Calling all prayer warriors!

I know I have missed so many things lately. I am so sorry... As I have shared via the blog's FB page, my work schedule was changed and I didn't have ant free time to go online. Not even after the kids were in bed. Seriously! But today, my contract ended and I will be enjoying 6 months of bliss called "full-time motherhood" before I go back to work again.    But that is not the most important news I am sharing with you today.  Those who are following the blog knows about my sister who was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension when she was a few months pregnant. She had been confined in the hospital since July 14 of this year and is still confined in the hospital. Just yesterday, I got a message from her about the new updates from her doctors. Let me share with you the latest update from her FB page:

we are getting ready! got my after birth hospital hamper today loaded with stuffs i need after the delivery. i am asking our family, friends and each and every prayers warriors from everywhere to please continue praying with us and for us. i will be having another swan ganz on 11/2. get steroid shots, twice on 11/3-4 to help baby's lungs expand.
and finally on 11/5, give birth through cesarean operation under general anesthesic and on ventilator. baby will be born sleeping like me due to general anesthetic. baby will be at 31weeks and 6days.
please pray that we both survive this risky procedure. please pray that she'll soon learn to breath on her own and learn to drink milk on her own and master both. she may possibly need to be on ventilator and feeding catheter on the first few weeks. please pray that the doctors would be able to keep my bleeding in contol (i am in flolan, medicine for pulmonary hypertension which expands the veins, lowers platelets counts and lowers blood pressure). i am expected to bleed more than normal since i won't be on induced labor medicine (which is supposed to help my uterus to contract after birth and help control bleeding) as it would put pressure in my heart. and since my veins are expanded and i have low platelets count i may need blood transfusion. if ever things get complicated, i might have my uterus removed, last option. but if things goes well as what we all are praying, i will just have tubal ligation. we were told this will be my last preganancy since i have pulmonary hypertension. we are counting on you and your prayers.
i know God will guide my doctors and i know He will give them wisdom, knowledge and capability to do what the need to do and what they must do. and i know God will bless us with His countless miracles and His power has no limit!
God bless us!

I want to take this opportunity to ask you again to pray for my sister and her family... but especially for her and her baby... All of these is so mind-blowing but I know that God has His plans and we trust Him... in His time, His plans will be revealed... We would really appreciate if you include my sister and her family in your prayers... Thank you. God bless you and yours!
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Win a $50 The Children's Place GC and Slatkin & Co. Prize package (10 winners), US, 11/14

Welcome to the Step into Fall Giveaway Event!

Hosted by Mom to Bed by 8

Special thanks to our lovely co-hosts Mom Blog Society and Giveaway Bandit!

From Slatkin & Co. {available at Bath and Body Works}
-14.5oz Candle ~ Three-wick candle burns approximately 30 to 45 hours. Includes elegant lid to keep your fave fragrance fresh, while adding a touch of décor.

- Novelty Wallflower ~ Combine with Wallflowers fragrance plug, sold separately to scent any room with 24/7 with noticeable freshness for up to 8 weeks.

-Wallflower Bulb ~ America's favorite fragrance plug! A quick twist of the rotating plug lets you choose a vertical or horizontal outlet.

The Children's Place is a leading specialty retailer of children's merchandise, ages newborn to 10 years old. The Company owned and operated 995 The Children's Place stores in North America and its online store, www.childrensplace.com. As seasons change so do the styles and lines available at The Children's Place. So from sparkles to prints, neutrals to fabulous brights, they have a bit of it all. Here are just a few of our favorite looks available in-stores and online now:

The Jean Machine

Fur Sure

 

Five lucky readers will receive a $50 The Children's Place Gift Card &

Five more lucky readers will receive a Slatkin & Co. Prize Package including 14.5oz Candle, Novelty Wallflower and Wallflower Bulb!

Giveaway ends November 14th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. To Sew With Love is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

Win a $50 Alfredo Angelo GC, US, 10/30

Check out this fab fashion giveaway brought to you by Mom to Bed by 8 and Alfred Angelo!

Dreams do come true, especially for women who grew up dreaming of a fairy tale wedding modeled after their favorite Disney Princess character. Alfred Angelo and Disney debuted their first collection of bridal gowns, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, at the National Bridal Market in Chicago on October 2, 2010. This marked their first collaboration, the bridal gown collection is inspired by the essence, style and personality of seven iconic Disney Princess characters: Ariel, Aurora/Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White and Tiana. Since then the collection has extended to Disney Maidens and Disney Blossoms allowing for a full bridal party in fairytale style.

