Good-bye Summer

This will shock most who know me . . . but I'm ready for summer to fade away and Autumn to arrive!  Cooler weather, less yard work, Dewey's Readathon, and the beginning of the holiday season . . . (That doesn't mean I don't have a plan to celebrate the "last summer holiday" - Labor Day . . . and I will blog about that later.)

 Recently I decided I wanted to bring back the old fun in the book club I share with my sister, Tami.  She agreed and we plan to spend the next Sister Weekend reading!  If you are familiar with Dewey's Readathon you will know that it's 24 hours of reading mixed with hourly challenges and the chance to win prizes for entering.   It's the best part of October every year!

But I am feeling nostalgic and want to bring back some other things that were fun a few years back.  2012 was a great year for me.  I also got into blogging then and had a lot of fun with it.  That reminded me of the fun I used to have with Trish's Pin-It Do-It Challenges.  Find things on Pinterest that you would like to try and then blog about your results!  Sure hope Trish does an Autumn Challenge 2015! 

As I write this short blog post - I'm watching an episode of Extreme Weight Loss which once again puts it right there in my face - the need to take off extra pounds for a healthier lifestyle.  I am nostalgic about that also as I was able to have successful loss of 30 pounds a few years back and since then have gained back some.    Time for some walks in the countryside and tours around on my bicycle!  Maybe even a hike or two this fall.

It's soon a new season yes - and I welcome the change.  It was not my best summer by far.  How will you be spending your Autumn days?  What do you like best about this time of year?   Do you decorate your home for Fall? 

I'd love to hear!

Inspiration on Monday: Baby Shower and the like . . .

I'm so excited that Trish at Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity is hosting something special for us on Mondays.  I became a fan when my sister introduced me to Trish's Pin It - Do It a few years back.

Rules are:

a forum to share things that we’ve created and things that we are doing to help inspire others. Posts about projects in progress, finished projects, tutorials, and how-tos are all welcome. Feel free to share recipes, crafts, lifestyle, organizing, and DIY tips, and any other idea that can spark inspiration.

Babies are on my mind . . . we are having a new little granddaughter in about 7 weeks.  Our daughter is having her first!  If you instantly think pink . . . it ain't necessarily so . . .

Casey is the typical "tom-boy" . . . although the tom-boyish ways were replaced to some extent when she grew up and fell in love and got married . . . but not to the point that she would design a nursery around everything pink!     Her colors are just perfect . . . gray, teal with a touch of yellow . . .

At a recent family shower I helped with some of the decorations and gave my first try at constructing a "diaper cake"    I quickly jumped on Pinterest for directions on how to build one.  I found many, many styles and ideas with both cloth and disposable diapers.  I quickly ran upon the cake I wanted to try.  Using about 60 newborn sized diapers, big rubber bands, some ribbon, bows, confetti, and a crystal plate to "serve" it on . . . I came up with this:

I eventually added another teal bow as a topper and an owl - to stick with the owl theme that has been chosen for the baby also.

This project was exciting to me as I was able to read directions and follow them, creating exactly what I intended to make!  

Following the shower, my daughter confiscated all of the ribbons and used them as "tie-backs" on the curtains in the nursery.

And although I can't take personal credit for these projects . . . I have truly enjoyed watching my little girl spend hours preparing a special room for her little girl who will arrive soon.  Miss Rachel Lee is due to meet us on May 18, 2015 or sooner or later :)

Not sure if the idea for the peg board was a Pinterest idea or thought up on her own or given as a tip from a friend . . . but my daughter determined to do this early on and followed through.  Notice the picture frame in the top left corner . . . specially made by the new mom - using ribbon, etc.  Love those little hair bows and head bands hanging in place.  

My daughter is a high school/college math teacher and one of her students created the "Welcome to My Crib" sign.  

Thanks again Trish for allowing me to join in the fun on Creative Mondays!  Even on a Tuesday!

October Pin-It/Do-It Challenge

The summer heat has died down and cooler days abound.  Fall has arrived!  This time of year draws me back to more indoor activities and so I was thrilled to hear about Trish's Pin-It Do-It Challenge once again!  The idea is to pin some ideas from Pinterest for October crafts, activities, etc. and then choose some to actually DO!

When we moved to Beloit a year ago last July I had scaled down on many things, including household decorations.  All I need for Fall is my scarecrow wreath, fall floor rug and my Autumn flag I fly!  Not interested in building anymore decorations.

