Today I am blogging from my phone. My modem has went kaput. We have a tech. Coming tomorrow afternoon. Yikes, tomorrow afternoon? What shall this household do?

Oldest son says he is going to a friends house.

Youngest son went back to bed.

Hubby watching football, sleeping in the recliner more like it.

Me? Totally trying to keep it together lol. I had so many plans for the blog today. I have 3 new patterns I wanted to share today. I have oodles of photos to share. Plus a local fabric purchase show and tell.

I guess I can finish that last load of laundry. I had downloaded a few free pocasts the other day. I am also needing to finish wrapping prezzies that need to go out in the mail soon.

There is always tomorrow.

So ever thankful for all of you! XOXO

I am going to sneak out of the house in just a bit. I have to mail something off and then I will head over to my local craft stores. I want to see if there is anything needed (gift wise) that I can use my coupons on. I have a few to share with you. Some you can't use just yet. Some you can. Before I begin my black friday shopping I need to see first if they have anything I need on my list. I don't want to to go and explore the store the day of. You know what that day can turn into right? You think oh who is going to a craft store for Holiday shopping? EVERYONE!

Here are some coupons I have found. You can use them too.

This one is Michaels Craft Store.
20% off anything including sale items and clearance.
Friday and Saturday you can get 50% off one item using these coupons.

Joann Fabrics has this 40% off coupon. But its only valid until tomorrow.

I visited acmoore.com and they have no sales flyer or ad at the moment. BOO!! I am playing Santa to a few unsupecting people this year. I love doing that. It makes me feel all warm and mushy inside. If I could I would make surprises all around the world to everyone.

I have decided to throw all my ideas out the window. I wanted to do so many things for the tree this year. Yet when I started putting up the tree yesterday, I realized me hand making tree ornies this year isn't really gonna happen. By the time I got the lights up. I realized I only did the blue. Which really looks aqua when they light up. It was so pretty. I then found myself putting away the other lights. I have been picking up these little crystal ornies here and there since September at Walmart. I was going to use them for something else. They are really nice hard durable plastic. I dropped one and it did not break on my tile floor. Nice. Well I found myself going over to the crafting drawer and digging them out and putting them on the tree. I picked out only the aqua balls. At night time this is such a pretty sight to see. I am not done. I have to show you more of the scalloped quilted tree skirt I found in Target. I LOVE it so much. Best of all its Off white and you cant see cat hairs. Cause once the tree goes up its a fight to see who is going to sleep under the tree at bedtime. Oh man. They ruined 3 skirts. Lets see how this one does. Its very thick and solid. I adore it so much that I will be crushed if my fur babies mangle it. I still have my smaller trees to trim. My white and my silver one. Those will get the handmade ornies and at least I can d a small version of what I wanted to do with the large tree. So I still get my holiday crafting time. I am looking for a tree topper and a few simple ornies and I am done! I will update you soon. I really REALLY love how its coming so far. Last night it was hard not to doze off into Winter Wonderland as I sat gazing into this tree.

I have been researching late at night on the net for a new sewing machine. I think I am finally ready to play with the big toys. I currently have this sewing machine. A Singer Advance 7422. I paid about 140.00 for this machine. It does the job and it awesome for sewing. However I don't like several things on this machine. I wish there was more stitches than just 30. Most of the stitches they do offer are well....not that pretty. I also think they are missing some key stitches that I have seen on most machines. The stitches are very nice and strong and the machine does its job very well. I can sew and sew alot and get awesome results. Yet I cant sew thru a few layers of fabric. It starts to make this horrid thud thud thud noise and jumps the stitches on the bottom. It also likes to eat the corner of anything small I am sewing. Its too fast and forceful at beginning and ending points of areas of sewing and I can't slow it down. When i sew in general its very loud. Prolly one of the loudest machines I have owned. It does have a wonderful long table attachment so I do get more of a sewing room. They don't show that in the link I mentioned. But you do get that table with the machine. And it does help when you need that extra sewing room. Now don't get me wrong if you are a first time sewer this machine is perfect for you. I will be keeping this machine as a back up machine. There isn't a lot of bells and whistles and its very easy to use and understand. I am just ready for the bells and whistles.

I have been looking at oodles of sewing machines. I have been reading every review I can find. I am researching the company that makes them and the machine themselves. Currently striking my fancy are these sewing machines:

Janome Threadbanger30I adore the look and style of it. However, there is not enough features for me.

Janome Memory Craft 4400This one is calling my name.

Did you know Janome has a needlepunching machine? They do. Its called an FM-725. Its for felting.

I went over to the Viking website. I must say I got overwhelmed. Those machines look to have a bunch of features. I don't want to confuse myself. This machine here was the only one that popped out at me. Viking Emerals 183. Cute stitches but not really what I am looking for.

I visited Pfaff. I must say I am loving the styles and looks of these machines. I have been looking at this model, classic style 1523. Yet. There is less stitches on this machine than my Singer has now. Ugh. The next step up does not have much more in stitches either. Double Ugh. I really love the style of those sewing machines.

Now Bernina has a machine that is calling my name LOUD. Its from their Activia line. the Bernina Activa 240. there is up to 250 stitches on this particular model. I really do love that. I also love the bright light this machine offers. I have been looking for the stipple stitch. This machine has it. Not all machines have this stitch. Even the high priced ones. So my searching has been very very thorough. So much so I have even read the manuals.

I do like the fact that Bernina is a family owned company. they have been in business for 114 years. Here a few more reasons why I love Bernina. Oh and if you need another read, you must Read this heart warming story. (just scroll down a bit its the 3rd paragraph) I have access to these machines locally. There is a local shop near me that sells them. I think a field trip is in order to this place. They have workshop classes too. Oh my!

I was busy painting my toe nails in the bathroom and hubby couldn't resist attacking me with the camera. Please no photos in the bathroom I was yelling lol.

Hubby is too Sweet! I have to keep my flowers up very high, away from the cats. They love them. They love to EAT THEM! Naughty Kittys. Every time I walk past the flowers the cats follow me and stare at the flowers and meow at me. I am thinking my gift is taunting them. HAHA!

Ever since I got a bob hairstyle I havent cut my hair. Yes that was in Feb. It was getting all grown out and well....long and lifeless. Now I have a little pep in my step. hehe I like.

I am looking for toys. Toys for me to play with of course. I don't mind seeing what they have out there in crafting toys. Sometimes you can use the toys for other purposes. I have been looking for an icord knitter. I have seen Betz White use one on Martha Stewart and now I am searching all over for them. I found lots of toys that I did not even know exsisted.

Singer Spool Knitting Machine. How adorable is this? I get excited over little toys like this. Why didn't they have these things around when I was a kid?

Singer Knitting machine. Also looks to be helpful and fun.

Pot Holder Looms. I have always loved looming. I would love to make some of these.

Another knitting machine with great reviews.

Embellish Knit is a toy I am hoping will be in my stocking this year. A-hem..Santa?

Its not always Tori. hehe Fiona Apple is played just as much. I have to go sew and paint and stop playing. Happy FRIDAY!!

This live performance is so fab I wonder if they knew they just taped perfection. They captured all her moments. I love her quirks.

I know I play this video often. I just adore it so much!

Bouncing off Clouds, Tori Amos

i have this set!

They look like gnomes. I have to purchase some, i have an idea!

I think I shall make some sugar cookies this holiday.

Rewind to 1998.

I live in South Florida. I am just so anxious to start an acting career. I have an agent who gives me a little bit of work from time to time. Sometimes the work is not "acting" more like promotions. I do my time. I go on everything they send my way. This one time I get a call while I am at work (working full time at an office, HATING IT) They want me to attend a movie set and fill up some space. You know...XTRA work. Oh my. Ok. No problem. Lets go. The job requires me to be there for 12 hours. The filming takes place at night time, all thru the night till wee hours of the morning. I found out its a Harrison Ford film. (gush) So we have to be there at 5pm to check in and fill out paper work. I am to report to the Miami International Airport. I gather all the supplies needed for my part and I am off to the airport. I have to carry a suitcase and I keep all my extra clothing inside the suitcase in case what I am wearing is not ok by costume dept. Now since I am an extra, I have to carry this suitcase all night long with me, where ever I go or they tell me to go. It comes with me. I am also carrying this black mesh bag that I am keeping my cell phone in, magazines to read and snacks etc. You need to keep from falling asleep. And this is before cell phones were so handy with cameras and texting and internet connection.

