This Powder Room

New Year Dress Week Day 7!

2010-01-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Day seven, and proof that I am sewing miss dolly...:-) This dress was an impulse buy at Delias, and one of my favorites! The shirt came from Gap, and.......the socks were an impulse while buying the impulse dress, so I could spend enough to get another stamp on my little card.....

I made this necklace last night while waiting for a phone call that turned out to be very short, but very fun:-)

New Year Dress Week Day 6...one more to go!

2010-01-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am channeling warmer weather....:-) A pale little eyelet dress from Rue21....along with the flower.....Along with a sparkly Rue21 scarf and hoody for reality........

The thermal henley is from Gap, and the jeans are from Delias

New Years Dress Week Day 5

2010-01-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

Do you like that I'm ironing nothing?? And yes, that is the iron cord on the floor. One of these days I'll remember to wear heels in these domestic photos....LOL

My sweater is from Gap Generation....aka Outlet.....the skirt is an oldie from Old Navy...ha ha! I'm sooooo funny.

I think these tights also came from Target?? And my hair! oh, my nobody will see me today hair....it doesn't make any sense.....*wanders confused*

Those sunglasses are REAL! Yes they are!

New Year Dress Week Day 4

2010-01-04T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today for work I threw on a semi-carefree combo .....oh yes...have I smiled at you today? I'm tempted to shop too, but I'm here to help you. Can't find your size? I can help! I never wear that one, because it makes the store look bad when I fumble around wondering where that shirt even came from......

There is a headband on my head somewhere that I stole from my sister......

My very warm winter boots with furry lining to keep my legs warm. The closest thing to mukluks I own, they came from Penny's many, many years ago....and are very warm. and the tights from Target...I don't usually wear them, because white tights scream "I'm turning five today!! *giggles" And I'm not turning five today.

My easy breezy dress that I have worn every time I've done this challenge is still from Kohls....still a little too big, but you still can't beat 80% off clearance......still....
Today I was smart and put on a hoody right away...this was a Christmas gift from Rue 21. From my sister actually. Not the store. And the brilliant thumb hole thermal is a Delias wonder!

New Year Dress Week Day 3

2010-01-03T12:03:00.001-08:00

Today we got another foot of snow, and I neither got out of bed, nor got dressed.

I did wear a snuggie....which is similar to a dress......and great for texting and staying warm! I got it as a gag gift for my birthday:-)

New Year Dress Week Day 1 & 2

2010-01-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Day 1

I started "The Challenge" so late in the day I decided to wear a dress to bed.....

No further comment.

um....besided the nightgown came from the Gap, the leggings from PacSun, the scarf from a garage sale, and those delicious sheets from Target.......new hair cut

Day 2

Today I will be doing a mountain of housework and going to JoAnn's....Could I BE more domestic?

Pineapple...the symbol of "Welcome".....the iconic fruit of warmer places........

This....shirt....uh....I may have scavenged it from the same thrift shop as the skirt ...no wait, one came from a garage sale.....and I never wear button down shirts, but they are so cute.....this one was too big, so I altered it to fit me....The cami and boots came from the Gap, and...I know, I'm getting crazy with the art.....*heart flutters*

I pulled those amazing socks out of my Christmas stocking! Yay Santa! OH and the earrings came from a garage sale too! Yes. I shop with quarters.

Annnnnnd the hair, I gave it a blow dry and took my half inch curling iron to it....

Princess Penelope: Is she the real bandit?

2009-06-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the phenomenon that is the American Garage Sale, I now own the most ridiculous set of petticoats! Perfect for channeling Cindy Lauper, and filling out vintage dresses.....If I ever take up square dancing, I'll be set!

Of Six Style Week Days:

2009-05-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

So...it's time tot alk about what we learned today...wait....

This week isn't actually over, but I have concluded that it has bred nothing but vanity. Having spent the greater part of this week thinking about my clothes, and trying to get a good photo of myself to share with the world, I hit a particularly low point this morning, as I lay in bed pondering "should I go to church? I am too tired, but I need a picture of a dress....I can't work in a dress today, but....I would hate for them to think I'm bailing....." Then I realized the stupidity and unholiness of my self-conversation, reset my alarm, and went back to sleep.

I think this challenge would be more effective if it was Seven Days of Feeling Feminine in pants. Or "Gird Up Your Loins Like A Woman." Because all of us here know how to wear a dress, to play in a dress, and granted, there are many women out there who need the boldness to don one on any given day. But the problem I see the most is women who change into men just because they changed into pants. We should be practicing being women wherever we are. That includes climbing ladders all day at work. Yes, it would not be very ladylike for me to flash everyone below me, and Thank God I ended up throwing some leggings under my dress yesterday! However, a cute pair of clamdiggers, and a pretty little top is no less feminine, and much more ladylike given the situation.

That said, I give you my outfit for Day Six:

Maybe I could become a hula girl.....

Clamdiggers and yellow tank from The Gap

Flutter sleeve top by Old Navy

Shoes....Wal Mart I believe...(another rarity!) And they go with simply everything!

Did my hair in two braids and clipped them up, with a side flower, which I sacrificed a dime for due to Claire's going out of business sale! The headband is also Gap and adds a touch of glam to even the most drab outfit!

Style of Days Number Five:

2009-05-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

The classic and age old up-do accomplished by sweeping long hair in need of cutting into a cute little clip and pinning the loosey ends up just so. Ah. Perfect for a long day at work.

