tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74157556559835760142024-03-13T12:57:07.189-05:00Lavender CoveWhere I share my garden and crafty style with anyone and all to see and enjoy along with me.Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-3240459664333865182017-10-24T05:18:00.001-05:002017-10-24T05:18:49.756-05:00October Ipsy Bag Reveal, 2017!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/izNLY20kxSQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/izNLY20kxSQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
One thing I've started doing is REALLY getting into my makeup!! I mean, I'm 45 and am discovering a whole new side of myself. I'm going lower carb and higher protein diet-wise, and although I've not lost much weight, I've gained muscle tone and I'm healthier (or so it feels, who knows lol). But with the makeup fetish I have now, I joined Ipsy a few months ago. It's so much FUN getting the goodies every month!! I want Fab, Fit, Fun quarterly subscription box, but I'm such a cheapo, grrrr. Maybe during tax time, I'll splurge and pay for a year's worth? hmmm...possibly possibly....anyhoo!! Here is my YouTube video of my October 2017 Ipsy Bag Reveal...it's very humorous, it's at midnight and I ramble with, well.....it's just ME, all out there lol It's who and how I really am in person. If you want to see past reveals, just go to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=izNLY20kxSQ" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> once you click the link, and you'll be able to see the others. Subscribe to my YT channel and you'll get updates whenever I post a new video!!<br />
<br />
If you don't know what Ipsy is...it's a monthly subscription box of deluxe beauty samples or full sized items (depending on the product) and it all comes in a new cosmetic bag (so you'll get 12 new cosmetic bags every month), all for just $10!!! Then, as an Ipsy member, you get to score so much more! Each month, you review each product for them (super fast on their app), and you get points. Collect those points and trade them in for MORE free beauty products. I LOVE Ipsy!! If you're not a member, head here and check it out and feel free to join to give it a try!! No wait lists and you can cancel at ANY time, as there's no minimum month agreement you have to sign up for. And, once again, it's not letting me insert the link for some reason....sooooooooooo weird!! So, here's my <a href="https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&sid=link&refer=12m86c" target="_blank">Ipsy</a> link to check it all out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-52570856543737163872017-10-24T05:04:00.001-05:002017-10-24T05:04:52.780-05:00Let's 'catch up!'I've been gone for awhile, but I plan to change that :) Work has me going to and fro like crazy, feeling like non-stop, BUT, I'm realize I need to take time for myself, and blogging is going to be my go-to for that. I've blogged for well over 10 years, when freebie and deal blogs were new....they're a dime a dozen now and with work being so time consuming, I made the decision a few years back to let Thrifty and Frugal by Debbie go. It was hard to do! I worked so very hard on that blog and building my relationship with hundreds of brands and PR reps, but I didn't feel I could give them the time their product and my professional work ethic could provide. So I said farewell to them all for awhile, with intend to return eventually. I still get emailed from some asking if I'm back yet lol<br />
<br />
Catch up....<br />
<br />
I have a 2 year old grandson, Blake Isaac Ryan, and he is the not-so-secret love of my life. Friends would tell me the love for a grandchild is like no other and I didn't believe them until he entered existence in our lives and on our planet. LOVE LOVE LOVE this little guy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYU8_eH1hoY/We8M-Zgk_kI/AAAAAAAAFok/5LGwYZmUvYshEOhxdkHURMYcvgKF1mMiACLcBGAs/s1600/Isaac%2BAug%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="950" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYU8_eH1hoY/We8M-Zgk_kI/AAAAAAAAFok/5LGwYZmUvYshEOhxdkHURMYcvgKF1mMiACLcBGAs/s320/Isaac%2BAug%2B2017.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiOAtI9Y-fc/We8M-fj1qNI/AAAAAAAAFog/dZwCaLZZDKkblPkW22LsSm4aHIMrfD17wCLcBGAs/s1600/Isaac%2BSept%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiOAtI9Y-fc/We8M-fj1qNI/AAAAAAAAFog/dZwCaLZZDKkblPkW22LsSm4aHIMrfD17wCLcBGAs/s320/Isaac%2BSept%2B2017.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next: College and Kids, oh my!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My youngest graduated high school in the spring and is now in college. My oldest has decided to go back and finish her degree after taking a break. And now they have me thinking of going back for my Masters....OHHHHHHH myyyyyyy :) Lord, please help us all lol</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Work: ugh.....MUST I?! </div>
<div>
I was working 5 days M-F at up to 60 hours a week. Now, I work three 12 hour days a week and can work from home if I want, but still work upwards of 40-55 hours (depending on what's going on). So, yeah, not much changed with work other than the actual days my personnel file says I work. Oh, my shift is 6pm to 7am, so I have to deal with the resident office ghost quite frequently, and whatever it is can really get wild some nights, to the point that I've said 'peace out Olive! you succeeded and you're now ON YOUR OWN!' </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I now volunteer as board member on a couple of charity organizations in my county (as if I don't have enough to do in my life lol)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, with that thought process, I'm now a member of a paranormal investigation group called St. Louis Ghost Hunters Society. We have all sorts of great investigations under our belt and always looking for more, so if you live in the St. Louis area and have a location that you live in or own that you feel has some mysterious things going on that can't be explained, give us a call; you can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/slghs/ (I tried inserting the link, but for some reason, it's not letting me insert ANYTHING, grrr).<br />
<br />
That's all I can really think of right now, other than I get very little sleep, still single, no time to date anyway, OH my house hates me....yeah. I bought it 3 years ago and so far I've spent well over $10,000 on things that I shouldn't have, I'm in a lawsuit with the previous owners AND my inspector regarding my leaky roof that they said was only 5 years old but turns out is actually no younger than 20! I've had a basement flood, so now my kitchen is stacked with boxes and boxes of stuff that I should've gone through when I moved in, but had and currently still have NO time to do so. Yeah, live hates me....I suck at humaning things days, grrr<br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: none; border-image: none; border: 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-88354950428817804222016-08-14T16:28:00.001-05:002016-08-14T16:28:33.304-05:00Life has changed DRASTICALLY over the past couple of years!I know, it's been a very long time. I'm sorry for that. Where should I even begin?! Here's a start...I saved some money and was able to buy a house. My very first house. ALL on my own :) I'm very proud of this accomplishment. BUT, alas, I was NOT expecting that being a single homeowner would be so crazy and EXPENSIVE! I call my house a money pit, but in truth, it's not. It's just old, and there are a few things that need to be taken care of. I spent almost $900 fixing plumbing problems last year. I need a new roof that the previous owners said was only 5 yrs old, that actually turns out to be over 20 years old, so there's 2 lawsuits I have going on. And now, I've learned the sewer pipes in our backyard have collapsed. They're 30 feet out and 10 feet down! The cheapest I've found anyone to do it for me is $3000 and that's with the contractor feeling sorry for me, knowing that if it stays that way for long, the City can actually condemn the house for not meeting occupancy code. SO....they start on it this Wednesday.<br />
<br />
My oldest daughter moved out 2 years ago and had my first grandchild, Blake Isaac Ryan, on October 22, 2015. He's an awesome and adorable little guy!! his giggles and smiles can melt the worst worries of a day away in a second. She also got married. My youngest is now a Senior in high school, almost has all of her Freshman college credits completed also.....holy cow, where has the time gone?! My golden retriever is now 10! (I know my followers remember that girl!) her face is very white now, but she still acts like a very anxious and busy puppy, she's still very young at heart.<br />
<br />
I still work long hours and put in a lot of overtime for my job as a child abuse and neglect investigator for the State. It's one of those careers that is a love/hate kind of thing. We love helping those in need, whether it's a child in turmoil or being abused/neglected, a parent or family that is struggling and just needs a little help, or seeing justice served for the itty bitties. But we also hate the feelings we feel sometimes, not being able to help when we so desperately want to, laws that keep us from doing so, when we're 'too late,' or when we see and hear some of the horrible things that we do. Love.....Hate! <br />
<br />
But....ahhhhhh, to LIVE.....THAT is the adventure!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-69240227462968659762013-05-28T21:09:00.001-05:002013-05-28T21:09:27.141-05:00Wow, has it REALLY been THAT long??<br />
