In His Grip

Fascination With Glamping

All my life I have loved camping.  Camping was the only vacations that we knew as kids.  We camped for weeks at a time, yes, and it was in tents.  None of that RV camping for us.  If fact, one of our favorite camping spots was in Joshua Tree National Park.  Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and is in the middle of the Mojave Desert.  I have many memories of riding in the back of our dune buggy with my sisters as our family explored the desert.  But this craze of “glamping” seems to be a bit more upscale that what I remember as a young girl.  How fun would it be to hike into the woods and come upon your campsite fully set up like this one.  You are in a tent but still have the modern conveniences of electricity, bed, and beautiful decorations.  Although, there is just something about being in a tent that is the definition of camping.  I think it would be fun to camp in this little camper too.

You gotta love a vintage trailer like this one. Its my kind of camper.  Not sure how Jeff would feel about pulling this pink beauty behind his big tough SUV.  But then again this is a man that loves me and is okay with a pink front door.

Maybe I could pull my “glamping” trailer with this cute pink baby.  I have always wanted a delivery sedan and making it pink would be the perfect choice.  Okay, so enough of the dreaming. 

Our “glamping” is limited to this pop-up trailer that we own with three other families and I am not sure they would continue to allow me in their pop-up co-op if I painted our trailer pink.  I am looking forward to a “glamping” trip or two this summer.  Let the “glamping begin. 

Memorial Day

This day has always been a day that has meant the beginning of Summer, one of picnics and spending time with friends and family. This year Memorial day has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I do not need this one day to remember the sacrifice that our military has offered to be able to live in a country of freedom. Daily I remember the pain of what it takes to defend the country I am proud to call my home. The road that has been traveled since August 6, 2011, with very dear friends has helped me know the real sacrifice of not only our lost soldiers but that of their families and the men and women they served with. My heart now knows part of the pain of the loss of an American hero and I will never forget. Hearing the “Star Spangled Banner” and seeing the American flag flying with pride will never cease to bring a tear to my eye. My thanks goes out to all the American heroes and their families who gave the greatest sacrifice of all.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ~ John 15:13

Three Word Thursday

Last college graduation!!!!!

 

Vote For Skate For Change

Our son, Ryan is invoved in a community service project called Skate For Change. SFC has applied for a grant through State Farm Youth Advisory Board in the value of $25,000 to $100,000 to an organization or school that has a great idea for a service-learning project to impact student achievement in their community.  Here's where you come in and can help Skate For Change make an impact on thier community.  Click here and vote 10 times a day for Skate For Change through May 17th.  

Skate for Change is a local group of skateboarders who skate around the inner-city and metro areas with backpacks handing out food, water, socks, toothpaste, etc. to the homeless and less fortunate in our area. They are fully committed to helping better someone else's day. Even if it's sparing a few quarters to each person waiting at the bus stop to get to a job that they are about to lose. Or giving a few extra blankets or fresh milk to a family with a new baby living under a bridge. Instead of just walking by these people we are helping, sitting down having a conversation, making them feel special and cared regardless of their circumstances.

Getting more people involved is key. $25,000 would address the community's unmet need by providing more services, buying more socks, more food, and stocking up so we never run out. The lasting impact is more people getting involved in "Good" in our city instead of "Bad".

Remember you can vote 10 times each day.  Ready, set, vote.

No Problem, Mon

Jeff and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this year and decided to take a trip.  We never took a honeymoon but went to the Riviera Maya in Mexico for our 21st year and thought it was about time to celebrate once again.  After all, we have been married for 30 years, our youngest child graduates from college next week and is employed along with the rest of the adults in the family.  We think we have a lot to celebrate.  This was our view for the last six days in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  No problem, mon, was what they say about everything.  I’d like an extra towel, no problem, mon.   Can we get extra bottles of water delivered to our room each day? No problem, mon.  We literally sat and did nothing for the entire time we were there.  We allowed the folks at the resort to totally take care of us.

 When we arrived they greeted us with a chilled glass of campaign with a cherry in it and from that moment on we had no problems, mon.  

 Omar took Jeff out on the catamaran each day and taught him how to sail. No problem, mon.  If you look very closely you can see a boat way out in the ocean, they went out and talked to the fisherman out there who was fishing alone and had a huge fish on the line and could not get it in.  He had it attached to a marker buoy and was going back and get some help to haul in the fish.  No problem, mon. Boy, how Jeff wanted to be a part of that one.

This is how I spent most of my time reading and drinking the pretty drinks that they brought to me.  No problem, mon.

Every afternoon, our beach and pool side activities were interrupted by a rain shower.  No problem, mon.  “Dirty Bananas” and “Mudslides” can take care of any kind of disappointment a little rain might make. No problem, mon.

The sun always popped through the clouds again and back to the pool or the beach, no problem, mon.

On our last evening at dinner we were surprised with a very special dessert created just for our celebration.  Thanks to the chef and the wait staff for making that last evening very special. No problem, mon.

Three Word Thrusday

Time to relax

Garden Container Makeover, Again!

Two years ago I did a makeover on two planters that I had on my front porch.  My Hibiscus trees lived in these pots for a couple of years until during a crazy Kansas storm one of the trees blew over and broke the container. Off to Home Depot to find two more large containers for my trees, but I had an idea for this one lonely planter.  Paint it pink of course!  After all, when in doubt pink is always the right choice.

