For America

I've lived in Australia for several months and my parents lived in England. From our experience talking to the actual citizens of these nations the overwhelming conclusion we came to is that national health care is NOT A GOOD THING.

When a nation turns to the government to provide health care taxes skyrocket and the quality of health care goes down the toilet!

Isn't it great the we live in the United States of America?! I can believe what I want and you can believe what you want. We can agree to disagree. Comments will not be allowed for this post.

Here is a great website that will give you access to your government officials. All you do is click on US Senate, scroll down to your state, click on your senators email and write him or her a letter. To save time I suggest you write one email sharing your feelings, copy it, and then paste it into emails to each person representing you in Washington. You can write to the President, vice president, and your rep in the US house of representatives.

Please pray for our country.

T-Shirt Embellishment #2

I found a shirt almost exactly like this one at Kohls last week for $1.98. Having been scoping out some super cute tees like these at JCrew

I decided to add a little embellishment. I went a little more formal then these free form examples- but the technique is the same. First, I went to the one store in our town that carries silk ribbons and they only had very narrow stuff. I purchased one package and also some wider part polyester ribbon (but the silk looks best and if you are patient enough to order some you can get it in fairly wide widths).

I'm not patient. Whatever ribbon you select- just make sure that the front and back of the ribbon are the same (no "right" side) this makes the stitching much easier. Grab some matching thread from your stash and a few beads. This doesn't have to be done in a monochromatic color scheme- so, feel free to branch out.


Gather, fold, twist and pin into place a few layers at a time. Turn any raw edges under. Hand stitch in place by catching the edge of the ribbon every fourth of an inch or so. There isn't a right way to do this- just go for whatever look you like. You can even machine stitch it if you want (I did in a few places). I put a slightly lighter ribbon in the center of the big flower. You can stitch a few beads on if you like and then, drum roll please :o), you end up with a jazzed up shirt, much cheaper then the original inspiration.

I used Bucilla Burgandy, 7mm, variegated 100% silk ribbon, Mill Hill Antique Glass Beads #03049 and at Hobby Lobby in the sewing section I found a wine colored, 1/2 inch ribbon (FX brand).

This is so easy- you've gotta try it!

Thrifted Lantern

I found this lantern at a thrift store in San Antonio. I love the wavy, bubbly, makes-it-look-old glass! I didn't love the up close look of sponge painted brown on black. It needed a little tender loving care so I cleaned out the cobwebs, washed it well and covered the glass with masking tape (that was a pain) and gave it a coat of Krylon's oil rubbed bronze metallic paint. Now it is ready for an evening picnic and a home on the front porch.

Copy Cat Earrings

Fossil has some adorable playful earrings for $24.



I decided to raid my beads and jewelry findings stash and came up with a copy for free (less than $2 per pair if you need to buy the stuff).

Where do you get your inspiration?

Awesome Free Printables

Have you checked out the SUPER COOL Living Locurto blog? These pictures are from her blog. She shares a gazillion free printables and they are so modern/retro/cool!!!


She creates and links to a great variety of printables, from party stuff to organizing- go visit!

Miracle Baby

Last week my daughter and her husband were away from home when she went into labor. They didn't know which hospital to go to so they said a prayer asking for guidance and picked a set of "hospital this way" signs to follow. God is good. He led them to a wonderful hospital. The staff were very helpful and kind. They were not able to stop the labor and so little Brody was born about 6 1/2 weeks early. He weighed 4 lbs.11 oz. and is 18 inches long. He was breach so they did a C section and found that he was badly tangled in the umbilical cord. This little man has made rapid progress and only needs help eating. What a miracle!


I am well aware for some the miracle is that their precious little one is taken back to live with our Heavenly Father and I truly believe that is a miracle too. I hope that this quote might offer some comfort:

The Lord takes many away even in infancy, that they may escape...the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.

- Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

I'm grateful that little Brody is part of our family. I feel that he has some important things to do during his life. I can't wait to be with him so that I can do some loving and snuggling!

Goodbye Lazy Summer Days

School starts here on Monday. I'm looking forward to the routine of things. I'm going to miss the relaxing, go-with-the-flow days. If you ever have a friend or loved one go to Guatemala ask them to bring you back a hammock! They are the best! This spot gets great morning and early evening shade. It's the perfect spot for a nap, a snuggle or a good book.

Easy Peasy Punch

I provided the drink for a potluck type meal last week. A friend suggested I try her amazingly easy punch recipe. Wow. I'm glad I did!

Easy Peasy Punch

1 can frozen juice concentrate (try Welch's Strawberry Breeze if you need a suggestion)

1 bottle DIET 7 up

Mix. Add some crushed ice. Serve. (Don't add water; just concentrate and pop).

So, easy and delish. Add some frozen berries as a floating garnish if you are serving punch bowl style.

Make sure you use the Diet 7 up or you'll have a sickeningly sweet thin syrup type drink- ugh!

Inspiring Pillowcase

I thought it would be fun to make a pillowcase with my daughter that would remind her of her goals every time she hopped in or out of bed. We just used a pre-washed white pillowcase and fabric markers- I like the Crayola ones as much as the other brands that I've tried. For the "artwork" I printed coloring pages and traced 'em.


I'm hoping that because she helped it will be special to her. Keeping it real- did you see all that stuff on the kitchen table?!- Mmm, maybe I should clean it off- or take a nap... honestly, I'll probably take the nap.

