Thrifty Thursday

Well, coming up with titles sucks. And since it's Thursday and I thrifted yesterday, and I like alliteration, it'll be Thirfty Thursday today. I heeded all your advice yesterday, which I am most grateful for, and went thrifting. One of the best things about blogging, is to find out you're not alone when it comes to creating. Plus it supplies enormous inspiration.

The first thing I found when I walked into the store was this fabric.

It is easily over 2 yards and soo pretty. I went there with the intention of finding some long zipper which I need for a WIP, and luckily, there was a whole bag of 22 inch zippers! I also picked up some more vintage seam binding. On my way out, I grabbed this pillowcase right off the rack before the girl had a chance to put it away.

I then found a matching flat sheet hanging up. Whoohooo. I also found 2 Liberty of London silk scarves. They are so pretty, but I might end up selling them on eBay.

Finally I there were the most darling teacups and saucers. I am totally in love with these. I'm thinking I might use them to make something and add it to an etsy shop. We'll see. They also had matching small plates and 1 large plate but I didn't get those. I think if I had brought them home my husband would've thought I was crazy. But aren't they just too cute?!

So hopefully I'll return to my regularly scheduled sewing today. Ohh..Ohhhh.... I forgot to mention the weirdest thing happened yesterday! I was watching Martha and they were doing a segment on bronzer and skin care. Then I heard "we have someone from the audience, Kerry Martens." And I whip my head around because that is one of my sister's best friends from high school. At first I thought, no that can't be her. Then she said she was from Baltimore and trained dolphins and IT WAS HER!!! Of course, I called my sister right and told her I was so freakin jealous she got to meet Martha. Maybe that'll be me one day.....sigh.

Crafter's Block

I am having a major creative block. Last night I started working on an idea for a new tote, and I couldn't figure out how to finish it. It's been driving me nuts. Now it's too the point where I can't make anything else. Maybe it's because I'm not completely happy with how this tote is coming along or maybe the fact that I have fabric coming out of my ear. Seriously, if I talk about buying anymore fabric, call the authorities!! Of course the new Denyse Schmidt fabric is out, and I'm dying to have it.

Anyway, I started this tote after watching Martha yesterday. I loved the top Kerri Russell was wearing and I thought maybe it would be make a nice top for a tote. So I pleated a thrited pillowcase, but it's seems to be too large. I may have another go at it, but now I'm having a hard time putting fabrics together. I feel so indecisive and frustrated at the same time. Do you crafty ladies ever have this problem? What do you do to overcome your creative block?

I should mention that when I showed my husband this, he said "it looks like something an ugly girl would wear." Whaaaaaaat?? He explained that "well ugly girls always wear old things because they don't care what they look like, and that is old looking. It looks like an apron." Gee thanks. I swear he's not always that mean!

I am really wanting to sew on my newly cleaned machine! Plus, I've been thinking about opening an etsy shop (like everyone else). We could use a little extra money, it could pay for my fabric habit, and I could use up a lot of fabric in the process. People are always asking me if I have a website, so this would be a perfect way to have one. Now if I could only make something, I'd be in business!

Cowboy-rific and 7 random things

A few weeks ago, Finny posted some ideas for her "stash" of cowboy fabric and asked for other suggestions. Well, me and my infinite wisdom thought the fabric was perfect for Amy Butler's recipe card holder with a BBQ recipe inside. Ask and you shall receive, isn't that how it goes? So I am now the proud owner of this, made by Finny herself. Of course, I'm hiding the recipe cause I just don't want to share it! hee hee. Plus she sent along some yummy chocolates, which I'm eating on the sly because Isaiah keeps whining for one. Giddy-up!




Anyway, I found these lovely ribbons at the thrift store. I spotted them as soon as I walk in, and there were about 20 other bags filled with the same kinds of ribbon. I had to restrain myself and only walked away with one bag. Yay victory! They're really good quality, all weather ribbon. I'm thinking they might make some nice purse handles. We'll see.

And so I've been tagged by iSew to write 7 random things about me. Here are the rules:

-Write 7 random facts/habits about yourself on your blog
-Choose another 7 people to get tagged and list their names (then make sure you go to those people's blogs to let them know they're "it").


1. I have a major tactile problem. My cousin and I recently discovered that we share this same feeling. I have a hard time touching a lot of things, i.e. certain fabrics, sandpaper, frosted glass, paint your own pottery. It's especially bad when my fingers are dry, so I'm always needing lotion on my hands. Sometimes I won't touch my husband's hands if either of our hands are dry.

