wild child

wise guys...

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you ask a bunch of knuckleheads to pick up all the cups from around the house..... wise guys.....

loonie tunes

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

SOM-FING UP DAR... I GONNA GET IT!!!

My dog Luna is just the funniest thing. She makes me laugh every day.

Several days ago she was barking and bouncing around this tree as though she was on a pogo stick.

I started wondering if the possum she was after a few days prior was back for more.

(that was an event in and of itself and I only wish I had photos of it)

GIT DOWN HERE - I GONNA BOP YOU ON DA HED!

Well it went on for about half an hour, her whining and boinging...

Finally I decided to see what in tarnation was going on anyway...

!!!

I should have known

Well, you know what they say... cats rule and dogs drool :/

Hehehe :D

arise and shine forth!

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

the 2012 theme for our LDS young women :)

This is a super cute, easy little craft tutorial you can use for gifts... or whatever!

I made these to use as our birthday gifts for all our young women this year -

they seem to really like them... so read on if you'd like to learn how to make them!

First I used a 4x4 stretched canvas...

used Tulip dimensional slick paint to "write" the word SHINE!...

and glued a small wooden sun to the canvas (you could easily freehand a sun also)

*note: I tried using puffy paint also, and the slick version was much easier

After doing the same thing to multiple canvases,

I chose several pastel colors and painted over each canvas.

(and yes, we eat a lot of garbanzo and black beans, thank you very much)

I used two coats of paint on each canvas and let dry fully...

Then I painted each canvas with a coat of glossy Mod Podge.

*Note: glossy acrylic spray instead of Mod Podge would also work

"Arise and Shine Forth!"

Our Young Women's Birthday Basket :)

You girls do indeed SHINE! And we love you :)

dude knows his colors

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

~ the Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle ~

(beloved by all - including me!)

Now seriously, I've always been fascinated by chameleons. Are they just about the funkiest little prehistoric-looking guys ever or WHAT. They move so slooowly... they have the coolest little grippers for hands... and those eyes - spinning all over the place in every direction. WILD! Not to mention what they're most famous for... changing color according to their surroundings and mood.

WELL! My friend Joanne posted this YouTube video on FB and it just BLEW. MY. MIND.

This is one talented little dude! He's just changing his colors as if he were a bag of Skittles!

And he's so chill. I love this guy! He makes me happy happy happy :)

ENJOY! (and thank you Joanne!)

And because I adore Eric Carle... here's his official website, which is *wonderful*

* Eric Carle *

mixed (up) media

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have never done anything "mixed media" before because, frankly, it boggles my mind. I so admire artists - including friends like Cristi - whom are so talented with mixed media! I love photography, I enjoy goofing around with paint, and I thrill over neat little items like letter tiles, and glass objects, and colorful paper, and beads, and fabric... you know - the unique things that are the creative heart of mixed media pieces! But though I love each element by itself I can't quite grasp how to put them together...

my pointed little head has had a rough time wrapping itself around that concept!

That's where my dear friend Lauren comes in :) Lauren and I celebrated our 50th birthdays last November.

We've known each other since we were 13, so I figured she'd still love me no matter what! She has meant so much to me over all these years, even though the majority of those years we've lived on opposite coasts. When she moved back to California after nearly 30 years, and we found ourselves turning 50, I decided to try and create a mixed media piece for her that incorporated a few of our special memories. I'm happy with how it turned out because it actually looks like I had envisioned it! And bless Lauren's heart, she really loved it :) I know it's really elementary but hey - at least I tried something new, right?!

Laur and I at 14, a nod to the Beach Boys, and a scanned and miniaturized copy of a letter I had written to her when we graduated from junior high and I knew I'd soon be moving away. She kept it all these years and sent me a copy several months ago :)

The ladybugs are because both Lauren and I ended up with red New Beetles, and the photo is us with dear friends (many of whom we're still in contact with... right, Liz & Renee?!) on our way to a 50's dance :)

The photo is a close up of one of the many pillows Lauren has made me - she's an expert seamstress and even made quilts for my babies :) The buttons signify her many sewing skills, and I added the HOPE bottle cap to represent that no matter what we've been through, we've always had hope in our lives. The hand-made clay "forever" tiles are of course part of my "forever friends" that runs across the bottom :)

Love you Laur - xoxo

I believe I can fly

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

After a year without a trampoline, we finally have one again - yay!

The boys REALLY missed having a trampoline in the back yard...

and I missed watching them and all their ridiculously crazy shenanigans.

(okay, okay... I missed taking an occasional afternoon nap on it too...)

It has been a lot of fun having one again, especially with all 3 boys HOME!

In these pics, Matthew and Daniel are trying it out after assembling it -

Holy cow... wait till Davy gets on there too! :-0

we are family

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh Davy, how I love you!

Davy found these "FAMILY" blocks on Etsy -

he got them for me for Christmas and I LOVE THEM!

He said he took one look at them and thought they were totally ME :)

That touched me so much... so, so much. Thank you my Davy :)

Sometimes I goof around with them a little...

tee hee hee :)

good riddance 2011... welcome 2012

2012-01-01T02:18:00.000-08:00

That's right my friends!

Ringin in the new year with sparkly pink toes!

Yippeeeee!

Happy New Year Everyone!

May the year 2012 be everything we all wish for and work for!

From pink sparkly toes to MIRACLES... and everything in between!

Hippy Hippy New Year ~ with love from me to you :)

aftermath

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

THIS IS ME.

THIS IS ME AFTER CHRISTMAS.

nuff said

S'mores pops

2011-12-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to make something different -

something easy and fun that the whole family could make together!

S'mores pops! S'mores on a stick - oh yeah baby!

We made these assembly line style, and we had a blast!

The pics are pretty self explanatory, but you'll need:

1. marshmallows

2. hard paper sticks

3. melted milk chocolate

4. graham cracker crumbs

5. wax paper

Put the stick in the marshmallow, dip it in the chocolate

Let some chocolate drip off, roll it in the graham cracker crumbs

After the marshmallow is well-coated, lay it on the wax paper

After you've made a gazillion of them, package as desired!

