Stocking my Etsy Shop

With my day job I haven't been able to give as much attention to my Etsy shop as I want to.  So this week I have been looking at all of the fabrics out there trying to decide what I should bring in next!


Have you guys seen the new Riley Blake Crayola fabrics that are coming out in June 2016?  I am super excited to announce that I will have them available in my shop!!  So far I have the following yardage patterns on order for MyMeller!

Aren't they all adorable???  Since there are limited quantities available I'm taking pre-orders through my blog until January 31st.  Pre-order will guarantee the fabric you want as well as a 10% discount from my Etsy list price of $8.50/yard + shipping!  All you have to do is leave a comment along with what you want and make sure I have your email address.  I will send your a PayPal invoice upon receiving your order & the day I receive the fabric in - your's will be shipped out!

Anything else you'd like to see added to my shop?  Let me know in the comments!!

Happy Friday!
Melissa

Nexxus VoxBox

Nexxus VoxBox - Diametress

I've got another amazing VoxBox to share with you & this one included FULL SIZE Nexxus Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave in Conditioning Creme!

I was super excited when I received a Pre-Survey from Influenster about what type of Nexxus product would work best for me.  I have pretty fine hair - so I received the Diametress which helps build volume and thicker looking hair.  The description of the shampoo is below

 "About the Product

• Nexxus Diametress Volume Rebalancing Shampoo helps create volume for fine and flat hair
• Increases the diameter of each strand
• Enhances volume for thicker, fuller looking hair
• Silicone-free formula, primes hair for a rich conditioning next step
• Cleanses, replenishes nutrients, and provides detangling benefits weightlessly without excess residue"

First off - L.O.V.E the smell.  Awesome!  Its fresh and clean and girly, but without the overwhelming floral scent you can sometimes get from shampoos.  I did notice it didn't get as bubbly as my normal shampoo, but left my hair feeling super soft.

Instead of my normal product, I decided to just use the Nexxus so I could get a true reflection of how it works.  I was nervous to use the leave in conditioner because I've never used one before, but it didn't leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed down at all.  After styling my hair, it was NOTICEABLY less frizzy and I didn't even need to use my flat iron.

Look how smooth that hair is!  Ignore the Minon Kleenex box - LOL

How do I like it?  Well walking back to my desk after lunch the other day, I saw my reflection & thought to myself "I love my hair!"  Caught myself & remembered today I used my Nexxus!  Doesn't get much better than that!!!  And after using it a week, I notice the softness in my hair still the next morning.  I guess I don't specifically notice more volume - but as long as its lookin' good - I call this a success!

Since I started using the Diametress I noticed it's available at Walmart and its even on Amazon - I highly recommend trying it out!  Interest in testing products like these?  Let me know in your comments and I can forward an invite to you.  Its that easy!


**I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST; HOWEVER, I RECEIVED PRODUCT FOR TESTING PURPOSES**

November Reading Recap

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (4.5 Stars out of 5)

My November Reading Recap is for the book Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.  I don't like to read the description on backs of books because I always feel like they give something away.  So I usually read the first few paragraphs & yes, I judge books by their covers.  I thought the tents on the cover looked like a camping book & the first few paragraphs drew me in, so I bought it!

Well, Station Eleven was not AT ALL about camping and was completely unlike the type of book I normally read. But with that said, I really liked it!

Have you ever thought about what you would do in the event of an apocalypse or end of the world?  The base of the story is a catastrophic flu has hit the earth and there are few survivors.  We start in the modern day world & a well-known actor has a heart attack on stage during the Shakespeare play King Lear.  This also happens to be the evening the flu pandemic hits the city.  The story goes back & forth between the stories of multiple individuals present on that pivotal night, to what life has turned to 15-20 years following.  A traveling symphony, a prophet and a comic-book about Dr. Eleven are all seamlessly woven into the story.

