LillyShayStyle

Giveaway Winner

2009-07-13T00:05:00.002-06:00

Congratulations Lindsay!

Lindsay is the winner of the Red Jasper Necklace Giveaway!

I hope you enjoy your beautiful prize, please let us all know how it is when you receive it. I always love to hear about pretties finding a great home :)

~~~

TAGGED

I was Tagged by Audrey's Country Crafts and gallery32.

Thanks you two!

I am going to tell you 10 things about myself and then tag ten other stores.

Read up! :)

1-I am a Stay at home wife and mother of two beautiful girls.

2-I am addicted to crochet and sewing, but I love to try any craft I can.

3-I am a huge worry wart. All day and night..

4-I've always wanted to join the military...I regret not joining right after highschool.

5-I randomly dye my hair quite often- between red, brown, and blonde.

6-I'm horrible at watering my plants. I forget until I see them drooping, almost dead.

7-I am on a health food diet to lose my pregnancy weight-only 16 lbs left to lose!

8-I hate being cold, it's painful. My house stays at 80 degrees inside, and I love it.

9-I would rather text than talk on a phone- not a phone person. (Unless it's my sis)

10- I rarely watch TV. My daughter always has it. But I do like to make fun of Yo Gabba Gabba.

Now, I'm passing this on...

1-Athena's Armoury

2-kate8085

3-The Mama Dramalogues

4-Silly Little Lady's Spot on the Web

~~~

~Look what I found during my daily random Etsy browsing~

Not only is the skirt gorgeous, but what an amazing photo as well!

summer 1

idea2lifestyle

Fricken Scamming Power Colon Cleanse Chen

2009-07-10T23:45:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

Thank You, Anonymous, for your links

I feel quite ridiculous for falling for this. I wish I didn't need to tell my hubby that I got dooped! lol I already knew I could do a Charge Back with my credit card company, so I haven't been to worried... But I still hate that I have to deal with this.

I just wanted to clean my colon! lol

Check out this Video- Chris Malta's Ebiz Scambuster Tip#1

Chris Malta talks about how to get your money back from scammers who steal your money through your credit card. Evil doers on the Internet like the Power Colon Cleanse Scammers.

I did a Google Search on the Power Colon Cleanse phone number- 519-513-2218 and found A lot of complaints! See Here

There are more complaints Here as well.

I have learned a few things here...

1-I definitely will research every little detail about an online company before using my credit card.

2-Google is great for this kind of research.

3-And maybe I'll actually only use my credit card on Etsy and Feebay.

~~~

The need for colon cleanse seems to be a big debate

Coloncleansezone.com says:

"When debris, putrefaction, impacted fecal matter, and intestinal invaders are allowed to reside in the intestines, many health problems begin to arise. Toxins build up over time and the excess fecal matter may put pressure on internal organs. This pressure can slow the natural muscle movement of the colon, leading to constipation and the accumulation of toxic waste in the bowels.
These problems can eventually lead to more serious health issues like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea, weight problems,vision problems, hemorrhoids, joint pains, vision problems, loss of memory and sinusitis.

It is estimated that over 50 million Americans have problems with their digestive tract, making it a very common problem."

I say one time won't hurt, especially if I lose some poundage in the process.

I mean, it does make sense that we might need to flush our bodies at some point. We weren't meant to eat all this greasy fried food.. I could see how it might need help finding its way out, right?

I'm sure it's not something anyone should do every other week.

But I would like to try it this one time, just to see how much weight I will lose.

I am not going to use the Power Colon Cleanse from China. Everything from China is covered in Toxic lead, right?

Sooo, I'm going to purchase some in the next few days and 'get er done'.

And I still promise to let you all know how it goes, no icky details though! :)

METAL PENDANT NECKLACE - FITNESS SCALE Pendant with FREE Silver Ball Chain Necklace - Fun Retro Jewelry
pinktophat

weighty issues pendant
cathywalters

WALL DECAL MURAL STICKER EASY HOME DECO --DIET--

rm67

Sneaky Chen

2009-07-09T22:15:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

I received my Power Colon Cleanse Wednesday.

It was shipped from China, which I did not know.

Here's the address from where it is sent:
FLOOR 1 BUILDING 22 QUCHU GARDEN CHAOZHOU
GUANGDONG CHINA

Original Office: CHAOZHOU

The phone number and everything else on the label is in Chinese Characters, which is no help to me.

The label also says the declared value is only $11.00! HA!

Someone named CHEN signed the package, hi CHEN!
Chen is a very sneaky person, dontcha think!? Small print and all...

The package says there is a $180.00 charge, I'm not sure if that is Chinese money or U.S. But I definitely am not going to pay that much money for something that was supposed to cost me less than $5. That's slightly twice the amount that is stated in the Terms of Agreement.

There is no invoice in the package- Odd, right?

Luckily, I have 15 days after the order was made to cancel my subscription. Since I ordered this 6/30, and today is now 7/10- That only leaves me 5 days to cancel. How can they expect anyone to even have time to try the "free trial" if you only have a few days once you've recieved it??!

Hmmm, I'm just keeping the pills and returning the empty bottle.. We'll see how that goes!

I will be reporting this company to the BBB.

I do NOT recommend anyone ordering this product. It's really too much of a hassle. I know that I can buy many other great colon cleanses from local stores, for about $10-20.00.- Much better!

I haven't tested the product, yet. But I will shortly. I am trying to contact the company before I do anything.

I called today and was on hold for half an hour, then decided to email them. I will get a hold of my own Credit Card Company tomorrow to put a stop on this.

Wish me luck everyone!

That's my "Free" 30 day supply.

It came to me crushed and beaten..

~~~

Now Some Good News!

I have lost another pound!

10 pounds down & 16 left till I hit my goal weight!

Please remember, during this time of losing weight I have done no extra exercise. The only exercise I have done is from regular day to day activities of being a mom.

i.e. cleaning, changing diapers, crafts...

All it took was cutting out sugar and changing my diet.

I will start to exercise soon though, I hope to see an increase in weight loss, but also an increase in muscle mass.

I am using a The "Ultimate Flex & Core Cookbook" from Weight Watchers for my meals.

Though I am not participating in the Weight Watchers Program...
I simply found this book at a yard sale.

The recipes are delicious and very healthy.

Vintage on Etsy

2009-07-06T23:28:00.001-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

I know if it was yard sale season that knocked it into me or the style, but I am all about vintage right now!

I went to the thrift store on a wig hunt the other day, I found lots of beautiful things. Sadly, I wasn't able to buy them... But I did find two wigs! No photos today, but I'll get some up. My daughters like to play with one of the wigs, it's really cute.

I had a lot of fun strolling through Etsy's Vintage- I even like just looking at these photos! I love when sellers take fantastic photos! I bet you do too! It really shows their artistic sides.

Do you dress in Vintage?

I haven't yet, but as soon as I lose the rest of my unwanted weight, I plan on buying some.

How exciting, I LOVE shopping! hehe

LEMON Red Bow Dolly Leather Flats - Size 7

BluesyMod

Mod Yellow Daisy Mini

leasvintage

Vintage 80s Deadstock SATIN Brush Stroke Heels Pumps 7.5

hellcatvintage

1960's vintage RAINBOW disc heels 7

allencompanyinc

Vintage 70s Peach Floral Ruffle Maxi Dress L XL

Erstwhilestyle

Dragon Flower ALYN PAIGE Graphic Black Floral Dress - Small Medium

DJVV

Vintage 70's White Eyelet Sun Dress

MaidenRaptureVintage

70's Crochet POM POM Convertible Mini Dress Gilet Vest

viralthreads

60s EMILIO PUCCI Tulip Print Vintage BRA and PANTIES

modernbohemian

3 pounds down

2009-07-02T23:31:00.003-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

~I've lost 3 pounds this week~

(9 pounds lost so far)

-17 pounds away from my goal weight~

In my last post about weight loss I talked about leaving out sugar and just drinking water, I had lost 6 pounds that week.

This week has slowed down. I cheated a little :/...

My MIL has started chemo so we've been at her house a lot. There are lots of sugary drinks and food there and I couldn't say no! ooops.

I swear, they're all sugar pushers over there!

I swore I would not be seen in a bathing suit this summer, remember?

I bought a bikini the other day! My hubby says my tummy is much smaller now, eeek!

How exciting!

We bought a massive water slide for my daughter, so I needed a suit of some kind.

I find that bikinis are more flattering on me than a one piece, weird-I know.

I am going to start doing 15 sit ups each morning, starting tomorrow. I know 15 isn't much, but my tummy isn't strong enough for more yet. I did just have a baby....8 months ago.

Did you know that your body continues to burn calories after a work out?

So it's more beneficial to work out early rather than just before bed.

It is recommended that we work out at least 30 minutes, 3 days a week.

But did you know it doesn't have to be all at once?

If you don't have the time or stamina for 30 minutes, try 3 sets of 10 minutes. Sounds easy enough right? 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes before lunch, and 10 minutes before dinner. Though I recommend finishing all 3 10 minute sets before 5PM. This allows time for the post workout calories to keep burning before bedtime.

I don't have time or money to join a gym. A friend and I like to go on walks twice a week, these aren't brisk walks.. We both have 3 year olds who like to slow us down, lol. But something is better than nothing! Remember that next time your being a couch potato.

I have one of these that I use when I can't go out. And I stand in front of the TV! lol

You don't want to discontinue your couch potato throne?

Fine, pick up some 2-5lb. weights and do some curls while watching your favorite show.

I want one of these! You can sit on your couch while pedaling away! Only $30.00 at Target.

See you can be lazy and still work out! Who woulda thunk?

~And now some tips to help on this journey to get fit~

Focus more on getting healthy than losing weight, the pounds will melt off quicker.

Eat small amounts more frequently and slowly.

We are natural grazers, dating back to the caveman days. We were nomadic, picking fruit, herbs and veggies, and butchering animals along the way. Our bodies were made for this kind of eating, not 3 large meals. Grazing will speed up your metabolism.

Eat slowly, give your body time to feel full before you've eaten more than you need.

Eat more naturals-Fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

People can eat just about as much as they want when these are on the menu. Most fruits and veggies are packed with water along with all the vitamins and antioxidants. You'll feel full quicker and with far less the calories from a slice of pie.

