A Much Needed Break

(dresdens)

(baby binding)
 

My baby is a month old. How on earth? Why does a month in pregnancy seem to literally take an eternity but once the baby is here life seem to flash forward? My husband's out of town on business and he called me this morning to tell me he had a dream we had a FIFTH boy! Oi!

Because he is out of town, I got a baby sitter last night and got away with a long time friend, Kristin, and we spent the evening quilting. Kristin helps runs the Utah County Modern Quilt Guild of which I am a member.  If your local, and want to join a "quilt group" the UCMQG is fantastic and so worth it.

I didn't realize until I was sitting there sewing away on my machine how desperate I was of a much needed break, doing something I love, without the distractions of husband and kids. (Of, course I had cute little Andrew, but he just slept and was easy peasy!) It was great to just visit and work on a few projects.

Leaving my house last night I was highly ambitious on what I would get done. Ha, Ha. I thought I'd work on some 30's granny squares, put a binding on my baby's quilt and make a dent in my Dresdens. Double Ha, Ha. I got 2 out of 3 accomplished and I felt leaving so energized, I resolved to steal bit of time each day (realistic, no?)  and do something "quilty". I am sure some days it just won't be in the cards, but sometimes is better than never. Right?


Happy Friday!

New Design, Still Me!

Happy Friday, Everyone!! Notice anything different? French Knots just got a beautiful redesign by the amazing and talented Sharon of Redbud Designs.

I think it all began when I was pregnant last fall, I was craving a new, fun, fresh look for French Knots. But with a new baby, I had other more pressing matters on my mind. At the begining of the year, I started asking fellow bloggers for recommendations for blog designers, Amy recommended Redbud Designs and that was the best decision of ever made.

Sharon was wonderful to work with. She is creative, thoughtful and patient. She is very busy (with two little ones of her own) but I always felt like I had her full creative attention!!

Take a look around. Up at the Menu bar you can scroll through and see my Quilts, Munchie Posts and something NEW Embroidery. I hope to showcase more of my embroidery talents and adventures.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think? Don't you love it? French Knots is my little space where I share my passions: Family, Quilts, Crafts and Food. Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

La Caille Giveaway ~ Mid Week Munchies

*** This giveaway is now closed. Thank you.***

Happy February!! After Christmas and the whirlwind that is, I like tothink of January as a nice break  from all the hullabaloo. Here in Utah, January is full of snowy days, freezing temps and constant winter gear. That is why I love February! Right smack in the middle of winter you have this fantastic holiday where everyone say "I Love You!"  Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday (yes, more than Christmas) so why not celebrate Valentine's Day properly and have a GiVeAwAy!!

I am giving away {2} $25.00 gift certificates to La Caille.

Whether you want to take your sweetheart out for a romantic dinner or get some dessert with girlfriends or even give your GC as a gift. This is one giveaway you won't want to pass up.

I am insane over La Caille. It is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Utah. Located in Salt Lake City, situated on 22 acres La Caille's french grounds and chateau is an experience. The food is delicous and the desserts are to die for, can I just recommend when you go the Beignet Francaise

Details:

2 Lucky Winners, selected at Random.org, will each win a $25.00 gift certificate to La Caille. All you have to do is comment, on this post, telling me your plans for Valentine's Day. Giveaway Ends 2/9/11 @midnight.

Additional Entries:

• Tweet about this Giveaway, include me @artshoppeutah in your tweet {1 extra}
• Facebook this Giveaway {1 extra}
• Become a follower or are a follower {3 extra!}

*make sure and leave separate comments telling all about it*

Good Luck and Happy Valentine's Day
*La Caille has not sponsored this giveaway and has not dontated these gift certificates.

Back in the Swing!

Arrive home late last night after a fantastic week in Tahoe. (I will fill you in all the details on my Field Trip Friday post!) First thing this morning I went out to my garden. It was brimming with delicious summer veggies: peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini! What a wonderful welcome back present. What's growing in your garden right now?

Hello Friends!

Hi Everyone, I'm back. I went on a nice week long trip to California (with the boys) to see my sister and her kids. Relaxed by their pool, got burned at the beach and enjoyed yummy Oxnard strawberries. Since getting home I am trying to get back into blogging, catching up with my other sister who moved around the corner from me and house mommy mode.

