Finally!

Hello Dear Friends!

I have been gone for so long I couldn't even remember my password to log onto my blogger account. How sad is that?

If you have been wondering where I have been, I have been @ Woody's Bar B Que in Palatka...My brother opened this restaurant on August 17. It took all summer to get it ready and the last month to make sure it is operating smoothly! I signed up to help him, but finally we are all able to breathe a little easier and my expertise :) will not be needed quite as much!

So, tomorrow about noon I have a date with my sewing studio!!!!! I cannot wait! I am even going on a little fabric buying excursion at 9 in the morning just as a little treat for me. As you probably know, I do like to sew, but it is the fabric shopping that really makes me high!!!

On Wednesday, I have another date, this time with my favorite graphic designer, who also happens to be the bride-to-be.....We will be mostly doing wedding stuff, but have promised to squeeze a few hours of photography of the new bags for the site....which brings me to more news. Shelby is in the process of changing my website. It is a long process, and one that you all will not get to see until it is done, but it thrills me! A new logo and everything.

As for the wedding, we have a bridal shower this weekend, and then the wedding invitations go out next Monday morning. The wedding is 8 weeks from yesterday...my how this year has flown by...And, just for those of you who may be wondering, NO, I do not know what I am wearing to the wedding. And, NO, I haven't even been looking....and I don't intend to until halloween. October 31....plenty of time!

As for my new college freshmen, they are awesome. Tyler loves the Florida Arts program. It is a perfect fit for him at this time in his life. He really wants to go away to finish college, and I know he will.....Jami is really doing great in her first year as well. Karl & I are so proud of her....I even saw where she is looking into FSU's nursing program. I have teased her all weekend that I am not speaking to her----she got her nose pierced. Yuk. I don't like it....but if that makes her feel like a rebel, well....it could have been worse! :)

My furry girls are wonderful, as always....I make them stay inside most of the time since it is snake-crawling time!

It was fun to catch up----I will be updating more regularly now.
Thanks for visiting my little corner of the world.
XO,
Laura

AWOL again!

I apologize....I have been absent.
It has been a busy summer and it has shown NO signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The graduation was fantastic. Tyler gave the closing remarks and sang the Alma Mater and just like that he and Jami were graduates. I did not cry at the ceremony.....but that was only because I had cried all day! :) Good tears though, really!

Since then, my family has been crazy busy trying to get our restaurant open in Palatka. We are putting a Woody's Bar B Que in the old Walt's building. It is a major undertaking and we have all been there 24/7 it seems. Opening Day is slated for August 17, but we are hoping that maybe we can get it together before that.....we will just have to see if we can line everything up before then. My parents and brother have been in the restaurant business for the past few years, having owned a Woody's in Jacksonville....I, however, was only ever there to eat dinner....and I had (notice I say had) no restaurant experience at all.....I am becoming quite the expert!!! haha

Tyler is in Orlando this week auditioning for American Idol.....along with Shelby's best friend Amy.....I am so excited for the both of them. Both are such talented singers....and both will be singing at Shelby's wedding in the fall. They sing today at the arena....their 20 seconds of fame before they find out if they get to move to the next round. Keep your fingers crossed!

Shelby starts her last semester of college next month, Tyler and Jami start their first. Miss Ashlie is somewhere near her last one....so they are all busy! Hunter will be in the 7th grade....

Purse orders are coming in and I am doing my best to keep up with them. I have tons of new fabrics......and actually have some new bags made (fortunately sewing is therapy to me!) one day I hope to have time to load them on the site.....If I get quite a few more made I am hoping to have an Open House in August......of course all of that will depend on the restaurant.....
I will try to keep you informed.....
In the mean time --- Have a great summer!

xo
Laura

Yes, The Waterworks Have Started & A View From a Graduation Party...

Jami and Tyler and Karaoke!
Even Dear Old Dad was having a good time!
Our dear friend Nancy....
A little shade, anyone?
The amazing, and I do mean AMAZING, theatre kids!
Blue and gold cupcakes, homemade---of course!
The gorgeous graduates. They both make me cry. I am so proud of both of them. Jami and Tyler, you two are AWESOME! You both are such blessings to me!
Wasn't Jami such a cute little Panther cheerleader? And what about Karl as a graduate? Doesn't he look so young...
Beautiful Jami.

