Trinkets and Treasures

Bye for Now...

2007-11-12T22:13:00.000-05:00

I have had an unexpected family illness. To have blogging friends you must invest time and I don't appear to have that right now. I'll try to visit some of you. Not sure when I'll post... Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Niles MI Apple Festival

2007-10-23T20:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Hubby and I went to an Apple Festival about a month ago. There were food vendors, crofters, and rides. A good time was had by all. I picked up this frame for my little girl Alison. The little words are magnets and they hold the photo in place. Cute idea!

While Surfing the Net

2007-10-14T15:36:00.001-04:00

I was researching how to winterize roses and grape vines, and I found the most informative site. It has a wealth of articles submitted by readers, just like you and I. Some of the articles have nice photos. Here are a few:

I know I'll be going back. It's called eHow.Have a good Monday.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-10-12T20:04:00.000-04:00

Stop by Kelli's blog and visit show and tell Friday. Her link is on my sidebar. It a lot of fun. Bloggersall over link to her blog and share something that is special to them. Kelli also has an awesome on line magazine called Seasonal Delights. She featured a banner in her premiere issue that motivated me to make one for the fall season. Thanks Kelli, now I'll have to make one for every season, gosh...LOL It came out okand I'm enjoying the bit of color it adds to the opening in my kitchen. Here's a set of Autumn Leaves stamps. I used on the white circles. I really like these stamps. They are clear and stamp a sharp image.

Here's a close up of one of the circles.

Here's a close up of the rest of the opening. We put the "window" in the wall when we moved into our home to help open up the kitchen. It's a fun little spot to decorate for the seasons. Thank you for stopping by. (I got the cute little pumpkins for $1.00. Gotta love a bargain.)

Thank You Pea

2007-10-10T11:29:00.000-04:00

Here's a test of my new signature. Thank you Pea for your help and the addy. I've listed it as a link on my side bar.

Unusual Weather and My Garden

2007-10-08T18:18:00.000-04:00

It has been so hot in Norther Indiana. We really haven't had any fall weather. Well, maybe two days, but that's been it. Dear Hubby and I can't sleep in a warm room so our air hasn't had a break. It's suppose to cool off in the next two days quite significantly. I took some pictures of my garden this weekend. Can you bleive it, I'm still getting roses? I shocked how good things still look. Please enjoy. The rose is sure fitting for autumn.

Thank you for stopping by. I have a question, do any of you know how to add a fancy signature to the end of a post? I've seen them on other blogs and they look so nice. Thanks for the help, if you know.

Fall Florals

2007-10-06T22:14:00.000-04:00

I taught myself to arrange flowers back in my 20's. I couldn't afford premade things and just has a willingness to make my own. I'm not quite sure why I lived with this... like this... for so long, two years, but I suddenly had to change it. No doubt you can see why... Here it is...a wall hanging I purchased from a home party business. I love the concept, but the greenery really didn't do anything for me.I took pictures of my creative process, maybe it will be helpful to someone in blog land. Here's how I store my silk flowers. The large plastic containers allow room for the stems and they don't crush the flowers.Once I decide what I am going to do, I cut apart all the flowers from a bush and separate them according to type and color.

Now the creative process begins. I start with a middle flower and work from that, adding until there is a pleasing flow form top to outer edge.

At this point I forgot to add moss and added it...

And finally wall decor I can be proud to display. I plan to do arrangements for each season.Also, I added a few Fall picks in between the pots, to add a little Fall detail. Thank you for stoping by.
Trudi M.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good golly it's been a long time. I seem to be getting back in the swing of things. Yikes, it's been a busy start to school. Finally a post for Show and Tell Friday, I've missed all of you!
Dear hubby and I went to a neighborhood garage sale this spring. We were less than excited about out trip until we went to this one home. There we found the buy of the year for us. Since I teach, I'm always drawn to pictures of school rooms. We were fortunate to find three pictures that would go great in Junior's room. (He moved to supported living last October and his room was in need of some redecorating.) I had painted and put up a Coke border one year ago, however he took most of his things with him to his new apartment, so his room was in need of decorations. My husband and I have always loved the artists Hargrove and Carson. They have similar styles and were reported to have studied together. I can't find much about them on the Internet, but have found their prints on EBay. I already had a school yard print by Hargrove... We were so pleasantly surprised when we spotted in a driveway three paintings. However, there were no price tags. I was sure they would be too much. One was of a school room, one of a soda shop, and one of a toy store. All of them had the perfect colors for the room and they were prints Junior could relate too. They would make a nice addition to his room, plus allow me to make it into a guestroom too. The smaller one we had of the school yard.

The larger one is the picture we found:

Here's the soda shop:
And finally here's the toy shop:

This is the best part, several of them are number and signed by the artist. Their retail value in the early 90's would have been over $300.00 for the three of them in frames. Drum roll please..., can you tell I'm still excited about this??? They were only $5.00 each. Yes a total of $15.00. Yikes that's a good buy. I couldn't have gone anywhere and gotten pictures like this for $5.00 a piece. Are you familiar with these artist? Please let me know. Have a good weekend. Thanks Kelli, for hosting Show and Tell Fridays. Such fun for all.

Hi All, Happy Fall!

2007-10-01T21:55:00.000-04:00

According to the calendar it's Fall, but around here it still feels like Summer. I can't believe it, but I have my first set of parent conferences this week. Gosh time flies when I'm having fun. I've started to decorate for fall and have taken many pictures. I'll post soon. Have you done your decorating yet? Before we know it...Thanksgiving will be here and we'll be talking about Christmas. How do you manage your time? Please share. I work, want to craft and blog. HOW? If you haven't purchased it yet, the new Martha Stewart magazine is great. Good Martha, Bad Martha. A girl can't have too many magazines. I'm getting the scrapbook bug again too. I'm thinking about joining Jenni Bowlin monthly club. She's very talented and I love her style. Have a great week and I'll get some pictures posted soon.

My Classroom Crafts for Fall

2007-09-24T09:17:00.000-04:00

Good golly, I haven't posted forever. So sad... I'm having a really hard time with my time management right now. *sigh*

This weekend dear hubby and I went shopping and boating. We had a quiet, but nice weekend. I'm so ready for cooler weather. It's suppose to be in the high 80s for the next two days and then there will be a cool down to the low 70s. I so enjoy the seasonal changes in the Midwest. I'm also ready for a slower pace as the weather gets cooler. We don't seem to be as busy in the fall and winter as in the spring and summer.

Schools off to a good start now and that's a good thing. We have started our craft business. The school system use to give us plenty of money to educate the students in the community. Now the budget has been cut to less than one third, yes you read correctly, one third. Not only that, but we don't even know when the money is going to come in for our use. Grrr.

So to off set the expenses of taking the students into the community for shopping, eating out, using public transportation etc. we have started a business called Teens Create. Right now we are making stuffed pumpkins and decorated mason jars. The jars hold a votive cup and have been very popular with the school staff. Thank you very much! Here are some of the pictures and I'm listing them on Etsy. Please stop by our little shop and support this worthy cause. All profits will go to the students. Thanks a million.

We are making these as we get orders. We will be making them for at least another two weeks. If you are interesed in one, please email me. tlateach@msn.com They are $6.00 each. I'll let you know on shipping when I get your order. Just discribe the jar in your oder. I'm going to ues ESTY but for now I'll take an email. Times running short for fall decore. Have a good week and happy blogging.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-09-14T19:54:00.000-04:00

Kelli, please allow me this show and tell. I know it's not the "typical show" and tell but I want to share my teaching blog with all the wonderful home schooling moms you have visit your site. Yikes, that almost a run-on sentence. LOL. It's called Cafe Class, (Cafe Cl*ss) and I'm really quite proud of it. I'll have a lot of information that could be applied to students K-3. With some activities adaptable to higher grades. Plus I plan to share resources, and websites of value. Please stop by and visit my classroom on the web. It will become more and more meaningful to home schooling moms. I love center based learning, hands on learning, and seasonal projects. Thank you for your time, Trudi M
Cafe Cl*ss

Wowzers, Great blog!

2007-09-10T20:46:00.000-04:00

I don't do this very often, but I just stumbled upon a great blog. I love mosaic art. I havn't done much, but think it is so pretty. Well this blog is a real feast for the eyes. Please check it out. MosiacCottage

New Habits Here I Come... Agian

2007-09-08T17:13:00.000-04:00

I love the blog called the Lazy Organizer. I haven't been there all summer and shame on me. She has great tips and useful tips. Every Saturday, she encourages you to set a small goal that will become a habit. To say I have poor home management habits is an understatement. I think I drove my mom nuts when she was here this summer. *sigh*

Well, I can't be totally perfect right? So here we go again. First goal, and remember I'm a slow learner, lol, so I may not add something new every week. Gosh, I also don't like to fail.

Goal 1: Tidy the hours for 20-30 minutes per day. Maintenance cleaning I guess you could call it.

I'll let you know how it goes. Have a good weekend.

Daily Chicken Soup For The Soul

2007-09-06T14:33:00.000-04:00

I just found Chicken Soup for the Soul's own website. On the site, is a wealth of information. The coolest part of the site is the option to sign up for a daily email. Each day you get a different story derived directing to your email. How cool is that?! Sign up today, I know I did.

