Sunday, December 19, 2010

Happy Holidays? And some quilting, of course

Merry Christmas!


It's been a rough season for us here at the Frugal Grace house - having our Marine at bootcamp and then at MCT for Christmas is hard. But my daughter and I will be able to go see him on Christmas Eve, so that's awesome! We just found out a few days ago, so it's been a mad rush to find a hotel room, and will be a busy day on Friday, but it's ALL good since we'll get to see our Marine for a few hours for the holiday. :)

He got to come home for a few days at Thanksgiving, and I was able to give him his Bootcamp Graduation gift. He really liked it...



I'm now working on a scrappy quilt from this pile of leftovers:

Can't wait to see what I can put together. It's been fun just plowing through and sewing up peices without worrying about a pattern. Will post pic of the finished product when it's done!

Well, that's all the news that's fit to print for now... Hope you all have a very Merry CHRISTmas!



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Special Thanks & Lots of Freebies for Veteran's Day!

I want to take the time today to remember all of our veterans who have sacrificed for our country's freedoms and security. Words don't seem enough, but... Thank You!

Special thanks to: my brother - James (Air Force), my stepson - Lee (Navy), my future son-in-law - Matt (Marines), my son-in-law - Lowell (Air Force), my father - Jim (Army) and the many other family members who have generously and courageously served in all branches of our Armed Forces. I love you all!


Applebees – free meal, Thursday, Nov. 11: Military veterans and active-duty Service Members will be able to eat free at any Applebee’s across the U.S. on Veteran’s Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010. There will be 7 entrĂ©es to choose from. Guests will be asked to show one or more of the following as proof of service: U.S. Uniform Services ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Photograph in uniform, Wearing uniform, Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), or DD214.

Chili’s – free meal, Thursday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2010 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. See flier for more information.

Hooters – free Meal, Thursday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service.

Outback Steakhouse – free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage, Thursday, Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage of choice (one non-alcoholic drink). This offer is available to the following Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications on November 11, 2010: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform.

Uno Chicago Grill, Thursday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service.

Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Thursday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Thursday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Many subway locations offer a free six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may only be available in select locations. Please contact your local Subway for more information regarding Veteran’s day specials.

Sam’s Club - Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans: Sam’s Club locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 10th, 11th and 12th, 2010 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

Golden Corral – free meal, Monday Nov. 15: The 9th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 15, 2010 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Homemade Dogfood for health & savings!

Here’s a great idea for pet lovers! My dachshund started developing some sort of allergy – scratching a lot and whatnot – so I started thinking about what she was eating and researching dog foods, etc. I found that a lot (MOST) dog foods - especially those you typically find in grocery stores - contain very little nutritional value and lots of “fillers” that can’t be digested by pups and can cause allergies. This makes them cheap to produce, but can really harm our 4-legged family members. I decided to start making homemade dog food, and found that it’s not only healthier for them, but much cheaper than buying commercial brands!


Here’s my basic recipe:

Ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork - whatever is cheapest depending on the week – check the “soon to expire” section of your grocers meat section. It’s still perfectly safe to eat, and MUCH cheaper! I mix a pound or so of whatever I happen to find on sale each week.

1 can of store brand carrots

1 can of store brand green beans

1 can of store brand potatoes (whole or diced is fine)

1 tbsp minced garlic or garlic powder (helps keep away fleas and great for their immune system and more!) Click here if you’ve heard that garlic is poisonous for dogs – that is ONLY in large quantities – which we will not use for dogfood.

On sale, all of this together can cost less than $5!

* Brown the ground meat in a big pot
* Rinse canned veggies to remove any salt that may be added
* Combine veggies with the browned meat
* Cook on medium heat until the veggies are mushy
* Mash it all together using a potato masher, spatula, whatever you have on hand.
* Remove from heat and add garlic (when cooked, it loses a lot of it’s health benefits)

You can also dry your eggshells and grind them up to add for added calcium, which is great for your pup’s bones! Add ½ teaspoon per pound of meat.

