A Primitive Place ~ Tammy

And The Winner Is….

2012-01-22T11:34:00.001-06:00

First off…

I can’t believe I wasn't able to make it online yesterday, my Actual Blog Anniversary day.

But such has been life lately.

So, Happy 1 Day Late Blogiversary to me!!! :)

What a wonderful 3 years it has been.

Blogging has introduced me to sooo many wonderful people.

Who’s support, friendship, and inspiration means more to me than words can express.

Thank you all for entering my life!

And thank you to ALL my followers!!!

Of course, I love reading comments.

But even if you have never posted a comment, I am still so very grateful to you for following my little blog.

And I hope you all continue to follow along for the next year, or three, or ten!! :)

I had a total of 92 entries. Giving 2 entries to those who posted about giveaway.

Now without further delay…..

The winner of this burlap feed sack pillow is…..

One of the Luckiest Ladies in Blogland!!!!

*I’m still hoping one day to go junkin’ with her!!

She always finds the most awesome goodies!!!

~ Raise your hand if you know who I’m talking about. :)

Comment #61…..

Carmen of Primcats!!!

Please join me in Congratulating Carmen!!!

Congratulations Carmen!!!!!

Please email me your shipping information and I will get your pillow mailed out ASAP.

Thank you again to all my followers!!

Don’t worry if you didn't win this time….

Another giveaway coming soon!!

Take Care and Talk Soon,

My Newest Baby W/ Baby

2012-01-19T12:19:00.001-06:00

I finally finished up my newest creation.

Meet Ella.

She is a prim prairie rag doll.

I drew out the pattern for her and her clothing.

She also comes with her little church doll.

She measures approx. 20” tall.

Her church doll measures approx. 7.5” tall.

The coloring (aging) on this doll turned out Fabulous!!

It is hard to tell in photos but she has an amazing old appearance to her.

She is completely and firmly rag stuffed.

Her clothing was made from reproduction and vintage fabrics, same for the church doll.

Her body was made from a vintage heavy, linen type, fabric.

The church doll was made of burlap and rag stuffed.

I even made her little prim black socks!!!

Her bonnet is removable.

Just untie and take it off, if you prefer.

No glue anywhere on either doll.

Everything was machine and hand sewn.

She has faintly pencil draw facial features.

Made to look worn away over the years.

Please see all photos below for more detail.

Ella and baby are currently listed in my Etsy shop.

CLICK HERE to pop over and view them.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Hugs,

Bunny Swap @ Ravenwood Whimzies

2012-01-18T11:57:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Just a quick post to let you know about a wonderful swap being hosted by Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies.

*Sign ups are open until Jan. 27th.

CLICK HERE to pop over to Wendy’s swap post and read the rules.

I’m joining in and hope you do too!!! :)

It has been a crazy week so far, and unfortunately not in a good way.

I’m not going to go into the details right now, but I’m just ready for this week to get over with!!

~~I think~~ I need a vacation!!

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya.
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama.
Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go!!!

Way down to Kokomo!!! :)

Take Care and Talk Soon!!

*Bet you’re going to have that song stuck in your head for hours now!! Heehee! ;)

Not Enough Hours In The Day!

2012-01-15T11:15:00.001-06:00

Don’t you feel that way sometimes?

I sure do.

I don't know where the days go??

One day day it is Monday morning then POOF it is Sunday!

And I swear the older I get the faster the days go by.

When I was young time seemed to drag by.

Not anymore!! :)

This is pretty much just a babbling post.

I don’t really have anything new to show off.

Hopefully soon.

I did get my selling blog finished up.

Well, for the most part.

And I did list goodies in most of the categories.

I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out.

I wanted it to look like my website and it pretty much does.

So Yeah about that!! :)

Thanks again to all my wonderful blogging friends that helped me.

If you haven't stopped by my selling blog yet, you can pop over for a visit by CLICKING HERE.

I’ve worked on the width. I reduced it quite a bit.

But if you still have a problem with it being too wide for you monitor, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

I most definitely want it to be user friendly and having to scroll side to side is not.

I have been thinking about the plans to paint my bathroom white.

I’m not sure it will work. ???

Here’s why, all my fixtures are bone color (not white).

Do you think that will look bad??

Let me see if I can find a photo of my bath to show what I mean….

Okay, here’s a few….

I’m not sure if you can tell the true color from these.

On my monitor they are appearing kind of white, but they aren’t.

I’m sure most of you know the difference between bone and white, though.

Plus all my cabinets are cherry wood.

Not sure about how that would look white white walls.

And no way would hubby let me even attempt to paint them. :)

So….

I’m still trying to figure out what paint color I should use.

White or a light tan like the rest of my rooms???

If you have any thoughts on the situation, please let me know.

Hubby and I don’t have to work today, so not sure how the day will go.

I would love to spend the day catching up on my blogs.

* I have been reading them as much as possible, just not leaving my normal comments.

Then I would like to spend the rest of my time in my sewing room.

I have a few started projects and would love to be able to get them finished.

BUT….

I know my hubby, I’m sure there will be a list of “have-to’s” to do instead. ;)

We’ll see…

Also if haven’t done so already, don’t forget to sign up for my giveaway.

You must enter on the actual giveaway post to be counted.

But you can CLICK HERE to pop right over to it.

Last day to enter is next Saturday, Jan. 21st.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit.

Take Care and Talk Soon,

Progress on Selling Blog

2012-01-13T23:40:00.001-06:00

Okay...

I have spent all day and all night working on figuring all of this out.

Big Huge THANK YOU to all of you for your comments and emails.

I still have tweaking to do and I don't have any items for sale yet, but...

I do have the basics up.

I actually set it up almost exactly like my website.

Even made the home page, first post, look like the front of my website.

If you would like to pop over and check out my NEW Selling Blog….

CLICK HERE.

And, of course, I would Love it if you chose to follow me there.

Thanks so much for stopping by and Thank you again for all your help.

It is almost midnight so I will be getting ready for bed soon.

I have to work tomorrow. :(

I’ll be back soon with a Real blog post, I promise. :)

Hugs,

Adding Pages To Blog?? HELP!! :)

2012-01-13T16:22:00.000-06:00

I am trying, and let me stress...TRYING.... to open a selling blog.
I am trying to add multiple pages to the blog so I can divide items into categories.
But when I click on the gadget link, it only has the HOME page and no where to add another.
????
I know it should be possible, but for some reason I can't get it to work.

Any help you can give would be Greatly appreciated.
(Tips? Links that give help??)

I've tried doing searches asking questions but... Waste of time. I can't find anything that answers the questions I have.

Thanks in advance,
Tam

My Newest Burlap Creation

2012-01-11T11:33:00.001-06:00

Just a quick post to show off this adorable bunny I made last night.

Made from a vintage burlap sack.

Graphics show on ears and one side of the bunny's body.
The other side is solid brown burlap.

Rag stuffed (burlap remnants).

Stick legs.

Old quilt cotton quilt batting used for tail and details around legs.

Hand stitched eyes and whiskers.

Bunny measures approx. 12" long by 9" tall, from the top of ears down.

*Adapted from a Sweetpeas Primitives pattern from Mercantile Gatherings magazine.

I have him listed in My Etsy Shop.

You can CLICK HERE to pop over and view him.

I also listed my other burlap dolls today.

CLICK HERE to view large rag doll with church doll.

CLICK HERE to view small burlap rag doll.

~ Now back to the sewing room. :)

Thanks for stopping by.

Take Care and Talk Soon,

I Need Help Selecting A White

2012-01-09T22:53:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone.
I am wanting to repaint my bathroom and try a white on the walls.
But I need help selecting a white.
My hubby would think that was a crazy request.
To him, white is just white.
But we all understand that there are so many different shades.
So I am turning to all of you for some suggestions.
Do you have a favorite brand and shade for me??
Thanks for any help you can give.
Hugs,
Tam

A Bloggers Valentine Twist On DT Stockings + My Church Dolls

2012-01-08T20:37:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Well, today I didn’t get as much sewing done as I had planned.

It was sort of a lazy day.

But I did get a couple of things finished.

Here are all my church dolls.

These are the ones I am keeping for me.

Two made of burlap, one made of linen.

I have them sitting inside my new cupboard for now.

I love the blues and brown together.

I also made one more in burlap.

This one is for the larger burlap doll to hold.

It needed to one. :)

I will be selling these two together as a pair.

So cute together, don’t ya think?? :)

Remember back in November my post about a cute twist you could make with these Dollar Tree socks??

If you don’t, you can CLICK HERE to read the original post.

Well…

Today Morgan at The Prim 'N Proper Shoppe made a post about a wonderful Valentine twist for these stockings.

I’m not going to show her photo off here.

You will need to CLICK HERE to pop over to her blog and check them out.

But trust me… You will LOVE them!!

She did an amazing job!!!

Thanks so much Morgan for sharing your wonderful idea for these socks with us.

I must head off to watch The Good Wife.

Love that show.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Take Care and Talk Soon,

How I Spent My Saturday

2012-01-07T20:22:00.001-06:00

Today I have been Sewing Away!

I literally have been in my sewing room since I got up this morning.

Okay, I slept in till 10am, but as sick as I have been lately, I don’t feel guilty. :)

I actually felt like creating today, it has been a couple of weeks and it felt good just to spend the day playing.

Wanna see some of what I have made??

Well, I’m going to show you whether you do or not. LOL!

I must invest in a new camera!!

Maybe it just may eyes, but I doubt it, my photos never look crisp no matter how hard I try!

Anyway…

I made some prim rag dolls out of burlap!!!

They turned out so cute in person.

They were made from vintage burlap sacks and there are some graphics on the back side of the dolls.

I lined the underneath of the burlap so the stuffing doesn't show.

They are, however, completely stuffed with rags, well.. fabric remnants but it is all the same as far as look and feel.

I used true old fabrics for all their clothing and patches. They all have been aged for that olde’ worn appearance.

Sorry the photos don’t pick up that too well.

I also made some church dolls today.

I Love ‘em!!

My first time making these.

Shown is one made of linen fabric, but I have two made of burlap drying.

Yes, I do have an obsession with burlap!! :)

I will show off the burlap church dolls in my next post.

I’m not sure what I am going to do with these.

I think I’m going to keep the church dolls for me.

The others dolls, well, Mom and I have been looking into opening a booth at a local craft and antiques shop.

So I may put these up for that.

I have to get some inventory made up, or will never get one open.

Who knows?

*You know me and when I plan on something, it never seems to happen. Heehee!

I may keep them all or end up listing them on Etsy.

I don’t work tomorrow so my plans are to create some more goodies.

I have a few ideas for some different things.

We’ll see.

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend.

It has been Gorgeous here in Southern IL. the past few days.

Temps in the High 50’s to low 60’s!!

Woohoo!! I’ll take it!!

Hope it stays this way all winter long!

Also don’t forget to sign up for my giveaway!

CLICK HERE to pop over to the giveaway post.

All entries must be made on that post to be counted.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit.

Take Care and Talk Soon!

New Breakfast Nook Photos

2012-01-05T18:29:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, these last two days have been really rough.

Remember that bug I came down with the day after Christmas??

Well, it is still hanging on, but that’s not the rough part!

Yesterday morning I woke up with severe sore ribs.

I feel like Mike Tyson punched my right rib cage.

And today being the idiot that I am…

Attempted to make my bed, I pulled up on the coverlet in a quick motion and POP! went something in those ribs.

So today, I have been going nuts in pain!

My hubby says I have damaged the cartilage in my ribs from coughing.

I don't know???

If you ask me, I have broke a rib or two from coughing!!

(Yes, for weeks I have been coughing my head off.)

I know they sure feel broken or at least cracked.

This is the most pain I have felt since childbirth! :(

All because of this stupid cough that I can’t get rid of.

And when I do cough… OUCH!!! I want to cry.

Being sick makes me soooo MAD!!

Anyway… enough complaining from me.

I am all drugged up right now!!! :)

And as long as I sit… it doesn't feel too excruciating bad.

I wanted to get the photos posted of my breakfast nook with my new cabinet from my Mom.

I took them a few days ago and haven't been able to get myself online to post them.

I also did a slight bid of tweaking on my kitchen counter this past week.

Kitchen counter tweak.

Here are some Before and After photos of the areas.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I also wanted to share a few photos of my bedroom with the blinds Up.

*See how much prettier I am with my blinds up! :)

Guess, that is all from me tonight.

To be honest… I’m feeling a bit loopy, so I'm going to go lay back down.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Take Care and Talk Soon,

Help Me Celebrate 3 Years! ~ Blogiversary Giveaway!!~

2012-01-02T16:16:00.001-06:00

WOW! Time has gotten away from me!

I just noticed that on the 21st it will have been 3 years since I started blogging.

I can hardly believe that!

It seriously feels like yesterday that I started this little blog of mine.

What a wonderful adventure it has been.

Blogging has introduced me to so many wonderful people, and I have made friendships that I hope last a lifetime.

I think back to when I would read my friend Linda's blog and decided one day to start my own.

So yes, I am very thankful to Linda, if it wasn’t for her I may have never been introduced to the wonders of Blogland, and all the amazing people who live here. :)

Has it Really Been 3 Years???

Yep, it sure has!

So lets celebrate with a giveaway!

I have decided to giveaway one of my large vintage burlap pillows.

This is a large size pillow.
It measures approx. 22" wide by 16.5" tall.

(22” X 16 1/2”)

I used a vintage burlap feed sack for the front.
The burlap was cleaned before turning it in to pillow.
I lined the back side of the burlap so the stuffing does not show through.

Wonderful graphics on the front of the pillow.

Solid cotton fabric on back.

No holes.
Perfect for any Farmhouse or Primitive Decor.

*And if your worried it may be too rustic for your inside decor, just remember Spring will be here before we know it and the pillow would also look great out on a porch. :)

Okay now on to the RULES:

1) You must be a follower of my blog.

