tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69706037180999545762024-03-14T12:26:00.215-04:00The Creative Juices of ArielRandom Thoughts and Insight on All Things Artsy Fartsy...Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-63958561909125309892012-03-26T16:16:00.003-04:002012-03-26T16:32:37.004-04:00Oh, BOY!<div>You'll forgive me if I have a reeeeeeeallly good reason for being away from my little blog for a bit, right? </div><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724305329516147426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec85gSrYOclmv1Pbz6iDLw13nhg5Imh2mIBFArqy_Oy_0-woM6Qby94fy4DAu7KsYt7_zs7T5nbKnrPanEnubUcSSXzGSP5GeRIae4ujUtUaHx7GtGFQFIHcZbhPAs9B0-aqFt9MZqa2o/s400/ultrasound_20wk.jpg" /> <br /><div>How about a new BABY? Okay, he's not here yet...but baby BOY #3 is due in early August. So, where've you been, Ariel? I'm one of those lucky folks who experienced <a href="http://www.helpher.org/hyperemesis-gravidarum/">hyperemesis gravidarum</a> with all three of my pregnancies. With my first two, I was in and out of the E.R. with severe vomiting and dehydration. Blech. I got lucky this time and some wonderful friends took turns caring for my boys while I rested, and I was able to avoid the ER altogether. Good news is that I've been feeling better since February, and can hopefully start making some goodies for our new little man. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-15554266645379533152011-12-16T14:00:00.002-05:002011-12-16T14:05:46.887-05:00Cloth Diapers...WHAT?Okay...I NEVER thought I'd do it. You know...use CLOTH DIAPERS. Read all about my 'jump' in my guest post on <a href="http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2011/12/yes-im-cloth-diaper-freak-and-i-like-it.html">The Cloth Diaper Whisperer blog</a>. And enter today's <a href="http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2011/12/fluff-friday-160.html">Fluffy Friday </a>giveaway while you're there.Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-67684910850793756172011-11-16T23:14:00.002-05:002011-11-16T23:17:26.575-05:00what did I choose?<div style="WIDTH: 425px; HEIGHT: 494px" class="sflyProductPreviewWidget"><br /><div style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif); HEIGHT: 6px" class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop"></div><br /><div style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 6px; PADDING-RIGHT: 6px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-y; HEIGHT: 482px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter"><br /><div style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 14px; WIDTH: 105px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; HEIGHT: 34px; PADDING-TOP: 14px" class="sflyProductPreviewLogo"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #ffffff; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0px; box-shadow: none" src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; HEIGHT: 350px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" class="sflyProductPreviewContainer"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0FasmzlyyZOlA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #ffffff; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0px; box-shadow: none" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0FasmzlyyZS/0FasmzlyyZS5o/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1321503233000/0/" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 15px; LINE-HEIGHT: 19px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f4f4e9; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; HEIGHT: 55px; PADDING-TOP: 15px" class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer"><br /><div style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-seris; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 15px; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class="sflyProductPreviewTitle"><span style="font-size:+0;">Peace To All Religious Christmas Card</span></div><br /><div style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-seris; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 13px" class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText"><span style="font-size:+0;"><a style="COLOR: #6666cc" href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards">Create Christmas cards</a> for the 2011 holiday season.</span></div><br /><div style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, sans-seris; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 13px" class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection"><span style="font-size:+0;">View the entire <a style="COLOR: #6666cc" href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #ffffff; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0px; box-shadow: none" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" width="1" height="1" /></div></div><br /><div style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif); HEIGHT: 6px" class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom"></div></div>Thanks, Shutterfly, for making my Christmas card crazies disappear this year :) Here's the design we went with this year. Have a great Thanksgiving next week, and enjoy the Season! xoArielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-88367874674704490942011-11-13T07:00:00.007-05:002011-11-13T07:00:01.376-05:00Sew To Swap, Blog Tour<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673194517175620370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jMeNAIVY3kO0mVgQswKH5KQlxtlQscbggrJg5I07HbPbDWmeZqmbig-mBKGyRoIa7ejXTGAgcFxk7EIOhZNTinWeuYGOhdXwXzKm7SIH9uiRBbDkpKZsA8DHBaFJzE411fT6MOUwENOZ/s400/Y1783_SewToSwap.jpg" /><span style="font-family:arial;"> It's my pleasure to announce that <em>Sew To Swap: Quilting Projects to Exchange Online and by Mail, </em>by Chrissie Grace, hit bookshelves last week. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673949663896526226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2Z2zQOSWOW3Y-3N6WCmHJ_ciiJ8QkQ2fI9QLM3AgTud4ANfm49mAp7mNPVS5gFFrpuUufdgdaSk1eFMEdKGWhUQJyRlPEAx3cLq1p1zZIJdZenUQh2eCuifA1Y_PNkjwvERG7gr14z8S/s400/Y1783_fabric_opener.jpg" /> </span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">What a joy it was to illustrate this project. It's my first published illustrative work, and it's exciting to see it available at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Swap-Quilting-Projects-Exchange/dp/1440215901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320892647&sr=8-1"><span style="font-family:arial;">Amazon </span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">and </span><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/16216091"><span style="font-family:arial;">Walmart.com</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. The book highlights, step-by-step, how to create a quilted piece and participate in a swap as part of the newest, modern quilting community. You're maybe familiar with </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Flickr</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, home of many fabulous quilting and misc. stitched swaps. You'll be tickled to see MANY familiar quilting bloggers featured in the book, such as Allison from <em><a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/">Cluck Cluck Sew</a>, </em>Kerri from</span><a href="http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;"> <em>Lovely Little Handmades</em></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, and John from <em><a href="http://www.quiltdad.com/">Quilt Dad</a>. </em>Published by </span><a href="http://www.fwmedia.com/community/crafts"><span style="font-family:arial;">F+W Media</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, you can find it for a great price </span><a href="https://store.marthapullen.com/p-8333-sew-to-swap.aspx"><span style="font-family:arial;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. <strong>Use code SEW2SWAP for $10 off the retail price until Nov. 30th.</strong> </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is a bitty peek at some of the images in <em>Sew To Swap</em>...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673956024125508114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwFMZ7cfzXWhe7XyKY_rKNpMtTQxOeckeRizNrJpP2nE7-5Q6iObouaO7a2DSySBDpGqWbB1x9OF6Q8hKs-4WhFwwA_aSRcDW0vsX3VCslQd6LosDqJJV3rOoZvM2uAttI4ZX3fJ7fYCM/s400/Y1783_WonkyStar10+copy.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673956020878666930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lHFmRCpeseX-4m3Ebr6jdv_DUs08jWaByml_AErhECbup0mfy5-7lXg6O354_7xKuTMnzdfy7tDd3SOA5uPy1BVYkvHlFesxUWoF1fHJXr3_Lgdb8WQcSI0FkEJASu5i_pk3C3K7xIWp/s400/Y1783_curvedblock10.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946400581098658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OBaX4dc_OazNVIhHHA-uVpyGkaCvruZy_PqJG8sZWqzEQ9GGu9K7v0VNj2dcXZDge1z7vIdGZA43gxv_ewuALnryZAS5ynStNOWqHZz9mcmI8hB_4aBADlLzYWcLjkMYeTv7ShCXnNvE/s400/Y1783_bikedollquilt1+copy.