:: GUILTY PLEASURES ::

(Image Source: Bree Despain)

I needed something that would fulfill my need for a quick, engaging read. I read the reviews of this book and thought it would work. I just bought it because the hold list at the library was WAY too long. And... upon further investigation, the author is my neighbor's good friend. Am I a little embarrassed that this book is written for teenage girls and I'm just so excited to read it??? I sure am, but whatever. I exposed my book list two years ago and you saw all of my guilty pleasures. I also picked up Wuthering Heights. It is just a classic, more mature version of all of this silly thwarted love stuff.

:: VALENTINES DAY IS FOR THE BIRDS ::

(image source: tatertots&jello)

So, I don't love Valentine's Day for the chocolates, flowers, and forced dates... HOWEVER, I sure do love Valentine's Day crafting. There is something about it. I have billions of ideas stored in my "craft ideas folder" (so handy on my desktop - I also keep a 'crafts' bookmark tab handy) that would really give my home a 'heart attack'. But I LOVE this one above. I can't wait to do it. Click on the link above to get a full tutorial. DIVINE.

:: BUCK UP ::

(Fantastic Esty Shop: Buy Here)

In the bedroom that we stay in, I have mostly made it my own. Ya' know... clothing hanging over the back of chair, messy bed, piles of receipts on the dresser, random projects taking over the floor, etc. However, there is a wreath in there. It is all that remains of Grandma's fabulous decor. It is a grape vine wreath with a big mauve bow and lots of pinkish silk flowers. Like I said fabulous. I guess I leave it there to remind myself not to get too comfortable. To remind myself that this is "just temporary."

I get a little down when I think of my situation. This isn't where I thought I'd be "when I grew up." Grandma has been so great to us. I've really started to enjoy hanging out with her and having love lazy afternoons. I'm starting to realize that I'm really happy. Sure, I am not getting as much done as I normally do, but I'm learning to take my time, and be happy for my healthy (although extra chubby) body. There is no reason to be such a grump all of the time.

When I am 87 and talking to my Granddaughter-in-law, I want to tell happy stories. I need to do great things to make great memories. I don't know why I am even writing this post except to publicly declare that it is time to buck up and realize how lucky I am. My life is pretty okay, and I am good with that. And although the wreath is just fantastically lovely, I think I need to replace it with the one above, because I LOVE french fries and I know just how that little bird feels.

:: STUPID HOUSE CAN'T CLEAN ITSELF ::


I have a list of at least 20 things that need to be done. I'm about to enter FREAKOUT mode because I am over-tired and starting to get stressed. I write this post as I wait for some files to upload for work. It is all about multi-tasking if I am to accomplish anything.

And... this little munchkin isn't helping because she is all over the place and into everything. The hardest part about being at Grandma's house is keeping Piper away from all of the expensive figurines. This house is SO not baby proof. Also, you'd never guess by the smile on her face that she doesn't take naps. When I don't get sleep, I get cranky. She just squeals a little louder.

I was able to go to the fabric store and get the most delicious fabrics for Piper's new quilt that I am making for her first birthday (she is 10 months this week... what the???). It is pink, yellow, red, green... oh man. It will be so darling. However, buying the fabric is the easy part. Now I need to cut it out and put it back together.

My files are just about done. I need to get the laundry changed before they are finished. Wish me luck with this week. "just keep swimming"

:: MOUNTAIN or MOLEHILL ::

In our recent move I had to come to terms with just how many craft supplies I had. As I started going through each closet to organize everything into plastic storage bins, I was in shock of how it had been multiplying. Craft supplies reproduce, right? There is NO WAY I purchased all of this stuff. Where did I hide it all? Were you all lying when you came to may apartment and didn't say anything about my craft supply hoarding issues? Wowzer!

Above is just my fabric. This stack does not include my felt & work in progress (you know... 1/2 finished quilts, bags that need a lining, etc...) bins. I have an additional 6 drawer plastic storage tower that just holds thread, ribbons and trim, notions and other sewing stuff. Since moving, I have not purchased any sewing supplies at all. I realize that I have a big enough stash to work with. You want to know the sad part? I have TWO - yes two - garbage bags to the thrift store.

I also uncovered another 6 drawer plastic storage tower of just stuff. Wood findings, wreath forms, cellophane bags, adhesives, buttons, and what-nots. I have a 3 foot stack of scrapbook paper (which I didn't buy a lot of it. I have a few inside connections with friends who work at scrapbook companies - wahoo for free stuff!!) and 3 big bins of silk flowers (for Piper's head accessories, of course), paper flowers, and brads & eyelets. Let's not forget the 2 drawers of paper scraps, including so much old sheet music and vintage valentines. A drawer full of decorative scissors and punchs, stamps and ink, and all other little 'things' to decorate scrapbook pages.

