Seams Inspired

Can't Blog...Furiously Stitching

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:46:00 +0000

The Valentine Runner is almost finished...if I can sneak in a few minutes of sewing today. I think I'll just squeak by having it done for tomorrow. Chat with y'all later, okay? ☺

Happy Monday!

Au Courant - Finishes and a WIP

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:31:00 +0000

In an effort to actually CREATE instead of

simply reading and being inspired,

Thursday's posts are all about my latest crafting efforts.

Did you spew your coffee or beverage of choice onto your computer screen when you saw this blog post title? I know. It's been FOREVER since I posted an Au Courant finish. I not only have two, count 'em, two finishes; I also have a Work-In-Progress. Can we all shout a big "Wa-hoo!" please? ☺

First finish is a roll, make-up roll, that is. While in the midst of the Big Cleanout of 2012, I purged my make-up drawer of its expired contents. Contrary to popular belief, I really don't have a lot of make-up. I have the basics (foundation, mascara, lipstick) and just a few other enhancements to make me presentable to the public.

Since I was going through everything anyway, I decided that throwing all my brushes in a bag just wasn't cutting it anymore. I completed the purge and ran to the sewing room. In a matter of minutes (measuring the fabric and deciding on the number of pockets took the longest), I had a new make-up roll. To complete the roll, I fished threw my vintage button collection and found one that compliments the fabric. The closure is an elasticized hairband.

I LOVE THIS ROLL! It just makes me happy to see those sweet faces smiling at me when I open the drawer. I purposely have a larger pocket at one end for holding my powders, though they are not in this photograph.

Outer Fabric & Pockets - Kiev Matryoshka Dolls Ivory from Fabric.com

Fabric.com Description: Designed by Maureen C. McNaughton for Elizabeth's Studio. Colors include cobalt blue, yellow, olive green, crimson, orange, rust, purple, burgundy, black and ivory with metallic gold accents throughout.

The red floral is something from my stash. It was purchased at my LQS. I'm sorry. I have no idea the name, designer, or manufacturer of this fabric. I know I need some more of it!

My second finish is, you guessed it, another Mug Rug. This is for an acquaintance who is recovering from surgery. I thought the Mug Rug, along with some baked goodies, would be a nice pick-me-up. It's from the Magic Garden line that I featured a few weeks ago in the Ruby's Auction.

With two finishes under my belt, I started on a very-late-but-I'm-hoping-I-get-it-done-in-time Valentine's Table Runner. This is supposed to be a gift; however, I'm thinking it will be gracing our table...next year.

Charm Squares - Always & Forever by Deb Strain for Moda
from Fat Quarter Shop

Still debating on which way to turn the strips.
What do you think? Should the outer strips be turned the same direction as in the photo above?
Or would it look better (and more 'random') to place them as in the 1st runner photo?

There you have it. That's what I've been crafting this week. It feels so good to get back in the sewing room. Far too long have I stayed out of there. When I walk into that room, I feel like shouting, "I'm Ba-aack!" ☺

What have you been crafting this week?

Happy Thursday!

Way Back When Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I actually sewed yesterday! We're finally almost well at the House of Seams Inspired. I'm SO glad! This has been the most rotten cold ever. Back to the stitching...In the midst of all my purging, I decided I needed a new carry-all for some daily essentials. Yeah, I'm talkin' 'bout my make-up. ☺ And that's all I'm sayin' for now. I'll show you tomorrow when I can once again have an Au Courant Craft post.

On to the Way Back When photo! Actually, there are three of them this week...

Son #1

Son #2

LittleGirl

Call it Divine Intervention, or whatever you want. I happened to have my camera readily available...with film and a good battery in it...when each of my babies stood up for the first time. They all happened to do this around the same age, in the same nursery, in the same crib, and right after nap time. Sidenote/Crib Memory: Before the arrival of Son#1, we put that crib together in our living room. We rolled it down the hallway, managed to turn the corner to enter the nursery...only to realize the darn thing wouldn't fit through the door. We had to roll it back down the hallway and take it apart so it could be re-assembled in the room. Silly new parents-to-be. ☺

The reason they are in their 'glory' suits is because of their hot Greek blood. Those babies were like nuclear reactors! They'd get all hot and sweaty and uncomfortable during sleep. I learned very quickly with Son#1 to strip them down for naps and night-time.

