A Giveaway Update and some Diet info (odd combo?) :)

November has FLOWN past me.  I swear it feels like just a bit ago I was looking at everyone's cute Halloween stitchy items and sending my kids off for trick or treating!!   Can it already be December?  <sigh>

On the bright side.....my Christmas shopping is officially complete!!  Mostly due to the fact that I shopped throughout the year to get a jump start, especially when I found great deals.  What I need to finish now are the 2 WIPs I'm working on that I'd planned to give as gifts.  I did buy some back up gifts just in case I don't finish...here's hoping I don't have to use them!!

I don't have any WIP updates today..... the times I set aside to stitch were filled up with other activities :(   How in the world will I finish them at this rate, right? 

I wanted to post a quick update on my Giveaway!  I currently have 88 followers!  How fantabulous is that?  This brings us to new items to add to both drawings!   I wonder ifI can hit 100 before the deadline?  If I do, I know I'll have to find a way to celebrate!!

New item for my main drawing:

Adorable Santa chart from Stoney Creek

And the new item for my second drawing:

DMC Cotton Perle floss - colors 3041 and 762 (a med purple and a silvery color)

I'm so excited to draw my winning names!!   Just 3 more days!


Since my last post about losing 12 pounds, I had a few followers ask me how I've been losing it.   I'm using a product called Body By Vi, which is a shake you drink in place of 1 or 2 meals a day.  You can click on the link and watch some videos on how it works if you like!  As of today, I've lost another pound this week!   I'm doing a 90 day challenge that the company is running (you can start your 90 days at any time).  They give prizes throughout the year to participants....it's not just about who loses the most pounds, so anyone can win!

Wishing you all a great day!


-lesli

Is it Monday already?

Where did my weekend go?  I set out on Friday with this grand plan of getting so much stitching done...and I failed! :(

I did get some stitching time in...so I guess all is not lost.   I was able to spend some time on Coral.  I wanted to finish page 1 by today, but alas........ just not enough hours in the day!

Here's what Coral looked like before the weekend:

And here's what she looks like Monday morning (sorry it's so blurry, the lighting was bad!):

I did however, get most of my Christmas shopping done (just 2 gifts left to get!)......and I did it all online!!  What did people do before the internet? 

At this rate, I'll have to delete some of those items on my list for the 2012 WIPocalypse....knowing I won't get to them!   I won't delete just yet (I'll probably just keep adding!)

I know I mentioned a week or so ago that I started a new diet.  Thanksgiving celebrations steered me a little of course, but I'm back in line.  I've lost about 12 pounds so far, so I'm happy!!  Here's hoping I can keep on track through the holiday!

My oh my.....my giveaway just puts a huge grin on my face!  I love that I keep seeing new followers and new sign-ups!  I've updated the list on the thread and I'm officially over the next addition mark (85)....I just haven't taken any pics of the new items.  I'll get those taken and uploaded as soon as possible!!   I wonder if I can hit 100 followers before the giveaway is over!

Anyhoooo.....just a quick post on my weekend work....I'm off to stitch!   Happy Monday to everyone!


-lesli

Black Friday Shopping?

Black Friday?  For any followers who aren't familiar with this term...here's my stab at an explanation.  Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving.  It's the day that all of the retailers offer big specials and sales to start the Christmas shopping season.  I've seen other descriptions on why it was labeled "Black"....but the one I'll use is that it's the day that retailers are able to turn their books to black....meaning, they've been in the red all year for their budget and with all the sales they'll make on this day, they'll finally turn a profit. 

Anyway...... enough education! :)   I hope everyone was able to spend time with their friends and family on the Thanksgiving holiday.  And if you don't celebrate this day, I still hope you spent time with friends and family! 

Did any of you go shopping today and brave the crazy crowds of people?  There were people at local stores here that have been camping out in tents for days, waiting for the sales!   I completely can't figure out why they'd do it, but to each his own.....and if any of you did go shopping, I'd love to hear about your adventures!

While all the hustle and bustle goes on around town, I'm inside with my family....watching movies and.....STITCHING!