And, what about Ty in his blue cap and gown, Pre-School Class of 1995! My, how the time has flown.


Sorry you all haven't heard from me all month....May flew by. It has all been a little overwhelming. And it isn't over yet.... Graduation is this Friday. 8pm. I have used more than my fair share of tissues over the last 3 weeks, but I know Friday will do me in. I am even packing an extra tissue for Mr. Weaver. I think I saw a tear in his eye yesterday at Baccalaureate.

You all have a good week.

Laura

Blueberry Festival

If you read this post earlier, please forgive all the typos! That is simply what happens when I am in a hurry and do not go back to read whatever I have written......I think I have managed to correct them----You all have a great weekend!

I live in Bostwick, Florida. It is a quaint little community, and every year around this time they hold the "Bostwick Blueberry Festival". Do they grow blueberries in Bostwick? I have no knowledge of that....but every year at the festival they manage to sell thousands of pounds that someone has grown somewhere. We will once again have a booth at the Blueberry Festival....we skipped the last few years....but are very excited to be back.
This year at the festival we are going to have a line of bags for the value-conscious shopper.....because of the economy here at LFW we realize people are struggling, and trying hard to make ends meet. We have a line of bags similar to our original ones, the will be reversible, feature a ribbon-tie closure and two handles. They are available in the tiny ($10) the little size ($15) and the original size ($20). These bags will make a perfect gift for a graduate or anyone else on your gift list. Today in the studio we are busy producing these adorable bags.....I will try to photograph some and put on the blog for tomorrow!
We look forward to seeing you in Bostwick, Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 8am until 4pm!
See you there!

My Weekend, A New Handbag and More Camera Talk!

Okay, so I had a busy weekend. First of all it was Hunter's 12th birthday, so we had a little dinner for him and I talked Shelby into taking photos of him with her "Good" Camera....a Canon Rebel xS These were shot with a 75-300mm zoom lens..Then on the top photo she used a "soft and faded" action on Photoshop to create the affect.
And isn't he handsome? On the wall in my foyer is where I have pictures of all the children. Ashlie, Shelby, Jami, and Tyler's pictures are their senior ones, but the picture of Hunter is one from his 4th birthday :Eight years made quite a difference.

Bless his little heart, isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen? Anyway, I guess it is time to update the photo on my wall, so I am going to choose one, I love the serious one, but his smile is so precious that I may have to choose the one at the top.

The one below Shelby did using some silly Photoshop filter....but it is still adorable.....
Next, yesterday, Shelby MADE ME (I think she forgot who the mother is!) design a messenger bag. She was in dire need of one, or so she said, and she wasn't leaving until I had made her one!
So, here is the new bag on lfwdesigns.com- the Shelby Messenger, modeled by the gorgeous Jami...You can find all the particulars about the new bag here.

And, just because I didn't want Tyler to feel left out, Shel also photographed him, this is with the soft and faded Photoshop action as well....

My weekend was capped off with Tyler singing two solos at church yesterday, and I know I am biased when I say this, but he was AWESOME.

Now its Monday and time to get back to work....I have a purse party tomorrow evening and am busy getting some new things ready for it....
Y'all have a good day,
Laura
PS: I am still trying to convince Karl (and myself) that I really need the new camera....although I think I want a Nikon (don't tell Shelby!) :)

Hog Wild

First of all, I want to warn you. I want a new camera. I want a really good DLSR, SLDR, RLDS.....whatever it is.....not the "point and shoot" kind that I currently own. Not that there is anything wrong with my camera.....I just want a better one. A much better one. And, I feel the need to justify it...
So, without further delay, here are my photos from last night with my regular-old point&shoot...and while they are OK....I wnat better photos. Clearer ones, brighter ones...




It is fair time in Putnam County, and that is a big deal...Children from all over the county who are in the 4H clubs raise hogs to get ready for the show.
Last night it was time. About 10- 15 hogs run into the ring at a time, the judge eliminates all but 5, and then he walks around and around and around and around and around (do you get the picture?) deciding which of these 5 is the best. Then he announces his choices, and we start all over again......I think they weighed in 139 hogs last night.

