I believe....

...there are two things that should 'stay done' once they have been accomplished

1. weight loss
2. house cleaning

I hate doing both.

Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink Gift Set: onesie, bib, burps

For someone who claims she is not a shopper, I sure am doing a lot of click & buy on the computer...does that really count as shopping? Anyway, it's too easy - will have to keep an eye on that bottom line. Bought lots of new embroidery designs today {I adore this baby stuff} and with instant downloads I don't even have to wait for packages to arrive. Look for them soon on the website.

Tomorrow I'm off to visit my Mama for a few days. I hate to leave the basement, but it's always nice to go home. The trip will include a stop at Mary Jo's {FYI...monster fabric store in Gastonia, NC}...Ooh, that's more shopping isn't it? It's business! Now, hush.

Hope you have a wonderful week and weekend...catch ya on the flip side {is that corny or what?}

Good wedding, good fun...good God it's hot!

My friends Chip & Dianne

Opening line of the 'welcome speech' from Father of the Bride: "could they have picked a hotter day for an outside wedding?" I think not. It was a stifling 94 degrees @ 6pm .... add our famous Carolina humidity and we were all melting within minutes. Still the bride was gorgeous, the ceremony was memorable, the food was scrumptious, the band was fabulous, sharing time with friends was priceless ... all-in-in an A+ evening.

Too fast...

" Golfing Baby" Gift Set: bib, burps & hooded towel

Navy Tote


Black Tote

Black tote

My first week of vacation just flew by! I can't account for every minute (that's one of the great things about vacation-you don't have to!) but was busy in the basement and just enjoyed being on MY schedule. Above are pictures of some the completed projects. The baby gift set was bartered for house cleaning....sewing is soooo much more fun than cleaning house! She got an adorable shower gift and I got a clean house...that's a win/win in my book. I also finished 8 bikini bags, 2 cosmetic bags, 4 personalized key fobs, monogrammed 6 napkins and a bread basket cover for a wedding gift. I read 'Sail' by James Patterson, walked at least 30 minutes everyday, went shopping for the infamous 'black wedding outfit' and treated myself to a manicure/pedicure. All-in-all a pretty productive week for someone on vacation.

Help me out here ladies...

One of my hard & fast rules is that guests should not wear black or white attire to weddings. (good ole' Southern etiquette here) I don't wear white before Easter or after Labor Day either, thank you very much! Back to my point...Today the Best Saleswoman in the entire world not only convinced me to wear black, but also a belt and bling! Don't know if I'll recognize myself! I say she is the best for several reasons. First because of my rule, second because I do not recall the last time I wore a belt...definitely pre-Rachel Ann...so that's at least 26 yrs.! Always thought a belt would draw attention to my middle, which is not my best figure feature. (biggest, doesn't qualify as best, right?). When Best Saleswoman suggested it, I went alone, just being nice, 'cause she had spent a tremendous amount of time with me. I felt she had been honest about this looked good or that didn't...so she put the belt on me and wow! was I totally surprised, it looked great! In the bag, that came home with me! Then she picked out the perfect earrings and bracelet , more in the bag! She quoted a Ouiser line from Steel Magnolias ..."The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize". Hope Best Saleswoman was working on commission today. Whew, that was a long way around to get to my question: Do you think it is alright to wear black to a 6pm wedding?

First Monday

First Monday...sounds like a great name for a weekly children's activity at church, but in my world, it's the first Monday of summer vacation...waaahoooo!...or maybe not?....this is my day so far:

• wide awake at 5:30 am
• WW weigh-in up almost 6 lbs.
• hubby departed for week long business trip
• 20 minute embroidery project has turned into hour long affair 'cause the blanking thread keeps breaking

This is the day I've been working towards for months and I'm not sure isn't going down in the books as one of my best. BUT wait, I am still wearing my shower wrap, sipping coffee and have no plans to leave the basement today... ain't life grand!

School's out for summer....

Don't even know how to spell/type words to express how excited I was when that last bell rang at 11:00...finally, summer vacation! I had some wonderful students this semester, their projects were amazing and I will miss them. Overall test scores - 97% proficient!!! Don't meant to sound boastful, but that's good ya'll...real good! Love what I do, but I am sooooo very happy for a break. 'Course I've got several weeks worth of BB work 'on the table' so it's not likely that I'll get too lazy over the next 8 weeks.

Five good things...

Monday isn't usually my favorite day, but today was an exception. Here are five reasons:

1. it is the last Monday of the school year.

2. my students did outstanding on NC State post assessment test (VoCats) - 100% proficient- WOW!!! - sure made me look good!

3. was complimented multiple times on my 'cute' outfit (was even told I smelled good?!?!?!)

4. we had dinner with our 'local' daughters/husbands/grandchildren...very nice...may be the beginning of a weekly tradition

5. it is the last Monday of the school year. Oh, did I already say that? well, it deserves two spots 'cause I'm oober excited!

The Right Tools

The "Rachie Clutch" is one of my best selling bags, but one of the most frustrating to make...until now! The sewing part is a snap, but attaching the bag to the frame has resulted in the muttering of many 'ugly' words. However, as with most tasks, having the right tools makes the job a breeze. After some research and web-shopping, I found a couple of purse-making tools (one is actually called a purse making tool) and some kick-ass (pardon me!) glue. I'm thrilled with these experimental bags that I made this morning. Don't you love the new frames with the extra large ball clasp? So very trendy! During the web-shopping couldn't help noticing, again ,that my bags are soooo reasonably priced compared to many out there. Clutches just like mine (minus the monogram) for $50-75?!?! Would be interesting to know how many they really sale. I know there are lots of people that think a high price tag automatically means better products. And some of those same people love to throw around brand and store names. Whatever floats your boat...guess it's cool to have the same thing hundreds of other people have. Still I'd put a Basement Bag up against any out there for quality, price and customer service. I can say that with confidence 'cause I know the owner. ;)

Have it your way

"Custom designs" is my middle name. Sometimes my customers come up with the best ideas and I love making items that are totally unique. In this case, a bride-to-be selected colors to match her wedding theme....her bridesmaids will loves these cute bags!

Going with an 'early bedtime' tonight. Sweet dreams!

Zero

Zero is the number of full school days left in this year!!!! Yippee!!! Four exam days then "school's out for summer"!

Iced tea, please

87 degrees at 7pm, are you kidding?!?! did we skip ahead to July when I wasn't looking? So here's the real kicker...the air conditioning unit upstairs went out yesterday. Wonder which I'll fret about the most...sleeping in a stuffy bedroom or paying the repair bill? It's always something. Thankfully it's cool in the basement. I'm loving all these baby gift orders!