Holy Cow!!! It's been awhile!!

Sorry everyone!!! I didn't realize it's been as long as it has since I last posted. There has been a lot going on in my life these past few months...however, it's not really anything too exciting to write about. I had planned on posting pictures of my Christmas decorations, but my boyfriend has thieved the camera for work!

There is a lot of changes going on with people in my family, and I have been trying my best to be impartial and support everyone involved. It's really hard to keep yourself out of the middle of things when certain things that have been said about you by one person in the past are now just being brought to light. It's really hard to stay impartial when you don't fully agree with someone's actions to certain situations. I just try to remember that it is not my place to take sides because no matter what happens, it ultimately doesn't have anything to do with me.

Anyway, I hope to get back to posting my primitive creations, decorations, etc. here soon. Keep your fingers crossed that I get my own camera from Santa!!!!!!! Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderfully Happy New Year!!!

Busy Weekend...I'm beat!!!

Wow, what a busy weekend I had! Instead of doing a step-by-step of the entire weekend, I will give all of you a brief overview:

Thursday night, I picked up my mom and headed to Salt Creek Mercantile to drop off the items I made (view previous post). The shop owner, again, surprised me by purchasing everything I had made!!! It was amazing to see her store all decorated for the open house with all the Christmas lights, glitter, music, and everything in it's place before the mad rush of shoppers!

Friday morning, off I went with my mom and aunt to go to all the Christmas Open Houses of our favorite stores. I will have to post pictures later of everything I purchased (more than I should have). When we arrived at Salt Creek Mercantile (an hour after her store opened), the shop owner informed me that a few of my items had already sold and she needs more of them!!!

Skip to Friday night. Kohl's was open until midnight...and since I have lost so much weight lately (I have dropped two pants sizes) and had a wedding to go to on Saturday, my mom and I headed out. We shopped in Kohl's for 3 hours!!!!

Okay, so Saturday morning my wonderful daddy took my car for an oil change while my mom and I sat in our pajamas until we had to get ready for the wedding. The wedding and reception was a good time...I will just leave it at that.

Well, I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on my busy, busy weekend!! Talk to you all soon!

Have you missed me???

Ahhhh...it's so good to be back!!! I've been pretty busy these past few months, and I've also been working hard on things for the Christmas season! This post is going to be short because I have to had to Salt Creek Mercantile to drop off my items for her Christmas Open House (tomorrow and Saturday). The pictures aren't that good because I was in a hurry, and I am missing a few pictures of other items I made due to the batteries dying in the camera.










Hopefully I will be able to post more later and get all of you caught up on what has been going on in my crazy life!! I've missed blogging and can't wait to get back in the swing of things!!!

Sorry Everyone!!!

It's been awhile...and my schedule is slowly tapering off. I promise I will start posting more again here in a couple weeks, but I wanted to give you all a note to let you know that I am still here and checking your blogs a couple times a week! All of you have made/done some wonderful things lately!! Me, I haven't really done much of anything...I should have some finished creations by next week sometime. With my work schedule, getting ready to move, some personal issues, and working my prims...I have had a lot going on! Thanks for all your comments!!!

Have No Fear...I'm Still Here!!!!

As I have posted in a couple of my previous posts...work has been completely crazy for me lately. My apartment looks like a tornado has gone through it, my crafts are sitting there staring at me yelling "come on...work on us", my friends are wondering where I have been, and I feel like I might as well have slept at work for the past few weeks. But, on a good note...my schedule is finally slowing down!! I managed to completely empty out the bathroom (yes, I realize it is the smallest room in my apartment), scrub down the walls, bleach the bathtub, sterilize the toilet, mop the floors, wash the shower curtain and rugs, and even melt my arm on to the light bulb getting the cobweb in the corner. It's a start, and my goal is to hit the kitchen and dining room this weekend...since I finally have an entire weekend off!!!!

Fall is my favorite season of all, but it is also my busiest since I have to cover football games (average of at least 3 games a week), volleyball games (3 to 6 games a week, soccer games (2 to 4 games a week), and then all the practices in between!! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my job and wouldn't change my choice of careers! Sometimes though, I wish I had a little more me time to enjoy all the wonderful colors, smells, etc. that the autumn season has to offer! I am hoping to go to a few bonfires, go on a hayride, pick pumpkins, and maybe go to a haunted house this year...I miss all those things and want to enjoy them again!!

