BumbleBaby Mommy

Greening up the House

2012-01-22T23:38:00.000-08:00

Ever since Sensaria closed, I've been shopping with a new company. Turns out I can get more than just the non-toxic Citrus Cleaner that I loved...I can supply my whole house with green products!

I love not looking like the gal in this photo. I can breathe when I clean the house!

Part of the green movement in our house is buying in bulk & keeping a better pantry. Down in the basement, I've decided that part of my laundry room will be a pantry. I've found that the 2.5 or 5 gallon paint buckets at our Ace Hardware store are food-safe. I have large ones for rice, flour, and sugar; as well as smaller ones for powdered milk and oatmeal.

I have several cardboard boxes that I'd cut apart and made into can storage holders.

I also have a shelving rack to hold things I've canned or purchased on sale. (Just ignore all the beer...hubby likes to brew his own & thinks that shelf is HIS! He's quite mistaken!)

Upstairs in the kitchen, smaller containers are neatly labeled. I love that label maker! And even though this jar of beans is on my top shelf - where I really can't see - all the dried beans & lentils are in glass canning jars. I've done the same with my rice & the protein drink mix.

Breastfeeding

2011-07-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

I found a great link of resources, poems, articles, etc on breastfeeding tonight. http://www.drmomma.org/2009/08/books-for-breastfeeding-mother.html

Share this! Someone out there needs to find this info.

Painter's cloth slip cover

2011-07-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this forever. Its finally done...my most difficult project yet. A pair of chair slipcovers that are make out of painter's drop cloth fabric. Not the canvas, the fabric kind.

Before: The poor family who owned this chair had a kitten who scratched it all up. :(

During: My secret...I sew the covers inside out! I fit it this way & pin, then sew where I pinned. I also use my fabric marking pencil a lot.

After:
Pleat details

And the label.

Camping x Family Reunion = Fun

2011-07-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend camping. Okay, some people camped. I spent my nights in a cozy cabin sleeping on the worst mattresses ever. I decked out the cabin with some super cute buntings that the girls helped me make. And then we didn't even eat there!!

But our food was fabulous...check this out!

We roasted Krispy Kreme donuts over the fire.

But the real food came out for Saturday's dinner. BBQ Smoked pulled pork sandwiches. We roasted the pork for 10 hours. It took 2 days to roast 50 lbs of pork.

We made 2 types of coleslaw for the pork. One was a vinegar based North Carolina sauce. And we make baked beans from scratch. They only smoked 45 minutes.

I made some cute little toothpick flags to match the buntings (that no one saw!). I stuck them into some deviled eggs. They looked like dis-proportioned sail boats. The next pic is herbed butter, molded into stars. And of course, each got a toothpick flag!

Drinks are always fun with us....We made 3 types of beer & 3 types of soda for the occasion. Coconut Porter, Summer Ale, & Dead Guy beers. Sour Cherry Soda, Creme Soda, & Root Beer. And can you see 5 bottles of wine? I guess 3 were contributed by me. What can I say? I know some great vintners.

Making beer comes in handy when you need to boil 20 ears of corn. That's a 5 gallon brew-pot. You can't see the scale because in the background is our antique cast iron cooking griddle. It measures at least 24x40"!! I've never even seen these. Its made to fit on top of our antique wood burning cookstove.

Dessert was dutch oven cobbler - peach or sour pie cherry. I hand pitted the cherries...what a labor of love. It was a lot of work!

The kids got into things making ice cream in our ice cream balls. They roll them around, and next thing you know - Hot Chocolate, Strawberry, & Raspberry ice cream are ready! We made the vanilla in the big electric ice cream maker.

Happy camping!

Photoshop fun

2011-07-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

I get all kinds of odd offers for magazines. I subscribe to a few free ones that I love, but really don't make much sense in my life as a stay at home mom. Yesterday I got a free digital one on Photoshop. I run a really old version of Photoshop. I mean REALLY old. What I'm learning is the new one does what mine does, but I think mine is not as user friendly.

So I'm sitting here tonight, reading this magazine on my desktop. I don't own a Kindle, an iPad or even a laptop. (sigh) But since I was on this computer I was able to try out a few of the tutorials that are in the magazine.

I just learned how to make my photos black & white. And even better, b&w with just a hint of a color! Check this out...

original color hint of pink true b&w

Maybe now that I can do this, I can work on getting my pics to show up where I want them to on the blog! Here's the link to the magazine, if it lets you open it. I'm not sure.

http://www.zinio.com/my-library.jsp?_requestid=1313355

Now, back to sewing. I am ALMOST done with the last of the slip covers. Soooo close. But my kids won't let me work. Grrrrr. And I had someone ask me today about private sewing lessons - I'd love to do them for you! $20 per one hour lesson, or $15 per lesson if you sign up for 4 lessons or more. Let me know!

Sewing fun!

2011-07-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Wow...talk about a quick turn-around! I was delivered a bride's maid dress today at noon. I had it finished by 4pm. That's rare around here. And impressive as it involved ripping out a few seams & a lining! The mom of the bride's maid was very pleased I was able to get it done so quickly. I'm pleased that it doesn't look altered. I should have taken a pic of it! Its not this dress, but it was very similar.

Cost: $40
Had the dress been unlined, the price would have been lower. Or if it had not been a specialty fabric. This was mainly hand sewn.

The mom of the bride's maid was joking that she can't sew on a button. But I can. And I know there are people who really can't sew a button. Not to mention they don't have the button, thread, needle or time. I was also talking to my contact lens professional - he was telling me about a pocket with a hole that he hand stitched. I was telling him whatever works, as long as the hole is closed....but it didn't work! Next time he'll call me! Yakima, WA area 509.577.8241 But don't call me if you're selling something - I'm on the Do Not Call list.

2011-07-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this adorable pic of my baby!!

If you're in the Yakima Valley...I have the photographer for you! Run & schedule a session with Kelly at 7 Safaris. http://www.7safaris.com/ She's just fabulous!