Anyway, we sat and we watched for three hours. No joke. Three hours. And the whole reason for that was because this cute little face:
Hunter raised a hog....a 260 pound one.
And, Hunter and his hog made the first cut, and ended up 4th in his group....and was also chosen for best showmanship....
And, so it goes, we were (are) just a little proud of our handsome young man. (Who, by the way, will be TWELVE years old tomorrow!!---HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNTER!!!)
So, after Hunter was finished we were headed back to Bostwick. It was fun. And educational. By the time the last 3 groups came out I could pick out what was going to be the winning hog.....I was even right when Karl was wrong....haha....

So, anyway....there were my pics....see I desperately need a camera that can do a better job....
I really really really want one.

Y'all have a great day!
Laura

I Hate Vegetables

I hate vegetables. I do. I hate them. I think they are gross. Well, most of them anyway. Potatoes and lima beans are about as close as I get. Actually once every few weeks I do eat steamed broccoli....
I say all of that to get to this point: a few weeks ago one of my clients came in raving about the cauliflower that she and her sister had made the night before. (I am thinking: "Whatever!") Cauliflower NEVER has had a chance in my house....of all the veggies out there this was one of the most disgusting, or so I thought! Anyway, she and her sister had roasted it, she said it was so delicious that they ate all of it before it made its way to the dinner table! Right. Cauliflower is suddenly so wonderful that people are eating it up before it makes its way to a plate? OK.

For whatever reason (must be like me buying fabric with flamingos and tattoos) when I was at Publix last week I bought a head of ---you guessed it---cauliflower. So, by now you know the rest of the story....I roasted it, and I promise you it is delicious. I LOVED it. I have been converted....although a salad full of raw vegetables still does not appeal to me, I think you could roast just about any veggie and I would eat it! The children too.....even Tyler... and Heaven knows that child is a picky eater! Since the original cauliflower roasting, we have now roasted onions, carrots, asparagus.....and are planning on doing some broccoli this evening. So I thought I would share the simple list of ingredients and how we do it......
Buy some cauliflower.....heat up your oven......and eat the delicious vegetable!

Here is what you need:

Fresh Cauliflower ( I do 2 heads for the 5 of us)

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil ( I like the extra light----but whatever kind you prefer will be fine)

Lawry's Seasoned Salt (I only use a little sprinkling)

Black Pepper (I use tons of pepper---I love it)

Preheat oven to 400*. Break the cauliflower into florets, not too small, but not huge either. The bigger they are the longer the cooking time needs to be. Then rinse in a colander, and spread them on a cookie sheet, drip the oil over the florets, spinkle salt and pepper, then I toss them around on the cookie sheet to make sure all the pieces have oil and seasonings. Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes...turning them after ten minutes, that's all there is.....It will be just lightly browned.

Delicious!

If you choose to do carrots, they take 50 minutes at 425, baby asparagus takes approximately 11 minutes at 400*, thicker asparagus takes about 20 minutes.......the possiblities are endless, and I am eating vegetables. How about that?

AWOL

Ok, I have been absent.

Too much going on....so for a quick update...

LFW will be participating the Bostwick Blueberry Festival as well as the Palatka Blue Crab Festival.....the Azalea Festival was such fun---I had forgotten how nice it is to get out and see everyone at a craft show. Thanks to those of you who read my blog and website and came out to see us.....it is always so great to see you, and so nice to meet out new friends! (the pictures are from the Azalea Fest)



I have brand new fabric this week, a gorgeous Flamingo fabric....flamingos are NOT my thing, however I fell in love with this print.....hopefully the bags will make it to the website this week. Also a new black and white print with just a little red mixed in.....as well as a tattoo print. Tattoos have never been my thing either.....(isn't that a little odd that this week I picked out so many things that have NEVER appealed to me! what does that say????)



As for the wedding plans, they are right on track....we have settled on a photographer out of Ocala....Elle Wedding Photography...his photographs are awesome. Shelby loved... LOVED ...LOVED them....we are so looking forward to working with him. Next we must decide on the catering, and while we think we have chosen the caterer......the menu is still up in the air! So, is the cake...oh yeah, and the invitations! We have spent hours....too many hours to count looking at thousands of invitations.....and still cannot make a choice....I do not even think we have narrowed it down any! Too many choices. Here's a question for you:

When someone sends you a fantastic wedding invitation, do you:
a) keep it forever as a token of the wedding
b) keep it just until the wedding as a reminder
c) write the date and time on your calendar and then throw the invitation in the trash?

Just curious..... :)



As for my two high school graduates....their announcements came in last week....to say they are excited is certainly an understatement. We are busy planning the big party for them....



