New Today's Fit Sandra Betzina Vogue Patterns!

Three new Sandra Betzina patterns! Hancock's is having a 75% off Vogue patterns Veteran's Day sale this weekend. At a regular price of $25 (!!!), this brings it down to $5.63 by the time you use your ASG discount. Yesterday, only 1017, the blouse, was still in stock (there is one more left). The coat, 1024, is featured in the December issue of Vogue Patterns magazine, which explains why that one is missing. The 1018 skirt I can see for fun holiday parties. Sandra does have a neat collection of skirts with such interesting details. So I bought the blouse, hoping in real life it will look better. I would love to see Sandra's versions.

Everyday Food Weekend

I am still mining issues #32 (May 2006) and #45 (September 2007). Here's what I bought the groceries for this weekend and runover early next week:

May 2006 - #32:
Coffee Cake Muffins ( page 24)
Mozzarella and Ham Panini and Cherry Tomato Salad ( page 89)
Mustard Crusted Turkey Breast (page 86)
Meatloaf Sandwiches (page 27)
Gingered Sugar Snaps (page 118)
Baby Spinach Salad with Tuna (page 44)

September 2007 - #45:
Peas & Carrots Ribbons (page 134)
Dill Feta Scramble (page 50)
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies (page 58)
Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Cake (page 119)

Kwik Sew 2811 - Diet Coke Version

I was able to eke this short sleeved/long pant version out of 4 1/4 yards by cutting the sleeves on the cross-grain. I've lost track of how many times I've used this pattern. I even noted on the instruction sheet to wind 1-1/2 bobbins! How much do I like it? I bought a back-up pattern for $1 when our Hancock's was closing.

Everyday Food Holiday Baking Issue!

The 2007 Special Collector's Edition - From Thanksgiving to Christmas, cakes...cookies...custards and puddings...pies, tarts and crisps...quick breads and more! (Chocolate shortbread - page 20 corner has already been dog-earred!) I don't think this is part of the subscription, as there isn't an issue number, but I also just subscribed and was told it would begin with the December issue.

By the by, if you too have recently subscribed, be sure to check your invoice. I sent in the postcard for the $12 subscription special with the "Bill me" box checked. Yesterday I get the invoice and the "Pay this amount" box said $18 Whoa! I called their 800 number and got it straightened out - thank goodness I had another insert with the box code and they adjusted the price. So either send the check with your request or be sure to check the invoice when it arrives.

Update on Laura Bennett from PR3!

Click here to read more about Laura's future plans on QVC in February!
(thank you, Karen and the Houston Chronicle!)

Update 1-25-08 -- Laura Bennett will be on QVC February 24/25!

Update 12-16-07 -- Her line will be called "Little Black Dress By Laura Bennett" It will be more expensive than their other clothing lines, but as she put it, as only LB could, "I don't do junk."

Also, check out her comic strip on iVillage, Case Clothed. It's illustrated by Robert Best, fellow PR alum.

Good Fabric Deal!

As if I need further incentive to buy fabric from Nancy Erickson's Fashion Sewing Group...
With a portion of proceeds from the sale of her patterns, Nancy has supported the Komen for the Cure, Family Violence Prevention Fund and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In her November/December issue's back page, she is offering a discount on any one fabric in the upcoming January or March issues. You can either contribute to one, two or all three and in return she will offer you a proportional discount ranging from 10% to 25%. And you can still use the contribution amount for your own 2007 tax return, because you are writing the check/s to the charity/ies, not to Nancy! She will forward the checks to them for you. Deadline is December 15.

Yesterday's and Today's Favorite iPod Workout Songs

George Harrison, "Got My Mind Set On You" 3:54
iTunes, Cloud Nine

John Cougar Mellencamp, "Crumblin' Down" 3:56
Uh Huh!

Today's stats: 46 minutes, 2.63 miles, 306 calories
Yesterday's stats: 40 minutes, 2.27 miles, 245 calories

Betty Bake Sale Cookies

Target's Halloween candies are now 75% off, including the new M&M Dark Chocolate Autumn Mix colors 14 oz bag for only 69 cents. One cup of these (with extra to snack later) for the chocolate chip substitute makes for a very pretty and yummy cookie for the class bake sale.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Mariah Carey, "Fantasy" 4:04
(I like the Tom Tom Club/Genius of Love backbeat)
Today's stats: 46 minutes, 2.67 miles, 295 calories
1 1/2 minutes on arm pedal machine

Houston Quilt Festival - Part 4 - Bernina Diamond Odyssey Outfits

After the Bernina Fashion Show, different selected garments are on display each day. Here's a few of Friday's. . .

"With the Suns & Moons All Over the Place" by Starr Hagenbring won the 'Creme de la Creme' award and justifiably so! I only wish it could have been displayed so we could have seen the back better. I practically fell into the manniquins trying to see it. It was sublime!

"Starry Starry Night" by Linda S. Schmidt.

And part of "Zebra Rose IV" by Sharon Meaves Commins. Aren't those roses luscious?

Houston Quilt Festival - Part 3 - The Uncommon Quilter

I love to look at the art and journal quilts each year at Quilt Festival, and hope someday to create one. In fact, last week I even bought "The Uncommon Quilter" by Jeanne Williamson (ISBN: 978-0-307-38122-4) to finally nudge me along the way. On Friday Hanne and I are looking for the display and find them -and the book! -And the author!

Smokin'

My fairly new Black & Decker iron Model D2020 went out in an almost blaze of glory! I was sneaking in some sewing time to finish another pair of Kwik Sew 2811 PJ's yesterday. Plugged in the iron and started sewing. The iron usually beeps when it reaches the right temperature, only this time it beeped and then didn't stop beeping. It sounded more like a smoke alarm - which it turned into! The display screen went dark and what I thought was steam coming out of the point was smelly electrical smoke! I calmly unplugged it and took it outside out front, went back inside and told T, "Hey, guess what?!" Usually I knock irons off the board, but this one was less than six months old and hadn't fallen. I'm also slightly paranoid about electricity and fires (I unplug the toaster!), so the idea of an "auto-off" feature iron continuing to self-destruct further reinforced my unplugging obsession.

This was a first! And the last of Black & Deckers for me! I went to Target and bought a Sunbeam Steam Master 4223, in the new trendy red color.

Update 11-5-07: I love this iron! A super large water tank and a shot of steam so loud and powerful you can hear it in the hallway. And only $29.99!

Houston Quilt Festival - Part 2 - Grab the balls!

Two of my favorite booths this year were - Art Girlz (#1144/1244) and Southern Attitude (#1618). Love the names, love the booths, love the products, love the people.

The (wool) balls were flying out of the Art Girlz booth. I bought the wool felt snow people kit for $9.95. You get 30 assorted wool felt beads, and bits of black and orange felt. They let me take a photo of their samples. Don't you love the masked one on the left?!

And my deal of the day was the show special at Southern Attitude with the hot fix Swarovski rhinestone applicator, tray, compartment container, 144 crystals and non-meltable heart stencil for $39.95. I bought an extra package of "Topaz" gold. Good thing their booth was on a corner - the line was at least 5 people deep at any given time. (Thank you to the kind lady who offered to let me ahead of her, as tick-tock I had to leave to pick up my daughter from school.) The stencils are a neat concept especially for larger projects (jeans legs, jackets) and lots of designs. People were also buying the stencils and rhinestones separately to use with their BeDazzlers.

Houston Quilt Festival Adventures - Part 1 - Arrival

My friend and I went to Quilt Festival yesterday. It was a repeat for her, as she had gone the day before. But she had the program so we could plot our course of adventure in the aisles before they opened the doors. Lots of new and favorite returning vendors this year, but some missing and missed - like The Sewing Workshop.

The community booths have been moved off the main floor and are now in the quilt display section. All the way back towards the American flag above the doors, take a right. There you'll find the learn to quilt and sew areas, along with the American Sewing Guild, Girl Scouts, cancer and children's heart associations... It's nice they are all grouped together, but sort of forgotten and not publicized. So make a stop after looking at the quilts and see quilting and sewing love in action.

Parking info -- The big space across the GRB is being turned into a park, eliminating a lot of parking spaces. We were able to find a $7 lot, but were one of the last (2!) spaces. But valet parking is a relatively affordable $11. Compared to the lot kitty-corner charging $20!

While you want to get there early to secure a good parking space, inside and outside the Convention Center is nuts! No matter if you wait outside or upstairs inside, funneling all those people through two doors is not for the faint-hearted. They really need to post ticket takers at more than one entry, if only for the first 30-60 minutes of opening. The booth vendors in aisles 1000-2000 would appreciate it, too, as everyone automatically goes and starts spending to the right. And then if you try to outsmart the herd and go to the left, that's not fun either.

And if I can work in a little rant here about some of the booths -- here's a thought: All those black and white signs you plaster around your booth -- "No pictures" "No photographs allowed" "This means you!" -- are really offensive to me, very unfriendly and unwelcoming. When I see those booths, my money and I just walk on by. If I want to take a picture, I always ask first and usually buy the product. The photo helps me remember why I wanted and bought it. Common courtesy and manners work both ways. I'm a potential customer, not a potential thief.

Here in Houston for Quilt Festival and looking for more fabric?!

As long as you are downtown at the George R. Brown Convention Center, be sure to check out High Fashion Fabrics (and if you are into home dec, High Fashion Home right across the street).

High Fashion Fabrics is at 3101 Louisiana Street at Elgin (telephone 713/528-7299). Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-7 PM, Sunday 12 Noon-6PM. The address of the GRB is 1001 Avenida de las Americas if you want to Mapquest and see where exactly they are. However, I do not recommend walking it. Take a cab! Or if you have a car, there's free parking. Watch out for the one-way streets.

In today's Houston Chronicle Star (features section), on page E5 middle right side there is an ad with a 10% off coupon. If you are an American Sewing Guild member, they also give you a 10% discount, just in case you can't find a copy of the Chronicle.

High Fashion Fabrics has gorgeous, $$$ fabrics when you step inside the main area, but after taking a few moments to drool, fantasize and compose yourself, take a right and you'll find a roomful of more affordable fabrics - cottons, rayons, knits, and more.

In this day and age of independent fabric stores going by the wayside, HFF is well worth visiting and keeping in business!

Oh, and if you are looking for a fun quilt shop, and you have a car, take a drive down the Southwest Freeway (U.S. 59) about 17 miles to Quilter's Emporium. (Telephone: 281/491-0016 -- not long distance, Houston has several area codes!) 11925 Southwest Freeway, in Stafford, just inside the Ft. Bend County line. They are on the South (left) side of the feeder road coming from downtown, so you will have to exit and U-turn at West Airport. Stay on the feeder, you'll pass Wal-Mart and an auto dealership. The next business area is Brighton Lanes, look for the Yamaha sign. Quilter's Emporium is at the far left facing the freeway, the store has lace curtains in the window. Their new location just opened a few weeks ago and is filled with fabric and other goodies. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-5 (Thursdays till 6), Sunday 12-4.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Gerry Rafferty, "Home and Dry" 4:52
City to City
Today's stats: 43 minutes, 2.50 miles, 266 calories

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Jackson Browne, "Lawyers in Love" 4:19
Today's stats: 50 minutes, 2.89 miles, 315 calories

Houston International Quilt Festival begins tomorrow!

I really like this year's logo design!
Preview night is tomorrow, October 31, from 7-10 PM. Attending Preview Night allows an additional free day's entrance, too. A 2-fer! (You'll need the extra day or more - there's 1,000+ booths!) Plus first crack at all the goodies. Also to note, this is a good night if you want to see the quilts and displays. Everyone else is practically body-slamming each other at the booths (it's definitely an advantage to be tall and long limbed at QF!).

The Bernina Fashion Show, "Diamond Odyssey" is Thursday night, 6:30-8:30 Tickets are $13 at the door. Hint: Line forms early. Go with your buddies not only to have fun, but to deputize each other as line holders for potty and food breaks.

Tickets are still affordable at $10 adults, $8 seniors/children 11+. Go to Quilts.com for more information about all the fun.

Victoria's Back!

Victoria magazine is here...at Costco 30% off! And in time for Christmas, too! Be sure to check out page 74 - there's a touch of Texas via an article about Rebecca Rather, her Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Fredericksburg and new cookbook, The Pastry Queen Christmas: Big-Hearted Holiday Entertaining Texas Style.

