Nan and B.A.G.S.

Well ...

2009-04-05T14:47:00.001-07:00

I am quite excited... the shoppe is shaping up and that means I have a new blog!

I am going to try the world of typepad and see how it goes so this blog won't be closing anytime soon.

Hugs all and I hope to see you at my new shoppe and blog! HUGS Nan and Aine

nope. I wasn't playing hockey

2009-04-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

but it sure looks like it! My front teeth chipped again - thank you popcorn. *sigh*. I am just glad my favo BlackHawk Hockey player - Patrick Kane - got something similar happen to him in a game not so long ago.

So *yea* off to the dentist we go. I think we will craft now!

busy busy

2009-03-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

We have been busy...

With stealing heating pads.

with last springs snowblowing. yes this was Sunday morning

than Sunday AFTERNOON. ugh. Well at least the snowblower is ready to be stowed away for the winter.

and finally busy busy busy with my new sewing FEET! I have been crazy busy with setting up my ETSY shop *bounces with glee*

Yes that candy is for energy. :)

Stay tuned for more news! Nan and Heating Pad Stealer - Aine.

redefining

2009-03-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

how we do things...

with lazy sunny Sundays

enjoying each sunbeam

and the general crazyness that is the world.

(A twilight UMBRELLA. lmao.)

#1 reason why

2009-03-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

I need to photograph in the daylight!

Lol - the back bow looks like it is sitting on top of her head!
TONGUE! Love it

I was to slow to get the video camera to get her running with a golf bowl in the mouth.

IT was so funny.

lol...

Here is a small video of Ms Aine.

Ah what a cutie. She has me twisted around her little paw. *sigh*

My Friend Jenny.. no Blythe.. NO Chrissa?

2009-03-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

FROM THIS --(My Friend Jenny was the first non-baby doll that I truely loved. I love her so much she is still with me. Albiet, sitting in the basement. )

TO THIS. (And now. I have a BLYTHE. YES. Kill me now)

"ADG Golden Goddess" in an amazingly horrid 70's dress - you can see Aine can't stand her.
Here she is in her new dress and braided hair.

And I can't stand it. This Blythe doll creeps me out but at the same time I am like IT IS SO COOL. I don't know how to describe it - but if you look at it one way - you are like WOW. Than if you look at it another way - you are like what is wrong with that thing?! I can see the inside of it's head via the eyes? EW!! And um? Isn't this a bobble head type of doll? WHAT am I DOING?!! I mean - sewing clothes? All done by hand. I mean - I never had a barbie (I know! I was disadvantaged!) but the body has to be akin to a Barbie doll - ie almost impossible to make clothes for. How do people do this?

I have yet to name her. I am thinking since I got her right before my Mom's bday - the Ides of March. I might just call her Idey, Idea or Ides. LOL Don't worry, I will not be altering her. I can't bear to tear apart a book let alone a doll. No - siry-bob - I mean - there was a reason why I left nursing so don'thya be thinking that I am going to start operating on my dolls eyes?! Um NO. And that is a promise.

Now I am thinking about procuring this cuttie - all because the story behind the doll is that she is a CRAFTER and her grandma taught her how to craft. Oh and don't you know she and her grandma sew and craft in her grandma's sunlit backroom! *hits head* Seriously now, they need to STOP playing with my childhood memories. And UM HELLO does she NOT look like My Friend Jenny above? but with BLUE EYES?! Also, will you look at that craft table? *flails* I mean - the sewing machine feet goes up and down and them there are some real knitting needles! How cool iS THAT? No worries - I won't be buying the craft table no matter how nifty cool it is. Chrissa though? Hmmmm.
\
No matter what - though all these little "phases" I know my true friend. MY FRIEND AINE.

Aww such a precious baby who is healing betters every day. Today we had our first outing and I will post pictures tomorrow. :)

Hugs all! Nan and zzing Aine.

oh nos

2009-03-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

NOT ANOTHER DRESS!

Aine has a new dress just in time for St. Patty's day and my mom's b-day tomorrow! WOOT.

Yes I do anything to not do taxes. *sigh*

Feet, toes and teef.

2009-03-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

We have a new nose :). You can barely tell that she has two stiches on her nose but thank GOD we are not bugging said Nose job. Luckily she didnt have to have a soft pallet surgery. But we did have some teef that needed pulling. Awws.

Aine today, one day after surgery. Ack she is so cute! Sorry I am biased I know.