I took this container from a subtle black to the excitement of berry pink in the matter of a couple of coats of my favorite spray paint. 

Once the spray paint was dry, using an acrylic white paint and a sponge brush I lightly covered the detail just enough to make it really show up and have more texture.

In my own opinion, I think this turned out perfect and the bright pink geraniums that I chose to go inside were a perfect match.

Over the summer this pot will be almost covered in the vines that are planted in it but bright pink always has a way of showing through.  Believe it or not I like it that way!

I Love My Job

There are days I just love my job.  Last week happened to be one of those times.  If you know me at all or have followed this blog, you know that I love doing creative things.  Projects with fabric are my favorite and that is a good thing as I own and operate a drapery workroom.  When this grouping of fabrics came through my door, I knew that I would be in heaven working on this job.  These cushions and pillows are for outdoor furniture.  Don’t you just love it!  I don’t often get to see my finished projects in the homes that they end up in, but wouldn’t you love to see this porch, deck, or pool side where these pillows and cushions will be.  I know just by the choices of fabrics, that this would be a super place to spend a summer day.

 

We've Got BIGGER Power Tools Than You

This weekend we had a big project that required a BIG power tool.  We found this new rental store near our house when we needed carpet fans during our recent flood.  Johnson County Equipment and Party Rental just opened this year and all of the tools are brand new and most not even used yet.  Last weekend Jeff rented a 9 horsed power bed edger to edger all of our flower beds and he was the first to use it.  So when we needed to dig some post holes for our new arbor Johnson County Equipment and Party Rental was our first call.  They had this super duper post hole digger and rented it to us for $30 for one hour. Again, never been used. 

As it turned out, this was a fantastic deal.  Our ground is pure clay once you get past the top soil.  There was no way we would have been able to dig these two 18" deep by 10" round holes in the short time it took this power tool to dig them.

In order to get the holes deep enough it took the two of us totally forcing all of our weight to get the auger to cut through the clay.  But finally, our holes were dug and we returned our BIG power tool within the hour time allotted.

My new arbor is now up and will be standing for a good long time, after all those holes are full of cement and are not going anywhere.  I love power tools.  There is just something about having the right tools available to get the job done, even if you have to rent them. 

Three Word Thursday

Angels Came Down

Trying for a Healthy Lifestyle

Jeff and I have been on a health craze lately.  It all started earlier this year when our church challenged us to do a Daniel Fast for a week.  We found some great recipes that we really like and decided to just try and eat a bit more healthy.  Then in February my sister Janet introduced us to My Fitness Pal.  My Fitness Pal is an app for your phone that helps you keep track of your caloric intake as well as exercise. As my brother-in-law puts, it is all a mathematical equation.  If you want to loose weight you take in less calories and if you exercise, you get some free calories for the day.  Easy, peasy, right?  No food is off limits as long as you record it and the app automatically calculates how many calories you have left in order to reach your goal.  If you want more calories for the day, you had better get out there and get some exercise.  Here is one of the great recipes we have found:

Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salsa Wraps

2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped fresh jalapeno peppers

1 tablespoon lime juice

8 slices turkey bacon

1/4 cup light mayonnaise

4 10” whole wheat tortillas

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1.  For salsa:  In a bowl, combine tomatoes, read onion, cilantro, and peppers.  Stir in lime juice and set aside.

2.  Cook the bacon according to the package.  Drain well and cut into large pieces

3.  To assemble wraps, spread tortillas with mayonnaise, top with spinach.  Using a slotted spoon, spoon salsa over spinch and top with bacon.  Roll up the tortillas and cut each in half. 

We added some avocado, and you can really add just about anything according to taste.  But if you keep with the recipe, you have a serving for only 227 calories.  It is fabulous, fresh and makes for great healthy meal.

Stitches By Sturman is Under Water

 

Last week our family was out one evening celebrating family birthdays.  Our youngest, Anna, turned 22 and Jeff’s father, Jack, was turning 80.  We were all invited to enjoy a birthday dinner of Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue, my absolute favorite, at Jeff’s folks’ house.  Okay, so it was not about me, but it is Jack’s favorite too.  We always have a great time getting together for family celebrations and Wednesday evening was no different.  The whole Sturman clan are big Jayhawk fans, hence, Jack’s birthday cake, with Anna’s cupcake a sad purple, ha, ha, ha.  (Anna attended K-State fully knowing there would not be a lot of team support for her Wildcats.) 

The night was great until we came near our neighborhood and not only was it pitch black but there were utility trucks everywhere.  A transformer in the area had blown.  Here is Kansas we don’t just have rain, we gulley washers and that was the way it had been for about 3 days.  My heart sunk as the sump pump in Stitches By Sturman’s studio had been running 24/7 since the rain began.  All I could say was, oh crap, crap, crap.  Armed with our phone flash light apps, we descended the stairs to the studio to find about 3 inches of water.

We immediately started frantically getting everything off the floor, unplugging equipment, and freaking out.  Luckily, I have been at this for over 20 years and learned to never leave any customer projects on the floor.  I knew we were not going to be able to do this on our own so I put out a FaceBook plea for large fans and dehumidifiers we could burrow.  First thing the next morning, fans and dehumidifiers started showing up at our door.  You gotta love being part of a community of folks who will answer your late night cry for help.

We originally thought that the carpet and pad could be saved, but after a couple of days the pad started to smell and we realized we would be better off just getting it out of there.  So we pulled the pad.  Now the focus changed to getting the cement floor completely dry before we proceed.