Put in an airtight container and store in your fridge until mealtime! My dogs really LOVE this recipe and the allergies have disappeared! Our older pup (slighyly overweight – shhh, don’t’ tell him I told you!) has also dropped a few pounds since I started making their food and is more energetic and playful!

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

It's done!!! The Marine Quilt

Yay! I finally finished my first queen-size quilt! I'm so happy, but don't really know what I'll do with myself now that it's done... oh wait, I know! I'll start another project! LOL (or finish one of the 4 or 5 I've already started and stopped) I'd love to hear your opinions, and any tips and tricks you can give me for next time!!

This has truly been a labor of love. I started it not long after my future son-in-law was sworn in as a US Marine Recruit. He finishes boot camp in just 2 weeks, and I am SO proud of him! It will probably live here until he and my daughter get married and get a place of their own. She says she wants a Treasure Chest (aka Hope Chest LOL) and it'll probably go in there with their other homemaking goodies. This is his graduation gift...



Folded to show both sides...



TaDa!!!

2 weeks from today we will be at Parris Island to see him in the MOT Run and spend a few hours of Family Day with him. On November 24, he will graduate and be a MARINE! OoRAH!!!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Another month has come & gone...

I've really been slacking on the blog thing. Sorry 'bout that! I've been a little busy: working, going on a cruise, hanging out with my baby girl as much as possible (which isn't much since she's a senior in high school, volunteer firefighter, and babysits during any free moment). I've also been busy working on a project for a very special young man : Matt's Marine Quilt. I just got the top done last night and now on to all the B's: borders, batting, basting, binding. Somehow I think the hand-piecing of the blocks and putting together the quilt top were the easy parts... we shall see!

Here's the finished quilt top:

And a close-up of some of the hand-pieced blocks in the center...

I had wanted to hand-piece each block, and the entire quilt for that matter, but with a deadline of November 24 that just was NOT gonna be possible. I think he'll be happy with it, even if some is done on the machine. This has definitely been a work of love, and I've enjoyed every single minute of it!

We also celebrated a VERY big day in our family on 10/10/10 ---

my Nana's 100th Birthday!

You tell me...does this look like a hundred-year-old woman to you?? Man, I hope I got some of those great genes!! Love you bunches, Nana!!!




Monday, September 06, 2010

My month in pictures...

I know you've all just been *dying* to know why it's been so long since I've blogged...so here's a re-cap of the past month or so:



I'm working feverishly on my Patriotic Quilt for a special Marine (see below). So far, I have 10 blocks completed and 4 more cut and in the process of sewing.
I have until mid-November to finish it to Queen-size. Eek!! I'd better double-up my efforts!



A dear friend and part of our family went to Marine Boot Camp at Parris Island.

We are SO proud of Matt and all that he has accomplished already. It's funny how even something as simple as texting someone is so important when you're no longer able to, and how much you miss them. But...I know he's doing a GREAT job at boot camp and showing all the other recruits how it's done! :) (yes, this is who the quilt is for)


Let's see...there was the 2-room makeover. I can't remember if I blogged about that or not, but let's just say it was a longer process than I'd thought it would be! We painted and redecorated the living room and my daughter's room, and I would never have thought my house would be such a WRECK for weeks! But the results are fabulous and we're loving the updated look!

Oh! Hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last week!

We're taking a cruise the end of this month, and can't wait! I was really not wanting to spend all that $ on something so frivolous. I wanted us to do something for others instead. We are SO incredibly blessed, and there are so many out there hurting and in need...I just didn't feel right about going on a luxurious vacation while others were going without their basic neccessities. Mind you, this is not something that just came to me out of the goodness of my heart - I literally felt kicked in the gut one morning at church and super-convicted about it. But Hubby was insistent about wanting to do this cruise so...