On our trip home we rented High School Musical 3 (HSM3) for the kiddos to watch in the car. Once home I sat down and watched it ~ (much too dangerous while driving!). It was a very cute and I loved the music. Most importantly it got me thinking about how much I love musicals ~ they are my favorite type of movie! So I thought I need to make a top 10 of my favorite musicals.

10. HSM 3

9. Phantom of the Opera

8. Wicked ~ never seen it but

I read the book and I know it would be on the list!

7. Guys and Dolls

6. Les Miserable

5. Grease

4. The Wizard of Oz

3. Moulin Rouge

2. My Fair Lady

1. Camelot

What is your favorite Musical?

My Baby is turning Four!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!! Four years old is a big deal. Thanks Kimberly for taking such great shots of him. You really captured his free spirit. A funny thing happened on the way home from the photo shoot: he got a buzz!

Birthday Coupons

ONLY 6 more days til' my Birthday!

City of Roses

I am originally from Portland, Oregon and when I tell people that they say: "Oh, Oregon is so green and beautiful! But what most people don't know is; Portland is famous for its Roses. The first two weeks in June the city celebrates the Portland Rose Festival. The Rose Festival is celebrating 102 years and still going strong with fun activities like: dragon races, waterfront carnival, queen coronation, Grand Flora Parade, and of course Rose Competitions.

So, being the Rose Girl that I am...on our walk yesterday I noticed the rental house at the end of the street (which is unoccupied) has all their gorgeous roses in bloom. On our way home I picked a few and now have a little something to remind of Rose Festival week.

A little about me

Since I am turning 30 in just under 10 days I thought I would share alittle about me. Somethings are note worthy, some quirky and some are just down right me! I have dreamy friends who could complete this list faster and probably easier than I could but, here we go:

Favorite "thingy": STRAWBERRIES
Favorite shape: heart
Favorite color: PINK
In high school I was a three time State Champion in Track and Field. Because of that I got a full ride scholarship to run for Vanderbilt University in college.
Favorite food: my Mom's tacos (my record is 6)
Favorite painter: Jan Van Eyck

Favorite book: Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing (because it reminds me of Jeanelle and college)
Favorite holiday: St. Valentine's Day!
A dreamy afternoon to myself would be: an ice cold glass of milk, my Mother's german chocolate cake and a really inspiring book.
I hate small talk and find silence can be extremely awkward if not with close friends.
I don't like salt water, pudding, yogurt, dark chocolate, carbonated anything (yuck) or rodents.
I had my second son naturally without any drugs.
Favorite singer: Karen Carpenter

I love to quilt and design my own patterns. I started 8 years ago when I was engaged and wanted to make my own wedding quilt. Since then, I have learned what a cutting mat and a rotary cutter are and how to how do a bias binding and have been taught applique from one of the best.

I love my family: my boys and husband. They are the light in my life.

It's the Final Countdown!

It is Official: I am counting down to my 30th Birthday!

11 days to go: 6-11-2009

Harry and the Hendersons

Remember this movie? I actually remember going to see Harry and the Hendersons at the theater with my family. On Saturday, Adam and I went out on a date to see the new Startrek movie and thought the boys needed something On-Demand to watch with babysitter.

Needless to say it made quite the impression on my 7 year old! We watched it all over again on Sunday. My boys loved it and were anxious to give away all the best parts.

Darcy

My husband sent me this email, someone at his work came up with this idea and took it alittle too far! So, for all the men out there that feel inferior to Mr. Darcy here is a shirt for you.

And yes, my husband will not humor me or lower himself and watch any of Jane Austin's films. So sad, if he only knew how far it could get him in the end!

Oldie but a Goodie

Over the weekend I watched this movie, UNTAMED HEART, although this wasn't my first time watching it, I was a little fuzzy on the details. My husband remembered more of the story then I did because he yelled out: "Baboon Heart" and that helped trigger more of the story line.

This movie was really cute...I thought very comparable to Twilight. Sweet sensitive guy secretly loves lonely awkward girl and she realizes he is the one for her after he saves her from some very scary thugs. Since watching the movie I haven't stopped thinking about it and its sweet message: Just love the person your with, As they are.

