Happy New Year ~2014~

Just a quick note to wish you all a most Happy New Year!  I hope 2014 will be a wonderful year for you and yours.

2013 was a year of change for our family; I hope to reach goals in 2014 that I had to set aside this past year.  I look forward to 2014 being a year of growth.  

I thank you, always, for reading this blog, supporting my business, and interacting with me via Social Media.  Over the past few years I have made wonderful friends in the handmade business and craft world via Instagram and Twitter and I look forward to those friendships growing and making more!

Be safe and Happy New Year!

XxOo~ Melissa

{Friday} On My Mind.

I see a red tree out my kitchen window... this is the first time in a long time that I can recall seeing the leaves change and I love it. 

So, I was checking out my blog stats and posts the other day and realized a few things:

- We have lived in Western North Carolina for 6 months now, four of which in our new home... time is flying by.

- While time has been flying by, I've posted six times on my blog since moving into our new home... what the heck!?

- In the midst of "Settling" into our new place, new routines, new everything.. I've totally let my blog and passion slide, almost to the point of calling it quits.  Gasp! I know, right?!

Lets talk about that last part...


Excuses, Excuses... that's what I've been feeding myself the past few months whenever I've had some brilliant topic to blog about.  I've also convinced myself that no one wants to see my recipes or know about any of the Mommy stuff that I do, like packing lunches, home DIY projects, etc... because this is a sewing blog and all of a sudden anything that isn't sewing related isn't "good enough".  What is the deal?!  

I'm also going to confess that I now know first hand that comparison is the thief of joy... like all of those Pinterest pins have told me.  When I'm not blogging I'm looking at everyone else's fabulous life via their blogs and Instagram and freaking Pinterest.  Which I love, by the way... have you seen my recipe board? I'm on it daily, no joke.

Today I stop.  Today I begin again.

I really freaking love where I'm at and what I do.  I really want to share that with you, and while I have big HUGE dreams for my business and were I would like it to be one day, I'm going to embrace where I am now.  Right now.

I love being a Mother to my daughters, I love being a wife and friend to my husband, and I love selling fabric, sewing, learning, creating, and everything that SoChick! is all about.  So, I'm embracing my life as it is, bigger things will come for SoChick! in due time, but for now I'm happy with where my focus is, and finding that happiness and balance again has reignited my passion.  Not to mention, I am so ready to get back to connecting with all of the awesome people I have met through blogging... have y'all noticed how slack I've been in most social media platforms?! I miss you guys.. uh, gals.. and guys?

No more excuses.  Just doing, living and loving.

Whats on your mind this Friday?

XxOo~ Melissa

Random Sewing Inspirations via Pinterest {The Crafty Tattoo}

There is so much to be found on Pinterest...

This morning I did a search for "Sewing Inspiration" which led me to wonder about "Sewing Tattoos"... what I found is that crafty folks are quite crafty with their skin decorations as well...

Here is one of the several very cool sewing/craft tattoos that I happened upon...

Source: flickr.com via Trying to be on Pinterest

Since I don't embed images that won't link directly to the original, I'm going to suggest you just have a peek for yourself!

Happy Wednesday!

XxOo~ Melissa

{Keep Calm and Sew}

New Year, New Adventures... lots going on, so to keep from being overwhelmed, I'll just repeat this to myself:

Source: french-knot.tumblr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Happy Tuesday!

XxOo~ Melissa

Random Updates {Family & Business}

Friday already?!  I know, I know... "Yay, Friday!"  But that's hard to do when I feel like I still have so much to do.

Last week was super productive, and while this week was productive, too (in it's own way), I feel like I still have a ton to do, work-wise.  So, here is a list of what I did accomplish this week:

-I'm 12 miles into my #42MilesinAugust goal.  I'm confident that I can meet the goal by the end of the month... even though I had a few rain-outs.

-I embroidered and sewed some more custom grips bags for my oldest Chickie's gym/teammates.  This is my way of fundraising for the various fees and such involved with her Compulsory Gymnastics.  The bags look awesome and save the girls from losing their things at practice and meets.

-Speaking of meets, my chick has a mock meet today to start gearing up for her first competitive season of Compulsory Gymnastics... exciting!

- I made an embroidery design which I will be listing for sale... more about that early next week.

- School supply shopping is on the list for today, I also hope to deliver some new items for sale this weekend at Ali Smith Cake Design in New Bern.


Well, now I feel like I accomplished something... off for school supplies... 4th grade, here we come!

Have a great weekend!








XxOo~ Melissa

A Quick Survey: How do you follow SoChick?

