Gypsy Mermaid

Rusty Old Tin

2012-02-01T09:57:00.002-06:00

Good morning Chickadees!!

Here are a few ideas of things to make with vintage goodies!!

I made these for a friend as a happy!!!

Johns grandpa had given me a few of these old tobacco tins and

I altered it to be a flower, note, or whatever holder!!

I added vintage Chandler crystals, vintage lace and a vintage flower!

Wrapped the top with burlap twine and stuffed full with flowers!!

Every girl loves pins to dress up a plain shirt!

Here is one I made from layered silk flowers and a silhouette of a rose pendant!

This little vintage tin got made into a initial name pin!

I added a scrabble title to the middle and vintage flowers adorned the side!!!

I love making new things from the old treasures!

I cant wait to find some more old rusty goodies!

Hope you have a wonderful day looks like mine is full of rain!

big hugs

toodles ♥

Sarah

Where are you Christmas?!!

2011-11-10T11:52:00.002-06:00

Hello there!! I AM SO ready for Christmas this year!! I have a couple craft shows and an open house where I will be selling my burlap door hangings and along with other Christmas things! To get more in the spirit of giving I made these cards for a fundraiser! They made a big $50 so I am so happy to of been blessed with the talent to make things and be able to bless someone who needs the money with my talent! I have found that people love getting homemade things that I come up with! It comes from my heart and it makes that person just feel more special! which who doesn't want to feel more special!!!

I already have some gifts bought through out the year! I find something I snatch it up and like a squirrel I hide those things away till its Christmas time!!

I also said I had some news to tell yall!! Well John and I are going tomorrow to talk to a VA loan person and were starting the process of buying our first actual Home!! I am sooo EXCITED I cant even contain myself haha and those of yall that know me Know that its been a challenge for us since the hurricane but our love for each other is AWESOME and we are finally being blessed with the ability to purchase a home! With that being said I am also so nervous lol

John I love you but your just not handy and I don't blame you some people have that gift and some not so much! So I am nervous for what we can afford and what kind of house our money will buy us. lol so I might be having pics posted of me just decorating or me wanting to pull my hair out from DIY repairs to a home and decorating in between my balding hahaha

Just please pray that God leads us to where we are suppose to be which I know he will but pray that we follow that path! So what are yalls creations for Christmas this year? I am going to try and be a homemade person this Christmas since money will probably be slim due to buying a home so I need some ideas!!!

Anywho I am off to create some things! Have a Blessed and Awesome day!!

Toodles ♥

Sarah

SPOOKY Halloween Fun!

2011-10-17T20:59:00.003-05:00

Hey chickadees!

Has Halloween creeped up on us or WHAT!?!

I havent decorated my house at all....

yea I know what your saying wow so not like you Sarah!

But there is a reason and I hope to share that with you soon! :)

I kinda had a creative streak haha go figure huh?

While in the fab Dollar Tree I started just browsing

and this is what I made from what I found at the everythings a dollar store!!

So what do yall think?!

Do you like it?

Of coarse all of it didnt come from the dollar store some of it I had

like the tulle, wreath, paper on pumpkins, and the green stuff hanging!

But the rest was from the the buck a roo shop!

Yep this wreath cost me $6!

How awesome is that?

I also made some cute Halloween ATC's

and a card but I will have to show you that on another post!

Well till next time!

Toodles ♥

♥

2011-10-12T12:45:00.003-05:00

Hey chickadees!

Here is a great quote:

"Love what you do and do what you love!"

So thats what I have been doing!

I have been busy making Halloween costumes, Paintings, Burlap Friends(Ill show a pic soon!).

Toodles

Sarah

Come on Fall..

2011-09-09T15:57:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone!!

How do you like my new blog?! I am loving it! Lemme tell ya haha Today is just one of those days when I am soo sleepy and BORED! I am at work but its been slow Ive already done two layouts and I am about to start on some cards for Halloween and Christmas! I am so ready for the Fall weather to get her! What about yall? It seems like this summer has been going on FOREVER!!! Guess what I am starting to make!? these cute lil' door hangers!

I hope to have some in my etsy shop soon or on here to sell! If your interested in one let me know I can make it to whatever your team is! I am even doing a house divided one! haha its going to be super cute! These went to my friend Jodie! She is a huge Saints fan! I also whipped her up some of my oreo truffle pops!!

She would proably eat these all day if she wouldn't get sick haha I just love making homemade treats for the people in my life!! Well anywho I am off back to work!

Toodles

Sarah♥

Create 365

2011-08-31T12:55:00.005-05:00

Hey yall!!!

Well I got a new job at an awesome place called Create 365!

If you live around Lafayette, LA

ya need to come by and check this cute shoppe out!

The owner, Amy, is super sweet and very creative.

I love this place it has become like a second home for me since my crafting things are packed away due to a issue with mildew.

BOOO I know!

But my creativity hasn't stopped!

Here's a few things that I've created for Create 365!

Proverbs Canvas(I am teaching a class on how to make this canvas on September 20th)

A sweet little hand towel

Back to School

Cute Altered Canvas

I am so excited about this shoppe!

Yall please come visit us we have a blast no matter what were up to!

Big hugs

toodles-

Sarah

A Top Of A Cake

2011-08-06T17:19:00.003-05:00

I had a order placed for a birthday crown! So I created this for her and it is to sit on top of a cake!! I hope she loves it as much as I loved making it! Big hugs

Toodles

Fall Into Vintage Swap

2011-08-04T10:24:00.002-05:00

Hey chickadees! Wow this post is going to be about something that was accomplished back in November 2010 It is so old but it will be okay because BELIEVE me it is SOOO worth it!! Better late then never I always say(hehe.) I was asked to join in on a Fat Book swap hosted by the talented and super sweet Sandy Navarro.. Of coarse I couldnt turn down this offer. This book was going to be FAB! There were eight girls including myself who joined in on the sewing fun! The theme was Fall in to Vintage. Each chick was to make eight pages, use a vintage glove somewhere on each page and it also had to have a Fall theme! Oh the ideas came to me instantly because as yall know I am in love with Fall! So I sat down and just went to creating and this is what my little hands came up with!!

A nest is in the center of the cut gloveLetters long forgotten were placed as if someone just threw them down.

Trim was added to the side for detail

Just a lil about me

A momma bird watches over the nest while tin leaves fall from tree

If I were a fluffy birdie I would for sure make a nest in this glove and hang it from a huge oak tree

All packaged and ready to be mailed out

When I received my Fat Book... Lordy! Lordy! I cant even describe the beauty that these women put into this book. I will have to take pictures of it soon and post about that amazing piece of art that this talented group of crafters made! Until next time....

Toodles-

Sarah

Summer Bliss

2011-06-15T16:01:00.002-05:00

Hey yall!
This summer has been a busy one so far! I have been having so much fun spending time with my hubby and nephew! But also I joined in on a swap hosted by the sweet and talented Maryann! Here are the itty bitty pages I made for the swap!!! Sorry the pics are blurry I had to use my Iphone still I am blogging from the library still...
Front of #1

Back of #1

Front of #2

Back of #2

Front of #3

Back of #3

I love these Itty Bitty Book swaps to pieces! I have them laying all around my home! I hope these pages are up to standards these girls go all out on details! but anywho.... I am so excited John and I are celebrating our 6 year anniversary early due to the fact that for some CRAZY reason we got married on the weekend of 4th of July and we always have a muddin'event to attend! So He planned this mini trip for us! I have NO CLUE what he has in store for us but I am so excited! All I know is that I have to bring some really nice clothes and were going to have fun lol... so cute I could careless what were going to be doing its just the fact that he planned it all he could of just served me breakfast in bed and I would of loved him for it! EEEKK I cant wait hehe And I will for sure be back to tell yall about it! until then TOODLES!!! big hugs
♥
Sarah

Sarah, Sarah, quite contrary,

2011-04-08T14:48:00.002-05:00

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells, and cockle shells,

And pretty maids all in a row!

Well my garden might not grow silver bells or cockle shells(wouldnt that be pretty!) ,but it does grow many other flowers and some are just making their way into the world,

mermaids sit watch,

lizards leep and plants creep,

Theres always little signs telling you sweet sayings as well as funny! Dont worry its ok you can take a peek at my bloomers ;)

I just love going on my front porch. Even though its rather small and time shows its age on my paint peeling porch... I love it just the same.

Easter is one of my favorite times of the year not only because of our Lord but because its a sign of regrowth and beauty! Flowers start to put on a lovely show and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy! This year I decided to take a different route and start my garden with seeds and nothing else besides love, care and sunlight. Even though the impatent side of me is saying what were you thinking??? This is going to take forever I WANT TO SEE FLOWERS NOW!! The sweet side of me is saying calm down they will come! Then I saw a cute little quote yesterday that reminded me that beauty doesnt always happen over night and that I should just keep calm and carry on! but instead it said KEEP CALM AND GARDEN ON!!! Now how cute is that and how appropriate to remind myself to just be patient! So now I must create something with this wonderful saying on it to put outside and be a lesson to me for when my garden is full of color! I cant wait to show yall pictures of my new creation and hopefully my new flowers! Till then Have a wonderful Easter!

Toodles ♥ ,

Sarah

Springtime FINALLY!!!

2011-03-03T11:50:00.002-06:00

Hey yall! Hows everyone been? I know Ive been enjoying this lovely SPRING(HALLELUJAH)weather! While I was down with the flu...thanks to my lovely and sweet hubby..grr. I made a collage for a swap I joined! My partner for the swap hosted by A Swap For All Seasons was the sweet and newbie, Jani. We were to make a collage that would suite our partner!

Well my swapper loves pink, apple green, and yellows! So me being bitten from the springtime fever bug got a wild hair to create one that was spring related and of coarse had something to do with the seashore!

Sorry the photos are kinda dark I had a hell of a time finding a app to upload these photos to flickr since Flickr decided that only people with iphone 4 got to use the app.... anywho lol kinda puts me in a fowl mood and well gosh dang it I am over it...really I AM!!! so moving on to the photos!

It had been awhile since I have made anything for a swap and the reason bein is well I just didn't have a room to do it in anymore! But that didn't stop me from creating this even if it was while I was laying in the bed with the flu! I had to do something in between sleeping and goin uggghhhh shoot me PLEASE! haha

Jani loved what I created for her and I just cant wait to show yall what she made me! EKK I love it to pieces! The back of mine had this ribbon ruffling thing I do to almost everything I can! I love it! so girlie and cute!

I hope to get photos of the collage Jani created! And it is so ME! Well I cant stand to stay inside one second longer I have to get out and enjoy this beautiful day!! I hope yall have a wonderful day! BIG hugs
toodles ♥

Time...

2011-02-22T14:19:00.003-06:00

Where has time gone?!
I have been SUPER busy with just living life and find myself! I don't know about yall but it is so easy to loose yourself in the blogging community. What I mean by that is... I read so many inspirational blogs that sometimes I forget what I LOVE and not what everyone else loves. Its hard but I think I have found myself again or at least I am getting there. I miss blogging and I miss the friends Ive made along my blogging journey. I hope to be back soon. Since we no longer have the Internet it has been a challenge to find time and come to the library to blog. But today I made it and here I am! I DO MISS YALL!!!!

