Hassle Free Holiday Shopping

Hello everybody. I just popped in for a quick hello and some updates. This is my best Holiday season yet! I have finally added Lisa, our convertible wristlet and it's been a hit. I named it after my 2-year old niece whom I just met for the first time last Thanksgiving. You will notice some cute imported Japanese prints that are so popular. I have more but will slowly add them since I have to fill in some orders and send them out as soon as I can.Wear it three ways--as a wristlet, mini purse and belt pouch.

I just added some itsy bitsy zipper pouches. I remember as I child I had a lot of mini pouches that I used to stash my treasures in.

I got my live Christmas Tree but haven't had a chance to do anything yet. My Holiday purse party is this next Sunday so it will be a whirlwind week for me--Oh and my Christmas village too I have to start on that soon. That is another thing to do. I hope I survive this week!

Ballerina girl

I am so proud of my baybcakes (she doesn't want people to hear me say that anymore!). She had been dancing for almost 9 years now and she just got her pointe shoes. I never got that far. Dance is a big part of her life and luckily it hasn't affected her grades since it takes a lot of time and dedication to get this far. I didn't realized how very particular she is about some things (like me) when I was trying to sew in the elastic and the pink satin ribbon to her shoes. She tried it on so many times--"they are not even", don't scratch the satin with the pin", "the thread has to match", make sure the stitches are straight, etc. Like mother like daughter, I'll say!

Just perfect!

New convertible wristlet

I have finally finished a couple of my new convertible wristlet, Lisa named after my 2 year old niece. My daughter had been asking for a "hip" wristlet that she can use when she's out shopping. This would be great for moms too especially with a baby and a toddler in tow when doing errands. I will hopefully have them on the site this weekend. I am preparing for a craft show this Friday and Saturday and trying to make more belts and mother and daughter handbags which are very popular.

After drafting a couple of patterns I finally decided on this--even if matching the top seams can be tricky. Knowing myself, if they don't match I will undo and resew it! I have seen some high end bags where seams are so off and it bugs me. I hope you like it.

Wear it three ways--as a wristlet, belt bag and a mini purse! Pretty cool, huh? Okay off to my sewing room. Have a fabulous week!

Caught Redhanded!

All our bunnies are litter trained but occasionally Bella and Pumpkin would do their potty in another corner. I recently bought them a dog's dish since it is larger and heavier and Miko won't be able to toss and push it down from the third floor (yes they have a three story bunny condo!). Lately somebunny had been using it as a littler box and I was certain it was Bella so I would every now and then put her on one of the litter boxes so she remembers to do it in there.

Poor Bella it was Miko all along! He was grooming without a care in the world.

Check out the puddle on the floor.

Bella turning a blind eye.

Who can resist such an innocent look?

I will try putting the dish on the second floor during the day see if it works. I'll keep you updated.

Ouch--My trigger foot!!

Almost a month ago I said I was back but something always comes up. Anyway here I am and hopefully post a couple of times a week.

I talked about getting on my bike almost everyday as therapy for my right knee--well I had been doing that until a few months back when I fell off my bike. It was such a lovely day and I thought I will drop by the antique shop across the street and brought my wristlet with me. I was on it for about 2 minutes and tried to adjust the wristlet strap and I guess I swerved too sharply to the left and without warning fell to the ground. My first thought was,"Oh no I got orders to fill"!! Then I felt my ankle twist, and my knee hitting the rough ground and pain shot through me and screamed. A neighbor came running and I kept telling him I hurt my trigger foot. He was like, "Your trigger what??". My precious right foot which of course I use to run my sewing machine. It still hurts every now and then since sprains usually takes a while to heal and you have to deal with flare ups every now and then. Thank goodness I was still close enough to go back home without any help and put some cold compress. I didn't even call my doctor. If I broke something I wouldn't be able to walk. Later that night I realized I hit the left side of my chest with the handle bar when I noticed a nasty big bruise.

The left handle bar took the brunt which saved my left elbow. The rubber was scraped completely off.

I managed to finish these wristlets the week of my fall by taking frequent breaks.
Six pretty twirly bags all in a row! A month or so after my fall and my ankle still sore I miraculously was able to whip these up and the messenger bags.

I hope to be getting back on my bike soon but I just couldn't muster the courage to go on it just yet. I had been using my stationary bike but it is sooo boring.

Lesson learned---don't get distracted when you are on the road! Until next time and take care.

I'm Baaack!

Hello everyone. How time goes by--it's been two months since I posted something here. Too many many things happened since then and I don't know where to start. In scrapbooking (which by the way I have to start doing again soon) they advise you to start from the latest pictures and work your way down. Well I just had a craft show in Del Rey Beach a few miles south of Palm Beach and about an hour south of where I live. I have finally bought some free standing panels but I have to buy more probably next year. I want them on both sides of my booth.

It was so hot most of the time but that's the way it is here.

I must say my bags were showcased better because of these panels.

