Santa's Goose...er....CHICKEN!

 A beautiful, dreary, drizzling Saturday, in the NOT so sunny Sunshine State! 
Last night we talked and talked about what a GREAT excursion we had planned for today. Grammy, Mommy & Goose had PLANS  on this wonderful last Saturday before Christmas.

So what happens???

We get RAIN, that's what!!! NO playing in the snow(fake:), NO Bouncehouse, NO arts and crafts......

BUT

We DID have Breakfast with Santa!! And, a Photo Shoot(as in 1 photo--HA) And it went WELL...ahhh... NOT so WELL! She is still  scared of Santa:(

  We have been doing a little decorating, during the last few days.  I AM aware that Christmas is only a week away....Thank You:)   I found this little treasure out 'Salen,  recently.  

Beautiful isn't it?  I got this little {{{grin}}} baby for $1. Yep, ONE DOLLAR!!! Can U Believe it?? 

 And,

NOW

 it looks like this......

  



She has my musicial abilities:) HA



 SO what do ya think? Everything on the table AND the chair "covers" was thrifted/ gifted/UpLifted:) from various sources!  The little "dessert bowl" candleholders were my gramma's. The candles were a gift from LAST Christmas. The dessert tray/plate centerpiece, the pinecones, and the crochet doily were all thrifted. All the "linens" were gifted(except for the gold material I inserted in the frame--thrifted), as was the gold ribbon and the greenery. 

That WAS fun!!  


 I'm linkin up today:

Feature Yourself Friday   Weekend Wrap-up  Frugal-Friday   Feature Friday   Weekend Wander


 Have a HAPPY  BLESSED day:)


The extra special photo is here! It did not in anyway, shape, or form cooperate with me! (And NEITHER did she:)

Christmas 'cycles and some postal luvs....Really!

Happy Wednesday Blogsville:)

 Did you know that Christmas is just around the corner? That's what I'm gettin from my local intel, anyway! Good thing I work well with deadlines LOL! What is it about them that gets the creative goodness going? Does anyone know?

 Now, for something a little more relevant to the Title:)

 I have received some lovely surprises in the mail recently! Ok, so One of them was UPS, ya caught me....

 

I can only say " I {{{{HEART}}}} SewMamaSew!

 This came yesterday---Sew exciting:)

YES!!!!

I won one of their giveaways from their Handmade Holidays last month....WHooHooO....

That is the second thing I've won from them in the last few months

You may remember  this post in September:)

And THIS came too(NOT on the same day, That would have proven TOO much for my system)

YES CHANTEL Your package is here! I will not berate the postal system AS it has actually found its way back to me....but....Well...(insert imagination, puhleez:)

I'll be sending it back to you in the next few days:) I must say I love surprises in the mail---The MAIL really is a treasure.  I hope we don't lose it, like so many other things.

AND now,

To the 'cycles

  I actually upcycled the back of this vest, cutting it off just below the armholes.  Added some scrap pieces......






Now, it's THIS...

One Infinity Scarf

Check !

My list is GeTtin smaller{{{grin}}}

I forgot to take a b4 pic of this one.....It was a drapery sheer...

Needless to say I did NOT use the whole piece. Such wonderful Gigantic fabric panels:)

Gifted, just like the first piece....WhoOhoo!

And, before you rush to tell me--I DO know there are some strings hanging. I just couldn't wait to share!

Elastic is MY friend hoooYaah! The brooch in the first pic of this scarf was my Grammas. You can really play around with dif. peices on a scarf like this. 

OH, You'd like to see whats underneath???

 great hoodie from thriftin:)

One more shot of this scarf ....

It's hard to tell in the pic but all the little specs of yellow in the flower is actually gold glitter. Too Big, too much, do ya think? The color actually accents much better than this shot shows, but I'm split on whether or not it's Over the Top.

 OPINIONS puhleeeze! It's prob. gift #2 on my slightly loooong list of "todo"!

I can NOT say that these ideas were all my own.....They came from the hundreds of yummy crafty creative blogs and their owners...Feel free to claim them(the IDEAS, not my scarves:)

I'm linkin up

Small Treasure Tuesday      Wednesday@TeaRoseHome             whatever-goes-wednesday   

wallet-friendly-wednesday


Have a blessed day:)

1 Goose and "our" babies:)

 HI there Blogsville residents:)
It's been  WaaaaY too long since I've been here! I'm glad to be back amongst friends.  Now that THAT is out of the way......

