Fall Felted Bag Exchange - final question

How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the bag you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!

I did like this exchange, and visiting everyone's blog was really fun. I do wish it was a two-box swap, especially since it ran for such a long time. It's hard keeping a secret for so long, too. And, I would have just LOVED to see a gallery of the bags in one spot (it's not too late for this one). I've meet lots of fun people, especially Dorothy who sent me a special bag with lots of goodies. And my comments are just that, not criticisms. THANKS SO MUCH for hosting this!!

Menu Plan Monday ..err, Tuesday =)

Ok, so this isn't Monday. But I just found this fun site and think this a GREAT idea! Posting my menu each week will mean I WILL cook each week. I, the freezer cooking diva, have gotten out of the habit of cooking every night and that is a very EXPENSIVE decision. So, back on the wagon. Several recipes you will recognize from our business, many are just family favorites and you'll find some NEW soon-to-be-favorites since we love experimenting and testing for the business.

Monday: Painted Hills natural Flatiron Steak, poached salmon with asparagus spears, mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes; organic flax seed bread
Tuesday: Homemade chicken soup (organic thighs, handmade egg noodles and organic veggies) Mikey made this special for me 'cause I stayed home sick from work
Wednesday (Halloween): Planned-over homemade chicken soup with whole wheat rolls
Thursday (AWANAs): Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Friday: Basil Balsamic Chops with couscous and broccoli spears

Swaps Received (image heavy)

OK, I have a few thank yous to write! One of the fun parts about participating in swaps is the delicious goodies that people send. I love to see how creative everyone, how questionnaires are interpreted into what they think I might enjoy and the thrill of the surprise! Check these out:





These goodies are from Crochetville's Autumn Secret Pal Swap. **Ann** in Washington stepped in to be my partner when my first one couldn't continue and she's been wonderful. This last reveal box is a doozie! Note how packed full this one is! Closeup number one shows some delicious chai tea (I don't do coffee), two balls of Fixation (perfect for socks), and two skeins of Blue Mist Wool Ease. Next to it you can see the picture of two MORE skeins of yarn, this time Nashua Handknits Wooly Stripes in Viva! that I am so excited to work with! And, check out those cute Halloween goodies she made for my daughter, who immediately claimed them. The last close-up shows the sweet slippers Ann created for my big ol' feet - I just love the ribbon; and don't you just LOVE my new hook. I can't wait to make up a bulky throw with that amazing goodie. The wood has a wonderful grain to it, and I absolutely adore working with natural hooks. Wait, there's more ... did you notice my Mary Engelbreit gift book "Don't Look Back" .. how did she know I adore Mary's stuff??? AND patterns ... a snowflake ornament pattern AND Annie's Attic Purse Panache! There are some cute bags in here and I ADORE making purses. And, tucked into the edges I got a delicious bar of chocolate with a lighthouse on it (wrapped in plastic so as not to melt) and then some beach themed buttons/goodies to embellish a project. THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Halloween Apron Swap:
I am the luckiest gal ever and received this gorgeous apron from the swap coordinator, Beelicious/Laura. Isn't this to DIE for??? She made it from this tutorial, and included more edible goodies than are shown ... I couldn't resist! I am the most stylish baker on my country block!






This second one is the one I made and sent to my partner Courtney along with bunches of goodies. It's based on this tutorial at LuluLollyLegs, and I really liked it until I got my gorgeous ruffled baby! LOL!!

Crochetoholic's October Swap:
Robin aka Blaze LaFlame sent me this powerfully packed goodie box! The theme this month is a Scarf and Hat Kit PLUS. I received a terrific scarf/hat pattern and two Big Skeins of lime green yarn to make them. She tucked in a wood crochet (have I mentioned I adore wooden hooks) in a size I didn't have, either! Also inside were some baking goodies ... a cute oven mitt, beautiful mug and lots of tea bags to help me stay warm. PLUS, the gem of it all, are some recipes from her house to mine. I hope I didn't forget anything. Thank you so much!!

