Moving Day!

After much stress with loan documents, underwritting mishaps, random loan audits...   living with boxes for a couple of weeks, and off of Fast Food and paperplate (i packed up my pots and pans and plates a LONG time ago)....   finally we have arrived at moving day for the McPherson's. I have been so sad that I hadn't been able to decorate my place all Christmasy or even put my tree up!

But I can now!  Just in time for Christmas!



We got our keys last night, and honestly, as soon as my realtor left us with keys, i starting crying just at the thought of how blessed we are, and what God has done in BOTH our lives to bring us to THIS point. So we prayed over our house asking for continued blessings. It was a sweet sweet moment.  And then we ran up and down the hallway about a billion times.

pictures soon soooooon to follow.  (well, not too soon, because I won't have the internet for a few days!

The bid to end all bids...

So here we go. I've been so busy that I haven't even updated ya'll on our house hunt!!! I've tried to let as many people as I could in on it without OFFICIALLY announcing anything. (and by official I mean facebook status.)

So lets Back up the train...Tad and I were praying for the short sale would be the house for us. Or at least His will would be working in our hunt. Just let us know.

Fast-forward to a few weeks after that. Tad & I have been really wanting to purchase in a certain neighborhood (for its schools, respectability, lot sizes...etc) But it was just out of our price range. So then this house pops up in this area,( and not the fake part of the neighborhood... right in the heart of it) and its right at the price we were wanting. But because of our -*my* busy schedule, we couldn't plan a showing until the following Monday. But its a whole week... and houses have been flying off the "shelves" like same day...

Fast-forward to the next Monday. Earlier that day the seller of our short sale dropped out. THE SAME DAY we went to look at this house (Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers... you know me too well). This freed us to go to this showing with an open heart and really look at this house with intent. We could look at each room and think I COULD BE HERE... HERE. and we did.
In no particular order here's some awesomeness of the house:

Awesomeness #1 - It has a HUGE lot!! I have a giant (for Bako) pine tree growing in my lot, and three or four oaks. I can plant my very own Michelle Obama Garden!
Awesomeness #2 - It has a gas stove. Thank GOD! I am two unevenly fried eggs away from tossing my electric stove outta the window
Awesomeness #3 - Super quiet area - I no longer get to hear gosford's traffic and street racers all night long.
Awesomeness #4 - All the walls have been freshly painted so I can go in with a blank slate!!!
Awesomeness #5 - its a regular ol' sale. Not a short sale/bank owned property - So no one stealing baseboard or stoves, or crappy dead landscape.

Awesomeness #6 - It's OURS. Come December 11th when escrow closes We will own our own house. home.  God is good.

It has come to that...

I have made a desicion:

I have been soooo busy with teaching that I need to close PARTS of my shop. (Who knew - you actually have to work and grade, and lesson plan. Phew.)

So because of that I am going to have to scale back A LOT on my shop. In the coming days I'll be taking down any custom work (i.e. mongramed and personalized onesies.. probably my fav part) any other made or order work. Which means I can only leave in my account items that are ready to ship!

Tad has been bugging me in a sweet way to take care of myself- But recently I had two of my custom orders be later then what I intended, the guilt has caused me to second guess the quality of my shop. So to prevent future customers any uncomfortablness and me the extreme stress... it must be done.

The great thing - since I STARTED my store with jewelry - i can focus on that more! (plus it doesn't take as much time/steps and a hand-embroidered cuteness!). And since since i started, i haven't sold a lot of jewelry pieces. Maybe the fall is my time to SHINE! (pun intended).

Bids and Things

Taddy and I found a home we love!

And I'm not worried that we found one after only seeing 4 houses. When my family first moved into town we loved the FIRST house we saw. But then, to be diligent, we subsequently stomped through 20 or so more houses until finally realizing that the first one was perfect: pool, stockdale school lines, THE oaks, and split wing.
So I'm confident that the LORD showed Tad and I this house. It jumped out at my from my automated-email listings!

We put in our first bid to this house... and two days later the seller accepted our bid. BUUUUT its a short sale. so I'm thankful the seller responded,but we know the long drawn out process that it involves. (My sister bought a short sale house so I have a feel on what we can expect. oy!)



So knowing the bank could respond in a week or in months, we have been sitting on our savings account. I am so proud that Taddy and I have been saving our monies so well that we are able to afford our OWN down payment!!! What an accomplishment!!!! Saving every last penny!!!! This week though has kinda sucked, because usually we pull a bit out of our savings to cover our bums for those days before payday and repay ourselves when we get paid.... EXCEPT - we don't know when the bank is going to call on us and check out our account!!!! So I'm on a spending Freeze until Friday. No eating out - no quick trips to Von's - no sale perusing at Joann's....