I only sell these adorable beaded socks locally and are very popular and so are the hairbows.

I can't resist taking a picture of this diva poodle!

I have another craft show coming locally this weekend and I hope it would be a lot cooler!

No emails!

Grrr...I am not getting any emails from my main account. Just in case you haven't heard from me you know what's wrong. Usually it happens with yahoo but this is the first time with this email which is not good because I use this one mostly for business. I have reported it and waiting for a response. I tried sending a couple of emails from my other email accounts and I didn't get them. I am sort of at a loss right now and you don't realize it until something like this happens how dependent you are on your computer! It is the same thing with cellphones--if I forgot mine at home I get agitated (just a little!).

Just added a new messenger and wristlet in a beautiful Japanese floral which I named Harmony.

I guess I can sign off and finish sewing a bag I started last night. Have a relaxing day!

Three Little Bunnies

Whew! I can finally catch my breath and sit down and post something. I have been busy prepping my room for painting and I still have to choose the paint color. Maybe this weekend I can swing by Lowe's or Home Depot.

I haven't had a chance to introduce our cute three little bunnies. I have always loved rabbits even before I knew I was born the Year of the Rabbit. Check your sign here. I like the description from the Chinese Restaurant's placemat the best where it says--Luckiest of all signs..... I have always wanted a pet rabbit since I was in second grade when I saw my friend's rabbit but alas I never got one so when my daughter wanted a pet there was no question about which one.

This is (left to right) Bella, Pumpkin and Miko. They are all dwarf rabbits and stay inside the house (they are litter trained). Bella and Pumpkin are Lionheads and Miko is a Holland Lop .

They get to spend a few hours a day outside. It is so much fun watching them--you never know what they will do!

Give me a little kissie Mikkie Boo!!

The dark bunny is Precious our first bunny but she passed away last September. We miss her a lot. She was more like a dog--she used to come running when you whistle and do a binky ( jump and twist in midair).

Until next time.

Christmas in July

I have been checking out my product inventory these past few days. Well I have a lot of Erika wristlets made especially this print Mod Island. I should take another picture as this one doesn't really do the print justice. I decided to give one to the first one who claims it here. Good luck!

Bedroom Redo

I have finally added my newest style, Joan, convertible messenger bag. I have also added some wristlets and will be adding more.

Finally my room and my daughter's are finally done! The wood floors are in and we are ready to paint and decorate. I have decided to do mine first. I have been so busy since Babycakes Boutique opened a year ago that I haven't gotten around to doing stuff for myself.

This is where my old closet was and I kept a little portion of it as an additional what else?? Fabric closet! To the right is the door to my studio, across it is my bed. To the left of the wall and further back is my new walk in closet. I haven't decided what color to paint my room yet but it would be lighter or the same than that of the studio.

I have always used white or light sheets but I am ready for some color. This would be my color palette. Just love Amy Butler's prints. They work so well together. I love pillows and it would be awesome to showcase these prints. I might be brave enough to tackle a patchwork duvet cover!

Just bought some pillow patterns and I am planning to put them where the blank wall is. It looks complicated but after reading the instructions it turned out to be pretty easy. Time consuming, maybe because of all the petals you have to cut, interface and hand sew.

Just love it. It was even featured in In Style magazine a few years back.

Gum drop pillows. I could just picture them on my floor in a couple of different prints. Ooh I can't wait! This is pretty easy too but requires a lot of stuffing.

That lady is going to be me in a few weeks! Stay tuned for updates. Have a productive day.

Joan-Convertible Messenger Bag

I hope everybody had a wonderful 4th of July. It was such a beautiful day until about 4:30 when it rained cats and dogs. I was so looking forward to grilling some fish and chicken that I have marinated the night before but it wasn't meant to be. We needed the rain though--well I guess I will be grilling for lunch today!

I have a some Joan (a feminine version of my eldest brother's name, Jonathan) messenger bags made a couple of months ago and had put a preview on my site. I did some test drive and had to make some minor changes. There were a couple of inquiries about when they are available for sale and I actually sold two to a very good but impatient customer. I am happy to say I am ready to unveil them this week, pictures are ready and will be adding them before the end of the week. It can be converted into a backpack or a stroller bag and it comes with 3 straps and a matching storage pouch--isn't that great?

I can't stay long I have to make a Genny and Raina set that came in yesterday morning.

Hip Hop Abs

Okay I just have to share this one. I was sipping coffee and turned on the TV and this infomercial was on. I am telling you this one is good--it got my attention and built up my excitement. I was glued to the tv as they offer you one special offer one after another. I have a lot of exercise DVDs and mind you I have been religiously using them these past few weeks plus Fit TV which is on 24 hours. Isn't that great? I figured there's no excuse for me not to workout. I could be working out while my I am doing laundry and thawing meat for dinner! I like to dance that's why most of my workout DVDs are dance routines--to cut the story short I did buy the Hip Hop Abs. I should have gone on line instead of calling and saved some time. All those extra offers that will be taken off your credit card if are you not careful. So I just said I don't have time and all I want is what is being offered on TV, period. $77.17 including shipping and I got an extra DVD for just making one payment instead of 3. I'll let you know when they get here!

Thai Chicken Salad

I love to cook--I do it everyday and most often than not for lunch and dinner. On weekends, breakfast too! My daughter is used to home cooked meals and if you say dinner is just ham and cheese she would be so disappointed. I learned to cook when I was 9 or 10. My mother encouraged me to cook and if I didn't like the food my mom would say "Go and cook what you want then." I have decided to share some of my favorite recipes. My friends especially like my eggrolls and oriental noodles but I am the type of cook that doesn't measure, unless it is a new recipe I am following. Most of the everyday stuff I cook (and parties) are from memory handed down to me by my mother and close relatives. I will slowly try to write them down so I can share them here and of course the ones I have collected throughout the years (with measurements).

I am not a salad eater--I would rather have lots and lots of vegetables with some meat mixed in and Jasmine rice. If my main meal is a salad it has to have meat in it! Here's one that I like but I forgot to take a picture of it when I made it the other day. I have this written down in a tattered piece of paper for years-- try it and let me know what you think.

Thai Chicken Salad

Serves 6
Nutrition per serving: 175 calories, 28g. protein, 8g. carb, 3 g. fat,64g chol.

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1/2 c bean sprouts
2 bell peppers
1 bag mixed greens

Dressing
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 lime (juice oly)
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp chili powder
2T Teriyaki sauce
1 T water
3 T rice wine vinegar
2 T ginger (fresh grated)
4 scallions (chopped)
1/2 c basil leaves (fresh chopped)
1/2 c mint leaves (fresh chopped)--I don't like mint leaves so I substitute it with more salad greens

Poach chicken in salted water until opaque. Drain and shred into pieces. Combine dressing ingredients and toss with chicken. Add sprouts and peppers. Serve over mixed greens.

All in a Day's Work

I have been one busy bee yesterday. During weekends I don't have a set schedule to sew--it is sporadic to say the least. I have been wanting to add more wristlets since they have been selling really well.

I will work on these later. I need to put the zippers in, do the straps and pockets.

Patiently waiting to be assembled. I love the coffee print which I have been holding on for awhile but I wanted to share it with my customers. I have some in blue and cream and two other different prints. I will probably make a messenger bag.

Tory Wristlets. I love these prints and they are both out of print and hard to find..

Erika wristlets. I will take pictures of the wirstlets outside tomorrow, take the background off then hopefully add it on the site..

Bobbie Medium Handbag which had just been given a makeover--I added a ribbon accent band. See the purse feet? I have decided to make it standard without extra cost plus a hard bottom. All of my bags are heavily interfaced (they can stand on their own) but I don't mind putting in the extra time. I am still waiting for my shipment so I can announce it. That's is why I haven't put the ribbon handbags yet.

Oooh my knee!!

I have been sort of taking it easy this past few days. My poor right knee had a flair up (it was bad today) and I had been limping and boy did it hurt to walk! I was in bed most of the time with cold a pack on my aching knee and occasionally sew so I don't get too backed up. I was told 6 years ago I had effusion( all those years on step classes and stair climbers most likely) and was given some exercises to strengthen it because it was only functioning at 40% and my left knee is taking the extra burden. Well I haven't been doing them religiously and now I am paying for it. Now I have to do them plus at least 20 minutes of cycling everyday--no substitution. Next on my agenda--take my fairly unused bike out of the garage!

Take a Moment

I have been doing a sewing marathon lately. I hate getting backed up--I get so uneasy and I usually get palpitations when I am stressed so I try to be on top of things most of the time. I took it easy today besides I got somebody working in our bedrooms taking out the carpet and putting in wood floors---yes!!! We have allergies and this would help tremendously. When I had my studio done and I can see the dust that gathers on the floor (yikes!) I swore I will never have carpeting ever again.

Sweet smelling gardenia in front of the house. For some reason a lot of people get lost when they come to the house. So when it is blooming I tell them just turn in the driveway with the gardenia (you can smell it even before reaching the house) and it works all the time.

Some of my orchids in front of the house by the door.

Another one by the kitchen window.

I rearranged the back and put more orchids and plants. So peaceful especially when I need to recharge.

This is Sam. He usually comes in the afternoons.

This is it for now. I think I am ready to tackle another sewing marathon!

Ribbon Handbags

My studio had been overrun by ribbons! My daughter and I have been having so much fun designing our ribbon handbags which will be named after my mother.

Just a few of the ribbon shipments I got a few weeks ago.

Ribbons, ribbons and more ribbons!! I have to start organizing them or it will definitely get out of control. There are about 15 plastic boxes like this all over the place.

I just love the blue and brown with just a touch of pink. My 12 year old did these but we can't decided which one would it be.

A couple of finished handbags. I will probably put them on the site sometime next week.