All Hallows Eve

Grave Yard cake, this is an oldie but goodie. Christi said we needed gummy worms in the cake. I forgot we did that one year. I have to remember the worms! What was I thinking? Maddie and Aidan decorated the tombstones this year, I love them!

Once the tombstones were finished the fun continued. This is Aidan's creation.


Maddie was great and made tags for all the food. We had Monster Muffins (corn muffins), Zombie Knuckles (chicken nuggets), Ghoulish Gruel (chili), and Dead Man Crackers just to name a few things on our party menu. I love Maddie's curly handwriting. I wish this photo came out better, I thought the red cabbage bowls were great! Everyone liked them.


Don carved some awesome pumpkins!


We had a big crowd again this year, about 7 families! We have had a Halloween party every year since M. was 3. It started out as pumpkin carving parties. That was insane, and only lasted two years. We have the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating, so we invite all our buddies that live in the country or families that don't have great trick-or-treat hoods. We always have chili and we always have beer! Some of the mamma's hang out with me on the porch and have some laughs! This year was no different. There were some missing people this year, The G family, the V. family and the Josie family were very, very missed! Why'd ya have to leave us?

I hope you all had some spookyness this All Hallows Eve!
I need a mystery to read tonight while cozy in bed!

I wish I a copy of The Raven! I should take the kids to our Edgar Allen Poe House! Ha! I found it on the EAP house site! Sweet, it is printing and I am off to my warm comfy bed!

What does Modern June dream about?

...finding a super cool wire frame dress form on the street, in someone's trash. In perfect condition, of course! I wrapped my arm around her waist and rolled her home! To bad I was only dreaming. I woke up and no cool trash find! Bummer!

I found this cute thing at amazon.com. Aprons would look cute on it, don't you think? Sorry June (my mannequin)I don't mean to cheat on you!

Badges and a Widgets for NoBloPoMo!

So you need a stinking badge to pimp out your blog and show your NoBloPoMo support? Here were to find the cool stuff. Once you are singed up go over to your "my page" at NoBloPoMO, on the right hand side of the midway down there is a box that says "Get a NaBloPoMo Badge!" click there where it says "GET CODE" and you will see what to do from there. They have U tube thingy too but I didn't go there! YET! They also have this page for html badges if you need a kitty badge. Have fun!


No clue what I am talking about see this post!

Sewing Machine Goddess

Oh Sewing Machine Goddess that looks over all the stitcher's dear sweet machines, here my plea for speedy recovery of my "Bernadette". My Bernina 230 has gone off for repairs! It should take 5-7 days till her return. What, oh what will I do? I am sure that I can borrow my MIL's single stitch or my Janet's machine. Both are lovely machines but they do not handle oilcloth well. I felt so ridiculous for acting like a worried Mamma leaving her baby at the hospital, but I AM really Really REALLY freaked out. With a 49 piece wholesale order due in 9 days, a show this weekend, and several custom pieces. Ok, no time for pity parties... just get to work! I can cutting out the rest while I figure out the machine problem. I guess I could buy a used Bernina so I can use my special feet that I need to use. Boo HOO hoo~

NoBloPoMo 07 Band Wagon!

I am a joiner! I love me a group of fellow compadres (sp). I just was reading The Fabulous Miss D's blog A peek behind Lark Studio and found this cool challenge and group. Ok I need another group like a fish needs water. Or is it like a hole in the head? Either way I am all for it! I gladly take the challenge!

The challenge is simple:

"You get yourself a blog, if you don't have one already...post something to your blog every day, in accordance with the National Blog Posting Month challenge!"

In other words GET YOUR BLOG ON, baby! Check out the NoBloPoMo site and join in on the fun! Let me know if you sign up and I will add you to a special little blog roll that I will create here on Modern June!

