{BagsbyBevy} Do I still have it in Me?

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Oh My!!
By the title of this post, you know what's coming.  A long-overdue post regarding BagsbyBevy and if you don't know or remember what that is - it's because, I haven't posted about it in a long, long time or, else, you're very, very new here.   Thanks for coming by, if that is the case!
BagsbyBevy?  So.  It's my etsy shop.

Don't looking for it - right now.  Well, you can... but...

It's "on vacation" - because!!!

I'm heading out to do a Show and Sell (sort of a Christmas/Holiday Sale) with our church.

Which takes place Saturday Morning - ahem!!  Yes, tomorrow morning.  I'm really looking forward to it.  It's been awhile - Ladies Breakfasts and get-togethers are always a good time!!

I just thought, maybe, I'd show you a sneak peek of some new additions...

I promise.

If they don't sell - they'll be added to the shop!!

Do I still have it in me?

I know one thing!!  It did feel good to "get back in the saddle" again.  Sometimes, I do my best work - at last minute and this was the case.   Five of these items were made in the last two days...

You have yourself a wonderful weekend!!!

{BagsbyBevy} Country Crossroad

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There is a newbie in the shop.  Just thought I'd share and let you know it's there.

Traffic has been a little slow - in both the coming and the going.

And, I've been just as much to blame. :)

Before another day passes.

I hope you'll stop by.

Enter.

::Country Crossroad::

{Oversized, Large Tote bag}

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Take a look around BagsbyBevy before you move on!  I'd appreciate it.

Oh, and these tiptoed out of my hand, a couple of weeks ago - to a friend of mine for her new little baby boy!

::Homespun Baby - Shoes::
{gift to Danielle}

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My new tag-line for the shop is "two seams at a time".  It's true.  I've been a busy gal...
But, when I get to sewing I "slow down" a bit and it really does relax.

Even if I only get two seams sewn at a time - before something else calls me away. :)

Thank you for reading here today!!

{Bags by Bevy} Ladies Breakfast and sales update...

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“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside."― Stephen R. Covey

I've been quiet here - lately - on the blog, in this little space,  I know.  Simply because life has been happening the way it should be!  Busy, sure!  But - living it well... saying yes to different things!!

Some of that busy involved this...

Several of you have been wondering just how that Ladies Breakfast and Home Goods sale went this past Saturday... for me, with Bags by Bevy!

To answer your question - I would have to say it went pretty well.  I mean, I feel pretty good about it. ;)

Several items never got updated into my etsy shop and well... a majority of them sold - first thing!!!

Listed below are the items that sold.

:: Smoke and Mirrors ::

Classic Medium Tote

Sold to Kathy M.

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:: Autumn Bloom ::

Classic Medium Tote

Sold to Julie B.

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:: Tea Wallet ::

holds two tea bags

Sold to Gwen K.

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:: Black Lace ::

Overnight Bag

Sold to Lori H.

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:: Tea Wallets ::

 both hold four tea bags each - can be used to carry business cards, etc.
One sold and one as a gift (given away)!

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 :: Figgy Pudding ::
Pocket Pouch
Sold to Julie B.

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::Homemade Goodness::

Cookbooks... for sale on behalf of my sister, Gladys - with proceeds of cookbook sales 

to Bald Eagle Boys Camp

Total of 3 sold - with two more sales pending...

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Here is my table display, for the morning!!

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We were asked to sign up to bring a dish - if we desired.

I chose to make an Overnight Caramel French Toast.  No photo, though. :( Sorry!

Albeit to say - there was quite the selection and yummy goodness...all around.  

No one left hungry, for sure!!  If they did - it was their own fault. 

I wish I had a few more photos of the time together... the fellowship of over 50 ladies, in attendance, was so sweet! And so was the "message" truly shared from the heart!  A message on  God's Faithfulness - through some really difficult seasons in one dear sister's life.  The worship time was moving - with the songs chosen - and I, for one, could have kept on singing.

There were tears and smiles and many hugs of affirmation, throughout the time, with many of us being able to relate with one another...

It was wonderful!!

I'm really thankful to feel this sense of belonging with these dear ladies from our local church!!

My prayer is that it will only continue to grow and strengthen in the years to come!

{BagsbyBevy} breakfast, sneak-peek list and cookbooks for sale...

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Head's up to all my local friends...

I'm excited to say that I've been a busy little bee - anticipating a Ladies Equip Breakfast and Homemade Good's Sale - for this upcoming Saturday AM - with our church family.

