~In Need of A Favor~

Sorry no pictures to post today. I am however in need of a favor. I have a friend that has a nineteen year old son that is mentally handicapped. He has the mentality of a four year old. He is completely fascinated with Christmas and all its glow. Cody's favorite thing about Christmas decor is the trees. Now here is where my favor comes in. I am putting together a little picture book for him that he can carry around and look at whenever he wants. I know some might say he could just look at pictures on the Internet or something like that. I say what child doesn't like to carry their favorite book around and look at its pages whenever they want.

This book will contain snap shots of various Christmas Trees from wherever I can find them. I will personalize the book for Cody as well. I am asking all my blogging friends if they would send me snapshots of their favorite trees. These pictures can be current if you've already decorated or they can be from the past. They can even be pictures of trees that you may have taken on one of your outings.

I'm hoping to get this book mailed to Cody sometime around the first of December. If you think you might have a photo to send I would like to have it mailed to me before November 30th. Please include your name on it if you want me to let Cody know whose tree it is. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me do this.

Pictures can be sent to: Amy Cosma
P.O. Box 167
Lisbon, Ohio 44432

Blessings to all,
AMY

~Am I Dreaming??~

I have been drooling over Prairie Style Curtains ever since I can remember. I wanted to find just the right deal on them before making my purchase. You know they can be a bit pricey if you have ever looked for them yourself.

I belong to several private buying and selling groups on Facebook and I made a post the other day that I was looking for Prairie Curtains. It wasn't even 24 hours before a lovely lady posted that she had 4 pairs of them for sale. I just knew I was not reading her post right. Was it really possible that I might get my curtains after all! I knew I wanted a neutral solid color. I love the plaid curtains but I thought solid would look better with the furniture I have for now. Renate said her curtains were brown. Now how fabulous was this!

These curtains can cost up to $65.00 plus per pair. I have seen them in several catalogs and on line as well for this price. She was a sweetie and sold them to me (are you ready for this) $30.00 a pair plus shipping! I got two pairs for the cost of one! I was ecstatic. They have never been used and they were still in their original package. It just doesn't get any better than this as far as I am concerned.

Now I don't have my curtains up yet because I need to clean my windows and get these babies ironed so I borrowed this picture of my curtains from another site to show you what they look like. These are exactly what I got from Renate. Aren't they just beautiful??

Hopefully I will get them up this weekend and I can post a picture along with pictures of my fall decorating. I haven't had much time to do anything as of late but I'm always working on it here and there when I have time.

Until next time,

Blessings ~AMY~

~Looking for Inspiration~

Hello friends! Geesh its been a while since I've posted anything. I guess everyday life has a way of taking control of things for us without our consent. We have been a very busy household as of late. We are constantly on the move. It seems like there is no quiet time for us these days.

I'm sitting here now looking out my window wondering how fall has crept up on us so quickly. We have had rain on and off for the last 4 days and I notice some changes starting to take place with the trees. Fall is my favorite time of year but I'm just not ready for it to be here just yet.

Well moving right along to the point of my post. I've been looking at a bunch of interior window shutters I have stacked in my garage racking my brain to come up with a use for them. I've come up with the idea of shelves, box type stands and maybe a small table. I need ideas that won't take too much carpentry skills to put together. I am not very crafty nor do I work well with tools. I'm willing to try though as long as it isn't too complicated. I suppose the shutters really don't even need made into anything. I'll even take ideas on how to display them to add character to a particular setting. I have various shutters to work with as well. Some are taller than others and some are wide and some are skinny.

I borrowed these pictures from the Internet of some of the things I find interesting but they really aren't grabbing me they way I want them too. There has to be other uses that some of you ladies have created. Maybe I'm wishing for too much here but I know there are some talented bloggers out there and someone will have a perfect idea for me.

This looks like maybe it would be the easiest to make. You could take a regular shelf and nail it on the top of your shutter. I bet you could even add pegs to the bottom of it as well.

