jordan, sewing

Lounging

pants2

I have a talent that I am pretty proud of.

Besides making adorable boys named Jordan… and having double jointed fingers… I can sew.

I sew all kinds of things. Quilts, bags, pillows, coasters, placemats… and more recently, pants.

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I have been wanting to incorporate this side of me in my blog for a while now. I was afraid that readers may not connect with it, though. People searching for “clean eating” and stumbling upon stories of my ridiculously huge fabric stash I have in my craft room bedroom.

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But these pants are just too cute not to share. And the model? He’s all mine, ladies.

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These pants could be used for sleep ware. But they are perfect for lounging when it is cloudy outside.

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If you would like to see and learn more, I do have a small shop that is currently open. And if you insist, I can start incorporating more of this in to my posts. I have a lot of fun creating with fabric. It is definitely something that is and always will be a part of me.

To leave a comment or question, click on the title above and scroll down to the comment box.

tasha

sewing

Announcement – Bagaloo’s!

Hey guys!
I thought I would share some exciting news with all of you today!

food bag

I have created a new product line called, Bagaloo! They are cloth bags and baggies for you and your home! With so much plastic being thrown away each and every day, why not eliminate your waste and carbon foot print by using cloth instead!

I have snack and sandwich size bags to fit every need that you may have. Great for kids, traveling, lunch boxes and so much more!

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Each bag is 100% cotton and hand made by me. They each have a velcro closure to ensure nothing will fall out. Clean up is breeze, too. Just dump out the crumbs or throw in the wash!
I am making some bags that have a nylon lining for messier foods so be sure to look for those, too!

I have decorated them with ribbon, appliqués, or plain – each customizable for your unique personality!

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I am still making my reusable produce and bulk bin bags for all of your shopping needs. These are great to use with your reusable shopping bags!

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muslin bag

I am still adding items, creating designs and would love your input! if you have any comments, suggestions or questions please speak up!

Please feel free to browse my shop!

goals, life, sewing

Neglected?

Hi guys! Happy Monday to you all!

So between work and home life I feel as though I have been neglecting my poor blog. =( It saddens me, actually.  My time spent in the kitchen has been minimal… well that was due to the heat wave Seattle saw last week. The last thing I wanted to do was be near a stove when my house is a balmy 85 degrees inside. Luckily, and much to my liking, Seattle is seeing rain today – a much needed cooling! 
Anyways, sorry blog. Sorry readers. If I go a few days without posting, it does not mean that I am gone. Just a little busy, or tired. 
Remember how I have said before that one of my goals was to have my own sewing design business? Well, I am striving to have that goal met in the next few months. I guess going back to work has made me open my eyes a little. Jordan is adapting to his daycare/school, and I feel very comfortable leaving him there. He actually loves it!
Also, working for someone else in a position that is not allowing me to grow or gain anything from is not appealing. I am thankful that I do have a job, and it really is a good company with a positive boss, but it’s not for me.
Every spare minute I have has been spent on sewing, researching, planning, drawing and dreaming. I am the only one who can turn my dreams into reality. It is taking a lot out of me but I want it so bad that I can literally taste it.
One drawback is there are thousands of like minded individual that wants to succeed at the same goal. I have the talent, I just need to find something that makes me different from the rest. I have been tossing ideas around the past week and I have started to design a new product line that includes pillows, purse organizers and quilts. 
Please forgive me if I am distant, or if I forget to reply to a question, or if I don’t visit your blog enough. I love you all and each one of you have touched my heart! The support system is incredible! 
I have created a new blog for business – I think it’s pretty darn cute. 😉 
Here are just a few pillow designs that I have been working on:

general, life, running, sewing

Happy 4th!

Happy Fourth of July! I hope each and everyone of you had a safe weekend!

I was busy thrift store shopping, running, relaxing and sewing! Oh and eating! i couldn’t forget about eating. =)

I finally purchased a new pair of running shoes – feet, I apologize for the abuse the past few months. But I am sure you will love your new home!

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Thanks for the miles – I will miss you!

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Of course I had to try out today. They gave me power and strength! I literally felt like I was running on air!

Mile 1 – 8:36
Mile 2 – 8:27
Mile 3 – 8:19
Mile .66 – 5:32 (8:20 mile)
Total = 3.66 in 30:56

I did some much needed grocery shopping.

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Beans, legumes, pasta, rice and nuts

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Roasted red peppers, Tahini (the best ever!), Honey Mustard

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Orange Flower Water – I found this in the clearance section. I have seen it used in a few recipes but have forgotten what they were. I am now on the hunt! Has anyone used this before?

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Polenta

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Soap

Then there was thrift store shopping. I literally could thrift store shop all of the time!

My bag was STUFFED!

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… with knick-knacks, books and kitchen stuff…

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… and then there was fabric. A LOT of fabric!

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Cotton, poly blends, home decor… I was literally dancing with joy! I simply cannot wait until I can start cutting and creating!

And speaking of creating, here is a sample of my latest creations.

Madison Quilt

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White Owl

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Chloe Quilt

chloe quilt

I have created a new home to showcase my creativity. That way I can stay organized and keep things simple. I hope you all with visit the Nerdy Owl.