Eat more fiber.

Fiber takes longer to digest, making us feel full longer. Fiber also pushes fat through our digestive system quicker so that less of it is absorbed. That's a huge plus in itself!

Put that sugar down!

Firstly, a lot of people forget that the calories,carbs, sugar etc. from drinks do count in the fight to lose weight. er.... be healthy. Don't forget to look at your drink labels!

Sugar causes a spike in our insulin levels, when that spike dwindles away we are left feeling tired and hungry. What happens next? We reach for more sugar hoping for the much needed energy! It's an endless, unhealthy cycle.

Watch out for condiments, they aren't as harmless as they may seem!

Take a glance at the label on your mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressing, mustard, and so on...
I'll give you a moment to go look. See? I don't think I need to say anymore on that topic.

Are you eating lots of salad but not losing weight?

What are you dressing it with? Not to call out my DH, but he is very guilty of the 2000 calorie salad mistake.

I often find his mixed garden salad piled high with Ranch Salad dressing, salt, pepper, croutons, shredded mozzarella cheese, and olives. This ends up being around 1000 calories (I measured). I've heard of salads that contain more than 2000 calories! That's not a salad! That's sabotage.

I like to eat a mixed garden salad with 2 tsps of Olive oil. That's all. Much better!

I'm going to stop here for today.

I hope some of these tips have helped you in your weight struggle.

I'd love to hear how YOU eat your salads..?

~~~

Remember the Power Colon Cleanse?

I haven't received it yet, but I only ordered it about 2 weeks ago..

I did talk to my bank about the possibilities of getting ripped off. I am covered. The bank will give me my money back and they will pursue this company.

So whether I get this cleanse or not, all is well. And I will try another colon Cleanse.

Both my sister-in-law to be and my male buddy lost some weight from a colon cleanse. I didn't get specifics, unfortunately...

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this product.

Featured Etsian Artist~fivelittlegems

2009-07-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

I am in absolute lust over this shop! When I saw her avi in the Etsy forums, I knew she had to be on my blog! Her avi showed off a beautiful beaded wire necklace at the time.
The photos look professional, the lighting and placement is perfect, IMO.
Worthy of being framed upon my wall...

I love all the wire necklaces, but I have to say this one is my favorite.
Which beauty is your favorite?

fivelittlegems

Your store name is cute, how did you create it? It was either that, or 5 little stinkers. I always wanted to name my shop for my children, of which I have 5, and I didn't think the stinkers thing would go over too well in the jewelry world!

You're very talented, when did you discover this talent? Thank you! I've been doing some sort of craft since the day I figured out how to use my hands, I think. I'm sort of a jack of all trades when it comes to crafts. I settled on jewelry because I have a serious jewelry addiction myself and it was so much fun to wear things I had created and have strangers stop me and ask "where did you buy that?" That's the ultimate compliment, I think.

I love your Flower Wire Necklaces, what is your favorite piece? It always seems to be the one I'm currently working on. But if I had to choose a favorite, it would be my "Tanzanite Crystal and Lucite Flower Wire Necklace" because my favorite color is purple.

I see you have a houseful! How do you find time to focus on your craft? Mostly I work on my jewelry and webstore in the evenings after the kids have gone to sleep. I was laid off from a full time job I had been at for 23 years last October when I was on maternity leave with my youngest. It's been both a blessing and a curse, with 7 mouths to feed, but we're hanging in there. Being a full time mom is tough, but it's much more rewarding.

When you're not busy creating beautiful jewelry, what other craft do you enjoy? I love crocheting! I've been making my way through all my family and friends crocheting afghans to keep everyone warm in the cold Ohio winters. It's such a relaxing craft.

If you could do anything, what is the one thing you'd hope to accomplish in your life?

I hope to accomplish a perfect balance between business and pleasure. Right now, things are pretty hectic with 2 teens and 3 little ones under 6 years old. I don't get a whole lot of sleep with all the responsibilities that come with that as well as a jewelry business, but I'm working hard at making it all come together. Oh yeah, and I'd like to spend a few minutes with my husband every once in awhile! Sometimes he gets really neglected around here. But he's a great guy and knows that I love him even when I'm sleeping at my desk.

We know what you love to make for others, but what kind of things do you buy for yourself?

I'm sort of a minimalist in regard to my home and my choice of clothes (except jewelry, of course!). With all these people here, less clutter is a good thing. Plus the kids are constantly growing out of their clothes and wearing out shoes, so most of my spare money goes toward that. One of the things I do indulge in is scrapbook paper! I have hoards of it. I'm a scrapbookaholic. It's tough to squeeze that in, but I'm sure I'll have more time as the kids grow older so I just keep socking away the pictures and quotes and stories for later and buying pretty paper whenever I see it.

Our Fellow Etsians are great people, if you could meet one of them who would it be? It's so tough to choose just one. There are so many wonderful and talented artists on Etsy. But one stands out above all others. EarthGrrrlCrafts. She was the first person to befriend me and lend a helping hand to my clueless self when I joined Etsy. She's always been able to give me a chuckle and knows just when to send a convo if I'm having a bad day. Plus she makes cool jewelry!

Is there an interesting blog that you can recommend to my readers? I haven't had much spare time for following blogs, so I'm afraid I don't have any recommendations at the moment. But I've recently been signing up to follow some great blogs, like yours for instance, so hopefully if I'm asked in the future I'll know just who to recommend!

Independence is Great

2009-06-29T21:52:00.014-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~

Wikipedia Says

"In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States."

~~~

This year my daughter will really be able to enjoy this wonderful holiday. She's always been too young to understand it or to fully appreciate the beautiful fireworks. She is only 3, so she still won't understand it, but at least she might like it :) I'm excited for her.

Unfortunately this is the only photo I have of her from last year's July 4th... We were visiting my sis in Mass., the day was rained out... So we all stayed home, but it was still a good day! :)

Personal fireworks are illegal here, because of the dry environment the risk is just too great for fire. But maybe we'll be able to get by with some sparklers *crosses fingers*

How will you celebrate your Indendence?

Patriotic Felt Fabric Dress Up Wings and Tutu

kiddycouture

Sailor Dress

FablesbyBarrie

AMERICAN BEANIE NEWBORN

NinisHandmades

PRIMITIVE FOLK ART AMERICANA DOLL Lady Liberty

VintageKeepsakeTrunk

Patriotic Ruffled Apron

DianneDesignerAprons

Sale 2 PC Custom Patriotic Set sz 12 mo to 8 yrs

Imbornagain

Fourth of July for the Dog Lover

forthetiny

Patriotic flag Dog Bandana for the 4th of July

CatiesCritters

Patriotic PartyPoms- set of 7

PartyPoms

Stars and Stripes Fur Ever - Pet Neck Tie (XXL)

whiskerkisses

Sassyglassjewelry Giveaway

2009-06-28T10:35:00.014-06:00

Blog Giveaway!

~Starts Sunday, June 28 and Ends Sunday, July 12 at Midnight (MTN)~

~~~

Sassyglassjewelry is allowing me to host her wonderful giveaway!

Someone very lucky has a chance to win this beautiful Red Jasper Necklace!

Will it be YOU?

~~~

Sassyglassjewelry
Blog

Sassyglassjewelry sells beautifully handmade jewelry using natural stones, gemstones, high quality metals, and her own lampwork beads.

She also makes lampwork beads at

Sassyglassdesigns!

I like your Sassy store name, how did you create it? When I first began making jewelry, my friends told me it was "sassy". I looked the word up in the dictionary and felt the many definitions...bold, chic, fashionable, and stylish...described my beads and my jewelry.

You're very talented, when did you discover this talent? Thank you! I have crafted since I was a little girl but I believe the turn around to fine art was when hubby and I moved to Florida. I decided to take an oil painting class and I was hooked and I was pretty good at it. I painted for years with oils and acrylics and actually taught acrylic painting for several years. About 10 years ago I began making jewelry and was purchasing lampwork beads to use in my designs. After a couple of years of buying the beads, I decided I wanted to make my own beads and that became an art form that I absolutely became addicted to. About a year ago, my hubby and I took a silversmithing class and I am now totally addicted to working with silver and natural stones. I am very fortunate to be able to spend most of my days doing something I love but wake up each morning struggling with...do I want to make beads or do I want to make jewelry. I guess that's a good dilemma.

Your jewelry consists of so many beautiful stones, which stone is your favorite? I think Ocean Jasper is my favorite...it comes in so many colors and designs; no two are alike. Unfortunately, it is a material that is becoming extinct.

I understand your hubby and you work together. Who does what in this combination? Jim is a tool and die maker/machinist and owns a full-service machine shop so he has equipment that really lends itself to some aspects of jewelry making. We have always discussed collaborating on designs but it wasn't until we took the silversmithing classes that we realized how his skills and mine could be meshed. One of the ways we have collaborated is with our Kokopelli pieces. He drew the pattern and programmed his CNC machine (fancy machine that can cut out metal) to cut the image out of the silver. I then used this piece as the backplate for one of my designs, setting the stone on top of it so the stone shows through the cut out. We have several other ideas we are currently collaborating on. (The links are to 2 examples of the Kokopelli)Here and Here

When you're not busy creating beautiful jewelry, what other craft do you enjoy? Lampworking...I love taking rods of glass and transforming them into beautiful glass beads.

If you could do anything, what is the one thing you'd hope to accomplish in your life? This may sound trite but I have pretty much accomplished everything I have set out to do...at this stage of my life, I just want to remain healthy and continue to do the things I love doing with husband and my family.

We know what you love to make for others, but what kind of things do you buy for yourself? Wow, I don't really buy jewelry any more. When I was in the corporate world, I bought a lot of jewelry and it was mostly gold and some gemstones....my birthstone is Amethyst and it is one of my favorite gemstones. Now, when I wear jewelry, it is usually one of my own creations.

