Denim with a Little Lace

This weekend my daughter was Pinterest inspired by some denim shorts she found.

And of course she challenged me to recreate them. Wish I had tagged the original picture because now I can't find it.

This is how our version turned out.

It was actually easier than I thought. She had the cutoff jeans and we used an old lace curtain.

I cut the lace just a 1/4 inch larger than the area I was covering. Then ironed it flat. You need to use a low heat setting for lace. 

I pinned the lace piece in place and used a hem stitch around the entire outside. 

She loved the finished product and it really didn't take me too much effort.

Anything to keep "the princess" happy! 

SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #12

So I guess I decided to take a little hiatus from blogging recently.  My day job has been so crazy lately. I have however had time to keep up with some of the blogs I enjoy following. And let me just say thank you for not being lazy like me. I am so inspired by your work.

NOW that being said:

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.

If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

Here's how it works:

     1.  Enter a link to a specific blog post using the Linky Tools below. Feel free to link to anything you have crafted, cooked, sewed or even just good tips.

     2.  Then check out at least one other link on the list and leave a comment and follow the blogger. Be sure to let the blogger know if you are a new follower so they can follow in return. 

     3.  I would love it if you would grab a button from the side bar or below and display it anywhere on your blog.

Please use good linky etiquette. At the very least check out the link that was linked before yours and pin it. Everyone loves to be pinned and you just might make someone's day. I know I'm always excited when someone comments on my projects or takes the time to pin them.

Thanks so much for participating. 

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SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #11

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

This was my favorite from last week's party:

I just love these sunflowers created by Gail over at Purple Hues and Me. They just scream spring.


Clay Pot Sunflowers from Purple Hues and Me



I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.

If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

Here's how it works:

     1.  Enter a link to a specific blog post using the Linky Tools below. Feel free to link to anything you have crafted, cooked, sewed or even just good tips.

     2.  Then check out at least one other link on the list and leave a comment and follow the blogger. Be sure to let the blogger know if you are a new follower so they can follow in return. 

     3.  I would love it if you would grab a button from the side bar or below and display it anywhere on your blog.

Please use good linky etiquette. At the very least check out the link that was linked before yours and pin it. Everyone loves to be pinned and you just might make someone's day. I know I'm always excited when someone comments on my projects or takes the time to pin them.

Thanks so much for participating. 

<a href=" http://viewfromrivermountain.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XQTit1CP6jFGKdlIzv4jea7iQykgywsn5pAIKNWFgGzB_5MC8YiZcJP47aKnuiK7MqlHx6wSlz7mUDElqmASg0clKoz1R-odzQi1Ysv8fCvxN3ek7q_LiJnoFaARM3hF565NtdhDZwD/s1600/ShowItOffButton2.JPG"/></a>

Friday's Frets - Magazine Inserts

fret

  [fret] (noun): an irritated state of mind; annoyance; vexation.

Friday's Frets are my little rants about something that annoys me, most often without reason. We all have them, those little peeves that you may or may not notice.

My complaint this week are those little postcard size card stock magazine inserts.  You know the ones I am talking about, the advertisements /postcards /coupons that are meticulously maliciously  placed inside every magazine so it opens to a specific page. I understand some brand pays big bucks to make sure the magazine opens to their ad but it is just annoying to me.

They make it almost impossible to flip leisurely through the pages. You must use both hands. One hand is need to maintain order and the other for turning the page. And heaven forbid you need to set the magazine down mid-article to check dinner or turn the volume down on the TV. "WHOOP THERE IT IS" back to page 112 the new skincare ad in a flash. And do I remember what page my article was on....NO.

I know what you are thinking, this could be avoided by tearing them out before even beginning to peruse the magazine. Nope not gonna work! They are smart, those magazine folks. They perforate those things making you think they made it easy for you but really it just leaves enough of the insert to continue directing you to where they want you. 

All in good advertising!!

Happy Friday Everyone

April Cara Box Reveal

April was my first time to participate in the Cara Box exchange. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of our fellow bloggers and to make new friends.

If you are interested check it out at the Wifessionals Blog. You may also want to check out many of the other April Cara Box Reveals.

This month I was linked with Chelsea at Life.WideAwake (I sent to) and Kyla at Ford-ology (sent to me).

It was great getting to know both of these ladies. I was super excited to open my package from Kyla yesterday. It was filled with great goodies. Every month has a theme. April's theme was "Go Green". Which I found a bit challenging but Kyla did an awesome job.

See for yourself.

My package had garden gloves, seed packets, tissues, sanitizer, moisturizer, a mirror and a smelly good for my car.

Now I just need to get my green thumb out and get those seeds planted so I can have fresh cantaloupe in a few months.

Thanks Kyla! It was so much fun.

SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #10

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

This was my favorite from last week's party:

I think spring time makes us all crave the citrus flavors and how better to enjoy the orange flavor than with this recipe.


Orange Julius Copycat Recipe from Sarah Lynn's Sweets



I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.


If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

Here's how it works:

     1.  Enter a link to a specific blog post using the Linky Tools below. Feel free to link to anything you have crafted, cooked, sewed or even just good tips.

     2.  Then check out at least one other link on the list and leave a comment and follow the blogger. Be sure to let the blogger know if you are a new follower so they can follow in return. 

     3.  I would love it if you would grab a button from the side bar or below and display it anywhere on your blog.

Please use good linky etiquette. At the very least check out the link that was linked before yours and pin it. Everyone loves to be pinned and you just might make someone's day. I know I'm always excited when someone comments on my projects or takes the time to pin them.

Thanks so much for participating. 

<a href=" http://viewfromrivermountain.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XQTit1CP6jFGKdlIzv4jea7iQykgywsn5pAIKNWFgGzB_5MC8YiZcJP47aKnuiK7MqlHx6wSlz7mUDElqmASg0clKoz1R-odzQi1Ysv8fCvxN3ek7q_LiJnoFaARM3hF565NtdhDZwD/s1600/ShowItOffButton2.JPG"/></a>

SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #9

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

Here are a couple favorites:

My daughter loved this post. She spends a lot of time on her nails and loves Phoebe's blog. If you haven't checked out Glimpses of the Moon you should. You will be amazed at all the beautiful nail art that she makes looks so easy.


Neon Green Cartoon Nails from Glimpses of the Moon


I absolutely love this idea from Gail at Purple Hues and Me.  I'm fortunate to still have my mother but there are so many special times we have shared and so many amazing things she has done that I want to be sure I remember and share with my children and grandchildren.


Mama's Memories Jar from Purple Hues and Me



I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.

If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

Here's how it works:

     1.  Enter a link to a specific blog post using the Linky Tools below. Feel free to link to anything you have crafted, cooked, sewed or even just good tips.

     2.  Then check out at least one other link on the list and leave a comment and follow the blogger. Be sure to let the blogger know if you are a new follower so they can follow in return. 

     3.  I would love it if you would grab a button from the side bar or below and display it anywhere on your blog.

Please use good linky etiquette. At the very least check out the link that was linked before yours and pin it. Everyone loves to be pinned and you just might make someone's day. I know I'm always excited when someone comments on my projects or takes the time to pin them.

Thanks so much for participating. 

<a href=" http://viewfromrivermountain.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XQTit1CP6jFGKdlIzv4jea7iQykgywsn5pAIKNWFgGzB_5MC8YiZcJP47aKnuiK7MqlHx6wSlz7mUDElqmASg0clKoz1R-odzQi1Ysv8fCvxN3ek7q_LiJnoFaARM3hF565NtdhDZwD/s1600/ShowItOffButton2.JPG"/></a>

SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #8

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

This week I am so pleased to be featuring on of the MANY wonderful projects done by a lady that has been my blogger idol. She has been so kind to help me work some of the bugs out of my blog over the last year. It is refreshing when you find a veteran blogger who is willing to assist those of us just starting out. 

In addition to her kindness, I am regularly baffled by her creativity. If you aren't already following Danni's every post, I highly suggest it and guarantee you will not be disappointed. Go check out the Silo Hill Farm blog.


Fairy Garden In A Container from Silo Hill Farm


These Pecan Bars look absolutely amazing. You should definitely pop over and take a look at some of the other amazing treats Nat has been baking up.


Pecan Bars from Nat's Adventures in Baking



I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.

If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

Here's how it works:

     1.  Enter a link to a specific blog post using the Linky Tools below. Feel free to link to anything you have crafted, cooked, sewed or even just good tips.

     2.  Then check out at least one other link on the list and leave a comment and follow the blogger. Be sure to let the blogger know if you are a new follower so they can follow in return. 

     3.  I would love it if you would grab a button from the side bar or below and display it anywhere on your blog.

Please use good linky etiquette. At the very least check out the link that was linked before yours and pin it. Everyone loves to be pinned and you just might make someone's day. I know I'm always excited when someone comments on my projects or takes the time to pin them.

Thanks so much for participating. 

<a href=" http://viewfromrivermountain.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XQTit1CP6jFGKdlIzv4jea7iQykgywsn5pAIKNWFgGzB_5MC8YiZcJP47aKnuiK7MqlHx6wSlz7mUDElqmASg0clKoz1R-odzQi1Ysv8fCvxN3ek7q_LiJnoFaARM3hF565NtdhDZwD/s1600/ShowItOffButton2.JPG"/></a>

Friday's Fret - Supermarket Stalker

fret

  [fret] (noun): an irritated state of mind; annoyance; vexation.

Friday's Frets are my little rants about something that annoys me, most often without reason. We all have them, those little peeves that you may or may not notice.


This Friday's annoyance is the "Supermarket Stalker". Every time I go to the supermarket it always seems there is going to be one person who is moving at the same speed I am and has the same list I do.

So throughout the entire store I am in her way or she is in my way. The odds are she is a very pleasant lady but every time I see her standing in front of the next item on my shopping list I feel that annoyed growl start to rise from the pit of my impatient being. Although I try hard to hide my frustration I'm sure she can see it, just as I can see her irritation boil behind her masking smile.


Lastly, the ultimate conclusion to the experience... who is first in line at the checkout counter? We all know being first is the only satisfaction to be gained from the kismet.

So now tell me, am I crazy or do you feel this anxiety as well?

Give Rice Vocabulary Game

Several years ago I received an email from a friend. She knew I loved playing logic games. I hate playing video games always have. It makes me a nervous wreck. But give me a good logic game and I can play for hours.

freerice.com

This game is a win-win. Not only is it fun to test your vocabulary knowledge but for every word you get right the site donates 20 grains of rice to starving people around the world.  

You can play at FreeRice.com. 

John Breen, a computer programmer, developed the site back in 2009. Using the revenue generated from the on-site advertising he has been able to donate billions of grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Programme. To you and I a grain of rice may not mean much but to a starving child it is life.

Go see how many you can get right before you make a mistake. I got 83 today before I screwed up. But I now know that scepter = royal staff. Almost made it to 100.

freerice.com

Why Don't I Have Cordless Tools?

Yesterday my daughter bought a new curling wand. If you don't have one I highly recommend giving one a try. They are so much easier than the old curling irons. Anyway, she was excited about her purchase and offered to do my hair. She did a fabulous job and I enjoyed having my hair played with. It can be so relaxing. Not to mention it was time with my 17 year-old, that doesn't happen often anymore.

While she was doing my hair she was getting frustrated with the cord. It always seems to be in the way. Eventually she says, "Mom why don't they make cordless hair tools?".  I told her I was sure they did but started thinking. 

My husband has every cordless tool Dewalt makes, as do most men...I'm sure.  They simply could not survive without that cordless drill and screwdriver. So why is it so uncommon to see a cordless hair straightener? Why don't I have an 18v cordless hairdryer with 65 interchangeable nozzles? I mean seriously, these are tools we use every day. I'm certain I use my hairdryer way more often than my husband uses his cordless jigsaw. And I can't count the times I've found myself frustrated by the limitation of that tangled, too short cord.

Do any of you have any experience with cordless hair care tools? I would love to hear about your experience and any suggestions you might have.

SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #7

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

These little jewels look and sound amazing.  I love orange and I love chocolate. How could this be wrong!


Orange Creamsicle Cake Balls from A Daily Dose of Del Signor


Blueberry Muffins are one of my favorites and these look absolutely wonderful.


Blueberry Muffins from Sew Crafty Angel



If you haven't already be sure to check these out.

I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.

If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

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Neighbors

A few days ago one of the sales guys (Pete) I work with came into my office and was telling me of an encounter he had while on his last sales trip.

After a long day visiting potential customers he decided to stop at a convenience store to grab a soda. As he walked toward the register he noticed the older gentleman in front of him. He was wearing overalls, a dirty white t-shirt and work boots. It was obvious he had worked hard for most his life. The gentleman paid for his purchase and walked away.

As he walked away and Pete approached the cashier she rolled her eyes and growled "I hate those redneck types". Pete smiled and asked "What types?". Her smug response was "You know. Those backwoods people that have no business in the real world. What do you call them?"

Pete grinned mischievously and simply replied, "NEIGHBORS!".

Knowing Pete as well as I do I have no doubt this is how this actually happened. Although by day he is dressed in a suit and tie underneath that frosting he is a hardworking Arkansas country boy and very proud of it.

His story made me think. So often I see people judged by the way they are dressed or their accent. I'm guilty of it myself. This is something I am going to strive to correct in myself. In God's eyes we are all equal.

My hope is that any of you that read Pete's story are moved as I was and pledge to Love thy Neighbor and not judge thy neighbor.

God Bless

Peanut Butter to the Rescue

But did you know it could be used for even more than just consumption?

Here are a few of the uses I found:

• Removing gum from the carpeting. Remove as much of the gum as possible and then rub with peanut butter. This will require generous rinsing to remove the oils from the peanut butter but it does remove the gum. I remember my mom using it in my hair to remove gum when I was younger. It works in hair too.

• Cleaning vinyl and leather. Gently rub the peanut butter in a circular motion on the furniture and wipe away with a soft buffing cloth. As an added plus your furniture will have a nutty smell. I found one site that said you could add a perfumed oil to mask the nut smell but who doesn't love the smell of peanut butter!

• Peanut butter can be used as a baking substitute for real butter. I would caution you to be aware that your dish will take on the nutty flavor of the peanut butter depending upon how much you use.

• Shaving. The oils in the peanut butter are good for your skin. So if you ever find yourself in a pinch and don't have the appropriate lubrication for shaving you can use peanut butter.

Even if you don't use peanut butter for any of the above uses, I highly recommend you use it in this fashion...

Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

In a bowl, cream peanut butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on baking sheets and flatten with a fork. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden. Cool for about 5 minutes on cookie sheet then move to wire rack to continue cooling.

You can see the parties I attend here.

Linked at:
Sunshine and a Summer
The Crafty Blog Stalker
Saving 4 Six
What's Cooking Love?
Rain on a Tin Roof
Not Done Growing
We Made That
Sew Crafty Angel
Shaken Together
Diana Rambles
Truely Lovely
Give Me the Goods Monday
Coastal Charm
Our Delightful Home
Some Day I'll Learn
Small Things
With A Blast
If It's Not Baroque
Semi Homemade Mom
True Aim
Fluster Buster
Feeding Big and more
A Creative Princess
Designed Decor
So Much Crafting

SHOW IT OFF Wednesday #6

Welcome to Show It Off Wednesday!

Thanks to everyone that linked up last week. I really enjoyed seeing all the projects and recipes.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

These beautiful lace covered bottles weren't only one of my favorites but lots of visitors seemed to enjoy them as well. 


Lace Bottles from Old Things New


If you have been following me for any time at all I'm sure you have noticed I love cake pedestal plates. This one done by Debi at Adorned From Above is so unique and gorgeous. 


Pedestal Cake Plate from Adorned From Above



If you haven't already be sure to check these out.

I'm so excited you could join us for this weeks party.

If you aren't currently a follower I would really love to have you as a new follower.

Here's how it works:

     1.  Enter a link to a specific blog post using the Linky Tools below. Feel free to link to anything you have crafted, cooked, sewed or even just good tips.

     2.  Then check out at least one other link on the list and leave a comment and follow the blogger. Be sure to let the blogger know if you are a new follower so they can follow in return. 

     3.  I would love it if you would grab a button from the side bar or below and display it anywhere on your blog.

Please use good linky etiquette. At the very least check out the link that was linked before yours and pin it. Everyone loves to be pinned and you just might make someone's day. I know I'm always excited when someone comments on my projects or takes the time to pin them.

Thanks so much for participating. 

<a href=" http://viewfromrivermountain.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_XQTit1CP6jFGKdlIzv4jea7iQykgywsn5pAIKNWFgGzB_5MC8YiZcJP47aKnuiK7MqlHx6wSlz7mUDElqmASg0clKoz1R-odzQi1Ysv8fCvxN3ek7q_LiJnoFaARM3hF565NtdhDZwD/s1600/ShowItOffButton2.JPG"/></a>

Easter Cupcakes

For Easter tomorrow I decided to make cupcakes. Of course I went to Pinterest for inspiration. There are so many great cupcakes out there. I chose to go with a variation of what I found.

The bunny is a coconut cake with white frosting then dipped in flaked coconut. The ears are marshmallows. I cut them diagonally in half then sprinkled them with pink sprinkles. The nose is just a pink jellybean. The eyes and mouth are piped with chocolate frosting.

The chick is a lemon cake with lemon frosting.  I used a small leaf tip in an attempt to make the frosting resemble feathers. The eyes are chocolate piped and the beak is just a small carrot triangle.

The eggs in the grass are chocolate cake with dyed vanilla frosting. I used a grass tip piped the grass. Then added 3 jellybeans.

All three are easy projects and require little decorating skills.

$1 Spring Wreath

My son and I worked on this project together and it turned out nice considering I only spent a dollar on it.

It is made from the plastic bags you get from the supermarket or department store and a wire hanger. It couldn't be simpler or more kid friendly.

We used about 20 bags. You could also use trash bags but we decided to use the surplus of old shopping bags I had stored.

I cut the bags into strips about 2" X 6". They don't have to be perfect. A variation in length gives the wreath character. As you can see we used some yellow and some white. I wanted all yellow but didn't have enough bags to finish so had to add the white.

Form the wire hanger into a circle. You could also do a letter if you wanted. I considered doing a "D" but decided to go simple.

Then you just tie the strips of plastic to the wire. Continue until the wreath is as full as you want it.

I added a bow from some left over ribbon and some garden trinkets I picked up for $1. Had I left those off it would have cost nothing but my husband thought it really needed them.

This project only took maybe 2 hours to complete. My son is quick at tying the strips.