Winner!!!

Congratulations to "Life of a Southern Belle", she is the winner of my 100th post giveaway! Thanks everyone for entering...wish I could send each of you a clutch!



I used RANDOM.ORG to select the winner and 'Rachintherealworld' was actually first name drawn. Since she is my daughter I didn't think that would look on the up & up, so I did a second drawing. I feel sure Rach will be compensated in the end...lol.

http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=805

Shining new faces

I have three classes full of the most delightful students...I'm so excited about working with them this semester...but righ now, I'm too tired to wiggle!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Lunch bag-Flower Girl Gift...what a cute idea!

100th Post Giveaway

100th Post Giveaway Clutch

WOW! Can't believe this is already the 100th post...man, I 'talk' a lot! I'm giving away a Basement Bags Clutch bag to a lucky blog friend. The winner gets to select the fabric, monogram style and thread color. Here are the entry rules:

1. Giveaway begins 8/23/09 and ends 8/28/09 (midnight)
2. Comment on this post for one entry
3. Post about the giveaway for one entry (tell me here that you are posting)
4. Post my Basement Bags logo on your blog for one more entry (copy & paste logo below)

Routine

I am back to my normal routine. Weekdays include school, exercise (or nap, maybe both), sewing, dinner, more sewing, bedtime. Housework, laundry, lots of sewing, a trip to the lake, eating out or movie date on the weekends...a very exciting existence I tell you! It works for us.

We took our friends to the airport this morning. They are off for another year in Morocco (he works for the State Department). We will miss them.

Made this cute tote with a brides' new initials this afternoon. I like the navy and lavender together. Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Countdown

In NC teachers work 190 days/year. Two down and 188 to go...I'm just saying.

ugh...

It's 6:15 am and I am going 'back to school' in a few minutes. Someone pinch me! wake me up from this bad dream...surely my summer vacation is not over! The 'back to school' enthusiasm that all good teachers are suppose to feel right now totally eludes me. I am certain that a full day of meetings and Open house tonight will inspire me. Hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Random stuff

Today I'm breaking from the normal 'look at this cute stuff I made' post and will share some random tidbits about myself.

• hot flashes feel like being sunburned on the inside
• the new flimsy plastic used for bottled water = squired in the face on every first sip
• Crocs flipflops rescued my achy feet
• Styrofoam cups feel yucky in my mouth, only drink coffee from 'real' cups
• my favorite clothing stores are Chico's and Christoper & Banks
• per my definition I'm a fluffy size girl...14/16 clothes, 9 shoes, 8.5 ring...but only the tiniest iPod ear buds fit my ears
• based on the amount of brown hair everywhere in our house, it's amazing that I'm not bald
• I don't like shopping & despise trying on clothes in the store, call me the Queen of Returns
• my husband and I met 'on line', dated for 3 yrs & will celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary in a few weeks, we're living the 'happily ever after'
• I get my hair colored at one salon and cut at a different one
• blogging is my only 'social' networking outlet...no facebook or twitter for me
• when I find something that I like or that fits, I buy one in every color
• cutting grass and ironing are two chores I find relaxing
• my favorite 'treat' is getting a manicure/pedicure

And lastly... made these adorable bib/cap sets this morning...you didn't really think I wasn't going to share some cuteness with you, did you?

Cuteness

Even future sports stars need to start with some cuteness.

Wish I'd made the design on the towel a little larger...still learning!

100th post Giveaway coming soon from your favorite basement!

Still time to tell me what item you'd like to see up for grabs.

One of those days

You know what I'm talking about?...one of those days...when nothing seems to go right. That's my day so far. This precious baby set took about twice as long as normal to make and there's a hooded towel in the trash can...expensive mistake...I'm just turning off the machines and going upstairs for a while. It's raining here and just a blah day, in more ways than one.

Would love more comments on 'tell the truth' post from yesterday.

Just noticed I'm getting pretty close to post #100...so maybe I'll do a little giveaway to celebrate...what would you like to see me giveaway?

Tell the truth

I so hate having my picture taken, but I need opinions.

Old glasses on the left, new ones on the top.

Which do you like best? Tell the truth!

The beginning

Yesterday I made this 'Chocolate Dots' purse. Cute, huh? Would you ever guess that it's made out of a placemat? Yes, one like you use on the dinner table. They were uber popular several year ago. Matter of fact, placemat purses are what got me started in business. The original purses were simply monogrammed placemats with ribbon handles...cute, but a bit flimsy for my taste. So I added a lining with pocket, webbing (belting) or wooden handles, ribbon & bows & lots of other trims...the variations are endless! I made placemat purses for cheerleading teams, to match sports teams, for Red Hat Society groups, for teachers, nurses, and on & on. Wish I'd kept track of how many I've made in the past five years! Customers still order them, not as often as in the beginning, but I still love making them.