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946133083418482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciO7gpWes1DOcw24fd-j2MXt8m9v88NdaWVwYkB7JQ7gIaVCqGdF7AFAeg4Q4nf161n7EM-7phGy1yAgwASs0NuLVpBBbjgGqiZDCxceKnQRgVZCIhbXTcHsziefKIzpN5GevrdifY7Gh/s400/Pages_from_SewtoSwap-2.jpg" /></span><em><span style="font-family:arial;">(photo courtesy of F+W Media)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946126742107026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOU6gcK6suz6a1KBlJVMuop01pdzzdwhL5ewCSTqtCx8LC9sczZNGXtekK-wDJjaPj_m8ZWKrpqlj22gyRREkLXp0tWc25TIHi89Po_mF2jWCmOy5F5Ue80bXDZypRlEHcPAXw1dQgGem/s400/Pages_from_SewtoSwap-3.jpg" /></span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:arial;">(photo courtesy of F+W Media)</span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946129712514930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_aSmdnajwup9ATCJXgPOXMyhm_l8Aszk5hPK9gCq57BTF2k2WJkyxwG-y_1Xu5Gj7oryQIntvCGe4CMOluMAtTy9dcjYTywc_gBhwcQ6BL3TZZEJFqJnx_O_K8NVS2ZXIVyVO2aLJlJs/s400/Y1783_2scrapbuster19+copy.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673956783457522338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhd4NHwMqe6aiuCFIoYmUs9iaV65N_y67ABz0k9mPBNNCohAf62IFA7xVTvy7ZkACVl0RR4o_IO-o6dnAeqBcvOF0-eFmk4fihq6-jFx86iVKy_n_m90jtEd62sEplVAU4OziEcXcucr_/s400/Y1783_supplies_opener_small.jpg" /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Here is a list of bloggers contributing to the book, along with their blog hop dates...</span></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">November 7 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6666cc;">Lovely Little Handmades</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 8 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.stitchesandscissors.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Stitches & Scissors</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 9 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6666cc;">Cluck Cluck Sew</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 10 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://mythreesonsknit.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">My Three Sons</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 11 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Twin Fibers</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 12 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://stitchyquiltstuff.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Stitchy Quilt Stuff</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 13 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.arieleldridge.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Creative Juices of Ariel</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 14 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.texasfreckles.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Texas Freckles</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 15 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.quiltdad.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Quilt Dad</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 16 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://artsycraftybabe.typepad.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Artsy-Craftsy Babe</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 17 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.littlemissshabby.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Little Miss Shabby</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 18 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">A Cuppa and a Catch Up</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 19 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://aquiltisnice.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">A Quilt is Nice</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 20 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://tashahorsley.typepad.com/alittlesweetness/"><span style="font-family:arial;">A Little Sweetness</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 21 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://alamodefabric.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">House of A La Mode</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 22</span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.ryanwalshquilts.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;"> I’m Just a Guy Who Quilts</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 23 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Little Bit Funky</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />November 27 </span><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" class="Hyperlink SCX191384633" href="http://www.chrissiegrace.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">In His Grace</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-92004717170911248302011-11-11T13:36:00.005-05:002011-11-11T14:09:18.166-05:00Robot Craft Time<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673813157015595234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5IytkpbSjLUgu93ErJZ_0drqMw563g8eprbFF58Pi2TDjYdvIpZnpBfPLwm0GjkRL0JiTTpnA4LlaDR89VR6LThvAiZHvrgyHF4_953jK4uk0vfqXqh-OtO-FD32Nwya6H9dpzaxVjWt/s400/DSC_7067.jpg" /> <br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">In my former life as an Art Teacher, I was so good about lesson planning...making sure I had all the supplies needed for a much-scheduled, and thought-out art lesson. These days, it's survival. Today, T and I squeezed in a craft while baby brother was asleep. Totally on the fly...</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673815683306780722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A3o-DQFboTSHFcyhhQjuFo7r5EnMB7DVrtW-xQeCKMjyjQ_2eWjZnmdT9sBHsbhwpw4qV2K0XcAX47cndxizF10a2IhYbJBEMwh9mL4xU0cC2SMJNmCT49wekubKJw-TwfL0ZUkrCmzN/s400/DSC_7072.jpg" />For the folks who want to try this at home, you'll need: -magazines (we used Car and Driver, simply because it's full of machines)<br />-aluminum foil<br />-scissors and tape<br />-misc. markers, optional<br />-items from the recycling bin (we used cardboard boxes and paper towel rolls)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673813155232567858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJzdcmXxh85WOqL6fL5sC204UWJV7WuyD5XnivTK0olbHmzcyp40uXzmDg8pMiUmjt3cyUbjN6mPG9CkYuBT52kUOZgdjmlkTX7vAholvwrEZUfXJp9VSHVfDUfvHZv2uWprAqCfNp6Wo/s400/DSC_7065.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673813153550293778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGHvp5vF3J_xpeTM6JG76AJ6HiCQQ-YBTFAzUFSzbZIkxcueknI0C10IG2IaElVu3H-8yWnpbIKJ92XrIanjOu85vkG-5ueT32POi0vkzatkUYzaUC8yFFl8Ugi5DiUlVs1Tk1W6z-zXG/s400/DSC_7069.jpg" /><br />Titus' robot is named KOOL. Child made that up all on his own. <em>He's</em> kool, if you ask me :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-69479132726042343402011-11-10T12:34:00.002-05:002011-11-10T12:40:36.609-05:00Doodling with my buddy...Titus turned FOUR two weeks ago, and he's currently THE biggest space nut I know. Here's what we doodled today....<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673423210770310866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfQsOaBJzSzO0rCFCQXwMCHrt0o4kfS6cqzQNKKQotvckw4h9qqbYMIHMDsODBkRUTrgHfeZqXKD0xDAnRN5Joonc5vqSrnVf8sdyZHtU3YwxdPhu9P_83PoVHcdZCA_PqwoMqXdXHf38/s400/solar+system.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Happy Thursday!</div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-77503717460516675052011-10-27T07:00:00.000-04:002011-10-27T07:00:07.350-04:00Giveaway Winners!Congrats to Cheree, Jennifer, and Rachel!!! Winners of 25 FREE Shutterfly cards each! Look for an email from me with your Shutterfly codes. Enjoy! <br /><br />Remember, if you're a blogger and would like 25 FREE cards from Shutterfly, go <a href="http://www.shutterflycards.com/2011/10/bloggers-25-free-christmas-cards-from-shutterfly/68/">HERE</a> to sign up before Nov. 11th. <br /><br />*P.S....all former card design ideas are scrapped. Who is a chronic 'can't-make-up-her-mind-on-ANYTHING, including body wash scents and picking out her Christmas cards' silly girl? Me.Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-90912402007131109892011-10-16T21:22:00.009-04:002011-10-26T23:51:38.911-04:00Christmas Cards - A Shutterfly Giveaway!It's almost that time. You know. Christmas. Don't dread it, friends...embrace it this year :) The Eldridges love to send Christmas cards. I especially love sending a card that reflects on the JOY of the birth of our Savior. I used to hand stamp each little card, folks. Are you kiddin' me? Before I had kiddos, it was so fun to sit and design a Christmas card by hand. Now-a-days, the 'creative juices of ariel' sometimes have to be 'hired out'. That's why I love me some <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly.com</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We've been collecting 8x8" <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books">photo books </a>since the birth of our first son, when I realized scrapbooking would not happen for awhile. I love how many designs there are to personalize our collections of photos. Shutterfly has taken it a step further and recently made their photo books so customizable, you can rearrange the text, layout, and embellishments of each page. LOVE that. Here's our latest<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=3a3a7b5074001dc96cbbd47cbb382743&sid=0FasmzlyyZOeg"> book</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Eldridges also love a good <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars">photo calendar</a>. Where would I be without my Shutterfly photo calendar? Forgettin' birthdays, that's where. I know this because we decided not to get one last year, and I was a mess. Nieces and nephews were getting birthday gifts months late. Disastrous ;) I love what a great gift the calendar is in itself. We NEVER know what to give Papaw for Christmas...and I think we drew tears the year he opened his photo calendar. Perhaps we'll pick something from <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts">here</a> for this year's gift?<br /><br /><br /><br />Our kiddos get so excited when the <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards">Christmas</a> <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards">cards</a> start popping up in the mailbox. They love seeing the faces of the friends and family they recognize. What an awesome way to stay connected and teach your little folks the names and faces of those who love them. So, Shutterfly is making the Eldridge Christmas card again this year. I'm still deciding between these two designs...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665655562674596114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4j5G2ux9l28PPgbT5aUi2vrCzvez4kA1o7WToZgCQPYpU95wAzs3TO3hOApGPMXK_htakZgcIBdn1R8zYkuHoo5oG8sMdCICYo2h-hBfK5lBM8KTvfSaHjUExSBp9zXr-5va9omP3dPi/s400/card2.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665655558354813010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGWXaRDU5-H5Zqru-TfY-iBYKea73WcNNLTPZGQL1WrklkomKm2C3szJq3Np7R0PFuEYIpyL_pPl0MLAIEdYmhf1BGPI2XoDykGj0kz9WFzJqfay8zR8Je1yzZlV1Bi3X_Tmra8mWy5CL/s400/card1.jpg" /><br />So, you're not REALLY going to hand-make all your cards this year, right? ;) Want some free cards from Shutterfly? You're in luck. <strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Shutterfly is giving 3 of my readers a set of 25 cards each. Just comment on this post for a chance to win one of the sets!</span></em></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Are you a blogger? Want another chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register <a href="http://goo.gl/DDw7Q">HERE</a>. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I will choose 3 winners at random on Wednesday, Oct 26th. </span><br /><br />**<em>I did not receive monetary compensation for this blog post and am in no way affiliated with Shutterfly.com or it's company. As always, these are my genuine thoughts on the subject.</em><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#009900;">*Comments are Closed*</span></strong><br /><br /></em>xo, ArielArielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-74910109938624875582011-10-14T16:46:00.005-04:002011-10-14T17:02:38.034-04:00Oh, how He loves us...<a href="https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Public/how_he_loves.pdf?w=83449c62"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663455148743469778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfFjBHJkoCgdDKvf0bttR2gXHiI6Nndh0MKTtEu-nTLiKSzgHDjp2tf4NSLt4QqlsDL4LYPg6cizWuqzBWVKDhBcEs00JHBOOESCefZAEsDldAJl6ino82uyiYne6xq93NWHXQbdDsFlO/s400/how_he_loves.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">enjoy a free printable on me today!</div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-51768811857144770812011-09-28T14:29:00.004-04:002011-09-28T14:32:42.707-04:00Christmas Red<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCtvfhPoD0NfEjQUfK3f1t83sjQxi1h7d-QCiS63JKIVEp_1j6YvMdeg2L0Je1fCH9GTE6OctgAP-fV2HA9ilnxAhp2LIDrJTvx4HQ2DdmotetJu-fK_RGa4mGohGFh4GiH6FXAkpgkE7/s1600/christmas_red_prev.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657479942796449714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCtvfhPoD0NfEjQUfK3f1t83sjQxi1h7d-QCiS63JKIVEp_1j6YvMdeg2L0Je1fCH9GTE6OctgAP-fV2HA9ilnxAhp2LIDrJTvx4HQ2DdmotetJu-fK_RGa4mGohGFh4GiH6FXAkpgkE7/s400/christmas_red_prev.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I couldn't stand not doodling any longer ;) Back at the computer...this one is in the works for my pal, Kerri at <a href="http://www.sewdeerlyloved.etsy.com/">Sew Deerly Loved</a>. Perhaps to be a Christmas Red Riding Hood fabric in her shop....just a sneak peek for my sweet readers. XO</div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-71899331749834122172011-09-26T22:11:00.005-04:002011-09-26T22:43:24.381-04:00{Re:Fresh}<a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=16809253&color=050&color=050&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656863018650801106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTaUH36JZXzdzQACb2lUyMXBQAUjrrzS60sQQKXSeO8Ca6NxOQqycw_48kqAEciu7XgrNS0I_eDwXQ7EcAmIyFezUSf3JeOi4iD0_t652MYodrZuYy5QpJDPaCtBPOBFk0Xw_GlxkyHS9/s400/ruffle_curtain.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Whoooop! Where has the time gone? Probably into the hours.and.I.do.mean.HOURS I've been spending on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">IKEA</a> recently :) Are you on Pinterest??? Bah! You should be! It's sah-weet! </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Remember me rambling about taking a break from illustrating books to allow time for my hubs to work on his MBA and for me to make sure I hold down the fort with now TWO boys running around? Welp, every bit of my creativity is welling up inside, bustin' to do something creative-like......so I've decided to redecorate the downstairs. Crazy. Yup. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>The dining room is gone. Well, not literally the room, just the fact that it is no longer for dining, but for playing. We broke down and created a playroom. Best idea ever. I just kept fighting it because I was holding onto that piece of me (pre-kiddos) that LOVED to entertain guests and set a mean Martha Stewart table for Thanksgiving. Who am I kidding? I'd rather my kids get their marble run off my coffee table. Who's with me?<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Long story short (cause it's been since, what? AUGUST 2nd since I posted last) I've been pinning away all the ideas I can glean from Pinterest's wealth of creativity. I've fallen in love with curtains (all of them) from <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/">Urban Outfitters</a>. And the last 3 lines of fabric by <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a> (I might as well upholster the whole house in it. Love.it.) Oh, and chevrons...cause they're everywhere right now, right?<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Somebody stop me.<a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 376px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656863023823108178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcXB06tQzUS_DTesNLUGmw0z19UDILXwteLow9oDgwToJDQXl3K8hlXoscyI7vz9g6Dg3u4R_7iRS5u9-iHSgN9UA2wgLDv0NkV1ouVVcGYW3vvUeATA3hsJx-DZOd1HqRphZm-u0_bym/s400/loulouthi.jpg" /></a></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-68906825098088719632011-08-02T18:43:00.014-04:002011-08-08T11:58:41.564-04:00A Visit with Spoonflower...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKaq-UPwMa0gXuHxuVfkf2paWHEbk6AVbEBH2oroqZ-lEvvoMtBtTc-m03NN7KbVoJ15Yo2GiKJZSXiA07gohqyLf-RdPkwrauS4Qon1nxjnzM_cRQEIOs4omQKoMmb-qQA_yO4XLYBX7/s1600/spoonflower_things3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638505779872959490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKaq-UPwMa0gXuHxuVfkf2paWHEbk6AVbEBH2oroqZ-lEvvoMtBtTc-m03NN7KbVoJ15Yo2GiKJZSXiA07gohqyLf-RdPkwrauS4Qon1nxjnzM_cRQEIOs4omQKoMmb-qQA_yO4XLYBX7/s400/spoonflower_things3.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>I'm freshly home from vacation in Raleigh, NC. We visited some of our best buddies for a much-needed break from flat land Indiana. While we were gone, we dipped our toes into the ocean at TopSail Beach (I wouldn't get all the way in...it was Shark Week on Discovery, y'all!), and breathed some FRESH mountain breeze in Blowing Rock, NC. I got a little suntan (little.) and a lot carsick (a. lot.)...