2. I've been an athlete my entire life. I played softball when I was in college for CUA (that's not me in the picture.) When I was a freshman I was playing 3rd base (which I never do) and I ran into a fence trying to catch a foul ball. I ended up breaking my foot and I did not catch the ball. Subsequently, the next 3 years, everyone on the team would yell "fence" everytime there was a foul ball.

3. I have my degree in Chemistry and my senior comprehensive paper was titled "Noninvasive Imaging Agents for Early Alzheimer Diagnosis." I really have no urge to do anything in the field of chemistry now. Go figure.

4. I learned how to sew from my mother, but honed my skills in 4-H. Saying I was in 4-H always makes me seem like I was such a hick. I never actually had any part in taking care of animals, we always just did sewing and craft projects. Good times.

5. My cousins lived next door to us when we were little. Jenna and I were always doing crazy things, which was usually my idea and she would just say "sure Katie" to whatever I said. We picked flowers from my neighbor's yard and tried to sell them. We held yard sales at the end of our driveway. We never made any money because we lived on a road that only about 2 cars would drive down each day. We also pretended to host tv shows like cooking and excercise. I still have the excercise one on tape.

6. I am messy. I hate doing dishes and putting away laundry (although I don't mind folding it.) I am never able to do a few small chores everyday. I am the kind of person that waits for the mess to be "too much" and I have to clean everything at once. Although I'm untidy, I can't understand how people get ridiculously cluttered like on "Clean House." That would drive me nuts. I'd much rather craft or sew than do dishes (but who wouldn't?)

7. I love to figure out and know how things work. I just spent a half hour watching how a sock is made. I was amazed at how the knitting machine was able to work so fast. When I was a kid I'd take things apart just to see how they worked.


Ok, that's it.. hope you enjoyed. I don't think I'll tag anyone personally, but if you haven't done it on your blog, consider yourself "it".

Happily sewing along

Thanks for all the quilt advice and well wishes for my friend. While in NY my cousin and I went to Joann's to pick up the fabric for the quilt. We had a tough time figuring out what fabrics to use, but this is what we came up with. We're also using 2 shades of green and a light and dark blue that people are signing. I'm going to use a pattern from the Denyse Schmidt book, so *fingers crossed* it will all go smoothly. Well, hopefully it'll go better than my trip to Kinko's this morning. I went with Isaiah in tow, who probably should have been napping at that time. He decided it would be a good idea to into every room that said "employees only". Grrrr. I couldn't quite figure out how the copy machine was supposed to enlarge to 400% and had no patience to do so after running around trying to catch Isaiah. So basically I left with 4 cut off pieces of the patterns. Damnit, why won't any of these sewing books include full size patterns!??!?!

Speaking of, last night I sat down with my newly serviced sewing machine (which by the way is sewing dreamily), and tried to finish my wide leg lounge pants for last month's InStitches Along. Yeah, somehow the inseam was a little too short and it left my huge butt hanging out. I'd take a picture of them on, but I don't want to scare anyone away. Of course, the wide legs weren't a problem at all. Geez.. they're like swim trunk! I was so frustrated that I didn't finish hemming the pants, and now they will become a nice present for my cousin. Hopefully they'll fit her.

And of course, I can't walk into a fabric store and not get anything for myself. Now I can stop being jealous of all of you that have found this fabric is Joann's because I have some of my own now!

I just finished sewing the Lotta Jansdotter backpack. I used my new Amy Butler fabric (yum yum!). I guess I didn't read the directions carefully because I messed up on the side part of the casing. Oh well, it'll still be functional. I think if I did it again I'd use the fabrics the other way around. It might be too much pink. I also think this was made for a midget because it is a lot smaller than I thought it would be.

Anyway, I'm glad to be home, although I do miss NY. All the flowers and trees are in bloom here. Plus, I have already made 2 trips to my favorite thrift store in the last 2 days. I had a dream about that store when I was in NY. I think I was having separation anxiety. Hahah.

Quilting advice

One of my cousin's best friends, and one of my longtime friends has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. It has been very shocking and eye opening because she is only 24 years old. A couple of weeks ago the doctors also found a cancer spot on her liver. I have seen her a couple of times this week and she is using her sense of humor to get through this difficult time. She feels pretty good, although she does get tired every once and a while. She is having surgery next week on her liver and if all goes well, she will start chemo after that. It's unbelievable that someone so young is going through this. I played softball with her for more than 6 years, in school and on a travel team. She is only a couple of months younger than me!

