I Love This Coat

Don't you just love this coat?  Rosemary (on the right) bought it for Sarah, her daughter, for Christmas.  I'm in love with Sarah's coat.  I think it looks so great on her.  She even has this wonderful purple hat she wears with it.  Oh geez....talk about perfect fit.

Something is up with my camera.  Most of my pictures are coming out blurry like this.  I think I will sit down with the manual and see if I can't figure out why all my pix are blurry.  Lots of Christmas Day photos are blurry too.

I am off to add those Janet Baskets to my website now....so if you liked them and wondered where they are.....they have not been added just yet.  A girl has to have a holiday you know :)

Smiles,

Kelly

I just need to sit down and have a glass of water...Evian Perhaps

I realize I've been MIA recently.  I had 14 Christmas Day and 5 stayed until last evening.  Then my friend's entire family got a nasty virus so I had to take her to ER and got to bed at 4am this morning.  Needless to say, I just need to sit down and have a glass of water and catch my breath.  I hope Evian will do this for me....



Smiles,
Kelly

There Arose Such A Clatter...or was that a Thud?

And the Clatter was me falling into bed with a THUD.  I would have slept on dirty dishes I was so tired last night....oh that's right....it was 4am and that is yesterday now.  (However it is 1:40 am....so I'm not thinking I'm doing much better tonight).  We did wrap all the gifts....no bows however....that was just more than we could handle.  So the gifts were partially naked.

It pays to have IHAN at Christmas.  We needed boxes of every size and shape....and I had them all...in the garage.  I use recycled boxes so I keep them stacked in the garage.  It was a breeze getting the right shapes and sizes but the wrapping was not such a breeze.  I think I'll just use stickers next time.  Perhaps "Priority Mail" stickers will come in green and red next year...LOL. 

Zach and Aaron sang carols last night and again today.  They were so animated it was a great time.  This morning Zach got so excited about his Christmas gift from Santa that he ran outside onto the front porch and screamed, "Thank You Santa....I love my present."  So wonderful.

The boys leave Santa and the reindeer cookies and carrots/celery.  Santa leaves them gifts and letters.  They boys just love the letters and seem so thrilled that Santa remembers things that they did this past summer.  It is so fun to see their faces when I read them the letters.

I'll post some pix soon....but as it is it is almost 2am on the 26th and I need to get some "beauty" rest.  My definition of beauty rest is getting enough sleep so I can see the beauty in the day!!!

I hope your day was wonderful and filled with gratitude.

Smiles,
Kelly

Merry Merry Merry Merry Merry

This is a picture of our house this Christmas Eve (total lie).

We have had a wonderful day today.  Some of our friends and neighbors came for a Christmas Open House today.  It was a wonderful time.

It is 11:17 PM here in OH right now.  I do not have a single gift wrapped (not a lie).  Good thing I believe in miracles!!!  I believe and I'm sure one will be granted or something amazing will happen....like an interesting new tradition or something!!!  Naked Gifts are in this year....No?  Well.....then I guess I better sign off and get to wrappin!!  Not beatbox....just wrappin :)

We wish you all a safe, loving and warm day filled with all the things in your life that make you feel deep gratitude! 

Merry Christmas

Kelly

Inklingo has done it again!!! Absolutely beautiful free patterns

Inklingo by Linda Franz

Stop here and download your free pattern to make a beautiful table runner.  Oh did I say free?  I meant to say FREE!!!  You won't be sorry you did.....and while you are over there....leave a comment because there is a Give Away too!!  How is that for a little gift?  Wish it were me who was so generous....and talented.....but I am just the messenger this morning.  LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

The JanetBasket 18.99 & 27.99 NOW at I Have A Notion

JanetBaskets are available at IHAN :) Red Floral Eco Bag 25.99 (Suggested Retail 29.99)

JanetBasket Lime Large Aluminum Frame Bag
Suggested Retail 24.99

Get it at IHAN 21.99

JanetBasket Red Floral Small Aluminum Frame Bag
Suggested Retail 20.99 IHAN price 18.99

"This amazingly lightweight tote features aluminum exterior structure and is completely collapsible. Originally designed as a market tote, it is also a super versatile project tote. The metal structure keeps access to goods inside immediate. Made of durable nylon in great prints; self-fabric lined. Excellent quality. Exterior pocket."

