My Favorite Things

what a great night!

This evening began with my husband offering to go to a "chick flick" with me when a friend of mine cancelled.  The movie he was committing to see was "He's Just Not That Into You".  It has been quite a while since my husband has accompanied me to this sort of movie because I usually go with girlfriends, so as to spare him the experience.  I do have to say, however, that most of the "chick flicks" that he has seen with me in the past, he has been able to find something he has enjoyed about them ... he is a good sport. 

I was a little nervous about taking him to this particular movie, because I had heard so many varying opinions of the movie.  I wasn't even sure whether I was going to like it.  Needless to say, we both loved it.  We laughed and cried throughout the movie.  I personally, would definitely recommend it.  And not that hubby was trying to score points with me, but he certainly did!!

To top the night off, I was just looking at a few blogs before I turned in for the night, when I came across a reference to the Picnik website.  It is a free site that you can edit your photos on.  Since I have the urge to lash out irrationally whenever I try to figure anything out on Photoshop Elements, I decided to give this site a try.  Oh my gosh ... IT IS AMAZING.  I love it.

For tonight, I played around with editing a photo I had previously taken of crocus growing in my yard. Here are some of the results.

The first photo is the original, the second was edited using a 60's exposure, and then framing it with a polaroid frame.  The last one I played with adding text and a frame.  If you are not familiar with Picnik, I encourage you to go try it out.  The site is very user friendly.

till next time,

melissa

fabulous swaps

I have to say, I just love participating in swaps.  As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I was partnered with Heather Rowely of Speckled Egg for a "Things That I Love" swap hosted by Artsy Mama.  Heather knew that I loved fabric, so she sent some amazing fabric that I am so excited to use.  She also sent a lovely heart wreath that she wrapped first in a satin ribbon, and then covered that with lace, and then finished it off with fun felt flowers ... love, love, love it.  Heather added into my amazing package spring dish towels, an easter ornament, a porcelain bird, and a quilted bag.  I was definitely spoiled!!!

Thanks so much Heather.

Heather told me that she really liked pillows, so I decided to make her a pillow for Spring.  I used an embroidery pattern for the bird that I downloaded from Craft Pudding.  I also made her a "love" banner. Heather has a much better picture of the banner over on her website.  I sent some items that for some unknown reason I did not get photographs of before I sent them off ... who knows why I do the things I do sometimes.  I packaged up a small embroidery kit, a small vintage looking valentine box filled with vintage ribbons, a yummy candle, and a little ceramic blue bird.

I truly had so much fun doing this swap.

Another swap that I recently participated in was one hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew.  The swappers were put into groups of 5, and then we each sent out a fat quarter to the other people in our group.  I, of course, signed up to be in 2 groups because I just cannot get enough fabric!   I started to photograph all of the fat quarters together, but they did not necessarily look good together.  I decided that in order for each of them to properly shine, each fat quarter(s) needed their own photo.  (Some people sent out 2 fat quarters to everyone)

As you can see, I received some really fun fabrics.  I can't wait to play.

I just signed up for a new swap hosted by a blog called A Year of Color, started by Kari of Artsy Mama. There is information about A Year of Color at Artsy Mama.  This new swap is a garland swap ... I can't wait.

Have a great weekend.

till next time,

melissa

inspiration

Recently, I was out shopping at one of my favorite places, Von Maur, and came across these absolutely adorable little shoes.  Sadly, my daughters are way too old to wear these beauties (my youngest is 12 years old).  Heck with my daughters wearing them ... I would like to wear them! Be honest, wouldn't you just love to put on a pair of these, even if just in the privacy of your house?!  These shoes gives me inspiration to be creative, a girly girl, and just down right silly.  I know, that is a lot to put onto one pair of shoes.  Oh well, since I have far exceeded the age limit for these, I will just have to settle for the inspiration I get from just gazing at the photograph.

I hope these bring a smile to your face today.

A little side note ... this is my first somewhat successful try at adding a frame around my photograph, using Photoshop Elements.  Over on Teresa McFayden's blog, My Minutia, she has given 4 tutorials so far on how to use Photoshop Elements to edit photos.  I have many books on the subject, but I can never seem to achieve my desired outcome.  That is, until I followed Teresa's instructions :)  

My editing is certainly not perfect, but it is the closest I have come yet.

till next time,

melissa

is anyone still out there?

I can't imagine that I still have anyone checking into my blog since I have been away for 3 months ... oh my goodness, has it really been that long?!  How time flies when you are NOT having fun.  

Well, without sounding too whiny and without going into all of the boring details ... life has definitely been getting the better of our family since last fall.  It began back at the end of October with my 40 year old husband being diagnosed with a dangerously high blood pressure.  You know how most men are, they don't go to the doctor until they absolutely have to.  Well, he was scheduled to go on a trip to Columbia, South America with our church that he pastors.  It was through the process of getting all of the required immunizations that his high blood pressure was discovered.  Of course then tests showed his cholesterol being ridiculously high for his age as well.  Needless to say, he did not make the trip to Columbia because all of this was discovered only 2 days before he was to leave, not allowing enough time to see if the prescribed medication would work.  The obvious concerns were him having a stroke or a heart attack and not being able to get the appropriate medical treatment while there were staying in remote areas of Columbia.

Once things started to settle down with my husband's health, my 17 year old daughter was then admitted to the hospital right after Thanksgiving for a week with what the doctors could and can still only diagnose as a neurological movement disorder.  She started with slight uncontrollable muscle twitches in her leg, and then the movements progressed over the next couple of days into full on body contractions.  It looked very much like she was having seizure after seizure with very little relief in between each episode.  The tests showed, however, that what she was experiencing was not seizures. In the days that followed she had test after test. In the meantime, her legs became so weak she could not even walk.  The best the doctors could come up with was that she had a neurological movement disorder brought on possibly by a virus.  With the help of various medications, the symptoms started to lessen to the point that she was able to go home.  She then stayed home for the next 2 weeks from school, still trying to recuperate.  

After Christmas break she was able to go back to school full time, and she started driving again in January.  She still continues to have symptoms, but thankfully she is able to fully function in all of her many activities in life.  This experience has caused our entire family to grow and learn so much.  We have been so blessed by amazing family and friends who have been walking through this experience with us.  We also have been blessed by the amazing doctors that have worked on and continue to work on my daughter's case.  Sometimes there just are not concrete answers to the problems we face.

On a very happy side not, my daughter earned her first lead role in her high school's production of "Sound of Music".  She is going to be Mother Abess, and she is very excited to have a beautiful solo to perform.  I will be sure to post pictures at the end of March after the musical is completed.

Now we move on in time to a week ago when the same 17 year old daughter from above totaled her car in a one car accident.  Thankfully she came out unharmed.  However, the same cannot be said of the 3 mailboxes and a large sign that she ran over.  Suffice it to say she was driving too fast around a corner on a country road and then swerved to avoid hitting a small animal crossing the road, and then the car spun and the rest is history. Once again we witnessed blessings in this situation.  It was a blessing that there were no other cars on the road when this happened and a blessing that my daughter didn't hit a light pole instead of mailboxes.  Consequently, our family of 5 is now sharing our one functioning vehicle.  Please don't get me wrong, however, we are quite thankful for that one vehicle!!

And wouldn't you know that right before we got the call about the accident, my husband had just gotten a call from his physician with results from a routine blood test required since his October diagnosis.  We were informed that he has type 2 diabetes.  I am telling you, that I am beginning to question God's sense of humor!  My husband has taken the news so well.  He is doing a lot of reading and studying about how his eating and lack of exercise need to drastically change.  And of course, his change in diet will affect the rest of us in the house.  But, quite honestly, I think that will be a good change.  It is so easy to fall into bad eating habits when the family schedule is so busy.  It is just hard to see my husband in this somewhat vulnerable situation.  And it of course reminds me once again how precious and sometimes fragile life can be.

I debated on whether to share any of this because there are so many families with so many more difficult obstacles they are facing on a daily basis, and I am so grateful for all that God has blessed me with.  But, I would be lying if I said I wasn't struggling.  One thing that has kept me going is visiting the fabulously creative and touching blogs out there.  I feel like I am ready to re-enter the creative world out there, in fact I just plain need to ... ready or not!  

So with all of that said, and with much more detail than I intended, I hope to get back to some regular crafty posting.  I recently participated in a fabulous swap through a blog group I joined, A Year of Color, hosted by Kari Ranstrom of Artsy Mama.  I was partnered with the absolutely sweet Heather Rowely of Speckled Egg.  I will be posting pictures of the amazing treasures that she sent me.

Thanks so much for being such patient listeners :)

till next time,

melissa

a fabulous evening

Tonight, (well at this point, it was last night actually) my friends Kyra and Laura and I went to a Poinsettia show at a local botanical garden.  There was a path that took us winding through decorated Christmas trees and beautiful poinsettias.  Each tree was decorated in a different theme with ornaments that could be purchased right off the trees.  It really was a lovely way to begin the Christmas season (I know we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet ... I get a little ahead of myself when it comes to Christmas)  My friend, Kyra comes every year with her two kids, and she had told us ahead of time how there is always beautiful live instrumental Christmas music playing while you meander around.  Well, there was music, and it was Christmas ... sort of.  There was a gentleman singing a little known Christmas diddy about Christmas in Texas.  In spite of the music, we were definitely put in the Christmas mood.

 me,Laura,Kyra

Not that you would really notice, but I have to mention that I am wearing my new favorite t-shirt.  I purchased it at J.Crew while I was in Omaha last weekend.  It has a reindeer filled in with black sequins on the front.  It is cute and comfy ... an unbeatable combination.