Sorry, but my giveaways are my way of saying Thank You to my followers.

*Yes, new followers are Welcome.

2) You must live in the USA or Canada.

Sorry, but international shipping has gotten outrageous.

3) You must leave a comment on this blog post stating you would like to be entered.

And that’s it!

*For an extra entry, you may post about my giveaway on your sidebar or in an actual blog post, if you wish.

But it is not mandatory to enter.

Be sure to let me know if you do, so I can give you your extra entry.

Please feel free to use the below photo for posting on your sidebar.

My Blogiversary is on January 21st, so I will be leaving sign ups open until the end of that day.

I will announce the winner on the 22nd of January.

Thanks so much to all of you for visiting me over these past 3 years.

What a journey it has been.

I don’t know how I ever lived without you!!!

I truly do consider you all a Blessing in my life.

Hugs to you all,

Some Thoughts On The New Year + Tons Of Tweaking Photos :)

2012-01-01T15:51:00.001-06:00

2012 …

A New Year…

A Fresh Start…

A Clean Slate…

I've never been one to make resolutions.

I know me, I would never see them through. :)

But I have spent some time thinking about what I want out of this new year.

Here are just a few.

#1~ Slow down and Enjoy each day.

I spend so much time, rushing to do this, get this and that done. Putting so much pressure on myself.

And over what??? Things that in the grand scheme of things don’t really matter at all.

Not only that but I’m loosing out on actually enjoying the process because I am trying so hard to hurry through it.

#2~ Get back to doing things I love, for Me.

By this I mean…

Like decorating or crafting. Way too many times I decorate or make something and the whole time be wondering….

How will that look in a photograph? Will others like it?

Too cutesy?? Too Mix Matched??

Too this, Too That???

Who Cares!!!

Seriously.

I do enjoy sharing my home and projects with others but way too often I let others negative comments affect me.

For example:

A few months ago I got an email from someone who was viewing my photos on RMS.

They emailed and critiqued every room.

Stating they lived in a 1800’s farmhouse and my woodwork was too shiny, too many flags in my bedroom, etc., etc.

They had a list of things, I just can’t remember them all right now.

Because of this I started thinking….

“Gosh darn it, why wont Brett agree to painting the woodwork!”

(A big no-no for him.)

“Maybe I should do a way with some of my flags.”

(Which I love.)

And so on and so on.

*None of these happened, but it is the fact that I wasted thoughts, time and energy because of something a stranger said!!!

How silly is that!!

We all have different tastes and style.

I may have an area decorated that someone looks at and thinks…

“I don’t like it. I would change this and change that.”

I may look at their space and think the same thing.

*It is all just our opinion, nothing more.

There is no right, no wrong.

Everyone has their own individual taste, and that’s okay.

How boring would it be if everyone's home looked exactly the same!!

~Because of all these types of emails and messages I have gotten over this past year, and yes there have been a few…

I have decided, Who Cares!

I’m going to get back to decorating and crafting For Me and Only Me!

As long as I like it, that is all that matters.

Because the truth of it is…

It’s not as fun when the whole time you are doing things, in the back of your mind, you are wondering what others will think.

Now, I know, I’ll have some hit and misses with the things I do.

There will be things I do, then come back later and wonder…

“What the heck was I thinking.” and change it all.

But that’s the fun part!

Not holding back… trying something different just because I want to.

*I will still be sharing what ever I do. And yes, of course, I will always love reading your comments.

I’m just not going to worry about the “haters” in the world.

Let them hate… Who cares! :)

#3~Try to learn something new.

There are so many things I would love to learn.

But because of that hurrying thing, I never seem to have the time to just slow down and let myself.

I want to finally do it this year.

At least one thing!

Pick one on my list of the many and at least make the attempt.

Hummm, Maybe rug hooking. I tried it a few years ago and failed miserably!

Maybe this year, I can find the time to actually try to learn how to do it.

Starting with the right supplies would probably be a big help too. Hehee! Last time, I just gave it a shot with some scraps I had sitting around. Big no- no! :)

~ I’m sure I could come up with more things I would want out of this year.

But I won’t bore you any longer with my rambling thoughts.

LOL!!

I have been working on my cabinet from my mom.

Getting it painted and put into place.

I will be showing it off soon, but I’m not finished working on the space yet.

Decorating this cabinet, had me taking things from spaces throughout the house.

And this lead to tweaking almost everywhere!! Heehee.

You may not be able to notice the little tweaks here and there, but they are there. :)

Any who…

I will share with you some new photos of my bedroom and dining room.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit it…

These rooms have actually changed some since I took the photos Last Night!! LOL!!

A little more tweaking here and there when something would catch my eye and think…

Nope that needs to go here or there.

Hehee.

The infamous Master Bedroom.

LOL!

Gosh dang it!

I wish I would have remembered to raise the darn blinds. :)

*Story about the red ware plate above.

I ordered it from one of my favorite red ware artist and when I got it in, I noticed Brett’s name was spelt wrong.

She told me just to keep the misspelled one and that she would send me a new one out.

I, of course, couldn't just throw out the misspelled one.

So, here it sits in my bedroom.

Brett might not like that his name is spelled wrong, but it is just too darn pretty not to display. :)

My Uncle Sam, still one of my all time favorite creations.

I just love this true antique doll in her amazing old blue homespun and calico clothing! One of my favorite things.

~ Just for fun here are some photos of my bedroom through the years and the transformation that has taken place…

And back to present day….

How about another flashback….

Living Room a few years back….

Living Room Now….

Old Corner in dining room…

Present Day Corner….

*I don’t know… I’m kinda lovin’ the old corner.

That cobalt blue granite looks really pretty. :)

Speaking of my dining room, I have done some tweaking in there also.

Here are some new photos…

I hope this crazy long post hasn’t put ya to sleep!! :)

I’m still fighting off this whatever bug that I have had for a week now!!

But at least I can function some now.

Being sick makes me sooo mad!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit.

And I’m wishing you all a wonderful and Very Blessed New Year.

Hugs and Talk Soon,

Wishing You All A Happy & Blessed 2012

2011-12-31T18:15:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to pop on and wish you all a Happy and Safe New Years Eve.

I really haven't been online all week.
I came down sick the day after Christmas and have felt terrible.
I think I may be Finally getting better.

I do miss ya and please don't think I'm ignoring anyone.
I just have been so sick, I haven't wanted to do anything but sleep and rest.

Take Care and Talk Soon!

Are You Having A Merry Christmas?!

2011-12-25T15:38:00.001-06:00

I sure hope so!

We all slept in way too late today.

So, our annual breakfast turned into a brunch instead. :)

I ate way too much!

Well, actually I have ate way too much for 2 days now!

When we did get up, Brett made a fire in the fireplace, even though it is in the 50’s today here in Southern IL. :)

It is a tradition though… so he said we had to have one.

We gathered in the kitchen while I made breakfast.

Bacon, eggs, milk gravy, croissants, and toast.

