starts to beat a little faster. I especially like it when I get them for practically a steal! This one was missing a lid but it will make a wonderful planter or perhaps it will hold some kitchen tools.

Another thing I love is old wooden rolling pins. I look at them and imagine about the ladies who owned them and what they possibly were thinking when they were rolling out their pie crusts. Were they baking a pie for their own family or perhaps it was for a sick neighbor. Maybe they were taking it to church for a potluck supper.

I was lucky enough to get several extra rolling pins for free on this trip! I mentioned to my husband's aunt that I loved old rolling pins and was collecting them. She said she had several that belonged to other family members including my husbands great aunt and his grandmother. I jumped at the chance to bring them home and add them to my collection.

She asked me what other things I was looking for and then began to shop around her house. She kept on puling things out and asking me if I would like them! I was so excited but also kept feeling like I was taking her stuff. She assured me they were things that she didn't want and if I really liked the stuff she would rather they go home with me then just sit around and gather dust.

This beautiful old scale came home with me from her house. I have always wanted one for my kitchen and now I have one.
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I just love how the front of the face looks. It is going to be a welcome addition to my kitchen! I can see using it for holiday displays or perhaps it will hold some fresh fruit up on top in it's basket.

So I ended up with quite a few good deals from the thrift store and quite a few more for free from my aunt in law!

Linking up to Southern Hospitality, Debbie Does, Between Naps on the Porch and Charm Bracelet Diva

My apron is on it's way!

2011-08-08T01:55:00.001-07:00

My apron is on it's way to my swap partner! I hope she likes the apron that I made for her and all the goodies I sent also. My swap partner doesn't drink alcohol so I was thinking more of a refreshing cool fruity drink when I picked out my fabric for the apron. I really had a hard time finding any fabric in my area that really spoke to me when I was thinking cocktails. As soon as I started thinking about other cool drinks I saw lots of fabrics that would work.

I made it a flirty and kinda sexy apron though! I of course had to add a little lace ruffle also as I love ruffles and lace! Pink and orange make a nice color combination. There are two pockets on the front also. I also cut the bottom of the skirt into a couple of curves- kind of ruffly on it's own.

I made some cloth coasters out of some fabric I brought back from my last trip to Hawaii when I was there visiting my daughter. Of course I had to include some colorful umbrella picks that she can either use in her fruit drinks or she can use them as picks to decorate her food. I also sent her two palm tree dish towels that I found at a local store. I liked them so much that I also bought some to include in my Aloha Flirty Apron Swap package and a few for myself!

In keeping with the pinks I also sent her some cloth placemats and coordinating cloth napkins. She could use those anytime to cheer up her table.

I'm linking up to Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours

Cool Drinks for Hot Mamas Apron Swap

2011-08-08T01:52:00.000-07:00

My swap package was delivered yesterday. I was on my way out for the evening and when I went outside it was sitting on my doorstop. So I took it in the car with me cause I really wanted to open it immediately! My partner Madelyn was so clever as she made my apron reversible. On one side it was a cute cocktail themed apron. There is even a little bit of glitter on some of the cocktail glasses on the fabric. There is two nice pockets trimmed in large pink rick rac.

On the reverse side was cute little cupcakes! The cupcake fabric looked so cute! There was also pockets and they were trimmed in a cute pink and green braided type trim.

My swap partner made me matching potholders and matching coasters in each of the fabrics! So that means there is 2 potholders and 8 coasters. She also include a neat cupcake recipe book that has 500 recipes for some delicious and beautiful looking cupcakes. She also sent me a silicone spatula and a set of matching cupcake liners and cupcake toppers.

I also received the two dish towels that were machine embroidered with the cutest cocktails! I had previously commented on them when Madelyn first posted about them. I just recently got an embroidery machine and don't really know how to use it and that is why I thought they were so clever and cute!

I absolutely love everything that I received in my swap package and am now the owner of another cute reversible apron! I just love these swaps!

Aloha Flirty Apron Swap

2011-07-29T01:10:00.001-07:00

I just recently participated in another Flirty Apron Swap. This time round the theme was to be an Aloha Flirty Apron that you sew especially for your secret swap partner. You are also suppose to include a few tuck in items as gifts for your swap partner that go along with the theme. You can make any style apron you like but the swap coordinator does supply us with information about our partner with their likes and dislikes, style they prefer and favorite colors, etc. Usually you can go and look at your secret swap partner's blog and kind of get a feel of what you think your partner would like also.

So this time I was to make an apron for Grace in Washington. This is the apron I made for her. She seemed to be a outgoing fun lady and I wanted to make her an upbeat and happy apron with bright colors. I knew she also liked pink so I went with this pink and green floral fabric.
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In addition to sewing the apron for her I also made her a set of 4 fabric criss cross coasters out of fabric I got when I was in Hawaii on my last trip. I included 2 dish towels with palm trees on them, another set of coasters, an aloha themed note pad and 2 small scented candles.

I wrapped everything individually and then threw in some metallic Hibiscus flowers to help decorate the box. I wrote her a little note letting her know that I enjoyed making this package especially for her and I hope she enjoys all the Aloha spirit I was sending her!

These apron swaps are so fun! I of course have so much fun receiving a special apron made just for me and all the fun little goodies that go into it but I really have just as much fun creating a special apron for someone I don't know. I like to try and think of clever little tuck in gifts to go with it. Goodness knows I really don't need another apron but I've already signed up for another apron swap in the near future!

I hope Grace doesn't mind but I'm posting the pictures that she took and put on her blog as I'm having camera issues at the moment.

Memaw's Little Boys

2011-07-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had the pleasure of having our daughter, son in law and baby grandson visit us from Hawaii. I sure enjoyed having both of my little boys to love on!

We had a family BBQ to let everyone meet little Harper. Connor sure enjoys talking and playing with his little cousin Harper and every chance he got he got close to him. I know he loves his little cousin but I also think he might not have wanted his Memaw holding someone else. That's okay cause I have enough room on my lap for both of them and definitely enough love to share with both. Harper is 6 months old already and Connor hadn't seen him in person since he was only 2 weeks old. I sure wish they lived close and could grow up playing together like my kids did with their cousins.

We also enjoyed spending some snuggle time reading several books. I love to read and when my children were little I read to them on a daily basis. I think that is one of the reason that both of them love to read so much also. I hope my grandchildren learn to love books also but I'm sure they will since they get read to on a regular basis by their parents and by me.

G-Pa also loved having the opportunity to have both of his grandson's with us at the same time. He thinks the world of both of our little boys and I think he just glows when he's holding them both. He loves spending time with them and I'm sure when they are a little bigger he will enjoy spending more time with them teaching them lots of cool stuff. Connor already follows him around when he's in the backyard cleaning the pool or working on something. He follows G-Pa around with his little plastic lawnmower when G-Pa is mowing the grass.

We hope to be able to see baby Harper again next month for another very short visit when they are in California for a friend's wedding. Until then I'll just have to remember his sweet baby smell, the way he coos and laughs and look at the pictures and remember how adorable he is!

He is such a sweet little baby!

Hubby, Chewbacca and I

2011-07-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post a recent picture of my husband (David), my doggie (Chewbacca) and myself. My son David has a great new camera and he was kind enough to come over to our house and take the picture for us. My daughter Heather had asked for an updated picture of the two of us so that is the reason I asked him to do it. We posed sitting in the grass in our backyard with the pool in the far background.

Heather, Ryan and baby Harper will be coming to visit us next week from Hawaii and I plan on getting David, Brenda and Connor over at the same time so we can get a family photo of everyone. The last time we did a family photo little baby Harper wasn't born yet. As a matter of fact at the time we took our photos Heather was barely 6 weeks pregnant.

Maybe this time next year we will need another updated family photo if our family continues to grow. Wouldn't that be great!

More Fun Apron Swaps

2011-06-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

I know I said I wasn't going to do it but I did! I just couldn't help myself! My name is Donna and I'm addicted to aprons! I've participated in Val's apron swaps before and they have always been so much fun. I love creating an apron for someone else and thinking of clever tuckins to go along with the theme. I of course love receiving my package too but I kinda think I like making up my package just as much. I always try to find out about the person that I'm secretly making an apron for. So I can see what type of things she likes and dislikes. I will then read her blog if possible and try to get a sense of who she is and what she likes.

I'm also in another apron swap right now that is called The Summer Fun Aloha Swap over at the Flirty Apron Swap website. I should be getting my information in the next day or so as to who I am to make an apron for. I've been thinking about the fabric selection and what kind of apron I would like to make. I have to wait to see the information about what my swap partner likes first to see if it would be something she would like. I've already been looking around getting ideas as to what I want to put in as my little tuck in gifts. Since we have a theme we kind of know at least what types of things to look at.

So in the near future I will be the proud owner of not one but two new aprons made especially for me! Yeah!! I need a bigger closet to store all the aprons I've received from the apron swaps I've already participated in.

I can't wear cute shoes but I definitely can wear cute aprons- and I do!!

