"Get Connected Tuesday" Blog Hop

I've joined my first blog hop!  In case any of you, like my mom lol, don't know what a blog hop is I will try to explain it.  Basically, someone decides to host the hop.  Then lots of other bloggers join.  You add your blog to the list and start visiting the other blogs.  It's a fun way to find new blogs to read, plus it's an awesome way to gain more readers for your own blog.  Here is the link in case anyone wants to check out some great blogs...



Bye,

Making a Blog Button

I've been spending the last few hours trying to figure out how to make a button for my blog.  I think I've figured it out!  Now to see if it'll work.  I'm pretty sure I have to upload the image I want to use so here it is...

I sure hope this works!  If it does than all of you will have to grab my button code and add it to your blog!  That would be great! :)

Bye,

Crazy about dishcloths!

Don't you just love to use a hand knit dishcloth to wash dishes?  I sure do!!  They are so pretty and seem to scrub so well too.  I have quite a few but they are getting pretty old looking.  Some have even gotten holes in them.  I've decided that I'm going to make some new one.  Thirty one new ones, in fact!!  I want one for every day of the month.  I'm planning on using the Grandmother's Favorite pattern since it's so quick and easy.  I am hoping to make each one of them a different color.  Our kitchen has a lot of black in it so I'll probably add some striped ones with black and various accent colors as well.  Should be fun!

First, though, I wanted to knit a couple for Ashley at college.  I was so busy working on her Hugs from Home blanket that I didn't get a chance to get the dishcloths done before we left.  On the trip to Indiana and in the hotel I did get one finished but she can't find it.  We're afraid it may have accidentally gotten thrown away.  Last week I got two knitted up for her and have included them in her first care package, which I'll be mailing tomorrow.  Here is a picture..

Bye,

I'm a Winner!

Yay!  I was a winner in a fabric giveaway that I entered!!  I hardly ever win anything so this was a pleasant surprise.  Judy, from Sew Fun Quilts, held a giveaway of four fat quarters.  One was a sewing themed print and the other three were matching solids.  I entered, but didn't really expect to win, and was so surprised when she emailed me to inform me that I'd won.  Just a few short days later the package arrived.  The fabrics are beautiful!  I think I'm going to make a tote bag with them.  Anyone have any suggestions for a great pattern?

Bye,

Feeling blue today

Today is the first day that I've actually been home alone since Ashley went to college.  We got home from our trip on Monday but Tom was off work Tuesday & Wednesday.  Today, Thursday, he's back to work.  I slept really late which helped the day go by faster.  But I'm still feeling pretty blue.  I just miss Ashley.  It's weird to not have her here with me.

I know that eventually this will get better & I just need to be patient.  I also know that I'll probably come to love having the house to myself.  I'm sure I'll get lots of crafting done & probably become a better housekeeper too, lol.  But right now, on the very first day, I'm feeling very blue.

I've tried texting Tom at work a couple times but he hasn't answered me.  I'm assuming he's just busy but hopefully it isn't because he's tired of listening to me whine.  He works 12 hour shifts so it makes for a very long day here alone.  His mom called to check on how I was doing a little while ago.  We talked for about a half hour and I felt better afterwards.

Ashley is on a roller coaster of a ride herself.  Overall I'd say she is adjusting pretty well.  There are times where she'll call and be crying, but in general she seems to be having a great time.  She's already made some new friends too, which is really good.

All of these changes are so hard to adjust to, but I know in time we will all be so happy with the new lives that we've created!  It's just getting to that point that is a little difficult sometimes!

Bye,

Inspiring Wall Art Winner!

Congratulations to Sandy!  You are the winner of Inspiring Wall Art Giveaway!!  I've forwarded your email on to the Lizzie Jane Oliver Designs Shop and you should be hearing from them soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more awesome giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back! 

Bye, 

Anyone ever wear scrubs?

I hate to admit it but I'm always looking for better ways to be comfortable.  I'm usually home, crafting away, and want to wear clothes that are comfortable and not to tight, which means I wear lots of sweats and t-shirts.  Those are great but I've been wanting more options.

Tonight I was surfing the net and came across http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/.  This looks like a great company! They sell lots of different varieties and styles of scrub sets.  They have them for men, women and even children.  I'm seriously thinking of getting some to wear around the house.  So, have any of you ever worn scrubs?  And are they comfy?

Bye,

It's finished!!

Yay - I can't believe it but I actually got the Hugs from Home afghan finished for Ashley.  We leave tomorrow morning to take her to college so I got it done just in time.  It's in the washer as we speak - sure hope it doesn't fall apart, lol!  I calculated the time it took me to knit and I came up with approximately 105 hours!  That is a lot of knitting.  I think she's going to love it though!  Here is a picture....

Check out Lauralee's Post

I got an email from Lauralee, the polo shirt giveaway #5 winner, and she's received her shirt from Crooked Brook.  She even wrote a blog post about it.  I'd love for you to go check it out.  Her blog looks really great too so you might even want to become a follower!