Of course, God worked it all out as He always does! Instead of sailing out of Florida as we did on our first cruise, we're going out of New Orleans. This opened up the path for us to visit Desire for Change - a daycare that a lady runs in her basement for needy children. A group from our church went on a mission trip to NOLA over the summer, and this was one of the places that they spent time helping. I can't wait to meet Miss Dwana and do what we can to help them fill some needs there. We'll spend an extra day or two in NOLA before and after our cruise, and will be looking for ways to serve there however we can.

I asked my friends "Is it crazy that I'm more excited about visiting the Ninth Ward in New Orleans than I am about the cruise??"


My daughter started her Senior Year of high school. ~sobbing~ How did THAT happen??? She's the baby, and I have no idea what to do with myself now... Just yesterday, she was toddling around aggravating her big brothers, and now she's just an incredibly amazing young lady. But I'm still wondering where the years went...!?!?

There's plenty more, but suffice it to say I've been swamped. I'm SO looking forward to cooler weather and snuggling up with my sewing basket in the upcoming months.

What have you been doing during the last month of summer? Hope you've had a great one and are looking forward to Fall! I know I am! My favorite time of year...

'til next time...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Some GREAT FREEBIES !

Found some AWESOME freebie deals this week! Woohoo!

Love free stuff!

 In Celebration of Our 10th Anniversary, Get Our Top 10 Products FREE.
Customize your FREE Business cards, Return Address Labels, Postcards,
Rubber Stamps, Banners, Photo Calendars, Pens, Sticky Notes, T-Shirts, and Mugs.
(pay small s&h only)
 
 FREE Coffee Maker & Travel Mug + FREE Shipping when you get 4 boxes of premium
varieties of coffee - $115 retail value only $19.95!
 
· OR get a 12-cup stainless steel encased programmable coffeemaker and
a stainless steel coffee scoop,when you buy 2 boxes of Gevalia coffee.
Only $14.95 for all, with no future commitment!
 
· If you just want the coffee – here’s the BEST deal you’ll find on fine coffees
Choose any three coffees for $3 and receive free stainless steel scoop.
 
· FREE Home Depot newsletter via email with great savings and home improvement tips!
 
· Get 20 FREE photo prints from York Photo
 
· Are you pregnant? Just had a baby? Visit Planning Family for free baby samples,
baby magazines, baby coupons and more. Tons of free baby stuff from the brands
you know and trust!
 
· FREE Diabetes Meter (for patients who qualify)

FREE crafting ideas, patterns, and more from Favecrafts!


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Desperately Seeking Quilting Advice!

I have some questions for my fellow quilters
and would love to hear your opinions if you have a moment…
(pretty please with a charm pack on top??)


Binding -
Do you buy premade "quilt binding" tape or make your own? I've only used the premade stuff - well, I've only binded one quilt so...yeah, I used the premade because I had no idea what else to do!

If you make your own - how???

Batting -
What's you favorite kind? I already know the cheap stuff at Walmart isn't worth the gas to drive there. But I'm at a loss in craft/quilting shops, there are SO many types and brands to choose from!

Fabrics -
Do you always pre-wash?? I've read multiple opinions on this and I'll admit that I have been working on a quilt top that I am deathly afraid is going to bleed like CRAZY when I wash it (it's all red/white/navy blue fabrics and I didn't know better when I started it).

I know you can add a little vinegar or salt to the wash to "set" the colors - does this work with brand new fabrics??

I'm sure I'll have many more questions along this quilting journey. And I SO appreciate you experienced folks who share such a wealth of information via your own blogs! They have all helped me immeasurably!!


Wednesday, July 21, 2010

GREAT New Deals & Freebies!



Print FREE Grocery Coupons at Home


Thursday, July 15, 2010

Support victims of domestic violence when you Tweet!

Thought you would be interested to know that The Allstate Foundation is partnering with the YWCA to support economic empowerment for domestic violence survivors by donating $1 for all tweets that include #Tweet4YWCA.