Kortney said she was going to help me cook, but that didn’t last long. LOL!!

Luckily, Brett took over and at least helped a bit.

We played Christmas music while we cooked and ate, then opened our presents.

After that we headed to my Mom and Dads.

Usually we go over there and eat lunch.

No one was hungry but Mitch though, he doesn't eat breakfast food.

So, the rest of us just sat and talked while he ate.

Now we are back home and just have a lazy day planned.

Over all our Christmas turned out pretty good considering everything. (More explanation below.)

We do most of our celebrating on Christmas eve.

That is the night we open presents at my Moms, then travel over to my Grandma’s to see all my wonderful extended family.

~ Mom & Dad ~

~ My Dad and my niece, Erin ~

~ Mom, Dad, and my niece, Abbey ~

~ Me and My niece, Grace ~

~ My son, Mitchell & Erin ~

He didn’t want is picture taken.

Well, who beside Erin does??!! LOL!

~ My youngest, Kortney, and My sister, Vicki ~

Vic had food in her mouth and Dad decided perfect timing for a photo. :)

I had a few emotional moments through the day.

The first one was at Mom’s.

I knew for the past few months she had been working away in the ~~garage~~ wood shop.

Something for me for Christmas and I was forbidden to go in there. :)

I’m really surprised Mom was able to keep quiet about it all this time.

Keeping a secret isn't her strong suit. Hehee!

But she made it!!

And she was so excited for me to come out to the garage to see what she had made.

She makes me close my eyes as she guides me in the door.

“Open Your Eyes” and I saw this!!!!

How Amazing is this!!!!

I have wanted a pie safe forever!!!

And she made it completely out of her head with no pattern!!!

I admit it, I got tears in my eyes when I saw it.

I was soooo happy!!

Cant wait to get it all painted and displayed.

Mom says we can change out the doors with punched tin this Summer.

I’m thinking, Maybe. Because I kinda like the screen. It is prim and this way you can see what’s inside.

Thank you, Mommy!!!!

I love it!!! And I love you bunches and bunches!!!

The other emotional moment was with my my niece, Abbey.

She wanted to borrow my phone so she could download this free app she had on hers.

Any way, she did and she started taking photos of me.

How did I get emotional over this?

Well, she had me laughing so hard I was literally crying.

Tears rolling down my checks and I couldn’t breathe!

And here is why….

This last one is my favorite. LOL!! I look like an alien!! :)

We spent at least an hour playing with this.

Taking photos of everyone and dying laughing.

I haven’t laughed this hard in years.

And my gosh, did I ever need it!! :)

I can admit this Christmas, well actually the whole Holiday season, has been really tough for me this year.

First time in 24 years without Kelsey. :(

Unfortunately, Kelsey wasn’t able to make it home for Thanksgiving like she had originally planned. Long story, I wont bore you with you details, but she ended up not coming home. Then we knew she couldn’t get off work to come home for Christmas.

So, I haven’t seen my baby girl since she left this past Spring. Yes, we talk and Facetime, but it isn't the same as her actually being here.

A part of me ~~was~~ is just missing.

Well actually a big part was missing from all of us!!!

You have to know my daughter to understand completely.

Kelsey Loves Life! When you are round her, especially during holidays, it just makes everything better… Happier.

She rubs off on ya!

She seems to have this excitement in everything she does.

I so admire this quality about her.

There are actually so many things I admire about her.

And her absence during this season, and heck every day since she left, has been really hard.

I am so proud of her to have the courage to do the things she has done. To just take a leap of faith and decide to change her life.

But the “Mommy” part of me, still wants to lock her up in her room because I want her home with me.

I’ve been really struggling these last few months without her.

I try to keep busy, that does seem to help some, but a part of my heart is empty.

And most of the time lately, I feel like I have just been going through the motions of the holidays.

She is planning on coming home for a visit in February and I can’t wait!!!

I just worry that it is going to be even harder when she leaves to head back to CA.

But it will be worth it, just to have her home for a little bit!

Now that Christmas is over I can share with you the bear I made for Mom. You may remember in a previous post I said she asked me to make her one of my large burlap bears for her present.

Well, here she is…

I named her Belinda because that is what my Mom wanted to name me.

But Dad wanted to name me Tammy, and he won out. LOL!

I love using antique baby shoes on my larger bears.

I think it just sets it off. :)

And of course Mom’s bear had to have some early blue calico patches.

Love this fabric!

I have been so busy before Christmas I haven’t got around to showing these wonderful blog wins!

Bad Bad Blogger I am!!

Here is the adorable goody I was lucky enough to win from Pam at Primitive Blessings Vintage Gift Shop.

I won this, oh so cute, mitten and wooden Happy Holidays sign.

Thank you so much, Pam!!!

If you have never visited Pam’s blog you can pop right over by clicking on her blog name above.

And that isn’t the only goody I was lucky enough to win lately.

Look at this wonderful Santa I won from Mary at the Prairie Homeplace.

I absolutely love that burlap fabric.

Mary where ever did you find it???

Thank you again, Mary!

Also if you have never visited Mary’s blog you can pop right over by clicking her blog name above.

As I stated in previous posts, I have received so many wonderful Christmas cards in the mail this year.

My three newest ones that I haven’t posted about were from…

Teresa at deppenhomestead1862.

And these next two came from….

Tricia at Hillcrest Home Prims.

And Tonya at My Primitive Creations By Tonya.

Thank you so much ladies!!!

And sweet Tricia also included these 2 surprise ornies for me.

Mitten ornies!!

Prim candle ornie.

~ Thank you Trish for my adorable ornies!!

I feel so blessed right now looking at my cards and thinking of all the Amazing women I have came to know through blogging.

Oh, what would I do without you all!!!

You All are such a true blessing in my life.

Please know, that your friendship is something I am so grateful for.

Thank you once again to everyone for their cards.

Thank you to everyone for their sweet comments and emails throughout this year.

Also Thank you to everyone who takes the time out of their day to read my blog, whether you leave comments or not.

I am so thankful for you just stopping by to visit and sharing a small part of your life with me and my posts.

I wanted to show you all my newest creation.

As some of you may know I have been surprising some of my followers with these prim, olde’ rag dolls.

I am so enjoying making them.

I try to make them look old, worn and well loved.

To look like a make-do doll a Mommy may have created for her daughter many years ago.

On this one, I used old cotton fabric for the body.

You may notice the white on white patches, these are true old repairs that were on the fabric when I cut out the body.

How wonderfully Prim!!

The colored fabric patches are also made from early fabric, but I added them to give the baby more of a worn and repaired appearance.

She is also rag stuffed which gives her that wonderful old lumpy weight and feel.

She truly looks like an old doll in person.

I am really happy with the way she turned out.

I will be listing her in My Etsy Shop soon.

I will end this post with a kinda funny story that happen a couple of days before Christmas.

Well, I thought it was funny and it really shows the difference between Me and my Hubby.

Before I tell you let me ask….

Why do men sweat the small stuff??

Or maybe it is just my man.

Here’s what happened.

