Friday Blog Hops 10/1

Geez, is it really October??  Where has this year gone?

What better way to usher in one of my favorite months than with a few of my favorite blog hops?

Wordless Wednesday: Dinosaurs!

Awe, Shucks!

I realize I have been neglectful in saying it, so I wanted to take a quick moment to say THANKS A BUNCH!! for all of the wonderful comments I have gotten over the past few weeks!  You all ROCK!!

Another Photo Challenge...

No, I haven't abandoned National Sewing Month, or my bags.  I'm currently hand-sewing felt s'mores.  It is still sewing, it still counts.

I have been a little distracted by all of the photo challenges I've been finding lately.  I might be addicted.

Today, I'm going blue, with Trendy Treehouse's Shutter Love Tuesdays.  Here is my "Blue" entry...

I snapped this through the windshield driving down 95 one afternoon.  Summer in Florida.  Gorgeous, isn't it?

Photo Challenge Monday

I found some fun photo challenges, thanks to Ashley @ Ramblings and Photos, and I thought I'd jump on board.

First up, from a sorta fairytale, whose challenge this weeks is "snoozing."  I did a post a couple of weeks ago on this very topic, so I pulled one of those photos...

Photo Freak is looking for the best animal photos.  Last Spring, Caleb and I went to the zoo and saw this bonobo sporting some cool shades...

And finally, Barb's Photo Journal is challenging readers in her Alphabet Shoot Challenge.  This week, she is featuring the letter "D"...

"D" is for DINOSAUR!!

I will definitely be checking in with these ladies in the coming week, and looking for more photo challenges around blog-land.  So much fun!!

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge: As Promised

I promised I would have the post with pictures of my finished puppy pajamas up last night and, well, I lied.  Or rather, spoke too soon.  This is real life, afterall.  Things happen.  Give me a break, huh?

So, here they are...

They are a little longer than I had intended.  Quite alright!  Lots of growing room...

The hems are a little funky, I'll admit, but if anyone comes around with a measuring tape, they are likely to get slapped.  This is my first non-costume garment I have made, afterall (besided the pirate pjs, of course).

I think he likes them, and that is all that really matters!

This was a blast!  I'm so glad I took part this week.  I'm looking forward to the next sewing challenge!

Did you participate in KCWC?  I'd love to see what you made!

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge: DONE!!

Puppy Pajamas are finally finished!  Hallelujah!

You'll have to wait until tomorrow for pics, as my little model passed out trying to watch a movie after dinner.

They turned out pretty good.  Not perfect by any means, but I made them and I know Caleb won't care if the legs are slighty differing lengths.

In other news...

I started a new job today!! And I am exhausted!  'Night, guys!

Weekend Giveaway! Attend Vera Bradley's Be Colorful Experience

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be given the opportunity send to two Snips and Snails and Tales readers to A Colorful Day: The Vera Bradley Expericene, being held at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, FL on October 6-7, 2010.

Attendees to the event can participate in a live Q and A session with co–founders, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, see the inspiration behind seasonal trends with our designers, enjoy special shopping, receive exclusive gifts, enjoy a sneak peek at the Spring 2011 collection, enter to win A Year of Color from Vera Bradley, and more!  One lucky guest will be selected to model in a Vera Bradley photoshoot!

The two winners will be selected via Random.org, to receive a ticket to the event, which includes dinner on Wednesday, October 6, and breakfast and lunch on Thursday, October 7.  (Please note that transportation and lodging are not included.) 

To win (leave a separate comment for each entry):

• Required entry:  You must follow Snips and Snails and Tales via Google Friend Connect.
• Additional entries:
• Like Vera Bradley on Facebook.
• Follow Vera Bradley on Twitter.
• Share or post about this giveaway on Facebook.  (Please link back to @Snips and Snails and Tales in your post)
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter.  (Please include @SnipsSnailTales in your post, and include a link to your tweet in your comment.)

This will be a quick giveaway!  Winners will be drawn 11:59 PM EST on Monday, September 27.  Good Luck!!

They don't call me Queen Goober for nothing!

My ex-hubby cristened me Queen Goober at some point in our relationship.  I don't remember the specifics, but I do know that I can't argue with it.  Classic example...

While I was standing in line at the fabric counter to get Caleb's pj fabric, I noticed one of my favorite bloggers walking through. She has an absolutely beautiful blog, and makes the most amazing things. I stole a peek at the treasures in her cart (including her adorable young'un) and I can only imagine the works of art they will become. Hopefully, she will be sharing.


Of course, I didn't say anything. I wanted to, don't get me wrong. I would have loved to have introduced myself, and let her know how inspiring I find her blog to be. Instead, I tried to blend into the counter. I can't explain why, but I am mortified when it comes to talking to people I don't know. Heck, even people I do know. I can't even begin to guess at what I have missed out on in my life because I couldn't speak up. I think that is the one thing I would ask of a magic genie, an end to my often crippling shyness. If I could have that wish granted, I wouldn't need the other two wishes.


Katy, it would have been great to meet you today. I truly love reading your blog. Next time, I'll at least say hi!  And I will try not to embarass myself too much.  I can't promise too much...  I am Queen Goober, after all.

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge: Progress Has Been Made!

Yep, puppy pajamas have been started!  Not that today was uneventful (turns out fabric won't jump into the washing machine and turn it on by itself... how lazy is that?), but I did get started.

I stopped by Joann this morning, and thankfully, the fabric I needed was still there.  Yay!  Of course, I didn't toss it into the washer until Caleb was in bed, but I did go ahead and get half of the pieces cut from the initial yard I bought.  Since cutting the fabric is the part I dread the most, I count it as serious progress.

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge: Still Stumbling Along...

So, I went and got the right pattern (I triple checked myself!) and grabbed some elastic.  All set to start on Caleb's pjs.  Get home, wrestle with those flimsy pattern pieces to figure out what's what.  I still don't know why there were 3 separate pieces, identical as far as I could tell, to make sleeves...  luckily I'm not doing a shirt this time.  Ugh!

Anyways, I get all of the pieces I need cut out, ready to lay out on the fabric and cut.  Only, I don't have enough fabric.  Come on!  How can two patterns, that make the exact same size of the exact same item, use totally different amounts of fabric?  I know, I had the wrong size pattern at first, but I bought the fabric based on the correct size.  Yeah, I'm paying the price for putting this off for so long. 

So, you can find me at Joann again today.  I hope they still have the fabric.  Don't laugh, it usually happens that way.

However, I did get to finish the pirate pjs for my nephew.  You'll have to wait until December to see them in action.

The fabric is really cute.  I'll be making pjs for Caleb from it, as well.  Maybe some other stuff, too.

So two days into the Kids' Clothing Week Challenge have not been a total loss.  Hopefully, there won't be too many other issues in the way of my finishing what I set out to do.  Fingers are crossed!

Wordless Wednesday: Purple Berries

Surprise Me!! Secret Santa Gift Exchange... I'm in!!

I believe I have mentioned my newfound love of swaps.  In person, as well as online.  And who doesn't love surprises?  I know I do. 

Well, luckily for me (and you, too!), the girls over at Survey Junkie and Simply Stacie have organized a Suprise Me! Secret Santa Gift Exchange!



Here's the lowdown (from Simply Stacie):

Surprise Me! Secret Santa Gift Exchange is a gift exchange/swap for bloggers. Each participating blog will be a Secret Santa & also receive a gift from a Secret Santa. There are No Sponsors for this event, it’s just like one big office party. After you receive your gift you can tell everyone all about it on your blog.


$15 gift(s) + shipping = $20.00

Each Secret Santa will spend $15 on their gift. This can be one item or multiple items that total $15. We want everyone to enjoy the swap and their gift so we have added category choices for you to choose from on the sign up. This way it helps the Secret Santa have an idea of what you like and so that everyone enjoys their gifts.

Sign up will be open for 2 weeks and will end on Wednesday October 6th.

If you are interested in participating in the Secret Santa Gift Exchange simply fill out the form and we will add you to the list.


After you sign up snag the button and let your readers know that you are participating & that they can too! After sign up closes we will notify everyone by email to let you know :

Who to ship to
What gift idea they like

When to ship by

Where to ship gift to..

We will email you updates, shipping deadlines and all other information needed after the list is closed.

No one will know who is who’s Secret Santa is so shhh…it’s top secret

I can't wait!!



Participating blogs will be listed on Simply Stacie and Survey Junkie.

National Sewing Month: S'mores!

I know what you are thinking, what do s'mores have to do with sewing?  Well, these are not like any s'mores you have ever seen.

Those s'mores, my friends, are made of felt.  They look good enough to eat, huh?

My mommies' group is having a playfood swap soon.  I know, Caleb is not really the playfood type, but I have seen so many cute items, I just had to jump in.  I was looking for ideas and came across a few I really liked...

Source

I will be making these peas.  They are just too cute!

Source

 This juice pouch is cute, too.  And unique.

But I wanted to go all out for my first attempt, and actually design my own.  I hadn't seen any s'mores (although I just searched specifically for s'mores, and found some), so I sat down with some felt and, voila!

 Now, if you will excuse me, I have the strangest craving for s'mores.

Sharing on We Did It Wednesday & Hoo's Got Talent & Show Off Your Stuff Party!

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge: Stumbling Blocks

I. Hate. Sewing Patterns.  They are confusing, impracticle, and I seem to be incapable of getting the correct one.

This past weekend, I stopped at Joann to get a new pattern for Caleb's pajamas.  Being me, I didn't read the ad right, and ended up paying almost $9, rather than the $2 I was intending to pay.  Being coupon bonanza time, and time for crafters to start making their holiday stuff, the store was packed.  Caleb had been quite patient thus far, and I wasn't going to push it by making him wait in line again.  So, I left with the intent of coming back while he was in school to exchange the pattern.  Well, things happening as they will, he still had to come with me on Monday, but, thanks to the bribe promise of a trip to the pet store and the possibility of a new fish, he was again very patient.

So, I get home and start unfolding the pattern, only to find I got the wrong size.  Grrr....  Okay, fine.  Nothing I can do about it now.  I'll keep it, make myself some pjs as well, some day.  It is too late to go get a new pattern, so I'll just make the largest size of what I had gotten a while back.  According to the package, it goes up to a 6, so it'll still fit.  I'll just have to make more in a few months.  No biggie.  Except, wait, this one only goes up to a size 3T.  Brilliant!  Apparently this refusal to read has been going on for a while now, as I only bought this pattern last winter... long after we passed the 3T stage.  Grrr, again!  Fine, I'll make my nephew some pjs for Christmas.  I'm thinking this will be another hand-made Christmas anyways.  No problem.

Unfortunately, Caleb has no pjs that fit right now, or pants for that matter, so I can't make my own pattern.  I'll just have to run to Joann tomorrow for the right pattern.  Which I will read this time.  I'm just glad I realized the problem before I cut into Caleb's self-chosen fabric.

Surprise!  Puppies...

Not wanting to completely waste the first day of KCWC, I decided to grab some fabric I bought on clearance last year and get started on my nephew's pajamas.

  Almost finished them, too.  I just need some elastic.  One day, I'll learn to read the pattern packages, and I'll know I need stuff like elastic, which I should have known anyways.  Life will be so much easier then.

Blog Hops! 9/20-9/26

Welcome to my new readers!  Don't forget to follow me, and be sure to leave a comment and I will follow you back.

  
 


  

Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

This 'ere be one o' me favorite days!  Find all ye information regard'n the celebration and how ye be talkin' like a pirate here: http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

How will ye be celebrating?

Aarrgh!!

Writer's Workshop: Cast of Characters

I would like to introduce you to the main cast of characters for the Snips and Snails and Tales family. 

First of all, there is me...

My name is Amanda, Mandy to my family and closest friends.  I can honestly say that I am not sure why, but I have never been called Mandy at school or work.  Anyways, I'm 33 years old, and I have lived in Florida my entire life.  I graduated from an arts high school, majoring in visual arts, with a concentration in photography.  I spent 9 years getting my Associates in nothing, and recently started (and am now on hiatis from) working towards a degree in crime scene technology.  Just something I have always been interested in.  I still love photography (and art in general), and I am a fairly newbie to sewing and crafting.  I love creating, and I cannot imagine not being in the process of learning something at any given time. 

This is Caleb, the apple of my eye...

He is 5 years old, and just started kindergarden last month.  He is the absolute greatest kid I have ever met.  He is hilarious, creative, smart as a whip.  He loves to make up stories and draw pictures to illustrate those stories.  He loves puppies, dinosaurs, dragons, sharks, penguins and squirrels.  When he grows up, he wants to be a "Rock Star Monkey."  He also says he wants to get married, so his wife can have a baby.  How sweet is that? 

And to complete the family, even though I haven't mentioned him much, here is the ex-hubs...

(the taller one)

Caleb's dad (Kent) and I met while playing a game on Yahoo! (Literati, I believe.)  We dated long distance (he in South Carolina, I in Florida) for about a year before he moved down here.  We married a year or so later, shortly after we found out that Caleb was on his way.  We separated after about 8 months, and divorced after 3 years of trying to get it together and not succeeding.  We are much better friends than we were spouses, and I am very happy that we have stayed friends.  Kent now lives in Georgia with his older son and his mom.

There are a few other players that may come into the stage in the future, but for now this is our little family.  It is far from perfect, but I wouldn't change a thing about it for the world.  Thanks for taking a moment to learn a little about us.  And thanks for joining us on our adventure into the unknown.

Kids' Clothes Week Challenge

I finally got the next bag done from Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs, and I will post the pictures later.  There was no real reason it took so long, beyond laziness.  Actually that is not totally true.  I had 2 interviews this week (yeah!) so I got to bed early a few nights.  I was just lazy the other nights.

I am taking a week off of the bags to participate in the Kids' Clothing Week Challenge from Elise Marley.  I bought some fleece  last year, when the fleece went on sale, to make Caleb some pajamas.  He has been reminding me at least once a week since about his "puppy pajamas."  (Have I mentioned that the boy loves puppies?)  I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to get that done.  I'll keep you updated on my progress. 

I'm so excited!!

Wordless Wednesday: For Real, This Time

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Naptime

I noticed earlier that I take an awful lot of pictures of Caleb when he is sleeping.  I'm thinking it is because those are the few times that he is sitting still so I can get a picture.  (I've also been playing with Picnik...)

And those are just the past year!

(Linking up to The Shopping Mama's Wordless Wednesday)