Boy doggies do those carpet fans blow.  The carpet in the middle of my studio is completely lifted off the floor and the floor is almost dry.  But as you can see from the pictures, I am not ready to work.  Those empty cubbies are all stacked on my cutting table and I really cannot reorganize them until a professional says yes, the floor is dry, we can relay pad and re-stretch your carpet.  Until then I am pretty much at a stand still.

So, what have I learned from all of this.  My job is just window treatments and not life and death stuff.  It could be a lot worse.  My family might be right, I possibly could have a little too much trash to treasure items waiting for their moment of transformation in my creative mind.

Girls Road Trip

This week my girls and I headed out to Palm Springs for a couple of days in the sun as well as to help my Mom close up her little winter place and then help her drive back to Kansas City.  Girl trips are fun, in that we get to shop as long as we want, hang in the sun as long as we want, and eat chocolate and popcorn for dinner if we want.  We have been coming out to Palm Springs for Spring Break for the last couple of years and although Mom has her place for sale, we are secretly hoping it doesn’t sell so our Spring Break spot will be there for us for a couple of more years.  When I say that we are in Palm Springs, well that is really far from the truth.  We are near Palm Springs, waaaaay out in the desert in park called Glamis North KOA.  Okay, yes, we are in a KOA campground.  If you were to see it, you would laugh out loud, because it is far from the glamour of what you would think when you say “Palm Springs”.  But there is sun, pools, and a great view of the Chocolate Mountains.

This is the view off of my Mom’s deck and those are the Chocolate Mountains.  So yes, we are in the desert at a KOA but the weather is beautiful and the company is even better.

Here at the “spa” that’s what we call Mom’s winter place, they have great pools that are filled with mineral spring water that comes out of the ground at 160 degrees.  So you have your choice of hot pools or cool pools. 

We choose cool pools during the day and love to go to the hot pools after dark.  There is nothing better the getting all warm and cozy in mineral water before you head off to bed.

Lindsey is training for a 1/2 marathon and this was her week to get in an eleven mile run so we headed out into the desert at 7 am to get her run in before it got too hot.  If you are wondering how I kept up with this 20 something, I was on a bike.  Eleven miles isn’t too bad on a bike for this 40 something.

Tomorrow morning bright and early we will begin our 24 hour trek across the country back to the Midwest and leave this desert beauty behind.

Third Sturman is Employed

Congratulations are in order to Anna as she has signed a contract with the Spring Hill School District. Yeah!  Our youngest child is now employed with a real career.  Where has time gone?  It seems like just yesterday that I sent this baby girl off to her first day of Kindergarten and come next Fall she will be teaching someone else’s babies.  When I look back at parenting our kids this day seemed so far off and to be honest I was not sure we would all come out alive.  But to be at this place and look back at those times that were hard, messy, and a bit unbearable, I would do them a hundred times over to feel the satisfaction and pride that I feel for what great adults our kids have turned out to be. This all despite of the mistakes that I know we made during those tender growing up years.  This proves that prayer and faith in God can be more powerful than any missteps two humans trying their best to raise the precious gifts God entrusted with them.   Yes, Jeff and I have successfully parented three babies who are now adults and contributing members of society.  Wow, really God? How did we deserve such blessings we find in our children?

Skate For Change Gets a Media Boost

Our son, Ryan, has been a part of a start up ministry called Skate For Change in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Their primary goal is to connect with the homeless community in their city.  Basically, they are a bunch of skate boarders that have a heart for the under resourced in Lincoln and are doing something about it.  This weekend they got a huge media boost with the visit of Ryan Sheckler.  Ryan Sheckler is a skate boarding icon, business owner and charity founder.  He was interested in what Skate for Change was all about and wanted to experience, along with the skaters of Lincoln, the act of serving the homeless.

To view the news video of the day click here.  The hope is that Ryan Sheckler will take this experience back to Los Angeles and start a Skate For Change in his own community.  Mike Smith, Skate For Change founder, is also the owner and operator of Bay 198, a nonprofit skate park whose desire is to mentor and empower the skate culture through a positive environment.  They are creating a space where skaters of all ages can creatively develop individual skills while cultivating an atmosphere of growth, love, and community.

Three Word Thursday

Bergfalk Babes’ getaway

Christmas in February

Our family finally was able to celebrated Christmas with Ryan and Paula last week.  It just seems hard to find a time when we all can be together.  Of course my fantasy as a mother is to have all my kids live close to me the rest of my life so we will always be able to spend every holiday and family event together and live happily ever after.  {Pop} goes the fantasy bubble and real life is where I am forced to live.  Darn!  Although, I cannot complain, Ryan and Paula only live in Lincoln, NE, just 3 1/2 hours north of us, its not like they are in another country.  But that distance, at times, feels too far.  The time we do have as a family is very precious to us and I will take all that we do get. 

 

 

To say that the wait for our Christmas presents was worth it would be an understatement.  Ryan and Paula out did themselves with their creative, craftiness.  Look at these great tables/foot stools/benches/what ever you want to make them, repurposed vintage suitcases they made for Lindsey and Anna.  Seriously, they are awesome and in super shaped on the inside too.

They made this fabulous “S” to hang on our front door.  They could not find an initial that they liked that was big enough so Ryan cut one out of styrofoam and then Paula decorated it.  Oh my heck, just look at those handmade flowers.  Does this gal fit perfectly into our family or what?  Not only that but she whipped up some homemade shower scrub as well.  She is a gal after my heart, I just have to say.  Making things pretty and smell good too, who can go wrong. 