Also, there's the Southern Living Christmas At Home special issue. Thirty percent off of $9.99 does the trick for me instead of spending almost three times as much on their annual books. And what else sealed the deal? Amongst other ideas and goodies, a section of slow cooker/crockpot recipes -- Baked potato soup, turkey fajitas, Spanish pork dip sandwiches, chicken and wild rice soup, and more.

Penzey's Freebies!

First, if you subscribe or are thinking of subscribing to their magazine, "Penzeys One" - there are coupons for free 1/4 cup jars of spices in each issue! The previous (Volume 2, Issue 4) had Northwoods Seasoning - which expires tomorrow, so if you haven't redeemed already, there's still time. And the new issue has free oregano! (Turkish or Mexican, your choice). You can also use the coupons for online orders, if you don't have a Penzeys nearby yet.

And while you are in there, pick up your copy of their Holiday Gift & Cookie Handbook, filled with their best cookie recipes - free!

(Gingerbread people, Cheesecake brownie bars, Snickerdoodles, Frosted vanilla cookie cutouts, Pecan sandies, Chocolate sandies, Cocoa snowflakes)

Aladdin and the Garden - Part 2

The two Aladdin petunias I planted last week are doing great in the side garden, so I went back to Another Place in Time to get more -- Aladdin "Nautical Mix" (shades of white, light and dark purple/pink) and Aladdin Red.

They also got in some new petunias -- Hurrah "Berry Tart Mix" - same plant, all these colors!

By the front entrance there was a display of snapdragons, "Rocket" - which will grow to 36" tall! I guess that is why they are called rocket! The sign said they are very popular and sell out quickly, so if you love the snaps, stop by and get yours sooner than later.

And my favorite square candles have new seasonal scents including "Pumpkin Giving" It smells just like pumpkin pie with a slight maple undertone. You'll want to eat the candle.

Yesterday's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Bruce Springsteen, "No Surrender" 3:59
Born in the U.S.A.
Yesterday's stats: 49 minutes, 26 miles, 10,000 calories (darn reset button again!)

Kalahari Koncerns

NOW MOZART?! Squiggy, Flower, Whoopi, Kinkajou... Another dark night and day at the Manor. This has been a very sad season indeed. Just when you think resilient Mozart's life will finally turn around with a romantic evening with Wilson (followed by a fire in the desert yet!) -- Wilson gets all testosterone-y and joins the battle between the Commandos and Whiskers, leaving Mozart alone - possibly prey for a roving jackal, omniously shown earlier in the program.

This show has such fervent fans, such as myself, Mozart's death even made the New York Times yesterday - "Death Stalks the Meerkats Yet Again" in the Arts section.

A Treat for Boo!

Each year I make treat bags for the special kids on our street. Not only do I get to use up stash fabric and lace (I bought oodles when Cloth World was still around and they had 10 cents/yard lace sales!), but I get to buy Costco's ALL CHOCOLATE 150 piece, almost 5 1/2 pound bag of Hershey, Nestle and M&M brand candy. You know, the "good stuff" you wished and hoped you would get. I must confess, no Almond Joys made it into the bag which is why one of the bags is strategically covering that logo.

A length of 20" will make 5 bags, approximately 7 1/2" wide. Easy to do on the serger - fold in half lengthwise, serge one side seam, finish the top edge, serge second side seam. 21" of lace will make a pretty bow tie. Put leftover candy in container and hide for future use.

Betty's Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is still one of the best!

From the Betty Crocker Cookbook, 1969/1978 edition, page 266. I like these because the recipe calls for half shortening/half butter-and you can use Smart Balance for the shortening, there's not as much sugar as other choc chip recipes, and they remove easily and intact from the cookie sheet. You can also use whole wheat flower (Betty, so trendy even back then!) The cookie is not too hard, not too chewy and holds its shape well for eating and dunking in milk. And just in time, there's even a seasonal variation - you can add 1/3 cup of crushed peppermint candies to the ingredients.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1/2 cup sugar...1/2 cup packed brown sugar...1/3 cup shortening...1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened...1 egg...1 teaspoon vanilla...1 1/2 cups all purpose flour or whole wheat flour...1/2 teaspoon baking soda...1/2 teaspoon salt...1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)...1 6 oz package semisweet chocolate chips (or for those of us who buy by the gross, add enough "until it looks good"!)