#Tweet4YWCA Campaign Details:

Please visit www.clicktoempower.org/tweet4ywcato tweet your support for domestic violence survivors

The Allstate Foundation is donating $1 to the YWCA for every tweet that includes #Tweet4YWCA, up to $75,000

Please tweet #Tweet4YWCA through July 16, and encourage your Tweeps to do the same

On Tuesday 7/13 and Thursday 7/15 we are doubling the donation and donating $2 for every tweet that day

The Allstate Foundation supports domestic violence survivors through providing resources targeted to build financial independence and educating the public on how hard it is for people to leave an abusive relationship without economic resources. The YWCA was selected as the partner for this program because the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States, and is a pioneer in the empowerment of women, including economic empowerment.

For more information on #Tweet4YWCA, and to join the conversation now, please visit: www.clicktoempower.org/tweet4ywca

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Classes and weddings and homecomings - Oh my!

To say I've been busy lately is quite an understatement. Yesterday alone I had the three things in the subject line to do, plus fitting in time for a much-needed haircut & brow waxing! Oh yeah, I think I was supposed to eat a little in between events, as well...but I kinda forgot to do that except for a cheeseburger at 3pm. : /

But I digress...


I'm still in full-on Quilting Addiction Mode. I try to work on something every evening, if possible (translation: if I can overcome the guilt of "neglecting" my husband & 17yo daughter, who probably couldn't care less that I'm in the sewing room anyway). I had another quilt class yesterday, and I just love those Saturday mornings! It's a small group, I think we had 6 yesterday, and the best teacher EVER. She is so, so patient and kind with everyone. You can see her love of the art shine through, and she's so encouraging to this newbie.

The other ladies are so sweet, as well. One is a 'girl' I went to church with many years ago. We were in youth group together, but lost touch as we grew older. I think we were both surprised to see one another in a quilting class, of all places! (we had a rather "colorful" time during our youth group years and have lots of chuckles reminiscing...I just wonder what the other ladies think when they hear us! LOL) We're both fairly new quilters, so we have fun bouncing off one another and helping each other out. We're also just a *tad* competitive about it, which gives me more determination to finish projects! ;)

Another is the teacher's mother-in-law, and she is such a sweet lady! She is always offering suggestions and tips and tricks for me to try, and is also so encouraging. I don't know the others as well, but the whole group is so great and I'm so glad I found the class. I just wish we had it more than once a month. I'm hinting around to our instructor about a Quilting Bee, though. ;)

After the class, and squeezing in the haircut & waxing, I headed to the locally owned, infamous fast-food joint - Pete's. They have THE BEST burgers ever. Seriously. They are like perfection on a bun. My brother and little nephew came to town after being in Hawaii for 3 years (bro is in the military), and the first place they wanted to visit at 'home' was Pete's. Nephew said today that "Pete's isn't good for you...but it sure is good!" It was awesome to see them both! I can't believe how big Titus has gotten - he's so tall! I guess they do that from 5-8 years old, though. :) They are here for the whole week before heading off to brother's next station, so hopefully we can spend lots of time together this week. :) :)

Then ~whew~ we went to one of, if not THE, most beautiful wedding ceremonies I've ever attended. A dear friend's daughter was the bride, and hubby and I were handling the technical stuff for them (video and audio). The ceremony was absolutely the most sweet, Spirit-filled thing ever. She is a school teacher who met her Youth Pastor hubby a few years ago, and they have been ministering together ever since. This is one of their engagement photos... I didn't notice the rain until I read the photographer's comments about the shoot. It started raining during their session, but they just kept shooting. He named their session "The Notebook" because of this picture... just beautiful!

I wish them a long lifetime of incredible love and success. They are truly an amazingly beautiful couple, inside and out! <3

So, that's why I haven't been blogging. Just been a little busy puttering around... I'm sure you'll all so glad you just wasted a perfectly good 5 minutes reading this babbling. ;)


Thursday, July 08, 2010

Moms of Tweens/Teens - win 4 tix to Teen Choice Awards & more!!


Ok all you Jonas Bros fans, BeLiebers, etc... Check out this chance to win a super trip for your family and other neato stuff like an iPad, official Teen Choice Surfboard, laptop, and more! Michelle, I know you your kids want to go!

Invisalign Teen is proud to be working with FOX as a sponsor of TEEN CHOICE 2010 and will be presenting the "Choice Smile Award" during the show. As an extension of its relationship, Invisalign Teen has launched the Straight to Stardom Sweepstakes with a grand prize VIP package for four to TEEN CHOICE 2010 in Los Angeles and other prizes.

Fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day for their favorite TEEN CHOICE 2010 nominees at www.teenchoiceawards.com.
But HURRY! Deadline to Enter: July 11, 2010

The winner will receive a VIP trip for 4 to the Teen Choice Awards 2010!

The grand prize includes:
* Trip for 4 to attend Teen Choice 2010, including air, hotel, and transportation
* 4 Post-Show VIP Party Tickets
* 2 Flip Cameras

Runner up prizes include:
• iPad
• Laptop computer
• 3 iPod touch mobile digital devices
• Authentic Teen Choice 2010 surfboard
Total Approximate Retail Value of all prizing is $10,000.00!


TEEN CHOICE 2010 will celebrate the hottest teen icons in film, television, music, sports and fashion in the choicest, star-studded two-hour event airing Monday, Aug. 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Additionally, Invisalign Teen® will join Dr. Pepper as an official sponsor of the star-studded special for the first time.


This Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of all 50 United States (not including territories and possessions) and the District of Columbia. Entrants must be aged 14 and older for entry. You may enter ONLINE DAILY by visiting the Invisalign “Teen Choice 2010” Sweepstakes page at http://invisalignteen.com/teenchoice completing all information requested on the entry form and clicking on the “submit” button to complete the entry process. ALL ONLINE ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59:59 PM (EDT) ON July 11, 2010.

Enter to Win: http://www.invisalign.com/teen/tca/Pages/teenchoice.aspx

Full sweepstakes rules: http://www.invisalign.com/teen/tca/pages/teenchoicerules.aspx

Fill your mailbox with freebies!

By now, you all know I’m ALL about finding the deals and freebies. Well, I have to tell you about a great site that I’ve found that has THE most up-to-date printable coupons for local and online store, free stuff, and printable grocery coupons!


I have gotten SO many free samples and great coupons from MySavings – there’s something nice about opening the mailbox and having free goodies instead of (or well…along with) bills. I’ve gotten make-up samples, pet food and treats, baby stuff (for friends and family – back up there, no more babies for me!), OTC medication samples…you get the picture.


So what are you waiting for?? Head over to MySavings.com and start getting great stuff – all for FREE!


Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Need a fix? Read on...

I wish I could take credit for this funny post, but I found it on The Curious Quilter (which I highly recommend you follow!). Can anyone else relate?? Don't judge. ;)


Secret Dealings

“How will I know you?”

“Hey, I’m the one with the goods. How will I know YOU?”

“Green car, brown hair, glasses, and a red sweater. Will it be DISCRETE?”

“Yeah, in a garbage bag.”

I was there first. The guy mowing the lot behind the store looked at me oddly as I parked by the dumpsters. Someone brought some items out to the trash and asked me if I needed help. She eyed me warily, commented that the dumpsters were for store use only (did she see the garbage bag in back?) Two people peeked out a back window of the store. A red pickup drove by. Finally a small green car pulled up, a woman stepped out, peered around, then walked over. The deal was done quickly. She could hardly wait to break the bag open, but managed to only peek.

And then she proceeded to tell me how her husband would object if he knew she was buying this. She will have to sneak it in while he is at work and hide it in the basement. I knew she was a true addict. She had layers of her life concealed from her family; avoidance and denial were helping her ‘hide’ her addiction. I was her enabler, her dealer, bringing her a fix.

