IG and Shop update

Have you ever left a room and then tiptoed back in and sat down quickly and pretended no one noticed you leave in the first place? I do that during prayer at church sometimes lol. I know people hear (and peek at) me walking back in. Anyway, I was going to do that here, but why bother? I've been busy doing life type things including (but not limited to) a vendor party at a friend's house, a fight with a cold, my family together and a Thanksgiving visit to Walmart! 

I've also been creating like crazy. Pictures of a little of that on my IG account, as well as my facebook page, and shop. 

Life has been good. I will make sure to let you know how good, by getting back to posting. Sorry about that!  

#9. Favorite weird behavior

On one of those "deep-thinking" nights, what better to do than continue the blogging challenge? So far, no one has joined me, but who knows what could happen?

9)      Your favorite “weird/funny single behavior” – Anything you do that is uniquely YOU and that living alone allows you to do.
Okay, number one, I don't live alone. I still live with my parents. This is fine with me, especially seeing what my "weird behavior" is. Let me start with a good defense: I watch a lot of mystery/crime shows and even get into books that are of that genre. My weird behavior is: I refuse to shower when I'm home alone. TMI? Maybe, but I think being found dead in the shower/bathtub is like a "fate worse than death". It is death, but you get the gist. On the unlikely occasion that my mom leaves with the kids right after I arrive home from a workout, I am just so unhappy (and smelly) til she returns. 

Join me in the comments and share your weird single or married behavior (just keep it clean.) 

#8. Five important things.

I'm back from my busy week with the 30 day blogging challenge. Find out more about it here! I really don't want to make this one long. I did that for the last question lol. 
8)      Five things that are most important to you in a future mate

1. Faith. It's important that my future "better half" shares the most important thing to me, and that's my faith. It's not easy melding two lives into one anyway, but I believe it's much more doable when two people can agree on God.
2. Grounded. I can't explain this except to say, there is a confidence and just something really attractive about a guy that is grounded. This possibly comes from the fact that I'm really kinda flighty and all over the place, the ability to take (most) things as they come is one that I'd like to learn myself actually. 
3. Leadership qualities are important to me, because a leader (versus a boss) doesn't have to yell and scream, people just automatically follow the guide. 
4 Empathy. I think it's important that people be able to see both sides of a story. Empathy doesn't mean that you don't see what someone has done wrong, but it does mean that you see how being a human could cause them to make the mistake...That goes a long way toward someone who is gentle and merciful. 
5. Laughter. I love to laugh, the Bible backs me up with David (or was it Solomon) saying that laughter works like a medicine. I don't by any means want a silly man, but maybe someone who enjoys laughter and happiness. A person like that can't be too bad! 

Disclaimer: I didn't put the outward things that appeal to me for a reason, this is the top five most important things on short notice. Looks are important, but they make the top ten :-)

Fall Blog Linky Party!

Fall is here, and we're quickly heading toward winter! Naturally, when I think of Fall, my first thought is allergies, my second is fall fashions, and my third is tasty fall treats hot from the kitchen! I'm going to show you a few of the fall fashion trends that have me rubbing my hands together with anticipation!

Ankle Boots

Two words that should have you completely send you into raptures! Find them everywhere shoes are sold! Since I didn't have any in my closet that weren't falling apart, I remedied that by buying some online! 

Scarves

Hello, do they ever go out of style? Not in my book! Fall colors are my year round colors. Find ones that look great with your skin. To find "your color" find some natural light and hold the fabric up to your face. You don't want to look pink all over, or like me, have the greenish tint brought out that you didn't even know you had. 

Headband/Ear-Warmers

I don't know that these are trending, but I know that they should be...And that even if they aren't, I will be wearing them. There are a plethora to choose from on Etsy too! 

What must-have fashions will you be wearing when you sit with your warm cup of apple cider? 

Don't forget to check out Mechelle's blog, Rita's blog, and Judy's blog for more fall posts! 

#7. Where you thought you'd be.

This blog challenge is becoming more and more of a challenge...Yet I still want you to join me! Check it out here.

7)      Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point

When I was in college, I took my College Success class seven months into school. Yeah, I tried to find a way to get out of it, but they wouldn't let me. The teacher in that class was phenomenal basically, but that's a story for another day. To give us a little insight into what our dreams were and how much we'd actually planned versus just dreamed, our professor gave us an assignment: Write a 15-year plan. First he taught us what a goal really is; as it turns out, a goal has a time-frame, and a goal is attached to a detailed plan for how you will accomplish it. Therefore this plan was going to be very intense, with the year beside every thing we were going to do and be in the future.

