New to Ebay

Well the strike is officially over so I am switching gears from household projects back to ebay. Hopefully the lull in listings last week will spur ebay to make some changes!

The gals at Ivylane are doing a tribute to one of our favorite dolls! And of course I couldn't resist jumping in on this launch! We have the most adorable Raggedy Ann and Andy at our house (made by our own special Mimi). They even have hand-stitched hearts that say "I love you" under their clothes. For some reason A and J have named them "Mr. Man" and "Mrs. Girl"...I have no idea why...regardless....here is my latest ebay offering! Click on the picture to take you to the auction!























And I've also listed a custom auction made to match Gymboree's TENNIS MATCH line. Again...just click the picture!























The sun is finally OUT today! Off to enjoy the afternoon...it's naptime ;)

A Small Dose

The sun was shining (finally!) at my house this morning and as I sat down with my yummy leftover Panera bagel and favorite oj (if you haven't tried the Simply Orange brand you are seriously missing out!)...I was thumbing through the March issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Imagine my surprise when I happened across page 30 titled "Mixed Greens"...a whole spread devoted to gloriously green paint shades. My eyes rested on the lower left corner of the page....hmmm....looks familiar I thought. And there is was. I was about to give myself a sound pat on the back for choosing such a hip color when I read the following. "Chartreuse....best used in SMALL doses, such as on a piece of furniture...Sherwin Williams Melange Green SW6710". Well poo....I guess the editor wouldn't approve of my liberal application on numerous walls, an entire bathroom, and an 8 foot toy cart. Hmppphhhh...still makes me happy though ;)
Also, found these super cool woven plastic baskets for A and J to use in their newly painted playroom. They are huge and were a steal at World Market for only $9.99 a piece! I bought two...one for J's dress up clothes and the other for all her accessories (a girl needs a spot for all those tiaras and magic wands!)























I also scored these super cool baskets for one of the shelves in my sewing studio! I couldn't pass up the deal at $9.99 for a set of three (one large and two small). Now I'm off to organize a few notions!

If you have been over to ebay this week...you have probably noticed things seem a bit slow. And if you haven't heard about the changes ebay has made in fees and feedback you definitely need to check it out! Ebay is proposing a substantial fee increase as well as the removal of the feedback system for buyers! Read more about their proposed changes here. Or if video is more your style...check out this video on youtube. Many sellers are boycotting selling on ebay this week. Many have moved over to Etsy to try out their hand at a different venue. And some sellers (myself included) are just sitting around scratching their heads wondering what in the world they are going to do! But for now A and J are ON STRIKE. No boutique photos at our house this week...it is all about sweatpants and messy hair. And of course a couple of projects I have up my sleeve ;) More on that to come!

It Ain't Easy....

I've had a love affair with the color green my entire life. I don't know how or when it started but there is something about the perfect hue of green that makes me amazingly happy.
















I had a polyester green track suit as a child (I was a product of the 70s)...one with snazzy white racing stripes. And later on...kelly green walking shorts. Now my obsession has spilled out of my closet and into my decorating. Nearly every room in my house has been touched by green. To not include it seems almost cruel as it has always been my true love.
















My family room has a sagey-olive, the girls' rooms are spring green, even the nursery will be christened with a "new" old avocado dresser (more on that to come...it deserves a post all unto its own!). And so this past week when I was feeling the mid-February dull drums...I turned to my true friend for help decorating my sewing studio and the girls' playroom.


















J and I headed to Sherwin Williams with my 4 foot memo board in hand. And somehow on that tiny 1x1 inch square...nestled snuggly between "gleeful" and "parakeet"...I fell in love with green again. This time my obsession was titled "melange green" and I immediately felt happy...no giddy.
















Since re-kindling my love, I have painted 4 walls in our downstairs rec room, the downstairs bathroom, a gigantic toy cubby, and a corkboard this glorious shade. I hit my fabric stash and used some fabric prints to create a memo board, mismatched curtains, new chair covers, and some pretty framed artwork. And NOW I am happy!

Spread the Love

I just love Valentine's Day. It's not the gooshy songs or romantic cards that get me. It was a gorgeous day here. Unexpectedly warm and spring-like and I loved seeing the look on the girls' faces as they ran downstairs in their pjs to see if the Valentine's Fairy had left any special surprises for them. A had a special preschool party and J and I ran some errands and enjoyed the beautiful morning weather together. Even a trip to the Dr. didn't dampen the spirit of the day (A is apparently suffering from restless leg syndrome). A bit more shopping and then we headed home to bake chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and sprinkles.



















The girls re-arranged the furniture in the family room, brought up all their baby dolls, and put a table cloth and centerpiece on the coffee table...a special welcome surprise for their Daddy. I know everyone thinks their kids are cute. But seriously. Mine are so stinkin cute I could just eat them up :) As I tucked J into bed she whispered to me, "Do you think Daddy will remember to say Happy Valentine's Day to me?" Of course he did.

I can't believe 5 years ago this little stinker was my baby...and today we went to Kindergarten round-up to hear all about her big adventures next year! We signed up for all day Kindergarten...because as A says, "Drop me off and don't come get me 'til it's dinner time!" And as much as it hurts...I'd say she is ready :) The kids had a blast today playing games. A's favorite part of the afternoon was the gigantic cookie she got on the way out the door. A and her cookies. She isn't called "The Snackster" for nothin!

I scream....You Scream...

I decided to go ahead and list one more custom auction today on ebay! When A saw this shirt at Gymboree she had to have it...and I knew just what to make to match! So I am offering this ice scream jean skirt as a CUSTOM auction size 18 month though 5T. Come check it out and then head to your local store for your own ice cream goodies to match!

The fun gals of POP!KIDS on ebay invited me to join them for their Strawberry Jam launch...of course I couldn't resist! I've got two new listings to tempt your sweet tooth! Sweet Strawberry is a 2 piece semi-custom set size 3-6. Strawberry Fields is ready to ship in a size 3/4. Click on the titles to view the auctions!

The Shawpeeng List

In her eagerness to learn...A has been making my shopping list for me. Today she was heading to the store with her Daddy to pick up a few staples for the upcoming week. I laughed til I nearly peed my pants when she proudly displayed her masterpiece. Talk about phonetic spelling at its best! She has been anxiously waiting for "Kindergarten try-outs" this week. Wednesday we'll be heading over to our neighborhood elementary school for their Kindergarten Round-up. A has been reminding me all week that she needs to hurry up and learn how to tie her shoes...I guess she's worried she won't pass the audition! I suggested she bring this list along for extra ammo. Hey...if you've got brains...flaunt 'em!
And for anyone having difficult reading the list...I've included a key :)
1. Pesto Sauce
2. Pesto Mushroom
3. Hot Dogs
4. Blueberries
5. Waffles (my personal favorite)
6. Bananas
7. Oatmeal
8. Kix
9. Syrup
10. Salsa

Eye Candy!

I love mail! Especially when it is a set of fun little gems like these! This is a little sneak peak of my new listings for this week...and of course I had to order these fabulous little clippies from my favorite clippie gal Heather of little*e*designs.

Check her out on ebay....and check back in a day or two to see my newest listings!

The Land of Sinus

I don't know why I get the urge to clean when I am sick. It is probably something I should see a therapist about. But this week while battling a sinus infection (poor J has been sick all week too)...I tackled my sewing studio. Maybe the extra junk in my head was a reminder of my overflowing fabric shelves...or maybe I just tripped too many times over all the debris on the floor. Either way it became my week's mission to purge, organize, and sort my fabric, ribbon, blankets, and other assorted notions. I still need to add some spunk and "take a Bow" style to the space. Right now it lacks any real inspiration. But it is CLEAN and I must show it off before my next project sends tiny fabric pieces hurtling into the air!

This is my fabric shelving. My newest goal...if it doesn't fit...I can't have it! After sending off yards and yards of fabric to other happy homes I have room for about 3 more yards :) Cottons prints are stacked to the far right, cotton dots next by color. Knits are on the right bookcase (I think they have overtaken my life...something else to discuss with the therapist)...denims and corduroys below.

After sending off a huge box of scraps to my "funky" friend for her fabulous decoupage jeans...I folded the rest in a two drawer cabinet. Outdated fabrics were sent to a better place where only the best of fabrics go...may they rest in peace :)













My father in law made this handy ribbon holder for me a couple of year ago. And although I have used up a lot of my ribbon stash (you would have to see the 3 dresser drawers full of bows in the girl's bathroom)...there is still plenty to display.



















And because I'm camera happy, I'll share some of my favorite spots in my studio. This is my magnetic wipe board. Right now I am gathering inspiration from A's super cute drawings. Look how cute I look in my stripworked twirl skirt!! I think she has some serious design potential!



















And my beloved pin cushions! If you haven't purchased one from April of momosclothes,
RUN to ebay and get one for yourself! Here is her about me page to tempt
you all the more!











My beloved PINK scale...won on ebay from a favorite seller (and buddy) of mine. It is kitschy cool...all that I inspire to be!



















And my antique Mason jars. I'd love to find a spot to display the rest of them. Hmmm....I have been looking for the perfect containers for my buttons. I'll have to play around with that idea.













That concludes my little sewing studio tour. If you made it this far through this post you deserve a cookie...or maybe a yard of fabric or two! I know some of you have some pretty fabulous spaces...if you have suggestions for me...throw them my way!! Back to the Land of Sinus. J asked yesterday, "WHY are the boogers staying here all day???" And while we have both felt miserable, a little organization never hurt anyone!

IVYLANE'S 2nd Birthday Bash!

Ivylane is turning 2 this month and we are celebrating by inviting some of our favorite ebay friends to our party! I paired up with Angie from that*funky*boutique. I have always been a fan of her fresh, fun style! I created the girly birthday swing top and she did the coordinating jeans! We had such a blast making this set and hope it will put a huge smile on a sweet birthday girl somewhere!

If you don't know Angie...go check her out! What a fun gal!
www.thatfunkyboutique.com
www.thatfunkyboutique.blogspot.com

Thanks Angie for working with me!