the end to soccer season--sunday showcase is back

One final, BIG, kick off by Miss Shelby.

Coming through the post game tunnel. That is her in the way back, the third green girl.

And the team, at our house, after the game for a little pool party celebration. How is this for 6 little pieces of cuteness?! They were lined up to get their trophies from Dave, who you can see holding one in the background.

And after a long absence, the return of the sunday showcase. Below are a list of current freebies and giveaways on the www. It takes so little time, and YOU could win. Seriously, I won something from House of 3 last week!

House of 3: Silver Bag
Imperfect: Zippered Pouch
Sew Mama Sew: huge list of blogs with fabric/sewing related giveaways
Blue Finch Studios: free downloadable card
Designer Digitals: weekly freebies that coordinate with the challenges
Sew Mama Sew: free fabric giveaway

Good luck and enjoy checking these sources out.

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soccer and paninis + sunday showcase

You may need to click the above photo to see it larger but, number 2 in the green shirt is my girl Shelby, going for a goal!

Next, this is her proud face as she exits the field to greet me on the sideline. Love it.

Today's lunch: Hearty Grain bread, Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Tomatoes and Roasted Turkey--grilled on my waffle maker=panini sandwich extraordinaire! Seriously, this method of crisping up the outside and subtly melting the inside results in a restaurant worthy, yummo, sandwich. Two days ago I did the same thing without turkey. Tasty as well.

And here is my humble set up: a Krups waffle iron. I simply spray it with non stick spray (or you can brush your bread with olive oil) place my sandwich inside and press down hard. The only thing I caution you about is to use a sturdy bread, otherwise it does not seem to withstand the deep indentations of the iron combined with oil too well. So far, this bread has worked the very best. I got it at Kroger for $2.99. It goes stale quickly so I slice it up and place the slices in the freezer and pull them out as I need them. Perfect.

I had such a crazy, busy week that as I look down at my notebad that I normally fill with Sunday Showcase ideas, I find it to be blank. I will start today on next's week list so come back.

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project 365 month 3 + sunday showcase

I completed my March layout today for my project 365 album. Again, each month will have two pages highlighting well, the highlights of that month. Just for a fun comparison, and to make me feel good about my accomplishment, you can see February and January below.

February

January

In keeping with a digital scrapbooking themed post, my Sunday Showcase is short sweet and FREE!

Funky Playground: They are having a designer contest called capture the flag. Tons and oodles of great kit have been offered for free there. Go, quickly.

Jessica Sprague: The Digital Diva(to me!) is offering a freebie too. Take a short survey and get a kit for free. You might also win a copy of her newest book. I was just plugging along, teaching myself how to scrapbook using photoshop, and then I took one of her classes and it really took me to a new place :) Priceless knowledge and skills in a great format.

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weekend summary + sunday showcase

Olivia leaving for her first ever, Brownie, overnight which went very well. Shew!

Shelby's first soccer game of the Spring Season. Also went well.

Snickers the guinea pig got loose from this little circle configuration but thankfully Kacie scooped him back up and placed him in the cage. There was a lot of screaming and giggling during that 45 seconds.

Last, the coloring of the eggs!

Sunday Showcase:

Mexican Lasagna recipe: this is from Woman's Day magazine. I just prepared it but for tomorrow's night's dinner. Very easy and my taster bites indicated it is yummy too. I could see just serving this cold and scooping it up with chips or wrapping the leftovers (which there is probably another 1.5 cups left) in a tortilla as a soft taco. Meatless too.
Alicia Paulson fat quarter pack--which I can see is already sold out. I knew I should not have hesitated. Thinking about purchases instead of just ordering on impulse is just NO FUN! I really love these fabrics together and wish I had snagged it.
Creative Parties and Showers: A great idea to collect all kinds of creativity in one place. Readers can submit their own party ideas too. Scroll down to see the tags on the water bottles that hold drink mixes. Love this idea.
Cali-schetta recipe: I had torn this out of a magazine but found the exact same recipe spelled out here. I am not typically an avocado eater and totally loved this.

No wonder I am in need of many sit ups!

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a sweet girl and her much loved bunny + sunday showcase

Bunny is a bona fide member of our family. She came as a gift when Olivia was a newborn and has been her constant companion for nearly 8 years now. I took this picture Friday morning, while she was still in bed, at her request. She wanted to have an image of her beautiful unicorn face painting, which frankly still looks pretty good after a night's sleep. We had to wash it off before school. When I opened this picture, I immediately loved the sweetness of her snuggled in next to Bunny.

