The Sewing Mom

I have to work Thanksgiving morning, but I get Christmas off, so I’ve been talking to my husband today (in between softball games) about different things we might do to take advantage of some time off. He just told me the other day that he’s taking the week off after Christmas and my daughter will be out of school, so it sounds like the perfect time for a family getaway.

Right at the top of my getaway list is Branson, Missouri. My very favorite hotel in Branson, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is offering some really amazing packages. Santa’s Coming to town package is only $189 per night and includes a delivery of presents, cookies and milk from Santa himself, right to our room! My daughter (even though she is 13) would think that was pretty cool! I’m also considering the Polar Express Package for $289 per night which includes the hotel room and (I think this is so cool!), dinner on the Polar Express! The train will begin its run on November 6 and will continue on Thursday through Sundays for throughout the holidays. Now, I have to admit, my favorite would be the It’s a Wonderful Life package (one of our favorite movies), that is all about shopping, shows and relaxation. That’s my kind of holiday!

I love the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing because it’s right in the thick of everything in Branson and has such beautiful views, particularly of the fountain. The rooms are gorgeous and comfortable and restaurants and shops (more than 100) are all available right there at Branson Landing which is in historic downtown Branson. Of course, my second choice is just right across the street at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, another beautiful hotel.

Missouri and The Ozarks are so full of things to do and what a beautiful time of year to go. There is arts and entertainment in abundance. I love seeing Andy Williams who has his own venue. He really looks and sounds good for someone who’s been singing as long as he has! If you’ve never been to The Ozarks, it’s such a beautiful area. Although the leaves will have all ready fallen by the time we go, the rolling hills and lakes are always pretty, no matter what time of year.

Have you ever been to Branson? What was your favorite thing to do?

My apologies for my absence and for not being able to reciprocate any EC drops over the last several days.

My desktop was suffering from a power supply problem and I’ve been solely utilizing my laptop since March. Unfortunately, Saturday afternoon, my laptop came under virus attack and was completely disabled. I do run anti-virus software, but nothing is 100% guaranteed, and so, my laptop was attacked, and my wallet suffered the consequences.

I was able to take both my laptop and my desktop to a local computer repair shop on Monday and they were able to recover all of my data and completely clean both machines inside and out. Turns out the my laptop contained 4 viruses, the final one being the one that disable the systems completely. I’m happy that they were able to save all my files and restore almost all of my work. I did lose things, including some music and a few programs that I will have to reload. For the most part though, I’m back.

I got both computers back this evening and now have to reload anti-virus programs and software. I’m also having a discussion with my daughter about what she can and cannot click on when on the internet or downloading programs. I understand that Facebook is a huge culprit when it comes to virus infections. Facebook itself is fine, just don’t click on any of the links you might see there.

Tomorrow I will have to work on getting my desktop reconnected to everything including the monitor and printer. For now, I’m just glad to be back online!

I did spend the last few days getting some sewing done, I’ll share photos soon.

I’ve been busy, trying to keep up with work, family, blogging, EC dropping and sewing.  I let my sewing go for a while, I just wasn’t feeling inspired, but I turned my sewing machine on again the other day and finished this project.  I had actually started this Craft Tote Bag about a month ago and just didn’t feel like finishing it.  The main reason?  I despise sewing binding!

So, I finally sucked it up and sewed the binding on.  I then finished it by adding the ribbon on the ends and attaching the handles.  I really do like the way it turned out and today, I started a second bag in a different combination of colors.  You’ll just have to wait and see, hopefully this one won’t take me so long!

This is the perfect bag for carrying a knitting or crocheting project.  It’s long enough to handle a pair of knitting needles and has a Timex inner lining for strength and support.  This bag can stand up on its own,  thanks to the Timtex interfacing.  To hold everything inside, it has a loop and button closure and, as you can see, plenty of interior pockets.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave the last couple of weeks, you must know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink is everywhere! I went in to a beauty supply shop the other day to get a can of hairspray and everything was pink, including the can of hairspray I purchased! The NFL is all decked out in pink this month, everything from their football cleats to their gloves, and even the coaches have pink trim on their hats, no matter the color of the uniforms!

It really is a great thing to bring so much attention to breast cancer. With so much attention, I sincerely hope people are realizing that there is so much we can do to catch breast cancer in its early stages when it can be treated. This is truly a case of prevention being the best medicine. However, there are still times when breast cancer can be a devastating disease and a cure still needs to be found.

Cryo-Cell International has partnered with the National Institute of Health (NIH) to explore the possibility that menstrual stem cells could be used to treat breast cancer. This would be truly amazing that such a great benefit could come from something I dread every month. In addition, Cryo-Cell is offering Cyro-Cell Breast Cancer Donation to the Susan B Komen Foundation for breast cancer research for purchases made. A $50 C’Elle Breast Cancer Donation will be made for each “Protect Baby, Protect Mom” service and $25 for each purchase of the “C’elle Menstrual Stem Cell” service.

Cryo-Cell is working hard to make a difference in breast cancer research with menstrual stem cells.

I took the weekend off from my blog to do some sewing. I pieced the top of my Haunted Hallow wall hanging and am shipping it to my sister for her to quilt for me. I was really surprised at just how quickly I was able to do this, especially because of all the little 2 inch squares that created the interior border.  I love the way it has turned out. What do you think?

The Fabric is by Jaqueline Paton and the design is by Mary Jane Carey. A free pattern can be found at Red Rooster Fabrics.