This is so easy, even college graduates can manage it :)

*warning: you will eat as many as you make

BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID.

And amazingly, they were even better the next day!

So if you want some, come over and get 'em!

I'm seriously running out of delivery steam :/

Merry Merry!

P.S. Davy thinks he's hysterically funny by saying

it looks like they were rolled in kitty litter...

not only were they NOT rolled in kitty litter,

but they taste freaking amazing and I mean it!

And no, I don't want a peanut!!!

Calli and Matt

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Calli and Matthew performing "the First Noel"

ARE THEY TOO DOGGONE CUTE OR WHAT!

Well hold on to your skivvies and check out what's below:

SO. ADORABLE.

That dadgum Matthew! Just when I'm ready to wring his neck...

he goes and does something precious like this! AARGH!

Holiday Repost! Best. Pumpkin. Bread. Ever.

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

Howdy gang! How was your weekend?! Ours was FABULOUS is so many ways!

Well, guess what?! I've had lots of requests to repost this recipe!

Which originally came from my friend Diana (the recipe, that is).

It's truly the Best. Pumpkin. Bread. Ever. It's smooth as silk.

SO smooth, you could almost drink it instead of eat it. BIONIC :)

I first posted it -----> HERE <----- last July. Did you make it?

Well, it's not a gazillion degrees anymore like it was last July!

The weather is finally cool, the leaves are finally changing color,

and the holidays are finally here! YAYYY!

Which means you NEED to have some pumpkin bread!

I'm reposting the recipe below - ENJOY!!!

DIANA'S AMAZING PUMPKIN BREAD

31/2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

11/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

3 cups sugar

1 cup mazola oil

4 eggs

2/3 cup water

1 - 16 ounce Libby's solid pack pumpkin

- Mix all dry ingredients together and make a well in middle of dry ingredients and add the rest of the ingredients. Blend until well mixed.

- Grease and flour pans (I use 3 loaf pans)

- Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 1 hour - test with a toothpick for doneness.

- Cool and remove - can be frozen

Holy freaking YUMMM!!! :)

gnaughty gnomes

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

So I brought my cheery little silver and red wreath inside, after I had noticed the wind had whipped it right off it's hanging wire. I repaired it with my bionic glue and left it on my dining room table to dry. No big.

As I was going about my business, I heard funny sounds. Shuffling sounds. Muffled giggling. That could mean only one thing. Gnomes. Gnaughty gnomes! Oh, do gnomes love to hide and play tricks and be gnaughty!

These gnomes are gnew. Salt and pepper shaker gnomes from my dear friend Kerrie. I adore them! But gnew gnomes will of course test waters and push limits in their gnew territory. Everyone gnows that. Out of the corner of my eye I gnoticed shenanigans going on around the wreath. I gnew they had to be hiding! Indeed they were..... Where's Waldo style. Brilliant!

Gnomes are very intelligent. And they love fun and games. And they're not really gnaughty even though I like to pretend they are :) Not once have I ever been tripped by a string, or discovered salt in the sugar container, or had my baby toe bitten. They're actually very jolly and helpful.

So... I winked at them and they winked back. They even let me take a few photos of them hiding in my wreath. I will definitely let them stay :)

yearly repost: Rochelle's Double Dipped Rice Krispie Treats

2011-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

OHHH people... you're gonna thank me for this! Are you ever!

3 years ago I posted what has become my most popular recipe.

(and it's not even mine - it's Rochelle's!)

Time to repost it, as I do every holiday season!

Are you ready for a life-changing experience?

Alllrighty then!

And here... we... gooooo!

~ Rochelle's Double Dipped Rice Krispie Treats ~

DOUBLE the recipe on the side of the Kellog's Rice Krispies box, EXCEPT...

use 2 entire bags of regular size marshmallows, and...

use only 10 cups of Rice Krispies (instead of the 12 a double recipe would call for)

put the entire double recipe into a 9x13 pan, and condense them till even

melt approx. 1 lb. of bulk carmel (I used the microwave, stirring frequently)

pour carmel on top of Rice Krispies and wait until everything is completely cool

When the pan is entirely cool, cut the Rice Krispie treats into squares. *taking the entire slab out of the pan and using a large, non-serrated knife makes them much easier to cut. I cut these pretty small - you want them kind of bite size, maybe a bit bigger. I think I ended up with approximately 42 squares. That's approximate, because my family descended upon them like a freaking pack of wolves before I could count them all.

More fun a-comin! Melt your chocolate chips (again, I used my microwave, stirring frequently). I used about 1 and 1/2 bags of chips. And just on a whim, I used Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips. OH. MY. GOSH. It was amazing. Seriously, I had no idea. A-MAZ-ING.

This part is the most fun :) Just dip the bottom 1/3 of your squares in that lucius chocolate, and place the squares on wax paper. Pretty soon you'll have an astonishing army of double dipped Rice Krispy treats. Oh my...........

I just need to warn you that these are seriously delicious. Seriously delicious. There's a lot of flavor packed into those little marshmallowy, carmely, chocolaty squares! YUM. Yum infinity.

And you'd better watch out, because they will receive all kinds of attention.....

hehehehe :)

felt ornament tutorial

2011-12-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

This was a fun little project I've been working on...

finally I am done, and now I have these cheerful felt ornaments :)

I chose my own sizes, and used mostly bottles for circle sizes.

Seven different sizes, and then colorful buttons for the middle.

I just layered different colors on the brown or black base.

Each one came out different which made me very happy!

LOVE!!!

I used a hot glue gun to attach thin ribbon for hanging.

Attach toward the top of the ornament so it will hang evenly.

Then hang them and *ENJOY* then as soon as possible!

They don't have to be perfect - mine certainly aren't!

But they'll still look fun and festive all together on your tree!

