so.VERY.sick...yuck!

I've had the flu...

not H1N1...

more like the

coming out both ends
lying on your bathroom floor
crying when your friend comes to the door
have daughter make toast for herself and her 2 year old brother
have friend get your daughter ready for school
have same friend change sons diaper, dress him and take him to her place for the day
have another friend make your daughter a lunch and send it to school
order pizza for your kids dinner and have your 5 year old pay the delivery guy
have your 5 year old put her brother to bed (she sang "Silent Night" and knew all the words)
eat leftover pizza the next night for dinner

all while hubby is away on a conference in Toronto. (he felt sooo badly)

I've lost 10 pounds.

Today I'm thankful for good friends and food that stays in my stomach....

p.s. no pictures necessary, i'm sure

christmas ball placecard holder

Aren't these fabulous??!!!!

I totally love them...

however I don't love the price tag

$$$$$

----------------------------------------------------

so I got to thinking....

and came up with a pretty comparable idea

First gather your supplies:

tape

rice/sand

christmas ornament

funnel

name tag (I used old paint swatches)

Carefully take the top off your ornament

seriously. be. careful.

I almost lost a finger.

well... not really...

but I did cut myself!

(I'll spare you the photo of that)

fill half full with rice
or sand from your kids sand box.

I actually felt the sand worked better--

but the rice is fine

and you don't have to put your shoes on to go outside to get it

That is, as long as you keep your rice indoors--I do.

replace the top and cut up a swatch card as your name tag.

I chose the one that was called Rosemary Green

because it reminds me of Rosemary Clooney

which reminds me of the movie White Christmas

(Songstress Rosemary Clooney with Bing Crosby and Danny Kay)
Tell me you've seen it!

if you haven't you need to!

okay so where were we?

oh yeah.

put a piece of tape across the back of the card to adhere it to the ball...

unless of course you're lucky enough to have a ball that has a double ring hanger

that you can slip the card between...

To make them stand at the position you want just tap it gently
or rub it on the table to even out the sand/rice inside.


TA DA!
----------------------------------------------------
now I came up with some ideas to mimick the inspiration ball

I just need to get the supplies...
a clear ball ornament

some of that awesome sparkly white decorator's sand

and some white acrylic paint to make the snowflakesI can see it now!

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas!

To Snuggie? or not to Snuggie?

Snuggies seem ridiculous to me.

Ugly.

A waste of polar fleece.

Especially after reading this post

I was sworn off of them...

until now.

I mean, come on.

They wear them on the TODAY Show!

Even the crew!Look at the "ease"(?) of which they could work--

and Matt Lauer was quoted as saying that they are "toasty warm"...

You've seen my "sewing studio"...
yeah.

don't you love the concrete floors?

So cozy.

how about no walls?

Heat?
Wherefore art thou HEAT!

I want to sew.

Alot.

But I'm FREEZING down there!

The Snuggie is looking awfully tempting all of a sudden...

Anyone own a Snuggie?

Yes, you can wish me a Merry Christmas!

Have you seen these buttons?

Pumpkin's school is selling "something like them" to benefit a charity in Russia that takes orphans to McDonald's for lunch.

Good cause. I'm not complaining.

I just think it's sad that I have to wear a button so that someone can feel comfortable wishing me a Merry Christmas.

I am not okay with taking the "Christ" out of Christmas.

I am not okay with the political correctness of our culture either.

Example:

In our house we don't do the whole dress up for Halloween thing.

We don't hand out candy.

I take my children to a "costume free/gory stuff free" Harvest Party.

People still wish me "Happy Halloween".

Am I offended? No.

It is Halloween, after all.

They're being nice.

Even if I don't celebrate it.

So why is wishing someone Merry Christmas so offensive?

It is Christmas after all.

hmmmm....Just my thoughts...

Block Swap

My blocks for the first month of my Block Swap are done.
Betty chose a black and white plaid design.
It was super fun!

She sent the damask fabric and I added the polka dots

She sent the "argyle floral" fabric and I added the geometric "S" fabric.

Can't wait to see what's next!

If you'd like to see what other blocks have been made for Betty

click here

Dear John...

BRRR....

it's cold outside.

I was walking to Curves this morning with my hood up over my head,

my hands dangling inside my sleeves

(dang! I'm going to have to find my gloves!),

and my zipper zipped right up under my chin.

I wasn't wearing any socks however,

and it was breeeezy!

I instantly thought of you.

My desire to avoid socks as long as possible.

And your desire to wear shorts into the dead of winter.

I had always wondered whether you really weren't cold.

I mean, dad, come on.

Shorts in the middle of winter seemed pretty silly.

Remember when you picked me up at Jenna's for the first time wearing your shorts?

Her family thought you were so funny!

They fell in love with you instantly...

how could they not?

Everyone always did.

You had a magnetic force that was just so nutty, people couldn't help but love you.

Well dad, here's to shorts in the winter.

After my walk this morning--sans socks-- I don't think I'm going to be trying it anytime soon :)

Love,

Your Daughter

Decided!

I love this!

Seriously!

This one is my favourite!

This is what I'm going to do for my turn in the Tethered Threads 2 Block swap

I know my turn isn't until next October

but wow!

I love this!

Can't you see some of my mirror ball fabric on that tree?

Check this video out!

Easy Peasy!

I can't wait...

I might have to make some before October

*cheesy grin*

Dear John: Upcycled Poppy Tutorial

My father was an Army Brat...

His stepfather was in the Army and they moved around alot in his formidable years.

My father had lots of stories.

My Papa had lots of stories.

My mother's father was in the Army also.

She too was an Army Brat.

My Grandpa lives close to us now.

He visits us and often brings books or photos of the Army life.

Last time he visited, Pumpkin kept asking him,
"who's that?"

"are they still your friend?"

Most often his answer was "no" because they died "a long time ago".

Fighting for the freedom of our Country.

----------------------------------------------------------

If you don't wear a poppy on November 11th

why not?

Is it because you forget?

Often I have.

But not last year and never again.

I made this poppy from an

old red t-shirt.

Super easy, super quick and fashionable way to

Remember...Lest We Forget...

-------------------------------------------------------

Cut out 2 flower shaped patterns.

I free handed but if you want to you can use the pattern pieces here

(just don't cut down the dotted lines)

you will need 6 large flowers
and 3 small flowers
=9 layers in total
I just fold my t-shirt over a bunch of times and then cut them all out at once...
because I'm lazy...
I mean efficient!
the ones on the bottom of your stack do get a bit wonky like this one,
but I just go back and shape them up.
this is not an exact science.

layer all 6 large flowers just off centre from one another so that the petals over lap...
then add the top 3 small flower layers the same way, consistently turn the petals so they are offset.
Grab a button of your choice, black and brown are my preference.

I also like a larger sized middle in my poppy so I choose a large button.
(sorry I forgot to take a pic)

Sew the button on through all the layers and finish off at the back.
No need for neatness as you're going to cover up your handiwork with a pin.

Cut a small rectangle from the remaining shirt scraps and glue on your pin back.

(make sure to secure the pin more to the top than the middle so it won't buckle under the weight of the button and fabric--in other words, if you centre the pin your poppy will always fall forward...attach it a little higher)

Cover it nicely with the scrap, leaving the pin open.

Now this is what takes your poppy from an old t-shirt to November 11th

the secret is in the s-t-r-e-t-c-h!

That's right, on ever layer pull and stretch that poppy until it's in the curly/frilly

poppy that you're going for.

Done!

Some pictures of some I made last year for family and friends.

Now you're ready for that moment of silence

on November 11th ...

to remember not only those that died but for those that fight to protect us daily.

Is it too early?

For CHRISTMAS?

I realize that those of you who live in the U.S. haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet

So you may feel this a little premature...

And there are those of you that sleep when I'm awake

--not that you're nocturnal,

you're just from Down Under

(do you call it the Down Under when you live there?--okay, nevermind)

Anyway,

When do Australians start to decorate?

It's summer isn't it?

Christmas in the summer...

hmmm...

----------------------------------------------------

Well I'm ready now!

I've decided to buy myself a little gift every year that reminds me of my dad.

You know, something to make me feel that he's still a part of it...

Last year I bought one of these brooches from here

in grey of course.

So this year I was stumped.

Until today that is.

I was reading blogs and stumbled across this post from MakeLifeSweet

Okay.

Seriously.

They know they've got my number.

My VISA number, that is!

I couldn't help myself.

I clicked buy before I even looked at the price.

It's a kit to make 2 pillows using some of their new Make Life... fabric

Which in case you didn't know...

I am IN LOVE WITH!

Why do these pillows remind me of my dad?

Well those little words all over the one star...

Make life special

Make life fun

Make life simple

Make life exciting

you get the idea...

Well my dad,

at Christmas (or any occassion really)

would

Make Life...Colourful

He may have worn alot of grey

and enjoyed a grey day

but that man brought colour to the cheeks and a smile to the face of anyone within earshot!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Now....the real question is...

Is it too early to decorate??

Hubby says it is.

I say it isn't!

We argue about it EVERY year!

Apparently my neighbour agrees with me!

I always did like them...

Marking every occasion with a card...

With family in the U.S.

and little me over here living my own life

I forget sometimes to get packages or cards in the mail on time...

especially when I need to send them at least 2 weeks in advance

of when they need to get there!

I normally remember an event 3 or 4 days before it is to take place

and I hate to have a card be there late...

I'd like you to meet Diane.

She's my card angel.

yes. angel.

She makes me look good.

This is the card that I ...

ahem...

I mean to say,

Diane, sent to my mom this year for her birthday.

Isn't it stunning?

My mom is going to frame it!

Or this one?

How cute for anyone's birthday

young or old!

Need to remember your dad but didn't get to Hallmark for that special card?

Let Diane take care of it.

She designs and creates these fabulous cards.

She's even won awards!

she's THAT good!

and she types in a message of your choice just like you'd find at the store.

Then she signs your name and any little extra details

you want hand written.

Then she puts the card in a special envelope,

seals it,

puts a stamp on it and mails it!

Yes!!

Now you see why I love her!

She lives in the States so when I order a card through her Etsy shop for my mom

it only takes a couple of days to cross a few States

verses the 2 plus weeks to cross a border!!

She has cards for all occassions

After my dad passed away I realized I didn't really have many cards from him...

No heartfelt statements...

No memories left on paper...

Now I'm marking EVERY occassion with a card!

So that I can leave a lasting impression on those around me...

and how could I not when these cards are so brilliant?!

I love this Christmas card...

But these?

They have my name written all over them!

Look at the glitter!
So visit Diane and say hi from me!

She'll even remind you year after year to send a card.
Yes she's THAT good!

p.s this is not a paid advertisement...
I just happen to think Diane and her business ROCK!

Joy in the New Year

I have signed up for the Joy in the New Year Challenge

I am new to quilting/crafting

however as I have said before...

I have Crafter's A.D.D.

It is being run by Jacquie of Tallgrass Prairie Studio fame.

The goal is to finish as many of your UFO's

(un-finished objects--also known as started projects not finished)

as possible before the New Year...

If you're interested, you can still get in on the action

click here

I decided to stick to the projects that I have actually cut into and want to finish off...

so that equals 4

even though I have a loooong list to begin and finish before Christmas as gifts!

1. my mother's birthday gift-

-which I'd like to show you but she reads my blog

Hi mom!

2. a fall quilt for myself using the pumpkins gone wild line-

-more on this later...

as it may include a giveaway

*hint hint*

3. a thrifted wool sweater blanket for Bubby similar to Pumpkin's

4. 2 swap blocks using some of this fabulous damask fabric!

Yes. I've signed up to be part of a swap group.
12 women + 12 months x 2 blocks = 12 quilts

My month isn't until November of next year but in the meantime I'm going to be busy working hard for these special ladies on their special quilt blocks.

This is a big step for me but I'm up to the challenge and ready to dig in!

I can't wait to finish up these blocks and show them to you for finish #1!!

I'd better get started...

A colossal thank you to my hubby

for allowing me to purchase a new one of these...

My mouse has been double clicking all over the place

and the last 3 days on the computer have felt like

an uphill climb!

thanks honey!

Thanks are in order...

Man!

I have been delinquent in saying thank you to those who have

gifted me with some LOVELY treasures!

I have been a lucky girl lately
but in my procrastinating ways I've not sent

out my special thank you's.

I was giddy when I received this from Hillary of Designing Happy...

She called it broken breakfast!

Isn't it fabulous!!
(there's a tutorial too

It's about the size of a placemat and is perfect for hanging.

Pumpkin claimed it right away--but I'm keeping those

FQ's for myself until I find just the right project!

LOVE Jenean Morrison!

Thank you Hillary!

I cannot say enough about her creativity!
She's one talented lady and an extremely entertaining blogger.

Take my word for it!

Here is my next prize in use at my computer.

Yes, this is where all the blogging magic happens folks!

and now my Tim Hortons hot apple cider stays nice and warm
through the writing of an entire blog post!

Thanks to my real life and bloggin' buddy Heather.

She hand felted this leaf on to this

thrifted wool sweater cozy!

Heather has been my inspiration to begin the journey of crafting and blogging!

I also won a giveaway for a gift certificate over at Jodi's blog Pleasant Home

from a wonderful online shop called

Folkart Gatherings

I have always wanted a tin star and this one is a whopping 24 inches!!

I might add that shipping was super reasonable!

I can't wait to see my mom at Christmas

I will get it from her as I had it sent to her home!

I'm very excited!

Lastly and my personal favourite

(I'm sure you'll understand why)

from FINKI!

A big thank you to both Finki and Sandra at Pepperberry & Co.

for sending me this treasure.

There is a card and 4 notepads that have a

vintage sci fi image on them.

Kind of like old comic books or sci fi books

this SCREAMS my father in every way!

He was an avid sci fi/medical science reader,

sci fi tv watcher, (the cornier the better)

He had a vast comic book collection.

and he always carried a notepad.

I don't know if Finki actually expects me to use these treasures. I haven't yet. but I will. Maybe with special thoughts of dad.

So there you have it!

I think I had grand plans of beautifully scripted and layed out posts for each of these special thank you's but...

ummm...

yeah...

I'm me--so it didn't happen.

But my intentions were good.

*sheepish grin*