A "CHILLY" Weekend

The weekend just flew by. Cold, rainy and quite busy.  I found a receipe for "CHILLY"  Always good on a cold gloomy day.
It was in  our new library cookbook.. A fund raiser and quite enjoyable.


"CHILLY"

No Pants    No Socks   No Hat
No Shirt     No Coat     No Gloves

Exit home on a crisp winter day. Use front or back door. (Optional)
Walk, don't run  (Running will warm you and ruin your chill)

 presented by:     Ruby Dayle

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your week.

IT'S #151 at WOYWW

Oh the lovely changes of blogger once again. I wonder how long it will be for me to get use to the "New" ways once again. Like I have lots of time to locate this and locate that.  There are words but I want to be nice.  If I were to offer some improvements it would be to speed up the downloading of pictures.

It's simple with Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  the post is on Wednesday's of your Workspace, visit her blog for details and enjoy the fun.

 Right work area is a mess, working on tooooooooo many projects. Accomplishing nothing

Left work area is just drying glam on some tags. The little fish!!!!! Truthfully I think I donated this long ago and now found it on a shelf at another shop and bought it back.  My only conclusion is before my hair turned  platinum grey it was blonde.  Da..

Thanks to all of you who left such wonderful comments last week. I love your encouragement and fun comments.  It was a trying day..again today with 2 medical appts 50 miles away with my parents and some simple shopping for them. But the weather was super and we had some great Asian food.  Time with them is priceless, but I'd rather take them fishing!!

I am so excited about Julia's ATC's...these are great fun.
I have some ATC's in Feb  http://littletreasures-sylvia.blogspot.com/2012/02/sharing-valentine-atcs.html  and April  http://littletreasures-sylvia.blogspot.com/2012/04/celebrate-spring-atc-swap.html   posts, if you are new to doing these,  as I do a swap every once in a while. I love working with these, the ideas are endless.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week.

Some Crafty Time Available

It's been a while since I've joined a Challenge but I so much loved this little image and  Debbi at
 All In My Cottage offered a 2012 Spring Art Challenge using her image.

I distressed the kraft card edges, used some soft green card stock (also distressed), topped with silver tulle, layered the pink flowery paper and the adorable little girl  BONNE ANNEE  image.She just radiates love,  with that pretty little dress and the fun bow in her hair.
 I used some scrunched seam binding for the pink bow. Added some white lace, pearls and rolled up a pink flower  I cut with my Sizzix die and a green leaf.
This was such feminine fun to create. The challenge runs until June 1st so stop over and find out the details.
I'll bet she is going to give that little bouquet to her special mother.
Thanks for stopping by, wishing you a wonderful week.

WOYWW #150

It's #150 ...a Milestone at  Ms. Julia's  STAMPING GROUND. The peeping about of workspaces and other sharable projects. Hop on over to Julia's blogspot and see what we are all excited about.

Variety is what I'd call it...white dominoes, flexible wire creation (makes many designs), Strawberry Shortcake Doll, black heart holder, steel dice and jax, paper scraps,  metal heart cookie cutters. Many ideas running thru my head and HIGH HOPES to get some creative juices flowing once again.

My "Floor"...a bag full of odds and ends for 50 cents at a great "THRIFT SHOP" my son took me too on base.  He then left me there for an hour while he went to Walmart... I had a ball...sooooooooo many quarter items, and great little treasures to stow away... He knows how I love a bargain. And when he loaded my 5 bags full .. he said 'I'm sure glad you don't have to go thru customs!!"

I had a most Wonderful Weekend visiting  in Kansas despite all the storms. Baptism of little Summer Rose (above in her little dress) and 2nd birthday of  Sky Lynn.(below)

 My military son's 2 daughters.  Their mother was non stop in cooking wonderful food for the BIG celebration. Unfortunately, my pictures did not turn out, so will have to copy and paste from some of the friends visiting. I was so disappointed. Haven't figured out the problem yet...my flash and batteries were always working. But modern tech baffles me..
Thanks to all you left such great encouraging comments last week, it was a stressful week and you made my day a little brighter.
Thanks for stopping by, hope to visit most of you this time around. Happy WOYWW and enjoy your week.

IT'S #149 at WOYWW

Late Tuesday night here, but it 's WOYWW at Julia's STAMPING GROUND.  So many peeps, visiting and snooping about others workarea's..hop on over she's got all the details for you to join in the fun.

A quick take of the desk....it has been the 1st day in a long while I've been able to sit and play...here I've some things turned over as I am creating "April in Paris" ATC's for a swap.  How I can be so limited in space with the big area I have, can't break the habit of "Piling Up" this and that, and using the floor to boot.

I was gone most of last week, so had very limited visiting, spent a few days with grandkids 3 hrs away for the Easter holiday.  And will be in Kansas for Baptism for Summer Rose and 2nd Birthday for Sky Lynn, this weekend. And adjusting to the idea that they will soon be gone for 3 yrs on assignment to Germany.

Making the 6hr trip alone, as DH has baby calves due and corn to be planted.
Visiting my chiro..taking Advil, and using my rice bag and hot water soaks as I am Trying to nurse back a muscle that took a hit while I had rib out of place before I start my journey, We've had 3 funerals again and in the AM I take my sister to the hospital for her surgery.

Had to pick the Tulips that were out, we are having evening freezes..20 degrees, never even had that when we were having our winters this year.  Now that all the buds, and flowers are blooming and here comes Mr. cold. I've most things covered with old sheets, etc to save their beauty and hoping our Spring comes back.

Hoping to do some WOYWW visiting, then must pack and get the car ready. Our rhubarb, and asparagus are ready to use so will have to work with that before I leave also.
 Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your week.

IT'S #148 at WOYWW

WoW  Wednesdays and Weather..both have surprises.  Some parts of  Iowa were in the 90's over the weekend, and people were at the beach.  But Ms. Julia over at the STAMPING GROUND  has people with new surprises for us each Wednesday. You'll have to bop on over to see all the details.

My sister and a friend took a day and checked out a couple of new Spring Fares and I got some cute little things..The little girls dress, I love...the colors and all the embroidery. I plan to transform it into lots of little boutique items.  The old sprinkling can  well I'll find a home for it   And a dear local designer, had the cutest little owl and Easter egg she created from old cashmere sweaters. (Sara at the Purple Pin Cushion)
My desk was free and clear...I had finished the Frilly  challenge card, on a previous post and also got my ATC's, so mine are posted just before this if you are interested.
Sometimes my desk is a mess, or cleared off, just can't show you what the designs are until they are presented.
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day, I almost forgot it was Wednesday and I'm hurrying off to get a hair cut.   Enjoy your WOYWW adventures.

CELEBRATE SPRING ATC SWAP

Kimberly at ArtJoyStuff has had some great ATC Swaps. We just finished up "Celebrate Spring"

                                                            These are my creations:

                                                                            Frontside

                                                                           Backside

                                                                         Backside

Frontside                                

  2  PINK, 2 YELLOW, 1 BLUE, 1 PURPLE

I folded tiny doilies on top with a crocheted flower, a brad or button. some tulle, a soft ribbon and a little girl image or an Easter chick.  I finished off the backside with an embossed design, distressed ink and some
type of image.

Then in the mail today, these are the ones I received. Kimberly goes the extra mile to make this fun and she does all the sorting and mailing. She makes the opening of this envelope exciting too. She always has a cute wrap, today was an adorable Postcard she made, and a tag to "Celebrate Spring" attached with bakers twine to the wrap.

            THANK YOU KIMBERLY for the LOVELY TAG and the VERY PRETTY POSTCARD
                     AND FOR ALL THAT YOU DO TO MAKE THIS A  "JOYFUL "  SWAP

We each received six ATC's. It is so exciting to receive each one. They are all very unusual and so pretty.

I want to thank (top) Chris, Oliva, Sherry,  (bottom)  Danielle, Liz, and Donna for the beautiful ATC's and please know that each one has a special place in my heart.

Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a wonderful week.

FAVORITE VINTAGE STYLE CHALLENGE

Linda over at The Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog has created a new Challenge Blog, different things every other week and surprises during the week.  This first week we could pick Our Favorite Vintage Style.

I'd say this would be "Frilly" , I love both the Frilly and the Funkie, I just had more frilly things in front of me this week. I distressed the edges of my papers, added a sparkly dotted tulle, the image of the girl with her "Easter Bonnet" has been a favorite of mine.
 I apologize for not having the name of the site that provided this, the photo that I listed it was used by mistake. I searched 3 or 4 sites to see if I could locate it, but no luck so far.

From her Boutique I added one of  Linda's corrugated hearts, added a sparkle and pearls, and her pretty heart lace. The crocheted flower was topped with a pearl flower button.

Be sure to stop over and see all the fun things she has to offer, from the Boutique, to Challenges and lots of inspirations from the new design team.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day.

It's #147 at WOYWW

I don't think any day comes faster than Wednesday. Julia at theSTAMPING GROUND  has a great thing for us inquisitive people. Stop over to her website and see what all is involved in sharing your workspace.

Just a few items remain from a couple of cards I made for some Challenges. No doubt will have one posted Thursday and next week.  Frilly and Springy..

Sat, I was able to finish cleaning up the living and sleeping area  next to my workspace so had lots of time today to be creative. And it was way to WINDY to go out walking or driving.

Hope you all have a creative week and enjoy whatever you like to do.  Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY WOYWW.

