Sew, Mama, Sew! Giveaway Day

Hello everyone! Today is the day. Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day. And I just couldn't resist. I wanted to offer you guys a little treat.

By now, you should all know about my love of crochet. And Ana Paula Rimoli's patterns. I have her 4 books. And I'm pretty sure, I've bought all her patterns on Etsy. They're my "go-to," for gifts. I've not met a kiddo yet, that doesn't like one of these toys.

Tell me, get on with the giveaway! I know. I want to offer you a little of this crochet fun. And I'll be giving away a crochet package. What's in it??? One of these guys...

This is Ana's newest book. I'll also be including a $50 gift card for JoAnn's. You know, you need some yarn to make these. :) Maybe even some other supplies.

What do you have to do? Just leave me a comment, with your favorite person, to follow on Pinterest. My "other" addiction. Just ask this man! 1 comment. Simple. You have until Friday, December 7th. At 5PM PST. And don't forget to check Sew, Mama, Sew! for a ton of giveaways!!! Good Luck everyone!!! ♥

Movie Date Night

Since we got the good news yesterday, we've been going 100 MPH!!! Lots of things, that had been previously, "Put on the Back Burner," well have to get done. ASAP!!! So we're are busy again. I know. Life really never does stop.

My Guy, worked for a few hours today. Getting back "Into the Groove of Things." You know, until we start traveling tomorrow. I've been running around. Picking up things that we need, heading to the store, just making sure we'll have everything that we could possibly need.

But tonight, we decided to take it easy. Head to the "Lake House." Order in some food, from our favorite Japanese resturant. And watch a few good movies. Starting with The Help. One of my favorites. And surprisingly, one of My Guy's favorites too! Just don't tell anyone. ;)

We also watched The Secret Life of Bees. I'd never seen it. Neither had he. But we'd had it, in our collection, for a few years now. I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but it was still sealed! I know...

Honestly, it was such a good movie. Super cute. Dakota Fanning, and Queen Latifah make the entire movie! How come I don't remember this movie? Like I never remember hearing about it. But somehow, we had it. :) Now I want to read the book. The books are always better, than the movies. Don't you think?

I don't know if this man shared my same love. Of this movie. He did fall asleep. But I'm thinking, that had more to do with him going back to work. It's been over 2 weeks, since he'd worked. So I'm OK with his napping. In fact, I finished 2 presents I was making. :) A crochet blanket. And a baby set. I even got about halfway, with a scarf and hat set.

We ended our movie watching with Cast Away. And I even got some packing down. As this guy, and our fur babies are now, fast asleep. We really enjoyed this quiet night at home. Very unusual for us. But something that we both, enjoyed so much! I think we need to do this more. You know, without one of us being hurt or sick. Just make a new "Movie Date Night." ♥

Cutest Animals Ever!!!

I don't know about you, but I'm a very indecisive person. It takes me weeks, sometimes months, to buy something. I have to look at it, research, debate if I really want it. It's sorta a pain in the butt.

For example. Every single time, I go to a craft store, I look at this book. "Easy Crochet Critters." I even put it in my basket. Then when I get to the register, I decide not to buy it. Well, not too long ago, I went shopping with my Mom. And I debated this book again. Even with my coupon. Making this book $2...



I think my Mom had had enough with me. She bought me the book. And you know what? I think it's my favorite crochet book ever! There are so many cute patterns in this book. Definitely worth the cost. And the best part, they are super easy to make! I whipped up a lion, elephant, hippo, giraffe, and monkey in one night! The monkey is by far, my favorite animal of the bunch! The face of the lion is also to die for!!!



So I've taken this book, and created a few different gifts. A musician I used to work with, has a little girl. That just turned a year old. I made her 5 animals, whipped up a little bag, and bought her an animal book. She LOVED it!

Then a friend of ours, also has a little girl that's turning a year old. I made a few different animals, and pretty much made her the same gift. I whipped up a few, to send to another cousin. Who just had a baby. And I have a list of kiddos, I still want to make a set for.

But by far, that little monkey has been the winner. I've made 10! That weren't in these sets. And I've sold every single one! I'm not even trying to sell them. But everybody is in love with them. I've got a few more ordered. And I'm starting to make some extra animals. Because in September, my Mom and I are going to sell at another Craft Fair. :) I can't wait! ♥

The Good, The Bad, And Some Fun Time!!!

Hi everyone! Long time, no chat. :) Well, this guy and I, were enjoying a piece of paradise. It was a nice time away. But turns out, the old blog, was flipping out while I was away. :(

I had a post, set for each day that we were away. Sadly, as you can tell...they didn't post. I don't know what's up. Only that in the "Edit Posts" tab, they show as POSTED. Go figure. I contacted Blogger. Hopefully, within the next few days, they'll be up. Sorry ahead of time. I assume you're feeds, are going to get a little filled up...

