Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Book Cover Tutorial

I have a small Bible that I keep in my purse most of the time. It has also become my main Bible that I use. The poor little cover has seen it's better days . . .



I kept wanting to sew a book cover for it and never seemed to get around to it. Today was the day! I finally buckled down and made one after finding this tutorial. It was very easy except my first go I made it too small. So I opened up the seams and re - stitched it, this time sewing closer to the edge of the fabric. Also, don't round your corners. I thought I needed to for some reason but as you can see, my book has square corners! 


Finished product! (not a HUGE fan of the pink, but I have an excessive amount of pink fabric from a shower and am trying to get rid of it.)

I hot glued the buttons on but if you want to ensure they REALLY stay, you could sew them.





I added a little lace elastic loop on the back cover. I hot glued it. I may stitch over it to ensure it stays! 


So there you have it :)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

long time no see . . . and Texas

I know it's been awhile! I apologize! I feel like I'm being stretched thin and oddly enough, I kinda like it! I like feeling busy (most of the time) - I tend to get more done when I have a full to do list. 

We just returned from a 5 day trip to Texas to visit my parents. AND here's the "cat out of the bag" - to look at housing, jobs and the general living of Texas. Yes, we are considering a move to Dallas, Texas in the near future. The main reason that draws us to Dallas is my parents, of course. Had they not moved there, I don't think I would ever consider Texas a possible place to live. But more than my parents, we found an amazing church that we connect with. A church that is where we are at and where we want to go spiritually.

When we tell people about this grand move, I know many think we are crazy. Why would Durrell leave his great job? Why would we sell our darling house that we just finished renovating?? Why would we leave family and friends behind?

and my questions is WHY NOT?


Durrell and I feel that life is too short to stay comfortable. Don't get me wrong - the thought of picking up everything and moving freaks me out at times! But when I think about staying where I'm at the rest of my life (location, job, spiritually etc.), I feel a restlessness well up inside me. I know some people can live in the same place and do the same thing all of their life - and there is nothing wrong with that! I guess Durrell and I are wired differently. 

And so, the adventure begins :) I'm so thankful that I have an amazing husband to walk with along this journey. Being married to my best friend makes life feel not so huge and scary. We're taking a day at a time, seeking God's direction for which path to take next. We know that if we don't do it, we'll always look back and say "what if".


So . . . a cute little house in New Holland will be up for sale come the beginning of the year or spring! :) Pass along the word :)

-A

Sunday, October 2, 2011

DIY - shortening pants

2 posts in 1 day!!! WOW!!

I was browsing blog land when I came across a tutorial on how to shorten pants. I always seem to have a problem finding jeans that are the right length for me. I had a pair of jeans shortened as a teenager and they looked so dorky so I just deal with the length by rolling them up.

And then I found this blog!!

I tried it this after noon with a pair of jeans and they turned out a w e s o m e!!! You can't even tell they are shortened!

Kinda ridiculous how excited I am about this. A problem I've had for the past 10 years is solved!! :)

homemade granola

As I promised awhile ago, here is the homemade granola recipe I use :






Homemade Granola
Mix together in large bowl:

8 cups rolled oats
3 cups unsweetened coconut
(I don't add coconut - instead I add pecans or walnuts and more almonds)
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup olive oil
1 cup honey
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix well and spread evenly onto baking sheets.
Bake 30min @ 315 degrees





Saturday, October 1, 2011

busy-ness . . .

I am still alive. Besides working 4 days a week, my time is consumed with random busy work. Cleaning, cooking, Miss Lyss Designs, planning for our upcoming Texas trip . . . I have little inspiration for blogging lately.


But I'm still here :)