Merry Christmas! Freebie below

Here is the rest of the Colors of Christmas kit. Hope you enjoy.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5nk13ivfuhjb5y4/ws_ColorsofChristmas_5.zip?dl=0

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/99no2rqlarb243r/ws_ColorsofChristmas_6.zip?dl=0

Will see you in 2020. Have a Happy New Year!

Saturday freebie

Today we have zip 4 of Colors of Christmas [& lots of cleaning to do!]

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j3j4immct5mddra/ws_ColorsofChristmas_4.zip?dl=0

Quick note about posts

There will be posts of Colors of Christmas tomorrow, Saturday 12/21 & on Tuesday 12/24. After that I am taking some time off for the holidays. Not sure yet when grand-daughter will be coming to stay for a few days so want to be refreshed and ready to play with her. Currently planning return for second week of January 2020.

Next zip of Colors of Christmas freebie

Saw spine doc today. Setting up MRI for lower back as he found weakness in left leg and says I may have bad disc. Also setting up appointment to get injections in neck. Busy, busy.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/igangdt1y6gq5yw/ws_ColorsofChristmas_3.zip?dl=0

Tuesday freebie of Colors of Christmas

Hmm, I was supposed to have added a note Thursday or Friday night to let you know there would be no post on Saturday as we would be out for a holiday party and after contacting Jeremy whose birthday it was. Now I see I forgot to make note. I'm sorry.

Here is next zip of Colors of Christmas

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6d2mu0lo06vxf0q/ws_ColorsofChristmas_2.zip?dl=0

Got to run as I have a lot to do and a cranky tummy despite having taken my Nexium.

New free kit begins today!

I am just now getting decorated for the holiday. Had a problem getting the tree bag down and had to call on our friend, Arthur, to come by and get it down for us. It's a little 4.5' artificial tree that I set up on the window seat. Got winded just setting it up, lighting it, and putting "snow" skirt around it. Ornaments will have to wait 'cause it is my turn to cook dinner tonight. We went from 70s into 30s over night so temps feel like Christmas now.

Played with a number of ideas for this kit but ended up using my resources from Jaguarwoman to get inspired and stayed with the traditional colors. Hope you will like it. Here is zip 1:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rsggtspcwd061kw/ws_ColorsofChristmas_1.zip?dl=0

Last of Baking Blitz free kit

I've been gone all day so will make this quick. Here are a couple more templates.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ky6gsdqdae6rpxd/ws_BakingBlitz_12.zip?dl=0

Ready for Christmas? I'm not. Got to run and do some stuff.

Saturday - Berekeley's birthday - me with sore throat - tree not up - baking not done. That's a snapshot of today. Here is first of the templates.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/x26a0ihvd2z3ziu/ws_BakingBlitz_11.zip?dl=0

Stay well & have fun with holiday prep.

Thursday already? Another freebie

Here it is, Thursday already! Today I went for the nerve conduction test on my left hand and arm. Lately it hasn't been giving me much trouble so I wasn't surprised that the test turned out well. That is a good thing, of course, but doesn't promise that the pain, numbness & tingling won't return. I imagine I must have done something to my neck that relieved some pressure on the nerves. Had lunch afterwards at Ynot Pizza with my husband. Ran another errand and since then have been altogether useless! Told my son the other day that I intended to get my tree up by Berkeley's birthday this Saturday (his wife) but I haven't so much as removed the ornament boxes from the window seat. Planned to do some baking later tonight but husband just informed me we need more flour. And I was just at the store earlier! Looks like all I'm going to do now is try to finish the nightgown I am making for Lucy Grace (Larkin's new doll; they name them) and watch TV.

