my own labels

My. Own. Labels. They came in the mail yesterday from namemaker.com and I immediately stuck one inside an old skirt I made last summer. In fact, I want to stick one inside every thing that's ever touched my sewing machine. Nothing is safe. If you happen to run into me, you'd be wise to check your clothes for a rogue "Made by Christine" label.  I cannot be held responsible for my actions.


And sister, The Summer Purse is on its way. Getting freckled and pink by the grill took precedent this weekend. But it'll happen. Soon, soon.

eco-preneur: green bag it

I present to you the slightly-wonky prototype of your eco-friendly solution for everyday living:

Don't "brown bag it", green bag it!
  Get it? Green. As in... the environment. Ya know, trees? Grass? Al Gore? And apparently Leonardo Dicaprio?

This lunch tote still needs a bit of work. A set of handles, waterproof lining, a smaller & better-placed pocket, perhaps inside pockets for forks and spoons, matching cloth napkin? I'm not sure yet if I'll live out my dream of mass producing these and eliminating lunch-time, brown bag waste. But I've been sketching out some ideas and I think, in time, these lunch totes could take over the world.*

*In this particular case, "world" refers to a small but dedicated group of close friends who will use the totes, though primarily only on days that we meet for lunch. They won't mention that the bags are not insulated and that perhaps (gasp!) lunch bags are no longer cool.

four eyes

Some people don't have proper protective cases for their eyeglasses. Some people just shove their expensive specs into their pocket, risking scratches and bent frames. Some people haven't grown up under my father's tutelage and are therefore lacking proper respect and reverence for the preventative care and protection of eyeglasses. I stole this project from Martha and now someone special has a handsome new home for his glasses (pictured above, my glasses). The question: Will he use it?

(Also today, RIP Mr. Vonnegut. "So it goes.")

proof of readership

They listen, they really listen.  All of these Mini-Eggs, all for me. Though, to be honest, some of these mini-bags were designated by one Miss Chelsea Lynn to go to My Roommates and The Boy. We will see about that. After all, My Roommates and The Boy were not innovative enough to beg for candy through the internet. Credit should be given where credit is due.

easter eggs & chocolate eggs

A little past midnight, we colored our Easter eggs and hid plastic ones around the house.

Then, on Easter morning we found the eggs we had hidden. I had a lovely brunch in the Berkshires complete with hot cross buns, fruit salad, eggs, sausage, ham, english muffins and an entire pot of coffee. We brainstormed some good eco-friendly business ideas.... but with copyrights pending I fear I cannot list them on this public domain.

Joke. No copyrights, but I'm still not talking.

Enjoyed a delicious Polish meal of pierogies and kielbasa with family to finish off my Easter.
Also, someone came through on my Cadbury mini-egg request, so I must do some brainstorming of my own for a nice thank-you gift.  And I ALSO need to think up three delightful little gifts to send to Australia for this swap.

i'm not the only one...

Who is completely obsessed with cadbury mini eggs.

They are delicious and everyone thinks so. If you send me a package of them, I will send you a homemade, high-quality, gender-appropriate gift. Seriously. Make it happen, Internets.

fun day friday

Took a little trip to mass moca this past Friday. Although I had seen these particular exhibits before and the BIG ROOM was closed for installation, the three of us that went had a lovely time.

First, museum, used bookstore, antique shop, coffee shop.

Christine, 9 honest Abes, and an empty room.

Second, back home for a delicious (though not photogenic) lite fare spread, below.

Third, night out (see flickr for this).

I somehow didn't buy enough fabric for the summer blouse I am making, probably because it is a Burda "Young" pattern and the sizing is ridiculous. Bah, so I am stuck in a sewing rut until my next shopping spree. In any event, I leave you with this banjo, forgotten at my house a few mornings ago.