A Fun Day by the Bay

2011-06-20T23:32:00.001-07:00

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to spend a little one on one time with each other this past Father's Day weekend before the other Father's Day Festivities began. We decided to take a quick little 30 minute drive to Benicia which is a quaint little historic town on our side of the San Francisco Bay along the north bank of the Carquinez Straits. In 1853-1854 Benicia was the state capital for California. The City of Benicia is a picturesque waterfront community with small town charm located in Solano County with Martinez on one side and Vallejo on the other.

In recent years Benicia has had a little town makeover to appeal to more people. There are now many antique shops, restaurants with outdoor seating, the marina and yacht club, parks, a tea house and many old Victorian style homes in addition to it's beaches.

Benicia is such a nice little town to go visit for the day and I love going there whenever I have the chance. Benicia is known for attracting quite a few out-of-town antique and boutique shoppers and those seeking small-town, historic charm. They have wonderful street fairs, farmers' markets, parades and art festivals scheduled through out the year.

The City, rich in tradition, is home to more than forty historic sites. Benicia has an old Aresenal building which was a former United States Army armory. It is now used for a variety of purposes, most notably as live-work spaces for artists. The Arsenal is home to several historic landmark buildings such as The Clock Tower, the Camel Barn, Fire museums, and the Jefferson Street Mansion. Benicia’s history is alive in the buildings, and in the people who inhabit them.

On a clear day you can see across the bay and see either the Carquinez bridge or the Benicia- Martinez bridge.

I love it's old time charm and in particular am quite fond of the little church they have on First Street.

Whether it's an all day trip or just a short visit I love to go to Benicia and plan many more trips there in the future. I love to just stop by for no certain reason and walk around and look at all of the interesting shops or even stop for just a pot of tea and a scone. I know for sure I'll be back in August for their Peddler's Fair and again in September for their Craft Fair.

Old Barns and Homes of North Carolina

2011-06-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to go to North Carolina on a short vacation with my family. We are looking to hopefully relocate there in the near future. These are just a few of the old farm houses and barns that I saw while I was back there on my trip.

I really think that these barns are beautiful each in their own way! I love the patina of the wood and all the different shades and colors that the wood turns to.

I have no idea how old any of these buildings were as I just randomly pulled over and took a few pictures out of my rental car window. Most of these were in the Cary, Selma, Smithfield area which is south of Raleigh.

I love the natural white wash of the old weathered boards. I think that they are so pretty! I love to think about what type of people lived there and made this their home. Was it a large family with plenty of children to help work the land? I like to ponder about what went on in these relics from the past.

I can just imagine when this barn was built. Did they have a barn raising party and invite all the neighbors over to help put the barn up? Maybe afterwards they had a big potluck on the grounds with all the workers and the neighbors coming over to help.

This house even had a boat that came with it. Maybe it could be my vacation home!

Beautiful Old Fashioned Flowers

2011-06-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with these peonies. I don't know if I can grow them where I live or not, but I really want to try and grow some of these in my garden. I think they look so lovely and they look so romantic. I think I would prefer these even over roses!

I saw these when I was on vacation in North Carolina and I absolutely loved them. I think I have always been fond of peonies but there was something about seeing those lovely pink blooms that spoke to my heart. I know they are an old fashioned flower but I think they are exquisite still!

I also love these Hollyhocks. These were growing in a yard of an old farmhouse not to far from my house. I was out driving with my mother and saw these and had to turn the car around so I could snap a picture. I wanted to make sure I could remember what they were so I could have hubby look for some for me the next time he was at the hardware store.

He was able to find them in seed form but not as an actual plant. I'll have to try my hand at growing them from seeds. It says they take 4 months to bloom. He bought me two different varieties. One is called the Summer Carnival Mix Hollhock and the other is they Country Romance Mix Hollyhock. The summer Carnival Mix ones kind of look like a bunch of ranolculus on a stem.

The Case of the Missing Apron!

2011-05-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

I'm so jealous of all the great aprons that everyone on the Flirty Apron Swap blog has been receiving and posting. All of the pictures of their unique aprons have me drooling and green with "apron" envy! I also love looking at all of the creative things that they have been showing that they have received as their tuck ins. There are some very creative and thoughtful swappers on the Flirty Apron Swap blog. It never ceases to amaze me at how creative and clever my fellow apron swappers are.

It seems that the apron swap package that I was to receive has disappeared. The coordinator let me know that the delivery confirmation said it had been delivered to me but it is no where to be found! I live in a very quiet court and know all of my neighbors so I don't think any of them would walk off with my package. I've scoured the plants and bushes and looked all around my front porch hoping that somehow the package would be found. I even went door to door asking my neighbors if they had happened to see a package delivered on my doorstep or someone removing one. Unfortunately it has gone "missing" and I will never know what the package contained. The funny thing is that I was home all day long the day the delivery confirmation says it was delivered. My little Chewbacca usually notifies me if anyone dare steps on the porch and I don't remember him barking at all that day.

So are there any CSI investigators out there in Apron Swap World that I can hire? If I had Nancy Drew's phone number I would hire her to look into the Case of the Missing Apron!

April in Hawaii

2011-04-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

We got the opportunity to go and visit our daughter Heather, her husband Ryan and our newest little grandson Harper in Hawaii. He is the sweetest, coolest little guy in Hawaii!

Of course any opportunity I got I wanted to hold the little guy and give him some Memaw love! He is so much bigger than he was only a month and a half ago. When we first saw him he was 12 days old and weighed in around 7 lbs. Now only 2 1/2 months later he is already 15 pounds.

At only 3 months old he is already so accustomed to the water. He is going to be a little fish! Living in Hawaii he will have almost daily trips down to the beach and the ocean. His mama and daddy are advid surfers and like to be in the water as much as possible.

He is so sweet! I hope I get to make plenty of trips out to Hawaii to be with him. I only wish they lived closer and didn't have an ocean between us!

Spring and Easter Banner

2011-03-22T21:13:00.001-07:00

Well I am participating in a 2 different swaps for Spring and Easter so I decided to make a reversible banner as part of my tuck-ins for the swaps. I received a Silhouette Machine for Christmas so I wanted to try it out on this craft. I ran cardstock through the Silhouette machine to cut out all the letters I would need for the reversible Easter and the Spring banners.

I cut enough of the same size rectangular shapes out of coordinating patterned paper to use as the outside of my banner. I cut up and used my empty cereal boxes to sandwich between the patterned paper to give my banner some weight and structure.

I also used the Silhouette machine to cut out a white design to use as the backdrop for my letters. I thought the patterned paper kind of made the letter blend into the background and the white made the letters pop out.

I made one side of the banner to say Spring and then I can flip the banner over and it says Easter. I used a special paper punch that made little slits on each side of the individual flags that hold the letters for the banner. That way I could string white ribbon through the entire banner so that I could hang it up to display it. I had so much fun making this that I ended up using a different color way and made another 3 banners out of that patterned paper. So it took me about a total of 1 1/2 hours to do all of the cutting and gluing and stringing but I made a total of 5 banners. The one I decided to keep for myself is of the lighter patterned paper. I thought it looked cute hanging above my kitchen window.

So 2 of the banners are going out to my swap partners and the other 2 I made as gifts for my daughter and daughter-in-law. I think they will look cute in their houses also!

I'm linking up with Cindy at My Romantic Home.
www.romantichome.blogspot.com
and Wendy at The Shabby Nest
www.shabbynest.blogspot.com
and Jennifer at Tatertots and Jello
www.tatertotsandjelloblogspot.com

Another Apron Swap

2011-03-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Shawnee over at Flirty Apron Swap is hosting a Spring Fling Apron Swap. You need to hurry over and sign up if you want to participate because the registration is over on March 31st.

We will be creating a handmade "Spring Fling" apron – a special apron that has something on it related to a springtime theme – flowers, a cleaning apron, Easter, or gardening. In addition to the apron, we will be tucking in three little gifts with our boxes, one for each letter of our partner's initials.

All of the tuck-in items must be handcrafted, new from the store, or thrifted (but only if they are in “better than new” condition). Each participant should plan on spending a minimum of $10 on tuck-ins in addition to our apron and the postage (boxes MUST be sent 2-day priority w/tracking). Then we should make it into a special box – gift wrapping, bows, the whole nine yards!

I can't wait to get my swap partner's information so I can get started on her special apron!

Friday Night Sew-In

2011-03-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well my weekend was so busy that I forgot to post about what I did last Friday night. My friend Debbie and I got together to sew for a few hours so that we could participate in the latest Friday Night Sew In. Debbie came over with her sewing machine and quilting supplies and joined me for an evening of cutting and sewing out the latest block for our Starry Night quilt, which is the BOM for Cornerstone Quilt Shop in Fairfield, CA. We meet the third Saturday of every month, and we have to have our block completed and turned in then, and so with both of us being procrastinators this was the perfect opportunity for us to get them done and participate in the FNSI.

Debbie had already cut out her fabric for the BOM so she was ahead of me when we started. I didn't have too much trouble cutting out my fabric for the block so I soon joined her at the sewing machine. I had just recently ordered 2 different types of 1/4 inch quilting foots for my machine so I decided to try it out. I did one little square and hurriedly measured out the seam. It looked like the seam was measuring just a little bit smaller than 1/4 inch but I thought that would be okay. I was thinking that was what they are always referring to as a scant 1/4 inch seam.

Well I should have stopped and remeasured a few other of my seams. Needless to say that I didn't and soon had my block almost done minus the borders. I go and press it and go and measure it and it is way bigger than it should be. I guess they are right at the quilt store when they say one little bit off carried out over the whole block or the whole quilt makes a big difference. It was almost 1 inch bigger than it should be. I knew I couldn't just trim it because I would cut off all of my points. So I decided to rip everything out and start over. I had it almost completely ripped apart and Debbie suggested that if I had enough fabric left over it would probably be easier and quicker to just redo the whole thing. So Debbie left to go home and I stayed up and cut out another one and resewed the entire block. That was after I got my machine calibrated to precisely sew a 1/4 inch seam! So it took me all night but I did get my block done in time!

Free Stitchery Giveaway

2011-03-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Debbie over at Busy As Can Be is giving away the cutest embroidery design that would be adorable on a tea towel. She even put little fabric yo yo's across the bottom of her towel and it is so cute!!

You can go check it out and get the pattern for yourself.
http://busyascanbe.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-free-stitchery-giveaway.html

Friday Night Sew-In

2011-03-09T22:01:00.001-08:00

I signed up to sew with Heidi and a bunch of other ladies on their upcoming Friday Night Sew-In on Friday, March 18th. Got a bunch of unfinished sewing projects or crafts that you need to get done? Then sign up to sew with a bunch of other ladies. Then you go back the next day after the Sew-In and post what you did. You might even win a prize! Plus most importantly you will be getting some of your sewing done.

Spring Apron Swap and Easter Basket Swap

2011-03-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

I love swaps! I love aprons and I love Easter baskets so I signed up for a swap for each. Sue over at Country Pleasures is hosting the Spring Apron Swap and friends Alli and Paula are hosting the Easter Basket Swap at Perhaps Today or On A Rainy Night.

For the Spring Apron Swap you are suppose to hand craft an apron, full or half depending on your swap partner's preference, and include at least 2 tuck ins. Tuckins are simply goodies to tag along with your apron and they should match the theme. Some suggestions were coffee, tea's, mugs, tea towels, etc. Although the deadline to join is already past the aprons need to be mailed out by the 15th of March. So I have a few days to get my stuff together and get it all packed and on its way to my swap partner Mary Ann. This isn't a blind swap so Mary Ann and I have sent a few emails back and forth getting to know each other. It's great that she is also a fellow quilter as that makes me feel a little bit more confident as to what to send to her.

For the Easter Basket Swap I have to send a basket to my partner and include at least one Easter decoration - what kind of decoration is up to me and my partners likes. I also need to include an Easter card. I am also to include some type of chocolate or other yummy candy. I also need to send something that signifies Easter to my partner and I can include and other goodies that I think my partner will enjoy. The idea is to pamper your partner. At least one of my items that I send has to be homemade. I have to have this in the mail before April 4th.

So I need to get my thinking cap on real soon and get busy sewing and crafting up some great goodies for these nice two ladies. I don't know who has my name for the Easter Basket Swap so that part is still a surprise.

I'd Like to be a Teabag

2011-03-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

I'd like to be a Teabag
And stay at home all day
And talk to other teabags
In a teabag sort of way...

I'd love to be a teabag
And lie in a little box
A never have to wash my face
Or change my dirty socks...

I'd like to be a teabag
An Earl Grey one perhaps,
And doze all day and lay around
With Earl Grey kind of chaps.

I wouldn't have to do a thing,
No homework, jobs, or chores
Comfy in my caddy
Of teabags and their snores.

I wouldn't have to do exams
I needn't tidy rooms,
Or sweep the floor or feed the cat
Or wash up all the spoons.

I wouldn't have to do a thing,
A life of bliss, you see...
Except that once in all my life
I'd make a cup of tea!

~original source unknown

Scones

2011-03-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Chip Scones

Try this spin on a traditional scone. The chocolate adds a rich depth of flavor.

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
2 cups chilled whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Additional sugar
Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

Stir together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Stir whipping cream into flour mixture, stirring just until ingredients are moistened. Turn mixture out onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently until soft dough forms (about 2 minutes). Divide dough into three equal balls. One ball at a time, flatten into 7-inch circle; cut into 8 triangles. Transfer triangles to prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Makes 24 scones.

Recipe found at All Chocolate click Here to visit ;)

Love is patient and kind

2011-02-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud...Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance... Three things will last forever~faith, hope, and love~and the greatest of these is love."

Giveaways

2010-11-14T01:54:00.000-08:00

Be sure and check out A Home and Heart site for an amazing giveaway of a beautiful vintage inspired necklace.

http://ahomeandheart.blogspot.com/2010/10/final-giveawaywahoo.html

This other site, Glittery Daze and Nights,is giving away a beautiful JOY banner along with some other beautiful Christmas handcrafted items. I would love that banner!

http://glitterydazeandnights.blogspot.com/2010/10/happy-pink-saturday-giveaway.html

My Little Fur Baby Chewbacca

2010-11-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

Chewbacca is my little Brussels Griffon fur baby! I love that little guy so much. He has such a personality! He is sweet, playful, loveable, fiesty and lazy at the same time. He is also the world's best little snuggle bug! He is almost 7 years old now and I can't imagine how we got along all those years without him. We had always had large dogs and couldn't imagine ever owning a little dog.

My daughter originally bought him for her and her boyfriend when she was a Sophomore attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her and her other 3 roommates had so much fun with him when he lived with them. They soon found out about his playful nature and how much mischief a little puppy can get into. But look at that little face! He originally came to stay with us for a few weeks when he was about 3 months old. My oh my how much work a little playful pup could be! But of course we totally fell in love with him and wanted to keep him for our own. We were so happy when our daughter decided that maybe it would be better if he lived at our house.

That expression is what we call his "Stink Eye". He gives us that sideways look with the big eyes when he doesn't want to do what we want him to do, or if perhaps he did something that he probably shouldn't have done!

This is what his face looks like when he has recently been groomed. I love his little monkey face and that beard! I can't tell you how many times he has gotten that beard soaking wet and dripped all over the just clean hard wood floors. He seems to know when the floor has just dried and it's primed for drip marks.

This is what he looks like when it is just about time to go and get him groomed again. We say he looks like a little teddy bear with a monkey face. He is such a good boy! He loves to go everywhere he can with us and enjoys meeting new people. He is so sweet natured around children and loves it when they stop to pet him. We call him our velcro-dog because where ever I am he's usually right next to me or if it's possible he'll be right between the two of us cuddling up close! Chewbacca or "Chewie" is my loyal lovable fur baby!

A Day in San Francisco

2010-11-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

Today my husband and I went to San Francisco for the day. We wandered around Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, The Cannery at Del Monte Square, Hyde Street Pier and all over the nearby area. Although we go to San Francisco quite a bit, we saw quite a few things that we had never discovered before. I think we walked all around the area for about 7 hours or so.

We had lunch at the Boudin Bakery in Fisherman's Wharf. They have been making the traditional French bread since 1949. Boudin is also San Francisco's oldest continuously running company. They say that a portion of the original mother dough still starts each and every sourdough loaf they make. So in addition to being famous for their bread San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is also known for it's clam chowder. So of course we had to order the bread bowl that is filled with clam chowder so we could enjoy both of their specialties. Since the weather wasn't too cool we decided to pick a table outside and we enjoyed our lunch watching the people pass by and listening to some street musicians perform.

We then walked to The Cannery at Del Monte Square. This is where the Del Monte Corporation used to actually can their products. The cannery was built in 1907 and was once the largest peach cannery in the world. It has been closed for many years and is now a vibrant waterfront marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, offices, live entertainment, and a world-class jazz club. There is just about something to suit everyone's taste there.

Just a little bit farther is Ghiradelli Square. There are some really nice specialty shops, restaurants, wine bars and of course the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop which the entire area is named for. They still make some of the chocolate there and you can watch the machinery process the chocolate while you sit there and indulge in either some of their decadent chocolates or what I prefer, a delicious ice cream sundae made to order with your favorite ingredients. I love their caramel sauce so I had a Hot Caramel Sundae and my husband had a Hot Fudge Banana Sundae. Yummy!

After leaving there we walked down just a little bit towards the water to where there is the cable car turnarounds. The lines were pretty long with people patiently waiting their turn to go for a ride on the cable cars. I love to look at them and listen to the sounds they make and their bells ringing. We decided not to ride them this time and just continued walking down towards the water back towards Fisherman's Wharf.

We got a pretty good view of the bay with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It was nice and clear today without the famous fog that San Francisco is know for so you could see the bridge pretty well today.

We then walked over to the Hyde Street Pier where the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located. I had never before ventured that way so I didn't know for sure what exactly there was. It is part of the California Parks Program and there are several different types of boats and houses on display there. I believe there was a total of 7 boats that you could tour and many more that were on display there.