Sunday Showcase:

Family Fun Magazine: I read that they are offering all of their issues online now, even past ones. I could not find it right off but it would be worth the search. They have the best ideas.

The BonBonerie: This place has crazy good cakes and treats. My past fav was their Opera Cream cake until Friday night when I sampled Carrot Cheesecake. Hands down the BEST dessert I have had in years. This is a local shout out, as it is located in Cincinnati.

Super cool, simplified quilt: I have plans for one of these in pink and brown. No recipient in mind, just a desire to make one!!

That's it. The whole fam got in on a little cleaning this morning so I don't want to entirely lose the momentum. I mean, I do, b/c I despise cleaning, but it feels good to see an improvement.

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sunday showcase (one day late)

I am starting to feel more human now that I have had some decent sleep. I have been doing much smiling recalling Saturday night, all the fun I had there, and all the gladness and appreciation of all the details that went into pulling it off. Kudos again to my friends and family.

One of the seriously funny treasures is the 80's CD shared as a party favor. I listened to it today in my car and was grinning from ear to ear!

Here's what I collected last week:

kidlet free tutorial: love this, I have made one and will make more
Jeffrey Gitomer Seminar: Wow. I enjoyed this immensely. I learned a ton and need to promise myself to make changes and implement his ideas. And it was a pleasure to "meet" him in person and now know how to apply his personality to his books. He also showed pictures of his entire family, including his new baby daughter. Today when I saw his picture on this blog, I felt like I had a true appreciation of the warmth felt under those smiles.
Super Buzzy japanese fabric:I am developing a real love for Japanese fabric and this is a great site. I have yet to make an investment but I want to!
Allison Strine:I am in love with this "camera girl" pendant.
Lisa Leonard: I have mentioned her before but I fell upon her new site, and coordinating blog, this week and am back to coveting a few more items. Such as the bracelets. Must.Have.One.This is the necklace I got from her one year ago.
You Can Quilt This: free sewing machine giveaway. I know I just got a new machine but this one looks to do everything but the dishes so why not try, right?! Pin It

creations from the new sewing machine + sunday showcase

A few things created yesterday with my new sewing machine. Proof that I mastered threading a bobbin and threading the machine!

Pennants being prepared for a bunting I am going to make for above the "dessert table" at O's 1st Communion Party.

My second Orla Kiely pillow!, love this one even more than the first.

My sewing machine on it's perch in my office/craft room.

A simple (yet mind blowing to me) stitch done on the bottom of a linen napkin. I had this pre-made napkin and just added this decorative stitch so I could check things out. I truly did not know what I had been missing in the sewing world! This took about 1.5 minutes. Oh, the possibilities.

Sunday*Showcase

Local Edition:

Women's Smart Talk Series-March 17, the speaker is Billie Jean King...and I am going!
Kroger--$25 to spend if you transfer a prescription to the Kroger Pharmacy. They add it right on to your Kroger plus card. I am feeling like that "found" money could be used to my some magazines :)
etsycincinnati: a local blogger has a feature periodically on local etsy sellers. I'd love a connection to this is a broader sense, such as where locally they sell their goods or if they attend local art fairs? If you know, please leave a comment!

Worldwide Blogosphere:

(photo from pink lemonade's etsy shop)

pink lemonade: crazy cute bags from this etsy seller.
the meanest mom blog: darn, this lady is funny, however, i can also appreciate that she is really just posting from the trenches. the day i read it, i delivered my own child to school tardy and had to laugh out loud at her account.
modish biztips: good advice no matter who you are, and presented creatively. i am so drawn to the whole entrepreneurial spirit, especially women, who are becoming independent, crafty, business owners. there is so much opportunity to do what you love...and to do it well.

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quilted tablerunner b'day gift + sunday showcase

I am thrilled with how this turned out. It is a surprise for my Mom's Birthday and I am giving it to her today. She goes to great lengths to protect her nice tabletop from hot, cold and wet dishes so I even used Insul-Bright batting. Plus, she is the woman who taught and inspired me to sew and cook so I think this is pretty special and I hope she will too.

