So Sweet:Magpie Lovely

Bird with Cream Berries

Happy Hedgehog Berries

Ivory Cowl

Such sweet gift ideas from Magpie Lovely. I want to make them all:)

Long Time

It's been awhile since I've posted.  I haven't been on any fabulous vacation (unfortunately) or actually done anything creative for a few weeks now.  I haven't touched my sewing machine since the end of September and now October is halfway gone.  I'm not exactly sure why.  I just haven't felt the creative motivation to make anything.  What have I been doing...?  I really can't say!  Although, I have read 5 books in the last 10 days...  hhhmmm...

I did find a few things around blogland that have got me ready to get back on track though...

Crafthope has a new project that I want to contribute to.  Quilts for homeless children in Michigan.  I love these ladies that organize these opportunities to give.  Thank you crafthope!!

Isn't this take-along quilt super cute!  Crafthope has the pattern here.  

A new-to-me site Frenchie & Flea is full of beautiful and inspiring everythings!!  They are currently offering a giveaway of their services of Creative Consultation and Custom Design for Etsy and/or bloggers.  One of the F&F authors just got married...  go watch the trailer for her wedding video.  You will be in awe at the beauty of this wedding!  I watched it back-to-back like 5 times!  

Off Frenchie & Flea, I came across UntamedPetals, an Etsy shop full of lovely and romantic things!  I love her use of pearls and rhinestones, like in this UntamedFascinator.  

Isn't that beautiful!?

From say YES! to hoboken, I found these great paper goods from paperwink.  I have really been loving all the vintage airmail stuff out there right now.  

the Airmail personalized notecard

custom rubber stamps

and the Telegram notecard.

And finally, just go to this site, The Best Part.  You will like it.  

Ok, one more.  Are you familiar with the musician Philip Glass?  He composes beautiful music and has done work on many movies, including The Hours, The Illusionist and No Reservations and many other notable works.  I especially like the music from The Hours.  It's a little haunting, just like the movie.  On his site you can listen to selected music.

And Kate!  I went to the post office on Monday to mail your package, but it was Columbus day.  duh!!  Look for it soon though:)

Winn Claybaugh

Finally, I am starting to feel a little better, other than a nagging cough. I better be done being sick for awhile. I am so sick of having to stay in my bed. Although, I did get some knitting and embroidery worked on:) I have had a busy last couple of days, too. I am making my sister Kate's dress for her semi-formal prom which is tomorrow. I'll have pics later because it is the cutest thing ever! She is smokin hot in it! She is so cute, a burlap sack would look totally hot on her! And I had another order for some bean bags that I forgot to take pics of and wish I would have because the bag I made for all of them turned out darling! It's a keeper for sure!

Almost 2 weeks ago, Bon-dawg (mi madre), Patrick, Kate and I went to a seminar/book signing for Winn Claybaugh's new book Be Nice (Or Else!). Mr. Claybaugh is the founder and co-owner of hair care giant Paul Mitchell’s school division, with more than 90 locations throughout the United States. He gave his seminar to the students of Paul Mitchell The School and since Kate just become a student (taking classes at night since she is still in HS), we were all invited (I think it was open to the public, too). With Patrick being the crazy-talented, super sexy hairstylist that he is, meeting Winn Claybaugh was so motivating for him. Winn is just the kind of mentor to help Patrick get to his goals of becoming a more prestigious stylist.

What a motivating, captivating, inspirational, sincere, funny man!! I certainly left his seminar a much better person! He gives one the desire to be kind, always, to everyone. There were many sub-themes throughout his speech, but the core of his message was being nice. Alot of what he talked about had to do with our professional lives, particularly in the hair/fashion industry, but certainly can and should apply in all the areas of our lives.

I took 4 pages of notes (in my darling new note book, lol!) and really have tried to apply things I learned. I especially liked his "Code of Conduct"...

1. Be on time. Always.
2. Always be in a great mood. (Fake it when necessary)
3. Come to work prepared.
4. Be informed. (Read all memos and information)
5. Gossip is not allowed.
6. Hold each other accountable.
7. Resolve all personal challenges with love.
8. Go to the decision maker with any apparent unsolvable challenges. Use the "Go in Asking" rule.
9. Be knowledgeable, literate and articulate.
10. Always "look the part" of an impeccable professional.
11. Be professional always.
12. Do not get personally involved with clients.
13. Personal lives remain personal.

He taught that as important it is to be nice to others, it starts with how nice we are to ourselves. He told us to "fall madly in love with yourself." To love yourself enough to stay away from people, places, ideas and thoughts that are toxic. Which is hard, especially if those people are family or those places are where you work. And while you can't always stay away from those people, it is so important to love yourself so their negativity doesn't engage you. And to remember that gossip is a form of verbal violence. Ouch.

I heard and learned things I certainly needed to hear. I love Mr. Claybaugh's attitude and philosophies. One of the last things I have written down is his advice to find people who want to play with you! Love it!

Sunshine Kisses

(see flickr for more photos)

No, not freckles. I have plenty of those:) After reading this post on Boston Mamas about drying your clothes outside, I decided to give it a try.

When I was little, my mom always used our old clothesline that was out by the trees. I remember "helping" her by hiding behind the towels:) I know my mom loved using that clothesline and now I can understand why. Yesterday I used my drying rack outside. I didn't go out in the middle of the day, too hot...I waited until the day started to think about cooling off. When I gathered the clothes, the sun had set and the crickets were starting to chirp. It was just me, feeling content with being domestic:) I find so much satisfaction in cleaning, cooking, laundry...is that weird? Do you? But really, folding my fresh laundry outside was very relaxing. I didn't have the nagging worries that usually occupy my thoughts. Instead, I let my mind wander...don't ask me where it went, I don't remember. But I know I came inside more calm than when I went out.

Give it a try. Besides, it's better for the environment.

On another note, while searching for an image of clotheslines, I came across Simple Sparrow. While I don't know much about photography, I know what touches me and her work certainly did. Unfortunately (for me) Simple Sparrow is being closed, but Toni, the author will soon be starting a new blog about her family's adventures in Germany when they move in a few weeks. I will most certainly be following...

Twig & Thistle

Have I been under a rock? Why is it just now that I am introduced to this amazing blog? So many beautiful pictures and lovely things... Twig & Thistle

I love this idea for a clock. It is sweet and simple.


Then, go to Creature Comforts to download this darling stationary! There are more freebies and downloads here!


At Uncommon Goods there are these super-cute postcards that I would love to get!

Yeah for new-to-me sites! Go browse these sites and you will be in love, too!

Season 5

Pat and I love watching Project Runway and this dress won on the last episode...gorgeous! I can't even begin to imagine the talent it would take do this from scratch without a pattern. Brilliant! This show inspires me.