Anyway, here's where I need some of your crafty advice. I'd love to make her a small quilt signed with messages by people she loves. My thought is to buy some light colored fabric and cut it in strips, then to hand them out and have people sign them. I'd then sew them into the quilt top. I'm sure some of you have done this before and I was hoping someone would have some wise advice for me. I was also thinking that this would give me a good chance to use a pattern from my Denyse Schmidt Quilt book. I've never finished a quilt before, although I've started many. Unless you include the wall hanging I made in 4-H like 10 years ago. So, this should be a challenge. Anyway, if you are the praying kind, please keep her in your prayers. She is one of the funniest and sweetest persons I have met.

Isaiah with Christine a few days ago at Poet's Walk

Martha makes me Swoooooon

I just finished watching Martha and she was debuting her new paint line. Boy oh boy, do I love those colors! I really want to repaint my house now, which is completely out of the question, seeing as we just painted our whole house like 4 months ago. Then I started thinking about all the little places I could paint. Inside my closet, the pantry, chairs, maybe even Isaiah. Seriously, this is a sickness. I need to attend Martha Anonymous.

So of course I have to stalk Martha's website and the front page as these margaritas. Oh gosh, Coconut Margaritas! Like I need one more margarita to try. Who am I kidding, of course I need more margaritas! So when I get home Saturday night, I think I'll be celebrating a little Cinco de Mayo. (John if you're reading this, it would be really nice to have those ingredients at the house!)

And, I have been doing my best to restrain myself from running over to Michael's to check out her new line there. I really have no need for paper, but I'm sure if I went over there, I'd come out with a crap load. I need a healthier obsession. Why can't I be obsessed with running, or hiking, or eating vegetables. Oh well, I'm sure I'm not the only one. Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Swaps & Fabric

I can finally post what I sent for the Pink and Green Swap now that my partner has finally received her package. She lives in New Zealand and it took almost 2 weeks for her to get it! I was really getting nervous about it, but not to worry everything arrived safely. It's odd because the package she sent to me came in about 5 days. Oh well. So, each letter of SPRING had to represent something, for those of you not familiar with the swap.

S: Sewing Supplies Holder
I made this using the Amy Butler InStitches book. I also thought it was a good way to catch up on the InStitches along that I have missed

P: Pink Linen Napkins
I thought maybe she could embroider these if she wanted. I found this at the thrift store and fell in love with them!

R: Really cute picture frame
I thrifted the frame and then painted it. I put a cute piece of scrapbook paper in it to hold a picture's place

I: I read that you and Ms. Bee love Hello Kitty
I sent along some pens and a pouch for her daughter. I also found this warm flannel Hello Kitty fabric at the store. They're getting into their cooler weather, so I thought this was appropriate.

N: Notecards from Kate Spade
I found these at the thrift store brand new. I actually picked them up at first because of the green box. When I got them home I realized they were Kate Spade and the prints are just darling. I successfully resisted keeping them for myself!

G: Green and Pink M&Ms
Bee told me they don't get these specialty M&M's. They had chicks and bunnies on them. Too cute! This is it all packed up to go. See that pretty pink ribbon? That's from Godiva when I worked there years ago!


I really love swapping. It's the perfect way to craft because you get to make something for someone else and you get something handcrafted in return. I can't wait for the Sweet Goodness Swaps next one!


I also found a new quilt store in Hyde Park. Of course, as soon as I found they carried Amy Butler I hustled my little (ok huge) butt down there. I wish they had this when I lived here. But, that's how it always works, you leave and new better things come along! I decided that I would use some birthday money I received to buy some new fabrics. It was so hard deciding which ones to get, but I finally came away with these. I also picked up some Freshcut, one from Utopia Line and some 30's reproductions. John told me that my sewing machine is now cleaned and at home. Surprisingly it was only $38. Let's hope she's good and healthy now! I can't wait to get back to do some sewing!

