Memorial Day

Three images via Country Living
Whether having a picnic, barbecue or camping out this weekend take the time to remember those who fought for our freedom this Memorial Day~

Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

I love baking and I came across this amazing cherry pie recipe I had to share! You must click the link when your done and go look at the amazing images and also how to do the crust step by step the link is in the recipe! Who wouldn't love to have a cherry pie this Memorial Day? Happy Cherry Pie making~ Sweet Cherry Pie

Decorated Teachers Gift Box

Wow! School is winding down and there is just a little time to finish those teacher's gifts! I wanted to show you what I came up with based on my inspiration from Melissa Phillips on my May 20th post. I used some materials that she did and then chose others coming up with a different look. I also made it so the front top was anchored down with the weight of an embellishment so you don't have to tuck in the box flap! I made the tag so Sammie can sign the back and it can stay on the box as a keepsake from her with the fabric scrap on the front of the tag. I also chose to glitz it up by adding Martha Stewart glitter on detail spots~
I think you can decorate these one pound boxes very easily for lots of occasions! I can see doing some for the holidays! This was super fun! What do you think? Want to give it a try?
Now to bake and wrap some cooled goodies to put in it~

Supply list as follows: Kraft 1lb. box, Sassafras Scrap Paper, Urban Prairie Paper Pad yellow scrap paper, Making Memories Vintage Groove Charm T , Tim Holtz linen measuring tape, School rub on transfers by Melissa Frances, (tag) made with Cotton Scraps"Family", fabric flower, waxed twine and Martha Stewart Glitter.

Tea Cup Tuesday

Brandon Christopher Warren
Pareeerica
big70frank
juljia diomina

I am really feeling late! I don't have enough time lately~ Do you ever feel that way? Or am I just not making the best of my time? Maybe a little of both. Sometimes I get in these moods where I have a hard time with my creativity maybe it is a little mind cloud in the way. Do you ever feel like your life is like a story in a book? It can either be interesting, tumultuous, boring, fleeting, melancholy, joyful....... I could go on. While I am rewriting my day and life I have poured you a little cup of tea. I hope you don't mind the lemon in it!
My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot. ~Ashleigh Brilliant

Away We Go

Tara_to_the_t's Photostream
Well I am always swooning over great images and these just happened to include fashion.Wow~ What do you think about these fashion shots? Retro, cute and did I ever tell you I wanted to be a stewardess? Now maybe I can! This is just as hot as the hot pink! So there you have it, you might see me flying off into the sunset! Sky Girls Shop

Handmade Teachers Gift

Melissa Phillips designer

I have been feeling a little crafty lately and with thirteen days left of school I think that is plenty of time to use this for inspiration on a handmade teachers gift~ What teacher wouldn't like a little box decorated like this as a keepsake from their student. This was designed by Melissa Phillips and I think it is just the ticket to my child's teachers heart! For a list of all the supplies and links to where to get them just visit Emma's Paperie~Don't forget you could always bake some treats to put in the box and a little thank you note from the student~ Wouldn't that be sweet?
A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others. ~Author Unknown

Tea Cup Tuesday - Wedding Tea Themes Ideas

Flying Colours Celebration Styling
Lizzie Jayne Designer

Perfect Outdoor Weddings
Moments of Elegance Tea Cookies
Duet Weddings
Heart Infuser


Personalized tea sachets and tin

When it comes to bridal showers and weddings there is no shortage of inspiration these days~
What is really wonderful is if you are a tea lover there is a growing number of lovely bridal shower gifts, ideas for teas and ways you can incorporate the idea into your themed wedding! I love the idea of parasols and am sure you'll be seeing more details on that later from me. I was swooning over the tea length dress having a bit of romance yet modern styling to it~ Do you thing I could convince my oldest daughter to try one on? I can envision having a bridal tea all set up with cupcakes in the tea cups like this with lovely roses in the centerpiece in another tea cup. Oh, and platefuls of tea decorated cookies to have with tea too. In the evening I could see a little family gathering with a simple table setting with flowers in tea containers. Can you hear us toasting and laughing and asking how they first met? When it comes to shower gifts you can find things in just about any theme. But my two favorites this week had to be the heart infuser and personalized tins with tea sachets in them. *just click on the picture links to see where to purchase. I think I will be having a cup of tea now to relax and reflect on what I have found~ How many weddings are you going to or are in this summer? Do you know anyone who has had a bridal tea or tea themed wedding? I would love to know~

Favorite Past Times

When you were young do you remember playing in the yard while your mom or grandmother hung out the clothes? I do! There is no favorite past time that I enjoy more as far as household chores~ I have always used warm spring or summer days to hang out some or all of our laundry. I enjoy when the kids are running under foot or playing in the sprinklers as you are getting fresh air and housework done at the same time. Did I ever want to be a pioneer woman? No!! I love my wonderful and modern washer & dryer that conserves energy, but why not use solar power for drying and get some fresh air once in awhile and save on that gas or electric bill while helping mother earth! I am a modern woman loving the wind breezing through my hair while reminiscing of times long ago and having my own children under foot~

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle

Simple Fresh Salsa

Click on photo to see entire photograph

Photo credits Theresa Huse
It is almost tomato season and simply said, fresh salsa is worth the wait! There is nothing more I like than growing a small vegetable garden with fresh tomatos and herbs. If you aren't growing a little garden this season the next best thing is from your local farmer's market. So here is a simple salsa that you can throw together that is quick and easy. Toss your favorite chips on the side or serve with your favorite Taco dish or enchiladas. Is your mouth watering yet?
*Ingredients & directions:
2-3 Tomato s, 1-2 avocados, 1 lrg. hand full cilantro tops, 4 stems green onion, 1 jalapeno, 1 lime, 1 garlic clove (or) garlic powder, pepper and salt to taste. (amounts very by serving you wish to make, this size serve about 3 just fine) The fresher the better!
Cut up your tomatos and avocados then add lime juice , chop up your cilantro, green onion, garlic and jalapeno (seed if you wish), then add to the mixture of tomato and avocado, salt and pepper to taste. Be sure and wash your hands well after chopping the jalapeno as it can stay on your hands! Keep chilled until ready to serve~ A simple but great way to spice up your day!

Tea Cup Tuesday

Image Credit Mute-Song
Image Credit Such Pretty Things

Image Credit Sherry's Rose Cottage
Image credits PatchworkPottery
Image credits Simple Tess

Image credit Lissy Elle's

Tea cup Tuesday friends I feel like I am on the beginning of a carousel ride and it is spinning round and round. Jump on and join me for my new journey. One of when time meets past and present. Proms are in the past, roses, romance and weddings in the present. I have to stop for some tea and calming colors of pink and aqua. I must savor the moments with you on Tea Tuesday's as my life is about to take a spin with two of my daughters engaged to be married! One this July and one next spring or fall she is in the mists of planning. I am finishing details of bridal shower arrangements, choosing mother of the bride dress's is about to begin and more~ I hope I can spark your interest in returning for some wedding themed posts both fashionable and crafty with loves that I am finding on this carousel ride that I am taking~

Ah me! love can not be cured by herbs. ~Ovid

Mother's Day Love

1. H E A V E N, 2. 02.12.10 : tickle me pink, 3. I bought a ticket to the world (processed with free ACR / LR presets), 4. Pronto ???!!!, 5. pretty pink pucker, 6. Pretty in Pink

It seems like yesterday when I was playing with babies making them giggle, sharing the love of crayons and being tickled pink for the sunshine and being outdoors in the garden with them. Now all but one is grown up. They call me and send me their love and fly off to do other things.
But we always spend a little time on Mother's Day reminiscing and sharing a little love even if it's just over the phone, memories embedded to last forever ~

A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely unhappen. ~Edward de Bono

Simple Mother's Day Spa Gift Ideas

Photography by Thomas J. Story, story and styling by Miranda Jones
Link to Sunset directions here

If you are looking for last minute Mother's Day gifts on a budget that are easy to make and you even might have some of the ingredients in your cupboard you might enjoy these recipes and links I found~ There is still time to pamper your mom and even make a little extra for yourself! You can also follow the link to Sunset for recipes & how to make a lavender sachet, bath scrub and travel candle~