The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo wedding dress collection is available in sizes 0 to 30W, at all Alfred Angelo Signature stores and select Alfred Angelo wholesale Partner Bridal Boutiques. Gowns are priced $599 to $1,199; so well within most bridal budgets. The Disney Maiden collection is available in sizes 0 to 26W and Disney Blossoms in sizes 4–16 and 2T-4T.

Acclaimed Alfred Angelo designer Michael Shettel designed the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo gowns. Michael has a keen eye for trends and the ability to translate that vision into beautiful gowns. As a result, Michael sought to capture every girl’s fantasy of feeling like a princess on her wedding day, while being inspired by the magic and identity of each of the seven Disney Princess characters. With each gown, brides can showcase their personal style. The collection includes classic, grand ball gowns in layers of tulle and sparkle net, updated fit and flare styles to highlight curves and movement, and pleated and wrapped bodices to flatter the bride’s figure.

One lucky reader will receive a $50 Alfred Angelo Gift Certificate!

Read more about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo at Mom to Bed by 8

Giveaway ends October 30th at 11:59pm, open US Residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. To Sew With Love is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

P.S. We would love to get some of your vote and boost! Just click the buttons below. Thanks! 

Win a ConceiveEasy TTC Kit valued at $152 with FREE shipping, US and Canada 10/30

Ever since I got hold of the news about my sister's pregnancy, it seemed like I have been seeing pregnant mothers everywhere. And when I say everywhere, it's EVERYWHERE! Just a few weeks ago, I found out that my boss is expecting (from my boss herself!) The desire to be pregnant again and have another baby is kicking in. And yes, it was enough to make me see beautiful pregnant bellies even in my sleep! 
It really seems like I have been seeing so many pregnant women more often than before that one would even think getting pregnant is as easy as flipping a pancake! But not everything about getting pregnant is a piece of cake. Sometimes, it would take more time and even more effort than expected. It could be caused by stress, hormonal imbalance or even an unexplained fertility. I personally know people who have a healthy lifestyle and are healthy themselves yet have been trying to conceive for years now without any positive results.    If you have been trying to get pregnant and didn't have any success just yet, don't throw in the towel. Ditch those artificial fertility medicines, go visit your doctor and dentist for pre-natal care (yes! you have to visit your doctor even before pre-pregnancy!) and check out ConceiveEasy!

Photo courtesy of ConceiveEasy
ConceiveEasy offers a TTC Kit System which includes pregnancy or ovulation tests, a basal body thermometer, a BBT chart and a start guide and a ConceiveEasy starter pack to boost your chances of conceiving! 
Are you ready to start and try the ConceiveEasy TTC Kit? Then this is your lucky day! ConceiveEasy is giving away  one (1) TTC Kit valued at $152 with FREE shipping to one lucky winner.  This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only. This giveaway will end on October 30, 2012 11:59 PM EST.
To enter, fill up the entry form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Interested on learning more about ConceiveEasy and the TTC Kit System and find out ways to get pregnant fast? Then go HERE for more information.

Disclosure: An email address is required to enter. Giveaway will end at 11:59 EST on October 30, 2012. The winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter Random Selector and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. The winner's entries will be verified -- please make sure you follow the instructions and submit the entries correctly. Only one person per household may enter. You do NOT have to be a blogger to enter. Open to the US and Canada only, ages 18+.
DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. In signing up for this promotion, participants release and indemnify Facebook from all liability. By entering this contest, you may be choosing to opt in to newsletters and other emails from To Sew With Love, To Cook With Love and/or it’s sponsors, opting out of emails does not jeopardize your chances of winning. To Sew with Love and other participating blogs are not responsible for the shipping of the giveaway prize. 



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Win a Barbie Pink 3-Storey Dream Townhouse, US and Canada, 10/30

Welcome to the Barbie Pink Dreams Event!

Hosted by Mom to Bed by 8

Special thanks to our lovely co-hosts Barbara's Beat, Crazy & Cool with a side of Crafty, Shopaholic Mommy, Capri's Coupons and The World of ContestPatti!

