New Phase

Joined Weight Watchers and a gym this week. To say I am overwhelmed would be an understatement. It's a different program than what I've done the last couple times I joined, maybe that's a good thing.

I wish I could call my Dad and tell him, he would be pleased, he was worried about my health. Sigh....

Toodles,
Wendy

Sad...

I don't know what other word to describe what I'm feeling. My beloved Daddy passed away March 20. He was way too young. On a selfish note I am not ready to spend the rest of my life without him. To say I am numb and still not totally understanding how long forever is, would be an understatement. I keep picking up the phone to call him and remember my phone doesn't reach heaven. I thought I had a plan to keep my head up this year and recover from all the losses but this one has knocked me for a loop. I know I need to get to the sewing machine but all I really want to do is sleep, which is better then my usual comfort which has always been food. I just want to sleep and wake up to this being a horrible nightmare that didn't really happen. No such luck I think. I've never had anything knock my happy nature for a real loop but this has. Like I said SAD.... Wendy

I bit the bullet

Well I went and did it!

I changed the title of the blog. I've been mulling it over in my head for quite a while.

You see I LOVE to sew but I also love to cook, craft and decorate. I didn't feel like I could post about those things on a sewing only blog. Given my inability to post on a regular basis I knew having separate blogs was just not feasible for me.

So while I haven't changed the URL to get here I think this better represents who I am. And since it is in fact my blog I took the liberty of making an autonomous decision without consulting anyone else, those of you that know me know I don't do that very often. :o) ROFL

I have a pot of soup on the stove, that is so simple and yummy and I will post the recipe later. I'm hoping it makes me feel a little better, I have this crud everyone is getting. Complete with the fever, headache and congestion. YUCK. Not how I want to spend my weekend off for sure.

H is over at Toni's cutting down a tree that fell that is threatening her fence. Have mentioned how much I love that wonderful man. I wish I was half the person he is but I do keep trying.

Toodles,
Wendy

Happy New Year

To say I'm glad to see 2010 gone might be the single largest understatement I've ever made. On a personal level it has been a trying and faith testing year.

The hardest part being that I have lost a son-in-law and my dear friends husband all in the last year. Of course this finds me struggling with my happy nature.

I still love my job but this year I have helped several families make final arrangements for their loved ones, that have found me grieving with them as well. On one hand I think my compassion is what makes me so good at my job but on the other it is draining me as well.

This has put me in a rather fragile frame of mind and I find my "pitcher" being very empty at this point.

I know it is up to me alone to find a way to refill the pitcher. I have come up with some ideas (I hate the word resolution) to make some changes.

1. Read Bible daily.
2. Prayer each morning and each night.
3. Create and read positive affirmations daily.
4. Spend more quality time with H.
a. Try to do date night at least twice a month.
5. Make time for friends.
6. Eat at least 3 fruits and vegetables each day.
7. Move at least 3 times a week.
a. Walk with Toni.
b. Walk with Jenn.
c. Walk with Janet.
8. Sort and organize my closets. (Could literally take months, I have three overflowing)
a. No purchases without something removed.
b. Begin to phase out black, replacing with brown as a base.
9. Commit to sewing at least 3 times a week.
a. Join 12 Jackets in 12 Months @ Stitchers Guild
b. Put more brown and coordinates for brown in my wardrobe.
10. Make one new piece of jewelry each month.
11. Finish one home decorating project each month.
12. Tackle (and I do say this literally) one room every other month.
13. Read more books, watching less TV.

I know this sounds pretty lofty but I feel like I have to make some major changes or find myself completely burning out in my professional level.

So off now to make some "Grand Plans"

Toodles,
Wendy

Blogspot Designs

In case you haven't checked out Blogspot lately, you should.

They have added some great new backgrounds that even a non computer person like me can figure out.

This new background gave me some the fall feeling I was needing. I'm trying to get some fall decorating done around the house. I'm working on a couple projects that I will post next week.

Toodles,
Wendy

Tickled....