But back to the good things. We're in a beautiful, yet extremely H-O-T place! Filled with tons of history!!! I'm getting to spend the day with My Bestie and Baby C. :) Good times people! While My Guy and his friend, are sadly working. All. Day. Long!!!

It's nice to catch up with friends. Especially since it's been so long, since I've last seen My Bestie. And beautiful Baby C!!! Turns out, they've been enjoying tons of "Family Time!!!" And enjoying our friends' new babies. Yes, a few new babies are in town. :)

And with that being said, we're just going to relax. What can I say? I still feel like I'm on vacation. :) Maybe I'll do a little crocheting. Like this fun little project...



What do you think? It doesn't hurt that I adore cupcakes! Between don't you just adore Twinkie Chan? I do! A few years ago, I ran across her on the internet. And now, I'm a HUGE fan! Her book, I'm totally IN LOVE with it too! Happy Saturday!!! ♥

Little Piggy

Let me tell you, Miss Sarita is a BIG fan of pigs! I don't know what it is. But she is a cutie. :) So I spent a little time today, looking for some new crochet patterns. And I found this cute little piggy! With a pancake! :) Have you ever read, If You Give a Pig a Pancake?



Well, I'm busy as a bee! Crocheting this little piggy. And I even bought a new copy of If You Give a Pig a Pancake. I can't wait to get this little present, in the mail! I don't know who is going to be more excited. Me or my gorgeous Goddaughter! ♥

Little Nooks

With all this "Making Our Houses, Homes," I've been spending a lot of time on Pinterest! I can't lie. When I've got some down time, I'm on Pinterest. Searching. I just NEED some inspiration!

My latest obsession, is "Reading Nooks." Mostly because, I spend a GREAT deal of time, reading. Whether for school, or for personal reasons. I've ALWAYS got a book in my hand! Just look at some of these ideas I've found!



It's actually funny, that I found this picture. We have a space like this in our home. It's on our back staircase. Right now, we have a bunch of plants up there. I NEVER thought of putting some comfy bedding and pillows up there. It would make a cozy little nook. For all sorts of things! :)



This tepee just makes me smile! Little K adores it too! And asked me, if I could make us one. Looks like Little K and I, have a few things in common. We both want to put it out in the woods. And just hangout. Sounds like fun to me!



And lastly, this is MY FAVORITE!!! In our new home, we have a little attic overlook. And I just didn't know what to do with it. A little office would be nice. Where I can write. And that little nook, is just perfect! For curling up, with my favorite books.

All these pictures, just make me so HAPPY! I want to get started ASAP! I think part of it is, I HATE to have unfinished projects. These unfinished homes, are stressing me out! This man, provides so much for us! And I want him, to be able to go to any of his properties, and enjoy them!Not walk into a home, with no furniture. Worrying about buying furniture, picking out paint colors, and all that other stuff.

Do you know what I mean? Personally, I've owned my home for a few years now. I purchased it almost 11 years ago. It's nowhere near complete. Heck, there is A LOT of work, that needs to be done. But, I'm OK with it. It's mine. And I'm in no rush. I have a long list of things, I want to do with my home. And I have lots and lots of pennies to save.

But when this man buys a home for us, I want to complete it. For him, and I. Yes, My Love works so hard. And I want to do the same for him. That's why, this blog seems to be currently exploding with decorating ideas. I'm sorry if it's boring anyone. But right now, it's all that consumes my thoughts. And I just need to get these projects completed! ♥

Gap Creek

Can I be honest with you? I read a lot! Always have. Probably always will. And by a lot, I mean at least a book a day. 5 newspapers. Sometimes even a magazine. It doesn't hurt, that I'm a fast reader.

I've got a nice collection of books. But to be honest, I take advantage of our local library. I read, request, and love many of their books. And when I find, that I've checked out a book 5+ times, I actually go out and buy it.

But as a kid, my parents spoiled me rotten. With books. Not with toys, clothes, or that sort of thing. But books, they didn't mind. Those school book orders, I'd buy every single book, every single week! Then when the Book Fair rolled into school, I'd get whatever I wanted. I belonged to a ton of Book Clubs. And spent most of my life, reading.

Heck, even trips to the Price Club (now COSTCO) got me a new book. I'd get to pick out 1 book a month, from there. One book that I bought, was Gap Creek. Somehow, it was the one book, that I NEVER read. Why? I have no idea!



