a day in the life

To Protect and Serve

2012-01-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

My middle son Joshua, just entered the Maryland State Police Academy this month. His dad and I are so proud of him. It was a long process....6 months and only about 80 were selected out of over 2000 applicants. It's run much like a military boot camp and we've spoken with him once last week to see how things were going. He seems to be doing okay and hopefully he will continue to do well and graduate from the academy in July.

When we got the news that Joshua was accepted, I made this sign to honor all the men and women who protect and serve the citizens of our nation. It is available for sale on my website.

Until next time...

I've Missed You All

2012-01-28T12:50:00.003-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been 5+ months since I've blogged. I've really missed you all and plan to recommit to being a better blogger for 2012...I didn't make this a New Years resolution, as I don't do those, as they tend to get broken.

Anyway, just wanted to post to say that I am back and looking forward to catching up on all that has been happening with everyone's blogs that I follow.

I'll be sharing updates regarding what's been going on in my life, so stay tuned....

Until next time....

Beautiful Bonnets

2011-08-13T14:22:00.000-04:00

Last month Lecia of Farmhouse Prims had a special for free shipping on the beautiful bonnets that she makes. So that was enough to make me hurry and drop Lecia an email inquiring if she still had 2 bonnets that I was interested in. Lecia replied yes, that she had the two, so it was a done deal.

I bought the beautiful blue print bonnet that I have hanging on my peg hooks and I just couldn't resist the adorable childs bonnet that Lecia also had. Oh my, is it too cute!

I gotta say that not only are Lecia's bonnets well made, they are absolutely addicting. So if you have never purchased Lecia's bonnets, I gotta say "What are ya waitng for?". Hurry over to her blog and check out the lovely bonnets that Lecia makes and treat yourself with one or two or fifty! LOL!

Until next time....

New Parking Pad

2011-08-12T13:54:00.000-04:00

Living in a townehome community, the parking can get pretty tight on a good day. Let someone have a party or have company over and parking becomes a real nightmare. Couple that with the fact that the hubby is the auto mechanic for our 4 vehicles, and an off street parking pad is a complete necessity.

But before any car could be parked there, we had to do a little reinforcing. The sewer clean out just happens to be in that area that we wanted to use for parking. So that meant the pipe had to be reinforced around with cinder blocks to keep from crushing the pipe and causing thousand of dollars to fix the sewer line.

We also had to move one of our raised vegetable beds to the side and re route the fence. We still need to replace a piece of the chain link fencing and will do so when I get a chance to pick up a roll from Home Depot.

Gotta say that this project was finished just in time as the hubby is already hard at work on some much needed auto repairs to my car.

Until next time....

Another New Shelf

2011-08-11T13:50:00.000-04:00

I had hubby make me this shelf awhile back...hey, while the man is on a roll and cooperative making things, why not? I finally got around to painting it and had him hang it up for me last week. I'm still busy collecting things to add to it. I think I need to figure out a way to keep my hubby in the woodshop or at least get him in there more often!

Until next time...

A sweet new Annie

2011-08-10T13:44:00.000-04:00

I just love this little Annie! Cyndy from Crafty Stitchers had shown off this little Annie with her sock monkey locket and sock monkey printed fabric pinafore awhile back and I knew right then, that I would have to buy her to join my little sock monkey that I had purchased from Cyndy previously. Isn't she so cute? Be sure to stop by Cyndy's blog and to check out her etsy shoppe to see what other goodies Cyndy has up for sale.

Until next time....

In the 40's....

2011-08-09T13:12:00.001-04:00

No, not the 1940's! And nope, not my age either....saw that number 9 years ago! Well, it's my weight! I'm in the 140's! I've been trying to get here and I am finally there!

It took some figuring out again....how to break the plateau I was on, but I did it! Talked to one of my neighbors who happens to be a personal trainer and her advice was to change my routine, so I did. I added running up and down a set of 15 concrete steps at our local middle school. I do this after my 3.2 mile walk in the mornings. I've been running up and down the steps for about 14 days now and I'm up to 16 ups and downs. But the best thing is, I thought I would just get down to 149. Well 149 came and went. Then I thought the scale would read 148. Nope, I am all the way down to 146! Yep! One hundred and forty six! WooHoo! The lightest I've been in about 20 years! For those that have been paying attention and keeping count, that's 36 pounds off this ole body of mine!

I've also been adding more fruits and veggies back into my diet trying to transition to a more normal way of eating and I gotta say that roasted sweet potatoes have never tasted so sweet, nor have crenshaw or honeydew melons! Oh my! They taste just like candy to me! It's amazing what happens when you don't eat refined sugar anymore...fruits and veggies taste sweeter!

Anyway, just had to share with you all. Until next time...

Went Dumpster Diving....

2011-08-08T13:35:00.004-04:00

Well I didn't actually have to dive in a dumpster for this beauty. I was just taking a walk last night with my friend and neighbor when we happened across this old wood school desk in the alley. The owner had set it out for the trash man to haul away. Can you believe it?

Looks like someone had the idea to maybe refinish the desk but only got as far as sanding it down. I'm thinking that I might just put a nice wax finish on it and maybe paint the wrought iron legs black. And the hard part, is do I then sell it? I've wanted a fold down desk for myself for years. Really would have to find a place for it if I wanted to keep it. Decisions, decisions!

Until next time...

Good fences make great neighbors

2011-07-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

When we moved here 7 years ago, the fence that was between ours and the neighbors yard was falling down. I had been wanting to replace it and we finally got around to it.

There were a few obstacles in the way. We had euononymus bushes in the flower bed in front of the fence and along the garage. I wanted them removed as I hated those bushes. You had to trim them at least 3 times a year and they really did nothing for me plantwise.

So while our neighbors were away in Europe, I told hubby that it was the perfect time to get r done! The hubby, Ian and another neighbor removed the bushes. The hubby and Ian worked on putting up the new fence sections. Chip had to build the middle section of fencing and thankfully he's a little handy dandy with the tools.

I then had decided I only wanted 1 flower bed in that area, so that meant rebricking the other flower bed area with red bricks. Should have been an easy task but with the huge maple tree that is in my neighbors yard, there were roots all over the place. We had to cut so many out of the way to just make the area flat to replace the brick.

The final part of the project was doing the raised flower bed. Chip picked out the red retaining wall bricks and we got to work laying out the bed. After much discussion, we decided that a $110 masonry saw blade would have to be purchased to cut the wall pavers that needed to be. I have to say, that I am pleased as punch with the outcome. The bed looks beautiful. The fence looks beautiful. The patio looks beautiful. Thanks honey! Love you for doing all my "little projects"! LOL!

Anyway, the neighbors have returned from their European vacation. I haven't spoken to them regarding the fence but sure do hope that they are pleased too. I sure wish that I would have taken before pictures, but I completely forgot....gosh I hate when that happens, but believe me it wasn't a pretty site.

Until next time...

Went a Berry Pickin'

2011-07-21T15:37:00.004-04:00

Last weekend before the heat set in here, we went blueberry pickin'. Hubby, Ian and I were able to pick 22#'s of the little darlings. We found some bushes that had huge berries on them. Hubby said the variety was called 'Herbert'. They were yummy too.

I made fresh blueberry muffins on Sunday morning and by Monday afternoon the 2 dozen that I made were completely gone. I'm thinking that my hubby and boys are missing my baking. Since I've been on my diet, I completely have changed how I cook and what I cook. While I wasn't able to enjoy any of the muffins, I have gotten to enjoy fresh blueberries with breakfast...Yummo!

I have froze the rest to use in more muffins, yogurt smoothies and maybe some blueberry jam.

Until next time...

26 Years Ago Today

2011-07-12T15:44:00.003-04:00

Well today is my 26th wedding anniversary. Yep, I've been married to that ole thorn in my side for that long! LOL! Gotta say there were times that were rough but we made it so far!

Today also marks another anniversary....the fetal death of our second child, 22 years ago. We don't talk about him much, but I guess heaven needed another angel that day. While we can never replace him, we wouldn't have Joshua and we are so thankful for that.

I didn't share this to make anyone sad or to feel sorry for us. I share this to provide hope to others that may have suffered a loss...to know that life goes on and that it can be wonderful. That things do happen for a reason, even if we can't see what they really are.

So on this day, I want to wish my dear husband a very happy anniversary. We have a simple night planned...pizza, yep you heard that right, pizza and a movie out. Hope everyone has a wonderful day too!

Until next time....

I Just Gotta Say....

2011-07-08T08:35:00.002-04:00

I have to say that you all are the absolute best! I can't thank you all enough for the support, encouragement and kind words that you posted in regards to my weight loss journey.

It's amazing that here in blogland where we only know each other cyberly that we can reach out and show love, support, compassion, empathy, gratitude, friendship, encouragement and the list goes on and on.

I am so overwhelmed that I am almost speechless...I know, hard to believe! LOL! Anyway, from the bottom of my heart I truly thank you all. I hope everyone has an awesome day....I know I will.

Until next time....

32 Down 1 More To Go!

2011-07-07T12:35:00.002-04:00

WooHoo! I just got on the scale yesterday and I'm 32 pounds down...only 1 more to go to get to my original weight goal of 149! I am so excited!

Who knew that 6 months ago when I had that middle of the night trip to the ER, that I would be sitting here now this much healthier? I am thankful that the insurance company said those words to me in January...that I was obese! It surely was a real wake up call! Both things were really!

I exercise everyday. I now eat healthier. I make better food choices. I am eating more of a variety of foods, including fruits and veggies. I am in love with roasted on the grill sweet potatoes and red peppers. Yummo! I've stayed away from cake, cookies, icecream, chips and all those things that taste so good but are bad for you foods. I've changed, and for the better! I've made myself a priority!

Now that I am this close, I am resetting my weight goal for another 10 pounds. I want to be back in the 130's. I haven't been there since Joshua was 6 months old and that was over 20 years ago!

And the best part is that I am buying myself a new wardrobe! I'm a size 10! I now love shopping and trying on clothes now! The 3 way mirror in the dressing room has become my friend. It shows me how nice I look in my new clothes but also shows me areas I need to work on.

I still have a few things to figure out before the craft show season starts...like what food I will eat. How and when I will eat. No more grabbing a hot dog at the show or skipping breakfast....can't do it anymore. But all will be worked out.

I want to thank everyone the past 6 months that have encouraged, supported and been there for me. Especially my husband. He has been my constant cheerleader. He has walked with me many, many miles. He has helped figure out things I could eat. He has gone shopping late at night when we had no eggs left and that would mean no breakfast for me. He's researched and figured out what vitamins, minerals and supplements that I need to be healthier. Oh and the best thing, he's losing some weight too...26#'s! WooHoo! He still has more to go, and hopefully I will be able to keep him on track and down the right path too!

Until next time....

My Season of Friendship Swap to Jan

2011-07-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

I participated in the Season of Friendship swap that Amy of Bumble Bee Lane hosted and was paired up with Jan MacKay of The Primitive Nest . We could pick one season that we liked best and then answered some questions regarding what other prim things we liked.

We were suppose to get to know each other through reading one another blogs and through emails. Jan said she liked little sheepies. So, I made this set of sheep blocks for her to tuck onto a shelf.

Staying on the sheep theme, I made some salt dough sheep and little hearts for Jan to display in an old bowl or trencher. I loved making these little cuties.

And after reading a bit of Jan's blog I found out that her and Phoebe are avid gardeners, so I decided to make a shabby garden sign for her to display.

And any gardener welcomes their friend the bumble bee...They are worth their weight in gold. Flying from one blossom to the other, gathering nectar and happily pollinating all our blossoms that will be fruits...oh my those little critters are mighty efficient. I hand poured Jan a "bee kinde" blackened beeswax ornie with my newest mold. I really love this one.

And anyone that reads Jan's blog knows that she is just "punch drunk" these days. Nope, she hasn't been nipping at the bottle, but at needle punching instead. So decided to make her a little sign she could tuck showing her passion.

I also sent a set of felted coasters that had flowers on them...forgot to take a picture of them as they almost didn't make it into the package. Anyway, it was a blast to get to know Jan through this swap and reading her blog.

Until next time....

Look Who's 21 Today!

2011-07-05T14:28:00.005-04:00

Hard to believe that 21 years ago today that my middle son, Joshua was born! Oh my how time passes. Happy 21st Birthday Joshua!

Now remember....no drinking and driving! I know, I can just hear you saying..."Do you think I'm stupid?" "Nope, not stupid, just young and head strong!"

Anyway, Dad and I love you very much.

Spectacular Summer Blooms

2011-07-01T16:36:00.009-04:00

Thought I would share what greets me each day when I walk out my front door. The perennial bed that I put in last year is just spectacular. Be forewarned, this post is very picture heavy but in my opinion, so worth the viewing. The top picture is a the view that someone has when they are walking up to my house.

This fuschia geranium was calling my name when I went to the local garden center this spring. I absolutely love the color. I have it in a pot sitting on my retaining wall of my perennial bed.

This gallardia, or Arizon blanket flower, is just gorgeous. I have 3 that survived the winter. This one is doing the best of them all.

The sea of echinecea's. These are my most favorite flower. I have over 15 varieties and there are still a few more that I'd love to add to my garden. They have really outdone themselves this year.

We added these hanging baskets to the front porch off the bay window. These geraniums were from last year. I over wintered them in the house and repotted them fresh this spring. I think they are doing wonderful!

This echinecea is called 'hot papaya'. I just love it's vibrant tomato red color.

This echinecea is called 'magmus'. It's a much more robust and larger echinecea than it's cousin 'purpurea'. Purpurea's were the first echinecea's that I grew and started my love affair with the flowers.

The white echinecea is called 'milkshake'. It is much like the 'hot papaya' one that I just shared, and last year was a new introduction in the echinecea world. I bought it, not really knowing what it was going to look like. It hasn't disappointed me either. The pink one that is similar is called 'pink double delight' and is much smaller than it's cousins.

Last year we planted impatiens along the edge of the retaining walls. This year the hubby suggested petunias, hoping they would cascade over the retaining walls and help keep the bed cooler. The white petunias are very vigorous, while the red ones aren't as much. The hubby thinks they have a root disease as some have rotted away from the roots up.

This larger phlox is just spectacular when in full bloom. Here it's just starting to bloom.

This bee balm is just coming into it's peak. The bees are going crazy on it most mornings. It's over 3' tall.

This a smaller bee balm. It's just right around 3' in height.

This purple coreopsis is the only one of 3 that remain from last year. I don't know what happened to the other 2 but this one is doing terrific.

If one plants can be called a show stopper, then this giant bee balm is it. It's huge. Standing over 5' in height with gorgeous red flowers. It makes a spectacular backdrop to my echineceas. We planted all of our bee balm along the 3' high chain link fence to replace the tired old azaleas that were there last year. I haven't regretted my decision one bit. Neighbors keep stopping and asking me what that red flower is!

This is the only new addition to my perennial bed this year. It's a fuschia salvia and I definitely couldn't resist it when at the local nursery. It's just barely hardy to our frost zone and I'm hoping that with a little luck and a lot of babying over the winter, that it will survive for next spring. It's simply gorgeous. Fuschia seems to be the color for me this spring.

This echinecea is called 'white swan' and is like it's more traditional cousin 'purpurea'. It's one of the taller ones.

This is another coreopsis that survived...it's called 'american dream' and the other flower in the picture is a stokesia called 'color wheel'. It has 3 different colored blossoms on it when in full bloom.

This echinecea is called 'sunrise'. Another one of my favorites...oh what am I saying, they are all my favorites.

And if you're still hanging in there with me, this is the last picture to share of the flowers out front of my house. These are my upper front window boxes. We planted the same red and white petunias in them as we did along the retaining walls. I'm loving that they are just starting to cascade down over the box. Hope you enjoyed the pretty picture show. I'll have to share the flowers in the back and side beds at a later time.

Until next time...

Season of Friendship Swap from Jan

2011-06-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

I participated in the Season of Friendship swap that Amy of Bumble Bee Lane hosted and was partnered with Jan MacKay of My Primitive Nest. We were able to pick one season that we loved and answered some questions about prim things that we enjoyed. I picked spring as my favorite season.

We were to read each others blog to get to know what each other liked and of course Jan and I exchanged emails. We discussed favorite themes, color preferences, and such. Armed with our knowledge we were to put together a swap package that was our partner..

Jan sent me this cute sewing box with a pin cushion on top. I had posted a while back that I lent my pin cushion to a neighbors daughter and the pin cushion was never returned...boy did Jan do her homework on that one. I don't think I'll be lending this one out!

Jan also sent this cute bunny. I know that I have shared my recent bunny purchases from etsy, but had Jan read my blog that thoroughly to find my post about our real lop earred bunny, Toonies? I think that post is over a year old...wow! Was she ever thorough!

Imagine my surprise when I opened the sewing box and there was this cute little mouse hiding inside. I am a huge Mickey Mouse and stuffed mouse fan...the real ones that scurry around, not so much!

There was also a cute little bird, lip balm, a pad of paper....you know me, the list maker, and a craft picture frame in the box too. Thank you so much Jan for being a great swap partner. Everything was lovely.

Jan's package is on it's way to her as we speak. Seems as I ran the printer out of ink and it refused to print another thing til I was able to get a refill, so with that all take care of, I was able to print the label to send Jan's package on it's way. I'll share what I sent her at a later date...don't wanna ruin the surprise.

Until next time...

Yummy Wild Raspberries

2011-06-29T11:46:00.003-04:00

Look what the hubby brought me home the other day. All those lovely wild black raspberries! We own 6 acres rurally that he gardens on and there are all these wild raspberry plants on it. He and Ian spent some time the other day picking these beauties.

Last ones that he picked for me, I made jam with. Hardly got any as the male folk in the house devoured it! He said there are more rippening, so hopefully he will get a bunch more...that's if he can beat the trespassers, who help themselves to the berries. I keep telling him to get me a shotgun and if I catch them, well they won't be back on our property again.

Until next time...

Swap Sent To Tam

2011-06-24T10:17:00.002-04:00

Recently I participated in a swap that Tammy, A Primitive Place had. It was a secret friendship envelope swap. I had Tam, Scentfully Country Gal, as who I was sending to.

Since everything had to fit into an envelope, I had to really think about what I was going to make. Decided on a summer themed swap and set about making some things that could go in the envelope that the post office wouldn't break, mangle or smash.

Decided that wood blocks would be pretty safe in the envelope, so made a set of stackers themed for summer. In a recent Create & Decorate magazine was a set of watermelon plant pokes desiged by Patti of Raspberry Lane Primitive, well I decided to make them bowl fillers instead as the stick part would present a challenge for the envelope.

I also made a set of painted fabric stars in an americana theme. These started out just a bit differently and ended up totally handpainted. Both the stars and watermelon slices would be perfectly safe for their trip in the envelope through the post office. I am happy to report that even though the envelope was crammed full it has safely made it to it's destination. Yippee!

Be sure to pop over to Tammy's blog and check out all the wonderful swap items that were exchanged in this swap.

Until next time...

Can You Guess What It Is Win?

2011-06-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

Denise over at the TheKrazyKraftLady blog had a guess what it is giveaway. She had lots of guesses for what the object was and I was the lucky correct guesser. What a fun way to have a giveaway.

Anyway, Denise posted this picture...

Living in the home state of the Preakness for almost the past 30 years, I've been privileged to see quite a few interesting hats that the ladies would don to the event. They will dress up in their finest dresses and most outrageous hats. So when looking at the picture, I thought, that looks like an interesting hat that the women that go to the Preakness Stakes would wear. So that was my guess...an upside down hat.

You'll have to pop over to Denise's blog and see her post where she models her hat for us. I have to say she looks lovely in it.

Denise sent me the beautiful stitchery in the first picture. The post office managed to break the glass into pieces, even though it was thoroughly wrapped and packed. I will make a trip to Home Depot to get a replacement piece. I already have a spot picked out for it to hang. And if the stitchery wasn't enough Denise also sent me that cute little sheepie. He is too cute. Now the hubby has to make me another peg rack! LOL! Love making some more work for him to do! Heehee!

Denise also has a selling blog where she lists her beautiful creations for sale. If you've never visited, be sure to pop over and check her out.

Thank you so much Denise for hosting a fun giveaway and for the lovely gifts.

Until next time....

My Secret Friendship Envelope Swap Came!

2011-06-20T12:27:00.002-04:00

I participated in a secret friendship envelope swap that Tammy over at A Primitive Place was hosting on her blog. We didn't know who we were receiving from and were sending to someone different....sort of nice to be surprised.

One requirement was that the items that you were sending had to fit inside a 10x15" envelope. So that could be either easy or tough depending on what your craft is. Anyway, imagine my surprise when my envelope arrived and I recognized the return address immediately. Brenda from PineTreePrims was my secret partner. I've know Brenda for years and yes, I said years. We met on a delphi painting forum and have been friends ever since. Although we've never met in person, we have talked on the phone quite a few times and I just love her to death!

And while Brenda has hung up her paint brushes for now, she has taken up a new craft and I have to say, she is pretty darn good at it too! Look at the lovely stitched pin keep that Brenda made.

And I have been drooling over the many candlemats that Brenda has been sharing on her blog these recent months. I am so loving this cute americana one. I'm thinking of taking one of the flameless pillars and painting it americana to put in the center. I think it will look great there.

Brenda also sent these 2 little presedential ditty bags. I will take some of the lavender from my flower bed and dry it to put inside. Note to self: cut some lavender. I've hung one off a peg just inside my front door and the other off the peg shelf at the top of the steps landing. They are just too cute!

Brenda also sent me a halloweenie candle mat. I better paint another flameless pillar for when halloween rolls around I can display it properly. Oh and the jar in my first and second picture....betcha wondering how that came in an envelope. Well the jar didn't but the label and a bag of cracked corn did. Having a ton of old blue mason jars around here, I went and modgepodeged(gosh is that a word? Guess if you do crafts it is!) the label on a quart jar and filled it will the cracked corn. I'm loving it!

Anyway, I love, love, love everything. Brenda sure spoiled me. Thank you my friend. And Tammy thanks for hosting this fun and awesome swap.

Until next time...

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

To all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day. Hope that your family treat you like the king on your special day.

To the wives of the king, guess we can all not bug, nag, or honey do them for one day? Whatcha think? Nah! No rest for them! I got my "honey do" list already to go! LOL!

Until next time....

Lookie What Came In The Mail

2011-06-18T12:04:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I received the package I was expecting from Hickory Hill Primitives. I had ordered a small pantry cake and the cutest little whisk broom. But first I guess I should tell you how I came about finding Jen's website.

Her good friend Lynne had a giveaway. You probably know Lynne from her blog, A simpler Time . Anyway, while I didn't win Lynne's giveaway, she was offering a second prize to the first person that could tell her the name of one of 2 dolls on her website. So popped over to Lynne's site to have a look around and wouldn't you know it, found the dolls, went back to her blog and posted the name. I won a $10 gift voucher towards anything from Jen's website, Hickory Hill Primitives.

As luck would have it, Jen was also having a sale on her website and still is, so I was able to purchase 2 items for a little more than the cost of postage for both. the pantry cake I purchased I will be making a shoo fly screen and round noodle board for it real soon. Already have the screen strainer for it.

Isn't the little whisk broom too cute? Already found a hanging spot for it. Anyway, when you are surfing the net, be sure to pop by both ladies websites and see all that they have to offer.

Until next time....

Women Power!

2011-06-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

Now, I'm not man bashing, but celebrating my woman-ness! LOL! I recently made some new signs that had an empowerment kinda theme going on... The one above is oh so true. Women get lots of things accomplished in their day. I know I usually can run circles around my hubby in getting things accomplished.

A perfect sign for the laundry room. Living in a houseful of 4 males, they rarely see the inside of the utility room except when passing through on their way to the bathroom! LOL!

A more updated version of the woman scorned comment! I love this one...watch out when the boys get me mad! When Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! LOL!

And of course this one speaks to a woman's ability to mutli-task...women know how to use their time very productively!LOL! These as well as other sigsn can be found on my website. Pop by for a visit.

I'm A 10!

2011-06-15T15:58:00.004-04:00

Just ask my hubby! LOL! Well maybe not a perfect 10...maybe a 9 1/2! Always need a little room for improvement!

This weekend I went shopping with my friend Cookie. We went to our favorite store to shop at...Kohls! They were having a good sale, we had a 20% off coupon and I had a $10 gift card that Kohls sent to me for being a valued customer for my birthday. So off we went to Kohls and 4 hours later came home with a few new things. So you are asking yourself what does shopping at Kohls have to do with being a 10? Good question and read on...

As most of you know, I've been dieting and exercising to lose weight. I've lost 28 pounds so far. So while shopping, I decided to try on some capris. Well I went for the usual size 12 and guess what? They were too big. Be still my heart! It can't be! I ran back out to the capri display and picked up a size 10. Went back tot he dressing room and tried them on...they fit and looked wonderful too! OH MY! I'm a 10 again! LOL!

I haven't been in size 10's for a long while...probably 6+ years, so it felt good to finally be back there. The past 2 weeks I've been stalled in weight loss...haven't really lost any, so I started reading and evaluating why. I came across some information on BMR. What BMR is, the rate at which your body consumes calories at while resting, your basic metabolic rate. So I calculated mine, then multiplied it by the activity level factor to get how many calories I should consume in a day to maintain my current weight. You've gotta know what you have to have in order to know how much to cut out. So with that calculated, I now am ready to eat to loss weight again...yep, you heard that right. I will be eating more to lose weight.

