B's Blog

Best French Toast Ever

2011-03-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

My son has pretty much hated life since the the arrival of his baby sister. He has been boycotting dinner in an effort to maybe control something in his life. I know he loves anything covered in maple syrup so I created this recipe for

Crunchy French Toast

Loaf of frozen dough baked up

4 eggs

1 cup of milk

1tbsp of honey

1tbsp of sugar

1tsp of cinnamon

2-3cups of crushed cereal (i used OH's)

He loves to help mommy in the kitchen

I baked up a loaf of frozen dough but if you had some time and wanted to make up your own that would be amazing I am sure.

Next mix the eggs, milk, honey, sugar and cinnamon in a med bowl

I used the food processor to grind up the cereal and placed that in a separate bowl

Dip the sliced bread in the egg mix then dredge in the crushed cereal

Fry up in the pan a few minutes on each side

The bacon is neccessary side dish, as well as real maple syrup (not the fake crap). It has a pleasant crunch to it and extra sweetness with the cerea coatingl. Even though my son helped me to make the french toast he refused to eat it. Oh well, he had fun making it, and spent extra one on one time with mommy.

Crochet Nest

2011-03-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

The lovely ladies at

http://shuttersistas.wordpress.com

were able to have a photoshoot of my darling baby girl. In return I crocheted a prop for their baby shoots. The brown nest/cocoon I made and wanted to wait for the child to post a picture. I think it was worth the wait.

Photo shoot

2011-03-05T17:05:00.001-08:00

This is how I spent my Saturday morning. Watching Erin (an old buddy from nursing school) and her sister use my newbie as a model for their photography endeavors. I can't wait to see the rest, this is only the first. I never even thought about how difficult it would be to take pics of a newborn, but these ladies were professional. We watched in amazement the patience and skill these sisters used to make lasting memories of our daughter. You can see more of their photos at http://shuttersistas.wordpress.com/.

Charlotte Alise LaQuay

2011-03-01T10:13:00.001-08:00

She is here! Finally, my misery is over! I can't even begin to explain the emotions that I feel for this baby. I thought I could finally show off one of my crocheted creations.

She was born Thursday February 24, 2011 at 8:23 am. She weighed 8.7 lbs and was 201/4 inches long.

I find little personality quirks coming out already. She is a huge eater and is very good at it!

This time around I am enjoying the newborn stage mostly because I don't think I am as nervous as I was for my first born. I think being more relaxed, has led to a more relaxed baby.

She looks mostly like her father and I know I am partial but she is adorable.

decor

2011-02-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

I have had a creativity slump. I have completed some newborn crochet projects which I prefer to show with a newborn adorning them (hopefully any day now).

My sewing machine would probably go into shock if I took the cover off from it.

But with all the awesome valentines day tutorial that I have been scanning in blogland. I came across a tutorial about making rosettes.

http://http//alittlelovelyblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/flower-wreath.html

Not having supplies for a wreath I decided to grab some cloth scraps and glue gun and sit on my rump to make this topiary for decoration in my living room.

I am pleased with the way it turned out, and has given me renewed faith in my crafting abilities.

Winter Blues

2011-02-13T04:17:00.000-08:00

I am having a huge case of cabin fever! Besides the fact that I am uber pregnant, my son has the energy that I can't keep up with, and there is so much snow that outdoor activities have become tricky.

This is the driveway not even an area of plowed snow.

I can't wait till the 24th, not that the cabin fever won't increase with a newborn. But my parents will be here from FL, and my husband has at least 4 weeks off from work. So the little guy, who is already acting unlike himself will have someone to get rid of his energy.

I will be thankful when the weather improves and spring arrives. I also can't wait to not be gigantically uncomfortable. I hope out there in blogland that you are not sharing the winter blues!

photo ops

2011-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to have an old nursing school buddy that has a flair for photography, offer to come take pics of my newborn. She wants more practice with newborns, and it just so happens I have one arriving. I have been admiring her work for awhile now, and I am super excited.

She is being so generous to make the trek up north. I have not seen Erin since college graduation in 2004. It is going to be a wonderful time of catching up and watching her work her magic on my kiddos.

You can see Erin and her sisters work here

http://shuttersistas.wordpress.com

Scared &#!^less

2011-01-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

So emotions have been hitting me hard lately. I know hard to believe that in my last trimester I am getting overly emotional. These emotions that I am feeling are new. I have been realizing that not only am I having a newborn but how that newborn is getting here. I admit that I feel cheated that I can't deliver vaginally. In know that my body would be so good at it.

Now though, I am getting nervous about having a c-section. I am ashamed to feel scared and anxious ( I am a surgical nurse after all). The last time I went through this I was exhausted from 10 hours of labor and pushing (plus drugs), I was totally out of it and don't remember the details.

This time I will be sober awake and aware of what is going on around me. I know my husband will be there but he is to put it nicely squeamish.

Another thing that will bother me is that I won't get to hold the baby, till after I am out of PACU. One of the things that I can recall is saying,

"Um....can I see my baby".

My whole family and husband got to enjoy him while I was sitting in recovery waiting for a spinal to wear off at least on hour.

Well in the end it is what is best for me and baby, and I will have a lifetime to hold and snuggle her. I just need to get over this fear.

scary face

2011-01-21T05:19:00.000-08:00

Well this is the only preview that we will get of our baby girl. After stripping away the layers of umbilical cord this is what we got. I Kind of think it looks like flames/smoke or that she is a ghost. I guess that means more surprise on D-day. Ahh.....what a long five weeks it will be.

trying not to freak out

2011-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

The thought of soon being a mother to a newborn, is starting to make me freak out. Remembering the sleepless nights, the constant attachment of a child to my breast, and total exhaustion. In an attempt to not feel overwhelmed I have been reminiscing of the past. I bought newborn diapers and placed them in the pseudo nursery, I had forgotten how tiny and adorable they are. Next I watched video clips from my son's first year. It is an amazing process to watch this tiny thing grow and learn so much in just a year. I am trying to view things in the whole big picture not the daily struggles of trying to survive the day without breaking down. In the end they grow up so fast. Watching my boy go from sitting up on his own, to eating his first solid foods, to crawling then walking, running, and talking, it has got me excited to watch this amazing process happen again.

I apologize for the photo montage, but like I said reminiscing is helping!

His first rice cereal

Crawling and trying to pull down the curtain

Not enjoying his first birthday cake

Seven more weeks and baby girl will be here. I am getting excited and trying not to freak out!

What is this?

2011-01-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

Well is it a closet, or a room? That would be my baby girls nursery. She won't have a room but a closet with dresser/changing table. The dresser has significance because it just so happens that it was my changing table when I was a wee lass.

Someday she will have her own room she just needs to be old enough to move to the downstairs with her older brother. I have officially signed the consent for her delivery on February 24th. I have a sneaking suspicion that she will not wait till this date. I have been having terrible Braxton Hicks contractions that hurt, and apparently it's normal that they are more intense with your second pregnancy.

I am predicting Feb 19, 2011 that Charlotte Alise will arrive at 8lbs 10oz and 20 inches long. Till then we are ready and waiting patiently to meet our baby girl!

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

Although a hectic start to winter, with house floods and fender benders we have managed to still enjoy playing outside. The boy loves sliding this year and is all about building forts and making snow angels.

I am super excited for Christmas this year. Jack has asked for Robots and candy canes. He was posing like a model for these pictures and was cracking me up.

I would post belly pictures, but I absolutely hate seeing myself pregnant. I am 30 weeks and probably in denial that this baby is coming soon. We have pretty much decided on Charlotte Alise for the name. We have no good ultrasound pics maybe next month we may finally catch a glimpse of her face.

