Saying Goodbye to Man's Best Friend

Hey Everyone, I hope you're all doing well. Our past few weeks hasn't been the best, we had to let our old lab {Tobie} go last Friday. It was such a horrible decision to make... I kept asking him to go in his sleep so we didn't have to wonder if we were making the right decision. Of course being the stubborn old guy he is, he didn't listen to me. Tobie was getting up there in age - 14 years, he had many tumors all over, he had arthritis, he was overweight {should've been around 60 lbs but topped at 93.7 last Friday}. When we remodeled the house, we went to ceramic tile in the main areas. That was good for him on hot days- he loved to lay on the cool tile but while walking around, he lost his footing a lot and combined with arthritis, he'd go flat more often than not. He was a good sport but we worried he might break a leg or get stuck when we weren't home. We also have two Italian Greyhounds {I'm sure I've spoke about them one or fifty times in the past}. Mia, our most recent rescue, LOVED Tobie. She would hug his neck and clean his teeth. I know, it's gross, I get dry heaves just typing it. She is having a hard time adjusting. More than once she'll just sit in the middle of the room and cry. Our first Italian Greyhound Abby, doesn't seem to be phased by his passing.
This is a picture I took on Friday. I loved it when he would lay like this.

And here's one from his younger years...

Watching Spork ..... wishing....

That's all for now. Happy Memorial Weekend!!
Until Next Time,


  

Hey Everyone!
I know it's been a long while since last post.... I've either had SO much to say that I didn't say anything or I've been so busy and wasn't able to find an extra minute. Or to be honest, I'm so hooked on Instagram! I find myself spending way too much time there, that goes for Pintrest too. Have you checked them out?
How was everyone's Valentine's Day, St. Paddy's Day and Easter Sunday? They all seemed so close together this year and the decorations were hardly on display for very long.  Now there is nothing until July 4th. {Can you tell I like to decorate my house? Any little excuse will do!}
Shop News: With the help of hubby, I'll be slowly adding pet items to the shop. He has some great ideas and I know how to work the sewing machine. Now we have something to do while waiting patiently for future grand babies. {No pressure newlyweds}. In the midst of venturing back into my sewing room, I've decided I need to get a handle on my fabric stash... it has grown way out of control.  Which brings me to one of my favorite blogs/newsletters:   EVERYTHING ETSY.   I happen to stumble across a couple of posts with ideas on organizing your craft room. Specifically Fabric. So timely!  CHECK IT OUT HERE.  I have to say, EVERYTHING ETSY  is jam packed with so many great ideas, tutorials, hints & tips to name a few.  Talk about spending a lot of time on a website!!
What do you do to keep your fabric or craft room under control? I'd love to hear your ideas.

 Until Next Time,

Five Dollar Friday!

Hey Everyone!
I've been meaning to post about one of my favorite Etsy shops,  MICHELLE PATTERNS ETSY SHOP    OR   MICHELLE PATTERNS  {her Dot Com Shop}. Every Friday she offers her awesome patterns for only $5.00.  Such a deal!  The patterns that I've purchased have been super easy to follow and the finished product turns out so cute. Also if you have any questions, she's very easy to communicate with. In the past, I've sent an email and heard back right away.
I know it's afternoon already here in Calif. but hopefully you'll have a better memory than I do and will go shopping next Friday at Michelle's!

February has flown by much quicker than January did.  My FAV holiday is Valentine's Day. I just love decorating with all the Pink, red, lace and fluffy sparkle. And that's just my wardrobe!  Hahaha, just kidding...   I really meant my house but I do "dress up" for work as well.  I take advantage of being a pediatric nurse because with kids, I get to be a little goofy and get away with it.  So red flashing heart earrings & necklace, scrub tops with hearts all over and matching socks. Believe it or not,  simple things like that can make that shot I give them, hurt just a little bit less.... so far it hasn't backfired and scared anyone away! I'm lucky to have such a great job, awesome boss and co-workers and little patients, too.

My niece and nephew came out to visit over the long weekend - President's weekend here and it's also their birthday's. They used to stay summers with us but the last couple years they've signed up to be in the working world and it's not so easy to take off 2-3 months. Now they've got bills to pay: car, auto ins. etc. 
Here's a picture of us the morning they left. I was leaving for work and it was time to say "goodbye". My niece didn't get her usual hour of primping in front of the mirror before this quick pic.

Early, early morning. Jason & Kristina go back to TN today

 I actually made something for myself the other night. It's silly but not having a make-up roll was bugging me so much that I made it after a long day at work... {I usually have a late dinner and get ready for bed}  They are so easy to put together but the biggest decision is usually which fabric to use. I had enough left over of the Michael Miler fabric that I love so much and used that.  If it looks familiar, it's because I made my new daughter an Ice Cream Cozy out of the same fabric just a few weeks ago. I love the big bright flowers.

Make-Up Roll Open

Make-Up Roll Closed

I don't have a pattern for this, I just measured out enough scrap fabric for what I thought would accommodate my brushes and other long, narrow things. And then I picked a soft pale pink for the inside and cut the exact size as I did for the outside. I used a smaller scrap for the panel on the inside that would hold the brushes in their spot - it is also lined.  On this roll, I got ahead of myself and ended up having to use seam binding for the two short sides. I hate strongly dislike seam binding. No matter how many tutorials I watch or how many ways I apply it or how many times I practice, IT NEVER LINES UP WELL.   Oh it makes me crazy.  I get a little OCD when it comes to seam binding and I really try to avoid at all costs. I had to keep telling myself that no one will see this, it's just for me. It's getting late and it's a work night so suck it up.
If you zoom on the top picture, you see how "off" it is.  I'm only bringing it up so you know that I know it looks bad. Normally the things I make for myself I strive for perfection just because it represents my work. {And I say no one will see it  - yet here it is posted for all to see, haha}.  I have a few requests for a make up brush roll and you can bet I'll slow down and assemble in a different order and avoid the seam binding!
As things begin to slow down, I'm hoping to add a couple to my shop!  I love having extra time to sew.
Until Next Time,

Fantastic February

Hey Everyone!