My favorite part of the book was the resilience of people when the modern conveniences of cell phones, automobiles, and electricity were gone.  It reminds us, that the world we currently live in is very fragile and makes you look inside & wonder what you would do.  The interconnection between the characters is believable and at times gives you an "ah ha!" moment. If you are looking for something a little different, that will grip you until the end - Station Eleven is a great choice!

October in Colorado

To celebrate his birthday, hubby & I took an extra-long Weekend and went back to our favorite place in the world - Estes Park, Colorado!  If you didn't already know, this is where we got married and feels like coming "home".

We timed it perfect for the Aspens changing & the weather was absolutely perfect!  Just look at that blue sky!

One of the things I just love about Colorado is,  as many times as we've been there, we always find something new to see or do.

Trail Ridge Road

Elk

And you have to believe we stopped in here!  It was like stepping back in time.  The homemade cinnamon rolls were the best I've ever had!  There were also quilts that were all hand stitched.  I didn't take any pictures inside because I was so excited about everything!

I'm already wishing we were back there, hopefully we can get there again next year!

Carter on Quilt

One of my favorite things in blogland is the Pets On Quilts held every year at Lily Pad Quilting.  Don't get me wrong, her blog is great all year around - love me some Padsworth& & DragonDrop! But where else do you get to see ADORABLE animals on quilts and inspirational animal theamed quilts all in one place?  Its also a great way to meet other bloggers who love quilting & thier furry friends as much as I do!

This year I wasn't sure I was going to have an entry.  For one, I haven't had NEARLY enough time to sew this past year.  And sewing a quilt does kind of help when you want to take a pic of a doggy on one!  I have been working on this same quilt for a July Wedding (yes I am aware...its a bit past July at this point! Where did the summer go?).

But today I made some time for myself & when I was finishing piecing the rows together...I turned around for a second & boom!  My Pet was on My Quilt!

Carter on Quilt

I'm pretty sure this is his "Take the pic quick Mama, I'm ready to show off how adorable I am!"  face.  And of course after I got the shot & 100 blurry ones, he wrinkled up the row I had JUST ironed as he ran out of the room.  Good thing he's a cutie!

Now go check out the other cute critters & starting the 27th you can vote for your favorites to win some great prizes.  We are entering in the Pet On Quilts category. And if you ask me, it doesn't get any cuter than this little guy!  :)  *hint*hint* Ok end of shameless plug!

August Reading Recap

My mom brought me this book & told me I had to read it.  I know ALOT of people are big fans of Jodi Picoult, but I've always found her books so-so.  But since my Mom said I had to, I figured I better listen to Mama!!  :)

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (3.5 Stars out of 5)

I really enjoyed the story line regarding a family who's youngest daughter Willow was born with a rare disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta -which is also known as Brittle Bones Disease.  Willow was a smart little loveable character while her family lived in a whirlwind of trouble.  I wasn't a huge fan of how the Mother took her disappointment/frustration out over having a child with special needs. I didn't quite find it believeable/relateable.  I much preferred the storylines of all of the other characters.

Overall the book seemed like it took quite a long time to finish, although it did hold my interest and I never found the book dull or boring.  I think I just don't connect with with this author.

Dove® Advanced Care VoxBox

Hey All!  It's been quite a while since I've received a VoxBox and this one came just in the mail - just in time for the heat of summer!

Dove® Advanced Care VoxBox

I don't know about you, but I've been using the same deodorant for years. I don't even think about changing, when I'm out I just buy another at Walmart. I haven't used Dove Deodorant before, but have seen the commercials.  I have issues with getting ingrown hairs and red bumps, so I was really excited to use this!

The first test was when hubby & I attended a July outdoor wedding.  Complete with the heat & humidity found here in the Midwest, you bet that it was gonna be warm!  My first impression was I loved the scent!  It went on smooth and a pleasant surprise, the Dove Advanced Care did not leave my underarms feeling sticky like the gel-type that I currently use can. And wearing a black dress, not even a single white mark on my outfit!

