Hi there! I'm back!! Yeah, so I didn't tell you I was going to be gone... Sorry about that. I had already missed a couple weekend posts so NaBloPoMo was screwed up anyway, and then I was SO sick before my vacation that I couldn't even say goodbye... Sorry!!

Can I make it up to you by showing you a few pictures from my vacation? It was so beautiful in Belize...

There were waterfalls:


And we learned how coffee grows:


We went to Tikal, in Guatamala, absolutely amazing Mayan ruins:


And, maybe my favorite part of the whole trip, we got to swim with sharks and stingrays!!





Thanks to Peter for modeling.

We got back Sunday afternoon, and Monday and Tuesday we had company staying at our house! I think that's the fastest I've unpacked and done laundry. Monday night our visiting friends asked us to have a get-together for our mutual local friends so they could catch up. It was a ton of fun, and I didn't even stress about it at all, despite having no time to get ready. And the amazing thing is, after that, plus three days back at work with a big deadline, I am still quite relaxed and happy. That is the sign of a great vacation!!

Labels: travel

I have one shelf in my craft room that's sort of become a place for owls. I'm not sure why I started liking owls, but regardless of how it started, I've found myself collecting them. I only have a few, but they make me quite happy!



1. Card from boygirlparty.
2. Tiny pins from Laurie.
3. Fortune cookie from one of my first swaps - with Jenn.
4. Newest addition, a cute owl from Urban Outfitters.
5. Owl softie from Little Dear.
6. Adorable Noah's Ark tins from my in-laws for storage - no owls, but monkeys and giraffes which are just about as good!

Labels: craft room

I've been hearing all over blogland that people haven't been able to find the Tord Boontje stuff at Target, that it's all sold out. So imagine my surprise when I stopped by to fill some prescriptions (turns out the doctor thinks I'm sick, too!) I saw a whole endcap full of the stuff. Garlands, paper plates, cups, napkins, food packaging... A huge selection! I limited myself to these:



Awesome laser cut garlands.

I'm afraid to open them! I'm planning on sending off one set as a thank you, but I can't make myself pick which to give away... I love them both!

Labels: misc

My book club group came over Sunday before our "official" meeting to watch Ever After, since last time we met we discussed Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister and several of us were reminded of the movie. I do love this movie! One of the girls brought a baby blanket she's crocheting, and when I saw that, I thought about getting out the ornaments I'm working on for the swap. I stopped, though, because I didn't want to have to explain why I was making them. "See, there are these people that have websites about crafting..." It felt silly.

After everyone had left, and I was on the couch suffering from my fever with plenty of time to think, I realized I was being silly. I get so much inspiration from my fellow bloggers, whether they are crafting or cooking or just sharing a glimpse into their lives. Why should I be ashamed of that? I am so touched by the comments on my 50 Things post, and I am happy that I have a creative side and I've found a place to share it. In a similar situation in the future, I'll be getting out the ornaments!

The earrings above, as you probably guessed, were inspired by a pair in my new book. My wonderful husband fixed the computer, and all is right in the world!

Labels: jewelry

Wow, not even halfway through the month and I missed two whole days posting. So much for NaBloPoMo. If it makes any difference (which I know it doesn't) I have a good excuse! We were out of town Saturday and got in a lot later than I thought, and yesterday evening when I had planned to get some posts ready, I had a relapse of my cold and had a fever of 101. A true blogger would have posted anyway, I know. And to top it all of, when I went to get the pictures off my camera of what I did do yesterday, our computer crashed! It's all backed up, and Peter's going to work on it tonight, but I don't even have pictures to share.

I did want to tell you about a book I got... It was a birthday present to myself, shame on me, but I love it so much!



I made a pair of earrings inspired by it this weekend, and it's something I probably wouldn't have tried on my own. If you're interested in trying some easy beading that produces jewelry that looks anything but easy, I highly recommend this book!

I was planning to do a little more jewelry-making tonight, but I went into my craft room this morning to find my sweet kitty had knocked my carefully organized box of jump rings/head pins/other tiny things off the desk and they're scattered all over the carpet. So I guess that's what I'm doing tonight instead!