Check it out below!

Merry Merry!!!

cool yule

2011-12-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

wild child's Cool Yule 2011 is HERE!

Featuring 18 fantabulous songs that you will love!

Noteworthy is the fact that all but 3 are sung by women...

didn't do it on purpose - just the way my brilliant mind works!

So here's the lineup - get ready to have a Cool Yule:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Annie Lennox

Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep - Amy Grant

Hallelujah (Light Has Come) - Barlow Girl

Santa Baby - Glee Cast

Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong & The Commanders

It Snowed - Meaghan Smith

Jingle Bell Rock - Rogue Wave

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - Sarah McLachlan

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - She & Him

Christmas for Two - Sixpence None The Richer

All That I Want - The Weepies

Hey Santa! - Straight No Chaser

I Need a Silent Night - Amy Grant

A Mother's Christmas Wish - Olivia Newton-John & Jim Brickman

There Is a Star That Shines Tonight - Sheryl Crow

A Cradle In Bethlehem - Sara Groves

The Cowboys' Christmas Ball - The Killers

Oíche Chiúin - Enya

Seriously, what could be more fun than these Christmas songs?!

Okay, maybe chocolate or the recent episode of New Girl...

but even those things would be more fun combined with my cd!

So in lieu of the fact that I refuse to send cards this year,

let me know if you'd like me to send you a Cool Yule cd!

Send me an email @ megibug dot gmail dot com, along with:

your Google name AND your real name (if they're different)

and please make sure I have your entire address!

Or if you're local come grab one!

You're welcome :)

the mantle of... snowmen

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

I do love snowmen! They make me so happy :)

Could any figure be more jolly and cheerful?

So this year the mantle has been set aside for them.

And let's not forget the paper chain counting down the days

until my DANIEL comes home a BYU graduate! YAY OH YAY!

decking the halls

2011-12-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Hello! Our house is very Christmassy lately!

Or should I say MERRY CHRISTMASSY :)

Yes, we have a fake tree and yes we have loved it for years.

I think this year will be it's last year though...

only a few strings of the lights work now,

and the other lights only occasionally work if you

slide across the floor and shock them into service

with any accumulated static electricity you may generate :/

But it has been such a beautiful tree all these years

And I have such a fond feeling toward all our ornaments

the wonderful stockings we've used for so, so long

and even my freaky Santa that scares everyone! I love him!

And one more favorite face... my gnome Rapscallion

who watches over everything from his perch on my desk :)

More to come! Have you been decorating too?

cuties!

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

YAY FOR CUTIES!!!

As winter approaches, the Cuties start arriving!

Colorful sweetness all in their own convenient little package!

God's little reminder that he hasn't forgotten us during winter -

especially all you friends buried in the freezing snow already!

Take heart! Cuties are back!

50 years of shenanigans

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

~ 50 in Frooty Pebbles Krispie Treats (thank you Tori!) ~

Yesterday I turned 50. The Big 5-Ohhh.

Or as I call it, The Big 5-NOOOOO!!!

~ Little Meg ~

As a kid I couldn't fathom that age. It was positively ancient.

Then I became an adult. And I still couldn't fathom that age.

So I admit I'm having a very difficult time. I didn't see it coming.

First I was in denial. Then just really, really depressed :(

~ Birthday Love ~

I made this (above) years ago. I've always LOVED my birthday!

I wait for my birthday and the holidays like a little kid.

But not this year...

~ Non-Birthday Love ~

Yeah... kind of a bad attitude lately :/

But knowing it was coming, I tried to be a good sport.

I knew there was not one single thing I could do to stop it.

I had to put my big girl panties on and DEAL with it!

All my adorable friends helped me (of course!)

They took me to breakfast, brought gifts, sent emails, cards,

texts... FB'd me, called me, stopped by with gifts & treats...

you name it, they went above and beyond for me!

My husband and boys walked the extra mile for me too.

They helped me get the whole house decorated for Christmas -

inside and out! Even my porch! It took almost all day :)

They listened to Christmas carols, watched Christmas movies,

and ate Round Table pizza with me (that was not hard).

In the end, it turned out to be a pretty amazing birthday :)

~ Me. Before I became Mrs. Puff ~

Thank you, loved ones, for being such good friends...

and for helping me and supporting me and loving me...

through this big milestone.

I may be 50 (still can't say that out loud)

but I will always and forever be young at heart.

xoxoxo

the story of neighbors and fruit salad

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

We instantly liked Tina & Tony when they moved into the house across the street from us over a year ago. Warm and friendly, we were happy and grateful to have such nice new neighbors. We were even more delighted when we found out months later that Tina was expecting a baby! Tina and Tony had married in their 40's, so this special little person was a highly anticipated blessing. We were so thrilled for them!

Two weeks before Tina was due, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were all simply devastated. But Tina did indeed give birth last June, to Ava Christina - the sweetest and most beautiful baby on earth :) In his quiet way, Tony immediately swung into action as the most calm, loving father and husband imaginable. I never saw him when he wasn't holding their new little bundle. Extended family members came to stay with them and rallied around them night and day. It was lovely to see. As frightened as Tina had to be with her recent diagnosis, she powered through being a new mom with a smile on her face and optimism by her side. Unbelievable.

As the weeks wore on and Tina had more tests, we found out the cancer had spread to her liver. That was... huge. It changed her condition from stage 2 to stage 5. Dire. We were simply heartbroken for them. Heartbroken. They had waited for Ava with such joy and anticipation - and were the dearest new parents. Now I wondered to myself if Tina would even have the opportunity to raise her sweet baby. If Ava would remember her wonderful mother. The thought made me want to sob. It still does.

Tina immediately started treatments, lost her pretty hair, has endured it all with grace, and has continued to be an adorable new mom to Ava. I know she and Tony must have their moments of sadness or fear or discouragement. But I have never seen anyone with such faith and determination. She just smiles her beautiful smile and says cheerfully that they need a miracle, and that's exactly what they are expecting. I don't doubt it for a second.