Dove at the gym

My second test was the gym, doesn't get much sweatier than that! Once again, the coconut smell was refreshing without being overwhelming.   My underarms felt fairly dry after my workout, however when I was finished I noticed I smelled!  And not in the good way :(  I usually don't have body odor, but I don't think it was able to keep up with my workout.

Overall, I loved the softness and smoothness of the Dove Advanced. It is great for the normal day to day wear, and I love that I don't have to worry about getting marks on my work clothing.  However, for the gym - I'm gonna stick with my current brand.


Want to get in on the next Vox Box?  Go here to sign up!  www.influenster.com/r/337688?utm_campaign=sum

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.*

May Reading Recap

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker (4.5 Stars out of 5)

My Reading Recap book this month was Wreckage by Emily Bleeker.  A different twist on the “Castaway” type of story, Wreckage goes back & forth about the recollections of David and Lucy after a plane crash were stranded on a deserted island.  The way the story laid out each of them telling their story to a hard-hitting investigative reporter was a unique perspective. You think you may have figured out how the book ends in your mind, but as you read you get more & more interested to put all the pieces together.  This was the first book I've read by this author and would definitely read another one by her.  I bought the hard-copy book but if you have Amazon Prime I see that its part of their $0 lending library!  And no…Amazon doesn’t pay me to say that and I don’t make any $$ if you buy the book either.  Just an observation that I thought I’d share :)

Mother's Day Sewing Time!

Since I didn't see my mom on Mother's Day, we planned a sewing weekend last weekend!  We let laundry and dishes sit by the wayside and my dad was even nice enough do the cooking!

But before I headed up north, my cousin had let me know he had 25 cases of mangos & did we want any? Well my hubby LOVES mangos, so I met him & got my mangos and headed home.

Mango smoothies - YUM!!

Of course I couldn't go without my adorable co-pilot showing off his new car seat!

I was expecting to take more pictures, but when you're in the cutting & sewing groove - there is just no time for pictures!  I did capture this one of the fabric I'm cutting for the wedding quilt I'm working on.

Overall we had an amazing weekend, after a full day of quilting & sewing I fed the goat mango peels (oh my goodness did he love them!) and drove the fourwheeler in the mud - embracing my country girl roots.

And we decided we have GOT to do that again! What a fun time!

Spring is Here

Finally feels like we are out of the grips of winter.

I've got tulips coming up and the weather this weekend was amazing!

Saturday was so beautiful I set myself up out on our deck in the sun to read!  It was cool enough where & didn't get hot, but the sun was out in full force!  It was so relaxing & reminded me of how much I enjoy reading.  Unfortunately I did spend a little TOO much time out there & got my first sunburn of the season. Although between you & me, it was totally worth it :)

Next weekend Mr. C and I are headed up to my parent's where my Mom & I are going to have a sewing day!  She said she might need to go pick up some more fabric, so when I was out at Joann's I got us $93 of fun!  Hope this week goes fast!

Melissa

2015 - Q2 Finish Along

I have decided to join the Q2 Finish Along over at On the Windy Side.  So instead of drooling over everyone else's projects, I hope to have two of my very own finished by the end of the Quarter (well let's be honest, I'll still be drooling because everyone makes such amazing projects!)

The two projects I want to have finished are

1. Jelly Fish & Octopus Quilt
This one I started just because I loved the fabric!  I started piecing the squares quite a while ago, as I mentioned in this post Taking a Jelly Fish Break.

Then once the rows were together, I did nothing.  For a very very long time.  I didn't want to iron my seams.  Can anyone relate?  My ironing board and iron were away, and it just didn't seem fun.

Last weekend I decided I need to get this one finished so I can start my next project, so I've got it put together with ironed seams - well, except the one in the center because my iron had shut off and I didn't to wait around any longer.

So for this Finish Along, I need a little fire under me to get this guy finished!  After I'm done ironing I am going to attempt to quilt it myself using my walking foot.  I think it will be good practice, since its not going to anyone.

