Friday, February 28, 2014

Sewing Softies

There is the C U T E S T Owl Pattern at Stubbornly Crafty and it's FREE!  See what I made?


Sewing for two sisters and one brother can be tricky!  Using Lisa's Pattern along with her simple directions, two snuggly, little owls were created with fleece scraps in purple, gray and zebra.  For my favorite boy, I hope you can see I used the same pattern pieces upside down and sideways!

 
  The result kind of looks like Mike Wazoski from Monsters, Inc!
 
Monsters, Inc. DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack - Collector's Edition
 
Perhaps my silly creation is Mike's sister's cousin's nephew, Fred Wazoski?  ;-) 
 
Anyway... 
 
This was a fun project for practicing applique.  I'd like to do the pattern again with different fabrics.  Since fleece is stretchy, some of the proportions are a little distorted.  The kiddos love how soft and cuddly they feel though, so fleece was a good choice that way!  Also, the softies would have a more finished look if I had taken the time to match my thread to each fabric instead of using gray for all of the applique. 
 
Another sewing lesson learned, right?  ;-)
 
 
'Sending a big "Thank You" to Lisa at Stubbornly Crafty for this darling pattern!  I hope you'll visit her site and see her amazing skills!  WOW!  You will be impressed!
 
What have you been sewing?  Do you like making snuggly softies?

;-)  -Marci

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Sew Our Stash - February

It's time for Sew Our Stash!  (Click HERE to see my January Project.)  If you’re new around here, one of my 20 Wishes is to sew one thing for myself each month so I can participate in Sew Our Stash!  It is the brain child of Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings and Bev at Flamingo Toes.  They share what they have made for themselves the last Thursday of every month. It started because they wanted to sew more wearables and needed some accountability.  While I'm certainly not at their level yet, hopefully, my skill sets will be stretched throughout the year!
 
That's the total point of 20 Wishes.  Making time for what I WANT to do!  So, here goes! 



I made this splashy orange top for my February project.



 I used a pattern from Stitch Savvy by Deborah Moebes (It was at my public library!) along with fabric from Yards and Yards of Yard Sales. 


Here's the back and a closer look at the fabric.

 
I love the retro vibe of this material!

 
Today, our weather is kind of chilly and I need to run about a bazillion errands, so it's being worn with boots, Levi's and a jacket.


How do you think it should be styled for work? 

I always want to call Patty and the Visible Monday Ladies!

;-)  -Marci

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

LINK PARTY! Twenty Wishes {February Update}

I am so excited and honored to be teaming up with these fun bloggers to bring you
 
Twenty Wishes 2014! 

(Here's my list of  Twenty Wishes 2014 and Twenty Wishes 2013!)
 
 
It's FINALLY here!!! Time to link up your February update or get started and share your Twenty Wishes for 2014!!! You can read more on why we started this project back in 2013 here, but the gist is that life is too short. Too short to not really strive for those things you really wish to do or wish would happen. SO this year we're all going to make a real effort to mark those wishes off our lists! First you'll write and then link up your list of Twenty Wishes here. In doing so you're entered in this month's giveaway! (There will be a new one each month.) Then you'll work on those wishes throughout this year coming back here the last Wednesday of every month to link up and share your progress. Here's a button to add to your side bar to remind you to come back and link monthly, and to serve as a little encouragement to work on marking off your wishes!!
Truly Lovely
This year we are doing things a little differently. Mostly in an effort to be more organized than last year... But again, the link up will be the last Wednesday of every month. Each month one or two of our ten hostesses will offer a little something as a giveaway for those that link with us. So, allow me to introduce your hostesses for the 2014 Twenty Wishes project...

Kassi & Kayli @ Truly Lovely
Sarah @ SaturDIY
Kristine @ The Foley Fam
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

We aren't requiring you to follow anyone, the only mandatory entry is linking up to this party with your list of 20 wishes. BUT the more you do the more entries you'll receive and I can personally promise you if you do follow, like, etc and of these awesome ladies you WILL NOT be disappointed!

So, link your wishes and enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below!  This month, it's a $20 gift card to Target from Sarah!  Cool, huh?  ;-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't wait to see what you've accomplished so far!!!

;-)  -Marci 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

LINK PARTY!

Fluster's Creative Muster Linky Party #60
Fluster's Creative Muster Linky Party #60

Fluster's Creative Muster Linky Party #60
Fluster's Creative Muster Linky Party #60

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #47

Welcome to another fantastic party!

Back to the Basics
 
 
We're your co-hosts:
 
 
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 My feature this week is...  Wisdom Wednesday - True Beauty



from Gail at Gail - Friends.  You must read this entire post.  It is truly beautiful!
 
If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.


Back to the Basics


We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 

Monday, February 24, 2014

20 Wishes {February Update}

"What is 20 Wishes", you might be wondering.  Here's how it works.  You throw together a list of things that you have always wanted to do, but never seem to find the time or energy.  How many times a day do you think, "Gee, I wish I had time to _______ "?  OK.  So, put that on your list!  Really, whatever you want!  As the year goes by, you set aside the time to make YOUR WISHES come true!  I know, right?  Publish posts about all the cool things you are accomplishing.  On the last Wednesday of each month, there will be a link party so we can all cheer for each other and celebrate achievements!