Our Fellow Etsians are great people, if you could meet one of them who would it be? I would love to meet the members of my Etsy team, "Metalsmiths In Action"

Is there an interesting blog that you'd like to recommend to my readers? Mine! Seriously, I follow a lot of blogs and they are all interesting in their own way...too many to narrow it down to one.

~~~

~The Prize~

Now For The Rules Of The Giveaway

To enter this giveaway you must follow my blog.

AND

Go to Sassyglassjewelry and choose your favorite item, come back here and leave a link for us to see.

***
For EXTRA Entries
(Please leave a new comment for each extra entry)

1-For two extra entries, Blog about this giveaway with a link back here. Come back and leave 2 comments with a link to your blog.

2-For two extra entries, post my Blog Button on your Blog Sidebar. Come back and leave 2 comments with a link to your blog.

3-For four extra entries, make a purchase from either of her stores. Come back here and leave 4 comments with a link to your purchase.

4-You can earn one more extra entry EACH day that you twitter about this giveaway! Just leave a new comment everyday with the new twitter link.

Fishing Trip Gone Red

2009-06-26T23:00:00.006-06:00

For a late Father's Day my hubby and I went fishing!

We took an inflatable 5 person raft to a large pond, we weren't able to take our beautiful Bayliner this time :(

It was a wonderful pond, look how pretty and peaceful it is.

(Below)

See all the fluffy white cotton floating on the water top?
It was very annoying. It blew into our food, eyes, noses..you name it.
It sure was pretty though.

Like a fairytale. Just he and I floating alone.

~~~
There I am with my fabulous pink fishing pole! I just dyed my hair before the trip, it's much brighter than I intended.

What do you think? I know, but it'll fade quickly.

~~~

My pink fishing pole brings the fish to the pond..
Do you love my Lovely fishing pole?

~~~

I have to say something here.
Aren't all these hooks overkill? I mean, do we really want to mangle the fish we catch?
Isn't one hook enough?!

~~~

I look like a lobster!

<--See how sad I am? I have never had burnt knees, till now.
Every inch of me is burned, well aside from my torso and thighs...

I've been lying in bed trying not to move. OUCH
Lying in beds hurts too!

~~~

Seems like I bump into everything in the house now. My kids keep touching my burns...

:( Whoa is me! I need to go back to bed and lie there till the pain subsides.

Lesson Learned: Wear sunscreen!

But there is a massive yard sale tomorrow that I can't miss! This is insanity, but I must go. There are going to be 60ish sales in one neighborhood!

~~~

Margo lampwork beads Lobster
margolampwork

RED LOBSTER PONYTAIL HOLDER
mommysyellinggirl

Peace Lobster (10 notecards)

CapeCard

Yard Sale Finds

2009-06-25T23:25:00.001-06:00

I am addicted to Yard Sales

Man Without A Country

Edward E. Hale

This book was my favorite yard sale find. It was only .50$! What a steal for an antique book!

This book was given to Charles Good on Sept. 5 1902, exactly 83 years before I was born.

The latest copyright on this book is 1897, almost as old as dinosaurs! haha

I don't know much about books and all the dates printed on the page...

Do you know what all those dates and prints are for?

I've been researching this book to find its worth, it's proving to be a very difficult task.

The prices seem to range from $2.00-$15,000.00! It depends on the year of publication, the cover, and of course the shape the book is in.

But I can't find this particular one. I can't find this book that was published in 1897 with the same cover. In fact the book that was worth $15,000.00 was published up to 10 years after this one.
Could that mean this book is rare or worth more? Or have I just not found it...

This has been a popular read, it's latest publication was 2002 (I believe), there have even been movies made from this book.

Even if it's worth nothing, I'm happy to have it.

I'm absolutely in love with the cover of this book... All the gold, the lady in red, the frame.

It's beautiful.

And it looks spectacular on my shelf, see?

~~~

Look what else I got!

The bottle and bear are vintage :)

The aluminum bear is a candy mold, from at least the 70's. I don't plan on using this little guy, he'll sit up on my shelf with the antique book.

Can you guess what I'll be using my new tiny yellow vintage vase for?

Dandelions I'm sure! They just go together, don't you think?

And my piggy butter spreaders, I was told they were vintage, but I don't really know.

I don't care either way. They're just so cute!

Do you love yard sales too?

What kind of things to you look for?

~~~

I haven't received the colon cleanse yet, but I promise to post it as soon as it arrives.

6 pounds down

2009-06-24T22:07:00.001-06:00

I've lost 6 pounds this week!

How did I do it?

I have about 20 pounds that I'd like to lost (Baby Weight)...

I started at 146 lbs and am at 139 lbs now.

In just one week.

I weighed 110 pounds when I became pregnant with baby #2 and gained a whopping 40 pounds! Despite my best efforts to not gain weight while pregnant... Who can resist chocolate ice cream and cookie dough?

I'd only lost 4 pounds since she was born. I wasn't able to exercise or even walk because of a complication.. So I even gained a few pounds.

Well, now summer is here and I refuse to get into a bathing suit until I'm sure I won't blind someone!

So I must be proactive.

I stopped drinking everything but water and cut all my portions in half.

A week ago I decided to cut all sugar out of my diet. It was very difficult to do!

A true test to my will.

In that week I lost 6 pounds! I did no extra exercise or anything. It was that simple.

My goal weight is 115-120 lbs, hubby says I was too skinny before.. Only 20 lbs to go!

I find it's easier to lose weight if I don't focus on my ultimate goal, but on small goals instead.

Instead of saying, "I want to lose 20 lbs"- I say, "I want to lose X lbs this week) It's quicker to reach that small goal and more satisfying.

When I put my mind to it I can lose weight really quickly. Up to 5 pounds a week.

Of course, it goes faster in the beginning... And I do use pills a lot. So this may not be the best thing for everyone. But it works for me.

With baby #2, I gained 50 pounds during my pregnancy. I lost it all in about 4 months or so.

During that time I ate small healthy portions, used Green Tea Supplements, Lipovox, and Hydroxycut. I drank water more than anything and did minimal exercise.

But with a child, there is always unintended exercise.

~I'll let you know how week number 2 goes~

~~~

Have you read Dear Prudence?

This is just funny

Just overweight, thanks: Speaking of people asking if you're expecting a baby, is there way to say "no" that isn't awkward for them? It happened to me recently in a professional context, and I wasn't sure the best way to get past the moment.

Emily Yoffe: I think Dave Barry's rule is the best: Never ask a woman you're not sure is pregnant if she's pregnant, even if you notice a baby's head appears to be emerging from her. Yes, this is embarrassing for all concerned. So if you're the one being asked, you can laugh it off by saying, "I'm not. But if I were the fathers would be Ben & Jerry."

~~~

Power Colon Cleanse

Thank you for all the comments on this topic yesterday, I appreciate anything anyone has to say on this topic! I see a lot of people are interested to see how this is going to work for me. And I must say, I feel very anxious and frightened after hearing some related stories..But I still can't wait to see the outcome.

Now to address some comments...

STELLAandHODGE said...
"I'm assuming you read thru the fine print. but be really careful. I had a friend who ordered something similar where she only had to pay shipping and there was stuff in the fine print. It ended up her info was given to other companies and memberships were being charged to her credit card!Good luck though! hope it works :)"

~Stella and Hodge, I did read that print and all my information is supposed to be kept private.

The Great Ethan Allen said...
"I don't want to be the "king has no clothes one" kind of guy, but you must realize it is either just a laxative or extreeme high fiber drink. My mother was a hypocondriac and loved to talk about her bowels to anyone who would listen. That said, I'm now interrested to read how it affects you. Not in the " I can't wait to try it" sense, but rather " Ewwww, I knew that would happen and it DID!" sense. Like a tabloid you don't wantt o buy but find yourself reading in the checkout."

~Ethan Allen, haha! I don't plan on giving that kind of information to my readers. I am a lady! :)

I don't even burp, pass gas, or blow my nose in front of my hubby. My daughter thinks that Mommies don't have gas. hehe But I will give the best information I can without the "EWW" factor :)

VenetiaJewelry said...
"wow i think i'd be to scared to try this. you'd need to be locked in the bathroom for a week lol 15lbs in a month is really not healthy tho its recommended that you only lose 1 or 2lbs a week"

~VenitaJewelry, I've heard about the 1-2 lbs a week, but I've always been able to lose more than that...I'm very impatient I suppose. I am a SAHM, so I'll be very close to a bathroom at all times! lol

LeeAnne said...
"I ordered it a month ago and It's still not here! Fine print!!! they now charged my credit card $85.90. can't get ahold of anyone to cancel it!!! Good luck"

~LeeAnne, You have me worried! I am ashamed to say that I did not read the fine print before purchasing. How embarrassing on my part! I was too excited and trigger happy.. I did, however, read the fine print after reading your comment...

This is what I found in the Fine Print.

"When you order the risk-free trial of Power Cleanse your credit card will be charged only $5.95 shipping and handling. You will have a full 14 day free trial period from your original order date to decide if Power Cleanse is right for you. If you are enjoying Power Cleanse, then do nothing, and at the end of your 14 day trial period you will be charged seventy-nine dollars and ninety five cents for the trial bottle you received."

I must remember to cancel! And Thank YOU for pointing this out!

Customer Support Line:1-(519)-513-2218 Hope this helps :)

Carapace said...
"Even if it works, all they're advertising is a laxative! What a scam! You can get a magnesium solution for like a buck at the local grocery or pharmacy!And sure, I've used laxatives. They'll make you lose weight really quick..2 to five pounds, depending on your personal intestines...until you eat again. Understand, if you're clearing food out of your system before you're system's ready to let it go,you're going to start depriving yourself of nutrients. And you will be not only hungry, but literally starving, if you do it regularly, as your body goes into panic-it's-famine mode! Remember, laxatives are a medical tool-- you wouldn't drink Nyquil as part of a weight loss plan, right? Eat sensibly, drink water, you'll have much better luck.:) And run away from anyone offering to change your body faster than it wants to change."

~Carapace, I suppose I hope this one is special :) Colon Cleanses are very healthy and even recommended. So even if I don't lose weight, at least it's good for my colon.

Read this: ColonCleansezone.com

~~~

Flush Out Tea - Colon Cleanse

sacredvibes

Organic DETOX blend. Rid your body of waste and toxicity 2.0 oz

thelooseleaf

Power Colon Cleanse

2009-06-23T22:49:00.000-06:00

Power Colon Cleanse

A person on freecycle was giving away a free bottle of Power Colon Cleanse, I wanted it!

