New Totes

I just finished three totes last night. I'll be listing them sometime this weekend. I need good sunlight to take photos, which the only time is the weekend for me.

They are similar to the one that I donated to Art Unleashed, except these have two small pockets under the zipper!

I am debating on just listing one, and having the other ones go to a consignment shop.

So? What do you think?  :)

I'll be starting on some other totes with different fabrics soon. I'm trying to get a collection going on soon!

Perfect Quaker Cookies

I'm not sure if you've noticed at the side, there is a button for TangoPony. We are both a part of KCEtsy Street Team (it's pretty awesome, and you should join if you're in KC)

On her blog, she posted the Perfect Quaker Cookies!

picture source

I don't know about you, but I do love me sommmme good Oatmeal Raisin cookies!

Check out her post for the recipe and her adventure to the grocery store searching for the perfect Quaker Cookies!

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

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

pic source

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!

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.

Family photos

We get our family photos taken once or twice a year.

If you are in the Kansas City Metro area, and you're looking for a photographer, I highly recommend Christine at Click Photography. She's pretty awesome. Hands down.

Here are some that she took of us. You can see more here.

I love this one of Steve and me.

Christine is mostly a wedding photographer, and she's even more awesome at that.
She's fun, easy to get along with. She's just a great person to work with. I can keep going about how great she is, but I'm sure you got my point.

So check her out if you're looking for a photographer in the Kansas City area.

Heavenly Home Cleaning - Review Updated

Please read the UPDATE below.

Heavenly Home Cleaning was our first 'service' type of deal we had purchased from Living Social. It was for 1.5 hours for 2 cleaners or 3 hours for one.

We have been so busy at home, and I've been studying for exams. I thought it would be good to have cleaners to help with cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. Areas that would take me awhile if I did it myself.

I made the appointment through e-mail. E-mails are just the best way for me to get things done.

We made the appointment end of June on a weekday. I took the afternoon off of work so I could be here when the cleaners where here. I received a call (10 minutes before they were suppose to arrive) the moment I pulled in the garage that they would not be coming because of car trouble. The lady on the other line said to call their office to reschedule.
I called the office, no one answered. I left a voicemail. I also e-mailed them, and got a response within 20 min. (through e-mail). Penny, the person that I've been e-mailing with, responded with an apology and that she'd call me and try to reschedule within the hour.
No call.
They were not getting on my good side. I was frustrated, especially that I took off work for them to not show up.

I e-mailed them again the next day. Penny responded and we set up another time and she said that the owner would like to give me another 1.5 hour cleaning for free for the inconvenience. I personally do not care for the free cleaning if you cannot show up on time.

We reschedule for end of July on a Saturday morning. I was not going to take off another half day at work to be disappointed.

The cleaners arrive about 20 minutes early. Terra and Lisa came to clean. Terra cleaned the kitchen, and Lisa cleaned the bathrooms. They were both very friendly and professional. In the end, I thought they did a really good job.


Pros: On time, friendly, professional
Cons: bad 1st start

I rate Heavenly Home Cleaning: 3.5 out of 5

*First impression is important to me, if the issue was resolved a little quicker, I think I would have given a 4 instead of 3.5



UPDATE:

I had scheduled another cleaning today (11/23/11) at 12:30pm. I had e-mailed Tina on 09/26 to schedule this. I thought I can take half day off of work since it's right before Thanksgiving... it'd be nice to leave work early and have a clean house.

As I am typing this, it is 1:30pm, no one has showed up. This is the second time this has happened. I called the office, the answering machine says that there is no one in the office to pick up my call and to leave a message.
Seriously? I'm suppose to have your cleaners come to my house today, and you're not open?

Sorry, Heavenly Home Cleaning... you had your one strike.

I will never use your service again.