Son#1 seems to be saying, "Hey, Momma! I'm standing!" look on his face. Son#2 has that "Am I in trouble, or do you love what I did?" expression. LittleGirl's "Look at me! Look what I did!" expression attitude makes me smile. What I love most is that I caught them all in the midst of a milestone. There have been so many since these days that are only a memory snapshot. I'm happy I was able to mark these baby moments for them with a photograph.

Did you / do you capture your children on film

during a big milestones?

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:52:00 +0000

Love that Dexter makes me laugh...even in his sleep.

No wonder I could hear him snoring from the other side of the house!

Happy Sunday, friends!

Favourite Things Friday - 3Feb2012

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:32:00 +0000

We've been battling nasty colds around here. Low-grade fevers, snottin' & sneezin'...just tons of fun. The House of Seams Inspired believes that the quickest cure for a cold is plenty of rest, lots of water & green tea, and a heaping dose of humor (not to mention Rockin' Rye for the adults...just kidding!).

This brings me to my Favourite this Friday: finding humor on the Internet. There's lots to choose from out there. Here are some that made me giggle while blowing my nose this week...

Source: dailypicksandflicks.com via Patricia on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Denise on Pinterest

Image Source

And the photo that made me laugh the hardest, and then turned into a huge coughing fit...but oh, so worth it. ☺

Source: Uploaded by user via Casey on Pinterest

What's your favourite this Friday?

Stop over at Shay's Quilting in My Pyjamas and link up!

Happy Friday!

Way Back When Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Hey bloggy friends! Sorry I haven't been blogging as much.

I've been on a big purge. The entire house is getting a thorough purging and cleaning.

Gotta work while the motivation is there, right? ☺

Purging means no sewing. No sewing means no blogging.

I should be back to regular blogging by next week.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

LitteGirl had just turned two when I snapped this photo in 2005. She sat still long enough for me to braid her hair. We were awaiting Daddy's arrival home for lunch. The braids didn't make it until then. She's never been a girl who likes her hair 'done up' for a long duration. That's BettyLou, her beloved doll, she's holding. BettyLou is quite well-loved and wears her loved look very well.

What do I remember most about this snapshot? The elements around it...

The fence was built by me. It was my first big DIY project. It took me three days to complete, and it was only about 12 feet long. The fence connected the house to the garage, while keeping the children in the backyard. DH helped build and attach the gate.

We had recently transformed our ugly red brick house, turning it into a beautiful Southern home with just a couple coats of paint. It still amazes me what a sprayer, a few hours, and paint can do for an inanimate object. The color was customized to match the siding of the 2-car garage (and apartment above it) DH and I built the year before.

The gorgeous plants were favorites of mine. Almost a decade later, I still miss them. FYI...If you want to take your plants with you, put them in a container while your house is for sale...and stipulate in the contract container plants are not included in the sale. The hosta was a gift from a dear neighbor. He grows the most beautiful plants, and is mighty generous with sharing them. He not only decked out my garden in this photo, he brought numerous plants to beautify our new home when we left the neighborhood. I think of him every Spring when the hosta poke out of the ground, prettying up our yard.

The shrub was my introduction into bartering. A friend had just opened a nursery and needed some printing and logo design work. In exchange for designing their logo and mail-outs, I received the stunning Butterfly Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' for all you Latin enthusiasts). The shrub was the perfect addition to my backdoor garden. It's variegated lacy leaves were always putting on a show. They were silvery white and creamy green in the Spring; and turned from the prettiest pink to the darkest magenta in the Fall and Winter. Wonder if the current homeowner appreciates that Butterfly Maple as much as I did? Maybe I should make a midnight garden-run. ☺

Do the backgrounds of your photos elicit memories of the past?

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:01:00 +0000

Way Back When Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:41:00 +0000

This is one of my all-time favorite snaps of my boys. I had been gifted with an SLR camera that year, 2002, and I took TONS of pictures. The lighting isn't perfect in this photo; however, the absolute joy on their faces is quite evident.

They were having the most fun playing in a big pile of leaves that day. The vibrant oranges and yellows and reds from the maple tree in our front yard provided hours of Fall play for the boys. They'd run and jump into the 'mountain', then scoop up fistfuls of those crunchy leaves to toss into the air.

The boys were rolling around in the leaves, each starting at one end and meeting in the middle of the pile. It was at this meeting moment, when I captured them in this image. It's also right before I announced it was time to go inside and take naps. Their expressions quickly changed after this photo; and I'm happy I was able to grab a piece of their joy.

Do you have a favorite photo?

Happy Wednesday!

