Azalea Lane Originals

Eat what ya got?

2009-07-23T22:00:00.002-05:00

Eat what ya got?

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This is the coolest website! My mother is always telling me to use all the stuff collecting dust in the pantry.

2009-06-07T14:45:00.003-05:00

I'm on the verge of starting to blog again.....should I? or am I too busy? I have put my little blog off into a corner while I pursued other avenues such as working a full-time job. In the interim, I now have a full-fledged teenager, and all the angst that goes with that. I have a 2-year old beagle who is into everything, I have an ailing father whose precious heart is just struggling to pump blood to his vital organs every day, etc., etc.

I have become addicted to Facebook, and in the process have reconnected with some wonderful folks from high school. Three of them and I even had a weekend getaway that was so unbelievably fun and invigorating that we have decided to make it at least an annual, if not semi-annual event.

I am still battling diabetes....I guess once you have it, it never just "goes away". While I know losing weight would probably take away most of the problem, the medications I must take only make it that much harder to lose the weight. Just a vicious cycle. I am now on insulin, Levemir, once a day, and if it helps me feel better, then I'm all for it.

This is a discombobulated post, but I just had a yen to visit my old blog and dust it off and post something.

I really did not fall of the face of the earth......

2008-05-10T22:42:00.003-05:00

Although it seems that way, due to my lack of tending to my little blog. In the meantime, I have had wonderful readers who have graciously posted to my blogs, and for that I am grateful.

I have officially joined the work force again after 12 years of being at home! I was offered a medical transcriptionist position at Capital Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic (www.capitalorthosports.com) and I have to say that I absolutely love it! Well, I mean they don't call it WORK because it's all fun and games, but I think I have made a rather smooth transition from being a stay-at-home mom to one who gets up every morning to go into the office. I have a great boss, the doctor's are super easy to work with (no God-complexes, thank goodness), and best of all, a steady paycheck!!!!!

I get to wear scrubs, which means I DON'T have to wear dresses, dress shoes, and those wretched panty hose. The only thing more comfortable would be if I did not have to wear a bra, but hey, nothing's perfect.

The only downside to this whole thing is that I have not been able to sew or crochet for months now. I am simply too tired to go to the machine in the evenings, especially since I am busy with dinner and washing, etc. School will be out soon, so at least there won't be all that to deal with, so maybe I can ease back into it with a few pouches or something simple.

So, I guess from now on, in addition to a few creations here and there, I might be posting about who did what at work and why A is mad at B, and C won't work with D, etc., etc......

Wickedly Chic!!!

2008-02-27T16:36:00.003-06:00

One of my flower pins has been featured in the awesome site http://www.wickedlychic.com/! Check it out. This neat online trend magazine was developed as a resource for shoppers seeking off-the-beaten path fashion, bath, and body products for the home. It's labeled as "independent shopping for the wickedly fashionable." If you sign up for their newsletter, you will be eligible to win prizes in their Sunday Giveaways. I'm tickled pink to be included in their Daily Ditties section!

Rewind to 1955 - A Blast from the Past

2008-02-25T08:33:00.004-06:00

Okay, read this excerp from "Housekeeping Monthly", and I dare you not to have the theme to "Leave It To Beaver" playing in your head ALL DAY.... Just goes to show you how things have really, really changed. Of course, I think my mother-in-law still subscribes to this magazine, 'cause she's just like the person in this article. (thanks to dlkdesigns on Etsy for sharing this with fellow Etsians):

Housekeeping Monthly May 13, 1955 May 13, 1955 Un-Named

The Good Wife’s Guide
1. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
3. Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
5. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.
6. Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
7. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
8. Be happy to see him.
9. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first –– remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
11. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
12. Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
13. Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
14. Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
15. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
16. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
17. Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
18. A good wife always knows her place.

We on Etsy have been informed by a fellow Etsian that this article is most likely not authentic, according to Snopes. Maybe, maybe not, but it's still a hoot, and hopefully it will give you a chuckle today!

Have you heard of Qassia?

2008-02-17T02:44:00.003-06:00

I have just learned of a new way to promote my Etsy shop and this blog. It's called Qassia. I'm in the learning phase of it now, but apparently it is a site to which you can add your websites. You can also add tidbits of information called "intel" (short of intelligence). The more intel you add, the better your sites will rank, the more backlinks you get, and the more money you make. Qassia is 100 percent free, and does not require reciprocal links. You can get unlimited quality backlinks to your websites from Qassia. Right now it is in the beta testing phase and you can only join through a referral. In other words, you can click on my link (http://www.azalealane.qassia.com) and sign up that way. Here is a little bit more info:

* Back links. You get one back link for every piece of intel you add. Every intel will carry a direct back link to one of your sites. So the more intel you add, the more back links you get.

* Credit. When you add intel, you also get credit, in the form of Qassia dollars (not real money). Your net worth in Qassia dollars determines how well your websites rank in our directory.

