Don't Miss the "French Beauty" Drawing!

Hope you'll join my drawing for this "French Beauty" necklace...
It is a burnished bronze-toned piece.

I hope you'll join my blog and leave me a message to
enter the drawing--winner will be announced on July 15!

THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED.

I'm linking this to:
"Flaunt It Fridays" at:

http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/

and "Frugalicious Fridays" at:
http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/

and Punkin Seed Fridays http://punkinseedproductions.blogspot.com/

4th of July Soaps!

Hi Everyone--
Happy 4th of July---here's a fun way to
add some color to your home--You
might want to try it!

Graphics are from Vintage Image Craft.
Also includes commercial embellishments.
Hugs,
Cindy

Catching up!

This week has been amazing--the weather is absolutely perfect (much better than the extremely hot high humidity we had been having!) Reagan and I have been out of doors most of the time--going to the park, having kite flying play dates with friends, working in the backyard--you name it! We even both splashed in the Elmo splash pad this morning!

We also had a chance to go to Walmart yesterday (yes, I gave up Walmart for a time to cut down on our expenses...and now I only go on average about once a month when we really need something and I do NOT want to drive 30 minutes to Target--this arrangement has been working really well for the whole family!) Specifically we were looking for a new kite for Reagan and clearance flowers for the backyard...and we found tons! They had lots of ground cover and a good bit of flowers on clearance for .50 to $1. If my mother in law is reading this, they have Joseph's Coat on clearance for $1 per container!!!

Today Reagan and I spent the morning figuring out where everything needs to go. Unfortunately it's going to require a second trip to Walmart because I ran out of potting soil (argh!!!)

Reagan and I also found flowers on our cucumber plants, little tiny flowers (GORGEOUS deep bluish-purple) on our green bean (or maybe they were peas??) plants and beginning buds on our zucchini plants...we should have a nice crop..IF the zucchinis don't take over EVERYTHING in sight! (They're already almost as tall as Reagan and about 4 times as wide as she is!)

On other notes, Reagan got to "climb" a tree yesterday--mostly I pushed her up on the branch. She LOVED sitting up there, enjoying the breeze and exploring the bugs, birds and leaves all around here. That's what being a kid is truly about :)

I think that's it for today...will post pictures tomorrow!!!

American Pride--Rednesday, Whatya Workin' On Wednesdays and Thrifty Thursday

Hi Everyone!
Here is a tray that I made for the 4th of July...It was created with commercial papers and embellishments, as well as images from Vintage Image Craft. Also, used gesso.

Rednesday
Whatya Workin' On Wednesdays
Thrifty Thursday

Hugs,
Cindy

Shop Update!

Update in the shop today! It feels like it's been forever since I got anything new up, even though it's only been about a week. Here's a couple of the new items..











For the end of June, I also marked down lots of items to extra low prices and put them in a new SUPER SALE Section in my Shop! Hurry and check out these great deals before they disappear!

Visit us at Smelly Shoes Vintage!

Bunny Blu (Stitchy Stamps)

Isn't this little bunny just the cutest sad bunny you've ever seen?  This sweet image is from Stitchy Stamps and you can purchase it here.  I just thought he looked so blue that I couldn't work with any other color on this project.  I used some papers from October Afternoon's Ducks in a Row collection (cute stuff!).  I printed my sentiment from my computer and used SU punches for the tags.  The buttons are from PTI and the green cardstock is SU Kiwi Kiss.  Here are the copic colors I used:

Unfortunately, we won't be having a blog hop this week.  Angela has not only been without a computer for the last several days but also without AC and it is over 100 degrees where she lives so.....we are all taking a little break while she takes care of those priorities.  Be sure to check out our blogs, though as we will all be posting some fun stuff!

The Wildwater Walking Club by Claire Cook

In preparing for Claire Cook's new book, "Seven Year Switch," to come out, I thought I'd check out her "The Wildwater Walking Club." I am so glad I did! What a fabulous book!

Noreen Kelly’s ordered life came to an abrupt end when she took a buyout from her job with a major shoe manufacturer that was facing a take-over. Instead of having a job to get up everyday for, she was faced with nothing but time on her hands.

What’s a girl to do with so much time? Well, go walking!

Claire Cook’s hilarious book, “The Wildwater Walking Club,” is a delightful look at how to handle middle-age gracefully, courageously, and with a great sense of humor.

After taking her redundancy package and being dumped by her boyfriend all in the same day, Noreen decides to pick herself, buy herself a pair of “Walk On By” shoes made by her former company, and walk her way into a new, healthier life.