We also received this set of tile coasters that they made using their wedding pictures.  I was trying to figure out how I would display a bunch of their pictures without making it look like some kind of Ryan & Paula gallery.  The girls already accuse me of having Ryan as the favorite, so a bunch of pictures on the wall, shelves, etc. would only perpetuate such a myth.  But coasters, now that is something that is very useful and if they display eight different wedding shots so be it. 

Look how perfect this looks on my pink front door.  I thought that I would be changing the color of the door soon, but who am I kidding?  This “S” just made the decision, the door is pink for now at least through Summer. 

Blogging, Social Media and Web Opportunity

Several times since I have been writing this blog, folks have approached me to apply for, try out, (I am not sure what you call it) for a paid blogging, web kind of thing.  Okay, so it has only been three times over the last five years, but I would call that several.  It has never felt like it would fit in with my blog style, the time commitment was not right, etc. So I have allowed those opportunities to pass me by until late last year.  One of my designers, Brenda Freebern of Picture Perfect Interiors, came to me and asked if I would be interested in helping her increase her web presence on her internet site.  Brenda and I have worked together for over 20 years, she brings me her designs and I whip them up using my sewing skills.  In that time, I would say that we have become good friends and she can give me a scribbled line drawing, with a couple of measurements and I know exactly what she is asking for. This opportunity became real a couple weeks ago and I am now Picture Perfect Interior’s web designer, blog writer, social media updater, and all things internet and print ad related.  I have to say, it has been so fun doing something a bit different but yet still interior design industry related.  After all, I have been in my basement studio for over 20 years now, it is about time I can come into the light of day at least a couple of hours a week.  This is a very part-time opportunity and in no way takes away from Stitches By Sturman, but is in addition to my drapery fabrication work.  Who knows where this will go?  But again, I have a new creative outlet that really jazzes me and I get paid for it too.  Here is how you can give me a little boost right off the bat with my new responsibilities, go on over and check out the Picture Perfect Interiors website, “like” Picture Perfect Interiors on FaceBook, follow Picture Perfect Interiors on Twitter and Pinterest and finally go look at Picture Perfect Interiors on Kansas City Homes & Garden.  It would be fabulous if you would check back frequently to Picture Perfect Interiors as I will be doing weekly updates on not only what you can find in the store, but design ideas and trends as well.  Here’s to my new found opportunity and creativity. {Clink!} 

I {Heart} Espresso

Oh, my heck!  I have known for a long time that I really, really, really, like espresso.  Well, actually, I like the espresso that is in the “2 pump, sugar free vanilla, breve  latte, extra hot” that I have been ordering from my local Starbucks for a long time.  My habit has become somewhat of an expensive one, but I can stop any time, really I can.  So I decided to cut cost on my beloved lattes. I figured I would purchase my own espresso machine.  I did my research for the best one that I could buy for the cash I had available (Kohl’s Cash after the holidays).  I had around $100 of Kohl’s Cash to spend, but also knew if I just waited long enough the espresso machine that I was wanting would go on sale and I would have enough to purchase it without any additional out-of-pocket money.  Bingo, espresso machine on sale for just a smidgen more than my Kohl's Cash would cover.  I brought my new purchase home and I have become even more of an espresso fan.  Now, my order has a double shot of espresso in it.  If one is good, two has to be better, right?  I do believe a problem is brewing, because this week my thoughts went to, “If two is better, three has to be the bomb.”  Wow, I really do {heart} espresso.

Flower Themed Baby Girl Gift

I love coming up with baby gifts for my young, mom friends.  Recently I went to a baby shower for my friend Chelsea who will be having a baby girl later this month.  I made a coordinating blanket, onesie, ruffled pants, and headband.  I purchased the onesie and the pants and then added the flower applique to the top and the ruffles to the pants.  The blanket was made with a microfiber fleece on one side and a coordinating pok-a-dot on the other side and then bound with a super cute flower/paisley print.  

I purchased this brown elastic headband then crocheted this flower and attached it to the elastic.

The applique is stitched with a straight stitch and the edges left raw so that they will fray a bit once the t-shirt is washed.  I love the soft look of a bit of fray.

The edges of the ruffles are left raw as well, as they too will fray a bit once they are washed to match the t-shirt.

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thirty-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me, Sew Country Chick, I Should Be Mopping the Floor

Three Word Thursday

You anchor me . . .

Jumbo Scrabble Tiles

I know that I am a bit late this week in posting the fun, creative, crafty things I have been doing around here lately.  But I have had a new opportunity that has come my way (I will post about that at a later date) and I just have not had a moment to sit down and write a post.  Scrabble is a game that I remember my Grandma Nelson playing all the time with us as kids.  Even though I played this game often, it did not help me in the spelling department.  I am not sure if Grandma let me get away with misspelled words or I am just a very slow learner.  Even so, there is just something nostalgic about the game Scrabble for me.  I have purchased individual Scrabble tiles in the past for projects and you know me if little Scrabble letters make me happy, giant ones should make me jump up and down with joy, right?  I have to admit that is pretty much true.  I literally did this project in one hour.  I cut 1 x 6's into 6 inch squares, cut the letters out of adhesive vinyal with my Cricut machine, stuck them onto the wood squares, quick spray with clear coat, and wallah!  Giant Scrabble tiles.