Side shot... Aine as soon as we got home. Awws she is tuckered. It is was a hard day after all.

This is how we hang when we need to recover....

Whilst getting said, nose job, we also had to get two teeth pulled. Unfortunately no pictures of her grill. How about a shot of her pawdcure? Look how short her nails are?! It is so funny because she is so silent when she walks now! lol.

Thank you all for your good wishes, your paws and fingers crossed and your prayers! I don't think I have consumed so much junk food my whole life as I did this week. ugh. Now I am regretting it.

Usually at this time of the year, Aine and I are out in if our Irish Sweaters celebrating the high holy days, however, we are both will be hanging home style. The biggest excusion will be me going to yogalities and our Mom/Gran's bday on Sunday. However, the biggest todo for Nan whilst said Puggy recovers? TAXES.

So we are doing a poll here. Which one would you choose? Gosh I want both. I want to make doll clothes for them. I LOVED making doll clothes when I was a kid and now that I actually have a sewing machine? I am thinking hmmmmm.

Option 1 New American Girl doll - Pros - very popular for doll clothes, easy to fit. Neices have these dolls. Cons? hmm kinda to popular for doll clothes?

American Girl Doll that is basically a crafter! Yes the sewng machine's foot goes up and down and those are real knitting needsl. No worries - I wont be getting that accessory - it just to show you how cute it is! Btw she has my hair and eye color. :)

Option 2 Blythe Doll - pros - crafty niche, cons - the sub cultural of these dolls are cool... but they kinda creep me out. *hides* But you are talking about a girl that can't hurt a book let alone a doll, so there you go!

Help me decide! Hugs! Nan

We are a bit stressed .. as told by Aine.

2009-03-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

"What is wrong Mummy? I know you put me in a new hat - but still you are stress eating and looking at stuff you shouldn't buy!" Said Aine. "We are bovvered and stop watching Celtic Thunder!".

"Oh Aine", Mummy said. "We are going to Crystal Lake tomorrow to get you a wee nose job and maybe a soft palette surgery (hopefully not!*prays*). So I am just being a nervous Nelly because well ... I just am. "." Well that sounds like it hurts Mummy!"said not so happy Aine.

"No worries!!" said Mummy. "I will not be far away and I will make sure you are comfy and warm and guess what? YOU GOT A NEW TOY! Mummy will be hanging out with you to make sure all is well and you are in the BESTEST hands ever with Dr. Nadine G. ......!"

"WAIT! I get a NEW TOY!?!! *pug rooorooooo and dances around* Oh that makes me happy." said Aine. "but Mummy - can you take off the new hat?"

"but you look so CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" Said Mummy.

"Ya. I know. But you need to start on my jammies.* lick lick lick* COME ON WOMAN.! Says Aine...

*fin*

PS - So to translate, Aine is getting a nares (nostrel widening) surgery which is minor and a eeth cleaning. They can only see the soft palette during that time - so they will than see if they have to trim it back. Hopefully we wont have to do the latter because it is a much more serious surgery and it means even more "keeping Aine quiet". So please keep your fingers crossed, say those prayers and make sure that I dont loose it! HUGS! Nan

OH MY GOODNESS!!

2009-03-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

*SQUEE* I was mentioned on Claudine Hellmuth blog for my altered goodness *points below*! The only thing is I can't tell my family because my Mom's b-day is this weekend - hence that will ruin the surprise!

Oh my gosh. I am soo honored! Three mentions on Claudine's blog! Me thinks I have some new ideas for that lovely Sticky Back Canvas! :)

PS Update tomorrow on Aine's new hat and her surgery this Thursday.

HUGS ALL! Nan and sleepy Aine.

Altered funness

2009-03-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Had some seriously fun times this weekend with my SISters at Craft Fancy and my Claudine Hellmuth paints. This is an altered shadow box I did for my Mom's bday this weekend. This is her mom -my grandma in the early 1920's on a trip to Italy. Gosh I love the outfits! I used Claudine's resist technique and it mixed three paints to get this color -I LOVE IT! But note to self...I need to get the Ranger heater because the one I got from Marvey? Not to good. lol.

Finished product

And another one....

PS *hugs* to Toby and Claudine.

epp. me WANTS

2009-03-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

All from Urban outfitters. Dang I.am.such.a.geek.

Sigh. Yep[ back to work.

BEST.TOY.EVER and a little thief....

2009-03-02T19:36:00.001-08:00

*sigh* Oh it is official. I.AM.A.DR.WHO. GEEK.

