Our first Triathalon

We had a very busy weekend---we participated in our first ever sprint triathalon. It was sponsered by the YMCA and consisted of a 1/2 half mile lake swim, a 19 mile (VERY HILLY) bike ride and a 3 mile run. We've been training since eary spring and we actually joined a training group in June that had a run, swim and bike coach. It was a wonderful experience and I really got in good shape. My goal was to finish the entire race in 2 hours and I did it in 1hr and 51 minutes, so I'm thrilled with that time. My hubby finished in 1 hr and 39 minutes. I'm trying to get Christa of motivating mommies to do it with me next year---she claims she doesn't swim in lakes---we'll just see about that!!

The start of the lake swim

In the transition area---getting ready for the bike ride (what a face ;-)

Running my bike up to the road to start the ride

Almost to the finish line!

The proud finishers!!

J Jill coordinating bracelet/earring set

Can you believe I just now have made my first pair of earrings? I know they are simple to make, but I just now took the time to make a pair---and they are not for me. I never keep anything I make---always give as gifts to others. This pair---with the matching bracelet is going to my Aunt Robin---from the tea party. I found the bracelet focal lampwork bead on Ebay---along with a ton of other beads....so more bracelets to come. The set is to coordinate with a new j jill shirt my Aunt and I just got. She works at j jill, so we get lots of things from there (yes, I am soo lucky!!) I'm thinking of listing the bracelet in my Etsy shop ;-)

Here's the shirt.

I'm hoping the package gets to her before she reads this...if not, surprise!!

I made an Etsy treasury!!

Yeah! Thank you to Jessi at TwoSeasideBabes----I made an Etsy treasury today!! What an honor to be featured with all these other talented Etsy artists. I think these actually make the Etsy front/home page, but I don't know if I'll catch it. Can you find me---I'm one of the butterflies ;-) What a great way to end the day! (thanks to you too Sharon!)

Custom Knit Set

I just finished up this custom set for a customer on Etsy. She chose the colors, and I think they work perfectly together. I wonder if they were purchased for a set of twins---how cute would that be! I'm thinking my two need a set of these!!

All things TEA

This is the final entry about my tea party---can you tell I really enjoyed it? I just wanted to share a few things that I had gotten for it from two amazing Etsy sellers. As prizes for the party, my grandma made aprons, potholders, and pillowcases. I made bracelets with a teapot on them, my teapot bookmarks, and my Aunt Sue made the cutest tea towels. I was so very tempted to keep them for myself---I LOVED them. But, I actually decided to put together a little goodie tote (also tea themed) for my sil to remember her special day with.

I included all the tea themed items from above in this super cute tote I found on Etsy. The tote can be found here, PintsizeHome, and you won't believe the prices!!

These are the teapot bracelets that I made for my sil, prizes, and of course, one for my Aunt and myself to wear during the party ; -)

Finally, these amazing tea towels were made by my Aunt Sue from SuzyBeesSurprises and you can find her here. The bride to be just loved them!! She also sent my kids their own initial towel (which she carries in her shop) with a bar of soap, and they couldn't wait to wash their hands. They are just perfect!!!

Tea Party Favors

As promised, here's another entry about my tea party. This is the favors that were sitting at all the place settings when the guests arrived. I actually saw the idea online, and immediately knew that was what I wanted to have. They were actually a little pricey, but I searched around and found the labels on Ebay and some of the tea bag/spoon rests came from a craft store and the rest I purchased on line. Everyone loved them and they were a cinch to make. I just love the personalized tea bags. They are just individually wrapped tea bags from the store and then you just stick your label over the top of them. Then, I just packaged them in clear candy bags and topped with a bow!

Bridal Tea Party

Over the weekend, I hosted a Bridal Tea Party for my sister in law with my Aunt and Grandma from Arkansas. It was a huge success---and a lot of fun. The essentials of a great tea are: lots of mismatched china, fresh flowers, finger foods, doilies, hankies, and anything girly and pretty. My aunt also has an assortment of vintage hats that the guest can try on. My grandma loves to make aprons, potholders, and pillowcases for the prizes for the games---which were the hit of the party. I'll post more details tomorrow....too many orders to catch up on today!!!