My trip to the Asylum!

Winner's ribbon rosettes from Ocala!

Pictures and slides!

Keys (and a Henry Winkler/Fonzie album!

Someone's frog collection (this was part of two shelves!)

Coins from all over the world

Cigar boxes - all sizes and colors

Bottle caps, sold by the handful!

Bedsprings! Reminded me of Christmas trees...

Inevitable, you ask? Not THAT aslyum!

The Texas Art Asylum here in Houston - 1230 Houston Avenue near Washington. 713/224-5220

If you like thrift store shopping and the thrill of the treasure hunt, you'll just love this place. It is especially oriented towards crafters and artists. "Cool stuff for creative reuse" Keep the Texas Art Asylum in mind, too, when you are doing a sewing/craft/estate clean out. You'll know your stuff is going to a good home.

Facebook and follow them on Twitter to keep track of their classes and events. Coming up on April 30 from 3-9 PM, the Texas Art Asylum will be part of the Inner Art Corridor 6th Annual Open Studio Tour.

What did I find besides a great time browsing? Pfaltzgraft "Desert Sky" salt and pepper shakers, unused-still had the sticker on the bottom (50cents), 2 vintage handkerchiefs, and a 40's vintage floral spray. Since they constantly get and sell merchandise, it's best to shop often and grab something when you see it. It may not be back there the next time.


Be sure to check out their sewing section - they had two different Singer buttonholers (complete and like new condition!), original Folkwear Patterns, spools of thread, patterns, vintage fabric and trim, too. I had to slap my hand to keep from swooping up everything.

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Limited Edition Taiwan Green Tea

Cost: $8.20

Number of teabags: 20

Caffeine: Probably a little

Type of tea: Green

Steeping time: 3 minutes

Mix ins: CBTL's Fat Free Vanilla Powder, also tried a little fat-free condensed milk. Both good!

Teabag fragrance: Fruity

Ingredients: Taiwan green tea

Opinion: I had this as an iced tea latte and then just plain iced tea in the store. Not that I was a two-fisted drinker, but the barrista gave me a free iced one after I bought the latte and went back to grab the tin. At home I had it warm, and all three versions were just terrific. It has a fruity-sweet taste, so you don't need to add that much sweetener, if at all. Since it is a Limited Edition, I'm going to get another cannister next time I'm in the store. It is similar to a Jasmine Green Tea, but where that one is more floral, this is more indeterminate "fruit." I had to laugh after I brewed it at home - it looks like a teabag full of spinach! I was also able to reuse the teabag again, brewing it for about 4 1/2 minutes. Not quite as strong as the first run, but still enjoyable a second time.

Rating: 4.25

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Four Tops - "I Can't Help Myself" -2:46

Loved watching Dennis Quaid and Julia Roberts dance to this in "Something to Talk About"
(That grin of his, big sigh!)

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Sales

Sew & Save - April 25/30
50% off notions wall

Sew Beautiful - April 25/May 7
30% off Gingher

Super Saturday - April 30
$1.99 McCalls
$1.99 Butterick
$3.99 Vogue

Netflix Stars - Switched

2.75 stars. I thought it would be better, very draggy. The saving grace to this movie is Jeff Goldblum and the wise beyond his years Thomas Robinson. Watch only if there's nothing else to or to do.

Happy Hello Kitty Easter!

Found at HEB for 99 cents each!

Manufactured by Frankford Candy Item #70844

Here's what's inside!

Eggstraordinary!

This is what you get when you use the Classic Paas Easter Egg kit with brown organic eggs!
(Except for the upper right blue and purple ones)

And forget to add the water to the dye cups. These are dyed with straight tablet + vinegar. The dye works A LOT faster, too!

Here's what happens when you think you've stirred and completely (not!) dissolved the purple!

Earth Day

USPS Goes Green for Earth Day! The United States Postal Service is currently selling this set of 16 Forever stamps for $7.04, along with tips to Go Green and reduce our environmental impact on Planet Earth.
(No, you won't find the suggestion to save a stamp and pay your bills online!)

