Valentines Day is for children

Remember when you were little (way back in the day) when you didn't go to the store for those boxes of Valentines card, but instead you got out the construction paper and paste?  I thought those days were over, but our youngest boy proved me wrong.  Sunday evening we picked up the cards for the kids school parties and then spent last night tearing them apart, and signing them all.  This morning, our youngest foster son gave this to our daughter.

On the outside he wrote in pencil "Happy Valentines Day Hanna". (yes he spelled her name wrong, but he usually called her Anna, heehee). And on the inside he wrote "I hope you have a good day". Now how sweet is that??? It helps me to forget the bickering, and Hannah was so touched, she stuck it center-stage on the fridge.  So go on,  tell the special people in your life that you love them, and do it everyday, not just on Valentines Day.

Debbi

Monday Besteam Sunshine

I can't complain about our winter weather this year...no snow and only a little cold.  But while it's been warmer than normal, I look out my window and everything is still brown or dull green.  I like color.  I like heat.  I like sunshine, so here is an Etsy treasury made up of wonderful ex-BESTeam buddies that brought some sunshine into my life.

'put a little sunshine in your life' by ourhometoyours

a collection of old BESTeam buddies that made my days brighter.

Large Vintage Style Cha... OffTheWallExpr... $20.00	Silly little Duck and F... FlutteringFlow... $4.00	Coconut Lemongrass Shea... mossycreeksoap... $5.95	Earrings - Vintage Insp... Plumbeadacious $12.00
Yellow Butterfly Gift T... UpcycleRecycle... $3.75	Beaded Bookmark, Book C... Gilliauna $16.00	Vintage Yellow Funky Ca... WayfaringMagno... $50.00	Yellow Agate Earrings w... HeadpinWear $25.00
Yellow Flower w Amber C... MysticWynd $31.95	The Canary and The Spar... LittlePeachFuz... $7.00	Golden Yellow Fabric Fl... youaremysunshi... $12.00	ZigZag Funky Felt Flowe... FunkyFeltFlowe... $12.00
Feather Earrings, Yello... waterwaif $22.00	Pink Lemonade Button Br... clevercrafter $16.00	Vegan Unscented Fizzing... JustTheGoods $5.00	Coffee Carafe Free Moti... TiLTcreations $21.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

What puts the sunshine in your day?  See y'all tomorrow.

Debbi

a relaxing Thursday.

Amanda and I did something today that we haven't done in a very long time...we took the day off!  No kids, no work, no laptops.  Just her and I and the open road.  Ok, I admit, I took along a crochet scarf to work on while she was driving, but that's not "real" work, lol.  Amanda found a dresser she liked on facebook, so we went on a search to Curiosity in Blowing Rock, NC.  First we got a little lost, but getting lost in Blowing Rock is fun....this summer it will be time for another trip to walk the Main Street to see all the new shops.  Anyway, the shop Curiosity has some really neat items there, and next door to it was another neat shop, The Incredible Toy Company....that totally deserves another trip after payday.  I am one of those people that prefer educational board games.  Then my wonderful daughter treated me to lunch at Applebees, their 2 for $20 made it a great deal, we were stuffed.  During this time together we just talked and laughed.  It's great when your daughter is also your friend!
But now it's back to work, I jumped on a Blog/Fanpage Hop hosted by Theresa at Chatter from Texas, so if you're looking for some new blogs to follow, or are looking for new followers yourself, join me there.

 

I've put a permanent link to this Thursdays Get Together on my linky-party tab, so you can come on over anytime.  And I'll see you all tomorrow.

Luv ya's,

Debbi

 

We love our cats

I have almost always had a cat in my life, and my children (especially Amanda) has inherited my love of all things feline.  Right now she has a grey tabby named Droopy.  He's named that because he is probably the laziest of cats in history.  Droopy is now up in age and very ill, he can't keep food down, and is nothing but bones, but still loves to just sit and be loved.  So, because I know that the end is near for Droopy, and will be hard for Amanda, let me share some of my favorite pictures of Droopy from when he was young and healthy.  And when you read this, please say a little prayer for Amanda, because if you have ever loved a pet, you'll understand.