While packing last week, I ran across it. Some 12+ years later, I finally picked up Gap Creek. And a plane ride later, I was in LOVE! What a cute book!!! Something right up my alley.

The story is about a young couple. Who struggle in the beginning of their marriage. Living during a tough time. With an elderly man. Who dies, and leaves their lives hanging by a thread. With no money, little food, and an uncertain future. Tragedy marks their first year. But they make it past their 1st anniversary. Stronger, wiser, and more determined. This is definitely a good read! Something that will leave you, with a smile on your face! ♥

A Taste of Yesteryear

This guy and I were talking the other day. About the "Good Old Days." Like either of us, really lived through them. OK, we sorta did. This guy's childhood, happened during the 70s and 80s. Mine was more, the 80s and 90s.

Another thing on our minds, was finding a really cool gift, for this little guy. Something fun. Meaningful. And something that would bring a bit of the past, back to life. We're just like that. We like retro and vintage type of things. We enjoy learning about the past. So I did a quick search. And found a few of our favorites. :)



Do you remember this little guy? Being that I spent a lot of time in the mountains, I remember him well. My grandparents lived in the mountains. And I spent so much time with them! So seeing Woodsy, was very common. This guy remembers Woodsy too! As he and his family, spent a lot of time, hunting and fishing, while he was growing up. :)



The same can be said for Smokey the Bear. I remember going to the State Fair, every year, as I was growing up. And all I ever wanted to do, was go see Smokey, and eat a turkey leg! :) Smokey would also come to our school, and teach us all about Fire Safety. Yes, we saw a lot of him in the mountains too! In fact, this guy and I, went to go see his memorial. :)



And lastly, are all these books. I didn't have any of these brand new. None! I don't know if they came before I did. But that's how it happened. And oh, I just LOVE books! I've always had a ton of books. But I did have some of these books. OK, a nice collection. I don't know where they came from. Perhaps, they were from my older siblings.

Yesterday, this guy and I, we went shopping. At the most AMAZING antique, and second hand shops. Oh hello! The southwest has some amazing ones. I just wish, that we would have had more free time to shop. We found lots of pieces, for our homes. This guy added to his Vinyl Collection. I added to my own Cookbook Collection. And we picked up some gifts.

It was a day, dedicated to "Yesteryear." We "rescued" a lot of the past. And hope to bring new life to it. Including a nice stack of books, for this guy's nieces and nephew. Something that we hope, brings them many years of happiness. Yes, it was a nice trip, down "Memory Lane!" ♥

Grimm's Fairy Tales

Recently, so many people that I know, are having babies. Friends, family, and colleagues. It's such a time of blessings! And one of my favorite gifts to give, to new babies, are books. I know, it sounds crazy! But I think they're precious gifts. Books that can be used for many years to come. And one of my favorite books to give, is Grimm's Fairy Tales.



Yes, I think this is just the perfect gift! I still have my copy, from when I was little. I think most parents don't expect it. But end up, very excited. What are some of your favorite baby gifts to give? I definitely could use some suggestions. I have 5 Baby Showers to go to, in the next 6 weeks! ♥

Restful Reading

Today, My Guy had to work. He left early, to catch a cross-country flight. I opted to stay in bed. In our beautiful suite. And rest. The last few days of performing, with my current health issues, is really kicking my butt. Usually, I'd travel with this guy. Enjoy the days activities. But not today.

Today, I slept in. Woke up late. So happy that My Guy had ordered me a late breakfast. Yes, I'm in LOVE with Room Service! And I curled up, with the best strawberry crepes. And this book...



I actually came across this the other day. While shopping with my Mom. And I couldn't pass it up! Not for $2.97!!! When did Wal-Mart, start selling books, for this price? So I bought it. Along with 10 others. All for this great price. When you read as much as me, you really do get excited about news like this. :)

I spent a good portion of my afternoon, snuggled deeply in my blankets. Reading this great story. I don't regret a second of my day. Lately, I've been putting on this brave face. Today, I just listened to my body. And rested.

It also helped, that this wonderful man, came back early. And we spent, the last few hours cuddled up. Napping. I think we need to schedule in, a few more days like this. ♥

The Shack

Happy Thursday! If you are looking for my giveaway, click here. Don't forget about my Mom's giveaway. Or my Care Bear's giveaway. You have just over a day, to enter all 3!



