By the Bluegrass...

Six Whole Months have gone by!

2012-01-05T18:13:00.000-05:00

That's right.....I do not know where those six months went and so fast at that. I wasn't sure if I was going to continue the blog, and I guess by now you know that I decided not to. I felt like my blog lacked many things, especially a focus. I may someday create another one that feels a bit more purposeful. I'll be sure to let you know if I do and I hope you will stop by. Thanks for visiting. I wish you all the best!
Peace Out,
Sena

Independence Day

2011-07-04T16:23:00.000-04:00

Wishing you a very happy 4th of July!

xo,

Sena

I scream for....

2011-06-30T20:25:00.005-04:00

Ice Cream

I just made ice cream in my new vitamix. I used the chocolate mint that I grew and it tasted like mint chocolate chip! It was so yummy! If you don't have a Vitamix, I highly advise you to get one soon. You can make healthy protein smoothies, soups, and sauces and so much more with a vitamix! I am in love. :) It is so easy to make these things too. You just add the ingredients and turn the thing on. It's that simple. And, I have lost about ten pounds because of all the healthy things I have been making with it.

recipe for mint ice cream in the vitamix

1 cup of milk
a handful of chocolate mint leaves
1/2 cup of sugar (turbinado) I used only 1/4 cup and I liked it better.
1/4 cup non fat dry milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
4 cups of ice

It's easy peasy and inexpensive. Plus, there's nothing better than homemade ice cream!

Hope you are enjoying something sweet and minty!

xo,

Sena

I have joined these great parties:
strut your stuff @ somewhat simple
fun with food friday @Paisley Passions
Frugal Friday @The Shabby nest
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
everything but the kitchen sink @ a little knick knack
feature yourself friday @ fingerprints on the fridge

Vacation

2011-06-26T17:00:00.001-04:00

VACATION!!!!!

Sandestin, Florida

Will be back on Soon with updates and pictures!

All of My Chickadees.....

2011-06-12T21:38:00.000-04:00

Are in the nest!

left to right:Leigh, Collier (squinting his eyes), Lynn, and Beck

It's so nice to have all four kids home! Lynn, our oldest, finished her first year at the University of Chicago this week. She will be here until mid-September. Except for one week when she will be traveling to N.Y.C for a Google conference. Last year she was 1 of 25 who was selected to attend the computer science institute at Google for six weeks at their main campus location in California. And, from now on as long as she continues to declare a major in math or computer science she gets to attend the Google conferences which are held in a different city each summer. Right now she is double majoring in both. Also, she can apply to intern with them the next two summers. So, we are keeping our fingers crossed!

But for now, we are just enjoying having her home! Her four year old sister just can't get enough of her. They have been doing a whole lot of sisterly bonding.... painting fingernails, playing dinosaurs, reading books and swinging. It's been a fun few days. We are looking forward to a great summer.

'Hope you have a chance to reconnect with a loved one this summer!

xo,

Sena

Lazy Summer Days

2011-06-08T16:27:00.003-04:00

Are here!

This moment: We are enjoying the beginning of summer break. Just taking it easy and doing whatever our hearts are drawn toward.

These are the days when we can stay in our nightshirts for as long as we want. And, just focus on play.

This chair is calling my name....

And, these magazines are begging to be read.

We're just gonna let the summer sun do it's thing, while we sit back and relax.

Wishing you all a lovely summer!

xo,

Sena

Linking up to: whatever you want wednesday at free pretty things for you
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts

Changing Old Ways....

2011-06-06T13:50:00.003-04:00

blackberry, blueberry, and banana smoothie with the protein powder

I am trying to change my eating habits......changing the way I eat food, look at food and think about food. I am desperately trying to kick the sugar habit. I am totally addicted to sugar. "Hi, my name is Sena and I am addicted to ice cream, chocolate, candy....you name it". It's like crack for me. I WANT something sweet NOW! I am finally beginning to realize that my eating habits are affecting my entire life. I am not crazy about meat, chicken, fish, red meat, it doesn't matter. I do eat it, but it's not my favorite. We eat quite a bit of chicken throughout the week, because I feel it's the best for the family. Unfortunately, the kids are not crazy about fish. And, believe me I have made salmon and light white fishes a million different ways, but they don't seem to care for it. We will make steak or some type of beef stew every now and then, (more in the winter) but I try to limit the red meat.

I love fresh fruits and vegetables, so I eat those a lot. The problem is that I am just not getting enough protein and combine that with all the carbs that I'm taking in and it's a recipe for disastrous sugar spikes. I believe that's what causes the cravings. Of course, you know how it is, the more sugar you eat, the more sugar you want. It's a vicious cycle. Not to mention that we live in a war zone of a society when it comes to food. It comes at us from all angles. It is very difficult to raise a healthy child with a healthy view of food in today's world. High fructose corn syrup....don't even get me started.

peach and banana smoothie w/ a little apple juice and the protein powder

So, I have begun a new chapter in my life, one of healthy eating. And, not just healthy eating, but also learning about different foods and what our bodies really need. Not eating the right foods affects our mood, energy levels and the quality of our sleep. This week I am on a detox of sorts. I am only eating fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and fresh healthy lean protein. I am drinking all natural smoothies with protein and green superfood powders 2-3 times a day. It's been one whole day without a sugary dessert. Let's see if I can go a whole week.

Just add organic fresh fruit or frozen fruit, ice, a little water or 100%, organic fruit juice and blend....it's that easy. If you don't want to use the green powder, then you can add your own veggies, like spinach (which is nice and mild).

Here's to a healthy, fun summer!

xo,

Sena

p.s. if anyone has any sweet all natural, no sugar recipes that are really good, I'd love to have them! :)

I'm linking up to: Life Made lovely Mondays here

The Dress....

2011-05-31T13:49:00.002-04:00

We had a neighborhood yard sale a couple of weekends ago. I cleaned out lots of boxes of knick knacks and the kids old clothes. I say "old", but what I really mean is clothes that the kids never had a chance to wear which still had the tags on them. Our second to oldest daughter came down the stairs loaded with arms full of brand new clothes. I about fell over when I saw how many nice outfits she had that she had never worn. I am sure going to think twice before buying her something new the next time she declares that she "has nothing to wear". However, one thing in particular that she was planning on selling struck a real chord with me. It was her lovely eighth grade graduation dress.

As her last year of high school is fast approaching, I can't help but be sentimental about things like this. I said "oh no, you can't sell that.... it's too special". "But I only wore it once and will never wear it again", she declared. I said "I know, but you may want to show it to your daughter one day". Of course, my husband (who doesn't have a sentimental bone in his body) is standing by shaking his head, thinking "I seriously married a hoarder". Truth be told, the graduation dress wasn't the only thing I couldn't or wouldn't get rid of. But, the dress was definitely the most special.

In one moment, floods of memories came rushing in like the time when she was three years old and cut off the entire left side of her hair. Which turned out to be a really cute cut, she got tons of complements everywhere we went. I could hear a little eight year old playing "twinkle twinkle little star" on her cello, as my mind wondered back through the years. I remember when I was little and the adults would always talk about how fast time goes by.... while I was thinking that it seemed to move at a snails pace. Today, being a mom myself, I now know what they meant by that.

Seriously, where does time go? I feel as if I have blinked and each of my kids just grew up in an instant. So, you better believe that I am going to hoard that dress, just like I am going to hoard those precious memories and never let go!

Happy Graduation to all the graduates out there.
xo,
Sena

New Discoveries....

2011-05-27T12:56:00.006-04:00

Well, thank goodness, we are still here.The storm was not as bad as predicted. It was very windy and there were tornados throughout the midwest, but Louisville was spared. I did, however, stay up most the night because I was afraid one would hit while we were sleeping. I am still recovering from that one.

The horse farm next door

It is so cool today, not a typical day for the end of May. I will be really happy when the warm summery weather returns. We have had such a weird year of such extreme weather. It makes me wonder if this is what it is going to be like from here on out. I guess it global warming at work. I can honestly say that the weather has gotten stranger over the past few years.

hmm..what's this?

