Rounding Out #62

 Rounding Out #62

I am truly blessed beyond measure and not just at my birthday. This year's birthday has been beyond amazing. Family, Friends, Food, Gifts, and Cards

😁😁😁

#62

Still Celebrating #62

 Still Celebrating #62

A wonder evening with friends celebrating. More birthday fun with the ladies. What a great evening!

Beautiful friends, amazing food, and tons of laughs!

#62

Getting Ahead of Myself

Getting Ahead of Myself

Another Easter Basket with a different theme. 

Recently, I purchased a crochet pattern from ALL FROM JADE  , this pattern designer has some of the cutest patterns. If you crochet I hope you will check out her Esty shop. You will not be disappointed.

I purchased the Jellyfish pattern and it is a great pattern, the instructions are spot on and written so well. I just couldn't resist not starting another Easter Basket with her jellyfish as the theme.

I have included the Red Heart yarns that I used for the jellyfish and for the basket that I have crocheted along with the link to Jade's pattern.

This one has been a lot of fun crocheting. I may just keep this Easter Basket for myself. It's just so stinkin' cute!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail and his Entourage

Here Comes Peter Cottontail and his Entourage

This year has definitely been the year of yarn arts in my journey of textile artistry as opposed to my quilting passions.

Why? I haven't a clue ... it has just seemed to work out that way this year.

I began working on my daughter's 2026 Easter Basket a few weeks ago, in the midst of wrapping Christmas gifts I began crocheting the coming year's Easter Basket.

Yeah, yeah ... I'm all over the place.

Every year I choose a theme for the Easter Basket and this year I decided on an actual Easter theme ... an Easter Bunny

But once I got started I realized there is rarely just one bunny and decided that Peter Cottontail surely has an entourage of colorful bunnies.

I still have to crochet the basket handle and a few extra details to my design.

Peter and his Entourage

Celebrating

 Celebrating

This year I gifted myself a new mailbox for my birthday!

And, I love it so much!

Yesterday, I spent a wonderful day at my brother and sister-in-laws house making cookies and candies. Every year I always plan to have a cookie and candy making day but somehow I never get around to it. This year, my sister-in-law made it happen for me. It was the best day and I enjoyed it so much.

This morning I opened birthday gifts that came in the mail last week. These two items have been on my wish list. I can't wait to get it set up.

Birthday cards and gifts.

And, I am still enjoying my annual birthday gift, the gift that keeps on giving.

My cup runneth over and I am so very thankful. 

#62

My baby girl came by my office and brought me a birthday cake and flowers.

Truly, I am blessed beyond measure and so incredibly thankful and grateful. My 62nd birthday has been nothing short of amazing!

Celebrate Good Times C'mon!

 Celebrate Good Times C'mon!

I am extremely fortunate that my family always makes a big deal about my December birthday. When I was a child my mom would not stand for the dual gift. You know the one, this is for her birthday and Christmas, setting the tone that that was not appreciated or allowed. I've always had a birthday party or dinner and celebrated on my birthday (or before). 

Through the years my children have really embraced celebrating me and my birthday completely separate from the seasonal holiday trappings. And, this year has been no exception.

Dinner at one of our area's finest eateries, the Copper Cellar

A leisurely dinner with dessert, enjoying great conversation and each other's company.

From there a birthday shopping trip to a new to us jewelry store for a little birthday bling.

#62

I am so blessed.

My Favorite Yearly Birthday Gift

 My Favorite Yearly Birthday Gift

The Advent Calendar by Stitch Supple Co.

Happy Birthday to me!

#62

Inspiration and a Super Moon

 Inspiration and a Super Moon

Fall gloriousness continues, thank goodness, it's time to finish up some homemade gifts for the holidays.

I made a few candles earlier in the year and I really enjoyed it. Which has inspired me to make a few for the holidays.

I saw this cute little mug rug on instagram and I'm considering making a few of these.

They are so cute!

Earlier in the month we were blessed with an amazing and truly beautiful Super Moon and somehow this was also very inspiring for me.

Gibby Girl Design - Economy Block Quilt - SOLD

 Gibby Girl Design

Economy Block Quilt - SOLD

This quilt caught the eye of a friend who's grandson will be graduating from high school this year. This quilt is headed to a dorm room in 2026!

😎

Lots of Thrifting Lately

 Lots of Thrifting Lately

No ... I'm not really a thrifter, I only say that because I'm not really a shopper. Shopping is not my idea of fun. I am an online shopper but as of late I have become a brick and mortar shopper. For several reasons but mostly because I am working toward handmade and/or thrifted Christmas gift giving this year.

Note ... I don't know how it is in other places but in my area thrifting is NOT always cheaper. Goodwill and KARM in my local area are pricing items OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH, in my opinion.

That being said, I have still found some good deals. I can't show you all of the items I have purchased as ... they will be Christmas gifts and/or part of Christmas gifts.

Goodwill

$1.99 - Santa mug - this will be part of a Christmas gift.

KARM 

$3.99 - 6 brass switch plates purchased for my daughter. Not a Christmas gift, I'm always on the lookout for decorative switch plates and such for her to upgrade details in her home.

Local Thrifting Event

 Local Thrifting Event

Social media does have it's usefulness ... I enjoy the EVENT Suggestions of upcoming happenings in my area.

That being said, yesterday I spent a nice afternoon browsing all of the booths at the Bargain Hunters Antique & Flea Market. I also went to Nostalgia's 2nd location which is in the same center as the Antique & Flea Market.

Anything and everything could be found here!

As you know, it is my mission this year to have a handmade Christmas. Handmade and thrifted. What I mean by thrifted, is that I need a few unique containers, vessels, and/or box type items to contain the handmade gifts.

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.

 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. 

Mother's Day Weekend 2025

 Mother's Day Weekend 2025

My kids always show me their love in millions of ways daily, not just on Mother's Day. That said, this Mother's Day has left me feeling so special and so loved.

I woke up to this beautiful card and gorgeous orchid.

My girl took me to a local tearoom for high tea.

The Kraken Cup Tearoom

For over 2 hours we nibbled treats, sipped tea, chatted, and laughed.

My girl crocheted the beautiful Kindle cover (upper right corner of this photo) and spoiled me rotten with wonderful and thoughtful gifts.

Our tea began with these amazing warm bread pudding bites.

DELICIOUS!!!

We were seated at a comfy cozy table with a great view.

We got to see all of the families and friends bringing their Moms in for tea and treats.

Black teas with savory and sweet treats.

We finished with Creme'& Fruit.

An absolutely wonderful Mother's Day and Mother's Day weekend.