The LYDIA Bracelet

Our eldest granddaughter is always complaining she can't find merchandise with her name on it. We're going to rectify that situation with a custom bracelet.

My husband, the jewelry designer in our family, purchased some 925 silver block letters to spell L-Y-D-I-A and some Swarovski crystals in her favorite color - purple. Here's a photo showing the "raw materials" of the "Lydia" bracelet.

Silver graded 925 is considered "sterling silver" and is the correct grade for both strength and beauty.

Quality Control

Every item I create leaves my home with my name on it, with my business card enclosed and with a thank you note with my contact information, therefore, I want to ensure those items are as perfect as possible.

I use a very simple yet effective, quality control tool - my iron.

I wash and iron each completed item before it goes on its way to its new home.  Ironing provides me with an opportunity to go over all the details in my latest creation - every nook and cranny.
As I iron I am always on the lookout for problem areas, such as loose or dangling threads,

missed stitches, fabric caught in a stitch or any other potential problem.

When I find a problem, I stop immediately and make the necessary repairs so I won't forget.
I continue ironing and checking until the entire item meets my approval. Once ironed / inspected, the entire outfit is ready to head to the home of my customer.

Ironing and inspecting each item before it leaves my home allows me to be sure every item is in perfect condition before shipping.

Sunday Phunnies

Childhood Wisdom

While leading a tour of kindergarten students through our hospital, I
overheard a conversation between one little girl and an x-ray
technician.

"Have you ever broken a bone?" he asked.

"Yes," the girl replied.
"Did it hurt?"

"No."

"Really? Which bone did you break?"

"My sister's arm."


One evening, a four-year-old child came in while his mom was setting the
table for supper. Quite surprisingly, he asked if he could help. His
mother said, "No, but I appreciate your asking."

The child responded, "Well, I appreciate your saying no."


A father went to pick up his daughter from school and happened
to overhear her talking to one of her friends.

She said, "I'm really worried. My dad works 16 to 17 hours a day to
give me a really nice home and good food. My Mom spends a lot time
cleaning the house and cooking. I'm worried *sick*."

Her friend said, "What have you got to worry about? It sounds like
you've got it made!"

The daughter shook her head and said, "What if they try to escape?"

Sewing Terms

There are many special terms used in creating the perfect outfit, whether you are the seamstress or the customer. Using the correct vocabulary makes communication a lot easier.

First a few pointers for taking measurements:

o Bust-Around chest at the fullest part under the armpits

o Waist-Narrowest part around the center of the torso

o Hips-Fullest part around the seat

o Tea Length-Dress or skirt falling to mid-calf

Now some general terms for sewing:

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I have been making our laundry detergent for over a year and cannot believe the savings. I use this recipe:

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar.  You can also use Zotes or Octagon bar soap.

1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. 

The Crud of Winter

It seems like each year around this time our family is afflicted with the 'crud of winter'.  This crud involves sinus infections, coughs, headaches and sometimes fever.  We have tried every medicine under the sun, including prescriptions, and none of them work as quickly or effectively as a sinus sauna.

I came across this post which explains in detail how this works and wanted to share with you.  Believe me, this really works.  Using a coat was very helpful in capturing all the steam.

I had some dried peppermint from our garden but I found peppermint oil to be more effective.  Adding just a little eucalyptus oil also helped. 

If you are suffering from this winter affliction, give this a try it sure does work.

Sunday Phunnies

Childhood Wisdom

 A father was asked by his friend, "Has your son decided what he wants to
be when he grows up?"

"Yes, he wants to be a garbage collector," replied the father.

His friend thought for a moment. "That's a rather strange ambition to
have for a career," he said.

"Not really," said the father. "He thinks that garbage collectors only
work on Tuesdays!"



When her young son developed an ear infection, his mother took him to
the pediatrician.

The mother was very impressed with the way the doctor
directed his comments and questions directly to the boy.

At one point the doctor asked her son, "Is there anything you are
allergic to?"

The boy nodded and whispered in the doctor's ear.

Smiling, the pediatrician wrote out a prescription and handed it to the
mother. Without looking at it, she tucked it into her purse.

Later, the pharmacist filled the order, remarking on the unusual
food-drug interaction her son must have.

When he saw the mother's puzzled expression, he showed her the label on
the bottle.

As per the doctor's instructions, it read: "Do not take with broccoli."

When a girl was about four years old, she still had a hard time grasping
the concept of marriage. So, her Father got out their wedding album,
thinking visual images would help, and explained the entire service to
her.

Once finished, the Father asked if the girl had any questions, and she
replied, "Oh. I see. Is that when Mommy came to work for us, Daddy?"