Essential oils gift body butter

Body Butter  yummy moisturizer for your skin. All natural. 

 Whipped and dreamy combination

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Set and ready to whip

Melted then cooled

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Roll out the Welcome

In the small town of Hubbard, Texas we were looking for ways to encourage growth.
After a couple of meetings with the EDC, different committees brainstormed ways to  make a difference. The small group I was in became the Welcome Committee. We decided to make gift
Baskets that would share information with new residents. The first year we made a dozen
Or so and then went back to fine tune the idea once those were given out. This is the result of
Making the most of our resources to help new residents connect.

Essential oils

 I have been diffusing essential oils for a couple of months now. It has made a great deal of difference in the way I feel and the way I sleep. Essential oils by Young living oils are  pure therapeutic grade.  I enjoy the lavender lemon and peppermint out at night for a restful sleep.  So far I have experimented with carrier oils making natural body butter moisturizers with some success using coconut oil as the main ingredient. I guess it is safe to say I'm a believer.

So much has changed since 2011,
Where to begin. First, I got a long arm quilting machine, after making 12 quilts and gifting them, I sold that and have been doing less sewing and more reading
.
A new residence a new town and new friends have been a Godsend. I focused on the things I can do something about, and  leave the rest up to the Creator. It has been a time of growth and some grief. The loss of a marriage and a home, has grown into a new home and life of depending on God for literally every good thing that has blessed me. The loss of a relative (sister) not through death but misunderstanding. The loss of relationship of her choosing makes it no less hurtful. This too shall pass.
Lots of forgiveness has been given, and the most important one I forgave was myself. For not always getting it right. Hard as I tried some decisions were better than others.  Isn't that the way it is for most of us?
Going on three years here in the new place, downsized and still keeping on. Some of the best things in life are the times you spend with family. Made several trips to see the grandchildren, and grown son and daughter, made lots of memories.
Looking forward to more road trips, and campfires with my extended family of Sisters and lots of happy new memories. Hope to see you on the road sometime or at a campout!
Peace and Love!

Natural foods and drying/dehydration

As of this year I have a new found facination with dried foods. So as of today my new dehydrator arrived and I unpacked and quickly loaded it with banana chips and fresh pineapple.  2 hours to go until they will be ready. (hopefully anyway). So here it is, w/5 of the 8 trays. I chose the Nesco Gardenmaster because of its powerful 1000 watt motor and larger size. the temp is adjustable, and it comes with many extras including a recipie book and Drying Foods book. More later.  It occured to me I had neglected my blog until today, so... back on track. thanks Mary L for the reminder.

Vintage Photo gift pillow

Several years ago, my daughter, the one that adores photography, gave me a very special gift. I treasure this because it is one of the earliest pictures I have with my mother.  My daughter made this into a keepsake pillow for me, and today, I felt like taking it out and treasuring it and taking my own picture of it to share. So easy I love the way this is done.  Take your own favorite picture, print it out in reverse on transfer paper, Iron it on, and create your own.

Baby Opossum surprised me!

As I was walking out the back door, imagine my surprise when this little critter looked up at me, glad I turned on the porch light! I stomped my feet to scare it away, it went in the bushes, shrubs.  Not sure who was more surprised it or me!  I was going out to take a picture of the pattern cases I have been organizing, so I had the camera with me.  What luck, I caught a couple pictures of it.  But here is the recent pattern cases I got from my sweet mother in law.

Sewing tips from the past

Found this while reading other blogs, just had to share it- smiling all the while.  I never wear lipstick when I sew.  Some days the biggest decision I make is whether or not to get out of my PJ's.  It's all about the creative process.

Fall Decor

This neat table runner was made from Vinyl scrap, and fall flowers taken apart and stitched down. Very easy.  I am also going to make one using silk leaves, fall colors, and then consider, possibilities for spring, summer, and winter.

