No emails!

Grrr...I am not getting any emails from my main account. Just in case you haven't heard from me you know what's wrong. Usually it happens with yahoo but this is the first time with this email which is not good because I use this one mostly for business. I have reported it and waiting for a response. I tried sending a couple of emails from my other email accounts and I didn't get them. I am sort of at a loss right now and you don't realize it until something like this happens how dependent you are on your computer! It is the same thing with cellphones--if I forgot mine at home I get agitated (just a little!).

Just added a new messenger and wristlet in a beautiful Japanese floral which I named Harmony.

I guess I can sign off and finish sewing a bag I started last night. Have a relaxing day!

Three Little Bunnies

Whew! I can finally catch my breath and sit down and post something. I have been busy prepping my room for painting and I still have to choose the paint color. Maybe this weekend I can swing by Lowe's or Home Depot.

I haven't had a chance to introduce our cute three little bunnies. I have always loved rabbits even before I knew I was born the Year of the Rabbit. Check your sign here. I like the description from the Chinese Restaurant's placemat the best where it says--Luckiest of all signs..... I have always wanted a pet rabbit since I was in second grade when I saw my friend's rabbit but alas I never got one so when my daughter wanted a pet there was no question about which one.

This is (left to right) Bella, Pumpkin and Miko. They are all dwarf rabbits and stay inside the house (they are litter trained). Bella and Pumpkin are Lionheads and Miko is a Holland Lop .

They get to spend a few hours a day outside. It is so much fun watching them--you never know what they will do!

Give me a little kissie Mikkie Boo!!

The dark bunny is Precious our first bunny but she passed away last September. We miss her a lot. She was more like a dog--she used to come running when you whistle and do a binky ( jump and twist in midair).

Until next time.

Christmas in July

I have been checking out my product inventory these past few days. Well I have a lot of Erika wristlets made especially this print Mod Island. I should take another picture as this one doesn't really do the print justice. I decided to give one to the first one who claims it here. Good luck!

Bedroom Redo

I have finally added my newest style, Joan, convertible messenger bag. I have also added some wristlets and will be adding more.

Finally my room and my daughter's are finally done! The wood floors are in and we are ready to paint and decorate. I have decided to do mine first. I have been so busy since Babycakes Boutique opened a year ago that I haven't gotten around to doing stuff for myself.

This is where my old closet was and I kept a little portion of it as an additional what else?? Fabric closet! To the right is the door to my studio, across it is my bed. To the left of the wall and further back is my new walk in closet. I haven't decided what color to paint my room yet but it would be lighter or the same than that of the studio.

I have always used white or light sheets but I am ready for some color. This would be my color palette. Just love Amy Butler's prints. They work so well together. I love pillows and it would be awesome to showcase these prints. I might be brave enough to tackle a patchwork duvet cover!

Just bought some pillow patterns and I am planning to put them where the blank wall is. It looks complicated but after reading the instructions it turned out to be pretty easy. Time consuming, maybe because of all the petals you have to cut, interface and hand sew.

Just love it. It was even featured in In Style magazine a few years back.

Gum drop pillows. I could just picture them on my floor in a couple of different prints. Ooh I can't wait! This is pretty easy too but requires a lot of stuffing.

That lady is going to be me in a few weeks! Stay tuned for updates. Have a productive day.

Joan-Convertible Messenger Bag

I hope everybody had a wonderful 4th of July. It was such a beautiful day until about 4:30 when it rained cats and dogs. I was so looking forward to grilling some fish and chicken that I have marinated the night before but it wasn't meant to be. We needed the rain though--well I guess I will be grilling for lunch today!

I have a some Joan (a feminine version of my eldest brother's name, Jonathan) messenger bags made a couple of months ago and had put a preview on my site. I did some test drive and had to make some minor changes. There were a couple of inquiries about when they are available for sale and I actually sold two to a very good but impatient customer. I am happy to say I am ready to unveil them this week, pictures are ready and will be adding them before the end of the week. It can be converted into a backpack or a stroller bag and it comes with 3 straps and a matching storage pouch--isn't that great?

I can't stay long I have to make a Genny and Raina set that came in yesterday morning.

Hip Hop Abs

Okay I just have to share this one. I was sipping coffee and turned on the TV and this infomercial was on. I am telling you this one is good--it got my attention and built up my excitement. I was glued to the tv as they offer you one special offer one after another. I have a lot of exercise DVDs and mind you I have been religiously using them these past few weeks plus Fit TV which is on 24 hours. Isn't that great? I figured there's no excuse for me not to workout. I could be working out while my I am doing laundry and thawing meat for dinner! I like to dance that's why most of my workout DVDs are dance routines--to cut the story short I did buy the Hip Hop Abs. I should have gone on line instead of calling and saved some time. All those extra offers that will be taken off your credit card if are you not careful. So I just said I don't have time and all I want is what is being offered on TV, period. $77.17 including shipping and I got an extra DVD for just making one payment instead of 3. I'll let you know when they get here!

Thai Chicken Salad

I love to cook--I do it everyday and most often than not for lunch and dinner. On weekends, breakfast too! My daughter is used to home cooked meals and if you say dinner is just ham and cheese she would be so disappointed. I learned to cook when I was 9 or 10. My mother encouraged me to cook and if I didn't like the food my mom would say "Go and cook what you want then." I have decided to share some of my favorite recipes. My friends especially like my eggrolls and oriental noodles but I am the type of cook that doesn't measure, unless it is a new recipe I am following. Most of the everyday stuff I cook (and parties) are from memory handed down to me by my mother and close relatives. I will slowly try to write them down so I can share them here and of course the ones I have collected throughout the years (with measurements).

I am not a salad eater--I would rather have lots and lots of vegetables with some meat mixed in and Jasmine rice. If my main meal is a salad it has to have meat in it! Here's one that I like but I forgot to take a picture of it when I made it the other day. I have this written down in a tattered piece of paper for years-- try it and let me know what you think.

Thai Chicken Salad

Serves 6
Nutrition per serving: 175 calories, 28g. protein, 8g. carb, 3 g. fat,64g chol.

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1/2 c bean sprouts
2 bell peppers
1 bag mixed greens

Dressing
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 lime (juice oly)
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp chili powder
2T Teriyaki sauce
1 T water
3 T rice wine vinegar
2 T ginger (fresh grated)
4 scallions (chopped)
1/2 c basil leaves (fresh chopped)
1/2 c mint leaves (fresh chopped)--I don't like mint leaves so I substitute it with more salad greens

Poach chicken in salted water until opaque. Drain and shred into pieces. Combine dressing ingredients and toss with chicken. Add sprouts and peppers. Serve over mixed greens.

All in a Day's Work

I have been one busy bee yesterday. During weekends I don't have a set schedule to sew--it is sporadic to say the least. I have been wanting to add more wristlets since they have been selling really well.

I will work on these later. I need to put the zippers in, do the straps and pockets.

Patiently waiting to be assembled. I love the coffee print which I have been holding on for awhile but I wanted to share it with my customers. I have some in blue and cream and two other different prints. I will probably make a messenger bag.

Tory Wristlets. I love these prints and they are both out of print and hard to find..

Erika wristlets. I will take pictures of the wirstlets outside tomorrow, take the background off then hopefully add it on the site..

Bobbie Medium Handbag which had just been given a makeover--I added a ribbon accent band. See the purse feet? I have decided to make it standard without extra cost plus a hard bottom. All of my bags are heavily interfaced (they can stand on their own) but I don't mind putting in the extra time. I am still waiting for my shipment so I can announce it. That's is why I haven't put the ribbon handbags yet.

Oooh my knee!!

I have been sort of taking it easy this past few days. My poor right knee had a flair up (it was bad today) and I had been limping and boy did it hurt to walk! I was in bed most of the time with cold a pack on my aching knee and occasionally sew so I don't get too backed up. I was told 6 years ago I had effusion( all those years on step classes and stair climbers most likely) and was given some exercises to strengthen it because it was only functioning at 40% and my left knee is taking the extra burden. Well I haven't been doing them religiously and now I am paying for it. Now I have to do them plus at least 20 minutes of cycling everyday--no substitution. Next on my agenda--take my fairly unused bike out of the garage!

Take a Moment

I have been doing a sewing marathon lately. I hate getting backed up--I get so uneasy and I usually get palpitations when I am stressed so I try to be on top of things most of the time. I took it easy today besides I got somebody working in our bedrooms taking out the carpet and putting in wood floors---yes!!! We have allergies and this would help tremendously. When I had my studio done and I can see the dust that gathers on the floor (yikes!) I swore I will never have carpeting ever again.

Sweet smelling gardenia in front of the house. For some reason a lot of people get lost when they come to the house. So when it is blooming I tell them just turn in the driveway with the gardenia (you can smell it even before reaching the house) and it works all the time.

Some of my orchids in front of the house by the door.

Another one by the kitchen window.

I rearranged the back and put more orchids and plants. So peaceful especially when I need to recharge.

This is Sam. He usually comes in the afternoons.

This is it for now. I think I am ready to tackle another sewing marathon!

Ribbon Handbags

My studio had been overrun by ribbons! My daughter and I have been having so much fun designing our ribbon handbags which will be named after my mother.

Just a few of the ribbon shipments I got a few weeks ago.

Ribbons, ribbons and more ribbons!! I have to start organizing them or it will definitely get out of control. There are about 15 plastic boxes like this all over the place.

I just love the blue and brown with just a touch of pink. My 12 year old did these but we can't decided which one would it be.

A couple of finished handbags. I will probably put them on the site sometime next week.

Ms. Kim's Baby Shower

My daughter's dance teacher, Miss Kim had a baby shower last Sunday at the studio. She is due in September and is having a girl, Ava Grace.

