Hooray, my way! One-Per-Month Challenge

Here are my January results for the one-per-month challenge hosted by Chaletgirl's blog. Chaletgirl presented a challenge for us crafters who love to buy the beautiful craft books out there in the world. She challenged her readers to choose one project from a craft book which you already own, and make a craft from the book. I love craft books, and I love the idea. So, I willingly accepted the challenge.

My first project came from the fabulous book Applique, Your Way by Kayte Terry. I blogged about the book and the Hooray banner I chose. Well, my friends, the result is shown above. Let me start by saying I loved doing this project. My kids' birthdays are both in February, so I love that I can use my finished product to make their celebrations a little brighter. I'm hoping it may become a family tradition to hang a banner to honor our family's achievements.

Like any self-respecting crafter, I am critical of my results. If I were to do it again, I would definitely cut the felt letters from a felt color that contrasts more with the background fabric. Ahh, live and learn.

I'm itching to make two new banners, one with my daughter's name on it and one with my son's name on it. Of course, I will learn from my mistakes and make the felt contrast more with the background fabric so their names really pop.

I'm really excited to pick a new project for February. I'll be scouring my books and blog soon about my choice for February. I love the one-per-month challenge. Thanks, Chaletgirl! You are helping to sustain my craft book habit!

A Gift for Sweet Christine

You know the friend. She's the one you call in desperation the night before your son's basketball game. You've finally realized that 1. you can't go to the game 2. you can't drive your son to the game 3. you can't drive your son home from the game. The conversation with Christine goes something like this..."Hi, Christine, I just realized we can't take R to his basketball game tomorrow. Can we drop him off in the morning, like early, and maybe give you a call sometime in the afternoon when we are done with this social commitment?" The answer from Christine is always the same..."of course, don't worry about it" Well, Christine, here is a very tiny token of appreciation for always saying yes.

I sewed up this set of 12 cloth napkins. I hope you will enjoy them. Maybe you will use them for every day like we do. They feel really soft compared to paper napkins. I just toss them in with my laundry. I never iron them. That takes too long. Thanks for all you do. And please call me in desperation once in a while. I won't feel like such a disorganized mom!

One Per Month Challenge

Chaletgirl suggested the great idea of trying one new craft project from a craft book that you already own. She also recommended trying one new recipe a month from a cookbook that you have on your shelf. You can read about her challenge here:

http://www.chaletgirl.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/one-per-month-challenge/

I love the idea of trying one new project per month. I love buying craft books with all of their delicious ideas. So, here is what I am going to try this January. I am getting a late start, although I would love to complete the project this month.

I love the idea of the banner, because it is useful. Both of my kids have birthdays in February, so I'm hoping I'll have it done in time for that. I envision using the banner to help celebrate family milestones like a win in basketball, a successful drama performance, a debate victory, a work accomplishment etc., etc.

I'll post later this month to show the finished result.

Project 52: Date Night #2

We're batting 2 for 2 in 2010. G and I had our second date night on Saturday 1/9/10. We started out by going to scope out The Yellow House in Roswell, Georgia. We are having a dinner party next year this time. I think the venue will work perfectly. The Yellow House has a tin ceiling and big square tables with 8 chairs around them. A perfect setting for our out of town guests. Best of all, you can order a menu from Swallow in the Hollow or Greenwood's on Green. They both have delicious "Southern" food that will be a fun way for our friends to celebrate the weekend.

After checking out the Yellow House, we ate dinner next door at Swallow in the Hollow. http://theswallowatthehollow.com/ Yummy baby back ribs, fried green tomatoes and the best banana pudding for dessert. I'm not even a big fan of banana pudding, but it has bits of home-baked chocolate chip cookie in it. It is soooooo delicious.

Finally, we went to a cantorial concert at our synagogue. The cantor sang traditional show tunes. There was a duet with him and a friend of mine. It was beautiful. Besides about 10 phone calls interrupting our date (from our little guy), the night was wonderful.

G has to work this Saturday night, so we will have to miss our date night this week. I'm looking forward to getting back on board the following Saturday, 1/23/10.

Freezing in Georgia!

First Date Night

Tonight was #1 of Project 52: Date Nights

My sweet husband and I signed a pledge to have a date night each week this year. Tonight was our first date, and it was a success!

First, we had a lovely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Then, we saw the movie Up In the Air with George Clooney. It was really good. George is really nice to look at too! We had a really good talk about the movie on the way home.

It was really great to have a few hours alone with my honey, and I am looking forward to a year full of dates!

A Year of Dates!

My husband and I are participating in this brilliant project. It will be wonderful during our 17th (yikes) year of marriage!!!

http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/12/project-52-date-nights/

Check it out! Maybe you and your special someone want to participate!