Please give me some feedback...

2007-09-05T15:03:00.000-04:00

Some of you have mentioned that my blog wasn't loading. I was having the same problems and thought it was my Internet connection. I eliminated some of Htmls on the side bar and I think this has helped. Please let me know.
I'm signing up for the class from The Big Picture Show, please post if you are going to sign up. I think it looks fun. See my August 31 post.

Hobby Lobby Coupon

2007-09-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

Hey all, this is something that I take for granted. However, I've learned through conversations with co-workers that not everyone know this... So if you don't, here you go. Every other week, Hobby Lobby has a printable 40% off coupon. It can be used as often as you want: print it, one coupon per person, per visit. I use it a lot in the classroom with the students. We go there and shop for supplies for crafts and can get some really good buys. Heck, I need tissue paper right now and I'll save 40%. We're starting to work on crafts for our classroom to sell. I'm going to call our little cottage industry Teens Create, and I plan to list on Etsy. (I've mentioned this in past posts.) We need money for the kids to go shopping, out to eat and to use public transportation. With the budget cuts around the state, I'm not getting money to do these learning activities with the kiddos.
Here's the link for the coupon: Coupon here I come...

Labor Day Activities

2007-09-03T22:09:00.000-04:00

Picture from wedsite

Well, dear Hubby and I stayed busy, but not too busy. I've been really tired since starting back to school. We went to the Blue Berry Festival in Plymouth IN, on Saturday. It is a really large festival with sporting events, tracker pulls, concerts, tons of arts and crafts and gobs of food. We go for the food and crafts. Jr. went with us, so we hit the midway too and he rode a few rides. It was a good time, but warmer than I would have liked. I saw a really cool product related to the scrapbook. All your work is done on line and then you can have the company, called Heritage Makers make a bound book out of your pages. I haven't investigated it too much, but wanted to share the link. There's also a consultant opportunity... Looks kinda interesting.
Heritage Makers, check them out. Let me know what you think and if you worked with them.
Sunday we slept in and boated. It was a beautiful day.
Monday I started to "put the garden to bed". Learned that term last year. IE, I pulled and cut back dead flowers. It looks so much better. We've had a lot of rain so the plants got a little out of control and some were just done.
I hope you all had a good and restful weekend. Four days and the weekend. Yeh!

On Line Class by Big Picture Show

2007-08-31T18:55:00.000-04:00

Here's the advertisement for the work shop.

"The power of YOU. The question is not whether we will have challenges in life, it's what we choose to do with it that matters. Learn strategies for maintaining a positive perspective as well as how to choose joy in spite of it all as we embark on a journey of empowerment, faith in yourself, and loads of fabulous projects. "

It is a eight week course and it's just in time for what I need. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm having trouble with my creative spirit right now. I need a kick start for sure. This sounds like what the creative muses ordered.

Here's the link: http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/choosingjoy.php

This is a well established on line learning site. I've done other things with them. It would be great fun to do it with several of you... We could share and chat. If you decide to sign up let me know. I plan to after I get to the bank and get some money in my debit account. It sounds inspirational and creative. That's what I want to just-start my for Christmas.

I hope some of you want to do this with me. Post here if you plan to do the workshop, please.

Have a restful and playful Labor Day weekend. The weather here is suppose to be fabulous here. All my best.

Great New Magazine...Home Grown Hospitality

2007-08-30T12:09:00.001-04:00

I recently purchsed this great publication by Paper Crafts Magazine. It has the most charming projects in it. The editor really captured how I feel about my daily like, crafting and homemaking. I so want a healthy balance. Here's what she wrote: "Have you ever wondered how life gets so busy and complicated? Do you want to learn how to simplify, but still be able to make handmade items, gifts, and cards for your home, friends, and family? Learn to live a “Simply Complicated” lifestyle from this brand new special issue, Homegrown Hospitality, brought to you by CK Media. This issue is full of great ideas on how to celebrate and document both the momentous occasions in life as well as those meaningful everyday moments. You’ll find inspiration for neighbor gifts, handmade cards, scrapbook albums, cake decorating, organizing, sewing, quilting, and much, much more. Make each moment matter by simply sharing a little of your newfound Homegrown Hospitality. " I just love that term, "simply complicated". How about you? Pretty much sums up what I want right now in my life. I don't want to be bored, but I want things simply organized and decorated. *sigh*

The editor has a blog too. Home Grown Hospitality

It appears she updates the blog almost daily. Check it out.

Paint Chips, Don't Repeat My Mistakes

2007-08-27T09:12:00.000-04:00

Hi all, gosh I am struggling the balancing act of blogging, homemaking and working again. Yikes, I want more time in the day. Or better yet, better time management. All in good time, I hope.

I've done a lot of painting over the years. I've selected paint colors I love and some not so much...

This post relates back to my red door. We gutted and moved into our home in less than a month and a half. I don't recommend this! At that time, I made some very quick paint sellections at the store. Some turned out and some did not. Those are the ones I am now correcting. Here's my tip; take the time to go to the store of your choice and pick out paint chips. Choose as many as you like in the hue your are considering. Hang them in the area, you plan to paint. Some will be obvious "dont's" and others will be possibilities. Look at them in different lights, and eliminate as you go for several days. Chances are you will end up with a color you like. Any time I have taken the time to do this, I've been very happy with the color. When I've made a split decision, I am not always so pleased. Please keep in mind, paint colors all have a base color to them, red, blue, green, yellow, gray ect. Those base colors make a big difference in different lights. That's where the mistake of a poor color choose will usually come from.

Lowes, Valspar paint happens to be my favorite. It has great coverage and a low odor.

Gosh It's Been A Long Time!

2007-08-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am so out of the blogging scene it makes me sad. I had so many issues with my computer and then started back to school. Yikes, I'm out of it. I wrote this post last night so I could join the fun again. I miss you guys! School has been really busy. I have 12 students. That doesn't seem like much but their needs are times three at least. Love them, but boy am I worn out. I could be a stay at home "pup mom" on some days. (I don't have children)

Seriously, I think I would miss teaching very much but it is so nice to have the time during the summer. I keep a much cleaner home, more rest, more fun, more creativity, more everything...

Sigh, enough of that. What to share??? Well, here's my front door. I painted it in the last month. It was red, but it had more of a blue base to it before I repainted it. I'm pleased with the results. I must say, red is not an easy color to paint for good coverage. Yikes, I was even painting on top of a red.

I made the wall pocket. It was originally a shabby white, and I sprayed it black. Then, I added the greenery. Over all I'm please with the total effect. Let me know what you think, please... I begging for comments. LOL. Have a good weekend. Thanks Kelli for hosting Show and Tell.

Hi, Everyone... Or is Anyone Out There?

2007-08-19T20:06:00.000-04:00

Well, my computer woes are fixed. I think... I'm back to school and really tired. I could have posted last week, but just did not have the energy. It's really tiring the first few weeks back. Yes, I know, I had a long time off, but sometimes I think that makes it more difficult. I really get out of the routine of being away from home. Plus, the kids aren't use to school nor each other and it's just exhausting. I have three new students right now and they've been a challenge as they are each year. I have to get familiar with their unique needs, challenges, skills and deficiets.

Yikes, hubby and I had a scare today. My stepson is 25, deaf and mentally handicapped. He was taking a nap before breakfast. (He really enjoys napping when he's home with us, nothing unusual.) He came to breakfast and started to eat with nothing of note. All of a sudden I noticed he stopped eating which is not normal for him. He eats like a barbarian. Seriously, he does. I looked up and his lips were blue, well we don't have anything blue to drink... He looked pale, now going on deathly pale..." Honey does Jr. look right to you? Look at his lips." Dear hubby gets up and feels Jr. and he's cold... Now Jr. is looking like he's going to pass out... No choking, no seizure, no history of anything like this! "Call 911", hubby does. Hubby is on the phone and I'm trying to get Jr. in the living room to lie down. The paramedics get to our home very quickly and by the time they get here he's doing a little better and starting to sign to us. They check all the basics, everytings fine. Now he wants to get and eat breakfast. They leave.

The paramedics think he must have cut off his oxygen while he was napping on the couch... came upstairs, lost more oxygen, started to eat fast and lost more, because he does not eat he inhales food in great volumes. After that event, he was fine all day. He was his typical, jolly, stuborn self. Thank god... It was really scarey girls, if I do say so. I've never seen any one alive so blue and pale. He was beyond pale.

Sorry this isn't my typical post, but it's been along time and I just don't have my groove back yet. I will. I hope all is well in blog land and I've missed you all. Hugs, Trudi

Poor sick computer...

2007-08-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

Well, I think it's fixed and then it's not. Now I am having trouble getting on the internet and staying on. I hope it's the poor weather we are having in the mid-west. Lots of storms and humid, hot weather. I'm really not sure at this point. We've had someone working on it for a total of 5 hours now. I just feel so helpless when I can't fix something or find out how to get it fixed. Hopefully I'll be in full swing again soon. Yikes... I want to get my classroom blog up and running. School starts for the kiddos on Wed. August 15th. Bye for now. Trudi

Back at Last, Very Sick Computer

2007-08-07T22:14:00.000-04:00

Yikes, I've been going through a lot with this blankity blank computer. I caught a virus and no... I did not up date my virus protection. Bad girl, I know. Boy have I learned my lesson. Yikes!