IT'S #146 AT WOYWW

Good Afternoon, didn't forget this week, just too busy to do it earlier.  Julia at the STAMPING GROUND
started this mania some 146 weekly posts ago and now has well over 150 followers each week. Hop on over and see what the peeping fun is about.
My left desk today:

Did some "junking" Monday and found the tin of old dominos..have a few projects to do with the big beads,  like Brenda Lee's old song  "secrets baby, I keep 'em to myself"   but I will reveal to you at some point.
Spent the am with DH cleaning our office area...each had drawers stuffed with burnable papers, so got that done. It's a little rainy here the past few days and he will spend some time in the house doing "His & My" projects before he has to be in the fields.

Hope you all have a wonderful week, thanks for stopping by, hope to get snoopy later tonight and see what you all have to share.  Happy WOYWW.

#145 at WOYWW

Over at the STAMPING GROUND  Julia has created a monster.  Hop over and see how everyone is posting their workspace and letting others come to visit.

I'm really running late today. It is March, 78 degrees at 4PM.  I had to quickly get morning chores done, shop a bit and do my walking. Completely forgot about WOYWW until I returned home.  I added this little corner cabinet and in order for it to work in this space I had to rearrange several other things.

So my desk is cluttered with all that was on top of the 2 pieces I moved away. So on a rainy day I hope to get things in order again. With this surge of warmth I plan to be outside,, walking, tiding up the yard, cleaning the garage and getting some rays. I think it is an 8 day warmth  and 2 days it may rain. The grass will green up and then it no doubt will freeze again. Robins are here, Geese have made their journey earlier, our Owl is back and we saw 2 swans at the slough Sunday. Wish I would have had my camera.
We have had a very busy week and I have not had much computer time, but hope to visit as many as I can later.
Hoping to post a few items later as my some of my birthday's have past. We spent the weekend in Cedar Rapids with my grandson who turned  9. Got to visit the schools fun fair (wow I am out of shape, lots of walking) and see his last basketball game on Friday. On Saturday Cami had her last basketball game, then it was to Toys R Us to pick out his gift, off to Planet X for a few hours of games (miniature golf, laser tag, etc) and of course Pizza and Birthday cake. After a 3 hr drive home, attending church, having a few beers and a great steak, and some time with friends, I feel into my bed exhausted.
And life hasn't slowed down.  Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are having great weather and a wonderful WOYWW.

IT'S WOYWW #144

My, how fast a week goes by.   Ms. Julia at the STAMPING GROUND has this wild thing going on "What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?"  She's got all the deets on her blog and I bet you won't be disappointed.

A mess!! lots of  Bits and Pieces from several birthday cards, Some fabric I wanted to use but no ribbon/flowers to match. The coffee bag I thought of opening and using the foil inside for some flowers.
The brown bag, my husband brought down to see if I wanted to stash it away!!! Why of course, it will make a great background for a man's card. It after all has the John Deere symbols and is in perfect condition.
He just shakes his head..and is amazed at what I come up with later for his opinion.

My cutting table has other piles of assorted junk. The red cellophane..from Valentine Candy, good flowers?

I've truly been creating this week, but can't show much til the birthdays are over. My sister reads my blog and I don't want to spoil her surprise. And I've finished my ATC's but again will wait until the event airs on Kims blog. Then I have 2 nephews, a grandson who turns 9, his aunt, 2 friends and a sister in law. And APRIL has many many more.  But I've ideas for all and that is half the battle.

If you want a fast, easy, delicious "MINI" Cinnamon Roll recipe stop by the post I have previous to this. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful WOYWW and enjoy the things you love best.

Wonderful Mini Cinnies....

I've been trying to lose some weight...and Pinterest has some great ideas on the "Good" foods for you to try.
Salads, Low Cal, etc...but then you see all these beautiful cupcakes, deserts, and decorated cookies it is so tempting.  I don't make many "sweets" as my husband can eat just "1" and leave the rest.. Not me...1 only leads to 2, 3 etc.no company comes so I finish it off.

But I was so hungary for a "Dough" product and happen to see this on Life's Too Short Blog to Skip Desert
I had to try it..

Mini Cinnies - Bite Sized Cinnamon Rolls (adapted fromYou Made That?)

Recipe:

Ingredients

1 can of Pillsbury crescent rolls

4 T brown sugar

1 t cinnamon

1 T butter

1 T flour

1/2 C powdered sugar

2 t milk

Directions:

Use half of package at a time so the dough stays cold.

In a small bowl mix together a tablespoon of slightly melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. Open crescent rolls, take half of dough and separate at the vertical seams. Press the diagonal seams of dough together so that the dough is smooth. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture onto dough, roll short side up then continue with the remainding dough. Cut 2 inch slices and place all the rolls on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

When rolls have cooled, mix powdered sugar with  milk. Add more sugar/milk to get frosting to the consistency of your liking. Drizzle the sugar over the rolls then let dry. 

