From My Heart to Theirs...

Sometimes, you see something as a crafter, and say to yourself, "I MUST make that!" I had that feeling yesterday. You see, it's that "Time of Year" again. You know, when everyone I know, is having a baby. I'm not lying! From family to friends...co-workers to our favorite waitresses.

I'm feeling completely "Behind the Ball." I NEED to make a bunch of gifts. But I'm getting a little tired of the same patterns. So yesterday, I did a little searching. And found a lot of fun and new patterns. But none, grabbed my attention like this one.

I don't know what it is. Love is in the air. Babies are on the way. Sweet baby girls, ALWAYS steal my heart away!!! But this blanket, it's screaming for me to make it. No lie.

I'm not completely convinced with this color combination. I'm thinking something that says more "Baby Girl," rather than "Happy Valentine's Day." Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to make one for myself. To add to the "Love" decorations we got going on. But for my first take on this blanket, I'm thinking pink, white, and lavender.

And if you're just not "feeling" this lovely blanket, how about some potholders? The pattern says you can make dishcloths, but I'm thinking about potholders. Make 2 squares, and single crochet them together. That would be fun!!! ♥

Be Mine Cherry Brownies

Yesterday was Valentine's Day! And around here, we enjoyed a nice and quiet holiday. Alone. It was heaven! Something we don't get to do often. But we cherished every single moment!

I did lots of cooking for My Guy. Something that I absolutely LOVE to do! And he spoiled me with lots of nice gifts. Which was incredibly sweet,and unexpected! But back to that cooking. Earlier this week, I had been looking for some good dessert recipes. My Guy likes him some dessert! And I baked for almost 2 days. :) One of the recipes that I used, was this week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week.



Be Mine Cherry Brownies

18.3-oz. pkg. fudge brownie mix
3 1-oz. sqs. white baking chocolate
1/3 c. whipping cream
1 c. cream cheese frosting
1/4 c. maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1-1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. butter
Garnish: candy sprinkles

Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Line a 13"x9" baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving several inches on sides for handles. Spray bottom of foil with non-stick vegetable spray; spread batter into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 24 to 26 minutes; let cool. Lift brownies from pan; remove foil. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut brownies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white baking chocolate and whipping cream for one to 2 minutes, stirring until chocolate is melted; refrigerate 30 minutes. Stir frosting and cherries into chilled chocolate mixture; spread over brownies. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter for one to 2 minutes, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a plastic zipping bag, snip off a tip and drizzle over brownies. Garnish with sprinkles. Makes 14.


So I can't lie! I got this cookbook as a gift. From K. She knows that I collect cookbooks. And that Gooseberry Patch is my favorite! This is one, that I've had on my list, for a little while. K actually gave it to me, right before we left. And it has been such a treat to have! I've already made 3 different desserts!

The funny thing is, I had flagged this recipe. In the cookbook. It was one of my favorites. But when I saw it this week, as the Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week, I knew that I just had to make it! Even if we, had to make a midnight run to the grocery store. Luckily, not on Valentine's Day. I realized I was missing 2 ingredients, 2 days before. :)

My Guy also told me, that he enjoyed this little treat. Though we both agreed, one is more than enough. These brownies are pretty sweet. But a nice change. I'm pretty sure that I can find a friend, or two, that would like to finish off our little stash. After all, we should share! I'm telling you, there is nothing like chocolate and cherries. And these were well worth, the midnight run to the grocery store! ♥

You're My Better Half

Doll Face, that time has come again. The year is pickin' up. Work is in high gear. Lady it gonna get crazy! Then I think of ya. How calm you are. How ya never waiver. I know that I'm not the easiest guy, to deal with. At times, I can be Oscar the Grouch.

Know that I don't take you for granted. That I know, things are not always good. I'm Mr. Grouch. Probably annoying as hell. But you make life better. Bearable. Worth livin.' I appreciate it all!



It's Valentine's Day. Like usual, my mind is on work. We're out here. For my career. Don't think, that I overlook that. I don't. I know the sacrifices ya make. That you go over and beyond, for me.

I don't think, ya realize just what your smile means to me. How in a single instant, ya erase all the crap in the world. Ya make me feel,, like a good man. Even when I know, I've fallen short.

Lady, you are my world. My entire world. The things ya do for me. For my family. Don't go unnoticed. Not once. I see those things. I value those things. Taking care of me, my family, my friends, my co-workers. It means a heck of a lot!

When life isn't going well, all I need is you. A gentle touch. Soft words. A simple smile. Good laughs. Just the two of us.

I'm the typical man. Don't know how to tell ya, what I want to tell ya. I don't know how to plan the best Valentine's Day. But I know this. I love ya. With everything I got. I know that. I couldn't have gotten through so much crap, if I hadn't had you. Right here. At my side. Love ya! Baby Girl, you're my better half. I wouldn't want it any other way. Happy Valentine's Day! Your Guy

Perfect!

Well, I was browsing Pinterest, looking for some Valentine's Day ideas. You know, something fun and unexpected. I have lots of little girls, to make presents for. And some decorations to attempt. But that's not what caught my eye. Nope! I got lost in the "Land of Sweets!" That's when I came across these pictures!



Valentine's Day Owls! Oh my goodness! These are the cutest little sugar cookies. Perfect for my Mom. A HUGE fan, and collector of owls. Oh, I want to try and make these. :)



Come on. These are just the cutest cookies, that I've ever seen! They remind me so much of my Mom. Who is not only an owl fan. But a HUGE fan of sweets. :) Yes, this is going to be my next adventure. So my Mom can have a fun treat on Valentine's Day! ♥

Cute Idea!

Did you know, that Valentine's Day, is less than 3 weeks away?!?!?! Yes, I know! So I've been looking for some fun projects to work on. You know me! I'm all about decorating for the holidays. And for the first time, in a few years, My Guy has the day off. On Valentine's Day!!!

We did decide to head down to Florida, a little early though. To go before My Guy has to work. And just enjoy the holiday. Celebrate. That means, my projects need to be small and portable. To fold up, and pack in my suitcase. That makes this cute project, an absolute "Must" for me!



What do you think? I'm thinking of painting My Guy and I's names. Along with our fur babies' names. I think it will be really cute! I don't like to eat Conversation Hearts. But I sure enjoy making crafts, that are inspired by them. :) I better get painting. Before I know it, Valentine's Day will be here! ♥

Valentine's Day Garland

Did you know that Valentine's Day, is less than a month away? Where has time gone? I swear, we were just putting up our Christmas trees. I promise, we were! Anyway, I LOVE to decorate for Valentine's Day. LOVE IT!!!

Just over 2 weeks ago, I spotted these cute Valentine's Day lights. In the shape of hearts! At Walgreen's. I was there to pick up some prescriptions. Ended up having to wait. And left with a basket full of Valentine's Day goodies! They got me. But I was over the moon! And I bought a couple of those hearts. Perfect! I got to work, and I decorated. I swear, I was over the moon!

Just one thing. One Valentine's Day, we're going to be on the road. That disappoints me so much! I should be used to it. This will be the 4th Valentine's Day, on the road! So I need some decorations, that can easily travel. You know, pack up in a suitcase. That's when I took to Google. And found this picture!



I never found the source. Which disappoints me. I sorta was hoping it was from Etsy. So I could buy it. You know, already made. :O) But that's OK, I'm going to make this cute garland. Because I'm "IN LOVE" with it! It can be hung, or placed on a table. So cute! And versatile!

I'm still looking for some more ideas. If you have any, or know of any, please leave me a comment. I would really appreciate it! It doesn't matter what the craft is. It can even be a picture. I just need some ideas. ♥