Hudson Valley History

Village of Rhinebeck

As I mentioned, I am in NY for the week. I really love this area, so I thought I'd share some history and pictures with you. The Hudson Valley is one of the most beautiful areas to visit. I was lucky enough to grow up here. My father was born and raised in Hyde Park. I also grew up here along with my 6 cousins. We all lived within miles of each other and went to all the same schools. If you are not familiar, Hyde Park is the home of President FDR and his wife Eleanor. Each had separate homes, FDR had Springwood and Eleanor enjoyed a much smaller cottage a , Val-Kil few miles away. Hyde Park is also the home to several other historic sites, including Vanderbilt Mansion. When I was in college, my parents moved to the neighboring town of Rhinebeck. Actually it is more of a village than a town. Anyway, Rhinebeck was founded by Dutch settlers in 1686, but it wasn't until German settlers entered the area that it got its name of "Rynbeck". It is also the home to many historic places, but probably the most recognizable is the Beekman Arms. This was the first Inn in American, founded in 1766. Important figures in American history have stayed and dined at the Inn, including George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and FDR. There are also several other mansions, including Wilderstein which belonged to the Suckley family. Daisey Suckley, the last resident of the mansion, was a close friend of FDR and gave him Fala, the famous White House dog.

At first I was upset when they decided to do this because I loved my childhood home and Hyde Park. In reality, living in the village of Rhinebeck has more benefits than living in the boonies in Hyde Park. The streets are beautiful to walk on and there is access to the most wonderful shops, restaurants and cafes. There is a great mix of old time shops and new trendy ones. We've enjoyed two beautiful days of weather and have been able to walk around taking pictures of the houses. There are such wonderful examples of different architectural designs, especially of the Victorian persuasion. Anyway, I could go on and on about the history and beautiful of this area, so let me just share my pictures with you. I hope you love them as much as I do, and if you get the chance, you should definitely visit the Hudson Valley.

Delmater Inn designed by A.J. Davis

Bed & Breakfast

There's no use in crying over spilt milk

I'm finally back in Rhinebeck after a whole lot of travelling this weekend. Our trip has been very eventful, to say the least. As soon as it was over, I said "oh, I am definitely blogging about this!"

Thursday morning, my cousin Jenna and I packed the car up, and go to Trader Joe's by 9:30 am. We had planned to leave for NY by 10am,When we were done with the shopping, we stocked up on the much needed Starbucks, and snuggled into the car for our long ride. We had Fergie on the radio blasting and Isaiah laughing, when we turn the car on and it's starts bucking. We both look at each other in disbelief and start laughing. Turn the car off, try it again, thinking maybe it's just some freak thing before realizing that, in fact, the car isn't going anywhere. Finally it hits us that we have to do something. We are all ready to drive to NY, bags packed, kid in car, and 1/2 hour from home. Quick phone calls are placed to John and Jenna's mom before I realize that the parking lot is right next to a gas station with a garage. I say to Jenna (who is looking way more attractive than me at this time of the morning), go over there with some cleavage and play the damsel in distress. A few minutes later, I see Jenna walking over with a very hot, grungy guy and she is just smiling and shaking her head at me. He comes to check the car out, then lets out a smile, telling us that we're going to need to push the car over to the garage. Jenna and I are just looking at each other laughing hysterically. Rob (hot mechanic), comes back over with 2 more guys to push the car over. At this point, Jenna and I are really losing it because there was about 10 gallons of split milk all over the parking lot. The poor guys could barely get enough traction to push the car. They seriously must have thought we were crazy because Jenna says, "you guys don't mind being in a few snapshots, do you?" This was too good not to document it with photos. Isaiah seemed really confused as to why we were standing outside watching out car get pushed. So we walk across the parking lot laughing and just shaking our heads. Of course, not before we took this photo.

We sat in the office for about a half hour before they figure out what was wrong with the car. There was a really nice lady with her 8 week old daughter that we chatted with. At least that made the time go by quickly. The diagnosis was a bad fuel pump and the guy said that he could have it done in 3 hours. Since we didn't really have another choice, we had the car fixed, went back to Starbucks and people watched.

Luckily for us, they were able to get the car fixed in just under 2 hours. $760 and 2 hours later, we were on the road to NY. The rest of the trip went smoothly and we were both thankful that this situation occurred in a parking lot and not on the main highway, or while I was alone with Isaiah. Speaking of Isaiah, he was a perfect angel through the whole ordeal.

The next morning, it was back in the car for us. Jenna and her parents picked Isaiah and I up and we were off to Rochester. Even though the mileage is about the same from D.C. to Hyde Park, the ride to Rochester is much easier and feels a lot quicker. We had a party on Friday night for Jenna's sister Erin, and then one on Saturday for my Grandma's 80th birthday. Yet another crazy little trip. Friday my sister and I drove all around Rochester to find a carrot cake. Who knew that it would be impossible to find one! After 5 places (including the biggest Wegman's ever), we finally found one.

