Olive Street Studio: A Mother / Daughter Sewing Team

FNSI Results: Blankets and Gift Set

2012-01-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

A new finished gift set in adorable animals! This fun animal-print fabric is so sweet. Paired with either a green bib and onesie set or a yellow bib and onesie set. I also finished up more light dog blankets and an airplane set...the first of each went out to Indiana for two new bouncing baby boys, so I needed to make others.

Hope others that joined FNSI were productive!

January 20: Friday Night Sew-In

2012-01-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

The first Friday Night Sew-In of 2012! It is my New Years resolution to try and make as many of these this year as possible. Sometimes I forget, or am too tired, but I'm going to mark my calendar nonetheless.

January 2012 - Three New Quilts!

2012-01-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

My goal is to get up some new quilts throughout the year. Here are THREE - yipee! Three new quilts!!

1) Today we have done a vintage feedsack fabric blues, greens quilt. It is quilted on the diagonal through the squares and has a new turquoise, purple, and white plaid back.

2) We also finished an adorable - in my opinion - girl quilt. The top is cotton squares in various pastelly-colored fabrics with little girls playing, jumping, watering plants, playing ring around the rosy. Just very sweet fabrics! We put a plaid pink flannel border and backed it in pink with white polkadot flannel fabric, so it is soft and cuddly.

3) We bought the Sugar-Pop fabrics designed by Liz Scott for Moda Fabrics...and it is a great set of brighter colors. No"baby fabrics" but makes for a great baby quilt ot lap quilt for an adult....

What do you think?
Vintage Feedsack Quilt

Girl Hopscotch / Playing Girls quilt

Sugar Pop Quilt

Happy New Year! Welcome 2012.....

2012-01-02T15:34:00.000-08:00

And we at Olive Street Studio wish everyone a joyous, peaceful, safe, and healthy 2012.....

We are planning for an innovative, productive year and we're starting off with a new quilt - a log cabin style flannel quilt in dog fabrics. Measures at a 38" square. A baby crib quilt or a lap quilt for the dog lover you know.....What do you think?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:52:00.001-08:00

Hope all is merry and bright.....!!

New Christmas Skirt....Great for twirling!

2011-11-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

My very talented Mother Olive whipped up these awesome Christmas skirts in red plaid taffeta. I think the plaid is "Royal Stewart"?? Circle skirts really float out when twirling around, and what young girl doesn't spin when in a big skirt? Decided to keep these simple so girls can wear it more casual to school or more dressed up for Christmas Eve church or Christmas Day dinner. We make in custom sizes. If no girl in the family? We can make a plaid Christmas tie for the boys! Not out of the taffeta, but from another smaller red plaid.

Cousin Olive is modeling....and Little Olive is already wanting to wear hers. :-)

"You spin me right round baby, right round like a record baby, right round, round, round......" Can you name the band?

Bottom hem is added from a separate piece of material - a nice way to finish the skirt:

October 30: Outdoor Craft Show & New Items

2011-10-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

Our little town of Long Beach has a few arts organizations that got together to do Sunday "Arts in the Plaza". I've exhibited 4 times since May - I intended to do 4 other shows, but the weather worked against us twice, the event was cancelled by City Hall on 9/11, and another time I was just too tired form working a garage sale the day before. So with that in mind, I set out to exhibit on the last Sunday. Now, Old Man Winter stepped in yesterday and threw the Northeast a nasty snow storm. The temps didn't get above the mid 40s today. I lasted 4 hours and was done. BUT I did sell a onesie set and a chenille quilt. :-)

Since I called Mr. Olive to come get me at 2pm, I then spent the afternoon battling pictures and new listings. I managed to get 4 new new posted - two new corduroy skirts and two new vintage chenille quilts. I have one other skirt to post along with the two jumpers....What do you think?

Friday Night Sew-In: RESULTS

2011-09-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

So while I didn't get any pictures posted of my results from the FNSI, I thought I'd give a pictureless update so at least when I look back, I know I did something! I completed 4 beach totes and one adorable elephant baby blanket. I sold one of the totes at the Craft Fair yesterday and was so happy I finished something that then sold! I also worked on a little zipper pouch based on "Handmade by Heidi" tutorial and for a first attempt at a zipper, it didn't come out half-bad.....but that also means not half-good. So I know the tweaks that need to be made, but am psyched that I now know I can "zipper"! Pictures will follow.....

Friday Night Sew-In: Sept. 16th

2011-09-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's FNSI time again - and I have a craft fair on Sunday so I can surely finish up projects that I can bring with me to sell. Here is the link if you too want to join!

http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2011/09/sign-up-for-september-16th-friday-night.html

Cheers!

9/11/11: The 10-Year Anniversary

2011-09-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

As I've posted before about listening to the first plane fly over my apartment building that fateful morning...I'm remembering this day with the mindset of tranquility and serenity.....

I hope all of you have a wonderful, safe day.

From the Mouth of Little Olive...

2011-08-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

As we were walking up to the beach to see what Tropical Storm Irene left us:

Little Olive: Mommy, I love you...

Me: I love you too

Little Olive: Daddy said when I'm 13, I won't love you or him any more.....but I know I'll still love you

One of those moments I'll remember - and sure;y remind her of when she is 13! :-)

More time to post later.....Happy August 31st. Year is flying by.

July 2011: Beach with Cousins!

2011-07-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

What is better than Fire Island days with your cousins?

Hope you're all having a wonderful July!

FNSI: Results!

2011-06-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

I did get alot done last night. I had many projects in-process and can now check them off the list. The sanddollar blanket was a start-to-finish....

For a gift shop in Florida that is now carrying our light blanket gift sets:

I am finishing up an order for a bridal party - four reversible totes. I finished the two SEASIDE last night and did the linings for the BERMUDA, the outsides of which are already done:

I also made some cell phone sleeves - you can see my HTC Inspire in the pink bubble one. I also finished a little pink and green pouch bag that needed handles and putting together:

Finished my last JESTER tote since no more fabric. I love the reverse in the damask:

And last but surely not least, I finished a new chenille quilt in the log-cabin style. I added an extra row to the top and bottom to make it rectangular instead of square:

Here is the ETSY pics ofthe quilt, which will be posted soon!

Whew! How was your Friday Night?

Friday Nights Sew In: June 17th

2011-06-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yay for Friday Night Sew-In and even better that I am all set for it.....my projects are picked out and although I won't be starting anything new, I'll be finishing alot this Friday night. I'll have to pass on the glass of wine if I want the results to turn out ok. :-)

If you want to sign up, please go over to "Crafty Vegas Mom" blog and register.

Check back tomorrow for the pictures of the results!

Two New Totes and a Handbag....Summer 2011

2011-06-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

I found these fabrics and fell in love - my problem? I see fabric and I buy it. Sometimes I use it, but other times I 'save' it. Well, nothing good can come of a saved piece - the better option is to make something with it. So here are my two new totes....

BEACH WAVES:

MIAMI BEACH:

I also made a little hangbag in the SEASIDE fabric since I had extra.....

I have the best model!! :-) Happy Weekend!

Memorial Day Weekend: 2011

2011-05-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it has been so long since my last post - life is moving too fast for me. Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend. We're out on relaxing Fire Island with friends and their two daughters. Little Olive is playing "big sister" to the two girls. Here she is modeling a new dress - for the Memorial Day occasion....and then July 4th, and Flag Day, and Labor Day..... :-) It will get alot of use. She picked out the fabric herself! She's getting so big.....

Sunday Surprise: Our Poor Tree...

2011-04-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

When the snow melted and I assessed our backyard, I noticed our flowering pear tree had a "break" in its trunk from the fork of a main 'trunk'? 'branch'? I thought that when Spring arrived, I'd likely have to get something to 'seal' the fissure. This was 2 weeks ago.

Yesterday, we had a crazy storm - nothing to the extent of the tornadoes that hit Oklahoma / Arkansas earlier this week, or North Carolina earlier on Saturday. We had pelting rain and then the winds started. We've had worse winds though. This morning - all was good. but, sometime between 2:30-4pm, when Mr. Olive was out with little Olive at the park and I was upstairs, that limb cracked off the trunk. Little Olive and I were readying the Easter egg coloring when I looked out the window and saw the hunk on the ground.

We planted this tree when we first moved in - it was a sapling. As you can see, after 9 years, it has grown into a beautiful tree. Now, two-thirds sit on the lawn. I'm so sad.

Orchid Show: Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square PA

2011-04-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

I love plants - always have, always will. Growing up I had a room full of houseplants, but funny, no flowering plants. I started getting into orchids about two years ago and have posted several times about the orchids Mr. Olive has given me and others I've bought. I'm a total beginner and need to hone my skills in caring for them so I can get flowers. My little collection makes me happy, but seeing the Orchid Show at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a huge treat for me. I'm lucky to have a college-friend live in that town so twice now, we've packed up the car and headed to the Orchid Show and tie in a great visit-weekend. The show is put on with different orchid societies putting together its display and then the orchids are judged. I wanted to share some pictures of the gorgeous flowers.

Catleya:

Vanda:

Vanda

Several different orchids:

Phaleanopsis:

Catleya (I think):

???

Dendrobium:

Phaleanopsis injected with blue dye:

Paphiopedlium (I think):

Vanda (I loved these!):

Oncidium:

Militonis (pansy orchid):

Now, next set of pictures will be of my plants - the ones I've managed to get to flower. Enjoy!

Commuting: I have to vent....

2011-03-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you that live outside the NYC area, you probably get up in the morning, have coffee, read the paper, before getting ready for work. You probably have a 20-minute commute into your office. OR you live in an area where taxes and expenses aren't strangling you and hubby, and you don't have to work. Me, on the other hand, ain't so lucky. We live in New York. Worse than New York...Long Island....Nassau County. I get up at 6am to maximize my sleeptime. I then race the clock for either the 6:37 am or the 7:04am train into NYC. Ninety minutes....yes, you read that right.....90 minutes after I walk out my door, I arrive at my desk. And it's the same time home. Fifteen hours a week I spend on the commute. If we lived anywhere else, we'd probably be looking at a 30-minute each-way. I'd have back 10 precious hours to my week. Mind you, we are 27 miles outside the City - when I get off the train platform in Long Beach? I can see the NYC skyline.

And the subway. I cannot even go into it without shuddering. I've told Mr. Olive I'm not sure how much longer I can take the subway! The subway uptown to Penn last week, there were high school kids on the car. I couldn't read so I merely closed my book and stared at the window. The woman next to me - also a professional who looked seasoned by the subway - looked at me and said "I don't know if I can take much more of the subway".....so we bonded for the remaining 10 minute ride. I hear ya sista.

The next morning, I cannot get on the train at Penn, so I wait for another. A guy gets on in front of me, so I'm already annoyed at him, not then not as much as the girl inside the open doors that doesn't move to let anyone else in. Pulling pulling into 14th street, the girl then needs to battle the crowd to get herself across the train to the opposite doors. The guy looks at me and says "And she couldn't move when we're trying to get in? I don't know if I can last on the subway". So I smile and relate my same subway woes. But, this guy is a 9-11 survivor who moved to Florida and was lured back by a job that he said he'd have to work for five years, until he was 45, and then he'd be able to retire and move back to Florida. He isn't sure he can make it on the trains. I don't have that same type of job where early retirement is an option.

*sigh* sorry - I just had to get it off my chest!! Tomorrow will be a new day. :-)

March Catch Up!!

2011-03-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I've posted. Time is getting away from me. I turned around and it's March 13th. February was a great month mad-money-wise until Borders filed for BK and the store on lower Broadway was one slated to close. I spent my whole $100 there. To further my reading goals (and taking a back step on my decluttering, but rationalized since 'classics'), I bought book two more of the Asian Saga written by James Clavell: Gai-Jin and Tai-Pan. If you haven't read it, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend "Shogun" - book one. It is a daunting 1,200 pages, but I have to say, as I neared the end, I stalled finishing bc I wished there were 300 more. It is also my father's and Mr. Olive's favorite book. My other resolution to read 11 books - I'm on book 2 and I chose "New Moon", which I'm liking much better than "Twilight".

For Valentine's Day, I 'suggested' that Mr. Olive head to Victoria's Secret for my gift...and NO not for the lingerie. I was buying the neighbor a gift certificate in January and while on line, I happened to smell "Love Spell". I tried the tester bottle of lotion and all day kept smelling my hands! I like fruity scents and this is ultra-fruity with cherry blossom, white peach, and jasmine. I wanted the lotion, but he did surprise me with the eau de toilette and the spray. Heaven!