Here's what my two current WIPs look like now.....and hopefully I can post an update on Monday with some major progress over the next 3 days!

I haven't worked on Angel of Hope since the last update I posted, but here's a picture of what she still looks like....I'd love to get her done before December starts!



And this is what Coral looks like today.  If I can just get page 1 done over this weekend, then I can focus the rest of the month on Angel.

And a close-up:

Has anyone joined the 2012 WIPocalypse that's being run by Measi?  I joined and I'm starting to put my list of projects together in my head.  What is the WIPocalypse?  Starting in January, you'll post a list of all the projects/pieces you want to finish by the end of the year.  You can adjust that list, add/delete, throughout the year...so don't think you have to have set items now.  Then, on every Full Moon, you post your progress photos, even if there's no progress to your site and update Measi.  The best part - for each Full Moon that you post an update, your name goes into the giveaway drawing that she'll be having on New Year's Day, 2013!  Visit Measi's blog for more info and to sign up! 

Now just prior to Turkey day, I was so happy to see that I had 56 followers!  What a surprise to find that over just a few days I'm already up to 84!  That means....new items for the giveaway!  For getting to 65 and 75, I'm adding 2 new items to each of my drawings.

New items for my main drawing:

Cute holiday gift card kit

3 skeins of DMC cotton floss - your choice of colors (winner can let me know what they need!)

And new items for my additional drawing:

22 count fabric in rust - 12"x12"

Janlynn's Chart - Celestial.  The picture is small.. a beautiful image of the sun/moon, planets and all of the signs

I know I've stated it before....but I'll say it again :)   Thank you to all my followers!   I love seeing all the work/updates you post to your blogs and I sincerely appreciate when you take the time to read my updates and post.  I look forward to getting to know all of you!


-lesli

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear........

Fifty-Six followers!!

Just imagine my surprise when I logged in tonight to see that many new stitchy friends!!  :)

I'm so excited!!    I didn't have time to take any new pics of my stitching progress, because I'm so anxious to post this update with my new giveaway additions!!

I honestly didn't expect to have this many new followers so quickly......so to celebrate hitting 50, I'm going to add a second drawing....so there are now two chances to win!!    I'll continue adding items for every 10 new followers....but now I'll add an item to the "main" drawing as well as the "additional" drawing!

Here's the two new additions (for hitting 45 and 55) for the Main drawing:

Weeks Dye Works, hand over dyed floss in Peach and Lagoon

So pretty!

A Betty Friess Baumer chart - Williamsburg Garden Dance

Such a cute little country piece!

And for the Additional drawing:

Lavender & Lace, Fairy Dreams by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum

I love the colors in this one!

If you haven't entered the giveaway, now's your chance!  Here's the thread:  My First Giveaway

Also - if you have entered my giveaway, please take a quick moment to follow that link and scroll to the bottom to make sure your name is on the list!!  While you're there, check out the linkies to all the wonderful stitchy blogs from all my wonderful followers!

I'm on vacation the rest of this week, so I'll post a stitchy blog tomorrow!


-lesli

Another Giveaway addition and this week's update

I can't believe I'm up to 39 followers!!  This means I get to add another stitchy item to the giveaway loot!

I'm adding a cute Flip-It chart from Lizzie Kate:

It comes with this cute little charm for the bow on the wreath!

If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, there is still time!  Click here to enter!!  
I've added a growing list of names at the bottom of my giveaway post, of everyone that has entered.  This way I can use a random number generator to pick the winner.  Please check the names and make sure you're on there!

I'm so excited to share that I've joined the 2012 Heaven and Earth Designs BB SAL!!  They gave us 6 beautiful designs to choose from, and here is the one I decided on:

SK Blue Moon  (SK stands for Story Keep)

Our first page of the SAL won't come until January....so I have some time to get my other WIPS completed...I hope! :)

Just some quick updates on my two current WIPS.....

Angel of Hope - Finished her sleeves and now I've started on her beautiful dress

Coral - Didn't get much more done on this one this week.  This will be my focus over the weekend.  My eyes are still adjusting to the 22 count, but I'm really enjoying it!

