Stardust Melodies CAL Block 1~ Begin the Beguine ~ 5/22/17

 

 STARDUST MELODIES CAL

 

Block 1

 "Begin the Beguine". 

The Stardust Melodies CAL is hosted by Polly Plum's Posse and can be found at www.everytrickonthehook.com  .  All the blocks (both free and paid) will be based around a classic song.

There will be 12 free pattern that will be released on Mondays and 12 paid patterns that are released on Thursdays.  I decided that I'm only going to crochet the free patterns but will be making 4 blocks of each pattern in 4 different colors.

As I started the first block, I didn't see the pattern emerge right away but as I continued on it became clear.  This is just the Begin the Beguine block without an edging.

 

I also decided that I would add 2 rounds of edging, one in cream and one in mushroom.  I want my finished afghan to be fairly large and adding the border will give me even more dimension.

 

The block itself was easy to make but the first was a bit tedious, as there is counting throughout.  1, 1-2-3.... over and over.  As I made the second, third and especially the fourth block, I had the pattern down pretty well and was able to watch Property Brother and House Hunters while making it :)

 

I had never hear of "Begin the Beguine" before this CAL, so I had to youtube it.  I really liked the Ella Fitzgerald version.  Enjoy:

Please leave me a comment with a link so I can return the visit!!

Linking up to Inspiration Monday, Cooking and Crafting with J&J,  Making Your Home Sing , Inspire Me Monday, Merry Monday , Motivation Monday, Made By You, Creative Mondays, What'd You Do this Weekend and Pieces by Polly Block Party,  Monday's Musing and Making Monday, Stitch It Up and Hooking on Humpday, Yarn Along , Yarn Fanatic , Keep Calm Craft On.

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 5/22/17

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

I'm so cold!
After the hot temperatures of last week, these cooler, rainy days are getting to me.
Bring on Summer!

 



On my breakfast plate:

Cherrios and Diet Dr. Pepper:)

  

As I look around the house::::

 

A sink full of dishes that need done.  I'm hoping the hubby will help me get them done.  Two hands are half the work.

On today's to do list::::

Bible reading
Blog writing/visiting
Housework

Walk
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... Housework, walk, Laken's Field Trip.
Tuesday...  Clean, laundry.
Wednesday... Menu and Grocery List, Schedule for next week, Walk.
Thursday... Groceries, Kaylee's Field Trip.
Friday....Laundry, Walk.
Saturday....Weigh-In.

Currently reading::::



I really enjoy reading the Quilt's of Love series.  This one is really interesting with a mysterious journal and a quilt that hides many secrets that I have yet to figure out.  I'm hoping to finish reading it today or tonight.
 

On the TV::::

The Voice
Pirates Baseball
HGTV
DIY

 

On the Radio:::

This week for Songs on Sunday I featured  "The Cure" by Unspoken.
 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Pork Ribs, Bow Tie Noodles
Tuesday - Chicken Alfredo
Wednesday -  Stuffed Shells, Garlic Bread
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Weiner Winks, Fries
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I got all four of the "Begin the Beguine" blocks finished!

You can read more about it HERE.

 

From the Camera:::

 

 

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

 

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Flip Flop Swap

 

I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap.

Sign-ups end June 2, 2017.

  Click HERE for more information.

 

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,   Yarn Fanatic, Art of Homemaking, Make Your Home Sing,  Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  The Creative Gallery, Tuesday Pin-spiration, Yarn Along, Keep Calm Craft On, Linky Ladies, Pieces by Polly , Homemaking Linkup, Homesteader Hop.

Songs on Sunday ~ The Cure by Unspoken ~ 5/21/17

 

 Jesus is the Cure we're searching for!

 

 

 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

I'm also linking up to Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace .



Stacking the Shelves ~ 5/20/17

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

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This week I added the following to my shelf:
 

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a more than 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline.

Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she is drawn out of her self-imposed shell and embraces the family God has given her after her own family failed her. As Kelly reads stories in a journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns there is no transgression beyond God's forgiveness, but the real obstacle is forgiving herself.

During her and Tom's journey to grace and love, an unknown force works to keep both of them from discovering a long-buried truth that will change their lives forever.      

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Also linking up to: The Sunday Post, Mailbox Monday



 

Happy Reading!

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Flip Flop Swap

 

I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap.

Sign-ups end June 2, 2017.

  Click HERE for more information.

 

 

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Tea Time ~ Flip Flops and Dairy Queen ~ 5/19/17

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~I had an awesome Mother's Day!  My girls got me Mother's Day cards, picked out by each of them.  After Church my family took me out to eat at a buffet, yummy :)  I got flowers from Laken's school, Church and the restaurant.  Wasn't that sweet?  AND I took a nice Sunday afternoon nap.  Great day :)

~One evening, I saw a commercial for Dairy Queen and the Guardian of the Galaxy Blizzard.  I said to the hubby, "Let's go to Dairy Queen."  And we did even though it is a 30 minute drive away.  Guess what I got!  A Guardian of the Galaxy Blizzard :)

~There are two, yes two, CAL's (Crochet Alongs) that I am going to participate in.  The first started this past Monday and is called Stardust Melodies CAL.  The second starts on Monday and is called Atlanticus.  I've picked out my colors although I keep thinking about other color combinations.  The struggle is real!  I'm looking forward to working on both :)

 

 

~Kaylee had her Spring Band Concert on Wednesday night.  I can't believe she only has one more year of High School!  She even let me take a close-up of her wearing her pretty blue dress :)

~I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap!  The cost limit is only $10 and sign-ups end on June 2nd.  I do hope you will consider joining in.  You can find more information HERE.

 

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!
 

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Diary of a Real Housewife and Tricky's Five , Friday's Fave Five. Life in Leggings, Fresh Friday Finds, Weekend Wind Down.

Book Review ~ It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren ~ 5/18/17

 

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Blurb:

 

  Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits--and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

 

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior--on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all. 

My Thoughts:

 

I adored this book!

 

I adored the characters, the setting, the plot...everything!

 

I love when the author makes you fall in love right along with the characters :)

Jace....sigh.....

 

Right now, I'm gearing up to enjoy Spring and Summer so I wasn't completely sure this was the right time to read a book about Minnesota in January!  But it was amazing!!

 

The main story itself was great but I also loved the two side stories that were taking place.  It may sound confusing but it wasn't at all.

 

This author, Susan May Warren, is one of absolute favorites and this book solidified that for me.

 

This book was the second book of the Christiansen Family series.  I loved the first book and can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series to find out what happens with all the siblings!

 

A must read!

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

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Flip Flop Swap

 

I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap.

Sign-ups end June 2, 2017.

  Click HERE for more information.

 

 

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Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home

Flip Flop Swap ~ Sign-ups End 6/2/17

The weather is finally turning gorgeous in my neck of the woods.
(AKA:  Pennsylvania)

I've been wearing my flip flops since March 1st, but I thought it would be fun to have a flip flop swap to celebrate Summer coming.

I hope you'll consider joining in!
 

The Rules:

-Sign-ups will run from now until June 2, 2017.

-You must be willing to send your swap partner a pair of flip flops that cost at approx. $10 (postage not included).

 
-You must send the swap package on or before June 16, 2017 with delivery confirmation.

We'll have the swap reveal on June 30, 2017.

So, are you in?

If so,  please email the following information to me at 

collettaskitchensink@yahoo.com

-Your Name

-Your mailing address

-Your blog address (non-bloggers welcome!)

-Shoe size
-Are you willing to ship internationally?

 

If you have any questions, please let me know.

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Linking to:

Sunday:
 Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace .
Monday:
Art of Homemaking, Make Your Home Sing,  Good Morning Monday, What Joy is Mine
Tuesday:
Totally Terrific Tuesday,  Titus 2sdays, Unite, Share Your Stuff, Treasure Box, Do Tell Tuesday and Titus 2 Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, A Spirit of Simplicity,  Tuesdays with a Twist  , Inspire Me , Tuesday Talk.
Wednesday:
Coffee and Conversation, Ladies Collective,   Party in Your PJs,  Works or Me, Wake-Up Wednesday and  Women with Intention, Peaches and Salt, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman
Thursday:
Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home

Hodgepodge ~ 5/17/17

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:
 

1. May 17th is National Pack Rat Day. Sidebar-should we be celebrating this? Hmmm...

Are you a pack rat? Even if you're not a full fledged pack rat, most people have one thing or another they struggle to part with. Tell us what's yours.
I don't think I'm a true pack rat.  But...I do have a problem with books and yarn :)

 2. What are two things you know you should know how to do, but you don't?
I don't like coffee so I don't really know how to make it.  I know the generals but as far as how much coffee to put in...not so much.

I really should know how to change the oil in my car.  But that is what the Garage is for, isn't it?

P.S.  My dad made sure I know how to change a tire when I got my driver's license.


 3. Do you crave sugar? Do you add sugar to your coffee and/or tea? Do you use artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes? When dining out is dessert a given? Are you someone who has slain the sugar dragon, and if so tell us how you did it.
Yes, I crave sugar.  I admit it.  I do add sugar to my tea.  Hot tea gets around 2 tsp of sugar.  I have started using sugar substitutes, sometimes at least.  I'm usually too full from dinner to get dessert except on my birthday, when the dessert is free!  lol

 4. What's a trend it took a while for you to come round to, but now you can't imagine living without?
Hmm... I don't know about this one.  I'm not a very "trendy" person.

 5. What's a song that reminds you of a specific incident in your life? Please elaborate.
When my husband asked me to marry him, and I said yes, he started singing "Going to the Chapel of Love".  I will NEVER forget that!



 6. Insert your own random thought here.

I will now have "Going to the Chapel of Love" stuck in my head for the rest of the day.  I kinda hope you do, too!  hehe

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Flip Flop Swap

 

I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap.

Sign-ups end June 2, 2017.

  Click HERE for more information.

 

 

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I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Family Time ~ Planting Flowers ~ 5/16/17

 

Last week my facebook was blowing up with Prom pictures.  This week it has been blowing up with Mother's Day greeting and rightfully so!

We always get my Mom bedding flowers for Mother's Day.  It is what she wants every year so we just go with it.

We had a nice evening of planting said flowers together.  Here are some pictures that I took:

I took SO many pictures but these give you a hint of what a nice Family Time we had together :)

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Flip Flop Swap

 

I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap.

Sign-ups end June 2, 2017.

  Click HERE for more information.

 

 

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Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up Totally Terrific Tuesday,  Titus 2sdays, Unite, Share Your Stuff, Treasure Box, Do Tell Tuesday and Titus 2 Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, A Spirit of Simplicity,  Tuesdays with a Twist  , Inspire Me , Tuesday Talk , The Scoop.

Teaser Tuesday ~ In Firefly Valley ~ 5/16/17

 

My teaser for this week is from:

 

~"It wasn't the homecoming of her dreams.  When she'd pictured this moment, Marisa St. George had imagined herself riding in a shiny new Lexus.  She'd be wearing a designer dress and sporting an impressive diamond on her left hand, while her tall, dark and handsome husband smiled at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world.  Instead she was driving an ordinary white sedan with more than its share of dents and a loud rattle that the previous owner had assured her wasn't serious.  Her clothes were as ordinary as the car, and the diamond ring and doting husband were as much a figment of her imagination as the luxury car and expensive clothing."~

 

What do you think?

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

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Flip Flop Swap

 

I'm hosting a Flip Flop Swap.

Sign-ups end June 2, 2017.

  Click HERE for more information.

 

 

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