Sunday, December 5, 2010

Hurry, Christmas is Almost Here!

Truly Last Minute Gifts! Perfect for Teachers, Neighbors, Co-Workers, Church Friends, Mail & Paper Carriers, Bus Drivers … A thoughtful and sweet gift that is economical enough to make it easy for you to honor everyone you want to with the spirit of the season.

Do you need last minutes gifts? Hurry - These cute tissue holders are just waiting to ship out to you to finish off your stocking stuffers! You can also use them to tuck a gift card into!
Each contains an adorable Christmas theme tissue pack.

Merry Christmas From Mama's Pocketbook!

Check out our Adorable Christmas Tissues and Dottie Tissue Covers! These are sturdy, fully lined with no raw edges. I have a special technique for making them to last!

SPECIAL OFFER DEC 9 to Dec 14th – Only $5 each - That's a great deal on a very useful, cute, fun and festive gift that is perfect for anyone on your list! Keep some around for drop in guests and new friends!

Please order no later than Dec. 19th for arrival by Christmas.
They make great stocking stuffers for kids of all ages!

Sorry but I cannot offer any other discounts on these cuties!


Red Dottie Tissue Cover & Holiday Print Tissues (designs may vary)
Only $5.00 each
 
Green Dottie Tissue Cover & Holiday Print Tissues (designs may vary)
Only $5.00 each


Kids (and Grown ups!) will want to use these special tissues and practice healthy manners! Oh so cute for stocking stuffers and so useful too!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Gotta Love Wish Lists!

I have to figure out how to add a wish list to my site! I think this is a fabulous tool for both the customer and the retailer! Today I discovered that one of my fav online fabric stores has a wish list feature! So here are a few of the fabrics I’ve added to my wish list at Above All Fabric
You know, just in case Santa is wondering what I might like to have for Christmas. Multiple yards would be lovely! I like to be helpful like this!
So … you might want to help those who are shopping for you too! Head on over to Above All Fabrics and fill up your wish list – and share it with your loved ones – Be HELPFUL! They are sure to appreciate your assistance with their shopping this year. Happy Wishing!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Mama’s Pocketbook - Give Thanks Party!

Hello, I am a little late to the party but, what else is new?!!
I absolutely love Thanksgiving and it is a big holiday for my family. My family has a reunion every year at Thanksgiving, usually at my brother Don’s house in Alabama, but sometimes we have all traveled and joined together at various cabins in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and we all went to Gatlinburg, TN one year! As often as he can, my oldest brother Mike and his wife Janet will come out from Dallas, Tx along with my niece, Stephanie and her family. This year it will be a smaller gathering than last year when we had everyone together except my kids. They will be with us this year, so we are really looking forward to a few days in the country, laughing, sharing family videos, cooking and eating the best food on the face of the earth!
I’ll share some recipes at the bottom of this post, but for now I’d like to share some family photos. YES! I’m that boring relative who makes you watch her family movies! SIT DOWN AND ENJOY IT! Here’s some coffee and cake … now pretend you are loving my photos!
Every year at the Prather Family gathering we take a family group picture and I think we probably laugh more when trying to coordinate setting up all the cameras and getting all the kids to be still and everyone smiling at the same time, than any other part of the time we are together. Thanks for looking and don’t forget to scroll down for some awesome recipes! (Warning, there are LOTS of photos here)
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
DSC00355Prather Family
Thanksgiving 2002
We gathered together in Pine Mountain and rented some cabins, which is a favorite way for us to get together. The kids can be messy and loud and we can all relax together!







  thekids
2002 - Each year we try – TRY – to corral all the kids and get them together for a group photo of their own.
This one has Taylor, Lauren, Caden, Gavin, Kylie & Fischer (left to right )


 The Big Kids!
2002 - Me and my brothers (L to R) Mike, Me, Don and James
Why am I so short? I inherited all the short genes of the family apparently!





Nell Dianne
2002 - Me and My Grandma Nell (my mother’s sweet sweet step-mother)!









Toth - Thanksgiving 060
In 2003, we all met up again at a different set of cabins in Pine Mountain, GA. This is about as close to a family shot as I could find! LOL, everyone milling about and eating! My kids were not with us that year, they were with their dad & paternal grandmother.

Toth - Thanksgiving 083
2003 - My brother’s birthday is Dec.  2nd, so we celebrated his 50th and surprised him! Here he is with the kids who were there this year. (L to R) Maddie, Caden, Fischer, Gavin and Kylie! My nephew put together the most touching video I’ve ever seen with photos and videos of “PawPaw” and Linda, and the whole family from their wedding day back in 1971, all the way up through 2003. We were all crying and laughing and it was really one of my best memories of our family celebrating together.

