PIN PILLOW EXCHANGE FOR BECKY

I am still excited over my beautiful pink princess frog I received from Deb, I still can't believe I actually won it even though it is in my possession. I guess I am just "tickled pink" over it still....

I participated in a pin pillow exchange recently that BeckySC hosted and here are some photos of what I stitched up for BeckySC. (Yes, I got Becky's name for the exchange).  It was strictly confidential not to post any photos until the recipient had received their exchange, so now I can share with you what I made since it has been received.

Since Becky seems to adore bees, I thought it would be fun to go with that for the theme.  This is a little pattern designed by Bent Creek called "Buzzzz".

I layered some eggplant ribbon with some "fuzzy" rick rack for a little decorative touch.  I stitched the rick rack down on the ribbon/linen by hand using a zig zag stitch.  I really like the way it turned out, kind of like a satin stitch, and the "guacamole" linen was a fun color to stitch on.

I love the little bee button "buzzzing" through the flowers.

Here is what the fabric looked like that was used for the back of the pillow.  Isn't is sweet?

Since we weren't allowed to "add" anything extra to the exchange, I thought I would be creative in packaging it for the presentation.  This hat box was "perfect",  the flowers even matched the ones on the pillow, just a different shade of loveliness.

I love the rich plum colors against the "guac" linen, I think it made a beautiful combination.  It was stitched on 28 ct linen by Weeks Dye Works, with GAST and WDW threads and Just Another Button Co. bee button.

There's still more to come......but I don't want to overload you and overwhelm me!!!  Taxes are due tomorrow (yuck) and I have to pay this year which is really affecting the pocket book.  I have some last minute things to finish on them so I can get them in the mail, a woman's work is never done......catch ya tomorrow!  Happy stitching.....Smiles!

Jolene

PRETTY IN PINK....THANK YOU DEB!!!

You've heard the saying that the best gifts come in small packages, right?  Well, I beg to differ.  You see I received this HUGE box from Deb on Saturday.  It was so exciting and I knew right away what was in that big ol' box.....lots and lots of peanuts, green peanuts that is, the packaging kind to cushion the ride!  I don't think I could have found the scissors fast enough, my heart was racing because I knew something beautiful was waiting for me inside. Are you ready?.......... Ok, I know alot of you will be jealous when you see this, but look what I won from Deb (Thread Gatherer) in her Spring Giveaway....

"Precious, My Pink Princess"

WooHoo!!!!  Let me introduce you to "Precious, My Pink Princess", isn't she just amazingly beautiful and crown worthy!  I think I am entitled to bragging rights about this one!   I snagged this photo from Deb because it is such a great photo - I hope that is ok with you Deb.  I figured it would be easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission, so I went ahead and did it anyway. 

I was so excited to win Deb's giveaway.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart Deb, I will be adorning her "crown" with jewel toned scissors very soon.  This is the kind of frog I like, it requires no unpicking of threads! 

She also included  a lovely pair of silver/gold scissors, some needles, a chocolate rabbit and eggs, some beautiful fabrics, gorgeous ribbon and some Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut Chocolates.    Incredible.....you are such a sweet friend Deb.  I am so glad our paths crossed in blogland. I will cherish my antique frog forever! I have posted some photos of these goodies below so you can drool over your keyboard (just kidding, not)!!! lol

***For those of you that have requested copies of the recipes I have gathered, I am still organizing them and will get you a copy of them as soon as I can get them put together. Also, I will post an update about the Hares Christmas a little later in the week. Thanks for understanding. Smiles.....

Jolene

Award...Thanks Carin!

Thanks Carin for sharing the Sweet Friends award with me.  I was asked to list ten things that make me happy.  Something fun to think about so here is my list:

Things that bring me happiness:

1. My Son, Brayden, definitely my greatest miracle
2. My Three Children in Fur Coats, Jazpurr, Tinkerbella, and Twinkie Doo for their unconditional love
3. Shopping for Second Hand Treasures and Antiques
4. Bringing Happiness to Others .... Spoiling
5. Cross Stitching and Buying More Stash (Addict for sure) lol
6. Sunshine and Music...Country and Rock
7. My Hubby, Mike, and the little things like Coffee in Bed, Mike's special recipe
8. Family & Friends (Chatting, Camping, ATVing, Fishing, etc.) 
9. Creating....My mind never sleeps!!
10. Photography and Gardening (gates, tractors, barns, dirt, flowers, yard art)

That was hard to narrow down to only ten.  Now I would love to pass this award on for ten fabulous friends:

• Terri
• Deb
• Cari
• Siobhan
• Pumpkin
• Kellie
• Jennifer
• CarolynNC
• Myra
• Ranae

Wow, and I though the first ten were hard to narrow down.....personally, I think everyone that visits my blog deserves the Sweet Friend Award.  I enjoy reading your comments and I enjoy visiting your blogs for inspiration, eye candy and friendship.

