Friday, April 27, 2007

Tagged for a meme...What I need

Lucy of Sweet Repeats tagged me for an interesting meme. It's about what I need.

Here's what you do: go to Google and type your name and needs in quotes. (i.e. "Christy needs"). Then you list the silliest lines and respond to them.

The first one I got was another blogger doing the same meme. I didn't want to have all the same lines, so I went back a few pages on Google and chose some fun ones.

Here goes:
Christy needs to take a picture of her new socks” – Um…I don’t have new socks, but according to my son I needs some. Apparently there are holes in the pair I was wearing yesterday.

Christy needs to blog” – Yes I do. And aren’t you glad that I do?

Christy needs to feel loved” – Don’t we all need to feel loved?

Of course, Christy needs to lose some weight” – Of course?!?!? This isn’t news to me, I just didn’t think I’d see this on the World Wide Web! (This line and the one above are both from Dr. Phil)

Christy needs you to think about a few things, then act upon them” – I like this one! How about thinking “Green”? If you Google “going green”, there are lots of ideas on what little (and big) things you can do to help the environment.

Christy needs a new pair of shoes” – Well, if I must!! (No really, twist my arm.)

Even Christy needs time to slow down and relax” – Oh yes, please!

Christy needs to breed, breed, breed, breed” – Huh? I really don’t think so.

Christy needs some big hugs” – Hugs are always welcome….big, little and virtual!

Christy needs coffee” – Not really, especially this time of night. Besides, I’m a Diet Coke drinker, not coffee thank you.

Christy needs to take her opinions elsewhere” – Well, no, I don’t. This is my blog, so I’ll keep my opinions here!

Now, who to tag?....
Laura, Sarah and anyone else who reads this and wants to join in.

Have a great weekend!

Monday, April 23, 2007

My new "Focus" and catching up....again!

Seems like time is flying for a lot of people. I've read several blogs recently with a common theme of "Where has the time gone?". I just can't believe we're almost done with April.

On to other things.....like my new "Focus". As in Rowenta Focus! I know I shouldn't be so excited about an iron, but it is the nicest iron I've ever used. I LOVE it! My husband bought this for me for my birthday, along with floor mats for my mini van and some other very nice gifts. I know you're thinking that a husband should NEVER buy his wife an iron as a gift, but it really is exactly what I wanted. (You did very well honey!)

I like it so much that I've even ironed our pillowcases and quilt! Who knows what's next.

I was hoping to have pictures of a new sewing machine to show you and rave about, but there's a story about that. My mom came up to visit and took me shopping for a new machine for my birthday. I've been looking around and reading things online trying to figure out which machine I want. I finally decided on a Singer Quantum 9910 that was on clearance at Hancock Fabrics. They had 2 machines in boxes that had been discounted 20%, supposedly because they weren't going to carry that model anymore. We bought the machine and happily carted it home. I can't remember buying my current machine, so it was exciting taking a new machine out of the box, carefully removing the styrofoam and gently setting it down on the table. Oh, a new sewing machine.......but there's red thread on the spool holder....and red thread in the bobbin......and, hang on, blue thread in another bobbin. This is not a new machine. :( I called the store manager and she told me the discount was because it was a display model and had been used for demos. Not at all what I paid for, or wanted. So, sadly, I took it back and the search for a new machine continues.

On a crafting note, I have been helping a friend's daughter with a third grade class project. The kids drew pictures, on muslin, representing books that they've read this year. The muslin panels were then made into a memory quilt. Several of the kids didn't have anyone who could complete the sewing portion of the project, so I volunteered to put one together. I actually ended up doing three of them, including one for my friend's daughter.

This is the first one I did. And that's me looking all squinty eyed and tired.

This is the last one I did, for my friend's daughter. Sorry for the blurry photo. My son was the photographer.

As part of my Spring Fling Swap package for Em, I made an apron using a very springy, cute Daisy Kingdom fabric.


I think that's it for now. Stay tuned for more of the Sewing Machine Shopping Saga!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Spring Fling Pink & Green Swap



I'm participating in the S-P-R-I-N-G Fling Pink & Green Swap, hosted by the gals at Sweet Goodness Swaps and have a great partner! Her name is Em and you should bisit her blog 10000 Beads (& Buttons!). She sent a wonderful package, which included this cute "Spring" card.



All my goodies were wrapped up in this Pink & Green felt covered box.



And here's all my good stuff!

Some cute pink & green fabric, ribbon and rick rack
Pixie Sticks (immediately confiscated by my son)
Really soft Peeps Rabbit
Incredibly cute tissues & yummy smelly soap (Raspberry)
Notebook (handmade by Em)
Green & Pink round box

There were also a little bag of Pink buttons (thrifted), Strawberry Pocky and some little chocolates. There was even a mini Toblerone (love that Swiss chocolate). It's all great Em! Thanks a bunch!!

I'm almost done with my package for Em. I've bought everything, I just have to finish up two handmade things. Hopefully that'll be done this weekend and it'll all be on it's way on Monday.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Family Vacatioin

We headed out Sunday morning for a few days camping on the coast. We didn't have much of an itinerary, other than a day visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

We printed out directions to the campground from Mapquest, then opted for the more scenic route up Pacific Coast Highway instead. It took several hours longer than we'd planned, but it was a beautiful drive. We stopped north of San Simeon to take a look at the Elephant Seals sleeping and sunning themselves on the beach.


Yes, those things that look like driftwood are actually Elephant Seals. There size is amazing. The bulls can be as long as 18 feet and weigh as much as 5,000 pounds!

We set up our campsite at Sunset Beach State Park and quickly got to the business of camping......big campfires and roasting marshmallows. It was a bit colder than we expected, so the campfire was greatly appreciated.


Yes, that's me bundled up in a tee shirt, sweatshirt, quilted jacket and two blankets!

We spent our first day playing on Sunset Beach. I managed a little "crafting", in the form of a sand cake. Nathan took great delight in "frosting" my sand cake in dry sand.


Day two was spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is a great place to take kids and Nathan had a ball. They also have a great website with games and activities for kids.


The Jellyfish are my favorite. They are so beautiful and graceful. I could watch them for hours.

Day three we broke camp to head back home. On the recommendation of a woman we met at the Aquarium, we stopped at Asilomar State Beach. It wasn't the beachcombing treasure trove we were hoping for, but the sand was great for building sand castles.


I think they built an entire sand village!

We all love the seaside and had a super family vacation. Can't wait to go again!