Happy Anniversary to Our Good Friends!

I made this special Anniversary Memory Book for very special friends.

This black paper was hand made by a local artisan who no longer does this, but it is beautiful and has silver embossments.  I made the flowers with coffee filters and put red stickles on the edges.  Pearl sprays, white feathers

and tons of fibers and ribbons,
which I love! 

I save or make all kinds of little trinkets all the time, like the hearts - I found an easy pattern using embroidery floss, which I have a ton of from a garage sale, and of course, while I do not embroider, I figured, " might need these for something!"  These are of course crocheted!  I made them about a year ago and they've been waiting for a project!  A pearl in the middle and - pretty darn cute!  Two small, one large!

I made tag pockets throughout the project on each page, photos or journaling can be added! 

I also love recycling toilet paper tubes for pockets in small scrap book albums.  The are easy peasy to make, cover, embellish and the perfect size for a tag!

This page came out adorable!  The little watch is a broken Christmas ornament which I covered with a nice clock face, adhered to a pocket, with tags "forgotten memories" and "key to the past" with another pocket!

Next two pages are a map of the US - right side, both growing up on the East coast, the tags outside the pocket are "family" near Pennsylvania where she was born, and a "Cleveland Indians" logo near where he was born in Ohio.  The Home Sweet Home and a crocheted "Monarch" Butterfly on the left side where they now reside on the West Coast in Pacific Grove - the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.

Another toilet paper tube, covered, embellished and used for tags.  Such an easy way to add both decorations and tags. 

My favorite two pages.  I used old dictionary printed paper and all of the words relivent to their lives I highlighted, "memory," "love," "family," ...

 added wild roses and green bead strands, pockets stuffed with tags and a person sentiment from  us.

This couple is very special to us,  and our wish for their anniversary is they live

"HAPPILY EVER AFTER!"

Thanks for taking a peek at my special Anniversary Scrapbook!
Blessings,
Donna

A Brand New Book by Cindy Adkins!

Author, writer, artist, and blogger Cindy Adkins has just finished and released another book that is sure to be another in a long list of best selling books she has written.  Most of us know her as a wonderful friend!  I've had the honor of reading her latest book "Spirituality: Making God Personal - Finding Joy."  Out less than a week, and already a bestseller!

Now, lots of people will just pass this by and say, well I don't have one of those fancy Kindle Books or any of the other hand held, new fangled computer books - guess what?? Neither do I!! You can read E-Books on your computer! Very cool, because these hand held things just keep getting smaller and at a time when I really need the print to be larger, it's nice to know Amazon has made them available to everyone, whether we're are on the go and on a bus, train or in the subway, or at home with our computers! We're covered!

But, back to the book - my favorite reading material is Spiritual writing.  I've read lots and lots of books.  There are all kinds of books on Spirituality, what it means, how to find it, where to look, and what to read.  Cindy goes right to the source, the bible, specifically the Book of Psalms. 

In this book, Cindy is explaining how we can reach out in faith and prayer to experience the joy that is promised to each and every one of us.  The perfect time for this book to be released.  Easter and Passover both take place at the same time this year - so yes,  perfect timing!  But - of course it is, because Cindy is the instrument, our precious and gracious God is the Author of this book.  Cindy allowed herself to be enveloped in His love and direction and wrote this for us, for other people to meet our Lord, to rekindle our love for him, to strengthen that relationship we let slip away!

There is one statement in a book that will make me slam it closed and not read another word - and that is when I read "God made this bad happen because we - - -!"   As I read through this the first time, on page 22, I read, "God does not make bad things happen."...  (You'll just have to get the book and read on!)  But, this is so right on!  Have you heard people ask, "Why did God do this to me?"  He didn't, not at all!  Do you hurt your children on purpose out of love?  I know I never hurt my children or grandchildren out of love!  They may get hurt, but I did not cause the bad thing to happen on purpose!  Well neither does our Almighty Father!!!  He's waiting for each one of us to come to Him.  Cindy talks about this in her book, too.

As I mentioned, I do not believe it is an accident Cindy wrote this book at this special time of the year.  Easter and Passover both happening at the same time!  Do you know anyone that could use this, someone who may be struggling, searching?  Maybe a teenager who is just stuck right now with the struggles teens go through?  Are you reaching out?  Mother's Day is coming up, Graduations, and Father's Day.  Many opportunities to treat ourselves or others to a marvelous beginning! 

