Yes, please!

This weather we are having in Michigan is spectacular and I am hoping that it just continues on!!!  The winter was practically non-existent and we are having upper 60s and 70s this week! Whee!!! Not much to blog about on the home reno front, because I am sure that you do not want to see pictures of me cleaning out my lower cabinets. That is what is going on right now, but next week we paint the first room. We are going with a neutral for the bedrooms, like Sherwin-Williams Basket Beige. We had this in our old house and loved it. the living room/dining room/kitchen area is up for debate. Big Daddy thinks Beige throughout but I am leaning toward yellow. We will see. I have the new plans for the entrance hall. Right now, you just walk into the living room. So, I am going to create a foyer with a dummy wall. I will post pictures when we start on that. Should be soon! For now, enjoy the weather and I will be back with stitchy finishes and I have some charts that need a good home. Some are giveaway and some are for sale. Stay tuned!

Drumroll, please............

It was unanimous - and I am happy to say that it was my first choice too! The uppers are gone!! Here is the not-quite-after shot. There is still painting and decorating and all that to go, but everyone was right. It made a huge difference in the room and the extra counter space is now usable!

The cabinet to the right side of the sink was supposed to stay, but it was not up there very securely and I just thought it would look better down. I am going to paint the cabinets white and we are putting in a wood-look vinyl floor throughout. I will start looking for something to hang in that spot - maybe a vintage plate rack or something. Garage sale season will start soon and I know I will find something! Thank you for all the input. It made the decision a little easier!! Next up are some improvements in the master bath. There are some mirrors over our jacuzzi tub that absolutely have to have something done to them. I have a plan, though!! Stay tuned!

Should It Stay Or Should It Go?

OK, now that song is in my head - sorry. Here are pictures of our wonderful bar area in our kitchen. It has an arean for bar stools, but the cabinets overhead make it impossible to sit there. It also is between the main part of the kitchen and the dining room. It is the first thing you see when you walk in the door and the countertops have that lovely burgendy stripe like the bathroom. So, the question is - should it stay or go? I have plenty of cabinet space without it, it just holds more crap than anything else so it enables my hoarding, and without it, we would have more serving space for buffet style dinners. We do those alot, with a large family. Anyway, you have until this evening to weigh in and let me know what you think. Let's hear it!!

Two in One!

Two posts in one day! Wow - that's rare for me, but I wanted to share a quick and easy easter table idea. I used ramikins from the dollar tree and yellow easter grass with white plastic eggs. Then, I took an alphabet sticker and "monogramed" the egg! Easy-pesy!

The before of the master bath vanity and an almost after snap

The bathroom vanity in our master bathroom was standard issue manufactured home style and needed an update. So, with several hours of hgtv and pinterest in me, I decided to paint it. The countertop trim was Burgundy (80's style) and the hardware was gold.

This is the after - but the bathroom is far from complete. Just wanted to blog at least a little progress!

Much better! Next up, the lights and faucets!

I'm Back!

If I have any readers out there still, thank you for sticking with me. My decision that I needed to make, but then decided to see what happened really messed with my mind, I think. It was definately a good thing to wait to see if things would improve, but it was an employment issue and no one feels good about giving up a job in this economy. Especially in Michigan! However, without going into too many details, sometimes you just KNOW it is the right decision. So, Feb. 3 was my last day at work. Never been happier. OK, that's all I'm going to say about that. This week I will be back to regular blogging - there is so much to discuss!! Like Pinterest!! OMG! I need a pintervention, seriously! So many great ideas, recipies, crafts, outfits ...... Oh, my! I have some finishes to show and I am starting a house project to redo many of our rooms. I started with the master bathroom and have some before and in progress pics to share. I am definately a beginner at this stuff, but I am having a great time trying! So, will see you this week with some updated bloggie things and I might even have a giveaway. I need to clean the craft room and that means passing on some great stuff! Stay tuned!

Thank You!

I loved all the responses I got and really liked the one about best two out of three. I think that's where I was in the decision making process. So, the decision was to see what happens next without making a decision. And, so far, it's been ok. It's good to hear what other people do in these times. Thanks!
It is a momentous day here and I must apologize to the people in my area. My youngest, number 5, took his road test and PASSED. He and Big Daddy are at the Secretary of State's office as I type getting the coveted LICENSE. How did this happen? It was only yesterday that he was a baby! Now he's a junior, football and hockey player and now a driver. Oh My.
I have pics of some projects and our mini-vacation that I will post soon. Also, went to the Casino in Canada last night for the first time (we are in a border town) and had a fabulous time. Came home with more money and that is always good. Only $12.00 more, but hey - that's fun!

Big Decisions, How do you make them?

