April 30, 2011

Good morning lovely readers! I just ate a delicious, but certainly not too nutritious, meal that included a McDonald's breakfast burrito and half a bottle of Pellegrino. Thanks Mr. B for gathering breakfast this morning.  BTW, sister-in-law Susan who lives in Mont Clair, VA, asked where Mr. B was during the wedding festivities. Well, he wasn't in front of the TV screen with the ladies. He was hidden in the bedroom, only appearing occasionally when we would get too loud while he was trying to sleep.

Mother and daughter - Mitzie, l, and Madame, r  -
posing just before the royal wedding began.

While waiting for the official wedding-party photographer to send the photos from her camera, today's posting pic is from my iPhone of the mother and daughter dynamic duo, Mitzie and Ashley (also known to me as Madame). Kudos to Madame for donning not only a tiara for the wedding party, but also a Union Jack t-shirt. Mitzie is wearing her fascinating Fascinator, fabulous animal print pajama bottoms and a pink t-shirt, all while wrapped in a green fringed flannel blanket. Oh my, perhaps I have yet another career as a fashion writer.

Today I'm creating an outfit to wear to two parties tonight. I've seen so many hats in the past two days that I wish it was appropriate to wear a hat at night. But somewhere inside my head my mother is shaking her head and reminding me ... no hats after dark! She never mentioned the does and don'ts of wearing a tiara after dark, so I wonder if one of those would be appropriate? Or are tiaras so ... yesterday?

April 29, 2011

We made it through the royal wedding. Kendall, Evan and Mitzie were here at 7 p.m. for shepherd's pie, and the champagne started flowing. Evan left after dinner, just as the crafting supplies came out. Mitzie made a fascinating "facinator," Kendall made a tiara, and I made an over the top hat. Mitzie was the photographer for the night and hasn't sent the photos, so the head toppers will be shown later.

There was heavy yawning around 1 a.m., but Kendall, Mitzie and I stayed awake until the BBC began its coverage at 3 a.m., which is about the time Evan returned in her pajamas. Ashley and her tiara arrived around 3:30 a.m. and Claire was fashionably late, arriving just before 5 a.m., with her actual wedding veil and tiara, and in her pajamas. I think we were all somewhat underwhelmed by the wedding dress, which earned a modest B+ from the groggy crowd. Round 6 a.m. we ate salad, quiche, scones, orange rolls from the Junior League ... and look at the fabulous lemon tart Kendall made, complete the royal couples initials fashioned from blueberries.

Today I'm creating sleep, and taking Rose with me. She was a real trouper who put on a little tiara sometime during the evening, and stayed awake with everyone until after the balcony kiss. Goodnight, my sweet princess Rose!

April 28, 2011

In case you've been living under a rock, the royal wedding is tomorrow. So much for me to do on the day before the big wedding. I made my two-page list last night and this morning have determined that there's no way I'll get it all done today (especially since I'm not dressed yet). My guests will be arriving at 7 p.m. tonight for the rehearsal dinner feast of shepherd's pie, the only semi-English dish I can make. Once we get in our pajamas we'll make tiaras and veils. I'm not sure if we'll be sleeping or not before the wedding festivities begin at 4 a.m. tomorrow, which will be followed by a champagne breakfast while we're still in pajamas.

On a break from all the wedding silliness, my prayers go to the people who are suffering from the terrible weather. Photos showing the devastation of the tornados are heartbreaking. In all the wedding hype, we shouldn't forget these unfortunate people!

And on a go-America note, tomorrow after a post-wedding nap, I'll be watching the final Endeavour launch. I'm so happy that the Congresswoman Giffords will be onsite as her heroic husband Mark Kelly and the rest of the Endeavour crew liftoff. Go USA!

Today I'm creating wedding magic! Stay tuned for photos and a recap of the fun.

April 27, 2011

Good afternoon, world. What's up?

Daughters #1 and #2 (Kendall, left, and Evan, right,)
couldn't be more different and unique. I've been told
Kendall looks like me and Evan has my personality.

I was at an event last night that involved wine consumption with old and new women friends. Yippee! Daughter #1 Kendall was also in attendance, as were my friend Melissa (a.k.a. Mitzie) and her 20-something daughter Ashley. As the evening got later, Kendall kept motioning for me to be quiet, which made me think I was drinking too much and embarrassing her. So I called Mitzie this morning to discuss, and was reminded why I love my dear friend of 30+ years so much! Mitzie reminded me that it was our job as mothers to annoy and embarrass our children whenever and as often as possible. She also reminded me how quiet and shy Kendall can be around people she doesn't know, unlike moi and daughter #2 Evan. Mwah to Mitzie! It's great to have girlfriends.

Today I'm creating a newsletter, preparing for my Board meeting tonight for the Bayou City Arts Festival, and making a to-do-list for my Royal Wedding sleepover party. Can you say fun?

April 26, 2011

There are gray skies in Houston today. I forget what's supposed to happen when it's cloudy. Rain? It has been so long since Houston has experienced this weather occurrence. What happened to April showers? The Pettit yard is looking pitiful.

I scratched the idea of trying to get enough pieces sewn and ready for a "trunk" show on May 7 – just too much going on. I already have an event or appointment on my calendar until May 23. Although I'll miss the opportunity to sell items for Mother's Day, I want to have new products available for a show, not just the same old, same old. I did work on some machine embroidery yesterday, but quickly decided it's too labor intensive for my "price point." Not sure why I decided to embroider a barn. It's cute, but much too "country cute" for my taste. For now, the barn will make a great coaster for my diet cokes.

Today I'm creating a weekly newsletter. It must be Tuesday and I must be at my client's office.

April 25, 2011

As someone who often can't sleep, I'm becoming an expert on late-night and early-morning programming, and can say with certainty that neither are worth staying awake to watch! Around 4:30 a.m. local news begins, which is all about the wrecks, fires and murders that happened while most people, but not me, were sleeping. There are television evangelists. 'Nuf said. Another option is the shopping networks with hosts who are entirely too peppy for anyone who is sleep deprived. 


My favorite programming this morning was an informercial for a device named "Pos-T-Vac." Let me be perfectly clear about this: I'm so happy I wasn't hired to write this copy. The Pos-T-Vac Vacuum Therapy System is FDA approved for managing Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Forget the little blue pill, which can take up to four hours. Instead, the all natural Pos-T-Vac is safe and effective at treating impotence, with results in as little as four minutes. For your convenience, we'll work with your doctor to obtain your prescription, bill your insurance for you, and ship your Pos-T-Vac discreetly to your home with no charge for shipping. That's right, there are no up-front out-of-pocket expenses. 


This copy is wrong on so many levels, not the least of which is the claim that the product is all natural. It's a plastic vacuum tube that costs about $200! I had to keep watching  for the announcement, But wait, there's more. Would there be a forthcoming two-for-one offer or the promise of steak knives if the viewer called in the next 10 minutes? But alas, it wasn't to be. A final thought about "Pos-T-Vac." Do you think the inventors wanted to name their product "The Bullet" and were saddened to learn that name was taken?


Today I'm creating ideas for upcoming sewing projects. I'm trying to decide if I want to have a "trunk" show before Mother's Day. If I do, I better put the pedal to the metal and get cranking on my sewing machine!

April 24, 2011

Truett Bryan Akin, Jr. and Peggie Hargrove Akin
on January 28, 1995, at my wedding to Mr. B.

Today is Easter Sunday and the date of my parents' wedding anniversary. At the time of my mother's death 10 years ago, Mother and Daddy had been married 52 years. Daddy lived six more years, but seemed lost when his high school sweetheart was no longer with him.

I now have many friends who are suffering as I did during the illnesses of my parents. Since I've been through the process of losing my parents (and my brother), I try to be supportive, but it's such a personal grief. What helped me most was to know in my heart that after their deaths, they were in a better place, no longer in their tired, diseased bodies. I choose to believe my parents are together now, floating on a big white fluffy cloud, watching over their earthy family.

