Hey Everyone!

B & I have a decent size condo... for the two of us and the two pups. However, combined, we have enough "stuff" to outfit a small army. By we I mean mostly me. Most of you know I have a love for crafty things. I collect pretty fabrics, scrap booking supplies and other nifty creative trinkets I find along the way. The only problem is... I am running out of places to put my findings. My closet has been taken over by fabric. The backroom dresser holds scrap booking stuff, camera, sewing machine, supplies, patterns and candles. I think the only solution to this problem is to get a room entirely dedicated to crafty things. This way I would not have to drag out my sewing table, sewing machine and any other supplies I need to sew. I would be way more productive if I could skip the set up steps and just get right to the sewing. One day I will have my sewing room. I will just keep dreaming. Above is a picture of something I plan on doing in this hypothetical sewing room. This idea comes from apartment therapy IMO it is super cute so I thought I would share it with you. What a great way to put fabric scraps to work on your walls!

I finally have enough time and energy to do a little sewing today! (Dragging out all that stuff is not as easy as it seems...)

So I am off to Joanne's Fabric to pick up some thread and check out some fabric. (B wanted to buy another dog bed...I told him I could whip up another bed for the pups.) I am also planning on working on the blankets I am making for the craft fairs. I will post pictures of the final product.


Before I forget... check out http://verypurplestuffs.blogspot.com/ She is giving away a super cute bag. I think it would make a wicked nice beach bag. Check them out & Good Luck ;)

Have a wondrous day!

Lula

I have been thinking of things I am grateful for lately.

So here is my A to Z list-

Art and the ability to create

B.

Cooper my dog.

David my brother. He helped someone at work, got free stuff... and gave it to me! Yay! What a fantastic brother! Of course Dad too! He is always very supportive.

Earth, we should all be grateful.

Friends & Family I can always count on. Fall Fairs & come to mind as well!

Giraffes

Happiness I have an abundance

Indian Food and lately Ice cream

Joking around

Kiddos they keep life interesting

Laughter... I a glad I can laugh through everything.. really.

Medicine & Mom always there for me and helps me feel better.

Nature & Naps

Orange, the color.

Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins.

Quilts... love em! Making one is on the agenda

Real people

Shel Silverstein (my favorite poet), School & the Simple things.

Television... really bad television.

Unicorns, unicycles, umbrellas.

Vehicle, I love my Kia.

Wine a nice glass of red every now and again. Work as well I love my job and the ladies I work with. (PS. I miss you!)

X chromosome, I love being a girl.

Youthful, have a youthful state of mind.

Zesty life.

Hope all is well in your world!

Lula

Happy Earth Day!
I hope everyone is catching on the living green fad. B and I try to do our best to reduce, reuse & recycle. Sometimes the reusing part drives B crazy b/c I keep EVERYTHING. I try to turn almost anything into something crafty and beautiful.
Here is a small list of things we do to be green.
~Find out if your town recycles and do it!
~Buy reusable bags at the grocery store. Bonus: most stores will give you a small discount per bag.
~Buy energy saving appliances.
~Buy energy saving light bulbs.
~Out a small jug in the john... you don't need all that water to flush.
~Turn off the lights when you are not in the room... simple enough!
~Buy a thermometer; agree not to put on the heat or ac if it goes above or below a certain temp.
~Use a drying rack... if you have a house set up a drying line outside (clothes are best if they smell like they were kissed
~Use biodegradable soaps & cleaners
~Lay off the aqua net and other aerosol sprays.
~Don't let the shower run while your not in there... turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
~Save your scraps. Food = Compost. Old clothes and fabric scraps = meaningful quilts. Plastic bags = lunch bags
~Donate old clothes & household things to goodwill or local shelters
~Clean out old soup, coffee and other tin cans. Personalize them and use them as a cookie cutter, pen holder, planter or store all kinds of things. Don't forget yogurt containers those are great too!
~ Avoid aluminum foil and use glass or plastic containers
~ Get your pets in on the act too! http://crafts.kaboose.com/laundry-bottle-pet-food-scoop.html ... and reuse those plastic bags to scoop their poop ;)
~Got weeds? Pesticide no no... use vinegar.
~Unplug!!!! When you are not charging. This wastes so much electricity.
~Use rechargeable batteries
~Plant a (native to your area) tree for important events. Every time you see it, it will remind you of a wonderful memory.