Fall Rules

2010-10-29T16:16:00.001-07:00

I finally got my camera and pics situated. This was our trip to the orchard. We love fall!

It's a girl

2010-10-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

I found out yesterday that we are having a girl in February. We are very excited, I feel so blessed. Since we have gotten our new laptop, I haven't figured out how to get my pictures from my camera onto my comp. I am not very computer savy. I desperately need to because of all the wonderful things that I am hoping to crochet and sew for this baby. It is going to be my project this afternoon. So hopefully I can post some pics soon.

Another month

2010-10-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Bless me website for I have sinned, it has been one month since my last blog. It is not like I have great excuses. I have been really enjoying fall. Making lots of festive foods. I am thinking I might turn into a Macintosh apple, or a can of pumpkin.

We have also been battling illness. Last week my boy had a mysterious fever but no other really obvious symptoms. Till Mama comes down with a whole body ache, then whole body itch and painful rash on my hands. Apparently it is Hand, foot and mouth disease, and it is usually only common in children or pregnant women with low immunity. All in all we are well. We will be continuing our fall activities and maybe I will get a chance to post um.

Seriously Summer Slumped

2010-09-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

So the last time I blogged was in June. I was complaining about my month slump, which in turn has stretched into a summer slump. It is not like I have been doing nothing, we have actually been very busy this summer. Between camping, softball, traveling to NH and house repairs, we really have had no down time. What little downtime I have had, I have been busy creating a human in my uterus. That's right we are having number 2. I have completed the first trimester and have some returned energy. I have an overload of fall ideas to cook and create. I am hoping that I will no longer go through these terrible slumps, and neglect my blog. I guess only time will tell.

This picture was taken on Jack's 3rd birthday. A wonderful moment of rest captured by my MIL.

Month Slump

2010-06-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

After not posting for a month, I have decided it is sheer laziness. So in an attempt to make up for my blog laziness. Jack's godmother spoils him with random gifts, like this mini Adirondack rocking chair. After a few coats of stain. Voila!

First sweaters

2010-06-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a long time since I have blogged. We have been very busy with summer activities, and house repairs. I have had time to crochet 2 sweaters. Though I have yet to tackle the adult sweater I had practice on these darling Baby Kimono Wrap by Susanne Visch. It is a pattern that I got from ravelry I believe.

I am also enjoying the peonies that have recently bloomed in my yard. God bless the previous owners of the house for planting random perennials around the property. I have this to stare at while we eat stuffed shells for dinner. I have never made them before, so hopefully they will turn out.

busy spring

2010-05-24T05:20:00.001-07:00

I have been in a crafting funk. It seems like I have many projects and ideas but no inspiration to start something. I can't decide if it's because it's so nice outside and it feels wrong to be crocheting/sewing etc.

We have been enjoying the newest edition to our house.

We haven't done much else but play with his new swingset/playhouse. Hopefully the creative juices will start flowing again.

My stylist

2010-05-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Jack's new favorite pastime, doing Daddy's hair. He squirts and dry's and combs. It's too cute!

Time to get back

2010-05-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

After chatting with Julia at work today, I realized that I love camp and can't wait to go back and relax. Hard not to with a view like this. Can't wait to sit in the canoe on the pond, listening for the fish to swirl and jump all around me. I need to go fishing and soon.

Another adorable pattern

2010-04-23T07:11:00.001-07:00

I just finished Laura's V neck Capelet. It was a fun pattern, and I got to practice my shells. I decided to make a matching hat. I believe I used the same yarn as her pattern suggested but this seems larger than hers. Thanks again Laura for the pattern.

vintage gem

2010-04-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning my sons closet today. Which might seem like a small task, but not when his closet is half the size of his room. I found some interesting things. I had kept every piece of paperwork from when he came home from the hospital, pictures and manuals from when he was a baby and this vintage quilt.

It was made for my mothe,r for my baby shower, by the women who lived in our hometown of Wanakena. Each square designed by a different person. It is appliqued and signed by the woman who made it. I have been thinking about doing more quilting. I think this was a sign, to get the gears turning to make my own quilt. I call it vintage because it is 28 years old, that is vintage right?

Mistakes work out

2010-04-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generous Laura, I have completed another of her patterns. I ran out of yarn so it kind of turned into a little girls shrug after starting out as a vest. I finally found use for my gigantic pink buttons and added a flower. It is darling maybe someday I will find a little girl that could use my crocheted goodies. I am also in the process of adding my projects to ravelry. I am slightly moronic when it comes to those sorts of things.

Pattern by Laura Hooker

2010-04-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

I have attempted multiple times to download this picture to facebook and here. For some reason it is turned and I can't figure out how it turned. I had a lovely time using Laura Hooker's pattern. It is so adorable. I added a sage colored ribbon. I am not sure if this would even fit a newborn, maybe a doll perhaps. Her directions were fantastic, better than most that I have found on the internet. I am now attempting Laura's scoop neck vest, I am sure the pattern will be just as fantastic as this one was. Thank you Laura for keeping my crochet habit intact.

My Best friend Mary's Bag

2010-04-07T13:18:00.001-07:00

I am so happy that I had an afternoon to sew. I was feeling that I wanted to make a quilted/applique type bag, for my friend Mary. I got this idea from sew mama sew blogs scrap buster tutorial for a fall pillowcase. I used heat and bond for the first time today, it went fairly well.

She prefers a longer shoulder strap bag

The lining is batik. Her birthday is not until the 16th, but I don't think I can wait.

baby blanket complete

2010-04-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

I have slowly been working on a baby blanket. I am not usually a big fan of crocheted blankets, I picture all the the Afghans that my godmother made me as a child.

It is Alicia Paulsons Tiramisu Baby Blanket pattern that I found on ravelry.com. I changed some of the edging because the Suede is so thick.

It is crocheted with Lion Brand Suede and accented with sage colored Bernat bamboo yarn. It is very heavy and soft. It has it's mistakes but it was enjoyable to work on.

Lovely Easter

2010-04-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely day looking for eggs. Playing with the new goodies the Easter bunny brought and visiting my Grandparents in Lyon Mt. I have a few great pictures to share of our day playing.

Yes those are the stickers that the Easter bunny brought, on his forehead.

Mommy and Jack playing outside.

It was a wonderful day, and I hope the Easter's in the future are as lovely as this one.

Wishful thinking

2010-03-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

There are so many adorable patterns to crochet for females. I decided to have some wishful thinking and make a little girl hat, with brim. It can easily have the flower removed.

It is the first time I have worked with cotton. I am glad I stocked up on some to make some more of these adorable Cheri Hats pattern by Jennifer Harrell.

Springtime Memories

2010-03-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe what a difference a year makes in a child's development. Here Jack is last spring, enjoying the high water of the river, and dragging his wagon through the snow.

This spring we are enjoying new adventures outside, and trying to dress ourselves for outdoors. I have to give him credit for trying to get himself ready for playing outside. So he forgot his pants. He is turning into a little man and it is a joy to watch.

Finally a finished project.

2010-03-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have been having issues finishing crochet projects. This week I decided to try a go at some baby items. The first sweater failed. So I thought that I would try a hat from a pattern I got for free from Lion Brand. com.

It fits my friend Samantha's baby boy Colton. He is a smiley little love. I really dig the brim on the hat!

Change

2010-03-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Spring is time for change!

New bed for the boy

Devoting time outside and not in front of the TV

I have also decided to try a new focus for crocheting. The sweater is being put away for awhile. It is completly frustrating me. I am starting a collection of baby items. We are trying for baby number 2 and I am starting some new projects. A challenge for gender neutral at this point, but I can't wait to see what comes of the new yarn I bought today.

important lessons

2010-03-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have learned a few new important life lessons.