On the sewing front, we had some good sales this year - I'm hoping to get a sale a month, and March is at nada as of now. Maybe someone will like my new little pink and green wave bag?

I guess I do have a March sale as the bridal party bags are done and ready to ship. These are navy with a silk-shantung outside; all the bridesmaid's have navy lining, but the bride's lining is pale yellow. Silvermist was nice enough to pose for me.

I also went to the fabric store and bought some great fabrics - well, I think they are great! :-) I've already cut the teal, yellow, and grey waves for totes - there was only enough fabric for two. I like the sunny yellow lining, which of course, can be the outside since it will be reversible.

This fabric is quilted - I had to buy a yard. I'm hoping I can make some nice medium-size bags from it.

AND last but not least, it was a beautiful day in Long Beach, so we took Little Olive for a boardwalk ride on her new bike Santa brought her. A nice day for the park too.

What's been going on with you?? Do you also think time is flying by?

January: Resolution Results

2011-02-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

January is behind us, and that means closer to Spring. I am one who actually likes the snow, but I could do without the sleet, freezing rain, unless I'm planning a day indoors. Then I do not mind. But, January is O-V-E-R....and as far as the resolutions are concerned, for my $100 "mad-money", I ended up not spending it all. I treated my daughter to $18 of Zhu-Zhu pets, spent $15 on preferred-parking when we went skiing (it is so worth to not be stuck at the far-reaches of the parking lot when temps hover 12-degrees), and $53 at Jones New York for some casual work clothes. Oh, I also plunked-down $5 for a Mega Millions quick pick. Total: $91. Mr. Olive has one-itemized listing on his envelope: $3 Taco Bell. But, he has no money in it and I found the envelope behind the keyboard on the computer desk. I'm not sure I think he should get February's funds since he isn't playing by the rules....what are your thoughts??

Book 1: COMMUTERS. Our library has 10-day books that are new releases (the hot authors new releases are on 7-day Express and no renewal). I browse the section to see if I recognize anything or think the jacket synopsis looks interesing. I thought "Commuters" could be a good bet, but after the 342 pages, I wondered, 'Why do I waste my time?' This story is told from the view of three generations of married-into family members. I thought it had no great character development, or family development, no real "action", and tons of loose ends. I've decided there are too many well-known books that I have on my to-read list to waste more time in this section of the library. While I'm going to tackle "New Moon" next so I can return it to my SIL, its rightful owner, I'm going to turn my attention to those I've been saying 'I've always wanted to read that'.

New Quilts!

2011-01-29T05:23:00.000-08:00

New chenille quilts will be coming to the shop soon!! Well, they are 'new' to us, but most are of vintage chenille. Only the mint green and pastel blue is of new chenille. What do you think? I love the bright blue and the purple vintages, but also the softness of the vintage pale blues. Since there is snow all over up here in New York, the pictures are indoor shots - not our ideal, but when we can, outdoor pictures will replace. What do you think? Which is the favorite of the bunch?

Vintage Bright Blues:

Vinatge Purples:

Vintage Pale Blues:

Pastel Blue & Mint Green - with different mint green inner borders:

Friday Night Sew-In: January Results

2011-01-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Last night was the FNSI that two ladies run through their blogs. Handmade by Heidi and Crafty Vegas Mom pick one Friday night a month and then recruit those who sew to sign-up. It doesn't matter what the registrants do, but it is to get in front of the machine. I'm usually very tired on Friday night by the time I've worked all day, commuted home, played with Little Olive, put her to bed, and ate dinner. Last night was no exception. While I didn't get a whole lot finished, I did make progress on my tote bags and a bridal party bag order. I must have sewn 30 Olive Street Studio labels, pinned a stack of various bag parts (pictured on the right in one shot), cut the linings for the bridal party order (she wants navy in and out, but pale yellow lining for the bride), sewed 10 pockets, side seems for five tote bags, and then all the side seems for the bridal order. More to come bc I think I'll be able to get the bridal linings completed and the outsides cut and side seems sewn by Sunday night. We'll see!

These are some other bridal bags I've made for past customers. The back is a black quilted satin fabric and the front is regular satin with the diamond design woven into the fabric. I haven't made these in a few years, so I had to measure and write down. I need to get all my bag measurements in one place so I don't forget!

By the way - it is 19 degrees here in Long Beach. Our high today is 20. Brrrrrrr. I so wish we had a fireplace bc I'd have a fire going already.

2011: Resolutions!

2011-01-09T04:51:00.000-08:00

I've never been a fan of New Year's Eve out-on-the-town, but I do love celebrating with close friends and family. This year we went to my sister's house with my brother and his family. Since all 7 children would not be awake to ring in 2011, it was a casual fun night. We then had a Wii Bowling tournament - the 100-pin game. Very fun! I'd never played Wii before. Unfortunate for Mr. Olive, I only made it until 11:45pm. I intended to 'rest my eyes' for a few minutes and then, it was New Year's Day.

I love New Year's Day because I get to 'start fresh' each year. Did I stick to my 2010 Resolutions? Some more than others....but the best part of 1-1-11 is that I get to try again. :-)

1) Pare Down. A recycled resolution, but still applies. While I did a 'fair' job of clearing out, I'm committed to keeping this up. My new twist - If I buy something new (like a sweater), I have to donate or toss another. With this is mind, I should at least not be adding to the problem. And my question to self from last year, "Do I really need 8 white shirts?" the answer is YES - a white shirt goes with everything and a definite work-staple. We did shop-in-our-own-pantry and medicine-chest so happy to report that this was successful. Also successful to find mustard with an expiration date of 2003....

2) Monthly Mad Money. So while I'm not the best at keeping up with a budget, we started off 2010 allotting Mr. Olive and I $100 cash a month to be spent however we choose. How it works: We put the cash into an envelope and at the end of the month, before we get our new $100, we see where we spent the former month's money. This worked through May, but then the summer came and I didn't keep up. So we're trying again in 2011. Last year I felt the money like a vice-grip in that envelope since I was used to buying what I wanted, when I wanted. This year, I feel no such pressure.....I think it just took time to get used to waiting and really knowing if something was worth pulling out the cash.

3) Promote the Sewing Business. 2010 was a great year for us - we had the most sales that we've ever had without doing more craft shows. It was also the year we finally fulfilled the goal of hiring a graphics designer and had our website professionally done (she also did the blog design - Thanks Sunee!). Here is the link to the new personal website if you'd like to check it out: www.olivestreetstudio.com. 2011 will be about promoting the site, new goodies, and I'm hoping I can get us into a few little shops.

4) Read more books! Continuing with my resolution of three past years, and since I hit my goal of reading 7 books in 2010, I'm going to make a real jump and go to 10 for 2011. Or maybe I should just go to 11 in honor of the year? 11 it is....

5) Exercise. So I didn't reach the "Run a 5K" goal I set in 2010, but will try again this year. I have a co-worker that runs, so I've asked him for the race schedule for the 2011 season. As my parents have noted as they try to start regularly walking, 'sign up for a race and the deadline will be there'. So that's what I'm going to do. I also have a gym membership at work so I'm hoping to use the treadmill and start Yoga classes. My longer-term goal is still to run a 1/2 marathon by the time I'm 45...we'll see.

6) Enjoy life more!! I'm someone who is always 'doing something' and trying to get items crossed off the list so I can 'relax', but the relaxing-part rarely seems to come. This year I'm going to read the newspaper, do the Sodoku, read more to Little Olive...heck, life only comes around once. :-)

What is in store for you this fine first day of a new decade??

This is Mr. Olive with the youngest niece, 6.5 month old Barbara.....

A T-Shirt Quilt Repair Project

2010-12-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

A woman saw us at the Ocean Beach fair and startred talking about the custom t-shirt quilts. Her best friend had passed away at an early age leaving her college-age daughter behind. This woman is close with the daughter and when the daughter wanted a quilt of her mom's t-shirts with which to wrap herself for comfort, the woman went out to get one made. The result was a disaster (I'm not going to post the before pictures) and in despair, she brought it to us to see what we could do to fix it for the daughter. My mom is a master-fixer and the result has made the daughter very happy. This is a large quilt and we got in most of the pieces we salvaged. Have a project for us? Let us know! :-)

Thanksgiving Recipe: Cranberry Relish

2010-11-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

While the big feast is only a day away and I'm late to the game to post this recipe. We've been on vacation and came back to big catch-up at my full-time job (no, it isn't the sewing! although how I wish it were). In case there are a few out there looking for a new cranberry sauce to accompany the bird, this is a recipe from the now-defunct Gourmet magazine that is super easy and has to be the best I've had.....I've had it made with 1/2 cranberry sauce and 1/2 cranberries. Enjoy!! And have a Happy Thanksgiving to anyone out there who still reads my blog - I have promised myself to be more blog-attentive. :-)

Cranberry Orange Relish
Gourmet
November 2009
by Ian Knauer

2 oranges
2 (12-ounces) bags cranberries (thawed if frozen)
2 Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious apples, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 to 2/3 cup sugar

Cut peel and white pith from oranges and cut segments free from membranes. Coarsely chop, discarding any seeds.

Pulse fruit with allspice and 1/2 cup sugar in batches in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and stir in sugar to taste.

Cooks' note:
Relish improves in flavor if made 1 day (and up to 3 days) ahead and chilled.

Happy Halloween!.....and some new stuff.

2010-10-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy 10-31-10! What kid doesn't like Halloween? When younger, my brothers and sister and friends and I used to try to hit every house in our development. There were 9 blocks and then houses along the main road. I always felt confident we'd make it to every single one and then inevitably, when we'd be furthest from our home, I'd feel like I could not walk another step. One good thing about where I live now - Long Beach - the houses aren't so far apart, but it isn't a private block, so lots of traffic. I know years from now when Little Olive is trick-or-treating with her friends, I'm going to be a nervous-wreck. For now, here she is choosing a pumpkin:

And some hot-of-the sewing-machine projects include a vintage blue chenille quilt (truly a one-of-a-kind gift and available on our website http://www.olivestreetstudio.com/ ) and some new handbags......Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

Giveaway!! At "If I Had a Hammer" Blog

2010-10-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

So glad she is back posting to her blog....and to top it off? a giveaway!! An adorable cherry ring. Check it out here. But, remember, I'm going to win it. he he he

10-10-10 & Pumpkins & Bracelets - Oh my!

2010-10-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

A Sunday in October, in 2010, but it isn't any old Sunday, it is the 10th. I'm someone who loves numbers and special dates. Even if it doesn't seem a 'special date' I always add up the numbers to see what I can see. I count steps when I know I'm walking far - and then the next time, try to do the same trip in less steps. Or only step on a section of sidewalk one time and see how many pieces I can hit before having to take a second step. Or, if I happen to turn the light off when the clock says "10:10 pm" then I will myself not to open my eyes again to see if the minute has passed. OR - I'm just weird this way. But - today is a very cool date. Had I been engaged, I'd have pushed to have the wedding today (as I believe many other couples have done). It would be cool to be born today, at 10:10 am or pm. :-)

Other than the date, the day was beautiful here in Long Beach. We took Little Olive to the Long Beach Fall Festival. City hall workers put up a carousel, make a pumpkin patch in a drained fountain, inflate one of those obstacle-balloon courses, book live music, and feature food from local restaurants. In all the years we've been here, the festival is gratis - except for the food and the pumpkin patch, but kids can get a free pumpkin for wearing a costume, otherwise it is $1. THIS year, there are obviously minds-a-workin' in the offices of the big brick building because each obstacle and carousel ride was $1, and the pumpkins were $2 for a small and $4 for a large. *sigh* nothing is free, but it was nice to get the pumpkins for the doorsteps.

"Stella and Dot" released some new items for the holidays. I loved these wrap-bracelets and ordered a set:

I also treated myself to the Petra bracelet as my SIL raves about it:

But, my Fall standby thus far has been the Vintage Twist:

Followed closely by the Vintage Link:

And then there is the slinky-like Bardot Spiral:

and the Cortez cuff:

Happy Sunday! I hope you enjoyed the 10-10-10 day!