Well, after the poinsettia show, we were off to see the movie Twilight.  I really haven't read any reviews yet, mainly because I wanted to decide on my own what I thought.  We all three absolutely loved the movie.  It really stayed true to the book.  It is quite funny, however, that what really is a book series for young adults has attracted the mom squad.  I didn't notice, but Kyra mentioned after the movie how she felt very old in the movie with the majority of the moviegoers being teenagers.  I don't mind ... we are just young at heart :)

Has anyone seen the movie?  If so, what did you think?

Well, I am off to bed.  I have to get up and sell tickets at our high school football game.  This is the last game before the State Finals game.  So, if we win this, we are off to state.  I am not really into football, but I get paid to sell tickets ... so really not a bad gig for a couple hours of easy labor. (I hope no one from my town reads this because I might be flogged for making such a statement.  This is definitely a football town.

Have a great weekend!

till next time,

melissa

a cold weathered friend

Jen over at The Cottage Nest (http://www.thecottagenest.blogspot.com) is asking for a favorite cold weather recipe.  Well mine definitely has to be a Taste of Home recipe for baked potato soup.  I have relied on this wonderful stand-by for years.

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

7 cups milk

4 large baking potatoes, baked, cooled, peeled and cubed

4 green onions sliced

12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

In a large soup kettle, melt the butter.  Stir in flour; heat and stir until smooth.  Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.  Add potatoes and onions.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients; stir until cheese is melted.  Serve immediately.  Yields: 8-10 servings.

I gave you the recipe as it reads, however when I make it, I double the potatoes because we LOVE  our potatoes :)  I also find that the soup is best if it simmers for longer.  In fact, it is even better the second day as all of the flavors have melded together better.

This is one of the only soups that I can get my husband to eat because of how thick it is.  It is definitely a hearty, warm you up kind of treat.

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does.

till next time,

melissa

an amazing weekend!

Oh my goodness!  This was my second year at Silver Bella, and it was even more amazing the second time around.  The instructors were fabulous, the other attendees were so inspiring, and of course there was Mary!  

Mary Engelbreit spoke at our luncheon on Saturday afternoon.  She has such a sensible and down to earth view of life and how her creativity fits into that.  Sadly, as I am sure most of you know by now, Home Companion was dropped by their publisher.  We can only hope that Mary and her team will be back soon teaching and inspiring us.

This is a photo of Mary signing a new print that she has created.  We bellas had the opportunity to pre-order it and have it signed by Mary herself ... how exciting.

I know the picture is a bit blurry ... but I don't mind :)

In the upcoming week I will be posting the amazing things I received in my swaps.  I will also post some photos of my finished and not so finished projects from the classes I took.

I took a leap this year and participated in Vendor Night.  And boy, am I glad I did.  It's always hard to put yourself out there for scrutiny, but these ladies were soooo encouraging ... and they made purchases :)

These are a few pics from that night.

 

In the first picture you can see my hubby's head peaking out.  He bravely entered a room of almost 200 women to help me with my booth ... now that's true love.  By mid evening he and the only other 2 men in the room (Jim McFayden and Jared Bowlin) started bonding over talk of sports.

I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but I was glad to have at least documented the evening.  So often, I get so busy (and forgetful) that I don't photograph the items that I make.

I have really gotten interested in hand embroidery lately, which I implemented on the "Peace" pillow, as well as the "candy cane" blanket at the bottom.  I love trying new techniques.

The pieced scarves were also new for me, and so fun.  

I am going to put some of the items that didn't sell in my etsy store.  I am going to be adding items up until Christmas, so please feel free to stop by and browse.  If you don't see exactly the colors of an item that you want, just email me, and I can make something up just for you.

My goal from this point on is to get more faithful with my blogging.  I have been "strongly encouraged" shall we say, by some new friends from Silver Bella to get myself in gear with my blog.  I really needed that kick.  And I have to say that I was so totally motivated when I went to visit their blogs when I got home.  So please, I encourage you to go be inspired by their fabulous sites.

www.thecottagenest.blogspot.com/

www.freckledfarm.blogspot.com/

bloomstudio.wordpress.com/

The other incredible person that I got to spend a little more time with was Amy Powers of Inspire Company (inspireco.blogspot.com/).  I have loved her blog and her creations of the "Sugarville" glitter houses for the last year (since last year at Silver Bella).  She has such an amazing spirit.  She was and still continues to be such an encouragement to me.  So please, go visit her site, if you haven't already :)

till next time (very soon),

melissa

my apologies!

