The Market Tote.....tell me what you think.....

I have been searching high and low for a market tote like this one. I absolutely love them but they're hard to find and expensive at the only supplier I've found. They come in the most amazing colors (brown, hot pink, lime, navy, red and orange) - not just solids like this one, but polka dots and stripes and patterns that are just awesome.

As you can see they have a singe handle and no lid or zip top. They have nice rubber feet on the bottom so they won't slip on...say a boat deck or other surface that might be a little wet. The basket part is made of a heavy denier polyester like a nice quality tote bag, so it is washable yet water resistant. It is collapsible because the handle folds down and the fabric portion of the tote can be removed from the frame. This is great especially for storage. We have one from last summer that I love, but it's smaller and does not collapse. This one measures about 19" long x 10" wide and is 9" deep. It will hold a ton of stuff.....toys and activity items for the car....a picnic lunch!......snacks and supplies for the pool or boat.....the possibilities are endless. The price you ask? Monogrammed on the side, the bag will sell for $35. I have not stocked up on these because while I find them so useful, I find them a bit pricey for today's economy.

Tell me what you think......

The Power Behind the Throne

This is Stella. She is my fourth child...fifth if you count Danny, who would like to still be a child.

Stella is a 6 needle embroidery machine made by Brother for light industrial work. She was designed for people just like me. Someone who stays at home and plays with colorful thread, makes really cool and fun stuff, and gets paid for it! Life doesn't get any better than that does it?

Stella was two years old in September and has been so busy in her young life. Her first year alone she stitched over 5 million stitches. I forgot what her second year number was but it was impressive. If only I got a penny per stitch...... I digress. Stella stitches an average of 700 stitches per minutes and changes which needle she uses automatically based on the information I feed her about the design I am asking her to sew. She does a wonderful job and I can't imagine life without her.

We are getting ready for all of our Christmas vendor shows and she told me yesterday she is already tired of green. Like I would tell any other child of mine, my answer to her was do what you're told without a lot of lip! Just kidding...

I Love Mugs!!

These travel mugs were a great find. They make a great affordable gift and look gorgeous monogrammed or not. Nannette ordered these for Christmas gifts and asked us to monogram them all. Vera Bradley fabric is very busy so the monogram does not always jump out at you, but they are beautiful nonetheless. The Botanica mug is my personal favorite.
The mugs keep drinks cold or hot for hours and the only drawback I've found is that they do have to be hand washed and do not hold up well when the tailgate of your Suburban is shut on them. Thanks Danny!!