I have been doing something for me though. I have decided to start taking better care of myself. I have been watching what I have been eating, started exercising (I ran a mile the other day...I haven't really exercised in about 10 years!!!), and for those of you that didn't know...I have decided to try and quit smoking (I have been smoking since I was 17, and 28 is just around the corner)!! The numbers on the scale haven't changed too much, but I had to go buy new underwear the other day because all of mine were literally falling off me!! Everyone at work tells me how good I look, but I guess I only see a little change because I see myself in the mirror all the time. I trust that I will reach all my goals, however it is maintaining that is going to be the hard part!

My crafts? Well, I really need to get my butt in gear on these!!! Salt Creek Mercantile's Christmas Open House is the first week in November...and I am really slacking!!! I also need to make some things for people at the school and as gifts for the holidays. Ugh...I am so burnt out right now on everything that I haven't even decorated my apartment for fall, so the thought of Christmas is bumming me out!!!

Anyway, I hope my post wasn't too depressing for all of you. If it was, just think about my underwear falling down at the most inoppurtune times...that should make you laugh!! Have a wonderful rest of your week everyone!!!!

Update...I spoke to Mary (Gettysburg Homestead)

Hey everyone! Life has been completely crazy around here, and I haven't gotten to work on any of my projects :( My work schedule is so heavy right now, when I get home from work I am just sooooooooooo exhausted.

I wanted to let you all know that I have spoken with Mary twice in the past few days! Have no fears...she is safe and is actually having an enjoyable time. She has met some amazing people and has been able to help out a few too! She told me that last night one of the people she is working with had them all over for true Louisiana Jamboli and cornbread. I think she said that tonight they would be leaving the area of Baton Rouge they are located and heading to an a place called Alexandria, Lousiana. She wasn't sure, but they might be sending her to Texas to help out or she might be heading home soon. If any of this information isn't correct...she will have to correct it when she gets close to a computer again. But, I wanted you all to know that she is thinking about you and thanks you for all your kind words, thoughts, and prayers!!!!! What an amazing SIL I have!!!!

Salt Creek Mercantile

What a long week this has been for me!! Hope all of you have had a good week!!

I wanted to let all of you know that the store I sell my creations to, Salt Creek Mercantile, in Fredricksburg Ohio now has a website you can get to by the link above!!! Items are being added slowly...but you can find a few of my creations on there! The vegetables, a scarecrow on a spindle, a ghost on a spindle, and 2 sets of the ugly punkins I made are all on there.

For those of you that have been asking, the "Ugly Punkins" pattern is a Tickled Primitive's pattern. I think she only sells printed patterns, but her stuff is amazing!!

Anyway, my hope is to have some things finished by Wednesday for Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday. I have to get more stuffing...yes, again!! Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!!

I love my SIL and a great fellow blogger's giveaway!!!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that Mary has graciously added a few of my creations to her website, Gettysburg Homestead!! So, if you would like to own one of my creations...you have to go take a look!!! Mary (my SIL) has some great things on her website like aprons and bonnetts, fall goodies, and other everyday needfuls!

Oh, all of you need to check out the giveaway at Aunt Mannys Creations!!!! These potion bottles are absolutely adorable!!! Go post a comment for your chance to win!!!!!!!!



Thanks everyone and have a wonderful Thursday!

My 2nd Award!!

I received the Smile Award! Thank you Jill!!



THE SMILE Awards rules are as follows:
1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator (it's right on the award)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award (see below.)
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver. (s)

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human).
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from other.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.

Well, I'm not going to particularly pick 5 people for this award...because everyone on my favorite blogs makes me smile! All of you (though I've never met you in person), have given me great words of encouragement whether it's on my creations or life! You all mean the world to me, and I am glad I entered the world of blogging and met each and everyone of you! Thank you soooooo much for being part of my life and making me SMILE!!!!

Taking a step back...

