Garden Art

One Saturday, me and my husband took a little stroll down town to the famers market and then to a local garden shop.

Out side of the garden, I noticed these hand made sculpture things made out of plates, bowls, door knobs, etc.. They were rather pretty but I had no idea what they were.

I finally learned they were garden art or sun catchers.
The more I looked at them the prettier they got.

They were all fastened perfectly on a metal rod that sticks in the ground to add beauty to your garden.

To be honest, I did not even look at the price of these things. Why? because it would be a lot more fun to create my own with finds from the thrift store or yard sales. This will be one of my spring projects ill put on my calendar.

These sun catchers were found at Ford's Seed and Plant, Gastonia, North Carolina

Deep Fried Strawberries

Now days people will deep fry anything.
I fried Strawberries.

Have you been to the fair lately? Unfortunately I have not been since my daughter was little, but I do know they have some unique foods and good ol fattening food too.

This year at the fair the newest thing was deep fried Kool Aid. I had my daughter bring me some back when she went. It was nothing like I expected. I thought it would be a crispy, sticky sweet hard candy like something on a stick. Instead, It was like a cherry flavored funnel cake. They just added kool aid too batter, deep fried it, and rolled it in powder sugar.

I have been trying to stay away from sweets, I have been eating a lot of strawberries dipped in sugar free cool whip as a snack. By the way, sugar free cool whip taste no different than the regular kind. It is delicious. You would never know its sugar free.

While eating a bowl of strawberries the other night, I thought id try to deep fry some. I mean, if you can fry a Twinkie, you can fry a strawberry. My mind was set in strawberry pancake mode. I just knew this could be done so I attempted it.

I like the way they turned out. There are a lot of possibilities with these yummy fruit fritters.
I added power sugar to mine but I think they would also be good with a glaze of honey or syrup. Maybe rolled in cinnamon or even some chocolate drizzle.

So much for staying away from the sweet stuff! Powder sugar is one of my weaknesses.
These would be great for a breakfast side.
Enjoy!!


Ive shared this at:
tumbleweedcontessa
lifewiththecrustcutoff
jaqsstudio
mizhelenscountrycottage

Crochet Baby Bonnet *How to*

I looked everywhere for a pattern for a crochet baby bonnet with the open back and could not seem to fine one anywhere.

I found some in a different language or had to pay to see the pattern. After an unsuccessful attempt. I figured one out on my own.

Now I'm not any good at writing a pattern but I can explain how I did it and anyone that knows how to crochet should get the general idea.

So if you searching too, look no further. Here's how I did it.

• Chain the length you need. (I made mine about 6 inches long)
• Single crochet first row, chain 2 turn.
• Double crochet next row, chain 1 turn.
• Repeat single crocheting and double crocheting every other row until you have reach the depth you need. I made mine about 13 rows.
• Once the desired depth is made, single crochet together all the way across. (this makes your back). You will see it curve to a circle. Do not finish off.
• Single crochet down the side, across the front and other side of the hat. 
• Slip stitch to join the back together. I gave it a few more stitches to make a closed spot about the size of my thumb.

Decorate with a ribbon and there you have it. I hope I didn't confuse you to much. Id love to know how yours turns out.


Ive shared this at:
make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse
the-diyers at homecomingmn
Hand made tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
crochetboulevard
jaqsstudio

Crab Puffs

I am currently on day 4 of my "no sweets" diet. I have also been eating less and doing some Zumba to help loose a few pounds. Now with that being said, I have a terrible craving not just for sweets but to cook and eat unhealthy in general.

I wanted to try a new recipe but didn't want to make it late at night like I usually will do. I didn't want to make it "just because" either,  So, I pre-made some crab mix to cook for dinner the next night.

I made Crab Puffs.

They were so easy to make and delicious. Do you like Crab ragoons/wontons from the Chinese restaurants? Well, this is pretty close to it. Just more bread. I love bread.

Now let me share this wonderful recipe with you.

Crab Puffs

MIX together:

1/4 Block of cream cheese (approx. 3oz)

1/4 Cup mayonnaise

3/4 Cup cooked Crab meat (Imitation works fine) and didn't measure.

2 Green Onions finely chopped (again I didn't measure)

1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

salt and pepper to taste. 

Roll out one 8oz tube of crescent rolls. seal the seams and roll into a rectangle. Cut into 24 squares.

