Retro Eggs.....

I absolutely adore these fun retro eggs....there are so many fun things that you could do with them....and great way to use up scraps of fabrics.

So if you want something fun to play with--GO to Retro Mama
You will find great instructions and pictures for making these cuties!!!
Go on....get over there....have fun!!!
HUGS,
Debbie

Yep, we have survived the flu....

You know, this picture looks pretty much how the whole family has felt the last few days...

So this is the reason I have been missing in action here....and I have missed posting and catching up on all the great adventures of my friends here.

I will be back to posting tomorrow and am looking forward to sharing my new "creative" space with you....it is not finished, but it is finally useable!!!

Alright you all....take those vitamins, drink plenty of liquids and I will be back shortly!!
Hugs,

Debbie

For Today....

"We need to find God,

and he cannot be found in

noise and restlessness.

See how nature--trees,

flowers, grass--grows in

silence; see the stars, the

moon and the sun, how

they move in silence...

We need silence to be able

to touch souls."

--Mother Teresa, 1920-1997

A Gift For God

Go Forth and Read...

Good Afternoon....
I have been online today catching up with some things...and working with a website group that I will have info on tomorrow...
But in the midst trying to read through my list of blogs...I found a post that I was saying "Amen" too and thought I would share it with you.. It is from the Bayou Belles -- go check it out and we will chat more tomorrow...
Hugs,
Debbie

Just A Note...

Just a quick note.....I am going to delay the next Scrap/Journal post for a couple of weeks. I am in the midst of painting and moving my studio and there just isn't a spot to work in right now...so I will be back with the journal in two weeks...ready to go. I will be posting other "stuff"...but let's delay the book for now. This will give some of you time to catch up, get started and such....as I would love to see your pictures and ideas.

Sweet dreams all....post more tomorrow!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Scrap Journal....Part 3

I have been feeling like a real slacker with this...so I took some time today to play with my journal. It is so funny, at times you feel like you don't have the time...but once you start--you get caught up in it and it is fun, reflective and I always leave it with a smile.

So thoughts on working with your book: There are times when I don't really have a picture in mind or a full "theme" for a page... I can see the page layout, or I have paper or accessories that I really want to use for something...so I will do the layout...and see what picture or idea comes together for finishing it later.

The two pages below were layouts that I did for my hubby and son....I haven't figured out exactly what I want to do with them yet...I just got the papers put in (sometimes I go ahead with accessories for the page too)...and then I use a post it note to remind me of who/what the page is for and any additional info I want to remember. You can have the best idea for something...and just know you are going to remember it...then you look at the page a few days, a month, 6 months later and haven't a clue about what you were thinking!!!! LOL So those post its are life savers at times.

The next two pages were completed today and are great examples of how this has worked for me. Both were layouts that were already finished....one came together exactly as I had it in my head and one came out of the blue and was not anywhere near what I thought I would use the layout for!!!

The first page is for our sweet dog, Abby. The layout has been done for awhile...I just found great accessories for this page and couldn't wait to do it. I just hadn't taken the time to get a picture of Abby together and write anything. Today I was able to catch her during her nap, snap a quick pix and write up a short paragraph....run them off on the computer and paste them in.

I have space to add another small picture or more writing later....but at least the "bones" are in place!!!

The second page was a total surprise. In looking though my pictures, I ran across my all time favorite childhood picture...it is of me and my grandfather. I simply adored this man!! Do you remember Randy Travis' song about his grandfather..."I thought, he walked on water"? That is what I thought of this man.

But the layout...the paper was from a "fairytale" paper group with glitter and other embellishments. I loved the look, but truly had no idea what I was going to use it for. As I played with the picture and flipped through the book....I saw the quote that went with this page..

A good memory is one

that can remember

the day's blessings

and forget

the day's troubles.

This verse caught my heart as that is truly how felt about the days I was able to spend with my grandfather. So I began to play with the layout and here is how it turned out.

I don't think the picture does the page justice...but I have to say it was a surprise and one of my favorite pages so far.

My advice for this week??? Think outside the box....don't worry about being so ridgid with your book....leave it open to lead you to new ideas.

I know Tiff has been working on her book.....check out her page at: http://serendipitylifephotos.blogspot.com/ (great job!!! thanks so much for sharing!!!!!)

Just remember...this is open ended, you can start at any time. We would so love for more of you to join in and share your pages, your ideas, questions, comments....

