Front Flower Bed

 Front Flower Bed

Sweat Equity

As you know my youngest came here Mother's Day weekend and worked his magic. I have been trying to get my front flower bed planted for 3 years now. I even hired someone to do it for me and it still never happened. So, you can imagine how grateful I am that my son came to help me.

Fast forward to June ...

Just in the few weeks since my son cleared and planted my front flower bed the weeds were trying to take over. 

So the weekend before the heatwave began I spent a bit of time laying landscape fabric. It was still a bit warm out but I was very happy with the results.

July

 JULY

I cannot believe that it is already July!

Christmas Gift Giving Prep 101

 Christmas Gift Giving Prep 101

Homemade Vanilla

Several years ago I made homemade vanilla to give as gifts and it was a big hit. Since then I've been asked if I had anymore vanilla, so earlier this month I decided to make another batch.

As with the Cherry Bounce, vanilla takes it least 6 months to cure. This batch will be ready for Christmas gift giving.

Van Gogh

Van Gogh

I spent a wonderful day with my daughter enjoying and learning about Van Gogh and his art. Everything about the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is visually pleasing. EVERYTHING! 

 

 Christmas Gift Giving Prep 101

Candle Making

This is not an advertisement or sponsored post. This is only to reference the kit that I purchased to begin making candles. I chose this kit because it truly includes everything one would need to make a candle from start to finish.

I have never made candles before ... EVER ... but I really enjoy the process. There will definitely be more candle making in my future. 

End of Spring Cleaning - AFTER

 End of Spring Cleaning

AFTER

Decluttered, organized, and scoured clean.

Another project completed.

But now, I think I want to ...

Paint and figure out a different flooring option.

Off to YouTube to look into the Pros and Cons of painting vinyl flooring ...

It never ends, one completed projects leads to another and another and another ... 

End of Spring Cleaning - BEFORE

 End of Spring Cleaning

BEFORE

Until I began deep cleaning my bathroom as part of my end of spring, spring cleaning ... I didn't realize how much STUFF I had crammed into every nook and cranny of my bathroom!

WOW! Just WOW!!

I also realized that I have over time spent a small fortune on health and beauty products.

I may have single handedly kept this industry in business ...

Admittedly, I have put off spring cleaning this year until the last possible moment but progress is progress ... right?

Cherry Bounce

 Cherry Bounce

Holiday Cheer Prep

Interestingly enough when trying to live more intentionally you begin to realize that if you want to have something special for the holidays you have to plan and execute some things well in advance.

Such as the making of Cherry Bounce. There are many recipes for Cherry Bounce but basically it is fresh pitted sweet and/or tart cherries, sugar, and a liquor of choice. As I was also making vanilla at the time I used vodka. 

Combine the ingredients in an air tight container, I used a mason jar, and store in a cool dark place for 6 months. 

Come Christmas and New Years this Cherry Bounce will be used in one of our family favorites, Champagne Cocktails.

CHEERS!!! 

Halfway

June 2025

And, just like that 2025 is halfway over.

The first half of 2025 is 6 days from being behind us.

WOW ... just WOW!!

I have been busy and managing to get a few things done here and there.

I've been making things and checking a few things off of my lengthy TO DO LIST.

Stay Tuned for more on all of that ...

 

Anchors Aweigh

 Anchors Aweigh!

As it turns out I had another very nice day in my sewing room.

I had, had plans to go out of town that didn't work out, so I spent the weekend finishing the piecing of my current quilt project.

This quilt project was very enjoyable.

The process was very much like putting a puzzle together.

You definitely have to trust the process.

This quilt top measures 100 x 100 inches

Row by Row

Anchors Aweigh

Pattern by Tula Pink

**{see previous post for more detailed information}**

GO Navy!

 GO Navy!

Anchor's Aweigh!

As a young woman I served in the Navy ... fast forward a few years 😉 and I come across a quilt pattern called Anchor's Aweigh, by Tula Pink, which is FREE on her website. I knew that if I were ever going to make a quilt for myself it would be this one.

Well, this chilly, overcast, and rainy Memorial Day weekend seemed the perfect opportunity to begin this quilt project. I've made more than a few quilts over the years but I have never made a quilt that was specifically made for me.

I am using mostly fabrics from my stash but purchased the Freedom Edition fabric bundle by

Art Gallery Fabrics

I made this purchase via the Fat Quarter Shop which happens to be having a Memorial Day Sale if you are interested.

I liked the patriotic colorway but I also like the floral and geometric designs of this fabric bundle.

It took a bit of time to get the fabric requirements cut and sorted before I could begin this project but I was excited to get this quilt project started.

The piecing of these blocks is exactly like putting a puzzle together. 

This quilt project is going to be a fun one.