As for my two soon-to-be college graduates (right, Ashlie and Shelby???) they are busy making sure they have all of their courses lined up.....



Any way, we've been a little busy....

I will try to keep up with you all a little more....thanks for all the emails....

Hope you are enjoying your Saturday.

:)
Laura

PS: Oh yeah, one more thing.....Shelby broke her collarbone this week.....there is never a dull moment around here! But, thank the Lord, she is going to be fine!

Back to Normal....

Well, we are back to normal, whatever that is...

On the business front, I have added 11 more bags to the site today. I am striving to put 100 new things on there in the next few weeks. This afternoon I am working on a new style.....will post more about it in the morning --- that is IF it is successful! :)

Also, I have decided to do to Palatka Azalea Festival this year. I have only done it once before, several years ago, but I thought it would be fun to do this year because my friend, and talented designer, Nancy Vorasso, is going to join me in my booth with all of her lovely creations...we will have a grand time. Make plans to come out and see us, this is a quaint festival in downtown Palatka, Saturday and Sunday, March 7&8 from 8am to 5pm both days.
As for the Blue Crab Festival in May, it is still up in the air according to this morning's Palatka Daily News, but there is a 90% chance that it will happen. We will be there if the show is a go!

I will be in the studio all afternoon, will let you know what I accomplish.

Thank you for all of your kind emails....

Have a good day!
:)
Laura
PS: For all of you subscribers who recieve this blog through email I have included the link to the actual blog, as sometimes is gets distorted in the email.
www.lfwdesigns.com/blog

Oh, What an Evening...

A view from an engagement party....Bostwick style....


Shelby and Blake, doesn't the Official Engagement Photo look lovely on the mantle?



Meme (my mother) made a Strawberry Cake loaded with cream cheese frosting and even decorated it to match the invitations.....Fantastic job Meme, you are so creative!


Hydrangeas, hydrangeas, and more hydrangeas.....it has been chosen as the Official Wedding Flower!
A tray of beautiful Petit Fours, also courtesy of Meme....

The Beautiful Maid of Honor, Miss Ashlie....


Meme, the baker, and Madison the Junior Bridesmaid....

The gorgeous couple with their GORGEOUS moms!!! :)

The setting outside, isn't it lovely?


What a great night! We are so lucky to have such great friends and family!
Y'all have a great week!
XO
Laura

Valentines Day Bags

The new valentine bags have been added to the site! And while I call them "Valentine's Day" bags they really are perfect for anytime of the year, from cherries, to gingham, to hearts....all are adorable. Simply click on the "Shop Online Link" and it will show you the pretty bags....there is limited quantities so don't delay! They are available for immediate delivery.

Thanks!
I will be back soon with more Engagement Party preparations.......woo hoo!
Y'all have a great Thursday!
:)
Laura

And the winner is.....

This one. It was after all, my favorite! Really, isn't that all that matters? That I am happy? Of course, I know, I know, it is not all about me or my opinions. That is why I recruited you after all. Thank you to all of you who voted in the comments and all of you who sent me an email with your pick! #3 did win officially. It is beautiful. They are beautiful. Anyway, the engagement party is this weekend. This house is a flurry of activity----and I have about 10 lists of things to do/buy/pick-up. Oh yeah, and I don't have one single thing to wear to the party. I haven't shared that little tid bit of information with Karl yet. Shopping. He will be thrilled.......anyway I will give you an update about the party as the week progresses.....

Also, thank you for coming to the Open House......It was good.....always good to see my favorite customers, and always fun to meet the people who are new to the world of LFW....and yes, there will be another Open House before Easter and another before Mother's Day!

The Palatka Blue Crab Festival is on again for this year.....and we will be there.....right next to my good friend, Nancy Vorasso......she wanted to have a booth, so I decided I should have one to. I have not done a craft show/festival in over a year! I am very excited....it should be FUN FUN FUN....it is memorial day weekend, so mark your calendars.

Saturday night there was nothing to do .....I ran around singing "Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio". Do you know that song, its John Denver, somewhere in the middle seventies---"Saturday night in Toledo, Ohio, is like being nowhere at all".....only a few verses I changed to Saturday night in Bostwick, Florida, blah blah blah....so since there was NOTHING to do we walked to the edge of our field to view this:
Alpacas? Who knew!
I will check in later!
Have a good week!
:)
Laura