Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means the Hodgepodge but how is it the last Wednesday of April.  We are about to enter the 5th month of 2021. How can that be?  Time indeed marches on...........

1. What are some memories you associate with spring? 

This may be a bit strange but I immediately thought about my precious Momma and how she made ALL of the clothes that I wore for most of my younger years.  Often, at Easter, she would make us matching dresses and it seemed that was quite common for that time.  I well remember the above dress that she made for me as I loved it because it had the eyelet ruffle around the bottom.  I'm sure I felt "fancy" because of that. 

Spring has always been a most favorite time of year for me.  I always enjoy getting the porches and patio "dressed up."  And, Hubby enjoys overseeing getting the yard in pristine condition.

2. April showers bring May flowers...was that saying proven true where you live? Snapdragons, anemones, carnations, lilacs, sweet peas, tulips, lily of the valley, orchids, roses, gardenias...which one on that list is your favorite May bloom? 

Indeed!  Our rose garden in the back is flourishing with buds and blooms.  We would have never thought that they would recover from the severe ice and snow less than 2 months ago.  But, they survived in fine fashion and in another couple of weeks will be full to the hilt with blooms. 

3. What are your top three distractions and how do you deal with them? 

My phone - don't we all struggle with this? I mean, I lived many, many years without a cell phone and survived just fine.  I have to remind myself of that at times.

Social media - it can be both a blessing and a curse. I try to be very conscious of the time I spend on it.

The "what ifs" of the future - I can over think this so much but am so thankful that the Lord has NOT left me and never will and has and will continue to see me through whatever comes my way.

4. Do you eat beef? In the course of a week, how often is beef on the menu? A hamburger, steak, prime rib, or a roast beef dinner...which beef entree would you choose and yes you have to choose. Unless you're a vegan, and then you may pass. 

Yes, I do eat beef but not all that often.  We eat a whole lot more chicken and pork. We do not eat beef more than one or two times a week.  I like all of those listed but occasionally a grilled steak is so good.

5. In what way were you creative during the month of April?

As most of you know, I'm addicted to baking cookies.  I've always love baking cookies but last year simply "sealed the deal."  During all the down time of Covid I became obsessed.  I give most all of them away and I'm always looking for cute and creative ways to package them.  I mean, presentation is everything!  So, this month I purchased these windowed brown kraft bags and had these labels done by a gal on Etsy and I was so pleased with how cute they looked.  So, that's my creativity for April.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I don't how many of you watch When Calls the Heart, but I'm betting if you do that you are just as frustrated as I am over Elizabeth and all the drama surrounding her choice between Nathan and Lucas.

Good grief, there's only one more episode left in this season and she HAD BETTER decide and not leave us hanging until season 9.  I really think they have dragged it out a little longer than necessary but............  Just between you and me, I'm pretty sure she's going to choose Lucas.  Guess we'll find out this next Sunday.

Friday Favorites

I can't remember the last time I linked up with Shay and Andrea for Friday Favorites, but I had a few favorites to share and today seemed like the day to join in.

Case had buttons put in his ears a couple of weeks ago and his Momma sent me the before and after pictures.  I do believe this after picture (on the right) might be my most favorite picture of Case ever.  Isn't it just the sweetest!  I could just pinch those fluffy thighs.

If you are looking for something fun and tasty to do for or with your Grans then get some Cookie Cups.  I saw these at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and they come in 3-4 different flavors.  We all love birthday cake so I chose this one.  Just follow the very simple directions on the back on the box and you'll have a tasty treat.

These are most definitely my "favorite gals!"  Their Mom took them to the beach for a couple of days during their recent Spring Break.  They LOVE the beach and all that goes along with it.

If you have been hanging around here for very long then you know that I have a real passion for bird decor.  I ran across this bird canvas the other day on Amazon and knew that it would go perfectly in our guest bath.  The colors match perfectly with the wall and with the birds on the towels.  I love it!

And, need I say, these 2 have my heart.  Coleman got some troll hair the other day and he and his entire family had so much fun with that crazy stuff.  I don't know that anyone could wear it any better than he did.

And, Clancy is all "duded up" for his first dance. ~be still my heart~ I have a hard time believing he really is growing up.  He will be 13 in October.  What!!!!!

And, another bird!  I found this planter on our last trip to Oklahoma and brought it home and had my floral designer work her magic on it.  I think it is perfect for spring and summer and I had the plateau it is sitting on and it worked beautifully.

 And, that's a few of my favorites for this week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday means another Hodgepodge.  I've missed the last couple but am up to the task today.  Thanks Joyce for always "showing up" for us.

1. What is something you currently find 'taxing'? 

Oh, my goodness!  I have been having "tear duct issues" in my right eye for about 3 months.  My awesome Ophthalmologist referred me to another eye specialist in Shreveport (for non locals that about 100 miles from us) and I saw him yesterday.  Can I just say that I am not a whimp with much of anything but when you are poking and prodding in my tear duct, irrigating it and other stuff, it about causes me to have a "hissy fit."  Now, there is no pain because my eye is numb but just the thought and I can feel the poking and prodding even though it is not painful.  Yes, I find it very taxing!  And, I have to have another procedure done next month.  Hopefully that will fix the issue.

2. I've seen this question asked in various forms on several social media sites...you can only keep three-coffee, jewelry, tacos, wine, books, dogs, chocolate, Netflix, make-up, leggings, cheese, cats

Which three do you keep and how easy or hard was it for you to decide? 

Well, what a strange list but if I had to choose it would be coffee, jewelry and makeup. No explanation needed for those that know me. ~chuckle~  I don't like to do without any of these on any given day. ~big smile~

3. Tell us something you know or have learned about forgiveness? 

I've learned that there are times that we have to forgive when not asked for forgiveness. It's so much easier when someone apologizes and asks for forgiveness but when they do not, we need to forgive and move on.  It's better for all concerned and leave the rest up to the Lord.

4. What's something you'd recommend that is often overlooked and under appreciated? 

God's Word!!!  For many, it's not even a conscious act, but we/they do not appreciate the extreme value of His Word and it is often overlooked for things of far LESS importance.  We must make a concerted effort to be in His Word and to appreciate the value of it in our lives. It's a daily struggle for me, so I'm speaking to myself first of all.

5. Give us a favorite word that starts with letter K and tell us why this is the one you chose. 

KINDNESS !!!!  Our world needs a HUGE dose. It cost nothing and it could and would change so much in our world if everyone would just practice it.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This was one of  my Mom's favorite Bible verses............

April Prime Purchases

And, once again, it's that time for Prime Purchases.  I have some real "goodies" for you this month.

BAMBOO  NIGHT  SHIRT

Ladies, if you are a nightshirt kind of gal then this is for you.  I LOVE nightshirts and it's really hard, sometimes, to find them short enough.  And, I do NOT want a cotton nightshirt but something soft and comfy and this one "fits the bill" for sure. It is made of bamboo and   comes in several colors and launders beautifully.

AMAZON

CELL  PHONE  AND  IPAD  STAND

This is the neatest IPhone and IPad stand.  My friend, Andrea, over at Living on Cloud Nine, had this on her Prime Purchases last month and I had to order it.  The height can be adjusted and I really like that.  Most other stands I've owned were one height and it was fairly low.  I keep my IPhone on it all the time I am at home.  It's always easy to find and grab.

AMAZON

SPICE  JARS  AND  LABELS

I have always wished that my spices were all in the same size jars and all neatly displayed.  Well, Tanya, from The Other Side of the Road, featured these on her Prime Purchases last month.  I don't guess it had really registered with me that I could order something like this and redo all my spices to match. 

I filled two spice drawers and I am so thrilled to have all my spices neat and organized.

AMAZON

SALAD  CUTTER  BOWL

This little jewel is so neat.  It is good for any thing that you may want to cut up, especially salad or fruit.  It makes real quick work of cutting up strawberries or dicing up tomatoes. I love kitchen gadgets!

AMAZON

NINJA  PROFESSIONAL  BLENDER

Folks, this is the GRANDDADDY of all blenders!  I mean, if you are looking for a blender to do.it.all.then look no further.  This will crush your ice, make that special smoothie or blend whatever you may need blending.  I haven't even figured out all the settings but I will.

