Need HELP with T-Shirt Quilt!

I was talking to one of my best friends Coral yesterday and she has a break coming up and she decided she was going to try and make a t-shirt quilt.  She and I have WAY too many T-shirts from highschool and college that we don't wear.  They take up so much drawer space at my house so I wanted to try and create a quilt too.  That way when I feel the need to reminisce I can cover up with a blanket instead of deciding what shirt to wear!

That brings me to the question: has anyone ever does this before or know how to?  I googled it and there were too many options.  I really would like the easy way out!

Let me know!

"The Art of Correspondence, Thank-you Letters"

This is a wonderful, informative lesson from one of my very best friends Nicole Gum.  She shares my appreciation for etiquette, we have even talked about writing our very own etiquette book one day, together!  That would be SO fun.  Here is a little bit about Nicole:


Nicole Gum currently resides in Washington, D.C. She graduated in May 2008 from Tulane University with a degree in Psychology.  She is employed by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as an Advertising Specialist for their publication. She enjoys traveling, reading, and watching Mad Men in her free time. While she loves the exciting lifestyle of a big city- she hopes to return back to the South soon for Graduate School and to be closer to her wonderful family and friends. 

The Art of Correspondence

Thank-you Letters

I am delighted to be a contributing writer to The Creative Instinct Blog (which I follow devotedly). Let me begin with saying that I am a firm believer in expressing gratitude through the traditional form of letters. Now in contemporary times, I understand that e-mail is popular, but readers please never underestimate the value of a hand-written letter. I enjoy Crane and Co. Stationery which is sold at most stationery retailers. (http://www.crane.com/navHome.aspx).

Most Important Message: Regardless of the present; every gift deserves a proper thank-you.

Here are some tips for writing an appropriate thank-you letter:

1.) Address the recipient of the card and wish them well.

2.) Thank them for the gift directly (ex. the toaster, the sweater, the gift certificate).

3.) Explain in brief detail how much you enjoy using/wearing/spending that certain item. Use colorful adjectives!

4.) Make the note personal by adding your own essence to it while addressing the recipient. It is always good to bring up the possibility of seeing them again soon at a future date.

5.) Finally, at the end of the thank-you letter reiterate their kindness and their generosity.

Remember also to write thank-you notes timely. Never wait longer than 2-4 weeks before mailing them out. It might seem like a small gesture, but illustrating your appreciation in words is not only polite but also imperative.

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.  ~Oscar Wilde
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My 2 favorite etiquette books are :

Check them out! Or ask me! They both are very close to me.  Hope you enjoyed Nicole's post.  When in doubt, ALWAYS write a thank you note! If someone has you for dinner, sends you a little gift, anything. Anyone's thoughtfulness to get something for you or do something for you ALWAYS deserves appreciation and writing a thank you note doesn't take long.  Just follow Nicole's steps!

Guest Post!

Guest post to come tomorrow morning! I'm so excited to have my first guest blogger!  One of my very best friends Nicole will write about etiquette and thank you notes (one of my favorite things in the world).  We both feel strongly about this subject because of the way we were brought up.  Tune in tomorrow for a WONDERFUL, informative post!

Dishwasher

I was told I was getting older because I was THAT excited about getting a new dishwasher.  This dishwasher is FABULOUS!  It was delivered and installed on Friday.  Surprisingly, it has only run once this weekend, now I'm not scared to dirty up dishes!


Old one to the left.  Not a great shot, this was before house was painted, etc, But you get the point.

The new one! Sleek.  The buttons are on the top panel, they are not seen from the front.

Inside.

I would recommend it to anyone, SO FAR!

Recipe Friday - Cake Icing

Shout out to my #1 blog follower, LAURA.  Saturday is her birthday so in honor of her I am going to share some cake frosting recipes I have! Happy Birthday LO!

We are receiving a new dishwasher today! I am super pumped.  I will show before and after pics and share the wonders of this new one next week.

 (Update on my grandmother: she has to have a tumor biopsied in a week and a half, we will know more then.  )

Now onto the icing:

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

3 Cups Confectioners' Sugar
1 Cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 Tablespoons whipping cream

In a standing mixer, mix together sugar and butter.  Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.  Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.

(I don't have a standing mixer yet, so I use my regular beaters.  I just place the bowl in the sink and make it 1/2 at a time so it doesn't go everywhere!)


Chocolate Frosting

6 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 to 1/2 Cup cocoa powder
2 2/3 Cups powdered sugar
1/3 Cup Milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream butter, add cocoa and sugar alternately with milk.  Beat to spreading consistency, adding more milk if needed.  Blend in vanilla.

These are super easy and it is SO worth it.  I usually make box cake then make my own icing and it really adds a nice touch over canned icing!  Hope everyone has a great weekend.

My Mimi

If you all have a chance today to say a little prayer for my Mimi.  She has been through more than any person should ever have to go through in 1 life.  Cancer more than once, over 30 surgeries, many falls, the loss of many loved ones, etc.  Today she goes to the doctor to see if her cancer has grown again.  If it has she will have to go back on IV chemo, which she probably won't be able to handle again.  Please pray that it hasn't grown and she can stay on the pill form of chemo she is on now.  I wish I had all day to tell you about how wonderful my grandmother is and how inspiring and Godly of a woman she is.  She is an inspiration.  In October, I helped her and my step-grandfather move into assisted living and I know she wants to be home SO bad.  I so wish they had the strength to live by themselves, but thankful they have people around when they need them. 

(This picture was taken at our rehearsal dinner, I gave her a handkerchief that said:

"Mimi, may your tears be tears of JOY today. Love Sarah, 11.14.09"

Her name is Joy, and she truly is a Joy!)

So again, my family would appreciate you lifting her up in prayer!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.  I am going home for the night and will post a yummy recipe on Friday!

Sitting on the front porch

With spring just around the corner I want to make it a habit to sit outside everyday.  We have a small, but nice front porch with people walking by all the time!  Here are some pictures.

View from the street

Drew had this table in the house B.S. (before Sarah) It has been painted with weather proof paint.

Lovely, turquoise chairs!

You can see the chairs to the right, this is what the chairs looked like before I mad them wild at my old apartment.

I bought 2 cans of Rust-Olem paint, it worked great.  Purchased the seat cushions as a pair at "Home Goods" for less than $25.  The chairs are really comfy.

The wire table I found at an antique store in Huntsville.  One day I'd like to get a piece of metal for the top or a thick piece of glass.  There is a platter on top for now!

I love our precious door mat, great wedding gift!

Really looking forward to Spring, Summer, and drinks on the front porch!