Sewing for Ruby

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:09:00 +0000

Through OneWord365, I met Brooke over at Heart & Seoul. She has a lovely blog, so be sure to stop by and visit while leaving some comment love. While clicking around her posts, I learned Brooke & her family are in the process of adopting an adorable little girl named Ruby Grace. Well, just one read about that precious girl and I knew I wanted to help Brooke, Justin, & Perry bring Ruby home.

Remember that Mug Rug & Coffee Cozy Set I showed you last week? It's up for auction at Ruby's Blog! If you're in need of a gift (or just don't have time to sew for yourself), drop by and leave a comment with your bid amount. It's a steal! Bidding starts at $10. And you'll be helping a family bring their much-wanted daughter home. ☺

Win this set by bidding at Ruby's Adoption Auction Blog!

Wouldn't some you know smile every time they set their mug on this rug? ☺

Do you like to sew or create for others?

Happy Tuesday!

Celebrating and Crazy Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Did you have a good weekend? I hope so! Ours was relatively low-key. We exercised our right to vote in the SC Primary. DH and I cancelled out our votes with our candidate choices. I ♥ America. With all the chilly rain Saturday and Sunday, we opted to stay indoors. We watched the newest (2009) Star Trek movie with our boys. We're all into Sci-Fi, and thoroughly enjoyed the film. I enjoyed learning the back stories on all the characters.

My new favorite show!
Image Source

I also caught up on Season 1 of Downton Abbey. If you have not seen this program, I highly encourage you to watch it. It's available on Netflix, and I think you can also view it at www.pbs.org. What a wonderful series! The storyline is full of twists and turns, but it's the fashion that has me mesmerized. Oh, to dress like that, and wear those gorgeous hats!

LittleGirl needed some girl time. We played 'Beauty Shop' with me being the client. Um...I almost didn't post this, but I figure everyone needs a good laugh on a Monday. All in all it was a good way to CELEBRATE the weekend.

What did you do this weekend?

Happy Monday!

Happy Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:54:00 +0000

Way Back When Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:39:00 +0000

Sometimes I feel a little cheated that blogging wasn't around when I was younger, when my babies were babies, when I took LOTS of photos. I'm not a scrapbooker; however, I love blogging. It really is kind of an online scrapbook isn't it?

To remedy this cheated feeling, today begins Way Back When Wednesdays. I'm going through old photos and will be featuring one each Wednesday. This gives me a chance to reminisce, and perhaps work on my journaling and/or caption skills a bit. Hmmm....maybe I need a button to go with this. (Type-A blogger, ya know!)

This was taken when we first arrived at our new home, the one in which we live now. The front door was wooden with a wide split in it from the sun shining on it every afternoon. It was also a weird shade of blue.

The photo captures their personalities so well. Son#1 with his buttoned-to-the-top favorite green shirt. He's still that precise, and would wear that shirt if it fit! Son#2 and his 'hang loose' attitude. He remains fairly easy-going today, and tie-dye shirts can be found in his closet. Can you tell LittleGirl is shouting, "Cheese!" ? She was a non-stop chatterbox then; and even now, rarely draws breath for all she needs to tell us each day.

The boys were full of exuberant exploring energy (still are) and LittleGirl would let me put her hair in pigtails with fancy ribbons. I love their bright eyes, deep red lips, and beautiful smiles. Fun exhausting times chasing those three around. Loved it then, and love it now. ☺

Do you like to pull out old photos and remember

Way Back When?

Happy Wednesday!

Journal Cover Tutorial...Anyone, Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Image Source

I want to sew a journal cover, and started sewing one yesterday. I botched it up. Maybe I just need some quiet time to sort it all out; however, what I really need is a good photo tutorial so I can wrap my head around how to attach those flaps.

Can you direct me to a Journal (Book) Cover Tutorial? Anyone? Anyone?

In the meantime, the silver lining to my journal cover debacle is that I was able to play some more with my Walking Foot. I seriously LOVE that sewing attachment!

In other sewing news, I made this set for a bloggy friend. I'll tell you more about why I stitched it later. For now, here's a photo sneak-peek.

A front & back shot of the Mug Rug set.
The coordinating Coffee Cozy set is reversible. ☺

Just to give you an idea about the size. ☺

Do you usually try to figure out new projects yourself,

or do prefer a tutorial to help you visualize the outcome?

Happy Tuesday!

New Week New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:44:00 +0000

My wonderful niece treated me to a new look. She pampered me with a fresh hairstyle, and brightened me up with some color. This is as close to my 'what-I-was-born-with' hair as I'll ever get. I LOVE it! What do you think?