This morning I posted a poll over on the SoChick! Facebook Page... I would love for you to swing by and let me know how you follow SoChick!; is it via Facebook, Twitter, this Blog (via Google Friend Connect or Subscription), or are you a Newsletter subscriber?

All of these options are on the Facebook Poll, which is pinned to the top of the page... I appreciate your feedback!

Remember:
~Once the SoChick Facebook Page hits 500 followers, I'll have a GiveAway to celebrate! *Woot!*  Be sure to share with your friends!
~ You can still save 25% on everything in the Shop with code SUMMER25 at checkout (That's a great savings on Amy Butler Fabric and Handmade Bags & Accessories, Including CUSTOM options! *Happy Dance*)


XxOo~ Melissa

InstaFriday {Sewing, My Pups and Winners}

This week went by so quickly.. I guess that's what happens when Monday is a Holiday!

Here's the rundown of my week via Instagram, I'm linking up with Jeannett!  You can follow me on Instagram (thesochickchick).

Always nice to start the week with a Twitter Swap... Kristen from kd-quilts stitched this quilted pouch for me, I love the fabrics!  She also stuffed it with lots-o-scraps, all of which I'm itching to use!

Tropical whatever-it-was Beryl came through on Wed., So I took the time to cut and prep some items for this weekend's Farmer's Market.

I love my poodle boy, Conrad, with a clean shaven face and ears... apparently he thinks that being fresh from the groomer means he can lounge on the couch.  Although, my youngest chickie doesn't help with the confusion when she calls him to lay with her... ha.

A little of what will be at the Market this weekend.

Marilyn, our Boston Terrier, rules the roost... Conrad thinks she shouldn't be on the couch, well.. at least not in his spot!

I'll be at the New Bern Farmer's Market tomorrow, June 9th and June 16th... so I'll be sewing lots in between... if you're in the area, come by for a visit!!

* * *

GiveAway Winner Info:

 This sale has ended, and while I didn't meet my goal to kick-off the GiveAway, I did e-mail something special to those who participated!  Thank you! 

The Advocare Spark Energy Giveaway had two participants... lucky for them, because they are each getting a prize!  Thanks for entering!

Have a fabulous weekend!

XxOo~ Melissa

My Fitness Journal {Eating Healthy}

I'm sitting here hoping it doesn't rain this morning so that I can go for a run.  A few weeks ago I picked up a gently used jogging stroller (for a great deal... $40!) and I've really stepped up my game since then.  I log my runs with the Log Your Run App (free) on my iPhone and I'll tell ya, its SO much easier to run when I can take my littlest Chick with me.


I'm not gonna lie, getting used to pushing my three-and-a-half year old in a jogging stroller, after never having used one, is a workout in itself... but completely doable. Bonus is extra calories burned and she gets park time after two miles! 


This week I added some strength training exercises from SELF magazine and am feeling them after the first two sessions.


The most difficult part of upping my regular exercise is making sure I take in enough calories and make smart eating decisions. SELF does have some great recipes and plans on their site, though their recipes are geared for a single person... not a family of four; after I do the math, it gets expensive.  Luckily, my family eats pretty healthfully anyway; the biggest factor is making sure I get the extra calories I need and don't blow it by waiting so long to eat that I'm ravished.  I need to remember, Veggies, fruits, veggies, veggies... because I can eat endless amounts of those... right?


I'm doing my best to slow down on sugar, too... and coffee... GASP!  I know, it's crazy.  A big helper has been the Spark Energy Drink by Advocare.  It helps with the afternoon coffee craving by giving me energy without the overdose-caffeine jitters.  It has a ton of vitamins; some days it helps me through my morning workout, too.


Do you work out regularly?  What are some of your favorite healthy snacks or meals? I'd love for you to share links or recipes!  I'll let you know if I try them!


Hoping to get some sewing in today... wish me luck!


XxOo~ Melissa

Busy Times Ahead {Gymnastics, a Birthday, Fabric, Shopping}

I really need to get back into the blogging groove...


My biggest little chick is turning 9 years old tomorrow (May 18th).  We have a busy weekend planned with the school's spring fest, her Gymnastics showcase, and Shopping at "The Big Mall" for her birthday... whew!


I can not believe it's been 9 years since our chick-a-dee came into our lives, five and a half weeks before her due date, our little 4lb 14 oz burrito.  Always the little one, always big on personality... Seriously, the tears well up when I think about it... ugh, she's in double digits next year... holy crap!

From our trip to the UGA Gym Dogs meet (Vs. NCState) in March
Um, ya don't go to Athens without eating at the Varsity.