"Locks for Love"

2010-09-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

Last Spring, when I literally let my hair down after months of leaving the house with it wet and tied in a bun, I was shocked at how long it had grown. I really wanted to get it cut shoulder-length, but then remembered a couple of friends who had donated to "Locks for Love", an organization that accepts donated hair to make wigs for sick, disadvantaged children. I went to the website to see the requirements (bc I do have a bit of gray in there now) and was happy to see that color didn't matter, but length needed 10". Ugh. I need more unless I want to go the way of Demi Moore in "Ghost" - BTW, I've always envied that haircut and wish I were brave enough to do it, but alas, I'm not. So here I am at September 24th, with just the 10" to donate and still retain a decent length (i.e. able to put it back in a clip). My mom, the best in the world, gave me the cut, color, and highlights as my birthday present.

Here are the results in pictures. This was my first time going to this haircutter, but I trusted her - and she did a fabulous job! Or at least I think so. :-)

I hope this inspires some others who are near the 10" brink and itching to just cut it all off, to take the plunge and donate to the good cause.
BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

AFTER THE HUMIDITY HITS:

September 11th - Nine Years later

2010-09-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hard to imagine what happened 9 years ago today, actually happened. That morning I was up in the kitchen washing dishes - less than 2 miles from the Twin Towers. I heard a plane go overhead and thought to myself "that plane is flying very low" because the sound was not normal. Come to think of it, most plane noise isn't normal over NYC. I thought about looking out my window, but knew I wouldn't see anything in the sky through my sliver of visibility. So I went back to washing the dishes. Mason was in the bathroom readying for work. Then the phone rings and it's my sister telling me to put on the news because a plane just flew into the Trade Center. She was driving her friend to work down on Wall Street before heading herself to New Jersey. I thought it was a commuter plane with the pilot likely having a heart-attack.

And then we all know how the story ends. It is such a tranquil day here in Long Beach. I'm happy not to have to go to work today - I am always nervous on 9/11. Today we get to spend the beautiful day together.

My heart goes out to all those families effected by today - and the effects are now engraved into lives. Elodie - I'm thinking of you....

August 1st...NY Resolution and New Owl Pillows

2010-08-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

June and July quickly rolled by.....the outlook for August seems more of the same. What to do to slow it down?

Back in January, when there was snow on the ground, I noted some of my New Years Resolutions. One being "pare down" - i.e. eat out of the pantry before buying more; use up products before buying more. My update is long overdue to those that care to know how we're doing....but there is noticeable progress (there had better be!) after 7 months. Our pantry looks awesome! We didn't necessarily EAT all that was in there - I found mustard with an expiration date in 2004 - and I couldn't bring myself to just toss it, like a normal person would do, but I was curious to what 6-year-old mustard would smell like. So yes I did - I opened it. I was thoroughly satisfied that it had turned and passed-up spreading it on my turkey sandwich. It hit the can. Likewise, in out bathroom, old mascara and make-up samples found the can, and the stockpile of shampoo and conditioner and soap is significantly used up, the result of purchases like "oh - it is on sale - I should buy it now" got way out of hand. I also didn't think twice about tossing a shampoo that I didn't like after a week - If the natural seaweed formula wasn't making my hair silky-soft and I felt like there was no lather / cleaning going on, kaput, out it went.

So as a bonus to myself for being so good, and the fact that I couldn't stand so many months without a product-purchase, I treated myself to the Burt's Bees grab-bag. The cost? $25 and the deal is that you get about $50 worth of goodies. I know - will I ever learn? This is the shampoo story all over again. But I was so excited when it arrived I actually took pictures! :-) BTW, that is a pumice stone, which Mr. Olive will be thrilled to have when I have him scrub my feeties.

We sold all our little owl pillows, so some fresh stock for the Ocean Beach Fair and to our newly-redesigned website, http://www.olivestreetstudio.com/. What do you think of these guys??

Happy August 1st!

"Stella & Dot" Jewelry....

2010-07-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

While my SIL was on her family summer visit, she decided to do a Trunk Show of "Stella & Dot" jewelry, for which she is a stylist. I really liked alot of the pieces, so I ordered a few. I figured, I'd support her show and get myself some cool new pieces for work. So a few days later my two necklaces and earrings arrived(everything is directly shipped to the buyer's home - awesome!!). I am thrilled with the pieces - the quality is much more than I expected and I feel these will be with my for many moons to come.

While I'm much better with the sewing machine than actual 'face-to-face' sales, I decided to register myself as a "Stella & Dot" Stylist - in case I can introduce someone else to this fabulous jewelry company - so feel free to poke around the website through this link: http://www.stelladot.com/sites/jenniferhicks or go to http://www.stelladot.com/ and where it asked for your stylist, if you'd be so kind as to enter my name, Jennifer Hicks, I'd be happier than a clam in the bay! :-)

Who knows? Maybe you'll find something you want to treat yourself to after a hard day or week or month...Here are some of my favorites:

Avery Necklace:

Baby Flower Earrings and Bracelet:

Starfish Earrings:

Stella Vintage Bracelet:

Sophia Cluster bracelet (on sale too!!):

Cosa Wrap Bracelet:

Rachel Necklace:

New Dresses Modeled by the Cousins

2010-07-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Since the Indy-based family and the Florida-based family are in town for the unfortunate passing of my beloved Grandmother (cannot get into it bc more tears will spring from my eyes), I decided to take advantage of the girl-cousins. We have some new girls dresses and I grabbed my SILs, our cameras, and our daughters and headed to the bay area on Fire Island. Here is a peek...

Teal Madras as a Dress and as a Top + Ice Cream Halter:

Pink with Pastel Stripes Halter:

Raspberry Pink, Deep Blue, Yellow Madras:

Sea Blue Paisley and Pink Halter:

Pink Floral Peasant:

June - Where did it go?

2010-07-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

June is now gone and I don't even feel like I had those 30-days. But, I know we did since I went to my college reunion at the beginning of the month and Little Olive turned a big 4 years old at the end of the month. The days in between were spent working, cleaning, sewing for the Fair Harbor Pine Walk Fair. Oh, and battling doctors as Little Olive didn't want the Pixo she put in her ear to come out (3 visits later, it is out).

We did a home birthday party for her on her actual day, followed by a "Birthday BBQ" which was really more for the adults to hang out and let the kiddos play in the water table. As Mr. Olive likes to say, the day of the BBQ was "hotter than snot" - there was zero breeze - and that is unusual for living three blocks from the Ocean.

She had an Oreo cake, which was delicious, and then a bunch of presents to open. I ordered the afghan from the talented Alessandra of Just Be Happy! Little Olive wanted a bunch of colors and then put together with "pink". She and I absolutely love the result - although as you can see from the pics, Little Olive was more interested in the cool piggy amiguri Alessandra included. Our nanny wanted to bring Piggy home with her one night to show a friend, and Little Olive flat-out refused to let it out of her sight!

Little Olive's Florida family sent her a Princess Pack of gloves, necklace, bracelet, ring, and purse.....you can bet she loved it because she loves the Princesses! :-)

Stay cool..........July is starting out hot-and-no-rain.....

College Reunion and New Bags

2010-06-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

I always think there are endless hours to the day, but once the nice weather starts up and we can get outside, I find the calendar quickly fills and some stuff just falls off the list (cleaning, laundering, and blogging - oh my!). We've been to some birthday parties, weekends away, a nursery school spring concert and moving up day, hosted and attended BBQs, and the other big time-suck, going to work.

Last weekend was my college reunion in central Pennsylvania. We brought Little Olive since she is 3, and other friends who had children later in life also brought their tots. I didn't seem to find enough time on this weekend to truly catch-up with college friends - said good HELLOS - but then I got home and said "I wonder if so-and-so is still doing blah-blah". Good to see campus again - so many changes! Students get air-conditioned dorms now??

Little Olive (left) and friend Fi on campus:

Sewing Business: Had some good sales with the reversible totes, custom-order quilts, and baby boy flannel quilts. Here are some pics of the finished new bags....

Happy Saturday!!

TREASURY: Wendi Winn of Vintage Umbrella

2010-05-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

A big "Thank You" to fellow blogger Wendi Winn - She Likes Stuff, who chose my pink and white chenille teddy bear for her Treasury collection. Her blog keeps me entertained, especially her 'garage sale tales', the results of which make it to her Etsy shop Vintage Umbrella. There are so many items I love in this shop, I may just revisit once I have my June funds!

Sew In Results: May 21

2010-05-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

As I suspected, I was way too tired to get anything substantial done last night. After the day, I cracked open a beer (unusual for me), which basically did me in. But I did make progress, which is better than no progress. I sewed on many Olive Street Studio labels, (to the outside and inner pockets of the reversible beach totes), got some smaller handbags almost completed in Seaside and Beachglass fabrics, one little Modern Floral, and pinned the cell pockets to the beach totes. In all, I have 11 beach totes underway - and one needs to get to my reunion with me the first weekend in June - and the 5 smaller bags. I'm hoping to have the bottoms of the beach totes all pinned by the end of the weekend.

Friday Night Sew-In: TONIGHT

2010-05-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the "Friday Night Sew-In" hosted by Handmade by Heidi. To read all about it and register, if you have the inclination, click HERE to get the scoop. I have projects lined-up - it all depends on how tired I am. Happy Friday!

Seedlings

2010-05-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Little Olive and I started some seeds a few weeks ago - we did tomato, corn, zinnia, and basil. I thought you'd like to see how we've done with our seedlings:

Tomato:

Corn:

Basil (top right) and Zinnia (bottom)

We made the newspaper seed pots by wrapping a single piece around a cup and folding over the corners to try and keep it intact. For the most part, the pots did keep shape - we didn't want to tape bc we intend to plant the pot right into the ground - recycling at its best. :-) We had saved a Starbucks coffee carrier and the pots are sitting in it. The carrier has also helped maintain shape. Hope to be showing some pics of the zinnias, basil, ears of corn, and big red tomatoes sometime over the summer.

T-Shirt Quilt: Sorority Days and Ear Issues

2010-04-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

A quick post because I'm falling-over tired, but since I have taken the picture and sent it to the customer, I thought I'd post it here too. The quilt will end up measuring 58" square once completed...it is pictured here on my queen-size bed. We're going to border and back it in a medium pink. More to come....

Happy Tuesday everyone! It really was a happy day for me and a big relief of nagging worry - see, back in February, my left ear clogged and I thought it was just the end of my cold. Until it started ringing, I heard 'double' and digital-sounding voices. Very weird - but then I needed a root canal and the dentist thought the ear was the likely victim of the infected tooth nerve. When the nerve proved to be a-ok, my cause for concern rose. Off to the ENT I went - to have him prescribe 2 weeks of steroids and then an MRI to "rule out a benign tumor". Don't get me started on that statement - but the bottom line, my MRI was yesterday and it was clean. :-D So even though my left ear isn't hearing perfectly anymore, it is way better than what could have been the result. So I was happy today - and also think the sleepless nights of weekend worry have caught up to me. Hence, the falling-over tired opening line. :-)

Blue Chenille Owls

2010-04-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

We got a request for a blue chenille owl pillow, which will be part of a baby shower gift, so here are the results. More will follow as we get prepared for the few summer fairs we do.

The flock.....

Pastel animal print flannel wings with lime green and blue:

Green and blue wavy cotton fabric wings with yellow:

Yellow and blue stripe flannel wings with blue and yellow:

Friday Night Sew-In: April Results

2010-04-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Since I had the reminder from the blog-host Handmade by Heidi, I got all set up for a Friday night of sewing. I got this flamingo bag and two blankets finished.

Flamingo Bags: I had two scraps of this fabric, and each was big enough to make one bag. I wanted to finish the navy one, but didn't have blue straps, so that one will have to wait. The tan, sage, sky blue is finished and I love the pink ribbon tie to give it a pop of color.

Monkey Face Blanket: I needed to make another blue nursery rhyme blanket so that is done, but I also had this new cotton monkey-face fabric with sage and mustard yellow polkadots. I made a light blanket with a lime-green minky stripe back.

Beach Totes: I made good progress on the reversible beach totes, but didn't get any finished. I took a picture of the completed inside pockets. Outsides and cell pockets were all sewn in, but since they are not done or turned, they don't make for anything to look at just yet.

I'm anxious to finish more projects so hoping to get back up there later in the afternoon after the regular house-crap is done. Happy Saturday!

Orchid Love and Sales!

2010-04-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't recently posted pictures of my orchids, but here are some that have bloomed.....

We also got a few other sales! Two boy gifts - one for a flannel quilt and one for a monkey stroller blanket...a girl Nursery Rhyme stroller blanket. We also got a custom request for a floral bag and a request for a blue chenille owl. The owls are in process, so those pics will follow, but here is the new monkey blanket and the bag.

