WIP Wednesday 3/12/14

My husband did pay the cable bill Friday after work and we got our internet back.  In the meantime, Monday-Thursday evening, not being able to be on the computer, I got in a LOT of sewing time.
I still stayed up past midnight each night.  I can look at that as a plus.

I only sewed on the 96 log cabin blocks.  I completed all of them.  Below is the layout for the quilt top, which is going to end up a lap quilt due to my log cabins being made with one inch strips.
Since taking this picture, I did sew them together.  I chose not to take a photo and will have a photo when I get the top done.
I am trying to figure out how to do mitered borders and have a lady who is going to help me with that this afternoon at my stitch group.

Yesterday was the monthly sewing club meeting at church.  This is my progress on the quilt as you go that I am working on there.
I also took the time yesterday to cut the rest of my sashing strips and get the binding made.

I am in the middle of making a special order quilt with race cars.  Wish me luck please.  Special orders make me so nervous because I am so afraid of messing up.
This is the first time I've tried fusible batting.  I think I like it, but not sure yet.

One of the ladies at church gave me a bag of plain colored fabrics and a large bag of batting yesterday.  What a blessing!  This will enable me to finish up some of the UFO's on my lists below.
I have changed my UFO list again as I've decided to make 1 log cabin wall hanging and one log cabin table runner instead of 2 wall hangings.

UFO's:
Log Cabin quilt
Log Cabin wall hanging
Log cabin table runner
Rectangle quilt
2 rectangle table runners (one done)
challenge wall hanging
GoodNight Irene quilt/wall hanging
Quilt for sewing club at church
 (Finished) Applique Bunnies quilt
 (Finished) Penny Patch Quilt
Yo-Yo Table runner
Hexagon table topper
(Finished) Spoolin' Around

NewFO's
Sunflower table runner and matching placemats
Spiderweb quilt
Easter wall hanging
Cat wall hanging
Christmas bags (total of at least 25)

I am linking up with the following blogs:

Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap Review and Giveaway

NEW Dial® Deep Cleansing Hand Soap is the latest Dial® Brand hand soap bringing luxury to your hand washing experience.

I received 2 of the scents available:  yellow raspberry &black sugar and water blossoms.

 I have put the yellow raspberry & black sugar at the kitchen sink.

I have placed the water blossoms scent in our front bathroom.

These are larger 8 oz bottles of hand soap.   Such pretty colors and the scents are awesome.
They have micro-scrubbers inside that you can feel as you wash your hands.  These help gently remove dirt from your hand, leaving them feeling smooth and refreshed.

I'm partial to the color yellow.  I love the scents of both that I was scent, but enjoy the gentle scent of the water blossoms the best of the 2.

The moisturizing formula helps to give you clean and healthy hands and skin.  This hand soap will visibly improve skin dryness while leaving them feeling smooth and refreshed.

We are loving having them!

5 lucky Marsha's Spot readers will each win a free coupon to try Dial's new Deep Cleansing Hand Soap for themselves.
Please note the 24 hours to reply with your mailing address.  The free coupons expire on March 31st and I want all winners to have a chance to receive them and use them.  Thank you.
Just enter using the rafflecopter form.

Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. Coupons for the giveaway are provided by the sponsor and will be mailed by me.

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Frugal Friday With Marsha 3/7/14

I am finding that I just don't know what to write about this week.
My husband hadn't paid the cable bill in 2 months and we are now without internet at home.
I am having to attempt to get my things done time permitting at the public library.
I am finding this very stressful.

At one point to save money we had went to just the very basic cable channels and internet.
I am guilty of asking him to add the channels back up to 63 as I was missing the tv series that I enjoy watching.
He's a sucker for a salesperson and was talked into getting the bundle package.  So, instead of adding $30 a month to the bill, he ended up adding $100.  I told him right away to take it back, he never did.
We've been discussing it lately, but he still didn't do it.
I'm not on the bill or authorized to make decisions on it.

To say that I am still mad is an understatement.  I just feel like he's really 'screwed me over' as he knows that the majority of the money that I earn is earned through the computer.

I know there are tons of people out there that only use their public library, or other free wifi places for their internet.  Hey!  if I had some money to buy at least drink for my daughter and I, we could go to Wendy's late night for internet time.
I will keep that in mind if and when I do get a few $$ in my wallet.

I do hope that you will link up some money saving posts this week....motivational posts of some sort.  Please.

I am still reading Lean Body Fat Wallet.  I have tried to discuss the things from the book with my husband but he is blowing it all off as impossible......even the part of keeping track of what is coming in and what is going out.  He says he doesn't remember what he spends (which is a HUGE problem) and that he won't take the time to carry along a little notebook to keep track.
I know what he spends where for the most part from his checking account statement as he almost always uses his checkcard.  It's the times when he gets money from the ATM that I don't know where it was spent.

Does anyone else have a spouse that is uncooperative in living a frugal/simple life and spends and spends?

Again, please do link up this week.  I really need some encouraging posts to read.  Thanks!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Squidoo Hopping 3/6/14

 

We no longer have internet at home, so I am having to work from the library when I can.
I am going to try to keep up with the things that are most important to me....my blog, bubblews, squidoo. swagbucks, my email, and a couple of paid to clicks that i do.

I'm actually writing this and scheduling it to post as I'm not sure what time I can make it here to the library to post it.

You won't believe it, but I actually updated a lens today.  I had intended to update 2...picking 2 of the 7 that I hadn't gotten to yet on deciding the 20 amazon to keep.
I did the Dora the Explorer lens.
The amazon was the easy part as I was only 2 over the 20.  One of those links wasn't good anymore.
The hard part was....omg....I had copy and pasted major information about the characters of the show from wikipedia.  I cited that's where I got the info from and all...but talk about duplicate content!!
I went through and took out most of it, but also changed wording, paraphrases, changed sentences around etc.   I did keep the link where I found the info.
Whew!  It published at 100% with no problems....hopefully it stays that way.

I also made it to work on to approving and returning some of the comments in my dashboard as well.
I'm going to truly try to work in squidoo daily, even if it's just returning a couple of comments.

This is day 3 of having to work from the public library when I am able.  So far I'm seeing that this may just be good for me.  I've had to be more organized and more thorough in getting done what needs to be done in a day.
Plus, when I am home in the evenings I am working on sewing and reading more.
Wish me luck!

I hope to see lots of link ups this week!!  Thanks to those who always take the time to check in.  I will be adding my links to the link up some time during the day.

An InLinkz Link-up

WIP Wednesday 3/5/14--Retreat Report!

My first quilt retreat was awesome!!
Despite a winter storm coming in that closed us up early the second night, it was so much fun.
I won 3 door prizes, plus they gave us one awesome goodie bag too.
I added up the retail pricing of my goodie bag contents and my prizes and they came to $69.25.  This doesn't include the goodies such as the notepad and pen, 6 inch ruler, stylus, etc that they gave us printed with the quilt shop logo.  Then you add in that we were fed 4 meals and lots of snacks and oh my, it was so worth the $75 that we paid (plus sales tax).

I have lots of pictures to share with you this week.  I got a lot done!!

When we got to the quilt shop we were given nametags that one of the employees had made.  They are also a coaster.
Here is a picture of what was in the goodie bag.  The bag itself is so cool too.....it's roomy and has a zipper at the top.

I asked one lady to take a picture of me sewing.  It's rare that I get in any of the pictures.

I was working on my log cabin blocks in the picture above.  I got 3 more strips sewn on each of the 92 blocks that I am working to complete.  The picture below I took at home.  I pressed that 3rd strip once I was home that night. 
I've done more work since, and with any luck, this time next week I will actually have my tops sewn.

I also worked some on my hexagons.

I worked some on adding more yo-yo's to the table runner that I am making.

Here are the only 2 photos I managed to take around the room.  I wish I had taken more....such as the snack table up close and our meals.

I finished my Spoolin' Around mini table treat.

I also finished one of my scrappy rectangle table runners.

I would call the weekend a success wouldn't you??

Let's take a look at my UFO and NewFO lists this week----
UFO's:
Log Cabin quilt
2 Log Cabin wall hangings
Rectangle quilt
2 rectangle table runners (one done)
challenge wall hanging
GoodNight Irene quilt/wall hanging
Quilt for sewing club at church
 (Finished) Applique Bunnies quilt
 (Finished) Penny Patch Quilt
Yo-Yo Table runner
Hexagon table topper
(Finished) Spoolin' Around

NewFO's
Sunflower table runner and matching placemats
Spiderweb quilt
Easter wall hanging
Cat wall hanging
Christmas bags (total of at least 25)

I am linking up with:

The Perfect Bib by Toppy Toddler!! Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I was excited to have the opportunity to check out The Perfect Bib.
I have 2 grandchildren the right ages.  Killian and Zelda are my models for this review.