Freshly baked goodies from one of the moms. I loved the blondie--best I have tasted--I swear!

Ms.Kim

I gave her a couple of burpies (I am still thinking if I will add them on the site) and a large mommy clutch/wristlet which I also call "poopie bag".

I promised Ms. Kim I will not show this but I can't resist. She looks like Bo Peep!

Taylor and my daughter, Kailene.

With another friend, Regina.

Zippered Tote Bag

I have always been intimidated by zippers. Since most of the dresses I made for my daughter were smocked/heirloom type dresses I didn't have to worry about them. I always used buttons or fancy pins for closure. It took me awhile to do the wristlets because it meant I had to put in the much dreaded zippers. Surprisingly it wasn't that bad and I was able to use the technique I used to line the dresses without any seams showing. Purses are another story though. They are more complicated because of the several layers I have to deal with. I was asked to make a Debbie bag in the Miami print but a Weekender size and zipper closure. It is going to be a birthday present for a friend who adores flamingos (she already got the Debbie bag in the flamingo print). I have searched the net for a tutorial and there are plenty of them but I ended up doing it my way. I am actually proud of it and might add a zippered handbag soon. I received an email from the recepient and she was happy with it!
I made a complete set just in case she wanted matching accessories. She ended up getting the wristlet.

Side View

Top view. I like this kind of zipper closure--it has a "lip". If it doesn't it looks weird to me especially if the handbag is boxed. It tends to look out of proportion because the top is a lot narrower than the bottom.

Pottery Barn Studio

potterybarn, originally uploaded by Lagomorph.

I was browsing through flickr and came across this. I literally clutched my chest with excitement! I love their style and I have all their books. My studio is not as big as this but I love the shelf--exactly what I need. It can be my mailing station where I put the ribbons, tissue paper and some odds and ends. I have been planning to decorate my studio ala PB style. I don't recall seeing this in their catalog or maybe I missed it. I just checked their site and it is not in the catalog anymore. I have actually seen something similar at Michael's. They are called quilt racks and they come unfinished. Maybe I can swing by there this weekend. I know I have to finish decorating but something always comes up. If a big order comes in I can't spare the time to be fixing stuff let alone do the laundry! One of these days I will since it makes such a difference when everything is so orderly and pretty.

Time to go to bed and dream about it.

Beach Party

It was a beautiful Saturday and uncharacteristically cool for this time of year. I hope it stays this way much longer. My daughter turned 12 last May 16 and we had a beach party for her.
The birthday girl doing endless carthweels. Such energy!

Red flag was up but you will surprised so many people ignore it. It kept the lifeguards busy I'll say.

Taking a break.

We had so much fun we decided to go to the beach more often. We should thank our lucky stars--we are only 10 minutes away!

Birthday Girl

My darling daughter is 12 years old today. Time flies so fast! She was so excited last night and can't wait to get her presents. She can wear some of my shoes (I am a 7- 7 1/2) and about one inch shorter than I.

Downtown Stuart Craft Show

Belated Happy Mother's Day! I didn't have a chance to greet everybody over the weekend. I have finally recharged my batteries and ready for the week. The craft show wasn't too bad. It was my first show in this venue which is 10 minutes away from home. I saw a lot of familiar faces as we are a very close knit community and almost everybody knows everybody. A lot of snowbirds who are ready to leave in a couple of weeks before the weather really gets scorching hot. The weather though could have cooperated more. Saturday was cooler but all those love bugs! I didn't even know THOSE were love bugs. I have always thought they were cute and adorable but let me tell you--they are anything but. The plus side is they don't bite. My daughter was so bothered by them she had to go home last Sunday. We need rain but did it have to be Sunday? Well it was just a drizzle for about 10 minutes. Overall I had a great time. People recognized me from the newspaper article and they kept asking me how I find time to make all these purses and the oohs and aahs were music to my ears.

I was lucky enough to be under the shade of a tree. This is my booth with my spanking brand new tent from BJs--I have to fine tune my display. I have to get grids so I can hang my purses along the sides.

People asked my how do I find time to do all these purses? Well I try to make a couple everyday and do stuff around the house on top of that. I multi task--put in the laundry, thaw some meat for dinner, go upstairs to cut and sew, take a break and read a little, check if laundry is done etc, etc. I am a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) and I love to create. I do what I love and I am making money out of it--what more can I ask? I am my own boss and I can play hooky if I want to. I didn't know I have so many until they were all out there on display and it felt soooo good!

I sold a lot of belts and key rings. I will be adding some novelty ribbon belts and key rings on my site hopefully this week assuming my new ribbon shipments (take note--shipments not shipment) will arrive soon!


I had the cutest customers who stopped by. Isn't she the cutest ever? Only two and she is already into purses! This is the first time I have seen bunnies in strollers! I have three ( will have to put them here soon) and I know they won't sit still. I have to go so I can catch up on my sewing. Until next time.