Did I get it? No.. I thought I had responded right after this popped up, but apparently someone was faster.

This person told me that I can get a free sample bottle off the website, I just have to pay for the shipping. (Yay!) That's how he discovered this product.

I just ordered my sample today. I can't wait!

It says it's a one month supply. Shipping is $5.95, but if you try to leave the website a lady will pop up offering a $2.00 discount on shipping..

So my Free sample (one month supply) only cost me $3.95!

I can't find a price on the website to tell me what a bottle of this cleanse would normally cost.

This freecycler needed to lose 30 lbs and did it through this product. He said he had to order a couple more bottles because the sample wasn't enough to lose 30 lbs.

He lost 15 pounds that month.

I asked him how it worked for him and that was all the information he gave me. :(

I was hoping to hear if he had changed his eating habits or exercised...

I'm going to email him again. I hope I don't annoy him, but I'm very curious...

Are you interested in hearing the details on how he lost the weight?

Have You tried Power Colon Cleanse? Or any colon cleanse, for that matter..?

If so, I'd love to hear how it worked out for you.

Hahaha!-How funny is that testimony!? --->>

(A bit scary too)

Ruffly Bum Cover

2009-06-23T00:00:00.001-06:00

I did it! I made the Ruffly Bum Cover!

This is the first one I have ever made :)

I used grosgrain ribbon in between each ruffle, see the second photo below.

I made two mistakes on this one... The ruffles are on the front, so Shay is wearing it backward. Oops! And it's one size too big... According to McCall's measurements she should be a medium..

In the last few days I have made a few tops for little Shay, each one was too big. Though they are the smallest sizes available... I'm ready to be done with McCall patterns. The sizing is pretty off... It's really frustrating after spending hours and hours on these adorable outfits, just to find they don't fit. They're too big for Shay and too small for Lilly.

Has anyone else run into this problem?

I'll show you some more of my creations in the next few days.

I was hoping to show how the ruffles run into the seam with this one, but it didn't quite turn out.

I wish I was able to capture a photo of Shay standing while wearing the outfit... She just moves too much now, lol. I had no one to hold her still so that I photograph her that way.

Maybe later.

What is your favorite crafty thing to create?

~Mine is kid's clothing~

Blog Giveaway Winner

2009-06-22T09:44:00.008-06:00

I apologize for the late post... Father's Day and All... :)

We celebrated with a late dinner, the rest will still be on Tuesday.

~~~

Congrats CurtisCollectables,

you are the Winner of my Giveaway!

I hope you'll let us all know how much you enjoy your new earrings when they arrive.
Thank you to everyone who participated, another sweet giveaway will begin in one week. Please come back :)

~~~

I had to show off these adorable dresses from the CurtisCollectables Etsy Shop.

I love the frilly fluffy ruffles and the sweet bow in the back!
Yep, I'm a girlly girl through and through.
I force cuteness upon my daughters whenever possible.

Don't you just love these? (I know you do!)

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T00:13:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

***

~Happy Fathers Day~

My hubby has to work on Father's day, so we won't be celebrating.....today. He thinks he will get nothing and it will be a regular day, and he's right.

But Tuesday we will have a wonderful late Father's Day!

Tuesday I am taking him surprise fishing! He loves to fish and we just haven't had much time or great weather for it yet... My sis-in-law is going to watch the kids, and we are going to have a blast! I don't love fishing, but I am so excited to see him have such fun doing something he enjoys. He deserves it :)

My Father is in Iraq with his new family. I'm not sure what customs they have toward something like this, but I hope they give him a wonderful day as well. (I miss my Pops)

What will you and your hubby or father being doing today?

***

Personalized Hand Stamped Fishing Lure

munchkinmama

Timeless - Copper Journal (A Wonderful Father's Day Gift)

EKCreations

Bay Rum-Lime Shaving Soap

1846housesoaps

soda runny drips cup

braypottery

Box Elder Burl Aero-Style Pen

sunsetturnings

Antique Silver Vintage 17 Jewel Textured Elgin Watch Movement Brushed Silver Steampunk Money Clip

LondonsGate

METAL CARD CASE // Elite // Exclusive // Stainless Steel Steampunk Design // Genuine Vintage Engraved Jewelled Watch Movement

VersatilElements

We Always Had Fishing - Genuine Beachstone Keychain - For DAD

SteppingStones

***

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so,

He called it ...

Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Silly Saturday

2009-06-20T00:00:00.002-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

We're enjoying ourselves today,

so I'm declaring it Silly Saturday!

We even took a silly cartoon photo, especially for this day.

My daughter's nickname is Silly Lilly, so it fits.

Silly Quotes

~"Committee - a group of men who keep minutes and waste hours."

M.Berle

~"Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother-in-law."

Hubert Humphrey

~~~

Silly Laws

ALABAMA-Illegal to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church.

ARKANSAS-In Little Rock, if a man and a woman flirt with each other in the streets, they could be jailed for 30 days.

DELAWARE-It is illegal to wear pants that are form-fitting around the waist.

IOWA-State law forbids any establishment from charging admission to see a one-armed piano player.

MISSISSIPPI-You can’t kill a squirrel with a gun in a courtroom.

NEVADA-Everyone walking the streets of Elko must wear a mask.

NORTH CAROLINA-You can’t use elephants to plow cotton fields.

VERMONT-You cannot whistle underwater.

~~~

These are some silly works of art I found on Etsy...

Yep I searched under the tag "Silly".

TIGHTER Whities IF FOUND PLEASE CALL

feralgirl

Mr. Happy - a creature-thing

arrrt

TP is to be rolled over the top for a reason.

LiciaBeads

Set of 6 Silly Dog Cards

Lindentreephotograph

Here Kitty Kitty Sock Tom Cat

superhelga

Fuzzy Bunny Rabbit Amigurumi Dude

UglyGerbil

Do YOU have something Silly Today?

Sweet Summer Finds

2009-06-18T23:38:00.001-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

During my search for cute summer styles I realized a few things...

1~There are too many wrinkled outfits being modeled! Please iron!

2~There were beautiful dresses that I didn't post just because the photos were so horrible! Please get better cameras people, you'll sell a lot more-I promise. :)

3~ I'd rather see clothing modeled on a person instead of a headless imposter.

4~I seem to gravitate towards lighter colors for summer.

5~I really like dresses!

Are you a skirt/dress or shorts/capris kind of gal?

Twin Pink Flowers on Green Dress - ruffled skirt bottom - lace embelleshments

BraidedBeings

Casual Babydoll YoYo (yo yo) Wedding Dress or One-of-a-Kind Summer Dress

stellamerle

Tiered White Gown

amandaarcher

Summer Party Dress

DreamsOfBees

Silk hand painted summer evening halter dress mint green with poppy flowers

ChicComplement

Hummingbird - Alternative Apparel Vintage Soft Tunic in small, medium and large.

rctees

Cream White dress with black applique-Swan-S/M/L

ZoeChen

2009-06-18T00:00:00.001-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~My new Awards~

I was given these awards up to a month (or so) ago...

I'm very late on accepting and passing them -I apologize.

But I'm doing it now!

I was awarded the Lovely Blog Award by:

Jennuine Candles, Brayton Homestead Interiors, Art's Desire, and Worth Burning.

Thank you all four of you!

Here are the Rules:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

1-The Pickled Pepper Patch

2-The Life Of A Mad Soaper

3-Flaunt Designs Jewelry

8-Nancy and The Kitties

9-Flax and Spindle

10-The Rabbit Muse

11-Beaneath The Rowan Tree

12-Stelladanza's Confections

13-Fidos Funk Fashion

14-Intrigued

15-Green Leaf Reviewer

The Kindred Spirit was given to me by Audrey's Country Crafts,

Thank you Audrey!

"Feel free to take this award and give it to a deserving blog.

There are no rules or strings attached."

I want to pass this award to Diary of A Young Designer

"I -I mean she - is a Civil Engineer that can't find a job in this rotten economy and enjoys playing in her little corner of the world; trying to find her little place in the sun enjoying fashion, art, music and photography like there is no tomorrow..."

My New Vintage Dandelion Glasses

2009-06-17T00:47:00.004-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~My New Vintage Dandelion Glasses~

Do you love them?

Do You know what Era these are from?

Or how I can find out?

Description
"(6)set Tall super sweet Dandelion glasses. The dandelions are all in white while the glass itself is in a grayish black. A very modern design that would be beautiful in any home. I love the unique shape of the glass itself."

I bought these wonderful Dandelion glasses from a Vintage Etsy Seller, strawberrydip.

She was a very friendly lady :)

Now I'm on the search for Dandelion dishes!

I'm considering getting some paint and trying to make some myself. Maybe I'll go to the dollar store and purchase some cheap dishes to practice on. I can't wait, I love trying new things!

These are my temptation right now, I think hubby would kill me at this point, haha.

He doesn't have the same love for Dandelions that I do.

Set of 4 Vintage Dandelion Mugs

AdelineFlutterby

My Wedding and Honeymoon- Happy Days

2009-06-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

***

I have been feeling a little stressed lately...

So I'm going to show off one very happy and special event, it'll make me feel much better!

Why have I felt stressed?

Reason #1 My big African Cichlid, Speed Racer, bit my little cichlid (Little Orange)... Little Orange didn't die, but he will. His head is smashed and his jaw is hanging off, ultimately he will starve to death. The poor lil guy is in a quarantine tank for safety till he dies. (Too much info?)

I got rid of Speed Racer today! I will tolerate his violence no longer. Because of this fish we now have only one Cichlid left in the tank. (Bumble Bee) Plus a 10-11 inch Oscar (Grouch) It's an empty looking tank. But I'm sure those two fish are much calmer and happier :)

Reason #2 I was in the middle of making a ruffly diaper cover for my little Shay and my stinkin sewing machine messed up!
Tomorrow it is going to the shop. This is the 2nd time in less than a year!
It's a Brother. This machine is a POS. It's constantly having problems of all kinds.

Who else has a Brother Sewing Machine they don't like?

I have a Singer that I've had for years and not once have I had to take to the shop. I have to keep it nearby to use as a back up.. I shouldn't need a back up Machine.

They say "you get what you pay for." Well, I paid much more for my Brother than I did for my Singer... I guess that saying's not true for me today.

