Thursday, August 19, 2010

Tasty Thursday: Chilled Salt-roasted Beets with Skordalia

I had this amazing dish at Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney's Boardwalk last week. It is vegan and gluten free as it appears on the menu - what a thrill as I don't often get to order something straight from the menu without the chef modifying it in some way. It was delicious! The beets did not taste like soil as so often can be the case. The garlic was tangy but not overwhelming. The dill in the olive oil drizzled on the plate was so fresh you could smell it even with all the garlic. Well worth the mere $5.99 price for this appetizer!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Eye Mask

Due to the hours I work, I find a sleep mask absolutely essential to getting all the rest I need. We have lots of them around the house as everyone has odd schedules here. This one was a freebie. The elastic slipped out of the seam in one spot, leaving me with only one band of elastic to keep it in place and a long, stringy tail to get tangled in my hair.



Why bother to repair a freebie when I have others? Because #1 it was free and #2 there is no reason for it to be in the landfill when a few hand stitches will make it good as new. Knowing hand sewing isn't easy for me (it makes my wrists hurt) you can see how important I think it is to keep your things in good repair and avoid adding to all the discarded trash on our planet.




Nap time!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: #AYCJ

The JetBlue All-You-Can-Jet pass is back again. Visit jetblue.com/aycj to find out all the details. Most notable change from last year is the ability to buy the pass and book your flights online. No more having to call in to book your pass travel. Enjoy!

Edited to Add:

Looks like Sun Country is doing a similar deal.  You can check it out here.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Tidy Thursday: Front Closet

Today I went through everything in the front closet. I found a sweater I forgot I had! I thinned the contents by three - an XL very warm faux sheepskin lined collared sweater, a fleece collared zip up jacket, also an XL and a zip up juniors S black windbreaker. All went into my box for Online Angels. I debated making a skirt out of a sweatshirt that was in there but I decided to leave the sweatshirt intact for now. Hubby might still wear it. Next time I come across it hanging there without having gone through the laundry (if it had I'd know he'd worn it) it will become a nice, soft, and easy to make skirt for lounging on the deck in.

I also put the carpet cleaner where it belongs - in the closet against the wall - and hung the various jackets that were on the hooks properly on hangers.

Did you do a little something today to brighten your surroundings? What was it? I need ideas for my next burst of straightening up.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: EZ Rent-A-Car

We tend to do much of our travel on the spur of the moment and often visit Orlando, Florida since I am a Disney junkie. Hey! It's not a problem, I can stop any time I want to. Just don't try to make me. ;)

Often, with a last minute reservation we find our preferred rental company is higher priced than we'd like. I've tried showing them a reservation from a competing company and asking them to match it without luck. So we're finding that we use our #2 choice more and more lately. EZ is located inside the terminal at MCO. The rates are good, the staff is efficient, and although there is no automated check in or preferred customer line we usually find the pickup and return process to be easy. If you choose, you can have your receipt emailed to you instantly upon check out. I do it all the time and it works out great.

The cars are comparable to any rental company; we usually take a subcompact but have occasionally been upgraded when they had no subs available. We once were given a convertible PT Cruiser.

Visit their website and sign up for the EZ Money program and the company's e-newsletter. You can also find the listing of rental locations there. This is a small company but I feel they offer a very nice product. And don't forget to look under the Coupons tab for instantly redeemable coupons (usually 5%) off your rental.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Tasty Thursday: Pattypan Squash

We were lucky enough to be gifted this beautiful pattypan squash by my daughter's boss. I have to admit it was so pretty I didn't want to eat it so I decorated the table with it for a few days.

But the calling deliciousness got the best of me and I allowed hubby to make this wonderful pattypan squash and red onion dish this evening. I used it to top a baked potato.


My dinner was yummy. Is there anything better than people who gift you things they've grown or made with their own hands?

I don't think so.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: We Love Our GPS, But....

We all love our GPS, whether it is part of a phone, computer or stand-alone unit. But we should still keep an atlas or map in the car. Call me a luddite if you like, but machines or satellite can fail, a hard copy will always be there.