This is probably my most favorite piece. I would have to make it smaller because I don't have a shutter as large as the top of this one. Still it would make a nice side table.

I don't totally love this idea. It just looks too much like shutters to me.

This is nice and doesn't look like it would be too complicated to put together either. I bet if I had wide enough shutters I could make a garbage can out of it too with a removable top instead of the open door.

Hopefully one of you ladies can give me some guidance and suggestions. I look forward to anything you have to offer. If you do have pictures, please email them to me. I would love to see what you have created.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. Hopefully the sun is shining where you are and the rain is holding off.

Warm hugs and blessings to all,

AMY

Sale Going On

Ladies I was asked by my friend Janice at http://blackcreekprimitives.blogspot.com/ if I would post on her blog sale she has going on right now. She is selling off some of her extra crafting items. A few things have sold but there is still plenty left to choose from. Hopefully she will be adding more things today.

If you have time, stop by and visit her. She is a great crafter and her things are quality made. She even has some material for sale if you like making your own things. Below are a few of the items Janice still has listed and at very reasonable prices!

Have a glorious day friends,

Warm hugs and well wishes,

AMY

Run Don't Walk!!!

Good afternoon friends. I'm hoping this post works. My friend Anne from http://seasonsofthepast.blogspot.com/ is having an awesome giveaway. All you have to do is click on this link to take you there. She has posted the rules for all to see.

Annie has a fabulous blog and she has a website that is just as wonderful. http://www.humbleheartsandhomes.com/ Be sure to stop by and visit Anne when you have the time. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Here are the prizes that you might win if she picks your name. I know I want my name in that basket for sure.

I hope everyone is having lovely weather. Until next time!

Hugs and blessings,

AMY

Taking Time Off

Good Wednesday to all my blogging friends. I have had so many issues with blogger that I am finally getting fed up with it all. I cannot comment on most posts and half the stuff on my blog isn't showing up anymore so it has beat me down.





I am taking a break from my own blogging and please anyone that I follow, know that I have tried faithfully to comment on your blogs but sometimes it just won't let me. I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. I can't even get to some of the emails to send messages that I am trying. I have no clue what is going on anymore.





I hope this post finds everyone well and I pray for a beautiful and glorious summer for everyone. If things ever get back to normal, I will try blogging again.





Hugs and blessings,


~AMY~

Porch Decorating Inspiration Needed

(wishful thinking)
Not My Porch

Good Thursday friends and followers. I've been wanting to freshen up my front porch for some time now. I couldn't think of a better time to do it than now. With Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day upon us, I thought a Patriotic Theme would carry over for several months and I would only have to make a few minimal changes over that period of time.

I tried to pick some Internet pictures that might work with some things I already have. My mother in law gave me an old wagon that could be used for a display similar to this one. Of course I would have to paint it. It is a bright yellow wagon.

I have a larger galvanized tub that would handle a display like this one. Anyone know of a good place to pick up flags at a cheap price?

I know I have some bunting but I don't think we have our regular flag anymore. Maybe it would work just as well hanging at the end of the porch. What do you think?

This would make a beautiful door hanger. I know I should have an old wreath somewhere that I could take apart and add blue and red flowers too. Any ideas for making the firecracker for the middle?

I believe I am on the right track with my ideas but I can always use a little help from fellow decorators. I have a few other pieces here and there that I could incorporate as well I suppose. If memory serves me, I have a flag throw, some flag pillows and maybe a mat or two. Possibly a rug or two in red or blue? I welcome all ideas.

Well I'm off to dig out some decorations. Maybe I will get in some shopping this evening if you guys come up with some good ideas for me!

Hugs and blessings,

~AMY~

Helping A Friend Out

Good Friday afternoon Ladies. I'm trying to help a friend out here today with this post. My friend Janice is having a sale on her blog to clear our some of her handmade goods. Right now she is selling a lot of 12 handmade dolls for $100.00 plus shipping. Here are 4 of the dolls that will be included in the lot of 12.