Hugs to you all.....now go journal!!!!

Debbie

Hi, My Name Is Debbie and I Am A....

coffee creamer-aholic...and I can prove it, just check out this picture of the shelf on the inside door of the refrigerator...


When grocery shopping this month, I went on a bit of a creamer binge. I know, crazy huh? It started with the purchase of our Keurig coffee maker....I don't do black coffee, I have to fou-fou it up a bit, so we started playing with different creamers...and then on to fun coffee drinks with the flavored syrups, creamers, whipped creamed, sweetened spice toppers. Then we started adding the flavored creamers to cookie recipes and such, with great results. This morning I made waffles that I added French Vanilla creamer and nutmeg too...they were great.
Just an idea for sprucing up some of our tried and true dishes....

And let me leave you with one of my favorite casserole recipes....

Garden Chicken Casserole:


2 c. chicken broth
2/3 c. cooking sherry, divided
6 oz. pkg. long grain and wild rice mix
1 small onion, chopped
2 small carrots, grated
1 small green pepper, chopped
1.4 c. butter or margarine
3 c. cookd chicken, diced
4 oz. can mushrooms, sliced
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
2 c. (8 oz) American sheese, shredded
1 c. evaporated ilk
1/3 c. parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 c. almonds, siced

In a medium saucepan bring broth and 1/3 cup sherry to a boil. Add contets of rice package, cover and simmer over low heat 25 to 30 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. In a dutch oven, saute onion, carrots and green pepper in butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Add rice, chicken and mushrooms, mixing well. Place cream cheese, American cheese and milk in a saucepan and melt over medium heat stirring until smooth. Add to dutch oven with remaining sherry, mixing thoroughly. Pour into a buttered 13 x 9 casserole dish. Top with parmesan cheese and almonds. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes, uncover and bake 15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Casserole may be refrigered overnight before baking. If refrigerated, increatse baking time to 45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
(we don't use the sherry)

Have a good weekend!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Scrap Journal 2

Don't waste time

in day dreams,

make up your mind

what to be and

begin.

--Mary Englebreit

Last night, I decided to play with moving some things around in my new computer area....seemed like a good idea at the time...till my wireless connection decided it was not happy with my new configuration. Soooo, with a few changes I was able to get back on here today. My wireless box is far more tempermental that I thought!!! LOL

So where were we???? Back to our Scrap Journals!!! How is everyone doing??? Have you started....or do you even have some fun ideas for it. I would love if you would share your ideas, thoughts, pictures and such. Doing this as a group that brainstorms can really help get your creative juices flowing.....so share the big and the little ideas...all are welcomed!!!

I have started a small notebook for my purse to jot down ideas. You know you always think you will remember things...but sadly they seem to flow out as quickly as they came in right now.

There are two website I would like to share with you for ideas.
One is: Angie Pedersen's Book Of Me Site
On this site you will find out about her book. It is full of lots of layouts and ideas for your pages. I grabbed a quote from this site that really sums up what we have been talking about with this...

When and old (wo)man dies,

a library burns. --African Proverb

Makes you think, doesn't it. When we don't share these fun things about ourselves...those stories die. Some of the things that you are thinking about sharing in your book....wouldn't you like to know some of those same things about your friends, family, other special people in your life?

The next site is: Big Picture Scrapbooking

They offer some great classes here...some for free, some there is a charge. Right now they have a free class I am starting about your life journey. They also have one about your wellness journey that looks really good.

Several years ago, I started a scrapbook on getting fit and my thoughts on weight loss as I was working through it. Sadly, some things occurred that got me off track with that, but I know at the time it was a great tool for really lookig at the Big Picture of how little changes can affect your outlook. (Maybe this is something we can tackle at a later date if there is interest).

I thought it might be fun to share some quotes each week on a different topic...so if they work for any of your pages...take them and have fun:

This weeks focus is friendship....

• A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words. --Unknown

• A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg, even though he knows that you are slightly cracked. --Bernard Meltzer

• The definition of a friend is someone who's coming in the door when everyone else is going out. --Dr. Phil McGraw

• My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. -- Henry Ford

So what are some of the pictures I am going to be working with in my book this week...