Heat oven to 350. Mix sugars, butter, shortening, egg and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfls about 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake untl light brown, 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen. (Original instructions called for the oven to be 375, but I found they browned and burned a little too easily and quickly at that temperature, so I've been baking them at 350 ever since.)

Mistetoe Madness

This is the result of braving the chaos at Jo-Ann's yesterday. The beige duck fabric was worth the trip - it was the perfect weight.

I got the idea from two old Burda World of Fashions - October 1994 and December 1997. (I've been subscribing to Burda WOF for almost 20 years! I've had to find new homes for the older issues through the years (no room!), but I try to keep the October/November/December ones because they have such neat crafts and gift projects for the holidays.) Both had mistletoe theme projects for stenciling, embroidery and applique. I combined the leaves and mistletoe designs from each one. (I like the unique white/red/tan color combination from the 1997 issue!)

Instead of driving myself crazy zig-zagging around tiny white circles, I used white carved buttons for the berries. I thought it added a dimensional and delicate look. The buttons were from a favorite now-closed fabric store, the leaves were free fabric samples from past Houston International Quilt Markets and Festivals-just the right size!

My original intent was to make the pillow, but it turned into a wall hanging instead. I plan to hang it from the open part of the curtain rod, right above the couch. Watch out whoever sits underneath!

Diet Dr Pepper - CHERRY CHOCOLATE!

New Limited Edition - Cherry Chocolate Diet Dr Pepper. Found on sale at HEB today -$2.50/12 pack. There's a $1 off next purchase coupon inside, and I'll be using it! It tastes just like chocolate covered cherries with a nice chocolate flavor, not chemical-y nor diet-y at all.

Full Moon Madness

Should be the actual theme for Jo-Ann's Moonlight Madness sale, going on right now! Sheesh! I stopped by today at 11:15 and was only able to find 1 parking space. I'm thinking, everyone took early lunch today at Luby's a few stores down? No, they were all in Jo-Ann's. It was nuts! With only one cutter. All I needed was 1/2 yard and was behind a lady with no less than 10 bolts in her cart, which I could see. I asked if I could go ahead of her and she said, I'm buying these for church. Huh? I said thanks and bless you.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit" 5:26
Today's stats: 45 minutes, 2.64 miles, 300 calories

Cold Front Arrives!

The temperature dropped 20 degrees between 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM - I watched my car's temperature gauge fall from 79 to 72 in less than two minutes at the leading edge of the storm around 9:30. It's now 58. The wind is about 18 mph, with gusts in the mid 30's! (Shot in color, not B&W - that's how dark it was, with my back to the storm, looking south as it moves towards Galveston. Cue Jaws theme: da-dum, da-dum)

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Michelle Branch, "Breathe" 3:31
Today's stats: 47 minutes, 2.67 miles, 300 calories

Sounds odd, tastes great, very filling!

Lucerne Green Tea Peach Light Yogurt! Odd color, odd name - but actually very good! It is the store brand of Randall's here in Houston, but Randall's is owned by Safeway. So if you have a Safeway or your grocery's dairy department store brand is Lucerne, check this out. (Their toll-free number is 1-877-232-4271) Fat free, prestirred, live and active yogurt cultures, sweetened with Splenda. 8g protein, 15g sugar. Only 120 calories for a very generous 8 ounces. Good sized peach pieces, too.

Ann Taylor Loft's new denim skirt

I love ATL's denim skirts! I have two from last fall (the 23" and 25"). I was disappointed in this fall season's earlier button-front version and passed on it. I thought it was shaped/pegged oddly at the hem. But I was happy to discover their newest one is black denim!

Look how cute the back is -- the belt loop, pockets and three pleats, 21-1/2" long. The same denim is also used in pants and jacket, but they weren't long enough for me. As soon as the temperatures drop below 88 degrees, they'll look great with tights, too.

It's here!

Sew Stylish Gifts to Make. I snapped it at Jo-Ann's with my 40% off coupon without even glancing through the pages because I knew it would be good. And it is!

