Quilt Market

My first time to the International Quilt Market have been such a delight! I would love to go again in October and then in May... but most likely I'll wait until it comes back to Kansas City again.

So, I definitely learned some newbie mistakes, like totally forgetting a pen/pencil. I had plenty of paper, but nothing to write it with! Ugh. Hunting one down was not all that pleasant. Everyone seemed to only have brought one. Oh well. Another is definitely buy a rolling case. My back was so achy from carrying so much.
Another, I must take more photos next time.  Yes, it's true, I didn't take as much photos as I should have. I'll have to do it next time! I think I get so excited that I forget, and I get in such an awe with these awesome people that my mind goes blank!

First I was excited to see was Vanessa from V & Co. I thought she was pretty from her photos and videos, and she's really beautiful in person. It's true that I think I have a girl crush on her. hahaha.

I saw an opportunity to take a picture with Darth Vader and Chewy... How could I resist? Thank you to Camelot Design Studio for having them there! Such a delight!

It was pretty awesome to see Nancy from Sewing with Nancy there. I think she's so fun, I enjoyed her personality! Did you know that it's her 30th anniversary of being on PBS?! How awesome is that? Creating and sharing with everyone about sewing on television for 30 years! That's so cool!

 Oh yes, let's not forget about me finally getting a picture with Amy Butler! See previous post here about my nerves. Do not ask me why I look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

I saw Joel Dewberry's booth the first day, but didn't see him. I just thought maybe he wasn't going to be at the show. So, I went back again the next day, really just to go through all the booths again to see if I missed anything.  Then I saw Joel. Not only do I love his work, he's super sweet. I'm such a one track mind person... because all I thought about was getting a picture taken with him and go. He was trying to chat with me after the picture, it totally caught me off guard. Awkward or not, he's still awesome in my book.

I also got to meet Kellie Wulfsohn of Don't Look Now Quilts. She's super talented, and such a sweetheart! You can tell that we'd totally be best buds in this photo!  Yep, most definitely. She's pretty awesome.

The talented Kay Whitt! I cannot wait to make some of her dress patterns! Both her husband and her are so cute! Definitely double date worthy couple!

I have more, but I hate using flash for my photos... so, many most turned out blurry. Bummer. Better camera next time. Ahem. Ohh Honey!!! hahaha!


I plan on having patterns up on my suppose-to-be-destash shop. Since going to this quilt market, it really made me want to do this "destash" stop full-time! Okay, so it's turning out to be not a destash any more, but it could be... it's me purchasing all these things and I want to destash them from my closet to your craft table! Yeah! That's it! I know, I'm totally rolling my eyes as myself too! Haha!

Custom Clutch

I created a new clutch style. It's a very simple one.

This was for Carolyn and Kristi's friend. I met both, Carolyn and Kristi, at Zeleny Arts Fair. They're such sweet ladies! They make jewelry, they are the HangUpsinKC. Check them out!

Phone not included! ;)

The wristlet part may be tucked into the clutch itself, if she chooses not to use the wristlet part.

I really like it! I really like the colors and the size!

Other info:

Fabric: Premier Prints Crossbones Twill in Storm

Saturday Sample Sale

I am working on a new clutch. This is a mock up for a custom order.

This is a Sample Sale.
What is a Sample Sale? It is basically a mock up or an unsuccessful project. It is usually half off or more (depending on the quality and cost of materials). See below for pricing, it includes shipping.

The exterior fabric is heavy cotton in black and white houndstooth pattern. Lining is in cotton in lavender. It is lined with heavy interfacing.

8" wide x 5.5" height x .75 bottom
Magnet closure
Handle 6.5" long, may be tucked inside of the clutch
Pocket

Price: $10 (includes shipping)

Sorry, shipping is for US only.



The first person to leave a comment here with the info below will be invoiced through PayPal:

1. Leave your PayPal email address in the message. I will need it to send you the invoice. If payment is not received within 24 hours, the next comment-er will be selected.
2. Address to where you would like the item to be shipping to.

All comments are moderated.  The comments arrive in the order received.  So the first comment to arrive meeting the requirements above will get the sample. When it is sold, I will update this post.
You will receive a shipping confirmation when I ship the item.

To whom this clutch is purchased by, I would really like your feedback, what your likes and dislikes. Please let me know what you think so I can create better and more useful items in the future.

