Quilting for the Man in my life

Many moons ago when quilting was new and fresh in our household. My hubby uttered the words that should never be uttered to a crafter EVER. "We don't need anymore blankets!" Seriously that statement left this blanket baby with a little sad face. So I went on my merry way, making quilts for gifts and finding new things to do as well. Check out my All Things Crafty tab above to see many things that I have done.

So, it came as a shock to me when just last week he said to me, "When are you gonna make me a quilt?" I was taken aback and said to him that I would gladly make him a one, thinking to myself all the really great and fun patterns that I have seen over the years. I am not a traditional quilter and really like bold patterns and non-traditional fabrics. Well seeing this as a new project I went to work looking for some fabrics to buy online. He did say to me, "Well I can go with you to shop for fabrics....." uh.....really?!?! That statement will never EVER be made again, so I thought I might just take it upon myself to find some great fabrics.

This seemly easy task, is made a little harder to the fact that my hubby doesn't really have any one hobby. He likes a great many of things. So I went looking online to find some of the manliest material I could. In a short while I was able to come up with the above patterns, but still feel the need to go in a store and kick some tires. Check out my Pinterest page for links to all the fabrics. So now that we have some idea of the fabrics, now to choose a pattern. I have found some really great ones thanks to Pinterest and need some opinions. Here are my top choices, now I know that some patterns require quieter fabric also. Please help me out by voting in the comments for your fav!

Hope Valley Quilt

Plus Quilt

Modern Block

Ascend Quilt

The Isle of Catalina

Here it is....the post everyone has been waiting for. Well maybe not everyone, but I have put it off too long so here is a recap of our Catalina Trip! Sorry for the photo bomb in advance....we got some really cool shots! We awoke bright and early Sunday excited to have a mini vacation just the two of us. Made sure that everything was organized, threw our luggage in the car and made the trek to Long Beach for our ferry to the island. We met some cool people, as we always do, and boarded the ship buzzing with electric excitement. D heard that the bartenders make a killer Bloody Mary, so of course he had to partake. A quick hour ride and we were there, docked and made our quick walk over to the hotel. At this point the city of Avalon was hopping. We got to the hotel, checked in and were told to come back in 45 minutes because our room was still being cleaned. We ate a quick lunch, grabbed our things and went to our room. We tinkered around for about 10 minutes grabbed the camera and went down to explore the island. In the time we were up there the entire hustle and bustle just DIED! It was a ghost town! We took the opportunity anyway and wandered around, taking photos and whatnot. The gloomy weather made for some pretty cool photos though, I.M.O. We went back to the hotel and booked our zipline. I was super nervous! We went and had an early dinner and went to the local arcade. I schooled D at a little Ski Ball but he thoroughly walloped me at air hockey! It was like we were teenagers again. We walked into the sweets store and bought some jelly beans, not too many though because we realized as we were eating lunch earlier in the day that D had forgotten his insulin! Bad bad bad. At least he had plenty in his pump so we didn't worry too much, but did make sure to find a pharmacy just in case. After the arcade we wandered around and realized that there wasn't much more to do because the city had closed for the night. We went back to the hotel and watched the Grammy's and conked out.

The Harbor

The round building in the back is the old casino

I had set my alarm early the next day so I/we could get up to witness the sunrise. We were on the wrong side of the island for the sunset so we bombed ourselves out of bed and wandered over to the pier for some really great scenery. While over there we met a little seal pup who had fallen asleep on the pier. He was so cute! Also in the distance could be heard a very large and loud seal sitting on a buoy barking away. We moseyed back to the hotel, had some coffee and muffins and then proceeded to TRY and sleep some more before ziplining. This was NOT happening with me. I was terrified already. We had watched the YouTube video that shows the course and I was freaking out. D kept saying "you'll be fine" but I was having a panic attack!

Harbor and Pier Sunrise View

At 10:30 we walked over to the course. I was hyperventilating as we were filling out the paperwork and looking up at the platforms above my head. The girl managed to terrify me even more by saying "that's not even the highest one!" Great thanks! The guys that took us up the hill were really great, cracking jokes and telling stories about the island, but nothing eased my fear. We walked onto the first platform and BAM! Sheer panic, shaking and if I didn't have sunglasses on they would have seen the tears welling in my eyes. We were the last couple to go, that was by design! I kept backing away and D kept falling behind me not letting me run up the stairs and back down the hill. My turn.....he hooks me up to the wire and its time to JUMP! Yea, no. That wasn't happening. So he held my harness so I could feel how it would support my body. That eased my mind just enough that when he said anytime your ready, I bunny hopped off the platform tucked and screaming with terror! There may have been a few expletives exclaimed, but honestly they were completely warranted! D came soaring in behind me with a big smile on his face. The next line, the longest and highest, I wasn't even given the opportunity to panic because I had to be launched off the platform to guarantee I would get all the way across. I looked down about halfway across to see my teeny tiny shadow on the ground beneath me. It was an exhilarating and terrifying experience and I am so glad that I did it! I know D was proud too! One more check off the bucket list!  

Our last day we rented a golf cart and toured around the island. Of course it was the day that a cruise ship was in port and the island was once again hopping with tourists. We drove around, stopping every so often to take in the scenery and of course some photos. We saw the Wrigley mansion; you know Wrigley field and gum, he bought the island for 2 million dollars in the early 1900s. To put it into perspective, the zipline course cost 2 million dollars to install in 2010. We missed the botanical gardens and didn't get to hike or kayak, but that will be for our next trip there! On our drive we went past the zipline course again and were able to take a couple of photos of other people on the course.

View of Avalon from Wrigley Mansion

One of the Zipline Runs

The girl is really hard to see, about a third of the ways from the
left right above the power lines.

We had such a great time on our little weekend getaway! We both have memories for a lifetime and want to go back soon. Thanks again to my parents for one of the most memorable Christmas gifts!! And to D's folks for watching our fur baby! I can't wait for our next adventure!!!!

BlogLovin'

With the news that the GFC is going away in Google I decided to jump on the BlogLovin bandwagon. I'm checking it all out and creating my page. I would love it if you would follow me on there!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Also, WERE BACK from our vacation to Florida! It was such a blast and it has been dubbed "My Big Fat Redneck Vacation!" Stay tuned for that post along with tons of photos! I know I said that I would pre-blog for last week, but that really didn't work out. Don't worry I still have tons of stuff coming your way! Promise!

Coffee n Conversations #2 - Thankful

Here it is week #2 of coffee and conversations. Although for me it's more Caffeine and Conversations or Coke and Conversations as I rarely drink coffee.....but anyways that's not why we are here is it! I am linking up again and every Monday with Lauren at Simple Free and Kalyn at Love, Laughter, Happily Ever After and this weeks topic is: What are you most thankful for this year so far?

I am sitting to write this post several days early as we are currently in Florida visiting family. I did write an I am thankful post back in November for Thanksgiving, but I figured that I could go a little more in depth. First off I am thankful to have such a wonderful support group that is my family including my extended family. When my dad was sick and when he eventually passed, family I had never met came to my side and was there for me. Even now, after only meeting them once or twice in my adult life as I head to Florida I have been swamped with facebook messages about wanting to see us and visit. I have gotten many notes over the last two years and our first day in Florida is going to be a mini family reunion as well as a friend get together of all the people that were there for me and my stepmom that year. I am looking so forward to seeing all of them. Also I am thankful for the relationship that I have with my stepmom. Our relationship hasn't faltered and we still talk on a monthly basis to catch up on each others lives. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

I am thankful for my parents; my mom and stepdad. They have always been by my side and truly only want what is best for me. They have brought in my hubby and have truly made him like a son to them. Our memories that we have created over my 30 years are some of the best times.....including the time you threw me in the corner dad! Yea! I know you know what I am talking about. To clarify, the abridged version, he didn't throw me in the corner. We had a ritual at night where he would take me to my room for bed and without turning on the lights would throw me from my door into bed, then we would read a story until it was moms turn to tuck me in......well one day my mom cleaned my room and, because she was unaware of this ritual, moved my bed to the complete other side of the room. Needless to say I was left in a crumpled mess on the floor and my dad was a wreck. Well its safe to say that ritual was shot to s#^t. Haha. Even though I wasn't the easiest child to deal with, they both always loved me with all of their hearts and still do. There support emotionally and financially growing up...their advice and ear in my adulthood is the best thing to have. I love them so much!

I am thankful for my little family. Our pup is the light and the silly in our lives! I am so glad that we decided to rescue her and bring her into our crazy family. I am so truly thankful for my husband. I cannot say this enough and many people I know are probably like *puke! stop talking about it!* but in all seriousness, I couldn't have chosen a better partner. Yes, marriage isn't easy. It takes a lot of compromising and forgiveness, but without that you never learn about yourself or the other person. Patience and a good ear for listening are key. Also keeping the love alive and a smile on your face. After 12 years we still love each other just as much as we did the first year! He is my rock and my warmth. I love you babie.

This last thing was more for last year. I am thankful for the lessons. Things happen in your life and either you can let them tear you down or you can learn and grow from them. I had my dark times and I needed that dark time. I saw the things that I needed to change and made the steps towards those changes. I still have work to do, because we are always works in progress, but I feel like I have made leaps and bounds towards a new and better me. A healthy outlook on the future and my life!

There you go. My philosophical moment is over. I hope you all will join in on this link up! The questions are great and insightful! Happy Monday!

The ABC's of Me!

Happy Friday Everyone! So the hubby and I are going on vacation for a week starting tomorrow night. I will be busy cleaning, laundry and packing tonight and tomorrow, but I am going to try and schedule some posts for next week. I have the update to our Catalina trip almost ready to go, another craft post, and a Coffee and Conversations link up on Monday. I am going to TRY TRY TRY to get it all in before we hop on our red-eye tomorrow night! Wish me luck. Anyways I thought that I would share a little bit about me for my new followers! Yay! Welcome to my site! Here we go! 

The ABC's of Me!

A: Available or Married?

I am as married as they come! The hubby and I have been together for 12 years and will celebrate our 6^th wedding anniversary later this year! Not going anywhere!

B: Book

*Blush* I am currently in the middle of several books. I am about ¼ of the way through Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I know I know. I saw all of the movies first then decided that I needed to read the books. The other one that I am about half way through is “The Girl Who Played with Fire” by Steig Larsson. I am really trying to get into it, but I just can’t seem to. Anyone else think that he was a little too descriptive in his writing style and leaves nothing to the imagination? Just my opinion. Also I started The Hunger Games…..I need to finish the first one (watched the movie first again) and try and get in Catching Fire before November when the movie comes out.

C: Cake or Pie? 

Oooh. This is a toughie. I am not so much a “cake” person as more of a cupcake person. It’s the perfect amount. But honestly I wouldn’t refuse a chocolate silk or cherry piece of pie! So the answer is BOTH!

D: Drink of Choice? 

I am not really a coffee person. I really have to be in the mood, that being said black coffee on a cold morning is really really good. I get my caffeine jolt from Diet Pepsi. (or Coke if that’s what’s available) I drink water because it’s necessary, but it’s not my most favorite beverage in the world

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E: Essential Item?

Mascara! I have blonde BLONDE eyelashes and if I don’t enhance them with a little mascara then my eyes look like something is missing.

F: Favorite Color?

As apparent by my home and wardrobe teal and grey. Seriously it’s everywhere!

G: Game to Play or Watch? 

I really don’t like watching sports on television. I prefer to see them live, but since my sports game budget is pretty nil I guess I can tolerate football on television. Since it’s on almost every Sunday during pro season I have gotten a little bit more appreciation for the game.

H: Hometown?

I grew up in many cities but I call my hometown Simi Valley. It’s where I spent the majority of my youth and my parents grew up there too!

I: Indulgence?

I indulge in YouTube vids….Jlovesmac1, leflooftv, itsjudy'slife, blog reading and Ghost Hunters. All things my husband just doesn’t understand! But I love it!

J: Job Title

I am an interior designer. My firm specializes in commercial design and tenant improvement, but every once in a while we get to do some great and fun things!

K: Kids and Names?

Yes! We totally want kids! Sooner the better! We keep trying with no luck, but that’s not stopping us! Oh no it’s not! As for names, I have a couple boys names that I truly LOVE! Girls are another story. Frankly I am kinda on the name your girls with gender neutral names trend. I love Spencer, Kennedy, and Presley a lot…..sigh. I guess it will only matter when the time comes.

L: Life is Incomplete Without?

My hubby and our puppy. We have such a wonderful life, and constantly make each other laugh. Our pup is just as quirky. I guess the saying pets are like their owners is true!

M: Music Group?

I worked in a music store for 4 years in college. My music taste is vast! Gangster rap and polka are really the only thing I don’t care for. I have girly music, boy bands, classic rock, scream-o, punk, grunge, alternative, country, hip hop, electronica, trance, dance, r&b, jazz, you name it, I either will listen to it! Although I have been on a country kick lately.

N: Number of Siblings?

Biologically I am an only child. I did marry into a family with multiple children so I now have siblings! Yes! A brother and a sister!  

O: Oranges or Apples? 

Apples! 

P: Phobias/Fears?

Heights! Greatest fear of all! I am doing things to try and overcome that though! Like zip lining! I was so scared! Next time we go to a theme park, I will attempt to talk myself into roller coasters again.

Q: Quote?

“Love me without fear. Trust me without questioning. Need me without demanding. Want me without restriction. Accept me without change. Desire me without inhibitions. For a love so free…will never fly away”

R: Reason To Smile?

Every day should be a reason to smile. I have a wonderful family, a great career, I am healthy. What’s more to need? Possessions only make you unhappy. I have made a pact that I want memories and laughter in my life. That way, when I am feeling a little blue I have those to look back on and smile.

S: Season? 

Fall. I love the cool breezes and the color changes (even though they are few and far between here in So-Cal)

T: Tattoos? 

None yet. I have one planned but I just need to get up the courage to go and get it done!

U: Unknown Fact About Me? 

My favorite cartoon character is Sleeping Beauty for a reason. I can fall asleep anywhere. At a motocross race, in the middle of a party, while driving (in the passenger seat of course!) Seriously I LOVE to sleep!

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V: Vegetable You Love?

Currently I am loving sugar snap peas. They are the perfect snack!

W: Worst Habits?

I pick at my face! All the time! It’s no wonder my skin is always breaking out! The hubby is always pulling my hand away from a scabbed over pimple. It’s really bad! However when I put on foundation and concealer I pick less…..perhaps I should do that more often.

X: X-Rays? 

I have had a couple, but have never broken any bones. One for a majorly sprained ankle….I can’t remember what the other ones were for.

Y: Yummy Food?

PASTA! I love pasta especially my family’s home made sauce!!!!!

Z: Zoo Favorites? 

I am more of an aquarium person. I love looking at fish, seals, jellies, and of course SHARKS!!!! Shark week is one of my favorite tv series!

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Coffee n Conversations Link Up with some Bucket Lists!

So I am trying something new this week and linking up with Lauren at Simply Free and Kalyn at Love, Laughter, Happily Ever After and their Coffee and Conversations Link Up. I have never participated in a link up before but this one seems like its a good one.


This weeks question is: What are you most thankful for this year? Even though this year is still relatively new, I am so thankful for my husband and my family, including my extended family and friends family. They continue to remind me how wonderful people can be. All the memories that have been made already this year will last a lifetime and I am thankful to have their support! My husband truly is the best! I couldn't ask for a better man to share in this journey. And even though we continue to try and start our family.... each month that passed he's ready and willing to do what it takes! And for that I am truly blessed. Hopefully as the year progresses I will have much more to be thankful for, but for now it's the memories that we make and the people that have helped to make them! I love you all!

In addition to being thankful for all those in my life, I am thankful that we checked off two, well technically three, more items on our bucket list this weekend!!!! If you know, my hubby and I have a lifetime bucket list (listed at the top under Lifetime of Memories) and also a yearly bucket list which we try and accomplish little things around our area. We live in the touristy area of Los Angeles, and there are many things that we have not done so its a fun way to create memories and see all that California has to offer. This weekends task: City Walk, Saddle Ranch and riding the mechanical bull. We have both been to City Walk, but not really together.....yea there was that one time we went to Tokyo Delves and walked to Howl at the Moon, but we never went to City Walk to see what it's about. Granted....it's just food and shopping, but its something fun to do on a Sunday afternoon without breaking the bank with theme park prices. Our friend's The Morr's joined us with their little one. We walked around and decided that we were going to eat at Saddle Ranch, ride the bull and then go and do the indoor skydiving.

The Infamous Globe

Lunch was great and the boys partook in the bottomless Bloody Mary's (D) and Mimosa's (R). Every so often a waiter would pass with the biggest cotton candy tower I have ever seen and we all were drooling so we ordered one and between the five of us packed that bad boy away! James was a little perplexed by it's size, but once he had his first bite of sugary goodness he was hooked. We then signed our liability wavers and went to ride that bull. We were a little intimidated as the girl said "In the year I have worked here I have only seen 5 people get seriously injured." Um.....yea. Not something you want to hear when you are willing doing something like that. We each had our turn and R and James thought it was thoroughly entertaining watching us ride the bull. Did we get video.....heck ya! Check out D and I below!

3 Feet of sugary goodness!

Save a horse, ride....a mechanical bull?

After all that fun had ended, we made our way back over to the indoor skydiving....only to find out it was a three hour wait cause we didn't have a reservation. :-( The guy was super helpful and even gave us a tip to come back on Wednesdays after 6pm.....half price! So much better and worth the trip back! On the list to do! We went and did a little shopping and then went into Jillian's to play some arcade games. We did a little ski-ball and James won a water gun! Yea! We had such a blast with them and can't wait to go back and do the indoor skydiving! It looked so fun! Hope your weekend was fun!

Here's us on the bull! HAHA!