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1/20/11

I Gave Up The Bling - Aloha Friday / Friday Memes

20.1.11   , ,   34 comments

Over the holidays, my dear husband bought me this gift along with this beautiful necklace and a pair of earrings to match. 
Almost like this:
Kudos to you hon, but I still have and LOVE the necklace and earrings you bought for me in February for Valentines day. And it's not like I have any sort of a social life.

Oh and when I gave you that list, I didn't mean you should just buy me stuff, it was just a suggestion for gifts appreciated by the wife that didn't include candles. 

So I guess you want to know about the list. 
I used to get gifts that I'd grin and say oh so nice of you and those included candles (more than 2 in one package) that I'd NEVER USE and they are still in cabinets somewhere, desktop mousepad and think downhill except when chocolates saves the day!

After getting a few of these gifts that made me want to bite my own head, I wrote dh a note about gifts that would make an impact with me.. 
Books, (LOVE books) And I did name my favorite authors.
giftcards,
family portrait
perfume
gift baskets
jewelry maybe (I didn't have any jewelry before)
Downtime from having the kids all the time and etc etc 

The men in his family really needs this nudge. 

So while the necklace and earrings were gorgeous. I thought about it for about two weeks and decided I didn't want to keep them because they'd just be sitting there months, years, and might only get one or two wear! 

Instead, I wanted to get a sewing machine. I've been wanting one for awhile now! I'll have to relearn to sew as I did in my glory days when I made draperies, dresses, cushions and the sorts, but I have kids and things are getting ripped and ruddled and needs more than needle-and-thread-in-hand-help! 

So on a day that I felt bold, I told the dh my idea. He seems alright with my suggestion to return the necklace and earrings and use that refund money to purchase my sewing machine. 

I guess you probably wonder, why didn't I just keep the jewelry and still get the machine? Alas, we do not have the money for extra these days so my idea was perfect. 

I'm now shopping for sewing machines and seems stuck between these two. 

QUESTIONS:
1. Which one do you like or suggest I get? 
2. Do you have a sewing machine in your home? 

Brother 60-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine, CP6500


 
Or Brother 50-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine, CE5500PRW

I'm still craving my ackee & saltfish. You can see the recipe here.
Ackee and Saltfish - Ingredients


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About the author: Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.
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34 comments :

  1. Simply SuthernJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    I bought my wife a Brother sewing machine prolly 20 yrs ago. I carried it over to my moms the other day for her to use because her 60 yr old Singer quit working. The wife has gotten good service out of hers. Any time we have had problems I take it apart and clean and oil it and it works fine again for a while.

    Dont get Option Paralysis, LOL

    ReplyDelete
  2. bluevioletJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    I wouldn't have a clue on which to get, but I think it's an excellent gift!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Charlotte (Life's a Charm!)January 20, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    you are so bold to return the gift your hubby picked. isn't that an indication of a solid marriage? ;)

    as for the sewing machine, i have a Brothers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. KristinJanuary 20, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Did you know Singer makes the Brother sewing machines? Between the two you mentioned, I would definitely chose the 60 stitch model. I was looking at the specs on both of them and the ONLY reason I can see for the 50 stitch model to cost more (for less features) is that it has the Project Runway name attached. However, this 70 Stitch machine is the one I want and it only costs about $30 more than the 50 stitch machine. The cool thing about the 70 stitch machine is that it comes with the addition that lets you do free motion quilting. Right now I am making do with a very low end Brother machine.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Run DMTJanuary 21, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    I don't sew so I can't help you with that. Sorry.

    I can totally relate to the list of gift ideas for my hubby. I do the same for my DH. I hate when he wastes money of frivolous stuff I don't need or want.

    ReplyDelete
  6. mitch1066January 21, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I cant say which one to get but i can say i have a brother serger that amazing and i even got one for a friend that had bought a sears one and hated it,she loves the brother one now:)
    I hope you share what you sew here!
    As for gifts im happy that hubby ageed with you,none of us needs more "stuff" that we dont use gathering dust.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Velvet Over SteelJanuary 21, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    I think you handled that extremely well! I'm sure your husband appreciated your honesty and the plan for something practicle (and creative... I love practicle things that can be used to be creative!!)

    I wish I had the time to 'learn to sew again'. Someday, it's on my bucket list! :-)

    Have a Wonderful weekend!!!
    HUGS,
    Coreen xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. PAMJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    I like the second model, but, really have no idea either. My daughter took sewing lessons, she is a much better sewer than I will ever be.

    Good luck and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  9. ToriJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Happy Blog hopping :)
    http://thriftytori.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-bit-of-everthing.html

    ReplyDelete
  10. DeniJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I wish I could give you some help, but I don't sew, I know nothing about sewing machines

    ReplyDelete
  11. KariJanuary 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    I'm ashamed to admit this, but I have a brand new sewing machine that has never been taken out of the box. It's been sitting on my closet shelf for about 5 years. I REALLY want to learn to sew but I'm afraid of messing up the machine and I have no one to teach me.