I'm off to the dentist today. I hate the dentist. Oh, don't get me wrong...I love clean teeth...just hate the process. My teeth are ultra sensitive so it hurts. But the bigger issue for me is the noise in a dentist office. Repetitive noises drive me insane! Like when hubby leaves the keys in the ignition, leaves the door open and then walks off...eek!...like scratching nails on a blackboard (for those of you who remember blackboards!) Anyway, you get my drift, I hate the noises. But for the sake of clean, healthy teeth I will endure the torture. Also have to pick up my new glasses today...hope they are decent since I picked them out after my eyes had been dilated.

Time to turn on the machines and get busy...lots of babies needing adorable bibs & burp cloths! I am going to miss my coffee/blogging time when school starts.

Terrific Totes

Terrific totes for bridesmaids to be stuffed with all kinds of goodies!

Today is the first day of my last full week of summer vacation...where did the time go?!?! Seems like I waited so long for it to get here and it went so fast. Oh well, my waistline is telling me it's time to get back on a schedule. Shame on me 'cause I can't even remember the last time points were counted. We won't even think about the pizza and birthday cake I consumed yesterday. So I'm fifty-one now. Don't think it's going to be much different than fifty, but pretty certain I can't pull off the '36' anymore. Hope you are having a Marvelous Monday!

Ribbon rules

So I've shared with you before that I love ribbon...proof is in the pictures. If a little is good, then a lot is GREAT!

Check out the 'mammajamma' ribbon rack that son-in-law built. Y'all it is beautiful!...furniture quality construction! He's a very talented craftsmen. I am tickled with it and love that there is some 'growing room' so I can add to my selection.

This is about 100 more pieces of ribbon that aren't on spools. The ladies at one of the local craft stores save spools for me, but if anyone has an inexpensive suggestion of how to hang my ribbons, please share.

I store narrow ribbons these display boxes.

BFF4Real

Made a 'mad dash' to SC yesterday to attend a dinner party for 'Retired Teachers & Friends' in my former hometown. I taught there for 21 yrs. before relocating to NC seven years ago. I love my life here, but still miss my friends. This is a picture of me & my all time very best friend...we taught across the hall from each other for 15+ years and we were a force to be reckoned with! I miss her the most! This is so corny, but if you look up the word 'friend' in the dictionary, her picture will be there. She is beautiful inside & out, a fabulous listener and can always make me laugh. I'll post more pictures later. Hope you are having a Fantastic Friday and have happy weekend.

Babyrama

Hot Pink Lady Bugs
Fun Plaid Applique' Letter

Yummy Watermelon

Is everyone having a baby?

I hope so...love, love, love making these precious baby things.

Do you have a favorite?

Missing thumb

Green thumb that is....I don't have one. Every year we purchased beautiful ferns for the front porch & although I really try to keep them healthy, sometimes they get pretty ratty looking . No green thumb, but fortunately a sweet little plant food recipe that snaps them back into shape almost overnight. I'll share in case you are 'plant care challenged' like me!

Plant Food

1 gal. tepid water add 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. Epsom salts, 1 tsp. salt peter, and 1/2 tsp. household ammonia.

Water once a month.

*I only use this on ferns, not sure if it works on other plants.

"Back to school" time is quickly approaching.

Thank you very much television/radio commercials that constantly remind me that my glorious vacation is almost over! Anyway, this is my week of 'appointments' .... all those 'once a year 'things we do ... just easier to do them all at once and while school is out. Eye exam today.

Dilation + sunshine = monster headache

Hope those new frames I selected while blind look alright.

When my vision returned to normal, I stitched out this adorable baby blanket. This is absolutely the softest blanket in the world! and they make wonderful personalized gifts.

The price of being cool

We had to replace one of our air conditioners this past week. :( Besides the obvious financial shock...my body is reeling from the experience. You see, the air handlers are in the basement...yes, my basement! And since the hoses, wires and all that other 'necessary to make air conditioning work stuff' feeds to the outside units through a hole in the basement wall. The old stuff had to be torn out and the new go in. Hole in the wall was enlarged, the ceiling tiles had to be removed...I don't know all the specifics, just that everything had to move ... embroidery machine, plastic drawer thingies, furniture, treadmill, Boflex ...everything! "Oh my aching back!" Anyway, what better time to continue the make-over of my work space? Now walls are freshly painted, Luster White - no, not exciting, but man does it reflect the light! which is a good thing in a basement. And it looks soooo clean! Everything has been dusted, organized and moved back to it's rightful place. New shelves (more plastic thingies) were purchased to hold fabric, embroidery blanks and other assorted sewing stuff. Had to order an additional set of shelves and am waiting for my ribbon rack to be finished and installed. Just need new floor covering and I will be totally satisfied with the basement. As you can see in the picture below, right now we have the most gosh-awful mis-matched pieces of carpet that were salvaged from hubby's office when they remodeled. Would love to hear some your suggestions for flooring...low budget flooring (very low budget...air conditions are crazy expensive).

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.