There are many more things you can do to be green! Here is some nifty website with great ideas!
Find a double use for all sorts of items on http://tipnut.com/20-things-you-can-use-twice-before-tossing/

Oooo check out Kaboose http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/ lots of neat ideas.

Visit http://www.wholeliving.com/ for daily tips on how to be green. Got to love Martha!

Think going green is too much? Try one thing a day http://www.wholeliving.com/do-just-one-thing?rsc=dl_home01

Want some more tips... http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/index.html




When B and I get a house we are planning on making it as green as can be. While it may cost a bit up front it will pay for itself in the long run.

Love our Earth... its the only one we have!!!

~Lula

Black & Whites in the Backroom
Hi all!
Last weekend I was feeling artsy and took these of Coops & Lu!
Hope you like them!
~Lula

Busy. Busy. Busy.

I have been everything but keeping my blog updated!
Things I have done since I last blogged...


Celebrated Valentines Day.

Went on amazing vacation with our best friends.
Cruised to:::
San Juan PR, walked around got the most amazing Pina Colada
St. Thomas VI, snorkeled coming face to face with wild sea turtle...Amazing!
St. Martin, French side: Road horse in tropical water Dutch side: Shopped and shopped!
(Need to share amazing Pic's of the trip.)

Got job after work tutoring Mon-Fri. Fun to work with older grades.. by older I mean 2nd & 3rd grade. Creating lesson plans and entering data!

Celebrated St. Patty's Day. Went to Milly's with B.

Worked on Simply Lula business... all the ins and outs & perfecting the product efficiently.

Fun couples night with my girls from work.

Trying to find time to read every night.

Researching school options! I AM GOING TO FINISH IF IT KILLS ME!

On top of that I have been trying to be super wife. Cleaning house, cooking diner, baking and chores.

Busy. Busy. Busy.

Grammy Turns 80 years young!


It was a wonderfully warm day today here in the North East. I am crossing my fingers that spring is around the corner. I am done with snow for the year. According to the groundhog there will be six more weeks of winter, but who trusts a rodent with the weather...honestly.

We also had very nice day with my family for my Grammy's 80th birthday. I made a keeper for her to keep her keys on. She also received some really beautiful gifts including a whistle & many scarfs (Grammy will never experience a chilly neck again!) Here are some pictures!


Grammy


B & I


Most of the Cousins & Babies

If I can say anything about my family its that there is never a dull moment. It has always been that way. My Grammy is the proud mother of 8, Grandmother of 13 (including me) and Great grandmother to 6. When you add spouses & significant others into the mix you can only imagine how many people there are at our gatherings! Between the story telling & catching up, babies running around and eating its a good time. My family is the best and might I say extremely good looking (but I may be a bit bias!) It was a good day and I cherish all my time I spend with them.

I hope you enjoy your families just as much!

~Lula

Almost forgot!!! I made punch that got good reviews from the fam. Here is the recipe:

Sparkling Raspberry Punch

2 (10 oz.) pkg. thawed frozen rasperries
1/2 cup sugar
1 Bottle blush wine
2 cans frozen Cranberry Raspberry juice
2 (750 milliliter) champagne (I used 1 bottle champagne and half bottle ginger ale)

Combine raspberries, sugar and blush wine. Cover and let stand for about an hour. Combine 2 cans frozen juice (thawed), champagne and or ginger ale. Just before you serve combine 2 mixtures. Vvvwwwallaaa! Enjoy!

