Sweetwater Style

Thrifty Personalized Baby Shower Gift

2012-03-04T09:05:00.000-06:00

I am going to a baby shower today!

It should be fun!

2nd Baby for this darling family!

Mom-to-be didn't want a shower OR presents!

Her friends ignored her....threw her a shower..

That poses a dilemma...

Mom-to-be doesn't want gifts....

BUT

You can't go to a shower without a gift!

Here is my Sweetwater Style Solution!

Personalized Baby Note Cards!

The baby already has a name...go figure!

When we had our first....we took so long picking the name that the hospital told us they would KEEP her if we didn't pick a name!

I know the color scheme in the baby's room...orange and tones of brown and beige...

AHA! This project will fit with my "Use What I've Got Challenge 2012"!

I've got my trusty Cricut!
I've got that great software that you can't buy anymore (Sure Cuts A Lot)
I've got paper in all those colors
I've got tons of envelopes
I've got ZOTS!
I've got a cute little gift box from the Axe Man
I've got a few minutes to put it all together!

I started by designing the layout for the cricut using the Sure Cuts A Lot template!

I found the little ducks on the Internet and copied them

Don't hate me for having the SCAL...but it is just the coolest thing to be able to design any layout without buying a cartridge!

I cut 4 each of 4 different colors.

I trimmed the 6 x 12 sheet to 6 x 9 ....folded-it is a perfect 6 x 4 1/2 note card

Cute Huh!?

Then I had all those cute little ducks...
The $.25 gift bag from Axe Man had advertising that needed covering up!

http://www.amazon.com/Zots-Lots-Dots-Clear-Adhesive/dp/B004W8TJI0

Enter the ZOTS...

These little adhesive dots make quick work of attaching stuff to paper...Or in this case plastic!

I just stuck the ducks in a row to cover up the advertising!

Then I made a little gift tag with the 3 x 6 piece I needed to trim off of the cards.

Put the notecards in the gift bag...

Tied on a ribbon....

Stuck on the gift tag....

Not too bad....for a use what I've Got Project!

All those little ducks marching in a row make me think of the classic picture book,

Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

If this mom-to-be had wanted presents....that would have made the perfect companion gift for these notecards!

HMMMM....maybe I will do that when he arrives!

You also might like:

Picture Book List For Baby Shower Gifts

Time Saving Gift Wrap Tips and Tricks

Personalized Wedding Shower Candle

Link Parties
Three Singing Little Birds
Nifty Thrifty THings
Cure for the Common Monday

Clever Copper Plant Stakes

2012-03-02T05:22:00.018-06:00

I heard on the news that yesterday was the first day of "meteorlogical spring"!

Yeah Right!

This is what it looked like on OUR deck yesterday!

Even so....I am dreaming of summer!

Even weeding and mosquitoes don't sound bad to me!

If you live in a warmer climate you are doing more than dreaming about your garden....

If you live in the "wintery zone" you probably should be more than dreaming....and actually getting ready...

Anyway...

I thought I would share the nifty copper plant stakes that Mr. S. has "invented" for our garden!

I would say they are pretty ingenious! (but what would you expect from Mr. S?)

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YOU NEED:

1/2 inch copper pipe

A copper Tee joint

and....somebody who knows how to solder!

that could be you but in my case it is Mr. S.

He Loves to use that little propane torch!

Here is a link to a "How to Solder Copper Pipe"

You can cut the pipe any length you want or need.

Mr. S. put the Tee joint on the top of the pipe for safety reasons....so that the open sharp end of the pipe would be covered!

Then we discovered that the Tee makes it easier to push the pipe into the ground.....
AND
even better....it keeps the string or raffia you are using to tie onto the plants from sliding down the stake.

We made these stakes at least 10 years ago and they are still good as new....

I love the patina on copper as it ages.

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The stake and the raffia actually enhance the look of the plant!

These stakes can do heavy duty work.....even supporting these big sunflowers!

I found this interesting article about staking perennial plants.

I guess if you can't actually garden...you can read about it!

I did some consulting with Mr. S. and he reminded me that copper is super expensive right now.....and Sweetwater Style is supposed to be about being thrifty!

Home Depot is selling 10 feet of 1/2 copper pipe for $10.79 and a 1/2 inch pressure T for $.97.

It would cost you about $4 for each stake...but remember....ours are still going strong after 10 years!

I asked Mr. S. if you could do the same thing with white PVC pipe....for about $1 a stake....but alas he says that "it would bend like a wet noodle and rot from the sun"....so I guess not!

Maybe one of you clever readers has a suggestion for a less expensive material!!!

For us....we have a bunch of these....and we will have them a long time....unless some of those "copper scrap thieves" discover them!

Oh....and here is another good reason to learn to use the propane torch....

Here at Sweetwater Style.....

we don't mess with those fancy little butane torches from Williams Sonoma

to burn the sugar on our creme brule!

Have a great weekend.....

I hope I have inspired you to dream of summer.....or at least eat some creme brule for dessert!

Party Links
Freckled Laundry The Answer is Chocolate Tickled Pink at 504Main
Happy Hour Projects
French Country Cottage Potpourri Friday Stuff and Nonsense
Cherished Treasures Check Me Out Saturday
Be Different Act Normal Six Sister's Stuff
Twigg Studios You Are Talking Too Much

My 1929 Charmer The Project Queen
The Kurtz Corner
Type A Decorating

Random Ramblings.....

2012-02-27T06:14:00.000-06:00

Waiting for Spring

Wow! It is almost the end of February...and I am kind of in that middle of the winter funk!

It seems like we haven't done anything FUN since the holidays....well not much anyway!
School is almost too busy....

One day seems to blend into the next....

It is a whole month until we go to Mexico on vacation....and I haven't gotten serious about getting into shape for swimsuits!

Enough complaining already! That really isn't Sweetwater Style!

To cure my funk, I decided to make a list of some random happy things to focus on!
They "ain't" big WOWS...but they are "good things"!

It is ONLY a month until we go to Mexico! And this will be the view we wake up to!

The cheapo Home Depot Orchid that I bought a year ago is blooming for the third time!

I guess this little guy really likes the south facing windows on Sweetwater!

The little miniature rose plant I bought in January is still blooming....and since I have been fertilizing it....it has lots of new growth and I think it will last until I can plant it outside.....wish me luck!

These great looking tulips were a thank you from a friend for something that really didn't need a thank-you.....and I was able to add a few of the last of my Valentine blooms to make this great looking arrangement. A real reminder of Spring to Come!

The message board on my desk is a reminder that I do have some fun events to look forward to! And a gift certificate to the SPA that I need to use....And a reminder of how well my daughter's new law practice is doing!

I found this great looking fabric on the last trip to the fabric store....and in less than an hour....it is a bright spot on the living room couch!

I bought this metal pomegranate at the thrift store....it will always make me laugh when I think of how I stood there debating about whether to spend the $5 to buy it....I really liked it....I didn't know what I would use it for.....should I "splurge"? For heaven's sake....I had just spent more on a glass of wine at lunch without batting an eye! And NOW I will have this to add to the decor for years to come....can't say that about that glass of wine!!!!

I guess this is in keeping with my challenge to "Use What I Have 2012"!
I used what I HAVE.....to cure my mid-winter funk!
I would challenge YOU to do the same!

Have a great week!

Easy Tutu....Really NO SEW!

2012-02-25T06:40:00.017-06:00

They are putting on a SHOW at PSI!

Our school drama production was this week!
My friend does the most amazing job on this.
Remember! We are a Spanish Immersion School!
That means that the whole play needs to be written and performed in Spanish!
Kim does this every year and it is absolutely wonderful!

This year's production is 4 versions of "Los Tres Cerditos" (or if you don't speak Spanish....The 3 Little Pigs)

WARNING!.....you will have to read some of my "educational philosophy" before you get to the TUTU....but this post is really about TUTUS!

What a wonderful breath of fresh air this production is in our normal routine of "high stakes testing", "teaching to the test" and almost constant "drill, practice and drill some more"!

I can't think of a better way for kids to gain "real world skills" than to PUT ON A SHOW!

They Learn:

Reading (of course) when they learn the script!
Writing....making signs and taking notes!
Problem solving!
Presentation skills!
Team work and collaboration skills and how to count on your team!
How to listen to feedback and improve by using that feed back!
Perseverance and follow through!

