Aprons and More

3rd Anniversary Sale!

2012-01-07T09:07:00.009-05:00

It's here!!! My 3rd Anniversary!! My Etsy shop has been open 3 years as of Monday. I can't believe it...it seemed to go by so fast! Thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped my shop grow. As of this morning, I have 1,488 sales! This job has been a blessing and a dream come true. It has given me a way to stay home and take care of Sweet Mama through her last cancer battle, as well as, a way to pay my bills. I feel so lucky!

Help me celebrate! Starting Jan 12, everything in my shop will be 15% off through the end of this month! Get your favorite...On Sale!!! Check it out here!

Remember Sale start Monday! But if you see something that you like and I haven't changed the price yet, just ask! It takes me a while to get things setup the way I like...:)

Thank you so much for making my shop a success!!

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-04T08:27:00.004-05:00

Today is my little brother's 40th Birthday!! Wow...how did he get to be so old?! Seems like only yesterday he was just a little kid...

Happy Birthday Bobby!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T19:25:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

This Holiday Season...

2011-12-20T16:58:00.006-05:00

This Christmas...

Bella is waiting for Santa!

As Beau settles down for a long winter's nap...

May Christmas bring you happiness, health and joy this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T19:40:00.007-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Every year Sweet Mama and I go to visit family at my uncle's farm in South Georgia. This year is no different. There will be a lot of standing around and talking, eating and later gathering around the burn barrel and more talking!

It is a great time to see cousins and aunts and uncles on my dad's side. Plus have a little fun!!
Hope you have a wonderful day with the ones you love!

I almost missed Fall!

2011-11-11T20:42:00.014-05:00

Fall has finally come to Middle Georgia! Last night it when down to 32 degrees...a little chilly since it has been warm during the day. But I am ready for some cold weather!!

I have been a little under the weather for the last few weeks. I had to have a root canal 2 weeks ago and had a reaction to the antibiotics. Not a good week. And I am working one day a week AND had to babysit Skippy overnight a couple of nights this week. whew...did I mention my Esty shop has gotten busy too?! I have almost forgotten to enjoy the season.

Because of my tooth/med problem I had to skip Halloween this year...my favorite holiday. A very sad day. We only had one decoration out and it was inside. Normally we deck out the house and yard like this!

But after the loss of my cousin in September and then my tooth... this did not happen. I laid in the bed with the lights off with the blinds closed. I felt like I was hiding from Halloween.

When I finally started feeling better I looked out the screened porch and was surprised! My mum from last year was blooming!! Sweet Mama stuck it in a planter last Fall and I guess it liked it and flourished!
I know it is not the prettiest, but it made it through the year!! And you know, I got to thinking, if you persevere you can make it through anything. You might be a little bedraggled but you still look pretty!

After it stops blooming I think I am going to cut it back and see how it does. Who knows, maybe it will come back next year!! I even made an apron that reminded me of it. What do you think? I mixed it with a coordinating fabric that has circles all over it. You can see more here.
I got the fabric at my new part time job at Hancock Fabrics. Yes, I broke down and got a j-o-b. But taxes on the condo are due and I need a little more cash flow. I only work one night a week but I get a discount on things for the shop. I think it is a win/win situation for everyone!

So now it's back to work in the shop. I am making new aprons and adding everyday, not to mention filling orders. Look for more Plus Size aprons and maybe a new potholder style or two!

I see inspiration everywhere, don't you?!

Are You Ready?!

2011-10-10T08:43:00.006-04:00

Halloween is not far away... Look Out! It is right behind you!!

BOO!!

Check my shop here for more Halloween aprons!!

Don't be a Fraidy Cat!!

Back To Work

2011-10-03T13:45:00.011-04:00

Whew!! Back from vacation! 1000+ miles later! Actually we go back last week but I have been busy working and getting back in the swing of things...

Sweet Mama and I went to Iowa to visit LB. It was chilly up there! We had one morning in the 30s...brrrr. That's winter here in GA!! We looked like we were from the South..all bundled up with some people walking around in shorts and tank tops. It was so nice to get back to the 90s!

While we were up there we went to Cedar Falls. It is such a pretty town. Here are a few pics!

Check out this sign! We do not have signs like this!! Also notice the sky...it was rainy and/or cloudy almost the whole time we were there.

We met Ella aka Cinderella (but she hates that name!). This is Bruiser's new "sister". They have become best friends!! Even sharing a lap!

They were so funny! It was a big deal to get in your lap underneath the blanket!

Just checking...everybody OK?

Check out the finger pointing to Ella!!

We had such a great time!! And enjoyed our "Fall" weather! Some were sad to see us go!!

Don't worry!! We will be back soon...but only when it warms up!!

I Think I am Addicted...

2011-09-01T08:09:00.008-04:00

I can't believe I am having so much fun!! This old loom has been revived with new ideas. I have been making new combos and patterns every afternoon. It is too hot in the kitchen where my sewing table and shop this are. The afternoon sun beats in and heats it up very fast. It has been a hot summer with temps in the upper 90 to 100s. So after lunch I retreat to the living room and do some weaving or make casserole carriers. Here are the latest!!

Aren't they cute?!! I love the Christmas and Halloween ones!

Doesn't the black in the fringe look like spider legs?

This is the last one made. Thinking ahead to Cherry Blossom time!! There are so many colors and combination that the possibilities are endless! Can't wait to see what I come up with this afternoon!

Want one? Check out the shop here!

A Tasty Treat

2011-08-27T09:50:00.004-04:00

Here is a tasty treat to enjoy!!

Baked Peaches with Brie

4 unpeeled peaches, pitted and cut into halves

4 oz Brie cheese, cut into 8 slices

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place peach halves on baking sheet. Top each half with a piece of brie. Drizzel with maple syrup and top with walnuts. Bake 10 minutes until cheese in melted and bubbling. Serve immediately.

Serves 8

What reminds you of 7th grade?

2011-08-08T17:10:00.005-04:00

These do!! I used to make a gazillion of these back in the day! We had to have the loom for Mrs. Puckett 7th grade Home Ec class. The boys in Shop made them and the girls bought them for their class. I wish I could remember who made mine...I hope he continued woodworking because mine has held up great!!

I had a friend ask me if I could make some for her mom. After I saw what she wanted I KNEW that I could...if I could just find the loom. You know... I do keep everything!

My things have been packed up in the back storage house or in the attic or in the garage for 6 years now. The good news was... I knew I was coming up here for awhile so I labeled and listed all contents of each box. I know..sounds a little obsessive but over the years I have been able to find most of what I have been searching for!

So I got to work moving boxes out of the little house in the backyard and sorting through them (Good thing there was a church attic sale this last weekend)! Finally in box #18 I found it!! It has been SOOO much fun making these and remembering good times of "back in the day"! I even have a set now in the shop here

Best $5 I ever spent!

Look what's new!!

2011-08-03T12:21:00.008-04:00

Look at my newest addition to the shop! These casserole carriers were made in the 1970s by my grandmother for my mom and aunts!! Nanny made all kinds of things...as long is it used Red Heart Yarns!! I took the one mom had and copied it and have sold them to the ladies at church. Then I thought why not add them to the shop and share them with you?!! So far I have added one just now! Check it out here

Wouldn't it be nice if I could read??? It is SOOOO HOOOTTT outside! Going to have a heat index of 110 today...If felt like 200 at 10am!! I guess I will retake this picture!

So thanks to Nanny (who has now left us). I am so glad I took the time to learn crochet so that I can carry on her work!!

Have five more to add!! Plus I will take special requests for different color combos.

Sizzling Summer BBQ SALE!!!

2011-07-22T16:11:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again...Time for the 2nd annual Sizzling Summer BBQ Sale!!! Now until July 31 all BBQ aprons are 10% OFF here! That includes Plus Size and Duets! Don't miss this sale to stock up on Christmas presents ~ Some aprons will not be repeated!

Saying goodbye...

2011-07-19T11:16:00.005-04:00

My family lost a sweet lady last week, My brother-in-law's mother, Carnegia (Ca-Knee-g), passed away early Wednesday morning in Savannah. She had a stroke and was in Hospice for about two weeks. Sweet Mama and I got to see her there and spent a little time with her as did all of her friends and family. It was always said that Carnegia had a better social life than anyone! She had so many friends! I will miss her pound cakes and sweet potato cassorole (with colored marshmellows on top!).

It just won't be the same without her...

We will miss you!!

Sort of a New Apron!

2011-07-09T14:50:00.008-04:00

I am adding a new apron to the shop! I had a customer ask for a full version of my 50's Pink Polka Dot Half Apron a week or so ago.

You remember it?!!

So I put on my thinking cap and got to work. I knew that I wanted it to be shorter than the Retro Ruffle apron so I started editing the pattern...

What do you think?

This is a pic of the sold apron...he also ordered a pink one too!
I know, I know...the right pocket is too high! I ripped it off and resewed it! I am thinking I need to make the ruffle a bit longer...maybe. What would you do??