The good thing in all of this, is that in going through it all, I have discovered what I have and now I am ready to use it all. I've made 10 scrapbook pages this weekend (I'm only 3 years behind on Cohen's short 5 1/2 years and I don't even get very fancy) and I made a Snuggie wannabe, for Heck's sake. My goal is to do a major stash bust. However, I still spent $40 at Roberts yesterday because I didn't have the exact color of paper I needed for our "Day at the Park" layout. Go figure...

* I've been following the CRAFT blog lately because they are doing a feature on organizing craft supplies and how people are doing it. It helps me feel better about myself because these people have WAY more stuff than I do.

:: OUT OF PRINCIPLE... MAKE YOUR OWN SNUGGIE ::

I hate Snuggies. They are the weirdest "it" gift ever. At least Furbie talked back and the George Forman grill produced dry burgers. The Snuggie is really bad because about once a week I am sitting on my couch reading a book and think "I could really use a Snuggie." I COULD NOT USE A SNUGGIE. I have my old trusty brown Independent sweatshirt to keep my arms warm.

Cohen however is obsessed with anything advertised on television. In fact the other day he said after I hung up my cell while driving, "Mom, there is now a safer way to talk on your cell phone while driving in the car." WHAT THE??? We really need to go to the park. Anyway, obviously he is smitten with the Snuggie. Over Christmas we were at my parents house. As a joke, my mom bought my younger brother a Snuggie (Tim has the same thoughts on Snuggies that I do). Cohen loved it. The next day my niece showed up with a pink child sized Snuggie... Cohen was in H.E.A.V.E.N. He hasn't stopped talking about it since. I refuse to buy a Snuggie. They are just weird. However, I ain't too proud to make one. I had to keep it on the downlow and make it while Cohen was away because he wanted one from the store.

So... here you go. You too can make your own dang Snuggie.

Step 1: Wait until the boy goes to school.

Step 2: Put your grumpy sidekick down for a nap.


Step 3: Dig about 3 yards of blue fleece out of your stash (if you don't have 3 yards of fleece, you might as well go buy a Snuggie. It's cheaper than the fabric).

Step 4: Fold the fabric in half.

Step 5: Find a long-sleeve shirt that fits your kid loosely and match the neck up at the fold (oh... be sure your sidekick is asleep before you go sneaking in the bedroom to find the shirt... or else she will be your helper).


Step 6: Start cutting up toward the armpit, starting at the bottom. Stop about 3-4 inches from the armpit and cut out toward the sleeve.


Step 7: Do the exact same thing to the other side. It looks like a snow angel.


Step 8: Sew the side seams. If you don't have a serger, use a wide zig zag stitch so the seams don't pop.

Step 9: Lay the outline back on the floor. Starting in the middle bottom, cut a strait line up to the fold. From that center point, cut 5" slits out toward the arm opening on each side.


Step 10: Turn it right-side out and put it in a Target bag so the boy thinks you bought it. (I know... I know...)

Step 11: With warm fuzzies, present it to the boy and expect a giant hug and kiss and yelps of excitement.


Voila! You have yourself a Snuggie-ish thing that can totally pass for a Snuggie. I shouldn't have been surprise when this conversation came about:

Cohen: "Did my Snuggie come with socks?"

Me: "No, was it supposed to?"

Cohen: "Yes"

Me: "Oh... well yours' didn't"

Cohen: "Where did you get this Snuggie?"

Me: "Ummm...."

Cohen: "You should have got it off of the TV, because if you 'call now' you get a free pair of Snuggie socks"

Me: "Oh, well... you just got a Snuggie... do you like it?"

Cohen? "Yeah - but I wish I got the Snuggie socks"

Oh well. He wore it all day and wanted to take it to show and tell. He's used it about 3 times since. I guess it was a good enough stash buster.

:: I HAVE HAPPY KIDS ::


As previously mentioned, my resolution for 2010 is to do things with more heart. This includes getting Cohen to school in the morning. I do get a little cranky when it is 8:45 am and Piper is whining for a bottle, Cohen is refusing to brush his teeth, I can't find my keys and the tardy bell rings at 9:00.

Above was an image of a rare morning. We were already in the car and ready to head out by 8:45. I even had time to snap a photo while the kids were getting buckled. As I rushed the kids out the door this morning, I had a change of heart. I will try harder to not get annoyed and cranky. It was amazing how smoothly things went. I had not had a shower, but I had exercised and sorted the laundry. I even had time to feed Piper myself. Ahhh!

This post has nothing to do with anything.

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