They are truly well made. I have a few of her creations and I am satisfied with everything I have purchased. Here is the link to her blog. http://blackcreekprimitives.blogspot.com/ She will try to post her other for sale things as she has time. She is a very busy business woman so keeping posts updated might be hard for her. Add her to your blog favorites and you will know when she adds new things.

I hope if you have some time you will stop over to her blog and check out what she lists. I know you will not be disappointed. Have a joyous day!

Blessings,

AMY

Prom 2011

Good Friday evening everyone. I was too excited about this post to wait until tomorrow morning to share. My baby girl attended her first prom this evening. Her daddy and I couldn't have been more proud of the way she looked.

This picture is of Allison and her big brother Aaron. (By the way, Aaron graduates from college next week. Thank you Lord.)
You can click on the pictures if you would like to view them on a full screen. I think they look better that way. They show more detail.

Here Allison is posing with my mother. I think mom looks fabulous for 84 years old. That's my oldest brother in the back ground. Sorry I cut your head off Gary.

Allison's date CJ was on the prom court therefore he is wearing a sash with his tux. He may not have won the title of King but we thought he should have.

This is the monster truck Allison had to crawl up into wearing her 4 inch heels with that huge full dress. Thanks for the step ladder CJ. You are one smart young man.

Here we are outside posing with friends. CJ, Allison, Calen and Tyler. These are four very wonderful kids to say the least.

My baby girl and CJ right before they left for the prom.

Just beautiful!
Allison loved the back of her hair and her dress so of course we had to get a picture.

Thanks for letting me share a proud mommy moment with you all. I'm just sitting here now waiting for the kids to return home. The afterprom is tomorrow at an indoor water park. I think that sounds like a lot of fun.

Have a blessed weekend,
~AMY~

~Thanks to Anne~

Good Friday Afternoon Friends. I bet you all think I got lost somewhere. You know sometimes I wish I could. I have been so busy running around to my daughters softball practices/games, school events and getting ready for her prom that I haven't had much time for myself. I'm not complaining because I love doing things for my family but I have just been running every which way lately.

Well let's get right to what this post is about shall we. I have desperately been wanting to make over my kitchen for almost a year now. It just isn't in the budget at this time. Well I cannot take the way my kitchen looks anymore so I have decided on a rather inexpensive make over to get me thru to the big one.

You see I want to change out my counter tops, install hardwood flooring, change out my sink and appliances and move my island. This all takes money of which I don't have. I have thought about it for some time now and decided to just tackle what I hate most about my kitchen. I believe I can get away with some new paint, curtains and accessories.

We won't have time to start anything until after softball season and the prom but I have decided that when we do get started, I am just going to paint the walls, add chair rail and make new curtains. These changes will also work with my big makeover should it ever happen.

I have been looking for black stripe ticking material for my curtains. I posted something about this on facebook earlier this week asking if anyone knew of a discount material site to purchase it from. I think maybe I got two suggestions. Well luckily this morning, I was reading some of my favorite blogs and low and behold Anne from http://seasonsofthepast.blogspot.com/ just posted her bedroom makeover and she listed where she bought the black stripe ticking she purchased for the curtains she made. I immediately clicked on the link and ordered me some for my curtains. Anne says the material isn't real thick but that will be perfectly fine. I don't need to block the outside with them because we live in the woods. Not much of a chance anyone will be looking in my windows out there. The kitchen is on the backside of the house so the sun doesn't shine too bright there either during the day. I am so grateful for Anne's blog post today. She made my day. Here is a little sample of what it looks like.



I promise to keep you updated as we progress with the kitchen make over and I'm sure I will be asking for lots of advice along the way. Thank you to those that continue to follow my blog even though I haven't been very faithful in my posting lately. I really appreciate and love each and everyone of you!

In closing, I want to wish you all a Happy Easter. May you get to spend some good quality time with your families. Remember Easter is not about the candy and Easter Bunny! It is that of honoring and recognizing Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, and His glorious promises of eternal life for all who believe in Him.



~Happy Easter To All~
AMY

Giveaway You Won't Want To Miss

Here is a giveaway that you won't want to miss. Head on over to http://cedarcreekprimssellingblog.blogspot.com/ before April 8th to sign up for a chance to win these fabulous Springtime/Easter Goodies.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Hugs,

AMY

New 5th Wheel

Who says you can't pick out your new camper in the dead of winter! Certainly not my husband! We have been wanting to make a few upgrades to the 5th wheel we currently had but I however didn't think winter was the most appropriate time to do it. Hubby had other thoughts! He found this 5th wheel on the dealer's website that we bought our last one from and he knew immediately this one was it and we had to have it. It is slightly larger than the one we had. The upgrades are a master bedroom slide, hookup for a washer and dryer (if you can imagine that) and table and chairs in the kitchen area. Oh and lets not forget the state of the art air mattress with its own pump in the couch bed! Woo Woo!

Here she is....



The kitchen area is the most important part of the camper to me. I must have room to cook and do dishes. Counter top area is a woman's best friend when camping in my opinion. Just look at these beautiful cherry cabinets that I will be able to fill up with all kinds of good camping food! The counter tops are just beautiful. Bull nose finish and its all one piece.

In the far corner of the kitchen, there is even a hidden trash compartment cut out of the counter that you can hide your garbage can in and empty it from the outside of the camper. The fridge has so much storage room. Another important part of the camper to me.

Here's an overview of the living/dining area. I just love the table and chairs. The cushions always fell down on the booth seats in our other trailer and I hated that. Of course we lost a bed for someone by making this change but I am fine with that. The colors are sage and tan. For some reason these pictures make the tan look very light. It is a bit darker than it appears.

Next we have my chaise lounge. I can see myself taking a nice nap on this bugger while hubby is out on a fishing trip or something less than exciting!

This view is looking up towards the nose of the camper to the master bedroom. Notice the nice flat screen. It came with the camper. My daughter thought that was the best part.

Look up, you get just a tiny glimpse of the ceiling fan. Yes I said ceiling fan. I have never seen a camper with a ceiling fan. I just thought that was a hoot!

Here is the master bed with the slide out. The mirrored closet is huge. This is also where your washer and dryer would go. Now trust me I won't be buying a set either. I have no problem running to the laundry facility to do our laundry. I meet so many nice people while doing laundry at the campgrounds. I'm not about to give that experience up.

We even have our own dresser in the bedroom. The counter tops are just beautiful. Very elegant looking.

Last but not least the bathroom. Full stand up shower and a porcelain toilet. No plastic throne in this camper. I feel like royalty!

Well I hope you enjoyed the tour. We will be heading to Tennessee and Myrtle Beach this summer for our yearly vacation. This year it will just be hubby and I and our teenage daughter. Our son is too busy with work to go. Pray for me! We will be taking another young teenage girl along with us. My daughter talked us into bringing a friend this year. I have a feeling this could get very interesting. Let's not forget that this friend is also a vegetarian. Wow cooking for a non meat eater for 2 1/2 weeks. Good thing she will eat seafood. That should help somewhat!

Take care and I hope everyone has a pleasant week ahead.

Hugs,
AMY

~Fruit and Vegetable Ideas Needed~

Good Monday morning friends. I am on a mission and I'm hoping there is someone out there that can help me find what I am looking for. For months now possibly even longer, I have envisioned my oak cupboard in my kitchen

filled with jars of canned goods. I have several jars of dried apples, oranges, lemons and limes currently in my cupboard but I would like to have some jars of other fruits and vegetables to go along with the ones I have already done. There has to be some way to recreate this look without wasting more food.

Friends I ask if any of you know of anyone that could make fruits and vegetables from either material or wax that would hold up over time in jars and look like real food to please comment and let me know where to look? I so want to see my cupboard filled with canned goods. I just know this would look so prim and wonderful.

