I really did not fall of the face of the earth......

Although it seems that way, due to my lack of tending to my little blog. In the meantime, I have had wonderful readers who have graciously posted to my blogs, and for that I am grateful.

I have officially joined the work force again after 12 years of being at home! I was offered a medical transcriptionist position at Capital Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic (www.capitalorthosports.com) and I have to say that I absolutely love it! Well, I mean they don't call it WORK because it's all fun and games, but I think I have made a rather smooth transition from being a stay-at-home mom to one who gets up every morning to go into the office. I have a great boss, the doctor's are super easy to work with (no God-complexes, thank goodness), and best of all, a steady paycheck!!!!!

I get to wear scrubs, which means I DON'T have to wear dresses, dress shoes, and those wretched panty hose. The only thing more comfortable would be if I did not have to wear a bra, but hey, nothing's perfect.

The only downside to this whole thing is that I have not been able to sew or crochet for months now. I am simply too tired to go to the machine in the evenings, especially since I am busy with dinner and washing, etc. School will be out soon, so at least there won't be all that to deal with, so maybe I can ease back into it with a few pouches or something simple.

So, I guess from now on, in addition to a few creations here and there, I might be posting about who did what at work and why A is mad at B, and C won't work with D, etc., etc......

Wickedly Chic!!!

One of my flower pins has been featured in the awesome site http://www.wickedlychic.com/! Check it out. This neat online trend magazine was developed as a resource for shoppers seeking off-the-beaten path fashion, bath, and body products for the home. It's labeled as "independent shopping for the wickedly fashionable." If you sign up for their newsletter, you will be eligible to win prizes in their Sunday Giveaways. I'm tickled pink to be included in their Daily Ditties section!

Rewind to 1955 - A Blast from the Past

Okay, read this excerp from "Housekeeping Monthly", and I dare you not to have the theme to "Leave It To Beaver" playing in your head ALL DAY.... Just goes to show you how things have really, really changed. Of course, I think my mother-in-law still subscribes to this magazine, 'cause she's just like the person in this article. (thanks to dlkdesigns on Etsy for sharing this with fellow Etsians):

Housekeeping Monthly May 13, 1955 May 13, 1955 Un-Named

The Good Wife’s Guide
1. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
3. Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
5. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.
6. Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
7. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
8. Be happy to see him.
9. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first –– remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
11. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
12. Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
13. Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
14. Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
15. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
16. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
17. Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
18. A good wife always knows her place.

We on Etsy have been informed by a fellow Etsian that this article is most likely not authentic, according to Snopes. Maybe, maybe not, but it's still a hoot, and hopefully it will give you a chuckle today!

I'm addicted to making these things!

Oh my word, these things are fun to make! I have a slew of zippered pouches in my Etsy shop. I'm experimenting with different sizes, but they are all pretty roomy. I'm using one to keep my testing supplies in and another for receipts and coupons, another for makeup....... you can find them here: http://azalealane.etsy.com

Oh, speaking of testing supplies, I received a call from my doctor today, and my A1C has DROPPED TO 7.0! YEAH!!!!!!! The Januvia is working splendidly! I had been hoping for this.

New Zippered Pouches in my Etsy shop!

I always had a major hang-up about installing zippers. I didn't think I could do it, so I never really tried. Well, I put my mind to, and it's really not that hard! I'm on a roll now! I have just listed these two pretty zippered pouches in my Etsy shop, and you're likely to see a lot more of them, now that I have decided zippers are fun to put in! Here's the link to my shop: http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

A Sweet-Smelling Etsy Delicacy

I found this wonderful seller on Etsy through her Flickr account, 4th Ave. Soap Company, and purchased these two soaps as a gift for a friend of mine. The fleur-de-lis is the symbol of Boy Scouts, and my friend is a Scout Leader, so I know she will love these soaps.

Well, lo and behold, as I open my mailbox, this heavenly scent wafts out from the interior, and I knew my treasures had arrived. Pictured above are Pink Sugar and Black Raspberry Vanilla. I'll be honest, I am hard-pressed to decide which one to give my friend and which one to keep!

This shop has some great soaps in stock in beautiful designs. I have to go back for more! Here's a link to her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5271909

The Skinny Scarf/Belt - New for Spring!

I'm excited to present my newest accessory, the skinny scarf/belt. I used 10 different coordinating prints from the Valori Wells Sole' line to create this beautiful piece. It is 65" long and 2" wide. It can be worn as a belt or around the neck as an accent. What a perfect way to spice up a blah outfit! You can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9112785

Mississippi Blizzard!

Well, this is our version of a blizzard here in Mississippi. We woke up Saturday morning to a fairly steady downpour of snow, so we hurriedly put on our coats and ran outside. We managed to scrape up a few flakes of snow into balls and pelt each other with them, and of course, you see poor Sparky in the picture below trying to get in on the action. By 3:00 p.m. the sun was shining and it was all gone. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!

More Etsy Treasures!

How fun is this?! I just received an adorable ceramic ring holder from Sweet Pickles Pottery on Etsy. Not only did I receive the ring holder, but I also received a cute "Diva" ceramic magnet and a little ladybug notepad. Those little extras are just wonderful! Check out her shop at http://www.sweetpicklespottery.etsy.com

My Newest Etsy Find!

Isn't this lovely? I have a friend who has a cross made from wire-wrapped beads, and I am constantly threatening to steal it from her (not very Christian, huh?). Well, I ran across this seller on Etsy who had the most amazing cross pendants. She had a lot of pretty pastel ones, but I really wanted primary colored beads. I contacted her, and she graciously made me the cross above. I am just thrilled with it. You should check out her shop on Etsy. She's at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com

HUGE fabric sale in my Etsy shop!

I'm having a huge sale in my shop for the rest of January! I'm trying to destash my overcrowded sewing room, and I have listed a ton of fabric in my shop.
For each 1 yard of fabric you purchase from my shop, I will send you 1 yard FREE! If I have another yard of the fabric you are buying, I can send that, OR if you are adventureous, let me choose and I will send you another yard of quality fabric.
Shipping will stay the same up to a total of four yards. For each additional yard over 4, add 0.50 shipping. This is a great buy, you are getting two yards for the price of one!
http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

Fabric Overload!

Even more fabric is listed in my Etsy shop! Come on you fabriholics, take a peek! You know you want to! These poor things need a good home and a good project to make them feel special. (I know that sounds goofy, but I'm in a goofy mood today!) http://www.azalealane.etsy.com

Wow! Etsy is making a mark!

I just saw this article from Time regarding Etsy and the top 50 websites:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1633488_1633458_1633474,00.html

It is so gratifying to know that there is a site out there dedicated to artisans and craftspeople that actually is successful. I have totally enjoyed listing my items there, and I am just now really devoting myself to it. I still list on Ebay occasionally, and will continue to do so, but it is hard for artisans to get a fair price for their goods there, in my opinion, because of the garage sale mentality over there.

I encourage everyone to visit Etsy at some point and just browse and discover the true raw talent that is out there.

New Flower Pins!

Happy New Year! I've started off the new year ready to sell! I made some cute little crocheted flowers awhile back and decided just now to list them on Etsy. I have three listed; the one above, and another multicolor one made of ribbon yarn, and a black and brown made from chenille yarn. They are worth taking a peek at. Very affordable, and they would look too cute on handbags, hats, sweaters, you name it. http://www.azalealane.etsy.com