Add caption

Unfortunately, I started coming down with a virus a few days ago, so I plan to spend my weekend getting better.  What better way to recuperate than to stitch!!  I'm hoping my next updates show a bunch of progress!


Wishing all my fellow stitchers a WONDERFUL weekend!


-lesli

My Giveaway Update - New item added!

As promised.....  here's a snapshot of what I've added to my "prize loot" for my first contest:

Since I've had 16 new followers since my contest started, I'm adding some Anchor #8 Perle Cotton floss in Nutmeg and Spice colors.

Check out my prior posting here so you can see the rest of the giveaway items!  There is plenty of time to enter...just make sure to post your entry on that thread instead of this one.  :)


My first HAED...my first HAED!!  I finally did a few stitches!  I've been so anxious to get one of my Heaven and Earth Designs started, so I put my Angel WIP down for a few moments to get this far on my Coral piece:

Here's a close up...the x's are so teeny tiny on 22 count!

I'm getting the hang of the thread gridding, I think.  It's so helpful and I haven't had to frog on it yet!! Maybe I'll have to change my frogger blog name!!  (I doubt it, I've already had to frog a bit on my Angel piece!)


So on a side note - I started a new diet today!  Yes, I know....just before the holidays!!  :)   I'm determined to see it through.  Hubby and I are on a 90 day challenge to lose the flab.   I should get much more stitching done during this time....my hands will be less busy stuffing my face!


Anyhoooo.......  Thanks again to those of you that take a moment to read my posts and comment.  I love all the virtual friendships I'm developing!!

Have a great stitching week!!


-lesli

Good-bye's and Hello's......

After a two-week stay with us, my parents flew back home this afternoon.   My kids weren't too happy to see them go, and neither was I!!   We had a wonderful time while they were here, with way too much spoiling going on!!   It was a sad good-bye but we're so thankful to get to see them!


Now for the hello's......HELLO to all my new followers!  I'm up to THIRTY already!!  I just about fell off my chair today when I saw that!!

Thirty total followers means that 15 joined after my contest announcement, so I'm adding 1 more item to the prize stash!   I haven't had a chance to snap any shots, so I'll load a picture of the new item ASAP.

If you haven't already entered, take a moment to enter my first giveaway here.  I'm purposely running it for more than a few weeks, so the goodies can increase!  (contest ends 12/03/2011)


I was able to get some stitching time in during my family's visit, so here's an update on what my Angel of Hope piece is looking like:

Progress as of 11/05/2011

I also started a bit on my two Heaven and Earth Designs pieces.  My progress on Cathedral is going slower than I'd like, but the piece is so big its difficult not to get frustrated. 

I've finally found all my floss for Coral and finished the gridding the other night.  Hoping to kick that one off this week!

Here's how Coral is looking so far:

My first official HAED!  :)

I'm hoping to finish both Angel of Hope and Coral in time for Christmas, to give them as gifts.  Wish me luck!!

Now to get caught up on everyone's blogs from the last two weeks!!



-lesli

My First Giveaway! (wooo!)

I've put together a few items for my first blog give-away!  
Just a little "thank-you" for those of you that are following and posting inspiring messages....and hopefully some incentive for others to join!


The breakdown.....
1- Contest will end at midnight EST on December 3rd
2- Enter by becoming a follower and posting on this thread
3- Enter by posting on this thread (if you're already a follower)
4- Post about this contest on your blog and let me know by posting a message
5- For every 10 new followers I get before the contest ending, I'll add a new item to the prize-loot!


Here's what I'm giving away so far......

Lavender and Lace pattern of "Angelica"

One of my favorite thread organizers

Wichelt-Permin Aida in Stoney Point

I'm hoping to be able to add more items....I have them chosen out already!!  :)




Edit:  Additional prize items


Added 11/14/2011 - 25 followers

Anchor #8 Perle Cotton floss in Nutmeg and Spice colors

Added 11/19/2011 - 35 followers

Lizzie Kate Flip-it: Caring

Cute little charm :)

Added 11/22/2011 - 45 and 55 followers

Weeks Dye Works hand over dyed floss in Peach and Lagoon

Betty Friess Baumer chart - Williamsburg Garden Dance

Added 11/25/2011 - 65 and 75 followers


Cute holiday card, in time for the holiday!