So the night begins. I here that Harrison Ford is in the building and so is Kristin Scott Thomas (which at the time I could only place her in one movie that I have seen, Under the Cherry Moon. Remember Prince's movie. (giggle) We are moved all thru the airport. Shooting scenes here and there. Just people walking. I DID get to see lots of Sydney Pollack, the director of the movie. He was very interesting to watch. I like how he used the camera. It was very interesting for me to see a movie being filmed. But not just filmed. HOW he filmed it. We break for dinner at like midnight. We are all by the Kraft table eating and everyone is talking to everyone. Cept me. HAHa. I didn't know ANYONE who was there. I found someone later in the night who actually took some acting classes with me, but that was at 4 am. haha. So I am sitting there by myself. reading my book and looking around every once in a while to see what people are doing. I people watch so for me its not terriable. I am alone but I am digesting people and their habitis or ticks. This long haired, blonde young man comes my way and asks me for a light. (CRINGE yes at the time I was a SMOKER) I gave him a light and we chatted small talk. Nothing crazy. he asked me how my night was. He was very sweet. Hung out with me for two cigs and then was on his way.

We are all hauled back to the shooting scenes. Lots of waiting has gone by. Its now 3AM. I hear the "stars" are coming for the next scene. I am seated in the airport at one of the terminals where you wait for people to get on board or off the plane. Just sitting, waiting. And Kristin Scott Thomas walks up with her entourage and sits down. IN FRONT OF ME. I quickly scan her up and down. I notice her hips are a lot bigger now than in that movie. I really was not that impressed with her. Seeing how I said hello and nodded quietly in my seat and she just rolled her eyes at everyone and was complaining about how long things were taking. Maybe she was ill. Maybe she was getting ready for her role. I don't know.

I just sat there and waited. Then it happened. I saw Harrison Ford coming down the escalator. They INSTANTLY starting shooting the scene and he was coming. HE WAS THERE. HE WAS so handsome in person. So dreamy. Ok So lots of scenes are being shot. people are moving here and there. The director is hand picking extras at this point. He only wants certain amount of people and wants them to do certain things all at the same time when Harrison is looking for someone in the airport. EVERYONE is getting hand picked around me. CEPT ME! I am there in a crowd of 20. By the time everyone is picked I and 2 other gals are the only ones left who haven't a job to do while they film. UNTIL the long blonde haired guy who bummed two lights off me went up the director and said a few things to him and 2 seconds later..I am picked to walk by Harrison Ford, nod and sit next to him. ME. ME!! I WAS to. ME! THEY CHOSE ME. THEY PICKED ME! Everyone else was ACROSS THE ROOM. I was NEXT to Harrison Ford.

So its my turn. The director starts shooting. Harrison Ford is pacing. Looking around. The director cues me in. I walk past Harrison Ford, He is SMILING at me by the way lol. I ignore him and walk by him and then seat myself next to him and then I dug into my black mesh bag and act like I am looking for something and the director yells CUT! Scene is finished. I then and ONLY THEN make eye contact with Harrison. And he then looks at me (I am still sitting) and he smiles and does that eyebrow thing he does. You know. hehe and says hello. I of course, instantly melt and the only thing that I can think of at the time is BLADE RUNNER! My goodness that movie just melts my noodles. I met blade RUNNER!! If he only knew how bad I had it for him. And I still do. The man is just HOT.

That was my meeting with Harrison Ford. I can now say I was in a movie with him and the famous Syndey Pollack directed us. (giggle) XOXOXO

Ps. The movie was Random Hearts and all the airport scenes were CUT. I know. I was so mad. lol Like So mad. But who cares. I met FORD!

