My husband seeks out tools that are made in the USA and he will pay a pretty penny for them. He isn't the only one that enjoys buying things that are made in the USA. I was actually amazed to find that Red Heart yarns has some yarn that is made right here at home. And not just some yarn but 19 yarns that are manufactured in the USA. How stinkin awesome is that?!
I'm going out on a limb here because I am going to copy and paste from the website. If I get sued, well...I guess I just get sued. I don't make any money off of it so...here goes...
Below is a list and a link to more information on the 19 yarns that are manufactured in the USA.
*These are new yarns this year.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Look at what we did
Homeschool group raises money for cancer society
Contestants included Elizabeth Gonzalez, Miss Nassua County; Mackenzie Henderson, Miss Heart of the USA Queen of Hearts Alachua County; Katelyn Bishop, Miss Heart of the USA Alachua County; and Alexanddra Lydting, Junior Miss Heart of the USA. Special to the Star-Banner.
The pageant had 29 contestants, with the youngest age 2 and the most amazing at age 76, according to a news release.
Many of the contestants walked because they have overcome cancer or know someone who is going through the fight or has lost the fight to cancer, noted the release.
Cornerstone Assembly of God donated their facility for the pageant.
Many of the contestants went out in the community and asked for sponsors, which included All American Cleaning and Restoration Specialist, AnnMarie Seavey, Green Shutters, North Florida Monument, Bit O’ Heaven Lawn Service, Havard Family, Bark-N-Purr Inn, A & A Restaurant, employees of the Levy County Sheriffs Office, Pinnacle Farms, Team Beach Body, Willard’s Restaurant and Morris Junction.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
It's Fair Time
Yeah!!!! It's here!!! The fair is in town and we are all excited! Today is the first day of the Levy County Fair. Saturday will be our big day that we go and enjoy all the rides and events. Lots of the kids in our homeschool group have entered items such as paintings, pictures, drawings, socks, shawls and critters.
Saturday we will go to the rodeo and enjoy watching the kids ride their horse around the barrels and poles and such. We are selling some raffle tickets there for different things to raise money for our Relay for Life team. After the rodeo we will go over and partake of the activities at the fair. Then who knows, if we have enough energy left, we may just go back to the rodeo and watch the adults hang on for 8 seconds. If they can!
Saturday we will go to the rodeo and enjoy watching the kids ride their horse around the barrels and poles and such. We are selling some raffle tickets there for different things to raise money for our Relay for Life team. After the rodeo we will go over and partake of the activities at the fair. Then who knows, if we have enough energy left, we may just go back to the rodeo and watch the adults hang on for 8 seconds. If they can!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Birthday Hampers
Well my homeschool group is at it again. I tell ya, we are always up to something. We just completed a pageant. Can you believe that I said pageant? We are working hard on fundraising and one thing that we are putting together right now is gift baskets. We are going to take bids on the baskets and the highest bid wins the basket. That's kinda a no brainer.
So...I'm thinking about things for the basket. But...I'm thinking more about buying completed baskets. Yeah! I like that idea the best.
An "Indulgence" basket or maybe a "Pamper Dream" basket. There's "Red Wine and Cheese", "Red Wine and Chocolate" and "Afternoon Tea" and so many more.
My favorite of them all is the "Birthday Hampers for Her". Everyone doesn't like tea or wine or chocolate but everyone has a birthday. And every woman in your life loves getting something for their birthday. Don't just take my word for it, go and investigate for yourself. All the many reasons a gift basket or a hamper just makes sense.
So...I'm thinking about things for the basket. But...I'm thinking more about buying completed baskets. Yeah! I like that idea the best.
An "Indulgence" basket or maybe a "Pamper Dream" basket. There's "Red Wine and Cheese", "Red Wine and Chocolate" and "Afternoon Tea" and so many more.
My favorite of them all is the "Birthday Hampers for Her". Everyone doesn't like tea or wine or chocolate but everyone has a birthday. And every woman in your life loves getting something for their birthday. Don't just take my word for it, go and investigate for yourself. All the many reasons a gift basket or a hamper just makes sense.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Renewed my Kitchen
I wanted to renew my kitchen. So I started doing a little research and I ran across a place that says my home improvement project couldn't be made any easier.
Well, it's been proven! I love my new kitchen cabinets!
I like a company that has a good track record. Being in business since 1981 tells me that they have a good track record. Years of experience in design and remodeling. I like a company that takes pride in their work and Bath and Kitchen Creations Inc. is just that company. I like a company that can keep up with the changing trends. This company is capable of so much. From Cabinetry, Countertops, Tile, Granite, Plumbing, Framing, Lighting and so much more. If you just can't figure out what you want to go with, contact them for Design Consulting.
Since completing my project - Kitchen Cabinets West Palm Beach and how much I enjoy my "new kitchen", I'm excited thinking that maybe I will do the bathroom next.
Well, it's been proven! I love my new kitchen cabinets!
I like a company that has a good track record. Being in business since 1981 tells me that they have a good track record. Years of experience in design and remodeling. I like a company that takes pride in their work and Bath and Kitchen Creations Inc. is just that company. I like a company that can keep up with the changing trends. This company is capable of so much. From Cabinetry, Countertops, Tile, Granite, Plumbing, Framing, Lighting and so much more. If you just can't figure out what you want to go with, contact them for Design Consulting.
Since completing my project - Kitchen Cabinets West Palm Beach and how much I enjoy my "new kitchen", I'm excited thinking that maybe I will do the bathroom next.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Things Every Kid Should Experience
I grew up in the country and I thought that my parents were so strict because it seemed like I couldn't do anything. I bet at some point in our lives, we have all thought that about out parents. As I grow older wiser, I know better. My parents gave me all they could and that was what I needed. Today I greatly appreciate everything they gave me. Yes, even the things I didn't think were necessary.
I was scanning the web today (yes, like most days) and I ran into an article that said "8 Things Every Kid Should Experience". I read over the list and I thought about my childhood years and all the things that I experienced. Hmmm...I'm lucky I'm still alive! LOL
I would really like it if you would go and check out the link, but just in case you don't, I'm gonna list the 8 things here.
1. Being part of a team
So many kids today play sports and that automatically puts them on a team. As for me, I grew up on a team. It was called family.
2. Camping
Can you believe that some kids have never, ever been camping. We used to camp out in the back yard. We didn't have a tent but we would drape sheets or quilts over the clothesline. And I have very fond memories of my dad packing up the car and us driving to North Carolina and camping out for a whole week. I still have stories to tell about the panthers that were really racoons and the racoons that stole our mayonnaise.
3. Chores
Oh my gosh! That is a very ugly 4 letter word. Yes, the dreaded chores. I had my fair share of them and so do my kids. But...that's where the team comes in to play.
4. Snow
In Florida? Once! And I remember my sister and I chasing my dad trying to hit him with a very dirty snowball. A real snowball. Now my sister sees snow almost every year. And for me? I think it's snowed one other time here in Florida. I can't wait to take the boys to see and play in their first snow.
5. Farm life
Pea pickin, garden growing, pig raising, egg collecting, the smell of cows and horses and so much more. I remember shelling peas during my summers. I shucked my fair share of corn and feed my fair share of cows and pigs. But that's ok, I didn't go hungry in the winter either. Kids should defiantly experience the farm life. Especially the cow patty fights!
6. A lemonade stand
I don't necessarily agree with having a lemonade stand. It can just be too dangerous because of inviting strangers to come around. Ok, with adult supervision. I think there are many other ways to earn a few dollars and to learn about buying and selling.
7. Flying a kite
Oh yes! I wonder exactly how many of these I have flown over the years. And, get this...I still love to fly them. As a matter of fact, just last summer while we were vacationing at the beach, we flew a kite.
8. Bowling
Yes indeed! And, ha - we did this about a month ago. How awesome is that?!
Now it's your turn to tell me some of the awesome things that you have done or would have liked to have done. It's not too late ya know!
I was scanning the web today (yes, like most days) and I ran into an article that said "8 Things Every Kid Should Experience". I read over the list and I thought about my childhood years and all the things that I experienced. Hmmm...I'm lucky I'm still alive! LOL
I would really like it if you would go and check out the link, but just in case you don't, I'm gonna list the 8 things here.
1. Being part of a team
So many kids today play sports and that automatically puts them on a team. As for me, I grew up on a team. It was called family.
2. Camping
Can you believe that some kids have never, ever been camping. We used to camp out in the back yard. We didn't have a tent but we would drape sheets or quilts over the clothesline. And I have very fond memories of my dad packing up the car and us driving to North Carolina and camping out for a whole week. I still have stories to tell about the panthers that were really racoons and the racoons that stole our mayonnaise.
3. Chores
Oh my gosh! That is a very ugly 4 letter word. Yes, the dreaded chores. I had my fair share of them and so do my kids. But...that's where the team comes in to play.
4. Snow
In Florida? Once! And I remember my sister and I chasing my dad trying to hit him with a very dirty snowball. A real snowball. Now my sister sees snow almost every year. And for me? I think it's snowed one other time here in Florida. I can't wait to take the boys to see and play in their first snow.
5. Farm life
Pea pickin, garden growing, pig raising, egg collecting, the smell of cows and horses and so much more. I remember shelling peas during my summers. I shucked my fair share of corn and feed my fair share of cows and pigs. But that's ok, I didn't go hungry in the winter either. Kids should defiantly experience the farm life. Especially the cow patty fights!
6. A lemonade stand
I don't necessarily agree with having a lemonade stand. It can just be too dangerous because of inviting strangers to come around. Ok, with adult supervision. I think there are many other ways to earn a few dollars and to learn about buying and selling.
7. Flying a kite
Oh yes! I wonder exactly how many of these I have flown over the years. And, get this...I still love to fly them. As a matter of fact, just last summer while we were vacationing at the beach, we flew a kite.
8. Bowling
Yes indeed! And, ha - we did this about a month ago. How awesome is that?!
Now it's your turn to tell me some of the awesome things that you have done or would have liked to have done. It's not too late ya know!
Handy Substitutes for Baking
Have you ever wanted to bake a cake and didn't have any oil? Maybe you just want something a little healthier than oil. Use the same amount of applesauce. Yes, applesauce. I was amazed the first time that I used applesauce in a cake mix instead of oil.
Here is a link that will give you lots more Handy Substitutes for Baking
Have you ever had your cake mix poured into the bowl and discovered you didn't have any eggs? Ha - that's one I do a lot. Here are some egg substitutes that have saved me or should I say my cake many, many times.
Enjoy!
Here is a link that will give you lots more Handy Substitutes for Baking
Have you ever had your cake mix poured into the bowl and discovered you didn't have any eggs? Ha - that's one I do a lot. Here are some egg substitutes that have saved me or should I say my cake many, many times.
Enjoy!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Freaked out by alerts
Posted by Arden Wallace
My friend told me that any time she gets an ADT Security Alert, she definitely freaks out a little. I am surprised that it has happened so much to be honest. I think it is because she lives in a rough neighborhood or something. She has had the system for a while and has been alerted a handful of times about potential intruders and things of that nature. I always think it is nice that she even gets the liberty of being alerted when someone is breaking in or could be breaking in. It definitely makes sense to freak out the way she does though. I guess I probably would freak out since it is your house and some expensive stuff people are trying to find. I really cannot afford to replace some things multiple times. I mean we have a laptop for each member of our family. That was a big investment that I definitely cannot go through again. Something like a home security system seems worth it if you can avoid something that. I would take the freak outs over having to replace four expensive laptops.
My friend told me that any time she gets an ADT Security Alert, she definitely freaks out a little. I am surprised that it has happened so much to be honest. I think it is because she lives in a rough neighborhood or something. She has had the system for a while and has been alerted a handful of times about potential intruders and things of that nature. I always think it is nice that she even gets the liberty of being alerted when someone is breaking in or could be breaking in. It definitely makes sense to freak out the way she does though. I guess I probably would freak out since it is your house and some expensive stuff people are trying to find. I really cannot afford to replace some things multiple times. I mean we have a laptop for each member of our family. That was a big investment that I definitely cannot go through again. Something like a home security system seems worth it if you can avoid something that. I would take the freak outs over having to replace four expensive laptops.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
County Fair
Years ago, back when I was a youngin, we always looked forward to out county fair. It seemed like it took forever for each year to roll around and the fair come to town. Of course we were a family that didn't have much money so we didn't go every day that the fair was in town. But...we did get to go one day each year! The smell of the Elephant Ears that were so yummy and the sound of all the carnie music just got you in the spirit. I didn't participate in any events either. My dad worked a lot and my mom didn't drive, and this made it difficult for me or my sister to participate. The fair moved out of town one year and it didn't come back for many, many years.
Well times have changed and I am more excited now than when I was a kid. The fair has come back to town!
I am now a participant! Yeah! me! The boys will be entering items in the fair and so will I. I have a pair of socks that I knitted, an oil painting and I am thinking...maybe a decoupage. Matthew (my youngest) is entering some of his art items also. He has a knitted scarf and some crayon art to enter.
I will let you know how it all goes - so be sure to check back around the middle of April.
Here are a few pictures from last year at the fair.
If you guessed from the top of the Farris Wheel, you are correct. Ok - so it's a little tiny thing. Our town is a tiny town too but we get pretty good participation and maybe, just maybe the fair can come to town every year.
Well times have changed and I am more excited now than when I was a kid. The fair has come back to town!
I am now a participant! Yeah! me! The boys will be entering items in the fair and so will I. I have a pair of socks that I knitted, an oil painting and I am thinking...maybe a decoupage. Matthew (my youngest) is entering some of his art items also. He has a knitted scarf and some crayon art to enter.
I will let you know how it all goes - so be sure to check back around the middle of April.
Here are a few pictures from last year at the fair.
If you guessed from the top of the Farris Wheel, you are correct. Ok - so it's a little tiny thing. Our town is a tiny town too but we get pretty good participation and maybe, just maybe the fair can come to town every year.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Whats on Your Deck
I am so excited this summer because I have a deck. The only thing I have on it right now is a swing with a canopy that my mother in law gave us. I really enjoy it but I need something else. So...I am looking at some Adirondack chairs. I am looking at the ones from recycled plastic. You all know how I just love helping save the earth. Colors - oh my! So many beautiful colors to choose from. Casual living at it's best with a folding Adirondack chair. I love it!
Well I'm gonna need at least two Picnic Tables. One for the adults and one for the kids. They are so easy to clean too! Not the kids, the tables. There is wood, concrete, powder coated steel and of course my very favorite is the recycled plastic. I can even get them to match! How awesome is that!
Ok - now for the shady parts of the yard. I have some really huge oak trees and I really must have a few Park Benches. I know of at least one shady area that I want it to be mounted to a ground surface because I don't want it moved. The others I get will be portable for ease of maintenance of the grass.
Gosh, I'm getting all excited now. Ok - I gotta scoot outta here because I want to go and get some quotes. I can hardly wait! I will host a couple of homeschool events here once all these items arrive.
See ya in the yard!
Well I'm gonna need at least two Picnic Tables. One for the adults and one for the kids. They are so easy to clean too! Not the kids, the tables. There is wood, concrete, powder coated steel and of course my very favorite is the recycled plastic. I can even get them to match! How awesome is that!
Ok - now for the shady parts of the yard. I have some really huge oak trees and I really must have a few Park Benches. I know of at least one shady area that I want it to be mounted to a ground surface because I don't want it moved. The others I get will be portable for ease of maintenance of the grass.
Gosh, I'm getting all excited now. Ok - I gotta scoot outta here because I want to go and get some quotes. I can hardly wait! I will host a couple of homeschool events here once all these items arrive.
See ya in the yard!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Grade School to College
The end of the school year is just around the corner. I can't believe how fast this year has buzzed by. I know you're gonna tell me that it's only March. Yeah - the end of March. Spring break for some kids is already over and they are back in school thinking about what they will do after graduation. I'm not sure what statistics say about how many graduates go on to college. If you know, leave me a comment please.
Anyway...on to college.
WOW!
That really seems like a big step, I think just yesterday they were still in grade school. Or so it seems to most of us moms.
Some will go to a 4 year college and some to a 2 year college and some to a trade school. Maybe your graduate is thinking about college in California or Technical Schools in Miami. Well there is no doubt that they won't be disappointed. No matter where your graduate decides to continue their education, have them do their homework and select a school that will give them exactly what they need. And yes, moms and dads, you can do a little research also. From coast to coast you are sure to find an excellent place to continue your education.
Anyway...on to college.
WOW!
That really seems like a big step, I think just yesterday they were still in grade school. Or so it seems to most of us moms.
Some will go to a 4 year college and some to a 2 year college and some to a trade school. Maybe your graduate is thinking about college in California or Technical Schools in Miami. Well there is no doubt that they won't be disappointed. No matter where your graduate decides to continue their education, have them do their homework and select a school that will give them exactly what they need. And yes, moms and dads, you can do a little research also. From coast to coast you are sure to find an excellent place to continue your education.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Spring has Sprung
By now you probably know that Spring has sprung. Well actually, not officially for 3 more days. I am counting down the days until I can say Spring is here! I love Spring and that reminds me of what I love to do this time of year...Gardening! My youngest son and I have been digging in the dirt and watering our young tender plants. Nursing them along and giving them the nutrients that they need to not only survive but to develop into wonderful producing plants.
With plants that produce comes work. Yes, I know...that's a 4 letter word. But it doesn't have to be! One thing that I am researching right now is a drip irrigation system. I don't have to worry about forgetting to water the plants. I'm not tied to the garden (so to say). I don't have to hurry home or worry about getting back home because something in the garden needs to be done. Irrigation Supply Outlet has been in business for 23 years and I certainly like to put my money into a sure thing. I have discovered that they carry "professional grade" irrigation supplies. That is a good thing! Did I mention that I can save water too?! Now how cool is that!
