Cottage Hann~Me~Downs

'Painted Furniture party'!

and

Beverly's blog,

How Sweet the Sound

for

Pink Saturday!

Please visit as many

of the participants that you can,

they're very CrEaTiVe!

Thanks for visiting my blog

and don't forget to leave a

message, they make my day!

Always, Debbie~

If You Don't Like it, Paint it!

2011-07-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

I hated this flat hollow door,

smack dab in the middle of my

dining room.

I've shown this before,
but I decided to show
it again, because it's
been such a favorite of
ours!

I bought a beautiful

vintage screen door

to put there instead,

but it was way too big

I bought an old window

pane door, but it wasn't

the right size either...

What have I always done

when I couldn't get something

to fit or work out...

I painted it, yep I did!

Here's what I did with that old

flat door.

It's really hard to see, but I decided

this door was going to be a 3 panel door!

Yes I did!

First, I measured out the 3 panels,

then I drew the 'Pantry' lettering.

I started by painting the top panel,

basically it's just a shadow,

giving the illusion of a panel...

Next I painted the lettering on,

it took some time to get this part done,

but I'm happy with how it turned out!

Then I painted the chalkboard paint onto

the two bottom panels!

Huge difference right away!

I was loving it already!

You can tell I was excited, the paints still wet!

We love it this way,

and our Grand kiddos probably

love it even more!

There's one slight problem

with it though...

Well maybe a big problem,

I didn't sand off the door paint,

and you've probably guessed,

the door paint is a good oil base

paint, and the chalkboard paint isn't.

So, the first time brand new chalk

was used, it scratched the chalkboard

paint right off, leaving what I wrote

as a constant reminder of what I

shouldn't do...I do know better.

So, sometime soon, I will have

the job of sanding it all off and

starting over...

But you know what?

It'll be worth it, because

I looove this old door now!

Thanks for visiting my blog and

I'd love it if you left me a comment!

I'm linking up to Cindy's blog,

My Romantic Home,

for her wonderful new

Please go check out everyone's

painted goodies, they're

wonderful!

Always, Debbie~

I Won Jennifer Hayslip's Giveaway!

2011-07-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Pinch me...

I won a wonderful giveaway,

hosted by Jennifer Hayslip!

Jenn was celebrating her blog,

Sweet Eye Candy's 4th. Birthday!

~source: Jennifer Hayslip~

I almost fell off my computer chair

when I saw her message,

that I'd won!

Read all about her giveaway here!

~Jennifer always has the cutest pictures

and the most incredible creations!

~source: Jennifer Hayslip~

You know that last week was a toughie

for me, losing my dear Uncle Tom.

So winning Jenn's giveaway,

was really uplifting

and gave me something

to look forward too!

I couldn't believe it when

we stopped off at home

after his memorial.

There,

sitting on the porch,

was Jenn's box!!!

What a wonderful sight!

It couldn't have come

at a better time.

First I took out oodles & oodles of

pretty pink tissue paper,

and

found

this!

~a sweet box of 'Eye Candy'~

It truly was like opening a party, in a box!

~*~

Ohhh how I love Birthday parties!

Especially 4th. Birthdays!

There was ice-cream...

~is this sweet baby Vivi~

~love this~

and

Cake!

~adorable gift cards~

Yummy glittery cupcakes,

that is!

~Elephants, by two's~

~sweet button eyes~

Is he not the cutest?

...and he's a gift card!

~sooo cute~

~a darling birthday card~

...and

this!

A Glamour Girl Necklace!

It's beautiful

and so much fun!

~Source: Jennifer Hayslip~

~such beautiful eye candy~

Wrapped up in this

beautiful rose fabric!

How exciting!

Oh I will enjoy all my 'Sweet Eye Candy'

Creations!

I probably won't be able

to part with anything...

The adorable gift tags

might just be

too

cute to give away...

I feel so honored to have

something of Jenn's,

I've been in awe over

her creations for some time!

I can't say this enough,

Thank YOU Jenn,

from the bottom of my

heart, I love it all!

I'm going to link with

Cindy's blog

My Romantic Home

for

Show & Tell Friday

and

Beverly's blog

How Sweet the Sound

for

Pink Saturday!

Thanks for visiting

and

Don't forget to leave

a comment, they

make my day!

Always, Debbie~

Saying Good Bye!

2011-07-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Uncle Tom's

life!

He wouldn't want it

any other way.

Since my last post,

my life has been somewhat

like riding a roller coaster,

some highs,

followed with some

gut

wrenching

lows.

My dear, sweet, Uncle Tom,

the Patriarch of our family,

passed away(peacefully)

Sunday evening.

But this post is not going to be about

sadness...

NOPE,

It's hopefully going to convey

the message of LOVE,

and

to remind ourselves

how each moment counts...

Hold your loved ones close,

and tell them YOU LOVE THEM,

let them know how much

they mean to YOU!

I was able to visit my Uncle in

the hospital, and I was one

of the lucky ones to

see him when the pain

he had, was for a short while,

under control.

Before I left, we both said,

"I love YOU",

he took my hand and kissed it!

When we left, he was smiling and visiting

with family and friends,

my Aunt Mary (his soul mate),

at his side.

He, along with his family at his side,

chose to move on to palliative care,

they specialize in relieving and

and preventing the suffering of

terminally ill patients.

All we wanted,

was for him not to

be in pain anymore.

Uncle Tom's wish

was to go home.

On Sunday afternoon,

his family,

along with hospice,

arranged for Tom

to go home,

to his beloved beach house.

With his family by his side,

he passed away peacefully.

It's hard to imagine a

family event without him.

He was so much to all of us,

I'll miss his roar

La Familia

or his

famous

Group Hugs,

after a family get together!

Here are some pictures of

my Uncle Tom,

a Husband, Father,

Brother, Grandfather,

Uncle, Father in law,

Brother in law,

Good friend, Mentor,

teacher, hunting buddy,

a Marine

and so much more!

~Tom with some of his Granddaughters~

Most likely out crabbing!

~Tom the head Pirate~

Every summer we look

forward to going to the beach

for the 4th. of July!

The street is closed off and

the neighborhood has their own

parade...Our Familia have always

been the pirates, because

of Uncle Tom!

~Tom loooved anything to do with family~

~the kids loved being his pirates~

~my brothers adored him~

~the day of my son's wedding~

Always, the famous smile!

~at Dad's birthday party in May~

Forever

and

Always

in our hearts,

each of us carry's

a lifetime of memories of

our (my Uncle) Tom

and what he was to

each and every one of us!

I love you Uncle Tom!

Debbie~

Turning Sadness and Stress, Into Creative Energy!

2011-07-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

My Bunco gals got together

for an evening of gab

and a BBQ !

Love that it was hosted

by Barb, not only is she

a wonderful hostess, but she lives on a

beautiful serene lake, in the country!

It's so quiet, calm and peaceful!

If I decided to go,

I was making a fruit salad to share

with the girls.

I got detoured a bit, by

some sadness.

Our sweet Uncle Tom's

illness had him back in the hospital,

his body wasn't responding well,

the cancer throughout his bones

and the chemo, had taken a toll on

his already tired body.

While waiting for word on my Uncle,

the salad I was going to make

ended up turning out like this...

~a fruit bouquet~

~yummy fresh fruit~

~add some dip~

Fruit Dip:

Philly Cheese

Marshmallow Creme

Mix thoroughly!

Enjoy~

Delish~

And the best part

is,

My Aunt Mary called

with good news!

Uncle Tom started

responding,

and his

tests were coming

back so much better,

and he's resting

comfortably!

YAY!

~*~

I decided to go

to the Bunco

get together

after all.

All the girls made it

so special, the food was

delicious and the fire

down by the lake

was as warm as

the conversation!

OMG...

and then Barb brings on

the dessert!

Brownies, vanilla ice cream,

strawberries & chocolate

chip cookies!

I'm linking to Cindy's blog

My Romantic Home

for

Thanks for taking the time in

your busy day to visit my blog!

Please leave a comment, I

read each and every one of them,

they truly make me smile!

Always, Debbie~

Thrifty Treasure Finds!

2011-07-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

I looove going to my favorite

thrift stores!

We have two

well known

stores.

One I call VV's,

~Value Village~

and

the other,

I call

The Goody!

~Goodwill~

I almost always

find some treasure

~~I don't really need~~

I can't possibly

live

without!

Here are a few of

the treasures I've

found lately.

~sweet pink nursery planter booties~

~love these~

~I couldn't resist this~

~baby boy blue~

~Lennox trinket box~

~so pretty~

~mini serving plate~

I have the perfect topper for it!

~my mini cloche~

~mini soup tureen~

Perfect for dips!

~a girl just can't have enough of these~

~adorable little blue bird~

~if you move it's wheels it's wings flap~

Our Granddaughters will love this!

~vintage baby pillow cover~

~adorable~

I've had this for awhile, but haven't shown it.

~even a little something for my McGiver~

They're sooo toolish!

~for my crafty guy~

So there you have it...

You can tell I'm having fun!

School's only been out for a

couple of weeks, and I've

already

been up to NO GOOD...

at the GOODIE & VV's...

Not to mention the

SWAP MEET!

That's another blog story

in itself!

Thanks so much for visiting,

and please leave a comment,

I enjoy them sooo much!

I'm linking to Cindy's blog

My Romantic Home

for

and also

Beverly's blog
How Sweet the Sound

for

Please go visit as many

of the participants you

can, they're full

of wonderful

ideas!

Always, Debbie~

Family Fun on the Fourth of July!

2011-07-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

~Cousins Bella & Lulu~

~Both December babies~

~Birthdays a week and a half apart~

Who knew they were both 'Wonder Women'

under their street clothes!

~the newest family member, Angelo~

Thank you Aunt Mary & Uncle Tom

for another glorious

4th. of July

the

beach!

We even have a Parade!

~the pirates~

Our family are 'ALWAYS' Pirates!

This is a neighborhood parade,

they block off the street

(there's only one way in

and out)!

an hour before it starts!

~more pirates~

~part of our gang~

Young and old are in the parade!

~there are floats~

~and there are boats~

~even a dragon~

~a couple of these~

~a cart without it's ponies~

~an Uncle Sam look alike~

~some peddlers~

~and the groupies~

Don't we all love a Parade?

YES we do, especially the

Pirates

of Priest Point!

Thanks for visiting!

Always, Debbie~

This Cottage shows it's True Colors!

2011-06-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

They're

RED

~WHITE~

BLUE

My Dad's coming

for a few days,

to spend

the

4th.

with

us!

So I'm taking a moment

to show you whats

been happening

around the

cottage!

It was

my McGivers

Birthday

last weekend,

so the kids

came for a BBQ
and
Birthday Pie!

~Apple and Rhubarb Cherry Pie~

~The Grand Kiddos eating a mid afternoon snack~

Cheetos and Red, White & Blue Jello!

Notice how Lulu & Trevor are looking at

Audrey's Cheetos? Two seconds

later, they both announced they

didn't like Jello anymore,

and

could they please have

Cheetos too!

So much for my Jello

surprise!

~I couldn't resist the temptation of such a blank canvas~

~the paint washes off~

~love Red, *White* & Blue~

I found two of these adorable little flag holders

last year at my favorite thrift store!

~my clematis is blooming beautiful~

I ~~can't wait~~ look forward to this every year!

I found this fun bunting

at the Dollar Tree!

~*~

I added the next few pictures, I was

going to post on the 4th.,

but I'm afraid I won't have time!

~chippy & rusty flower cart~

~sweet Betsy Ross pin cushion~

This sweet little vintage lady, was my

Grandma Stella's, looove it!

~love this~

Is that Uncle Sam?

I'm sooo

Proud to be an American!

I'm linking up with

Cindy's blog

My Romantic Home

for

and

Beverly's

How Sweet The Sound

for

Pink Saturday

(How do You

Spend Your

Fourth of July)!

Please go visit these

fabulous peeps, they

are so CrEaTiVe!

Thanks so much for

visiting my blog,

and I looove,

love, love

your

comments!

Always, Debbie~

On Summer Break!

2011-06-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

This school year is over!

The kids were so ready,

and

~~I'm so excited,~~ we were

so sad to see it end! :)

I work at a middle school

with special needs kiddos.

They look forward to the last

few days with GREAT

ANTICIPATION!

Our school has

fun events for all the students,

and our

kiddos

LOOOVE IT!

The 6th. graders

have

different

inflatables,

~~junk~~ ~~food,~~ snacks,

and

games!

~image from google~

The 7th. graders

go skating,

~image from google~

and

the 8th. graders go see a

movie!

I've always stayed at

school, and assisted

the kiddos

at the inflatables and various field events!

This year, I went to the movie

with three other adults, and

10 of our special needs

kiddos... along with

ALL

of the gen. ed. 8th. graders!

We saw

Mr. Poppers Penguins

with

Jim Carrey

~image from google~

and I loooved it!

I knew our kiddos

would love it,

and

enjoy being on

such a special outing,

(some of our kiddos

don't get out and about

very often), and this was

HUGE!!!

What I was happily

surprised with WAS...

How wonderful the 8th. graders

were...(They were sitting all around us),

they laughed, their heads off...

just like I was, at all the funny spots,

and they were quite and attentive and

genuinely respectful, throughout the

rest of the movie!!!

When the movie was over,

there was an appropriate ROAR of

Happiness, and they

CLAPPED,

and then,

they filed out of the theatre

in what I thought was a

quick and quiet

manner...

Honestly, I am soooo

proud of this group of young

people, I just had to share this

with you!

That was Tuesday...

and

yesterday (Wednesday),

was our last day of school,

and...

I took our best bud,

SPORTZ

to school!

~Sportz~

One of our boys had

been asking me to bring

him all year, and because

he was going to

High School

next fall, I decided

to surprise him

by bringing

Sporty!

The kiddos loooved him,

they hugged him,

petted,

patted,

rubbed,

hugged some more,

talked to him,

starred,

watched,

called,

smelled,

kissed...(yep, they did),

and hugged some more!!!

and

He loooved them back!

His tail never stopped

wagging, and he stole

kisses whenever he

could!

My fave, part of his visit

was this...

It was magical,

one of

our autistic kiddos ran

up to his teacher

AND

told her (goose bumps here),

about the NICE DOG!!!:)

He talked...(on his own,

no coaxing),

seriously,

this was a treasured moment!

Another touching

moment was watching

one of our kiddos

that seldom talks or shares anything with us,

sit down on the floor, and plant

a HUGE BEAR HUG around the big bear

of a dog sitting in front of her!!!

So sweet!

Anyhoo,

Later,

their teacher said,

"this visit with Sportz

was fantastic, and she'd

like to see it be a regular

event"! Yay!

I wish you could've

been there, it truly

was

MAGICAL!

Thanks for visiting my blog

I'm linking with Cindy's

blog over at

My Romantic Home

for

Show & Tell Friday,

(even though it's not about

my home).

If you get a chance, do go

see Mr. Poppers Penquins

with your kiddos or Grands,

it's a great family show,

with Jim Carrey at his best!

Always, Debbie~

Through My Garden Gate!

2011-06-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Over my garden gate

is the most

beautiful

WHITE

clematis!

I wait with anticipation

for this day to arrive

every year!

...AND

finally,

it's

here!

The first

bloom!

~don't look too closely, the garden is a weedy mess~

~this is the first of many, it's ready to burst open~

We've had sooo much rain

here in the Pacific Northwest,

I really haven't been

out in my poor garden

~~at all~~ much!

Hopefully our weather is

warming up, and maybe, just maybe,

the rain will let up a bit...

I'll also

be on summer

break after

Wednesday,

so, my sweet little garden

and I have

some

big plans,

garden

(work)

party

ONE...

My McGiver continues to

feed the critters. Our squirrels

have their babies out of

their nests,

and

the birds

are visiting with all their

newly hatched babies!

Last weekend my McGiver

even spotted a baby possum,

~image from google~

We weren't sure if

Mama & Daddy possum

had moved on, but apparently not...

Last night I peeked out at the feeder

to see if I could spot the baby

possum, and sure enough,

there was a critter out there!

NOT

at all

what I expected...

It was one of these ~~bad boys~~

night bandits!

~these little bandits are not good for my little garden pond goldfish~

Luckily, the goldfish were still

all here

this

mornin'!

I'm linking to

Cindy's blog My Romantic Home

for

Please go visit as many of these

fabulous participants as possible, they're

a talented group!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog,

I read (and truly enjoy),

each and every one of your comments,

and I'd looove it if you'd follow me!

Always, Debbie~

Taking a Nana Break!

2011-06-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

Going through some pictures, I

found a few favorites

from the

last few months.

Of Our

Grand kiddos!

You know how we Nana's

are...

Braggers every ONE!!!

Yes, we are!

I'm pretty sure we actually

have braggers rights! :)

Here's one of Lulu at my

Dad's 80th. Birthday party,

she's a little peeved because

Sportz our dog, is hot

on her trail, hoping she'll

feel pity on him, and feed her

the two meat balls and chocolate

chip cookie she has on her plate!

~too stinkin' cute~

~Audreys Princess cake for her 5th. Birthday~

~our little monkeys~

Trevor & Lulu were taking turns riding

and pushing

each other around, he has his monkey

mask up on his head, but earlier

they both were wearing

monkey masks...

Laughing hysterically!

Until...

~plumb tuckered out~

Sweet Dreams Trev!

~Our snow bunny Audrey~

Doesn't it look like she has a winter crown

on her head?

Loving those adorable pink cheeks!

~Audrey checking out Lulu's Birthday cake~

I think she's planning what kind of birthday cake

she'll be asking Nana for!

~Audrey hugging Santa~

This was very special, Lulu & Trevor had

both sat on Santa's lap, but Audrey was

a little apprehensive,

but finally,

she ran up and gave Santa a

GREAT BIG HUG!!!

~sitting in Grandpa's chair~

They were having a blast sitting in

Grandpa's chair watching a movie!

~The guys~

Trevor waiting patiently while Grandpa

raises his training wheels!

~baby Angelo~

~Mama spiked his hair~

(He'd just had his first haircut)...no lie

This little one, is such a joy.

A happy go lucky little guy,

that

loooves laughing

at his big sissy

Lulu!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog,

I really appreciate it, and

looove all of your

comments!

Don't forget to follow!

Always, Debbie~

My Fireplace Needs a Sweet Cottage Makeover!

2011-06-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year I

need a bit of a change...

No, not so much

the

scenery,

but a few changes around

the cottage...

I'm bored, and need

a bit of a pick me up!

I'm so ~~sick~~ tired of the

RAIN

DRIZZLE

GRAY SKIES,

Spring came, and

we really didn't notice

much of a change...

No Roar of a LION to be heard here!

I've been thinking about my

fireplace again.

It's ~~so boring~~ plain and

needs a face lift.

This is how my fireplace looks today,

the firebox will stay the same, it's

a propane insert, and I looove the

vintage piece in front, with the

iron and brass rail.

(the blue hearth will of course be painted)!

~my fireplace~

I've been

looking around and came

up with these beauties,

what do YOU think?

I know I have a few saved in my idea

folder, I'll dig those out too!

~image from Country Living~

I really like this one, it still shows

brick around it, and adds

character.

I would like a bigger mantel though.

~image from Country Living~

This fireplace has intrigued me for a long time.

I keep coming back to it...

I would add a wood detail where

the beautiful plaster detail is, if it was ours.

~image from Country Living~

This one is kind of plain, but I still like it.

The one real difference, is that all of these

are floor hearths, and our home is from

the 60's and has the big slab out in front...:(

I'm going to link up with

Cindy's blog

My Romantic Home

for

and

Beverly's blog

How Sweet the Sound

for

Please visit as many of the participants

as you can, they have

so many AwEsOmE ideas to share!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog,

and I'd looove it,

if you'd leave a message,

and

FOLLOWED ME!

Always, Debbie~

A Time To Remember!

2011-05-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

I looove these vintage postcards,

I think they pretty much sum

up my feelings

for

Memorial Day!

image from Elaine Luck

image from google

~Love this~

image from google

~*~

I hope you all have

wonderful weekend!

Always, Debbie~

I'm So Blessed and Very Thankful~

2011-05-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Power of Words!

This touched me...

~*~

I've been busy the last couple

of weeks

preparing

for

my Dad's
(Cowboy Themed),

80th.

Birthday party, that my
brothers and I
hosted(at my house), with the

help of the wonderful

women in their lives!

It was truly wonderful!

Here's why I'm

so blessed!

My Dad, the birthday boy!

My wonderful Aunt & Uncle

and my Cousin's daughter!

A Cowboy Pennant banner to help make the party

more festive!!!

Some serious pony riding!

Pony cupcakes for the little Buckaroos!

The Girls Playing a game of Softball!

(okay, maybe it was t-ball, but they

were very serious about it)!

Sheriff Katie

Who's Dat behind that mustache?

There was even some 'Bull Riding'!

The Birthday Boy with his Brother & Sister!

Ooops, what's that? An after dinner stoggie?

The whole Gang!!!

~Happy 80th. Birthday Dad~

Our best bud, Sportz

Enjoying his cookie for being such a good Sport
during the party!

Now you know why I
say I'm blessed...
~*~
There was sooo much
more, but you get the
idea of what a
wonderful time was had
by all!

I'm linking to Cindy's blog
My Romantic Home
for
Show & Tell Friday

Please go visit as many of
the participants as possible,
they're such a CrEaTiVe group!

Thanks so much for visiting!
I appreciate you, much more
than you'll ever know!
I really enjoy each
and every one of
your comments, they
mean so much!

Always, Debbie~

Is There A Twelve Step Program For This?

2011-04-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

I promised myself

NO MORE COLLECTIONS...

I just don't have the extra space!

BUT,

Just when I tell myself

NO,

I find the cutest little

nursery planter

that

I've

seen

long

while...

I just couldn't

resist,

the

temptation

was too

GREAT!

~awhhhh~

Pink top hat...

Sweet mother goose,

could you have resisted?

AND THEN,

I FOUND THIS...

HELP!!!

~adorable little train~

This little guy was a thrift store find

a couple of weeks ago...

Love his charm,

no way could I resist him...

~adorable~

~look at those sweet flowers, & that little bear~

So Sweet!

~the circus car~

OMGoodness! Can you believe

I found this just last week

at another

one of

my fave

thrift

stores?

I know, I know...

NO MORE
COLLECTIONS!!!

~the lion~

~the blue elephants~

Swoon!

~the clown~

I can't believe

all of

this

sweetness

on one

circus

car!!!

~simply adorable~

I looove them,

and it's

hard to believe

they were

found

week

apart

different

stores!

Could you have

resisted the

temptation?

I'm linking with

Cindy at My Romantic Home

for

as well as

Beverly blog

How Sweet the Sound

for

Please go visit as many of the

participants that you can, you'll

have sooo much fun,

they're such a CrEaTiVe group!

Thanks so much for

stopping by,

I'd looove it if you'd

leave a message,

and

please FOLLOW!!!

Always, Debbie~

Happy Easter Dear Bloggers!

2011-04-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

From Our Home to YOURS,

Happy Easter!

~someone's missing~

~Doin' the Bunny Hop~

~Bunnies, colored eggs & candy~

Oh My!

~who's that hiding behind the tulips~

Love the Pink tulips!

While shopping at

Costco,

lots of folks were

flocking around the flowers,

and my McGiver insisted

I pick out a bouquet!

I asked the flower person

if she had white tulips (my fave),

she didn't, so I chose these

beauties!

~pink little candy cup~

~No shrinking violet here~

~I looove what little boys are made of~

...and yes, the kiddos are

missing, we're going

to have

Our Easter

another day,

so this table

is just for

YOU

me!

I'm linking (late) to

Beverly's Blog,

How Sweet The Sound

for

Please go visit, it

looks like the most

BEAUTIFUL

Easter Parade ever!

Wishing YOU a Blessed Easter!

Always, Debbie~

Sweet Felt Roses~Tutorial

2011-04-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

I've been making a lot of felt flowers lately!

My friends keep asking how I make the cute

little roses, so I thought I'd share this

with YOU too!

They're very easy, it's also a GREAT way to use up

some of my felt scraps! Believe me, if there's a way

to simplify a pattern, I'll find it!!!

What you'll need:

scissors
assorted felt colors for flowers (green for leaves)
Tacky glue (or glue gun)
a CD (for pattern)
skewers (for flower stems)
buttons (to embellish with)
glitter

1. I don't take time to trace, I just cut around the CD.

Notice it's not totally perfect...(it's okay, REALLY)!

2. I cut aprox. a 1/2 inch spiral all the way around,

until I get a small circle about the size of a quarter!

3. Now the fun begins!

4. Start with the point of the spiral, and tightly

wind it around and around, keeping the bottom

flat, the top will be a little bit looser.

5. Wound tight and the bottom is flat!

6. I place the tacky glue right on the flower, and use my finger

to smear it over the flower evenly, then I place the round

bottom piece over it and press down tight!

It will look like a lot like this!!!

Now, this is when I stick the skewer inside.

it's kind of hard to make the hole, just

make sure it's in the center, and use tacky glue

to hold it tight!

Remember I told you, I will ALWAYS

simplify whenever possible...:)

These leaves are the easiest!

No pattern necessary, just cut two leaf

shapes, with a narrow center and tie

them in a knot around the skewer!

Easy peasy!

Now for the fun part!!!

BUTTONS & GLITTER!

I looove how sweet the pearl looks!

Simply adorable!

You can also make other simple felt flowers to add

to your bouquet!

Notice, I've played around with different leaves? I

really think the way I show you up above is the

easiest! :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

I'm linking with Kathleen at Faded Charm

for White Wednesday!

and

Cindy's blog, My Romantic Home

for Show & Tell Friday!

Please visit as many of the participants that

you can, they have some fabulous

posts to share with YOU!

Thank so much for visiting,

and I'd looove it, if You'd

FOLLOW ME!

Always, Debbie~

Dear Blog, I forgot to take pictures, AGAIN!

2011-04-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes as hard as I try...

I just can't get it together!

I know, I know,

you just can't

believe

it!

Can you?!!!

Some of you girls know

exactly what I'm

talking about,

don't

ya?!

For instance,

I've been

talking about my Bunco night,

RIGHT...

yep, I have!

...AND

You'd think, I would've taken lots

of pictures of the

festivities,

RIGHT?

a lot of YOU wonderful

bloggers do...

Well,

um,

NO,

didn't!

I didn't even think of

the camera, the whole

entire evening...

The cute tables were set

with the flower

centerpieces I made...

Did I take a picture?

NOPE!

The sweet matching

napkin rings...

were at each setting,

did I take a picture?

NOPE!

Of the food,

NADA!

Not one stinkin' picture

taken all evening!

however,

I did

take a

few pictures

of the

wonderful

COOKIES I made!

I found the recipe

on a fabulous recipe

blog I looove to read,

Moogie & Pap!

So I'll share

some random shots

I took today, of

beautiful

flowers

a few of the Bunco Gals

brought me,

AND

some random shots

of a couple things

from

Bunco Night,

and

of Spring

around

our

home!

Delightful Stuffed Cookies!

Yes, stuffed with an Oreo Cookie!

Peanut butter cookie outside...

(It doesn't get much better)!

The best, hot out of the oven!

Some other goodies from Bunco Night!

~Terrible picture of the 3 centerpieces~

Napkin Rings, that matched the flowers from

the centerpieces!

~Beautiful pink tulips~

(Thank YOU Rhonda)!

~Beautiful yellow tulips~

(Thank YOU Barb)!

~Adorable Craft-Aholic Mug & Flowers~

(Thank YOU Pattie)!

It was really a fun evening!

I'm blessed to have

such a wonderful

group of friends

to play

Bunco

with!!!

I'm linking with Cindy

over at 'My Romantic Home'

for

and

Beverly's Blog 'How Sweet the Sound'

for

Please go visit as many

of the participants that

you can, they're an

AmAzInG group of

bloggers!!!

I'd looove it if you'd FOLLOW ME,

and don't forget to leave a

comment, I looove each

and every one of them!

Thanks for visiting!

Always, Debbie~

Bunco Favors!

2011-04-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I have my Bunco Girlfriends

coming over Tuesday

and

my theme

'April Showers Bring May Flowers'

I made a cute little pennant banner,

to welcome everyone

and

center pieces with flowers, candy,

umbrella's,

and matching flowers

on the napking rings...

but

think

they're

going

LOOOVE

the little 'sweet candy cups'

I've make each of them!

~I dressed up the sweet little pot~

~My Bunco girlfriends are going to looove these~

~lovin the sweet little paper umbrella's~

~sweet little bluebird~

~pleated skirt on this little basket~

~hard to see the zinnia pkg. in the back~

My fave flower (besides a pansy)!

...and then

I was asked...

could you,

would you,

make a special

one for me?!

So my 'sweet candy cups'

morphed

into

baby gifts

and

more of an everlasting

'Tisket A Tasket

all

different

colored

baskets'!

~don't cha just looove the little ducky~

~Spring Has Sprung~

~sweet little bunny~

~so sweet~

~inspired by my new little Grandson~

~Welcome Baby Boy~

~my personal fave~

~it's a keeper~

~sweet little bluebird~

~poka dots~

anyway...

This is what I've been up too,

how about YOU?!

Now I've got to get busy

cleaning

for

company!

I'm linking to Cindy's Blog

My Romantic Home

for

'Show & Tell Friday'

Please go visit as many

of the participants that you

can, they're a CrEaTiVe

group of gals!

Thanks for stopping by and

don't forget to leave

a comment!

Always, Debbie~

Dyed Pink (Part Two)!

2011-04-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

I really couldn't get those

poor chicks

out of my head, and came up with

a much more humane version

those

adorable

little

PEEPS!

They're

Colorful,

SWEET,

soft

and

they're

ALREADY

Easter

tradition!

(okay, in some families).

Tomorrow, I'm going over

to a friends for an ART EXHIBIT!

It's really quite interesting

how it all came about, I'll

share more about that later,

(I'll take lots of pictures to share with YOU)!

Anyhoo,

I told her I'd make

CUPCAKES to bring to

her Art Show!

Here's what I came up with!

~tastefully colorful~

Or is it,

Tasty

Colorful!?

~Sweet Colorful Rabbits & Peeps~

~no harm was done to any of these peeps~

I honestly think you have

to acquire a taste for

these little peepers...

I don't want to say this too loud,

but, I find them a bit too gritty....

I know, I know,

I'm one of those people...

(Truth be known, I can't eat

cotton candy either...)!

~I'm starting to see a bit of personality~

~Some bunny~

~definitely personality showing through~

I'm linking up with Cindy over at

'My Romantic Home'

for

and

with Beverly over at her blog

'How Sweet the Sound'

for

Please visit as many of

the participants that you can,

they're a FaBuLoUs group of

PEEPS!

Thanks so much for visiting my lil ole blog,

I enjoy reading each and every one of your comments

and I'd looove it if YOU'D FOLLOW ME!

Always, Debbie~

Dyeing To Be PINK!

2011-03-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

You all know how I feel about

the

color

WHITE!

But I also looove

PINK!

I think almost

anything looks

adorable in

PINK!

However,

there are some things, that should

just be left alone...

(Am I overreacting)?

Do you agree

disagree?!

I will admit, they're cute.

Of course they're

cute!

They're Baby Chicks!

~image TravelPod~

Eggs that have been injected with

dye, doesn't sound healthy.

They lose the color when they shed

their baby down, and get their

juvenile feathers, in about two weeks!

I wonder if later on,

these chicks could be where we

get our eggs from?

(a little more than food for thought)!

It just doesn't seem right,

How do you feel about this

practice?

~image Artism and All That~

OMG(oodness)!

I can't quit looking at them!

Please leave a comment, I really

do WANT

to know what YOU think.

I'm linking up with

How Sweet The Sound

for

'Pink Saturday'

Please visit as many

of the participants of

Pink Saturday that you can,

they're a CrEaTiVe

group of gals!

I'd looove it if you'd

FOLLOW ME!

Always, Debbie~

It'll Warm Your Heart, Come Pay It Forward!

2011-03-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

Pay It Forward 2011

~Borrowed from jojo~

Jojo a blogger friend of mine

is having 'Spring Fling Part Two'

on her blog,

My Random Insanities

Paying It Forward!

With all the sadness in the world

right now, it's so easy to get overwhelmed

and forget that a simple gesture

can mean so much.

So reach out

and

touch someone!

With this in mind,

I've decided to join in

and Pay It Forward myself;

I'm reaching out to YOU,

hoping you'd like to do the same!

~*~

The first five people who comment

on this blog post

will receive a handmade gift from me.

(let me know if you want to participate).

In return, you must FIRST

write a blog post explaining

Pay It Forward 2011.

Then.... send out a handmade gift

to the first 5 visitors who leave

a comment on your post.

Take your time...

you don't need to send them all today

or tomorrow.

This is such a sweet way to connect

with friends or meet new ones,

by sharing things we create with our hearts.

"It's not the size of the gift that matters,

but the spiritof paying it forward."

(borrowed from jojo)!

I'm also linking up with

Cindy's blog, 'My Romantic Home'

for

Show & Tell Friday!

and
'The Shabby Nest'
for
Frugal Friday!

I hope you 'ALL' decide to

Pay It Forward in one way

or another, but also I encourage

you to go visit Cindy's Participants,

they're a wonderful group of bloggers!

I appreciate that many of you take a

moment out of your busy schedules

to leave me a comment, you have

no idea how happy it makes me!

Thank YOU from the bottom

of my heart!

Also, I'd looove it if you'd

FOLLOW ME!!!

Always, Debbie~

Collecting and Decorating in Miniture, for Our Grandkiddos!

2011-03-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was visiting one of my

favorite thrift stores looking at toys

for my Grandkiddos, and I happen

to notice a large bag of what appeared

to be doll furniture! After a better

look, I realized it was all Fisher Price

and in really wonderful shape,

so I decided to get it...

I brought it home and arranged it all

over my coffee table, I really had

fun with it...and knew it was

going to be a HUGE hit with

my grandkiddos!

~all for $5.99~

Last weekend Lulu came over

for a sleep over, it was the first time

she'd seen it, and she couldn't keep

her hands off it...I had as much fun

watching her play with it, as she

was!

That night when she was sleeping,

I decided to start checking Ebay & Craigs List

for a doll house!

I found several Fisher Price doll houses,

on Ebay, they were terribly expensive,

and some had horrid shipping prices

tacked on too!

So I ran over to Craigs list, and found one

that also had some pieces of furniture too, for

only $35. which seemed like a bargin

compared to Ebay's bidding. It wasn't

terribly far away, so I thought I'd go

check it out. But I got busy, and when I

checked later,

it was

gone...

In the morning, Lulu and I went

to the thrift stores looking for a

swing for her baby brother,

although we didn't find a swing,

we did manage to find a few more

pieces of doll house furniture

to add to our collection!

~all for $6.99~

...and I also found more of the Price Family!

~Gotta love the twin girls, Grandma's sister & a little brother~

On Monday I found another dollhouse

on Craigs list for $20,

and it was fairly close, so I

was going to arrange to meet, but after

work, I stopped by the

Goodie (Goodwill) and sitting

on the floor was a FABULOUS

Fisher Price doll house!!!

And

was

only

$7.99!

I couldn't get it into my

cart fast enough!

I looove a wonderful deal, and

I especially looove making my

Grandkiddos smile, so this

totally made my day!

~Adorable~

~This little Pink & Yellow cottage will make Huge Smiles~

I'm going to share this fabulous

Nana find, over at Cindy's Blog

'My Romantic Home'

for

and

Beverly's blog

'How Sweet the Sound'

for

Pink Saturday

Be sure and go visit as many

of these CrEaTiVe folks

that you can, they're always

up to fabulous things!

~*~

Thanks so much for visiting,

and I want you to know, I looove

reading your comments, they

make my day!

Always, Debbie~

Hurry Spring, I Miss You!

2011-03-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

Hurry Spring,

I miss YOU!!!

...or is it a bad case
of

Spring Fever?!

I can hardly wait for my yard to

start looking like Spring

is really here!

~*~

We've had sooo much

rain in the

Pacific Northwest

lately!

And

before

all

the

rain...

It snowed,

and when

it melted.

FROZE

and

beautiful

little primroses

look like they

just gave up...

So I've decided to join

Marty's Cloche Party

at her blog

'A Stroll Thru Life'

and bring a little

SPRING
into my home!
~*~

~little brown rabbit wants Spring to arrive too~

I looove these purple tulips,

I won them

as a door prize

at my Bunco Party

on Tuesday!!!

(Thank YOU Pam)!

Don't cha just looove PINK?!?

~little pink chick~

I added some baubles to the

lacey under edge of the

cloche for a little

added whimsy!

I just found this delightful

pink chick at the Goody,

isn't she adorable?!?

I think she's just perfect
for
PINK SATURDAY
at
Beverly's blog
'How Sweet The Sound'!

~I may keep these baubles on my wee cloche~

Please go visit as many of the

participants of Marty's Cloche Party

and

Beverly's Pink Saturday,

that you can, they're fabulous!

Thanks so much for visiting

and I'd looove it if you

left a message!

I read and enjoy each and

every one of them!

Always, Debbie~

April Showers Bring May Flowers, Bunco Centerpiece!

2011-02-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

I'm hosting my Bunco gals

in April, and I thought

it would be fun to

have an

April Showers

bring

May Flowers

theme!

~kind of been

dreaming of Spring
lately~

So with a centerpiece
on my mind, I was tickled

PINK

When I found these cute little

pastel watering cans

at my fave

thrift store.

~all ready to go~

I have tons of felt

and buttons so

I started cutting.

and...

~ went from this~

~to this~

I have several button boxes, so

of course I have to use them

whenever possible!

~from this to that~

I've made these with wire and

florist tape, but I needed something

a little stronger,

so these skewers work out fine!

~almost done~

I added a lollipop and some other candy

to the mix!

I'm either going to add some easter grass

some moss to help hide the mess.

What do you think?

I think it needs a couple of

paper umbrella's!

I'll show you what I end up

with when I set the

tables for Bunco!

Thanks for stopping by

I'm going to link up

with Cindy at My Romantic Home

for

and also over at

Beverly's blog

How Sweet The Sound

for

my first

Go visit

A Sentimental Life

I just found this blog

through Pink Saturday,

and you'll understand

her Sentimental Life!!!

~*~

Be sure and check out

all the participants,

they're a fabulous

group of gals!

Please be sure and leave a message

I read each and everyone and

I'd looove it if you'd FOLLOW ME!

Always, Debbie

Ruffles & Rust an Event to Inspire!

2011-02-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

I met my friend Marian at

RUFFLES & RUST

What fun we had!

~love this poster~

~this was a welcomed director~

~loooved all the garden art~

~adorable booth signs~

Having a new baby in the family

makes me notice the sweet

simplicity of a baby-t being

used for their booth name...

SWEET BEE

~*~

HOW CLEVER!

~I also loooved how they used umbrella's~

I've been thinking a lot about umbrella's...

seriously, I have!

Not because of our

rain...

I'm hosting my Bunco group

in April, and well, all I can

think about is

APRIL SHOWERS

BRING MAY FLOWERS

Remind me later to tell you

about the sweet little watering cans

I picked up at the

thrift store!

~loooved these darling pink dishes~

~*~

~Debi was sooo busy~

ORMOLULU

Had a FaBuLoUs booth!

I met Debi at the Skagit Fairgrounds

a year or two ago, we met again

at another vintage show!

She was so busy Saturday

I wasn't able to even steal a minute

away!

Until the next time...

~fluffing her booth~

I met Isabel of Maison Douce

at her lovely booth!

Her Cottage booth was a sweet blend of

fabulous items for

your special cottage,

with and assortment of

wonderful vintage clothing!

...but my favorite, was

a sweet

pink wooden chair!

Sadly,

as I pondered where I'd

put it, someone else

bought it...

It was for the best I'm sure,

I'd had one just like it, and sold it at one of

my antique sales...

so REALLY,

why did I feel I had to have it???

Maybe,

because I have

a childs chair that matches it...

or,

because I'm still upset with myself

for ever selling my beloved

little kitchen chair!

I'm not really sure, what the reason is...

but, enough already!

My bad, I hesitated!

...and I know better!

Darling booth Isabel!

~*~

~lots of garden ideas~

For some reason,

I seemed to have lost

the two pictures I took of Amy's booth,

Today's Country Store!

It was a delight to meet her in

person!

I enjoy Amy's blog,

she always has such wonderful

vintage items to share,

and I looove her vintage trailer

posts so much!

You'll have to take my word for it,

Amy's booth was FaBuLoUs!!!

~*~

~adorable teapot & teacup chandelier~

~I loooved this watering can boxwood~

Honestly, I was so busy looking at the beauty

around me, that I didn't take

many pictures, I'm always guilty of that

where ever I go!

If you have a minute check

out these girls blogs!

Isabel at Maison Douce

and

Debi at Ormolulu

Both have some fabulous

pictures they took while at

Ruffles & Rust!

Thanks for stopping by,

Don't forget to say 'Hello'

I read each and everyone of

your comments!

I'd looove it if you'd FOLLOW ME!

Always, Debbie~

Rubber Ducky Shower!

2011-02-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Angelo and his Mama's

baby shower!

Rubber Ducky

Greeters!

~Rubber Ducky's in the birdbath~

~Welcome Friends~

~Angelo's pennant banner~

This was fun to make and matches

his bumper pads, crib set!

~fondant ducky's for cupcakes~

I know this is rather ducky,

but amongst the fun &

busy time of the

shower,

forgot

take

pictures

the

CUPCAKES

and

they were all eaten

except for a

couple

that went home to

put a smile

on a couple of our

Grandkiddos faces,

and

one

special

Uncle!

Honestly, I couldn't believe

it when I reviewed the pictures

late that evening...

luckily,

I have a few frozen

cupcakes in the freezer for

Grandkiddo treats,

and

some leftover frosting,

and

a little bit of fondant.

...and like magic,

I have two

little cupcakes to

share with YOU!

It's not the pretty

three tiered silver

cupcake plate

full of

rubber ducky

cupcakes,

but you get the idea!

~carrot cake with cream cheese frosting~

Delicious!

~Baby blue Punch~

Blue Punch Recipe

2 (0.13oz) Blueberry flavored Koolaid

2 frozen Bicardi Pina Colada Mixer.....

1 cup sugar............................................

2 quarts cold water...............................

2 - 2 liter 7-up.......................................

Ice Cream optional................................

Mix the Koolaid, cold water, sugar

and Pina Colada mixer and just before

serving add the 7-up, it's very yummy!

I didn't add the icecream, the color

was beautiful and it already had a

nice foam from the 7-up!

~*~

The Mama duck quacked

throughout the shower!

~Diaper cake centerpiece~

We also used the diaper cake

as a game and had everyone

guess how many diapers it

took to make it...

( fyi. 77)

~vintage stork~

These little bite sized morsels

were brownies with

peanut butter frosting!

~Beautiful quilt~

My friend Vicky made this gorgeous

quilt for Angelo, she also made

one for Lulu when she was born!

~Base Ball Baby~

I had to share this with YOU.

My Aunt & Cousin made this

little guy out of diapers, burp pads,

onsies and bunches of other

items on Mama's want list!

Angelo was named after

my Grandfather, who in

his younger years was

a catcher on a

semi-pro baseball team!

So,

because of his love

of baseball,

our little Angelo

received several

baseball outfits!!!

~Angelo, Superbowl Sunday~

~Look at that hair~

He almost woke up for me! :)

I'm linking to Cindy's blog
'My Romantic Home'
for
Show & Tell Friday!

and

Finding Fabulous
for
Fugaliciou$ Friday

Please visit as many of the
participants that you can,
they are a CrEaTiVe bunch
of gals!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog,

be sure and leave a message, they

really make my day!

I'd looove it if YOU'D FOLLOW ME!

Always, Debbie~

Rubber Ducky!

2011-02-10T22:12:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'm hosting a baby

shower for my Daughter-In-Law

and baby Angelo!

I've changed the shower theme

3 times, but of course we know

the third times a charm!

It's now a Rubber Ducky theme

and I'm lovin' it!

I can show you the center piece

that I made yesterday,

and the little fondant

ducky's I'm in the middle

of right now...

I'll show you the rest

after I set it all up

Saturday!

Here's what I have so far!

~The diaper cake~

~Love the rubber ducks~

I really wish I had made this a tutorial, but

I got so caught up in the moment that I

forgot to grab my camera.

I can't tell you how many diapers are in it

because, guessing how many diapers

in the cake is one of the shower

games we'll play.

I'll tell you the amount later!

I used newborn Huggie diapers

and rolled them from the opening

down and used a clear rubber

band to hold their shape.

I put them on a large cake

turn table and put a baby bottle

in the middle as my center. I

then took a piece of elastic

and tied it in a knot and put it

around the bottle and started

building my first cake layer!

I added a second bottle

(remove the lids/nipples)

Add second layer

just like you did the

first only make it smaller!

The third layer actually fits fine

around the second baby bottle!

Now just decorate, I've seen them

with tons of baby items added, I

just wanted mine to be blue

with rubber duckies and I'm

really happy with how it

turned out!

Tonight I've been making my

fondant rubber duckies for

the cupcakes. So you might say,

I'm getting my ducks all in a row!

~Quack quack~

~yep, getting my ducky's all in a row~

I can hardly wait to show you

what else I have up my sleeve!

I'm going to join 'My Romantic Home'

for