Monday, June 20, 2011

Excuse me.. I have a lot to say today.

Before I get to some news I need to hop up on my soapbox and have a "moment".

If you have been with me awhile you may remember this post when I was laid off my job 1 1/2yrs ago. During this time we moved across country closer to family which I told you about in this post. The move had been planned way before I lost my job.

I had planned on quitting as our move got closer - but was instead blessed with a nice severance package and unemployment insurance. Two things I wouldn't have had otherwise.

Now as most of you are aware, the economy here in the US is horrible and jobs are scarce. As I searched for a job - we started to realize how bad things have gotten in the job market. It was looking bleak and we lost sleep thinking about it.

And since we had no idea if or when I would ever be able to find a job in my career field, my husband and I worked to stretch our savings to the ends of the Earth.. Much farther than we ever thought we would need to. And we learned that the security blanket we had may not be large enough at times like this. But, at the same time, we also counted our blessings.

One of those blessings is my husbands job. Unlike some people suffering - he has an excellent job and makes a good living. And for that we are thankful!

But at the same time we had to pull our family together. And, along with our children, we learned the true meaning of a "want" vs a "need".

And knowing that times like this can be scary for kids - we continued to assure them that even though they may not get what they want - they would always have what they need! And explained that this way of thinking was their parents being responsible for their future rather than indulging them in their present.

During this time we have seen a change in our kids. They are more aware and they also have a whole new level of appreciation that I'm proud to see. They aren't perfect by any means.. Let's be real, if I took them out today and offered to buy the hottest toys - they'd take em! But the foundation is there and its a good start.

We have asked ourselves - when they are grown and in college, will they remember how many gifts they received for their birthday or Christmas 2011?? UM NO! I bet if we asked them - they probably don't remember what they got last year!! But they will remember having a secure upbringing and a paid for education!!

And I'm sure some of you may have noticed a slow down of fabric and projects for me. Unfortunately, fabric falls into the "want" category. I know... I know.. Its a fine line. But it had to be drawn.

So with all that said - I'm happy to say that after hard work and a lot of prayer, I have finally found a job in my career field. I will be a Systems Analyst in Clinical Research beginning in July. YAY!!!!

But our family has pledged to ourselves that we will continue our new way of thinking. And we won't save for a rainy day.. But rather for rainy YEARS!!

And we will continue to pray for other families who are suffering along with families who think "that won't happen to us! We have a savings and we have secure jobs". Because guess what.. Your savings needs to last longer than 6 months and no job is secure in these troubled times. It's getting worse.. not better. Let's not fool ourselves people!

And now I will step down from the soapbox. If you are still reading.. thank you for listening to me.

But before I let you go.. I want to say that I will be taking a little blogging break. Not a long one though - I will be back for the July Friday Night Sew-In on July 22nd. (July also happens to be the 2 year anniversary of the FNSI and Bobbi and I are planning a celebration to mark the milestone. So stay tuned)

During this small break from the blog I am planning to maximize my time as a "stay at home mom" and focus 100% on my boys and my home before I become a working mom again!

I appreciate all of you and love having this blog. I read each and every comment! Enjoy your summer, or winter for you across the equator, and I will see you in a month!

Hugs,

Heidi Pin It

Sunday, June 19, 2011

I'm a slacker

Yes... I'm a slacker this month. I admit it. I cleaned and organized my sewing room this FNSI. But it really needed it. The inspiration actually came from my husband. He found the perfect organizer for me and brought it home last week.

I can't show you a picture yet... But soon.

And I want to thank Bobbi for doing all the work this month in the middle of her busy world right now!! And if you haven't been over to www.craftyvegasmom.blogspot.com yet to see who the winner is.... Go check it out.

I have some news to tell you about tomorrow too! So enjoy your Sunday... And I'll see you tomorrow. Pin It

Friday, June 17, 2011

The Apron Winner!

The winner, selected via random.org, of the Shabby Apple Apron is.....

Comment #5  The Vegetarian Hunter said...
"Love the print on this apron! Thanks for the chance to win it =)"

Congratulations! It's such an awesome looking apron! Send me your information and I will pass it along to The Shabby Apple!

Also.. Don't forget that tonight is the June Friday Night Sew-In!! Are you ready? Have you already started? I hate to admit it.. but I probably won't be sewing tonight. My sewing room is in desperate need of some TLC.. so I'm committing to getting it organized! But hey, that counts!
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

It's time for a GIVEAWAY!!!

Have you ever heard of the "Shabby Apple"? They are an adorable online clothing boutique and I'm hooked on their stuff! They have women's  dresses for every occasion. And we all know it's graduation / wedding season!


Their line of fitness clothes are so feminine.

And if I was pregnant - I would be scooping up their maternity dresses! Very chic!

Well because it's summer.. and because all my readers are the best - I've partnered with Shabby Apple to giveaway an apron to one lucky reader. But don't worry if you don't win because Shabby Apple has been kind enough to also offer a 10% discount to everyone for the next month! Just use handmadebyheidi10off when you check out!

Here is the apron...

I love the retro photo for such a modern apron!

To enter the giveaway - just leave a comment.

If you would like a 2nd entry - you can "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. Then come back and leave a 2nd comment letting me know you did.

The giveaway will end Thursday Night at Midnight. I will announce the winner Friday just in time for our Friday Night Sew-In. Pin It

Something pretty..

It's Lilac season... can you smell em? My entire house smells like Lilacs and it's intoxicating! Pin It

Monday, June 13, 2011

It makes a Quilter sad...

Have you ever been to a garage sale.. or a thrift store and seen handmade clothes or quilts? It seriously makes me sad when I see this. I always think about the person who made it.. and gave it as a gift.. thinking it would be treasured forever. But instead - it makes it's way to the donation/garage sale pile.

I found this quilt at a garage sale recently for $4. Yes.. only $4. It's a good size.. not huge but nice. It's made with all polyester..


even the back.

One thing about 100% polyester quilts.. although durable - they are not warm! I learned this the hard way when I brought this to a recent baseball game for my son. The wind was brutal and cold.. and it came right through this baby.

It reminds me of quilts that my grandma used to make. Her's were full of polyester and corduroy. Although her backings were either flannel or cotton which added the warmth factor.

So next time you go to a garage sale - or thrift store.. do a fellow quilter a favor and scoop up these treasures! Pin It

Friday, June 10, 2011

Signup for the June Friday Night Sew-In

The signup for the June 17th Friday Night Sew-In is here!!!

Bobbi, my cohost and cousin, from Crafty Vegas Mom has the signup on her blog this month. I know it can be confusing sometimes when we move it from Blog to Blog.. but just know that it is always on one of our blogs.

So what are you waiting for? Get over there and sign up! And say "Hi" to my cousin for me.. I moved 2,000 miles away and miss her dearly!

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