Fighting A Cold...

 

 

This is what my desk, typically, looks like each morning. Lately, I haven't had the energy to be tremendously crafty. I have been fighting a cold for a few weeks now, and it really is physically draining. Last week, I felt better and I decided to crack down on my sewing machine. I removed the plate and I REALLY gave the machine a deep cleaning. I felt like this would resolve my problem with my stitches catching. So, I did a test run and the stitches are now fine; however, the foot which feeds the fabric it set too low. I gave the machine another look and it turns out that the plate wasn't put back into place, properly, after I cleaned it. For some reason, I can't seem to move it. I decided to set it aside and try again on another day. Then, my cold came back again. Apparently, this is how this particular cold works. I have been taking things easy and not jumping into projects that might be too messy.



 

Rather than, working on the projects that I want to work on, I've been researching topics on Pinterest and finding some inspiration. I did bake some really delicious pumpkin muffins with dark chocolate chips. They are large muffins that are big on taste. I used a recipe that I found in a Yankee Magazine cookbook. Like most of my baking, I adapted the recipe to suit the ingredients that I had on hand. In the afternoon, it's lovely to sit with a cup of dark roast coffee and a pumpkin muffin and either browse Pinterest, read the blogs that I follow or watch a show online.

 

Speaking of shows, the upside to January is the television programming. Since it is way too cold to do anything outside, and I'm too sick with cold to desire the outdoors, it's the perfect time to get cozy and watch tv. January has treated me with "Downton Abbey," "Sherlock," "Pretty Little Liars," and the US version of "Being Human."

 

Lately, "Pretty Little Liars" has gone to a new level of creepy and since I've been watching so much "Sherlock" I can't help but wonder how he would solve the mystery of "A" if he were to take on the case. I'm pretty certain that I know who is the mysterious -A. I know that the show is trying to set it up to look like one character, but I think they are doing that to throw off the fans. Although, I will not say who I think it is, I will say that I have suspected this character for a while, but the show would move into another direction and distract me. After this weeks episode, I decided that my theory was right. Then, since I don't have much to do, but watch tv, I watched episodes from previous seasons on Netflix and found more clues to support my theory. It could be that I've watched one too many episodes of "Sherlock" ( can one, really, watch too much Sherlock?), but I'm certain about this.

It's time for a fresh cup of coffee and a muffin. Once I feel better, I should craft something. If not, I find something else to keep me entertained. Until then~ Toodaloo!

What's Going In My Bag?

Happy Friday to my readers! I have watched many vlogs on Youtube, in which some of my favorite vloggers featured the inner workings of their handbags. In these telling vlogs, all sorts of random necessities are removed from the bags; followed by either confusion, repulsion, excitement and or embarrassment expressed by the vlogger.
Today, I thought that it would be more fun for me to reveal what I'm packing into my handbag. Before I begin, I should first explain that I am one of those people who like to me prepared for any situation. ** Also, any brand names that appear in my bag are supplies that I purchased or was gifted by others and I have not been paid to show these objects. I just happen to like these products, and I'm not being paid to say so.** So, here it goes.....

 

I like to make little emergency kits. I re-use plastic bags from other travel kits. They are great to have in a handbag, because they zip up (keeping items from falling out), the plastic is easy to clean and it's easy to find needed items since the bag is clear. In this kit, I have a miniature sewing kit (which includes many extra safety pins), bandages, pain reliever, hand sanitzer, mouthwash, toothpaste (not pictured), hand salve, ointment and cuticle cream.

 

This emergency kit is more for cosmetic emergencies. Included in this kit is: more hand sanitizer, lip balm, face moisturizer, eye liner, mini-mascara, eye shadow stick, rose pink lip balm (which can double as a blush). I also have hair ties, clips and a miniature mirror. I think I should add some pressed powder in the future; but for now, this will do.