I am so overwhelmingly proud of my little girl.  She is an excellent student, a Girl Scout and a gymnast... her most recent accomplishment is being invited to join the Compulsory team at her gym.  I'm becoming a Gymnastics Mom.  At her request. Because she loves it. So, the 12.5hr/week practice starts on Memorial Day. A new adventure on the road of life.


To celebrate, I'm giving away a free Fat Quarter with every Fabric purchase of $25 or more, May 18th - May 20th.  All US orders over $10 ship via USPS Priority for $5, always!

Simply leave a "Note to Seller" at checkout telling me which fabric you'd like a FQ of, and I'll include it in your qualifying purchase.


Also, don't forget about this Sewing Pattern Sale/GiveAway opportunity which is going on through Memorial Day... only 20 Patterns to go!  Will I meet my goal of 25 sold by Memorial Day? Will you help me?


Have a super wonderful weekend!


P.S.- In between birthday festivities, you can find me catching up on Spring Quilt Market via twitter... you can follow along, too, with hash tag #quiltmarket... woot!
XxOo~ Melissa

My Life in Photos {Fabric, Sewing, Kids and Retail Therapy}

Heyyy... so, it's been a while.

  

I'm here; working hard at being a Mommy, Wife, and indie business owner... it's quite the juggling act, I tell ya!  This week I am photographing pretty fabric so I can re-open the Shop and you can buy it up.  You will LOVE it, I'm sure!  I'll go into a post later this week about what you can expect from SoChick! Handbags ~ The Shop, the shop is in maintenance mode right now as I fill it with fabric fabulous-ness.  

For now, grab a cup of coffee and check out what I've been up to:

I love sending out pretty fabric packages and i'm looking forward to doing it much more often.

These Sunglasses Cases were sent as Swag for the Fairly Fabulous Crafting Slumber Party... I'm making more to add to the shop, using the new fabrics... yay!  I love these because they fit the big shades us Chicks like to wear *wink*; their soft structure allows them to form with any pair of sunglasses and the little magnetic tab keeps them secure... I LOVE THEM.

Some more Sunglasses Cases, at the Farmer's Market, featuring Art Gallery Fabrics. (Shown with the Mini-Tote I made a little while back.)

 I made some of these little zippy cases for the Farmer's Market, using some of the Soul Blossom fabric that'll be in the shop... great for pens/pencils, makeup brushes, travel, etc.

Pearls and a Tee with Jeans was the outfit when a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Apple store at the mall in Raleigh, NC was in order this past weekend. My husband's iPad crashed and I needed to have the camera fixed in my iPhone.  We were happy to have both fixed under warranty. Whew! (This means no more white dot in all of my iPhone photos!!!)

 What's a trip to the mall without some retail therapy?! I am SO happy to have walked past Lush Cosmetics... the lovely sales gal gave me a demo and I needed this cream, I love it!  Thanks to Reggie who packaged it in April of this year... his photo is on the side of the container. 

For Mother's Day, I've discounted my SoChick! Market Tote sewing pattern to $6.00 (from $9.50).  You can visit my Craftsy Pattern Shop to purchase the PDF download.  This pattern has full color photos, printable pattern pieces (which are easy to put together and shouldn't require resizing), and extra tips to encourage you to be creative.  I'm working on getting a button up over here on the blog to make Pattern shopping much easier. 

 Yesterday afternoon was spent in the doctor's office checking on my almost-9-year-old's ears, which were fine... she got a day off from school, but had to miss out on gymnastics practice and outside time with her friends... becuase if you are too "sick" to stay in school, you shouldn't be outside playing, right? Right!

Exciting news for my oldest Daughter, though: She has been invited to join the Compulsory Gymnastics Team at her gym... this means 12.5 hrs of practice weekly, and eventually competing in meets.  We are SO proud!!!!!!  Of course this means more juggling for me, but I'm glad to do it, she loves gymnastics... probably as much as I love fabric. Almost.


How do you juggle blogging/business/work/family?  Any tips?  Are you looking forward to shopping fabric from SoChick?  Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

XxOo~ Melissa

Gone Camping and a Custom Order

A super quick post today as I am packing up to head out for a weekend Camping trip with my oldest Chick-a-dee, her Girl Scout Troop and about 2000 other North Carolina Girl Scouts as we celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting.  Good Times.


I wanted to share this custom order diaper bag I made recently.  Again, I used Lisa Lam's Multi-tasking Tote pattern, from The Bag Making Bible... which I love.  I also love my customer's choice of the black/white Damask with Red combo.  So Classy, So Chic, So Chick!!  I also included a coordinating Wipe-able, Roll-able, SoChick Changing pad... which is topped with Vinyl for easy cleaning. 

