The Big Two Oh Oh!

Well ... drum roll please ... actually, I'm kinda fond of trumpets. How about some trumpets please ... ahem ... and the winner of the Some of a Kind 200th post give away is ... da ta da da da taaaa ...

Leah of RamFamInNOVA!

Yea! This was so much fun for me ~ thank you to all of you who left such nice comments! This coming week is going to be crazy (and maybe even the following too) ... in other words, probably not much crafting or posting. Our contractor is here as I type this finalizing the plan to demolish one of our bathrooms on Monday, I have cheese pennies in the oven (delish ~ recipe later), and company for dinner ... ack!

The only thing I have to show for a week off from blogging is the pot holder for my Sassy Apron partner:

I hope you have a safe and fun however-you-want-to-spend it holiday weekend!

Party Like It Is Post 199

Oh! It IS post 199! Well, lets have a big blog party! Don't forget to leave me a comment here or on this post to be eligible to win an apron made by me. I'm cleaning out my stash. Here's what you get to choose from:

Pears/apples and yellow polka dots

This with this?

Or not ... up to you!

Or if you are feeling festive:

Trees or Peppermints

Stockings or Snowmen

If you are curious about what style aprons I've made - just search 'aprons' on my blog and you will see the many I have created. I'm going to take the week off from blogging ... I'll post the winner on Friday, August 29th. I'll do a later post than my usual morning one.

I have so much to talk about ... I've read 3 books, made progress on a scarf, made my pot holder for the Sassy Apron Swap, been tagged/awarded, and had a few culinary experiences beyond baking! But my dear readers, I want my 200th post to be when I announce the winner so these things will have to wait ...

In case you were wondering, I have 2 full aprons, 3 half aprons, and 2 new ones that are cut out and ready to be sewn (which I hope to do this week). Have a great week and don't forget to leave a comment (post about it and you get another entry)!

Day Five : : Not Betty Or Martha

I made progress on cutting out some aprons and actually finished the one for my Sassy Apron Swap partner. I was glad to finish off the week with some sewing instead of baking! I'm tired of wiping flour off the floor (and cabinets). I might bake some bread today (I ran out of eggs ... imagine that!) ... or maybe not. I am in need a good italian or french bread recipe, but more about that in a bit - on to the apron!

I made one side vintage-ish :

(Fabric is Alexander Henry 'buffet')

And the other fall-ish (apple fabric for pockets) :

I just need to make the pot holder and type up some recipes and off it will go!

Well folks, this here is my 198 post. How did that happen? It seems like yesterday I celebrated my 100th. So what to do? Well I have some extra fabric in my stash that I'd just LOVE to make someone an apron out of. You guys are so great to read my dribble - I have to say thank you somehow! You know the routine ... leave me a comment on this post telling my why you like to wear aprons and how many you have (if you know - ha!). If you have a great bread recipe leave that too. Blog about it and get an extra entry (let me know you did so). I'll draw the winner in a week. OH! I'm so excited ;-) I just love this blogging world!

I'll pull a few fabrics from my stash that you could choose your apron from ... I'll share those on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Day Four : : Not Betty Or Martha

Heading into our next to last stop on the Some of a Kind baking bonanza you will see the leaning tower of scones ...

... and if you can believe it, there are more stacked behind it! The natives are very hungry folks.

The recipe is in your Some of a Kind travel brochure here. We hope you have enjoyed the sugar filled ride thus far and ... Oh my, I don't believe it! Here we are witnessing a great defiance of nature. One of the natives has managed to remove a scone from the tower without knocking it down. What a feat!

He's a fast one ladies and gents - keep all hands and arms in side the bus. You might be next!

Day Three : : Not Betty Or Martha

We had an apple bread extravaganza! I made four mini loafs. One has been demolished and the other three are in the freezer. I also had a little help this time ...



He seemed to disappear when it was time for clean up ...




And then both reappeared when they heard the oven door open ...

Day Two : : Not Betty Or Martha

My mom gave me these adorable muffin thingies for my birthday.


As you can see by the water droplets, I couldn't wait to use them! I washed them and them immediately filled them with the mix for some cheese muffins.

I again when to my handy Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook ~ These muffins were good but are missing something. The boys didn't seem to mind. While they were still on the cooling rack John was able to reach up and grab one.

Little stinker.

Henry - "I want the one that is shaped like a heart."

Me - " No problem, here you go dear."

I wish every mealtime was that simple ... I {heart} muffins!

Day One : : Not Betty Or Martha

The week of the kitchen and crafting (sewing for me) has begun! I have wanted (and needed) to do some baking in large quantities so I could eat and freeze the goodness but just haven't found the time. I also have a few aprons I want to make - one of which is for my Sassy Apron Swap partner.

So what is a gal like me to do ... I'm not Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart ... well, I just declair it Not Betty or Martha Week and get to baking and sewing the Some of a Kind way. In other words, lots of flour spilled on the floor and seam ripper in hand. You my dear readers are my motivation to bake some scones, muffins, and maybe even an apple pie ... then comes the aprons. You know it would be very diffcult for me to go a whole week without sewing!