Have you signed up - yet?  If you're interested in attending - there is still room!!  Message me and I'll be sure to add you to the sign-up list.  All ladies, 13 and older, are welcome to attend!

Here is a "sneak peek" list of what I'll have with me...

• Classic Medium tote bags
• Overnight Bag
• Tea wallets - 2  & 4 count
• Pocket Pouches
• For the Love of Laundry/clothespin bag, with pins
• little girls skirts - clearance sale
• CoffeeMate Mug Warmers
• Homespun Baby! shoes 

Basically, it is everything that is available in my etsy shop plus a several additional items that have yet to be added to inventory. :)  As well - I'll have along a fine stack of these cookbooks.

:: Homemade Goodness ::

Come and see for yourself!

My sister, Gladys,  has had her hands all over this wonderful cookbook, in its making, and is hoping to sell off a few more to bring is some more support for Bald Eagle Boys Camp.

They are selling for $16.95 a cookbook.  Cash or check only - for payment.

The cookbooks are for sale regardless... if you're interested in one - please follow through via comment and email...

Think christmas gifts, teacher gifts... or as a gift-to-yourself!!

This really is a nice cookbook - with hundreds of recipes... 

All consist of homemade goodness, for sure!

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Hope to see some, if not all, of you on Saturday!!!

On the homefront: Recipe and The Quilt, The Hemlock House Healing Salve and Journaling

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Ahh.  Comfort food - there is nothing like it, especially for this time of year!  And casseroles are certainly a way to obtain that for a measure of comfort.

I mentioned the other day that I would share another recipe.  One, using cooked rice, broccoli and kale. This was a recipe that I quickly threw together - for our little family - and I think it just might have become a family favorite.  Later - looking online - I did find this similar recipe...that perhaps you would enjoy as well.  But... truthfully.  Mine might be a tad easier to put together.  I don't know.

A couple of things.

Whenever I made rice, I bake it in the oven.  Apparently - I'll need to share this method sometime - as  another recipe. It's something I've talked about quite often - but have never shared how.  Stay posted.

Oven baked rice is the best idea (ever!) and so efficient plus it keeps your stovetop clean.  However, we always have leftovers - whenever it is I make rice.  No problem - I'll just bag it up in a ziploc and throw in the freezer.

Having a cup or two of cooked/baked rice in the freezer - has been another time saver for me.

And - so easy for casseroles - such as the one I'm about to share.

Here are the ingredients ...

2 cups of cooked rice (if frozen, thaw it out)
1 cup of frozen broccoli flowerets
1/2 - 1 cup kale, chopped
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 - 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
seasoned salt
paprika

Lightly steam broccoli and kale together - for a couple of minutes.  In another bowl, add the veggies, while hot, with some of the vegetable water to the rice.  Add the cream of mushroom and cheese and stir well.  Put into a nicely buttered casserole.  Sprinkle seasoned salt and paprika - to taste.

Bake at 350* for 20 - 30 minutes or until heated through (bubbly and golden).

Simple, creamy and delicious!!
You're welcome!

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I also promised you would get to see the baby quilt (in full) once I've finished working on it.  I realize since taking the photos that I really didn't get a full photo of it.  Just partial bits and pieces.  Oh well... you do get the idea.  Truth is. I'm sad to have this sewing project be done and gone.  :) I so thoroughly enjoyed working on this.  Hand quilting is very therapeutic for me...I guess.  My friend said, she might have another for me to do in the near future, Lord Willing.  I said... "sure!"

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I've been meaning to give a shout-out; a plug-in for my friend Amanda and her Etsy Shop!

See the two little jars, here on the shelf?

The smaller jar, with the black lid, is Plantain Salve and the other (the one with the tag) is her Healing Salve.  I ordered this healing salve the other week - and I don't know how many times we've dove into this jar - even in one day alone.  Several times.  My family and I are sincerely convinced this is the best stuff since sliced bread.
It works.  From bug bites, and cuts and scrapes. to just a bump or bruise.  It always produces a smile!
Even my hubby is a believer!!

Thank you - Amanda!!
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Ending on this note.  I was recently a recipient of a wonderful giveaway and awarded this beautiful journal.

It's become a wonderful addition to my kitchen counter. :) A great place to capture and collect thoughts and ideas as I go about my day.

It is often life's smallest pleasures and gentlest joys
that make the biggest and most lasting difference. ~ Unknown
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Enjoy the remainder of your day!!

{Bags by Bevy} CoffeeMates Mug Warmers

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A couple of weeks ago, now - my sister celebrated her fortieth birthday!