* Revenue. This is directly from their site: "When your intel is displayed, you get 100% of the advertising revenue generated by that page. That is not a typo, by the way: we give you ALL of the gross ad revenue" (this is done through Google AdSense attached to your intel, not your site or blog). The contributed intel will allow Qassia to become a vast repository of intelligence, with unrivaled original content. And a vast amount of original content draws traffic like honey draws ants. This site and other are starting become the next generation of social book marking networks. (Think Wikipedia, but BETTER!)

I encourage interested folks to click my link and read the information and sign up if interested. It looks very interesting and I have not read anything negative about it. They do say in the FAQs that you won't earn a lot of money just yet, mainly because they are in the beta phase. I'm all about the Etsy exposure really though.

I'm addicted to making these things!

2008-02-11T22:18:00.001-06:00

Oh my word, these things are fun to make! I have a slew of zippered pouches in my Etsy shop. I'm experimenting with different sizes, but they are all pretty roomy. I'm using one to keep my testing supplies in and another for receipts and coupons, another for makeup....... you can find them here: http://azalealane.etsy.com

Oh, speaking of testing supplies, I received a call from my doctor today, and my A1C has DROPPED TO 7.0! YEAH!!!!!!! The Januvia is working splendidly! I had been hoping for this.

New Zippered Pouches in my Etsy shop!

2008-02-06T08:52:00.001-06:00

I always had a major hang-up about installing zippers. I didn't think I could do it, so I never really tried. Well, I put my mind to, and it's really not that hard! I'm on a roll now! I have just listed these two pretty zippered pouches in my Etsy shop, and you're likely to see a lot more of them, now that I have decided zippers are fun to put in! Here's the link to my shop: http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

A Sweet-Smelling Etsy Delicacy

2008-02-03T15:23:00.000-06:00

I found this wonderful seller on Etsy through her Flickr account, 4th Ave. Soap Company, and purchased these two soaps as a gift for a friend of mine. The fleur-de-lis is the symbol of Boy Scouts, and my friend is a Scout Leader, so I know she will love these soaps.

Well, lo and behold, as I open my mailbox, this heavenly scent wafts out from the interior, and I knew my treasures had arrived. Pictured above are Pink Sugar and Black Raspberry Vanilla. I'll be honest, I am hard-pressed to decide which one to give my friend and which one to keep!

This shop has some great soaps in stock in beautiful designs. I have to go back for more! Here's a link to her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5271909

The Skinny Scarf/Belt - New for Spring!

2008-01-23T18:04:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to present my newest accessory, the skinny scarf/belt. I used 10 different coordinating prints from the Valori Wells Sole' line to create this beautiful piece. It is 65" long and 2" wide. It can be worn as a belt or around the neck as an accent. What a perfect way to spice up a blah outfit! You can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9112785

Mississippi Blizzard!

2008-01-21T23:42:00.001-06:00

Well, this is our version of a blizzard here in Mississippi. We woke up Saturday morning to a fairly steady downpour of snow, so we hurriedly put on our coats and ran outside. We managed to scrape up a few flakes of snow into balls and pelt each other with them, and of course, you see poor Sparky in the picture below trying to get in on the action. By 3:00 p.m. the sun was shining and it was all gone. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!

More Etsy Treasures!

2008-01-17T17:29:00.001-06:00

How fun is this?! I just received an adorable ceramic ring holder from Sweet Pickles Pottery on Etsy. Not only did I receive the ring holder, but I also received a cute "Diva" ceramic magnet and a little ladybug notepad. Those little extras are just wonderful! Check out her shop at http://www.sweetpicklespottery.etsy.com

My Newest Etsy Find!

2008-01-17T17:18:00.001-06:00

Isn't this lovely? I have a friend who has a cross made from wire-wrapped beads, and I am constantly threatening to steal it from her (not very Christian, huh?). Well, I ran across this seller on Etsy who had the most amazing cross pendants. She had a lot of pretty pastel ones, but I really wanted primary colored beads. I contacted her, and she graciously made me the cross above. I am just thrilled with it. You should check out her shop on Etsy. She's at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com

HUGE fabric sale in my Etsy shop!

2008-01-15T09:14:00.000-06:00

I'm having a huge sale in my shop for the rest of January! I'm trying to destash my overcrowded sewing room, and I have listed a ton of fabric in my shop.
For each 1 yard of fabric you purchase from my shop, I will send you 1 yard FREE! If I have another yard of the fabric you are buying, I can send that, OR if you are adventureous, let me choose and I will send you another yard of quality fabric.
Shipping will stay the same up to a total of four yards. For each additional yard over 4, add 0.50 shipping. This is a great buy, you are getting two yards for the price of one!
http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

Fabric Overload!

2008-01-13T14:17:00.001-06:00

Even more fabric is listed in my Etsy shop! Come on you fabriholics, take a peek! You know you want to! These poor things need a good home and a good project to make them feel special. (I know that sounds goofy, but I'm in a goofy mood today!) http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

Wow! Etsy is making a mark!