It was so beautiful just a few days ago, so we went for a long walk. In fact we stayed outside all day long. Just relaxing and basking in the sun. It was a perfect day. While on our walk, our youngest came across a flower that she thought was so pretty and smelled so nice. It was a honeysuckle bush. "Oooh, that's right" I said..."you have never seen one of these". We forget what it is like to see the world as an almost four year old sees it. There are so many ordinary things to be discovered and with such awe. She was so excited about being able to sip the nectar of a flower. She just couldn't believe that we could do that! It made me think that I need to start seeing everything around me as the miracle that it really is from now on. It was such a nice feeling to stop and think "you know this flower really is quite magnificent". I remember how much I use to love the honeysuckle bush that grew in my childhood back yard. I loved its smell and its sweet taste. It really was more than just a simple pleasure, it was a marvel to me back then.

I wonder what 'new' things we will discover on our next walk.....

I hope you are finding many things to marvel at this week.

XO,

Sena

Parties:
I love pretty little things
petite hermine

Severe Weather

2011-05-25T16:54:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I'm kind of freaking out! We are suppose to have really bad, severe, freaky weather tonight. The weather people are saying it's going to be worse than expected. I am hoping that they are just on high alert because of the bad tornados that we have had across the country lately and that things won't really be that bad. But, I am scared because of the bad tornados that have been happening. It seems worse than usual. So, we're getting ready to hunker down for the night in the basement. We're gonna blow up the air mattress and just camp out. And, it just so happens that we had the pool table/ping pong table delivered today. At least we'll have something fun to do....if we can see in the dark that is (if the lights go out).

You can see how the wind is turning the leaves over. A sure sign that it's going to be bad weather.

And, I need to get my vegetables and herbs planted so they don't blow away. I had huge plans for a raised vegetable garden bed this year. But, the weather has had other plans and ruined that idea. So, everything will be growing in containers this season. Maybe, next year. Let's hope for a better, calmer spring next year!!!!

Lots of herbs

Variety of lettuce

new garden supplies...yay

The weather as of 4:00 p.m. Lots of wind, but very pretty still.

So, I am back into the world of blogging, after a much needed break. I am still working on the look of my blog. But, I figured why wait for that in order to return? It just means more good things to come.

Stay safe!

XO,

Sena
Update:
Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as expected here in KY. There were, however, 75 tornados, 650 reports of severe weather and 300 reports of hail across the midwest. OOOh, please let this be the last of the bad weather this year!

banners

2011-05-23T16:04:00.003-04:00

Just trying to come up with a new look for my blog. So, I'll be playing around with it over the next couple of days.

Ch Ch Changes.....

2011-05-17T13:33:00.004-04:00

I'll be back (said in an Austrian accent)

credit

I know I've been gone longer than expected, but I am working on the 'mechanisms' of my blog. I'm hoping to change a few things, add a few things, and tweak a few things.

I'll see you soon (hopefully sooner than later)

XO,

Sena

All ready for the Derby

2011-05-06T15:30:00.001-04:00

BFF's all ready for the Derby

Gotta love the crazy fascinator....AKA the forehead hat.

Be back next week with all new posts, projects, and even a swap.

Hope you have a great Derby weekend!

I'm linking up to these parties:

2011-05-03T17:45:00.001-04:00

May peace and democracy spread all throughout the world....

“Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth; Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust; Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace; Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe”
~Satish Kumar

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.

~Jimi Hendrix

I'll be back shortly with all new things to share!

O' Happy Day....

2011-04-29T10:07:00.002-04:00

Oh boy, she's making a cake for the Royal Couple....lots of cinnamon, ginger, all spice, and even some fennel.

uhhhh, we'll get back to you with the results on that one!

Enjoy this lovely day and I hope we all get a second kiss from the one we love!

I'm linking to these parties:
foodie friday @ designs by gollum

Only One

2011-04-26T19:07:00.001-04:00

So, earth day was April 22 and it got me thinking more than ever about the state of our planet's future. For quite some time now, I have been trying to be better about being environmentally conscious. But, I want to be better than just "trying to be better". I want to start living green in all areas of my life. I am especially concerned about the toxins that we encounter in our every day lives, like cleaning products, cosmetics, and the outgassing of our carpets, fabrics and building materials. I want to limit my children's exposure to these toxins as much as possible. Unlike when I was a child, where we just didn't know about the hazards of these everyday products, we now know that so many of them are not good for us. And, when we know better, we do better. That's my motto, anyway. So, I have been reading up on what's toxic and why and how I can come up with better alternatives.

I am going back to the old fashioned way of cleaning.....using the good old stand by's like Vinegar, baking soda, borax, Hydrogen peroxide and such. The hardest part for me is trying to find a alternative to my facial cleansers. I have tried replacing them with some of the all natural brands out there and just haven't had the same results. But, I plan to do more research and keep testing different ones out until I find one I like. I recently read that baking soda mixed with water makes a great facial scrub. So, I plan to give that a try. And, can you imagine the money I would save compared to what I spend on my department store facial scrub? Baking soda is like what, less than a dollar a box? Wohoo, another unexpected benefit....saving lots of money by using the old fashioned staples.

Some additional things I plan to do:

using up as much of my fabric that I already have, rather than buying new.
checking my local thrift store for fabric or clothes that I can use as fabric, if I just have to buy some fabric.
plant even more fruits and veggies this year
be more consistent about buying from my farmers market when I do need to buy something.
Eat a meatless meal one day a week (Michael Pollen said if every family would eat a meatless meal only one day a week it would make an enormous impact on our planet).
buy local-handmade, second-hand gifts from my local thrift stores or use Etsy if I am buying from the internet.
And, the big one...remember to use my own reusable bags instead of plastic!!!! Make a bunch of them and keep them in the car. I have a hard time remembering this one.
Find an environmentally and non toxic flooring when replacing the upstairs flooring, like bamboo, cork, or linoleum.
Pay more attention to what I am throwing away and what I should be recycling.

In case you interested in learning more about living a eco-conscious and toxic free life...here are some good sources:

Michael Pollen here love his brilliant way of explaining how we should be living.
Earth Day here official site of earth day.
Earth 911 here very informative comprehensive guide of resources to improve quality of life.
Eco beetle here great tips for eco living.
car free here a solution to the problem of urban automobiles.
E magazine here includes just about every issue under the sun regarding the environment.
recycling guide here very short guide that tells exactly what you need to know about what and where to recycle.
Treehugger here online magazine that in their own words is a "one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information"

Great swapping sites:

Thredup.com here swapping children's clothes and toys (I plan on trying this one out).
Paperbackswap.com here swapping books (I absolutely love this and use it regularly).

and two books that have been great sources of information for me:

Green Living here

Naturally clean here

Hopefully you will find one of these sites or books beneficial. I know I have. I want to continue learning more and more about keeping the world safe and doing my part to keep the Bluegrass clean and healthy for my kids and their kids!

Onto other news....the winner of 'By the Bluegrass's 100 follower celebration give away' here is:

Donnie from 'New Blessing Everyday' here

and

Bea from Needle Field here

Please check out their lovely blogs!

Congrats ladies!!!! xoxo

linking up to these parties:
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
three or more tuesday @ the gypsy’s corner
amaze me monday @ dittle dattle
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
whatever you want wednesday at free pretty things for you

Hoppity Hop...

2011-04-23T14:19:00.000-04:00

Here's the little gal that I made for my swap partner, Lisa here, who lives in New Zealand. It was the first time in my life that I have sent a package to New Zealand! The pattern came from Tilda here. I didn't know a lot about Tilda, as her lovely patterns, fabrics and such have not caught on in my part of the world yet. I enjoyed making this bunny so much! I just love her little outfit! The tiny little pants are so cute and I used a vintage fabric for her little dress.

And, here is the lovely bunny that I received from my secret partner:

So, when my sweet bunny came in....my little one begged me to let her have it. She is over the moon about her and has been playing with her non stop. As you can see here, she even had to have bunny close by for coloring time.

Have a wonderful weekend....I hope your weather is better than ours....there's lots of flooding and tornados over this way!

But, at least the rain is bringing about lots of spring blooms!

There's still time to join my '100 follower celebration give away' here!