I am kinda clueless on how blogger has the backgrounds and all that mess so forgive my craziness going on here at my blog! lol
How have yall been? I hope life is treating you well and 2011 has been awesome so far! 2011 for me has been filled with FAMILY!! and I am loving it! I have been busy traveling and visiting! I plan to keep my nephew this summer and I cant wait. He is such a sweetheart and inspires me everyday! Children open up a world that you forgot exist. I plan to have a summer full of crafts, reading, swimming, and as he would say adventures. haha

My birthday is coming up in March and I dunno why but I am freaking out!!!! I am so hating the number 27 UUUGGHHH! When did I leave the cute aww I am 20 lol I don't even remember getting to 24 it seems like I cant be this old! Not that 27 is old but I dunno something about it is getting me down in the dumps so that's as OLD as I am going to get! What age do you say you are? Did you have a age where you just said hmm think I am going to just tell everyone that I am this old from now on and when my birthday comes around I will let everyone know ohh no I am __ old! I think I can pull this off for a long time I have a baby face and since I have turned 26 Ive been carded for beer and buying a movie at Wallie world! I was kinda insulted at first but now I'm like ohh yea card me baby! Anywho, I haven't done to many swaps this year but I have done one swap. I hope to have pictures to show yall soon. I just have to figure out how to get them from my iPhone to here. any suggestions?
If I have not posted about a swap I am truly sorry I didn't mean to hurt anyone feelings or make them think I didn't care because that wasn't it at all!! I do care and I love everything I ever received or will receive. I just kinda got burnt out on the blogging and like I said I just forgot who I was and what I LIKED. What swaps are yall doing now a days? Are you creating anything new?

I had to pack up all my craft stuff and make room for our storage things but hubby said this Friday we are going to get my craftroom set back up because he knows how much I need a creative outlet... Its my stress reliever I guess you would say. I cant wait I think that will be the best birthday present! I will probably have some stuff for sell on my facebook page or in my shop at etsy. I will let yall know when I get it together! Well chickadees I gotta run and do some errands while I am in town! I hope to hear from yall and Ill be back soon once I get this IPhone picture thing down and figure out how I can transfer them! Big hugs
toodles ♥

A Gift From the Garden

2010-10-12T10:09:00.011-05:00

Good morning!!
I'm sure by now everyone knows Ive been renting since we moved from Big Texas! So what comes with renting... not being able to dig into the dirt and create a garden whether it's a flower or a veggie garden! what's a girl to do when she can't be a gardener... well of coarse be blessed with friends who have a yard and a green thumb (that doesn't hurt). ;)
I received a huge box with this beautiful address label gracing the top.. hmm I wonder who it could be from there is no address or name other than mine!

I carefully tear...hehe I mean open the package! I wonder who would send me such a big box ESP since I'm not expecting anything.. ohh what's this I see a tag card!! With a NAME!! aww it's from my sweet blog friend Mercedes!!! hmmm... still curious to what she could of sent me! Isn't the tag so pretty and detailed! ek I love it!

Still not sure of what is underneath the gold tissue paper I peak under it and squealed!!!! but my squeal is from excitement! Look at what she sent me! Beautiful hydrangeas from her own yard! She even dried them so they wouldn't wilt on the journey to me!!

Aren't they pretty! I love the green! I think I might try to use some tattered angel spray to add some color to the browner ones! has anyone tried that before? I'm trying to decide where to place these lovely flowers... any ideas?
Thank you so much Mercedes for thinking of me! I hope to be able to send you flowers one day! but until then I will enjoy the gifts from your garden!
big hugs
luv-
Sarah

Halloween 2010 Part One

2010-10-06T13:54:00.009-05:00

hey y'all! I've been super duper busy with traveling to Oklahoma to help my grandpa to trips with friends and then of coarse my own life at home! I miss blogging so much. I beg hubby everyday to get the Internet back but we might be moving again soon so paying for insulation here and only having it a couple of months wouldn't make sense. So I just had to pop in and tell everyone hello and show y'all what I've been up to! Has the Fall spirit possessed you yet? I know I am a Halloween decorating nut!

I haven't finished yet, but here's some peeks into a little of it! I hope to be finished by the end of the week! I am expecting victims... I mean company this weekend hehe!

My living room looks as if a witch lives here! I have decorated a built in shelf as a witches cupboard filled with spells, potions, skulls and much more!

The bar is full of brews including a jug of witches brew.

It is also where the witch gets snacks from! I'm still coming up with ideas for the snacks! got any that would be fun? My desk(the one I renovated not long ago) is where the witch puts her broom, hat, gloves and keys! It is also where she thinks of dreadful spells!

The shelves above my tv hold a spooky village, crows, and other witchy things!

I can't wait to show you everything all finished! I still have the porch to decorate! I have fake ghost, old boots, pumpkins, and allot
more ideas brewing in my head! Big hugs
later gators ;)

A Charming Heart Swap

2010-08-16T13:59:00.006-05:00

sorry about the wrong email address the correct one is gypsymermaidshoppe @ yahoo

hey chickadees I decided that I'm not going to totally close my blog I am going to leave it up just in case I decide to pop in and say hello but I do want to host a swap anyways!! so here's the scoop!!
the rules are:
1. sign up before- August 21st. Due date-September 10th
2. This will be a group (of only 15 girls) swap but with a twist. let me explain... we will all make a charm for every girl in the swap(I will give the number when I send out the final email) that represents you. the charm can not be larger than 1.5 x 1.5 inches (they need to be small but pretty). they can be anything you want no rules on the charms.. just be yourself and make something you love. just please do not send a store bought charm that you didn't alter or glam up someway.
The twist is I will assign you a "secret partner" to make a fabric heart. The heart is to be 6.5 inches wide by 5 inches tall.It is to be made of fabric and needs to be stuffed and will require a metal hanger( so we can hang them up). You will alter this heart to your partners liking. you will know what your partner likes by the questions below. When you sign up just send me your name, address, blog, and the questions answered below.
the questions:
What colors do you love?
Where are you hanging your heart?
What's your style? cottage,vintage, shabby, chic, farmhouse....?
Are there any colors you don't like?
What are some of your favorite things? like Paris, vintage tableclothes, keys, shabby poodles... whatever you can give to help your partner get to know you without reading your blog!
anything else you want to include for your partner just write it with the questions

3. After you make the charms and one heart you will mail them to me and I will do something special with the charms and send you back the heart made for you and a charm from each girl! Please send a business or moo card with your heart!! so your secret partner will know who made it!

The reason I came up with this swap is blogging has been a love(the heart) of my life and was built up by each girl(the charms) that I've met. SO let's get this swap started! email me at gypsymermaidlife at yahoo
big hugs
toodles

Summer in Paris

2010-08-13T21:28:00.005-05:00

Bonjour!

I'm just writing you while I sip on a cup of chocolat chaud on the green grass with the shadow of the Eiffel tower castIng upon me. I am being read to by my lover Jean (aka John in French). We decided to take a break before dinning at a local romantic restaurant which we were invited to by the Chef himself......

OUCH which one of you pinched me. The truth is I am still here in Louisiana living life and loving the end of summer! I wish I were writing from a far away place with the loml next to me but were currently watching reruns of an old LSU game and just got finished eating a burger made locally in our small town. I have a bit of sad news though... this is going to be my last post. We dissconnected our Internet and unless I take as well of photos with this iPhone then I won't be posting anything! But dont think that I'm not going to go out with out a bang!!!0 I want to go out with what got me to know each and everyone of you.... A SWAP! I will be posting about it soon and I hope too see everyone I've
missed and going to miss sign up! I'll talk to you before the end of the weekend!!!
BIG hugs
toodles

Gifted Friends

2010-07-08T08:10:00.001-05:00

Good Mornin!

I have been super duper busy lately and I have been meaning to blog about my lovely gift my sweet friend, Tracy, made for me! She made me a apron fit for a farmhouse queen!!! I LOVE IT!

I must say I don't take it off the hanger much in my studio just because it inspires me soooo much!

It is so comfy also! I wish I could just wear it everywhere!! Here's the back!

Isn't it dreamy! Thank you SO much Tracy! I absolutely love it! Yall go give Tracy a visit! I know she would love to have you and believe me you wont be a stranger for long! She's a sweetheart! Big hugs

Toodles

Studio 10

2010-06-18T20:06:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees!!!

WELCOME TO GYPSY MERMAID STUDIO!!!

You might be wondering why I titled this post Studio 10?! Well its because I have moved a dozen times and I pretty much have a new studio every year due to the moving! I think the only thing that's good about that is I NEVER forget what I have! It also reminds me of ALL the friends I have made through blogging and creating! My room is full of....

the flying pigs you will find scattered here and there through out my studio!(they were all given to me by my mom and mother in law)

Shelves that are packed full of treasures that I have collected over the years and even stuff that my mom collected and passed on to me(the dresses were passed down my mom. She wore them when she was a baby and I wore them when I was also). The butterflies were my grandmas and I use to play with them when I would visit her. The Wizard of Oz ornaments were a present from my little sister! I just love all these things to pieces!

And more shelves full of special things and items just waiting for me to create with!

My packaging stuff!

How I store my paint and tools!! Easy to wheel my chair to and grab what I need!

Flowers in the jars, jewelry stuff in the jewelry boxes, little things in the small jars.

Chipboard letters in the cubbies, glitter in the trays, stickers in the suitcases.

Pockets full of vintage treats!

I know this much I just realized I have a addiction to vintage jewelry boxes! They are so great to organize my little what not things!

Things that inspire me are arranged in front of me on my table. A tin full of small letter stamps, paintbrushes, a shoe with straight pens, and a two tiered tray full of vintage goodies!

See my room isn't just for creating its where I go to remember my loved ones and friends! Its where I go when I need a break from "life" or just to kill time!

Its not just a studio its my life captured by walls!

I hope you enjoyed my little tour! Please come back to visit me again and see just what I create!

Big mermaid hugs!

Toodles

Still...

2010-06-06T18:07:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I am still alive! hehe

I got a call the other day from a friend asking if I was still alive and it made me think of everyone out here in blogland who might be wondering where I have been?! Well I have been spending time with these two angels and family!

"B"(his nickname)

and Pumpkin(his nickname).

They are such a big part of my life and I MISS THEM SO MUCH! When I have to leave to go back home it makes me just want to pack up my life and move closer to theirs. But I will be back soon hopefully! I have so much going on with swaps, Paper Cowgirls, our 5 year Anniversary trip and so much more!! But I am still kicking and happy as one girl can be! hehe

Big hugs

toodles

Sea Shore Bliss

2010-05-26T06:51:00.001-05:00

Good Morning chickadees!!!

Since I haven't taken pics of the other goodies I received I am going to post about what I sent my swap partner Robin in the Vintage Seaside Shadowbox Swap!!

I loved making these goodies! Right up my alley hehe The photos seem so dusty I guess cuz of the sunlight was so bright! But anywho I'm off to look for goodies to put in a family garage sale! Big hugs

toodles

Vintage Seaside Shadowbox Swap

2010-05-21T17:22:00.001-05:00

Good evening sweets!! I received some special packages the last couple of days! This is one of them from my swap partner Robin!! EEEKKKKK I couldn't stop ohing and awing over all the gorgeous things she sent me! Each full of details and surprises! You can click on this pics to enlarge them!! Go ahead! You know you wanna.....

