Today is Friday! That is the first part of my news! The second part is we are going to a wedding reception tonight. I love weddings. How lovely!  I am really excited and I think Im going to take my camera along and see if I get some good pictures. :D

I am working (slowly) on compiling a list of 101 goals. I read on a fellow blogger's site about the 101 in 1001 project. Complete 101 goals in 1001 days (about 2.75 years) and so my sister and I have decided to do it. Now just to come up with the list!!!

Okay, that is all for today. I hope everyone has a fabulous friday and write down your news! Click the button up to and it will send you to The Neuff and you can add your news to the list!  Ciao!

SuperHero

Hey Everyone! There is something you have to check out!  I love reading other people's blogs because, well because I am addicted to it. So I think you should all check out Get Your Craft On  today because she has a tutorial to make a cape and accessories. I have a pattern I have been wanting to make, but my little one is still to small (11 months-- I think he'd trip over a cape LOL).  but this is a great tutorial with awesome pictures. She even made a two sided superman and spidey cape.   So, Check it out and let her know what you think about her awesome tutorial!

Easy Trail Mix

I love nuts.  A while ago, I bought a big tub of party peanuts. You know the size.  Then I ate some and the rest sat on the shelf.  After seeing them just sit there, I had an idea. Why not make a great and easy trail mix.

I used my tub of peanuts
1/2 box of california raisins
1 medium bag of m&m's.

I mixed all together and then stored in sandwich sized zippies so they will stay fresh.  I couldnt wait to take some to work tomorrow and I already ate half a bag tonight! 

So Easy and SO Good! I love trail mix so this was nice.

Etsy-- Eek!

b



Remember when I said I was working on some cup sleeves? Well, I finished them. 




One of them is a bit caddy-wampus and I don't think I will be putting it in my shop. But the rest of them turned out quite nice. 




So, I have finally started my etsy shop. U I think I am still terrified of the whole thing. It's all new to me. But, I think it is good that I venture out.



So, check it out. It’s over there in the left side bar. R Okay everyone, have a wonderful day! Its tuesday! Ü

Frayed Flower Tutorial

Okay being that this is my very first tutorial, you will have to (please) bear with me!! You will need some coordinating (or not) fabric scraps, needle, thread, hot glue and a button cover set, (sorry I don't have a pic!! Its kind of like this one, but I got mine in the craft section at wal-mart.) I think thats it...

Okay, step 1: find some scraps, cut one about 1.5 inches x 12 inches. Cut the other 1 inch x 12 inches.

Layer the 1x12 on top of the 1.5x12, lining the bottom sides up.

Using your needle and thread, sew a running stitch along the entire bottom edge.

Bunch the fabric all up

Make sure your flower is as bunched up as you want it. Being careful not to let the thread slack, hold the two short sides right sides together and sew together using a backstitch.

Lay it down and admire your work so far:)

Cover a button and glue it to the center.

Cut out a circular piece of felt and glue it onto the back.

Attach an alligator clip, hair pin, brooch, etc... I used an alligator clip, its lined with cabinet lining to give the clip a no-slip grip.

See? Piece o' cake!! Clip it on to your precious girlie's head and take pride in your craftiness.

I'm happy to answer any questions! OH, and let me know if I missed a step:)!! Not feeling too crafty?? You can buy one in my Etsy shop. Have a grrreeeaat day!!

My ranting. Please skip if you want to read about rainbows and butterflies.

Today I am definitely a crabby patty. I think I am just angry at everything. My poor husband has to put up with me! (Thank you dear! ♥) Dumb Verizon wireless won’t let the hubs accept a stupid pic message… the picture message I'm trying to send? A piece of my car falling apart. I don’t know what it is. The siding metal strip has just decided to start peeling away from the car. Harrumph. As if I don’t have enough to deal with!





Sometimes challenges come and you can face them head on. Right now though, I feel like they are piling on top of me and I'm going to scream. Grrr.






I took a sick day off Friday. Turns out I don’t have any more sick days—there went my last vacation day of the year. No Disneyland on Chuck’s birthday I guess (free admission on your birthday in 2009).






On Saturday, I put Jesse down for a nap on my bed. Big mistake. He woke up and thud, I get the worst mom of the year award. A big bruise and a scab. I'm putting stuff on it so it won’t scar. Poor thing.

Then I come into work today and get all gloomy. I don’t want to be here. I feel like I'm already missing too much of Jesse’s life and it sucks because Chuck doesn’t have a job and I have to go to work. But even after Chuck gets a job it’s not like I can quit and be a SAHM because we made a stupid mistake 2 years ago and bought a brand new car. A car which we can’t really afford. And now I hate it. With a passion. Boo!






Even if I was a SAHM, I think I’d rather be a WAHM—help out with the finances and all, but I'm thinking that I don’t know how good I would be at that. My Avon business isn’t doing so well. I don’t have time to put into it, and I don’t have the financial understanding. I mean really, I would seriously have to talk to a tax professional before I ever went anywhere with my Avon business. I'm not even sure I'm doing it right as is even though I don’t make enough to have to pay taxes (I think). That and I’ve had an etsy shop for how long and nothing posted on it yet! Eek!






Even as I'm ranting I still can’t help but realize that I don’t have it so bad. I wish we had our own place, but at least my in laws have given a roof over my head. I wish that I was a stay at home mom, but at least Chuck is there with our son. I wish that we didn’t have the debt that we do (Come on Oprah—read my blog and save my family!!!), but at least we have an income. I wish that I wasn’t so crabby right now, but at least I have an outlet so that I don’t continue to yell at the hubs. I wish that life was easier, that I didn’t have these challenges, that I could go back and fix mistakes (dumb cars), but at least I am learning and growing.






End rant. Thank for listening. Or not. Ü


 

Check out my new blog design!

Look at my new blog design!  Jenna from the Neuff designed this great blog for me! Isn't it really cute? I'm all into the bee thing right now and Im loving my new blog design.  You should definitely check out her blog! (she recently had a giveaway that I won!) 

She also has this great thing called Fab Friday Newz! Its so we can all look back on the week and think of some fabulous things that have happened. Always good to look on the bright side of life!

So-- Grab my new button and go check out Jenna! Look around, grab her button, leave her a comment or two! And have a wonderful day!

Under Construction

My bloggy friend Jenna from The Neuff is helping me with my blog. So, Currently it is UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Thanks for being patient with me!

Fab Friday Newz

Fab Friday Newz. First, Its friday! That is the best.  Second, I have made Jesse's invitations. Now I just am handwriting all the information for the invites. I think Im getting done with these things early, but Im excited because I dont want to procrastinate!

And-- the best news. I completed a project!  My blog should be called: The unfinished project blog.  So, A coworker is having a baby shower today and so I made this to go into the big basket that was put together.

I originally had a cute monkey, giraffe, lion print on it but then I found this funky fabric and decided to take the whole thing apart and re-do it.  That is what took so long. I like the way it turns out but this morning I found out she is having a boy.  I wonder if she will think its weird that there is so much pink! :D

I'm sick so sorry its so short. But I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Nativity Scenes

Nativity Scenes? But its only October?  Well, I just thought I would blog a little about something that I love. Yes, Nativity Scenes. I think they are awesome. I collect them.  My husband bought me the wonderful willow tree set above.  The best part about my nativity scene collection? I keep them out all year long. I love to look at them and it helps me to celebrate that "Christmas Season" all the year through.  I love that I have big ones and little ones, and ones that are funky and ones that are traditional. They make me smile.

What is something that you collect? 

Birthday Scrapbook

Jesse's birthday is about a month away. How scary to think my little boy will be one! I was at Big Lots the other day, and I bought this little 8 x 8 scrapbook. I think Im going to try and scrapbook (in a month eek) the last twelve months. I am a simple scrapper-- I dont have a lot of snazzy embellishments so my pages are mostly pictures and journaling and thats about it.  If I get some completed soon I might post some pictures. But I will see how it goes. Been busy trying to fit any kind of blogging into my schedule. :)

This is Jesse's early birthday present. He was sleeping in a pack n play forever and when we finally had the money (well, on a gift card) we went and bought him his very own crib. I put it together and he seems to enjoy it (except when he wants to stay up and play and then cries himself to sleep).  He has been using it this month and I just noticed something the other day-- there are teeth marks in the wood. My little guy (who has 8 teeth) is scrapping his teeth against the wood.  Everything goes in this little ones mouth!

Thats all for today. Have a wonderful tuesday!

Well- as life turns out I didn’t get any crafting done.  (Semi-not a big surprise). I did go to a wedding and a mission farewell. And my poor little baby is slightly sick. He has hay fever. Poor thing.  I did get to clean up the bedroom a bit which was helpful to my sanity level. But mostly just hang out with family this weekend which was nice. Oh, Chuck and I started a That 70’s show marathon. That show makes me laugh.

It's Friday!

Hello friends! Today I am participating in Fab Friday Newz. Find all about it here! I was trying to think if I had any big news to share, but decided on a couple of smaller things.


First, I am almost finished re-reading the third book in the twilight series. In fact, I will finish before the day is done. I like to read these because they are easy and quick. I ♥ reading! So much!

Second, I am excited to be seeing family this weekend. We are going to a wedding on Saturday and to a family luncheon/gathering/thing on Sunday. I'm glad I will be able to hang out with the ones I love.

Another FFN (Fab Friday Newz) is that after this wedding (my mother in law is a wedding coordinator and is doing this wedding) I will be able to get some sewing done. Maybe I will be able to actually complete a project. Or two! Then I will def. be posting some cute things!


Well, Please check out Neuffj’s blog. :D She is way cool and you can share your own news and link it from her site! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!



***Update***  Today is a wonderful day! Finance department invited my CP (cube partner) and I to a hallway Ice cream Social! Oh it was divine!

Romance on a Budget

You are going to love this blog when you check it out! Who wants to spice up their relationship! I love to read about little things to do that are cute and oh-so-fun for the love of my life!  I am going to follow this blog because of the great ideas, and I thought I would pass it along! Enjoy!

Me. Katie:)

HELLO!! My name is Katie. I'm super excited to be a part of this blog! A huge thanks to Melissa for inviting me to contribute! (By the way,I don't know if its actually possible for me to refer to her as Melissa, she'll always be Missy to me:) ) Like Missy/Melissa, I am an absolute craft addict! I have three little girls so of course I am busy busy busy trying to find new ideas for girlie accessories!
Thanks for looking and check back because there is going to be lots of creativity going on over here:)

My new header bar

I am so excited for my new header bar! I have created some tabs with the help of my friend Jenna at The Neuff. Here is her Navigation Bar tutorial so be sure to check it out. Great directions! And dont forget to look around her site while you are there! Thanks Jenna.

Sewing Machine

Since we are currently living at my in laws, most of our things are in storage. Until yesterday, so was my sewing machine. I would occasionally use my mother in laws machine but I always felt bad using it all the time and she has a lot of projects that she is busy with, so I brought my case to the house and Im going to set my machine on the kitchen table anytime I want to use it.

Oh, the endless possibilities. I have a lot of ideas of things I want to make and a little bit of fabric I bought at Joann's. I start sewing and all I have is issues. My mil's sewing machine is much nicer than mine and does things easier. I have to remember how to thread, and it comes in handy-- I had to rethread it almost 15 times in a half hour. Okay, maybe just 10. It was a nightmare.

I was getting frustrated and didn't want to complete any of my projects. That, and I just didnt have enough time. Taking too much time to figure out how to use this evil contraption, I only had enough time to make 5 cup sleeves.

I dont drink coffee, and the only time I have starbucks is when my little sister brings me a Zebra Hot Cocoa to work (and its not scorching hot by then). But, I know that these reusable cuties are good for the environment, and good for those who need them. I gave one recently to a coworker for her birthday. I would use one around the house on a regualr cocoa cup.


Now all I need to do is figure out how to put things on my etsy shop. and put a widget in my sidebar. Oh, these things will probably be put on the back burner for now.

Homemade cookies

My husband asked me the other night if I would make cookies. I wasn't feeling baking, so I told him I would help him make them. He wanted to make peanut butter cookies, but with my mom's chocolate chip cookie recipe. I didn't think this would work, until he pulled out some peanut butter chips. ah, now I understand.

Delicious Cookies

1 c shortening
1/2 c brown sugar
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 c flour
2 c chocolate chips (** We used Peanut Butter Chips **)


Thoroughly cream shortening and sugars, add eggs and vanilla. Beat well and add dry ingredients. Add chips and nuts (optional). Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-13 minutes


Well, I think Chuck should always be the one to make cookies because he stirs them so well! :D I envy my mom though. She has one of those little cookie scoopers so that she can scoop a tiny bit amount in a perfect cookie shape. Mine never come out in uniform sizes and I like the smaller size too. But, here they are; they were delicious.

Side blurb. My little brother recently turned 17 and I mod podge a wood frame and put in a picture of him and my son for his birthday. Just thought I would share how it turned out.

Yay! My first Award

How exciting! I was nominated for my very first Blog Award! I am so excited and so grateful! I was graciously nominated by Neuffj at her blog here

Check her out! Her first giveaway is closing at the end of this month so make sure to enter to win! (but not too many times because I want to win :D)

Now for the Rules:

1) Add the logo to your blog

2) Link to the person from whom you received this award

3) Nominate 5 blogs

4) Leave a message on their blog – letting them know that they are ‘One Lovely Blog’

Nominations:
Craft Rookie
Craftaholics Anonymous
Lena Blair
Ann Matta "My world"
This is the year

Tip Junkie's Trade Sercret Swap

How would you like to be sent a box full of ideas? Or to learn someone else's secret?

Me too!

I signed up for the Trade Secrets Sway hosted by Tip Junkie and my wheels are already turning. Imagine all the secrets I can share. Some of my secrets arent as secret as others, but it will definitely be interesting to see where to send my package.

So here it is, the button link to this great idea:



Check it out and sign up! It should be a lot of fun to think of your secrets your could share. Just imagine the secrets that will be shared with you! Most worth it! Have fun :)

BreadWinner

For the past 3 1/2 months, I have been the working woman. Well, I have been working longer then that-- but that is when my husband was laid off. It has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. No one ever expects something like this to happen to them, but I have decided to look at this in a good way.

First, my son now has a stay at home parent.


Jesse is our first child and it is so fun watching him learn and grow. Charles has been also learning a lot from being a stay at home dad because it isn't as easy peasy as he thought it would be! (Ha Ha, he thought it was easy). It is hard to leave the two of them every morning and trudge my way to work, but I know that they both will be so happy to see me when I get home at night.

Second, Chuck has been able to go back to school full time. It is difficult trying to squeeze in homework between macaroni and patty-cake, but he is learning fast on how to be a juggler. He is currently taking night and online classes. Hopefully this will speed up the degree process (much better than the one class he was taking a semester).



Finally, Job searching can open your eyes. Trying to find a job when companies are cutting back is difficult; it can be hard on the optimism as well.

That is why, I am so glad that job searching has brought out the best in us. Well, at least in me :) The more we look for jobs and realize there isnt much that a. he qualifies for or b. that he could actually do, I remember all that we have. First, I have a wonderful job. I am good at what I do and I try hard so that I can be the best. Second, my husband is able to receive unemployment. Yeah, it stinks for me to think he gets more from unemployment then I do working 40 hours a week, but hey! we need it! Third, we are still being blessed. The Lord hasnt stopped caring for us just because of this. In fact, he is definitely making sure that we are taken care of as long as we are taking care of ourselves.

Lifetime and Braided Hair

I am very excited! Today I reached Lifetime Membership at Weight Watchers! I had gained 50 pounds while pregnant. Now that my son is 10 months old, I have lost the 50 pounds, plus an additional 8 pounds I wanted to lose pre-baby. I am very excited because it is definitely hard work! To all of you who are working towards the goal of a healthier weight I support you! I am so happy that I had others who supported me. What a help it was!


One thing I love and want to learn is to French Braid Hair. I enjoy asking my mom or mother in law to french braid my hair. If I ever have a little girl, I have to learn how to french braid hair! My mother in law braided my hair last night and I enjoyed my braids all day today.

A moment of Silence

First birthday

My son doesn't turn one until November, but I am already planning his birthday party! Oh how excited I am. First will come the ideas and the lists. I am definitely a checklist girl! I will write and re-write and the categorize my lists. My husband and I have decided on a baseball theme party (even though it is after baseball season, we are huge Dodger fans). I am going to make some home made invites, a 3d baseball cake, and have hot dogs. Those are just the tentative plans but I am so excited to start planning!

Two New Things

I have two exciting news bits. First, I have asked my friend Katie to be a co-author on this blog! I am excited. She and I are both busy moms and so we are going to try and update as often as possible and just get some of our fun ideas out there! Welcome Katie!!

Second, if was recently my DH and my 3 year anniversary. Just yesterday, my present arrived (via Avon!) and I am so excited. It is the new Butler Basics Organizer Bag! It is really stylish (for my "mom" style) and keeps me super organized! I have already organized all of my things and I still have tons of space!





P.S. You can get one too! They are $40, or if you spend $15 worth of products it is only $20 (So you get $15 of makeup and a bag for only $35) What is one of the best presents that you have received this past year?