I am going to make one for the shop... Keep watching!

Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-03T21:30:00.002-04:00

Hope y'all have a safe and fun 4th!!

Funny plus a giggle!

2011-06-27T19:59:00.008-04:00

Funny Rat (aka Bunny Rabbit) showed up the other night...got everyone excited!! If you look right above the black chair just above the piddly rose bush (yes that rose bush is pitiful..it gets no sun now that the Cherry tree has grown and the porch is in the way) But look...there is Funny! She is starring at us and we are starring at her! She showed up the other night with...a baby!!

Isn't Giggle cute?!! He was very fast..running circles around her. She just kept eating and scratching her fleas. She finally came up to the porch to say hello! Beau was very interested, but Bella, not so much. You remember a week or so ago she showed up, in the same place, and sat there all afternoon. Beau was in the house taking his nap and missed it! This time he could not take his eyes off her!!
Sorry the pic is a little blurry! I didn't want to scare anyone with a flash! They stayed for a bit with Giggle slipping through the fence and on to other adventures. Funny snacked and visited a bit and then saw the dog in the yard behind us and disappeared in a flash!! It has been a couple of days and I haven't seen them. But they come around this time in the evening so I best get back on the porch and start looking. I will have to keep my eyes open thought to see Giggle!!
He is just so cute!!

What I Have Been Up To...

2011-06-22T21:25:00.006-04:00

I have been very busy in the shop for the last few weeks! I have had a lot of custom orders. It has been fun but I wanted to add some new items to the shop. So I have gotten busy and here are the newest Duets! Originally they were just going to be BBQ aprons. They were stacked on the sewing table, one on top of another, when it hit me!! A perfect pairing don't cha think?!! Let me know which one is your favorite!

I have more to come..Plus Size, Duets, Ruffles and Christmas. So keep your eye on the shop!

You never know what you will find!!

Hare today...

2011-06-16T09:24:00.008-04:00

Funny the bunny has been visiting the neighbors! She was seen earlier in the week by Sweet Mama hopping across the front yard from the house next door. Later, in the early evening, she came back to our backyard...through the fence...for a snack.

I think she might have fleas!

She then had to leave and check out the yard behind us. That was two days ago. Haven't seen her since. Hope she made it through the night last night. We had one heck of a storm! Winds were howling at speeds up to 60 mph! I had to go out on the porch and secure everything that might break or blow away! Of course that was after midnight! It lasted til after 3am. At least I think it was 3am..that was the last time I heard anything. This morning it is calm and sunny. Although cool it is going to heat up to 99 degrees! Wish it was only going to be 80...sigh

I am going to keep my eyes out today for Funny. Hopefully she will hop back through the yard at some time.

Maybe I will put out some more carrots...

Funny Rat!!

2011-06-09T19:40:00.012-04:00

As you know it has been a HOT week! So hot that all you want to do is lay around and do nothing! It is so hot that the cats are bored with the outside world.... Until this afternoon! That is when I went out on the porch to get Bella to come inside...it was 97 degrees with the heat index at 101. Just too HOT! But Bella would not move... She was intently looking out the screen.

If you look close under the rose branch, blending into the pinestraw is Funny Rat, an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit!! We saw her last week! Bell could not take her eyes off him/her. I think it is a she...I think... She was very calm and laid in the same place for 2 or 3 hours. We wondered if she was dead but she did change positions!
First position!

Second position!

Third position!

Finally she ended up this way! See her cute little white tail?! Around 6pm we got RAIN!!! She just sat there and got wet. It seemed like she was waiting for it to stop so she could explore. Which she did and made it through the fence slats into the neighbor's yard behind us!

It was a fun afternoon for all! Bella watched for awhile but got hot and bored and came in! Beau slept through most of it, but came onto the porch just before the rain! I don't think he ever saw Funny... Oh well, I'm sure she will be back... But until then, Bella will tell him all about her day!

It's just tooooo HOT!!

2011-06-05T17:33:00.014-04:00

It is just to HOT around here... 101 yesterday, 100 Friday and upper 90's last week. Next week more of the same. This is supposed to be August weather not the first week in June!! It is so hot and with no rain...my weeds are dying! I had to dig out my garden sculpture Friday from under the pine straw. It was halfway covered with dirt and had made it's own hole! I guess he wanted out of the heat too!

I probably should have left him in....

The reason for all this interest in the smiling man is I decided on Thursday to put up a clothesline. It has been so hot that to run the dryer is just too much heat. We have been hanging up shirts and pants on hangers and hanging them in every doorway. It has gotten to be a obstacle course! So I decided to revive the clothesline! I had one up 6 years ago when I moved in but took it down. I like my sheets on the line, they smell so clean!

Now, I thought I could use the same hooks that were up there, but one had fallen out of the tree. So I first put up a metal hook like this one with a ring to help hold the clothesline tight.

It lasted just long enough for me to get everything perfectly clothes pinned on... then...POP...nice clean sheets laying in the pinestraw. (Now keep in mind I am now sweating!) On to Plan B! The side that stayed up was connected to a plant hanger that had a birdfeeder on it(empty, of course...has been that way for a while! I forgot it was there!!)
I went scrounging around and found another hanger and decided to put it up. After finding a ladder, screws and the screwdriver...carrying it all outside...finding a level place for the ladder...and FINALLY getting both screws to stay in...Here is the finished project...

So now, with the line back up, back to hanging the sheets! I think the line should hold don't you?!! Notice the interesting tie job...pretty...sigh...remember it's HOT!

Now the final step....and voila!!
I know....the middle one is not straight... I did the best I could... It was 10:00 and almost 95 degrees! I was so done!! Time for a cold drink and shower!!!

They say that the hot weather is here for awhile... So I am thinking cool thoughts and remembering winter.....

It will be here soon...right? That is if we get any snow...none last year...

But I can dream!!!

New Neighbor

2011-06-01T21:34:00.004-04:00

Today after coming home from the Post Office I noticed I left the back gate open. Must have been because I was in such a hurry to go inside after my lawn mowing!! Anyway, what did I see just inside the gate but a tiny baby blue jay! See it in the right of this picture?! It just sat there looking at me but did not move away. I remember yesterday afternoon Beau was sitting in my bedroom window, taking in the view, when all of a sudden something hit the window. I guess it must have been the Mama Blue Jay. She was hollering and making passes at the window. Beau just sat there...very entertained!! Finally she left and Beau took a nap.

When I saw the baby I wondered if it had fallen out of the nest and had been sitting there all night, morning and now early afternoon. Sweet Mama said to go get it a shallow bowl of water and put it near the baby. I did, shut the gate and left. A little while later I when back and the baby was gone! I looked all around...no feathers. I guess it didn't fall out...it had fledged!! Later this evening I was doing yardwork and Sweet Mama said it had been in the front yard right where I was going to work. I am putting pavers around my newest cherry tree. I would show you but darkness caught me!

The baby is learning the neighborhood!

Maybe we will meet again tomorrow! I will let you know!

Did I just see....

2011-05-31T20:56:00.006-04:00

It is going to be over 100 degrees the rest of this week!! So I was getting ready to cut the backyard with my "Old School " lawnmower this evening before it gets too hot.

It saves tons of money on gas. ;)

We got it to cut the weeds in between the yardman's visits. I kinda like it. It is very easy to use ~ plus it is exercise equipment...right?! After cutting the backyard my legs were tired!! But before I started, I was in at the computer checking my Esty store when Sweet Mama said from the porch..."Look at that!"

Look what I saw hopping through our fenced backyard!!

I know it is hard to see BUT I took this pic through a storm door and screened-in porch! SO it is a little blurry! When I went to get a better shot it was gone...through the fence slats and into another yard. It reminded me of when I was a teenager and my brother was little. We had a rental house in Holden Beach NC. Every time he saw one he would say "Look a Funny Rat!!"

So here is our Funny Rat...just thought I would share! ;)

Sharing with the world!

2011-05-25T19:19:00.003-04:00

Back in March I sold 5 St Patrick's Day half aprons to Barcelona, Spain! Earlier this month I received this picture of them! The customer was an owner of a coffee shop and wanted these for her waitresses for St Paddy's Day! Are they cute!! I love to see my customers enjoying my work! And it is cool to think that something I made here at my kitchen table is being worn around the world. This weekend I sold a mother and 2 toddler aprons to Canada, 2 BBQ aprons to England, 1 BBQ to Australia and I made a Ruffle Apron for a friend who is taking it as a gift to Italy!

Just so cool!!

Hellloooo

2011-05-06T20:26:00.010-04:00

Hello friends!

I sorry I have been missing for a bit. It has been a very busy Mother's Day season!

And to add to that I have been having a 10% off sale in the shop to celebrate Sweet Mama's birthday, which was April 8. She turned 75! So I have been sewing my little fingers to the bone to keep up with all the orders~ Now I'm not complaining...I'm happy to be busy!

But it has kept me from finding time to write...

So what has been going on with me...

Well, I have added Plus Size BBQ aprons to the shop which have been very popular! I also had a request for a Ruffle Apron in Plus Size. It turned out cute, so that is coming soon!

Also have a new Duet...Love it! Don't you!

It is called Romance...I did have a Ruffle like this too...I need to make another!

Tomorrow is a busy day. It's time for the annual power washing of the screen porch! It is covered in pollen and cat hair so everything must be deep cleaned and then replaced!

Quite an all day affair!!

Yes EVERYTHING must come out and be cleaned!

And I have flowers to plant! Another Gerber daisy to add to the collection!

And a new Knock Out rose to add to the front bed. I would have taken a pic to show but it has gotten dark! So I will share tomorrow with the finished product! (the color for the day is yellow!)

The first flower on this post is my mum from last fall!

It has decided to return...but it is not too pretty. See...
A little frazzled and stalky, but blooming and determined to persevere...just like me!!

So I promise to write more often...once I get my chores done! :)

Happy Earth Day!!

2011-04-22T21:21:00.008-04:00

Happy Earth Day!!! It was a beautiful day here! Sunny and very warm! Wish we would have had a tiny bit of rain...but it was not to be!

Found out today that I am in 3...count them 3, Earth Day treasuries!! They are all very cool! 2 feature my Go Green BBQ Apron which you can see more of here!

~Here are the treasuries~

First is Happy Earth Day

Second is another Happy Earth Day

And

Third is Earth Day

Thank you to all the curriators for choosing my aprons! I love them all!!

Finally I will leave you with the view that greeted us as we left the Good Friday service at church tonight! Isn't it amazing?!!!

Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Bye Bye Spring...

2011-04-19T20:00:00.007-04:00

Ah Spring! Why do you have to leave us so soon? Seems like we just met and now you are leaving!! We have enjoyed the beautiful flowers with their fragrant scents. The lovely splashes of color... But now here comes your sister Summer! Although she is always welcome...don't you think she is a bit early? She brings heat (89 today) and storms (forecast for the next few days)!
We wish you could stay longer...but we understand! You have done all that you were sent to do! We will miss you!

So until next year..here are some of the flowers still in the yard! Plus a holdover from fall!! Check out the size!!

I hoping it will bloom! ...what color was it again?

Eagle Watching

2011-04-13T13:12:00.013-04:00

Sweet Mama and I have been watching the Decorah Eagles in Decorah, Iowa! It is a nest with three babies being cared for by mama and daddy! We found out about it through LB who is a news anchor in Waterloo, Iowa. The station website had a link and we clicked and can't stop watching! The babies were born 4/3, 4/6 and 4/9. It is mesmerising to watch how the parents care for their young! The cameras (there are 2) are trained on the nest 24/7. The night view is infrared so it doesn't bother them. Here is the link so you can watch too!

Here are more pics!

The tallest in Junior, the one to the right is Rickie and the smallest is Baby! Sweet Mama named them...She said the parents names are Richard and Amy. Just so you know. ;)

This is Amy this morning! She is usually with the babies all night and Richard take the dayshift!

I wish I could make the pictures bigger and not so blurry but I took them off Facebook. Notice below her is a little stream. They eat alot of fish. This morning for breakfast we had fish and squirrel...

The Facebook page is here

I tell you, you can't stop watching! They will leave the nest in about 2 months or so...80 days from 1st hatching. I hope I can get some work done in between now and then. I don't know...the are just so cute!!

Two More Treasuries!!

2011-04-12T17:19:00.005-04:00

I am in two Etsy treasuries!

On Saturday my Pretty Chocolate Flowers BBQ Apron made it into this one!

Thank you The Crafty Crafter!!

Yummy!

And today my Mother Earth BBQ Apron is in this colorful treasury!! Thank you Sunrise Photography! So bright and cheerful!!

Fixin' Mistakes...

2011-04-11T15:54:00.008-04:00

See anything wrong with this pic? What's that.....besides the button is pinned on...the ribbons are UPSIDE DOWN??!!!! Yep! That's right...I cut out 3 aprons upside down...and finished one before I knew it was wrong! See... cute huh...but...WRONG!

I thought that the fabric was an all-over design...Not a 3-way design. Who ever heard of a 3-way design? This was a special order. And of course the fabric could not be found...not in the stores or online! And it had to be in the client's hand by the 14th. (Thursday). So after having a fit and falling in it, I put on my thinking cap and went to work. Here is what I came up with.

I like it! It is a little shorter than the regular BBQ aprons, but I think that makes it look a bit younger! I may have to make this style again...What do you think? Just wish I could get the fabric again!

I did get all three made and mailed out today ~ Priority Mail. :)

New treasuries!

2011-04-04T08:30:00.005-04:00

This weekend I was featured in two treasuries! Both are veggie themed!

My Vintage Grocers BBQ apron was featured in this tomato treasury!

Cute tomatoes!!!

My Delightful Dots Half Apron is featured here

Let's Get Cooking!!!

It was a tasty weekend!!!

It's Cherry Blossom Time!

2011-03-24T21:28:00.006-04:00

It's Cherry Blossom Time here in Middle Georgia!! The Cherry Blossom Festival began last weekend in Macon and lasts until this Sunday. They call it the Pinkest Party on Earth! This year the trees seemed like they were going to bloom early. Spring came sooner than normal. But they waited like they should and bloomed just in time!

Just a reminder of the life so far of my cherry tree...here it is when it was just 1 year old in 2007. No blooms...look how young Skippy is...

Now it is taller than the house...and only 5 years old!! They say it has to get older before it has more blooms... I wish I hadn't planted it so close to the porch...but the porch wasn't there yet! I did plant a new one last year during Cherry Blossom time! Hopefully it will grow just as just big!

Ahhhh Summer!

2011-03-20T14:11:00.005-04:00

Outdoor Cooking is the latest treasury I am featured in. It features my Picnic Ants BBQ Style Apron! Makes you want to pack up your stuff and head outside! You can see the whole thing here

Get ready for your next cookout with this cute apron!

It will be here before you know it!!

Whaattt???

2011-03-18T19:09:00.006-04:00

There is a disturbance in the force..... Beau has decided to take his nap this afternoon in the bottom of the perch! Sweet Mama got this for him and Bella two years ago. Both have sat on the top but no one EVER cared about the bottom cave underneath. Until Now!!!

I guess it was the noise of a neighbor cutting the grass today or the stress of the minor home repair work we had done this week. Or maybe it's the full moon...I don't know. But Beau decided this was his new nap place...today.

Who know if he will be there tomorrow afternoon.

I'll let you know!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:04:00.006-04:00

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

This is a reminder that St Patrick's Day is for parties and parades! Sadly I am in Central Georgia and it is just another day... I must remember days gone by...like the time I was in the Savannah Georgia Parade. It was fun...even though it was raining!

Ahhhh good times!

May the luck of the Irish be with you this fine day!

Plus Size Apron Now Available!!

2011-03-15T13:00:00.007-04:00

Finally!! Plus Size Aprons in my shop! This is the first one Blue Chocolate Flowers! It is a larger version of one of my most popular aprons! You can see the listing in my shop here It is a little bit longer than the original but just as cute!

Because my mannequin is on the small side, I had to come up with a better way to show the apron. I didn't want to have a skinny girl wearing an apron that didn't fit her! After some thought Sweet Mama suggested that we go to Goodwill and see if we could find a winter vest. You know the puffy kind... Which I did and put it on the mannequin backwards. It has adjustable drawstrings on the bottom sides that you can make tighter... so you won't freeze. That was great because once each side was tightened the vest was shorter and not hanging out the bottom of the overshirt. Sweet Mama's best friend is big busted and she donated an old bra! It took some trial and error to get it just right...but voila! What do you think?! I think she might need a different shirt but for now is perfect! I am adding more aprons like this one to the shop in different fabrics. Ruffle and Half aprons coming soon!

I think everyone should have a pretty apron!

Chicken Pot Pie

2011-03-05T12:23:00.004-05:00

It is a cold and rainy day here in Middle Georgia... I found this recipe which sounded so good. Has anyone ever made this one? Sounds so yummy and easy! My favorite kind!!

Chicken Pot Pie

12.5 oz can HORMEL chicken breast, drained and shredded

10 5 oz cream of broccoli soup

1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

1/3 c. milk

10 oz pkg frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained

16.3 oz can home-style refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In round baking dish, combine soup, milk and pepper. Stir in chicken & vegetables. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cut each biscuit into quarters & arrange over mixture. Bake 12-15 minutes longer or until biscuits are golden brown.

Enjoy!

Half Aprons!

