{this moment} and Feel Good Friday ~ 4/29/11

 {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo (or 2, or 3) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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"Just make a list. List 5 things that made you really happy this week. No matter how bad or boring you think your week was, I bet you can find 5 things."

1.  Coloring eggs with the girls!

2.  Movie/Game Night with the extended family!

3.  Celebrating that Christ is Risen!

4.  Water battles with supersoakers!

5.  I'm back to my regularly scheduled blogcasts with a few changes!

{Shop Updates} ~ 4/28/11

Each Thursday I am going to dedicate a post to updating you on what is new and/or restocked in my "Colletta's Kitchen Sink" etsy shop.

Since the Grand Opening I have added a few new items and a few items that were in my old store.

~I finally got the Potholder Kitchen Towel Combos listed.  They can be found under the "Kitchen Accessories" section.  As a reminder here is the "Grapes and Tuscany set.

~I also got what I had remaining of my totes listed.  They can be found under the "Totes and Bags" section.

Kaylee Tote ~ Dreamcicle Floral

Kaylee Tote ~ Blue, Pink and Green Hawaii

Laken Tote ~ Psychadelic Floral

Stephanie Tote ~ Summertime

~ Next I have a few Pods and Hat that I restocked.  These two colors are very popular.  They can be found in the "Baby Pods/Cocoons/Hats" section of my shop.

"Ocean" Pod

"Parfait" Pod

"Parfait" Newborn Hat

~ And last but not least are two new items.  Each is a set of a "Baby Recieving Blanket and Two Burp Cloths".  They can be found in the "Quilts and Quilt Tops" section.

"Sweet Birdie"

"In the Jungle"

I've been working on two new products this week as well as keeping my shop restocked.  I have some fun, crafty ideas floating all around my head that will just have to get in line.

I'm also really excited about a new "partnership", if you will, that I will tell you more about later.

So far I am LOVING etsy!  I also LOVE all my blog readers and customers!  I'm just in a LOVING mood, I guess.

Thanks so much!



Crochet Newborn Baby Pods, Cocoons and Hats

I'm finally getting to show you my new obsession in crocheting.  Newborn Pods, Cocoons and Hats!  These are great for baby shower gifts and photo props.  And of course, snuggling YOUR little one.

I've probably made about 40 of these so far in probably 11 or 12 different colors of Lion Homespun Yarn.

Pod in "Lagoon"

Cocoon in "Ambrosia"

Newborn Hat in "Parfait" 

So far it seems like buyers are liking the "Ocean" and "Parfait".  I've had to restock those colors a few times.  yay!

You can see all the colors I've made in my etsy shop. www.collettakay.etsy.com  . My shop widget is at the top of my right sidebar.

P.S.  I bought the patterns at www.illbeyarned.etsy.com.

Check out my left sidebar for the great places I'll be linking to!

"Bound By Guilt" by C.J. Darlington

Book Description:

Roxi Gold has been shuttled from one foster home to another for most her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in even if it's against the law. Soon she's traveling the country in an RV, stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. She knows it's wrong, but if she refuses, she'll be put out on the streets.

Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society, and not just at work. Her ex-husband wrested her daughter away from her in a bitter custody battle. The job she once loved has become a chore, the world isn't any safer, and there's no joy in her life.

One fateful night a man's innocent blood changes both Roxi's and Abby's lives forever. One searches for justice; the other finds herself on the run until a first edition of The Great Gatsby catches up with her. Will the power of forgiveness set them free, or will they both remain bound by guilt?
 
My Thoughts:
 
First of all, I think this is the best cover I've ever seen on a book!
 
This was the second book I've read by C.J. Darlinton.  You can see my review of "Thicker Than Blood" HERE.  While the books aren't a series, per se, they do revolve around the Book Barn and have a lot of the same characters.
 
This book was mainly about Roxi.  C.J. did such a great job of making me love Roxi and if she were real, I'd want to take her in and give her a good home.  I'm so glad she finds does find people to love her, although she still must face the consequences of her actions.
 
This book made me think of all the children who are unwanted by their "parents" but are so very deeply loved by God.  How will they ever know that God made them and they are so very special?  It breaks my heart.
 
I loved C.J.'s first book and I loved her second even more.  I'll be watching impatiently for her next book.
 

Audrey's Peanut Butter Cookies

I've made these peanut butter cookies with my "Gram" from the time I was old enough to roll the dough balls. That was my job. And I also got to use the fork dipped in sugar to put the criss-crosses on top. I loved that part. I still do!

Gram isn't around anymore to make these with, but I still think of her everytime I roll the dough and put on the criss-crosses.

 Audrey's Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 salt
1 3/4 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix butter, sugar and brown sugar.

Add peanut butter, egg, milk, and vanilla and baking soda and mix well.

Add flour and mix until well blended.

(I find that using parchment paper on the cookie sheet really helps the cookies bake evenly and come out much better.)



Put a cookie scoop of dough into your hand and roll into a smooth ball.  Put each ball on a cookie sheet until it is full.  (12) 

Put a bit of sugar on a small plate.  Press a fork into the sugar and then into each cookie.  Press in both directions to create the criss-cross design.

Bake for 8 minutes on the middle rack and then an additional 4 minutes on the top rack.  Don't over-bake, unless you like a crunchier cookie.

Let cool for 1 minute before removing cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.

The recipe makes approx. 4 dozen cookies.

And there you have "Audrey's Peanut Butter Cookies".  A tradition in our family.

If you don't feel like baking, you can visit my etsy shop and I'll bake some fresh, just for you!



See my left sidebar for all the great places I'll be linking to!

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 4/24/11

Memory Verse ~ 4/24/11-4/30/11

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." 

