Crazy January Challenge 2011

So I've decided to participate in the Crazy January Challenge 2011 that I found on another stitcher's blog. With the fact I'm no longer just stitching for myself and need to keep up with orders & new patterns in my shop, I'm going to tweak the way I do the challenge a little bit.

The original challenge calls for you to pick 15 different cross stitch patterns/kits and start one of those each day for the first 15 days of January. You will then have 15 different WIPs (work in progress) to stitch and to try and get them ALL completed by the end of 2011.
This is the way I'm going to do the challenge...

• I will pick 12 different pieces.

• I'll start one piece on the 1st of each month and work on that piece consistently for a minimum of the first week.
  
• After that 1st week I will go back to orders or the next pattern that is closest to being finished and released for purchase in my shop.
  
• Sometime between the 8th & 15th of the month I'll post a pic of the progress I've made on each one of my challenge pieces (unfortunately with it being winter it is dark when I leave for work & dark when I get home so I generally have to wait for weekends to take pics during the daylight).

This is the list of the projects I'll be stitching and who the designer is:

1. Winter Freeze by Stitchnmomma
2. Celtic Cross by Stitchnmomma
3. Steps of Santorini by Stitchnmomma
4. Sunset Stroll by Stitchnmomma
   
5. Ironwork Gate by Barbara & Cheryl
   
6. The Red Cart by Stitchnmomma
7. Birch Allee by Stitchnmomma
8. Crashing Wave by Stitchnmomma
9. South Battery View by Barbara & Cheryl
10. Friends are Flowers by Stitchnmomma
11. The Great Wilderness Afghan by Miranda's Needle
12. The Long Road Home by Stitchnmomma

You may have noticed that most of the designs are my own. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone and participate in the challenge as well as work on some of the new patterns I'd like to release.

I'm looking forward to the challenge and hope you all enjoy the pictures I'll be sharing along the way.

Happy New Year to all of you!!
:)

Vote 4 Me...PLEASE!! :)

I'm hoping for some help from all of my great followers.

I've entered for the chance to win 1 month of free advertising on The Handmade Gift Guide.

I'm #30 of the 32 entrants. It's very simple, just click this link, scroll down to you find my Radiant Rose piece (#30) and click the vote button directly above the picture. Voting ends at 11:59pm on Sunday night 1/2/2011.

Thanks for your help!!!
:)

ENTER TO WIN....

With the ever changing and expanding world of social networking, I'm finding it hard to keep up with all the various forms, so based upon popular demand I've decided to start a monthly newsletter.

If you'd like to receive this newsletter, simply email me your first & last name and your email address to Stitchnmomma@hotmail.com Your email address will be kept private and I'll never sell or share my list.

In addition to having a new newsletter to announce my new patterns, categories, share works in progress, etc. I thought I'd have a NAME THE NEWSLETTER CONTEST. The winner will receive a gift certificate to my ArtFire shop. If you'd like to enter, just post a comment here or on my Facebook fan page with your newsletter name. Make sure I know how to get in touch with you in case you're the winner. The winner will be announced in the first premier issue the first week in January.

Can't wait to see the names you all come up with and good luck to everyone!

Looking forward

New LOWER Pricing!!!

As I'm spending more time focusing on my Stitchnmomma shop(s) I'm finding new pros & cons of different websites.

Today I'm excited to announce I will have LOWER PRICING at my ArtFire shop than my Etsy shop. Why you may ask am I doing this? Because unlike Etsy, ArtFire doesn't charge their sellers any fees so I'm passing this savings along to you!!

Stop by and check out my ArtFire shop as I'm adding new items every few days that will make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.

Etsy vs. ArtFire - A Buyer's Opinion????

We all have our personal preferences when it comes to where we shop. I'm looking for the opinion of buyers out there. Do you have preference between Etsy and ArtFire?

I have accounts on both sites, and I feel there are pros and cons to both of them:

Etsy - I've had my Stitchnmomma account for about 18 months now and have had the privilege of 135 sales to date. Granted many of them have been custom or reserved listings, but they are sales none the less.

ArtFire - I've also had my account about 18 months and am still waiting for my first sale. I do have some items listed on ArtFire that aren't available on Etsy.



Etsy - the buyer must have an Etsy account to be able to purchase

ArtFire - as long as you have a PayPal account or a credit card, you can buy whatever you want without having to set up an account with them.


Etsy - is becoming over-saturated in many categories and the choices can be overwhelming

ArtFire - is the new up & coming site for Handmade items with a smaller selection but crafters that are just as dedicated.