Tomorrow night I joined the "Friday Night Sew In" - I've tried to participate for the past 2 months, but got sidetracked. I'm determined to join in tomorrow night - and I have projects all set up - namely, finishing up more totes for the six-bag order. :-)

FABRIC! And a big reversible tote bag order

2010-04-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

If you are like me and like to sew, it is hard not to be automatically addicted to fabric. I have way too much of it and I need to get using instead of stock-piling. But, even with all the great fabrics I have, I had a convenient excuse to go buy more.....an order for 6 of the Seaside reversible tote bags. One of my first friends from college and I, even though she transferred after sophomore year, have remained friends through the past 20 years. She saw the bags and would like for one for herself, a few gifts, and to give to her daughters' teachers for end-of-school gifts. But, I only have enough fabric for four bags so off to the store I went. It must be a popular fabric because the store was all-out, so I got a few other combos, one of which is the complement in pinks, greens, and browns....take a look at what I grabbed...I left the cutting board in some pics to show the design scale:
Blue and Green Wave

Beachglass

Bermuda Beach

I also have this harlequin fabric that I paired with a damask - it is a dusty blue and brown and I couldn't resist......

What about this Summer Green damask and Grass stripe?

Finally- some pictures of completed totes in a classic french countryside mustard yellow and french blue toile that reverses to a beige and french blue scroll with the "modern floral" tote and mini bag in the background. And a hunter green and beige toile that reverses to a check.....

What do you think?

Words from a 3 Year Old....

2010-03-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Part I
Little Olive: "Mommy...let's play princess and prince charming. You be prince charming"

LO lays on the floor and is sleeping....'you're supposed to come wake her up with a kiss'

Me: "Oh, let me see if this beautiful princess will wake with a kiss"....kiss and wakes...

LO: Pretend talking but no sound.......

Me: "Oh no! How come you cannot speak princess?"

LO: whispers....."I'm on MUTE Mommy"

Part II
Getting ready for bed....

LO: "Let's play the animal game. Let's name 20 animals"

naming starts....

Mommy: "Number 12 is a Cheetah"

LO: "Mommy....a Cheeto is not an animal.....it's a snack....a snack with cheese"

Will We Learn? Feeling Better...

2010-03-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Mr. Olive and I had been so super-excited - until, as you've read, we were punched in the gut. What was the problem, you say? Well....a week ago we thought we would be on our way to pick up a little baby boy to add to our 3.5-member family (I'm giving the dog the half!). We have struggled for seven years to have our newlywed-ideal of 3 children. We are surely blessed to have the one we have - and she is a true gem - but we always thought we'd have more children. Alas, it was not in my cards. After so many years and disappointments, we discussed adoption. It made us nervous and excited at the same time, but frankly, the huge expense and daunting process with no 'guarantee', gave us pause. We always said "if it were meant to be, it will be".

So what happened?? It felt like our Hollywood moment with the heavens opened up and the golden sunshine from God raining down on our little family......we happened upon a circumstance where a little baby boy was going to need a stable, secure, loving home. We were so lucky to be considered and then informed that we'd get the little bundle. Since we hadn't planned to adopt, and the little baby was due in early March, we didn't have alot of time to get all we needed. We scrambled to get everything in order, not only on the legal-side, but also the home-side. We wanted to make sure the birth-parents were sure before we became so invested and were assured they were all-in. February brought the ultrasound for due date and gender - a BOY!! Hooray!! - and still we asked if prepared to continue moving forward. March rolled around - we got all our baby gear out of storage, bought new clothes, stocked up on diapers and formula, and I guess I don't really need to say the end result. Labor started on a Saturday night - I went to bed early bc of all the last-minute prep we did - and Sunday morning the rug was pulled out from under us.

The birth-parents are young, but no matter how young, there is no excuse to send a TEXT message to the family that you told would be adopting your child, to inform that you've changed your mind. And it was nothing like 'we cannot bear to give up our child and please know how sorry we are to have put you through preparation, hope, expense, and emotional turmoil over our changed decision'. It was exactly "sorry for the late notice, but we decided to keep the baby".

That was it. Nice.

Since we're both still pretty bruised, over the weekend Mr. Olive said "Let me tell you a story.....There is this man who goes up to a house and rings the doorbell. The owner opens the door, punches the man in the face, and shuts the door. The man rings the bell again....answer....punch....shut. Ring....answer.....punch....shut. Ring....answer....punch...shut. When does the man stop ringing the bell?" You all know the point he's making. Part of me thinks this disappointment was worse than others because there was actually a living being on the other end, not just a failed test result, although we always knew there was a chance of a changed-mind. I think the man stops ringing the bell once he's lost hope of not getting the punch.

So, I'm done wallowing inself-pity. No more 'sad sad' posts for this girl. BUT now that we have a home study and a closet full of diapers and formula....feel free to contact us if anyone knows of a baby in need of a great family!! ha ha

I also want to thank my fantastic blog friends who've left me cheery bits last week - each one made me smile. A bonus TU to WendiWinn - who gave me the Sunshine Award because she knew I needed a little bit extra last week. And if you haven't read her blog....skip on over to it....she cracks me up.

I'd like to bestow the Sunshine Award on Ilena at Have You Seen My Dragon? because she needs some too.

Sunday Sunday.....and GIVEAWAY Winner

2010-03-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

What a week! I'm so happy it is over. Mr. Olive and I are watching the NCAA tourney. He is a Duke grad so needless to say, Little Olive is already programmed to say she's going to Duke. *sigh* I've learned to just go along with him, knowing she'll be a Bucknell Bison at the end of the day. ;-)

One great thing about living in the NYC-metro area is taking mass transit. It is always such a delight - New Yorkers love to bitch about the fact that the service continues to get worse while the cost continues to increase. Being a mass-transit rider, my Metrocard (used for the subway system) ran out of funds. It was a small feat that my card actually went to a 'zero' balance since the fare ususally leaves some amount of money less-than a ride's cost. Lucky me - a metrocard brought down to zero! I decided to get a new card instead of refilling my old one. Leave it to the MTA to give me a bright spot to my dark week - - here is what the back of my card says:

Also getting back to normal, I decided to make a new recipe for dinner - I don't think my result will look like this, but I'm certainly trying to make "Garlic Braised Chicken with Olives and Mushrooms" - minus the mushrooms and with black instead of green olives....what can I say, I never seem to follow the rules.

Last but not least - and the part everyone has been waiting with baited breath all week - the giveaway winner! Through "Random.org" with 22 valid entries.....the winner is #9 - Ramblin Mama - Congrats!! The giveaway was alot of fun....I may do another sometime soon. Stay tuned sports fans...........

Generator

Min: 1
Max: 22
Result: 9
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The Sun came out today....and it brought a root canal

2010-03-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

So the weatherman was right - the sun did come out today and temps got into the mid-60s. It was a beautiful "spring" day, one meant for the park or a walk on the beach.

Instead, based on the sadness I still feel from the weekend's events - and I promise to fill in soon, but just cannot write about it now - I celebrated with having a root canal done. Last Friday, after our washing machine spewed water and the repair cost a pretty penny, I headed to the dentist with what I thought was a cracked old filling in need of repair. I was told "Oh no - the filling is still there, but it was a part of your tooth that fell out. You need a root canal and then posts for a crown. And I suggest you get it done ASAP".

"But but but - Mr. Dentist - we may have to be out of town for a couple weeks on a big exciting family event!"

Sunday - No big family event to happen. Monday - crawl into work and call for appointment. Tuesday - 9am root canal and day spent wallowing in self-pity in bed. Co-pay for a root canal is not the $10 standard either...more like 23x that. And the work isn't done yet.

*sigh* Going to go read my daughter a book - throbbing head and all.

I figured, while I already felt crappy, why not feel totally crappy and get the root canal done. Maybe I'll be feeling more cheery as the week progresses- supposed to remain in the 60s and sunny. I need to sit and feel it on my face.

OH- I am doing the giveaway this week. Someone please tell me a funny story to lift my spirits! I so need it.

After the Storm....and a Giveaway for my 100th Post

2010-03-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted...we've had alot going on this past month. I was saving my 100th post for some great news and my "100th Post Giveaway", but life doesn't always turn out as expected. It somehow feels appropriate that yesterday our area was in the midst of another Nor'Easter (this one with higher temps and rain instead of snow) - the turmoil and craziness mirroring our lives these past few weeks - only to wake up this morning to calmer winds, rains, and seas, which seemed to bring with it the answer to our personal situation. While the down electric lines, trees, and fences, need repairing - so do we, but we know the sun will be out on Tuesday. :-)

We took a walk up to the Ocean. The waves are huge and of course, there are some crazy surfers out in the 36-degree water. Some pics that do not do justice to the waves.....

I do have some things to be happy about - we got two quilt orders, two light blanket sales, and a lovely Estyer bought one of my favorite button bags. I also finished Mr. Olive's tee-shirt quilt - he has it on our bed.

GIVEAWAY: Since my blog one-year anniversary was earlier this year and I didn't have my act together for a giveaway...I thought the 100th post would also be a good time. I'm going to give away my little "Red Baron" handbag, as seen in my shop, but the button is GOLD on the giveaway bag. To enter is simple:

** Follow my blog and make a comment.......to get a second entry:

** Go to my Etsy shop Olive Street Studio and tell me your favorite item.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries received by noontime on Sunday, March 21st will be valid for the random selection. Winner will be chosen Sunday night.

Have a good week.....

In my SPARE, spare time....

2010-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

I promised Mr. Olive a flannel quilt years ago. He chose a bow-tie pattern and I have 1/2 the squares finished. Since it didn't look likely that I was going to get this done for him given all the other orders we've had lately, I decided to try and kill two birds with one stone by asking him if I could make him a t-shirt quilt. He has about 70 t-shirts and some are literally falling apart, but he won't let me toss them. I'm sure others find this a familiar dilemma? :-) To pare down his stash, we went through and picked some for me. I got to work on it because I wanted him to have a quilt (even if it isn't the one he originally requested), and I was happy to get rid of some tees. Although I only used 12, that is 12 fewer in the pile. Here is the layout - the top is put together - and now I have to border, line, and back. More pics to come.

In addition, since my sewing room is upstairs and the TV is downstairs, I've been feeling like I'm wasting time just sitting on the couch watching shows. Sometimes it is nice to just 'sit' and do something mindless, but other times I feel like I can do two things at once. To help out, I called my mom and asked her to re-teach me how to knit. When I was younger, I occasionally knit, but didn't get instant-gratification so I rarely finished a project. I planned to start off easy - a scarf - and just 'knit' instead of 'purl' too. I chose a bulky yarn so I could get it done fast. Needless to say, I have it started, but I surely won't finish this winter - so next year I guess I'll have a nice new scarf.

Superbowl Sunday, Completed Chenille Order and some Movies

2010-02-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here we are at Superbowl Sunday! Here at the Olive house we are football fans. A bit sad that the season is over and we have to wait until August for the new season. For today, I'm rooting for the Colts because my SIL is from Indy and she and my brother and their 3 kiddos, all live there. Mr. Olive is rooting for the Saints because he thinks it would be great for the Crescent City to win the big game. I have to agree with him, but I cannot let my little nephew down with my allegience. Mr. Olive not only made jambalaya from scratch (crab and chicken andouille), but also bought me a Colt 45, while he'll have Abita as we watch the game - I will take a sip of my 'malt liquor' and that will likely be that.

Today is also the annual Long Beach Polar Bear Club jump in the Ocean. We walked up - it was way more crowded than we expected. Last year was the run at the Guinness World Record book - but I didn't think so many would show up this year too. Mr. Olive and I think these jumpers are crazy - but yet again, on the walk back home, I threw it out there....."Maybe we should jump in next year" and Mr. Olive agreed.....ut-oh......

I also received a request for a custom adult-size throw quilt and two matching shams. The customer wanted cream and sage green to be the main colors, with yellow and blue accents. I did alot more detailed work on the quilt and the shams than I originally thought, but the accent squares on the quilt and the pieced border and squares on the sham (told him I'd do a 4-rectangle front), gave it some specialties. In addition, I did 'wavy' yellow and blue squares with 'stripe' yellow and blue borders to give it some more interest and detail.

