Favorite Finds

I was going to join Holly for Thrifty Thursday, but it wasn't there. I will join if she adds it today.  Blogger is not cooperating so I had to settle for the pictures that I was able to load, and it took these quite a while. On to some fun finds! I had planned not to attend any sales this weekend since I was having one of my own. I had called a friend who told me about this Estate Sale, and she was sure that I wouldn't want to miss it. Needless to say she was right, and I definitely wish I had been there earlier. They had some great things that had already sold at fantastic prices. Here are the few little things that I picked up.

Check out all these old buttons! I picked up the pressed glass dish as a gift.

Can't wait to start some projects so I can use these.

I loved these old buttons still on the cards.

Yet another favorite thing!! Old wooden spools of thread.

Lots of them! About 75 in all. Based on what I have seen on etsy and ebay

$5 for all was a bargain!

These cute little spools were in there too.

A little closer look at those vintage hankies.

Remember that little project that I posted about? Well some of these items are going to make wonderful additions.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week. It has been a busy week so posting has been slow, and my little Blog Patroler told me that it was time for a new post, so here you have it.

Jackie

When Plans Change

     Or this could be titled, When your 30 minute dentist appointment turns into a 3 hour and 30 minute dentist appointment. Here's another one: When your filling replacement turns into a ROOT Canal! Or, my mouth hurt last night, and this morning and my mind can't even think of a good blog post. Take your pick.

     With that said, I thought you would enjoy what I found over at Life in Grace. She is having 12 days of handmade Christmas!  Go here to see some wonderful ideas!

Day 1- Dishmat  ( my favorite so far)

Day 2 - Raggamuffin Garland

Day - 3 Tile coasters

Day - 4 Fabric Birds (these would be so cute decking out their own Christmas Tree)

I can't wait to see what today's project will be, and in the mean time I will be planning who will get some of those dishmats. Have a wonderful day!

Jackie

Just a little peek.........

.......at something I am working on.

Mama B's sewing machine.

A great old quilt from her house.

other little odds and ends,

Can you guess what it is?

Jackie

Shades of Fall

Just a little of what Fall is looking like at our house.

Don't you just love pumpkins?

Vibrant colors.

Rembember that jelly?

I love the colors, and everything about the fall season.

However, it reminds me of change. Something I don't always welcome. It is a reminder that another year has come and almost gone, and I am sitting here wondering what have I done this year that really matters?

Really matters to God?

In the mean time, I will be reflecting, praying, and asking where do I go from here? What changes does God want me to make in my life?Changes that will bring beauty, just as this changing season does.

How about you what does this season look like at your house?

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

Challenge!! LOVE LOUD LIGHT IT UP!

This is a challenge for all of you Georgia folks. The Georgia Baptist Convention will conclude the annual meeting with a Love Loud Light it Up Mission experience. This is the perfect opportunity to show the love of Christ in a real hands on way. Projects to choose from are as follows: haircutting, food distribution, vehicle cleaning, assisted living ministry, landscaping, home cleaning/repair and community prayer walking.  Just go to http://www.loveloud.gabaptist.org/ and hurry the deadline to sign up is October 23 which is Friday. I would love to meet you all there! Jackie

DIY Artwork

Today is DIY Day again over at ASPTL. Here is a little DIY art transformation done by my daughter. Thought you might enjoy this easy way to make a larger piece of artwork on a budget. She purchased the picture earlier this summer and didn't feel she needed to spend more on a second piece to go with it. Alone, the picture was not large enough for the space where she planned to hang it.

So here is what she did. I will try to get a few more details later if any of you are interested.

• First she took some plain old yard sticks from the hardware store
• Put them together to form a  square
• Equally spaced the yard sticks and attached to the square frame
• Spray painted the yard stick frame with brown spray paint
• Backed it with burlap from a burlap sack that she already had
• Attached the original artwork to the center and hung it over the bed in her spare bedroom

Looks great don't you think? When she was telling me about the project I definitely had my doubts. I am a visual person and I could not even imagine what she was trying to tell me. It looks great in her bedroom, and next she will be working on the windows and bedding. I will have to show you a complete look when she finishes. Here is a closer view of the yard sticks and burlap. She has a lot more creativity going on than me at the moment. For more transformations Shabby Chic Cottage is having Transformation Thursday.

UPDATE. Several of you have asked about her health and how she is doing. She responded well to the prednisone this time, and quickly which was a good thing. She has been backing down the dose also a good thing. Monday we went so they could do a baseline sig for the clinical trial that she will be participating in at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. It showed a lot of improvement since the one last month. Tomorrow she goes for the first infusion. Please pray that all goes well. She gets the infusion, then stays for an observation period to make sure she does not have any adverse reaction. Please continue to pray. I know God knows exactly what she needs, and He will provide. Got to head to bed. Subbing again for the next two days. They are keeping me busy. I had just walked in the door today when they called. I am blessed to have the work and the flexibility to be with my kids. God is so good! Have a blessed week. Jackie

Food for Thought?

          Needless to say our Maine trip was not good for my diet! I will be playing a little catch up this week, and for the next little while. For the past 13 weeks I participated in a "Chubby Challenge." I am participating to improve my health, exercise habits and eating habits. This past 13 weeks my weight loss was 14.2 pounds, until Maine that is. I am back with it this week. There was actually a break in the rain today, and I walked and ran this afternoon.

     We felt as if we were eating from the time we arrived in Freeport, until we left Atlanta, and since we were attending my nephew's wedding, there was a lot of good food involved!  I will say all of the food was great! We did not eat a bad meal. There seemed more to choose from, than your typical chain food restaurants.

This little roadside stop was highly recommended to us, and advertised as one of USA Today's top 10 picks. By the time we parked the car the line had gone from three people to about 15 in a matter of a few minutes. It had gotten pretty windy so we opted for this little place instead.

Sarah's sign out front said,"As seen in Country Living Magazine", so we were hoping that meant it was OK.

We ordered some Haddock Chowder and salad. The chowder was delicious, and we definitely should have shared the salad!

Our table mates ate the rehearsal dinner.

Before

DURING                     

                               And AFTER!

                                    

    If you guessed this is my daughter and her husband you are right.

Can you guess what we had?

Totally Yummy!

All this, and not to mention we still had the wedding reception to go!

Now it is definitely time to get back to reality!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Jackie

Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage each of you ladies to have regular mammograms. My story is that I did not have those regular mammograms, and before I knew it 10 years had passed, without much thought. When it came time for my regular check up, I knew my Dr would be asking me about it again.  She was able to get me in the same day of my annual check-up since I  to travel an hour and a half  to Savannah. Well instead of getting word that everything looked fine, I had to return for a magnification which was not conclusive, and I ended up having to have biopsies in both breasts. If you think mammograms are unpleasant, I assure you it is nothing compared to having a biopsy. Everything did come back clear, but it was unsettling waiting on the news, and if I'd had those regular mammograms, I most likely would not have  needed the biopsies. I've had to have a couple in a year even after that to keep a watch on some calcifications but I have gladly complied. It is time for my annual exams, so I will be going in early November once again. Don't skip those regular exams like I did!  Jackie

Fall in Maine

     We returned Sunday evening from our trip to Maine. The fall weather was beautiful! We left cool, crisp fall days and returned to our muggy South GA weather. Being in Maine during the fall was truly a treat!

     For those of you who are wondering, I did make it through the flight without freaking out. Thanks for your prayers! I wouldn't say flying was my favorite thing to do, but certainly was not the worst either.

     We stayed in Freeport, which had plenty of places to shop in addition to all the LL Bean stores. LL Bean Home was one of my favorites, and the bike store certainly had some great bikes!

     Friday we traveled to Pemaquid Lighthouse pictured below.

    We then traveled back to the little town of Damariscotta, where they were preparing for their annual Pumpkinfest.

Check out these PUMPKINS!

Many of the stores had these LARGE pumpkins out front. Each waiting to be carved or painted with something unique.

This gentleman had started carving while we were there. Just seeing all of these Giant pumpkins was a lot of fun!

I love this house that sat on the edge of the river. Nothing fancy, just very peaceful.

So  how did you spend your fall weekend? More on Maine to come when my camera battery is recharged. Have a wonderful week.

Jackie

Giveaway Winners

     I apologize for the delay in announcing the giveaway winners. Between almost stepping on a snake outside my backdoor, and getting ready to fly for the first time, I was a little distracted. But here they are. Sylvia, Jessica from Life as I See It, and Gwynie Pie from The Pink Tractor. Please send me your mailing info and I will get your packages in the mail. I will be back later to tell you all about my trip and get busy checking in with all of you. Have a blessed week! Jackie

Finished Gift

I know 2 posts in one day! I sometimes have a hard time getting one post a week, but it was a must that I finish this little project, because it is a gift that will be going with me to Maine. I am the family seamstress, and I  enjoy making these little aprons for gifts. I made several last Christmas, and they make a very unique gift. This is actually for my daughter to give, along with a family recipe book that she has made. I have even surprised myself and realized that I can add this to DIY day over at A Soft Place To Land.

I know this is a little blurry, but here is shot of the whole apron.

There is still a little time to enter the giveaway, and I just noticed I am coming up on 200 posts. That just might mean another giveaway is right around the corner! Have a wonderful evening. 

Jackie

Leaving On a Jet Plane, and a Little Secret About Me

     In just a couple of days I will be on this.

Headed here.

     Now for the little secret........I have never flown!!!! I am a little nervous, and my husband knowing the Control Freak that I am, says that he does not think the pilot will let me help fly the plane, or give him driving instructions. You know, I sort of figured that one out all by myself.

     We are headed to Falmouth, Maine for my nephew's wedding. Everyone says the weather should be wonderful, beautiful leaves, and this South Georgia girl will probably feel like it is the dead of winter. We will have a little time to sight see, and flying will definitely be a new adventure for me. I hope to have lots of pictures to share when we get  back.

     Don't forget about my giveaway. You have until 10 PM EST to enter. I will probably be mailing the packages out when we return.  So, what new adventure are you headed on? This is just the first of "New Things" that I believe the Lord is bringing into my life. I will share more on that later. Have a blessed week. Jackie

It's A Giveaway!

A while back I asked my son for some of his artwork so I could incorporate it into a giveaway, and he delivered. He enjoys giving the things he makes and has given many pieces away. I have added a little something with each piece that I hoped you might enjoy. So here goes.

Three hand thrown pottery vases. Each one is different, and perfect for adding a little fall touch around the house. I will be giving them as 3 seperate items with a little something added.

With this little vase will be a copy of the book Vintage Treasures.

This one will have Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado.

Included with this one will be a copy of Decorating Junk Market Style with Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer.

Each one will also have a little surprise tucked in, to enjoy on those cool fall days. A favorite item at our house this time of year!

Here's all you have to do. Just leave me a comment on this post and you are entered once. Send a friend to comment and have her tell me that you sent her, and you are entered twice. I will be drawing next Tuesday. So how about, it I would love to hear from many of you and tell me what kind of handmade pottery you like.

     There are a BUNCH of Yard Sales here this weekend, so that is what I will be doing at least in the morning. There is even one that starts at 5:30 AM! Have you ever heard of such? and would you get up and go at that time of the morning? Hope you all have a wonderful Fall weekend! Jackie

Fall Fluffing

A nice big pumpkin for the table.

Picked up a little pumpkin at HL the other day.

Remember these?

Now I have this!

I pulled these pint jars out of the attic and some of them  had these cute little flowers instead of the standard canning jar stamp. There were a couple of different ones, and I thought they had some character and wanted to show you.

Headed out to Florida once again, so gotta run. Hopefully I will be back a little later on in the week. For more DIY head over to ASPTL for DIY Day.Have a blessed and wonderful week!

Jackie

You Know It's Fall when........

....you get all of this out, and start making,

these.

    

I made about 30 pear tarts to put in the freezer with some pears that were given to me. If you like apple tarts these are just as good, and most of the time I can find someone that will give the pears away. I had not been able to find any this year, and rode by the school secretary's house. She had a tree that still had some on it. What does it hurt to ask, so I did. and she said to take them all! Now I have a few tarts in the freezer for a quick dessert .

 Now check these out.

Just a drop in the bucket compared to what is left on the vines.

A very good year!

Looks like jelly to me.

     Do any of you have a good recipe for grape jelly? Actually Scuppernong  to be exact. I would love to hear your suggestions. Now I am off to clean up the flour explosion in the kitchen, see if I can find a good smelling fall candle to burn, and do a little Fall sprucing up around here. By the way I am joining the party here at Songbirdtiff and Kimba's DIY Day. Have a great evening.

Jackie

It's Been 30 Years!

     Last week my husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary. He would be the good looking guy on the left.  In all honesty they have not been perfect years, but I wouldn't trade those years for anything! I still miss him when he is away, and AMAZINGLY-- he misses me! Sometimes it is hard for me to imagine that, but it's a great feeling to know that I am loved by him.
     I have learned so much over the years, and believe me, this CONTROL FREAK had a lot to learn, and still does! I am just so blessed that God brought the two of us together, and I am looking forward to many more years.
     Susan has a great post here on praying for your husband. Some great ideas to show him how much you care and honor him in your prayers. I will share one very  important lesson that I have learned over the years, and this is it, I am not his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does His job much better than me. Pray and ask God to show him areas of concern to you, and you just might find out as I have many times, I am the problem. Ask God to be the center of your marriage. Seek His guidance in all that you do and He will honor that.

    Maybe my wonderful husband will stop by and read this while he is away, so....
I LOVE YOU HON!  YOU ARE THE BEST!

Have a great week.
Blessings,
Jackie

Watch This!!

This is the new fall Bible study that I will be participating in for the next seven weeks. I hope you will take a minute to listen to this small excerpt from our Bible study series. We will have the opportunity to hear from these three wonderful women of God, in the coming weeks. Have a blessed week. Jackie

Time For a Clean Sweep!

It's time to pull these out of the closet and go to work!

There is too much accumulation going on at this house, and the rationalization goes something like this:

I might need that someday.

That is too good to get rid of.

If you had to by it new, it would cost a lot more!

As soon as I get rid of it, I will wish I had it.

Just think of all of those things you got rid of and wish you hadn't.

The problem with all of this rationale is that sometimes you just can't find the stuff you are looking for when you need it! Like right now, I can't find my Fall stuff!

My sister is coming the first weekend in October and we are having one big yard sale. I may invite other friends too. This is the biggest yard sale weekend around here. Her husband says she will bring a U-Haul if necessary to clean out all of her stuff,

and that could be a lot of stuff! I think you might want to come check it out. I have a feeling there will be lots of stuff !

How about you, what do you do to keep from accumulating so much stuff ?

My husband says that our new motto will be

"Everything has to have a home."

Hopefully there will be a lot of progress this week. I am telling you so you all can hold me accountable for getting rid of some of the great stuff I have accumulated.

I would love to hear some of your helpful hints. Have a wonderful week!

Jackie

Blah Bogger

These days I am feeling a little like a Blah Blogger! Not much creativity going on around here, lots of cleaning, and more than just the surface that needs to be done. It doesn't feel like fall quite yet, but even so, summer is over, school has started back, which means subbing has started back for me.

I need to get out some fall decor, throw away some of my summer plants since they are looking pretty pitiful! We have these lovely worms that build nests in our trees, and they seem to be eating up everything!

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration to get us going. Fall is my favorite time of the year!!!!!! I am sure I have told you that at least a dozen times or more. What are you planning to do, to change things up for the Fall season? Let me hear from you. Inspire all of us with some of your fall decor or just great ideas! Have a wonderful weekend. Hope to be back with lots of inspiration next week.

Jackie

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"

Ecclesiastes 3: 1

Birthday Weekend

Yes, I have been away for a while, but for a good reason. Family Time! I headed to Florida last Wednesday, and took my Girl to the Dr. The remicade treatments are no longer working. She will begin participating in a clinical trial starting sometime in October. Until then she was supposed to be back on steroids to bring her flare-up under control, but they called and want to hold off on that unless she get very sick. I would appreciate if you would pray for the following: Strength, for her physically, and that the steroids are not needed at all , and that her body would respond positively once beginning the new medication. See with a trial there is a chance that you do not receive any medications at all to begin with. We serve a God that is able to heal without these medications, and she has seen some improvement, so my prayer is that He will begin the healing process even now. The good news is that the Dr. still does not believe that she is at the point of needing surgery. She has dealt with this for the past 10 years, and keeps on regardless of how she feels. Most people don't even know she is sick. She often handles it much better than I do. God has a plan and I know it is all for her good. I know she would appreciate your prayers.
After returning home, we spent the weekend with my son and celebrated his 22nd birthday. I know I have said it before, but they grow up too Fast!

I had fun making this GIANT cupcake Birthday Cake for him.

He also helped me set up my new sewing machine, which is Great!

Then I made him this apron to use in the art studio.

We even figured out how to put his name on it.

I am convinced if he were here for a while I would know how to better use my camera which would result in better pictures for you to see, and he would have my sewing machine all figured out. He encourages me to be a little more adventurous and just jump in and try new things, which goes against my over cautious, over analyzing nature.

Next I have another apron to work on for a gift. I have a lot that I want to try, so hopefully I will be sharing a few more sewing projects soon.

Hope you have a blessed week. I am ready to prepare for Fall!

Have a wonderful week!

Jackie