Be My Leaves

Resolution Inspiration

2012-01-05T20:44:00.002-05:00

This year I have my listed of trusted resolutions to work on. They cover the gamut of financial, physical and spiritual. The list is a bit daunting and many are non-negotiable, must be done items. I knew it was a pretty big mountain I placed in front of me, but I figured one tiny step in front of another would get me to the top. New Year's rolled around and the sheer magnitude of it loomed in front of me. It was all doable, but so so much work.

Today, the best timed item popped up in my Google Reader from Squam Art Workshops. If you are not aware of Squam, they are a super fantastic art retreat that I will attend one day. Want to come? Anyways, they have started an awesome Double Dog Dare. You name what you want to accomplish and put it out there. What do you get in return? Oh my, just heaps of support and positive vibes coming your way. Between the blog comments and the e-mails I am so inspired. These ladies rock. So, please head on over there and join in on the fun. You deserve it.

Here's my dare:

Willew said:
I knit a lot. I knit for my business, my family and my friends. I never knit for myself and I am in dire need of a creativity booster. My DDD is to make something for myself. To be perfectly selfish, pick out some fantastic yarn, be creative and end with something just for me.
January 5, 2012 12:32 pm

Make, Bake and Take

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.

Enjoy!

source

I adore this customizable family cross-stitch project from Martha. This is top on my craft list for 2012.

source

Have some cranberries leftover from the holidays? Head over to The Teenage Taste for a wonderful Cranberry Salsa recipe.

source

Have some old-time fun with Wintery Paper Dolls from the Black Apple. I have been meaning to start a collection for rainy day play around here.

A Year In Review

2012-01-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

2011 is finally behind us and I have to say I'm not going to miss it. It was a very rough year and I am happy to start a new fresh year with endless possibility. I haven't been around these parts much in the last year, so I thought I would share a year in review.

January: A beautiful Up North blizzard

February: Snow angle time

March: Uhhh, not sure what was going on then

April: Fishtown

May: Mother Nature is back in full force

June: That girl loves herself some baby animals

July: Farmhouse living

August: Raising and releasing new friends

September: Farm tour

October: A peacock and spider waiting to scare up the night

November: Loving the unexpected snow storm

December: Enjoying the holidays

I hope everyone had a good year and an even better one to come!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

~Norman Vincent Peale

{this moment}

2011-10-21T05:15:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Autumn is Amazing

2011-10-17T13:11:00.001-04:00

I wish Autumn could last a bit longer than it does.  The weather has been spectacular this year.  We've had a few rainy, cloudy days, but  have also be rewarded with unseasonably warm (hot!!) weather in between.  Perfect time for a trip to the corn maze.

We got a little bit stuck and had to rely on Little Girl to navigate us out. That one is a walking GPS, I tell you.

And, now we are on to apples. Apples, apples and more apples. Our family farmhouse has a century old apple orchard and I couldn't resist bring home bushels and bushels of those goodies. We've had apple butter, apple bread, apple sauce, apple pie and apple muffins. The Mister was joking that apple jambalaya is next.

photo from Taste of Home

The best, by far, has been this Dutch Apple Pie Recipe.  I spyed it over at Food Gawker and was drooling all over the place.  If you haven't been to Food Gawker get over there!  It's like Pinterest for food.  

Heaven.

Now I have to get some work done on those Halloween costumes.  It's a coming fast.  I have one costume ready to go and just a peacock to make.  Piece of cake.  Right? 

Blog Note

2011-10-11T21:20:00.001-04:00

Poor, poor neglected blog. You have suffered the worst under my schedule busting year. I'm trying to pull it together. I swear.

I am still kicking around out here.  Dying to get back in the swing of things in blog land.

I have been stumbling across some great resources in the process.  Have you seen this e-book?

It is so lovely and provids so much assistance in my goal of "pull it together already."

If you are looking for some more organization, simplicity or peace in your life I recommend you head over here and take a peek at all that it has going on. You can download a sample or purchase the whole book for $5. Well worth it my estimation.

And, if I get more regular around here we will know that it truly is a miracle worker.

{this moment}

2011-09-09T08:11:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-07T14:02:00.003-04:00

At least Summer gave us one last hurrah, at couple of scorching days to do all the last little things are our list for the season.

The Little Ones did what they like best.

Mama did what she likes best.

And, we had a few good days of sitting back and taking in the beauty of late summer.

Then Fall came blowing in. We went from bathing suites to jeans and sweaters in twenty-four hours. We were seriously mourning Summer. Nothing a little trip to the cider mill and a growler of hard cider couldn't cure, though. And, then on to this week. The one I have been dreading for ages...the first day of school. Little Girl was off the preschool, Little Boy was off to kindergarten via the bus and Mama was off to the fetal position on the floor. The Little Ones did great and Mama survived. They happily marched off excited to start this new journey. A lesson their mama is still working on. I'm so thankful they are free from my anxiety and grateful that I get to enjoy these moments with them.

So, Fall, I guess it is ok that you stay.

{this moment}

2011-09-02T06:01:00.001-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Hello September

2011-09-01T14:54:00.000-04:00

Where did you come from? 

This summer has blown by so quickly.  It didn't help that I managed to be sick for about three months of it.  Hence, my scarcity around these parts.  I've been busy navigated the world of undiagnosed conditions, medicine that hurts more than it helps and doctors with listening problems.  I switched over to all natural and holistic treatment for now and have finally found some relief.  I'm not sure if this is all over yet, but at least I can function again.  

But, oh how summer passed me by. 

We did mange to squeeze in some fun times:

A Ferris wheel ride by the bay

A summer evening at our family's farm house

Lots of sparklers

Making new friends and watching them change

And, enjoying the beauty around us

I'm sad to see it all go, but excited to see what is coming up...

Two little ones starting to scholastic adventures

Tailgating

Cider

The color explosion

and lots of knitting

I'll try to be around these parts more often and I am restocking my shop every weekday this month.

Happy September!

Which Way Am I Going

2011-06-10T13:30:00.000-04:00

Seems like every time I come around these parts the blog is mad at me. No uploading, can't post, etc... I inevitably wander away and then a month is gone just like that.

Start to feel a bit like this

And, apparently the blog is not the only thing I have been neglecting around here. Isn't it beautiful, though? How am I ever suppose to eat it. I kill houseplant after houseplant, but here is a plant thriving deep inside my pantry. Not sure what I should do with it. Until then it is going to pretty up my pantry and remind me that my housekeeping could use a little more effort.

At least, I am a rock star mom today having spent the better part of the afternoon in a bed sheet fort. I just learned how awesome fitted sheets and chairs work together. Nothing better for a rainy day. And, nothing better for a mama who had to watch her little boy say goodbye to preschool today...hiccup, sniffle, sob.

I'm going to go get some more hug time in.

Have an awesome weekend!

{this moment}

2011-05-06T06:48:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

The Cure For Cabin Fever

2011-05-05T20:32:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally sprung around here.

It seems a bit late this year.

We were getting really itchy to open the season.

It finally came and we ventured over to the Children's Gardens for the first visit of the year.

It's such a hidden gem.

I'm always amazed that most folks in the area have never heard of it.

It's wonderful for exploring,

playing,

and enjoying the colors,

the scents,

the beauty

and the rebirth of the season.

A great way to kick all those winter blahs for good.

And, then somewhere on the trip I strained my back a little bit.

And, then I slept on it badly.

And, then I didn't do myself any favors with a trip to the zoo.

And, then I reached for a book at the library and something went very wrong.

And, then I sat on the library floor until the librarians starting looking at me like what is that crazy lady doing sitting on the floor in the cookbook section.

And, now I can't move.

And, the cable company decided that this was the moment to finally process our request to turn off our service.

So, please watch some trashy television tonight for me.

Thank you

Make, Take and Bake

2011-05-04T15:20:00.000-04:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.

Enjoy!

Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the craftiest one of all? You will be with this fun clothespin mirror tutorial over at Design Sponge.

How about entering a giveaway that will get rid of all the wrinkles in your life? Head over to No Big Dill Reviews for a chance to bring home this iron.

Get cooking with this easy, customizable Mac N' Cheese recipe over at Made By Lex. It looks oh so yummy and hidden vegetables seem to go into my little ones much easier.

Cowl Me

2011-05-03T15:29:00.000-04:00

In between the 80,000 stitches of custom orders this month, I did manage to whip up a new Spring Cowl for myself. It was such a needed break after the repetitiveness of the same pattern over and over again.

I absolutely can not say enough good things about this pattern. I just loved knitting it. It was fast, easy, and oh so satisfying. I knitted it up in cotton, which is my favorite fiber to work with right now. It was just the project to clean the knitting cobwebs out of my head. And, since this Spring does not seem to be warming up anytime soon I am getting a lot of good wear out of it.

You can find the pattern here and my Ravelry notes here. If you want something fast and fun to knit get this one on your needles.

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

2011-05-02T13:57:00.000-04:00

Well, a few days off stretched into more time than I had anticipated. I've been busy doing a lot of reevaluating lately. It seems like a number of doors have been closed, so I've been trying to open up a few new ones. We've come to the conclusion that we will not be able to sell our home for at least five years, so the homestead dreams are on hold. That also means that a whole house renovation is on the horizon for us. Yipee! There has already been a few day trips to Ikea for inspiration. And, when I say day trip, I mean day trip. There at 9:30am to have breakfast, store opens at 10:00am, lunch at noon, more browsing, and then coffee and cinnamon roll on the way out the door. The added calories are counterbalanced by the lighting of one's wallet, so it all works out in the end.

The renovations are going to be slow coming, though. We are at the tail end of paying off our consumer debt, so we are focusing our attention there for a few more months. These last few months are so hard, being so close to the finish line. We are selling most of our furniture on Craig's List to get done even faster and make room for new things. I find it fascinating that the more dated an item the faster it sells on Craig's List. It has been an interesting experiment. The The Minimalist Mom has become my new favorite blog and my daily inspiration.

I've been working overtime in my shop to chip in, as well. I've been really thankful for the custom orders coming my way, but after 80,000 stitches this month alone I am getting a wee bit knitted out. I can't wait until I can knit something up for myself again. I've been able to sneak in a few projects for the family, but the queue is getting longer and longer.

So, with the whole family a little tired out we took a break and headed North this weekend.

It was a breath of fresh air and just the slowed down pace we need to recoup.

Do some exploring.

And, when Little Boy wakes up wanting to see a dam, we can just go see a dam.

Then enjoy that the sun came out and it is warm enough for the first ice cream cone of the year.

Hope your May Day was just as wonderful!

{this moment}

2011-03-25T05:44:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-22T11:35:00.000-04:00

Oh, I can't tell you how happy we are that Spring has finally arrived. Of course, Mother Nature is playing a mean trick on us tonight with snow and ice predicted. We will forgive that as long as it is the last. This mama has been down for the account, yet again, with another cold, so I am a little behind on preparations for celebrating the changing of the season. I have found some of the best resources on Rhythm Of The Home, a quarterly online publication that focuses on enjoying and celebration the changing of the seasons. With articles, reading lists and craft ideas it is over flowing with ideas to help your little ones appreciate nature and the security of traditions. Of course, with such diversity, even those with out little ones can enjoy this publication.

Spring is here today!

Open thee door,

Come out and play-

Spring has come to Stay!

-Spring Is Here by Lois Lenski

Hello, Again

2011-03-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

It's been a while. I've been battling through three back-to-back colds, sick little ones, blizzards and an entire house remodel the past month. Needless to say, I have no idea where the past month went. Last night I was lucky enought to steal some time away for a screening of Fresh the movie. It is such an inspirational film. I was already a huge fan of Joel Salatin and was really impressed by what I had read Will Allen was doing, but seeing it in the film is just amazing. If you have a chance to check this out, go.

For more information on the movie click here.

{this moment}

2011-02-11T05:42:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Steller Seller

2011-02-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

If you could design your ideal company, to shop from, what would it include?

Organically inclined

Engages in fair trade

Perhaps, they would support sustainable farming

Of course, they would have that human touch

And, maybe, top it all off with being a zero waste company

Sounds good, right?

Perhaps too good to be true?

Well, it isn't.

Mountain Rose Herbs is all that.

Mountain Rose Herbs is a purveyor of organic herbs and spices, teas, essential oils, bath and body products and natural health supplies. They offer great monthly specials and have a blog that features their products and provides recipes for natural body care products. I do believe many Christmas presents will be made this year with their recipes.

There blog occasionally offers giveaways as well, and this is how I came into this booty.

Can I tell you the joy I had when this showed up at me door.

Their products are of the highest quality and work wonderful. I'd never been a bath salts kind of girl until I tried these. So relaxing. I highly recommend you check them out.

Now I think I might need to go take a bath.