I could go on & on with pros & cons from the SELLER'S point of view, but I won't get on my soap box.

If you have an opinion as a BUYER please share, I'd love to hear it.
:)

MAKING IT STIFF

To make it Stand,
You Wet it !

To make it Wet,
You Suck it !

To make it Stiff,
You Lick it !

To Get It In,
You Push it!

Damn!!!!

Threading a Needle when you're AN OLD FART is a BITCH.

To Blog or Not To Blog?????

That is the question.

Should it stay or should it go?

Any thoughts?

SHOP CLOSING SALE

♥♥♥♥♥ SHOP CLOSING SALE ♥♥♥♥♥

I will be closing my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow shop on Etsy & everything must go.

I'm currently offering a 20% discount on ALL items.
Discount excludes shipping charges & refunded automatically through PayPal within 24 hours.

I have well over 100 items that were already made & ready to list, so as items are selling I'll still be listing new so I can get rid of the large amount of stock taking over my house.

I will be keeping my other shop, Stitchnmomma, open so you can still find me there.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

FREEBIE FRIDAY - 10/1/10

"Freebie Friday" is back for Round 3. Every Friday through the end of the year, I will be running a special in one of my 2 Etsy shops. Yay!!!

Today's "freebie" will be in my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow shop, and here's the deal...

********** FREEBIE FRIDAY **********

Buy any 2 BARRETTE or SNAP CLIP LISTINGS Get 1 FREE!!!

Free Barrette/Clip(s) must be of equal or lesser value and will be refunded via PayPal

Offer Expires at midnight EST on FRIDAY, October 1st...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HairTodayYoursTomorr?section_id=7121627

*****************************************

Don't forget to share this amazing deal with your friends!!

I have plenty of barrettes & snap clips to relist as they're selling.

FREEBIE FRIDAY - 9/24/10

"Freebie Friday" is back for Round 2. Every Friday through the end of the year, I will be running a special in one of my 2 Etsy shops. Yay!!!

Today's "freebie" will be in my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow shop, and here's the deal...

********** FREEBIE FRIDAY **********

Buy any 2 HAIR PIN LISTINGS Get 1 FREE!!!

Free Hair Pin(s) must be of equal or lesser value and will be refunded via PayPal

Offer Expires at midnight EST on FRIDAY, September 24th...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HairTodayYoursTomorr?section_id=7121633

*****************************************

Don't forget to share this amazing deal with your friends!!
I have plenty of hair pins to relist as they're selling.

FREEBIE FRIDAY!!!

Starting this morning, every Friday through the end of the year, I will be running a special in one of my 2 Etsy shops. Yay!!!

Today's "freebie" will be in my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow shop, and here's the deal...


********** FREEBIE FRIDAY **********

Buy 2 Scrunchies Get 1 FREE!!!

Free Scrunchie will be refunded via PayPal

Offer Expires at midnight EST on FRIDAY, September 17th

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HairTodayYoursTomorr?section_id=7121638

*****************************************

Don't forget to share this amazing deal with your friends!! I have plenty of scrunchies to relist as they're selling.

My First Cross Stitched Bookmarks

I'm so excited! I've finally finished the first 4 bookmarks in my new series of modern squares that I've designed. I'm hoping they'll be a big seller at my first ever craft fair I'll be doing the end of October as well as on Etsy for the Christmas season.

I've listed the first one in my Etsy shop and you can find them here. I'll list them one each day until I get the first 4 listed. I'll do the same as I finish the 2nd group of 4 and then the 3rd group of 4.

They will all be based upon different types of yummy dessert foods, each with different exciting color combinations. Hope you stop back to check out the next 8 in the series!!
:)

I've Been Feeling Creative

The holidays are right around the corner (only 117 shopping days left - LOL!) and people will soon be looking for gifts to give to their loved ones.

Not only do I want to have both my shops well stocked for the holidays, but I'm doing my first craft fair on October 30th! For any of you that have sold at a craft fair before, I'm sure you understand the anxiety I'm going through right now...

• Will I sell anything?
  
• Will I have enough stock?
  
• Will people like my items?
• What do I make?
• How should I do my display?

And the list goes on & on!!

The good thing is, I've been feeling very creative lately. Maybe it's the new "stress free" environment I've been living in (if you can call an 18-year-old son stress free), but the ideas have just been flowing.