They had some of the tall mast ships that they have totally restored. In addition to going on board and viewing them you can sign up for a real adventure. You can work on one of the boats for the day and also stay the night just like you would have back in that period of time if you were a sailor on a ship.

They had several house boat type dwellings that you could tour also. They were built around 1905 and were used for vacation homes on the bay for some of the wealthier San Franciscans. Some of theses were moored in Sausilito, which is right across the bay, in addition to some other nearby places. They typically had two bedrooms, a front living area, a dining room, a kitchen and a bathroom. I think they would be fun to spend the summer living on the water.

There was quite a few workshops on the pier also where they were restoring more of the boats. I think they said they had over 100 different types of boats that they own and rotate on display. They even have programs where you learn the craft and they teach you how to restore the boats or you can volunteer your time to be a docent if you are already knowledgeable about the subject.

At the end of the pier we had a really clear view of Alcatraz Island , or "The Rock" , which is where the famous prison was once located at. The prison closed in 1963 after 29 years of operation and in 1972 it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors can take a ferry ride the 1.5 miles to the island for tours.

We had quite a nice trip today to the city by the bay. I'm so glad that we are within an hour or so drive to San Francisco. It makes it possible to visit quite often and I don't think I'll ever get tired of finding some of it's hidden gems like we did today.

More Fall Fun!

2010-11-02T02:39:00.001-07:00

About a week before Halloween we had our Grandson for the day, and since my husband was also home, we decided to go to a small pumpkin farm at one of the local churches in town. He had fun walking through the corn maze and playing in their little pumpkin play yard.

He picked out a few little pumpkins to take home to paint. Here is some of the beautiful artwork he painted on his pumpkins. I think Connor did a great job! I displayed his beautifully painted pumpkins on my front porch for all of the Trick-or-Treaters to enjoy.

A few days before Halloween my son and daughter-in- law hosted a Pumpkin Carving Party at their house. They invited quite a few of their nieces and nephews to come carve pumpkins. All of the kids really enjoyed it! I think I know of a few adults who had a good time also and really got into carving their own pumpkins. I won't name names but you know who you are...

The kids either loved feeling all of the goo and seeds as they were scooping them out or they were totally grossed out by it! I think they saved the seeds to roast. Yummy!

G-Pa and Connor picked out a big one to take a closer look at!

Fall Fun!!

2010-10-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

I love Fall! Did I tell you that before? Well if I didn't tell you before let me tell you now that I absolutely love Fall....

I start looking forward to Fall each year once all the kids start going back to school and the days start getting a little shorter. There is a crispness in the air and it starts getting dark a little earlier each day.

I love the cooler weather, the changing of the colors of the leaves, pumpkins, pumpkin bread, caramel apples, our family trips to Apple Hill, apple cider, all of the Fall foliage and decorations.

I love going up to the apple farms and taking a hay ride or going through the corn maze. Picking out the perfect apples and pumpkins with my family to either cook with or decorate with.

The scents of the season, baked apples, cinnamon, spices....mmmmmm I love the smells. Bringing out the blankets and throws on the couches to snuggle with while watching a favorite tv show. Adding the electric blanket to our bed and snuggling into the warm flannel sheets.

Another Apron Swap - Yeah!!

2010-10-07T22:14:00.001-07:00

Shawnee over at the Flirty Apron Swap is hosting another apron swap that I just had to join! I mean I love aprons and I also love Fall so it was 2 of my favorite things so of course I had to jump right over and join.

I really need another apron like I need a hole in my head but I just couldn't help myself. I've been trying not to join any swaps lately, and I haven't for quite some time, but I just did it anyways. I already got my swap partner's information about her likes and dislikes and her preference for what style of an apron she would like me to make. So I'm making a full bib style apron with a ruffle and a pocket.

Finding the fabric was fun. I couldn't believe it when I found what I wanted at my first fabric stop. I had a lot of different choices to pick from. She didn't want a Halloween apron, and would prefer a more Thanksgiving or Fall type apron, so that is what I chose for her. I think she'll like it. It is a Debbie Mumm fabric with little pumpkins all over it and a cute border of a bunch of squirrels wearing pilgrims hats and holding pumpkins. It is so cute! I'm also using the border part of the fabric for the ties and for the pocket.

Now I need to go and finish finding all the little tuck in gifts to go with it. I'm planning on making her a pumpkin pincushion in addition to a few other things I plan on making for her. I'll post a picture when I get it finished!

Hawaii

2010-09-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

I also made a solo trip to Hawaii for 10 days to visit my daughter and son in law. They are expecting their first baby, and although she was visiting us in early May when she shared the news that I’d waited a lifetime to hear… Heather and her hubby Ryan were expecting a baby!!!

I wanted to be able to see my little baby in different stages of her pregnancy. So when I found out she was having a couple of doctor appointments and another ultrasound, that would probably be able to tell them the sex of their baby, I planned my trip around those appointments. I really wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat in addition to finding out whether or not it was a boy or a girl!

So luckily I was able to go to two of her doctor's appointments and the ultrasound appointment in that one trip. She is a little thing so even though she was only 4 months pregnant at the time you definitely could tell she was pregnant. She had a nice little bulge to her belly. Hearing the baby's heartbeat was wonderful! That was one of my sweetest moments I remember from when Brenda was pregnant with Connor also. I mean you know their pregnant, but when you hear that little thump thump thump of their little babies heart, it just makes it so real. I had such a warm feeling come over me when I heard that precious baby's heart beating so little but so strong! I can't wait to welcome Grandbaby #2 into this world and hold it in my arms and love on it. I've got lots and lots of Grandma kisses ready to shower it with.

Then to get to see him on the ultrasound! Yes it's going to be a little BOY. My baby is expecting a baby boy! He looked absolutely perfect, healthy and growing strong. 10 little fingers and 10 little toes! The doctor said everything looked great and there should be no problems at all. This baby is going to be so loved when he gets here! We can't wait to meet him!! He is due sometime in mid January 2011 around the 14th.

I also spent a lot of time at the beach working on my tan. I did manage a little shopping and a little sightseeing too. I also went on my first kayak adventure with Heather. We were able to spend the weekend at her in law's home and took the kayaks almost out their backyard right into the ocean. I had never been in a kayak let alone paddled one. We had a blast though and went to a little secluded beach and had our picnic lunch there. We then looked for seashells and I collected some sea glass also.

They also have recently bought a sailboat and have been working on sprucing it up and making it their own. We took it out for a few hours and sailed around Honolulu. We saw quite a few large sea turtles swimming around and I was on the look out for a dolpin but didn't see any. It was the wrong time of the year to see the whales.

We did a circle island tour again and Heather stopped at a few of her favorite beaches for me to get out and look at. We had a great lunch at a North Shore island favorite restaurant. They had huge hamburgers and some killer cake! Yum Yum!! We stopped at the famous Pipe Line on the North Shore and was able to also go to the beach for awhile where the large sea turtles hang out at. There are "Turtle People" there watching the turtles and making sure that the tourist leave them alone and for the most part let them be. There was a few on shore and the most I had ever seen swimming real close to shore.

I once again had a great trip to Hawaii!!! It's really cool that my daughter lives in paradise and is so close to the beach. I think I could get used to this.... I guess I'll be racking up the frequent flyer miles when I come to babysit!

“Grandmas are the people who take delight in hearing babies breathing into the telephone.”

Connor's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-09-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Right after we got back from our trip to Mexico it was our only grandchild Connor's 2nd birthday. We helped our son and daughter in law throw a large party at the park for him. We held it under a canopy and was able to hang decorations and streamers from the ceiling along with decorating the tables. He had a Sponge Bob themed party as Sponge Bob is one of his favorite characters right now. There was BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers, chips and dips, a couple of different kinds of salads, fresh fruit, soda, water and of course cake, cupcakes and ice cream.

I think there was about 60 or more people that made it that day to the party. In addition to the playground to play on there was of course several other games for the kids to play. They had a pinata with lots of candy in it and then there was treat bags for the kids also.

They kids really enjoyed playing in the little pools full of bubbles. There was wands and other things to use for the bubbles but a few of the littler kids, including Connor, had more fun playing in the pool of bubbles then out of the pool using the bubbles.

Of course there was presents galore! I think little Connor got a whole new wardrobe and many many new toys for him to play with. He got a little tricycle that came with a little storage compartment on the back from his Grammy and Gramps. He couldn't quite pedal it at first but he climbed right up on it and wanted to stay there for a long while. He also got a child's size lawnmower and a shopping cart filled with fruits, vegetables and other products. He also got a big wheel vehicle which when his daddy was a little boy it was one of his favorite things to play with.

The best part of the party was seeing him interact with his little and big cousins and all of the other kids. In addition to David and I, his other grandparents were there too along with 1 great grandpa and 2 great grandmas. Many of his aunts and uncles and other family members were able to attend that day too. There was quite a few of friends of the family in attendance also.

The weather was very nice that day and his party was just perfect. I can't hardly believe he's 2 already!