Thanksgiving-Polar Express 052
2004 – 2 years since the last gathering of the kids in one photo! They were taking turns riding horses out at my brother’s place and didn’t want to be bothered with photo shoots!
(L to R) Taylor, Gavin, Kylie, Lauren, Fischer and Caden

 Thanksgiving-Polar Express 064

My little Taylor on a big horse. He was not scared at all. I am slightly afraid of horses myself. But he and Lauren loved riding them.


 





Thanksgiving-Polar Express 027

2004 - My lovely sister-in-law Janet with her two dogs, Tess and Sophie (gosh I hope I got their names right!)








Thanksgiving-Polar Express 099
2004 – Prather Family Group Photo. This year we had our Aunt Nikki, Uncle Wes, their daughter Denise and her family, and Grandma Nell join us for Thanksgiving! They live in Baltimore, MD, so we don’t get to see them nearly enough!



Thanksgiving-Polar Express 103
2004 - The kids favorite part of Thanksgiving – roasting marshmallows &telling scary stories around the fire.





Thanksgiving-Polar Express 109
Warning, this is what tryptophan and marshmallows will do to you!  Doesn’t Taylor look absolutely the most comfortable ever!





Thanksgiving-Polar Express 220

2004 -Took Lauren & Taylor to North Carolina to ride the Thanksgiving Polar Express. All the kids dressed in their pajamas for the train ride, just like the boy in the story. It was really great fun! (Yes, my son is ALWAYS wearing some form of camoflage!)

Thanksgiving-Polar Express 189

2004 - Had to put this one in… Lauren will kill me for exposing her earlier, so uncool,  pajama picture with her goofy little brother. LOL!


 
DSC07060

2005 – We all traveled to Gatlinburg & Sevierville TN for Thanksgiving! This is the kids group photo (L to R) Lauren, Kylie, Gavin, Taylor, Caden and Fischer.


 DSC07058

We had this great big cabin, with a pool table and very slippery wooden  winding staircase. I think everyone fell on that thing at least once!


 
DSC07069
2005 – Tennessee Thanksgiving Prather Family Photo.



 

DSC08621

2006 – Gathering once again at my brother’s house in Alabama. I had just had eye surgery, so I have black, blue, green and purple eyes – nice!!  I don’t have as many photos for this year’s gathering (wonder why!)

I think we did not make it to the family gathering in 2007 and I have to find the photos for 2008 & 2009
SOOOO…. Thank you for browsing my family Thanksgivings, and now the part You really wanted to see… Thanksgiving Recipes!!

Sweet Onion Corn Bake

This tasty corn and cornbread casserole is flavored with sweet onions, cream-style corn and cheddar cheese.Makes a great side-dish for any meat entree.
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 large Vidalia or sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 can(14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
  • 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) corn-bread/muffin mix
  • 4 drops hot pepper sauce (Optional)
PREPARATION:
  • In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender, over medium/high heat
  • In a small bowl, combine sour cream, milk, dill and salt
  • Add this sour cream mixture to the skillet with the sauted onions. Reduce heat to medium and stir together well to blend
  • Add 1 cup cheddar cheese into the onion mixture, stir just until blended evenly
  • Remove mixture from heat and set aside
  • In a bowl, combine egg, corn, corn-bread mix and hot pepper sauce
  • Pour corn/corn-bread mixture into a greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish
  • Spoon onion mixture over top of corn/cornbread mix
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese
  • Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until top is set and lightly brown. Let stand for 10 minutes to cool slightly before cutting.

Dilled New Potatoes and Peas

My family loves my delicious dilled new potatoes and peas recipe. This is very easy to make and the dill flavor is perfect.
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 8 oz. pkg frozen peas
  • 1 pound small red potatoes, quarter cut leave skin on
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter or margarine
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill or 1 tsp. dill weed
  • 2 teaspoons minced chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
PREPARATION:
  • Prepare frozen peas according to package directions.
  • Place potatoes in saucepan, cover with water
  • Bring potatoes to a boil over medium heat
  • Reduce heat to low, simmer for 20 minutes, or until tender
  • Blend condensed soup and milk in a small bowl
  • Drain potatoes
  • Add soup mixture to potatoes, simmer and stir until heated through
  • Stir in cooked peas
  • Add butter, dill, chives, salt and pepper
  • Mix gently and serve

Easy Turkey Ranch Pie (Bisquick Recipe)

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 cups cut-up cooked turkey
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup Bisquick Original baking mix
  • 1 envelope ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
DIRECTIONS
  • Heat oven to 400°.
  • Grease 9-inch pie plate.
  • Stir turkey and mixed vegetables together in a medium bowl, spoon into pie plate.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over mixture.
  • Stir Bisquick® and dry ranch dressing mix together
  • Stir milk and eggs together and then stir together with dry ingredients mixture until blended. Pour into pie plate over meat, vegetables and cheese mixture.
  • Bake 33 to 38 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Allow pie to cool 5 minutes before serving.

Caramel-Glazed Pear Cake

Moist, Melt in Your Mouth Goodness!
INGREDIENTS
  • 4 ripe Bartlett pears, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS FOR CAKE
  • Toss together pears and 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand 5 minutes
  • Beat eggs, 2 cups sugar, and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended
  • Combine flour, salt, and baking soda, and add to egg mixture, beating at low speed until blended
  • Fold in pears, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract
  • Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch Bundt pan
  • Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean
  • Remove from pan, and drizzle Caramel Glaze over warm cake
CARAMEL GLAZE
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS FOR GLAZE
  • Stir together brown sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a small saucepan over medium heat
  • Bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 1/2 minutes or until sugar dissolves

Your family and friends will request this cake often.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Give Thanks Party

I haven't been a good blogger, I've been sporadic and I finally feel like I'm able to really give my blog some love and attention and see what I can make of it! What better way to breathe new life into my blog than with a PARTY?

My good friend Lynn Meadows Wheeler of The Vintage Nest is having a "Give Thanks Party" this Friday, Nov. 19th, hosted on her "The Vintage Nest" blog at lifeatcedarhill.blogspot.com  and I've joined in with some awesome bloggers to celebrate Thanksgiving blogger style. We'll be sharing recipes, stories, images, and all manner of gratefulness. Please join us as we move full speed ahead into the Holiday Season! There's a cute Turkey button over on the right, just click to find out more about attending or joining in on this fun event!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Our Winner for the Tina Givens & Lark Crafts Giveaway...

First I have to apologize - I had posted that my name drawing would be held at Noon today, but I forgot that my son had a doctor's appointment at the same time! I did give one more nudge on Facebook for posting comments on the blog, but I only had on more post and it was done before noon. So everything is still fair and square even though I am running the Random List tool a bit late.

I had 32 comments over the past week for this drawing, but 2 were duplicates, so there are 30 names in the List and they are being listed in the Random List generator first to last in the order the comments were made - as shown here:

Lee
patricia
Trisha
Calandra
rosemaryschild
Cole's Corner
Weatherbee ;)
Kristin PG
prsd4tim2
schmidt1016
Laura
Seema
Catlyn Berry (Cizz)
Our Busy Little Bunch
Me
Goosegirl
Teresa
Rachel
JoonToons
Deb
sy
Nalie
Tanya-Yanata
empirewaist
Jknits
Melanie
babiesdoc
Wehaf
gill

As you can see from the time stamp of this post, I am posting this portion first - and next I'll run the Randomizer and post the results... whichever name comes up first on the randomized list is our winner!
BEST OF LUCK!

AND THE RANDOMIZER LIST PICKED...

List Randomizer

There were 30 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
  1. Trisha
  2. Pameladawn
  3. Kristin PG
  4. patricia
  5. Nalie
  6. Catlyn Berry (Cizz)
  7. sy
  8. Weatherbee ;)
  9. Seema
  10. Rachel
  11. gill
  12. Cole's Corner
  13. Goosegirl
  14. Tanya-Yanata
  15. empirewaist
  16. Jknits
  17. Me
  18. Lee
  19. schmidt1016
  20. JoonToons
  21. rosemaryschild
  22. Teresa
  23. prsd4tim2
  24. Calandra
  25. Wehaf
  26. babiesdoc
  27. Our Busy Little Bunch
  28. Melanie
  29. Deb
  30. Laura
Timestamp: 2010-10-18 19:20:15 UTC

TRISHA IS OUR WINNER!! Congrats Trisha! I'll send your email address to Lark Crafts and they will be sending you your prize package! 

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Sew Tina! Giveaway, Free Projects, Book Review & Blog Tour

Sensational
Effervescent
Wonderful

Titallating
Innovative
New-fashioned
Adorable

Put it all together and you are only scratching the surface of SEW TINA! 
Tina Givens is a multi-talented designer of some of the brightest and most clever, fun, favorite fabrics ever and now she has a fantastic new book with 30 cute projects & adorable decor items for kids!
I was ecstatic that Lark Crafts contacted me and said that Tina had suggested my blog to be in the lineup of those presenting her newest venture through this  fun and innovative blog tour!