The link party will be this Wednesday!  Get ready!  ;-)  I can't wait to see everyone's progress!
 
Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014!  Below are my February updates in BLUE!

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!

Done!  My first post about it is Right Here!  More to come on that later!

2.  Vacation in Colorado.

3.  Attend concerts.

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.

A little setback in this department!  Between being out of town for our anniversary and having a yucky stomach virus, my workouts have been pretty weak in February.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.

 
6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.

Did you see my Word of the Year Craft?  It's about flexibility!

If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need lots of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.

One down!  Wanna see it?  Click HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"

January's deadline snuck up on me, but at the last second, I made a Maxi Skirt!  I love it!

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.

This one is complete, too!  My 30 minute program became a one hour class.  I gave a presentation in January and have been invited to give another one in April!  This time, they want a 15 minute program!  ;-)  Another re-vamp will be needed!  That's OK, though.  Each makeover gives me a new idea.  Did I mention my Word of the Year is about flexibility?  ;-)

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.

This goal is on track so far.  'Still reading and posting book reviews.  I wrote about my 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime, too!  Do I get bonus points for that?  ;-)

Whew!  It's very rewarding to check off items on my 20 Wishes list!  I hope you'll join us on Wednesday for the link party!  I'd love to see what you've done!

;-)  -Marci

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Married... for 28 Years

Here we are on our anniversary!  My goodness!  How do twenty-eight years pass so quickly?  My heart still skips a beat when this handsome man walks into the room!
 

What should we do to celebrate?  We both love hiking and photography.  You may not know that White River is one of the bigger streams that runs through our part of the Ozark Mountains.  There are five gorgeous lakes built along this river.  We rented a quiet little cabin next to one of them. 

 
 Our weather has been so snowy lately, we waited until the very last minute to place our reservation, not sure we would be able to drive over our twisting roads.

 
You can see the weather was very cooperative while we were there.  What a beautiful area!  It was a lovely, relaxing time away from home.

 
Check out the scenery!  I'll tell you more details later!  We took lots of photos!  'Definitely checking off Number One of 20 Wishes!
 
How do you like to celebrate anniversaries and special events?
 
;-)  -Marci

Friday, February 21, 2014

Blog Hop Features!

God’s Growing Garden

 
The fourteenth GREAT BLOG TRAIN was a blast! - We all safely reached our destination. It was a wonderful trip with 56 boxcars!! We (the Engineers) would like to thank all of you for travelling with us and we hope that you all had a wonderful time!
 
The Giveaway Winner is: P.S.
(I have contacted the winner by email)
Congrats!!!

 
We are now featuring the top 3 Boxcars!  (These are the links that received the most clicks)


#1

Postcard Lover's Tuesday


#2

by Prudent Living On the Homefront



#3

by Sandra's Ark

We will be promoting these wonderful featured posts on Twitter & google+ (use hashtag GreatBlogTrain to follow along) #GreatBlogTrain
and these features have also been Pinned to the "Great Blog Train" Pinterest Board
 
And don't forget - next month the February "Caboose" will be featured on all 5 of the Hostesses blogs!





 

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Eggs and Wishes

Today we'll be talking about a couple of things.  Eggs, and wishes!  Yep!  'Kind of a wacky combination, don't ya think?  ;-)  That's how I roll!

 photo 37c54066-bf05-41ca-abac-c77408ebdd44_zpsa367406a.jpg
 
Let's start with the 20 Wishes!  This year, I am co-hosting an exciting monthly link party all about fulfilling wishes.  YOUR WISHES!  Here's how it works.  You throw together a list of things that you have always wanted to do, but never seem to find the time or energy.  How many times a day do you think, "Gee, I wish I had time to _______ "?  OK.  So, put that on your list!  Really, whatever you want!  As the year goes by, you set aside the time to make YOUR WISHES come true!  I know, right?  Publish posts about all the cool things you are accomplishing.  On the last Wednesday of each month, there will be a link party so we can all cheer for each other and celebrate achievements!



Here's my Twenty Wishes 2014 along with my Twenty Wishes 2013!   If you don't get started right away, no worries!  Just join in whenever you like!  The link to the first party is right HERE!  What would you enjoy getting done in 2014?

OK.  Fasten you seatbelt!  We are switching gears!  VROOOOOM...  Moving on to chickens and eggs!  Many of you know we have chickens that hang out in our back yard with our dogs. 

 photo f1973a33-6b3c-4a77-acf6-67f86e6c95e8_zps39eafa91.jpg

We love the sweet hens!  They each have their distinct personalities.  Thanks to these darlings, we have lots of farm fresh back yard eggs!  I am always looking for ways to use them. 

 photo cff57c4c-7b81-4a99-9e10-196618615161_zps3d84ce47.jpg

Here is a recipe from my delightful friend and mentor, Betty, who got the recipe from her mother!  It is absolutely scrumptious!