I am open for any and all suggestions. Just leave a comment at the end of this post. I thank you in advance for any ideas you may have.

Hugs,
AMY

Past and Present Giveaway Wins

Good Monday Morning Everyone! The snow is melting, the wind is blowing and the temperature is rising! It looks like it might be a good week here in North Eastern Ohio. At least I hope its going to be.

I finally got a chance to post about all the goodies I have received recently in giveaways. Let me start with my floor cloth. Now there is a story to go along with this one. I won this from Anne at http://www.seasonsofthepast.blogspot.com/. I actually won this back in November or December. On Anne's first attempt to get it to me, the mail let us down. Anne messaged me that she sent it out and I waited and waited never thinking I wasn't going to get it. After about a month, she contacted me to let me know that she had the floor cloth returned to her by the post office and it was crushed and marked. She decided she had to create me a new one because of the unfixable things that had occurred to the first one in shipping. Low and behold I got my winnings in January and here it is. Definitely worth waiting for don't you think? I had Anne choose a print that she enjoyed stenciling. For right now I just have it in front of my crock stand. I would like it to go in my kitchen but I don't want to use it in there until we re-do the kitchen, I don't think it would look good with greens and reds. One day it will be in its proper home. Thank you so much Anne for not giving up on getting this to me. I absolutely love it and I so appreciate it.

Here's a close up of the floor cloth so you can see its detail and color.
Next I won this adorable Valentine Creation and Candle from Amy at http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/. It is actually the 1st Valentine decoration that I have ever had. I have it displayed on a shelf in my living room. I took the delicious Vanilla Caramel candle to work to make my office smell a bit better. I work in a garage and sometimes the smells are less than desirable in there! Thanks so much Amy for picking me to win.

Last but certainly not least, I won this fabulous vacuum cover designed by Sandy at http://oldecountrycupboard.blogspot.com/. She is just beautiful. Almost life like. What a way to make an ugly vacuum look pretty don't you think.

I feel so blessed to win such fabulous things. There are so many talented ladies out there that are so giving of their time and talents. I pray that God blesses each of the ladies I have mentioned above with a little extra special something this week.

In closing, I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day!

Hugs,

AMY

Swappin In The New Year

Hello Fellow Bloggers! I know I have been away for a while but only with my postings. I've been trying to keep up with all of my followers blogs but I just haven't had time to do much with mine. I am going to try and make it a point to start posting more. Everyone has been so faithful with reading what I have to say that I don't want to make you think you made a mistake signing on to follow me and then I fall off the boards.

My first post this year is on the most recent swap I participated in. Tammy over at http://aprimitiveplace.blogspot.com hosted this swap and we were to send a doll and at least two more thing to our swap partners. I was blessed to have Judy from http://prim2pink.blogspot.com/ as my partner. Be sure and check out her blog if you aren't already one of her followers. She is an amazing woman who loves her family to death. You won't be disappointed in what she has to say.

Judy sent me some fabulous hand made goodies. Look at all these wonderful things!!!

I know Judy had a hard time parting with this candle holder she painted. There is an adorable little lamb in the center of it. I find the little ladybug doll to be absolutely precious. My daughter tried to claim her but I put my foot down.

Judy even included a little shamrock for St. Paddy's Day and some Valentine Kleenex. Wasn't that sweet of her!

I am totally loving this crow spring make do. I love crows and this was immediately placed on my mantle.

I think you can see the details of the candle holder a little better in this picture. Click on the picture to enlarge it to see its full detail.

Thank you Judy for being so gracious with your giving and for sharing your talents with me. I am truly blessed each time I participate in a swap. I have made friends with some wonderful and talented ladies.

I'm hoping to do another post this week on a couple of giveaways I have won. I have been so lucky lately with all my wins. It is a fabulous way to get my home decorated.

Blessings to everyone,
~AMY~