Thinking of her with a small flower bouquet and a few other homemade goodies 

I tucked in one of my versions of a CoffeeMates Mug Warmer - by wrapping it around the flower vase.  She knows it's for her coffee mug. :)  Actually, I have given quite a few of these away - as gifts. There is one set for sale, right now, in my Etsy Shop, as well.  Feel free to take a look!

I've been mostly making these unique-looking mug warmers with a white background and black lettering.
 But, lately...I'm really enjoying the Chalkboard look.  So, for this one I used a black chalkboard paint, and use a white pen.  I would not recommend using chalk on it.

((Note: these should not go in the microwave, nor should they get soakin' wet.  Spot clean - if needed. They are for decoration and mug identification purposes only. Smile! ))

I've made a few of these with the the inscription of :

 "his" and "her" Coffee (set of two)

 "Mr." and "Mrs." Coffee (set of two)

"all mine" Coffee

Obviously, you see a:
"not yours" Coffee

So.  I'm asking for ideas! 
I ask you.  If you were to own one, or a set of these CoffeeMate mug warmers, either to use or to give away as a gift  - What would you like it to say?
And which do you think looks the best?  The white lettering on black or the black lettering on white?

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Random Bits and Pieces, with an updated progress report with Bags by Bevy!

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Like Mother.  Like Daughters!

In many ways I hope this is true.  That the positive will far outweigh the negative.

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My Zinnia's are in full bloom.  We picked our first bouquet, of our very best zinnias to send next-door to our neighbor, friend and the kids' Aunt Kels.  My sister-in-law. :)
I love tucking fresh dill into the vase to give it some feathery flair. :)

I say of our very best flowers because we ALL OF A SUDDEN we've had a serious infestation of Japanese Beetles.

They are really chewing up the zinnia, green beans and the marigold I have planted.  What is nice... is that the beans are blooming and these are just for "fun".  The kiddo's love to go running by and pick a handful of green beans to munch on while playing.
As far as ridding of the beetles... well...

I have the bucket of soapy water standing by.  And - we just handpick them off as we can.  Unless you know of another way - I'm all ears.

I'll have more green beans to pick. later this week - up at my Aunt Mary's place!  Same as last year.  It sounds like there will be an abundance.

I may even offer some up to several who need. :)

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At the end of this post,  the other day, I talked about needing to finish up some sewing.  If you're curious - I thought you might be wondering how that all fared...?

If you recall... I had two Clothespin Bags to finish hand embroidery on.  The results of that; one was chosen and the other is now in my etsy shop! :)  This is the one that was chosen.  You'll have vist my etsy shop to see the other one that is now listed.

:: For the Love of Laundry ::

Clothespin Bag

Sold to Gail R.

I also had an order for 12 Tea Wallets to made.  Those are also finished and in the mail to lady who ordered those.  Here is a sampling photo of what they all were.  She requested them to be in earthy tones... but left it up to me to "do my thing".

:: Tea Wallet ::

holds two tea bags 

total of 12 sold to Rebekah S.

I also mentioned that I had another bag request, to come - and that that was to be decided upon that same evening.  Well... rather than me making another... the friend decided to go ahead and buy a bag off of my site, instead.

Nice!!

:: Travelling On ::

Overnight Bag 

Sold to Robin M.

I am so glad this bag has travelled on. It was one of my favorites.  I love the way it turned out.  But - it had been in my shop for awhile and I'm glad to see it go to someone who now loves it as much as I.

All of these sewing projects were to be done on or before the 18th!  I really feel grateful to have all of these orders behind me.  One of the things that helped was that my husband and son were on a Cub Adventure Camp Trip for most of the week, last week.  And, another thing or two that really helped was that my middle daughter was at GOOD NEWS CAMP (day camp) all week.  As well, one of the days, in the afternoon, my youngest went to visit Grandma Rhoda - and so that freed me up to really concentrate on these orders and get them knocked out so easily!

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Guess what I'll be wrapping up this week?  The finishing touches to the "rearrange" upstairs.  There are a few drawers and bins that need to be gone through and switched out.  And - then it's DONE!!!!!!!

And... green beans!  Did I mention them already.. Yes, I did.  I'll have them coming out of my ears before I know it. That'll probably be Thursday and Friday.

My two older kids will be at Good News Camp this week and next.  This week were bringing along my niece and nephew... its fun to have them join us.

Oh --- and one more thing to be thinking about.  A Family Reunion (this will its 71st year of gathering)...and I need to think about food prep for that, as well as games for the littles!! :)

I told you this post would a bunch of bits and pieces.  I hope you enjoyed!