So are the over sized pockets the right size for a radio. Got this beauty at Delia's along with the blue one....The tshirt is a Gap, and the cami under it is Fred Meyer...How I miss Freddy's!

The necklace was a clearance wonder at Penny's. I was looking for neutral browns....I guess pink comes close! And I only have my back studs in...meh....don't care today.

Swollen eyes courtesy of my extra hours that will eventually materialize into a MacBook....*giggle*

Past References:

Style Week Day 4:

2009-05-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Day1:

Second Day:

Threee:

Here I am, pondering the purpose and effects of this week... Are we learning about ourselves? About being a lady? I don't know......I'm still processing it, I'll get back to you when I get a day off work.

Here I am catching rays in a dress! :-P

Drinking water in a dress....it was very hot out!

This pink shirt I got at Rue21 without trying on (dumb, but they are so finiky about their fitting rooms) and have never worn it because the sleeves stuck off like flimsy armour....But with a few tweaks and gathers I think they are cute now!

The black Cami is Levi's from Burlington Coat Factory....shhh, I don't usually wear Levi's

Skirt is Simplicity 4592 and one of my favorite pieces right now! Sort of a shabby chic Americana print, with George and Martha's portraits, sketchings of Mt. Vernon, and other such motifs. Added good old gold belt from goold old Gappers for the radio

I don't have shoes on here, but for work I'll wear my black mary jane Sketchers

Did up my hair last night in good old fashioned rag curlers!

Snazzy water bottle courtesy of Abort73.com

Day Three of Style Week:

2009-05-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Work days are a little difficult to wear a dress because I must have a place for my rather heavy radio. So, dresses almost never, and skirts when I especially feel like it. Mostly when I'm feeling down. Today, because I signed up for this crazy dare!

Apron: made by my mommy! Pulled it out of my Christmas stocking a couple years ago:-D

Shirt: extra soft knit, with two cutesy little buttons and flows like a fitted babydoll, once again, from Gap

Skirt: Funnest thing ever, dangerous in the wind! Rue 21. Has button detailing hidden by the top.

Shoes: It was love at first sight on Delias.com, but they didn't have my size. Happened upon them at Shoe Carnival and grabbed them up!

Hair: Went basic poneytail today, with a beaded headband and curley side hangey down bits-I am getting my picture taken after all!.....Don't remember where the earrings came from!

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is the most darling custom dress they're giving away!

Style Week Day 2

2009-05-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Day One is HERE:

Second day I've been running errands, and climbing trees....which is fun in this get up, but I definitely don't recommend it! The rest of the day I should be sewing like a good little pipsqueak.....

Top: Cap sleeve, roll neck baby tee from Gap...in, um...snowy white....probably named "chrysthemum ice" or some such nonsense

Dress: from Delias...couldn't decide between this and another...so I took my sister's wise advice and got both! How many details can you squeeze into one dress? It is amazing. And since you can't see it well enough, I'll post another.

Shoes: also Gap, 1/2 size too small, but OH so cute! Perfect for running short errands, mostly sitting in the car

Earrings: Picked these up the one time I happened upon a Fashion Bug, and they have become a staple pair

Hair: a poofy ponytail.....that ended up in a barette....with a beady bobby pin....mostly for looks

Style Week Day 1

2009-05-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

From Esther's blog Unknown Artist, whether because she's convincing, or because we're soulmates through and through, I decided to taker her up on this challenge week:

Goal 1. A dress or skirt every day for a week.

Goal 2. A different hairstyle each day of the week.

Goal 3. Post a picture of said outfit each day.

Assumption#1. I'm going to have to wear make up on my days off! :-P

fuzzy photo; day one; courtesy of myself

Top: Gap...with lacey edging *squeal*

Skirt: Picked up ages ago at Rue21 after seeing it walk by on a lady at the grocery store....

Apron: One of my grandma's, Just mended it this morning, it is my absolute favorite!

Hair: Variation of Side Braids and Low Chignon done with just a clip, because bobby pins are fairly worthless in my hair...and I was rushed:-D I did curl the fronts, and pin an old beaded necklace along the braids.

Feet: It's summer and they are bare!

I Scream for the Musical Ice Cream Truck!

2009-04-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

As I sat on my deck watching the ice cream truck speed by, it saddened me that the tell-tale tunes from my childhood -- the ones which caused the thrill of finding a parent, older sibling, or kindly neighbor, begging them for money, and racing to catch the ice cream man before he drove on by; the only time little people were allowed to run in the street, which probaly make it more exciting than the ice cream itself --had been traded in for what sounded like a hammer beating an anvil. So I sat dejected as I realized the old fire-brigade sounds were coming from a modern ice cream truck. No doubt he was speeding to escape the angry stares.

Reading for the month:

2009-04-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

I love public libraries. Especially ones with coffee shops......

So these are next on my list.....Anyone read them? Have any thoughts?

They are done, sweet done

2009-03-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

There will be more soon.....

This Very Moment...

2009-02-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

New Scrubs and JamJams.....

Work and sleep, work and sleep....what a good Doctor Ken!

Magazine Giveaway

2009-02-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

The amazingly Fashion-Forward people at Christa Taylor

are giving a free subscription to

ELIZA magazine. A fashion magazing for the classy, not trashy women of our day!

Comment on Christa's blog, to enter to win!

I know I have this Twisted sense of Humor.....

2009-02-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

The Wisdom of Dilbert's Dog

2009-02-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

*dies laughing*

Details, details, details

2008-12-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

I am such a details person.

