Synchronised Swimming

John has been at it again.

Fun Fetti Yarn: $6.49

Scarf and hat knitted by grandma: One days time

John sporting what looks like a synchronised swimming costume: Priceless

Color Me Orange

You may remember some babbling about our bathrooms being gutted and remade. If you are new here, want the back story, or just want to be grossed out head over here for the before pictures.

So, without further ado ... tickle me pink, ahem, color me orange ... my bathroom is done!



Sorry for the poor picture quality - it's a little difficult getting a decent shot of such a small space with poor lighting.

I love this watercolor - I've got a thing for trees.

The shower curtain and roman shade are made from Joel Dewberry's Aviary line. Now before you ooohhh and aaaahhh too much, I have a confession to make ... the roman shade, well, it sorta works but not really. Pull it up any further than what is pictured and it gets all wonky and crooked. I was in a hurry to finish it before our Christmas company came and didn't take the time to measure exactly (I know - you are utterly shocked at my indiscretion) so the rings are a little off. The good news is that we never really wanted or need the shade to go up and down - we just wanted to insulate the room a little better (I lined it with black out fabric). See, when you sit down to "read" there is a slight draft not to mention that the room is not heated ... the immobile roman shade helps cut the chill a little bit. All is well and good. We did put in an exhaust fan/heater in the ceiling so if you really need to warm your toosh you can.

It's so nice to feel like this room is complete. The process wasn't too painful but didn't go completely without a hitch ... or should I say chunk out of the floor.

Yup. Before the walls were even painted we managed to knock the towel bar off the wall and cccrrrack our brand spanking new tile floor. sigh. Such is life. At least it's broken in now ... you know, once you get the first scuff, scratch, dink ... you don't fret so much. The bright side (beside the orange walls) ... since we replaced three toilets as part of our bathroom renovations our water bill went down by $20 - color me orange and green anytime!

Seams To Me

This Christmas was the best ... I guess that argument could be made after each Christmas. Friends, family, indulgent food, and the best gift to celebrate - the birth of Jesus. A time to be merry indeed.



Let me be real here ... when I say Christmas was one of the best this year it wasn't because all things went smoothly. John refused to take a picture with Santa, Henry had a Christmas Eve melt down and refused to get dressed for Church (which meant they were one Sheppard short), no snow - just rain, the laundry is clean but still in (multiple) baskets waiting to be folded and put away - I've resorted to digging in the basket for what I need ... you get the picture. So you ask 'how was it the best?'. I'll show you:



John's refusal to sit on Ol' St. Nicks lap resulted in this funny picture ...




Henry's eagerness to tell Santa everything he wanted to for Christmas (and which chimney to come down) resulted in this ...




The rain stopped long enough for us to go outside and play with some new toys ...



My cousin from Boston loved the balmy 55 + degree weather ...





More egg nog that you can drink ... or not!




Oh ya ... and the post title. Yup. It's what you were thinking ... My mother in law got me the book and man is it eye candy. I cannot wait to delve in. It seams to me that this is a good time to slow down a bit. I'm still going to post but not as often ... maybe not ... I don't really know. I do have some great swap goodies and a lovely gift from Lisa that I need to share. I also finished the roman shade for my bathroom so I finally feel like I can post the after pictures ~ I'm just going to take some time to just chill, read, sit by the fire (assuming it gets cold enough!). When I am motivated to sit at my sewing machine again ... you'll be the first to know! I'll leave you with one of my favorite moments that I was lucky enough to catch on camera ~

I'm saving this one as proof when they are 16 and 13 that they really did like each other at one time in their life!

Clutched

We have been blessed with a very busy holiday season spending qualtity time with friends from near and far. We have had lots of places to go and be merry. Only one problem. I keep loosing my lip gloss. DH is a champ and hauls all my 'stuff' in his pockets but forgets at the end of the night to take it out. I don't think of it again until I need it. I can't remember what I ate for breakfast much less what coat he had on that my lip smacker could be in.

Off to Jo Ann's I went to get some sassy silky fabric to make some Bend the Rules clutches.