We have been having problems with our washer and dryer.

And 2 days before Christmas, as I was in the middle of trying to get a zillion things done, including laundry, Hubby decides we need to try to fix the situation.

Oh yes, perfect timing Brett, this is when I would try to fix it too!!

Let alone the fact neither of us have a clue how to fix a W&D. (But that is a whole different point.)

The funny part is when he goes in there and pulls the W&D away from the wall.

You should have seen the expression on his face!!

He says, “OMG! Look at this. Go get a broom!”

So, I do and the whole time I am, he is grumbling away.

I give him the broom and he starts sweeping forward toward me, still shaking his head in disbelief.

Me on the other hand, looks at what starts coming my way and I say…

“Hey, there’s my favorite pair of undies!! I wondered where those were!!”

And I was also excited to see those 12 socks I needed to reunite with the ones still hanging out in the laundry basket.

Then hubby looks at me and says….

“You need to clean this more often, What if someone came over and saw this!”

My response…

To roll my eyes and say…

“Yes because so many people come over and say, hold on a minute, I’m going to go look behind your washer and dryer.”

LOL!!!

Now time to head off, rest, and just hang out with everyone!

I wish all of you a Fabulous Christmas day and a very blessed New Year!!!

Hugs,

How About Another Dollar Tree Crafting Idea?? Stick Twig Tree.

2011-12-21T16:18:00.001-06:00

Okay, I know I said my previous post was the last one until Christmas was over, BUT….

I had this neat idea come to me last night in bed!

I’m sure I am not the only who’s mind runs wild when you are trying to go to sleep. LOL!

Anyway…

The Dollar Tree sells these packages of wire Christmas tree branches.

I am having a brain malfunction right now and can’t remember exactly what these are called, but here is what I’m talking about.

Last night I thought, why couldn’t I use these to make a twig tree?

And for the center, why not a thick stick.

Hummm, I wondered if it would work.

Well, today Mom came over and we gave it a try.

Once again, I am terrible at giving instructions but I will do my best.

Mom held the stick and I took the drill with a small bit and drilled random holes through the stick.

I tried to do it, all the way through from the front.

Then move down some and drill it all the way through from the side.

Rotating front to side, all the way down the length of the stick.

But the bark did make the drill slip sometimes so my holes are a little off.

I'm sure with practice and a little more concentration it could be done better.

After the hole was drilled I took one of the steams, stuck in in the hole and pulled it through.

Then when I got the main branches finished, I went and drilled one more hole, straight down at the top, and stuck a small piece of branch inside.

For a base, I used a little crock I had found at GW awhile back.

But anything could be used.

I was thinking, one could even use a tin can. Grub it up some and maybe even decorate it with a prim label. Hummm. Maybe.

I think the best and most secure way would be to fill the container with Plaster of Paris, but I am all out.

So, what I did was put some hot glue on the bottom of the stick, press it down inside the crock.

After it dried a little, I filled the crock with some white craft sand.

This sand is also sold at the Dollar Tree.

Now you may notice, mine isn’t sitting exactly centered in the crock, but the stick curved some at the bottom.

So, one more suggestion I would give is, try to find the straightest stick you can.

It probably wouldn't have been as noticeable in a larger base, but in my tiny crock, I really notice it.

I left my branches the whole length they originally came, but if you wanted to you could trim them shorter.

So what do you think???

Kinda cute, huh.

Not bad for a $1.00.

I’m heading off to rest. I had to drive today and for reason it always makes me so tired.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Hugs,

Tam

See Ya After Christmas + RAK’s Still Open

2011-12-19T14:22:00.001-06:00

Well, this will probably be my last post until after Christmas.

I am going to try to ground myself from posting until I get something's finished.

I will be, of course, checking my email and checking in on other blogs as much as possible.

This is one thing great about an iPhone.

I can check my email pretty much anywhere. In the line at McDonalds, at a red light, while I'm watching TV with hubby. Hehee!

Because I know me, I won’t be able to stay away completely.

*I think I may have a slight addiction problem. LOL!

But I am going to try limit my time online.

I still have so much to get done around here and I’m running out of time. :)

I’m sure some of you can relate.

I did want to pop on and Wish You All a Very Merry Christmas, just incase we don’t talk before then.

I also wanted to remind everyone that I am still doing RAK’s.

And these are open to All my followers.

For those of you who might not know what RAK’s are…

Well, it stands for “Random Acts Of Kindness”.

And there is no time limit on these.

As long as I am blogging, I will be doing them.

All my followers need to do is email me your name and address.

If you have a blog, please be sure to include it in your information.

But no, having a blog isn’t required.

I promise that I will Never share your information with Anyone!

* I know that some of you may feel odd about signing up for this.

You may feel like your emailing asking for something.

Please don’t feel this way.

I like having this information on hand simply because I enjoy sending out little surprises in the mail.

And it ruins the surprise to email and request information.

This holiday season I have been trying to send out little “Just Because” gifts and it helps so much to already have the information.

Now I know I will never be able to send everyone something, no matter how much I would love too.

But I do try to spread things out and randomly select followers who I have never sent something to.

These aren’t huge packages, but just little gifts to let you know that I am thinking of you and “Just Because”.

So, if you would like to share your information with me, just drop me a RAK email with your name, address, and blog (if you have one).

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See you all after Christmas.

And have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday Season!!!

Hugs,

And The Donations Keep Pouring In!!! :) Up To 19 Now!!! (Updated Again!)

2011-12-17T11:22:00.001-06:00

So head over to Traci’s blog for a chance to bid and Win All The Wonderful Goodies!!!

That’s right, One Bid Could win you All of This!!!

Penny rug donated by Traci of York Mountain Primitives.

Rolling pin holder donated by Carol of Firecracker Kid Primitives.

Bunny donated by Brenda of The Rusty Thimble.

Elmer burlap teddy donated by me of A Primitive Place.

Bonnet donated by Lecia of Farmhouse Prims.

Snowman donated by Jean of Prim Crafts.

Three New England Christmas Tree Lights donated by Patti of Raspberry Lane Primitives.

Let It Snow Hand stitched Pillow

Donated by Teri of White Sheep Farm

~UPDATING POST!~

4 more Amazing goodies just added!!

Two Stitched Penny Rugs And a Mantel/Shelf Scarf

Donated by Gina of Cat Nap Inn Primitives.

And…

A Wonderful Prim Doll by Eve of Lee Hill Primitives.

One More Update!!

4 More items Just donated by Marie of Primitives By Olde Lady Morgan!!!

Handmade Nightblinded Angel Doll, Gingerbread Doll,

Grungy Gingerbread Garland and Stitchery Snowman Ornie

Updating Once Again!! :)

Sister & Brother Silhouette Set, Mother & Daughter Heart Box

& Silhouette Spectacles Case - A lovely collection of Colonial Inspired Goodes

Donated by Pamela ~ Our Pioneer Homestead

Are you drooling!!

I sure was this morning when I woke up and read Traci’s post about the additional donations.

So don't miss out on this chance to Win all these amazing goodies with your one bid.

And best of all help a fellow blogger in need this Christmas season.

So CLICK HERE to pop over to Traci’s blog post about the Silent Auction.

Bidding will end on Tuesday, December 20th at

9:00pm EST.

High bidder will also receive FREE shipping on ALL items.

You only pay your bid amount!!

Hugs,

Charity Primitive Silent Auction ~ Growing List Of Goodies!!

2011-12-16T23:16:00.001-06:00

Hello All!

Some of might not know that Traci of York Mountain Primitives is hosting a charity auction to help a fellow blogger in need.

Traci has kindly donated this amazing penny rug!!

Hold on that’s not All!!!

Also included in the charity auction is…

This wonderful rolling pin keep by Carol of Firecracker Kid Primitives.

This oh so adorable bunny doll handmade by Brenda of The Rusty Thimble.

And I just contacted Traci and told her I wanted to donate my Elmer burlap teddy bear to the auction!

That brings us to 4 wonderful items you could win with one bid!!!

And the best part about it is, you will also be helping a fellow blogger this Christmas season.

So please, Click Here to pop over to Traci’s blog and read all about the silent charity auction she is hosting.

Also please help spread the word about the auction by posting on your blog, and / or Facebook & Twitter.

Hugs and Best Wishes to you All!

What I’ve Been Up To Lately

2011-12-14T12:39:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

I wanted to pop on and show you a couple of burlap bears I just finished up.

First is Libby!!

She is my 1st ever standing bear and I must admit, I’m pretty proud of how she turned out.

*She’s even cuter in person. :)

Libby is a primitive, handmade, teddy bear.
She measures approx. 12.5” tall, counting the wooden star base.
The total height of this piece is approx. 15.5" tall, measuring the height of the prim flag.

She is made to look old, worn and well loved.
I used burlap for her body, to give her the appearance that all of her fur has been loved away.
Her arms and legs are string jointed. Which give them ability to be moved and posed some.
Her head is not jointed in any way.
Her eyes are made from true antique shoe buttons.
She has a hump back design, just like the old ones.
Her dress was made from true old red and white pillow ticking.
Her shirt was made from an old white flour sack.
Some of the printing can still be seen on one of her arms.
She even has little prim undies.
These were made from reproduction blue homespun fabric.

She has primitive patches and repaired places.
The patches were made from true antique blue and white calico fabric.
She comes holding a prim flag.
The cloth portion of the flag is old.
I attached it to a stick for her to hold.
I usually never use glue on my bears.
But on this one, there is a little glue holding the flag to the stick.
Also before I sewn her hand around the flag pole, I did put I drop of glue in there to make sure it stayed secure.
The same was done on the bottom of one foot.

Libby and his clothes have been put through a grubby process to give them that worn prim appearance.
My original creation.
And Libby, like all of my bears, is a One Of A Kind creation.

Libby is currently listed in my Etsy shop.

You can CLICK HERE to pop over and check her out.

I also just finished up this fella!

Meet Elmer.

Elmer is a primitive, handmade, teddy bear.
He measures approx. 11” tall.
He is made to look old, worn and well loved.
I used burlap for his body, to give him the appearance that all of his fur has been loved away.
His arms and legs are string jointed. Which give them ability to be moved and posed some.
His head is not jointed in any way.
His eyes are made from black, antique, buttons.
He has a hump back design, just like the old ones.

His pants were made from an actual old blue and white pillow ticking fabric.
He has primitive patches and repaired places.
The patches were made from true old various fabrics.
His shirt was made from an old white flour sack.
His tie was made from vintage red and white striped fabric.

No glue used on this guy.
Everything is either machine or hand sewn.
Elmer and his clothes have been put through a grubby process to give them that worn prim appearance.

My original creation.
And Elmer, like all of my bears, is a One Of A Kind creation.

Elmer is also currently listed in my Etsy shop.

Simply CLICK HERE to pop over and check him out.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Take Care and Talk Soon!

Some Wonderful Things In The Mail

2011-12-09T12:01:00.001-06:00

Hello All!

I hope you have had a fantastic week.

Mine has been quite busy!!

I know, who’s isn’t this time of the year, huh?!

I finished up my Mom’s bear today.

She asked me to make her one of my large burlap bears for Christmas.

And she turned out quite Cute, if I do say so myself. :)

I will show her off after Christmas, don’t want to ruin Mom’s surprise.

This week I received 3 sweet goodies in the mail.

1st I want to send a Huge hug and Thank You to Angie for the sweet Christmas card she sent me.

Ugg, sorry, I forgot to take a photo of it.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I recently participated in Amy's Ornie swap.

I received the last two sets in this weeks mail.

Here are the adorable two I received from Christina of Old Thyme Primitives.

If you have never visited Christina’s blog, you must!

I love all her prim goodies and decor.

You can pop right over there by clicking on her blog name above.

The next ornie I received in yesterdays mail.

And I just knew I would love what ever was inside when I noticed the return address.

It was from Kerri of The Calico Rabbit.

Anyone who follows my blog knows I love goodies from Kerri!! Heehee!:)

Here is the adorable Santa she sent.

(Sorry, once again I forgot to take a photo of the sweet card.)

I decided to sit little fella out on my bucket bench.

Isn’t he just the cutest!! :)

Thank you Christina and Kerri for my wonderful new prim ornies!!

I not sure how much I will be online from now until after Christmas.

I have so much to get finished up.

I would say I am taking a break until then, but I know me…

As soon as I say it, you can guarantee it won’t happen. LOL!

So I’m just saying I might not be around too much until then.

We’ll see how things go.

Have a peaceful and enjoyable weekend everyone!

Take Care and Prim Filled Blessings to you ALL!

Hugs,

Christmas 2011 (Part 4) – The Rest Of The House

2011-12-06T15:09:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone.

Here are some photos of the rest of the house decorated for Christmas.

Kitchen and Breakfast Nook:

Santa doll I made a few years back.

Wonderful snowman doll made by Marie, Olde Lady Morgan.

Chair on the left hand side is my newest one, as talked about in previous post.

Hubby bought it for me.

Here are some close-ups.

I love the design of it!

Mud Room – 1/2 Bath - Laundry:

These areas are more retro than primitive.

*This year I didn't put out Santa's bag of toys. The bag is just too big.

And That’s All Folks!

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.

If you missed any of my other Christmas decor post you can view them by clicking “previous post”.

I’ll be back soon with some ornies to show off.

I received another set of adorable ornies from a swap.

Running a bit behind lately.

I do enjoy the Christmas season, but I must admit….

There is a part of me that will be happy to see it over with.

Life is just too hectic right now.

So much to get done and too little time and money! :)

Talk soon!

Take Care,

Christmas 2011 – Part 3

2011-12-04T14:34:00.001-06:00

Hope you all are having a wonderful and peaceful Sunday.

Thank you so much for your kind comments on my Living Room and Dining Room.

To answer a question about the tree’s in my dining room.

The tall one I bought about 15 years ago from a local craft store (Yes, The Rabbit Patch). Way back before they were the hot thing.