I am going to work on this with the people I love in my life.

Bonnie

This week is the Second Anniversary of my husband's mother passing away. When we were going through her things we found so many photo's my husband never knew existed. It was really enjoyable to reminiscence and see pictures of her, my husband's dad, and himself growing up.
Bonnie was the oldest of five children and the only girl. I just love this photo of her. She was a beautiful child and a beautiful lady.

Novelty Candy

Last weekend, we were out shopping in Salt Lake trying to find a sectional for our basement. Finding a sectional is so frustrating, there are so many factors that come into play. We have to turn a corner and it has to comfortable, big enough blah, blah, blah! I won't bore you with the rest, knowing my husband and I we will still be searching for a sectional this time next year.

So, while shopping we decided to recharge ourselves and the kids with a little sugar. We stopped into a Novelty Candy Store and let the kids pick a treat. My seven year old went crazy over these Army Gummies:

We really did have a lot of fun playing with "Bazooka Bob" and "Rifleman Rich". These treats remind me of the 70's t.v. show M*A*S*H!

Every heard of this Candy? Not me, but my husband informed me I had not really lived until I had tried Razzles. Who knew "First it's Candy...then it's Gum". My three year old loved them.

"P" Ring

I bought this sweet ring last fall, wore it a few times and then tucked it away in my jewlery box. About a week ago I dug it out and started wearing it again..since then I have gotten so many compliments. The compliments always make my day and so does the ring. Adam took this photo, I wish we had a beyond fantastic camera....I would have the best photos curtesy of him.

Valentine Shoes

I treated myself to an early Valentine Gift!!!

A Sweet Valentine

My husband knows how much I love Valentine's Day and after my grandmother's death, in Boise, we went to an antique store. While in the store he secretly bought me this sweet gift.

This Valentine only gets better....this hand written (in pencil) message was on the back! message: Can you guess?

Go out there and find, make, create or buy that special love a one-of-a-kind valentine.

Sisterly Joke

I have a running joke with my sister about how I can't take a decent snapshot. It's true. Professional photos - pretty decent but, boy do I have some doosies from the old Motorola. I just get caught in the most unflattering moments. Some of the photos are painfully funny to snicker over and other you just feel sorry for me. Last weekend didn't disappoint...another photo to toss in my horrendously large stack. This one is for you Tina!

The Purse

I think that there are three types of Purse People.

1) The first type of purse person is: Functional Purse: Someone who considers a purse totally functional. It serves a purpose, it holds money, stamps, keys, sunglasses etc. When they have kids they may even use a diaper bag instead - total functionality.
2) The second type of purse person is: Anti Purse: Someone who hates purses, maybe they prefer a wallet attached to a chain that fits in their back pocket or they just use their back pocket to hold necessary items. This person thinks purses are not for them.
3) The third type of purse person is: Purse Lover: Someone who LOVES purses and they have many. A different purse for different needs, or outfits, or social engagements. They may even considered a purse an mandatory accessory.

What is funny about my purse theory is I have run the gamut of all three purse people. I started out as the Anti Purse - I dare say I hated purses....what was the point? I bought a old post office letter pouch that was 6 inch by 4 inches that I kept things in. My mom finally took it from me saying I was going to ruin the pouch and I needed to buy a purse.From there I stumbled through a few wallets here and there. Holding up lines everywhere I went trying to find necessary items. About ten years later I actually bought a purse. For $2.00 at Down East Home with my niece who subtle urged my that I probably needed it. See Below:

But.... Last week I went

to Anthropologie (my favorite store) and Adam saunters over twirling a purse on his own wrist trying to entice me. Now, I have to admit I am just starting the Purse Lover stage, but I am enraptured with this one. It is big and bulky and holds all my fun stuff - camera, gum, sunglasses and wallet. I love the colors and embroidery and the leather handle is soft and smooth. When Adam hands me the purse he says: "Please buy this! Look it is on sale" (which he knows is a dead ringer) I thought to myself....I have been eyeing alot of purses lately that I would just love to have, it is from my favorite store and on sale. Maybe I need to embrace my new love of purses and grow-up and be a Mom with a purse that can hold everything she needs. We'll needless to say.... that purse has a happy home.