Driving home, I felt like it. My dining room table was covered with bits measured and ready to package. I had plastic bags of every size ready to be filled. There was a higher demand for it than I had expected. Most my buyers came to me, but sometimes, like today, we split the distance and met in between.

Stash Bags in Every Size.

Stash bags in every size are stacked around my home.


I deal in stash. If you follow my blog, you know I have been on a quest to reduce my fabric stash, and have been purging, donating, selling, and occassionally even throwing bits of fabric away. After living in one home for a three decades, and inheriting stashes from relatives, well, I am buried in it. Time to move some on to others.

Mostly these are small deals. Sets of fabric squares, gallon bags of tiny scraps. But occassionally, like today, I pack up an entire garbage bag full of fabric pieces large and small. These I pop on Craigslist. I figure that other addicts, pardon me, quilters, will pay a few dollars to get take home a veritable “fabric exploring adventure” and help out a grossly underemployed peer at the same time.

I meet some very interesting sewers this way, and hear some fascinating reasons for wanting the instant fabric stash. One is making charity quilts, another is just starting and has no stash of her own. Someone is trying to make various bags and pockets for use on wheelchairs, another person sews clothes for dogs. Most just want more fabric to play with. Some become repeat customers.

But I am struck by the fact that all but two of my ‘junkies’ are sincerely plotting ways to hide their ‘score’ from loved ones. The will sneak it in, bury it away, only pulling out bits and pieces when needed while acting as though it had been there forever. Even this great bargain, certainly not a huge extravagance, is to remain a secret.

And the two who are not clandestine buyers? I am happy to say one has become a good friend. I know her husband might roll his eyes at the whole thing occassionally, but he knows it is a real outlet for her. The other one was a real surprise, after all these secretive women. The husband of a quilter, buying for his wife. She was laid off from work, money was tight, but he wanted to give her spirit a lift with something she would enjoy.

Is this sense of secrecy a reality for many of you? Do you too ‘sneak’ in purchases? Do family members roll their eyes when you come home delighted with your new fabrics or notions? Or do they support you in your passion for quilting, sewing, fabric collection, whatever part of the craft that you love?


Thanks to The Curious Quilter for this chuckle today!!

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

My First Quilt-Along!

My hubby has officially declared me addicted to sewing. I think because I took some - just a few! - sewing supplies to the beach with me over the 4th of July vacation. Sadly, I didn't get to clip anything - I was too busy reading...about quilting. I bought a few quilting mags and brought along a binder full of information I've printed out online about ... well... quilting... OK! I'll admit it! Guilty as charged. ~Did I mention that I also listened to The Quilter's Apprentice books-on-cd on the way to and from the beach?~

But anyway, it could be worse...right? Just because my home office has now become a sewing room and vaguely resembles a fabric store (though not quite as organized)...that's not a BAD thing.

Today I joined my first virtual Quilt-Along! I'm pretty stoked about it, just because I'll learn some new blocks and it's geared specifically to newbies. I think I may be outgrowing newbie stage already, though, since I did look at the first few blocks and thought "Wow, that's too easy..." ~hee!~



Maybe the fact that I'm blogging about quilting ...at work... is wrong. So I'd better get busy so I can get home and... umm....yeah. :)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Free Summer Reading! I love this!

I joined this site a few years ago, and have love-love-loved it from Day 1. If you're looking for some good summer reading, check it out ASAP! As of the time of this post, they have OVER 4 MILLION books to choose from!! Yes, you read that right! And you get 2 free credits just for joining and listing 10 books that are gathering dust on your shelves!

If you haven't yet checked it out, I can't recommend it enough! So far, I have traded 147 books and all for free! You pay shipping to mail out your books to those who request them (usually no more than $3 - can you buy the latest book for that? I think not!) When you request a book from someone else, they pay shipping to mail them to you....what a great system! You get credits for each book that you send out, which you then use to request books you want from other members.