Today I'm creating a day of relaxation. Mr. B and I have no plans for the afternoon, except to take it easy.

April 23, 2011

Enjoying Friday night dinner with our friend Bob.

Mr. B and I had a great time last night with our dear friend Bob Sanford. Bob has optimistically battled cancer for more than a year, and in the process has lost his beautiful white hair. Being the southern gentleman that he is, Bob was concerned about wearing a cap in the restaurant. In an effort to make him feel more comfortable, Mr. B and I surprised Bob and wore caps.

Today I'm creating plans for a simple Easter day. For the past four years we have had family and friends over to the house, but decided not to do it this year. I'm trying to convince myself it's OK not to cook for 20 people. I'm sorry if I'm letting people down, but it's been a really busy Spring and I just didn't feel like planning another big get together. Maybe Mr. B and I will simply go to brunch after church.

April 22, 2011

Rose likes the new basket, but started sneezing
because the fabric inside the basket reaks from
the smell of mothball.

In the Thursday edition of the Houston Chronicle I always look in the classified section for upcoming auctions and garage/estate sales. I got in the Thursday morning habit several years ago when Mr. B was renovating houses. I was staging properties for him and could often find something I needed at a garage/estate sale at a reasonable price. Yesterday I found two estate sales that peaked my interest, so off I went.

The first estate sale featured artwork, but what the advertisement failed to mention was that all the art was ugly and terribly overpriced. At the second estate sale I found a great vintage basket (love baskets) and tons of fabrics. So the money I was going to spend yesterday on a mani/pedi instead went to purchase the basket, which I filled with cool fabrics, trims and buttons. I told Mr. B that buying these items was my "green" effort because if I hadn't bought the items they would have probably ended up in a landfill.

Today I'm creating magic with fabrics. Although I'm not sure what magic with fabrics will include, I'm inspired to mix and match fabrics and trims with cute vintage buttons.

April 21, 2011

Happy birthday QEII who was born in 1926, and is 85 today. I saw a video of her this morning going to church. She was dressed in her matching pale blue coat and hat. How cute is she? Standing behind her (as always) was Prince Philip. He'll be 90 in June. He brought strong German genes to the British monarchy. Three of his and Elizabeth's children look so much like him.

My orange war paint last year in SFe.

Also today in 1836, an army of Texans led by Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna and his Mexican army at San Jacinto. My mom loved Texas history. Our family went several times to visit Sam Houston's house outside of Huntsville. Being a realist, Mother would tell us stories about Houston's affairs and unhealed war injuries. I'll spare you those history lessons.

Today I'm creating a royal moment of pampering for myself. I've been good all week with healthy eating, so I'm going to treat myself to a mani/pedi. 

April 20, 2011

Nectar of the gods!

I can't believe it's going to be 90 degrees in HOU today. Too hot for April. While organizing my closets during the past few days I've removed all my fall/winter clothes from the main closet. I wear cold weather clothes so little I wonder why I have anything that's not cotton.

Last night I went to a happy hour for Women of Wine (WOW) Charities. Fun event at Cork Soakers (2024 Rusk). Really nice wine bar with terrific prices. One of my favorite adult beverages is Veuve Clicquot, a true champagne. It usually costs $44-$48/bottle at Specs, so imagine my surprise when Cork Soakers had it on their wine menu for $55/bottle.

Today I'm creating something from a piece of vintage fabric, in celebration of Earth Week. Did you know that the U.S. is the #1 producer of waste/garbage products?

April 19, 2011

Although it's early (almost 2 a.m.), it's April 19 and I'm still awake, so I might as well write my blog for today.

Monday night dinner was tasty and not
nearly as monochromatic as pictured.

