Okay Okay...

So I've managed to get the sewing machine to work. I'm not going to say that it's not frustrating just the same...I'm not patient, and it requires a lot of patience. Thread needle, thread bobbin, thread needle, cut string, thread needle, cut cut cut, oh man I sewed that backwards! You can see where this could be an issue. Quite honestly I'm horrible at a straight line, I'm worse at a curve, and I have no idea how to do a zipper, button hole, or a trim= so I have no idea what I'm doing!
However aside from my lack of skill, I have a bit of determination I stress on the bit part.
Well I've made a few things that I'll share with you next week.
I'll also catch you up on Leroy's transition to our home. But I'm going to spend my weekend with my family, and that means limited computer time. We're hoping to get out of the house and into the sun... and I'll also have pictures to share from our weekend in the next week too.
I've also bought my first bottle of Modge Podge, very excited about that! I can't wait to start using it. I've got an idea that I'm kicking around in my head, but I'm still searching for just the right thing to make the project perfect!
So have a happy weekend, go enjoy the wonderful spring weather, and spend it with the ones you love!

Bookcase Up-do

We have a bookcase in our living room, and I sorta despise it. I hate how it always looks like a cluttered mess. I'd love a fancy new one with the sliding glass doors, but my budget says NO! So I ran across a bit of inspiration in the Serena & Lilly catalog.

I love how all the books are covered to match, I've actually seen this done in a few catalogs, where they are covered to match the decor.

So I set out to give my bookcase a bit of an up-do: and this is what I have accomplished so far...a work in progress, so use your imagination I haven't made it to the bottom half.

Hopefully I'll get around to finishing the bottom part soon.

A while back

I made this box a while back for a gift using clip art and some cute scrapbooking paper. I thought I'd share with you guys, since I've been feeling a bit under the weather and I haven't come up with any new creations.

Alright I couldn't for the life of me get the card picture to rotate...but you get the idea.

A few more

things I love from the catalog previously mentioned.

Really I love everything in the catalog, but these are some really cute and unique ideas that I would love to replicate (some day).

Just a little something I made

I received a great catalog in the mail a while back. LOVE it. Can't afford one single item from it. But I've hidden it in a special place to refer to for inspiration.
Well they had this awesome Note Holder Frame, and I said to myself "Self you can make that!" So here is my much cheaper version of it. I used a $4 frame from the church resale shop, some jute twine, and a few binder clips. Simply just tacked down the twine, and I'm ready to go. (Okay Okay, being me I spray painted the frame black to match everything else I have!) So overall savings $35!

Tada!

So here's the pictures of our paint job. (this picture makes it look a lot lighter than it really is, the first one is a more acurate picture)And here is a pre- paint pictures from when we first moved in.

All the candles are blown out...

And I want to thank all my wonderful friends and family that made my birthday super duper great.
In case you haven't heard, my wonderful husband let my buy a new laptop, just for me. Ahh a dream come true. I've complained a lot less (as in not at all) in the past two weeks about the crappy computer not working, or the pop ups. Or all the other nine million reasons I hate the old computer. Yes it is in fact so great to do whatever I want on the computer in my bed. He also took me out of town last weekend for some R&R, fun and site seeing... we had a great time just being together. He took me out to my fave resturant, and yes, he lived through the ballet.
The ballet was really an experience. I could see where going could get addicting. I enjoyed every second of it. I thought it was amazing how it told the story and showed so much emotion without using any words at all. The orchestra was an experience in itself. The props and costumes where absolutely inspiring...that alone had to take an insane amount of time and talent. The lighting being used to push the story along and replace words, working alongside the music and motions...flawlessly might I add...breathtaking. And that's not even touching on how awesome the dancers are. I read somewhere that they can only wear their shoes for one performance! I can't imagine having to buy (or in their case have) enough shoes for each day. I can't say Dallas had as good of a time as I did...and I must say I wasn't just jumping out of my seat, but who does that sorta thing?! I'd love to go again sometime, and I encourage anyone that can to go at least once.
Anyhow, back to my birthday...It sucks working on your birthday. It's like the whole world should be allowed a paid day off for birthdays (may be your mamma's too). But Allison really knows how to make a birthday at the office the best. She made the most amazing cupcakes in the world. Melt in your mouth to die for. And thank goodness no singing that horrible song this year. Gene (a man from the office) took me out for a nice lunch, which I loved! Allison also got me this genius ink pad for my stamps...and I've already been enjoying it up a storm!
My Dad and Step Mom sent me something that I've always wanted, yet never told anyone. Probably because I could never justify spending money on: A MAGIC BULLET! I know, it's corny but I fall in love from those infomercials. I'm very excited about this...I believe it really will revolutionize the way I cook and prepare my meals. Sadly I haven't had a chance to fire her up...but I'm kicking around ideas of things I can puree and juice, and blend...just a matter of making the time. If you have one already and something super awesome you make, share it with me!
My Mom and Step Dad sent me some cold hard cash! Only because I had a list of things I wanted and she didn't want to have to choose...well I've used it for the dremel style rotary tool, and when I get around to it, I'm going to get a new printer so I can start printing from my new computer. I've already made great use of the dremel...and I will share that project with everyone soon.
I'd say all in all I had a pretty kick @$$ birthday...and it's all because I have the best people in the world in my life. Thanks everyone for everything...but mostly for feeding into my creative and artistic desires!