This is a quick read, it's geared to guide you on that first step, to help you connect or reconnect with God.  To reach up, reach out to our Loving and Gracious Father. 

You may read more about this book on Cindy's blog or at Amazon . I've read through the book three times now.  I've read all of her books, and have loved all of them - this one is a favorite!

Cindy, "Thank You" for your hard work and dedication to God, to all of us as we reach up ~
Blessings
Donna

Shoe Review ~ Reebok RealFlex

I'm going to do a bit of a review on a new pair of shoes I bought that are the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever, Ever, EVER, worn.  I've always bought good shoes.  I think it's probably the one item of clothing we should never skimp on.  I always bought my children good shoes, the best I could, because the better the shoe, the longer they lasted (until they started riding skateboards!)

Let me back up for a bit.  I took a terrible fall about 2 years ago.  I fell really hard on knees, which caused horrible swelling in my feet.  At first, I actually ended up buying a very soft, unsupported pair of slipper boots that would at least keep my feet warm, and I had to buy them two sizes bigger than I normally wear because any pressure at all would cause pain so badly, I would rather stay home than go ANYWHERE - even shopping!  You know it had to be bad.  For the rainy weather I found a pair of Easy Spirits with a zip up front, which I could leave unzipped, again, larger than I normally wore because any pressure at all would cause horrible pain and cramps in my feet, but I still couldn't walk for more than half an hour without pain and cramping!

Fast forward to January 29th - and I had my monthly doc visit, and his medical assistant came in and I noticed her shoes.  She told us what brand, she let me feel them and showed Don and I how ultra soft and flexible they were.  They aren't sold everywhere, and I did not want to buy shoes I couldn't try on first, so the first pair via Internet was out.  Don found they were sold at a store close to where our son and family live in Hanford, The Sport Chalet (in Visalia, California.)

                                                                                                                                                                  

We all know when we put on a good pair of shoes for our feet, like putting on a really nice, soft pair of gloves.

Don is bending his shoe with no pressure at all, that's how soft and flexible these shoes are!  Here's a link to the shoes I have. I'm not going to get all technical and tell you what makes these shoes so comfortable. All I'm going to say is these are absolutely the most comfortable pair of tennis shoes (running, walking, what ever shoes) I've ever worn!

I'm also going to put in a plug here for Sports Chalet, Inc.  This chain has the absolute best customer service of any store I have shopped at in the last 20 years, hands down.  If you need to call their Corporate Customer Service Department, and you have a legitimate concern or complaint, it is handled with the utmost care and concern within 15 minutes.  AMAZING in today's market place!!  Also, have you ever heard of a store who will let you purchase a pair of shoes, actually let you wear them, and if they don't work for you, take them back, no hassles, just grab a new pair of shoes or get your money back.  How many pairs of shoes have you bought only to have to give away because you wore them out doors, and they could not be returned?  Another plus for customer service!!

At 59 years old, we are all looking for the best items for our comfort and safety.  These shoes do both for me.  We went for a walk today for over a half hour, up and down hills, and I never got tired, my feet were fine with no problems at all - it's been 2 years since I've been able to walk in my own neighborhood without pain - so I am beyond delighted.  Reebok has a great pair of shoes for all ages!

Blessings, and may your Sunday be a glorious day!
Hugs,
Donna

Just A Little Something For My Little Wee Ones

By now, you all know I love making things.  Big things, little things, and different kinds of things.  During the winter, one of my favorite things to do is crochet. 

My good friend at Stitch Of Love came up with a new pattern for crocheted "hair scrunchies" that is simply darling!  Lovestitch is great at taking a pattern, reworking and rewriting it for the yarns she has available to her in Vietnam.  (Which is a lot less than we have, believe me!)

I loved her pattern, because it is so light and lacy looking.  She used a heavier cotton thread, I used baby yarn, so I did have to change up the pattern a bit, but I like it!

This yarn has a very shiney thread running through it, so it gives it a fancy, lacy look.

I think it would be cute with a little Easter dress!

So, tell me ~  what do you think?

