One in every color

For their upcoming family vacation

mom ordered a wet bikini bag

for each daughter.

Pretty sure she included one for herself...my kind of shopper!

There are reasons

This is a NEGATIVE POST...just a warning ...read at your own risk.

There are reasons I love my basement and feel most comfortable here. Here are a few:

• I do not like to drive, especially in unfamiliar places (yes, I got lost trying to meet Rach for dinner)
• I can not drive, talk on the phone, and read road signs at the same time
• I am the only driver in NC that uses a turn signal & understands who goes when at a 4 way stop
• People who are overly tattooed and talk with cigarettes hanging in their mouth scare me
• Exposed breast, fat rolls, butt cracks & underwear and ill-fitting clothes disgust me
• Women talking on cells phones in public whilst ignoring their screaming children annoy me
• Stores that have 50 check out lanes but only 3 open frustrate me
• I am baffled by the number of people living in the US who can't/won't speak English
• Same non-citizens buying groceries with EBT cards (electron benefits transfer...food stamps!) enrage me
• EBT cards that look like credit/debit cards make me sick to death of political correctness
• I am irritated by people who say they will contact me and then don't, especially for business transactions
• Politicians appall me with their arrogance and their total disregard of wishes of the people.

That should do it for now...thanks for letting me rant.

Airplane widow

You've all heard of (and you may be one) golf widows, football widows, fishing widows ...you get my drift...well, I'm an Airplane widow! One of hubby's hobbies (mind you I said ONE) is flying. He has a sweet Cessna Cardinal. He loves me, the girls and his plane. Hopefully in that order!
But not this week...Cardinal takes first billing. It's annual inspection time. Not only does he love flying the plane, he likes tinkering with it. He would be offended by that description, because it really is more like mechanicing. He takes the entire plane apart, bolt by bolt. Cleans every part, greases, paints, replaces worn parts, takes pictures of everything...really intense stuff. He is meticulous. Which works for me since I fly around in the thing with him! If he wasn't an Engineer, he would be an airplane mechanic and he would be a good one. He dreams of building his own plane someday and I have no doubt he will. The inspector will be here tomorrow and without question said plane will pass with flying colors. Excuse the pun.
Meanwhile, I've taken advantage of the empty house to catch up on some projects. Started some of that cleaning mentioned earlier. Dang, I hate housework! My back aches today, but my floors and bathrooms sparkle! The basement is shaping up too (at least my side). Fabric is all nice & neat, organized by color and everything in it's right place. Embroidery blanks are stored away in labeled drawers. What did people do before they invented those plastic storage thingies?
Almost finished the order list, here are pics of what I did today. Don't know which I like best! Pretty in Pink (top) is my most popular girl gift set right now. This one includes a hooded towel.
The 'church tote' (center) goes with the gift set I featured yesterday.
The last photo shows the new infant bibs and caps that I picked up at market earlier this month. Just added a little ribbon and monogram, so sweet! Pink for girls and blue for boys. Will be adding them to the website soon.
Three & a half weeks before school starts...I usually start 'mourning' about now. I love summer vacation!

Feeling froggie?

This is my new favorite! A little different from the typical sweet baby pink or blue , but it really works for me.
I 'm trying to work myself into a cleaning/organizing mood. The basement is a mess...new inventory is arriving daily and there's no place to put everything. I can not stand clutter, so something must be done. My A+ son-in-law took measurements to build a 'ribbon storage rack' to hang on the wall. Can't wait...it will be a great organizer, I'll be able to see all of that beautiful ribbon all of the time & it will free up several (6...so I like ribbon!) drawers for other stuff! I suspended the house keeping service for the summer....trying to save a few dollars & no reason I can't do it since I'm home,right?...yeah, well that's not working for me. We need some serious, old fashion Spring Cleaning up in here! I have been cleaning out a drawer or cabinet here and there, at this rate I'll be finished by winter! Might have to give my girl a call...need orders, please! so I can be 'just too busy to clean'.
Hope you have something great planned for the weekend...I'll be hanging out here.

Fruits of my labor....

This is what I did in the Basement today.

Mom is here visiting but I still managing to get a little work done. Tote w/diamond monogram

I love khaki & black

So classic, good for all seasons, goes with almost everything!

Bikini Bag for the winner of our giveaway!

Doesn't get more preppy than this.

Don't be jealous, yours is just a click away!

http://www.basementbags.com/Bikini%20Bag.htm

We have a winner....