So what does fruit salad have to do with any of this? Well, most neighbors try to help, us included, and we have occasionally taken things across the street to them. One Sunday afternoon who should knock on our door but Tina. I opened the door to find her returning one of my bowls - and she had filled it up with a *gorgeous* fruit salad and included a thank you note! The thought of Tina cutting up all that fruit for us when I know she was probably tired and not feeling so well... yet there she stood smiling at our door... brought tears to my eyes. Such an act of kindness from someone who desperately needs her own miracle. That is the kind of person Tina is.

~ cutest family ever ~

~ sweet Ava Christina ~

~ Halloween ~

I'm sure both Tina & Tony would be embarrassed if they read this. They take everything in stride and don't seem to be nearly as amazed at their positive attitude as everyone else is. But since they don't even know I have a blog, I'm not too concerned :) Which is why I'm going to ask you to keep a prayer in your heart for Tina and Tony and Ava. I have a lot of faith in prayer and the mountains it can move. I've seen prayer work in mighty ways my whole life. Please pray for them.

In this month dedicated to gratitude, I want to express how grateful I am to Tina for her example of faith and kindness, even when her entire world has been turned upside down. She is a constant source of inspiration to me. I will continue to pray every single day that she gets her miracle. I can't imagine anyone who deserves it more.

with love xoxoxo

reminders

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

A few TRUTHS for a few people I LOVE...

you just need to BELIEVE :)

giving thanks... friends

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

*Shell*

I can't even imagine life without the love of dear friends,

and I have been blessed beyond measure in that regard.

I am eternally grateful to each and every one -

from some of you loyal readers whom I have never met,

to online friends and bloggers I've come to know,

to friends who have come and gone throughout the years,

and even those I have recently become friends with -

Each and every one of you have touched my life.

This post is dedicated to my nearest and dearest friends,

starting with my cousin and friend Shell, above,

and continuing in chronological order.

Some friends' photos are not present -

Hallie, Sandee, Mindi, Holly, Ruth, Dawn, LeAnn, Lisa,

Jennie, Julie, Cheryl, Maria, J'Nette, Anna, Bev, ...

a pretty endless list actually, and I apologize.

But you know who you are, and you know you have my love.

xoxoxoxo

*Annie*

9th grade - still in touch with

*Lauren, Renee, Liz & John*

9th grade again - still in touch with

*Tracy (center) and Susan*

9th grade once more - still in touch with

*Lucy, Lauren, and Van*

*Lauren*

(yep, the same Lauren as above)

*Karen*

*Cheryl*

*Susie, Marilyn and Leslie (LeAnn is missing)*

*Wendy*

*Diana*

*Joan*

*Jamie*

*Rochelle*

*Wendy*

*Shauna*

*Kim*

*Tami and Chris*

*Shannon*

*Traci*

*Vanessa, Rebecca, Robin, Kerrie, and Meghan*

the greatest young women on earth -

and I'm proud to call them my friends :)

I could go on and on about my friends and how I love them.

They have touched and blessed my life more than I can say.

Not a day goes by where I don't give thanks for them.

I consider friends one of the greatest gifts in life :)

xoxoxoxo

giving thanks

2011-11-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for all the color that gives my world life

I'm grateful for the indescribable beauty of flowers

and all God's amazing creations that never cease to amaze me

I'm grateful for music, the universal language of the soul

I'm grateful for my country, and for freedom,

and for all those past and present who earned it for us.

I'm grateful that I have the right to my religious beliefs

and the integrity to respect others' beliefs

I'm grateful for my home and all my loved ones inside

... like my husband

... and these 3 boys

... and 2 very comical but highly lovable dogs, Luna

... and Angel :)

I'm grateful I have hobbies and talents that bring me joy

like photography

and painting... and such

I'm grateful for food (namely Round Table pizza of course)

I'm grateful that God says goodnight to the world

each night, in such an extraordinary way

I'm grateful I have the comfort of quilts as I sleep

But most of all, I'm grateful for

*LOVE*

for without it, these blessings would be meaningless.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

xoxoxo

P.S. of COURSE I'm grateful for friends! You're up next :)

FINALLY! Sister Donna's Heartland Orphanage in Ethiopia

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am pleased and honored to be able to tell you about

Sister Donna's wonderful work in Ethiopia.

No Sister Mary Elephant jokes please :/

- or Sister Donna and her All Girl Orchestra either -

THIS Sister Donna is the real deal and she is...

* simply amazing *

Pop some popcorn and settle in for some inspiration...

~ This is beautiful Sister Donna ~

Look at her lovely smile - she's just radiant :)

Her entire countenance shines of love and charity,

courage and generosity, selflessness and warmth.

She is smart, determined, and resourceful.

She educates her girls, gives medical care to locals,

and works harder and longer than anyone I know!

She moves mountains - literally and figuratively.

Sister Donna runs an orphanage for girls.

This is what it looks like now...

This is what it used to look like...

with the run-off water from the nearby mountains

first flooding Sister Donna's Heartland compound,

then becoming stagnant and causing deadly malaria.

Finally, after the U.S. army stepped in to fill the water,

local workers labored endlessly to build a barrier wall.

Over 1,000 donkey carts of dirt (20 per day, per donkey)

built this barrier wall to keep Heartland safe and dry.

After the barrier was built, cactus plants were added

to further anything from getting into the compound.

Local men worked hard to plant the cactus -

children worked picking up stray cactus needles.

Not much is going to get through this!

One BIG concern marked off for Sister Donna!

I wanted to show you some of her precious girls.

Look how hop-scotch is a universal game

no matter where you are in the entire world :)

Here the girls are dancing and playing for joy -

they have new tee shirts and are so happy :)

How sweet is that!

Playing a jumping frog game together -

even the little ones... so cute :)

One of the main sources of Heartland's income

is the beautiful rosaries the girls make by hand.