That doesn't mean I can't pin and do!!  Here is my plan:

     Trip to Apple Depot with my youngest granddaughter Elaine. (Pinned it - 31 Days of Fall Fun)
     Glow light lanterns - Just too cool not to try!
     Zentangle Mittens - an art project to go along with the reading of The Mitten by Jan Brett
     Fill an Operation Christmas Child Box with Elaine. (31 Days of  Fall Fun)

     Then ... I have planned for myself to do several more items from the 31 Days of Fall Fun

          Make mulled apple cider (sugar-free)
          Sit by fire pit with friends
          Start a new book
          Decorate a simple inexpensive pillar candle with cinnamon sticks and raffia.  Maybe 2.

This totals 8 pins and I guess that makes me an obsessive pinner??

     The Levels:
Timid Pinner: 1-3 Pins
Pinterested: 4-7 Pins
Pin Obsessed: 8+ Pins
Please join in if you would like and check out Pinterest - find some things you'd like to try!
You can sign up here on Trish's blog.
       
Happy Harvest!
Happy Autumn!
Happy Pinning!
       
   

Checking in and catching up . . .

What is that saying?  The best laid plans of mice and men . . . Not sure what it even means but I know I have failed the May Pin It Do It Challenge and My Summer Sand Pail List could fit in a thimble but life is about change and flexibility . . . I have been on the go and so I'm ready to accomplish a few more things on my list . . . but to hold myself accountable I will show you all where I'm at with this!

First of all I had 3 pins for May - - - I finished one - - - started one - - - and gave up on one.  You can check back here to see the tablecloth that I did get done and I enjoyed using it for a Mother's Day meal for my mom!  

This is the status of the red white and blue quilted throw that I will be starting on this Saturday - - - 

And the baby blanket for my great grandson - wow that makes me sound old - has not been started - in fact I have given it a second thought - - - but I still have time - - - I think I'll pursue it in a few weeks.

So that will wrap up the May Pin It Do It in June projects for me! :)

Next to report is the Summer Bucket -- no sandpail --  no Summer Half-Cup List for the Henningsen's.

I have had our granddaughter here for l0 days and did teach her to put together a quilt square.  I taught her the right side and the wrong side of material.  I showed her how to pin two pieces together right sides touching and how the pins help keep it all together.  We learned the on switch - the presser foot - the hmmm up and down lever for the presser foot :) - the needle - the thread - and how to thread the machine.   I taught Elaine how to sew a straight seam and how to trim the thread when done.  I taught the importance of ironing the seams when sewing and quilting.  Oh and the feat that proves to be the hardest on my machine is running the foot pedal - - - those suckers can be a little touchy - especially where a l0 year old and a sharp needle are involved.   Elaine was not really sold on sewing.  I'll have to try again another time.

Next item that can be X'd off the summer list is the front porch is being painted as this is being written! After much looking for the right paint - Clay discovered an old can that had been used before and this cleared up the decision making on whether we had to use oil or latex based paint!  Luckily Latex was the winner - much easier clean up!

I have not ridden my bike 25 miles in one day yet - I am working on building up my endurance!

Algebra I book is in the closet and after this weekend I will be starting a four week "experiment" with the textbook.   This was actually one of the 5 things I wanted to learn in 2013 but I scheduled it on the summer bucket list as summertime is when my daughter the math teacher can be of assistance!

As you can see I have a ways to go - but lots of summer left - 

We did as mentioned earlier in another post - make a trip to our sons in south Texas - and would love to do it again this summer!

 Let me know what you have planned for the summer and specifically for the 4th of July - It has been quite a long time since our family has been able to get together for a weekend here at our home - but plans are underway for a big Henningsen 4th of July Celebration!!!    I'm looking for ideas for crafts (family craft time exciting!) decorating ideas and fun games!!

Loving summer and the blessings it brings!

May Pin It Do It

Well since I can't find enough warm dry days to plant my flower garden, I guess the next best thing would be to sew!  I can't EVEN believe I just said that . . . but I am really enjoying my new sewing machine - thanks kids!!  I have 3 projects to do in May for the May Pin It Do It sponsored by Trish at Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity.


#1 project will be - A Bandana Tied Quilt!! Perfect for picnics - patio chairs - or a nap! And I have had the best idea!! I am going to make mine out of red, white and blue bandanas only. It will be great to throw over the back of the leather sofa this summer for the 4th of July!!

 

The original pin can be found here.