First of all, everyone who entered is a winner and I appreciate your participation. Hope you will visit 'My Basement' often and shop with me at Basement Bags. A million thanks to Preppy 101 for hosting, she is fabulous! Now...Congratulations to Bitsy and Olive, she is the winner of an adorable personalized Wet Bikini bag. This was my first giveaway and it was so much fun...you have my word there will be more in the future.

Show & tell....

First shippment of new ribbon purchased at market arrived today...love it!

Gift Set for Baby "S"

Gender & name unknown...nice that some couples still want it to be a surprise!

This set includes two burp cloths, bib, hooded towel and a matching paci pal.

Clutches, complete with frames. I showed you the insides a few days ago.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway...deadline is midnight!

"Welcome to My Basement!"

Here's a big ole "Hey ya'll" to all of my new blogger friends! Mega exciting to see so many new faces ... thanks for stopping by ... please take a minute to check out www.basementbags.com
Hopefully I'll be around to visit you, your blog that is, soon. Good luck with the giveaway!

Shoes will travel in style

Bag for Purple Shoes!

Brides and wedding planners constantly amaze me with their attention to detail and their ability to come up with unique touches that make the day completely memorable. This shoe bag was commissioned by a MOG (yes, Mother of the GROOM!..I'm so impressed with her thoughtfulness!) for her future daughter-in-law to transport her purple wedding shoes. The wedding colors are purple and green...this fabric is a perfect match! As for the bride wearing purple shoes?... I love the idea of a little color tucked away in the traditional sea of white.

Have you entered our giveaway?

click here for details

Giveaway!

We're giving away this adorable

Wet Bikini Bag!

The fabulous Preppy 101 is hosting this giveaway, check her blog http://southernandpreppy.blogspot.com

for entry rules. Good luck!

Cute inside & out

Clutch bags waiting for frames

Since someone {me!} didn't order enough clutch frames this set of bags is just waiting for the shipment to arrive. So much for staying ahead of the game! Anyway, it's a great opportunity to show you that these bags are as cute on the inside as they are on the outside!

I was fortunate to have two amazing women in my life who guided my induction into the Wonderful World of Sewing. When I was 10 years old, my (favorite) Aunt Emily (also a Home Economics teacher) started teaching me the basics. Then in high school, my Home Eco. teacher, Mrs. Garrison, challenged me to perfect those skills. She encouraged me to always keep learning and pushed me to make a more difficult project each time. Of all the things she taught me, I think the most important was to value my talents. One of her favorite sayings was: "Your garment should look as nice on the inside as the outside"... I didn't really understand it then, thought it was just a way for her to torture us into doing more work. I realized later that she was teaching us about quality workmanship and taking pride in your product, even the inside part that others typically don't see. I think of Mrs. Garrison every time I pick out a fun fabric for the lining of a bag, it's just another way to make each one special and "as nice on the inside as it is on the outside"!

This little piggy went to market....

Three, 18 story buildings connected by sky walks, jam packed, wall to wall stuff for sale! Our first trip to AmericasMart in Atlanta...Absolutely overwhelming! My feet are actually bruised from all the walking. Didn't really know what to expect and may never go again, but it was definitely an experience. Picked up some great embroidery blanks- newborn bibs & caps, garment bags & matching duffles, linen hand towels (some really cute ones for Christmas) and ordered ribbon that is to die for! I could have spent a kazillion dollars! But of course I played it 'safe' and didn't buy anything outrageous. Great wholesale prices, but when you figure in the expenses: air plane fuel (hubby flew us, 5.5 hr drive vs. 1.5 hr flight, no contest!), hotel, meals (that very nice bottle of wine!), taxi fare (OMG!!!) there's no doubt it is more cost effective for me to do my 'click & buy' right here on the computer. Hubby was a real trooper and we got to meet Kay (blogger/email friend) in person, she is just as nice in the flesh as on the computer. Now, time to process the stack of orders that waited patiently while I was off playing in the big city! Nice weekend, but next time market rolls around this little piggy will probably stay home.

Little lamb....

Ethan had a little lamb, little lamb....we are allowed to change the name, right? Lamb Roundy Applique shown here is one of my new designs, so sweet for the little boys! I changed bib vendors recently (old ones had Velcro that wouldn't stick). I love the colored trim and adjustable snap fasteners on the new ones. Hope you'll check out all the great baby gift sets at BasementBags!

Off to market tomorrow...can't wait to share all my treasures with you next week. 'Til then, take care!