Today's zip is, I think, going to be the last of this theme, except for some templates coming soon. Finished two of the templates earlier but have more in process. Keep in mind that while the template might show, for example, a mixer, you can certainly substitute whatever you like. These are just meant to jumpstart your layout creativity.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mpfibjyhf41e4m8/ws_BakingBlitz_10.zip?dl=0

Have a nice holiday? & Freebie

Hope you all had a nice holiday. We certainly did but a tiring one. Guess we are getting too old for all the to-do of having people over for holiday dinners. My husband said it was the last time we are going to do it. Time for the younger generation to take over. He told Jeremy that next year we are coming to PA to have dinner at their house. A little bit of anxiety ensued. They just bought their townhouse this year and are still fixing it up. No space for overnight visitors is one problem. Husband told them we would, of course, stay at a hotel. But they don't have a dining table. No problem - we can eat buffet style. I was a little embarrassed as I don't go along with inviting myself anywhere. But, of course, there are other alternatives and we will see what develops. I can say we were really tired, though happy, after having son & DIL and grandson and his girlfriend to celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday, Son & DIL had worked on Thanksgiving and driven down after work, but tired though they unquestionably were, they were perky on Friday and Saturday. So good to see them. Won't see them again until around my birthday in March.

I did manage to get most of what I wanted to do done before they arrived. However, when I went to make pies on Thursday, I discovered I had forgotten to buy evaporated milk. Oh well, we went out early Friday morning and just bought a couple of pies at a grocery store. What was important was being together. It was fun watching grandson and son interact especially as I was remembering when Jeremy would come home from college at Christmas and he would get down on the floor to play cars with Tyler who was just a toddler. Anyway, still sort of recovering from holiday but intend to make headway on my to-do list. Yesterday got my mammogram and bone density studies done, took some things to thrift store, picked some items up from grocery, and finished a crocheted poncho fro Larkin's doll in a color combo she will love - a variegated pastel purple and pink. Lazy today but have laundry to do and calls to make.

Here is today's Baking Blitz:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xqpai7n2k0x0u9a/ws_BakingBlitz_9.zip?dl=0

More Baking Blitz freebie

Scheduling this ahead of time because Jeremy & Berkeley will only be here a short time before leaving to go back to PA.
Up to zip 8 on Baking Blitz:

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/89d2li24of0yz3f/ws_BakingBllitz_8.zip?dl=0

Happy Thanksgiving & freeboe

Enjoy your turkey dinner and the company of family and friends.

Here is another zip of Baking Blitz

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uqoav3i7f93wnzz/ws_BakingBlitz_7.zip?dl=0

Tuesday freebie Baking Blitz

Time is whizzing past! All my holiday shopping is done, just waiting for a few things to arrive. Unfortunately, still much cleaning and prepping to do before Thanksgiving. We are both short on energy. While watching TV last 2 nights I have used a yarn sample of burgundy with red metallic thread through it to make a straight doll skirt with a flounce bottom edge. Have tried 5 different ideas to make a vest to go with but either the stitch pattern required too much yarn or the design was too bulky, Finally just made a granny square and will make another and try to piece them together with some single crochet to get a pullover vest. Not happy with it though. Ran out of yarn on the sleeping bag I am making for the doll so will have to shop for more once we are past the weekend. Had to go out for a few things today and that wore me out but I'm going to get the major stuff done somehow. Got confirmation that Tyler and his girlfriend will be by on Friday evening so that will be 4 young people in the house.

Today's zip brings in some blue and yellow.

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jcoi0zdsim3nld0/ws_BakingBlitz_6.zip?dl=0

Saturday already! More Baking Blitz freebie & a look at what I've been making

Sitting at computer listening to Trans Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Canon. Lovely. Yesterday, husband and I went shopping - Costco and Food Lion. Got everything we need for holiday dinner on Friday and by the time we got everything put away, we were exhausted. Might be last year we cook holiday dinners at our house and that makes me sad. We also took some donations down to Children's Hospital Thrift store. Other than that all I accomplished was boxing up some gifts for wrapping later. That got rid of a lot of packing waste. Decided the little blue sweater I'd crocheted for Larkin's doll needed something more so crocheted a tiny white edge around neckline and made a lacy heart from crochet thread and attached to front of sweater. Got hubby to take some photos of the other doll clothes I've made.