So you say that you don't have a garden. That's ok, because you can find lawn sprinklers that will have you saving water while you get that grass green and lush!
Now get out there and get some dirt under those nails.
With plants that produce comes work. Yes, I know...that's a 4 letter word. But it doesn't have to be! One thing that I am researching right now is a drip irrigation system. I don't have to worry about forgetting to water the plants. I'm not tied to the garden (so to say). I don't have to hurry home or worry about getting back home because something in the garden needs to be done. Irrigation Supply Outlet has been in business for 23 years and I certainly like to put my money into a sure thing. I have discovered that they carry "professional grade" irrigation supplies. That is a good thing! Did I mention that I can save water too?! Now how cool is that!
So you say that you don't have a garden. That's ok, because you can find lawn sprinklers that will have you saving water while you get that grass green and lush!
Now get out there and get some dirt under those nails.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Winter in the Spring
Do you remember me saying that we were going to have to take a road trip to see Winter? Well guess what we did yesterday? Yes! We took that road trip and we saw the Famous Dolphin named Winter.
Oh my gosh!!! What a heartwarming story!
If you haven't saw the movie, check this out.
See Winter
Oh my gosh!!! What a heartwarming story!
If you haven't saw the movie, check this out.
See Winter
Friday, March 09, 2012
Double Glazing
Put your recipes away because I'm not talking about glazing cakes or donuts. Even though it would be yummy to have Double Glazing on them.
I'm talking about windows. Yes, you read that right. Double Glazing windows is such a great thing. It's 2 panes of glass with air between them. The air between acts as insulation. I have 15 windows in my house and just this winter, we were talking about the possibility of doing something different with our windows. We figured that we loose about 60% of our heat through our windows. Yeah! That's a lot of money flying out the window. I'm not sure about you but I can afford to heat my house but not the whole yard.
So...
We will be getting some All Double Glazing on all of our windows.
Gotta run and measure windows, see you in a bit.
I'm talking about windows. Yes, you read that right. Double Glazing windows is such a great thing. It's 2 panes of glass with air between them. The air between acts as insulation. I have 15 windows in my house and just this winter, we were talking about the possibility of doing something different with our windows. We figured that we loose about 60% of our heat through our windows. Yeah! That's a lot of money flying out the window. I'm not sure about you but I can afford to heat my house but not the whole yard.
So...
We will be getting some All Double Glazing on all of our windows.
Gotta run and measure windows, see you in a bit.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Planting
You better get outside and get those gardens ready. It's time to get planting and growing. We started ours yesterday. Ok - if you count the day we actually bought seeds and some starter plants, then we started it on Tuesday. But...wait a minute! It was actually February 27th because that's when Matthew and I started some seeds in a seedbed inside.
We should have planted potatoes on Valentine day. But you guessed it! We were way too stinkin busy and I forgot. Can you believe that I forgot?! I started saying last year that this year I would plant my potatoes on Valentine day. Next year! I will plant my potatoes on Valentine day!
We should have planted potatoes on Valentine day. But you guessed it! We were way too stinkin busy and I forgot. Can you believe that I forgot?! I started saying last year that this year I would plant my potatoes on Valentine day. Next year! I will plant my potatoes on Valentine day!
Did you know
Hey you! Yes, I'm talking to you...I have a new blog or maybe I should say another blog. It's called...
A place where I tell you all the reasons why there is Dust On The Counter.
I really do enjoy blogging and I want to be here more. Now I am here and there. So...you will certainly be able to know what's up in my life if you check out both the blogs.
Hope to see ya there!
Friday, March 02, 2012
Spring Green
There are so many HOT, I mean really HOT colors and products that are either out or coming out this spring. Colors! I just love all the HOT colors! Yes, I'm a country girl by heart but I have to say that Lime Green is a a country color. Yes, I said Lime Green! How about this...a Lime Green Coverlet that will just knock your socks right off because it's just so beautiful and what else could say country garden like Lime Green!
There's just something about the color of green this spring. If you haven't then you should...Oh yeah! I guess I should tell you what you should...Look at these green glasses frames and you will fall in love with spring and green. Try it...don't be shy!
There's just something about the color of green this spring. If you haven't then you should...Oh yeah! I guess I should tell you what you should...Look at these green glasses frames and you will fall in love with spring and green. Try it...don't be shy!
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