When I saw these....I could not resist.  I have the small Red floral and the large Lime Green for my sorting station here at my desk.  I remember carrying similar baskets when I went to the General Store as a kid with my Grandmother.  The General Store was in Downtown Detroit somewhere and  I remember the smell of the store and the wooden floors.  They sold everything there....I loved going there as a kid with my Grandmother.

Now....onto a tribute to Dave's Mom :)

Do you want to have some serious fun?  Click on the link below, get your best paper scissors and invite every kid, grown-up and friend to sit down and make some of the prettiest decorations you will find this year.  You might want to be sure you have extra bedding....they may not want to leave.  No kidding :)  We have done several of Dave's patterns and if I had the time to fiddle with my camera right now....I'd show you a photo of some of ours.  But for now, Dave's photos will have to do :)

Dave's Snowflake Patterns

Find this pattern here.

Enjoy your day!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

The Life & Times at IHAN

Yes, I am running around like a chicken with my head separated from my body.  That comes with the territory.  These are my first IHAN holidays and I'm amazingly surviving and continue to enjoy the Holidays.

First, I've gotten lots of e-mails asking what "Gulf Wax" is....so here is a photo from my box.  That was the part of the Blog Post that said, "Don't read this part."  Proof....no one listens to me :)

Maddy, the youngest Jackson female :) is home from college for Christmas.  Of course here youngest brother (they share the same birthday) is in "Love" with Maddy and quickly climbed right up on top of her shoulders yesterday upon arriving home from school.  It is so much fun to see how the boys adore their sisters.

Of course....it would not be a Jackson Household if some cards where not played.  This was a game of Hand and Foot.

Yesterday both of my co-workers had concerts at school.  Grandma came down to watch the concerts too.

Grandma and Aaron

Zach .....he had is moves down pat....it was so much fun watching the concerts.

We are still maintaining our own here.  Christmas cards may just turn into New Years Cards....because they are not in the mail yet....any surprises there? 

Smiles,

Kelly

Life Is Good :)

Ahhhhh.....this is the part I like the best.....the really bad stuff :)  First you start out with several really pretty boxes that you have purchased 9 months ago for 25 cents each (new from a candy shop).  Then you store them in all that extra space you have.....just move your stash over....or pile the boxes on top of the fabric....your choice.

Then you melt Nestles Chocolate Chips or Chunks.  Purchased on sale of course. (Pretend you are not reading this part....this is really bad....you shave some Gulf Wax and melt it into your chocolate...you did not see this part remember?) 

While you have your chocolate melting on low heat in a double boiler.....you put 24 oz of Jif Peanut Butter and 1 1/3 sticks of Imperial Margarine (softened)  into the blender.  Mix well.

Then add as much powdered sugar as necessary to get it to a consistency to roll into balls.  You might have to use your intuition here....guess....fly by the seat of your pants....what ever works for you.  I use more than 16 oz and closer to 20 oz sometimes.

Then walk out onto your back steps and put that bowel of Peanut butter nastiness there to get cold.  If you happen to be one of "those" who live in warmer climates....guess you folks will have to put yours into the fridge.  So sad for you.  (Yes those are my foot prints from my house shoes.  Well what did you expect....size 5 on a woman who is 6 feet tall?  Yes they are a size 12....who asked anyway:)  My house shoes say "Life is Good" on the bottom....so much fun in the snow :)

Then, when your peanut butter mixture gets firm enough to roll into balls....you roll them up and place them on wax paper.  With a toothpick, you poke into a ball and dip it into your melted chocolate.  Carefully place it onto the wax paper or parchment paper lined pan.  Take your finger and dip it into water and then you can smooth that little hole closed if you wish.  When they get firm....do you know what you have? 

Buckeyes!!! 

I had never had one until I moved to Ohio.  I don't like peanut butter and chocolate together.  My neighbor made them for us for Christmas the first year we lived here.  To be polite I tried one.  To my shock and surprise....I liked them.  Should I have been grateful or really ticked?  Who actually needs another really nasty thing to like?   

Naughty Smiles,

Kelly

I Have A Notion's Big Sale - 25% off Suggested Retail -Just In Time for Last Minute Gifts **

Sale Ends Soon....and does not apply to those new Dovo Scissors...yummy!