Any help from out there is blogland on making big decisions? I have one to make regarding.......well, I can't say. I need to make a change but not sure if it's the right thing to do. Of course, I have already consulted Big Daddy, but he has basically left it up to me. It does not impact us financially (thank you Big Daddy) or anything like that, so he just says, "do what makes you happy". Problem is, I don't know that it will. I THINK it will, but do you see my problem? I wonder if any readers out there have a good way of looking at a situation and seeing what should be done. Hmmmm. I am open to suggestions. Also, I think I am going to put together a little giveaway. If I get to 50 readers, I will have a neat, stitchy gifty for one of my lucky readers. Help me out here people! Tell all your friends to sign up, even if it's only for the giveaway! LOL!

Nothing Since May?? Really??

OK, once again I am a bad blogger, but I think I am now in my new groove. For those of you who have read that before, just have pity on me. LOL! Seriously, nothing bad has been going on, just life. I love to blog and I just need to put some effort into it. I seem to have gotten lazy in several aspects of my life. That has to change.
Football season is upon us for #5, #4 is living with his sister, #3 is still working full-time and has gotten me addicted to auctions, #2 has moved home for a little while, and #1 is going to graduate from massage therapy school in Dec. Big Daddy has been working alot and I am still at the job I can't blog about.
As I mentioned, I am now addicted to auctions and we (#3 and I) go every Wednesday. I don't think I have spent over $20.00, but really had a great time. And, it's something special that we get to do together.

Isn't this a great quote? It just sort of sums up some people. It made me smile. I hope no one takes offense.

I am starting to stitch more and hope to have some pictures of finishes soon. I have 2 scarves and several cross stitches and a few pillows on the go. Very excited about these new projects. I love the internet and all the wonderful ideas out there!! If you are into crafting and love graphics, check out www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com. There are terrific graphics on that site and I am going to use one off of her blog to make a french country pillow! I just have to find the time! Well, thanks for hanging in there with me. Take care and happy crafting!!

cross stitch patterns for sale

I have the following patterns for sale -

Little House Needleworks "Bringing Home the Tree" the ornament series for 2011. This is pattern #2. Like new pattern, $4.00 + 1.50 shipping and handling

Ackworth Friendship Book pattern, also like new. This chart retails for $18.00, I will sell it for $12.00 + 2.50 shipping and handling. First comments gets the patterns and you must pay with Paypal promptly. I will have more patterns in the future - I am cleaning out a few things and I need to make room for more patterns!! LOL!

A Royal Table Setting!

I bought some napkins rings a long time ago that were very unique. They are shaped like crowns or tiaras! There were 5 but when I set my breakfast table, I only need 4. I thought maybe to use them for my granddaughter's birthday or Mother's Day or something. However, with the Royal Wedding, I set the table and used them. I love them! I totally laid out of work to watch the wedding and I even teared up a little bit! Loved everything about the day!! Here is a picture of the table and a closeup of the napkin ring.

Busy at work and stitching has been light these days. I am knitting washcloths for both of our bathrooms and that is what I am working on when I get a minute. Easy to pick up and put down. Will post some pics of the bathroom redo soon. Still have alot of work to do in there - one thing leads to another, right?

Well, will post again soon. I am starting to do couponing again and I look forward to posting the bargains I hope to get. I also have some stitching I need to start and I really am looking forward to getting some house projects done. I have to remember the before pictures - sometimes I forget!
Take care!!

Having a Wonderful Vacation!

It's Easter evening and I am having such a great time! Church this morning with the family, killer lunch afterward, successful egg hunt for the little ones and our hometown hockey team, Nashville Predators, won their game and are moving on in the Stanley Cup Playoffs! One more day here and then home Tuesday morning. I will be ready to go home. I miss #1 and pretty princess and her brother. I am really a homebody and I like routine!
Tomorrow, there will be some shopping and eating at our favorite restaurant and then the last evening with the family. I will miss them and we need to come down here more than once a year. I had a wonderful trip to the Stitching Post and got some stash. Will post pictures of the goodies when I get home.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and a blessed weekend! Take care!!

On Vacation!

Yesterday, we loaded up the mini and headed  to TN for the Easter Holidays. Had a very smooth trip down and boy, is it nice to ride with a 16 yr old, 18 yr old, 20 yr old and a 22 yr old. They all hooked up their ipods and slept most of the way. Dropped one off in Bowling Green, KY to be with the girlfriend but we will see him later in the trip.
Woke up to a thunderstorm but just now the sun popped out! Will update with some pictures later! Off to stitch in the sunshine!

OK, That's It.....