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I have been working about 50 hours a week at my full time job...and am completely exhausted. That's why I haven't been posting. I promise that once things slow down, I will get back to trying to posting everyday. I'll try and keep you posted a couple times a week on what I have been working on (yes, I am still trying to sew...stuff...paint...etc. in what little spare time I have), and I am still keeping up on all of your blogs! Reading all of your blogs lets me step away from my busy life right now!

Love and hugs,
Tiffany

Whatcha workin' on Wednesday

First, let me say that I am sorry there are no pictures today! I have a lot in the works...but not far enough along to take any pictures yet.

A couple weekends ago, I went to sell some of my fall creations, and well that always leads to shopping. I managed to pick up some great things. I bought a box with a handle that was unfinished for $5.00 at a flea market (it's half painted right now). I bought a mug rack that is wood for $1.50 (it's half painted right now). I bought this awesome table/serving cart at the flea market for $5.00 that I am going to use as a coffee table (it's in the garage until I get the living room in order to put it in there). Pictures coming soon I hope!!

I have started working on Christmas creations (ugh...Christmas stuff already???). The first thing out of the owner of the shop's mouth to Mary and me was: "Okay girls...I need you guys to start working on Christmas. My open house is the first week of November!" I was going to take a week or so off...but of course I started working on it the next day. I have a lot sewn together, but nothing is stuffed yet! I love Christmas time, and I'm not to worried if things don't sell because then I can decorate with them or give them as gifts to my friends and family!!!

There were a few things that the shops didn't buy of my fall creations. Mary is supposed to post them on her website Gettysburg Homestead. The mummy doll, Frankenstein head, and some fall leaves are left. If any of you are interested in them, please let me or Mary know!!

I lost a week somewhere!!!

Sorry it has been a week since I last posted. I have been dealing with a lot of stuff this past week and work has been extremely busy. I am a member of Prim Mart and was on the forum this morning. I found this story that someone posted...and thought I would share it with all of you because this seems to sum up my life right now.

Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!

I feel Honored!!!!

Lisa from Black Sheep Prims has given me an award!!!!



This is my first ever blog award!!!! Thank you soooooooooooo much Lisa!!!!

Now for the rules of the award. They are as follows:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

So, here is who gets my "I Love Your Blog" Award in particular order:

1. Gettysburg Homestead
2. Backdoor Primitives
3. This Simple Life
4. The Fruit of Her Hands
5. Fall Creek Primitives
6. Raggedy Angel
7. Tomato Creek Prims (I know you already got this...but I love your blog!!!!)

Thank you again Lisa!!!

Okay...I know Friday is almost over

It's been a long day here for me! I woke up early with the intent of working on some more fall goodies...but I got online instead. Well, I love to look on Craigslist and see what kind of things people are selling. I found a antique washstand for $50! It needs a little TLC...no hardware, a board needs reattached, and probably should be sanded and painted/stained. But, I couldn't pass it up! Good thing I am going to my parents' tomorrow and my wonderful father can take a look at it! Anyway, I am going to Salt Creek Mercantile in Fredericksburg, OH (it's the store the pictures were taken in that were posted on my previous post). Remember, if there is anything left of the fall stuff I already made...it will be given to my SIL and posted on Gettysburg Homestead for sale!!! I am still working on a few other fall items, so there may be more up for sale soon.

I just got home from work after spending 10 hours with a bunch of smelly football players. I really do love my job; I just wish I didn't have such a crazy schedule. I love the fall season...especially football (thanks Dad!!). We didn't do too bad in the scrimmage today, and we walked away without any injuries (can't say the same for the other team)!

I probably won't post anything tomorrow as I will be out of town, but hopefully I will be able to post some pictures on Sunday! Everyone have a great weekend!!!

I'm so excited...Look what I got in my email box!!!

Last night, when I got home from work...I was so excited to get an email from the shop owner that I sold my vegetables to a couple months ago. She sent me pictures of how she is displaying them in her store!





I want her to come decorate my apartment! Well, that is all I have for today...hope everyone has a great day!

Answering a Few Questions and Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday

First off, let me thank all of you for your comments and questions! They are all greatly appreciated. I'm going to try and answer as many questions as I can remember from my comments section.

