I Love a Deal!

My soon-to-be eleven year old daughter tried out for wresting yesterday. One of the mothers asked if she was a tomboy. I would have to say no. When she first asked to try out, I thought why? Her father had done quite well-going to nationals and coaching, but that was before she was born. So I asked. She said, "she could beat up the boys without getting in trouble."



So last night I was on a mission to find tight fitting long shorts. I ended up going to the sports store even though I had a ten dollar card I'd received in the mail for Kohls. There just weren't any shorts in her size. So with a package of undershirts on sale for Phoebe and a clearanced black flower pin, I spent a whooping .98cents(on what would have normally cost twenty-two dollars!). I love a deal!!

And it looks great on my hat!!

Are You a Lucky Girl?

I often hear how bad things are right now and I am ever grateful for abundance that has found me anyway. Yes many of us have deleted extras from our lives and made changes, but I think that only shows us what is really important. Don't live your life thinking in lack, because that is what you'll end up with. Always say thank you and be grateful!

I have a book, Life Lessons Learned While Shopping by Amanda Ford. In part, page 56 says: Oh, What a Luck Gal I Am!

If you can answer true to any of the following statements,

you a a fortunate woman with much to be thankful for.

You give your clothes away when you stop liking

them instead of wearing them until they fall apart.

Sometimes while shopping you buy things you hadn't

planned on just because you want them.

You wash your face with a different soap

than on your body.

My point is we are all probably a lot luckier than we think. Life is not as bad as we often make it out to be. Enjoy what you do have!

Lisa Leonard Designs Jewelry GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Check out this giveaway.It's for a fifty dollar gift certificate for custom made jewelry. I would have a hard time choosing only one design.
Lisa Leonard Designs Jewelry GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Before and After

I have wanted a 1920's dressing table for a very long time. I got a really good deal on this one and have had it in storage for five years or so. Unfortunately, the mahogany veneer had been painted white. I know the whole shabby chic thing had been going on, and I do like that look; however, it just doesn't seem practical to me with three kids and two cats. Additionally, the surface of the dresser felt like there was sand in the paint.

To make a long story short, I wanted to bring the dressing table in from the garage. It needed painting,(there is no other choice once the veneer has been painted). I thought that black would be more modern. So began the transformation...

It was an incredible transformation. I think it is so much closer to the look it would have originally had, plus the black seems to hide so many of the imperfections. I finally have the old dressing table I've wanted for so long-for $55 and a can of paint. What a deal!

Thank you Charlie for making it beautiful!

Poppy Boutonniere Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Check out Groisgain for their flower tutorial and givaway. Always great pictures. An idea worth giving a try, though I might try fusing two fabrics together. It would both add interest by using two different fabrics and seal the edges at the same time.

Poppy Boutonniere Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

What Happened to Summer?

I can't believe it has been so long since I've written...The kids are home and summer is over. I would have thought I'd written more while they were gone. Computer problems fixed. A surprise move done. Unpacking and organizing nearly completed, except for toys and books. Looks like my sewing studio will have to be set up in the garage again. It doesn't seem to be as hot or cold as the last one, plus there are walls I can paint...

The new house is surrounded by rosebushes! I'm so thrilled at the thought of fresh roses in my so long unused vases. I need to spend a couple of hours pruning the dead roses. Maybe after I take the kids to school and before I go to work today. Speaking of that, it is almost time to wake them...so much for a peaceful quiet morning I've been enjoying reading my new issue of MaryJanesFarm.

The Hair Cut

After my youngest son's graduation from kindergarten, we headed to his Aunt's work for a haircut. He had been talking about this for weeks.

Did I mention he wanted a mohawk? Don't forget the color; green!

That would be green for him, blue for his brother and pink streaks for his sister. It's summer. Why not?

Albert, Adam, and Phoebe with their Aunt Amy all smiles about their summer hairdos.

One Hour Skirt

Yesterday I linked a post from Grosgrain about a twenty minute skirt tutorial. I thought about it during the day...when I got home I hit my stash of fabric. First of all my skirt took me about an hour to make for a couple of reasons. I didn't use my serger. I had to sew a narrow hem as my selvage was printed on one side with designer information. I also used about two yards of fabric, because I thought the flirty fabric of the skirt would look cuter if the skirt was fuller.

It was a fabulous and quick no-pattern project. I finished in about an hour. It was fun making something so quickly...especially when I have been working on my neighbors cushion covers lately.

I would absolutely use this method to quickly make skirts for my ten year old daughter.

I also have a time saving tip, I remembered in the middle of the night last night, for serger users. In the tutorial she serged the upper edge of the fabric and then folded it down and sewed with her sewing machine. If you fold your casing down and then fold in back to the right side of the fabric(like an accordion fold), and run the three layers through the serger, you have encased the edges and sewn the casing in one step.

