Alright, folks, I am running my very first sale in my shop TODAY ONLY! I am sooooo close to reaching my goal for May, so I am offering 20% off your purchase of $35 or more to entice anyone wanting to help me reach it!
BIG SALE
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Squeezed in Some Fun Before the Rain Came
Impending rain doesn't stop Mimi, the twins and I from having a little fun at the Washington Township Park's Splash Pad! This place has lots of different equipment designed to splash you from all angles...sometimes when you least expect it! And it's FREE!! It also has a small playground right next to it so the kiddos can dry off before you depart.
I managed to get a quick picture before the kids swarmed in.
Testing...splashing is fun...but do we go all in?
Doesn't seem too bad...
All in and LOVING it!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Great Weekend!
Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a terrific long weekend...I sure did!
Saturday evening I got to go out to dinner with my old college roommate from, ahem, 20 years ago! We have always been the type of friends that it didn't matter how much time passed, we are able to pick up where we left off. Saturday was no different! I left wishing we had more time, but we had monopolized the poor waiter' stable for 2 1/2 hours as it was. Oops!
Sunday, we went to the Indianapolis 500...more time with great friends which I treasure! It was a gorgeous day we enjoyed every minute of it...more than this poor guy!
Luckily he was guarding the chairs in bags, right?!
Obligatory race day selfie.
Sunday was the perfect family day! We all piled in the van and went to the park for some creek stompin', playground fun, and a picnic. Another beautiful day!!
Matt picking out the perfect rock to throw in
Saturday evening I got to go out to dinner with my old college roommate from, ahem, 20 years ago! We have always been the type of friends that it didn't matter how much time passed, we are able to pick up where we left off. Saturday was no different! I left wishing we had more time, but we had monopolized the poor waiter' stable for 2 1/2 hours as it was. Oops!
Sunday, we went to the Indianapolis 500...more time with great friends which I treasure! It was a gorgeous day we enjoyed every minute of it...more than this poor guy!
Our view of the track was terrific...we even got to see some of the pits!!
Sunday was the perfect family day! We all piled in the van and went to the park for some creek stompin', playground fun, and a picnic. Another beautiful day!!
Matt picking out the perfect rock to throw in
Dave and Matt showing off their rock throwing skills!
We can throw rocks too, big brothers!
Monday, May 26, 2014
A Little Glitter
I am always amazed by all the genuinely awesome people I meet through my Etsy world, and Pamela is definitely one of them! I found her Blog on one of the discussions on Etsy and have been hooked ever since! I have literally LOL'd at many of her posts, and her blog is so easy to maneuver through. And we all know the pink glitter makes me smile!
She was sweet enough to collaborate with me on a give away on one of my items from my shop which I greatly appreciate....and yes, I loved her blog before she did this! Ha
Anyway, if you are a blogaholic like I am, you have GOT to check it out!
A Little Glitter
She was sweet enough to collaborate with me on a give away on one of my items from my shop which I greatly appreciate....and yes, I loved her blog before she did this! Ha
Anyway, if you are a blogaholic like I am, you have GOT to check it out!
A Little Glitter
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Memorial Day...Great Camo and Military Finds!
Ok, so since I got a little serious yesterday, I thought I would share some terrific finds that are either camo, or speaks to the military in a fashion sense! Who doesn't look good in Army green honestly?