She’s joined by her Wildwater Way next-door neighbor Tess (a serious clothesline advocate), and Rosie, the owner of the local lavender farm, and the three ladies begin a walking routine that would lead to a tight friendship. After all, if you find friends who wear the same size 8 ½ shoe as you, you keep them!

As the women walk and talk, they share secrets, commiserate over life’s tragedies such as handling sullen teenagers, husbands who don’t understand, and mothers who push their daughters to get married – all while they tally up the number of steps they’ve taken. Needing something to encourage them to keep up their new routine, Noreen and the girls decide to make a goal of walking a certain number of steps will earn them a reward of a trip to a world-famous lavender festival in Washington State, a trip that will remain in their memories for years to come, for the sheer excitement and hilarity of it all.

Claire Cook taps into the time-honored tradition of women’s friendships, strengths and resilience with “The Wildwater Walking Club.” She mixes in a blend of humor with just a touch of romance to create a story that will touch the heart and tickle the funny bone at the same time. Cook also includes some great ideas for using lavender sprinkled in among the chapters.

This is a perfect book for book clubs to discuss, for friends to share with one another, or to just enjoy on a hot summer day with a cool glass of lavender lemonade by your side.

(This book was from my personal collection.)

Here is an easy herbal lemonade recipe! Nothing brings in the summer better than the taste of lemons and lavender. (*not from the book.)

Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup lavender leaves, chopped
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup lemon juice
Ice cubes

Preparation:First, heat the first measures of water and sugar to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Add lavender and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Strain out the lavender. In a pitcher, add lavender infusion to second measure of water and lemon juice. Stir and add more sugar to taste.

Chill and serve lemonade over ice. Serves 6-8

Be sure to stop back by on July 21st (my birthday!) when Claire will be stopping by to talk about her new book, "Seven Year Switch."

Weekend of Antique Shops

I'm home from my weekend in the country. I was able to visit with Family from New York City, Texas, and North Carolina, and other family I have not seen in years! I saw my Niece graduate from High School, Visited Antique shops all over, Had a family get together or two, Went to a couple new restaurants, and then finished the weekend up Roller Skating with my youngest niece. I tried to make lots of plans to get together with my family again over the summer. I had a fabulous time this past weekend!

We must have visited ten different antique stores this weekend. I wanted to show some photos of some of the bigger places. We were in small towns, but these old barn and buildings were full to the brim with rooms and floors of antiques and treasures.



I only wish we would have had more time to explore in these places! Of course, I could have spend 12 hours in just one of these shops, and probably still would have felt like there were things I didn't have a chance to look at!



I purchased a couple things at each shop, But this next place was my favorite.



The top floor of this old Carriage House had nothing but antique chairs! There were also rooms full of furniture, tools, books, art, and endless other goodies.



The first night when we got back to my moms place, I took this photo of some of my finds. This is only a tiny portion of the goodies I found, and doesn't show the SEVEN Vintage and Antique Cameras I found and purchased for the Shop.



I had a lovely long weekend, but I'm glad to be home. I always miss my Boyfriend and our Cat. It will be good to get back into the swing of things on Etsy and the rest of life.

What are you doing with your Summer??

I felt, quite....Motherly!

Since Friday my husband, my dearly beloved, has been down for the count - SICK!

This guys never gets sick, I mean NEVER! Maybe a small cold here or there or a bum ankle or a broken nose, but not sick. Not like he has been since Friday. I'm talking sore throat, coughing, blowing his nose every other minute, pale face, hasn't shaved in 3-4 days kind of sick.

Let me also say that in these rare instances (ok, the ankle thing, not so rare) he still manages to take things in stride and help out as much as he can. I even openly admit that when he is suffering, I'M the one who whines. Let's just say I wouldn't make a great single Mom. I need my companion, we do things together, we are a team. TEAM LARES!

Even though he helped clean the house on Sunday and mowed the lawn. The rest of the weekend, he was on the couch. He thanked me over and over for picking up the slack. And it's funny he said that because (no! I didn't feel like I was picking up any 'slack') I actually felt like I was taking care of things. Me, all by myself. I didn't go into panic mode that my partner was out of commission and I was to hold down the fort. I emptied all the rain water from the swimming pool, drug it out from under the deck, filled it with water and let my kids swim. I took them to the sprinkler park where there were nearly a hundred kids and let them play for 4 hours - 4 HOURS! I made sure they were fed, brushed their teeth, read them 12 stories and put them to bed, all without a single shout and did it all over again the next day, On top of all that I took care of the mountain loads of laundry, dishwasher loads full of dishes, ect. Doesn't sound like that big of a deal? It may not have been. But, it was the way I felt about doing it all. I was in control and took it upon myself to get things done without relying on Adam to do his half and not get mad. I was able to watch my kids play at the park and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. I was able to take care of things so he could get well. I felt, quite....motherly!