On to books. One of my cousins, recently recommended "The Shack." She said it's an amazing book! A book that touches on religion. A man suffers a great loss. Then goes on to spend a few days with God. But not the way we'd expect. No, God, the entire trinity, comes in the form of people. It got me interested. Because my cousin, was really into this book. I'm on the search for it. And headed to a bookstore today. I hope I find it! Have you read it? Or do you have a book, that I need to read? ♥

Fly Away Home

Last week, I laid my eyes on this book. Yes, I'd bought it months ago. And yes, I'd been excited at the time. But somehow, it fell between the cracks. I left it on the coffee table. Before I knew it, our cleaning lady, had put it up on the bookshelf. And I had forgotten all about it.

But last week, I was trying to take a nap. It was unsuccessful. And I was not having the best of weeks. Which lead to me, to not being able to concentrate on anything. As I laid on the couch, this book kept grabbing my attention. I recognized it. I remembered it.



Before I knew it, I was sitting there reading. On page 100. Totally engrossed in this book. That I remember buying, but don't remember what happened after that. How did I lose track of this book? I could almost kick myself, for not reading it. For putting it off this long.

Fly Away Home has been one of those books, that I just needed to read. For all sorts of reasons. It ties in, with some things, that I'm trying to process. You know, on the family front. And with some school work, that I was working on. It just tied so much in. What I call, "A perfect read, at the perfect time."

A little bit about this book. It's loosely based on political affairs. And some current events. What goes on, behind the scenes. How these women are able to stand behind their husbands. And how they are able to go on with their lives. The shame that comes with the truth. But also the story of their personal lives.

Yes, this was a good book. A total page turner. That left me reading the entire book, in one sitting! I thoroughly enjoyed the way the characters grew. Became stronger, more independent people. How their "picture perfect" lives, were really just fronts. Yes, this was a good book! It makes you think twice about the way you see other people.

Jennifer Weiner has been a favorite author of mine for a while now. She writes about women, for women. Some of the chapters are a little "racy," but the books are always so good! Books that I know, I will enjoy reading. And more times than not, I end up reading in one sitting. Yes, she's an incredible author! ♥

A Little Culture for Little K

When My Bestie, first told me that she was pregnant, I ran out and bought this book. There's a lot of history behind the title. But she loved it! Mostly because it brought back some of our history. Some details from when we were young.



I picked up 2 copies. And now Little K, she loves this book! Every single time she comes to the house, she sits and reads this book. It's the only book she wants to read at bedtime. Yes, she's hooked.

But it's more than the book. She wants to learn all about my culture. And I'm so happy to share it with her. It's so cute, how she gets so excited, about learning Spanish. And learning about my culture. We have a little "date" scheduled. Just to learn a fun and traditional dance. I can't wait! ♥

The Help

Yes, I got this book not too long ago. From this Mr.'s grandma. One day, after dinner, we were talking about books. And she couldn't believe that I hadn't read this book. I know. Being the big reader that I am, how had I missed this one?

On the way home that night, I started reading. Heck, I was reading out loud. To the Mr. himself. Although, he'd never read this book, he quite enjoyed the chapter that I read. He told me, it sorta reminded him of his Nanny. Yes, he and his sisters, they had Nannies. Because their dad, traveled a lot!

In short, I LOVED this book! And it reminded me so much of my childhood, with my Auntie Chuchie. Talk about enjoying a book! If you haven't read it, run out and buy it. Right now! Don't hesitate.

If you are like me, you like to read the book, before watching the movie. And this is definitely one of those books, that you want to read first. It let's your imagination get to work. And find the most perfect place for these characters. What a charming book!

And after reading this book, grandma and I have planned a Girl's Day. All about the females in the family. Taking a day off, to watch this movie! And have some fun. Of course, there will be tons and tons of food. Now I can't wait until August! ♥

Cuddly Crochet

With all the babies on the way, yes, I believe there are 6 babies due on the same day! Anyway, with all the cute babies on the way, I knew that I needed to buy this book. So I may have taken a small detour earlier today. And picked it up. And I may or may not have already started, and finished a project. Yes, I know! But it is such a great book. And I'm already planning out many gifts. ♥

Now Eat This! Diet Book

I want this book. No, I'm not on a diet. But you know me and cookbooks. I just LOVE cookbooks! Oh, and I am a nutrition major. So this should be pretty obvious. Do you know what I mean?

Sometime in the last 2 weeks, I caught a quick interview. About this book. And the food looked yummy. And the concept sounded good. I'm all over this book. I just need to get to the bookstore. You know, to buy this baby!

I think the concept is a good one. And who doesn't want to eat a bit healthier? I know I would like to add a few more "healthy" choices to our menu. We do a good job of balancing the yummy southern food, with the healthy stuff. So this book sounds like a win-win situation for me! ♥

Red Riding Hood

I'm not sure why, I'm so into this book and movie. But I am. Maybe because I dressed up like Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween. Or because as a little girl, I really like Little Red Riding Hood. But anyway that you spin it, I really like this story.