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Tazo Thrive
Cost: $3.49 at Super Target
Number of teabags: 16
Caffeine: A little
Type of tea: Green Herbal
Steeping time: 3 minutes
Mix ins: Just a little fat-free condensed milk
Teabag fragrance: Spearmint
Ingredients: Green tea, green yerba mate, spearmint leaves, green rooibos, rose hips, black pepper, natural flavors, chicory and licorice root
Opinion: Part of Tazo's "Well-Being" tea line. Combining the words "Thrive" and "A formidable blend of green teas and botanicals" made me grab the box. All the ingredients blended together nicely, formidably. You could detect a little of the spearmint at first but then it retreated into the background. I was surprised when I typed the ingredients to see it had black pepper. I like the green tea bonus in the antioxidant department, along with "Balance, a sense of renewed purpose and a dose of optimism" have also been hidden in there. It says so right on the box. This tastes wonderful warm, but I was surprised when I tried it iced, it was so-so. Maybe the heat brings out the other flavors. And that balance thing again.

Rating: 4.0

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Maroon 5 - "Harder to Breathe" - 2:54

2011 Hoffman Challenge

Here is the 2011 Hoffman Challenge fabric, H8709 98G-Moss Gold. Pretty, isn't it? I love to see what people do with it. Each time I look it it, I'm liking it even more enough to consider entering the contest this year! Or just sew something cool, and keep it for myself -- and blog about it here. What say y'all?

Pretty in Pink!

Somehow, all the flowers I selected today at Another Place in Time were all --- PINK!

Profusion Cherry Zinnia, Magellan Mix Zinnia, a pink petunia (missing tag), Crystal White Zinnia, QIS Carmine Gomphrena

Burda Hall of Fame Favorite - 5223

I recently whipped up these two latest robe renditions of good old tried and true Burda 5223 in View B. Here's earlier versions in cottons, fleece and flannel (2007, 2008, 2009) I love this pattern, but it is a fabric hog - 5 yards! If I hit the sales right, I can still find good quality and interesting fabrics for my goal of less than $5/yard.

My "Knight in Shining Armor" is actually a not very stretchy knit, thus proving this pattern design can also work very well with a more stable knit.

And it is always fun to zap up that facing edge trim -- setting it on the bias and adding a couple packages of piping. One of these days I'll try a contrast fabric for it and the belt.

Marigold Monday

I've been finding some pretty and interesting marigolds at Another Place in Time. Normally I don't usually plant them, but they are adding a nice touch of color right now.

Antigua Orange - Upper left

Mr. Majestic -Upper right
Bonanza Bolero - Lower left
Safari Yellow - Lower right

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Robbie Williams - "Angels" - 4:25

Boy, if you can hit the turns at the changes...very powerful!

New Penzeys Catalog and Coupon!

The new Penzeys catalog - Early Summer 2011, arrived, along with a coupon for a free 1/2 cup jar of any spice! To order online, use the code "KINDNESS" Offer expires July 11, 2011.

This catalog's recipes which pop out to me are the Apple Shortbread Crisp on page 17, the Peanut Butter Blondies on page 51, the Raspberry Chipolte Marinade on page 41 and the Herbed Sweet Potato Wedges featured on the cover.

Call 800/741-7787 or visit their website to start getting their catalogs and great recipes!

New Sandra Betzina Patterns!

Vogue 1234 Dress

Vogue 1243 Jacket

I've seen variations of 1243's Views A & B before, but I think the View C pink one is pretty cute for a nice lightweight summer jacket. Or in an evening fabrication style.
The 1234 dress looks interesting, I wish I could see some of Sandra's versions. The fabric used in the photo looks just terrible!

Hello Kitty -- DUCK TAPE!

The power of Hello Kitty in adhesive form!

Duck Brand Duck Tape Hello Kitty Exclusive Limited Edition - 1.88 inches x 10 yards for $5.99 at Target. I'll probably use it for package mailing and wherever I need a happy touch of Hello Kitty color.

(SIL 34307, Barcode 75353 03588)

Thursday Tea Time

This week - The Republic of Tea Hibiscus SuperFlower Tea Pineapple Lychee

Cost: $9.99 at Whole Foods Market

Number of teabags: 36 Caffeine: No Type of tea: Herbal Steeping time: 7 minutes Mix ins: Just a little bit of sugar Teabag fragrance: Pineapple Ingredients: Hibiscus (flower), rosehips (fruit), apples (fruit), stevia (leaf) pineapple bits (fruit), natural pineapple and lychee flavors Opinion: I tried this first hot with a little bit of milk. Uh, OK. Then I tried it iced with just a little bit of sugar. Ah ha! There you go. Definitely tropical fruity, a perfect ice tea flavor. Pretty apricot color, too. Pretty good for you also - supposedly the hibiscus flower can help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, and combat those cell-damaging free radicals. Rating: 3.75

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Club Nouveau - "Lean on Me" - 4:01

Hello Kitty Cool Ties

Here's some of the Cool Ties I've made from the Hello Kitty fabric I found at Jo-Ann's! (If you are looking for it at the Sugar Land store, don't bother. I bought what was left on the bolt!

