7.28.2011

I'm Back!

I really did not choose to take a week of from blogging (and all faithful four who read this thing:), but I had to.  This has been the summer of circumstances at our house and I needed to re-evaluate what we were doing with those circumstances and what I was going to learn from those events.  So you could say the first half of the summer looked kind of like this......

                                                                     Source: picasaweb.google.com via Heather on Pinterest


Yup, that is me! Aren't I just so cute? Just decided to put my head in the sand and wait for the storm to pass, maybe no one will notice my large tussy hanging out? Didn't work. So I turned to this book........


                                                                               Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest



......and let my heart open. Boy, did I learn a lot. You see just by reading the bible, and listening to what God had to say, I learned that this really has not been a summer of loose but rather of gain. For those lessons, as hard as they are, taught me lessons that I could never learn in any course. While relationships may change, money may change, jobs may change, people might hurt, and the world dissapoints, my God is consistent, loving, and never leaving.

The months of summer may be coming to a slow close but the gifts I have been given by enduring what God set before me are abounding. Come on Fall, I am ready to take you on!

                                                                      Source: johnsjournal-maria.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

7.21.2011

The National Debt, um duh

One of my first college English papers was a 5 page piece on "apathy." Not a subject I would have chosen but a subject that really transformed who I am (annoying as it may be for you.)

For those of you who know me know that I am pretty opinionated.  Sometimes, I am spewing opinion till I turn a different color.   I am not always right (gasp), and honestly I love to be surrounded by people who don't agree with me.  I love to hear what others have to say-- I appreciate what they have to say.  I love people who stand up for what they truly believe in - good for you!

So here comes my first little opinion piece for Sew Four.  Not writing about sewing, kids, boogers, dying dogs, or life in this one.  Nope just here to let you know debt is dumb folks - really dumb.

                                                                     Source: thingsweforget.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest


Pretty simple - you don't have it, don't spend it. Now, I know, I know there are circumstances that come up (ie, medical, accidental or aliens landing on Earth) that you just couldn't have avoided that debt - or could you? Just remember a new pair of shoes is not an emergency and if you would never be able to save enough money to get it then why do you have enough money to pay someone every month more than it is worth in the first place?  Or maybe if a bill does rear its' ugly head you get a second job to cover it?  Pray before you buy?  Ask your community for help when you need it?  Have a yard sale!

So national debt starts at home. Shake your fists at the blue bloods all you want -- you are responsible for you - it is not a free -or-all. Each of our representatives should be at the capitol during the day and delivering pizzas on a bike at night to get this country out of this mess.


                                                                               Source: twistedsifter.com via Holly on Pinterest


Eight years ago, Michael and I discovered the most amazing, the most practical, the most simple advice we could ask for. Today we are facing a possible crisis, but for some reason it seems less of a crisis then the world thinks it should be. Maybe because we have Christ leading our way and have the emergency fund he wanted us to have. God knew 8 years ago that we would be facing the mountain we are today and thankfully he put Dave Ramsey in our life's path before it happened.  I beg you to visit his Financial Peace University, buy his books, and tell your representatives to do the same!  You will be glad you did.  

Oh, and if you would like to contribute to our emergency fund visit my Etsy Store or my facebook page  as we join together as a family to live debt free!  

Random weekend

It was a very random weekend for me.  Forty eight hours with no kids - fun!  Actually got to go to dinner with some friends (without having to cancel) - fun!  Sewing beacuse I wanted to - fun!  I missed my kiddos but oh, the peace and quiet was so welcomed!  

Here are some pretties from my weekend of random sewing.  All on Etsy now!  







Can anyone tell, I am ready for fall?  I don't want me kids to go back to school but I am seriously craving a pumpkin spiced latte.  Oh my!

7.19.2011

Today I did....according to Pinterest

Yesterday was a sad, sad day for Michael and I. We had to say goodbye to our faithful friend of 14 years. Today it surreal that he is not here. Fourteen years was a long time, just not long enough. To try and keep from crying, baby P and I kept moving....Here is what we did today in pictures from pinterest.