2011-02-20T17:24:00.005-05:00

It has been the week for half aprons!! This is the latest addition. I love black and white with a touch of red..don't you?! Although this is the only one that got added this week, I have cut out a stack. Just feeling like making a bunch to add to the shop and I love this fun swingy (is that a word?) pattern! Plus I just sold 5 St. Patrick's Day half aprons to Barcelona, Spain! I guess the universe was telling me something...
St Patrick's Day will be here soon

and that means SPRING!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:35:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Duets Deluxe!

2011-02-13T16:31:00.007-05:00

Here's what I have been working on for the past few days! A new version of my Duets apron! This was pinned to my mannequin for a quite a bit while I lived with it ! After looking at it and dreaming about it... I made the right changes and Voila! Don't cha just love it!
I love the extra definition the ribbon gives to the apron.

Sweet Mama thinks it is very sophisticated!!

I am thinking about other combination I can use.

The possibilities are endless!

It's Official!!

2011-02-02T16:54:00.009-05:00

SPRING is on it's way!! My daffodils have begun sprouting!! Here on Groundhog's Day! General Beauregard Lee said there will be an early Spring...and here is the proof!

After a horrible day yesterday I wasn't too sure. But it rained all night and look what popped up!

Yesterday I had to take Sweet Mama to Atlanta to see her Prosthodontist. It was like a cloud was sitting on the interstate...the whole way there and back. Misty rain and heavy fog...Just a dreary yukky day. But when I saw these in the yard today...totally worth it!

Ah Spring...I hope you stay longer this time than last year.

Your cousin Summer was such a party crasher!!

The Latest!

2011-01-30T12:45:00.007-05:00

This is what I did on Thursday! I made this cute wristlet!! I have 2 cousins that are turning 14 next week...Actually they are my cousins kids but who is counting?! I am going to send each one a wristlet to test drive for me. I am thinking of adding them to the shop!

This one was fairly easy to make...only a slight confusion on some of the instructions but I figured it out! Here is the inside ~

I love the credit card slots on the flap! But as you can see I had to topstitch the edge so that the cards would not fall out! Don't know if I will carry my cards there but coupons fit just fine! I am really enjoying it...I have carried it ever since Friday. Of course I had to do a little editing with all the junk I carry around...but who need all that crap anyway! It was just weighing me down! It has a divided pocket which is great!

I got the pattern from The Crochet Diva http://www.thecrochetdiva.etsy.com/ back in July. Finally I have gotten around to making it! Her wristlets have more contrast than mine. I wanted a more solid purse that would go with anything. She has some cute sewing patterns! Check it out!

Off to go make 2 wristlets! Let you know what happens and how they turn out!

Ahhh

2011-01-28T19:11:00.003-05:00

Just a little cuteness!
Been a long day! Goodnight!!

Bacon Corn Chowder

2011-01-25T11:51:00.005-05:00

It is a rainy chilly day...How about some soup!! Here is a great recipe I found in a church cookbook. You will love it!

Bacon Corn Chowder

6 bacon strip, diced

3/4 c. diced celery

1 small onion, diced

1 c. diced, uncooked potato

1 c. water

1 (14 3/4 oz.) can creamed style corn

1 c. milk

1/2 seasoned salt

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

In a saucepan, cook bacon, celery, and onion over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until bacon is cooked; drain. Add potato and water. Cover simmer for 20 minutes or until potato is tender. Stir in remaining ingredients; heat through (do not boil). Refrigerate or freeze leftovers.

Makes 4 Servings

Enjoy!

Easy Come... (Almost) Easy Go

2011-01-18T11:00:00.009-05:00

What is difference a day makes. Last week we had a ice storm...shut down the town for 2 days! Ice stayed on the rooftops and in shady places for a few days. But eventually things have gone back to normal. Although we do have a spot of ice in the roof creases. My niece goes to college in Atlanta and went back Sunday before the weather went bad. She was iced in for a week! In some areas north of the city the roads were still a problem for drivers yesterday...

But now the rain has come and things are back to normal everywhere! Good thing we were not in Atlanta...what a difference 90 miles makes! Here is a view out the window:

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Today

Hope everyone enjoys the day!

Don't forget...SALE in my etsy shope ends on 1/23!!
Don't miss it!

Ice Ice Baby!

2011-01-10T12:39:00.015-05:00

Our "Winter Event" has happened! We woke up to what looked like snow with sleet falling! The weather people say that this is ice not snow... Looks like snow to me but crunchy when you step on it. Here is what it looks like!

Skippy has been having a fun time! Showed up this am ready to frolic! He is our one man snow/ice removal crew! Although he did get a little distracted!!

There ice everywhere! I can't even get into the backyard.

The gate latch is frozen with ice and the back door from the porch is too!

They say that it is supposed to melt a bit and then refreeze. But the good news is that it's going to be 45 degrees tomorrow! So before it is gone...enjoy some of my pics!

Just heard from LB..soome of my pics are going to be featured on the weather segment on KWWL in Waterloo, IA! Thanks bro!!

Meanwhile I'll hum some more Vanilla Ice...Word to yo mother!

A bird's nest waiting for Spring!

SALE! SALE! SALE!

2011-01-09T17:03:00.005-05:00

2nd Anniversary Sale going on now through Jan, 23!! Help me celebrate my 2 year anniversary and my 1000 customer! Everything in the shop 15% off! Lots of deals! Get your favorites now! Check out the box on the righthand side of this page!

Plus it will give me something to do during our "Wintery Mix" which is predicted for tonight/tomorrow...could be snow...could be sleet...or maybe freezing rain....or just plain rain! Who knows! Pictures to follow!!

1000 Sales!!!!

2011-01-05T13:07:00.004-05:00

Thank you to Michelle the 1000 customer in my Etsy shop!!! This is the apron that she bought. I LOVE this one and it has sat waiting for someone to buy it for quite awhile! I am so thrilled Michelle got it!!

I can't believe I have sold 1000...well actually it has been more than 1000. This repesents 1000 orders, it doesn't count the actual items sold. I am sure I reached 1000 items months ago but 1000 customers is great!

I am SO lucky to have this as my job. It is great to wake up every morning and be able to do something you love...and it pays the bills!

♥ Thank you all for helping me to live my dream! ♥

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:25:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! It has been a busy morning around here! I have been cleaning out, rearranging, moving and throwing away! It is a warm day and has made me motivated to do the things I have putting off for awhile...cold weather will do that you know. I do have more to do but I also have orders to fill. I am up to 997 sales in my Etsy shop! I can't believe I am almost at 1000 and it has just been little old me sewing away.... My 2 year anniversary is Jan 12, so keep checking for my Aniversary Sale! 15% off everything in the shop! (Except Clearance, of course). Then more new things to come!!

Thanks for a great 2010 and best wishes for a wonderful new year!

Almost Back To Normal

2010-12-29T13:43:00.005-05:00

I am almost done with taking down the Christmas decorations. The tree is down and the inside sparkle is put away. I just have the outside to do....but I am waiting on the warm weather! No not Spring.... Saturday it will be 70, which is close enough. My brother, LB, as here for the holidays and helped me put stuff away and back up in the attic. We got it done pretty quickly. It was nice to have a tall man around!

We had a nice Christmas! Sweet Mama said that LB was her present...she was going to put a bow on his head to let everyone know. He opted out! There was talk of snow here for Christmas day...but NO. Everyone else in the state got some...even Savannah had a flurry. But here in middle GA...we got nothing...not even a flake. Skippy was one dissapointed boy. LB said that he could go home with him...they had 10 to 14 inches while he was gone! He was not looking forward to digging out his car at the airport! There still was snow on the ground in Atlanta when we took him to the airport on Tuesday evening. It would have been nice if we had just a teeney bit...

So now that the Christmas rush is over, time for New Year plans. The 2nd Anniversary Sale of my Etsy shop is next month! 10% Off!! I am busy getting cute new things ready... But Beau is pooped. He thinks it is time for a long winter's nap!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:28:00.002-05:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Fabric Design

2010-12-10T19:28:00.004-05:00

I made this apron and potholder for my Etsy friend Cindy's mom for Christmas! What is so cool about this is...Cindy designed the fabric! She is a graphic artist who has a shop that sells cards, prints, rugs and other cool things based on the Arts and Crafts style. This is my favorite period in art...Frank LLoyd Wright...William Morris...just love it! Check out her shop http://www.cindylindgren.etsy.com/ and then check out her blog http://www.cindylindgren.blogspot.com/ and read all about her fabric and rugs...as well as the Arts and Crafts Movement...and my apron!!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2010-12-06T17:05:00.004-05:00

Did we skip Fall and just jump straight into winter????? 20 degrees tonight! So much for the warm sunny South!

What to do with leftovers?

2010-11-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

What are you going to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Here's a great recipie! You can use the leftover turkey! I found this on the Stove Top stuffing cannister. It calls for chicken but use the turkey! Delicious!!

Easy Chicken Bake

2 cups stuffing mix

1 lg can chicken or 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken cut into to strips

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup OR any other cream soup

1/3 cup sour cream

1 bag (16 oz or less) frozen mixed vegetables ~ thawed and drained

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

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare stuffing as directed, set aside. Mix chicken, soup, sour cream amd veggies in 13 x 9 baking dish. Top with stuffing. Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T19:22:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

2010-11-24T16:50:00.006-05:00

Today is the baby's 7th birthday!! I can't believe is he that old. Seems like only yesterday he was a lost little kitten struck outside in a thunderstorm. Big sister Bella is so glad he found us. They are a perfect pair!

Happy Birthday Beau!!

What Cancer Cannot Do

2010-11-17T14:20:00.005-05:00

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love

It cannot shatter hope

It cannot corrode faith

It cannot destroy peace

It cannot kill friendship

It cannot suppress memories

It cannot silence courage

It cannot invade the soul

It cannot steal eternal life

It cannot conquer the spirit.

This was given to Sweet Mama when she was going through radiation last summer. It helped her make it through this hard time and gave her strength. I hope it helps whoever needs it most. ♥

New Apron Line!

2010-11-02T08:39:00.007-04:00

I have a new product line! Thanks to a great customer I have fresh ideas swirling in my brain! She wanted combos of two patterns on one apron. I filled her order and by having two different fabrics, I had to cut out two aprons each. The one above is the one I sold...the one below is my newest!

Here are some of the ones my customer ordered. What do you think??

Perseverance

2010-10-27T08:29:00.004-04:00

Can you believe it? It will be 91 degrees today. Too hot. I hear it is Fall but.....My roses don't know it yet! This rose is planted by the storage house in the back yard. I didn't plant it...it has been here since Sweet Mama bought this house. It always has looked a little sickly but this year it has persevered. It has decided to grow....and grow...and grow! A little house sure hasn't got it the way! So it reminds me that no matter the challenges...never give up!

I'll let you know if it blooms!

Change of Season?

2010-10-17T17:50:00.004-04:00

The days are getting a little cooler...sort of! It starts out chilly and then ended pretty warm. It has been in 80's in the afternoons. I have been waiting to change out my clothes from summer to winter...I guess that will have to wait. Good thing I have some Halloween t-shirts!

Beau, no matter the weather, can always find a patch of sun. Hope your Sunday has been a relaxing as his!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee Creamer

2010-10-08T17:32:00.004-04:00

Now that the weather has gotten a little cooler...here's a little something to put you in the mood for Fall!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee Creamer

4 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. allspice
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

Combine all ingredients. Mix together. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 1 -1/4 cups

Enjoy!

Whew!

2010-10-03T13:22:00.003-04:00

The past few weeks have been busy! After a trip out of town to the DR and minor surgery things were starting to calm down...then the rain came! Of course we needed it but we got 5 1/2 inches in one day! That's not as much as they got in N.C. but for us it was plenty! Lots of tree branches came down...and I had to haul them to the street. After I moved the cushions out of the wet area of the porch, Belle found a great napping place! Whew!!

Now after rest and relaxation I am back to my old self...just in time for all the Holiday orders to start! Did I tell you that I now have 700 sales my shop? www.apronsandmore.etsy.com I hope to make 1000 by January!! It could happen...! :)

Hello Fall!!

2010-09-22T19:50:00.004-04:00

I am so glad you are finally here! Although it was 93 here today...hopefully cool days can't be far behind!!! I noticed the goldenrod was starting to bloom last Friday, which means 6 more week till cold weather. For once I can't wait! It has been so hot here for so long...my Spring projects never got finished because it was too hot. My front porch rocking chairs were in the process of being stripped and primed. Only one of the 2 got primed, the other is sitting on the porch looking a little long in the tooth! A bit grey... SO Fall should bring me cooler weather to finish the chairs so they will look great for next spring! Just in time to turn yellow from all the pollen!! Oh well...

In honor of the goldenrod here is my latest apron! I love this fabric!! But I love Fall and all the Fall colors! Don't you!!

Back from Vacation!

2010-08-31T19:12:00.009-04:00

I am back from vacation!!! I took Sweet Mama to Iowa to visit my brother and his fiance...and the two grand dogs! We had a great time... Played a lot of cards and wii!!! Sweet Mama bowled, ski jumped, golfed and ping ponged!! A fierce competitor is she and actually not bad for a one-eyed woman! We also did a little bit of shopping! The street above is in Dubuque, Iowa...about 90 miles away. There is an incline railroad there that ends on this street with cute shops below. It is called the Fenelon Place Elevator built in 1882. It has been described as "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway, 296 feet in length, elevating passengers 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place. Magnificent view of the business district, the Mississippi River and three states." Yes I did see all three states! More info can be found here www.dbq.com/fenlco

It was fun! We rode from the top to the bottom. This was at the bottom.

You have to pay at the top which is on a tiny neighborhood street. It was $1.00!

When I was in the shops there was a cool bookstore (which I bought a Crochet book!) and a neat antique shop which had this!

I have never seen a mannequin like this one! Check out how the skirt can be expanded! It was $200...if I was closer to home...and rich! Too cool!!!

Here are some pictures of the grand dogs. Bruiser is the alpha dog...a chihuahua. (He was named after the dog on "Totally Blonde"). He is very sweet and cuddly. Sam is a flat coat retriever who is camera shy! He is actually a foster dog and is going back home to Missouri on Saturday. He belongs to H's parents who had moved to Arizona and could not take him with them. But they are now back in MO and now, a year later, Sam is going back home too! Bruiser is getting a girl friend sometime soon..Cinderella. He can not be left alone...he gets lonely. So he is getting a cute babe...Pictures to come! I hope he will be nice!

We had a great time but the drive home was long. It takes 2 days! Skippy kept the cats and they loved him! That was nice..so glad they didn't have to go back to the kennel...Beau HATED that!! They are thrilled we are back and life is getting back to normal...whatever that is. I just miss the cool weather..although they said it was hot up there. I couldn't tell! It was 94 degrees here when I checked one day with a heat index of 111...Didn't miss that one bit!

It was nice not to think about work and relax..just like Bruiser!

Locks of Love

2010-08-30T13:43:00.006-04:00

Here is my contribution to Locks of Love!! Since Sweet Mama was sick and the the hospital off and on I didn't have time to drive down to Savannah to get my hair cut. My hairdresser has been cutting my hair for almost 20 years! I felt like I would be cheating on him if I went to someone up here...so I let my hair just grow! I had been wanting to donate hair for quite a while now but it has to be at least 10" long. I would get tired of it ....break down and whack it off before I was even close! This time (because of Sweet Mama and time constraints) I made it a year and a half! When it was cut I had 12"!!! Yippee!! Locks of Love is an organization that makes wigs for kids suffering from long-term or permanent hair loss, many are cancer patients. http://www.locksoflove.org/

What a great way to give back and help others dealing with cancer!

Whew! Part 1

2010-08-12T09:38:00.011-04:00

What a month!! Birthday season has struck here at the homeplace! Starting July 12th through yesterday we have had 4...count them 4! TG was 7/12 (in Iowa!), mine 7/23, Skippy 7/30 and Red's 8/11! Now we get a break until December!

Yes that's me...I turned the big 5-0...don't tell anyone!! I had a nice little party with family and then one in Savannah the Saturday afterwards. It was great! And yes I did get my hair cut! But more about that later!!

Skippy turned the big 1-6! Driver's license coming in the next week when we get home!

We celebrated both mine and his birthday with a trip to Helen, Ga. That was fun! Helen is a little town in Northeast Georgia that was reinvented in the 60's to look like a Germany alpine village. All the buildings look like chalets...even Wendy's! We played tourist...Skippy and his parents went on a Zip Line adventure while mom and I discovered the town one morning. On Friday we took the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad train trip to the Georgia/Tennessee border. There we had lunch and did a little shopping!

We rented a cabin right outside of Helen for 5 days on the side of a mountain...with a hot tub (that Skippy LOVED). We all had a great time and can't wait to get back up there and breathe the cool mountain air!
Stay tuned for Part 2!

Full Moon

2010-07-25T21:05:00.000-04:00

The full moon on Moon River, Savannah, GA....last night!

Another Treasury!!

2010-07-17T20:43:00.003-04:00

I have made it into another treasury!!! I am so happy that my aprons are enjoyed so much and are chosen! Here is the link for the latest!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c41c52f57e06d9148fa6771/lovely-lemon-treats

Thanks handmademom for featuring my Lovely Lemon Retro Ruffle Apron!!

I'm HOT...

2010-07-14T21:48:00.006-04:00

Okay...it's 83 degrees at 9:50pm. That is just too hot...I know, it is middle Georgia...and it is Summer...but I am HOT! So... here is a little picture to help you cool off too!

Remember our tiny snow fall in Feb? Okay it was HUGE to us! And, of course, was almost gone by daylight! Which was fine with me! But a little of this stuff would be nice to have right about now!