I did manage to bake some apple bread last week ... to practice for this week. ;-) I used the recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook for zuchinni bread (and used apple instead).

It was gone with in two days. I might have to add that to the list for this week too ... what's a little more flour on the floor and apples peels on the ceiling?

Spoke Too Soon

Yup. I cursed myself. Felt like I was out of the woods ... could leave the crayons down low for the boys to have easy access.

hmph.

Looks like those genes are pretty strong after all.

Three Little ...

Here's what's in the cue right now ...

A girlfriend of mine has a (just turned - like on my bday!) 2 year old and had twins the end of June! God bless 'em!

Three elephants and some dinner will be on their way soon to a (I'm sure) very sleep deprived family :0}

The big elllie is stuffed and just needs ears, eyes, and a little stitching to close. Henry came barreling into the kitchen with the elephant and wanted to know if it was for him. It was as if he had discovered a hidden Christmas present. Sweet thing. I had to promise him one if he very carefully put the elephant back where he found it (pins were still in to see if I had stuffed it enough!).

I've decided to declare next week in the kitchen/apron week ... wanna cook/sew along? Share your cooking and sewing adventures on your blog! Let me know what you're up to. I might not be Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart but I can still bake a mean scone and sew a cute apron ;0)

Mi Sombrero

AKA Amy Butler Blue Skies Hat.

Holy guacamole ... this baby is big. Don't get me wrong - I love it. I'm more bummed that it took me all summer to finally getting around to making it!

The pattern calls for 2 layers of canvas for the brim if you are not using a decorator weight fabric. I decided to use a medium weight fusible interfacing with one layer of canvas and it worked great (I did not use a decorator weight fabric). I cannot wait to go to the pool and give mi sombrero some sunshine and blue sky ;-)

And She Got To Eat Cake Too

Well, actually pie ... my wonderful mother-in-law surprised me with a delicious pineapple something-a-ruther that is out of this world.






Don't let the size of the fork fool you - we have large utensils around here. In other words - I ate a huge piece of pie. It's my birthday - I can eat lots of pie if I want to ;-)

Seriously, thank you so much for all your kind birthday wishes. I truly have had a wonderful day; emails, phone calls, and blogging comments. What more could a gal of my age hope for ... except mabye this ... check out what my sister in law sent me:

We dug right in ...

Oh ya baby ... I'm inching my way closer to 40 on a sugar high!

Sixteen Candles

Ok. Actually add twenty to that. Yup. It's my birthday.


"You say it's your birthday ... bada bada bada ba ... It's my birthday too ..." Remember that movie. I loved it. Still do. If you need a fix ... go here. Just for kicks, here's what I looked like at sixteen.


There I am - right in the middle with that hair. I'm like an advertisement for one of those reunion/classmates sites. It took me years to get control over my locks. Having two children has depleted me of my curl (yippee) ... but added lots of gray (arg)! I have a crazy birthday story to share but that another post entirely. I do have a funny 'out of the mouth of babes' kinda story ... Henry and I had an interesting conversation the other night in regards to my birthday:

H: What kind of cake are you going to have?
Me: We probably won't have cake sweetie.
H: oh. Why not? How ohllldd are you going to be?
Me: Thirty Six.
H: No. I don't want you to be that.
Me: Why not?
H: Because I want you to stay as you are.
Me: And what is that?
H: Sixty.

Oh happy day!

I'm Smiling Alright

A big, fat, cheesy, what-a-nice-gesture-I-was-just-on-the-receiving-end-of kinda smile.


Wow. I have been passed on a lovely award from Joy of the fun Oy With The Poodles Already! I just love reading her blog and hearing about their many adventures - if you haven't been Oyed - do so!

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times–we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

These are the rules:

1. The recipient must link back to the award’s creator.
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

This is tough ... there are so many who I would like to make smile and pass this along to. I decided to try to tag those who I haven't tagged before ... here goes:

Mindy of Bits and Pieces of Mindy's Mind - Mindy always has something funny to say and has shared her adventure (and dream) of purchasing and fixing up a house. I feel like I'm her neighbor ... Mindy, I can't bring you dinner or help you paint ... but I hope this will make you smile!

Ang of Clothesline Chronicles ... my life by the load loves her girls and is so creative! I usually find a bit of inspiration (literally) and a good laugh ... oh ... and lots of laundry (he he).

Jodi of Jelly Wares was my last swap partner for the Sassy Apron Swap. She and her husband amazing how they are renovating a house, run a farm, raising a beautiful little and girl and have another bambino on the way! Now that's a woman!

Kris of Monkey Foot Designs - I wouldn't be blogging and have picked up sewing again if it wasn't for Kris. She has answered more sewing questions for me while caring for two sweet little ones, her hubbie, and her animals - all while running a business from her home! I found her via Ebay, bought some adorable belts, and well ... the rest is blogging history!

Paige of Funny Magic is very creative has funny stories - you should read about her knitting goggles. Her thoughtful Fridays always make me stop and think. She's a great blogger and a wonderful mom!