Sadly (very sadly) I missed the boat  on arranging for my personal interview with Tina due to some family issues I’ve had to tend to over the past couple of weeks, but I can happily point you to all the incredibly candid and entertaining interviews she has given to all the bloggers on this tour and you are all in for many treats as you follow along the tour path!
imageBut I do have LOTS of fun stuff to share with you today!

FUN THING #1
= The Book:
Sew Tina! This full color book is fantastic, I received my copy a few days ago and sat down to glance through it … and about an hour later realized I’d been completely immersed in the wonder of Tina’s free spirited approach to sewing and creating these cute as pie designs for kids! I definitely have some favorite projects I want to create for my niece’s little girls for Christmas.
The book starts out with a sweet introduction in which Tina shares a bit about her imagination and her unique approach to designing and sewing. She goes on to explain about “Sewing the Tina way” and how she uses fabrics and mixes colors and scale of designs.  
imageThere’s a primer on using her templates and patterns, sizing and best of all – how to truly let go and follow Tina’s relaxed sewing techniques and HAVE FUN!
Tina offers lots of great tips and ideas for sewing with a free spirit! Her philosophy is that when sewing for kids you don’t have to be perfectionist, it shouldn’t take long and it should be fun! Tina says she finds charm in “inherent handmade imperfection” and that “The objective is to create something that is unique and special and uncomplicated.”  I have to admit, I was a bit giddy at the idea of letting go of my perfectionist tendencies and just letting the creative process take reign!  

There are 30 patterns printed on imagequality paper included in a pocket in the front of the book, and pages of very easy to follow instructions, charming illustrations, and adorable photographs for each project. Sprinkled throughout are additional “tina’s tips” to help you out. The large spiral binding makes the book extra easy to work with. You’ll also find fabric resources for each project, as well as a handy metric conversion chart. 

If you are a creative soul … and whether you are a long time fan of Tina’s fun designs (in every thing from watercolor characters to stationery to brilliantly colorful fabrics and many more products to come), or you are just discovering her fresh style and personality infused works … you will definitely want to get your hands on this book!
FUN THING #2 =
Courtesy of Lark Crafts & Tina Givens - Three free projects to get you in the mood for all the great products in Sew Tina!

Make the Olly the Owl, the Skull Cap, or the Duvet Cover & Sham… Or all three!
FUN THING #3 = Tina’s fabulous giveaway. One lucky commenter on my blog will win the book, four (4!!) yards of fabric, two boxes of stationary and two extra sewing patterns. Wow!  Just leave a comment below about your favorite Tina Givens fabric, project or just post your plea for winning this fabulous giveaway! I’ll leave the comments open until 12:00 (Noon EST) on Oct. 18th – that’s just over a week to get your comments in – then I’ll pick a name and announce Our Mama's Pocketbook Blog WINNER!  THAT'S RIGHT - ONE LUCKY WINNER who comments HERE on my blog WILLWIN this amazing Prize Package (shown below) from Lark Crafts and Tina Givens! It doesn't get any easier than than people!

Remember you only need to leave a comment below and make sure you include your email address so I can contact you if you are the LUCKY one whose name is drawn in the random number generator on Oct. 18th. Now… Follow along with the rest of the book tour here for more chances to win and to read more about Tina and her new book!:
9/24 Lark Crafts.com
9/27 A La Mode Fabric
9/29 Quilters Buzz
10/1 Sew Baby
10/4 Sew Chic
10/6 Sew Mama Sew
10/8 Hazelnuts
10/11 Mama’s Pocketbook
10/13 House on Hill Road
10/15 WhipUp
10/18 Quilt Dad
10/20 HodgePodgeFarm
10/22 Pink Chalk Studios
10/25 Fat Quarterly Blog
10/27 The Jolly Jabber
Click here for the  official rules:http://www.larkcrafts.com/uncategorized/sweepstakesrules/.

We Have A Winner! Congrats Andrea!!

With 73 votes in our Perfect Pocketbook Design Contest Andrea Ferguson, affectionately called Andy Bee, has won the Grand Prize capturing 66.4% of the votes for her design description!
Congrats Andy! Your Grand Prize is a custom made bag created following your description below:
My perfect bag is sort of Betsey Johnson meets Gianni Versace and they travel in a Gypsy Wagon! lol It's medium to largish (but NOT big enough to be an elephant saddlebag!), and FUNKY! It has an adjustable strap, a hoboesque shape, and a zipper closure as well as a flap. It's very much a hodgepodge of textiles and trims in true gypsy style. It must have just a touch of bling, preferably vintage. I like a few pockets inside for girly stuff like phone, lipstick, and keys. I also like a bit of "stability" but not so much tailored stiffness. Rich colors and textures are also a must!
I am so excited to collaborate with you on creating your perfect pocketbook, and once we have it completed we will launch the design as our newest Mama’s Pocketbook Design. This design lends itself perfectly to our design philosophy of creating unique, one-of-a-kind designs with utility, versatility, beauty, and durabilty …. it’s also the perfect design to allow a wide variety of interpretations in fabric, trim and accessories! You have indeed created an incredible new design.
Look for the NEW Original “Andy-Bee” Bag Design on November 7th!