I am so tickled with myself it is just wrong! I can't believe I did this without anyone holding my hand! My three favorite colors in one blog background, gotta' luv it! Thanks to Izzie Grace Blog Backgrounds. Truthfully I needed a little victory this week. More about victories in a minute.

Both "H" & I came down with the what-ever the heck bug it is going around these days. Let's just say I wouldn't wish it on someone I didn't like, let alone my family, friends, or co-workers. I lost 8 pounds in 36 hours but strongly suggest you don't try it for yourself, if you can avoid it. In the process though I missed two days of work, which doesn't make me happy at all. I still LOVE my job!

Speaking of victories....has anyone else ever heard of a "Victory List"? I have no idea where I first heard of it but I got out of the habit and will be re-implementing that into my daily life. It's basically a list of the accomplishments that will bring a smile to your face for those days when you need a pick me up. I will certainly put figuring out how to change my blog background down as one, oh and a month or so ago I saved a little turtle from being squished on the road. You get the idea, so what's on your "Victory List"?

Toodles,

Wendy

My Name Is Wendy & I'm Addicted....

To Decorating Blogs

I won't even estimate how much time I spend reading decorating blogs. My favorites are the thrifty ones because that's my budget as well. Some of these ladies are so incredibly creative it boggles my mind, but it has also changed the way I look at things, especially the larger items I have on hand. For instance how can I redo some of the furniture we already have? I've added several new blogs to my list at the side bar if you care to check them out.

A couple of my most favorites are.....

http://www.thenester.com/
http://www.reinventedkb.com/
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

I must admit I'm a little overwhelmed though with all the ideas. I think I may need some sort plan for each room, maybe a notebook of some kind. I haven't really done much decorating to the house since we moved in four years ago, for a multiple of reasons, but I suddenly feel an almost desperate need to start. I'll have to give this some thought as I am really on a mission to finally get this house presentable to guests, as well as making it more inviting for us after such long days at work.

Toodles for now,
Wendy

What a difference

What a difference a month or two will make. Let's see what has happened.

-I cut my hair off for locks for love and I love the hair cut I got. If you need an awesome stylist in Longview let me know.
-Howard starts working for the same parent company I work for Tuesday. I will stay in Longview and he will go to Tyler. If he likes it as much as I do, we may have to re-think our housing.
-I joined a gym and have been using the resistence pool until I get some weight off. I'm pretty proud of the fact that of the four days I could go this week, I went three times.
-I misjudged a friendship and it has ended. To say I was disaapointed would be any understatement. It makes me sad but I've apologized repeatedly and I have not gotten a response. Oh the flip side of this Howard and I are spending a lot more time together. Have I mentioned how very much I love this man?

That's it for now,
Toodles,
Wendy

Wonder if I could pull this off and I want this!

I've been reading a blog about a lady in the UK who pledged to spend no new money on clothes for 365 days. That is a long time. While I know I need to embrace that challenge I don't know if its even a possibility for me. I LOVE clothes. Of course I do know how to sew and I could certainly use my stash of fabric to sew some new things. In addition there is a boat load of clothes I'm ready to get rid of and I can use that money for some new things. Her blog is here http://workthatwardrobe.blogspot.com/. It certainly has me thinking. I do need some new cool professional clothes that I won't roast in at graveside services this summer.

I also found this amazing purse. What a fabulous idea. Why oh why didn't I think of that? I need this purse. I bet I could make additional covers for it on the cheap. Here's the link to the website. I looked on ebay and I can get it cheaper there and still earn points. https://www.4miche.com/ver12/index.asp

Toodles,
Wendy

End Of An Era

Last Monday Howard and I had to send our Toffey to the Rainbow Bridge. To say our hearts are broken would be an understatement. We have mutually decided at this time we do not want another furry friend in the house. I'm gone long hours from home and he would have to work his schedule around that. The biggest reason though is that Toffey was a one of kind and neither of us is ready to let go. It wouldn't be fair to another fur baby right now. Hold your fur babies close and be sure you take lots of pictures, we don't have many.
Bye for now...

Big News....

Big News!

I have a new job! I start tomorrow and I'm so excited I'm about to burst. I will be working at a funeral home in family services. It will require me to alter my clothing slightly but I'm excited about it. No more crawling around on a ladder or dragging boxes to the dumpster in good clothes. At this point I'm planning to stay at Catherine's very very part time. Two nights a week until they get someone trained, then I expect to go to once a week. I'll be able to keep my employee discount both there and at Lane Bryant as well.

Clothing needs are both a little more professional and conservative. I have been wanting to really do SWAP for years and I think this will be the perfect timing. The twist this year is that it needs to be representative of a normal week in our lives. I know I'll be wearing a jacket/sweater daily so that will be the biggest change. I'll know more after the first couple weeks but since the time frame for SWAP is extended this year I think it will be quite doable.

41 Things.....

I shamelessly stole this from Patrice's blog. Check her out over at A Day in My World

1. 4 Foods for a deserted island would be shrimp, chocolate, bacon, and cheese. If I could add 3 more it would be pasta, potatoes and tomatoes.
2. I haven't met too many crafts I don't enjoy but I love sewing and beading.
3. I have one sister, a step-sister and step brother.
4. I have 4 GOD children. One amazing little girl and three fabulous boys.
5. I love magazines. I'm afraid to figure up how many I subscribe to or buy at the bookstore.
6. I get my feelings hurt way too easily.
7. I'm way too impulsive.
8. I have NO patience with rude people.
9. I'm good at my job but I don't like it. I've done retail sales for about 22 years. Can we say burnt out.
10. I want to teach school. The little ones please, when they still like their teacher.
11. I've been in 5 car accidents, but I was only driving in 3 of them.
12. I love NASCAR. Go Dave #66! A sponsor would be huge blessing!
13. Both of my parents are divorced and remarried, and they all get along. Thankfully! It makes my life so much easier.
14. I have been thru a tornado.
15. The plane that crashed in PA on 9-11 flew over me when I was visiting family.
16. I love to read Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books, I'm pulling for Ranger btw.
17. I'm allergic to penicillin and codeine.
18. I had my tonsils taken out when I was 39, I don't suggest it.
19. My sister calls me the "Spice Queen" because I have so many, and the man I live with thinks salt and pepper are the only spices anyone should ever need. UGH!
20. We have two grandbabies, a little Miss Priss who is six and a red haired boy, who just turned one year old. We are certainly blessed.
21. If I win the lottery I've always said I would buy an old "Martha Stewart" house and renovate, and adopt two little girls from China.
22. When patience was being passed out I must have been in the bathroom because I have none.
23. I am blessed to have four wonderful, incredible, amazing, have my back thru anything friends. One in Texas, one in Alabama, and two in Ohio.
24. I have a clothes and makeup addiction.
25. I don't like black licorice.
26. I love HGTV. My favorite show is Decorating Cents which is now only in reruns. :o(
27. I watch way too much network TV. Just a few of which are "Grey's Anatomy", "Ugly Betty", "NCIS", and "Desperate Housewives".
28. There are a couple movies I have watched so many times I can recite lines, "Devil Wears Prada", "Sweet Home Alabama", "One Fine Day", and "Legally Blonde", to name a few.
29. I refuse to text.
30. It took an act of Congress to get re-registered to vote. I will definetly exercise my right to vote.
31. I want to travel. On my top 5 list are NYC, Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Paris, England.
32. I have been on a second job interview that I want desperately. I will happily accept any positive prayers.
33. The job I want is still in sales, in a Funeral Home.
34. I am not a morning person but I can balance my checkbook at 2 am.
35. I have figured out in the last year or so I have OCD, but I'm not sure everyone doesn't have a little of it.
36. I did not attend my 10th or 20th class reunion.
37. I won a Mary Kay trip to Hawaii.
38. I have had surgery on both knees and one shoulder.
39. I took dance lessons from 2 to 16. Jazz, tap, and acrobats.
40. I am on the hunt for a Chatty Cathy doll, I had one as a kid but it disappeared.
41. I'm 41 today!

Preparing for the Big Show...in my world anyway!

It seems I have the sewing bug again. It's about time already I've been looking for it for months. There has been so much sewing activity going on around me and I think it has finally rubbed off.

There is the "ORIGINAL SWAP" (which I refer to as the Big Show because of how much I love it) over at Stitcher's Guild, voting just finished and results are supposed to be posted later today. You can see all the pictures of the completed swaps here Sewing Information

Then there is the Wardrobe contest at Pattern Review. Link to the gallery is Contest Photo Gallery .

And finally there is a new contest just starting at Stitcher's Guild called "June Capsule Contest", talked about here Announcing: June Capsule Contest . Now this contest only requires 4 pieces of clothing and an accessory. Of course I would do a necklace or two.

Hmmm.....could this be the perfect starting point for me? Every year I plan to do the "ORIGINAL SWAP" that Julie at Timmel Fabrics hostesses for us so graciously every year. Yet every year I never seem to get past the planning stages. Could it be the 11 pieces simply overwhelm me to the point of not getting started? What if I did a capsule in June and again in August, using new patterns both times? This would give me a starting point in January for the grand show that Julie puts on.

OK, that does it I've sold myself on the idea. Patterns to be chosen and posted by the end of the week. I'm off to drool over patterns.

Toodles for now....

This and That....

#1....We have a new baby! DD#2 gave birth on August 22, his name is Luke, he has red hair and I am in LOVE! I don't think she would like her brand new baby's pictures on my blog so you will just have to take my word for the fact that he is sooo awesome.

#2....We had our 5 year old GD here last week, the one that DD#1 shares with us. She is just too much. I only wish they lived a little closer. We managed to have some girl time, which both she and I love! In fact I have black toenails with white sticker flowers on them. I can only imagine getting that color off. :o)

#3....H no longer works for Lowe's! Can we say ALL RIGHTTTTT! He is working at a used car lot in the next little town over and loves it. He says it has ruined him. It boils down to he is happy with it so that works for me. Oh and he gets an hour for lunch every day so he comes home to take the real boss out to go potty. I've mentioned before that Toffey runs the house, and I promise I was no kidding.

#4....SWAPPING, it's getting close to SWAP time again. We don't start sewing until January so I'm putting together my list of what needs to be tested between now and then. The goal is to have the plan on paper before the end of the week.

#5....Today I am officially no longer 30 anything. I turned 40 at 12:01 am! Funny I don't feel any different than I did yesterday.

Well I'm off now to make my birthday dinner. I'll let y'all know how it is. If its a keeper I post the recipe later. Toodles....

WAITING.....

I know I've mentioned in the past I'm not what some might call a decisive person. However I don't think I have mentioned how I seem to lack patience when it comes to waiting for good things. "H's" youngest (now to known as #2DD) is due to have a little buddle of joy in the next couple weeks. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. "H's" oldest (now to be known as #1DD) has a little girl which we adore. They tell us the new baby from #2DD is going to be a boy and so we are tickled that we will have one of each to love and spoil. But I am getting antsy, the phone rings and I run for it. LOL It could be a long couple weeks. My boss tells me she will get me a couple days off so I can go to Austin but we'll see if that really happens. I'm working on some sewing and Christmas craft ideas so I will be posting more in the next week. Toodles for now!

"100 Lists"....

The number 100 (or 101) keeps coming up in conversations, both in real time and in our blog world. Let me show you a couple for examples sake.

First there is ahhh sew . This a blog belonging to Austin in Florida. She has 101 things she wants to do in 1001 days. Now she credits Triplux :: 101 Things in 1001 Days (it took me three tries before this site opened). I find this terribly interesting.

Then you have Whatever is on my mind today . Now this blog belongs to Mamafitz. Part way down is a post that fills us in on 100 things about her.

Now lastly if you go to google and type in "100 Things" this is what you get 100 things - Google Search . But if you type in "101 Things" you get a little something different 101 things - Google Search .

About now I'm sure you may be wondering okay where on earth is she going with this? Well I think 100 is a nice number and I am currently working a few 100 lists of my own. Because I have no computer access at work I have a notebook that I have started these in and when I get to 100 I'll post each list. I find myself doing a lot of composing posts offline recently. Hmm why is that, do I see a greater need for a laptop?