2008-01-03T00:09:00.001-06:00

I just saw this article from Time regarding Etsy and the top 50 websites:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1633488_1633458_1633474,00.html

It is so gratifying to know that there is a site out there dedicated to artisans and craftspeople that actually is successful. I have totally enjoyed listing my items there, and I am just now really devoting myself to it. I still list on Ebay occasionally, and will continue to do so, but it is hard for artisans to get a fair price for their goods there, in my opinion, because of the garage sale mentality over there.

I encourage everyone to visit Etsy at some point and just browse and discover the true raw talent that is out there.

New Flower Pins!

2008-01-02T05:14:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! I've started off the new year ready to sell! I made some cute little crocheted flowers awhile back and decided just now to list them on Etsy. I have three listed; the one above, and another multicolor one made of ribbon yarn, and a black and brown made from chenille yarn. They are worth taking a peek at. Very affordable, and they would look too cute on handbags, hats, sweaters, you name it. http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

Fabric For Sale!!!!!!

2007-12-30T14:25:00.000-06:00

Being the fabric freak that I am, it pains me to part with any fabric that I have purchased. But alas, the time has come to whittle down my stash. What you see above is just some of the fabric I'll be selling off in the coming weeks and months. I have some listed at my etsy shop at http://www.azalealane.etsy.com, and some listed in on ebay (azalea*lane).

I just realized how goofy that picture looks since the bottom is so small, but I'm too lazy to take another picture that looks more normal.

On that same note, I just started a group on www.weloveetsy.com called Fabriholics Anonymous. This is a place for those who want to buy and sell fabric, those who just want to talk about their fabulous fabric purchases, or just hang out. I'm hoping lots of folks will join us. Here's the link: http://etsylove.ning.come/group/fabriholicsanonymous . Come join us!

I'm In a Treasury!

2007-12-30T01:14:00.001-06:00

How cool is this! I just found out from a friend of mine that one of my bags on Etsy has been selected for this artist's treasury! Take a look!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=21885
I'm totally flattered and honored. I absolutely love Etsy and have bought several things from artists on that site. Everything I have received has been gorgeous and well-made.

I'm off to the post office

2007-12-19T09:38:00.001-06:00

Late as usual. These packages have to go to Texas from Mississippi, so hopefully they'll get there in time. These are for the in-laws, most of whom won't appreciate the gesture, but my husband enjoys buying for them, so whatever. By the way, I'm totally loving that retro print in the foreground. I found it at Wal-Mart of all places.

In that vein, I am so proud of what he made for his mother, sister, and sister-in-law. This gorgeous piece is made using various woods such as red oak, white oak, and maple. He is so meticulous in his work. I know his mother will be so proud of it.

What holiday character are you?

2007-12-17T02:44:00.000-06:00

For fun, I took this quiz and it looks like I'm Frosty! I definitely love winter weather, even though it virtually never snows here in Mississippi, but I'd rather have a cold day where I can curl up in front of the fire with some hot cocoa and a favorite book than any beach anywhere. What holiday character are you? Just click on Frosty to take the quiz yourself!

A little holiday pic

2007-12-15T03:41:00.001-06:00

I began collection Christmas tree candles a few years ago, and I like to display them together. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

For you organizational junkies out there....

2007-12-13T21:47:00.000-06:00

I just came across the site http://www.seejanework.com , and I am IN LOVE! I am one of these folks who could spend hours in an office supply store looking at anything and everything that can help organize my life. Of course, looking at my desk you would never know it, but the desire is there. I just ordered myself a gift for under the tree (I have to do it, or it won't get done!), the Pepperpot Internet Journal. This is the coolest notebook! I have a stack of post-it notes, each with a website that I either shop from or pay my bills at. It looks tacky and messy, and this notebook will be the perfect way to corral all that information in one neat, cute little package.

The cost is only $8.95, and it's adorable to boot! I think I'll splurge and have it gift wrapped. When it comes in, I'll present it to my husband and tell him he just bought me something.

Something You Should Know About Beagles...

2007-12-11T22:34:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I posted about my lovable little rascal Sparky, so I thought I would let you in on a little information I learned about beagles in general.

Yep, that is my favorite Shabby Chic pillow being consumed. He didn't get too far with it, but this little guy is FAST. If the remote is left anywhere out in the open, he waits until we leave the room, grabs it, runs to us to let us know he has it, then takes off running.

Buy Handmade this Year!

2007-12-10T01:51:00.000-06:00

I signed the pledge!

As a designer, I know how hard I work on a new handbag design and the pride I get when I am finished with it. I love to see the looks on people's faces when they receive one of my bags and truly love it. I absolutely love to make special things for my family and friends and surprise them with it. My husband, an avid woodworker, made absolutely gorgeous wooden quilt block plaques for his mother and sister last year. It took a lot of time and effort on his part, but it meant more to them than if he had gone to the store and purchased a sweater or blouse.

I just love this paragraph from www.buyhandmade.org : "The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that canbe seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing."

So folks, make an effort this year to buy handmade. Go to www.etsy.com and let your fingers do the walking. You would be astounded at the talent and creativity that is on that site. If you yourself make things, you should consider opening a shop there and listing.

Nifty Christmas Gift!

2007-12-10T01:33:00.001-06:00

I'm at the point in my life where Christmas is all about getting to see my family members I have not seen in awhile and enjoying their company, it's really not about the whole gift-giving hype. Most of my family gets annoyed at me because I can't or won't give them a list of what I want for Christmas. Well, like I tell my mother-in-law, you can put a cheap pair of earrings in a pretty box with a cute bow and I am happy! That being said, I try very hard to come up with unusual gifts for my family and friends.

One day I was browsing through a fabric catalog when I came across the "Dick and Jane" licensed prints. I mentioned to my mother that I thought those were just so cute. She then stated that she wished she had an original Dick and Jane book from when she was a child. She murmued that she would have to get her sister, who is an avid garage sale goer, to look for one. I immediately went home and searched good old Ebay, and found these two books. I'm pretty sure they would have been something she would have studied from based on the publishing dates. It is going to be so much fun to surprise her on Christmas morning! Does she need the books? No, of course not. But she wants the books, it was in my power to get them for her, and it will make her smile. Plus, it will let her know that I DO actually listen to her. That's the fun part of Christmas, making other people happy.

Life Goes On and On

2007-10-13T02:29:00.000-05:00

Oh my....this is embarressing. I have been so lax about posting to this blog. Which means I am really, really boring. At least to myself. And probably some other people. Life has been happening at my home, just the usual school, homework, etc.

One piece of good news....the Januvia is working great! I am logging my blood sugars on http://www.sugarstats.com/ and the 30 day average is in the 120's. This is fabulous news. I think I finally found the right combination of medication to keep my blood sugars in line. I do keep thinking to myself, "Okay, now I'm cured! I can go off of all the medications now!" I keep having to remind myself that it does not work that way.

Ben made honor roll this nine weeks! All B's, and I am so proud! He had a nightmare situation last year in 5th grade with math, but thankfully this year seems better. New school, more responsibility, but he takes it all in stride.

However.....I'm not ready for this, but my dear, sweet child is turning into a hormonally imbalanced, snotty, cantankerous beast of a preteen at least 80 percent of the time. I'm told by my friends who have 11-year-old boys that this is normal, which makes me feel somewhat better, but GOOD GRIEF, I'm shocked at his attitude most of the time. I think God is up there laughing at me, and this is just payback for all the grief I gave my parents. The other day I asked him a question, he mumbled the answer, I nicely told him I could not hear him, to which he replied, "Well, YOU need to listen better then!" Excuse me???? Needless to say, I adjusted his attitude and he sulked off. I'm thinking this is going to last for awhile.

Oh yeah! Today I got an email from http://www.topmomma.com/ telling me I am on the home page of their site. I am not sure exactly what this entails, but if people click on my blog from that site, I get to stay on the front page longer, thus get more blog traffic. Pretty cool, huh?

Time to Get your Designing Caps On!

2007-09-20T02:44:00.000-05:00

How cool is this! Would you like the chance to win a car? I know I would, ever since I managed to total hubby's car.

Scion is challenging independent artists and crafters to design hand-made car accessories (such as floor mats, fuzzy dice, key chains, etc.)

Deadline for submission is October 22. All the details can be found at CraftMyRide.com.

Judges from all over the country (Etsy is one of the judges- Yeah!) and they will pick the finalists on November 2nd. Then each finalist will bring their designs to life and the winners will be chosen.

The first place winner will receive a 2008 Scion xD, with the second place and third place winners receiving $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Cleaning out my Closets

2007-09-16T03:19:00.000-05:00

Geez, I can't believe I have not posted before now. I have been so busy typing and sewing a large order of handbags for a local client. Anywho, I am finally getting around to selling off some of my Longaberger baskets on Ebay. I have one listed right now with more to come. This one is so cute! It's a 2000 edition hard-to-find pumpkin shaped little number complete with a lid that has an iron stem and leaf design. To see more pics, just click my link on the left side of the page titled "My Ebay Auctions".

Arbonne Holiday 2007

2007-08-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

Like a candy shop, this palette contains all of the irresistibly sweet treats to make you beautiful. It features two glistening lip colors, two creamy eye shadows, a bold liquid eyeliner and pout-perfect lip plumper. Mirror too! #2327; Only $40! You can find this, along with many other fabulous holiday products, at my Arbonne site at http://www.wendysteed.myarbonne.com/ . Just click on "What's New" at the top of the page, and it will take you to the holiday products.

The numbers are in.....

2007-08-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

and they are not good. I received a call from my doctor stating that my A1C for the previous three months was 7.9, up from 7.1 four months ago. I had been trying the Byetta injections, but it made me so nauseous that I abandoned it. So now she has put me on Januvia along with my Metformin, and hopefully that will help my blood sugars.