2011-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Working on rebranding myself...and making sure I'm getting as much free advertising as I can. Word of mouth is the best way to go. That, and the internet. I've pulled down my personal website, and canceled my phone. Hope this doesn't crush the small amount of work I was getting...I need to keep the money coming in so I can afford to stay home with our girls. Raising kids is an expensive adventure. And I'm frugal! Yikes. But it just doesn't work for me to pay for daycare.

Seamstress

Dinner Menu

2011-02-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

So I can't do a whole lot around the house right now. Baby is here...its a girl! Miss Abby is showing signs of a favored third baby - she's never put down. She's now 8 weeks old and refuses to sleep alone. So I sit at my computer. A lot. I'm either nursing her or she's sleeping!

Today I created this fabulous chart of our favorite dinners! Hopefully this will help me figure out what's for dinner!

There are categories across the top with the main ingredient - Ground beef, Tomato, Beans, Noodles, etc. Then I filled in dinners where I thought they fit best. Most overlap, but this was my best guess on what the "main" thing was. Hubby was complaining there were too many tomato & noodle dinners in a row! Ooops. I'm sure I'll need to adjust it a bit, but we'll see how this works out. Now to print & put in my House binder!

Pears!

2010-08-17T01:25:00.000-07:00

I'm working on this fabulous project. I can't share all the details in case my friend is reading this. But....a bunch of us have joined together to make a quilt. I've never claimed to be a quilter, but at least I'm fairly crafty & can sew. All I have to do is make a square.

Ever have a day when you're ready to work on a project but you don't have the right stuff, but you forge ahead anyway. That was me. I really needed some fusible interfacing. But it was midnight and I didn't want to wait until tomorrow when I could get to the fabric store. So I taped my fabrics together & sewed. Yes, tape. I know some of you are gasping in horror. Remember I never claimed to be a quilter! It worked though.

Here's my square. Its not finished yet, but I'll let you look.

I'd like to sign it with my name & bumble bee. I just need to figure out how....so I'm off to Google it.

Here's the finished square!

I used a brown fabric pen to trace my bee & name. I'd printed a piece of paper & slid it under the fabric. It was thin enough I could see it just fine.

Update - Here's the finished quilt - another gal put it together...this is way beyond my skills! A group of us made squares to give to a friend who'd had a baby that died at birth. I know she'll treasure it forever!

Sad two weeks and 3 death stories

2010-07-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

Sad things happen. I know this. But three in one week is just too much for me right now. I lost a second-cousin to a terrible, tragic accident. A man had driven a car into a shopping mall where she was working. She was in her early 20's and in school. She lives out of state (my dad's family is mainly in CO still) so I didn't know her well. I remember her very clearly as a little girl of about 7 years old or so. Her funeral was last weekend.

Then I found out my great-aunt was dying (she's on the other side of my dad's family). She'd lived a fabulous life and was very active & alert right up until the last 24 hours in her 98 year life. Yes, she was 98! Aunt Bonnie was my great-grandma's little sister. I remember Aunt Bonnie coming to visit at my grandma's house...she'd play the piano over & over for me. Then she'd sit patiently as I played (terribly, I might add). Aunt Bonnie used to do hair...she gave me the prettiest braids a 7 year old has ever seen for my aunt & uncle's wedding. It took forever - I thought she'd never fi nish...but she braided a teal ribbon down the back of my hair. I'd show you all a photo but they're at my parents' house. Her funeral is also in CO and is this weekend. Thankfully, my dad is there visiting & he'll be able to go. And I was there just about two years ago to see Aunt Bonnie.

Here's Aunt Bonnie (in the center) with my Aunt Mildred and Uncle Bill.

The latest was the death of my friend's infant. The baby, Ellie, died during childbirth. The cord was wrapped tightly around her neck and there was meconium in her lungs. It was the kind of thing that couldn't have been prevented. My heart breaks for my friend, her husband & their little 3.5 year old. He couldn't understand why his sis wouldn't open her eyes to see his toy he'd brought for her. Or why she was living with Jesus, and not with him. Keep her in your prayers especially, she has a past history of anxiety & PPD like I do. I can't imagine how hard this would be for anyone without the postpartum depression history.

My cousin is a midwife, and found me a great website that I thought I'd share. http://www.glowinthewoods.com/ If you know anyone who's lost an infant share this site & read it yourself. This is one of those things no one talks about but maybe they should.

Pray for these families, pray for my dad's cousin & the loss of their daughter, pray for my dad's cousin & the loss of her mother, pray for my friend & the loss of her baby.

A funeral is so much easier when its a celebration of a long happy life that was lived compared to a child taken away from their parents. Please pray for me too...this is so heart breaking. I'm doing what I can to make sure this doesn't trigger an anxiety attack.

Skirts, jeans & aprons!

2010-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

What have you been up to this summer? We have a new baby on the way at our house...and I'm exhausted! I've fallen behind on blogging & on sewing...But I have such good plans!
For instance...I wear the same skirt nearly every day. Its just so comfortable. I love wearing it more than shorts. I'd like to make a similar one out of a nylon material...like the stuff hiking pants are made of. Columbia always has great looking ones, but I kn ow I can do it for less than the $40 they try to charge me in a store!

I should be able to do it no problem...its whether or not I really want to that is the question!

With the last baby (who's now 3 1/2) I made maternity jeans...they're fabulous! I took a pair of regular jeans & cut off the waist, added elastic & there you go!

This is the only photo I can find right now...that bit of paisley is the fabric I covered the elastic in. Its part of the jeans! However...here's the tutorial I based mine off of! Mine are not a full coverage, but the idea is the same. http://patchworkprincess.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-tuesday-maternity-jeans.html

And here's the latest apron I finished! Be sure to come find me on Facebook...I update there much more often than I do the blog! BumbleBaby Mommy

2010-04-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Missed me? I've been busy sewing, selling Sensaria & keeping up with the kids! My husband & I are on a debt reducing mission...thanks to Dave Ramsey!
The girls & I colored Easter eggs today...check out these colors! We used the Neon food coloring drops and brown eggs.

We forgot to color the eggs with white crayon...so only half were done with writing & patterns. Here's Emma coloring. Look at those gorgeous brown eggs!

And here they both are putting them in the dye. We did the old school vinegar & food coloring dye. Who needs expensive egg kits around here?! Not us!!