I think to start off, I will just be giving some things to my SIL to put on her website and see how I do from there (Gettysburg Homestead). That won't be for probably a couple more weeks. If the shops I sell to don't purchase everything that I have made for the fall, then most likely they will be for sale on that website. If I do okay with selling some things on there...I think I might try selling on etsy.

There were quite a few comments and questions on my wreaths that I made. I am currently working on two wreaths for the fall (hope to have done in a week or so), and I have a couple different ideas for wreaths for Christmas/Winter. I am running low on dried sweet annie...so I need to get more of that before I can make a lot of wreaths. So, here is what I will throw out there for everyone. If you are interested in purchasing a wreath, have ideas for a wreath, or want to know how much it might cost for me to make you one...please email me at trysmh5397(at)aol(dot)com. I need to finish up my fall items for the shops I sell to and get some of my Christmas things done before I will be able to start on them, and I do make everything by hand so you will have to be patient. Just let me know!

Now, on to Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday started by Leslie from My Country Home. I've been working hard around here and still feel like I haven't accomplished anything!!! But, here is where I am so far:

Remember my witch doll??? Well, now she has her broom! The broom is made out of burlap, a stick, and some rusty wire. I then attached the broom to her hand with some more rusty wire!




My scarecrow now wear's a crow on the brim of his hat!



Ghosts anyone? These guys were inspired by both TRP and Moonchild Primitives designs.




Say "Hello!" to my Frankenstein Head!! I just love how he turned out. He was made using a pattern by Crows Roost Prims.



Sorry this pictures aren't the greatest, but I took them 6 different times and none of them turned out! The ugly punkins in the pictures are only a few that I have made, there are 24 punkins total!! The mummy is still waiting for his spiders...they are on the dining room table without legs right now!





I ran out of instant coffee, so the skeleton doll hasn't been finished yet! Like I said before, there are two wreaths in progress. I also have one more style of leaf to paint and grunge to have all those sets done. And, I am working on another halloween doll...I am just missing some white embroidery floss. More for next week, I guess!!

Waiting Until Wednesday

Since I have decided to wait until tomorrow to show the stuff I have been working on for "Whatcha workin' on Wednesday", I have decided to show you a few of my previous creations. My topic today...Prim Wreaths!!!



This is a spring wreath I designed for a shop owner. She wanted a wreath for the spring, and we were discussing doing daisies up the side. Then, I remembered Karen from RKCreations had a pattern for the watering can and a pattern for gardening tools. Of course, I had to add my touch to when I made them...so they became much more grungy and dirty!! The shop owner just loved it and was debating on selling it in her store or just taking it home!!!

I posted pictures of this wreath on a forum to get some feedback...and guess what I found??? Someone took my idea, made one of their own, and sold it on ebay...guess I come up with good ideas!!! I just wish next time someone would ask if they could use my ideas or at least say they were inspired by me!! But, since I didn't have it copyrighted...I can't really complain.



This is my Christmas wreath. I was inspired by a TRP wreath, but thought I could make this one on my own without a pattern. This was one of the first creations that I ever did. I love it...though I'm sure I could add some more to it. But, I just wanted it simple. I hang it with a wood sign that says "We Believe in Santa"!

I guess, you will have to wait until tomorrow to see what I have been working on! Hope you all enjoyed looking at some of my previous creations! Happy Tuesday!!!!!

Take a Leap???

I've been debating on opening a shop online, selling on etsy, and/or renting a booth at a local craft mall. Money is getting really tight on the home front, and I'm trying to think of ways to get some extra around here. Sure, it's going to cost me some money to get things started...but my issue is getting up the confidence that my creations will sell. My SIL has an EZ Shoppe and she sells stuff on there...I think she is doing alright with it, are you Mary? It's just hard for me to pay out money if I'm not going to make any or very little. I don't know if I will make enough money at the craft mall to even cover the monthly rent! I know I will have to get my rear in gear making things if I am going to do this...and this probably isn't the best time of year for me to do it with the way my work schedule is going to be. I don't have to make a decision yet, but I was wondering what you guys thought?

A Give Away from a Fellow Blogger

I just wanted to post this quick today! Lisa over at Black Sheep Prims Homeplace is having a give away for back to school!



Everyone go leave a comment for your chance to win!!!

Plans Changed

Tomorrow I will not be going to my family pinic. No worries! It was my choice. I don't have to work next Saturday now, so I have an entire week to work on my creations for the shop owners! Yay!!! Now, I don't feel so rushed. I have been working on a lot today! I'm soooooooooooo excited about how my stuff is turning out! I should have some pictures to show you all soon! Off to go work on some more creations!!! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!!!!!!!

Just some rambling!

Okay, so far today isn't that bad. I got up early so I could go into the clinic where I work (not working in the clinic right now due to football two-a-day practice) and pick up a mileage check...but after I took my shower and got ready I just didn't feel like doing all that running around before I go to the school! I'll go Monday before my doctor's appointment.

Today is picture day for all the sports at the school...which means I get done early today!!! Woohoo!! I'm hoping since I will be getting home at a decent hour today (and my boyfriend will be out with his friends), I might be able to accomplish a few of the things that are on my dining room table. I NEED to get this stuff done because I have to get everything to my mom on Sunday. My mom and my SIL help me out taking the things I make to the shops I sell at since I can usually only get up that way on Sundays (the shops are closed on Sundays). By the way, anything the shop owners don't buy...I might post for sale on here or maybe ebay or etsy. If any of you are interested in what I have left, please leave me a comment or email me at trysmh5397(at)aol(dot)com. I'll let you know what I don't sell to them...and I promise pictures of the things I have left!

Speaking of Sunday, I am going to be meeting my parents at a family reunion picnic!! I haven't been able to go to the picnic in a few years, and I am extremely excited about going. This side of the family only gets together about once a year! It's usually a good time...food, family, games, etc. We do a white elephant sale, where everyone brings stuff (old, handmade, etc.) and then the others buy the items with all the proceeds going to help out with the expenses for the next year's picnic!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Thanks so much for all of your words of encouragement these past few days...it is greatly appreciated!

I've been tagged...#2 post for today!

Heather's Heartfelt Stitches has tagged me!! So I guess now, I have to tell you seven random/strange things about me. I also have to tag four more people!! So, let's see what fun things I can come up with for all of you...

1. I love sweet pickle and peanut butter sandwiches...my mom got me started on them. All the other kids at school used to make me sit by myself at lunch until I was done eating my sandwich because it grossed them out so bad!
2. I have an obsession with garlic and onions...almost everything I cook gets at least one or both of them for flavoring (except when I am making something like cake, pie, cookies, etc.).
3. I already have a BS and MS degree...but I still want to go back to school! I love going to class, doing homework, getting good grades...but I hate the bills that come with it!
4. I'm a work-a-holic! I usually can't sit still, so I pick up extra hours/shifts/days to have something to do (the money is nice too)!
5. I consider my mom and my SIL two of the best friends I could ever have. They mean the world to me and have been there for me more times then I can count! I love you guys and want to thank you for everything!!
6. I won't pay full price for hardly anything. I buy my winter clothes in the heat of the summer when they are only a couple dollars a piece! I won't pay more then $20.00 for a pair of shoes. I buy my fabric out of the clearance section or when I have a coupon. I buy off brand or almost everything.
7. I am very competitive! I hate losing, being wrong, being told what to do, etc. But, I don't like confrontation...so I usually just give in because I would rather someone else be happy then myself.

Now it's your turn!! Here's the four that I am tagging. Sorry if you have already been tagged...

Mary from http://gettysburghomestead.blogspot.com/

Heather from http://fallcreekprimitives.blogspot.com/

Rondell from http://rondell-tomatoecreekprims.blogspot.com/

Ann from http://thissimplelifeofmine.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading my blog everyone! Hope you four have fun with this!!!

Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday...and a little complaining

I don't have a lot to tell or show this week. Between work and some personal things going on right now, I haven't had much motivation to work on anything. I have been trying to work on some things. Here's a picture of what my dining room table looks like right now:



Life is throwing me a lot of curve balls (no athletic pun intended) these past couple of weeks, and I'm trying to handle each one as it comes. I know God doesn't give us more than he thinks we can handle...but sometimes I wish he didn't trust me with so much! I could use a break every now and again. I don't want to get into details, but I wanted you all to know that I have some other things going on that are making it a little difficult for me to concentrate on my projects and blogging. Things will eventually get back to being closer to normal...so I'll keep you posted as I can!