I know, it's been forever and a month since I blogged. If you only KNEW all the shit I've been dealing with in my life, you'd totally go, 'OOOOHHHHHH, ok, nevermind' lol. First, divorce. Second, moved. Third, new 24/7 w/overtime and on-call rotation job. Life's been a wreck of a roller coaster over the past 8 months or so, it seems. Not much of a fun wreck, either. It seems like when it rains, it pours for me, seriously. I'm trying, though. If folks believe in 'kharma's a bitch,' the way I usually do, then I'd be trying to figure out why it's attacking me the way it is. I'm getting SOMEone's bad kharma and I don't even know why! which pisses me off even MORE! grrr<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-66700505688405048262012-06-21T10:00:00.000-05:002012-06-21T10:00:00.529-05:00Thrifty Finds Thursdays! Here's what I found this week!You know me, I'm always out and about, looking under rocks, fallen trees, and such, lol for a great deal or bargain. Here's a few more that I've picked up over the past couple of weeks that I thought I'd share with ya'll:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw7DoBpUjso/T-JKYTx_qAI/AAAAAAAAEkk/uoGF2Iu6QPw/s1600/compost+for+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw7DoBpUjso/T-JKYTx_qAI/AAAAAAAAEkk/uoGF2Iu6QPw/s320/compost+for+17.png" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, this one is about 15" tall, & the most expensive at $17, but I still thought she was SOOO worth it (oh, that's a leaf down where the hoo-haw would be, lol...just sayin', in case you think it's something else)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm0wG69gtE8/T-JKZQUw0AI/AAAAAAAAEks/VEYDl6I4rnE/s1600/hand+painted+pitcher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm0wG69gtE8/T-JKZQUw0AI/AAAAAAAAEks/VEYDl6I4rnE/s320/hand+painted+pitcher.png" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG, I LOOOOVE this one...I only paid, get this....39 cents for it!! seriously!! It's about 6" tall, ALL hand painted, including the 14 karat gold, I couldn't believe it was only 39 cents, but yep, that's all I paid for it!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwuclStcOA4/T-JKavWfPgI/AAAAAAAAEk0/VU9WZ4-3cJI/s1600/thrifty+find.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwuclStcOA4/T-JKavWfPgI/AAAAAAAAEk0/VU9WZ4-3cJI/s320/thrifty+find.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I paid just $1 for this 3 pc set of vintage prints with wooden, gilded, vintage round frames...I'm a sucker for vintage prints, lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7MRWa4i92k/T-JKb0yD16I/AAAAAAAAEk8/WyEHHZQoFRU/s1600/thrifty+finda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7MRWa4i92k/T-JKb0yD16I/AAAAAAAAEk8/WyEHHZQoFRU/s320/thrifty+finda.png" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, this one, you just may NOT believe...can you guess what it is??? it's McCoy!! not one of the oldest, but still McCoy. It does have one small 'character' chip on the rim...but I picked it up for a SONG at our church rummage sale...can you guess how much I paid for it??? all out of guesses...25 cents!! lol yep, only a quarter!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wTo8psJj4E8/T-JKcsD2asI/AAAAAAAAElE/jvSsTRIT2Gc/s1600/thrifty+findb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wTo8psJj4E8/T-JKcsD2asI/AAAAAAAAElE/jvSsTRIT2Gc/s320/thrifty+findb.png" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now, my FAVorite piece!! again, I picked it up at our church rummage sale last weekend. A very old print. Wavy glass, old, gilded, carved frame...just $2!! that's it, 2 bucks!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, it's Thrifty Finds Thursday...what great thrifty finds did YOU find this week???? share with us, we'd LOVE to see!</span></b></div>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-28327835249519310192012-06-20T19:24:00.000-05:002012-06-20T19:24:00.054-05:00Yet another frog in my garden pond...grrrr!Every year, without fail, I find a frog or two...or 5, living in my pond at any given time. Now, I love the aquatic living world that my pond creates, that's not the problem...the problem is, frogs eat fish. I stock my pond with feeder fish, some make it to a couple inches, some die or get eaten before then. But my poor poor fish, I know whenever a frog has been in the pond, they'll have part of their tail fins gone, lol. Well, yesterday morning, I took the dogs out and looked over and saw a frog just as he dived into the pond. Oh boy, there goes my fish, lol. I had errands to run, so I didn't have time to fish him out. On my way out the door to run errands, I saw THIS:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDwE9crHHRo/T-JM6wRqdII/AAAAAAAAElQ/v1XToSiaSvY/s1600/frog+2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDwE9crHHRo/T-JM6wRqdII/AAAAAAAAElQ/v1XToSiaSvY/s320/frog+2012.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see him???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6mBYWGu0Lk/T-JM70A4s9I/AAAAAAAAElY/xCJ9BCfKjR4/s1600/frog+2012a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6mBYWGu0Lk/T-JM70A4s9I/AAAAAAAAElY/xCJ9BCfKjR4/s320/frog+2012a.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here's a close up of the lil' turd!! lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Pretty big frog, eh??? yeah, that's what I thought too. He's just sitting on my water lettuce, like it's a lily pad lol enjoying the trickling water, fish swimming beneath him, living it up on MY dime...sounds just like a teenager, lol. Well, I haven't seen him today, but I'll be keeping my eye out, need to fish him out with the net and walk him back to the creek and toss him in...which will leave my pond frog-less, until he figures out how to make it from the creek to the little pond again, lol, but it might buy my fish some time. So far, I still see 2 fish, 1 is always hiding, so I don't know if he's made it away from the frog or not...time will tell!</div>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-25418029795413919652012-06-20T17:51:00.001-05:002012-06-20T17:51:58.125-05:00How about a 'GREE'N' Giveaway??! Book Giveaway: 'practically green', Your Guide to Ecofriendly Decision-Making!<img alt="Practically Green: Your Guide to Ecofriendly Decision-Making" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ptuZs%2BnbL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I picked myself up one of these books, and thought, 'hey, my readers might like one too,' so grabbed another. This giveaway is sponsored and offered by ME, myself, and I lol. It's full of great ideas and 'green' tidbits that you may not have even thought of. Includes instructions for USEFUL crafty things, reusing things, and really brings in the Reduse Reuse Recycle thought process.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
This book contains:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Essential information to help you make smart, green choices for your family</li>
<li>30+ easy, earth-friendly DIY projects and ideas for when you make instead of buy</li>
<li>copy & clip guides to simplify shopping</li>
</ul>
<div>
excerpt taken from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practically-Green-Guide-Ecofriendly-Decision-Making/dp/B004JU1SIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340231543&sr=1-1&keywords=practically+green" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, where it's listed for purchase for $7.60:</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Practically Green takes the guesswork out of reading labels and will show you how to make smart, healthy purchases for your family without spending tedious hours researching the pros and cons of all of the products available on the market today. Each chapter is broken down into "Buy It" and "Do It" sections. The "Buy-It" section provides key information about everyday purchasing decisions and includes clip-out checklists for you to reference while shopping. The "Do It" section gives DIY ideas for how to make things that are good for your family and good for the environment, such as simple sewing projects, non-toxic cleaning products and luxurious, homemade beauty products. Plus, the author shares some of her favorite recipes that are sure to please the entire family!</i></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Interested in winning this book? Great! Entry is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY please, no entries from other countries allowed (sorry, but I'm the one shipping it, and I can't afford the extra postage, I hope you understand), age 18 and over! <b>Giveaway ends Sunday, July 8, 11:59 EST</b>! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rc-54c97869">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">
</script>
<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way associated with Amazon, or any person/entity that is associated with the book. The prize is offered and provided by myself. </span></div>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-46476007431896314122012-06-20T16:48:00.000-05:002012-06-20T16:48:08.533-05:00Check out the GORGEOUS Milk Glass I picked up on the cheap!!I love milk glass...but not just any old milk glass, like all those same ole same ole vases that you see, you know the ones I'm talking about. No, I like the ones that are different, that aren't necessarily rare (can't afford THOSE babies, lol), but that aren't necessarily common to find. Like these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjbdmi1rlvc/T-JDB44GyBI/AAAAAAAAEkI/FQ7LpLzW9Lw/s1600/milk+glass+frog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjbdmi1rlvc/T-JDB44GyBI/AAAAAAAAEkI/FQ7LpLzW9Lw/s320/milk+glass+frog.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZSrzhqQPoI/T-JDCcEcT6I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/NrecY9s9VSc/s1600/milk+glass+urn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZSrzhqQPoI/T-JDCcEcT6I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/NrecY9s9VSc/s320/milk+glass+urn.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, the top one, without the frog, I see a lot at thrifty stores and yard sales. But WITH the flower frog??? very rarely do I find one of these that still has the glass flower frog with it. Guess how much I pd for that baby??? guess!!! $1.39!! seriously!! a buck and 39 coins, that's IT!! Now, how about that huge, beautiful...um, would you call it an urn??? flower pot?? compote of some sort??? I dunno, but I only paid $1.49 for that one, and it's HEAVY! <br />
<br />
I like to stop in at obscure, out of the way places, they generally have the cheaper finds. But THIS baby:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXPjgzzbbTU/T-JDrSmiuiI/AAAAAAAAEkY/OI9Fc7S0vcw/s1600/great+find.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXPjgzzbbTU/T-JDrSmiuiI/AAAAAAAAEkY/OI9Fc7S0vcw/s320/great+find.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It appears to be a hand painted ginger jar? canister? I can't tell if it was suppose to have a lid or not. It's marked Bavaria, Germany, and the flowers (Lavender, of course) are hand pained on both sides. It has an art deco feel within the mold itself. I found that at a VERY prominent, HUGE, antiques mall here in St. Louis, stuck in a little corner, people passing it by, until I saw her...shining with a halo above her, lol. I only paid $2 for it!!! yep, just $2!! I couldn't believe it. I made my husband carry it around instead of taking it up and sitting it on the counter for them to hold while we continued to shop...I was afraid someone might get it confused or something and let someone else take her, lol (I'm paranoid that way, lol). You can see some of my vintage flower frog collection next to it. The orange iridescent one to the left above the rare blue ceramic one, I picked up on another day, but at the same antiques shop, and pd $3.25 for it!! :) things and DEALS like that, make me all warm and fuzzellly inside, lol.<br />
