Been Awhile!

Oh goodness!  I have been away entirely toooooo long!  How did this happen?  I've seen it all before where bloggers get in a rut and disappear for months and we all know that life just gets busy.
All I can say is I've missed you!!  My blogging community isn't that big over here but I have met some treasured friends through the blogging world that I have truly enjoyed knowing.  I'm still doing a few craft swaps here and there and meeting my good photographer friend when we both have time...

Here's a few photos to share what's been keeping me a bit busy and off of my blog...

Remember my parent's puppy?  She's now over a year old and more adorable and ornery than ever!  I'm currently puppy sitting for a bit and I have definitely been challenged in the roll of pseudo fur ball mama!  She is a "Yorktese" or "Morkie" and boy oh boy I'm getting a taste of what it's like to have a terrier breed.
Just today I caught her with a disgusting snake carcass in her mouth and she wouldn't release it for anything in the world.   One minute she is loving and angelic and the next she is bouncing up and down like Tigger and tearing the inside of my shoe apart or running off with my slippers!  LOL!

I'm so used to having poodles who just want to melt into your lap and be held like a little baby all day.   I will say she is easily forgiven and I just love her to pieces!

See these fun sparkly dipped Oreo pops?  A wonderful gal from my small group made them for a baby shower we had for another small group member in Virginia - via Skype!  Technology is so cool!  We had a good time and even played some games.  We opened presents up in front of the computer and heard oohs and ahhhs over all the cuteness.   I hope we get a follow up Skype appointment to meet the little one soon!

Since we are on the food photo trend... I've been having so much fun making some recipes off of Pinterest as well as some old standbys from the Weight Watchers books, too.   My brother absolutely loves this skinny unfried chicken breast recipe.  There are so many variations out there but this one has cornflakes, garlic, mayo, etc..  Delish!
My BFF also turned me into a quinoa fan and I've made what is called "quinoa cups" which are like mini crust less quiches.  So check it out!  Maybe I'll figure out how to put a Pinterest badge on this blog and you can follow me...  I need some geeky tech support for sure. I have over 5,000 followers and apparently I'm an excellent pinner.  Crazy!

It seems like even as an adult I still love my mom's pretties...   She has the loveliest shabby-chic trinkets in her home.  I'm a complete sucker for beautiful things like painted porcelain figurines, plates, etc.

She also has fantastic light pouring into her front room - a photographers dream!  I felt led to grab something to photograph recently and voila!

I hope to get my nice camera out soon - looking for more green to show up here but for now we just received some additional snow on the ground (it melted thank goodness) and even though it says April and Spring on the ol' calendar - it's not looking like it at the moment.
I'm sure there will be inspiration all around me soon.  For now I'm just enjoying the cheerful songbird chirps early in the morning and know sunshine and tulips are just around the corner!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Stopping in to wish all of my American friends a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday!   Hug tight your family and friends and enjoy each other's company....

There's so much to be thankful for and many take for granted things like having a healthy family that loves them, a running vehicle, a job, a warm home to come home to, and food in their bellies

Tonight my friend and I were making homemade biscuits to add to a dinner that will be delivered to a church family in need tomorrow.  I recently learned about The Martha Project through a local church I was visiting and the speaker was sharing her testimony of being a foster parent and how others can get involved to provide respite, prayer, meals, mentoring, etc.

My friend knows this speaker on a personal level and was quick to jump in and get involved in helping with a meal - it's all about reaching out and helping others.   I hope they like these buttery biscuits we dropped off this evening.  It seems so small but I'm praying that it'll fill their hearts with love and their bellies with delicousness :)

I am having a growth spurt in my life right now and although it's painful and tough at times I know I'll be stronger and healthier.  Sometimes you have to "go there" and allow God to lovingly guide you.  I never want to stay stagnate in my life and it's important me to progress.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2 NIV

Very recently we lost our wonderful pet yellow lab and it's taken awhile to get used to the absence of her presence in our home.   I will have a little test run in puppy sitting for my parents soon - it'll be a few weeks so I'll have some time to see if I could really handle having a new pup in my life.   For me, I think it'll be really worth it and I keep perusing the postings on a rescue site and find my self saying "awwww" aloud quite often!  

My parents pup is already a year old! Time is flying by as usual! Well it's time to prepare the green bean casserole soon and make myself presentable.

Have a wonderful holiday and I'll be back soon.  God bless!

Long Time No Blog

I know shocker, right?   Thought I'd come back and give it a go again and see if anyone is still checking on me here!  Especially at the prompting of my biggest blog fan -my aunt!  

What have I been up to all summer?   Seems like I've been nonstop going but I'm sure that's not really the case but sometimes it feels like it, ya know?

I've been doing more crafting and stamping lately and fell in love with the Prima art doll stamps that have been out for awhile.   I've never seen them in our local stores so I had to order them online.  I have three and definitely want to buy more now that some new ones have been released recently.

This first one was for my good friend from church, Joanne.  Very girly and sweet, like her!  She loves dresses and has cute short hair too.   Her nickname is Chappy :)

Not the best pics in this post - I've been BAD about pulling out my nice camera and using my i phone.   I have become one of "those" people and hope I haven't become an annoyance to others! LOL!  

It's just so fun to use and convenient! 

                                                            all photos by Angela 

I also have been spending a lot of time with friends and establishing new friendships as well.   I've eaten some fabulous food as I am blessed to now know two chefs.   The Culinary Caverns events have come to an end and my new chef friend has Foodie Fridays in which I've been to two now.    Last time was so fun because she had us bring ingredients and she was to make something with what we brought.  
I never thought a pizza made with naan bread, olive oil, tomatoes, bacon, etc - could be so scrumptious.  She even jazzed us Dollar Store gnocchi!  That's talent!

Recently, a friend was a counselor for a foster youth camp for girls and she was in charge of crafting what she lovingly calls "God boxes" - I think a few posts back I shared hers.   We gathered up all kinds of papers, embellishments, glue, glitters and such ...  then she found a great hand-made rose tutorial on You Tube.   We were cutting up swirly papers and making these by hand - loved this one I did with Tim Holtz papers and deckle scissors.
The boxes are quite the hit and hopefully all of the girls enjoyed making them.

Here's another doll tag I made for my former pastor's wife. This one has more sass and high fashion to it - she loves animal prints and sparkle.   It was such a blessing to hear she loved it and brought a smile to her face.  I love doing things like this.   

I need to do more because it's more a blessing to give than it is to receive, right?    

It really helped to get rid of cable and just spend time doing other things.  Summer is busy and there's so much more to do.  Being in the cold basement on a hot summer day was perfect!   There's more to come before the new season comes upon us.   I love fall - I can't wait!

Have a wonderful day!  

God Bless the USA

Wishing everyone a wonderfully blessed and safe Independence Day! God bless America!

Shelving Inspiration

Where oh where have I been?  Sorry I've been away for a whole month!  I just haven't had the desire to blog in awhile and now that we've had some warmer days I'm taking full advantage of them while I can!

I've been doing a bit of volunteering, crafting, hanging with friends (personal shopping galore) and just enjoying being out there and living.   I also haven't been bringing my camera along and totally stuck in the iPhone craze of taking pics and Instagramming them.   It's been fun ... but I HAVE missed you, too!

Hopefully, I'll have a reason to drag my Canon back out and take some fun pics of nature blooming all around me.  Soon I'll be going to our local botanical gardens with my gal pals - we call ourselves The Pink Diamonds.  It's just four of us and we thought it would be fun to give us a name.
I've always loved The Pink Ladies from "Grease"!!  Silky jackets and all.   Stockard Channing was the best!

I digress...  One of the Pink Diamonds, Carol, has a totally skillful hubby that can do carpentry.  He was a local high school teacher and has his own workshop in his home.   When I was recently looking at Pinterest for inspiration in decor I was really digging the open shelving look in kitchens.   I'm very slow to some new trends and I wouldn't totally make my entire kitchen open shelving but I so love the European cottage kitchens and actually some of the modern kitchens have them, too.

Here's a bit of what I'm talking about

                                                        via Better Homes & Gardens 

                                                               Via June Taylor tumblr via Pinterest

                                                             Via Birch & Birch via Pinterest 


So I asked him to come up with something similar and something that was wide and heavy-duty enough to put dishes on and handle it.