I started to see the commercials, for the movie, about a month ago. And instantly, I told My Guy that we were going to have to go see it. We still haven't had a chance. But we're definitely going. And for my birthday, my mom bought me the book.

But because of life, I just hadn't had the time to sit and read. Until this weekend. We've been doing a lot of traveling. For My Guy's work. And I've had the chance to read, while he is either taking a quick nap, or working.



I was so excited to get to read yesterday! I had a lot of work. But I decide that during our "travel time," I'd read. And read I did! I almost finished the book. And I probably would have finished it, had I not had so much work. Oh, and I fell asleep, on the way home.

But this is such a quick read. And I finished it this morning. While I was putting off my real work. I really liked this book. So much! Until the end. I just didn't like the way it ended. Even with the last chapter. Which you have to get online.

Maybe this is going to be a series of books, or something. I hope so. Because that would be the only way to explain the ending. I've never read any of the Harry Potter or Twilight books. I was just not interested. But this new version of Little Red Riding Hood, I'm all over it!

Have you read this book? Or seen the movie? What do you think? I would recommend this book. I'm just hoping that there is a second book. I feel like there are too many unanswered questions. Or maybe, I'm just a romantic at heart. ♥

He Just Knows...

The last few days have been a total roller coaster of emotions. No lie! It's been crazy around here. And honestly, I just want to fall in a hole. Just so I can get some peace and quiet. That's it. It's been that crazy around here.

And I'm really disappointed, that I was supposed to meet a friend this week, and it just didn't happen. It was due to miscommunication, a missed opportunity, and well, just not being disorganized.

While I was super bummed about that. My Guy was trying to make me feel better. Because he has been having a pretty incredible week. Heck, the last couple of weeks, have been pretty good for him. And well, he's just good at making me feel better.

So when I picked up My Guy, and we headed out to dinner, instead of my friend and I, I was a little down. I was feeling let down, and slightly beaten up. Because we are now approaching the 2 year mark...of the last time that we've seen each other. And although My Guy was taking me to PF Changs for dinner, I'd been wanting to go forever, I was just not feeling it.

After we ordered, and we talked about our ridiculous amount of traveling coming up, he pulled out a bag. My favorite kind...from Barnes and Noble! That's where he was hanging out, as I was trying to get in touch with my friend. Inside that beautiful green bag, were a bunch of craft books. And on top, was Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear. A book I've wanted forever!



So it's now Wednesday. I'm feeling better. And we're in Sin City for the week. I'm working here. My Guy is working here. It's going to be crazy and busy until next Monday. But it's a fun kind of busy. And well, it's very much welcomed. So what have I been doing for the last day or so? Making 2 projects from my new book! My Guy just knows how to brighten my mood! ♥

Living in the "Now"

Since I've been under the weather, I'm getting into reading again. Very much so! For anyone that knows me, even just a little bit, you know that I LOVE to read! :) Unfortunately, over the last 2 months or so, I've forgotten to pick up a good book. So this is a welcomed change of pace for me.

This morning I was so into my book, I didn't realize that My Guy was leaving for work. He stood there, at the foot of the bed, with a sad look on his face. Until his buddy came in and told me, I think he's waiting for something. Oh ya, a kiss.

Do you ever get that way? So into something that you are doing, that you forget about "real life." I have to admit, when I read, I get that way. And when I sew. It just feels like something takes over me. Oh ya, when I garden too!

Something tells me, I'm going to find little notes like this one. You know, floating around. To remind me about what's really important in life. I know that I need to do better. But right now, I'm just not in the best of spirits. It has a lot to do with my health, and my Dad's. But you know what, I'm going to make the effort.

I'm stuck on bed rest currently. But I did manage some dinner plans for My Guy and I tonight. And tonight, it's going to be all about time together. I've got a stack of his favorite movies. And a ton of music that he enjoys. Because nothing is more important than living in the "now." Good book or not, I have a GREAT man that loves me! ♥

Not Without Hope

My Guy has been reading this book. It's such a great read. My Guy actually finished it up a while back. I just haven't blogged about it. But it's a GREAT read!

Yup, I had to steal it away when he was working. It had me in tears. Do you remember those athletes that got lost at sea? The ones that went out for a fun day on the water? And only one of them survived. This is HIS STORY. It's so sad. But this is such a good book. I definitely would recommend reading it!

I don't want to give too much away. Because I think you should sit down and read this book. Be ready to cry. The trip started out as a fun day for a bunch of buddies. It ended in a fight to survive. It's such a touching story. Something that makes you think about all the blessings in your life. ♥