Writing Class

L and I went to a special appearance and book signing with Melissa Marr yesterday for her just-published book, Fragile Eternity. I have to say, of all the authors we've seen lately, she's moved to the top of the list. Very entertaining and interesting to listen to. She graciously signed (each one differently!), all of L's books. Also very cool on her part - she gave away USB bracelets with excerpts from her books, etc. Creative people are creative people, whether their minds and hands create books or fabric art. I love to hear about their process and way their brains tick. When inspiraton comes her way, Melissa also relies upon a camera, notebooks and Post-It's. She mentioned she was flying to another city later that afternoon, and I wondered how many fellow passengers would see her and not realize she's a New York Times best-selling author?! Check her website to see if she will be making a stop in your town.

Netflix Stars - Bride Wars

3.25/5 Cute movie, and not the quite expected ending. Easy fluff when you need a pleasant diversion. Loved Kristen Johnston's character and scenes! There's a nice Vera Wang wedding gown section under Special Features, of course.

...bring May flowers - Part 2

Renee Award

Thank you, Yaya! I am truly touched.

...This Renee award was created by Bella and Ces in honor of their friend Renee.In Bella's own words "this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds its way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..."

(Click here for the story about the Renee Award)

I in turn nominate

1. According to Lala

2. See Mommy Sew

3. Monica

April Showers bring May Flowers

These are the little gifties I am giving the kids I tutor this week. The current Target Dollar Spot collection has lots of cool garden-oriented items, and that's where I found these little pots of seeds. They would also make cute party and end of year class favors.

Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

May 7/9 -
2/$5 Simplicity

May 14/16 -
$1.99 McCalls and Butterick
$3.99 Vogue

Psst! Can't wait? The Vogues are on sale now, today through Saturday.
(Yeppers, I bought these today!)

...Clean in thought, word and deed

I'm not sure about your area, but the most of the grocery stores and Targets I have visited have slim to none stock of liquid hand sanitizers. But I would like to report that Walgreens has lots of their store brand 8 ounce size. And they are on sale - 2/$5. There are displays throughout the store, by the front door, the registers and in the Pharmacy department.

Tomato Tuesday

Proof progress! "Celebrity" and "Black Plum" have set fruit. (Guest Photography by T -- braving the puddles in the backyard.) Disclosure: These photos were taken over the weekend, after that earlier rain. I did not send the poor guy out yesterday to take them! No, instead he was clearing the side garden drain last night to keep the water from coming into the kitchen.

Rain rescue

Great time to emerge, in the midst of the first wave of rain. I moved her so she would be more protected under the eaves.

Money Monday - Replacement Value

I try to keep a good stockpile of items I use all the time, at the very least one. As soon as I use and replace it, it goes on the list. (Even the 100 sheet box of Downey...not likely it will be used up immediately, it still gets added.) If it goes on sale or there is a coupon in the interim, I will stock up. Was it growing up in a blizzard-centric part of the country? Do I consider membership at Costco and Sam's empowering? Did I learn to tune out the mutterings of my family when they open the pantry and a two pound box of crackers falls on their foot? Yes to all of the above. The peace of mind, the inevitable increasing cost, the economy, even the weather can be factors to keep your sanity and budget intact.

Who are these people and what are they doing here?

As you can obviously tell, I have a rather eclectic group of friends and fellow bloggers in the right alley. I thought each week on Sunday I would randomly showcase one from the list and why they are there. I love to discover new blogs, and I think you will enjoy the introduction for new places to visit in Bloggy Land.

This week - Sidewalk Shoes A fun blog with a little bit of everything and great photography. Her food photos will have you wishing you could just reach through your computer screen!

Cooking Light - Vanilla Shortbread

Today I tried Vanilla Shortbread from the May issue of Cooking Light on page 74. Definitely deserving of their 5 star rating! I've never used vanilla bean before - I found it at Costco the other day and followed Martha's Cooking School book instructions. Boy, what a difference in flavor and fragrance. I'm also making some vanilla sugar with the leftover pod. It went together very easily. It looks pretty, and is not overly sweet nor heavy. The only fault? It was difficult to cut without it breaking and cracking, but by the time I finished, at least 2/3's looked OK. A keeper for the cookie recipe rotation.

