Budget Busters

My sister-in-law, Joy, tagged me to post 5 things that bust my budget. :) Soooo.... here we go! I actually am pretty much a stickler for budgeting, but if I were to allow myself to indulge...

1. Well, yes, I suppose it would have to be fabric. Sometimes you see a pattern you just KNOW would be perfect someday for SOME project. And sometimes that happens many days in a row. ;) And then that can lead to coordinating trim, etc. It's a vicious, but delightful, cycle. ;)

2. Books. I think I could definitely blow the budget on books. Self-control is needed (and used) here. Fruits of a Spirit are a good(y) thing. :)

3. Stationery. I love all things personalized, and personalized notecards and notepads are right at the top of that list. Monograms galore!

4. Home decor. This would be a big one. I'll try to justify it by saying it goes back to my innate, God-given desire as a woman to create beauty around me, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't keep it in check either. I'm forever walking around (Target, TJ Maxx/Homegoods, Pottery Barn) and thinking, "Oh that would be JUST RIGHT for _____ room/corner/wall in our house!!" The budget could be blown eye-blink fast for this category. Hubby helps me toe the line. ;)

5. Hmmmm, I guess having a hard time coming up with something is a good thing, right? I guess I would have to say I have been known to swoon over baby/children's items for my niece(s--there's one on the way!) and nephews. I can only imagine if/when, Lord willing, God gives us children of our own. Temptation, temptation. :)

**I guess this is one way living in the town I do has been a blessing. Shopping is, shall we say, a tad lacking here. We are a not a shopping mecca.... not even close. This makes my hometown seem like big city shopping. When you don't have the opportunity (much) to blow the budget, it's a lot easier to stay in line! We also only recently began subscribing to the Sunday paper (for coupons.... I'm trying to make this CVS ECB thing work to my advantage.... I haven't quite figured that one out yet), but I've noticed a lot more, "I want that!" in my heart since we began receiving the Sunday ads along with those coupons. The power of suggestion is a mighty thing! I try to limit myself to the JoAnn's and Michael's ads on Sundays. Or just tell myself, "You don't need that." :)

I tag... Erin and Susanna.

Two Keller Quotes...

...that caught my eye.

Our pastor posted these two on his blog...

"The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less."


“If Jesus is your center and Lord and you fail him, he will forgive you. Your career can’t die for your sins. You might say, ‘If I were a Christian I’d be going around pursued by guilt all the time!’ But we all are being pursued by guilt because we must have an identity and there must be some standard to live up to by which we get that identity. Whatever you base your life on - you have to life up to that. Jesus is the one Lord you can live for who died for you - who breathed his last breath for you. Does that sound oppressive?”

-Tim Keller, The Reason for God

Next Sewing Endeavors...

Sorry for the absence this past week. Report cards have gone home, April is winding down, and most especially it was an ADJUSTMENT to return to "everyday" life after a week of relaxing at the beach with family. Ugh. I need to look at it as making me THANKFUL for the times I DO get to see them, instead of so sad THIS isn't one of those times.... and I'll see them in a month. ;)

But I digress, I think I am maybe, just maybe, ready to take on two types of projects I've been too intimidated to try until now. I really want to try some garments, and I really want to try a quilt.

The minky I used for the baby quilts was not the easiest thing in the world to keep straight and neat. It kind of scared me off from quilts (how do you ever manage to keep 1/4" seams??). But I think I found JUST the quilt for a first-timer (basically), AND I think I am ready to try some clothes.

For the quilt, I will be making a "wonky cabin quilt" for which I found a tutorial at the Tallgrass Prairie Studio blog (via Sew, Mama, Sew's tutorial contest).

I think it's SOOO cute! And the method looks *rather* forgiving for someone new to quilting. I even have some JoAnn's gift cards (and new bookmarks for some online fabric stores) just itching to be used.... quilt fabric, anyone?

Secondly, I've had a pattern for some pajamas for awhile. I've just been building up the nerve to try it. Well, now I have my "Whooooo's Sleepy" snuggle flannel (thanks to my WONDERFUL husband on Valentine's Day), and I want my owl pj pants!

I think I will try it with some random extra fabric I have first, but then I hope to have comfy owly pajamas very soon. :)

I will keep you updated on my progress. I've also been asked about tutorials for the baby quilt and nursing cover, so I'll be working on those soon too.

Thanks for everyone's encouragement with the projects I've undertaken and as I embark into the land of quilts and garments!

More Pictures

These are mostly some of the more "artsy" pictures I took while we were at Hilton Head. They are completely untouched as of yet--though some editing will probably come along when I have a little more time. I am definitely a photography amateur, but a digital SLR is helping me play around without having to pay to develop every shot. :) And speaking of developing pictures, you can get 15 FREE prints from Walgreens if you order online by 11:59 tonight and use the code TAXDAY. I'm planning to get some beach pictures printed. :)

I must start off with pics of the kiddos. Unfortunately, my brother Matt, his wife, and son had to head home before we got out to Sea Pines, so superstar Sam isn't featured in these. :-(

CA being pushed on the swing by Uncle Ox (my hubby)

MD

palm tree at Sea Pines

flowering shrub at the beach house

I love little beach birds

my shadow

we always take a picture of our feet together at the beach

we found a hermit crab!

Harbour Town at Sea Pines

It's just so peaceful!

Sneak Peek

I LOVE these people...

and especially this person...

BEACH!!

Just a little note to let you know I'll be here


on Hilton Head Island this week for spring break. I cannot wait!! As much fun as it would be, I'm not packing the sewing machine. ;) I am taking a cross-stitch I started back in December (or maybe even earlier.... yikes) and will be exited to show you my progress (and maybe even finished product) when we return! And I just might have some pictures of the beach to share as well. :)

Have a wonderful week! Whether you're crafting, working, caring for family or friends, relaxing, or whatever have you, may our eyes be open to the Glory and Love of God!

Baby Shower gift, II

The baby shower project is finished!

Today was the shower, and the gift was well-received. Several teachers said they now want to get married or have a baby just so I will sew them something. :) I still feel like such a beginner, but I appreciate their encouragement. :)

As I was sewing along, I did add the terry cloth corner and a pocket. I also did use the D rings and make a strap out of the fabric like I wanted to try. :) I used the Kleo (front fabric) for the strap and the Nekko (back fabric) for the loop holding the rings.

Here are some pictures! :)

(if you look closely, you can see the pocket in the picture above)