Come on click on the pic! Get the full detail of the inside of the box!!! Omg I love it!!!

Look at the baggie she made just stuffed full of treats!

A cute little bottle full of sand and shells from the beach of Oceanside, California! Oh makes me so want to go even more!

The treats that were in the bag! A beautiful seashell to hang on a shelf knob, a ship magnet!!!, seashells, and trims that sparkle like a mermaid tail! And lastly my favorite treat that was in my cute bag was this!! I call it a prom mermaid! hehe

Ekkk wasn't that the most beautiful eye candy ever!! I am so happy to of drawn her name from my swap pile! She spoiled me life a mermaid princess!! hehe. Thank you Robin SOOO much for the beautiful treats! You are truly talented and super sweet to top it off!!Tomorrow I cant wait to show you what I received in the mail yesterday from my sweet sweet friend Tracy. You will want one for yourself I promise! Well big hugs

tooldes

Sneaky Sneaky

2010-05-21T09:13:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! I thought I would give some sneak peeks of my shadowbox for my swap Vintage Seaside Shadowbox! I hope my lovely swap partner Robin loves what I created for her! I cant wait for yall to see what she made me! EEEKKK so cute!

Well I am off to spend the day with hubby! Big hugs

Toodles

Credit and Praise

2010-05-19T07:06:00.001-05:00

Have you ever just got to caught up in your life that you just forget to give credit and praise to someone for something? Well.. I did and I need to get back on my rocker and stop neglecting my little blog and my blog friends. If I haven't been by to visit you I will soon I promise just know that I still love hearing from you and I haven't forgotten about you ;) PROMISE!! But for now I need to give some praise for the LOVELY Sweet matchboxes I received in Heather's Petite Inspiration Box Swap. Lets start with the talented Cerri! She created this beautiful vintage delight!

This pretty Bird box is from the sweet and creative Melissa

A lovely feather delight from the ever so sweet and funny Julie Ann

Thank you sweets for the boxes I am so sorry I haven't posted about the beautiful boxes you made for ME!!! I love them and cherish them all! I've been working on a bunch of swaps lately! So sneak peeks too come! whooa! been awhile since I've done that! hehe Well have a Splash of a day!! BIG HUGS

Toodles

Jewels Of the Sea

2010-05-11T16:52:00.001-05:00

I have been a busy jewelry maker! Come check out these jewels in my Etsy Shop.

Click on the photo to go to the listing in my shop!

hugs

Saturday

2010-04-30T08:33:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Sweethearts!!

I hope your kicking this Friday off with a hot mug of coffee or in my case a bowl of special K and tea. While your enjoying your breakfast delight I want to continue my weekend with Jodie. Saturday 5 am- We woke up to what sounded like a trains horn in our heads. We shouldn't of stayed up as late as we did because I felt like a dizzy drunk. But we bit the bullet and thought of the stuff were going to get into today and head out while the sun is still sleeping and hit the road looking for yard sales which we mapped out at midnight. grrr..... the ads say arrive early and multi. family sales but there's not a soul out where they are suppose to be so 7 am rolls around and still nothing. The last two garage sales we hit up had something's we wanted.

We go get some donuts and head back to Jodies house and stuff our face. Jodie wanted to take me to a hardware store that she loved. AND now I love it just as much. I swear if that place ever goes out of business or does some remodeling I am going to go there and get all the wooden drawers and cubbies. I wish I would of taken pictures of the place it was like stepping back in time. Sitting in the car debating what to do next what do you think two girls with money in our pockets and time in our favor did?

Well of coarse head back to Washington to get something Jodie wanted so badly but didn't get due to the fact we were locked in! BOOO to them. I tried to get her to just leave some money and run with the rusty scale. But NOOO Jodie is a good girl and didn't let my bad ways get her that scale. Instead she dropped me off and I walked over the tent and grabbed the scale and worked my magic on the lady and got the baby for $12 bucks! Jodie was happy!

So after we left the show we didn't want to go home and she always wanted me to take her and show her some of my favorite spots in St. Francisville. We headed to visit a town I miss dearly and were on the ferry. I though Jodie was about to have a break down she was so nervous about the ferry poor thing. I thought I was about to have to do CPR or something. But we made it across the river without any life saving.

We went to eat lunch in one of my favorite places called Magnolia Cafe.

Then we went to the Myrtles and walked around and snapped pictures and fought these little kids off a bridge so Jodie could get some photos! haha Oh good times.....

I love these photos. Its weird when I am with Jodie my inner photographer comes out. I know this much I want a peep hole for my digital camera now. I think that is going to be what I ask hubby for as a anniversary gift. But anywho... back to the story.

We didn't see anything but beautiful trees and flowers around us. No ghost this time. I was looking though. We had a blast besides fighting the bees and wasp off. After we couldn't take any more photos we loaded back up and went to one of my favorite places in St. Francisville(okay I admit there's a bunch of places) a beautiful church with a cemetery.

But that will be for another post one day.

Our day was full of beauty but like this flower it had to come to an end because after all Jodie and I always have an adventure blooming.

Toodles

Long over due...

2010-04-27T20:43:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! I forgot all about how I am suppose to share with yall my weekend with my pal Jodie. So let's get this adventure started!!! I rode over to her house Friday morning and we then loaded up in her SUV and hit the road in plans to go to Washington's Spring Schoolhouse Antique show! Oh what the eye candy! Loads and loads of things to look at and take pictures of! Which I did..... Lots and lots.

Not only did we have fun BUT we closed this place down... LITERALLY. We were the last ones to leave other then the man who had to turn the lights back on and let us out of the building. They locked us in! Which would of been fine with us but Jodie's baby Oreo wouldn't of known what to do with out her momma! Notice the dark hall way and where we were when they decided it was closing time(the powder room).

After leaving the schoolhouse we decided to sight see(as if we haven't been there a million times) and spotted a old bridge that was closed off and forgotten with time. I think the only people who remembered the collapsing bridge are the ones who visit this B&B cottage.

Getting sick of trying not to get stung by the bees that made the bridge a new home, we headed back to her house and finished the night off with a bunch of crawfish and crafting till 3 am. I cant wait to show you what we did Saturday!! Big hugs

toodles

The last Petite box....

2010-04-26T07:03:00.001-05:00

Here's the last Petite Inspiration box I made for the swap! This baby went to Melissa. I used a whole lot of flowers for this one!

Inside the box were small birds, eggs, roses, plastic goodies, tickets wrapped with seam bidding, vintage velvet ribbon, flowers, and a few more goodies!

Well I am off to clean my house and do some laundry! We were gone all weekend visiting family and going to crawfish boils. So back to the non fun stuff of everyday life... BBBOOOOO~ Hope to get pics soon of the lovely boxes I received! But till then....

Yall have a great day! hugs

Birdcage and Flowers

2010-04-19T22:12:00.001-05:00

Here is the box I made for sweet Julie Ann for the Petite Inspiration Box Swap!

I think this one was my favorite of all three boxes I made! There's one last box to post about and then I will post about the lovely boxes I received!! Well off to bed this chick goes! Big hugs

I've been nesting

2010-04-18T17:12:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! I participated in Heathers Petite Inspiration Box Swap(Nesting theme). Many of you know I LOVE nest and eggs! So this was right on the money for me! Heres what my swap partners received!

For Cerri

The boxes I made for Julie Ann and for Melissa will come in the days ahead! I want to be able to post all the pics with out the post being really long!

By the way, I still have allot of spaces left in my swap below! Check it out and if ya wanna join drop me an email!

Hugs

Toodles

Vintage Seaside Swap

2010-04-15T16:29:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! I couldn't wait to post about the swap I decided to host! I know summer is right around the corner so why not kick it off early with a swap!??!

So here's the rules of the swap please read before signing up!

1. Open to only US chickadees.

2. We will be making a vintage seaside theme shadowbox. The box can not be any larger then a cigar box and no smaller then a 5x5 box. You can do any thing in this box you can make it have cubbys with lots of different little scenes or do one large box with anything vintage and sea theme like seashells, mermaids, boats, sailors, sun bathing, bathing suits, anything!! Just make it something you would love to have! If you and your partner decide to do something extra such as tags, cards, candy, vintage item, etc... that is a-okay with me!

3. Due dates:

Swap due to your partner by: May 12th.

4. I will assign you a partner by emailing you their information(this will be the questions on #5). Yall then need to email each other and get to know each other! Meet a new blog friend!!! I am not responsible for you getting ahold of your partner.

5. When signing up please leave a comment saying you would love to join AND THEN email me at gypsymermaidshoppe [at] yahoo . com with your:

First and last name, address, blog, email address, and answers to these questions: What's your favorite colors? What time period would you like your shadowbox to be based around? Do you love something special about the sea(like coral, seashells, bathing suits)? What vintage items do you love the most to look at whether its buttons, lace, pictures...etc?

6. Swap is to be mailed out by May 12th!!! If your going to be late let your partner know!

7. You can use the button up above on your blog!

Hope yall sign up and are excited as I am about this swap! I cant wait to see all the different shadowboxes! I created a flickr group and will email you the link when you sign up! Later chickadees!

While the guys...

2010-04-13T19:33:00.001-05:00

are away doing this..

(John at the Louisiana Mudfest on the porch!)

and this...

(Thad at the Houston Race Way )

us girls are at play...

(me and Jodie cheesing it up)

doing this....

(just a little junking hehe)

and this

(eatin' crawfish)

I will be back later to write about our two day adventure!

So yall come back!!!!

Knowledge is Key

2010-04-09T07:54:00.001-05:00

Good morning everyone!!! I recently posted about dealing with PCOS. Allot of you said you have it as well! I thought since I am learning about how to change my lifestyle because of PCOS that it would be nice to let yall in on a little info I found helpful. I was contacted by a lovely lady named Tania asking if she could write a post on my blog about PCOS! I said of coarse send the post to me and I will publish it!! So today Tania's article is my post!

Have fun reading her article:

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PCOS and Weight Loss

With more than 60% of women with PCOS diagnosed as obese, any woman dealing with PCOS must deal with the fact that body weight can become a major issue. It is thought that because of insulin resistance and the hormonal imbalance experienced with the disease that a woman can experience many problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and irregular periods, all of which can make it difficult when trying to trying to conceive. PCOS and weight loss is a topic that goes hand in hand and body weight must be brought under control, if managing the symptoms of the disease is ever going to be possible.

Obese women with PCOS are seven times more likely to experience diabetes and heart disease because of insulin resistance. When a woman’s body is insulin resistant, she has a difficult time regulating insulin production which means the risk of developing diabetes is increased exponentially. Insulin resistance in women with PCOS also means it can be more difficult to lose weight, which can be very frustrating. However, when a woman is ready to lose weight there are many things she can do to improve her chances and get healthier.

