Have New Year Resolutions?

Hi Everyone, I truly hope you all enjoyed your Holiday! I am looking forward to the New Year for SO many reasons. I have made a few resolutions for myself/life this year. 1 is GET TO THE GYM...no more being a lazy bones and 2 Learn to work from home and still have a life filled with fun and laughter...it is a lot harder than you think! I am always at work WITH a toddler..ugh What are your resolutions?
So was Santa good to you??? He was VERY good to me...Diamond Heart Necklace and a Cropping Station for Scrap booking...sweet! My DH also took us all out on Christmas Eve to a fancy restaurant called The Ferndale Inn and it was relaxing, delicious and I didn't have to make it! I did drink a bit but it's all good! ha ha
This was the 1st year that I had all of my wrapping finished before Christmas Eve...ahhh so nice. I am looking forward to hitting all of the sales at the mall tomorrow. They have great prices this year.

I am working on some new Baby Head Bands for Little Pags Boutique and I will have them loaded by January 2nd on my Etsy Shop and Log Cabin Crafters Shop.

I also have my son Sean and his family coming home from Ft. Bragg, NC to see us all with the new addition. I cannot wait to get my hands on my Granddaughter! We have used Skype a few times but it just isn't the same without the soft kisses and baby smell...I will post again soon and in the mean time have a safe and Happy New Year to All!!!
Hugs, Jen

Love Family Gatherings!

Happy Holidays  Everyone!!!
I decided at the last minute to defrost my 20lb. Turkey and host a family party. We missed the Thanksgiving Family dinner and went to a friends instead this year, so I was really missing family. In all there was about 16 of us in my little country home but we had lots of fun. I made jello shots for the 1st time..he he and boy were they good. The others had a good game of Boggle going on, while I was trying to get skype on my computer to include my favorite Soldier and his family. It filled me with so much joy to be able to see my son Sean and his family on the computer. I cannot wait until he comes home in January...I have not hugged my oldest son in almost 2 years. I miss him deeply!
The morning after the party was a little tough. I stayed up unusually late and might have had a few drinks too many for me. After a while I realized that the headache I was having was on top of my head and the pain was raidiating down my face and I had a tingling on the whole side of my face for the entire day. I then woke up with it again the next day but the numbness was not as bad. Today I still have a headache....yuk!
I have only a few more things to shop for but just haven't been up to doing much of anything. Not sure if it has anything to do with the 6 injections I have been taking in my foot for the Neuroma but I think I am done with those. It isn't working and it hurts to walk so surgery is the next step. Blah blah blah...don't want to sound like I am whining!
 I am very excited for Christmas, especially when I look at my 3y/o daughter and see the excitement in her face when we talk about Santa coming. I love driving around in the car with her and listening to her ohhh and ahh at the different lights and decorations on people's houses.
I have no new creations to post as I have decided to relax until the New Year and then I will have lots of new things for you!
Thanks for Reading,
{{Hugs}}  Jen

Trying to think positive

Hello Everyone,

My day started out terrible. I woke up this am and my computer screen was black and in desperation I tried everything I knew to fix it but could not. I called a the first person I could think of to help fix the problem. He won't have a chance to look at it until Monday but I did not have anything backed up. I lost all of my family photo's and years of graphics for my business and scrapbooking...I am trying to stay positive that he may be able to save everything but I shed a lot of tears first! I learned a tough lesson today...just yesterday I was telling my husband that I need some time on the computer to back things up because if we lost it we would be devastated...should have done it at that very moment...
Keep your fingers crossed for me and I will keep you posted.
As always Thanks for Reading!
Jen

So Tired Lately!

Hello all of my faithful followers and any other blog skimmers who have taken the time to read this!!
I have been so tired lately! I did burn the midnight oil for a few weeks but jeez, I just can't seem to catch up again. I think it could be the thought of knowing that I have no more craft shows coming up too. My though process now is to get the house clean for the Holidays and relax with family and friends, but it seems that my body has other plans. My little Princess has not been feeling well either with a stomach virus of sorts.

I got a nice big custom order for a little girls birthday party from my last show. I finally got it finished today..I hope she likes them

I them thought well while I have the stuff out I might as well work on some others..so here is a cute little Hello Kitty Fairy Pendant I did.

 I am going to focus on the website and make changes and add more products...Please come on over and check them out: http://www.logcabincrafters.com/

Until Next Time, Thanks for Reading

{{Hugs}}

Getting Excited for the BIG MAN in RED!!!

I stayed up late last night working on another Wall Plaque. I love making them but this is only the second one so I am still not very confident in my work yet. What do you think?

I am not exactly sure what to charge for them either...I am thinking maybe $6 - $8? Anyway, I was shopping and saw this beautiful wreath and I really wanted it but it was $30 and lets face it I think like a crafter...hmmm I can make that! So I grabbed myself a plain wreath and well...WALA here it is

I think it turned out okay! On my last post I promised I would add a picture of my Prim Mart Ornie Swap Tree, So here it is: 

Sorry it isn't the best picture but the Ornaments are so beautiful and everyone involved is so talented.

I decided to share some of my Holiday Decorating pics with you...I LOVE Elves...

Hoping Everyone Enjoyed Their Thanksgiving!

I sincerely hope everyone enjoyed their Thankgiving. We did not host the family gathering this year, instead we were invited to my DH's Boss's house for a gathering of 65 people and WOW what a beautiful home and the food...delicious! Here is the picture of us just before we left

I was also lucky enough to grab a photo of my younger two boys with my husband. They don't stand still for too long if you know what I mean.

This was almost the best part of Thanksgiving....WE GOT SNOW THIS AM..so we had to get out there and make a snowman with the Princess

Well anyway I got up this morning and instantly ripped all of the fall decor down and started putting up the Christmas decor...I LOVE Christmas! My next post will include my Tree with all of the Primmart Ornie Swap Ornaments on it...
I have been busy making more Ornaments for my upcoming shows and for gift giving...

Well until next time...I will be busy shopping at the Mall and Online for all of the wonderful Holiday deals this year!  
{{HUGS}}     Jen

Crafting like Crazy for Upcoming Shows

I have been working like crazy on all kinds of different things. With the economy being so bad I am trying to make things as inexpensive as possible. Here are a few new things:

And then there is a 1st for me...I think it is looking good so far???

I am anxiously awaiting my box of Ornies from my Prim Sistas on Primmart that joined me in an Ornie Swap. Sorry still can't post a picture of what I made yet...

Until Next Post...take care

Hugs & Blessings

Jen

Another Totally Awesome Crafter....

I was in search of some Thanksgiving Decor and upon searching the web I found this wonderful site http://www.oakhillcrafts.com/store/Default.asp, and after placing an order for this Turkey: 

and a really nice conversation on the telephone, I realized this was a very talented and sweet woman. You can tell from her work that she really puts her heart into it. I also found out that she is one of my Prim Sistas...Today I went to the mailbox to discover that this wonderful woman (Dawn) sent me the most beautiful handmade Christmas Ornaments with the names of my children on them. I almost cried when I saw them. I don't think anyone has ever done anything so nice for me! Here are the pictures of the Ornie:

Aren't these beautiful?! Please go over to her website and checkout her products, you won't be sorry you did.

I have been busy with some hand sewing. I decided to make some Ginerbread Man Ornaments. They have been listed on my website and I hope you adore them as much as I do.

Until next time...Have a wonderful weekend Everyone!
{{HUGS}}
Jen

In Need of a Good Soup Recipe?

I found this recipe in a magazine and ripped it out. I pulled out the pile of recipes that I have been saving and started trying them and WOW...this is one soup that my entire family LOVES..which is rare!
It only takes a few minutes to create and it makes a ton of soup that you can freeze for another day. It is called Hamburger Vegetable Soup:

1 pound Ground BIeef
1 medium Onion, chopped
1/2 large Green pepper, diced
4 Garlic cloves, minced
8 cups Beef Broth
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) Italian Stewed Tomatoes
1 can Green beans
1 can (8 oz) Tomato sauce
1 cup Ditalini pasta
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. dried Oregano
1 tsp. dried Basil
1/2 t. Pepper

In a Dutch oven or Frying Pan, cook the beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. I put this and the remaining ingredients in a crock pot and place it on low until we are ready to eat. If you want to eat it right away you can mix all ingredients in a soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Give this a try, you won't be sorry that you did.

Friday night was the 1st time my husband and I got out alone in a year. We went to the Local 11 Ironworkers Dinner Dance...What a beautiful place and the food was to die for. It was funny, but I realized that we didn't say one word on the hour drive there. I think we were both enjoying the silence for a change. Unfortunately, the Malibu Bay Breezes went down so smooth that the next morning was painful!LOL

My Princess got a new toy. If she is going to drive Quarter Midgets in a few years we figure she better get started now!

I had some time this weekend to create this Scrabble Tile Pendant. It will be loaded onto http://www.logcabincrafters.com/ by tomorrow evening if you are interested in purchasing one!

As always Thanks for Reading,

{{HUGS}}

Jen

Check This Out!

Hi Ya'll in Blog World. I wanted to take a quick minute to let you know about a Holiday Online Craft Show that is taking place right now through Nov. 17th. You can follow me to my direct link: http://www.ezcraftshow.com/shoppe/?sid=LogCabinCrafters  Or go to the main page and look at all of the talented artists, here: http://www.ezcraftshow.com/ I am running a Holiday Special during this show period of 15% Off of you entire order. If you order at the EZ Craft Show you need to wait for a revised email from me to pay. If you shop at http://www.logcabincrafters.com/ you only need enter the Coupon Code: EZcraftshow at checkout.

Thanks for Reading!
Jen

New Goodies but not just by Me

I am a member of an Online Community called Primmart. You should check it out sometime. It is chock full of information and great websites to buy from etc...One evening while on Primmart I stumbled on a post that included pictures of a recent craft show, when I clicked on it I instantly fell in love with this woman's talent. Her name is Crystal and she has an Etsy Shop, check her out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Twiddlebugz  Here is what I purchased from her, isn't she just the cutest little witch? She looks great on my Halloween Tree.

I bought one for myself and one with green hair for my sister. Too cute.

I am so excited for the Primmart Ornie swap boxes to go out. Monday is the deadline for everyones Ornies to be sent in so it won't be long now. I am a tad excited to post a picture of my Ornie that I made and sent in. I think it turned out really cute and when I can I will list some for sale in my shop. In the mean time here are some pics of what I have been working on...

Thanks for Reading

{{Hugs}} Jen

I'm a Grandmom!!!

I am so excited to post that I am officially a Grandmom as of Oct. 13th. My son Sean and his wife CC had a baby girl. Her name is Laila Nichole. She is SO beautiful and I cannot wait to meet her! I am only 43y/o and honestly not quite ready to be called Grandmom so I requested that she call me Mom Mom...lol

I have added these new products to http://www.logcabincrafters.com/ please go and check them out.

My front porch

We finally got around to doing the Pumpkin Patch and Hayride. I must say, I love being with my brother and sister. My brother Dwight brought my nephew Danny, and My DH Frank along with my DD Ava and my sister Sandy. We all piled into the tractor drawn wagon, and out to the Pumpkin Patch. We had a great time. After that everyone came back to my house for dinner and then we started carving...we had lots of laughs doing that...it makes me feel like a kid again. En  d result...



Dwight's Pumpkin...Totally Awesome

 I am currently working on a Holiday Catalog, so if you think you or someone you know may be interested in receiving one please send your Full Name and Address to logcabincrafters@frontier.com

Just a quick update and as always, Thanks for Reading
(Hugs) Jen



Puttin On My Super Cape

Wow, things are getting crazy but I love it! I love the Fall and everything that goes with it...Pumpkins, the smell of burning leaves, Halloween decor, Trick or Treating, Pumpkin Pie, Pumkin Bread....etc
By the grace of God we got through a very horrible two plus weeks of illness in our home. My son Ryan had Bronchitis and then sweet little Ava got Pneumonia...very scarey stuff!
I am patiently waiting the birth of my 1st Grand Child, due on Oct. 7th....(patiently? ha..everytime the phone rings and it is my sons ringtone I run to get it)I just can't believe my son is gonna be a Daddy. Oh how I wish they lived closer so we can watch HER (Laila) grow up in person...
On the business front, I have several Craft shows coming up so I am squeezing in some creative time in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here is a picture of a few new Hair Clips I will be adding to my shop this week:

Bootiful Ghost Clip

Up Town Turkey Clip

Tom Turkey

Frosty Snowman Clip

3D Pumpkin Clip

On the flip side, for Log Cabin Crafters I have been making some Christmas Ornies (pics to come shortly) and Spooky Candy Corns which my adorable 3y/o call Corny Cornies...lol
I have decided to make some blogging changes so please check back as I add some Country Home pictures and recipes. I am looking into advertising in the Country Sampler Magazine. It is a great magazine for Country and Prim lovers, and has lots of talented Artists and Home Decor Ideas! I will keep you posted on that.
Well as usual thank for reading
{{{Hugs}}}  Jen

STILL Cleaning and Organizing...

Well we finally got into our new house...YAY! It is so beautiful and I am counting my blessings for sure. I have been re-organizing and hanging shelves etc...for days. I am just crazy like that, It takes me a few days to decide where I want to put/hang things. This photo was taken the 1st week in the new house: It is my daughter Ava, Me and my son Braeden

I am working on some new Christmas Tree Ornaments for Log Cabin Crafters and a sweet little quilt for my soon to arrive Grand Daughter("Laila".)I have also made a couple of New Hair Clippies for Little Pags Boutique..I will publish pics later..

Hope Everyone is enjoying their Holiday!

Thanks for reading,   Jen

I was Featured

Just had to share that my 3D Pumpkin Hair Clip was featured on Etsy today! It is the first time one of my products was featured.....Check it out: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c750606b0436d914aeb8944/etsymom-halloween-treats

Thanks for Reading

Jen



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Don't Give Up On Me Yet!

Just taking a moment in a random parking lot where I was able to use a free wifi connection to update you on what is going on. We ended up renting at the beach for 6 weeks and the house still was not ready so we rented a beautiful Log Cabin on top of a mountain very close to home. I am so happy to be close to my family again. We offically got the call that the house will be ready the weekend of August 14th, so I should be up and running again by the following weekend.

Remember to check back because I have a BIG announcement to make and a Brand New Line of Handmade Furniture to offer.

As always {{Hugs}}
Jen

Hello from the Beach!!!

All of this Beach Life has me creating things like this Mermaid...Isn't she cute?! I brought her home to my local craft show and she sold right away. I will be creating others with different colored hair so if you are interested check back the 1st week of August in my shops.

Thank goodness for my Wonderful Sister Sandy and her kids that came to the shore house and stayed with me for a few days...it was SO much fun!

And of course we are doing tons of rides on the boardwalk:

Still waiting for the house to be finished and it is looking like the end of July...keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks for Reading!

Hugs, Jen

Shhh..Don't tell I'm not supposed to be here!

I was getting lonely on vacation so I snuck into the public library with my laptop and decided to post! All of this relaxing is getting on my nerves,honestly!

It has been fun though...here is a pic of the kids on the beach: My son Ryan and my daughter Ava
I got a chance to work on some new hair clippies and that was relaxing for me!!! Crazy huh? I am looking forward to coming home soon...
Thanks for reading, Jen

Welcome to my CRAZY life!

Well as you know I have been recovering from foot surgery. It is much worse then I thought it would be. I still can't wear a shoe and the scars look gross. But it could be worse...Oh wait it is worse...lol
Well we are moving on June 15th and got the call last week that we didn't want to hear...our new house is not ready yet. So in a desperate scramble we found a beach house for 30 days. And while this sounds GREAT to most people, I find it hechtic. All of my belongings will be in storage and NO internet???!!! OMG what will I do? No work? Just me and the baby all day everyday. My husband is now working in NY, which is great financially but it also means LONG days. I will be shutting down my shops while I am away and hopefully if everything goes smooth with the move I will be up and running again on July 19th.
In the mean time I have one definite show date: Pennride Community Day on July 11th, 2010. If you get the chance to come out to this show, stop in and say hello...
As always, thanks for reading,\
Jen

Being a Couch Potato

Well I got my foot surgery last Tuesday and I am having a hard time sitting on the couch. I hate watching TV and I can't do my crafts because the princess is lurking, just waiting to grab my supplies and run away with them. This picture was a few hours after surgery and my dear Sister was my nurse maid for the day. My eyes look watery because of the pain meds and I brought home a cold too...literally within a hour of getting home I got a runny nose and felt horrible....Ugh

While I have not been able to create anything this week, I was able to add a new category to my shop. It is Fabric..I have lots of Homespun Fabric. I have only listed one so far but please check back as I will be adding more this week: http://www.logcabincrafters.com/

So until next time I will ice and elevate!

Thank for reading~ Jen

Looking Good!

I am getting really excited for the move now...We snuck over on Saturday to check out the progress and we were very happy to see the roof on, the new garage door, the siding has been started and an extra nice surprise...recessed lighting on the porch! The back of the house will be getting a deck that leads to the concrete slab there. The other picture is our 2 plus acres of land...perfect for a pool, swing etc...

I also had to add a picture of my other baby..lol My Dogde Durgano...love it...best vehicle I have ever owned! Okay Okay enough of this personal stuff...I did manage to get some work done this weekend and here is a new shop goodie for you...The padded Butterfly:

Both of these Butterfly Hair Clippies will be added to Little Pags Boutique Shop by Monday. I am also working on an original Hair Clippie Design...if I can figure out how to make it out of ribbon it should be a hit. I think I will unveil it by Wednesday...Want to get it out there before my surgery on May 11th and I will be closing my Etsy Shop for that week to give myself time to rest...

As always Thanks for Reading,

((Jen