Bag Exterior and Accents: Black & White Damask and Polka dots 100% Cotton Home Dec. Canvas


Lining: Red 100% Organic Cotton Twill


I included a Removable Base Insert for easy cleaning as well as the vinyl-covered, roll-able changing pad.


What an awesome bag to take you through the baby years and beyond!


Have a fabulous weekend!  I'll update you when I make it back to civilization. *wink*


P.S.- This is my 200th post!!! Ahhh! Can you believe it?! *happy dance* I ♥ all of you for following along with me!


XxOo~ Melissa

Computer Trouble... Happy Monday

Happy Monday! I hope it was a lovely weekend for you. It was great here, beautiful weather, the Farmer's Market was a blast and we put the loft bed up in our girls' room!
I had this great plan to get a bunch of blog posts scheduled this morning so that I could share some of what I've been up to... But, as is my luck, my computer is not wanting to work properly... Making editing photos very difficult.
While I work to get that figured out, I am still available on Facebook and Twitter... So come hang out with me over there until I can get bugs fixed and this little blog up and running again!!
XxOo~Melissa

P.S.- I'm posting this from my iPad... Aren't you impressed with my skillz?! *laughs*

Reflecting on 2011 {Welcoming 2012}

Hello Friends! How exciting it is to be greeting you on the last day of such a great year.

2011 has been a year of growth and learning for my handmade business, SoChick Handbags, this blog, and myself. 

[Looking back] This year:

~SoChick! Handbags celebrated turning 1 year old.

~I Committed to Blogging, which has been a blessing

~SoChick was Fox Small Business' "Tweet Business of the Day" and featured twice on their site; Here & Here.

~I was named  "Scatter Girl of the Month" in November

~I was featured on many blogs, of which I am SO grateful.

~SoChick! became a vendor at our local Farmer's Market

[Numbers]:

265 Followers on Twitter - 339 Likes on Facebook - 101 Blog Followers via GFC - 2600 Avg. page views per month here on the blog!

SoChick!, the business and this blog have grown so much in 2011 and I can't thank my family, friends, and customers enough for the love and support!

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I have goals and dreams for 2012, and high hopes that it will bring even more growth here, on the blog, as well as in SoChick! the business.

I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year, may 2012 be a fantastic year for you!

XxOo~ Melissa

Inspiration Workshop [Week 10: A Day in My Life...]

Linking again with Gussy Sews' Inspiration Workshop.

This week's prompt sort-of goes hand in hand with my Monday post, i'm doing a lot of talking about me this week, huh?! *wink*

The Prompt:

A Day in My Life

Summer vacation is winding down, and the anxiety that comes with the start of school, fall, the holidays, craft fairs, etc... is just around the corner... I know it!

Here is a typical day in my SoChick life:

Hubby gets up for work and leaves by 7am, I try to roll out of bed by 6:45am because I know little Natalie will be up any minute... not a late sleeper, that one.

First things first: COFFEE

Once the coffee situation is taken care of (usually while it's brewing), I let the pups out:

Wait, JACK!, You're not allowed out...

He knows this, that's why he's not looking at me... 4 out of 7 mornings include me grabbing sneaky Jack Bauer from running out into the yard.  He's known to beat up the neighborhood strays (doing his 'job', I guess).  He's even come home with another cat's claw stuck in his head... true story!

Next, I feed the animals and grab a bite to eat myself, if Natalie isn't up yet... today she was not.

I have gotten into a terrible habit of not eating breakfast right away in the morning, which I pay for come 10am... this morning I had a fresh peach with cottage cheese, Yummmm!

I'm pretty much always multi-tasking in some way, this morning it was by playing with Conrad while eating b-fast:

Yes his toy is pink, he took it from his big sister, Marilyn... don't judge. *wink*

Natalie woke up around 7:15am and came down to have some peaches and cottage cheese, too:

Then she had a yogurt smoothie, but you'd never know by looking at her, Ha!:

Once Trista rolls out of bed and has breakfast, it's to the computer to review e-mails, update the day's To Do list, and blog while the little chicks play.

Then, it's shower and getting ready for the day... usually all of this happens by 9am.

Next, I'll get in about an hour in the studio to plan patterns, look at fabric, update and check off my To Do list (checking off is way more fun *wink*)

Lunch happens around 11:30am and so do the house chores.

We will typically run errands, take a drive to my Dad's, hit up the beach and what not, after lunch, if I'm not busy sewing... even if I am, we try to get out of the house at some point.