Oh yeah, they also have audio books (2 credits) which is my current favorite due to time constraints. I order a couple at a time and always have something good to listen to on my commute to work & back. :)

Trade Books for Free - PaperBack Swap.

Monday, June 21, 2010

I'm featured on DomesticHack today!

I'm so happy to have one of my blog posts featured on DomesticHack.com today! It's a relatively new site that is full of neato housekeeping, cooking, and products to make your life easier. I hope you'll take a look and leave your comments!




Thursday, June 17, 2010

Daily Mile: Getting Cruise-Ready!

It seems we are probably going on another cruise for our 5th anniversary this year - Yay! We went for our 1st anniversary and fell in love with cruising...best vacation ever!

That said, I gotta REALLY work on getting in shape again! No more "I'll start tomorrows." I've done really good so far this week with eating well and exercise...of course, it's only been 3 days. I feel good about it, though. This time, I'm not trying to just look good (though that'll be a great bonus!)

I had a little health scare a few weeks ago and also found that some labs aren't looking as good as they did a few years ago

  • Cholesterol is a bit high. Never been before.
  • Ditto for blood pressure. Though my doc says it's "normal", "great", "perfect!" - it's WAY high from what it's usually been in the past and I don't like that.
  • My resting heart rate has gone from 56 (what my chiro said was "an athlete's resting heart rate" (huh? me? athlete?? Well I was working out 6x a week back then...) to 88 at the Bloodmobile we had at church a few weeks ago. : / Not good. I liked that "athlete" thing - something I've NEVER called or even considered myself in any way, shape or form. I'm ready to get back to that!
  • Knee and hip pain getting worse, and I know it's from carrying this extra weight.
In the immortal words of Garth Brooks: "I'm much too young to feel this darn old!"

And yeah, I wanna look HOT in my cruise pics. ; )

I started logging my walks at Daily Mile - if you're also on there, let's be friends and help motivate one another!

What's your favorite workout? What's your favorite motivation for working out? What gets ya going when you REALLY don't feel like it? Have you been on a cruise before - tell me allllllll about it!


Friday, May 21, 2010

My New Addiction

So, since my kids are practically grown, I'm trying to figure out what to do with all the free time I have since I'm not running Mom's Taxi Service anymore.

Well, I think I finally hit on something that I thought I'd NEVER be able to do but now has become somewhat of an obsession for me: Quilting!! I haven't sewn a stitch (other than the random button repair now & then) since I was in 6th grade and made my Nana an apron in Home Ec. class. Anyone remember Home Ec.?? I really wish they still taught that in school as a requirement!

Anyway, here's my first project - was supposed to be a throw quilt, but after much trimming to make it somewhat rectangular, it ended up being a cute little baby girl cuddly:



Not too bad for the first time out, IMO. :)

I'm also working on some 12x12" blocks for other projects:



Love, love, LOVING this new hobby of mine! Any other sewers here??


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Random Dozen!



1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
Pan-fried thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts w/salad

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
Cell phone

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
Washington, DC - can't wait to go back for Memorial Day weekend!

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
As Sandra says "We don't have a family tree, we have a briar bush..." - in other words, LOTS of in-laws, out-laws, steps and halves...

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
"...thought I knew it all. I was wrong."

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
Hmmm, practically - gas. But really, probably BackStreetBuzz "Payne" frappes!

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
I have a LOT of food quirks - just ask my hubby.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
I'd probably have to give it to my kid... lol

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
My daughter - she's the funniest person I know!

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
Not eat a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie from Subway. It's calling my name from the office kitchen...

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
I think I'll give out extra hugs at church tonight - to people that I usually don't hug (you know we all have those 'regulars' LOL)

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
Esther Bible Study tonight - only 2 weeks left and I'm so sad that it's ending!

Click on the Random Dozen button at the top to peek into more random lives today...