Anyway here's what I have so far:

1.) 100 Reasons I love you....This is for the wise bossy one for Father's Day. He hates, I means dislikes when I spend money on him, now usually I ignore him and buy him what I want but I thought this might be perfect for him this year. I'm up to #78. On second thought this may be the only 100 List I don't publish. It's not racey, please this is me here, but he is pretty private and I don't think he would appreciate me putting it on my blog.

2.) 100 Things about Me....I think this is a great way to get to know someone. I've just joined a www swap and I could see where this would really a help a partner out.

3.) 100 Recipes to Try....No explanation needed except that I am forever finding a recipe I want to try but when I get ready I can't find it. So now I can list here. By listing either what notebook it's filed in or what cookbook its in I think I will be more motivated to try new things, preferably Weight Watchers friendly ones.

4.) 101 Things to do in 1001 days....Come on you didn't really think I was going pass something like this up did you?

5.) 100 Patterns to make....Giggle! Talk about kid in a candy store. Oh wait you mean I don't have to buy 100 new patterns. Well okay if you insist, I suppose I can use a few that have already.

This is certainly a good start. So tell me what "100 List" would you like to make?

"The Simply Six or "The Elegant Eight"

The Simply Six" or "The Elegant Eight" Simply Six or Maybe Eight! After much thought and conversation at Stitcher's Guild Input Needed on Next project and research at Patternreview, I've come up with a set of patterns to work on this summer. I'm calling them "The Simply Six." However I composed this post offline, (remember the wise bossy one here to be known as "H" going forward (I love this about him, it's not meant to be derogatory) was using my computer) I'm now wavering on #1 & #6. Somehow #1 seems a little frumpy to me now, and #6 got some new competition. I believe I've mentioned I can be indecisive at times. :o) Well anyway here they are in order.

1.) Simplicity 5926 This is a link to a review of the pattern at Patternreview. It appears the pattern is now OOP. Sewing Patterns - Pattern Reviews for Simplicity Pattern - 5926 Fit Rules Blouse - Sewing & Sewing Pattern Reviews at Pattern...
WHY: Two reasons really I wear a lot of this type of basic used usually in place a jacket in hot weather and this pattern has fronts for B, C, and D cups, which should cut down my alterations in a first pattern.

2.) Simplicity 4276 Design Viewer view A sleeveless shell
WHY: I'll wear this under Simplicity 5926 & alone in the hottest parts of the summer. Yes I have fat arms and if someone is offended they shouldn't look. :o)

3.) Vogue 7883 VoguePatterns - V7883 - MISSES'/MISSES' PETITE TOP, SHORTS AND PANTS - 7883 view A.
WHY: It's cute, and something I would buy in RTW, and it's a bit of a challenge- okay more than a bit!

4.) Cutting Line #31371 One Seams pull on pants.
WHY: I want to make some summer linen pants, and these come highly recommended.

5.) Butterick 5050 Butterick - B5050 - MISSES' VEST, TOP, SKIRT AND PANTS - 5050 View A knit vest.
WHY: Again two reasons I have lots of sold tanks & I've been stashing, I mean collecting some really cute knits.

This one now has either three choices or there is a #7, & #8
6.) Loes Hinse #5106 Bolero Jacket Patterns by Company/Designer - Loes Hinse Designs - Bolero Jacket by Loes Hinse - LH-5106 ; Ragstock "All Around Jacket" SewingPatterns.com:::Saf-T-Pockets; and finally Indygo Junction Simple Swing Jacket Indygo Junction, Inc. Simple Swing Jacket.
WHY: I have wanted to make a jacket for a long time and if I'm going to be ready for "Timmel's SWAP 2008" I have to master this important piece.

So there you have it. These are truly going to be samples. I have 10+ yards of some sort linen/cotton that I got for $1 a yard at Wally's. It is PINK! I don't wear pink, ever. When I found the fabric I knew it was something I wouldn't fret about cutting into so I bought it all.On a separate note I have to have the front ports on my computer worked on so that I can post pictures, hopefully no later than next week. Now that's not to say I know how to post a picture but surely I can figure it out, right? This week I learned how to links to a post, how much harder could it be. LOL Of course I welcome comments.

SUMMER FUN: BUCKET FULL OF SUNSHINE SWAP

I just joined my very first world wide web swap. I don't count all the swaps I've done with the Mary Engelbreit ladies because I know them in real life. I'll include a link in case anyone is interested in joining. It's all about orange and yellow, two of my favorite colors so I'm excited. Well I'm going to post this quickly because DSO, Howard is using my computer to take continuing education classes for his insurance business. I love him dearly so I will not fuss at having to share my computer. Tomorrow he's going to work so I will post my "Simply Six Samples." Oh and let's see if I can correctly post a link to that swap page. Toodles for now.


Sweet Goodness Swaps

DECISIONS....What to do next?

Some of you may be unaware of this interesting fact so of course I must clue you in to my secret...I have a bunch of really wonderful qualities. However making quick firm decisions is NOT one of them. What am I rambling about you ask? Well sewing of course. :o)

I know I want to do some Spring/Summer sewing but I don't know what I want to do. I was kinda dragging my feet because of my weight loss quest, (although we won't talk about results in that area at this moment)

BUT I WANT TO SEW NOW.

Hmm I feel a lot like Veruca from Willy Wonka when she's running around whining about what she wants NOW, RIGHT NOW! Anyway I want to sew but I don't know where to start so I've come up with some choices and I thought I would let y'all help me decide. See how I got out of making that decision? Keeping in mind that I have no TNT patterns for my plus sized body and my fitting assiant is 1100 miles away in Ohio, (Thanks Mama!) I think I have become paralyzed with fear of fitting! Having said all that, here are the choices...

CHOICES....

#1 Work on Lounge wear pieces that I talked about in my last post.
#2 Join the Summer SWAP sew along @ Stitcher's Guild Summertime SWAP Style Sewing
#3 Join the SWAP Contest @ Patternreview Contest Discussions >> SWAP contest 2007
#4 Pick a pattern for a basic top, pant, blouse, etc and work on those to get ready for next year's official swap.

OK, there you have it. Let me know what you think. Oh and thank you for saving me from pulling my hair out!

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

I am letting myself off the hook when it comes to this year's SWAP contest. For several reasons, the main one being I am physically exhausted. Both doctors had warned me that I would be this way once I returned to work but I felt so good two weeks after surgery I was sure I knew better. HA HA HA! I admit they were right and I was so wrong. Darn it I hate that! I do good to go to work and keep the kitchen clean. The second big reason is that I am in the process of losing 100 pounds. I ADORE my parents (I know everyone says this but I really do) but my family history is atrocious, with emphasis on heart disease and diabetes. Once I got my tonsils out and was able to breath again, I knew I could actually start exercising, and need to do something quickly. Oh I should add that both of my parents are small, (clearly I didn't get those genes) and yet deal with chronic health issues. So I joined Weight Watchers 1 month ago and have lost almost 11 pounds so far.

If I had the energy, I don't know that I would want to use some of my favorite pieces of fabric from my stash to sew clothes that are going to be too big very soon. Add to the fact that I have not sewn for my body in almost 10 years, mainly because I didn't want to do all the alterations that it would require. I usually sew crafts and gifts to get my sewing fix. However realistically I will be still be in the process of losing next year at this time and I do not intend to wait till the cows come home to sew for me! I've come up with a compromise that I think I can live with. I tossed around the idea of switching gears and doing a lingerie swap but I just don't want the pressure of a deadline right now to go with the weight loss, exhaustion, oh and extreme stress at work. So during the next 5 months I am going work on pjs, gowns, shorties, lounge wear and a robe. I still plan on at least 11 pieces and the twist will be that I'm thinking of trying to use regular patterns that I may be able to continue to size down as I shrink. I know my color scheme will be black and white and I want to have a pair of pj's and a gown done for my trip to Ohio in April. I have a trip to Hancock's planned for Thursday to look at patterns and such so I will post my new SWAP plan on Friday or Saturday. Oh I forgot to mention I am off work on Friday and Saturday and I am sewing something!