Small but Necessary Win - I love those.

Hey everyone.  I won a prize that I will definitely use.  Tara of When Tara Met Blog gave away 5 sticks of Dove Visibly Smooth, Wild Rose.  This is the newest offering of the Dove Ultimate antiperspirant/deodorant category.  Have you heard about it yet?  This deodorant helps minimize the look and feel of underarm hair over time.  The unique formula helps women feel stubble-free for longer while delivering all the benefits of Dove antiperspirant/deodorant, including 24-hour odor and wetness protection, along with Dove 1/4 Translucent Moisturizers™ that care for delicate underarm skin, and alleviate white marks. Their website also has a $2 off coupon.

I won this in March and just got it a few days ago.  I have to admit I'd been using the dove stick for years in the baby powder scent.  This new Wild Rose scent it really soft and pretty.  Thanks Tara.  I love the product and it smells so good. Once I use it awhile I'll let you know about the stubble-free part.  I'd also like to thank Dove for sponsoring this giveaway.

Hugs...Tracy :)

Let Me Introduce You To The Chicks All The Way From England

Hey Ya'll.   I'm posting another win!  I know, I can hardly believe it myself!  Do you think Aprils been a lucky month for me because karma's making up for turning 50 or do you think it's a culmination of all the well wishes and prayers that ya'll have been sending my way.    Me, I think it's a little karma and a LOT of blessings from ya'll. 

Kristina Law from Design Style Guide Community hosted this fun giveaway.  She contacted me saying that I was the winner of this cute and adorable Chick/Birds Childrens' Pillow made by Diane of Leonandcoco.  Although I do have to say.  I think this pillow would be wonderful anywhere.  Wouldn't even be cute in a modern colored kitchen breakfast nook area.  So bright and cheery to see in the morning.  

This charming  pillow was hand made by Diane  and sent to me all the way from Liverpool.  And she did such a wonderful and professional job.  I'd like to encourage you to go by and check out her Etsy shop here.  

Here is Diane's own description of  her shop and creations ~ León and Coco are two children inspiring their parents to create furniture, accessories and toys that are suitable for children without being colour-coded or slave to characters created for the mass market. We want to inspire children to use their own imagination, see beauty in simplicity and use one product in many different ways.
We believe that it is important to give children not just a product, but something to do, something to find, something to see and something to change. We don´t want to dictate a use, but give choice and question confining conventions.

I just love my sweet pillow.  Now if I could just let it go I would mail it to my Grands.


Have a beautiful day friends!  Hugs...Tracy :)

How Could I Be Sad or Gloomy with a Win Like This!

 HAPPY MONDAY!  Okay, I'll try and tone it down a bit ~ happy Monday ya'll.  Did everyone have a good weekend?  I hope so.  Our weather was awesome.

It seems that I've been incredibly lucky the past couple of months and I've got a new win to show you today.  Debbie from Love the Decor, who by the way is just full of Sunshine herself, hosted this bright and Springy giveaway and I won!  I just received my win a few days ago and am so excited to show all of you.  CNS Stores sponsored Debbie's giveaway with a prize of this set of 3 pillows with 3 different fabrics and 3 sizes.  

By the way, I'm pretty sure everyone knows CNS Stores by now but I have to tell you they have an incredible selection of items.  

CSN is a website that has over 200 online stores. Yes 200! You can find anything from tv stands to storage items, toys to tools and everything in between. Lamps, bedding, clocks, cookware, chandeliers, rugs, and more!

The pillow pack is called The Lizzie Pillow Pack, which I love even more because that was my Grandma's sweet name and I adored her.  By the way this sweet old Grandmother was 80 years old when I was born or close to.  She died when I was 13 and she was 93, needless to say she wasn't an active Grandmother.  But that didn't matter because she was wonderful, soft and cuddly and you could lay on the couch or bed with her and she'd tell you the most wonderful stories.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my pillow win from dear sweet Debbie as much as I enjoyed showing them.  Please go by and meet her if you haven't already because she is an incredible decorator and a wonderful blogger, of course if you know her already, this is no news to you.