{Bags by Bevy} Daisy Love - repurposed

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I realize that I haven't shared anything in awhile from my Bags by Bevy side of things.  Completely unintentional.  It's just that not much has been happening there - that is, until recently.

Well.. I like to share stories, every now and then, regarding the happenings of my bag making... and so here is a small story of what this one is about.

My two young daughters have this one really, really tall friend.  I mean - she's like three of my youngest daughter, Jayne, standing from head to toe. And, so to hear my youngest talk about her and try to show other people just how tall she is - in her eyes... is kinda funny.  Katie is a tall girl... but a quite normal height, if I should say so myself.  However,  you should hear Jayne talk of her sweet friend Katie - who is also about three and a half times her age, as well.  Nonetheless... Katie is one of my girls' best friends.  All of ours - as a family - actually!  And so the request that came our way - my way, actually, was not a problem.  Not one single bit.

So - for a gift... one year.  Aubrey, the older of my two daughters, wanted me to make a skirt for Katie.  Using this red, white and blue daisy fabric.
Because, Katie loves red, she said.
 However, due to the amount of fabric that was available... I could only make it so long.  Remember - Katie is a tall girl. :) So,  I figured it would look fine with leggings or something... but... each to their own.  Katie had a different idea.

The request was...

Would I be able to repurpose this skirt and use it for a lining instead... for a messenger type bag??

I said sure.

So, began the task of measuring and figuring out just how much I would need to get the biggest bag as a possible using up all of the fabric of this skirt.

Well..

Here we are!!  The finished product and Katie has a new bag.  I think she really likes it especially with that adjustable strap.
Oh, and I did keep the name the same as the original skirt.

:: Daisy Love ::
Messenger bag  - w/ adjustable strap
Sold to Katie H.

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Now...

I'm off to finish up two more Clothespin Bags - with their hand embroidery work.
And... today, I was also working on an etsy order for 12 tea wallets (which hold 2 tea bags each) - six are finished (just a little embroidery, left to do on those) and then... thirdly... another large tote bag order to make.
That bag order will be decided on and finalized - later this week.  It's another "custom" order - per say.

All due by July 18th, or sooner.  When it rains, it pours.

I feel blessed!

Sew :)  ... that's why I've been a little quiet in these parts this week!

Thanks for checking in anyway... I appreciate it!  And.. if you have a free moment and you feel like browsing my etsy shop ... that would be wonderful, too!

Until next time...

{Bags by Bevy} Grace Amazing!

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I have one very amazing and patient Aunt - named Grace!  People tell me that I look a lot like my Aunt and, in my humble opinion, that is such a compliment to me.  I only wish I had more of her sweet disposition and her patience.  (sigh!)

Back over Thanksgiving - it was my Aunt Grace and her family who hosted the extended family's Thanksgiving Dinner.  It was then that my Aunt had asked me to bring along all that I had in stock in and from my etsy shop so she could shop...  (smile!)

Well... nothing seemed just right for her taste (which was fine, with me!!) - however, she was able to articulate an idea for what she was looking for.  So, she placed an order with me - for a classic small bag - for whenever I could get around to it.  Nice!!

I knew I would have to wait to get to it until after the holidays and she totally understood... and then we received word that my Aunt Grace was VERY, VERY sick and hospitalized.  That her condition was "life-threatening" and well.... this was such a shock to us as we had just seen her a couple of weeks ago and she was in good spirits, doing really well - we never suspected a thing! Apparently, it was a surprise for everyone...

Needless to say, It was a very scary time for her family and for all of us...for that matter.

In the meantime, she had sent me a couple of bags of buttons and some fabric that she thought might suit in my bag making and it was a win-win for both of us.  Grace was cleaning out; going through her sewing stuff... and I was able to incorporate the use some of the fabric and buttons into the making of her bag.

Good News!!

My Aunt Grace is okay.  She's home and healthy - once again, as far as I know!  I guess, she has been for most of the month of January, which is comforting.

Her bag is finished now, too!! and I'm so grateful for her patience in waiting for this bag.  Hopefully, it will be sent out to her either later today or first thing, tomorrow!!

I named her bag - Grace Amazing!!  Maybe, I should have named it  ~ Patient Grace.

:: Grace Amazing ::

classic, small bag

(made to order)

SOLD!!

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Thank you, for sneaking a peak into my etsy shop, at your leisure, and for thinking of me - should you need a gift for yourself or loved one!  Let me know - how I can help!

I appreciate it - greatly!