Apronista Giveaway

The Apronista: Heavenly Hostess - Apronista Giveaway


OK, you have to see the most adorable aprons ever! Click here to go to Apronista's giveaway and here to visit Heavenly Hostess who is sponsoring this one!

But don't feel like you MUST enter, since I really want to win! LOL!!

*UPDATED* Fall Y'All Bloggy Giveaway

OK, I couldn't figure out the silly random number generator so I did the random page-down and point - CONGRATULATIONS SHELLY (bwyramon)! I'll be emailing you for your mailing address and sending some Surprise Sweets your way!!

The Bloggy Giveaway is here! Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is hosting this give away at her Bloggy Giveaways site. Go here for the details. Since I run three different home-based businesses, the winner will have their choice of prizes:

Thyme for Fun/Natural Express Dinners: I contributed several recipes to a cookbook a few years back and am happy to send you a copy of "The Warehouse Gourmet" ($20 value). This wonderful resource helps you transform the warehouse club-sized packages of meats into delicious freezer meals. If you don't win but are still interested in a copy of this book, contact me and mention the Fall Y'all bloggy giveaway for free shipping. If you live in the southmetro area of Portland, OR and interested in hosting an organic freezer cooking session, contact me and receive a $50 hostess credit.

OR

Surprise Sweets: This is a fun site where you can purchase microwaveable cakes in lieu of a greeting card. The package includes the frosting, cake mix, candle and non-edible confetti all package in the microwaveable "pan". A variety of greeting labels are available, or you can create your own label for special occasions, birth or wedding announcements, etc. If you would like this prize, I will send you two greeting cakes (random samples). If you don't win but are interested in purchasing your own cakes, contact me and mention the Fall Y'all bloggy giveaway for free shipping.

OR

Arbonne International: I really love Arbonne's all natural skin care, especially the RE9 line specifically for mature skin. If you prefer this prize, I will send you a sample pack of some RE9 products and a 5 oz. hand lotion. If you don't win but are interested in Arbonne products, contact me and mention the Fall Y'all bloggy giveaway for a special 10% discount on items purchased through me.

So, if you would like a chance to be the lucky winner, leave your comment now till November 2nd. One comment per person please, and list which of the three prizes you want. I will use the random number chooser to pick the winner. Limited to US and Canada only. Thanks!

Thanks Robin!

Wowzer, Robin, you pack a mean swap package! I absolutely love my October box. I'll write a full post as soon as I can get the pictures up but wanted you to know it arrived and is LOVED!

Shawnee

Women of Faith Review

Here's a very tired looking picture of me and my friend Di at the Women of Faith conference last weekend (check out the backstage passes). I had a wonderful time being behind-the- scenes and escorting Luci Swindoll around. She was very nice and so low-maintenance ... no diva here! We had just the best seats, too, sitting front row just behind the "porch". I had to get used to actually looking at stage rather than the tv monitors! As part of a thank you for volunteering, we got to attend the Friday pre-conference for free (front row again) and Sheila Walsh and Dr. Henry Cloud presented "God has a Dream for Your Life". Then Amazing Freedom began with all the regular speakers (Patsy, Marilyn, Sheila, Thelma, Luci) plus dramatist Nicole Johnson, Anita Renfroe (the Momsense song) who was HILARIOUS, Nichole Nordeman and Sandi Patty with special guest Lisa Smith.
Lisa is a young woman (well, 32 is younger than me anyway) who has Downs Syndrome and a gift for signing to music. I had the privilege of helping Di as she led her and her sweet mother up to sign autographs and was able to use a little sign language with some members of the deaf community who wanted a picture. I don't remember as much sign as I thought! LOL!!

Thanks Cathy!!

