Daily struggles

It's amazing how one thing can change your life so easily.  My husband and I are currently unemployed.  The job search has been a struggle and a disappointment.  I was denied unemployment because of attending college, so we have been living on my husband's unemployment.  There is one job opening at the local bank and I applied to this position.  Cross my fingers that this job comes through. 

I have so much to be thankful for and know that God has looked out for us.  I truly believe that He will work this out and we will have jobs soon.  My blessings are enormous.  We have two great girls that are in elementary school, participating in Upward basketball ( we are so proud), their church Discipleland night, and excel in school.  We have good health and a roof over our heads. 

I pray that the economy will turn around, and especially the housing market.  I hope you are all happy and look to your own blessings in life.  Erin

Donate to a good cause

I am donating three necklaces to Jennifer Chase to help out with the adoption fees.  Please visit their blog to learn more details.  http://teamchase4andcounting.blogspot.com

Wooden beads that would look good on men and women.

This is a three strand beaded necklace.  The colors didn't show up very well, but the colors are gold hued.

Green toned acrylic necklace.

I hope this helps out with their goal to offset the adoption costs.  If you would like to donate any pieces of your crafts contact Jennifer. 

Erin

Purses

These are some fun clutches that measure out to be about 12" by 7". 

Here it is again.

The colors in the red fabric have this tealish/blue color that match the second fabric.  (Is tealish a word?)

Pretty in pink polka dot with multi-colored stripe. 

Hair Accessories

I used some lace that has been around for a LONG time, a little brown polka dot ribbon and a teal button.  Hello ear!  Sorry.

For this I used teal colored old shirt to made this cute hair clip.  There's my ear again!

Pink fabric and a pink netting makes a great hair clip to dress up or down any outfit.

This looks absolutely HUGE.  I swear it isn't that big.  I think it's because my husband took such a close up that it looks enormous.  Thanks Andy for helping out with the picture shoot. :)

Simple and cheap beauty

The wonders of baking soda are numerous.  Here's some uses for baking soda that you might not have considered.

1. Facial exfoliator.  Make a paste with water and scrub face to remove dead skin cells.
2. Zit buster.  Make a thick paste and apply to zit overnight and wash it off in the morning.  
3. Carpet freshener.  Instead of spending money on over-priced scented products, sprinkle baking soda to carpet, let is set for awhile and then vacuum up.
4. Surface scrubber.  Use instead of brand name soft scrubs.  Make a paste and scrub the surfaces.  Rinse well.
5. Puts out little fires.  Throw baking soda on a small fire to put it out. 

There are literally dozens of uses for baking soda.  I am a big fan of the facial exfoliator.  I try to exfoliate at least once a week.  Dry, flaky skin is a part of this winter season, but if you exfoliate and moisturize afterward your skin will look and feel better!

My craft challenge - The Circle Skirt-Done!

I made the deadline. I finished my skirt and the girls skirts.

This is Alex's skirt.  Her favorite color is blue.

This is Madison's skirt.  She's a fan of purple and pink.

 I changed the width of the elastic because I couldn't find the 3" width.  I used a regular 1" width instead.  The waistband isn't as fabulous as Dana's from MADE, but it looks good enough.

I was worried my husband would capture a view I really didn't want to share with everyone. :)