If you stop by and meet Lovestitch, let her know I sent you over.  She has some incredible patterns for summer hats, really cute purses and so much more.  This is one very creative and blessed young woman - She has been crocheting and knitting for less than three years and is self taught!

Amazing!

Thank you for stopping by, may you all have a blessed weekend!

Hugs,

Donna

Still Finishing My Weekend Sandwich!!

Best laid plans ~ Right?

Here on Friday, I talked about all I was going to get done over the weekend.  I got up Saturday morning, headed for the garage as there were a few projects I'd wanted to get started on right away!  I opened the door, looked and said "Holy Moly, Batman!  Where'd all this crap I mean stuff come from?"  Well, every time I went to Estate Sales, Garage Sales, Goodwill, oh, or my new favorite place, the Resale Store for Habitat for Humanity, everything got stacked up on my Craft Room side of the garage.  Of course, everything left over from Christmas that hadn't been put in the sheds or other items that made their way from the house to the garage were piled up higher and deeper, so my time in the garage was spent putting things away and organizing SO NEXT WEEKEND I actually can spend time on projects!  Drat, but necessary!

I did spend some time on my little citrus trees.  Why on earth do the stores sell trees and plants that really won't survive in an area they sell them in?  Honestly, that's an entire new post I'll do next week.  But, they are loaded with fruit - except the Key Lime, which all got ripe and fell off - about 10 this year and the tree is only 3 years old!  I gave them a bit of a trim, and fed them.  Oh my goodness, they were so happy to have the snow blanket off and get direct sunlight!  We had temps in the 80's last weekend!  Then we took a look at the forecast which said our "real feel temps" this week at night will feel like 7 degrees!  Actually 23 but will feel like 7.  I've asked every nursery, "what the heck does that mean, anyway?"  They say when you are out walking and it's 23 but with the wind and air hitting you it feels like 7!  Sounds good, but why not just say it's going to be 7 darn degrees?!?  That's another post, too!  So, my Sweetie went out last night and put the snow blanket back on them.

So what did I actually get done?  Well, I did get lots started, some actually finished - some I can show, some not because they are gifts and I don't want to ruin a surprise or two.  But here is a scarf, you know the thing that goes around your neck with the flippy ends that my Wee One didn't want, but now wants - in her new favorite color - green!

I used a very soft and fluffy Caron yarn, and even with the holes in the pattern, it will keep her little neck warm.  This is done in a Pavilion stitch, which means Butterfly stitch in French.  It's very pretty!

Then I made this very simple, but really cute, headband.  All this requires (ALL THIS ...  he he he, favorite last words!!) is wrapping the yarn around the headband that has a tad of glue on the inside (a little at a time, of course!)  GO SLOW or you'll be starting over when the glue gets all over your fingers and yarn - yep - it was a mess, but I was NOT going to let a little headband to the best of me - no, no, NO!

I made these cute little flowers and glued pearls all around the middle.  The again in blue for their school colors, but, if they like these, I can make them in a ton of colors.  This was a very fun project!

Elise would like the new crocheted or knitted head bands worn around the top of their hair and over their ears, instead of under their hair.  Looks like a cap but only the cuff part!  All the girls are wearing them.   So, off to find new yarn - from my stash!

This week, along with some spring cleaning, I want to get some cards made, trivets, and ... well, you know, work on "The List!"  How about you?  What ever you do, may you be blessed with more time than it takes, love over flowing and good health!

Blessings,
Donna

Just A Little Hello!!

I wanted to pop over and just say hello - no photos to share, my projects are only half finished!  Why do I work on so many at once??

Well, I have my small crochet projects I can work on while sitting in the passengers seat in the car.  Just my scarves, flowers for cards, or headbands.  Love crocheting while glancing at the scenery - and the world around me thinks it's spring already!  Little hints of green on all of the mountains, the grape vines are even showing signs of green and growing!

Then I have my larger crochet projects for bed or while sitting in chair in the living room.  This is usually  an afghan or something more complicated that needs constant reading or intricate stitching.  Lot's of room and I can't loose the hooks!

During the day, it's sewing or crafting in my craft room.  I have a blanket I'm quilting for my wee one, tons for cards, small albums, word albums and scrap stuff I'm working on, many altered art projects!