Here are the Final Vote Results
Your Perfect Pocketbook
Which Perfect Pocketbook Description is your favorite?
Andy-Brown Bee Studio - Gypsy Style Hobo
66.4%
73
Patricia - Organizer Shoulder Bag
23.6%
26
Lilli Blue - Recycled "Green" Tote
10%
11
total votes: 110
powered by blogpoll

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Perfect Pocketbook – TOP 3 for Grand Prize

Choosing the Top 3 entries for the best “Perfect Pocketbook” description was WAY harder than I had thought it would be.  I had to have my husband help me choose, and it was actually great to have someone who is totally impartial and who could judge just by the descriptions alone which ones sounded like winners to him. Now mind you – I realize he doesn’t carry a pocketbook, but he has been around my business of making them long enough to know what goes into making a great one so I think he was a fair judge for the descriptions, but just to be safe – I also had a friend who was not in the contest and my daughter judge the top 6 descriptions so we could narrow it all down to the 3 best ones.
So without further ado… Here are the Top 3 Perfect Pockebook Descriptions and the ladies who submitted them!

THERE IS A POLL ON THE RIGHT - Read the descriptions below and VOTE for your favorite!
In no particular order …


Andy-Brown Bee Studio said...


My perfect bag is sort of Betsey Johnson meets Gianni Versace and they travel in a Gypsy Wagon! lol It's medium to largish (but NOT big enough to be an elephant saddlebag!), and FUNKY! It has an adjustable strap, a hoboesque shape, and a zipper closure as well as a flap. It's very much a hodgepodge of textiles and trims in true gypsy style. It must have just a touch of bling, preferably vintage. I like a few pockets inside for girly stuff like phone, lipstick, and keys. I also like a bit of "stability" but not so much tailored stiffness. Rich colors and textures are also a must!

Lilli Blue said... 

… It is hard to say what my favorite pocketbook would look like. I have so many I love. I collect vintage handbags.
Right now I am loving a tote. One pocket inside near the bottom so the goodies don't fall out.
I would like it be made out of something recycled. Old coat becomes tote. So many textiles end up in land fills.
The idea of a tote for shopping that keeps us away from plastic/paper bags. Made from recycled goodies and helps the planet.
I like to toss my smaller everyday bag in the bottom of a tote.

Patricia said...

Oh fun fun fun! My perfect pocketbook has to have lots of pockets and compartments. One for a cell phone,ipod, pens,small notepad, lipgloss, glasses, keys (maybe with a leash so they don't wander to the depths), checkbook, wallet then a shoulder strap, easy open and secure close, durable fabric spot cleanable.
NOW … To determine the winner – I have posted a POLL over on the Right Hand Sidebar and our 3 contenders can encourage others to vote for their description, and I’ll promote this voting method every day this week on Twitter and FB  to help collect votes for all.


Oh, and I will be sending out consolation prizes to the 2 entries that come in 2nd and 3rd! Thanks so much for participating in our contest!

Perfect Pocketbook Contest Winners!

 

Here’s the list of entry names, some have multiple entries depending on the extra chances they used.

Patricia Rose X5
Marjorie Miller Meier X4
Andy-Brown Bee Studio X5
Georgia Grandma G's X5
angelhomemaker@yahoo.com X3
HollyBaum  X5
Lilli Blue X2
Debbie Naegel X2
Liz X3
Margo Leah Edwards X2

I loaded all the names the number of times shown into the List Randomizer at Random.org and will award the 1st place prize to the 1st name to show up on the first randomizer run… And the winner of the Pouchee Organizer and Three (3) of my Fabric Card Cases is:  LIZ