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<br /><div>Here's the part that you'll be excited about too...I visited <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/">Spoonflower</a> to see where all <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/pocketful_of_pinwheels">my fabric </a>designs are printed. It was so fun to put a visual with the 'magical place that prints fabric'. I met Darci, who is one of Spoonflower's growing number of employees. I always look at my packing slip when I order fabric, and I know she's signed her name to many of them. Now I have a face and story to put with the signature. </div>
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<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638505035936396386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbveipdqBD-srhBFN-kwMiguzTBNRuHMOnIkOpsLc7JyH7niMVTE-5Nwif8ooK2noE8SZshkIV5rcfU_ZLiCJ1tF9BPd1_qCEy9liSHzsIrAMXZlapxjQ71NUoOxj_CEgYAsF9qc_tORJN/s400/darci.jpg" />(thanks, Darci!)</div>
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<br /><div align="center">Spoonflower started with just a few employees, 2 tempermental printers, and one quilting cotton fabric option. They have since grown to about 30 employees, shipping their custom-printed fabrics all over the world. You can have your designs printed on organic cotton jersey knit or even a new silk to name just a few<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spoonflower_fabrics"> fabric options</a>. </div>
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<br /><div align="center">All that gorgeous fabric starts here...</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638505059140857122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMXM1aDHi6PgpvQc3lX_9k7A70f8H03WbLrYZQ9z3DK_ULrJXpi9ZAPND5MIJ63AuKXC2zS4gqeDxR0o_-ui6Szhmna34n6zIM90pgmj2t0uTyezpm6wkB1BFzWD0vWnFlgoLhukmj5Ts/s400/DSC_5571.JPG" /></div>
<br /><div align="center">...then is printed on one seriously large format printer, using eco-friendly inks</div>
<br /><div align="center">(they now have a room FULL of printers. Each printer has a name, face, and 'personality'...my favorite was Charlie.)</div>
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<br /><div align="center">Once the fabric is printed, it's loaded onto a roll to run through a heat-setter.</div>
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<br /><div align="center">Each order is then cut by hand...yardage, fat quarters, test swatches....you can see why it takes more than a day or two to ship your fabric order...but these folks get to marvel at each and every fabric design as it comes through.</div>
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<br /><div align="center">the waiting area...chairs covered with several of the designs that come through Spoonflower</div>
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<br /><div align="center">Many designers will make goodies out of their fabric and share...
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<br /><div align="center">Love these coffee cozies...</div>
<br /><div align="center">Turns out, Spoonflower folks love them some coffee. :)</div>
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<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638502590486191426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q7-mz-q7icp7KB1QDDfT-o5gqyjwwztp-O4yEt2DVcTSA-w6lgVhKEkDg6KibUWsPSoak7Z-Wg_Mbz89vOpaqsVNXAhHz7d0rNGDlFGHs4dWSflf4H6a75XGdiIDoJKIjm3CUHhTk38P/s400/spoonflower_things2.jpg" /></div>
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<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638502581465106498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxt7wX03G5TPLyHNKF9KmVYpk-qwJSIPPGMnpOeCkOEhozkqLrwYcL-2M-L6ZLH9NPFs8RIdkLpVxHM8zgJB4c7umsuimB_wmUwl-jclB2h7eJALxVa3-e4H3t1TqQK_rLhMOi8OS1EsM/s400/spoonflower_things5.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638502578981344450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbjMlLYrSz6BWvhos5WlgihEWV1dS8-S-xCKac_xFdet7yRRht_gL4wtaMYUYX5bdV-q-nqAmHDrmM215d7spiLn0K59tdpemzY1stU0ItNluw8JARaPZSNC6rJ49QW1iteivAeuAk_HB/s400/spoonflower_things.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
<br />The whole place was filled with gorgeous designs from independent fabric designers. The employees were so down-to-earth and it's evident that they LOVE their jobs. I can tell it's a great place to work. Now, if I lived in North Carolina, I'd so bring in my resume ;) Happy fabric lovin', y'all!
<br />Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-79888112457316536332011-07-14T16:18:00.010-04:002011-07-15T15:59:25.295-04:00the DROID 'Charge'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA5ROManCaXwFSRcjbfb-VrUScZJ2E4CkZW_hTrsCcnC6TxQENIhOT900ALzaaITcpyysqtzU__ktbpmdMwTVtRogY_O6iYTcFGSRP7V4NygEqBg4Z65M8a2h1uZaESYNWbz9qi5oHQ5s/s1600/DSC_4845.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629667871179409010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA5ROManCaXwFSRcjbfb-VrUScZJ2E4CkZW_hTrsCcnC6TxQENIhOT900ALzaaITcpyysqtzU__ktbpmdMwTVtRogY_O6iYTcFGSRP7V4NygEqBg4Z65M8a2h1uZaESYNWbz9qi5oHQ5s/s400/DSC_4845.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Another great device is available from <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html">Verizon</a>. And, the awesome Verizon folks allowed me to spend some time with the<a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5642"> DROID 'Charge' </a>for a very exciting event. *<em>This review is based solely on my personal opinion after spending a week using the device. I did not accept anything in exchange for the review and these are my genuine thoughts on the subject...</em><br /><br /><div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><br /><div>Last weekend, my home church sponsored an awesome date night experience called, the <a href="http://www.iheartmyspouse.com/">Amazing Race</a>. It was just that...an evening of running around with my husband, competing against 150 other couples, like chickens with our heads cut off -- all in the name of LOVE ;)</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>When I registered for the event, I knew for a fact that my husband and I are B-A-D with directions. Our GPS device in the car is almost worse than not having a map. SO, when I had the chance to review a DROID Charge, it was a no-brainer. The device made it easy for us to Google locations as part of the Amazing Race clues, and also phone folks for help. Not to mention, there were some crazy pictures and tweets flying around from other couples as they accomplished tasks such as, diving to the bottom of a pool for dive sticks (in their street clothes), hauling a dummy through a smoke-filled trailor at the fire station, and paddling boats at lightning speed along the Indy canal. We discovered several things: </div><br /><br /><div align="center">a. folks get crazy when there's a finish line involved</div><br /><br /><div align="center">b. we're lost without Verizon Navigation</div><br /><br /><div align="center">c. hanging out with your spouse, on adventure is flippin' sweet fun</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">The evening was exhausting, and we used up every last second of battery life on that DROID. But we had an amazing time :) Here are a few things I discovered about the DROID 'Charge'...</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><ul><br /><li><br /><div align="left"><strong>Pro's: </strong>The <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5642">Droid Charge </a>is a Samsung device, and similar to the <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5528">Fascinate</a> that I <a href="http://arieleldridge.blogspot.com/2011/02/samsung-double-fisted.html">reviewed</a> earlier in the year, it's super user-friendly. The Android apps are every bit as awesome and updated as when I reviewed last. My new favorite is HootSuite, so I can say the same thing on Facebook as Twitter...This really came in handy as we updated our status throughout the 'race'. I also loved the size of this device, and would compare it to an iPhone, but more rounded edges. It slipped easily in several of my jeans pockets, which is ESSENTIAL to how I like to roll with my cell phone :) No dragging around an extra purse just for my phone, y'all. I like me some low-maintenence with a baby on the go. The 'Charge' is also a 4G phone rather than the 3G Fascinate, meaning lighting fast speed in 4G areas.</div></li></ul><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><ul><br /><li><br /><div align="left"><strong>Con's</strong>: Battery life was lacking. It didn't hold up as well as the Fascinate, in comparison. Keep in mind that I had GPS tracking enabled most of the Amazing Race, which drains battery life significantly. It lasts a good full day with normal use (twitter, facebook, music streaming, etc.) I wasn't as impressed by the camera quality as the Fascinate. While still good 'phone quality', you just can't beat the lens clarity of the Samsung Fascinate. I wouldn't use this phone for heavy outdoor use, like camping or hiking, where you would be away from a charge source. </div></li></ul><br /><p align="left">If you're interested in a new Verizon device, check out their website for links to simulate use of that device. Or just go play with them in the store. It's a great way to give it a 'test run' before you commit. </p><br /><p align="left">And, for folks who live in the Indiapolis area, and are interested in participating in the next crazy awesome couples event, visit <a href="http://www.iheartmyspouse.com/">http://www.iheartmyspouse.com/</a> for more info. </p><br /><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629395285076976866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi766nFPaVhcnMoL1nDI1423dMrC_qBQKrPCdT5NBg2jZibWuPuerRHacUFNz5xJxSAqN6k7k9PYgCBA1mIFrPByUugogMF7dgl125_ddHL7hVY-6V9dPkbpMIRbLO0fSSQd-axp_2tBaQE/s400/amazing+race.jpg" /></p></div></div><br />'Cause where else can you get the opportunity to dive to the bottom of a pool, crawl through a smokey house, dip into a pot of cash, get a tattoo, shoot baskets with toilet paper rolls, eat sushi blindfolded, build a robot, ride a mechanical bull, and renew your wedding vows...all on date night???Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-23798463547237567792011-06-23T15:18:00.006-04:002011-06-23T16:15:39.331-04:00Fleece Diaper Soakers<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621505942125991170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEVhB5muI4UUN1XqmfwqfgeT9IPW7eu8HQe8dUdddJ8hXB6xYBLohRSuuNU-T_X5QBmlBw7tdiEjqes5a7A6ZzIp_V6Nh0xLGGnbsK2vameLu3tTS8Vud9DqMfX5808TfU8CwxV6GhQwv/s400/DSC_4760.JPG" /> <br /><div><br /><div>Let me start by saying that I love cloth-diapering folks. I wanted to do it so badly with my boys, but couldn't get my hubs to be okay with the thought of 'poop in the washer'. Geeps. ;)</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>So I was super excited for my friend, Lindsey, who just had her second baby, when she decided she wanted to give cloth-diapering a go. She did her research and decided on un-bleached pre-folds with Snappis and soakers. I thought, perfect....I definitely want to buy her some wool interlock soakers for her shower. THEN, I did my shopping. Whoa. I found out that I can't afford wool interlock soakers, nor can I afford or FIND wool interlock yardage to make them myself. Sooooooo, here's my story of a comprimise, that hopefully will work wonderfully for my sweet friend's new baby Lilly. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My (other) friend, <a href="http://lynseygrant.blogspot.com/">Lynsey</a>, is a super-pro on cloth diapering, so I sought out her advice. She directed me to <a href="http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/2007/10/free-soaker-pattern.html">this</a> pattern and advised me to try fleece instead. While not as natural as wool, fleece is also breathable and can be thrown in the dryer (perfect for folks who can't afford to have Nana 'accidentally throw their $40 wool soaker in the dryer on high' and end up with an extremely expensive, tiny wool scrubbie).