Where Has The Summer Gone?

2010-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that summer is over! Where did it go? It seems like this year in particular summer just flew by us. As a child I thought summer didn't last nearly long enough and now as I get older I seem to be having the same feeling about it not lasting long enough.

I thought I'd make a few posts and include a few pictures of what I did over this summer to refresh my memory. That way I can see just exactly what I was able to do over these past few months of summer.

I went to Mazatlan Mexico with my husband for the first week of June. We try to go there every year as we just love vacationing there. The resort that we usually stay at is so nice and relaxing. The people that work there are very accommodating to your every need.

They have some of the most beautiful sunsets that I've ever seen. Each night we would watch it dip into the ocean either from our balcony or from the waterfront restaurant that was just a few steps away.

We spent a lot of time just relaxing by the pool and working on our tans and taking siestas in their hammocks. Nothing taste as good as some delicious nachos and a cold margarita when your just laying around the pool working on that tan!

We did manage to do a little sightseeing though. We went to the downtown historic part of the town on a trolley tour. We saw the cliff divers, the old cathedral and the market place. We toured a jewelry store that does their work on-site. They specialize in diamonds and Mexican fire opals. We also did a little shopping downtown and then went to the newer area of town where most of the clubs and restaurants are. I managed to do a little shopping there also.

You can take me out of the country or anywhere for that matter and I will still be able to find someplace to do one of my favorite activities which is shopping! My friends tell me I'm one of the best shoppers they know. I'm like the Energizer bunny when it comes to shopping. I can go and go and go the distance and last a really long time when shopping is involved!

The Little Things That Light You Up

2010-07-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

My daughter just did a post with this title and I thought WOW!! she's really on to something! I thought it was such a great topic I'd follow her lead and do my own version of it and include some of the things she also hit on.

It is so true how the older you get the more the simple things bring joy to your life. Going out to fancy restaurants and expensive places seem to lose their appeal after awhile. You kind of can get tired of having to dress up and make sure your makeup and hair is perfect and all of that kind of stuff. I kind of enjoy a pizza and a movie at home now more than I do going out to the fancy restaurants.

Why do people think that you have to keep up with the Jones every time they replace their new luxury car? A car is just an object that makes getting from point A to point B a little easier and faster. We can't forget all of the little must-have gadgets and appliances. I know I'm guilty of that one as I always think "I need that" every time I'm at the quilt store and I see some new quilting tool or toy.

Let's not forget the guys out there that have to have the newest most up-to-date software programs, flat screen televisions that are even skinnier and bigger than the last one they got, faster computers every time there is an update out and of course all of those tools that they think they have to have to complete even the simplest projects.

All of these things seem to fade from memory quickly with little lasting benefit when you really stop and think about it.

Whether it’s enjoying a cold drink on your patio watching the sunset, a backyard barbeque with family and friends, watching a movie with your honey, enjoying a bowl of ice cream with your grandchildren, catching up with your girlfriend over some coffee, driving through the country looking at the sights or feeding bread to the ducks at the pond. We all just need to think back on the moments that make us smile and realize that we really don’t need all that other stuff. It's just stuff and not the type of thing that memories are made of.

My daughter pointed out that you have 24 hours in a day. Even if you spend 8 of them sleeping and 8 of them working, you’ve still got another 8 left to spare. Find the little things that bring a smile to your face and get out there and do at least one of them daily. If you can’t find the time to do them then it’s time to reorganize your priorities and get your life back on a healthy track. Figure out what’s important to you and cut out all that other stuff.

If we all can’t do the things that make us happy in the life we live, then it’s time to figure out what we need to do in order to make sure we can do these things.

Nothing is worth letting life’s best moments pass you by!

Some Beautiful Flowers

2010-07-16T14:28:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love these beautiful Peonies? They are so beautiful. I just love them! It doesn't matter if they are still kind of closed up or when they are all the way open. They are just so gorgeous. I think these are one of my favorite flowers and of course I love the color. They have quite a few shades of pink in them if you look closely.

Flirty Apron Swap

2010-07-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in another Flirty Apron Swap. The theme this time was Cupcakes and/or Mary Engelbreit. I know I said I wasn't going to do another apron swap because I already own a zillion but I couldn't help myself! I love aprons and I loved that the theme was cupcakes so I went ahead and signed up again.

Being the procrastinator that I am I waited until the day before the apron had to be made to start it. I work well under pressure! I had already purchased the cupcake fabric that I was going to use but I of course changed my mind as to what type of an apron I was going to make and at the last minute had to run to JoAnn's before they closed to get enough fabric to finish the project and make a ruffle. I always like my aprons to have a ruffle and extra long ties so that if you want you can wrap the ties and tie it into a nice bow in the front. I had already picked up the little extras that I was to include as a gift in addition to the apron so that wasn't a problem.

I decided at the last minute to add the little pink pom-pom trim to the top of the apron and again on the top of the pocket. I thought it just added a little extra to the look of the apron.

Here is all of the goodies I included with my package. I of course had to send one of my all time favorite apron patterns as part of the gift. I included a roll of Mary Englebrite ribbon, some colorful candy or muffin liners, a magnetic note holder that I made and a few other little things.

Here is me modeling the apron. I fell in love with the cute cupcake apron and didn't want to give it up. I always do that. I should just know by now and buy enough fabric to make 2 of them because this has happened the last couple of apron swaps.

I Won! I Won!!

2010-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

I hardly ever win anything and boy was I surprised when I got an email from Suzanne AT Home With The Farmer's Wife that I won a Valentine's Day contest at her blog. There was a choice of three different Heart Shaped Keychains to choose from. I really don't care which one I get as they are all nice. I was just surprised that I won.

It was just a nice little pick me up to help get me out of my current "funk". I absolutely hate recovering from surgery! It absolutely drives me crazy that I can't go where I want to, and do what I want to, when I want to. I know part of that is just me wanting to be fully in charge of my life in all aspects. It's hard to sit back and wait and recover. I guess Patience is something I am still working on and haven't quite mastered.

I'm sure in a month or too I will look back and say wow I wish I could just get away with sitting on the couch in my p.j.'s and not having to do much of anything again and that I need a break. It's funny that we always want something that we don't have.

To Blog Or Not to Blog...That is the Question

2010-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

I really do love that I have this silly little blog of mine that maybe 1 other person reads on a regular basis though (Thanks Debbie). I do get a little thrill though when someone decides to take the time to read my blog and leave me a comment. Especially when it is someone new and somehow they have stumbled upon my blog. With that comes some pressure and responsibility though.

I feel like I need to blog about interesting things. Things that I can write about and that people will enjoy. But, lately. Lately. Lately life has been a real snooze fest. Too cold to go out. Too wet to go out. Too sick to go out. And when I do get out..I go to the grocery store or to the Dollar store or to the fabric store. Sometimes I might even actually make it to all 3 stores in one day. Whoo. Hooo. I'm living on the edge. Very little excitement in my life as of late.

My posts lately have been boring. Boring. Boring. Boring. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I'm sorry. I'm here and I'm awake. I'll try harder to not be so boring I promise you.

Quilting Fun with my Girl Friend

2010-01-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent a wonderful day at my girlfriend Debbie's house quilting. We don't get to get together as often as we would like because of all the things that take up our time in our busy lives. So it is especially nice when we get to spend the better part of the day working together on our quilts and having the companionship of someone like you who enjoys doing the same types of things.

It really doesn't matter how much we get done or accomplish as long as we are having fun together. We sewed and sewed, cut and measured fabric, talked all day, and drank coffee. Some of my very favorite things to do! So it was a very nice day indeed!

I look forward to getting together with some of my other friends soon to quilt and sew with also. We have a little quilt group that tries to get together once a month to sew and encourage each other. Our group is called the Double D's. No! it's not what you think! It stands for Domestic Diva's.

It is so fun to see what type of projects the other ladies are working on and I think everyone both learns and teaches each other. Each one of the ladies brings something different to the group. We have a variety of different levels of quilters also. Some have been quilting for a really long time and there are those of us who are relatively new to quilting.

I personally have sewed since I was in Junior High School but haven't been quilting all that long. I started my first quilt about 15 years ago but then put it away for about 10 years before I started working on a quilt again. I've only been seriously quilting for about 4-5 years now. I know have way too many UFO's or Un-Finished Objects but I have found the time to finish a few quilts recently.

Be Happy

2010-01-15T00:42:00.000-08:00

Life is too short to be wasted on anger.... smile, laugh, be happy!

Fall is a Wonderful Season

2009-09-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

I know Fall will be here once all the kids start going back to school and the days start getting a little shorter. There will soon be a crispness in the air and it is all leading up to the wonderful season I love called Fall.

Here are a few reasons I love Fall:

-- Our seasonal trip or two up to Apple Hill to enjoy the day with our family at the apple farms eating caramel apples and bringing home delicious apple pies and apple cider.

-- Getting out all of our Fall decorations like pumpkins, scare crows, hay bales, dried gourds and all of the Fall foilage.