Seems like I might have put my body into starvation mode, which doesn't allow you to burn the excess fat stores. Oh my, our bodies are wonderful in its ability to persevere through tough times. Anyway, in about 10 days or so, I will know if I am on the right track or not. So starting today I have to consume 2100 calories a day. Hopefully, with the activity level that I achieve each day, I will burn about 500-600 or so calories each day which should give me approx. a 1-1 1/2# weight loss each week.

I know, overly complicated sounding and so boring, but I think that the reason most women go off diets is that once they hit a plateau and the weight stops coming off, they stop dieting and watching what they eat, since it doesn't appear to be working anymore. I also spoke with another neighbor who is a personal trainer and she said the #1 thing that people who are trying to lose weight do wrong, is underfed their bodies. We try to get by on the fewest calories, which barely fuel our resting bodily functions let alone our activity level functions so our bodies go into starvation mode and start to build up fat stores instead of burning them. So wish me luck on my jump starting the weight loss process again. I have about 10 more pounds to go.

Until next time....

Some More Beeswax

2011-06-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

I purchased a few more molds to make some more beeswax ornies and another votive. I really am liking working with beeswax. It is such a change of pace from painting. This votive holder says "Good Huswife" on the front and has 2 fraktur on each side of it. A wax dipped, cinnamon brushed flameless votive was inserted inside of the middle of the votive holder. The votive holder has been brushed with cinnamon.

When I saw this log cabin sampler, I knew I had to purchase the mold. I am absolutely loving it. I added a rusty wire hanger to the top so as to be able to hang it off of a peg, cabinet knob, tie on a basket, or to hang on an everyday prim tree. I added a black and mustard homespun fabric strip along with a piece of cheesecloth to the wire hanger. A small metal rimmed coffee stained hangtag which says "Homestead" has been attached with a rusty safety pin to the fabric on the hanger...I think it's prim perfect.

I also purchase this Eagle mold. It's so patriotic perfect for the upcoming summertime holidays. Again, I have dusted the ornie with cinnamon and attached a rusty wire hanger. Black and mustard checked homespun along with a piece of cheesecloth has been tied around the wire hanger. A coffee stained metal rimmed hangtag which says "liberty" has been added to the fabric strip. It looks great hanging off my new peg rack.

These as well as the others that I had in a previous giveaway will be available on my website.

Until next time...

A Monkey Love

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Isn't this little sock monkey that absolute cutest? I am so smitten with it! I purchased it from Cyndy at CraftyStitchers etsy shoppe. I remember as a young girl having a sock monkey and he was so well loved too!

And when Cyndy shared this little cutie on her blog, well I couldn't resist getting her too! She is the smallest raggedy angel but with such attention to detail, but I knew it would be so, since I already own another of Cyndy's raggedies and it is topnotch!

Anyway, if you haven't taken a peek at what Cyndy has to offer for sale, stop by her etsy shoppe...you won't be disappointed.

Until next time...

Let's Hear it For The Red, White and Blue

2011-06-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

I know I'm a little late for Memorial Day but since we celebrate such patriotic holidays over the summer months and with flag day coming up, thought I would share some of my newest Americana signs with you.

I added a new Americana typography sign to my etsy shoppe. And a small America sign too. Nothing says summer like the ole red, white and blue!

And while still in the red, white and blue mood, I made a new set of salt dough bowl fillers. These will be available for sale on my website.

Until next time.....

Rainy Day Projects

2011-06-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

I just love rainy days, especially when I can get the hubby motivated to make me a few things. So a few weeks ago, we had almost a week of rain. Since the hubby has his own lawn service business and rain and grass cutting don't go together too well, what better time to put the hubbies other talents to use.

I had the hubby make me a new shelf for the hallway just like the one only smaller that he made for my bedroom and a simple peg hanger for the entrance way alcove. I am still busy decorating and adding things to them but will post pictures once I have them all tweaked out.

The hubby also made me another different shelf too...still need to paint that one and get it hung, but will share pictures when I get it done. Gotta love a man that can not only make a lawn look pretty but isn't bad with the woodworking tools too! LOL!

Until next time...

Name That Bear Win

2011-06-03T12:56:00.003-04:00

It seems like the end of May just flew by...I was the lucky name drawn in Jill of Primraggedies Name that Bear giveaway. Isn't he just the cutest? Anyway, Jill lives over in the UK and was kind enough to offer a giveaway for helping her name her little bear.

The package arrived here a few weeks ago and with all the goings on around here, I finally have a moment to breathe and do a few blog posts. Anyway, Jill was so sweet sending me a travel sewing kit, some strawberry pin cushions (which I needed as I lent my neighbors daughter my pin cushion and it hasn't returned) and some sewing trims.

Thank you so much Jill for the lovely sewing kit. I have added the trims to my stash...you can never have enough fabric or trims! LOL! Be sure to stop by Jill's etsy shoppe and check out her cute raggedies and sweet bears.

Until next time...

29 Again!

2011-06-02T23:22:00.003-04:00

Over the weekend we celebrated my 29th birthday again along with my neighbor Mary's 29th birthday again too. Mary and my birthday are 10 days apart and the same year. I made my yummy cheesecake and found this candle at the local party shoppe. I thought it was fitting since Mary and I won't be turning anything but 29 again!

It was so steamy that I forgot to get pictures of our birthday dinner but did remember to get a picture of the cake. Anyway, my official birthday was yesterday. We spent the day pretty quietly although we did make a trip to Home Depot to pick up fencing materials. Most gals want jewelry or furs...I want projects done around the house for my presents! LOL!

A Trip To The Allstar Game

2011-05-21T22:22:00.003-04:00

Ian had the honor of being selected to play in the Allstar game today for his rec council. He was one of 5 chosen from his team. The game was a nail bitter, with both teams scoring and then the next inning the other team coming back. Ian got 2 hits and 2 RBI's. Ian's team lost it in the bottom of the 8th inning. Final score 8-9.

Farmhouse Swap Sent

2011-05-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

Cyndy from Crafty Stitchers and I were swap partners in the swap that Amy of Bumble Bee Lane hosted on her blog. I've long been an admirer of Cyndy's work and when I found out we were swap partners I was super excited.

So to try to get to know a little more about Cyndy besides that she makes awesome raggedy anns I went back and read through her blog. Cyndy said in a post that she was redoing her sewing room, so that's the inspiration that I used to create a Crafty Stitchers sign for her.

Then while looking around blogland and seeing all the cute salt dough ornies being made, I started thinking that maybe I could make some to go in her sewing room. I found a small button cookie cutter online, a spool and a thimble one as well and ordered them. I set about making the salt bowl fillers. Made a complete batch and only a few of the small buttons turned out well...I had issues with getting them out of the cookie cutter. So after sleeping on it, I decided I would try to make larger buttons and to rethink my approach to getting the dough out of the smaller cookie cutter. I am pleased to say that the final results turned out great. Here they are bagged.

So along with the button and spools salt bowl fillers, I made a set of beehive and bumble bees ones too. Amy had given us a list of themes to choose from to include and bees were on that list.

Here they are bagged. I had a lot of fun painting these up and they were so easy to make. Having said that when it came to the beehive, no matter what I did I had a beehive that was slightly puffy. After making 3 different ones and having mostly the same results, I picked the less puffy one to paint. Sorry about the Cyndy.

So while on a roll so to speak with the salt dough ornies, I made some blooms and naturally made some more bees to go with them. Sure hope Cyndy has a nice big dough bowl or trencher to display them in. Blooms were also on the list of themes to pick from.

And here they are bagged as well.

Also on the list was one item made from fabric. I wracked my brain thinking of what I could make with fabric. I remembered seeing these in a Create and Decorate last year and formulated a plan. I had even bought all the material last year...just never got around to making them. So found the correct issue of C&D and followed the directions as outlined. I think they turned out pretty good and plan on making a set for myself.

Also as a suggested theme was americana...cause what's summertime without the good ole red, white and blue. So had the hubby cut me a set of blocks and made the stencil for this americana set. I love, love how these turned out and will be offering them for sale in my etsy shoppe.

And one final thing I did for this swap was a set of sitter blocks with a bee theme. That way Cyndy can pair these with the bees salt dough bowl fillers. I sure had a blast making all for Cyndy and reading and getting to know her a little better.

Thank you to Amy for hosting this wonderful Farmhouse Summer Swap.

Until next time...

Beautiful Blooms

2011-05-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

I really wanted to participate in the display chain that Amy of Bumble Bee Lane had this past week, but it seemed like I never had enough time to get outside with my camera to take some pictures. Well I finally did yesterday and then go so busy last night that I didn't get to do a blog post.

The rose in the above picture is from a bush that we had given my mother in law some 20+ years ago. The rose is so beautiful and it smells awesome. Tiffany is the roses name and is one of my favorites...now if I could just afford to shop in it's namesakes store.

I had double impatiens like these last year in my back window boxes and they did fabulous, so since it "ain't broke" I'm not fixing it, so I found some more to plant for this year. Just need to get around to it! Never enough time in the day.

Last year I planted 2 bleeding hearts in my new perennial bed and lost both of them over the winter. I don't know if it was due to December being bitterly cold and the plants not going into their dormant state gradually, if there was too much salt from the road that was shovel with the snow we had, or if the raised bed was too warm last summer. Anyway, this bleeding heart was one my mother in law planted. It has finally really blossomed into a very nice plant. I'm torn on whether to leave it where it is or to transplant it into the front perennial bed.

This is one of 2 azaleas that we have left. Our neighborhood is beautiful around Mother's Day with all the azaleas in bloom. We had a row in the front yard but removed them last year when we put in the large perennial bed. We were going to replace them with the new ever blooming ones, but planted monarda (bee balm) along the fence instead. I think that was a wiser choice and more in keeping with the perennial flower garden theme.

This little rose bush has had such a plethora of blooms this year. It is much shorter in stature than the rest of the roses in the bed but what it lacks in size it is making up in blooms. And boy do they smell delicious! It's a called Angelface and is just too sweet.

I had already shared my hanging petunias in a previous post, but wanted to share them here again. They are doing fantastic and the smell that comes wafting off them is out of this world! Oh my!

I had a guara planted last year in my perennial bed and it was huge and just simply gorgeous. Here again is another plant that didn't make it through the winter. I know it can be a tempermental plant to grow at times, but can't figure out what went wrong. Anyway, it is simply a stunning plant, blooming from early spring straight through to fall, so I had to replace it with another one. Hopefully this year we will make it through the winter.

There's nothing like the color and beauty that annual impatiens provide. I usually have planters full of them on my front porch. It is so nice to look at all their lovely beauty each day.

This is one of 2 yellow knock out roses that we planted last year. When we moved here, the front foundation plantings were definitely getting old and tired looking, so I had Josh remove them. It took me another year to decide what we would put in. After looking around we decided on 2 yellow and 3 pink knock out roses. We searched and sniffed lots of them before we settled on the 2 varities that we purchased. Not only do they look good, but they smell great!

This red rose is a monster. It's Mr. Lincoln and my second plant that I have had of this variety. My hubby bought one for me many, many years ago as a Mother's Day gift. We had been living in our former house and the neighbors goats got out and into our yard. They proceed to strip the plant and my Mr. Lincoln died. It is simply a gorgeous rose and the fragrance is to die for!

Another favorite annual of mine...new guinea impatiens. They are waiting their turn in the front bed. I still have pansies in there that over wintered and are just out doing themselves, that I hate to pull them out. I've decided that I will change out the pansies next week as in another few weeks, the heat will be too much for them and they won't look as pretty. The hubby and I decided on red and white for our front of the house annuals this year.

This is such a fragrant rose and the buds are just beautiful. I love taking pictures of the blooms in the macro setting on my camera. Here I captured the bloom just after a gentle rain. If you haven't figured out by now, not only do my roses have to look beautiful they have to smell heavenly. Hey, I can multi-task, why can't my flowers?

This is my neighbors iris. Once it's done blooming, a small piece of it will be in one of my beds so that I will be able to enjoy it. My across the alley neighbor, Mary and I share plants with each other, expanding our selections. Such a nice neighborly thing to do.

My hubby loved the color combination on the pansies in this pot. I just love them and they are just thriving. Hate to have to disturb them, but will pot impatiens in this pot real soon as it will again be too hot for the pansies on my front porch.

Another perennial favorite of mine are these dianthus or pinks as they are called. I picked these up at the flea market a few years ago and they don't disappoint me in the spring.

Peonies are said to be an old fashioned plant. Whether it's considered "old Fashioned" or not, it is a beauty. We have 3 different varities, pink, burgundy and white and all are simply stunning in beauty and fragrance. Even the ants love the blossoms and ridding the flowers of them is easily overcome by cutting them and letting me sit for a bit, the ants leave and they are safe to bring in the house.