It's still not totally fixed but coming along.

No email, no blogging, no researching. It been hard. Hard I'm telling you HARD. LOL.

I thought I'd share some of the things the bride and I made for her wedding. It was several weeks ago and was so nice. She sent me the nicest card today. *smile*

Her wedding was pink and brown. It turned out really pretty. We made everything I'm going to share. I hope you enjoy.

This was a mason jar with tissue paper and modge podge. Very easy. They were the center pieces.

Candy jars for every table. (Little gifts for the guests to take home.)

A fan banner made of crete paper. Yikes this was not fun to make. If I make one again; NO Crete paper. It says..."True Love"
This was a really fun wedding to be a part of. The bride and I became very close and we also work together. Bye for now. Dear hubby's birthday.

Show And Tell Friday

2007-08-03T15:57:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone. I hope you had a good week. As you all know my mom visited from NC and it was a surprise. We had a good time, busy, but not too busy. We met with friends, family, had a cookout, shopped, boated and hung out. Now I'm preparing to go back to school on Aug. 13.

I was feeling a little down on Tues. and Wed. so dear hubby sent me flowers. It was a real pick-me-up, thanks Honey. Here they are:

He's also been really supportive of my blogging. He sees how happy it makes me. So here's a picture of some veggies from our garden. (He took the picture so I'd have it for my blog.) All the best everyone, and if you are new to my blog, be sure and check out Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's blog. There are usually more that 40 participants.

Hi All

2007-08-02T17:07:00.000-04:00

Yikes, I'm in blog block. I need to get photos taken, I need to scan and I'm just feeling lazing. I'm so sorry. I really appreciate your comments and visits and want you to know I check in everyday. You guys are great. All the best for now. I also need to start working on Cafe Cl*ss. I start back really soon and want the blog up and running. Question, does anyone know where I might buy a cute shell chandelier? Something quite simple for my beach cottage bedroom. I'd prefer to use candles. Just wondering.

A Wealth of Information, Martha Stewart

2007-07-29T23:01:00.000-04:00

I'm not a big Martha fan; but, I must admit, I like her things at K Mart. Also, her wed site has a ton of great crafts and info too. I am definitely going to be checking in quite often. Show Me Martha

Show and Tell Friday

2007-07-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

Thank you Kelli for hosting Show and Tell Fridays, what great fun. Please check out the link on my sidebar. Mom's here from NC and I'm really glad to have this time with her. I've been working on the house a lot this summer. I really pushed myself when I found out she was coming. (Two more weeks and I'm back to school. Can you believe it?) I'm sharing the arrangement I just completed on the top of my hutch in the kitchen. I'm really please with it and wanted show my treasures.

This is the entire top. The milk glass pieces were my grandmother's. The little kitty is sitting on a box I decorated to add elevation to the layout. The Bliss can is a vintage coffee can. I love the name and the color. The little bird plate, is a thrift store find for $2.00 and it is Limoge. The biscuit jar is from my grandmother and she use to keep sugar in it. We don't use it, because I don't want it broken. *smile* I like the way the colors fell together. It looks really fresh and summery. I'll change it for fall. Oops, since taking this picture, I added posies to the vase.

Thank you for visiting, please come back. PS, don't forget to leave a message, please.

My Mom's Coming!

2007-07-25T17:52:00.000-04:00

Last week dear hubby and my mom surprised me big time. My mom lives in NC and we only see each other once a year if we are lucky. I didn't think we would see each other until next April. She called last week and broke the news to me. Hubby and mom had been planning this trip for the last three months! They were going to totally surprise me, but mom was dying to tell me. Hubby was thankful to tell me too, because as you all know I've had the house torn apart reorganizing. Well, tomorrow I go to the airport and pick her up in the morning! It will be the first time she has been to our new home, and we've been here for three years! I'm so excited.

I may not post much for the next few days while she's here. We are going to see her old HS friends, have a big cookout, boat, see my classroom, shop and who knows... It's just a great way to end my summer.

Two and half weeks and I start back to school... *sigh*

My Massive Re-Organization, the Final Finish

2007-07-22T23:16:00.000-04:00

I've written about cleaning and painting the laundry room for some time. It's also a large storage area for us. We moved into our small ranch three years ago with two house holds of item and many treasures that I inherited from my grandparents. I had a very trying ten years. To say the least, my 30s were not the easiest. Some great things happend, my husband, reunited with my mother, my dogs, and my current teaching position. But along with that there was a lot of sarrow and pain. Consequently, I had a very difficult time making a home. On the surface it was decorated well enough, but behind the scenes, my emotions and my home were in diarray. I've know for three years, that things needed to change, but it took a lot of energy to do it. This summer was the time for me. I had read a really good book about clutter and the stress it can cause... I was living proof. I hated doing laudry, but never had a pretty place to do it, that's now much improved. I love creating and crafts, but my craft room looked like a rumage sale. I would make small gains and then quit. I can now say with great pride that things are in much more control. Things have a place and a place for the things. It's such a good feeling. Pictures to come...We had the carpets shampooed Sat. in the family room, so I have some finishing touches to complete. I hightly recommend this book: It was a great source of insight and help to me.

Clear the Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston

Karen Kingston also has a web site that appears to be really helpful. Please check it out and tell me what you think. http://spaceclearing.com/html/books/books/clear-your-clutter-with-feng-shui.html
Please note: I do not follow Feng Shui, and this book was still very meaningful! It's an easy quick read.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-07-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

Kelli host Show and Tell Friday, see sidebar for link. She has a blog called There's No Place Like Home. Please visit her. There are many participants each week for show and tell. It is a lot of fun to see what people treasure and why...

I'm showing my tomato plants this week. I am not a trained gardener, but have been very diligent in taking care of my small garden this year. Obviously the tomato plants are very happy where they are. They are almost as tall has dear hubby. We planted grape tomatoes and celebrity tomatoes. The grape tomatoes are starting to ripen in our area, Mid West. When we bought these plant they were three inches tall! We've had a blast watching them grow. Here are pictures.

Aren't these darling, you don't have to wonder where they got their name. PS, they are really good. I love gardening it's so rewarding when things go right. Do you enjoy gardening and why? Have a great weekend all.

Another note: I woke up this AM and looked out my window and all my Morning Glory vines are wilted and broke off; we had a lot of rain in the last day. Does anyone know why this happened? I'm broken hearted, this was the first year for them for me. *sigh*

Pink and Brown Anklet

2007-07-18T10:48:00.000-04:00

I haven't had much time this summer to craft. I've been in a mass re-organization mode in my home. Plus I'm a little ADD and don't stay with anyone thing for very long, LOL. Here's an anklet I made for the bride for last Sat. The wedding was pink and brown.

Here it is on the Bride at the reception. She wore Birks for the party. Aren't they cute, they are silver with bling buckles. I love them.

Heather from Splaneyo Tagged Me!

2007-07-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

I need to list eight facts about myself: Here they are folks,

1- Love coffee, drink it every day, at least two pots. YIKES

2- Hate doing laundry, Hate it! Even bought a book about it to help motivate me.

3- My husband calls me "spot" because I have to use the restroom where ever we go. Or so he says.

4- I won't use the words shut-up.

5- My three dogs sleep with hubby and I. I get the smallest space.

6- I misplace things very easily at school, and in the house. Lost my cell phone... finally admitted it after looking for it for a month and a half. Most of the time I say it's not lost, I just don't know where it is. Whatever "it" is...

7- I don't like spiders

8- Hate burping, farting, and men who don't wear shirts, and my dear hubby does all three!!!

(He didn't do any of those things until I told him I love him, and he knew I hated them...LOL)

I'm going to tag, Honey Girl Studio, Shabby in the City, LBP Sews, New from France, Nies Vintage Fabric, Ragged Rose and Carmen from Strawberry's and Champagne

Here's an image anyone may have and use, just right click and save. *smile*

Thoughtful Thurday

2007-07-12T17:18:00.000-04:00

Well, this is a very simple fix for a wall that has studs but no wall board. (No... I don't mean pictures of cute guys, wood, people.) LOL.

Our laundry room butts up to a bathroom addition. The wall for the bathroom has all the plumbing fixtures on it, so to cover the studs with drywall would not be possible without adding additional wood. I was tired of looking at the ugly wall in my laundry room. I'm laundry impaired as it is... hate it! So, I'm trying to "fix up" the laundry room. Here's a picture of the ugly wall:

I know the Angel doesn't help much...

My solution, I went to Walmart and found some inexpensive fabric. A dollar a yard. Can't beat that! I cut the fabric to length and stapled it to the studs. Here's the final result. Not bad for $2.00.Let me know if you try this. I'm really pleased with the clean appearance. Very easy DIY. *smile*
Blogging question... Are any of you having trouble with the image button. I click on it and often it will not take me to the screen to add an image. Any tips?