Because I wanted my tiles up for more than just Valentines day.  I made three additional tiles so that I could spell out our name.  Four of the tiles have the letters LOVE on one side and our name on the other.  It does not take a lot to make me happy.

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thirty-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me, Sew Country Chick

Three Word Thursday

Love always wins . . .

Traveling--Journey to Adventure

Life has a way of taking me to a lot of different places.  Sometimes these journeys require travel and other times they keep me right here in my own little world.  Over the last year, I have been on a sort of journey that has taken me physically into places and circumstances that are way out of my comfort level.  This has been a spiritual journey that often times, what am I saying?  All the time, I feel illequipped to be on.  I tend to trudge along, feeling like my pack is way too heavy to bear and assuming this is exactly where God wants me to be.  In my head, and sometimes even out loud, I am saying, "Really? Really, God? Is this what life is supposed to look like?"   When in reality He wants me to rely on him for my map, my provision, and carrying my pack.  In this journey, I believe God has given me a very small glimpse of His compassion for my world and the people around me.  Boy, is that uncomfortable.  Through this little peep-hole into His compassion I know that God wants me to reach out and love the people around me, but not just to help them and change the world.  He is using this to change my life, the way that I think, and make me a little more like Jesus.  To do this I will have to significantly expand my capacity to love and the only way I can even hope to do this is through my reliance on God and this journey He is taking me on.  Wow, doggies, I think this journey has just turned into an adventure.  I know this going to be good.  

Burlap Valentine Bunting

Once I made my newest valentine sign last week, I realized that my valentine garland was no longer the look that I wanted to go with this year.  Seeing all of the burlap decorations out on blogs, Pinterest and the internet.  I figured that I would make a burlap bunting that would be just the look that I wanted.  The rough look of burlap with a splash of color is everywhere.  A designer that I work for, Brenda of Picture Perfect, told me that the burlap/linen look with a splash of color was everywhere at the Atlanta market that she went to two weeks ago.  I have been watching that look for a while now and even made some things last fall with burlap.  Burlap is a great way to give your home an updated look with very little money.  I purchased a yard of burlap for $3.99.

I cut the flap shapes out of the burlap and then doubled them up and stitching them together using red thread not only for a contrast but to add a boarder as well.  Doubling up the burlap helps give the flags a bit more somethin', somethin', and burlap tends to be loosely woven and a bit see through so this helps with that.

Using my handy Cricut machine I cut a heart and used it as a stencil.  Then stenciled a heart on each flag.  I used a light pink, bright pink, red and white color paints to do this.  Here is a free hint, make sure you put plastic or scrap paper under your flags as you stencil them.  They will soak through to the back.  I just know these kinds of things, no need to ask me how.   

Using hot glue, I folded the flags over some red and white bakers twine and secured the end over the back.  

The burlap bunting addes to my valentine look for next to nothing in cost.

I am participating in the following link ups: Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me, Sew Country Chick

 

 

Valentine Sign

Earlier this week I was browsing around Pinterest and found this wonderful Valentine sign.  I absolutely love the saying on it and decided that I was going to make it.  Because I have been called a "creative hoarder", I had all of the supplies right in my studio already.  No need to go to the store and besides it has been freezing cold this week and who wants to get out in the cold if you don't have to.  

Here is the sign that I orignally look at.  Landee See, Landee Do, is a great place for inspriration.  I have just recently found her blog and I really like her style.  As you can see I changed my sign up a bit by doing the pink thing instead.  You know I always say, "When in doubt pink is always the right choice." I am sure it is not shocker that I went with pink.  

One thing that I do like about Valentines is that you are able to put pink and red together without it being wierd.  Needless to say, I take very opportunity to do just that.  Pink and red for everyone.  

I was so excited to use my bakers twine that I recently purchased off of Pick Your Plum.  Pick Your Plum is a daily email that sells one craft type item each day for super cheap.  I am talking anywhere from $2 to $6.95.  I am pretty sure I have never seen anything for more than that.  Let me just warn you, if you are a "crafty" this email is dangerous.  It is hard to pass up these deals.  Seriously I could spend money everyday with Pick You Plum.

I used a 1 x 8 for my board, but I do think a 1 x 10 would be better as you can make the lettering bigger.  Using my handy Cricut machine I cut the letters out of a piece of adhesive vinyal.  Super easy project and the results are awesome.  

I am participation in these link ups: Today's Creative Blog, One Tough Mother

Bridesmaid Cupcakes

This week Anna received this beautiful cupcake from a girlfriend of hers.  Ashley is getting married in May and she wants Anna to be in her wedding as a bridesmaid.  Wow, what a cute and fun way to ask your friends to accompany you on your big day.  The cupcake not only was cute but even came with its own little "diamond" ring and tasted good as well.  If this is what it looks like for Ashley to ask her bridesmaids, I cannot wait to see the wedding.