To round out the week, Mr. Olive and I watched a couple movies. "Gran Torino" with Clint Eastwood and "No Reservations" with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart. Gran Torino was excellent - and I wasn't into his "Million Dollar Baby" because I'm not a fan of Hilary Swank, but ended up loving it once I watched it - so I'll now watch all his films. No Reservations - I thought this was going to be a funny romantic comedy, but it was a tear-jerker for me. I think I couldn't stop crying because it played on my 'mother' side, but even if I didn't have a daughter, I'd probably still cry. That's just how I am when it comes to sentimental stories. Hey - I used to cry watching "Little House on the Prairie". Mr. Olive doesn't know that. He too gave both movies the thumbs-up.

Superbowl score: 1Q Colts 3 / Saints 0........Goooooo Colts!

Groundhog Day + Custom Bag Order + January Budget Results

2010-02-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Groundhog Day! So from Puxatawny Phil (I know I misspelled that name) we have 6 more weeks of Winter....from Staten Island "Sam" (because I cannot remember his name) we have an early Spring. Tonight we're to get 1-2" of snow....I really hope it comes. I feel the need to walk in the white!

I think I mentioned that the woman who bought my reversible beach tote, requested I make the same bag in fabric she supplied. I needed to get one down to Florida for a gift by this upcoming weekend, and it is in the mail. I made two in this fabulous pink, green, and tan swirly-paisley, so one goes to her for another gift along with a to-be-finished tote to follow.

Now......I wrote about the BUDGET New Years Resolution. Mr. Olive and I each had $100 to spend however we chose in January- instead of whipping out the charge card whenever something crossed our eye. We were trying to be better with our spending, which can get out of hand, so this way we had to be cognizant that the $100 was all we had for ourself for the month. I didn't think I would make it, but I did, and it wasn't THAT BAD. To get the $100 each for February, we had to sit and go over how we spent our January $100. Mr Olive? I told you he has a nicotine habit and he spent $60 on that plus $10 on iTunes. EXTRA - He had extra!! I actually spent all mine with 8 days left in the month, but look what I got....

Beige embroidered shirt - Garnet Hill $40........Summer blue and black print shirt - Wal-Mart $14 (YES - I actually bought my first piece of clothing at the WM! crazy, but I really liked it)......Beige suede with brown leather trim mary-jane shoes by Naturalizer and black heals by Aerosoles 2 - Kohl's and each was super-sale at $9 each (crazy!!).......Green shiny snap-wallet by Mossimo - Target $7......and "Picture Perfect" DVD at KMart (a night waiting for the train in Penn Station) for $5. I also spent $15 on iTunes - I had to download the unearthed APB album - the baseline in "Shoot You Down" rocks.

So, I have my new February hundred - and I'm not running out to spend it - the restraint of the end of January set in, but I also haven't seen many new summer sandals yet. :-0

Baby Boys

2010-01-29T04:16:00.000-08:00

It seems all the newborn babies I've heard of have been boys. Three friends, a co-worker, two Etsy orders, and a random woman I happened to chat with who is shortly due, are all with the blue. Here are the Etsy order gifts - a custom color chenille quilt followed by a pastel blue chenille teddy bear.

Now, I know of two more babies coming due - another co-worker and my sister - neither know what gender the lil tot will be. My guesses are girl for the co-worker and boy for my sister....

In the meantime, I received another custom request (the teddy was the first I'd gotten! and I was so surprised!) from a guy in Georgia who'd like a large custom chenille quilt and matching pillow shams. On top of that, the woman who bought my beach tote requested three of the same bag in different fabrics - and she sent me the fabric she wants. I think I'll be quite busy this weekend! I'll post some pics when I'm done. Happy Friday!

Beach Bag and Sundress

2010-01-23T05:35:00.000-08:00

It's 27 degrees this Saturday morning and that makes me think of the beach! :-) We do live close by, but although we still have months to go before beach weather comes around, I am hoping for an early spring. In anticipation, and because I don't have to feel guilty about staying indoors, I have been sewing alot. I made a new beach tote that I LOVE. I want to use it now! It is reversible and I put a little cell phone pocket on the outside on the floral side. I decided to post it to Etsy and it already sold. :-0 So my weekend plan is to make two more. I also did a little navy and white little girl sundress. Here are the results. I have alot more to sew this weekend, but also many other things I need to get done. I'm hoping to have a semi-productive weekend sew-wise. Remains to be seen!

One Year.....How Time Flies

2010-01-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

It's January and I know I started my blog in January 2009 - so when I looked at my first post - it being one of my 2009 resolutions to start a blog to promote the sewing business - it is dated January 16th. That means....drum roll please....it is my blog one year birthday! I re-read that first post and I have managed the time to keep it up as well as read other great blogs. I managed 93 posts - 93!! I have really enjoy this side-track to the chaos of my life. Thank you all for reading and following. I'm making a new little bag to have as a "One Year Blog Giveaway"...and of course, I didn't think of doing this early enough, so it will shortly be posted.

One of the goals of this blog was to promote the little sewing business my mother and I started back in 2003. We have so many new ideas for projects. I'm happy to post a picture of our new little owl pillows. These guys will be posted in our Etsy shop. One is a felt body with wings in 'antique-looking' coordinating fabrics, and the other is a chenille body with matching wings in a floral flannel. We've also made these in some bold cottons in teal and green, and in yellow and pink, and in hot pinks - the nieces love the new additions to their rooms.

Movies: "Twilight" and "Marley & Me"

2010-01-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

Both these books helped me reach my measely goal of reading 6 books in 2009. It's no secret from my other posts that I did not like "Twilight", but I did enjoy "Marley & Me" - it is just a basic 'this is my life' story, but I found it well written and it kept my interest. I knew I'd end up in tears, and I was right.

I've always preferred reading the book instead of watching the movie, and most often opt not to bother with the movie, but with these two, I was curious to see how each translated to the big screen. So upon a lucky trip to the library, both were in! I quickly grabbed the cases and then went to look to make movie night the trifecta with "Mystic River", but no such luck.

Back at home, neither garnered interest from the hubby, in fact, he looked at me and said "did you actually think I'd want to watch these movies?" Truth be told, NO I didn't, and that was fine by me, but I has to ask. :-)

I watched "Twilight" first and liked the movie much better than the book. I thought Kristin Stewart played a good part - better than Rob Pattinson (?) as Edward - too much make-up made his face look strange. Now I want to see "New Moon", but will trudge through the book first. uugh.

"Marley & Me" was the next night. I loved the Jennifer Aniston 'Jenny' and the Owen Wilson 'John' - a great paring. Eric Dane and Alan Arkin made for great supporting roles. But Marley - the dog they got was spot-on from the book. I couldn't stop laughing at the obedience school scene - and hubby reminded me that I shouldn't wake the sleeping child!

Any others care to chime in on these two? Or other movie / book combos?

Giveaway Winner: My Handbound Books

2010-01-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to find out that I had won the giveaway I entered over on RikRak Studio blog. The prize? A weekly planner from My Handbound Books. Rhonda was most generous with her giveaway and I really needed a 2010 planner. I'm already filling its pages. Here are some other great handbound books from her shop:

.....a weekly journal like the one I won....

....a mixed-paper hardcover field journal....

....and an oak wood covered journal with a sheepskin spine.

It's nice to know that some 'lost arts' are still practiced. These handbound books are to treasure - Thanks Rhonda!

New Years Day - Full of Optimism

2010-01-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

It's a new year - and a new decade - I'm full of optimism that this year will be a good one. Not that past years haven't been good, but I have alot of resolutions and goals as we leave the 2000s behind and enter the 2010s. While swimming in my head, I decided to get some down on 'paper'. So here we go...

1) Pare Down. Why do I have 4 drawers and shelves of sweathers? Do I really need 8 white shirts? And 70+ pairs of shoes? 6 bottles of bubble bath? We live in a smallish house - I should be able to weed-out just like I do in the garden. I can donate or toss. I can shop in my own closet. I can declutter the piles of magazines. I know I can do it!

2) BUDGET. No excuse on this one. I have the template set up, but it doesn't work if it's half-assed filled out. I'm resolving to get the situation clarified and on paper. Along with that, I will organize my investment statements and see where I can combine old 401ks to cut down on the paper. Hubby and I have decided to alot each other $100 cash a month to be spent however we choose. We have each put the cash into an envelope and at the end of the month, before we get our new $100, we'll see where we spent the former month's money. My pink envelope still has the crisp bill intact - he has already started chiseling away at his (but he has a nicotine habit and I do not - this habit is supposed to come from this mad money). Can't wait to see how we do!

3) Promote the Sewing Business. I have so many ideas for new items from stuffed toys, to dresses, to skirts, to quilt designs. The more immediate goal is to get a graphic designer to do our website. Anyone out there know someone who could help us?? PLEASE let me know! I'd like to scratch this off the list early on.

4) Read more books! Continuing with my resolution of two past years, but upping the ante just a teeny bit...I resolve to read 7 books this year. I hit my mark of 5 the first resolution year, and didn't count yet to see if I read 6 in 2009, but I want to read more.

5) Drink Water. I'm resolving to drink down the H20. I think there is some ungodly '8, 8oz. glasses a day' out there, which to me means a whole lot of bathroom time, but I'm sure I can make at least 2 glasses a day.

6) Run a 5K. I'm not a big exerciser, but I will run in the warm months. I'm not talking entering a race, but running the 3.1 miles. If it comes in race form? Great, but I'm not going to seek it out. Longer term, I'm hoping to do a 1/2 marathon by the time I'm 45. I know this has less chance of completion, but why not throw it out there?

What is in store for you this fine first day of a new decade??

(( The adorable dog pick with the fun 2010 Hat is courtesy of "I Lick You" Etsy shop ))

The end of the year.....

2009-12-28T17:26:00.000-08:00

How fast did 2009 go? I feel like it was yesterday that I embarked on my New Year's resolution of starting a blog. Where I fretted I wouldn't have time, I did find it hard to post at times, but also found it nice to get thoughts and new creatives down on 'paper'. I also feel like I made a whole lot of Blog-friends all across the country...from Rambler in Hawai'i, to Just Be Happy in Wasington, to If I Had A Hammer in Albuquerque, to Country Girl and Hollyrocks in Oklahoma, to Have you seen my Dragon in my own state of New York - albeit, she is up in the beautiful Adirondacks. I look forward to reading about their lives and comparing mine and my situations. So to all of you who've read me or popped by with a comment or two, THANKS....I look forward to starting out a new year and decade!

Cheers! Jennifer

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm heading to work tomorrow and then directly out-east for Christmas Eve dinner. Followed by an overnight at my parents - where my brother and his family from Jacksonville will also be staying. We each have a young daughter so we're both leaving notes at our respective homes to direct Santa to Babcie and Dzaidzi's house. My patience has been short these past few weeks, so I'm looking for the 'work' part of Christmas to be over, and the enjoyment part to begin. Witnessing the belief in Santa has been amazing....I am taking her lead.

Also wanted to include some pics of the snow we had last Saturday night - we don't have a sled, but improvised. :-)

Merry Christmas everyone. May the star brightly shine for you at this time of year.

Sunday Night....and still a lot to do....and other meaningless stuff

2009-12-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hola- It's Sunday night after a blizzard almost did in Long Island. I say almost bc we did get about 18" of snow, but it started much later than the 10am prediction - hello 4pm?? And ended by 8am, when predicted for 11am. The snow just fell fast and furious. Hubby did all the shoveling - and I made up for lost baking time last weekend when I was taken out by a cold. So here I sit after a batch of Snickerdoodles, Chocolate White Chip, and Oatmeal Scotchies cookies - and then made a new recipe of Salsa Verdi chicken (and it was suprisingly good - I'm not a great cook).

The Giants: Grrrrr Philly and Dallas. But now I don't have to stay up until midnight for Monday Night Football. So aggravating.

Movies: As I wrote in a previous post, we were set to watch some movies a few weekends ago. We watched SAW - Surprisingly good!! Not too gory!! And another oe that my brain cannot recall. Last weekend we watched WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS - Is Cameron Diaz a bad actress to anyone else besides me? and HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU - which we both enjoyed - and agreed that we don't see the appeal of Scarlet Johanssen.

Twilight Book: I FINALLY finished it - I started it the week after Veteran's day and finished 12/17. I have to say, I didn't love it. I didn't find Bella to be a believable character - in fact, there was next to nothing on character build. I couldn't buy that all these guys in Forks were tripping over themselves when she seemed unfriendly, moody, and scowls all the time. The end finally had some action going, but it was not the "can't put it down" book that I heard it would be. I'll read New Moon and the others, but I'm in no rush. I did talk to a woman on the train one night and she had the same problem as me. Whew - I'm not alone!