 Thanks for stopping by this morning.  

Hugs...Tracy :)

I've Been In A Couple of Swaps - Wanna See?

I hope everyone is having a beautiful sunny spring weekend.


I participated in a couple of swaps the last few months and I thought I show ya'll some pictures. 


The first swap was the May Day Petite Basket Swap hosted by Jenny at Fated Follies.  This was my first swap with Jenny and what a sweet person she is.  Please take a minute to go by and check out Fated Follies, you'll make a lovely new friend.  This was such fun.  My swap partner was Michele at Michele's Treasures, Teacups & Tumbling Rose Cottage.  Just take a look below at the precious basket I received from her this week.

I wish I had taken more pictures of everything.  I felt like I'd found a treasure chest when I unwrapped this little beauty.  She got so many wonderful items in this sweet little basket.  It was shrink wrapped and looked like it just came out of an old Victorian Shop (well, except for they didn't have shrink wrap).  LOL.  Isn't it just precious.  She made the most beautiful pendant and put it in a little vintage velvet lined jewel holder.  At least I had the sense to take a picture before I ripped into it.  My first instinct was pure excitement and to rip it open right then.  But here's a little list of the things inside.

Beautiful custom pendant by Michele

Vintage Hankerchief

Vintage Arm & Hammer Trading Card

A vintage bread of life card

Vintage Aluminum tea leaf holder loaded with vintage buttons

A bag of English Breakfast tea

Vintage shaker with wonderful glitter

Vintage lace trim

A lovely jewel lapel pin

tatted flower

Sweetest smelling rose flower soap by Caswell -Massey

Little bouquets of vintage posy's

A crystal studded acorn fob

A petite ceramic vintage knob

A vintage thimble

I can't begin to describe how good everything smelled because of the soap, which I will by the way use in my undie drawer.

 
Her blog is so pretty.  She makes the most wonderful vintage and  Victorian-inspired jewelry.  She also has a couple of shops.  You can find her on Etsy under glassbeadtreasures just click here.  You can go to lollishopsglassbeadtreasures or click here.  And treasures they are.  You will love her shop and all her designs and goodies!  Below you'll see a couple of items she has created that I borrowed from her page, hope she'll forgive me.  Her photos are much, much better than mine and you all know how I love glitz, glitter and jewels.   I just couldn't resist.  I adore and covet this perfume bottle she's jeweled up!!!

Don't you love this beautiful jeweled locket that shes created.  This is in the same style as the pendant that I received.  Lucky Me!!! You definitely want to take a peek in her shops!

I'm not going to post a picture of the basket I sent her for two reasons.  

Reason #1 and most important.  She hasn't received hers yet.

Reason #2 Beause I always get so excited that I forget to take pictures.  By the way, ya'll should know that by now.  

I'm going to hope that Michele will take a couple of photos so that I can borrow them too.  Hee-hee.

2nd Swap

The 2nd swap was the Pin Cushion DIY & Swap hosted by Leigh-Ann at Freckled Nest.  Just click here to check out her blog Freckled Nest.  

This was the first pincushion I had ever made.  I won't post the name of my swap partner because I never received a pincushion from her.  This was over a month ago.  When I emailed she said she was out of town taking care of her Mother but her sister at home said my pincushion package had arrived and she'd mail my the next week when she returned home.  I did try email her once more to let her know I hadn't received it but no rush.  She never contacted me back.  I hope she wasn't disappointed with the one I had made.  

Here's the picture of the one I sent her.

I know your tired of hearing me apologize for the crummy photos.  My camera is really old and more importantly I have no photography skills.

What do you think of my little Mushroom House Pincushion.  The pattern was very easy, my embroidery skills however could use a little practice.  I wish I could take credit for the design but that would not be right or true.  This design came from The Little House By The Sea's blog.  She has listed the free pattern and tutorial here if you'd like to check it out.