The Barbie 3-Story Dreamhouse is the ultimate luxury home, and it's newly renovated with fab pink columns on glamorous photo-real wallpaper. Three fabulous stories include an elevator, lights and sounds. The first floor features a dining area, fully stocked kitchen and elegant, light-up chandelier. The second floor has a living room with a TV and "Roaring" fireplace, plus a signature-style bathroom. On the third floor is a posh bedroom suite with canopy bed and an outdoor balcony with a hot tub and tiki lights. Sounds include a doorbell, kitchen diner, crackling fireplace, running shower water and flushing toilets.

Barbie 3-Storey Dreamhouse:

• Ultimate luxury home newly renovated with fab pink columns on glamorous photo-real wallpaper
• Made of plastic
• 3 fabulous stories with dining area, kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom suite and outdoor balcony
• Includes elevator, light-up chandelier, TV, "roaring" fireplace, canopy bed, hot tub and tiki lights
• Sounds include a doorbell, kitchen timer, crackling fireplace, running shower water and flushing toilet
• Dolls not included
• 3 AG13 and 3 AA batteries included
• Dollhouse Dimensions: 29.92"L x 7.19"W x 31.99"H
• Box Dimensions: 30.50"L x 8.00"W x 33.00"H
• Adult assembly required
• Takes approximately 30 minutes to assemble

One lucky reader will receive the Barbie Pink 3-Storey Dream Townhouse!

Giveaway ends October 30th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Sponsor Spotlight: My Bag Hanger

I love my bags. I couldn't leave my house without one. And there are at least two of them which I really love and use the most. But most of the times, I am in hurry and I almost always end up dumping my bag on the floor or just anywhere that looks clean enough to dump my bag on. Imagine my delight when I discovered My Bag Hanger!     Alexia of MyBagHanger introduced me to her lovely shop and I immediately loved everything I saw there. I don't understand why I never thought of acquiring one of these handbag hooks! The price is something you shouldn't worry about. You could get one for as low as £9.99! Seriously, ladies, a handbag hook is an everyday must-have!   Do you travel a lot? Then why not get the foldable handbag hooks? I personally love this Cameo Handbag Hook. So vintage and chic!       Are you a fashion lover? Leopard print lover? Then check out this fab handbag hook! Purrrr-etty!      How about this whimsical butterfly handbag hook?     Now, if you like to be glam and stylish then check out the Lux Collection for rhinestones and Swarovski stones-decorated handbag hook! Would you like it in mysterious purple?     or cool blue?  

Luckily for me, I was given the chance to review one of the Lux Collection handbag hooks. I had a hard time choosing one since they are all so pretty. So, my daughter chose for me. When I received my Star handbag hook with 58 clear rhinestones, I was so delighted and surpised! The handbag hook came with a nice velvet pouch that was so luxurious to touch. The handbag hook looks so glamorous!

But don't be fooled by this beauty. It's tough! When I first learned that this handbag hook can support up to 15 lbs., I was skeptical. So, when I got mine, I decided to test it. My bag didn't weigh 15 lbs. but inside I had my laptop sleeve which holds my laptop, charger and mouse, my on-the-go medicine kit, my mobile phone and charger, my big eyeglasses/sunglasses pouch which holds two pairs of glasses, a bottle of water, 2 pack of fruit juice for my kids, my wet wipes purse, my mp4 and earphones, wallet, ID cards holder, make-up purse, a scarf, a tube of hand cream, 2 packs of chewing gum and a cardigan. I don't know how much my bag weigh but that's a lot of load, I am telling you. And guess what, the handbag hook passed the test with flying colors!

Now, I know what I would be getting my friends for christmas!
Oh! And don't forget to check out this handbag hook. For every Pink Ribbon Breast cancer care handbag hook you order, My Bag hanger will donate £8 to to The Breast Cancer Care UK!

Thanks, My Bag Hanger for my handbag hook! You, too, can have your own affordable, portable, secure and durable handbag hook! you can even costumize yours!


 

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Reversible Laptop Sleeve Tutorial

Hi , friends! Last year, I have guest posted for the National Sewing Month celebration at Fave Crafts and I showed everybody how I made this On-the-Go Medicine Kit.  This year, I was again invited to guest post for the National Sewing Month event. I would also like to thank everybody at All Free Sewing and Fave Crafts for the opportunity and the continuous amount of traffic I get daily from them! These guys are awesome! And thanks to everybody who liked this tutorial and for all of your lovely comments! You guys rock! ^^)
Today, I will share with you how I made the Reversible Laptop Sleeve which was first seen here.