I have no idea what's going on with Blogger's line spacing

Anyone else having this problem?

I just tried going back into edit format and toggled between
Compose, the Edit Html and then hit Preview, then Publish.

It worked for the Thursday Tea Time and it is working for this one.

What a PITA!!! Please fix this, Google!

Thursday Tea Time

This week - The Republic of Tea Hibiscus SuperFlower Tea Vanilla Apple

Cost: $9.99 at Whole Foods Market

Number of teabags: 36

Caffeine: No

Type of tea: Herbal

Steeping time: 5-7 minutes

Mix ins: Just a little fat-free condensed milk

Teabag fragrance: Apple

Ingredients: Hibiscus (flower), rosehips (fruit), apple bits (fruit), stevia (leaf), natural vanilla and apple flavors

Opinion: As described on the label, it does taste like apple pie a la mode, especially when you add splash of milk! I've already gone through six bags, I love this flavor! Fruity apple with just a touch of vanilla. Can't wait to try it iced with just a little bit of sugar, too.

Rating: 4.75

Off into my cart!

The "Wild Blue Yonder" -- PURPLE with a touch of lavender rose! Everblooming Grandiflora - with a "delectable citrus blossom and rose fragrance."

3 gallon size, $13.99 at Costco. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Collective Soul - "Better Now" - 3:13 Great beat, perfect for mid-swim or mid-run!

Netflix Stars - Love & Other Drugs

3/5 - I didn't know this was a true story! Now you do, too. It was a pretty good movie though some scenes were a little bit "over-exposed" -- I'm not a prude by any means, but really now?! Someone had said that Anne Hathaway doesn't have that chemistry with her male co-stars and this is also the case here. Both she and Jake can act OK and are easy on the eyes, but I didn't see the sparks fly between them.

Sandra Betzina's Fashion Forecast - Spring/Summer 2011

Hooray! Here's Sandra's 2011 Spring/Summer Fashion Forecast! I predict lots of fun and easy and fashionable sewing.

Not an April Fool -- THIS IS MY 2,000th POST!

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

Daffodil Dash - April 10/16 Vogue Patterns - $3.99 Pre-Easter Sale - April 21/23 Simplicity - $1.99 50% off buttons

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Stash Peach Black Tea

Cost: $1.89 at Super Target

Number of teabags: 20

Caffeine: Yes

Type of tea: Black

Steeping time: 3-5 minutes

Mix ins: Just a little fat-free condensed milk, and also tried 1 teaspoonful of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Fat Free, No Sugar Added Vanilla Powder. Both made it pretty darn close to Bluebell's Peaches and Cream ice cream!

Teabag fragrance: Very peachy!

Ingredients: Black tea and peach flavor

Opinion: Peachy-keen! Interesting hot, being so fruity. I'm betting this will be a perfect cooler as iced tea in the near soon future when the summer temperatures kick in.

Rating: 4

Time is a material in which are lives are mysteriously contained...

The rest of the quote follows -- ...the material in which we are wrapped for the time being, at least." This was from an article about the fabric of a life about artists Jeanne-Claude and Christo by Meghan O'Rourke in the April 2001 WSJ Magazine. Incredible article - here's the link so you can also be moved, too. "Christo Without Jeanne-Claude"

Cosmos!

I have planted three varieties of Cosmos this Spring --

This is "Double Click" It is supposed to grow 3 to 4 feet tall!

Surprisingly, it is the shortest of the three right now.

On the right is "Daydream" It is good for a shaded garden and will top out at 15"-18"

And "Sonata" - a mix of colors for sun/part sun - will be 20"-24" tall

All are from Another Place in Time

Sorry, y'all!

I have to put my comments on moderate for awhile. My blog is being attacked by comment spammers. Please feel free to still share your opinions and thoughts, I love to hear from you -- there will just be a slight delay in their being posted to the blog.

Netflix Stars - Inside Man

1.5 - Only because it was a bank heist with a twist. Points only for that. I've had this movie home since November -- that should say something right there. We finally go around to watching it, and we should have just sent it back, unwatched. The movie was hard to follow, it had too much going on without any depth - very ADD-ish. Despite the star power, the potential electricity went unused. Clive Owen can definitely play creepy, though.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Santana, Featuring Michelle Branch - "I'm Feeling You" - 4:31

The Midas Touch

Yes, it's name really is "Midas Touch" but it is otherwise known here as "Rosezilla" Towering over 8 feet tall, this four year old hybrid tea is just blooming gangbusters. I like this picture because it features the blooms in all stages.