Thank you, Amber!

If you live in the area and need a great stylist, contact Amber at the number below. You'll be glad you did! She not only does the best hair, she can give a scalp massage like no other stylist I've ever seen...seriously. I just about fell asleep in the hair chair! There's nothing better than a new look, is there? ☺

864.241.4003

When was the last time you changed your hairstyle?

Happy Monday!

Friday Funny - Educational Email

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:14:00 +0000

Have you seen this?

Since my very first week with an email address,

I have received 'educational' emails with quite regularity.

I'm still amazed at the email topics that continue to resurface after all these years.

Here's one I received from my brother.

It gave me a giggle. I hope it makes you smile too.

Happy Friday, bloggy friends!

I want to thank you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.

I can no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, nor let the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.

I can't sit down on a hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.

I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.

Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.

I can't touch any woman's handbag for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public toilet.

I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS for the email about rat poo in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I can't have a drink in a bar because I fear I'll wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.

I can't eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.

I can't use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer buy fuel without taking someone along to watch the car, so a serial killer doesn't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.

I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.

AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.

I no longer go to the cinema because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS when I sit down.

I no longer go to shopping centers because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a huge phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan .

THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up a dime coin dropped in the car park because it was probably placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.

I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's best friend's beautician . .

Oh, and by the way.....

A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse.

Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

P. S. I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet.

I'm Just Walking...and some Housekeeping

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Walking with my Walking Foot! Here's my first go at using the Walking-Foot-That-Came-With-No-Instructions. So far, so good. I can't believe the difference it makes. Worth every penny!

Front of new Mug Rug

Just had to share with you. I'm super-excited at the quilty possibilities!

Housekeeping

Due to time constraints and a hectic life at the moment, Monday Facts Blog Hop will not continue at this time. Perhaps when things slow down a bit for me. By all means, continue to post in Fact Format if you like. I simply won't be hosting a linky party.

Happy Saturday!

Favourite Things Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:29:00 +0000

Yesterday was full of busy ToDo list kinds of things. I'm so glad I got it all done! That means today's list is quite smaller. ☺ Part of my yesterday was spending time with Son#2, which also happens to be my Favourite Thing this Friday.

Son#2 purchased a skateboard with his Christmas cash. In order to make the purchase acceptable, he was required by Momma to pick up some elbow & knee pads too. With all his new gear (and the helmet he already owns), we headed off to the skate park. We're fortunate to have an indoor skating park not far from our home. It opens early in the afternoon, and we were not only the first to arrive, we had the entire skate park to ourselves for the first hour.

This is the park when it was first built.
It has a much more 'lived-in' look to it now. ☺

I absolutely loved watching Son#2 gather up his courage and skate around that park. He took a few shy passes, eyeballing the area and getting a feel for his new board. It was amazing to watch his confidence build as he tried the small ramps. He has quite a lot to learn, but he's ready to get back out there today. I love that about him...eager to try something new without the fear of failing...just jumping in with both feet and giving it a go.

The park began to fill with a few more kids. One 'pro' skater was so encouraging, and gave Son#2 some great tips to quickly succeed. These skaters have an interesting camaraderie. They all seem to cheer one another on, and get pumped when someone tries a new trick. (I've yet to figure out the language. Guess I'm going to have to Google 'ollie' and 'shredding'). Son#2 had a blast, and wants to return to the park this afternoon when he finishes his classes.

He came home tired and happy...and for a Momma, that is the best way to see her kids.

Happy Son#2...Momma's happy too.

By the way, I may have to take up skateboarding. I looked up calories burned from this activity. Did you know you can burn up to 500 calories with just 90 minutes of skateboarding? No wonder those kids are so lean and fit!

What's your favourite for this Friday?

Go visit Shay and all her pals today.

Have you ever tried skateboarding or spent time at a skate park?

Happy Friday!

It's Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:13:00 +0000

Is anyone else feeling a bit off this week? I think it's because the 'holiday' fell on Sunday. Perhaps a better adjustment period to the new year is required of me. I need New Year's Day to fall midweek. Think one of you can arrange that for me for next year? ☺

SEWING NEWS

There is no sewing news. I still need to finish the quilt/throw. The time I had to sew it up Monday was spent catching up with my sister. Yes, I'm admitting it. I chatted on the phone for about 2 hours with her. And I have not one ounce of guilt over it. We rarely get to chat that long. With each of us having three children ranging in ages from 5 to 13, most of our conversations are short bursts followed by interruptions. Sewing can wait when your sister is available to talk.