Here is a crocheted dress, shoes & purse:

But this is my favorite, a sweater coat with matching hat & a pair of boots that match attache type purse (that's a cupid button for closure).

Another run out today for a few things I needed. Have to do some cleaning before dinner and then VCU men's basketball game at 7 pm.

How is your holiday planning going?

Thanks so much for the lovely comments. I so enjoy hearing from you.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a8rc2eamddrenkm/ws_BakingBlitz_5.zip?dl=0

More Baking Blitz freebie

Don't know where the time is going. Got the insurance stuff straight but still gathering papers for estate planning. Doesn't that sound grand- Estate? Just a regular house hold. Trying to figure out where my day went. Finished up a pair of crocheted boots and another purse for Larkin's doll while sitting with husband and watching TV. Found the tissue paper and put a few gifts in boxes to be wrapped later. That gave me a surprising amount of trash to throw out. Made grocery lists - guess that will be tomorrow. Still so much to do before Thanksgiving and I have no energy to speak of. How are things going for you? Bet most of you have cleaned and shopped and are ready for holiday.

Today's zip:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/it1zkz36gp7pqac/ws_BakingBlitz_4.zip?dl=0

Baking Blitz freebie continues

So far, it seems most of you are happy with the new kit & that is great. Cold & gloomy here and so many things I need to do. On the plus side one huge problem is solved. I made a few changes to my prescription list (made some generic, checked quantities etc) and have spent days going over info insurance agent provided and also navigating the web site at mymedicare.gov. Today I found a plan I can afford and called agent to get enrolled. There is still one very expensive drug on my list (Januvia) and I can't see that changing unless I opt to go on insulin, which I do not want to do. A friend told me to look into Good Rx which has coupons for various drugs and has saved her quite a bit when she hits her coverage gap, so I'll do that. Any of you have experience with it? Also got enrolled in a new vision insurance plan since our coverage under husband's retirement ends in December. Two items off my list.

The weather change has set off pain for both of us and yesterday evening & night the electricity kept going on and off. The electric company said it had something to do with an off coast storm sending salt spray onto the lines

Today's zip is largely in green and has some ingredients.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5lssvdanqfe2rfq/ws_BakingBlitz_3.zip?dl=0

How are you doing on holiday plans? I've got a lot of cleaning to do in next few days and prepping for Thanksgiving. We will celebrate Friday instead of Thursday so son and DIL can be with us. Possible grandson and his girl too. Most of my Christmas shopping is done and I'm waiting on deliveries. Need to find my tissue paper so I can box some of these things up. Finished a sweater coat and hat for Larkin's Christmas doll. I think it came out pretty well. will take a photo so I can show you.

And I'm off to complete one of the more mundane chores - laundry.

Hugs to all!

Cold & windy weather & freebie

Had to go out to run some errands. Windy & cold with a totally overcast sky. Feels like snow but not predicted. Got a few things done at least.

Todays zip:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gov1atizudug7g2/ws_BakingBlitz_2.zip?dl=0

New free kit begins!

Prepare for holiday baking!

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uixi08en31u3sj5/ws_BakingBlitz_1.zip?dl=0

Apple Of My Eye freebie

Today's freebie
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j21n8mqwantf53k/ws_aome_papers_2.zip?dl=0

Saturday freebie

Haven't chatted with you in awhile. Having been down with back trouble etc, seems my entire life is off track. Another rough night sleeping so up late today. Can't sleep on left because of shoulder and arm pain (related to cervical spinal stenosis), have never been able to sleep on my back, and right hip was protesting from constantly being on that side. Yes, I'll have a little cheese and crackers with my whine lol. Determined to get some things done today!

Yesterday afternoon our insurance guru came over to look into updating our prescription, dental and vision plans. So much changes over a year with companies changing formularies and prices. Didn't take too long to go over husband's prescription needs and find him a better plan for 2020. I was another issue. I take 12 meds on regular basis and going over plan I currently have, he found big changes in current company's formularies. 5 out of 12 of my meds are no longer on their formulary and that means huge price changes to get what I need. Are you ready? He found that my medication needs came up to $35,ooo/year! You read that right. He thought he'd made some error and went through the process again but it was the same. He always compares across plans and came up with similar problems every where. Can you believe, Nexium, which has been around forever, isn't on formularies any more? Won't go on with this and bore you but I did want to warn everyone you had better check into your Rx plan before time runs out. Don't be fooled thinking you will just stay with current plan and you will be okay, because you might find some nasty surprises. It is crazy what is happening to drug costs in this country. What my insurance guy found for me was so bad, he wouldn't recommend anything and enroll me. He's checking further and sending me more information. Also suggested I check with my docs to see if there are changes I can make.

After those depressing hours, we settled down to eat left over chili and watched Virginia Commonwealth University, my alma matter, win it's second men's basketball game of the season. VCU is now 2-0. Hope this lasts. While watching, I finished up a scarf I was crocheting for myself from mint green velvet yarn left over from the blanket I made for Larkin. Earlier in the day, I had ordered an Our Generation doll for her Christmas and a couple outfits and had Googled free patterns for sewing and crocheting clothes for the doll. When we had been at a craft fair last month, Larkin fell in love with a crocheted doll poncho someone had made for an American Girl doll. She has one of those at her Aunt Dawn's house. That is what had promoted me to purchase the Our Generation doll for her (less pricey than American Girl but same size). Started a baby blue crocheted poncho last night and will finish up today and made another so she will have one for each doll. Have about finished up shopping for Larkin with the most recent purchases I will pick up Tuesday. Children and women are generally easy to buy for. The men? another story. Husband already has his big gift of a Canon camera, attachments, case etc. etc. He's already using it. Have a couple other things for him, a few things for DIL (even though we are not officially exchanging gifts with son & DIL and they are going to his father's home for Christmas this year.) Grandson was supposed to send a wish list for himself and mention some ideas for his girlfriend but I've about given up on receiving the list and will just wing it. He's too busy with college, 2 part times jobs, church activities and the ever present girlfriend. My Jeremy is working too many hours right now so his staff is short handed, and he is suffering from lingering cold. Suspect he won't manage to email some suggestions of what he might need and want but might have come up with an idea last night. I am not waiting to last minute to shop.

I've been working on a Baking Blitz kit, thinking that with holidays coming up there will be lots of cooking coming on. Might be so cute photo ops with children or grandchildren helping in the kitchen. You might also use the kit to scrap some favorite recipes as I did for DIL a couple years ago. An 8" album works well for this. At the rate things are going, I don't expect to have it all finished before I have to start posting, so can't see having an overall preview for you until the end.

And now today's zip:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vuty09gfd3wfn2o/ws_aome_papers_1.zip?dl=0

More of Apple Of My Eye freebie

Part 2 of

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qhgymgigf17ej2x/ws_aome_elements_2.zip?dl=0

New freebie - Apple Of My Eye

Once again, I'm behind. The kit I've been working on isn't quite ready but I have a Fall themed kit (previously sold) that I'll be giving you over the next few days. Because this was sold in stores, I have complete previews (overall, elements & papers) for you and will go ahead and give you all of them today.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1pbc8rrs5czoysp/ws_aome_elements_1.zip?dl=0
Sorry but you will have to copy & paste link. For some reason Blogger won't link it.

Guess what? I got another Gallery Stand Out for this page made with Rosie's Designs Wild Winter

Happy Halloween!

Here is a small extra treat:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3670erivct9dtw1/ws_HalloweenTreat_qps.zip?dl=0

Sorry but I can't get preview to show up! Blogger's photo link isn't working, even after reloading page.

Preview at last!

Happy Halloween! Finishing up Halloween Treat

Here is a zip of some elements to embellish your pages.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hlkwhpw6jss661m/ws_HalloweenTreat_12.zip?dl=0

Freebie time

Halloween is almost here. Here are some creatures you might see.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rje5g6hrnqas9tg/ws_HalloweenTreat_11.zip?dl=0

I messsed up scheduling.

