Blogging Challenge ~ Sparking Creativity ~ 12/1/2021

This week's topic is:  

What Sparks My Creativity?:

First I'd like to say:  "Happy December!"

Now on to the topic at hand :)

Lots of things spark my creativity but I'd have to say that the creativity of others sparks my creativity the most.  That is why I started my blog and why I've continued to blog for 12+ years.  I love seeing what project other bloggers are creating and the motivation we give each other.

Another thing that sparks my creativity is going to a craft store or even just the BIG "W"'s craft section.  I love just being among crafty things and notions.  Of course, that almost always means I'll be spending money!

Also, finishing a project always gets my creative juices flowing.  I have to always have a project on-the-go.  When I'm getting ready to finish a project, my mind starts whirling onto the next project!

So, what sparks YOUR creativity?

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ December ~ 11/30/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

December is a month filled with religious significance for so many. Christmas(Dec 24-25) and Chanukah(Nov 28-Dec 6). Christians speak of the light coming into the world at Christmas and

Chanukah is the festival of lights when the light was returned to the  newly cleansed temple in Jerusalem. So they have a common connection.

Let's talk about December and what it has in store for you....

1. How much importance do you place on December holidays?  Do you plan and prepare? Is that part of the fun for you or would you rather dispense with it?

The holidays are very important in my family and to me.  We start planning (especially the meals) in mid-October!  I have more fun in the planning and preparing than in the actual celebration :)

2. Food is a big part of the holiday season.  Which foods and treats do you most look forward to having?

Christmas Cookies and FUDGE!  lol

3. It is a season for family, friends, guests and giving.  Would you write a bit about how it all comes together for you in December?  

Like I mentioned above, we starting planning and preparing in October for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I try to get almost everything prepared by December 1st so that I can sit back and enjoy the festivities.

4. Life changes and traditions alter due to those changes. Has anything changed for you and if so how? If not, would you mind sharing your traditions with us?

Life is always changing.  Some changes are wonderful and some are sad.  The past few years have taught me that not everything HAS to go as planned.  I can still choose JOY!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/29/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday !

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The weather outside is:

It is starting to get a lot colder and we've had some flurries.  The snow was actually laying just a bit the past few days.

On today's to-do list: 

It is a pretty ordinary Monday for me with grocery shopping and a doctor's check-up appointment on the list.

The hubby is still off today for the holiday.  I think we'll be putting our Christmas tree up also :)

Happening this week:

This week the calendar turns to December which is exciting!  My cousin, Rachel, is due on December 28th and we'll be attending her Baby Shower on Saturday afternoon.  We know she's having a girl, but they are keeping the name a secret until she arrives.  I can't wait!

The hubby only works Tuesday and Wednesday on second shift this week.  He's off Monday, Thursday and Friday for hunting season.

Currently reading:

I started reading a Christmas story set in Regency England.  I'm having a horrible time finishing books!  I start and then never get back to them.  I've hardly read at all this entire year other than my daily Bible reading.

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies!!!!  Yay!!!!

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "Look What You've Done" by Tasha Layton.  I hope you'll check it out :)  I'm excited to start featuring Christmas songs next week!

On the menu week:

I haven't worked on the menu yet.

Monday ~  

Tuesday ~ 

Wednesday ~ 

Thursday - 

Friday ~ 

Saturday ~ 

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I finished up the Linen Afghan and started a new Sage Cozy Stripes Afghan for while I'm watching TV.  I'm also working on 2 sew-a-longs that I'll show more of later on.

Picture from the Camera

Memory Verse

Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make His deeds known among the peoples.  1 Chronicles 16:8

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Look What You've Done by Tasha Layton

I think this is such a clever "turn-of-phrase".

Enjoy!

Colletta

Sewing Saturday ~ 11/27/2021

I've decided to start featuring my sewing, crocheting and crafting projects on Saturdays.  Some weeks this will include a finished project, a FNSI or FNWF or just a WIP.

First of all, this week, I'm super excited that the hubby bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas!  Of course, I can't wait until then to use it though :)

 It is a Singer Patchwork and we got it for over 50% off!

I love the extender so much!  I can already tell a big difference while sewing.  It also came with 10 or 11 feet (most of which I don't know what they're for.) including a quarter inch foot that I'll be putting to good use while piecing quilt tops.

