Things have been a little crazy around here as of late...business at the shop has picked up a little lately, and I'm trying to get ready for Kate's birthday party a week from tomorrow. I've decided to hand-make all of the decorations and, while it's so much fun, it's taking a looooong time!!!! Note to self: Party City carries party supplies...;)


Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Monica of Little Buttercup's Studio, awarded me (yes, me! can you believe it???) with a Sunshine Blog award! Yay!!! What a wonderful honor! I was so surprised! And overjoyed!



Now, like all of the Mrs. Americas, excuse me, I mean Sunshine Award recipients before me, I have a few responsibilities...they are as follows:

1) Put the logo on your blog or within your post
2) Pass the award to well-deserving bloggers
3)Link the nominees within your post
4)Share the news leave a comment on their blog
5)Link to the person from whom you received the award

So, to honor some amazing women with some amazing blogs, here goes...

*Danielle of Thompson Family-Life - girl, you are amazing & so super-talented...

*Rhonna of House of 3 & Rhonna Farrer Designs - ummm...jealous.

*Elizabeth Kartchner of Dear Lizzy - is it possible to be this beautiful???


*Jessie of Sweet Jessie - the colors alone in this blog make my day...

*Michelle of This Crazy Life - unbelievable work...

*Abby of Solo Round - 16 years old and attemped to sail around the world solo!!!

*Amy of Amy Tripple Photography & Design - my friend and constant source of inspiration

*Tara of Chixie & Honey - the girl's photography is breath-taking, to say the least...

*Sara of Oh My! Handmade Goodness - Incredible advice & information...


*Heidi of Still Fun - some of the best scrapbooking products ever by Heidi Swapp



Thank you so much, Monica! And thank you to everyone of you wonderful ladies!

Today my sweet Kate (the girl, not the shop) turns 7...I can't believe just how big she is getting!
As a special treat for my blog readers, my sweet kate (the shop, not the girl), will be offering 10% off + FREE shipping on all orders through April 30, 2010. Simply add the code "msgblog" to the Notes To Seller at checkout (refunds will be given through PayPal after full payment is made), or convo me for a reserved listing...

And congratulations to Grace Hester for winning the Oh My! Handmade Goodness/my sweet kate giveaway! Yay!

Oh My! Handmade Goodness is giving away $75.00 worth of clothes from my shop, my sweet kate! Yay! Simply head over there & leave a comment in order to be entered! Good luck!

You ever have a weekend that is just great? That's what this past weekend was for me...great. On Saturday, my Mom and I attended a conference on women's health and nutrition...not the sort of thing that usually has me flying out of my seat - but I have to admit, it was wonderful...we had a marvelous time! Then we did a little shopping in downtown Geneva - which has the best boutique shopping - at a few of my favorite shops...this one, Circa, is amazing. Absolutely love love love everything in the store..., I could spend an entire day in this shop and still not see everything there is to offer.

Then we made our way to Wool & Company - a darling little yarn shop where my Mom bought some lace yarn and I got these amazing buttons...can't wait to use them!


Sunday was just as great! I went to dinner with some grade school friends and came home and finished piecing & sewing my quilt - yay!!! And today I ordered my walking foot and bought my batting...this baby is coming along!

AND, if you've never seen the DIY Dish, you simply must. The hosts are just wonderful and the projects are super easy. A wonderful way to get your creative juices flowing! (You know...I've always disliked that particular saying...I can't believe I just used it...yuck).

I love getting mail...seriously, I love getting mail - especially Priority Mail packages or Flat Rate Envelopes or things that don't fit in the mailbox...






Yesterday I received the best book I've gotten in a long time...Home Sewn by Kaari Meng (French General). I first learned of French General (think beautiful undyed linen and rich reds and blues) last year and bought some of the Rouenneries fabric prints on etsy...love 'em! Well, when I saw this book (while searching for sewing books on Amazon), I couldn't resist...and YAY! It's just as wonderful as I'd hoped it would be! The book features 30 home sewing projects, ranging from the beginner to advanced seamstress level - and there is not a single project I don't want to start immediately! Pillows, bed covers, tote bags & bath mats are just a few of the amazing items that can be created with Kaari's patterns. I think I'll do the pillowcases first (easy peasy) - maybe I'll do them tonight...;)