Oh my gosh, I cannot believe how much time has passed since I last posted.  Can you believe that it is already that time of year where we start talking about the "H" word?!  Yes, I am referring to the Holidays. I have been thinking about Christmas since the end of summer since I signed up to participate in the Vendor Faire at a fabulous paper arts event (but really so much more than only paper arts), Silver Bella, taking place in Omaha Nebraska in November.  

 I have been working on a variety of items, some Christmas and some not.  I stress so much over whether what I am creating will appeal to anyone other than me.  And then when I start doing that, my whole creative process comes to a screeching halt.  The only way that I can get those creative juices going again is to remind myself to create things that I like and enjoy.  The worst case scenario is that I will have a room full of items that only I love. lol  

Well, one of the things that I have been working on are my scrap scarves.  I was inspired by Denyse Schmidt when designing them.  They are made from fabrics that are vintage, recycled, and new.  

I would love to know what you think :)

till next time,

melissa

 

summer stash challenge

Earlier this summer, I joined a "summer stash challenge" hosted by http://eileensattic.blogspot.com/. The challenge is to use only fabric that we already have on hand (NO BUYING ANYTHING NEW FOR THIS ... do you know how hard this can be to a fabricaholic?!) Right after I signed up I quickly decided what I wanted to do for this, but unfortunately, I then hurt my back and then everything was put on hold. Well, now that I am mostly better, I am trying to catch up on many things, and this summer challenge is at the top of my list.

This summer I turned the big 40, and I have had a little trouble adjusting. Around the time of my birthday, I came across a blog, http://pimpstitch.typepad.com/blog/, and in celebration of their new website, http://pimpstitch.com/, they were posting a new hand embroidery design to download for free every week during the month of June. The theme for each design was birthdays. These designs were absolutely adorable!

I decided that I would stitch each of these designs and use them as blocks to create my very own birthday quilt, commemorating my 40th. So far, I have completed only one of the embroidery designs, but I hope to speed this creative process up. The fabric that I am going to use for the rest of the quilt top is a collection of liberty of london fabrics. Can I just say, I love, love, love those fabrics. I have almost hated the thought of cutting into them ever since I purchased them, but I decided this birthday quilt would be the perfect home for these amazing fabrics.

I will keep you updated on my progress.

until next time,

melissa

girls getaway

Two of my friends, Kyra and Laura (aka Lucy and Ethel), and I just went on our 3rd annual girls getaway. This year we spent the weekend in Geneva, Illinois shopping, eating, and LAUGHING. The three of us periodically get together to go to movies, and do some shopping for the day in our area, and we always have a great time. However, there is something about spending a whole weekend together without husbands and kids, and most importantly ... schedules, that just brings out the carefree girl in each of us. Some of my favorite time was right before we fell asleep, and we would just talk, and talk, and talk ... there just doesn't seem to be enough time for that in everyday life ... so what a treat.

This summer, I planned our trip. So, back in March, I presented Kyra and Laura with these folders that I had made up with all of the information and details of our impending trip. As I mentioned earlier, Kyra and Laura also go by Lucy and Ethel. (if not already obvious, the names are from the characters from the "I Love Lucy" show. To be honest, I am not sure how they came to have these nicknames, but as time went on they decided that I too needed an alias. So, I became Betty. Evidently, Betty is a lesser known friend of Lucy and Ethel's on the show. I was ok with her not being as infamous as the other two, because, as you can see in the photo on the inside of the folders, she dressed VERY well.

We stayed at a hotel called the Herrington Inn and Spa, and it was magnificent. Not only did they come in at night to turn our beds down and turn on classical music for us, but they also brought us cookies and milk (in glass jars, no less). Needless to say, we felt very spoiled.

We ate at so many wonderful places in Geneva, but the establishment that really stood out to me was in Naperville, Il. (We stopped through Naperville on our way to Geneva) We went to a place called Cookie Dough Creations Co. (www.cookiedoughcreations.com). All I can say is that I was ecstatic over what I discovered when we walked in. Their specialty was a cup of ice cream with a very large scoop of raw cookie dough (sans the raw eggs) on top. They had at least half a dozen different flavors of cookie dough to choose from. Also on their menu was a cookie dough sandwich, which was two of their baked cookies with a scoop of cookie dough in between. Best yet, was that they sold pints of their cookie dough to take home ... I was all over that!!

Before we left to come home we took a few pics outside on our deck overlooking the Fox River. It was just beautiful ... the whole weekend.

kyra and laura

laura and melissa

until next time,

melissa