Free Time...What's That????

The "sports' school year" has begun. Being an Certified Athletic Trainer, once 2-a-day practices start I lose almost all my free time...especially in the fall! I've been sitting out in this hot weather making sure all my athletes stay hydrated and injury-free (well, for the most part). On the bright side, I have a wonderful farmer's tan going on already...lol!

I have been able to do a little of my sewing stuff the past few days! I'm giong to try and get a bunch of things done tomorrow...but I have to contain my excitement to show you guys stuff until Wednesday!! I've got a lot of things that are ready to get stained and baked, lots of things that need to be painted, and lots of things that need to be assembled.

Since it had been a few days since I last posted, I wanted to give you all an update on what has been going on in my life!

The grocery store by my house always has these Manager Specials on items that need to be bought within a week or they have to get rid of them. This is usually where I purchase most of my meat because it goes straight into the freezer anyway. It is actually kind of nice because I get to try products I never would have purchased at the regular price. Well, I bought these pork cube steaks and didn't know how to cook them. I found this wonderful recipe for them and thought I would share. With the warm weather...I'm pretty sure a lot of you have been grilling out.

Pork Cube Steaks

4 Pork Cube Steaks
4 Medium Potatoes quartered
Baby Carrots
1/4 cup Onions Chopped
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
4 tablespoons Milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 sheets Aluminum Foil

Place individual cube steaks on a sheet of foil.
Season pork with a salt and pepper to taste.
Lay potatoes and carrots on top of pork.
In a bowl, mix together the soup, onion and milk.
Pour soup mixture over vegetables and meat.
Seal foil pouches well and place on a BBQ over low heat.
Cook for about 30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are done.

What I've been Workin' on most of Wednesday

I wanted to make sure I posted something today. I got a little behind because I ran out of stuffing...but I finally managed to put this guy together. He is just made of muslin and sewn together right now. I still have to put him through my grunging process and paint him...but I wanted you all to see where I am so far. His body was made using a pattern from Hill Kountry Kreations, but I tried to experiment with his head. I'll post more pictures once he is finished! I think he will look a lot better once I get a "real" face painted on him. He will eventually be turned into a doorhanger.

I hate when it runs out!!!

Yesterday, I was sewing and sewing and sewing...and then when I went to stuff everything I ran out of stuffing!!!! Does that ever happen to you? Normally, I don't have that problem because I keep a close eye on the amount I have and purchase another box when I get halfway low. Well, need less to say, I couldn't get to the store until today to get some...so no new projects finished to post pictures of today. I have to cook dinner and then I am off to work on my other dolls. Hmmmmm...maybe I will have something done for tomorrow!!!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

I should wait until Wednesday...but I can't!!

I've been working on this guy off and on all weekend!! He still isn't finished yet (I want to add a few accessories...spiders, shovel, etc.). I really haven't decided for sure what I want to add to him yet...I just know I love how he turned out. His name is Mortimer the Mummy!! Since I have been on a round head doll with eyelids kick...he might as well be one too! This one is my creation...no patterns used on this one (I think this is a first???). I would have had him finished on Friday for you guys to enjoy, but I couldn't get him or the cheesecloth to dry for anything...it must have been the humidity. Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest...I promise I will do a cute Halloween set up with all the Halloween primitives I create soon!!





Anyhow, hopefully I will have all the accessories for him, Wanda the Witch, and the Scarecrow done by Wednesday. I also been busy making my fall leaves (refer to a previous post)...I've been painting those all weekend (168 leaves total). I've also been finishing up more of those Ugly Punkins...6 more to go and then I am done with the ones I have to have done by next weekend!!! I have a few more things in the works, so maybe I will be able to get those accomplished by Thursday (football two-a-days starts then which means hardly any free weekends until November).

I missed Watcha Workin' on Wednesday...

So, I worked on my witch doll on Sunday and was so excited about her that I couldn't wait until Wednesday to post. I didn't have anything close to being accomplished on Wednesday, so just for today I am going to call this "Finally Finished Friday"...haha!!

I've been working on this scarecrow but was waiting until I got my spindles in the mail to finally get him somewhat together. He was inspired by a scarecrow I saw on Finders Primitives website and a pattern I saw on Patternmart by Sweetpea Primitives. I still have to attach a crow to his hat...but I wanted to make sure I posted him early today for you all to enjoy. He is rather large (almost 30 inches tall)!! I just love him to death!





And, just for Mary at Gettysburg Homestead...here's my recipe for Fat Friday.

Orange Dream Cake

1 pkg. French Vanilla cake mix
3 eggs
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
3/4 c. vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. orange juice
Confectioners' sugar
1 container (16 ounces) Extra Creamy Cool Whip
1 box (4 serving size) vanilla instant pudding mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix cake mix, eggs, mandarin oranges, oil and 1/2 c. orange juice in a bowl. Pour into 13x9 pan. Bake according to package directions.

Remove from oven. Poke holes in the cake with a fork. Mix remaining orange juice (1 cup) with enough confectioners' sugar to make a thin syrup. Pour over hot cake, allowing juice to penetrate all the fork holes. Chill at least 2 to 3 hours.

Mix Cool Whip and pudding mix together. Use to ice the cake. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

I might have a second post today...but not sure if I will be able to finish the next project. Have a great day!!!

I wasn't really...but!!!

Sorry it's been a few days...but it has been crazy around here. Almost all my favorite blogs have posted this tag and told anyone to participate...so here I go!!

Sport: I'm an athletic trainer...all sports are my life!
Game: I like those hidden object games on computer.
Color: Orange and Yellow are my two favorite colors
Movie: Any Disney animated movie
Broadway play I have seen: I've never seen one.
Broadway Musical I have seen: I've never seen one.
Song: Anything by Aerosmith
American city I have visited: Los Angelos, CA
Foreign city I have visited: Cozemel, Mexico
Book: Anything by Nicholas Sparks
Children's Book: Jelly Beans for Breakfast
Classic television show: Not sure if it's a classic...but the Golden Girls
Recent television show: Deadliest Catch
Actor: Matthew McConaughey
Actress: Sandra Bullock
Perfume: Abercrombie 8
Food: Ham Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn
Dessert: Any kind of pie
Chain Restaurant: Applebees
Local Restaurant: Adriatico's
Car: Chevy Equinox
Condiment: Mustard
Kitchen Appliance: Stove
Home Appliance: Computer...does that count???
Beauty Product: Hairspray
Piece of clothing: Jeans
HGTV Show: I don't watch that channel
Food Network show: I don't watch that channel
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Male Songwriter: Ummm...not sure
Female Songwriter: Ummm...again, not sure
Holiday: Christmas
Ballet I have seen: Dracula
Disney character: Arial
Flower: Yellow Rose
Alcoholic drink: Captain and Coke
Non-Alcoholic drink: Diet Coke or Unsweetened Iced Tea
Magazine: Country Sampler
Animated movie: The Little Mermaid
Television network miniseries: Not sure
Season: Fall
Male vocalist: Steven Tyler
Female vocalist: Sheryl Crow
Day of the week: Saturday or Sunday
Household Chore: Dishes
Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Chocolate Marshmellow
Candy: Hersey's with Almonds and Milk Duds
Artist: To many to name
Quotation: "If life gives you lemons...make lemonade!"

Okay, anyone else who hasn't done this tag yet...now it's your turn!!!

Check back tomorrow...because I will hopefully have pictures to share!!!

How come the small things make me excited?!?

So, I have almost completed one of my dolls. I'm not sure what else I want to do with her yet, besides making a broom for her to hold...but I am extremely excited about how she turned out! She was inspired by a pattern from Crows Roost Prims. Her witch it called Helga, but I think I will name her Wanda the Witch...what do you think???





I was so excited to finally do a doll with eyelids (I know, the little things make me happy)! Also, this was my first attempt at painting the eyes. I think she turned out adorable!!!!!

Hopefully, I will get something I ordered online so I can have something else finished to show for Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday! Have a wonderful rest of the day and maybe I will post tomorrow!!