There's a little more going on, but these two reasons were the most stressful to me.

Reading them, it doesn't seem like much, but it sure feels like a lot. lol

~Now for the Happy Stuff~

My Wedding Day and Honeymoon in Kauai!

We had such an amazing day, I still love to daydream about it. If only I could relive it.

Married 6/9/2007

(I goofed and told some people it was our 3rd year anniversary, oops!)

My hubby found that amusing...

Our first dance was just wonderfully romantic. I admit, it was awkward that everyone was watching us... But I tried not to look or think about them :)

Yep, we cut the cake. Such a shame to slice into such a gorgeous thing. And Yes, we did feed each other, we were nice! I warned him not to get me, nor my dress dirty!

(You know how men and cake are)

My adorable daughter, Lilly, was our flower girl. She was pulled in a wagon while she threw rose petals in the isle. She was the most beautiful flower girl... She has been a flower girl in 3 more weddings since!

(4 weddings total- before she was 2 years old!)

The next day we hopped on a plane to Kauai! It was indescribable.. I can only dream that kind of beauty. My dream is to live in a place like Kauai some day. If I get my hubby out of boring WY, that is.

Yup, we have matching outfits. (Lilly has one too!)

Audrey, I have nice nails in this one! See?

We went snorkeling in the cold ocean. It was so much fun! We were inexperienced with the underwater camera, so there weren't a lot of great shots of anything. :(

We floated above a monstrous black eel for several minutes. We were both pointing at it and really confused. We thought it was some kind of ocean growth, not an eel! This eel had to be 15 inches around (ish). He was HUGE. After staring at him for so long we finally noticed his eyes and teeth. (Scary!) Then we both swam to shore in a rush, passing another eel of equal size on the way. I was completely freaked out after that.

How would you feel if you floated 4 feet above an eel for several minutes, not realizing what it was?

EEEK, I know!

This is the view from our condos balcony. I'd love to wake up to this every morning...

*sigh*

Nothing But Soap Review

2009-06-14T23:17:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

***

nothingbutsoap

First, I want to Thank nothingbutsoap for this wonderful offer and allowing me to try this great soap for free!

I love it!

"Eucalyptus Hemp & Tea Tree olive oil, hemp oil & Shea butter soap Intense Eucalyptus and rich Tea Tree with peppermint leaves make this an eye opening treat. The eucalyptus will energize your day while hemp, Shea butter and a wonderful base cleanse your skin. Eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils are known for their medicinal properties in anti-fungal and anti-staph capabilities. Peppermint leaves are added for additional exfoliation. An intense experience to remember. "

Remember the Blog Soap Swap I told you about?

I received my soap, I tried it, and I liked it.

The aroma was very similar to Vick's! That alone would help to clear up any persons sinus or congestion dilemmas. My daughter even enjoyed the scent!

This soap has a mild, creamy, and smooth lather -

I love creamy lathers!

The peppermint leaves felt really nice, they could do well as an exfoliant.

I think a body scrub or lotion would go great with this. It'd make a wonderful "Get Well" Gift.

This deal is still running at nothingbutsoap.

If you love handmade soap and want to try something new, take a look at this shop.

It's free.

(You have nothing to lose)

Here is a run-down on how to get this free soap-Please go to the nothingbutsoap shop for full details.

~How to get the soap ~

1. "Purchase" the soap but do not pay for it. In the notes from buyer section leave your blog, website, myspace wherever you plan on gabbing about this soap.

2. Make an entry about this offer with a link back to the shop. The soap will be sent quickly after you have made a post about it.

3. Use the soap. -The Best part!

4. Within 5 weeks of receiving your soap make another entry about the soap, with a link back to the shop.

It's that simple!

Giveaways

2009-06-13T23:14:00.001-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

***

Rae Gun Ramblings Fabric Bundle Giveaway

I am always on the search for fun Japanese fabrics, they always have the cutest designs!

I'm really excited about this giveaway at the Rae Gun Ramblings Blog, I want this fabric!

Ohh, the outfits I could make with these-I Need These Fabrics!

Rae Gun Ramblings is giving away a fabric bundle including a half yard of the deer and retro animal party each and a full yard of the april showers print.

Last Day to Enter: 6/18/2009

Here are some of my favorite outfits from her store, raegun!

(I love the material!)

She also has a fabric store on Etsy, raegunfabric!

Here are some of my favorite fabric choices.

My only setback with buying such wonderful fabrics is that I tend to not use them. They are so great that I just keep saving them for 'THE' project (You know what I mean!)... That magnificent, deserving project never pops up... I have to literally force myself to cut into the fabric and use it!

Is that normal?

Bloomers and Giveaways!

2009-06-12T22:30:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~~

rae gun ramblings Giveaway

The winner gets to choose ruffle diaper covers!

Sadly, today is the last day for the giveaway, I forgot all about it-Or I would have shown it off earlier....

(I don't know how I forgot about this awesome giveaway, I've been obsessing over bloomers since I first layed eyes on it!)

~~~~

There are 97 pages of diaper covers ranging from $2.00-$48.00...!

(Yes, I looked through every page)

"Why?!" YOU ask.

~Inspiration~

There is an adorable diaper cover giveaway on the raegunramblings blog-I fell in love. I've decided that if I don't win, I'll make my own! I want them that bad!

Now that my Shay is crawling, she'll look just darling in ruffly bum bum covers! (If I sold these, this is what they'd be called)

I chose the cutest ones to show off.

Summer is the most opportune time to have your little one prance around in one of these!

(I love Butt ruffles!)

~~~~

Girls Personalized Custom diaper covers bloomers for Infant Girl Free Monogramming Bloomers TUTU

customclothesforkids

Baby Bling Butt Personalized Fuschia Swarovski Crystal Name Baby Diaper Ruffle Posh Panties

dara43

rhumba ruffle bum bloomers ... available in special order sizes newborn - 24mo.

3lpcouture

Kimono Sweet Bottoms pink, blue or yellow diaper cover with modern print bow - Baby girl sizes 0-18 months

sweetsmilesbaby

Strawberry Tart Diaper Covers

Snazziedrawers

Diaper Cover Bloomers Sassy Pants Ruffles Ruffles Ruffles Any Color Shown in Firecracker Red Patriotic Red

sherbetbaby

NEW - SASSY PANTS Ruffled Bloomers/Diaper Covers - 3months - 5T

ZozoBugBaby

BOOTY BLOOMERS...flower diaper cover...Perfect for NEWBORN PHOTO SHOOTS...Super Cute

KissableKreations

LUCYS POTTY PANTS - The couture way to train - RETRO GLAMOUR BABY WITH ZEBRA RUFFLES - Makes cute bloomers or diapr covers too

Vintagelucys

Bloomies Floral Bloomers Perfect for Pictures and Birthday Parties 6-9 months

bigkilt

American Girl Red Star Bloomers

pineapplehilldesigns

Spring Summer Girls Patriotic Ruffle Bloomers- Red White and Blue-illia designs Childrens Clothing Boutique

illiakids

Personalized Baby Bloomers or Diaper Covers

hayleysboutique

Boutique clothing and a Giveaway!

2009-06-11T10:18:00.001-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway!

***

Dolce Baci Boutique Giveaway

It's easy to enter, visit this blog!

Two lucky winners will receive a prize package valued at $75. They will put together a beautiful surprise package for each winner in size specified.

Ends 6/17

***

This is an outfit I made for Lilly.

We both love it!

The top is a criss-cross back (See?) I put a large pocket on the front, which she uses to stuff small toys in.

The skirt is a very twirly tiered skirt.

Lilly loves to twirl and spin, but she is most impressed with the butterflies!

~I used Butterick Pattern #3832 for the top~

This pattern is simple enough for a beginner, it consists of 3 pattern pieces and comes together very quickly. ...But I do wish it were a longer top....

I plan on making a matching outfit for Shay, of course. But she'll have bloomers instead of a skirt.... BECAUSE GUESS WHAT!?!

Shay started crawling yesterday!

Can you see how excited I am? Hence, the bold and large letters...

She's definitely more work now. We spent the last couple of days baby proofing and cleaning every crevice... Which is one of the reasons why I was slacking on my Blog duties.

This is Cartoon Shay!

Featured Etsian Artist~ xbutterfly0318x

2009-06-10T22:00:00.002-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway!

***

I really enjoyed taking a stroll through this wonderful shop! Quite a variety of gorgeous jewelry can be found inside: Stones, glass, Lampwork, Pearls (and more)- take a look!

She has amazing and OOAK handmade pieces.

I really enjoy the natural feel that just flows from the stones like Rhodocrosite, amethyst, and quartz!

She also owns a great supply shop, BeadieandThings. Fantastic beads, pendants, stones, pearls, ribbons, tools (and more) can be found inside! I suggest visiting this shop for affordable findings to use on your next creation!

xbutterfly0318x has so many beautiful treasures, I couldn't choose just one favorite. I'm not even sure how I was able to narrow it down to three favorites!

What's YOUR favorite piece?

xbutterfly0318x

BeadieandThings

BLOG

I started making jewelry at a very young age and mostly leaned towards shinny beads and fishing string. I loved my beads, while my sister loved drawing. In High School, we were obligated to take an art class and so I decided to take jewelry. The professor was one of the best teachers and he taught me how to work with all kinds of metal, epoxy and so many other materials. At that point it became more of a hobby to me then an elective I had to take for school. I loved it so much, that I ended up taking it my 4 years in high school. Then while in college, I could never find the time to fit jewelry in my schedule so one winter break, I decided to take a class at the local art workshop. There, I created my first sterling silver ring…one that I cherish very much. Id like to take another class in the future, if time and money willing.

Everyone always asks’ me…where does your inspiration come from and well, even though it should be the easiest question to answer, for me it’s the hardest. I usually have random ideas pop in my head. Different patterns and colors, sometimes I just open my bead boxes and poof, I have an idea. I’ve never, ever used a sketch pad to create my pieces, as weird as that sounds. I mostly create at night. If I have an idea, I have to get my beads out right away and create. If I’m not around my beads, I just try to keep the idea in my head until I am able to create. Sometimes, my creations happen by accident. For instance, my pendant Pink Serenity was made by mistake. I was trying to make one of my swirly rings and I couldn’t get it right so I ended up making something else with it. I wasn’t completely happy with the outcome, but I happen to have gotten a lot of compliments on that piece. My last giveaway, the majority of the participants picked them one to be their favorite. So of course, that makes me feel happy. I stand by the famous saying “someone’s junk, is someone else’s treasure.” Although I don’t think my jewelry is junk, you get the idea.