<br />
What kind of great deals and steals have YA'LL found lately??? I'd LOVE to hear about them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-74354334890524809912012-05-07T20:41:00.001-05:002012-05-07T20:41:13.130-05:00Newspaper Art Nails! Super easy! TOOOO flippin' cute, just HAD to share!Ok, so I know that these have been getting to be really popular lately. I stumbled across this young high school girl, who, yes, she talks a lot, lol but she's just too adorable, with her YouTube channel, reviews, cutesie stuff, I just HAD to share this video of her 'how to' on making newsprint/newspaper art nails, with WATER, not alcohol. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O1ASQkunWSQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I've been seeing these with an adorable pink (light, even some brighter), and a baby or sky blue instead of white or light grey. I hope that she doesn't mind that I shared this with you, I'm sure she'll love the link back love and new subscribers if ya'll are up for it. Out of all the tutes on how to do this, I chose her's to share, because I have 2 teenage girls who are whizzes at putting stuff up on YouTube these days, lol and she just reminds me of them doing something that they love and think is cool! kudos to her! Good job! iluvjesse444 (dunno if that's her name, but that's her channel)<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-7718118160234008242012-05-07T19:32:00.002-05:002012-05-07T19:33:03.792-05:00How to create the perfect Emergency/First Aid Kit for car or home from things found at Dollar Tree!I sure hope everyone who's reading this has a Dollar Tree around. What our world would be like without a Dollar Tree, I shudder to think, lol. Over the past year or so, I've been creating good sized emergency first aid kits for all 3 vehicles, plus one for each floor of our home...5 total. I've not spent a lot of money on them, but they're packed with perfect items that should always be at the ready. I thought I'd share how I did it, and mostly, how everything came from Dollar Tree!!<br />
<br />
First, for the bags, these may be the only things you won't be able to pick up at Dollar Tree (sorry). For the vehicle start out with an insulated lunch tote. You may have one lying around the house. Maybe you or one of your kids use to take lunch/snacks to work/school and you don't use it anymore...perfect, use that. If not, try a cheap one from the Goodwill, yard sale, etc. Make sure the bags you use are zippered, that way you can lay the case down, and when you unzip it, you'll be able to see everything at a glance. If nothing else, use large quart slider-type zippered bags until you find a suitable sturdier bag for the job.<br />
<br />
For the home, I used a couple of clear vinyl zippered bags that some products I received came in. One was from a set of curlers, another one was from a small quilted pillow (not the larger ones, they'll be too big), just something that's less than 10"-12" long, 8"-10" wide-ish, should work.<br />
<br />
Now, for the collecting of items to put in it. When you're thinking of what to put in it, think of your family's needs. For example, I have a golden retriever that chews on her legs at times, and sometimes causes sores, so my downstairs kit has extra rolls of gauze wrap and pads, as well as the medicated creams from the Vet (and one in my car's kit, as well). Maybe you have a lot of poison ivy around, make sure you have alcohol and calamine lotion in your kit. As you go through the health aisle, think about what you use now, and what you might NEED if the circumstances arise. What's great about buying packages that have many of the same item in it, is that you can split it up into more than one emergency/first aid kit. Like the bandages and gauze below, 15 of each of the bandages, and 7 gauze pad in each of 2 kits.<br />
<br />
These are all from Dollar Tree, perfectly fine quality for any emergency/first aid kit:<br />
<br />
<img alt="Assured Sterile Gauze Pads, 15-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/974327.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Waterproof Adhesive Bandages, 25-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/903055.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Fabric Bandages, 30-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/966047.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Assured Pain Relief Hot Patch, 2-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/18895.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Alcohol, 16 oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/876940.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Cotton Swabs with Travel Cases, 2-Pack Sets" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/110293.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Assured Hydrogen Peroxide, 32 oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/104297.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Antibacterial Bandages, 40-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/936775.jpg" /><img alt="Triple Antibiotic Ointment" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/948081.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Assured Dressing Bandages, 6-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/870944.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Adhesive Bandages, 100-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/870736.jpg" /><img alt="Royal Paper Tape for Sensitive Skin" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/974328.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Royal Sterile Rolled Gauze" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/974326.jpg" /><img alt="Natureplex Hydrocortisone Cream" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/948453.jpg" /><img alt="Murine Plus Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, .5 oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/950851.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Children's Pointed-Tip Scissors, 5" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/118793.jpg" /><img alt="Gold Bond Travel-Sized Medicated Body Powder, 1-oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/861325.jpg" /><img alt="Hefty OneZip Sandwich Bags" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/850477.jpg" />
<br />
<img alt="Absorbine Jr. Ultra-Strength Pain Relieving Patches" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/835128.jpg" /><img alt="Dr. Fresh Marvel Heroes Sterile Bandages, 20-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/20334.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
Don't forget scissors for cutting gauze and wrappings. Dollar Tree usually has 2 packs, whoop whoop! 2 for 1's we LOVE'em! NOT shown, but Dollar Tree DOES have, elastic bandages (ACE-type), which are handy have in a pinch, I usually keep 2 different sizes in each kit, both of which I've found at Dollar Tree.<br />
Something that I've added to my kits, for some reason in my head, lol, emery boards...they have a LOT in one pkg, so be generous in each of your kits with them, they'll be useful, trust me lol. I've used mine to have my daughter file my dog's nails to keep her occupied while I doctor her legs up, lol you never know what you could use'em for. Cotton rounds, I buy one pkg and split it up between each kit, putting them in zippies, to use for alcohol or calamine lotion, etc.<br />
<img alt="Donna Michelle Salon Basics Emery Boards, 36-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/832365.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Cotton Rounds, 80-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/953583.jpg" /><img alt="Gold Bond Travel-Sized Ultimate Healing Cream, 1 oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/22776.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Assured Travel-Sized 2-oz. Hand Sanitizers, 2-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/989316.jpg" /><img src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/121811.jpg" /><br />
<br />
For your car kits, add sunblock and after-sun care, just in case of a sunburn, plus other items that you may keep in your medicine cabinet for home use, but may also need in the car or while travelling at times:<br />
<img alt="Max Block After Sun Soothing Gel, 6 oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/941828.jpg" /><img alt="Max Block SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion with Aloe Vera, 4 oz." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/115159.jpg" /><img alt="Iodent Maximum Strength Oral Analgesic Gel, 0.42-oz. Tubes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/838408.jpg" />
<br />
<img alt="Assured All-Day Allergy Relief Tablets, 14-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/10098.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Nasal Decongestant Tablets, 24 ct." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/932206.jpg" /><img alt="HALLS Menthol Cherry Cough Drops, 18-ct. Bags" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/937533.jpg" />
<br />
<img alt="Advil Tablets, 6-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/114901.jpg" /><img alt="Premenstrual Relief Tablets, 12-ct. Boxes" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/112321.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets, 40 ct." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/801831.jpg" />
<br />
<img alt="Assured Heartburn Relief Tablets, 12-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/122365.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Antacid with Calcium, 60 ct." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/811432.jpg" /><img alt="Assured Extra-Strength Gas Relief Softgels, 15 ct." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/963210.jpg" />
<br />
<img alt="Soft Foam Earplugs with Plastic Case, 4-ct. Packs" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/119405.jpg" /><img alt="8-ct. Packs of Pocket Tissues" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/949304.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
Also, keep wet wipes of some sort, whether a baby wipe, antibacterial wipe, whatever. These are good to clean around wounds so you can see and treat them better, clean away debris on/around wounds, etc.<br />
<img alt="Antibacterial Wet Wipes with Aloe, 60-ct. Canisters" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/873768.jpg" /><img alt="Huggies Supreme Baby Wipes, 16-ct." src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/117983.jpg" />
<br />
Ok, a couple of other things that I add that aren't shown here, but Dollar Tree DOES carry:<br />
Tweezers (great for pulling splinters, debris, etc.). Calamine-type lotion, which is great for rashes, poison ivy, bee/bug stings, etc.<br />