Carrying on the red and white theme, I couldn't resist these petunias when I spied them at the garden center. I planted them in the back side yard where we get the most sun. They have a slight fragrance to them.

This Wine and Roses weigelia is one of 3 that we planted in our front foundation bed along with the knock out roses. It's simply gorgeous with it's fuschia flowers and in the summer it foliage turns a darker reddish color.

And last but not least is my white iris. This iris was planted 3 years ago and had finally decided to bloom this year. It is simply beautiful and it also smell terrific.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of the blooms from my gardens. Sure wish I had smell-a-vision so I could share not only the sights but the smells with you. I think springtime is my favorite season with it's bounty of beauty.

Until next time...

Farmhouse Swap Goodies Came

2011-05-18T12:33:00.005-04:00

I was paired up with Cyndy from Crafty Stitchers as a swap partner in the Farmhouse Summer Swap that Amy of Bumble Bee Lane hosted. And I gotta tell you that Cyndy sent the most wonderful goodies.

Cyndy makes the most cutest raggedy anns ever! If you haven't seen her work you really need to hurry on over to her etsy shoppe and check it out. They are awesome! Cyndy sent me this little cutie patootie! She has the sweetest little yellow dress with little bumble bees on it...Oh my! Too cute!

Here she is with the other Raggedy Ann and Andy that I purchased from Diane at Country Doings blog. She looks right at home.

Cyndy also sent this cute little sheep sign, stuffed sheep ornie and little cutest little sheep magnet. Already found homes for all of them too...

There was also this paper mache sheep box...too cool! I have also found a new home for that! Boy I am running outta room on my new peg shelf, guess I'd better have the hubby make me a couple more! LOL! He doesn't know it but I have plans already.

Here is the sheep box and the sign in their new home. And if that weren't enough, there was this neat stuffed pillow. If I remember correctly from a post Cyndy made on her blog, it's stuffed with sawdust. This is a printed on fabric technique, that I am dying to try. Just bought the freezer paper to give it a whirl. So if anyone has any tips or pointers, please share.

I have found a temporary home for the pillow and after not liking it there, have decided that it may join Mr. Sunfloweres on my rocking chair in my bedroom.

Cyndy also sent this cute watermelon plate and handpainted watermelon slices. I have them sitting on my dresser right now...too darn cute. I've gotta tell you that I feel thoroughly spoiled by Cyndy. I hope she enjoys what I sent her as much as I am enjoying what she sent to me. Thanks again Cyndy

Until next time...

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2011-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Here in Baltimore in the spring there are 2 sports....baseball and lacrosse. Depending on what your father grew up playing, usually determines what the sports the sons would play. When my hubby grew up, he played baseball. So it was a natural thing for his sons to do...

Ian only plays rec council baseball, which is much different than what his brother Josh played. Don't get me wrong, Josh "had" to play rec council ball too, but he hated every second of it. He would much rather have just played travel ball and high school ball, where the level of play is just a little more serious and the skill level a little more refined. Anyway, back to Ian. Ian is my kid who likes to do lots of things...he isn't too obsessed with baseball the way Josh was, but he still likes to play.

As a young teenage girl, I was sort of a tomboy. I played softball as that's all that girls were allowed to play back then. I was much like Josh...frustrated with the level of skill. I was a pretty good player and made a hand picked allstar team two years in a row. My favorite positions were third base and I would also pitch.

Ian likes to play third base. Josh also use to play third base but went on to become an awesome catcher in his travel league as well as high school. So far Ian's team isn't doing that bad this year. He is being coached again by Mr. Glenn, for the third year and he has already hit one home run in his first game. So most Monday and Thursday nights you will find me on the baseball diamond, cheering on Ian and his team. Go Cardinals!

Until next time....

Random Act of Kindness

2011-05-13T14:34:00.005-04:00

Boy was I surprised when I heard the doorbell ring the other day. I had just gotten into the shower but managed to peer out the bathroom window to see the mailman walking away. His ringing of the doorbell could mean only one thing...a package. So as I showered, I contemplated the possibilities. Was it the new molds I had just ordered? A package from my swap partner? Or something that the hubby ordered?

By the time I had gotten showered and dressed, Sean had gone outside and retrieved the package. I was big and from my favorite place to shop...Kohl's. But knowing that I don't shop Kohl's online but in store, I looked at the address label. It was from Linda Parker. What a pleasant surprise...

As I opened the box up to see what was inside, I pulled out a bunch of goodies. First there was an unused stencil for a summertime sign inside. Forgot to take a picture of it and clear mylar doesn't photograph well. I will be sure to share the finished sign with you when I get to making it. Then there was this itty-bitty basket. Isn't it too cute? I'm thinking of painting the little bow and handle black and it has already found a home.

Next I pulled out this elbow basket. Isn't it cute? I have a place all picked out for it to go but will need the hubby to be more cooperative. He's swamped with keeping up with his customers lawns right now, so he's told me whatever new shelf I want will have to wait...sigh! Always back burnered!

There was also this larger elbow basket. This too will have to wait for it's new home. Sure wish we would have a rain day soon...maybe I could get some projects done with the hubby.

A pair of tapers were the next out of the box. I hung them off my dough bowl rack. Thinking that I might dip them in beeswax and roll them in spices to make them a bit more grubby.

There was also this light. I'm thinking of finding a small lamp shade for it maybe and adding some hips and sticks to the fluted metal pan around it. At this point I'm thinking there can't be anything else in the box. Right? Nope! Wrong. I dig through the peanuts and packing materials and pull out this....

I know where I would like to hang it but don't think that the males in my house will be able to walk down the steps and not hit it. There this skinny wall on the side of the livingroom closet, but it's exposed and on the way down the steps...sigh! I'm thinking I will have to find a safer place than that for it.

I think I finally have hit the bottom of the box when feeling around there is still another little present at the very bottom. It is a spoon rack complete with spoons that Linda redid. Isn't it cute. I am planning on putting that in the diningroom once I get it all repainted.

And here's the little itty bitty basket and the candle tapers hanging off the pegs on my dough bowl rack. I will take pictures as I get all the other goodies in their new homes too.

I want to thank Linda for her simple act of kindness that sure brought a smile to my face. She is a very generous soul and I am so glad that we have become friends via this great thing called "blogland". It has allowed the miles between us to just disappear. So Linda, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Until next time...

2011-05-08T11:00:00.003-04:00

I want to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day and hope your family treats you like the queen that you are today. Mine have already bought me 2 gorgeous hanging baskets of impatiens and they are suppose to cook me steak on the grill later today. Yummo!

Also Robin at the Primitive Hutch was the winner of my sign in the PAFA Mother's Day giveaway. Congrats to Robin and all the lucky winners so far. There is still time to enter the giveaway for it's final week so be sure to hurry over to the PAFA team blog and enter if you haven't already.

Until next time...

And the Winners Are...

2011-05-07T22:02:00.006-04:00

First I want to thank everyone who follows my blog and entered my giveaway. I appreciate all of your visits and comments.

Yep, you heard that right...there are 2 winners. I had 35 comments left for the giveaway and reached 253 followers. Out of the 34 enteries, 14 posted to their blogs sidebar so as a thank you for those gals taking the time to do so, I decided to put their names in again in a separate drawing and to pull a name from that one also to say thanks.

I put everyone's name on slips of paper and had Ian pick both winning names out of the respective bowls. The first winner is Tammy- A Primitive Place. Tammy said "Awesome!
I would love to be entered into your giveaway!!
I am a follower.
And I will post about the giveaway on my sidebar.
Thanks so much,
Tam "

So Tammy if you can email me your mailing info, I will get the gingerbread votive, pineapple hanger and willow tree hanger off to you in the mail.

And my second winner is Robin from The Cranky Crow. Robin said "Hello Dee!
Finally found you here in blogland!! I'm your newest follower (for now!) - just one away from that 250 it looks!!! Oh PLEASE enter me in this wonderful giveaway!!! I love this little gathering - love beeswax anything...!! I have posted to my blog also. Thanks so much Sweetie! Smiles & Hugs, Robin "

Robin if you send me your mailing info I will send out a willow tree and pineapple hanger to you as a big thank you for taking the time to post on your blog about my giveaway.

Thanks everyone for entering my giveaway. I had a great time making the beeswax ornies and votive holder. Be sure to keep an eye out for my next giveaway....it should be in a few weeks.

Until next time....

WooHoo! 25!

2011-05-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

I'm sure by now you all are getting sick of me and my weight loss, but I gotta tell you that I am not sick of sharing it with you all. I am down 25 pounds! Only 8 more to go til I hit my "goal" weight! Yeah!

I won't be celebrating with any cheesecake this week...when I do, I don't lose any weight but then again I haven't gained any either when eating it.

I've been walking steady almost everyday 3.2 miles. I am still doing a restrictive Atkins like diet too. The hubby has me taking lots of vitamins and I'm feeling pretty good.

I don't think I've been in the 150's since Ian was a toddler! It feels really good to get here! WooHoo!

Until next time....

Pay It Forward Received

2011-05-06T16:10:00.002-04:00

I sign on to a Pay It Forward with Holli of From Where The Rooster Crows and received the loveliest surprise in the mail today. Holli sent me a cute little cottontail coffee stained bunny. He's just too cute.

And there was a heavenly smelling bath bomb in the envelope too. Oh my, does it smell good! I can't wait to take a soak and use it. Guess I will have to get the mulching done this weekend so I can "earn" my soak! LOL!

It certainly made my day to receive a little package "just because". Holli, thank you so much for brightening up my day.

Until next time...

2500 Sales and Sweet Smelling Petunias

2011-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've been very blessed this past year with sales on Etsy and just the other day I hit another significant milestone....2500 sales! I am so thankful for all my customers as they allow me to do what I truly love, to create and paint.

Thought I would also share my new hanging baskets of petunias with you too. The hubby and I have been out looking at flowers and came across these petunias. We had already decided on a red and white color scheme for the annual flowers in the front perennial beds, the window boxes and front flower bed. The red and white petunias wave that we purchased had a mild fragrance. However these purple beauties are so fragrant, we couldn't resist! Oh my! If they are anything like last years petunias, the fragrance just came wafting in on the air currents through the open window. While we won't have quite that same pleasure this year, we will enjoy their fragrance when we are sitting on our front porch in the early evenings. Sure wish I had smell-a-vision to share with you all.

Until next time....

I hear Wedding Bells

2011-05-02T08:00:00.003-04:00

With all the hoopla with the royal wedding these past weeks, I was getting a little tired of all the hype. Shouldn't the day be intimate and special for the couple? I guess not if you are an heir to the throne of England.

Not anyone that I know is getting married but I've been working with a lot of brides recently through my etsy shoppe. This bride is having her flower girl and ring bearer carry these little signs. They are reversible. Hopefully she will place a nicer piece of ribbon through the holes than I did.

I did 4 twilight themed signs for another bride. She and her fiance` must be huge fans of the series.

She picked some very nice quotes from the saga to use.

Two of the sayings I already do, two were new to me.

I think they all turned out pretty nicely.

Another bride was providing "Dancin' shoes" in the way of a basket of flip-flops for her quests who wanted to shed their dress up shoes and get down and boogie. She is placing this sign in front of a large basket of flip flops.

And my last bride had me make a set of blocks for her gift tables. I thought her colors were very bright and would love to see all the wedding decorations for her event.

I can say that I have enjoyed working with all the brides so far...none have turned out to be bridezilla....guess they only exist on that cable show?

I am loving all the little extra personal touches that everyone is coming up with to make their day special....afterall isn't that what it's all about?

Until next time...

I've Been Dabbling Giveaway

2011-05-01T08:00:00.005-04:00

I've been dabbling in blackened beeswax and thought I would offer this gingerbread candle votive as a giveaway on my blog. The winner will receive the beeswax votive holder, the metal candle pan and the hips and sticks pictured.

Since I am only 11 away from 250 followers...I will throw in this blackened beeswax pineapple hanger and .....

I will also throw in this blackened beeswax willow tree hanger if I reach 250 followers.

The rules are simple...

1. You must be a follower of my blog. New followers are welcome.
2. You must leave a comment on this post only.
3. You can post to your blogs sidebar if you desire.
4. You must be a USA or Canadian resident.
5. Deadline for enteries will be May 6th, winning name drawn on May 7th.

Until next time....

My swap to Deb at Paxton Valley Folk Art

2011-04-30T15:34:00.003-04:00

The Primitive and Folk Artist group on etsy had a member swap and I was paired up with Deb Riddell of Paxton Valley Folk Art as a swap partner. I was really excited to be Deb's swap partner and apprehensive at the same time. Not that Deb is picky or anything, it's just difficult for me to paint for another painter. I sit and second and third guess what I am going to paint! LOL!

I knew what surface I wanted to use, just needed to find the pattern. I settled on an Easter bunny design by Terrye French to paint on the pocket. That was of course, after I had basecoated a second pocket dark blue. I had completely forgotten that Deb wasn't a pastel kinda gal, and the first pocket was basecoated a light green.

Since I was already late in sending my package, which I will explain later, I wanted to also send something that was springy just in case, the package didn't make it in time for Easter, so taking another design by Terrye French I painted a little spring sheep on a large wood hangtag.

I also sent this inspirational sign that Deb can keep out year round. I love this new design with the little sheepie and willow tree....too cute!

And here is the reason that I was late...seems like the goodies that I had purchased to send with the swap disappeared. I found the wrapper evidence and set about finding out "which" male in my house ate my swap goodies...it didn't take long to find the culprit. So that meant another trip to the store to pick up some goodies to send.

I stopped by Target to get some more goodies and they had the cutest little pot with coneflower seeds in it and with echinecea's being my favorite perennial, I couldn't resist. I also sent a yankee candle in cotton blossom scent...oh my, is that scent ever delightful. I replaced the goodies that were consumed and added the Lindt truffles...they are to die for! I made sure that the goodies went right into the shipping box when I got home from Target so there wasn't any temptation.

Sent hubby with the postage paid box to the post office. There was some confusion once there about the customs form...mental note to self, next time check the order of the customs forms. After a phone call the package was finally on it's way. It seemed like it took so long, I thought that the custom agents may have confiscated the package for the goodies, but it finally arrived and everything was well receive. It was really fun being Deb's swap partner and getting to know her a little better through email.

Until next time....

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-24T07:24:00.004-04:00

Wishing everyone a Happy and safe Easter. Sure hope Peter Cottontail makes a stop by your house and fills your Easter basket with goodies. Enjoy your day.

Untul next time...

My new bonnet

2011-04-23T17:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how much I love this new bonnet that I got from Lecia over at Farmhouse Prims Blog. I've been drooling over all the bonnets that Lecia has been making and decided enough was enough and I needed to get me one. Yep, you heard that right...needed, not wanted! LOL!

Anyway, so I dropped Lecia an email telling her where I wanted to put it and she was sweet and sent me 4 photos of different fabric bonnets to choose from. I absolutely love the mustard one that she thought would look best and she is correct. It looks great there hanging off my dough bowl rack. Lecia is just the sweetest to work with. She sent it all pretty wrapped like a Christmas present and with the sweetest note.

I am gonna be working on the hubby for a few more shelves with peg hooks, and I'll be getting one or two more bonnets from Lecia to hang off those too. I can see this can become so addicting!

Until next time...

First Lucky Winners Are Being Drawn Tomorrow

2011-04-22T14:10:00.005-04:00

So be sure to hurry on over to the PAFA team blog to enter the fantastic Mother's Day giveaway. Three winners a week are being drawn for the next 4 weeks. If your name is drawn as a winner in week one, it goes back into the pot for the other weekly drawings. Now how sweet is that? And speaking of sweet, what a sweet bunch of fabric daffodils that Deb of Paxton Valley Folk Art donated. They are so realistic and perfect to present to mom on Mother's Day and you don't have to worry about watering them or disposing of them. They will look lovely year round. Be sure to stop by Deb's etsy shoppe or check out her blog for more sweet home decor.

Now every mother needs an extra hand around the house and I gotta say I love this framed picture that Barb of Barb's Heartstrokes donated. Even if mom never gets a "real" helping hand, this sweet one with it's little birdie will surely bring a smile to her face. I gotta tell you that being the proud owner of a piece of Barb's artwork, you won't be disappointed. Be sure to also check out Barb's etsy shoppe and also her blog.

And how about this cute apron? It would bring tears of joy to Mom's eyes to see her adoring family wearing this, while preparing a gourmet Mother's Day dinner. This sweet apron was donated by Rose of basketsbyrose. I sure would love to see my hubby wearing this as not only is he thoughtful in protecting his clothes while cooking, it would actually mean that he was cooking for a change! LOL! Anyway, be sure to stop by Rose's etsy shoppe and her blog to see other goodies that are for sale.

So whatcha still sitting here for? These prizes and more are available in the PAFA Mother's Day giveaway. Hurry over to get your name in for a chance for all 12 prizes. Just click on the links.

Until next time...

A Tisket, a tasket, it's 2 new baskets!

2011-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I've been shopping alot on etsy recently...well not just etsy but these two baskets did come from etsy. I'll show you what I bought elsewhere in another post.

Anyway, back to the baskets. So I've been looking for some baskets to hang on the peg hooks on my shelf and dough bowl rack that the hubby made me, and I found 2 on etsy.

The first one is a garlic basket. I purchased this basket from BasketsbyLisa on etsy. I didn't realize til just now that I was her first sale. Anyway, I just love the basket. I need to get some Sweet Annie to put in it, but that will wait for another time. Anyway, Lisa also included that cute oval basket tie on as a thank you. I need to get some jute to tie it on to the basket.

This basket I purchased from Cheryl's Creations on etsy. I was looking for a small elbow basket and this one will fit the bill. I need to get some Sweet Annie for this basket too. Darn hubby needs to hurry up and plant my seed that I bought so I have my own Sweet Annie to use! Anyway, Cheryl painted the cutest little flowers just under the band of the basket.

Be sure to check out both gals shoppes on etsy....they have some cute baskets.

Until next time...

I won Prim Outhouse's Jelly Bean Contest

2011-04-20T12:10:00.006-04:00

Janice, over at The Prim Outhouse blog hosted a jelly bean contest. She had a mason jar full of jelly beans and you had to guess the correct number in the jar to win. My guess was 256. No one guessed the exact number but my guess was the closest...only 2 away of the 258 jelly beans that were in the jar.

Janice sent the mason jar full of jelly beans, 3 plant pokes, a carrot, flower and Easter egg, a pair of grubby candles tied with muslin, a wood sign that says fresh flowers and two bags full of jelly beans. As you can see, there is a bag of jelly beans missing already. I take no responsibility for their disappearance as I am still on my diet, so as they say in my house "Not Me!" LOL!

Thanks Jan for all the wonderful goodies.

Until next time...

PAFA Mothers Day Giveaway

2011-04-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

Be sure to stop by the PAFA team blog and check out the huge Mothers Day giveaway that is being sponsored by the team artists. There will be 3 winners a week for the next 4 weeks. There are many chances for multiple enteries, so be sure to read and follow the rules.

I have donated this shabby chic sign with a sweet saying perfect for mom for this giveaway. Just click the link and take a peek at the other giveaway prizes. So hurry on over to maximize your chances of winning.

Until next time...

My Valentine's Gift

2011-04-15T20:19:00.002-04:00

No, not the Annie and Andy. This is the picture of them together that I promised from my post yesterday. Although they do look like star struck lovers. Don't they look so cute there with their little critters?

And yep, you read the title right. I told the hubby that I wanted him to make me a dough bowl rack for Valentines Day. He had it made in no time flat. So why am I showing it to you two months later? Well first I had to paint it, so got that done. Then decided where I wanted to put it.

Of course I wanted to paint the wall before I hung it up. That's where the problem came in. My walls in my livingroom are a lovely Breyers icecream french vanilla. Well french vanilla walls and boys don't mix too well. They had the walls dirty and scraped up in no time. No amount of scrubbing was gonna help either as I already did that. I had saved the paint can lid with the paint chip color but couldn't find it. Tried to go to Home Depot to find it but Glidden was only having them carry 256 colors and not the 1000 that they were. My wall color was one of the ones they no longer had the formula to unless I knew the name. So after frantically searching for 2 weeks, I finally found the paint lid and chip. Had Home Depot mix the paint for me and then had to wait for a nice warm day so I could open the windows and air out the house as I painted. Well this past Monday was just the perfect day.

Tuesday I was able to get the dough bowl rack hung. I still need, notice I said "need", to order a bonnet to hang off it and I know just who to get one from. I have a small elbow basket for one of the pegs coming too. I'm thinking of making a ditty bag and experimenting with fabric printing.

Anyway, just wanted to share with you my gift of love that the hubby made me. Some girls want diamonds...I just want shelves and stuff! LOL!

Until next time...

Andy and his dog

2011-04-14T21:14:00.004-04:00

A month or so ago I bought a lil Raggedy Annie from Diane of CountryDoings blog. Diane showed the Annie on her blog and I just had to pop over to her etsy shoppe to check her out. Well after getting the Annie in the mail, I sent Diane a email asking if she ever thought about making an Andy to go with the Annie. She said she would keep me in mind.

So fast forward to a few days ago. Diane emailed me that she had indeed made an Andy. I didn't hesitate and went ahead and bought him too. He is adorable. So now my lil Annie has company. I meant to take a picture of the two of them together, but got side tracked today. I'll have to post a picture tomorrow.

Be sure to check out Diane's shoppe. She has some cute things.

Until next time....

Pretties In The Mail ...My Swap Goodies

2011-04-11T08:56:00.005-04:00

I received some pretties in the mail over the weekend. Deb Riddell of Paxton Valley Folk Art and I were swap sisters from the swap the PAFA team had. I gotta tell ya, I should have taken a picture of all the presents wrapped so pretty. It was such a shame to have to open them and ruin the appearance. Deb had each tied with string/ribbon and had attached a hangtag to each. Such a sweet touch. A lovely note card was also tucked inside.

Deb sent those sweet fabric daffodils. They look almost real! I put them in a 1/2 gallon mason jar and they look absolutely stunning.

Isn't this wood plate the neatest? It's a Terrye French penny rug design of a bunny. Boy, let me tell you, Deb sure can paint! I had the star plate holder and thought it would display the plate nicely for now. I may change my mind on that once I get to the craft store though! LOL!

Deb was also sweet enough to send some sugar free candy knowing that I am on a low carb diet. Haven't had any as yet...trying to be good til I lose 2 more pounds...then I'll be in the home stretch. Ok, so back to the other goodies...yep, there's more. There was a letter "D" with a hook and a note pad with the letter "D" on top...no more will the family be able to walk off with my note pad! LOL! There also was a bag of pastel eggs for Easter. Haven't figured out where they are going yet and need to find a big bowl or a basket to put them in.

I just love everything that I received. I want to thank Deb for being such a sweet person and lovely swap partner...you're the best! Thanks also to Brenda, TheRustyThimble for putting together the swap for us gals at PAFA.

Deb, your package is on it's way to you and should be there any day. Sent my hubby to the post office to drop it off...they had a glitch with it....almost didn't get it off in the mail as the custom forms were backwards in the envelope. Also the middle son, ate some of your swap gift, so had to make another trip out to replace what he ate! Boys! They will eat anything that isn't nailed down, glued o painted!

Until next time....

A Surprise in the Mail!

2011-04-09T13:10:00.005-04:00

I got the sweetest surprise in the mail yesterday. The mailman rang the bell and there was a package sitting there. Now I am expecting a few things in the mail, but this wasn't one of them.

Barb of Barbheartstrokes sent me that little cutie in the above picture. Isn't he/she just the cutest? Barb also sent a thank you note for all my help over at the PAFA forum, where I am a team leader.

I gotta tell you, this was very, very sweet of Barb to do. I had no idea! What a total surprise! Thank you, thank you, thank you Barb, from the bottom of my heart. You made a yucky work filled/stress filled day alot brighter!

Barb paints the cutest designs on screens...I love them. Be sure to check out Barb's blog and her etsy shoppe. Just click the links.

Until next time...

D

My Swap To Tracy

2011-04-07T10:43:00.005-04:00

I participated in a swap that Tammy A Primitive Place hosted on her blog. I was partnered up with Tracy of Prairie Patch blog. Tammy's swap theme was "So me, so you".

We were to send one thing that was "so me"....that was the easy part. The harder part came in with the "so you". That required digging into our partners blog and finding little tidbits of information about them. My job was a little more difficult as Tracy has a very diverse and eclectic style, but I did manage to pin down a few things about her! LOL!

I found out through reading that Tracy loved little prim sheep. She had received a swap from another gal, and in it was a little hand painted sheep soap, that Tracy had made comment that she was starting to "collect" sheep. Through emails, I found that Tracy liked earth tone colors...so now that I had 2 clues of what she liked I got to work. The end result was the sheep sign above painted on an tan background.

So with the "so you" part all worked out, I got to work on the "so me" part. The hubby has been on a roll recently with making me some pieces to hang on the wall, so I thought, why not have him make Tracy a smaller version of a bowl rack that he made me although this had a little twist to it. We added a rolling pin groove to the bowl rack as I knew that Tracy liked prim kitchen utensils from a blog linky party she hosted. I painted the bowl rack/pin holder in my favorite color, black. Having emailed Tracy about color schemes in her house, she said that she hoped one day to do her kitchen in brick red, and knowing that black should be a lovely contrast, I was confident in my color choice. I added a small burgundy bowl for the final touch.

I had so much fun with this swap and getting to know Tracy. If you haven't been over to Tracy's blog, hop on over and check it out. She also has a few other blogs including The Sunburnt Cow where she holds linky parties to show off things that you have for sale and she has just launched a new shoppe contest. What neat ways to promote others.

Until next time....

Tweaked My Shelf

2011-04-06T17:32:00.004-04:00

I finished up the window frame I had that I wanted to put over my shelf and added a twig wreaths with tan/black pip berries. I still need something else...hmmm..gonna have to think on this some more. Also put 3 little stitcheries that I bought from Patti Primitivelvr on etsy. on my shelf

Until next time....

Bowling Social

2011-04-03T21:49:00.004-04:00

Today I took Sean and Ian to a bowling social that Sean's supportive employment agency sponsored. This was their first one and if the turnout was an indication it was a complete success.

Sean giving Ian a high five after making a spare. The boys really support one another, even though at times, they fight like cats and dogs. Sean bowled on a non competitive bowling league while in high school. There you bowled against your own average and not others...that way there was lots of room for self improvement.

Ian was so thrilled with me taking his picture while waiting to bowl! NOT!

Ian watching his ball roll as he made his spare. My hubby and I were big time bowlers before we had kids and when Sean was little. As we added more kids to our family it became impossible to keep up with the sport both my hubby and I so enjoyed.

The scoreboard from the boys second game...Ian did a great job that game.

There was a incident while bowling that was very disturbing to me. Some of the participants had disabilities. One was an older women, who I guess was in her 40's. She had a caretaker from the agency with her. Her caretaker stepped away for a moment and Christine asked me my name. I told her and shook her hand. She then asked me if I had a dog, which I answered no to. Her caretaker starting admonishing her about asking personal questions. I thought what the heck? We are in a social setting and she is just trying to get to know a little about me. I realize that people with disabilities may have their quirks and maybe asking "personal" questions is Christine, but I thought hey this is one situation where her questions are absolutely appropriate.

So basically after she was scolded by her caretaker, Christine didn't ask anymore questions nor did she attempt conversation. There are better ways to handle issues and this certainly wasn't one of them. How is Christine ever suppose to learn to be socially appropriate if when she attempts social interaction, she is shut down by her caretaker? Her question to me wasn't offensive and was socially appropriate in my opinion. Maybe Christine was trying to see if there was something that we had in common, I don't know. I just wish the caregiver would have taken a step back and realize that maybe she was the one stepping over the line.

We also had a pleasant surprise when we got to the bowling alley. We wound up bowling next to Delene. She and Sean went to school together since 6th grade. Sean and Delene went to their prom together. They were voted prom king and queen by their peers that year. Delene left school that year, in 2005 and went to other programs that are available for disabled youths. Sean stayed in school til he turned 21. Anyway, it was nice to see Delene and catch up with her family as to what was going on in their lives.

The boys seemed to enjoy their time bowling...it was only their mom being a "mom" that was a little stressed out...I just can't help it!

My New Peg Shelf Is Finished

2011-04-02T20:46:00.003-04:00

I finally got my peg shelf that the hubby made me, painted and hung up. I added a few things to sit on it, but still think it needs something else. I do have a few ideas for above it...hopefully I can tweak it over the next few days.

And remember I told you he put it together backwards. The arch side was suppose to be where the pegs are and the shelf was suppose to be straight. Well even though he had it all lined up when I was out in the garage looking at it, when it came in the house he has reversed the shelf and peg backing...the shelf is arched and the peg back is straight.

Anyway, I'd better not complain too loudly as he won't make anything for me again.

Until next time...

Spring Has Sprung at PAFA

2011-04-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy April 1st everyone! The Spring Has Sprung at PAFA Celebration has begun. What's a celebration you are probably thinking? Well, this one doesn't have any cake or ice cream but what it does have is 83 wonderful springtime creations made by 21 of the PAFA team members.

Each team member was allowed to enter up to five items in the celebration. I have to say that I spent a lot of time deciding just what theme I would do for this celebration.

At first I thought I would do bunnies. But they can be so Eastery. Not saying that I don't like a bunny or two around, but I thought I would do some signs based on another one of my passions....Gardening. Of course I knew I just had to do a typography sign about gardening.

And then I came across this lovely poem written by Dorothy Frances Gurney in 1913. I just love it. I know when I am in my flower beds working beside of all of God's beauty there is a peacefulness.

And upon further searching I found this lovely saying. Wouldn't this look lovely hanging on a garden fence or garden shed? What a nice invitation to extend to others. I know that I think quite often about putting up a 6' high privacy fence around my backyard, but then think that I wouldn't be able to share the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens I have with my neighbors.

And last but not least, this is one of my most favorite quotes..."The earth laughs in flowers" by E.E. Cummings. And what a jokester she is!

So be sure to stop by etsy and type "STPAFA" into your search bar or better yet, click on the link to see all the wonderful items that are being offered for sale by the PAFA team.

Until next time...

I'm Half Way There!

2011-03-31T10:17:00.003-04:00

I am so excited! I am half way there. Half way to where you are asking? No, not to being crazy....been halfway there forever! LOL! I'm half way to my total weight loss goal! I'm down 17 pounds and my clothes are fitting sooo much better...My pants are baggy for the first time in years! Yeah!

I've added a few things to my walking routine. I bought a pair of Sketchers Shape Ups. I've been looking at them for a long time but with a price tag of $109, they were staying right on the shelf at Kohl's. Well, got a 30% off coupon and Kohl's had them on sale for $69 and with the coupon that made them $48, so bought them. They really do work your leg muscles if you walk correctly in them. And boy are they comfy!

I also added a set of #1 pound hand weights. Have been using them for about 3 weeks now and almost ready to move up to 2# ones. Last week I added 1 1/2# ankle weights. I gotta tell you that the makers of the ankle weights must think that women all have pencil thin ankles! NOT! Chubby gals want to wear ankle weights too! I don't think I have cankles, but apparently I do. I can barely get the velcro attached! Well hopefully my ankles will shrink and I'll be able to wear them more comfortably.

I also use a pedometer. It helps keep me on track knowing just how far I have walked. My hubby will walk with me some days and while I like to walk a specific route, he doesn't. So I use the pedometer to know when I've walked my 2-2 1/2 miles.

Which brings me to my last indispensible walking tool...my IPOD touch! Gotta have music while walking. Just wish I wasn't so tech challenged with it. Seems like I enlarged the screen the other day. I don't know "how" I did it, but I do know when it happened...I was changing artists. Had to get the 15 yr old son, to help me out and change it back...seems like I pushed something in settings to make the change. Honestly I didn't, but I guess I did! LOL!

Until next time....

My Giveaway Win From York Mountain Mercantile

2011-03-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

I have been on a lucky roll lately and have won another giveaway. My name was drawn for a 2nd prize as Traci of York Mountain Mercantile reached her goal of 125 followers. Traci sent a burlap sack of pastel tulips. They are just awesome.

Thank you Traci for hosting an awesome giveaway. There is some wonderful talent out here in blogland. If you aren't a follower of Traci's hop on over to her blog so you can keep up with her newest creations. Traci also has a website, so if you want even more eye candy be sure to check it out.

Until next time....

Only 3 days left til...

2011-03-29T19:08:00.005-04:00

The PAFA team Spring Celebration starts. And I gotta tell you the offerings that the artists have put together are fabulous! There will be baskets, bunnies, wood crafts and new springtime signs. Here's a sneak peak at one of my new offerings.

So be sure to check out etsy as the celebration kicks off on Friday April 1st. Just type "STPAFA" in the search box on etsy to bring up all the wonderful celebration items...you won't be disappointed!

Until next time...

My Swap Goodies Came

2011-03-28T21:40:00.005-04:00

Tammy at A Primitive Place hosted "So Me, So You" swap and I was paired up with Tracy of The Prairie Patch as partners. We were suppose to send one thing that was "so you" and one thing that was "so me" to our partner.

I gotta tell you that before I even opened the box, the smells that were coming from inside were delicious! Tracy sent me 4 different smelling soaps...can't decide which one I like the most.

I also received a cute round tin plate with a bunny, carrot, Easter egg and Happy Easter sign attached. There was also a tri-colored denim braided wreath. I haven't found homes for everything yet, but will do so in the next few days.

Thank you Tracy for sending such a lovely swap. Yours will be in the mail tomorrow and I sure hope, I have the "so you" part down as you were very hard to figure out what you liked, but hopefully with all my reading and searching, I got it nailed down.

A Primitive Place New Blog

2011-03-28T18:05:00.004-04:00

Not only is A Primitive Place a great magazine to read, they now have a great blog to follow. They are having a giveaway of a wonderful tobacco basket for all their followers, so be sure to hurry over and sign up. The giveaway ends March 30th, winner announced March 31st.

Two Great New Giveaways

2011-03-24T14:01:00.005-04:00

There are 2 great giveaways to tell you all about. They both contain items perfect to decorate for the upcoming Easter holiday.

Karen of Cedar Creek Primitives Selling Blog is having a cute giveaway. A basket of fabric wrapped eggs and a basket of fabric carrots.

So hop on over to Karen's selling blog and sign up for this cute giveaway. Deadline is April 9th.

Barb of Barbsheartstrokes is celebrating her one year etsyversary. Barb says she has come a long way from mastering turning on the computer to selling her wares online. So in honor of her etsyversary, she is having a giveaway.

And if that wasn't enough, Barb is also having a drawing for Easter too. So hurry on over to Barb's blog, be sure to check out her etsy shoppe and sign up. Deadline is April 3rd.

You can click on the links to these fabulous giveaways in my post or they will be located on my blogs sidebar too.

Until next time...

My Giveaway Win From Maywood Cottage Came

2011-03-23T11:31:00.003-04:00

My giveaway win came from Willa at Maywood Cottage's blog. Willa painted the cutest Terrye French design on a wood door panel. I have the perfect place to hang it but want to paint the stairwell first...have lots of painting to do around here...can't wait til I can leave the windows open and then I can start painting.

Thank you Willa, for hosting an awesome giveaway.

Too Cool Giveaway!

2011-03-21T10:43:00.005-04:00

The Artistic Halloween Queens are hosting an Easterween giveaway. And I can tell you that the prizes unveiled so far look awesome. They are sharing pictures of the artistic process on their creations, so hurry on over and check out their blog and to enter their awesome giveaway. They will also be posting more ornies tomorrow.

The Calendar Says...

2011-03-20T10:56:00.006-04:00

It's spring! Yippee! And from the looks of things, I have to agree...

The pussy willow tree in my neighbors yard has bloomed and sprouted it's soft little furry buds. I remember as a child rubbing pussy willow buds over my arms...the soft feel was a welcoming sign of spring.

And my rose bushes are already budding! Yeah! These are new bushes from last year and I am pleased to say that they have survived the winter. You never know from one year to the next what will make it.

These irises are just popping up through the mulch. My hubby brought them home from a customers house a few years back. We planted them and last year was the first year that we had blooms on them. Seems like irises need to get a "hold" before they like to share their beauty. Sure hope this year they feel so inclined again to share.

My bee balm is peeking out. Another new addition last year in my new perennial bed and to me as a gardener. I had run out of room for sun loving plants until we added our new sunny perennial bed last year. I am so glad that we did too.

And of course with the warmer temps came a trip to the local nursery to pick up some pansies for my porch pots. They will stay until sometime in June when I will switch over to impatiens as the pansies just don't like my hot sunny front porch then.

It is a beautiful spring day today, sunny and still a little chilly, but I will take it. Enjoy your day.

Until next time....

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T07:55:00.003-04:00

Isn't everyone a wee bit Irish today? Whether you are celebrating by going to a parade, eating corned beef, drinking green beer, or wearing of the green, so you don't get pinched, have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

Until next time...

My Giveaway win from Bumble Bee Lane Cottage

2011-03-16T14:31:00.005-04:00

I was the lucky winner of another giveaway. Amy from Bumble Bee Lane Cottage sent me the cutest prim Easter egg along with the most yummiest smelling wax bunny tarts all in a cool small hand painted bowl. I could smell the wax bunny tarts before I even had the package opened.

I have found a temporary home for the bowl, bunnies and egg in my bedroom. I would like to put them on my cabinet in the livingroom but the hubby is a klutz and he knocked one of my other bowls off it's shelf and broke it...so for now, the bowl, bunnies and egg are going to stay safely displayed in my bedroom.

Amy, thanks once again for hosting such a wonderful giveaway.

Until next time...

