Things I Did Not Buy at the Antique & Toy Mall

We left home early Saturday morning to head for the Kentucky Flea Market in Louisville. Arrived in Louisville about an hour before the flea mkt. opened, so we(meaning Mark) decided to hit up the Louisville Antique & Toy Mall. Sounds like a big, huge place overflowing with antiques and toys, doesn't it? It's not. It's fairly small and there were lots of glass cases used for displaying items. HEY! I like to touch the things I buy. I don't want to have to go bug someone to open a case for me, only to discover I don't really want to pay 55 bucks for a 30 year old scarf. Anyone else get aggravated at the cases in those shops? Anyhow, glass cases or no, I DID find some things of interest in the shop and I DID manage to keep myself entertained the hour or so we spent in there. Take a look at what I didn't buy!

I didn't buy any of these....but I always want to. I think something about lumping them together and filling them with little white Styrofoam pellets makes them appealing to me. One or two empty old milk bottles wouldn't be nearly as appealing.
I also didn't buy these cute long neck pink cat salt & pepper shakers. But at 3 bucks, someone will! Aren't they darling!?
I saw this lunchbox and thought of Shea. Not 'cause he had one. At least I don't think he did... But I know he's a fan of Robin Hood. How could anyone not be? It's one of my favorite Disney flicks too.
Try as he might, Mark's just not a musician or singer, bless his heart. He doesn't appear to be terribly thrilled to pose for a picture either!
THIS GUY...He was a singer. Aaaah. See him back there, tucked between the tennis balls and the photo of some old cowboy? Andy Gibb! You remember Andy Gibb right? I'm 11 again...hairbrush in hand, sing it loud. "For so long, you and me been finding each other for so long"...SING IT WITH ME...."and the feeling that I feel for you is more than strong girl! Take it from me"... I can see you are not into this. I'll stop singing now.


I got a little goofy after the Andy Gibb spotting.
HOW... can you act like such an idiot? That's what Chief Stuck-in-Glass-Case would say if he could speak.
These army guys looked like fun.
But not as much fun as the Medieval Knights Jousting set! This was truly cool.
AND LOOK. Fred and Dino! I didn't know this toy existed! Of course, the Flinstones were a little before my time...but I've watched a ton of episodes in re-runs! That reminds me of another song...but I'll let Weird Al sing this one.




Another toy I'd never seen. Looks like loads of fun!
This immediately caught my eye. A red pig wearing a jaunty hat. Everyone needs a jaunty hat!
Awwww.
If you get shoplifting in the antique and toy mall tiny policemen drive up and hop out of this car and poke you in the knees.
Like the milk bottles, I am strangely drawn to these chicken bowls.
And just when things were going well and I was having an enjoyable time at the antique mall I turn a corner and inside(thankfully) one of those glass casessits ...Holy Crap!...a creepy cymbal playing chimpanzee freak!
I only stood still long enough to snap a picture and I was outta that aisle! Safe from my run in with the CCPCF but still panting, I paused a moment to catch my breath. I decided to venture into the back room and turned another corner. DANGIT if there wasn't another creepy cymbal playing chimpanzee freak! This one was ten times more scary than the first. It was laying on a table filled with harmless nick-nacks staring up at me all spread eagle with those vacant eyes. I swear it looked like it might attack at any moment. I actually stepped back and actually gasped (a small one, but it was a gasp)when I saw it. Is that blood on it's fingers and toes?? Ugh! Full Body Shivers. I can't get away from these things! Is this a cruel joke? Is this an indication of what awaits me at the flea market?

To the Flea Market!!!

This morning, Mark and I are off to the Louisville flea market bright and early. Sometimes we find lots of goodies, and sometimes everything I want is ridiculously over priced and I end up with nothing to show for the day but some caramel corn! Mark likes to take his sweet time and look at every single item in every single booth(I exaggerate a teeny bit) in the antiques/vintage area while I scan quickly and only stop when I spot something interesting. So I'm normally through the old and the new stuff and ready to go home an hour before he is ever through looking at the antique stuff. This year, I'm taking my ipod and a book. This way, when I'm through looking/shopping I can find a spot to sit and read rather than follow him around and grouch about being slow!

But I'm going in with high hopes, so maybe I'll have some fun finds to fill you in on!