I can have everything vacuumed, lined up in a row, sparkling, but when I am sitting down to tea with a friend, I see a corner with cobwebs. A shelf with an icky outdated, messy display drives me insane the whole time. I wonder if they're noticing .....

I notice corners, shelves, curtains, and such when I visit places. Who cares if it's dusty, as long as it's decorated?

I have been known, in crunch time before guests arrive, to forsake the can of Pledge to sort the dvds by color, hang straggling Christmas cards, Rearrange pictures on the refrigerator. (take down the old ones, and such), Frame new pictures, scrub the kitchen cabinets, clean out that picture that has been sitting behind the bookshelf for years, but is poking out a few inches.....and oh my, there are several other things, and the dust back here is terrible, where is that vacuum cleaner? And on the off chance of them looking too closely, I sometimes scrub the countertop appliances. No matter how many specks are under the table from scrapbooking. Any normal person would be vacuuming and dusting, but me?

I must make sure the colors are flowing. And once the details are cute, I can think about the big picture of "clean." If I have time.

There must be some psychological meaning to it. Some quirky insight to my life I must glean from this idiosyncratic bizzarity of mine. But I'll think about it later.

I have now sat and blogged with the dusting rag in my hand..........

Odd Things Happen at the Gap......

2008-12-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

It should have been a clue, when the old lady in a neckbrace hurried in as fast as her poor old legs would carry her....she needed the logo hoodies. A while later, she hobbled by with a few things in her arms. Having pity on such a feeble creature, I thought I would relieve her of them. But as I turned the corner to help her, what I saw was the dear old woman texting away on her iPhone, and at such speeds....I knew instantly this is how she broke her neck; Probably texting and driving.

I think the hoody was for her. Maybe that ugly sweater was for the grandchild......

Take Two

2008-12-03T15:59:00.001-08:00

The second dress I made out of an old thermal henley...

I couldn't see the pencil so I just pinned the lines

Tiny little darts!

The sleeves are a little long and skinny, but hopefully it will fit size 12m!

My first attempt at upcycling sweaters!

2008-12-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

For a family our store is sponsoring this Christmas, I decided to make some dresses for them, and having never made toddler dresses, I started with this tutorial I found on the Audrey Blissful blog.

I started with this square thing of a sweater....

Copied her design and ended up with this...

Goodbye Bobbie Brooks, whoever you may be...

Hello QuiteLovely!

Little button in the back...

Greetings From Outer Space

2008-11-26T22:06:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this girl's music

Her style has me as well....anyone who is comfortable being this piratey...

Yeah, so....this song was the first:

http://www.amanda-jenssen.se/amanda

It's That Time of Year Again!

2008-11-18T14:08:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The Dutchess to her Soulmate

2008-11-18T01:28:00.001-08:00

She demanded pity! And pity I obliged....In heaps and heaps

Pity you hath, pity I doth supply.
Once mine, pity hath seeped
my bones now dry once pity did nourish
Now pity oh, your pity now yours
pity doth from my bones to yours apply
and if now upon the rocks I creep
for lack of pity, could be nay
Could not be called harsh
In a world where pity doth seek
Comfort to warm your pitiless heap

Visit her now pitiful blog. And bestow more pity:

http://www.estherzimmerman.blogspot.com/

The Alarming Case of the Lawn Sign Bandits

2008-10-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

So we had two glorious McCain-Palin signs gracing our rather large lawn....and our neighbors down the street had littered their tiny yard with signs for every democrat in the state....

One day our two signs were down to one....where had the other wandered off to? We shall never know.

A few days later, the neighboring Obama sign mysteriously went to join our delinquent.

I occasionally wondered who these sign ninjas were....and what could be their nefarious plans for the signs .....

Soon enough, the neighbors had a shiny new sign...and with a pang of lonliness of our remaining sign, I wondered if I should replace the runaway.....I decided it could stand alone for the short election countdown.

Then last night as I drove home, I didn't see anyone's names reflect my headlights..."Where have they run off to now?" I wondered......I drove by again...Sure enough, the second sign had run off! "Someone must have mistaken tonight for Halloween", I reasoned. Slowly, creeping through our yard, thinking maybe I just missed it, I whispered...."McCain! Palin! Where are you?" No answer.

I pouted and ate some soup.

Tonight, as I slowly drove home from work, past idling cars dropping off Tinkerbells, dead cheerleaders, and small policemen, I happened to look over and notice that the Obama replacement had been taken as well.

I laughed out loud, came home, and ate more soup.

My Favorite Crack Baby

2008-10-20T15:02:00.001-07:00

I just finished scrapbooking these pictures of one of my favorite children, Tirzah...

I was her nanny for only six months, but I fell in love! Probably the naughtiest child I ever met, even her pouts could melt my heart! And she could definitely scream and cry at whim....but that smile....

She loved to dance, and if I needed her to cal

m down or stay out of trouble, I could put on some nice music and she would be a ballerina for hours if I let her! Thes pictures were taken right before naptime one day...(she was stalling for time :-D )

One day I stopped her in a dancing frenzy and said "do you know what God thinks of your dancing? He LOVES to watch you dance! You are so beautiful!" And once again, that smile.......

The reason I am compelled to blog about her is the arguments I have heard from pro-abortionists lately: "What

of the crack babies? It only takes a moment, and they are free from a life of abuse! Of misery! Oh, the Utopia!"

