Summertime...time for smoothies!

Although smoothies are great any time of year, they're a real hit at our house during the summer months, especially for breakfast.  So when the Etsy Bloggers asked for summer time recipes, it was a no-brainer!  This is a very flexible recipe, so the amounts are approximate.  You can add or subtract as you like.

2 cups of yogurt in the flavor of your choice.
1 sliced banana
1 1/2 cups of juice in the flavor of your choice.
1 cup frozen fruit

Blend well and enjoy!  This makes about a quart of mixture.  Actually, this morning I invited my aerobics class for a smoothie party.  We had three choices:  mango/peach,  strawberry/mixed berry, and vanilla/blueberry.  There were no complaints!!

The Great Bathroom Remodel...Part 1

For several years, now, we've needed a bathroom remodel and have finally almost finished the project.  Although we were supposed to be finished before Easter, the final date is finally June 16, so I'm glad I waited to blog about the project!  Here are some photos of the disaster we were experiencing before the work started.  The photos do not do the horrible state of affairs justice, so you'll just have to believe me that I was embarrassed to have guests in it!  At any rate, these were shot in April when we could still use it.  The true remodel story will start tomorrow!

Must Love Dogs

What could be cuter than a beagle puppy, even if he's snatched a calla lily from the neighbor's yard?  This little guy is actually a polymer clay bead made by Nancy of http://nanjodogs.etsy.com  He's shown here in a bracelet with other beads as an example of how he might be used in your own jewelry.  The detail on this bead is amazing!  Please visit her shop for this sweetheart and other breed of dogs and puppies.  Enjoy!

Memorial Day Parade

We've never been so close to a Memorial Day Parade before!  Our little village always has a small parade, but we thought it was scheduled for later in the morning.  As we were driving earlier down our main drag, the police pulled us over to the side so that the parade could pass!!  Now, you must realize that our parade consists of two squad cars, the high school band, the Girl Scouts and Brownies, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, a Color Guard, three village officials and two fire engines...a total of a five minute parade.  Nevertheless, it was an up close and personal experience that exemplifies the true spirit of small town America.  God bless the USA!

Dreaming of Down Under

The Etsy Bloggers team carnival is featuring a "down under" theme.  It is a place I've always dreamed  of visiting!  Isn't it funny how we romanticize far away places?  But I have the feeling that the southern hemisphere offers much more than I can imagine!

Right now, as we move

 into the spring and summer months here in the northern US, they are preparing for the winter season.  So, I'm featuring some of my fingerless gloves which ship free...even to "down under"!

Presenting...LindaB

There's something special about pearls and something extra special about this ring of pearls found at .http://lindab142.etsy.com/   You'll find a wealth of individually designed and crafted jewelry in her shop at very reasonable prices.  What also strikes me about her shop isthat she designs not only for a variety of tastes, but also people of different faiths.  What a joy to see her bring folks together with lovely items!

Library Love

For as long as I can remember, libraries have been one of the great joys of my life.  From my first picture books in the children's section to the stacks of the University Libraries and far beyond, they have enriched my life more that I could have ever imagined.  The Etsy Bloggers challenge to write about public libraries has also given me the opportunity to tell about my latest read which, of course is available at your local library.  And in a nutshell, run, don't walk to your nearest to your nearest public library to get your hands on The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  If you must download it to your electronic device, do it as well!  It is a fascinating read that will make you smile, giggle, cry and become angry all at the same time.   And it will leave you wanting for more.  It's the best book I've read in many years!