<br />
One thing that I add that Dollar Tree does NOT have, and you can generally find it at Walmart, and other pharmacy sections: Prid salve. Prid is a thick, blechy looking gunk, in a small tin, that you put on a splinter, sliver of glass, etc. that's embedded into the skin, no matter how far down (just put a tiny dollop of it on the location and then put a bandaid on it). The next day, take the bandaid off, wipe it clean, and voila, the embedded debris has miraculously been extracted. Don't ask me how it does it, I have NO idea, lol, but it works. I also put a small bottle of Ipacac and Mercurochrome (just in case), you could add Betadine instead if you'd rather, but it's usually in a bigger bottle. One other thing that you might want to include in your kits that you'll have to pick up at a different store, latex gloves. Dollar Tree carries various types of gloves, but none that are intended for medical use.<br />
<br />
I add to my kits here and there, since we all know that Dollar Tree gets items, name brand, and more, periodically, that they haven't had or may never have again.<br />
<br />
After you put them all together, sit back and look at what you've done for yourself and your family, in the way of being prepared, and count how much money you spent and saved creating them. For around $30 (with the items above), you've collected enough items to make at least TWO first aid/emergency kits tailored to you and your family's needs. And you have all the essentials needed. Of course, add other items as you like, take some away, etc. And also, you can add things from your stockpile (if you're a stockpiler) to help save money, add to it, etc., and feel free to pay for name brand products at another store, if you like. I just thought I'd share how easy it is to collect and create a first aid/emergency kit from items found at Dollar Tree! Create your kit to fit the needs of you and your family, just always remember the 'what ifs,' because as soon as you don't add that ONE item thinking you'll never need it, that's when you'll wish you had it....it's always better to be more safe than sorry.<br />
<br />Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-66240517863585444262012-04-17T09:22:00.000-05:002012-04-17T09:22:12.355-05:00Posts I owe some of my readersI know, I know...I owe so many various posts to my readers and pals. I WILL catch up to them, truly I will. Correct me if I'm wrong, or leave me a comment if you want me to add to this list, lol. <br />
<br />
A few posts that I owe:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>A VLOG that my pal, Kelsey, asked for about decorating a pillar candle with tissue paper or a napkin</li>
<li>My dear old pal, Angie, has requested a post about the essentials for an emergency kit and stockpile </li>
<li>A few other people who may not want to be named, would like me to do a few posts on 'light' prepping (basically, doing a little bit of prepping without going hardcore like those on the TLC show)..kind of ties in to the post my pal, Angie, would like to see</li>
<li>An update on my front porch (I've not had time to finish the porch, just doing a little here and there to help it along)</li>
<li>A post on the craft fair I prepared for and participated in at the beginning of the month, and how those products are now in the window of a small shop on display (for sale, of course)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
did I miss any? if so, let me know, I'll update the list :)<br />
<br />
<ul><li>oh, I'll also do a small post on the 4 tiered wedding cake I'll be making in June for Angie's daughter's wedding (yays, Hannah, I'm talking about you on a blog, you're FAMOUS, girl! lol), along with the 50 mini cupcakes and large Grooms cake...and all the long hours her mother and I have been putting in planning the wedding, creating the florals, and so much more (her mother more so than myself, that's for sure...'hang in there, Ang...remember, this, too, shall pass!...eventually, lol)</li>
</ul>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-88357189397845962482012-04-17T09:11:00.000-05:002012-04-17T09:11:17.768-05:00A funny thing happened on the way home last night...true story!The hubs and I went to South County (STL) for an advanced screening for The Lucky One (I can't tell you what I thought about it until after it releases..and this isn't about the movie anyway, so...moving on). He was coming from work, and I was coming from home, which are from two opposite directions, and met in the middle at TGIFridays for dinner, then went to the movie. When we left the theatre, we were in separate cars, and I went through a drive through for something to drink, so that put him ahead of me As I was getting close to home from the 20 miles away I'd gone, I got less than 1 miles from home and on the side of the interstate, I spied an overturned antique white wicker chair!! I couldn't pull over right then, traffic was pushing me (you know how that is), so I came down to our exit, went back up the highway 2 miles to the next exit, got BACK on the highway headed home and drove slowly watching for it, hoping someone else hadn't stopped and grabbed it in the 10 minutes it had taken me. Well, it was still there. So I drove past it so that I could put it in my back hatch without walking in front of the 80 mile an hr traffic, and as I was backing up, I hit the side rail, scraping the paint off my tire well, ugh...about a 2" area, not as bad as it could've been. BUT, alas, I got the chair. As I picked the chair up, still intact, I poked my thumb on something and the blood began to pour. The entire time, my husband was on the phone with me, and he's a bit squeamish when it comes to someone else's blood whether he can see it or not, and I could hear his butthole puckering with him about to pass out as he heard me whining about getting the white chair bloody, rofl. BUT, like I said, I GOT the chair. It is vintage, possibly antique, not in the super best condition, but good enough to put out back with the other vintage mismatched white wicker chairs I have sitting in the shade by the garden. When I get the leg brace repositioned (I think the force from the fall knocked it loose), and get it in place, I'll snap a pic and add it here for ya'll to see. Now, hopefully, I won't need a tetanus shot roflDebbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-2839526971194655602012-03-22T00:34:00.000-05:002012-03-22T00:34:08.439-05:00The end is near? really? Haven't we been hearing that every decade??Ok, so, as you can tell by this post's title, I'm not really one of those firm believers that the end of the world is gonna happen on 12-21-12. I mean, seriously people??? The Mayans' calendar was just that, a calendar. They couldn't keep it up forever, a round rock/boulder can only be so big to make hieroglyphs on to depict months, days, & years, a rock isn't endless (which is the material they used to build their calendar we're speaking of). Did you ever think that maybe the dude making that calendar got tired of making it? or maybe he went blind or got bitten by a jungle bug and died, or while chiseling 12-21-12, he chiseled his hand off and couldn't continue? or just got tired of missing all the great parties and food...and chicks??? lol seriously? People are trying to say that a group of individuals hundreds of years ago said, 'hey...we need to stop this calendar. Seems that we've figured out that there won't be any days AFTER 12-21-12.'? right...whatever!! The Mayans' descendants themselves state that it means NOTHING that the calendar ended, it just DID, it means nothing. And, btw, what about Leap Years??? ever think about that??? every 4 years we gain a day on the calendar to make up for the difference in the earth's rotation. Granted, Leap Year has been around for a long while (all the way back to Roman times), but not before the Mayans made their calendar, so if you take that into consideration, then the world would've ended almost a full year ago...and we're still here, AND we still have a calendar (actually, I already have my 2013 calendar, so I already know that there's days after 12-21-12...my calendar says so, lol). I do not believe, and no one will ever be able to convince me, that a person or a group of people could just up and say, 'the planet and survival on it as a whole, will cease to exist on such-and-such date.' There's no way that could ever happen...ever. Think about it in facts, not doomsday or prophecy standpoints. Earth, a planet in our solar system. HUGE ass mo-fo, right? Yes, man (the deadliest creature to mankind on this planet, himself) has the capability to wreak major havoc upon the planet, essentially screwing up Mother Nature's ability to function correctly. Outside of man, you have asteroids and meteors, the Sun, and other planets if the Earth or one of the other planets decided to knock off its trajectory course that it's settled into over the past billion years. Don't even factor in weather, because this 'crazy' weather was occurring hundreds of years ago, and they were calling it 'crazy' then, too...the weather hasn't changed, it's just doing the same thing it's always done, it goes in cycles, it always has, and it always will, and besides, the weather won't be the end of the world. Those are the facts. Now, one of those would have to occur in order for the 'world' to cease to exist. Most use 'end of the world' as an all inclusive statement to include 'end of times' as we know it, not necessarily the planet. If THAT'S the case, then that just leaves a few of those facts. Because we all know that if the Sun or a planet collides with Earth...poof, no more Earth and we wouldn't care less about a calendar, let alone if we stockpiled enough Ramen noodles to make us through to the next decade while in our basement shelter with only a non-flushing bucket as a toilet, lol. Ok, so that leaves meteors, asteroids, and man to 'hurt' the earth, as well as EMPs or major flares from the Sun that can disrupt natural ways of Earth (and man). The asteroids and meteors...they happen all the time, but in cataclysmic proportions? no. We hear talk about the one coming next year, 2013, but in theory, the world (or man) isn't gonna be around then anyway, so we won't even go there. That leaves man and EMPs. EMPs can disrupt the way of life, but the world won't end, and we'll definitely still need a calendar. That leaves MAN. When you REALLY think about it, I mean REALLY think about it, and hard, not just in fleeting thoughts, do you REALLY think that country A wants to bomb country B? That they don't have their OWN scientists informing them that yes, where they will blow country B off the map and cripple them to their demise so they'll go away and leave them alone forever, that within less than 3 months, the demise of their own country will follow from the ramifications and consequences set forth by their own bombs? Do you REALLY, deep down, REALLY think that they're that stupid? No. Peeps, they're not that stupid. Yes, Bin Laden and Sadam Hussein were whack jobs, and a whack job could definitely blow us to smitherines, but did they get a chance to do it? in small proportions, like 9-11, yes, but in nationwide proportions? No....why? because we're might, we're strong, and we're smart (our country, our spies and investigators, and such), we know when/if it's gonna happen, to what degree, we secretly and covertly know who has what kind of weapons and what/who they plan to use them on and when. We hunt men down in the dead of night like the dogs they are, in pits in the ground, and drag them to their knees in front of God (Allah), their 'people,' and the rest of the world to face justice (in whatever form that ends up being). And before anyone can say it, no, I'm not one of those people that 'believes everything my government says,' or thinks that 'my government will always be there to help.' I've always worked for the government, state or federal, I know that they're only out for themselves, I know how they weed out the 'dead weight,' but I also know that they're smarter and up to so much more than some of the nation's craziest conspiracy theorists could imagine...don't ever assume anything about anything (assumption is the mother of all *screw* ups). My point? what was my point? oh, right, the calendar and 12-21-12...not gonna happen. It's just gonna be another day of Holiday shopping, cookie baking, and people going to/from work...you will awaken on 12-22-12 to realize...there's only 3 days until Christmas!! so, with that said, make sure your shopping and decorating is done, because when you wake up on 12-22-12 and realize everyone is still alive and well, and all is well with the world (as 'well' as it can be, anyway) and you've not gotten one gift yet, you're gonna be hurtin' for certain!<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: This was just me, rambling some thoughts...freedom of speech and all that jazz. Feel free to chime in if you like. Do YOU believe the 'end' will be on 12-21-12?? <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-50336451741349008512012-03-19T19:40:00.000-05:002012-03-19T19:40:51.090-05:00The new re-decorating of the front porch is coming right along!No pics for ya yet, but soon. Yesterday was a busy and tiring, and back breaking day! We took EVERYTHING off the front porch (including the bird house that houses a very active nest, and has for several years, no worries, though, we put it right back a few hours later, lol we were getting spied upon by the residents and chirped at very loudly until it got replaced, lol), and set it ALL onto two huge tarps (it's muddy here in STL). Then, the hubs began power washing, and the girls and I began painting. ugh, painting wicker is a very tireless task that I do not wish on my worst neighbor....well, maybe my WORST one, lol. Then, one pc at a time, I had it brought up to the porch and I personally placed the item, and not everything 'made the cut.' The girls always have a bucket of water guns and a bucket of sidewalk chalk on the porch for a quick grab and go...eh! not anymore! planters...eh! to the garden they went, no planters without strict guidelines on this newly decorated (and CLEAN) porch). ooooooh, wait until you see it...I showed some 'sneak peak' pics to a couple of pals today and they were ooo-ing and ah-ing, lol. The furniture is in place, now for the decorating, the fun part, but tedious, because I'm a thrifter, I'm not going to buy any of it unless I have to and unless I can get it for a good price. PLUS, I'm making the pillow covers (burlap, remember our discussing this in a few posts back????). Stay tuned hopefully sometime this week or weekend for the reveal pics!!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-58757340676181529852012-03-19T19:34:00.000-05:002012-03-19T19:34:00.515-05:00Love Country Sampler? sign up for their FREE 'Insiders Circle!'<a href="http://www.countrysampler.com/Join.aspx?Destination=%2findex.aspx" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="http://www.countrysampler.com/Pics/covers/2012/March12cover.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #503011; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Here are some of the benefits you'll receive as a member:</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #503011; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">• Email alerts letting you know what's new online and in the print magazine<br />
• Fast-track registration for contests on CountrySampler.com<br />
• Permission to post images to our new reader photo gallery and comment on articles<br />
• Free seasonal newsletters full of fresh decorating ideas<br />
• Notifications of special subscription offers<br />
• Invitations to take part in exclusive surveys</div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #503011; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.countrysampler.com/Join.aspx?Destination=%2findex.aspx" target="_blank">SIGN UP FOR FREE</a>! I love this mag, so I thought I'd share it with ya'll!!</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-14587432416629757362012-03-04T10:31:00.000-06:002012-03-04T10:31:49.576-06:00I'm going to redecorate...my front porch!!I'm done, I'm tired of it...it's old, it's drabby, blech! So, this is the porch when we first moved in (I've reworked it a lot since then, this was basically within weeks of moving in, but it gives you an idea of the layout): (well, couldn't find the porch pic I wanted, you'll just have to get the idea from looking at it from the front): yes, it looks like a huge house, but trust me, once inside, you realize how small it really is, lol<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4kxxYNScOU/T1OJfUry5BI/AAAAAAAAEX8/gX_Vr7jD1y4/s1600/our+house+spring+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4kxxYNScOU/T1OJfUry5BI/AAAAAAAAEX8/gX_Vr7jD1y4/s320/our+house+spring+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the driveway part of the house, lol I have nowhere else to put those gross trashcans,<br />
but they've been moved to the very far corner at least, rather than in the middle like the pic shows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XJG7bQR7kc/T1OJ69iQRUI/AAAAAAAAEYE/71Yt6SUCz58/s1600/pre-escape+sandy+2010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XJG7bQR7kc/T1OJ69iQRUI/AAAAAAAAEYE/71Yt6SUCz58/s320/pre-escape+sandy+2010.bmp" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We added this screened door to it, love the fretwork. We like to have the air flow and smell the outdoors during pretty days, so this worked well! and the kitties seem to like it, lol</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, the low down on my porch is this: it's a half-wrap around, meaning it wraps to the side of the house and stops in the middle, with no outlet. The only outlet is that front opening you see. The width is not all that large. I have white wicker dining chairs, one on each side of the door, then in that small part you see on the left, I have a tall wicker dining table. I'd left the wicker dining table natural, but it's time for an update on that, too. I had an iron rocking chair, and painted it white when we moved in, and I have an iron and glass coffee table set between that rocker and a white wicker rocker. On the other side of that, are 2 white wicker arm chairs, behind one is an antique, heavy iron stool (painted and chippy, white). And in that far corner that you see on the right, set IN the corner toward the front, is a green iron and glass bistro set (again, time for an update). In the wrap around part, I have a vintage slat rocker, white iron (it doesn't have rockers on it, it's engineered that you can 'bounce' gently, which does the rocking), and an old wicker side table (natural). In the middle somewhere, I have white wicker plant stand. There you have it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With all that, it does look cluttered, but as you can see, the style of house makes it easy to decorate it in an older farmhouse or Victorian style, which is what I was doing. So in all the seats are thick cushions and plump pillows, all from yardsales, mismatched, but within the same color scheme. I have some throw/toss rugs to soften the concrete (which I want to PAINT, but the hubs is afraid that in the future when we go to sell, it will deter buyers, ughhh...men!). Anyhoo...I have a bunny topiary on the wicker dining table (which is actually more like a larger bistro type table) that I got a yard sale for $4 and I LOVE, along with an adorable hydrangea wreath that my bestie made and didn't want anymore. On the little coffee table, I have a gazing ball set on the back of a cherub, a glazed terra cotta planter with faux greenery, and a cheap teacup with lace doily runner. Ok, so now you know what my front porch looks like...here's my plan...should be easy enough: make it NOT look like that, lol!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been scouring the net, mainly Pinterest (which you can follow me and my chic and shabby and cool boards) if you want, click the 'follow me on Pinterest' button on the right. I wanna do something !! ANYthing! The porch isn't very wide, which means I can't 'double' seating area like this:<br />
<img alt="topiary on the low white iron & glass table" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/235876099203010542_sniYCuni_b.jpg" /> <br />
but would LOVE to! Oh, that step stool reminds me, I have 2 wicker and rattan woven step stools that I slide under the front of the chairs. <br />
<br />
<img alt="have bistro table..it's green, think I'm gonna pt it white, I like this look" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/103231016428585929_tMtVILZI_b.jpg" /> <br />
I think I'll paint my iron bistro set white, and move it into the wrap around part, then pull the old white iron rocker into that corner, that way, there's less wind, which usually blows away/knocks over anything I have setting on that table. <br />
<br />
The color scheme on the cushions is always red, and the pillows I usually pick up for a buck or three at yard sales and thrifty shops, usually have reds in it, but have flowers or chintz or something, which I always find cozy. When it's chilly or cold out, I have an old afghan tossed over the nearest wicker chair, which aids in the look of the comfy and softness, but I bring that in during spring and summer.<br />
<br />
<img alt="I like the sheers hanging down, wondering what it would look like on my porch....maybe!" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/31806741087816684_N3Wm0pWp_b.jpg" /> <br />
I'd LOVE to put a chandelier up (even a small one), but I can hear my hubs complaining now, ugh...so I'll stay away from that one. The sheers...aren't they so soft looking? I could do that, as well, but I wonder how often I'll have to launder them to keep them from mildewing or getting dirty and grimey from the wind and bugs and such? Maybe just in that far left corner next to the walk (like in this pic)?<br />
<img alt="porch" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/276127020872644763_wxwLM7Rj_b.jpg" /> <br />
<br />
The hydrangea wreathe I have now, I have leaning from the wicker bistro table onto the wall, but I plan on using siding clips and hang it on that side, which I think will help make it homey, as well.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Porch sittin #Porch" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/271482683756916461_RGnzWohv_b.jpg" /> <br />
I like the greenery this one has. I try to do that, as well. I have the resin wicker hanging baskets that I've put faux ferns that dangle (has to be faux, the house faces south, so much sun that not much will grow without lots of care and time), with faux pinkesh hydrangeas and...I forget the other flower. I have one hanging from a chain between each white pillar in the center and bring them in during fall and winter. I think I should add MORE greenery, like this one. In the spring and early summer, my porch has LOTS of flowers and greenery on it, as that's where I keep all that 'goodness' prior to planting them around the grounds, and kind of ends up looking like this:<br />
<br />
<img alt="porch" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/12384967694777481_QY59Vtfh_b.jpg" />but not in yellows, blech. More reds and pinks, and whites!<br />
<br />
Since my porch faces out into the culdesac, it's not like we want to dine out there, we use the back deck for that, so a dining type seating area isn't needed, which is a big plus for decorating, I think. Hmmm...what about a burlap, bleached muslin look? with the cotton ticking for pillows and/or cushions? maybe in the reds and pinks that you see? Could easily be made from those types of dish towels, or those $5 remnants at Hancock Fabrics....hmmmm. Still thinking aloud. Any suggestions??<br />
<br />
would LOVE to have this...<br />
<img alt="front porch" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/21744010670393524_IKAwRLAQ_b.jpg" /> <br />
<br />
oh, AND, I want a new mailbox!!! When we moved in over 6 yrs ago, there was one of those fugly plastic Rubbermaid type mailboxes, and everyone that knows me, knows that I would NOT like that...and I don't! I want a basic metal mailbox, on a pole, that I can drape flowers over, garland during Christmas, and such...and if you have one of those plastic Rubbermaid ones, then you know that there's no way to do ANY of that to it, ugh!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-21186306858369092132012-03-04T08:54:00.000-06:002012-03-04T08:54:56.751-06:00OMG, I think the ghost is GONE!!! Seriously!!<img alt="celebrations,floating,flying,ghosts,Halloween,occasions,web animations,web elements" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900041127.gif" /> <br />
So, after the ghost done that final shoving of books and stuff off the top of a box at my poor golden retriever, lol (who, btw, seems to have recovered completely from the trauma, lol), I've not sensed it, nor has ANYthing, literally, ANYTHING happened since. Ok, I'm trying to remember, did I tell ya'll in my last post that the day the box incident happened, I was researching things, cleansing rituals and such, and was jabbering to my pal Kelsey (over at Chic'n Savvy Reviews), and she stayed online with me the entire time I tried some, which also included the basic, bare bones 'you're dead. move along to where ever, even if you don't want to move toward the light, which will give you peace, at the very least, move on to my neighbor on that side of the house, he's a very hateful bastard and ya'll should get along quite well' lol, and said 'you're not welcome here, this is my home, you're freaking out my kids, but as you can see, they sleep soundly, so you don't scare them or me.' Then, of course, Kelsey was on messenger and said 'say peanut butter and jelly so I know it's YOU and not the ghost possessing you' lol so I did. Then less than 20 min later, the box thing happened, BUT, not before I'd set out no less than 5 very large quartz and smokey quartz, which had been basking in a bowl of pure salt for over 24 hrs (I wanted those suckers thoroughly cleansed, by golly, lol). I put them in the living room, entryway, my desk/table, the kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms. After that...nothing. I'm remaining hopeful that it truly was a 'passing thru' ghost, who tend to do that to see if they can get attention, give fear, and just have fun doing it, and when the family stands up to them or doesn't wan to play along, they move on. We truly haven't 'felt' anything in the house since that day, the 'oppressed' type feeling is gone, we're all more positive about just daily things, no one's paranoid anymore, ahhhhh...it's a nice, peaceful feeling. Although....we've STILL not found my youngest's iPod touch :( I think it was a passing gift of a 'pissed off' ghost to hide it, ughh! But by golly, we'll pay that price! KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR US!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-72594404763802946762012-02-29T14:25:00.000-06:002012-02-29T14:25:46.971-06:00Are you a 'Doomsday Prepper?'<a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/" target="_blank"><img alt="prepper-quotes-notxt.jpg" src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/481/cache/prepper-quotes-notxt_48124_160x120.jpg" /></a> <br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/" target="_blank">NatGeo</a>!</span></i><br />
<br />
There's a new series on <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/" target="_blank">NatGeo TV called 'Doomsday Preppers,'</a> which show people who are preparing for the worst. We may think the worst would be if a spouse couldn't work or lost their job, a fire or flood, tornado, that sort of thing. These people think in BIG scale...like polar shifts, devastating nuclear attacks, national Marshal Law, and many other types of scenarios. I've think I've seen every episode so far (it just started a couple of weeks ago, and they show repeats often). Some of these folks, I think their ideas of what they're prepping for, are a bit kooky...I'm not saying that THEY are kooky, just some of the ideas I've heard. Even if one of their ideas never comes to fruition (we pray it doesn't), they'll still be prepared for almost any other disaster, natural or man made. They're called 'Preppers.' What's a prepper? Well, just like I mentioned, they're prepping for a global issues, and when I say 'prepping,' I mean, so much more than my stockpile of food from doing my coupons. Some of these folks have moved to an 'inward' state just to get away from the coasts in case the coastline fell in during one of these events. <br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Doomsday Preppers</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> explores the lives of otherwise ordinary Americans who are preparing for the end of the world as we know it. Unique in their beliefs, motivations, and strategies, preppers will go to whatever lengths they can to make sure they are prepared for any of life’s uncertainties. And with our expert’s assessment, they will find out their chances of survival if their worst fears become a reality.</span> <br />
<br />
Some are having their kids (toddlers on up) prep with them, and teaching them how to sleep overnight ALONE in the woods, learning to survive! (sorry, I draw the line of having my 12 yr old get dropped off in the woods at midday so they can build a structure, hunt for food, and sleep under a pile of dried leaves in 'no mans land' over night ALONE, and come back the next day to see if they 'survived.'!) But, anyhoo...I digress. My point is, I've actually learned a few things by watching this show!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/national-geographic-channel/shows/doomsday-preppers/ngc-self-sustaining-suburbia/" target="_blank">This guy</a> turned his in-ground pool into a below ground green house in the shallow end, and a pond in the deeper end, where they literally fish for their dinner! They grow tilapia...they have chickens that they keep OVER the pond, and the chicken's poo drops into the pond to feed the alga and fish! so, basically, when they eat their tilapia, they're eating chicken poo! hmm<br />
<br />
One lady believes that the world will see a huge pandemic, and she's prepping for it. Believe it or not, the specialists on the show agree with her...it WILL happen, to what extreme (globally, locally, or nationally), they can't calculate. She passes out these buckets to her neighbors and community filled with medical supplies to prepare them for when it happens (that can NOT be cheap)! This got me thinking. Where I may not believe we're going down a road like the movie 'Pandemic' (which was good, btw, lol), it can happen, you never know. <br />
<br />
Another farms, and she saves her seeds for when they believe a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white;">cataclysmic event may disrupt the food cycle, delivery, growing, and such. That way, she can share her seeds with her community and neighbors, family and friends, to help grow their own food and begin the cycle again. Now...this one makes a bit of sense, and would be super easy for us gardeners to do...just harvest your garden plant's seeds and save them. Most of us already do that (I know that I do), just step it up!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span><br />
I actually watched <a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/national-geographic-channel/shows/doomsday-preppers/ngc-the-bug-out/" target="_blank">this particular episode </a>with interest...they have SO MUCH FOOD STORED (for quite a few people)! But they are SO well planned, right down to 'bugging out' and taking all of their food (which means animals, as well), with them, with no one (or animal) left behind! You just gotta see how prepared these folks are, and they're very well structured, disciplined to it, and organized!<br />
<br />
Are you a prepper of large or even small proportion? You may be and not even know it. Ok, so you may not believe the polar ends will shift locations, but you probably do agree that you like to be prepared for a few 'just in case' situations...your vehicle, for instance. Most of us have a set of jumper cables in it somewhere...why? just in case! Jumper cables aren't considered a maintenance item for a vehicle, they're for starting your vehicle in case your battery is dead. I've ensured that each of our vehicles have the following (including the hub's company car): a rubbermaid tub with jumper cables and other car-type emergency things, a blanket, and a medical kit (most people have these in there cars to some degree or another). Why not do a 'just in case' for your home, too? we do...what do we do? we have smoke alarms for early warnings, and we have fire extinguishers 'just in case' there's a fire. Everyone knows that I'm a couponer, I do have a stockpile (nothing HUGE by any means, just enough to last us a couple of months, and we use from it, replenish, etc.). I've decided to make a bucket of medical supplies, as well, thanks to the 'pandemic' episode, and keep it in my basement. I already keep a radio and batteries, water, and easy to grab/eat food down there (next to the stockpile shelves), in case of tornado, or whatever reason we may need to go/stay in the basement.<br />
<br />
What would you do? are you convinced 'something is coming?' or do you believe that the government will be there to help (uh...Hurricane Katrina ring any bells?)? or do you believe it is, what it is, and why prepare for something that no man can ever predict to actually occur?<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: All photos and links contained within this post are that from NatGeo. I claim no ownership or originality for them in any way. Source credit belongs to<a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/" target="_blank"> NatGeo</a> in its entirety. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-49674954012939112102012-02-27T20:22:00.001-06:002012-02-27T20:24:04.606-06:00A TON of FREE seed, plant, and garden catalogs!<i>This is a copy of a post that I posted on my Frugal Living site, but thought it was definitely worth the share on LC.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YRPWwydiEA/T0w58zvu2uI/AAAAAAAAEXM/IhM31xQY55Y/s320/lavender+seed+packet1.jpg" width="214" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WOubdSAZHs/T0w5_-lfVQI/AAAAAAAAEXU/4NRp3B8Qjao/s320/pumpkins-graphicsfairy008b.jpg" width="214" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*<i>If you want to print these seed packets above, you can access them (and others) and do so </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>for FREE at <a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Graphics Fairy</a>!</i></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If you're a gardener, then you've probably already started getting your seed and plant catalogs delivered to you in the mail. If not, or if you're a beginner or just want some FREE seed and plant catalogs, then now's the time to order them, because Spring planting is LITERALLY right around the corner! I've got my window greenhouse all set up, trays are there (need to wash them tho, ugh). I'm going through my seeds, seeing what I need to order, have checked WinterSown's tomato list to see what ones I want to order (you can get 6 varieties of rare, hard to find, tomato sees for FREE or more for a small donation). I ordered from WinterSown last year and LOVE them, they're are GREAT seed traders! Which reminds me that I have some bell pepper seeds I need to send them. Anyhoo...I've been doing some checking, and there's actually a <a data-mce-href="http://freebies.about.com/od/homegardenfreebies/tp/seed-catalogs.htm" href="http://freebies.about.com/od/homegardenfreebies/tp/seed-catalogs.htm" target="_blank">2012 updated list of about 48 different seed/plant catalogs in this post, all for FREE</a>! Including the popular ones like Burpee, down to some more obscure catalogs that you've probably never heard about (and THOSE are the ones I LOVE to look at and dream of ordering from...ahhhhhh, sigh!). Some are perennials, some are heirloom only (my fave!), some are trees and bushes, some are a huge mix of things. NOTE: There's a few on that list (which was NOT compiled by myself) that include NOT free catalogs, or they include downloadable catalogs...but just a few. Make sure you look before submitting your form, but it's usually pretty obvious. I know I requested at least 20 new catalogs from companies I've never heard of...I'm so hoping I'll find something AWESOME and new for me to grow!! I LOVE growing rare veggies, hard to find seeds, and such!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Of course, always remember, if it asks where you heard about them, don't say a freebie site, they may not send your catalog, so just say a friend or Google, or something.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">*UPDATE: Since I done this post on T&F a couple of weeks ago, I've received catalogs from no less than 13 NEW companies that I've not heard of before, and I'm having a blast looking through them all. Some have some great new things that I'm so DYING to try growing!!</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-60441227164454232212012-02-27T20:15:00.000-06:002012-02-27T20:15:07.305-06:00Trying to get rid of this blasted GHOST that's in my HOUSE!Oh, boy, if ya'll only KNEW all the crap that this entity, spirit, ghost, shadow figure, whatever, has caused over the past few months, more so over the past month! It's touched me (nothing harmful, but a bit perverted in a way, lol), it's lain next to me in my bed, it's hidden our car keys in places we'd NEVER put our keys (like the floor of my daughter's clothes closet), it's knocked on our 2nd story windows while we're by them (4 knocks in succession, on the window, right by our head...talk about freaky!), and just today, it knocked a stack of stuff off of a box in the upstairs hallway (no cats were around), which caused my golden retriever to jump up and bark at the pile like it she was waiting for it to move again, lol (a couple items on that box was a Catholic Youth Bible, which is heavy, and a dvd case to Paranormal Activity 2 (how about THAT irony, lol), but there were a few other things)...it takes a LOT to get a golden retriever to drop it's chew knot and bark, lol; plus a week or so ago, it actually manifested itself into a tall (about 6 ft) dark shadow figure standing in the corner of my bedroom by my closet. It should be noted that about 6 months ago, before most of what I've mentioned happened, for some strange reason, I began to develop an aversion to my big walk-in closet. I wasn't afraid of it, or of going into it to get my clothes, but it began to make me anxious and leery, to the point that when the door is closed, I put 2-3 throw pillows on the floor against it...it's like I expect the door to open. My golden retriever use to sleep on the floor next to my side of the bed (between the bed and the closet), but for the past 2 months or so, she won't, choosing to sleep between the bed and the hall doorway instead (about 3-5 feet away). <br />
<br />
I can say, however, that I don't think that whatever is in our home is malevolent, but not so sure it's super friendly either. The animals appear to be fine with it, although I think it tends to annoy them. We've got a multitude of cleansed and charged crystals in our pockets, on tables, windowsills, and such setting around the house (for positive energy), and today, I tried to do the 'you need to go toward the light, you're dead, blah blah blah' trick that they all say to do...then 3 hours later the box thing happened, so I'm taking that as a 'I'm not going anywhere' answer.' *sigh* The next thing I have to do is a smudge, which is a house cleansing with a dried sage bundle. It's just so time consuming, and can actually backfire, which is why I've been leery of doing it (that's all the hell I need to do, piss it off worse, ugh, lol). Which is also why I've yet to do an EVP session...kind of afraid what I might hear, knowing that I may not be able to get it to leave and then knowing it's here with me at all times, as well as my kids, while we sleep, are alone, shower, and such???? see??? when you think about all of that and take it all into consideration, you'd probably stop to think before doing it too.<br />
<br />
Now, why and who? I don't know. We live in a non-smoking home (it's almost 10 yrs old and no one has ever smoked in it), and both of my daughters have said that on occasion they smell cigarette smoke, and even dill pickles. My father has passed, over 25 yrs ago, and use to smoke, as well as my grandparents, who passed over a handful of years ago, but if it was one of them, why now? Plus, ya'll know me, I buy, find, and bring in a lot of vintage and antique items...could it be someone that's attached to one of those items? Seriously, I wish I knew. The entity is freaking my kids out, as well as myself, it's never done anything to or around my husband, only us, but I've always been a bit sensitive to these kinds of things and my kids probably just inherited that. When it did manifest, it did so when the dogs were at a dog sitter prior to my picking them up after our trip last week. Did it do that only because the dogs weren't here? because it's not done it any other time...that we've SEEN, that is. Our animals will OFTEN just stare at something, we look, and nothing's there...and I mean stare INTENTLY, like something's either interacting with it, talking to it, moving or something, and they watch it. Do we have more than one spirit or entity, maybe? I don't know, that's a possibility, I guess.<br />
<br />
There's been many other things that it's done, I've just not listed them all, a few things like shake my youngest's bed to the point that she and her cat wakes up, walk around downstairs during the night, knock on the iron support beams in the basement (just one knock), things like that. It all makes me wonder. What do you all think? any other suggestions?? And please do not suggest a Oujia board, because we will not have one of those in our home.<br />
<br />
Oh, it should be noted that we did live in one other haunted house, around 2002-2003, and at times there would be knocking on the windows at that house, as well. But I've read that knocking on walls, doors, windows, etc, is just how they all tend to get your attention. Plus, the ghost that was at that house, had lived there, I don't think it would leave a house that it had lived and died at just to follow piddly ole us, lol. I use to read tarot cards, and did so in that house...after one reading, the encounters at that house tripled, and I've not read tarot cards since, lol (although my daughter has her own deck that she got for Christmas, but all this started before Christmas).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-70471734002517500342012-02-12T17:01:00.000-06:002012-02-12T17:01:16.270-06:00Wow, winter's upon us, which means ONE thing...GARDEN/SEED CATALOGS!Yep, it's that time of year again. If you're a gardener, then you're probably getting your seed, flower, and other garden catalogs in the mail already...I know I have been. I've probably gotten at least 7 seed catalogs since mid December, some I don't even remember signing up for (but I imagine that I did). I've had my garden journal out, updating things from the fall and winter, I STILL have brussels sprout plants growing and producing healthy, green brussels sprouts, they're the only thing pretty and green down in the garden (I need to take a pic and post it for ya'll). <br />
<br />
What this means is it's time for me to start my planning. A true gardener learns from their previous season and adjusts some of those lessons for the next season. I've gone through my seeds, have started sharing some with a couple of friends, even in other states. If you're going to share, then try to get started now, especially if you'll be mailing them, so they'll have them for when it's time to start them indoors. And while I was doing this, it dawned on me, I need to check out <a href="http://wintersown.org/wseo1/index.html" target="_blank">Wintersown</a> to see if they have any new types/varieties of heirloom tomatoes. Last year, out of 12 tomato plants, only ONE of those plants weren't heirloom...yummm! Once you have an heirloom tomato, you'll never want to grow another hybrid ever again, lol. They're SO much more flavorful, and also have more acid in them (which I 'spose some people don't like). But the high acidity in heirlooms are GREAT for canning, it means you don't have to worry about adding citric acid like you sometimes have to think about when canning with hybrid or store-bought tomatoes (some aren't very high in acid at all, which can increase your chances of poisoning all those canned tomatoes that you worked so hard on). Anyway, you may remember me talking about Wintersown last year. I learned about it from my gardener blogger pal, Mimi, from <a href="http://nycgardening.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gardening in the Boroughs of NYC</a>. And boy, I still can't thank her enough for turning me on to this great organization. Check it out for yourself, they offer FREE seeds for wintersowing (or winter starting, I spose...I don't winter sow, but I request seeds from them), donation is not required but they really can use the funds to help to continue what they do...I always donate. AND they take your seed donations, as well. So if you collect and save your seeds and wish to share with them, they'd love to receive them. Check on their site to see how you go about donating them. <br />
<br />
So, what are your garden plans? Have you started? If you're a gardener, believe me, I have no doubt that you're already itching to get out there, lol Where's Spring when you're ready for her? lol I fear that since we've had a very lite winter (here in STL anyway) that it will have a negative effect for our gardening this year...bugs galore, snakes galore, maybe even some fungus and plant disease issues that we wouldn't normally deal with even...ugh!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-70509483552268492712012-01-10T20:39:00.000-06:002012-01-10T20:39:14.599-06:00Wow, I've not posted in quite awhile...sorry about that!!Two holidays have come and gone and yet you've heard not a peep from me on here...that's very strange, eh? I'm usually on here posting my holiday decor and crafts, but not this past season, sorry about that. I had some surprise health problems pop up the week prior to Christmas and it really effected my posting schedule and desire, not to mention how much I actually decorated and crafted...which wasn't much. But rest assured, I'm still here...with my bells on, lol. If you ever doubt, just check my sister blog, <a href="http://thriftyandfrugalbydebbie.com/" target="_blank">Thrifty and Frugal by Debbie</a>..and maybe you can find a few ways to save a few bucks while you're there ;)<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-14400717488865517442011-12-12T15:31:00.000-06:002011-12-12T15:31:07.503-06:00Don't forget to enter my Christmas Gift Guide giveaways!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thriftyandfrugalbydebbie.com/"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eu0PHIp2U7w/TuZyfcn6quI/AAAAAAAAEQk/301CBOAZwWM/s320/2011+GIFT+GUIDE.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><br />
If you're not a frequent visitor to my other site, <a href="http://www.thriftyandfrugalbydebbie.com/">Thrifty and Frugal by Debbie</a>, then you may not know that I'm running quite a few Christmas Gift Guide giveaways right now, plus a couple of others! Head over and check'em out! My giveaways are listed at the top of the right sidebar, can't miss'em...see you there!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-61698489035380226262011-12-12T15:28:00.000-06:002011-12-12T15:28:21.048-06:00It's about Christmas...I JUST got my tree up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OMi8VbCS_c/TuZx2G9FPLI/AAAAAAAAEQc/MSX1JhK-TfA/s320/vintage+sanda.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br />
That's totally unlike me, I know. I usually start right after Thanksgiving, but my schedule and motivation has not been great lately. Busy as hell. And when I'm not, I'm working on <a href="http://www.thriftyandfrugalbydebbie.com/">Thrifty and Frugal</a>, or shuttling kids back and forth. Yes, one drives now, but she refuses to drive on the interstate, and so does her boyfriend, which means mom or dad drives them back and forth to see each other, ughhhh, lol.<br />
<br />
It's just bare bones so far, the hubs and youngest put it up on Saturday while I was at a seminar. They didn't dare start decorating, lol. They knew I'd want to inspect the fluffing of the branches and how many MORE lights it needed, lol. It's finally ready to decorate, so I'll probably be doing that this week and weekend, since T&F will be down due to the move to WordPress. <br />
<br />
The hubs has the lights on the house, for about a week or so now. I haven't done the swags on the railings yet, ughhh, I need to seriously get with the Holiday program!! The peeps that know me know that I'm a HUGE Christmas fanatic...I've had 13 trees up in this house a few years ago. Last year was only about 9 or so, I think. So far, I have the one in my bedroom, living room, one by the front entry, and 2 on the outside on the porch...that's 5 so far. We shall see what I do this week and weekend.<br />
<br />
What about ya'll??? How goes the Holiday decorating for you? Are you slow at getting to it this year like me, or did you grab the bull by the horns full force and jump in head first right away to get it done???<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7415755655983576014.post-79029444747820558332011-11-09T21:35:00.000-06:002011-11-09T21:35:57.938-06:00Ya know, Martha's Home Depot ornaments aren't as pretty in person...So, yesterday, my oldest was having a<strike> shitty</strike> bad day, so instead of making her wait 2 hours and right the school bus home (she's an 'early out'), I picked her up. Normally, she'd just drive home, however, last week, a few unmentionable acts occured, to which she's not allowed to use her vehicle this entire week for pleasure or school, as a punishment. I picked her up and we started home and I decided to pull into the Home Depot lot and check out Martha's new 'shatter proof' ornaments that Kevin Sharky helped display and show off the other day on the show (yeah, I know, I talk like I know them or something, rofl). Anyhoo, the <strike>shitty</strike> bad day was my excuse, because I knew that as soon as we got home, she'd go upstairs to her computer and I wouldn't see her for the rest of the day. It turns out, I was right, because she instantly saw a <strike>shiny</strike> hot guy that made her<strike> shitty</strike> bad day not so bad anymore. So after pressing all the buttons to make the dry-snow globes play music, we checked out Martha's new Christmas ornament line, and I was horribly surprised. I mean, Martha, seriously???? you approve of less than perfect workmanship such as that? They're defintely NOT as shiny, NOT as pretty, NOT as precise with the detailed painting, and NOT something I would want to spend money on. I know...sad, right??? I couldn't believe what I was seeing.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a class="iLinks" href="javascript:openFeatureFlex('http://fp.vendaria.com/vpop/VpopViewer.html?uid=202720257&iid=AddpfzvImumvmKvJJIIKfwKILumLKv&bg=FFFFFF&nm=BZOpener&err=0&title=&pf=t&fr=t','','587','632',true,false,false,false,false,false);"><img id="superPIP__productImage" src="http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/32/32c3e86e-6866-4573-be1a-05cdd2fdb4b5_300.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">See? don't these look like they'd be pretty?</div><div align="center">Well, they weren't...actually, they looked a bit 'tacky,' believe it or not!</div><div align="center">suppose to have glitter on the whites...not so much sparkle at all.</div><div align="center">I had high hopes for those Tiffany Blue balls...blech, now that I saw them in person!</div><br />
Now, the new Martha's Project Paint????? THAT is a comPLETEly different story! We, of course, had to follow Shiny Guy around for a bit in the store (eh, it made her feel better, and it wasn't like I don't enjoy looking at fun project stuff in a hardware store, so I appeased her), so I headed for the paint aisles. Now, Martha has paint, of course, gallons that you can buy, and now they have small 'sample' containers of the same paint that you can buy to see if it's what you want to use (or for small projects). The lady pointed to where I asked, and she was giddy about them herself, lol and proceeded to give me the flyer of the the workshop that Home Depot is doing tomorrow night (Thursday, 11-10) around the US (participating Home Depots, times may vary by store) where they're going to do projects with Martha's Project Paint...I'm in! I am SO going tomorrow night for this workshop. Our's is from 6:30 - 8 pm, it's free, and you get to play with Martha's new paints!!!! they have GLITTER paint...they have CRACKLE GLITTER paint! YESSSS, they DO! They have her special paints that she likes to make her faux boui (or however she spells it) (fake wood) designs with. She even has kits now that has the wood grain rocker in it ($5.99! seriously!) and other doo dads for projects. <br />
<br />
Ah, Martha, you surprise me sometimes...sometimes, eh, not so much! lol<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/80/D6E421F9A43E5901040A56F63268BB39.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Debbie Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453432428504085579noreply@blogger.com2