I love all my pieces…but recently I have been experimenting with Sterling Silver wire. I never used to make sterling silver rings, pendants, hair pins or hoop earrings, so that has been a new experience for me. I’ve def been enjoying the ring making. I’ve been trying to come up with different styles so that’s been really fun!

Currently I’m working at the after school program at an elementary school. I love the connection I have made with the kids or kiddies the way I like to call them and their parents. I currently changed my major from business administration and marketing to early childhood education, so I’m in the process of getting my teaching degree. The program is almost over, so I’m just trying to look for a summer job but with the economy being the way it is, its been really hard.

I love all things crafty. I love making photo collages for family and friends, as well as scrapbooking. You’ll always find me doing something artsy. Everyone always calls me the art lady! I guess my sister and I take after my dad-he’s a painter & the craftiest person I know. Anything to keep our hands busy!

I would love to learn how to bead weave. I always admire looking at bead weaving jewelry books when I’m out and about in Barnes n’Noble or looking at the beautiful pieces people have made on etsy. It looks like it takes a whole lot of patience and dedication, but it’s on my list of next things to learn. I already bought a few weaving needles, now all I need is a good learning book or a good teacher.

I’m highly obsessed with butterflies, if you couldn’t already tell :0)

Giveaways!

2009-06-08T01:20:00.008-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out the Soap and lotion giveaway on Audrey's Country Crafts Blog!

Try your luck at winning the "Country Rose Lotion and Soap".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out the Sugar Scrub giveaway on the One Little Bird Blog!

The winner will receive some delicious "Beauty In Barbados Sugar Scrub"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out the giveaway out this summery giveaway on the Olde Annie Primitive Blog!

The winner will receive a "Prim Sunflower" Piece.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out the giveaway on the Kim's Country Cottage Blog!

The winner will receive a "Romantic Rosebuds Afghan".

Blog Giveaway!

2009-06-06T22:22:00.013-06:00

Blog Giveaway!

~Giveaway Starts June 7th and Ends June 21st at Midnight (MTN)~

PrettyParis Blog

PrettyParis Twitter

PrettyParis has decided to allow me to host her Wonderful Giveaway!

Someone very lucky has a chance to win this fantastic pair of "Vintage Turquoise Blue...Rose Flower Earrings"

*Scroll down for details*

***

PrettyParis uses vintage or vintage inspired findings to create lovely necklaces, earrings and more.

"I am a stay at home mom of twin toddlers. I love creating jewelry in any spare time I can find. It is my creative outlet in my hectic stay-at-home-mom life!"

"I registered under the name newportbeach (my location~didn't put much thought into it!)originally. Not knowing that name would be set in stone and unable to change. So...I opened a secondary account with a name I really like for my shop...PrettyParis! My shop name does have special meaning to me....but most of all it just fits!"

***
~The Prize~

Now For The Rules Of The Giveaway

To enter this giveaway you must follow my blog.
AND
Go to PrettyParis and choose your favorite item, come back here and leave a link for us to see.

***

For EXTRA Entries

(Please leave a new comment for each extra entry)

1-For two extra entries, Blog about this giveaway with a link back here. Come back and leave 2 comments with a link to your blog.

2-For two extra entries, post my Blog Button on your Blog. Come back and leave 2 comments with a link to your blog.

3-For four extra entries, make a purchase from either of her stores. Come back here and leave 4 comments with a link to your purchase.

4-You can earn one more extra entry EACH day that you twitter about this giveaway! Just leave a new comment everyday with the new twitter link.

And the Award goes to....!

2009-06-06T21:16:00.009-06:00

Custom Jewelry by Solange is the winner!

Congratulations Solange!

~Here is the answer Solange gave~

"The leaves are long lance shaped leaves and usually have toothed edges and once the rosette forms, it is consisted of a bunch of ray florets. Which looks like little stems inside the flower in the color yellow. Theyre thin & surround the flower throughout."

Solange's Etsy store will be featured on my blog this week during my giveaway!

***

Thank you everyone who participated in my game,

it was fun reading your answers!

***

~These were the most amusing answers~

Feel free to pass this award on to others as you wish!
We all need some laughter in our lives.

Salad for Breakfast said...
"it's not supposed to have a green leaf!"
SleightGirl said...
"My guess is that there's absolutely nothing wrong with it."

Audrey said...
"The only thing I can find wrong with the dandelion is that is has a hair clip attached to it. The dandelions on my yard don't. Maybe your have a different breed of dandelion?"

SaladforBreakfast, leaves are green :)
SleightGirl, the leaf was the wrong shape.
But I love that you thought it might be a trick!''
Audrey, It's true that dandelions aren't normally attached to hair clips, but mine are very unique. We use a very very special fertilizer. I'd give you the recipe, but it's kind of a family secret.

Tutorial- Dandelion Puff Barrettes

2009-06-05T00:00:00.005-06:00

~CONTEST~

Tell me what is wrong with this dandelion.

The first person to guess correctly will be featured during my upcoming

giveaway!

*There is nothing wrong with the tutorial, but the flower it's self.*

***

I apologize for my less than perfect photos. I had bad lighting today.

