Feather your NeST

In my momentary cleaning mode this weekend, I was feeling rather satisfied with myself and while at Target was looking at this candle thinking it might keep my homekeeping mojo going. In fact, I had looked at this candle so many times on other trips to Target that Brady finally said to me on Saturday, "Mom! just buy it for crying outloud!" So I did. It's so clean and fresh and SO not my usual vanilla. And it IS doing it's part to help me stay a little more on track with the picking up and cleaning around here. I don't know what happened to me. I did pretty good around the holidays and after the first of the year, but sometime during the month of February I just lost control. And it shows!

So I'm sorting and cleaning and weeding through. And finding inspiration to keep motivated. A daily source of inspiration for me comes from Rebecca Sower. I wish I could adapt her gentle attitudes in my own life. She is so inspiring whether or not you are artistique or trying to stay motivated to clean. Saw this on her blog HERE and so had to pull out this silver tray I found while shopping last summer for Grandma Alice's soiree and give it the Rebecca treatment. Now if that doesn't inspire more spring cleaning and nesting, I don't know what will.

Need to breathe some life into our surroundings in a big way. As Spring makes her grand entrance we'll have a hearty list of things to accomplish so we're making our list and prioritizing. Along with some unfinished projects from this winter it will be nice to realize some of these to completion. But for now, we catch up on the basics and make lists of things that need to be cared for once the weather breaks. And find inspiration not only from the blooms peaking out and the occassional warm sunny day, but also from the pages of the newest ME Home Companion magazine.

My issue arrived today with features on two of my favorite blog girls-Heather Bailey and Jenni Bowlin.

This is Jenni's featured project. Besides the birds and the buttons, I just love the whole sentiment behind this project. I have two little bird cages like that in my trunk just waiting to be revamped-may have to use this idea for one of them. (Don't ask why they're in my trunk!)

I had a fairly productive weekend overall and even managed to get a couple creative things going.

Making these inspired by the Red Lead gals for teacher gifts. Covering those box lids is not as easy as it looks, but I love all the layers and how the gold pulls it all together. Also, started working on a little something for the Sunday School kids using the new Garden Party paper from Making Memories .

Need to have 18 more completed by this weekend to distribute since we won't have class on Easter Sunday. Still didn't get to my Bellatoria project, but I'm going to work on it a little tonight-my reward for getting the rest of the kitchen picked up. So hopefully, I'll have something to share tomorrow.

Finally, I haven't found something in awhile where I screamed in the store and then have to look around and make sure noone's looking at me like I'm crazy.

But I found this at TJ Maxx on Sunday. Beautiful photos, great projects with instructions and only $4.99!

Other terrific finds at Marshalls and the local antique mall-could've spent twice as much there especially, but I didn't. See? I'm getting better. Now, if I could just stop obsessing over the stuff I passed up!

Okay, gotta go or I won't get anything accomplished today. BTW, there's a great little essay at the end of the ME Home Companion magazine about mom's who sew for the family. Yep, couldn't read it without crying-love you, Mom. Hope you're having a good day today.

Until tomorrow, I'll be the one shakin' my tail and struggling to feather my nest. Or at least getting the laundry put away and the kitchen table cleaned off!

Weekend To Do List

• Clean bathrooms
• Brady's ballgame
• thrifting for supplies
• barnes & noble - maybe, maybe not
• target - my weekly trip
• easter tags
• bellatoria projects-can't wait to do these!
• a little springy something for my sister - hopefully
• grocery shopping (maybe at Trader Joe's)
• oh, and RELAX

off to bed so I can get an early start. want to make the most of my weekend. ;)
hope you enjoy yours to the fullest!

The Harbinger of Spring

I saw a little Robin today

said I, "Welcome! Welcome! Come and stay."

She winked at me as if to say,

"Spring will soon be on it's way."

I actually saw two or three outside my window at work today. One was gathering supplies for her nest. They all looked ready to settle in and stay for awhile. Sure hope so! It's always so exciting to spy the first ones returning from their winter homes. Now I'm ready to start seeing the forsythia and red bud trees begin blooming!