Maybe this just wasn't what my swap partner had in mind for a pin cushion.  I was really hoping she would like it.  I guess I can't win them all.


Enjoy you SaturdayYa'll.   Hugs and smiles....Tracy :)

Summers Day Childs Apron

The amaryllis are in bloom.  I never can remember the individual names of the different colors.  I wanna say this is something like Apple Blossom but I'm not sure.  It's a pretty coral/orange color.  There lots of other colors waiting to bloom.  So I'll show you when they show me.

How about some butterflies, bees and dragonflies to go with our flowers.  More Humane Society fabric finds.  There was only a tiny bit for the bib but I have good bit of the other left.

 Buttons to give a little accent.

 4 pockets across the front and there you have it....The perfect little apron for a young girl.  By the way those bright colors going up the sides are the ties.

Thanks for following along.  I'll post the last one that's been made up until now tomorrow.

Traci's Having A Giveaway and No It's Not Me

There's a new giveaway in blogland everyday.  Now I just wish someone would give me an extra 24 hours to find and enter them all.  LOL.  

I'm sure you've all hear me mention Traci over at Beneath My Heart.  She is such a lovely, giving friend.  Well lucky for us she is giving away not one but 2 giveaway prizes sponsered by Lisa Leonard Designs. One is a Family Crest Necklace and the other is a A $40 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs!  Lisa has simply the sweetest jewelry designs. So head on over to Traci's and enter for your chance at one of these beautiful designs.  Like I've said before, even if you don't win you'll love meeting Traci and she's a wonderful friend.  (Sorry I couldn't resist the opportunity to rhyme).

Good Luck and hugs to ya'll....Tracy :)

Aprons 7 and 8 and a MIL On The Mend

 

First I want to thank everyone for all their prayers and and kind words.  Believe it our not my MIL has finally turned a corner.  For the last 2 days she as started to get up each day and eat something and sit in the living room with us.  She even took a ride with us today.  She did mention her back hurting a couple of times.  One day she says it's the rib and the next it's the back, she's having a trouble explaining exactly where she hurts.  But it was very scary for a while.  I really wasn't sure that she was going to be okay but just like being sick with any thing else she woke one day and seemed much better.  What a relief for us and her.  It's so hard to see someone you care about in pain.  I'm so grateful to have all of you to ease my fears and just comfort me in general.


I have just about caught ya'll up on the aprons that are already made.  I have 2 to show you today and I'll post another one tomorrow.  I have some other things to show you for the rest of the week.  Hopefully I'll have more time to visit and can concentrate enough to put a whole sentence together.

Is anyone tired of seeing my aprons displayed on my grape arbor enough to donate a dress form?  LOL.

This one is made from a handmade crib quilt.  See the little heart stitches throughout.  The quilt is such a soft faded greenish blue and yellow.

I've used some vintage doilies for trim and a double pocket lined with some muslin.

I even used a doily for a handmade flower accent.

Another Scottie Apron in half  apron style.

Yellow Ric-Rac to brighten it up just a bit.

And a heart pocket to tuck something into.

That's all for today Sweetpea's.  Comeback and visit tomorrow.  And please if you can spare the time leave a comment, I love reading each and everyone so much.  Thank you to those who have left so many kind words already.

Hugs....Tracy :)

Everything Is Coming Up Sunflowers - Well Aprons That Is - #6

Yes, you read right.  I said Sunflowers.  And no these are not.  These are daffodils.  I just thought I show you a couple of photos from the ones I took in my yard a few weeks ago.  Sadly they are gone now.  How do you like the dollar weeds in the back ground?  I'm very proficient at growing these.  Hee-hee.

What a beautiful Spring reminder of Gods renewal in life.  A much needed reminder that in life this too shall pass.  Just as the dreary winter passes and the Lord blesses us with a bright new spring.

 Are ya'll sick of aprons yet?  I've still got a few more left to show so here's one for today. 

