Yep.
Still pregnant.
New Pinterest Board-Mexican Decor
I made a new Pinterest board called Mexican Decor. Go have a browse if you're interested.
In my studio, the sewing room will be Catholic Kitsch themed--yay! I can't wait. I've been saving stuff for years. People have given me some great Mexican-themed stuff, too.
Don't buy Vanilla Gift cards
I am having a horrible time using Vanilla Gift cards. I have lodged a complaint with the Better Business Bureau ---can you guys think of anywhere else appropriate to contact?
This story is really quite boring, so save yourself the trouble and read the short version:
Vanilla Gift cards suck. In my experience, they make it nearly impossible to use them, they are denied 95% of the time at stores, or are shown as having a $0 balance. They have sneaky fees, even if they state they do not. Their expiration dates are ridiculous, because LONG before the card expires-even if you purchase nothing-you lose all the money on the card due to fees. Their customer service department basically says, "Yes, we kind of suck, but that's just how it is. Good luck getting your money back and all that."
I have the long version below, but it's too boring and irritating to read.
I received a $25.00 gift card that I have had MUCH trouble using. I have tried to use it at multiple locations to be told the card is either invalid or has no money on it.
Vanilla says the stores are scanning the cards incorrectly. However, I do make sure the store is scanning the card as a credit card, not a debit. I also make sure they use the gift card last when the total is over the amount of the card. (both suggestions from Vanilla)
In addition to this, the front of the card states an expiration date. However, in fine FINE print, they state a date many months earlier when money starts being removed (after 7th month) per month. It is ridiculous to expect someone to see an expiration date, and if they wait to use the card until shortly before th exp date, have the card emptied of money due to monthly fees.
They credited my card $10.00 to resolve fees that were being added. However, after this my card continued to be denied at stores. At a Walmart, they scanned my card, said, "This card is empty", then I had to pay the full balance for my purchase. The cashier groaned and so, "Oooooh no, not another one of these. We have soooo much trouble with them!" She had to do that long drawn out 'call the manager' thing. Don't you just love being the person who holds up the line like that? It's so inconvenient and embarrassing. Vanilla says Walmart took money off the card but it didn't show up until the next day. Since I paid the full amount out of pocket, I have no receipt or no way to dispute this.
I feel like the company makes it inordinately hard to use their card, hoping people will just give up. It in unconscienable to have people buy a gift card in good faith, then have the recipient be unable to use the card. OR have so much trouble using the card they end up spending (LITERALLY) hours on the phone trying to resolve the issue.
I've contacted the BBB. I need to find more places to lodge complaints. PLEASE do not purchase these cards. The company has unethical business practices, and they are nothing but a hassle.
Mama and Baby Hippos
Violet drew a picture of me and the baby today. She calls it "Mama and Baby Hippo". I must be overly emotional from all the pregnancy hormones swirling through my body, but I thought it was very sweet.
Here are some details in case you wondered.
Violet has only recently started drawing things that are vaguely recognizable instead of just squiggles. I think that's exciting!
At this point, I'm just sitting around with my bags packed waiting to drive to the hospital.
Here's a good girls t-shirt dress tutorial
I liked this t-shirt dress tutorial from Amanda over at I Sew, Do You?. In fact, I like her sample (orange and black) so much that I may re-create it exactly for Halloween. I think hers was in honor of her university's school colors, but it would be perfect for fall.
Amanda's tutorial is great---just follow the directions. I made everything in a little over an hour.
I was able to make the dress and bow for less than $1.00 total. Yay! Our local thrift store had a quarter sale on t shirts, so I grabbed one in pink and one in grey.
To give it a more modern look, I cut the dress longer on the sides and shorter in the front and back. I plan on her wearing this over leggings.
Amanda gives advice on using tissue backing to help you sew with knits. I didn't do that since my machine was handling the fabric OK. However, I know knits can be tricky on some machines, so give the tissue trick a try if you're machine is finicky.
For her bow, I used a simple stretch elastic band, then made a rosette of the leftover ruffled fabric. I sewed on a big pink enamel flower that was at the bottom of a garage sale bag of broken costume jewelry. Do you guys go crazy over a big bag of broken jewelry? I do--and I end up using the stuff for years.
So there---a quick, cheap, upcycled dress. Good for your wallet and the environment.
Still Pregnant
Yes, I'm still pregnant. This is starting to remind me of being pregnant with Violet. After all the trouble trying to keep her in, now it's looking like it may take a while to get her out. Nonetheless, I'm very glad to be considered full term and not have to worry about having a preemie.
We finally had our hay baled. Due to the drought, we haven't had it harvested in over a year.
I like seeing those round bales sitting in the meadow. They're so cheerful.
My mother gave two dresses she knitted and crocheted for me when I was a little girl. Violet will be able to wear them soon. I remember wearing the green dress with cowboy boots.
Ug. My poor herb pots are so dead and neglected. I look forward to being able to have pots of thriving herbs again some day. Maybe I can manage some by autumn. We'll see how things go with the new baby.
Auntie Grandma Marcia found Violet a car with appropriate people.
She loves that there are 2 car seats. Violet seems to be working a lot of things out through playing with the little girl and the new baby. Violet Doll spends a lot of time telling Baby Doll 'the way things are around here'.
If you have kids, you know how careful you have to be around them. They pick up everything you say and do. It's sometimes a little disturbing to have a little person mimicking your every action. It makes you pretty aware of your good and less-than-good habits. Apparently, I say "O-Kay" a lot.
Someone watches Daddy like a hawk. Note the yogurt shaving cream beard at breakfast this morning. Goodness.
What blogs do you LOVE?
I have a question for you guys:
What blogs do you LOVE?
I have my tried-and-true favorites, (I never miss A Fanciful Twist, Posie Gets Cozy, and No Big Dill) but I always like to check out new blogs. Especially now that I am in 'hurry up and wait for the baby' mode.
I like blogs about families, crafts, art, photography, sewing, knitting, cooking, traditions, fashion, decorating, and Halloween.
Any suggestions?
A Walk in the Spring Rain
I've been trying to finish redecorating Violet's room before the baby arrives. I decided to paint her a family portrait including the new addition.
"A Walk in the Spring Rain"
Violet loves to walk in the rain under her frog umbrella and splash through puddles.
Yes, I painted myself not-pregnant. Adam (at great danger to himself) pointed out that I am much bigger right now. I wanted to have this in Violet's room for a while, and I will only be pregnant a little while longer, so----I painted me post-pregnant.
We're all kind of cartoony and not very realistic. I wanted a loose, colorful, folk-arty-type painting.
Oh! I'm excited to get the baby carriage back out again. We restored the pram Adam's parents used for him and his brother when they were babies. I didn't get enough of it last time around.
Mother's Day Gifts
Violet made me Mother's Day gifts at her nursery school this year. They are extra dear to me because she actually made them this year, instead of just helping 'present' them. Also, it's probably our last Mother's Day with her being the only child.
Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!
