The cutest little market bags I ever did see... and other LMM makings.

Sit yourself down, because I've got a jam-packed post coming off the heels of this weekend!  Our town is passing a law, banning plastic shopping bags over the next year.  I agree with this tactic, (we should all want to take good care of the earth that God created for us, correct?) but the other day, I was realizing how many varieties of re-usable bags are flimsy or unwashable, and I really didn't like this.  Plus, I happen to like cute cloth varieties. (Emphasis on cute, here.) But I couldn't find many that I just loved.  (Insert Ice, Ice, Baby lyrics here: "If there was a problem, yo, I'll solve it.")  Solution: I made my own.  (I made a few extras to put on Etsy as well.)  I made two different bag styles.  The bright fuchsia and coral polka dot print on the inner lining of this one, is fun enough to transform any boring trip to the grocery store into a delightful outing.  Well, and the free cookie for both kids in the bakery department helps a little bit too.   

Can you really ever go wrong with ruffles?  Of course, I'll have to find a more manly bag when Adrain runs into the grocery store.  You know, like when I send him after things like Asprin because I want to be prepared in case of heart attack symptoms. Ha!  Just kidding.  But seriously.  You know I kinda mean it. 

I wanted a bag with a really cute saying, and originally, this bag was going to read, "Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate. (just the necessities.)" but I got lazy and wound up with "wine and cheese."  Plus I didn't want to infer that all you need to get by in life, is wine (and cheese and chocolate).  And you could easily carry other items in this bag.  Just saying.  Love, love, love the adorable lining in this market bag.

All of these bags are made from a nice, thick-ish heavyweight fabric, in an unbleached cotton duck.  It's not as rough or stiff as canvas, but much more durable than plain soft cotton.  The linings are colorful and soft cotton, and I've added contrast stitching here and there, for a little bit of fun. All the edges are finished, and these bags should all wash beautifully. (I say "should" because I haven't needed to wash them yet.)  Which is a must in my world. 

See what I mean about the cute lining?  Love it.  Okay, now I'm going to show you myself taking it for a test drive, because what kind of Estyish gal would I be, if I didn't try these things out and report back to y'all?  I have to say that this bag held tons of produce, and was cute as could be, to boot.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I saw many an envious eye cast toward my cute little bag, as I was stuffing it full of organic salad fixin's, snap peas, fresh baguettes, cinnamon spiced almonds, and boxed raspberries. 

My man took this photograph.  (I am more comfortable with him than any one else in the world.)  Have I ever mentioned before, that I absolutely love the Farmer's Market?  I would seriously go every single week if I had the time or money (because let's face it, things are a little pricey there).  I did get a few fun photos, however, and so my life was momentarily completed....

I'm always amazed how many...shall we say... unique?... people live in my town.  Sadly, I don't have any photographic evidence of this fact for you today.  I'll try to do better next time. 

Okay, back to my Etsy listings... I'll say it again.  I don't really do camera strap covers because they are everywhere.  But I was sewing away, and in the mood to sew, and I had these darling scraps that were just the right size, so I made one.  That is all.  If you want it, it's yours for the taking.  The ruffle is all raw-edgy and cute.

I restocked a few more chicken wire memo boards in some fun colors and sizes...  I love these things so much.  I would make you guys some ginormous ones too, but I have to get pretty creative with shipping.  My favorite thing about these, is the finish on the chicken wire.  It ends up looking all rustic and farmhousey.  And who doesn't like farmhousey?  (I made that word up.)

I also got one of these signs finished and listed.  (I have two more in the works, but one just got claimed, so hopefully I'll be able to get the other one finished soon.)  These signs make my heart so happy.... not only do I sit there humming the old hymn, "Great is thy Faithfulness" but I also find myself being grateful for His faithfulness, which I guess, is the whole entire point! 

Just a little reminder, that 30% of our July profits will be going directly to Kearsie, one of my favorite sweet blogging mamas who happens to be kicking breast cancer's nasty rear right now.  So if you make a purchase from my Etsy store for the remainder of this month, you get something fun, and you also get to help her family, at the same time!!

 And beginning today, for a little extra summer sweetness, I'm throwing in one of these cute button accented hair bands for every order placed, while my supplies last! (My choice of color.) I don't know about you,  but I can almost never resist a win-win like that. (Or would that be a win-win-win?)

I've reduced a few prices on some of my older items, and I'll be restocking my sold-out supply of Mr & Mrs pillow slips later this week, plus I've got two more fun things in the works to throw into the mix as soon as I get them finished, so stay tuned!  I'll give you a hint- one involves a wooden crate, and one involves a sandbag kids game.  (Are you very excited??  Are you?  Huh?  Sorry.. sometimes I get a little carried away....)

And side note- because I warned you this post was gigantic... I just got this photo from Nurse Nicki's photographer and my friend, Amy, and had to share it... Why don't we get dressed up more often?  Seriously.  I quite enjoyed it, and wish we did this more.  I guess I have to find more friends who are about to get married.... (giggle.)

Lastly, I'd like to leave you with this photo that I've titled, "Welcome to my world."  I believe it speaks volumes for itself. 

Please send a nanny.  

Thanks. 


Oh I'm just joking.  


Mostly.