Labels: jewelry

I've always loved reading the "100 Things" lists people post, but I've never done one myself. I have hesitated in the past to make one of my own. Partly (well, mostly) because the things people list on theirs are so interesting, and I can't think of similarly interesting things for my list. Kind of like how I get stuck on the "something unique" part of the personal introductions at many training classes I go to. But the truth is, that's me! Pretty normal! So hopefully you'll still like reading my list...

1. I have a white streak in my hair.
2. That's usually the "something unique" I say at introductions.
3. I can seem very outgoing.
4. Really I feel quite shy.
5. I married my high school sweetheart.
6. We met when I was 16.
7. But we went to different colleges.
8. We got married on the 6th anniversary of our first date.
9. I have a degree in mechanical engineering.
10. I haven't done much mechanical engineering since I graduated.
11. I dream of not having to do any engineering.
12. We have a dog (Westie).
13. And two cats (brother and sister).
14. And a gerbil.
15. We had two gerbils.
16. One disappeared out of the cage. Thanks to #13, probably.
17. No kids.
18. Yet.
19. I have lived in the same city for 16 years.
20. In 7 different residences.
21. I watch Star Trek.
22. And play video games.
23. We have three computers.
24. I can be a know-it-all.
25. And bad about interrupting.
26. But I'm getting better!
27. I cry easily.
28. Even commercials have made me cry.
29. Grey's Anatomy last night made me cry.
30. I watch a lot of TV.
31. Especially reality TV.
32. I love my Tivo.
33. I love to travel.
34. But I have only been out of the country once.
35. Nine years ago.
26. I'm going out of the country in a week!!
27. To Belize!
28. With my whole family.
29. I have one sister.
30. We work for the same company.
31. So does my husband.
32. So did my dad.
33. My parents live 2 miles from me.
34. My in-laws live 7 miles from me.
35. I love living close to my family.
36. I love to try new things.
37. I don't usually stick with it very long before I try the next thing.
38. I love watching football.
39. I didn't use to love football.
40. I played flag football in college.
41. I play soccer.
42. And run.
43. I ran a half marathon in 2005.
44. I'm running another one in January.
45. I think I want to run a marathon in June.
46. Mostly because of where it is.
47. In Alaska.
48. I am telling everyone that, and I'll feel silly if it doesn't happen.
49. But I can't keep things quiet when I'm excited.
50. That makes it hard around Christmas.

I can't believe I made it to 50. Did anyone read the whole list? Am I the only one that likes reading these? I think I'll save the other 50 for another day, that wore me out!

Labels: me

This is where I would show you a picture of the messy corner in my craft room... As motivation to get it cleaned up...

However, the sun has failed me! It was dark when I left for work this morning, and dark when I got home.

So I should have taken the picture ahead of time, you say? That would require too much planning!

Instead, I will leave you with this gorgeous jewelry by Fiery Lion Designs, a new-to-me Etsy shop I am dying to try!







Aren't they gorgeous?

I think tomorrow I might try my hand at one of those "100 Things" posts all the cool kids are doing...

Labels: jewelry

On our summer trip up to Wisconsin, Peter's aunt and uncle kindly hosted us at their lake house for several days. While we were out browsing the local shops, I saw a few tea towels that would make adorable aprons. Aunt Martha especially loved one of them, and I offered to make it into an apron for her as a little thank you.

Here is is November (our trip was in July), and it's done!



The bears (hard to see) were already along the edge. I added the M ages ago, and the towel has been sitting in my "to do" pile for ages. It feels so good to have it done!

Labels: sewing

I found a new source for beads! I might have mentioned this already, but just in case I haven't... If you love beads and gems, you must check out The Earth Bazaar. They have so many pretty beads, and weekly sales where lots of things are really cheap.

When I got my first order, I whipped up these little earrings:



I wish the color came through better on the photo. They are practically irridescent. I can't wait to try something else with them!

I just placed another order yesterday. To make Christmas presents... yeah, that's why I bought more beads... I hope it comes soon!