Whether it be around town or around the world, enjoy your travels today!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Pink Floral Dress to Pink Floral Skirt

A few days ago my daughter, a size 0, cleaned out her closet and brought me this very pretty size 4 dress from H&M. It was destined for my charity box, knowing it would make some young girl happy to have something so pretty...until I noticed that it had a stain on the front. Also, she had melted the ribbon trim when she'd accidentally touched it with the iron. So now I knew it wasn't suitable for giving...sigh. What to do with it? The fabric was too pretty to let go. My daughter suggested grocery bags, but I hoped to see it have a second life as clothing.

Finally, I decided to remove the ribbon and separate the bodice from the skirt. I thought the skirt wide enough that I could make a summer top from it for myself, a size 16.

Once it was detached I slipped it over my head only to decide it was too snug around the top and made me look squished. But I did discover just how much give the fabric had and decided that with very little effort I could have a bright, new skirt.



All I had to do was iron down along the old fold line and sew a quick stitch all around the top. I can't believe how much stretch it has to it! I saved the usable parts of the ribbon - heaven knows I'm always looking for nice ribbon - in my ribbon stash box. I need to check with my daughter to see if she'd like the bodice as a summer top, otherwise I'm going to scavenge it to make a nice fabric bow to cover the stain. It falls very high on the skirt and I plan to wear a long shirt with this anyway so I will be able to get away with it regardless of whether she wants the bodice or not. If she doesn't, I'll also end up with a very long pink zipper. I'm thinking it might make a fun purse. We'll see.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: Courtyard Dunn Loring Fairfax

Should you find yourself needing a place in Vienna, Virginia, we recently stayed at this Marriott property.  The neighborhood seems to be undergoing some gentrifying from what we could tell during our brief visit.  There is adequate parking, both indoor and out.  Front desk staff is top notch.  The lobby/breakfast area is well decorated, comfortable and immaculately kept. 

The room itself was the same, quite attractive and clean, our only complaint being the bed was a little soft.  Linens were crisp and clean, there was a cooler we stashed our beverages and fruit in, bathroom was a comfortable size.  Very nice flat screen TV for watching a movie on the free cable channels.  There are also pay per view selections.  There is really no view to speak of. 

We did take a look at the hot tub/pool area but the smell of chlorine was too strong for me to consider taking a dip.

The hotel offers breakfast for a fee and has a well stocked convenience mart area.  There is lemon/lime water and coffee free in the lobby although I could not find the cups during the paid breakfast hours on Sunday. 

At just $80 for the night I felt this was a great deal and will stay there again if I'm in the area.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Tasty Thursday: Beautiful Organic Farm Food

All washed and cut and ready to cook for tonight's dinner.  Mmmmm....it was sure delicious.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: Busch Gardens Play & Eat

I think this is a great deal!  I've never been to Busch Gardens but this offer might change that.  Do note that you must purchase this ticket online and print it out, you cannot buy it at the gate, but what a deal, pay regular admission price and have your food and beverages included!  You can't go wrong.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Space Junkies Take Note

I don't normally post these things, but I've been a space junkie my whole life.  Haven't been to KSC in a few years, but one of the highlights of our family vacations when the kids were small was getting a pass to a launch.  I don't know how it is done currently, but at that time it was like a giant tailgate party, lots of fun and friendly folks.

I still tell people the thing I found most impressive was how bright the plume of flame from the engine is.  The shuttle is an amazing thing...and that program is nearly ended.  What will come next?  Why haven't we walked on the moon since 1972?

Win a visit to Kennedy Space Center.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

My Blog is Carbon Neutral

While I don't go for gimmicks that ease people's guilt over their wasteful ways, I can't see anything wrong with signing up to have a tree planted. The logic behind this program is that the tree offsets the carbon generated by blog use. I just like the idea of the tree. :)

So please have a look here and consider signing up so another tree will be planted.

co2 neutral shopping and coupons with kaufDA.de

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

My Most Cringe-Worthy Sewing Moment

As a method of entry into another blogger's giveaway the question was asked "What is your most cringe-worthy sewing moment?" I smiled while writing my response and decided to share it here with you.

But first I have to mention that I love the blog's title - I
AM CREATING THE LIFE I LOVE. It is definitely what I try to do every day. I hope you do too. We can't depend on others to make us happy. Make yourself happy and share the joy with those you meet.

Now on to my sewing cringe -

My most cringe worthy moment has to do with one of my favorite things to sew - curtains. I really enjoy the long pieces of fabric and the straight seams, but not too long ago I decided it would be less expensive to purchase ready-made curtains from IKEA than to buy the yardage, so that was what I did. IKEA curtains are very long and not pre-hemmed, although they do come with hem tape which I do not use.