Hello Hello!
Hope everyone is enjoying the New Year! I am for sure :) I've been keeping my resolutions! I vowed to go back to the gym on a regular basis, eat better, take more time for me and be more productive. Its great that once I get one going the rest seem to shimmy there was into place. I already feel healthier, positive and more energetic.
As for the Business...Simply Lula... it has been slow going. I've been receiving packages in the mail with my supplies... which is exciting! I love getting mail(even if I did order it myself.) I did have a major set back with some bad hardware. If that is the worst that can happen I think I'll be set. My mom has been a big help as well. I am having a hard time relinquishing some of the work to her. I know she will do a great job and maybe even more of a crafting perfectionist than I however I feel the need to do everything! I am sure some of my crafty girls can understand.
I am getting exciting about having the opportunity to turn what I love to do into a 2nd career! I went to a local restaurant/shop to see if they would be willing to sell my product at there establishment. They loved them and said that I could have window space if I wanted!!! I still haven't decided if I will sell them there because obviously they want a percentage of the profits. It is always nice to have that option!
B and I are getting super excited for our cruise! I have a count down going... only 5 more weeks and we'll be sailing away. Our best friends M & J are joining us! They have never cruised before; they are in for a treat! Today I am planning on whipping up some summer dresses and a wide brim hat while it snows. Until then I am dreaming of this...



xo,
Lula

Hi everyone!
Its been a while... ok a long while but I've been busy! My Birthday, Christmas then New Years! All memorable and wonderful. I made a lots of Christmas presents which was a little stressful but easier on the pocket book. Which was a good thing because B & I book a cruise with our best friends for February Vacation! I can not wait to escape the cold for a warmer climate! This time around we will be cruise to the eastern Caribbean. Specifically San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Marteen! Oh just give me a fruity drink now!!!

I also have some very exciting news! I am going to be starting a small business! I had made my Mom a Dachshund "Keeper" (thats the name of my product.) What it is, is a very nifty key chain that you can hang around your wrist. A few days after Christmas my mom was at a Hallmark buy her friend a birthday present. She was checking out when the woman behind the counter asked where she got such a cute key chain. Mom explained to her that I made is for her as a present. The woman asked for my phone number because she wanted to sell them in the store!!! :o !!! Who would have thought! After my brother & mom talked me into it I finally said I would give the small business thing a try. Now I am getting more and more excited about this venture! I am going to start small and see where is goes!
I'll let you know more when I do!
~Lula

Lucy bed!

I made this doggy bed for Lucy about a month or so ago. I just thought I would share it with you. It was pretty easy to make. This is my first attempt at making a real doggy bed (one that did not resemble just a pillow). I made my own pattern as well so it did take me awhile. (About 4 hours in all) This was also my first try at any sort of applique technique. Overall I am very pleased with the outcome. Next time I think I might use materials that are little sturdier. I am going to be creating Cooper's bed after the holidays are over so look out for that!

Here is Lu enjoying her bed:


Take Care!
Lula

Happy Turkey day everyone!
It has been awhile since I posted. In my defense I have been very busy. With that out of the way I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful start to the holiday season...(which does include my Birthday!) There is a lot I have to be thankful for! First off my wonderful Family. I am so lucky to have such a gigantic loving family. My family that has know me since birth and my new Family, B's fam who has accepted me as their own. My fantastic friends who I am grateful for everyday. you get me through the rough times and laugh with me during the good times. I am also grateful for finally being able to realize who my true friends are. Those who will be there rain or shine. I can not forget my B, whose laugh I adore. I could go into detail but I do have to be up by 2:30 (AM that is) to do my traditional Black Friday shopping with my mom.
TTYL!