Everyone Loves A Cupcake

By now it's pretty clear that I've become an e-Zine addict. Miss Foof herself is at it again and the newest Bella e-Zine sounded just TOO good to pass up. This round will include 3 guest artists including the delighfully whimsical Sandra Evertson. WOW! The fun begins for subscribers on March 5th so if you're interested in this technique based online mag check it out HERE.

Can't remember which e-Zine this came from, but these projects were made with a template created by T McFayden.

This little canvas was inspired by another e-Zine participant. I looked for DAYS to find a picture frame like the one used for the original project and then when I saw this I wished I would have thought of using a canvas.

So when I came up with this take, I was proud of myself for breaking out of the box a little-it's baby steps, you know. The base is a Jenni Bowlin BINGO card that I altered with a word she didn't have in her line - Yet!

Looking forward to doing another spin on this template for a precious little gal's first birthday. Then I will have made something handmade for a ONE year old and a ONE HUNDRED year old's birthday. Surely that could be used as a tagline or something! ;)

Off to basketball and a movie with Brady and his best buddy/cousin Matt this morning. More to come of the crafty-ness later this weekend, hopefully. Stay tuned!

Leapin' LiZardS!

It's Leap Day! and the sun is shining and it is 50+ degrees and it is the weekend! Those are reasons enough to celebrate indeed! Been wondering all week how to celebrate this infrequent holiday so yesterday I decided to grab Brady off the bus after school and make a mad dash (in rush hour traffic no less) to one of my all-time favorite stores. Yep! that's right-RED LEAD! You've probably guessed I don't need a particular reason go there!






Look at the stash I brought back with me?!? Yes, I know. I didn't need any of it, but that place just ooozes creative inspiration goodness. I just couldn't help myself. If it's any consolation, I was able to stick to my list for the most part. I know I've said it many times, if you are local and you have never been you MUST go.


Do not delay.


go.


now.


quickly.


Well, okay. I realize you might not be able to drop everything and go right this instant, but at the very least, check out their webstore HERE-especially if you are not in the vicinity to go to their physical store. I was particularly inspired by all of the yellow and green they had going on yesterday and my two new fav things there are the teeny-tiny pom pom trim and the buttons by the scoop. Some of their ideas just stop me in my tracks-literally. Love what these gals come up with! I know you will,too.





Can't wait to dig into all my goodies. Lots going on as usual this weekend, but I'm definitely working in some crafting goodness and hopefully will have much to show for it come Sunday evening. Starting with this evening, I am cranking up the music and getting my glitter on! May even try to work in a little Sweet Bella action as this is the last day for it. Ended with a bang, though-just love the final project. One of those-why didn't I think of that kinda things!?!





So! how are you celebrating leap day? Does it make you want to use exclamation points like me?! I think I'm addicted or maybe just really happy to see the sun and know that it's Friday!

Did I Mention...

that I am sick of winter?!? It doesn't help that we have been very fortunate the past several years to have had very mild winters. It only makes the current seem worse than it actually is, but seriously I'm SO over these grey days and cold temperatures!


that I am loving the color YELLOW right now. I'm sure it's in direct relation to the previous observation, but it is also everywhere. Have you noticed? Guess I've always kind of been drawn to it (main interior paint color of our house), but I even recently purchased a yellow sweater and I'm on the look out for a pair of flats to match.




that my baby is now in the double digits? Oh, my! yes it is true. In spite of his very crabby momma who was succumbing to the flu this weekend, he says he had "the best birthday ever". Seriously thankful that he is more like his laid back daddy than his uptight momma. We did have a good time despite some snafu's like the totally popular new bowling alley having a 2 hour wait for lanes and dragging the cake and ice cream here and there.



that I've managed to apply my stockpile of vintage wallpaper to my studio wall? and I'm liking it aLOT. Now just have to keep hunting for more paper-that's half the fun. I was able to cover half of the wall with what I had collected, but started in the middle and worked outward just in case I changed my mind so that I could frame it like an oversize piece of artwork. (BTW, thanks for that tip, Mom!) Hope to get back down there later this week to keep working on the piles. It's SO frustrating looking for stuff I know I have and not being able to locate it. Seriously trying to purge in a major way.


that I have only made a couple things from the Sweet Bella e-zine and it's almost over. So sad. It's not like I can't do the projects later, but I actually like to do them along with the posts. Oh, well. Some of them have been techniques I've been wanting to try anyway like using beeswax and dying ribbon and paper. Something to look forward to when time allows.


that my new guilty pleasure is Lipstick Jungle on Thursday nights. Watching it for Andrew McCarthy-remember him? Always liked him, Timothy Hutton and John Cusack-notice a pattern?