3 skeins DMC cotton floss- winners choice of colors!

Added 11/30/2011 - 85 followers

Lovely Santa chart from Stoney Creek

Because I hit 50 followers already - I'll have an additional drawing for a second name.  The first item for that drawing is:

Lavender & Lace, Fairy Dreams by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum

Added 11/25/2011 - 65 and 75 followers

22 count fabric in rust - 12"x12"

Celestial Chart by Janlynn

Added 11/30/2011 - 85 followers

DMC Cotton Perle floss - colors 3041 and 762 (a med purple and a silvery color)

Below is the list of names I'll be using (I'll add names as more join the giveaway).  I've included your blog address so others can visit you too!  For those of you who also shared my giveaway on your site, you'll see your name twice.  If I've missed anyone, please let me know!

1 Kaisievic at http://kittenstitching.blogspot.com/
2 Chaotic Crafter at http://crochetstashroom.blogspot.com/
3 Chaotic Crafter at http://crochetstashroom.blogspot.com/
4 AmyJo at http://miniquilts.blogspot.com/
5 AmyJo at http://miniquilts.blogspot.com/
6 Kate at http://momuboocreaisland.blogspot.com/
7 Kate at http://momuboocreaisland.blogspot.com/
8 Cucki at http://cuckistitchingcove.blogspot.com/
9 Nancy at http://alilbitofstitching.blogspot.com/
10 Nancy at http://alilbitofstitching.blogspot.com/
11 Becka at http://stitchylion.blogspot.com/
12 Terri at http://rosystitches.blogspot.com/
13 Linda at http://bengalcatlover10.blogspot.com/
14 Blu Stitcher at http://blustitcher.blogspot.com/
15 Blu Stitcher at http://blustitcher.blogspot.com/
16 Jennifer Gail at http://hoodiesandflipflops.blogspot.com/
17 Jennifer Gail at http://hoodiesandflipflops.blogspot.com/
18 Kimberly R.
19 Mangogirl at http://mangogirl-naughtscrossstitches.blogspot.com/
20 P.G.
21 Vroomans' Quilts at http://vroomansquilts.blogspot.com/
22 Mel
23 Lesleyanne at http://lesleyanneslifeinstitches.blogspot.com/
24 Lesleyanne at http://lesleyanneslifeinstitches.blogspot.com/
25 Wagapapa at  http://wagapapacreations.blogspot.com/
26 Wagapapa at  http://wagapapacreations.blogspot.com/
27 Vicky L at http://nswvml.blogspot.com/
28 Vicky L at http://nswvml.blogspot.com/
29 Kate W at http://theflyingneedle.blogspot.com/
30 Kate W at http://theflyingneedle.blogspot.com/
31 Meari at http://meari.blogspot.com/
32 Meari at http://meari.blogspot.com/
33 Cleejoow at http://cleejoow.blogspot.com/
34 Cleejoow at http://cleejoow.blogspot.com/
35 Shanda at http://stitchcrazy1.blogspot.com/
36 Shanda at http://stitchcrazy1.blogspot.com/
37 Patty C.
38 Alicia at http://dorkyyorkiesstitchingmama.blogspot.com/
39 Alicia at http://dorkyyorkiesstitchingmama.blogspot.com/
40 Sunshine at http://sunshinestitches.multiply.com/notes/item/22
41 Sunshine at http://sunshinestitches.multiply.com/notes/item/22
42 Cindy at http://homeofaflossjunkie.blogspot.com/
43 Cindy at http://homeofaflossjunkie.blogspot.com/
44 Stitcher Mom at http://stitcher-mom73.blogspot.com/
45 Stitcher Mom at http://stitcher-mom73.blogspot.com/
46 Grannystitches at http://grannystitches2010.blogspot.com/
47 Grannystitches at http://grannystitches2010.blogspot.com/
48 Nancy at http://nancysxstitch.multiply.com/
49 Nancy at http://nancysxstitch.multiply.com/
50 Socialsue at http://socialsue.blogspot.com/
51 Socialsue at http://socialsue.blogspot.com/
52 Joyce clark Frank at http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com/
53 Joyce clark Frank at http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com/