What of these crack babies? Would it have been merciful to shove a pair of scissors in Tirzah's spinal cord to save her from her life, prone to disobedience and defiance; save her from the Fetal Alchohol syndrome inflicted by her careless, prostitute mother? Or for those not fond of partial-birth abortion, what of early-term? Perhaps we should have ripped out those ballet arms from their sockets before they reached an inch in length? Smashed her skull piece by piece to avoid any pain to her mother? Instead Tirzah went to one of the thousands of American couples on adoption waiting lists; parents who pour their love into her, dressing, feeding, loving, adoring, nurturing her with the patience to train her out of natural foolishness! Can you look at this child and say "Yes, there is no place for such children! We only need perfect children in America!"??

I know their are children who see my blog, so I will save their eyes and leave you with this link:

The so called "merciful" way to deal with children like Tirzah:

http://www.abort73.com/HTML/I-A-4-photos11.html

The Mother Year of 1985

2008-10-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

As my birthday approaches this week, I thought a tribute to 1985 was in order...

Ah, and what a fabulous year it was!

We'll begin with the muse-worthy Cyndi Lauper: I have seriously been told I look like this woman!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun...stellar video

Here is the link since they have so kindly disabled embedding for us....

Live Aid:

Ah, Bono, ROCK that mullet!

The classic of classic 80's Christmas songs!

I'm not sure why they thought we needed subtitles?

Myself being a Reagan Child....

THIS is what the uber modern, obese children are lacking!

Have I mentioned how much I love this year????? I like to think my birth inspired these events...:-P

Given Enough Reasons.....

2008-10-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

I'm confused by all the Obamans out there. This post says it quite well:

I just believe they’re mis-informed. I wish people could give me at least five valid reasons that they’re voting for [Obama] other than
“He’s going to bring change.” Because “change” can mean a lot of different things, and unfortunately in Obama’s case... all the wrong things. His domestic and
foreign policy are typical liberal fare. But somehow he has this amazing ability to make you think he agrees with you.

I'm also confused by my friends who think McCain and Obama are devil twins. He lists these facts, laying those qualms to rest:

Experience - You’ll hear the slanted media downplay the importance of experience. But the truth is that in America we’ve always valued experience. Why? Because it leads to more informed decision making. John McCain has been in Congress for 26 years to Obama's 4 years. Obama has sided with Democrats his entire congressional career. McCain has fought AGAINST republicans when he needed to, and is disliked by many in his own party because of it. He's not a typical old Washington conformist like say... Joe Biden. He's a politican that's actually accomplished something. Experience is valuable, especially at such a crucial time in our nation.
Ending the War - McCain is the only candidate that can bring a responsible end to the War in Iraq. Unlike Obama, he actually understands the intricacies of modern combat and how it effects the world. He'll work with the Pentagon to devise a phased withdrwal but not at the expense of
loosing everything we've fought for. Obama just wants to cut our losses and bring an immediate end to this war. That's unrealistic and could be potentially devastating for the nation of Iraq.
Life- John McCain has vigorously fought to uphold the sanctity of life. Obama on the other hand completely show's himself for what he really is in regards to this issue. He's voted against the "Born Alive Protection Act"; a bill that among other things, would protect infants that were born during failed abortions. There are documented stories of these babies being left in soiled linen closets to die. Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and John Kerry all voted FOR the Born Alive Protection act. Obama was the ONLY one that voted against it. This is extreme people. It's simple: Obama is Pro-Abortion. McCain is Pro-Life.
The Economy- Obama is all about wealth re-distribution. It’s classic socialism. Penalize the rich and give it to everyone else. That idea works AGAINST capitalism (the economic principle that’s made our nation the wealthiest in the world). John McCain is about stabilizing our economy by keeping keeping Wall Street accountable and bringing reasonable government regulation so that financial power isn’t abused. He has practical ways for giving money BACK to the people. He wants to double the tax
credit for parents from $3500 to $7000. McCain understands that people are struggling and wants to help... but he’ll do it in a way that doesn’t compromise the free market.

This election is about more than the classic evangelical issues. There are so many things at stake here. The McCain/Palin ticket certainly isn’t perfect, but I have no doubt that they are the best people to be in the White House. Please prayerfully consider your vote, and pray for our nation to come back to God.

So you can read the rest HERE if you like

Today A Party

2008-09-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Today I was cleaning for a party. After sorting our movies by color, I sat in their calming presence contemplating my next move.

Dust and cobwebs cluttered the edges and centers of the floor, and the rugs clung to several threads, snipped from being-made Barbie clothes you may now purchase over there. over THERE. That way. In the column. The other column.....Finally. *sighs in relief* (end asterisk)

My mother is a tireless preparer for company. From dawn 'til dusk she slaves in the kitchen, looking domestically lovely, sighing about time frames, plans, and diligently crossing off her list of to-dos. I am like her in so many regards, but housecleaning not being one of them, I cannot function in this frenzied stress. I cannot cope. It makes me say "it's naptime!"

When I had once again risen from my couch, in the time when normal people go out for walks, I remembered to dust the children's toys and check Facebook. As I was finishing up my pokewars for the day, I heard my nephew charge into the house to find Papa. Quite sneakily, I stalked out of the office roundaboutly, to greet them as if I was one of those normal people out for a walk. I put on my Auntie smile, and was perfectly satisfied with the house, as I had managed to get it clean, scrubbed, and tidy, as I always do in these situations.

Chop-Chop

2008-09-22T06:43:00.001-07:00

Random Discovery:

This little shirt from Sandbox Couture brings memories of impatient, hungry little nephews! They are just....really cute when they're mad!