In one nap time I made both and was set for the forthcoming festivities.

Oh to never loose my lip stuff again ... a gal can dream can't she!

The Basic Food Groups

Only the best for Santa. Henry wanted to ensure we left a well rounded snack for the old guy ...

Fruit, dairy, grains ... does chocolate count as protein?

I hope your Christmas is a merry one! God Bless you and yours,

XOXO,

Adrienne and the Some of a Kind boys (who are all still in bed as I type this!)

Mixing It Up

Another quick and fun project to make is this mixer cover (pattern here). This is the second one I've made and it's such an easy gift. My mom gave me her left over fabric from her kitchen curtains and chair cushion ...

I love how it turned out. I used one of Angry Chicken's gift tags - "Please act surprised when you open this" since she knows exactly what she is getting for Christmas. I actually used the tags on quite a few gifts to spice things up a bit. No gift bags, John opens them and no ribbon, cat eats them. The little ones seem to reek such havoc ;-D

A little side note: I mentioned Laptop Lunches in this post and feel I should pass on a discount code (which is : holiday2008) that they were kind enough to notify me of. All items at laptoplunches.com are 20% off through Dec. 31, 2008. I ordered the Laptop Lunch Bento Box Set for Henry and he loves it. No more plastic bags and he ate every stinking thing in his box. Just thought you might want (need) to mix it up a bit too.

Merry Christmas!

Gussied Up

Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions for my n*ked purse. It felt incomplete but I wasn't sure where to take it and then Joy sent me this awesome link for a fluffy flower. I had some extra time (how did that happen?) and thought I would give it a go ...

I see quite a few covered buttons in my future. Who knew they were so easy! I just used a safety pin to attach the flower to the bag incase it isn't my cousins style.

She is all gussied up, re-wrapped and back under the tree. Ahhh ... now if I could just get my bathrooms cleaned before my company arrives ...

Full Moon

I'm winding down on the Christmas present making marathon. I can't imagine if I hadn't started back in July what my mental state (not to mention credit card bill) would be like. Which BTW, I do plan to start in July of '09 again ... you have plenty of time to plan and join in the fun!


This present is the lingerie bag from Simple Sewing With a French Twist.



I made it to accompany this shoe tote from the same book. There is a traveler in the family ... sigh with envy ... I had planned to make some really cool luggage tags but time has gotten a way from me. I saw some in a catalog that had really funny sayings on them like "take my luggage. do my laundry." and "open with caution. dirty clothes inside." There is a spring birthday ... maybe there is still hope!


This is such fast and easy project which can be used for many things. This time I made my own ties instead of using ribbon as the book suggests. And as for the post title? Well the fabric is from Amy Butler's Lotus line ... exterior front is Cherry Wallflower and interior, ties, and back is Cherry Full Moon Polka Dot. I could be cheeky and make some terrible pun about lacking lingerie and a full moon but we'll keep it family friendly!

Good To the Last ...

I made these the other day for (me) the boys while they were eating lunch ... they whip up very quickly.

Oatmeal Bars

3 cups whole oats

2/3 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used 1 tablespoon)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup walnut oil (I used olive oil - btw, check out this cool site)

1 egg, beaten

3 tablespoons orange juice or water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all dry ingredients and mix well. In separate bowl combine all other ingredients. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and mix well. Using a spatula, press mixture firmly onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet, forming one large rectangle about 1/3 inch thick. Smooth the edges with the edge of the spatula. Back at 350 degrees for 12- 15 minutes until light brown and firm. Remove from oven and cool. Cut into approx. 1 1/2 inch by 3 1/2 inch rectangles.

These freeze too! Recipe is from Laptop Lunch but more on that in another post. Next batch I plan to add some raisins ... yum.

Good to the last crumb! Hope you have a delicious weekend ~

N*ked

Yea ... you read that right. I feel like this purse is a bit N*ked. The * is so some pervert doesn't get sent to my blog by google! What a disappointment that would be for them - ha!