Friday, May 23, 2014
It's not Veteran's Day
Don't get me wrong, Veterans deserve the utmost respect every single day, and I can't think of anyone I respect more than someone who has fought for my freedom. But General John Logan declared Decoration Day (Memorial Day) in 1868 to be a day to honor our fallen soldiers. Our society tends to blindly celebrate holidays without remembering the reason why they exist in the first place! That has always bothered me. I see so many people tell us to remember to thank a Vet on Memorial Day...something we should do every day for sure, but Memorial Day is to honor those Soldiers who have died for us. So, on this one special day when we are enjoying cookouts, and time with family and friends, let's all take a moment to remember that THIS is the reason for Memorial Day.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Proud Marching Band Momma
Tuesday night was the end of the year band concert for my two oldest sons, David and Matt. I tell you, having kids in band has been way more rewarding than I ever imagined! First, band kids are just terrific kids...a breed all their own!! Whenever my boys ask if they can go somewhere with a friend, the first thing I ask is "are they in band with you?" When they say yes, a sigh of relief comes from me because I know I don't have to worry. Now, that's golden to Mommas of teens! Second, nothing makes me prouder and happier than watching my kids do something they love. It could be tiddlywinks for all I care...if it brings then joy and builds their self confidence, I'm cheering them on!
Back to Tuesday, after the concert, end of the year certificates and awards were distributed...I love seeing the kids rewarded for their hard work all year. And band kids work HARD! Marching band practice has started already for next school year. So many emotions...My oldest son, David, got his letter for his letter jacket. When did my sweet little boy grow up into a wonderful young man?! Matthew got special recognition with the Most Outstanding Middle Schooler award. He so deserves and needs this special recognition. Music has been his passion since birth!
Now, I would love to share a picture with you of the night, but this proud Momma was too busy bouncing in her seat cheering "Woo, Woo, Woo!" (Think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman at the polo match) to think to snap a pic.
Back to Tuesday, after the concert, end of the year certificates and awards were distributed...I love seeing the kids rewarded for their hard work all year. And band kids work HARD! Marching band practice has started already for next school year. So many emotions...My oldest son, David, got his letter for his letter jacket. When did my sweet little boy grow up into a wonderful young man?! Matthew got special recognition with the Most Outstanding Middle Schooler award. He so deserves and needs this special recognition. Music has been his passion since birth!
Now, I would love to share a picture with you of the night, but this proud Momma was too busy bouncing in her seat cheering "Woo, Woo, Woo!" (Think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman at the polo match) to think to snap a pic.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
"'O Sole Mio!"
This song brings back many childhood travel memories...anyone who has ever taken a vacation with my parents know exactly what I'm talking about! I took the time today to look up the lyrics, and it's actually quite beautiful!
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Here are some beautiful hand made items that I feel represent this special song perfectly!
Monday, May 19, 2014
My Esteemed Studio
I don't know about everyone else, but I just love looking at people's studios/work spaces. It's where all the magic happens! Plus, it's a great way to get ideas on how to better organize all the supplies us crafters accumulate (hey, we NEED them, right?).
So, today, I thought I would show you pictures of my "studio"...prepare to be amazed!
Yes, folks, that is my dining room...not really a room per se, but more of a nook off the kitchen. See the two high chairs in the back ground? Hard to believe when we first got them, we had to prop the twins in them with blankets. But I digress....
My eternal quest to prove that, yes, any frame can be given a new life with paint! Read here about my addiction to paint...it's real and it's deep.
So, today, I thought I would show you pictures of my "studio"...prepare to be amazed!
Yes, folks, that is my dining room...not really a room per se, but more of a nook off the kitchen. See the two high chairs in the back ground? Hard to believe when we first got them, we had to prop the twins in them with blankets. But I digress....
My eternal quest to prove that, yes, any frame can be given a new life with paint! Read here about my addiction to paint...it's real and it's deep.
The sea of chalk board inserts that bless the table every day. Four thin coats is what it takes to achieve the best writing surface...but that's another post for another day!
Luckily I have a very understanding hubby who doesn't mind coming home to this mess every day and a family who waits patiently for me to clear off the table so all of us can sit down to dinner every night! XO
Luckily I have a very understanding hubby who doesn't mind coming home to this mess every day and a family who waits patiently for me to clear off the table so all of us can sit down to dinner every night! XO
Friday, May 16, 2014
My New Favorite Embelishment
So, I needed an embellishment for a blah frame I was working on, but had no idea what was out there. I knew where to go, though...Jo Ann Fabrics! Don't let the name fool ya, they sell WAY more than fabric!