Tomorrow starts a 2 day in-the-office week. Nice! I'll still be working from home, but thankful to not have to schlep into NYC.

I know, I'm just FULL of happiness tonight! :-0 Sorry....12 hours of sleep and a nice cup of cava should do me right. Happy Sunday Night!

It's 6:20am....Heading to the stores

2009-12-19T03:19:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd be going to shop so early. But, I have been awake since 5:15. The strange thing? I'm exhausted! My FT job has been busy busy, as always, and I'm not complaining because I really do like going to work and wish I had more time to spend there. I guess my boss recognized since I was promoted this week - although being who I am, and knowing how much I do NOT get done, I feel it isn't deserved. But, I count my blessing given the current state of the economy.

So - WHY am I up so early and heading out? Last weekend when I thought I'd get alot done, found me holed-up in the house with a cold. The weather turned bitter, so I felt it was OK to stay in - "I can shop next weekend". I also didn't bake because I didn't think the neighbors or my family would appreciate me passing out cookies made with a constantly running nose. I know - EEWWWWW. Which brings me to yesterday, when husband announed, 'did you know we're supposed to have a blizzard on Saturday into Sunday? Up to a foot of snow?'

Uh, NO I didn't not - because I've been a zombie this week getting home late and up extra early for work, and not paying attention to the news. Therefore, I'm going to be one of those crazy people heading to the stores at ungodly hours to make sure there are gifts for all - well, at least the kid and nieces and nephews.

Wish me luck!

Treasury: Sieber Designs

2009-12-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

Aviva over at Sieber Designs included my Fall Flowers dress in her Treasury of "Best Gifts under $25". I was in Oklahoma City when she secured a spot, so I wasn't able to make a copy of it to post, but regardless, I wanted to say "Thank You" for selecting one of our items.

I also found some really nice things from her shop to post here. Take a look....and visit her to see more great quilting items! Thanks Aviva!

Saturday Church Fair, Gingerbread Houses, and Movie Night

2009-12-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

First off - Happy December! I cannot believe were in the last month of the year. Is time flying for anyone else?? Last week I went to Oklahoma City for work. Just an overnight trip, but it isn't an easy flight to/from NYC. The one non-stop was sold out. Need I say more?

It's Saturday night after a busy Saturday day - I took the daughter to a Christmas Fair at the church and video-ed her dancing with Santa. I also managed some Christmas gifts that were exactly what I was looking for! A puzzle for my grandmother - and 'cats in a tree' picture - perfect for her! for $2 (brand new but old) and 4 hardcover suspense books for my hubby (all recently released and $0.50/each). I also managed a scarf for myself - the most expensive at $10 (but all proceeds go to the church). Afterward, Ryan and my niece Daisy made gingerbread houses. I bought a kit thinking it would be so easy - and quite the opposite. My mom resorted to cutting an orange juice container, slapping on vanilla icing, and giving the girls sugar wafers to add to the decorative candies. They are happy girls, but not necessarily 'centerpiece' results. :-) But we're going to use them anyway.

Lastly, I came home to a hubby that made dinner - it was Zatarans garlic and herb rice and chicken. He said "it's from a box" and I said "you cooked - we didn't order in - and it isn't frozen pizza - it's fantastic!" We're now gearing up for a movie and ice cream. Our options are 1) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2) SAW, or 3) I Love You, Man. We're going with SAW firsy and if we cannot take it- will switch to the comedy. We cannot believe there are something like 6 SAW movies! It must be doing something right...

Nursery Rhyme for Girls and a Turtle: New Light Blankets

2009-11-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

Haven't done much new sewing, but I did manage to eeeeeeeeke out some new light blankets. Here is the nursery rhyme blanket in a raspberry pink print for girls and a soft cotton flannel turtle for.....well, both sexes! I have two other fabrics cut and once done, I can post more NEW NEW. Happy Saturday!

M-I-A....and "Twilight" book

2009-11-18T15:58:00.001-08:00

I've been all-consumed with work. I took a few days last week to visit the brother's family in Indianapolis, and came back even more behind. *sigh*. The price to pay. Daughter and I had a great time tho. Each time I'm in a new area, I check out the homes. We could have a new, bigger house on a good piece of property and an 'easier' life - and then I come home and love my little house by the Ocean....and also my job, no matter how busy it is.

While I was in Indy, my SIL had the "Twilight" series books on her shelf. I was reluctant to read them bc I'm not really into the vampire thing, but through some blog friends like The Rambler who, like my SIL, said she too was reluctant and then devoured (sorry) the series, I gave in and started Twilight. I'm on page 80 and while it hasn't sucked me in yet (sorry - ha!), I'm not ready to toss in the towel.

Pics of Finished Memory Quilts: MIL Clothes

2009-10-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Wanted to post a few pictures of the completed Memory Quilts we made from a family's beloved MIL's clothes. We ended up making 9 wall hangings. Working with adult clothes is more difficult than children's clothes because the colors, fabric designs, fabric weights are vastly different. It took alot of placing to make sure the quilt flowed. This client wasn't particular about the flow, but rather, using as many different pieces as possible.

It's Getting Chilly! Need Little Girl's Undershirts.....

2009-10-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Now that Ryan is 3, with the weather turning colder, we went out to buy her undershirts. Last year I kept her in the fantastic Carter's long-sleeved onesies and I never worried about her being cold because not only did I bundle her up, but also had on the base-layer onesie. My mom always had us in undershirts - it was part of our 'underwear'. Imagine my frustration when we came up empty-handed, both in-store and on-line. Not only did we strike out, but the only undershirts available were cami-tanks in bigger sizes. Some stores had nothing...nada....zip....and some stores only had....GASP....padded bras!!! I thought my husband would die of embarrassment when I held one up. First of all, I cringe at the thought of a 7 or 8 year old needing a bra....and a padded one? Why can't little girls be little girls? Don't they already grow up too fast?

All those ladies out there and those with little girls...any advice??

Memory Quilt: Baby Quilt from Dad's Clothes

2009-10-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

A sad story...my sister's friend's brother was terminally ill just as his first child was due to be born. He didn't live long enough to meet his son, but his sister gathered up a few pieces of his clothes and asked that we make a baby quilt from them for his newborn son. We only had 6 pieces of clothes with which to work, but that proved to be ok. And we chose a bright baby flannel for the outer border and back. This will be a great blanket for the baby and widow to have now and for the future. A sad story - but something memorable for his family.

Saturday Night Movie: "Catch Me If You Can"

2009-09-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

We've never seen it and heard it is a great flick, so we're getting ready to watch. Over the past few weekends I've seen "Margot at the Wedding", "Babel", and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". I like Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman - I like that Kidman chooses indie films and I've seen a fair amount of her work. I'm not too crazy about DiCaprio, but maybe this film will change my view??

Memory Quilts: CLOTHES

2009-09-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

We met a couple at the Fair Harbor Pine Walk Fair, who saw our sample Memory Quilt made from my niece's baby clothes, and asked about some wall-hangings made of her mother-in-laws clothes. She had passed away 5 years ago and they clothes were sitting in a box - no one wanted to throw them out, but also didn't know what to do with them. She felt it was fate when she happened upon the fair and browsed the vendors for 10 minutes before hopping a water taxi to Ocean Beach. When she dropped all the clothes, we went through her requests and specifications - at the fair she thought she'd like three quilts. At the drop-off, she ordered SIX!! Two weeks later, she upped it to NINE. While it is harder to coordinate adult clothes than baby clothes, the project has been fun and challenging! Here are the layout pictures of 7 - we spent days making sure the fabrics were all different and looked like a coherent piece when sewn together. By now, all the tops are sewn together and one is completed!

Saturday Night Question: Labor Day Edition

2009-09-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

SO is anyone out enjoying a last-hurrah unofficial end of summer weekend? We're out in Fair Harbor on Fire Island and after a great low-humidity day between the bay and the ocean and the deck and the park. I even took a jog this afternoon that felt like it was going to do me in. BUT on the way back from Saltaire, I saw a sign for a band that was going to play tonight. We just came back from 2 hours of drinks and dancing on the bay to the righteous sounds of "Brother SO AND SO" because I cannot think of the name. Now, we're home and cooking dinner after the pina coladas and wine. So this is an easy question - more like 'what are you doing' than a question....so what ARE you up to this weekend? Relaxing? Reading? Traveling? Swimming? I'm about to start "The DaVinci Code"....if I can stay awake past 10pm. :-) Cheers!

Saturday Night Question: Towels - When to toss?

2009-08-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of trying to do a regular Saturday night post since we're now old, don't have plans like we used to on Saturday nights, and usually at home. Plus, we find it hard to keep our eyes open past 10pm. So to add to our busy schedule, I thought maybe there are others home surfing the blogs when the kiddies are in bed? and if so.....I'd REALLY like to hear your thoughts on this pressing question:

Towel laundry....is there some secret trick to getting our towels to smell better? Don't have problems washing clothes, but do you ever wash towels, throw in the dryer with a dryer-sheet....only to get out of the shower to find the towel STINKS?? Does anyone have a secret on keeping towels smelling fresh? OR....when do I actually throw in the towel????

Giveaway Win: Leahkl

2009-08-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

In July I won a fantastic little purple bird rattle through the Live Love Yarn blog when Rose featured the artist Leah KL from Australia. Leahkl on Etsy is a vintage chenille shop and she makes the most adorable little animals, dolls, and fruit and veggie rattles. It is a delayed THANK YOU for the adorable bird giveaway! Here are some of my other favorites...

HAIR: Back on Broadway

2009-08-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

Saw the movie I don't know how many years ago and then the musical while in London in 1992. Bought the soundtrack and absolutely think it is a Desert Island Disc. My friend Jackie and I are planning a Tuesday night trip to the show - but we have to actually get the tickets. Maybe next Tuesday from the Seaport window? Regardless, Jackie this is for you...it is the song I will hit 'repeat' 4-5x and loudly play!!! How can you not love Treat Williams??

Burger King and SpongeBob.....

2009-08-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

I saw this Burger King commercial and cracked up - I thought it was brillant. Hubby didn't know the song, but I remembered Sir Mix-A-Lot. I found it on U-Tube, but also the full length version. Here are both - "I like square butts and I cannot lie......." Classic.

The 30-second commercial....On second thought, I'm just going to try this one to see if it works. I hope so - SPECIAL THANKS to Rose and Rambler...couldn't have gotten it to work without your advice....thanks ladies!! :-)

How do I get a UTube to the blog?

2009-08-06T17:53:00.001-07:00

Anyone know how to do it? Please help!

Glass Bead Earrings.....

2009-08-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

I made a few earrings because I saw these green glass beads and couldn't live without them. I posted to the shop and within 24 hours, they sold. That was back in the winter. Imagine my surprise when in July, the woman who bought loved them so much she asked if I could make the same style in other colors. She wanted blues, but bought all three. Made my day!

Chenille Quilts

2009-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post some pics of our new chenille quilts.....

How angry am I right now??

2009-07-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

VERY angry. I'm spitting nails. My blood is boiling.

I don't know why the concept of budgeting is completely lost on my husband. What part of 'revenues need to be more than expenses' does he NOT understand? We've been trying to cut down for YEARS, and I think of options, ask him his thoughts, try to agree on the course of action to be taken (which we usually do) and then he immediately ignores. SOOOOO you cannot imagine how freakin fuming I am right now over paying our credit card bill (which was way too high to begin with) and discover that he's got 4 separate charges for what.....you cannot guess and if you do I'll send you a prize....a god-damn computer game - Mafia Wars on Facebook. What are these $20 charges for? What does this do to better our financial situation? What 'necessary expense' did he spend on like toothpaste, toilet paper, socks? DO YOU KNOW WHAT I COULD DO WITH THAT $80 THAT IS NOW EVAPORATED???? If he were making 6-figures and I was working PT and we had overflowing savings accounts - be my guest - go right ahead - waste money on an on-line computer game, but NOT while I'm working FT with the majority of the bread-winning sitting on my shoulders....no siree bob. This does not fly with me.

And you want to know the worst part?? I saw the first charge on the bill and called him out on it - and I was told "I will not do that again, I'm sorry".....and here it happens 3x again - and once just 2 days ago......Did I mention how angry I am right now????