So cool of with me and my memories...Look out the door with Mom....feel the cool air and sleep well!!

Two More Treasuries!!

2010-07-12T22:11:00.006-04:00

I was lucky enough to be included in two more Etsy Treasuries this weekend! Blue Chocolate Damask BBQ Style Apron made it in to this treasury! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c39ed959be26d914ad06cb2/carribean-blues

And My Java BBQ Style Apron made it into this one! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c38ac01229d8eef9cab415d/christmas-in-july-raspberries-and?index=0

I hope you will find time to look at both of these pretty treasuries!

(And I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm in them!!) :)

600 Sales and a Treasury!!

2010-07-06T14:03:00.004-04:00

I have reached 600 Sales!!!! Whoo Hooo!! Wild Flower BBQ Apron is the lucky winner! Yippeee!

I am also in a Treasury! My Enchanted Forest Potholders is featured in a treasury full of items under $10! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=100600
Check it out! But hurry it expires Tuesday at 11:29pm!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-03T21:55:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th! Hope you all have a safe and fun holiday!

I'm having a SALE!

2010-06-30T17:49:00.004-04:00

I'm having a Sizzling Summer Barbecue Birthday Sale at my Etsy shop!! http://www.apronsandmore.etsy.com Yep...July 23 is my birthday and I am planning on celebrating for the next three weeks! From now until the 23rd all BBQ Style Aprons are 10% off the regular retail price! Instead of $18.95 now it's $17.00 (It should be $17.05 but I knocked it off 5 more cents...that's why I'm the boss!!) and there is FREE SHIPPING!!

So take advantage of the sale and get some Christmas presents early!!

Sales ends 7/23!!

Field Trip!!

2010-06-23T21:42:00.017-04:00

Yesterday I took the day off and went on a field trip! Well, actually, it was a road trip with Skippy and my cousin's daughter who is visiting from Florida. She is here in Middle Georgia visiting with her grandparents until the weekend. Skippy and I have been talking for awhile now about going over to Warm Springs to see the Little White House. With H. here, we decided now was the perfect time...what better way to get away from old people than a field trip?!

Warm Springs is only about an hour away... on a nice new 4 lane road with no traffic... almost the whole way! Skippy was hoping to drive but, alas, that was not to be! We left about 9:30 and with one detour we were there!!

The Little White House

Franklin D. Roosevelt built this house in 1932, before he was president, for him to be closer to the springs that were said to cure Polio. It is not very big but very interesting inside. Houses were smaller back then. This one had a kitchen, butler's pantry, two bedrooms and a living room on the first floor. I took a few photos!

FDR's Bedroom

The window is a door to the living room and I was standing in the doorway of the bathroom. The bathroom divides the space between his room and Eleanore's.

Eleanore and the Kids Bedroom

This room was used for Eleanore and some of the kids when they were there. Eleanore did not come very often!

Servants Quarters

The little windows on the top floor was were where the cook and the valet and his wife lived. There are two tiny bedrooms, a bathroom (with a toilet and sink only) and a living area.

Below is a two car garage...with large windows! Here's the cook's room!!

This is the Guest House!! I liked this one the best but could not get any pictures inside because people were in the way! It has a beautiful living room with a stone fireplace, one bedroom and a bathroom. So cute!! I can't wait to go back! Maybe I can get a picture then!

After a look around the museum and gift shop we headed out to the Pools.

We had to drive there but it was worth it! These massive pools are drained now but once a year (Labor Day weekend) they are filled for the public to enjoy for a cost of $20 apiece per adult. This also has a museum...with an iron lung! An eye-opener for my little group!

Once outside we were able to walk down into the middle pool to a fountain trough that had spring water flowing in it! The guide said for us to place our hands in the water and wait a few minutes before taking them out. When we did our skin was so soft! So were these people's skin!!

I can't imagine what swimming in it would feel like...Skippy thinks we need to go online are buy our tickets now for Labor Day! We will see!

Father's Day

2010-06-20T14:14:00.006-04:00

It's been 26 years since I lost my dad. It seems like just yesterday some days and other days... a lifetime ago.

Thanks for making me laugh!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

I'm in 2 Etsy Treasuries!!!

2010-06-15T20:00:00.004-04:00

I am lucky enough to be in two treasury today!! The first one is Domestic Goddess!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c1751c4faec8eef38bc0c9b/domestic-goddess

Lots of black and white...and red! My Parisian Chic Potholders are featured!

The next on is What Kind Of Chocolate Are You?

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c117d536a908eefc7974d1b/what-kind-of-chocolate-are-you

This one is brown and blue. My Blue Chocolate Flowers BBQ Apron is featured!

Click on these links and enjoy!!

(Sorry about my screenshots! I do not have a photo editing program...so, this is the best I could do with the free ones. :))

Fresh Herb Mayo!

2010-06-12T14:07:00.005-04:00

Growing herbs this year? Try this refreshing addition

to your next BLT!

Fresh Herb Mayonnaise

2 cups mayonnaise*
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano

Stir all ingredients together.
*Low Fat Mayo can be substituted!

Keep refrigerated

Sadness

2010-06-03T22:00:00.011-04:00

I have been watching the TV lately while I work... It brings great sadness to me.

I was in Mobile, Alabama a few years back for work. We had some free time so I decided to go out to Dauphin Island and see the beach. I took with me a girl from Montana who had never seen the Gulf. It was a little chilly but so pretty. We went to the West end of the island and walked on the beach. Being an East Coast girl I had never really seen the Gulf from this vantage point. My grandparents lived on the west coast of Florida, around Sarasota, so we always went there. It is so different. I had never seen oil rigs on the horizon before. Here at Dauphin Island they were right there. I remember thinking at the time that how sad it was to have that blocking the view.

We walked the beach going our own separate ways. I started snapping away with my camera.

There was damage from Katrina still there. Houses were being rebuilt. Businesses were coming back.
We had so much fun! It was so nice to get away to such a calming place. Sad now to think that greed and oil will destroy the beauty and way of life. I feel helpless. I don't want to think that these are the last clean images I have from there.

Please pray with me for the Gulf and that a solution is found soon!!

Tasty Tuesday..on Wednesday!

2010-06-02T18:12:00.006-04:00

I had to take Sweet Mama to the doctor in Atlanta last week. While we were sitting in the waiting room I started flipping through Southern Living Magazine. I came across this tasty sounding recipe! Yummy!

Fresh Herb Spoon Rolls

1 (1- 1/4oz) envelope dry yeast

2 cups warm water

4 cups self rising flour

1/4 cup melted butter

3/4 cup chopped chives

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 large egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine yeast and 2 cups of warm water in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in flour and remaining ingredients. Spoon into 2 lightly greased 12 cup muffin pan filling 3/4 full.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 -22 minutes until golden brown.

Makes 2 dozen

Enjoy!!

Ahhhhh

2010-05-27T20:12:00.003-04:00

Gardenias are blooming in the yard!!! I wish you could smell this! Heavenly! Check out the front yard! They're everywhere!! Ahhhhhh...

Tasty Tuesday

2010-05-25T17:55:00.005-04:00

I made spaghetti this weekend and found this recipe on the back of a can of spaghetti sauce. It sounds so good and so easy!! I am going to make it as soon as I get the missing ingredients! Yummy! Let me know what you think!!!

Beefy Skillet Ravioli

1 lb lean ground beef

1 can(26-oz) Hunt's Garlic & Herb Spaghetti sauce

1 can(14.5 oz) Hunt's Diced Tomatoes with Sweet Onion, or Hunt's Diced Tomatoes in Juice

1 pkg (9 oz) refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli

2 Tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley

Brown ground beef in large skillet; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; blend well. Bring to a boil.

Add ravioli to skillet; spoon meat sauce over ravioli until well coated. Reduce heat; cover and simmer on medium heat 15 minutes or until ravioli is tender.

Sprinkle with cheese and parsley.

Enjoy!

I'm in a Treasury!

2010-05-24T09:02:00.004-04:00

I'm in a Etsy Treasury!! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=99398 Thank you QuiltingGranny! This Black and White Polka Dot collection has different items all in black and white. I am honored to be included! Check it out before it expires Tues at 11:13am! Click on my apron...the more views the more chances to be on the Front Page!

All That's Left...

2010-05-22T09:31:00.009-04:00

This is all that is left of "The Visitor". She made this bed for herself on Thursday...it was so hot here. I had the screen door propped open for her but she liked this space better! It is right beside the porch at the edge of the patio in a very shady area. Such a smart dog!

Yesterday Sweet Mama called the Animal Control people again to see if someone could come out and check to see if she had a micro chip... Bella has one from when she was at the humane society. They chipped every animal who was brought it, cats and dogs. (Bella is so 21st century..Beau is jealous!)

Sweet Mama talked to the guy for a long time. Making sure that if "V" was taken to the animal shelter she would not be put to sleep. He reassured her and said that only the "bad" animals were put down. "V" will be kept at the shelter for a week and if no one claims her she will be put up for an adoption or given to a rescue group.