It would appear that I have not fallen off the face of the earth...

Although it seems that way. It's been forever since I've sat down to at the old blog or read any of my usual blogs and I'm ashamed at how behind I am at answering emails. Things have been NUTS between working late, Christmas programs at work, making gifts and having the plague. But things are calming down a bit now, so I hope to jump back into the bloggy swing of things.

I had a great Christmas this year. Spent it, as always, with Mark and my family. Jackie and Scott were there via Skype, so they got to sit on the gift unwrapping circle. It was almost as good as having them there! We laughed, we ate too much, we watched movies and just sat around together. It was good. Very very good. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. If I never got another gift, but could enjoy their company, that'd be OK. I remember after Bryan passed, I said to Mom and Shea that he had been a gift to us. And he was; in fact, he was a gift to every single person he ever met. But I believe that Mark, my parents, my brother Shea, my sister Jackie & her husband Scott are God's gifts to me as well. And not just at Christmas time. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful family but I am thankful for every minute that I am fortunate enough to spend with them!

Speaking of Christmas, I DO have pictures of the handmade gifts that I made this year. Note to self: DON'T wait until Thanksgiving to start if you plan on making gifts next year! Here's a quick rundown of the half aprons I made for my girlfriends.

This first one was for my assistant and good friend Pam. She's would tell you she's afraid of color in her house and that everything is beige...so I went with this cute beige/brown combination of fabrics. She dug it.You've seen this one. It went to my dear friend Sheila. She's given me vintage fabrics and pillowcases to embroider and gave me lots of advice and help when first took up embroidery. Like me, she enjoys vintage things and antiques. I think this fabric, the embroidery and style(it's the only one with a gathered waist) made it just right for her. Trish got this next one. She and I are so much alike, it's scary. We also have very similar taste in home decor, so I thought this would be perfect for her. Of all these aprons, this is the one I'd pick if I could only choose one. But I wouldn't wear it with my snowman pj's, I promise! This one went to my friend Stacey. She has animal prints in her family room and dark red in her kitchen. And if you knew her, you'd know the animal print is "her". Very vivacious! She and Trish can make me laugh till I'm sick. No, I didn't put the initial on backwards...it's a mirror image(although I was pretty tired by this point so it could have happened!). Here's the pocket detail.Another one you've seen. The Santa apron ended up a gift for my principal, Cristy. When I gave her the gift bag she said, "I hope this is what everyone else is walking around here wearing!" She wore hers all day and managed make a Santa print apron look sophisticated.This apron was a gift for my friend Cara. Cara(originally from Mississippi) is what I imagine a Southern Belle to be. First off, she's gorgeous. I'm not kiddin'...knock-out gorgeous! And smart. And funny. She's another one that makes me laugh till it hurts. She's also very stylish in a classic way...never trendy, but always stylish. I wish I could be like that. I thought of her the minute I spotted this fabric. So there you have it. They loved them! Silly of me to worry that they wouldn't. Several of the gals put them on and wore them all day at work! So cute! I'm glad I did handmade! Here's a quick idea for wrapping ANY gift(not just Christmas). I literally finished the last one the night before I planned to give them. I didn't have enough gift boxes or any gift bags on hand. I'd been too busy being sick, working and making stuff to think about that. I did have some brown paper wrap that I use when I send boxes to Jackie. So I wrapped the un-boxed aprons in that and made bows from leftover fabric scraps from each apron. Turned out really cute and it looked deliberate rather than last-minute!

I also made two full aprons and a quilt as Christmas gifts. I'll show those off later.

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night

Christmas Decorations..Finally!

Well it's usually up by the day after Thanksgiving, but here it is ELEVEN days before Christmas and I'm just got the tree up! Here's a picture to prove it! I don't have a lot of other decorations. I know people who decorate the whole house for Christmas. My mother comes to mind :) I'm not one of those people. I wish I were, but I'm just not that organized...or motivated.

I do have a few decorations placed randomly around the kitchen/great room. Mom made the sleigh and reindeer arrangements for me last month and I love 'em! I had big plans to make myself a Christmas tablecloth, apron, and matching napkin set. As it stands, now...it ain't happenin' this year! It's that lack of motivation thing. I suppose my vintage ebay tablecloth and flea market apron will have to work this year!




Tomorrow, I AM going to get the dang scarecrows off the porch...I feel like such a redneck.

Cajun ChickPea-Nuts

I never thought I'd like eating chickpeas, but prepared like this, they're pretty good. Get 'em crunchy enough and they are a little reminiscent of a corn-nut.

Toss 1 can of rinsed & drained(blot w/paper towel) chickpeas with a little olive oil(or spray cookie sheet w/olive oil spray) and 1 1/2 TBS Cajun spice. Spread out on cookie sheet and bake for approximately 40-45 min. or until crunchy in a 350º oven. The trick is to get 'em crunchy enough. Taste test when they come out of the oven, if they aren't crunchy enough for you, put them back in and crank up the heat a little. I would imagine these would also be good with other spices.

Two down and miles to go before I sleep

Was this " I think I'll make my Christmas gifts" a good idea? Although I'm not making gifts for everyone, I'm making enough that it is becoming a bit daunting in the "I don't know if I can get this done in time or not!" way! I'm a bit panicked. Evidently not enough to keep me from sitting down to post about how panicked I am rather than getting my butt busy. sheesh.

I'm currently working on aprons for my friends. The style of apron I chose for them is not that hard. It's basically a rectangle of fabric with a waistband and ties. IF I would just get busy I'm sure it'd be half done instead of one. I find so many other things to occupy my time when I have something that needs to get done. Procrastination Nation...that's where I live.

IF I would stick to that original plan I'd get done faster too. For instance...this apron started out as a plain, no frills rectangle, but it ended up with gathers at the waist. Not a lot mind you, but it was kinda begging..."Kellie, I'm all French country...I need some gathers, here" So I obliged. Then it said "Hey, a little embroidered Eiffel Tower would be darling on my pocket!" so I added a cute little embroidered Eiffel Tower!OK, is anyone else bothered by the fact that fabric is now speaking to me? I have been taking a lot of cold/allergy/sinus medication lately...

Now that this apron is finished, I face a new dilemma. I think the person I intended it for would love the fabric but not sure about the gathers. It actually looks more like one of my other friends(for whom I bought fabu pink and green fabric). SO it's still up in the air who'll end up with it.

This one, however, I have a plan for. Alright, I've procrastinated long enough. Time to get sewing again!

Christmas Aprons

Several posts back I mentioned that I was attempting to make a Christmas apron for my sister. At the time, I was fighting with pockets and was tempted to chuck the whole thing and start over on an easier pattern. I couldn't figure out how in the world I was going to put on all the piping and ruffle trim the pattern called for when I couldn't sew a decent pocket! It was a mess. Instead of scrapping the whole project, I scrapped just the pockets, ruffles and piping and persevered. In the end, I had what I thought was a really nice little apron! I made matching coasters and napkins for her and Scott using the leftover fabric. FYI: matching napkins and coaster sets make quick & easy gifts, fellow novice sewers! The goodies made it safely to Poland in plenty of time for the Christmas season! The pattern I used for this apron was Simplicity 3701(somewhat altered). The coasters and napkins instructions can be found in the book Bend the Rules Sewing.

I have yet to make a Christmas apron for myself, but as luck would have it, I have two vintage Christmas aprons just in case I don't get to it(I have plenty of fabric, but little time). This first one I found at a local antique mall. A bargain at 7 bucks. The appliquéd reindeer pocket is so sweet. That someone took the time to design and meticulously hand stitch that little fellow and his holly garland onto this apron makes it so special. I adore it!

Equally adorable is this vintage print apron. I don't think it shows up in the photo but the red stitching is very "fancy". I found this apron when Mark and I went to the 4-H flea market a while back. I bought something like 7 aprons that day! This is among my favorites. It was an even bigger bargain than the reindeer apron at only 3 dollars! Don'tcha love a good bargain?

STILL haven't got all my Christmas gifts made. STILL don't have my decorations up, despite Fiona telling me to get with it! :) But I will get with it this week! I promise! I've NEVER not had my Christmas tree up by this late date!

Have Yourself a merry Chri-Muh!

Enjoy!