I met Amy Butler

I met Amy Butler last night. She was speaking at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, hosted by Harper's Fabric and Quilt.
*sigh*

I sneaked over early to meet her while she was talking to the younger kids before she had to get up on stage. I had two of her books with me for her to sign. I was so nervous to meet her! I was sweating, anxious, super excited all at the same time! To me, she is a celebrity! I rather meet her than any movie actor/actress. It's true. I have adored her since I started sewing [again] seven years ago.

So, I had her sign my books, and I wanted to get a picture with her - I was holding on to my camera. I was so excited to meet her! She signed my books, and I was in heaven... how silly is this? I forgot to get a picture with her!!! Doh! I'm so sad that I forgot. :(
She said she'll be at the Quilt Market, which I will be there too, I will need to use that opportunity to see her again and get a picture with her... and to talk to her again! Hehe

She is so genuine, she's beautiful, and she's just amazing. I love her personality, I love how she expresses herself. Her husband, David, is so nice too. It's expected, right? Nice people are only attracted to nice people, right?

I did get this picture!

BluePro Services - Review

As you may [or may not] know, we've been going through a few local cleaners.

We haven't had great luck. I decided that I am not going to go through any deal sites for cleaners anymore.  So, I asked one of my former co-workers who they use.

This is my review for BluePro Services.

The main contact is Alex. Everything was done through e-mail. He gave me the free estimate through e-mail. I like this because this is the easiest form of communication for me.
The cost is very reasonable. They show up on time, I have no complaints about their cleaning. The first time they came, they cleaned our blinds, ceiling fans, even took the cushions out of the furniture and vacuumed. That's awesome, because who knows how many cheerios are hiding under those cushions! They have three cleaners and they were done in about 2.5 hours. After the first time, they spend about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best part is that they also come on Saturdays, so this way, I do not need to take work off.

If you are a bit picky on a few dusting areas or such, just let them know. They've been pretty good about everything. I set out new sheets for all the beds, and they change them. They even put the used sheets in our laundry room.

We have it set up to where they come to our house every other month.

I really recommend BluePro Services if you're in the Kansas City Metro Area.  Let them know that you heard about them through me, Nicole!




I was not paid, compensated for this review. This review is completely my own opinion, good and/or bad.
If you had a different opinion, please feel free to comment on the post.
If you would like me to review your website, restaurant, etc. please contact me.

Quilt Market in Kansas City

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If you didn't know, there is a Quilt Market coming to Kansas City this week!! I'll be going, checking out all the vendors! This is the first Quilt Market I have ever been to. This is not a public event, there are some forms to fill out and requirements.
It starts this Friday, and I'm very excited to be going! I can't wait to meet amazing designers, shops, etc!!

I am not too sure what to expect, but can't wait to see what's going to be there!


FYI: There is a public event at the Overland Park Convention Center. It is the Machine Quilters Showcase. I'm not sure what's going to be there other than sewing machines, but if I can, I'm going to try and make it there to check it out!

The Right Choice

I watched this video couple nights ago.

This video has really touched me. I cried throughout the whole video.
You can see her emotions change with each paper she shows. I admire and adore her and her beautiful son.

This is my first ‘political’ post.  You know how they always tell you to never talk about politics and religion. Well, here I am talking about it.  Obviously, this is my blog where I share opinions about everything, so if you don’t agree. I am perfectly okay with that. We don't have to agree on everything, and I'll still care about you.

I grew up in a family where it is okay to have an abortion. If a girl cannot (or ‘should not’) have a child, then for the girl’s and saving ‘face’ for the girl and/or family to abort the child. I grew up thinking this is okay.  When I married Steve, I still thought the same thing. I actually did not want any children.  We won’t get into that right now, it’s for another day. S wanted children, and knew this about me. After a couple years, I knew in my heart that I wanted a child. I wanted to share the moments of raising a child with the love of my life.

We decided to start trying. Couple months later, we found out we were pregnant. As all pregnancy checks, my doctor asked me if I wanted to check if the baby is “okay”, making sure there are no birth defects and such. S and I thought about this, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I want a “normal” and healthy child. S said no to the procedure. I asked him if he would still want the baby if the baby was not “normal”. He looked at me, almost shocked, and said, “I would love our baby regardless.”  We decided not to go with the procedure.

During an ultrasound at 16 weeks, D had at least 4 white specks in his brain. This definitely did not sit well with us. We were worried thinking the worst. Our doctor assured us that many times the white specks will go away, and if it not, then they will carefully monitor the baby and into childhood. We were still stressed.  Then at 30 weeks, I started to bleed. Not just a little spotting, but enough that I had to use a pantiliner.  You can imagine how Steve and I felt. This was about 8pm, we called the on-call doctor, and she told me not to worry and to only call if I bleed enough to use a pad. We did another ultrasound when the clinic opened the next day. D was healthy, nothing was wrong. The bleeding was from the placenta ripped from the walls of the uterus.