I found the most awesome site for diabetics! It is http://www.sugarstats.com/, which is a site that helps you keep track of your blood sugars. It's more than simply a log though. I can get an average of what my blood sugars are for not only the day, but up to a year! The paid subscription apparently allows you to track and manage your foods and activities, but I am simply using the free service right now. For some reason I get annoyed at having to write my numbers down in a log book when I am testing, not to mention the fact that it really does not give me a good average of what my sugars are, so this little tool is awesome.

Here's hoping now that school is in session I can get back to a more normal activity and dietary regimen. Having diabetes really stinks!

Baby Bib Recall

2007-08-18T08:01:00.000-05:00

I came across this news story on Fox News and thought the story needed to be spread. Apparently there are a certain number of baby bibs on their shelves that are being recalled due to the presence of lead in them. Here's the article....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293655,00.html

A wonderful alternative to these store-bought baby bibs are handmade boutique baby bibs, which can be found on both ebay and Etsy. I myself have made a few, but there are an abudance on either site if you just do a search for them. You can find some gorgeous ones that are truly functional. They may be a bit more pricey than the store-bought ones, but they are all completely washable and would last a long time. Besides, I'm pretty sure none of them are TOXIC for your babies.

Time for School!

2007-08-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Summer flew by and now it is time for my son to begin middle school. He started yesterday and decided to ride the bus to school since it comes at a decent hour, unlike last year when it came at a ridiculous 6:45 a.m. I managed to capture a shot of him on his way to the bus. He looks unhappy, but that's just his "good-grief-why-are-you taking-a-picture-of-me" look.

He told me that there were high school cheerleaders in the lobby helping the kids get their schedules and find their classes. When he had to approach one for help, she smiled and said, "You're cute!". He was absolutely mortified and said to me, "Mom, that's just WRONG!" I said, "Well, did you think she was cute too?", to which he replied, "Duh! She's a cheerleader!"

Sigh.....

They grow so fast. I can't even bring myself to post a picture I have of him at 3 1/2 when I took him to his first mother's morning out class and he was standing in the parking lot with his little blue backpack and plaid shorts. I find myself wishing he were little just for a day so I can hold him in my arms and smell that sweet baby smell again. But I have to confess it is nice having him old enough to do for himself a bit. And he still wants a hug in the morning and he still will share secrets with me, so for that I am grateful.

Lies, All Lies, I Tell Ya!

2007-07-29T02:16:00.000-05:00

Little Sparky had his "snip snip" surgery last week and I'm thinking I'm going to get back this sweet little docile creature who wants nothing more than to have his belly rubbed and to curl up contentedly beside me as I read or watch TV. I mean, they tell you in all the literature and on web sites it calms them down, right? UMMMMM, WRONG! The little booger came back more hyper than before. In the last few days he's decided that carpet tastes good, in addition to his diet of Southern Living magazines and Q-tips. I thought he had enough fiber, but apparently not. Let's see, he got into a can of Sprite and as it rolled down the hall toward the living room spewing liquid all over the place from a puncture he inflicted on the can, Sparky could only look at me innocently as he trotted off to find more trouble to get into.

Sigh...Oh well, he's only five months old, so maybe he will slow down eventually. I'm not sure my home will survive it. He's so darn cute, though.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

2007-07-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

Just for fun, take this quiz....

You Are A Chocolate Ice Cream Girl

Dramatic. Powerful. Flirty.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

They read my mind! I personally love Swensen's Sticky Chewy Chocolate.....Yum!

Another batch of headbands!

2007-07-21T05:16:00.000-05:00

This time I used the DELICIOUS Heather Bailey "Freshcut" fabrics. They are all reversible and so cute! Check my etsy shop, I'm on a roll now!

New in My Etsy Shop......Headbands!

2007-07-15T16:47:00.001-05:00

I've just listed some gorgeous headbands in my Etsy shop. The ones pictured at left are made from Amy Butler fabric, always in style if you ask me. They are 1-1/4" wide and approximately 22" unstretched with 2" of elastic so they can stretch comfortably. All with a great price of $5.50. Oh, and these are reversible, so you get two for the price of one! Yeah! You can find them here at http://azalealane.etsy.com

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2007-07-04T23:27:00.001-05:00

Ben and Sparky preparing for the neighborhood July 4th parade. It's quite a spectacle to see the neighborhood kids with their decorated bikes and scooters. The mayor shows up and walks in the parade, and a few policemen start off the parade with their motorcycles. The parade is ended with a firetruck. I was thinking how blessed I feel that our little town has such a low crime rate that the police can go to the different neighborhood parades rather than chase down criminals.

After the parade we gather and have a neighborhood picnic complete with burgers, hot dogs, beans, potato salad, desserts, door prizes, etc., etc.

That's one cute patriotic pup!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing day! God Bless!

Here's some Total Momsense

2007-06-23T13:45:00.001-05:00

This is just perfect! She managed to put what us moms say to our kids in one nice little musical package. Enjoy!

My Unwelcome Visitor

2007-06-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

So I'm going through the kitchen today, and on my way out I see something out of the corner of my eye. It's dark and I'm thinking something must have fallen off the counter onto the floor, right?

Wrong.

It was a HUGE 4 foot long snake.

Yep, that's right.

Needless to say, I did not stick around to introduce myself. I ran down to the living room, grabbed the phone and yelled at my son Ben to get the heck out of Dodge. I stood there in the front yard shaking like a leaf. I called my Dad, who came over in a flash. He found it curled up under the stove and killed it for me. My son declared it to be a copperhead, but my husband, upon further inspection, felt it was a king snake, which is not poisonous. Look, I'm a fan of nature and all that, but I draw the line at inviting snakes into my home. As far as I'm concerned, the only safe snakes are DEAD ones.

Wordless Wednesday....

2007-06-06T09:54:00.001-05:00

Recipe - Taco Appetizer Platter

2007-06-05T17:21:00.000-05:00

I made this delicious (though unfortunately not low-cal) dip for our Memorial Day swimming party and it was quite a hit! Here's the recipe:

1-1/2 pounds ground beef

1/2 cup water

1 envelope taco seasoning

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup milk

1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 cup green onions, chopped

1-1/2 cups lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce

1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and milk; spread on a 14 inch serving platter or pizza pan. Top with meat mixture. Sprinkle with chilies, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Drizzle with the BBQ sauce. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Serve with corn chips.

Now, if the BBQ sauce if a bit off-putting to you, salsa will work nicely. But seriously, the BBQ sauce adds a tiny bit of sweetness to the dish that is surprisingly good! Enjoy!

Beautiful Medical Alert Jewelry?

2007-06-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

I always equated medical ID bracelets with the boring steel chain link bracelets my granny used to wear. Not anymore! When I was diagnosed with diabetes last year, I knew with the medication I was on that I needed an ID bracelet simply because there were times when my blood sugars would get too low and I would feel light-headed and not so great. I thought, why should I have to wear some hideous artifact just to tell people I have this disease? It's not that I am ashamed of it, but I do have a right to look stylish, right? So I started my search on the internet and found a few great sites that sell pretty ID bracelets. My favorite by far was http://www.laurenshope.com . They have a great selection of beaded bracelets, as well as more sporty options such as dog tags, velcro bands, braided leather, and even styles for men. I purchased the small fun glass bracelet since it has so many different colors. What is neat is how you can interchange the ID tag with different styles of bracelets. The prices were great, there are things on sale all the time, and they do offer regular, non-medical bracelets as well. Just thought I'd share!

Memorial Day

2007-05-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

The occasion of this photograph was a Veterans Day Commemoration at Dallas City Hall on November 11, 2004. The veteran pictured is Houston James, a survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December, 1941, and the Marine is Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr., a member of an ordinance disposal team who lost his left hand, one leg, and an eye while defusing a bomb in Iraq in July, 2003.

While we are all out today swimming, cooking out, shopping, and generally relaxing, let us not forget the brave men and women who have served this country well, and the ones who are serving now. Whether we are a supporter of what is going on in Iraq or not, it really does not matter. The fact is, our troops are over there doing what they have been asked to do, and I for one am grateful they are willing to protect our Country. My prayers are with the troops and their families that they come home safely.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-05-24T22:50:00.001-05:00

Day Trip with the Boys

2007-05-22T07:46:00.001-05:00

The boys and I took a day trip to Shreveport, Louisiana Saturday to see the Sci-Port Discovery Center. It was totally worth the trip. They have an IMAX theatre that features a story on the Lewis and Clark expedition, as well as a fantastic Space Center. We had a great time. Oh, and that bottom picture is Ben with a massive bee's nest. It is actually suspended from the ceiling and Ben could not reach it. It's much larger than it looks.

My name is Wendy, and I'm a Fabriholic

2007-05-18T10:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, I admit it. I have enough fabric to sink a ship, and I know I'm not alone out there. That being said, I have tried and tried to curb my fabric buying, especially since the ladies at Hobby Lobby and Hancock's know me by name now. I've done really well these last few months, trying to use what I have when making my purses and such, but I confess I broke down today and joined.....

I joined the Fat Quarter Club at http://fatquartershop.com . I am crazy about pretty much all of Free Spirit's fabrics, and this seems like such a great deal. Membership is $5.00, then for $25.00 a month you get a new selection of fat quarters every month. I have started doing a lot of stripwork bags, which means I don't need a lot of fabric anyway, so this really fits the bill.

I've been tagged!

2007-05-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

My friend J of Jaybird Designs just tagged me! I have to list seven random facts/habits about myself. I consider myself pretty boring, but I managed to come up with a few things....

I am left-handed. Of all my family members on either side, there is only one other person left-handed, and she was born the same month, just a few days after me. Was there a full moon that week?
I love to crochet when I have time. I had to teach myself because all of my aunts swore they could not teach a leftie to do it. I showed them though!
I am a type 2 diabetic, having just been diagnosed this year. I'm doing great though, it's just a pain in the butt sometimes.
I once sang a duet with Faith Hill. Actually, she lived a few blocks away from my family when we were little, and she lived next door to my cousins, so I played with her all the time. This duet was at a 4-H luncheon, we sang "Delta Dawn", and both dressed up in ladies dresses and wigs. I would give ANYTHING to have a picture of it too! We were about 8 years old at the time.
In addition to making totes and selling them on ebay and etsy, I am also a medical transcriptionist. I have been doing this for about 11 years, from my home.
When I was in the my early 20's I used to sell Estee Lauder cosmetics at my local mall. On a whim, I went with a friend to Washington D.C. to visit a cousin. While I was there, I applied for a job as a counter manager at a department store. They called me back and hired me! I moved from my little town in Madison, Mississippi to Washington D.C. and had a blast. I lived there for a little over a year. It was quite an adventure!
My favorite color is yellow. Lime green is a close second.

Now, I have to tag 7 more blogger friends, so I tag:

Next, I must post comments on these ladies' blogs so they can consider themselves tagged and repeat what I have done.

Whew! That was exhausting, but fun!

2007-05-14T10:45:00.000-05:00

Just checking out the new couch my Mommy got for Mother's day! I look all sweet, innocent, and cuddly, but if she would just leave the room I could chew this baby up in no time!

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T11:59:00.000-05:00

This is my beautiful mother Helen. I know we all think our moms are the best on the planet, and in every case it is true, but this lady is truly one-of-a-kind. She has overcome adversity that would fell most people. She became a widow at 26, leaving her to raise my brother and me alone at the ages of 4 and 7. She met a wonderful man who adopted us and these two people set out to make my brother and me the most well-loved and cared for kids ever. She has faced a terrible autoimmune disease with courage and a tremendous strength. She almost lost my police officer brother to a gunshot wound to the head. She helped the whole family through this ordeal with her usual tenacity. She's a Christian who loves her Lord and Savior and she truly lives her faith. She has set an example that is hard to follow, but if I could be half the person she is I'd be happy. I love you, Mom!

Delicious!!!!!!!

2007-05-12T01:13:00.000-05:00

Yummmm! I've got to have this crochet pattern book! I'm a diabetic so these treats are mostly off limits, gosh darn it, but at least I can look at these yummy creations and not have my sugars skyrocket! http://www.gourmetcrochet.com

Daily Powder Punch for Kids!!!!

2007-04-30T17:47:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about this new product from Arbonne! If you have a child who simply detests taking his or her vitamins, this is the perfect addition to your daily dietery regimen. This yummy berry-flavored punch drink contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners and combines the SuperProFood Blend antioxidants with core vitamins and minerals to support your child's health. It's very affordable too, at $22.00 for a 30 day supply of 30 packets. You can find it right here! https://secure.myarbonne.com/arbonne/wendysteed.nsf/p1/1?OpenDocument&shoppingcart=1

Seriously, could you say NO to this face?

2007-04-25T13:42:00.000-05:00

Sparky is 7 weeks old and seems quite happy in his new home! He loves his older brother too! Now if he would just quit crying at night.....

I hope you like beagles......

2007-04-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

'Cause you are going to be seeing lots and lots of pictures of them from now on! Meet 6-week-old Sparky the beagle. We are so in love with this little fella! As you can see, he has already found a nice comfy place beside my son Ben.

Geez! Why Didn't I Think of This?????

2007-04-15T02:50:00.000-05:00

I seriously think I've seen it all now. I make purses, but I never thought of this. I can't tell if the dog's tongue is hanging out because he is happy or his lung are being crushed and he can't breathe. You can find these unusual contraptions at www.puppypurse.com

What's Your German Name?

2007-04-13T01:31:00.000-05:00

This should be fun. I am of German descent, having been blessed with the unusual surname "Quattlebaum" at birth. Try spelling that in kindergarten! Needless to say, I was relieved to eventually have a shorter surname that did not get me questioning stares from people who did not know how to pronounce it. Anywho, I came across this site, so try it and see what your German name would be. Mine turned out to be Gisela Manuela. Have fun!

Your German Name is:

Gisela Manuela

What's" Your German Name?

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T18:14:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful day today! In addition to celebrating our Lord today, it is a day to get together with our loved ones and visit, eat, fellowship, eat, hide eggs, eat, hunt eggs, eat..... are you noticing a theme here? Unfortunately for my waistline, my family boasts some of the bests cooks on the planet. Paula Deen, watch out! This is my cousin Amy and me (on the right) at my aunt's house. We spent most of our time harrassing my Aunt Thelma because she's got a million pictures in her house, and NOT ONE of either of us! She had three boys and she used to spoil us rotten because she never had any girls of her own. So our pictures were usually prominently placed in her house. Well......She has grandchildren now, so we got the boot. I took this picture and told her I would make a poster size of it so she could hang it over her TV. Knowing her, that's exactly what she'll do!