Kudos to Monday! It was a good day and I accomplished everything I set out to do. I finished drafting and editing the newsletter I'm writing and sent it to my client. I made another terrific dinner: chicken (with balsamic vinegar, sweet onions and thyme) and glazed carrots. I watched Dancing with the Stars. And while semi-watching Barbara Wawa's special on Kate and Will,  I caught the segment on Zelko Bistro that was featured on the Food Network show Meat & Potatoes.

Today I'm creating a list of family jewels to wear on my pajamas while watching the royal wedding. There's probably nothing more fashionable than rhinestone brooches and diamond earrings to accent my mismatched t-shirt and p.j. bottoms. Can you say stunning? When my girlfriends arrive before the wedding we'll make tiaras, veils and tacky tissue-flower bouquets. Stay tuned for photos on Friday, April 29.

April 18, 2011

Day 2 of closet clean-out camp. Clothes from three closets are everywhere in the living and dining room. It's a mess! Fortunately, this is a calm week, so I'll have plenty of time to finish organizing everything. I have clothes I've forgotten about, including an evening tunic I bought in London 30 years ago.

My dinner last night was terrific. Pan roasted tilapia, wild rice with herbs and blanched green beans. It was so yummy I think I'll cook again tonight. What a treat. Mr. B will think I want something.

Today I'm creating a revised newsletter. I need to finish this and get it approved so it can go to the printer next week. The first in a series of many, I hope.

April 17, 2011

Collected summer flats from all over the house
to put back in their boxes and then in a newly
organized closet. 

I'm tackling the closet situation in the house today. I currently have clothes in the master bedroom closet, a guest bedroom closet, a closet in the garage apartment, and in an armoire ... yet I never have anything to wear, or so it seems. If I organize all my clothes in three closets (one for spring/summer, another for fall/winter, and the third for dressy clothes), maybe I'll be able find everything. What I really need is one big closet, but in a 100+ year old home, big closets are non-existent.

Today I'm creating a nutritious, delicious and healthy dinner. I'm thinking some salmon or tilapia. What does it mean when your body craves seafood? Sounds like a good research project. Anything to avoid unloading all the closets!

April 16, 2011

Many of my friends are involved in outrageous athletic events today, such as the MS 150 and Avon Walk for the Cure. Before noon on a Saturday these people have walked 10 miles or ridden their bicycles 35 miles. So far, my athletic adventures for the day have been to walk to the kitchen and make myself a bowl of cereal. And who can forget the extremely rigorous left-thumb action I've exerted while changing the channels on the television with the "flipper."

Kirby – Kendall and Nick's beagle –
demonstrates how to take it easy.

Today I'm creating some reading time. A friend suggested a book, "The Gifts of Imperfection." The topic is letting go of who you think you're supposed to be and embracing who you are. This is such a timely topic for me right now as I continue my journey from self-doubt to feeling worthy and relevant. So in this regard, I assert that I deserve time on a Saturday to just sit around for a few hours — in my pajamas — and read.

April 15, 2011

Susan Lucci (a.k.a. Erica Cane) in 1970
when All My Children went on the air.

The good doctor (daughter #1) texted me yesterday with a message that both All My Children and One Life to Live have been cancelled. "NO," I reply, but alas, it is so! I started watching All My Children the year it came on the air, and have watched it or kept up with it since then.

It appears that programming experts have determine that the "soap opera" genre has run its course. What I would say is that soap opera writers have run out of original ideas! Do the writers really expect followers of All My Children to be interested in watching Erica Kane get married for the millionth time? Apparently not, because instead of the wedding, Erica got kidnapped for the billionth time. I can watch All My Children only on Fridays, and the characters will still be having the same conversation they had the Friday before.

Today I'm creating an afternoon of learning while attending a three-hour seminar titled Advanced Social Media. My hope, after driving to Conroe, is that the seminar contains new information. Nothing worse than attending a boring class on a Friday afternoon when I could be home watching a boring episode of All My Children!

April 14, 2011

I’m excited and proud to join the Board of Directors of Women of Wine (WOW) Charities. Founded in 2007, as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the networking group is comprised of women working in or associated with the wine industry, as well as the rest of us women wine lovers. Through events and educational programs, all donations at WOW events go to Houston Area Women's Center.

Love, love, love the idea behind WOW. Drinking wine (in moderation, of course). Networking with women. And donating to an organization that provides shelter and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. WOW! What a concept.

To all my women friends in Houston, please join me at the next WOW Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Cork Soakers (2024 Rusk Street). I’ll be the one with the great big happy smile on my face!


Today I'm creating a connection with my friend Ann Rush. Ann is a terrific teacher and friend. Can't wait to spend a few hours talking and laughing with her!

April 13, 2011

I’m a big follower of the Royal Family and am already planning the wedding-day party. Both Kendall and Evan (daughters #1 and #2) will be here along with my friend Mitzie, her daughter (and my God-daughter) Ashley and a friend of Ashley’s. Good Morning America’s coverage will begin at 4 a.m. Not sure if that is Eastern or Central time, but I’ll know by Friday, April 29 (the day of the wedding). If the ladies come to the house on Thursday evening, I can sleep the six of us, if Mr. B agrees to sleep in the garage apartment that night. Mitzie is bringing orange rolls from the Junior League (yum) and we’ll make a breakfast casserole. Yes, mimosas are a must. I hear wedding guest will have fruitcake for dessert. Ewwww. We’ll be replacing the fruitcake with a dessert that’s actually edible. 

I’ve seen ads for Catherine Middleton engagement dolls. The prices range from $50 to $195. Ouch! The one from Franklin Mint is probably the best looking. Some of the others are just plain scary looking!

Today I’m creating a fun lunch for my friend Kelly Melone whose birthday is tomorrow. That reminds me that I need to wrap her present and sign her card. 

April 12, 2011

No shuttles
to retire in
Houston.

On the news front and disappointing, it was announced today that Houston will not receive one of the retired shuttles. How can this be? Houston has played such an integral part in the manned space missions.

Also disturbing to me, I read yesterday that the U.S. will be “celebrating” the Civil War sesquicentennial from 2011-2015. Not really feeling the love for "celebrating" the civil war. “Juneteenth” is the day many celebrate African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. This is a true reason to celebrate, whereas a war that killed more than 625,000 Americans is not! The fact is, more American soldiers were killed during the Civil War than during WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War combined (although the latter two may now be referred to not as wars, but as "conflicts").

Today I’m creating a newsletter and interviewing a woman for a press release and bio. It’s Tuesday and I go to a client’s office. I always look forward to being around a group of people on Tuesdays.

April 11, 2011

The 2000 Explorer in front
of the house on a snowy
day in 2009.

I'm not sure I'll be able to type this posting because sweet Rose is laying on her back beside me. This is her "look how cute I am ... don't you want to pet me" position. She'll pat my arm with her paw and nudge me with her nose. Unless she falls asleep soon, I'll have to put down the computer.

My morning has not been terrific. More car problems. We spent almost $800 last week having the radiator and something else fixed. Now the check engine light came on again. Even though it's an 11-year-old Explorer with 119K miles, my expectation is that if I take care of it, the car should run for another 80K miles. BTW, what are an Intake Manifold Gasket and Mass Air Flow Sensor? These are the latest problems with the car. They sound expensive.

Today I'm creating a newsletter draft. Then I'm going to start a wordless journal, which will be a place to store inspirational treasures (whatever it is that awakens my creative instincts). And tonight I'm going to create a healthy dinner.

April 10, 2011

The handsome Nick Zamora is playing today with his band,
The Handsomes, at a time when Mr. B and I are awake. Yippee!

Show CANCELLED for today.

For everyone who has heard me talk about my son-in-law's band, today would have been a great opportunity to hear them play. They usually start playing around 10 p.m. (about the time the Pettit household is turning off the lights and going to bed), but today The Handsomes were going to play at 4 p.m. at The Hard Rock Cafe, but the show got cancelled.