Linked up to:  Today's Creative Blog, One Tough Mother, Silly Little Sparrow, Skip to My Lou, Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me

Dishwasher, Renewed Confidence

Several years ago there was a dishwasher recall and ours was part of it.  Up to that point, I had put up with a dishwasher that sounded like an airplane taking off in my kitchen as well as a pitiful job in cleaning our dishes.  So I was all over the fact that the manufacturer was going to give  $700 toward our replacement.  My research found a ultra quite dishwasher with a stainless steel inside that was close to the top of the line, not quite but I was not willing to pay "that" much over the $700 I was given.  Fast forward a couple of years and Jeff is complaining about our "crappy" expensive dishwasher and we need to look into a new one. The stainless steel is no longer shiny but chalky white and the dishes are covered with that chalky white grossness as well.  Jeff did his job of cleaning out the hoses, I was using that blue liquid rinse stuff that is supposed to make your dishes sparkly clean, as well a scrubbing the inside of the machine only to have it be chalky white in just a few washes.  We were ready to give up when I saw this Dishwasher Magic at Lowes one day.  The label says, "This dishwasher cleaner and disinfectant removes mineral stains, lime scale, iron/rust, calcium build-up, and food particles which can clog the water jets in your dishwasher and reduce its performance."  All in one use.  With the condition of our dishwasher, I figured if one bottle was good two had to be better.  So I purchased two bottles. 

 

 

 

Right next to the Dishwasher Magic, was Finish, a tablet type dishwasher soap, that states right on the box if you are not completely satisfied after using one box you are guaranteed your money back. This product was probably threes more money that the store brand dishwasher soap I normally buy, but heck, if they will give me my money back why not try it.  I am totally sold on both of these products.  Dishwasher Magic cleaned my horrible dishwasher in one use with some chalky left, so the I used the second bottle and it came out sparkly clean. Just like new, I kid you not.

I have purchased my second box of Finish tablets and they are the absolute best. I do believe they are my new best friend.  All of my dishes, glasses, and silverware have not looked this good since I took them out of the box.  Really, I am amazed every time I open my dishwasher to really clean dishes.  I am sold.  I will used Dishwasher Magic once a month as the label suggests and Finish is my new soap, even if it is more expensive.  Once again, I am able to not only enjoy the fact that I cannot even hear my dishwasher running, but my dishes are clean too.  Who knew?  And I give you theses little tips free of charge, because that is just the kind of gal that I am.  

Five Years of Blogging -- Really?

Wow, I cannot believe that I have had this blog for five years now.  My actual first post was in December of 2006.  But I did not really start blogging regular until January 2007. My original reason for starting this adventure was to keep friends and family up to date when I went on a second mission trip to India.  I have since returned to India for a third trip along with trips to the Philippines, Haiti, and Mexico.  My own personal mission focus over the last two years has been here in our own community, specifically, Gardner, Kansas.  This does not mean I will never travel internationally again, in fact I really hope not, just that my efforts and focus have been right here.  

Since the beginning of this blog my life has changed quite a bit.  We have had two high school graduations, two college graduations one from Doane College, the other from Pittsburg State University, and a soon to be graduation from Kansas State University.  We have celebrated our first family wedding, Ryan and Paula, on August 19, 2011. Jeff and I have been part of the beginning of a new church campus in Gardner, Kansas.  We went from having two teenage girls at home to empty nesters, to one summer all three kids back at home, back to empty nesters. We have walked the journey of losing my Dad, but now have the privilege of having my Mom stay on and off over the winter months.  We have vacationed, in Minnesota, California, Florida, Los Vegas, San Antonio, Branson, and celebrated a family wedding in Mexico, driving to most of these locations and taking in the scenary in between.

I haved share my heart and been as honest as a gal can be about a number of topics. I have let you in on what God is teaching me as well as little Godly discipline.  

In the beginning, I had no idea what a creative outlet this adventure would be for me. However, the creative part of this blog has been my greaest joy. I love inspring others to not only try new things, but also let others in on the secret of how easy some things can be that look really complicated.  Thank you for reading and all the encouraging comments along the way. Here's to another five, inspiring, creative, and learning years of being a gal  who wants to live "In His Grip". 

Tile Coaster Set -- How To

Because you have not heard from me in a while, you would think that I have not been up to much.  Well, actually the exact opposite is true.  I did take time off for Christmas and New Years to hang out with family and friends to just enjoy the season.  A gal is entitled to that every once in a while, right? However, my creative mind has been on overdrive having time to browse Pinterest, and plan some very fabulous, creative, wonderfulness for my home in the coming year.  It is this time each year that I get the urge to do something to my home. This year it started with the dinning room and then will move to the living room, and of course right on up to the now three guest rooms.  Oh, how sad to say I have three kid rooms that are now called "guest rooms", really this cannot be true.  

Today I am showing you this easy, fun, and inexpensive gift idea I made for my friends this year at Christmas.  I started out at Lowes and purchased 3x3 tiles.

I really liked these that had a bit of texture and some imperfections around the edges.  They happened to be some of the more expensive tiles, all of 33 cents each.  But you can get them for as little as 8 cents a tile.  

Picking out the scrap booking paper was fun.  I wanted the four different patterns to coordinate but have some contrast in color as well.  I cut the paper into squares that were about a 1/2 smaller than the tile so the coaster would appear to have a boarder all the way around.

Because the tiles had a rounded corner, I used a corner rounder paper punch and rounded all of the corners of each square of paper.  This also helps prevent any corners that might want to pop up when Mod Podging later.  

Laying all of the tiles on a piece of plastic, I Mod Podged each tile with probably 4 or 5 coats allowing to dry in between.  Once you have decided you have enough Mod Podge on your coasters let them dry over night and then take a piece of super fine steel wool and a bit of water and sand each one until smooth.  This takes all of the brush marks or bubbles out of the final coat.  Once that was dry, I sprayed them with a clear coat sealer to make them water resistant.  For the final step, I glue a piece of cork to the bottom of each one.  Sorry no picture of that, but really there is a piece of thin cork on the underside.

