Nancy Drew computer games

   I have always loved Nancy Drew.  I wanted to BE Nancy Drew.  She always had a plan, was level headed even in the most dangerous situations, plus she always looked great and had a fun car.:-)  Truthfully, I was much more like her friend, Bess, who was a bit on the chunky side and scared easily!  Luckily, my girls also like Nancy and we listen to the books on tape, watch the old TV shows, and really enjoy the computer games.  This is the newest one that we are playing together:

   The are really challenging, so don't be fooled by the age range!  They are also educational (just don't tell your kids!).  Check one out from the library and I guarantee you will be hooked.  Mandy and I have been playing them together since she was 5.  They have just enough intrigue to be compelling, but they are not gory at all.  If you go to herineractive.com you can get lots of hints.  You will need them!  

Pumpkin Topiary

   First of all, I want to thank all of you who took the time to share your ideas with me yesterday!  You are all very creative and have truly inspired me.:-)  The candlesticks will remain the same color (for now) but I did add the leaves and some pumpkins and I love it!  One is pictured at the end of the post.  I am still debating what to do with the topiary.  There are so many of your ideas that I love!

   I did want to share a simple project that I made today.  My friend, Rhonda, made the most beautiful pumpkin topiaries the other day and so I thought I would try some on a smaller scale with some garage sale purchases I made today.  Take a minute and stop by Rhonda's blog, though, as hers are GORGEOUS!  

I bought these guys today for 50 cents:

   Then I went to Wal Mart and got these fellas for $1 each:

   Remove the stems, hot glue, add some pretty ribbon and this is what you get:

   Aren't they fun?!  I'm not sure if I will paint the urns black or not.  

   Here is one of the candlesticks on my mantle. My "big sister", Robin, recommended the Fall leaves.  Thanks Robin!   They are now ready for Fall!

McDonald's Cinnamon Melts

   This is how I got my girls out of bed this morning:

   McDonald's Cinnamon Melts are a complete guilty pleasure (they are like eating just the soft, gooey middle of a cinnamon roll), but the promise of one can certainly get you out of a warm bed!  I had places to go and people to see (aka "garage sale day") and these little squares of warm, cinnamon love were my secret weapon!  Be careful, though, as they are addictive- and bad for your caboose, if you know what I mean...

   I was so glad we got an early start!  Look at all the treasures I found!

   Any creative ideas for the topiary and candle sticks?

   You would not believe the incredible prices....  I had my hands full and then I loaded up my girls!  They are such good helpers.:-)  See the tree shaped form in the back on the left (by the rooster)?  What do I do with it??  And the flower arrangement on the right, this is one of two that I bought.  Love them.

   I love bunnies and this one was so sweet!

   Another cute bunny!  I think I spent $14 for everything and that included some books for the girls.  Then the lady came out with some darling homemade bookmarks for us!  Do you think she will be selling more goodies tomorrow?  

A Joyful Studio

   I checked my e-mail this morning and look what my sweet friend, Peggi, made for me!  

  She knows I love Halloween and notice how there are two cute little ghosties?  I can't wait to put it on my Etsy shop! Peggi is so very talented and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  Check out her shop and see all the wonderful banners she has to offer!  She also offers photo restoration.  She can help you with your old photographs that have been damaged- there is hope!  Thanks so much, Peggi, you have made my day!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Kids Eat Free!

   I found this book at a yard sale a few weeks ago.  Do you all remember this movie?  I remember some of the fun songs like "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we Love You" and "Truly Scrumptious" but I also remember being scared half to death of that man with the long nose that could "smell" children and caught them in his ice cream truck cage!!  Scary stuff.  Anyway, this book is so sweet.  Of course, the book led to us watching this today:

   We have watched half of it and it is charming!  I completely forgot about the candy factory, the Dad's inventions, the silly humor, etc.  No scary stuff- yet.  We'll watch the other half tomorrow, but someone is going to have to hold my hand...

I got a coupon via e-mail for one of these:

      The Peanut Butter Chocolate Mess!  Oh my....  They make these at my favorite local restaurant and they are yummy!  Then when we got there, we found out that kids eat free this month, too!  We hit the jackpot!  These are the girls when they found out we were getting a Peanut Butter Chocolate Mess:

   I have to admit, I was smiling, too.:-)

   I got a copy of Paula Deen's new magazine this month and I looked through it while I was on the ellipical machine tonight.  I sure was impressed with all the great recipes!   I also found something that I am putting on my wish list (above).  Do you remember making your own popcorn before we had microwaves?  You melted the butter and then salted it just the way you like it?  Mmmmmm...  

Mix and Mingle at the Party!

   This is part of the fun from Sherry's Blogiversary Party!  In an effort to get to know the other guests she asked us to answer a few questions about ourselves...

-What type of job do you have?  I am lucky enough to be a stay at home Mom.  I home school my girls and design jewelry for my Etsy shop in my spare time.  Actually, is there such a thing as spare time??

-Where do you live?  I live in Arkansas, but am originally from Virginia.

-Where do you do your crafts/art work?  I have a craft room but I prefer crafting in front of the TV when I stay up late.  I am quite the "night owl"!

-What is your favorite daytime beverage? I love iced tea with Splenda.

-What is your favorite dessert? I love my grandmother's Boston Cream Pie and Sweet Potato Pie.

-Do you watch Soap Operas and if you do what's your favorite? I don't watch Soap Operas but I do watch lots of reality TV.  Love "Survivor", "The Amazing Race", "The Mole".  With my kids I like to watch "Little Bear" and "Max and Ruby".:-)

-What's the last movie you saw in a movie theater? Wall-E- We loved it!

See What's New!

   My friend, Robin, has opened her Etsy shop!  Kindred Crows has the most lovely items!  You must stop by and take a peek!  I bought this gorgeous pumpkin topiary watercolor painting that her Mom created...

    My friend, Sherry is hosting a Blogiversary Party this month to celebrate her Blog Anniversary and her Birthday!  Yippee!  Feel free to stop by and leave a comment as she is hosting games and prizes, too!