Say Hello to Our New Little Friend...

Meet "Bailey"...our new little friend!!! Bailey is 12 weeks old and weighs 2 1/2 pounds. Her mother is a Yorkie, father unknown. I can't remember if I've mentioned before that my daughter and her husband are foster parents for our local animal shelter, they usually take care of mommy dogs that are brought into the shelter with a litter of pups that are too young to adopt out, so they go to a foster family until they are old enough.

And that's how Bailey, her sister and mommy ended up at my daughter's. I lost my little pocket pet "Emmie" a yorkie-poo, ayear and a half ago and had no plans to adopt another...I've even held out from adopting one of the many many ones my daughter has taken care of this past year. But Bailey and her sister hooked me from the minute I met them.

With Duchess and Gus, did I really need another dog??? NO, but do we ever add a dog to our families because we need them...again no,... it's because something about them just grabs us, and the fall into love begins. (I'm pretty sure my daughter knew exactly what would happen when she brought them to visit for the first time!).

Here are a few pics of Bailey doing her best to get Duchess to fall in love with her like everyone else has...

not happening yet...

nope, not yet...Duchess is just too cool to fall for these shenanigans..

Now Gus is a different story...Gus actually believes...totally convinced...that Bailey was brought home especially for HIM!!! He lovessssss her, completely, without question, total adoration.

This is one of Gus's bones that ended up under my puter desk and they were both determined to get it out, so down on my knees I went to retieve it for them...as soon as Gus had it, around and around the room he went trying to keep Bailey from getting it, with her chasing him, full growl going to let him know she wasn't giving up...as you can see, she finally wore him down after about 50 laps (no exaggeration) around the family room.

That bone weighs about half of what she does.

Now granted, the first couple of days we said "Easy Gus" more times than not, he was just so darn excited with "his new present" that he tended to get a little rambunctious, and he had to learn that he couldn't play with her the same as he plays with Duchess...but learn he did. He is so kind about sharing his toys, he will even bring them to her and try to get her to latch on so they can play tug of war..which is more like he tugs her around while she hangs on....he does it real slow so he doesnt' lose her.

They constantly rough house and "play" bite each other's faces, and Gus doesn't even get upset when she latches onto his lips. When it's time for her to go "potty", he looks like Tigger, bouncing straight up in the air all the way to the yard, until I set her down then off they go, he leads the way, she follows and they both do their business.

They are now our favorite form of entertainment!!!

My daughter found a new home for Bailey's mommy, but she still has her sister even though she is definitely old enough to go back to the shelter, she soooo wants to find her a good home as she's really gotten attached. I'd show you pics of her but I lost the ones I had when my puter died last weekend. Bailey's sister looks nothing like her, she's at least 2x Bailey's size, coal black, wavy hair...she kinda looks like a black Shitzu. And ohhh, is she sweet, SHE is extremely loveable (Bailey just wants to play, forget the lovin')...she will make someone an awesome new family member. If you know anyone that would be interested, email my daughter at

mm308206@hotmail.com

I've linked up this post to www.tidymom.net I'm Lovin' It Fridays...go check out her site to see her yorkie "Cullen"

What's on my hook....Beach Cottage Chic

My puter woes continue, it has taken me almost 2 hours just to upload the following 2 pics!!! I really don't think it's my new puter, so that leaves my internet service (satellite), could be the weather, have I mentioned how badly I want dsl????

So finally, here are the pics....it's a work in progress, developing into a large lap afghan and I am in loveeeeee with the colors and how it's turning out. I wanted to design a light-weight blanket that would be right at home in a beach house/cottage, and I really think I've nailed it.

I'm crocheting it using a light-weight organic cotton yarn in colors you would find on the beach; aqua, driftwood, stone and clouds. I think making large horizontal stripes is giving it a very contempory look (I'll be sure to post pics of the finished blanket when it's ready). I can already picture it layed over the arm of a wicker chair in someone's beach cottage...or over the back of a cream color plush couch in an elegant beach house. Maybe even just dropped on a chaise lounge on a deck over looking the ocean, could be a lake....

The best attributes of making it out of cotton is that it will be machine washable AND the softness that only get softer with age. Don't you just love the softness of an old, used quilt? I sure do, the more you use it and wash it, the softer it will get, but you get that softness much sooner with a yarn as opposed to fabric.

I'm using the same pattern for this one as I used on my Nature's Gradation Lap Afghan/Blanket only bigger. AND on my new one, I am using two different colors together between the solid stipes to make the transitions between the stipes a bit softer. Let me know what you think so far....also this post has been linked to a few parties...go check them out!

Skincare Product Review....TheHerbalRevolution Etsy Seller

(This product review is my opinion only, I am in no way affiliated with TheHerbalRevolution etsy shop, nor is this a paid advertisement)

As I've stated in past posts, I love looking for and trying out new skincare products...you might call it an obsession (it seems I have many). Today I'm offering my opinion of a couple of products from TheHerbalRevolution etsy shop that I have personally tried. Here is a little info about the shop...

"Herbal Revolution is based in beautiful mid-coast Maine where I wild gather herbs in a sustainable way from the salty coast, vast fields and enchanting forests. I also organically raise herbs in my garden with much love and respect. I also utilize other local organically raised herbs that when needed.

Herbal Revolution products are made in small batches to ensure the integrity and quality of the herbs that are being used. Every step in the process is taken with great care and respect infusing the herbs and the products with positive intentions and love."

Better Than Botox Face Mask
by
TheHerbalRevolution etsy shop

This first one is great for both oily and dry skin. I have very dry skin, so I mixed 1/2 teaspoon of the powder with 1/2 teaspoon of plain yogurt and just a dollop of honey. I LOVE it, my skin felt toned, tight and squeaky clean, while the surface looks smoothhhhhhh. I will say that with my dry skin, I am using it only once every two weeks, I tried once a week and started to feel too dry, but when the weather warms up and gets more humid, I'll probably bump it back up to once a week.

I'd like to have my daughter (who has oily skin) try it and see what she thinks of it. This is definitely a product I would buy again.

Eczema Cream

This Eczema Cream is also a new fav of mine. I have one spot on my lower calf this just showed up last fall, it's red, itchy and flaky, I have no idea if it's eczema or psoriasis, but I decided to try this cream and it has definitely reduced the redness and size of my spot. The flakiness and itchiness are completely gone.

The cream has a very medicinal scent and oily feel, not something you want to slather all over your body, I apply it just to my spot 2x daily. So I would also buy it again, but this jar should last me a long, long, long......time.

So go visit Katheryn's at her etsy shop, she has many other other products in addition to these two featured here, I'll definitely have to try out some more since I like these so well. Let her know I sent you!!!!

Outdoor Veggie Garden

Time to start planning the veggie garden. We cleaned out the one horse stall that a couple of our horses were able to come and go freely in all winter, which basically means that by spring, that stall is a mess. So we spent a good couple of hours cleaning it on Saturday and dumping all that wonderful manure on the garden. Hopefully hubby will get it tilled this coming weekend.

We don't ever plant a HUGE garden, but usually enough for us and a little to give away to family with some tomatoes and corn left over to can. But this year with the new baby coming in August, I doubt we'll have the time for canning. So the plan for this year's garden will include a couple rows of corn, a couple of cucumber plants, some broccoli, cabbage, green peppers, green beans AND maybe a dozen tomato plants (can never have too many tomatoes!).

Our lonely apple tree is just starting to bloom and you can see a few garden stakes leaning against it, ready to place as soon as the planting is done.


I have used this old whiskey barrel for some herbs the last few years and I love it. Right now it needs cleaned out, but the thyme is starting to come back. I'll probably add flat-leafed parsley and maybe some dill. I plant rosemary and basil in separate containers (I'll be sure to take pics of everything when it's all planted).

With these plans in mind, I created a treasury with items that are needed in any veggie garden...check it out.

Unscheduled Post

This is most definitely an unscheduled post...my computer started to die last week, finally taking it's last breath Saturday morning.

I was able to use hubby's laptop to get a few things done, but most everything had to wait until he was able to get my new one up and running. Not an easy task with our limited internet useage allowance...everytime he'd try to install all the updates, the useage allowance would shut it down....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.(I sooooooo want dsl!)

T-Shirt
by
signaturetshirts etsy shop

Needless to say, I'm bummed about not getting to post some really cute Easter finds from Etsy, and some really amazing treasuries. Oh well, next year.

But what REALLY bums me is everything that was lost on my old computer....duh, no back up....trying to find the positive out of this experience I must say that from now on I will DEFINITELY back up! Lesson learned.

Vinyl Decal for MacBook
by
VinylEverywhere etsy shop


Starting Wednesday, I hope to get back to posting about the subjects that I originally had scheduled. See you then :)))

Coming Soon...

Home is where Mom is...Pink Butterfly Bowl by dgordon etsy shop

Coming soon...(in the next couple of weeks)

-Favorite Things (Easter decor, planting, organizing)

-What's on my needles & hook (I have a new lap afghan that I am IN LOVE with, can't wait to show you)

-Meet out new little friend

-2 new guest interviews

-2 giveaways

Stay tuned...

One Very Satisfied Customer -- Organic Cotton "Wubby" Baby Security Blankie

Jen of My Sweet Baby Love etsy shop custom ordered this blankie for her baby Abigail and sent me these wonderful photos of Abigail enjoying it. Here's the comment she left for me when I first blogged about this blankie...

"I love my daughters Wubby! I get compliments everywhere I go, you did such an amazing job, I actually had bought another "wubby" for her the same day that I talked to you about making this one and theirs was a little less expensive, but when I look at the two of them, I see why. Yours is like art! The pictures really did not do it justice. It is something that I am sure that my daughter will pass down to her duaghter someday. I can't thank you enough for your attention to detail and making this so lovely!"

I'd say she's one very satisfied customer, wouldn't you?!

Jen's comment was one of the nicest I've ever received about my work. I really appreciated it.

Isn't Abigail adorable....I wish she lived close enough to me so she could model ALL my blankies...

I have been finding more colors of the yarn for these blankies and am really enjoying coming up with different color combinations to make! I'm sure I'll be posting more pics as I finish them.

This posting is entered in a few of linky parties...go check them out!

Gift Guide for Mother's Day...

April 16th is my mother's birthday and to honor her, I made a treasury (which I included at the bottom of this post) dedicated especially to her.

My mother is amazing, she grows her own garden and cans all the veggies, she's an amazing cook, she knits, crochets, sews. She makes beautiful quilts. She made my first dance dress when I was in 8th grade, she taught me how to make flannel pajama pants and a purse, how to crochet, how to quilt. She helped me make my first door wreath.

She's one of those women that will learn a new craft and make it look easy. If she doesn't know how to do something, she'll learn if she wants to.

She's the kind of mother that all my friends loved and enjoyed having around. Is she perfect? No...but that's what makes her "perfect" for me, as I am sooooo not perfect, although she usually makes me feel as though I am.

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought this was the perfect time to share some awesome gift ideas for other moms....Enjoy!

Modular Messenger Bag by bayanhippo

Organic Lavender Sachets by PeppermintPinwheels

Mini Quilted Soap or Lotion Dispenser by MidwestFinds

Bulletin Board - Chalkboard Keyhook by KARozWoodworking

Reversible Organizer Fabric Bin Basket in Chocolate Brown Paisley by baffinbags

Family Personalized Letter Sign by NelsonsGifts

Organic Cotton Big Tote Bag by ecofriendlybeauty

Welcome - Burlap Feed Sack Pillow Door Hanger by nextdoortoheaven

Happy Birthday MOM and Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anddddd....the WINNER is.................

Giveaway Item Simple Sterling Love Necklace by MyBellasBeads Etsy Shop

I am so very excited to have the opportunity to announce the winner of my very first hosted Giveaway!

And it's all Thank's to Liz of MyBellasBeads Etsy Shop, I didn't even have to ask, she just offered to give something away!!! Wasn't that so nice of her?!

I've learned a lot, things to do and not to do for the next giveaway (hoping to have many more), so I'm sure they'll go smoother in the future.

And just so you know that this was all done very professionally, here's how I conducted the drawing...

-I know there are sites that will do random drawing, but I'm not set up yet to do that, this all came about rather suddenly, hopefully I'll get that set up for future giveaways

-I wrote ALL the names down, of those that entered, cut them out, folded them neatly in half, then in half again

-Put all names in a basket

-Mixed up said names

-Held said basket far above Hubby's head and asked him to draw a name (the look on his face...priceless)

-I opened the paper with equal measures of excitement and anxiety (seriously, how would it look if my own mother won?!)

-Yelped with happiness for Nikki Bond of "Bond Girl" Creations blog and BondGirlCreations26 Etsy Shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I know that I have featured Nikki's shop and her awesome cards on my blog before, but trust me, this was all completely legit with no favoritism shown (I triple checked to make sure I had all the names in the bowl)...you can ask my hubby!!!

Now maybe we can talk Nikki into offering a Giveaway........hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Baby Shower Decor Ideas -- DIY from MissMustardSeed

Today I thought I'd share a couple diy projects I found over at Miss Mustard Seed. She published these tutorials as well as a few others. We still haven't nailed down the colors yet, we'd like to use the colors she's planning for her nursery (which is still undecided). So for now, we're just trying to come up with ideas that we can customize later.

I've been seeing these tissue poms for several months now and LOVE how cute they are for showers and was over-the-moon thrilled to find the Tissue Pom Tutorial. Can't wait to try them out, not only for table decor but also maybe a banner that she can hang in the baby's room.

And unless she chooses the name for the baby before the shower (which I HIGHLY doubt), I may make have to just make one these Moss Monograms for the "New Mommy", (maybe one for myself too).

I also found a tutorial for topiaries, but not sure where, so sorry. But I will keep you posted with plenty of pics and my own how-to's of all the projects as we work on them. You'll probably be seeing lots of posts about baby shower decor, gifts and ideas for the next couple of months as we plan my daughter's baby shower.

We're looking for punch recipe ideas, so if you come across any, let me know. Also let me know if you come across any cute nursery or shower decor ideas.

Cocoa Chai -- Treasury Honor

Last Tuesday, my Cocoa Chai Treasury was chosen to be featured on The Painted Rabbit Blog in the Tuesday Treasury Roundup: Coffee and chocolate, the most delicious mix. Hop on over and check out all her picks to see why it's such an honor for me.

Fav Blog -- Delightful Order -- Organizing a Linen Closet

I love to find blogs and websites where I can LEARN something useful, such as simple tutorials for craft making, how to simply my life, but most of all, my absolute FAV'S are the ones about organization, on the cheap. But I really hit the mother-lode when I came across the Delightful Order Blog. Oh yes I did!!!

Authored by DaNita, her blog combines all my favs...and apparently her's too, here is just a snippet on her "About" page..."Along with being a Christian, the wife to an amazing man & the mother of four boys, a few of my other favorite things are Simplifying, Creating, Organizing & Decorating."

One of the best aspects of her blog is that she not only shows you the before and after pics of every project, she gives you a step by step tutorial about how she did it, along with many many pics AND where she found all her budget friendly materials.

I was so excited this morning when I saw her post titled Bringing Delightful Order to my Linen Closet, isn't it fun and cute AND oh so organized!!!!

I've only included a couple of her pics, so head on over to her blog for the full article and tutorial. Once you see it, you're gonna wanna check out the rest of her diy projects...be sure to let her know how you found her blog, then come on back her and let me know what you think.

Do you have any organizational tips, I'd love to hear about them...

And don't forget about our Giveaway ending Thursay night!

My Favorite Things -- Baby Girl Gifts & Baby Shower Decor

I figure if Oprah can recommend her favorite things, then so can I...of course, I can't GIVE away to everyone everything on my list, but I can at least do the shopping for you.

The plan is to try and do this as a weekly feature, with a different theme each week. And since babies and baby showers are uppermost in my mind right now, that's my theme...AND since the doc "thinks" she's having a "girl", that's what I featured.

So scroll down for some truly awesome baby gift ideas for new moms and baby showers, and if you're planning a baby shower, there's a few ideas for that as well. Check out the sellers shops as well for lots of other ideas.

(You'll probably notice that I'm having trouble getting my fonts and spacing even, I'll keep working on it, but I do apologize for the "messy" look)

Bella Tutus

from

FireFlyTutus etsy shop

Custom Hospital/Maternity Gown

from

itsMyDesigns87 etsy shop

Natural Linen Baby Sling Carrier

from

lilpeeperkeepers etsy shop

It's a Girl Banner

from

Partyson etsy shop

Tweet Little Bird Cupcake Toppers

from

10candles etsy shop

All-in-1 Changing pad Clutch

from

mod momME

Butterfly/Dragonfly Baby Mobile

from

Magical Whimsy etsy shop

Petit Fours

from

MiniatureDesserts etsy shop

Light Pink Glittered Birds

from

Linda's Paperie etsy shop

Felted Baby Ballet Slippers

from

sammysgrammy etsy shop