List Randomizer

There were 36 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

  1. Liz
  2. Georgia Grandma G's
  3. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  4. Georgia Grandma G's
  5. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  6. Marjorie Miller Meier
  7. Margo Leah Edwards
  8. Patricia Rose
  9. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  10. HollyBaum
  11. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  12. Liz
  13. angelhomemaker@yahoo.com
  14. Patricia Rose
  15. Georgia Grandma G's
  16. Patricia Rose
  17. HollyBaum
  18. Marjorie Miller Meier
  19. Debbie Naegel
  20. HollyBaum
  21. Lilli Blue
  22. Marjorie Miller Meier
  23. HollyBaum
  24. Georgia Grandma G's
  25. Liz
  26. Lilli Blue
  27. Margo Leah Edwards
  28. Marjorie Miller Meier
  29. Debbie Naegel
  30. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  31. HollyBaum
  32. Patricia Rose
  33. Georgia Grandma G's
  34. angelhomemaker@yahoo.com
  35. angelhomemaker@yahoo.com
  36. Patricia Rose

Timestamp: 2010-10-03 12:59:17 UTC

 

Now I will re-enter the names and let the Randomizer do it’s thing to select the 2nd Prize winner…. And the winner of the package including Three (3)of my Fabric Card Cases is… Marjorie Miller Meier

List Randomizer

There were 36 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

  1. Marjorie Miller Meier
  2. Marjorie Miller Meier
  3. Georgia Grandma G's
  4. Georgia Grandma G's
  5. Georgia Grandma G's
  6. Liz
  7. Marjorie Miller Meier
  8. Patricia Rose
  9. Patricia Rose
  10. HollyBaum
  11. Margo Leah Edwards
  12. HollyBaum
  13. HollyBaum
  14. angelhomemaker@yahoo.com
  15. angelhomemaker@yahoo.com
  16. HollyBaum
  17. Debbie Naegel
  18. Georgia Grandma G's
  19. HollyBaum
  20. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  21. Patricia Rose
  22. Debbie Naegel
  23. Liz
  24. Patricia Rose
  25. angelhomemaker@yahoo.com
  26. Liz
  27. Margo Leah Edwards
  28. Georgia Grandma G's
  29. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  30. Lilli Blue
  31. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  32. Marjorie Miller Meier
  33. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  34. Andy-Brown Bee Studio
  35. Lilli Blue
  36. Patricia Rose

Timestamp: 2010-10-03 13:03:02 UTC

I will announce the 3 contenders at Noon today (Sunday, Oct 3rd) for the Grand Prize of one custom made pocketbook based on the details included in her winning entry! Those ladies will then have one week to ask people to vote for her Perfect Purse description and whoever has the most votes as of Noon on Sunday, Oct. 10th will be our Grand Prize Winner.

(The time stamp on theses drawings is apparently set by Randomizer, I don’t even know what time zone UTC is!  I just ran these this morning at 8:59 and 9:03 Eastern Standard Time!)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Amy Butler Design - Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Oh Joy! I'm in heaven and drooling like crazy over  the images from Amy Butler's new book! Seriously – did you hear that squealing noise – that was me!

Amy Butler Design - Amy Butler's Style Stitches

Here's what Amy has to say about her new book:

Because every girl loves a great bag, and I love designing them...

I'm proud to introduce my brand new sewing book - Style Stitches! My book includes 12 easy ways to 26 wonderful bags with instructions for customizing and tweaking each bag to let your own style shine. There's a wide range of great projects, from chic clutches, coin purses and wristlets to modern hobo bags and cool reversible totes.

Style Stitches is designed like my previous books with a pocket of full sized pattern sheets and a spiral binding to lay flat. It's loaded with tons of great photographs to keep readers inspired and excited. It's available now from Amy's web store.  Check out Amy’s video about the new book!

 

 

Thank you Amy for all the great designs you create – You always inspire me and well … you already know I'm your #1 Fan!

I hope to have the book available on my website soon too! And I'll definitely be doing reviews of the designs included. I can't wait to make some of these up for friends and family for holiday gifts!  ~ Dianne

Monday, September 6, 2010

Your Perfect Pocketbook

How many times have I heard women say they wish they could find their perfect purse? Do you have a blueprint in your mind of what would be the perfect handbag, tote, pocketbook, purse  - or whatever label you want to give it?

HOW ABOUT A CONTEST? I love a good contest, and for me a good contest is one that is pretty simple to enter and win. But I know there’s also some competitive girls out there who like to increase their chances, so on the simple side, to enter just leave a comment here telling me all about “Your Perfect Pocketbook!”
To increase your chances to win you will get one additional entry for each of the following actions (please be sure to let me know in your comment which ones you did so I can count in your extra entries):
  • Post about my contest on your blog (let me know where to look!)
  • Post on Twitter
  • Post on Facebook
  • Add to any other blog’s contest list
  • Join my newsletter or tell me in your comment if you are already on my mailing list
  • Follow my blog or tell me you already do (thanks Pat for the reminder on that!)
Just a few of my own designs
CONTEST DETAILS:
I will select three winners on Sept. 30th (which just happens to be my 7th year wedding anniversary to the love of my life!)

