Chocolate…Awareness

I decided that I would go ahead and paint my sewing room before attempting to complete ‘chocolate bunnies’.

I must admit that I have had chocolate on my mind a lot as of late.

The name of the paint that I chose is called, Plymouth Brown by Benjamin Moore.

As I was cutting in the corners I couldn’t help but think of how the paint looked just like chocolate fondue.

As many of you know, I am not a chocolate lover. I would much rather have Swedish fish or sour patch kids. But a little bit of chocolate now and then hits the spot. As long as it’s milk chocolate and not dark. Of course I would pick the one that’s not as healthy for you.

I couldn’t help but ask myself, “where’s the strawberries for dipping?”

Wouldn’t that be a hoot, if you did dip a strawberry and give it to someone to eat? Hmm, April Fools day will be here before too long. What an awesome prank that would be. Just sayin, you may not want to accept if I offer you a chocolate dipped strawberry on April 1st.

Now that the corners are cut in I’m ready to roll.

I’m guessing that most of you know, but I thought that I would share a bit of info with you. When rolling you want to do it in a V formation. This way you get good coverage and it’s the best way to hide your overlap lines.

How do I know this? Not sure, just a bit of info I picked up somewhere along the way. I’ve found that I am a person who knows very little about a lot of things and a lot about very little.

Now that I’ve covered the chocolate part, let’s get on to the awareness.

Did you happen to notice the cute pink bucket that I had the paint in? My hubby bought it last time we painted.

I wonder if he even noticed the label on it? Maybe he just has a thing for pink.

It’s a Breast Cancer Awareness bucket, love it! I am overdue for a mammogram and have been meaning to call and get an appointment. I keep putting it off. This little label prompted me to go in and do it.

I have a dear friend that has been battling Breast Cancer for over a year now. She has had an awesome attitude and is doing very well. For as long as I can remember she has had long hair. The radiation and chemo made her loose her gorgeous locks. Darling hats have adorned her head all Winter. Recently her hair has started growing back. She is a skinny little thing and her short and sassy do makes her look like Jamie Lee Curtis. Cute, cute, cute!

So, if you have not had a mammogram in the last year I suggest you get an appointment.

Then afterwards sit down and reward yourself with a bit of chocolate.

PEEP, PEEP!

A long time ago in the land of quilting a quilter decided that she wanted to learn how to applique.

After taking a trip to a fun local quilt shop, Broadbents she signed up for a needle turn applique class – “Chocolate Bunnies”

At first she was gung-ho and completed her blocks before anyone else in the class. Mind you they weren’t perfect. After all, she was a beginner. However, they weren’t bad and she felt as though she was improving with each one.

OH, the dreaded mistake. She put them down. That’s all it took and she found herself not being in the mood to work on them. Actually, she tried once while flying to Puerto Vallarta for a vacation. This was not possible because her daughter kept sleeping on her shoulder.

Alas, the poor little critters got tucked away into her U.P. (unfinished projects) box. It’s not a bad place, it’s actually quite cute. A fabric covered blue with brown polka-dots box.

Two years ago she picked them up again and managed to complete all but two blocks. But behold, Easter arrived and she lost interest.

As of late, she has been hearing the smallest little peep…peep…peep. Yeah, I know, it’s called Chocolate Bunnies; but what’s a bunny without a chick friend?

So out it came again. What do you think? Can she complete it before Easter?

I know that her little bunnies, chicks, rooster (yes, there is one rooster) would like to come out of the barnyard. It’s getting a little boring in that cute blue and brown polka dot box!

so close but yet so far away from being finished.

Large chocolate bunny – that’s a whole lot of chocolate!

There’s that rooster I was talking about.

How sweet, they take turns pulling each other around for fun.

At least they have a few toys to entertain themselves.

I think that they are so bored that they have nothing better to do than sit on eggs. Maybe they are trying to hatch some new friends. Can bunnies hatch eggs?

What’s this you ask? That mighty hole where the last two blocks belong. What do you think? Can I fill them? Keep your fingers crossed!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered. . . It’s Yours!

Actually, it’s not really signed or sealed. But tomorrow the wreath will be delivered and, wish I could say; “it’s yours”.

That might be a bit difficult since the lucky winner is vacationing in Australia at the moment. Wow, how lucky can one person be?

The winning token of my appreciation for visiting my blog.

Look at this sweet little glittery turquoise (sigh) bird that I found at Planted Earth. Can’t believe that I didn’t snatch one up for myself. Think I’ll head back over there and do just that!

I adorned it with another one of those darling bird tags created by Shalona. Would love to have that stamp! The wreath has a bit of sparkle to it but it didn’t really show in the pic.

I hope that Kari enjoys her new winnings!

Some time ago my sweet cuz, Betty gave me this vintage sewing book. I have been meaning to do something with it. I even took it to see how much it would cost to have it framed. They wanted $280. (that was at fifty percent off). Keep in mind, that it was bigger than this. I decided that I didn’t want to pay that much.

I ran across this cork board at T.J. MAXX and thought it might work.

I pulled out a few little trinkets to give it some PIZAZZ!

Look at these vintage styles. . . they are classic!

I think that Butterick is still around today.

No sewing board would be complete without a swatch of fabric and a moda label. The little pin and flower aren’t too shabby either. It’s those little things that make a difference.

Now, the only problem is that the walls in my sewing room are just blah-sy cream. This means that they will do nothing for a white frame.

I’ve been contemplating painting them chocolate brown. Not real dark, just mediocre . Guess that’s gotta be on the agenda for next week because I’m awfully anxious to hang my sewing board!

Let’s Get Organized

This time of year while waiting for Spring to arrive I get a bit antsy. Therefore I look for things to occupy my time.

I have always been a buy ahead kind of lady. Whenever I see a good sale or something that would work for a birthday or Christmas present for the upcoming year I pick it up.

Ever since we moved into our new home a year and a half ago I have been shoving these ‘bargain’ items onto a shelf area in the back of our walk-in closet.

I took a good look at it the other day and thought, ‘It’s time to get organized!

Is this a conglomerated mess or what?

I dug right in, picked up some baskets and ‘got organized’.

Does this look better or what?

I found the baskets at Costco. No great bargain, $20 for two, but they fit the space perfectly.

Snagged these cute little bird tags at ‘The Emporium’ salon where I get my hair cut, 50 cents each; can’t beat that! My bathroom has a bird theme so they worked great.

I labeled each basket with the names of my grandchildren.

I finished my give-away wreath so I will post a pic tomorrow with a couple of other projects I’ve been working on.

Until then, find some time and GET ORGANIZED!

Even if it’s just a little something – It feels great!

SWEET Coincidence. . .

Before I tell you who the winner is of my rolled paper wreath I must tell you of the SWEET COINCIDENCE my hubby and I shared together last night.

When he returned home from work we enjoyed a delicious dinner together. BBQ. steak, grilled shrimp, and Caesar salad. Followed by chocolate dipped strawberries, (thanks Karrah and Jayson) and a couple of chocolates I bought at Peppermint Place. A fun little candy store just down the road from us.

Afterwards he said, “I down loaded a couple of chick flicks from Net Flicks for us to watch together.” Now, watching one chick flick is impressive for any man; but two, that’s fantastic!

The first one was called, “Feed the Fish”. I really enjoyed it, but the fun thing about it is that it took place in a little town in Wisconsin we visited last Fall. We vacationed to ‘Door County’. It is an area full of lots of tiny little quaint towns on Lake Michigan. We stayed in ‘Fish Creek’ but about 10 – 15 miles up the road was Ellison Bay.  That is the town where the movie took place. It literally is the last town. Drive any further and you are in the lake. I loved this vacation! To see more, check out my Sept. blog, “If I wouldn’t Miss the Mountains.

I bought this picture in one of those quaint towns.  I love all of the doors and the primitive frame.  My hubby actually found it and said, “Jann, here’s one you might like.”  Boy, he knows me so well!

The second movie was called, ‘My Girlfriends Boyfriend’. I loved it too! The fun thing about this one is that it was filmed in our very own S.L.C. With the first movie we realized right off the bat where it was filmed. With this one we weren’t sure until the end. My hubby kept saying, “That looks like S.LC., the airport, and the view from the rooftop.

How cool is that? Two movies with special meaning! What a SWEET COINCIDENCE!! They both were given 4 stars and I would highly recommend them. Oh, and by the way; they had some pretty hilarious scenes in them the men would enjoy also. Especially the first one.

BEWARE OF BADGERS! Or squirrels, searching for nuts.  You’ll know what I mean if you watch “Feed the Fish”.