More About the Plate

2007-07-10T22:14:00.000-04:00

I've been asked several questions and will attempt to answer some here. My image is from a CD from Luna Girl. Her prices are great and the selection of CDs is awesome. Please check out her site.
I printed the angel on a ink jet printer, but I wouldn't recommend it. The ink wanted to smear. In the future, I'd make a photo copy. (I want a laser printer for Christams, LOL.)
You can also use scrap book images, greeting cards, gift wrap, and I think fabric would work too.

This is such an easy craft and inexensive, just try it. *smile*

I also added some embellishments to the front with E600 glue.

Decorate Your Own Plate

2007-07-08T21:49:00.001-04:00

First, I in no way wanted to offend anyone with my last post about comments. Nor do I want to make anyone feel guilty. As I said, I have had great comments and appreciate them very much.

I participate in the pink and brown swap, by Sweet Goodness in the spring. I decoupaged a plate and thought I'd share how I did it. Here's the plate:

Supply List:

Clear plate

tissue paper

decorative print, stickers, words etc.

Mod Podge, by Plaid

Spry fixative or Polyurethane

Directions: You will be working on the back side of the plate. Cut tissue paper in approximately 1 inch squares. Use your imagination, you may use one color as I did, or use more than one color. Apply the decorative elements first, angel and words in my case, face down. Apply the Mod Podge to the plate and then the elements. (I use a foam brush.) After you have your design elements adhered to the plate with no ripples or wrinkles, you may apply the tissue paper squares. I did the brush in the Mod Podge and pick up the tissue squares with the wet brush. Randomly place the squares on the plate to cover all the surfaces. It's ok the allow the square to stick out over the edge of the plate. You can use a utility knife to trim the excess. If the plate still has rough edges from the paper, sand it with fine grit paper. Apply fixative if you wish. The front can be washed, but I would not soak the plate. I make them for decorations.

Have fun and let me know if you make one. I'd love to see pictures. Here's a close-up picture:

Trudi

My Blogging Thoughts

2007-07-07T02:40:00.000-04:00

Well I'm at my 71st post and I'm feeling a little sad... I've had quite a few visitors and some really great people make comments. I mean really great people. I've tried to include your link on my sidebar, and if I haven't let me know. Here's the root of my sadness. I try to visit blogs and make comments. Most are quite simple, usually with spelling typos because I am in a rush. However I make the effort. I know summer time is a slower time for blogging, but I just want to hear from you, PLEASE. Blogging should be fun for everyone, and I've made a lot of comments on a few blogs, great blogs, my favorites, and I've never heard from them on mine. I may have a different twist then some of those blogs, but we can't all be the same, or it would get boring. Correct? Wow, I'm having a pitty party, but this has been such a motivational tool for me to get things done, be more greative and reach out. I just want more...doesn't everyone at some time? Maybe more validation, I don't know. Yikes, so sorry but had to write this. (I need to stop comparing my comment count to other's, right? So what if they have 20-30 per post... I've made some great blogging friends.) All my best, Trudi

Just being real.

Thoughtful Thursday

2007-07-05T21:59:00.000-04:00

We have been working really hard on our backyard. We'd love to live on a lake, but that's just a dream at this moment. We count our blessings, because we have a beautiful boat on a lake about 40 minutes from our home. We've tried to create a haven in our yard. Before hubby and I were married, tomorrow is our 5th year anniversary, he really wasn't into flowers and landscaping...Now watch out, he caught the bug, big time! I wanted Adirondack chairs. We bought plain ones and I stained them white with MINWAX and then painted the flat surfaces with latex paint. I didn't paint the seats a color because of the wear and tear. Dear hubby is going to reinforce the legs and back a little. They weren't the most expensive. Design on a Dime around here folks. Please share your lawn furniture with me or look through catalogs and use a picture as in inspiration for your own furniture. These were my insiration from Country Door. Love that company.

I used a two inch foam brush for the stain and latex paint. A brush did not work well with the stain and I didn't want drag marksof the sides with the paint colors. Here's a tip: when painting a color up to an edge, paint out and over the edge. Don't drag the brush over the edge onto the surface or you will create a drip as if you were wiping your brush on a can or edge. Does that make sense?

Please tell me what your think and I hope you had a blessed 4ht of July.

Love 'em or Hate 'em?

2007-07-01T22:05:00.000-04:00

I've seen these cute ducks for several years now. Please keep in mind that I live in the Midwest so maybe they've been around for years and I just did not know. However, I love them. I didn't know that their was an "original" with many knock-offs...

I've done some research after seeing them on, HGTV I googled wooden ducks and found them. Through my research, I discovered these whimsical ducks are made from bamboo root and have become an important industry for small villages. I'm including pictures and links for you to check out. I must have some. They even come with adoption papers! How cute is that? It was love at first sight for me, but a good friend of mine, hates them. I love real ducks and think they are so darling. They are definitely not the ducks of the 1980's. Remember the country blue and mauve?

I want a duck: http://www.woodenduckstore.com/store/

Here's a link for the fuzzy ones:
http://www.indonesiacraftsexport.com/

2007-07-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

Oh, I need all of this!

2007-06-30T21:04:00.000-04:00

I joined Creative Home Arts and they featured a product called Word Stamp Kit. Well, I want it for collage work... And then I went to the site and want tons of things. Yikes. Look at the cute kits for your garden:

Or here's the kit I want for stamping for collage:
Check out the site, it's loads of fun and I'm sure you'll find something creative for your home. Here's the link:

Magnetic Poetry

Show And Tell Friday

2007-06-29T12:48:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to share my vintage charm collection. I have no idea what it is worth, but it brings back priceless memories. My Grandmother had them in this very same box for me. I remember sorting through it and talking with her for hours when I was a little girl. We'd find matches, sort, look and talk. *sigh*

I may use a few for collage work to be posted in my home, but otherwise, the collection will stay the same as always. Thanks for looking and if you would like to join Kelli's Show and Tell Friday, click on the link at the side. It great fun to see what everyone is sharing and they are a very kind group of ladies.

Thoughtful Thursday

2007-06-27T23:23:00.000-04:00

Here's my plan: I'm going to offer a new idea every Thursday, similar to "Inspiration Friday" pictures you see on other blogs. Here's my twist... I hope to give an idea that I have done or will try in the future along with photos or scans of other ideas. I participate in Show and Tell Friday at There's No Place Like Home, so I thought I'd give this a go for Thursdays. Hint, Hint, Christmas is almost five months away. Will there be Christmas posts? Stay tuned. LOLThe shower curtain in the picture was too short. So the owner added ribbon ties to lengthen the curtain to fit the shower area. I loved the look of the ribbon, but did not need to add length. I tied ribbon on the shower curtain hooks and think it added a nice detail. I also used the same ribbon on my hand towels for a decorative touch. (No... don't use the hand towels, they are for looks.)

You could also use ribbons tacked to curtain panels to hang them on a rod. What other ideas can you come up with?
If you do something with ribbons, please let me know in this post.

A Bit of My Yard

2007-06-27T22:49:00.000-04:00

We moved into this 1965 ranch, I prefer to call it a cottage, three years ago. We have removed and re-landscaped everything. This is the view from my front door, that needs to be painted again... *sigh* We laid the block in a kidney shape and planted the grass, hosta, and ground cover. It's difficult to see the larger rocks but they are there. I try to landscape in triangle formations. One, it's pleasing to the eye and it works because it an odd number. Three is my go-to-amount when I'm working in the garden. I try to put everything in groups of three in some loosely shaped triangle. It's something I've picked up from HGTV over the years. So I just do it, and it seems to work for me. HGTV is a wonderful network and information site. Love it.

We need to level the block and add another row; that will be a fall project. We'll wait until the block goes on close out. The ground cover is new this season. I water it often, everyother day. We are having a very dry summer. How about you?

Our Dog Gone Trip to Nashville IN

2007-06-25T21:40:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, my hubby and I took three, yes count them three dogs on a short vacation. We have always left them at home and missed them very much. So this time we took them with us. We did not miss them! LOL

In the future to let you know how it went, they will not be going with us. The less of two evils is missing them. We really can't complain they were good but it was very busy with them. They are use to a fenced in backyard and coming and going as they please. The four hour drive in the car was very unconfortable, because they would not sit in the back seat. They would cry and cry and I can't have my "baby" crying. LOL. Here's the pictures of them and us on the trip. Try not to dying laughing. And I promise, we are "normal" adults.

This is our biggest baby, Bailey. Roger and I will be married five years July 6th. I got Bailey for my wedding gift. He has the first dog syndrome. He thinks our world should revolve around him. Just ask him...

Bailey is on the left and Roscoe, bling-bling , is on the right. We got Roscoe six months after Bailey. Roscoe is our little man and he knows he's a BIG dog. Just ask him...

This is our baby girl, Alison. She's a two year old Schnawzer, but she refuses to fold her ears. Most people think she's a Scottie, but she's not. She loves us dearly and we her. She is the princess. Just ask her...

I saved the best for last, Bailey in a cart at the Antique mall and all three with dear hubby in Nashville.