The income they generate is the backbone of Heartland.

I want to show you some pics of these dear girls...

Even the youngest ones can make rosaries :)

All the girls make their own type of rosary -

each with pretty beads and lovely sterling crosses.

Here is one of the older girls making a rosary.

They are all beautiful - the rosaries and the girls :)

Here are some photos I took of the rosaries

when I was fortunate enough to have them with me:

So here's where *YOU* come in if you'd like to help!

To purchase some of these hand-made rosaries,

please go to THIS SITE --------> RIGHT HERE!

On ayindisa.com you'll see Diana and Sister Donna -

Click "view all items"... POW! You'll see rosaries!

Some other important activities at Heartland

include drying hot peppers for "barbari" powder -

Measuring and bagging the barbari powder,

made from the dried hot peppers -

Barbari is a national flavor.

The girls also help in pounding salt,

as salt first comes to them in rock form.

This year's bumper crop was pumpkins.

Above, they are drying the pumpkin meat

and the pumpkin seeds for year-long consumption.

Corn (maze) is an important crop for Heartland,

as maze is the staple of their every day diet.

My friend Diana's organization, Engage Now Africa,

made this maze crop delivery possible.

(Engage Now Africa is in a previous blog post HERE)

Sister Donna teaches these girls EVERYTHING,

from cooking skills to jewelry making,

and certainly the value of hard work!

And that only touches the surface of their education!

But of course little girls love to play too!

The nearby lake, above, is a favorite place.

Sister Donna is trying to make sure every girl

can get one of these dollies to be their friend.

After all, everyone needs a special friend :)

And then there are bittersweet times as well...

This lovely girl was adopted by a nice family!

What a wonderful occasion - a brand new life!

Sister Donna is saying her heart-felt farewell.

I'm sure this girl will always be grateful

for Sister Donna and her Heartland home.

Something that constantly inspired me about Sister Donna

was that she has gratitude in nearly everything she says.

She works so unbelievably hard - tirelessly - and yet

she has a cheerful heart, sees the glass half full,

and finds the blessings and beauty in everything.

Bless you Sister Donna, for all you do!

from handiwork to gnomes(!) in Ethiopia

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

My friend Diana brought me a handmade, doily-like hot pad,

when she returned from her most recent trip to Ethiopia.

It had a tremendous amount of detail... so pretty (above)

Diana told me she had met this woman (left, above)

who had little use of her atrophied legs,

but had become successful since given the opportunity

to participate in a micro-credit program.

Now she is able to run her own business,

and sell her beautiful hand-made wares for fair prices.

She is showing some examples of her lovely work, above.

Diana is right behind her :)

My lovely hot pad - I will cherish it :)

Thank you Diana - xoxo

And now, for an Ethiopian oddity...

Gnomes in Ethiopia! SERIOUSLY...

Diana saw these "gnomes" on a hotel lawn.

I said, "But that's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!".

Diana said she'd suggested that to the grounds people,

but they had NO idea what she was talking about.

"GNOMES. GNOMES!", was their answer, hehe.

Ethiopian gnomes - I love it :)

Remember me talking about amazing Sister Donna

waaaaay back in May (here AND here)

and how she runs a girl's orphanage in Ethiopia?

And how the girls make beautiful rosaries to sell?

Stay tuned, cuz I'm *finally* spotlighting them,

and the site where you can purchase their rosaries!

some sweetness

2011-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

These stories speak for themselves... ENJOY! :)

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.

He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is'.

I had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life'.

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‘TIL DEATH DO US PART: ELDERLY COUPLE DIES HOLDING HANDS

Posted on October 20, 2011 at 8:39am by Liz Klimas
Print »

Gordon, 94, and Norma Yeager, 90, of Des Moines, Iowa, were married for 72 years. According to a local report, from high school onward they wanted to be together forever. On Earth, they got about as close to “forever” as any human couple could ask for, and last week they died an hour apart while holding hands with each other.
KCCI reports the couple’s son, Dennis Yeage, as saying the couple was in a car accident last Wednesday, which put them in intensive care. Nurses did not separate the couple. Gordon died first but, as Dennis says in the news clip, Gordon’s heart monitor was still registering a beat. This is because the monitor was picking up Norma‘s heart beat through Gordon’s hand. Norma died an hour later:

“Staying together for 72 years is good, I‘d say that’s exceptional,” said daughter Donna Sheets.
“Neither one of them would’ve wanted to be without each other. I couldn’t figure out how it was going to work,” said Donna Sheets. “We were very blessed, honestly, that they went this way.”

KCCI reports that the couple was buried holding hands in their casket on Monday.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. "I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap," I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. "Where are you headed?" I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

"Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq " After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. "No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago .

His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. "Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. "My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him."

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like best - beef or chicken?"

"Chicken," I replied, wondering why sh e asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. "This is your thanks." After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand,

an said, "I want to shake your hand."

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot." I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five

dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Soon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. "It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You."

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to "The United States of America " for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it."

Makes you stop and give thanks, doen't it :)

Jasmine

2011-11-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

True Story

(I just *love* stories like this!)

(what a great story for November - the month of THANKS!)

(okay, I'll stop messin' around so you can read it)
*

In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. The dog had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had quite clearly been abused.

Jasmine

In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a female greyhound, to the Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, which is run by a man named Geoff Grewcock, and known as a haven for animals abandoned, orphaned, or otherwise in need.

Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims: to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved. They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

Jasmine, however, had other ideas. No one quite remembers how it came about, but Jasmine started welcoming all animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It would not matter if it were a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting animal. Jasmine would just peer into the box or cage and, when and where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre, and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them."

"But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them, and it helps them to not only feel close to her, but to settle into their new surroundings. She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs, and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."

Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, fifteen chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and fifteen rabbits - and one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, eleven weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster-mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the roe deer with affection, and makes sure nothing is matted.

"They are inseparable," says Geoff. "Bramble walks between her legs, and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary. It's a real treat to see them."