Saturday Halloween Treat

Little things

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/tjnp7l6052nshb9/ws_HalloweenTreat_10.zip?dl=0

Thursday Halloween Treat freebie

Today let's go outside and see what is going on.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zrmkkjm89sugwfb/ws_HalloweenTreat_9.zip?dl=0

Tuesday Halloween Treat freebie

Something sweet

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eha3fut65vm8qdt/ws_HalloweenTreat_8.zip?dl=0

More Halloween freebie

Know that saying about one step forward, two steps back? That is what I am experiencing with my lower back. Got pain down to about 4 (out of 10 with 10 worst) and started moving around more but gingerly. Contrived a way to get some laundry downstairs (into garage) and got some stuff folded. Not bad Thursday night & cooler temps made sleeping easier. However, did have some numbness in left foot and left hand and forearm hurt all day. Friday morning one wrong movement (?) and back pain back up to 8. Supposed to be going for a drive over weekend to see a friend's entry at a car show and then up into mountains for apple cider doughnuts and apples. Not sure how that is going to work out. Monday have to be up early to go for EEG. Won't actually see neurologist 'til 11/1. To answer Kristy's question about special pillow for neck pain. I did have one years ago (after whiplash episode) but didn't find it too helpful, maybe because I'm a restless side sleeper? Will bet I'll be given another after doc sees tests results and hope it is useful. Will be certain to mention it if it is.

Feeling a little depressed and a bit frantic. Everything is such a mess here since I've been down so much. Next Friday we are supposed to make dinner (well, husband will cook) for grandson and his girlfriend in celebration of his 21st birthday on 10/27. The month is flying by and I also need to get things ready for Thanksgiving as son & DIL will be here. Usually I am well along with Christmas shopping too but thus far I've made a twin size velvet crochet blanket for Larkin, bought her one outfit, one book for son and that is it! Except, husband wanted a camera for Christmas and found a good deal so bought it. It has already arrived and, naturally, he has "tested" it.

Today we have zip 7

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nu7qxo639lxehhe/ws_HalloweenTreat_7.zip?dl=0

Halloween Treat freebie

Setting this up ahead of time so I don't miss again. Gloomy, rainy day (Wednesday) here. Back is improving with more motion available now. Never did call my family doc for follow-up after ER visit. Felt he would try to put me on an anti-inflammatory like Celebrex and I just don't want to add anything right now. Doing okay on the high strength Ibuprofen and muscle relaxers. Plus I'm a little miffed that he kept telling me my neck and shoulder pain was just arthritis and bursitis respectively. I've had a pinched nerve before and know what it feels like. As it stands, although I haven't talked to my neurologist since testing began, I now have some proof, from test results, that I know what I'm talking about. I knew I had some damage to discs in my neck from an accident years ago but its been years since anyone checked it out. Sure enough, the deterioration is worse - much worse and in 4 of the 7 vertebral areas, not 3 as I thought. The MRI results show narrowing of spinal canal and narrowing of the foramina (openings in bone through which nerves pass). The PA at ER suggested I may need an MRI of lower spine too but rather than bring it up to primary doc, I'll just wait until next appointment with neurologist, providing nothing more happens. Right now, I'm looking at a ton of laundry that needs doing and other household chores I haven't been able to manage. What a mess!

But back to digital world with this zip for you:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t5pdz89h7xnzbit/ws_HalloweenTreat_6.zip?dl=0

Trying to keep up with my art group challenges but way behind. This entry got featured page the other day:

Running late with Tuesday freebie

Meant to post this in morning before doctor appointment but ran late. Here you go:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nb8p27nyr7m12ux/ws_HalloweenTreat_5.zip?dl=0

Sorry - missed posting again

My back pain got worse despite muscle relaxer, Tylenol & rest. Spent 4 hours in ER Friday. Pretty much out of it yesterday and can only sit at computer for short time. Here is Saturday post:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/db1pme84zgduf8z/ws_HalloweenTreat_4.zip?dl=0

More of Halloween Treat freebie

So sorry I missed posting on Tuesday. Weird thing happened. I went out to lunch with my retiree group and when I got home and was coming up the steps (only 3 to porch), I got horrific pain in lower back. from what? Only thing I can think of was that just before I went out my husband had arrived from a trip to Sam's Club and was unloading groceries. I tried to help before leaving and lugged in some boxes of canned goods. Didn't notice any problem at that time but maybe after driving to restaurant and then sitting for several hours, pain from a pulled muscle set in? All I know is suddenly I could barely move. Bending and getting up and down from seated position was crazy painful. Had a muscle relaxer on hand and took that and Tylenol but I was ruined for the rest of the day. Yesterday was just as bad and today only a little better. Don't want to see my doc because he'd probably prescribe an anti-inflammatory and I'd rather not do that until I finish all the neurology testing.

So here is Tuesday's zip:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eo8ps060ysmls8b/ws_HalloweenTreat_2.zip?dl=0

And today's zip:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f8wnrtrpyzxfvw7/ws_HalloweenTreat_3.zip?dl=0

It's October! New freebie- Halloween Treat

October already but still high temperatures here. Waiting for cool, crisp air. This past Sunday, my husband took grand-daughter, Larkin, to Charlottesville to see Nickolodian star, Jojo Siwa in concert. It was a total surprise to Larkin. They had great seats, just 10 rows from the stage. Lots of loud, cheery music, and tons of little girls dancing happily to the tunes, all thrilled to be so close to their favorite singer. Larkin wore herself out dancing and singing along and fell asleep on the ride home. Great day for the two of them and a wonderful memory. I stayed home and savored the quiet, got a little work done and tried to subdue right side pain.

Saw a neurologist last week who, unlike my primary doc, is concerned with problems I've been having with left side. He did assure me this isn't Parkinson's but his best guess before tests is that I've either had a mini stroke or mini seizure. Have already done the blood test for thyroid function, and will go on 10/6 for two MRI's - of head and cervical (neck) spine. Later in the month I go back to his office for an EEG and have follow-up about it all on 11/1. Long time before I know anything but at least we are checking it out. Might be something to do, might not, but even just an explanation will be more than I have right now.

Hadn't originally planned to do a Halloween kit as I've done so many in the past, but started playing around and ddecided this was something I could easily get done with all that will be going on this month. Here is the overall preview:

And today's zip:

Link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6b57m70e0ox1opb/ws_HalloweenTreat_1.zip?dl=0

PS Do you know about the Halloween blog hop here:
https://www.digitalscrapbookingstudio.com/blog/2019/10/dsd-2019-blog-hop-trick/
Not affiliated with this store but didn't want you Halloween lovers to miss out.

This is it - last of Pretty Peacock freebie

By now you have more than enough peacock stuff but I decided I'd throw in a few fantasy peacocks for those so inclined.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/im6t296tb3b09hb/ws_PrettyPeacock_31.zip?dl=0

Almost the end of Pretty Peacock freebie

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rp6sfxcsxltb77e/ws_PrettyPeacock_30.zip?dl=0

Blue free elements for Pretty Peacock

Yes, you have seen some of these in clusters but I thought you might like to have them as inddividual elements too.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/goruuwcxs89511x/ws_PrettyPeacock_29.zip?dl=0

Purple Pretty Peacock free elements

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/m1fntoo5kw16lv5/WS_PrettyPeacock_28.zip?dl=0

More green element freebies

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a1ug15me7a5297j/ws_prettyPeacock_27.zip?dl=0

zip 26 of Pretty Peacock freebie

Moving into more green today. Note: you will find 3 variations on wineglasses in the kit overall. Couldn't decide which I liked best.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/le7jq14d9ephqj8/ws_PrettyPeacock_26.zip?dl=0

Some free pink elements

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/n9ue8x5iu1tt02o/ws_PrettyPeacock_25.zip?dl=0

Just so you know, there are 7 more zips of this kit. I got carried away. However, hang in there because on 10/5 the next kit starts and runs through the end of October. Here is a preview: