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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Fluffy the Owl

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Fluffy is my latest owl. She is already off to a new home, but I thought I would share a photo. Especially since it is the only thing crafty that I photographed this week. I have finished my niece's birthday present and have been working on a few Easter gifts. I don't want to ruin any surprises so it will be another couple of weeks before I can show you those goodies. I also finished my 25 cozies. Now I have another wholesale order to finish. Man, my poor Etsy shop feels so neglected. It doesn't look like I will be adding anything new anytime soon. So if anyone wants something, just ask. Don't wait for the shop to be updated.

Anyone else do anything crafty this week?

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Color Purple

We had storms come through on Saturday, but we made it outside to play for a little bit. I love this time of year because every time I wander around the yard I discover a new blossom. We have lived in our house for 7 years and every year I discover something new. The previous owners were avid gardners so we have plants everywhere.


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Purple is my favorite color. I am not sure why or when it happened, but I am drawn to the color purple. It just makes me happy. I know in the picture these little flowers look more pink and blue, but in real life they looked purple to me so just take my word for it, ok?


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It was very windy out so I am surprised any of these shots came out at all. These flowers were blowing all over the place.


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I am choosing the first one as my Best Shot.

Tracey host Best Shot Monday every week.

Friday, March 27, 2009

I'm a Soccer Mom

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Well, I am now officially a soccer mom. Harper had her first soccer practice last night and she was SO excited. She did really well and I think she is going to love it. Doesn't she look so cute in her shin guards and cleats?



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Miller didn't want to miss out on the action so he wanted me to take a picture of them together. These photos cracked me up.

I know I promised a post about green birthday ideas, but I have not had time to get it all together. Maybe next week, but I am not making any promises.

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway. It ends next Wednesday. Since Earth Day is slowing approaching, I am going to be hosting a couple more giveaways between now and then so be on the look out.

Earth Hour is this Saturday (March 28th) so don't forget to turn off the lights at 8:30 your time.

Have a good weekend everyone!!!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Reunited and It Feels So Good

We received quite a bit of rain yesterday. After dinner the rain had stopped and the kids asked to go out and splash in the puddles. So I grabbed my camera and while the kids played, I snapped some photos of my two favorite subjects (besides my two kids of course)-raindrops and flowers.

It was a little dark out so I had my ISO set to 800. My macro lens is a little heavy so it takes a very steady hand when it is not very bright out. Anyway, all I can say is thank goodness for noise filters. I use the free community version of Noiseware and it has been a lifesaver for me.

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The alien looking thing that I captured a couple of weeks ago finally bloomed. So pretty.

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I know this one is pretty blurry, but I thought it was cool that a fly landed on the flower as I was taking the photo. Hey there, Mr. Fly.

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I gave up on my macro lens and switched to my 50mm lens that I have to manually focus. At least these plants can't run away from me.

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Only one of my blueberry bushes is blooming. I keep checking the other one hoping for a glimpse of life.

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It felt good to be reunited with my camera even if it had only been a week.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Barefoot Books Giveaway- Earth Tales

Earth Tales


I was first introduced to Barefoot Books last June when I hosted a giveaway for the book Whole World. I now have several books from Barefoot Books and love them all. They are all beautifully illustrated. They focus on different cultures and promote diversity. So I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to host another giveaway.

In honor of Earth Day, Barefoot Books is partnering with environmental organization Eco-Libris to plant trees for every copy of the new title Earth Tales sold this April.

Eco-Libris is a green business that enables people to do something reasonable, affordable yet with an impact: plant one tree for every book they read. By working with individuals and publishers to plant trees in developing countries, Eco-Libris makes sure that each tree is planted where it provides significant value for both the environment and the local communities. To learn more about Eco-Libris, visit their site: http://www.ecolibris.net/ .



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When we received our copy of Earth Tales in the mail, we immediately grabbed the paint and completed the first activity. Like all the other Barefoot Books that we own, this book is beautifully illustrated and I love all the activites included. This will definitely be one of those books that my kids will be able to read for many years. The stories are a little complex for my four year old right now, but she loved doing the activities and looking at all the magnificent artwork.

Here is a bit more about Earth Tales:

In this beautiful anthology of folktales, young readers learn how different cultures around the world live in harmony with the rhythms and patterns of nature. Discover how to tread lightly on our precious Earth by following the easy eco-tips and trying out some of the fun and creative activities that accompany each story. The perfect gift for any eco-conscious child!

Here is a link to the Earth Tales press release!

I have one copy of Earth Tales to give to one lucky reader. Here's what you need to do.

1. Tell me what is your favorite Barefoot Book?
2. Tell me what you are doing to conserve?
3. Post about this giveaway!

Please include this information in one comment. There will be one entry per person.

The giveaway will end next Wednesday March 30, 2009. I will pick a winner that evening and post the results on March 31st.

If you see something else that you want to purchase use this code: SCETALES to receive 10% off all online purchases. (offer expires April 30, 2009)

Main Shopping Site
http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/buy_barefoot.php

Earth Tales
http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/productone.php?pid=2432

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

My Budding Artist

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I would love to show you photos of all the craftiness I completed this week, but I have nothing for you. I have about 5 works in progress, but nothing completely done. I am still working on my coffee shop order. I have one more order almost done. I have been working on my niece's birthday present, which I am really excited about. I hope she likes it. I made Harper a simple little skirt using this pattern, but have not taken any photos yet. I started working on a twirly skirt using Stacy's tutorial. I am almost done with an owl for Carrie. Maybe next week I will have some photos to share.

So instead I thought I would include some of Harper's beautiful drawings. Can you tell what we have been watching at our house? I love that she made E.T. with glowing fingers and heart. She is really doing well learning her letters and writing. I am so proud of my little budding artist. I think these two will have to go in the scrapbook. I hope she continues to be interested in art and creating things.

You can see more craftiness over at Carrie's.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Outtake Monday

I did not pick up my camera all weekend. Not once. I reached for it many times and there were several flowers I wanted to photograph in the yard, but I could not bring myself to do it. I think we needed a little break from one another. We spent the majority of the weekend doing yard work. It was a productive, but tiring weekend.

Since I do not have anything new and exciting to show you or post for Best Shot Monday, I decided I would post some outtakes from the last several weeks. I am also feeling a little lazy so you are getting unedited SOOC shots. I like the imperfect nature of these shots. Plus you get to see how bad some of my shots are before I clean them up in photoshop. Yikes.


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Happy Monday everyone!!

Friday, March 20, 2009

A New Compost Bin & Vanilla Milkshakes

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After my failure at composting last year, I decided that we needed a proper compost bin. So I asked my husband if he could build me one. I was thinking something really simple that I could just dump food scraps and yard scraps into, but my husband does not do simple. He came up with a plan and had a compost bin made for me in an afternoon. Do I have the coolest husband or what? He made it two sided so that when one side is full we can let it sit and turn it until it is compost while filling up the other side. Of course, there are little doors at the bottom so that you can shovel out the compost once it is done. And hey, if composting doesn't work out, we always have a place to put the kids if they are bad., right?

On a totally unrelated note, have you ever heard of Tamra Davis? She's a film and TV director. She was the director of Billy Madison and also did an episode of Grey's Anatomy. Her husband is Mike D from the Beastie Boys. Anyway, I stumbled across her online cooking shows. It looks like she has some pretty good recipes. Her husband is vegan, her kids are vegetarian, and she does not eat meat or chicken. So I was excited to see what types of meals she comes up with for her family. She also has a cookbook out that you can purchase for $5 if you get an electronic copy. I want to try making her granola bars. YUM.

Ok, I swear I have a point. After reading through some of her recipes, she mentioned that she referred to a smoothie made with a banana, milk, and yogurt as a milkshake. So I thought I would try that with my kids for dinner last night. We made pizza with a whole wheat crust that the kids helped me construct. Then I blended together a banana, a cup of plain yogurt, 2 cups of vanilla almond milk, about a tablespoon of agave nectar, and some ice. I called it a vanilla milkshake and the kids were in heaven. They were SO excited to have a milkshake with dinner.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I Wish......

Today's theme over at Stacy's is I wish. I have been thinking about it all week. There are so many things that I wish or hope, but yesterday it finally hit me. Ultimately, I wish there were more hours in the day. There never seems to be enough time to do everything that I want to do.

I wish there were more hours in the day so I could......


Deep in Thought

snuggle longer on the couch with my babies


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have more time to be silly


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spend hours editing photos in photoshop

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spend more time taking photos and playing in the yard



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finish all the sewing projects on my to do list.

Oh, wouldn't it be nice. Life is too short and I want to live it to the fullest. So does anyone know where I can pick up maybe 5 more hours each day?

To see more wishes, visit The Land of KA.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Lucky

I sure am lucky to have you two in my life.

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For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Bunnies- Take 2

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Ok, I really tried to make some cute bunnies, but again I did not succeed. I think it might be a sign that I need to stick to owls and birds. Originally I wanted to make several to put in the shop, but I think I might just buy this pattern when she gets it up. Then I can make a couple for Easter presents.

The local coffeehouse put in another order for 25 coffee sleeves. So I am going to be busy filling that order. Plus I have a couple of birthday presents to make. I think I have plenty to keep me busy. Sorry bunnies. I really thought we had a future.

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I didn't completely finish this little guy. I personally think it looks more like a dog, but whatever. Sigh. I am really over bunnies.

I have a couple of gadget pouches and another coffee sleeve going up in the shop later today. I just need to find a couple of minutes to list them. Here's my first attempt at a hedgehog.

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Anyone else do anything crafty this week?



Monday, March 16, 2009

Macro Photo Therapy

Sometimes you just have to take a break from real life, grab your camera, and take some macro shots of all the pretty plants in your backyard, right? Ok, maybe it's just me. I realized this weekend that taking these nature macro shots is very therapeutic to me. I feel like I am transported to a different world. Then I get to look at them on the computer and crop them and edit them. It's just what I needed after a weekend of being cooped up inside.


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Bee Macro


As you can tell I am a little obsessed with raindrops. They are just too cool. I threw the bee (I think it is a bee) shot in to add a bit of variety. I am choosing it as my best shot too.


Head over to Tracey's for more Best Shot Monday.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Presents, Tea, and a Giveaway

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Here is a photo of my nice wrapping job for my brother's birthday present. Although not the prettiest present, everything I used was something that I recycled. Birthday season is quickly approaching and I am really trying to "green" my gift giving. Tucked inside the cereal box is an organic t-shirt and a stainless steel water bottle that we found at Dick's Sporting Goods. I made the bow from newspaper and finished it off with a Blue Moon bottle cap in the middle, since he is turning 21. He is into working out and nutrition so I thought the Total cereal box was fitting. I am working on a post about green birthday gift ideas so be looking for that in the next week or so.

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Since I have been cutting back on my coffee intake, I have become totally addicted to tea. La Mama Naturale mentioned Mighty Leaf Tea on her blog awhile back and it looked so good. The last time I was at Whole Foods I noticed they had several different kinds so I decided to try the Orange Dulce. The tea is a little more expensive, but it is really good. I can't wait to try another variety. Plus the tea pouches are 100% biodegradeable and they do not use any glue or staples. They also use whole tea leaves. If you like tea, you really should try Mighty Leaf.

Since we are talking tea, I should mention that Celestial Seasonings is also taking strides to help the environment. For every box of tea you buy before March 31, Celestial Seasonings will sponsor the planting of trees all around the world—up to one million trees in all. You can also plant a tree in their virtual forest. For each virtual tree planted, Celestial Seasonings will sponsor the planting of one real tree, up to 50,000 more. Click here to plant a tree.

Anyone want a chance to win one of my coffee cozies? Mommy-Momo is hosting a giveaway for one of my coffee sleeves so head on over and leave a comment for a chance to win. The winner gets a coffee sleeve of their choice.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Aren't they adorable?

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This is my new favorite photo of the kids together. The backdrop is not the best, but I will take what I can get. They have finally realized they can't fight it so they might as well play along. Harper has been posing for me willingly and Miller is following her lead. YEAH!!!! I am not sure how long it will last so I am going to take advantage of it.

Want to see a couple more adorable kids?

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These are my brother's little ones.

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Here's the whole crew together. Man, they are going to have some fun growing up. Don't ya think?

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Here's my youngest brother . We celebrated his 21st birthday this weekend. I can't believe he is 21. That means I am really old.

It's always fun when we all get together. If you look closely you can see one of my dad's carvings in the background of that last photo. I need to take some better pictures soon. They are so cool.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Me, According to My Kids

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These photos have nothing to do with the post. I just wanted to give you something cute to look at.

I decided to play along with Christina and ask my kids some questions about me. I loved hearing their responses even though some of them are so not true (like my favorite place to go is the Fair and the Mall). It was still very enlightening and quite humorous. So here you go.

1. What is something I always say to you?
Harper: I love you
Miller: good words

2. What makes me happy?
Harper: When we listen to you
Miller: us love you

3. What makes me sad?
Harper:Being mean to you and making you angry
Miller: Harper (not often, but I guess Miller thinks so)

4. How do I make you laugh?
Harper: funny faces
Miller: tickle things

5. What do you think I was like as a child?
Harper: you were cute and precious
Miller: like Miller & Harper

6. How old am I?
Harper: 22
Miller: 2

7. How tall am I?
Harper: 20 feet tall
Miller: 21 2

8. What is my favorite thing to do?
Harper: love on us
Miller: play

9. What do I do when you're not around?
Harper: make things for us
Miller: play around

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?
Harper: a zookeeper
Miller: scaring things

11. What am I really good at?
Harper:taking care of us
Miller: playing

12. What am I not really good at?
Harper: you are not a really good writer

Miller: saying mean words

13. What is my job?
Harper: to pay money
Miller: playing

14. What is my favorite food?
Harper: birthday cake
Miller: salad, bread & noodles

15. What makes you proud of me?
Harper: when you feed me food
Miller: say I love you

16. If I were a cartoon character, who would I be?
Harper: Sally (from Cars)
Miller: Lightning McQueen

17. What do you and I do together?
Harper: love on each other
Miller: play wii bowling

18. How are we the same?
Harper: we have the same hair, same eyes, same noses, and the same everything
Miller: we are both big

19. How are you and I different?
Harper: we have different hair
Miller: different hair

20. How do you know that I love you?
Harper: you blow me kisses good-bye
Miller didn't answer this one.

21. Where is my favorite place to go?
Harper:the Fair
Miller: at the mall

22. What is one thing you wish you could change about your mom?
Harper: put stars on me (I am not really sure what this means)
Miller did not answer this one either.

23. What would your mom do with a million dollars?
Harper: take pictures of things
Miller: put it in your pocket

24. What do you wish you could go and do with your mom?
Harper: go to work
Miller: play at the mall

Feel free to play along and make sure you let me know if you do.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

How I Felt Wool Sweaters

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Since I have felted my share of sweaters, I thought I would share my technique with you. This is what I have found works for me and the projects that I do.

Where do I find the wool sweaters?
I find my sweaters at thrift stores. My local Goodwill has a half price sale the first Saturday of every month. So that is when I shop for my sweaters. I live in the south so there is not an over abundance of wool sweaters. I have to hunt for them. Fortunately, I have become pretty good at spotting which ones are wool. My brother and his girlfriend are avid thrifters so they always keep me mind when they are shopping. (Thanks guys!) My family is nice enough to give me first dibs on any clothes they are getting rid of or donating too.

What kind of wool sweater works best?
I have found that 100% wool sweaters work the absolute best. In my experience, Old Navy and Gap sweaters felt up really nicely. Blends will work, but not as well. The thickness of the sweater will make a difference when felting. If you want a thinner material to work with, look for a thinner sweater and vice versa. If the sweater has a hole in it, the hole will not disappear with felting. Holes don't scare me though. If anything, they make me feel better about my purchase. I feel like I am truly rescuing the sweater from the landfill.

How do I felt the wool sweaters?
The first thing that I do is sort my sweaters by color. You don't want to wash a dark sweater with a light sweater. Once they are sorted, I put them in my washing machine and wash them using the hot cycle. I have found that most of the time I have to wash them a second time to really shrink them up. You will have some stray fuzzies that you will have to clean out of the washing machine so beware. After I am happy with the felting, I put them in the dryer and dry them on high. That's it. The sweaters should be nice and felted and you can use them for whatever your heart desires.

I know some people air dry the sweaters and others cut the sweaters up first. It really just depends on what you are going to do with the sweater. I like to use the sleeves for my coffee cozies so I have found for me it works best to keep the sweater intact. Plus, I usually have no idea what I am going to do with the sweater until I do it.

**Disclaimer-I am by no means an expert and do not claim that my way is the best or right way.

Happy felting everyone.

I did manage to post some more coffee cozies to my shop so go take a peek.

Monday, March 9, 2009

I Heart Faces- Creative Crop

I took tons of photos of my sweet little niece this weekend so I thought I would enter this week's challenge over at I Heart Faces. The theme this week is creative crop. Here are my before and after shots.

Before

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After

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Be sure to check out I Heart Faces for more entries.

Bathroom Break

Since Miller is now potty trained, we have been spending more time visting public restrooms.
He insists on having privacy so I took this opportunity to snap some photos of the wonderful public restroom at the park.


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As we were leaving he stopped in front of the door and I was able to snap a shot before he went outside. I thought it looked really cool so I am calling this my Best Shot Monday.


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Tracey hosts Best Shot Monday every Monday so check it out.

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