So you ever just get fed up with stuff? Not big stuff, but all the little stuff that just pecks away at you? Arghhh, that's the kind of mood that I am in. I am going to clean house, both literally and figuratively and get myself back in order. Alot of it has to do with my job. It was supposed to be a few hours a day, but has turned into a more-than-full-time sort of thing. And I am in charge, which is more stressful than you would think. Even for me and I like to be in charge. So, I am getting it together. We are going to start on some house redo's and I hope that it will be a good experience. I will blog about them and I am trying to remember to take before and after pictures. I have way to much clutter and I feel a purge coming on. Things have to change. Does this sound like a pep talk? Well, I guess it is.
Had a fun weekend - spent time with the little man and pretty princess on Saturday and Sunday drove to Southfield, MI where #5 had a hockey game for their league championships AND THEY WON! 7-2! Yeah! Big banner and trophy and Tigers tickets, oh my! Next weekend is the State Championships in Jackson, MI. Thanks for the tips on the cross stitch shop there! I look forward to going and getting some stash, for sure.
OK, off to start the first house project. Our master bathroom is (wait for it) .....carpeted. Yuck. I know. So, the carpet is coming out and new tile is going in. We will do everything else from this tile and we are very excited about the new floor. The same tile is going in the rest of the house to replace the nasty carpet, as well. Only the kitchen floor, second bath and laundry room floors are staying. They are still in good shape and they look good with the new tiles. Well, off to move stuff out of the bathroom and wait for Big Daddy to tear up the carpet! I am so excited!! Wish us luck!
Oh, the ornament tree arrived, but I haven't had a chance to put it up yet. Maybe tomorrow~!

A Great Giveaway!

Go here - http://carolyn-justonemorestitch.blogspot.com/2011/03/this-makes-me-happy-and-giveaway.html for a great giveaway and a great blog!I love giveaways and I think I should have one soon. Maybe for Easter? Hmmmm......

Still Stitching!

On my plan of stitching an ornament a month. I have a new reason - I just bought an black metal ornament tree - which is about 3 feet tall. I am thinking about getting the larger one if the price goes down any further. I can fill this baby up for sure! I ordered the black and I can't wait to get it! Maybe on payday i will get the bigger one, too. Even the smaller one is really cute! I can't wait to see it all filled up with the ornaments I am stitching. I am going tonight to buy a new memory card for my camera and then I can post some pics. My old one is filling up fast!

Not The Best Pickup Line In The World

This was overheard last night in a local gas station - "Aye, how yo babies?" He then proceeded to ask the girl to a party. She said, "Nah, been working all day. You know how it is. No, you don't but I'm tired." Too funny.
Our trip up north was successful and fun. We came in 5th place, not bad considering we played up a division and there were some kids that looked like they had a wife and children in the stands. BIG boys. Found a great little teacher's shop and got some great stuff for Easter for my work and had a fun time at the ski lodge. Last night, the boys won their semi-final game and we play next Sunday for our league championship and we are going to the state championship in Jackson! This is a busy time for hockey families, with the season winding up.
I hope to post some pictures soon of the projects I have finished and the Blackbird book I got - Divine! Take care, friends.

We're Off up North!

We're off to Gaylord Michigan for a hockey tournament. There was more snow last night here that just makes me wish for sunshine and warmer days. Packed my stitching and I am knitting a super-cute hat that I would love to finish before summer! LOL! Well, I hope to get some pictures and we are going to have a fun time. And maybe win some games. Maybe. Take care friends and thanks for the info on the stitching shops. I am saving my money for Jackson - sounds like good stash potential. I have the new Blackbird Designs book coming in the mail. I pre-ordered it before the Nashville Needlework show and it should come in the mail this weekend. Really looking forward to it. Ok, everybody wish us luck!!

A pic of some finished

Here is a picture of the ornaments that I have been finishing. Some are not completely finished, but I tend to stuff and finish several ornies at once. I am having a great time doing these. Will post more later!!

Back Again!

Now I have more reliable access to a computer and so, here's a post! My ornament a month is going great and I will post some pics hopefully tomorrow. I have more than one done for the months of Jan and Feb! I am stitching up the LHN ornaments from last year and started collecting the ones for this year. I am also starting a redwork project. I started a cute, simple hat that I am knitting. That is a good rink project! We are in the midst of playoffs in hockey and we will be doing some traveling. We are going to Gaylord Michigan in a few weeks to a resort (they have a spa and I am going to try to work extra hours to maybe plan a little pampering) and also to Jackson, MI. If anyone knows of a cross stitch shop in those two places, please let me know. I usually don't get to buy new stash until I go home to Nashville, so I'd like to see if there is somewhere I can visit in our travels.
It has been so cold and snowy here in Michigan. I am really ready for spring. I am starting the Lizzie Kate freebie "Welcome Spring" and maybe it will help spring come a little sooner.
We lost a good friend last night and she was so young. My age. She has 2 boys that are the same age as #3 and #4. She was the godmother to most of my kids. I still can't believe it. At my father-in-law's funeral last summer, I said, " We have to get together some time soon." She said, "Yes, but not at a funeral." We laughed. Ironic. The weight of sadness is so heavy. I hope that her husband and boys can cope without her. She did everything for them. I think they knew ahead of time, so I hope that they we at least somewhat prepared. Uggg. OK, enough of that.
Well, pictures tomorrow after our hockey road trip. It's a must win game for our team to move on in the playoffs. Wish us luck! See you soon, my friends, and make sure to hug the ones you love.