--I love the comfort foods of autumn, Mrs. Slagel's pumpkin bread recipe, homemade caramel dip, baked apple pies, spice cake, chicken and dumplings, mulled cider.

--Hay rides, mazes, apple and pumpkin picking with my family.

--Putting out our Jack-o-lantern, and making of Halloween costumes.

--The scents of the season, baked apples, cinnamon, spices....mmmmmm I love the smells.

--The warm colors of autumn, pumpkins overflowing on front porches, corn stalks, the jewel colored mounds of mums.

--Putting out throws and blankets on the couches for snuggling while watching an old movie. Adding the down comforters to our beds and snuggling in warm flannel sheets.

Fall is great!! We've already made it to Apple Hill already and it is just the start of our Fall fun!!

45 Wise Words of Advice

2009-09-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

Wise Words of Advice.....
A sweet old friend sent this to me and I wanted to share. It is long but worth the time to read it......
___________________________________________________
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. Then lean on him anyway.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone for everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. Rejoice!
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Happy Birthday Sweet Connor!

2009-06-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little grand baby turned 1 already on May 26th! Where or where does the time go? It seems like he was just born the other day. He has grown so much in such a short time. He is walking around (when he wants too!). He has several teeth and knows how to use them! He is such a sweet little thing and I am totally and completely in love with him! He definitely has this G-Ma wrapped around his cute little finger!

I told you he's gorgeous! He's got such a sweet loving spirit. He loves to laugh and cracks us,and himself, up all the time!

His daddy BBQ for all the 50 something guests. They served Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and 3 differently seasoned Tri-Tip roasts. His mommy arranged for all of the other food with some guests pitching in. There was chips and dip, crackers and cheese, 7-layer dip and tortilla chips, french bread and artichoke dip, fruit salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, green beans, a tossed green salad and all kinds of other delicious dishes!

There was a bounce house for the kids to play in and they sure looked like they were having a lot of fun in there!

There was lots and lots of presents! I don't know how one little boy can need or use so much stuff! Clothes and clothes and toys and toys! Of course this G-Ma might have contributed a lot of the presents but what can I say. I love my grandson and I like to SHOP!!

Of course there was cake and cupcakes and ice cream for everyone.

Then there was a pinata for all the kids to try their luck at. I'm not sure if everyone got a turn though. They started with the birthday boy Connor and then let the kids have a turn by their age.

There was one tired little baby boy at the end of the day! He almost made it all the way through his party before he nodded off! Like a good little host he did stay awake long enough to see his guests off and made sure that they all went home with a goodie bag!

Mexico Vacation May 2009

2009-05-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

We'll we went on vacation to Mazatlan May 15 til the 23rd. We were there during the so called "Swine Flu" epidemic. I don't know what the news was talking about but there wasn't any swine flu along the coast of Mexico. We only saw a few people working at the airport that were wearing masks. They asked us if we were sick when we got off the plane and then there was no problem... on to beautiful Mazatlan and the Pueblo Bonita Resort.

The resort

Sad to say since there had been so much in the media about the outbreak in Mexico the resorts and the whole town wasn't even half full. The locals are really hurting because tourism is what they mostly make their little living from.

We had 8 days of pure heaven soaking up the great sun and swimming almost every day. There was a small pool over one of the bars and we were lucky enough to get it to ourselves for 3 whole days!

"Our pool"

We took a Catamaran sail around the coast and saw some great sea caves and birds. Then we went over to Stone Island to horseback and have a BBQ lunch on the beach. We've been to Stone Island before and loved it. It was so rustic the last time I was there and I felt like I was truly in an old Mexico city without all of the modern day appliances and things that we take for granted every day. It was still a very nice trip but the tourist are being brought over by the boatloads so it has lost it's rustic charm a little.

We went horse back riding down the beach and then through a coconut grove. There was only a family of 4 with us so it was nice and quite and laid back. I of course got the horse that wanted to gallop! I kept on pulling back the reins and telling him NO! This girl hasn't been on a horse in awhile and was never very good at it. Luckily the horses just about knew the route so it was a pretty easy ride. I of course wanting to go slow was at the back of the group. A ATV and a car wanted to pass me and I finally figured out how to get the horse to the side of the ride. Of course by then the guys that were with us caught up with me and coaxed the horse off to the side.

We went back to the beach and had a yummy plate lunch. It was BBQ chicken that had been cooked over an open grill. We off course also had beans and rice and tortillas. David got the comb plate so he also got some fish with his meal. It was a delicious meal and they had an open bar the whole day so it was quite nice. We ordered us a dessert to share. It was fried bananas with a brown sugar kind of caramelized topping all over it. It was great! I let David have most of it though cause I was already pretty full.

We then took a horse drawn cart through the town for a tour. We were the only ones who opted for the cart ride. We could have chosen kayaks but neither of us knew how to steer and paddle. They also had banana boat rides but I didn't want to have to take the boat ride back in wet clothes.

We went down to the Golden Zone one day to look around. The Golden Zone is their major shopping area in downtown Mazatlan which is where most of the jewelry stores and diamond outlets are. They also sell pottery, ceramics, hammocks, clothing and just about anything you could want to buy in Mexico all in the one area that goes about 4 blocks long. It was almost deserted in the stores. We have been to Mexico so many times that we didn't really need to purchase anything but I wanted to help the economy so I made a few purchases. Okay that's my story and I'm sticking to it!! You all know I am a major shopaholic!!

I bought a cute shoulder purse that is made out of candy wrappers of all things. They are woven and then sewn together. It is totally cool. It is a little bright in colors but I will use it this summer. We got Connor a little outfit, the girls some pretty bracelets that are made with gemstones, David got a hat and I bought some tequila to take back and share with Davie. Unfortunately I had to gift my tequila at the airport to some man that was working on the shuttle. I found out that I couldn't bring it back because the bottles were more than 4 ounces and we weren't checking our luggage this time.

Hawaii Vacation & David's 50th BD

2009-04-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Hawaii the end of March and early April to celebrate hubby's 50th BD and to see our beautiful Hawaiian girl and her hubby, Ryan. We made it a family affair and my parents accompanied us and we also brought David, Brenda and Connor as a surprise to Heather! It was also Ryan's birthday while we were there so we had a lot of fun celebrating everything and anything! A few Pina Coladas, Mudslides and Pomegranate Tini's were sampled by most everyone along with some great food.

The birthday guy and his little grandbaby
G-Ma Donna and baby Connor

Mom and Dad Unger

The beaches were beautiful and the scenery was spectacular! We managed to see quite a few whales right off the coast and they did some beautiful breaching for us to watch. I've always wanted to see them in Hawaii but never have any of the times we've been there. They came out in numbers to make it up to us. We also went to see the big sea turtles. They come right up on shore in the same area every year. They are smart and have set up a "safe" place for them with guides making sure the visitors stay their distance away and don't harm them in any way.

Hawaiian girl Heather also know as Auntie Bo and her little nephew

David, Brenda and Connor

Hawaii is always a great vacation but it's even better when you have all of your loved ones with you. Heather and Ryan have lived there almost 3 years and they know some of the best unspoiled areas to go to and enjoy. We had a ball and will try to make it out there maybe late summer or early fall for another trip to paradise!

Isn't he the cutest little thing?

Arpon Swap

2009-01-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

I just signed up for a Valentine's Apron swap over at the Sassy Flirty Apron Swap http://sassyflirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/

Santa Paws

2008-12-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

For the past few years in our town they have an event called "Santa Paws". It is a fund raiser for our local dog park. Even though we have never been to the dog park I felt it was still a worthy cause and wanted to help out.

As soon as I got out his Christmas sweater he came running for me to put it on him. I even had to embarrass the little guy with a little Santa hat. It didn't stay on long though!

My friend had already taken her two boxers to see Santa and have their pictures taken. They turned out so cute that I just had to take Chewbacca for his picture to! He enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap quite a bit and was very much into posing for the camera. He's a natural!

The local newspaper was also there and took several pictures of Chewbacca also. I'm not sure if his picture will end up being in the paper or not but they asked us a lot of questions about him and his breed. Most people haven't heard of his breed. He is a Brussells Griffon.

Christmas Gift Giving

2008-12-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks has kept me quite busy. I have been busy trying to figure out how to buy so many presents for so many people with not so much money. I have had to take a new approach to buying Christmas gifts this year. The economy has really hit our area and our family just like it has hit many others. This past year has certainly been a little harder for us. My son has been unemployed most of this year and my husband's job has been very slow and a little bit uncertain. We, like many people in California and across the States have had to cut way back.

We have had to make changes in our lifestyle, but we still have many blessings to be thankful for. God always has a plan for us, and though we might not always be happy about our current circumstances I will give Him thanks always. He has always provided for us and I know he will continue to.

What is my new approach to gift buying you are wondering? We'll I am just not buying as many gifts this year. We usually buy for all of our extended family. That includes both sides of our families. Our sisters, brothers, their husbands and wives, their children, and now their children, etc.. We have had to cut down and are now only buying presents for all of the nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, our kids and spouses, our grandson and our parents.