I'm way behind and it's only Tuesday. With busy weekends back to back and coming down with the flu and crashing yesterday it's put me behind before I even got out of the gate. So I'd better get with the program around here. Hoping to catch up and even make a real dinner on Thursday night- a new recipe I want to try from Everyday Food. Looking forward to using a new book my mom got me too, Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious. Great looking book and interesting approach to getting vegi's into non-veg eaters.


Oh, one more thing-I'm interested in the new Oprah book selection-"A New Earth", but wondering what the deal is with it. Anyone reading this? Email me if you are. Very curious to know what it's like. She's hosting an online class with the author that has a staggering number of people registered. And did you know she purchased the Discovery Health channel? Anyway, email me if you are reading the book-have some questions.

It's A Good Day For...

staying in, cuddling up with a good book or movie. I got this one from Jeff for Valentine's Day and due to an early "release" from work due to the weather, I'm going to indulge with a big bowl of popcorn and watch it.

I'm not a big Jane Austen fan, at least of the books. I have seen many movie adaptations and enjoy them a great deal. So I know if I took the time to read I would like them alot. However, this piqued my interest and I know just enough about the Austin heroines to be intrigued by this little quiz. Check it out just for fun.

Now if you will excuse me, Mr McAvoy awaits.....

SPRING DREAMS

Oh, how I dream of all things spring! I definitely have the winter blah's and I'm growing more and more eager for Spring to arrive. This past Saturday, I popped in to Willow Lake, another one of my favorite shops here in town. I was delighted by all of the wonderful spring things that greeted me including this from a company called, ESC Trading Company.

Loved the glitter and the font, but especially loved how well made (of wood) and reasonably priced it was (less than $20.00). In addition to a wonderful selection of decorative items from the likes of Seasons of Cannon Falls and Bethany Lowe, they also offer unique vintage and antique items which can be incorporated into decor from traditional to cottage. I loved the old movie film reels they have right now-would make a great gift for my son, Cam with his film interests. They also have several old cameras right now and a wicker chest that pulls out for additional display or organzing space-very old and very shabby chic! But, this is what I couldn't resist-I just couldn't go home without it.

The little blue bird on the side was purchased there as well and is from the Bethany Lowe collection. The stand itself is quite something and I plan to fill the cage with glittered eggs for Easter and afterwards it will find a home in my studio and can be used to display all sorts of fun things-flowers, party hats, the occassional fairy who comes to visit. In fact, I'm thinking of putting some sort of paper-crafted birthday cake or one of my party hats in it for Brady's birthday this weekend. Oh, and see how the door says "CROWN"?-loved that!

If you are local, take in a breath of Spring at Willow Lake. The owner, Eileen is a sweetie and is always willing to let you bounce ideas around with her. She also carries a collection of jewelry by local artists and other great gift items. With the weather forecast they've predicted for us beginning tomorrow, I may just have to stop in there again soon myself. Spring can not get here soon enough for me!

P.S. I'm sure my sister is wondering if I'll be able to actually use the bird cage with my germ-a-phobia and all. Don't worry. As soon as it's warm enough it'll get a good scrub down. Until then, I'm trying not to think about it-it was just too good to pass up!