Sometimes I even surprise myself!

Two things you should know about this story:

1. It is quite often that I notoriously leave something behind. Mostly, my phone. So, Taddy will be calling me in the afternoon to no avail because I have cleverly left my phone on the table, in the charger, stuck in the couch cushions, on the stove... You know, the usual spots.

2. Now that I travel 40 minutes to work - I have convinced Tad to let me purchase a top of the line jawbone. BLING! I use it quite often when I drive home. So if you're wondering when is a good time to get a hold of me, its usually around 5:15 as I drive down the lovely 99.

My Story:

I am gathering all my items for school today. I've got my computer packed and my water in my bag, I've even had enough time to make myself (and more importantly, to Tad, clean up after myself) a beautiful vanilla latte. Meanwhile, I have the wherewithal to remember to grab my BBerry the bathroom (why is it there? I read my emails as a brush my teeth. at 6 am.) and take it to the kitchen while i steam my milk.

Akk, I'm late! I run out the door throw my new jawbone in my ear and take off. Leaving my phone sitting on the stove. And I try to turn my jawbone on at least 10 times before conceding to the fact that it's in need a re-charge. I didn't realize I didn't have my phone with me until lunch.

good one alisa.

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Woah, I love thise giveaway site. And I am THINKING of dabbling into clothes. Mostly skirts. So this little card combo is a definite way to help me out. If you don't have Grosgrain on your google reader, there are some pretty funky cool things being dished out there!

Any other tips????? Got there and enter yourselves in! Or wait around and see all the other great giveaways!

Great places, Bad choices

If you know me. You know of my love for bacon. Or if you read this blog semi-occationally you know I love bacon. If you know me, you know the stories of how my dad would cook bacon for me on saturdays, and that beautiful smell came wafftling down the hall to my room to joyously wake me from my slumber...

So I've been hearing about the Bacon Ice Cream at Moo Creamery off Truxtun in Bakersfield.

Last night I convinced Tad to go hit up the Creamery for our first trip over there. What a great place! Everyone was soo nice and the ice cream was so fresh and tasty! We need MORE places like this in town! I love it!

I almost chickened out of trying the bacon ice cream, but Tad convinced me. It is the culmination as a bacon lover to at least give it a try. So we ordered it, but I added another scoop of pumpkin pie just in case. Its a good thing i did.

I came, I tried, and that's about it. I liked the maple ice cream base, but I could never be prepared for the chunks of bacon. Not a good choice. When we asked out bus boy if its a hit, he said, that kids LOVE it. Good, maybe I should have trying this 15 or 20 years ago.

I WILL be back at Moo Creamery - but not for the bacon ice cream! Ha!

Hello? Is this thing on?

SO life has changed!

1. I am teaching Math again!!!! Its hard coming back, I feel like I haven't hit my stride yet... My lessons could be much better... I had such a hard time with classroom management last year, that i feel like I'm being too strict this year.

2. We are house hunting!!!! We just started and I want to buy every house we tour (a grand total of two so far, i told you... we just started) I feel like I'm on that show but without the cameras, and HGTV isn't going to decorate my first dining room.... a girl can dream.

3. I love and miss my etsy shop so much. I still have items listed, but since I am sooo busy with school - Tad has suggested I pare down on my selling and *GASP* sewing. So after I finished a few large custom orders... I'm just going to leave items that I have already made in the shop. (just a few bags, and the jewelry). Sigh.. there's always Christmas... and next year. So i'll still do custom orders - just give me TIME and lots of it.

4. I've been neglecting my blog. I apologize. I'll make time.

5. I am just starting as a co-leader of this brand new Women's Bible Study at Church for young women. Though I adored my Bible study last year BECAUSE of all the different ages, I can already see the need for this group for girls that may be scared off by an older study. Plus, its Beth Moore's study of Daniel. Plus, these girls are fun! I'm excited to see where we'll be after the year long study!

one more step....

I feel like for the last few years, I've been telling myself, Just one More step.

One more thing, one more hoop. one more step.

If i look at it this way, then I don't hyperventilate over the HUGENESS that might be instore for me. My God knows how much of a worry wort I am. And I pretty sure He knows that if I take it one step at a time I'll get though.