Place a spoon of crab mixture on the corner of each square then roll and tuck. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Just look at that gooey goodness! mmm mm mmm

Serve hot and add your favorite dipping sauce. My favorite is sweet and sour.
These would be perfect for pickups or tailgate parties.

Enjoy.

Ive shared this at:
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
tasty-thursdays at mandatorymooch
blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker
freedom-fridays at myturnforus
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy

Vintage Watch Recycled

So I have this old vintage watch that used to belong to a grandmother that passed away a several years ago. I've worn it some and I loved how delicate and dainty it was. It was like a little bracelet and not to fancy. It no longer works. Its a windup watch so its not like I can just go out and buy a battery for it.

 

I put it away for years. while I was going through some old things I found it again. I wanted to wear it but I did not want to wear a non working watch. As my mind pondered about how I can make use of this old Monarch Swiss watch I found the perfect solution. I made it into a picture bracelet.

I found a picture of my two favorite people, my husband and daughter. Its a picture I like of them two goofing off on the floating bridge at Myrtle Beach. I shrunk the picture down to size and replaced the watch face with it.

Don't worry, the watch face is still in tact and sits behind the photo. Nothing harmed here. The picture is protected by the crystal glass of the watch. I think an old antique photo would be really cool in this piece.

Any non working watch would work for this project so don't throw that watch away, make it a memory.


Ive shared this at:
thecraftyblogstalker
craftionary
diy-vintage-chic
thededicatedhouse
homecomingmn diyers
sundayview
linda-coastalcharm
ladybug-blessings
jaqsstudio

DIY Lacy Pumpkin

HAPPY OCTOBER!

Ive been trying to get into the Halloween mood. I had seen some really cute pie pumpkins at my local grocery store and have been putting off buying one until the other day. I had had my eye on one for a week and no one ever bought it. It was perfect and had a nice stem on it. This was the one I wanted.

Now I want to decorate it. I usually will paint them or if I purchase a large pumpkin, I will carve it. As I was searching around online for some ideas, I came across an adorable lace pumpkin at the funhomethings blog. You definitely need to go check it out. While your there, check out the rest of her blog. She has alot of other cool DIY ideas that are sure to catch your attention.

I loved it and since I had some old pantyhose that unfortunately I had out grown, I made me one!

I am happy with the way it turned out. I just cut the leg out of the pantyhose and dropped the pumpkin down in it and cut off any extra lace. Then I scrammed around the house in search of something to make a bow and found some scraps in my daughters art stuff.

All I have in this is the 99 cent it cost me for the pumpkin. I Still have another pantyhose leg and may do another one of these. But first I want to make a wreath. Oh, wait...Another idea just popped into my head. Wish me luck.



I've shared this at:
the-diyers at homecomingmn
ladybug-blessings
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
whatd-you-do-this-weekend tumbleweedcontessa
made-by-me linky party at jaqsstudio FEATURED
lovely-ladies-link-up at lifewiththecrustcutoff
thecraftyblogstalker
craftionary

 

DIY Mummies!

I normally do not decorate for Halloween but instead, I decorate for Autumn. I love the look of colorful leaves and pumpkins. I'm not big into the scary scene. I find it tacky. But I have a little spooky feel in my bones this year and wanted to decorate just a little bit for Halloween.

See these little guys? They are my sailors. They adorn my mantle in the summer along with other nautical items.

As if they do not already look spooky enough , you are going to see how I turned them into even more spooky looking creatures.

Mummies!

I found an old yellowed stained piece of cloth (I have no idea why I was keeping it) that was perfect for my plan. I ripped it into shreds and wrapped the sailors. Now they are dead and well preserved until after October.

Pretty cool huh? I also had some fake spiders and web to help decorate. I may have to take it down because I hate spiders and frankly this stuff is freaking me out. eeesh.

Lights out!

What if you do not have a figurines to mummify? Wrap a candle and glue googly eyes on it. Your mummy will light up and it will look awesome!


Ive shared this at:
the-diyers at homecomingmn
friday-link-party at craftionary
diy-vintage-chic
freedom-fridays at myturnforus
twiggstudios sunday-show-off

Twenty Two

Twenty Two-That's the number of years ago I gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl. A baby girl the doctors said id never be able to have (Prayers work).

Twenty Two years ago, I was twenty two. So my baby girl is now half my age. (You do the math).
Its hard to believe. It seems just like yesterday. I have had so much fun raising her. She's always been a good child and still is.

I started the day off by making her the traditional Birthday "A" shaped Initial pancakes. I missed doing this the past 4 years she was in college. Well, I actually think the first year of college I mailed them to her. ha ha.

I get just as excited on her birthday as she does. I love getting her little gifts , going out with family and friends to celebrate and birthday cake. and , well, Its a celebration to me too. I'm so happy she's mine. I don't want her to grow up. I want her to stay young forever.

When she gets off work she will dig into her gifts and tonight we will meet with family and have dinner to celebrate.

Wow, Twenty Two. Can we just take the twenty part off?

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!!

Song Sunday

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

He is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

 

~Casting Crowns- "Does Anybody Hear Her?"

iUpdated

Ok so we all know what's going on with the iPhones. They launched a new update called iOS7.0.

I will confess that I just got my first very own iPhone 4s just 5 days ago and yesterday I rushed to get the new update as soon as it came out.

Its not to bad but I wish I would have just waited and read feed backs and looked at other peoples new look.

Here are three things I do not like so far:

1. There is no longer a quick "tap to tweet" or "tap to post on FB" any more in the notification center. I loved this on the old version. I don't care about going all the way into my app to add a status update.

Notification center

One alternative is to use Siri, which can now post to both Twitter and Facebook. Simply say "Post to Facebook" or "post to Twitter" and then dictate what you want to say. That's if you don't mind talking out loud to your phone in public. Kind of weird huh?

2. The new look of the Icons seem cartoonish to me. I like the more elegant look.

New main screen app look

 

 And if you double click your center button, it will bring up the most recent apps you visited. Then you just swipe them to close them. But I just don't get what the purpose of this is.

Double click to see most recent viewed apps

 

3. It seems to be sucking the life out of my battery but of course that could be because of me playing around with it. But I haven't played around with it nearly as much as the first day I had it and the battery lasted all day. Its been half a day now and my battery is half gone. hmmm.

 

Now, Here are three things I Do like:

 

1. I like the new camera features.

 

 

 

You can edit them right there before or after you take them. There are also choices of tones and tints to use. Also you no longer have to use the on screen snapper. You can use the side buttons on the phone to snap a picture. Ok, that could have already been there but I just found it.

 

2. You can change Siri to a man. ha! Hes called "General"

 

3. Lots of new Ring and alert tones!

 

Its going to just take some getting used to. I think I will grow to like it. The settings and such do not seem to have changed any so that's good. Maybe just added some extra ones.

 

Now, Id love to hear some pro and cons from my blogger friends. Share with me in comments.

 

Song Sunday

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

~Third Day- "Cry Out For Jesus"



Lucky Me

I can't normally call myself lucky. I have the worst luck in the world. I can't even win a prize out of gumball machine. It's that bad.

I entered a give-away to win a beautiful ceramic message board from Botanic Bleu. I will sometimes enter different blog give-aways but never think I will be a winner. I went home that afternoon and told my husband about the give away I entered and already planned a place for the message board if I win.

I was going to go out and buy a little chalk board for my kitchen, but now I put that off because....

I WON! I won the lovely fleur-de-lis ceramic message board.

I plan to use it in my kitchen. Not sure what I will be writing on it yet. The possibilities are endless. I can use it to display a doodle, dinner menu, love note to my sweet husband or daughter, holiday inspriations, or simply to welcome you into my kitchen.

Now, go check out http://botanicbleu.blogspot.com/. Its a French country home and garden blog that is sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside as she displays so many of her photos and decorations. This is just another reason I love her blog. I would love to visit France one day so in the meantime her blog is the closest Ill get.


Thank You Botanic Bleu!

DIY Cork Stamp

Here's a cute little idea for you stamp lovers. Make your own...I know, I know, there are some really great kits and supplies to make a more perfect stamp but why not be unique and imperfect and make one yourself by just using a wine cork.

I have actually be collecting corks for a project I plan to make one of these days. It will take a lot of corks, therefore meaning a lot of drinking, and well, for me, it will take forever to collect enough corks to make what's laying on my mind. But time will tell. I have asked friends to collect them for me in the meantime.

I sacrificed one the other night just to try this little project.

A CORK STAMP

 

All you need is a cork, pen, razor blade, and ink.

 

 

Draw your design

 

Now chip away. I ended up using a pairing knife. I'm sure I would have cut my

finger off with a razor blade so be very careful and don't let your children do this. As a matter of fact, don't let your teenager or spouse do it either. Only you. The creative one.

 

Grab and ink pad and begin stamping.

 

 

For this one, I actually only used my pen to color and stamp. I cheated.

I didnt even take the time to grab paper. I was so excited I just used a paper towel.

 

Now you have your very own, one of a kind, imperfect little stamp. Now get creative and make you one. Just be a little more creative than I was on this one. The possibilities are endless.

 

 

I've shared this at:

marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks

make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse

nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm

the-diyers at homecomingmn

Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug-blessings

made-by-me-95-linky-party at jaqsstudio

friday-link-party at craftionary

blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker

diy-vintage-chic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song Sunday

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain...so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory’s side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

~Chris Rice- "Come To Jesus"

Thogging (Updated)

Thogging- Made up word by me meaning thinking and blogging or blogging while thinking...
or maybe its already been made up by someone else. I don't know but it sounded good to me.

Have you ever had so much on your mind you feel overwhelmed? That's me. My mind is so full of ideas, worries and thoughts. Stuff is always swirling around in there!  Sometimes its painful.

  

I like to create. I have inspirations on things to create but cant seem to wrap my thoughts and skills around how to do it. Some things I want to make are small enough to fit in the palm of my hand to things big enough to change the look of my house. Its all in there waiting to come out. I'm not going to say I don't have the time or money to do these things because most things are ideas of re-creating and making use of old things. ohhh. The thought process is pounding! Pinterest is dangerous. Just saying.

 

I also have a lot of thoughts on what I want to do in life. I have been working at the same place for twenty years. I'm burnt out. I like what I do but I feel I'm at a dead end and this is it. I want to better myself but do not have the schooling to do so. I thought about getting a certificate in something or taking a small course in something new. What I REALLY want to do is be a Phlebotomist. Its a short class to learn an important skill that I would love to do. BUT, the class is held only once a year and its hard to get in to. Besides, I'm not sure I could even pass the college test or get through an interview. Just another reason I think I've been at one place to long. I have no clue what I would have to go through.

My mind worries. I hear nothing but bad news on TV and local newspaper. Everywhere I go, I'm surrounded by pessimistic people and I'm an Optimistic person. I always try to find the good in everything and everybody. I think bad luck happens to pessimistic people. I also believe if hateful people truly have God in there hearts, they would not be so pessimistic.
I also worry about the world. Its going to hell in a handbag. So many lost people are out there. So much hate. So much sin. So much sickness and no faith. So much immorality. I wish the world would wake up and straighten up. Just imagine how happy everyone in the world would be if we all baked cookies at the same time. Just a thought.

 

My brain wonders. I wonder why friends disappear. One day your hanging out with them and before you know it, they are not around any more. I guess they have a lot of other things to do too. Things I'm not into. I don't know.
I wonder why family is so distant. I have always been the one to do all the calling, texting or just showing up. They never make the effort. By the way, we all live in the same county. I stopped the effort just to see what happened and now I never hear from them unless its at a family get together, This hurts. They do not even read my blog or visit my online store or even follow me on Twitter or Facebook. They have no clue about me any more. I love them but they are never around. I just keep thinking, Thanksgiving will be here soon and well catch up I guess.

I Dream. There are so many things I want to do , places I want to go. Stuff I want to see. Even though we don't have a lot of money, I do not think anything is out of reach, but I'm the only one that thinks that way. I guess its kind of nice not to be able to do things or have things because it gives me something to dream about.

On this all being said, I will continue with new ideas, I will figure things out eventually. I will always be creative, I will be my own friend. I have a wonderful Husband and daughter that I get to see and spend every day with and this makes me happy. I will continue praying for others and just live one day at a time. 

 

I should remember this.......

UPDATE!!!!!

Two months after writing this post, I went to a local school here in my town and completed a Phlebotomy course. So excited and cant wait one day to use my certified skillzzzzzz.

Easy Brownie Cake

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day. We ended the day by grilling some steaks, a loaded salad and a glass of wine. Afterwards I wanted an easy dessert. I didn't want to crank up the oven because its been a hot day. I decided to make this brownie cake.