Make, Take and Bake

2011-02-09T12:27:00.000-05:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.

Enjoy!

Head over to Gummy Lump were they are offering 300 crafts for kids in 2011. Almost everyday there is a new craft posted for the preschool set. These crafts use basic art supplies and each craft project also includes modifications for special needs, ways to make it challenging for older children, and associated educational activities.

Over at Grosgrain, you can enter to win this one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day dress.

Enter for the chance to score some Valentine's Day embellishments on Colorbok's Blog.

Follow along at Beauty That Moves to create this Thrifty Quiche.

Grey Skies

2011-02-08T14:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a bit drab around here. Sick, sick and sick again.

I've been drinking copious amounts of this. I hear if you are not from my neck of the woods you will never understand how great this is when you are sick. And, here is where I will lose just about all of you. When you have a sore throat, you heat it up and add chocolate syrup. Heaven.

So, lots of that, sitting on the sofa, and on-line browsing.

I adore these prints by Colorbee. I sang this song to the Little Ones when they were babies every night. That is until Little Girl started covering her ears and saying, "No sing, Mama. Hurt ears." Little imp, she is. Times have changed, though, and now I hear her singing it to herself at night at she drifts off. Must not of hurt those ears too bad.

This clock by decoylab is fab on so many levels on don't even know where to start. All I will say is that even The Mister approves which says a lot about it's general appeal. I want it for my kitchen, so I can sit down with a cup of cocoa and braids in my hair and possibly yodel.

And, I have an intense desire to acquire some Happy Tape. This Japanese masking tape is so fun and I have endless ideas of how to use. I never thought I would drool over masking tape, though.

So basically, just trying to recover.

And, on a sad note, this family has experience an unimaginable tragedy. They have lost a very sweet person and her newborn baby is struggling to survive. If you could say a prayer, send a good thought their way, or wish them love and light it would be appreciated.

Make, Take and Bake

2011-01-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.

Enjoy!

A tutorial showing how to make this fun crochet hook clutch can be found at Little Birdie Secrets.

Enter to win a copy of The Bag Making Bible and score a free pdf pattern to make the Reversable Bucket Bag at Sew Mama Sew.

Brush up on your sandwich loaf making skills at Farmgirl Fare.

On Vacation

2011-01-24T14:35:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a little break until Wednesday to celebrate the birthdays of the two most important guys in my life.

Until then, you can visit me over at Celtic Cat Photos.

I'm being featured in the Spotlight on Michigan Artists.

Then be sure to pop over to her Etsy store filled with beautiful prints.

Make, Take and Bake

2011-01-19T12:01:00.001-05:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.

Enjoy!

Always losing a button? Stop by Sew Mama Sew for a tutorial on how to make this great travel sewing kit.

Want a Silhouette?

I do, I do.

Then make your way over to Made and enter their giveaway.

How about some free baubles? Above is an example of what you could win over at MelJoy Creations. Head on over here to see how you can enter the monthly giveaway.

Chocolate Covered Oreos.

Need I say more?

Stop by Boutique-It for a great step-by-step recipe.

And, if you are looking to get a jump start on your Valentine's Day shopping Willew Creations is having a sale this week. Use promo code LOVE11 for 10% off you entire order.

Goodbye Friend

2011-01-17T14:42:00.000-05:00

The past week I have had a friend traveling everywhere with me. I thought she looked a lot like an octopus. With an extremely easy to knit pattern I could haul her anywhere and add on a few stitches here and there.

My kind of pattern.

In less than a week, I had the finished project.

Can you guess what it is?

Extra large cowl for my sister's birthday.

You can find the pattern here and my notes here.

I'm thinking I might need to knit up another for myself. I'm really digging it and needing some more company.

And, if you haven't already seen, Craft Hope has announced their newest campaign. They will be supporting the Konbit Sante organization that continues to aide in the rebuilding of Haiti, a year after the devastating earthquake.

Campaign Eleven will be providing Konbit Sante safe birthing kits to distribute to mamas. I have definitely taken for granted that when my Little Ones came into the world I did not have to worry about things like having a sterile environment. The mamas in Haiti do not have that luxury. If you are interesting in helping or would like more information head over to the Craft Hope site.

{this moment}

2011-01-14T06:17:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

I Have a Secret

2011-01-13T18:46:00.000-05:00

It has been a funky day.

Like stuck in a funk kinda day.

Then this showed up on Made

An hour later, life was a little better.
If you want some, and you know you do, Dana at Made has a step-by-step recipe here.

Then the Little Ones and I snuggled up in blankets, watched snowflakes and read The Tomten.

Things got even better.

Then the Mister came home, took the Little Ones out and left me with an empty house.
A very rare treat.

I finally could listen to my newest batches of CDs from the library.

And, now I am really happy.

If you listen to The Secret Sisters you will be, too.

Lister to a preview here.

Now I just have to find some red lipstick to be really, really happy.

Make, Take and Bake

2011-01-12T06:19:00.002-05:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.

Enjoy!

Learn to sew buttons and buttonholes at Made.

Show off your winter craftiness at The CSI Project and be in the running to win fun prizes. They have 29 different categories to enter, including: Winter Table, Updated Winter Gloves and Wreath From a Picture Frame.

For a chance to win this beautiful tree fort by Manzanita Kids, stop by Zach Aboard.

Bake up some Goose Bread with Cold Antler Farm.

{this moment}

2011-01-07T06:13:00.002-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A Day Interrupted

2011-01-06T19:49:00.000-05:00

I had plans for many more accomplishments today, but the snow and the huge load of books, cds and dvds awaiting us at the library derailed that. We each dove into our favorite corner with our new books and ignored the heavy snowflakes falling outside. Until, Mama had to go shovel. I left the little ones with the instructions that they could watch the end of one television show and they must turn off the television in the living room. I need to learn to not speak so literally. When I came back in they had indeed turned off the television in the living room and were cuddled up in my bed watching my television. Outsmarted yet again, there was nothing I could do but join them in bed. With the extra down time I got to dive into Chocolat.

I love how well loved this library copy is. I am really enjoying this book only a few chapters in. I'm not sure how I missed it before. The inspiration behind this choice is The Crafty Book Club. The Crafty Book Club is a site where like-minded artists can come together, read great books and share work inspired by those books. If you like reading and crafting you should check them out. They even make sure all their book choices have been made into movies for the time strapped crafters.

So, what would go better with being curled up on a snowy day reading Chocolat then a cup of coffee with Mint Chocolate Truffle Creamer? I have found the cost and long list of disturbingly unpronounceable ingredients in store bought creamer not conducive to my buying habits. Luckily, I stumbled upon a whole cache of creamer recipes and have been happily creating my own for some time now. Following is the Mint Chocolate Truffle. Try it...no really you have to try it.

Chocolate Mint Truffle Creamer

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 cup milk

3 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Teaspoon peppermint extract

Mix all ingredients in a glass container. Shake each time before use to avoid settling. Will keep in the refrigerator for two weeks.

Make, Take and Bake

2011-01-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a collection of some of the best tutorials, freebies, giveaways and recipes that I've stumbled across on the blogosphere this week.
Enjoy!

Design it yourself wooden key chains from How About Orange.

Instructions can be found here.

Nylon Chiffon Fleurs shoe clips from Grosgrain.

Instructions located here.

Enter to win this photographic artwork by Alpha Dog Photo.

Just visit Around the Plate and leave a comment here.

A great step-by-step recipe for Three Kings Day Bread provided by Mexico in My Kitchen. Click here to find how to make this beautiful bread.

Finally, if the Winter's cold is starting to get you down stop by my Etsy shop for our scarf sale. All scarves are twenty-five percent off this week and are guaranteed to take a bit of chill out of the day for you.

Borax Crystal Snowflake Tutorial

2011-01-04T15:03:00.000-05:00

I've had a few requests to share how to make these borax crystal snowflakes, so I thought I would share a quick tutorial. These are really fun and easy and if you are anything like me they will leave you thinking, hmm what else can I crystallize.

For this project you will need to gather up the following:

pipe cleaners

borax (found in the laundry aisle of the grocery store)

food coloring

glass jars

string

chopsticks or pencils

boiling water

Bend your pipe cleaners into any shape you would like. We went with some more free form flakes, but you can achieve a very authentic look by using multiple pipe cleaners. You are only limited by the size of the jar you are using.

Once you are done bending tie some string to your creation and suspend it in the jar by tying the other end of your string to the chop stick or pencil. Make sure your pipe cleaner isn't touching the side or the bottom of you jar.

Next, you will mix two cups of boiling water, six tablespoons of borax and two drops of food coloring together. Pour this mixture into the jar and let set overnight. In the morning your snowflakes will have crystallized and are ready to enjoy.

And, just like..

in nature...

no two flakes...

are identical.

Back to Normal

2011-01-03T16:17:00.000-05:00

Even though the Holidays are so enjoyable, isn't it great to get back to your familiar routine? After all that celebration, fellowship and reflection, it feels so good to get back to our regular lives. Even with the boxes of ornaments that need to be put away, mountains of laundry to do and the ten pounds (in two weeks!!) to take off, it just feels good to be back to normal.

Hopefully, these little guys will help with the last weighty issues at hand. I just adore sprouts. I have two early homemade food memories. One is picking strawberries behind our garage and mashing them up to make freezer jam. The other is my mom growing sprouts in a jar under our sink. I can still remember the yellow mesh lid that was used to strain them. Thankfully, the process has gotten much easier and now may I introduce you to my most green Christmas present.

I love this sprouter. Add water in the morning and in siphons down through the layers. Empty and refill at night. In a few days you have yummy, edible sprouts to add to your salads, sandwiches, soup, etc... One of my favorite sprout infused sandwiches was from a pub in our local mall of all places. Sadly, they are no more, so I've tried to recreate it more or less. You take one pita, halved, and add sliced turkey, Munster Cheese, Cesar dressing and sprouts, heat it up and enjoy. And, yes I realize that cheese and Cesar dressing do not lead to weight loss. What can I say. I am working on it. I even cut bangs to help offset the weight gain.

Haven't tried these since I was eleven. Kind of digging them. Little Boy told me they were awful. Apparently, he does not like it when Mama doesn't look like Mama. I think they will stay for awhile even with the objections.

So, I really was doing good today and this arrived.

Darn you, Midwest Living

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

And ye, who have met with Adversity's blast,

And been bow'd to the earth by its fury;

To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass'd

Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury -

Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,

The regrets of remembrance to cozen,

And having obtained a New Trial of Time,

Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen.

~Thomas Hood

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to all of our friends out there in the blogosphere.

May you have easy travels, wonderful fellowship and the joy of the day warm your heart.

And, the Winner Is....

2010-12-18T08:58:00.000-05:00

I participated in Giveaway Day this year just to have a little fun. I was not expecting how much I would get from it. You folks are so kind and uplifting in your comments. There are some great ladies rolling around the blogosphere and I am so glad you stopped by and brightened my day. I wish I could send everyone that entered a set, but I would be knitting until next Christmas. So, the one luck reader is:

Katie said...

I follow you!

Katie, you have an e-mail coming your way.

And, thank you everyone who stopped by, left a comment, became a follower, or liked us on facebook. It is appreciated!

Giveaway Day

2010-12-13T06:02:00.001-05:00

Giveaway day is here! What a great way to start a Monday.

For all our usual readers, be sure to join in and explore all the blogs that are participating today. Hopefully, you will score yourself some fun handmade items.

If this is your first time here, welcome and I hope you make yourself at home. This blog is comprised of the ramblings of a crafty mama who is on a journey to a simpler, less-is-more kind of life. Make yourself at home and have a look around.

For the giveaway, I have one set of four hand knitted coasters that would love to bring some holiday cheer to your home.

They are made of 100% cotton and measure 4 inches x 4 inches.

They come tied together with a gift tag in case you will be sharing these this holiday season.

To enter just leave a comment on this post.

You can earn additional entries by doing any or all of the following:

*Become a new follower of the blog

(leave a comment letting me know)

*Liking us on Facebook

(click the link on the right and be sure to leave a comment letting me know)

*Posting this giveaway on your blog

(leave a link in a comment)

This giveaway will be open from Monday, December 13th until midnight on Friday, December 17th and is open to all US residents. The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 18th.

Good luck and be sure to stop by Sew Mama Sew for a complete list of giveaway participants.

And, if you are interested in more items like this be sure to visit our Etsy store.

{this moment}

2010-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

And, be sure to stop back on Monday for Giveaway Day.

Coming Soon...

2010-12-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

...more complaining about being sick and not having enough time. No, I kid. I am really trying to stop that. The cold is manageable and I can't bemoan not having enough time in a day when I waste it doing silly things like making Etsy Treasuries. I have to stop that....want to see my latest one first, though?

Living in Little Red Riding Hood Treasury

Fun, right? I don't enjoy real world consumerism, but a day wasted on Etsy is a good day for me.

So, on to the real coming attraction.

Drum roll, please.

Yeah! Monday is Giveaway Day at Sew, Mama, Sew.

What is Giveaway Day, you might ask? Well, Giveaway Day is that special day each year when bloggers and on-line shop owners spill forth with generosity and offer oodles of homemade goodies and crafting supplies to all that enter.

This year not only will I be trying to win as much as possible I will also be participating. Be sure to stop back on Monday to see which one of the items below is our giveaway.

Can't wait until Monday. Head over to Mountain Rose Herbs for week two of their Holiday Giveaway. The prize this week isn't too shabby and includes: organic Pumpkin Seed Oil, organic Macadamia Nut Oil, organic Green Peppercorns, Red Alaea Salt, organic Pumpkin Pie Spice, organic Seasoning Salt, and a vial filled with luscious organic Vanilla beans. Yes, please.

Happy St. Nichols Day

2010-12-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful legacy Nikolaos of Myra has left us. What an extraordinary character he must have been to be known worldwide for his kindness and generosity almost 1700 years after his death. His example of selling what he owned to give the money to the poor is a lesson for all of us.

To help us remember this we've spent the day reading a St. Nicholas tale, The Baker's Dozen, and crafting. If you need a little inspiration check out the following links:

The Crafty Crow - St. Nicholas Day Craft

First School Activities and Printables

St. Nicholas Center

This has been a nice, slow return to the week after a very busy weekend.

I made it to the Detroit Urban Craft Fair on Saturday

So much homemade goodness and beautiful artistry, all set against the backdrop of the spectacular Fillmore. I was in heaven. Then there was a whole bunch of shopping, driving, holiday party, eating, etc....

I did manage to knock out the changing pad to Little Girl's baby doll diaper bag. The inspiration for this was found here, but I took it a bit of a different direction. I ended up with a plainer, quilted pad due to personal preference and availability of materials in my stash. Hopefully, I can crank out a lot more tonight, since her birthday is looming. It's always such an exciting, fast paced, fun, hectic time of year.

{this moment}

2010-12-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Derailed

2010-12-02T18:29:00.000-05:00

Oh, how a day with such grand plans can get derailed so quickly. We were going to craft, then craft, then craft some more. Then came the sick children, whiny children, fighting children, hurt children, etc... I think Little Girl might very well be taking years off of my life. She has an alter ego she calls "Super Bunny." At first this was hilarious. You really haven't lived until you have seen a two-year-old strip off her jacket and run down the grocery store aisle yelling, "I am Super Bunny." Then it took a turn for the worse. Apparently, Super Bunny is a dare devil with no self-preservation skills. Super Bunny has had two knots on the head, a split lip, a turned ankle, and a wrist injury. The last one resulted in a panicked, late night trip to urgent care. I was positive we were dealing with broken bones based on the moaning and crying coming from Super Bunny. Once we got signed in and settled, Super Bunny realized where she was and got very nervous. Then a miracle happened....the wrist was healed. Super Bunny announced this loudly and repeatedly to the waiting room. Mama then got to do the walk of shame and politely ask for our co-pay back while leaving with her head down. Needless to say, we no longer encourage Super Bunny appearances. So, back to today, Super Bunny managed to fall down the stairs perfecting one of her acrobatic routines and then ten minutes later convinced her brother to do the same thing with the same results. It never ceases to amaze me the trouble they can get in in the few minutes it takes to use the restroom or get the clothes out of the dryer. After that, I just threw in the towel and did this:

And, if you think that is bad you should have seen two weeks ago. Half a lemon meringue in one sitting. I'm not sure where this coping mechanism came from, but it is killer on the waist line.

After all that, this was all I managed to knock out. If you squint really, really hard you can just make out that it is a faux wipes holder for Little Girl's baby doll diaper bag. Sorry, once I realized the pictures were blurry I just didn't have the heart to go take more.

Directions for this project can be found at

Twelve Crafts Till Christmas

So, what to do when days like this drain your crafting time away? Head on to the closest indie craft show, of course. Locally made, fun, unique items all at your disposal. It's the closest you'll get to a handmade holiday. If you are in Michigan the Detroit Urban Craft Fair is this weekend and I am so excited.

If this one isn't geographically feasible for you, you can find a listing of other fair Indie Craft Shows.com.

Now I better run...I think Super Bunny is back.

Welcome to a Handmade Holiday

2010-12-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of December (or the fifth if you are going by Little Girl's chocolate advent calendar) and it has not disappointed. As I type, there are beautiful snowflakes floating down, Christmas music playing, and tea in the kettle. As Little Boy said, "It's the best day ever!"

And, now it is time to get cracking at the homemade gifts for the season. If Christmas wasn't enough I also have nine birthdays to contend with in December and January. I must confess that I added two birthdays to that total with Little Girl and Little Boy, so I can't even complain about it. Alas.

I've been scouring the blogs for the best inspiration to solider through this season and below is the best of the best. So, get poking around and see what inspires you.

The Ultimate Handmade Holidays Master List 2010

This list saves me every year. The link is for their master list of tutorials for this year and also contains link to prior years. I can't thank these ladies enough for putting this together.

Rhythm of the Home

Rhythm of the Home is an on-line magazine and blog that offers oodles of ideas that focus on natural living. Each seasonal issues is divided into four sections: warmth, play, celebration and connection. Reading through this wonderful resource is always so relaxing and inspirational.

The Purl Bee

This blog belongs to Purl Soho a yarn and fabric store that is on my list of shop to one day visit. If you scroll down the right-hand side of this blog you will find lists for knitting, crochet, sewing and embroidery tutorials.

Happy Together Tutorials

I don't know what is more amazing about this list of tutorials, the variety or the quantity. I warn you, though, this can cause inspiration overload.

Chez Beeper Bebe Tutorials

A lovely listing consisting mainly of baby and kids projects. They may be for the little ones, but you will want some of these for yourself.

I hope some of these got the holiday juices flowing for you.

Anticipation

2010-11-30T18:20:00.000-05:00

Such a strange fall we have had around here. It is fifty-five and grey as can be today. Not the weather that inspires grand holiday plans. Luckily, all that is about to change. Under an inch of snow is forcasted for tomorrow, but the Little Ones are vibrating with anticipation. I am too. I'm looking forward to some swirling flakes to bring out the coziness of staying indoors and working on Christmas presents. I recently read Hundred Dollars Holiday by Bill McKibben and highly recommend it to anyone who is striving for a simpler, less-is-more holiday this year. This book is so inspirational in helping you focus on what is important to you in the holidays and stresses that there is no right way to celebrate and there has never been in all of history a set way to enjoy all that is Christmas. So, in honor of all of that, I will be sprinkling in some Homemade Holidays posts over the next couple of weeks. I have visions of an all homemade Christmas one year, but until then I try to add a few more each year. I'll be sharing some of my favorites this year and hope you will join in and share some of yours, too. Off I go now to craft away. Time to pop in the John Legend holiday collection (my all-time favorite), munch on a cranberry scone, and get down to business.

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

2010-11-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

Doesn't the Monday after Thanksgiving always feel like a little bit of this and a little bit of that?

Put away a few harvest decorations and bring out a few Christmas one. Nibble a little bit of this leftover and then on to the next. Moving on from the gratitude of Thanksgiving and on to the joy and hope of Advent.

Of course, much of my day has been spent peeking around cyberspace for the best deals. I can't say I've found too much. I was pretty excited about the Snapfish deal until they overcharged me and their customer service department is MIA. This is the second time, Snapfish, you are officially on the naughty list.

In our corner of the world, to celebrate Cyber Monday, Willew Creations is offering 10% off all purchases today. Just use promo code: CYBERMON. New items will be stocking throughout the day as well. There are also some great deals to be had over on Etsy. There are promo codes, free shipping, and other great sales going on at many of the stores. Be sure to check them out.

And, for our giveaway.

We have a winner for the Jolee's Jewels.

The lucky reader is:

msvickik

Thank you all that entered and msvickik you have an e-mail coming your way.

Reminder

2010-11-28T00:55:00.001-05:00

Don't forget today is your last day to enter the giveaway for the Jolee's Jewels. Be sure to get your entry in before midnight tonight to have a chance of bringing home some beautiful beads.

Enter Here

Monday, Muggy, Monday

2010-11-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

What a strange day we have going here today. We have rain, humidity and about 25 degrees above normal. Between frizzy hair and a sinus headache I am not loving it.

They are saying we are going to drop 30 degrees in two hours tonight.

Hold on for a bumpy ride.

The Thanksgiving plans are beginning in earnest around here. There is a cranberry-apple cobbler in the oven, new roll recipes are being researched on the internet, and these two fellows recently came home to live with me. They were alone and filthy when I found them cruelly neglected on the shelf at Goodwill. Four dollars later and a good bath they are happily decorated my shelf for the holiday. They are both Avon aftershave bottles from the seventies and still smell faintly of grandpa. My only disapointment was that after a little Etsy research I found that they have a little quail friend that completes the trio. I guess I have a new item to add to my hunt list.

And, I have a big announcement....I finally got the Etsy store up and running. You can visit Willew Creations by clicking the link or clicking the new button on the side of the blog. I am currently working on stocking scarves, washcloth sets and coaster sets. After the holidays I am hoping to get many more fun things added.

Also, don't forget to enter the Jolee's Jewels Giveaway before Saturday. You can enter here.

{this moment}

2010-11-19T06:33:00.001-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Giveaway - Jolee's Jewels

2010-11-18T21:43:00.003-05:00

Recently, I was lucky enough to receive a box of goodies from Jolee's Jewels to share with friends. If you are not familiar with Jolee's Jewels, they offer an array of high quality jewelry making components and fashion art embellishments. Jewelry making is one craft I had never delved into before, so it was fun to get to try something new. We all took a turn crafting one of these:

And, I think next on my list to make is one of these:

You can visit their on-line store to purchase direct or to get inspired by their project ideas.

And, for the giveaway. One lucky reader will win supplies to create a braclet similiar to the leaf one above. This will include:

One package of 4mm Bicone Pastle Mix
One package of 6mm Bicone Pastle Mix
One Leaf Pendant
One Toggle

You can recieve one entry for each one of the following:

Leave a comment
Become a new follower of the blog
Post about the giveaway on your blog(please leave a link in the comments)

The giveaway is open until midnight on November 28th. I will announce the winner on the 29th. Open to all U.S. residents. Good luck!

The giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all that entered.

Party By Pillsbury

2010-11-16T14:13:00.002-05:00

Usually everything on this blog is all natural and homemade, but in my household we are are a bit more flexible. While we try to keep everything on the healthy side we do hit up fast food, buy some convenience food, and when Pillsbury comes a knocking offering a chance to try some of their appetizer recipes we do not turn them down. I would love to be one of those ladies that has no processed items cross her threshold, but that isn't my reality. Sometimes, especially around the holidays, I cut myself some slack, enjoy easy, yummy food, and know that when done it moderation there is a place for goodies like this. Following are some of the recipes I got to make and try. I can tell you every last one of them was a hit and will probably make it into the rotation.

Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheels

INGREDIENTS

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
2 tablespoons ranch dressing
1/4 cup cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (4 medium)

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F.
If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12x4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut lengthwise into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12x4-inch rectangle.
Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges. Sprinkle each with bacon, Cheddar cheese and onions.
Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices; place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

***Yes, mine are not pinwheels. I always over stuff, but I can tell you the recipe served as pockets was just as well received.

Crescent Layer Bars

INGREDIENTS

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1 cup white vanilla baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashew halves and pieces
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375°F (350°F for dark pans). Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan.
If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 2 long rectangles. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough. Place in pan; press over bottom and 1/2 inch up sides to form crust. Bake 5 minutes.
Remove partially baked crust from oven. Sprinkle vanilla chips, chocolate chips, almonds and cashews evenly over crust. Pour condensed milk evenly over top.
Return to oven; bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of pan. Cool 1 hour. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows.

Crescent-Wrapped Brie

INGREDIENTS

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1 egg, beaten

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F.
If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate crosswise into 2 sections. Pat dough and firmly press perforations to seal, forming 2 squares. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut crosswise into 2 rectangles. Pat dough to form 2 squares.
Place 1 square on ungreased cookie sheet. Place cheese on center of dough. With small cookie or canapé cutter, cut 1 shape from each corner of remaining square; set cutouts aside.
Place remaining square on top of cheese round. Press dough evenly around cheese; fold bottom edges over top edges. Gently stretch dough evenly around cheese; press to seal completely. Brush with beaten egg. Top with cutouts; brush with additional beaten egg.5Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Mini Crescent Dogs

INGREDIENTS

2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
48 cocktail-sized smoked link sausages or hot dogs (from 16-oz package)

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll both cans of the dough; separate into 16 triangles. Cut each triangle lengthwise into 3 narrow triangles.
Place sausage on shortest side of each triangle. Roll up each, starting at shortest side of triangle and rolling to opposite point; place point side down on 2 ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, switching position of cookie sheets halfway through baking. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

If you are interested in recipe cards or coupons for the crescent rolls please contact me and I would be happy to send some along.

Home Study - Owls

2010-11-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

Every month we have what we call our home study. We pick one subject and research it, do crafts, and read up. It makes makes it a little easier on Mama to come up with entertaining things and the Little Ones like the continuity.

This month's inspiration came from Little Boy's magazine.

We love, love, love this magazine (and Animal Babies for Little Girl). It's just the right length, has great nature crafts,

and makes Mama nostalgic.

They always offer up a coloring page

and craft.

Then we headed over to the Crafty Crow for more owl inspiration.

There seems to be an endless supply of childrens' books on owls.

Here are a few of our favorites:

And, if you haven't had enough owls yet you can head over to My Owl Barn and print your own 2011 calendar for free. They have some beautiful picture that you can pick and choice from to create your own calendar.

Slipped Away

2010-11-13T08:33:00.002-05:00

Autumn just comes and goes way too fast. I didn't mean to disappear for so long, but with a whole bunch of this...

Way too much of this...

And more of this than I care to think about...

The season has come and gone.

Now I am in the final stretch for a craft fair and looking to launch my etsy store soon as well. I plan on being around these parts a lot more after that.

Hope your autumn has been a great one!

{this moment}

2010-11-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Setting Halloween Straight

2010-10-26T21:27:00.000-04:00

Love it on so many levels

Prep Time

2010-10-25T09:58:00.002-04:00

I know we haven't even hit Halloween yet, but around here the Christmas prep is in full swing. Mostly craft fair products are being produced, but a few gifts have slipped in as well. The countdown has begun in blogland, too. Here are some great resources to make your holiday season run a little smoother.

Over at Sew Mama Sew they are gearing up for a month of Handmade Holidays. They will be having 30 days of all new tutorials organized by recipient. There will also be holiday recipes and giveaways every day. If your desire to give handmade is greater than your time available or motivation to do so they will also be featuring some indie shops every day as well.

Over at Organized Christmas the countdown has just begun. A six-week Christmas organizing plan includes weekly themes to organize holiday tasks, inspirational daily messages and a free printable Christmas planner.

And, Martha always comes through, providing many homemade gift galleries to get the creative juices flowing.

So Sorry

2010-10-11T15:36:00.000-04:00

Can't talk today

Too busy

Enjoying this

Talk to you tomorrow

{this moment}

2010-10-08T05:57:00.001-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Salt Dough Ghost Tutorial

2010-10-07T12:57:00.000-04:00

You can never go wrong with salt dough crafts. Easiest for even the youngest crafter and still entertaining for the oldest.

In fact, Little Girl's ghosts turned out the best.

To start you will mix:

One Cup Flour

One Cup Salt

One Half Cup Water

Mix with a wooden spoon until you have combined.

Then slowly add approximately One Quarter Cup Flour until firm.

Divide dough into six equal globs.

Then have fun shaping into ghost shapes.

When done, place two ghosts on a plate and microwave at thirty second intervals until firm. About two-and-one-half minutes.

After the ghosties cool, add faces or other embellishments.

So easy and so fun.

See the sad one that fell over?

That one was mine.

Boo.

Lighthouses - Old Mission Point Lighthouse

2010-10-06T05:08:00.000-04:00

Traditions and adventures are very important for our family. In the spirit of this, we kicked off a new challenge this summer. Our goal is to eventually visit every lighthouse in our state as a family. We squeezed in a couple this year and have started a scrapbook to remember our adventures.

The first one we hit was Old Mission Point Lighthouse located at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, MI.

It is a beautiful clapboard light that was built in 1870 and was decommissioned in 1933.

The lighthouse is located almost exactly on the 45th parallel. When the water's of the Grand Traverse Bay recede below normal level, it is possible to walk out to the exact line.

The beach consists of miles upon miles of beautiful rocky shoals and if you are really taken with the light you can apply to be a guest keeper for a month.

Nature Walk - Mt. Pisgah

2010-10-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

Our last camping trip of the year has come and gone. I wish I could say we ended the year on a high note, but sick kids and scary wind storms precluded that. I really never care to spend another night in a tent praying that the 40 mph winds don't drop a tree on us. Even cooking was dashed by the gusty conditions and we spent more time in town then in nature.

We were lucky enough to get one good nature walk in with kids before conditions really deteriorated. Mt. Pisgah is a towering dune with its apex 157 feet above Lake Michigan. There is a well maintained trail and many, many, many stairs to the top.

I am in awe of all the diversity that can exist in a dune environment.

The colors were so vibrant.

We each took a turn picking our colors to search for.

This is about the time I started noticing all the downed trees and contemplating what 40 mph winds do in old growth forests rooted in sand.

Another encouragement to keep moving along.

Little Boy loves sand.

Dunes are the greatest thing in the world to him.

View of Lake Macatawa from the top.

View of Lake Michigan and Big Red from the top.

Miraculously, we did survive no worse for the wear. A bit too much time in the tent might have dampened our spirits this trip, but we are already on to planning bigger and better for next year.

Randomness

2010-10-04T12:56:00.000-04:00

Sorry to be gone so long. It was unintentional. It is just every time I go to post something seems to blow up around here. I've learned not to ask what else could go wrong or how it could get any worse. Last time I asked that a drug house sprung up next door. Really, a full on drug house. Of course, my house is now worth 65% of what I purchased it for, so we are stuck. It has really been draining all my positive energy. It is hard to be creative when you have a shotgun being fired at the house next door or you have to see a pit bull tied to pole. Have I ever mentioned how much I loath people that are mean to pit bulls?

This would be why.

My first baby. His name was Jesus Gary Rodriguez. Zeus for short. He was the stinkiest dog you would ever meet, but also the biggest baby. When treated with love and kindness these are the best dogs. I do not know how people can be cruel to them. Unfortunately, for us pancreatic cancer claimed Zeus much too early. He will always be in our hearts, though.

Through all this yuckiness it has just been knit, knit, purl around here. I am busy at work trying to knit all my items for a craft show and my new Etsy store. Sometimes, I dream knitting patterns now. I'm hoping to have a big enough stash my the end of the month that I can get a little break before the Christmas knitting will need to start. We will see.

Well, I will try to be back much sooner next time.

Have to go knit, knit, purl.

{this moment}

2010-09-10T05:53:00.000-04:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

It's About That Time

2010-09-09T11:33:00.000-04:00

Anyone else thinking about Halloween yet?

It all started last weekend at the Old Navy outlet.

I was going to make Little Girl a costume, but a lady bug costume with a forty percent off tag was too good to pass up.

Then a little sick time lurking on the Internet and the inspiration is a rolling.

Specimen jars from marthastewart.com

Tin can jack-o-lanterns from marthastewart.com

Halloween smores from midwestliving.com

Halloween garland from fortytworoads.blogspot.com

Salt dough ghosts from familyfun.go.com

Time to get busy.

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

We tried to say goodbye to summer, but she was already gone.

The holiday was cold, rainy and windy.

Not at all what how you want to close out the season.

Luckily, there were a few bright moments.

The rain cleared up just enough for some beach combing.

And, acorn finding.

Today was back to school and back to routine.

At least, we have fall to revel in now.

I'm Back

2010-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

I guess I couldn't stay away forever.

Sorry for the absence.

Sometimes we lose our constant and it takes a little while to plant your feet and find it again. I think I found mine somewhere between Little Girl telling me that her hair was angry and Little Boy building pillow towers to play Wipeout (yes, only the finest educational television programming in our house).

So, I'm back.

It might take me a bit to get back in the swing of things, but I'm here.

If you prefer an audio representation of this post here you go:

Which just gets me thinking of:

Goosebumps every time.

And, this lucky girl won the Spartan Tailgating Houseparty through Houseparty.com. I have more foam fingers, mini footballs, and temporary tattoos than you can imagine.

Come the 18th, you will find us down by the river whooping it up. As much as I love summer, bring it on fall.

Goodbye

2010-06-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be taking a little break. Actually, I'm not sure if I'll be back or not. There's just not enough hours in the day and keeping a blog isn't going to get the house cleaned, dinner cooked, lawn mowed, bills paid...etc.. I'm surprised by how sad it makes me thinking about not having the blog, so I will keep the option open to coming back. I'll see how the next couple of weeks go and decide.

Take care.

Paint the Town Yellow

2010-06-16T06:08:00.002-04:00

I have a new obsession

It's name is yellow

It is popping up all over the place

It has flown into my life

And, roosted there

I have purchased, no less, than three yellow shirt in the past month

And, gather up all the yellow blossoms I can find

And this is what started it all. Be still my heart, those yellow shoes are to die for. Katy at No Big Dill is responsible for this photo and obsession. Although her blog is beautiful and features wonderful pictures of family life, she should be a little more careful with the footwear she features.

And, I am not the only to get stuck on a color. Check out How About Orange for an on-going ode to that citrus hue.

Where Are My Deals At?

2010-06-15T13:05:00.001-04:00

Anyone else having a real slow start to the thrifting/garage sale season? It is slim pickings around these part.

I found a couple cute little girl patterns. The one is a Laura Ashley pattern that originally cost eleven dollars. I laughed as I paid my seventy-nine cents.

Then I found some nice camp mugs,

and the matching skillet a week later.

This sun hat was an unbelievable find, since I got the matching dress, in the same size, at a different thrift store last year. Even more unbelievable is that Little Girl will actually keep it on her head.

I saw this tray from across the store and knew it must be mine. For a dollar I now have psychedelic honeybees to decorate my kitchen.

Finally, the piece de resistance, a canner. Finally, finally, finally, a canner. I have been prowling for one of these for years. Imagine my surprise when bam, there is not one, but two sitting on the thrift store shelf.

I guess I have had a few good conquests, but I am hoping things will pick up soon. I am growing tired of going to garage sales where they are selling all the same things that are sitting in my garage sale pile. I need a good retirement community sale. Those are always the best. I wonder who the patron saint of garage sales is.

Where I've Been

2010-06-14T15:50:00.000-04:00

I didn't mean to disappear for so long. I don't know where the time has gone. I have been avoiding writing for a bit, since I've been so grumpy and sullen, the whole if you don't have anything nice to say... There hasn't been anything bad going on just a combination of neighbors inventing new ways to make our lives miserable, finding out that we are not selling this house anytime soon, and a summer schedule that is in need of some reprioritizing. Sprinkled in amongst this, we did manage to have a ton of fun, though.

We played on the beach

Drove some hot rods

Had a midnight road trip

Rode a little engine that could

Finished preschool

(love those well used crayons)

Chased ducks

(fat lazy ducks that I had to tell Little Boy to be careful not to step on)

Finished The Knight at Dawn (Magic Tree House, No. 2) and found the castle at my Grandma's house was still delightful to wee ones

So good with the bad

Moving on

Let's hope we have all the headaches out of the way for this summer

World Wide Knit in Public

2010-06-08T15:46:00.000-04:00

This year's world wide knit in public day is fast approaching.

Visit here to find a location near you or to add a new one to the list.

Show the world that not only grannies knit.

Craft Hope

2010-06-04T08:18:00.000-04:00

Craft Hope has announced their newest project and this time they will be helping The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies to care for and clean marine mammals that have been impacted by the Gulf Coast oil spill. If you can sew, knit, or crochet a small hand towel they need your help. Please click the button below for more information.

Roll The Dice

2010-06-02T13:34:00.000-04:00

Enter to win this beautiful bracelet at No Big Dill

Try your luck at winning a $25 dollar gift certificate to the Vintage Pearl at A Journey to a Simple Happy Life

Throw you name in the hat for a Shabby Apple swimsuit at Grosgrain

And, a sure bet...head over to Glidden Paint for two free paint tester of your liking.

It's Here

2010-05-28T08:47:00.000-04:00

Summer has crept in

There is nothing like a concert on the courthouse lawn to open the summer season

All you can do is sit back and enjoy the music

Climb on some cannonballs

Aim your cannon

The little boys are always lined up like turtles on a log by the end of the night

Get some knitting done

And, then go home and enjoy some strawberry pie

I hope your have a great beginning to your summer this weekend.

Homemade Challenge #21 - Knitted Dishcloths

2010-05-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

I recently knitted up these dishcloths for a gift.

It is the Linoleum Dishcloth from Mason Dixon Knitting.

It's a great pattern. The front has a great scrubby texture just crying out to shine up a sink. I think some more of these might be hitting the needles soon.