Exactly at 39 weeks, D came out healthy, screaming, and our’s.

I believe that the moment that I had D, and held him in my arms… I knew at that moment I cannot imagine my life without D, regardless if he is “normal” or not. I really felt that God created D, and having me raise him to be a God-man. I pray every night that both my boys will grow to be good, respectful, and a lover of Christ.

Now, as for abortion, I do not believe I would have gone through it. S wouldn’t have let me if I wanted to. His love for me and our children is so strong that when I think about his love I can feel my heart overfill with love.

I do have friends that have had abortions.  I can tell them that they should not do it, that they should really reconsider, and that I’m sad for them. I know that it was a difficult and stressful decision, but I would still be sad for what they have to go through. I do not judge them for making a choice that I would not have ever made. I am not the one to judge how you want to do things. It is not my place to judge you and my neighbor. But I am sad that they had to go through that kind of decision.

God gave us choices to make in our lives. I can tell God, you, and everyone in the world that I have done some really stupid things in the past and that I hope God can forgive me. I have asked God’s forgiveness, but there are days where I still have not forgiven myself. We all make bad decisions; it’s just learning from it and uses these mistakes as a reminder to be smarter next time.

If you have agreed with me up to this point, you may not agree with me now, because I know S does not agree with me. I do not agree that the government should ban abortion, government should only ban late term abortion. Why? God gave us these decisions to make, whether they are good or bad, he gave us these decisions. I also think the government should stay out of our lives. If banning this choice, is government controlling us?
Are we making our own decisions? Our own mistakes? I may ask you what if your child becomes the next genius, Pulitzer Prize winner, inventor, etc?  Would you have known if you never had that unborn child?

I do believe these abortion clinics should inform the mother with what they are really doing. Let them listen to the heartbeats; let them see their unborn child’s hands, the feet, etc. Clinics should give them an option of adoption.  I believe this should be mandatory.  There are so many parents that cannot have one of their own, and would do anything to have a baby to call their own.  There are always options.  Abortion is not always the best or the right one.

Here is another video. This fills my heart with joy. Go Team Hoyt!

American Pest Management - Review

We had such a warm winter. Since Spring is here gracing us with beautiful weather, you might notice that there are more bugs than usual that want to enjoy that weather with you, sometimes with you in your home, enjoying your air conditioned home.

We have used American Pest Management for about four years, I think almost five now.
Renee is usually the one on the phones, she's very friendly and I think she knows all the customers!

They have competitive prices.
What I like the most is that they always send the same person that comes to our house to spray our house, and I like this because I don't like having random person in my house every time. Marty is the guy that comes to our home. He's super friendly and just a really nice guy and I trust him when he walks around our house. I don't feel like I have to follow him around. Marty comes out every 3 months for a routine spray.

There are times where some bugs would sneak in our house a month or two after Marty visits. If it's bad, I just call and let them know. Marty would come back and check on the bugs. Check out their guarantee policy. Hands down, that's pretty awesome.

We had some spider issues lately. I do NOT like spiders. They freak me out, I was not always like this. I think I started getting freaked out after getting married, because I have a tough man to kill my spiders now! Haha! Anyway, back to the point, Marty would come back and check out our place. Sometimes we try to get the spider to get in a sandwich bag so Marty and let us know if it's a dangerous spider. We are in the Midwest, which is where most brown recluse live. I freak out more now that I have kids.

Back in 2009, there was this weird animal hanging out at my parents' place. Here's the picture that they took.

My parents love to take care of their garden. I sent them some pictures that my parents took, and they went out to my parents' yard and the neighbors' to find any sighting of this animal, for free. Yes, they took the time to look for this animal for free. They said it was a gopher. After the visit, they e-mailed me and said that they were unable to locate any nesting sites. And to contact them for price if they start burrowing in my parents' yard. This incident just really impressed me that they took the time to go out and look. In the end, my parents started to notice less of the gopher, and then it disappeared... weird, huh?


I HIGHLY recommend American Pest Management for all your pests issues.
They have coupons on their website too if you want to give them a try!

So, if you're looking for a good exterminator in the Kansas City, Wichita, and Manhattan area, you should call American Pest Management.



I was not paid, compensated for this review. This review is completely my own opinion, good and/or bad.
If you had a different opinion, please feel free to comment on the post.

Review - Rock My Run

As you know, I run. I'm not good at anything else. The hand-eye coordination is not so good. haha

So, I like listening to my music as I run. Before my half marathon, I found Rock My Run.  I downloaded Sweat, and added some other music to my playlist for the half marathon.
Since I'm training for another half-marathon end of this month, I need more music! I just purchased Bringing Sexy Back, which I really enjoy right now. I enjoy pop music. It's true, my high school love was *NSYNC.

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It's easy to use. You get 1 free credit every month, and they expire one year after you receive it. You can wait until it fills up or you can use it as soon as you get it. All mixes have different amount of credits.
30 minutes is 1 credit
60 minutes is 2 credits
90 minutes is 3 credits

I really like the fact that they do it for (almost) free. I did purchase 5 credits so I could download more mixes!
Just to let you know, when you purchase a remix with your credit, you can download it more than once. This way, you can download it on your mp3 player, your computer, phone, etc.

Let me know what you think!




I was not paid or compensated for this review. This review is completely my own opinion, good and/or bad.
If you had a different opinion, please feel free to comment on the post.

movies and me

I love movies, ones that I can pause so I can go get snacks, ones that I can have closed caption on.
I joked with S yesterday that I wish when I talk to people, there is closed caption under them or at least in my eyeballs and I am the only one that can see them.

You must think I'm strange that I like watching movies/shows/etc. with closed caption. Quick back story, because I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat wondering why I rather read the movie than listen. When my family first came to the States (oh. back in 1988), we did not know a single word of English. Ok, I lied. We knew "Hello". So, when we got our first TV that wasn't the dial knob channel changer (I think this was 1990?), it had closed caption option. We were still struggling on our English. The closed caption really helped with words and understanding what was going on. So, there is my quick and lovely closed caption story. We were totally studying and practicing while we watch movies and cartoons! haha

Alright, let's get back on track here! 

Hmm, where was I? i love movies.... oh yes! So, I only watch comedy, romantic, romantic comedy, and limited sci-fi and drama. I refuse to watch horror, scary, etc. movies - I won't even watch horror comedy.

Now back to another story. *blurs to a flashback* ... 

I remember one weekend, we were watching TV. I think I was in third grade, not sure. Nightmare on Elm Street was on in the afternoon. I told my older brothers that the movie did not scare me. ... of course, I lied to let them know that I was tough like them! That night, I had 3 identical dreams of Freddy banging on the back door on the downstairs level. My brothers watching that movie as I'm trying to get them out of some trance. Yelling at them "Freddy is coming in! Freddy is coming in to !" ... My brothers ignored me. I was screaming, crying, just freaked out! Freddy blows through the door. I run upstairs to my parents, who were cooking at the kitchen stove top. I ran to them, they didn't notice me. But I held their arms and started to pray. ...

that was it. that's my dream. I honestly do not remember a single thing about Nightmare on Elm Street. But I remember the dream like I had it last night. 

I still get freaked out [a little bit] when I see Freddy. So, don't be posting Freddy's picture around!

LOL. But I do want to post this picture of Freddy. It's pretty cool.

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I get very involved in my movies. I would pick it apart, and everything means something. I would be like, so-and-so looked like this and looked in that direction and it must mean this. Yes, I literally get into the movie. If I like and get involved enough, I'd think about the movie for a month straight, and find books about it.  I pick the movie apart. If there is a part where they didn't really explain, it ruins it for me. - unless it's some mindless action or comedy.

But I'll usually just start reading the book. I cannot read the book before movie, no matter how much I love the book before I saw the movie. I will literally pick the movie apart, and basically not let myself enjoy it.

Example: I read The Devil Wears Prada awhile years ago. I liked the book. I saw that some cable channel was playing the movie. So I started to watch it. I literally stopped watching it the first 10 minutes. The boyfriend didn't even have the same name from the book!  I couldn't watch it. I couldn't stand it! I was so annoyed that I don't even want to enjoy the book if I read it again. Yes, I'm strange.

So, my new obsession is period pieces. I think it started with Gone with the Wind. I watched the movie back in my younger days, and just love it, and still do. 

Then I got into Emma series on Masterpiece. LOVE Romola Garai as Emma. 

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I'm loving Downton Abbey from Masterpiece.  Anxiously waiting for the new season to start! Who else loves Downton Abbey?

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