I actually made this laptop sleeve earlier last year and all the photos have been in my computer all this time. I have always been telling myself I will post the tutorial one of these days and I think, the timing is great as this is also a great back-to-school project! 
This project is very easy. You can adapt it to your own needs and can actually make one for your laptop, e-reader, tablet or any iGadget. You can use zipper, velcro or buttons for the closure. Use your creativity and adapt it to your necessity! If you don't have any batting on hand, you can use some felt as padding, too. You can make it reversible or non-reversible. It's all up to you!
 The photos I will show you for this tutorial was of a reversible laptop sleeve I made for a 17.5" laptop. Feel free to change the measurement according to your needs. Just make sure to allow some allowance when cutting your fabric pieces. For example, for my 10" Dell mini Inspiron laptop, my fabric pieces would be:
WIDTH:  27 cms (the width of the laptop) + 1 cm (0.5 cm allowance on each side because I will sew the pieces 0.5 cm away from the raw edge) + some room for the battery charger = 39 cms.
LENGTH:  19.5 cms (length of the laptop) + 1 cm (0.5 allowance on each side where I will sew the pieces 0.5 cm away from the raw edge) + 3 cms room allowance = 23.5 cms.

For this laptop sleeve, I used:
Fabric A: 39 cms x 23.5 cms Fabric B: 39 cms x 23.5 cms For embellishment, some scrap fabric, ribbons, felt Velcro for closure 2 Batting pieces
The how-to:
Iron on interfacing to the wrong side of all the fabric pieces. This, however, is optional. You can still go on and make your gadget sleeve even without any interfacing on hand.

Get the tab pieces. Sew on the velcro piece where it should be if you plan to use velcro. Bring them together, right sides together and wrong sides outwards. Sew the pieces together by sewing on both longer sides (don't sew the one of the short side) and sew on one short side by sewing a round shape. This, again, depends whether you want it round or just straight. 

Clip the rounded edge so it won't get bulky when you turn it later and you will have a crisp and clean look.

Turn it inside out and sew straight stitches all through the sides.

Get one of fabric A and pin the embellishment you like on the fabric (optional). Pin the embellishment on with the sleeve's main fabric in between the batting (or felt) and the embellishment.




Sew the embellishment on the fabric + batting.

Do the same to the other fabric. (I also sewed on embellishment as this is a reversible sleeve)

Secure the batting on the fabric by sewing both pieces together with basting stitches.

Fix the tab on one of the sleeve pieces by sewing it with basting stitches.

Get both sleeve pieces and pin them together, right sides facing together, batting facing outwards: Fabric A + Fabric A, Fabric B + Fabric B. Make sure the tab is pinned and tucked in nicely so it won't get in the way. Sew the three sides of the fabrics except the top and make sure you leave one of the bottom sides when 4" unsewn. This opening is where we will turn the sleeve inside out, later. Just to make sure the stitches won't get undone, I sew zigzag stitches along the edge. Do the same to the other fabric. Remember, only one of the fabric pieces (you choose whether A or B) will have 4" unsewn at the bottom side.

Take the bottom tip of the sewn sleeve part and sew straight stitches about 1" away from the pointed tip. This will give the sleeve more room.

 Cut the tip leaving 1/4" of the edge intact and sew zigzag stitches on this raw edge. Do the same to all of the other tips of both sleeve pieces.

Get sleeve A and sleeve B. Place sleeve A inside sleeve B (or vice-versa) with right sides of the fabrics facing together. 

Sew straight stitches all through out the top side 1/4" away from the edge. 

Sew zigzag stitches to strengthen the stitches. Zigzagged stitches make me happy! ^^)

Turn the sleeve inside out through the unsewn part at the bottom of one of the sleeves.

As you can see, just to avoid the bulk in just one side and just because I only had 2 batting pieces, I only sewed batting pieces on the embellished side. And to make sure both sides of the sleeve will have some batting, then the embellished sides are not together. I have one embellished side here:

and one embellished side opposite to the other embellished side:

Now, for the last step, sew straight stitches 1/4" away from edge of the top side of the sleeve.

Now, you have a nice reversible laptop sleeve! A 15" laptop (the pink one in the picture below) can even fit with some room allowance.

You can also make zippered ones and with pockets!

I hope you liked our tutorial and that you find it useful. If you like this tutorial, then don't hesitate to visit more of our tutorials here.

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