I'm linking up to these festive parties:
saturday swagger @ It’s A Crafty Life
link your stuff @ anne marie’s breiblog
weekend wrap up party @ tatertots and jello
http://whilehewasnapping.blogspot.com/
saturday nite special @ funky junk interiors

whatcha got weekend @ lolly jane boutique
show and tell saturdays @ be different act normal

100!

2011-04-20T16:12:00.000-04:00

Wohooo!

'By the Bluegrass' now has 100 followers! I am so excited and want to give a special shout out to each of you who are following me! I am having a GRAND give away in order to show you my appreciation! And, two people have a chance to win. That's right...I am offering two different packages. The first name drawn gets to choose which package he/she wants and then there will be another package left for the second name drawn. Here are my give away offerings:

package "A"

In package "A", we have two official Kentucky derby glasses, a handmade (by me) 'fruits and veggie' sack, and the official Kentucky derby poster on a 5x7 postcard size.

package "B"

In package "B" we have two Kentucky Oaks wine tumblers (the oaks race is the day before the Derby and it is when the fillies run....go girls!), a handmade (by me) 'fruits and veggie' burlap sack, and a bar of chocolate (to go with your glass of wine) made in Kentucky with a lovely picture of the horses at Churchill Downs.

Now, I sure hope you think I've done you up right! I am also pleased that everything is either made locally or in the U.S.A and, of course, the burlap sack is eco-friendly. It is perfect to take to the store or to the farmers market and put your fruits and veggies in, rather than using a plastic bag. Then, you just shake it out to clean or use a damp cloth to wipe it. It's easy peasy living!
*the sack will come with varied vintage buttons, no two sacks are exactly alike*

Rules: Do any of the below. Each one you do is worth one entry

leave me a comment
follow me
put my button w/ a link back to my give away on your blog (it's under my picture on the sidebar)
write about my give away on your blog with a link back to my give away
Fb about my give away with a link back to my give away
tweet about give away on Twitter with a link back to my give away
write about my give away on 'blog lovin'
write about my give away on 'Stumble'

Leave a separate comment for each thing you do. :)

I will assign each entry a number and then will use random.org to select two winners. The give away ends Monday, April 25 @ midnight.

Best of Luck!!!!! And, I'm looking forward to my next 100 followers!

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to come"!

-Robert Browning

I am linking up to these fabulous parties:
whatever you want wednesday at free pretty things for you
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts

Give 'a wait'.....

2011-04-18T15:56:00.000-04:00

I had planned on unveiling my give away items today, but as life being what it is, I am going to have to wait until tomorrow or Wednesday to get it up here. Soooo be sure to check back! Until then, have a cookie or two to tide you over. ;)

Did I ever mention that our oldest can bake like nobody's business?!

Have a great day and...

Let the Parties Begin....

2011-04-16T14:40:00.000-04:00

Talk Derby to me, baby!

(photo by Kinetic credit here)

Two of the horses that are running this derby:

'Animal Kingdom'
and
'Comma Top'

photo credit here

Today is the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show which is the official kick off for the Kentucky Derby. What does this mean, you ask? Essentially, it means that this city will be one big party for the next two weeks. The festivities are all leading up to the fastest two minutes in sports....The 137th Kentucky Derby. It is always held on the first Saturday in May, this year it falls on Saturday, May 7. I often get asked what the Kentucky Derby is by people who live overseas. So, I thought I'd share with you a brief introduction of the most famous horse race in the world. Saddle up and get ready for the ride.

(photo credit here)

The city of Louisville, Kentucky, which sits on the Ohio River

(photo taken by our oldest, Lynn)

(photo credit here)

The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. This is a picture of the famous twin spires and the tulips, which are in abundance at the racetrack.

Some of my favorite events are:
The air show and the fireworks show (which is the largest firework show in North America).
Last year at Thunder, my son, Collier and his cousin, Max had front row seats.

(photo taken by our oldest, Lynn)

Pictures of the air show, before the fireworks begin. These massive military planes fly over our house, as we live close to the river, and it causes our house to shake...it is soooo loud!

let the fireworks begin...

(photo taken by our oldest, Lynn)

(photo credit here)

(photo taken by our oldest, Lynn)

Needless to say, they had a ball!

The Great Steamboat Race against the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen of Cincinnati, Ohio.

(photo credit here)

We watch the steamboat race from the water tower, which is on the Ohio river, here:

There's lots of fun activities for the kids and yummy food.

(photo credit here)

or from Cox's park here:

(photo credit here)

The Pegasus' parade which is held in downtown Louisville.

(Photo credit here)

The Great Balloon Glow where tons of hot air balloons fire up at night to make the most beautiful glow in the night. They also have lots of fun actives for kids. The the next morning is the Great Balloon Race and the sky id filled with most beautiful hot air balloons.

(photo credit here)

The Fillies Ball.

My husband, Steve and I at The Fillies Ball

The Kentucky Derby Marathon and mini marathon, which my husband has run several times. It's lots of fun to meet up with him at different points.

(photo credit here)

And, I must admit, that I love seeing the beautiful hats that are a necessary part of every Derby girl's wardrobe.

(photo credit here)

I think Jenny Mccarthy's hat is really pretty, (of course, you know I'm into that burlap/linen look)!

(photo credit here)

I love Brooke Sheilds, she's one of my favorite stars! Here she is at The Kentucky Derby 2009.

(photo credit Sam English here)

Love the color of this hat!

And, yes, folks...we actually have an official Kentucky Derby drink: it is the mint julep, which can only be made with real Kentucky bourbon.

photo credit from left to right: here, here, here

Recipe:

Simple syrup
Kentucky Bourbon (Churchill Downs serves Woodford Reserve)
fresh mint

To make the simple syrup bring 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of water to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Then simmer 5 more minutes. Cool completely.
To a julep glass of crushed ice add simple syrup to sweeten nice, two jiggers of Kentucky Bourbon for robust flavor, and lots of fresh mint. Sniff, sip, and savor.
(recipe from: here)

These are only a small sampling of the events that take place. There are also lots of parties that the celebrities come in town to attend. For more information check out the DerbyFestival.org. here and the KentuckyDerby.com here. If you ever get the chance to come to Kentucky during this time of the year, take it! You won't be disappointed!

****And, stay tuned for my 100th follower celebration Give Away. I will be announcing it on Monday....hint: it might include some derbyish type items!!!!*****

Happy Derby!check me out saturday @ I Am Only One Woman

I am linking up to these festive parties:
check me out saturday @ I Am Only One Woman
weekend wonder@ While He was Napping
show and tell saturdays @ be different act normal
whatcha got weekend @ lolly jane boutique
mosaic monday @ dear little red house

Things I'm into right now....

2011-04-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

Sooooo Who's gonna be my 100th follower??????
YAY, 'By the Bluegrass' now has 100 Followers!
Thank you Leslie, from 'In my Shoes' for being my 100th follower. You can check out Leslie's lovely blog here
Stay Tuned for the celebration give away!!!!!

So, as you can tell from my last post, I obviously need a diversion from the day in-day out hubbub. That's part of the reason I love sewing and crafting. It takes my mind a million miles away. But, at the same time I also love when my kids craft along with me. In fact, I usually beg them to do a crafty activity with me or to just simply hang out with me while I sew or work on a project. Of course, I often joke about the hassles of raising four kids, but in reality I am not much of a loner. I am a true people person and even when I am engaged in a project I love to have company. The little one is good company for about five minutes until she starts pulling all of the thread off the spool or smearing the mod podge onto the floors. The oldest child actually likes doing the crafts with me (or at least she humors me), but the two in the middle have little interest in crafting. Since the oldest one is away at college, it sometimes is just me alone in the sewing room with the dogs at my feet. One is never truly alone when one has dogs, right? :)
Like most of those who love to create, I find my inspiration in so many different places. It may be a painting from a museum, an embroidered pillowcase from someone's blog or a vintage jar from the Goodwill that sparks my imagination. And, if you are anything like me, your inspiration is constantly changing. So, I thought I would share some of the things that I am into these days. These are the things that really get my juices flowing....things I covet or aspire to emulate.

crewel work

I really want to learn how to do crewel embroidery.

burlap

photo credit

I just love this all natural fabric. There are so many neat things you can do with it....everything from making curtains to making stuffed animals. It's my new favorite textile.