When a woman is suffering from PCOS and weight loss is a concern, studies have shown through regular exercise and dietary modification the symptoms of the disease can improve. Through losing weight, a woman with PCOS can regulate menstrual periods, experience improved ovulation, reduce the signs of hirsutism, balance hormonal levels and decrease the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Not only do these things improve a woman’s health, but it also increases the chances of becoming pregnant when she is trying to conceive a baby.

A woman suffering from PCOS that loses weight will notice that improving diet and adding exercise is the best and most natural way to deal with the symptoms of the disease. Though most women want to have an average or normal body weight, for a woman with PCOS, even a moderate amount of weight loss can lead to drastic improvement of the symptoms. If a woman has any questions about what types of foods to incorporate into the diet, think fresh vegetables, lean proteins like fish or chicken and foods low in carbohydrates, if there are any questions, it may be a good idea to consult with a nutritionist for further information.

While a dietary change can limit or alleviate the symptoms of PCOS in women, it can also help promote weight loss when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. The diet a woman observes plays an important role in PCOS and weight loss, but exercise is also vital to help improve overall health and experts recommend at least three days of aerobic activity per week. Exercises can include aerobics, weight lifting, swimming, cycling, tennis, golf, roller blading, jogging, running or brisk walking, anything to raise heart rate and burn calories which is the goal of getting the body in fat burning mode to lose weight.

If a woman is interested in finding out ways to make dietary changes to help with PCOS, the services of a dietician or nutritionist may be recommended. Through incorporating healthy new lifestyle changes and managing the symptoms of PCOS and body weight, a woman will not only experience relief from the symptoms of the disease, but she will be healthier which can make it easier to become pregnant when trying to conceive. It is important to maintain a normal body weight, and observe a healthy diet and regular exercise in order to improve the quality of life when suffering from PCOS.

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If yall would like to read more about what Tania has to say about any of her articles on how to conceive please go visit her link! You can also email her and she will be happy to answer your questions!! Well Chickadees! I have a date with a luvlie gal and we are going to the famous Antique Fair of the Old Schoolhouse in Washington, Louisiana and then back to my pals house to have a sleepover! I cant wait to blog about this weekend! Going to be a BLAST! Till then I hope yall have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!

BIG MERMAID HUGS!!

Toodles

P.S.

I started my metformin yesterday and WOW I can tell already tell and I feel GREAT!!! OMG things just keep looking up! :)

Mothers Love

2010-04-06T07:22:00.001-05:00

I made these tags for a Mother's Day tag swap! I used a vintage picture I found while thrifting.

On the back I made a bouquet of vintage flowers!

Do you have any swaps your working on? I am thinking about hosting something! Maybe yall can help me think of an idea! It will get me in the mood to reorganize my studio! Its a jungle in there! Well off to clean house. Have a wonderful day! big hugs

Toodles :)

Easter Blessings

2010-04-04T06:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Big hugs

Toodles

Chic Letter

2010-04-01T16:34:00.001-05:00

I had a request for a 12 inch "OhLaLa" letter. She wanted it for her wedding! Here it is! There's good news too... its not the only one I am making it's now for sale in my Shop! Any letter and any color! Just send me a message!

Happy Shopping! Hugs

Surprise Eggs

2010-03-31T15:22:00.001-05:00

One of the best things to walk up on is a little nest made by kildeer or kideedee! These birds nest on the ground and make the most beautiful eggs! The color of them is one of my fav's! These were about to hatch cant wait till Sunday to go back and see if the babies are here yet!

Big hugs

toodles

PCOS

2010-03-30T14:32:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! Okay this is something I would never do but here it goes. I want to have support and I know that yall are the best support I can get besides my family. About four years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS (you can click on that to see what it really is all about). About a year ago, I stopped taking the drugs that you need to take with PCOS to make you feel better because I gained a whole person pretty much plus I was so miserable and just layed around all day and still wasn't pregnant. I never thought I would let myself get as big as I am but I am and I did. I am going to change that though and its not so I can have a baby or to make anyone happy I am going to do it so I can just feel better about myself and just be ME again. So I am going to go back to the gyno and get back on the pills and start eating what she tells me and start exercising. So thats where I need yall help. I have never eaten really healthy I mean I eat some healthy things and a I never really exercised but for a couple of days and then I just stopped because I got to busy with life. So if yall have any advice on anything with this HELP ME! I need it! Weither its recipes, ways you lost weight, or exercises! Just let me know! Here's my goals:

1. to loose weight and get back down to my normal 150 weight that I use to be before I took on the fertility journey.

2. Be HEALTHY by eating right and learning how to do it.

3. Just exercise even if its walking for a hour its something.

4. be able to post a before and after photo and be happy about it!

So here it goes yall! My first day will be tomorrow and I am going to buy healthy food and start the first day of my healthy life! So come on let me know what ya think I can do!

toodles

Farmhouse Dreams

2010-03-29T18:54:00.001-05:00

Lets take a trip down my memory lane!! Since I was little I have been a country girl. I remember being at my grandparents and steering the tractor to plow the fields, picking the veggies that were ready, chopping firewood to heat our house, and just living a life of simple things. I wanted to let yall know that farming and country is in my blood(dont get me wrong though I love those girly girl things) I live for the moment to plant crops and watch them grow and being able to have as many animals as you want! I love not hearing a car until one is driving up in your driveway. I love the nighttime crickets, frogs, and fireflies! I miss that so much and were working on getting that farmhouse! But until I get to put on my gloves and get dirty on our farm I figured I would just drool over these pictures!

Don't ya wanna be a farm girl now?! Big hugs

toodles

p.s.

Theres still plenty of goodies in my shop left! Go check it out!

Eye Candy

2010-03-25T07:23:00.001-05:00

{Click Me! Ill take to you to a magical place where you can buy me!}

You know you want to go shopping! Why not go in my Shoppe!?

Toodles

Goodies

2010-03-24T07:31:00.001-05:00

I went to the seven mile garage sale last weekend with some girlfriends! Now with seven miles you would think we would of had to go back and unload the car a couple times! NOOOO... not at all. I got a few things that are worth mentioning!

Shells and Jewelry

A couple of old books

Some shoes I got for the gems on them! I am going to take off the rhinestones!

A whole set of Zebra print luggage! I cant wait to use this when I go on some trips!!!

You can get you some goodies from my Shoppe to enjoy! I added allot of cute items! Go take a look! Big hugs

Toodles x

The Best Things About My Birthday

2010-03-22T18:51:00.001-05:00

are....

1) Sharing it with my little pumpkin of a nephew! He was born the day after my birthday and on my Grandma Jewels birthday(I miss her so much). But I love remembering my birthdays me and my grandma had together. I cant wait to share these memories with Tucker when he gets older and make some new ones with him!

2) It is in the lovely month of March! I always had my parties during spring break and they were always the best like crawfish boils, pool parties, and putt putt golf! Plus the flowers are blooming and the weather is nice!

3) Gifts! who doesn't want a birthday present! I cant ever say I don't... This year I got some cute things! My mom and sister got my some bunny slippers and a pig watering can, John got me gift cards to a couple of my favorite stores and a beautiful butterfly frame, My cousins brought me pictures of us when we were little since I lost them in the flood, bunch of cards, I got from Jodie A cute over the shoulder messenger bag made from vintage chenelle and rose material

some vintage velvet in a pretty brown, and a cute little seahorse hanger,

from Sandi I got this blinging "S" and a shabby vintage jar with a cute top! Can't wait to fill it with shells or buttons!

4) Getting older... I know its crazy for me to say that.....but I really don't miss the teenager days and while I am still in my 20's I don't get all sad because I get older. I am just thankful to have a birthday and get the chance to celebrate it with the ones I love! I still get the cute little birthday cakes! like the one my sister made me this year! A MERMAID!!!! EEEKKKK I almost cried!

Thank you everyone for making my birthday the best time of year for me! I LOVE YOU ALL! Now to go get that roast out of the crock pot, set the table and fix a salad! Cant wait to show yall the little(and I mean not much) finds from the garage sale. Big hugs

Toodles x

The back when days....

2010-03-18T16:51:00.001-05:00

Have you ever fallen in love with a shop before?
I know I have been there with MANY shops I've visited. I even fell in love with my grandpas barber shop when I was girl. Maybe it was the old barber chairs with the huge mirrors in front of them or maybe it was all the mugs my grandpa had collected in the 50 plus hair cutting days( that's another post on another day!) But I'm not posting about my days of sweeping hair instead I am talking about the days of stepping into a shop and you just say OMG where have you been all my life. Well on one of my visits back home to Mississippi I found a new shop that I wasn't expecting. See it use to be a old feed store where my family would get chicken feed, cow feed, garden stuff and most of all bunnies and chicks for us kids! I remember loving stepping into this place just seeing all the things that we could grow and make. It was to my surprise that when I went there to take pictures of my childhood memories it was gone! The chickens, the big racks of plants, feed, everything but the building! So I walk in and OMG it was the best surprise of all. A ANTIQUE HOME DECORATING SHOP! Oh I was in grown up heaven! Of coarse I missed seeing all my farm things that I loved as a kid but as a grown girl I have to admit I was pleasantly happy to see all the old things! I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped some pictures to share with yall!

The store still had the old concrete floors!

These are the original doors that were in the back sorry its not the best picture! But they have two of these and the are HUGE! They slide!

Oh I loved this ceiling! I remember it when I was young I use to tell mom I was scared the beams are going to fall! haha

Look at the old brick and window with the tin over it!

I think I can just live here! What about you? I love my small country town and sometimes miss reliving the memories I had there as a child! Its always good to go back home and see the changes and remember the "back when days"! I have to get off here and start dinner I have to get to bed early! My mom is coming to visit tomorrow and Saturday we are hitting up the seven mile garage sale!! WHOA! Hugs

Toodles

Dresser turned to Desk

2010-03-10T09:35:00.001-06:00

Hey chickadees!

I have been a busy bee making over furniture! This is my vanity from when I was a little girl and then once I got married I left it at my moms and she painted it a ugly brown... SOO I asked her to bring it to me last weekend. After a wonderful visit with my mom, dad and nephew I got to work and turned it into a desk for my living room!

I painted it a creamy white and then outlined the details on the drawers with a blue I mixed together. I bought the cute knobs. I love the white rose ones!

Then added a few pretties!

Love it! Isn't refurbishing furniture that is special to you amazing! hugs

toodles

Outfits

2010-03-07T20:59:00.001-06:00

that I am SPRINGING in LUV with!!!!

cali girl by gypsymermaid featuring Old Navy

cali trip by gypsymermaid featuring Old Navy

cali clothing by gypsymermaid featuring Old Navy

cali accessories by gypsymermaid featuring Forever21

I'm late I'm LATE...

2010-03-05T09:04:00.001-06:00

for a very important date!!!
Not really But I know for sure I wont be late getting to the theater to see this movie in 3D with my wonderful hubby! He is taking me for a early birthday surprise since next weekend I will be as busy as the rabbit!

toodles

Romantic Notions

2010-03-03T12:19:00.001-06:00

Fill your heart with romance and stop by my updated Shoppe!

I added a few treats and hopefully more to come if these sale!

Toodles

Dreaming of California...

2010-02-27T08:12:00.001-06:00

Hey sweets!

I am so happy!

WHY you ask??

I'm going to California!!!!!!!

EEEKKK

I cant wait I am going to attend this wonderful event hosted by Kim Caldwell

Classes fit for a mermaid! Oh how they make me swoon!

Where were going to be staying! OHLALA

Yall just don't know THIS mermaid is SSSSSOOOOOOO excited and jumping for joy! I am going to be roomies with the sweet and very talented Julie. I cant wait did I already say that! hehe Are you going to be there? If you are let me know I cant wait to meet you in person! Big hugs

Toodles

Little Snippet

2010-02-25T19:42:00.001-06:00

Here's some little snippets of the new stuff I am making to go in my shop!

Big hugs

Toodles

Hearts Everywhere

2010-02-24T19:44:00.001-06:00

Hey yall! Sorry I've been MIA.... Been spending some "me" time doing things I want to do! I've been visiting friends, family, and doing a few things around the house like painting my kitchen table and working on new stuff to go in my etsy shop! But on Valentine's Day I rode with the hubby to work(had to be with my LOML on love day even if it was to ride in a truck all day while he checked his oil wells). While he was doing his thing I was sitting in the passenger side looking for hearts! I never realized how many there were around me. See if you can find them!!

aaawww love! I was pretty bored. haha but anywho!! I hope to be blogging about what I have new to put in my shop this coming week. Hubby's birthday is Friday so I will be busy till Monday! Well off to watch Idol! Big hugs

How yall like the new blog look??

Toodles

Sarah's Smile

2010-02-10T10:33:00.001-06:00

images from

These make me smile :)

Bundle of Joy

2010-02-08T17:58:00.001-06:00

Welcome my new nephew Braylen!

He is so cute and I felt so lucky I got the first smile!!!

Even the dogs....

2010-02-07T07:11:00.001-06:00

are getting the Saint fever here in Louisiana!!!

Luv it! Off to party it up all day and enjoy the game! GGGGEEEEEAAAAUUUUXXXX SAINTS!!!!!!

MAN February is an awesome month this time! Saints in the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and my LOML's Birthday!!! OHHH not to mention new babies!!! Hope yall have a wonderful day! big hugs

When Pigs Fly...

2010-01-30T08:26:00.001-06:00

I get happy!!

I love little pigs with wings. Don't they just make you smile?!

Oh piggies I love you!!

Hope all you chickadees are having a wonderful weekend I am making wreaths today and then going to visit family and welcome a new baby into the world!

Big hugs

Blue Bird

2010-01-26T07:19:00.001-06:00

I love birds! I just realized how much I use them in my crafts and home decor. I made these goodies for a friend as a thank you! Well I am off to get things to make Saint and Mardi Gras wreaths! If you would like to purchase one let me know! Have a chirpific day! hugs

toodles

SAINTS!!!!!!!!

2010-01-24T22:51:00.001-06:00

WHO DAT!!! GEAUX SAINTS!

So much fun we were all yelling, about to cry, wanting to go crazy on the refs and in the end we were hugging and yelling SUPERBOWL BOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Way to go Saints!

What A Girl Wants....

2010-01-19T15:19:00.001-06:00

Shape ups

I LOVE all her books!

Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Machine

Cute Spring Clothes

Serger Gathering Foot Accessory

What do yall want?

What a girl needs tomorrow!

Struggle

2010-01-13T08:51:00.001-06:00

I have been struggling with what my decorating style is. I have always loved the look of vintage mixed with new and crisp colors. SO since I have been working on my sofa(I ended up doing it myself since the man that I had coming said he cant service my area its to far) and having to decide what I want it to look like and which sofa do I love more the old one or the work in progress. I just cant decide. I did however take some quizes online to help me pin down just what kind of look I want and need in my house to make it feel like my home! Here's the results!

________________________________________________

From Home Goods:

Sarah, you are a Country Classic

You have a naturally refined sensibility with an appreciation for tradition and history. You value beauty, craftsmanship, and family heirlooms, but you like to open things up with pretty, easy-going pieces like painted wood or distressed furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a breezy, relaxed feeling. You love unique finds, have a thrifty, creative side, and can make these things work together.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

Putting Your Style to Work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars.

2. Your Happy Place The more serene your bedroom feels, the happier you will be. A pretty coverlet over a big duvet makes the bed look smooth—and not all duvet-lumpy! And, a blanket folded at the foot of the bed breaks up the big expanse of fabric. Euro shams—those big square pillows—are great for reading in bed, and a few decorative pillows can also be a nice touch. Consider adding a basket or a small occasional table near your bedside table for books, papers, lotions, linen spray or whatever you'd like.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time! Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.
Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, stock up on some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.
Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!
Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Your Happy Home Colors

Putting Color to Use!

Don't forget that color looks best when paired with some neutrals for a little visual relief. If you go wild on the walls or with your upholstery, pull back a little on the rugs or curtains or vice versa. Each room can definitely have its own color palette, but think of your home as a whole, with each room transitioning to the next. Some tricks: go for fairly neutral hues in hallways, or add some colors from one room into the neighboring room, even in the form of accessories or fabrics.

__________________________________________________________

American Heartland Homes quiz

Congratulations! You are a "Claire."

formal
work/life balance
form and function
sophisticated
quality driven
detail oriented
my home makes a statement

As a Claire, you view your home as a showcase and your primary emphasis is style, with touches of glamour. Because presentation and details are very important to you, your home will have some formal rooms and your entertaining is very structured, with great care given to preparation. You desire a gourmet kitchen and a designated dining room, but you also want space for guests to gather in or near the kitchen during more casual get-togethers.

You also need adequate storage for extra table linens, multiple sets of tableware and elaborate seasonal decorations - all the items necessary to be the consummate hostess. Your home will usually have a more formal Old World architectural style, such as French or Italian, and your furnishings may include very special antiques that enhance to overall décor or serve as striking focal points.

And certainly as a Claire, you appreciate dramatic details like columns, arched openings, large moldings and stepped ceilings. You're also likely to have a flower garden resplendent with fragrant, colorful annuals that supply your home with fresh flowers. Your home is most likely to be a part of a well-kept gated community.

Suggested "Claire" plan:

ABOUT THIS PLAN: For a dramatic entrance the lighted niche and the island’s pop-up curio create a great first impression. Arches and pillars separate the living area for more formality and intimacy. Claire uses ceiling details and lighting to add elegance to the dining and bedroom areas. The formal fireplace flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows adds drama to the great room.

A whirlpool in the master bath with a skylight overhead is a great place for Claire to de-stress.

The furniture-like cabinetry in the kitchen and bath plays to Claire’s sense of detail.

The added feature of a sunroom provides yet another intimate area for entertaining.

________________________________________________________

Ivillage

As a traditionalist, you are anything but trendy. To you, good design is not the “right now,” but rather the “what once was.” A lover of 18th- and 19th-century design, you tend toward beautiful, classic rooms that mix antique finds with family heirlooms and high-end reproductions. You add warmth to your space by keeping your color palette rich with classic hues such as hunter green, burgundy and navy blue. Your woods are also rich, with shades of red such as cherry and mahogany. When choosing fabrics and wallpapers -- and you love wallpapers -- you drape the room in layered prints of florals and stripes. You are a collector, always thinking of ways to embellish your home. You embrace this passion and adorn your mantles, bookcases and side tables with obelisks, figurines and picture frames.

__________________________________________________________

Canadian Home and Country

You like your spaces to be elegant and simple, as the clean lines and restrained colour palette of your fantasy space can attest. To get the urban classic look for less, paint your walls a rich, creamy neutral colour, like cappuccino or a soft grey. The hallmarks of the urban classic look is the use of structured furniture, so pick a couch with strong lines, and make sure your tables and armchairs aren't overly frilly or plush

Now back to working on the sofa! Hope yall are staying warm and maybe even getting something around the house done!

Big hugs

Miss Vintage

2010-01-06T14:00:00.001-06:00

I blogged not to long ago about me getting a vintage sofa! Well I got this baby for FREE! Yes I said Free. I have given her the name Miss Vintage. I am sure she was probably so pretty in her days but now the fabric is worn and the cushions are torn letting the stuffing fall out(why I have the center cushion in garbage bags).

I have high hopes and wishes that this lovely lady will shine again. I have been looking for some inspiration for the upholstery man when he comes next Wednesday to give me a price on what it will cost to get Miss Vintage back to life. Here are the pictures that have struck me with ideas!

I want the one cushion instead of the three and the clean look of the back and sides on the arms instead of the thing going on with the buttons now.

Should I go with a off white or a tan fabric? Should I have the wood stained a dark color like above or have it painted like below?

I am not set on just these ideas so if you have a inspirational picture for me email me and show! I am always on the hunt I have a week to get more together and tell him what I want. I can't wait. Also I want to give a BIG BIG shout out to my dear and lovely friend, LeAnn, she GAVE me the checkered curtains you see in the picture. She gave me six panels! I am so grateful and I have been promising her I would post a picture of them! Sorry its not the best but if yall saw the rest of my living room you would think I live in a Christmas tree farm because I have a bare tree still lingering. But anywho, Thank you LeAnn! You know how much I love them! Yall go check out her blog she can decorate a house! Inspiration to me from her decorating to her relationship with God! Big hugs

toodles

Midnight

2010-01-04T08:13:00.001-06:00

When the clock struck 12 at midnight I wasn't thinking of what I was going to do in 2010 or what I wanted to do. I just knew I was surrounded by friends and family. I know there's so much I need to do in 2010 but part of me wants to just live life as it is given to me. This mermaid doesn't want to get caught in a tidal wave and not to be able to come up to the surface. I know everything will not be perfect and I can't expect it to but I know that last year was better then the last and it cant get any worse if I don't let it. I'm not going to put stuff off and I am not going to say I will do something knowing I wont but I am going to be thankful for what I have and let everyone I know that I love them and I am so glad to have them in my life.

In Memory of Tina Wright

Prayers and my love are being sent to Tina Wrights family. She was a wonderful and giving woman with a beautiful creative soul. She fought cancer hard but in the end it won and now Heaven is blessed with her and her gifts. I know she is holding the soldering gun right now and giving angels directions on how to do a charm! Love and will miss you Tina wish I could of meet you this year at Paper Cowgirls.

Celebrate

2009-12-31T08:23:00.001-06:00

I am wishing you all a eventful New Year's!

So put your new party dress on

grab your drink of choice

and toast in the year 2010 with the ones you love!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Little Birdie

2009-12-28T21:44:00.001-06:00

A little birdie told me that I am going to have a vintage sofa soon! I hope to post pictures Wednesday of it when we go to get it. I plan to strip the whole thing to the bone and reupholster it! Pictures to come soon! (the picture above is of a glass house I found at a Goodwill and decided to make my silver bird a home in it by adding the nest and banner!)