Let's just say I'm way "off track". 

According to my 15-year plan, I am supposed to be running a successful design business and meeting for lunch with friends from college to discuss how fabulous life is. I imagined I would chuckle as I talked about my kids and blush as I mention my (extra hot) husband. No, I didn't mention blushing or chuckling in my plan-it was very professional-but this extensive brain-wracking and planning didn't keep me from daydreaming!

Reality: I am currently living at home, my business is not self-sustaining (yet), my husband hasn't arrived, thankfully no kids have either though, and I hardly keep in touch with any friends from college! I feel sorta embarrassed sometimes, and catch myself trying to catch glimpses of my peers grass to see whether it has patches like mine does. But I also didn't put in my 15-year plan that I would have a dashing and intelligent young nephew and three beautiful nieces, three brother-in-laws that I like, a sister whose house I sleep in almost as often as my own, or the closeness that has grown between my mom and me in the years since I've finished college. I didn't know to write that I would home school my younger sisters and gain such a confidence from it. I also neglected to write about the relationships that would test me, and that I would come out of a wiser woman. 

Yeah, I'm so off track. 

Thank God. 

There is no point in regret over things in my past that have taught me lessons I couldn't have learned otherwise! I've spent too much time already looking back at how I shouldn't have done something foolish when I was younger, rather than how now I'll be able to instruct my younger sisters from experience. There are too many close bonds now and in my future that I wouldn't have if I didn't learn personally the type of people I don't want to be around. 

I'm nowhere near where I thought I'd be. 

I'm right where I'm supposed to be. 

Join me and tell your story!

Number 6: Every woman has the love life she wants.

6)      Sound off on the quote “Every woman has the exact love life she wants”
So we're at it again. My strategy for answering this question is to just start typing whatever pops into my head lol. I literally feel speechless right now though. I'll try to picture someone saying that to me: "Every woman has the exact love life she wants". I'm sure at first I would be like "No. No..." But then I'm conflicted. When it comes down to it I can't speak for every woman. On this statement I can barely speak for myself! I think I have the exact love life that I want. Wanna know why? Because I chose to be single. I could be in a relationship with Mr. Right now (vs mr. Right) if that was what I wanted, but I decided it wasn't. Women are known for changing their minds; they can change what they want or accept in any part of their lives. The love life I want for now is one that includes me and God, me and my family, me and my friends--that kind of love. It's different, but it's the only love I feel ready for right now. Honestly my life (and love life) are what I want for now. 
Join me by commenting or leaving a link to your reply to this quote! See what started all this here. 

Til next time,
Lizzi

#5 The biggest misconception about singles

5)      The biggest misconception you think people have about single life.

There are so many misconceptions about single life! I hardly know where to start! 

I feel as if the biggest misconception about single life is that "we" have all the time in the world for...Well...Whatever! Married and coupled people seem to think that single people are not busy. "Girl, if you don't have a boyfriend or husband to take care of, what are you doing?" The answer is everything. If I'm single, I really need to be on my roll before someone comes along to change my focus! I've never been as productive as when I've been single! 

Along with the things church related, I'm busy with my sisters' schooling, piano lessons (though I'll clearly never be truly amazing at it), exercising with my mom, planning home improvement (also with mom), and the business I'm trying to get off the ground...All that not including the fun stuff!

So, I've told you what the misconception is, now let me sum up what single life really is. It is a time (some choose it to be a lifetime) to go after your goals and dreams, to enjoy the small things, make close bonds, and yes, sometimes even learn about heartache. If you're planning on being married one day, it's the time to prepare for married life. Most of the time, we are happy to help out or babysit children--of course I'm only speaking for myself-but it's difficult not to be resentful when you act as if it's the only thing we have to do in life. 

So, single people, weigh in here! What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about single life? 

#4. The scariest thing about being single

So we are moving right along! Click the picture for the info on this challenge!

4)      Your biggest fear as a single person.
The main part of this challenge is to be real with the answers...Which means I have to dig deep. This isn't something that I really think about. No one wants to focus on their fears, where's the fun in that? 
At first I thought my biggest fear was never getting married and having kids, but I think my real fear is that I won't be happy with wherever my life leads. I know a few people who never got married and are really content; I know more people who (especially right around my age) started becoming desperate to get married or at least be in a relationship. We generally live the first fifteen years of our lives single, so why the fear that we'll never have something we were born without? 