The other thing I'm all hyped up on is organizing my pantry. I found this great site a couple of days ago where they show you how to make a can rotater. You know, its a gadget that holds your cans of soup (or whatever) and lets them drop down one at a time.

The original post is here: but the PDF and the instructions are at Food Storage Made Easy at this link.
I'm going to try to make some this weekend. I'll post photos once I have it done.
Oh, and I've been making new aprons. Check these out! I've done some in denim.
And some in a flirty retro style & lots of color!

Have a great Easter!

Cooking & Camping

2009-07-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

I love to camp. And I love to bake. So imagine how I feel when I can combine the two!

The first night I made bread. Yep. Yeast bread!!

The key to camp cooking is to prepare your stuff ahead of time. Before we left home, I measured out all my dry ingredients and put them in a z ip top bag. I wrote on it the directions & measurements for the wet ingredients. Once we were up there I just nee ded to w arm my milk, add the butter & yeast - mix it together, let it rise & then bake! I ba ked it in my dutch oven over the fire. . . let me tell you it was quite impressive!

We loved it so much I almost forgot to take a photo to share!

Night two I made a dessert. This is a cobbler type thing that I've forgotten the name of. You had to make a dough, then add the milk & kneed it.

Pat it flat, then add it into the dutch oven with the fruit filling.

I made Peach. Here's how it turned out:

More please Mom! This little cutie loved eating outdoors!

Now. . . a few tips about camping - Pack carefully so that you can still see out the back. I'm happy to say I got everything we needed into the vehicle and we took home everything we came with and some stuff the family had brought separately for us! Wow that's impressive packing.

I know this is cute. . . But don't pick wildflowers. Some only bloom every 7 years (not these yellow ones). And lupine won't last in a glass unless you singe the ends with a flame. Besides, wildflowers need to bloom & go to seed so there will be flowers next year!
When you leave - don't forget to drown your fire. Look at this steam & smoke. . . that was one hot fire!

Have fun & let me know how your trip goes!

Albertsons savings

2009-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about what I've just saved I haven't even totaled it up! I'll be back later to fill you in but remember that today is the last day to use the Albertsons double coupons!

Oh and check out my friend's blog! She is wonderful about saving money with coupons!

http://yakimacouponqueen.blogspot.com/ (you may need to type this in - I've messed up the linking part somehow)

I've been twice - the second time I followed Nicole's advise on the Hefty zip top bags . . . FREE!

I've also been buying Artisan Wheat Thins with a BOGO coupon, they're $1.79 each but I'm getting them for $.90. . . not bad!

Good news about the PPD Legislation

2009-04-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

It has passed in the House! Now its off to the Senate. . .

Did you forget about my blog? Its been soooooo long since I've updated!

I've begun selling Sensaria Natural Body Care products. Here's the link: http://www.sensaria.com/melissac

The stuff is great! I have the most sensitive skin but I'm loving almost everything I touch! My top items r ight now are:

Sweet & Smooth body scrub
Mineral Genesis Gold facial moisturizer
Freshening Toning spray
Self Tanning Lotion
Skin Perfecting Serum

Its taking up a good portion of my free time & I love having something productive to do again! This is helping my PPD so much! If only I'd known a year ago I just needed a job.

O h, and I'm frustrated as to why everything I type is trying to be a link & why my links aren't working. Anyone know?

PPD legislation

2009-03-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

For those new at following, I am a PostPardum Depression survivor. I still struggle with it but its so much better than when my baby was an infant. She's now two, and yes, its still here. The doctor has no idea when it will end for me - its different for everyone. Some people need five years to recover, some need just a few months.

I just wanted to make you all aware of a new legislation going on regarding PPD. I'm frustrated that PPD is not tal ked about. Its a hidden secret. The more I tell people I have it the more I hear that they are survivors! PPD affects 3 out of every 10 births! But not just births, it can affect those who've miscarried too. That's a lot of people!

Here is the link to the bill for the House
http://capwiz.com/ndmda/issues/alert/?alertid=12832296

And here is the link to the Senate
http://capwiz.com/ndmda/issues/bills/?bill=12798766

These are form letters - you just add your zip code & the site will take you to your representatives. Then you can cut and add to the letter as you desire. Please take a moment to read this & consider sending it on.

MIA

2009-03-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

Oh my! Has it really been three weeks since I've blogged? Its because I've been to an Ace Hardware buying show and planned Ava's 2nd Birthday party!

I'll be back later with pics & info from each. . .

Coupon Savings!

2009-02-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Great news!! I opened my coupon spreadsheet yesterday and started looking at it closely.

I've saved $118.13 using coupons in January, and $40.49 so far in February. This is not counting the store savings - this is just coupons! That's great!! And I will say I'm super picky about coupons. I don't use them for anything I wouldn't normally buy. I'm also careful to check to see if the generic is less without a coupon than the brand name is with the coupon.

So I thought today I'd post a few of my favorite links to the money saving blogs I like to read. Eventually I'd like to get them into my list on the sidebar.

**Please note these are not links - you'll need to copy & paste to open the link. Sorry about that.

http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
http://bargainbanana.blogspot.com/
http://mommysnacks.blogspot.com This is where my grocery/coupon spreadsheet came from
http://organizingafamily.blogspot.com/
http://www.thriftyandchicmom.com/
http://www.moneysavingmethods.blogspot.com/
http://www.mommieswithcents.com/
http://www.thenewfrugalmom.com/
http://frugalchicliving.blogspot.com/
http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/ I love this one on Weds!! - they have links to tons more blogs with great tips!
http://gettingfreedom.blogspot.com/
http://jamieisamoneymagnet.blogspot.com/
http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/
https://wwws.mint.com
This is the BEST at keeping track of your money - it does it for you. Sadly I use a local credit union & it can't link up with them - but it tracks everything else. I just started using this last month

Storage idea!

2009-02-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

I had a great idea last week for storing all my holiday door decorations. Its so easy I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner!

I started putting up command hooks on the inside of my closet door. Then I hung all the door decorations on the hooks! Brilliant! And so simple!

This is not our main closet, but an extra one in the basement. This is also where I keep wrapping paper & other holiday decorations. The Christmas & Easter stuff are in boxes in the garage - but everything else fits in here.