These were a quick, easy and not so big a batch and very good. The craving is satisfied, so out to walk, it is almost 50 here and nicer tomorrow.  So got to take advantage of it.  Whittle these pounds away..

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

WOYWW #143 A BOLT OF LIGHTENING AND A CRACK OF THUNDER

Winter or Spring?   Very Windy, Raining,  Thunder and Lightening never in February in Iowa!! but it is. And a great time to get crafty. Electricity is flickering and it just cracked another loud THUNDER.. Man I hope the trees don't start falling......

And today is the day to participate in peeping about many other crafty peoples desks.  Ms. Julia has all the details over at the STAMPING GROUND    It is addicting and fun.

Haven't done too much all week and Tues. I committed to another ATC swap and started to get organized to finish up some ideas. ATC's are so challenging because of size. I totally don't know where this blue plate came from..it should be in the picnic basket and I don't have a clue how it got on my desk.  Hmmm, someone eating snacks late into the night down here?  But is proved to be handy !!

Some of you inquired about the wire display in my work area, a post just previous to this will show this and info on it.

Thanks to all of you who stopped by last week. I'm kinda rotating visits, doing part of the list but peeping about to the past week just too many for me to keep up with.Kinda doing 2 at a time,  I guess I spend too much time also reading the great comments to all the weekly posts.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful WOYWW . Today is an extra day not many Feb.29th's either..

Looks like little Bailey's taking a little nap.  Oh the life of a cat in someone's life!!! Bet his brother Baxter's in the other chair!!!

WOYWW INQUIRIES on DESK DISPLAY

Some inquiries last week on  the wire rack above my work area was actually a jewelry organizer for over the door
I made it 2 pieces because of my space.  It can be found here  http://www.nextag.com/OVERDOOR-JEWELRY-ORGANIZER-665291662/prices-html

                                                                              ToP

                                                                           BoTTom

                                                                   FroM  the CoMpanY

Hope this helps, could be used for lots of different things.  The white piece with the earrings has a shelf that can come off and make a deep storage area also.

Eagles are Back

Last year thousands watched the pair of Bald Eagles in Decorah, Iowa  hatch 3 eggs and feed their young only to give their love and watch them fly away.  This year they are back, so far 2 eggs. You can watch them at this site:
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles  until they leave again. It takes 35 days for the eggs to hatch.
When they hatch, you can watch them  being fed, how the adults repair the nest, take turns sitting on the eggs and venturing off for food.

                 They put a tracking device on the young and tracked them in Canada and Misouri.

These birds are so majestic. In person they are huge. Wabasha, Mn has  wonderful events and displays at the National Eagle Center. http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/  It is well worth the trip if you are ever in the area.
Wabasha, is also the home of the filming of "Grumpy Old Men".  A funny funny movie.

With it being Lent, we will be attending our local FISH FRY sponsored by our 1st Responders, volunteer group raising money for their many needs.  It is such a great meal, Fresh Fried Cod, choice of potato, coleslaw, homemade bread and a drink. And such great people who volunteer their time for learning, taking classes and helping those in need.  Kudos to All of them.

Thanks for stopping by, Have a wonderful weekend,

IT'S #142 WOYWW TIME

Almost too nice to be inside. Temps to be in the high 40's.. and in Kansas 70's???   We had rain Monday !!
But before I attempt to take a walk here is my desk...it's a ritual you know Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday.  Created by Julia at the STAMPING GROUND  if new to this just bop on over and she has all the details. It's worldwide, and lots of fun.

I've been working on some kids birthday cards. Bright Primary Colors. Must get a few soft and feminine things out this week also. Have LOTS of birthdays coming up in March.

The post previous covers a  weekend Winter Kite Festival we attended and A Look Alike previous to that.
Otherwise things are pretty quite around here, I'm working on the neck and shoulder muscles so I can get active again.  The massage was wonderful, but. I've some deep housework to catch up on..

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week

WINTER FUN--A KITE FESTIVAL

I've blogged about Clear Lake, Iowa before, but it sure has lots of things scheduled to keep the WINTER BLAHS at bay.  It has great Vintage Shopping, Fun Dining, and always some weekend adventure going on near the lake front at the end of main street.  A lovely park, which hosts a variety of events, music, antiques, art, etc.

Our temperatures were so warm for this time of year yet there was 14 inches of  ice so we were able to venture out on the lake and enjoy the sunshine, people and the variety of kites. There was not enough wind to be able to fly the BIG kites this year. Some of these in past years were 70 feet long and wonderful colors.
Some dance to the beat of the music playing.

It was so great to be outside, enjoying the sunshine and festivities. More and more locals are bringing their own kites to have some fun with too.  Children were making sand castles near the shoreline and lots of people bundled up just enjoying the fun.  It was a great way to spend our Saturday.