Of course, Joy had now way of knowing (unless I've blogged about it before, but I don't think so) that the Book of Job is close to my heart. I joined an organization when I was eleven years old that had a huge impact on my life - for the better. I was a shy and scrawny little kid who's parents divorced when I was much younger. I spent my summers and weekends being shuffled all over the country for visits. I often was missing someone; my family, my friends, my cat ... you get the picture. (In retrospect it wasn't too bad - helped make me who I am today). Then along comes Job's Daughters. Talk about coming out of your shell. I found myself speaking (memorized pages and pages of stuff!) in front of groups of 100 + people without blinking an eye. I found friendships that have stood the test of time, and learned a story about a man who endured a whole lot more than I had in my few years here on earth. With that said, The Smile Award, well, makes me smile!

Long before I began trying to knit, I learned a chant that we used to shout at Grand Session (a Job's Daughter's 'convention'). What is so funny, I hadn't the slightest clue what it meant but it sure was fun to scream and yell without getting in trouble ... I'm going to edit the shout out:

KNIT ONE, PURL TWO, ALL YOU JOBIES, WHERE ARE YOU?

For Me & Three Cups of Tea

I couldn't make a reading pillow without making one for me this time. I tried to take the pictures inside but ...

So, I went outside where I wedge the poor pillow in my tree ...

A nice little breeze was blowing ... just enough to move the bookmark every time I tried to snap the shot. Not the prettiest pictures but they will do.

Fabric Amy Butler Belle - Sun Glow

I finished the pillow in time to hunker down and finish reading Three Cups of Tea. Gosh, as I typed that I realized I sighed deeply. This book made me sad, angry, and hopeful. If you've read it, maybe you would agree ... If you haven't read it - do so. It's terrifying and motivating. How's that for a book review!

The past 24 hours I've been curled up with my reading pillow, a cup of tea, and The Shack. Judging by the first 100+ pages, I'll be finished in the next 24! Hope you have a great weekend!

A Treasure Indeed

Years ago, ahem, when I was in kindergarden, my teacher gave me a book which I still have today ... and on many occasion have read to Henry.


My teacher was kind and thoughtful enough to write a little note inside.

Here's what it says:

Dear Adrienne, I picked this book for you because I thought you might like to read about all the dress up clothes because you liked to dress up so much at school. I'm really going to miss you this summer. Hope you have lots of fun. Sincerely, Mrs. Nickel

And you can see, this book as been well loved. If you are new to my blog, you can read here and here about my tendency to 'mark' my turf.

I do love this book. It reminds me of when my cousin and I would play in my grandparents attic. We would dress up in everything from grandma's wedding gown to my grandpa's military uniform. Good clean (dusty) mothballed fun.


I keep it high on a shelf just in case Henry or John have inherited my childhood affliction, I mean, affinity for their own autographs.

Ohhh I love a Giveaway

I have two to mention today. Creative Writings 101 is celebrating her 50th post with a bang ... ends Aug. 9th. Leave her a comment if you want to win one of these:

And ... The Stitching Surgeon is back and she has a sweet new embroidery machine! So what does that mean? Well, she wants to make you something ... enter to win this too cute custom zip pouch:

The only problem I see ... it says Amanda instead of Adrienne ... he he! Contest ends August 9th too. Leave her a comment to enter ... ad the link (see my sidebar) and post about it for more chances to win.

Excuse me, I need to go wipe the drool from my chin!

It's That Time Again

Sassy Apron Swap time that is! I'm so excited that I went to Jo Ann's the day after I got my swap partners info. Here's what I came up with:

I'm going to make it reversible so that I can stick with the fall theme and have a more retro side. I'm also not going to pine away for this arpon like I did the last time. I'm making one for me too!

Pur-fect Pillow

Drum roll please ... What you all have been waiting for (ok not really but humor me) ...

Ta Da!

This is my last big Christmas present - a reading pillow from Sew Liberated. This is the second one I've made. I gave my mom one last year for her birthday - she uses it for reading but said it also is very helpful when she is cross stitching to prop up / rest her arms on.

If you have a reader that is on your gift list ... this is a must sew. You could make it even easier (and/or faster) if you left off the piping. I will probably give this with a gift certificate to a local book store.

For someone who loves a good book and appreciates comfort ... this reading pillow is just pur-fect!

Chalk One Up

I don't know who's idea it was to whip out the chalk when it was 91 degrees outside ... but man did my boys have fun. Evidence is in the new header ... and below.





This picture cracks me up - John's hair gives the illusion that there was a breeze ... NOT! I wish I could blame the chicken scratch 'logo' on Henry ... that is all mine. I was never very skilled in handwriting. I'm right handed but write like a lefty. Go figure.

They needed to be hosed down not from the heat but from their 'chalk creations'. I must say, our new driveway never has looked better.

Wrappin' It Up

I feel a great sense of relief. Getting a head start on Christmas this year is just ... sigh ... ahhh ... nice. I still have several more gifts to sew but they can wait (until December 24th). I finished the major, more time consuming totes. I am in the middle of my last big gift ... should finish it this weekend.

Here's a little peek:



Hopefully I'll have something to show you next week. Have a great weekend ~