I'm sure our family knows that we love them and it's not about giving and receiving a gift. We all have so much anyways that we really don't need more stuff. It really is the thought that counts and in some way I'm sure I will still manage to let them all know that they are much loved.

I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!

Happy December

2008-12-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

December is finally here!! It's time to get out the holiday decorations and start decking the halls. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it.

To me it not only represents Jesus birth and our Salvation but it is a special time for family togetherness. I love it most of all when everyone is home together all snuggled up on the couch watching a movie or enjoying some delicious food.

I can't wait!! Only about 3 weeks and I will have everyone home for the holidays!!

Thanksgiving Blessings

2008-11-27T15:59:00.000-08:00

I have so much to be Thankful this Thanksgiving and every day. I'm thankful for my wonderful family. My husband loves me unconditionally and is supportive of everything I do. I have two great children and a wonderful son-in-law and daughter-in-law. I also think that I have the most beautiful grandson in the world!

In these hard times it sometimes is easy to lose sight of all of our blessings. We live in a free country where we can do just about anything we want to and go where ever we want to. We have a roof over our heads, a warm place to sleep, food in the pantry and a little money in the bank.

I know that there are many people going without and losing their homes. My heart goes out to them. God has blessed me and my family and I thank Him for it.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Getting To Know You

2008-11-12T02:02:00.000-08:00

I've been reading on a couple of blogs people posting 100 things about themselves. So here are mine...

1. I love…bread (especially warm french bread..yum!)
2. I have been...a retail website owner, school photographer, manicurist, administrative assistant, medical transcriptionist, pharmacy clerk, floral designer, sample demonstrator, clerk at a fabric store, waitress, and a bank teller
3. I have…two children and a grandson
4. I like…to go to Mexico on vacation for the sun and margaritas
5. I'm scared of…snakes
6. I don't like…cruel and mean people
7. One of my favorite shirts…just got a stain on it and I had to throw it out
8. I don't shop in the mall unless…I have to
9. I am…very friendly and outgoing
10. I like/dislike making lists; because…(dislike) I like to do things on the spur of the moment
11. I like making people…crafty gifts
12. My sense of humor is…silly at times
13. I ALWAYS cry when…I think about all the children and babies who don’t have good homes
14. I hate when people…abuse children or neglect them
15. I'm not necessarily…a frugal person although I do love a good sale or clearance
16. I like to draw, but…I sometimes can pull it off but only if it’s a simple drawing
17. I don't have any living…grandparents
18. I like/dislike to save stuff…(like) because I can’t part with things that are sentimental or bring back memories of mine or my children’s childhoods
19. I recycle…as often as I can
20. I like toilet paper…put on the roller with the paper rolling out from under the roll
21. I love candles that smell like…pumpkins or Christmas spices
22. I've worn glasses since…I turned 40 - okay I’m still trying to get used to wearing them
23. The oddest thing I have eaten…calamari
24. I eat salad…a lot
25. Scary movies are…not for me because I'm a scaredy cat
26. One of my pet peeves is…people who are thoughtless and dumb
27. Another pet peeve is…people that don’t use their turn signals
28. I make my bed…as soon as my feet hit the floor
29. My memory is…not that great these days and that’s a little scary
30. I dislike socks with…bright colors
31. Books are…wonderful
32. I like to imagine…that I've won the lottery and can give money to all my family
33. I eat when I'm…bored
34. If I have a lot to do on the weekend…. it's because I procrastinated during the week
35. I broke my…toes by running over them with the vacuum cleaner
36. I get bored when…I can’t think of something to do or if I have to stay home cause I’ve had surgery again
37. I like to write…sometimes on my blog but I'm not very good at it
38. I had my ears pierced when…I was about 15
39. I have a hard time…saying no to people
40. My closet is organized by…mine and David’s clothes – mostly mine
41. Being busy makes me…happy
42. I am a...very caring person
43. I have… been a stay at home mom for most of my children’s lives
44. I get…excited when I can help others
45. I avoid…confrontations when at all possible
46. I'm sensitive to…mean people
47. I sing in the…car or to Baby Connor when no one is listening
48. I do not get…why people hurt children and animals
49. I drink… Tea
50. I wear…lipstick everyday
51. My favorite holiday is…Christmas
52. I'd rather be…poor than unhappy
53. My hair is…red, but it's colored
54. I like gifts that…are from the heart and have been well thought out
55. I like buying things for…others especially my grand baby Connor
56. I would rather sleep in ... a long t-shirt gown
57. I'm an emotional…person
58. I am…right handed
59. I will never…get married again
60. I don't mind…letting seniors ahead of me in the lines at the store
61. I’m sure…that I'm going to heaven
62. I think it’s easy to…get upset when special things I’ve planned out don't go the way I envisioned them to
63. Sometimes I think I'm too…much of a perfectionist
64. I tell…my husband and children that I love them every time I see them or talk to them
65. I hate being…not ready on time but I never am
66. I drink coffee… with lots of cream and Splenda
67. I love teasing…my nieces and nephews
68. I like when I have a specific…thing in mind when I’m shopping for a gift
69. I wish my life was more…exciting
70. Board games are…fun
71. I have lived in…California all of my adult life
72. Sarcasm is…not something I usually use
73. I have been to…my dream vacation spot which is Venice, Florence and Rome, Italy
74. I'm a…nice person
75. I enjoy teaching…other people new things
76. Cats are…independent and easy to take care of
77. I do not have…a lot of extra money like most people I know
78. My favorite color is…purple and pink
79. Meal planning is…something that I would like to get into the habit of doing
80 My biggest fault is…that I like to shop and spend money that I don't have
81. Painted toenails make me…feel like a pampered woman
82. I get embarrassed…when I have to talk in front of a lot of people
83. I’m pretty good at…crafting and sewing
84. Walking is…something I wish I could do but not to good for my bad knees
85. I'm not very good at…saying no and meaning it
86. My first memory is from…when I was little and lived in Hawaii
87. I keep friends for…a long time
88. I am learning to…be more patient
89. I enjoy smelling…cinnamon and spiced pine cones they have at the holidays
90. I believe in…God
91. I love…my husband forever and always
92. My favorite cookies are…Short bread cookies
93. I'm married to a...wonderful man
94. I’d love to live in…North Carolina or the mid-west
95. I’ve been to Disneyland/world…several times
96. I really enjoy…spending time sewing and crafting
97. I love to eat…out more than in
98. I’m getting…to have my daughter and son in law home for the holidays
99. I'm very…naive at times
100. I wish I was less... pounds

Apron Swap

2008-11-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in the "Hot Drinks for Hot Mamas" Apron Swap. You make an apron for a "secret" partner and someone else "secret" makes one for you. There are usually other guidelines to the swaps as to what the theme is and such.

I have so much fun participating in these exchanges. I'm bad though cause I'm a horrible procrastinator some times and wait to near the deadline to get started. I work well under pressure though. I always have it all planned out as to what I'm gonna make, which fabric I'm going to use and what other little things I'm going to send with my gift.

We were given some information about our partner: favorite hot drink, favorite and least favorite color. Apron could be a full coverage or a half apron. Package should include 3 little extra somethings and apron should be wrapped in tissue, tied with ribbon.

My partner loved chai and other teas. I found a cute fabric with all different colored tea cups and teapots on a cream background. She was a tiny little thing so I made her a half apron so I could somewhat gauge what size to make it for her. I of course forgot to take pictures of the apron or the goodies I sent. I sent her a small china tea cup and saucer, some teas and chocolate.

My swap partner got me perfectly. She made me the cutest pink apron with tea cups all over it. It was trimmed with white lace and looked so feminine and cute. She sent me a neat tea cookbook, another little tea book, a bookmark she made for me, and a few different kinds of teas. She makes and sells aprons on Etsy. Thank you again Nicola!

Candy Dance Craft Festival- Genoa, Nevada

2008-09-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

Well me and 5 other Red and Pink Hat friends went up to Carson City, Nevada for a three day weekend. We went up there for a fun festival that is held nearby and is called The Candy Dance. The festival was in a small town called Genoa. I guess it started years ago as a fundraiser for the town. They would make their homemade candy to help fund the town dance. They still sale the candy and have the town dance but it has turned into a huge festival with lots and lots of crafts and home made items.

We left Friday around noon and drove the 3 1/2 hours to Carson City. We drove by and checked out where the festival was going to be held before we went to our hotel. We saw a lot of the vendors getting ready and putting up their tents and wares. We checked into our hotel and unpacked a little bit. We then went to a really nice BBQ restaurant for dinner before we went back to the hotel for the night. A few of the ladies decided to try their luck at gambling but I choose to go to my room and watch t.v. Gambling really isn't something that I enjoy doing and besides I was saving my money for the craft fair.

Saturday we got up early and went to the Candy Dance Craft Festival. It was the largest craft fair that I have ever been to. We spent the better part of the whole day there and didn't even get through half of the booths. I saw quite a few things that I would have liked to purchase but contained myself somewhat! I did splurge for this lovely bracelet made out of antique spoons made of silver. My spoons were from 1935 and also had a really beautiful pink crystal bead in the center. I also picked up a few wooden blocks for a future craft project I have planned. A purse that was on sale from $35 down to $7 also went home with me.

