The wallpaper is on it's last leg. I have two feet to go, after nap time is over... clean the walls, fix a spot and prepare for paint. Whoo! These are my paint selections. It's not a very bright hallway, but I am leaning towards the darker color on the top left. We did agree on track lighting to replace the single, dim light. Now, if I could find a glass lampshade with a white base to match the white track. Lots of chrome based ones, but I don't think that would look right on a white track...

Anyone have any favorite websites for inexpensive picture frames?

Zipper bag, yay!

I can tell it's been a while since I have sewn anything, it took me extra dawdling time. I made a zipper bag from the Bend the rules book last weekend. It came out pretty good, although I think the zipper could be done better. I'd like to make some different size ones. I also didn't have any matching ribbon, so I'll try that next time. I have some tiny heart grommets in my scrapbook stuff that would look really cute lined up on a ribbon. Next: tote, pleated purse.
I have an excel file now for the budget file, but have to figure out how to host it or post it.

Resolutions and thoughts

Beki had an inspiring resolutions list on her blog. I am working on my own, but I am not bold enough to make it all public. Although, I know there are many things in the house & garden that can be done this year. The top of my list, is to get the rest of the wallpaper off the hallway walls. It's half down, and the rest needs to go. I won't say how long it's been that way. My family is probably wondering about us. I finally got a rug this week for the living room, so I can knock that one off the list. Yay!
I also need to get flannel interfacing, so I can get going on some projects in the Bend the Rules book. I did find a cute pink cotton shirt on clearance at Targét for my daughter. I hope to experiment some embroidery on it. See Doodle Stitching.
I also ordered a couple gardening catalogs, since none have yet arrived. Bluestone perennials, Whiteflower farm, Prairie Nursery (sells native), and Jackson & Perkins. I really hope to order some things from the Bluestone catalog this year. I meant to last year, but ended up getting some great deals free, and at a annual plant sale, about an hour from here. I like the J&P catalogs for ideas for container plants and garden structures (which I need).
I also need to decide what needs dividing this spring, besides Shasta daisies. I need to find my divide and propagate guide to make this task easier on my brain. I have a variety of hostas, a handful are new from last summer. I can't wait to see how many Fire & Ice I have... they seemed to revert to a green leaf, vs. keeping the white/cream (center?). I doubt I'll get any more of those. I am also excited to see how the new addition of daffodils/jonquils come up out back this year.

Happy New Year

Doodle stitching is good, so far. I've gone through the stitch examples. So, next will be a little sample project. Somewhere in all the stuff I collect, is a seasonal pamphlet, maybe Easter, from Hancock fabrics with an introduction to embroidery. I still remember that, and this book is a fun reminder. I hope to work on a sample next, and see how that goes trying to follow along shapes, etc.
New Year's Day was full of snow and wind. The gigantic snowman out back, has gained a new snowsuit. Funny, the day before his facial features drooped off with the warmth. Gotta love the midwest.