Saturday morning we went to the best Children's Museums I have ever been to. It is the Strong Museum in downtown Rochester. They have things for all ages. Isaiah was so excited he could barely contain himself. One of the best sections was the mini-Wegmans. There are little shopping carts, realistic looking food, checkouts that work. It is really amazing. Anyway, Isaiah was in little kid heaven. I'd love to go back there.

We had a great weekend, although it went by really quickly. I'm betting Isaiah is glad to be out of the car for the week.

Today we have no real plans. Isaiah and I are about to get my much needed bagel from my favorite store. Hopefully they're open. I went over there on Friday morning and was more than disappointed when they were closed because there had been a fire in the apartment upstairs. I hope everything's o.k. over there! And I think I found a fabric store here that carries Denyse Schmidt fabrics. I may have to go investigate.

Gosh, I just realized I didn't get a good picture of hot Rob. I'll have to ask Jenna if she did.

Thank you!

Thanks so much for all your birthday wishes yesterday. I celebrated with my cousin Jenna and her boyfriend Matt, my cousin Sean, and of course, Isaiah and John. There were grapefruit and mango margaritas, which Isaiah was eyeing (sorry bud, little too young), burgers, baked beans, cucumber salad, and lots of dessert. John bought the necessary ice cream cake, and Jenna came over with a fruit tart and a mini chocolate cake just for me! And obviously I had a little of each one. It was such a nice day. Isaiah even enjoyed some beans.

Isaiah and I spent the day thrifting and going to the fabric store. I needed some new fabric to finish off the pajama pants. So much for the "use what you have" theory. I got some cute paisley and started them yesterday. They'll have to wait until next week to get finished because I'm going to NY for the week.

Jenna and I driving up to Hyde Park, NY (my hometown) today. Tomorrow we'll be headed off to Rochester for the weekend and then returning for a week long visit with my parents (and hers). I'm excited for this break, I haven't been home since Christmas. My parents live in a small town, Rhinebeck, which is the cutest the village. They live within walking distance of restaurants and fun shops. I cannot wait to have the best bagel ever from Bread Alone. I will have one (or two) everyday. yummmm.

The best part about going up to NY is that hubby has promised to have my sewing machine serviced while I'm gone. My mom got it for me at a garage sale about 5 years ago for $25. It hasn't been serviced since and it's long over due! I hope when I get back there will be lots of smooth sewing. Maybe I'll be able to finish up the pajama pants.

Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks again for all the b-day wishes.

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Button day to you

Last night I thought I'd try my April InStitches project. That was probably the most frustrating thing ever.I didn't have any freezer paper, so I tried parchment paper. Bad idea. The tape won't stick and it kept sliding all over the place. Would it have killed Amy Butler to include the full pattern? Then the fabric issue. I don't have a lot of fabric that is 2+ yards, so I used what I had, which was probably a thrift store fabric. It's not the best, it's not the worst. The fabric is actually really soft, but the color is kind of just blah. Well after cutting out both pieces I realized that I had cut the back part out wrong, which left me with no yardage to cut the piece out right. Well, maybe the fabric gods were looking down on me and now I can get some fabric I really like for my pants.

Every year on my birthday, I tell my husband that it is "Princess Katie Week" and he obliges. I usually am treated extra nice for an entire week. Or maybe it's because I'm always whining "but it's princess katie week!" I was very stubborn from the beginning, but punctual. I was born on my exact birthday but put my poor mother through a lot of pain. I was in the breech postion and the doctors tried to turn me (I can't even imagine that pain), but it didn't work, so my mom ended up with a big 'ol c-section. According to my mom, I was also born on the hottest day of the year. I wonder if the way you came into the world is any indication of your personality to come. Hmm... Here is a couple of little Katie shots. why I'm taking a picture under someone else's name is beyond me.

Here are some little factoids from the day I was born. I wonder how accurate these things are. I guess gas prices really do flucuate. It says the price per gallon was $1.28 and when I first started driving it was less than .99! Also, my birthday is a day of Russian Mourning for Boris Yelstin. Very interesting.

Anyway, Happy Birthday to me. I think that we're celebrating tonight with my cousin and her boyfriend. Hopefully there will be presents, drinks, and ice cream cake (John!). On Sunday I "suggested" to John that we go to Barnes and Noble so I could get one birthday present for myself. I walked away with 2, Lotta Jansdotter and Denyse Scmidt. Boy, this books are dreamy!