Woke up missing my baby.....
                                                                                        Source: None via Heather on Pinterest


Made a few things for my faithful Nina Bina clients.....thank you guys!
                                                                              Source: compare.ebay.com via Lindsey on Pinterest



Went to the postal office to mail Ms. N a package at camp.....
                                                                       Source: theimaginationtree.com via Lexi on Pinterest



Met my hubby for lunch at a playground where I ate some of these......
                                                                            Source: whiteonricecouple.com via Heather on Pinterest



And played on one of these......
                                                                              Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest



while baby P swang and sang I enjoyed one of these.....
                                                                             Source: starbucks.com via Heather on Pinterest


So far a good morning, reflecting on the fact that it was privilege to have my buddy in my life and enjoying the memories we have together.

7.15.2011

Taking a break and saying goodbye

I'm sad.  Really sad.  This soft ball of fuzz has been
 by my side for the last 14 years.

 He has never doubted me, always trusted me, and given me love at the lowest times.  But he is real sick.  His tumors are too much to bare anymore.  I love him and don't want to let him suffer.  I know there is a place where he won't feel pain.  I am sure that God is preparing a place for him to feel the snow, to run with the sled dogs and to be carefree.

So excuse me while I spend the weekend with one of my best friends, a friend I want to keep forever and please pray for Michael, me, and the kids as we get ready to say goodbye.

7.12.2011

Happy Birthday Saint Basil

Have you ever seen a picture of this building?

                                                                             Source: archhis.com via Heather on Pinterest


It is Saint Basil's Catheral in Moscow.  I saw a picture of it as a child and thought it was one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen.  Look at the shape.  There is no rhyme or reason to how it is formed.  It comes together so organically.  The color, oh the color!  Can you imagine that color standing in the middle of gray.  That is probably what this building brought to the people of Moscow during the dark days of communism.

                                                                                   Source: None via Heather on Pinterest


At 8, I would have never imagined that I would get to climb on the inside of that building -- but I did!  In 2003, I spent a month in Moscow - - 28 week pregnant might I add!  It is just as beautiful inside as it is on the outside.  Every hall, wall, and door is bursting with beauty.  The stairs are narrow (remember pregnant lady climbing here), almost like climbing a ladder.  It is amazing how alive each of the dark rooms truly are.





I came home from the trip to Moscow with a new love for Russia, oh and a little souvenir.  You see this precious little baby is mine.  The reason Michael and I traveled all the way there.  She reminds me a lot of the cathedral.  She is bubbly like the towers.  The way she puts things together doesn't always make the most sense but when you see the finished product it is beautiful!  She is colorful on the dreary days.  Her inner beauty shines outward for all to see!  I love you Moscow for giving me my daughter!  Happy 450 birthday Saint Basil!

Shop UPdate

I am still working on the new banner/button for the Sew Four shop to go up 8/1/11.  Did I mention free giveaways that week?

Anyway, thought I would add some happy things to the nina bina shop in the meantime.  Hope you enjoy!


Can be made in any solid color







Inspired by "the boots"


7.11.2011

My Peachtree Road Race

Well, at least I finished.  Everyone told me not to count on a stellar time.  I only ran about 6 times in the last month.  Having to hunkerdown at the house while life dealt us major changes called for distraction from the asphalt.  My longest run had been 4.5 miles.  Much short of the 6.2 needed to finished.  All I knew was that if I passed out, please do not carry me to Grady Hospital.  




Dear skinny girl running happily next to me......well.....I don't want to be too ugly..


Here are some interesting facts about the Peachtree Road Race 
- it is the largest 10 K in the world
- it takes over 3,000 volunteers to help the event
- over 55,000 people finished the whole route either walking or running
- lots of people wear costumes while running (wish I had pictures)
- tons of people drink beer while running (nasty)
- it is like a 6.2 mile long party

I would do it again!  The 5 am wakeup time hurt.  The Tuesday after = hurt.  But wearing the t shirt and feeling like a rockstar is worth it :)

Come down and join the crowd for the next Peachtree!  Totally worth it!

My top ten Movies

Pretty simple......my top ten movies of all time.  Except - I do not like going to the movies.  Perhaps I suffer from some type of attention issue but I can not just sit and enjoy.   That is probably why I am perfectly happy with four very different children.  Always something to do, to look at, to address.  So here it comes America a movie list from a child of the 80's.



1.  The Patriot.
The Mel Gibson version.  I am a married woman but seriously Heath Ledger (God rest his soul) was           pretty easy on the eyes in this one.  Matter of fact this movie left such an impression on me that I named my first son Gabriel after Heath's character.  Don't tell all my friends who think I researched names in the bible and thus picked Gabriel.  I am proud to be an American too!

2. A Knight's Tale.
Heath Ledger - need I say more?  I actually loved the mix of satire type influences with music, poetry and romance.  Again, Heath Ledger.

3.  Cocktail.
At one time Tom Cruise was Tom Cruise - now I have to admit I think he is nuts.  Big downer there but I am OK with it now.  Oh, this was also the first rated R movie I went to.

4.  The Breakfast Club.
Really no explanation needed here.

Source: google.com via Valya on Pinterest



5.  16 Candles.
Thank you Molly Ringwald for making me believe that there was someone out there with a family crazier than mine.  And for having really neat hair.

6. Pretty in Pink.
Yes, romance does still exist and not all "cool" kids are jerks.  Although the ones I met in high school were (you know who you are!).

7.  Forest Gump.
Sweet, innocent, perfect!  Not to mention, I wish I could run like that.

8.  The Terimal.
Perhaps the best things in life are right in front of what we do not want.  And Dear Government - you have no idea what you are doing!

9.  Napolean Dynamite.
You make me so happy.  I laugh, I cry, I dance, I sing.  Thank you, you quirky little guy.




10. And my newest favorite........drum roll please........ Death at a Funeral!
Totally funny and totally out of my artsy fartsy love Heath Ledger comfort zone............

Honorable mentions - Patch Adams (although I try not to cry in public), and Death to Smoochy (an overlooked needs to be classic)

Interesting huh?  What goes on in the little mind of me?  I think I am pretty much like a spool of multi colored yarn you might see at the boutique.  You never quite know which is going to come next but when it is all woven together perhaps you like what you got?  Wait until I share my IPod playlist, you won't know what his you :)

What are you favorites?  Might be something I have to see?  Please Share!

7.10.2011

A Little Tutorial on Embroidery Machines


Did you know that Nina Bina is a little boutique business?  The ninabina carries burp clothes, shirts, dresses, and such that are appliqued or monogrammed.  The cuteness overflows and the budget requirements of boutique type items at a reasonable price are met.  



Nina Bina is fun, creative, and spunky - just like the child the shop was named after.  


A few of my Proverbs 31 friends have asked how, when, why and what to buy in an embroidery machine and maybe how to start a Nina Bina type of their own.  Now this is not a comprehensive manual (that will cost you :) but more of a fact sheet in which you start finding some answers on your own.