My beloved basket!!! Several years ago, I ran a craft mall in Indiana. One of our vendors was a school teacher that made beautiful baskets. She designed this one for teachers, because it was just the right size to fill with books, paperwork and such that they need to take home each night. It became our best seller and all the girls that worked there carried one. They are so great to fill with your stuff....bring home and empty....leave at the front door and through the evening and next morning fill with all the "stuff" you are going to need that day and head out the door. I truly, truly "heart" this basket!!! It goes with me almost everywhere!!!!


Knitting...I am not a great knitter. I will not be winning awards for designs, or finished pieces...but I love knitting simple items. Great for gift giving, for household items and just for something to occupy my hands when we are sharing some family tv time.


The other items on this weeks "favorites" list:
my garage studio
front porch
a son that cooks
my blog


So dear fellow journalers....what are the faves on your list this week? Have you started your book....care to share some pictures??? I would love to hear from all of you!!!
Have a great week...now go scrap something!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

The GiveAway.....

I have to share with you that I love doing give-aways. It is a chance to share with you some fun things that I have found and to get your feedback on them too.

We are late in getting this going...I apologize for it being late, but there are just some times around here when "life" just gets in the way.

So we gathered all the entries.....each with it's own little slip of paper...stuffed into my favorite crockery bowl...and when the name was drawn it read....

Tiffany Cross

Huge, huge congrats to Miss Tiff!!! Your box will be on it's way on Monday.

ALSO, be watching for a new giveaway. I met Sheila White at the library a couple of weeks ago...she was bringing in her new book to share with us. After chatting with her, she has sent me an autographed copy of her book, Sewn. It is a story based on her family....."One family was patched together with love, courage and the will to be together. They were...Sewn." So keep checking in and I will be posting a drawing for this book....how great to share someone's "first"...and down the road to say..."I knew them when...."

About our scrapbook project....I am excited to be back on track with it this Monday. I have been so tied up with the scrapbook job that I took on..it took far more time than I thought it would but I had so much fun jumping back into it. Isn't it funny, that when you clear things out of your life...doors start opening. I hadn't scrapped in forever. But pulled out my items to do our online class....organized and set up an area to work on this....and then out of the blue I get an offer of a "scrapbooking" job.... It is just a reminder to me that we can let ourselved get bogged down with stuff....and new things can't come our way till we "clean house".....it was a great reminder to me.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Hugs,

Debbie

Project Unending.....

Hello!!!
Just wanted to check in....I have till 6 pm today to finish the scrapbook project that I took on....it has been a much bigger project than I anticipated...so hang in there...I wil have the drawing results, new info on our online scrapbook project....and more.

Hugs to you all...and back to large cups of coffee, chocolate and this darn scrapbook!!! LOL
Debbie

Stolen Words...

I stumbled across this quote on Brin's Blog...A Messy, Thrilling Life.....it just seemed very appropriate...

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have."

Hugs,
Debbie

Let's Get Started......

I have really been looking forward to getting started with this...so today, let's just do the basics...

First, it doesn't matter what size book you choose to use. You can use what I did--an artists sketch pad (and those come in several sizes)...a regular scrapbook....just whatever feels like fun to you.

What do you need...really it depends on what you would like to work with...some ideas:

• Scrapbook papers and cardstock (these can be used for your backgrounds, to frame pictures with, for writing blocks....or just to decorated the page a bit)


• Colored pencils....great for doing little illustrations...and you don't have to be a great artist to do this. Sometimes fun squiggles and stick people are a fun way to illustrate an idea.
  
• Adhesive...I love the scotchtape brand scrapbook tape..that has been working really well for me. But there are alot out there..glue sticks are good too!


• Pictures.....photos, magazine pictures, etc....just begin keeping an eye open for unique picturesof things you "love"


• Memory Items...that menu from a favorite recipe...a paint chip from your favorite room...wrapper from your favorite candy bar. This is just something that might work for something on your list. You probably don't want to do this for every item (then again, it is YOUR book, use this item as much as you like, as little as you like, or not at all).
  

Remember, this is different than a regular scrapbook. I have scrappin friends that are militant about having whatever they put in their books not damaging the books so that they will be pristine in 100 years. Frankly if it comes to chosing between being "pristine" and sharing a memory...memory wins every time And think about it, there are things that we know damage books....but with the way things change (going digital and such)...they will be able to view the books (if our intention is to share these) over the years.

So what are we working on today:
I think it would be great if we all shared a list of 5 things we love each Monday...things that we are going to concentrate on in our books first. Doesn't mean you have to stick to those if something new comes to mind...but it is a great way to at least start thinking about it and planning what you would want on those pages.

Now a note....we as women have "our list"..we love our husbands, children, parents, siblings, God, church...you get my drift....these go without saying...and yes, you can include them in your book (once again..it is YOUR book)...and these are in mine, here and there...but I really want you thinking outside of the usual...and really think about those things that make you smile....inspire you....get your creative juices flowing....or just brighten a moment in your day. (I remember Oprah sharing once about her gratitude journal, and how sometimes she just looked for a cute squirrel in the tree...cause that may be all she had to list that day if it was really bad!!! LOL)

By next week, I hope to have Mr. Linky up and running and hope that you will be able to share your pictures of what you are working on.

So your assignment for this week:

1. I would love for you to leave a comment about what you have found to work with for your book.


2. A list of 5 thing you love...


3. Do something fun for the cover of your book (you can do it now...or if you want to see how your book goes for a different idea for how you want your cover)


4. PLEASE do or at least work on your first page, which should be your introduction....possibly a picture of yourself, why you wanted to do this, maybe something you hope to share with this book.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments....invite your friends to play along here, it is such a great way to get to know someone else---even those that you think you know everything about will surprise you!!!

So glad you are working with me on this and I can't wait to see what you share next week!!!

***Don't forget to enter the drawing!!! Just a few days left!!!
Have a great Monday!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

**My things I love list for this week:
favorite resturant
best friend
favorite books
favorite quilt shop
favorite room in the house
(Looking forward to seeing your list...I already have pages completed in my book..and you will see how you can continue to grow your book as you find new places, new things, new people and new experiences in your life!!)

February Valentine Love....

Who the heck stole this month??? It is just flying by so fast and I haven't been able to do much of what I had hoped to accomplish this month. And I missed wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!!!

BUT....what I had planned for that post was to share with you some of the "new" things that I love. I thought it might be fun to do this once a month and hope you will join me by sharing any "new" stuff that you have found in the comments....c'mon, play along!!!!

I LOVE the Orville Redenbacher Naturals popcorn...Lime and Salt flavor. Yes, my family turned up their noses when they saw the box, but they are new converts too. Love the flavor and just the right snack for "something different"....

I LOVE the blog "Stuff Christians Like"....great thought, lots of humor...and just some things that make you go. "hmmmmmm"

I LOVE the "house helpers" knit pattern posted on http://www.knittybittys.blogspot.com/ . I am strictly a "simple" knitter and this is a great pattern, so darn easy and I love using these around the house and for gifts.

I IMMENSELY ADORE the Summer Wind Quilt at the last half of this blog post...
Simplify . I am a new quilter and there is just something about this quilt that grabs me. I saw the original pattern and while pretty, it didn't get to me till I saw it in these colors...definately on my "to do" list.

I LOVE Sephora....ok, now all of you can just shake your heads in disbelief that it has taken me so long to catch on to this. But I just found that there is one within reasonable driving distance AND my friends FINALLY clued me in to signing up online for their great deals. I am sharing this so you don't have to wait any longer to develope Sephora-love!!

I LOVE my girlfriends on the Celebrate list...gals that I have known forever and new friends that share their hearts, laughter, some tears...but always the example of what good friends truely are!

AND I WOULD REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOVE IT...if you would join me here on Monday, February 23 for my "Things I Love" scrapbook/journal group....AND IT WOULD BE AWESOME if you would check out the previous post on my fun giveaway!!!

Something else I love??? All of you that stop by to visit, comment, have great blogs that I read and am inspired by....thank you for sharing a bit of "you" with the rest of us...now COMMENT why don't ya??? LOL Tell us some of the things that you love....

Hugs,
Debbie

For Your Gift Closet Giveaway.....

It is finally ready....I have found some fun items for a giveaway. It is my way of thanking all you dear friends that stop by to visit and to comment....and a way to introduce this blog to some new friends too.

In the past, we have talked about having a gift closet. It is so great to have some items on hand for quick last minute gifts...or to put together great gift baskets for those special occasions. I don't know about you, but if I am surprised by forgotten birthday, or just something where a friend needs a pick me up, it usually occurs when I am "broke" or don't have time to get out to shop...having these things on hand, really make it easy to "bless" someone in your life.