So, sadly, Sweet Mama let her go when no chip was found in her. The rain was coming and now she would stay safe and dry. The reason we kept her in the first place was so that she would not get run over. With guarantees that she would not be put to sleep, she rode away. Such a sweet dog but too young and strong for Sweet Mama to handle. Plus she didn't want a dog anyway. Bella makes sure of that by napping with her everyday! We are going to go down to the shelter and check on her middle of next week... and take a donation of dog food. We will miss her.

Meanwhile....Beau is missing his dog. He looks for her all the time.

Bella, on the other hand, is overjoyed that The Animal is gone. She can now go back out on her porch and chill.

The Visitor

2010-05-19T18:15:00.003-04:00

This showed up at the house yesterday morning! Sweet Mama and I were out pruning roses and putting out the trash...it was trash day! When who came walking down the street and into the yard but this sweet girl. Now, mind you, Sweet Mama DOES NOT want a dog.

Bella , the cat who can get along with everyone, doesn't either! She will not come out on the screen porch at all... But Beau thinks that "it" is pretty cool. As you all know by now, he hates every cat that THINKS about putting a paw in the yard. But the dog, well that's a different story! He just sits and watches her through the screen...chillin'!

The dog is very well-mannered. Can sit and stay. She also has a bark collar on (I think). This did not stop her from softly barking from 3:15 til 4:00am! And then again at 6:00. I'm sorry... as sweet as she is , she has got to go! I put up flyers all around the neighborhood yesterday...even call the animal control people today(just to see if anyone was missing her). But I haven't heard back from them. Hopefully someone will call...they have to be missing her.

Arggggh...She is now digging holes in the flowerbeds... Someone better call tonight...please!!

The Newest!

2010-05-18T20:29:00.004-04:00

Here is the newest Mom and Me apron set! It is so cute!! This was orignally a custom order...but I thought why not make it available to everyone?! The custom Me apron was a size 7-8...or it can be made is a 3-4 or 5-6! My mind is buzzing with the possiblities!!

Guess What?!

2010-05-13T09:20:00.009-04:00

Sheila Simmons, one of the authors of Georgia Hometown Cookbook, bought this apron from my shop yesterday! Yea! She saw the last post and checked out the shop. I love her cookbook! It has the best recipes from around the state of Georgia. I found it in a little shop in Perry a couple of summers ago.

Red was looking for gifts from Georgia for her husband, Kojak. He was stationed in The Republic of Georgia at the embassy for a year or so...during the time the war broke out over there. We found this and she bought 10 copies for him to give as gifts..from one Georgia to another! (Of course I had to buy one for me!) It was a big hit! Not sure if it translated very well...(grits?) but they loved it!

This cookbook is one in State Hometown Cookbooks. Check out the website and see if your state is there! http://www.GreatAmericanpPublishers.com/

While your looking I'm going to put the finishing touches on Shelia's apron!! Maybe Skippy will drive me to the post office after school! ;)

Tasty Tuesday

2010-05-11T17:29:00.004-04:00

Ok...I'm hungry and on a diet! Not good this time of day! I am trying to lose 10ish pounds before my birthday this summer....I will be the big 50. As depressing as that is, I don't want to add fat and fifty to my description. In the past two year I have put on about 15 pounds, give or take. Most of it appeared while I have been taking care of Sweet Mama. She has lost about 30 pounds...I found some of them. I have been trying to put weight on her...not me! So I am doing Weight Watchers. I have done it in the past and it does work! You just have to pay attention to what goes on your plate and in your mouth. But some things are not on the list.

I am sharing with you today a recipe from my favorite cookbook. Georgia Hometown Cookbook by Sheila Simmons & Kent Whitaker. It has tons of recipes from around the state of Georgia and local state festivals. This one sound good!

Chicken Taco Stew

1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
1 cup cooked white rice
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15-oz) can pinto or chili beans, rinsed and drained

In a large skillet, lightly brown chicken. Ass taco seasoning and water; simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Ad rice, corn and beans; heat completely. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and chips.

Enjoy!!

My First Rose

2010-05-10T19:47:00.007-04:00

While catching up on my favorite blogs I came across this! My web-friend Janet has this blog http://www.theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com She last posted about her flowers and Mother's Day. Check out her blog! It is one of my favorites!!

So I remembered I had taken a picture, to share with you, of my first rose of the season! Look how big it is...I put a penny on the counter to kinda show scale. I wish you could smell it..it was wonderful! It has been a great spring for growing roses around here. Thank goodness the drought is over. My roses are thriving! More are blooming..so more to come! ;)

One Year

2010-05-06T16:53:00.008-04:00

It has been one year since Sweet Mama had her last surgery. And what a year it has been... Doctors, another surgery, more hospital stays (in different cities), radiation, MRI's, weight loss... this list is endless. And yet we made it through it all. I am so thankful!

In the meantime she is busy. Goes to church, bible study and her TOPS group every week. She even went to Florida to see her brother and celebrate his 80th birthday! We spring cleaned the back porch..powerwashed and everything..even bought new cushions. That made her happy!

Yesterday marked one year. She was a little down all day. We went to Red's for a Mexican fiesta dinner (cooked by Precious who is home from college!). By the end of the night we finally figured out what was wrong. She thought that she would be more like her old self by now...and was disappointed that she was not. She is still having difficulties with her mouthpiece and the way she looks. Her eye is also still sewn closed. But she is alive and able to take care of herself! We have plans to talk to the plastic surgeon about her face...but so far there hasn't been much good news about a good outcome. But we go and listen what they have to say in person. Medicine changes so fast..who knows what new thing they have now to replace cheekbones.

So this is our last picture taken in summer 2008. It was at the volunteer fire department here. Every year they come by asking for support. With a payment you get a free photo and Red has taken the kids for the past few years to get their picture taken. This particular year Sweet Mama wanted to have hers taken too. So Red and I decided in would be a good time to have a picture of just us girls...Notice or coordinating shirts! Later, at the end of our shoot, we added the kids in! Of course it was flooding that day! I think we had the remnants of a hurricane passing through...you can tell by my hair! It was great for the shot three of us but by the time it got to all five in was ridiculous! My hair is naturally wavy but by then it had taken on a life of it's own!! Seriously...you would have thought the photographer would have said something...but he was a guy! Whatever... now my hair is back to normal and a little long. I have decided with all the drama of the past year and no time to get my hair cut...I am going to donate it to Locks of Love. It will make a good wig for some little kid with cancer! I think it has to be 10 inches....so only a few more to go, then off to Savannah to get it cut! Just in time for Summer!!

Happy Mother's Day to all! We will be celebrating many more!!!!! :)

The Flower Garden

2010-05-04T20:12:00.007-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post...this is my new Dahlia that I am adding to my flower garden (see above). I had plans to plant it yesterday with my Gerber Daisies but with the rain coming I thought I would wait. I didn't want it to drown! So I put it here.
Then the rains came...and the winds blew....and it rained and rained ... This is what was left.
I'm still going to plant...just a litttle disappointed...but there are lots of buds so maybe it will come back. This is a work in progress...Will show you more as it grows!

Pretty Sunday!

2010-05-02T15:11:00.003-04:00

Here's what I am doing today... Trying to get it planted before the rain!! It's going next to my Gerber Daisies...Hope they like each other! ♥

Finally... View My Treasury East!

2010-04-29T17:23:00.005-04:00

Chocolate Made Me Blue
My Esty Treasury East collection!

I have been working and working to get this!! Not exactly the best image...but the best I have figured out how to do! Wish I was a computer genius...

I used http://www.beta.thumbalizr.com/

I guess it is better if you just look at it the regular way at http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bd23fd872fc8eeff9a687e9/chocolate-made-me-blue
If you love it like I do, please leave a comment and click on a few things!

This was a lot of fun to make...just has been a chore to share! If anyone knows a better way please let me know! I tried using http://www.superscreenshot.com/ but it said the image was too large. I am open to suggestions!

Check out this Treasury

2010-04-24T14:04:00.007-04:00

Etsy has a new Treasury. This is a way for members, buyer and seller alike, to make collections of there favorite things. These treasuries are ones that Esty pulls from for their front page. Everyone wants to be on the front page!! I thought why not make one myself?! This is from the new Treasury East! I put this list together last night. It is built around one of my most popular BBQ aprons...Blue Chocolate Flowers. It was very easy and fun to do. I hope you all like it!! Hopefully I will make the front page! :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bd23fd872fc8eeff9a687e9/chocolate-made-me-blue

(I would post a screenshot of this but I am to stupid to figure it out. I tried using Super Screenshot but it will not load! Oh well...now you have to look!)

I'm in a Treasury!