Sunday*Showcase:

whimsiedots: etsy seller where I got my vintage sheet fat quarters, loved everything about the product and the seller. Check her out!
Brighton: love their stuff, rarely splurge on it. Make that never, anything I have from Brighton has been a gift. Last week, my close friends got me a great necklace for my B'day. Yea, me.
Red Envelope: another dear friend sent me a gift from here, a wall frame that is just unreal; it is so cool. She has sent me gifts from Red Envelope over the years and they are always grand and unique.
watch: I needed a new watch badly and that is what I received from Dave and the girls.
Free Resumes Printed: Fed Ex is offering this on Tuesday, March 10. A great gesture and I know there are many people who can currently take advantage of this. Pass it on.
Grosgrain: A great blog, she is one creative clothing designer. Plus, lately, there have been tons of giveaways. Like the one I linked you to right now!
Moda Bakeshop: I almost forgot this one! My tablerunner was inspired by the one shown here. Lots of other equally lovely projects.

Off to celebrate this birthday of mine...again. Homemade turkey dinner with dressing and the fixings sort of softens the blow. Thanks Mom!

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sunday showcase and ramblings from an almost 40 year old

A short list this go around:

The Long Thread: I found this blog earlier in the week and the coaster project is what brought me there. I love those and found myself liking a lot more, as I looked around. Thos
e girls' skirts are just darling too. I also really like the look of her blog, well done!

Details by Amie: What a cool job (s)...wardrobe consultant, personal shopper, home re-organizer. Fun. And she is local. I saw a small ad in a Cincy business magazine and jotted it down. I am more of a do it yourself-er these days, forced by both budget and the urge to "knock" things off but I think the concept is great.

Ok, now for the old lady ramblings. I turn 40 tomorrow. Last night a group of friends went out to a benefit and to hear an 80's band and casually celebrate my Bday. Tons of people were dressed up in 80's gear and it was hilarious. I will not elaborate but this picture is probably worth more than a thousand words.
I am on stage with the band (typically not a good idea, this would indicate that I had been served a few adult beverages). But even less likely, is to be on stage with former Bengal, current sportscaster, Chris Collinsworth and local newscaster, Trisha Mackie. Notice, the two of them are decked out in 80's garb. My head still hurts... Pin It

freebie: gift card/credit card/business card holder + sunday showcase

All that, and it's still Saturday! Just wanted to share before Grease comes on TV tonight :)

First, I made the modified card holder that I linked to a week or so ago. I tried some other variations and none turned out, so finally, on my third try, I stuck pretty basically to her tutorial and the end result was this. Fastened closed, this measures about 2.5" x 4.5".

*** Due to a very slow Blog day (!) on Sunday, I will extend this giveaway through Thursday at midnight. If you would like to win this card holder, please leave a comment and I will select one winner randomly at that time.


On to the Sunday Showcase:
inchmark journal:My favorite blog find of the week! I just kept reading through all of the creative goodness so I cannot link you to just one thing, I suggest you sift back through the archives as well. My loves: tags/cards with fabric circles, quilted-ish christmas stockings, her artful presentation of color stories, the royal icing circles for cake decorating....seriously, the list goes on and on.

BHG Decorating Ideas for $100 or less-I always love these special issues. This one did not disappoint. I never can seem to find the links for this but just grab one off the new stand, it is a $5 well spent. Inside, the most creative use of chipboard scrapbooking alphas that I HAVE EVER SEEN!

post it note holder on etsy-Clever. Simple. Easy to replicate. I'd have to mod podge the binder clip too, but that's just me :)

Quarterly SALE at Designer Digitals: Always a worthwhile deal. Quality products. Great designers including Ali Edwards. Save 30% through Tuesday.

Oprah's Clean Up Your Messy House: I happened to catch the first episode and the apartment makeover they highlighted was superb. I have not read through this plan thoroughly but I plan to. My home could really stand some attention of this kind. BONUS: 20% Container Store Coupon available for one week.

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the vera bradley mini cooler

So I took a quick little snapshot of it myself b/c it is that cute. Even my girls went wild over this, especially Olivia who claims to need this for a lunch box. Hmm?

I whipped up a cute something today that I am going to offer as a freebie on Sunday. Anyone who comments on my Sunday*Showcase post on Sunday will be eligible to win. I will choose one post at random as the recipient. It took me 3 tries to perfect this little sewn creation but I finally got it right. So...check back in then and leave me a note!

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sunday showcase #3

We have been enjoying a laid back weekend here. Yesterday, my husband planned a little informal dinner, cleaned the house (the downstairs at least) in preparation for a few friends to join us, bought some delicious steaks, a few other accompaniments were brought by friends and then, he cleaned up afterward! Yea, me.

Now for the good stuff:

***Insta Snow link now corrected***

Insta Snow--this stuff was way cool, even for the above 7-8 year old crowd. I highly recommend this for schools, parties, magic shows....
DailyDigi.com--A new, super well done site with a daily, worthwhile message + fabulous pictures and layouts.
credit card/debit card/ business card holder--The tutorial begins as a tea bag holder, also cute, but I love the small changes noted at the end to create another version. I have this on my to-do list.
Lorna Doone 100 calorie pack--these are so yummy, but yes, they are very small. I could eat all 6 packs at one sitting. I haven't. But I could. Pin It

my valentines...and a thank you never goes out of style

Yesterday, both girls had parties at school. The top pic is my cutie Shelby. Below, is Olivia with her tongue out, surrounded by other classmates. They were playing a snowball game where the kid opposite you was throwing a marshmallow and trying to get it in their partner's mouth. Totally simple, totally fun. I am the room mom for her class and some times, I just feel down and overwhelmed. I did more of a "snow day" theme vs. hearts and love. It is nice to see the kids really enjoy what I have chosen, discovered, purchased and/or invented...to do. I will share the BIG hit of the party during my Sunday Showcase. And this is a really great ego booster...not 1 hour after the party, a parent called to thank me AND say what a superstar I was b/c her kid was totally thrilled. I thanked her for calling b/c it meant that much. It might save me from a planned early retirement from this whole room mom occupation! Seriously, a phone call, and a written note, never go out of style.

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Sunday Showcase #2 (cool stuff from the web and beyond)

First, I have a good friend who sends Valentine's cards each year instead of Christmas cards. Love that idea. It gives me something fun to look forward to as she is super creative, always sending the freshest piece of stationary available and a summary of her family's life. Good stuff. She also has been known to send Valentine's gifts as well. I know, it is something! This year my girls received these:

Personalized Plates: fontaine maury . They are totally the cutest and so unique.
and the rest of the list goes like this:
Digital Kit: Photogenic from O Scraps. I LOVE this. Great style, great camera icons, quotes, just a perfect all around kit.
Address and Name stamps: Letter Girl on Etsy. Wonderful, whimsical designs. Rubber stamps and self inking stamps.
Camera Necklace: Cinnamon Sticks on Etsy. This is similar to my great necklace by Lisa Leonard that has my girls' names on it. I adore this style and coupled with the vintage camera, it could not be more perfect. Check out the whole shop here. (Are you detecting a camera theme from me?)
Free fonts: Fonts for Peas. If you like Handwriting fonts, this is the place for you. Check often b/c they add new fonts all the time. And if you want a font of your own writing, they can do that too!

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend. I woke up and looked out the front window and instantly recognized that something was different. Was it the sun shining? Not really. The wind was no longer blowing? Nope. It was green (sorta) grass visible everywhere! We had been buried under snow for over two weeks so this change of scenery is welcome. And with temps in the 40's, maybe my kids will play outside! Pin It

funky mini quilt & Sunday Showcase #1

front

a successful mitred corner!

back, with parallel quilting lines

I decided (really, I am copying other people) to name these little buggers (assuming there will be more) so this one is: 201 february lane. Get it? Today is 02.01. I thought that could potentially make for some cute names and also document things as I go, provide a little timeline.

I machine appliqued in black, and I used a little iron on backing to stick them down first. I found a roll of something I already had, it had no name on it or directions but it worked in a pinch. Ideally, adhering the whole shape would work better. My sewing of circles and curves leaves a lot to be desired at this point too. Oh well, I am only on day 10 of my quilting career so I have to take the bad with the good!

In honor of a new month, a new day, melting ice...I am going to start something I will call the Sunday Showcase. Just some sharing of things I have found lately that you might enjoy too:

Super inspiring quilter

A good read: The Friday Night Knitting Club and Knit 2: Honestly, I am enjoying these but after coming off of the Twilight Series, which is SO well written, they are just OK. And NO, I am not going to try knitting next. I just gloss right over those references in the storyline.

A new, cool, scrapbooking collaboration: House of 3. I like the blogwear stuff, and the price sure seems right!

One of my all time favorite finds on etsy: plushism. I have not gotten one yet, but I have never found a cuter case for my point and shoot either.

Shelby is only slightly better today but I am going to Olivia's basketball game regardless. I think it might do her some good to get out as well, plus it is 42 degrees. And there is NO DOUBT that I need to get out of this house...

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