SOOOO...what is in the giveaway? I have put together an eclectic collection of fun items to use for yourself or to have on hand for gifts. The give away includes...a set of 4 stacking boxes (these can be used to decorate with or to use as gift boxes), a folkheart notebook, a Mary Englebriet mug (it is large and I love using mine but it is also such a good size to use for gifts--fill it with coffees, cocoas, teas, honey sticks, candies), a small gift book "Apronisms" with fun quotes and two tarts in the Amish Country Store scent to fragrance your home or add to a gift. This gift package retails for around $40.

And how do you win??? I want to make this very simple for all of us!!! The contest starts today and runs through March 1st with the random drawing being held and posted on March 2nd. To enter the drawing....

*just leave a comment below and be sure you leave contact information

*for an additional entries leave seperate comments that you have done any of the following:

become a follower...or if you are already a follower..just let me know.

become a twitter follower....there is a box for this on the right side of the page...

blog about it and invite your friends (5 additional entries)...leave your blog link

I hope you will all join in!!!! Have fun with this and let me know if you have any questions!!!
Thanks for participating!!!!

Hugs,
Debbie

***Also check the post for February 9th about our Things I Love journal group...I would love to have you join in!!!!

Want To Join Me????

In browsing around bloggy land...I ran across a blog that was doing a series of posts called Wednesdays with Mom. (And of course, I am not sure where the heck I found it...it was one of those late nights looking at blogs from the blogroll of the blogroll of the blogroll of someone that I read frequently...I have to start writing down the info!!! I am delusional when I think I will actually remember where I found it!!)

I found the blog!! http://thehouseofwhimsy.blogspot.com

The posts were great as she used an old photo of her mom and then one from today to tell her mom's story. I thought this was such a great idea...and wanted to "blog-lift it". Then I remembered who my mom is....the woman that is rarely found in front of the camera. She runs from them. And when you do actually get a picture of her, it is usually the same look, no..not the glamour shots pose, more like a horror picture where they just discovered the ax murderer!

What makes me sad is that I have so few pictures of my mom to scrapbook and share who she is in our lives and how important she is. I also remembered that I have inherited this hatred for pictures from her, as I also run from the camera. If you do see a picture of me, the one I use in my profile...it is the same one that turned out half way decent, so I just use that for everything. Sad, isn't it?

About 2-3 years ago, a friend and I decided that we would do a scrapbook to celebrate our turning 50. A 50 things I love book.....sadly, it was great in theory, but not something I pursued at that time. But when I got to thinking about my lack of pictures and info from my mom...it made me realize that we as women leave so much "unsaid". And wouldn't it be great to have something from our moms, grandmother, aunts...something that was fun and told us more about who they were or are??

When thinking about this the last few days, I ran across the beginnings of that 50 things book....I changed the title as the book holds more than 50 pages and I thought it would be fun to just take it all the way through. I used an artist sketch book I found on sale at JoAnns....and decided to do a page for each item....

The front of the book is just covered with scrapbook paper...and I used a window and shutters I found in the doll house section at Hobby Lobby and painted it brown and glued to the page with a picture behind it. The words are just from a David Walker sticker set from Hobby Lobby...very, very simple.

As I started though the book, I just made a list of pages I wanted to do...if I had paper on hand that I liked for the idea...I just went ahead and glued down the paper and decided on how I wanted to do the simple layouts. For me, I just want to do a picture, maybe two and some journaling on each page. Then if I didn't have the picture or the journaling ready...I just used a post it note to remind me of what I was planning for that page.

To be honest, I should be a world renown scrapbooker if it was based on my love of papers, stickers, rubberstamps and all the great accessories. But I find I just don't do it for some reason...but these simple pages appeal to me. I am not trying to accomplish 40 of the latest techniques on each page.....it will not be winning any awards......you won't see it on the cover of one of the scrapbooking magazines. But I am working to make it something that is a reminder to me of all I have to be grateful for, those things that I hold dear, the things that make me smile....and someday, just someday....maybe there will be a granddaughter or great granddaughter that will enjoy looking through these pages, who knows?

My goal is to not stress about this, but find something each week that I am grateful for and that I love...and do a simple page about it. Would you like to join me???? I just think it would be great fun if several of us did this together. It would be a fun way to encourage each other and to exchange ideas. These pages can be as simple or as elaborate as you want....it is your book and do what makes you happy.