<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621501041489753682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwusyVk_hVm089mlhLPDNzc5sTAir2NVg8E9N02YItYkME9V2vxJztP8CnUIHziJCaMYlw0eCNgUVeebwsEsMip8Ba1c13ABKMumKDVX01KxX3GozwlpFodWUhWfDHXZsmul99hQvPl8u3/s400/DSC_4757.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>They were VERY fun to make. The pattern is spot-on. Just be advised that you have to stretch the waist and leg bands as you sew them on. I had some fun making appliques for the bum side...in this case, apples, which had me humming, "...apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur..." I'm sure her daddy would not appreciate my humor here. :)</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621505947596078818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZVCBHQssJ0-xuNjzLCUAiKb19Yd_VnNB0JVj3ws9y8pF0rpC6wVfrzV7cfAbKF6cg_yw5WY6Sw3k_JPeBUkZ9RvTv1VSdvcnkO-jWjaOalLoXebEsTY1YwtlDFOYmIiU8WTiczx48nQq/s400/DSC_4761.JPG" /></div></div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-52078720610318954222011-06-14T09:00:00.001-04:002011-06-14T09:00:10.317-04:00Plum Bo Peep<div>Welp, my hubbers has officially started his MBA studies, and for the time being, I've turned down an illustration job on a new crafting book. Reaaaalllly tough decision, but family-first seems like the wiser choice right now. Friends keep giving me great advice to enjoy my babies while they're small. So, you'll find me kissin' chubba cheeks this summer and tripping to the pool and library. It also gives me a wee bit more time to SEW and illustrate for FUN....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 367px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617924166314436914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw0pAD_9GAS_jkHSCVUqZXpBhTFC-NNErFrTvtklCflexwtlrD652v2BzWcFHLYOCfD6JjVvb0ygLQrS13bZ6DphtOcbNGVD1wvH6jQtKXODoKdLxwyb5KJSQ1SxpF0I7o2RrONfGbTAf/s400/bo_peep_preview.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">...I mentioned the cheeks, right? </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617927656989629970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBvUwUaCOr4nSfwQQmyoR5u9FgytX3-4EkiObWOZV_FrYMBOo-N8L8bTwIv6Y6Yw_H7pTlFZ1XUtyuKRVwq_vSyAyCnoetyytzgK5HHDzTfW2wQJEMB9GU0Yg5-VtzQa2ei9QhlRat3wJ/s400/250197_10150270997563552_668243551_8819865_3056299_n.jpg" /></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-87589993152616478322011-06-11T10:35:00.003-04:002011-06-11T10:44:55.057-04:00NEW! Pocketful of Pinwheels Bookplates<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616972343455814770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F3fx0hrAu32n-4G8QA5Mri82Fe7GJwb2xHc1nSVmULolMFhh9PFVcsNKxu0ntbO0fA2PDVyN2SlQrjcU0KwEJ-WxSIWLJJ8u9-tkDGngpLnHkW2Ed2Kggkt6nHWTBdl9_TF5bhwKE74B/s400/bookplate_hedgie.jpg" /> <br /><div>These have been in the works for awhile....so long, that I finally said to myself 'just do this!' </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our boys LOVE reading and love books. Reading to your child is one of the most precious gifts you can give them. I'm in the process of adding new bookplate designs to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pocketfulofpinwheels">shop</a>, and I hope you'll enjoy them! These are available in PDF format. Each file you purchase contains a sheet that fits 6 bookplates to a page. Use adhesive paper, or simply glue them into your book's cover with a glue stick or other acid-free glue. Use them over and over to print as many as you like! These would also make great gift enclosures. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616972355403902594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvUlNlFE9dxfY5rno418RCHmLN_gu7V5XBxVxFhuzbZJvbOnWdO5sV4lXlYmbKDGy0wujThmUp_TG4trM7tvsBqpTERP9DRnOzbxIJfD7GOcDUGDZdtwzd1Z0MymGPHuV5eVdEOPGq0Gp/s400/bookplate_robot.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616972339957719762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlplr02ZaN0jSK5rt7DVqLQuLDq_oNF0XLZLpFb96IFR5K-zVe1tCdBsthIFbwgNy4U5HZRdcYW0SN9C2cF8WqNggPfLDCQwYodCGDTUTxWR848ndCu34YXcn03QgmusKUjxNXXl1IUt3/s400/humpty_bookplate.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">What would you like to see next?</div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-87272540259239699482011-06-06T16:55:00.003-04:002011-06-06T17:18:32.888-04:00'Sew To Swap' by Chrissie Grace<div align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Swap-Quilting-Projects-Exchange/dp/1440215901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1307394394&sr=8-1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615215346417581618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrKtwEwQq_D8cJYuv1yzFAMrN24Ih-hioxcn7BEQ5JNzdqTLMSwwkHcTq7dwmX9ffImjH0YDn_4gJB0X5r2ssNlHlft6CISrNoAU2VNBFIS1t8Lt2WKC6sWljo-NmUqktM4wLc-nQIn8X/s400/sewtoswap_cover.jpg" /></a><br />YAY! yay, yay, yay!<br /><br />There is finally a cover design for the book that I just finished illustrating. <em>Sew To Swap</em> by Chrissie Grace is set to hit stores and quilt shops in October. It's also available for pre-order <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Swap-Quilting-Projects-Exchange/dp/1440215901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1307394394&sr=8-1">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Listen, folks...even if I hadn't been illustrator for this book, I'd STILL want you to have it. Some of my very favorite quilters have contributed to the projects laid out in the book. If you've ever been part of an online quilting/sewing swap or even swapped in your quilt guild, OR never have done either and are curious about it, check this book out. I've met so many online friends with the same love for fabric through swaps. The book is very modern and full of gorgeous ideas. Thank you, Chrissie, for suggesting me to work on this!<br /><br /><br />Wooooot! (can you hint my excitement??)<br /></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-71191483980620282862011-06-04T14:18:00.006-04:002011-06-04T14:56:10.969-04:00'Water for Elephants Quilt'<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614435691406371522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP4Vi7zP4gWKsYHJnPKOxm7X_KR3BTVR_01hsx9lmTwvBUptsZ5NEnBNIgNBllpOEph1JbDaxuHqMYNFBiAYJGo1BmQmD4Hmc9aOVcLg6WP-8Lg5bXz8fRh5yo1MCJH132zTDz-otqO4V/s400/DSC_4582.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div>I've been sitting on these pictures for a couple weeks, hoping I would get a chance to edit them. Alas, here they are...un-edited :)<br /><br /><br />When I saw <a href="http://cluckclucksew.bigcartel.com/product/pdf-pattern-chain-reaction-quilt">this</a> quilt pattern from <a href="http://cluckclucksew.bigcartel.com/">Cluck. Cluck. Sew</a>., I knew it was perfect for my friend, Julia's modern baby boy nursery. She has great taste and is decorating in a mod baby transportation theme.