This past weekend I designed a series of 10 cross stitched bookmarks. I already have the first one fully stitched and am working on the 2nd one. I'd like to have at least 3 or 4 of them finished before I start listing. Stay tuned to see listings of those in my Etsy shop in about the next 2 weeks.

In addition to the bookmarks I'll be making other items, but I'm going to tease you and not tell you what those are yet!! :)

Happy Stitching!!

AND THE WINNER IS......

First, we need to get the list of entrants out of the way so you can see how I got the numbers for the random number generator that I'll be using for determine the winner. Because I was getting so few entries on my blog, I did open it up for people to leave comments on one specific link only on my Facebook page. Some of the entries did come from there. Please remember the rules clearly stated you must leave a comment on my blog or the one FB link for an entry into the giveaway.

1. Kippyssomature - blog follower (comment left)
2. Kippyssomature - FB fan (comment left)
3. Kippyssomature - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)
4. SafferyMoore - blog follower (comment left)
5. SafferyMoore - FB fan (comment left)
6. SafferyMoore - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)
7. SquishyProducts - blog follower (comment left)
8. SquishyProducts - FB fan (comment left)
9. Zemphira - blog follower (comment left)10. Zemphira - FB fan (comment left)
11. Purplecatscorner - blog follower (comment left)
12. Purplecatscorner - FB fan (comment left)
13. BeadyEyedMonster - blog follower (comment left)
14. BeadyEyedMonster - FB fan (comment left)
15. BeadyEyedMonster - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)
16. Jen - blog follower (comment left)
17. Jen - FB fan (comment left)
18. SharonKay - blog follower (comment left)
19. Bawissa - blog follower (comment left)
20. Bawissa - FB fan (comment left)
21. Veedubz - blog follower (comment left)
22. Veedubz - FB fan (comment left)
23. PurpleCatsCorner - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)
24. LeahJane - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)25. TheCountrySeam - blog follower (comment left)
26. SweetandSassyCards - blog follower (comment left)
27. SweetandSassyCards - FB fan (comment left)
28. BabyNest - blog follower (comment left)29. Teresa - purchase made (comment left)
30. Teresa - purchase made (comment left)
31. Teresa - purchase made (comment left)
32. Teresa - purchase made (comment left)
33. Teresa - purchase made (comment left)
34. SoonerDesigns - blog follower (comment left)35. SoonerDesigns - FB fan (comment left)
36. Sooner Designs - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)
37. Emma/SovereignSea - blog follower (comment left on FB)
38. ExperienceDesigns - Tweeted the giveaway (confirmed)
39. Rachel Riches - FB fan (comment left on FB)
40. Noelle Sousa - FB fan (comment left on FB)41. Lissa Mersnik - FB fan (comment left on FB)
42. Cilicia Steidl - FB Fan (comment left on FB)
43. Lou Back - FB Fan (comment left on FB)
44. Emma/SovereignSea - FB fan (comment left on FB)45. Kristi Mott - FB fan (comment left on FB)
46. April Wallace - FB fan (comment left on FB)
47. Shaza Mc - FB fan (comment left on FB)

So those are all the entries. Now for the random number generator. And the winner is......

drum roll please.........




#21 - Veedubz - congratulations!!!! I'll be sending you an email shortly with details on how to claim your $20.00 shop credit.

Have a Happy Period

I have seen this before and laugh every single time. Whether this is an actual letter (as it claims to be) it's still very true. Men...take heed!!!

This was just too funny.... This is an "actual letter" from an Austin, Texas woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding one of their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. This was PC Magazine's 2009 Editors' Choice award-winner for the best letter sent via e-mail.

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.
But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.'

Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything
mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh!t. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always. . ...

Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

Green...my favorite color

I guess there is something to be said about my favorite color being green...

GREEN

You are a very calm and contemplative person. Others are drawn to your peaceful, nurturing nature.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

Your score was 87/180.
3,240,747 people have taken this quiz.
And 1,123,590 got Green like you.

IT'S TIME FOR THE GIVE AWAY!!!!

I surpassed the 100 "fan" mark on my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow Facebook Fan Page so now it's time for me to do my give away. Yay!!!

ENTRY DATES: Friday August 13th to Friday August 20th, 2010

THE PRIZE: A $20.00 "shop credit" to my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow shop where you can choose the hair accessories that YOU like vs. what I pick to give you

HOW TO WIN: Each person can get up to 8 entries in the giveaway drawing:

• Follow this blog = 1 entry

• Become a facebook fan = 1 entry
• www.facebook.com/HairTodayYoursTomorrow
  

• Tweet about my giveaway = 1 entry
• Be sure to put @Stitchnmomma in your tweet so I can see it

• Purchase 1 or more items from Hair Today Yours Tomorrow = 5 entries!!
• Purchase must be made 8/13/10 thru 8/20/10 to count towards the give away with a note posted here that you've purchased

Entries will be taken from all comments that are left here on my blog.