                                                                 i phone photo by Angela 

I really like them but my roomie (brother) thinks they are too big and worried about conking his head on them or falling down, etc.   I told him I like them and they aren't going anywhere as they are huge anchors in huge holes in the wall.   I did try putting my current Pottery Barn plates on them but it's a lot of white and they are kind of big.  I'm still playing.  I also may put a little antique brown stain in the grooves of the shelves to go with the rest of the browns in the kitchen.

The outlet isn't really pretty but I'm working with a very small space.  It just needed something in there to warm it up as well as make it useful.

I'm sure I'll be perusing Home Goods and other places to find just the right things to put on the top one.

Have a great week!  - Angela

Easter Swap Goodies 2013

Hello - I'm playing catch up and finally getting to posting my Easter swap goodies from Jen whose blog is called Dogma.
She spoiled me good and I don't even have pics of everything she gave me!  I have already munched on the yummy jellybeans.  It was nice to meet her and I thought her spoolie was unique and pretty!  We both have never altered spoolies before and it has been fun seeing what everyone came up with.   Funny how many of us used nests and I think even another person used a tin like me!

All photos by Angela 

I really liked all the pretty laces and trims she included.  I have been craving a bit of shabby chic in my crafts lately.  There's a lot of inspiring ideas out there - especially loving the Prima doll art stamp that is currently unavailable!  I have it on my radar and hope to snag at least one when it's back in circulation this month.  

See all the little buttons, pink trees and ephemera?  We both have a love of bunnies.  Cute stuff!

I have never heard of Smencils and boy do they smell wonderful!  Lemon is a fave scent - it's nice and refreshing.  Hmmm maybe I should bring it to work and have a little aromatherapy?  I can see it now -me at my desk with my eyes closed and inhaling a pencil ... and my coworkers looking at me like I'm crazy!  Hey - no calories, right?

This German egg is so adorable.  I also like chickies and lambs.  I have been waiting for spring for sooo long!  It snowed last night but thankfully it melted by the time I left work today.  Jen thank you for being so generous and a wonderful swap partner you are truly talented!  It was great meeting you and it would be great to see you and your sweet sis Meri in AZ sometime soon.   Sandy thanks again for hosting another fantastic swap!  I'm blessed to meet so many great "Jen's" thorough you. 

Here's the spoolie I made Jen ...

I had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday  with my family.  After a delicious dinner with the family we settled in and watched The Bible on The History Channel.  It was truly riveting and I was bawling.   Now I want to see the other episodes.   Here's a link to the recap for those that may not have cable like me.  I heard it's already on DVD and available to buy.    

I'm thankful for the Lord and what he did on Calvary!  Have a blessed day! - Angela 

Love of a Pup

This is my parent's new puppy - isn't she so cute?  She's a Yorktese which I have always called these Morkies...  which are a mix (designer dog if you will) of a Yorkie Terrier and a Maltese.  She is FULL of energy and fun.  She is keeping my parents on their toes all the while biting and licking them as she goes.  I really super duper wanted one of her litter mates but I didn't think it would be the best time to introduce a new pup in my life.

After all, I'm busy co-caring for my brother's dog while I'm living in the same home...

She has been a faithful and loving friend.  She follows me everywhere and tries to nudge her nose into my bedroom door often.  I am covered in hair all of the time!  I wear a lot of black and it looks like I'm rocking the angora look this winter!  

Both dogs are having a blast in the freshly fallen snow.  We were expecting quite a few inches and had everyone on high alert for being snowed in.   I think we reached 8" but it felt like 12" when I was shoveling it today.  More is coming on Monday.   That ground hog should be fired!  I was all ready for spring!  

Have a great weekend! 

Easter Swap

I just signed up!  I am excited to meet a new friend (or be matched with a former swap friend, too) in this Easter swap.   Easter is quite early this year, too.  March 31st.
Thankfully, I already had some old spools from an antique market that I picked up.  I also have some old tins.  Time to spark up some creativity and make something pretty!

If you are interested check it out here at 521 Lake Street.  Deadline is February 18th.

One Little Word for 2013

Hello and happy new year!   Sorry I have been away for so long.  Has anyone out there missed me?
Sometimes I wonder if I still have anyone checking on me here.  Give me a shout out if you're out there!

I have been incredibly busy and feeling like I'm struggling to catch up after the holidays.  As much as I love a fresh and brand new year - there are a lot of things to do straight out of the gate.   For me it's holiday clean up, pictures, taxes, car plates, doctor appointments, etc.
February I hope to get a breather!

I have chosen my word for 2013... BELIEVE

                                                               Photo & Art by O. Heiser 

I have not joined in the project for "One Little Word" but I enjoy the concept of choosing a word to focus on for the year.   My word for 2012 was courage.

The word "believe" kept popping up for both me and a friend of mine and we both really thought it rang true in our lives at this moment and time.   She gave me permission to share her beautiful box that she made with several words that had meaning to her.

My church is also using this word for the year and I'm excited to hear and learn from some of the sermons.

"Everything is possible for him who believes"  Mark 9:23 NIV

Merry Christmas To You and Yours!

I've just finished my wrapping of presents complete with a few hand-made tags to apply.  It's been a busy time in my life again.  There's been a lot of hustling and bustling especially since we had a big storm a few days ago.  Tomorrow is finally the big day!
Yesterday I went to church with a friend and heard a wonderful message and can't wait to start in on a new and exciting 2013!  While walking to our cars to go grab lunch there was a couple women standing in the parking lot while some of our men from church were trying to push her car out of a small snow bank - in which her car was high-centered and was going no where.
Someone shouted out asking if anyone had a tow rope.   I was like, hmm, no... Wait!  I just recently bought a AAA car kit at Target and voila!  I had a tow rope!  I was so excited that they were able to get that car out quickly - especially since it was super cold out.
I had a great weekend - stayed over a good friend's house and hung out watching movies and exchanging presents.

I hope you all hold your loved ones close this holiday - my heart was broken after what happened in Newtown and I continue to pray for healing and peace for that community and our country.

Bless you all and have a Merry Merry Christmas!!

                                                                      photo by Angela 
                                                   
 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."   Matthew 1:23 

Looks Like Christmas!

All photos this post by Angela 

I'm happy to say that for the first time ever I have my Christmas tree up and decorated prior to December!

I've always admired those organized folks that whipped out their decorations and had their entire home full of holiday cheer as soon as the turkey giblets are put away in their fridges.  

                                                                                                                       

Me? Well I normally would help my mom (and dad) put up their tree since we spend Christmas at their home.  However, this year Mama just doesn't want to go through the trouble.  Instead she'll decorate the mantle with some silvery sparkles and mercury glass.
Good thing since my aunts, uncle and grandma are counting on having the place looking spiffy for a photo shoot with me being their photographer.

They are a fun bunch!  We're planning on fun props like Santa hats, candy canes, etc!   I get my great sense of humor from both sides of my family.  We just like to be silly.  I have no idea if any of that comes across in my blog posts.  

I just love these quilted stockings.  I picked them up at a craft show held inside a model home and admission was a canned good for feeding the homeless.   I love a good cause and a good excuse to check out a small craft show (the big ones are zoos)!  There's some cute little vintage Santas and cookies whip-stitched on them.  The buttons are a nice little touch, too!  

I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music and enjoying the heat coming out of the vent (it's getting chilly and we are expecting snow tomorrow).  Gotta get to some crafts and laundry now - have a great weekend!

A Bit of Thanksgiving Deliciousness

Hello!  Just wanted to share a quick pic or two from my Thanksgiving.   I had to show you the cute truffle turkeys my parents made after watching a morning show on TV.   Yum yum!

                                                                All pictures this post by Angela

I made some fruit ambrosia salad.  It was so good that after I went home I made some more to keep in the fridge!  I think I may make some more corn pudding, too.  Seems like I love the side dishes the best!  What about you?

Tell me, do you like cranberry sauce from a can like I do?  They had a whole episode from "How It's Made" about this and how people like the lines indented in the can to use for a guide to cut the gelatinous concoction.   We are easy, we like a lot of the instant stuff and just doctor it up a bit!

I'm using the weekend to pull out some Christmas decorations.   I don't have a lot of room in my current home so doing lots of editing.   I miss my shelving unit.

Have a great day! See you soon!

Gratitude

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." Brian Tracy

Well Thanksgiving is only a couple days away!  Are you ready?  I went food shopping with my mom and helped her price-match at the grocery store.  I go over my parents house and help cook.  We have a few extra guests this year so it shall be fun.  I hope they like to play games!  The guys usually veg out on the couch watching football.

I honestly cannot believe how fast the holidays have arrived and feel very behind in my creative endeavors.  It's been quite some time since I've sat down to really get creative.  All of my energy has been absorbed in the never-ending mini renovation of our kitchen.  It's hard to get it all done when working full-time and trying to live in that space as well.  Sprucing up this former bachelor pad takes work!  Woo wee!!
I had a wonderful and highly motivated friend swoop in and helped get 'er done! So I will share a couple pictures of our newly added back splash (which my dad installed).  It looks even better with the grout!  

                    The sink faucet will be replaced (can't wait) 

\

     Valspar Macadamia Nut wall paint & fresh white ceiling paint...

I am thankful for so much and cannot express how much I've appreciated new friendships in my life, support of family and God's provision.  

I am sorry I haven't been blogging more fun holiday stuff but I know some out there appreciate some good ol' DIY home improvement posts.  

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!    

Christmas Is Coming Soon!

The chill is in the air and the furnace is on already!  I've been doing a little pre-Christmas buying and I took my Christmas totes out of storage and put them in the basement so they are nearby.

I need to get back into my craft room and start getting my creative juices flowing ... reading a lot of craft and photography blogs and everyone is getting their Christmas things in order.

Thought I'd try and put this cute countdown on my blog to remind me to get ready get ready get ready!!

P.S. Looks like it's a little squished in my blog format (someday I need to change it up again so my photos are bigger, too) but you can still see the days, hours and minutes.

Christmas Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

Fall Fun

Whew! What a weekend!  Ever get wiped out from looking for that perfect item?  That's how I feel after going to Junkstock on Saturday (and sneaked out there on Friday night, too).   It was my first time going to this event so I was pretty excited to check it out.
They had their first event this last summer but I was unable to go.  This time I made sure I put it on my calendar and asked my aunt to come along with me, too.  We started out having breakfast rounders from a local food truck called Localmotive then  met up with some of my other gals in my family to start our tour of the vendor booths.   My aunt and I were newbies to the food truck experience but I've heard a lot of good things from some foodie friends so I had to give it a try.  The rounders were good - with some aioli type dipping sauce.

                                                          Photo from Junkstock page

There were about 30 vendors - everything outdoors and on an old farm.  Lots of neat displays and
re-purposed items.   I was looking for old windows to alter and make into picture frames, chalkboards, etc.
I did find some but wasn't sure about the prices, the cost of buying the paint, boards, etc. I was also concerned over the weight of the larger ones that didn't have have panes.  Then I found this cute one already fixed up and I was sold!  The top is glass with vinyl bird stickers (I heard the crafter made it from a machine most likely a Silhouette but I'm just guessing) and the bottom is press board painted with chalk paint.   It made it light and the perfect weight for our old walls. The vendor is Simply Bungalow.

Photos rest of this post by Angela 

I still plan on altering an old window.  I have a high school friend who's going to give me a couple of them.  Her husband replaces windows for a living.  She was very nice to think of me!  

I also bought this cool twig wreath from A Little Rustic.  They had a lot of neat antiques and banners.  I could have left with a wagon load from their lot!  At least I know where to find their store if I ever want to take a road trip.  I also bought a few other things as well.   I didn't bring my camera because it was unpredictable weather all weekend.  One minute it was cold, windy and rainy and the next it was humid, warmer, then it rained later which took me by surprise after getting out of a movie that evening.  

Thought I'd share a few photos of my Fall decor sprinkled in the house.   All of my stuff is still in storage (sniff!) so I only bought a few new things for this year...

I just love that Kirklands came back to my town after being gone for a few years.  I scored this green ceramic pumpkin the week they opened and got it on sale, too!

Michael's already has their Fall items on clearance.  Found this cute lil wagon to put some faux pumpkins/gourds inside.  

And lastly my other find at either TJ Maxx or Marshall's ... sums up all my favorite parts of this season.  Only thing missing is mention of the leaves turning color.  Bright yellows, reds, oranges.   Sigh... it's such a short season but it's a favorite of mine.   I need to get out and take some pics soon.

What's your favorite season? 

  

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”

John Burroughs