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Kroger Private Selection Pomegranate White Tea

Cost: $1.89 on "sale" at Kroger, regularly $1.99

Number of teabags: 20
Caffeine: Maybe just a little since it is a white tea
Type of tea: White, herbal
Steeping time: 2 minutes
Mix ins: Just a little fat-free condensed milk

Teabag fragrance: Fruity
Ingredients: White tea, hibiscus, natural flavors, lemon grass, dried pomegranate

Opinion: Delicate tea buds from China with pomegranate, lemon grass and African hibiscus combine for a sweet and unique blend. Kudos to Kroger for making a unique store brand tea. Nice packaging, and you can't beat the price! The flavor is really good, too.

But the color?! Just don't look while you are drinking! It's hard to describe - "wet cement"? "taupe"? "mortar"? "disgusting"? Truly, especially when you add milk. When I first dipped the teabag in, it turned a bright pink, quickly overtaken by dark black-gray. I could still see a very slight pinkish tinge. OK, I'm thinking this is going to look really pretty when I add a little bit of milk. NO! I took two pictures of it, one under artificial light, the other with daylight only - no flash either time. Judge for yourself. I bet it would have made an excellent iced tea - maybe some flowers or jazzy ice cubes could make it appear better. I took another quick look at what was left in the mug and laughed. Still gray! This is a homely-looking, but good tasting tea!

I must add I did not follow the "Prepare" instructions, which were to bring cold water to a rolling boil, let cool 7 minutes and then steep 1-2 minutes. Maybe that 7 minute cool down keeps the color pretty?

Rating: 3 - dinged only for the color

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Offspring - "Come Out and Play" - 3:17
Crazy lyrics, great tempo changes!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Coldplay - "Clocks" - 5:07
Got in an early morning swim (6:45!) - chasing the moon and awaiting the sun!

Happy Birthday, William Shatner!

(And to me!)

Moeller's Bakery has the BEST carrot cakes!!

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

Sew & Save - March 20/26
Buttons - BIGIF

3-Day Sale - March 25/27
Butterick patterns - $1.99

March 31/April 2
Simplicity patterns - 99 cents

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Into the way-back time machine --
Cat Stevens - "I Think I See the Light" - 3:55

This is actually a pretty good song to swim to, lots of good tempo beat changes. Though startling to listen to it so clearly in the iPod, instead of hearing all the pops and hisses on the record player (didn't have a stereo back in the day!) from my over-played, worn-out Mona Bone Jakon album. And how bizarre the other song lyrics that I so loved back then sound now! LOL

Penzeys $5 off Coupon

What a way to celebrate 25 years of Penzeys with their Spring 2011 catalog! The coupon was attached to their catalog (sign up here) Or use this code 00002C when ordering online or by telephone. Coupon expires May 29, 2011.

Bonus this catalog contains 8 recipes for "birthday" cakes -- Italian Cream Cake, Crazy Chocolate Cake, Birthday Spice Cake, Bonnie Butter Cake with Caramel Icing, Gram's Banana Cake (the cover shot), Great White Pound Cake, 4 Egg White Cake and Why-Plant-Yellow-Beets-In-Your-Garden Cake!

Netflix Stars - Flipped

5 STARS!!! What a wonderful, touching movie! My husband caught the last 10 minutes while L and I were watching, and I was willing to turn right around and start it over again to see it with him. How many movies have you ever done that with? And it just proves again that anything done by Rob Reiner is cine magic. Listen and watch for this great line - "Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss; but every once in awhile you find someone who's iridescent...And when you do, nothing will ever compare." I love how the story point of view also "flips" between Bryce and Juli! And I so love a great love story. . .

I have spent my life weaving the rainbow, treating light like a piece of embroidery

"I have spent my life weaving the rainbow, treating light like a piece of embroidery"
- Claude Monet

I saw the Impressionists and Post Impressionists exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) yesterday. (I also thought it was neat that their admission stickers we wore were green for St. Patrick's Day!) This quote was in the description next to Monet's "The Artist's Garden at Vetheuil" A perfect match for the potrait of his son, Michel, amongst the oh-so-colorful rows of sunflowers and gladioli in the sunlight.