Can you believe, this only took five minutes to bake and I didn't have to use my oven?  I used my microwave. Yep, I nuked it. Now, I'm not going to lie to you and tell you its the best cake I've ever had, but I will say its good. Its not as good as a real cake or real brownies. I think I could have possibly added some chocolate chips or pudding to the mix to make it better.

But it is easy!!

Easy Brownie Cake

 

Boil 1/2 cup water with 3 tablespoons sugar added. (set aside)

 

In a bowl, mix together

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup self rising flour
2/3 cup cocoa

Then add

3 eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

(will be a thick mix)

 

Pour the mix into a buttered 8x8 casserole or 9 inch pan (Tupperware works too).

Then carefully pour the boiling sugar water in the center of mix (do not stir).

Cover with lid or plastic wrap

Microwave high for 5 minutes.

 

Top with your favorite topping.

If you make this and figure out a way to make it better, Id love to hear your addition.

Original recipe with nutrition and calorie facts found  HERE.


Ive shared this at:
terrific-tuesday at adventuresofadiymom
two-girls-and-a-party lifewiththecrustcutoff
made-by-me-94-linky-party jaqsstudio
kitchen-fun-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
saturday-share at wijnker



Song Sunday

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

 

~Laura Story- "Blessings"

 

Best Fried Pickles

I used to stop in this little joint below my workplace and get fried pickle spears. They were the best ever! When the place closed down, I was determined to learn to make them.

Then one day shortly after, I seen a recipe in the local newspaper of, you guessed it, "Fried Pickles". It was a sign that I must make these or die. So I did. They tasted just like the ones from the restaurant. Oh my goodness. I actually sat down and ate a whole jar. I regretted it and have only made them a few times since.

I went to the farmers market this past weekend and when I saw Green Tomatoes, they screamed for me to take them home and fry them, that's when I thought back to the fried pickles I loved so much.

So, The next afternoon I fried that green tomato and went ahead and made some of those delicious, green spears of goodness while I was at it.

I have had fried pickles in other places but they are pickle chips and by the time they get to the table, they are cold and often soggy. I recommend using pickles spears instead of chips. Much better for dipping too.

 

Here goes the recipe :

Fried Dill Pickles

In a bowl mix together:
1 egg beaten
1 cup milk
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
5 or 6 drops of hot sauce (Texas Pete will do)
1 Tablespoon flour

In another Bowl mix:
2 cups flour
salt and pepper to taste

Dip pickles into the flour first, then dip in the egg mixture, then again in the flour mixture.
Fry in vegetable oil until golden brown.
Dip in Ranch or any other favorite dip.


Ive shared this at:
lifewiththecrustcutoff
whatd you do this weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
tasty-thursdays at mandatorymooch
showcase-your-talent-thursday at whatscookinglove
kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
super-sunday link party at whoneedsacape

Crochet Butterfly Beanie *PATTERN*

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I didn't do much but sit around all day since it was cool and rainy. It made a great day to snuggle on the couch and crochet. I have been working on a few things lately. One is a baby blanket which seems to be taking me foreeeeeveeer.
The other things Ive been working on is some more little hats to give to charity and some photo props for my favorite Photographer.
That's what brings me to sharing this cute little beanie pattern for free.

 

 

I wanted to crochet a new style of hat so I went searching for a new pattern. I seen a crochet baby beanie that caught my eye. The only problem was, I could not find a pattern for it. I just studied the look, and on my second try, I was able to make it myself. Its called a butterfly beanie. I made a pink one that will be in my shop soon. I also made this blue one which is currently in my shop ready for purchase.

I figured this out on my own so I hope it works for you. You are welcome to sale what you make using my pattern but please do not sale the pattern itself. I would also love if you link the pattern back to me if you use it.
 
Good luck.
  
Lisa's Butterfly Beanie
H hook
New born Size:

Make a magic circle
Round 1: ch 3, 12 dc in magic circle. sl st in top of beg ch:  (12 dc)
Round 2: ch 3, 2 dc in each dc around, sl st in top of beg ch-3: (24 dc)
Round 3: ch 3, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) around, sl st in top of beg ch-3: (36 dc)
Rounds 4- 6: ch 3, dc in each dc around, sl st in top of beg ch-3: (36 dc) 
Rounds 7-9: Ch3, dc in next 12 dc, ch 6, skip 5, *slip st chain in the 6^th dc, ch 6 skip 5, dc around
Round 10: Ch3, sc in next 12 dc, ch 6, skip 5, *slip st chain in the 6^th dc, ch6 skip 5 sc around

Finish off

*Note: In rounds  7- 10, the slip stitch is done in the same hole each time.