I get really frustrated with bathrooms as it seems you can't really buy matching window and shower curtains anymore and IKEA's long curtains work for a shower curtain rod so it seemed to be a good solution...until I tried to work with them. The fabric was so slippery it was an aggravation just to do this simple hemming. When I finally finished, wiped the sweat of frustration from my brow and hung them, I noticed that I'd hemmed one of the shower curtains backwards. But I guess I can't have been too ashamed since it hangs there to this day, several years later. No one notices until I point it out because of the way they're tied back and I have no desire to wrestle with that fabric again.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Why Would I Want Another?


This is my sewing machine. Nothing fancy, just your basic stitches. I got this sewing machine as a gift from my husband in the mid 80's. It is my long-time companion and workhorse. Why would I want another? This Kenmore and I know each other, we know what our likes and dislikes are, we know how to work together. I can't imagine ever casting off such a good friend simply because something new and flashy popped up. The more bells and whistles there are on something the more I scratch my head when I need to use it.

Friends, remember just because it is new doesn't mean it is better.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Hello Kitty Fabric is Now a Pillowcase.

Remember the Hello Kitty fabric I got at Salvation Army? It's now a soft flannel pillowcase destined for Online Angels.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Blogger Help Please?

Two questions:

First, I have a couple of folks who are following me. I'd like to find your blogs and reciprocate but I don't normally read through Blogger (I use Thunderbird) so I'm not sure how to find you. Clicking on your little photo doesn't bring me to your blog. :( If you wouldn't mind me having a look would you drop me a link to it please? Or if anyone out there wants to give me general instructions on this subject when it comes to Blogger I'd truly appreciate it.

And second, since Blogger's recent 'upgrade' I don't seem to be able to compose a post, date it for the future and have it show up as scheduled. It just posts, as you can see by the time/date on this. How can I get back to successfully scheduling future posts? This is really important to me and I am puzzled.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Spidey Strikes Again

More of the Spidey valances projects.



This pillowcase will go to Online Angels.


This is the Spidey gift complete. The letters fit nicely into the matching zippered bag.



This is something I had to mention. I was not thinking happy thoughts when I went to sew in the zipper and couldn't find the zipper foot. So when I was looking at it, inside out, I noticed how beautifully the photos matched up. At first I got excited - it was completely random that it happened that way. Then I remembered I was looking at the inside of the bag and got cranky again. Well, when I turned it right side out it was just as perfect.

That was when I knew God was smiling on me. He reminded me that even if I couldn't find the correct tool He would help me make something beautiful.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Fabric Prayer Cloths

For those not familiar, prayer cloths are made many ways, but what they all have in common is that the maker prays over them while they work, for the intentions of the receiver. The receiver holds the cloth when they pray.

These two are made from fabric that makes me think of heaven. They're simply sewn together right sides facing, with a small hole left for turning. Once turned, they're ironed and topstitched. Some folks add an ornament of some sort. I leave mine plain because handsewing isn't the best for my arm. They may have ornaments added when they reach Online Angels.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Is Blogger April Fooling Me?

I've been trying to post but the interface seems to be giving me headaches. Has Blogger changed the photo upload process? Is it currently FUBARed?

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: New Life For a Sweater



Picked up this name brand sweater thrifting. It was partially felted by the previous owner. I put it through the wash to see what the result would be. It came out the perfect size for my daughter, but the bottom edge and sleeve edges were sort of lettuced and the neckline was too tight to go over a head.



Solution? Break out the serger and fully lettuce them. I couldn't decide whether to use matching or contrasting thread. When I uncovered the machine I found it already threaded with this pretty blue and thought the finished result would be nice with jeans, so I went with it.



The serging cut off the tight portion of the neck and prettied up the other edges. What do you think of it?

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Pink Chemo Hat


Made from more of the pink yarn I got last year in the OA Pink Ribbon progressive auction, this is a two strand, loom knit, two over one stitch made on the green loom. It is so very soft, I hope the recipient finds it comforting.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Tasty Thursday: Gluten-Free Vegan spoonbread

This recipe was adapted from one I googled when I had the whim to make cornbread. The consistency is more of a spoonbread, fluffy and moist, so although it wasn't what I was looking for at the time it is something I enjoyed and will make again.