Come see more fun stuff at Rocks In my Dryer's WFMW

My life without a car payment

2009-02-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

I found a great video from Dave Ramsey about life without a car payment.
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/lms/drive_free/player.cfm

I'm feeling pretty smart right now & just wanted to share this. I have been driving the same car since I graduated from college in 1998. That's eleven years. I paid my car off after about 2 years - it was a used car. There were a few tough times where we took out a loan on it because we needed cash for another emergency, but all in all I've had an average of 6 or more years without a car payment.

We have a payment on my husband's vehicle - but lets not mention that right now.

My goal is to get our finances to the point were I can do what Dave did in the example. Even if I'm just paying myself $300 a month - I'd like to think I'll get a new car in about 4 more years and I'd like a hefty down payment.

Anyone else doing this? I'd love to hear about it.

Oh, and I found a new budgeting site called minty.com that will help me get to this point. Go check it out.

e

Bees!!!

2009-02-04T10:14:00.001-08:00

Spring is coming and so are my bees!! I have a colony of Cutter Bees living in my back yard. So I bought them a house. What else would a good former-Realtor do?

It was a purchase from a man in Seattle who sells his stuff on Etsy. The AR is his initials - I wish that it could have been customized with mine or just said bee or something. But I love the bee logo and the house is fabulous!

Cutter bees are the same as Mason bees. They won't hurt anyone - they just like to pollinate.

I'm putting the box out this week. I know its early but better early than late!

While we're talking houses - I also bought a butterfly house from the same shop.

I hope I can get a few to move in! We'll just have to wait & see. Come see more hints & tips at Rocks in my Dryer

I have a button!

2009-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

I did it!! The button is fixed. Whew. Please don't ask how - I think it was random luck.

I did use this site though CLICK HERE as a starting point. I put my photo into Photobucket and a small miracle occurred!

Ooops - I forgot the link! I'll have to hunt it down. In the meantime, here's one I tried to use the first time.

http://oikology101.blogspot.com/2008/09/make-your-own-button-for-your-blogger.html

Saving $$$ 1996 Style!

2009-01-28T10:51:00.001-08:00

I have this book from 1996 that my MIL bought for me at a yard sale about six or seven years ago. The prices are so funny to read! Pillsbury refrigerator biscuits go on sale for $.25! Hahaha! Ground beef is $.99 per lb. Expensive cereal is $3 a box. But the concepts are still very valid!

I'm re-reading it and have found some GREAT recipes!

Right now I'm making homemade granola. I'll post the recipe after I decide if I like it. The one I'm excited about is a cream of ___ soup mix.

Cream of ____ Soup Mix
2 cups instant milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup instant chicken bouillon
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp pepper

Combine these in an air tight container.

To use for soup, combine 1/3 cup mix and 1-1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil stirring often. Add a vegetable for more flavor - diced celery, mushrooms or broccoli.

To use for any recipe calling for a can of cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery soup use 1/3 cup mix and 1-1/4 cup of water. Boil a few minutes & stir often.

Potty training time

2009-01-27T23:47:00.000-08:00

Already? Ava will be 2 at the end of Feb. She's just barely in a size 24 months. Her car seat is rear facing - she weighs 22 lbs soaking wet. But she's showing potty training signs.

Today marks day 2 of training.

When Emma was this age she was showing signs of being ready, so I bought some great vinyl training pants. It was my first intro to cloth diapers. Who knew I'd like them? I bought them because I hold the opinion that a diaper keeps you dry and you don't feel uncomfortable. And if you're not uncomfortable, why bother using the potty? (This is what I think two year olds are thinking) It was a great clearance sale - they were less than $2 or $3 each. A few have had a mishap or two over the years of being borrowed & loaned out. I learned the hard way they don't like dryers - they just melt holes in the vinyl.

So I've gathered them back from my SIL and will start using them again. Sadly, a good number of them are a 3T! So I started looking online. The ones I want - now that I'm a BTDT (been there done that) mom - have snaps or velcro on the sides for easy emergency removal. They're also quite spendy. PUL isn't cheap. You can't buy in at Joanne's. We're talking special order commercial found on the internet fabric.

But I started thinking and then I started sewing! I made my own cloth trainers! And they're waterproof too!

I used a pair of panties for a pattern and made it a bit larger. I traced them in one piece so it sort of looks like a diaper shape. Then I wondered why I didn't just trace one of my very nice cloth diapers? I cut one layer for the outside - I chose a cute green flannel. One layer for the inside - off white polar fleece. I would have prefered a microfiber cloth, like the dust cloths you buy - but wasn't fond using it on my first pair of trainers.

My waterproof lining is. . . (get this). . . grocery sacks! I saw a tutorial for this on Etsy. You cut your grocery sacks and lay them out flat. I found the easiest thing is to cut off the handles and the bottom, then cut down one side. I came out with a piece about 3 feet long. You layer them about 5 or so bags thick and slowly melt with your iron. You need to have parchement paper sandwiching the bottom & top layer, so you don't melt onto the iron or the ironing board. If you need more waterproof fabric you melt a piece, then slip it about an inch into the next sandwiched bit of plastic, and melt them all together.

I actually cut the plastic liner first, then the fleece & flannel. I stitched right sides together everywhere but the back. Added some elastic that I stretched as I stitched on the leg openings. Flipped it right side out. Added more elastic on the back and stitched that all closed. Added my velcro & there you go!

They crinkle a bit - its not a quiet thing to wear. But they work! Its not a diaper, it won't hold a lot of liquid for very long, but it keeps a puddle from forming on the floor! I don't think you can dry in the dryer - the plastic liner is likely to melt. My next pair will have a bit more room on the sides for the tabs but overall I think they're great! And it saved me $14 a pair!

You can see the finished trainer on top of an extra layer of my plastic fabric. Be sure to cut larger than you want the finished product - look at how much smaller this turned out in the end.

Love the bag melting bit? Here's more on what to do with your new found fabric! Etsy ideas

Save $$$ on dishwasher soap

2009-01-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

So this year for us is all about spending less $$$ and saving more. I'm trying out new ways to be frugal & searching online for this good info.