Before we hear Nick play, Mr. B and I are going to an art exhibition at some friends' home. I've seen this woman's watercolors before and I think they're nice. I'm always amazed by people who work with watercolors! This is when I wish I still had an office away from home. The woman paints beautiful flowers, which Mr. B feels are too girly to hang in the house. When I had my office, I filled it with frilly girly artwork and collectibles.

Today I'm creating thank you notes. I like to create my own cards, and it's time to make about five to send to some special friends.

April 9, 2011

Last night Mr. B and I had a dinner date at Glass Wall. He loves to sit in the bar area and order from the bar menu because he can get a real hamburger and fries. Of all the things he could order, he wants a burger. I like to get the crab cake appetizer, which is just the right amount of food.

There is a mid-century modern market today that I want to attend. I like everything about that era. I'm hoping to convince Mr. B to go with me to see if anyone is selling fabrics.

Eating better is on my mind!

Today I'm creating a grocery list of healthy foods. I need to get back to healthy eating. I've fallen off my goal of eating better. Just from eating better and portion control I've lost some weight this year. It makes me feel better when I eat the right foods. Unfortunately, my partner would just as soon eat
a burger and fries or pizza every night. But regardless of what he does, I need to keep up
the good work I've started!

April 8, 2011

Roz, the alpha dog in the Pettit household,
is a direct descendant of the Ewoks from
Star Wars. Ewok is an invented word, also.

I love trivia. I have written marketing campaigns based on trivia, and had so much fun researching them. Before the Internet, I bought every trivia book I found on the bargain table at book store. I would spend hours reading them.


Here's a bit of trivia I found today. English has more than 600,000 words, and we're still adding more. Some words evolve over time or come from foreign languages, and some were simply made up, including approximately 1,600 coined by Shakespeare. "Willie" invented words such as accused, enchanted, archvillian, rant, bump and savagery, just because he needed a word. Love that creativity!


Today I'm creating a display board with some photos of my own creations and scraps of favorite fabrics. I'm going to use these items to inspire new ideas.

April 7, 2011

I had a great day yesterday, beginning with my haircut. I went out on a limb stating that I wanted something fresh, young and edgy, and that's exactly what I got. I haven't had a shower yet this morning, but am looking forward to what happens when I wash and style my hair myself.

I caught Rose curled up in a blanket, using my
computer to shop for shoes. What a stylish girl!

After the haircut I bought some make-up, finished a writing project, and visited with a couple of friends for 20-30 minutes. In the middle of it all, I ate a delicious BLT from Revival Market on Heights Blvd. Then on the way back to the house I stopped in a little store and (brace yourself) found two linen skirts that were ... in my size ... fit perfectly ... AND were on sale. BINGO. Score. That never happens to me!

Today I'm creating lovely packages. There's a thank you party tonight for the home tour volunteers. I purchased gifts for the association to give to the three co-chairs of the event and I want the packages to look really nice. Kendall does a terrific job decorating packages, so I'll be channeling her.

April 6, 2011

I usually avoid commenting on bogus corporate statements, but these two are just too outrageous. 
* In a report released last week, British Petroleum claimed it had spilled less oil in 2010 than it did in 2006 or 2008--just 1.7 million liters. How could that be? After all, last year's massive Gulf Coast spill may go down as the worst oil-spill disaster in history.
* Even more outrageous, Transocean Ltd., the company that ran the Deepwater Horizon oil rig (before it exploded, killing 11 and filling the Gulf of Mexico with oil), has decided to give its executives bonuses for achieving “the best year in safety performance in our company’s history.” Words can't express my disgust!


Today I'm creating a day of glamour for myself. I'm going to get a summer hair cut and then I'm going to buy myself some new makeup. I think the last time I bought any makeup was almost two years ago, so it's time!

April 5, 2011

There weren't thunderstorms yesterday like expected. Instead it was a beautiful afternoon and evening, and today is just as great. It's in the mid-60s with only 34 percent humidity. Love this Houston weather!