Sizzling Saturday

It is not even noon here and it is already a scorcher (it's supposed to be in the mid 90s today)!!! I have finally been able to sit down and work on a few of my fall crafts...but no pictures until I am finally done with some of the stuff!

Since it is so warm here today, I thought I would post pictures of a few things that warm my heart!!! Of course, I mean my fur-babies!!!



These are my two cats. The longer haired one is Bubba and the shorter haired one is Fuzzy! They are from the same litter...so that means they are brothers. Someone that I used to work with got them and was going to throw them outside because it was just "too much trouble to care for them and her kids". I couldn't let that happen!!! So, they came home with me!!!



They always have to be where I am...so when I go to bed at night they are right there with me! They take up more space in the bed then I get most of the time!!!!



"Hey, did you see that?"



Can you tell that my cats are spoiled? Bubba is the king of this household!!!!



This is my Angel Belle!! She is a big baby...who happens to think she is a lap dog! I got her when I was a sophomore in high school and couldn't take her with me when I went to college. So, she now lives with my mom and dad...and is just as spoiled as any dog could be!



My parents' newest doggie addition to the their family...Cooper. He will be one year old in August. They had another dog (actually was my brother's dog, Mickey) that past away last August, and then my Aunt's dog at puppies the next day. My dad is a "sucker" and mom convinced him that Cooper needed to come home with them!!



This cute little thing is Squirt! My parents have a huge heart when it comes to animals and rescued this kitty from a horrible place. Now, she is just one of the family!!!



Check out this cutie!!! I think my parents have finally decided on a name for this little guy...Scooter! He was found under their back porch about 4 weeks after Squirt came to live with them. Of course, he was so cute that dad couldn't get rid of him!!!

My parents have two other cats that were rescues as well...Ugly (she is too cute) and Mr. Fluff! I couldn't manage to get pictures of these adorable cats! Mr. Fluff is a special case. He was a stray cat and when mom went to take him to get fixed...they got the bad news. He has feline AIDS. So, he has to take antibotics daily for his immune system! Ugly was a stray cat that had 2 litters of kittens under my parents' back porch before they adopted her!!

Try and stay cool today everyone!!!!

Need a Favor...Please

I know that most of you are just getting to know me through this blog, but I have a favor to ask. My grandfather passed away this morning sometime between 1:00 and 2:00. I don't want to sound mean in anyway, but I am doing okay with all this. I didn't know him very well because he moved to Florida when I was in the 2nd grade and I have only seen him 3 times since then (remember I am 27 now). What I am asking is that you please keep my mom in your prayers. She wasn't dealing with the fact that he wasn't getting better, and is acting like nothing has happened. I know it will eventually hit her what has happened, and I would really appreciate if you all could pray for her in this time of need. Thanks!

Sorry for the sad post! I hope everyone has a blessed day!

Sorry to disappoint you...

Well, I have nothing to show you for Whatcha Workin' on Wednesday. I have been so busy dealing with work, family issues, a sick boyfriend, and getting this apartment in order...that I just haven't had time to sit down and work on anything! I was hoping that I can have some pictures up of crafts and my finished bedroom by this weekend, but at this point it doesn't look like it is going to happen. Have you ever had a day when you wished there was more than one of you so you could get everything that needed to be done accomplished?? I need like 10 of me right now!!!

Hopefully, I will have better news to share with you tomorrow...but for now I have to go cook dinner. Here's the recipe of what's for dinner at my house:

Tatortot Casserole

1 lb. hamburger
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 soup can milk
1 c. cheddar cheese
1 bag tatortots
Salt and Pepper taste

Brown hamburger and drain. Mix hamburger, soup, milk, cheese, salt and pepper together. Spread in a 9x13 pan. Cover mixture with tatortots. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Not much to say on this Monday

This weekend, I managed to get pictures of how I decorated my mom's living room area while I was on vacation. She always buys, finds, gets, etc. the neatest things but doesn't ever know how to use them to decorate. So, here is what I managed to come up with for her:











I've been working on some of my fall items and finally got pictures of the leaves I have been making. They are inspired by an RKCreations pattern. I found 4 different leaf shapes that I liked, and my boyfriend drew me up patterns!




I'll write a longer post when I have a little more free time!!!