AMAZON

GAZING BALL

AMAZON

GAZING  BALL  STAND

I love gazing balls and this is my 4th one to add to our back landscape.  All of them are different and on different stands.  They are all so pretty when the sun hits them and they make me happy when I look out and see them.  This is one of my favorite stands.  

AMAZON

SWIG  TRIPLE  INSULATED MUG

I love coffee but it HAS to be hot, no lukewarm coffee for this gal.  These Swig mugs are triple insulated and will keep coffee hot for a good while.  And, they come in soooo many cute prints and patterns. Swig is real proud of them and the price shows that but they are one of the very few insulated mugs that are dishwasher safe.  They would make a great gift for your coffee drinking friends.

AMAZON

BEAN  BAG  FILLER

If you have a beanbag(s) that has gone a bit flat and you need to refill them, then his bag of beads is what you need.  I have two bean bags for the Grans and they were almost completely flat.  Now, you want to be VERY careful filling them because you do not want these beads going all over your house. I watched the video on how to do it and Hubby and I did exactly as it suggested and we had no problem at all.  Our beanbags are a medium size and one bag filled them both back up to the desired level.  It is a very big bag!

AMAZON

HANGER  CADDY

This little gadget is the BOMB!  I like to keep hangers sitting on the top of my dryer so they are within easy reach.  When I saw this, it caught my eye and soon it was in my cart and now it's sitting on my dryer with hangers on it.  I will say it is very cheaply made but I'm hoping it will hold up for a while.  It is not like it will be treated roughly.  It is such a great place for hangers and keeps them nice and straight.

AMAZON

RUFFLED  TOP

Ruffles are making a come back and when I saw this blouse on Amazon, I decided to order it.  It is very cute, well made and comes in some great colors.  It can be dressed up or down. The sleeves are a good length but can easy be pushed up shorter.  It is 100% polyester and perfect for upcoming spring and summer and add a jacket for cooler days.

AMAZON

GRACE  KARIN  CARDIGAN

If you like the longer cardigans, then you will love these.  I ordered this one and couldn't be more pleased and it comes in a LOT of colors and patterns.  It's so soft, I love the cuffs on the sleeve, makes it fit so nicely and it has pockets that do not gap.  A very nice looking piece.

AMAZON

Okay, there you have it, lots of great items to tempt you.  In the meantime, may April bring you much happiness and love.  And, never forget to be KIND.

A "Springy" Hodgepodge

I always miss not participating in Joyce's Hodgepodge but I've missed the past couple of weeks and am so glad to be back with it today.  Thanks Joyce for always "showing up" with the questions.

1. "Hope springs eternal"...discuss. 

Hummm........Where in the world would we be without hope? And, for the Christian it truly does spring eternal, doesn't mean that our hopes are always going to come together but it does mean that HE will see us through when all hope is gone. And, some of our hopes may well not be HIS will for us.  I'll leave it at that.

2. Last time you needed to 'spring into action' or 'spring to someone's defense'...explain. 

Can I just say that as the overseer of my Dad's daily care it seems that I am pretty much springing into action or coming to his defense all.the.time.  I'm not complaining but I'd be lying if I said that I don't tire of it.  Have mercy, if folks would just do their job this entire world would be such a better place.  Don't even get me started...............

3. Tulips or daffodils? baby birds or baby bunnies? The cherry tree or the dogwood tree? Jelly beans or peeps? March madness or spring training? Peas or carrots? 

Well, I love tulips and daffodils, I LOVE birds but baby bunnies are soooo much cuter than baby birds. Cherry trees and dogwoods are equally pretty to me.  I'd refuse both jelly beans and peeps. Ugh!  And, I care anything about March madness or spring training.  Think that carrots win out over peas but I do eat both.

4. I read an article here on the South's best cities on the rise. They are-Baton Rouge Louisiana, Fayetteville Arkansas, Greenville South Carolina, Huntsville Alabama, Lexington Kentucky, Norfolk Virginia, Tulsa Oklahoma, Waco Texas, Wilmington North Carolina, and Winston-Salem North Carolina. Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Which one on the list would you most like to see? Have you spent much time in the southern states (USA)? Any spring road trips on your calendar? 

I'm pretty sure if I include travels from my childhood that I have been to everyone of these fair cities.  And, since we live in Louisiana guess I can say that I have spent a whole lot of time in the southern states.  And, may I say, there's just nothing quite like the South.  We will be leaving next Wednesday headed to see our Oklahoma family.

5. Tell us how your outdoor space needs sprucing up this spring? Which do you enjoy more (or hate the least-ha!) yard work or house work? 

Our outdoor space was all spruced up last week with fresh pine straw, weed pulling, trimming bushes and the such.  Hubby hired some help and he supervised and it's looking very nice around here.  I enjoy housework much more than yard work.  I enjoy getting the porches and patio ready for spring but that's enough dirt on my hands for me.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our hearts were made so very happy this past Saturday when this awesome young lady was elected overwhelming to represent our district as our Congresswoman.  As many of you know her dear husband, Luke, had been elected in the fall election and just days before he was to be sworn in he died of complications from Covid at the age of 41.   Both Julia and Luke went to school with our kids and we have known them for what seems forever.  They have always been the finest and I knew they would both go far.  We were beyond devastated over Luke's death and knew without a doubt, when Julia announced she would run to fill his seat, that she was more than capable of filling the position.  She has a 3 year old son and a 1 year old daughter so she has her hands very full.  Thankfully, both her parents and Luke's parents are alive and well and back her 100% in this and will give her their full support.  She's just another example of how God can use tragedy for His glory.  Julia has been so forthright in her Christian convictions and values and I just know the Lord will use her in a mighty way.

My Etsy Finds

Surely anyone reading this post has browsed through the Etsy website.  If not, you should.  I have been a fan of Etsy for a few years but especially recent years.  It is full of such great artisans and there's not much that you can't find there.  And, when you purchase from these folks, you are supporting a small business owner.  The following are a few of my favorite purchases from Esty.

PERSONALIZED  SCRIPTURE CARDS

I have probably given 8-10 sets of these as gifts.  Most often it has been for someone that needed encouragement or comfort.  And, everyone I have given them to has told me how very much they meant to them and ministered to them.  There are several vendors that sell these and I have bought from 2-3 of them.  The ones pictured are my most recent purchase. And, they come nicely packaged and ready to give.

ETSY

FLORAL  RESIN  BOOKMARKS

These are gorgeous and make the nicest remembrance for someone's birthday are a "just because" happie.  I've also given several of these.  I know a lot of folks use electronic devices for their reading now but there's still a lot of folks that enjoy holding a "real" book and need a bookmark to keep their place.  And, this gal's packaging is awesome.  They are in a nice box ready to give or, if you so desire, they could be enclosed inside a card and mailed. Suit yourself!

ETSY

HANDMADE  POTTERY

I LOVE handmade pottery and this vendor does beautiful work.  This is my most recent purchase from her and it is my third piece of her work.  There are many artisans on Etsy that do handmade pottery and I have bought from a couple of others and their work is perfection as well. If you like decorative pottery then you should browse through some of the shops.

ETSY

ENCLOSURE  CARDS

If you need/want anything to do with enclosure cards, calling cards, note cards or stationary of any kind, then I can pretty much promise you that you will find just what you are looking for and more.  I just ordered these cute enclosure cards for myself and for a friend as a birthday gift.

ETSY

PERSONALIZED  BOOK  MARKS

And, here's some more bookmarks that are soooooo CUTE!  I gave these to my grand girls as a part of their Valentine basket.  The colors are so vibrant and as I said, these are just so cute!

ETSY

BAKED  WITH  LOVE  STICKERS

If you need a sticker of absolutely any type then look no further, Etsy will have exactly what you need.

I do a whole of baking and I give a lot of it away and I like to have cute labels to put on them. 

ETSY

ART  GALLERY  WRAPPED CANVASES

I have at least 6 pieces of Salley's wrapped canvases.  She has done 2-3 custom pieces for me  that I love dearly.  She is so easy to work with on her custom work.  She has something for everyone, from far out pieces to more conservative pieces.  

ETSY

This is just a smattering of the items available on Etsy.  Etsy is just like any other shopping website, just put what you are looking for in the search bar and it will bring up all the shops that carry the item you are looking for.  

And, I leave you with this.........