Smiles....

Jolene

Jingle All The Way!

Oh my gosh!!!  Have you seen the newest design from Plum Street yet??  I LOVE IT!  Here's what it looks like:

Is this so dang cute or what?! I am in awe over the reindeer.....definitely a must have.  It is scheduled to be released on April 15th, aka "Tax Day".  This has to be my very favorite pattern in the "Hare" line.  Is anyone interested in a stitch along with me on this one?  I am almost "out the door"....my hubby and I are going to Logan to get some squeaky cheese (curd) and have lunch at Cafe Sabor. And, I think a couple of thrift stores are calling my name so there must be a treasure waiting there for me to discover.

I have so much to post about, but it has been such a busy and sad week for me that I haven't had the chance to sit down and post.  I have so much to post, so I am penciling in my Sunday morning to get my blog up to date.  Lots of pictures and fun things to share with you. 

If you are interested in stitching this with me, leave me a comment or send me an email.  I think I can share the threads with someone if they want to stitch this one, too.  Have a fun Saturday, the sun is finally shining here and it is suppose to get to 65 degrees today!!!  Yippee!!! Spring is here for the day.

Smiles....

Jolene

EASTER GREETINGS AND WINNERS!

Easter Greetings!!!  I hope you all had a lovely Easter with your family and friends.  I have some very fond memories of Easter when I was younger.  My family and I would spend the holiday with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in southern Utah.  We would pack a picnic lunch and go for the day to Zions Park.  My Grandpa would tease me because I very seldom ate pickles and he told me that I wasn't a "Hatch" if I didn't eat pickles!!  Grandpa loved the sweet pickles best as he had a sweet tooth.  I can just see the "popcorn popping" on the apricot trees.   I remember finding geods and breaking them in half to see the beautiful crystals that were hidden in the centers.  Memories, I am so glad they are just a memory away... as I dearly miss my parents and grandparents.

Next up, a special "thank you" to each of you who shared a few of your family favorite recipes with me.  I can't wait to try them all!  (And yes, Terri, I will defintely make the slush). I will compile them in categories and if any of you would like a copy of them, just send me an email and I will send them to you.  So, now I would like to announce the WINNER of the "Fabulous Star" Pincushion to:

Terri  ~  "Chocolates for Breakfast,
                     Stitching for Lunch"

And, as promised, I have two "mystery" prizes for two more entries:




Louise ~ Raggedy Stitcher


and

CarolynNC ~ Carolyn's Stitching Chatter & More

Delightful Easter

Easter Eye Candy

I am adding another sneek peek for your curiosity.  I was going to post about the two "littles", but it will have to be tomorrow, sorry!

See you tomorrow......Smiles......

~Jolene~

SNEEK PEEK...AND A "SUNDAE" DESSERT!

Good Morning!!!  Today is going to be another busy, busy day for me, but I wanted to give you a sneek peek at tomorrows post.  So what does this......

and This.....

have in common..... check back tomorrow and you'll see!!! 

In the meantime, here is a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S dessert recipe.  It truly is a spectacular dessert and oh so worth the calories!

Layered Dulce de Leche Dessert

What you'll need:

40 NILLA Wafers, divided
2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O White Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding (not sugar free)
1-1/4 cups cold milk
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

Make It!


CHOP 4 wafers; set aside. Arrange 12 wafers on bottom of 9x5-inch loaf pan lined with foil.

BEAT pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. Add COOL WHIP; spoon 1/3 over wafers in pan. Top with 12 wafers and  drizzle 2 Tbsp. caramel topping over wafers.  Repeat layers of pudding mixture, wafers and caramel topping. Cover with remaining pudding mixture. Sprinkle with chopped wafers; press gently into pudding mixture.

FREEZE 4 hours or until firm. Lift dessert from pan, using foil handles. Place on serving plate. Let stand 5 min. to soften slightly, remove foil before slicing. 

Enjoy!!!