    ReplyDelete
  12. ShellyJanuary 21, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    I don't sew; I'm not very crafty. Sorry I can't be much help.

    http://atticgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/aloha-friday-is-it-tacky.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. homeschoolceoJanuary 21, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    I have no idea about sewing machines but I'm thoroughly impressed that you sew :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jen @ 400 Calorie DinnersJanuary 21, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    I have an inexpensive Brother machine that is around 10 years old! My sewing machine mainly is used for making doll clothes for my 2 youngest girls and sewing scout patches on uniforms. So I am probably not the best one to ask LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kayla @ TheEclecticElementJanuary 21, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    I think that's a fabulous idea Callie-I'm all about practicality too most times and I'd rather have something I can use rather then something that will sit around not being appreciated. I have a whole jewelry armoire FULL of stuff that I never wear O.o

    I wish I could offer you advice on a sewing machine, but I have NO knowledge on how to sew (unless it's by hand) or on sewing machines.

    I can, however, wish you good luck on your quest to get one :)

    Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Stacy UncorkedJanuary 21, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    That's what we refer to as 'compromise' in our house... :) I've done the same thing, and hubby never seems to mind if I want to return something I won't use for something I will use. :)

    You can't go wrong with either Brother - think about what it is you plan to do, and see if one of those two will do everything you need it to. I have a Brother (I think) computerized embroidery machine (that can do simple sewing, too). One of these days I'll actually get my craft room set up so I can actually use it! ;)

    Aloha: Electric or Manual

    ReplyDelete
  17. Xmas DollyJanuary 21, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I don't sew either. The only brand sewing machine I know about is Singer. That's the one my Mom would get or my Aunt. Your CSN Give-away cannot leave a comment. This is what it says: New comments have been disabled for this post by a blog administrator. ?????

    ReplyDelete
  18. The Rheinlander'sJanuary 21, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Oooh I wanted a sewing machine too : ) (and received earrings) but I am not giving them up b/c they are my daughters birthstone! I think I would go with what Kristin said... it sounds like she knows a lot about them!
    Hopefully soon I will get a sewing machine...
    ~Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kristen AndrewsJanuary 21, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    learning to sew is still on my to do list one day...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amy A.K.A. "The Mrs."January 21, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    I'm so impressed by your idea to give up bling for a sewing machine! You know...Brother is an excellent company. I've worked with them and reviewd the Project Runway Serger. Based on my experience with that, I would go with the Project Runway sewing machine. The machines are made for people who are going to use it on a bunch of different projects and it sounds like that what you have in mind. Enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AliciaJanuary 21, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    I don't have a sewing machine, and I would not have any idea what kind to buy!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Judy Sheldon-WalkerJanuary 21, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    I own a Brother, Kenmore and a Singer. I love them all and I really loved my Singer Serger, but the dog wrecked it. :-( I used to have a sewing business so we were a busy sewing family.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hippie4everJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    I long for a sewing machine; right now I can only hand sew and that takes forever. But I haven't shopped in awhile. I know JoAnn fabrics usually has an expert in residence if you would like to speak with someone on specs.

    ReplyDelete
  24. TammyJanuary 22, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Every time I come to visit you I want to curl up in that chair and just relax for awhile.

    No sewing maching for me...I had to take sewing in college for my Fashion Degree and made a skirt and blouse. I don't remember a thing. I just use a needle or thread and sometimes fabric glue...gasp! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Blogger BroadcastJanuary 22, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    1) I would get the 50 stitch, don't need another ten to confuse myself lol.
    2) I do, I sew a lot and I sewed Trinity's blanket and crib sheet you can see here http://www.selfsagacity.com/2010/02/pink-saturday-crib-styling.html
    You would be proud of me.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    No clue about sewing machines, I would have kept the jewelry. =)

    ReplyDelete
  27. ♥-Icy BC-♥January 22, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I have a sewing machine in the house, but I hardly touch it anymore!

    As for the jewelry, ask for all since they are beautiful :-)

    ReplyDelete
  28. ~ NoelleJanuary 22, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    i have no clue..
    but that second one looks kinda fancy@!

    ReplyDelete
  29. RachJanuary 22, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    My nana always did knitting, my mum had a sewing machine and does sewing, i don't do anything like that! hoep whichever you go for is the best for you :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. NancyJanuary 22, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Visiting from the Friday Blog Hop. So nice to meet you. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
    Nancy
    http://discoverdirectselling.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  31. @PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance WomanJanuary 22, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    I don't know enough about sewing machines to give a proper opinion. :(

    ReplyDelete
  32. SmellyannJanuary 23, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    I have a sewing machine, but I'm not very good with it, I'm afraid! Kudos to you for knowing what you want and going after it :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. AngelleJanuary 23, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Colette, I am firmly in your corner. I would always rather have practical gifts instead of jewelery (which I wear, but really just like the same inexpensive pieces that I wear over and over again). My birthday is coming up, and I'd really like some specialty baking tools.

    Unless you're going to do specialty or decorative sewing, I'd go with the simplest machine -- less to go wrong.

    You're so smart, woman!

    ReplyDelete
  34. A Lil StoryJanuary 23, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    I don't know anything about sewing, the most i can do is replace a button with needle and thread- so I won't be much help =)

    I would definitely go for the practical gifts too- something I would get a lot of use out of!

    ReplyDelete

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