"Look, out the window, should I chase that bird?"

"Naaaaah."

No box, or basket, was safe from Droopy.  He could sleep anywhere at anytime.  Stuff still in the box?  So what, he'd climb in anyway.

 Ok, is that ham I smell?"  He would wait till he thought we weren't looking, then slip his paw up and steal from the plate.

Now go hug and pet your pet.  All they desire is your attention, and what they give in return can make all your problems just disappear.

Debbi

the Best Hearts have it!

We all know that as retailers (I don't like that word, we are NOT walfart) we artisans that sell our creations need to think ahead when creating items for our customers, so with that in mind, I would like to share with you some lovely heart items from 3 of my Etsy BESTeam buddies that you can order now and be ready for Valentines Day.  Or you can "share" this post with your one and only so they can surprise you next month, haha.  And the first one up to share her heart is...

Sandy from Sandy's Handmade Soaps and Things.  As you can tell by her shop name, Sandy sells soaps, but she also sells other things, like knitting markers and jewelry.  These frosted heart earrings are very cute, and perfect for those parents (like me) that likes to give our children gifts on Valentines day.  Yeah, I know, it's suppose to be about adult couples, but come on, I love my little girl too.  You can check out her other items, and find Sandy at these sites.

Etsy / Blog



I absolutely love these Silver Heart earrings created by Irith from Riorita.  She is a silversmith and a goldsmith, and handhammered these earrings.  What an amazing talent!  Plus she lives in Israel, which is one of the few places I would love to visit....and she gets to watch peacocks and geese outside her windows while creating her beautiful items.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?  Check her out here..

Etsy / Blog / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Tumbler

And last, but not least, there's Claire.  Her shop is Blue and White Wear.  Claire is an American that lives overseas.  First in Thailand, where she discovered a love of oriental items and styles, and now she calls South America her home.  I chose these adorable Simply Hearts Wine Charms mostly because I love the colors.  Crisp and clean, the perfect way to track your glass of wine, or in my case, Pepsi.  Yes, I drink soda out of my "good" glasses because I don't see why we wait for special holidays to use those special items.  Every day is special to me.  Look for Claire here.

Etsy / Blog / Twitter

So now we're ready for Valentines Day.  And if you really want that "perfect" relationship....make everyday Valentines Day with the people you love.

Debbi





The BESTeam is a group of artist/bloggers that have become friends while sharing, supporting, and promoting each others endeavors in our shops an on our blogs.  So....

If you are an Etsy artisian that likes to blog, check out the BESTeam on Etsy.

If you are a blogger that happens to sell on Etsy, check out the Besteam blog.

Saturday Shopping Link Up - country trips

I love me some John Denver....YEEEHAAA!

This weeks party theme is country life and/or motorcycle trip.  If you're wondering why, read yesterdays post here.  Now Chuck didn't come home with the tractor, yet, so we still have time to save my vacation...and when we do I think I'll wear this...

I love this Pink Dots Western Jumper Halter dress! But I just discovered that it's a child's dress, so I can't wear it, hahahaha. I wonder if the creator behind the Lil' Bug Clothing shop could enlarge this pattern....a lot!  Probably not...so I'll just have to order it for one of my great-granddaughters.

I now have a shop on the HandmadeArtistsShop site as well as on Etsy, and it was there that I found this great Leather Handbag in the shop of Woods Saddlery.  This handbag (or purse as us yankees would call it) would not only look great when I go sightseeing in Baton Rouge, but the style is just enough to let every one know that I'm just a country girl at heart.