I didn't have any matching ribbon, buttons (how did that happen? That's another post entirely)or a darn embroidery machine to dress her up a bit ... and I couldn't' wait. Bah. I'm still mighty fond of her despite the dressed up version I had envisioned. I think it's the lining that gives me a great warm fuzzy ...

The interior is Joel Dewberry's Aviary - love that line! The exterior is this super soft corduroy that I had intended for a skirt but got 1/2 a yard to little. I wasn't about to go around n*ked so I turned a wee bit of it into a Charming Handbag from the Bend the Rules book. This is one Christmas present that might have to be made again ... for me!

Wordless Wednesday - Peace

Tale of Two Toads

Once upon a time there were two toads. They were stuffed with beans but couldn't seem to get up the road.

Their maker decided to pull the plug and stuff them with poly-fil in hopes they would be softer for hugs.

Before they looked funny but now they are soft and yummy. This seemed to do the trick and they are now set for ol' St. Nick.

Ho Ho Ho ... ahem ... I mean Ribbit Ribbit Ribbit!

It's in the Bag

Ahem, I mean the jar ...

Cinnamon Oat Pancakes

2 eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup milk

2 cups pancake mix

1 cup water


In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, gradually whisk in oil. Alternately add mix and water. Heat a lightly greased skilled or griddle to med-high heat. Pour a heaping spoonful of batter onto hot surface. Cook until bubbles appear on top side (about 2-3 minutes) then flip and cook 2 minutes more or until golden brown. Serve buttered, hot and with warm syrup or Cinnamon Cream Syrup.

Makes approximately 12 pancakes.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cinnamon Oat Pancake Mix

4 cup quick cooking oats (whole grain)

2 cups whole wheat flour2 cups flour

1 cup non-fat dry milk powder

2 Tablespoons cinnamon

1 1/2 Tablespoons salt

3 Tablespoons baking powder

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Combine all in a large airtight container. Makes approximately 7 cups.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cinnamon Cream Syrup

5 T margarine

1 cup fresh whipping cream

3 T. brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/3 tsp vanilla or maple extract

Melt margarine in small saucepan over med. heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook and stir with wire whisk constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly (3-4 minutes.Serve warm. Store remainder in refrigerator. Makes 1 cup of homemade syrup.

I've never made the syrup but I thought I would share anyway. This is what all of our friends and generous host/hostesses are getting this Christmas. I printed the recipe on red recipe cards and attached it to the mason jar which I wrapped in pretty tissue paper. My boys *love* these pancakes. It's so nice when breakfast doesn't come out of a box ... but a jar instead!

Huh?

This

does not look like the beginning of this.

I don't know if I need to pull it and start all over or just keep going at it. At this rate I'll have one heck of a carnation ...

and not a reusable grocery tote. Besides learning to count accurately any other suggestions?

Baby Blanket Number ?

I have made so many of these that I don't even know ... this is such an easy, fast, and practical but pretty gift.



The pattern is from Bend the Rules Sewing and the fabric is Amy Butler (Midwest Modern - I got my fabric from Kris). I enlarged the scallops more than the 200% the book calls for but I don't remember how much. They are pretty large which makes it very easy to work with.


Here's to one more thing checked off the to-sew list ... never mind the other eight I just added ...

I Kneaded It

I had to do it. I had to spend the dough ...

I just couldn't stand it anymore. I kneaded it.

Scrappy

Scraps taking over your sewing room, living room, kitchen ... no worries.

A tree trimming party awaits you.

I made three different sizes. I used the original pattern here: then enlarged to 110% for the second tree, and 120% for the third tree ... just to keep it interesting ya know. And yes, that is a dusting of snow in the background. It's all gone now but it snowed!!!

Christmas Garland

After I received these beautiful fall leaves from Michelle, I was inspired to make some Christmas Garland. Here's a quick "how I did it".




Since I can't draw, I used clip art from my computer and enlarged it to the size I wanted to create my pattern.

I used a light weight fusible interacting that I put on the back of each 'ornament' which I cut out of felt. I dug in my stash and found some Christmas fabric and again cut out the pattern for each piece for the back of the 'ornament'.


