I'm Back!

After a month long absence due to a family emergency, I am finally back! Have missed all my computer friends. Have a whole lot of catching up to do, that's for sure. I sincerely hope that the crises are behind me now and life will take on a more normal pace.

How did everybody make out with the big blizzard of 2010 up here in the Northeast? We lost power for a few days, so a forced R & R break was enjoyed. We haven't had a storm like this is many years, felt like a kid with a snow day. Here's a photo of my back deck and Chloe (my head seamstress) to show what we dealt with.

It is just beautiful though and the full moon on the snow last night was awesome. Has anyone ever enjoyed Cracked Sugar? It's a fun thing to do when you have a big snow. Everyone in the house puts out a bowl to collect some fresh snow. Meanwhile, take some maple syrup (has to be the real deal) and simmer for a while on the stove top, minimum of 15-20 minutes. Bring in your bowl of snow and drizzle the hot syrup over the snow. The maple syrup hardens up and you have instant maple candy, yumm! Little ones love the magic of watching the syrup harden up instantly and particularly eating it! Okay, Here I was, all by myself in the house, and I have to admit that I couldn't resist and did it for myself this snow storm. It was fun! Try it the next time we have a good snow fall.

Have a wonderful week all,

Pat

When Inspiration Strikes!

I hope this finds everyone dug out from the snow if you were in one of the areas that got so badly hit. It has been one strange winter for weather, that's for sure. We got very lucky this time around and didn't see a flake, well not the snow kind anyway. I am thankful for that because my husband is in the hospital and that would have been more stress! In the hours I have been sitting over there, I have been doing a lot of hand stitching. Want to show you my recent creation. It is a really fun new denim purse. Was never quite sure what to do with the top part of jeans after I had reused the denim from the legs. Well, the answer is just have some fun with it!

The Purse Close Up Front

Close Up Back

All the pockets have remained intact and there is a new zipper pocket where the fly is. These are a size 10 jeans and they made quite a roomy purse. If I use my own, I believe it will be a suitcase!

I have to run off to the hospital again so I will leave you with a household hint a girl friend sent to me:

Leave a few get well cards on the mantle. That way people will think you've been sick and were unable to clean!

Have good week all,

Pat

My Heart's All Aflutter.....

My heart's all aflutter with new Valentine ideas. I have had such a nice week playing with fabric and trim and vintage images making Valentines for you. I felt like I was back in grade school with my scissors and glue finding the just perfect addition to my card. It has been so cold outside, this was the perfect way to spend the days. Come on over to Patricia Rose and see what I have created! Some pretty ruffly sachets and pillows make perfect gifts for Mom or Grandma.

Do you have any special traditions that you share with your Sweetie? I'd love to hear about them. Valentine's Day makes me remember a commercial from years ago, it must have been for an antacid. But it was a new bride who was so proud of her marshmallow filled heart-shaped meatloaf. Just remembering it still makes me laugh. I'm also dating myself!

While we are thinking of caring and love, please remember The Pink Slipper Project. Donations are being accepted continuously of slippers, supplies or monetary donations. The widget is just off to the right, just click on it and see what the recent challenges are.

Speaking of challenges, am I the only one who let this cold weather and dry heat indoors chap up my skin? Some soothing bath teas are the answer, along with some good for your skin oils. Jojoba is my choice, it facilitates essential oils being absorbed by your skin. A nice choice for some quick skin first aid.

Have a wonderful week. Stay safe and warm.

Pat