Christmas Music

Even though I don't have any of my decorations out yet(still have scarecrows on the front porch) I am finding myself in a Christmas mood. I think it must be the music. I love love love Christmas music. Always have. So I wanted to share a little of that joy with you between now and Christmas. We begin with Harry. Who else would I begin with? Here's Harry Connick Jr. singing When my Heart finds Christmas. OK, the video is a just a teeny tiny tad cheesy, but it's Harry ya'll! Did I ever tell ya'll about the time I saw Harry Connick Jr. in concert? FOUR times! Once had front row seats and it was amazing! That voice! Smooth as silk.



After Harry, check out Ralphie's Radio on live365, playing Christmas music from the 40's and 50's. I fell in love with it instantly! Traditional and classic songs and some songs that must have been popular in the day along with some novelty songs. So much fun! However, while I was listening, I must have misheard some lyrics: I heard what I think was a Gene Autry song called Sleigh Bells. I could SWEAR that there was a line that said: "Hear the horsie's poopie drop...plop! plop! plop! plop! plop!." It was late and I was tired but I think those were the lyrics. Does anyone know this song?Someone PLEASE tell me I was delirious! Regardless Ralphie's Radio will put you in the Christmas spirit!

Bloggy Mail!

Yesterday I come home from work and find a little package in my mailbox. My new bloggy friend Pinky sent me these fantabulous Taste of Home Cooking magazines. She knows this about me:
1. I can't even cook!
2. I am a magazine JUNKIE. Seriously, I can't leave Walmart or Kroger without a magazine....of course I pay for them. I didn't mean it like it sounded!!! I will definately be pouring over these in the next few weeks!

Along witht he magazines came some gorgeous notecards in my favorite colors! Handmade, of course! They are so lovely it's going to break my heart to actually use them! :) So very sweet of her! Thanks a million, Pinky!

Speaking of Pinky...you have GOT to see Mr. Happy Face Toast Man. She opened up a loaf of Eziekel bread and one of the slices of bread was smiling at her! True Story!! He's currently for sale on ebay! Check it out the ebay auction here, for a good giggle! Oh, but hurry he's only got a day to go! Personally, I think she should contact Leno...she could be just like that old lady with the potato chips that looked like other things...remember her?

I actually recieved this next piece of mail about a week/week and a half ago. It's my wonderful apron from Sommer Designs. I won it on my favorite apron-related blog, The Apronista. I meant to post it sooner, but I kept thinking I'd get a better picture and finally realized if I kept waiting for a picture of myself that I liked, I'd never show it off! :D Feel free to drool and be envious! Of the apron, not the fat rolls.And since I'm on the subject of Apronista giveaways... The Apronista is giving away MORE aprons this week! CHeck out these lovelies from Be-Bops Pary Wear and the to die for styles over at Creative Outlet Designs. Remember, if you aren't into aprons enter anyway and when you win just re-gift it to me at Christmas!

Uncommonly Good Weigh In

Yesterday I finished up cycle 1 of the Extreme Fat Smash Diet. I am absolutely thrilled to report that I lost a total of 6.5 pounds. 6.5!! Crazy, right? Apparently, this diet works! At least cycle one did anyway ;) My brother, who is doing along with me, lost 10 pounds this week! WOO HOO x 2!!

Last week I mentioned how sick I was of rice and beans. Truly though, it hasn't been that bad. Maybe that's the -6 pounds talking! This week I am going to experiment a bit more with the beans and rice. I'm gonna try out my friend Rhonda's Red Beans and Rice recipe. I'll also attempt to add a few different veggies to my list. Ya'll know the only veggies I like are the white ones(except cauliflower) and the yellow ones(except squash and yellow peppers)!

I'm not going to lie, I have been kinda hungry. Four meals a day plus two snacks are recommended, so really, I probably should not be that hungry. I'll continue to work on timing my meals a little better to prevent that hungry feeling this week. It's also been tough getting up at 5a.m. every morning to get in half of that exercise time, but 6.5 pounds gone makes it VERY worthwhile.

My goal for this week is to keep doing what I've been doing and add water to that. I have not been drinking the recommended amount of water. I wonder if I'd have lost more had I been doing that?

For you who are curious, here is a sample of one of the daily menus from Cycle One:
BREAKFAST: 1 cup cooked oatmeal & one c. fruit or veggie juice(fresh) OR 1 piece of fruit
MEAL 2: 1 small fruit smoothie less than 200cal. or protein shake less than 200 c al.
MEAL 3: 1 c. cooked beans, chickpeas or lentils, 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1 serving veggies
MEAL 4: 4 oz. fish, chicken, turkey or lean sirloin, 1/2 large baked sweet potato, 2 servings veggies
OPTIONAL: 2 snacks, 100 calories or less, 1 cup fat free or low fat milk. Plus the free snacks, which are carrots, radishes, dill pickles, hard boiled egg whites, and celery.
EXERCISE: 55 min. cardio

Ooooh! I get to eat bread(wheat/whole grain only) and cereal(unsweetened) during Cycle Two!! I've been looking forward to it, believe you me!

So last week, it was all about the diet and trying to keep it up. I wish I had some fun sewing projects to share. I wish I could have made it around to your blogs. I wish I didn't have TWO weight loss posts in a row. I was at work late every day last week and on this diet I had to come home and cook, eat, exercise, wash dishes and get the kitchen back in order. In what seemed like an hour or two, I had to turn around and cook again and then eat again and then wash dishes again! Had to get to bed no later than 9:30 in order to drag myself up at 5:00a.m.! Crafty time & blog reading time just didn't happen last week. Let's hope I can get back to it this week...I've missed it.

On Again, Off Again

...that seems to be my current relationship with diet/exercise. I joined Tales from the Scales back in the summer. Did pretty well. Started the next challenge in September. Got off to an OK start and then just stopped. I stopped going to Weight Watchers and went back to drinking regular cokes(at least three per day), eating anything and everything I wanted. The week before last, I had fast food four nights out of five after work. I won't even mention how many times I went to McDonald's or Burger King for a biscuit and coke for breakfast during the past few weeks! It's embarrassing. The only thing that kept me from gaining more weight than I did was three days of exercise a week after work w/some friends.

Finally I have come to my senses. Perhaps realizing I gained 5.5 pounds in a month did it. Maybe it was the fact that old "Jabba the Hut" feeling was beginning to return every time I looked in the mirror or went to button my "britches", as my grandma would say. Regardless of what has brought me back from the dark side, I am going to give it another go. Thank goodness for the new start we are so gracefully given each and every day. SO, I guess this is my official "I'm Baaaaa-ack" post!

This time around, I'm trying something a bit different. Extreme Fat Smash. It's the Celebrity Fit Club diet from Dr. Ian Smith. I started on Sunday and have actually lost a little! However, I am already so sick of eating beans and rice that I could hurl. BUT I am determined to stick with this particular diet for at least one three week cycle before I start back on Weight Watchers. I figure after three weeks of this, WW will seem like a dream! ;)

Honestly, it's plenty of food but I'm so used to eating so much that it's tough and right now & I'm feel hungry a lot. I'm having trouble with the four scheduled meals per day plus two snacks that are recommended. You would think eating every three hours would be easy, but it's tough. I have a feeling it's tough because I'm supposed to be eating meals or a healthy snack...not Doritos or cookies every three hours. I would have no trouble doing that. As far as scheduling meals every three hours and working...I can't really stop in the middle of a lesson plan or storytime..."Hey Kids, talk amongst yourselves, Mrs. Cotton has to have a salad now!" It just doesn't work. I'm sure I'll work it out somehow, it'll just take a few days. And I'm not kidding about the beans and rice either, it's one or the other or both DAILY. Fiber, I suppose. And by the way, after just two days I've realized that beans truly are the magical fruit.

And exercise. Man, you have to do a lot of it on this diet! Yes, I've had to get up at 5:00a.m. the last two days to get it in, but I have managed. Speaking of exercise, I've given up on my DVD experiment..you know the one where I was going to use each and every one of my many exercise DVD's and blog them. Leslie Sansone's workouts are the ones I enjoy the most and they are the ones that I know work for me, so I'm sticking with those!

I think the thing that'll help me most these next few weeks is knowing that my brother is doing the same thing. We decided to give it a go together. I am now accountable to him as well as to myself(and TFTS). Hopefully we'll both be healthier by Christmas rather than heavier! I heard recently that the average American gains SEVEN pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'd like to lose that much this year instead!

Since I started this new plan on a Sunday I 'll wait till Sunday for my weigh in post and link back, but I have high hopes that it'll be a pretty good loss. And at this point, any loss is going to be good for me!

This post on TFTS made me feel a little better. I am not alone in my falling of the wagon-ness!

This post from Jan makes a lot of sense. This gal has lost some SERIOUS weight! She's very inspirational and I especially appreciate this post right now when there are goodies and treats at every turn!

Christmas sewing projects now underway

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I thoroughly enjoyed the day and yes, stuffed myself with Mom's home cooking, and some of my own, and some of my brother's, and some of my grandmother's. It was goo-oo-ood. Of course the company was even better than the food! And we were so happy that Jackie and Scott were able to join the Thanksgiving feast from Poland via Skype.

Mom and I braved the Black Friday madness for some shopping. And madness it was. Biggest crowds and craziest traffic I've ever seen...and I've been doing the day after Thansgiving shopping thing for a very long time! Even though it's the start of the Christmas shopping season, I didn't do a lot of Christmas shopping. Shame on me for buying supercute brown boots for myself instead of gifts for others!

On the handmade vs. store bought gifts debate: I decided to go the handmade route on some gifts and the store bought route on others. While I love the idea of hand making all my Christmas gifts, it just wasn't practical.

SO, including gifts, I now have several projects under way! I'm 3/4 of the way through one project. It's been a tricky one. Had to completely re-do half of it! I'll show it off at a later date!

I've also finished two more blocks in the quilt class quilt!
That quilt will most likely end up being a gift for me, so I doubt I'll work on it much more till after Christmas.

I have a bunch of Christmas fabrics that I bought in September & October, thinking I would make a tablecloth and napkin set for my kitchen and some napkins and place mats for Mom, among other things. Maybe I'll get around to it using it before Christmas is over.And then there are the gifts that I want to make. A few of my girlfriends are among those who will be receiving handmade gifts this Christmas. I have settled on aprons for each of them. Even if they never wear them(but I think they will), they'll be cute hanging in their kitchens or tied around the pantry doorknob...that's where I keep my apron du jour anyway!

I'm in love with the the simple style of the Paris Toille apron that I won on Apronistas(It's ADORABLE...photo to come later)and would like to come up with something similar. Here's a look at some of the fabrics I plan to use. The top fabric will be for the body, the bottom will be waistband, ties and pockets. This is another project currently in the works. Thankfully, we are doing Dirty Santa instead of a gift exchange at our faculty/staff Christmas party this year. This cherry print apron will be my contribution to the game. The pattern is called Flirty Skirty from Threaded Pear and it is going to be adorable! (If I do say so myself)! I don't know what I'll use these fabrics for or when, but I was unable to leave Hobby Lobby without buying them! And now...off to the sewing machine with me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/07 UPDATE:

My Thanksgiving video was playing automatically whenever entering the blog. As funny as it is, it gets old after a while. SO, if you haven't seen or wish to see again the hilarious Adam Sandler singing his Thanksgiving song, the only song I know of written about turkey, click here.

Handmade for Christmas?

I realize that Christmas is only a few weeks away. Still, I am toying with the idea of giving handmade gifts this year. Realistically I don't know that I can get it done, but in theory, it's a good idea. Or is it? I'm not exactly skilled as a seamstress. Still, I think I can probably do a gift-worthy job(depending on what I make) So my next thought is what in the world do I make? I've already given my sister something like four aprons. I can never have enough aprons, personally, but she and my mom will probably eventually tire of them if they haven't already. So, what to make? Then there are the men. These are the ones that really baffle me. I don't have a clue what to sew for a man, especially my Dad. There are no little ones in the family yet, so don't have to worry about that one!

I really wanted to make an apron for each of my girlfriends for Christmas. And I had a really cute idea for a lunch tote. But the closer it gets, the more I'm afraid they'll think handmade= homemade=lame. Is it lame? I don't think so but then again their tastes and mine are all so different. If I did make something for them, I know they would be totally gracious and sweet about it, but I don't want them secretly wondering why I didn't just go buy some Bath and Body Works(and who doesn't love Bath & Body Works?)And honestly, if I don't make up my mind to do it and get started that's what EVERYONE is getting anyway. What to do, what to do?

Ya'll help me out here...What are your thoughts on handmade gifts? Do you like to receive them? Do you like to give them? Is it too close to Christmas for me to even worry about it this year?

**11/20 Update: I had actually decided to make one gift before this post and I'm officially halfway through that one...can't post a pic 'cause that person might see this...you never know.

Quilt Class

Yesterday I went to a beginner's machine piecing class at a local quilt shop. I was so excited when I first signed up and then by yesterday morning, I was kinda...not really dreading it...just not looking forward to it as much. I think a little social anxiety that kicks in sometimes, because, of course, once I got there I had a really nice time and I actually learned a lot.

I'm now much more comfortable with a rotary cutter. I understand and appreciate the process of quilt piecing a little better. There were only six of us in the class, so it was very hands on and we got lots of one on one assistance. Dana, the shop owner was fantastic and very helpful even though she wasn't "officially" teaching the class. When she wasn't helping customers, she was helping us! The instructor is a SERIOUS quilter who was so very helpful and patient! I managed to find some samples of some of her quilts here. She brought some of her quilts to class and has a few for sale in the shop and they were beautiful.

I should mention that my sewing machine was not the clunkiest one there, but it was a close second. Still in the midst of a bunch of high-end machines, my old clunker held her own! Not once did it do anything weird. I don't think I embarrassed myself too much in front of the other quilting ladies...but who knows. AND my quilt was not the crappiest one because none of actually made a quilt! Just blocks. We're beginners people, cut us some slack! :) Thanks for sending the good vibes, Jack!

Needless to say, I was s0 completely thrilled once I actually completed a quilt block! Yes, I did yell out a "YAY!" when I finished it. But I think everyone else did too ;) 'cause we were all at about the same skill level. Make that all but one overachieving gal who had brought her own Christmas themed fabrics and had pre-cut them all. She made something like SIX blocks during the class when the rest of us only managed about two! Anyway, it was a very satisfying feeling of achievement when that first block came together! I can see how people get hooked on this!

Again, it was a fun day. I enjoyed myself, I enjoyed the company and I learned something new. Now, I didn't finish a quilt of course, but I do have two and a half blocks together and the know how to at least piece the front. I don't know what I'll do when it comes to to quilt it, unless I do the straight line "easy lap quilt" kind of quilting I've done once. However, I'm not sure that type of quilting is suited to this more traditional quilt.

I've signed up to participate in a block of the month club. Each month I'll get a kit and if I take it back to the club meeting (completed) the following month, I'll get another block kit. At the end of the year I'll have enough blocks for a nice, big quilt. I thought it sounded like fun and a way to keep quilting without becoming overwhelmed.

Here's a look at my two completed blocks. WOO HOO! The pattern is called charmed and I'm using 1930's reproduction fabrics.Here's a look at what the finished quilt top should look like.

Quilt Class Tomorrow

I am attending a day-long beginner's machine quilting class at a local quilt shop tomorrow(11/17). Feel free to send the following vibes(hand to the back of forehead, fingers wiggling toward screen) in my direction:

• Sewing machine won't quit working or go crazy(as it has been known to do) vibe.
• I will have all the supplies I need with me(lost my instructional letter)vibe.
  
• I won't say something idiotic and embarrass myself in front of the quilting ladies vibe.
• My quilt won't be the crappiest looking one there vibe.

On the subject of cooking...

Last night I went to my brother Shea's house for our weekly family viewing of Biggest Loser. We sorta have our own personal little club, dontchaknow. The folks are visiting relatives in sunny Florida so Shea did the cooking this week.

I was a little nervous. Not 'cause Shea was cooking dinner...he's a better cook than I am, for sure! I was nervous because he made beef stew. Nervous 'cause I've never liked beef stew and as a rule, I'm not much of a touching-foods kinda gal. And well, beef stew IS foods touching. And there are usually tons of vegetables in the stuff. My loyal three readers already know that I don't like most vegetables. In fact, I like vegetables even LESS than I like foods touching. OK, I do like the white vegetables(except for cauliflower) and the yellow vegetables(except squash). I hear you sniggering...Ya'll QUIT laughing at me!

Anyway, Shea made beef stew (and grilled cheese to go with). I must confess I was absolutely blown away by deliciousness of it! The touching vegetables were good...yummy even! Say! I like beef stew and touching vegetables! And I would eat them in the rain and I would eat them on a train! I would eat them in a box and I would eat them with a fox! I would eat them in a house and I would eat them with a mouse! And I would eat them here or there! And I would eat them anywhere! I do! I like beef stew and touching vegetables... Sorry. The librarian in me had to get that out.

Seriously, Shea's beef stew really was very good and I did go back for a second helping of it. I have officially expanded my culinary pallet a bit more! It's big deal for me, ya'll! Kinda like when I discovered after 38 years that I actually like meatloaf after all! I feel a little silly that I've always been so finicky when it comes to food.

Making Shea's version of beef stew is simple...If I'm remembering correctly, he told me he dumped a can of veg-all, a can of tomatoes, a can of black-eyed peas, & a can of (drained)potatoes along with some stew meat in the crock pot and cooked it for something like 8-12 hours. And after our meal, we had hummingbird cake. Mmmm. Who knew those little birds could be so tasty!!! Thank you, my dear brother for the fine food and company! And for not using actual hummingbirds in the cake.

Now, over in Poland my sister and her husband are cooking up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for about 20+ college aged Polish kids. Check this out. Brave girl. I wouldn't stick my hands in that goopy ole' pumpkin. bleck. Sadly, she can't buy it canned and no Thanksgiving around here is complete without pumpkin roll! I'm sure everyone who is in attendance will have a wonderful time and get some tasty eats to boot!

Me, I cooked up a pot of corn & bacon chowder this week. Quite tasty. It involved my two vegetables of choice. The recipe is in a previous post.

Paris Toille Apron...come to Mama + the Apronista Giveway for this week

hee...hee. I'm giddy with the excitement! Remember when I posted about this contest last week? The incredibly cute apron giveaway from the Apronista? I WON IT!(jumping up and down..stirring the pot) Go Kellie, It's Your Birthday! Well, it's not actually my birthday. It's better! I'm getting an awesome gift but NOT turning 40! Woo Hoo! I have actually left a bag of Doritos sitting undisturbed for five minutes in order to do the happy happy joy joy dance and ya'll know I loves me some Doritos! That's happy, people. My apron will be coming to me from Sommer Designs and I know you'll love all the designs there as much as I did!

And get this. The Apronistas are giving away another apron. These are from Carolyn's Kitchen and they are, well, hot!! Head over to The Apronista now for contest details. You might just win!

I'll say this again: If you enter to win but you don't plan on wearing your apron should you win...our favorite is Dorothy in Aqua. ;)

Flea Market Goodies

In my last post I shared some of the sights from a local flea market. As promised, I'm gonna show off my loot. But before I show you what I did buy, here's a look at one more thing I didn't buy. I don't know why I didn't snatch it right up, I've had this dreamy Grizzly Adams trash can on my Christmas wish list for ages.Alright, alright. On to the good stuff..the stuff I did buy...

Here's the lot of it. Seven vintage aprons, a fabulous leather bag, cute vintage tablecloth with a crochet edge, vintage napkins, quilted teddy, egg separator, handmade kitty, and I don't think you can see it in this photo but I also picked up a dutch print tea towel that I plan on making into an apron.Here's a closer look at the shaped-like-a-piece-of-pizza tupperware container(1 dollar) and the egg separator that I will probably never use but could not live without at the time. I bought the quilted teddy(FOUR dollars) to use in my library media center display; his eyes need a little work... they are just glue dots right now. I bought several aprons that day. This one being the most expensive(10 bucks) and my favorite of the bunch. This set of four linen napkins was too cute to pass up at 50 cents!
My deal of the day is this fabulous leather handbag. I thought it was vintage from maybe the 70's when I spied it. I got closer and saw that it still had the Wilson's Leather store tags. It's NEW and it was originally priced at $90.00. It was price at 12 bucks and the incredibly nice man at the booth sold it to me for TEN DOLLARS! Woo Hoo! I NEVER ask people to go down on their prices and I would totally have paid 12 bucks(duh, right) but for some reason I went for it. It's a great bag, ya'll!I spent a little over what I intended to for the day. Of course, on the way out I spotted something else I wanted...a cookie crock and began to whine about not being able to buy it. "Maaaaann, that's so cute, I'm out of moneeey! Whyyy did I hafta buy soooo many aprons? It would be so cute in the kiiii-tchen! waaa waaa waaa". I walked away dejected and headed for the car while Mark ran back to a couple of booths(I was out of money and cold). When he came back to the car, he surprised me with the crock!He's so sweet! ...and it does look really cute in the kitchen.