Rules about being mad

So if you are mad at someone, then they can't be mad at you because you are mad at them, right? not everyone knows these rules and they need to read up on being mad or this could go on for longer than necessary. End of subject.

Been busy in the basement...do you love this set of clutches for a wedding party or what? The bride wanted them alike, yet different...I think we accomplished that. This was a fun project! The black and white bags are lined with hot pink satin so the bride decided she would do a 'reverse' bag for herself (with sassy zebra print lining). I've had an awful headache for the past couple of days and it just dawned on me that it's the new glue used to attach the fabric to the metal frames...dah! No wonder I have to order it from UK, probably banned in the United States...definitely need to leave the fan on next time.

We're home...

Hope everyone had a fun & safe holiday weekend. We just rolled in from the lake house (been there since Thurs) and I'm so rested it is sinful! I'm ready to crank up these machines and produce something. It was a very nice long weekend - all of the girls (and friends) were there at one time or another. Hubby has the whole week off but he has so many projects planned that I probably won't see him much. We are taking a quick trip to Atlanta at the end of the week to attend the 'market'...this will be a first and I'm so excited. Hubby is excited too, but mostly for an excuse to fly me there!
Stayed tuned for some new pictures...I'm working on a fun set of black/white/hot pink clutches for a wedding party.

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!

Why?

Why are weekends so short? Especially ones like we just had here in NC. Two days of the most gorgeous weather you can imagine. Boating, skiing, connecting with 'lake friends' after the long off-season, dinner prepared on the grill, glass(es) of wine by the chiminea, hours of carefree leisure...a totally perfect lake weekend! Of course our frivolity means no 'order processing' in the basement-I'll catch up this week. Tomorrow is the last regular Monday...are you keeping tack with me?... 4 days, then exams...the end is in sight!

Just added 'Home" by Michael Buble' to my IPod...what a mellow tune-aah, that anticipation of coming home ... my favorite place in the whole wide world ... home. Have a good night and here's wishing the days of our work week pass quickly.

Rained out

Our lake weekend got rained out. We had maybe half a day of sunshine and D skied a couple of times. Three of the girls came down and we enjoyed catching up & dinner from the grill. I made yummy chicken salad and L brought the best fresh strawberries. Crazy how sunshine & water make me want to eat non-stop...the scales were not friendly this morning! Anyway, summer showers are typical at the lake and normally I don't mind. We have a metal roof over the porch and 'sky chairs' so I can usually sit there for hours getting lost the sound of the rain. Very relaxing. However, after 'resting' so much this Spring following my surgery, I had no patience for just sitting around this weekend. So we packed up and came home yesterday. Sleeping in my own bed is so much nicer. Used my day off at home to put together another baby gift set. Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend.

Eight regular days, four exam days and two workdays...not that I'm keeping track or anything!

Do your kids know?

At school yesterday my students (and I) were so excited to have a holiday weekend coming up. I asked what they had planned...assorted answers-going to 'the race', the lake, the beach, sleep all weekend (teenagers!)...then someone asked "what is Memorial Day anyway?" Are you serious?!?! Are our kids really this misinformed? add to my shock & amazement, no one could give a clear answer. I don't teach history, but jumped on that opportunity to stamp out ignorance. I would like to think we teach this in public education, but just in case-do your kids know the meaning of our holidays? know more than it's just a day out of school? I hope you have something great planned for the weekend...hope it includes remembering the men & women that gave their lives defending our freedom.
For us, the 'girly boat' is primed and headed to the lake. Have fun & be safe!

Grocery shopping

My weekly trip to Super Wal Mart has become intolerable so it's time to shop around for a new grocery store. Love Harris Teeter, but it's just too expensive. Food Lion is ok, nothing to write home about and their produce isn't usually too great. BiLo was my favorite in SC, but there aren't many stores around here and it's changed ownership anyway. Today I tried Target...much better than Wal Mart, but again, the prices are much higher. I buy pretty basic stuff and it probably cost 10-15% more at Target than Wal Mart. I just don't know if the great selection and variety, cleaner store, buggy that actually rolls, associates that look like they bathed before coming to work, fewer screaming children with not-as-scary parents and mega cute clothes & home deco are worth the extra money. Gees, wish I wasn't so 'frugal', it'd be a no-brainer. Wonderful Wednesday...three down & two to go!

Babies and big girls...

Here's another bib/burp cloth for a sweet baby boy ... I'm liking the look of the fabric patch and band instead of just ribbon.