Dwell on These Things

Inspired by Sandra Evertson, we made these in Sunday School today. Well, attempted to make them anyway. We are learning about our spiritual armor and today's lesson was about the Helmet of Salvation. I thought it would be fun for the kids to learn how to fold a hat/helmet out of newspaper and then of course, we had to gussy them up a bit. Then I had them cut apart key phrases of the memory verse and it became a learning tool. Add a little glitter glue in lieu of glass glitter and TaDA! Well, that was the grand plan anyway. We were short of tools and just not enough helping hands. Only about half of the kids got theirs completed. Guess I was a little over ambitious. In fact, none of the boys got finished so we'll finish them up next week. AND no snack today-they love snacktime when we catch up about everything that's happened in their lives over the week. They weren't very happy when they all left. :(

But all in all a very fun project and such a great reminder...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Phillipians 4:8

Just Playin'

Okay, I just couldn't wait any longer to try and see what this would look like. Using teacher's putty, I started putting a few pieces up on the wall. However, it doesn't really give the full effect. In fact, I've had a hard time getting the putty to stick to some of the more fragile pieces, but you can kind of get the idea. I think I'm going to go for it, but want to play around with it a bit more before I totally commit. But before I do anything I have to do a HUGE purge. So that's what I'm going to do tonight and tomorrow. Purge, purge, purge. Hopefully, this will motivate me to stay on task and get this long over due clean up completed!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope this day finds you feelin' the love. Planning a very simple dinner for my very uncomplicated husband tonight. He's definitely a steak and potato kinda guy! He'll have to wait until this weekend for his Red Velvet Cake though-sorry, baby. I've got my fingers crossed for a new DVD that came out on Tuesday-we'll see. I'm afraid it's not going to be the most romantic of evenings. Oh, well. Can't have that EVERY year. One of our favorites was the one we spent watching The Notebook together. And last year was pretty great when we ended up with a snowday around the 14th and made Red Velvet cupcakes all afternoon. See? It'll have to be pretty great to top those!

Whatever you have planned just remember--all you need is love. Love is all you need.

Weekend Creative

Borrowing my entry title from Ali Edwards today. A couple weeks ago, Ali began posting a Weekend Creative every Friday-a project or prompt to get your creative juices flowing. Check out this week's project and the inspiration for it HERE. This was my version of the project.

Decided my junk store frame was better suited for this application. All of the butterflies were punched from a sheet of collage paper by Pam Garrison from Somerset Studio magazine. Oh, except for the black and white striped one-that came from a piece of junk mail-TOTALLY inspired by Ali. Love that she is always on the look out for everyday things that can be used in her art. The punch is from the Martha line at Michaels-love the detail of the silouhette and that by folding the wings up they magically become dimensional. This was a very doable project and although not necessarily on my list of things to get done this weekend, I just couldn't stop thinking about it and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

Anyway, here are a few other things I worked on this weekend. This one is part of the Sweet Bella e-Zine. Love this drawing of the little girl sitting amongst her toys with her dolly. The pink shading is floral spray paint-loved this tip. Dries super duper fast and is great for adding a light mist of color to paper. Would still like to add a little sparkle if I can get my hands on some platinum Stickles. The backside is a book cover-one of those Reader's Digest ones from the junk store. Just couldn't bear to cover up this sweet deer and of course love the pink and blue. The original idea was done on an oversize playing card and meant to be "traditional" valentines. Just can't resist danglies so I threaded mine on seam binding-Martha's, of course!

This one is from Winter e-Zine and I've been working on these for awhile now. See? These aren't even finished yet! Wasn't terribly difficult, but had to do a couple layers of the glitter since it is so fine. Each little shadow box is actually a Necco coversation heart box and the original idea was to string them together with ribbon and tulle for a banner. In order to spread the handmade Valentine wealth, I decided to layer them on top of small canvases-an homage to my pals at Red Lead. I like how they're turning out.

Hoping to put together a couple more and some other bits and bobs before V-day. Here's what Brady took to his Sunday School helper today. He was a reluctant cupid to say the least. :)

Still dreaming about that vintage wallpapered wall and ordered a paint sample today-sandcastle from Dunn Edwards. Thinking of using that in my art room and in our master bedroom/bath. We'll see. Those are things for another Weekend Creative or at the very least another week! Alas, being creative means the house is a shambles, hubby is crabby and I'm not ready for the week to begin. Better go!

LUCKY DAY

It's been my lucky day in more ways than one. First, I was nearly in a car accident today when the two cars in front of me crashed into one another. Fortunately, I was able to avoid hitting them. Whew! it was a close one! Also, had a very nice lunch with my sweetie at one of my fav places-First Watch. It's only open for breakfast and lunch-do you have one near you? Anywho, then it was off to another fav place-Robin's Nest. Picked up a couple teacher gifts and then made a stop at a little junk store near home (but not my usual Friday afternoon haunt). Found this glass dish and sweet rosaries and 10 Commandment bracelet and lookey, lookey...

yes, I have been looking for a frame just like this for a project for several weeks. Only $2! I was SO excited that I nearly screamed. Can't wait to work on that project and some valentine things this weekend.

My pile is growing. I have two more packages on their way to me and then I think I'm going to give it a whirl. I think. Love the look, but a little nervous to use all this fabulous paper on the wall. Could also just use scrapbook paper like my pals at Red Lead, but it just wouldn't have the same look to me. Although I do want to use some sheet music and maybe some old book paper. What do you think? Also, unless I prime the wall first it's probably not comin' off anytime too soon. We'll see. Until then, I just keep collecting and sorting by color-pink, blue, yellow and green in the yummiest of shades.

BTW, if you're longing for Spring and already finding February to feel like the longest month of the year, head on over to Sally Jean's BLOG. She has a great list of prompts for fun and frivolity the whole month through!

Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. I think Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch are on their way out-THANK GooDNESS!

A New Addiction

I have a new addiction, well, maybe not new, but an addiction nonetheless. Since this past summer, I've had a love affair with vintage wallpaper, but after seeing what Pam Garrison did to her closet I am madly and deeply in love with 30's and 40's vintage wallpaper. The colors, textures, their patina. Last night I was gathering my small collection and noticed the backs of some of them had the most charming decorating tips on the backs. Makes them even more endearing, don't you think?

I've measured the wall on which I'd like to apply them and well, it's hard to say just how many pieces I'd need to do the patchwork treatment. I think it would take at least 80-100 pieces-yep, that's ALOT! I'm hoping to add to my meager collection, but I have to "log out of Etsy and back away from the computer" before I get into some real trouble. Who knows though-this might just motivate me to purge the supplies in my studio and get organized. Gotta get rid of some stuff!

Still in kind of a funk this week, but hoping to SNAP OUT OF IT! Here's something I stumbled upon that's giving me something to think about.

Always been a dream of mine, but never quite sure where to start or what to zero in on. Such a romantic notion to follow your bliss, but in reality it is always much more than what you bargain for. Something to think about, I guess. The world of online stores, particularly Etsy are very intriguing. That would be "a very good place to start" as Maria says. :)

Okay, I think it's time for a little microderm abrasion and early to bed. Have a good rest of the week!

It's Official

I have the blah's. Yes, my faithful readers that's right. And I just can't seem to shake them. I've tried to chase them away with daydreams. I've tried to shop them away with Michael's and Target and the junk store. I've tried to sing them away with Dierks Bently in my car as I went down the road free and easy like. I've had momentary relief while watching 27 Dresses w/ my sister on Saturday, teaching Sunday School this morning, but yep, I have 'em. The blah's.

Not sure what to say about it other than that. Except, this too shall pass. Until then, I continue to try and keep them at bay-a little crafting, cleaning out a drawer here and there, deep cleaning the bathroom. Good therapy, but still can't seem to get much accomplished. All these things I want to do and just. can't. do. it. Frustrating.

This was inspiring to me though. Maybe once I get a few other things done I can attempt this. Click over to this BLOG to see what I mean 'cause yep, my camera battery is dead so no photos here. Look out blah's-your days are numbered!

Random Stuff

i hate winter and canNOT wait for spring

my feet are always FREEZING (one of the reasons I dislike winter)

would not trade my hairstylist and pedicurist for anything-they're FABULOUS

i miss my mom and dad being here-seems strange they're not here now when i get home from work

i ordered some very cool shelves from pottery barn and can't wait until they arrive to do something like this

wish i could stop my kids from growing up so fast-one will be 10 in a month and the oldest will be 21 in april-hard to believe

also wish i wasn't such a procrastinator and/or perfectionist-it dibilitates and frustrates me

can't wait to see some movies-27 dresses, atonement are just a couple i want to see very soon

going to make myself complete some projects this weekend-no matter how small

thankful that jeff watches out for me when i'm too lazy to do so myself

hoping to plan a special valentine's dinner soon-might try chocolate souffle

loving my new one year bible and disciplining myself to read from it each day

need to remember to buy spray paint-amazing what a little white paint will do for a junk store frame

wish i knew how to make fancy frames or brushes on my photos like some of the "professional" bloggers-makes their photos look so fun, SEE?

got another great globe at the junk store-only 3.99-YOWSER! collecting them for brady, but not sure why-neither is he

need to go clothes shopping, but it's SO depressing

i need sunshine and flowers in a BIG way-looking forward to 50ish degrees and sunshine on sunday and the antique mall-my reward for accomplishing some stuff on saturday...

maybe i'll find some of the stuff i've been looking for-fingers crossed

Can't Wait Til Spring

Guest blogger says:
Such a dreary day today and Patti needed a spring boost. Had to make a trip to Dierbergs and low and behold found this springtime bouquet. Cheers you right up doesn't it
Little sister - - - how do you like this???

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Brrr...it was only 4 degrees when we got up this morning. That didn't keep me at home though. Nope. Not that I was real productive either, but I had a very enjoyable day nonetheless. Just running around and hanging out with mom and my sister most of the day. Hitting the clearance aisles at Gordmans and Linens n Things and a boutique here and there. We also managed to work in a stop at Goodwill where mom and I picked up some men's wool sweaters. We're going to try and make felted purses. Yes, that and a half dozen other things we should've been home working on instead of running around in the cold. Now I'm wiped out and starting to get a sore throat. Nice.

Oh, well. Tomorrow's another day. Going to see what I can accomplish yet tonight. Winter Bella e-Zine has me on inspiration overload this week. On the hunt for several things for some of the projects I want to complete. Anyone have any old picture frames? How about a wooden cigar box? Lavender by the scoop? Making me crazy that I can't seem to find anything. Out all day and only spent $9 for the old sweaters-kind of a miracle for me. Even passed up darling Bethany Lowe Valentine goodies. Yep, I must be coming down with something! Now I'm wishing I had grabbed the banner-so, so cute, but was very pricey. Hard to pay that when you can make something similiar yourself, but I may have to reconsider.

I'm off to put on my fuzzy slippers and get cozy for the night. I'm already thinkin' about hitting my favorite antique mall tomorrow. Cold or not-I'm on a mission so I can make some projects!

UPDATED: This morning (Sunday) when we got up around 7:30 am it was only 2 degrees! Haven't seen it that cold here in sometime.

S M I L E

These are some of the things making me smile as I reflect on this past weekend:

• Brady beginning every sentence with, "Behold!" Makes you want to listen up, doesn't it?!
  


• Visits to Red Lead-just love those gals and their style and how they inspire me to let go and make something. Here's a little something I'm working on using their new Valentine's Day inchie stamps-my take on one of their projects.



• Spending time with my sister- she's such a doll and I'm so proud of her.
  
• Jeff's requests for brownies-a regular weekend occurence. I'm happy to oblige.
  
• Daisy D's valentine stuff- so very vintage and sweet.



• Found objects and treasures and friends who share them. Can't wait to get to work on some of the goodies from Shirley and Trisha-thanks, girls!



• This ultra quick calendar project from Jenni Bowlin- she keeps coming up with products that blow me away. And I love this photo of my dad and Brady. It's been so good for Brady to have them here with us. The cover is very pretty with a beautiful vintage millinery flower. Taking it to work tomorrow to replace my dollar spot calendar. Really just for reference, but will add a favorite photo from each month and at the end of the year will have a little album.


• A Sunday afternoon nap.

And here's a couple for today-

• Deer spied in our backyard by Dad this morning and me fumbling with my camera. Duh! I had it set on the macro setting and wasn't able to capture the 5 or 6 trotting through this morning. But it was fun hearing him hoop and holler-and he wonders where I get it from!


• American Idol is back tonight-YEAH!


• Realizing that tomorrow is already Wednesday-ready for the weekend already.
  

And this one made me smile, AND cry today-

• Cam texting me this afternoon to tell me he loved me. Then this afternoon he told me why. The song I used to sing to him when he was little came on the radio, "Somewhere Out There" from American Tale.

What made you smile this weekend? Today?

Whistle A Happy Tune!

Just a quick post as DH is due home at any minute and we're headed out for the evening. Just catching up on the goings on in blog land, new music on ITunes and enjoying a cup of English Toffee cappuccino (sorry, Dad I couldn't resist-had to dip into your stash). I am really looking forward to the weekend. I have so many things I want to do that I'm not sure what to do first. Looking forward to a visit with my sister tomorrow as we go treasure hunting and to working on various projects around here. Maybe hoping to even get into my studio to start digging through and clearing out. I'm sure that's wishful thinking on my part-the weekend is only two days long after all.

Whatever you have planned-enjoy and don't forget to whistle a happy tune. If only I could whistle-guess I'll have to hum!

Sailor's Delight

This was the sunset tonight. The photo SO does not do it justice, but I was playing with the panoramic setting on my camera. The color was really intense. A ride off into the sunset kind of sunset.

And this was waiting for me when I got home. My mom fixed dinner for us this evening-chicken pot pie and this wonderful Blueberry Crumb Cake. YUM! What a treat! Even Brady was overcome by the smell when he came home from school, Mom said.

Not much going on, but I did pick up my new Bible so I can get started on one of my goals for the new year. And I got the Amy Grant's new(ish) book, Mosaic. Very anxious to read it so I plan to wind down early and cozy up with it.

Hopefully, the saying will bode true for tomorrow...

red sky at night, sailor's delight.

The weather here is SO gloomy today. Makes me want to put my jammies on and climb into bed already. Can you imagine how long the days might have seemed before there was electricity? Thought about that last night when Mom and I were making crochet flowers to pass the time since there was nothing of real interest on television. It was refreshing to have an "unplugged" night and delve into home arts.

So fun to pick up crocheting again and work on it with mom. I can remember my Grandma and aunts visiting and watching TV while crocheting up a storm. How did they do that?! I could barely keep up as Mom called out each set of stitches to me from the pattern. I'm working my way into knitting-although I'm getting addicted to these flowers. Can't beleve how many variations there are. Here's the one I made last night. Mom added the vintage button and TA DA! instant pin for my jacket lapel. Just had to wear it to work today. Made me smile every time I looked down and saw it.

Keeping busy with my Winter bella e-Zine, too. Here's the decorative project from this weekend. A sweet, simple reminder of the promise that Spring days lie ahead. I'm loving using things I have on hand in new and unexpected ways. My fav part of this tho' is the tag made from a downloaded page of an old French book about birds. The shape of the tag was made using an empty punchout from a sheet of tags as a template-WAY COOL idea. SO glad I didn't throw that out-see, sometimes it pays to be a packrat! :)

We've enjoyed a few days of spring-like weather, but I can already feel the temperature dropping as winter weather takes hold once more. Not alot on TV again this evening-I'm ready for the writer's strike to be over, aren't you? So I plan to put on some comfy clothes and work on the newest Winter Bella project and maybe make another flower or two!

Penny for MY thoughts?

Probably, not. But here ya go...

My sister informed me that you aren't supposed to purchase anything new the first 90 days of the year. It's a green thing, I guess. Does she know that's three. whole. months?!? Well, I already broke that rule anyway by the time she informed me. ha! I am resolved to be very selective about anything new I bring into the house. Seriously.

Usually by the after Christmas sales I'm not in much of a mood to go back and get Christmas things, but I was SO lucky to have spied these. They sold out in no time in our area, but I found them while at Jeff's Mom's Target. Isn't it funny how everyone has a Target?! :)

In breaking the aforementioned rule (three times in this one post!), I found this little treasure at the "junk" store. I also found these and plan to paint them cream. I've been inspired ALOT lately by Becky Novacek. Check out photos of her home HERE. She is also just super inspiring overall. Can you believe she is a grandma?! Anyway, love what she can do with a secondhand frame and some paint. How warm does it need to be to spray paint do ya think? Hmmm...oops! too late, I already sprayed the small one while waiting for my photos to load (54 degrees here already this morning). I know just the photo I'm going to put in it to add to my family room wall, too. Not sure about that accent color thing yet. Going to go for some texture in the white frames and use all black and white photos for sure.

Plan to get all of the Christmas hauled back to the basement today, but just couldn't do it last night. Instead, this is what I did. The first project of Winter Bella. Thanks, Mom for nudging me to scan this BINGO card before using it. ;)

And the beaded hanger-well, that was a necklace I spied at the "junk" store yesterday that I took apart and reused Rebecca Sower like. I love the way it pops the blue out of the papers IRL. Otherwise, all made w/ scraps and stuff I already had. Gotta love that! Not sure what I'll do with the finished project, but I like what it says and it felt SO good to make something after a couple of weeks. Hoping to do that Year In Review project later today or tomorrow. Stay tuned for that and a nifty vignette idea from this week's Winter Bella e-Zine.

I love this list of ideas of things to do in January when the after-the-holiday blah's arrive. Click HERE to check them out. Of course, the list was compiled by Sally Jean who totally inspires me-hopefully her list will inspire you as well. Many of them are very simple ideas about reviving and renewal. Some as simple as-write a letter to someone, seal it with a kiss and mail it! When was the last time you "wrote" a letter? See? Fun stuff!

Okay, this is turning into a WAY long post and I have lots to do this weekend before my favorite house guests return so I'd better scoot. They've inspired me to get SO MUCH done the past couple of weeks and I want to keep my momentum going. Missing you guys, by the way.

Have a great weekend!

I "heart" the Dollar Spot!

Our local Target has refilled their Dollar Spot with oodles of Valentine's goodies and I just couldn't resist. Here's what I came home with-cute apron, silicon baking dish, dishtowels and sweet stamps. A word of caution however, some of these items were more than a dollar. Hasty me didn't realize that until I got home. Still great deals. Bring on the next holiday!

Also made a stop at Michael's and picked up some yarn and a needle in an attempt to begin making good on one of my intentions for the new year. Have a couple of other "new year" projects to complete first and then I'm going to give it a whirl. I haven't made anything in a couple weeks so I'm itching to do so this weekend. Winter Bella e-Zine has begun and I'm going to do the year-in-review project from my last week of class with Heidi Swapp's Big Picture class. Very sweet and I've already picked out my 10 highlight events of 2007. Can't wait to pick out the photos and share this when I'm finished. I've got the fever so I'll be back with those.

AND lastly not to be an enabler or anything, but our Target now has Wall Quotes (vinyl lettering that looks handpainted when applied) . They have several phrases to choose from and are very pretty-most $16.99. I bought one tonight and hope to put it up on a wall in our family room along with a group of framed family photos next week. So, so excited about this. Photos to come upon completion! Now, should I paint that wall in an accent color first? Hmmm... ;)

All Good Things

As they say, all good things must come to an end. And so we say goodbye to 2007 and welcome 2008. A new beginning, a fresh start. Another year to get it right, to make new memories, to accomplish new goals-or in my case, attempt to reach the ones we didn't quite reach the previous year.

We rang in the new year in typical fashion - we ate take-out and huddled in watching mindless TV and the clock as we struggled to stay up just long enough to wish one another Happy New Year. We spent a little time this morning sharing a couple of our intentions for 2008, but the big attraction today is the Cotton Bowl. Jeff's beloved Fighting Illini are playing today. He's already geared up in his blue and orange and in his recliner! I have the TIVO recording the parade for watching later today. I may take in some shopping or a movie later this afternoon.

Because I fail so miserably with most of my New Year's resolutions, I won't bore you with my entire list. But I do intend to try and learn to knit and to make a quilt this year (with Amy Butler fabrics). Lots of artful endeavors on my list, but some serious ones, too. Hope to get back to reading my Bible on a regular basis and to be more introspective. And I plan to look into the "one little word" philosophy/blog. I'm loving this one lately...

Do you make new year's resolutions? If so, would you share one? If not, share why you choose not to make resolutions. May this year bring you all good things.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!