I picked up my October Crochetoholic swap package recently. Thank you so much, Cathy. It's full of Halloween goodness --- adorable two potholders/mitt that have Halloween designs and say "boo" along with matching a hand towel with crocheted topper, a fun bag with ghost motif that my daughter wants to claim as her trick-or-treat bag, yummy jack-0-lantern candle, clear pumpkin for my desk and a cute little autumnal scarecrow PLUS two large skeins of lilac yarn. All VERY MUCH appreciated. HUGS!!

Check out the view from my kitchen window

Aren't the colors so cool??

HOSTING two swaps

Hi friends!! I'm hosting two swaps at swap-bot and I hope you will join with me! They are each unique in their own way. Click on the logos to sign up.

#1 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD:

I've felt a bit selfish with all the swaps I've been doing lately .. you know, giving because I know I'll get something nice in return. Well, as the Christmas season is approaching, I'd like to get others to join in a giving event that my church participates in with a major charity. This is a different kind of swap sign-up, where you give instead of receiving.

You will fill a shoebox for a needy child, drop it off at a collection spot near your home or mail it into national headquarters along with $7, and then send your swap partner pictures and description of what you've done. For hearts, follow a theme of some sort in your choices.

The official website for Operation Christmas Child is http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp?MPGID=1. They have a page that describes how to pack your box at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp?MPGID=1. There are some content restrictions so please read through this link. Feel free to email me with questions.

This is my first swap to host. Newbies with complete profiles are fine, but you must not have any no-sends in last three months.

While this is a Christian charity, you do not need to be religious to send a gift to a needy child. Add this to YOUR list of swap -- you'll be so glad you did!!

#2 LET'S SURPRISE OUR DAUGHTERS SWAP

My daughter gets so excited when my swap boxes arrive that I'd like to have a package arrive just for her! You will prepare a Christmas swap package for a girl ages 3 to 13 (give your daughter/granddaughter's age and interests in the Discussion section).

Spending limit $20, including one handmade item. US swap only due to postage costs. There's lots of time so please be creative and only send items you'd like your child to receive. Please give hearts for extra effort – like theme or special wrapping, and be patient with the post office (I liked that comment from another swap). If your partner has more than one daughter, split the gifts evenly. Don't have daughters? Then give the gift you receive to a niece, neighbor or friend's daughter but join in on the fun. Shopping and crafting for girls is SO much fun!!

NEWBIES Please message me first and have your profiles well filled in.

Happy swapping!!

Fall Felted Bag RECEIVED!

I have just received such a SPECIAL package from Dorothy! I know how much time and energy she placed into this swap. And, she been so good about being stealth ... lots of anonymous comments in addition to known comments. I had NO IDEA she was my buddy!

She went through two bags just for me, and I absolutely am in love with this sweet purple bag. In addition to her creation, I have the pattern now, a large skin of gorgeous wool, some Halloween chocolates (yummy), autumn candle that I can't wait to burn, and then some especially-for-me Mary Engelbreit goodies. THANK YOU SO MUCH! This has been a super special swap and I'm a little sad it's over.

FFBE Contest #3

How often do you change the purse or bag you're carrying? Do you change based on seasons? Outfits? Something else? What's your favorite bag in the world (and it doesn't have to be a knit/felted one!)?

I change purses mostly based on mood I'm in, color of my outfit, size necessary for occasion. I wish I could say "black purse with black shoes" etc, but that ain't me! LOL!! My absolute favorite tote is a red mock-crock/patent huge tote that was free gift with fragrance purchase. The edges look ratty now, so I must find a new one. Why is it my favorite? It shiny, red, can hold the kitchen sink and very stylish! =)

Prayer Request - Women of Faith

Hi Friends!

I writing with fun news and to ask for prayer cover -- I'm pleased to share that I will be at Women of Faith this Fri/Sat, and will be serving as a volunteer again in exchange for admission. This year my role is as one of the "Hosts", which means I get to escort one of the talents throughout the conference and have reserved seating right by the stage. Luci Swindoll is the talent I'm assigned to! I'm so excited, and can't wait to see what the Lord does!!

