I'm Just Rambling On

It's been a busy past couple of weeks, too busy actually.  What ever happened to the slow "dog days of summer".  Remember as a kid that summer was stretched before us as a long lovely season of nothing but sleeping in, playing with friends, and just having fun?  There should be a rule that when we become adults, our to-do lists should become null and void during the summer. Yeah, I wish, :0)

So, would you like to know what's up in my little patch of sunshine?  Over the winter I watched all 7 seasons of Clean House on Netflix, so of course I had to purge my house and have a yard sale.  It took me weeks to sort through all my "stuff".  It's amazing how much "stuff" you can accumulate over the course of 15 years.  But the yard sale was good, and my house is a little less cluttered.  Now to relax with my family and look forward to new summer challenges.

This past Tuesday we took the kids to our local water park.  Yes, we have a pool, but at only $5 per person, it was a nice family outing.  Of course, I forgot my camera so I didn't get the great shots of Chuck and Hannah on the water slides or the lazy river, but I just had to catch this on my cell phone.  It tickled my funny bone, which is not that difficult.

And yesterday Hannah and I hosted a girls jewelry making party for our homeschool group.  Of course, I forgot to get out my camera, but we did have a good time.  I loved seeing the next generation of artists and jewelry designers explore the wonderful world of beads.

Yesterday I also got my square reader in the mail....so I am ready for the craft show season.  Tonight I'll be scoping out our local farmers market, and making a list of local craft shows to visit and/or participate in.  The problem with southern craft shows is the HEAT!  I'll probably stick with the local farmers markets, because they are cheaper, and in the evening or early morning when it's cooler.  Plus I can go as many weeks as I like, and even skip a week or two if I have a scheduling conflict.

AND, as part of my blog book review commitments, I received this new book from Random House Publishing.  I am so excited and can't wait to learn new techniques.  Look for my review on this book in a few weeks.

 

So, how has your summer been so far?  Hot?  Busy?  Are you in any local craft shows?

Tell me, what's up in your little patch of sunshine?

 

Be blessed,

Debbi



Getting ready for summer? Let me help.

I love to share handmade items here my blog, but they are usually from another shop/seller.  Well, today I'm going to toot my horn a little, and share some items from my shop at The Craft Star for summer. 

How about this Bright Neon Ruffle Scarf for starters? I created this scarf with Red Heart yarn, and I adjusted the pattern a bit so this scarf is long (71") and light and easy to wear in the summer time.  It can be yours for only $20.00.

This small bright yellow crochet handbag is a cute 8-1/2" by 9", just right for the essentials you might need sightseeing. This purse is lined so there are no worries about anything poking through the textured crochet pattern.  Only $35.00.  **if yellow is not your color, I can make this in any color, or size, you desire, just ask.**

Here's a wild and fun way to accent those short shorts, an orange and yellow woven belt, reminiscent of the 60's and 70's.  Groovy, huh? You can read about this creation here.  It can be yours for only $20.00

Lastly, here is a bracelet I created with multi-colored shell pieces.  Each shell was individually attached to a double looped silver plated chain, and closes with silver swivel lobster claw.  It measures 7" long, but I can create one for you in any length you need.  This bracelet sells for $22.00.  I also have a matching pair of earrings for $15.00.

So now I'm done tooting.  If you're in a shopping mood (window or otherwise) check out these items, and other shops, over at The Craft Star.  Remember, when you shop handmade, you're supporting small business and getting quality items.

Be blessed,

Debbi

My Friday Finds for Pool Time

Even with the seemingly never-ending rainy days lately, my husband noticed an excessive amount of water under the pool deck.  When we took the cover off, and yep, the pool was almost empty.  So Hannah and I did a search, and found a pin hole about the size of a nail.  Hard to believe that so much water leaked out of that little hole. lol.  But I'm glad that it was only a small hole and not a tear or rip, because who's got the money to replace a pool now?  I know we don't...and with our southern summer temps, we can't live without our pool.  So now it's fixed, and today we start to fill it again.  While I'm waiting for, and planning, our first pool party, let's see what I can find to make our "beach" area ready for summer.

I love the colors of this glass cheese tray, and that flip flop knife is the perfect touch.  It was created to resemble a beach towel , and for a limited time, this tray comes with a wooden stand so you can enjoy the beauty of the glass even when you're not using it.  You can find this tray, and much more, in the Handmade Artists shop of the Glass Niche.

