Substance of Living

I have begun challenging myself to make things that I see on the internet.  This project is a crochet baby blanket video by Jayda in Stitches .  I'm a beginner at crochet and have been following Jayda for awhile.  Her videos are so clear and easy to follow that I thought I'd give this a try. My "baby blanket" is more of a table cover - think a great big placemat.  The reason for this is because my yarn and needle was different from hers. Unfortunately, I threw away the yarn label.  I do remember that it was baby weight and it had a picture of a baby in a sweater.  The color is an off-white, maybe ecru. Completed project Up close My borderwork Jayda shows step-by-step how to make this in her video.  If you know how to read patterns (I'm not there yet), you can find her written pattern here . I'm so happy with this that I actually have it out and we use it daily! Have a Great Day!!! Marie Tweet this Post P....

When the holidays and winter is upon you, do you often think about nesting?  Sweaters, scarves, mittens, warm coats, boots, fires in the fireplace, and of course hot cocoa are all some of the things we do to nest. Another thing we can do to warm up our homes and nest is to cover our dining chairs. Christmas Inspired Chair Covers Santa Hat Chair Cover by Uncommon Designs Red Ribbon with Pine Cone and Greenery Chair Cover by Happy Interiors Poinsettia and Burlap Chair Cover by I'm a Little Hanukkah Inspired Chair Covers Blue and White Chair Cover by Our Little Nest on the Lake White Faux Fur Chair Cover by Seasonal Home Decoration New Year's Eve Inspired Chair Covers Blue, White, and Silver New Year's Eve Chair Covers by Minimalisti Black and White Formal New Year's Eve Chair Covers by Elite Mobile DJ New Year's Eve Clock Chair Cover by Whimsy Decor New Year's Celebration Chair Cover by BHG Ho...

Many years ago, when I first learned about Hanukkah, I thought it was Christmas for eight days.  I mean, can you imagine receiving gifts for days on end rather than having to wait for one specific day?  Also, I liked the idea that it came at different times in the winter months.  I had heard that it might come as early as November!  Can you imagine Christmas in November?! As much as I like the idea of getting presents on a daily basis, I've never been really good with the whole advent thing.  I tend to want my gifts all at once.  What a glutton I am.  Hey, what can I say, I want to eat the whole cake in one sitting. Talk about lack of control. DH would absolutely vouch for this oh-so-positive trait in me.  :-) Since that time, I've learned a lot about rationing and not having it all in one sitting.  Don't get me wrong, that little girl is still in there wanting it all and NOW !  I didn't just want my two front teeth for Christmas...

What I've learned living in the south is that Southerners really are about family.  I think it might be because they like to cook.  ( Or is that me wanting to fit in because I have lived in the south for so long, enjoy cooking, and having company around my table? )  It's common to find the family gathered together for Sunday suppers. Thanksgiving seems to be an excuse to have a Sunday supper during the week. Another thing I've learned living in the south is that holidays are HUGE events.  Everyone is invited.   Not enough room or tables?  No problem.  Move the furniture around and instead of eating in the dining room, eat in the family room or spread the tables throughout the house.  The finest dishes are used no matter how fancy or simple and whether or not they match. This first table makes me think of a tea house or a romantic setting in an historical hotel.  The rich colors, napkin holders, and the overall elegance takes me ba...

If you think about planning a wedding or at least the reception part as another party, a lot of the stress vanishes.  Also, remember to try to see your party from your guests' perspective.  They won't notice that there are nine crystals in the arrangement instead of 10.  Your guests are there to help you celebrate a very special day. With all that being said, let's save some money planning your wedding day.  We have already shown you how beautiful of a wedding and reception you can have by shopping your local thrift stores .  Now, we'll show you what you can do at the dollar store. Choose a theme or at least a color.  By doing so, a lot of your choices will be simplified. Purchase plain card stock and envelopes and print your own wedding invitations or purchase simple wedding invitations.  Then embellish your invitations with lace, ribbon, a button or rhinestone. Dollar Store Wedding Invitation This table setting is so simply designed that...

I belong to a sewing group that is comprised of amazing women.  I joined the group last year but the ladies have been together for about five or six years. The sewing group is called "Sew Much Fun" .  We get together twice a month for about two hours at a time and create projects for charity.  All the fabric and notions have been donated by local businesses and people in the area cleaning out their fabric stashes. Everything we make goes to charity in one form or another.  We make items to sell at a craft fair each year and are able to give money to charities through the sales.  We also make items specifically for charities such as book bags for the library and senior center, duffel bags for children having to leave their homes, and pillow cases for the children's home. Another lady takes all our scrap fabric and makes dog beds for the local animal shelters.  Nothing goes to waste. This month we are making pillowcases, book bags, and finishing up pr...