A little information about the Perfect Bib:
Made by Toppy-Toddler
Plenty of options on how you can use the bib.
It's compact, eco-friendly, and comes in bright styles and colors.
It's simple, water-resistant, and dryer friendly.
It will give you less time cleaning and more freedom.
Recommended for ages 9 months to 3 years.
Made with ecoPUL which is a water-proof, solvent-free,environmentally friendly adhesive.
Pricing is low at just $11.99 for the basic Perfect Bib or $19.95 for the deluxe addition.  Both offer FREE shipping!!
The Deluxe edition is equipped with a Nuby suction bowl.

Here we have Killian having a snack of Oreo cookies wearing the Perfect Bib.  Just simply detach the top part, flip and snap, and you are set.   This will catch the crumbs and other pieces as they fall.

The Perfect Bib when it's flipped and snapped can also be used to hold the snack.  In this photo of Killian, his banana pieces on in the flip and snap part.

The Perfect Bib is perfect to cover the high chair and still also be a bib for easy clean up.  Here we have Zelda having her snack using the bib.  When she heard that I wanted to get a picture of it being used on the high chair she said, "me! me!" and ran and got right in the chair.
She is a little cutie who will be 3 on June 5.

Here is Killian for diaper changing time.  We are using the bottom part of the Perfect Bib for a changing pad.  This would work wonderfully in public restrooms on the changing tables.  If you do make a mess on the pad, ir will wipe off easily.  Killian will be 9 months old on March 25th.

They say that once your child outgrows the Perfect Bib they can still have fun with it by using it as a superhero cape.  Here we have Zelda wearing it for a cape.  She did have fun!

Toppy-Toddler has discovered 12 different uses for the Perfect Bib and more to come!
Can you see why this is the Perfect Bib?
My daughter was thrilled to get it.

*******Visit their facebook page to find a 10% discount code!!*******

One lucky Marsha's Spot reader will win their own Perfect Bib.  Just enter using the rafflecopter form below.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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I Don't See Heaven by Jennifer Adan--Review and Giveaway

Published by Simon & Schuster, I Don't See Heaven tells the story of Isabella, a young girl who goes on her very first plane ride with her parents to visit with her grandmother. While on the plane, Isabella learns that she may not be able to physically visit her grandfather in Heaven, but is reassured that he is always with her, in her thoughts and in her heart. I Don't See Heaven is the story of a little girl's journey to the truth as she learns an important life lesson about how to keep love alive after a death.

I read I Don't See Heaven at bedtime to my 4 year old grandson and 6 year old granddaughter when they spent the night.
They both enjoyed the story and they really enjoyed the illustrations that go with the story.
The illustrations really make the story come more to life.

I took the book to our Tuesday morning Bible study and had the others read it too.  They all agreed that this is a cute book.  The story is short and pretty much to the point.

Even though Isabella couldn't see heaven, and couldn't see her grandpa in heaven, she learns that she can still see him in her heart and remember the good times.

The book is illustrated by E.A. Morando who studued music and is currently a middle school music teacher.
Once my daughter pointed out that a music teacher did the drawings in the book, we all started seeing things differently in the illustrations.  Music notes strewn about and books with titles of instruments.
Funny how different things stand out to different people.
I want to share a photo that I took of one of the illustrations:

I Don't See Heaven is an enjoyable book with a life lesson for all.  Read it, and read it again and again.  Cute book!

****Enter using rafflecopter below for your chance to win a copy of I Don't See Heaven!!****

About the author:
Jen Adan was previously a Montessori teacher in California but has since relocated to Nashville to song-write and continue to work on children’s books. She wrote a number one hit for CMA winner and “The Voice” judge, Blake Shelton titled, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone." The single debuted at number 52 on the Billboard: Hot Country Songs chart and hit #1 on the chart several weeks later. She has continued to prove herself to be not only a songwriter but also a writer in its truest sense; with her newest endeavor I Don’t See Heaven.

Disclosure:   I rec'd a copy of I Don't See Heaven and additional information for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Prize is being shipped by the sponsor.  This post does include my own affiliate links.




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Frugal Friday With Marsha--Lean Body Fat Wallet Book Review

If you have been reading along each Friday then you have seen the excerpts from chapters 7 and 10 that I have shared from this book.  Awesome, weren't they?
If you missed them, they are all linked at the bottom of this post.

Lean Body Fat Wallet  is written by Ellie Kay and Danna Demetre
Published by Thomas Nelson Dec. 10, 2013
ISBN: 9781400205530
Also available in ebook form.

Admittedly I am only up to chapter 5 of my own reading of the book.
I'm taking my time and taking in the wonderful information that this book provides.
I have pages marked that I have already shared with hubby, or will share with him.
I'm having a little trouble getting him 'on board' as he doesn't believe it can be possible what I've read to him so far.  Sure wish me luck there!   I fully believe that we can get ourselves out of this hole we are in.

We have gotten ourselves into a financial hole.  First buying this house and every 6 months the mortgage goes up.  Then he's gotten loans (not from a bank) to buy our vehicles.  Then he's gotten a couple of credit cards.
It's to the point where his paychecks don't cover the bills whereas they used to plus plenty left for groceries, gas in the vehicles, etc.
I'm guilty to from the money that I earn in that I have this computer from a rent to own place.  Ouch!

I find it wonderful that this book covers both health and wealth!!  No need to buy 2 books.  The principles in the book apply to both health and wealth.

Healthwise, I just need to eat better.  My teenager, I would like to see her lose weight.   I fully plan on paying attention to the eating habits as well as the money habits.

One of the first things the book starts by teaching you is about the 3 D's--Determine, Distract, and Delay.  Then there are the 5 important steps to design your sustainable lifestyle.
Throughout the book there are several 'quizzes' that will help determine where you are at and what you need to work on the most.

If you missed the excerpts that I have shared over the past 7 weeks, I highly encourage you to read them.  They are just a drop in the bucket to the 'wealth' of information and help this book will provide you.
I encourage you to buy a copy.  Even if you only glean one or two things from the book, it is well worth it.

Part 1:  http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/frugal-friday-with-marsha-lean-body-fat.html

Part 2: http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/frugal-friday-with-marsha-lean-body-fat_17.html

Part 3: http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/frugal-friday-with-marsha-lean-body-fat_24.html

Part 4: http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/frugal-friday-with-marsha-part-4-lean.html

Part 5: http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/02/frugal-friday-with-marsha-part-5-lean.html

Part 6: http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/02/frugal-friday-with-marsha-part-6-lean.html

Part 7: http://marshasspot.blogspot.com/2014/02/frugal-friday-with-marsha-part-7-lean.html





Disclosure:  I rec'd an advanced reader's copy of Lean Body Fat Wallet for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.  Post does contain my affiliate links.

An InLinkz Link-up

Squidoo Hopping 2/27/14

It's Thursday again and time to share blog posts relating to squidoo as well as links to 1 or 2 of your lenses.

Again it's been crazy around my house.....or outside of my house.  In and out.  It doesn't stop for me until after I attend this quilt retreat this weekend.    I don't think that things will ever slow down for me though.  I have lots of sewing related things that I do outside of the home and I like it that way.
Then there are church related activities and family.  Go go go.

I could take lots of pictures at the retreat this weekend and build a lens that talks about quilt retreats.  That could be a nice lens.  I should do it.  Will I?

How can I get more participation here each week and get more people to come and link up?  Suggestions would really be appreciated.

An InLinkz Link-up

WIP Wednesday 2/26/14--Upcoming Retreat

I didn't get in a whole lot of sewing this past week. I was more concerned to get things ready for the retreat that is coming up this weekend.
It's hosted by the local quilt shop. I can't wait as it will be my first one.
It's in town at the state fair grounds, so I will come home late Friday night to sleep then head back out early Saturday morning.

I finished the parts of the log cabin blocks that I pictured last week. I then cut more strips of fabric and packed that up into a bag. I am in hopes of finishing up the blocks this weekend, but I know that's probably not going to happen.
I also packed up a table runner to finish, my hexagons, and my yo-yo's. I am taking the other things to take breaks from working just on the log cabin blocks.

I did work on my hexagons last Wednesday afternoon at my Needlers group. I actually worked on them some more at the quilt guild meeting on Monday, but here is the progress as of last Wednesday:

Monday at quilt guild, Lynne Hagmeier, Kansas Troubles Designer did a mini table treat workshop with us.
I chose to do the Spoolin' Around.  This is how far I got in the 3 hour workshop.   I do also have this packed up to take to the retreat.  I've never done binding on a circle so will have plenty of people at the retreat to help me if I run in to problems.

I also did finish the rainbow colored toothbrush rug.  I haven't gotten it listed in my etsy shop yet, but I need to get that done!

Here are my UFO and NewFO lists.   I've added the Spoolin' Around to the UFO list.

UFO's:
Log Cabin quilt
2 Log Cabin wall hangings
Rectangle quilt
2 rectangle table runners
challenge wall hanging
GoodNight Irene quilt/wall hanging
Quilt for sewing club at church
 (Finished) Applique Bunnies quilt
 (Finished) Penny Patch Quilt
Yo-Yo Table runner
Hexagon table topper
Spoolin' Around

NewFO's
Sunflower table runner and matching placemats
Spiderweb quilt
Easter wall hanging
Cat wall hanging
Christmas bags (total of at least 25)

I am linking up with the following blogs: