Life In Pieces

Thanks A Million BHG!

If you are an avid crafter, like me, you look forward to the abundance of craft magazines that appear on news stands everywhere around this time of year.  So, you can imagine that I was thrilled, and that's an understatement, when I was grocery shopping this morning and walked by the magazine racks and see Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts front and center.  You see, right after the holidays last year, BHG contacted me and asked if I would be interested in my velvet pumpkin sewing pattern being featured in the 2011 issue of Holiday Crafts.  Well, YEAH! 

 
 
I couldn't wait to get out of the store before snapping photos!  That probably wasn't the best thing to do, but I was just so excited, I couldn't help it.

 
 
I think BHG did a great job styling the pumpkins.  And I absolutely love those dishes - they look like brackets.

 
 
Of course, it's best not to show you the tutorial page here - after all, in order to take the content of a magazine home, you have to purchase it first, right? 

I'm sure you are dieing to rush out and get yourself a copy.  It's full of awesome projects that I can't wait to try. 

Happy Crafting!

Toe-May-Toe, Toe-Ma-Toe

I don't care how you say it - they're dog-gone good!  I can't get enough of them and the acid buildup in my body proves it.  Wow!  I've had a tomato sandwich for lunch (and sometimes breakfast) everyday for about a week now.  I've always loved ketchup, salsa, tomato soup, spaghetti sauce, etc. but have never enjoyed a vine ripe tomato itself UNTIL NOW.  I've been scouring the Internet for new recipes.  I came across the cutest BLT Bites on Pinterest and tried them myself for the first time yesterday.  I took them to a church snack supper last night and they were a big hit.  Here's how I made mine:  I picked up some All Natural Brat Buns at the grocery store along with Roma Tomatoes, Romaine Lettuce, Bacon, Mayo and Toothpicks.  I sliced my buns into about 1/2" thick slices (I used 3 buns and ended up with 24 slices).  I sliced my tomatoes (I got 4 nice slices from each tomato).  I then started layering - bread first, of course, then lettuce, bacon, tomato and I topped it off with a dollop of mayo.  I used this, but of course you can spoon the mayo on.  I inserted a toothpick just to keep everything together.  Quick, easy and DELICIOUS!

 

How do you enjoy your tomatoes?  I'd love to know!

So... What happened?

I haven't a clue!  I'm not sure if I can still work this thing.  I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've blogged.  My Momma always told me if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.  I really don't think that applies here, because I've had so many nice things to say, but just haven't said them.  I'm really not sure why I stopped blogging, but I'm gonna try to get back in the swing of things.

To start things off, I'm going to apologize to my last Fourth Friday Freebie winners.  I still know who you are and just as soon as I can get some ink, I'm going to get you your winnings!  Really, I am.  I've decided to not continue with the Fourth Friday Freebie, at least for now.  I'll still do a give-away from time to time though.

Another thing I haven't done in ages is scrapbook.  I have a whole new reason to scrapbook now... you see, I have a new grandson.  Meet Liam...

 
Liam was born on March 13th in Colorado Springs - where Lane's husband, Richard, is stationed with the Army.  I was so happy and fortunate to be able to fly out the day Liam was born and be there for the birth and a nice 10 day visit afterward.  Liam was 8 weeks early and things were a little chaotic (ok, a lot) for a little bit, but after all was said and done, everyone is doing great.  I am so thankful!  I've been busy doing things grandmothers do, or at least the things grandmothers who like to make things do.  I've sewed, crocheted and now I'm scrapbooking.  It feels good - it really does.

I've got several fun things to look forward in the coming months and as time gets closer, I'll share those with you.  For now, I'm going to do my best to get crafty and have a little fun around here.

 

Wise words.  Have a great weekend!

  

I wish you could taste this...

Actually, you can!  Remember the Ladies' Luncheon back in April?  I posted the recipe for Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin.  I used that recipe with a few minor changes.  Rather than a 4 lb. pork loin, I used 2 regular (unseasoned) pre-packaged pork tenderloins.  I got mine at Wal-Mart.  I can't remember how much they weighed, but they are all pretty much the same size.  I doubled the rest of the recipe with the exception of the salt - I used 2 teas.  I followed the cooking directions as written except at the end of the hour and a half, I transferred the pork loin to the outdoor grill (which I had preheated on high) until the meat thermometer read 155.  Actually, the thermometer read about 165 or 170.  It only took about 15 mins. on the grill until I got the desired amount of charbroiled goodness! 

Let me tell you...  it was F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.  I served it with seasoned green beans that I simmered all day and corn on the cob.

You must try it!  It was easy!  Trust me.

TGIF

Not only is it just Friday, it's Fourth Friday.  That means it's time to announce the winner of May's FFF; but, before I do, I just want to let you know that I'm going to take a break from FFF during June and July.  We'll get things rolling again in August.  Okay?

I'm not sure what happened to my blogging in May - only one post.  Maybe I was busy, I can't remember.  But because of the lack of something the least bit interesting for you to comment on, I've decided to give something to everyone who commented on my one and only post in May.  So, if you are one of the five commenters below, YOU WON!

 

 
I've been working on some personalized recipe cards to offer in my Etsy Shop and on my website, so I thought I would debut them here and give a few sets away.  Each of the five winners will get a set of recipe cards.  So if you are one of the five, e-mail me with your 3 initials and I'll get your recipe cards to you.

Now, just because we're taking a FFF break until August, that doesn't mean you should stop commenting, and I promise not to stop posting. 

I hope you have a great Memorial Day Weekend!  I know I will!

Love Shack?

I'd like to think so; although, Niki and Tony think this place would make an awesome playhouse!

Have a great Tuesday!

Lucky #13

   
 

As usual, I let www.random.org pick the winner.  There were 19 comments since the last FFF and Doris was commenter #13.  Yay Doris!!!  I'll be in touch and get your bag to you pronto!  Thanks everybody for your comments.  Keep them up!  I have another fun FFF planned for May!
  
  

Check back tomorrow...

FFF winner will be announced Saturday - Tony had an accident at school and we've been at the Dr.'s office ALL evening!  He's okay.  He's really glad to be home and so am I. 

It was a big job and I'm glad I got to do it!

 
A lot of you know, but just in case you don't, I make invitations.  I was given the task of coming up with a bridal tea invitation that incorporated fuchsia, Tennessee orange and ribbon.  Wow, what in the world was I going to do?  Well, this is what I ended up with.  I'm tickled pink and orange over them and I hope the bride-to-be will be too.  Let me tell ya, this is a girl that speaks my language!  Bold and colorful!

So, the next time you are in the market for invitations for a birthday party, baby shower, bridal tea, etc., give me a holler!  I have many designs to choose from or I can create something custom just for you!