#2 project will be finished tomorrow!  Earlier this spring I ordered some Mary Jane Farm squares for my sister Tami - she came for a couple of weekends and taught me to do some very basic quilting projects.  She insisted on dividing the squares with me so that we could each enjoy - and I sure have!!  I chose to make a small table cloth for my kitchen table - - - it isn't necessarily my kitchen colors, but it will be just right to throw on the table for a family cook out or ladies tea - Bible study with a friend or sister - and it is just a simple 4 x 4 square.   With some bright green material for the backing - and a few hours sewing this weekend - I am almost done! So although I didn't see this on an actual pin-it board - I did see this original pin and it made me want to make a tablecloth. I would also like to try the tea towel table cloth that is shown here.

Project #3 looks like much fun to me! It will be the last project I work on but it must be all done by July as my grandson and his wife will be having their first baby then! No I really am not old enough to be a great- grandma :) but due to my wonderful blessing of the blended family - I'm ahead of the game when it comes to grandchildren and I love having some older grandkids to share my life with!! My idea for the baby blankets came from this pin. I also look forward to my son and his wife and my daughter and her husband possibly adding some little ones to the family in the future so this is a project I hope to repeat many times!! (hmmmm... wonder if the kids really DO read my blog??)

Lastly, I have to give another big shout out to my sis Tami for all of the sewing lessons and sewing by texts - - - who knew we could sew across the miles like we have been doing!  

I am really enjoying it!!  I would love to get all of my girls to try a project!!  Casey, Gloria, Kristi, Nikki, Julia, Angie, and Elaine - - - look out!!

More signs of spring . . .

I may be rushing the season - the weather channel keeps talking snow - but I can't help myself! In prep for spring I decided to take the challenge from Trish and Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity to Pin It and Do It in February. I did make a new spring wreath which you can read about here. Now I have pinned a redo on an old metal magazine rack, turning it into nothing but a beautiful apple red plant holder! Clay and I found the old magazine relic at 2nd Hand Hannemann's in Salina, KS. A great little store with some really nice things - and we found just what we needed for OUR version of the red planter.

Clay got into the action on this project and first sawed off the handle at the top and then spray painted the new planter, as me and paint in ANY COMBINATION is nasty. I am barely allowed near finger nail polish!! And here is the finished product!

                         

Now to add some flowers and this garden piece will take it's place at the front door matching the patriotic theme that welcomes folks to our home in the summer months!

Here is the original pin - Thanks to Deborah for her great idea!!

This finishes up my February Pin-It Do-It Challenges! Thanks to Trish this is always a lot of fun!

And as promised - here's some free advertising for the great people at 2nd Hand Hannemann's!

Signs of spring

For the first signs of spring . . . I had to look closely ...

As part of Pin It Do It February - thanks to Trish - I vowed to create two craft projects this month.  Alas I have decided to drop one of the ideas - but I did come through with my spring wreath as pictured above.  The original pin was for a 3.00 wreath - I may have had to spend a little more but certainly as far as wreaths go - it was very thrifty.  An 11 x 14 inch frame that I already had and a sprig of two different greens - some yellow ribbon and I was set!  I now have a complete years' worth of door decorations from Patriotic (summer), Scarecrow Wreath (fall) Christmas (winter) and now my spring green!  Welcome to our home!!

I have been able to spend about an hour outdoors with the dogs this week after work - then I remember it is still winter and I'm cold - but today while playing some fetch and just having a good conversation with the dogs - I spied a couple of "green things"    If you look real close - the sedum is coming back to life!!  In an earlier post I talked about my plans to add some succulents to the garden this year - but these two specimens came with the house so I'm excited to see they are coming back!

Finally - I'd like to share some of the ideas I am working on for this summer's flower garden and patio.  When we bought our new house last summer we found an old wash tub in the shed out back and I quickly threw some potted petunias into it and voila a flower garden - It was 110 in the shade and I didn't think I could start from scratch with new plants.  This summer we are planning to do it right and get some soil - and hopefully end up with something like this . . .

Pin-It Do-It February!

Trish has challenged us all again to not just be "pinners" on Pinterest - but to try our skills at creating some of the ideas on our boards!  February is a fun month for me!  My daughter's birthday is in February, my sisters, a nephew, my son-in-law's and even mine fall this month!  So I have decided to try a few things in February!

At our home here in Beloit, I have a front door that is just perfect for a wreath for all seasons!  I have enjoyed my patriotic 4th of July wreath, a cute Halloween scarecrow wreath, my colorful Christmas wreath and now what???  So..... I thought that doing a wreath for spring would be just what I need!