I have never seen another like it since.

I wish I could find more!!

The small one my Mom got a yard sale a few years ago for $5 bucks!

~ Cant beat that!

Now on to the photos…

Our Master Bedroom:

How many of you have had these little fella’s at one time??

Momma is displayed in my 1/2 bath right now.

I bought these years and years ago.

I think I have had them almost as long as I have had my hubby. :)

Master Bathroom:

* I know I have said this before but…

My bathroom is Not a bright Gold.

It is a warm brownish Mustard Yellow.

I don't know Why the photos never pick up the true shade. :(

Snowman was made by Brenda at The Rusty Thimble.

I was lucky enough to win this adorable guy in one of her giveaways.

Still lovin’ him Brenda!

Foyer and Hall:

In this shot you see some of my oak stair case, started last Spring and Still Not Finished!!!

We have ran in to so many problems with this silly “simple” project!

All we have left to do is the banister, spindles and trim work.

Maybe by this coming up Spring it will actually be finished!

I am so bummed, I wanted to be able to decorate it for Christmas. Oh, well. :(

Above: One of the few colored lights trees.

I will end this post with a few shots I took of the LR and DR last night with the lights out.

*Yes, they are my favorite rooms. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit!!

More rooms to come soon.

Until Next Time…

Take Care and Blessings to you All!

Hugs,

Christmas 2011 (The Living Room) Photos- Photos- Photos! + Winner #3!

2011-12-03T17:31:00.001-06:00

Two posts in one day…WOW!

If you missed my Dining Room Christmas tour, it is the post after this one.

Scroll down (Or) Click Here.

I did something different this year.

I used white light on most of my trees.

A first for me.

Usually the house is decorated mainly in colored lights, but I wanted a change.

FYI… Hubby hates white lights. But this year I decided I didn't care. Hehee!! J/K.

I think it looks really pretty. He thinks it does too, he just prefers the colors.

Any who…

Here is my living room photos.

I love my collection of old Santa dolls!!

The above 2 decorations came from TJ Max a few years ago.

I want a new tree for this room but I am happy with the way it is decorated.

Prim ornies galore!!

~ They make Me Smile!~

*My kids asked me, “Mom why is the tree decorated in all these ugly ornaments?”

LOL!!

I giggle and say, “They aren’t Ugly! They’re primitive!”

And as they walk away they say, “They’re ugly.”

Oh, well… ugly or cute, I love ‘em!!

And what makes them even more special to me is that so many of them were handmade by my blogging friends.

I wrap my tree in grapevine garland and tie strips of homespun randomly. I started doing this a few years ago and I love the look of it.

When I put my tree in the corner, I had to find spots for the things that were there.

So, I moved the little table over to the side of the settle.

Looks okay to me, even if it displayed sideways. :)

Snowman is another TJM goody.

Some of my antique teddy bears with wonderful stitchery's from bloggin’ pals.

I love this white twig tree.

My Mom gave it to me years ago, I have no idea where she got it from.

Love this Santa too!

He was a surprise gift a few years ago from a special prim pal.

I hope you enjoyed your Christmas tour of my living room.

While I have you here, I want to show you what Brett bought me a couple of days ago.

You see, I went down to the Rabbit Patch just to look.

When I happen to see this wonderful, true antique, handmade, double candle holder!!!

It was screaming for me to take it home with me. ;)

But since I had no $ I had to leave it behind.

I went home and was telling Brett about it and he said,

“Well, go get it if you want it.”

Don’t have to tell me twice. ;)

So we hopped back in the car and did just that!! Heehee!

We’re calling it my Christmas present from him.

*I don’t think I’m leaving it here, just until after Christmas. Then I’ll do some tweaking and find the perfect spot for it.

Don’t ya just love it!!

While we were there I also picked up another old chair.

Yes, I have an obsession for antique chairs. :)

But this one was sooo neat looking.

*It is for my kitchen, so I will show it off when I do my Kitchen Christmas photos post.

**We’re calling that a belated anniversary present! LOL!

One more thing I want to share before ending this post.

I recently participated in an ornament swap hosted by Amy.

And the 1st of my three ornies arrived!!

This one was from Linda of Country Pickins blog.

I apologize for the poor quality of photo.

Stupid camera!! :(

Linda sent a wonderful card and 2 cute ornies.

A gingerbread man and an icicle.

Thank you again Linda!

Okay now on to the 3rd and final winner in the stocking giveaway!!

*Robin selected the pair with the fur.

So, this winner will receive the pair with the prim homespun patches.

And random.org selected….

#56 is…

Steph of Front Porch Primitives.

Congratulations Steph!!

*Please email me your shipping address and I will get your stockings right out to you.

Thanks so much to all my wonderful followers!!

And don’t worry if you didn't win this giveaway, there is always next time.

New giveaway coming soon!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Have an amazing weekend!

Take Care and Talk Soon,

Christmas 2011 (The Dining Room) Picture Overload

2011-12-03T14:48:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday everyone.

Still not feeling the greatest, but thankfully I am a lot better than yesterday.

I was able to sit down at the computer and get some of the photos cropped, resized and ready to be posted.

Thought I would start with my Dining Room.

Now something is up with my camera.

I let me youngest borrow it for a field trip and she must have messed with the settings.

So I can’t get it work right.

Ggrr! Don't ya just love kids!

Any way, here are the photos….

*When I drag out my Christmas decor, I always pile it up on the DR table first.

I was going through the boxes, and kept taking my bottle brush trees out and sitting them on my dough box, just so they were all in the same area.

But when I got all finished, I looked at them and thought…

Humm, kinda cute! So I just left them there. :) Hehee!

I hope you enjoyed the little tour of my dining room.

I’ll be back soon with more rooms.

Oh, and the big plan I had of Simplifying this year, well…

It didn't really work out too well!! LOL!!!!

I guess it is slightly less than last year, but not by much.

I have came to the realization that my decor will never be minimalist.

I just love all my ~~junk~~ treasures too much!! LOL!

In my next post I will also be showing off some adorable ornies I received in a swap hosted by Amy.

Oh yes, I will be announcing the 3rd and final winner of the giveaway, as soon as I hear back from Robin and which set of stockings she has chosen.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Take Care and Talk Soon,

Stocking Winner #2…

2011-12-02T17:09:00.001-06:00

Sorry, no photos yet.

I’ve been sick all day.

But I did want to pop on and announce winner #2 in the stocking giveaway.

Random.org selected….

And #45 is…

Robin of The Primitive Hutch.

Congratulations Robin!!

I will announce our 3rd and final winner as soon as I hear from Robin and which stocking she has chosen.

Be back in touch soon!

Hugs,

Stocking Winner #1 Is….

2011-12-01T22:02:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, I finally finished decorating the inside for Christmas today.

It only took me 5 whole days!!!

But hey, that was 2 less than I thought it would take.

I don’t think I am going to decorate outside this year.

I'm just not in the mood.

Plus I waited too long, and now it has gotten Cold outside.

So my outside will look like the Grinch lives here.

But Inside is a Christmas wonderland. :) LOL!

I will be sharing photos soon.

Now on to the 1st place winner of the Stocking Giveaway.

I had a total of 86 entries.

Giving two entries to the ones who let me know they were posting about the giveaway.

Went to random.org and it selected…

And #82 is….

bettyj of Through My Back Door.

Betty said…

“Okay, how did I miss this? Please enter me. I have a confession I bought all the wrapping paper like that my Dollar Tree had. I love it. It is a good quality too.Love the DT. Have you tried their cold water wash? Just the same as Woolite.”

Congratulations Betty!!!

I will be announcing winner #2 as soon as I hear from Betty and which stocking she has chosen.

Be back in touch soon with another winner and hopefully some Christmas photos.

Hugs,

Now On To Christmas!

2011-11-27T15:56:00.001-06:00

Whew!! This past week went by in a Flash!!!

Monday was me and Brett’s 24th wedding anniversary.

We had a good day even though we really didn't do anything spectacular. He took me out to eat for lunch and then we went and walked through the mall.

It was nice just getting away and spending a little alone time together. Here lately we haven't had much free time, so it was nice to just hang out together.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent cleaning.

Seriously cleaning non stop for 2days.

I’m good at straightening the house up, I do it everyday.

To actually CLEAN, well, not so good at that. ;)

But since Thanksgiving was going to be at our house this year, it had to be done.

OMGoodness, I was sore from head to toe after that! LOL!

Thursday was insane!!!

It was a great day, just Very Busy!

We ate around 1:30. We had more food than we have ever had in the past.

*Thanks to mom and Sis! What would I do without them!!

This year my sister decided she and I would do a Pinterest challenge.

And what I mean by that is…

We both picked out recipes from our Pinterest boards and made them for Thanksgiving.

Here are the two I made…

(Yes, they are both deserts. Remember I don't cook, I bake. Hehee!)

(Photo from Pinterest.)

Cake batter rice crispies

from http://gimmesomeoven.com/cake-batter-rice-crispy-treats/.

Now, these I didn’t really care for.

They were okay, but I think I like regular rice crispies better.

My hubby, on the other hand, Loved them. He said they were the best ever.

My next one was…

(Once again, Pinterest photo.)

No-Bake Boston Cream Pie Strata Ice box cake from http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/dessert/dessert-recipe-nobake-boston-cream-pie-strata-cookbook-recipe-137474

Now this was Yummy!!

One thing I did different was I added a container of Cool Whip to my pudding. It makes it creamier plus it goes farther.

*And one thing I will be doing differently next time, Instead of chocolate frosting I will be using white or cream cheese frosting. I think it would be better.

The chocolate wasn't bad but, IMO, a white frosting would taste better.

Around 6 pm we headed off to see the Newest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn Part One.

It was enjoyable, but I wasn't ready for it to end.

It was getting really good and Poof! Over till next movie!

Around 10 pm we headed to Wal-Mart.

OMGosh!! That place was insane!

Seriously!

And Wal-Mart gets an “F” in my book for organization and for being prepared for the sale.

It was mayhem!!

If the fire marshal would've came by he would have shut the place down. Way too many people inside the building.

I lasted about 3 minutes in the store!

Then I told my Mom and sister I was heading over to Target to save our place in line.

I would rather stand outside in the cold, then fight the crowd in this place.

So that is what I did.

About 10:20pm I was standing outside in line at Target.

*I like Target more than Wal-Mart anyway!! :)

This was the crowd in front of me. Not too bad. I was on the edge of the building. I should have taken a photo of the one behind me, they were wrapped around the backside of the building. :0

An hour and 40 minutes later the doors opened.

It went pretty quick from there.

And Target deserve an “A” grade for their organization and being prepared for the sale.

It was Very crowded but yet they had everything all set up for it. *Good job Target!

Now, I have heard of all the terrible things that happened throughout the nation on Black Friday.

I personally didn't experience any of it.

The worst thing I saw was some teenager in front of me kept letting their friends cut in line with them.

But I also saw some acts of kindness.

People getting carts for strangers when they saw an empty one.

People telling strangers where they could find this or that when they over heard them talking about not being able to find something.

Complete strangers laughing and talking in what seemed to be the never ending check out lines.

The way I see it…

If you are a mean spirited person, it is amplified on Black Friday.

But the same is true if you are a good person, it is also amplified on Black Friday.

I personally will never understand the violence that has taken place.

People it only THINGS!!!

Certainly not worth hurting someone over.

If you want one bad enough… get in line early to make sure you get one!

When we were going to the movie, which is across the street from Target, people were already lined up.

6 hours before the doors opened!

I would never do that! But they were, and to me those people deserve to get the item before me because their butts were standing out in the cold way before me! ;)

We got home from there about 2:30 am.

Then me and my sister headed over to the Carbondale mall around 3 Am.

The parking lot was packed but inside the mall didn't seem too bad.

We looked a bit at Macy’s, then headed to JC Penney’s.

WOW!! I wish I had some “ME” money.

JCP had some awesome household sales!!

I finally got home around 5:30 AM and Brett was up getting ready for work.

So I hung out with him till he left around 6Am.

And then finally went to bed!!

I haven't been up this late since High School. :)

Nearly 24 hours since I had woke up the day before.

I woke up at 9 Am on Friday, but quickly decided it was too early to get up.

Three hours of sleep just wasn't enough!

So I went back to bed until 11Am.

*You would've thought my shopping would be done!!

But nope, around 5 pm I had to go back to the Mall with Kortney so she could pick out some thing's.

We had a pretty good time, it was just tough because I was still so tired and truthfully had enough of the Mall for the day.

She did find some things and we went and had a nice late Supper.

It was 9:30 pm by the time we got home, needless to say, I was still exhausted.

By 10 pm I was back in bed for the night.

Saturday, after work, I did nothing but lay on the couch and watch cheesy Lifetime Christmas movies. :)

It felt great to do nothing!!!!

Which brings us to today.

I have started dragging out my Christmas decorations.

It will probably take me a week to get the house completely decorated. It usually does.

I don't know, I may simply my decorations this year.

I feel like trying something different.

Who knows though, once I get started and get in the “Mood” I may not be able to stop myself.

I will be sure to take some photos when ever I do get things finished up.

OMGosh! This sure has been a long winded post.

I hope I didn't put you to sleep with all my babbling.

I guess I will end things here and get back to the tree and stuff.

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit!

Take care and talk soon,

PS. If you haven't done so already, be sure to sign up for my giveaway!!

You can Click Here to pop over to the giveaway post.

All entries must be made on that post.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

2011-11-24T17:44:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
It has been a crazy three days!
Now getting ready to head out to see Twilight and then Shopping!!!
I have no idea what time I will actually get to go to bed.
Sales start at 10pm, then midnight, then 3am, and then rest at 6 am.
Oh, I could've really used a nap. But no time now!
Have a fabulous evening everyone!
Take care and talk soon,
Tam