Once that one is finished, its on to the real deal project. The make or break, I gotta get this baby done!

2. Field Day Wedding Quilt
One of the girls who works for me is getting married in July!  She's a fun, vibrant, exciting girl so for her wedding I wanted to make a quilt with colors that I believe reflect her!

I have had this Field Day Fat Quarter since August and I think that this Squares & Strips tutorial at Cluck Cluck Sew will be perfect.  Doesn't she have the best Tutorials?

I feel like this is an agressive plan with working full time, all of the every day things, as well as a vacation to Seattle scheduled.  But I need to find more time to sew, if not just to keep myself sane.  Well and a Deadline of a Wedding date doesn't hurt either!

Do you have any projects you want to get finished before the end of June?  Join us!

Baseball Opening Day!!

Something that most people don't know about me is that I LOVE baseball!!  I grew up watching it with my parents, we would make a Saturday of it watching local teams or even fast-pitch softball.  In addition, my great-grandmother was a die-hard fan, I remember as a little girl her watching the World Series with her in her nursing home room.  So I'm pretty sure its in my blood.

If we had a closer MLB team, I would totally have to buy season tickets! Since we don't, I have to settle for going to games when we travel to new cities!  Lucky for me, my hubby is a good sport and we have gone to some great games!  We've been to a few Rockies games in Colorado, and last year we had so much fun at a Milwaukee Brewer's game, that we are going again this April!

And no Wisconsin baseball post would be complete without mention of Hank the Ballpark Pup who is proudly displayed on my desk at work  .

If you are unfamiliar with Hank, he is the cute little doggy the Brewer's team adopted last year at Spring Training.  You can learn more about his story here.

Spring Baseball & Dogs!  What could be better?

Play Ball!!

Slow Roasted Cinnamon-Sugar Vanilla Almonds

For the month of February, nuts.com is looking to spread the word on the health benefits of almonds! I couldn't be more excited to help. This girl loves almonds!

And if you've ever been through Chicago O'Hare airport, more than likely you smelled the amazing almonds as soon as you step off the plane.  If you're like me, you can never pass them up!  Since I can't be flying back & forth to Chicago, I came up with my own version to make here at home.

With only 7 ingredients these are much easier to make than you'd think!

I think they look good before they even get in the oven!

Slow Roasted Cinnamon-Sugar Vanilla Almonds

Ingredients
3cups - un-salted almonds
1 egg white
1tsp cold water
1tsp vanilla
1cup white sugar
1tsp cinnamon
1/4tsp salt

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat egg white until foamy.  Add cold water and vanilla, mix.

In a large bowl measure out 3 cups of almonds.  Pour egg mixture over almonds and stir to coat well.
In a separate bowl mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Sprinkle over almonds and mix well to ensure there is sugary goodness on all almonds.

Grease a cookie sheet and spread evenly in one layer.  Bake for 1 hour.

Resist the urge to take them out when the sweet aroma takes over your house.  Letting them get slow roasted and glazed on the outside will be totally worth it!

What are your favorite recipes using almonds?  If you need any inspiration, check out nuts.com's almonds page to see their health benefits and more recipes.

Lazy Day Flannels

Riley Blake Lazy Day Flannels are the newest addition to my Etsy Shop!

If you've been around my Blog a while, you'll know how much I love flannel.  It is my favorite type of fabric!

In fact my first two quilts were rag quilts!

And I made this little monkey quilt for my friend Renee. 

So when I saw these Lazy Day Flannel's by Riley Blake, I knew they would make an adorable rag quilts and a great addition to my Etsy Shop!

What to you think?  Cute right?? My mom even said that they reminded her dresses her and her sister had when they were little girls in the 70s.  

I'm also thinking of putting together 1 yard bundles, would any one be interested in that?  

Let me know!

Taking a Jelly Fish Break

Sometimes you just need to take a break and make a Jelly Fish and Octopus quilt for no other reason than the fabric makes you smile :)

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