54 Kate at http://crazypurplemom.blogspot.com/
55 Kate at http://crazypurplemom.blogspot.com/
56 Country Stitcher at http://countrystitcher.blogspot.com/
57 Social Debbie at http://debbiescrossstitch.blogspot.com/
58 Social Debbie at http://debbiescrossstitch.blogspot.com/
59 Elena
60 Peggy H. at http://www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com/
61 Peggy H. at http://www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com/
62 Mommarock
63 ♥ Nia at http://caixinhadepirlimpimpim.blogspot.com/
64 ♥ Nia at http://caixinhadepirlimpimpim.blogspot.com/
65 Nancy at http://cosystitchingcorner.blogspot.com/
66 Nancy at http://cosystitchingcorner.blogspot.com/
67 Kat at http://pontinhosdakat.blogspot.com/
68 Kat at http://pontinhosdakat.blogspot.com/
69 Hilachas at http://muchashilachas.blogspot.com/
70 Yorkie Mom at http://sewyorkie.blogspot.com/
71 Sheryl
72 QuigleyFran
73 Lanybleu at http://lanybleu.blogspot.com/
74 Lanybleu at http://lanybleu.blogspot.com/
75 Hueisei at http://loveitsewit.blogspot.com/
76 Stitching Noni at http://firefliescatsinthegarden.blogspot.com/
77 Stitching Noni at http://firefliescatsinthegarden.blogspot.com/
78 Valma at http://feelepoint.blogspot.com/
79 Valma at http://feelepoint.blogspot.com/
80 Blue Star Stitcher at http://bluestarstitcher.blogspot.com/
81 Jo who can't Think of a Clever Nickname at http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/
82 Beauty Bonnet at http://beauty-bonnetsstitch.blogspot.com/
83 Beauty Bonnet at http://beauty-bonnetsstitch.blogspot.com/
84 Blu at http://therapy-by-thread.blogspot.com/
85 Weestitchy.com at http://weestitchy.com/
86 Mel at http://epicstitching.blogspot.com/
87 Mary Joan at http://maryjoanstitching.blogspot.com/
88 Mary Joan at http://maryjoanstitching.blogspot.com/
89 Laurita Hall at http://laurahallisnearby.blogspot.com/
90 Laurita Hall at http://laurahallisnearby.blogspot.com/
91 Valhi
92 Pippirose
93 Katrien at http://katrienslittlestitches.blogspot.com/

Entry is closed.  Thank you to everyone that entered!!! 


-lesli

One done....new one started!

My Japanese Maiden project is COMPLETE! 

Here's an image of the final product:

She's a little wrinkled, but it will all be pressed and stretched out after she's framed.

Those little tassels on her kimono and on the fan were a P A I N !!    I almost gave up on them, but I'm glad I finally got them done.  You can see my journey of a little over 3 months of work on this project here,  I have more close up pictures of the 4 corners and the back stitching.

I have been able to get a start on my Angel of Hope while my family is in town visiting.  Lounging around with them has allowed me to stitch a little as well.  My progress:

Finished one of the angel's wings. 

Close up of her

This is my first stitch using "gridlines"....and I'm loving it!  It is definitely worth the time I spent getting all those lines in there!



Have you heard the news!?   I have THIRTEEN followers!!    I'm so close to twenty that I'm beaming!

I've started thinking through what I have in my stash to put together for a give-away/contest.....  I'll post the contest and the items next week once my family is done visiting.  WOO!!  Maybe I'll break 25 before 2012 rolls around!! 


Thanks to the followers I have.....you all give such inspiration in your blogs and your work and I really appreciate the time you take to catch up on my posts and enter comments!!   Sending you all some online hugs!!


-lesli