And since I want to take this trip on our motorcycle, (haha no room for children) I had to add a bikers touch to this post, so I vroomed over to Zibbet (I have an empty shop there, lol) to see what I could find, and I found this Coat Rack Silhouette by Cabin Hollow.  I like this one because this is pretty close to what our bike looks like, plus I can hang my new handbag / purse on it. :~D

OK, now it's your turn, link up your choice of blog and/or shop item, and please feel free to link up more than one.  Be sure to share this party with your friends, because the more the merrier!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see y'all Monday!
Debbi

my dilemma

Good morning, friends....I need some help.  As you know we have a horse.  Actually Hannah has a Shetland pony that she doesn't ride, so in reality, I have an oversized dog that follows me around and looks for treats in my pocket.  And you would not believe the amount of manure one smallish pony can make; and there is my dilemma.  I have been planning (dreaming of, hoping for) a motorcycle trip (no kids, yea!!!!) to Baton Rouge LA for the Jimmy Swaggert Easter Campmeeting in April, but yesterday, Chuck informed me that since Tater Tot (the pony) has a favorite spot to use as his restroom, the manure has gotten thick.  And our tractor is old and dead.  So now he's looking to get a new/used tractor.  Which means no money for LA.  "That's just NOT FAIR" I cried (in my best little girl voice), but to no avail, he's looking for a tractor.  So do you think he would accept any of these tractors from Etsy so we can keep our money for the trip?

Antique Farm Tractor from Katwelder,    Apple Farm Tractor 2 from Simply Superior,    Antique Tractor from Puzzimals. 

No?????  How about if I wore this???

 

Farm Tractor Garter from Sheer Satin and Lace

So, here's where I need your help.  Tomorrow come back for my linky party, and link up all your items or blogs that have anything to do with farms, tractors, horses, motorcycles, trips, Louisiana...you get the idea!

Love y'all!

Debbi

the best flowers ever!

I don't know about you...but I am so ready for spring, because I know summertime is just around the corner.  The best thing about spring are all the newly budding flowers, so here are some flowers from my BESTeam buddies, and these flowers will never wilt!

Chicky D's is sprouting all over with flowers and colors.  Danielle's newest additions to her craft expertise are pillows, and this Pastel Flowers with Bubbles Pillow is just bursting with spring feeling.  Grab your latest gardening magazine and snuggle this pillow, and you'll soon forget about the snow outside your window.

Etsy / Danizabeth / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

How about some flowers to wear?  Faith from StitchPrincess whips up a wonderful Pink Roses Apron, in addition to many other wonderful clothing items, and shares them with us in her shop.  So when your done with your gardening magazine, grab this apron and your cookbook and whip up some homemade soup and bread.  (Another Besteam member Annie loves to bake bread!)  You'll find Faith here... Etsy / Blog / Facebook 

Look what I found in the Joy's shop, JoyFlower!  Flowers! You will find the most amazing and gorgeous hand painted silk scarfs in this shop.  Joy created this Pink Dogwood Square Scarf to positively explode with spring...I bet if you tried, you could smell spring on this scarf.  Be sure to check out the rest of her items, you won't be disappointed.

Etsy / Blog / Facebook / Flickr

Now if your an Etsy artisan looking for a great team to support and promote you, check out the Besteam.  You'll love us. :)

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - relaxing

With the fun, and stress, of the Christmas season, what do you do to de-stress and relax?  I personaly like to sit with a nice cup of tea and a crochet hook (or a game on my laptop).  Here are a few items I found to help us all relax...

This relax pillow in charcoal grey looks so comfy...snuggle up against it with a good book, or a good blog...and if the color is not for you, hop over to the shop Honey Pie Design for other great pillows to complete your home decor.

And speaking of tea, we have personally ordered from the loose leaf before, I got Amanda some tea for her digestive track, and she enjoys it.  So if you don't sleep well, try this Organic Skullcap tea for your insomnia.  Your loose tea comes with a reusable cloth teabag.


Now let me show you relaxed....Owen spent the night last night and stayed up late to watch Wipeout with Gamma and Poppa.  Yes, he has our off-center sense of humor.  Then he got up at 6am when the other kids left for school, so by afternoon, he was tired delirious.  We had to take Hannah to an appointment, and there was an oh-so overstuffed and comfortable couch in the lobby.  Here is how Owen waited for his aunt...

He started sitting up, but when I nudged him, he just fell over...poor kid, I laughed!  And I'm sorry for the poor quality...I took these with my cell phone, and then I couldn't get them off the phone to my laptop, so I had to email it to myself. heehee.

