Simple Sympathy

I've needed some sympathy cards lately, but didn't have a lot of time to put into them. Decided to go for a simple look - one in pink and two in blue.

Supplies used:

• Martha Stewart bird stamp
• Versa Mark
• Blue chalk
• Oval template
• Martha Stewart corner punch
• Border stamps from ????
• Little punched flowers
• White/blue/pink cardstock

Two of the cards were for people I don't know very well at all, but I wanted to give them a little gift to express my sympathy --- here's the little bucket gift I came up with:

It includes:

• Apple Cinnamon Candle
• Bath and Body works lotion
• Sample size coffee
• Hershey bars
• Gum
• Some "Tea to Go" packs to put in bottled water
• Small Daily Bread Devotional
• Soft Peppermints sprinkled over all

I actually made three of these -- the other two have Bath and Body works hand sanitizer instead of the lotion.

Just a wee something to let them know I care.

My first Apron!

My first time to make and apron and I'm totally delighted with how it turned out.   I mentioned in a previous post that I'd stopped in at a small quilt shop near me --- well I hate going in little stores (where I'm pretty much the only customer) without buying a little something.......so I bought this McCalls Pattern for a few dollars.
I recently found this cute cherry material at Walmart (one of their bundle packs on clearance) and thought it would make a really cute apron -- and I was right!
If you've been reading my blog long you've discovered that I am one of those people who can't follow a pattern or recipe to a "t" --- I simply MUST change something about it to make it mine.  Well it happened again --- I added some appliqued cherries to one pocket (free pattern here), changed the straps to ribbon (saved me sewing them and it came in the material pack from Walmart), and bought my binding rather than making it! 
Here's a closer view of the pocket

 Here's a view of the back -- I lined it in white material

Here's what happens when I try to take pictures of my projects out on the deck:

Maybe Oreo was planning on baking today and wanted a new apron to wear?!
This post linked to:
Handmade Tuesdays
Take A Look Tuesday
Whatever You Want Wednesday 
Strut Your Stuff

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

 "And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me."
~Lee Greenwood

Hoping to spend part of my day eating, relaxing, and visiting with friends on our newly furnished deck.

Thought I'd share the patriotic pretzels I did up (not sure they'll be any left to share with our friends today when my husband and daughter are through snitching them!)-- so simple and easy to make, and yet delicious too!

Dip your pretzel sticks in melted white almond bark and sprinkle with red and blue sprinkles!
This post linked to:
Sweet Treats Thursday

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

A good friend of ours got us on to making smoothies and we've been experimenting with different varieties.
Being that it's strawberry season we decided to make a strawberry/banana combination.
Here's what I put in it:

• Strawberries (frozen ones work best as they make the drink thicker and cold) I do thaw mine up just a bit to make it easier on the blender
• Bananas
• Plain Yogurt
• A little sugar (or honey if you prefer less fattening)
• A few ice cubes

Throw it all in the blender and blend and then enjoy this cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day!
There are all kinds of variations using any fruit you can think of (I did one with blueberries and some fresh mango a few weeks back). I've also seen where you can use juice in it - I'd  probably leave out the yogurt in those ones.  Just experiment around and see what kind of delicious concoctions you come up with!

This post linked to:
Sweet Treats Thursday
Fun With Food Friday
Sweets for A Saturday
Recipe Round Up