These sea horse hooks are just too cool!  I need to hang them on the outside wall of my studio, no more wet towels for me.  The kids tend to climb up on the deck, drop their towels and then jump in.  Afterwards they try to grab my towel because theirs are wet, now I can say "back off kids!" hahaha

I found these in the Etsy shop of Rejuvenated Creations. 

And lastly I took a stroll over at The Craft Star, and while searching "beach"...BAM...I found this totally awesome orange crochet blouse.   What a great cover up for pool side, and still very dressy for a night out with hubby (and no kids!). You can find this in the shop of Bluestockinette, along with a bunch of other amazing products...for adults and kids, and home too. 

Ok, that's enough shopping for today...time to fill the pool!

Last one in is a rotten egg!!!!!

Be blessed,

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

I'm ready for summer

Now, I am not one to complain (much), and while the weather here has been wonderful for winter, I am sooo ready for summer.  And to that end, let me share with you some past summer days with the kids, and some shops with great summer items.  Now first, at the end of last summer, we found an amazing water park right here in Statesville.  We have lived here for just over 12 years and never knew about this place, the Statesville Leisure Pool.  It's part of the cities parks and recreation, and for only $6.00 per person, it is a very affordable all day mini-vacation with your family.  Bring your own coolers with food to eat (outside the park) or purchase something at the snack bar.  There are chairs and tables and umbrellas, sprinklers for the little ones to run thru, and a tubing area and bigger slide for the bigger kids.  We had a ball, and Owen loved it.  We learned about this place on the last day it was open, so this summer we plan to go several times.  While we have our own pool for daily fun, sometimes it's nice to just go out!

I did a search on Etsy for children, water, and summer, and on the first page I found these very cute Water Balloon Flip Flops from the shop Debbiefife.  You can't go wrong purchasing from a Debbi, lol.

I myself have several embellished flip flops for sale in my Handmadeartistsshop, so let's see what else we can find amongst the talented artists there...(how's that for a tie-in, oh I'm good :~D )

These Faith, Family, and Love Flip Flops from the HAS shop lilybluedesigns were created for a wonderful cause, 25% of the proceeds from the sale of these flip flops go to help Robert the Great, a young boy fighting lukemia.  There are also other charms in this shop to help support this family in their fight for life.

And since I'm not above a little self-promotion...

you'll find my Rainbow flip flops in our very own HAS shop, aptly named, Ourhometoyours! hahaha.  Now the water balloon flip flips are listed as girls size 12 - 13, and mine are listed as 8 1/2 ", I'm sure they all can be made in the perfect size for you, just let us know what you need!  So, start planning your summer days, and don't forget your summer wardrobes!

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - end of summer sales

Ok, the theme for this week is....end of summer!  (boo hiss) I love summer and hate to see it end, but I must admit, I am getting tired of 90+ temps, every day, all day!!!!  Plus, the kids went back to school this week, so hubby and I are getting re-acquainted.  :~D  So here's what I found on my Etsy end of summer sale search.

I love this picture.  The shop Aprils Crafts carries wonderful and colorful crochet items, and right now is offering 10% off any market/beach bag or purse.  But the discount is only good till the end of August, so hurry on over there.

Awww, what is summer without a bike ride or two.  Chuck just hung our bikes up for the rest of the year (not like I rode at all this summer), but the thought of a bike ride is nice.  StephsShoes is a great Etsy photography shop.  Such great images....a must visit shop.

And what is a day at the beach, or anywhere in the sun, without a big floppy hat.  Anne De Pasquale Couture Millinery is a shop full of hats.  Big hats. Small hats.  Red hats.  Blue hats.  And feathers.....this is a new favorite shop for me.

So if you have anything summery, and on sale, link it up here.  Then be sure to share with everyone cuz everyone knows, the more people at a party the better.  Let's Party Hearty!!!!

Debbi

today's chore

My chore for today (well, one of them) is peeling, cutting, and canning yesterday's harvest from my overgrown garden.  These were the only ones I could see, and reach, in that mess.  I peeled and cut some the other day, but didn't have a chance to can them, so I put the pot in my refrigerator.  I loooove my big fridge.  I took the pot out yesterday, but didn't get to can, and then forgot I took it out of the fridge.  That being said, I learned something new....never, never, never leave cut tomatoes out without canning them first.

You can't really see it in this picture, but it's bubbling.  And you should be glad this isn't smellavision.  PeeeUuuuu.

Oh well, live and learn.  I managed to live 51 years without this knowledge, but I can assure you, I will never do this again.  "Quick kids, open the windows!"

Debbi



children of the corn

These are my pictures of the week.  I was standing on our pontoon boat while Chuck and Hannah were harvesting some ears of corn when I snapped this picture.  We looooove our corn.  And this is only the first planting.  The temps may be high in the south, but the growing season is longer than in New York.

 Here is Chuck starting at one end of the "field".  Hannah is inside there somewhere.  She made me nervous, just running in without a worry about snakes...The corn is too close together to till between the rows, so the grass was almost as tall as the corn. :~)







Here is Chuck and Hannah in front of the corn.  We ended up picking, shucking, and freezing 66 ears of beautiful sweet golden corn, yum yum.  And there's still some waiting to get bigger, and like I said, we plan to plant more.  Now I know we are only a family of 5, but we'll share our blessings (if we don't eat it all first). hahahaha

And while everyone else works, Brandon watches for trucks.  Yes, he wears cowboy boots with his shorts, but hey, at least they were on the right feet :~)  He loves to see how many chicken trucks he can get to blow their horns.






Have a blessed week everyone!
Debbi

friday fun game started by Mystic Wynd

My Besteam friend, Mystic Wynd, started this yesterday.  Join us for some fun, and share it for more.

Yay! It's Friday! Time to start thinking about the weekend and having some fun, good food, and balancing work with relaxation!

I'll start off the fun with five easy peasey(?) fill-in-the-blank questions and I invite you to share your own answers to them on your blog and then share the link in the Linky below (the linky is on Mystic Wynd's blog page, click here to fly there) by filling out the information at the end of this post! Please be sure to include the link to your individual post, not your blog home page! (And I would LOVE it if you left a comment too!) Here's the questions for today:

1) My favorite way to relax on the weekends is spend time with my family, or in my art studio .

2) My favorite place to head to for a weekend day trip is Suncrest Waterpark in Taylorsville, or Blowing Rock for some shopping. 

3) I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend.

4) I should really clean the house and carpets this weekend but I am playing with Owen instead .

5) When it comes to staying home on weekends, most people think I need to get out more!

Now copy these to your blog, fill them in with your own answers and then bring the links back here to share with everyone! The Linky will stay open all week! Enjoy - and be sure to help spread the word!

0 entries so far... you're next!

are your pedi's ready?

We had another storm come thru our area last night, that's 2 big ones just this week.  The good thing...it brought our temperatures down.  But not for long...according to the weather report this morning, we are going to have another hot summer.  Which made me realize...I need a pedicure for all my summer sandals!  Now, if you know me, you know that I love love love shoes.  It seems the older I get, the spicier I like my food, and the higher I like my heels, lol.  But who wants to wears heels, no matter how pretty, in the summer?  That's when I get out my sandals.  All shapes, all kinds, lol.  And I want to share that obsession with y'all, so I am offering a 10% discount on our flip flops, and ankle bracelets at OurHomeToYours.  If you want, or need, a certain color, just shoot me a convo.  And keep coming back as I will adding new flip flops and anklets to our stock.  Hmmmm, time to make some flip flops for a bride and groom, it is almost the wedding season :)   The coupon code is summerfun2011 and here's a few pictures and links to get your shopping started!!!!

These blue flower flip flops are the perfect size for your little girl, but can be made for an adult.

And these cool black and white flip flops are made with fun fur, and feel soft against your tootsies.

This is our first, but not our last ankle braclet, so come on, be a gypsy. :)

And just so the rest of you won't feel neglected, here's a crystal dragonfly necklace.

Don't forget the coupon code....summerfun2011.  It'll get you 10% off, what a great way to start the summer.

See you at the beach,

Debbi

summer heat not good for hothouse flowers??? lol

I'm sure everyone is suffering from the excessive heat this summer.  I know my rose garden is, which I find surprising since I thought roses were hot house flowers ;p.  Even my knock out rose bush is not knocking the flowers out this summer.  At least the heat has kept away the Japanese beetles, mostly.  So I thought I would take some pics of the few flowers we have so everyone can enjoy them too.

Debbi