Meanwhile, between hand quilting projects, I decided to drag out a crochet WIP from last Winter to work on while watching TV and relaxing.  

This is the Linen Afghan that I started for one of the hubby's co-workers, Stacey.  She wanted a solid cream afghan and I was happy to make her one.  It has taken me a bit longer than anticipated but I'm almost there!

I only have 1.5 rounds left of the border to crochet!  I'm hoping to finish it off this weekend and have the hubby deliver it to Stacey next week.

Hopefully, next weekend I'll be able to feature it as a finished project ;)

What project are you working on this weekend?

Colletta

One Monthly Goal ~ November 2021 ~ Finish

 

 

I'm a little late to the party but I just found this awesome motivational link up hosted by Elm Street Quilts!

My goal for November was to finish hand quilting and binding this I-Spy Quilt for my cousin's baby due in December.  The Baby Shower is December 4th so getting it finished was a must!

So, I did!  I finished!

 Here are some DONE pictures including an obligatory "hubby holding the finished project" picture :)

Now, to gift the quilt.  I hope they like it!

Colletta

The Good Stuff ~ Happy Thanksgiving ~ 11/25/2021

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(The word-nerd in me loved this picture with the letter tiles.  It is the small stuff that makes me happy :)

This year (and last) have been difficult for many.  For that reason, we've had to find the joy when and where we can.  I firmly believe that joy is a choice.  (And that is coming from a person who has struggled with major depression and anxiety for years).

It can be difficult to choose joy when things are falling to pieces all around you.  If that is you this year, give yourself some grace.  If that isn't you this year, give someone else some grace.  It just may be that they are having a difficult time and need you to lighten their load.

There is so much to be thankful for (so much Good Stuff).  Sometimes, we just have to look a little harder.

I'm going to leave you with some Bible Verses about giving thanks.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ I Thessalonians 5:18

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. ~ Psalm 107:1

Do no be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to Him; bless His name! ~ Psalm 100:4

I will praise the name of God with song.  I will magnify His name with thanksgiving. ~ Psalm 69:30

I pray you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day full of food, family and praise.

Don't forget to choose joy :)

What has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Thanksgiving Foods ~ 11/24/2021

This week's topic is:  

Traditional Thanksgiving Foods That I Like (or Dislike):

I thought for today's prompt I'd give you a run-down of our menu for Thanksgiving Dinner and whether I like them or not.

Turkey (like)

Stuffing (like)

Mashed Potatoes (like)

Homemade Noodles (like)

Green Beans (dislike)

Sweet Potatoes (like)

Cranberry w/ Mandarins (dislike)

Rolls (like)

Pumpkin Pie (LOVE)

Apple Pie (like)

I'm very curious as to what dishes are on your menu for Thanksgiving.  Do you go traditional, like we do?  Do you go outside the Thanksgiving box?

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ Happy Thanksgiving ~ 11/23/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

Thanksgiving is the subject.

1. What are you most thankful for this year?

Oh my!  So much to be thankful for this year!  I'll post more on that Thursday :)

2.Company or just immediate family?

Usually just family, immediate and extended :)

3 Cooking or catering? Home or eating out?

My sister-in-law and brother are hosting us this year so it will be all homemade cooking!  We've never eaten out on Thanksgiving.  Have you?

4. What's for dessert? 

Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie :)

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/22/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday !

The weather outside is:

It is starting to look a lot like Christmas and it isn't even Thankgiving...yet!

On today's to-do list: 

Laken has a test scheduled Monday at 11:45am for her stomach.  It is crazy how long a person has to wait to get tests these days.  Maybe it has always been like that and I just didn't know it.

Kaylee started a new job as a server at Bob Evans restaurant.  She works 2-7pm so we are going to go be her customers for supper :)

Happening this week:

This week starts the exciting Holiday Season in my eyes!  My sister-in-law, Kelly, is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for us on Thursday.  I'm not sure if we're going shopping on Friday yet or not.  It is up in the air.  I have no clue what to get anyone gift-wise this year.  Usually by now I at least have an idea.

The hubby is on 3rd shift but only works 3 days this week.  Then he'll be off for 6 days!  whohoo!