My babies are big girls now and there seems to be a dark cloud over them. A few days ago Hannie got twisted up on the stairs, fell and sprained her ankle. Second degree sprain, will be in walking boot for about 6 wks. Not so good for college girl that earns rent money as a waitress! Then today some jerk(s) broke into Rachel Ann's car (broad day light, in the parking lot of her office building)...smashed the window, tore up the console trying to get the CD player out, took her IPod and GPS. Just makes a mother sick when 'stuff' happens to her children, no matter how old they are. Hopefully the cloud will show it's silver lining and something happy will happen for my babes.

Lucky baby

Another rainy day in NC, another great day to be in the basement. Just finished this gift set (bib, burp cloth, diaper cover & pacifer clip) for a lucky baby girl. I am thankful for my talents and love sharing it with others, especially precious babies.

I'm moving on to a Sunday afternoon ritual, ironing my clothes for the week. I know...nobody irons anymore, except me. I don't put my clothes in the dryer and it's just not in my nature to be wrinkled. So I turn on PBS and iron-very relaxing- nerdy perhaps, but satisfying. Let's see, three more Mondays 'til summer vacation, that's doable!

Something new

Took a few minutes and Mom's suggestion to stitch up a new product... Personalized Tissue Cover...what do you think? No more ripped up plastic and messy tissues all over your purse. I can totally see a fabulous set of matching purse accessories...tissue cover, cosmetic bag, lighted compact mirror, key fob...this is a preppy girls dream! I'd love to make something special for your favorite babe (and that can be YOU!)

Sleeping late this morning was heavenly , can't wait to do it again tomorrow! Unusual rain storms off & on all day...perfect 'stay inside & sew day'. It's Race Week in our corner of the world, so most 'locals' stay home if at all possible. But it sure is some good people watching if we venture out.

BTW...car has been inspected, oil changed, washed inside & out (including the engine...a Danny thing) and tires will be rotated on Monday...I am 'good to go'! Time to close up shop for the day...had just enough work in the basement to say "I didn't have time to do laundry" . Works for me. Sweet dreams!

Alive and well...

I've been awful about posting and taking pictures of projects but I really am alive & well & working away down here. Nothing spectacular happening in the basement but here's a quick update...WW total 23.8 lbs!!!...17 regular days/4 exam days/2 work days left 'til summer vacation!!! plenty of orders on 'the list'!!! so many ideas that I can't wait to stitch up!!!...oh,please hurry end of school.
Made a quick trip to SC for Mothers' Day...very nice to see family and share a special day with my 'Mama". Hope all of you Moms had a memorable day.

Had a little 'trading places' episode with daughter, Hannie. She's borrowing my car while hers is getting a 'check up'. A few minutes after she drove away the phone rang and she informed me that my inspection sticker had expired. Isn't talking on the phone while driving illegal?!??! Maybe I will report her! Must admit she did a pretty good 'mother' imitation...scolding me for not being responsible, going to get a ticket...blah, blah, blah...she must have a tape recorder in her head, cause I swear she played it back verbatim. Lord, is that what I really sound like?!?!? And then only seconds later another call with more rantings that I was 3,000 miles over the scheduled oil change...engine would blow up...blah, blah, blah! So like every good wife, I found D and fussed at him for not taking care of my car...car care is 'man work'! Now.

All done!

Zebra bags are finished, packed up & ready for shipping. Whew! glad to be done with that project. Now we're on to orders that got 'delayed'...thankfully, the work never ends!

I'm seriously on the 'countdown'. As usual, students have awful 'senioritist'...even the freshmen! All of you teachers out there know there comes a time in the semester(year) when it just needs to be over! We are quickly approaching that point. Fortunately, since my curriculum is a very 'hands on' I'm able to keep them busy with fun projects so each class period just flies by. Still, hurry June 12!!

Our girls are busy with life...Dana & Hannie are studying for exams and scramblin' to complete final projects-I am sooo jealous that they will be finished with school next week!...Rach is working hard to diagnose all the genetic disorders of the world, studying for 'boards' which she will take in Sept and trying to win the Jeopardy trip to Galapagos (she's been once, but thinks going with Alex would be fabulous)....Lauren is relieved for tax season to be over and starting to look pregnant. BTW, she is having another boy, due in September. I was secretly hoping for a girl, but honestly will be happy with another beautiful, healthy baby of any gender. That's it from the basement today...have a restful Sunday & a great week!

One down...

...and four to go! for this week. The countdown is on...27 regular days, 4 exam days, 2 work days, then glory! summer vacation! I have lots of Seniors this semester and our excitement level & anticipation of June 12 is about even. Twenty-seven years in high school, wonder if I'll get a diploma this time?
I'm finally feeling almost normal...still having to be very careful about my diet. I'm still using WW online, but not doing so great with tracking and exercise. Total loss is 20.4 lbs and I"m within ounces of the 10% goal...hoping to hit that milestone next week.
I'm making remarkable progress on the 'big' order. 53 out of 71 bags finished. Rach was here this weekend and for the price of a 'Mexican date' she rolled up her sleeves and helped. She learned how to 'finger press', cut & seal ribbon and tie zipper pulls. She was also my 'spell checker' which is real important when one is making personalized items. None of the girls have ever shown much interest in sewing, but it's nice to know they can help in a pinch...maybe it's genetics?!?!?
Time to turn on the machines and get busy. Hope you had a great Monday.

Zebramania

Been away so long, had to think about the password before signing in...it was the same thing at school last Monday after being on Spring Break. We ended our week with a wonderful trip to Wilmington/Carolina Beach.

This morning I am knee-deep in zebra print cosmetic bags, there will be 71 of them when I am finished. It's a fun project, but I see black/white stripes every where!

Thanks everyone for your patience while I'm so busy...35 more school days and maybe we'll get all caught up.

This is great!

It's final-I want to be a stay at home Mom! I know my children are grown and don't live here anymore, but that shouldn't matter. Yeah, hubby will reply "wish in one hand....". I just l-o-v-e being at home! Spring Break should last forever! The countdown 'til summer vacation will start Monday and believe me, June 12 can't get here fast enough. Although I enjoy teaching & love my students, this working 'outside' the home is simply overrated.
Since I'm still 'recovering', we're taking it easy this week. I've almost caught up on orders and we are taking a quick trip to Wilmington tomorrow. Got my fingers crossed for a couple of clear & warm days. I'm no sun worshiper nor do I care about 'tanning', but sunshine and ocean sounds are soooo relaxing.
Been doing a little closet cleaning. Between WW and surgery, I've dropped a size or two. Went shopping Monday with the explicit goal of buying something that was NOT black...came home with black linen pants, blk/white sweater, blk/white/taupe jacket, blk sandals, and green pants...lol...one out of five? Goal accomplished!

Points vs. Fat grams

Do you remember when 'low fat' dieting first hit? was that some time in the 80's? Remember stories of women fighting in the grocery store to buy SnackWell fat-free cookies, so they could go home and eat the whole box! "0 fat grams", they would say...but 100,000 calories...dah!...that's advertising for you. Anyway, the concept was to eat less than 30 grams of fat a day...remember how impossible that seemed? Well, my post-surgery diet is low fat, less than 20 grams per day. I thought, no way! but soon discovered that too much fat equaled pain! so my average fat intake for the past two weeks has been between 13-18 grams per day....impressive, right? So you'd think the pounds would be dropping off, right? Well, not so much. However, enough pounds lost that my WW points have dropped...that's a good thing, right? All I really know is this: yesterday I prepared a lovely Easter lunch for my family...glazed ham, macaroni & cheese (the real kind made with elbow macaroni, extra-sharp cheese, eggs,milk, baked in the oven), deviled eggs, green beans, steamed carrots, dinner rolls, and lemon pound cake w/ice cream and I ate grilled chicken breast (unseasoned) & green beans. Oh well, at least they looked happy.

Did I mention I'm on Spring Break this week? .... YIPPEE!!! Have lots of sewing to catch up on and might do a little closet cleaning, but I'm mostly going to rest and hopefully get well.

I made this lunch tote and cosmetic bag last night...love the fabric & colors.

Hope you have a great Monday!

Happy Easter!

Been pretty slack with the blogging and pic posting...hopefully I'll be back to 'normal' soon. We're on Spring Break next week and it will be nice to have some unscheduled time. Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

This is one of projects from today-monogrammed church bag...Florida Gators?!?!?...I just make what the people order...lol. I'm negotiating an order for 71, yes! SEVENTY-ONE cosmetic bags...that will be a record and I may hate zebra fabric in a couple of weeks!

Just cuttin' grass

I'm told (now) that one of the biggest problems with laparoscopic surgery is that the recovery seems to be going well, people get a false sense of being 'back to normal', then they over do it (something as routine and innocent as cutting grass) and wham! pain!!! Who would have thought riding a lawn mower could play such havoc with ones insides? I'm also told to feel relieved that a trip back to the hospital wasn't necessary...I mostly just feel stupid!

Thanks everyone for your patience & well wishes these past few weeks.

Back to work

Surgery is not something that I would opt for very often and I have enjoyed a few days off, but it is time to go back to school. As expected, my substitute fell in love with 'my girls'...I've been teaching for 28 yrs. and can honestly say this is collectively one of the best groups I've ever had...all three classes! Really look forward to seeing them and the projects they have worked on in my absence.

Today I made another jon-jon for baby Jack and an 'airplane' outfit for Cooper. Maybe if the weather cooperates the boys can 'match' for Easter. My girls tell me they hated being dressed them alike, but they grew up alright! So will Jack & Cooper. It makes me happy for my babes to look cute.

Leslie also shared the 'lemonaid award' with me, thanks! Stay tuned, working on my list.

I'm honored...

The Gifting Gumshoe bestowed this lovely award to me! Thanks!
Per the rules: these blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I'm relatively new to blogging and this is my first award so hope I'm doing this correctly. Below are my lucky picks!

1. All Things Southern & Preppy (Preppy 101)

2.. A Southern Accent

3. Confessions of a Preppy Bumpkin

4. Odom: Party of Five

5. Rach in the Real World

6. the smith family

7. Through Cooper's Eyes

8. Adventures of a Southern Newlywed

This is my heart

We gathered to celebrate our last March b'day and for once I remembered to snap a pic. Here are six of my reasons for living (from left to right) Rachel Ann, Lauren - holding baby Jack, Hanna, Cooper and Dana. Looks like Beau got her head in this shot too. We enjoyed pizza, cake & ice cream, but mostly just being together!

PS...we do have men in our lives...Danny & Dean were here, Brian was at work.

Nip, but no tuck

So the gall badder won and was removed on Thursday. Surgery went well. Other than the terribly bloated abdomen (which they say is normal) and the wobblier-than-usual head, I'm recovering nicely. To my disappointment the surgeon forget to do the lipo, tummy tuck and face lift...oh, well! we'll, save that for another day.

Made this precious jon-jon for baby Jack yesterday while I was 'resting'. The picture is not great, one day I will master the camera! These cute airplanes are one of my new embroidery designs and fonts, hope you'll visit BasementBags to see them all.

March is a big b'day month in our family. We're having our last of what seems like weekly parties today. Rach will be 25 tomorrow...that makes me feel old as dirt! Enjoy your Sunday.

Almost Monday, again?!?!?

Where did the weekend go? and I had an extra day...sort of. Spent most of Friday with the doctor, as my digestive system has been acting quite ugly! She asked a zillion questions, poked around, then ordered a bazillion blood test and an ultrasound...abdominal, not baby/pregnancy kind...Lord, help us if that were the issue! I remember those too-the excitement of finding out if it's a girl or boy (although 'back in the day' ultrasounds were still iffy on gender identification). This time the news will likely be gallbladder or ulcer or more of our yucky old friend, IBS. Hmmm, I think girl babies was much better news! Anyway...I'm just like "fix it already"! So tired of feeling blah and hopeful for some answers. Sorry this isn't my typical 'look at this cute stuff I made' post...didn't actually do much sewing this weekend-just needed to whine a little to someone other than poor D. To borrow the words of my heroine, "After all...tomorrow is another day' and I hope you have a fabulous Monday.

Crazy for Paisley

I l-o-v-e paisley and my #1(meaning oldest, not favorite) daughter does too. I'm thinking she'll be looking for a dress & hat to match this clutch for the upcoming Carolina Cup...isn't that how it works - accessories first?!?!?

Ahoy!

Maybe it's Spring Fever Frenzy or March Madness (for the basketball fans), but I can't get new products online fast enough. The new machine is amazing and it's exciting to make even more cute-fun stuff! I just added Onesies to the Basement Babies collection. The quality of this onesie is impressive: super soft 100% cotton, double stitched neck/arm/leg binding, three sturdy crotch snaps and lapped shoulders for easy on and off. Onesies are available in several sizes and colors and there are lots of design options. As I read blogs, seems like everyone is pregnant! Hope you'll remember this for a perfect gift for the baby in your life!

One for her, one for me

I adore the gift shopper with the 'one for her, one for me' philosophy. Everybody wins! It's getting hard to be in the basement so much with the gorgeous Carolina blue sky & sunshine peeking through the windows! Spring fever is setting in...hold on the weekend is coming!