Our humane society gets in some great fabrics at times and I bought 3 rubber-band bunches of this sunflower fabric and barely squeezed this apron out.  I did use a Simplicity pattern for this one.  And what a booger it was.  Whew and I actually know how to read patterns or at least thought I did.  I must have stayed away too long.  But now that I've made one I might (BIG MIGHT) try it again.  It's a retro 1940's style.  It actually looks like a dress but you might wanna wear panties and shorts, unless you love that hospital gown look.  LOL.

I found the green fabric in my stash.

I had some vintage ric-rak for the pockets and just bought some more for the top. Above you'll see the front and below you'll see the back.  What you can't see is the curved hem.  It's cute and you are sure to stay clean in the kitchen with this own.  It reminds me of a housewife pickin' vegetables in the garden.  I have such a runaway imagination.

Don't worry my apron phase won't last forever and I'll move on to something else.

All the hugs, sunflowers and daffodils I can give you via blogland.....Tracy :)

I'm A Goddess!

Well now that I've got your attention....

You're probably saying what's up with Tracy.  Well I'm a wanna be Goddess anyway and Dana at Mommy's Frugal hosted the Yoplait Greek Yogurt Giveaway sponsored by MyBlogSpark and Yoplait.  Now you know I won and I can pamper myself as the Greek Goddess that my heart keeps saying I should be.  The robe and slippers are really plush and very good quality.  Sorry to disappoint you all but no you want see a picture of me wearing them.  hee-hee.  I love all the extra bath goodies that came along.  You can click on MyBlogspark and Yoplait to visit their sites.

If you have never joined MyBlogSpark™  you really should go by and check it out.  It's a fun and exciting group of bloggers that have access to review new products and services and participate in exciting giveaways, surveys and events. The network provides “Sparks” of information directly to its members from some of the best known consumer brands in the country.
So keep entering those giveaways you just never know when it's going to be your turn to win.  

As a matter of fact I'm late on hosting a couple of giveaways myself.  Last week I hit 100 followers and have a few more now.  I also just passed 100 posts.  So I'm going to try to pull something out of my hat here soon.  Keep checking back.   And if I don't sound to selfish, I have a birthday request and maybe I could pair it with a giveaway.

By the way no ones passed out from the shock of me getting to actually post more than once this week have they?  

Have a really great weekend Ya'll.  Hugs and Smiles...Tracy :)

Apron 4 & 5 Plus Something Extra - Its All In The Upcycling

Happy Saturday Everyone.  The weather is gorgeous here.  It cooled off just enough to be really nice.  Now if I could just find time to go outside and enjoy it.


Here's a quick post of 2 more upcycled aprons made somewhere between December and Monday and a little something extra. ha-ha

This is an apron I made for my Granddaughter Ki'a before I realized it would be too small for her. 

I love this fabric.  I bought it 10 years ago and made all of my Grandsons crib bedding from it.  I just love it.  This was left over and I finally found a use.  The blue denim is one of Neils old shirts.   

Can you guess what this is?  Yep, it's the button placket off of one of that old denim shirt of Neils (Granddaddy).  Buttonholes and buttons already there.  Adjustable and easy for me.  It couldn't be any more simple. That fabric is so soft and worn..

I actually still have the bedding set.  When the kids moved up to NY they left plenty in my attic.  But that's what we parents do right?  Store stuff.

You can see above, there's 3 pockets across the front.  Now I just have to make her something else to fit and put this in Esty.

Sorry about the terrible photos.  Now you know why I take most of my pictures outside.

Here's a more recent apron.  Recycle meets to fat meets upcycle.

 Yes, this is white leg fabric from those never got to be enjoyed because I like candy too much Liz Claiborne slacks.  Remember I used the pocket on the apron I posted a couple of days ago.  The blue fabric which I love is another pair of LC capris that I never got to wear.  Believe me I wanted to.  The red fabric is left over from my porch rocker cushions a few years ago.  And I didn't use a pattern so it was free if I don't think about buying slacks I'd never wear.  I'd also give anything to have the money to buy some now.  LOL.

And last but now least.   I was trying hard to come up with something I could make for my Grandson Zack.  Boys are so much harder.

I guess you figured out that's it's an upcycle too.

To make it hangable (no such word until now),  I  just put a wooden dowel rod through the waist band, glued on some round Styrofoam balls and tied some fabric around them then tied on some jute and ragged strips of fabric.

Another outgrown pair of my jeans and some leftover red, white & blue fabric.  Yep, that's the pants leg with the waist band sewn on top.  I just cut the letters for his name out  in the fabric and zig-zagged them on with the sewing machine.

Maybe my DIL will appreciate the off the floor aspect of this hotwheel's car holder.

Easy-peasy the hem was already done for me.  Gotta love that!  Not perfect but fun.

I hope you're all out enjoying this beautiful summer like weather.  If it's not so warm where you are just cozy up and enjoy more craft time.

Hugs...Tracy :)

I Found A $40.00 Gift Card Giveaway - Check it out

Here's a giveaway I found before I head to bed.  Tiffany over at Tiff's Reviews and Giveaways is having a drawing for a $40.00 gift card from Walmart.  The giveaway is sponsored by MyBlogSpark, Swiffer Sweeper Vac and Walmart.  Click here or on her name to go enter now.  

The giveaway will close Friday the 9th at 12:00pm CST and the winner will be drawn this weekend.

Have a great weekend Friends! Hugs....Tracy ;)

Cottonell: The Great Results - I Won Did You?

Cottonelle recently took a poll to find out which way America likes to roll their TP – Over or Under.  It’s quite the debate in some households.   I was really glad to hear about this poll because I thought maybe I was the only one to ever think about this question.

To me the answer was always simple ~ OVER of course!  Okay most of you aren't as old as me but I still remember when it was the norm to find colored TP, even some with flowers or other prints on the TP aisle.  Well if you remember that, you know that if you put the TP on the roll under that would mean you would see the back side of the TP coming off the roll.  So to me that means it was made to be put on over.  Well now that they don't print pretty TP anymore and it's all generic white, I guess that argument is MUTE.  I still go with over because it just seems easier to roll off the roll.  So there you go.  

Well the Great Debate has ended  and I was lucky enough  to be involved with Mom Bloggers Club.  Along with Cottenelle they gaveaway a months supply to the first 200 bloggers.

And YES, I was one of the first 200.  I Won - Yippee and it was delievered straight to my house.  I received an 12 pack of double-roll TP.  Maybe you don't get excited over TP anymore but everytime I have to buy it I start thinking coupons.  TP is a must have so having it free is my way to go.

I have to be honest I have been a faithful and loyal customer of another well known brand.  I'm talking 20 years hear.  Well I like soft TP and this gave me a chance to find out there are other soft brands.  I actually liked it.  Cottonelle is softer and stronger than I remember. 

Did any other followers win?  I'd love to know.







"I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Cottonelle and received a sample to facilitate my candid review."

Apron #3 - A Little Bit of Upcycle

Hey Ya'll!

Well here is apron #3.  They are in no particular order.  You may see one I made last week or one I made yesterday.  I'm trying to use different patterns and different fabrics for different looks.  You know very vintage and very modern.  Adult and Kids.  This one's a barrister apron.  I just searched online and found measurements and created this simple pattern.  I shouldn't use the word create for the pattern.  It's more like measure and draw straight lines on paper.  Hee-hee.

Can you find something that was upcycled on the apron?

Scraps of leftover ribbon that match perfectly.

Here's the upcycle.  It's a back pocket off a pair of Liz Claiborne caprias that I got too fat to even wear.  Ha-Ha.

Hope you enjoyed looking.  I'm always happy to hear any suggestions you might have.

Sweet dreams....Tracy :)