Oh, how funny. I just noticed that "House on Hill Road" has a Crayola Fabric Marker post from yesterday. I'm working on a tote/fabric marker project too.... wow, I feel like I'm in GREAT company.

Camping In the Pines -Enjoyed

We're back home. Clean. Isn't plumbing wonderful?! I think all the camping laundry is done too- thanks to my dear hubby.

We camped in the green mountains near Ruidoso, New Mexico and set up our tent next to a small meadow- hoping to see a few deer. Instead there were about 30 elk- cows and their calves grazing through the night.

My children- probably future combustion experts- gathered the wood, helped start the fires, and kept the fires going. We did some hiking and took some short walks (hence the flip flops).


Played in streams...


What is better then soaking your feet in tumbling cool water, smelling the pines, and listening to the bubbling of a brook mixed with the delighted laughter of children?


We just enjoyed being together. And while I was enchanted with God's amazing creations my beautiful daughter gave birth to my first grandbaby. A sweet baby boy. More on that miracle later.

Camping in the Pines

Our family is headed to the mountains of New Mexico to do some camping in the pines. Be back, smoky and s'more filled, next week!

Summer Clearance Craft

Hobby Lobby has their garden stuff 80% off. Of course, I had to walk the aisle. I found this sweet rose covered ball- in a cement gray for about $2 .... out with the spray paint. Ivory of course. Then a little antiquing with watered down Burnt Umber acrylic paint. Just brush it on and wipe most of it off. Did that a few times and now it matches my decor and adds a little classy texture.


I'd die if someone out there actually showed up at my house. I have little spots here and there in my home that I really like. Overall, I have a long way to go. However, I'll just keep plugging away until it's exactly how I want it. Then my husband will be transferred.... ha! Just kidding- but isn't it funny how life works that way sometimes?!

The Thrifting Queen

My mom sent us a surprise care package and inside were these thrifted treats: ADORABLE mini Pyrex casserole dishes- in cool colors too! There were a few more goodies in the box as well- perfect macaroons and almond cookies.

Speaking of my amazing mom. She started thrifting way before it was cool. I'm not sure but raising nine kids on my dad's teacher salary might have been the initial motive. Now it's the joy of the hunt. She has found some amazing treasures. One of the reasons I love thrifting is because it brings back so many happy memories of treasure hunting with her. Even as a desperately-trying-to-be-cool teenager I loved going yard sale shopping with her- admittedly I sometimes hid in the car to make sure no fellow teens lived in the house- after determining the coast was clear I jumped out and joined her.

Mom recently stopped at a yard sale while on vacation. (Don't you do that too? On my recent trip to San Antonio I wouldn't let the family leave the city until we went to a thrift store I had heard good things about). Anyhow, somewhere between Missouri and Illinois she found dishes that perfectly matched her wedding set. Mom was in heaven- just wishing her suitcase was bigger. Dear dad would have enjoyed seeing the sights of the city they had gone to tour but he let her have her slightly abbreviated shopping spree before heading on down the road.

Back home, Dad, wise man that he is, has turned the back of their van into his personal retreat. While mom hunts for treasures (and we all know that can take a while) he relaxes in the van. He has a stash of books and Reader's Digest magazines to read, a pillow and blanket in case he wants a nap, and snacks and drinks to enjoy. Doesn't that sound like the perfect man?! Drives you to your destination, there to help load the big stuff and there to praise the bounty! He is a dear, good man.


Here's a quick picture of the garden goodies from last Monday. Check out that huge honeydew!

Hair Color Recommendation

I like using Clairol's Nice and Easy Root Touch Up. I use it between salon visits to blend my darker roots with my lighter hair color. It also helps to cover grey- not that I would know anything about that ;0D The color costs about six bucks and you only have to let it process TEN minutes!

I'm thinking of trying another Clairol product. I first heard about Clairol Perfect Ten Hair Color on Primp and Tell. The hair color has some amazing reviews. It only processes for ten minutes too. Have you tried it and what do you think?

Other beauty news: I super glued my toe nail back on today. I know you really needed to know that! But maybe someone out there doesn't have super glue in their make up bag yet. I had ripped the nail almost half off and any snag would have drawn blood. I lifted it ever so slightly and put a drop of glue under the nail and now it is securely back in place and I can fearlessly return to my flip flop wearing.

This post makes me sound super girly- and I hardly ever wear make up other then the critical mascara and maybe some blush. Sometimes it is fun to get fancy. Just thought I should clarify- so those of you who know me don't think my blog has been taken over by a clairol rep.

Crafted Gift Box

Please tell me I'm not the only one that waits until the last minute to wrap gifts! Because I'm usually rushed I generally grab a generic gift bag and off I go. Boring. Blah. Today I decided to plan ahead. Really. I had this little 49 cent wooden box from the thrift store and a stack of old music (also from a thrift store).


I just traced the lid, cut out the paper and attached it to the lid with mod podge.


To make the fill paper I ran a few sheets of music through the office shredder.

Then I added some ribbon and a vintage, 25 cent, yard sale sparkle and now it is ready to pop a gift in and go. What do you want to bet the gift I purchase, thinking it will fit so nicely in the box, will be 1/2 inch too big....? Maybe I better get a few more boxes ready!

Proud Parents

Our son Jared made it through the Army Field Medic Program at Fort Sam Houston! Graduation Day. Happy day.