Labels: jewelry

Yesterday was one of those days that was just amazing. Believe it or not, I was only up for about 12 hours, but I made the most of them. I started the day by sleeping in until 10:30. I honestly can't remember the last time I slept past 8am, and even on the weekends I'm usually up by 7am. I obviously needed the sleep! Thanks to Peter for distracting the dog so I could sleep in so late.

I moved from the bedroom to my craft room to finish up a little project that's been almost done for months, and then got to work in the kitchen. First I made cranberry-almond granola to snack on at work.



Then I whipped up some dinner for a few nights from my birthday present to myself: Don't Panic: Dinner's in the Freezer. I made Pecan-Chicken Roll Ups (not the official name) and we had them for dinner last night, plus I have four more servings in the freezer. They were quite good! This is the second recipe I've made from this book and so far it hasn't let me down.

Finally, I had to try the apple cake mentioned by Amy because I had promised to bring something in to work today. As Amy said, it was amazing! A big hit with my coworkers.

I also got some reading in for my book club meeting Sunday, did quite a bit of cleaning and laundry, enjoyed Peter vacuuming without being asked (love that!) and went to bed at 10:30 ready to get some more sleep. Just about a perfect day!

Labels: cooking

A few weeks ago a friend of ours invited us to her ice skating party to celebrate her birthday. It was so much fun! I don't know why I never thought of doing something like that - since "growing up" I've never done something like ice skating or a slumber party, but it was great fun.

I didn't want to go empty-handed, but I also am just getting to know this friend, so I went with my old fallback - jewelry! I dug through my stash, and made this necklace out of glass beads and freshwater pearls.



I think she really liked it! I really liked being able to make something all from things I already had. Just what I need, another excuse to stockpile pretty beads!

Labels: jewelry

A long while back I ran across these cute magnets at Wrapables. (Love that shop!!) My instinct has always been to avoid buying anything I could make myself, so when I ran across tiny wooden clothespins at Hobby Lobby, I decided to give it a go.



First I pulled them all apart. Then I painted them, let them dry, glued on tiny pieces of paper, let them dry again, put them back together, glued on the magnet, let them dry... You get the idea. This process, amazingly enough, didn't take very long.







I really like them! I used the super strong tiny magnets, and they are awesome. My fridge is so cheerful now...

Labels: paper craft

I am having so much fun playing with different materials for the various swaps coming up... I went home sick Tuesday, and sat on the couch with my box of tissues playing with wire and beads for the holiday ornament swap.



The weather changes we've been having down here in Houston are wreaking havoc on my sinuses. I get allergies this time of year anyway, and when it goes from the high 80's one day to the low 60's the next and back, my body just can't handle it. Laural was asking if this fall seems colder than normal, and I have to say I agree. But, when it comes down to it, I'll take the cough and stuffy nose in order to wear my sweaters!

Labels: swaps, wip

What would I give to live in Portland this weekend?? Have you seen all the wonderful things the Studio Craft participants have been making?

Stephanie's adorable kid-assisted acorns...


from Little Birds Handmade

Melissa's fabric boxes...


from All Buttoned Up

Blair's tiny chicks...


from Wise.Craft

I am so jealous of those that get to browse and chat with these talented women!! I can't wait to hear all about it.

Labels: misc

Here it is November 1st, the first day of what will hopefully be quite a good posting month! I am already planning to finish many projects that have been woefully neglected, just to feed the blog. I guess that's a good thing?

A couple weeks ago my parents bought a new fifth wheel RV to travel the country in their retirement. My sister had the wonderful idea to throw them an "RV-warming" party. Unfortunately, we couldn't seem to swing it logistically, so we decided to settle for RV-warming presents. I immediately thought of the wonderful quilted placemats I bookmarked ages ago.



I couldn't decide whether to do everyday, or holiday, or how to do the everyday, so I did it all by making two sets of two-sided placemats. One set has fall on one side and Christmas on the other:



The other set is all patchwork on one side and mostly khaki on the other.



I think next time I might just buy matching napkins in a solid color... They weren't hard to sew, it just took so much fabric. I do love that floral print, though!

Labels: quilting