Made it to the end of this all over post? Well then, I bet you only scrolled to see who the winners are.... so, without further ado winner winner chicken dinners:

Lera and Miz Smoochie Lips. Miz Smoochie, send me your address, Lera, I still have yours somewhere in my e-mail.

From one egg to another

Yesterday on my way out to the thrift store, I noticed something under this ugly bush in my front yard. It was bright blue, tiny and as I got closer I realized it was a robin's egg. It's still intact and is just beautiful. I looked through the bush to see if it had fallen from a nest, but I couldn't find one. We always have millions of birds in our yard, so I'm wondering how it go there. Do robins sometimes lay eggs in the underbrush? I'm not sure if I should just leave it there or pick it up. Anyone have any suggestions and/or advice?

When I got home, there was a different kind of egg waiting for me in the mailbox. I was the lucky winner of Karyn's Popping Mini Eggs giveaway. Cadbury Mini Eggs are my favorite Easter candy, and this one has Pop Rocks in it. It's a very interesting experience eating those. You get the yummy goodness of the mini eggs with a pop at the end!

Karyn also sent along this cute little coin purse which I just adore. Isn't she so talented? And so more buttons. Isn't it fitting they arrived on the same day that I posted a button giveaway?? Thanks so much Karyn!

Oh, and that reminds me, make sure you leave a comment in the post below if you want to be included in the giveaway.

Lions and Tigers and Buttons, Oh My!

Well the weather has finally cooperating and we had a nice sunny, warm weekend. My parents arrived Saturday morning and they weren't here for about 2 minutes before my dad made his first run down to Home Depot. He is a real handyman and is always looking for a project to do. A while back, I told you that we lived in an old farmhouse growing up, but I didn't mention that my dad had renovated the whole thing by himself. Well, actually, I helped all the time. It was always "Katie, get me the Philip's head" "Hold this" "Hand this to me when I ask for it." I imagine this is much like it is in the ER. He also owned 2 apartment buildings that we spent most weekends at cleaning up and painting. Oh how my sister and I hated that! Anyway, I don't know how I got into all that.

When we first bought our house, my dad came down for a couple of weekends and helped us fix up our house. Painting, building closets, refinishing floors, etc. This weekend, he brought down his pressure washer to wash the deck and the entire outside of the house.

Now that I'm married, John is now the handyman assistant, so that freed my mom and I up to go out for a little thrifting. She enjoys a good bargain just like I do! I, of course, headed right for the sewing area and much to my delight I found 2 more huge bags of buttons. My mom looks at me and says "what are you going to do with all those buttons, you just bought some" " I know I know, but I just love buttons, I'll find something to do with them." I also spotted this yummy fabric that I'm totally in love with. I think there's about 2 yards for just $1.95. Now if I can only get up the nerve to cut it, I'll figure out what to do with it.

After we got back, John and my dad had finished cleaning everything, so we decided to go to the National Zoo. I'm not so sure that was the best decision ever. It was so packed that you could barely see anything. Plus it was pretty hot (almost 90), so there were lots of sweaty, stinky people. My dad and John dropped Isaiah, mom, and I off at the entrance and had to circle the Zoo for about 40 minutes before they could even find a parking spot. Oh well, at least I got to see a horse pee and here a kid scream "He's peeeeeing! Kiki do you see that?? He's peeeeing everywhere!"

Grandma and Isaiah at the zoo

Yesterday while the boys stained the deck, my mom and I went over to Eastern Market. If you're ever in the D.C. area it's such a fun place to go on the weekends. We had breakfast at a cafe outside and then walked around soaking up the sun. Of course, most of the conversation centered around how much my mom misses D.C. (she lived here after college) and how much she wants to move down here. Anyway, we had a great time and the weather was just perfect.

Cherry Blossoms at the Market

I did get some early b-day gifts from John, but I'll show those later. Now, who wants in on a little giveaway? Although I'm a firm believer that one cannot have too many buttons, I do think I have more than I can use right now. So leave a comment, and let's see... hmm.. Wednesday I'll pick 2 winners. Wednesday seems appropriate for a giveaway. Anyway, it'll be a small little bag, and I promise it won't be filled with all white ones!

OMG, I almost forgot to mention that John and I made the Pink Grapefruit Margaritas last night. One word : AMAZING. More on that later. Hmm... is it too early to start drinking?