2007's Christmas fabric additions! The plaid was 60% off and not technically holiday, and the bottom mutli-colored hologram circles actually 50% marked down Halloween fabric.

(Nan, do not look upon the snowpeople skiers!)

Picture Pretty (er, Picture YUMMY!)

Here's the photo of the Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies I posted on March 9. (Obviously a repeat favorite around here!)

Yesterday's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Kenny Loggins, "I'm Alright" 5:08
Kenny Loggins Alive
Yesterday's stats: 47 minutes, 2.68, 297 calories

Today's Costco Finds

The fall bulbs have been marked down to $4.88! I grabbed this assortment bag of early bloomers - the small ones are usually the first and the most fragrant! (T is thinking, "100 bulbs to plant?! ")

Second up - Costco's new shipment of wire-edged ribbon - 50 yards for $6.99. I'm still plowing through 2005's gold Christmas trees, but I couldn't resist these two. Note the tiny 3/8" white pom-poms on the red satin roll! And the almost retro-ish colors on the snowflake roll. It will coordinate with lots of my stash scraps for holiday gift bags.

Then, this 10 piece (2 of each color) box of 24 oz. tumbers, marked down to $7.97. See how they perfectly they match the snowflake ribbon? I plan to use these as gift holders for cookies, fudge, candy, etc, topped with tissue paper and ribbon tied around the top edge. A double-duty gift!

And the Gingher scissors set? Gone! As if they never existed. . .

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

George Harrison, "Run So Far" 4:05
George Harrison is on iTunes now!
Today's stats: 47 minutes, 2.55 miles, 290 calories

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Don Williams, "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good" 4:09
Today's stats: 47 minutes, 2.62 miles, 302 calories

Ghiradelli Limited Edition Holiday Assortment

Peppermint Bark...Eggnog...Cinnamon Spiced Almond. My enablers bought this at Walgreen's.

Ain't that a shot in the arm?

Well, yes! A tetanus shot! Yours truly raked open right hand pinky finger planting these Aladdin Petunias (Sky Blue and Orange) in the side garden. Either on a rusty U-nail or a broken shell. Called the doc to see when last booster was, and now I don't have to worry about lockjaw for the next 10 years.

Today's Costco Find

$94.99! I just stood there in the aisle with my mouth open!

8 Gingher scissors with a limited edition storage case. 6" applique scissors, 7 1/2" pinking scissors, 8" dressmaker's shears, 3 1/2" stork embroidery scissors, 4" classic embroidery scissors, 4" curved embroidery scissors, 4 1/2" buttonhole scissors, 4 1/2" thread snips.

I already have the Gingher dressmaker's shears, the duckbilled applique scissors and another brand of pinkers my grandfather gave me years ago. I called my friend and asked if I should get this anyways - all the embroidery scissors! And isn't it $$ to sharpen pinking shears? "Definitely buy it,' she said, 'FOR ME!" ---- And for anyone else looking for looking for a deal. There were only 12 left. . .

Also note for all you Kashi Mountain Medley cereal fans, they are being * clearanced out - stock up now (I bought 3 boxes!) -- Hopefully making room for new Kashi goodies deals

House Updating - Dining Room Curtains

L found these at Target yesterday, they are from the Global Home section. Very light, with a touch of gold metallic, very cool!

Douser Computer

I'm finding Wi-Fi everywhere! Today at the Toyota dealership getting oil changed and tires rotated, I was all set to update my freezer pantry list and other correspondence, and blink comes on the Wi-Fi signal! I realize most people reading this are thinking, why is this such a big deal? Well, we are probably one of the few with dial-up at home. Sure gets rid of the telemarketers! So when I can zip along FAST and easily access all the cool blogs and websites, I'm one happy Wi-Fi girl!

Carbo up!