Dishwashing Soap for about 8 cents per load

1 Tablespoon Borax (76 oz sold for $5 at Ace)
1 Tablespoon baking soda (128 oz for $13 online - it may be less at Costco where I bought a big bag)

Mix the Borax and baking soda together. Then, add to your dishwasher's detergent compartment, and run as usual. I like to mix up a big batch & fill an old Costco soap container.

Interesting facts:

Borax and baking soda are both natural disinfectants and mild abrasives – just what you need to blast away stuck on food and germs. In fact, you may be interested to learn that Borax is a common ingredient in many commercial detergents.

Why bother?

its inexpensive
there are no harsh chemicals
it does not emit chlorine gas like other commercial detergents
it is an effective sanitizer
it is an effective stain remover
its an effective water softener
and its environmentally-friendly (phosphate-free)
You actually use a lot less of this than the commercial stuff

Be sure to keep this away from kids & pets just like any other cleaner. I also marked the 2T line on my old scoop so I know I'm not using too much. I've been doing this for a month & have only once had to re-wash my dishes. (I'd loaded them funny & they just didn't get clean)

There are lots of places I may have found this info. . . But I'm pretty sure I read it at TipNut

Now head off to RocksInMyDryer for more Works for Me Wed tips!

Photoshop Success!

2009-01-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to make a watermark for my photos. I had someone send me a photo of a garment she wanted duplicated with some major modifications. I later realized what site that pic had come from. It got me thinking that lots of people never think about copyrighted stuff, and I don't want my designs being copied (neither does anyone else). . . So I intend to start marking my designs.

Here's my photo with the watermark. I don't know that I can explain this well enough for you to duplicate. Google define brush 6.0 (or whatever photoshop program you're running). I finally figured out that in 6.0 you can't have a custom brush larger than 999 pixels. Whew. That only took me 2 days to figure out!

Basically - the short version is you create a photoshop file of whatever you want the brush to be (smaller than 999 x 999). Go Edit to Define Brush, name it and you're done. That sounds overly simple but it was really easy - once I figured out the size bit!

Here are a few links I used to help me Bitbox DaniDraws Also search online for free brushes - but remember that thing I said about copywrights - don't claim them for your own if they're not and don't try to sell what isn't yours.

Blog Buttons

2009-01-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

You know those cute little blog buttons everyone seems to have? Here's how to make one - follow this link

I don't do well following directions & got distracted part way through. So I did mine differently - I made my picture in Photoshop and saved it. Then on Blogspot, in the Layout section I added a gadget - a picture. I uploaded the picture and put my blog address as the link. I added the directions in my comments. I hope it works!

Okay - I'm back. It does not work. I'll be working on it for a bit. Maybe tomorrow I'll figure it out.

Saving $$$ making bread

2009-01-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

So we know that baking at home can save money but I have troubles figuring it all out. You take the cost of your flour, decide how much it is an ounce, how many ounces you use. . . blah, blah, blah. It makes my head spin.

Poking around on the King Arthur site, I found this is figured for you at the end of each recipe!!

Here's white sandwich bread. Ignore the fancy name. They need you to use a special pan but also said you can use a regular pan & cover with a cookie sheet weighted with a brick.
Buy vs. Bake

Buy: Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White Bread, 22¢/ounce

Bake at home: Pain de Mie, 8¢/ounce

They also did the same for a cheese cracker similar to a Cheez-It. Mmmmmm. Plus look at the difference in ingredients!

Buy vs. Bake

Buy: Sunshine Cheez-It Crackers, 33¢/ounce

Ingredients: Enriched Flour, Soybean and Palm Oil with TBHQ for Freshness, Skim Milk Cheese, Salt, Contains Two Percent or Less of Paprika, Yeast, Paprika Oleoresin for Color, Soy Lecithin.

Bake at home: Vermont Cheese Crackers, 24¢/ounce

Ingredients: King Arthur Flour, Vermont cheddar cheese, yeast, salt, baking powder, vegetable shortening.

Come see Rocks in my Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday tips!

Sourdough Starter

2009-01-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

I've gotten my sourdough starter going again. I bought a great crock to grow it in & a starter. Then something happened with the starter & I quit. For a good 6 months. But I've got a new one & I made a bread last night!

My starter - before & after replenishing

Dried Yeast Starter
1 pkg active dried yeast
2 cups flour (unbleached white is my fav)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 Tbs honey

Mix everything together in a non metal container. This will double or even triple so be sure you have room for it. I use a crock, but you can use a canning jar or a bowl. Cover loosely & let stand on the counter for a day or two. You'll see bubbling happen within the first 10 minutes, but let this wait for a few days to get 'sour.'

Feeding/Replenishing your starter
You need to put in about as much as you take out. There's no exact measurement to this - you just need to experiment. I used 1 cup starter, so I replenished with 1 cup flour & 3/4 cup water.

There's some great info here at KingArthurFlour. Its not where I bought my crock - if I remember I'll put the link in.

Sourdough White Sandwich Bread
1 cup starter
1 1/4 cups white flour (unbleached)
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 cups milk
2 Tbs honey
2 tsp salt
2 Tbs butter
6 1/2 cups flour

Mix the first 3 ingredients & let stand 10 to 24 hours.
When you're ready to bake, heat the milk, honey, salt & butter. Cool to lukewarm.
Add cooled mixture to sourdough mixture & beat in enough flour to make a dough you can handle. Turn out onto a floured board and let rest 15 to 20 minutes. Knead until smooth & elastic. Don't skimp on kneading. *I used my KitchenAid with the dough attachment to knead & then hand kneaded for just 3 minutes or so.

After kneading, place in a greased bowl, spritz the top with cooking spray & cover with a damp towel. Place in a warm location & let double. Punch dough down & let rise again. (Each may take 2 hrs to rise) Knead dough into shape you desire & put in baking pan - I've been using my stoneware (Brad ordered these in at Hometown for anyone in Yakima!) & it is fab! You should have 2-3 loaves. Dough should fill each pan about 1/2 way. Cover with a damp cloth & let rise again.

Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

My dough - before baking but after rising. . . . and after baking.

Serious Savings!

