A new favorite fabric line

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that I am in love with the Wonderland by MoMo fabric collection (check out my baby mat in those fabrics here). I have recently discovered a line of fabric that may be my new favorite: Lantern Bloom by Laura Gunn. The colors are stunning--reds, greens, and teals with brown and plum thrown in occasionally--and the designs are gorgeous. The prints are designed by a painter, and you truly can see each fabric design as a painting. I love it! The patterns are completely different from what I normally buy or use, but that is part of the reason I love it. I don't have any yet, but maybe one day...meanwhile, if anyone spots a good sale on Wonderland, let me know!

I love the mailman (mail lady, in my case!)

As I mentioned a while back, I was blessed by winning a few giveaways at the beginning of summer. Life has been hectic, and I have neglected to post pictures of the various goodies I have received. I hope to establish a routine soon that will enable me to do more regular sewing, but until then, I will be looking at my wonderful goodies and imagining what I will create with them!


These stunning cards are from Dianna at Someday I'll be.... I received five cards and have already used one...I am going to ration them out very carefully.


This is a yard of ladybug fabric from 2Hippos. She graciously included a few cute charm squares as well!



From Tammie at Crafty Tammie I received a beautiful 'apple picking bag' stuffed full of fabric scraps and other goodies.


My blog friend, Beth at Wee Pereas was de-stashing this summer, and graciously shared some fabric with me. I sent her a few cute boy fabrics in return!

Great ideas for your freebie stockpile

I have recently seen several blog posts with wonderful suggestions about how to share your steal-of-a-deal items, especially the school supplies that are so inexpensive right now! Back to School time is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on school supplies not only for yourself, but for churches, schools, and charities. Check out the wonderful suggestions below for ideas on how to share your (free/dirt cheap) wealth. Be sure to read the comments for even more ideas.


Crystal at Money Saving Mom

Michelle at Boise Bargain Shoppers

Angie at Being Dutch

Another easy summer dress

Homemade baby gifts for sale

I often make my baby gifts (nursing covers, diaper clutches, etc) as people order them--it is rare for me to have much 'in stock'. However, I have a few items already made that are looking for a good home. Please email me if you are interested in purchasing one of these items!

Nursing cover in Hello Betty by Chloe's Closet fabric --$25

UNC Tarheels diaper clutch available (ask me about the NC State one if interested:-) --$12

Nursing cover in purple with white polka dots and floral ribbon trim --$20 **SOLD**

Nursing cover in light blue with cream scrollwork print --$20

Brown quilted bib with white trim and bear applique--$8

Say Cheese!

Kroger has their Kraft cheese on sale for $0.99/block or bag. You have to buy 5 blocks/bags to get this price (it is actually buy 4, get the 5th free). My family goes through cheese like it is going out of style, so I stocked up:


I bought 20 blocks and bags total, which cost $19.80 total--and then, I received a $4.00/off my next purchase catalina! Whoo hoo! $15.80 for 20 things of cheese--can't beat that. Now anyone care to guess how long it will take us to go through this cheese?

Yummy Cinnamon Fruit Salad

1-2 medium apples
1-2 bananas
1 naval orange
grapes*
2 kiwi
1/2 cup of orange yogurt
2-3 tsp sugar or 1 packet artificial sweetener
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Prep all fruit by coring/peeling/cutting into sections, etc. Cut prepped fruit into small pieces, including grapes if they are large. Apples do not have to be peeled unless that is your preference. Combine freshly cut fruit in bowl. In a separate bowl combine 1/2 cup orange yogurt (vanilla may also be used) with cinnamon and sugar. Feel free to taste to make sure it has the appropriate sweet and cinnamony balance:-) Use less yogurt if you don't want a lot of 'dressing' on the fruit. Pour over fruit and stir to coat. Serve immediately.

*I have no idea how many grapes to use. My original recipe calls for 6 grapes, but that is not nearly enough! A handful (or two?) will work just fine. I add what fruit I have on hand, so this recipe is not often the same.

CVS for this week

I won't go into specifics unless someone is really interested, but here is my summary for the CVS trip of the week:

Total bill before coupons/ECBS/etc: $32.00
Total Out of Pocket after coupons/ECBS/etc: $16.00
Total ECBS earned: $13.98

Not as great a trip as my good friend, Mrs. Sprinkles, but still not too shabby!

Sweet summertime dress

I made this dress using pre-smocked/gathered "stitch and go" fabric from JoAnns that I got for $3/yard. I added rick-rack to the straps and hem to accent the rick-rack design in the fabric. It took me an hour and a half at most to put together, and would have been much shorter if I had not added the trim. It is a beautiful dress for a beautiful Girl!