I have chosen this one - for 3 reasons:  It looks simple - uses a cheap dollar store picture frame and hot glue!  Secondly, it doesn't look hard, and thirdly, I love the greenery - it is the greenery that I used in all of my daughter's wedding flowers several years ago and so it will be fun to work with it again!

Here is the original pin and I'll check back later in the month to show you my version!

Original Pin

 

And for all my Valentine's at work I will be doing this!!

  Original Pin

Office Christmas Party - Pins #3 and #4 - Holiday Pin It/Do It Challenge

Deck the hall with boughs of holly . . . . fa la la la la la la la la

And that is what I have done - With a swag of greenery and holly berries - a lantern - some mirrors - my Santa collection - and some glowing candlelight - the table is scaped!

In 2008 my daughter got married and I took some quick lessons on floral arranging from a dear friend and saved some bucks by making the flowers myself.  Table arrangements, pew bows, bride's bouquet, attendants bouquets, and a little touch here and there . . . It was one of the most fun things I have ever done!!!  After the wedding I had accumulated a little "wedding store" all my own.  Purchased several totes for storage and now I have a cupboard of "on loan" supplies if anyone needs such a thing.  Three sizes of mirrors, calla lilly candles, rose bowls, square bowls, votive candle holders, etc.  So putting a tablescape together for my office Christmas party was actually kind of easy.

With the help of Pinterest I quickly came up with the idea for my Christmas Tablescape.

                                                 Original pin by Sweet Something Design

My version

I have always wanted to have a lantern for different decorating ideas.  Purchased this one online from Hobby Lobby.  Inexpensive swag from Hobby Lobby also.  One spool of wired ribbon made big bows for this tablescape, for my front door wreath, and for my childhood sled that decorates my front door.  All ideas from Pinterest!  Don't you just love Pinterest??

Add 12 medium sized mirrors from the wedding leftovers and red chargers with my white china and it's a party!!

Each guests plate contained a miniature lantern favor filled with  chocolate mints.

And for my last pin we topped off the meal with Died and Gone to Heaven Trifle

The office party was a great success and an evening filled with fun and laughs.  My toast to the ladies at the meal went like this and afterall sharing from the heart - God's love - is the best Christmas gift:

"I want to give a special toast tonight and share with you that I've had a special blessing the last two weeks as I have prepared for tonight.  Something special happens when you like to entertain and be all fussy for people you care about - you actually have an opportunity to think about those people as you work!  I found myself thinking about each one of you individually as I made vintage stars for you that you will see later, and as I thought about the food and the little favors - about what each one of you likes - what makes you laugh - I thought about your families and all that has happened in the past year - I remembered some of the laughs we have shared and a few tears - and I was thankful in my heart that you are the 7 other people I spend my days with.   So I SAID that this evening was my gift to you for Christmas - but it turns out - it was also my gift to myself."

Blessings in co-workers/friends.

                              And surprise!  When I arrived home the day of our party - this beautiful
                             live Christmas greenery adorned our mailboxes - A gift from the office gang!

Office Christmas Party - Pin #1 and #2 - Holiday Pin It/Do It Challenge

The prep work is half the fun, right?   For me it is!  I work in an office and supervise 10 women and this year for Christmas I wanted to try something different!  We normally celebrate at the home of one of the gals and have snacks and gifts, or we have just put aside the work and exchanged gifts over our lunch hour.  This year I'm the one with the new home and so I invited the ladies to a fancy smancy sit down Christmas Celebration served by me!

For the Holiday Pin It/Do It Challenge - as a timid pinner - I promised to share four pins!  This is the first two of 4 pins I will be doing for my Christmas party.

Food right?  Every good party has to have some food!  My menu for the Dec. 11th event is:

                         Poor Man's Steak - Recipe  below
                         Cheesy Potato Casserole
                         Green Bean Casserole/CrockPot Corn
                         Acini De Pepi Salad
                         Relish Tray
                         Rolls
                         Trifle Dessert - Pictures to follow later

My recipe for the steak is:
3-4 pounds of ground beef
1/3 cups of cracker crumbs
1 1/3 cups of milk
Onion
Salt/Pepper
Mix and put in jelly roll pan - partially freeze - cut into squares.
Flour pieces, and brown in butter.
Place in 9 x 13 pan.
Cover with mushroom soup diluted with 1 1/2 soup cans of apple juice.
Bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours.

Check out a variation of the recipe here - one of my pins for December!

I will be serving my vegetables in my crock-pot buffet server.  Check it out here.   This is pin #2.  My buffet server was a gift from the office ladies last year - so I can hardly wait to use it at my party this year!  I am planning two vegies and so in the third crockpot server I am going to make some yummy cinnamon apple cider to enjoy with our meal!

Good company and good food . . . what else is needed you say???

Well of course, said Sandra Lee, a beautiful Christmas tablescape!

Tune back in soon for pins #3 and #4 - decorating the table and table favors!!

The Holiday Pin It/Do It Challenge is sponsored by Trish at Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity! Thank you Trish!

Timid little pinner ...

I am making plans already for a busy holiday season - but will enjoy every minute of it!  I am hosting my office crew at my house on December 11 at 6 p.m. for a sit down meal with gift exchange.  I will be posting my ideas for table scape - party favors - and the food!  So I am commiting to four pins!Sure have found some wonderful ideas on Pinterest!   Meanwhile if anyone wants to throw out a good Christmas activity as entertainment - let me know! 

Happy Pinning!!

No sew Pin It Do It project!

October Pin-It-Do-It Challenge . . . finishing up in November maybe??  I did have some delay in getting my second challenge finished up - but reporting in now that I am done!

For my second project in the October Pin-It Do-It Challenge started by Trish @ Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity  I am doing a more Teri-friendly project - and even though I did enjoy my trial at the sewing machine - these tied fleece blankets are a special craft for me!

My granddaughter was my first recipient of a tied fleece blanket 10 years ago!  And as noted in this picture below from a recent trip we took with her - she still carries the "pink blankie"  Her dad, my son Todd, picked out the material and I gave it a whirl.  I loved it so much and felt like such a "seamstress" that I made everyone I knew one - yes - that year I made 35 blankets.  This included one for each of the 5 family dogs too!

Recently, when Elaine was at my house, she found two pieces of fleece in my sewing drawer and said "Grandma I want a new blanket".  I have made her 3 already in these ten years - but I thought - why not another?  So . . . that will be my project this time!

I am trying a new method though.

I found it at http://anewchelseamorning.blogspot.com/2007/08/anyone-can-do-this.html and it involves a new way to tie the ends!   I will include pictures when I finish up!

Off to "no sew"!

Pink blankie is piled on top of the suitcase, back pack, and purse.  Has made many many trips!

Material for the next "blankie"  Hot pink flowers and peace signs!

Original pin looked like this:

And this picture shows the new twist or should I say tie for creating the above look.  Very good job of demonstrating this on her website!

Finished Product!

Elaine's new blanket - just in time for her birthday!

Soooo . .. I can sew!

Pin-It  Do-It October 

   

What a surprise!  

After my last post about the Devil Machine I wasn't sure I would be sharing my first Pin-It/Do-It challenge for all to see.  I'm happy to say that I am loving these Hot Dog pillowcases!  I actually made a variation from the original Pin that I found, but a co-worker gave me these simple directions

to making the darling pillowcases that I had in mind.  Choosing bright colors and patterns, I made one trial pillow case for myself and then finished one of three that I will take to Texas next weekend for granddaughters!  

It's now day #2 with the Pin-It Do-It project.  

The last two pillowcases are done - in between helping husband build fence - and I was left wishing I had more fabric - is it possible that everyone I know will get a pillow case now??  It was great fun and I know the granddaughters will love them!

Got the original idea from http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-conkerr-cancer-pillowcases.html

                            Check out Trish @  Love, Laugh, and a Touch of Insanity for Pin-It Do-It Challenge!                   

Pin It/Do It in October!

What a fun challenge!  I am signing up as a Timid Pinner.   Trish, of  Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity  is sponsoring the "Pin It/Do It Challenge" during the month of October.   If you love Pinterest you will love this!  The concept is pretty basic - make or do some of the things you have pinned; give/receive encouragement from other pinners, and maybe get some ideas for future projects. If you want to give it a try, visit Trish's blog to sign up (link above).


 Crafts and sewing don't come easy to me.  I do love to make the fleece tie blankets and will plan to make one of those.   When I first learned how I made 30+ that year!  If you were my friend - you got a blanket!  My youngest granddaughter still drags around the one that we made her 10 years ago.  I have yet to make "myself" one!  So maybe I will do that!   But since I do have a sewing machine now - I have decided to try a simple sewing project.  I have choosen a colorful pillowcase as my new Pin It/Do It project.

    danamadeit.com

This is a different way to tie my original favs - so I will be learning something new.  I like the look!

Happy Pinning!  Hopefully Happy Doing!