I found the PERFECT little gems in the scrap booking area of all places. They are made of paper, so I was a little skeptical that they would be cheap and flimsy. Not at all, they are beautiful and have a terrific antiqued look to them! Can't beat the price either at $6.99 for a package of 6. And since they were 40% off! I had to get 3 packages, of course.
My newest project in progress...
I found the PERFECT little gems in the scrap booking area of all places. They are made of paper, so I was a little skeptical that they would be cheap and flimsy. Not at all, they are beautiful and have a terrific antiqued look to them! Can't beat the price either at $6.99 for a package of 6. And since they were 40% off! I had to get 3 packages, of course.
Prima Handmade Flowers
Thursday, May 15, 2014
The Month of May
The month of May means so many things to so many people. May flowers, Mother's Day, May Day with May pole included, picnics in the park....
I, however, am a Hoosier so to me it means RACE SEASON! The month is full of Mini Marathon cheering (I cheer, not run!), getting sun burned while watching practice sessions, pretending to hide my eyes while driving past the speedway the night before the race, Carb day, and the grand finale...the Indianapolis 500!
It's an Indiana time honored tradition, so everybody now, join in "Back Home Again in Indiaaaana"!!
Racers, Start Your Engines!
Check out these fun black and white checkered products
I, however, am a Hoosier so to me it means RACE SEASON! The month is full of Mini Marathon cheering (I cheer, not run!), getting sun burned while watching practice sessions, pretending to hide my eyes while driving past the speedway the night before the race, Carb day, and the grand finale...the Indianapolis 500!
It's an Indiana time honored tradition, so everybody now, join in "Back Home Again in Indiaaaana"!!
Racers, Start Your Engines!
Check out these fun black and white checkered products
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Day at the Indianapolis Children's Museum
One of the best parts about living in Indiana is having the BEST Children's Museum! Seriously, if you have never been, you have got to make it a priority! This week is the debut of their new section called Take Me There, China and my boys were appropriately dressed for the occasion thanks to Aunt Bonnie!
We love our Panda shirts!
The museum was decked out in their usual over the top festive way...you truly felt like you were being transported right to China!
Wish I would have gotten a better picture of the lobby....breath taking!
To enter the exhibit, you pass through an actual replica of an air plane...have a seat in the real airplane seats and watch the sky go by out your window!
Once inside the exhibit, you are immersed in Asian culture. We got to see authentic demonstrations from a Chinese man that the Museum brought in for the grand opening!
Then it was off to the very realistic Chinese restaurant where kids of all ages were preparing Chinese cuisine and serving it to their customers seated and waiting with their chop sticks. Had I not thought it would be frowned upon, I would have thrown a few elbows and stir fried up some Chinese grub myself! I did indulge, however, in punching a few of the keys on the cash register....hehe
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a good picture of the twins having fun taking care of their baby Pandas. Kids are allowed to take a stuffed bear and feed it a bottle, weigh and measure it, and give it a complete check up to make sure it is growing and healthy! A scrubbed nurse is available to educate and assist the young Panda doctors as needed.
The last area you pass through before exiting back into the real world are snippet tours of what real Chinese homes look like and information on what living there is like for the locals. We didn't stay in that area too long as toddlers barely care about how they live, let alone others!
As usual, it was a terrific day at the Indianapolis Children's Museum, and we are looking forward to visiting again soon!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Cabin in the Woods
When I was a kid, my family went on vacations every summer. They were almost always at a rental cabin in Kentucky where we spent our time boating, swimming, hiking and just enjoying family time! As us kids grew up and had families of our own, we continued the tradition together with three generations of Sparks'...two years ago we even had 4 generations there!
I will always have fond memories of our Cabin in the Woods!
My FAVORITE items that bring back these great memories!
My FAVORITE items that bring back these great memories!
Friday, May 9, 2014
My Mom
I have been thinking about how to even come close to expressing in words what my Mom means to me, and I've come to realize I will never come close!
I used to love watching her put her make up on in the mornings. She sat at a vanity that I remember as being very fancy..she probably didn't think it was, but in my mind it was perfect. I thought she was beautiful and couldn't wait to be grown up enough to use that make up, curling iron, and aqua net hairspray!
When she vacuumed, she would line up the chairs so I could pretend to be riding on a train.
When I came home from school, she would stop what she was doing to listen to every detail about my day, and in her eyes, it was the most important thing she had heard all day.
We stayed up late watching movies...horrible 80's teenage love movies and she never seemed bored.
Sometimes, when I was struggling with whatever teenage drama I had at the time, she would leave special letters of encouragement on my bed.
In college, she wrote me EVERY day...I loved checking my mail.
Now, a day doesn't go by that I don't think "what would Mom do?" when faced with a decision. Her endless love and devotion to her family is steadfast and she never asks for a thing in return...it's truly and inspiration!
Like most kids, there were many times I didn't appreciate her the way I should have, but her unconditional love never faltered. I hope to be just like her when I grow up!
My Beautiful Mother
I used to love watching her put her make up on in the mornings. She sat at a vanity that I remember as being very fancy..she probably didn't think it was, but in my mind it was perfect. I thought she was beautiful and couldn't wait to be grown up enough to use that make up, curling iron, and aqua net hairspray!
When she vacuumed, she would line up the chairs so I could pretend to be riding on a train.
When I came home from school, she would stop what she was doing to listen to every detail about my day, and in her eyes, it was the most important thing she had heard all day.
We stayed up late watching movies...horrible 80's teenage love movies and she never seemed bored.
Sometimes, when I was struggling with whatever teenage drama I had at the time, she would leave special letters of encouragement on my bed.
In college, she wrote me EVERY day...I loved checking my mail.
Now, a day doesn't go by that I don't think "what would Mom do?" when faced with a decision. Her endless love and devotion to her family is steadfast and she never asks for a thing in return...it's truly and inspiration!
Like most kids, there were many times I didn't appreciate her the way I should have, but her unconditional love never faltered. I hope to be just like her when I grow up!
My Beautiful Mother
Thursday, May 8, 2014
First Potty Training Outing
So, a short back story to get everyone up to date, Tanner and Logan are PETRIFIED of public restrooms. Something about the echoing sounds of toilets flushing and hand dryers going off send them into a tizzy!
Well, typically my mom (Mimi), my niece and great-nephew, the twins and I go on weekly outings, and us potty training victims were itching to GET OUT! Today was the day...we were to meet at a restaurant that has a great play area, and Momma was equipped! I had two changes of clothes a piece, plastic bags for possible wet clothes, wipes....and a potty seat. Yes, I brought my own potty seat. I was gonna make this a success if it killed me!!
Well, typically my mom (Mimi), my niece and great-nephew, the twins and I go on weekly outings, and us potty training victims were itching to GET OUT! Today was the day...we were to meet at a restaurant that has a great play area, and Momma was equipped! I had two changes of clothes a piece, plastic bags for possible wet clothes, wipes....and a potty seat. Yes, I brought my own potty seat. I was gonna make this a success if it killed me!!
The Throne
They actually sat on the potty before we went into the restaurant! Yay, SUCCESS! But...the distraction of a fun playground reared it's ugly head and off to the restroom we went for 3 clothing changes. Failure? Not at all because Mimi came to the rescue and helped my darlings over come their fear of echoing potties!
Mimi says it's not scary!
I've chalked the first potty training outing up as a success overall...but ready to be home bound close to "our" potties and crowd free clothes changing. Share your stories and suggestions about your "successful" outings with potty training kiddos!
Had to share a picture of my adorable great-nephew!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
A Cardinal in Our Nest
We have recently had baby cardinals hatch in a nest built in our front door wreath! It's been so much fun watching them grow, fly to and from the nest and listening to the momma cardinal chirp away in maternal joy! I'm reminded of my grandmother, Wilda. She loved to bird watch and had a special love for cardinals. Every time I see a cardinal, I think of her....hmmmm, I wonder if this is why red has always been my favorite color?!
In honor of my grandmother,Wilda, cardinals, and the color red, I have compiled a few beautiful things from my favorite Etsy shops!
A Cardinal in Our Nest!
In honor of my grandmother,Wilda, cardinals, and the color red, I have compiled a few beautiful things from my favorite Etsy shops!
A Cardinal in Our Nest!
Friday, May 2, 2014
Suggestions, Opinions, Criticism...Please
So the Mason Jar craze is still going strong, and as a crafter it's getting harder and harder to keep this trend in my shop fresh an unique. I have come up with something I like and enjoy creating, but I would love as much feedback as I can....from all of you! So give it to me...honest opinions, suggestions to make them better, ways to make these creations a MUST HAVE!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
How To Spray paint: for the Impulsive and Impatient
For those of you who haven't picked up on the fact that I tend to be impulsive and impatient, let me tell you, spray paint and I have had a VERY rocky relationship! I have sprayed, de-sprayed, and re-sprayed more times than I care to count. Therefore, I am sharing what I learned in simple terms for my other impatient and impulsive paintaholics! I would have pics...but, well, I decided to write this on a whim. See what I mean?
Step one: WAIT until the temperature is right. Read the directions on the can to see what temp it recommends and follow them!
Step two: Clean what you intend to spray paint with mild soapy water, dry, and wipe down with some rubbing alcohol. This gets the oil and dirt off so you get good adherence. If you need to sand anything, you want to do that before cleaning.
Step three: If you can, spray outside, or at least in a well ventilated area. Lay down a drop cloth under the to be painted item. This part is hard for us impatients, but you need to SHAKE the can...yes, for as long as the directions say. Yes, for 1-2 minutes...DO IT!
Step three: Sweep the can side to side as you spray a LIGHT layer. Light layer! As in so light you wonder if the paint will even ever sufficiently cover your piece. Then stop and WAIT! You want to wait at least an hour before even thinking about another coat. Again, read your directions for specific re-coat times...then walk away and forget about it.
Step four: After you WAITED the allotted time, keep spraying light coats on until you achieve the coverage you desire...waiting the instructed drying time between each coat.
I appreciate that this sounds over simplified and kind of like a "duh" type thing to most....but sometimes us impulsive and impatient paintaholics need emphasis on the obvious. HAPPY SPRAYING....
Step one: WAIT until the temperature is right. Read the directions on the can to see what temp it recommends and follow them!
Step two: Clean what you intend to spray paint with mild soapy water, dry, and wipe down with some rubbing alcohol. This gets the oil and dirt off so you get good adherence. If you need to sand anything, you want to do that before cleaning.
Step three: If you can, spray outside, or at least in a well ventilated area. Lay down a drop cloth under the to be painted item. This part is hard for us impatients, but you need to SHAKE the can...yes, for as long as the directions say. Yes, for 1-2 minutes...DO IT!
Step three: Sweep the can side to side as you spray a LIGHT layer. Light layer! As in so light you wonder if the paint will even ever sufficiently cover your piece. Then stop and WAIT! You want to wait at least an hour before even thinking about another coat. Again, read your directions for specific re-coat times...then walk away and forget about it.
Step four: After you WAITED the allotted time, keep spraying light coats on until you achieve the coverage you desire...waiting the instructed drying time between each coat.
I appreciate that this sounds over simplified and kind of like a "duh" type thing to most....but sometimes us impulsive and impatient paintaholics need emphasis on the obvious. HAPPY SPRAYING....
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