I like to pretend I know what I’m doing

I made valances for the kitchen windows (although they still need to be ironed). I was telling Andy’s mom that the stitching wouldn’t win any awards, but it was a fun project. I only get a little time here and there to work on things thanks to Mr. Benny, but I managed to finish them in a week.

I didn’t know you were supposed to back stitch to finish them though. I kind of just sewed to the edges and then cut the thread, oops. I’m used to quilting blocks where you sew the next block on top of the previous one so it kind of seals the thread down. Not so much on the valances. So I’ll have to go back over them to make sure they’d hold up, but overall not bad for a first sewing project.

Andy’s parents found another sewing machine for me that I’m excited to try out soon. I’d really love the office downstairs to be finished so I have a place to set everything up. It’s discouraging sometimes to put out a project and have to keep cleaning it up every time we need the kitchen table. I’m looking forward to having my own creative space :)

by Heather
0 comments

Bye Bye House

My mom and Paul sold their house! Well I suppose it’s technically still sale pending, but things are coming along. It was actually my grandparents house and is a cute ranch in a great neighborhood. They’re downsizing though and moving to their cottage on lake Ontario. The sister of a highschool friend of mine bought it, small world.

We visited family this weekend and probably stayed there for the last time. It’s not really sad, I didn’t grow up there or anything. I really only lived there on college breaks. It’s just weird to think about. I do remember playing there as a kid and going to grandma and grandpa’s to swim during the summer. Downstairs was fun to play hide and seek in. And I did love the big pantry, I want something like it in a future house.

I’m excited for the young couple that bought it, it’ll be a great first home! And hopefully they’ll make some awesome memories :)

by Heather
0 comments

4 months

Farmer Ben is 4 months old!

You’re rolling around all the time now and have just discovered your feet. You can’t put them in your mouth yet, but I’m sure you’ll figure that one out soon. Everything interesting goes in your mouth! You’re very interactive and like to grab and bat at things too. Diaper changes have started to turn into a wrestling match and you can’t even run away yet!

You really like watching the kitties walk around and play with each other. Jack constantly tries to groom your head and I have to fend him off.

Thankfully you’re still sleeping and eating great, we really couldn’t ask for more. We haven’t started solids yet, I think we’ll wait until 6 months for that adventure :) You weigh 14lbs 8oz (when do we stop including ounces?) and you’re in the 50th percentile for weight and height.

And what they say about “mommy brain” is apparently true. I’m losing my marbles, and I didn’t really have a ton to spare.

by Heather
0 comments

Artech

So I stumbled on Rochester Artech the other night. I’d never heard of them until that point, but the workshops and classes they offer sound really cool. Rochester Artech promotes the expression of the arts through digital media. Definitely something I’ll have to check out in the future!

by Heather
0 comments

Swag Bucks and Free Stuff

I’m in this energized couponing, deal finding, help reduce our debt (student loans and mortgage) groove. A few friends do something called Swagbucks and I always thought it was a waste of time and just one more thing to have to do during the day. Turns out it’s really not that hard and kind of fun.

More or less it’s a search engine and you can earn “swag bucks” by using it (same as you would google). Results are pretty good but I do still use google for a lot of things. I’ve found your best chances of getting bucks is when you search once in the morning, afternoon and before bed. You can type in your search around 6 times during those periods and if no bucks appear it’s best to try again later.

You can also earn bucks by entering codes that periodically appear on their site. Also by referrals where people sign up through your swagbucks.com link and any bucks they earn, you also earn. Shameless self promotion, this is my swagbucks.com link ;-) I don’t have any referrals yet, have just been earning a few bucks doing my own thing. There are also surveys and videos you can “watch” to earn bucks. I might have a video ad playing on my laptop next to me while we’re watching tv at night, just to earn a few extra.

A lot of people are far more into it than I am, I just earn a few bucks here and there whenever I think about it. This site has been really helpful in learning how to play the game and earn extra bucks.

The point is, you earn these bucks and can redeem them for prizes…the best deal for me being $5 amazon gift cards for 450 bucks. Pretty cool for not really doing anything. Little disclaimer, I’m not trying to be sneaky and get you to sign up or anything (although hey if you want to, that’s great too)…just thought I’d share :)

by Heather
0 comments

Nixie Tube Clock

I was going to wait to post this until Andy wrote all about it on his blog. I don’t think that’s going to happen for a while, so here’s the Nixie Tube clock in all its gloriousness! He can make such cool stuff!