Fall is in the air

Since July---that is the last time I posted to this blog.  Summer has finally made an exit and it is pleasant to be outdoors. I have made some improvements to the back yard lately, including the removal of the hot tub and have reclaimed the deck.  Now for dining and evenings by the Fire pit, it will be used more often.   It is nice to sit outdoors and write, and enjoy a morning cup of coffee.  During the heat of the summer, I have polished the Airstream, completed the reno, and we took our first trip to the coast.  It was a beastly summer of sweltering heat, but none the less, chores are there to be done.  Done, they are.  Now for some relaxing and enjoying the fall weather. I got back intoo the studio for the first time, yesterday.  Sewing makes my heart sing.  I love creating new things, and dreaming of the possibilities.  More later.

Renovating our Airstream

After putting it on the market for a month, It did not sell.  I am glad, because that gives me the opportunity to really re do it.  First off, Out with the old flooring, and in with new laminate.  Out with the original sofa, in with 2 comfy chairs. Still deciding which ones to use. So then on to the all new painted interior. Really makes a big difference. To date, I am approximately 3/4 finished..  Ordered the fabric for the custom drapes that I will make, and the G-slides that hold them in the original track.  I am excited about  making them, to truly give it the custom look I am going for. It is my desire to find a good graphic artist, to do some airbrush work on the exterior.  If I can't find one, well I will consider doing it myself.
this photo is a preview of where I am for now. Living room~more to follow after completion.

Serger Bag and the dress it goes with

While visiting with a friend in NY, I went to her work one day with her, and saw this really cute serger bag, this is my interpretation of it-

Sundresses

 for my Great granddaughter, Lily, I made these two. She is 3 now, and full of energy.  These shoud serve her well, and be cool enough for the hot Texas summers. See link below for instructions and pattern, from Sewing with Nancy
http://www.nancysnotions.com/category/id/101962/102983.do?extid=100626

Vintage Airstream 76-front view

going into the Sewing Zone

For the last 3 days, literally I have been sewing. My trip to N Y inspired me to get back at it. After seeing my friends Great Viking/Husqvarna sewing machine, and finding some really great patterns, on sale, I just could not wait to sit down and sew.  Here are 3 of the things I have made so far.  Still have lots of Ideas and lots of fabrics to decide on. My way of relaxing....

Trip to New York 2010

Well it was just about perfect. Great weather, good friend, and lots to see and do. After spending the day walking and seeing and doing, everything, we managed to get back home, I have to say, I understand why people wear the T shirt that says, I  heart NY.  I even bought a couple.  Many great  experiences, and very friendly people on the subway and on the train.  I must say I was most impressed with just how clean the city was.  One would think that after walking around in the flip flops all day, well, you know, usually the result is dirty feet.   Mine were just majorly swollen. but clean as they were when I started the day, Amazing, that a city so large has made such a great improvements in that area.

A trip to New York

With graduation quickly approaching, It will be exciting to see my old and dear friend in NY.  But, first, my wonderful Daughter in law will be pinned, full RN in 2010.  She has worked so hard to make this happen, and I am so proud of all her accomplishments!  We are going to see Emily graduate the PA program at RIT soon, and are also very proud of her!  I am looking forward to spending a couple days with a dear friend that has relocated to NY, and seeing some new things. The drive there, not so much, but I know it will be a great experience. Summer is just around the corner, and am excited about all the outdoor activities that go with it.

a visit with my granddaughter

My 3rd grandchild, Casey, has been here with us for some much needed R & R.  She is such a joy to be with.  We have done a whole lot of relaxing, garage sales, and just spending time together.  It is not often that a young person can just relax and enjoy the downtime.  She is unique. Memorable moments with her as she develops and notices the changes of pregnancy, are precious. I enjoy her so much.

a new direction but still crafting

 whole month since my last post, I have been busy.  Grands to visit and things to catch up on, and started a new venture with my own house cleaning service.  quite literally fell into it, and realized, I like the schedule, because I can make it my own. still need to find the time to till and plant the garden. more later, hopefully.

Learning to Embroidery

Well, actually, I am learning to operate the  Brother Embroidery machine I bought a few years ago. Not particularly expensive,  but capable of lots of things.  Just had to have it then, and then did not have time to use it.  Now, I have time.  So I spent some time downloading designs, transferring to the card reader, to the card- and Voila!  just pick the design you want and go for it. So, I did monogram my little apron that I wear when I clean, and experimented with a few other ideas. In all, I am satisfied that I at least sat down, and reacquainted myself with this little jewel.