I used a zig zag stitch to put the layers together and then used double sided extra wide bias tape to attach the ornaments to hang. You could also use ribbon or embroidery thread.

This would be great for a tree, mantle or in a wide door way ... use your imagination! I can't wait to see what you create ~

I Totally Flaked

I forgot to announce the winner of the drawing for my one year blogaversary .... drum roll please ... and the winner is (drawn my my random number generator) ...

Jennifer!

Very random because ... ah ... well ... I actually know her.

Thanks for playing everyone! Have a great weekend (what's left of it) ~

Obama Should Hire Me

I have far better negotiation skills than anyone in Washington. Just ask my two year old.

Just give 'em special sprinkles ...

and a few stickers ...

That will quell any little dictators demands.

Hope you are able to solve a few world problems this weekend!

Bootylicous

Somehow I don't think this is what Destiny's Child had in mind when they sang this song.

I have crocheted, pulled, and re-crocheted the second bootie too many times to count. I'm about to give up and start from scratch. Some how I keep ending up with the opening as small as my pinkie finger ... I know baby feet are small but not that small. arg.

Maybe I'm not meant to make thinks in pairs (like curtains) ... this bootie might be a one hit wonder.

Now go on and get the pattern here; I know you have a baby in mind who needs some bootylicious ... or if you are like me and can't reproduce anything the same as the first ... a Christmas ornament!

Heinz 57

That's what I feel like this first year of blogging has been. A little bit of this ... a little bit of that. We used to joke around about animals that were mutts ... ahem ... weren't a particular breed but one of many being Heinz 57 ... so with out further ado ... I bring you a hodge podge Heinz 57 post celebrating 1 year of blogging ...

Thankful Things Swap

These goodies came from Michelle at Where The Wild Things Are. I had to take a pictures of the whole shebang ...

What you don't see is the awesome Burts Bee's lip balm and hand salve along with a tin of Altoids (chocolate!) that is tucked away in that gorgeous bag.

She is thankful for the beautiful fall colors ...

Slippers to keep her feet (and now mine!) nice and cozy ...

Her boys ... so she made these for my munchkins ...

And if it couldn't get any better ... these lovelies came from Paula at On A Rainy Night. Each item had a little note as to what she was thankful for ...

Sugar for my tea, a happy turkey ornament, incredible yarn, oh so good smelling bubble bath and candle, and a book I cannot wait to cuddle by the fire and read. There were also amazing photos that she took with her digital camera ... I need to scan and share.

Would you just look at the loot I got. Man oh man. Quite a bit to be thankful about indeed.

I also need to make sure all those who participated did indeed receive their goodies. If you have not, please let me know.

Flirty Apron Swap

This apron will hopefully distract our company on Christmas day from the fact that I have most likely not showered!

Heather from Blue Bird Studio was my swap partner and boy was I a lucky one! Just enough bling to make a gal smile ...

I love aprons. sigh.

Recognize the big bag? Well, it has become my crochet bag and I was in dire need of a little something to hold those small, sharp, and random things that always get lost (or into John's hands). The bird bag is perfect and matches beautifully! Little did Heather know that was on my to-sew list.

It doesn't end there ... these awesome magnets and a cute ornament like this were in with my goodies along with a really cool leather bracelet.

What a year in blog-land it has been. I would have never met these wonderful ladies (or all of you). Now how borning that would that have been. I'll take Heinz 57 any day ... nothing like a little spice to get things going. Thanks for being along for the ride.

Tis The Season

For cheap bourbon and fattening eggnog ...

Staying close to the hearth ...

And a giveaway! December 3rd is my one year blog-aversary! Time flies when you are having fun.

These two cross stitch would be lovely in a little girls room or a powder room. I did these in 1994 ... such a waste to have them sitting around here. They measure 9 3/4 inches across and 8 inches high with plenty of room on the sides to frame properly. They need a new home. I can't promise that there isn't a cat hair or two weaved in there some where ... hope the winner doesn't mind! Leave me a comment between now and Friday the 5th and tell me your favorite thing to do during the holiday season ... besides read this blog of course ;)