While L is attending a meeting, I'm in the north woods of Texas trying to find a Wi-Fi connection to spend the next couple of hours. Panera Bread is supposed to be Wi-Fi'd, but I kept getting a login error, while eating a cinnamon crunch bagel (toasted, no butter). Then I see a Starbucks catty-corner across the street and think, maybe they have Wi-Fi? I sit outside the *bucks, risking major pollen allergies, and voila! I connect under kolache! Kolache? Wait a minute, there's a Kolache Factory next door...with seats inside. Yay! I don't see wi-fi signs either, so maybe this is a secret discovery, which I'm now blabbing to the Internet. To further the carb/cause and be legit, I buy a cream cheese kolache. But just take one bite, as I am buzzing. Such willpower (such nausea). So, save yourself some carbs and calories if you need to Wi-Fi, and just head to the Kolache Factory.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Tom Tom Club, "Genius of Love," 5:33
Today's stats - 40 minutes, 2.27 miles, 255 calories

I sought professional help

Mere mortals such as my husband and I could not have done all the updating ourselves...and survived (the house and us). HGTV be damned

Not only did I have C paint, but also -- replace the front window sill, repair the drywall (don't ask, don't tell), install the new dining room light, take down mini's/put up curtain rods and bamboo shade, reinforce closet and kitchen shelves (that support screw was only in 1/4" - yikes!), blow out the dryer vent (yikes again!)...money very well spent! My admiration to those who do, but we don't have the tools nor the expertise, and facing reality with pictures of the presidents is the first step towards our happy home.

House Updating - Colors

Left: Dining room accent wall -- Mysterious Mauve (SW 6262) -- depending upon the light, it looks gray, steel blue or purple-y

Center: Hallway, living room, dining room -- Lemongrass (SW 7732)

Right: L's room - Ash Violet (SW 6549)

All paints are Sherwin-Williams

House updating - It's curtains for us!

Adios mini blinds!

Gracias to Target for the curtain rods and the WAVERLY curtains! On clearance, cheaper to buy ready made than to make. For the side window, I'll combine one or both or all of the other packages to make a pretty cafe-type curtain.

I'm really not into home dec sewing, and if I can take the easy (and cheap!) way out, I will and do. (The front sheers are not pink, as the photo makes them look. They are actually a weave of the green and gray/purple.)

House updating - Dining room light edition

buh-bye circa 1986 dining room light ---------->

Hello 2007!

Bake Sale!

The public debut of Martha Stewart's/Everyday Food (#41, April 2007 issue) sugar cookie! My daughter's class was having a bake sale today, and the instructions were - 24 cookies, 1 cookie per bag, to be sold for 50 cents. Why not give them more bang and taste for their half buck with Martha and a Martha-like pretty bag?

In a clearance section of Target (near the stationery, there may be a few rolls left in your store), I found an 82 foot (!) roll of 1-7/8" wide package tape marked down to $1.38. I thought it would be fun to use for the cookie bags, and my eBay and gift packages. I used the plastic sandwich bags, the fold-to-close type, and folded over the top to the front and taped the bag shut. 7 1/2 rows of circles was long enough for the front and a little to wrap over the side edges. It's a good quality sealing tape - not too thin, not too thick. I went back to Target to get another roll today! The colors of the circles can easily be used for any holiday and opportunity. I think I'm all set.

Eat Pink! And who's your genus?

Actually, apricot! Today's first Costco find benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Super fresh and soft -- Treat yourself and help others at the same time.

The second Costco find illustrates how insistently dumb some people can be. Costco has marked down their fall bulbs, these are now $9.97. They usually will go lower, but the selection is limited and I wanted to grab this particular running-low assortment now. I've had great luck with these bulbs for the past four years. In Texas we plant them in January/February. And about 50% of the daffodils will naturalize and return. Another lady was looking at them and I told her how well they did, even in the soggy part of my yard. She said, "I was looking for daffodils." I said, daffodils are narcissus. Oh no, she insisted, pointing to the word narcissus, see? (Actually, they are part of the amaryllis genus/family, but I didn't mention it.) So all you fellow March flower babes and those who like daffodils, jonquils, narcissus...go grab a bag!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Katharine McPhee, "Open Toes" 3:22
(Cute song, it's about SHOES!)
Today's stats: 32 minutes, 1.80 miles, 202 calories

Project Dollway

With Robert Best, the Barbie doll designer from PR3 and a doll as the host - this sounds like fun and worth checking out! Here's the official website and blog.

And I thought I had wordy auctions!

Check out this now-ended auction on eBay before it ages off!