Welcome my friends to my latest toy.

A TARDIS BANK!

Do you a know how HARD it is to get this thing? O.M.G.

Anyways....

here is a little tour...

open the door and find....

The Doctor and MARTHA, and yes it makes SOUNDS. HHEE

Closed and in the box. Still geeked? check this out!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/characters/tardis.shtml

A little demo for all to see!

This couldn't have come at a better time. Work has been crazy. So when one is stressed, one cooks! The below is my nummy pizza...

and a little thief. See the flour on her lips? UM YA. Little oliver she is. And she looks so innocent. NOT! lol. Hugs ! Nan

Fabric organization

2009-03-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

Look at this stash! Oh My Goodness finally my stash is organized. PHEW. What an inspiration now... I am off to SEW!

Hugs! Nan

THE CUTENESS!

2009-02-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

Enablers they name is ELZYSBELLS! Will you look at the CUTENESS? Tea and Chocolate. Yep. That is me! They just released the following! Cute huh?! If ONLY I could go there and SHOP! Nan

and now we are THREE

2009-02-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

!!!! There is a little girl in my house that is THREE today!

It was 3 years ago today that this little baby came into my life

Fast forward to three years... and this is her litter brother odie... don't they look cute? Btw - she has two brothers named Odie dontchya know. This Odie lives in Georgia. It would be fun to visit him.

We celebrated the day by taking so hil-ar-ous videos. NOTE that is not how I normall sound! lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGMM-Vi4KME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsfHckgHE6g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjKp0Nw2rO0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMH9f-SETn4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e552U9-y010

and finally

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ87yqytsgk

Enjoy!

Oh NOSE!

2009-02-21T15:58:00.000-08:00

Nares that is!
Sad but good news - Aine needs her Stenotic Nares done. :( That means surgery - which means Nan is worried. However, she is in amazing hands and I am so glad I found this Vet that specializes in Smushy Faced breeds and she owns pugs as well! Also, I think we got caught this at the right time - hopefully no soft palette surgery will be needed. But they won't know until she is under.

I just feel so guilty because I always asked the *regular vet* about her nose, and "all was fine - it is just a pug thing and we have seen worse". So I want to kick myself because I thought all the gurgles and other funny sounds from Aine were just "pug sounds" Well, now I know!

Aine goes in for surgery on March 12 - so please keep her in our prayers so all is okay! Sorry I can't help be a worried pug mom. Right now Aine and I are snuggling and I am going to start a craft for my Etsy SHOP! SQUEE

Hugs Nan and Aine

Attack of the..

2009-02-17T19:22:00.001-08:00

...Bunnies! The Bunnies are BACK I love my BUNNIES. I always bring them out at the first sign of nice weather. Btw the Tullips are from my mummy! Can we say AWWWW. Love tullips.

....the PUPPEH. Sorry for the crappy photos. My Nikon's battery just died, hence IPHONE it was! Aine is not pleased, as per usual.

...the homemade cinni-bun from HELL. Yea it may look nummy but I failed on this one! Never again will I bake with yeast. NEVER.AGAIN. You hear me yeast? NEVER. Ick Ick Ick. The whole lot was thrown out.

of the epic bummers.... this Friday would have been my 10th wedding anniv. I cant believe Joey has basically been gone for five years. I miss ya sweetie! :(

ugh. me sicky

2009-02-11T18:27:00.001-08:00

..and I have bought way to much new American Crafts goodies. I think I will finally create a book on my apron sewing. whheee!

...That is if I get over this nagging cold from hades. ugh. I hate POST NASAL DRIP.

As per usual - Aine is being a really good Pug-Nurse (photos from iphone).

She thinks her purple monster will help cure me.

Okay Mom - if you won't let purple monster help you - I will lay on it. Okay? Okay.

Btw - are you on Twitter? Please follow me! nanandbags It is way fun - especially with an iphone...

HUGS! Nan and Nurse Aine

Wow!

2009-02-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

Awww thankies muchly to Sandra Y Coco

for giving me the Kreative Blogger award ! This is indeed an HONOR! *hugs her and Coco! This is my very first blog award! *sQUEEEE* Btw - isn't the little icon cool? Me thinks so! But than again. I am biased... :)

So here we go...

Rules:List 6 things that make you happy. Pass the award on to 6 bloggers for Kreativ. Link to the blogger who gave you the award. Link to the blogs receiving the award. Notify the recipients

Six things that make me HAPPY!

1. My puggy - Aine - She keeps me centered and gets my butt up when I am being to lazy. Her name means "Joy" and she truely is a JOY in my life.

2. Hanging with my friends and family- Some of the best times ever.

3.Sewing/Stiching - I love Sewing. I have always loved it and it reminds me a grandma who was an amazing seamstress and Shakespeare Teacher. I would have loved to have known her better... she died when I was 8. But she still rocks in my opinion. :) Now if I only could have the time to sew more! I sense a crafty vacation coming...

4, Creating/PaperCrafting - it is the best vacation you can have for your brain. I need more of them!

5. Making nummy chocolate goodies for my friends and family.

6. Not having to work on a weekend. A true simple and loved treasured time. A time to reconnect, a time to rest, a time to just breathe. Gosh. I sound like a song now. lol.

I give this award to some of the most inspirational crafty ladies I know-- Susie, Cricket, Martha, Sarah, Allie and ALEX! LIfe has been so crazy as of late that I truely miss them all. Susie, Sarah, Martha and Alex are from the Chicagoland Craft Collective. I have been missing the monthly meeting due to a marker conflict at my favorite place of enablement- hence I miss em! Allie my dear, when will you get your butt back into CHI-TOWN? And Cricket - amazing SISter and friend - when are we cropping at Hannah's ?!

HUGS ALL! Nan

PS Coraline was amazing!

awwww

2009-02-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for sweet sweet comments! We got a load of hits to my blog which I was happy to see. *hugs you all*

To celebrate a very stessful week, I am off to watch..... HUGS ALL!

...

Oh my GOODNESS!

2009-02-02T18:56:00.001-08:00

I was mentioned two times on Claudine's BLOG! *does happy dance* Thank you so much Claudine!! I am so crazy about this sticky back, I have already started planning my next project!:) This was definately the highlight of my day! Believe you me, I would be jumping up and down even more but I only got four hours of sleep last night! Lol - HUGS ALL! Nan

THINK SPRING.. Ya'all!

2009-01-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

So that Spring will come early, let's all send good thoughts and vibes to Punxsutawney Phil of Ground Hog Day so he DOES NOT see his shadow! - lol. Yes. The bitter cold is getting to me and I don't want any more snow, nor biting temperatures!

Note to brag - but dang. I did good if I must say so myself. I have been working on this for the past week designing and sewing and having SO MUCH FUN! Craft Fancy gave me a challenge that was so inspirational and fun - I can't thank them enough! Oh how I love Claudine Hellmuth's Sticky Back Canvas and Hero art's stamps combined with fabric from my stash. I did buy the leaf fabric from Quilters Destination - a gem of a quilt shop just a hop skip and a jump from Craft Fancy. Gosh. Two amazing enabling stores in one area.

Anyways - I love this pattern so much - I have a *eep* Copyright Pending! Yes once the Copyright is approved, I will be selling it my Etsy shop! *does extreme happy dance* I am so excited. I love sewing. I am a frustrated Designer at heart - so me doing this... dang I have come a long way!

May I give you a little tour?? My tag along with 100% felt wool that was felted and sewn. Doesn't the amazing sticky back canvas and Hero Art's stamps just pop?

SQUIRREL!!!

Fun little creatures greeting the little lady bug.

I hope you enjoy this THINK SPRING Banner as much as I had making it! Please let me know if you have questions! I envision many more creations of the Sticky Back Canvas kind. I mean - I still have to make my valentines! :) HUGS! Nan

Why I love Craft Fancy and Claudine's Gel Medium!

2009-01-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Oh Man. I ADORE Claudine Hellmuth's Matte Gel Medium. Will you look at this wonder medium? I mean... you can use it to adhere rubon's onto FABRIC! I made this pouch for the fabulous craft store - Craft Fancy just in time for Valentines! The rubon is by Heidi Grace and it goes on so well to the fabric. Apply some Gel Medium and you can even wash it in the delicates!

I am so excited because I love playing with fabric, Claudine's products and making " mini displays" for Craft Fancy. Next "mini display" will be on Claudine's STICKY BACK CANVAS!!! *does Happy Dance* Stay tuned peeps! HUGS Nan

(detail)

Favo Person

2009-01-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

My favorite person (aka Zooey Deschanel)is on the cover of Domino.

I love her stype, her clothes, her style, her clothes. and her HAIR.

*sigh* back to crafting.