We then went to a fabric store and I bought quite a few pieces of fabrics that I hadn't seen elsewhere. I picked up a couple of pieces to make aprons for my mom and sisters for Christmas. I also got some fabric for two of my nieces who are going to try and make their own aprons.

We went again the next day to the same fabric store on our way out of town. I again picked up a few pieces of fabric that was unusual and not what you usually see around our fabric stores. I also got some feathers and silk flowers to embellish another hat with.

On the way home we drove back through Lake Tahoe. The lake is so beautiful and calm looking. It was a beautiful three shades of blue. It was so serene looking and I would have loved to have been able to stop and enjoy the beauty of it a little longer but we needed to get back on the road.

I think everyone had a really good time although we were all extremely tired and sore from all of the walking. We got back home around 4:00 pm and had time to relax a little before having to unpack and worry about dirty laundry and what's for dinner.

I hope we are able to go back to the Candy Dance again. I will make sure I'm well rested in advance and have a full pocketbook so I can once again enjoy myself.

Physical Preparation for Sewing- Circa 1949

2008-09-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

From Singer Sewing Book that was published in 1949.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Go through a beauty ritual of orderliness. Have on a clean dress. Be sure your hands are clean, fingernails smooth --a nail file and pumice will help. Always avoid hangnails. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine where you can pick it up and dust your fingers at intervals. This not only absorbs the moisture on your fingers, but helps to keep your work clean. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on with care. Looking attractive is a very important part of sewing, because if you are making something for yourself, you will try it on at intervals in front of your mirror, and you can hope for better results when you look your best.

Again, sewing must be approached with the idea that you are going to enjoy it, and if you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should. Therefore, “spruce up” at the beginning so that you are free to enjoy every part of any sewing you do.

Can you believe it? I'd hate for them to know that sometimes when I know all I'm gonna do is sew all day long I stay in my P.J.'s and don't even put on my makeup!!

My Most Recent Embarassing Moment!

2008-09-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well it all started out with going out with my girlfriend for a nice afternoon of fun. We all deserve to take a day off to just have some fun. We hadn't gotten to see each other much since she started back to work and we needed to do some catching up.

We started the morning off and had a lovely time at our monthly Quilt Block of the Month earlier in the morning. Then we headed up the road to have a lovely tea at a beautiful tea house. We enjoyed ourselves for 1 1/2 hours over our delicious food and lovely tea. The conversation was nice and we were just truly enjoying some quality friendship time.

We then went to a local quilt shop that I had previously found my last time up at this town. My girlfriend hadn't been there before so we went and had a look. The store had some lovely fabric and notions and it was all displayed around vintage items and old quilts in an old restored building.

We then decided to go check out the local thrift store and then an antique store that was just down the street. That was nice too. There was some interesting things to look at and I found a few bargains. So we decided to try our luck up the road at another antique and thrift store we had been too on another adventure.

We got back in my car and I thought I heard the sound of ripping fabric. I got out and touched my backside. No the seam of my pants was still there. I must be hearing things. I go to get back in and then there was the unmistakable noise of tearing fabric. I get back out and ask her how bad it is. It can't be that bad can it?

Well it was worse than that!! The whole left side of my pants was ripped open with the whole left side of my behind showing. Not the seam but along the edge of the pocket. It ripped from almost the waistband til almost the thigh!! Oh no!! I don't want to go home yet. I want to shop more. Then we started laughing. Only me!! Only I could rip it that good. I decided that if I could laugh about it than people could just laugh with me and not at me.

I knew I had a small blanket in the trunk so my friend got that out for me. I just tied it around my waist and went into the store. I told the lady at the counter that I was going into the dressing room and if I found something that would fit I would be wearing it to the cash register! And I did!!

After that we ended up going to another couple of stores and found all kinds of treasures and goodies that we just couldn't go home without. It was a day that could have ended early but because I decided to have a sense of humor about the event, and my friend was gracious enough to go along with me, we ended up being gone for most of the day and having a wonderful time!

Flirty Vacation Apron

2008-09-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

I participated in the Second Flirty Apron Swap that was hosted by Shawnee. The theme was where I wished I could have gone on my summer vacation. We had to list a couple of places we would like to go for our secret swap partner to choose from.

I said I would like to go either to Italy (again- please!!) or to Paris. Either place would be a great and wonderful experience. It also asked you to tell about the colors you like and anything else you would like your swap partner to know about you. I also said I loved all things girlie, pink and feminine. I also love old and vintage things.

My swap partner made me the cutest apron out of pink gingham and a cute floral on a white background. It looks very vintage which is something I love. She had also sewed little appliqued flowers around the waistband. It turned out really nice. She sent me a recipe for some French Chocolates and a wonderful book that takes place in France. Now I just have to take the time to sit down with some cappuccino and delve into the wonderful book!

Purses, Tote Bags and More Purses

2008-09-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

My daughter Heather and I started our own little internet business selling purses and tote bags. Hippie Sacks Hawaii is the name of our website. Heather recently came to visit me from Hawaii to get a few more purses and tote bags sewn so we would have some extra in our inventory since they were flying out of the shop so fast the first 2 weeks. Her visit home was for 9 days.

We sewed all week long. We sewed in the early morning , we sewed in the daytime, we sewed in the evening, we sewed in the wee hours of the night. We really sewed!! We started referring to the sewing room as the dungeon and the sweat shop.

We managed to accomplish quite a bit though. I think we made about 40 bags or so in all. We managed to have some fun though while she was here and did take a little time out to get pedicures and have some play time with baby Connor. Heather loves her one and only little nephew. She has decided she wants to be called Auntie Boo.

So if the website keeps going well maybe she'll just have to visit us more often!!

The Sewing Machine- A Girl's Best Friend

2008-09-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

The Sewing Machine- A girl's best friend! When you need a break from sewing you can always watch this cute little video about sewing machines.

Summer Fun

2008-07-23T02:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a summer! It has just seemed to have flown by so fast. I can’t believe we are almost in to August and school is around the near corner!

My daughter and son in law got to come out here to California for a short visit from their home in Hawaii. It was so nice to see them and let them meet their one and only nephew! We had a big family 4th of July BBQ celebration with all of the extended family in attendance.

Then the 7 of us went to a local school to watch the fireworks! We went with blankets, chairs, strollers and dog and headed up the freeway to a town where they allow fireworks. My sister and her boyfriend and 2 of her kids met us up there. Also my nephew, his girlfriend and their little girl were able to watch the fireworks with us too. It was such a fun old-fashioned kind of thing to do and we really enjoyed it.

When Heather and Ryan were here we even managed to get our updated family portrait done. We were excited to have our picture done with both the kids and their spouses and also the addition of baby Connor. Chewbacca was able to be in the picture along with us so it was really the whole family!

It is so nice to be able to have everyone home at once even if it is only for a short visit!

I'm A Grandma Now!

2008-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well I’ve just been too busy this last 2 weeks to sit down and blog but I became a very proud First-Time Grandma to Connor Alexander Payne on Monday, May 26th which was Memorial Day. He came into the world at 3:42 AM. He was 6 lbs 14 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long.

Connor is already on his way to being a spoiled little baby with all the attention he has so far received from both sets of grandparents. His auntie and uncle who live in Hawaii are coming out soon to visit him. All the other great aunts, uncles, cousins and great grandparents have had the opportunity to check him out and think he’s pretty cute.

I of course think is absolutely gorgeous and he came complete with all 10 fingers and 10 toes and a cute little button nose. Not only was everything double checked by both grandma’s right after delivery, but they got the 3rd check from the nurse who proclaimed him a beautiful baby. I definitely think he looks like his daddy! A little like his mommy too!

He is the joy of my life already and I can’t wait to have lots and lots of fun with him! I of course plan on spoiling him and then sending him home to his parents. Isn’t that what all grandma’s do?

Hello World!

2008-05-15T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I just wanted to tell you all a little about myself. I live in Northern California with my husband David and my little Brussells Griffon Chewbacca.

We are empty nesters now as both my son and daughter have recently moved out and gotten married in the last year and a half. I will be a Grammy soon to my son’s little baby boy Conner sometime in early June. I am already spoiling him and he isn’t even born yet. I can hardly contain myself as I’m so happy. I wasn’t so sure about being a Grammy when I first heard the news but realized that just because I’m becoming a Grandma doesn’t make me old!

I have a love for aprons and tea related items. As you can tell by my name I love tea and all things related to it including all of the lovely tea items you can get for serving tea and goodies with. I have always had a love of all things old and with a history to them. I am very much a girlie girl and love all things pretty, pink and feminine.

I am a Pink Hatter in the Red Hat Society. In case you don’t know a Pink Hatter is someone who is under 50 in that fun dis-orginazation! A Red Hatter is a women over the age of 50. It is just a fun group of ladies who like to go out and have fun with friends and celebrate themselves at whatever age or stage they are in their lives.

Hugs,
Donna
Tealovinglady