2009-01-11T16:03:00.001-08:00

In case you didn't know, Kmart is doubling coupons this week!

Here's what I bought

Kmart
Spend Total		$76.28
Coupon Total		$34.9
Grand Total		$41.38
% Savings		46%
Item	Price	Amount paid	Coupon $$ Amount
Dove	$5.29	$3.29	$2.00
Olay	$4.49	$2.49	$2.00
Soft Soap	$1.29	$0.59	$0.70
Mailing Tape	$1.79	-$0.21	$2.00
Colgate	$3.00	$2.00	$1.00
Colgate	$3.00	$2.00	$1.00
Colgate	$3.00	$2.00	$1.00
Kids Colgate	$1.99	$0.49	$1.50
Kotex 22 ct	$1.29	-$0.21	$1.50
Head & Shoulders	$5.49	$3.49	$2.00
Blistex	$1.29	$0.79	$0.50
Suave Salon	$1.67	-$0.33	$2.00
Suave Salon	$1.67	-$0.33	$2.00
OB Tampons	$5.50	$3.50	$2.00
J&J bar soap	$0.99	-$1.01	$2.00
tee shirts 6 pack	$6.00	$5.00	$1.00
kleenex lotion big	$1.67	$0.87	$0.80
kleenex lotion big	$1.67	$0.87	$0.80
pace salsa 2jars	$4.00	$2.00	$2.00
NV granola bars	$2.99	$1.99	$1.00
NV granola bars	$2.99	$1.99	$1.00
Welch white grape	$4.49	$2.49	$2.00
Welch white grape	$4.49	$2.49	$2.00
Celestial Seaons tea	$2.79	$1.69	$1.10

Yes, that's right. . . I have 5 items that were FREE!!! What a deal! I don't think I've ever done that before in my life. And to think of all the years I never once used a coupon.

I found some great Excel files at Mommy Snacks and I've modified them a bit to suit what I'd like them to say. I'm going to start budgeting better this year! And save some serious $$$ while I'm at it.

Bread!! Or should I say Pizza!!

2009-01-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've been baking - I'm really into baking breads right now. So much so, that as the Creative Activities Director of my MOPS group I have a demonstration day coming up where I'll have stations & we teach the moms to make bread. Interested in coming? Follow this link to First Pres Yakima where you'll find the director's phone number. Just give her a call - we'd love to have you!

My friend Laura pointed out there is nothing as satisfying as making your own bread. I much agree. My favorite part is proofing the yeast! Warm water, yeast & sugar. . . and then *poof * it all starts foaming & growing!

Here's a recipe to get you started. When we made pizza the other night we did one dessert pizza. I topped it with butter, a sprinkling of brown sugar & cinnamon. It was beyond fabulous! I had every intention of making a dip/frosting out of milk & powdered sugar but we didn't get that far.

Here's before baking the dessert pizza. . . .

And after baking. . . mmmmmm

Pizza Dough - Recipe from my Grandma Norma Hilmes
1 cup warm water ( 120-130°)
1 pkg yeast
1 tsp sugar

Dissolve this in a bowl. Wait 5 minutes for the yeast to foam & grow. If it didn't you need to start over. Your water might have been too hot or too cold. Or maybe your yeast was old. Doesn't matter - just try again.

2 Tbs veg oil
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp salt

To the yeast mixture add: veg oil, salt & 2 cups flour. Mix. Stir in remaining flour and kneed until smooth.

Grease your bowl with cooking spray - add the dough & spray the top of the dough. Cover the bowl with a damp towel & put in a warm spot. Let rise until doubled - about 45 minutes.

Punch down dough and let rest 10 minutes. Divide in half. Roll on floured surface as thick or as thin as you'd like. Transfer onto your baking sheet and add your toppings. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes.

I was listening to a tipsaving podcast that said you should add the sauce last. The idea was roll out the dough, add the toppings & cheese, add the sauce & add a bit more cheese - then put this all in the freezer. . . Frozen pizza! I haven't tried it but if you do, let me know how it works out.

Giveaway Winners

2008-12-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

Remember the Dec 3rd giveaway? Well. . .only 2 people entered. I hate to choose - so I'm considering them both winners!

I'll be emailing to get your shipping addresses! Congrats!!

My new projects:
I finished the potholders for my mom's Christmas. I also knitted washcloths for moms & Grandmas. Here are the fronts of the potholders. . . .
And the backs. . . .

I loved them so much I'm working on a set for myself. I want mom to test them first - I used a lining called Insul Bright. Its supposed to be okay with just a single thickness, but the feel of them seemed off, so I doubled it. If one layer works, next time I'll just use batting & the Insul Bright. (Okay - it says right on the company's web page to use one layer Insul Bright + one layer of batting. Now I know)

I've also made 2 baby doll slings - one for Emma & one I was commissioned to make for her friend. The friend also received a burp cloth, 3 baby wipes, a blanket & a cloth diaper. All for $10. Her mom was very pleased with that one!!

Emma is working on her Cupcake Party cupcakes. We made chocolate tonight. mmmmmm Messy project, but yummy.
Brad's been brewing 2 kinds of beer, and I made Farmhouse Cheddar cheese, clotted cream, buttermilk and butter. Mmmmmm.

Advent Calenders

2008-12-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

I adore Advent. . . and the calenders make it even better!

Here's one I'd like to make - my mom will hate it. . .she's not fond of birdies. I, however, named my baby Ava - so I've become obsessed with birdies ever since Feb 28, 2007.

I found it here - at Skip to my Lou

I'm also looking for a cutsie gift for Emma's teacher & staff. I don't have much money but would like it to be special. Here's what I've found:

Hot Chocolate jars from Little Birdie Secrets
And here's another idea with a fab poem! I'm sure this came from Skip to my Lou, but now I can't find the link.
Don't forget about my giveaway! I've only had one entry so far. :( It ends Dec 15th at midnight.

Give Away!!

2008-12-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Okay - I'm going to give away 2 yarn balls!

Here are your requirements:

1. Post a comment on my blog in 2 places. One in this post (so I can pick from the list at random) and one on any other of my posts. Be sure to leave your email so I can contact you.