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breakfast, dinner, lunch, sewing, work

Worky work

Hey guys! I feel like I have been away from all of you forever! =( This work thing has really messed with my entire, finely tuned schedule. I am still trying to find a balance within my day. Running, personal time, relaxing… I do miss not being able to make a fresh breakfast at home. I am in desperate need of breakfast ideas! Preferably raw. I know shakes are are a great item to take with me but I need more ideas… HELP!

Today’s eats were:

Breakfast – A half of an almond butter and pumpkin jam sandwich on sprouted bread.
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Lunch -  salad with romaine, fresh basil and cilantro, sundried tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, EVOO and a dash of salt and pepper.
I have been packing a lot of salads for lunch – they are pretty much the best lunch for eating at work!

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With some fresh summer fruit. Rainer cherries are my absolute favorite cherry! They are only available for a short period of time so I make sure I buy and eat my fair share.

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Dinner was a hot bowl of spaghetti squash with mushroom ragu.

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I do love my pasta but I am becoming more and more fond of eating vegetables as noodles. My next kitchen gadget – a spiralizer!

I am so in love with this color combination.

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I started cutting small squares out of fabric with no real plan or idea. I finally came up with a sweet baby quilt pattern. Random placement of squares gives this sweet quilt a unique and country feel.

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A perfect way to end the day.
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sewing, teedle designs

Trading + Dreaming

I have traded food for fabric this weekend.

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Many people know I love sewing and creating, but very few know that one of my life goals and dreams is to solely work for myself, crafting and creating everyday.

I have recently found a building that has single offices for rent for entrepreneurs, hobbyists, or anyone who needs a space to call their own. I have been looking for a small space to be able to work in for a few years and I was so thrilled to actually see a building close to home! Since, I have been creating and sewing non-stop.

I guess I am trying to prove it to myself that I am actually good enough to call this my profession and solely depend on my talent for income. Being your own boss is a pretty scary thought in this economy but I know I have drive and quality to be successful and grow. It will take time and dedication – something I feel I do not have at times.

Here are some of my latest creations from this weekend. You can view all of my items here.

Fabric Bordered Washcloths

cloth green floral2 cloth pink floral2 

Market Bags

earthbag4earthbag2  fruitbag2

Do you have a dream or wish in your life that is or has been so close to actually becoming reality? How do you keep yourself calm?

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birthday, breakfast, dinner, family, lunch, Seattle, sewing

Weekend treats + eats

Hello hello!

This may be the longest post in the history of TCEM but I hope you enjoy!

I had a fabulous weekend – finally some decent weather in Seattle!

Saturday I woke up and ate a piece of toast +PB and consumed a cup of coffee.

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I knew Seattle was going to get pretty warm, in the 80’s in some areas (!!!) so I went on an early run. I ran 6.40 miles in 58.37. I was pretty hot and sweaty after that!

I was craving something cool and semi sweet and I knew just thing to ease my post run craving.

DSC05740Shredded wheat, kashi Go Lean, almond milk, strawberries, cranberries and toasted coconut!

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I was still hungry after my shower, this time for something savory. Beans, rice, salsa and cilantro. Simple is always good!

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Let me ask you this: what does one do on a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon? Get ice cream, of course!

Everyone in the car!

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And if you are wondering, J is still way to young and small to be without a car seat. I had to put it in and the little monkey beat me to it! I think he feels like a big boy sitting in the car. =)

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YAY for ice cream!

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I choose a soy Cinnamon Swirl – my favorite! I absolutely love cinnamon!

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Now to walk off that ice cream – what a beautiful day!

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Even though we live in the suburbs, nature is in arms length. This is also my running trail as I love looking at green while I run.

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We also found several families of duck and geese. You should have seen J! He was so excited, he ran right up to them and wanted to touch them. Of course I was right there making sure he didn’t get to close, but they seemed friendly. Of course I am sure they were just looking for hand outs – I don’t feed wild animals, period.

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Let me just say that J zonked out as soon as he took his bath and was all snuggly in his jammies. He was one tired boy from all of the running around.

I was still a little full from ice cream so I ended up eating late, like 9 – crazy for me. I made a home made vegetable ragu with whole wheat noodles and sweet peas.

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I sautéed yellow onions, kalamata olives, garlic, fresh basil and parsley, mushrooms, red bell pepper and a little of jarred sauce. It was so fresh tasting with the herbs and I love the addition of kalamata olives to my sauce – delish!

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Today is my Mom’s Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

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There were a TON of good eats, vegan of course 😉

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My plate consisted of a veggie burger with the trimmings (lettuce, pickle, tomato, mustard, ketchup, onion) green salad with homemade garlic-lemon dressing, orzo Mediterranean salad that my Grandma bought for me =),  and raw veggies!

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After lunch, there was some play time!

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I know my mom is going to shoot me for putting this up, but I think J’s face is effing hilarious!!!

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And of course there were presents – many presents!

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My beautiful Mama!

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She loves grapes and has grape decor in her kitchen and dining area. A few years ago I had made her a set of placemats, but over the years they have started to look a little… meh. I surprised her with a brand new set of placemats. She loved them!

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They are made out of batik fabric. I appliquéd a grape motif on the front of each one, then quilted the entire top. They turned out great!

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Happy Birthday again, Mom! I hope you enjoyed your special day!

Phew… well that’s a wrap!

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