2010-04-19T19:04:00.007-04:00

My Zebra Retro Ruffle Hostess Apron With 2 Potholders is featured in a cool treasury about...ZEBRAS! It is a great look at what people are making in a zebra print. I love the hand blown glass vase, the camera bag, the vintage Hollywood Regency chair and of course...Mookie the zebra! Check it out and let me know what's your favorite! It's the apron set...right?!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/b385ea1da2b8c84b331d3500/zany-for-zebras

Maybe this treasury will make it to Etsy's front page!
Thanks to stitchnmomma for including me!!

The latest in Middle GA

2010-04-18T19:40:00.010-04:00

I know it has been a while since my last post. Sorry. I have been busy...I am now up to 518 sold! I have been so distracted...with keeping up with orders and driving Sweet Mama and Skippy where they need to go. Sweet Mama has 2 functions she attends every week, Wednesday and Friday mornings, all in Macon (20 mins away) Each lasts an hour or so and then they all go out to eat. So I take her, drop her off and come home...work some then wait for the call and go get her. When we get home we take a nap...did I mention I am being awakened every morning around 5 am by Beau? But that is another post, yawn (today was actually 4:46 am)! After my short nap I usually receive a phone call from Skippy asking me to drive him to the fire station. He is now a Fire Fighter with the Exployer Group, part of the Boy Scouts. He has fire gear and gets to help out at the county fire department. He loves it! Wants to go every day. Which means I get to drive him...everyone else is still at work. It's fine by me but on Wednesdays and Fridays it makes for a busy day!

He's going to get me for this one...made me promise not to post these on Facebook. This is not Facebook...is it? ;)

Check out the serious look!

This is serious stuff...protecting lives and property!

Plus it's real fun!!

More to come!!

And the 500th is...

2010-04-05T18:27:00.007-04:00

Ann of Roswell, GA! Thank you Ann! She bought aprons for a few of her friends...and added a matching potholder! What a great and happy surprise for Easter. I was looking for the Easter Bunny...but this is so much better. I can't believe I have reached 500 sales so soon...well, now it is at 502! :) I feel so blessed!

Here is a few of the aprons she choose...

Thank you so much Ann! I hope your friends enjoy this gift from you! Now I need to get back to work...got potholders to make :)

Who will be the 500th?

2010-04-03T10:32:00.007-04:00

Only 10 more sales to go before I reach 500!! It's only been 1 year and 4 months since I started this shop...I never thought it would take off as it has! Keep in mind that last May Sweet Mama had her major sinus surgery and we had 28 radiation treatments in the summer...plus all the doctor trips to Atlanta. I didn't really have the time to put into this shop until around August. Then it was the holiday season! I felt a little overwhelmed then but now I know what to expect and WILL be more prepared!

This is the first apron sold in the shop...Well actually it was Red's Christmas present. I made her buy it back so I could have a sale. So technically I will be at 499 but I am counting this anyway! The Hip Floral Ruffle Apron show above was the first one sold...to a lady in Texas!

I am so blessed to be able to do this and make money. I don't know what I would have done if I had to have a "real" job. As if this job isn't real...it has been a lot of work, 7 days a week. It is so rewarding to think that people I have never met, and in so many faraway countries, love my work as much as I do. Some days I even wish Sweet Mama had learned to sew and liked it! But she is a wonderful cheerleader and everybody needs one of those on the team!

So thank you all for believing in me and helping me to take care of Sweet Mama! I'm looking forward to see how long it takes to reach 1000. I have lots more new things on the way so keep watching!

(I have a special surprise for the 500th customer! I can't wait to see who it will be!!)

The Cherry Blossom Festival and Tour Part 2

2010-03-30T19:39:00.010-04:00

When I last left y'all we were finishing up the tour of the Woodruff House. From there we got on the bus and headed though town and out to Mr. Fickling's House. Mr. William Fickling was a realtor and in 1949 fell in love with the Yoshino Cherry Tree growing in his back yard! He took a trip to Washington DC in the 1950's and saw the cherry trees there were just like the one in his back yard. He came home and started planting the trees all over town. Since he was in the real estate business he gave trees to his clients to plant at their new homes. We now have around 300,000 cherry tree in Macon! Just beautiful at the peak blooming time...which looks like right now!
Read more about him at http://www.cherryblossom.com/about-the-festival/
We went to the driveway of Mr. Fickling's house...his son still lives there so I am told!

We also went to Wesley Woods Neighborhood. I couldn't get any pictures... it is a winding road in a old neighborhood. But it was very pretty. They are planting newer trees now amongst the old...the old trees only live 20 or so years. Replanting is going on here and there...but still pretty!

After Wesley Woods we were on the way back downtown when....the bus broke down! We blew a hose. We had to wait about 30-45 minutes before the replacement bus came. Then we headed downtown to St Joseph Catholic Church. That was worth the wait...gorgeous!!

Such beautiful stained glass!!
St. Patrick's window...It was just St. Patrick's Day remember!!

This is over the front door!

And finally in honor of the Easter season...The Last Supper. (sorry... it's a touch blurry)

We had a great time and enjoyed our afternoon! Next spring come down to Macon and enjoy The Cherry Blossom Festival too!

Find out more info here at their website! http://www.cherryblossom.com

The Cherry Blossom Festival and Tour! Part 1

2010-03-26T18:36:00.018-04:00

Yesterday I took the afternoon off to enjoy The Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA. I had a few orders to finish but a girl needs time off every now and then. Plus I knew they would be waiting on me when I got back!

Sweet Mama and I went to Central City Park in downtown Macon where the fair part of the festival takes place. That's where the rides and fair food is...as well as all of the vendors. They say that The Cherry Blossom is the largest festival in the US ... it lasts two weeks. We have more cherry trees than Washington, DC! People come from all over to see the beautiful trees.

We got our tickets and made our way to the bus. It was a charter bus full of senior citizens. WE ahd people from Iowa, New York, Alabama, North Carolina...and many more. I was one of the youngest ones on the bus...if you can believe it! We had a guide that rode with us telling all the inside scoop on the town and festival plus a few bad jokes!

Now... I moved here when Sweet Mama was first diagnosed with her sinus cancer. I got here two days before the surgery and jumped into the role of caregiver right away. So I had no knowledge of the history of Macon...

Sweet Mama wanted me to take the tour...her side of the family is from this part of Georgia. Dad's is from Savannah and I know the history there! So I was up for it, as long as the weather held out and the trees cooperated! They have the festival preset with the dates every year. So some years the trees are blooming and some years they are not. This year we finally got around to going! The trees begain to bloom Tuesday and Wednesday of this week...and it wasn't raining...yet!
Here is our afternoon!

I noticed in the above photo, when I downloaded it to the computer, that the above vendor is selling "Pot Roast Sundaes"! Who knew... Never got to it due to delays...but more on that later.

From there we when to the Woodruff House and took the tour of it! It sits on top of a large hill that over looks Macon.

Here is the view!
And our bus...Yep we drove up like we owned the place!

Check out the front door. This was all I could get because it was open. It was only a single door not a double...

Here are a few of the room. Notice the single beds...Sweet Mama has those beds since she was 12 years old! These are spool beds hand-carved by slaves...the spools look like spools of thread. Sweet Mama's are reproductions but still just as beautiful!

The house has three floors but we were only allowed on two. The third floor is considered attict and where the servants lived. Don't you just love this spiral staircase. It had a beautiful window at the top but it didn't show up in this picture!

Now on to the trees!

Part two coming next!

Whew!

2010-03-21T14:16:00.005-04:00

Yesterday morning I woke up to find this in the front yard! The crime scene was only limited to these few pine trees...Those guys must be baseball players 'cause it did get pretty high up! I wonder if the perps know that they had the wrong house? Mom and I don't seem to be the type to encourage this type of behavior. I don't think I know anyone who would want to roll this house...the one guy who would, claimed to be 5 hrs away and could prove it! I do seem to remember a time during high school when I was prone to a few incidents myself. But that was long ago...back in the day! ;)

Mom didn't seem too upset over it...like she did 4 years ago when the house was egged. That was a mess! There was egg everywhere...even some that made it over the roof and into the back yard! We had to power wash the house and windows and it still smelled like egg. FYI...We live in a neighborhood that has a few teens living across the street. There was a guy who lived next door but graduated 4 yrs ago...I think he was the intended victim! The street has no street lights and tends to be very dark. Mom has a motion detector on the front porch light...but you have to be sort of close for it to go off. It did scare off the eggers, but not after they threw a dozen eggs. Needless to say we spent the afternoon at Lowe's looking at lights!

So I cleaned up the yard after improvising a new tool the lift the paper off the pine tree limbs. It took about an hour but it was a beautiful day! I had to have Skippy come over and get the ones that were too high for me to reach. When I woke up this morning I slowly peeked out the front window half expecting to see it again but it was clean and pretty. Maybe the rain kept them away.

Ya know, their Mama is going to be pretty ticked off when she finds out that 6 rolls of her top-of-the-line toilet paper is missing! Amateurs...we only used the cheap stuff.