I made 12 sets of these and gave them to my friends, designers I work for, and one set went to a gal that invited me and my girls for a tour of her home which was a Christmas wonderland.

I tied each stack with a bit of twine and there you have it a handmade gift that everyone can use.  

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me

Three Word Thursday

I am back . . .

Christmas Cash

At Christmas time it seems everyone needs little more cash and the church is no exception to this rule.  This year at my church I was the project coordinator for our "Christmas For The Kids" effort.  What this means is we partnered with the school where we meet, Wheatridge Middle School, and they provided us with the information on 72 students in their school that needed some help at Christmas.  Now you need to understand, at our campus we maybe average 80 -100 folks on a Sunday with kids included.  This was going to be a huge challenge.  Our goal was to provide two outfits, underwear, socks, gloves, and a hat along with food to help make it through the two week Christmas break.  In cash, that meant around $70-$80 per student.  Being part of a two campus church, we asked our Olathe campus (600 a sunday) to take 21 students for us which they did, but that still left our little gathering with over 50 kids to help.  We then started asking our folks to step up to the challenge and cover these kiddos as well as other groups we work with.  Wow, can I say Christmas miracle!  Last year our campus supported 5 kids.  Yes, I said 5 and this year we will support 51.  Way to go Indian Creek Community Church Gardner!  As I am not an usher, and have never accepted a cash donation for the church, imagine my surprise when one of the groups helping us with the "Christmas For The Kids" handed me $303 in cash to help cover the project.  Needless to say, my heart is very full this Christmas.  

Candy Cane Stir Sticks

Once again, I am posting about a great idea that I found on Pinterest.  I know it is very simple, but the results are more than I expected.  Because I like to add a little something extra to my holiday parties and gatherings, I thought what a great idea to make these peppermint stir sticks that you can use in any hot holiday drink.  In my pursuit to make these fancy stir sticks, I came up with a couple of hints on how to go about this project.  First of all, I cut the hooks off of my candy canes with a sharp knife.  I did this at an angle which made for a great point to stick into the marshmallows.  

At this point my stir sticks would stand up but once I dipped them in the white chocolate and coated them with the sprinkles they kept tipping over.  Big problem, I wanted them to be even all the way around and not lopsided.  So I came up with the idea of poking a hole in the bottom of a styrofoam cup and turing the cup upside down to poke the candy cane through to help support the sticks while they dried. Wala! Perfect candy cane stir stick drying holder.  

One more little tip.  In the pictures on Pinterest where I saw these stir sticks, all of the sprinkles were white.  I looked everywhere for a jar of small white sprinkles but could not find any, so I went with the festive red, green and white.  Well, good reason for the all white.  When you put the stir sticks in a hot drink the colors melt off and your first couple of stirs are a mix of red and green, which if you ever mix red and green together you know they make a weird brownsih color.  That soon melts away and you are back to wonderful peppermint stir stick fun.

Come on over for a hot holiday drink at my house and you will get one of these candy cane stir sticks to help keep you drink all mixed up.  

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me

Three Word Thursday

I want snow . . .

Candy Cane Hearts

Pinterest has become one of the first places I search when I am in need of an idea to make something either as a craft, recipe, or home decor.  So when the opportunity came to make some treats for a ministry at church for the holidays, Pinterest was my "go to" place. When I spotted these cute little candy dane hearts I knew that they would be the treat that I would donate.  Jeff happened to be with me when I was in my search of the small, mini, candy canes and could not figure out why I needed five boxes of 60.  I had promised 60 treats, but I wanted two hearts in each little treat bag.  So four boxes right?  I knew that there would be some broken ones too so that's why I purchased the extra box.  Jeff was like, "what is it you are doing with all those candy canes?"  I patiently (because that's just the kind of gal that I am, wink, wink) explained to him the candy cane heart concept.  He was very sceptical that this little project was going to work out.  Being the engineer type, I suppose he wanted me to try a prototype before purchasing all of the supplies and then find out it just was not going to work out.  This engineery way of thinking is just not the way that I roll.

Truly the hardest part of the whole project is getting the candy canes out of their little cellophane wrappers.  I then laid them in the shape of hearts on a cookie sheet covered in foil.  

I melted chocolate almond bark in the microwave in a large mug and spooned the chocolate into each little heart.  I only melted a little bit at a time because it is very easy to over heat the chocolate in large quantities, don't ask why I know this, because the waste of supplies is not well taken by the process engineer that I know and love, Jeff.  So this is just knowledge that I acquired with no record of how, ha, ha.  

Using the broken candy canes, I chopped them up and sprinkled them on top.  This is super easy and the finished product is so cute.  

I love it when I find a project that turns out like I had it in my head.  Pinterest is just the place to get the inspiration for just about anything.

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick, 5 Minutes Just for Me

$2.00 Nativity

Look at this great nativity scene.  Since I have begun doing a little bit of traveling to different countries, I have started a nativity collection from different parts of the world.  I have one from, Haiti, Mexico, and Costa Rica as well as my orginial Precious Moments set.  I have not been able to get one from India quite yet but am working on it.  The gals at 10,000 Villages are looking for one for me.  One of the women that works there has a daughter who has been living in India for a year now and she cannot find them anywhere.  I thought it was just me, but I guess a nativity scene is not important to a prodomantely Hindu country.  This particular navitey scene was made in China and I purchased it after, the after Christmas sale at Wal-mart for about $2.00.  I know, what a great deal.  However, it did not start out looking like this.  I purchased it knowing that I would help it out a bit and make it look just a bit better.