That's all folks.

Show A Tell Friday, My classroom Graduation

2007-06-22T10:13:00.000-04:00

I teach special education. I opened a classroom for students with moderate needs in a middle school five years ago. I have had a large number of students for the last three years. We, myself and my two paras, are with them five out of six class hours per day so you become very attached. We are one big "happy" family. LOL. Seriously, I love them dearly. When you work with students with high needs for 3 years, you get to know not only them really well, but their families also. Five students exiting all at once is a large number for this type of classroom. Needless to say it was an emotional farewell. I always have a graduation party for the students. We have an open house, with cake, past teachers, awards, and parents. It's a nice closure for the students and the staff. Not to mention it is a form of "right of passage" for the students who are staying. We really play that up too. We remind them that they are growing up and will be leaders next year.

Here are some photos of the the party. We bought them autograph dogs this year for their gift and they loved them! It's something we will do every year from now on. Everyone that came to the party signed the dogs for them, classmates, teachers, parents, principals and school staff. I stitched their initials and the initials of the school on the ears. I think it was a nice touch. Please check out show and tell Friday at Kelli's blog. Link on the sidebar. It's great fun.

I'd love to share pics. of all the kiddos, but I don't think some parents would like it. So that's all folks. Hope you enjoyed. Trudi M.

Happy First Day of Summer!

2007-06-21T23:41:00.000-04:00

Well it's the longest day of the year. Hubby and I celebrated in style. We went to the Farmer's Market, hung out in the backyard, grilled steak, ate strawberry shortcake and went for a long bike ride. It was a great day.

We are back from Little Nashville, IN with the three monst- oops, no, I mean CUTE dogs. It was very trying on the first day. The second day went better, but Alison was very homesick and I was sick for her to be home... We had a good time, but we will not be taking them in the future. You can bet on that! LOL. They had to go everywhere with us, because they would not be quiet in the hotel room. They went shopping in Nashville and they went with us Antique shopping. That was quite a sight, two of them in the stroller and one in a shopping cart. Photos to come, as dear hubby did not pack the digital. I know I couldn't believe it either... What's a wife to do?

We purchased so great thing and I'll get those pics. ASAP.

P.S. The picture at the top of this post is an old post card I scanned. Please help yourself to the image if you wish.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2007-06-17T09:46:00.000-04:00

I want to wish all Dads out there a happy Father's Day.

This is my dear Hubby before children, this was a friend's child. P.S. Roger Sr. is eight years older than me. LOL.

My husband, Roger Sr., Roger Jr., and Chris. Chris is the oldest and such cuttie. I think they look a lot alike.

Our New Puppy Buggy

2007-06-15T21:52:00.000-04:00

Well I'm not sure I should share this, but my husband and I are going out of town for three nights. We're going to Southern IN, to Little Nashville, in Brown County. It's a very popular destination in the fall because there are so many trees that turn beautiful colors. There's tons to do, little shops, flea markets, antique malls, winery, and a state park. We had planned to take our two Maltese dogs, Bailey and Roscoe. They are very social and most importantly portable. Less than ten pounds per pet "kid". We were going to leave our 15 lbs. Schnauzer with my step-son. Alison would have missed us and we her, but three dogs on vacation come on... where's the sanity and relaxation in that?
Stop, halt! The plans have changed, dear hubby wants to take Alison too. Three flippin dogs in one car for four hours and in a tiny hotel room. Yikes. Not to mention he does not want to leave them in the room nor the car, me neither, but what are we going to do? Purchase a doggy buggy... We did, we're going and here it is. Pictures to follow after our trip on Wed of the freaky family. Have a great weekend. Trudi M.

P.S. If your interested in one, we got it on Ebay. Great price, great service. (LOL)

Class Tomorrow...My Pretty Kitty

2007-06-12T21:19:00.000-04:00

I have a two day manditory class for my teaching starting tomorrow. Yuck. Not that the content won't be positive, but I had this text in a college course on Reading at the Secondary Level. Oh well, it never hurts to review. I won't be doing much blogging becaue when I get home, I'm setting up for a dreaded garage sale. They're fun to go to, but not fun to hold. It will be great to get both things behind me.
Here's my dear Kitty, Abby. She's a Scottish Fold Breed. She been with me for 13 years and I love her so much. Isn't she sweet under the bush? She's an indoor kitty who forgot to stay inside. We have three dogs and thus we have a doggy door for our sanity. Well since discovering the doggy door, she can't resist going outside. I let her because it makes her happy, and she stays very near the home.

Our Floating Living Room

2007-06-10T23:46:00.000-04:00

Last week I shared pictures of the lake that we have our pontoon boat on, and now I'll share the boat. I love our boat, but my hubby really loves our boat. We have had it for 4 summers, this being the fourth summer. It's a great boat and please notice the cup holders because it's the reason we stopped and looked at it at the boat show. No really it's true. Tootie at Honey Girl Studio got a new pontoon boat so I'm sharing here so she can see the boat. (I'm not trying to show off or anything.) Just a proud boat owner... it's kind of like showing pictures of your kids. This is a picture of the boat from the front entrance. We can have two tables set up, but we put one away for more floor space.

Yes, I know, they are just beautiful. They almost bring tears to your eyes, don't they? They are the RED cup holders. (I need therapy.)

It's me in front of the boat. Yikes, enough already about the boat. Bye for now. Trudi M.

STOP CHECK YOUR MONITOR!!!

2007-06-10T20:08:00.000-04:00

Error message...If you think this is a cat laying on a Vera Bradley Handbag; and to top this madness of they are on a dinning room table, there is something from with your monitor.

LOL, This is Lucy and she's 13 years olds. She lays on everything, but I love her.

My Second Cottage Give Away!

2007-06-10T19:59:00.001-04:00

I won another give away and feel slightly guilty, but it was very exciting. I love birds so I was trilled when I won, Ann Bulter's give away. She also sent me a cute book of proverbs, sea shells and collard green seeds, cookbook and newspaper article. Too fun.

Here's my pictures of the other give away that I recieved. I had a bad camera disk. Duh.

I won Betty Jo's Cottage Give Away!

2007-06-08T22:41:00.000-04:00

I won Digi Scraps Cottage Give Away. I saved here photos on my computer when Betty Jo let me know I won. I took my own pictures, but I'm having a "run time" error. Not sure what that is, but it won't let me load pictures on my computer from my camera card. So here's what I won. It was a great surprise, plus I also go a darling garden plaque. I won another drawing, and will share those photos when I get this problem fixed. Hopefully sooner than later.

The card is handmade, there are stickers in the middle, a garden journal, lovely heart, tea cups and pitcher. Super nice! Thank you Betty. Please check out Betty's blog; it's on my side bar. She has beautiful photographs.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-06-08T18:15:00.000-04:00

I am having really big problems with my computer. It won't allow me to upload pictures, and so now I can't show what I wanted to tell or tell what I wanted to show?? Understand?? Well the computer tells me there is a run time error. I have no idea what that is, sad, sad, sad...

I'm going to attept to use something I have on the computer. Shoot right now I can't even do that... So sorry. I'll just point out that I rearranged my bookshelves on Wed.

Not sure when I'll be back. Trudi M.

sigh My Bookshelves

2007-06-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

I couldn't wait until I got done with school. None of this takes a lot of time, but I just wasn't motivated to do it. I've looked at other blogs and they have their books color coordinated. I loved it! And had to do it myself. (Was kind of kicking myself that I hadn't thought of it, oh well.)

Well I did it and I feel so tranquil when I sit down and look at them. (I "painted" a pretty picture.) I already had the fabric in the back, would like to lighten it up, but for now it works.

The baskets have hand-stung beads on them and hold my passion, magazines. I can't walk past a magazine display without stopping or I search them out, whichever comes first. LOL.

A Trellis Re-purposed...Love It!

2007-06-05T11:09:00.000-04:00

I was watching Decorating Cents on HGVT and I love the segment called trash to treasure. You know the show? Well I just loved what they did with these trellises. Now, mind you, I don't have one for outside, and I already want more. Here they are. Tell me what you think...

This is my persoanl favorite. I love the cottage charm of it. I don't care for the fact it's all in green too much of one colore, but only my taste.

Great room divider.

This would make a great light for accent or a window valance. Here's the link of the show if you are interested. Love these trellises, please take me THERE.

Lake Homes or Lake Cottages?

2007-06-03T15:07:00.000-04:00

Webster defines a cottage as a small single family dwelling that is frame built. I'm not sure all these qualify as small, but lets allow the owner to determine small or cottage for their home. None the less I love them. We boat in southern MI where we rent a dock space. Hubby and I boat whenever we can. It's a beautiful lake and I wanted to share my dream homes with you. Here's a picture tour of my favorites.

This is my favorite home. The large amount of lake frontage and the landscaping is beautiful. What a dream home to own. Plus it gets a lot of sun, which you'll see is not common on this particular lake.

This home was build a little over year ago. This is it's second summer as it is now. I'm not use if they used an existing home or tore one down, but I just love the 4 levels and the decking. It's just beautiful. I can picture myself sipping a cup of coffee on that small deck off my bedroom.

This is much older home, but really well maintained. There's pool on the upper deck. It's a very "lake like" home for around here. I think that's why it appeals to me. To be honest, I would like any home on the water, howere that said, I really do like this one. It just attracts my attention when we go by.

My hubby and I've often talked about buying this one, LOL. That's the joke around here. Even if the home is small, it does not come with a small price tag if it's on a nice lake. We'd add a deck and from there who knows, but we like it. Couldn't you see french doors where the windows are? aah, dreaming

OK, I've had nothing but delays with Blogger. This is live folks. Oh, you know this. Well, the last two pictures won't load right now, cry, I've sat here for an hour now. That's too long... I'll get back to the other pictures later, maybe when blogger is happier.

Bye for now, Trudi M.

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday, Lazy Organizer

2007-06-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a couple of weeks. I'm going to regroup.

Habit 1: load of laudry everyday.

Habit 2: walk or ride bike everyday.

Habit 3: keep kitchen table and counters cleared off everyday.

Sorry I havn't been around. I've been finishing up the school year and it really wipped me out. Tons of paper work etc, but that's special ed. for you. Hope everyone is well.

What Do You Love About This Month, June?

2007-06-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite all around information magazines is All You. They have a feature every month where they quote their readership about their thoughts on the best things about the current month. For example, this month one reader wrote in...

" I love the longer days. I have more waking hours to get things done, which leaves a little time for 'me time'. And I also love wearing flip-flops and shorts!"

I would like you to share what you love about June. This is something I would like to do on a monthly basis. Eventually I'll add Mr. Linky, but first I need to figure out how or ask how.

Here's mine... I love getting done with school for the year. It such a refreshing feeling to know I have some time to get all my little projects done and enjoy the summer days. I am so grateful I have a job that allows me this luxury. I also love watching my garden grow and wearing sandals. I don't put shoes back on until the end of September. Please share your thoughts about June.

School's out for summer!

Show and Tell Friday

2007-05-31T22:50:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I love this activity? I think it is so fun. If you're interested in joining this great fun and sharing something on a weekly basis, please click on the link on the Show and Tell link. You'll meet a lot of lovey ladies and see a lot of neet things.My hubby and I went yardsaling a week ago and found some neat treasures. I collect cats, the heart frame is new and our bedroom has a beach cottage theme. I love old cameras and collect snowmen too. The little toothpick holder is from an old dime store from our childhood. We got it for 25 cents, and would have paid $5.00 for the memories it brings back for us. Should we go pack and pay the difference? (LOL) Our big bargain of the day was the gumball machine. It's glass and metal and I picked it up for $2.00. I want in for my classroom. I teach middle school special needs students and I think they will really think it's cool to get gum from it. I'm saving it for next year, because today is my last day of School...Yeh!!!! Ten weeks of summer bliss.

We Have A Farmer's Market!

2007-05-30T08:14:00.001-04:00

Our town just opened it's first Farmers Market in years. We have all been looking forward to this for about 5 years and the time finally arrived. My hubby and I went on Saturday and boy was it crowed. Mind you it was it's first weekend to be opened. We live near Amish country and all the surrounding towns have tourist attractions, and our town finally decided to join in. That said, it will be nice for out of town visitors, but the locals are all thrilled too. The prices were good, the food was good, they had nice plants, and crafts. I can't wait to see how it evolves. They are also adding all sorts of attractions around it. It's going to be quite large when it all said and done. We spent three hours there and really had a good time on Saturday. Believe it or not we had Mexican food for lunch and it was great. We bought meat, pie, cookies, rolls, and some signs for our yard. I'll have to so pics. of those later. There's a link to the site about the American Countryside Farmers Market on my sidebar. It's quite interesting because it's now the biggest peg built building in America.

Happy Memorial Day

2007-05-28T20:21:00.000-04:00

Here's a few photo's that my hubby and I have taken this weekend. May we all remember our Armed Service men and women and our loved one's on this day. This was taken in our back yard on Sunday. We feel very fortunate, we live in the city, but our home backs up to a small row of trees, so we have a lot of wildlife.

PS, I can't believe it but my name was drawn

for two Cottage Give Aways. Thanks a million.

It's Time to Annouce My Winner!

2007-05-26T21:33:00.000-04:00

One Wonman's Cottage Give Away...Announced

Ugh, we are having a storm and I had problems getting signed on earlier, so I'm getting this posted later than I had planned. Any hoo, better late than never. Drum roll please...

Peggy from http://homemadesimplicity.wordpress.com/ has won the drawing. Congrats. Thanks to all of you who participated.

Show and Tell Friday

2007-05-24T23:16:00.000-04:00

Hi, all! I think this is such great fun. My first show and tell is my new Mast Head or Banner. I just got it last night from Amy at One Blue Egg. She looked through my site and captured me so well. The wording: collecting, dreaming and teaching were all her ideas. I think it is just the best and I'm so happy to see it when I log on. Most importantly, that beautiful women in the middle is my late grandmother who raised me. She was the best! Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment.

For all of you visiting, you are welcom to join Show and Tell Friday. You see some really great things. Here's the info and the link is on my side bar. Tootles, Trudi M

Welcome to Show and Tell Friday!" Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better!

Another picture for my header...

2007-05-24T18:57:00.000-04:00

I can't put in words how well Amy at One blue Egg has captured the spirit of my blog. I'm truly speechless. It touches me to my soul. I have a new book from Sommer Set Life, and the ladies that blog talk about cups of coffee while visiting a blog, to paraphrase poorly they compare blogs to cafes. (You feel like you sit, connect, and visit with an old friend, even if you are miles away.) Yikes, if you've seen the book you know what I mean. That has happened here. May sound corny but so true. I could go on and on, but I won't. Let's just say I'm so very very pleased. Back to the photo:
Maybe it will need to be cropped I'm not sure... The photo is taken in Tarpan Springs FL.

New Header, My Beautiful Grandmother

2007-05-23T22:50:00.000-04:00

I'm having One Blue Egg work on a new banner for me. I'd love this photo of my grandmother in it along with the post card below, I think she is just beautiful. She raised me from the time I was 7, she was my best friend, strongest supporter and so very intelligent. Enough for now, or I will cry. She passed away very suddenly when I was 30 right after I got my Masters in teaching...

Give Away on the 26th...Hurry and Sign Up

2007-05-22T18:58:00.000-04:00

I am taking part in One Woman's Cottage Give Away. There are at least 30 blogs giving away things on the 26 th after 12 noon. I'm going to draw my name after 8 pm on May 26th. Please sign up to win my cute little vignette of picnic decorations. The jar is hand deorated and holds a tea light, vintage doily, candles, flags, and patriotic paper products. Please leave a comment to the following link and you're in the drawing. Goodluck!

I love Reading Blogs

2007-05-21T19:09:00.000-04:00

Let's face it, unless you are writing a blog for your personal family and/or friends, you want VISITORS, commenter's, and most importantly New Friends across this wide world. I am trying to add links to the blogs that I visit often, and my new blogging friends that are kind enough to leave comments. If you would like your blog listed let me know. I find it very easy to ignore this component of the blog, because it's not very fun to add sites. (If there is an easy way, I'm not aware of it and would love a tip.) Also, I try to write back to you all. If I don't, I sincerely apologize. Sometimes I get a little confused or pressed for time because I work full time. Not complaining, it's just the facts.
Also, hint, hint... if you have a blog and like my little piece of the web, please add my link. As we all know, that's how we all got started, by surfing through blog land. It's just so fun to know someone likes what you are sharing, and I so love visiting all of you. It's been great fun. Tootles, Trudi M.

This is not me...LOL, but a postcard I got thrifting the other day. Love the colors.

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday, Lazy Organizer

2007-05-19T22:34:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been very bad about my smart habits.
1- clothes ready and ironed for work
2- clean dinning room
3- dishes done before bed
Not that it's an excuse, but I have had a terrible sinus thing and just fell off the wagon so to speak. I am wrapping up my school year and have tons of paper work because I am a special ed. teacher. It's take all the energy I've had. Must do better. No new goals. Hope all you other gals have been well and have done better than me. Until next week.

Pretty Invitations

2007-05-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

I don't talk much about work, but I am a special education teacher in a middle school for students with intense needs. I work with two fantastic ladies that make my job much more pleasant and manageable. My one assistant has asked me to stand up with her when she gets married this summer. We have made many of the wedding decorations, including the invitations. I really pleased with them, and wanted to share them with you. If the colors don't scan well or show up well on your monitor, the colors are pink and brown. Love that combination. We like the darker brown combination the best, but think both turned out pretty.

Sick

2007-05-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

I've been sick with a sinus thing. Yuck. As you read down these postings you will discover I can't stand my nose to be stuffed up. Hate it! Well it's going on 6 days now and I hope I am on the up swing. Wish me luck. I'm not feeling very creative right now. Have planted a lot of flowers will post pic. later. Tootles.