If you live in the Houston area or plan to visit, you really need to check out this collection of 50 masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. It is here through May 23, 2011. Expect a crowd, especially on Thursdays since there is a $5 discount courtesy of Shell Oil Company. Reserve your timed-entry ticket online at http://www.mfah.org/ Ticket prices are free for MFAH members, $20 Adults, $15 Children 6-18, students and Seniors 65+.

Hours are:
Tuesday-Wednesday 10:30 AM -5 PM,
Thursday 10:30 AM -9 PM,
Friday-Saturday 10:30 AM - 7 PM,
Sunday 12:30 PM - 7 PM

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Numi Moroccan Mint - Simply Mint

Cost: $5.49 at Randalls, $5.99 at Whole Foods Market

($3.99 on sale and with $1 coupon)

Number of teabags: 18

Caffeine: No

Type of tea: Herbal Mint Teasan

Steeping time: 5-6 minutes

Mix ins: Just a little fat-free condensed milk and 1 teaspoonful of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Special Fat Free, No Sugar Added Dutch Chocolate Powder. A Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie in a cup!

Teabag fragrance: Spearmint

Ingredients: Organic Moroccan Mint

Opinion: Did I really need another Moroccan Mint tea, especially after Stash Tea's Moroccan Mint? Yes! (I really need to get into a self-help program.) The Numi "Simply Mint" is just that - only Moroccan Mint. Stash's is a green tea blend of spearmint and peppermint and lemongrass. I will use both equally, depending on what's left at home and what's on sale. I do give a slight edge to Numi's - it's just a tad more smoother and finished.

Rating: 4.50

Netflix Stars - Morning Glory

3.5 stars. Great ensemble cast, all playing well off of each other -- Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Wilson, Ty Burrell. . . A little draggy sometimes, but I really enjoyed the wrap-up ending. I also thought there was something wrong with the DVD player in the beginning, to the point of distraction trying to follow the conversation. Just be forewarned.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Jamiroquai - "Virtual Insanity" - 5:40

Netflix Stars - Knight and Day

3.75 - This was a cute movie, just play along and suspend disbelief and you'll have a good time watching this action-comedy. (I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but gah! He looks, uh, clearing throat, really good here.) It's also nice to see movies pairing people close to each other's age and good casting chemistry.

There's always a third option!

Thank you, Neatorama! You guys always make me smile!

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Stash Decaf Vanilla Nut Creme Tea

Cost: $2.19 at Target, $2.99 at Whole Foods Market
Number of teabags: 18
Caffeine: No
Type of tea: Black
Steeping time: 4 minutes
Mix ins: Fat-free condensed milk Next time I may add a dash of cinnamon, too.
Teabag fragrance: Vanilla
Ingredients: Naturally decaffeinated black teas, vanilla nut flavor, sarsaparilla and vanilla flavor.
Opinion: Hmm, I seem to be on a vanilla kick! And this one has a different twist with a slightly can't-describe-which-nut nutty flavor combo. Since it is decaf, it makes a great dessert tea or any time of day tea when craving something sweet.

Rating: 4.25

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Decemberists - "Don't Carry It All" - 4:17

All three of these songs are perfectly timed for early/mid point swimming cadence workout!
From their "The King Is Dead" CD on iTunes/Amazon. I heard them at Starbucks and Googled the lyrics.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Decemberists - "All Arise" - 3:09

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Decemberists - "Down By The Water" - 3:41

Netflix Stars - Carolina

A strong 3.5, closing in on a 4! Very quirky and fun to watch rom-com. I really enjoyed the performances of Shirley MacLaine and Julia Stiles. Netflix is back on its recommendations A-game.

Next Step!

Pedicure with OPI's Texas Collection - "Don't Mess with OPI!" Actually I'm really liking this wearing o' the green.

And I no longer surprise the neighbors anymore -- Me out front with my foot on the brick pillar and taking a picture? Yawn!

Thursday Tea Time

This week - Numi Indian Night Decaf Black Vanilla

Cost: $4.99 at Randalls and Whole Foods Market

Number of teabags: 16

Caffeine: No

Type of tea: Black

Steeping time: 5 minutes

Mix ins: Fat-free condensed milk

Teabag fragrance: Vanilla

Ingredients: Organic Fatikcherra Estate decaf black tea and organic vanilla beans.

Opinion: This is a great tea, I've already bought my second box. Whole Foods had a $1 off coupon and so did the box. Points to the clerk at WF by taking both of them without my even asking! It has a very strong and sweet vanilla flavor and is not at all bitter as some black teas can be. Very smooth. I like the fact it is decaf, so I can have it instead of a dessert after dinner.

Rating: 4