I'm fairly sure I've talked about Mr. B's comics before. He has them in individual sleeves that are neatly contained boxes and boxes and boxes, all stacked in the corner of the master bedroom. Not anymore. Mr. B has negotiated his way to a sale through Craig's List. I'm really proud of him. We keep saying we're going to simplify and downsize, and Mr. B has stepped up to the plate in a big way. Good for him!

Today I'm creating a bunch of bios. Since people (like me) are changing industries, it can be difficult to relate past experiences into benefits for a new career, but I feel up to the challenge.

April 4, 2011

I'm planning a walk with Rose today. Since
it's supposed to rain this afternoon, we
should start sooner rather than later.

I'm looking back at my postings for March. It was a busy month and am so glad it's over! Not only did my body suffer from all the activity, but so did my house. It looks like a tornado ran through here. It was my version of March Madness.

Since I was so busy during March, my diet suffered. It's hard to eat properly when you don't have time to plan meals. That's going to change this month. I'm sure my body wouldn't be so tired right now if it was in better shape. I'm blaming my lack of activity on the fact that Evan (#2 daughter) has had my bike for at least a month, but there are other things I can do. Rose (#2 dog) would love to go for a walk everyday.

Today I'm creating a grocery list and hitting the store. I'm also going to hang up all my clothes that are laying around the bedroom and put all my shoes back in their boxes. It's going to be a good day!

April 3, 2011

Mr. B and I enjoyed the Houston Heights Association's
Candlelight Dinner and Auction on April 1.

There were a bunch of tired adults for dinner last night. Most of the home tour committee chairs had been at it all day, so they pretty much drank a couple of glass of wine or margaritas, ate dinner, chatted and then left. That worked great for me because after being on my feet for three straight days, I was also tired. I think Mr. B and I were both asleep by 10 p.m. last night.

Thankfully, today has been a lazy day. At one point when I woke up from napping on the couch, a bad Jim Carrey movie was on television. Although I don't like Jim Carrey, I didn't get up to change the channel because that would have meant putting weight on my very sore feet.

Today I'm creating a dinner of leftover brisket, mac 'n cheese and cookies for Mr. B. On second thought, I'll let him create dinner for me!

April 2, 2011

l

The t-shirt quilt I made and donated to last
night's auction benefiting the
Houston Heights Association.

Fun party last night for the Houston Heights Association. There were tons of people, lots of great auction items and delicious food.

The Heights home and garden tour is this weekend. I enjoy looking at the featured homes, even though I'm often left with the desire to completely redo my house. Mr. B and I keep talking about cleaning out our house and simplifying, but then we don't want to turn loose of anything. It sure would be much easier to clean without so many treasures everywhere.

Today I'm creating dinner for about 20 people. It takes so many volunteers to organize and staff the home tour. Mr. B and I are serving dinner tonight to a number of committee chairs who have worked really hard to make it all happen this weekend. Guess that means I need to put on clothes and get cooking.

April 1, 2011

These pieces are made from fabric. I may
have found a new use for my scraps.

I snuck away today to Round Top with my friend Mitzie (a.k.a. Melissa). We had tons of fun looking at stuff. Mitzie has been going for a number of years and always wants me to go because there is a woman who sells vintage barkcloth fabric, flour sacks and feed sacks. The woman from Florida had so many great fabrics! Mitzie was looking for a woman who sells vintage Fiestaware dishes. Found her, too. We also ran across a wonderful restaurant where we got pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches. I'm not sure I've ever had better pimento cheese.

It was great to get out of town for just part of a day. The area around Brenham, Chappell Hill and Round Top is so beautiful with its small rolling hills and manicured fields. It's hard to believe it's just a little more than an hour from Houston.

Today I'm creating a cute outfit from clothes I already own to wear to the Houston Heights Association's dinner and auction tonight. I've been losing weight, but over estimated how much I had lost when I ordered a dress to wear tonight, but now I have a very pretty Easter dress to wear, if I can drop another 7-10 pounds before the end of the month.