New Style

At the last couple of home parties I've done, I've had several requests for a messenger style hip pouch. It seems that many people are trying to reduce their carrying loads and lighten up. There are times when they only want to carry their essentials. So I developed a new design and made some custom orders for this Hip Pouch. I also wanted to add some to my Etsy shop since I've received several messages there as well inquiring if I'll ever be making small, zipped bags. Well, here's the first one. . .

It's got a front, zippered pocket and two slip pockets inside. The pouch also closes with a zipper so all your items stay secure. The strap is 44" long so you can wear it messenger style and keep your arms and hands free to do other things. It's a wonderful thing!

P.S. Have a great Superbowl Sunday!

Facebook

Most of the time I still feel like a teenager trapped inside an adult's body. I often question how mature I really am to be a mother and have such responsibility, such impact on molding others' lives. I remember when I used to do the same things my kids are doing now and it really doesn't seem all that long ago (even though it really is!). So I still feel pretty young, hip with the times, techno savvy, and all that good stuff. But then Facebook came along. I've heard about it many, many times from several of my friends. I just kept thinking "oh, I don't need that" or "someday I'll get around to joining it". I didn't want to be bothered and, to be honest, I felt intimidated by the whole thing (true age now showing).

Well, I finally bit the bullet and my good friend, Kristen, showed me how it worked and signed me up. The teenager inside of me is evident even more now! I've made contact with girlfriends from grade school and high school. It's amazing to see so many people that you just plain forget about as time passes. People that at one point had an amazing impact or influence in your life. I'm limiting myself because, as most of have already warned me, it can be addicting and a little consuming.

But it really does make my heart happy to see so many familiar faces, faces that made me a part of who I am today. You should really check it out if you haven't already.

Fun in the Snow

We've had some nasty, bone-chilling cold weather here in the Chicagoland area. Last night was about -19 degrees. We actually had ice and snow on the inside of some of our windows that don't get much sunlight. It's so cold that you just don't want to go anywhere. I'm so glad that we actually took advantage of the snow last week while it was still only 20 degrees. We took the kids sledding and had a blast. Their plump, little cheeks were so cold but they could care less. We were super bundled up in all our snow gear so the rest of our bodies stayed pretty warm.

We lost Jonas' favorite hat recently so he needed a substitute. He made it very clear to us that morning that he did not approve of the pink hat. "I not like it Mommy. Pink is for girls." I never thought a two year old would understand the whole gender color association thing! He ended up being a trooper about it though. Years from now when he looks back at these pictures though might be a different story.

For those of you that are in balmy climates, please send some of your warm, sun-kissed weather this way!

Just Passing It Along

Just wanted to pass along some helpful information. I just learned this little tidbit about a year ago, and wish someone had told me sooner. I'm constantly burning myself in the kitchen. So it was nothing new when I burned my hand yesterday on our waffle iron. But see, I know this special trick. I immediately put honey on it and threw a bandaid over top (so the honey soaks in).

Yes, honey! I know it sounds weird, but I swear it works. I've done it many, many, many times. For some reason, the honey cools off the skin (faster than cold water), minimizes the burn, and reduces the pain significantly. It was a pretty bad burn and now I only have a small red mark as a reminder.

Just thought I'd share this in case you're just as klutzy as me around hot stuff.

Another Project

While visiting in New Jersey over the holidays, I went to this great yarn store with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. I had no projects in mind or specific yarns to look for. But it's just asking for trouble to take me in a yarn shop and not expect me to walk out with something. So I got this idea to make legwarmers for Camille. This was the perfect yarn ~ super soft, sock weight, and all the colors of the rainbow. So I set to work on a pattern I found online and tweaked it a bit. And ta-da. . . . .

I love the way they turned out, and they have become very useful for dance class (especially when it's only 10 degrees here!). I'm now working on a pair for Camille's cousin in New Jersey. She wanted some as well, and of course, they have to be rainbow colors. It must be a four-year old thing!

Back to Work

I hope this note finds you in a happy, healthy new year! We're home from our holiday travels and settling back into our routine. I've finally sorted through all the mail, finished with the piles of laundry, and packed away the holiday decorations. My house is somewhat in order so I'm ready to start sewing again! But. . . . I've realized several important things during the past several weeks.

See, I'm wonderful at time management. It's one of my few gifts that is a blessing and a curse at the same time. I can get twice as much done in a day than the typical person. However, during my crossing-off-the-to-do-list, I lose sight of small, precious moments. Moments with my family, just hanging out, watching a movie, reading a book and not being able to put it down because it's so good, getting sucked into a challenging puzzle. The holidays helped me take stock, refresh, and look foward to some "new beginnings".

I have several "new beginnings" that I'm making a priority for 2009. Beginnings that don't include making more money, earning more success, or getting the most done in a day. Mine are much more special and will hopefully make me a better person, wife, and mother.

Happy New Year!!