  1. Save the money.  I do nothing in business that is not cash.  Finance NOTHING!  N- O- T- H - I - N - G.  God does not want you to be slave to the lender.
  2. You need a computer.  I have a mac (shout out to all the cool spiky hair people) but any computer will do.  You need a computer/internet to download designs, use your monogram software, and store designs.  You will be choosing a machine that either you put designs onto a USB stick or has a USB cord that plugs right into your machine.  
  3. Start with a starter.  I started off with an embroidery/sewing machine.  It embroidered      a 4” x 4” area.  Perfect for three letter/ one letter monograms or small appliques.  I have since moved onto a solo embroidery machine that does a 5x7 area.  I find this efficient for what I need right now (although there is an envelope for saving for the commercial/home machine).  Alot of retailers will let you trade in your smaller machine for a discount on a new machine too. 
  4. Remember you want to monogram - you have to buy monogram software.  I have the monogram wizard.  It has tons of fonts, formats the letters for you and has tons of options for style.  It is super easy to use and runs about 250- for the basic addition.  You can add fonts for around 50 - at a time.  
  5. You can research different web sites to download applique designs from.  Applique designs cost anywhere from .99 - 9.00 each.  One you download them - you can use them as many times as you would like.  
  6. Educate yourself.  Read reviews.  Look for sales.  Wait.  Research thread preferences of people.  Study up on the art of hooping (this is how you put backing on your items and attach them to the machine for embroidering).  Have scraps available for learning.  Remember there is a huge learning curve when you first start.  Find out about what needles you need. 
  7. Refurbished vs new.  This is your choice.  I bought a refurbished machine that broke down within the first month.  But the catch here is I bought it from a reputable retailer that honored their guarantees and exchanged it for another machine - no questions asked.  I have had the replacement refurbished machine for 2 years now and have not had a problem.  


Right now, I have a Brother 700II.  It is a 5x7 area machine that has a usb cord that plugs right into the machine and computer.  It is a great machine.  I have always had a Brother.  I find it simple to understand and very user friendly.  My machine is for personal use but Brother has many other machines available for commercial use too.  I also have the regular Monogram Wizard for my monogramming.  It is perfect.  I have added on two alphabet sets and have just about everything I need.  I would say with machine, software, stabilizers, thread, needles and supplies my initial investment was 900-.  Remember - I paid cash!  
I am probably missing some little details here and there but this has been my adventure into embroidery!  I love it and hope you do too.  
Resources 

7.08.2011

Quotables.....

I really have nothing to say except,,,,,,,  I SUPER EXCITED!  My SIL is getting married!  Married to a great guy!  I am so happy for the both of them!  She is great, he is great - our family is blessed!  Happy Marriage Lisa and Jedd - we love you!

For now, I leave you with a few favorite quotes.  Print them, post them, make a t-shirt with them - you will be glad you did!


                                                                            Source: jlrey.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest

For the Dave Ramsey living inside me :)


                                                                        Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest


Eleanor - you rock!

                                                                         Source: thegrindstone.com via Heather on Pinterest

Wise Old (well dead) man


                                                                         Source: abduzeedo.com via Nicholas on Pinterest

And Chuck Norris? How do you define cool? Anything he says is cool!

Now off to the church!


7.07.2011

So for - creating history - one stitch at a time

Usually on Thursdays I do a little post about who I am, where I came from and where I am going. Instead, I enjoyed Thursday by linking up with the Gussy Sews Community for a pamper prompt party! So fun!  Think I will do it again.

For now, Friday you get a little more of me.  I think it might be time to give you a little bit of where this "Sew Four" idea came from and what I pray it becomes in the future.

                                                                   Source: allthingsbelle.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest


At our house, the past few months have been a roller coaster (for those of you who know me - I HATE roller coasters - never been on one until now).  Thru the madness, Michael and I have really been given an opportunity to re-evaluate where our family is its' storing treasures.  What a blessing!  We have collectively prayed, and though it may not have been the way WE planned, God has provided in a more amazing way than imagined.  He really affirmed to us what we need to be "so for".  


As a mom he has laid it upon my heart to be "sewing for" my kids.  So as Michael starts a new job, with a new number attached to it, my sewing machine will be working full time "so for" the family I love so much!



                                                                         Source: granvillehouse.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest



In the next few weeks I will continue making adorable boutique/appliqued items which will stay in the Nina Bina Store.  Of course, drop off monogramming will always be available.



BIG NEWS, BIG BIG NEWS!


But the big news is that by the first of August, I will be opening a new store!  It will house my first sewing love of cute pouches, totes, ruffles, vintage fabrics, buttons and more.  It will be a store committed to providing for my clients and for being "so for" my four blessings from God - - for my family!  I will be working on making this blog a place where community can come, feel safe, relate, laugh, learn, share and relax.  I am so excited to show the world what I am so for and even more excited to learn what you are so for!