(my fave pic!)

Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next orphan or victim of abuse.

Pictured from the left are: "Toby", a stray Lakeland dog; "Bramble", orphaned roe deer; "Buster", a stray Jack Russell; a dumped rabbit; "Sky", an injured barn owl; and "Jasmine", the abused and abandoned greyhound, with a mother's heart doing best what a caring mother would do...and such is the order of God's Creation. Oh, how humankind could learn a few things from sweet, loving, accepting Jasmine :)

Many thanks once again to my dear friend Wendy, from whom I often receive inspiring stories of hope and love! xoxo

(And for all you doubting tossers, Snopes has verified the truth of this wonderful story and the reality of these photographs which accompany the story. So HAH!)

Etsy love: Frog Blossoms

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Custom quilts made just for ME!

I received two *very fun* quilts in the mail

from a creative, talented Etsy seller:

Linda of Frog Blossoms!

I found Linda via Pinterest -

she's such a nice person and so talented!

Here's a quote from her store's bio:

"Why FrogBlossoms? My dad loved making ceramics.

He was never one to make just one of anything -- he made everything by the dozens.

One of his favorites was a frog-shaped planter.

The frog had raised flowers all over it that he painted in a rainbow of colors.

Everyone loved those Frog Blossom planters."

How sweet! She dedicates her store to Daddy :)

It seems like today's fabrics are so wonderful,

whole-cloth quilts are more popular than ever!

And although Linda's quilts (among many other talents)

are mainly throw-sized or baby-sized,

she was willing to go the extra mile for me,

and make 2 custom sized (over-sized!) throws :)

Look how they arrived in the box -

she even tied lovely ribbon around them :)

She said to hurry up and wash them,

because they get more puckery every time!

And they do! I love them both so much!

So does Luna :)

Luna loves any and All Things Cozy!

She had to try both quilts to decide on a favorite!

In the end, Luna decided on this one, hehe :)

Here is more *fun* information about Linda:

She has had such a full, interesting life!

She has lived all over the world and the U.S.

Her enthusiasm for life and learning is contagious!

At the age of 53 she even decided to complete

her Bachelor's degree - AND a Master's degree!

She raised 2 wonderful kids whom she adores :)

She loves quilting, drawing, painting, sewing,

photography, music, ceramics, and...

the antics of her golden retriever Albert :)

But wait! There's more! Much more!

Linda has been a creative machine lately!

She's come up with all kinds of fantastic ideas!

Like the Save the Planet Bottle Strap, above!

Go on your walk - or anywhere - unencumbered.

You've got a bottle strap, key ring, and pouch -

so all your important things stay with you!

Pet Quilts!!

How adorable are these?!

And how FUN is this set?!

Girls' Tote and Crayon Roll :)

She makes these in all kinds of great fabrics!

Frog Flannel Blanket and Fleece Softie :)

Blue Butterflies & Blossom Baby/Toddler Quilt :)

Owl Padded iPad/eReader Tote & Pouch :)

School Days Lanyard & Key Ring/ID Set :)

4-Pillow Pocket Nap Mat Cover :)

Aren't all of Linda's creations darling ideas?!

She has even more expertly sewn creations

waiting for you in her Etsy store...

*sweet* baby dolls, puppy & bear stuffed animals,

cute fleece softie/blankie sets, mini owl key chains,

happy boy and girl dolls, ballerina & mermaid dolls,

even Matryoshka Nesting Dolls! AND THE LIST GOES ON!

Visit Linda's Etsy store Frog Blossoms!

Linda, you're totally awesome!

Meg & Tori's Thanksgiving Porch!

2011-11-14T17:56:00.000-08:00

I gathered up all my Halloween decorations...

I repainted all my pumpkins...

and just as the weather finally cooled down...

I called my girl Tori and we set it all up!

Ta-Daaaaa!!! Our Thanksgiving Porch :)

SWEET!!!

We worked so hard and had such a blast -

I don't know what I would've done without Tori!

Please take a tour and check it out...

YES, YES, YES, GIVE THANKS!!!

~ Tori and Mrs. Puff ~

(no my puffy face has not gone away

and I don't want to talk about it!)

But I had to post these pics -

just look at Tori's adorable face :)

CUTEST. GIRL. EVSKIES.

Thank you Tori! I love you!

xoxoxo

11/11/11 for the Veteran

2011-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

COURAGE

HONOR

SACRIFICE

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY -

ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE PAST...

AND ALL THOSE WHO ARE SERVING AT THIS TIME.

catching up

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

We had a cold but sunny afternoon the other day,

and I walked by Matthew's room and caught him on his bed drawing,

with the sun pouring in across him, making stripes.

I couldn't help but take a picture...

Needless to say, he was not too amused :/

"GET OUTTT!"

Awww, Luna pops up to be his little friend...

... and give the camera a nice, big razzz-berry :)

"PHHHHH"

Last weekend Matthew got up and did a song at the coffee shop

after Davy's band had finished playing their (amazing) set!

He sang "Timshell" by Mumford & Sons and he did a fabulous job!

He's great on both the guitar and the banjo,

and we sure are proud of him :)

hope springs eternal

2011-11-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

My latest little craft is a variation of my Chick Magnets.

I created these "hope" pins for a special program at church,

honoring all of our talented Young Women at church.

Using the same procedure as my Chick Magnets -

Here are the materials I used:

1. forty 1" glass globes

2. forty bottle caps

3. cute scrap book paper

4. a 1" hole punch

5. Diamond Glaze (clear glue)

6. E-6000 heavy duty glue

7. forty pin backs (like for brooches)

Many of my supplies came from an awesome Etsy store:

Sun and Moon Craft Kits

I would recommend them to anyone.

You can see the products in the photo above (except for the pins)

The process goes like this:

1. decide the word/letter/saying and what font you'll use

2. decide which paper looks good but won't overpower the word

3. type multiple words on the paper, print out

4. use the hole punch to punch out your word or letter

5. attach the paper to the back (flat side) of the glass globe -

use the diamond glaze - squeeze out any bubbles - let dry

6. line the sides of the bottle caps with the E-6000 glue -

make sure you go all the way around the circle

7. gently set the glass globe into the bottle cap -

it may not go down to the bottom -

so make sure the globe is balanced, not crooked - let dry

8. (optional) I recommend using a dremel tool or emery board

to sand the back of the bottle cap where the pin will be attached.

This allows the pin and glue to grip the bottle cap better.

9. glue the pin back to the back of the bottle cap -

use the E-6000 glue - let dry

10. (optional) use dremel tool to clean off any glue on globe

Lovely little pins for jean jackets, vests, back packs, etc.

By adding a bail (a metal loop that glues on the back)

and a chain, cord, or ribbon...

these cute pins could instead become necklaces :)

2 words

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

YUMMY CUPCAKES

Burbank, CA

sugar coma

(I'll let you choose which 2 words you want!)

(There are more locations than just Burbank of course)

And these cupcakes are seriously fun and innovative!

Cupcake pops, frosting shots, cupcakes in a JAR!!!

Not to mention flavors such as French toast, and pancakes & bacon...

and those are the tip of the iceberg people - just the tip!

I'll stop jabbering now - these little cakes speak for themselves!

!!!!!!!

You're welcome :)

does anybody really know what time it is?

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

When you see a large section of blank wall space

isn't your first thought ALWAYS,

"There should be a clock the size of Texas here!"?

You know it is.

HAPPY DAYLIGHT SAVINGS!

I hope you enjoyed that extra hour of sleep,

and I hope you had fun switching all your clocks

as much as my guys love changing our 18 clocks!

(can I help it if I love clocks?!)

Mum's the word, but I secretly like Daylight Savings.

While everyone is complaining about how dark it gets so early,

I love the extended evenings here with my family.

It gives us more of an opportunity to be together,

doing fun things like playing games, watching movies,

making all kinds of music and all kinds of treats,

and being cozy by the fireplace :)

ok so I lied

2011-11-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, I know I'm supposed to be taking a break.

But everyone needs to stop for a few minutes and watch this.

*EVERYONE*

Grab your son or daughter, or niece or nephew, or neighbor kids...

and watch this together - and then pass it on to others.

xoxoxo

zzzzzzzzz

2011-11-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm still taking some time out...

Yep, I know I really need to publish some blog posts...

I'm actually working on several posts right now (so THERE)

Hang tight peeps - I'm always worth the wait :)

acid trip

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Menton Lemon Festival on France's Cote d'Azur!

Held every year in February, and a different theme each year,

the city square is transformed into a citrus fantasy land!

My friend Wendy sent me these pics, so I did a little research.

I know there are several annual lemon/orange festivals -

particularly in the Netherlands and in Canada.

But I had never heard of one in France -

specifically on the beautiful, sunny French Riviera!

Oooh la la! Enjoy the fun photos!

... and last but certainly not least,

a little something for all my guys :)

put it on pause

2011-10-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm pausing to take a breather and enjoy the little things I love,

like this beautiful orchid from my friend Shauna :)

Yesterday during the late afternoon,

I happened to look over at it and the backlighting made it glow :)

Remember, I always say the little things are the big things!

So take time to pause and enjoy them :)

even more amazing headboards

2011-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

ALLL-RIGHTY THEN!

Are you ready for more uber creative headboards?

I'm thinking today's post even trumps yesterday's.

And I started off with my ultimate FAVE, above!

And it's not even a traditional headboard!

Which is why I think it's so OuTStaNdiNg :)

And those of you who know the real me - like truly -

know that I adore all things typography ON DA EARFF...

and the blanket with Swiss crosses sent me over the edge!

This one has a lovely traditional shape,

easily cut out of wood and painted...

then given a beautiful look with stenciling.

This simple, white iron headboard

is not a headboard at all! Surprise!

It's fun "iron" frame is painted...

right onto the chocolate brown wall! FUN!

(Not so great with paint? You can find all sorts of illusions

just like this headboard, in VINYL... on places like Etsy.com!)

Now just look at these old window frames!

Dressed up with paper or fabric -

and whether the frame has glass or not -

they make a fantastic "headboard" -

the focal point of this fabulous room!

Here's something much more traditional -

yet turned on it's ear in just the nicest way.

A gorgeous old headboard painted a fantastic blue!

Such a complementing a mix of shades and designs!

Look closely to see how creative this idea is!

Behind the metal screen "headboard"...

is a simple but lovely second "headboard"...

painted on the wall in the room's golden tones!

This is one of my favorites!

Again - a headboard that's not a headboard!

I love how it's so rustic and so charming.

As much as I adore color, this is a room

I could definitely live in all day, every day!

WOW! An old metal gate made into a headboard!

With some fabric stretched over a wood cut-out,

and easily attached to the metal gate,

you have a fun, one-of-a-kind headboard!

Here's another take on a wooden headboard:

add a design element of pretty wood scrollwork,

paint it all a vivid color to complement the room,

and there you have a fresh, "new" headboard!

Another personal favorite of mine! MAP LOVE!

This is a traditional-shaped headboard,

decoupaged with different maps! So easy!

I love all the feminine and masculine elements

in the room too - perfectly executed! Well done!

Okay, this wins for simplest/sweetest headboard!

An old wooden headboard (love!) ready for a refresh:

This is simply a beautiful striped RUG...

with added ribbon ties, tied to the frame itself!

As always, I had to save one of my faves for last!

Wow, I just love every element of this room!

Look at this outstanding mix of design pieces!

From mid-century modern to old fashioned,

ethnic to... vintage drum set nightstands(!!!)

And again, both masculine and feminine elements,

as well as colors. This room is pretty much GENIUS.

This lovely decorative "headboard" is made out of...

...drum roll please... (HAHAHA - GET IT?!)

a lovely, framed variety of vintage handkerchiefs!!!

Okay, okay - I'll stop gushing now :/

(*all images from today's post are via the Cottage Chick blog,

who is now the fabulous blog Denise In Bloom! Many thanks!)

Once again, I hope you enjoyed your headboard tour!

Now go do something creative and fun :)

if you like it then you better put a frame on it

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love beds. Love them.

I especially love bed FRAMES!

In particular, headboards and footboards!

Especially if they are creative and unique.

My dear friend Lauren knows this about me too.

She recently sent me some pics of FAB headboards!

And that got me searching for even MORE fab ideas!

So the next few days are dedicated to headboards -

starting with the lovely old shutters, above. LOVE!

This idea even made me do a double-take!

Old book covers, flattened and attached together,

to resemble and play off the patchwork quilt.

Makes me start thinking of even more ways

books could be incorporated into a headboard!

Now my mind is racing!

I thought this bamboo headboard was great.

I especially love the different height levels.

And it is a good example of another easy project.

I'm not a big bamboo lover, however...

how cool would a headboard out of vintage skis be?

Or colorful skateboard decks? Or used snowboards?

Heart... beating... fast!

Now, that is one huge black headboard/wall!

Well, it's actually a chalkboard!

Okay... I've said before, that I just CAN'T

understand the whole chalkboard paint craze :/

The thought of chalk dust makes me want to sneeze!

But these are nice, shiny vintage chalkboards :)

This headboard idea has become very popular:

The use of old (or even new) DOORS! LOVE IT!

Stained, painted, distressed... so many choices!

You can add moulding (or little side tables, above)

or any creative detail of your choice -

I've even seen screen doors! Endless possibilities!

Brain... on... overload!

Now this "headboard" idea speaks for itself -

useful shelves flanked by antique columns.

This is a unique and creative "non-headboard"...

but it works, and I think it's LOVELY!

I'm going to dream "non-headboards" all week!

Who says you can't add a little humor with style?

I love the simplicity and wit of this headboard,

and that it blends fun with the room's modern decor.

Here, they've used great unique combinations!

The custom-built wall itself is a headboard of sorts -

beautifully decorated with a macro photograph.

Personally, I love large photographs on walls,

and more places are offering those services.

Then your eye floats down to see the actual headboard:

plush, colorful, and comfy buttoned cushions!

I saved my fave for last, cuz it blew my mind!

This bed is obviously not DIY but I had to add it!

Entirely made of a heavy, custom steel frame,

and embellished with gorgeous stained glass...

this is definitely an amazing, one-of-a-kind bed!

I hope you enjoyed seeing these headboard examples,

and that your creativity is flowing with ideas!

MORE awesome examples coming next time!

*today's images from: Home to Life Online Designer Directory from Catherine Christie

Halloween Porch: come on in!

2011-10-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and Happy Halloween Porch!

My cousin Shell and I worked so hard and I love it!

But of course, I have to give you a few more teasers...

YIPPEEE!!! AWESOME HALLOWEEN PORCH!!!

I was limited on funds, so I used what I had,

and purchased just a few pumpkins on sale,

and the table runner to go behind the wreath.

It's always a challenge and a blast to be creative!

Here's a better view

At first I had wanted to decorate more of the pumpkins,

but I decided leaving them plain would be beneficial...

because next month when it's all about Thanksgiving,

I can just swap out "scary" for all "fall".

This is my all-time favorite little vignette :)

My vintage cradle looked great!

I loved the snowy owl with the pumpkins...

but it was just missing something :/

Shell came out carrying my candle holder and

it was the PERFECT decoration!

Aw... my wonderful Shell! :)

I couldn't have done ANY of this without her!

She was my driving force and she worked so hard!

Thank you for such an amazing Halloween porch Shell! xoxo

Well, I hope you liked the reveal!

I smile every time I'm on my porch :)

xoxo

2011-10-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

an awesome guy I just happen to know and love...

has a super awesome (not to mention adorable) girlfriend :)

she recently took him to the BYU Homecoming Spectacular...

and from what I hear... it was pretty spectacular, hehe :)

toes and porch teasers

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Guess who came and stayed with me last week?!

Can you tell by our foot photo?!

If you guessed my cousin Shell, you would be right!

Oh, how I *LOVE* it when my Shell comes to visit!

Naturally, we had to have our pedicure first thing -

and then take our traditional pedi pics!

I call this one "Fun Feet on Fake Fall Leaves" :)

So naturally, when Shell is here, it's porch time!

And boy, did mine need it! It had hit bottom :/

Besides - summer porches are SO last summer...

Mine was definitely ready for fall!

(AND MAY I JUST SAY HOW READY *I* AM FOR FALL?!)

I don't know what I'd do without Shell -

she is such a hard worker and an amazing help!

So to keep you in suspense a day or so longer

- muah-ha-haaa - here is porch teaser #1!

And here's porch teaser #2!

*Stay tuned peeps! It turned out AWESOME!

16

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew *and* his awesome friend Ambrosia both turned 16!

~ WAHOOOOO!!! ~

They share the same birthday - October 4th

so they celebrated together the night before...

And guess where we all went? I bet you can tell...

Yep - We all went to Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles to celebrate!

Davy brought his buddy John, who is like a brother to Matty :)

I am happy to say a good time was had by all,

and I was not traumatized by giblets or gizzards :/

Guess where we went after Roscoe's? Bet you already know...

Yup - if you go to Roscoe's, you have to go to Amoeba Records :)

AWWW - HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE FOUR!?!

They'll be mortified when the read that - bahaha :)

Sorry you guys... but it's true!

The next morning on their actual 16th birthday

they met for breakfast, along with Ambrosia's friend Lila -

it was Lila's 16th birthday too :)

(I admit it - I stole this photo from FB, hehe)

In Matt's room with Ambrosia, Sami and Lila -

* HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU GUYS!!! *

I love you so much Matty

xoxo