Friday, September 29, 2017

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Windy Wednesday & more Boho Baby freebie

Two days now with real meals. Today we will be going to dinner with Sissy & John and having Italian food at Ynot Pizza. I'm not in the mood for pizza so will probably have their ravioli. Anyway, worked more on lapghan for Sandy and I'm getting close to point I can start adding border. Next crochet project lined up is a messy bun hat and fingerless mitts for Robyn at my pharmacy. After that, another big project - poncho for step-daughter in the new Caron Cakes yarn. It's variegated in neutrals - black, grey, ivory. Should go with anything. If she will wear it. Hard woman to please and never worries about pleasing anyone else. Still, she is my husband's daughter and mother to our grandchildren. I do my best to get along with her.

And today we have zip 23:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wylr0xz04qw1xle/ws_BohoBaby_23.zip?dl=0

Yes, I've noticed that despite intent to get away from conventional pink and blue, I too keep coming back to it. Did you know, in Victorian times little boys wore pink a lot? It was considered the infant form of red which was thought of as a masculine color, ie., anger/war/blood.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Rainy Tuesday & Boho Baby freebie

Last night I had a real dinner! Chicken, mashed potatoes and peas. Pretty good day. Was overcast when I left home for treatment plan meeting at nursing home. Dad didn't have hearing aid in but he sat in with us. Nothing much new really. Left there and dropped into TJ Maxx looking for some sweet almond oil (which I found) and picked up a new top in an autumn wine. No sooner left there when the wind increased and rain started up. Not a surprise really since I know there is a storm off the coast of North Carolina. Had planned to drop by Hobby Lobby or Michaels, since I'm feeling so much better, but rain was getting worse and I still had to stop for milk so headed back home.

I've been trying a couple new things the last few days. One is a roller bottle blend of essential oils with magnesium. I've been putting it on the soles of my feet each night before bed and haven't had foot cramps. The other thing is my own concoction loosely based on some other alternative remedies. I've been told turmeric might be helpful but don't want to take it in capsules. Tried golden milk before bed and turmeric ginger tea. Because turmeric settles, you have to keep stirring. For last 2 nights, I've taken an 8 oz bottle of room temperature water and added a teaspoon of lime, a teaspoon of turmeric, and a teaspoon of sugar (to cut the bitterness). Seal it up, shake well and drink. The nice thing is you don't have to drink it all down quickly. If the turmeric starts to settle, just seal up and shake again. I've gotten to sleep a little more easily, slept well, and have woken up earlier than usual well refreshed. Sure, it might be coincidental but I think it's making a difference.

My friend, Tosha, has been invited to sell her products at 3 craft shows/fairs. I'm excited for her but I remember that you can get excited thinking of all the exposure and how much you might sell but you have to consider all factors. Sent her some hints Sandy and I learned about record keeping to see if such events are really worth while, questions to ask organizers and so on. And in between bouts with belly and pain, I had fun playing with some designs for her. I found her current business card too busy and hard to read so came up with a couple alternatives to offer. Finished up the master for her thank you cards, and made up a printable pillow box she can use if she wants to give away samples. I've explained to her that she's under no obligation to use anything I give her, it's just fun for me to design and if it helps her, so much the better.

And now here is today's zip:
There is a double feather ring wreath in the package too.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rh4kx78cq8bro3x/ws_BohoBaby_22.zip?dl=0

Monday, September 25, 2017

Monday again. Freebie time!

Yes, I have to remind myself of this. (& I should have tried to correct their spelling. )In my mind, I wasted all of last week, or almost all due to combination of fibromyalgia flare-up (I know I've talked about this before) and gastroparesis flare-up.
I slept as much as possible to get away from the pain and ate as little as possible. Fortunately, I had Glucerna on hand and that, lots of water, and occasionally a bowl of instant oatmeal got me through. Today I am feeling better and thank you all for your kind well wishes. Now I've got a lot of catching up to do! My house is a disaster zone. Tomorrow I have an appointment at nursing home to discuss next 3 months of care (not sure what there is to discuss) and technician from Cox Cable is coming out to install some kind of updated box for telephone service. Loads of paperwork to copy for paralegal and send off. Have heard nothing more from my brother since he called to say they made it through storm okay and would be coming up in September to help with Dad's house. Don't know what's going on there but suspect I'm on my own. It's 9/25 already, lots to be done at the house (I can't manage it all in 5 days) and house should be put on market in October. Fun, fun, fun.

Usually by this time of year I'm doing holiday planning but the thought of this year's holidays is depressing. Don't know what to do about Dad during holiday. It takes people to get him into his chair and medical transport to take him any where and if we were to somehow get him here, we can't move him or change him. So I guess it will just be going over to see him. Jeremy and Berkeley won't be coming home this year for Thanksgiving or Christmas. For me, Jeremy is Christmas. Tyler is in college in South Carolina and whatever time he gets to come home has to be divided among a lot of family. Larkin's time will be divided between her mother and aunt's family so it will probably be like last year when she and Lisa were here for a day between Christmas and New Year's. Aunt Sissy and John always spend time in North Carolina during the holidays at some peaceful time share place. Haven't even begun to think about shopping and all I know for sure I'll be doing is making fruit cakes next month. Got to come up with a way to make things more enjoyable. Certainly focusing on the reason for the season but something too for the secular side of festivities.

Now finally, here is zip 21:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7ugar619jkgvrs0/ws_BohoBaby_21.zip?dl=0

Friday, September 22, 2017

Next Boho Baby freebie

Has not been a good day. I have partial gastroparesis which means my stomach is partially paralyzed and doesn't "process" as it should. Have been miserable and careful last few days but last night it got worse. I've had to force myself to even drink water because I don't want to be dehydrated, but eating anything has been impossible. That's why I'm running late.

Without further discussion, here is Boho Baby 19:
Overalls, even for girls are practical so I tried to give these a Boho girl slant. Another frame for you, papers, deco.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ld92c2s1tgf35jm/ws_BohoBaby_19.zip?dl=0

A few graham crackers should keep me from low blood sugar and tomorrow things are sure to be better.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Miserable Thursday & freebie

Fibro still in high gear. Went to my appointment, quick stop at store to pick up an item needed for dinner, then home to crash. Did get some good news. My friend, Tosha, has been booked for 3 craft fairs based on customers who loved her products! I'm so excited for her and have promised to create some thank you cards for her. She and her husband put together a flyer about the products, which you can download here, if interested.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3x66lgpcps36kfk/ScentsbyToshabrochure.zip?dl=0
Today I tried a roll on essential oil blend that has magnesium, camomile, marjoram, and lavender. Supposed to help relax muscles. I put some along my jaw line because TMJ acting up too and it really helped! Not much relief on neck but also put some on the soles of my feet and was able to drop off quickly for a nap. Nice how something so simple (and much less toxic than many medications) can help.

Here is today's zip of Boho Baby:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lg2593vkunneuz5/ws_BohoBaby_18.zip?dl=0

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Midweek freebie of Boho Baby

Having fibro flare-up so short post. Last night there was a hint of autumn in the air and despite pain, it had me smiling. Was getting the urge to bake bread and make beef stew. Temps back up again today, darn it. Still, I found some recipes that look good and am prepared for a cooler day. Here in Norfolk, when you go to the local store and look for Italian bread what you get is a loaf shaped a little shorter and fatter than the French bread that tastes about the same. According to my husband, Italian bread should be crusty on outside and soft in the middle which store bought isn't. So I've collected a few recipes and intend to try making him bread like he grew up with in New York. Also found a great looking recipe for cinnamon raisin bread. But for tonight, we will have leftover spaghetti and/or meatball sandwiches and dessert will be more cheesecake with pineapple topping.

Today's zip of Boho Baby makes me think of the Bohemian love of nature with the greens and a little owl toy.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kn77bvu3wksk4tb/ws_BohoBaby_17.zip?dl=0

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Today is gloomy & wet. Zip 16 of Boho Baby

Got a few things done yesterday and when I visited with Dad, he looked good. He was sitting up in wheelchair and had finally agreed to let faculty barber trim moustache, beard and hair. Almost all the family called or e-mailed birthday wishes for my husband, which was very nice. He enjoyed lots of crab legs and a little Chinese food at dinner. Guess I had maybe 30 minutes to read on Kindle while he finished up. Cheesecake turned out well. With weather acting up - rainy and pressure changes - we both had aches and pains last night. My fibro gave me a fit so I had to get up and take some Tylenol and Benadryl just to take edge off so I could sleep. Better now. Going to make this an easy day though.

Today Boho Baby is going out to visit so we have a portable cradle. In addition to usual take alongs, don't forget some powder and some booties as little toes chill quickly. We're adding to nursery decor too with some word art to express one of many values we hope for baby to grow up with.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ya96q8iqg8wkkj9/ws_BohoBaby_16.zip?dl=0

Monday, September 18, 2017

Happy Birthday to my husband & Boho Baby freebie

Today is my husband's birthday. I was up late last night making his favorite birthday cake - cheesecake with pineapple topping. Next month will be the 50th anniversary of the day we first met at a Halloween party I had in high school.

And today we have a little floral touch to Boho Baby. The zip includes a plush blanket paper, embossed paper, watercolor lavender wreath, floral border, and butterfly word art.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ou7ggbuib27hizx/ws_BohoBaby_15.zip?dl=0

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Saturday again? Freebie - Boho Baby

A little more boyish today:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cz6clcmipqa73p9/ws_BohoBaby_14.zip?dl=0
BTW the background paper is supposed to be a blanket - in case you couldn't tell.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Not superstitious are you? It's Friday & 13th zip of Boho Baby

Feeling better today. Went to Dad's house to get mail & packed a few boxes with clothes to sell or give away. Quite a number of items still have tags on them, never worn. Need more boxes. Lidl features products from a different country each week and this week was Britain & Ireland. So I dropped by to see what they had. Not much actually. Picked up 2 boxes of tiny frozen tea party pastries. Should be nice for next tea party with grand-daughter. They also had some fresh croissants with hazelnut filling so I got a couple of those. I've had one before and it was good. Pass on the apple turnovers though as they are bland to the point of being tasteless. Don't have to cook tonight so will get more laundry done and do some printing of statements I need to mail to paralegal for Dad.

Today's zip is a little more boyish:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/km4euzduzjz1n9i/ws_BohoBaby_13.zip?dl=0

I'm prepared for tomorrow's post but this weekend I'd best get busy setting up next week. I know we need some ribbons and bows. Maybe some borders? Templates? Are you interested in brag book pages for the bracket shaped books?

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Freebie & more essential oil products

Long day. Took Dad to dermatologist. So glad I had medical transport when I saw the difficulty the nurse had getting him out of bed and into wheel chair. Biopsy report on lesions removed last visit to dermatologist said benign. One little blast to freeze a tiny place on nose that has bothered him,and after checking his arms and back, we were good to go.

Today's zip of Boho Baby has a bedtime theme:
I remember when my Jeremy was little & still in a crib, if I'd had a hard day I'd go in once he was asleep just to look at him all snuggled up so sweet and reach over to pat his duck fluff hair. I'd come away smiling and feeling peaceful.
Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l1hg6w6aehg7mnq/ws_BohoBaby_11.zip?dl=0

Tosha's been busy making lip balms:
She said the strawberry one has a tint because it was made with finely ground organic freeze dried strawberries. Nice huh?

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Remember I was going to tell you about a "new" product?

Let me first start by telling you about a friend of mine. Two years ago, at my son's wedding, I met a remarkable young woman named Tosha Warren. Here's a photo of her:

Isn't she lovely? the best part is that the lovliness isn't all external. Tosha is one of those people you meet in whom you can see God's light and love shining forth. She hasn't had the easiest life. She was abused as a child and had some disasterous romantic relationships. Some would come away from all this bitter. But Tosha sees all that has happened to her as lessons God was trying to teach her, leading her towards the path she was chosen for.

Tosha has two wonderful sons from her early marriages, has since found a wonderfully loving and supportive spouse with whom she had another son, and has realized that her role is that of care giver. Not just for her own sons but as a foster parent. Too often we hear horror stories about foster care so I'd like to tell you about Tosha and her husband, Wes, in contrast. At present Tosha is mother not only to her son Christian,who is in high school and ROTC, and Kevin who is in 7th grade, but also to Kyle who is a super active 5 year-old. She and Wes have taken in a goodly number of foster children over the years, including Andrew, a three year old with special needs, whom they have since adopted. All of these children are being provided with not just necessities but a loving Christian home with two parents who adore each and every one of them.

Talk about super Mom - Tosha is also Team Mom and photographer for Christian's varsity football team. Christian dreams of entering the Air Force Academy after high school and with top grades and many other achievements, his future looks very bright. Kevin too is highly intelligent. But because he suffers from dysgraphia, causing him to be slow when writing papers and such, Tosha has decided to home school him. That's a big task but she is undaunted. Kyle is, as Tosha puts it, "a spitfire," full of energy and may have ADHD but she resists medicating him, accepting him as he is and enjoying all his wonderful qualities. Kindergarten will be a nice respite for all concerned. Finally, there is Andrew, who has Down's syndrome and was born with fused fingers on both hands. All the extra care, the surgeries to separate the fingers and so on, were just more reasons to make Andrew part of the family. From all reports, he is a delightfully happy little guy.

Tosha used to work part time to help with family needs but with taking on Kevin's home schooling, working outside the home isn't a possibility now. So Tosha has started a little cottage industry. I'd said earlier that I was going to tell you about a new product I received last week, but that was somewhat misstated. You see, I received one of Tosha's body butters. I know body butters aren't new, but it was the first time I tried Tosha's product. All the body butters are made with shea, mango and coconut butter and essential oils. No water. It goes on so nicely, melting into the skin and leaves dry skin with a soft, satiny finish. I have the lavender and sandalwood type and the scent is heavenly! Now I have my eye on the Eternal Romance one. Tosha says it includes "Rose, ylang ylang patchouli, bergamot and a touch of lavender." Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? And she is hard at work crafting lip balms now too.

As you can tell, I'm quite impressed and will be a regular customer. With cooler weather coming soon, I thought maybe some of you might be interested in trying her products. Right now, she is still working on her website but you can reach her here:
scentsbyTosha@gmail.com or on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/tosha.warren.1?lst=1554931328%3A1019703301%3A1505107199



Thinking ahead

Next month will be here before we know it and of course, when we think of October, we think of Halloween. To be honest, I really don't want to do yet another Halloween kit. But I might manage some papers and maybe some clusters and/or borders if you would like. What do you think?

Good News & freebie

Yesterday my husband learned his aunt & cousins in Newport Richie, FL had made it through the hurricane okay. Then my brother called and he sounded in good spirits. They lost one tree at their home in Sarasota FL but sustained no real damage, just some debris to clean up. Hope to hear soon that he & SIL are on their way up here. Is everyone else okay?

Kristi, sorry about your hard drove. Especially bad as you now have important event to scrap. PM me on https://www.facebook.com/pg/SherScraps4CuWonderlandScraps/
I may have something helpful.

And today we are up to #10 in Boho Baby:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1mw35ufgkevjnw7/ws_BohoBaby_10.zip?dl=0

And I'm off to do some laundry.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Remembering 9/11 & freebie

Like most people, I imagine, I'm thinking back to where I was on this day when tragedy struck. I was at work at a health insurance company and on the phone with a doctor's office when the representative next to me leaned over to say that a plane had just struck one of the World Trade Center towers. She was on break at her desk and listening to a radio station. Moments later all systems went on hold as we learned more about what was going on. A few people had mini TVs they used during lunch hour and we all crowded around to see what was being reported. Overall the feeling was of having entered some surreal Twilight Zone area. There were tears, prayers, frantic phone calls trying to reach loved ones, and fears too because our area is full of military installations and therefore another prime target for terrorism. A horrible day I am unlikely to ever forget. My family was lucky in that while we had family members who worked at the World Trade Center, they were away from the office for the day and, therefore, safe. Today I'm remembering all who perished in the events of that day and sending up prayers for their families and friends.

Thinking and praying too for all those affected by the terrible storms of this hurricane season. Waiting to hear how my brother & SIL fared in Sarasota.

Today in Boho Baby we have a little sunshine for the nursery:
Had to include a giraffe in memory of my son's nursery. Here's your link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/e4hky2wrzc291wz/ws_BohoBaby_9.zip?dl=0

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Worst hurricane season in ages & Boho Baby freebie

Wow, hurricane season is really rough this year! I finally heard from my brother yesterday. He called to say he and his wife are riding out the storms to come in their home in Sarasota FL. He'd called knowing I'd be worried and that they are likely to lose communication soon, wanted to tell me he loves me, not to worry that their home is old but sturdily made with stucco. They had been tieing their trees such that if they fall, they should fall away from the house, moving outside stuff in and generally preparing. He reminded me that they have a guest cottage too so if the house is damaged, they can go there or vice versa. Promised to call when storm has passed. Said there was no point trying to go any where as roads were packed with cars and all hotels between Florida and into South Carolina are sold out. Thought maybe they would try to get to his son's home in Ashville, NC but he said that's on the storm's predicted path too. Besides, with his pain problems, long car rides are difficult.

Going to drop by Dad's house to pick up a few of the hundred's of flashlights and lanterns he's got over there. He went through a period where he was trying every new type of light producing device on the market and every time I'm over there I find yet another flashlight. Seriously, when we hold the estate sale there will be a box full of flashlights of all kinds and sizes. Next I'll stop by A.C. Moore's craft store because they have yarn on sale. I've decided to make my step-daughter a poncho as part of her Christmas. She won't wear sweaters but is always complaining about being cold and huddling up with a blanket. Seems to me a poncho could be just the thing as she'd be able to get up and move around yet still stay warm. Then on to check on Dad and let him know I talked to Thom.

Today in Boho Baby we go back to more feminine colors, although in Victorian times baby boys wore pink, a pastel of red which is considered masculine. And this is the last of the ribbon frames. You were probably wondering if I was ever going to give you something other than ribbon frames. Yes, I will.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cz9id3thhceu0ws/ws_BohoBaby_8.zip?dl=0

Friday, September 8, 2017

More Boho Baby freebie

I'm going to get back to you on that product I mentioned yesterday (?) because I've been lazy and haven't written it up yet. At the moment I'm going to post zip 7 of Boho Baby which is a little more boyish. As usual, when I can''t decide on a version of something, I'm including 2 versions of the bib - one with text, one without, although I really like the text one. Still, someone might want to put baby's name on the bib instead.
Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kbi6qamq6kkr618/ws_BohoBaby_7.zip?dl=0
Did some paper work stuff for Dad this week, minimal chores around here, talked to my son, but haven't been able to reach my brother. Maybe he and his wife have gone to N.C. to stay with my nephew because of hurricane tracking. Will try them again this evening. Wanting to hear when his surgery is scheduled. My son and his wife got disturbing news the other day. They were supposed to be renting a house which had a downstairs apartment already rented. The deal with the homeowner had them doing painting and such to be reimbursed and allowed them to start a gradual move in before October. The owner went to the city to arrange separate addresses for the apartment and house (like a & b ) and learned the township will not allow him to rent the house as two separate residences. It has been being used that way for about 6 years since he bought the place, with the apartment dweller already in place. Now he would have to remove the apartment guy and rent the whole thing to Jeremy at a higher cost or cancel plans. Since part of the idea of moving there was a reduction in rent, it's all fallen through. Not good news for my son & DIL who have been working overtime at their jobs and then working at the house too, with Jeremy having health problems. He sounded so down when I spoke with him and was concerned I was calling him with more bad news (about my Dad). What's that saying? when it rains, it pours.

