New Needlebook and Other Good Mail

Today was a very good mail day.

Our realtor sent us discounted tickets to the home show next weekend.  That was cool.

But then there was another little giftie in the mail for me.  Look how cute it was packaged.

And here is what was inside.  My new needlebook!!!  It was wrapped with a pretty wrapper, embossed with the following:  Handmade with care....Larissa Holland.  Larissa is so amazing in my book (no pun intended).  She blogs over at mmmcrafts, has a neat etsy shop, and has a craft pattern site.  I just love her design style, and her patterns are impeccable.

Larissa designed the Wee Mouse Tin House I blogged about last week.

She also makes these totally fabulous little felt needlebooks.  She hand stitches it all.  I love them.  I bartered with her for one.  It was a very good trade, because I have salivated over one of these forever.  She only makes about six at a time, and they sell out almost immediately from her shop.  Every time I try to buy one, they are sold out!  And I get over there fast!

Even the spine is very neat and pretty.

Four little pages for me to keep needles in.  I like that I'll be able to separate my needles from each other.

I just LOVE IT.  Thank you so much, Larissa!

Larissa even has the most adorable business cards.  I like how people are doing these half-sized business cards these days.  The design on it is one of her paper designs (click here to see one of her paper cutting tutorials you can purchase), I believe.

And here's the back.  I love it...."I like to make stuff."

There was also a box on my front porch.  In it were three jars of Hot Pepper Raspberry Preserves.  They were from my dad.  My mom made this great, easy snack at Christmas time.  She took cream cheese, and poured some of these preserves on top.  Then she served it with crackers.  We spread some of the cream chese and preserves on a cracker, and it was OH, SO GOOD! 

At first, I thought hot peppers and raspberries didn't sound like they'd be very good together.  But I was wrong!

I wanted to make some, myself.  However, I can't seem to find this kind of treat at home.  My dad buys it at the liquor store (of all places) in Florida.  When I was down there a few weeks ago helping him out, we went to get some of this to take home with me.  But they were all out.  And the clerk who does the ordering said they were having a hard time getting it from the distrubtor.  Well, surprise!  Dad must have found some, picked it up, and sent it to me!  What a nice surprise!  I love it!  Thanks so much, Dad.  You know how to make a girl feel loved. 

This really brightened my rainy Friday!

Next week is spring break.  I am really looking forward to the break.  I am not going ANYWHERE.  I am having a stay-cation and getting some sewing and personal stuff done.  Maybe a little work done, too, to catch up a little bit.  I'm going to get my hair cut and colored (so overdue for this!), and maybe a facial from a Groupon I bought several months ago (if I can get an appointment--haven't had time to make one yet).  I am really looking forward to it.

Umphil mepht mime.  Oh, sorry, I had my mouth full of crackers, cream cheese, and preserves.  There, I swallowed....Let's try that again....

Until next time,

Mama Pea

Comments

[Shelly]

Cute needlebook! I'm so glad you're getting a stay-cation. Hope it goes exactly like you want it to.

[Sue]

Such sweet gifts.

The Hot Pepper Raspberry preserves looks good.

So glad you get to have a stay-cation. I need one of those.

[Lynn]

Adorable needle case! I love all of the details, the embroidery, the spine, just beautiful.

[Allie]

That needlebook is ADORABLE! She really does make cute things. Not sure about the preserves...but you enjoy them...AND your break! YOU NEED IT!

[Donna]

I love your needlecase! Adorable and perfect colors. Those preserves with cream cheese sounds so yummy ... wish I had a bite!
Have a wonderful week next week!
Hugs,
Donna

[Jana]

I have had that treat before and it is wonderful! They sell that at Costco around Christmas in a very large jar.

[liveacolorfullife]

totally great mail. Wow, that needlebook is fabulous! I made her tooth fairy pillow. She is very creative.And yum--the pepper raspberry jelly sounds so good!

[PegVan]

That needlebook is so cute! Just what every seamstress needs. And I'm glad you're enjoying the preserves. We actually had to order a box at the liquor store. But they came in quickly, and we are enjoying them too. They also made a hit with Steve and his family. Glad you are enjoying them. I know peppers and raspberries don't sound like they would go well together, but they are "yumolicious!"

[Larissa]

Wowee, my cheeks are glowing. I'm not sure you could have been nicer about the needle book! My word. Thanks for this rave review. I'm so thrilled you love it. I hope you can use it for years to come. Also, I must try that jelly stuff. It sounds like the perfect foil for the cream cheese. MMM mmm.

[Jackie]

What an adorable needle book, I am going to peruse her etsy shop. I need to dye my hair, but am waiting till maybe end of April, if i can hold off, so i look fab for KC! LOL

[jenclair]

What a beautiful needle book! You really did get great mail this week, those preserves sound mouth-wateringly good!

[Maggie Szafranski]

Love it! My girlfriend made us that! It was totally YUM!

[carolld]

What an adorable needlebook! I can't imagine the work involved in something so intricate! I bet the preserves over the cream cheese is wonderful! Your dad is a gem!