More pictures to certainly come. I've been thinking about skirts all morning. I also have an idea for a similar project to make a tube top!!

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

A great tutorial. A simple skirt anyone could make using a yard of fabric, according to her in twenty minutes. Check it out!

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sunday Laundry Shirt Dress

The giveaway is over, but I fell in love with the pictures. It makes me want to pull out my dress form and fabric...I love the soft dress paired with the boots. What a great look.

I've got some great ideas about little dresses I can throw on over my jeans when I go out. I'm just not as inclined to wear dresses as much as I did when I was younger...I'm not sure why. Maybe I just need to find the perfect little summer dress.

Here's to inspiring your dreams of summer dresses to come!

"Bug" in a Rug

My newest endeavor. I'm crocheting a rug out of two inch strips of fabric for under my dinning room table. The rug ended up being about seven feet long and seems to take about a yard of fabric to finish a row. So needless to say, I'm finding a use for my stashes of fabric I have failed to do anything with.

My cat lovebug thinks it is a huge cat toy. Every morning I can tell she has been tearing it up during the night. She also thinks my pile of torn fabric not yet rolled into balls, makes a great bed.

My Favorite Poem

I've spent four days looking for my book I have poems written in...then this morning something told me where to look...I wanted to share my favorite poem with you...

A White Rose
The red rose whispers of passion,
and the white rose breaths of love;
Oh, the red rose is a falcon,
and the withe rose is a dove.

But I send to you a cream-white rosebud,
with a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
has a kiss of desire on the lips.
-John Boyl O'Reiley(1844-1890)

Handbags in History

A woman’s purse is an intricate part of her life Anything and everything might be found within it.The history of the handbags we carry today dates back long ago. It may surprise you that women did not even carry the first handbags .

In Greek and Roman Civilizations men carried a small pouch to hold coins. In the middle ages, during the Crusades, men carried bags hung on girdles around their waists, filled with alms for the poor. At this point in time, women wore chatelaines, hook like clasps ant their waists attached with necessities such as scissors or keys.

The development of the pocket came in the Sixteenth Century. They were much different than the pockets of today. These early pockets were tied around the waist with long ribbon sashes. They were worn under clothing and accessed via slashes. It was not until later that pockets were sewn onto clothing.

Current fashions in the Eighteenth Century necessitated a new direction; reticules. Often made of luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk, and embellished with ribbons and tassels, these bags draped daintily at the wrists of the ladies who carried them.

The Industrial Revolution changed everything. With the onset of women’s rights, work and travel (trains, autos and airplanes) needs were rapidly changing. The precursor of our current handbags have their roots in the railroads. Luggage makers made leather bags with handles, similar to luggage, but designs to be hand carried. Fashion trends, necessity and our desires continue to dictate the handbags we carry today and into the future.

What is Precious to Us

I know I haven't written much lately. We had a death in the family recently. My children's grandmother died. She was very sick and it was expected, but always hard to deal with. Last weekend we gathered the family together...we released balloons with a "wish" written on them. The children were thrilled that grandma was going to catch their balloons in heaven. My ten year old daughter, Phoebe, wrote; I wish grandma visits me in my dreams forever. It was so sweet, it brought tears to my eyes.

Our children are so precious. They bring joy to my life everyday. Albert is my little clown. He always make us smile. "I'm winking at you"

AJ is the middle child, more sensitive and serious that his brother and sister. He's always been a little gentleman.

World of Change

This is a poem I wrote in High School
for my best friend:
There was something in this card,
that made me stop and think.
It says:
Our worlds will change everyday!
So many time I thought I knew where my
life was going, but I didn't. I thought I knew
what I wanted,but I didn't.
Everything I ever hoped for, never was.
Through all my life I've had you to turn to.
I'm sure our lives will change
and new things will come our way,
But one thing I know will never change-
US
Those were my words to her, so long ago.
They were so true. We grew up. We learned
of life and of love. Whatever life gave
to us, we had each other to share it with.
It seems as thought whatever I might do,
memories of her, my best friend, flood my mind.
I think of her often in the night.
I remember the games we use to play;
the nights we laughed till dawn;
and the days we spent along the beach.
There are just too many to name.
These are only memories.
Her grinning face I will never see,
at least that is till I, like her, die.

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Another fun giveaway by ArtNest at Grosgrain. You can find these lovely rings at http://artnestshop.etsy.com I'm a sucker for pincushions. Hopefully, I'll come across some great ones I made as I finish organizing and unpacking. If not, I'll whip up some new ones to share with you.

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Your Perfect Handbag Will Find You

I was reading in a wonderful little book this morning, Life Lessons Learned While Shopping by Amanda Ford. It is a book I bought on a shim years ago, because the price was reduced and it seemed interesting. I have read it many times over. I reminded me something I've known to be true, but sometimes forget...Years ago, before I began making my own purses, there was a particular designer I loved. I could no bring myself to pay the high price tag; however, when I found one of his bags on sale (clearance with an additional 40% off was my favorite), I was overjoyed. Now the flaw with this thinking was that when I didn't find what I thought was a good price, a bought a cheaper purse. I was unhappy with the cheaper purse and bought another in a short time. The point is I ended up spending more money on inexpensive purses I was not happy with. Keep these points in mind:
Think quality over quantity
Wait for sales
Absolutely look in outlets, thrift or consignment stores, you might get lucky
Give yourself permission to dream of what you want
It's OK to take time to think about a large purchase-sleep on it
When I was younger, My Aunt was my shopping partner. We often went to lunch to think about a purchase. When we made up our minds we reminded ourselves it what we wanted was still there, it was meant to be. I've since learned that if it's not, there is something better waiting for me. Don't worry, your perfect bag will find you.

Coco and Friend

She may look sweet, but look at her wrong and she'll go after you. An ornery cat, but we love her. It still makes me smile when I think of her when she and the kids were younger. She wore a bell around her neck; the kids ran when they heard it. Crying, "Coco's going to get me."

Fabulous Giveaway by Grosgrain

As always another fabulous giveaway by Grosgrain! I wonder how she finds the time. More than that, such great photos. Be sure and take a look. It's an inspiration to see the before and after photos. Maybe we should be a bit more cautious of the things we throw away (of course that is only if you are actually going to make the time to do something with it).

Pleated Petal Tank ANTHROPOLIFICATION GIVEAWAY!!!!

Focus on Abundance

A couple of years ago, I found a book in the library called Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnack. I've since found my own copy in a used book store. Think about the following quote:
"When you focus on abundance rather than lack in your life, you will be designing a wonderful new blue print for the future"

I read a passage daily. Changing one's thought process (how we look at life and what we tell ourselves) is a slow process. I have noticed as my viewpoint shift, my life has moved closer to where I want it. In fact I am often amazed at the many unexpected "gifts" I have received. Basically, the more I focus on hats good in my life and am thankful-the better it gets.

Have, Do, Be...

Here is my Have, Do, Be Exercise: In my lifetime I want to have...
my own business
own a home (at the beach)
a beautiful garden-pick fresh veggies daily
a family car & a car of my own (convertible)
hot pink motorcycle
loving, honest partner
health, happiness and stability for my children
simple, uncluttered home-a place for everything and everything in it's place
sewing studio
simple wardrobe
During my lifetime I want to do...
drive a motorhome around the United States
go to Hawaii and lounge on the beach
Visit Europe-see more of it this time
take up yoga
bellydance again-not be afraid to dance in front of people
visit relatives & friends who live far away
write a book
learn French
be independent-be able to take care of myself and children even if I don't have to
During my lifetime I want to be...
honest-not afraid to communicate(no more walls)
independent
fearless-not let fear keep me from taking action
giving-find ways to give back and not fear lack in doing so

Clarify Your Values

What do you value most in your life? What exactly is a value? A value is how we wish to conduct ourselves; an ideal of how we should behave. Can you easily express your values? Here is a fun exercise to try...It is called the Have, Do, Be Exercise: Take out a piece of paper and write as many answers as you can to the following:
In my life, I want to have...
In my life, I want to do...
In my life, I want to be...(these can be character traits)
Your lists will most likely contain themes or similarities. These are clues to what you value!

Say Thank You for What You Have

I feel the need to spend a little time venting...I apologize. I'm tired of hearing the negative talk about the current state of affairs. I realize things have been bad lately and it may take some time to turn around; stop being negative.

Your mind does not know the difference between fantasy and reality. That is why what ever you tell yourself over and over will come true. You make it real.

I have come to realize the importance of a positive outlook and I refuse to live in lack again. I am grateful and say thank you for every good thing in my life. I am amazed at the continual flow of abundance into my life. Yes, things are though for many people right now and everyone is making changes in their lives to make ends mete. My life is blessed. Thank You!

The Biggest Lesson

What is the biggest lesson to learn in life? Is it learning to let go of fear? I think fear is our biggest obstacle to overcome. It stops us dead in our tracts; not taking action when we should. Not listening to the voice in our head that tells us what we know we should do. How do we get past fear? Simple. Take action. Easier said than done. Now what? Break it down into 'baby' steps. "Tiny choices mean tiny changes, but it is only with infinitesimal change, changes so small no one else even realizes you're making them, that you have the hope for transformation. " -Leo Tolstoy

My First Bag

Handbag, Purse, Bag or Pocketbook. What do you call it? A woman carries a bag for most of her life. I can't remember how old I was when I first carried a handbag. I have memories of a white bag when I was six, but I think there was a red leather handbag before that.

What did I carry in my bag at such a young age; light pink nail polish, lip gloss and maybe a comb? I wish I could ask grandma.

I've watched my daughter start to carry her own bag over the last year (she is ten now). I have to wonder what is so important for her to take with her. I'll have to ask her and get back to you.

What did your first handbag look like? What necessities did it hold?

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm spending a little time today wandering around the Internet. Here's a fun giveaway. Great Pictures. Enjoy!
Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

What Brings You Joy?

Number your paper from 1 to 100. Start writing down everything you can think of that brings joy to your life. You may not finish this list right away, but keep working at it. The first time I started this list, my life was in such disarray that I could only think of 10 things to put on my list. I made a point of trying to include these activities in my life each day. My life began improving and I continued to add items to my list. I lost my original lists; here's the start of a new one...
1. Hot bubble baths
2. Sitting in the sunshine, feeling the warmth on your skin
3. Candlelight
4. Burning incense
5. A cat sleeping on my lap
6. Holding hands with my sweetheart
7. Kissing
8. Watching my kids having fun
9. Listening to the ocean waves crash on the beach
10.Cold, crisp nights
11. Watching a lightning storm
12. Listening to the rain from bed
13. The smell of homemade bread baking
14. Eating hot, homemade bread
15. The sound of wind chimes outside my bedroom window
16. Blasting music while cleaning house
17. Silence
18. Sunsets
19. Sunrises
20. Eating breakfast outside
21. Picnics
22. Gazing at the stars
23. Napping in a hammock
24. Solitary car trips
25. The dirt between my fingers and toes when pulling weeds

Start your list today. Keep adding to it. What brings you joy in your life?

Find Time For Yourself

Every persons life is filled with things we have to do. Do you have the time to do the things in life you want to do?
It all comes down to time management Here is my favorite tip. Set Your Alarm - Get up one hour earlier, preferably before everyone else in the house. Don’t make the mistake of thinking one hour is not enough time to get something done. I started crocheting a blanket in high school. I spent over twenty years working on it and then putting it away. I even considered getting rid of it, because I thought I would never finish. Then one day, I decided to complete two rows a day. It took between one-half and one hour a day. I did miss a few days; however, this seemingly insurmountable project was completed in a little over a month. Incredible. More important, now I know I can finish what I start.
For more tips on finding time for yourself, read Top Ten Tips for Finding Time for Yourself at EzineArticles.com:http://EzineArticles.com/?id=1929254

No More Problems

Thought for the day: If you view your problems as opportunities, you will have no more problems! Take some time to really think about this. Everything that happens to you; how you think and feel, comes down to your viewpoint. How you look at your life? Do you have a positive or negative attitude; the glass half empty or half full? What about the people you spend time with, what's their attitude like? Just take some time to contemplate. Working on changing your viewpoint is the first step to making changes in your life.

Live Your Dreams Today

Live your dreams today! This is my new motto. Many years I've had a dream is to start a craft business, making a living doing something I love. The problem was that I didn't know what to make. I try to ask myself each day what I can do to make my dream a reality. I remind myself how quickly a project can be completed if I only spend a small amount of time on it daily. "If you have the ability to dream something, you also have the ability to make it happen."
-Richard Webster
What is your dream? What keeps you from realizing it?

From Past to Present

Our life is a series of seemingly unrelated events which added together create a wonderful outcome. My grandmother taught me, as a child, many of the skills I use today to create my handbags. They include sewing, embroidery and crocheting. I continued these hobbies into adulthood. I always remember having a desire to make a living with my own business. Upon inheriting my grandmother's sewing machine, while working on my fir project (a pair of purple calico overalls), I awoke each morning excited to begin sewing. this lead me to enroll in Fashion Design classes "just for fun". I especially loved pattern making. What long unused talents could you use to bring fulfillment and possibly profit to you?

The Beginning of a Dream

Necessity is the mother of invention...I have been designing and sewing handbags for several years. All of which started due to necessity, lack of money and a need of a wedding gift. I thought deeply about what I could do. Silk fabric scraps, embroidery and vintage lace lead to the creation of a beautiful gift for my dear friend to carry on her special day. The encouragement of my friends lead me to the realization of what I wanted to make; handbags. My dream began to take shape. Somewhere along the way I discovered crazy quilting; again. I found my passion. These colorful handbags go with anything and everything.