 MAY I PRESENT:

 

THE wee darlins!!!! AND no, the Goose doesn't need her face washed....Thanks for asking :)

The little red "hitler" mustache is from the 10 boxes of Puffs we(she) just went through!

I knew I SHOULD have bought stock this summer{{{grin}}} 

  

 Thinking of a kitten for Christmas???? I'll be happy to help! The b&w one is DEF stayin w/ me. After losing my Siamese son Marple this spring I'm ready. I have decided to call this one Elpram Jane. My Marple was SUPPOSED to be a girl---this one IS. Marple was Siamese(white w/black) THIS one is black w/ white. It shouldn't take much detective work to figure out Her Name{{{Smile}}} Feel free to ask, though, I'll be happy to splain!
just a lil note:
 TODAY is GIVEAWAY DAY over at SewMamaSew GO check out all the fun!
 I'm linkin up today:)
Meet Me On Monday    Market Yourself Monday



 Meet Me On Monday
 Questions:




1. How do you order your steak?    Medium Rare

2. Are you superstitious about anything?  Not really....but.......I have to FORCE myself to pick up a "tails" penny:)

3. Who is your best friend (not including your spouse)? Darcell

4. When is the last time your wore a dress (for the guys...a suit)? I always wear a dress to church on Sundays

5. Do you have any trips scheduled? going to the Doctor tomorrow, Does that count???? LOL

 
 Happy Monday Blogsville....It's GREAT to be here!!!

Which None Can Shut>>>Book Review 4 Tyndale :)

Happy Happy Monday!!
 I'm BAAACK from another break! I missed YOU!!

A short while ago, as I was stalking Blogsville{{{grin}}} I stumbled across a blog which had a Tyndale Publishers Review button on her sidebar. As someone who loves to read, it "Caught  my Eye"! As someone who has experienced salvation through Jesus Christ,  reading about His work "amongst us" is a pleasure and also, an eye opener!


ANYhoww, I signed up to "review" and picked out  Which None Can Shut by Rema Goode.
DISCLAIMER:  This book was provided to me by Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of Review. I receive no other compensation for my opinion than the book itself.  

              The Book  is a compilation of True Stories of how God is working in the Muslim World. The author writes about how her family was called to minister to Muslims in  an Arab country! She writes clearly about  adjustments to a different culture, with a dose of humour thrown in. Characters are introduced that the stories revolve around.  Danger swirls in a fog around them. Their faithfulness to God, in a multitude of oppurtunies, gives great joy as you see miracle after miracle unfold!

Even MORE importantly, God's FAITHFULNESS to them is revealed. When there is no other way, but God's way, He is showing  himself to  a people who are tied to"the law" and traditions.  They are a people who live in fear of retribution instead of Hope. They strive for perfection instead of clinging to The Perfect One. Despite all the barriers and dangerous possibilities,  God  provides great oppurtunities and great provision to this family during their daily activities.

Which None Can Shut  is not what I consider a "heavy" read.  However, it IS thought provoking and eye opening! It will stir your heart and drive you to your knees in prayer. It will fill you with joy as you walk (read) through story after story of God's perfect timing and as His plan is revealed.

Ironically, it is the last sentence of the prelude which resonates in my heart. "If the gates of Hell won't prevail against it, how can Islam?"  That sentence is a reference to Matthew 16:18.  God is working and HE can NOT be stopped! No one  and no thing can overcome Our God.  This was a book I could not put down!  You can find copies of Which None Can Shut Here.  I highly recomend book to anyone who wants to see God's power and providence in our world today! I look forward to more from Rema Goode. I am so glad I had the oppurtunity to read it!

 

MyDAY FRIday aaaand....... I've been featured :-()

Happy happy happy Friday.....
NO I was NOT singing, AND, even if I was you can NOT hear me! My microphone isn't turned on HA!! {{{grin}}} Like I have a microphone:)  Today has been a pretty good day. We found a small aquarium for THE babies. A good friend owns a thrift store close by; I was hoping for a larger fish bowl than the coffee pot. Instead, we SCORED a small aquarium which is probably between 1&1/2 and 2 gallons. I 'll show off sum pics tomorrow, in my SALEN post!