Crochet Coral Reef

2007-03-28T07:43:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that this beautiful coral reef is done entirely in crochet! With all the glorious yarns out there now, with beautiful hues and textures, it was possible to create this lush coral reef. You can check out more pictures at www.theiff.org/reef/index.html . I have loved to crochet for about 15 years now, having taught myself since my aunts freaked out that they might have to teach a left-handed person how to do it. Boy, crochet has come a long way since the LOVELY (and I mean that sarcastically) toilet paper dolls!

Introducing Princess Buttercup....

2007-03-23T18:55:00.000-05:00

This is a fun site! http://www.becomeanmm.com . Create your own M&M in your likeness (or how you would like to look!) and send a card to your friends.

Teaching Your Kids To Be Safe

2007-03-21T08:27:00.000-05:00

At your left is a picture of my son Ben with his beloved Papaw, my Dad. As I mentioned before, he is now a Tenderfoot Scout. As I watched the news coverage this week of the 12-year-old Scout who was lost (and thankfully found alive), it made me very anxious about his upcoming trip to Skymont this summer. Of course, his father, an accomplished Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow member, told me that this boy's Scout troop did two things wrong. First, they should have NEVER left him alone with one adult at the campsite while the others went hiking. That is a HUGE no-no. Second, when they got back to camp and had lunch, he apparently wandered off. He should have had a buddy. My husband said they always employ the buddy system when they go camping. If one boy has to go to the bathroom, his buddy has to accompany him no matter what. He reassured me that the boys going to Skymont would not only be trained extensively before they go on what to do in a situation where they are separated from the group, but he will personally make sure every boy carries a whistle with him.

I am so glad that young man has been found safe. I hope everyone who saw that news report will hold their children close and give them lots of hugs and kisses, but even more importantly, teach their kids not to wander off. Okay, I'm off my soapbox for today!

Mod Daisy Diaper Bag Tote

2007-03-19T19:27:00.000-05:00

New for Spring by Me, Azalea Lane Originals! This fun tote is created using Michael Miller's daisy print on a dark brown background with groovy turquoise swirls. I have it listed on ebay with a low starting bid of $22.00, so check it out!

Just click "My Ebay Auctions" to the left and you are there!

2007-03-19T01:37:00.000-05:00

This eye makeup remover is TO DIE FOR! I just got some a few weeks ago and I was expecting a greasy mess, but it goes on just like water, and the eye makeup comes off in a snap! I have it on my Arbonne web site, which you can access by clicking the link on the left.

It's a great product for those who would like to try Arbonne but you are not sure which product to start with.

Arbonne Wipe-Out - 3.7 fl oz. - $19.50 US Dollars

2007-03-19T00:58:00.000-05:00

I just listed this great bag on Ebay. It's perfect for spring and summer. It features the popular fabric by Jennifer Paganelli in the "Girlfriends" line. I sewed the black, white, and lime green into vertical strips and added a wonderful orange Gerbera daisy pin for fun. Check it out! Click on the link to the left....

The Simplest Meal You'll Ever Cook

2007-03-18T19:51:00.000-05:00

My boys (meaning my husband and 11-year-old son) are avid Scouters. My husband is an Eagle Scout, and I'm embarressed to say he can cook better than I can in most situations. My son has just advanced to Boy Scout from Cub Scouts, and my husband is trying to teach him to cook. So, the other night he made us a Scout Supper. It was simply delicious and so satisfying. This is what he cooked:

Chopped carrots, onions, potatoes, and bell peppers
Ground beef formed into a small loaf or patty
Seasoning as desired (we used a bit of Country Bob's on there)

All you do is wrap these ingredients tightly in heavy duty foil and place them in the oven for about 45 minutes (about 400 degrees). It comes out moist and delicious. Better still, there are no pots and pans to clean! Just throw the foil away when you are done.

Now, obviously the best way to cook this is in an open fire. If you do that, just throw the package into the fire and let is stay there for about 40-45 minutes, and you are good to go~ Enjoy!

A Trio of Easter Baskets

2007-03-17T13:27:00.000-05:00

With Easter fast approaching, I decided to make a few cute little Boutique Easter baskets to list on Ebay. They are lightweight, but surprisingly sturdy and will hold lots of goodies. Take a peek!

Click here to go directly to my auctions.

A Gallery of My Past Designs....

2006-10-31T17:14:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my new blog!

2006-10-25T19:13:00.000-05:00

Hi all! This is new for me, so bear with me as I learn the ropes.

This blog will be dedicated to all sorts of things.....

I am a handbag designer and that is my passion currently, so you'll see lots of topics related to that, as well as where to purchase my bags.

I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, so I am trying to educate myself on this topic. If you'd like to come along for the ride, check back, as I'll have more information available as I learn the ropes of this disease.

I love to cook, so I'll post recipes from time to time as well.

Check back soon!

Wendy