free time?

Ok, so when you lose your job you'd imagine that you'd have all sorts of free time, right? Hmmmm, not happening.
I'm done being sad for now (I think) and I'm not yet panic-stricken. I've been busy with oilcloth, doctor, dentist, etc. David actually loves having me home, there's a nice dinner every night, we aren't scrambling for clean clothes at 5:00 am, and I am just more relaxed. If only that paid as well as my old job.
I can't post without a picture so check out this manly lunch bag

And check out this etsy shop, I don't know what my fascination with nuns is but this stuff is great:
www.nunofakind.etsy.com
If you are on my Christmas list, you may be getting a sister!

Finally!

I am as frugal as they get when it comes to my fabric scraps, I only throw pieces away once they are smaller than a 2" x 2" size. I sort each scrap meticulously by size with hopes of finding the perfect use for them. This usually isn't hard with cottons but oilcloth has had me stumped for a while now. I sort oilcloth scraps a little differently according to lunch bag pieces they can become. Once they are smaller than a square-pocket or handle-strip size I toss them in a box together.

(yes, this messes with my OCD nature)I walk past the box and it gives me anxiety because I can't toss it...you never know if you'll need it!
Finally, it dawned on me. I know it's not rocket science or a brilliant idea but I am so excited to use up these scraps:

Thank you tags for my lunchbag orders! As a bonus, I use up ribbon scraps as well. This is therapeutic crafting at it's best.

I am super-excited to see my sister http://debnstuff.blogspot.com/ and family today, it's been a long time. Julia and I just made this yummy edible bouquet for an appetizer:

My boss gave me the idea, so I can't take credit for it but isn't it pretty?
Grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers. Just stick them in a pretty vase and serve with some olive oil for drizzling...YUM!

The nerve!

If you live in my house or are ever in earshot of me, you have heard me say at least a bajillion times "You are on my last nerve!". My husband fears the day that last nerve snaps. I don't know where I picked this up but it has kind of stuck. My sweet littlest daughter has even gone to her grandma and said "we are on mommy's last nerve again". Anyway, there may be some truth to this... while I was at my neurologist 2 weeks ago he noticed some weakness in my hands which I quickly brushed off as "oh it's just my carpal tunnel". He pinged my elbow and declared that there is some nerve damage and the fact that I can't type with my ring and pinky fingers should have tipped me off, apparently. So, I have to go for a nerve test today, which totally cracks me up. I may even ask him exactly how many nerves I have left.
I have been busy trying to fill my empty little etsy shop. I really wish I had some time to get a good chunk of stock made. Most of what I am doing is custom requests (which is great) but I feel as if I am losing it on the other end.

I am also working on a consignment order of lunch bags (which I am excited about)that I am chipping away at each night...one bag a night.


My fabulous sister is here visiting for the week and that makes me so happy. We will all have dinner together tonight and perhaps a glass of wine or two...
I already informed the 2 big daughters that mommy and daddy will NOT be driving them to the movies/bowling/friend's house, etc.

Have a great weekend friends!

Happy Birthday Deb!

Happy birthday to my fabulous big sister Debbie! http://debnstuff.blogspot.com/
We couldn't be more different...she loves Florida- me not so much, she loves dessert more- I love dinner more, she's a republican- I'm a democrat... But I love her so much and couldn't have picked a better sister.

PS- I suck and I'll owe you a gift when I see you!