Nail Polish Swap

I have to admit I'd never participated in a swap before so I didn't know what to expect. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Patricia from Preppy in Pink she sent me a wonderfully packaged box of goodies. I opened by box to find a green box wrapped in a white ribbon. I opened that and found...

 

A Ped Egg, a pedicure kit, two adorable post-it pads, and a bottle of OPI polish in a wonderful dark pinkish/purple color. I can't wait to try the different parts of my gift. I love giving myself at home pedicures so these will get lots of use.

Thank you Patricia!!!

Etsy Love

I think Etsy is a wonderful site! I love browsing through to see what is out there and to see the really amazing ideas other crafters have. Here are some of my current favorites...

Peace Dove Necklace

by bead up

Mediterranean Sideswept Stacking Set

by onegarentgirl

 

Handmade Hairpins

by ericcavanaugh 

The New Yorker Wristlet Pattern

by The Crochet Diva 

happiness

by swoondimples 

TIE ME UP TIE ME DOWN
Chocolate Addiction NECKTIE HALTER TOP
by Glamarita

Earthquakes

My first experience with an earthquake was at age 2 1/2-3 right after we moved to Alaska. I remember this like it was yesterday. I was in the living room and my mom was in her bedroom. In our house both of those were on the second floor. And the house started shaking...kitchen cabinets started banging...noises that I'd never heard before...so I did what any child would do and ran SCREAMING to my mom. She grabbed me and we stood in her bedroom door until it stopped. Or so we thought that is the day we learned about aftershocks. The earthquake we experienced was about a 4.0 and the aftershock was about a 2.0. But they were scary for me then and frankly I'm still not a fan of the earth shaking.

I cannot imagine what the people of Haiti or the people of Chile are going through having gone through such big earthquakes. I imagine there is a lot of confusion, fear, uncertainty, chaos, etc. And I truly feel for the people there and what they are going through. In the United Methodist Church we have a wonderful method for helping people in situations like this. The United Methodist Committee on Relief a church or individual can make a donation of money or of kits to help people.     

 

 

                         

Confirmation Retreat

In the United Methodist Church confirmation is a big deal. It is the time after baptism (usually decided by your parents) where you as a youth get to make a decision to join the church. As a church it is an exciting time because youth are learning about Methodism and are excited about  joining.

This weekend as part of their Confirmation process we are taking a group of them to Lake Junaluska. They have weekend retreats for the spiritual growth of the youth. My hubby and I have been asked to chaperone. And although we will be partially responsible for 19+ youth it will be a neat experience for us too.

There is worship, history, workshops, free time, and other fun stuff that will keep the youth busy. Last time I went the girls in my room and I had a "mini-slumber" party each night before bed. This time the arrangements are such that we can't do that. But I will tell you that discussing faith with 6th-8th graders helps you look at your own faith.

My ex was agnostic. And I fully believe that you should believe or not believe whatever you would like I'm not going to force my beliefs on you. But I am a Christian and I want to be with a Christian because it works better. The day my hubby and I got married we made a commitment in front of God to each other. It meant something to us. As part of our journey we go to church and participate in church related things. I'm glad that he enjoys and is willing to do things like this with me.

"But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord."  ~ Joshua 24:15b

Creativity Striking

This weekend I went to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XXI in my area. It was wonderful you could feel the creativity oozing from the place. As I walked around I wasn't the overwhelmed novice I was the first time I went but I was inspired. And relatively well behaved I bought a few fat quarters and three patterns. I love to sew purses, baby quilts, and on occasion clothes. I also love to bead. Ultimately my goal is to have a business where I sew things and bead things (possibly combined) and sell them for people to enjoy.

I really love mixing interesting color patterns together to make people go wow...I wouldn't have thought of that.

I'm following absorbing wonderful information from m.writes Blog & Business Workshop. Thank you Marta! I'm learning a lot. Please come on over there is a lot of great information. I think this is the sign I've been waiting for...

Another Wonderful Give Away!!

 Nilsa over at SoMi Speaks is having a wonderful giveaway thanks to Christyn at Bead Up. Christyn makes beautiful jewelry and there are three ways to enter the give away on SoMi Speaks so go check it out!

Wonderful Give Away!!!

The very talented Becca over at Lovely Yellow Ribbons is giving away this beautiful print personalized just the way you want it to look. You can see her other items here. So hop on over to her site and enter to win!!