I hope you're enjoying the weekend. I sure am. I've spent a lot of time exploring other blogs and learning new tricks and tips!
Yesterday I made an "ice cream cozy" for one of my new daughters. She loves her ice cream and likes to eat it from those individual containers.The problem is, they freeze your hands! I took a Starbucks cardboard sleeve I had on hand,opened it up and used that as a guide for the basic shape and curve.  I actually needed my pattern to be larger than the standard coffee cup holder.  I used a Michael Miller fabric for the outside and pink flannel for the inside. I think it turned out cute.

Ice Cream Cozy, Secured with large button and hair elastic

A better view of closure

It was fun to make.... and easy. My first attempt was a quilted version.  The only problem I ran into was thickness {if I sewed right sides together and then turned}. My other option was to use seam binding and for the most part, I avoid at all costs. It looks a little wonky only because our Lab Tobie, got a hold of the ice cream container {my sample!} and started to tear it up.  The actual cozy is fine but the picture looks lop-sided!
This was a really quick project and I'll probably make one for my son out of a super hero fabric. I'm sure he'll like that.

My son in New York is finally experiencing a NY winter. Last year he brought California with him and it hardly snowed.  Here's a few pictures he sent me via text yesterday...

Standing outside his front door. Midtown, NY

His cute girlfriend being silly. Look at the snow whip around!

His view in the morning. 3rd floor apartment.

Of course to me, this does not look like a good time. I shut down when the temperature dips into the low 50's. I just don't tolerate extreme temperatures {thin blood? midlife? cranky?} I've seen FB photos of friends on the East coast- they open their front door only to be greeted with a wall of snow. They can't exit until they get the shovel! That is crazy.

On a sunnier note, we took a stroll to the Harbor last week. Dana Point Harbor. It was such a nice afternoon. Perfect weather and lots of entertainment from the pelicans.  I've got a video of these crazy birds but not sure if I can load it.  As we stood at the rail, they would sit on a boat and wait... all of a sudden they'd take off in the air, do a circle and just drop into the water to get the fish! It was hilarious. Many times it looked as if they were flying straight at us, only to dive down with a plop directly in front, into the shallow water. Here's a few pictures.

Dana Point Harbor~Stroll Around The Harbor

Crazy Pelicans, Waiting for the perfect moment

Snack Time

Pelicans

Hope you enjoyed my pictures! Lot's more activity in the sewing room which I'll talk about in a future post.
Until Next Time,
 
.

Hodge-Podge: Valentine Giveaway!!!

Hey Everyone!
I wanted to share a giveaway that I learned about earlier today. Tamie over at Macaroni Mom  is having a Scentsy Valentine Giveaway. Click below to read the EASY directions to enter. You have until Jan. 17th... so what are you waiting for?

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Tamie says:
Click here ---------->      Hodge-Podge: Valentine Giveaway!!!: I am giving away a Scensty surprise!!  Leave me a comment, share this post and you can be the chosen one.  A winner will...



Until Next Time,

Baby,It's Cold Outside!

Hey Everyone!
Is it cold enough for you? We are getting our fair share of cold here in OC.  Maybe my blood is thin but regardless of why, I  have low tolerance for this kind of cold.
Living in So.Southern Calif brings about a feeling of mild weather that we all come to expect.....

Laguna Beach Sunset... {pic taken by Jack!}

According to the news, we are to prepare for a deep chill.  Like 29 degrees! I want to chuckle a little because I know my cousins in Michigan and all you Canadian folks are thinking we should just suck it up. My son is home for the month, working locally instead of in NY. I believe it's warmer in NY right now.  I think most people here do suck it up although the problem is, we don't really have the proper clothing unless Skiing is a big pass time. {I gave that up a decade ago}. This is where "Layering" comes in.
Besides the cold..... everyone is sick! Nothing like being inside a warm coffee shop with a bunch of sneezing, coughing humans. I have a visual of germs festering on door knobs or counters and floating in the air. Ewwww. Not good. Luckily, it's only temporary. Hope you all got your flu shot this season.

Whale Watching Boat spotted in Laguna Beach

One of my Instagram photos above. I snapped this one the other day at lunch. Hope I'm looking when the whales swim by! According to surf-forecast.com, the water is about 52 degrees right now. I'm pretty sure the whales are not happy campers. It might be a while before I see anything swim by.
In my last post, I shared that my youngest brother {and his Bride} are having a baby in July. We are so excited....here's the first blurry ultra sound picture.

My New Niece/Nephew looking like a Tad-Pole.  *Love*

They'll know in a couple weeks if it's a boy or girl.  I'm wondering,does pre-natal care consist of several ultra sounds these days?  I only had one and that was to rule out twins in my first and third pregnancy.  We needed a reason before getting the little blurry picture. I'll have to ask why they had one earlier this week and having a repeat in a few more weeks.
Humm..... 
I can't wait to start sewing little baby things! This is so cool because I'll get my baby fix. I worry that my new daughters can sense my anxiousness to be a Grandma! No pressure or anything. Haha. No, I don't really bug them although the entire world knows I cannot wait for the big moment.
Wouldn't you rather see my grandbaby pics instead of my furbaby pics?

Mia's Mani/Pedi. We got polish all over the place that day.

See? Don't  you agree that I need a little "mini-me" to sew and do fun things with? Everyone loves Spa Sunday at my house.
Here's to less cool weather and a wonderful weekend.

A warm drink for those chilly days!

Until Next Time,