Most importantly - don't forget to tell me how to contact you in case you're the big winner.

Good luck to everyone and I'll post the winner next Saturday, August 21st!!!
:D

P.S. For all you cross stitch fans, I'll be doing a give away for my Stitchnmomma store in the next 4-6 weeks, so stay tuned for that.

My 1st Giveaway!!!

When I get to 100 fans I'll do my 1st give away.

Are you a fan??

www.facebook.com/HairTodayYoursTomorrow

Maxine On Minorities

Hair Today Yours Tomorrow is Featured

I'm so excited to have my first "real" feature on my Hair Today Yours Tomorrow shop.

You can find the feature here on the Handmade Gift Guide. If you have a moment, please check it out. Be sure to read to the end because there's a special discount on there!!

Guess What's New????

I know I've been MIA for a little while now. I have been SUPER SWAMPED!!!

I've had lots of orders I'm working on for my cross stitch store, have been trying to learn the social media addiction of Facebook for promotion purposes (I posted the link to my fan page previously) and have opened my second Etsy shop... Hair Today Yours Tomorrow that has handmade, affordable hair accessories for all ages.

In the interest of saving time and trying to keep myself sane I will most likely be posting for both shops here, as well as various tidbits I want to share.

Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to hearing from you all!!

:D

Facebook Fan Page

I've finally done it!! My son has started setting up my Facebook fan page for Stitchnmomma. This will be a work in progress as we all know how long it takes to upload pics, etc. Please stop by, check it out fan/like me and give me some feedback on it.

Thanks!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cuyahoga-Falls-OH/Stitchnmomma/130090270346128

P.S. I also just heard I need a minimum number of people that like/fan me to get a shorter URL, please help me with this!

:D

My Private Collection

I've had many discussions on various forum threads regarding the pieces I've stitched for myself that are currently hanging in my home. Some of these have taken me YEARS to complete, in between working on various other projects. Today I thought I would finally share them with you. None of these are for sale, as they all mean something to me. The price would definitely have to be right for me to ever part with them, and there aren't too many collectors that are willing to pay HUNDREDS of dollars for a framed cross stitch.

Please excuse the quality of the photos. Once a piece has been framed and is behind glass it becomes more difficult to photograph.

This first piece is one of the first full cross stitches I've ever completed and the first one to be framed. I'm sure everyone can tell that it was a birth sampler I stitched for my son. I started it when I was pregnant, and we just won't discuss the fact that it wasn't finished until 1996. It used to hang in my son's room until he was about 11 and then decided he was too old for it and took it down. As I have no place to hang it at my new house, I keep it safely boxed with other valuables to one day give back to him when he's married & has kids of his own.
This next piece is the first one I ever designed with my PC program for cross stitch design. As you can tell, it's very simple. I was just trying to learn how to use the program, etc. It may be simple, but the quote from Charles Dickens is one that I try to live by daily. This piece is also one of the patterns I have available for purchase in my Etsy shop. If you click on the picture, it will take you to the shop where you can see much better pics of this piece.
This next piece is one I thought was appropriate not only for my husband, but one I stitched on our vacations at a fishing lodge on the French River in Ontario, Canada. They writing on it says "Early to bed, early to rise. Fish all day and make up lies." Now tell me, what fisherman doesn't that saying not fit?!? One of the things I really liked about this piece is the wood looking frame I chose. It just reminds me of old driftwood you would find on a beach somewhere. Rather appropriate for a fishing theme.

Until this year, I had been a member of the Stan Hywet Needlework Guild. This piece was the 2nd piece I entered into their annual Stitchery Showcase. Needless to say, when I walked down the stairs into the auditorium and found that I had received a blue ribbon, I cried like a little baby! I was completely overwhelmed, as there was approximately 80 entries into my judging category, and I took first place. The title to this piece is Harmony & Tranquility and it currently hangs in my dining room.