Hey Everyone!
I am off for the weekend to Ogunquit, Maine for a girls weekend! We are planning to do some shopping (<3 Outlets!) & relaxing! I am hoping to take a nice walk along the beach and catch up with my ladies. I also have to say a big Thank you to my hubby who gave me a little spending money!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
~Lula

Congrats to our President Elect Barack Obama! Personally, I was an Obama Mama from the get go. I'll never forget the first time I saw Barack Obama. I was just flipping through the channels when I happened to stop on Oprah. Barack, a new senator at the time was being interviewed with his wife. He spoke so eloquently and seemed to have this spirit about him. Oprah went on to say that one day she hoped he would run for president, secretly I hoped so too.
I went to see Obama speak last January. His wife Michelle gave a fantastic speech. She was real; poking fun at her husband and talking about her family. She also was not the typical senators wife; she had brains of her own and was not afraid to show them off. Next to the podium was Mrs. Oprah Winfrey herself. I though Holy Crap I am breathing the same air as Oprah. I was star struck. I am not one to obsess over the stars but honestly it was Oprah! I had not come there specifically to hear her speak (I was there for Obama) but she was amazing. She spoke of her experiences of rags to riches and how great America is. But what she really focused on was what she felt was necessary for America to thrive again. Obviously, Barack Obama.
Now public speakers always amaze me. But Barack Obama blew me out of the water. The way he captivated the crowd and made us all believe in his plans for change. In his speech that night he spoke about teachers and how we deserve more respect. I was sitting with a bunch of my teacher friends who irrupted in applause & caused everyone to look our way. I hoped Barack noticed us! He focus specially on how we should focus more on early childhood education (yay preschool!) and how important it is for early intervention. He talked about bettering the economy, our desperate need to change health care, caring for our environment and needing to come up with more efficient ways to cut down on fossil fuels. I liked what he stood for and how he seemed so down to earth. I was sold! From that point on he had my vote and yesterday I was ecstatic to fill in the little circle next to his name.
Last night I watched the polls come in. I couldn't believe when ABC reported that our little republican state had voted for Obama! Things certainly are changing! I fell asleep soon after that. At 1:30 am I woke up and turned on the TV. I accidentally woke B up when I let out a woohoo! He thought I was nuts.
Politics is one of my things. I almost went into politics but decided to become a teacher instead. When I was younger I did some lobbying for the American Lung Association and the Environmental protection agency. I loved it. I loved going to Washington DC, giving speeches and meeting with different representatives. It made me feel as though I had a voice and what I was saying was important and I couldn't even vote yet. Now given the right to vote I should do more, I should make my voice heard more, its more important now than ever before. Maybe I should do something about that.

-Lula

Let me introduce you to the gang....





This is B! He's my wonderfully handsome man. He keeps me smiling and has the best laugh I've ever heard! B is into computers for the most part, plays guitar, is a Mr.Fix-it, video gamer, hiker and is a total outdoors man. My favorite thing about B is he can always make me laugh.



This is my little man Cooper. He is a momma's boy and follows me where ever I go. We adopted him from Petfinder about two and a half years ago. Cooper's favorite things are hiking playing with Lucy (below), cuddling, looking out the window at squirrels, bones and his stuffed little bear Rupert. Coops actually smiles at people when is excited to see them. I have not been able to capture this on camera however, as soon as I do I will post a picture. If I could safely clone him I would!



This is our little lady Lucy. She is a sweet daddies girl. She can often be found sitting next to B. Like Cooper we also adopted Lucy from Petfinder about two years ago. When I first saw Lucy I burst into tears because you could she just about every bone in her body. Poor Lucy was in a kill shelter before some kind people at a no kill animal shelter saved her. She is no longer a skinny mini but a beautiful healthy girl. Lucy enjoys attention, infact if you are not looking at her, talking about her or petting her she will make you notice her! She love being cuddled and loved.


That is my little family!

Take care,

Lula

Ps. Remeber to VOTE tomorrow!!!!

Alright so I finally got it together and I am officailly blogging! I have been going back and forth with the idea of blogging and after much thought I decided to join the masses. Hopefully you will find my daily life some what amusing. I'd like to beef up the page with an intersting header and some tunes. However, I have no clue where to start to add that. Any suggestions word be apperciated! I will try to come up with something witty for tomorrows blog but for now I am off to bed!
~Lula