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2011-03-15T15:00:00.001-04:00

Now that I have your attention, be sure to hurry on over to the PAFA teams blog and sign up for the huge giveaway. Today is the last chance and you know you don't want to miss out!

Until next time...

My Giveaway Win From PFATT

2011-03-13T10:40:00.004-04:00

The artists over on the PFATT blog were having a giveaway and my name was drawn as one of the lucky winners. I received this lil chickie designed by Sylvia Smiser of Annaboocreations. He is the cutest little paper clay chickie. Perfect to display for the upcoming Easter season.

I want to publicly thank Sylvia for sharing a little piece of herself with me. I appreciate the time, effort and talent that it takes to create a wonderful work of art. If you have some time, please pop on over to Sylvia's blog and check out all her wonderful works of art. They are truly awesome!

Pay It Forward 2011

2011-03-12T08:43:00.005-05:00

I have never participated in a PIF (Pay it forward) before, but when I saw Hollie's of Where The Rooster Crows post come up on my blog roll, I was curious and interested. So I hopped on over to Hollies blog to see what it was all about and decided it was time to play and pay it forward.

How ir all works:

The first 5 people that comment on this post will receive something handmade from yours truly. But first you have to write a blog post explaining Pay it Forward 2011. Then you will send out a handmade gift to the first five visitors who leave a comment on your blog post. Your handmade gifties don't all have to be in the mail tomorrow, so take your time in creating your heartfelt treasures. This is a great way to meet new friends and share a little bit of yourself with them.

Remember it's not the size of the gift but the thought that counts...so let's all have fun and Pay it Forward!

Til next time...

Edited to add: Please everyone that is signing up to Pay it Forward only do so one one blog. The whole idea is for one act of kindness to grow into 5 and then that 5 to grow into 25 and those 25 to grow into 125 and those 125 to grow into lets see if I can do the math on this...625 and so on and so on.

A tisket, a tasket...

2011-03-11T19:56:00.003-05:00

it's a shaker cheese basket! I've been eyeing this basket for awhile ever since I saw it on one of the blogs I read. So decided I waited long enough and had a little extra money, so I bought one for myself. Ann over at 1803Ohiofarmbaskets has some of the neatest baskets including a smaller version of this shaker cheese basket. Ann also included a set of 2 grubbied up candle tapers in my package.

As a former dabbler in basket making...I made a few in my time, but have since given up basket making in favor of painting, know that basket weaving is a true labor of love. It is definitely an artform to get a basket to turn out the way you envision it. Ann is very skilled at her craft.

I have found a home for it already but will have to wait to share that with you as I need to repaint that wall before I can display it. Darn Glidden discontinued making the 1000 paint colors and of course my paint color is one of them. Talked to the guy in the paint dept at Home Depot and my only hope is finding the color chip card, that I kept for them to make the paint from. Now I know that I kept that card, but where, oh where did I put it? But I digress from my original topic...

So if you are looking for some well made baskets, head on over to Ann's etsy shoppe and check out what she has to offer. I can tell you, you won't be disappointed.

Til next time...

And The Winner Is...

2011-03-10T16:05:00.004-05:00

It seems like since I posted my "I lost but someone will Gain" giveaway, I have come across lots of blogs of ladies dieting or trying to lose weight. Why does weight seem to be such a hard thing to lose? I mean it sure finds us easy enough now doesn't it! LOL! It's incredible to read about everyone's diets. We've all heard of Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and of course lean cuisine. But some of the new one such as the Cinch diet, have never heard of it before. I guess what works for one person doesn't always work for another. I also want to take the time to thank you all for your words of encouragement. They mean so much and keep me going. I know, you are all saying will she just hurry up and tell us...so for those of you that have been patiently waiting, reading my post and not scrolling down.

The winner of my cute Easter Blessings bunny sign ...Carmen C. from Waxed Out Creative Life. Can you see her name? Lucky #4. Thanks everyone for entering and Carmen if you can send me your mailing info, I will get this bunny sign hopping his way over to your house.

Guess Who's Having A Birthday Today?

2011-03-09T10:15:00.001-05:00

Nope, not me! It's my BFF Sharon's birthday today! Hop on over to her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday. I won't tell you just "how" old she is!
But lets just say that she celebrated her sweet 16 many, many moons ago! LOL!

And there's this rumor going around about her...watch the video clip and you see what it is...

Anyway, Happy Birthday my friend...wishing you many, many more! Luv ya!

Isn't She The Sweetest?

2011-03-08T19:54:00.003-05:00

Little Raggedy Annie? Well she's all mine! I received her in the mail yesterday and just had to share her with you all. I first saw her pop up on my blog roll. So I clicked on the post to check her out. There staring at me was the sweetest little Annie with her kitty friend. I just couldn't resist her...well I did at first, when I made my first comment but not more than a few minutes went by and I decided that I had to have her. Diane did an excellent job on making her. Be sure to check out Diane's blog Country Doings and her etsy shoppe.

For now, Annie is sitting patiently waiting for her new home to be finished...my new peg shelf. It's all painted and just needs some sanding and a little waxing and I'll share the pictures with you once I get the hubby to hang it.

Til next time...

What's All The Chatter About?

2011-03-08T07:25:00.005-05:00

Well the PAFA team giveaway that's what! And if the giveaway wasn't already huge enough, 2 more prizes have been added to sweeten the pot, so 2 additional winners. So even if you have already signed, hurry back to check out the new prizes added and to check out the blogs of these talented ladies that so graciously donated. Hurry drawing for all the lucky winners will be on March 16th.

It's a Dogs Life

2011-03-07T19:18:00.003-05:00

Every day when I take my walk I meet lots of four legged fur babies along the way. Some run over to greet me, barking, tail wagging the whole way. They are funny to watch.

Miss Maddie is one that we have meet along the way. She loves my hubby...she just goes nuts for him. I am usually an after thought but that's ok. She's a labradoodle I think. She has the height of the labrador and the hair of the poodle. Anyway, we usually stop and pet Maddie and talk to her human Rebecca when we see them.

Then there are all the dogs that we don't really see but do hear. As we walk through the alleys, most of the pups are hidden behind privacy fences and we can only hear them. Some are very funny...they only bark when you are right at their house and stop as if someone turned the switch off.

We unfortunately are unable to have any inside animals due to the hubby being highly allergic, so we do enjoy our neighbors fur babies as much as we can.

I usually like to work in themes when I create new signs so since there seems to be alot the pups along my walking route, I did some sign to celebrate those four legged fur babies.

You can find them in my etsy shoppe or at my website. Of course there also are a few other creatures that we have encountered on our walks too. There's a parrot named Morgan who sits atop the window shutters and loves to look out and we've discovered that someone has a pet duck when walking by and hearing his little quacking going on. Maybe my next group of signs will be fowl inspired...

Til next time...

Two "Big" Giveaways You Don't Want To Miss

2011-03-06T09:06:00.002-05:00

You don't want to miss either of these "Big" giveaways so be sure to hop...errr...stop over and sign up for both.

The first is presented by Vicky of Vicky's Art. Vicky is having a giveaway for reaching her goal of 100 followers. And since we all know that is a "big" goal to reach, Vicky decided to have a "big" giveaway.

Vicky painted this cute big bunny to offer to the lucky winner but hurry, she's drawing the lucky winners name on Match 12th so hurry.

And as we go into our second week of this giveaway, be sure to hurry on over and sign up. The prizes are awesome that the talented artists of the PAFA team are offering. So whatcha waiting for? One lucky winner will receive the motherlode of prizes and ya know you want it to be you! I do too, so hop, run, skip or jump on over and sign up. There are even extra chances to win, so come on and join the fun!

Mr. Sunflowers New Home and A Peek At My New Shelf

2011-03-05T08:50:00.007-05:00

Most of you have already seen Mr. Sunflower from The Rusty Thimble's sale and giveaway that Brenda did last month. I didn't win him in her giveaway but did purchase him in Brenda's online monthly sale. Isn't he adorable?

I also purchased the watermelon slices that are sitting in his lap too. He looks right at home sitting in my rocking chair in my bedroom.

This little cutie from the sale too. He is sitting atop my curio that houses my precious moment collection...yep, love those little collectibles...my collection numbers 200+ and I can tell you for awhile there it was quite addicting, the shopping for them, I mean! LOL! Anyway, the little bunny is waiting patiently to be placed in his new home, which brings us to the next picture...

My new wood peg shelf that my hubby made for me. We looked at designs online and I picked one that was a little different...well that was until the hubby put it together. He had all the pieces laid out right, was doing his careful measuring and aligning and managed to put the thing together wrong. Now you are probably looking at it thinking that it looks fine, but it's backwards, believe me. I'll post other pictures later to show you all what I am talking about. But it still looks good and I am thankful that he has the talent and ability to make somethings for me. I guess I'd better not squawk too much, or I won't get anymore things made!

Be sure to go to Brenda's blog and sign up for her next sale....just click on her send an email link and put "online sale" in the description and she add you to her sale notification list. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Until next time...

Well Bless My Blooms!

2011-03-04T09:24:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share the beautiful bloom that my smallest amaryllis produced. We have 7 bulbs planted and this is the smallest of them all and it's the first time that it's bloomed!

Our other amaryllis have been blooming since late January and this year I think every bulb has bloomed. We've had pink with white and I shared those pictures with you last year. We also had a pure red one this year, but missed getting a picture and now this beautiful salmon colored one. I really love it's color...so pretty. With blooms like this indoors, surely spring and all it's beauty can't be far behind!

Til next time...

Run, Don't Walk over to The Rusty Thimbles Blog

2011-03-03T08:04:00.004-05:00

Hurry on over to Brenda's blog to sign up for this little chickie! She's absolutely adorable! Brenda is allowing the lucky winner to pick out the fabric for her clothing too. Now how nice is that? Deadline for entry is March 31st. And if you head over there from my blog, tell her that I sent ya as she will give me an extra chance to win this cutie! So whatcha waiting for?

Til next time...

Hurry On Over to the PAFA Blog

2011-03-01T08:15:00.002-05:00

and sign up for the awesome giveaway that the PAFA team is hosting. One lucky winner will be showered with 21 gorgeous handmade gifts all donated by the talented team members of PAFA. And if that wasn't enough there will be drawings for gift certificates to some of the team members etsy shoppes for nine other lucky winners. Take a gander at the slide show below to see all the really cool prizes.

My contribution to the giveaway is a hand painted spring welcome sign. I am also donating a gift certificate to one of the other lucky winners. Oh and there are lots of chances to win. Visit and follow all of the 16 members blogs and you will get your name tossed in for more chances. Be sure to follow the rules to maximize your number of chances to win. Good luck everyone and let's have some fun.

Til next time...

Yummy Cheesecake

2011-02-28T08:13:00.004-05:00

So most times cheesecake is not on most peoples diet...well it's on mine. I had been looking at recipes trying to figure out things that I can make to eat, being on this new diet and all. It came to me...I could have cheesecake! Well cheesecake minus the crust and with the sugar replaced. So finally found a recipe that didn't call for adding flour into the filling. Changed the sugar to splenda and the results are shown above.

I am so please to report that not only was the cheesecake delightfully delicious, it wasn't as hard to make as I thought it would be. It turned out like a creamy New York styled one. I'll share the recipe and note the sugar modification in case any want to make it sugar free.

Cheesecake Recipe
Crust
1 3/4c graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c sugar (I didn't change this since I wasn't eating the crust)
1/2 c butter

Filling
5 8 oz packages of cream cheese
1 c sugar (substitute 24 splenda packets)
1 c sour cream
1/2 c heavy whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla
7 eggs lightly beaten

Wrap aluminum foil around and up the sides of your springform pan. You will be placing the springform pan in the middle of a shallow pan (I used my jelly roll pan) and pouring water into the jelly roll pan for a water bath. After the crust is baked you will place your ready to bake filling and crust in the center of the pan, add the water and bake as directed.

Mix the ingredients for the crust. Press into a springform pan. Bake 8-10 minutes @ 350 degrees.

Beat softened cream cheese and sugar. Add sour cream, heavy whipping cream and vanilla. Mix in beaten eggs. Pour into springform pan. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees or until the center is just set and top appears dull. Allow to cool completely.

Some of you may be asking why I didn't just use the granulated splenda that comes in the bag. Well it has added starch in it to keep it from caking and I am trying to avoid added carbs. Also I didn't eat the crust but cut it off the cake before I ate my slice. Oh and wanted to make another note about heavy whipping cream. I use Trader Joes heavy whipping cream usually, but was running low, so had the hubby and Ian run to the local grocery to pick up some more. Well the heavy cream they had there had a small bit of sugar and some other things added to it. I would have loved to had avoided using it, but didn't read the label until after I had the cheesecake all cooked. So lesson learned....make sure to read all the labels first.

Anyway, the family all had a piece of the cheesecake and determined that it was pretty good...

Robotics Competition...Sometimes the best laid plans

2011-02-27T09:56:00.005-05:00

Go awry. How you are asking, well that will be explained as this post unfolds. Ian, my youngest is my gadget kid. He likes seeing "how" things work. Just knowing isn't good enough for him. He is the kind of kid that is always asking questions...sometimes it drives me crazy, but his father will patiently explain things...especially when it comes to "how" things work. That all is not my forte`.

Anyway, Ian goes to robotics club after school 2 days a week. His challenge: to work collaboratively with his peers to design a robot that will be able to compete in the local school systems robotics challenge. Each year the course is a little different so the robots need to be redesigned.

After attending 3 of Ian's last 4 robotics challenges, I have figured out the one part. The alliance forming. The teams compete with one other team in the first round to gain points and ranking. The top 8 teams then get to form alliances picking 2 other teams to work with them to score points in the elimination rounds with the winner of 2 out 3 matches advancing on.

Ian's robot comes to the competition with an original design, but somewhere or should I say sometime in the course of the day it has a metamorphosis into a modified version of itself. Ian's late afternoon tweak resulted in a defensive robot, yes one that will hopefully keep his opponents from scoring, into what he called "The Great Wall of China".

As you can see from the top picture to the fourth picture Ian's robot, transformed by acquiring another shield. If one is good, two has got to be better, right?

Well not necessarily so! sometimes things go awry. What looks like should work just doesn't. Sometimes the robots refuse to move in competition, whether it is faulty radio communication, poor design or sometimes even a unattached power wire.

The competition is a fun filled day for all the future inventors, designers and engineers of the future. And hopefully they learn a little along the way...that sometimes the best laid plans of mice and men sometimes go awry!

Til next time...

Finally Found A Stitchery

2011-02-26T16:55:00.004-05:00

I had been searching for a stitchery for my bedroom. The hubby is making me a new peg shelf for there and I wanted a stitchery to go on it. I finally stumbled across Patti's shoppe on etsy. I looked through it and saw some things that I liked. So being the nosey gal that I am, I searched her sold items. That's when I found this perfect stitchery.

So being the direct person that I am, I convo-ed her through etsy to inquire whether she would consider doing another one for me. We worked out the details and within 6 days from start to finish, I had my beautiful new stitchery in my hot little hands. Of course my shelf still isn't complete. Not really the hubby's fault though as I had him make me another project first, which I will be sharing as soon as I get the 2nd coat of paint on it. Guess I'd better get him back on task to get my new shelf completed since I "need" a place for this stitchery to sit.

If you are looking for a nice stitchery, be sure to stop by Patti's shoppe and take a look at what she has to offer.

I Lost but Someone Will Gain Giveaway

2011-02-23T20:25:00.005-05:00

Those of you that regularly read my blog know that last month I had to change the way I eat and what I eat. I didn't have much of a choice as my blood sugar was kind of wonky. So I have been on a Atkins like diet for the last 6 weeks. It's been hard at times as it gets sooo boring but I have managed to add something new that I can eat each week, to help keep me going on.

I guess I should have told you all that to make matters worse, I had applied for health insurance and was accepted conditionally... When I received the counter offer the insurance company seemed to think that I was obese because my BMI, body mass index, was above 30. Hmmm...I never thought of myself as obese! I knew I had gained some weight over the years, and needed to lose about 20-25 pounds but I never considered my obese.

Anyway, so in addition to my new diet plan, I started walking again. I walk most days about 2-2 1/2 miles. I started out slow adding 2 blocks to my walk a day. So far I have lost 12 pounds and my BMI is down to 28 and I am now officially just "overweight"! So I decided that I would have a giveaway to celebrate! I painted this cute bunny sign to giveaway.

So while I may have lost, someone else will gain...Anyway, the rules are simple..

1. You must be a follower of my blog (new followers welcome)
2. Leave a comment on this post only letting me know that you would like to enter.
3. You can post this on your blog sidebar to help my celebrate my loss if you so desire.

Winner will be drawn on March 10th.

I hope that you all decide to enter and help me celebrate my weight loss. I still have about 25 more pounds to lose and then I will be officially at "normal weight". Watch in a few days as a share my special treat that I get to eat on my diet!

Old Man Winter Returned....

2011-02-22T16:55:00.003-05:00

It's amazing how we can go from the above picture and 70 degree weather to this in 5 short days...

While we didn't get all that much by most standards...5 inches, it was enough to close schools for the day and to delay colleges.
I sure hope that old man winter is willing to go some place else til next year. I was enjoying the nicer weather and temps we were having. Hurry up spring!

Be sure to Check out These Fantastic Giveaways

2011-02-20T16:49:00.004-05:00

Be sure to hurry on over to Brenda at The Rusty Thimbles blog and sign up for her giveaway. This is Brenda's second giveaway for February and she is giving away this cute bunny with a sunflower. Entry deadline is February 28th.

Carol over at Firecracker Kid is having a kicking winters butt giveaway. Carol is so excited for spring to get here, she's giving away this awesome cubby. So hurry over to Carol's blog and sign up. Entry deadline is March 20th.

Karen at Cedar Creek Primitives is having a 100 followers giveaway. Aren't these little ditty bags too darn prim?

The lucky winner also gets this cute little bunny too. So hurry over to Karen's blog and sign up. Entry deadline is March 6th.

You can find all the links to these great giveaways and more on my blogs sidebar. I gotta tell you that the gals in blogland are more than generous with their time and talent. Be sure to visit all the giveaways I have listed to enter.

Keep a look out. In a few days I'll be announcing another giveaway, this time in celebration of a different kind of goal I achieved. Til the next time.

Oh My Aching Back!

2011-02-19T19:55:00.002-05:00

With temps in the 60's on Thursday and 70's on Friday, I decided it was time to clean out my huge perennial bed that we put in last year. The echineceas, the bee balm, the coreopsis and sedum had long ago died down for the growing season and the remnants remained. So with the break in the weather, decided it was time to get the beds ready for spring.

So Sean and I cut back all the dried flower stalks and cleaned out all the leaves that accumulated on Thursday. We got a huge bag of debris.

Friday, Joshua and Sean went to Home Depot and picked up 23 bags of mulch. I like to use bagged mulch as it's easier than moving a truckload of mulch one wheelbarrow at a time. We just put the bags where we want them and then open them up.

After working 2 hours, we got the front perennial bed, the lower front tier, the bed under the arborvitea, the bed around the linden tree and the side yard perennial bed all mulched.

We still have to mulch the pathway in the side yard and all the backyard beds, but that will have to wait til my back rests and another warm day comes along. I still need to prune back my rose bushes and wisteria in a few weeks.

I can't wait til spring gets here, so I can see which of my perennials have come back and which haven't. I am really hoping that they all do, as they cost me a fortune last year.

Happy Valentine's Day... A day of Love

2011-02-14T08:23:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I hope your day is filled with love and happiness.

Ever wonder just how things we so closely associate with a holiday come about? I sure do...take the classic conversation heart. A simple confection made by NECCO, the same company that makes the flat wafers we all use when making gingerbread houses at Christmas. Anyway, this little confection of love has been around for 144 years and has evolved with the times. In 2009, the candy hearts had phrases from the movie Twilight such as "Bite Me" "Dazzle" and "Live4Ever". This years introduction to the phrases available..."Tweet Me". Amazing how a little candy heart can say so much!

It's All About The Chocolate

2011-02-11T08:13:00.006-05:00

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, and chocolate being perhaps the #1 gift that is given on that day, I thought I'd share with you some of my latest signs that were about chocolate.

Ahhh...the soothing healing power of chocolate!

Even on a bad day, chocolate does fix everything...

While chicken soup is good....chocolate is better...

And quitting chocolate is the hardest thing to do....so why bother? LOL! Sure hope that you get some chocolates for Valentine's Day if you are lucky, and it is ok not to share them with anyone else!

Forgot to put that these along with many more stenciled signs can be found on my website at
IceHouseCrafts.com

My giveaway win came!

2011-02-09T20:57:00.003-05:00

My cute little spring bunny in a cone came yesterday from Becky Jean over at Primitives n Stitchin that I won in her giveaway. He is soooo darling. I was finally able to get a picture of him today as the mail lady was here after dark last night.

I have picked the perfect spot for him to hang. My hubby is building me a new peg shelf for all my goodies that I keep buying, much to his dismay. Anyway, I thank Becky Jean so much for hosting this giveaway and for drawing my name.

Be sure to check out Becky Jeans blog.

We Have A Winner.....

2011-02-08T18:50:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone that entered my Sweetheart Giveaway. I enjoyed reading all the things that everyone loves about Valentine's Day. For some it was spending time with loved ones, for others it was wonderful childhood memories and for some it was making new memories with their children. Of course, chocolate was a recurrent theme too!

I used random. org to pick the lucky winner for me. It was so much less nerve wracking for me that to pick the name from slips of paper as I did last time. This way I can blame randomness for not picking everyone's number! LOL! Ok, so I know you are trying to be patient and read my post before seeing who the winner is.

Anyway, random.org generated #67 and the winner is.....

Can you see her name?....Barb of Barb's Heartstrokes is my winner. Barb, if you can send me your mailing info via email, I would love to get your package off in the mail to you.

Some Signs of Spring...In The Mail

2011-02-06T07:59:00.006-05:00

I was feeling a little blah recently with all the really, really cold weather that we had been having lately. It seemed like December we were locked into winters icy grip with arctic blast after blast. Is winter really suppose to be this cold?

While we haven't had the copious amounts of snow that we had last year so far, still this winter will not be recorded in my mind as a mild one. Our heating bill surely proves that fact too.

So needing a little spring pick me up I went shopping on etsy for something that would remind me of spring. Not really having anything in mind to buy I stumbled across this darling little shoppe on etsy....New England Primitive. She has some cute things for sale and I decided on the 3 that I have included in my picture. I have found the perfect place for them in my bedroom hanging off my peg shelf but first I had to attach a string hanger for them to hang from.

While the shipping took a little longer than expected, maybe the bad weather on the east coast helped with that, the items are darling in person. I will definitely purchase from her again. So if you are looking for some signs of spring or just in the mood to shoppe, maybe you should stop by etsy and check out her shoppe.

This is their new home on the pegs to my Norman Rockwell shelf as I call it. I love the simple and folksy drawings of Norman Rockwell's America. He's one of my favorite american artists. And yes, my bedroom is painted raspberry lemonade and the hubby doesn't mind one bit.

The RustyThimble Sale and Some Great Giveaways

2011-02-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

Hurry on over to The Rusty Thimbles sales blog to check out the prim spring goodies that Brenda has whipped up for her sale this month. Brenda says she will be adding things daily and the next batch will be added today at 12 noon her time, so be sure to take a gander so you don't miss out.

Brenda is also hosting 2 giveaways in connection with her sale this time. The cute little bunny pulling a cart full of carrots will go to one of her lucky customers. A set of watermelon slices, which look good enough to eat will also go to 2 lucky winners who email Brenda their email address. Now isn't that a sweet deal?

I have to say as a returning customer and friend that Brenda's workmanship is topnotch. Everything I have purchased from her is perfectly made.

Also be sure to checkout my blogs sidebar for the wonderful giveaways that I have found to share. The talent that these gals have is simply awesome. Be sure to pop by and visit all the blogs, follow the rules and enter for your chance to win.

Crows Nest Gift Shoppe Giveaway

2011-02-01T08:50:00.005-05:00

Becky over at Crows Nest Gift Shoppe is having a neat giveaway. She is trying to reach 100 followers and will put the names in of the bloggers who send her some followers. So if you found her giveaway through my blog, will you please tell her that "Dee" sent ya. Boy, she's gonna make us work for this wonderful prize, but it's worth it. Good luck to Becky in reaching her goal.

My Sweetheart Giveaway

2011-01-31T16:44:00.005-05:00

Sorry it took me so long to get things done for this giveaway. I had posted almost 2 weeks ago about reaching a milestone on etsy...2300 sales and decided to do another giveaway to celebrate.

Anyway after much thinking and deciding, I have made a set of valentine blocks and a sweet Love you more sign.

Here are the rules:

1. You must be a follower of my blog.
2. You must leave a comment on this post only.
3. Everyone can enter. International folks(other than Canada) if you win, I will split the costs of shipping the prizes to you, that way I don't have to exclude you folks from my giveaway.
4. Tell me what are your favorite things about Valentines Day.
5. Post this giveaway on your blog.
6. For an extra chance pop on over to my etsy shoppe and tell me what your favorite sign is.

So there are 4 chances to win. Let me know how many chances you have when you comment. If you don't have a blog, please leave me an email address so I can contact you if you win.

Deadline for enteries will be February 7th. Winning name will be drawn on February 8th. Thanks everyone and good luck.