And, yeah!!  It's starting to warm up so it will be time for working in the garage with messy stuff, like painting and working a bit with wood - something new this year!

That's what I'm doing and hoping to have photos over the weekend!  I wish you all a wonderful weekend, full of what ever you love doing!  Going to garage or estate sales?  Crafting?  Sewing?  Gardening?  Yes!!  Yes, yes, yes!!  I think there will be some of all of this this weekend as the weather is supposed to be in the mid-70's!   Next week rain again, or I should say, finally?  So, I think some seeds will be sown Saturday!

Love to you all!  Have fun!!  Enjoy your family and loved ones, say hello to a neighbor, and smile!  Oh, maybe even a bit of shopping, too!

Blessings,
Donna

And One More Makes Three ~

Several posts back I shared with you the hooded scarf I crocheted for my sweet granddaughter, Elise.  She is such a beautiful young lady!  And, a great smile!  I've made these all in the same color Isaac had originally asked for in this beautiful blue, one of their school colors.

I had actually started out making older brother, Isaac a scarf - and just couldn't get a pattern I liked so made one up myself.  He did not want fringe, and the straight ends ~ well, I just didn't care for them so I rounded them - he likes them, and that's what matters.

When I asked little wee one, Leila, if she would like a hooded scarf like sister's, she said, "yes, but not with these flippy things!"  So, getting to the bottom of this, I finally asked, "OK, you mean you would rather have yours with a collar and not a scarf?"  "Yep!" and out the door she went.  So, here is Leila's hooded cowl collar!

All I did with this pattern, quite honestly, is when it came time to do the scarf portion of it, I simply made it short enough to be a collar.  I plan on either purchasing two buttons, or making them of polymer clay that will be double sided, so she can move the buttons as she grows a bit.  I'm showing the collar crossing a bit in the front, but it will go straight across when buttoned.  I did this so show the length of the collar.  I should have this finished and in the mail by the end of the week, along with a new scarf she's ordered.  This time in green - guess she likes the flippy things on a scarf after all!  Sheesh!

Thanks for taking a peek at my latest creation!  I love sharing with all of you the love I have in my heart by making things for family and friends!

Many blessings,

Donna

****And a quick update****

Thank you all for your concern for me and for my family emergency.  I am feeling much better, Praise the Lord.  And, our family emergency is getting better by each passing hour.  Thank you all for your kind emails, your thoughts and especially your prayers!!  Love to you all!!

Hello My Bloggy Friends!

I try to post every few days, at least, but this last week, I've been a bit under the weather myself and had a bit of a family emergency.  Every thing is absolutely fine now - no worries, every one is good!

I've finished a couple of projects and started a couple of others, so I have been toddling around.  I will post tomorrow ~ ~

Until then ~ May this new week bring you blessings beyond measure!  Our Lord is an Awesome God ~ to Him go the Glory and Honor!

Blessings,
Donna

Grandma's Got A New Do!

You know when you get a really bad hair cut by your stylist, the first time you figure it's a fluke and they were just having a bad day.  The second time I get a bad one, it's Adios!  So, as you can see by my photo below, it's been quite some time since my last hair cut - a well over a year.

I've been looking for someone for a long while.  My key when interviewing is, I'd like it cut in layers all the way down the lenght of my hair.  When they start telling me about the new styles and how I might look better, I don't bother. Been there, done that, had to grow my hair back!  I try to find ladies who have a nice cut and ask them who does their hair.  There are a lot of really short cuts these days, or just long like mine.  I finally walked in to a shop Wednesday and asked the gal, "would you be able to cut my hair like this?" (I'd taken a photo in with me.)  She said sure!  She was wearing close to the style I wanted and was cutting the style I wanted, so I thought I'd actually be in to the right place! 

Liz had an appointment open for today at 2:30 and look what she did for me!  I love it!  Bangs need to grow out (I'd been chopping them off for the last year!), but the cut is perfect!

I have the straightest hair, so I'm thinking in a couple of weeks I'll be getting a body perm and that way it will have a little bounce and body (duh) to it.  It's long enough to wear it up, which I do 80% of the time, especially in the warm weather.  I love it! And, my Sweetie loves it, too!