Martha Wanna-be

2009-12-26T22:09:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas day! We went to his parents Christmas day and then got up early today and headed to my parents in another state and came back(we just got home). I had so much fun but man I am so exhausted. And wouldn't you know it I didn't have my camera on either of the trips. Yeah I know weird. I have something really funny to tell ya though. I am a Martha Stewart and Sara Lee wanna be during the holidays. If you want to find me during the week before and the week of Christmas just head over to my house and look in the kitchen I will be there crazy eyed with flour all over me and chocolate dried on my body in various places like arms, hands, forehead. I don't know why I do this to myself every year with the 3 different families I bake for(that would be mine and Johns) then there are friends who I just cant forget about! I get so tired that I have to make myself stop and just drink something because I get in BAKING MODE and you better not mess with me! lol But when I see everyone's faces as they look into the goodie box and see all the different treats like peanut brittle, divinity, cookies in various shapes and colors, truffles, barks of all kinds, and so much more I know that everyday I stayed up and worked on those goodies was well worth the hard work just to give them some of my homemade love! But sometimes the madness of my baking gets my minds focus and other things I am suppose to make like my famous green bean casserole and spinach dip takes the back seat. I arrived at the in-laws with the goodies, the casserole and dip. I take the lid off and was about to dig in when I noticed the spinach dip was really different looking. OMG I FORGOT THE SPINACH IN THE DIP!!! Yes people we had spinach dip with no spinach. I can't believe I forgot the main ingredient in it, but like I said it is always a willy wonka factor in my house the week of Christmas and esp. the day before when all the dips and casseroles are made. But other then the spinach missing everyone chowed it down and declared it a Sarah special. lol I hope next year to calm down on the baking and just breathe and take in the beautiful experience of Christmas and enjoy shopping and thinking of gifts to make rather then spend hours and hours on my feet with flour in my hair! I am so blessed though to have the type of family who loves me for what I do and not how I do it. Christmas was a wonderful blessing and I cant wait till next year.

Home For the Holidays II

2009-12-23T08:14:00.001-06:00

I got an email from my swap partner, LaVerne, saying she had received her swap package for the Home For the Holidays swap! She loved everything! Here is what I made for her!

A house made from old game cards and one of my pedestals.

A candy theme ornament to go on her candy tree!

Paper socking filled with vintage pipe cleaner candy canes

A altered nutcracker(I added trim and embellishments), a small frame to put a picture in to hang on the tree, and I found these old Santa light covers!

I used an old ornament box and filled each empty slot with vintage ephemera! I tied a drink stir to the box!

I loved this swap...so much fun! I hope yall are staying sane in this Holiday rush. I am still making trips to the grocery store and wrapping gifts. Is it me or is this Christmas a sneaky one? It just creeped up on me and now I am behind. Well off to clean my disaster kitchen. I made sugar cookies with glaze frosting and Oreo truffles yesterday! Toodles

Saint Wreath

2009-12-21T07:34:00.001-06:00

Hey sweets! Its getting close to Christmas and my Christmas tree lost one present when Jodie came to visit! I struggled to find something to make for her because she can make everything I can and better! But it came to me after reading her blog and finding out her love for our beloved Louisiana Saints football team! See Jodie has always loved the Saints way before they were 13-0(now 13-1 sad I know. we lost our first game the other night to the Cowboys...) and after I called her to confirm her date with me I knew I had chosen the perfect gift to give her! She decorated a black tree with the Saint colors! When she arrived I gave her the present I was so nervous about because I had never done a wreath this huge!!!

She LOVED it! I was so happy just seeing her face! That is the best part of giving a gift esp. one I put my heart into and make! I plan to make a few more of these to sell but I don't know what themes to make... any ideas?? I hope yall have a wonderful day! hugs

Christmas

2009-12-20T08:25:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Chickadees! Yesterday I got a wonderful visit from my friend Jodie! She showed up with two boxes of donuts and cookies! They were yummy!!! Then she said she had to go back to her car to get the other thing. I was so happy not only did she come to see me but she brought me gifts! What a wonderful surprise! She walked in the door with this big boy!

My mouth dropped and I started to drool I am sure. I couldn't resist the urge to open the bag and dig into the treasure esp. since Jodie was there cheering me on. I started to go OMG OMG I LOVE THIS with every time my hand moved toward the beautiful vintage buttons, lace, jewelry, and a lot more treats to many to name believe me! So go get a tissue because you might just drool over the next pictures(these are all Jodies pictures) full of vintage beauties!

Oh yes those buttons are called Ocean Pearl! HOW AWESOME is that for a mermaid like me!!!! EEEK I could of died and gone to heaven!

Pearls Pearls Pearls I can never have to many pearls and Jodie knows its my favorite things to find and use! Look at those vintage earrings and velvet leaves! Not to mention the beautiful eggs Jodie made me!

She also got me a box(the one in the first picture with the pink crystal on it) that was full of beautiful seashells! Jodie thank you so much for your beautiful gift. I enjoyed our day together so much and I hope you loved your gift as much as I drooled over mine! Big hugs

Home For the Holidays Swap

2009-12-15T21:21:00.001-06:00

I was in a cute swap and I received some treats from my swap partner, LaVerne. A Kissing ball I love it! I cant wait to hang it in my kitchen entryway.

A close up of the beautiful detail on the ball.

Two cones to go up full of vintage sugar coated bells and seashells!

A strand of lights decorated with lace and sparklie ribbon! its so pretty lite up!

A ton of treasures and a bunch of music paper!!

A bag full of vintage German book papers, vintage beads, and lots of goodies!

I cant wait to decorate and craft with the goodies. Thank you LaVerne!!! I luv it all so much. I hope to show you what I made her soon! hugs

Gloomy Day

2009-12-13T16:20:00.001-06:00

Today was such a gloomy day in Louisiana and while riding with hubby to check his oil wells I caught the gloomy day through my lens.

But the day soon turned a little happier with the WIN yes ANOTHER win of the unstoppable Saints making it one more step closer to the Super Bowl with a record of 13-0!!!! GEAUX SAINTS.

Making a Home

2009-12-10T07:06:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Chickadees! A couple weeks ago while hubby was grilling I sat on our front porch talking to him and I looked up to see a little face looking at me from the hole in a little bird house. Not having any birds ever nest in the little house I was excited to see something make a home in it. How cute is this with his little arm out like what's going on out here like he is listening to what I am saying!

Looks like I woke him up haha so funny! I just love how he has his arm! So CUTE! We have these little green tree frogs everywhere I don't know why they call them tree frogs I never see them in the trees but on the house and windows! Oh well this little guy found a home to keep from the freezing wind!

Do yall find little creatures looking at you and taking home in things that aren't meant to be for them? I hope yall have a wonderful day I am off to spend it with my mother in law and sister in law! Hugs

Santa Baby

2009-12-09T10:41:00.001-06:00

I've been an awfully good girl! So bring these things down the chimney tonight(or Christmas whichever hehe)

If yall didn't know I LOVE flying pigs. The obsession started about 3 years ago when I got my first flying pig! He now sits on my shelf with the other two and a sign that stats "when pigs fly" I just love them something about the whimsical part of a cute little clean(not dirty) pig flying with fluffy wings! Oh if only they did exist! oh well I would have unicorns also but that's another story and time!

Birthday Snow

2009-12-07T15:22:00.001-06:00

My mom's birthday was the 4th and I made my way over to Mississippi for the day while she was at work. My sister and I snuck into moms house and decorated for Christmas and made dinner for her! While I decorated the tree my sister made the birthday cake! My mom turned the big 50 so she made it a funny cake! hehe

Me showing up was suppose to be a surprise but I was quickly given away by my 3 year old nephew who shouted that I was hiding in moms bedroom. Mom was still surprised and happy! We ended the night with moms favorite thing...SNOW! She grew up in Oklahoma and always had snow and since moving to Mississippi snow only comes once in a blue moon so her birthday couldn't of gotten better! We all woke up early and got ready to go play in the beautiful snow! I had to take some quick photos of the winter wonderland!

Then after me playing wannabe photographer we started throwing snowballs and building a snowman!

I hope yall had a wonderful weekend like I did! I love going to see my family and spend times like this with my nephew. I hope yall have a snowie wonderland to play in! hugs

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-03T11:39:00.001-06:00

If your like me the house is full of Christmas cheer.

The gifts are under the decorated tree,

Shelves are covered in snow and vintage ornaments,

and villages are lighted up

But it's not Christmas in my house with out the smell of cinnamon. To fill my home with the holiday scent I bake these easy peasy cookies! Grab your apron cuz your going to be adding this scrumptious cookie to your recipe box!

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Combine the 3 tablespoons white sugar and the cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
Blend dark brown sugar and white sugar in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed. Add butter and blend until grainy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
Whisk flour, baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl. Add to sugar mixture, mixing at low speed just long enough to combine. Over mixing makes tough cookies!
Roll dough into 1inch balls, then roll each ball into cinnamon-sugar to coat. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 300 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from sheets and let cool on racks.

Happy Baking!

12 Days of Christmas ATC's

2009-12-01T07:43:00.001-06:00

I was in the 12 Days of Christmas ATC swap! This was my first time to make ATC's. I decided to do the seven swans a swimming part of the song. Heres the front:

The back:

A thank you gift to the lovely host of the swap!

I am getting into the Christmas spirit! I finished decorating yesterday. Hope to get pictures up soon! Been rainy here and not to sunny. Anywho off to go shopping! Hugs

Antique Silver

2009-11-27T11:28:00.001-06:00

Hey Chickadees! I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving with there families. We went to my in-laws for fried turkey and lots of goodies. I made green bean casserole for the first time and it was yummy! Now I am getting out the handy dandy notebook and making Christmas shopping list. I also figured I would look at some holiday pictures to inspire me to get out the decorations and get busy spreading Christmas joy. I've decided since I already have silver, ice blue and white Christmas things from last year I wanted to throw in some evergreen colors. These pictures really pushed me to that decision!

I cant wait to get our tree! We are getting one this coming week while John is off. Big hugs

Loving Gift

2009-11-24T14:34:00.001-06:00

As many of you know my friend Jodie just lost her daddy. I went to her house the day before he passed just to be there for her and give her comfort not knowing what the next day would hold.

I didn't have any idea what to say or what to do. I've never had a friend who was going through this.

I didn't know what else to do but make her something just letting her know that I was thinking of her,I love her and I will be here through this tough time in her life.

At the time this wasn't going to be this kind of gift it was to be a happy awwing gift. I hope that me being there for her was what she needed.

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown

Prayers

2009-11-21T08:59:00.001-06:00

Please pray for sweet Jodie. Her father passed away this morning. Please go to her blog and send her your love and prayers.

Friends

2009-11-20T19:52:00.001-06:00

"Each friend represents a world in us...

a world possibly not born until they arrive. And it is only by this meeting that a new world is open." ~ Anaiis-Nin

Studio III

2009-11-18T08:27:00.001-06:00

Hey sweets! Brrrr...its so cold this morning but its nice and cozy in my studio! The sun shines through my two windows casting light on all my treasures and this is what I see.

This is my third studio but I love them all the same. This is the smallest one Ive had yet but full of love and supplies! I want to give Jodie a big thanks for helping me put my room together! Big hugs

Toodles

Cottage Visit

2009-11-17T10:08:00.001-06:00

Good Day chickadees!! You can see in these pics why this is my favorite little place to visit all year round! They have lush gardens and rustic decor everywhere! Louisiana style hides in this garden!

I didn't really get much pics of the inside. But it was full of beautiful pieces and this one caught my eye with the bonnets!

I wanted to buy these but I held myself back and just walked out with a magazine. Maybe Santa will bring me these... hehe

The day ended with us playing one of my favorite board games Monopoly!

My moms money and properties....

My money and properties... Oh yes I won!

I love when my mom comes to visit me I love her so much and I wish she was closer but when we do get to do this we have a blast and make the most of it! I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday! Oh how do yall like my new blog design?? I did it last night! Tomorrow I hope to post my studio pics! Big hugs

Toodles

Saturday Treasure

2009-11-16T06:44:00.001-06:00

Good Morning sweets! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend with the beautiful weather it was perfect for junking with my mom! We got up early and headed on a search for garage sale signs. We hit some great ones and I got a plaid tin and a old dictionary!

A lovely picture of a lady walking on what looks like water to me. Its so old and wrinkled.

We then headed to a craft fair and I found some great items some are Christmas gifts!

Catching a bite of lunch at Texas Roadhouse and planning our next place to travel to before heading home. I decided to take my mom to my favorite little cottage out of town! When we pull up she was Ohhhing and Awwing and saying OMG I love it! We should open up a place like this I said LETS DO IT!! hehe But the cottage that made us what to change our lives will have to wait till tomorrow! Big hugs

Toodles

Mother Dearest

2009-11-12T16:15:00.001-06:00

Hey luvs! I just got finished cleaning the house and unpacking the last box! My mom is coming to visit this weekend with me. I love when she comes. We have gotten so close the last four years. I wish I wasn't such a brat growing up so we could of had a really close relationship, but we sure are making up for it now a days with days of junkin' and craft projects!

This weekend we are going to some garage sales and a art event! I cant wait! I hope to come back home with a few of these items I've been on the look out for:

Wish me luck on the hunt! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Big hugs

Toodles

Settled In

2009-11-07T13:24:00.001-06:00

Hey chickadees! Man finally life is back to some what normal! We got all moved in and everything pretty much put away. I got my studio all put together with the help from my BFF Jodie. She came to help me decorate the house but I decided that why not do what we love and decorate my studio! It was allot of fun and work. haha But we got it. I put everything up after she left but while she was here we got the stuff on the walls and the basic things on the shelves. I hope to have it all pretty and gussied up for pictures this week. But here's sneak peaks!

Can't wait to show you the whole room! Till then....

Toodles

Eeekkkkk

2009-10-27T19:01:00.001-05:00

Its already time for Halloween!! Nothing special for me ,but I am going to be attending a LSU game Halloween night so I hope they don't trick us all and just give us a win as a treat! hehe But I hope everyone has a wicked Halloween!! Be careful and have fun! Big hugs

Toodles

P.S. Our last day in the little cottage is Friday! The move went smooth and everything is going perfect!

Am I over the Top?!

2009-10-24T19:52:00.001-05:00

Hey illus! I got an AWARD for being a over the top blog! hehe I am so honored that Julie thinks that my blog is wonderful! She was one of my swap partners before I started blogging and now she is still one of my friends after blogging! Thanks Jules!

One of the requirements of winning is that I have to take the quiz below...

hope I don't bore you!!
And here are the rules for this award:
1.) Thank and post URL to the blog that gave the award.
2.) Pass the award along to 6 brilliantly over the top blogs (blogs you love!) Alert them so they know to receive the award.
3.) Copy and paste this quiz... Change the answers, ONE word only...feel free to fudge here!
4.) Have Fun

So, here goes...

Where is your cell phone? in the purse
Your hair? brown/reddish
Your mother? my Mother Theresa
Your father? Mr. fixit
                Your favorite food?Greek

                         Your favorite drink? drpepper

Your dream last night? crazy
Your dream/goal? Happy
What room are you in? livingroom
Your hobby? um...which one?
Your fear? Sharks
Where do you want to be in 6 years? dunno that's the fun of it
Where were you last night? painting my old studio                     Something that you aren't? Meanhearted(hubby said this one)
Muffin? Cinnamon apple
Wish list item? sewing machine
Where did you grow up? deepsouth
Last thing you did? unloaded a trailer
What are you wearing? pjs
Your TV? playing LSU football!! Geaux Tigers.
Your pets? Boo my blue heeler
Friends? THE BEST
Your life? AMAZING
Your mood? loving
Missing someone? Snookie
Vehicle? Mustang
Something you aren't wearing? bra
Your favorite store? to many
Favorite color? blue
      When was the last time you laughed? minute ago            Last time you cried? a couple hours ago
Your best friend? mom & hubby
One place you go to over and over? Target
One person who emails you regularly? Jodie(everything Vintage)
Favorite place to eat? To many

Six Chickadees who are Over the top!

1. Jodie

2. Kelley

3. Dale

4. Leann

5. Karla

6. Angela

Well back to watching LSU!!

Thanks Julie for the award your sooo sweet!

hugs

Silly Us

2009-10-22T21:08:00.001-05:00

Last night my hubby was acting goofy with candy corn. So I thought what better way to show how goofy we are then these pics! hehe

Of coarse he has to have his "Huh what?!" look! haha

This is sooo funny OMG I was crying I was laughing so hard. Look at his expression LOL!

And of coarse I had to add me some candy corn teeth! man that is scary! I look like Betty Sue Billy Bobs sister...hahahaha

Candy Corn+Two goofy people= Priceless!

(okay notice how small my hand looks in this picture. If you haven't ever seen the movie called Scary Movie 2 and the line "let me use my good hand". Well here's the clip and when we were looking at this pic we just busted out with that line and laughed forever.hehe You will see what I am talking about if you watch the clip...)

Well thank you all for your sweet comments about Snookie. They came and got her this evening and I already miss her but I know she is in good hands and they will love her like I did. We even exchanged info. so we could get postcards and updates of our fur baby! Anywho, hope yall got a good laugh out of these pics. I know we did after all what's life if you cant have fun and laugh at yourself! I am lucky to have someone who loves to be goofy with me and just have simple fun!

Toodles

Snookie

2009-10-22T09:44:00.001-05:00

As many of you know we adopted a cat after the terrible Hurricane Ike. She just jumped in my husbands truck when he was closing the gate to our place. So I guess you would say she adopted us.

We are moving into another rental for hopefully the last year(we want to buy a home next year) and we cant have pets. I have been pondering wither or not to just sneak Snookie in and take the chance of getting kicked out of the house were renting or find her a good home. I pondered over who I could let my fur baby go to. It would have to be someone sweet who loves kitties, loves having a little baby in there lap no matter what, someone who could show her as much love as I do and she deserves.

My next door neighbors are young teachers and don't have any pets. They love Snookie when they come to visit. So I go over and ask them if they would love a new kitty?! Of coarse they said we will think about it and let you know. I said okay just let me know before the end of October. The other night I get a knock on the door and its Megan(our next door neighbor). She wanted to let me know that Snookie is welcome in their home and that she cant wait to have her! I was so happy I bust into tears.

After all this cat came into my life when I was so down because we couldn't find our outside cat before evacuating for the hurricane and not being able to find him when coming back. Snookie was just a blessing for me and I love her with all my heart. Her little meows, funny noises at the windows, playing with John, curling up in my lap no matter what else is in it like a laptop, and just her all together. But I know that she will receive the same love and affection I have shown her from the girls next door. I cant wait to receive post cards and updates about my fur baby.

So today is my last day with Snookie. I am soaking in her sweet lovin'. I hope they love her as much as I do and will enjoy her bubbly attitude! She is the sweetest kitty I have ever had! Big hugs

toodles

Spooky Prizes

2009-10-21T20:56:00.001-05:00

I got an email from a sweet lady named Valarie telling me that I had won her giveaway! How lucky am I?! Here's what I received in the mail today from Valarie. A bag of candy corn, a bag of maple goodies, the movie called Addams Family, 2 black cute spider web place mats, Bone Appetit napkins, and 2 caution tapes! What a great present to open! Thank you Valarie! Yall go check out her beautiful blog and get to know this chickadee!

Tomorrow I have some bitter sweet news... Hope to have yall come back and find out what it is! hugs

toodles

Seven Mile Garage Sale

2009-10-18T21:14:00.001-05:00

Our(my mom and I) day started out at 4 a.m. dark and cold!! We meet up with Jodie and Sandi. After sipping on a coke and coffee(they did not me...yuck) loaded up in Jodies car and headed in the dark to go junking. I bust out my handy dandy flashlight and start to search for goodies. hmmmm..... nothing. So we jump back in the car and head on down the road. OHH sale. We park fast and jump out the car.... hmmm..... nothing here but oh wait there's another sale right next door!! SCORE! A beautiful crystal candy dish with vintage tiny mercury Christmas balls!!

On to the next sale we go! I still don't find a thing. We head to a place of the main road to a cute old store. Jodie says its her favorite place and I instantly see why look at these windows and doors! So we go inside.

Score! Vintage dress pattern from 1932.

On the road again... Spot another one and jump out to search. Awesome the sun is out. Nothing again but the scenery was beautiful.

We hit up a few more and I score this old jewelry box and a bingo game!

A gold pocket watch

A jar full of old corks.

A bunch of wooden hangers and a vintage book with great seashore pictures.

A glass dome and a cute little white cake stand.

The day wasn't just full of disappointed garage sales and some lucky finds but full of laughter, smiles, and great friends. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I do with the people I do it with. I was given two gifts first thing that day one by Jodie! A sweet button card just for a mermaid like me! Thanks Jodie.

Then by my loving mom a stack FULL of vellum stickers, tissue paper with vintage photos and letter stickers! Thanks mom!

I had a blast and cant wait for the spring. Well off to bed I go. I am sanding a table and staining it tomorrow! Big hugs

toodles

City Wide Garage Sale Finds

2009-10-15T20:05:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! Remember when I said I went to a near by city wide garage sale?! Well here's what I found that day!

A ton of vintage flowers, silver and red pipe cleaners, yellow ribbon, a whale brooch, a little boy in a tux, and some....

velvet leave flowers!!!!! Three of them to be exact!

The brooches and little man I got! All that stuff was a BUCK!!!

Vintage table clothes and gloves and only for 2 cents each!

The best part of the whole trip was the FREE garage sale! The girls didn't want to have to put up the stuff so they were giving it away! I picked up two distressed door knobs, a coloring book and chalk board for my nephew and a bunch of notebooks!

I got all these silver trees for a dollar! I am going to use these this Christmas!!

I had such a blast at this garage sale with two girlfriends! I didn't get any pics of the trip but don't worry! Its Louisiana there is always something going on like this weekend! My mom, Jodie , Sandi , and I are all going to the famous seven mile garage sale of Grand Coteau!! I will have pics of this one! Till then have a nice weekend! Hugs

toodles

Hoo Loves Halloween?

2009-10-12T20:37:00.001-05:00

I do I do!

While my packed boxes sit just waiting to be delivered to the new house, I had to share what I made for the Altered Tin Swap(I posted what I got from my partner in another post). Here's what my partner received from me!

The altered altoid tin:

Full of goodies to enjoy:

I painted this! She is ready for the party!

A jar distressed and a flameless candle flickers through the cut out eyes of the pumpkin!(My first thing to make that is considered primitive)

A star ornament adorn with bats and a kitty!

A shadow theater

A boot sewn and painted with a prize ribbon! ( I think this was my favorite things to make out of all of them! They will be on my list to make next year for my shop)

A doll I bought for Keke! Isn't she the cutest!

I had so much fun making these wicked items for my swap partner! I have the whole house packed up and ready to be moved! We found a new place to rent today. Allot off my back and now I'm not so stressed out. Just now to take on the move. I just hope it stops raining long enough for us to get the things to the new house without being drenched! haha But anywho! Off to bed been a long day! hugs

toodles

A Chair

2009-10-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

Life hasn't calmed down and in fact is hectic, but a pretty old chair I found gives me refuge to relax and take a breather.

Thank you everyone for the poems, warm wishes, and sweet comments. I am a lucky girl to be blessed by having friends like you to cheer me up when life is getting me down!

Have you ever?

2009-10-05T22:03:00.001-05:00

Have you ever just felt like the world was spinning and you were just standing still not knowing where your going to land?

Have you ever wanted a change in your life but didn't know what or how to start it?

Have you ever just need someone to tell you this is what you need to do and this is how you can do it?

Have you ever just felt like getting on your knees and praying to God to guide you?

Have you ever just felt so confused and not sure where your life is going?

I have and I do. I am going to take a break from blogging to figure out my path God needs me to take. I have some reconnecting with Him that I need for my spirit and soul. Be back soon! Hugs

Not Just a Altered Tin

2009-10-05T08:53:00.001-05:00

When I got home from the game I had a little note from my mail lady saying I have a package at the post office. Well it was Saturday and late. So I had to wait till Monday to go get a package. That's a hard thing to do I tell ya. I get up and just put something on so I can hurry to the post office. I hand her the piece of paper stating that they are holding a "surprise" for me. She comes back with a huge package! I was so excited I jumped back in the mustang and couldn't wait to open up a box with pumpkin stickers and the name Kelly on top! I was so surprised because this name is my swap partner from the altered tin swap. The box isn't suppose to be this big! We said just one thing extra. I couldn't wait to capture the cute wrapping and the first opening of the box when you gasp. This is why:

A sweet Halloween witch doll holding a crow! LOOK at the details OMG I LOVE IT! She has a spider ring and a necklace with tombs. I gave her the name Marie Laveau.

Look at all the other goodies she sent me! A wooden painted witch mask, a feather wand, stickers, a book of spells full of poems and stampings, a glittered clock, a cute box full of treats, and a wardrobe full of clothes for my witch!

A clock to let Marie know that the witching hour is upon her!

Full of tiny heads made from clay. I cant wait to use them for something creepy!

Orange glittered chipboard letters! How cute is that she put a theme on them! LOVE IT!

Book of Spells just waiting for Marie to cast on someone!

The inside of the wardrobe closet! It has paper dresses on silver hangers, a witch hat, and a pair of witch shoes! How cute huh! Sorry about the pic we have the gloomy weather here and I couldn't wait to show yall what I got!

Are you wondering where in the word is the Altered tin? The whole reason we had this swap and got teamed up together! Take a look at this little baby!

When I opened it I gasped because its ANOTHER witch! eeek I love it!

Thank Keke for the wonderful surprises of extra bliss! I love them all so much! I hope you love what I made you as well and your as surprised and happy as I was when I received the huge box! Big hugs

Toodles

GEAUX Tigers!!

2009-10-04T13:39:00.001-05:00

My sister-in-law and I went to the LSU vs. UL game! It was so fun BUT so humid. It was terribly miserable I cant wait till the Fall and winter games! Instead of hot chocolate we were drinking allot of water.

We had awesome seats and could see it all up close! The picture above is without my zoom! whoa!

We had a GREAT time! LSU won of coarse! Cant wait till the next game I wish they played OU(the Sooner's) I do believe I would have to be cheering for both teams but I would be truly yelling in the end for the Sooner's since they are one of my fav. teams. I grew up going to all the games from basketball to football! But anywho, yesterday I went to a city wide garage sale and met up with a couple friends! I cant wait to show yall the goodies I found. Till then, I am off to pack up things were moving the end of this month AGAIN. Hugs

toodles

Thrift Store Goodies

2009-09-30T20:03:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! I went to a few local thrift shops a while back! Look at what all I found:

Huge REAL shell- one buck

Silver Vase- .75 cents

Wooden table- $4

Little mirrored window- $1

Christmas Tray(going to be painted and altered)- .50 cents

Chicken Wire with grapevine basket- .75 cents

I cant wait to sand and paint my table and other finds!

I got this cute little glass house a while back from a favorite thrift shop! I turned it into a cute home for a birdie during the spring and summer and in the Fall and winter it will be a home for a crow and a nesting place for a white snow owl! Cant wait to change it up! What a sweet find it was!

Only two smack-a-ros!

Tomorrow is my girlfriend Jodie's birthday! Pop on over to her blog and wish her a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY! love ya Jodie! MUAH... hugs

Toodles

Finally Fall

2009-09-23T21:27:00.001-05:00

Hey luvbugs! I thought I would share a little place I love to go to get veggies. They grow them behind a cute little house. I was hoping they would have some Fall items out! To my luck they did. I decided to catch the fresh veggies and bright pumpkins that were sitting below huge oak trees.

I love these pictures. The woman that owns the stand is so sweet and nice. She even gives you recipes for the veggies! haha This trip makes me get into the Fall and Halloween mood (like I'm not always in it anyways) hope it gets you in the mood as well! HAPPY FALL! big hugs

toodles

Myrtle Encounters

2009-09-22T13:17:00.001-05:00

The Myrtles Plantation is well known as a haunted place full of history and death. In fact, the plantation is supposedly home of at least 12 ghosts. It is often reported that 10 murders occurred in the house, but records only indicate the murder of William Winter. In 1871, William was shot by an unknown man on the porch. After all the deaths owners(allot of owners) noticed weird things going on. The Myrtles was featured in a ton of magazines and books and even on Unsolved Mysteries. It is now considered one of America's most haunted homes. Here is a little story of who might be haunting the house!

Lets go back to the year 1794, the Laurel Grove Plantation was built by Whiskey Rebellion General David Braford and his wife Elizabeth. The name Myrtles came later on. One of David's five daughters, Sarah, married one of David's friends named Clark in the year 1817. David had already passed away in 1808. So Sarah and Clark managed the plantation and all that came with it. Which were slaves, tons of crops, ad and the house.

While Clark was master of the plantation he took interest in one of the slaves girls named Chloe. She became his mistress and lived in the house as his main interest. Chloe was a nosey girl and was pretty much untouchable to everyone. But one day she over heard something she wasn't suppose to and Master Clark got mad and cut one of her ears off. After that she was kicked out of the house and was sent to be a kitchen slave. She wanted to be back in the house and be "untouchable" once again so she knew one of the daughters birthdays was about to take place. Chloe baked a cake with a little extra ingredient called Oleander leaves which are very poisonous. She added a whole bunch to the cake. The picture below is a Oleander tree. They grow everywhere in the south.

Her plan was to come to the rescue and make them better and get back in the house. To her surprise Clark went out of town at the last minute and left the birthday celebration to the two daughters and his wife Sarah. When returning home he found his family dead from the poisonous cake.

Clark was furious and hurt and hung Chloe. Clark later moved out and sold the home to a Scottish family. The Stirlings were very wealthy and renovated the whole house and gave it the name The Myrtles. Many people have owned this plantation after the move of Clark. Chloe is one of the most seen ghost at the Myrtles.

The famous mirror(below) is known for its unusual prints and faces seen in it. The story goes that a little girl was looking in the mirror one day and then shot on the stairs. In the south it is tradition to cover the mirrors to keep the soul from being kept when someone passes away. Because she was murdered and in front of the mirror you can see her while looking into it. Trying to find who killed her and get revenge.

So are you wondering if I saw any ghost?! I didn't while I was there but once I got home and uploaded the pictures I had to see if I caught anything. I DID!!! Here is a woman ghost you can see her outline and clearly tell it is a woman. I have sent the picture to the Myrtles and I hope to hear from them soon! Maybe they can tell me who they think this lovely lady staring at me is!

You cant imagine how excited I am to capture a real ghost at one of the worlds most haunted places! I plan to go back at dusk and get the haunted tour. I hope you get a chance to experience this spooky and beautiful plantation. Take a trip and learn some history!

Toodles

P.S. Please do NOT take any of these photos. They are my property and belong to me and ONLY ME.

Magnolia Goodness

2009-09-21T06:31:00.001-05:00

While granny was here visiting we took many trips, but the one she wanted to go to the most was visit St. Francsville. What granny asks for granny got. This town is full of plantations, old shoppes, and just tons of history.

We ate at one of my favorite place called Magnolia Cafe'. This place serves everything from yummy nachos to special sandwiches. I always get the Magnolia Special sandwich!

They have a cute little entryway. It is always lined with wild growing vines and peppers!

It is nestled off the main road next to these row houses and a little coffee shoppe.

Then we went the most haunted plantation in Louisiana a little place called the Myrtles. And let me tell you its a ghostly time we had hehehehe. Just come back and see for yourself! hugs

toodles x

Granny's Birthday

2009-09-18T13:37:00.001-05:00

Hey sweets!

I made granny a carrot cake for her birthday! She turned the young age of 86. Here is her yummy cake she loved it. I cant wait to show yall our trip to some plantation homes! but that will have to wait till tomorrow! Big hugs

toodles x

Bayou Some Stuff

2009-09-17T15:46:00.001-05:00

Hey chickadees! I've been super busy having fun with my mother in law and granny who was up visiting! Yes I said up she leaves in Corpus Christi, TX. Its weird saying someone came up to visit me usually I am the one saying I went up to visit so and so. But anywho, before she came to visit I made a trip to a little town down the road from me. I love this town they have a Herb Festival and little thrift shops. Here is one I love! The lady who owns is it so nice and her prices are WICKEDLY AWESOME! Let me introduce you to one shagadelic thrift shoppe called Bayou Some Stuff.

Right when you step in the door your taken back to the days when hippies were walking around and a new age for our country was taking place. Full of old records, peace signs, lava lamps, and Cajun music that makes me want to dance! Living in Louisiana has made my love of the this type of music bloom!

Here are her homemade peace signs! If you want one let me know they are $22 dollars! they are glass and let the light shine through!

You cant help but keep your head tilted to the ceiling because there are huge bright flowers, records and signs!

And of coarse GLITTER(sorry Jodie had to post it hehe)

She even has a little room called the craft room! Its full of goodies and you gotta search to find stuff haha

But what really catches your eye and makes you want to come in and check out this place is the unique truck sitting out front. She did it all herself and in fact she takes this groovy piece of art on wheels to Houston, TX every year to some kind of parade that is full of "different" vehicles! How neat is that. I want to go hmm anyone live around there that knows about this lil' shindig?

Well luvs I am off to burn my bras and some incenses! hehe jk Big hugs

toodles

Luck Be a Lady

2009-09-15T07:17:00.001-05:00

Wish me luck!

I'm off with my mother-in-law and Granny to a casino. Its my first time to go and gamble. I hope I'm a lucky chickadee and if I win I hope I remember this saying and not make a fool out of myself! haha big hugs

toodles