Now let me get back to crocheting that blanket!

Ive shared this at:
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
super-sunday-link-party at whoneedsacape
make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse
Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug blessings
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
lifewiththecrustcutoff
whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
crochetboulevard
thecraftyblogstalker
friday-link-party at craftionary
anything-blue-friday at thededicatedhouse

 

Song Sunday

God loves a lullaby,  In a mother's tears in the dead of night

 Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

 God loves a drunkards cry, The soldier's plea not to let him die

 Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

 

We pour out our miseries,  God just hears a melody

 Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts

 Are better than a Hallelujah.

 

The woman holding on for life, the dying man giving up the fight

Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

The tears of shame for what's been done, the silence when the words won't come

 Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

 

We pour out our miseries,  God just hears a melody

 Beautiful the mess we are , the honest cries of breaking hearts

 Are better than a Hallelujah

 

Better than a church bell ringing, better than a choir singing out, singing out.

 

We pour out our miseries,  God just hears a melody

 Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts

 Are better than a Hallelujah

 

 ~AMY GRANT - Better Than A Hallelujah~

Big and Beautiful

I Just got in from a weeks vacation at the beach. This time I did not sport a bikini like I have always done in the past . No, No. I actually invested in a couple new bathing suits. This time it was a two-piece but with a modest skirt bottom. Well, It looked more like a big ruffle instead of a skirt once I put it on. It was just enough to cover my bikini line in front but still barley covered my bum in the back but it was a lot more coverage than before. The other new bathing suit was a two piece tankini type. I have to say, I felt more comfortable.

I'm not going to say I'm obese but I am every bit of a size ten. That's big to me considering twenty years ago I was only a size zero. I had been skinny all my life. On the way to the beach, I told my husband and daughter that I was not going to complain about my fat and weight and just suck it up because it is what it is. There is nothing I can do about it now. Its my own fault I'm the size I am. That's when my daughter said "That's right Mom, Just be big and beautiful." [*sigh*] So that was my motto for the week.

Big can be beautiful. While sitting on the beach I noticed a lot of men and women just let it all hang out. I just smiled and thought, "They are big and beautiful (and brave)". Its not your size that matters, Its your health. If your weight makes you not feel good, do something about it. Being over weight is hard on your heart, muscles and bones but if your a large size and feel good then go with it! If you smile, be friendly and love yourself, then you can be beautiful no matter what.

 



I still plan to loose some weight. I want to loose at least thirty pounds and go down about two sizes. Even after that, I will still have curves.  My diet will start at the beginning of the week. My weight has made me have knee problems and no energy. Wish me luck. I have no will power when it comes to sweets and breads! Until then, I will continue to be "Big and beautiful."

Pecan Pie Muffins

Oh for the love!............Pecan Pie Muffins. I call them muffins because its a cupcake without icing.

One of my favorite (of many) desserts is pecan pie. Usually it hits the spot when I need a quick sweet fix. Those little mini pecan pies you get the convenient store will do the trick.

I made these little pecan pie cupcakes muffins the other night and "WINNER"

 

 

At first I thought they looked a little blahhh. Impatiently as I am, I had to have one hot right out of the oven. They were good but once they cooled all the way down....Delicious.! They are better cold. No icing is needed. They are good just they way they are and tasted just like pecan pie!!!

Now, grab a glass of milk and go make you some!

Pecan Pie Muffins

1/2 cup self rising flour
1 Cup packed brown sugar
2/3 Cup melted butter
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon coffee (optional)
1 Cup chopped Pecans

Preheat oven 350 degrees

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Pour into muffin tins 3/4 full (spray tin with non-stick cooking spray).

Bake 15-18 minutes
Makes 12

Note: Once they are done, flip onto a cooling rack. If they cool to much in the tins, they will be hard to remove.

Ive shared this at:
twiggstudios Sunday-off-linky-party
kitchenfunwithmy3sons
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrykitchen *Featured*
marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks
Handmade tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
Brag about it Tuesday at bebetsy