Bye,

Being Strong For My Now-Kindergartener

Guest post written by Deena Watson

When you're a mom you just feel for your kids, whatever they're going through. Even if it's just them falling down and skinning their knees, it still hurts you a little bit on the inside. Well, I think that this will be the first time that I'm going to be hurting more for my son because he's going off to kindergarten this school year. I knew the day was coming, but I just didn't want to cope with that and start thinking about that realistically. But now the time has come and I'm trying to really psych myself up for it so I can be happy for him instead of worrying about how much I'm hurting because my baby's growing up.

While I was online trying to find a bit of advice regarding that, I stumbled across the website cleartvbundle.com. I showed it to my husband and after we did some comparison shopping, we decided to sign up for one fo the packages that we found on there

.

I'm just going to concentrate on doing my best about preparing my son for school and helping him enjoy it. I think that way I'll worry less about myself.

Wall Art or Prints Winner!

Congratulations to Robin!  You are the winner of Wall Art or Prints Giveaway!!  I've forwarded your email on to the Modernly Vintage Shop and you should be hearing from them soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more awesome giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back!  

Crocheted Purple & White Oval Placemats Winner!

Congratulations to Roxanne!  You are the winner of Crocheted Purple & White Placemats Giveaway!!  I've sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more awesome giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back!  

Inspiring Wall Art Giveaway

I recently became acquainted with Lizzie, who runs The Lizzie Jane Oliver Designs Shop.  She sells a wide range of beautiful and inspiring wall art and prints in many sizes.  Today she is offering an 8x10 or 5x7 print of your choice as a giveaway.  Yep, that is right, you get to pick whichever one you want!  Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what they offer…

Awesome, right?  So, you want to know how to win?  Here are the many ways to enter, one entry for each thing you do, and please don't forget to leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you.....

1) Comment below on your favorite item at The Lizzie Jane Oliver Desgin Shop.

2) Be a follower of this blog & leave me a comment that you are.

3) Visit The Lizzie Jane Oliver Design Shop, add it to your favorites on Etsy and leave me a comment that you have.

4) “Like” the Lizzie Jane Oliver Art Prints page on Facebook and leave me a comment that you have.

Easy, right?  Now here are the rules..

Contest ends at midnight (eastern standard time) 8/16/11.
Prize will be shipped to winner within 30 days of contest end.
You must be 18 years or older to win.
US residents only, recipients must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous states.

Have fun and good luck!!

Bye,

Lisa

Pumpkin Cap Winner!

Congratulations to Colin!  You are the winner of Pumpkin Cap Giveaway!!  I've sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more awesome giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back! 

Bye,

Perfect Pink Birdie Barrettes Winner!

Congratulations, Michelle!  You are the winner of the Perfect Pink Birdie Barrettes Giveaway!  I've sent you an email & look forward to hearing back from you.  Thanks again to everyone else for entering.  Be sure to keep an eye out for lots of upcoming awesome giveaways!

Bye,
Lisa

Wall Art or Prints Giveaway

I recently became acquainted with The Modernly Vintage Shop.  They sell a wide range of modern and vintage wall art and prints in many sizes.  Today they are offering a print of your choice as a giveaway.  Yep, that is right, you get to pick whichever one you want!  Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what they offer…

Awesome, right?  So, you want to know how to win?  Here are the many ways to enter, one entry for each thing you do, and please don't forget to leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you.....

1) Comment below on your favorite item at The Modernly Vintage Shop.

2) Be a follower of this blog & leave me a comment that you are.

3) Visit The Modernly Vintage Shop, add it to your favorites on Etsy and leave me a comment that you have.

Easy, right?  Now here are the rules..

Contest ends at midnight (eastern standard time) 8/11/11.
Prize will be shipped to winner within 30 days of contest end.
You must be 18 years or older to win.
US residents only, recipients must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous states.

Have fun and good luck!!

Bye,

Afghan update

I've been knitting away and I thought it would be nice to do an update on my progress.  I am almost halfway finished!  Yesterday was a very interesting knitting day.  I was able to knit for 7.5 hours!!  Isn't that awesome?!?  I'm thankful to have the flexibility in my life to be able to drop everything and just knit when I want to.  Here is an updated picture of my progress...

There was a time yesterday where I was completely stressed though.  I was knitting along happily and my circular needle broke.  The tip separated from the tubing!  I had stitches on the tubing, loose stitches hanging, and stitches on the tip.  Talk about stressful!!  I was able to get it straighten out though and everything turned out fine.  I have to admit, though, that my heart was beating out of my chest for quite some time afterwards, lol!

In case any of you were wondering, I've been in contact with a couple wonderful women on Ravelry who are sending me some of the dark brown yarn that I needed!  Crafters are the best - so generous!!!  I should be set with enough yarn to complete the blanket now.  Of course, the real issue is getting it finished.  I think I'll be knitting like a crazy woman for the next two weeks.

Well, time to get this laptop turned off and focus on the knitting needles!  It's a good think though - who wouldn't want to spend the day knitting and watching television.  Especially since I'm getting to spend time with Ashley before she leaves for college!  Off to knit.....