Ephsesian 6:11

Hide these Words in your heart and they will be with you always.

     

Please see my sidebar to see all the wonderful parties I'll be linking up to.

Movie Review: "HOP"

Movie Description from Yahoo Movies:

E.B. is the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, and on the eve of taking over the family business, he leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer. Once there, he encounters Fred, an unemployed slacker with his own lofty goals. Feigning injury, E.B. persuades Fred to take him in, and Fred finds himself living with the world's worst houseguest.

Back on Easter Island, a power-hungry chick who has lived in the shadows for far too long has been plotting a coup to take over one of the biggest jobs in the world. Now that E.B.'s gone, he's got his chance.

As E.B. discovers who he really wants to be and who he's meant to become, everything will lead him and Fred in an epic showdown to try and save Easter.

My Thoughts:

We took the girls to see this movie a few weeks ago during the Saturday Matinee.  First we went to Burger King and guess what the Kids Meal toys were...  HOP!  It was a great way to start off the movie and the girls were excited!

I was excited to see James Marsden.  Know what I mean?  Although this was one of his dorkier looking movies.  lol

There were a ton moms and dads bringing there kids to see the movie.  The theater was "hopping" with kids.  hehe.

The movie was good.  Very funny in alot of places although there were a few spots with some spots with some "mild rude humor" which is why the movie site says it was rated PG instead of G.  But it wasn't anything too major.

We laughed and laughed and laughed during this movie.

And when we left we were all singing "I WANT CANDY!"

P.S.  Just so you know, on the way home I talked to the girls and made sure they know the real reason we celebrate.  Because:

HE IS ALIVE!!  CHRIST IS RISEN!

Have a great weekend of celebrating the Resurrection!

Feel Good Friday ~ 4/22/11

"Just make a list. List 5 things that made you really happy this week. No matter how bad or boring you think your week was, I bet you can find 5 things."

1.  Dad got a good report and doesn't have to go back unless he has problems!

2.  The beautiful blossoming trees!

3.  Grammy & Pappy sleepover for the kids!

4.  Watching Kaylee at softball practice!

5.  I've been able to keep semi-up with the housework this week!  (see {this moment} for Doug helping me out)

{this moment} ~ My Dougie

 

 {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo (or 2, or 3) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

GRAND OPENING and Friday's Shop Feature

GRAND OPENING!!!!

Today I would like to feature:

HOMEMADE COOKIES

 

I will be baking on Wednesdays.  All orders received by Tuesday, Noon EST will be baked from fresh ingredients on Wednesday and shipped Priority mail on Wednesday or Thursday depending on how many order I get.  Depending on the mail system, you "should" have them by Friday or Saturday of that week.

 

And now, for the COOKIES!!:

 

"Audrey's Chocolate Chip Cookies" (2 or 4 Dozen)

"Audrey's Peanut Butter Cookies" (2 or 4 dozen)

"Oatmeal Rasin Cookies" (2 or 4 dozen)

 "Chunky Chocolate Cookies" (2 or 4 dozen)

"Rich Date Walnut Cookies" (2 or 4 dozen)

"Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies" (2 or 4 dozen)

"Trail Mix Cookies" (2 or 4 dozen)

"Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies" (1 or 2 dozen)

You can click on any of the pictures to go directly to that listing, or click HERE to see all the BAKED GOODS currently in my shop.

Don't forget that for the duration of my Grand Opening, I am giving my blog readers 10% off all items in my shop!

When you check out, use coupon code:  GRANDOPENING

Thanks!

GRAND OPENING and Thursday's Shop Feature

GRAND OPENING!!!!

Today I would like to feature:

SHAWLS

Right now I only have "Rectangle Shawls" listed in my shop but I have "Triangle Shawls" and even some "special" shawls planned.  I just need to find the time to make them!

Here is what I have so far:

"Ambrosia" Shawl with Fringe

"Lagoon" Shawl with Fringe

"Wildfire" Shawl with Fringe

"Ocean" Shawl with Fringe

You can click on any of the pictures to go directly to that listing, or click HERE to see all the shawls currently in my shop.

Don't forget that for the duration of my Grand Opening, I am giving my blog readers 10% off all items in my shop!

When you check out, use coupon code:  GRANDOPENING

Thanks!

GRAND OPENING and Wednesday's Shop Feature

GRAND OPENING!!!!

Today I would like to feature:

APRONS! 

First to keep the style of aprons separate in my head, I've named them.

The "Ginny Apron" is named after my mom and is the full apron with accents and ruffles.

The "Sarah Apron" is a full, straight apron named after my great-grandmother.  (This is what she always wore.)

The "Kristie Apron" is a half-apron named after a dear, sweet, Christian Sister who encouraged me to give half-aprons a try.

The "Manly Apron" is named after my husband but the "Doug Apron" just didn't have a ring to it.  The "Manly Apron" is a straight apron in manly colors and themes.

Some of the "Ginny" aprons you have already seen.  Such as:

-So Very Cherry
-Daisies on Blue
-Shamrocks and Argyle
-Shamrocks and Ladybugs

I have a new one to show you also.

"Pink and Brown Floral Glam"

I've only made one "Kristie" apron so far:

"Teal & Pink Floral w/ Pink Accents"

And here are my "Manly" aprons I've made so far:

"Camoflauge"

"Camoflauge with Turkey Scene Pocket"

You can click on any of the pictures to go directly to that listing, or click HERE to see all the aprons currently in my shop.

Don't forget that for the duration of my Grand Opening, I am giving my blog readers 10% off all items in my shop!

When you check out, use coupon code:  GRANDOPENING

Thanks!