Sew Many Passions!
You can't have too many cats or too much fabric!

PASSION: I love to share product reviews! After taking a break I am back to help others find great products! I love doing DIY home projects! WORK: I'm an office manager for three businesses under one roof. The bulk of my work is in logistics and freight. COMMITMENT: CATS... I've become a Professional Cat Wrangler! DREAMS: As I near retirement, I have enough machines and fabric to start my own sewing business!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Storage Riser for Front Loading W/D Set!

You just never know what you will run across when looking through blogs. I found a project that has been on my mind to figure out for quite some time now!

I was checking out the cute little DIY Matchbook Notepads project then noticed a TINY button on the sidebar that I wanted to check out. I started looking through Fingerprints on the Fridge blog and she was linking to all sorts of great projects! Then Waa Laa! There was the project I had been wanting to figure out for my front loading washer and dryer set!

I followed the link to Finding My Aloha she had this GREAT PHOTO BLOG of the Laundry Room Reveal featuring her Storage Riser!



She linked to the Tutorial made by {Show & Tell}. ANOTHER GREAT BLOG! Now my only problem is finding the time and help to do this project!



AWESOME WORK LADIES! Now my head will be swimming with even more projects as I dig through their blogs in awe of their handywork!

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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Purple Chocolate Cupcakes by Purple Chocolate at Home

I've been busy baking & decorating "thousands of cupcakes" and a 2 layer top cake for a cupcake tree. My Guy's daughter is getting married tonight and he built "the tree". As I take my little breaks I jump on the computer for 10 mins here and there.

Jaqueline from Purple Chocolate at Home had left a comment on my Sleeping Under the Trees post so I checked out her site. WOW! She has a very nice blog! She has so many yummy recipes to get me side-tracked!



And since I am in the cupcake mode and thinking about posting our cupcake tree next week, I thought I would post a link to Jaqueline's fabulous looking Purple and Chocolate Cupcakes! They look divine!


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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sleeping Under the Trees

Forest Canopy Bed $5,298.00

Who can blame me for dreaming of sleeping under one of these beds some day?

Open, airy and dreamy. This is a fantastic handmade bed created by Anthropologie!

During the Christmas Season, this would be gorgeous with clear lights wrapped throughout the branches.

This little floor lamp isn't too bad.




Tree Bed $15,000
"When I win the lottery"; which happens to be one of my favorite sayings, I will own this!

I adore nature. I could see making a bedroom into a Woodland Palace with this beautiful creation!

And wouldn't this be a great bed to sit and read stories to children and grandchildren?


I could see a door leading from the bedroom out onto a patio with this beautiful arch awaiting to be strolled through. Both of the items are created by Shawn Lovell Metalworks.


My taste is so diverse.
That's probably why I can never make up my mind how to decorate a room. That and being extremely tight on money to start building on an idea knowing I will more than likely change my mind.

Look at these modern beds with a handmade twist. I'm loving these beds that are custom orders by Tripoli Designs.


Maybe I should have let my son move out of town for welding school after all?

I do have a bid in for an industrial strength sewing machine that does multiple layers of leather and upholstery. I will have to settle with starting with the small stuff. Maybe I will make enough money to hire a local artist to create one of these beds for me someday.

I can keep dreaming of sleeping under the trees someday.

Just NOT like this though!


Go here to While We're Waiting Blog for more bedroom ideas.

Please post a link in the comments if you find some wonderful beds similar to the Tree Beds. I'm in love with them!

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

New and Improved Cookie Dough Brownies-Decadence You Deserve


(Image by: Marye Audet)

New and Improved Cookie Dough Brownies-Decadence You Deserve on the Restless Chipotle blog.

I found these on FB posted by Laura's Recipes. She certainly posts a lot of tempting recipes! This one I've got to try! It is a layer of brownie, a layer of cookie dough, and a layer of chocolate glaze - with toffee bits and pecans. Mmmmm!


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Friday, July 16, 2010

The Bunnys Bungalow - Tour the Patio

I soooo long for a wonderful wrap around porch on the front of my house and a quiet, peaceful covered patio on the back of my house. I do have a small pond in the back, but the pump has been broken for two years. The water irises are thriving and need thinned out. A few frogs seek refuge there and keep my many cats entertained.

I was reading through Southern Hospitality blog and she had a nice write up and link to The Bunnys Bungalow - Tour the Patio. I just love this Fresh, Relaxing summer look of her patio! Visit the link to see her wonderful transformation!


[These photos belong to The Bunnys Bungalow]

Doesn't that swing look inviting? And the painted chest of drawers would be a great place to keep a few magazines, "idea notebooks", pens, cleaning supplies, plant care items, insect spray, candles, etc.

I happen to have one of these desk that I have been storing away for years! Another re-purpose job for me to brainstorm!



I'm getting addicted to all these wonderful, crafty women's blogs. I can hardly wait to start posting my own creations!

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10 Secrets to Thrifting Success via Miss Mustard Seed

I've recently been on the look out to pick up discarded items to re-finish or re-purpose. My mind is going 90 to nothing trying to figure out when and where I am going to work on all these projects! I've ordered upholstery fabric from a great discount source - Twice - and ready to grab a few more new end of bolt cuts!

As I am trying to rationalize all my finds and purchases I teeter between guilt and long-term goals of starting my own side business. I ran across this great guideline about Thrifting Success. This was a great read to keep things balanced in my head as I drive around town with an eagle eye for that Perfect Free or Cheap Find!



To read her fantastic guideline for 10 Secrets to Thrifting Success via Miss Mustard Seed go visit !



If only I could work from home full time to enjoy all my passions! I'm loving this cute little makover! And as she says, if you only pay $1 it does not hurt to experiment!

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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Solar + Mod Podge = AMAZING!

I was rooting around in different blogs to see who else I wanted to follow. I ran across a crafty DIY'er blog that is definitely on my list! I found Amanda's Solar Light project and she hooked me!



She has taken regular, cheap solar lights and inserted the heads in glazed mason jars, then hung them with wire on plant prop rods. NOW HOW CLEVER IS THAT!

I'm intrigued with the colored, clear glass look she achieves on this project! I'm way behind times with crafting, and with each cool craft idea I find the urge is nearly killing me!

Here is another view:



I've got to have that rummage sale I've been putting off and get a crafting area put together. Along with a sewing area. I'm really intrigued with upholstery and sewing crafts too. Plus I need to keep a decent area for my two computers for my graphic design. I need to win one of those Home Organization HGTV opportunities! The top of my head is going to blow off if I don't do something with all these ideas soon!

Check out her blog at The Hand Me Down House to see her instructions.

And here is an UPDATE for a little more info from Amanda on this project: Some Details I Forgot.

I'm going to be all over this project as soon as I finish a few "must do" projects!


I just love Hand Me Down's!

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Orglamix Mineral Makeup

I've decided to do a Review for a fantastic product I have been using for about 4 months now. I LOVE the products from Orglamix! My makeup stays on all day, and I don't need a refresher after work to go to the store. My daughter comes over and always get into my box of Orglamix! She did a friend's makeup for prom, and guess where she came to get all the "fancy supplies" to WOW this girl up! I'm really sold on this product!


(all images are from the Orglamix page)

Here is the new Shop Announcement posted on her Etsy store:
According to a recent survey: 98% of women who tried Orglamix said they’d recommend it to friends. The other 2% never like anything anyway. Try Orglamix risk-free. I guarantee you will l-o-v-e Orglamix; or your money back.

The next-generation of mineral makeup: zero synthetic ingredients.

Orglamix products are proudly formulated without: nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or parabens. PETA approved.

★ Click here to Fan Orglamix on FB.
Exclusive giveaways, contests, coupons, free samples, limited editions, new product launches & more -- join us!


My favorites (so far!) are here:

SAPELE - XL Pure Organic Mineral Foundation (light to medium skin with neutral undertones). I have nearly used all the small container of this one so I ordered this large size. I use this as foundation and also on the browbone. This one is matte.

Cafe Au Lait - Pure Organic Mineral Eye Color. I use this for highlights when I want a bit of shine. A lot of the colors have a frosty look in them. This can also be added over blush for a night out on the town for a high shine.

Carnelian - Pure Organic Mineral Glow - Bare Radiance (copper pink glow). I use this on eye lids and also on the cheeks. It is a nice rose with some brown undertones. I use this one with Silk mentioned below.

Silk - Pure Organic Mineral Eye Color. This is another that I use on eyes and also on the cheeks. I use this with no foundation for a hint of blush or as a cheekbone highlight over another color.

Chocolate Chip Cookie. I use this to line my eyes and sometimes use on the crease and blend up slightly onto the outer brow for a smoky, sultry look.

Sandalwood is a great color for eyes - one of my standards!

I have also mixed Sandalwood with Cashmere, Cocobolo, and Cafe Au Late to make my own Blush Color for the definition of the cheeks then highlight with Silk or Carnelian.


Her collections tell you how to blend the colors like on this Ginger Snap Collection.

More info from the store:
Available in every shadow of the rainbow from classic neutrals to the hottest hues, these 100% pure mineral pigments deliver gorgeous smudge-proof, crease-free and water-resistant color in one stroke.

The perfect, high-payoff combination of brilliant color, an easy-blending formula, and endless versatility that will revolutionize your eye-makeup outlook and deliver stunning effects.

Apply dry for a natural glow, wet for more intensity or mix together with other Orglamix products to customize colors as you desire. With over 125 shades to choose from, let inspiration be your guide and watch your makeup go from everyday to extraordinary.


And if you would like to have the "Perfect Set" of makeup applicators, this Vegan Bamboo 8 Piece Makeup Brush Set (Eco-Cruelty-Free-Veganare) is fabulous!

I'm here to tell you, I am TIGHT with my money, but this is a product that I think has a Great Value! You get a nice "pot" of high quality product and a Little Bit goes a Long Way!

Visit Cheri's store and let her know that HonestNiceWoman sent you!

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Plans: Rolling Cubbies

I have been scouring this smart, money saving blog for a few weeks! I'm so thankful for the time Ana has spent putting together tutorials for Knock-Off Wood designs! She takes ideas from expensive ready made products and figures out how to build them for a fraction of the cost!

Plans: Rolling Cubbies is a project I would love to tackle for my own home! Currently I think this would be great under my double windows that overlooks the little pond and bird feeder.

I seem to change my mind so much, but being on rolling casters will help me move it around every time I decide to rearrange a room!

Follow Ana's blog and let her know that HonestNiceWoman sent you her way and link back to my page!

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Pea Salad with Cashews and Bacon

I absolutely adore this recipe site Let's Dish Recipes!

I noticed this Pea Salad with Cashews and Bacon recipe and it has to go on my menu!



Take a look around this amazing site and post a comment with what recipe you have tried and love!

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Bird Crafts $80 Giveaway!

Head on over to Bird Crafts to find an amazing blog on crafting, party ideas, tutorials and more. Bird is giving away $80 worth of products from CSN Stores! YOU get to choose ANY prize from the huge product range from any of CSN 200+ stores! Read her instructions on how to get extra entries! The winner will be announced July 7, 2010. Good Luck! I know I want to win! =)

Monday, July 5, 2010

King Arthur Flour

I have spent hours and hours in this site pouring over and printing recipes! I need a separate binder just for this site! KAF Recipes



I'm intrigued with all the different types of flour that they offer. If you want to learn some professional tips and learn about ingredients to improve your baking skills, this is the site to check out!

Check out their KAF Blog for photos of step by step instructions. I think this is a great site to share with young women and men that show an interest in baking!

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The Spice House

I've placed two orders with this company and very pleased with the quality of their products! The first box that came made me act like a kid on Christmas morning!



The Spice House list the ingredients in all the mixes. They also list recipes for the spices. I have used the Hyde Park Seasoning Blend the most so far. We really like it on chicken. I also mixed it with tomato sauce to simmer meatballs and serve over cheese filled pasta. Check them out!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Surviving the Stores has some great post to follow!

Ready to make tacos and don't have the seasoning?
Raid your pantry!
Check this one out for Homemade Taco Seasoning!

homemade Taco Seasoning

Boston Market $25 Gift Card Giveaway by Pays2Save

Check out this giveaway on Pays2Save!
Read the directions for the entries you can submit.



Be sure to copy and paste this quote below as a separate comment:
"I was directed to your giveaway by Kelly Minor-Lamb
www.facebook.com/honestnicewoman" Thanks!

Be sure to suggest to your friends and ask them to use your FB referral!