If you live in the Central Coast, Paso Robles area, Liz McMahan, at The Secret Garden, is a wonderful stylist.  She's not afraid to cut layers in your hair, listens to what you want done - I think she's great!

Thanks for taking a peak - I know this isn't something crafty or something good to eat, but just thought I'd share a little of me with you!

Blessings,

Donna

Smart Phone Photo Alert!!

I don't do this very often, but I believe this too important not to share with all of my blog land friends.

We don't sent photos via our phones, but our kids do all the time, as well as many friends.  Even if you know this, we all need to make sure our kids, teenagers, and even young adults do as well.  This is something we could easily forget.  We were shocked, as we get photos all the time of our grandchildren and this was really scary!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY

Using simple software, stalkers, and worse, are able to TRACK us, OUR CHILDREN, to exact locations - I was shocked.

Please feel free to pass this on.

Blessings,
Donna 

A New Scarf For Isaac!

Isaac originally asked me to make him a scarf in school colors.  The grandkids attend a Catholic School and their accessories should match as closely at possible to their uniforms.  This color worked perfectly for them.


He wants to wear it like most of the guys do, like the photo, so it doesn't constantly need fussing with!

I really struggled with this one, because Isaac, like most boys, didn't want any foo foo stitching, fringe, nada.  I ended up just making a simple scarf in a long round, using mostly double crochet (foundation row in a half double for strength) and made it about as tall as I am.


I posted a hooded scarf for Isaac's sister, Elise, a week or so ago.  I started wee ones (Leila's) last night.  Leila's with be a variation of Elise's, but no scarf.  Hers I will design as a hat, or hood, with a collar and a button for a closure.  She doesn't want any of "those things that fall down in the front ALL the time!  (her emphasis!)

Thanks for taking a peak!  I can't wait so get a picture of Isaac wearing his new scarf!

Blessings'
Donna

Going Buggy: WIN a COMPLETE set of FLEXMARKERS!

Going Buggy: WIN a COMPLETE set of FLEXMARKERS!


This is an awesome giveaway ladies, for those of us who scrapbook or make cards.  Good luck to everyone!

Blessings,
Donna

Newest Treasure Finds!

On Friday, my friend and I went over to the Goodwill shop here in town.  I found a four, 3 piece settings in Anchor Hocking (sorry I haven't looked it up yet for the name!) in one of my favorite patterns!  I was very excited because I've not seen these particular pieces before.

I love these pieces and already have several sets of snack trays with cups, so to have the luncheon plates with the saucers and cups is great!   One of the plates does have a very small nick - Drummel?

 

Aren't they pretty?  All 12 pieces for $10.25.

This was a great find for me - several months ago I found and bought the big punch bowl, 12 cups, plastic ladle and hangers for $2.  This is the bottom of the punch bowl, turned upside down, it becomes the pedestal, or it can be used like this to hold ice cubes.  This cost me $1.75!

This is a popular piece of the Anchor Hocking and matches the dishes above.  I have 3 or 4 of these relish bowls already.  So I happily added this one!  This tag said "pink" on it and pink happened to be 1/2 price day, so how's $1.12?

Last are these etched cocktail glasses.  6 oz glasses and I was really surprised at this find.  My Sweetie came in to the store, only to make sure I didn't stay in lolly gagging!  He saw these and picked them up, "So what do you think about these?  They look pretty nice to me!"  I took a good look, and realized they were a bit dirty and needed a good cleaning, but a set of six, not one little chip - at $2.25 they were an excellent buy.  They show a ship with the sails down and birds flying their way!

Thanks for taking a peak at my newest treasures!    Hope everyone had a very enjoyable weekend!

Blessings,

Donna

Mmmm ~ Grandma's Chicken Soup

I love a good bowl of homemade chicken soup! Especially when it's cold outside. My Baba always had a pot of chicken soup on the stove. You know what, I don't ever remember him being sick, ever! Hmmm. Anyway, I love cooking it as much as I enjoy eating it, and so does my Sweetie. All the kids and grandkids love eating it, too.

Sometimes I make it the easy way, using only boneless, skinless chicken breast, but when I'm making it because we're under the weather, the whole chicken goes in the pot! Scientists now say there is something about homemade chicken soup stock, from the whole chicken, that actually has healing properties!

