Where does the time go?

~*~

 

Where does the time go?

I haven't been blogging much this summer (I know it's really even more than that) but I've got good reasons... more time spent with family.   Back in February I got all my cross stitch and needlepoint crafts out of storage and have been busy making lovely things.  I have also been happily pinning (Pinterest) a lot of patterns for crochet as that will be my Fall season craft... my eyes can only take so many hours with the needlepoint these days.  But I've caught up on many of my favorite movies while I sew.  I've decided to crochet a blanket as my beloved burgundy chenille is looking it's age (over 10 years old now) and it's time to replace it.  I already decided I will stay with one color and keep the pattern fairly simple, I just know I don't want it to look like a pot holder!  ha ha

 

Summer is over for the kids this week and back to school is in full swing!

I've done my checklist ... Hair cuts, lots of new clothes, several uniforms, 4 pairs of shoes, a few school supplies, registration fees (remember when public school was FREE?) etc.  Thank God for over time pay because without it, my wallet would be hurting from the extra expenses this time of year.  Lord -  You are faithful!   

 

 

 

I've got a serious lurve right now for brie cheese with pesto on crackers, bread, etc.  It's become my several days a week snack with a chilled glass of chardonnay... sometimes I throw in a few sun dried tomatoes - delicious!  Sometimes even replaces dinner...Yum!

 

 

I like many styles of architectures and decorating... I like Country (think distressed wood, antiques, lots of candles for lighting, softer colors and tones), I like Traditional (think rich colors, plush fabrics, dark wood and crown molding), of course Victorian (my favorite) and this year I've also decided I like Shabby Chic however, I'm particular about MY version of chic.  It's definitely a girlie type of décor so it's not easy to have a doll house when you live when men but I'll be happy to start with a corner of my bedroom and then expand from there.  I'd really like a ROOM to myself.... call it MY Cave, like Men have their Caves with pool tables, theatre sound system TV room, etc.

And I definitely want a chandelier in my room! 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

Happy June!

~*~

 

Happy June!

 

June begins harvest season in my neck of the woods for fruit and veggies!

I'm fortunate to have many family owned orchards and farms nearby to choose from.

The first batch of strawberries were gone in 3 days... L-U-R-V-E them in my cereal, yogurt, ice creams, etc.

 

 

 

I'm also in LURVE with Pinterest! 

It took me awhile to catch on to what it was and then when I figured it out... well let's just say I stop there several times a week for inspiration on many things.  I go on Pinterest more than I visit Blogs these last few months!  Pinterest is described as a Virtual corkboard. It lets you share images and links to things you find on the web on a “board” that others can veiw, comment on, and repin to their own boards. Personally I use it as a way to file away recipes, crafts, family / kid activities, my favorite hobbies, etc. seriously the list can go on... and on... and on... but what makes me even happier is when I actually DO or MAKE something I pinned on my virtual corkboard, it's like I've accomplished something major!  ha ha 

 

 

 

I'm almost done with my latest cross stitch project with another one waiting to begin and once that is done, I'll be ready in the Fall/Winter season to switch over to crocheting and sewing.  I got 12 different sizes of crochet hooks mailed to my house for less than $5.00, yep I'm a coupon rock star! That's right - 12 different size crochet hooks including the postage was LESS than $5!

 

 

I want to learn how to do these scarves!

 

 

And of course my beloved Jane Austen has inspired ideas!

 

 

 

I'm really looking forward to this summer as I'm taking A LOT of time off to be with my family... we've got some fun and inexpensive ideas for local travel that I got rock star coupons for as well as some right at home fun!

 

 

 

What plans do you have for the summer?

 

~*~

Warming Up

~*~

It's warming up here and the time has come for me to switch to flavored iced teas served in cute mason or milk jars...

 

And finding / creating recipes for my new favorite sauce... Pickapeppa Sauce from Jamaica!

 

 

 

 but my heart belongs to the Autumn season when my family can relax with tea and treats, scones, etc.

 

~*~

Boston Blessings

~*~

 

My daughter sent me a text soon after the news of the Boston Marathon bombings went viral...

She was afraid of something happening in our city...

I told her we can't live in fear from all the evil garbage around us

and to remember this is just our temporary home.

I also told her if she is feeling scared or anxious when watching the news coverage

(seriously its on every channel at the moment)

to look for the helpers, look for people helping other people

as well as police, firemen and emergency responders.

People helping other people or as I like to say

Jesus with skin on.

 

My favorite video footage from the news coverages is within seconds of the first blast there are two EMT's pushing a gurney to begin... helping.

 

I also have to share what my friend Kim shared with me...

 

'Here is the miracle and blessing of the day... This horrific attack took place at the Boston Marathon - where they prepare for runners to be injured and sick. There was a triage center ...set up with over 1,000 beds and medical staff to attend to those beds. There were more resources at that location than any other local hospital or medical facility. Had that not been the case, the death toll would have been astounding and the attackers would have been much more successful in their attack....'

 My heart goes out to the families of not only the people injured but to the emergency responders and their families.  Praise God for his blessings as He knew this was going to happen before we did and he already knows the outcome!

 

~*~



Rockabilly Hair

~*~

 

Lurve this quick how-to for

Rockabilly Hair!  Very Cute!

 

~*~

Secret Garden

~*~

 

I lurve this outdoor space!

 

 

Off to get my nails done and perhaps make some tea and scones when I return!

 

Have a lovely weekend my friends!

 

 

~*~

 

 



Almost Spring!

~*~

 

I'm a Fall Season kind of Gal,

but I can't help falling in lurve when I see Spring

coming

 

 

And I don't usually like 'Fairy' things but I do think this garden statue is just lovely!

 

Remember to SPRING forward this Sunday!

 

~*~



Popular again...

~*~

 

 

I have long appreciated Cross Stitching, being a sewer of the same myself and it warmed my heart to read this morning that it is making a come back with girls in the UK, growing in popularity.  Young ladies gathering together to visit, potluck and sew!  And it's one I can't wait to see take off here in the US as I think too much time is spent in electronic friendships via social media.

 

If you've ever done cross stitch you KNOW the L-O-N-G hours that are put into such a small space on fabric that it's almost not worth taking up for those who lack patience or want quick results from a craft like painting, crocheting or knitting will give you.  And of course I have always gravitated to the more complex patterns but they've always been worth the results... like this below.

 

 

 

 

Hope your enjoying your Holiday weekend....

 

 

 

~*~



Weekend getaway

~*~

 

 

We're headed to the beach this weekend...

 

Pebble Beach that is... for the PGA Tournament...

 

where I plan to make a memory at 'The Lodge' which always reminds me of the Grand Hotel from the movie 'Somewhere in Time'.

 

Taking in the gorgeous views of the ocean...

 

 

And finishing the evenings with great friends, good eats and fab wine!

 

 

 

Sigh... a few days of peace and tranquility!

 

~*~

 

 

Rockabilly Style

~*~

My Man has been learning how to do some

Rockabilly Guitar tunes and that

got me thinking about the fun clothes 

from the 50's

While browsing clothes, I also came across some very fun blogs

of people who make Rockabilly a way of life!

Check them out ...

The Rockabilly Socialite

Rockabilly Girl Next Door

Tales From Betty Bee

\

Lisa Fremont Pages

Lilly Von Pink

~*~

Hospital Visits

~*~

 

My Man's Mother has been in and out of the

hospital since Christmas Eve and yesterday we found

out why... a very large tumor (likely Cancer too) on one of her kidneys.

 

It had to come out and she's been a trooper about the whole thing...

Gotta go again!  Lurve ya and back to visiting you all again soon!

 

 

~*~

Ideas For Tea

~*~

 

Have you been watching Downton Abbey?

I'm a little behind in the series but absolutely LURVE it!

 

 

 

And it's been giving me an idea for my next theme...

A Titanic Tea Party!

 

 

~*~

My favorite book... Luke

~*~

 

I'm so happy to have seen this blog on a friend of mine's FB page...

Good Morning Girls

(they also have a blog)

 started a FREE ONLINE bible study today with over 9,000 women 

participating from all over the world!

 

I couldn't be more thrilled that it's my favorite book of the bible and it's timing no coincedence!

This online study can be done as a group or individually on your own, perfect for someone like me who can't commit to a local women's bible study group at the moment, much less lead a group of ladies like I usually do.  I can go at my own pace each day and when I want to check-in with the other ladies I can do it easily on FB or their blog, although their FB page gets the most activity if you have questions or want to join in with other ladies in your area who are also doing the online study.

 

If you'd like to get more info on this FREE Online bible study, please click the link above (GMG) to read more about it as it's not too late to sign up.  I signed up Sunday evening and got my materials emailed to me this morning so I didn't lose any study time. 

 

It's a 2 part study - part 1 will run 8 weeks.

They also use the SOAP method which I also lurve

because it s-l-o-w-s me down and I like that when I study.

 

S - Scripture

O - Observation

A - Application

P - Prayer

 

 

~*~

 



Triple Shot

~*~

 

Triple Shot

 

Mmmmm.... Triple shot espresso mocha made at home with my

new espresso coffee pot (stove top method)

that I found at Home Goods for $5 on clearance... I love that store!

 

 

 

~*~

My New Favorite

~*~

 

My New Favorite Show...
Duck Dynasty

 

 

At first viewing I didn't think I'd last through 5 minutes of an episode when

my children said I should watch it with them.  Instead I was hooked in 5 minutes!

Actually being able to watch a show with my children means

a lot because let's face it, there isn't a lot on TV

that the entire family can watch these days.

 

They may be a back woods family but I enjoy watching the Men banter

back and forth at Duck Commander, Kay teaching her granddaughters

how to skin and cook squirrel and the savy Wives keeping their men

in check with guided reality.  This is one smart family!

 

Have you seen this show?  What are you watching this year?

 

~*~



~ Happy New Year 2013 ~

 

I've decided to bring my blog back to life.

There have been huge changes at Chachaneen over the past year
... I'm happily divorced, love my new home
and lurve my Rock ~ David ~ who brings joy to me and my children...

 I'm happy and my smile is genuine today.

  

 

I'll stop by soon to visit your blogs

...and thank you

for visiting me again too.