Netflix Stars - Rachel Getting Married

4/5. Netflix didn't think we would like it, but we did. It is filmed documentary style, which you get used to quickly. Anne Hathaway did a great job, and nice to see Debra Winger as the mom. Other than those two, I didn't recognize anyone else. But that's good - let's start giving others a chance. A compelling story of many unresolved issues. Even though it was a little draggy in some parts, we didn't nor couldn't ditch it. Interesting music throughout. I thought I saw Al Stewart but it turned out to be Robyn Hitchcock. I loved and bought "Up to Our Nex" on iTunes. You can get the song separately on his "Goodnight Oslo" album. Unfortunately the other songs on the soundtrack are album only.

No way, No deal Subway

Subway has changed its menu and menu prices. We were so used to the $5 Footlong specials, we didn't realize it is now only for specific sandwiches - none of which we like nor eat. And no more Subway Subdays meal deals, either. What we thought would be under $20 turned into over $20 today. And the special $1 sides? Forget that, too. In fact, you need to buy them in 2's to get that $1 price. (I do the right healthy thing by passing on the chips and have to pay 40 cents more for my drink. Oh well) When you walk through the door, you will still see the $5 Footlong signs, but read the small print! Apparently we were not the only ones caught unawares. Afterwards you should have heard the mutterings of other upset people in line as they realized their deal was off. There are other sandwich shops offering better deals when you are out and about.

Knocking 'em outta the park

With View B Sandra Betzina's Vogue Today's Fit 1049. I still haven't sewn it reversible-ly. I made one yesterday morning and wore it in the afternoon. - just folding under and topstitching the neckline and armholes. Later I will try it in a woven. I love the shape of the shoulders, the neckline, how the dart is in the right place, and fabric frugality. I'll trace an extra copy to play around with different neckline shape variations - more of a scoop, a V neck... It's the perfect Summer 2009 top and just in time. Looks like our warmer temperatures and humidity are back. Here's another knit one, finished with self bias trim on the neckline and armholes. I cut the bias strips 1 1/2" wide, folded and stitched, keeping the bias visible. Since I scooped the neck a little deeper, I made a tiny box pleat at the center front and anchored it with a tiny shell button - a la J.Jill!

Today's Costco Find

Kirkland Rodelle Vanilla Beans - two vials of 5 each - 10 for only $5.97! I plan to try the Vanilla Bean Shortbread on page 74 in the current Cooking Light issue (May) this weekend. Also, Martha Stewart's ham is now $1.97/pound. Still a little pricey, as they were a bit on the large side - the cheapest I could find was $18.54. Pass.

Sew Noted

I just loved the Pattern Forecasts Marcy Tilton used to do for The Sewing Workshop back in the 80's/90's. I would purchase quite a few of her pattern suggestions -- many of which I never considered or flipped past in the catalogues -- and then tape her tweaks and hints to the pattern envelope. It helped me remember why I bought that particular pattern! Her tips and fabric suggestions were spot-on. I am now doing the same with Sandra Betzina's Fashion Forecasts. I was sorting and tidying my sewing room and found an extra copy of the Fall/Winter one and starting cutting and taping away. It helps reinspire and remotivate me when I'm flipping through my pattern file drawers.

Hammered

Having had my front bumper now replaced twice (!), the front plate had taken a beating each time. The collision shop hammered it as flat as they could, but most of the lettering paint was AWOL. My license tags were up for renewal and I decided to replace them with the Bluebonnet (officially known as "Texas Parks and Wildlife Conservation - Bluebonnet"). It was only an additional $30, with $22 going to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to support Texas State Parks. Not only pretty, but a good thing. I thought when I went into the tax office, they would just pluck me a set and I'd be on my way. Nope, they need to be "manufactured" and will be mailed within two weeks. Cool, except that pushes me into May. But they covered that with advising me to put the new sticker on the windshield and a cardboard temporary tag in the rear window. Oh and to keep in the glove compartment the documentation showing I was not a scoflaw in case they pulled me over. As if they need an excuse. White Boomer female with a size 10 foot on the pedal of a Toyota? Whoop, whoop, flash those lights. I'm still dang proud of getting out of the Louisiana State Trooper ticket (who knew U-turns were illegal? Now you know not to pull a U-y there)...

Money Monday AND Who are these people and what are the doing here? Combo Deal!

The Thrifty Chicks This blog is fun and educational. All about thrifting - shopping and showcasing the thrift store finds to save money and keep your style. Lots of great links, too.

Netflix Stars - Doubt

Finally, 4.75/5 stars! Meryl Streep steals the movie. T was absolutely howling, and he's Methodist! A good thinking movie that's not dumbed down. Be sure to watch the special feature about the nuns.