rabbits

photo credit

Since this is the Chinese year of the rabbit, I have been paying attention to all things rabbit design. I have been using the rabbit motif in my crafts.

covet garden

Covet Garden is a cool online magazine and they have a blog as well. here

the French Marie Claire idees

photo credit

My good friend Tallulah sent me this awesome magazine that she picked up while in France. I am absolutely mad about it! I have looked through it about five times already. Tallulah also has an awesome blog that you should check out. here

Pintrest

This is a cool site where you can pin things you like and have them all in one spot. here

Stumble Upon

I am crazy about this site. It allows you to give a thumbs up or thumbs down to sites that come up before and pretty soon it learns your taste and starts picking out sites you would like. here

bees

photo credit here

I am really concerned about the plight of the Honey Bees, so I have been trying to learn more about why they are disappearing and how we can help them. After all, it affects our civilization is a major way. Learning about these amazing creatures has inspired me.

french paper ephemera

This cool etsy store has lots of french vintage ephemera 'The Moonlit Mice' here

doll houses

I am so into dollhouses right now. Steve put this dollhouse together for me...now, I just need to paint it and dress it up.

mid century modern like:

and

sold at this etsy store

I am loving all things mid century modern, especially mid century Scandinavian.

Tell me what's inspiring you these days?

I am linking up to these inspiring parties:
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
buzz on by thursday blog hop @ the two savvy sisters

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can't Decorate My House

2011-04-11T19:27:00.000-04:00

We moved into this house about two years ago and we have never fully finished decorating it. Life was getting very busy about that time, as our forth child was just about to turn two. And, she was becoming a real handful. We also got a new puppy (our third dog) shortly after moving in. I was just too busy and too exhausted to even think about keeping the house clean, let alone decorating it. So, we just kind of did the basics: arranged the furniture and painted the walls and that's about it.
Recently, I began thinking it was about time to start the decorating process of turning the house into a home. You know.... adding the icing on the cake....hanging pictures, arranging bookcases, setting out the knick knacks. Adding all the details is what we really needed to do. Yep, I decided it was time to fancy the place up. UNTIL, I took a look around..... and, this is what I saw....

Yes, this is someone's little toothpaste handprint on my pretty yellow wall! You read it right...."toothpaste".

Ahhh, how many times have I told them they are not allowed to have drinks on the living room furniture? Apparently, not enough.

Most moms usually warn their kids that they better "stop slamming the doors"...well, I am constantly yelling "stop pulling the french doors off the hinges."

The dogs got so excited about the new neighbors moving in that they tried to jump out of the open window. One problem, though, the screen was in the way.

Yeah, so on this one...I attempted to create a cute coffee table setting by putting our pretty shells in this shell shaped serving (say that five times) bowl. I came back into the room not five minutes later and this is what I found.

I should have known better than to get my vintage ornaments out this past Christmas. If I told them once, I told them a hundred times to stop touching my vintage glass ornaments. And, look where I found one. In the topiary. A real funny joke, huh? NOT!

Speaking of plants....some little girl just can't keep her hands off of them. She must have this uncontrollable urge to hear the sound of the snapping noise it makes when she bends the stem.

I just love sitting down at the kitchen desk (left pic.) or going to the refrigerator (right pic.) and seeing my three year old's beautiful drawings! Again, NOT!

Okay, these pesky screens again...this time it's the screen door. I think all four kids and all three dogs have run right through it at least once or twice (or three or four times). One of the poor dogs has even gotten to the point of sticking his paw out to see if the screen door is open or not.

And, finally we have case in point # 10: our ~~nice~~ once nice wooden blinds. The goldendoodle got hung up in them and I actually had to cut the strings loose in order to free him. I really hesitated for a moment or two before making the decision to do this. ;)

Oh, but I must leave you with a bonus picture....my most recent find. This is a pretty fabric box that I have sitting at the end of my bath tub. I have always loved how it looked.....and then one little girl decided it would be fun to house her soaking wet toys inside of it. But, no, she couldn't just stop there. She had to submerge the whole box in water.

This is what life is like with four kids and three dogs or at least with my four kids and my three dogs. I have decided that it is a fruitless effort at this point to try to decorate and that I better wait until....

until they are all out of the house! Someday, I'm going to have that 'Better Homes and Garden' look. A mom can still dream, right? And, if nothing else I have this as evidence to show them when they get older....hehehe

***Click home or refresh the page to see my current posts.***

Have a lovely week and...

I am linking up to these good humored parties:
masterpiece monday @ boogie board cottage
mosaic monday @ dear little red house
life made lovely monday @ life made lovely
market yourself monday @ sumos sweet stuff
three or more tuesday @ the gypsy’s corner
tuesday’s treasures @ my uncommon slice of suburbia
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
Show and Tell Wednesday @ Blue Cricket Design
saturday nite special @ funky junk interiors

Fabric Easter Eggs...

2011-04-08T20:13:00.000-04:00

I just completed a swap where we had to make a bunny stuffie, and fabric eggs. The eggs turned out so well that I thought I'd share the how-to's here with you. These are as easy as can be to make, so you don't have to know how to sew or be particularly good with crafts to make them. All you need are some plastic or paper eggs, some fabric, and a bottle of handy dandy mod-podge.

You can use scrap fabric for this project. I used some left over vintage fabric. Make little slits at the end of the fabric and then tear the strips by hand. It helps to keep the strips straight if you rotate the fabric before tearing each time. Then add some mod-podge to your egg and start adding the strips, straightening them as you go along. Continue until each egg is covered. That's pretty much it!

These are eggs you can keep from year to year! Hope you enjoy and be sure to show me a picture if you make some. I'd love to see. Have a great weekend and as always...

I'll be linking up to these lovely parties:
Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home
Feather your Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage
Sweet friday Pretties @ I Love Pretty Little Things
piling it on friday @ allemaal kleurjes
feature yourself friday @ fingerprints on the fridge
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
everything but the kitchen sink @ a little knick knack
saturday nite special @ funky junk interiors

itty bitty

2011-04-06T20:27:00.000-04:00

I just had to take a break from the sewing and crafting I have been doing these past several days to show you these little bitty pants that I made for a bunny swap that I am in. They turned out so well. I think I will make some for my Blyth doll and maybe for some of the American Girl dolls. They are so tiny!

Aren't they cute? I just adore anything little. :)

I'll be back soon to share some of these crafty items that I have been working on.

Color Me Monday!

2011-04-04T19:10:00.000-04:00

Did you know that nothing rhymes with purple?

(or so my kids tell me)

~flowers are starting to bloom~

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. ~William Shakespeare

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

SURVEY

Won't you take my survey?

In an effort to improve upon my blog, I have created a survey with a few simple questions that will help me pinpoint specific viewer interests. I invite you to take my survey, which is located on the right hand sidebar (immediately below my picture). I hope to make 'By the Bluegrass' a blog that is inviting, informative and entertaining. I truly appreciate your participation.
Update: Let's up the ante....so far ~~eight~~ ~~ten~~ ~~18 26~~ 33 awesome readers have taken the survey. Once fifty people have taken the survey I am going to have an awesome give away! And, it will be awesome again, I promise. Many of you have asked if I will share the results of my findings. The answer is "yes", I will be sure to do that, once I get a good number of filled out surveys. :)

I hope we can all enjoy some pretty spring weather tomorrow!

I am linking up to these fantastic parties:

life made lovely monday @ life made lovely

mosaic monday @ dear little red house
masterpiece monday @ boogie board cottage

Winner

2011-04-04T15:48:00.000-04:00

Time to announce the winner of my french/ shabby chic fabric tray here

Congrats to Shelly!

Check out my Give Away....

2011-04-01T01:12:00.000-04:00

Today is my turn to host the 'Spring Fling' give away!

YIPEE!

I am pleased to be giving away a french/shabby chic fabric tray, which I made myself. I am a bit proud of this one (if I may say so) because I came up with the pattern all on my own. Well, I had quite a bit of help from my mathematical minded husband...actually a ton of help. I came up with the idea, based on a metal tray that I have sitting on the side on my bath tub. I look at it all the time and keep thinking 'I would love to recreate this tray in fabric'. So, my husband took the measurements of the tray and drew the pattern. Then I cut out the pattern, sewed it and put the thing together. I worked up a bit of sweat over this one and my brain hurt a little....but, I did it. Now, I have a bit more confidence to try my hand at creating more of my own patterns...with my husbands help, of course.

This tray would be great on:

a bedside table, to hold your book, jewelry, etc.

a table by the door to hold keys, wallet, etc.

the bathroom vanity

the dinner table to hold rolls and bread...lined with a pretty napkin, it will perfect.

If you would like a chance to win this fabric tray...here's how:

Leave me a comment = 1 chance
If you like my blog and would like to come back, follow me = 1 chance
Mention my give away and include my link on your blog, FB, Twitter, Stumble Upon, Blog Lovin' = 1 chance for each of these that you do.

So, you have a possible total of 7 chances

*Make sure you leave a separate comment for each of these*.

Give away closes at midnight on April 3.

Winner will be chosen by using random.org

Also, check out my partner in crime for today's 'Spring Fling' give away:

The lovely Becca from 'Barefoot on the Dashboard' here

Her give away is a $25.00 gift certificate to her Etsy store.

Today is the last day of the spring fling give away

Today's hosts are:
Extraordinary Bree here

and

My Girlish Whims here

Good Luck and...

I am linking up to these super fun parties:
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
feature yourself friday @ fingerprints on the fridge
Feather your Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage
Sweet friday Pretties @ I Love Pretty Little Things
let’s party @ sassy sites

Hide and Seek

2011-03-30T13:25:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: tomorrow is my day to host the Spring Fling give away. Don't forget to stop back by to sign up for my give away item.

Seek and ye shall find! These pretty babies are just starting to bloom in our back yard. I look so forward to them every year. And, they are so fragrant. My mom said they are called mary jane magnolia bushes. Do you notice a little something different about the picture? There is a hidden objet. See if you can find it.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

SURVEY

Won't you take my survey?

In an effort to improve upon my blog, I have created a survey with a few simple questions that will help me pinpoint specific viewer interests. I invite you to take my survey, which is located on the right hand sidebar (immediately below my picture). I hope to make 'By the Bluegrass' a blog that is inviting, informative and entertaining. I truly appreciate your participation.
Update: Let's up the ante....so far ~~eight~~ ~~ten~~ 18 26 awesome readers have taken the survey. Once fifty people have taken the survey I am going to have an awesome give away! And, it will be awesome again, I promise. Many of you have asked if I will share the results of my findings. The answer is "yes", I will be sure to do that, once I get a good number of filled out surveys. :)

Today's give away hosts:

Puddle Jumper Creations here

and

Strokes of Magic here

Yesterday's hosts:

B Inspired Mama here

and

Dew This here

I am so ready for some pretty spring weather! Actually, just bring on summer. ;)

I'm linking up to these festive parties:
whatever you want wednesday @ free pretty things for you
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
spring fling @ this blessed nest
show and tell wednesday @ blue cricket design

Color Me Monday!

2011-03-28T18:03:00.000-04:00

Going with the Grain

Won't you take my survey?

In an effort to improve upon my blog, I have created a survey with a few simple questions that will help me pinpoint specific viewer interests. I invite you to take my survey, which is located on the right hand sidebar (immediately below my picture). I hope to make 'By the Bluegrass' a blog that is inviting, informative and entertaining. I truly appreciate your participation.
Update: Let's up the ante....so far ~~eight~~ ~~ten~~ 18 awesome readers have taken the survey. Once fifty people have taken the survey I am going to have an awesome give away! And, it will be awesome again, I promise. Many of you have asked if I will share the results of my findings. The answer is "yes", I will be sure to do that, once I get a good number of filled out surveys. :)

Today's Spring Fling Give Away hosts are:

Girl Boy Girl Inspired here

and

Ashley Creation here

yesterday's host (3/28/11):

Rock N Regalia here

and

Two Plus Jilly here

I'll be linking up to these awesome parties:
mosaic monday @ dear little red house
masterpiece monday @ boogie board cottage
life made lovely monday @ blessed little nest
three or more tuesday @ the gypsy’s corner
tuesday’s treasures @ my uncommon slice of suburbia

Take My Survey :)

2011-03-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

In an effort to improve upon my blog, I have created a survey with a few simple questions that will help me pinpoint specific viewer interests. I invite you to take my survey, which is located on the right hand sidebar (immediately below my picture). I hope to make 'By the Bluegrass' a blog that is inviting, informative and entertaining. I truly appreciate your participation.
Update: Let's up the ante....so far ~~eight~~ ten awesome readers have taken the survey. Once fifty people have taken the survey I am going to have an awesome give away! And, it will be awesome again, I promise. Many of you have asked if I will share the results of my findings. The answer is "yes", I will be sure to do that, once I get a good number of filled out surveys. :)

Today's Spring Fling Give Away hosts are:

Rock N Regalia here

and

Two Plus Jilly here

Yesterday's hosts (3/27/11)

Wildflowers & Whimsy here

and

A Jennuine Life here

Yesterday's hosts (3/26/11):

Sweet Bee Buzzings here

and

Lucky 7 Designs here

I am linking up to these parties:
everything but the kitchen sink @ a little knick knack
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
sunday linky party @ petite hermine
let’s party @ sassy sites

Easter Basket Cupcake Tutorial

2011-03-23T03:00:00.000-04:00

My birthday falls around Easter and some years it actually falls on Easter. So, when I was little my mom use to make Easter basket cupcakes for me to take to school for my birthday celebration. It was such a treasure to get to take these adorable cupcakes to school. I looked forward to it all year. I decided to make some for my kids this year and to share them here with you. I wanted to give you plenty of time before Easter.

Ingredients list:

yellow cake mix

white frosting

jelly beans

cupcake liners

shredded coconut (to be used as the grass for the easter baskets)

food coloring

pipe cleaners (I used these little basket liners that we found at Kroger, but they were a pain and kept falling apart. So, next time, I'm going to use the pipe cleaners for the handles, just like my mom use to.)

This is an easy peasy and fun way of making decorative cupcakes that costs a lot less than the ones at all the new fancy schmancy cupcake shops.

Directions

Divide the shredded coconut into separate bowls (one bowl for each color you intend on making)
Mix the colors by following the directions on the back of the food coloring box. I think the green looks most like the grass that we use in Easter baskets. I added a little yellow to the green.

Follow the cupcake mix directions on the back of the cake box.
When the cupcakes have cooled, frost lightly
Cover the top completely with the colored coconut.
Add just a tiny dab of frosting to the jelly beans (so they will stay on top of the coconut) and place on top of the cupcake.
stick the pipe cleaner into each side of the cupcake to make a handle.

Yummmmy!

Enjoy!

and as always....

I am linking up to these wonderful parties:

Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating

Show and Tell Wednesday @ Blue Cricket Design

wow us wednesdays @ savvy southern style

works for me wednesday @ we are that family

spring fling @ this blessed nest

make it yours day @ my backyard eden

whassup wednesday @ elements interiors

thrilling thursday @ paisley passions

friday favorites @ inspiring creations

saturday nite special @ funky junk interiors

Color Me Monday!

2011-03-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

Green of Spring

Spring is upon us.....

Just waiting to be enjoyed!

Today is also the second day of a give away party that I am so excited to be a part of. It's called 'Spring Fling' and Wildflowers and Whimsy here is the host and creator of it. It is 14 days of give away's from different bloggers. My give away day begins April 1. So be sure to check back, so you can sign up for my very special handmade item.

Today's give away is from
Ask Anna (here)

and

While He Was Napping (here)

yesterday's give away:
'Time Well Spent 'here

and
'A Very Dandoislion Life' here

go check them out for a chance to win their awesome give away.

I hope your off to great spring start!

I will be linking up to the fabulous parties:
masterpiece monday @ boogie board cottage
mosaic monday @ dear little red house
life made lovely monday @ blessed little nest
the simple things @ simple as that

Glimpses....

2011-03-19T19:23:00.000-04:00

(And, Spring Fling give aways)

It time to get some sewing and crafting done. Weekends are usually really good for this. But, since I don't have a new project complete. I thought I'd show some glimpses of my craft room which is actually in a closet. I am desperately trying to find a better place for it. And, if I ever do, I'll take pictures of the whole room.

I'm addicted to sewing and crafting books, old and new!

Thread, paint, mod podge and buttons....every girl's favorite crafting supplies

Beading supplies

It's pure love between my Viking and me....

I learned the importance of the color wheel in painting 101 in college.

Fabric and embroidery thread...oh my!

Lurve pretty boxes!

I can never resist fat quarters that are tied with ribbon....here's two of my latest.

Getting ready to start some hoop art projects

Cigar boxes are great for crafting or for storing supplies. They make great gift boxes too.

I simply can not write unless I have a good pen or pencil. It's a habit that I have passed on to my kids too! Found the cute cup at GoodWill, of course.

My current project that I am working on for the 'Spring Fling' give away. My give away day is April 1. So, check back for a chance to win.

update 3/20: Today is also the first day of a give away party that I so excited to part of. It's called 'Spring Fling' and Wildflowers and Whimsy here is the host and creator of it. It is 14 days of give away's from different bloggers. My give away day begins April 1. So, be sure to check back so you can sign up for my very special handmade item.

Today's give away is from .....

A Crafty Southern Chick here

and

Increasingly Domestic here

Please check out their sites for a chance to win their awesome give away!

Hope you're getting a chance to get your craft on this weekend.

I'm linking up to these parties:
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
feature yourself friday @ fingerprints on the fridge
everything but the kitchen sink @ a little knick knack
check me out saturday @ I Am Only One Woman
weekend wonder@ While He was Napping
sunday linky party @ petite hermine

Book Review

2011-03-15T20:41:00.000-04:00

I'll spare you the details of my MAC problems. But, that's where I have been the last couple of days, dealing with it. Anyway, problem solved. I thought I'd do a book review tonight and hopefully get some crafty pictures up in a couple of days. The theme for today's reading is courageous women

'The Zookeeper's Wife' was a really good story, but I must say that it was a little dry at first. Ackerman goes into great detail setting up the story. Once it got going, it was so hard to put down. It is about the true story of a zookeeper and his wife, who were in charge of the zoo in Warsaw, Poland during World War II. They ended up hiding over three hundred jews in the zoo. I feel in love with the family and their animals. I so admired their courage and their beliefs! I always wonder if I would have been that brave during that awful time. I hope so.

I read the 'Year of Wonders' when our oldest daughter was awarded this book along with a scholarship to Salem College her junior year of high school (she chose to go to The University of Chicago instead). Geraldine Brooks became one of my favorite authors when I read her book, 'People of the Book'. The woman can really write! This is a historical, fictional story about a courageous woman who lived in England during the black plague and everything that she and her village went through. It is a nail biter!

I know so many have read The Help by Katheryn Stockett. But I thought it was an interesting time to review her book since she has recently been in the news for being sued by her brother's maid, who is black, for using her likeness without consent. The story centers on three women during the sixties, a white young lady, Skeeter, who wants to write a story about how black maids were being treated during their time, the black maid, Aibileen, who decides to help Skeeter with her story and a sassy black maid named Minny whom they try to recruit the help of. It includes the stories of many other characters, as well. It is funny, sad, touching and unbearable at times. All the stuff that make up a good story and you will always look at hired help with a newfound respect.

I am currently reading the controversial book 'Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother' by Amy Chua

read about it here

Happy reading and please let me know if you've read anything good lately.

Friday Flea Finds....

2011-03-11T18:27:00.000-05:00

I love dolls! Gosh, will I ever outgrow my love for dolls? I told my kids that when I am old, just stick me in a home and bring me lots of dolls to play with. I collect these dolls, thinking I'll save them for my little one for when she is older. Of course, as luck would have it, she is into dinosaurs and dragons and shows little interest in dolls. Go figure! Oh well, more dolls for 'moi'....

Here are some recent vintage finds.

I am not sure what these dolls are called. They are often referred to as posable Japanese dolls. Their tag says 'Autumn Fair made in Japan by Hedaya & Co'. I had no idea they were so large when I placed my online bid. They are 17 inches tall.

These dolls are from one of my local Goodwill's. I think they are pretty easy to find, but I couldn't just leave them behind. They are the around the world dolls. I am not sure when they are from....the 50's maybe.

Finally, here are two kewpie dolls that I recently acquired to add to my kewpie collection that I just started. They are a bit older. One is made in Japan and one is made in Hong Kong. I began collecting these because every time my little one looked sideways she reminded me of a kewpie doll. I tried to get her to do this for the camera. But, it is hard to tell a three year old to look sideways with her eyes only, without moving her head too. hehe So, they are not the best pictures of her, but you get the drift.

Have a great weekend. Hopefully you'll get a chance to do some collecting this weekend. And, may you never grow up!
'Saying lots of prayers for Japan and Hawaii!!!

I'm linking up to these parties:
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Sweet friday Pretties @ I Love Pretty Little Things
Friday Fun Finds @ Kojo Designs
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home
Fine Finds Friday @ Small Fine Print
Feather your Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage
feature yourself friday @ fingerprints on the fridge
everything but the kitchen sink @ a little knick knack

Hump-day Hodgepodge

2011-03-09T18:28:00.000-05:00

Everybody needs some creative inspiration, right? Here are some things, people, and places that really get my ideas flowing. I was thinking 'vintage' today. I wanted some good vintage finds to ignite that creative spark. Some of these are things that I have on my 'inspiration board', on my 'would love do list', or 'need to have' list.

Gosh, isn't this vintage wedding dress so beautiful? Although, I'm not into fashion sewing....this still inspires me to want to make something like a ruffled lace pillow, or a painting in it's likeness.

This dress is from the coolest vintage site called 'Polish Girl Vintage' here. They sell the most lovely vintage items.

I love these two pictures of Grace Kelly. The style back then was so pretty. I feel like I never get fixed up anymore. This is kind of the negative thing about not working outside of the home. I love her bracelets in the top picture. And, I would love to wear beautiful outfits and lean up against gorgeous flowers like these. Just because!

(last image of Grace Kelly image source and first image of Grace Kelly source via source)

Love these vintage bridal items. These are shown on the Etsy blog. here

I have always been a vintage button lover and have collected them for years. One of the coolest stores I've ever been to was Tender Buttons in Chicago. Unfortunately, they closed that store, but they still have their store in New York City. They have the most incredible vintage buttons I've ever seen. I would also be inspired if I had a way to organize my buttons and ribbons like in the last two pictures. I especially adore the colorful drawers in the last picture.
(last three images belong to Countryliving.com source)

Bell'Occhio is another cool site that I discovered a while back. They sell the most eclectic mix of ribbons, paper items, storage, and crafting supplies. check out the Little Marie Antoinette with her flock. Her head actually flips off by the push of a lever on her back. Normally I would think this was not in good taste. But, for some reason I want it. ;-)
(last four images and products from Bell'Occhio source)

One of my favorite things to do is to take classes and attend conferences. I have taken many sewing classes, drawing classes, poetry classes, jewelry making classes, a writing for children class, and have attended sewing and quilting conferences. I think it refreshes my interest in crafting and keeps me up to date on new ideas and techniques. Here are two things that I would love to sign up for:

This is the relatively new sewing school in Paris, 'The Sweat Shop'. here I love sewing and I love Paris. If when I get back over there, I'm signing up for a class. They offer everything form 'come to work on your own thing' to making a pillow or quilt which is taught in English. I'm for sure taking that class!

(last four images belong to The Sweatshop blog here)

And, finally we have lace making classes also taught in Paris, by Catherine Herve (I assume she is a master lace maker). Nothing says vintage to me more than lace. It is a centuries old craft. And, I imagine it takes a lot of skill and talent to create beautiful pieces like this. I would love to learn. Anything that uses cool tools like these and I'm in!

(following images belong to Catherine Herve here)

Have a lovely and creative middle of the week. And, tell me what or who inspires you?

I'm linking up to these parties:
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
works for me wednesday @ we are that family
whassup wednesday @ elements interiors
vintage thingie thursday @ colorado lady

Color Me Monday!

2011-03-07T15:27:00.000-05:00

I'll have some cream with that....

(Give away winner announce at the bottom of the page)

And the Winner of 'By the Bluegrass's' first give away...click here is....

Congratulations, Renee of Shabby, Chic and Charming!

Please check out Renee's awesome blog here.
(winner was chosen using the random number generator)

And, thank you, to all who participated in my first give away! I will be holding another fabulous give away soon. So, be sure to check back often.

I linked up to:
life made lovely monday @ blessed little nest
mosaic monday @ dear little red house
masterpiece monday @ boogie board cottage
amaze me monday @ dittle dattle
market yourself monday @ sumos sweet stuff
three or more tuesday @ the gypsy's corner
nifty-thrifty-tuesdays @ Coastal Charm
2nd-time-around @ a picture is worth a 1000 words
twice-owned-party @ house of grace
white wednesday @ faded charm cottage

Easy Peasy Meal #2

2011-03-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to sign up for my first ever Give Away! Click this link

So, I tried a new recipe and thought I'd share it here with you. I was in the mood to make some type of lemon chicken. I was thinking of simply using some lemons and paprika and just baking the chicken. But, I decided to google recipes just to see if anything struck my fancy. And, there were several that did just that. But, only one or two where I actually had all of the ingredients. I chose a lemon and parmesan recipe (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Parmesan-Lemon-Chicken/Detail.aspx). It actually turned out pretty well. I used the juice from a lemon I had on hand as opposed to the juice in a bottle and I put about four teaspoons, instead of two. I'm glad I did, because the lemon was still very subtle. I might use more next time.

This is the mixture in which you dip the chicken. It has parmesan cheese, Italian bread crumbs, lemon, parsley and other spices.

I added the vegetables to noodles for a side dish. I just used what I had on hand and sauteed it in a little white wine and chicken broth.

The completed Lemon Parmesan Chicken (ughhh, it was dark out when I took these pictures.)

The dish...the presentation doesn't look so good in this picture.

The best bread in Kentucky! Blue Dog Bakery and Cafe'

My lovely sister in law and her husband started this bakery. It is a crazy successful business. People here crave this stuff. And, the good thing is it is all natural. The oven that they have was built by a man who came here from Spain specifically for them. This is one of a few ovens of it's kind in the whole U.S. If you ever come to Kentucky, you must eat at Blue Dog. You won't regret it!

The family really seemed to like this recipe. I think I'll try it again at some point. I love easy peasy recipes. Let me know if you have any good ones.

Bon appetit!

I linked up to:

fun with food friday @Paisley Passions

weekend wonder@ While He was Napping

check me out saturday @ I Am Only One Woman

saturday swagger @ It’s A Crafty Life

sunday linky party @ petite hermine

It's a...

2011-03-03T03:05:00.000-05:00

~ Give Away~

It's give away time! Woot Woot.....'By the Bluegrass' has reached 40 followers and just as promised, I am hosting my very first give away. I am so excited and hope you are too about a chance to win this special little package of gifts.

First up.... we have this little one of a kind creation which I made. It is a framed stamped picture on layers of fabric with some cutesy details. I call it "Le Printemps" (which is french for 'The Springtime'.) I am ready for some pretty weather and I think there's nothing like the bird to represent the return of spring.
Next....I will be including the new issue of 'Cloth Paper Scissors" magazine for some creative inspiration and this little book, 'The Better World Shopping Guide'. It grades companies on how socially and environmentally responsible they are. I love it. There are many companies that I purchased from for years that received an "F", so I was able to look at the guide and select a better alternative. And, there are many companies that I purchase from that received an "A" and that is a great feeling. It is a little pocket guide that will fit into your purse.
Lastly, is this little bottle of vintage buttons, ribbons, and extras for your next crafty project.

It's a 10x10 stamped image of a nest on card stock. It has a pretty french, vintage look to it. And, I distressed the black frame to complete the whole look. This would look pretty anywhere....your powder room,
bookshelves, bedroom, or your craft room, of course.

One of my favorite magazines paired with one of my favorite informational books.

I love this little bottle and I love vintage buttons. I bet you'll find good use for this selection of buttons, ribbons, and odds and ends.

For one chance to win this sweet little trio, just leave me a comment. It's that easy.
For two chances to win, become a follower of my blog, By the Bluegrass. Leave a second comment for this one.
For three chances to win, grab my button and write about my give away on your blog. Leave a third comment for this one. :)

~~Make sure I have a way to get in touch with you.....email, blog, etc. I will announce the winner on Monday, March 7.~~ Give Away is now closed
~~Ready, Set, Go....~~

Congratulations, Renee of Shabby, Chic and Charming!

Please check out Renee's awesome blog here.
(winner was chosen using the random number generator)

I am linking up:

thrilling thursday @ paisley passions

buzz on by blog-hop @ the two savvy sisters

thursdays friends cafe @ tammy two cents
mingle with us blog hop @ happy go lucky harvey
Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
crafty soiree @ yesterday on tuesday
strut your stuff @ somewhat simple
wow us wednesdays @ savvy southern style
Show and Tell Wednesday @ Blue Cricket Design
it’s hodgepodge friday @ it’s a hodgepodge life
feature yourself friday @ fingerprints on the fridge
let’s party @ sassy sites
everything but the kitchen sink @ a little knick knack
link your stuff @ anne marie’s breiblog

Funday Monday

2011-02-28T14:33:00.000-05:00

I decided that I needed a little fun this weekend since the weather was dreary. There's nothing like a little crafting to pick me up! Recently, I was in a mini fabric collage swap and I had a great time designing my little quilt. So, I decided to keep right on making them. They are fun, fast, and easy. The great thing about them is that you can put as little or as much time and effort into them as you want. You can go for the simple, elegant style or the intricate, complicated design. I call these faux crazy quilts, as I am not actually sewing each individual piece of scrap to the backing. I used fusible backing and ironed each piece to the fabric backing. I then put a piece of tulle over it and machine sewed random stitches all around in different colors.....i.e. feather stitch, blanket stitch, wavy stitch, etc. Finally I used ribbon for the boarder.

Also, see the bottom of the page for a special

*Announcement*

I showed two options here: framing the piece or using a ribbon boarder. I am putting this one in my little one's room.

ANNOUNCEMENT

So, as of the writing of this post I have 20 awesome followers! Yay...I am out of the teens. I have decided to do something special when I double my number offollowers. That's right, when I reach 40 followers I am going to host a Give Away! It's something very nice and special! I think your really gonna like it. I love to give gifts and I can't wait to give this one. This will be the first of many give away's to come.

So, if you like my blog, jump on board and become a follower. The sooner I get to40, the sooner I can hold the give away and show you what it is. I'm soOoOo excited!

UPDATE: ~~We're up to 38 Awesome followers~~! :) YIPEE......We made it to 40 followers! That means I'm going to have a give away. Details will be forthcoming. If you like my blog become a follower and check back tomorrow for the prize. I <3 my followers!

Hope you enjoy it. Let me if you have any questions. Color Me Monday will be back next week.

I linked up to these parties:
inspire me monday @ singing three little birds, making monday marvelous @ C.R.A.F.T. ,
craftomaniac monday @craftomaniac , life made lovely monday @ blessed little nest ,
amaze me monday @ dittle dattle, market yourself monday @ sumos sweet stuff

Friday Flea Finds....

2011-02-25T13:41:00.000-05:00

It's Friday and that means it's time to show off the flea finds for the week. I think I had quite a bit of luck this week at one of my favorite Goodwill shops. "Hi my name is Sena and I am a Goodwill hunter". Cue the audience (pssst...this is where you say "Hi Sena"). About once every week or two, I drop the little one off at school and make my Goodwill rounds. I have about four favorites that I like to hit up. And, when time allows, there are a few other shops that I try to visit....antique stores, second hand shops, and the biggie---The Peddler's Mall (but, I really need all day for that one). Enjoy!

Also, see the bottom of the page for a special
*Announcement*

I love this little doll cradle. It is missing the hood, but still it's so cute.

So excited about these little frozen charlotte style dolls. I am adding them to the collection

Couldn't resist these retro coffee mugs.

This 'Huggums' Madame Alexander doll was only $1.00 and she looks brand new. I looked her up online at Madame Alexander.com and she retails for $60.00. She'll look even better after I wash and iron her dress. Beck already loves her. I had the all cloth body 'Huggums' when I was little and have been wanting to find one like her.