It is not a rumor.....completely true!!!   25% off of the Suggested Retail on your total order.  You MUST e-mail your order to IHAVEANOTION@yahoo.com in order to receive the discount.

   

That includes all these wonderful products and more.  Please keep in mind the first price on the website is the Suggested Retail Price....that is the price that the discount will be taken on.

This offer does not include Electric Quilt 6 Software, AccuQuilt Go or The Thread Carousel.  If you are interested in these products you must e-mail me for more information.

When the sale is over.....it's over.  I will not honor sale prices after the post on this blog indicating the sale is closed. 

Tell all your chat group friends, your stitching friends, your spouse's, blogging buddies and don't forget to get something for yourself too :)  I always do....truth! :)

All purchases over 100.00 receive a free gift from IHAN.  Nothing big (No fancy sewing machines or new sewing studios...lol) but something fun I think you will like!!  AND if that is not enough....if your order is over 100.00 you have the option of purchasing Alex Anderson's NEW 4 in 1 Essential Sewing Tool for only 12.00!!!  Just tell me in your e-mail you would like me to add that to your order.

Please be aware that shipping will be based on weight and size of package.  I will have to send you an individualized shipping total when I have your order ready to ship.  Yes, lots of work for me.....that's why it is for a limited time :)

Smiles,
Kelly
PS...there is always a PS....some items are limited quantity and when they are gone .... they are gone.  I'll do my best to keep everyone updated if I get close to running out of something wonderful.

Dovo Solingen Embroidery Scissors at I Have A Notion

These beauties just arrived from Germany.  I first learned about Dovo Scissors while at Quilt Market.  I was so impressed with the quality.  I have since learned that very few shops carry them.  They make really lovely gifts for yourself or a very special friend. 

These are 3 1/2 inch Embroidery Scissors ($51.50).  I really liked these because I could cut out a tiny check out of a piece of fabric by just pointing the tips into the fabric and snipping.  No kidding...

Here you can see I poke the tip into the tiny square.

I begin to clip just to the corner....very easy to do because of the fine points.

See this tiny hole I cut out right in the center?  Impressive isn't it?

This was one of my first pair of Dovo.  I loved these because of the extra fine pointed and curved tips.  I can unsew almost anything with these little babies. I also like that they are curved so I can clip my punchneedle threads close up without clipping into any of my other threads.  This pair is $59.50.

See how fine these tips are?  I'm telling you they are incredible.

"Diligent skilled workers craft the steel masterpieces with meticulous precision and with great craftsmanship.

With their specialised expertise that has been handed down over generations, they all face the challenge of exceeding the already high standards of the Solingen ordinance.

DOVO's heavy demands on a high quality, in terms of functionality and design, continue to convince our demanding customers worldwide."

(copied from Dovo's website)

I only have 4 pair of the Embroidery Scissors and 2 pair of the Curved Fine Tip Scissors.  I have sold the others that I ordered prior to ordering.  So if you think you would like a pair please let me know immediately.  If there are other Dovo Scissors you are interested in purchasing please e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com and let me know which ones they are.  I will include them in my next order.

Expensive?  Yes....worth the money....YES.  I would not spend my money on things like this if they were not wonderful!!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Please, Please, Please Forgive Me....Just this once.

I know this is terrible for so many reasons.....but it is also good for so many reasons.  So for those of you who appreciate this....Laugh your booty off.....for those of you who don't....this is the time where forgiveness is sooooo important.

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?



A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it...don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.


Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?


A: You must grasp logistical efficiency. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product.


Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?


A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!


Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?


A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?


A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?


A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?


A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?


A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!


Q: Is swimming good for your figure?


A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..


Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?


A: Hey! 'Round' a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:


Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"


AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.


1. The Japanese eat very little fat


and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.


2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat


and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans...


3. The Chinese drink very little red wine


and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine


and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.


5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats


and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.


CONCLUSION:


Eat and drink what you like.


Speaking English is apparently what kills you.