Pray that the speakers speak truth into the women's lives and that the attendees are blessed. I want Him to knock their socks off!! LOL!! I also need my family lifted up, that everything goes smoothly for T as she cares for T, that Mike won't be adversely affected by me being gone (timing so I can still wrap his legs, etc), and that my friend Diane has safe travel from southern Salem to serve with me. I also pray that I handle the Host role well, cutting the book line, keeping the star-struck in check, etc. Check out the description Women of Faith sent me - these are big shoes to fill:
"The Speakers and Talent appreciate your ability to be available, yet not intrusive; friendly, but not over-bearing or star-struck; knowledgeable, yet calm and patient. You are invaluable in helping the Speakers during transition times such as entering or exiting the main floor in the bowl; during autographing times; and getting to/from the hotel and arena."

Here's the Portland Host team (most of whom I do not know); if you would pray for us all:
Wrangler/Henry Cloud – Brenda A
Alternate Host – Crystal K
Max Lucado - Perry T
Sheila Walsh - Shirley T
Marilyn Meberg - Susan S-N
Nicole Johnson - Julie S
Carol Kent - Diane E
Thelma Wells - Kimberly H
Anita Renfroe - Stacy R
Patsy Clairmont - Sandra S
Nichole Nordeman - Brenda S
Sandi Patty - Patty L
Luci Swindoll - Shawnee H

God Bless!
Shawnee

Thank You Chan K1T2

Knit One, Tea Too was an amazing swap! Look at just a few of the wonderful surprises I received from Chan .

The FedEx guy shows up at my door late last night with huge and amazing package. My daughter and hubby think I'm totally bonkers because I've doing the happy dance. And everything is perfect! Chan has obviously done some homework because I received the best cherry-themed tea party you can imagine. Harney and Sons Rooibos Chai THank tea, cranberry scone mix, the adorable sweet cherry bag handmade by Chan with matching ribbon, a marvelous tea infuser basket, an adorable cake tape measure, TWO skeins of Karaoke soysilk cherry yarn that I've been dying for AND the topper - - tea party for one porcelain tea set. I will post my own pictures soon, but just had to say THANK YOU!!!!

BABE Swap Thank Yous

Wow Sheila --- I just picked up your AMAZING box today. You say this is your first swap?!? Let me be your partner EVERY time...LOL!! I'll add the pictures soon, but you ladies won't believe it. Everything was wrapped in tissue paper that had pictures of books on it .... every package had a sweet note saying how it was chosen especially for the theme. I receive FOUR books (!) and FOUR skeins of yarn, PLUS cookies, PLUS a magnetic notepad ....


I nominate you for swapper of the month!

FFBE Topic Question

The colors of fall tend to be oranges, yellows, crimsons, and other 'leafy' colors - what is your favorite "Color of Autumn" and where do you see it?

I just LOVE red as the color of autumn. Aren't these leaves just gorgeous? Of course, when they are smashed into the ground by our autumn rain, I don't like them that much ... =)

I'm almost finished with my Brachs Bag for my dear partner, and am happily gathering little goodies to join the box. I've also heard that MINE is on the way. Oh Joy!!!

A Shawl Wish

(bumped up dates) I know that I have someone out there making me a prayer shawl and a few other somebodies that will be doing some spoiling since I'm in several exciting swaps. Here's a shawl request if anyone is feeling adventurous. It's from Styled by Kristin, called Figure 8 Fantasy Shawl in Cherry Tree Hill yarn. It is just so luscious; feel free to spoil away. =) So, if you are interested in this beautiful (even if it's NOT for me), it's available from any retailer that sells Cherry Hill yarn. I found the pattern at Yarn Bazaar for only $5; it takes one skein of Cherry Tree Hill yarn Merino Lace that I've found for $30 to $40. Sigh; I wish I was an advanced knitter sometimes.