7 Things Award from Audrey's Country Crafts

2009-07-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Audrey over at Audrey's Country Crafts blog gave me the "7 Things" award....I give 7 things about myself and then pass along to 7 others. Here goes -

1) I'm on vacation right now in Fair Harbor. It is a little town on Fire Island and my family has had a house here for 29 years. It is my favorite place in the world!

2) I made a bold move yesterday and walked up to a house that looks like it hasn't been lived in in years - to leave a note in case the owner wanted to sell. He was there! We chatted - the house is an utter dump - he is looking to sell - I made an offer - he considered - and I was turned down this morning. :-( I am sad, but I would have been eating ramen for the next 10 years.

3) I got to visit with the Indy family and the Jacksonville family this week. Yipee!

4) I made pasta for dinner and now I'm having a glass of wine in a quiet house.

5) I went swimmming in the bay with my 2.5 YO nephew Chase today.

6) I recognized an old old friend today as he was walking along the bay - I stopped him and we chatted. How come I'm getting so bold in my old age??

7) It's 8:37pm.....and I'm ready for bed. That is what all day in the salt air will do to a person.

The other peeps I'd like to share-the-7-awards-love with are:

BOWquet

Country Girl

Elegant Hobbies

MandMStudio

Life {the way I see it}

Ocean Creations

DenimNotes

AND for a parting shot, here is my 5 YO nephew with his Sea Robin catch.....He got up at 5:30 am to get on the boat to fish and sea robins were all he caught. But he was happy to have gone.

Vacation Week and other updates!

2009-07-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yipee!! It is vacation week! Each year my brother and his family come in from Indianapolis to enjoy the beach house on Fire Island. This year it is a 3-week stint. And why not? The alternative is central Indiana - a far cry from the Atlantic.

Vacation week at our house wasn't supposed to start off with a second floor bathroom pipe problem, but alas, it did. I guess it is expected with an old house - the pipe literally wore out. The water leaked through the first floor into a nice puddle in the basement. Needless to say, a lot of $$, a messy house, and a non-working bathroom was not the 'happy' start to time away from work.

AND I almost forgot!! We did the local craft fair on Fire Island over July 4th weekend. We had wagon t-shirts printed up and they were a HUGE hit. In addition - there was a celebrity there and she bought my 'hippie-chic' dress for her little girl - I was thrilled.
OH - we now have a 3 year-old in our house. She is so grown up - she just blocked me from the bathroom because she can go potty ALL BY HERSELF. She actually told me to get out of the bathroom! Oh the things to come...

What a Monday: Preemie Memory Quilt, Girl Gift Set, and a Feature!

2009-06-29T15:58:00.001-07:00

I couldn't wait to get home from work today to post the latest pictures and news. My sister so loved the Memory Quilts we're making that she quickly gathered up her daughter Daisy's preemie clothes and promptly dropped them off at mom's house for quilt construction. Daisy was born at 2 lbs so most of the preemie clothes swam on her. And with her time in the NICU, my sister was always washing the clothes - so Daisy really got alot of use out of her few outfits. Mom didn't have alot of clothes with which to make a quilt, but she did manage to get 20 squares. In fact, she even used Daisy's hats! The knit hat was made by our Grandmother and I had mixed feelings about cutting it for the quilt, but it is here - and quite a cool square you can see in the close-up pic:

My cousin in Minnesota needed a girl baby gift for a shower - so we put together this bright pink tulip set for her. It is a long-sleeve onesie, bib, flannel-backed burp cloth, and a receiving blanket. I love this tulip fabric and I think after this blanket was made, it is finito. Thanks for thinking of us Cuz!!

To cap off the day - Audrey over at Audrey's Country Crafts asked to feature our shop on her fantastic blog. Today we were posted - so please pop on over to her blog and check it out - and all the other amazing features she has. THANKS Audrey!

Long Beach Strawberries!

2009-06-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

We have a narrow strip of ground between our fence and driveway. The neighbor planted strawberry plants that have come under the fence and filled this space. I'm happy bc now I don't have to plant with annuals every year and I don't have to weed - and look what we get to eat! (Second batch no less!)

I've Been Tagged: by Chocolate and Steel....

2009-06-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

So Chocolate and Steel tagged me and I was kind of in the mood for one of these since I wanted to save the pics from my next Memory Quilt (a girl one!) for another post and I wasn't sure what to write about. And these are different Qs from the other times I've been tagged - yay! Here goes...hope you find it semi-interesting.

1) What is your current obsession? Orchids. I posted about my new obsession with them back in February and now that I've been reading up, there are soooooo many people in the same boat! I have a few new types I'd like to get, but alas, not yet. Here is a picture of the white phaleonopsis Hubby got me for Mother's Day:

2) What is your weirdest obsession? After reading "Chocolate and Steel"'s answers, she going to think I'm the worst person, but I have to say killing the goddamn snails and slugs that are sliming all over my plants and killing my flowering cherry tree!! I put down the pellets that kill them and that was great - until the 40-days-and-40-nights of rain we've had. Now it seems all the poison has washed away. My poor pansies rebounded and are flowering again, but tonight I pulled 2 snails from the pot and threw them into the street. UUGH I HATE THEM! What purpose do they serve??

3) What are you wearing today? A Mossimo black short-sleeved, collared jersey dress with a little waist tie (I got it at Target 4 years ago) and a pale-pink 3/4 sleeve Gap cardigan (I think I got it about 7 years ago). And I wear panty-hose to work because don't think it is appropriate to wear bare legs at work - I know, get with the program. The only way I go bare legs at work is if my skirt almost hits my ankles. Since I just took pics of the orchids, I decided to throw one in of the outfit...

4) What's for dinner? Regular and Banana Walnut Cheerios (the nanny feeds Ryan and hubby won't be home)

5) What's the last thing you bought? Gap kids clothes for Ryan and got a matching outfor for her cousin Daisy. BTW, there are amazing sales at Gap Kids!

6) What are you listening to right now? The hum of the ceiling fan and Dora The Explorer from the other room. I know, bad mom - I should be putting her to bed instead of blogging. :-0 She has been outside all day and she really wanted to watch Dora, so I caved.

7) What is your favorite ice-cream flavour? Vanilla (but would add caramel or strawberry sauce if it was available!)

8) What do you think of the person who tagged you? I think "Chocolate and Steel" makes the coolest jewelry....take a look at these favorites of mine from her Etsy shop....

9) If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? All paid for? All the taxes too? I'm be where I am in Long Beach - right by the Ocean with a decent piece of property so I could have a greenhouse and garden. Oh, and a house big enough for me to have my own sewing room!

10) If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Jacksonville FL to visit my brother, SIL, and niece.

11) What is your favorite colour? Green - although Blue is a close second.

12) Which language do you want to learn? Polish because it is my hertiage and Ryan now knows it from having a Polish nanny - she even speaks it. My SIL is Polish so Ryan should be able to maintain it, but I want to learn it also.

13) What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe? A sleeveless collared navy blue v-neck I got at Loft 3 years ago - it started me on my navy kick and I wish I could buy this same shirt in different colors. You probably think I don't have new clothes with my answers to this post! I do, just not as many with this economy....I DO pare down the closet and donate to goodwill. :-)

14) What's your favourite magazine? Country Living and Coastal Living (bc I would love to live on a farm by the Ocean!)

15) If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on? $20 to Starbucks card....$50 on some orchids I'd like to order.....$30 for a mani/pedi.

16) Favorite artist/s? Henri Matisse....and a painter I found on Etsy - Tracey Gurley - I LOVE LOVE her flower paintings.

17) What's your favorite season and why? I like all seasons and glad we have all in the northeast, but Spring is my favorite because the flowers start to come out and weather gets nicer.....

18) Describe your personal style? Easy and comfortable, but not sweats comfortable - cargos and sandals on weekends - easy dresses for parties - white pants in summer and jeans in winter are MUSTS. I also wear glasses and usually do the Sarah Palin hair with a clip - as I've had that for years - it is just an easy style for long hair! Hubby says I have the 'dirty librarian' look.....

19) What are you going to do after this? Put Ryan to bed and eat my Cheerio dinner while watching "Deadliest Catch" from Tuesday night.

20) What are your favourite movies? I don't see many movies, but I can watch "Thank You for Smoking", "Where the Heart Is", "She's Having a Baby", "Snatch", "The Sound of Music" over and over.

21) What's your favourite fruit? How to choose?? watermelon.

22) What inspires you? Just about anything now a days - I find all I want to do is sew - and sew things I haven't done before like summer tunics and dresses and skirts....

23) What music do you like this week? Allman Brothers Band - makes me think of outside late-afternoon BBQs by the beach

24) What is your dream job? Farming and sewing - but I also work in commercial real estate and have gotten back into that area at my current job - so I'm really happy now!

25) What is stopping you? I'd need 48 hours to my day

26) If you could change something in the world to make it a better place what would that be?
Acceptance of those not like ourselves.

27) What do you have planned for tomorrow? Work....it is the Friday I go into the office. I have every-other Friday off - so another reason to like my day job.

The rules :1. Respond and rework; answer the question on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own. OK - I didn't do this bc I didn't read the rules first...

2. Tag eight other people.

My Rambling Thoughts

Oceanside Creations

If I Had a Hammer

Life of a Bird

Have You Seen My Dragon?

Live, Love YARN!

Just be Happy!

Designs by Vanessa

Memory Quilts: Part 2

2009-06-22T16:05:00.001-07:00

Here are pictures of two of the three finished Memory Quilts from my college friend's stash of her boys baby clothes. One is done in blues and whites, and the other in blues and reds. The third we're working on will be blues and greens - we're still trying to find the right combination of fabrics for the top.

In case you may not see at first glance, if you look at some of the squares, the clothes were re-worked to enable a 'square' - the front of overalls do not lend to a 'square' and even less-so on sewing around gromets. The thickness of some clothes is also a hindrance, so the seems need to be ripped out and re-attached to provide a 'thinner' fabric. I cannot take any credit for these reworkings as it was all mom - she is truly talented with the projects and machine!

Can you see the collar parts she put together with backing of fabric from the body of the outfit?

Saturday at the US Open

2009-06-20T16:36:00.001-07:00

So off we went this morning and arrived by 10am. With little grandstand space (no surprise there), we did get to see alot of great players and some good, but fewer great shots. With the rain rolling in, we were stuck in the mud, but remained relatively dry with the umbrella. And, it is amazing how much the seats clear once Tiger moves to the next tee-box. We called the 15th green our home today and got to watch Stricker, Weaver (my new fav), Campbell, Furyk, Olgivey, Jiminez, Weekly, Poulter, Edefors, Harrington, Stricker, Westwood, Leonard, Woods....and I just cannot remember all the others. BUT, by 4:15, we called it a day. And are happily watching the start of Round 3 from the comfort of our living room couches - glass of red wine in hand. I'm a happy girl.

Goooooooooo Weaver! and Gooooooooooo Tiger.......I have to root for him to have a big comeback, repeat on the Black, and repeat last year.....

2009 U.S. Open: Bethpage Black

2009-06-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you that follow golf, I have to say, the Black course seems absolutely brutal! After last year's Open, I went into the lottery for tickets to this year's event. I figured I'd go for the Wednesday practice round and the Saturday regulation round. Sunday is not only Father's Day, but also Ryan's 3rd birthday.....so family time will be spent by all! AND both are families are players so there will be no argument over turning on the TV that afternoon. :-) BUT, I digress....

So we went yesterday and besides the forecast for clear skies, we could not bring cell phones or BBs, so it actually felt like a vacation! With rain the last 12 of 15 days, the course was fairly dried out, but there were patches of just 'wet'. With today's rain cancellation, I don't know how all that water is going to soak in enough to make it playable. But, they are pros and the purse is $7.5 million - thems alot of clams on the table! BUT, I digress again....

Bethpage Black - the infamous course an old friend used to sit in his car on weekend mornings in order to get a tee-time (that was before the 2002 US Open was held here - and now there are so many people vying for times, I don't think camping out for 2 days would do the trick). Here are teh Black stats: 7,426 yards with a rating of 78.2 and a slope of 152, and a par of 70 ....thats right - 70 (the pros are playing to these specs). The Black course is a monster with good reason. The 13th hole is 605 yards....three of the par 3s are more than 200 yards. Now, I'd have the 'ladies tee' advantage, but with the tee distance to the fairway and the fescue leading up to it? I'd lose a dozen balls just trying to hit my tee shots.