Naughty Smiles,
Kelly

Tis the Season at IHAN

I'm sure a few of you are wondering where I am.  Well, I was here.....at the Kroger with Aaron, my oldest co-worker and his Cub Scout Group.  They were ringing the bell for The Salvation Army.  The boys sang Christmas songs and wished people walking by a Merry Christmas.  It was so funny to watch.  People were stopping and pulling money out of their pockets and purses right and left.  No one got a chance to put their own money into the collection canister.  The boys would grab their money and stuff in into the container.  It was so funny.  They had no idea the people should be putting their own money in.  No one seemed to mind and they collected a ton of money in a hour. 

Then I was doing this: 

Yes, that's me....the person trying their best not to eat all the candy so the kids would have some left to decorate their gingerbread houses.

Proud Aaron, Master Gingerbread House Candy Decorator and Eater of all things candy. (Takes after his Mom)

I'm so glad I took this photo.  Aaron ate the Santa off the house today right after school.  Can you believe that?  Mom goes to the post office for the afternoon run.....and Dad somehow misses the event. 

Master Zach at the helm here.  He is loving every minute of the decorating.  He was particularly thrilled when seeing how the frosting could be made to drip and look like ice sickles.

Proud Mr. Zach peeks around his house.  This is the back of his house.  He wanted the gummy treat stick left in its wrapper so he could eat it later.  What do you bet he gets up in the middle of the night one night and eats the sticky thing and then comes to bring his sticky self to bed with Rick and I? 

When I'm not doing these things.....I'm sitting with Aaron as he is practicing his reading.  He was reading a book that included Christmas Carols.  Instead of reading the words he began to sing them.....at one point he said...."Five Onion Rings"....I burst into laughter.  I said, "Aaron, where is the O for onion in that sentence."  He did not realize I noticed he was not reading he was singing.  Then came "Merry Melons" in the place of "Merry Maids"....the laughter does not end around here.

The other place I was today....was at an Outpatient Surgery Center with Rick.  For the past 10 years Rick has gotten headaches when he bends over. Today the Dr. did a blood-patch in his spinal column.  Afterwards, he bent over....no headache!!! 

I've been busy shipping for the holidays.  I ship twice a day....Postman picks up in the morning and I head to the Post Office at 4:30.  You still have until Monday to take advantage of the 25% off Suggested Retail Price Sale at IHAN.  You can get the Alex Anderson 4 in 1 Essential Sewing Tool for just 12.00 if your order is over 100.00.  Good time to pick up some things for the spring!!!  Remember those orders are only good if e-mailed to IHaveANotion@yahoo.com

Smiles,

Kelly

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

A little mouse told me that you were reading our lists and you wanted to know what we want for Christmas. 

I clicked over HERE

And saw THIS.

A fat quarter bundle of Flower Fairies....my little girl sings when looking at this.

Now Santa, you know I was planning on carrying fabrics at IHAN.  Then I decided it would take too much time away from my love of finding wonderful Sewing and Stitching Notions so I will need to be getting my fabrics from some wonderful on-line fabric shops now. 

When I started going through all the fabrics at the Fat Quarter Factory I saw several I liked.  Then when I saw the Green Morning Flower Fairies, my little girl jumped in my heart.  My big girl loves grown up things.....but this sweet little fair red headed little girl that lives in my chest....she likes that fabric.  The grown up Kelly would have to make that little girl a little nap blanket just like she did for her boys.  It is never too late to have a wonderful childhood right Santa?  Right!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Something funny about seeing those Flower Fairies....this past weekend I was cleaning up my sewing area. I have two Flower Fairies and some of those cute Tea Pots they are like little ornaments. I sometimes feel embarrassed because I love them. I had them hung up by fishing string and I put them on this little ornament tree. 

I received these from Rick and the Girls when we lived in SC.  I have always treasured them.

And look what happened to here little feet when I was moving her.  I have the little feet but they were so small and difficult to glue back on.  I know this sounds so strange for a 45 year old woman to have a hard time with this....but I did....I could not look at her without feet.  So I quickly put her back on the shelf and thought I would ask Rick to fix her when he got the time.  Funny how the little kids in us still love Christmas and the other little things that our Grown Up selves think are silly.

Thank you Fat Quarter Factory and the little Flower Fairies for reminding the grown up Kelly.....that Christmas can still be fun.....as long as my little girl Kelly comes out to play.

PS Santa....you know I'm naughty most of the time....but it is not my fault....its my genetics.....ROFL