#1. I will never eat spaghetti sauce from a jar. The smell of the meat and vegetables sauteing was delightful. Not to mention the taste.

# 2. Never crochet using a small plastic needle. It will break on you, when you don't want it too. Like say when you are on your second attempt at your sweater.

And so it goes...

2010-02-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

So the weekend plan to finish the sweater is long gone. I decided after having it crocheted to the point to put my arms in the holes, it was more of a dress size. It was super long, and the cowl was gigantic. So I tore a months worth of work apart.

Lesson learned that gauge is extremely important when making a sweater. I am starting over and using a smaller hook. So hopefully a month from now, I will have a finished product.

Bedroom nook

2010-02-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

The new crochet nook in the corner of my bedroom is complete, with new chair, new ottoman and a cup of fresh brewed tea from one of my favorite mug.

This is the old view. Now it is understandable why a makeover was necessary.

I am hoping to get some nook time this weekend and finish the sweater that has been haunting me.

Free styling

2010-02-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

I am still waiting for yarn to finish my sweater that will be a weekend project (hopefully, snail mail allowing). I the meantime, I decided to modify a Tam hat pattern that I have. I didn't want it to beret-ish, just so that if I am wearing a hat, I can tuck my hair in it. Here is the finished product.

Behind me is the sneak peek of my new chair for my bedroom crochet nook. I will have a complete before and after picture in the next blog.

taking a break

2010-02-19T11:33:00.001-08:00

I have been at a standstill with my sweater endeavours. It sits sadly in my current crochet project basket, waiting for some more yarn.

In the meantime, I created a pink cloche for my friends niece. She apparently has a large head for a four year old. They find it hard to find little girly girl hats to fit her. This hat stretches to fit and fits my head. I am currently searching for the next new thing I want to create until my yarn arrives.

Recipe that no one should live without

2010-02-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have a tendency to subscribe to a multitude of magazines. I have collected over the years lots of recipes, to which I tear out and add to my recipe box.

The purpose of this box is to try recipes and decide as to whether the recipe is a keeper or not. My husband enjoys being a taste tester, I tend to add pounds to him in the winter. This recipe stood out in my mind. It has odd ingredients, Sour Cream???

Best-selling crumb cake

makes: 25 servings ( I should have looked at this before I made it)

prep:25 minutes

bake: 350 for 35 minutes.

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (18.5ozs.)

1 1/4 cups sour cream

1/3 cup vegatable oil

3 eggs

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Crumb topping:

3 3/4 cups of all purpose flour

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2tsp nutmeg

1 1/2cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Sour cream glaze:

10tbsp confectioner sugar

2 tbsp of sour cream

1. Heat oven to 350. Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Lightly dust pan with flour and shake out excess flour.

2. For cake: combine cake mix , sour cream, oil, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg in large bowl. beat according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

4. Meanwhile for topping blend flour sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and melted butter in medium bowl until mix is evenly moistened and clumps together.

5. Remove cake from oven. Sprinkle with crumbs (this will be thick layer). Return to oven; bake 15minutes or until crumbs are slightly set. Remove to wire rack and let cool completely.

6.For glaze whisk 8 tbsp. of the confectioners sugar with the sour cream in a bowl. Dust top of cake with remaining 2 tbsp of conf. sugar. Drizzle glaze on cake.

7. Brew your favorite cup of coffee and try not to eat more than one piece. Cake can be stored at room temp for 3 days. Believe me it will not last that long.

I am not usually a fan of cakes. They taste good, but if I were at a dessert buffet I would not choose cake.

This cake crumbled and melted in your mouth, serious this best tasting cake I have ever had!

Back into sewing

2010-02-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have been on such a crochet kick because of Laura and Julia, that I have not sewn in months. I decided that because the twins are always inspiring me with their crafting endeavours that I wanted to thank them.

They have inspired me to be crafty, and use skills that I had forgetten that I had. I dusted off the sewing machine and created these cute quick and easy crochet needle cases.

I consider myself a very lucky girl to have become friends with these unique women.

If you knew them you would probably guess which one belongs to which.

Laura's is on the left

Julia's is on the right

Laura has a paisley print, which I know she is very fond of.

Julia's button has a rooster on it, which reminded me of a past blog she had posted, about two adorable rooster tea cups.

May they be a constant reminder for my thankfulness of our friendship!

cowl

2010-02-07T10:32:00.001-08:00

While on Vacation I found myself missing my hooks and yarns. Before we left I finally got to use the yarn I was yearing to make a cowl with. I was also interested in making something with a large hook. It was a size Q hook. It was amazing how quick this whipped up.

My next crochet project will take a while, I am determined to make a sweater. We will see how it turns out.

Good times

2010-02-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Our vacation in Florida visiting my parents was amazing. Not only was it relaxing, my son had a great time and learned a ton.

The weather was not that great but we made the best by visiting the Florida Aquarium. I took a zillion picture but thought I would share a few of my faves.

I love the reflection of his face in the glass.

We also went to the Lowry Zoo. Jack learned so much about animals, he told me this morning

"Ma there is an alligator in my room, he pooped in my bed." Okay maybe not the best thing to say about alligators but at least he knows what one is.

He saw how piercing blue the tigers eyes were. He ran around all day from one animal to the next and then splashed around in the fountains. He may have been the only kid playing in the fountain, as it was only 60 degrees. The other Florida children in there sweatshirts were jealous.

One of the last things we did on the nicest day was visit Fort Desoto Park/ the Gulf of Mexico. The white sandy beaches and crystal blue water was breathtaking.

Jack searched for "she-shells".

Vacation was only made possible by my generous parents, who bought us plane tickets for Christmas. They opened there camper in Florida to us and we will always be grateful for this gift. It made us realize that we need to start saving money for future endeavors. It was a good time had by all.

vacation day before vacation

2010-01-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

I was called off today. Just what I needed a day to myself, and what to my surprise was dangling from my mailbox but the books that I ordered from Joann's. Finally time to relax and enjoy my new hooks and books. I finally got to use the yarn I have been dying to knit into a cowl for myself. I would have glorious pictures but my computer is not cooperating with downloading at this moment.

It was a vacation day before our first family vacation. My husband and I have never been on a trip together. He has never flown, and I have only flown once a long time ago. It should be an adventure with a toddler, but hopefully we will come away with lots of great memories.

So relaxation day will sadly come to an end because I have lots of packing to do.

more gifts to work

2010-01-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the lovely twins, my crocheting obsession is blooming. For Christmas I got a generous gift of a bag full of yarn skeins. I have found crocheting to be rather calming, and it keeps my mind busy.

The hat is my first completed crochet project. I used scrap yarn in white which I would never wear. I never thought I would be able to actually make it! So the next hat will be in yarn that I actually like.

The cowl however is in a green alpaca yarn! I love it! It can be worn as a hood or a scarf style as demonstrated in my terrible self photos.

The green doesn't really match my coats, looks like I will have to give this one away and start a new one!

christmas gifts to use

2010-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

After recently been through an emotionally trying time, I thought instead of wallowing all day, I would get busy. Busy minds don't have time to dwell. I decided to put some of my lovely Christmas gifts to work.

My countertop mixer. I have always wanted one, but not an expensive one. I don't do enough baking to justify a 400$ piece of equipment.

I decided to make some cookies. My husband likes it when I cook because he is convinced that I touch my butt. Well here is proof. My husband took the picture.

I do love my new mixer, it allows me to have the freedom to just throw all the ingredients in the bowl. The end outcome was successful.

A very Merry Christmas

2009-12-28T15:19:00.001-08:00

I was happy to see both my brothers home for Christmas. This is our traditional annual after church picture. I think next year things will be different with my sister-in-law having a baby in April, I am not sure they will be making the trek from NH.