If I turn around and look back, I am sooo amazed and what I have done so far!!! I took a huge step in starting a credential program that five years ago I would have baulked at the idea. I taught for a year which has trials of its own. I stayed up too late on weeknites finishing lesson plans and fell asleep at 8 on Friday nights. California changed the requirements and wouldn't allow me to return to teaching. I swallowed my humility and went BACK to subbing after a year of full time teaching. I studied my butt off for my Math CSETS. I PASSED. Student teaching... YIKES, In 2007, if God had given me a looking glass into all that was going to tackle, I think i would have fainted.

And so I just need one more step. I need to finish some more applications and get calling these districts until someone gives me a job.

I am filling out these teaching applications and I am sweating bullets all over them.

I don't know where I am supposed to go, and I don't know where I'll be two months from now. Will I be at my dream district? Will I be logging lots of miles on my civic to teach across town? Will I be subbing again, for another year? Will I be in a low performing school? Whatever, where ever it is, I need to keep in mind its exactly where I need to be. And lately I'm finding peace in that.

Did anyone see the front page of ETSY tonight?

.... I would say about 50% of you know what I'm talking about. And since my viewer-ship is about 16. (if that) Do the Math. 8.

So to the rest of those who are not addicted to Etsy, (YOU SHOULD BE!) Here is a little info:

On etsy, on the front page, the great minds that make ETSY amazing are busy picking awesome items and awesome treasury lists, and just plain awesomeness. My dream is to one day end up on the front page and have all my items sell out in ten minutes flat. BUT until that day I will settle for awesomeness by others.

Behold:

i love bacon.

Done and Dusted

After a few months of planning, talking, sending fabric samples, I am finished with an AWESOME custom clutch order!I have made custom orders before, but this is my first HUGE order, nine clutches all the same for a bride and her bridesmaids!!!!

I'll take you through my journey: first we were solid on the fabrics, i send her photos of the and choices where made, I even mailed her a

few, because its so hard to photograph satins and silks.

Then I start working. How was I to know that I was about a half a yard short of my green/damask fabric???

Not a prob ,I'm at Joanns at least once a week, i have a coupon, its a nice, designer fabric..... The first couple of times, when I am under no rush, i'm thinking - its not on the racks because someone has it to cut, or it hasn't been replaces from a busy JoAnns day....

Then about the third time I enlist some help, and realize ITS NOT IN STOCK!!!!! WHAT, on top of that, its not in the two or three west coast warehouses they search!!!!!

I am dead. Thank goodness I can still order it online. Apparently there is some super secret warehouse where they hide all the fabrics... so i use my 50% coupon, (AMEN)! I waited because I was sure Murphy's Law would rear its head and I'd get an email that tough cookies -

There is no more of this fabric on the face of the ear

th. But nope, it processesed and I got this fabric last monday!

Now I just feel bad. Because this was supposed to be finished at the end of June. Yikes. So i kick it into gear and I've been eating, breathing and dreaming in hot pink faux silk and chartreuse green, that its all I see!!!!! I did a rough calculation and I figure I pinned about 350 time during this project give of take about ten. And probably about 5% of those ended in injury.

I finally finished though, And I love them to death! I wish i could keep them but what would I do with eight hot pink bags?

Happy ETSY-versary !!!

Today marks the one year anniversary of becoming a seller on etsy! HURRAY!!!

I remember I was so excited that I listed two ribbon bookmarks, that were so cute and a few crocheted items.

I checked back a few hours later, and I had sold BOTH of my little bookmarks. "WOAH!!!!

I could make MILLIONS!" I thought to myself. "This etsy thing may just work." I listed a few more creations... and i promptly sold nothing else for 2 months straight. ha.

Things have been really picking up for me around christmas time, and bee focusing on branding my shop and perfecting my crafts. I've improved photos, hired a FANTASTIC graphic designer for my branding, and have really been working on promotions.

ps - LOVE my logo, if you need branding/logo work,

you have to get ahold of Kelly Mitchell! She's the best!!!

I have a long way to go, and though I haven't made millions - I'm sure that I'll keep creating things i love. I have been making enough to promise Tad that all supplies from here on out come from my paypal account. It has been this way since probably February, and i hope to keep it this way!

So this week to celebrate my ETSY-versary, I am offering Free shipping on all purchases over $10!!!!!!

YEEEEEEAH!!!!!!!!!!

Etsy Buy Handmade LoveAlisa

i promise

i promise to be back blogging and updating my life as soon as this school year is over. 

Which includes Friday.   I have all my student teaching paperwork that I need to CREATE and TYPE and PRINT and turn in.

When that is over I can sing a song, do a little dance and go watch that movie i've been promising my Taddy I'd see with him.

THEN LET THE BLOGGING BEGIN!  

What a summer this will be!

(but really, no crossed fingers...)

"Cinco De Mayo is Holiday Time... In Mexico!"

(my husband is so cute and always sings that song like a first grader on Cinco De Mayo... because thats when he remembers from first grade)

Its Cinco De Mayo and the ETSYowls Team is AT IT AGAIN!!!!

This time we took on the challenge to get inspired by the Mexican Culture and flair of this holiday!   Check out our entry's and then you can go and vote for your favs!

Entries:

LoveAlisa's Cinco De Mayo Clutch:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24535239

SquareJane's Cinco de Mayo Taco Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24612612

Ickydogcreations Cinco de Mayo with Chihuahua flair

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24483628

Now that you've seen the awesomeness that is the ETSYowls Team, get over there and put in your votes!

VOTE VOTE VOTE

My new and improved photos!

Most of you are aware that I have a etsy shop where I sell all sorts of creativity for a small price!

Recently I have been fed up with my awesome camera not taking awesome photos.  (With better etsy photos comes more treasuries & Etsy Front Page features.)

Check my Team's Blog for a feature about what I did about it!

I crafted my own macro studio, and my photos have already improved!  (not much luck with sales....  YET!)

I'll Be Baack... Oh wait... I am baack.

Wow,  I have not been on here. That is going to change!   I need to spiff up my menus, and my background.... hmmm....  Any suggestions to spiff if up?

 I did have many ideas for blog entry, but I kept saying, i don't want waste that as my first blog back, because no one will read it!!!When you keep saying that... no one will ever come 'round your blog EVER.

So here is a wasted revival blog that probably no one will notice, but will show up in your google reader, and serve as a reminder that I still exist!!!!

On an entirely different note:  I am student teaching, and this is our last day of Spring Break (the monday after Easter--- Why didn't I have that in school?)   and in true procrastinator fashion, I saved all my grading and lesson planning for today!!! YipEE!!! 

Go Vote for LOVEALISA !!!!!

Vote for me in this contest!

Submit entry|Create your own contest

Contest details

Another great Grosgrain Giveaway!!!!!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

Vote For MEEEEE!

Honestly I don't have that much exciting news!  

• I am still looking for a job - 
• I'm still subbing
• I don't not plans to visit Orange County (bri)
• um... we are going to cook valentine's dinner at home...  
• ...thats about it...

THE ONE THING I DOOO NEED TO SAY is,  I have joined this awesome street team Called the ETSYOWLS TEAM and they rock! We have these challenges!  & i entered in the "Something you'd make/do back in the day"

Here's my entry:

GO VOTE HERE!!!  GOOO VOTE FOR LOVEALISA HERE!!! GO VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

...i will update....

it is my belief that soon.... i will be in the habit of blogging more.

 i have much many exciting times to write about.

 

well, at least a few.

stay tuned, I have not disappeared under a rock.

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

Who doesn't love give-aways!  Thanks to Lorie's post about three minutes ago, I found this great site, that i will continue to go to! So go check her out!

A New Year... A new...WHAT?

So, its a new year. 2009.  This year I will be one step closer to my 10 year high school reunion, it'll be 5 years since I graduated from Vanguard University...  wow.  2009 will be my 4 year anniversary.... wow.    

This New Years Eve, Tad looked at me and made a resolution for the both of us.  "We should resolve to go to the gym... 200 times this year"    "well ok!!!"  I said quickly doing the Math in my head. Which is roughly 16 2/3 times a month in 09.    (we already bought a new calendar and are marking the days off... yippee!)

      I'm usually not a resolution kinda person, I vow to be a better person... to maybe watch the amount of sugar intake (e.i. Mtn Dew).... but nothing concrete enough.

One reason I don't make resolutions.. and more specifically GYM resolutions, is I have my Uncle Phil's voice in the back of my head.  (yes i have a Uncle Phil, but he is fervent racketball playing retired 4th grade teacher)  For YEARS, he has complained that the WORST three weeks are the first three weeks of the new year where newbies invade his racket club and take up his spot on the rowing machine and/or courts.    So when I hear about heading to the gym as a resolution, I hear his scream: "I HAAAATE THE GYM IN JANUARY"

Now - I don't blame my Uncle Phil for my aversion to the gym, in fact his devotion has in part made me get my butt off the couch and there.   

 AND - I think I've been there routinely enough to recognize the regs (Toothpick Man, Perfectly Sculpted Girl, Creepy Leery Guy, Captain America, Elliptical-for2-hours Lady, Rex Kwan Do Guy... and so on.  And I'm sure I'm known as: Girl who's face matches her hot-pink shirt.

So hopefully when I go to the gym, I won't be seen as one of THOSE people my Uncle Phil loves sooo much.