Last night he called me a little after 6 and through a big YAWN into the phone, he said he was on his way home (early). I got a little giddy, as it was such a gorgeous night. "Let's go on a bike ride", I said. His response was, "Don't get too excited - SNEEZE".
By 7:30 Adam was on one couch sound asleep and later moved to the bed. Alexa was on the other couch burning up and then freezing and then burning up and freezing again. She made a few trips to the bathroom, but only dry heaved. She wanted to vomit so badly, to get some relief, but couldn't.

What was happening to my family?

Lillian and I were playing nurse, by bringing them blankets, cold water (with straws), taking temps, running to the bathroom with Alexa and giving them comfort and love.
By 9 o'clock the 2 kids and my hubby were tucked in and dreaming.
I took Chip out for a nice long walk, took a deep breath and enjoyed the beautiful fresh air.

This morning, Adam feels like a million bucks and Alexa is back to her normal sassy self.

I DID IT!

*********************************

I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR VOTING FOR MY BLOG. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING. REMEMBER, YOU CAN VOTE EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU VISIT. FEEL FREE TO VISIT OFTEN!!!

(I went from #1514 to #534 overnight from all your votes. WOW!)

Gift Time From SL House & Garden

There are so many wonderful gifts available at the moment in the SL House & Garden Group. I am so thrilled that the group has over 100 members now with some of the most talented creators & bloggers on the grid. If you would like any of these gifts just make sure to join the SL House & Garden Group inworld.

These photos were taken at the SL House & Garden Centre. This is a special location for group members and other guests as a place to come and relax, blog, build sets and to generally be a helpful tool for bloggers.

There is a warm and inviting cafe where you are welcome to socialise with other enthusiasts or simply enjoy some 'down time'. A resource room which is the perfect spot to sit down and relax while you blog.  There is also ample space for you to build your sets either for your blogs or if you are constructing but run out of room.

You will need to wear your group tag to build, other than that, the land is open to everyone. So if you want to build you are going to have to join the group sorry LOL. There is a group joiner at the landing point. You can check it out here *Visit SL House & Garden Centre*

If you need any help at all please do not hesitate to contact Jennaa Loire.

Photo 1: The Loft - Pot Chick

Photo 2: Chair - HomeKraft - adirondack chair 1. Strawberry plant in bag - monthly gift from cleo design.

Photo 3: (TLND) True Love Never Dies -  White Pergola.

Photo 4: Pixel Paperie- Mood Changing Frames.

Silhouette Craft Cutter Giveaway

HURRY. DON'T WALK. RUN. NOW. GO!

HERE!

Thrifty Decor Chick is giving away a Silhouette Craft Cutter! There are so many amazing applications for this tool....vinyl cutting, scrap booking, making cards..you name it! And even if you don't win (although there are five chances for you to win!) she has some great package deals!

GO NOW!

Lyriqs Quote

amazing huh? find more in here

Fun in the SUN!

This photo album made with Smilebox

Bookmarks for Campers

Our daughter is a counselor at a Christian camp this summer.  She wants to be able to give each of her campers her address so that they can keep in touch with her.  I offered to make this book-loving girl bookmarks with the camp theme on the front and her home & college addresses on the back.  She requested "camp" colors and likes ribbons off the ends.  Since I am making so many of them (70+), I chose to go the hybrid route and mounted my digi-bookmarks on cardstock and then attached the ribbons.

Supplies:  PSE7, cardstock:  Recollections (brown) and Georgia Pacific (white), Ink: SU, Ribbons: Offray

I learned how to make my new signature here and then how to get it to show up on all my posts here. 

#77) Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

After nearly 2 years of blogging (my blog bday is on the 19th), it is sometimes hard to find new sweet treats to share with you guys. It is true, I tend to stick within my comfort zone of chocolate and peanut butter a lot, but every now and then it is really fun to whip up something totally different than my usual flavour combos, and that's why I enjoyed this cake so much!

I have to admit, until this bad boy came out of the oven, I had never even tasted any lemon and poppy seed sweet treats before - but I have been converted! This cake is so light and citrus flavour is so crisp that each bite addictive. And the four-berry curd in the middle - OMG! I was a little unsure while it was still hot, but once it cooled and settled into the cake.... well, let's just say it was a match made in heaven :)

I am going to be MIA again now for a while - July is gonna be a busy month - so with the exception of a couple of possible posts this week, I won't see you much next month. I am away in beautiful Quebec for two weeks, travelling home to Newfoundland for a week, getting married, and heading back to Quebec for the honeymoon... See you in August!!!


Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Ingredients

2 1/3 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seed
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup evaporated milk
5 egg whites, room temperature (keep the yolks for the curd)
1/2 tsp sugar

Steps

-Spray 13x9 inch pyrex dish and line with parchment paper (long enough so there are "handles" on each side to lift out cooled cake).

-Preheat oven to 350F.

-In a medium bowl, stir together cake flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.

-In a large bowl, cream sugar, zest, and butter.

-Add flour mixture and milk alternately to butter mixture in 4 additions, starting with milk and ending with flour. Beat after each addition.

-In a separate bowl, beat eggs and 1/2 tsp sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into batter.

-Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in dish for 15 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Cut down the middle to form to square cakes.


Four-Berry Curd

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups berries, fresh or thawed
5 egg yolks, lightly beaten
3/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Steps

-Melt butter in large sauce pan.

-Add berries, yolks, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and mashing berries. Mixture should thicken. (Mine didn't thicken very much so I ended up with a slightly runny curd, but the flavour was great)

-Once thickened, pour through a large strainer to remove the large pieces of berry. Add lemon juice and let cool to room temperature (should thicken more as it cools).


Assembly

-Pour some curd over top of one square cake. Place second cake on top.

(There will be plenty of curd left over to add to individual servings, as desired)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Monday, Monday - once again! And I did get quite a bit of reading and writing done last week! I played catch up on writing review, and have great plans to work on my blog some this week!

I love being a part of my friend Sheila's meme, "It's Monday, What Are You Reading?" (see her blog for more information on all the great blogs who particpate in this weekly get-together! http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/)

So with no further ado - here's my lists ~

What Did I Read Last Week?

Spoken From The Heart by Laura Bush - Excellent book!

Insatisable by Meg Cabot - ok, you know me and vampires - not a big fan of them! But this book really zings!!

Betsy Ross And The Making of America by Marla Miller - And we just thought all she did was sew flags!

Somewhere Inside by Laura and Lisa Ling - a beautiful tribute to sisterly love!

Everday in Tuscany by Frances Mayes - I so want to visit Tuscany someday! This book just refueled my desire!



WHAT I AM READING NOW:

Hope in A Jar by Beth Harbison




WHAT I PLAN TO READ THIS WEEK!:

Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton Frank

Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner

One Season of Sunshine by Julia London

And I'm sure there will be a few more thrown in along the week!

Happy Monday, ya'll! Thanks for coming by! See ya real soon!!! Stay Cool!!

Double Birthday!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y

M O M & B E N S K I ! ! !

I love you guys so much.

I think it's pretty awesome (and special)

that you guys share a Birthday.

I wasn't going to admit this, but I called my Mom this morning (as I always do) on my way in to work. I talked to her the whole way in, not realizing what day it was. When I got into my office and booted up my computer and started reading the list of blogs I follow for the day ~ I saw the 'date'. I honestly thought it was some kind of joke. June 28th is my Mom and brother's Birthday, but it's not June 28th yet, it can't be. I checked my calendar on my computer and sure enough, it's June 28th today. You can about imagine how stupid I feel.

sleepy day

Oh My God, i'm terribly sleepy today...Only sleep for three hours...after watched World Cup Hooooaaahhhemmmm nyam nyam...wanna share amazing things that i got in yesterday preach but have no spirit at all today. Not a great day in the office and i just wanna go home!!!

My bad -_-"

Crop Chocolate Projects

The Crop Chocolate Chocolatiers had an online crop this weekend.  I didn't get to participate in all the challenges but I did get a few things done.  Here are a couple.  The card was made using Making Memories black/white mat stack and the flower is one of those scalloped circle flowers I love to make.  The layout uses some of the Making Memories Embellishment Papers (great versatile patterned papers).  If you've not heard of crop chocolate....hold on to your seats because you are going to LOVE it.  This is not just another one of those "daily deals" sites.   Crop Chocolate has several deals a day so you will want to have a window on your computer open with it and refresh it several times a day as you can't beat the deals you will find...i.e.  Slice machine for $89!!!  Plus....if you check out the Sweet Talk you will find a chat board that is full of inspirational ideas and a wealth of information about a huge variety of topics!  To get to Sweet Talk just go to the Crop Chocolate site here and click on community and you will see the Sweet Talk option.  If you don't see the current deal then click on the treat and you will find it.  Just take a gander at some of the past deals (also under the community tab) and you will see some of the awesome prices and don't worry if you see something you have to have as if you keep watching it may well come up again!

Attention All Artists and Crafters!