CELEBRATIONS

We've had a significant temperature drop in South Carolina. The high temp Tuesday was 37º...Brrr y'all! We celebrated the chilly weather with a fun warm-up of Hot Cocoa, complete with marshmallows. Forget those little packets and make your own! It's a really simple recipe:

2 Tbs Baking Cocoa

1-2Tbs Sugar (depends on your sweet tooth)

1 tsp Vanilla

1½ Cups Milk

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk together on medium heat just until bubbly hot. Serve in your favorite mug with marshmallows. Enjoy!

Um...yeah. I'm rockin' the headband look.
Call it my 'Hail to the 70's Mom' moment.

Today's celebration began early this morning. Upon awakening, while still wrapped in my handmade-by-my-Grandma Ripplestitch Afghan, I stepped out into the cold pre-dawn to watch the Quadrantid Meteor Shower. And what a show the heavens put on!

Right there around the handle of the Big Dipper, faint streaks of light scattered across the sky. Every once in a while a brighter "Look at me! Look at me!" meteor appeared. What a glorious way to celebrate a Wednesday!

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?

Psalm 8:3-4

Have you ever watched a meteor shower?

Happy Wednesday!

1st Monday of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:50:00 +0000

That's reason enough to celebrate, right? No? Well, how about this is my 500th post! I know. I can hardly believe it myself. What a great way to start out the new year. ☺ We celebrated January 1st with the traditional Southern meal of Pork Tenderloin, Collard Greens, Black-eye Peas, and Cornbread. I have no photos. You'll have to trust me that dinner was delicious.

After dinner, the kids got to work on their Gingerbread House. They received a kit for Christmas (thanks Aunt Jenn & family!) that included pre-cut house pieces as well as frostings and decorations. Each chose some candy decor, grabbed the frosting bag, and got to work. Their Gingerbread House looks just like the one on the box, doesn't it?

While the kids glued candies to the house, I pulled out my new fabrics and decided to whip up a throw for DH. Using the instructions from Sew4Home's "Quick & Cool Holiday Gift", I quickly stitched the quilt top. I LOVE the Layer Cakes! It's my first time using them, and it definitely won't be my last. The longest part of the project was deciding what order to put the squares.

Today, I'm CELEBRATING my quick start-to-finish. I have the batting attached, and today I will sew the back layer of the throw and stitch the buttons to secure the finish. Quick projects are my favorites!

The throw in progress...why yes, that is Christmas fabric!
DH just wants a throw. He doesn't care what fabric I use.
Isn't he the best? ☺
Jovial by BasicGrey for Moda
Layer Cake purchased from FatQuarterShop...LOVE that shop!

So, I'm debating about the Monday Facts linky thing. If I decide to continue with Monday Facts, we'll begin next Monday. I'll let you know by this Friday, okay?

What are you celebrating today?

Happy Monday!

New Year - One Word

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:28:00 +0000

Did you make it to midnight to ring in the new year? We had a campout in the den. I fell asleep, and as requested, the kids woke me before the ball dropped. Fifteen minutes later, I was back snoozing on my makeshift bed. ☺ Happy New Year!

So if you've been on Twitter the last few days, you've probably been seeing hashtags such as #OneWord, #oneword, #OneWord2012, #OneWord365. Curiosity got the better of me, and I tracked down the source. Here's what I found at the oneword365.com website...

One word can change everything.

Forget New Year’s Resolutions.

Scrap the long list of goals that you won’t remember three weeks from now anyway.

Choose just one word.

One word that sums up who you want to be

or how you want to live

or what you want to achieve by the end of 2012.

One word that you can focus on every day, all year long.

It will take hard work, and will require intentionality and commitment.

But if you let it, your word will shape you and your year.

It will guide your decisions and help you grow.

Discover the big impact one word can make.

One word.

365 days.

A changed life.

I've thought it over, prayed about it, and am prepared to take the One Word challenge. What is my One Word?

That's right. I'm going to CELEBRATE this year. I know I can find at least one thing to CELEBRATE every single day. Far too often, I've let the days pass; living them quietly without giving a thought to how my perspective of the mundane events affect those around me. This life was made to CELEBRATE...even the smallest of moments.

We'll be CELEBRATING the monotonous as well as the typical fun events such as holidays and birthdays. It's going to be a blast! ☺

What's your ONE WORD for 2012?

Happy Sunday!

Stop by OneWord365 and see who's participating this year.

Twirling through the School Break

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:19:00 +0000

The kids say they want to spend time with me!