2. Promise you'll use these for something - dryer balls, pet toys, baby toys, whatever - and then come back & comment on what you think.

Please feel free to add a link to your blog in the comments if you're interested.

Our fun giveaway will end Dec 15 at midnight Pacific Time. That way I can ship your yarn balls in time for Christmas!

Ooooo ~ Another crafty idea!!

2008-10-29T14:42:00.001-07:00

Today's idea is wool dryer balls! I'm off to get Emma at school but when we get home, we're making these!! You toss them in the dryer instead of fabric softener. We're terribly allergic to dryer sheets & fabric softener around here but. . . these are supposed to: get rid of static, get rid of lint, separate clothes for better drying & be good for the environment.

Here's the tutorial I found.

I'll let you know how they come out. I'm excited!

Inspiration

2008-10-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

So I get my inspiration from all kinds of places. Sometimes I just see a fabric & the idea comes to me. But. . . here's the latest dress I'd like to make for Ava.

If you've never looked at this web site. . . stay away. You'll soon spend all your money on your children!! bestdressedchild.com

Right now, I'm working on a beautiful smoky blue angora sweater dress. It will soon be for sale at my Etsy shop.

And have you seen the ruby sweater dress? Its to die for! But so is my model!

2008-10-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

My girls - dressed for fall!

Here is a link to the hat I made for Ava.

Pumpkin Hat

And I'll be back soon with a few notes on making a pumpkin reflector for Halloween!

Changes

2008-10-07T17:05:00.001-07:00

Change can be good. Sometimes. I've updated my background. . . TheCutestBlogOnTheBlock

And I've added a link that lets you subscribe. . . if you're so inclined!

Here's what I just finished knitting for Ava. . .

A flower hat with leaves & a stem

And a small lacy scarf - just sized for a toddler.

Bzzzzy again!

2008-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm way behind on my posts!

I've gotten bogged down sewing. I need to photograph all kinds of stuff. I need to create a catalogue to take around in person to my friends. . . .

Here's a cute photo of the shopping cart cover I just sold.

And I made some felt food for Emma. They're available as a custom order. I'll apologize now for the photos. Turns out I had a wrong setting clicked on my camera!

Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, pancake with syrup & butter, waffle with butter & tea (the tea bag smells like chamomile!)

Lunch: Hamburger with removable Ketchup, Mustard, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, meat & bun

Dinner: Ravioli

Dessert: Sugar cookies with frosting

2008-08-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to be sure I posted today. 08-08-08 What a great set of numbers!

A friend of mine pointed out this site to me today. She knows the mom who invented this product called a SippiGrip. Its a leash for a sippy cup. Kim, my friend, says they'll soon be selling them at Target. Be sure to watch for them. I think the price is great - just $7. If I sell a few more things off my Etsy store, I may buy one for Ava.

On a totally different subject, I have a new niece. Hailey was born 08-04, at 8:04am and she weighed 8lbs, 4 oz! How about that?

This is my oldest, Emma, with her little sis, Ava, and their new cousin. Ava seems less than impressed but she did just lose her standing as youngest grandchild on my hubby's side of the family.

The other thing I wanted to share is a great site I found yesterday. Executive Homemaker Its full of all kinds of great info. And I intend to sign up to sell my homemade aprons, cart covers & dresses. Now I just have to get busy & get them the info they need.

Wowee! A great giveaway

2008-08-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Beth is having an awesome giveaway on her blog. If you haven't been reading her blog, you need to start. . . .She has some great crafting ideas. Her daughter Kelly is about Emma's age and those two are so much alike sometimes. . . .

Bizzy Bee Creations

Instructions are on her page as to how to enter. I'm hoping I win because I know Em wants hair clips!! (They go great with a tee-ball uniform!!)

Or, just head over to Beth's etsy shop & purchase your own clips - then you win no matter what! Its not just bows at her shop - there's some other stuff too.

BizzyBeeCreations.etsy.com

While you're checking out etsy shops, stop by mine again - I've added some new stuff. I've just designed a Hankie Apron, and I have some cute Grow-with-me Sundresses.

BumbleBabyMommy.etsy.com

Post partum Depression & Anxiety

2008-05-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about PPD/A a lot again recently. I mainly wonder when I'll be "over it." I'm amazed at the difference in how much better I feel, and how I'm more like myself. I'm grateful to all the support my husband has given me. I wanted to share a few links with everyone reading.

PPD/A affects 2 out of 10 women

It is the number 1 complication of pregnancy/childbirth

It can affect moms, dads & adoptive parents

It can hit you before, during or after pregnancy. You may have had a miscarriage or a still birth.

Out of the Valley

Post Partum Progress

Speak Up when You're Down

PPD/A does not always show up as the mom who's in bed with her covers pulled up over her head & messy hair. No one knew I needed help - I always had my hair done, my make up on, my girls dressed in coordinating outfits. Its important for friends & family of pregnant women to be on the look out for PPD/A. . . its not always what you think it is.

2008-04-29T13:18:00.001-07:00

Spring is here! Thank goodness. . . the only problem is now I want to be outside instead of sewing. I may consider moving my machine to my deck for a while. I just made a large etsy purchase for my designs. . . Alexander Henry fabrics!!

I'm working on the deck right now - its becoming an outdoor room with an Indian theme. I bought some great lights from Ikea's Skina collection that I'm working on hanging. There's a curtain of flowers in multi colors & a string of yellow birds. I'm also putting in a flagstone patio to hide the dog run. I've been telling Brad for years, we have to plan the gardens around the dog.

Here's a new contest I've entered. Look for this photo & Click here I'd love to win but it requires you following this link & voting for me.

Going green

2008-03-01T19:40:00.001-08:00

Have you started to make the switch? I've been doing green things for as long as I can remember. The most simple one being turning off the water while I brush my teeth. I found a great blog

Growing Green Kiddos and Organic Babies
written by a member of my mommy/baby group. Steph is up on all kinds of green stuff.

Be sure to stop in at Hometown Ace Hardware (3700 Tieton Drive, next to Joann's Fabrics) if you're in Yakima. We've started selling the ECOS line of cleaning products. I've been using the toilet cleaner, the laundry detergent & the dishwashing detergent. We also have reusable tote bags for $1 each. I love taking them shopping or just out & about.

Aprons Abound!

2008-01-31T23:10:00.000-08:00

This week's new etsy item is a series of retro aprons that I've been sewing. There are two styles: the scalloped bottom edge with darts & a yoke or the scalloped bottom edge with a boxy top.

Come take a look! The fabrics are fab!!

New on Etsy

2007-12-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

Here's my newest projects - they can be purchased at BumbleBaby Mommy

Reclaimed wool sweaters - made into felted knit skirts and pants. I'm currently purchasing or accepting donations for my felted sweaters. If you have a fab sweater that was ruined, email me & we'll see what I can do for you!

The pants are unisex, and all items are made from natural materials. They can be lanolized to be used as longies to cover your cloth diapers.

My next item is the favorite of the month - shopping cart covers! The covers are a large rectangle, with cut outs for baby's legs and loops to attach toys. These covers are great for a place to set baby down, a tummy time mat, a restaurant high chair cover, or anything else you can think of. Fabrics are quilted to add a small amount of cushion for baby. They can be trimmed to contrast or to match the main pattern. All covers are reversible. (Notice Ava is modeling another style of felted pants in this photo too)

Where have I been??

2007-09-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been to Etsy. If you don't know - they have some wonderful handmade items. . .don't go until you have money to spend!!

I've been busy setting up my Etsy shop and sewing, sewing, sewing. Visit the shop because I'm also painting!

BumbleBaby Mommy on Etsy

Busy as a bee. . . .

2007-08-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

I've been busy sewing! And I love it! My website has not gone anywhere. Someday.

I listen to a fantastic podcast, Pediacast. From there, I found their blog. I've donated a nursing cover for a contest Karen at Pediascribe http://www.pediascribe.com/ is running.

One of her readers posted this link for me. . . .http://www.blessednest.com I only wish I'd known about this 6 months ago!! Actually, I'd still love to have one. Its a fantastic nursing pillow - the web site shows it for bottlefed babies, breastfed babies, tummy time. . .

Oh the time I can waste online! And the money I could spend!

To cover or not to cover?

2007-07-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

The date: Summer 2006. I just found out I was pregnant with Ava. I was at a restaurant with my friend and we saw a mom breastfeeding a very new baby and using a beautiful cover up.

My reaction: I scoffed! Why bother? I was telling my friend. If you want to be discrete about feeding, just buy some nice nursing clothes. You don't need one more baby accessory. Its just one more thing to tote around. That cover is calling much more attention to the breastfeeding than not using one would.

Fast-forward to just before the end of my pregnancy. I decided I NEEDED a cover up. Not just wanted, but needed. There I was, nine months pregnant and sewing. I improved on the one I saw and made some adjustments. It went immediately into my hospital bag. I needed that as much as a going home outfit for baby. Maybe more so. (As it turned out, the going home outfit was too big. I didn't have a hat or a onsie or socks.)

I used the cover up non stop while receiving guests in the hospital. I had my hands free to adjust Ava but didn't feel so exposed that I wanted people to step out of the room. I used it again while we were home. I began taking it everywhere. It has become my stroller cover, a blanket for on the ground or floor, a blanket for a chilly breeze, a sun shade. Its helpful now as Ava has discovered there is a world around her and its more interesting than just eating is! She spends her nursing time popping on and off leaving Momma terribly exposed if not using the cover.

I began to realize sometimes I felt more comfortable nursing in public because those around me were more comfortable. I still nurse without it depending on the situation, but it sure is nice to have around! The photo above is a Mommy using the cover up I made for her. She's at a wedding at a yacht club with her 5 month old.

Growing so quickly. . .

2007-07-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

When I started BumbleBaby Mommy the ideas just started coming. I'm getting geared up to make matching burp cloths and blankets to match the nursing cover ups. In the future we may add a unique pacifier holder. . . I'm still working on getting the materials together for it at a reasonable price. Also look for custom sewn diaper bag purses. Again, I'm not sure how the pricing will work for that - so its coming.

Remember, if you don't see a fabric that is your style let me know. I tend to use a lot of sophisticated trendy types but have sold them before photographing!

~Melissa~

2007-07-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to BumbleBaby Mommy! I'm Melissa and I'm a mommy to two little girls age 4 1/2 years and 4 1/2 months! I created BumbleBaby Mommy because I needed to make my life with baby #2 easier. I was constantly searching for products that would make life with baby a bit easier on her and on me.

My number one item. . . a nursing cover up! I'm all for nursing in public - and can be quite discrete about it. But there are times you just need to cover up a bit. Especially those first 3 months when momma and baby are learning how to breastfeed. A blanket is great, but I've never been coordinated enough to make it work for me. So I started sewing nursing cover ups. I made 2 for me, and then 2 for my sister-in-law. Then I gave one to my good friend. Then my brother's girlfriend commissioned me to make 4 for her friends. And just last week I sold my first one.

The cover ups are great but you don't have to be a breastfeeding mom to use it. You don't even have to be a mom! I've found they work well to drape over the sun shade of the stroller and the car seat carrier. If you put it around your neck you can protect baby from the sun or other weather elements. They become emergency blankets to cover baby with and to lay on the ground or floor. You can use it as a clean place to change a diaper or as a quick burp cloth.

The cover ups are similar to others manufactured like Hooter Hiders and Bebe au Lait, but are more affordable for most people. More importantly, they're made for mommies by a mommy. Each one is hand cut and sewn and each is unique. Although they are approximately the same size, sizes do vary slightly with the smallest size being 20" x 30". As do the patterns; I buy my fabrics and make only a few of each. There is a rigid arc at the top that allows baby to see mommy and mommy to see how baby is latching on. The neck strap is adjustable. In the corner you'll find a piece of soft fabric (terrycloth, flannel, or jersey knit) that serves as a pocket for breast pads and pacifiers and as a burp cloth to wipe baby's mouth with after eating.

Contact me if you're interested in purchasing one. I'm working on getting a web site but for now a blog is 'getting the job done.' Check out the fabric collection in Photobucket - just follow the link. And let me know if you prefer a different fabric than the ones shown.

~Melissa~