As for yesterday, we did see some big golf names - Veejay Singh, Jimenez, Westwood, Weekly, Cink, Anthony Kim (who was playing alone and walked with an entourage of 10 people including 2 state troopers - WHO is he again??), and my new pro-favorite, Ernie Els. Why? Ernie was super crowd friendly, he gave autographs with a smile, wasn't so serious in playing with his pairing of Swartzel (Ernie putted in one of Swartzel's misses), and played good golf!

A co-worker has a pool where I need to pick 4 golfers and a tie-breaker score. For the record, my picks are Woods, Michelson, Furyk, and Els....I waivered on Furyk with Mediate (bc I just adore Rocco's down-to-earth attitude and he has a great smile), but went with Jim at the end of the day. I'll likely regret this decision. I have alot of respect for the pro golfers - and jealousy bc I'd love to have that life - AND I think that after this tournament on the Black course, the pros will give it alot of respect as well - not only because it is a hard course, but also because it is the only truly PUBLIC golf course that is played in a USGA event (the fee for a resident during the week is $50 and on weekends $60).

NOW, if only the rain would stop!!!!!

Memory Quilts of Baby Clothes: Making 3!!

2009-06-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

An old friend from college was clearing our her attic and came upon her sons old baby and toddler clothes. All those clothes that she had stored away after having three boys. We had talked years before about making quilts and she decided to send the clothes to us so we could make her three Memory Quilts - one for each son's family when the time comes. So here is what arrived - two big boxes of clothes!

We started sorting by color and fabric and weight. We planned a layout in the Crazy Quilt style and patchwork style - and she would like patchwork.

All three will incorporate different fabrics and we are grouping by colors....Here is the layout of two so far.....

I'll post pictures when we're done!

The Little Pansy: Part II

2009-06-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

So that little pansy that started growing in our brick front door staircase is still living. Get this - it bloomed a second flower.....and today when I checked, it has 3 on the way out and a bud getting ready to open. Who woulda thunk it??

My Little Handbags

2009-06-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

When I lived in my NYC apartment and then moved to this Long Beach house, my mom, ever the talented lady with the sewing machine, offered to make me curtains. So off we went to Duralee Fabrics in search of the perfect design for my windows. Of course, with our different tastes, we rarely agreed, but in the end, I got cool curtains and also loaded up on some fabulous designer fabrics!

What to do with such a stash? After sewing so many baby quilts and animals, I decided to try making some fun little handbags. I always carried a big work bag (and I'm not one for actual purses), so I wanted something fun, easy, and light - something that could fit a small wallet, keys, cell phone, and lipstick. Voila - my little bags were born! For my button bags, I've used buttons hoarded away by my great-grandmother Emilia - she had some collection. I've had people buy them for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, teacher gifts, and to use as gift-wrap. What do you think??

ETSY Advanced: Seller Tips

2009-06-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Pop on over to Jessica Schope's site to get her latest book titles "Etsy Advanced" - I'm looking forward to getting my copy since I need serious help to kick some sales my way.

Want a "Real Letter" in Your Mailbox??

2009-05-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of always having bills and credit card offers in your mailbox? Do you have some beautiful stationery that is gathering dust in a desk drawer? Do you have a favorite or special pen? Well....have I got news for you!! Shelagh over at blog Alice in Paris loves Art and Tea, is organizing Artful Penpals - a project to revive the lost art of letter-writing. The project will require those that sign up to write one letter to another that she matches up. All the 411 can be read through the Artful Penpals link above.

Come on.....one little letter.....one measly letter.....one note card to brighten someone's day.....and the best part?? You'll receive one too!! Now, rush right on over and sign up because come June 14th, the doors close and the matchings begin.....

Memorial Day.....THANK YOU....and to Blog Followers with Shop Picks

2009-05-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the people in the military that protect the United States. Thank you for fighting the wars so we can have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thank you to all the brave men and women who do this selfless job everyday. Thank you to those who gave their lives so ours are safer.

And while it is no where near the scale of the military committment, I want to thank all the bloggers that follow my little chronicle, so below are some Memorial Day items from follower shops. I hope you continue to like what you read - Thank You!

From My Little Blog Spot: Desserts at the BBQ.....

From Ilena at Corr Creations: BBQ decorations......

From Bette's Bags: A small wallet.....

From Christine at New Life Artworks: To frame a favorite picture from the BBQ.....

From If I Had a Hammer: Keep the bees out of the food......

From Barefoot Bath & Body: To start the day off clean.....

From Glazed Over: No table is complete without these.....

From Country Girl: Better than a napkin....

From Jill at John Met Betty: For the change you won at the BBQ card game....

From My Dear Darling: For the kids to cuddle as they fall asleep on the way home....AND kudos on the military item.....

Hope everyone enjoyed this Memorial Day......We spent it on Fire Island in a town called Fair Harbor. This link is to a local real estate agent, but the intro shows some nice pics. I love this place and we had a great weekend.

Back from Oklahoma....and Ryan's words....

2009-05-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Whew! Finally home. I left Wednesday night for Oklahoma City for a business trip. I had meetings all day on Thursday, and headed to the airport after a nice market tour between Norman in the south and Penn Square Mall in the north. I'm so tired, I cannot even remember the name of the area where this mall is located! A 4pm departure turned into another overnight stay in a hotel significantly less-nice that the hotel of the previous night. MENTAL NOTE: When the airline offers $$, a hotel, and dinner, make sure you know what level hotel you are getting before taking the deal. If my boss and I hadn't missed our connecting flight in Memphis, we would have held out, but with that flight going to be gone, we cut our losses and stayed in OK. I asked the agent "so what type of hotel is XXXXX?" and he was less than direct. But, another person knew the name and said "Holy cow! You guys lucked out! That is a beautiful hotel". A $40/night room rate and a $15 meal voucher in that hotel, does not a beautiful room make. But it was clean and well-kept.

Other than that, my trip was really nice! Oklahoma City is super clean and friendly. New York needs to go down and take notes on the cleanliness concept. But, a 5:20am wake-up call has done me in. So it is off to bed for me.

Before I go, I wanted to post about something darling almost-three year-old daughter said while we were vegging and watching cartoons....

**** some girls doll / toy was being advertised (again, I'm so tired I cannot remember what toy this was) ****

Mommy: "Oh that looks like a fun doll / toy"
Daughter: "Mommy....you know I really like pirates. Pirates are my favorite"
Mommy: ??????

So does this mean she's going to have the 'bad boy' complex when dating??

Our 7 Year Anniversary: May 18, 2009

2009-05-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Holy cow.....married for seven years today! The NY weather is just like it was seven years ago - chilly, brisk, and windy minus the morning rainstorms. I guess I wasn't really focused on the number of years, until I got to work and the calendar said "7 years today :-D" from when I wrote it in back in January. As I thought about the day and the times we've been through since, I couldn't help smiling - each time I thought of it.

NOW, let me just say, the seven years have definitely not been all sunshine, roses, and rainbows...in fact, I can probably tally more notches in the tears column than the smiles column. We each have our fair share of faults (his being worse than mine of course....) that became more evident as things do when married, but we've managed to get through the tough times to a place where we both know we need to work on the issues that exist.

ALL THAT BEING SAID, we have had good laughs and communication and the bottom line is that we love each other and want to grow old together, and an anniversary is a perfect time to reflect on that love that started the trip down this life seven years ago.

And now for the lighter note.....we follow the Traditional Gift Guide for anniversary presents. My parents always did this, so I just started and hubby jumped on board. Seven is "copper / wool", so in a crunch with few ideas and a week looming deadline, I turned to Etsy Alchemy for help. What help I got!! For hubby, I got a copper pair of Seahorses from Nature Art Studio and had them dedicated on the back with "Mason and Jennifer.....a pair for seven years"

......and a copper guitar pick engraved with "7 years of lovely music" - it hasn't arrived yet so no picture, but I ordered it from Shama. I also found a wool coffee cozy and was disappointed to turn down the bid because hubby is not a coffee drinker, but when I told him about the idea, he said "I'll get it for you" so I excitedly contacted Wayside Violet to place an order. She was kind enough to embroider a "7" on it and she used copper thread!

Hubby also got me an orchid...he knows me so well......and I love him so much. :-D

A Pleasant Surprise! Purple Pansy

2009-05-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

On our way out the door this afternoon to go to a friend's annual Crawfish Boil party, my husband called Ryan and I outside to point out a little pansy that started to grow out of the mortar in our brick staircase. I'm only used to weeds doing this so had I noticed the greenery before the bloom, I surely would have yanked the little sucker right out and tossed it into the bin. Since that didn't happen, we were pleasantly surprised with this little shower! The two pics try to give perspective on how little it is on our walkway, and then the close-up of its beauty....

If you've been following me for awhile, you know I love to garden. Back in April, my hubby went to Jacksonville, Florida to visit with my brother and his family, so Ryan and I had 3 days of 'girls days' - one of our activities was to plant some seeds. Here are some pictures of our peas starting to come up and the chives that returned. We also planted marigolds, snapdragons, and radishes - only the radishes have started growing.

We have this fragrant lilac bush in our backyard, but got gypped in the front yard because that lilac failed to bloom this year. You can see it in the pics of the purple pansy - lots of new growth, but not a single bud or flower.......Grrrrr. When I planted these back in 2002, I knew I'd have to wait a season or two to get flowers and sure enough, it was 2 years before the front budded and 3 before the back budded. Now, after a stellar spring 2008, the front one bailed on us. I have to check my gardening book if lilac tend to skip a season.....but I'm still irked.

I couldn't resist these multi-flowered planters (bought from Lowe's) that are sitting in front of our container blueberry bushes. I hope the blueberry bushes grow fast!!

I'm in a Treasury!! Thanks to Corr Creations...

2009-05-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

I don't make it into very many Treasury groupings, but I am always psyched when I get that unexpected note saying someone thought something of mine was nice enough to be included! My Etsy friend at Corr Creations thought just that back in early April and I have been remiss in showing off her talent! I was only able to get 9 pics from the treasury - my PowerPoint wasn't working with me - but here they are with my chenille bears .

Corr Creations has many great quilts in her shop and adorable table runners, pot holders, and a personal favorite - a party banner!

Her blog is good too, so if you are interested in reading about her sewing, quilting, being a mom to two youngins', and living in upstate NY....check out Have You Seen My Dragon?

Adios Amigos....

It's Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have a few Mothers stories for today....

The first being that I wasn't sure I'd ever become a mother. We struggled for 2 years and 11 months to have a child. Been through all the tests and procedures - all to no avail. Many tears too. And then on the precipice of our three-year mark (when I dealt with infertility, time was always on my mind, no matter how hard I tried to not think of it, I just could stop counting), one night when I was seething mad at the hubby (even though he apologized) and thought 'how could I have married this man?', was the time it actually worked. And it looks like one is all we get, but we got a great one - my darling Ryan is such a good, considerate, happy kid. And everyday I count the blessing that she is.

The second story being that of our Mother / Daughter sewing business. For as long as I can remember, my grandmother and mother knit, crocheted, embroidered, sewed, made dolls and clothes, etc. I remember Christmas morning when I was about 10, and coming downstairs to Santa's gift of a blue Brother sewing machine in a beautiful white wood cabinet with flowers on the outside. I was overjoyed! I started sewing basic doll clothes and little 9-patches. Another gift that I loved was a knitting basket because my mom always knitted while watching TV so she got me started. I also received a set of crochet needles in a fancy zip case, another cherished gift that was in my knitting basket (I've recently asked my mom if it is still in her house somewhere because I'd like to reclaim it). All growing up, my mom always made baby quilts for her friend's baby showers - some have told her that the quilt was put into a hope chest and is being used today for the grandbabies! My mom was thrilled to hear that news. Jump to 2001 when my mom made her first pastel patch chenille quilt for my SIL's first baby. These quilts became the baby shower gift of her friend's iminent grandchildren. And once she started getting requests to buy the quilts, she asked me if I'd like to start this little business with her. So here we are today!! We do two different lines, "Olive Street Studio" (for my little handbag business of which none are posted to Etsy yet) and "Emilia Anne Designs", which are all our baby items. We chose our baby business name to pay homage to the amazing women in our lives: Emilia is my maternal great-grandmother and Anne is my maternal grandmother. It has been fantastic to work with my mom. Ryan is almost 3, and she already loves playing in my sewing room - so hopefully, we'll still have the business and she'll step into it too. :-)