All Things Purple
Nov 30, 2009 Life
For years I’ve liked purple. When ever I bought accessories, like water bottles, I’d select the purple one. Then for a few years purple fell off the radar at the stores. I guess it was no longer a current trend color. Well guess what? It’s back. Yea! This weekend I picked up a couple of purple accessories: gloves and a clasp wallet. The photo above contains various purple items that I found around the house. They’re glad to have more purple friends.
And this is my last post for NaBloPoMo for 2009. It’s been great. I’ll be taking a break for a few days as I travel for work. When I come back I’ll share the present I’m making for as a neighbor gift.
New Bag is Done
Nov 29, 2009 Sewing
The whole thing came together rather easily. I used the Phoebe bag pattern by artsy-crafty babe. The pattern is definitely one of the better free patterns out there. I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase more of her patterns if the need arises. I’d only change one thing. I put the second half of the magnet snap 2″ down on the body. I think 1.25″ would be better. The tab crushes the top of the bag just a wee bit.
I used Heather Bailey’s scrap flower tutorial for the brooch. I sewed a safety pin to the flower and pinned the flower to the bag. If it bothers me, I can easily remove it.
A Semi-relaxing Day
Nov 28, 2009 Sewing
The electrical work is done. Shopping is temporarily finished. It was time to sit back and relax for a moment. So I hit the fabric stash. I decided I needed a new handbag. Actually, I decided this a while ago. I spent much of my time this weekend looking for the perfect handbag this weekend. And I found NOTHING. Actually, nothing isn’t quite true. I found several Coach and Burbury bags that I wouldn’t mind having. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have that kind of cash to spend on a purse. So until I find that magic purse, I’m going to use one made by me. Well at least that’s the plan.
I’ve progressed beyond this picture. I’m using an Asian print (as seen in the photo) for the interior and wool for the exterior. It should look all wintery. All the fabric is cut out and half of the purse is sewn together. I should wrap it up tomorrow.
Black Friday
Nov 27, 2009 A House is a Home
For me, Black Friday is all about shopping with my mom, grandma, aunt, and cousins, a regular girls day. We avoid all the doorbuster sales and avoid the HUGE crowds by hitting the mall. We let my grandmother buy us a Christmas presents. She’s always willing to indulge our impulsive decisions. I love to watch her and a cousin look at purses. They love large purses that can carry everything including the kitchen sink. I’m all about simply purses. So seeing them select purses is entertaining for me.
I did get one small Black Friday deal, new fleece gloves. We hit Sears. Land’s End fleece was 40% off. Now I have a nice pair of purple fleece gloves. They’ll match the hat and scarf that I’m attempting to make, emphasis on the word attempting.
The real find of the day awaited me at home. Last year for a Christmas present my brother offered to install two outdoor outlets in our front yard specifically for our Christmas lights. Well today was installation day. Living in an old house equals frustration at fishing wire.
So there are a few new holes in the walls that need to be patched. Tomorrow my dad is going to wrap up the loose ends and connect the final wires and help patch the wall. I knew the walls in this area needed to be painted. I guess I know what I’m doing with my time during Christmas break. Before we know it we’ll be able to light our Christmas lights without stringing extension cords from the backyard. Safety is always a good thing.
I’m So Full
Nov 26, 2009 A House is a Home
I can’t imagine I’ll ever be hungry again. Yes, I know it’s not possible. None the less, I’m stuffed to the gills.
For myself, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. I live a life of privilege. I’m married to a man that loves me and wants to reach for his dreams. He inspires me to let go of my fears and jump. We live in a beautiful house that fulfills one of our many dreams. I love that it’s old and that it has a life beyond mine. I hope that it survive my own life and is a dream house for the future. I even love the constant need for fixing something. I’m always learning something new.
I’m thankful for my creative talents. I find joy in making things, experiencing the creative process, and enjoying the results. I look forward to using these talents throughout my life. I’m thankful for my family. My parents raised me and my siblings to love one another. Of course this wasn’t apparent while growing up. Yet, now as adults we enjoy one another as friends. I look forward to seeing my sister (in Michigan) and brother (in Seattle) over the holidays. Thanks goodness for airlines.
I’m thankful for my job. I work with good people. For the most part, I enjoy the work I do. Right now the company is doing well, despite the global economic challenges. And really, this makes a huge difference in my life. I know being unemployed is a huge emotional and financial drain.
With this feeling of gratitude, I embrace the holiday season. I look forward to celebrating with friends and family over the next month. It’s a source of true joy.
New Pie Crust Trick
Nov 25, 2009 A House is a Home
I should say at least new to me. After getting my pie crust looking perfect with a nice ruffly edge, I followed the directions and put it in the freeze while I prepared the filling. Then when I cooked it, the edge stayed nice and ruffly. I can really see the difference on my pumpkin pies. I only had room in the freezer for one pie. I put the second one in the fridge. When I cooked the pie, the edge lost some of its shape.
Now my pies are starting to look as good as they taste.