Ok, so now for our party...as you know, the theme is relaxing...so link up anything you sell, or even your blog posts, that you find relaxing.  You can even go ahead and link up someone else who helps you relax.  Then share, share, share!

Debbi

join the parties...linky that is!

As most of you know, I host a linky party here on my blog every Saturday.  Today I wanted to invite you to another linky party...I join this shop hop twice every month.  It's a great place to "advertise", and just a fun place to be, so click on the box below and join me there.



Also, Amanda and I would like to ask all our friends for some advise.  We are going to start this New Year with a new website, and shops, and a total re-brand!  So, what do you think would be a good new name?  I was looking for something shorter (to fit on my car windows, lol) and easier to remember, and that tells people just what we are about...so I was thinking
1.) HomeCrafts (not available as a (dot)com )
2.) OurHomeCrafts (available as a (dot) com)
3.) OHTY
4.) Ourhometoyourscrafts (too long?)

So, please leave a comments and let us know what you think....and if you have any other suggestions, please share them with us!

Thanks for being our friends, and we love you!
Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - your favorite reading

This week I've decided to mix things up a bit.  Instead of linking up shops and items for sale, we're going to link up some of our favorite blogs.  Here's some I love to follow...

The Weekend Photo Warrior.  I started following her when I joined a blogging club.  Theses clubs are great for finding new blogs to read and share.

Then there's Sarah...her blog, chasing the nuns, is full of stories of her family and her great knitting.

One of my favorite bloggers is also a member of the BESTeam...Annie.  She writes Dough, Dirt & Dye.  Her writing style pulls you in, and she will cover most any subject.  Love it!

I don't usually read "big" bloggers, but I am addicted to The Confessions of a Pioneer Woman.

And the newest blog I now follow is Always Becoming.  It's still a "small" blog, but she has started a short story challenge, and chapter 1 was so good, I'm hooked waiting for chapter 2.  You will be too.

These are just a short list of the blogs I follow.  Trust me, I am not just "a follower"...I only follow those blogs I truly find interesting...and I even subscribe to a few that I totally love.  So you will not be disappointed by the ones I chose to share today.  Now it's your turn...link up your favorite blog, and don't forget to link up your own.  We can all use some new reading material for 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

debbi

Hello Capsteam

Let's take a look at what's been happening at the CAPSteam lately....

Roxanne from WatercolorsNmore is in a lilac mood today.  She just listed this very pretty Wisteria note card and Amethest wire wrapped pendant.  One of my favorite things about living in the south is the sight, and smell, of the Wisteria in the spring.  It just covers everything, I wish it would last all summer long!

Gloria from needlepointnmore will wake you up with this bright yellow dishcloth, a set of 3 to brighten your kitchen.  And you'll find these one-of-a-kind original artwork thank you cards from the shop of EarendilCollectibles.  They are offered in a set of 6 cards.

Now that we've done some shopping...let's do some reading.  The latest blog posts are...

Friday Fun and more from Christie Cottage.  I gotta tell you, I love her Friday posts.  They are sure to start your day with a smile, if not a complete belly laugh.

 I am a new follower of Alway Becoming by Courtney Rae Troup from the Book Craft.  Her latest post is the start of a short story...and I am already looking forward to next week's chapter.

So stop by and visit these wonderful shops and blogs, and start your TGIF with a smile.

Debbi

For tomorrow's link up party, I think we'll shoot for linking up our blogs...what do you think?



The scary blue woman

One of our favorite family pastimes is to go antiquing, and one of our favorite local shops is Treasure Cove in Taylorsville, NC.  While wandering thru there we met....HER!!!!

Ok, I know that art is subjective and all that stuff....but a door knocker???? Really????  This was Hannah's reaction.

On a lighter note....look at my new shoes!!!!

I am now about 2 inches taller than Chuck! hahaha.

Love y'all.

Debbi

And before I forget...if you are an animal lover, particularly dogs, go visit Bubby and Bean.  You won't be sorry.  http://www.bubbyandbean.com/2011/12/my-only-birthday-wish.html