Mother Inlaw's Tables, Very Cool

2007-05-14T16:33:00.000-04:00

My mother in law moved from one apartment to another several years ago. She gave my husband two end table and a coffee table. They are in great shape and an art deco style. I've found similar ones on Ebay, but never all three. But then again, I don't visit Ebay often. I tried painting them and failed miserably. I need a new direction for them. I'm willing to strip them, but would like them painted. Just not really sure. They are in a room that's tan, brown, and blue. It has a nautical theme. Suggestions please, all are welcome.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T12:54:00.000-04:00

I wish all mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day. For those of you who are not technically a Mother, I'm not either, Happy Mother's Day to you too. I'm sure you are special to someone in your life. A step-child, student, niece, nephew, friend, or maybe even a kitty or dog. Here are my prides and joys... Roscoe, Alison, and Bailey.

I've Been Tagged

2007-05-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

Niesz tagged me, so now I need to share 7 weird things about myself.
1- I can't stand my nose to be stuffed up, I mean I can't stand it! I become obsessed with blowing my nose and using nasal spray to clear it up. I look like Rudolph when my allergies are bothering me or I have a cold. (Right now I do too...)
2- I allow my dogs to eat off my ice cream cone and fork. Yuck, I know, but I do.
3- I got a daisy tatoo when I was 35. I took a scrapbook sticker to the tatoo parlar and had them copy it. It's bright blue, green, and pink.
4- My elbows are very flexible and I can make it appear as if my hands can turn 360 degrees around.
5- I drink coffee all day long, even in the summer.
6- I own 1000 plus rubber stamps, and have only used about 1/4 of them. Now that's sick.
7- I eat peanut butter toast everyday. If I'm on vacation, I take a jar of peanut butter with me. You can't imagine how many restaurants do not have peanut butter!

A Cottage Give Away

2007-05-09T11:41:00.000-04:00

Please enter my drawing for a Cottage Give Away. Click here to see the prizes and enter a post. The drawing in May 23rd. Also click on the A Cottage Give Away on the side bar to see other participants. There are some really great prizes and oh so fun to see new Blogs. Yes I want to see your prizes and enter the drawing.

A Great Catalog Mail Order Company

2007-05-07T21:18:00.000-04:00

I love ordering things from Country Door. I've gotten quilts, vases, pictures etc. I've been really pleased with the quality of merchandise, the look and the price. The catalog also gives me really good ideas for decorating. Please check them out. I think you'll like them. I found some Adirondack chairs in the current catalog and I'm going to paint our's similarly. (White, blue, yellow and red.)

Aren't they great. I'll share mine when they are done. Another weekend project.

Added these items to our bedroom and we just love them. Great colors and quality. ( I don't work for the company. LOL.) This is not our room. I'm still working on it...

Check them out I'm sure you will like the site. It's really informative. They have many styles and docorating tips for your home. Trudi

Our Weather Men, Yikes!

2007-05-06T19:10:00.000-04:00

Well, it was suppose to be 70 and overcast yesterday and it was cool and drizzly. We still bought tons of flowers. Then we had high hopes for today, garden and boating. Today was suppose to be ..... 78 and sunny. Yes, it was sunny, but windy, cool and just not very pleasant to be out and about. And I do mean windy. In the last two days, we've purchased 4 flats of flowers, impatients, salvia in red and purple and a mix of other annuals. Also 4 tomato plants, and pepper plants. A rose bush, and 16 perennial plants. (Zone 5 hardy.) Last but not least, my husband wanted a grape vine. How cute is that? We have the beds prepped and ready to go. Most of the perennials are in. Yeah, despite the weater. Ugh, I can't find our pic.

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday, Lazy Organizer

2007-05-04T21:57:00.000-04:00

The Lazy Organizer sponsors a goal setting activity that helps those who participate to make positive changes in their lives. Most of us focus on home management goals, but it could be anything. My goals so far:
1- Have my clothes ironed and ready for each work day. Improving
2- Clear and clean dinning table. Everyday this week!
New: All dishes clean before going to bed or in the dishwasher to be cleaned. Yikes, this is a big one for me. Very sad, but oh so true.
Please check out the link. It amazing how helpful it is to publicly announce a goal and get encouragement. Thanks gals.

Metal Louver Closet Doors, Improved!

2007-05-03T18:08:00.000-04:00

We have the very tall metal louver doors in our bedroom. I decided to try and paint them. First, I cleaned them very well. Then, I used 1,2,3 Zinsser Primer on them. I didn't worry about brush marks because I thought that would add character to the doors and it did. Then I painted them a crisp white. (Lowes Best). I also added wallpaper to the plain panels. I think they turned out really nice. We didn't have to buy new doors, nor did we have to add drywall. These doors are 8ft tall and they are not readily available at mass retailers. Before:

After pictures, now they have some character and texture. I'm quite pleased with them, they are no longer shinny.

Our Solution to Tree Stumps

2007-05-02T20:38:00.000-04:00

Our backyard has many old pine trees. They were very ugly and dirty looking. We cut two of them down last summer and plan to cut one more down this summer. It is so expensive to have the stumps ground out so here's our solution. We added carvings to them. The stump with the bear sitting on it also holds a hammock and the other one fits in perfect with the garden with the mushroom. What do you all think?

Red Star

2007-05-01T21:03:00.000-04:00

I finally found a metal star that I wanted for the front of your house. It's so difficult to make much curb appeal with a flat front, but I found a red star. I think it looks perfect between the two windows. We have a red door so it brings that color out more. We are going to add widow boxes too. I hope we build them this weekend. It's time to plant flowers. Take my word for it, it's red.

A Cottage Give Away, from Trudi

2007-04-30T20:12:00.000-04:00

I am participating in a multi-blog give away. If you go to One Woman's Cottage, you will see a list of participants. Join as many blog drawings as you wish. I am going to be giving away a summer themed package to jump start your outdoor parties.
The first picture is the entire gift package: altered canning jar, Watermelon Jar, that holds a votive candle, small doily, red, white and blue, paper cups, plates, napkins, cute gift bag, lady bug candles in the small clear box and small American flag. The jar is a product made by my special needs students that will be sold on Etsy in the fall. Place a post right here, requesting to be in the give away. That's all there is to it. Please encourage your friends to stop by.

In The Mood to Garden

2007-04-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

It's going to be 70 degrees today, after a very gloomy week. In northern IN we don't think about planting annuals until May. I usually plant as soon as I can, but others wait until Mother's Day weekend. The forecast looks great so I'm making my plans. I going to get ground cover today and plant some Rose bushes. I was reading the new Collage Living and saw the cutest idea. Inexpensive and yet so effective. I've never planted Zenia's, but will this year. The bowls may be purchased at Hobby Lobby. Next week is their 40% coupon on line, Hobby Lobby here I come.

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday

2007-04-27T19:48:00.000-04:00

Hi all. Well last week I forgot to post, guess I need to make a habit of that. Ha, Ha. Thank you for leaving messages on my first post it meant so much. I have been working on my blog a lot and working full time. I can't wait until this summer when I have more time. School's out May 31.
Back to my goal: prepare my clothes the night before work. I did much better this past two weeks. It's becoming a habit, but it's a mental thing with me. I still find myself saying..."you can do it in the morning" It really frustrates me that I do that to myself. Really not sure where that comes from? Anyway, I had my clothes picked out all ten days, and only had to run downstairs and iron two days. My ironing needs to be done the night before too.

Next goal: Oh the Kitchen, well I'm starting with baby steps here. Keep the table cleared off. I use it as a dumping ground.

There is Such a Fun Give Away Idea at One Woman's Cottage Life

2007-04-26T19:07:00.000-04:00

Please check out the post on One Woman's Cottage Life. I'll be giving something away. One thing will be made by my special need's students. It is a darling watermelon theme candle holder. We make things in the classroom to simulate a "real job". I'm planning on opening a Etsy store with their things next school year. The profits will go to them for community trips to restaurants, and shopping. I want to take them on the trolley too and that's quite expensive. More to come, stay tooned. Please click on the sidebar link.

Our Jimmy Buffet Backyard

2007-04-21T19:56:00.000-04:00

My husband and I got married five years ago this July. Our wedding was not either of our first, so we wanted to have fun. We had a Cheeseburger In Paradise themed wedding.

We have been working on a small ranch for three years. We love to be outside in the summer and boat on a lake in Michigan. We've tried to turn our yard into our own little world. This year we are adding garden beds and decorating the deck. Roger had the idea of putting a match stick blind on the garage vertically for a chair rail. It turned out great and we trimmed in with bamboo that we split. We got the bamboo from Hobby Lobby and the blind from Menards. All our decorations have been picked up at various craft fairs in the area over the last few years. We are really pleased with how it is turning out. We want to add flowers, and accent lighting. Oh, he also added speakers for music. Such a man thing.

What A Week

2007-04-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been quite a week. I am just stunned about the VT incident. So very tragic. I work in a Middle School and it always makes us think. There were threats all day all over our city. (Anniversary of Colinbine) Our school did not lock down, but police were out and about around the all of our secondary schools. At one point and time my husband thought we were on a lock down, but thankfully we weren't.
Kids think it's cool to make treats after such things and I just don't understand it. It was shocking to see the nightly news today. They showed a map of the US and almost every state had a treat today at some school. Where are we going in society?

These things seem so trivial but...
I have all my pink and green things ready for my swap partner. I kept forgetting to get a box from school. What a ditz. I think it will be worth the wait.

We are going to the first festival of the season tomorrow. That will be fun. The weather has finally taken a turn for the better in the Midwest. Yeh. Should be up to 73 degrees tomorrow.

Went thrifting this week, pictures to come. I'm really please with my purchases. That's my goal this week. Improve this blog with more pictures.

S.M.A.R.T. Habits Saturday

2007-04-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

Well to say the least I am a slow learner. My goal was to have my clothes ready the night before work inorder to get to work on time. I picked out my clothes, but did not iron them. That defeats the purpose don't you think? I do. Second, I need a support group for "I hate mornings!" I need to get up no later than 5:45am and I don't drag myself out of bed until 6:00am. It's not the way to start out a day. It's such a self-defeating habit. I really must master this goal.

Bridesmaid Dress Ugh!

2007-04-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

Well a very good friend and co-worker asked me to stand up with her, in her wedding in July.

I accepted and I am really looking forward to it. We've been looking for a dress for her on the Internet for about two months. She decided she wanted to wear a Pink dress. This is not an easy task to find. Her colors are pink and brown and we've been working on decorations over the past two months also. All things I need to take pictures of. We've even discussed opening an Etsy shop to fund my special ed. classroom. (These are all other stories, I digress.)

Back to the dress... Just love the design, it's going to be a coffee color with pink trim. However since the designers don't work with real women, I'm 42, a little over weight, but geesh... The size I had to order about sent me over the edge. Look, there are middle school girls much curvey-er than I am and taller. I will try to focus on the look of the dress, hopefully it will fit and look slimming. I call it my moo, moo right now. Here's a picture of the dress with a Stetford Wife in it, drum roll please...

It's Friday, So Sad...

2007-04-06T01:04:00.000-04:00

Well it's Friday and I don't have our bedroom painted. I painted the louver doors first, and that took me three hours and then I was burned out. Taped and primed the areas I needed to, but haven't taken the plunge to paint. I'm painting the room a light chambray blue and I so hope I like it. I've looked at pictures and think I will, but you never know. I'm sad because my Spring Break is almost over and it's been crummy weather. We may break our area's record for the most snow in April!! Can you believe it? On the bright side I met a friend for coffee today and did some thrift shopping last Monday. Those are both pluses. Roger is taking today off and we may go shopping or see a movie. We've been together six years and have never been to the movies. Should be fun. I'll get some pictures posted of the bedroom as I get it done. I do have before pictures, kind of embarrassed to show them, because I did that too. (yuck) That's another story, for another post. Tootles.

Green and Pink Swap

2007-03-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

I have joined a swap with Thrifty Goodness. It's a pink and green swap. I have to purchase and or make small gifts that begin with the letters in the word spring. Plus, keep in mind the colors pink and green. Isn't that fun? I am so excited. I have some really good ideas. I am going to take a sneak peek picture tonight.

Books, websites, and Bailey

2007-03-26T16:41:00.000-04:00

Well, I just added some web sites I like to visit. I also added some books that I read and think are great. Please enjoy.

Here's a picture of my first baby. We got him right before we got married. His name is Bailey and he is the love of my life. He is a 6 lbs. Maltese and five years old. I hate to be away from him. In fact, we are planning a vacation for this summer and we plan to take all three dogs with us, because we miss them so much. Bailey is getting some much needed sun after the winter blahs.

Broken Back

2007-03-25T20:34:00.000-04:00

My hubby and I decided to add to our flower garden. He had to till it up and we had to treat the soil and lay edging. I am not in shape for that kind of work. Yikes we spent almost $170.00 and there are no flowers. I took pictures and will post them later. I makes me sad how much everything costs... I can't get things done as quickly as I would like.
It's suppose to be spring like all week. Next week I have spring break the weather will most likely take a dump. It usually does. Oh well, I'm painting my bedroom next week and that will be fun good weather no not.

Allison My Spoiled Girl

2007-03-18T18:03:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of Allison. She is a black Schnauzer. She won't fold her ears down, so she has been confused for a burl. We try to get her to look at pictures of cute little Schnauzer's with their ears down, but she won't have anything to do with it. I told her today that I was afraid she would fly away in the wind because she had two little kites on the top of her head.

She is loved unconditionally by us and so very sweet. I love this picture because she is looking in the camera and holding my robe like a baby doll. She works and works with something until she is holding it between her front paws. She is such a little girlie. Last year they, my dogs, had fleas in the fall. I was freaked. We have never had fleas. From that moment on, one of her nicknames has been Princess Flea. We think it's cute.

Flowers Oh My!!!

2007-03-15T22:11:00.000-04:00

My husband works for a large company where he is the wear house manager. On Monday, a truck driver asked him to take some flowers off the truck for him and get rid of them. Not knowing what they really were he said sure. Well... there were 260 boxes with four large black containers each that held 8-12 bouquets!
You do the math.
I think everyone in are area got free flowers. I took about 250 bouquets into school and passed them out. It was fun, because we have had a late winter and it really brightened every one's day. The roses, tulips, mums and carnations are beautiful. I got my flower fix for now. Pictures to come.

Craft, and Gift site

2007-03-12T09:25:00.000-04:00

Well I was on some one's blog and I keep reading about seasonal bunting. I wasn't sure what they meant by bunting. I'd call it a banner or swag, but there is a difference. We see bunting all the time at car dealerships advertising new or used cars. The string with the triangle for lack of a better description. Well in my search to learn about bunting, I found this really nice site. It's full of inspiration and great gifts. Here's the site I really like. It gave me some great ideas, it's called Olde Glory .
I promised pictures of our new bikes, but our digital camera's batteries went bye, bye. I'll have to purchase new ones and post the pictures latter. I really like my new bike. I feel like a kid.

New Bikes

2007-03-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

Roger and I got new bikes today. I had no idea we were going to, but he surprised me with it. The are black and grey and match. I'm excited to get out and ride. I am so out of shape and really need to work on my waistline. I'll get a picture of them tomorrow. Plus today was the first sign of spring we have had in the north.

Thinking about Flowers

2007-03-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

These are too stinking cute. I love the yellow flowers and the button in the center of the green daises. I've been thinking about making paper flowers...Now I want to make these too. We still have snow on the ground in the Midwest. I want my flowers. I guess I will have to create my own flowers for spring. hummadeedledee check out the post dated, March 8th. Very cute!

Adding a Clock

2007-03-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

I'm going to try and add a clock.... Thank you Audrey from Small Creations.

Trinkets and Treasures

Bye for Now...

Niles MI Apple Festival

While Surfing the Net

Show and Tell Friday

Thank You Pea

Unusual Weather and My Garden

Fall Florals

Show and Tell Friday

Hi All, Happy Fall!

My Classroom Crafts for Fall

Show and Tell Friday

Wowzers, Great blog!

New Habits Here I Come... Agian

Daily Chicken Soup For The Soul

Please give me some feedback...

Hobby Lobby Coupon

Labor Day Activities

On Line Class by Big Picture Show

Great New Magazine...Home Grown Hospitality

Paint Chips, Don't Repeat My Mistakes

Gosh It's Been A Long Time!

Hi, Everyone... Or is Anyone Out There?

Poor sick computer...

Back at Last, Very Sick Computer

Show And Tell Friday

Hi All

A Wealth of Information, Martha Stewart

Show and Tell Friday

My Mom's Coming!

My Massive Re-Organization, the Final Finish

Show and Tell Friday

Pink and Brown Anklet

Heather from Splaneyo Tagged Me!

Thoughtful Thurday

More About the Plate

Decorate Your Own Plate

My Blogging Thoughts

Thoughtful Thursday

Love 'em or Hate 'em?

Oh, I need all of this!

Show And Tell Friday

Thoughtful Thursday

A Bit of My Yard

Our Dog Gone Trip to Nashville IN

Show A Tell Friday, My classroom Graduation

Happy First Day of Summer!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Our New Puppy Buggy

Class Tomorrow...My Pretty Kitty

Our Floating Living Room

STOP CHECK YOUR MONITOR!!!

My Second Cottage Give Away!

I won Betty Jo's Cottage Give Away!

Show and Tell Friday

*sigh* My Bookshelves

A Trellis Re-purposed...Love It!

Lake Homes or Lake Cottages?

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday, Lazy Organizer

What Do You Love About This Month, June?

Show and Tell Friday

We Have A Farmer's Market!

Happy Memorial Day

It's Time to Annouce My Winner!

Show and Tell Friday

Another picture for my header...

New Header, My Beautiful Grandmother

Give Away on the 26th...Hurry and Sign Up

I love Reading Blogs

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday, Lazy Organizer

Pretty Invitations

Sick

Mother Inlaw's Tables, Very Cool

Happy Mother's Day

I've Been Tagged

A Cottage Give Away

A Great Catalog Mail Order Company

Our Weather Men, Yikes!

S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday, Lazy Organizer

Metal Louver Closet Doors, Improved!

sigh My Bookshelves