Is there anything you are working on that you are "so for?"  I would love to hear your loving words - please share!

Linking up with Gussy to Pampered myself



Hellooooooo Gussy!  This is my first first link up and I am so excited - yippppeeee!

When you're a mom (I have four little lovelies 9 - 20 months) pamper is a big word.  Life & budget usually do not afford the luxury of pampering.   But most times "time" is the culprit stealing the indulgence.   So maybe in my world pampering is more of a goal - - something I would write (probably at the bottom) of a very long to do list.  Which in all reality turns into a once a year goal.  Ohhhhhhh, but does it sound so nice?

My mommy needs to be pampered - is anyone listening?


Usually the word pamper means a brand name of diapers that I was able to get free with CVS points and double coupons.  But today, pamper was the prompt and boy did I run with it!  Well, do not know if I will be running with these bad boys but I might kick some butt with them!


Yes, aren't they beautiful?  And guess what?  They are mine!  Yup, M - I - N - E!





You see, I have been searching all over for the perfect dress/sandal combo for the many festivities surrounding my SIL's wedding (hi Lisa!).  Couldn't find a thing!

Then I started brainstorming for this super duper linky party.  How about cupcakes? I could write about great cupcakes.  Specificlly red velvet.  But no, does not help the last ten lbs of baby weight I need to loose.  Maybe, I could get a pedicure?  Ummmm, nope.  Does not fit in with the running shoes.  Nailpolish chips on the first day -- a total waste of money.  Maybe a scented candle.  Again, nope one of the kids would set something on fire with it.  Bubble bath?  No, someone probably peed in the tub last night (gross I know).  So how do I pamper myself?  Then it came to me!  For this month, I would pamper myself with boots!  Solves the "what to wear to wedding events" problem and gives me a yee haw everything I wear them!



How pampering is a pair of boots?  At 5'4" I can put these babies on and feel 6'0".  If I need to kick some butt, I have pointy toes.  I can play cowboys with the kids and be the "really cool" mom.  I can put on my boots, sit on the porch, drink a tall glass of sweet tea and pretend that I am looking over the prairies of Texas.


So worth saving the money for and hey, I made my "goal" on the 6th of the month!  Yippee for being pampered!  Not saying that a VENTI chai isn't too far behind on the list ;)

7.05.2011

Creating a create room

I have this dream room.
It is spilling with supplies.
Has a bright window where birds sit in front to chirp me along my way.
White painted cabinets fill the wall space.
A large cutting table adorns the center.
My kids have a place to create along side me.
Color spills from every corner.
Yet, it is calm and relaxing when I get there.
Ideas creep out of the woodwork with little effort at all.


                                                                               Source: flickr.com via Heather on Pinterest

Could it be here?



                                                                 Source: french-knot.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest


Or maybe here?


                                                                                Source: tipjunkie.com via Heather on Pinterest

Or perhaps here?

But alas, it is a room in basement.
No window, no white cabinets, no large cutting table - just yet......
But I do see a kids area, a large pin board, bright colored paint.  
It could just what I am looking for and I didn't know it!  

7.03.2011

So this is my Monday.....

                                                                            Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest


I am doing something crazy on Monday.
Well, maybe not that crazy since 60,000 other people are doing it with me.
No, then again, it is completely nuts.
Why would someone choose to get up on a holiday at 5:00 am?
Why would someone choose to wait until 8:00 to begin?
Why would someone choose to do something they are not at all ready to do?

                                                                              Source: etsy.com via Heather on Pinterest


I would!
Guess you could call me crazy, that is probably certifiable.
But why not do it?
Maybe I won't break the speed of sound - but I will finish!
Even if I have to crawl.

7.02.2011

Celebrate Saturdays

  1. Sometimes....


you just have to......


remember to celebrate Saturday.


And eat.....


ice cream for breakfast!