Pound Cake (E. Allison)
2 sticks butter *1 cup*
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour, sifted
5 or 6 large eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsps. vanilla
With electric or hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs, beating in one at a time. Gradually add flour and then vanilla; mix well. Bake in a greased and floured bundt pan or two loaf pans at 350° until cake is done. This cake makes a sugar crust.   

If you need some more egg recipes, just check my Recipes Page!  What is your favorite way to cook eggs?  I need all the help I can get! 

;-)  -Marci

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

LINK PARTY! Fluster's Creative Muster #59


Fluster's Creative Muster - Linky Party #59
Linky Party

Linky Party
Linky Party

Can you guess who gets to co-host this week?  Me!  Marci from Stone Cottage Adventures!  My post about how to makeover Men's T-shirts received the most views!  Thank you to everyone who clicked on it.  I hope you found that post to be helpful.
Linky Party
By linking to this party you are giving Fluster Buster and co-hosts permission to use your images in featured links.

Host
Linky Party

Co-Host
Linky Party

Linky Party

Literary Junkies {February}

Do you love books?  Join the fun by answering at least one of the questions listed below in the comments!  Better yet, write a post and participate in the link party!


Pink Heels Pink Truck

 
1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!
 
Almost Home by Pam Jenoff.  (You probably know she is the author of The Diplomat's Wife.)  It is a spy novel and at a little over halfway through I am loving it!
 

2. What books are on your bedside table at the moment? 
 
Holy Bible
 

3. Amazon recently released the 100 books to read in a lifetime.  What did they miss that you would add? 
 
'Funny you should ask!  I wrote a post about it HERE!
 

4. Are there any books being published in 2014 that you are anxiously awaiting?  If so, what are they? 
 
'Nope!  I already have quite a few on my mind and am now excited about going thru Amazon's list!
 

5. Name the next 3 books in your To Be Read List (the ones you will be reading next on your list.)
 
I want to read more by Jan Karon as well as Pam Jenoff.  A Light in the Window will probably be next.  After that, I am just not sure.  The first book listed on the Amazon List is 1984, which, frankly, I read in 1984.  I'm thinking I should read it again and see if it still totally creeps me out!
 
OK!  It's your turn!  Please answer at least one of the questions!
 
;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #46

Welcome to another fantastic party!

Back to the Basics
 
 
We're your co-hosts:
 
 
Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!
 
 My feature this week is...  'Sorry!  We just rolled back into town after celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary!  (sigh!)  I can't wait to show you the photos!
 
If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.


Back to the Basics


We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features. 
And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Garden Guest: Ruby Crowned Kinglet

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by consistently providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I've begun a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.
 
 
This winter has been harsh.  We've had snow after snow.  Birds are coming to our feeders that we haven't seen before.

 
I had noticed this tiny bird for the first time during the latest series of snowstorms and, in error, thought it was a small-ish goldfinch.  It prefers suet, though.  That should have been a clue.  Goldfinches tend to prefer sunflowers or thistle.

 
One morning while filling feeders, this diminutive visitor stayed nearby and I noticed the red feathers on top of the head.  I raced inside and grabbed the camera.  After snapping enough shots to cross reference, out came National Audubon Society's Field Guide to North American Birds. 
 
 
I think this is a Ruby Crowned Kinglet!  If I'm wrong, by all means, please let me know!  I'd love to know more about this lovely new friend!  Any information would be appreciated!
 
How about a little bloggin' music?  Does anyone remember the movie, Ice Castles?  'One of my favorite theme songs!
 
 
 
If you are curious about other garden guests, please visit my Gardening Page! 
 
;-)  -Marci
 

Friday, February 14, 2014

Jungle Camo Inspired Quilt Top

I've wanted to learn to quilt for a while now, but never seemed to find the time.  You've heard all about my 20 Wishes and how I set goals for things I WANT to do.  Well  in 2013, I actually set aside the time and took a class. I also had a goal of completing a quilt for each of my children which didn't actually happen and got carried over into 2014.  ;-)

(I was not compensated for this post.)  My second quilting class was also at The Rabbit's Lair in Historic Downtown Rogers, Arkansas for three Saturdays in a row.  If you are in Northwest Arkansas looking for a class, oh my, call The Rabbit's Lair.  It is located in a lovely, grand, three story building filled with fabric, yarn, wool and inspiration!  Kathy was my teacher and WOW what a wonderful bundle of energy she is!
 

These Americana quilts are on display at The Rabbits Lair.
 This quilt is for my son.  He was in the Marines and now is in law enforcement.  Fabric choices were inspired by the jungle fatigues he wore while in Ghana, Africa.  I love this photo of him.



We worked on a pattern called "Yellow Brick Road", which is excellent for beginners.  While camo fabric wasn't actually used, my choices were all greens, browns and blacks.

 
Here's a close up of the material.

 
It was supposed to be a lap quilt, but I added a six inch border which makes it almost a twin size.  There's still the back and the quilting to be done, but I am so excited to have the top complete!
 
What do you think?  I'd love to hear your ideas about other fabric choices for men.
 
;-)  -Marci