***

How To Make Dandelion Puff Barrettes

~Supplies~
Yellow Felt
Hair Clip
Scissors
Thread
Sewing needle
E6000

~~~

Cut a 12" by 1" strip of yellow felt.

You can also try longer lengths and/or widths for a larger flower.

Cut thin slits on one side of the strip, from end to end widthwise.

Be careful not to cut to the opposite side!

Stay between the red arrows.

Roll up the entire strip, just like a "Fruit Roll-up"!

It sticks together pretty well because of the fibers.

No worries of it unraveling during this process.

Sew the rolled layers together.

Start from the outside and thread to the center

(as shown).

*Sew from center to the outside and through center again and Repeat.*

Continue stitching over and through the center, then back out and repeat.

Make sure to stitch all the way around.

Give the thread a pull to tighten the layers.
Tie ends off.

Your Dandelion Puff is finished, let's connect it to the barrette and leaf now!

Cut out desired leaf shape, make sure it's large enough to cover the barrette!

If you'd like to embroider leaf veins, do that now.

I like E6000, it has a strong hold and outlasts most glues.

It can be bought at most craft stores.

You can also use hot glue if you don't have E6000 handy.

Line the glue generously around the clip.

Do not glue the middle piece!

Press the clip and leaf together.

Wipe the excess glue from the clip edges.

Leave the center clip piece up while the glue dries.

This will ensure that the pieces don't glue together.

Squish the tied thread ends into the middle and place glue on top.

This will keep the threads hidden between the flower puff and the leaf.

Press the dandelion puff onto the leaf.

Let this dry over night before using.

I'd love to see any dandelion Puff Barrettes you make using this tutorial!
***

Want to cover your hair clippie completely for a more professional touch?

(I plan on doing this next time!)

Look at this wonderful tutorial for help.

How To Make A Covered Hair Barrette

Dandelions ~Day 5~

2009-06-04T22:18:00.001-06:00

I know you all were really looking forward to a large Dandelion post today....But, I've had a busy day and want to watch a movie now! (hehe, I know, it's a Big Disappointment)

My daughter and I weren't able to collect more dandelions so that we could complete a project to show off.. Too much rain. It has randomly rained for a few days, so there are no dandelions :(

So, I will leave you with a poem and some beautiful Dandelion Etsian Art.

Enjoy!

***"Harvest" (excerpt)

Ellen Mackay Hutchinson Cortissoz

In the meadow-grass

The innocent white daisies blow,

The dandelion plume doth pass

Vaguely to and fro,-

The unquiet spirit of a flower

That hath too brief an hour.

***

Handbuilt and Hand Painted Sushi Set, Dandelion

sumiko

18 inch Art Deco inspired Dandelion Patch Pillow

seattleang

Dandelion - oval pendant

sourkittenenamel

Dandelion Earrings

blissiful

Dandelion Make a Wish Hand Painted High Heels Yellow

funkiemonkeydesigns

UPCYCLED Mustard Butter Yellow VINTAGE Carry On Tote Bag with Dandelions and Seedlings

GetReadySetGO

Wishes

McBrandon

Sunset/Dandelion - Original Fine Art Photograph 20x30

JaredKS

Dandelion clock - A Red Ruby Rose original luxury silk-lined clutch bag

redrubyrose

***

*Check out this blog post by TeddyStartedIt to learn how to make Dandelion infused oil!
Great for a "great home made gift for an exercise buff or an arthritic grandma"

*~Soap Deli has a wonderful post with Dandelion art~
Dishing Up A Little Dandelion

*~StitchWorks has a Great post with Dandelion art~
Dandelion Art

*~HealingCommunication has a fantastic Dandelion Post~
Dandelion Flower Essence

Dandelions/Blowballs~Day 4~

2009-06-04T02:25:00.004-06:00

Do you have a post, craft, art, or something on your blog about Dandelions?

Make a post before Saturday and I will link to it!
~See the links below~

"The Child and Childhood in Folk-Thought"

Alexander F. Chamberlain

"The dandelion is called the rustic oracle; its flowers always open about 5 A.M. and shut at 8 P.M., serving the shepherd for a clock."

***

Remember my list of Fun and Dandy Activities ?
We chose to do this one today

Press a Dandelion. Use the pressed dandelion in a sun catcher.

We dried three dandelions inside a heavy book for an entire week just so we could complete this project. I am not happy with the outcome, but my Lilly loves it anyway, so yay!

We shredded crayons and spread the shavings between two sheets of wax paper, covered it with a towel and ironed. The crayon shavings act as a glue for the wax paper.

Apparently we weren't supposed to put the shaving on top of the flowers, because you can barely see them.

We'll try this one again later!

***

The Dandelion has a Variety of Names

Pee in the Bed, Lions Teeth, Fairy Clock, Clock, Clock Flowers, Clocks and Watches, Farmers Clocks, Old Mans Clock, One Clock, Wetweed, Blowball, Cankerwort, Lionstooth, Priests Crown, Puffball, Swinesnout, White Endive, Wild Endive and Pissa-a-beds

***

Dandelion History

The dandelion’s use as a medicinal herb reaches far back into Chinese history. The Arabs were the next to recognize its usefulness and wrote about it around the 11th century. It was they who taught Europeans about its medicinal benefits.

***

Recipes

Dandelion Pineapple Juice

Sauteed Dandelion Greens

Curried Dandelions

***

*Check out this blog post by TeddyStartedIt to learn how to make Dandelion infused oil!
Great for a "great home made gift for an exercise buff or an arthritic grandma"

*~Soap Deli has a wonderful post with Dandelion art~

Dishing Up A Little Dandelion

*~StitchWorks has a Great post with Dandelion art~
Dandelion Art

*~HealingCommunication has a fantastic Dandelion Post~

Dandelion Flower Essence

Featured Etsian~AuntAnnadee

2009-06-03T00:28:00.002-06:00

Do you have a post, craft, art, or something on your blog about Dandelions?
Make a post before Friday and I will link to it!

~See the links below~

***

Now I told ya'll about the Dandelion Jelly I purchased off Etsy, remember?

And I also said I'd tell you all about it, right?

I sure did!

I have to admit, I was slightly concerned when I ordered this. I've done plenty of research on Dandelions and the delicious jelly they make.. But I was skeptical..

It doesn't seem as though a weed would make something good, agree?

But It Does!

I received my Dandelion jelly Monday (VERY fast shipping!).. I felt like a giddy child on Christmas Morning, I was literally rushing to get the packaging open so that I could see my new jellies. "JellyS?" You ask.. Yep, I ordered Dandelion, Violet, and a sample of Honey Suckle, mmmmmm....yummy!

My only regret was not getting a larger size of each of these!

The Dandelion jelly is sweet like honey, but with a slight lemon taste. It's much tastier than it sounds, trust me! It's a thin consistency, not thick and lumpy like a lot of store bought jellies. Very easy to spread, that's a plus to me :)

An unopened jar lasts a year on the shelf, once it's opened, it's good for a month! Plus, AuntAnnadee tells you how you can prolong it. (She's a sweet gal)

The other two jellies are just as good!

My entire family loves these jellies and insists that I order more! At least I know this jelly is much more healthy than store bought jellies.

I love Natural..Don't YOU?

AuntAnnadee has wonderfully affordable prices, and her plants and herbs are grown in a safe, chemical free environment. She has more in her store than just jelly and plans on adding even more as she can. I can't wait!

I hope you'll try something new today!

(jelly)

AuntAnnadee

I grew up in a small Tennessee town. My family has been in the area for more than 4 generations. Which means that between my 4 grandparents, there were 44 siblings. I was related to almost everyone in town! I've joked that I had to leave town just to find someone I could legally marry!

When I was nine years old, my mother, a stay-at home mom, had a part-time summer job. That was when I first became interested in cooking. Mom and dad ate some pretty awful things while I was learning. Every once in a while, my dad, who never said much, would say, "Let's not have that again." But I made my first Baked Alaska that summer.

Even though mama's family was from there, they moved to Indiana when she was a girl. Mama's parents farmed 320 acres. Summers were spent on the farm. Grandma knew she had plenty of slave labor when all 19 grandchildren were there. She taught us how to can, put up preserves, make butter, and all sorts of things like that.

My very favorite thing grandma made was pear honey. Her pear honey was also a lesson in recycling. Every year she canned pears. As the family opened them and enjoyed the fruits of her labor, she saved the juice. She would re-can the juice, and then when she had enough saved, grandma would make pear honey. She never used pectin in it. Grandma would just reduce the syrup until it had the consistency of honey. That was heaven on a biscuit.

I have a cousin with a 5 year old granddaughter in preschool. Rick, my cousin, and Shalie, his granddaughter, spend their summers working in the garden and orchard, playing in the creek, riding bikes and other activities like that. There are about 20 children in Shalie's preschool. Two other children in her class live on farms. These three children are the tallest, healthiest, and strongest children in the class. They get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh milk and eggs, fresh air and sunshine and few fast food meals.

This is the first year I've had time to plant a garden. When I first moved here, there was an above ground pool on the property. When he was 2, my son went in while I was cleaning it. I was able to get to him the second time he surfaced. That evening, I put the pool up for sale. Under that above ground pool was a 24' sandbox. He loved it, and over the years, it's built up a decent layer of topsoil. This year when I tilled it all up, I had beautiful, well drained soil. That's given me a great place to grow. As the summer progresses, I will have lots of fresh vegetables to put up. I'll be able to offer pickles, pickled okra, homemade sauerkraut, chow-chow and piccalilli, and some dried herbs in my etsy store.

***

*Check out this blog post by TeddyStartedIt to learn how to make Dandelion infused oil!

Great for a "great home made gift for an exercise buff or an arthritic grandma"

*~Soap Deli has a wonderful post with dandelion art~
Dishing Up A Little Dandelion

*~StitchWorks has a wonderful post with dandelion art~

Dandelion Art

Dandelions ~Lions Tooth~ Day 2

2009-06-02T01:06:00.001-06:00

Do you have a post, craft, art, or something on your blog about Dandelions?

Make a post before Friday and I will link to it!

Bugs are immensely blessed to have a view as bright and beautiful as this.

To the Dandelion

James Russell Lowell

"Dear common flower, that grow'st beside the way, Fringing the dusty road with harmless gold, First pledge of blithesome May, Which children pluck, and, full of pride, uphold, High-hearted buccaneers, o'erjoyed that they An Eldorado in the grass have found, Which not the rich earth's ample round May match in wealth, thou art more dear to me Than all the prouder summer-blooms may be."

***

We spent a while today picking dandelions for all of our projects, it was quite a bit of fun. Lilly enjoys the dead seedy dandelions the most. She gets really upset when the wind blows all the seeds away, haha.

I tell her that she just needs to make her wishes quicker!

We collected about a quart of the yellow beauties! Not enough for all the crafts we want to do, but it'll do for now. We placed them in the freezer so they will still be good to use when we have a nice warm day out. That stash is going to dye something!

***

Remember my list of Fun and Dandy Activities ?

We chose to do this one today

~Use the flower head to color a bright yellow picture.~

Just pop the head off and rub it on the paper, a natural crayon!

~Lilly was utterly amazed that a flower could be used in this way~

***

The official name of the Dandelion suggests its value, coming from the the Greek taraxos (disorder), and akos (remedy).

~Dandelion Recipes~

Dandelion Wine

Dandelion Green Fettuccine

Dandelion Fritters

***

*Check out this blog post by TeddyStartedIt to learn how to make Dandelion infused oil!
Great for a "great home made gift for an exercise buff or an arthritic grandma"

*~Soap Deli has a wonderful post with dandelion art~

Dishing Up A Little Dandelion

FREE SOAP-nothingbutsoap

2009-06-01T19:58:00.004-06:00

Want Free Soap? Look at this!

Blog Soap Swap - FREE SOAP

nothingbutsoap

"Eucalyptus Hemp & Tea Tree olive oil, hemp oil & shea butter soapIntense Eucalyptus and rich Tea Tree with peppermint leaves make this an eye opening treat. The eucalyptus will energize your day while hemp, shea butter and a wonderful base cleanse your skin. Eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils are known for their medicinal properties in anti-fungal and anti-staph capabilities. Peppermint leaves are added for additional exfoliation. An intense experience to remember."

"Try showering with this soap when you have cold-like congestion or sinus allergies to create a soothing vapor."

~~~~~~~~~~~

You will receive a 1-oz. rectangle bar in exchange for . .

How to get the soap -

1. "Purchase" the soap but do not pay for it. In the notes from buyer section leave me your blog,website,myspace wherever you plan on letting people know your opinion about this soap.

2. Make an entry about this offer with a link back to my shop. Once I have seen this I will send you the soap.

3. Use the soap.

4. Within 5 weeks of receiving your soap make another entry,with a link back to my shop, about the soap. What did you like about it? What didn't you like about it? It could be as simple as I liked the free sample soap I got from Nothing But Soap.

5. That's it! 5 steps just look better.

Dandelions~Lions Tooth

2009-06-01T00:10:00.005-06:00

The Lucky Winner of My Giveaway Is joannaonthelake
Congrats on your win, you're going to be very stylish in this beautiful pair of earrings!

Please let us all know how much you adore this beautiful set when you receive them.

Thanks to everyone who participated, please come back next Monday for a new Giveaway!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emerson

"A weed is just a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered."

"The Home Acre," by E. P. Roe

"To some the dandelion is a weed; but not to me, unless it takes more than its share of space, for I always miss these little earth stars when they are absent. They intensify the sunshine shimmering on the lawn, making one smile involuntarily when seeing them. Moreover, they awaken pleasant memories, for a childhood in which dandelions had no part is a defective experience."

There are many great ways to use dandelions instead of just mowing them down every week. Get creative and find out just what this fascinating flower can do for you!

Dandelion is a common weed that grows widely throughout the northern hemisphere in pastures, meadows and lawns, mostly in temperate climates. The name dandelion means lion’s tooth, and the plant is named for the jagged edges of its leaves that resemble teeth.

Some fun and Dandy activities

*Collect dandelions and make jewelry

*Make paper parachutes to explore how dandelion seeds move through the air.

*Dig up a dandelion and check out it's flower, stem, leaves, and roots.

*Use the flower head as a stamp and make dandelion stamp art.

*Use the flower head to color a bright yellow picture.

*Make yellow dye with the heads, purple dye with the leaves and roots, and brown dye with the stems.

*Grow Your Own Dandelion.

*Press a Dandelion. Use the pressed dandelion in a sun catcher.

Can YOU think of more activities?

I'll post our activities as we complete them, I'd love to see yours as well!

***

Thanks to some modern herbalists the dandelion's virtues have been well documented. Studies show the dandelion to be a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The leaves have the highest vitamin A content of all greens. Herbalists say that dandelion root is at the top of the list of excellent foods for the liver because of it's relatively high amounts of choline, which is an important nutrient for the liver. Dandelion leaves are a diuretic, meaning that they help flush excess water from the body. Dandelion flowers are well-endowed with lecithin, a nutrient that has been proven useful in various liver ailments. In addition to dandelion's medicinal use, it is consumed as a nutritious food and beverage.

