Prepping for Halloween

The past two weeks have been very busy. I spent about a week at my friend's house caring for her brood of children (2 boys) and dogs (2 dogs). My friend and her husband had a wedding to attend in Ireland, so I took on the challenge of keeping things going on the homefront. The days went quickly because each day I had visitors or activities going on. I also got to do quite a bit of retail therapy during the daytime in the great shopping places of Atlanta. There are so many amazing places to shop in Atlanta. It's a good thing I don't live there permanently! While in Atlanta we also went to the Aquarium. For being in a large city, the Aquarium is very nice. I think I still prefer the Boston Aquarium or even better scuba diving. I will make do with what is available. After my experience, I've also confirmed my decision further about dog ownership. My Husband would love to get a dog, but I've always objected due to our on-the-go and unpredictable lifestyle. After both of us picking up poop for six days (from 2 larger sized dogs) and having to wake up extra early (even on the weekends) to take the dogs out to pee, I think the dog idea is on a back burner for awhile.

Oh how I wish I could be scuba diving--- Picture of me from Cozumel, Mexico

Ok, now on to the projects... I've been working on some scrappy napkins for "Thanksgiving". We won't be home for Thanksgiving, I decided to make some for the celebration we are hosting the night before. My parents will be visiting my sister in South Carolina and are going to stop in to see us the night before Thanksgiving. That day also just happens to be my dear hubby's birthday, so we definitely need to celebrate. I'm really excited for his birthday since he spent the last two birthdays in Iraq. Also these napkins are match the table runner and autumn banners I created previously.I used different decorative stitching as top stitching. There are four different top stitching styles that I chose. I used a nice chocolate brown cotton for the napkin backs.
The whole set of eight. I like how each one is slightly different from the next. They aren't perfect, but who will care?!
Here is a picture of the whole ensemble. The banner, table runner and napkins.
I've also been working on our costumes for Halloween. My husband and I are attending a costume party, so we wanted to have a little fun with our choices. We looking through stores and online costume catalogues, but we decided I could make the costumes 1. cheaper 2. with better quality materials that the stores offer and 3. mine would just be "cooler." So here are the costumes hanging and ready. Can you tell what super couple we are going to be? I hope you can figure it out because I'm not going to tell you what they are right now. I will post photos after we get to don them. Enjoy Halloween. Stay safe with whatever you are doing!

Diaper Bag

I continuosly find myself wondering how time can pass so quickly between my posts, but I guess having a 4-day weekend this past weekend kind of threw me off a bit. My routine goes all helter kelter when my husband is home from work when its not his "normal" time to be home. I am not complaining though because I'm very happy to have him home (opposed to Iraq or Afghanistan).

I've been working on gifts again, so the lack of projects to report on are due to that. I have been sporting my Autumn Purse and have been getting many positive comments. I really do love how it turned out. I bought some more fabrics to make some more "civilian"purses. I am anxious to get to work on them. Before I could start creating for myself, I had a to create a diaper bag ordered by a friend made out of denim. Using fabric rather than a uniform takes about the same amount of time to complete. I put some extra details on this diaper bag, so it actually took a little longer than normal. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I hope the recipient will love it as much as I do.


Along with the diaper bag there is a taggie blanket and changing pad. I was pleased to use my new sewing labels as well.

The interior fabric is construction themed. I used a mixture of 3 different interior fabrics.

Well, now I need to get this order in the mail and off to Texas!

Visiting Fall

Life has been a whirlwind since my last post. I officially got to experience a Northeastern Fall this year, so I'm feeling happy and rejuvenated. I didn't realize how much I truly enjoy fall until getting to have a taste of it again this year. There are few things more beautiful than a New York autumn full of vibrant colors. On Thursday (Oct. 1) I traveled to New York with several missions in mind. 1. Visit family 2.Visit friends 3. Shop! Now that I'm back, all of my missions have been accomplished.

I was able to visit with my grandparents and wish my grandmother a 1 day late Birthday in person and spend quality "retail therapy" time with my mom at Woodbury Commons Outlet mall (I love shopping at this outlet!). Over the weekend I traveled to my alma mater and visited friends that I haven't seen since graduation.

Country Road on the way to Hamilton College. Can you see the vibrant orange in the trees?
It can be difficult to drive and take pictures.

The drive to Hamilton was beautiful. I traveled by many farms and trees full of color. I wanted to stop many times to just take it all in.

A true sign of Fall!

There were so many changes at Hamilton. A brand new athletic facility where I once had Organic Chemistry lab, a missing road, a water feature inside a building - certain to have many pranks courtesy of campus Greeks, and an orange "red pit" that now resembles a Vera Bradley pattern gone wrong. I enjoyed seeing some of my college friends and look forward to another reunion at the end of the year before I head to Korea.

I also think friendships made in college are the lasting kind. I hadn't seen these girls in over three years and it seemed like we hadn't missed a beat. It's nice to have friends that no matter the time or distance you can just pick up where you left off.