When we get home, we'll grab a snack, finish some house work and I'll bring my laptop to the kitchen to browse for fabric, answer e-mails, etc.

I like to start dinner around 6pm; Hubby makes it home between then and 7pm.

After dinner, the girls wash up and we all just chill out in the living room until they head to bed... which, since it's summer and all, has been too late lately!

If I have orders to get out, I'll head up to my studio once the girls are in bed and stay up as long as my eyes allow.  I try to keep a rule about not sewing when I'm too tired, because then seams come out all wonky, and I'll end up having to rip them out and redo them the next day anyway.

Want to know something else that's around the corner??  My 1 year Anniversary of being a full-time independent small biz owner!  Actually, yesterday marked one year from me leaving my full-time job to pursue my dream of owning my own business and being more available for my girls... Sept 1st is the Grand Opening Anniversary of my online shop... stay tuned!

XxOo~ Melissa

Let's Take A Trip {to Savannah, Georgia}

I have a sweet little Sewing Machine review planned for tomorrow, along with another nice little surprise to kick-off the first day of Summer! *woot!*  For today, though, I thought I'd take you on a quick visit to Savannah, GA...  not a bad way to start the week, right?

Every spring in recent years, my husband and I have gone on a little mini-trip for the two of us.  Anywhere from Raleigh, NC for a night to Las Vegas for three nights, it's always a fun time. (P.s. I love Las Vegas, so fun, great buffets!)  This past march we went to Fripp Island, SC with Joe's family, which we usually do late in the summer.  We were fortunate to get away to take an overnight trip to Savannah, which is about an hour from Fripp.

I'm an Army brat, so we moved around quite a bit in my early years, but I grew-up/was raised in Sleepy Hollow, NY, once my Dad retired.  Don't let me being a 'yankee' fool you, though, I have a serious love for most things southern; Savannah quickly stole my heart!

Spanish Moss, yes, please!

 For our overnight trip we stayed at The Marshall House which was featured in Southern Living's April 2011 Issue.

How perfect that I received the magazine in the mail as we were deciding where to take our trip?! It was a sign, I'm sure.

What a beautiful Inn, I love the old architecture; the 16 bay veranda on the front... which has been there since the beginning... stunning!

Nighttime view from our Haunted Tour.

A quick view of our room, which looks amazingly similar to my bedroom at home,
 same color paint, white bedding, dark mahogany furniture. *swoon*

After checking in we took a walk down to East Bay St. which runs above and parallel to the infamous River St.  The old oaks heavy with Spanish moss lend such an ambiance to everything in Savannah... I can only imagine the history those trees have witnessed.

The view overlooking River St and the Savannah River from E Bay St.

We walked to the end of E Bay to have dinner at The Pirates' House Restaurant.  Fun atmosphere and great food... worth the walk, though, it really wasn't too far.  There's so much haunted history in Savannah as well, and to think that we ate dinner where many a Pirate frequented from the mid-1700's on, was really something.

After dinner we walked down to River St., full of shoppes and pubs.  My favorite is always the Savannah Candy Kitchen, where they make homemade candy all day long! Yummy!!! Since it was Easter weekend when we were there, this is where we picked up our girls' Easter basket... lucky girls. *Wink*


This next photo may look familiar as I left a sneak peek of it on my previous post when I made my Commitment to Blogging:

The sun setting on E Bay St.,
along with the iron lined walkways over River St. alleys,
 really make for great photo ops. 

Ahhh, River St., gotta love that cobble stone road!

Walking can be tricky down on River St. between the crowds of people and the old cobble stone walk ways... not to mention the crazy steep stairways up to E Bay St.  Again, just imagine all of the history these original roads, walks, stairs, have seen!

River Street

Watch your step!

After all of the walking around we went on a Haunted Pub Tour... which was interesting, to say the least.  The next day we woke up to have breakfast in the Atrium at The Marshall House, again, so beautiful, so southern!

Then it was time for more walking... and pictures!

I love the handmade iron gates!

Jones St. voted 'Most Picturesque Street in America'
several years in a row, by Southern Living Magazine.

I just adore these homes!

It's not Savannah without a secret garden, and Jasmine lined walls!

I could see my self living in Savannah... *wink*.  The history, old homes, beautiful gardens and parks aka squares... of which Savannah has 24, but two of those have been lost due to being built upon.  The shoppes and restaurants are just amazing as well.  I think Savannah is the epitome of Southern Architecture, Grace and Charm.

Thanks for joining me on this little trip this morning... be sure to come back tomorrow for my Sewing Machine review and a sweet little summertime surprise!



XXOO~ Melissa