I have a bunch of doll hair on sale in my Etsy Shoppe. Don't miss out on these. I only have limited supply. XOXO

I have been busy making this advent calendar. I am entering this in a contest and well I hope I win! I will let you know when they announce a winner. My inspiration was from ice skaters. I live in South Florida and there is no ice skating. There is no snow and no ice or pond that freezes. So I imagined one in my head and brought it to life. They kinda sort of remind me of the Rockette's. HAHA! They are so much fun to look at. Each one is skating her way to the Christmas tree. (please ignore the green grass everywhere, giggle)

Number 4 is my FAVORITE!

Thank you all for showing the love to me on my Birthday. I had little surprise messages all over. It was so much to go and read them all. I feel so truly spoiled and rich in friends!

XOXO

You sure can make a gal feel special!

I am 37 years old today! Come and have cake with me! Lets celebrate all day long and night too. Bring your Pjs for a sleep over. XOXO

Ok I scanned more photos than I thought. (giggle) there is so much eye candy in the latest Country Living Magazine Dec. 2008 Issue. There is lots more to see and read. I did not want to spoil and evening or afternoon of reading for you. I adore how they used the color aqua in this issue. There is more to see again, I don't want to spoil. I do love how the front cover of the magazine has orange mixed in. Very pretty. I never thought of orange being a Christmas color. I do now. I love how gold and aqua look. Very Smashing!

I scanned the article for vintage table cloths collectors. Oh you must read it if your like me and going crazy collecting them. They pretty much talk of the Holiday ones. However I love them all seasonal and not. I am so glad I found a hard to get one not to long ago on Ebay. I only paid 12.99 for mine. I saw others, the same one I have going for $30.00 and HIGHER! keep your eyes open.

UPDATE: You can read the pages here for the Vintage tablecloth article. They are in PDF format.

I must tell you how much I adore Vintage Fisher Price people. I pretty much freaked out when I saw this ad in the magazine. I am going to Hallmark for one. Its a MUST!

There is Primitive Decor in this magazine too. However they never MENTION the word Prim. Yet there it is.

I used to be a flip flop girl. I just don't know why I loved them so much. When I saw photos of me in flip flops with an outfit like this lets say. Eww. But I was addicted to them and had to only wear them. I had like 20 pairs. I am very happy to tell you that I have gotten rid of most of them. I only keep 3 pairs around to just check mail and go outside the house but not beyond the yard in. Thank heavens I have been lucky enough to find these comfy style of maryjane shoes. Lately Walmart has been selling these and they are comfy. I have purchased several pairs this year from Walmart. My crocs are still the mostest bestest comfiest maryjanes tho.

I purchased that 100% cotton skirt at Walmart too. (I adore it)!

First I must say, that reflection on that tinsel tree mixed with my flash is insane bright. Jeezz You can barely make out the blue that is on the ornies. I really love my ornies. I made them very simple. I purchased already made paper mache ornies from Michaels. (last year after the season passed, 50% off) I have seen them this year too. I just painted them white, then made red and blue circles. I then rubbed an antiquing medium over them. I used: Folk Art Antiquing Medium 819. I did the same thing for the animal pull toys. I love how the giraffe has one red wheel. These cute toys are Christmas presents for my Christmas dolls that are coming out very soon.

I found a couple of retro prints in my local Joann fabrics. I was looking for Christmas prints. Still nothing much for Holiday fabric. I will just have to make do this year and also get a few prints online. I am going to make a few retro holiday creations this year. Let the sewing begin! XOXO

Yesterday I had to get out and look for vintage Christmas items. I did not find anything. (affordable) Just as I was fixin to leave I saw a bag of mixed buttons in a display case. There was a few and it looked to be just regular vintage buttons. I then grabbed the bag that was way way in the back of the display, that was hidden under some pantyhose and leggins.

TOTALLY SCORED! This is the best batch of buttons I have found locally. Every single button was a keeper. THERE was no having to pick anything out. I never find a score like this. I prolly never will. They cost $14.00. I have bid on buttons like this batch on Ebay and have been willing to spend $40.00 on them. I get outbidded of course. So for me to find this many and all keepers Locally? I am just way too excited. And only having to pay $14.00. (gushing)