When you talk about YEARS to stitch a piece, this is another great example. It took me over 10 years to finish this one. Granted I lost the original set of directions and eventually had to write to the company to get a replacement so I could finish it. I originally started stitching this piece to hang in my bedroom 2 houses ago. I had no clue when I finally got it done it would be the perfect piece to hang above my couch in the living room. When I was in The Guild, they liked for you to have a minimum of one entry per year. This was one of my entries. I was cutting it really close to deadline to have it to the framers. The last thing I had to stitch was some leaves that were done with the lazy daisy stitch, which I had never done before. I took an extra piece of fabric and did them over & over until I felt comfortable with them and they looked like the pictures I had seen. When it came time to do them on my actual piece, it was like I was back to square one and had never made them before. I got to the point I was so frustrated and was out of time, I just took the picture that came with the kit and back-stitched leaves on to look the same. This was one of those times that evidently the judges had never seen this pattern and didn't realize I should have used lazy daisy stitches because I earned a blue ribbon on this piece also!
My last piece I'm going to share with you is also one of the patterns I have available for sale in my shop. I love sunflowers! They are always so bright & happy looking and there is something about them that brings a smile to my face. This piece didn't receive ANY ribbons when I entered it into The Showcase, but that's OK. It hangs at the bottom of my stairs and I see it every morning when I get out of bed. What a way to start the day. If you click on this pic, it will take you to the item in my shop where better pics are also available.
I think this is probably the longest blog post I've ever done. I hope you've enjoyed getting a look at some of the pieces I've enjoyed stitching that hang in my home for me to share with my family & friends on a daily basis.

I'm Baaaacccckkkk!!!!

I'm so excited to announce I've reopened my Etsy shop tonight. You've already seen some of the new items I'll be listing, with even more to come. I'll be listing them 1 or 2 a day until I get them all posted.

Stop by and take a look when you get a chance.

And as a little teaser...I'll be opening a 2nd Etsy shop around July 1st that has nothing to do with cross stitch. Stay tuned...

Store Re-Opening Sneak Peak

I've been getting quite a few questions lately regarding when my Etsy shop will reopen and what I'm going to have for sale. So tonight I thought I would answer those questions for you.

First, my shop will be re-opened no later than June 15th. You can sign up here to be notified when I'm back open for business.

As far as what I'm going to have for sale...well...of course I'll have more magnets as well as other creations that are in the works. This is a sampling of 3 of the magnets I've completed that will be for sale:

While I'm sharing photos, I wanted everyone to see this custom order I completed and shipped out on Saturday. It is a magnet of Super Mario that will be a boy's birthday present. Now hopefully Canada Post will come through and deliver it on time!!


So in the next two weeks I'll have more items I'll be finishing for my shop re-opening, more custom orders I'll be working on (pics of those in a future post) and working on finding the perfect spot to take pics and when to take them in my new house, as I'm still struggling with that.

Looking forward to sharing more items with you, so be sure to check back here and in my shop on June 15th!!
:D

In Memory of Iris

Even though my Etsy shop is currently in vacation mode, I've still been busy stitching away. Yesterday I finished a custom order for an absolutely lovely lady on Etsy named Gleeza.

The order was for 7 blue iris magnets. The magnets will be given to some of her family members in memory of her grandmother, Iris. Iris passed away several months ago after a long, full life. She would have been 90 this May 30th. Not only was her name Iris, but the blue iris was her favorite flower.

I'm extremely honored that Gleeza asked me to make these to help commemorate what would have been her grandmother's 90th birthday. I've included some pictures to share with you all. I'm still working out where & when to take pics at my new house, so unfortunately the pics may not be the greatest.

Here's to Iris!!!
:)

"Mature" but not Sexual Etsy Treasury

There has been such an uproar in the Etsy forums the past few days regarding the "mature" treasuries that are predominantly displayed on the first page of Treasury East, that I had to do my own non-xrated spin on a "mature" treasury.

Please check it out, and since T-East treasuries don't expire, you'll still have time to look.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bf584f0cb026d91c5a31532/hows-this-for-mature

Thanks for looking!!
:D

FREE Cross Stitch Patterns

I am constantly searching for new patterns I can get for free to stitch things not only for my self but to sell in my Etsy shop.

This link is for one of the sites I go to on a regular basis. There are hundreds of all different types of patterns and there are new patterns added every day. It's really worth looking at.
http://cross-stitchers-club.com/?code_avantage=gfhjrw.

Plus, if you click on this link, you'll automatically receive a gift when you subscribe. Remember...the subscription is FREE!!

What an Awesome Card!!!

Well, I'm all moved and am working on starting a new chapter in my life.