Set oven for 425F.

Bring 6 Tb water to a boil in a small pan. Add 2 Tb flaxseed. I used the flax with added blueberry from Trader Joe's. That added a color element to the finished product but didn't add any taste. I'd kind of been hoping for a hint of blueberry. If color is important to you, you'll want to try something else.

Lower heat, continue to cook, stirring occasionally until thickened, about three minutes. Set aside.




Mix together:
1 C gf flour mix I used Bob's Red Mill mixed with a little Soyquick; it was what was on hand.
1 C cornmeal
1/4 C sugar
4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp finely ground sea salt



To dry mixture add:
Thickened flax
1 C non dairy milk I used almond, our preferred milk.
1/4 cup oil I used corn, again because it was what was on hand.
3/4 to 1 C frozen corn kernels




Coat cast iron pan with vegetable spray, turn batter into pan, cook for about 25 minutes then set out to cool.



The texture is a little grittier than I personally care for but the consistency is perfect for spoonbread. So nice and tasty with a little Earth Balance. Next time out I'm going to add some onions.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Delicious Yarn From a Thrifted Sweater



I picked up this gorgeous alpaca/wool, name brand sweater at Salvation Army for $2.25. The moment I saw it I turned it inside out in order to gauge the possibility of unraveling it and was thrilled to find the right kind of seams. Yay!



The seams came apart like a dream! They'd been joined with a yarn of a slightly different color which meant it was simple to snip them free without concerning myself I would accidentally snip something I shouldn't.

As you can see, the added design element was 'sewn' on. I snipped off the knot shown in the photo above and easily pulled it out.



I thought the rest of the unraveling would go just as smoothly. Boy was I wrong. Not being a knitter I simply had no clue of the intricacies of putting together a patterned sweater. As you see above, the front panel is made up of three parts woven together. So it was frog one side, untwist from center yarn, frog center yarn, untwist from other side of yarn, frog second side, repeat. I won't lie, I thought that was tedious. Then I got to the arms/back, none of which had any design, but that didn't mean the parts were knit in a single panel either.

It took almost an entire morning and afternoon to unravel this sweater.




Here you can see the results. With the sweater being a men's large I sure did get a nice quantity of yarn. I'm hoping to get a double layer hat plus a single layer hat out of it. Just two days before I found this sweater to unravel hubby ruined his nice, heavy, double layer alpaca hat so he definitely needs a new one. I think I'll get started on this project today. Despite the frogging being so much work, the yarn is just gorgeous and I think it was worth all the effort.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I Love My Snap Press!

These cute little straps took all of ten minutes to make. When my kids were small I had a couple attached to each side of the high chair and stroller to keep the binkies and toys from making it to the floor when the babies went through the 'I love to throw things and watch Mom pick them up' stage. If I remember correctly that happens around nine months old.

The two short ones are intended for attaching binkies to clothing straps - a good length but not long enough to get wrapped around the baby's neck (natually they're not intended to be used unsupervised) and two for stroller or high chair use. The ones I had in the 80's were plastic. Wish I'd had a snap press back then - my kids would have had a strap to match each outfit!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Thrifty Thursday: Handmade Baby Sweaters


Is this a score or what? Seven brand new, handmade baby sweaters, freshly tagged and placed on the rack at Salvation Army.

For .39 each!!

Can you believe what great timing I had? I feel so lucky that seven babies will get a sweet little handmade sweater from Online Angels, something I can not usually send them since I don't know how to make baby sweaters, for $2.73.





Another happy little find was this Hello Kitty flannel fabric. Two yards for .49!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Fun Letters




What do you get when you combine the legs of old jeans whose tops you've already used to make purses, some felt you bought for a Halloween costume that never got made and a valance you got for a great price at Salvation Army?




Well, before I answer that I have to share the process, right? First, stack the fabrics up, trace the letters, which can be found at Happy Together, onto the fabric and pin. Be careful to leave enough extra around the sides as your fabrics may shift while sewing and you don't want to find yourself short on the edge of one like I did.



Next, cut them into individual fabric 'sandwiches', sew, then trim off excess.





You get these very cool letters for a terrific little boy who is turning four!