You mean Grandma wasn't wrong all these years when she threw that big pot on the stove when the first hint of the cold and flu season started!  Since January, this is the third big pot I've made and I'm starting another one on Monday!

Here's my tried and true recipe. My Granny told me one time, everyone likes something different, start from a basic recipe and let everyone add what they want - so here goes.

1 TBS veg oil (this can be omitted)                                         
1 5 pound chicken                                                                    
1 cup celery - chopped                                                           
1 medium onion - chopped                                                     
1/2  pound carrots - diced                                                     
2 1 qt containers Kirkland Broth                                            
1 1qt water                                                                            
4 Herb Ox chicken bouillon cubes                                         
1/2 tsp GRANULATED GARLIC - NOT SALT                      
1/2 tsp GROUND WHITE PEPPER                                      
1 can 15oz green beans (cut in half)                                       

Cut chicken at joints, leg, thigh, wing (cutoff little end with no meat) cut chicken in half discarding entire back half, cut breast meat from bones and cut into manageable pieces.  Heat a very large stock pot, add oil and chicken, granulated garlic and white pepper and brown slightly.Add broth and bring to boil. Turn down heat, cover lightly, simmer until chicken falls off bones - will take a couple of hours.

While the chicken is cooking, chop veggies and get ready. 

Using a colander or strainer, pour chicken and stock into a second large pot or bowl.  Be sure to no bones are left in pot.  Transfer stock back to pot and bring back to a boil - keeping the chicken and bones in the strainer with a bowl or pot to catch any additional stock.   Throw in the veggies, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer with loose lid.

De-bone chicken, removing all skin, bones, joints - etc.  (Honestly this doesn't take that long but it is why, when I'm in a hurry, I use bones, skinless chicken breast.)   Chop the chicken, and add back to pot with veggies, adding water and bouillon cubes, bring back to boil and simmer with loose lid for a couple more hours.
 

 And then - this ~~~

If you would like, you could add rice, potatoes, or pearl barley.  I've used all three (one at a time, of course) and I've also made little pasta stars, or Orzo - left them on the side and added them at the table.  It seems like it will be bland, but honestly, if you try it without any other spices, you may find you like all of the natural flavors as the ingredients meld together as they simmer.  If you use this recipe, or decide to repost it, I'd appreciate giving me credit for the recipe.  This is published in my own cookbook.

This freezes excellently, and we put it through "My Fitness Pal" for those on a diet (like we are) and a two cup serving is only 171 calories!!  What we've been doing is cutting this to 1 cup of soup, adding a medium, loaded baked potato, and a large green salad (going with a small amount of dressing) and we are having a quite filling dinner for less than 300 calories!

Blessings to all, stay healthy and warm!
Hugs,
Donna

Look What Came In The Mail!!

I think I've mentioned a time or two, we love living in a smaller, more rural area - Paso Robles has 25,000 people, give or take, and while that may sound like a lot, many stores won't move here when they can go 100 miles north, south or east and build in a bigger city.  I love to sew, and with the exception of Beverly's Fabrics we don't have much at all to choose from - so I've called on my daughter in law to help me a few times.  She not only has a friend who owns a store, she finds some IN CRED IBLE deals. 

This is my $32 box of stuff she bought for me!!!  40+ patterns!!  AND - - -

Tons and tons of ribbons, laces, zippers!!!   AND - - -

Almost 100 lace insets, sequins, tassels, tracing paper, buttons, patches, and all kids of pretty material.

She will go into a fabric store, or thrift store, and they may have an entire bag of zippers, all new, but out of the packages (thanks for helping!!), or a bag of patches, buttons, ribbon and lace, another time a big bag of material.  So here's the deal I made with her - I'll pay for the bags - $2 to $5, she takes what she wants out and sends me the rest after she fills up a new big box!!  Good deal for both of us!!

They work and live in the Denver Metro Area - so lots and lots of stores to choose from.  Thank you, Kim!  You,re a sweetheart!  And I love you very much! 

I'm in the middle of making some really sweet things for Valentine's Day I will share with you all tomorrow!

Have a wonderful Thursday - the weekend is coming!!

Blessings,
Donna