I was very surprised, yesterday, to find I was one of several blogs featured on Seams Inspired! That is SEW exciting!!   If you have never "met" Larri, I have to tell ya SHE is a real sweetie! I love her projects. She is a Christian Mom with wonderful sewing abilities! Hop on OvEr and take a peek at her blog. You won't be disappointed:)

My Proverbs for the day:
Prov. 17:1
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Who DESIRE's a dry stale crust of bread?? Not ME! (unless, they are Croutons:) I would much rather "feast" than be on the starving side!! When I stop to think about it though, Which house is the one that is actually starving??
One house has dry crust  of bread BUT is filled with a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. Which means that either that is home with only ONE person OR it is a home where people USE gentle, pleasant words, where they LISTEN to one another, and where the needs of another are put before Self. A home that is Christ Centered!
The other home is full of fancy. rich, choice foods.(an elegant party is what come to mind) BUT is full of hurtful sarcasm,  bitter hearts and unspoken grievances. Selfishness and Pride  have the seats of Honor!
Whose Home Would You like to visit???

BE  sure to check out My LINKEE page to see who I'm "hookin" up with today:)
Happy Friday!!

I am a WINNER :) ~~~ At least they thought sew!

I'm SEW excited!!  The wonderful ladies at  Sew Mama Sew decided I deserved to win! Wellll, the random generator liked my anyways... {{{grin}}} I was a winner on their Free Fabric Fridays giveaway almost 2 weeks ago.  Choosing 1 yard to pick out of all the different fabrics and prints was a LITTLE difficult! I did however, jump off into the deep end of my fabric madness and came up with a winner....AND......It is HERE. WHoooHOooo.... I'm one HaPPy DANCin fabric addict!!
Thank You ladies AND you marvelous wonderful handsome Awwwwesome Random Generator ---You ARE the man:)

I know that some of you Must being thinkin "What is WRONG with that girl???". Let me just to explain to ya'll that I have not bought NEW fabric in YEARS. Last Spring, a trio of us went  on  a wedding-adventure,  in which I was so overwhelmed by my Big Chance to actually purchase fabric I NEVER bought any! Yes, I know, I'm a little "OFF" :)
So, of course, I had to share  some PiCs of my spoils...Haha

May I present "Lovely Morning" in Eggplant by Lovely Morning.  The bottom pic is just slightly darker than the top pic. The second one is the right colors. So I would just like to say THANK YOU to SEW MAMA SEW and, of course, my new Best Friend, Mr. Random Generator!
I'm very thankful for such glorious fabric!! Not that I don't love my HUUUGE pile of thrifted and gifted treasures. You'll have to excuse me~~~Fabric DOES make me Gush!!
Check out my Linkee page to see who I'm  linkin up with.

 Here's to Happy Sewing and a GREAT upcoming Weekend!!
Happy Thursday  :)

Monday Medley.... Refashion, New aquarium, linkee luv & more:)

OH Happy DAY! 
I have managed to get a little done WHoHooO!YipyipyipEEEEEEEE:)
I finally sat down with this refashioning project on an outfit for Goose.  I think it's kinda cute:

I know it's alittle hard to tell but the top is a hoodie. A friend gave it to her, but it is a 3T.  The pink striped material( and pink pants) came from a 3T outfit she had last year. I cut the sleeves and ruffle off the top and added them to the hoodie to make it a little longer. I also, added a lit bit of the sleeve to bottom of the pink pants to extend them as well.  The hardest part of the whole thing was the sleeve add on to the hoodie. Every thing else was EASY PEASY!! Now Goose's 3T's will last another season!!

The next pics are of our  new AQUARIUM!

Can you see ALL the little ones??? We stopped by A Yard Sale on Saturday. ONE yes ONE!! They had little plastic containers with these babies in them. For a couple of bucks we got approximately a dozen new Family Members:) 
YOU may notice our "tank" is an upcycled coffee pot! Luckily, I had a spare out in the garage. NO I am NOT a hoarder THANK YOU!!  And the little stones were also, stashed from previous projects. UNfortunately, we had to go buy the plant and water conditioner AND food.  That little plant cost more than the all the fish! But, I know they need the oxygen SEWWWW.....

We aren't sure exactly what kind of fish they are. I'm almost positive they are livebearers, as those reproduce the easiest. I'm guessing   that they are probably mollies or platys.  Everyday, Goose asks are THEY bigger yet!???
 You can find more of my Salen finds here at our shop 4given Outlet:)


Just a quick note, I had a comment on My Last POST  that made me realize I wasn't very clear{{{grin}}}. I thought most of you would pick up the references I was making, but that was not the case.  The person "IN The Media" I was referring to was the Pastor here in Florida who was threatening to burn the Korans. While I can appreciate that He does have the right to do so, I can NOT agree with him.  It is MY opinion, that He should have just kept his lips closed!  If you really want to make a difference, the first step is in showing that you care. Demeaning and Antagonizing only produces anger and strife.

My Proverbs for Today:

Prov. 13:10  Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

I have to ask myself:

What areas am I "proud" in spirit , instead of being humble & gentle?
Does being "right" really make things better??
Do I seek advice from the Bible and Godly Men/Women?
Am I only a "hearer" of God's Word or am I a "doer" also??

I am thankful that I serve the God who forgives me when I ask and repent. I am fortunate that my God isn't a scorekeeper.  When I humble myself before Him,  He is merciful and compassionate.


Meet Me on Monday Questions:)



1. What is your favorite pasta dish?  Mac & cheese


2. What is the last thing you do before going to bed?  I thank God for the blessings He is pouring down upon me!


3. How many nights a week do you go out to eat? We may eat out(usually fast food) once every couple of weeks or so.


4. Are you an avid book reader? I love to read. But can't always fit it in:(


5. Would you rather have x-ray vision or bionic hearing?  Well. if Xray vision would enable me to find all the toys with LEAD PAINT in them, I would have to choose that. If not, I wouln't want either, the anxiety of it all would probably keep me locked in my bedroom! :)

  
Have a Happy Week. Don't forget to check my partay page to see who I'm "hooking" up with!

 


 

Roosters view of Fall and my Friday LuVs

How CRAZY has Your week been??  Mine has pretty much been a roller coaster! I'd say TGIF, however my weekends aren't much different than my week.  I've been TRYin to get the Fall feel here, which is a little difficult in Central Florida! :)

I have seen so many great ideas here in blogsville that I'm not sure which one gave me the idea for this. If it was YOU please let me know and I'll show some luv!

Total cost: About  .50 cents

The  black pan  was one of those wonderful teflon coated things that flake and peel!   The only cost to me was the spray paint (I had already purchased it). The little lampshades were part of a set someone had given me. The Rooster decals , the rafia and floral bits and pieces  were given to me, as well:)  Now, if I could only figure out what to do with them!  Although, I really like them, I don't have roosters anywhere! Any ideas??

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Hard words to meditate on! We all love to "chat"{{{grin}}} And while it would be quite easy to mention CERTAIN people in the Media right now, I won't.  While it would be SO easy to point fingers at CERTAIN people living in the great state of FLORIDA and in particular, GAINSVILLE(No I DON"T mean the Gators:) I WILL NOT. The people I WILL NOT mention certainly don't need to be advertised! 

INSTEAD, I will FOCUS on myself!

The Bible is pretty clear on the power of the tongue. When I speak there are several things that I MUST do my best to remember and restrain from doing. That would include :

Being Hateful when I feel attacked or wounded by someone else.

Betraying a Confidence.

Speaking without THINKing!

Gossip.

Being Negative.

I've def. got my work cut out for me!  Which is why I need to Focus on myself:)

Check out my linkee page for the hops I'm havin fun with!

Happy Saturday

May God Bless America and OUR Troops! 

Monday Medley...fall stashbusters, linkees, & more:)

  What a weekend it has been.  We will be eating with friends tonite in celebration  of LABOR.  I 'm not sure that I want to Celebrate LABOR--it was pretty intense!  Yes, I know Corny joke:)
AnyHow,
If you taken a gander at my sidebar, then you know I've committed to DEstashing, and REpurposing.....
I may never get this finished {{{grin}}}.  Here is a pretty quick project that is a great Fall piece. I hopped around several sites looking at ideas, but I'm not sure which one this spawned  spun off of. SO, if you see this and it was YOURS, please let me know. I will give the appropriate credit!