Bye,

Crocheted Purple & White Oval Placemats Giveaway

I recently became acquainted with Kim, who runs The Karnival of Krafts Shop.  She makes and sells a wide variety of awesome crocheted, knitted, quilted & items as well as scrapbooking supplies.  Today she has graciously offered a fantastic set of four “Crocheted Purple & White Oval Placemats” for a giveaway.  They are so pretty and would look just great on your table!  Here is a picture...

Awesome, right?  So, you want to know how to win?  Here are the many ways to enter, one entry for each thing you do, and please don't forget to leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you.....

1) Comment below on your favorite item at The Karnival of Krafts Shop.

2) Become a follower of this blog & leave me a comment that you are.

3) Visit The Karnival of Krafts Shop, add it to your favorites on Etsy and leave me a comment that you have.

4) “Like” the Karnival of Krafts page on Facebook and leave me a comment that you have.

Easy, right?  Now here are the rules..

Contest ends at midnight (eastern standard time) 8/10/11.
Prize will be shipped to winner within 30 days of contest end.
You must be 18 years or older to win.
US residents only, recipients must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous states.

Have fun and good luck!!

Bye,

Pumpkin Cap Giveaway!

I recently became acquainted with Margaret, who runs The Country Daisy Designs Shop.  She makes and sells a wide variety of awesome crocheted items as well as some vintage pieces she’s picked up along the way.  Today she has graciously offered an adorable "Pumpkin Cap" for a giveaway.  It is just adorable & can be made for an adult or child, your choice!  Here is a picture...

Awesome, right?  So, you want to know how to win?  Here are the many ways to enter, one entry for each thing you do, and please don't forget to leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you.....

1) Comment below on who you’d give the hat to or if you’d keep it for yourself.

2) Become a follower of this blog & leave me a comment that you are.

3) Visit The Country Daisy Designs Shop, add it to your favorites on Etsy and leave me a comment that you have.

Easy, right?  Now here are the rules..

Contest ends at midnight (eastern standard time) 8/09/11.
Prize will be shipped to winner within 30 days of contest end.
You must be 18 years or older to win.
US residents only, recipients must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous states.

Have fun and good luck!!

Bye,

Chef Coat Giveaway # 9 Winner

Congratulations to Henria!  You are the winner of Chef Coat Giveaway # 9!!  I've sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more Chef Coat Giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back!  If you can’t wait, contact Crooked Brook  for men's and women’s chef coats.

Please help if you can!

HI everyone,

I’m in a terrible pickle and I’m just praying that someone can help me. I’m afraid I’m not going to have enough of one of the colors. It is Peaches & Creme, worsted weight cotton and the color is a dark brown. The label inside the cone says "121-Chocolate".  Here are a couple pictures to let you know the color..

I really don’t know how much I need. I had two cones that were basically full. I’m at the end of the first one and not to the halfway point of the brown yet. So I know I’m going to run out. I am begging any of you, if you please have some you are willing to part with let me know. The problem, of course, is that I need it ASAP. We’re leaving August 19 to take her to college so I am really hoping to have the blanket finished by then.

Thanks so much for reading this and please let me know if you can help! I’m hoping this afghan will be like a hug from home for her when she is missing her dad and I.

Bye, 

Perfect Pink Birdie Barrettes Giveaway!

I recently became acquainted with Gwen, who runs The Little Faerie Shop.  She makes and sells a wide variety of items including jewelry and hair accessories.  Today she has graciously offered a pair of "Perfect Pink Birdie Barrettes" for a giveaway.  They are just adorable & would be great for anyone!  Here is a picture...

Awesome, right?  So, you want to know how to win?  Here are the many ways to enter, one entry for each thing you do, and please don't forget to leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you.....

1) Comment below on how you would use these barrettes.

2) Become a follower of this blog & leave me a comment that you are.

3) Visit The Little Faeries Shop, add it to your favorites on Etsy and leave me a comment that you have.

4) "Like" The Little Faeries Shop on Facebook and leave me a comment that you did.

Easy, right?  Now here are the rules..

Contest ends at midnight (eastern standard time) 8/08/11.
Prize will be shipped to winner within 30 days of contest end.
You must be 18 years or older to win.
US residents only, recipients must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous states.

Have fun and good luck!!

Bye,

Polo Shirt -Golf Shirt Giveaway #5 Winner

Congratulations to Lauralee!!!  You are the winner of Polo Shirt Giveaway # 5!!  I've sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more Polo Shirt Giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back!  If you can’t wait, contact Crooked Brook  for polo shirts or golf shirts.

Chef Coat Giveaway # 8 Winner

Congratulations to Lauren!  You are the winner of Chef Coat Giveaway # 8!!  I've sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon.  Everyone else....don't be discouraged because there will be lots more Chef Coat Giveaways coming up soon.  Remember to keep checking back!  If you can’t wait, contact Crooked Brook  for men's and women’s chef coats.