Terrible news about all the devastation from hurricanes and more to come. Scary!

Sorry about improper link. Fixed now.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Quick freebie for Boho Baby

For those who might like to have a bohemian themed birth announcement, try these. The psd files offer choices so grandparents as well as parents can proudly announce a new addition to the family.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4gdw2wenmv8y3sw/ws_BohoBaby_6_birth_announcements.zip?dl=0

Back later to talk about a wonderful new product I got in the mail yesterday.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

4th zip of Boho Baby freebie

Just got back from visiting Dad. Watched him fiddle with his hearing aid for about an hour (during which it was impossible to hold a conversation). He is having trouble inserting it into his ear. Next, he decides the battery is dead, so I replace it for him, wait for him to put it in ear. I'm hearing the buzz it makes when it is moved around outside the ear so know the battery is good. He thinks something is wrong so I get the cleaning kit and watch him play with that. Finally he decides that I broke the hinge on the little door latch. I know it was fine when I put the battery in and suspect if there is a problem it is because of the way he picks at the thing. He wants me to call audiologist tomorrow. We try to talk but it really doesn't go well and I was glad I brought along the lapghan I'm making for a friend. Not long before I leave, Dad decides he wants sound on the TV. He'd been watching "River Monsters" without and I don't know why he decided to turn the sound on when he's not wearing the hearing aid. He kept turning it up until it was at 95! I was sitting near the TV and thought my head would explode.

Anyway, here is next zip of Boho Baby, a little more girly:
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5q1z6hj9uwio2qy/ws_BohoBaby_4.zip?dl=0

Monday, September 4, 2017

Happy Labor Day! Free Boho Baby kit zip

I finally made some scones the other night. Well, that's what they were supposed to be but were more like stones! I used a different recipe for cream scones and they didn't rise at all. Thought maybe I needed new baking powder but tested it after the disappointment and the powder is fine. Don't know what happened. Ate them anyway.

Just not wanting to do much of anything. I've been playing games on PC and working on Boho Baby. Finished The Emperor's Tomb; Steve Berry does not disappoint. Started a book I'm to review for Handlebar Publishers called The Master's Mind, not the one by Bryan Mark Taylor about artists, but this one by Lance Hahn:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-master-s-mind
Only a chapter in but Hahn is looking at the concept of what we think we become from a Christian viewpoint.

As for Boho Baby, so far we have some papers, a few frames, the ever essential diaper, and a swaddle blanket. Baby needs a place to sleep so today we have a cradle and a few other things,
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0rehn79k7iarskr/ws_BohoBaby_3.zip?dl=0

Waiting and wondering what will happen with tropical storm Irma. Please pass us by.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Oops _I'm way late & start of Boho Baby freebie

I apologize for missing yesterday's post. I visited my Dad then came home to have fast food dinner with husband while we watched some Netflix movies. Next thing I knew, it was past midnight and I could no longer keep my eyes open. Today I will give you 2 posts - one for yesterday and one for today, okay?

I ended up adding 2 more colors to Boho Baby and it is beginning to come together better. I think zip one sets the tone for where I wanted to go. I found a rather plain free vector of a Mom pushing a baby carriage and tried to give it a Boho look. Included an umbrella in this first zip in case there are baby shower pics you might want to use the kit with. And you will find 2 versions of papers 1 & 2 because I wasn't happy with the way the original color set was coming out.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dv23kxywcfzp8gl/ws_BohoBaby_1.zip?dl=0

And today's zip:
Here you can see the faded denim blue I added.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/z61fodfuvsta6v0/ws_BohoBaby_2.zip?dl=0

So, it's Labor Day Weekend, right? Lots of getting back to school prep and end of summer celebration. Me? Have already done my part to get grand-daughter back to school with all the supplies she needs. Now if she will just focus this year! Going to stay off the streets as much as possible this weekend and avoid traffic. Got some cleaning to do, started a new lapghan, coming to the conclusion of another Steve Berry book (The Emperor's Tomb), calls to make to son, brother, and friends. Have a good holiday weekend and be safe.