Handmade Pledge

Here is a pledge that I like! A pledge to only buy handmade when possible! For me it means no Target toys for the cousins, no silly gift certificates for Grandparents. I might just have to put the pledge aside for one thing this holiday season, so I do not have to answer this "why Santa did not bring a Nintindo DS for Christmas"..... "Well honey cuz the Elves have those made in China honey?" But really this is a good thing, I urge you to do you best and to buy hand made when ever you have the option. I know what it means for me personally when someone buys handmade from me. It helps make ends meet, it supports my crafty habits and I really get so excited to know that someone is going to look so cool wearing one of my aprons, or their kitchen will be totally kitsch. I love that. so make a crafters day and buy handmade!

To take your pledge go to buyhandmade.org


Why Buy Homemade?

Buying handmade is better for people, better for the environment, and better for giving truly special and well-crafted gifts. The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect.

Christmas chaos at Halloween

Ok this is weird, I am holiday confused. One minute I am working out last minute Holloween costumes issues and picking out the perfect pumpkin and the next I am surrounded in Xmas holiday fabric. I am so confused! : )

Ashland sunset

sunset too, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

A bit of balance

Of late I am suffering from Burn Out. This is just not ok. With the busiest season upon me and school in full swing I just can not stop. So what to do. Well, cook of course. Today after working a full day I actually stopped working at 5:00 just like a real worker! I cleaned up the house and studio while the kids did webkinz on our computers. (they met and play online, weird right?)

I then took a break, flipping the channels I settled on Rachel Ray 30 Minute Meals. And then I did the unbelievable... I made what she was making! What was really shocking was that I actually had every single ingredient! Wow that panty list has helped out!

Let me tell you the BBQ Chicken Burgers with Slaw are super yummy! The kids wouldn't eat then but Mr. "Don I never eat burgers" loved them. I used ground turkey and also cut the fat and sugar in half. Still, they were wonderful! The slaw was great too. With tons left over I look forward to tomorrows lunch. Unfortunately the sweet potatoes fries are all gone!

Now with a full belly and bed time at hand I feel a bit of balance. Now if these kids would go off to bed and I could snuggle up for a movie with my man! I could get used to this! Happy weekend!

stuff!

One (well two) down and 50,000 to go!


I love this stocking!
It will be a one of a kind since there is no more fabric.
But there are lots more lovelies to come!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

I love the sign, made with loads of love! Maddie spent hours on this!

Pumpkin shaped pancakes! Yum! Janet sent me this link for halloween foods. I didn't make pumpkin flavored pancakes but I did use the idea for the shape! Maybe next week I will try the spicy pumpkin pancakes!

But the best part was this!

We treated Don to an afternoon at the Movies! The Nightmare Before Christmas!!!
It's back and its in 3D. Maddie and I sat there singing the entire show. Can you tell this Movie is a family favorite! We even own the soundtrack!

This cracks me up. It looks like a pagan ritual! But really it is birthday brownies! Not at all homemade but very, very yummy! I think they were much better than my recipe! I need better recipe of brownies, any one have one?

UPDATE! keep the recipes coming and I will post them! Kimmy if you read this I need the no pudge brownies!

Here is Christie's favorite brownie recipe!

BROWNIES

From Cooks’ Illustrated

1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped medium (optional)
1¼ cups white flour
½ tsp salt
¾ tsp baking powder
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
12 Tbsp (1½ sticks) unsalted butter
2¼ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325.

Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler. When smooth, remove from heat and whisk in sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking until thoroughly combined.

Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder. Add to chocolate mixture in 3 additions, stirring until batter is smooth.

Bake in a 9x13 pan 30-35 minutes.

apron sets!

I thought I would show you some of the set that have been sold lately! It makes me so happy to think of someone's kitchen being all kitsched out with my stuff.

Christmas Fabrics for 2007

My creation, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Here is your sneak peek of the fabrics that Modern June will be making goodies out of. Tree skirts, Stocking and APRONS of course!

look at this tree

I am all about fake Christmas trees! This makes my heart go pitter pat. I might have to go for the free issue just to get a better look at the pink tinsel beauty.

H is for housewife

A word is just a word, I say have fun with it. So say "HOUSEWIFE". Dare to call yourself a housewife...
warning it takes practice!

Super fun illustration that Don emailed me weeks ago! Fun!

Take a minute and double click on the picture and read what it says.
We have a few of the things that were dreamt of.

Forgive me I'm venting!

Ok you know that really stupid post about my silly post it notes well guess what it doesn't work if you don't pay attention to it. I tell you what today has been a complete waste of time. I have not sat down for more than 5 minutes but I can't think of one silly thing that I have accomplished.

The weekend was a blur too! Saturday was the Centerville Pumpkin Festival what a beautiful day we had! Well minus the wind that destroyed my already ailing tent. After my serious hissy fit I had a great time hanging with the crafty girls that I shared my booth with. The photo above show the three muses at it again, we agreed that we were not tired, bitter or angry this time around. Well Nicole was tired and I had been pretty bitter and angry about my tent but I rallied! And Diva E (also known to the Richmond Craft Mafia's inner circle EASY E), well Erica is just so damn cute and happy she was not tired, bitter nor angry. Good things not to be! Too bad Dawn had come and gone and could not be added to our picture. She was tired from a work week from hell.


Sunday was crazy fun and tiring! I had to unpack the van which was like pulling teeth. But once I got up from a quick nap we went to Kings Dominion with the family. We had 4 pre paid ticket to use up! It was again a wonderfully beautiful day. It is hard to remember that it is the last week of October when it is 80 plus degrees. We had so much fun at the park, it was nice to be away from home, there was no sewing machine, computer or TV. I held on to my kids like crazy, they have been missing me and I have missed them too!



You know your working too hard when your 7 year old tells you he wishes that Modern June wasn't real, cuz mommy is never able to be with him. Yikes that hurts and it only the beginning of the really busy season. What is a mommy to do? I feel so bad but I love what I doing. Don, god love him, says he is proud of my work but is constantly asking me to stop working so hard. How does one make the masses happy?


And now to top it all off my studio seems to be suffering plumbing problem. Tonight I just spent 2 hours cleaning up ( a complete dester after a week of mad sewing and me dumping my show stuff any where there was a piece of floor.) I also was getting my projects in order when all of a sudden I have to remove half the junk out of the Bathroom storage room (yes you heard correctly I took over a bathroom in order to have more storage). Now it is all over my work space. I really need to clean out a space in the shed and store stuff in there!

Time, I need LOTS OF TIME! CALGON get me the hell out of here! NOW! Pity party complete! I need a good cry and some chocolate and now it is not even that time of the month! Rant over chocolate consumed and my silly little novel is waiting me in my comfy bed. Tomorrow has to be better right? Knock on wood!

just a few more G's!

My GRR, my grandma! On every card and every gift she ever gave me she always signed it Love Grr. Grr comes from her teaching me to say Grandma as toddler. She would say "Say GGGRRRRRRRRandma, and of course only ever said the GRR part of the word. Now my Grr is lost in a sea of Alzheimer's but my Granddad has kept up the tradition, every year my birthday card is still signed love Grr! That make me so happy!

Gingham! Oh how did I not think of this one of my most favorite fabrics ever!!! Gingham aprons remind me of my Grr! She always for a "Green" one with Cross stitch. Very much like this on that I use as curtains in the studio windows.

Guacamole, for this one I knew just where to go, straight to my favorite food blog! Mud Pie Gourmet! I am sure you will see why it is my favorite. What lovely photo and nice stories to go along with her food and recipes, yummy recipes!

Glitter Glue! Oh we like our glitter glue around here. Yesterday I learned several things about glitter glue

• I get more on my pants than on the project, this was not missed my Janet my wonderful neighbor that goes by Anonymous here on the comment sections or by my chiropractor!
  
• It is great for teaching how to count by 3's
• Elmer's 3D glitter glue rocks! Janet I think you bought this for Maddie for Christmas!
  

Ok now hold on it gets really bad right about here!


The Gremlin! Oh yeah, that was a cool ride! Not that I can say much cuz I had a Vega just one step away from a Gremlin! My vega was named Gertie, another g word!