I went home at lunch yesterday with a couple of ladies from my company that are only in town once or twice a month so they could see the new house I've moved into. I noticed when we pulled in the driveway my mail had been delivered and there was a package sticking out of the box. Of course, when you aren't expecting anything you're even more curious than normal as to what the package may contain. I looked at the name and return address and didn't recognize it, but went ahead and opened the package anyway.

I was pleasantly surprised (to put it mildly) to find this awesome new home card made specifically for me from Polliwog123!

Not only is this just an amazing card, but she created the card based upon pics of the actual house I had emailed to some of my Etsy friends once I knew where I was moving. She has all the little details down, including placing the house number in the correct spot above the door. And the heart-warming messages that were included from Suzanne (Polliwog123) and another wonderful Etsian just about put me in tears.

I love to share the great items and sellers I find on Etsy and I can honestly say, if you are looking for a card, you definitely need to check out Suzanne's shop!! Of all the cards I've personally bought and received from Etsy sellers, this is the best quality of all of them.

I'm still alive...

...even though I haven't blogged in awhile.

I have a lot of changes going on in my personal life and unfortunately my blog has been pushed to the bottom of my to-do list.

I'll be back with regular posts again sometime after May 3rd.

Thanks for patiently following, and if you're looking for any deals, everything in my Etsy store is currently 50% OFF!!!

:D

Get Out of the Car!

When Girls Don't "Put Out"

When girls don't put out!!
This was written by a guy...it's pretty damn smart.
(Source: Unknown - a various email I received)

Girls -- Please have a sense of humour!

I never quite figured out why the sexual urge of men and women differ so much. And I never have figured out the whole Venus and Mars thing. I have never figured out why men think with their head and women with their heart.

FOR EXAMPLE:

One evening last week, my girlfriend and I were getting into bed. Well, the passion starts to heat up, and she eventually says, 'I don't feel like it, I just want you to hold me.'

I said, 'WHAT??!! What was that?!'

So she says the words that every boyfriend on the planet dreads to hear...

'You're just not in touch with my emotional needs as a woman enough for me to satisfy your physical needs as a man.'

She responded to my puzzled look by saying, 'Can't you just love me for who I am and not what I do for you in the bedroom?'

Realizing that nothing was going to happen that night, I went to sleep.

The very next day I opted to take the day off of work to spend time with her. We went out to a nice lunch and then went shopping at a big, big unnamed department store. I walked around with her while she tried on several different very expensive outfit s. She couldn't decide which one to take, so I told her we'd just buy them all. She wanted new shoes to compliment her new clothes, so I said, 'Lets get a pair for each outfit.'

We went on to the jewellery department where she picked out a pair of diamond earrings. Let me tell you... she was so excited. She must have thought I was one wave short of a shipwreck. I started to think she was testing me because she asked for a tennis bracelet when she doesn't even know how to play tennis

I think I threw her for a loop when I said, 'That's fine, honey.' She was almost nearing sexual satisfaction from all of the excitement. Smiling with excited anticipation, she finally said, 'I think this is all
dear, let's go to the cashier.'

I could hardly contain myself when I blurted out, 'No honey, I don't feel like it.'

Her face just went completely blank as her jaw dropped with a baffled, 'WHAT?'

I then said, 'Honey! I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while. You're just not in touch with my financial needs as a man enough for me to satisfy your shopping needs as a woman.'

And just when she had this look like she was going to kill me, I added, 'Why can't you just love me for who I am and not for the things I buy you?'

Apparently I'm not having sex tonight either....but at least that bitch knows I'm smarter than her.


Alright Ladies. Forward this if you agree. Hell even if you disagree, forward it anyway.

Men, forward this if you have BALLS !!!!

IndieSpotting

I'm soooooo excited! My Radiant Rose has made it to the IndieSpotting website!!!

Check out this link...it is currently in the bottom left corner, but I'm sure it will move to another page tomorrow

http://www.myshoppingconnection.com/indiespotting/2010/index.php


Thanks for sharing in my excitement!!!
=D

Diary of a Snow Shoveler

December 8 - 6:00 PM It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!


December 9 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a lovelier place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!


December 12 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow.. Such a disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.


December 14 - Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.


December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska , after all.


December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.


December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.


December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day. The dam snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.


December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plough on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the butt hole is lying.


December 23 - Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.


December 24 - 6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.


December 25 - Merry fricking Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.


December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.


December 27 - Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.


December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. My WIFE is driving me crazy!!!


December 29 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?


December 30 - Roof caved in. I beat up the snowplow driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his BUTT. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.


December 31 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.


