handmade challenge

Because I am dying to see what Kiki will come up for me, I am posting this challenge to all of you as well. However, I have made a couple modifications, as I know some of you that are reading this don't blog.

The first FIVE people to comment on this post or to call me will get something made by yours truly. I get to choose what it is, and make it just for you!

However, this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (although I'm hoping you do!)

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It will be done this year. (before December 31, 2009!)

4- You have no clue what it's going to be. I enjoy bookmaking, sewing, & card making...so it will definitely be a suprise as to what I make you!

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on YOUR blog and make the same offer to the first 5 people who respond on your blog entry, thereby continuing the fun! For those that don't have a blog, instead of re-posting this with the same offer for others, I challenge you to make or do something nice for someone else who isn't expecting it. Just a small something to make their day.

(After much pondering) I am actually looking forward to this and am welcoming the challenge!

reason #251 why I love my husband

Because no matter how girly our household gets, he just jumps right in....

Kaz was going in to work around noon today because he has to work late tonight, so he let me have a few hours to myself this morning. I ran a few errands, did a little shopping, and then came home to this -


Instead of the usual building with blocks or legos, reading, or playing outside in the dirt, my husband lovingly (notice I didn't say grudgingly?) played paper dolls and tea party. Yep, he's a keeper....even in a bikini.

i'm inspired

Have you seen these latest items from Target?

Orla Kiely for Target

I just bought a kitchen mat today that has the green pear pattern on it - the green is a bit brighter/jazzier than the picture shows. I love, love the canisters, too. Isn't it amazing what a little color and cute design does for you?

I really love all this retro look lately - birds, owls, pears, apples.
I found the cutest apple fabric from Robert Kaufman that I purchased to make valances for my kitchen windows.
I'm doing the apples on top and the circles as a small border on the bottom. I really love doing valances as they are so simple to sew and yet make such a difference in a room. Hopefully I will have pictures to post of these soon!