Gluteous Maximus! Sorry I just had to go there!

On this note I will end the G's! Thanks to those that contributed to my fun! I like comments and collaboration, working at home can be lonely! Thanks for letting me know that there are people reading my beloved blog!

stupid sewing tip!

It's ideal to have a needle in your machine when sewing! I did it twice, really I have no brain waves to speak of this week!

G is for sweets?

Who knew there were so many great, gooey sweets out there that begin with the letter G!
Suzanne I found this for you!

Galaxy® Chocolate Fondue

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

115g Galaxy® Hot Chocolate Powder
115g unsalted butter
170g Sugar
115g Single cream
1 tsp. vanilla essence
Strawberries, cherries, marshmallows or other fondue dipper of choice.

Preparation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat. Remove from heat and stir in Galaxy® hot chocolate powder. Gradually add sugar and single cream, mixing well.

Cook over a low heat, stirring constantly until hot and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla essence. Serve warm with fondue dippers.

While surfing the web looking or information on Galaxy bars I found the yummiest blog I have ever seen! My father-in-law and this chocolate vain's would die for half of what you can find here! Chocoblog! Brilliant! A blog devoted to chocolate! My dreams are renewed! I would like to thank Dom for letting me swipe his photos! Many thanks! Here is what chocoblog has to say about Galaxy, Suzanne you may disagree, but that is why there are different chocolates so we can all find our true favorite!

I need some chocolate, NOW!

The Centerville Pumpkin Festival

The Centerville Pumpkin Festival is this weekend, come and check out! And don't forget to say hi! I will be there with my craft posse! BeesKnees Studio, Lark Studio, Keen Designs, Nicole Lee Desings and yours truly will be hanging out in the big "double wide". Tents is mean, tents not trailers! : )

Also at the show the marvelous Monkey and Me, Missing Monsters and Sew Ono.

The Pumpkin Festival is an all-day event, outdoors, free to attend, offers fine art, crafts, and produce for sale. Food, entertainment, music, activities for kids, prizes, and more are a part of this fun event!

I saw this one the website... "The hottest, to the minute, artists and indie crafters in the country with many new vendors and a larger variety of shopping to choose from!" Oh my that is what we are, cutting edge crafters! I like the sound of that!

See the links in side bar to learn more about the 2007 vendors! Wow this year there are over 40 vendor! That is a big show!

See ya there!

g is for ginko leaf

Ok last night I asked for some G words to post about. Well I can have some fun now that I have a list of great G words! Keep them coming!


Filigree Ginkgo I large fine art print by Bees Knees Studio! A Richmond Craft Mafia craft diva! You can check out her profile here! Erica I love your super hero spokesperson! Tortoro is perfect for you! I love love love Totoro!



Ginkgo Porcelain Earrings by Tasha McKelvey the Richmond Craft Mafia's maker of pottery, buttons & jewelry! Tasha is craft rock star! I want these earrings so badly! Don--- hint, hint!

G is for....

A, B, C, D, E, F,

G is for "gosh I just don't know"! What G is for, help me! I need some g words!

Give me 10 G words and I will find a picture for them and I will find something to say about them!

Fab fabric sale!

You know I love my fabric! And my cool on-line fabric stores. Well check out Sew Mama Sew!!! Kristen is having a having a hugh sale! Check out their sale pages! And while you are there check out her wonderful blog, there you can find pattern reviews and wonderful sewing tips. Unlike my stupid sewing tips Sew Mama Sew's sewing tips are helpful. But you can find my the pattern review that I did for them earlier this year.

I am loving the Klimt fabrics! Klimt prints we all the rage when husband and I got together! We were only together for 4-5 weeks before our first Christmas as a dating couple. I was away working at Hartford Stage so we weren't even in the same state. I could not figure out what to give him for a present. Then I found this cup. It was perfect, since we had done a fair amount of kissing. Well, 15 years later the cup is a bit chipped up but still usable! Just great for morning tea and a smooch or two!