Now, for what you’ve all been waiting for - The Lucky Winner is: Kari Hellbusch

Kari is a follower that lives in Caddy Lane. She buys old furniture then paints and restores it. I saw a turquoise cabinet, buffet type piece that she did and it was awesome! I think the wreath will look great in her house. I have not quite finished it yet, but will deliver it by this weekend. I will post a pic.

p.s.  If you are dying to have one of these I will be happy to help you make one!

Happy Valentine

WA-LA! I finished binding my heart quilt.

I hope that it makes your heart skip a beat!

I had so much fun making it and pulling buttons, ribbons, lace, and rick-rack from my stash to embellish it.

Happy HEART day to you from me!

Today is the last of my February challenges. I have had a great time challenging myself to show a little more affection. I really am not a LOVEY-DOVEY type of person. Hopefully, I can continue to show more affection throughout the year.

Later today I will be drawing out the name of that lucky someone who will win the rolled paper wreath. Keep your fingers crossed!

Feb. 14th challenge: Give your SWEETIE a BIG SMOOCH! You know, not just a little peck but a big juicy one. WARNING: May lead to further action!

p.s. I bought new sheets called “SILK ALLURE”. Just saying, I needed new sheets. Guess what? They are kind of turquoise. Sure hope my hubby doesn’t slide out of them! Ha-Ha! Remember that commercial?

I HEART new sheets!

Have a Happy Valentine!

Valentine Love

I just got home from a wonderful get-away with my sweet hubby.

We went to Lava Hot Springs. It is such a fun place to visit in the Winter. The air is chilly, steam is rising all around, and the hot water is so rejuvenating.

On our way there we stopped off at Smith and Edwards. Their logo is, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

After finding a darling 3 foot silvery, sparkly, glittery, Christmas tree that had a few silver balls attached to some of the branches; I think that their motto should be, “We have it, even if you don’t need it, buy it because it’s just too darn cute!”

Not only that, it was half price. How could I resist.

Wish I had a pic, but it is traveling home in someone else’s vehicle. I will have to show you later. Maybe even next Christmas.

Then from there we went to Maddox in the town of Perry.

DELICIOUS! You could smell their rolls and corn pokes even outside the restaurant. Their raspberry butter is so YUMMY! I had their special, 6 oz. sirloin with three large fried shrimp. It came with yummy carrots and I chose the baked potato and seafood cocktail.

After dinner we were all too full for dessert. That didn’t stop us though. My hubby bought us a raspberry cream pie to go. We (all 8 of us) shared it later that night. It was YUM-O!

So for today, I think my challenge is: relax, enjoy your loved one (s) and just pamper yourself.

Perhaps you could take a hot soak in your tub with steam rising all around and pretend that you are in Lava.

I don’t know about you, but I am feeling rejuvenated and know that I can endure Winter a bit longer.

Thanks for such a fun trip my Valentine Love!

Hearts Desire

I finally have the pics of the quilt I’ve been working on to share with you.

The name of this quilt is ‘Heart to Heart’ It is hand applique. This is the first quilt I’ve done using the freezer paper method.

It makes my Heart happy!

Here are some close ups of the blocks.

It will have a scalloped border. I got it back from the quilters on Thurs. I am almost through binding it. I will share the completed project with you on Valentines Day.

Remember, I will be giving away a ‘SPRING’ themed rolled wreath on Mon. If you have not became a follower and left a comment be sure and do so. That way your name will be entered into the drawing.

Today’s challenge: Get away, even if it’s just for a few hours; for some alone time with your Sweetheart.

S.W.A.K.

Heart to Heart

I went to do my post yesterday and I had not down loaded the pics I wanted to share. My hubby does this for me so I was at a lost.

Today I will be sharing yesterday’s and today’s challenge with you.

Feb. 10th Challenge: Share a token of LOVE with someone you truly appreciate.

I gave my two sisters, Julie and Jeanne; and a sweet friend, Dolly one of the candy sodas that I showed you on my BUBBLY post.

I really do love and appreciate these ladies!

Todays challenge: Go and visit someone that you have not visited in a long time. Hopefully, it will brighten their day!

Just wanted to show you a bit of what I have been working on lately.

Guess what? The pics are still not there. I will have to show you later. For now, here’s a little something I’d like to say to you.

Let’s Do Lunch!

What better time to catch up on someone’s life than over lunch?

Today’s Challenge: Invite someone special to have lunch with you.

Just like a pretty blooming flower can brighten a dreary wintery day. An invite to do lunch, a way to get out of the office or home can do the same.

I’ll be inviting three special someone’s to have lunch with me today, my darling daughters.

LOVE

Day 8 challenge: Text (or mail) a sweet sentiment to someone who would least expect it.

My youngest son, Dalan was born on Valentines day. Who better than him to send a text to.

Besides, it’s been some time since I’ve really told him how much I love him.

Good Luck and HUGS and KISSES!

XOXOXO

Bubbly. . .

What could be more fun than sharing a bubbly with someone special?

Day 7 challenge: Share a bubbly with someone you LOVE.

I’m sort of cheating here because I am going to be sharing bubbly root beer floats with my club friends tonight. Some special ladies that are dear to my heart!

Time in a Bottle

I’m sure we all remember the saying that goes something like this, “We can hold our children’s hands for a while, their hearts forever.”

As parents sometimes we wish that we could hold time in a bottle and keep our children from growing up.

Nothing makes me feel better than knowing our adult children still want to spend time with their mom and dad.

Two of our children called and invited themselves to watch the Super Bowl with us. Now that’s something to CHEER about!

Todays challenge: Spend time with those you love.

Now, this next pic has nothing to do with this post but I wanted to show you what Lonnie and Tracy discovered by our front porch Fri. night.

Look at the size of those bird prints. That’s some Big Bird!

What do you think it is?

If I wasn’t such an oldie I would swear that it was the STORK delivering me a wee young’n. (been watching a lot of BBC lately)

Anyway, Happy Super Bowl to you!

Heart Strings

Do you ever feel like your heart is hanging on by a thread?

Don’t be afraid to give your heart away!

Day 5 challenge: Send a Valentine to someone you Love.

I will be mailing 4 of them to my dear sisters, whom I love with all my heart!

Better Things

I can hardly wait to tell you todays challenge so I can get on to bigger and better things.

Sorry, but I’m finding myself a bit bored with my recent posts.

I’m nice, but not that nice!

Geez Louise, I just realized that it’s only day 4. That means 10 more days to go. Oh, I can do it but I might just have to sneak in something a little more exciting now and then.

Day 4 Challenge: Kiss your sweetie before you say ‘goodnite’

My hubby and I have done a lot of wrong things in our 38 years of marriage.

One thing that we’ve done right is we kiss each other before going to sleep each night and before he leaves for work in the morning.

It’s as habitual as brushing my teeth. I’d be out of sorts if it didn’t happen.

Now that’s done I must share with you my latest.

Not to say that kissing isn’t a good thing – there’s nothing quite like a good kiss!

I went to get a hair cut yesterday, didn’t happen; but then that’s a whole other story.

Found a few finds in ‘The Emporiums’ gift shop.

Look at this pillow sporting my favorite color, red. I adore the muslin trailing flowers. So dang cute!

Also found this wreath to match. It has a burlap base which put a pounding in my heart.  You’d  think I was raised in a potato sack.  My hairdresser, Shalona is a very creative woman.

Now with the purchase of my new treasures my latest dilemma is, “Where am I going to hang that wreath?”

Only my hairdresser knows for sure. :)

SWEET TREAT

Day 3 challenge: Bake, (or take) a treat for someone sweet!

Amanda is one of the ladies that comes to stitching group. She is a real Sweetheart!

Last week I asked her if her hubby would make a frame for a pieced heart that I made a few years ago.

The next day she called me and said that it was done. She wouldn’t let me pay her so I thought I would make some sugar cookies for her and her awesome hubby.

Yesterday my dear friend Ann stopped by needing someone to talk to. Last Saturday her 12 year old daughter, Elise was diagnosed with diabetes. I can relate to how she is feeling because my oldest daughter, Nichole was diagnosed at the age of 11.

Peggy and I are going to take them dinner tonight. I think they will enjoy a few cookies. I know what you are thinking, “What, sugar?”. Those of us who have type 1 diabetics know that anything they eat other than protein goes to sugar in the blood stream. It really is about moderation. One cookie for sweet Elise.

My prayers are with her and her family and hope that she can get it under control and realize with time that she’ll be ok. Kind of hard for a 12 year old to understand.

Random Acts of Kindness

It’s time to take a peek out our own little window and see what’s going on in this busy world. Everyone needs a little LOVE in their life.

Todays challenge: Say ‘HI’ to as many people as possible. Count on, it will be interesting to see how many people we come across in a day.

So many times we miss opportunities to brighten someone’s day. Sometimes a simple ‘HI’ is all it takes.