I'm taking the week off to twirl with my family.

See you in the new year!

Happy Sunday - Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:05:00 +0000

Randy Creates Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:25:00 +0000

To see all of Randy's Antics, visit his Pinterest page: Randy the Elf

Randy leaves us this evening and heads back to the North Pole. He's been fun to have around, but I'm glad he's only here 24 days. He's out of ideas! He had planned to cut more snowflakes, but a little someone awoke earlier than usual. She was sent back to bed. Why she thought getting up at 5am was okay, is beyond Randy.

I'm almost finished with the sewing! I have two Mug Rugs to complete. Thank goodness the sun was shining yesterday! The kids played outside, so I wasn't interrupted as often. ☺ Here's the mess in my Sewing Room...

It's gotta all be finished, and this room transformed into a dining space by this afternoon. We're hosting Christmas Eve dinner for sixteen. Yikes! I better get stitching!

Do you have a dedicated sewing space?

Happy Christmas Eve!

Holy Frijoles! It's Friday, isn't it?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:37:00 +0000

That was my initial thought this morning. I'm making progress, but still sewing. I've only one photo finish, as I didn't want to stop yesterday. This is just a little Sercy for my niece.

Headbands with Burnt-Edge Flower embellishments

What's a 'Sercy' you ask? As far as I know, 'Sercy' (also spelled 'Circi' or 'Sirsee') is a strictly Southern term for gift. It's usually something small and inexpensive, and a way to tell the recipient that you are thinking of them. Sometimes a Sercy is given to say, 'Thank you!' for a kindness, such as helping someone move, doing yard work, picking up the mail while out of town, etc.

My family is not really exchanging presents this year. We had Family Portraits made instead, though I just couldn't let Christmas pass without celebrating the day with my young niece and nephews. The Sercy tradition allows me to give a gift without feeling as if I'm breaking the 'rules' of gift-exchange this year. I love the South! ☺

Randy Tries to be Angelic

To see all of Randy's Antics, visit his Pinterest page: Randy the Elf

Have you heard of a Sercy?

Do you give Sercy gifts?

Happy Friday!

PS...I recently used the expression "Holy Frijoles!" when I saw the sales price of something I wanted in a dress shop. I was excited at the huge price break. The woman beside me gave me the nastiest look. I think she thought I was dropping a cuss word in Spanish. ☺ You do know Frijoles is translated 'beans', right? Of course you do!

A Cuppa and a Cookie

noreply@blogger.com (Larri @ Seams Inspired) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:47:00 +0000

Koulourakia - Greek Butter Cookies and a Cup of Coffee
A fabulous way to jumpstart my morning!

These Greek cookies are one of my favorites! The ingredients are staples in my pantry, and it makes a large amount...8 dozen cookies. They are the 'perfect' accompaniment to a cup of coffee. Not too sweet and not too crisp. If you are sewing Mug Rugs as gifts, Koulourakia would be a nice extra to fill out the package. ☺ Here's the recipe...

Koulourakia - Greek Butter Cookies

1 Cup Butter

½ Cup Shortening

2 Cup Sugar

4 Eggs

1 Tablespoon Vanilla

4 teaspoons Baking Powder

Pinch Baking Soda

6 Cups Flour, sifted (though I never sift and mine turn out fine)

Sesame Seeds (optional)

Cream butter, shortening, and sugar until very light. Whip, whip, whip! The lighter and fluffier the better your cookies will be! Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Add vanilla, baking powder, soda, and 3 cups of flour. Continue beating until thoroughly blended. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in remaining flour, or enough to make a soft dough. Knead a few minutes. Pinch off small pieces of dough. I use a small ice cream scoop that holds about 2 tsp. Roll into pencil-like strands, about 5 inches long and less than ½-inch thick. Form each strand into an 'S' shape by rolling ends toward center OR roll dough into 7-inch strands, fold over and twist each into a rope. Place 1-inch apart on cookie sheets. Brush with milk or beaten egg. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds if desired. Bake at 350° until lightly browned. Mine take anywhere from 13-17 minutes. Depends on how temperamental my oven is on baking day. ☺ Makes about 8 dozen.

Crammin' Randy

To see all of Randy's Antics, visit his Pinterest page: Randy the Elf

What is your favorite treat to serve with coffee?

Today has been deemed 'Sewing Day' and I'm officially in panic-mode. Gotta get it done people!

If I haven't stopped by this morning, I will be over for a blog visit late tonight or tomorrow. ☺

Happy Thursday!