If only they were still small enough....

The Grin

2008-09-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Laughter often proves itself as the best medicine...

physically, emotionally, ecumenically, and all that jazz.....

And this grin definitely makes me smile so hard I laugh!

One Night on the Job

2008-08-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

A night of replenishment shipment is simple enough--open 30-500 boxes of clothing. There are large boxes bearing one pair of socks, small boxes packed tightly with individually plastic wrapped shirts emblazoned with a "Live Green, Save the Earth" slogan, and medium sized boxes content to hold haphazardly unfolded items like puzzle pieces in our giant store of a puzzle. Our goal with this chaotic pile of Gap logos is to sort, fold, hang, and put them in their homes within a short number of hours, leaving us approximately five minutes to haul the boxes and bags of plastic wrapping to the, hopefully empty, dumpster.

There are, in the employment of GapInc., special individuals who daily sip lattes behind desks while accruing six figure incomes. Faceless and opinionated, these people control our every movement. Their whims are the why and how to the horrendous combinations adorning our mannequins, erratic signing and unsigning of various promations that may or may not last until the end of the week...We live and breathe for their next request!
These anonymities tell us to move the girls striped, glitter, logo tees from the feature table to hanging faced out, to hanging sideways, to half folded on a wall shelf, all in the time frame of three weeks, ending the process about three days before marking them down and re-hanging them for the clearance rounder, beginning their sad journey from
"awesomely cool shirt" to "bargain shirt mom picked out."

Yes, they are the very same brains who decide how many hours shipment will take, and they base it on highly scientific data, scavenged, no doubt, by our "favorite" scientist whose lab coat covers his "Favorite Athletic Tee, Favorite Flat Front Khakis", and boxers with pretzels on them which he picked up for .97 cents at some Gap Outlet.....And with all respect to his scientific data, replenishment shipment has never finished on schedule

Extras Call!

2008-08-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Heumoore wants you, baby!

Visit TheWidowsCry.com to learn how you can be a part of their most epic scene!

The Widow's Might Production Wrap Trailer from John Moore on Vimeo.

Dresses in the Mail

2008-08-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

I found the most delightful package in my mailbox, full of vintage patterns from my Grandmother!

I have been wanting to do dresses with sleeves, and I am so excited! Since they are fitted busts, they do require massive alterations....

But they are slowly coming along into little dresses, and soon these will actually fit the new dolls!

These two dresses here^^ are from 2 patterns my mom had made when she was little, and the reason I wanted them. I loved playing with her old dresses that are now quite falling apart.....

Google Tagged

2008-07-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

My cousin hath Google Tagged me! Here are my answers

I grew up in:

My age: (this baby was born at 22 weeks! I couldn't resist)

First real job:

College I attended:

I met my husband at:

Our first date was at:

My maiden name:

Nicknames I've had:

Favorite colors:

Favorite foods:

Currently reading:

Last movie I saw in the theater:

Movies I could watch over and over without getting tired of:

Favorite waste of time:

Phobia: (This is not really applicable, so how about something that grosses me out?)

Favorite lotion:

Favorite conditioner:

Shameless past crush:

I love to:

But I hate to:

Favorite singer:

In another life I was:

One major goal in this life is:

And on to the tagging.....Jennifer ....and Esther!

Dedication

2008-07-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

My Dear Charles Baxter,

If you ever read this tale, you will likely ask yourself more questions
than I should care to answer: as for instance how the Appin murder has come to
fall in the year 1751, how the Torran rocks have crept so near to Earraid, or
why the printed trial is silent as to all that touches David Balfour. These are
nuts beyond my ability to crack. But if you tried me on the point of Alan's
guilt or innocence, I think I could defend the reading of the text. To this day
you will find the tradition of Appin clear in Alan's favor. If you inquire, you
may even hear that the descendants of "the other man" who fired the shots are in
the country to this day. But that other man's name, inquire as you please, you
shall not hear; for the Highlander values a secret for itself and for the
congenial exercise of keeping it. I might go on for long to justify one point
and own another indefensible; it is more honest to confess at once how little I
am touched by the desire of accuracy. This is no furniture for the scholar's
library, but a book for the winter evening schoolroom when the tasks are over
and the hour for bed draws near; and honest Alan, who was grim old fireeater in
his day, has in this new avatar no more desperate purpose than to steal some
young gentleman's attention from his Ovid, carry him awhile into the Highlands
and the last century, and pack him to bed with some engaging images to mingle
with his dreams.
As for you, my dear Charle3s, I do not even ask you to like this tale. But
perhaps when he is older, your son will; he may then be pleased to find his
father's name on the fly-leaf; and in the meanwhile it pleases me to set it
there, in memory of many days that were happy and some (now perhaps as pleasant
to remember) that were sad. If it is strange for me to look back from a distance
both in time and space on those bygone adventures of our youth, it must be
stranger for you who tread the same streets--who may to-morrow open the door of
the old Speculative, where we begin to rank with Scott and Robert Emmet and the
belovbed and inglorious Macbean--or may pass the chorner of the close where that
great society, the L.J.R., held its meetings and drank its beer, sitting in the
seats of Burns and his companions. I think I see you, moving there by plain
daylight, beholding with your natural eyes those places that have now become for
your companion a part of the scenery of dreams. How, in the intervals of present
business, the past must echo in your memory! Let it not echo often without some
kind thoughts of your friend,
R.L.S.
Skerryvore,
Bournemouth

"Kidnapped"
Robert Louis Stevenson

That sort of passage can hold me over for months...but it won't, not this time. I will devour the story in a matter of days, and on to the next adventure......

Sisterly Classics

2008-07-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

I don't remember spending much time on my butt as a child, but there are a few movies we watched enough times to memorize nearly every line at one point or another....

Most of them are musicals! There is nothing more fascinating to us than an entire group of strangers bursting out into choreographed song and dance on a whim....

I can't remember a conversation between me or any of my sisters that did not involve a song or line from one of these movies!

Let me know if you've seen any of them! And for my sisters, I want to know what your favorite part/line for each movie is!

Oodles of Babies

2008-06-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

OOF!

At long last, I have found enough babies to get my Baby Slings for Barbie going!

I think there will be quite enough of them...maybe I can explore some other "baby included" products....oh, the possibilities!

So...any ideas?

I Have Not Laughed Harder....

2008-06-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

In a great, great while.....

I found this priceless bit of grocery on my sister's blog

Heumoore on ChristianCinema.com

2008-06-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

My friend John's film company was featured in a news article from

ChristianCinema.com

"The Widow's Might" in Production

Posted: Friday, May 16, 2008

"The Widow's Might" in Production

News Summary:
The creative team behind "Heartstrings" (Audience Choice Award at the 2007 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival) is going into production this month on a new film The Widow's Migh t.

News Story:
Shooting with a Red One camera, the John Moore and David Heustis are creating a feature-length film based on the story of a woman in danger of losing her land because of taxes. This team of homeschooled filmmakers has produced four films previously.
Their mission is to produce films that "...are intended to be wholesome, Christian entertainment that the entire family can enjoy and learn from."

Check it out HERE:

You can also purchase their latest movie "Heartstrings" a story for fathers and sons, just in time for Father's Day!

Martians and Guns

2008-05-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today I was searching for shop ideas, and came across a website that sells Barbie clothes and conceal carry purses.

I thought it aptly fit my personality, and had myself a good laugh!

I also watched this movie:

for a second time, and cried for a second time.

A precious little film about the value of human life and parenthood.

Prince Caspian and His Movie

2008-05-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

I adored the first movie and soon ran out and read all seven books, which I adored even more! Needless to say, I have been counting down the days until Caspian’s theatrical release. Finally, the day arrived! I ignored all reviews, frantically shut off the radio when the Plugged In people started in on their play-by-play review, but alas! A blog I subscribe to was talking about it and I did, indeed read several reviews. They were all rather comical, ranging from book fanatics complaining about them changing minute details I don’t even remember from the book, to those more familiar with the movie industry and defending the screenplay version as if their life and career depended upon it. This all gave me the fuzzy feeling of being able to decide for myself and set them all straight *Insert ridiculously huge, shameless grin*
Finally, the day arrived!(the one where I go see it, not the one it’s released on) The last day of opening weekend, and I rushed to the theater like MY life and career depended on it. I was hooked like a little fish from the second scene….Caspian running for his life, me, making a mental note to get the soundtrack….
Caspian was a return to classic Disney movies, back when they had morals, and a good, clean story. One of my favorite aspect of the entire movie was the tiny elements from the book that the great and mysterious “They” left in. The most silliest and tiniest things I liked was that the boys all did things like carry the torches through the cave, let the girls go first, and the entire element of masculinity that is so lacking in our pop culture, (Including their brave battle scenes, but who wants to talk about that.) which, obviously left the girls free to be their feminine selves, running to battle in their dresses, and rescued by the boys. Just like the book. Also, the term “Son of Adam”. I loved it! What child today knows who Adam was? (I am not referring to all my homey classmates, okay? Okay.)
I’m learning to accept my role in life as the comic relief and not a grand philosopher, so I’ll end this review rather abruptly. Note the numbering system to make it seem shorter………..
In addendum: A lot of people were highly concerned and perhaps getting ulcers over the “violence” and age-appropriateness. Someone said it “pushed it’s PG rating.” I think maybe a clarification of the term “PG” is appropriate here: Parental Guidance. If it was rated “G” it might be safe to just let your children watch with no input from you, but really. I would take ages 8 and up, but that would really depend on the child and their parents….So go see it for yourself, see if your child is old enough to know that bad-guys die, get swept under the river like Pharaoh’s army, killed by their own people because the good-guys are too chivalrous to murder them…. that I learned by watching old westerns with similar “violence.”
I hope you all have the chance to see it soon!

~Dutchess

Baby at the Beach

2008-05-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

I finished a pattern for Barbie's Baby Sling today!

The idea came when I found a pair of teeny babies in the "miniatures" aisle at Hobby Lobby (see: Heaven on Earth). I made this one for my niece's 7th birthday, and I think I will be able to sell a few!

We couldn't find her baby, so she opted for this little one:)

(She's also enjoying her brand new bathing suit!)

I love JibJab

2008-05-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

I sent this to my mom today. I think she'll like it! :-D

Don't send a lame Mother's Day eCard.
Try JibJab Sendables!

laughter for all the stitching people

2008-05-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

This quote made me laugh out loud today!

"I learned to sew at a young age, and right away I realized that hated it. Nothing can take me from sweet, demure, ladylike behaviour to cursing, crying and throwing things about violently like a malfunctioning sewing machine (and aren't they all ALWAYS malfunctioning??)."

~Belle, a milliner of ladies' hats, whose Etsy shop you must see!

BoringSidney

Imagination

2008-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

When all you have to work with is some ugly orange fabric, and a spool of lovely organza ribbon...

One must get creative......SO, after a few weeks of considering the general use of bright orange, it finally hit me...Construction! Abhorent, ugly, and....reflective! What could possibly lend it's self to the illusion of being reflective? Why....my only yelllow ribbon on hand....organza!

Behold, the upcoming Construction Ken! Thankfully, Ken's body hasn't undergone an overhaul (as his girlfriend's has), which makes altering patterns to my desire so, so, so much easier!

Thoughts on Dough

2008-04-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Some interesting thoughts from John Piper:

"For a moment, forget the political puzzle of getting money back when the country is nine trillion dollars in debt. The more immediate question is: How will you make much of Christ with your "economic stimulus payment"? The president says it will be in the mail in time for Cinco de Mayo.
Clue: Nobody in the world will see you spend your money on yourself and conclude that Christ is your treasure. They will assume you are just like them, no matter how loudly you thank God for this boon. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend it on yourself (the way we do with most of what we earn). Not everything we do can look different from the world—eat, pay utilities, fill up the car, wear clothes (even thrift-store clothes). And yes, we hope (somehow) that spending on ourselves in some way contributes to our being more Christ-exalting people.
But do we really need this money? Very few do. We would have gotten on fine without it. If we didn’t know it was coming, we wouldn’t even be feeling the desires we are feeling right now.
May I encourage you to be radically creative and hedonistic. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). And those crazy Macedonians in a “severe test of affliction” and in “extreme poverty” had an “abundance of joy” that overflowed in a “wealth of generosity.” They even begged Paul “for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). They really believed what Jesus said. Really.
Before the check comes dream of some person or ministry which might make much of Christ because you treasured him above your next home project.
The reason God created money and enabled us to earn it is so that we could show by the way we use it that money is not our treasure, Christ is. That’s why the checks are coming. So we can make Christ look great.
“Be content with what you have, for he has said,
‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)."

Turning My Room into a Studio...Pt. 1

2008-04-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

I am getting organized...

And I am SOOOOO excited!!!!

My messy stacks of fabric all over the kitchen floor were the first items on the list...Now they are neat little stacks on shelves...

Small Stacks:

Not As Small Stacks:

...even my books are color schemed! (the poor darlings never get read, so I decided they should look pretty while they sit there)...

Blues Stack:

And right now, I am very much in love with my eclectic treasure shelf, filled with varying levels of sentiment. It will soon be undergoing an overhaul, so I thought I'd share it with you while I can..

I found this interesting...

2008-04-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Daddy Obama a Daddy Dearest on Abortion

April 3rd, 2008 www.mothermayibeborn.com

This post comes with no intention to intrude upon or disrespect Barack Obama’s private relationship with his children. No doubt, the Democratic presidential hopeful loves his little girls.

I address only Obama’s public relationship with the issue of abortion, as Ben Smith’s Blog on Politico.com reports here.

When a woman at an Obama gathering in Johnstown, Pa., pleaded with him to “stop these abortions,” his response included:

“This is a very difficult issue, and I understand sort of the passions on both sides of the issue,” he said. “I have two precious daughters — they are miracles [my emphasis in bold letters].”
and
“Look, I got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old,” he said. “I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. I don’t want them punished with an STD at age 16, so it doesn’t make sense to not give them information [my emphasis in bold letters]. ”

Obama’s selective life values speak for themselves. If we make a mistake, we will be punished with a President Obama.

Cartoon by Lisa Benson on Townhall.com

www.mothermayibeborn.com

Success!

2008-04-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

After my recent post on my upcoming dresses, I am sorry to say the burgundy dress has been pulled, due to a calamity involving my inexperience with taffeta...
This tragic experience nearly sent me over the edge of sanity, plunging me into a time where absolutely nothing I tried to make worked. Nothing. (Even my thread started fraying)
I know you have all been anticipating the listings, and now you know that when I am stressed out I tend to shut down entirely. (Thus my "C"s in college...another tragic story for later) And in this case, "soon" turns out to be an incredibly relative amount of time.
However, today I was able to pull out of my creative slump, pose Barbie, find my camera, charge the battery, take the pictures, edit them, and get her party dress listed!!

(I even found time to take her to the zoo to visit someone with equally long limbs...if a neck can be considered a limb...)

How did I force myself out of said slump, when my stressed self only wanted to crawl back in bed with a bowl of cookie dough?

1. a LOT of prayer
2. a lot of cussing
3. Mew's "Comforting Sounds"
4. Muse's "Invincible"

I could not function without my ipod, really.
Moreso(a word that means "More so", but looks like"morose", an acceptable alternative for "morso" because it means "having a sullen or gloomy disposition." Which I have had lately when I try to work on things. But "morose" is not what I meant, I meant "More So."), I cannot forget that this store is God's doing, and the icky depression I am prone to is only a fight against that purpose. Icky devil.

My inspired self will now go work on more Quite Lovely clothing for my lovely long-legged model. Bimbo...

~Dutchess

are you HAPPY?? (e.g. "Treating Yourself Kindly"

2008-03-17T21:29:00.001-07:00

Never having done this, I will do it now....

here's an awesome blog entry I found by the one and only Kris Vallatton!

"Whether you are young or old, male or female, or introverted or extroverted, you have more conversations with yourself than you have with anyone one else in the world. There was a study completed by a large university that found that the average person hears twelve hundred words a minute of self-talk. The study found that eleven hundred of these words are negative in most people! If you add to that fact that we tend to trust ourselves more than anyone else, what do you think happens when we talk down, punish or talk negatively to our self? I’ll tell you what happens; it destroys our confidence, kills are self-esteem and yields the fruit of depression, hopeless and fear.