This soup bowl is such a pretty color, I just couldn't resist it. I am hoping to find some matching ones or the same type in in different colors. It seems vintage though, as it has U.S.A fired in the pottery on the bottom. So, it may be hard to find more. I can alway use it as an herb planter.

These swirly glass plates are the perfect size for small meals and finger foods. They'll be great for
get togethers. I bought all eight.

Pretty little pink bowl. It'll be Perfect for on the nightstand to hold jewelry.

Love this folksy planter. And, it's a nice size. It seems that I always find planters that are way big or way small. It has "Toyd japan" on the bottom. I can't seem to find any info on the internet about "toyd" or Foyd"?? hmm.

This little vintage cutie is a candle holder. It says "made in Japan" on the bottom.

And, finally the last item....my husband was like "what the heck are going to do with this"? Well, I am going to paint it a pretty red and place it against the Christmas tree with a little elf climbing up it. It will be sooo cute!

ANNOUNCEMENT

So, if you like my blog, jump on board and become a follower. The sooner I get to40, the sooner I can hold the give away and show you what it is. I'm soOoOo excited!

Update: Up to 29 now!!! Thank you to my new followers. Hopefully of few more of you will like what you see and decide to stick around. I have big plans for my blog and hope to make it better and better. I plan to add more crafty projects and tutorials. I am working on some now. I am also open to suggestions, if there is something you would like to see more of, just let me know.

I am linking up to these fab parties:
Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home ,
Frugal Friday @The Shabby Nest ,
Friday Fun Finds @ Kojo Designs,
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground ,
Feather your Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage ,
Sweet friday Pretties @ I Love Pretty Little Things

Easy Peasy Meal

2011-02-24T00:08:00.003-05:00

I like to make easy meals and I like them to be healthy. I have never loved cooking with a capital "L". Especially when you have four kids, one of whom is a vegetarian, one who doesn't like salad, one who only wants carbs and one who likes nothing at all. Since mealtime is a necessity, I try to find or make up easy, healthy, and yummy recipes in order to make my job more interesting. Chicken quesadilla's are a recent favorite in our household. The kids are pretty happy with this meal. Now, if your from Texas or Mexico, this may be old hat. But for those of you who don't normally make these.....you might like this recipe. (Don't forget to view my Announcement at the end of the post).

In order to make these healthier I use a whole wheat wrap with flax seed.

They really are yummy!

I saute my chicken in a little bit of olive oil (make sure it is 'extra virgin, first cold pressed'....this is very important), and some organic herbs and spices (paprika, ground pepper) and mrs. dash (I stay away from salt, unless I need to add a little sea salt to a recipe), and a little lime juice.

I add a little bit of mexican cheese, green leafy lettuce (that has been cut into smaller pieces, but not shredded), chicken and cherry tomatoes (cut in halves) to one of the wraps then place another wrap on top. I use a flat quesadilla/pancake pan to 'sort of' grill them until the cheese is melted

and the wraps are browned. Cut into fours.

Now, comes the yummy stuff.....after the quesadillas are done, I add a little guacamole, low fat sour cream, and salsa. To make guacamole: mix the inside of a ripe avocado, fresh chopped clove of garlic, the juice from a lime, a little sea salt, and diced tomatoes, all to taste.

Serve brown rice, black beans

and corn as side dishes.

And, here you have it.....so yummy and surprisingly healthy, especially compared to

a Tex-Mex restaurant.

ANNOUNCEMENT

So, as of the writing of this post I have 29 awesome followers! Yay...I am out of the teens. I have decided to do something special when I double my number offollowers. That's right, when I reach 40 followers I am going to host a Give Away! It's something very nice and special! I think your really gonna like it. I love to give gifts and I can't wait to give this one. This will be the first of many give away's to come.

So, if you like my blog, jump on board and become a follower. The sooner I get to40, the sooner I can hold the give away and show you what it is. I'm soOoOo excited!

Let me know if you have any easy peasy meals that I just have to try.
Bon Appetit and....

I am linking up to these rockin' parties:

Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating,

We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado,

Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts,

Show and Tell Wednesday @ Blue Cricket Design,
Creative Share Wednesdays @ The Trendy Treehouse,
Frugal Food Thursday @ Frugal Follies

Color Me Monday!

2011-02-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

It's Monday....and that means it time for a color montage. It is also President's Day....so, what better color than dark blue? Think blue and white china, starry nights, and my mom's living room carpet that she never allowed us to walk on, but vacuumed everyday anyway. I hope you enjoy some blue without feeling blue! (And, make sure to scroll to the end of the page for a very special announcement!)

ANNOUNCEMENT

So, as of the writing of this post I have 20 awesome followers! Yay...I am out of the teens. I have decided to do something special when I double my number of followers. That's right, when I reach 40 followers I am going to host a Give Away! It's something very nice and special! I think your really gonna like it. I love to give gifts and I can't wait to give this one. This will be the first of many give away's to come.

So, if you like my blog, jump on board and become a follower. The sooner I get to 40, the sooner I can hold the give away and show you what it is. I'm soOoOo excited!

I have linked up to these festive parties:

masterpiece monday @ Boogie Board Cottage, mosaic monday @ Dear Little Red House, blue monday presidents day @ Smiling Sally

Flea Filled Friday.....

2011-02-18T11:35:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about flea marketing...that is! I sure do love me some good vintage finds. I can spend hours upon hours looking through stuff, just to find the right thing. Unfortunately (or fortunately for my husband) it's not often that I have that kind of time. So, I usually run in and out in between dropping off and picking up the kids. I am always the lady in the pay line fidgeting and incessantly looking at my watch, because I'm running late for carpool. Here's what I found this week with one minute to spare....

I was so excited when I spotted this little chair, as I had recently won a similar piece (the little bench below) on ebay.

Love this funky rainbow coffee cup.

Reminds me of my childhood in the eighties.

This is a McCoy Keebler Elf Tree House Cookie Jar, missing the lid. For me it's gonna be a planter. It is circa 1980. I use to love the Kebbler cookie commercials when I was little. I so badly wanted to visit the Keebler factory, as my very wise, older sister told me that only dwarfs were allowed to work there and I believed her. I pictured it being such a fun an happy place. Not, unlike Willy Wonka.

The warm weather has me thinking about gardening. I also had to get this pretty yellow planter. It'll be great for a little herb plant.

These little wall boxes aren't vintage....but I thought they'd be cute repainted pink or red for the little one's room

Last up I found this "Ginny Vogue doll" at the bottom of a big rolling cart. (yes, folks I am a digger.) She is a Ginny doll from 1977! Isn't she cute. I think her face is just darling. I have always loved Ginny dolls. I think this one is suppose to be an Asian style doll with her jet black hair and her eye shape, plus her red dress looks to be Asian style. But, I cannot find any info on her. If anybody knows anything about her, I'd love to know.

I Hope you can make it out this weekend for a little flea marketing fun!

I am linking up to these fabulous parties:

Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions

French Country Cottage

inspiration-friday @ At the Picket Fence

vintage-inspiration-friday @ Common Ground

show-and-share-and-scentsy-day @ Just a Girl

friday-pretty-dreams@ I Love Pretty Little Things

Doll Reveal...

2011-02-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

I am so excited. Today, I get to reveal my first ever 'prim' (primitive) doll that I made for my swap partner and the pretty little dolly that she sent me. This was a fun swap! I love making dolls and can't wait to do more of these and other types. I have made a few little ones before, but nothing really to speak of. I hope to get better and better at doll making. If you have any tips, let me know.

Here's the little gal that I made

And the sweet little girlie that my swap partner made for me

All in all, my first prim doll swap was a win/win! I may host a doll swap at some point in the future. Let me know if you'd be interested or what type of crafty swaps in which you'd like to participate. I would like to host lots of different swaps, give-away's, and link up parties. So stay tuned and stick with me. I promise it'll be fun!

Have a great day and

I linked up here

link up here

link here

I linked up to masterpiece monday

I linked up to 'Anything Goes' by 'Type A' here

we-did-it-wednesday @ sew much ado