Currently reading:

I'm still reading "The Lady of Larkspur Vale" by Kasey Stockton.  It went on the back burner as I wanted to get done with a project I was working on.  (more below :)

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies!!!!  Yay!!!!

Jungle Cruise on Disney +

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured Thank You, LORD by Chris Tomlin, Thomas Rhett and FGL.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

I haven't worked on the menu yet.

Monday ~  

Tuesday ~ 

Wednesday ~ 

Thursday - 

Friday ~ 

Saturday ~ 

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I finally finished the I-Spy Quilt for my cousin's baby!  You can read more about it HERE.

Now I'm trying to finish up the Linen Afghan that I've had in the works for about a year!  It is intended for one of the hubby's coworkers.  I would like to get it finished up before Christmas.  I "think" I should only have about 1-2 weeks work left on it, so I'm hoping!

Picture from the Camera

That silly hubby!

Memory Verse

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge,  I Corinthians 1:4-5

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Thank You LORD by Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett and FGL

Thank you, LORD!

Colletta

Friday Night Sew-In ~ November 2021 ~ Progress and a Finish!

"Friday Night Sew-In" is hosted by Wendy Bertello at Sugarlane Designs .  FNSI is set for the 3rd Friday of each month (Australia-time) but as participants are joining in from all over the world, you can participate any time from Thursday - Saturday, depending on where you are.

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I am so excited!

I have officially finished the I-Spy Quilt I have been working on for the past few months.  It will be gifted on December 4th at my cousin's baby shower.  The quilt is on the larger side for a baby quilt, but I wanted it to be able to grow with the baby into toddler age.  I made my girls an I-Spy quilt when they were young and we had such fun playing and snuggling with that quilt.  Sweet memories!

Here is the obligatory picture of the hubby holding up the finished quilt!

I ordered the charms off of etsy and machine pieced the charms.  Then I took over 2 months to hand quilt the squares.  I will admit that I sewed the binding by machine because I really wanted to have a finish for FNSI.  Plus, why not!  lol

I adore the dragonfly fabric I used for the backing.  Luckily I bought a bit extra to add to my stash :)

Here's a silly picture of the hubby just because :)

I have loved participating in FNSI!  I can't believe the motivation it gave me to finish up this quilt even if my fingers are a bit sore now...

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 11/19/2021

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

Unfortunately, I didn't finish reading anything this week :(

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

She wants to forget she ever knew him; he just wants her.

Mabel Sheffield is too tall, or so she believes. It one of the reasons she has given up on finding a husband and instead embraces her role as a spinster, dedicating her days to managing her grandmother's estate and her seven-year-old sister. But when Liam MacKenzie shows up at her house to stay for the summer, she's unsure if she can keep her resolve. The problem: he's the other reason she's a spinster.

Book two in the Ladies of Devon series, The Lady of Larkspur Vale is a childhood friends-to-lovers and second chance romance story. It is a clean Regency romance that continues telling the story of the four women who make up a literary society in Devon and form a lasting friendship.

First Lines:

YUCK.

Mabel scraped stiff fingers over her eyes and removed as much of the thick, gooey mud as she could from her eyelids.

56%/Page 56

She drew a fortifying breath.  Liam MacKenzie was sitting in her drawing room, requesting to be called by an absurd name, clearly under the impression that he was actually fooling Mabel into believing this farce.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

Can true love break the curse?

Amelia Fawn is cursed—or so she believes. How else can she explain each of her husbands' deaths within the first year of marriage? So after the ton names her the Black Widow and warns eligible men to stay clear, Amelia vows never to marry again. Not even if she falls in love.

Charles Fremont has loved Amelia Fawn his entire life. But after enduring countless rejections and watching her get married three other times, he's finally had enough. He swears a vow to never ask anything from her again. Even if it kills him.

Book three in the Ladies of Devon series, The Widow of Falbrooke Court, is a clean Regency romance continuing the story of the four women who make up a literary society in Devon and form a lasting friendship.

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Book Haul:

 

  

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  Do you use Goodreads as the main website to keep track of what you have read? If not, please share what you use? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews) 

A. Other than my blog, I actually do use Goodreads as my main book-tracking website.  I'll be interested to see what others use :)

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday