Fabulous Friday Finds ...

Summer vacation has begun for many of you already.  My kids still have one week of school left before our's begins, and I can't wait! We are already planning things such as trips to the lake, the ocean, strawberry picking, blueberry picking and lot's of ice cream eating!

To get the party started, this weeks "Fabulous Friday Finds" theme is all about the beach! I have chosen nine essentials for a day at the beach.  The best part about these items is that they can all be found on Etsy! This week there's a mixture of handmade and vintage items. 

Each item is numbered, and you will find the direct link to each shop below the collage.

Enjoy :)

1}  Large beach tote-bag with chevron pattern from OohBabyInfinity on Etsy

2}  Brighton beach chairs digital print from sarahayashi on Etsy

3}  Insulated polka-dot collapsible market tote from fun4petey on Etsy

4}  Sun hat over the top reversible broad brim from worthygoods on Etsy

5}  Sylvania Vintage Orange radio from flattirevintage on Etsy

6}  Vintage 1970s Christian Dior oversized sunglasses from divelegant on Etsy

7} Summer skin care essentials bronzer set from ScumSoaps on Etsy

8}  Ruffled boho beach towel from cottonandclover on Etsy

9}  Beach umbrella vintage effect 5x7 photograph from rbfphotos on Etsy

Which item do you like best?  

What can you not do without at the beach? 

I absolutely LOVE unique sunglasses, so I have to chose those as my top must-have item!

{You may have noticed that this week I tried a new collage style.  Not sure how I like it compared to the standard collage.  What do you think? This is the largest I can make it without part of it being cut off.}

{I have a little update on my mason jar do-over ~ I have begun the project, but not quite sure what the final result is going to be yet.  I'm a bit scared, but within the next few days I will be ready to share the results!}

Happy Friday!!

xo,

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Recipe Sharing Time! YUMMMMM :)

I know that I said today would be the day when I was going to share my results for the painted mason jar do-over, but unfortunately I am not yet ready. I am so dedicated to this project working out this time, that I don't want to rush it. The tutorial I am using for the do-over calls for a specific kind of paint which I could not find anywhere. Even substitutes for that paint were difficult to find. I did manage to eventually find what I needed, but not in time to complete the project for today. I promise I'm still working on this, and am quite optimistic that this will be a success to share within the coming days :) 

What I do have to share today is a dessert treat recipe I've been making forever. It is perfect for bringing along to cookouts and parties, although I must warn you it does have peanut butter in it. This has actually limited where I can bring along this item, such as school or school-related events. But these are so delicious I had to share. 

 Enjoy :)

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar

1 cup white Karo Syrup

1 cup peanut butter

6 cups Rice Krispies

12oz. pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips

12oz. pkg. butterscotch chips

Directions:

1} In large pot over medium heat stir together 

sugar and Karo Syrup til boiling

2}  Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter

3} Add all the Rice Krispies and mix til thoroughly coated 

4}  Press mixture into a buttered 9"x13" pan

5} Place semi sweet and butterscotch chips in smaller pot

6}  Melt over low heat til combined and smooth stirring frequently

7}  Pour over treats and spread over top

8} Let set then cut into squares

Does anyone else out there make these?  

It's a yummy twist on your regular Rice Krispie Treats :)

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for my "Fabulous Friday Finds" post!  

What will my theme be this week???

Have a great day :)

xo,

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Wordless Wednesday ...

...  Love everything about this photo of Autumn, but mostly the tooth "window" :)

Ok now it's your turn to show me what you've got!! 

Link up your WW photos below, and I will be sure to return the ♥ :)

xo,

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Rainy Day Collection ...

Where I live in New England we have been dealing with many drab, dreary, rainy days. I decided it would be nice to have a collection of pretty, rain-friendly clothing. I own nothing of the sort, but would wear this ensemble in a heartbeat. It would certainly lift my spirits and brighten my day :) 

 My favorite item in this collection has to be the umbrella. I love fun umbrellas, not that you can tell by the broken down ugly ones I normally carry lol. But it's always nice to dream ...

Rain, Rain, Go Away... by papercrushcrafts featuring high heel sandals

Does anyone out there actually own a gorgeous rain collection?  I don't think I've ever known anyone who does.  Maybe it's just where I live, or maybe it's just impractical??  

Don't forget to stop back later today for my Wordless Wednesday Blog Party!  You can link up your WW photos, and I will be sure to return the ♥ if you have a linky on yours!!

Happy Day :)

xo,

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Manic Monday ... Weekend Review

The title of my post from Saturday was "Forecast ...  Rain".  This was the case for the entire weekend, and unfortunately for most of this coming week as well.  

This kind of weather can also mean completed projects, if I can motivate myself that is.  Here are a few snapshots of a few of the things that I did to keep myself busy during this rainy weekend.  It actually flew by pretty quickly.

Friday Night was homemade pizza night!  I love using my bread machine to make the dough, then I roll it out, add sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings we have on hand .  It has such a different flavor than the pizza you can buy around here, and I'd say a bit healthier too.  Sometimes I make white flour dough, and other times whole wheat dough.

Saturday I finished up a custom Etsy order for my "Keep Calm and Eat A Cupcake" cupcake toppers.  I had a set listed in my shop which was black and pink with a lace ribbon, but a customer requested all pink. Personally I love all pink, and was happy to have someone actually request it :)

Sunday was Taryne's piano recital.  The students range from 1st grade up to high school seniors, so there is quite a variety of abilities.  Normally Taryne gets really nervous before a performance, but this year she was able to remain pretty calm.  She played "Polonaise in G Minor" from F. Chopin.  It turned out beautifully, which is always a relief.  It is difficult to watch when someone makes a mistake and cannot easily recover from it.  She was also awarded a medal for perfect attendance for five years, and a certificate for participation in the "National Piano Guild Auditions" which is referred to as the SAT's for piano.  

All in all it turned out to be a lovely weekend.

Highlights for this week include:

1}  Wordless Wednesday Blog Party! 

Remember to stop by and link up your WW photos!!

2} Thursday will be the day when I share the results of my Pinterest Challenge Do-Over!! 

This was where I will once again attempt coloring mason jars without the paint being too thick, lumpy or streaky.  Will I get better results this time around???

3}  Fabulous Friday Finds!

This is when I choose a theme and handpick nine items from Etsy which fit my particular theme.  I then create a collage with each item numbered, and include a direct link to each Etsy shop.  I am always looking for theme ideas, as well as requests for your Etsy item to be featured.  Just send me a message!!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend, and have a great week ahead :)

xo,

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