I made a template from the "kix" box. The main  body fabric was cut from a pair of "thrifty" pants. The felt, rickrack and scraps were all thrifted by me OR gifted to me! 

I am Seeing more "hooties" in my future:) I might just make a dent in my Stash! hahawhoheeha

And  My Meet Me on Monday questions are:
1. Do you wear socks to bed?   YES,  although I hate it! Because of health issues my feet can get very painful. Wearing socks (pretty much Around the Clock) is a big help! 



2. Do you have any pets?   YES, we have Goose's two "pretty birds" aka finches and a female cat named Tigger. 


3. What topping(s) do you like on your pizza?  Pepperoni, olives, peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham, sausage, tomato, spinach, cheese----pretty much everything:)


4. What time do you go to bed?  When I get there!  Anywhere from 11:00 to 1:00


5. Would you rather get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever?
     Ummm.....Chocolate! HellOOO:) 

And my Proverbs for the day is:
Prov. 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise!

I want to use my time wisely and be industrious. This is a struggle for me. I am not very good at "scheduling". And, I always expect more from myself than I actually am able to do.....which then is turned into condemnation by the "Liar"(Satan). Being a single mom is hard enough. Throw in chronic health problems and you've  a nice mess! This verse(and the following verses) tell me that I need to prioritize better and focus on the things that truly are important (or put another way "in season") and need to be done first! I also, need to stop allowing condemnation to creep in. Even the ants have plenty of work to do "tomorrow". Why should I expect myself to "do it all"??

HAPPY Labor Day

PS. Check out my linkee page to see who I'm linkin up with today

My Wardrobe refashion pledge

The Pledge



I  Denise,  pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 6 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings!






THAT'S  my  PLEDGE and  I'm  STICKIN to IT

Ya got it in writing! :)

Whimsy Couture Review.....AND My WINNER!!

And the WINNER of my lil' Giveaway is Chantel of My Thoughts and Treasures  !!!! WHOOHOOO Congratulations:)


Today, I am going to review the "Knot Dress"  from Whimsy Couture. First, let me say "I purchased this pattern(on ebay) and Am NOT receiving any form of compensation for this review. This review is entirely My Personal OPINION." Does that sound official, OR what???
Yes, I put that statement together myself.....ARE you proud of me?{{{grin}}}

These dresses are so wonderful to wear over peasant tops and dresses (listed as PEASANT TOPS/DRESSES PATTERN) or over t-shirts. These dresses can also be worn without any tops underneath for Summer! They have knot ties for perfect fit and a straight/plain back. It's a great essential in her wardrobe and perfect for hot days!

(Description by Whimsy Couture )

I LUV this dress! This is why:

MULTIPLE sizes

VARIATIONS

LAYERABILITY (is that a word??)

TOTAL cuteness

SUPER easy!

One of the great things about this pattern is it's MAKER! She offered EXCELLENT 5 star SERVICE with VERY fast shipping. I bought the paper copy on ebay. However, She's got some awesome deals on her Etsy. The dress is available from 6months to size 12 girls.  Whimsy Couture  ALSO gives you the right to SELL on ebay/etsy or locally. AT NO ADDITIONAL cost!!!! HOW Sweet is that????  The tuturial  is easy to follow and loaded with pictures. I simply could not ask for anything more from a pattern!  I am SO coveting(ya know what I mean:)  her other patterns! When you visit her Blog you will also find some great free tutorials.  And  Now for some pics of the Goose.....

What can I say...... OH

THAT'S MY GIRL!

So, I would like to say a Big Fat Thank YOU to Whimsy Couture for a Rockin pattern!

And My Proverb of the Day

Proverbs 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.

What does this speak to Me??

There is VICTORY waiting for me. Whether it is on this earth or in heaven, I am assured it IS waiting!

He is my SHIELD. He protects me from Satan and demonic activity, from EVIL.

My walk is BLAMELESS.  No I don't claim to be perfect. I CLAIM the ONE WHO IS! His Blood has covered my sin and selfishness,  my filth and my shame. 

I am humbled with gratitude!!

What do you think?

Happy Friday:)