Tuesday, July 26, 2011

On the Road Again... A Wonderful 51st. Birthday....

I've been on the road for the last three weeks. 
It's baseball season.
When you have an 18 year old son who plays travel baseball,
 there isn't time for much else.
This past weekend we headed for Cincinnati and Kentucky.


While we were away it was my 51st birthday.
It was the perfect day.
I got to see my son play at the University of Cincinnati.

If you're a mother of a son who plays baseball,
it's a mother's dream to see her son play on a field like that!


We had the perfect seats, right behind the backstop.
It was hot 100 degrees, but I didn't mind.
We just sat there with a cool drink and relaxed!


Batter Up!
Can't believe this is the same little boy I watched play
Little League Baseball.


Time Flies!


Got to spend the day with two of my favorite guys!


My Hubby....


And my youngest son!


A  PERFECT way to spend a
 PERFECT DAY!

A Topiary With a Little Birdie and Nest....

Summer is busy.
When time is limited,
I'm always looking for a quick decorating project.

My kitchen window needed something.

So here's the finished project.


It all started with this clearance vase from Michaels.
I had picked it up last season,
knowing it would be perfect for something, someday!


Now that I decided what I was going to create,
I headed over to the craft store
to pick up some items.

All I needed was some styrofoam,
spanish moss, a bush of ivy
and a little birdie in a nest.



Off to the back yard to find a stick
 for the stem of the topiary.
Luckily we had a rain storm,
so there were lots of branches laying in the backyard.

I put crammed a piece of styrofoam into the vase.
Next step,
 push the branch into the styrofoam. 
 I added some glue to the branch
 before putting it into the styrofoam.
Next, cut various lengths of ivy using wire cutters.

Once this is complete,
 glue (with a hot glue gun) the pieces of Ivy to the top of the branch.  Arrange the ivy so that it is in the shape of a ball.

While out searching for the larger branch,
I had picked up a bunch of small twigs.
I arranged them around the stem
 and secured them with a piece of jute twine.




 I added some ivy to the base.
Now time to nestle the little bird and nest into the ivy.


I embellished the nest with some small twigs.


All done!


It's perfect  sitting by the window.
It was quick easy and inexpensive to do.

Got a little bit of time?
Try this. 
 I think you'll love it also!

I'm linking up to the following....

Sunday, July 17, 2011

What To Do With Graduation Photos...

What have I been up to?
Here's a guess....



At our house, June, July and August are busy months
 with lots of baseball games.
  I'm headed back home from a nine day baseball tournament in Georgia.

Next stop is Cincinnati!

It's a crazy summer,
but we love every minute watching our youngest play.
I don't know what we will do with all our free time
when he graduates next year.

We have also had some graduation parties to attend  this summer.
I never buy greeting cards from a store, I am just to cheap frugile.

Have you ever wondered what to do with those graduation photos you recieve with the invitation to the party?



  I always feel guilty throwing them in a drawer.
I never know where to put them.

Well here is an idea.
Make a one of a kind card to give the graduate. 
Just slip a gift of money into the card.
They will love it!

Here's what I came up with...


Now I don't have to feel guilty about the picture.


Another tip....
I always add a special touch to any envelope I use.
Embellish the bottom with a piece of scrapbook paper.
Just tear the paper and glue on.


It's the little extra things that can add just the right touch.
Do you have an upcoming gradution or birthday party?

Next time try this idea.
It's bound to put a smile on the face of the person
 who opens the card.

I'll be linking up to the following....

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