January 8 - Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

Funny Friday - 2/19/10

Better than a Flu Shot!
Miss Beatrice, The church organist, was in her eighties and had never been married. She was admired for her sweetness and kindness to all.
One afternoon the pastor came to call on her and she showed himinto her quaint sitting room. She invited him to have a seat whileshe prepared tea...
As he sat facing her old Hammond organ, the young minister noticed a cut glass bowl sitting on top of it. The bowl was filled with water, and in the water floated, of all things, a condom!
When she returned with tea and scones, they began to chat..
The pastor tried to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and itsstrange floater, but soon it got the better of him and he could no longer resist.
'Miss Beatrice', he said, 'I wonder if you would tell me aboutthis?' pointing to the bowl.'Oh, yes,' she replied, 'Isn't it wonderful? I was walking through the park a few months ago and I found this little package on the ground. The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the

Work in Progress Wednesday - 2/17/10

It's been a few weeks since I've done a WIP post, but have made some significant progress on projects since then.

I FINALLY finished the custom doxie sweatshirt I've been working on for months. My heartfelt thanks go out to the very patient buyer!!!

I've made several different magnets. Some of them were for custom orders and some are available for purchase in my shop. I have more I'm working on. These are much easier to carry to and from the office and work on when I can get 15-30 minutes of stitching time on my lunch than toting around the larger projects.


Here's a blast from the past...the mouse pad I started months ago! It was put on hold for other custom orders and I just pulled it back out 2 days ago. I'm considering it one of my "larger" projects so I've only been stitching it at home in the evenings. Not to mention, it's on my favorite new medium...vinyl aida!! Hopefully by the time my next WIP post rolls around I'll be finished with it and it will be posted in my shop.

I've included links in all the pics that will take you directly to that item in my shop for those that may be interested in getting more information.

Stay tuned as my next WIP Wednesday post will be in the next 2-3 weeks.

In the meantime, feel free to check out my sister's new shop, LisasLivables, that she is working on stocking.

Vegas Trip - Day 1

As many of you may know I took a trip last weekend to Las Vegas. Not only was it my first time in Vegas, it was my first ever "Girls Trip"!!! No kids & no husbands...and we had a blast!!!

We decided if we were going to have a wild weekend we should start it out right...drinks on the plane starting at 9:30am as soon as the first beverage cart came around. I must say, I think it has been about 20 years since I had a drink that early in the morning. Thankfully the sensible mom in me made sure I had breakfast at the airport. I'm not too keen on flying, but it was a great flight and the smoothest landing I've ever experienced. Thanks to the great pilots, whoever you are!

We had scheduled shuttle transportation, but didn't end up needing it as our old boss (who recently purchased his own restaurant franchise in Las Vegas) picked us up from the airport.

First stop...Firefly* Tapas Kitchen and Bar. That was another first for me. The food was awesome and the 2 pitchers of Sangria weren't too shabby either. Found out I rather like the Sparkling Peach Sangria...I think I know what I'll be making this summer.

After spending a couple of hours at the restaurant it was time to check in at the hotel. We got great rates at The Flamingo. Even though it's one of the older hotels, it's centrally located on The Strip and when you're only there to shower and 3-4 hours of sleep a night, who needs a fancy hotel room?!

Unfortunately it rained the entire weekend, so I don't have near as many pictures as I'd like and some of them are a little dreary. And no, I'm sure some of you will be asking...we did NOT go see the Donny & Marie show!

Even though it was raining, we're in Vegas and there was lots to do. We took advantage of some girl time to stroll The Strip and see some of the great casinos/resorts along with doing some window shopping at places we could never dream of being able to afford!



One of the items on our "must see" list was The Venetian. Since Italy is not only my dream spot on where to vacation, but where I want to live, we figured it would be as close as we were going to get for awhile. It amazes me how several of the resorts are designed to look like you are outdoors of whatever city they are representing (Venice, Paris, Rome, etc.). And what is a trip to Venice without a gondola ride on the canal??? (thought I'd have a little fun with this photo since I really HATE having my picture taken and use the cartoon feature on my camera).


After a quick trip back to the hotel room for dry clothes (it was down pouring by the time we came out of The Venetian) and a quick power nap it was out on the town for the night. We were able to catch the tail end of the fountain show at The Bellagio, went to Paris for dinner (at an Italian restaurant...wtf?) and then spent quite a bit of time in the piano bar. Let me tell you the guys playing those dueling pianos were awesome!!! They perform there every Friday night. I just wish it were local, as I would go see them often!My first attempt at adding video to my blog has failed. I'll try again and hopefully I'll be able to share the video of the fountain show at the Bellagio.

That is all I'm willing to share of Day 1 in Vegas, because we all know the saying..."What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!".

Stay tuned for Vegas Trip - Day 2.

Funny Friday - 2/12/10

Sick of angel emails?

Ok BE HONEST...how many of you REALLY ENJOY getting little angel love notes from every person in your address book? You know the ones with "I love you so... here's an angel" .. and some mushy poem crap....

And like the cute wasn't bad enough, they then THREATEN you with bad luck if you don't send it on to others!!


So here's my version:

Take the fairy dust:

Add it to one of those angels


And POOF!!!!...




He's good luck because he probably made you smile.

When you're finished trying to see up his loincloth,

(AND YOU JUST LOOKED AGAIN, DIDN'T YOU??),

why not send this on to some of your girlfriends to make them smile, too?

One for the girls :

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my shape to keep.

Please no wrinkles, Please no bags

Please lift my butt before it sags.

Please no age spots, Please no gray

As for my belly, Please take it away.

Keep me healthy, Keep me young,

And thank you Lord, For all you've done.



Foot Note:

One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:

'If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're
nuts.'

ETSY ARTISTS EXPOSED

I made it back from my weekend girls trip to Vegas to find that VickiDiane was able to get an Artists Exposed treasury for the I Buy You Buy thread I paricitipate in daily. If you have an opportunity, please stop by and get a peak at some of the great Etsians you probably see in the forums on a daily basis.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=111649

It expires on Tuesday 2/9/10 at 4:45pm EST so you have until then to see us all
:)

Funny Friday - 1/29/10

My 1 day employment

So after landing my new job as a Wal-Mart greeter, a good find for many retirees, I lasted less than a day......

About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud, unattractive, mean-acting woman walked into the store with her two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.

As I had been instructed, I said pleasantly, 'Good morning and welcome to Wal-Mart. Nice children you have there. Are they twins?'

The ugly woman stopped yelling long enough to say, 'Hell no, they ain't twins. The oldest one's 9, and the other one's 7. Why the hell would you think they're twins? Are you blind, or just stupid?'

So I replied, 'I'm neither blind nor stupid, Ma'am, I just couldn't believe someone slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart.'

My supervisor said I probably wasn't cut out for this line of work.

VEGAS, BABY!!!!

Need spending $ for girls trip to Vegas in 11 days!!!!

25% refund via PayPal on all purchases (excludes Clearance items)

Use promo code "VEGAS"

Help a girl out =D

stitchnmomma.etsy.com

Funny Friday - 1/22/10

WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you.
This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.
I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.


MONDAY: Started my day at 6:00 a..m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god - with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY: I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY: The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for me that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

THURSDAY: Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

FRIDAY: I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little aerobics instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY: Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I didn't show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY: I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun - like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with M&Ms!!!

Work In Progress Wednesday - 1/20/10

I know it's been a long time since I've done a post. With the holidays over and life somewhat getting back to normal it's time to resume them.



I decided I would start with a sort-of Work In Progress post. I did a lot of custom items over the holiday and have received several requests to see pics of them, so I'll start with those.



One of my orders was for custom daddy's and mommy's first christmas ornaments. I was so excited to get them packed & shipped I forgot to take a picture of the mommy one. It is similar to the daddy's ornament, just in pink.





I had another order that was for a quantity of a MINIMUM of 6 smiley face magnets. Smiley is currently available in my shop, it was just the quantity that made it custom.

One of my most time consuming orders was a mouse pad of a co-workers dog as a Christmas present for her husband. The picture is of the insert only that goes inside a mouse pad sleeve. I learned two things from this order: 1) I need more time than 17 days to stitch one (I pulled 2 all-nighters in there and went to the office with NO sleep) and 2) I need to charge more money - ended up making $0 after the cost of supplies. But it was still a great project to do and am looking forward to more of them.

I made some conversation heart magnets for my store and ended up getting a custom order for some others. These are fun and I like the fact they are smaller so I can take them to the office and stitch on my lunch hour.

And last, but definitely not least, we have the lovely Hannah! She is the doxie sweatshirt that got put on hold over the holidays (thank you VERY much to the gracious Etsian that is very patiently waiting for it!!!) She is now the focus of all my night time stitching and I'm hoping to have her done this weekend. She has all of her body, including the shading details and now I just need to finish her head. I'll post a picture of her in a future post once she is fully completed.

Sty tuned for more blog posts on a regular basis once again.