After stuffed belly's and amazing gifts, our family made the drive home to Tupper for Santa's arrival.

Jack came out of his room and wanted to know where Santa was.

He was slightly cranky from the leftover croup that was lingering. But he had a busy day of going to Grandpa's and then Grandma and Grandpa's.

I have decided that it's time for Christmas to be over and have taken the decorations down. I feel that the new year will be started with a clutter free house. With lots of new toys to enjoy. By toys I mean some of the ones that I received. But that will be another blog stay tuned.

Oh Christmas Tree!

2009-12-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

We may not have the most beautiful artificial tree, but the Big lots 70$ special four years ago holds a special place in my heart. I think this picture is priceless. The pre-light tree may have a few strands out, it leans a little and it strangly skinny and tall, but it is all we could afford four years ago. We continue to hang the tree and remember our makeshift ornaments the first year we bent the top over to fit in our apartment. Our son thinks it is beautiful and that is all that matters.

Felted beauty!

2009-12-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished my first knitting project. It is a felted knitting needle wrap, for my daycare provider (who's knitting skills I drool over). The outside was just a simple all knit pattern, I then felted which was fun and exciting to keep checking the progress the yarn made in the washing machine.

I cut it to size and sewed in the lining added ribbon for closure and presto!

I am looking forward to more felting projects because I can hide my terrible knitting skills by washing it into a woolen fabric.

long time

2009-12-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

I have not blogged in a while, mostly because of laziness and general lack of creative things to blog about. Today my son and I decorated for Christmas. I was chuckling to myself as I pulled out a bag full of knitted nativity scene.

That's right knitted. My mother has a matching set. This set was knitted by my mother and given to my grandmother. When she passed away my mother thought that I would enjoy it. It has a special place in my house every year. Even if baby Jesus is shaped like a peanut! Tradition is tradition.

great hopes

2009-11-12T08:58:00.001-08:00

At the right is my first attempt at a knitting/crocheting needle wrap. I made it for myself since it is not up to par for a gift. I recently purchased the two books as well, thinking that if I had some knitting books I would instantly become the best knitter. I am not very good but practicing I think is key. We will have to wait and see if future blogs will contain my knitted creations.

Halloween Festivities

2009-11-04T06:13:00.001-08:00

We decided to attempt the pumpkin carving with our son. Everything was going well he enjoyed playing with the seeds and pumpkin innards. He even picked out a cute mickey mouse that my artist husband was going to carve on his pumpkin. I in the mean time was busy carving away on mine. I was finishing up and getting the candle ready. For the showing of my masterpiece.

Showing my son he let out a god awful scream. "Turn it off mommy, put it outside" he said between teary gasps. So needless to say we did not carve his pumpkin. My husband the artist did however finish his. It is a masterpiece.

So pumpkin carving not our best family activity at this stage of the game. Next year will probably be a different story. My son did however look adorable in his LumberJack costume, complete with chainsaw.

I hope that everyone had a lovely Halloween!

baking and sewing

2009-10-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

So this is the second pie I have ever made. It is apple pie for my father in law, his favorite. He just got diagnosed with myelofibrosis a rare blood disorder. Things look okay for now, but I decided that he may need a little TLC. I often feel he has been a good man his whole life and has been shit on time and time again. If only apple pie was the cure for blood disorders.

I was at the salon dropping a bag off for display when one of the girls asked me if I knew how to cover pillows. I immediately was thinking in my head can't be that hard. Sure I do and I will. They gave me the cloth and some pillows and to the basement I went. The salon needs them for their new pedicure bench. I got to work and added a little flair. I have a few more to go but I was pleased with the ones I did.

It seems most of my blogs are sewing and baking. Tis the season I guess.

Random

2009-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

The new carpet is in and we are loving it. For some reason the room looks bigger. Maybe because there is no clutter. Everything is back in order.

I spent the past weekend home with my son while my husband was at camp. My son likes to help in the kitchen so we made my easy garlic pull apart bread.

Heat oven to 350 degrees

In a small dish melt one stick of butter and whisk in one egg and sprinkle in some garlic powder. Take one loaf of thawed pre-made bread dough break into balls and dip in butter/egg mixture and place into a greased 9 inch baking dish. Let the broken dish of bread balls covered in mixture rise slightly. Bake 20-25 minutes till golden brown.

Jack enjoyed breaking the dough into balls. Much like his playdough. Hope you enjoy!

new bags

2009-10-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

With operation basement complete, my thoughts of sewing while my son is playing is sort of working out. Even though he has multiple toys to play with he still insists on playing with my button jars and cloth. I have been able to slowly work on my new bag design.

With bags not selling well I discussed with the girls at the salon what they felt customers where saying about the bags. There have been requests for bigger bags longer handles, basically a tote, and lower prices.

This has similar dimensions to the typical large ll bean type tote. I am able to make it cheaper because of no handles. I will see how they sell.

I also have been practicing my applique. This bag is a gift for my husbands grandmother who loves horses. She used to have her own but due to the work involved and her age she had to get rid of him. So this is the Stormy Bag.

For I little fall fun I also worked on this pumpkin. The cloth was a dollar at the store in town, so I couldn't resist.

So easy and fun, Jack thinks it's a ball.
I hope to get more bags made with the basement project complete. Hope to have new bedroom carpet pictures soon.

operation basement makeover

2009-10-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling rather cabin feverish and it is only October. Mostly because going outside poops my 2 year old out, and when we are stuck inside he gets bored. When he is bored he gets whiny. You get the idea.

I have a rather large basement filled with stuff. It is mostly rejected furniture that my husband and I have collected or that the people we bought the house from left here. I am reorganizing, decluttering, and wishing I had an enormous dumpster out back. I have no where to put this junk. I am not even sure where to donate it, there is some decent furniture that we have. I literally have 5 empty dressers in my basement. EMPTY!

I have now decided to put all this said junk into one of the vacant bedrooms no one sleeps there why am I keeping these deserted guestrooms neat and cluttering the living area with random piles of giveaways. If I ever have guests that stay I will keep one guestroom tidy.

I have decided that this weekend is our work bee weekend. My MIL wants to take our son for the weekend. I am taking the outdoor toys and bringing them into Jacks new play space in the basement. So when we are sick of playing upstairs there is a whole load of fun in the basement. Plus half of the room is my sewing space. So my hopes of my son jumping in his bouncy house and sliding down his slide while I am creating new things may come true. It is just going to take some work.

Aunt Reets Bag

2009-09-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well I have finished one Christmas present already. I know it's only October, but my aunt Rita is usually one of the last people that I purchase a gift for. Wracking my brain to come up with something that she doesn't have or actually needs. Well this year my mother said why don't you make her a bag. She would love that, something to carry her papers and books to and from museum meetings (she is a curator for the Lyon Mt museum).

She is my godmother her husband, my godfather Uncle Pete died when I was in college. They never had any kids, so her godchildren are like her little family. We have always exchange gifts, and she always gets me good ones. For my birthday this year she got me two framed scenic photos that are absolutely beautiful. I don't always get to see her that often so hopefully this bag will remind her that I am thinking of her.

She is a bird lover hence the pine trees with cardinals. I did my first applique and applied the R to the front pocket. It is also my first successful pocket. There is the pocket on the front and a double pocket on the inside. It feels like I am on the ball for this years holiday gift giving season.

I know the muffin man

2009-09-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

My son and I are going through outside withdrawal. The rain has kept us inside all week. Yesterday I was going nuts with my son. He needed constant attention and the normal activities were not keeping his interest. Today I decided I wanted to try a new recipe in the book I just got.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Maple butter.

My son helped me stirring while I added all the ingredients. He ran out of steam but was more than happy to do the dishes.