Christians should be the happiest people on the planet! Think about it, Jesus prayed, “But now I come to You (Father); and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves” (John 17:13). ... "Read the rest here!

After reading the whole thing, I can tell myself (and my wonderful readers) that I am so proud of myself for using pictures I took myself, instead of googling random people! I love all those grins!

~joy, joy, joy...joey, joey, joey! Happy 1st birthday!

~Dutchess

A Dolly's Tale

2008-03-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

While digging through my old Barbie clothes for inspiration, I was once again mindboggled by how they have changed her shape, thus rendering all my now-vintage doll clothes useless to my modern model. (see: enlarged hips, and shrunken chest...it makes altering the patterns very tricky...)

Frustrated, I decided to send her to the gym, since her hips are now so huge. Unfortunately, this get-up is the best I had in gym wear, and we lamented her once-fashionable duds......She was far too embarrassed to leave the house looking like this, so I am stuck with her and all her friends who now line the shelves of every Wal-Mart in the nation...

Now, I leave you with some Etsy sneak peaks of my upcoming listings for Quite Lovely Boutique:

I knew you were wanting some party dresses! They will be listed very soon, do make sure you visit them...

~Dutchess

Hello February!

2008-01-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

I see you there, right around the corner!

January's project---Barbie Tights!

They were a doozy to figure out, but they came out nicely!

And look great with her little dresses!

Passing Thought

2007-10-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

I lie in bed and it's there I create. Some ways I hate head-creations. Other ways...they keep me company. I picture the portfolio that could be. A sleeve just so. Draperies so intricate I can hardly glimpse how they're done before the next idea has sprung upon it. Sketches and ideas dance through my mind faster than I can yet capture them. Most get tangled in the question of "how to" transform them from vague idea to reality.
And usually I am too tired to obey my whims. But now I stretch my arm out of it's warm covers to reach the light, squinting enough to draw what might be the inspiration for tomorrow's masterpiece. A single sleeve of bubbles. the fingers slinking out of it. What the blazes is it for?
I don't know. But it is there, freed of the prison of Passing Thought.

I'll let you know if it becomes anything.

Dutchess

African Dreams

2007-09-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was checking my email the other day, hoping my sister had sent a reply to a whine-fest, I in which I detailed all my astronomical life problems, and I found this instead:

I've now had the new and heart-breaking experience of watching a baby I know, die. I've just returned from her funeral and I've been thinking...a lot. Even though I'm in Africa, I've mostly seen the good side. Our babies are so well taken care of. Even though they come from some terrible backgrounds like being left in toilets, trash bins, being burned from the elements or having seen parents murdered. And even though some have come to us so malnourished they looked like skeletons with big, pleading eyes. Once they are here, surrounded with 24 hours of love and care they become happy and beautiful! Even the HIV+ children you would never be able to pick out! They're gorgeous, healthy babies!

When we got this little 3-month-old girl, we knew she was HIV+, oxygen dependent, and not doing great. Her foster family was having trouble dealing with her and needed help. So she came to us. After a while here she was weaned off the oxygen and oh, she was lovely! Fat little cheeks and the most adorable smile every time you talked to her! She was so attentive and alert and she stole all our hearts! Then suddenly she was so very sick and we simply could not get her well. She wouldn't eat so we tube fed her and even then, it would not always stay down. Her temperature would sky-rocket and we would do everything to bring it down. We couldn't even hold her because it hurt her and she would moan terribly. I spent hours with her at the hospital trying to get them to care for her even though she was an abandoned HIV baby. Finally she was admitted, but within a week, she was gone. The AIDS had gone to her brain and the doctors said there was nothing left to do but make her comfortable. Her last few days she was in such pain and I knew she needed to just let go.

At first, it was a bit surreal. I didn't cry. She had gone to the hospital alive and I could still her smiling face from a month earlier! Then I went to take down her name card down from above her little cot and it felt like I had just ripped her away from us. I started crying uncontrolably. Sobbing on Mommy Thea's shoulder for the little life that had been with us for such a short time. I felt selfish because I knew she was in a glorious place and Jesus would take care of her better than we ever could! And she will never be in pain again! But somehow that doesn't stop the tears and the hurt.

Now we were all left with the terrible "WHY?" question. She was so small and innocent. Why did she have to suffer? And yet, it also made us realize she was the lucky one. She had a foster family who loved her and spent every second with her in the hospital. She had all the volunteers who loved her completely. From the time she was taken in as a new baby, she spent every minute of her 4 1/2 months of life being loved, adored, & spoiled! To us, she was as valuable as the next baby, however healthy (or not) they were! Millions of babies are suffering the same way as she did. They are dying--unloved and uncared for. Abandoned as worthless. Unwanted by the hospitals. And no one is there to notice. What an eye-opening thought.

Blessings to you all,
Jennifer

So all my problems were nil after that. They pretty much boiled down to where I put the tissue box.

Dutchess

futility, you evil scourge!

2007-09-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I found myself in a superpoke war on Facebook.

It struck a chord of utter futility within me.

It impressed upon me my pressing need for a real blog.

Where there are things to say instead of throwing sheep at my friends.

I have always held a special despisal for "networking sites" like Myspace, Facebook, and other trite places my friends refuse to leave.

It is all rubbish.

I will make this my thinking abode for now.

Until next time,

Dutchess