I think they look cute tied up with the jeans seam.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thrifty Thursday: Spider-Man Valance


I picked up this brand new looking Spider-Man valance at Salvation Army for $1.99. Gosh, I love that place! The person who donated it surely blessed me.

My little great-nephew's birthday is next month and I thought of him the moment I saw it; I have an idea in my head for what to do with it. I've started off by washing the piece, pulling out the seams and ironing the fabric up. It is quite a bit of fabric, 22" x 120", and I'm really excited to get to work with it.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Pantyhose/Tights Crafts

My work requires me to wear black hose or tights. I prefer the tights and as a result have quite a few no-longer wearable pairs collected. I can't just toss them. Beyond the $5-$7/pair cost, I just can't see throwing them in the trash. There must be good craft-supply uses for them.



Some things I've done with worn out tights so far -

Ties for holding up tomato plants
Tube bra (from the panty portion, not the legs LOL)
If only the feet were worn out, cut them off and wear as footless tights
Stuffing for soft toys and pillows
Store onions by placing them inside, tying a knot between each one and hanging up. When you want to use an onion just untie or cut off a section to release it
Cover the end of the vacuum hose and run over the rug when looking for a lost item such as an earring back. It will be lifted off the rug, but not sucked up into the machine



I've got an idea for a quilt. Take two squares, fold them over on the diagonal and sew together on the fold. Stuff each of the resulting triangles with tights and sew closed. These should be nice, weighty squares and make a warm quilt when sewn up, don't you think?

But I'd really love some crafty ideas, maybe a pin cushion or some sort? Or a children's toy of some kind? This faked potato looks like a fun toy! I wish a faked eggplant (since all my tights are black) could be just as much fun, but who eats eggplant in the skin with the insides mashed up and butter on top?

I would love for some folks to share their ideas on this with me!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: Looking for Free Attractions?

Here is a website to start with. Search by state and find parks, museums and other attractions which are free of admission charge.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Looking For Artisan/WAHM Made Items?

Stalk Shop is a multi-vendor Artisan/WAHM mall. You'll find lovely clothing and household items as well as crafting supplies such as hand-dyed yarn.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Time Can Be Wasted Too

Have you ever sewn something only to find that it did not work well for your body shape? I know I have and it is one of the main reasons I struggle with sewing from a pattern. I am so frustrated by the waste of time, effort and fabric when my end result is not as useful as I'd hoped.

I've been reading a little about slopers; today this link showed up in my email box. It's a sign, right?

I hope some of the information there - I've just begun going through it - helps keep your crafting time productive and not wasted.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: Bahama Breeze $10 Gift Card

It's no secret my favorite travel destination is Orlando. Although I've not yet been to Bahama Breeze, I have passed by many, many times. Maybe the $10 gift card one can sign up for here will be incentive for me to try it on my next trip.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Rice Bag





This is another easy project that makes nice gifts. Make sure your fabrics are natural to lessen the risk of melting or worse, fire in the microwave.

I like to make mine up as a little set, the rice bag itself, a washable sleeve to slip it into and a drawstring bag to keep it all in. This one is a nice purple flannel.

For those who have never used a rice bag, you warm the inner part in the microwave just like you do any other heat pack, then I slip it into the washable cover before use.

I've made tons of these over the years, in all sorts of prints and solids, enjoyed by older folks and children alike.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Tasty Thursday: The Magical Loaf Studio

Choose from the vegan ingredients you have on hand, check the boxes, click submit and you've got dinner under control courtesy of The Magical Loaf Studio!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Legwarmers From a Felted Sweater

I got hurt at work and the doctor's orders are to stay at home with the wound open to the air. But we keep the house a comfortable temperature for walking around in flannel pajamas or sweats. How can I keep my knees exposed and not have my legs cold? I needed some nice wool legwarmers. So off to Goodwill I went on the way home from the doctor. Hey - he said I could stop for my prescription, what was one more stop? It was something I needed to convalesce.

This is a nice, heavy Ralph Lauren wool sweater. I washed and dried it when I got home to be sure it was felted all the way down. It had clearly been donated because the previous owner had begun the felting process. ;)



In this first photo you can see where I've begun to pick the sleeves off stitch by stitch.




The second photo shows the sleeves-cum-legwarmers, a small pile of wool bits which went into my stuffing bag, and the leftover body of the sweater. Anyone have a suggestion for what that should become? I'm thinking of trying either mittens or slippers. What do you think?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Hats Made While Waiting for Word From the Surgical Team

I made these hats while at the hospital with Dad. He is home and doing well.



These thirteen baby hats will be donated to Online Angels. There was another of the pink with little yellow accent tags but I gave that to my sister-in-law to give to her daughter who just found out she is expecting a baby girl.



The two multi colored adult hats will also go to Online Angels. The brown ones are for my bald spouse who works in a cold environment and finds that nothing keeps a bald head warm like alpaca and alpaca/wool blends. There was a third brown hat but it was put into use before I got the chance to take this photo.

The pink & multi-colored yarns were from OA auctions. The rainbow is a little ball I had left of a favorite yarn of mine. The brown alpaca was purchased for this specific purpose as baby it is cold outside. ;) The black chenille is more salvage yarn from the hat I made for Mom that had a thread snap and I could not repair it. The red sparkly is a little ball I had left from making myself Valentine's Day leg and wrist warmers in 2007. The little yellow tags on a thin string was bought out of the Target dollar bins on impulse and has sat around for years because I had no clue what to do with it. Glad I finally found a use and it is not sitting here mocking me any more.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tasty Thursday: Rutabaga

Just enjoyed some delicious rutabaga and so easy to make.

Cut off the waxy outside layer then slice or cube it.
Boil until soft.
Drain, return to pot.
Drizzle on blackstrap molasses in quantity of your liking.
Shake on a little sea salt.
Toss in some margarine.
Cover pot and let items melt together for a few minutes.
Mash.

Yum.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Please Pray for my Dad.

He's having triple bypass today. Please pray for the doctors in whose hands he will be and that he has a successful outcome and recovery.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Two Hats for Thursday

As always, for Online Angels.

These hats are in honor of my Angel friend Tracy and her beautiful Mom, who passed this week.

Betty worked long after most folks have retired, was a strong and loving lady. She certainly raised a wonderful woman, Tracy, who herself is a strong and loving mom.

The black yarn is soft, like a mom's loving touch, and is recycled from a hat I made my own mom. The body of the hat is very thick and warm, protecting a little one's head from being cold or bumped, just like Betty - strong and present.

The variegated is a favorite yarn of mine. It makes me smile when I see it, just as Tracy brings joy and light to those around her.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: More Booties to Share



For Online-Angels' blitz, another fifteen pairs of booties. Lots of boy stuff this time out. Let's see, part of a pillow cover that came apart, fabric from the back of a nice cotton button down shirt my son got a stain on the front of, fabric left from Christmas gifts, excess fabric cut off when I made the shoe bags and a bit purchased from the remnant bin.



Ten pairs I made last week but didn't get to post.




And 12 pairs I made just now after composing this post. The football ones are very timely, I'd say. Not a big fan but wherever you look you can't escape talk of the impending Super Bowl.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Please help Haiti

About the easiest way I can think of for folks to donate very badly needed relief funds to Haiti is this:

Text “HAITI” to "20222" and $10 will be given to the Clinton Foundation's Haiti Relief Fund, charged to your cell phone bill.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday: Shoe Bags From Pant Legs



These were the legs of my daughter's old capri pants. The rest had been made into a purse long ago.

First, I cut them to a size suitable for my many pairs of work shoes.

I am on my feet all day long and change my shoes during the day - it's good for my feet to do so. That means I have three pairs of shoes on hand at work plus whatever sneakers or boots I wore while commuting.

I don't want them getting beat up so I'd been meaning to make some bags for a while. When I was going through my stash for bag fabrics I came across these and knew they would not only work but look cute hanging on a hook as well.

The scraps I cut to make them the right length became booties you can see in last Thursday's post. So for one cut and two seams I've got the two pairs of shoes not on my feet set up with pretty little bags to protect them.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Travel Tip Tuesday: January 29th & 30th and JetBlue

If you're traveling on JetBlue January 29th and the few days following, please get to the airport very early, especially if you're traveling out of the larger stations like Boston, JFK or Fort Lauderdale.

The airline will be transitioning to some new software and although they've been preparing for this for some time you should expect check in to take longer than usual during that time.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Cutie Little Booties






Made from scrap fabrics left from other projects and the ever so elusive high quality ribbing I'm forever looking for in the stores, I enjoy the heck out of making these fun little pops of color for Online Angels.