Marie

For my birthday, Dallas got tickets to the ballet (as I had hinted that I wanted). I'm very excited, we're going to the opening night, Thursday, of Marie. I've never been to the real ballet, meaning not four year olds attempting to twirl around. It also seems like it's going to be a very interesting (and girly) story. I'm very proud of my husband for doing something so un-dude like for me. I'm a lucky girl.

So there is a little preview I guess...Either way I'm not sure what to expect, but just the same I am looking foward to it big time!

New Creations

I have got the inspiration running through me. I want to craft my bum off, and let me just say it's very difficult to worry with the house cleaning and laundry when all I want to do is craft! Anyhow, I have decided I want to try my hand and jewelry making. So here's my first two creations. You can check them out on my Etsy store, please share with your friends, as I have added a few more items this week. Keep checking back as I'll add new stuff as soon as I get it made up.
I also want to share the winner of my Giveaway- Misty! Congrats! Thanks to the very few people who entered.

Sawyer

My cousin Chris and his wife Scotti are having a little boy...Sawyer. I'm very excited. So this is a little teaser for you Scotti- as soon as I figure out this whole sewing thing, I've got a surprise up my sleeve for you.

1st Giveaway

In an attempt to apologize to my few readers (for not having a post in quite some time), and hopefully intrigue a few more, I am giving away on of my original paintings.
I painted it last month, and it's in a medium blue and black. The canvas is small, so you can put it in a little area. Or just do like my mom and put it on a little plate stand...hers turned out rather cute...too bad I don't have a picture to share. So here it is:
Just leave me a comment, and if you do not have a blog, just leave your email address. I'll do a random drawing on Feb 1st. and ship it to ya! And again, Sooo sorry I've neglected Blogland.

Finally....

I know, I know, it's been a while since I've posted anything. I've been so busy (doing nothing but being beat down from work), and I'm trying to work out, some days, but more than that I'm actually trying to cook. Blogging at work is not going to fit into my schedule. So here I sit thinking about how I need to take a bath, and get my lazy bum to bed but I must must must share with you....

The funniest thing ever that I noticed as I was picking Neely up from daycare yesterday. She does not have a brother or a sister! Oh the lies she can tell these days!

Dallas agreed to allow me to get a cocker spaniel, however www.cockerkids.org has not returned my calls, or my email application...and after watching Oprah today I'm more on board with his plan to pay on the credit card debt. Ohh man, I'm such a sucker for inspirational TV. However if you haven't been watching Oprah this week, this has been the week to watch, life changing! TIVO!
I must share with you my Canton find: $6.50, I'm not kidding. I know I need to put candles in them, but that would require me to go to the dollar store and buy everything I see. (I'm a total dollar store junkie, and I'm trying to rid myself of my addictions!) I was going to hang this adorableness on my covered patio, however Dallas convinced me that it'd look nice in the bed room, and I'm always about a little more glam in my life! Especially in the bedroom. Bowchiawowow! Just kidding.
So I also have been cooking as I mentioned before. I think it is much better than going out to eat because I wont be tempted by the yummy greasy fatty goodness that is most restaurant food. I made this lovely crab over salmon with roasted potatoes and grilled zucchini the other night... and might I say I was impressed with myself. So far I'm doing okay, I haven't gotten upset and started to eat all the sweets in site!
I also have been doing a tad bit of crafting- I painted these cards, that I plan on selling via an etsy(or whever it is) store whenever I get around to that....some day.And so next time my friends I will let you know all about my sewing machine fiasco!