Hi Everyone--

I have a new blog called I Owe it All to Him...If you click the button on the top right, it will take you there.
It is solely for inspiration and prayer--a quiet place to find a sanctuary.

If you would like to be a guest artist on that blog, just let me know...I could use anything that is spiritual, joyful--whatever you think would be appropriate. And of course, I would list who created it and a blog address so people could reach your site.

I just thought it was a neat way to share...You all inspire me!

I would write an inspirational story to go with it and use it as a theme for the day.
Hugs and blessings,
Cindy
xoxox

Brag Monday and Boardwalk Bragfest!

"Paris Clips" Drawing--No. 2


Hi Everyone...and welcome to my new internet "home." I'm pretty excited!

I just completed a drawing for these little clips and I made some more for Brag Monday and Boardwalk Bragfest and now I am having a second drawing.

If you would like to enter to win these, please leave a comment. It is open to everyone.

They were created with commercial papers and a crown image from the Graphics Fairy.

I will announce a NEW winner on July 15, 2010.

If you scroll down, I have 2 more drawings going on...Don't miss them!

(And one more thing--Jamie, my little Maltese sends kisses to Miss Babbette! For those of you who don't know, Babbette is Jan from Boardwalk Bragfest's wonderful Maltese--I guess they are "canine soulmates!")

THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks for visiting!
Hugs,
Cindy

Menu Plan Monday

Here is our menu for the week, and, as a bonus, I found an awesome site I wanted to share with everyone: Freeprintablegrocerylist.com! Click on THIS link to get a great downloadable menu planner with room to write your grocery needs! LOVE IT!

Monday:
Cereal
Wraps and refrigerator clean out items!
Grilled chili chicken with pasta, corn and tomatoes

Tuesday:
Eggs and Sausage
Tuna sandwiches and fruit
Senate Bean Soup and Farmhouse Honey Wheat Bread

Wednesday:
Sausage and Cereal
Leftovers
Italian Delight and vegetable

Thursday:
Toast and Eggs
Leftovers
Red Beans and Rice with Sausage, Salad

Friday:
Eggs, Toast, Sausage, Fruit--some combination (whatever needs to be eaten up)
Leftovers
Pizza or Pizza Rolls

Saturday:
Pancakes and Sausage
Leftovers from the week or sandwiches
Grill-steaks, potatoes, salad

Sunday:
Cereal
Roast, potatoes, carrots, green bean casserole; Dessert: Lemon Pie
Leftovers

Mixed Media Monday--"Something New"

A New Birth and a New Blog

Last year, a dove built her nest on the wreath on our front door--what a surprise!

Months later, after the babies were born and weaned, they all flew away, however, the bird’s nest remained.

When I heard about the “something new” challenge, I decided to use branches from the nest to incorporate into this journal cover...

It is made from batik fabric that has been stenciled with gesso. It includes soy silk and fibers, as well as commercial embellishments.

To reach this challenge, please go to:
http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com

Please scroll down my blog as I have 2 drawings going on right now and winners will be chosen on July 15,2010! There is a "Paris" tag you could win AND a French Beauty necklace!!

Check Out this Beautiful Drawing!

Hi Everyone,

At Cameo Kids Boutique there is a wonderful
drawing for a beautiful little girl's dress--
check it out at:

http://www.cameokidsboutique.blogspot.com/

Growing Pains

I made this layout for an online crop I was trying to participate in but just too much other stuff going on....I did get this layout done, though.  I used a layout in Creating Keepsakes by Jennifer Davis as my sketch.  The patterned paper is from Making Memories Embellishment Papers and the "ruler paper" is actually a tape by Making Memories (going to get more of that stuff!).  I used my slice to cut out the title and the journaling block.  Hope you are having a great weekend!

"Ooohh-la-la Tag" Drawing!

This is an invitation and a drawing...I would like to invite you to see my
new blog! It’s called I Owe it All to Him...

If you would like to enter this drawing, you just need to do
2 things:

Click on I Owe it All to Him.
Become a follower on my new blog and leave me a message--it’s that simple!

This “Ooohh-la-la Tag” was created with commercial papers and embellishments.
And, oh gosh, what does Paris have to do with a prayer site? I have no
idea, but since I love anything “Paris,” I thought I would make it for
the drawing!

One winner will be picked at random on July 15!

THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED.

Hugs,
Cindy
xoxox

Announcing...

I have 2 new winners for drawings going on this week...

Rebecca from A Gathering of Thoughts is the winner of the Paris Clips!
Marsha from Sassy Mini Dolls is the winner of the Bloggerette Sorority tin!

Congratulations!
And please come back because I'm always
having give-aways!
Hugs,
Cindy
xoxoxo