 

 

Here is the rest of the things I'm packing in my handbag. I have my two kits, gum, mints, granola bar, crackers, a baggie with green tea and instant coffee, a manicure kit, oil blotters, perfume samples, sunglasses, wallet, notebook, book lamp, cell phone, mp3 player, and yes.....a sonic screwdriver = the essentials!

 

 

All of the above fits, nicely, in my bag with room left for a kindle and any other extra snacks, lip sticks or techy toys! It is very organized and handy for any random scenario. This is how Ladytoesocks functions.

 

 

In other news, I cleaned my sewing machine and my fingers are crossed for a successful completion of my leg warmer project. I hope that it works so that I can move on to other projects.

 Until then~ Toodahloo!



 



It's Sunday and It's Finally Warm(ish)!

So, some of you may have heard, but for those who haven't, it's been a very frigid week in New England. Most days, I woke to temperatures of -10 to -20 F. The rest of the days didn't seem to get much above 5 degrees F. Taking my dog outside was a task that even he found to be painfully difficult. Although he did wear his jacket any time he was out doors, his legs and feet quickly felt the chill and he needed to be rescued. Mind you, I watched him from the window at all times, and the short time that he was out felt a lot longer...poor pooch.
Also, this week we experienced a massive snow storm, which reached blizzard conditions. The local schools were cancelled and all I wanted to do was stay inside, with blankets piled on top of me, while I sat and watched old episodes of "Manor House."
"Manor House" was a perfect choice for the week, since "Downton Abbey: Season 4" will be premiering on PBS this evening, and I can hardly wait. The ending to the Christmas special left me speechless, briefly, then a series of unpleasant words oozed out of my mouth. However, I had an odd feeling that something terrible would happen in the end, as things were just too lovely to remain and there was still 20 minutes left to the show. So, tonight will be a delight.
If you haven't watched "Manor House," it can be found online for streaming. It was on tv over a decade ago; PBS aired it, but I missed out when it was on then. I remember watching "The Victorian House" and I found the experiment to be very interesting. "The Manor House" is delightful, showing what life would have been like for those working downstairs for those who lived upstairs. The show is set during the time period of the first season of "Downton Abbey" and it also shows what life was like for the aristocracy. However, this series is far less romantic than DA, but as a reality series it's refreshing.
Finally, it reached 20 degrees F today; it felt so warm! Next week, Fred and I will return to home and we'll begin a new year of crafting, baking and crazies. If you get to watch DA, do enjoy yourself! Until next time~ Toodahloo!

My First Post For 2014!

Hello there, it's been over a month since my last post. It's been a very busy time for Lady Toesocks, So, when I last posted, I was still trying to work out some leg warmers. I decided to set that project aside until after the holidays. The project isn't at all difficult to attempt, it's more an issue with the sewing machine. I have been dreading the issue, but I am certain that I need to take the area around the bobbin apart and clean it. I had to do this last summer and it is a terrible chore to do. This is the sort of thing that I really didn't want to be bothered with during the holiday season.

Usually, I utilize my sewing machine for a number of projects during the holidays, as I tend to make numerous homemade gifts. However, this year I was too tired to do that. When I was home from work, I just wanted to rest. Even though my creative spirit desired projects, lack of time and energy forbade it. Really, between Thanksgiving and Christmas if I wasn't at work, I was running around preparing for the event, decorating, baking or wrapping gifts. It left little time for socializing or craft projects. I considered writing about my Christmas Eve baking, but I was too busy baking.

So, now that the holidays are winding down I will map out how I want to blog. I still have a few more Christmas mini celebrations with two friends left to enjoy. Right now, I am away from home, another holiday related excursion. In a few days I'll return home and can consider a plan for creativity. I should also sit down and give my machine a deep cleaning, in order to finish my leg warmers......

I hope that 2014 will bring on more inspiration for food and crafts projects. I also hope to read more, this year. Last year was dreadful when it came to my reading list. I also hope to start writing about other things that I enjoy, my frugal side. Here's to a new year and a whole year of possibility! Until next time~ Toodahloo!