***

I found Dandelion Jelly on Etsy!

Dandy Dandelion Jelly

AuntAnnadee

Of course, right? Etsy does have everything, after all.

I ordered a jar and I just can't wait to try this, it's said to taste similar to honey!

I'll let you know when I receive it. :)

I've been wanting to make my own Dandelion jelly, but there are no safe Dandelions near by. Being in WY, there is much prairie and dirt around... Not a lot of beautiful wild flowers. My MIL has plenty next to her yard, but the soil has been fertilized and its next to a road.. I'm afraid to use these, as they may be harmful from all the chemicals around.

I am considering making my own Dandelion garden on my balcony though.

Apparently it is 'law' here that all weeds should be terminated. This angers me, when did I lose the right to decide what grows in my yard?! If I want bright sunny weeds, so be it! Right? I don't want these in my garden, just my yard...

Who's idea was it that a plain ole green yard was beautiful, anyway?

Give me Color!

What's YOUR Opinion on This Matter?

~*~*~
There's even a Dandelion Festival in Ohio!

After finding this link, I found that there are Dandelion Festivals all over the world-interesting!

***

Dandelion Syrup

Just make sure they pick them at the middle of the day when they are open and drier.

To make a good supply, you'll need:

~4 ea. Cups of dandelion tops
~1/2 ea. lemon, juiced
~1 quart cold water
~2 lbs. sugar

Place the tops in the water and bring to a slow boil. Let boil half a minute then cool overnight. The next day, strain and push out the excess water. Discard the blooms and save the dandelion water. Mix this water with the lemon and sugar and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Do not bring to a hard boil.
Let the mixture cool, then simmer again until thick in consistency like maple syrup. This can be poured over flapjacks either warm or cool.

***

How to Make Dandelion Cookies

How To Make Dandelion Jelly

Dandelion Soup

Dandelion Salad

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out this blog post by TeddyStartedIt to learn how to make Dandelion infused oil!

Great for a "great home made gift for an exercise buff or an arthritic grandma"

Upcycle, Recycle, Repurpose...

2009-05-31T00:00:00.002-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

Ends Sunday at Midnight (MTN)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I upcycled!

I went to the Salvation Army and found an adorable Tinkerbell bed sheet for $1.00. There were stains all over this pre-loved sheet, so it was useless. (Useless only on a bed)

I butchered the sheet and reincarnated it!

My daughters are now sporting bed sheets :) Doesn't that sound pretty? Haha

They both look darling, I know, they're matching again.. I will never stop trying to dress them like ill fitting twins.. Well, I'll stop when they can make me :)~

Really, only the bodice is upcycled.. I had the polka dot material on hand from Easter, yay!

I just feel over joyed when I find extra fabric just waiting to be used.

Lilly's dress is made up of two tiers, Extra fluff and twirl. Notice the buttons don't match? They're not even the same size, haha. Kid's clothing is so fun, I love to mix it up. There's not really a standard like there are for adults. I mean, would you wear a top if the buttons didn't match?

Shay and her Auntie. Sorry for the not so great photo!

Shay's dress has a blue skirt and a pink ruffle, it's a little more simple than Lilly's, but she's so little I can get away with it.

I now have extra Tinkerbell fabric to use up... What to make? Possibly small purses to go along with these dresses..

Any Ideas???

What have YOU upcycled lately?

My Prize From Reparapy

2009-05-30T01:10:00.002-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reparapy

I won a $25.oo gift certificate from the reparapy Blog
And with that 'certificate' I purchased this!

Green Tea Indulge Lotion and Glow Scrub Gift Set

This set arrived in a wonderful wicker box, which I can reuse (Yay)! I definitely love the contents, but the box was a huge, huge plus! I get so excited about nice packaging that I can use for my own little treasures. I bet you do too!

Inside my new treasure chest: Delicious smelling Green Tea Body Scrub and Body Lotion.

They both were adorned with water proof tags that include instructions and ingredients.

The instructions say the scrub should be used on the hands 2-3 times a week... BUT I used it on my legs and arms and loooovveed the results!

I have to show this off, I love the blue stamp! I thought it was a wax seal, till my daughter tore it off. ...It's actually a sticker... This same stamp is on top of the bottles, it just pulls the whole look together.

Also reparapy was kind enough to send me some samples, I love surprises! (Thank YOU)

Inside a muslin bag were 3 sample gifts: Ocean Breeze Bath Salts, Peony Bath Salts, and costa rican coffee body scrub.

I haven't had a chance to use my samples yet, but I really can't wait! They smell just divine *sniffs* I just have to break away from the Green Tea Goodness...

Everything looked very professional; great packaging and product.

The only thing missing was a business card.

~Eye Candy~

What a great avatar, don't you think?

Featured Etsian Artist~kcustomcreations

2009-05-29T01:59:00.004-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I was interviewed by One Little Bird!

Please make a pit stop at this lovely blog and check out my first interview.

(How exciting for me)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

kcustomcreations has some of the most adorable and original scrap booking pages I've seen yet.
She sells scrap booking supplies, Premade Layouts, Page Kits, Board Books, Altered Items, and cards. Great for crafty memorabilia fanatics! (or moms)

Her Veteran Books would have been a perfect give for Memorial Day (Wish I had featured her sooner!) But really, it'd be a wonderful gift for any veteran on any given day.

I haven't seen a scrapbook made into words like these, as you can tell-I'm totally swooning over these! Yes... I said I'm swooning over scrap books.. Fantastic Scrapbooks.

Out of all the Word Books, the Spring Book is my favorite. The colors and the embellishments are just delightful. It really lures you in like a Scrap booking Siren's Call.

This "12x12 Premade 2 page layout - Under Construction - Girl" is just darling! I only wish I had it for my own scrapbook when my girls were still "under construction" Seriously, How cute is that!? You Love it too! (I can tell)

~Tell me what YOU would love to use in your own scrapbooks~

kcustomcreations

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I'm a stay at home wife that works part time at a local photography studio. I have been married to my best friend for 6 years. About 2 years ago we built our dream home on a lake in southwest Missouri. I have 2 grown stepchildren and hope to become a grandmother in the next year or so. Most of my days are spent in my studio creating a new layout or working on a custom project.

I have always had a creative side, even as a child. I have messed around with floral design, crocheting, and quilting. When I was in the 8th grade I made my first scrapbook. I continued doing a very basic form of scrap booking all through high school and then took about a 10 year break from it. In 1999 a friend reintroduced me to the world of scrapping. Wow, there were so many pretty papers and stickers to choose from and my love affair with scrap booking started all over again. Over the past 10 years my passion has grown into a career and I completely love it.

My inspiration comes from so many different things. My ladybug layout was inspired by a little girls outfit. Some layout designs are inspired by magazine ads, song titles, or even activities that I enjoy. But to be completely honest, I dream about many of my designs and when I wake up, I'll head directly up to my studio and create my dream. Some of my most favorite creations come from my dreams.

One random fact: My family calls me the stalkerazzi when we are on vacation because I have been known to snap at least 1200 pictures on a one week trip.

Featured Etsian Artist~Nocatsallowed

2009-05-28T00:20:00.000-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

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Nocatsallowed has two Yorkies, Zoe and Jo Jo, little sweeties, see their photos?

I want a Yorkie! But my kiddos would break a pooch that small...

She is planning on making sweaters and accessories for kitties as well, so keep checking back at her store if you want your little fur ball to look just as snazzy as your pup or yourself.

I used to have a 3 lb poodle, Toby. I'd dress that little guy up every day. Haha, poor little Man. Yep, he wore dresses, I dress HIM in little pink baby dresses. (I was very young) He'd growl and wriggle to fight for his freedom, but I won!
Later, (I was a bit older and so was he) I bought real puppy clothing for him to keep him warm. He was adorable and didn't seem to mind being dress up as long as it was really meant for doggie and had no frills.

Looking at this wonderful shops makes me ache for puppy of my own..

I'd love to see all little doggies wearing something hip now and then.

"Let it Wag" haha, I love it!

Nocatsallowed

My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was nine years old. I crocheted on and off until college when it became a big hobby of mine. It was a stress reliever and relatively cheap to do (As a college student I was always broke). “No Cats Allowed” started about a year ago when I was taking a knitting class at a local yarn shop with my mother. My mom had seen a dog sweater pattern in the shop and wanted me to make it for her dog. Of course because I was new to knitting, I could not figure out the pattern so I made a crochet version. It turned out great. I made more sweaters for her. When she took her dogs to the vet, she would dress them up in the clothes I made. People would ask my mom where she got the clothes so she suggested that I sell them. I have been creating ever since.

I am inspired when I go to yarn shops. When I see a yarn that I really love, I think about how I can use it and what I want to make out of it. I am also inspired when I see pets with their owners. Usually an owner’s style is reflected on their pet so I make my clothes that way.

A random fact about me is that I can twirl a baton. I was a majorette in high school and sometimes when I’m not crocheting or knitting, I will pick my baton up and try to remember the routines I used to do.

Blogging Awards

2009-05-27T00:09:00.005-06:00

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

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Blogging Awards

I received this "charming" award from Audrey's Country Crafts. -One of my favorite blogs to read daily- Please stop over and look!! Thank You Audrey!!

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Here are the 8 wonderful Blogs that I'm passing this award to, Please stop at each one, they're all great!

katyhead

One Little Bird

Rabbit Whiskers

Cabin+Cub

Elven Sphinx

Salad For Breakfast

SophismPress

Lowell and Son

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I recieved this Lovely Blog Award from Sophie-Diary Of A Young Designer. Sophie has a "lovely" blog, take a look! Thank You Sophie!!

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his/ her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen.

I am passing this award to 15 blogs that I have just discovered, please give them all a visit :)

ecogeneration

Quilts Galore And More

keirning

Talking To Unicorns

Pop India

tuttifruittdesign

Linorestorecom

Totally Tutorials

The ChrysantheMOM

So Splendid

PleasureArts

All things Tangled

Vintagelove

folkartbycampbelljane

bekahsquilts