If you would like to do this, I would like to start it here on February 23 (we will post on Mondays)...that will give you time to find the book you want to use. It can be any size...just what would work for you. And time to gather a few supplies...some favorite papers, pictures, glues...and any accessories you would like. I would love to have you as part of this group....if you are interested PLEASE comment below so I know who wants to play along. I will try to figure out the whole "Mr Linky" thing so that when we get started you can post your pages to your blog and I will have your links here to take people there.

Looking forward to see what you come up with!!!

Check back tomorrow....I have been working on a giveaway and it will be posted on Tuesday!!!

Hugs,

Debbie

Creatively Speaking.....

After all the craft shows for Fall and Christmas... I thought I would take just a wee bit of time off to get a break and then jump back into it, trying to work on doing some Spring shows this year. Well my time off has stretched much further than I thought it would. And I found what I needed was to play with something new to get those creative juices flowing again.

Do any of you deal with that....just needing a kick start to get moving again??? When I lived in Indiana there were several awesome quilt and craft stores...as well as several really good prim shows that I could visit for inspiration and fresh ideas. Living where I do now, I rely for most of my inspiration on the computer...and while there is some great stuff here, it is not like being there in person to feel the fabrics and chat with the designers/instructors.

Knowing that I needed a creativity boost....I signed up with a friend to take a quilt class. Now I have worked in quilt shops, been around quilting for all of my life (my mom, grandmothers and aunts are all wonderful quilters)...but I never had the desire to really step into quilting. First, I am sooooo not a precision person..and you really need to be able to match things up. Maybe this is why I love my primitives, not quite so perfect!!! But I thought I would give it a go anyway.

I have found that I love quilting....my favorites are primitive and cottage look fabrics. Sadly I see a new addiction forming...LOL Here are some of the squares from my beginner class....

And having some fabrics on hand from my stash (and the wonderful stash provided by my friend, Jen)... I decided to play with a design I found online, and came up with this cute wallhanging.

The great thing about trying something new is that it can inspire you in several different areas and get you out of a "creative funk". I always encourage friends to take classes....and go with an open mind. Not every class is going to be a lifelong pursuit....but sometimes you surprise yourself with what you learn...maybe something about how to use a fabric or other supply in a different way....sometimes it is not even what you learn from the intended class but from other students....and how awesome to be able make new friends that share your passion for creative endeavors????

I am so looking forward to playing more with the quilting and want to look into some classes on machine quilting techniques and binding....(that was not covered in our class)...but I have found some great online info on these too.

Have a great evening!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Prepare To Be Dazzled....

Well, maybe not...but I did get your attention, didn' I????? (smile)

Life has just been very busy lately....and I have been composing bloggy posts in my head, but sadly they didn't quite make it to the computer. But tonight I have a house full of college guys cheering for their favorite Super Bowl team (nope, I don't really know who the heck is playing...LOL)...so I thought I would sneak off to the computer and catch up a bit.

Around the first of the year, I started blog surfing through some of my favorite blogs.....and it started me thinking about what this blog was going to be when it grew up. It is so easy to get sucked in to wanting to be like this one or that one.....or needing to do daily posts of what everyone else is doing...cause truly there are some awesome things out there and some great contests that I want to win and would love to share that with you.....but then if I do that, am I much more than just a billboard for everyone else??? Then there are the blogs that post that they want to go "deeper" and share more meaty topics...especially if they are a Christian blog....and then all the followers begin to worry that maybe their own blog is to frivilous and they should have more depth too......(maybe this is why Christ has called us sheep...we are easily lead here and there...)... So where am I to go with this?

In all of this...one thing I am reminded of is that Christ has called all of us not to be a second hand version of someone else....but a spectacular version of the wonderful woman he created us to be...with all of our talents, quirks, faults, gifts, enthusiam, creativity and more.

Sometimes I think we believe we need to be Moses coming off the mountain with great words of wisdom....but you know, that didn't happen every day. Moses had relatives that I am sure irritated him.....had parties to go to......laughed at the antics of his children.....just plain messed up at times. And in sharing those everyday things.....we can all relate because we know how that feels. It is the fun, quirky, everyday things that bring us together and let each of us know that we are not alone.....

So what do I want this blog to be....a reflection of me. I want to share my favorite blogs...recipes....craft ideas....home decorating.....great and horrible movies I find.....ideas....things that are on my heart...... Because I want it to be me sharing my life, like girlfriends around the table -- sharing a cup of tea and sharing a bit of their hearts and lives.

I may not always get this bloggy thing right.....but when I sit at my computer to post....know that I am here to share what is on my heart....with my bloggy friends.

Hugs to you all...

Debbie

Almost Forgot....

A couple of things I know that I am good at: finding great stuff...be it books, fabrics, recipes, etc...or having great friends that share wonderful things with me...so I have two great shares from good friends of mine!!!

The first is from my dear friend Jennifer...she has raved and raved to me about these great candles and now she is going to be giving some away...so check out her blog

And I heard about this fun giveaway from my friend Tiff, it is for a wonderful book by the French General (I have been wanting a copy!!!) and a great apron...click on the banner and it will take you there!!!

Hugs!!!
Debbie

Finally, The Gift Bottle Tutorial....

Well, here is it, finally!!! I just finished the pictures, so let's get started!!!

Start with an empty soda bottle...you can use any size, but for our purposes here, we are using the 2 litre size. Make sure it is clean...I wash it out with hot soapy water, rinse, and then insert a couple of paper towels and shake the bottle to get out excess water. Later, when you cut the bottle open, you can wipe out any excess water that is missed.

Next...

Lay the bottle on it's side and you can draw with a marker the size opening you want. The trick is, you want it big enough to slide your items in, but not to big as it creates an opening that is harder to seal. For the final result, you want to make it look like the bottle is intact.

Your next step is to cut the opening...I start it by making a slit in the bottle with either a kitchen knife or a seam ripper. This will get it started...then you can use scissors to finish cutting it open. I find a smaller pair of scissors works best for me.

Now you have your opening...you can gently bend back the flap so you can easily work inside the bottle.

At this time, I add my "filler" to the bottom and top of the bottle to "cushion" the other items I will be putting in. My favorites to use are easter grass...not the really slick kind put the "prism grass" version. This is the same stuff they sell year round as gift basket fillers and such. But you can hit the after Easter sales and stock up on this for very little money....
Or another filler could be decorative tissue papers...but really, just use your imagination...I think a kids bottle using simple balloons would be cute and colorful!!

(I buy lots of the colorful grass on sale and put it in tubs by color......great to use for lots of gift ideas.)

The sky is the limit for ideas for items to place in your bottle...below are just some sample ideas.

Candies are great....you can do theme bottles, for example: a spa bottle filled with the small samples of body lotion, shower gels, scrubs, mini nail polishes, a scented votive and maybe a great tea for them to relax with. Or what about a tea and cookie bottle...just find things that are small enough for the bottle and have fun with creating fun gifts for your friends.

When placing items in your bottle...you can individually wrap them, or leave them loose to be seen through the bottle. I usually do a combination....wrapping small gifty items and putting in loose candies to be scene through th bottle and add to the festive look of it.

After all your items are in..... I use the clear packing tape to seal the bottle, I just use a few pieces of the tape to get the flap secured back in place as I will be covering the opening with the mailing label that I will make next.

For your mailing label, you want something big enough to cover the opening and be a bit larger to really help conceal it. Think the size of a large index card. You can use index cards, scrapbook papers, etc to make the label...have fun with it, rubber stamp it, use stickers etc.


Now, neatly tape the lable over the opening. I tape all the way around the bottle in three strips...top, center, bottom of the label...this way it is completely sealed. And it adds to the look that the bottle was never "opened".

After the label is taped on....what to do about the bottle top? You can just screw the lid on tight and leave it at that. Or you can decorate it too. I take strips of tissue paper and hot glue them around the top of the bottle. When it is all attached, I go over it totally with the hot glue to make it look like a wax seal is on it....while the glue is hot, you can sprinkle it with gold, silver or pearl seed beads for a pretty look. Whatever you decide.....


Then you have your finished bottle...TA DA!!! They can be mailed "as is"....such a fun gift. I have had friends that delivered these to friends in the hospital or as a teacher's gift with lots of balloons tied to the top... Another filler idea is to fill with candy and a gift certificate or gift card.

Notice on the one I did for this tutorial...I used tissue paper in the the bottom of the bottle...but finished filling with the prism shreds.

Hugs,

Debbie

If you have any questions...just write me at: dailygrace@bellsouth.net

Slight Delay....

Just a quick note....I was late getting home from class last night...and had to work today. So stop by tomorrow for the tutorial and other fun stuff!!!

HUGS,

Debbie