<br /><br />Don't look too closely. It was my first straight line quilting attempt. Boo of a job getting even spacing and straight lines. I'm going to go ahead and say that I heart free-motion quilting far better. Who knew? This was also my very first quilt pattern to follow. I highly recommend this one. <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/">Allison</a> is always spot-on when she shares her quilting techniques. I can't wait to try another one of her patterns. MUST finish quilting the two I have in-progress first ;) My poor hubby has been waiting forever for his quilt to be finished. If you listen closely, you can hear him sniffling behind this one as he holds it up for the picture ;) </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614438563271893218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJuegPoWgRD3GgdjXS4-PWNETEd2KKwm-xf-n3wayJbK6-4vrv21FmJoIcmRMVe7ZW8BPiGiw90WE6q6UiusPIg_5pve7tsB-agilPCt0_FuBiFVgquzlImlidf2-0-DG7JMAicUGIiRK/s400/DSC_4585.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-42881627173856326662011-05-09T21:48:00.003-04:002011-05-09T22:10:13.805-04:00Back in the Saddle of Sewing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaItNUy9CfxhOCxyLcXbiTzmqKbHXdsM700c9TgsdFOQZaQzv-X81OQjCWfEuNTQ3tMh2RrToaF2EPQfEMpwMLBPTAMp4BPxzX47lRd1mJFo-KCM_a9224ef7eZmN_44nGLqnxWFLucW_S/s1600/DSC_4423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604900819791872930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaItNUy9CfxhOCxyLcXbiTzmqKbHXdsM700c9TgsdFOQZaQzv-X81OQjCWfEuNTQ3tMh2RrToaF2EPQfEMpwMLBPTAMp4BPxzX47lRd1mJFo-KCM_a9224ef7eZmN_44nGLqnxWFLucW_S/s400/DSC_4423.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Whoosh! Happy Late Momma's Day, friends. Did you do something for yourself this weekend? My sewing machine and I met again like we never parted....and whipped up a quilt top for a friend's baby shower. (DON'T LOOK, JULIA!) ;)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604900813170803938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFasOcX3rbHVTXTQ-mgJa1cWzhAWfW7XHUYiAsMOuNtOKHj9_d9OUxfHOSBHRzPYw19PqLgviMTEEEC2PsHPOkuKHErvPnpT-CiGe13wUd0jISyK_eulvkQ41IaZphWqstf7vBP6Rgpam/s400/DSC_4433.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604900804605114066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rwlhVmc0S-8VM7JOEKjWa_kttEeHcNtaBO9-MGIkIrPWigkPz59U65wooz6HMfTjdVnQB9IOMCSutmJfbEx7_PB6x7TWvZP-wdlFqdlNYJZVjFWq8LaHq8w3HitpWE2RU1YFoyGEwfZG/s400/DSC_4427.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604900815153639474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvMUJK5x71IAN9VIwt6LvtqWEcgrOGA3yugO1arE_OJ13AhpAB4c8MTJX9JR6FjeyMIyZZag38eNHsUzFUid-ZJw5BmR4YzWQuJT6JfYvPpeCkJ8OnrWTNaKVgLeCEmGnv0L2IO0RkMOs/s400/DSC_4490.JPG" /></div>full view later...must.keep.sewing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-54428371196939929322011-04-27T21:37:00.002-04:002011-04-27T21:46:38.046-04:00Love for Mommies from Petit Collage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXFkb69ypSMtxKjIMBNI0qcRKhGa4xbPHBh-c6luSTZoMmS6EhzpwaFf1X6uYJL_wFxABSZLjA0PHoioHUP9Lp2Re28K9j9pBO1xoPPZSjkwuimyqTP4kRoRWiiFPAzMFrBrvumCD-M2P/s1600/petitcollage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600444783037204706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXFkb69ypSMtxKjIMBNI0qcRKhGa4xbPHBh-c6luSTZoMmS6EhzpwaFf1X6uYJL_wFxABSZLjA0PHoioHUP9Lp2Re28K9j9pBO1xoPPZSjkwuimyqTP4kRoRWiiFPAzMFrBrvumCD-M2P/s400/petitcollage.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Are you familiar with <a href="http://www.petitcollage.com/">Petit Collage</a>? This is the first place I've seen fabric wall decals, and boy are they gorgeous! I'm also a fan of their line of finger puppet board books. Head over for $30 off your order of $100 or more AND free shipping... Enter code: '<strong>mommy</strong>' at checkout after you enter your zip code. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Looks like you can also receive a free, autographed board book by answering a survey at the bottom of the <a href="http://www.petitcollage.com/">Petit Collage</a> homepage. Definitely worth the couple minutes spent! </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Happy Early mommies' day! <a href="http://www.petitcollage.com/new-elephant-decals-1.html">Here's</a> what I have my eye on :)</div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-57736786428717185012011-03-24T17:00:00.006-04:002011-03-24T17:12:48.402-04:00The Misadventures of Rory Turnip<div><div><div>Today was the last day to enter the <a href="http://www.projectselvage.com/">Project Selvage</a> contest with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/">Spoonflower.com</a>, and I'm stoked to enter this print designed for a baby boy...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587754928561820898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lg9VTsxMU6t2QOARHmn9JbxPAn5MJ5FV4bki4tcsdkxuK5C64x6oYrG7SQlen6nFod883zQD8lsryy88wpLG7PdJKjc-6_mIBgM3NF38za0aMq5gtZg9dtbjEj3-fvveeXbk1TQaT2CL/s400/rory_closeup.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587754933616030930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwEpT19HqntUee7BjFTCGbrGIgG1rQ9w3uCoB7jgFZn2Vrg9A2YW3zeWiqQ9YhtHih2gK_ljIXkokoGlV2iJOA7eBBTGd3woa9rUs2SUhAdlRU28dgAR3ssvO8qUcI2eOnbkjkmDUAqQH/s400/robot_closeup.jpg" /></div></div></div><br /><p>These are close-up views of 'Rory' and his robot friend and pup, 'Grains'. If you'd like to peek at the full design, you can see it <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/527891">here</a>. Crossing all my fingers that it makes it on to the voting rounds. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587755762044603410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO8ZF5baHtaaV4Q5UFnfeIlaAO_RS2P9kx1NrYeC5Helithb0o2jqDO-gKz-2en7RG_flSkjXaYL9usJHXzQh8xW9-F6tceDDaOaRNFEM0z8NcFTc0Or2-tn8nS1736QFJjlT0iMik3Qy/s400/titus_rainbow.jpg" />And this awesome design is by my 3-year-old Titus, who L-O-V-E-S drawing rainbows. His favorite color is indigo. And he would want you to know that his favorite planet is Jupiter. And his favorite moon on Jupiter is Ganymede. :)<br /><p></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-649633160496700622011-03-10T16:32:00.003-05:002011-03-10T16:38:09.308-05:00Still Making Quilts..."virtually"<div>You probably think I don't even sew. I've not posted anything I have made in FOREVER. And the truth is,....I've not sewn in forever! But, don't fret...I'm still making quilts, well, virtually. I'm still illustrating away at a new book by Chrissie Mervine, set to hit shelves in October. Here's a sneeky peek at my screen this afternoon...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582568152809362690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UXH4tXEq5beHAyckxotkC-n1p7dWqnYaC1r0Sa54k-G3t8Kvc9FuRPDJmzm1T03ekOahiCjSREMvLZtNFjjG8hhCaezWkO2K13u4Sfy8AuoKI-atHZgR5vCWq92vDTEu0h3jEVHHNq2U/s400/prettyscreen.jpg" /></div><br />I'll be sure to fill you in on the selected title and exact release date soon. Happy weekending...Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-84786647194656776182011-03-04T22:00:00.003-05:002011-03-04T22:05:30.210-05:00And the winner is...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsR1rH2u7bgUE8O9MvjiN7STHamgk78jXIccd9CuPLBsgL_nNWHYR216dZXaZNIB3Z00iF1V8SEuuIbU6yJnjrbHT_VUIiBlEVSBcLjS6C8lSOZz5CDPrwhFIUaZdZGgt-5-8b9Pe3nCx/s1600/random.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 394px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580426345570835890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsR1rH2u7bgUE8O9MvjiN7STHamgk78jXIccd9CuPLBsgL_nNWHYR216dZXaZNIB3Z00iF1V8SEuuIbU6yJnjrbHT_VUIiBlEVSBcLjS6C8lSOZz5CDPrwhFIUaZdZGgt-5-8b9Pe3nCx/s400/random.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Congratulations #15 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15896677932975278070">Jenny</a>, who tweeted the fun and got an extra entry! Yay for you! Look for an email from me very soon so we can get you hooked up with your recordable copy of <em>Goodnight Moon</em> from<a href="http://www.hallmark.com/online/in-stores/recordable-storybooks/"> Hallmark</a>! Enjoy! </div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-74321414740767678112011-03-03T14:42:00.002-05:002011-03-03T14:54:13.764-05:00Giveaway ends Friday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o2oTcquMawq7RVcPpBzrZDKXaYTgBu1c_6ape9wpqcYvpsjKdDzfKHorNHYkqM4Y5i-IO_JyyYCz_KJ7qICr5sNEmgUpRNAM29WSUv8SCQBPYzj7GklKsjYUpIpXqKi58T9gky6VHBLt/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579944317945171570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o2oTcquMawq7RVcPpBzrZDKXaYTgBu1c_6ape9wpqcYvpsjKdDzfKHorNHYkqM4Y5i-IO_JyyYCz_KJ7qICr5sNEmgUpRNAM29WSUv8SCQBPYzj7GklKsjYUpIpXqKi58T9gky6VHBLt/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a><br /><div>Hey, y'all! It's the last day to enter the giveaway for a recordable <em>Goodnight Moon</em> book from the lovely folks at <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/online/in-stores/recordable-storybooks/">Hallmark</a>! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Leave your comments on the <a href="http://arieleldridge.blogspot.com/2011/02/hallmark-recordable-storybook-and.html">post</a> below, and Best of Luck!</div><br /><div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6970603718099954576.post-28678974844731133382011-02-27T20:49:00.007-05:002011-03-03T14:55:35.812-05:00Hallmark Recordable Storybook and Giveaway!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Fmhg9VBzwwJcuyx7YVtsofyRUBm5psDSxLqRG7FqeBsx2NfaPXSaapILYCrZQqGDOtovfTXkqEmO0gfMqHiQv59uhyphenhyphenDCMKd90qGCclz_kqE0UQ_SUrLEiv8h6IK-C9qwGwj8uX0Qukdo/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578563438392246770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Fmhg9VBzwwJcuyx7YVtsofyRUBm5psDSxLqRG7FqeBsx2NfaPXSaapILYCrZQqGDOtovfTXkqEmO0gfMqHiQv59uhyphenhyphenDCMKd90qGCclz_kqE0UQ_SUrLEiv8h6IK-C9qwGwj8uX0Qukdo/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a> <div><br /><div>**<em>I recently received a recordable storybook from Hallmark to review and keep. I was not paid for this review, nor do I represent Hallmark, Inc. As always, these are my genuine thoughts on the subject...</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I LOVE me some illustrated children's books. Big time. I can remember my favorite storybooks as a child, and what is most memorable is the voice who read them to me. I can still remember my Meemaw reading a story about a cat...who always got into trouble...and I'd find the cat hiding somewhere on the page. I loved the sound of her voice. She passed away very suddenly when I was 5. It's amazing how much little minds can remember...</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Someone once told me that parents should add new books to their children's collection as often as they get new clothes. It's completely true when you think about it. Their little spongy minds are constantly ready for new adventures and stories. And they love hearing you read. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I recently had the opportunity to talk with some sweet, friendly people who represented Hallmark at Blissdom conference 2011. One of the things that stuck out in my mind about their company is that they sent us a <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/online/in-stores/recordable-storybooks/">recordable storybook </a>in the mail about a week before we left to attend the conference. The premise was that we would record the storybook and leave it behind for our kiddos while we were away. *Tears* </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Needless to say, Titus loved his storybook and hearing my voice before bedtime. He told the book (my voice) "I love you". It meant so much to him and especially to me, that Hallmark actually did care enough to "send the very best"... ;) </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Well, Hallmark has recently expanded their recordable storybook titles to include some amazing classics. They recently sent me the newest, <em>Goodnight Moon</em> by Margaret Wise Brown. What a perfect addition. Good job, Hallmark. Other titles include <em>Guess How Much I Love You</em> and <em>Counting Kisses</em>. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578563434212484610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq4es919K-D0-u3pq9Fvnm7o77IpgCIz90YUzIQZ2FbsBRm2GC8Nhnc0Fu84IvGlAzlYnMjAQEW1h4HLljozcsGuqsvjsFZIOHjyxSpjLmT_4Gt15zUxCbb6K8hkiPm_KGcXVK_7OsJu0/s400/kittens.bmp" /> <div></div><br /><div>The storybook is super simple to record. You actually record each page separately, and when you're satisfied with the whole recorded book, you flip a switch within the battery compartment to save the recording....even when you have to change the batteries down the road, your recording will be intact. There is also a video demo <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/online/in-stores/recordable-storybooks/">here</a>. When you're ready to "read" the book, simply turn each page and listen to the recording. It operates by light sensors. There is a series of small holes near the spine of each page, which triggers the recording. We have noticed that it has to be pretty bright in the room for the sensor to work, so we keep the dimmer on high during the bedtime story for this book. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I can think of a million ways to give one of these as a gift, and my plan for our new book is to have my mom record the story for our boys as a keepsake. Priceless.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Well, Hallmark thought you might want to have a recordable copy of Goodnight Moon for YOUR collection! I will be giving away <em>one</em> copy to a lucky blog reader, which I will choose at random on Friday, March 4th. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Here is how you can have 4 chances to win:</strong> (leave a <strong><em>separate comment</em></strong> for each opportunity you choose below, and make sure I have your email address to contact you if you win)</div><br /><div></div><div>1. Comment here with your favorite children's book title and who you would have record it (living or deceased)</div><br /><br /><div>2. Become a <em>Creative Juices of Ariel</em> blog follower and let me know you are!</div><div></div><div></div><div>3. Update your facebook status to say "I would love to WIN a Hallmark Recordable Storybook at The Creative Juices of Ariel blog! <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4sgc9c3">http://tinyurl.com/4sgc9c3</a> "</div><br /><br /><div>4. Follow me on Twitter @CreativeAriel and Tweet the following: " I would LOVE to win a Recordable Storybook from @CreativeAriel and @HallmarkPR <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4sgc9c3">http://tinyurl.com/4sgc9c3</a> "</div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00750600616551358760noreply@blogger.com24