This is what the nativty started out looking like.  It was less than okay in my opinion.  The painting of details was very crude, but the shapes of the figurines were good.  So, I got out my trusty spray paint and gave it a couple of coats of white.  Boy, doggies, what a difference a couple squirts of spray paint can make.  

Here are the three kings, although they are all white, the detail shows up just enough to make them the elegant, distiguished men that they were.

This is the shepard and animals as well as the Holy family.  Okay, yes, I gave baby Jesus a bath in white gold glitter, but after all He is the one that the whole celebration is about. Jeff is still a little unsure about the "sparkley" Jesus, but I like him anyway.  The baby Jesus I mean.  I still like Jeff too, even though he just shakes his head at my spray painting shenanigans.

I glittered the roof of the stable as well.  So now I have a navity from China although I have never been there. It is now proudly siting amoung my other nativities, holding its head up high even though it was only $2.

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick

 

Three Word Thursday

Skate for change . . .

Christmas Stocking Challenge -- Post 3

I have finished the knitting portion of my Christmas stocking.  You can read about how this challenge started here then post 1 and post 2.  Wow, this has to be the most challenging knitting project that I have ever attempted.  But with the help of the ladies at the Knit Wit store, and the great notes that were taken by Barb, I has able to turn the heel and make the gussets as well as do the decreases for the toe.  Yeah!

 

 

 

Now I just need to sew the seam down the back, finish up the top edge, and put Paula's name on the Santa side of the top cuff.  Then there is the blocking that will need to be done as well.

This is my first sock ever, I am not sure that it really counts as it is very large compared to the socks I have half completed to the point of turning the heel.   I cannot wait to do all of the finishing work and show off the completed project and the challenge conquered.

Christmas Lighting in Gardner

Last night marks the fourth year running for Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner handing out free hot chocolate at the Mayor's Christmas tree lighting.  This is one of the events each year that I just love.  Not only is it the marking of the beginning of the Christmas season, but if you want a midwest, small town Christmas event, you cannot go wrong here.  Bubba Starling, the local star athlete pulled the switch to light the tree, Santa arrived on the fire truck, and fireworks are just a few things that you can always look forward to at Christmas in the Park.  The elementary children sing Christmas songs and one of the high school's ensemble groups are dress in old fashion costumes and singing Christmas carols.  This whole event is very Norman Rockwell-ish.  Commemorative ornaments are handed out by Santa and this is the newest one to add to my "Christmas in the Park" collection.  

Not only do we hand out hot chocolate on a cold night, but we add the extra touch of offering a little squirt of whipped cream too, yummy!

Our table this year was right up near Santa's workshop so we were able to give out more hot chocolate than ever before.  In my estimation, we passed out over 420 cups of hot chocolate.  This is the first time we actually ran out, so I am thinking next year we need to come with at least two more five gallon containers full.  Sometimes serving our community in such a simple way is just stinking fun!  Heres wishing your Christmas season will start out with this much delight.

Santa's Boots Makeover

In January of this year as I was browsing through our local Goodwill store I found these cute Santa boots for 99 cents.  I loved the way that they are so short and chubby and knew that I could find a great use for them in Christmas decorating in the future.  Forgetting about my purchase earlier in the year I was so excited to find these as I unpacked my Christmas decorations.  Although they are cute just as they are, I figured a little bit of pink and sparkle were just the thing to make them fabulous.  

Finding this pink spray paint in my studio, I figured it was just the right color for the transformation.  The boots are about the size of a flower pot and knew that they would fit in perfectly with the pink theme on the front porch as bases for my little trees that were going out there.

I used Mod Podge to paint around the sole of the boot as well as the cuff and then sprinkled with bright pink glitter.  I use Martha Stewart brand, there are a lot of colors to choose from including several hues of pink.  

We filled the boots with sand to make them heavy enough to withstand the strong winter Kansas winds and then placed the plaster paris based Christmas trees down into the boots.  There we have it a perfect pink tree stand.  

There are three silver painted Christmas trees on my front porch this year, thanks to Grandma Sturman for remembering me when I said you never want to get rid of a Christmas tree.  Last year I experimented with spray painting Christmas trees and have found that the metallic silver paint gives a you a vintage look that I just love.  You have got to try it.

 

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, The DIY Showoff,Boogiboard Cottage, Its So Very Cheri, Sew Chatty, Dittle Dattle, Sew Can Do, Keeping It Simple, Skip to My Lou, Coastal Charm, Ladybug Blessings, Today's Creative Blog,Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, The Thrifty Home, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Woodsy, The Tablescaper, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Making the World Cuter,Itsy Bitsy Paper, So Much Ado, One Tough Mother, Sweet Peas and Bumblebees, Handy Man, Crafting Woman, Women Who Do It All, Seven Thrity-three, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home. Lil' Luna, Momma Hen Scoop, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Sommewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales From Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Momnivore's Dilemma, Beyond the Picket Fence, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home,Truly Lovely, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Someday Crafts, Passionately Artistic, Goodbye city, Hello suburbs, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Make it Great Monday,Vintage Gwen, Sew Country Chick