A weekend of Gardening!

Well, maybe not an entire weekend since it rained on Saturday!  But we did get a lot done.  We finished mulching several flower beds and only have a few to go.  Everything is so green with the rain we've had!  I have several clematis in the yard and I one is already blooming.  My goal for the week is to get the rest of vegetable garden planted before Memorial Day weekend.

ETSY Feature ~ J Lynn Creations

My mom loves houseplants and has a large sunny back window filled with african violets, jade plants and many more.  She's always used popsicle sticks to prop up her little plants, so I was thrilled when I saw these stamped spoons from  J Lynn Creations.  Aren't they cute!?  I gave a couple to my mom for Mother's Day and she was thrilled!

Jacquie is a fellow member of the Cleveland Handmade Team and hand-stamps the most precious jewelry.  Her personalized treasures are perfect gifts for special occasions such as Mother's Day, Birthdays and Graduations.  I love the different metals and textures that Jacquie uses.  Below are a few of my favorite items from her shop. 

I encourage you to take some time to browse through Jacquie's shop!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Here's a great recipe for vanilla extract.  This is one of my favorite DIY projects.  You'll never use store-bought extract after you've made this!  These make great gifts too!

I used Tahitian vanilla beans, which are readily available via the internet. I bought my bottle at World Market. Sorry for the poor quality of my picture, not sure why I couldn't get a clear picture.... my extract is low and I just haven't gotten around to getting more vodka.

vodka (any type will do)
1 vanilla bean per 1/3 cup of vodka
glass jar/bottle with lid

Split each lengthwise with sharp knife or scissors. Drop beans into the bottle and fill with vodka. That's it! Store in a cool dark place from 1 to 3 months, giving them a shake every once in a while.  The extract will continue to get darker and more aromatic over time. As you use the extract, add more vodka. The beans won't go bad - the alcohol acts as a preservative.

Sunday Evening Wind-down....

It's Sunday night and I'm pooped!  So much for a relaxing weekend!  I spent most of the time painting a spare bedroom.  I actually enjoy painting, but this is just taking longer than I'd like so I'm ready to be done!  I feel like I've been standing all day today and my feet are so sore. 

So I've poured myself a nice glass of merlot and am ready to watch Amazing Race with my hubby.  Have a good week, everyone!

Monkey Business!

There's something about sock monkeys that just make me smile!  Who can resist those big ears and arms just waiting for a big hug!  Here's a picture of a few of my sock monkeys - I even have a sock turtle!

I did a search on ETSY and found the cutest little guys that I just had to share.  Please take some time to visit the shops of these artists ~ you'll find lots of great items.

First up is the classic red-heeled sock monkey by Chadley of Terrace Hill.  Everyone needs one of these classic monkeys!  In addition to sock monkeys, Chadley makes fabulous vintage inspried aprons.

Need a bit of sunshine?  Check out this Citrus Stripe monkey created by Dawn of Sunset Girl.  If this guy doesn't put a smile on you face, then nothing will!   Dawn's shop is filled with colorful sock monkeys and birds!  Love them!

The final monkey to share is this soft and cuddly Peaches and Cream monkey from The Monkey Shop.  Dulce creates the cutest monkeys in all sizes and colors.  It was hard to choose just one to show you, but this guy stole my heart!

Thank you to Chadley, Dawn and Dulce for allowing me to share their creations! 
Kathy ♥

New items

A few new spring-inspired items in my Etsy shop: