The Sewing Mom

It feels so odd, but I’m actually really enjoying the weather we’ve been having in North Texas! It’s very odd because of how long this wonderful weather has been hanging around. Pretty much the entire month of April, and, with the exception of about 5 days last week, the temperatures have been quite mild and the humidity relatively light as well. This combination has allowed us to keep the air conditioner turned off (except for those 5 days last week) and the windows open. It’s wonderful!

I was standing outside on the back patio the other day and noticed this on the wall. Today, I saw many more of these little guys around the bushes in the front yard. I’m always so happy to see them, they’re just so much fun to watch!

Oh my, I was knocked to my knees yesterday!

We had eaten dinner out on Sunday and I had a very simple grilled chicken sandwich.  Around midnight, I was sick to my stomach, unable to sleep.  I took antacids and eventually fell back asleep sitting up in bed with a cold cloth on my forehead.  I was miserable.

Got my daughter off to school in the morning and worked a short 3 1/2  hour shift for work.  Days like that I’m so thankful I work from home!

Got off work and spent the entire rest of the day laying on the couch or in the bathroom.  I never even had the stamina to take a shower, and I really didn’t care!

So glad I felt better today. 

This post brought to you by NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that the month of May is National Mobility Awareness Month?

The whole purpose of National Mobility Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the fact that in the United States and Canada, over 18  million people have mobility issues, many are veterans.  In fact, in the U.S. alone, people with disabilities make up the 2nd largest minority; that’s a staggering fact!

NMEDA, The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, is sponsor of National Mobility Awareness Month, wants to hear stories of local heroes.  These stories can be about anyone, a family member, a friend, a co-worker, anyone who is dealing with mobility challenges.  Submitted stories will be showcased by both local and national media and may be voted on by friends, family and peers.  Winners will receive one of 3 custom wheelchair accessible vehicles.

There are many manufacturers, dealers and other professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of those suffering from mobility issues.  Other sponsors include BraunAbility, Bruno Independent Living Aids, VMI//Vantage Mobility International, Toyota, Chrysler and SanTan Honda Superstore (Chandler, AZ).

Please submit a story of someone you know who deserves the opportunity to win and live an active, mobile lifestyle!

This post brought to you by iBulb. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring is my favorite time of year and one of the biggest reasons is that I truly enjoy seeing all the flowers in bloom.  When we lived in the Chicago area I had planted bulbs outside and every spring, sometimes while there was still snow on the ground, I would see those flowers pushing their way up out of the ground.  It was always a sign of hope for me after what always seemed long a very long, cold winter.

I don’t have bulbs planted in the ground here in Texas, I just haven’t gotten around to planting them.  That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy them though.  In fact, because tulips are my all time favorite flower, I’ve opted to have  potted bulbs in containers that I can have indoors this year.  I can choose to transfer the bulbs outdoors later, or I might decide to continue cultivating them in pots.  It gets so hot here and we are under watering restrictions so I’m not currently allowed to run our automatic sprinkler system.  Keeping the pots indoors helps me remember to keep them watered, thus I get to enjoy the flowers!

I also enjoy giving potted bulbs as gifts, particularly at the holidays.  I gave my mom a potted amaryllis years ago and she still has it!  I am amazed every year when it blooms, it seriously is the gift that has kept on giving.

Bulbs are so easy to take care of, once they’re in soil, you just have to remember to water once in a while (by biggest challenge!) and before you know it, you’ll have beautiful flowers for your viewing pleasure.  You can purchase bulbs anywhere from home improvement stores to grocery stores to flower shops.  Of course, my favorites are the ones that come from Skagit Valley in Washington State.  If you ever get the opportunity to visit, the Tulip Festival there takes place every spring with acres upon acres of blooming bulbs.  It is a beautiful sight to see, especially with Mt. Baker in the background.

Remember, Mother’s Day is right around the corner.  You can give potted bulbs as a gift your mom will enjoy for years!

This post brought to you by Pfister. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you are a homeowner, you know that there are times when things can feel overwhelming.  I myself am experiencing this feeling right now because we have a roof leak cause by hail damage to our roof and I am freaking out over the potential repair costs if our insurance isn’t convinced to foot the bill.  I will find out their decision hopefully on Monday, but in the mean time, I want to tell you about the connection between Pfister and Rebuilding Together.

Rebuilding Together is a non-profit organization started over 30 years ago helping low-income homeowners who are in need of major home repairs or modifications.  Pfister is a company in the business of plumbing for almost 100 years who has teamed up with Rebuilding Together to help donate $20,000 worth of Pfister faucets to homes in need all across America.

What does this have to do with you & me?  Well, as freaked out as I am about the potential cost of my roof repair, imagine how I would feel if I had lost my job, or for some other reason, couldn’t afford to pay my deductible.  The weight of that could force me to leave the leak unrepaired which could lead to even bigger problems down the road.  This is what is happening to many home owners across our country.

We can help low income homeowners by visiting and “Liking” the Pfister Facebook page or, if you don’t have Facebook, simply visit the Friends of Pfister campaign site and “opt in” to receive their newsletter.  Doing ei
ther one of these actions will result in $1 being donated to the cause.  It sure doesn’t get any easier than that!  So do one, or both, just do it!