Martha Stewart

Bath Salts

Bath Salts Turn a plain old soak into a real retreat with bath salts you make yourself. Start with about 4 cups of sea salt or kosher salt. Mix in several drops of an aromatic bath oil (available at bath and beauty stores) and, if you wish, dried fragrant plants, such as lavender or eucalyptus. Pour into a jar for yourself or to give as a gift. Use a few spoonfuls of salts per bath; to keep herbs from floating, spoon the mixture into a spice sachet (available at gourmet grocery stores). C&H Sugar
White Cane Glimmer Sugar Scrub
1 cup - C&H® Pure Cane Sugar 1 cup - vegetable oil Oil from 1 vitamin E capsule 1 or 2 drops - of essential oil, lavender or orange 1 16oz. - glass container with lid Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended. Using a spatula, transfer mix into the container and secure lid. Contents will settle, mix before using. Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in circular motions onto your skin. Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The scrub will tighten on your skin.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub
We know the perfect way to relax after a long day of baking! Try this luxurious homemade spa treatment using a delicious aromatic blend of C&H® Brown Sugar, moisturizing oils and fresh fragrances. You can also create this homemade sugar scrub, as a thoughtful, low-cost gift that will make your friends feel a little sweeter! 1/2 cup ground almonds 1/2 cup ground oatmeal 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup almond oil 1 tsp. vanilla extract Small containers with lids Combine all ingredients using a spatula in a large bowl until well blended. Mix should have a paste like texture. If it is too dry add more oil a few drops at a time. Conversely, if it is too oily add more dry ingredients until you reach the desired consistency. Keep stored in tightly sealed jars. May need to mix before use if ingredients settle. Application: Gently apply to wet skin in a circular motion concentrating on dry patches and rough areas of your skin. Avoid using the scrub on sensitive areas, in cuts or on skin that is irritated or sunburned. Sugar scrubs are also not recommended for the face. Thoroughly rinse with warm water. Caution: the oil in the sugar scrub can cause the tub to become slippery. Have fun creating your own signature body scrub by experimenting with various scents from essential oils like grapefruit, lavender or peppermint, found in specialty markets or crafts stores. If you add any natural fruit or dairy products to your scrub, we recommend you refrigerate for up to two weeks. Tips: A little goes a long way with the sugar body scrub when giving as gifts. Use small mason jars or washed out baby food jars as containers. Decorate the lids buy cutting out fabric scraps in a circle shape about 2 inches larger than the lid. Glue the fabric to the lid, then tie a pretty coordinating ribbon, gathering the fabric, around the neck of the jar. Be sure to include a small tag with the application instructions and don’t forget to let the recipient know that you were the one sweet enough to make these for them!

Link to C&H spa gift tags

Credits for spa recipes and images to Martha Stewart, C & H Sugar and Sunset

Tea Cup Tuesday

Kaboose
Country Living
Copyright Heather.bee



Photo copyright Nicole Hill via



Country Living

These heart-shaped tea-cups from Bits and Piece

I wanted to celebrate with all my Tea cup Tuesday friends a little Mother's Day Inspiration~
Start with making a lovely little tea cup card for mom~ Put roses in a tea cup or plant a little plant in a tea cup for a gift. Gather your vintage cups and make a most colorful and beautiful table setting. Then you are ready to serve up your tea with love! Wishing all the mom's out there a wonderful Mother's Day~ In memory of mom's and grandma's that are no longer with us light a little candle and send them sweet thoughts. I hope the weather allows you to be outdoors and enjoy the day with loved ones! Have a wonderful and "tea" riffic time!
Don't forget to drop by and enter my giveaway on my other blog! Your all invited all you have to do is comment, see list for extra chances too!! Click here to enter~

Fabulous Links for "Beginnner Sewers" & up

Image via
I did a little research for some helpful sites for beginner sewers and up. These links are worth looking at, the resources are different at the sites (some have video tutorials, some classes, some free patterns, instructions and more). I hope you find something that will help you get started! It is worth learning to sew. It can be relaxing, fun and rewarding when you put in a little effort~

Just to let you know I am celebrating my art blog anniversary so drop by and enter for a chance to win some prizes! You might find some other things you like too, and I have a freebie for Mother's Day on the post prior to the giveaway! Be sure and let your friends know!
I hope this little post helps get you started on the path to some creative sewing~
All my best~ Until next visit.

Simplicity Creative Group

Hip Sewing Sites for the Hip Seamster This link will take you to an article with descriptions of the sites and links to help you on your sewing journey!
Lots of great links here, be sure to scroll all the way down; from links, forums to videos click here

Pattern Review.com and their knowledge base

FreeNeedle.com

E How

Sewing Video Tutorials by topic