Dec 16, 2013

Marvelous Monday Update 12/16/13

Yikes... How can it be that over a month has passed since I last made a blog update.  Alas, I've been busy working out (lost 10lbs so far, Yay!) and trying to get ready for the holidays.

HOLIDAYS
Last weekend, I managed to get up all my Christmas decorations.  Normally, I only put up my two 4ft trees.  However, this year I am hosting the family Christmas so the big tree had to be put up as well as more decorations.  So far, I have 12 family members confirmed and it could be upwards of 18 people total.




 
STITCHY STUFF
I've been focusing the bulk of my stitching time on a mailart piece.  Several months ago, Anne of Dolls Musings and I agreed to do a private exchange for a Christmas mailart.  This is the second private exchange I've done and am pleased that it worked out.  The person I did the first exchange with flaked out on her end, but I digress.  This is what I received from Anne:



I just love it! I had it with me when I visited my parents over the weekend, and even they were intrigued by it. My Dad was so interested that he pulled out the Atlas to see where Anne was from, LOL. Anne has not received hers yet, so I will have to wait to show pics.

Next up is progress on Balloon Glow which is the project I work on during my lunch hour.


Since I haven't worked on Yuku's backstitching for months, I plan on working on that project for a while. I've been itching to start a new project, but no-no-no! I have other things I need to work on first. *slaps hand* No new projects!

As part of their Black Friday sale, JoAnn Fabrics had OttLites for $20 which also included free shipping!  I couldn't pass up a deal like that (especially since I'd been kicking myself for not getting one back in October when they were $24.95).  I really wanted the light green one, but they were already sold out by the time I got up on Black Friday.



Winner!  Winner!  I was a lucky winner of a 12 Days of Christmas celebration at the Stitcher's Village.  From Glendon Place, I received a chart and beautiful floss.


SEWING
I was in a sewing mood a couple weeks back. Inspired by some bags I saw at the PALS retreat, I made a couple of lined project bags. I sent this one to Pam as a birthday gift:


I made this one for myself to hold my work stitching project:



I have some cute cupcake fabric that I want to make another one to keep my home project in.

WORK
My one year anniversary was last week!  Hard to believe it's been a year already.  I know I'm probably still in the "honeymoon" phase, but I have to say that it's the best move I've ever made.  Btw, how long does the honeymoon phase last? 


Those of us who have December anniversaries get to celebrate by having "Breakfast with the President" on Thursday.  I heard through the grapevine that we get gifts!

Until next time....

22 comments:

Vickie said...

Your home looks very, very festive Meari. Great mail art from Anne.
Congrats to you on the weight loss.
Merry Christmas!

Christina G said...

Meari, great bags and I love your decorations! Your mailart bag is lovely. Well worth the work.

Sue said...

First, congrats on losing ten pounds!!!! Way to go!

Next, your home and your trees, fireplace, stitching, cards, etc. look very inviting~ Wish I could be there; have so much fun with your family honey; it is the best time of the year.

I love your mail art and your stitch bags! You did a fabulous job, as always.

I will be thinking of you on Christmas and wish you the best holiday ever!

Love,
Sue your SM

Anonymous said...

Meari,
I am glad to see you posting..I was thinking of you the other day!

Congrats on your weight loss! Good for you!

Your decorations look awesome. I know your family Christmas will be great.

Anne's envelope is adorable. I can't wait to see what you did.

I love the colors on your balloon. I have decided no purchasing of new patterns for 2014. I have to stitch what I have..I will keep you posted..

What a great deal on the Ottlite. I like the color blue..

Great win from Glendon Place. What cute fabric bags you have stitched up.

Good to see you Meari..Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Hugs,
Carolyn

Ruth said...

Love the project bags. They are beautiful. Your mailart is lovely.You ecorated so beautifully. Best of hoildas to you and your family. Ruthie

Anne said...

Yay Meari! Well done on loosing the weight! Your house looks very ready for Christmas. Love the decorations! That's wonderful to have so many family come together for Christmas. What a special time it will be. Great progress on your balloon stitching. I too have been wanting to stitch new projects and stopped myself. Why not start one though in the new year right?! That light looks really helpful for stitching! Beautiful bag you sewed for Pam. The daisies are a nice touch! Take care and hugs to you!

Faith... said...

Your house looks fabulous and all ready for your family to join you for the holiday. Love all your stitched ornaments.

LOVE the mailart you received from Ann - it looks great and I can't wait to see the one you sent her.

Congrats on your win!! and what great bags you made for your stitching projects.

Congrats also on the weight loss! :)

glenda said...

Congrats on the weight loss! You are sure having some great months lately ;)

Your tree is very pretty and the bags you made are really cute!

Shelleen said...

Congrats on the weight loss. Your house looks pretty all decorated and you made some cute bags.

Katie said...

Congrats on the weight loss. I've been wondering where you've been. Glad it's good news though. Your stitching looks great. Love the mail art. I just can't believe they travel in the mail system. I hardly trust normal envelopes in mail haha.

Your home looks fantastic! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Pam in IL said...

Congrats on working out and the weight loss! Your stitching always looks great and you're making great progress on Balloon Glow. I love the mailart you got from Anne.

Your decoration is wonderful. I'd really enjoy sitting in front of that fireplace too.

Congrats on TSV win!

Chris said...

Hey Meari!
It looks like you are enjoying the holiday season. The exchanges are so fun! Your decorating is lovely.
Congrats on the weight loss and on your anniversary at work too.
Merry Christmas!!

Kay said...

Congrats on the one year anniversary of being at your job! Looks like you got a lot of goodies in your exchanges at work and so on! Your house looks beautiful, sounds like you will be having a full house for Christmas! Happy Holidays! Congrats on the weight loss as well!

Anonymous said...

You've been busy! Congrats on the TSV 12 Days win! The exchanges look like you're having fun, and your Christmas decorations are beautiful!

Karin in MA

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! Your house looks great with all your decorations. The Mail Art is beautiful too. Never did one of those. Afraid it would get ruined in the mail. Love the Ott light. Your work project is coming along great!!!! Congrats on the Glendon win. That chart is gorgeous & so is the floss. Love those little zipper bags you made. You should sell them on Etsy. I think you would do well.
Thanks for sharing.
Betty in AZ (ILCS)

Carol said...

Great job on your weight loss, Meari!! Sounds like you are on the right track for at least a bit of "Christmas indulgence!"

Love your tree and your new bright and cheerful bags--so cute! The mail art from Anne is so sweet--glad that it was a good exchange this time. She is a real sweetie!

Merry Christmas to you--sounds like it will be filled with lots of love and laughter :)

Anonymous said...

Your home looks lovely and warm, Meari!

~Lynn

*-* said...


Your decorations are looking beautiful.

Don't you just love this time of the year?
Kay.

Rachel said...

I love your trees! The mailart was such a lovely swap idea.

Akila said...

Congrats - on your weight loss (wow 10lbs!), on your anniversary and winning such goodies.
Love all the ornaments you have put up and the way you've displayed them all too.
Lovely mail-art and great progress on balloons. Love your purses. Wow you really are quick with your projects :)

Nancy M said...

Hope all went well with the family Christmas at your place! Nice exchange, project bags and winnings. I didn't even know you were a member of TSV. Never see you post in there. Happy work anniversary. You sound much happier there!

Kaisievic said...

I am intrigued by the mail art - such an interesting idea.
Love your project bags - where did you get the pattern from?

Merry Xmas to you and your family and congrats on your prize and so glad to hear the you enjoy work.
hugs, Kaye