Grand Prize Winner will receive one custom made pocketbook based on the details included in her winning entry! The winning Pocketbook will be handcrafted by me (Dianne Hadaway) in fabrics, trims and hardware agreed upon by myself and the winner, and will be constructed and delivered within 4 weeks of the announcement of the Grand Prize winner! On Sept. 30th I will announce the names of the top 3 pocketbook designs as described in the comments submitted. Then we’ll let our blog readers vote on the most Perfect Pocketbook design. Voting will be open for one week only. Whoever gets the most votes wins. I and my daughter will personally decide any tie-breaker and we will announce the winner on Oct. 7th. The winner will agree to allow copyright for the design to be owned by Mama’s Pocketbook and the design will be named after the winner! Mama’s Pocketbook may recreate the design for sale, however each pocketbook will be made as a one of a kind original utilizing various fabrics and trims. No two will ever be alike! Please note that my creations are rendered from fabric, I do not sew with leather. It’s possible to use pre-made leather accents like straps, handles or hardware, but I do not construct full leather bags. Thanks!!

First Place Winner will be selected by random drawing through the list generator at Random.org and will receive a purse organizing package included a Pouchee Organizer and Three (3) of my Fabric Card Cases in fabric selected by the winner from the available fabrics on the product pages for these items.

Second Place Winner will be selected by random drawing through the list generator at Random.org and will receive a purse organizing package including Three (3)of my Fabric Card Cases in fabric selected by the winner from the available fabrics on the card cases product page.
Contest begins NOW (9/6/2010)– Only one detailed entry per person please – Describe your ultimate Perfect Pocketbook! Include such details as size, shape, what kind of pockets and organizational features you’d have. Would you mix fabrics? What kind of trim? What kind of closure? Does it stand on it’s own? Crossover the body hobo style? Is it large, medium, small? Is it colorful or neutral? Does it do double duty (diaper bag/ personal bag or business tote/laptop bag)?  Use your imagination and be detailed!
I think I’ve thought of everything, but if something’s missing, I’ll add it when it becomes apparent!

THANKS FOR JOINING IN – HAVE FUN DESIGING YOUR PERFECT POCKETBOOK!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Birds of a Feather – Friday Shopping Event

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday August 27th, 2010 as we present "Birds of a feather"

Mama's Pocketbook - MakeMinePink Friday Shop Page

It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was awakened to the sweet melody of a robin cheerily singing it’s good morning greeting outside of my bedroom window. I knew spring had arrived, and the first of many feathered friends had arrived with that message. Spring and all of it’s glorious wonders was finally within reach. A time for new beginnings and rebirths.
As spring made passage into summer, the bird feeder just outside the kitchen window has been aflutter with activity.  The trees that line the yard, a symphony of color and song. Brightly colored bluebirds and streaked song sparrows, flit between tree branches and perch carefully among the leaves. Serenading each other with love songs, others chirping loudly for attention from the lovely serenader.

Nests are built in every unclaimed corner. Under the eaves of neighboring homes and suspended from the tips of tree branches. Hanging baskets and old planters, a place that now becomes home.
No matter where we live, or what the season, our feathered friends inspire accessories and decor that create eternal springtime in our homes.

Beautifully reclaimed needlepoints, lovingly brought back to life and boasting the most divine of our feathered friends, adorn your favorite seating area. Bird cages, once used to house the most majestic of our feathered friends, now repainted and holding favorite plants or candles. Birds nests tucked carefully upon our shelves, filled with tiny eggs so delicate, they could almost pass for the real thing.

Perhaps we invite into our homes the same birds we see each spring as a reminder of all that’s fresh and new.  A time for new beginnings, like the arrival of spring.
Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for ideas and inspiration about moving your feathered friends indoors, for a feeling of spring all year long.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Pretty In Pink Porch Pouch / Tote

This beautiful limited edition "Porch Pouch" is handcrafted from a gorgeous pink and white floral fabric called Pearl Baby Pink and it's lined with a sweet white and baby pink
French Toile.

Simplicity and elegance define this bag as it's slightly tapered at the top, and flares nicely at the bottom - just right! It's the perfect size for magazines, books, papers, with room for your essentials as well.

Inside the bag has two generously sized line pockets of the same fabric as the exterior. Self fabric double handles have a 14" drop.

Hang it on a chair, fold it and tote it in your purse for an extra special shopping bag or carry it as your day tote.This sweet bag serves many purposes quite beautifully!

Finished size is 12.5" tall x 15" wide at the bottom and 12" wide at the top. (Flowers in bag are for display only)

 

get-your-craft-on

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Last Chance - Pouchees® for $21 each

Pouchees® - The Ultimate Purse OrganizerJuly 14 - 31- Last Chance Sale Price = $21.00 each
on Cotton Pouchee's

There will be a price increase beginning August 1st
Cotton Pouchees will be $25.00 each.

GET ORGANIZED WITH OUR SUMMER SALE!

 Now thru 7/31

Handcrafted Card Cases! Organize Your Purse!

Custom Card Cases Only $7.00 each! Plus Free Shipping* when you buy 3 or more!

 

(*Free shipping to U.S. addresses only – you do need to configure shipping in the cart, but I will immediately reimburse it upon receipt of order of 3 or more card cases. This offer expires 7/31/2010)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Awesome Anthropologie Giveaway from ShabbyFuFu!

Heads up everyone – My friend Janet Shaw Coon, owner of the fabulous ShabbyFuFu.com is participating in the Where Bloggers Create Party & having an Anthropologie Giveaway at the Shabbyfufu Studio http://networkedblogs.com/4Z9HT.

Go over and gaze at the gorgeous workspace Janet has created in her daughter’s room and enter the giveaway! And don’t forget to click on the Where Bloggers Create Party link she has there too!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Introducing “Flouncy Flouncy” Bags from Mama’s Pocketbook

Flouncy Flouncy
FRONT SIDE OF FLOUNCY FLOUNCY IN
BLUE-GREEN AMY BUTLER FABRICS

I'm so excited to introduce my newest line of One of a Kind Bag Designs
Flouncy Flouncy!!
Featuring a OOAK Assortment of Amy Butler Blue & Green Print Fabrics

Perfect fun tote for everyday use. Roomy inside with two large fully lined pockets. Lightweight, but sturdy construction. Outer bag and inner lining are made of 7 oz. cotton and interfaced with fusible fleece for soft shaping. Tabs with magnetic closures secure your bag without making it impossible to carry a full load! The tabs also insure that the magnetic closures will not tear the lining of your bag with repeated use.

Flouncy Flouncy

REVERSE SIDE OF FLOUNCY FLOUNCY
AMY BUTLER FABRICS

These ruffles are Lush! There are 10 different Amy Butler fabrics coordinated on this bag. Each ruffle fabric is doubled (no single layered flimsy ruffles here!) and triple stitched to the outer shell of the bag. You'll find 5 different prints on each side of the bag - there will not be a duplicate of this bag's exact arrangement.

It is truly one of a kind!

Flouncy Flouncy


INTERIOR OF FLOUNCY FLOUNCY IN
BLUE-GREEN COORDINATING PREMIER PRINTS FABRICS

Finished dimensions: 13" wide x 11" tall x 4" bottom width.

Tote Price $64.00  - You can also purchase coordinating accessories!

Flouncy Flouncy

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Summer Sewing Sale

Amy Butler Purse Sewing Patterns

Summer Sewing Sale

One Week Only - June 4th - June 11th
Make a FunBag - Enjoy a Whopping 15% off!
and Free Shipping in U.S.

PRICES ALREADY REFLECT 15% OFF SAVINGS & FREE SHIPPPING

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!


Click Here for our Special FREEDOM package
Order any Amy Butler Fashion or Travel Bag
by midnight May 31st  EXTENDED Through June 31st! Summer Introductory Special!
And You Get 3 FREE coordinating Card Cases
AND a FREE Pouchee Organizer (Total $53 Value!)
NEW - Introducing Amy Butler Fashion & Travel Bags
Place order and I will email you to get your fabric choices and colors for the FREE organizer accessories

Amy Butler for Kalencom
Fashion & Travel Bags

Modern grace, confident color, lush pattern, feminine beauty, impeccable quality. Organic cotton, low impact dyes, the highest grade leather accents, zippers, & trims, and bulletproof construction. The compelling fashion & print design of Amy Butler and the detailed quality of Kalencom. Style for your Life.
Amy Butler Muriel Bag Tomato
Muriel - Tomato
Amy Butler Muriel Bag Navy
Muriel - Navy
Amy Butler Josephine Bag Navy
Josephine - Navy
Amy Butler Opal Bag Tomato
Opal- Tomato
Amy Butler Opal Bag Navy
Opal - Tomato
Amy Butler Josephine Bag Tomato
Josephine - Tomato
Amy Butler Harmony Laptop Navy
Harmony Laptop - Navy
Amy Butler Harmony Laptop Tomato
Harmony Laptop - Tomato