To clarify, I believe that dreaming of the fairy tale "happily ever after" is a good thing, and even a God-given desire-as long as it doesn't become the only desire. I definitely have that desire, and would love to have all the fun I have now doubled by having someone to share it with; however, I don't want my main goal to be something I have no control over. I refuse to get married just in case I won't find happiness alone. I sometimes feel like I'm a strange specimen for being happy the majority of the time without a man. I have so many things to keep me busy, inspired, and content. I don't want that to wear off. I fear it wearing off! The good news is that talking about your fears is the first step to overcoming them...Here's hoping!

Join me on the 30 day blogging challenge, or comment with your answer to any (or all) of the questions! 

#3. A moment or a day when being single was really awesome.

And we continue on...
The Single Woman's 30 day blogging challenge.

3)      Describe a moment or a day when being single was really awesome.
Ah, so here we are at a good memory. My sister told me my last post made her sad lol. She doesn't ordinarily read my blog, but she was told (by me) that she was in it and wanted to make sure that she was put in a good light.
Now for the answer: As a person, single or married, I hope that there are always plenty of good days and moments, that's why it's difficult to pick only one. I think it would be easier to pick a time when it would have been good to be single and I wasn't lol. I'm going to go with the trip to NC in 2010. I don't remember what led up to it, or even any planning, but one day my friend Taylor and I decided to head up to the North Carolina a few hours away. We agreed that we would stop at any little shop or stop that interested us, and that's what we did. We had sandwiches at cute cafes and yummy coffee drinks from a java shop off a little mountain road...and the antique shops and boutiques we stopped at-Mm! We visited Taylor's sweet aunt, and ironically, when we got to her house after dinner the heavens opened up and poured out rain. The forecast was pretty formidable, so what we had planned as a day trip, turned into an overnight trip. I slept on the couch and it felt adventurous like sleepovers do when you're a child. The ride back was as fun as the ride there with lots of "deep conversation" and coffee. 

What's is your favorite single moment memory?

I was quite the chubs lol

As always, click the link (at the top) and check out the challenge. You may want to join! 

#2. A moment when being single sucked.

As you know I'm doing the 30 day blogger challenge (please click the link if you want to check it out.) I'm gonna get right to this painful one lol.

2)      Describe a moment or a day when being single really sucked.
Immediately after reading this question, I knew the moment/day. All three of my (biological) sisters are married, and two live out of town. For my mom's birthday, they decided to visit so we could have a big "to-do". One day, all my sisters and their husbands were here at the house. We were all talking and laughing loudly, and I looked around; there were four happy couples! My parents and my sisters and brothers-in-law were all blessed with wonderful happy relationships. I suddenly felt adrift and in limbo. It was the worst feeling, because I rarely feel as if there is a hole in my life. Of course I have those single girl moments (usually I'm watching a fine movie star on a favorite show) where I say "It would be cool to have a man" or I'll jokingly say to a friend, "Okay, I need a man." but there is never a true sense of urgency. For once, I realized that my sisters could all relate to each other on a different level while I was/am at a different place.
That moment sucked because I wanted to have what my sisters had and I realized that it was one thing I couldn't just have when I wanted it. I know I could be married right now, or be in a relationship with some guy...But having a good relationship or a good marriage isn't so easily acquired. Although, at that "sucky moment" I was surrounded by happy couples, I've seen unhappy or even just bored couples and I'm not at all willing to give up even the suckiest moments of single life for that. So here I am, willing to take those less-than-stellar moments with the shining glorious moments of singleness, and prepare myself for one day enjoying married life, or forever enjoying single life. 

Tell me, what was your suckiest moment of being single?

#1 Why are you still single?

I've decided to do this 30 day challenge for singles that I saw on Mandy's (the single woman) blog. Some of the questions are difficult...And personal, but maybe that's what I need. After all, no one reads my posts anyway lol.
If you'd like to join in, click the link above and check out the "rules". Embarrassing things like this are meant to be shared! I think that sometimes it's good to get out of your comfort zone, and answering questions and putting those answers into words is a good way to find out more about yourself.
Let's get started!

1)      Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”
Because the one hasn't come along yet! Okay, so cliche. I've not been in a whole ton of relationships...Mainly because you can't call it that if the guy you're in it with doesn't acknowledge you publicly as his girlfriend or seems embarrassed to. To me, being with someone doesn't make you not single. I've been my loneliest when I've been in a relationship. 

Get to the point Lizzi...

I'm single because I won't be okay with okay. I almost was several times, but it is lame to accept something that I don't even want to be. Shouldn't I expect the same of others that I want to be myself? I want to be standout, extraordinary; therefore, I want standout and extraordinary. 

So there it is. Not the most eloquent answer to that simple question, but that's what I came up with. 

Next question?

Flea market ice cream?

You already know that when it comes to yard sales and (especially) flea markets, I'm all up in it! A full year after I found this ice cream/frozen yogurt maker at a flea market (in it's very ancient looking box with instructions), we finally made some ice cream! Quick plug for the Children's home sale where I bought this. Please check out the site, and they have another sale coming up soon! Do it for the kids!

We get very ripe fruit at a discounted rate at an open farmer's market, so my mom pulled out some mango she'd frozen and voila! Mango ice cream! I was a little fascinated by the process as you can see...

And let's conclude these examples of my less than great photography skills, by showing the finished product:

Lizzi

Ahoy Mateys! Care for a donut?

Ahoy mateys! According to me sources, September 19th is International talk like a pirate day! Me thinks it high time ye old landlubbers spoke the language of the sea farin' scoundrels!

Okay, so I'm not entirely sure I'm good at this pirate talkin, but I do know that we had a good ol' time interpreting "pirate-wear" from what we had at the house! Above are two younger sisters, and a homeschooling friend of theirs. Krispy Kreme had a promotion on this special day that required you to speak like a pirate for one free donut, or to dress like one for a free dozen.

Nece

This young one looked more like a gypsy from the old story books every time I saw her. She found an old scarf for her head, kept on her school uniform white shirt, added a necklace, a knitted shawl around her waist over a tiered skirt, and black boots "completed" her look. 

Onna

This one looked like a crewma--woman for sure! A real rip-roaring time was sure to be had on any ship she sailed with. She stole my one hoop earring idea, but seeing as how she had a knife, I didn't dare dispute the originality of that idea. She wore a white button down, black vest, black boots, gold bracelet, and baggy breeches fit for the jobs she said she did: scrubbing the deck.

Monnie

I don't even know how to explain...To me she looks like a friendly thug cowgirl with a knife, but I know she tried. She wore a large white button-down shirt, a bandanna around her head, a few belts, a bracelet, and some boots. Fear not, she wouldn't hurt a fly and doesn't guard the ships treasures. 

Me

A pink polka dot square of fabric served as my scarf, a piece of felt stitched into a cone shape for my eye patch, my dads shirt, several necklaces and rings of mine, a leather belt, a vest I had already, an earring hooked into my hair, and one "gold" earring. On my feet were brown sandals worn with my dad's socks that had holes in them. I was going for a "cute underneath the grime" type of pirate. I used black eye shadow dusted on my face for grime lol. I will be honest and say I LOVED doing this. I was so in character that it felt awkward that the cashiers didn't immediately speak "pirate" to me!

No one was hurt in the writing of this blog, knives nor weapons of any kind were allowed in Krispy Kreme and were only in use for pictures and lunch.

Lizzi

Twisted Hair-and photography skills

Yes, this is my hair right now. First of all, let me address this photography. I do realize that the flash against this white wall (took the pic at night) makes weird shadows against the wall and make me look really weird. Sorry. I had to jump on pic monkey and slightly lighten it so you could really see my hair texture.

Now, the hair. This is actually my go-to "style" since I work out frequently and need to keep it orderly. I find, that although I feel like I'm doing it almost the same, it looks different each and every time. People naturally assume that I'm doing a twist-out (which is when you twist your hair to take it loose once dry to create "orderly" messy curls"), but I often take them loose, wash my hair, and retwist. I try not to get all up in my feelings when people say "It's going to look so pretty when you take it down!" Simply because I know they mean well and can't possibly know I consider this a style all it's own. I've had some assume that my hair was curly.

"Funny" story: I was out at the store with this style, and a Vietnam vet (for so his hat said) stood really close to me in the pastry line and recounted to me when he had seen his first black person. He laughed heartily while I smiled politely, then said, "But that was a real black person, not like you. By the way, I like your curls! Must take a long time to do that, huh?" I know that there are so many things wrong with his statements, but I feel that if I were to get upset at every ignorant thing people said, I would be upset all the time! I know people like that and it isn't cute. At least my hair got a compliment lol. 

Cheesy fake grin

For these twists, I used As I Am twist defining cream. Which I bought at a regular little beauty place down the street. Click on the picture to be taking to the brand site to see retail locations. 

 It is so delicious looking, the texture is actually really creamy and almost yogurt-like. Sometimes it takes thicker cream to get my hair to stick together and spiral, but this works for it! When it comes to shrinkage, this does make it really really draw up, but in a way that's a good thing. It makes my hair so boingy that friends have described the twists as looking like springs, and after styling with this particular cream everyone had their hands in my hair. I have anosmia (meaning I have no sense of smell), but since people have sniffed my hair afterwards and hummed appreciatively, I'll say it has a great scent. By the way, no one gave me anything to write this about this product, in a few months I may have found something I like better...but really I need a good leave-in! Any suggestions?

I feel that since you can see it a little here, I must say something about my face at least briefly. It is improving. Most of my breakouts are once a month, and then it's mainly around my jawline and chin rather than randomly everywhere. The hyper pigmentation seems to be improving soooo slowly, but I'm taking pictures for a few months-once every week (overkill I know) to kinda have a really accurate track of any improvement. I'm using several oils on it also, but I'll do a separate post on that eventually.

So...was that enough ado about nothing? 

Lizzi

Get through the Monday

Hello Lovelies! 

Who loves a good Monday? *Raises hand*. I'm sorry, I love a good Monday, but have you noticed those rarely come around? Today I felt as if I was never going to get through it. The girls started off the day so obstinate and contrary, which earned them an hour pulling weeds in dad's garden (you're welcome dad.) I will add to this list that I really really wanted peanut butter for my pancakes and we were out. Who runs out of peanut butter?! Enough whining, here are a few things that are putting a smile on my face this week:

Pirate day at Krispy Kreme. For those who didn't know, the 19th is national talk like a pirate day! If you go to Krispy Kreme and talk like a pirate you get a donut! Dress like one, and you get a box! Trust me, there will be pictures, and my sisters are going with me. 

My etsy shop filling up! I'm really enjoying filling up my shop, even though it's still sorta empty, I think it's the most I've had in it at one time. I've really refocused in the last month. I know what I want and I'm getting there! Check out the newest scarf! 

I'm starting back with my personal trainer! I actually stopped working with my personal trainer for the summer to save money--specifically for a special trip I wanted to make-and I can tell! I'm not a highly disciplined person, and a lot of times I won't push myself to the limit when working out. Until I get to a certain weight and fitness level for my PCOS, I need my personal trainer! 

Sewing with...I'm sewing with people! I'm home-schooling my sisters again this year, and we are trying to up the ante by getting together with some home schooled children in our church at least once a week! This week I'm going to be sewing with a home-schooled chick who is really creative-but doesn't do much sewing-and I can't wait! 

What's happening for you this week that helped you get through your Monday? If you don't have anything planned, get something going! It's not too late! As for me, in the coming weeks, Mondays especially, you can expect to start seeing pictures of the things that make me smile, because who knows? Maybe they make you smile too!

Lizzi

Ladies meetings, self defense, and flying carpets

Saturday I attended a ladies meeting with some friends at People's Baptist Church of Mcdonough; it was a phenomenal experience. I'm sure you ladies that attend events like this can agree that not every ladies meeting is really good through and through, but I look forward to attending this one every year! This year the theme was A Whole New World, and-like the last few years-it was a theme based on a Disney princess. As it turned out, Princess Jasmine had many things to teach us! 

The main speaker was a lady named Tam Bowman. Each of the sessions she taught had real-world applications, but my favorite was when she spoke on Ruth and reminded us not to settle for anything but God's complete will for our lives. For the very last session she taught, she spoke on hormone imbalances. This is a topic close to my heart (obviously) because I was diagnosed with it (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). I remember how suddenly I was reading everything I could get my hands on, and seeing that several friends likely had it but didn't know. As women, we're so used putting our own health problems/bodies after everyone elses, but that's so not cool. Mrs. Bowman told her story, listed symptoms, and suggested those that had these symptoms get their hormones checked. The whole thing was done in such a caring and sweet way that no one felt uncomfortable at all. 

One of the highlights of the meeting, was when the rest of the Bowman family (her husband and two sons) gave tips on self-defense and even gave a few demonstrations! While the whole family practices Krav Maga, a fighting style originating in Israel, her oldest son is the youngest instructor in the world and gave us some quick tips. My favorite tips were: if someone is in your comfort zone you will feel it in two places, your neck and your stomach, and "listen to your gut" telling you when something is off. Mr. Bowman gave us some scary statistics on abductions before the demo, but instead of rehashing everything he said, I would LOVE for you and your kids to watch these videos below. Try your best to ignore my comments, I really do narrate whenever I'm interested in something lol. 

This first video, he intro'd by saying that women fear having their hair pulled, and that while it's a rational fear, you need to be able to strike back when it happens.

This is one starts out talking about a child abduction and then ends out with good tips for ladies. 

So...I think you'll agree that it was a day well-spent! I wonder if I can send my request in early for next year's princess: Mulan!

Lizzi

Skating time

Today I decided to take the girls skating, but there was one problem: one girl skates, and the other doesn't know how! Monnie (on the left) got her first lesson from Nece (right) today. That's not sisterly love alone you see, Monnie is really really bad at staying upright with wheels on her feet. I'm pretty sure that it will be awhile before she gets the hang of it. It's easy to take the time I spend with my little sisters for granted (mostly because it's basically 24/7). To combat that, I'm making a concerted effort to not only take pictures more often to look back on and appreciate, but also do fun things that aren't always on the schedule. They're happy doing just about anything-thank goodness-so it's not difficult to satisfy their sense of adventure. 

Lizzi

Flaws...or gifts?

Perhaps our small flaws are what make us special. If they weren't, I wouldn't have had to accept my big feet-but that's another story.
What if instead of dreading people seeing something that makes us stand out, we held up a magnifying glass for them?
Oh wait, wait, don't get upset. I'm not talking about character flaws, I'm only talking about harmless things that make us quirky. For instance, my little sister sings all.the.time. Yes, it's a little annoying a lot of times, but it's part of who she is, and usually can't stop even when she tries. Besides the big feet I have an overabundant share of little "problems" myself, my most obvious being my acne (based on the fact that my whole body works wrong lol) and my hyper-active mind (meaning short attention span). I once knew someone that tended to point out every irregularity from "normal", as a problem. I worked really hard to fix myself in every way...but my natural thought process is far from that. Before life taught me that people often prefer assembly-line perfection, I mostly embraced my strangeness!
In case you need convincing, I would like to point out a few things:
1. Most awesome people that we read about in our history books we a little "different" based on the standards on those around them. Do you want to be "normal" or special?
2. Because of-not in spite of-some flaws, we humans often find great ways of doing things. For instance, I found great healthy recipes to battle my acne which I never would have bothered to do before.
3. One person's trash is another's treasure. Huh? Yeah, that's what I said. There have been many times that I wanted something someone had (like their hair) but it was the one thing about themselves that they wanted to change.

Have an awesome day!

Lane Orchard Farms-and peach cobbler

Early this week we (my family and I) went to Lane Southern Orchards in south Georgia. For future reference, I think perhaps they should consider moving the sign so that it doesn't directly face the beaming sun. Dad was on the phone (lol) so he missed that we were all stopping and taking pics. 

Mom

Me

Nece

Monnie

Am I the only one that is inspired by going on "field trips"? Lane Southern Orchards is advertised as a working farm. Perhaps because of the time of year and day we were there, we didn't see anyone out picking peaches or anything, but we did see beautiful rows and rows of peach trees and pecan trees. When you first walk in the doors, you're in a lobby, and to your left is a gift shop. Straight ahead is a little grocery store, but more novelty. They had old-fashioned style canned items, lots of preserves, bread mixes from old recipes and fresh fruit. In the back, is the area where they box things to send to other locations. The tour wasn't on the day that we were there though *sad face*. Since I was so hungry, I'm ashamed to say I was most interested in the restaurant over to the right. I practically ran in, and I ordered a big bacon burger. It was pretty huge, and hurt my jawbones lol. The potato chips that came with it weren't salty enough for me, but I'm a salt addict, and otherwise they were pretty tasty. 

After eating that (and sharing much of it with mom and dad), I wanted some ice cream and cobbler. They serve peach cobbler, apple cobbler, and bread pudding there as well as about five flavors of iced cream and cookies. I bought some a la mode. Ah...it was heaven. They knew what they were doing by not having this place anywhere near my home! It was delish! The hot peach cobbler (crumble top) made the butter pecan ice cream just melt and start pooling in the bottom. The ice cream was super creamy and buttery. Take me back! It was clear that they wanted you to enjoy the country feel of the place. There were rocking chairs and benches outside where we enjoyed our sweet treats. 

Where do you like to go for a day away?

Vacation in PA!

I vacationed.

This is worthy of capital letters, but I'll make do with it prominently displayed at the top of the page in bold. I can certainly say that this is the first time that I've vacationed where the main point was to relax and do what I wanted. Who knew that that's what people normally do on vacations? 

I'm a part of a Christian team on Etsy (aka CAST) and I went to visit some friends from that team. Bear in mind that I have not only been on this team since 2009, but a couple years ago I met two of the team members I would be hanging with. 

I'd gone through a break-up six months previous, and as soon as that was "finalized" I started planning my trip to Pennsylvania. It had been so long since I'd done something solely for me. Not "for-me-because-someone-thinks-it's-what's-best" but just for me. My mom is like my bestie, and she lives with me (technically I live with her and dad but whatever), so she wanted in on the fun as soon as she heard. I was even more excited by that prospect! I went to work pretty fast looking at tickets, telling my entire team that I was going, contacting all the members in the area, and looking up places to stay. 

One of my castie friends, Sheila, had invited me numerous times to visit her. Over the years, since we'd both been on the team, we had exchanged many many emails and become close, so I was super excited about that prospect! She quickly offered to be our chauffeur and tour guide as well as opening her home up to us. She went grocery shopping with all the things that my mom and I liked in preparation-which was really sweet.

When the team found out I was going, three other members in the area offered places to stay or activities that they could take us to, while one-all the way in Indiana-decided she would drive ten hours to meet up with us! 

Meet Becky, Sheila, Angel (sleep-over at her house Sunday night), me on the end, and Kelly chillin' in our arms

Pennsylvania is a beautiful place, and for any lover of old barns (like me), it's the place to be. Our adventures included many visits to thrift stores, antique shops, specialty shops, sight and sound theatre with Becky, a smorgasbord (ham balls anyone), and a trip in the rain down a mountain and subsequent sleep-over at Angel's house.

Moses is the show we saw at Sight and Sound Theatre

Sheila, mom, and I in front of the fountain.

 Did you vacation this summer? If you did, I hope you had as much fun as I did! 

Metamorphosis-progress shots from start to finish

I bought this skirt and decided to add straps to it. Wait, that's not quite true. I have been itching to make jumpers for awhile, the ones that are like overalls, but with skirts. I think they're the cutest. Then, what do you know, but suddenly they're in style! I bought this skirt thinking that it was cute, but also understated and would make a great foundation for adding things to. 

Then I added grommets and straps (I made this process sound like it took muuuuuch less time than it did.) It still needed something else, so I cut out flowers and added them to the side front of the dress. 

Cutting out the flowers

Stitching them on

And then ta-daaaaa! I should have taken better pictures, but I'm going to have just redo those....

Lizzi

Fashion Sketches and Achoo

I've been trying to work on my fashion sketching every day. I've skipped a few days, but something is better than nothing. For awhile I stopped altogether.

I took these pictures right after sketching them...the proportions are clearly a little off even for a fashion sketch... 

I added clothes. This is a dress that I'm going to take the sleeves off of and shorten that I have already up on etsy.

Achoo (the cat) was looking extra cute today. 

Every goodbye

Dear Diary,

When in a pondering, reflective mood, I could say that every goodbye is a hello to something else. It sounds poetic. Deep. Deep enough to require more thought, which will then send me on another train of thought altogether and successfully help me stray from the ones I know will sadden me. I've had a lot of goodbyes in my-somewhat short-lifetime. For instance I've said goodbye to a lot of people who have left this life altogether, many at a young age. I've said goodbye to attitudes that no longer fit, styles of dress, ideas that only seem reasonable to the very young...Much like too-small clothes, some I've tossed away with disgust, and others I've carefully folded and considered keeping because of the fond memories and feelings that they evoke. I've said goodbye to people who have walked away to other things in life (and some I've walked away from), people I thought would always be there, a supposed future husband, girls I played with as a child, future bridesmaids, best friends forever, treasured mentors, teachers and professors I looked up to. 

Sometimes these farewells have happened abruptly like a meteor falling from the sky. Others have been like a freight train; serving a purpose, but heading toward a known destination-sometimes close and other times far away-where freight and carrier separate. Still others have happened like a garment coming apart at the seam, so slowly and imperceptibly that even looking back it's difficult to see where the first thread loosened. 

I'm a collector. A saver. Some would call me a pack-rat, but I think that's an inarticulate way of describing me. Things have worth, almost every thing. I save because every thing reminds me of something, something good or bad. I can't forget, because then I would forget a lesson. I'm like that with people too. Rarely do I easily let go of people, even if I know they're not good for me. And when they're gone, well, when they're gone I keep pictures, or notes, or sometimes something that means nothing to others. I do this because something good happened before every goodbye. I think deep down I believe that I have learned, or will learn something. Did find, or will find peace or joy in every thing/person/situation. Maybe this is just a form of me not letting go to things in the past, which is probably bad, but definitely something to think of another day.

So many goodbyes. Maybe there is good in every goodbye, if only just a little. 

Romans 8:28 But we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. 

Good enough for me.

Lizzi

Out-of-town shopping and my quirky family

The are times when I wonder if my family is normal...Like when I need something to drive and have to go borrow our truck from the next door neighbor who has been borrowing it for about a month. He wasn't home, so I hoped that he wouldn't get home and think that it had been stolen (only to come ask us and see that we weren't home either). Anyway, when I got back from running my little errands, he had arrived home and was outside talking on the phone. I awkwardly called "Uhh, I'll leave a note next time. I just had to borrow it for a minute. Thank you!" Yeah. I played it cool, right?

But that's not even what today's post was about. It was about me visiting Florida and happening upon a flea market on our way home--somewhere in Alabama.

This was by far one of the coolest things I saw. It's a lil baby stroller. I believe it said 1920s. Anyone know?

Then there was this chair. I loved it, but couldn't afford it. I had all kinds of ideas for how I would revamp it though. 

 

It should be obvious why this space went right by the door. It just beckoned me in. I love the show flea market flip and would love to be on it.

What are your favorite places to shop when you're out of town? 

It takes a church--to get me thinking.

Right now it is a quarter 'til midnight, and I am watching a show I recorded called "It takes a church". Honestly, I think I'm gonna be addicted, but shhhhhh don't tell anyone; a single girl watching a matchmaking show is so cliche. The girl that's being match made, matched(?) just said, "I was diagnosed with a very unattractive disease, and that really affected my self esteem!" Ironically, my first thought was "Me too!" even though PCOS isn't a disease-it's a disorder-I still completely understand that feeling. My second thought was, "That doesn't make you any less cute! Some guy is gonna be lucky to have you!" because her whole church was only saying positive things about her, and she really is a pretty girl. 

Here's the question: Why is it easy to encourage others, and see the truth of who they are, but not the same for ourselves? 

Or wait, maybe I'm the only one. Am I? 

When I was diagnosed with pcos the doctor made me feel like I was about to die if I didn't follow her exact instructions. That was horrible, but on the other hand I was glad to know that things I was struggling with (especially my acne) were not incurable as they'd seemed so far. The response from the guy I was in a relationship with at the time only affirmed my feelings regarding my appearance by reminding me that he had told me I needed to eat better and exercise more (which he had.) Men often take their cues from us though, and I know my low opinion of my appearance told him that I needed instructions, and my silence told him that I welcomed his opinions. 

When I became single again, I had to really stop and consider what I thought about myself without anyone else's input. I came to the conclusion that I am made unique. I don't (and won't) always feel beautiful, but most importantly I decided that if I'm beautiful on the inside everything else will fall into place with a little effort.

You got all that out of watching "It Takes A Church"? 

Why yes, yes I did.

Simple Saturday-Flower Planter

On the few relaxing days my mom has, she loves to play around in the dirt outside. This week I caught her cutting up burlap (sack race) bags up and using them as a vessel for some lovely flowers. She won this adorable planter at a ladies event she went to, but was when it came to keeping the dirt in. 

Doesn't it look great? 

Park day with Mikey

I went to the park with my nephew-and sisters-earlier this week. The pictures were too cute not to share (though I will request that YOU don't share them.) He is 2 years old and quite the adventurous, active, and intelligent little one.

First, he decided to draw. On the pavement. When it was time to leave.

As soon as we ate, he was ready to go. He started off on the baby slides.

Then he wanted to conquer this one

Of course auntie was waiting at the bottom in case anything went awry. 

Then the shaky bridge...

All too soon he was told he needed a diaper change and a nap, but first, one more picture!

What do you like doing with the adorable little ones you get to spend time with?

Night owl or early bird

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

I'm a night owl, so it's pretty difficult for me to get anything accomplished early in the day. I was determined this week to beat my usual productiveness record though, especially since last week I listed two vintage items in my shop. Progress feels good, and I long to see my shop filled. I am in the midst of doing a custom local order, and even though I'm moving right along (and getting paid for sure--unlike when something is put in my shop) I do prefer working on things I decide on myself. A friend gave me several small boxes of vintage patterns, and I set aside a "few" that really got me excited. Unfortunately, what looks like a few, is too many to go through really quickly. Especially if the decision of what fabric to use for each pattern is agonizing.

By the way, I got this cute little container at a yard sale for $1. Yes! It was half off because they were shutting down for the day. Wow, I could've at least removed the tag lol. 

I went to the fabric store yesterday to buy some thread, and I walked out with two fabrics I couldn't resist. 

As you can see, one is a black floral print with a vintage look to it, and the other is a red tribal print. They're both so beautiful that I hate to put them up for sale...

But this was what I was up doing last night while watching that new show Motive.

Yes, I admit I sometimes cut things out on the floor. That vintage table I bought has not been put in the house yet due to renovations going on in-what will be-the craft room. 

I found out that I can get things done during the day with some determination and a nap in between.