Caution...This May Affect Your Conscience...or Not

I was listening to a program on NPR the other day in which they were discussing collection of taxes on purchases. They were specifically discussing purchases from companies like Amazon who do not collect taxes in the majority of states because they do not have a physical presence. Here it is: if I order something from Amazon or such company it is my responsibility to figure the taxes and put that on my year end tax forms. I'm a rule person and that just caused all kinds of craziness in my conscience. Chris is not a rule person. He just shook his head and, with a raised voice, said how ridiculous that is. So, what are you going to do with this? Just curious.

Sunset Over the Arkansas River

I met some young women for a picnic dinner at a local park last night. As we were leaving this was the beautiful sunset we were blessed to see.

Beauty Outside My Window

My sister, Lori, planted this Gerbera daisy for me when she was visiting in April. Lori, you have quite the green thumb. These daisies are incredible and I love looking out my kitchen window and seeing them. Great job!!! Now, when are you coming to help me with my grass?

The ABSOLUTE Bomb!!!

One Thing Leads to Another

This is my backyard gate area, yes, I know, it's a little obvious. I went out Sunday afternoon to plant my hostus' that have been in containers for a few weeks. What was to be putting plants in the ground turned into finishing my little planter area. I'll finish the other side perhaps this next weekend. See my wheelbarrow in the lower right hand corner? That is my FAVORITE yard tool accessory gadget thingy. I load it up with whatever and easily get my stuff from one point to another. Wouldn't it be great if it had a cupholder?

   

 After all my hard work, a slice of apple pie was my reward!



Surprise in the Middle

 This beautiful cupcake is Brianna's creation. BUT this is no ordinary cupcake.

Ta...Da...Check out the middle of this baby. That's right, plopped right there inside is an Oreo cookie. Can you guess what kind of fabulous frosting that is? It is none other than white chocolate cream cheese frosting~absolutely scrumptious!!!! Yes, they are all gone. 

Creativity Explosion

Brianna and I watched the 5th episode of The Fashion Fund and it helped inspire me to get going on Brianna's Easter dress. I got my tools out:

Next, I made her basic block. This is a basic pattern with her measurements. I will change this to the look that she wants.

 This is the muslin from the basic block. I fitted this to Brianna and marked it where I need to make changes. I'll transfer this to the pattern and make the changes.

 This is my second muslin. I took in the sides, shortened it. trimmed down the staps, lowered the neckline, and a few other tweeks.

I just fitted her again and have more changes~no suprise to me. I'll be getting the skirt attached soon to see the whole thing. I'm having such a good time with this! As I was working earlier, I realized that it has been YEARS since I have done pattern work and, oh my, I absolultely LOVE it. I can so get in the zone and go for it.