It kept us busy on a rainy fall day. My co-workers should enjoy them tomorrow.

Early Surprise

2009-09-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

I just recently read the book "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. Since college I have had a very difficult time finishing books. I have started numerous books but have never finished any. I could not put this book down. It makes my son mad, but hey I figure he will only see that mommy wants to read it must be something fun.

He will sit and read his books while I read mine but it lasts only moments.

My husband was not all that impressed by my new literary kick. Noticing that I was not paying attention to him in bed. He did comment that he was glad I was taking an interest in something an old/new hobby. I sometimes have difficulties with jealousy and my husbands hobbies. He plays in a softball league, a hockey league and fantasy hockey/baseball/football leagues. He gets a night away hanging out with the boys. I rarely have a night I get to go out of the house due to the fact there is nothing to do. I have over the years of our marriage made my own hobbies, cooking creative meals, sewing different things. Things to make me feel sane I guess.

My husband told me this morning as he snuffed about the house this morning before work, that he had a surprise for me. It is very hard for my husband to surprise me with anything because I am to perceptive. He would not give me details but I annoyed him with texts all day to butter him up for hints. He knows I can't stand not knowing what is going to happen this evening when he returns from work.

I was in utter shock when he walked in the door with a gift. Wrapped in pretty pink rose wrapping paper. Our 4 year wedding anniversary is this Thursday, I figured that we would just go out to dinner our usual. I opened the gift and there was another wrapped gift. This gift was unusually heavy. I was very confused. I tore open the next package and there is was.

There in hardcover beauty. He knew that I was close to finishing my mothers copy of the first one and I was going to borrow the next. He was going to save it until our anniversary but didn't want me to have to wait. He also added to the surprise time. Free time to read or sew. He took my son to his cousins house for dinner. I got hours to read and didn't have to make dinner. By far the best anniversary gift. An Early surprise.

Inspired

2009-09-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

When I first started blogging I was not sure that I was going to stick with it. I was thinking what in my life is that interesting to share. But slowly, as I read back through my old posts I am finding more and more things to blog about. Maybe some of my newest hobbies were started because I needed something to blog about. I started this blog last spring, as I am reading through I have realized that some of the things that I have created have benefitted my well being.
I have enjoyed blogging more than I ever thought I would. I am excited to find more inspiration and share some more of my creations whether cooking, sewing or crafting.

so thank you blog

baby hats

2009-09-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

I had hopes of making my son some more pajama pants but I really had no cloth that was soft and cozy enough. I decided to spend some time researching new ideas for Christmas gifts. I found a tutorial on making baby hats from old t-shirts. How perfect since I just cleaned out my closet in preparation for the new carpet.

My friends just had a baby and had no luck in the hospital with the knitted hats they make. They were too small for the baby's head. I whipped these two hats up in literally 10 minutes. I think the moose at the bottom of the hats is adorable. What an awesome idea. You have to love the Internet for giving me patterns and tutorials. Next project will be making a bag for my godmother. She is impossible to buy for and will probably be in shock when she finds out that I sew now. She has always made me homemade knitted treasures. She loves birds so I found the prettiest cloth for her bag.

Winter bag

2009-09-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

One of my customers, well really my only customer had a request for a winter patchwork bag. I had the cloth for a while and slowly worked on it. The colors are christmasy but I add light blue for the lining and handles to have more of a winter feel. I fell in love with it and I hope she does as well. She must love them considering I have now made her the summer, fall and winter editions of the bag.

southern comfort food

2009-09-22T07:51:00.001-07:00

I was feeling the fall cooking bug and decided it was time to try my hand a pulled pork. It is one of my husbands favorite meals. I found an easy crockpot recipe. I put the 3lb pork roast in the slow cooker with salt pepper and water. After 9 hours of smelling delicious pig cooking it was ready for shredding and seasoning. I had gotten the idea from the food network to add coleslaw to the top of my pulled pork sandwich. It was so easy and so yummy! Tonight I am trying a beef roast with carrots onions and potatoes. Perfect for a rainy day inside.

sewing vibes

2009-09-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling some good creative sewing vibes lately. Feeling like purses are overwhelming me and I have not been wanting to sew because all I am making is purses. I am limited as to what to sew because I have no patterns and limited cloth selections.

I was looking through a garbage bag of cloth that my husbands grandmother gave me, and found an adorable pattern that would make a lovely gardening apron. So I tried my first pattern making with my husbands old art sketch pads.

After finding coordinating cloth and ribbon I was on my way. Measuring to my body, even though it's not for me.

After the finished product I was upset. The ribbon for the waste ended up wrapping around my lower ass. How could I have measured that wrong. Frustrated I put it aside and started a different project. Taking my mind away for a few minutes I decided to try it on again. All that hard work couldn't be for nothing.

As I was tying the band up around my waist I had an idea. Make a fold and voila pockets.

Some extra ribbon and here you have it, A gardening apron for my mother in-law. It has accidental pockets where the buttons are.

Project for the weekend will be attempt #2 at pajama pants for the boy.

who would?

2009-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday while I was at work my husband calls me all shook up. He witnessed someone stealing our sons coupe out of our driveway. He made it out the front door in time to catch the plate# and look the woman in the eyes.

How crazy and unbelievable is that.

I could not even grasp that someone would do such a thing in Tupper.

After statements and being up late Sat. night when I had to work 12 hours on Sunday.
The police called and they found the car. I don't know if they ticketed the lady or what the deal is but I don't really care as long as I didn't have to explain to my son that his car is gone. He has been at my mothers all weekend. We are still waiting for the police to drop it off.

After a strange weekend I am glad all turned out well.

ouside

2009-09-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

My son has recently gotten into watching movies. In fact if I watch 101 Dalmatians one more time I might vomit. So this morning our conversation went as follows;

Me: Jack do you want to go outside?

Him: Ou-side , no want to watch doggies

Me: Oh no it's nice outside let's go check the plums, ride your tractor, make a sandcastle

In my head I am thinking oh no he is watching to much TV. So I wrangle him up, wrestle clothes on him and out we went. To my dismay this is what we saw

NO PLUMS!!!!!!!!! Not even evidence that they even existed, not even on the ground. My husband was right (don't tell him I said that). Those damn raccoons ate them all.

I should have let my husband shoot them. Well at least I was able to unglue my son from the living room and enjoy the last days of nice weather.

He did play on his tractor

I will get over my plums, I just pray that next year we get more. I have now found 3 plum recipes that will get tucked away till next summer.

Feeling Fall

2009-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love the fall, it is my favorite time of year. This fall I have some goals I would like to accomplish.

#1 new carpet in bedroom

#2 paint laundry room it is all white in there still. Only room upstairs in our house that has not been painted. Still trying to decide on colors and possible feeling I want in the room. I still want it to be bright and cheery because that might be more inviting when I have loads of laundry piled in the middle of the floor.

#3 Start working on Christmas presents. Now I know you think it is early but I have limited sewing time.

#4 Increasing my fall baking and cooking recipes. Now that it is chilly there is an excuse to warm up the house.

#5 Now I know this may sound shocking but I am going to get the raccoons that have eaten all of my plums. Seriously my dad even told us to shoot em, and he is a forest ranger.

Needless to say I am excited to bundle up for fall.

What is that smell!?????

2009-08-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well I have always known that I wanted to replace the carpet in our bedroom. The 1990 dusty rose thick carpet is not exactly the style I had in mind. I figured we would deal with that in a few years, like as if I continue my life I will someday have extra money that I am going to spend on non-essential house fixings. I was not ready however to be tearing up one corner of my room ripping out the baseboard radiators and getting on my hands and knees to smell the carpet. Let me explain.

I have always considered myself to have a hound like sense of smell. This may come in handy,someday but really I just can smell crap from a mile away. For as long as we have lived in our house (which is 4years this month), we have always found our bedroom to have a funky smell. We had the carpets cleaned before we moved in and have faithfully clean them. We got a rug cleaner for a gift at our wedding, and own 2 Dyson's, that is how much we like clean rugs.

Until recently has this funk become unbearable. I kid you not I can't sleep at night because I am wondering what died in our bedroom. After days of speculating the stench and pretty much vacating the room, it was determined that a large area of our carpet was putrid. Armed with steam cleaners and spotbots we cleaned that rug after each clean it smells better, then it drys back to the same funk.

We decided to rip up that corner. Could something have crawled under there and died. No visible spot to be found. Perplexed I have litterly tried everything that I can to clean this. At ll pm last night I decided that I was going to rip up the padding and throw it away, we are going to need a new capet there is no getting the smell out.

Well I will be researching capets online whilst my son naps so I had better get to work.

more creations

2009-08-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

A new creation from the book I bought. I love the flap closure but I would place the handles differently. It is for my friend Lisa who will no longer be a co-worker. I hope she enjoys it. It was a challenge to make something new, and it felt wonderful to complete it. It turned out better than the bridal clutch that I am trying to make her!

win some lose some!

2009-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

With my new book and a few days off, I created this new bag for myself. Very earth toned, but is a beautiful shoulder bag and alternative to using expensive handles.

I can't get over how sturdy this purse feels. It's handle has interfacing in it. I was concerned that my machine could handle it.

I also worked on a handheld clutch with great thoughts of making a wedding bag for a friend who is getting married in February. The white satin was expensive and I wanted extra in case of screw ups. Well it is finished, but I'm afraid if my friend used this clutch for her wedding it would end in divorce. It is absolutely ugly. I can't even show a picture. I think that the satin looks wonderful but not in this form it looks cheap. Well i guess there is hope, the wedding is not till February. I may possibly find a different pattern.

On a none sewing note my husband's dreams came true. We purchased a truck, and after hours of endless speeches about the thousand of reasons we NEED a truck, we found one that suited our needs.

New book!

2009-08-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased Bag Bazaar by Meaghan Avery, and I am so in love. She went to the same high school as I did, and I think it is amazing that she has succeeded and made a career out of sewing. I have an oppurtunity to make a fabric trip on Thursday and I am so excited. I am pondering trying out some new fabrics such as tweed and even satin. I have agreed to make someone a wedding clutch so I see lots of white satin in my future. Can't wait!

proud mother

2009-08-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

My son yet again has proved me wrong. He unlike what I totally expected slept in his bed all night. He didn't even get out in the morning. He was singing and I went in and I got

"mommy I wanna get out"

I feel like I may be jinxing his success so I am not going to jabber on, it has after all only been one night. But needless to say I think I had a bad bought of PMS this month and I am feeling much better today.

not fit

2009-08-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have lately been having feelings of why did I become a mother. Then after those feelings comes guilt for feeling that way. I am not sure if this is a bad case of PMS or maybe this is the way every mother feels. Needless to say my son was stirring at 7 this am and I of course got up and made my pot of coffee and poured him his juice that he prefers to have immediately upon arousal. Well to my surprise when I opened the door this morning there was a "hi mommy"
with my son standing in the middle of his bedroom blankeys in tow. Ugh..... I thought I am so not ready for this step in his life.

So I did what I always do when I have no idea how to handle mommy situations got to my bookshelf and read up on transitioning to a toddler bed. I thought I would get some ideas reassurance etc. Instead I am left more confused. Is he ready? Is he going to break his neck by climbing out? Can I use a crib net?(which sounds like I am fishing). I am scared I will lose my finally sleep filled nights. He is a cry/talk himself to sleep kind of kid. I don't feel he is ready to understand that he needs to stay in his bed. The worst part about it was that I didn't even hear him climb out. No loud thuds at all. I am torn, sometimes being a mom blows, they should tell you that before birth.

goodies in the backyard

2009-07-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

These little beauties are growing in our backyard! I counted the little suckers there has got to be more than 50. I just spent an hour going through my old cookbooks and found 2 recipes containing plums. At least we think they are plums. I hope they don't get eaten by the animals there have been lots of bear craps in our yard. This woman knows her poop.

Shocking!

2009-07-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

After a long weekend of working 24 out of the last 48 hours, I walked into a spotless house to find these on the counter.

My husband and son picked these from the yard and put them in a vase. I almost thought I was walking in the wrong house. He almost never does dishes let alone run the dishwasher and put them away. Laundry was complete washed,dryed, and put away. He even vaccummed. Now I have the day tomorrow to spend qt with my son and time for myself during his nap.

creations

2009-07-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have a friend that was asking if I had seen any good fabric with grey and purple hues. So on my last trip to the fabric store I searched high and low for this color combination. Without success I gave up and figured maybe I would do a search online. Then one day while my son was strewing my cloth around the basement, I spotted a remnant rolled up wad of grey fabric. As I felt the fabric and ironed it out, I had a thought. I think I have some purple ribbon hanging around that I picked up from a bargain bin. With some luck I found another fabric remnant that I had picked up from the bargain bin. I created this for my friend Danielle.

My last bag I made I had some ooh and ahhhhs about the flower. I decided that I should come up with a different kind of flower. With my husbands suggestion the flower on this bag is removable.

It was more enjoyable to make this purse because I feel like I created this purse for. I didn't just use someones fabric design, I used my own creativity to make a grey and purple purse.

B's Bags update

2009-07-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Had the chance to sew all day today. Had to pay for daycare so might as well send the kid right? Well up bright and early with coffee in hand to my basement I went. I wanted to get some purses for the salon finished. I am taking some of the previously made ones out to sell in another local store. The lady that runs my son's daycare is also a craft enthusiast but she knits her bags. She agreed to try to sell my bags with hers at the local store plus take some to the craft fairs that she attends.

I have been experimenting with the stitching on my machine.

This is attached to this.

I didn't want to give this one away. I ordered those handles online. Next I worked on this little gem I saw the pink handles and thought they were so cute.

This next one I made has fabric from Village Comforts in Lake placid I added a flower embellishment after I took the picture.

It was a lovely day, I wish I didn't have to leave my basement/ sewing nook, but I guess I have to face reality at some point.

Stitch this Stitch that

2009-07-21T19:45:00.001-07:00

This is the patchwork bag that the lady I previously sold the last patchwork bag to ordered. She wanted earth tones, which I hope is what I created. On the handles I used a special stitch and to attach the handles to the bag used another.

I hope that the customer enjoys the motif I have picked out. I am starting to get in a groove for patchwork bags. But Thursday is my sewing day new creations gotta bust out some regular purses for a while. Also I sold another bag at the salon.

My new machine sings to me!

2009-07-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

I got called off on Sunday, and was pleasantly surprised by a few hours kid and husband free. I had one immediate thought, to finally get to use my new baby. I finished my bag.

My machine is awesome, it is much easier inserting a zipper when you have a functional zipper foot! I hope that the woman who I made this bag for enjoys it, as much as I enjoyed making it.

My baby is not a baby anymore!

2009-07-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

My son is two. I wanted to try and have a fun day that didn't require extravagant things. Much to my dismay when the kid has 3 sets of grandparents each that only have 1 grandchild (Jack) let me just say that the kid is spoiled. I don't think that he knows it yet, but I am going to give that time.

My husbands father stopped by early this morning to drop off this gift.

We then got dressed walked outside to find this gift from his parents. It is a sand and water table, or as I like to call it the mud table.

It was so windy that his Uncle Beav flew a kite with him which I am convinced was the favorite part of his day. He watched me decorate the cake which was hard to explain why he couldn't eat it at that moment. With some swift distraction from my husband. He enjoyed his new race track and cars.

Then dinnertime came with more present and the crazy gifts that ensued. I am not sure it what my mother in-law got my son is a savior or the worst thing that could have ever happened. Right now there is no room in my sons room because he has a 6x6 blow up jumper in his bedroom.

I think that he realized that it was his birthday when the cake came out. He actually new to blow out the candles. Such a huge difference from last years birthday. I reminisced and was watching old videos. Maybe it was to torture myself with the fact that my son is growing up and that scares the shit out of me.

Don't waste the sunshine!

2009-07-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a very rainy summer. I was excited in June thinking what great times I will have with my son at the beach. I was a river kid and always swam every day in the summer even when the water was turn your lips blue cold. Since we apparently are living a monsoon summer there was a break of rain in the forecast so Jack and I took advantage and hauled our boating/beach gear up to Wanakena to go on my parents boat.

We went to an island and had a picnic. My father the ranger wanted to cook some hot dogs on a fire. He collected some wood and in no time there we were cooking dogs.

We then drove around the lake while the boy snoozed in the boat. My dad and I had a great chat about the lake certain hunting areas. He was glad I was interested. On the way home the clouds were breathtaking.

Just in case anyone wants to know, this is the way from Cranberry Lake turning into the Oswegatchie river at wanakena. This rock always cracks me up!

Closer to Wanakena we spotted a bald eagle preying around an osprey nest. I at least tried to get this one camera since the last one that I saw I didn't have my camera.

If you look close you can see it! They are amazing.

It was a lovely day I truly believed that had the water been warmer, my son would have went all the way in. He loves the water and I pray for some warm weather to get the river slightly warmer. I did jump in but it was only because I had a sunburn and needed to cool my burn down. It was a lovely day, thank god my parents are around and have a boat.

Birthday gift!

2009-07-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my mother dragged me shopping. I was feeling rather sorry for myself on my birthday. I actually had thoughts of locking myself in my house and not going anywhere. Thank god she forced me to go shopping in Watertown none the less. With my father watching the boy my mother and I trekked off with the first stop Joann's of course. I purchased cloth to make a patchwork bag. I am not thrilled about making this bag but did enjoy matching and picking out the cloth for it. To my surprise my mother said. Why don't you pick out a sewing machine I will help you pay for it. Okay I was thinking, now what do I want in a sewing machine. Well after looking in Walmart and comparing with Joanns I got this.

My mother is the best and even though we have completely different tastes in cloth, she helped me figure out which cloth to buy for the purse

I have only used my machine for a few brief moments due to nap time being over, but I look forward to the next few days. It purrs like a kitten. I had a lovely birthday with a finish of my mothers peanut butter pie, a birthday tradition.

no camera

2009-07-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend with my husband at his camp. I did not bring my camera due to the massive amount of rain predicted. I wish I would have on Sunday the sun was out and to the pond we went. I have decided to just list some of the things I would have gotten a picture of:

5 lbs large mouth that I caught, doe and fawn, bald eagle with fish in his talons, lilly
pads blowing off the water from the wind, my husband in his one man catamaran.

It was a gorgeous day and a wonderful weekend. I have gotten addicted to fishing and now understand why my husband wants to go all the time. Being out there in a canoe on Woodbury pond was so relaxing and exciting. The fish are amazing! I spent the whole weekend trying to catch one. The totals were my husband 2, my brother-in-law 3, and me 2. Next step will be for me to actually take the fish off the hooks. I am not that brave yet. Had I brought some work gloves I would have.

I am so excited to have had the weekend away. Back to real life now.

sold 2

2009-07-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have sold two bags and on my way to making back the money I have spent so far. I am still experimenting with the zipper and have found out that I am not that great with them. In fact I think I really need to start looking for a new sewing machine. I can't seem to get the tension right.

My mother has also opened my eyes to a new project that we would like to try. It involves covering a rope (clothesline) by wrapping cloth around it, then sewing them into different shaped objects such as baskets even purses. They look rather difficult but something that we want to try none the less.

wonderful sunday!

2009-06-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful Sunday! First of all I got called off from work, then to find out my husband and son would not be home all day! I brewed the coffee and by 8:30 the house was mine. I have worked on some newer sewing projects. Some embellishing

To a new handbag

I got some great handles in the mail the other day to create this adorable purse. I think this fabric is so girly and fun.

I wanted to practice my zipper skills (which are pretty crappy). By making a wristlet. I find it to look more like a cosmetic bag but either way it was scraps left over from the first bag I ever made! I can at least show this one to the public.

I tried to square out the bottom and it is lined. I should have used interfacing to make it stiffer but it is cute none the less.

It is now 3:00 and I the day is not over. Going to go pick up my son and hopefully the family will continue to find something new and fun to do. Maybe check out the new playground in the junction.

give it time

2009-06-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

So I have not sold a purse at the salon yet. My husband says give it time. My best friend says that its a salon and the same customers keep repeatedly going in there. She has a good point. I am actually relieved because I was feeling overwhelmed for a little while that I had to make all these purses and it was kind of taking the fun out of sewing for me. So I have decided to keep making purses at a slower pace and to experiment with fun new projects. I made a wristlet the other day. It was not worth taking a picture of because I used scrap pieces of cloth and did I forget to mention that I don't own a zipper foot. I am hoping the birthday gods will bring me a sewing machine!

cuttin room

2009-06-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well today was the day I completed 9 purses to hang in the local salon. I am very excited and interested to see if they sell. It could be interesting to see people around town with purses made by me, they wouldn't even know that I made them.

I made the girls some cup cakes for being so generous. My husband designed a logo for me.

I have decided to take the night off from sewing. I wanted to catch up on blogging and to research new projects. I hope the next blog will be updated with good news!

So excited

2009-06-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

I have spoke with the lovely ladies of The Cuttin Room, and they have graciously decided that I can sell my purses in their salon. I am beyond excited and am now getting stressed out because I have no time to make all of the purses that I want to. I am awaiting a shipment of interfacing from Joann fabrics, and it is stressing me out because I have a stretch of days off next week and when I tracked the shipment today it may not be here till the 23.
As an added bonus, while I was at the salon a woman who works at the furniture store in town said that I can have the remnant and sample fabrics that they have for free. The girls at the salon are excited as well since they are getting some free purses. Now I just need some time.

Rainy day pondering

2009-06-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

So I have been pondering this purse making. I am questioning why I am making them. First I wanted to make one for myself. Then it turned into making them for some friends and giving them away. As I have realized the expense of that, I am pondering why I am making all of these purses. My friend steph who I made a purse for called me to tell me that she had used it in the local grocery store and had many complements. A few people were asking where she got it, and if there was a website. I don't feel that I am into the whole website aspect of it. But as I was getting my sons hair cut today, the hairdresser M offered up the idea of selling them in their salon. Many women pass through there daily. So until I figure what I want out of this, I am going to continue to try new purses, and even keep a few for myself.

a pile of stuff = treasure

2009-06-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

So while I was rearranging my basement, I had a thought. Most thrift stores aren't crazy about clothes giveaways, and some of our old clothes were in tough shape. I had not even looked at this pile of stuff that I was going to through into a garage sale in over a year. So during my son's nap time I came into the basement and to my surprise salvaged some pretty good things. I have started a button jar. My mother always had one and I can remember as a kid playing with them while she sewed. I took some buttons, zippers, straps, drawstrings, and fabric from our old clothing. Why not use the old sheets as linings or whatnot. This to me is amazing because it is not often that I get to the fabric store. I am excited about my thriftiness, and will continue to do my search for treasures. Needless to say our pile of give away stuff has been reduced, and my goal this weekend is to get rid of it all.

trip with my son

2009-05-29T20:00:00.001-07:00

My son and I recently took a trip to New Hampshire to visit my brothers. My husband lets just say decided to stay home (not going to even get into that). I tried to look at it as mommy and Jack's little adventure. It was a lovely trip with my parents and son. Even though I was exhausted, I had a moment today when Jack was being whiny and clingy, that I realized he has a lot of words that he says that only I can understand. Here are a few examples

beesy beesy pider = the itsy bitsy spider

money money money = merrily merrily merrily

bush a tee= brush my teeth

fruitin's = fruit snacks

roni = macaroni

To give a few examples I probably can't explain how cute it is when I realize what he is saying. I feel like a translater at times, but I would not want it any other way.

nook

2009-05-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today I finally got some work done in my much neglected basement. My mother god bless her volunteered to help. I have a pile of stuff that I have been meaning to donate or dump. I separated them into different piles. Plus I Found good use to our old computer desk, and an old shelf.

I got the ironing board at a flea market in NH for 5$. It is very sturdy has a shelve under it and a separate holder for the iron.

After putting my son to bed I couldn't wait to go sew in my new nook. I was working on a purse when clunk. Sewing machine busted again. Tried to fix it to the best of my ability. Hopefully my mother will be able to fix it for me again.

god bless naptime

2009-05-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Another bag! It only takes an hour for me to make. I altered this one to make a square bottom, and used stiffer interfacing. It is amazing fabric. I keep saying that I am making it for someone but I want to keep them all. I don't usually go anywhere to showcase my purses, but they make me feel good.

hot beverages and sewing

2009-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well all I wanted for mother's day was time to myself to sew. My wish granted, for 2 hours this afternoon I got to make a bag. I am in love with it. I didn't have a pattern but a tutorial that Julia sent me on a blog. I actually made 2 of them this afternoon. My mother fixed my machine and so far is working well. I am super excited that I don't have to work until thursday.

creation

2009-05-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

I finished my first sewing project. I can't believe it. I actually had to hand stitch the handles on becuase my second sewing machine I think is broken. I am so excited, and sad that I have no more cloth to start a new project. I hope I can go on Monday to get something, I am thinking about placemats or something for the house.

Thanks MOM

2009-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

I love my mother. She brought up her old sewing machine today for me to keep. I needed to have a different machine, because the one I have is broken. So on Monday my mother went with me and my not so fun to shop with toddler to Malone. The necessities were purchased at Joann's. She then came back up to my house today to bring me her old machine, plus she helped me with yard work. My mother and I don't always do projects well together, but she let me do it myself. She stood by, and watched me figure it out on my own. The bag I am making is sort of difficult for a beginner (so my mother says). It is almost like quilting with all the patchwork. I got 2 hours in during Jacks nap then I got another 90 minutes will he went to a baseball game with my husband. I wish I had more time. I am also thankful that my mother loves me and my son sooo much. She is the greatest woman.

stromboli oli oli

2009-04-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

I made my first ever Stromboli. I didn't use a specific recipe but combined a multitude of Stromboli recipes. The dough was actually frozen dough that I thawed and rolled to 11x18. I then added some pepperoni and salami with mozzarella cheese. Rolled up the dough tucked in the edges and baked at 375 for about 20 minutes. I am now in love because this can be altered to whatever ingredients that we are in the mood for. I think it would be good with turkey and veggies, or ham and cheese. My husband is not a fan of vegetables which is why I tried the Italian mix. Delicious!

our easter

2009-04-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

My husband and I were feeling kind of guilty that we didn't do a whole lot of Easter activities with our 21 month old. I guess I found it hard because I was raised Catholic, but don't find myself an active member like I was forced to be in my youth. I was almost confused to be teaching my son about the Easter bunny, what does a bunny have to do with Christs resurrection.

So with my confusion I decided to not overload my son with Candy, in fact he was slightly disappointed in the two jelly beans that he found in each plastic egg. He doesn't eat alot of candy, not that I am against it but that we just don't have alot around. He found each hidden egg around the living room(only hid six) and that was that. I think that he mostly enjoyed watching and helping make a bunny cake. I am not much of a baker but my mother in-law dropped off a Wilton bunny shaped cake pan. We whipped that up last night and Jack watched me he held the mixer for a minute. He was happy just bouncing around the kitchen singing bunny cake, bunny cake.

My grandparents in Lyon Mt., is were most of our lives have spent every holiday there. It would seem rather insane to most. Some history on the Siskavich's, they are very Catholic and obviously didn't believe in birth control. My father is the oldest of 13 children. 10girls and 3 boys. There are approximately 50 people at any holiday packed into a small house. There are two picnic tables, one in the living room and on the back porch. A fact I found funny today was that my father was mashing potatoes with a tool that they used to mix cement. It looks just like a potato masher but 10x the size.

Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils are a must, no one wants to wash that many dishes. After desserts that is when the bracket comes out. Yeah, like a sports tournament. Then it is the egg knocking contest. My grandfather numbers all the eggs, numbers from a hat so on and so forth. The last one with non dented egg wins. We have recently added money and the pool was worth 35 bucks.

Jack had a blast and actually remembered their house. He hadn't been there since Jan. and wanted to know were Santa was. He enjoys his crazy aunts who force kisses upon him. He was leary at first but after 5 min he warmed right up.

It was a lovely Easter. I may not have come up with a reason for teaching my son about the easter bunny, but we started and continued some great family traditions.

Lights

2009-04-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

So while my father was here installing my new faucet, he also installed my new master bathroom lights. They have been sitting in the box since after Christmas. I am so excited that slowly the house is becoming what we want it to be. There used to be glass plated gold chandeliers. The previous owners of our house were a lovely french Canadian retired couple whose taste were lets say eighties. The next project I want to tackle is the laundry room. I am trying to find a shade of green that I like. We also want to replace the carpet in our bedroom. Mauve is really not fitting my new color scheme. Before replacing the carpet we want to get a new dresser set. It is fun to have goals for our house and I don't feel rushed to do things around here because lets face it we have a lifetime to do it. I just hope my father is around to help out and teach my husband and I some things.

everything but the kitchen sink

2009-04-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

So I was on my third or fourth load of dishes today, and all of a sudden my feet are getting wet. Well of course I have a leak in my faucet. The faucet itself is corroded. When we bought this not so old house almost 4 years ago, it was only 9 years old. We have hard water despite the softener and filter that we use. We have in 4 years replaced our; washer, dishwasher, sink drains, and hot water heater. It is frustrating to me because my husband is not a handy-man. We are learning but thank god my father who is a self taught plumber, electrician, and carpenter lives only 45 minutes away. I love my parents, if it were not for them I would be in big trouble. We have known for a while that we would have to replace the faucet but all in all it could not have been better timing. My parents are making a trip to Lowes tomorrow for their own renovations, and I gave them the name of the new faucet that I want. So yeah for my new faucet being put in on Tuesday. Until then I hope the bucket will catch the floods.

movie making

2009-04-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am always stumped as to what to get my mother for gifts. I have been working on this video for my mother, possibly for mothers day. I am still working on it but this is a start. I am going to make one for my mother-in-law as well. I am obsessed with black and white photos. Some of them I used a brown scale finish.

Experimenting with the camera

2009-03-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pics from my walk in Wanakena. This is the Oswegatchie River which usally has a dark brown color. Surprisingly on the walk I could see the bottom of the river. The water was very low for this time of year. I am standing on the bridge looking down.

I think that this picture of my mother and son is precious. I am going to make a large copy and frame it for my mother. In black and white of course. I like the shadows of the trees on the road.