And it is FUN!

There is no doubt that teaching this way is a lot more work for the teacher....but it is such an amazing thing to see young people engaged, involved and successful....

HMMMM....I am thinking that is why most teachers go into the profession!

Now....what does this have to do with TUTU's?

Kim asked me to make tutus for one Three of the little Pigs...(really darling 5th grade girls)

I was going to go home and do that.....

then I remembered reading this post from SKIP TO MY LOU about how to make a no sew version!

AHA! EUREKA!

THESE GIRLS COULD DO THIS!

So off to the fabric store for 6 yards of pink tulle (on sale for $1.39 a yard).

Into the sewing closet for 3 yards of 1 1/2 inch wide elastic.

Into the ribbon stash for a reel of pink curling ribbon (every pig needs a curly tail for goodness sakes)

The girls were happy to miss recess for a couple of days....hey wouldn't you miss recess if you could make a tutu?

I cut the tulle into 2 inch wide strips...

I cut the elastic to size...

The girls tied the tulle strips on the elastic while I curled the ribbon (funny but curling the ribbon was the hardest part of the whole project! )

When all the tulle was tied on, I took the tutus home to sew a strong seam to join the ends of the elastic.

I knew that these babies would take some beating during all the rehearsals and performances...It would be a disaster to have a tutu-less piggie running around on stage for heaven's sake!

And HERE they are!

Just TOO Cute!

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I am sending you back to the "Real" tutorial for good directions to do this...I was too busy DOING....to do a tutorial! SKIP TO MY LOU No Sew Tutu Tutorial

Now back to more of my "educational philosophy"!

Best Practice articles are always touting the need to "build relationships" with students!

While we were creating the tutus....there were lots of people (kids and adults) stopping by to share in the fun!

I love the fact that I almost never have to deal with "behavior issues" with my "big kids" in the Media Center.....

Do you think that maybe projects like this one have something to do with THAT?

HMMMMM!

I thought you might enjoy this link to a montage from last year's production of "El príncipe rana"
(The music playing in the background is an original composition written and performed by a then 4th grade student WOW!)

AND...did you notice how awesome those library chairs that I HAVE finished are looking? I only have 4 more to do....oh yeah....perseverance and follow through (those adult skills I am supposed to have) LOL!

Kim...if you are reading this....CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done!

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Almost No Sew Shower Curtain!

2012-02-20T08:55:00.026-06:00

I wrote a post this summer about loving Marimekko Style Designs.
There are examples of how Marimekko inspired designs seem to be in lots of places in the house!


Check out this post to see how these fabrics in our house!

A couple of years ago, we painted the upstairs bathroom a very deep chocolate brown. The shower curtain that I put up right after we painted was made from this fabric.

(I don't have a picture of what it looked like because seriously....BEFORE I BLOGGED I don't take pictures in my bathroom! Go Figure!)

Now this is nice enough fabric....but then on a trip to the fabric store....

I fell in love....(well in like anyway) with this print!

I used one of my trusty "Almost No Sew" techniques...

My definition of "Almost No Sew" is:

Something that can be done with fusible web or a glue gun instead of a sewing machine.

Now....since I have a sewing machine and know how to use it....I actually do the stitching....but you WOULD NOT have to if you want to make this...

I made this BIB (BEFORE I BLOGGED)...
So alas no tutorial or pictures of the project in progress....

Here are some simple written directions:

To make a shower curtain you will need 2 Lengths of fabric (typical drapery fabric is 54-60 inches wide).
1. Measure how long you want the curtain and add at least 2 inches for the top and bottom hems.

I bought 4 yards of the fabric....now that is pretty spendy for me because even with a coupon this stuff was $9 a yard....but I was in love with it!

2. Cut 2 pieces of fabric that is 12 inches by the width of the fabric....

This is for your tabs

3. Cut the fabric in 2 pieces and seam them together (straight seam on the machine or fusible webbing will work...never tried to glue gun....but why not)

Now you have a big wide square.....

4. Fold both sides in about and inch to make a nice clean edge....again use a simple straight stitch or fusible web to do this.

5. Cut the tabs out of the 12 inch piece of fabric.... 8 x 12 pieces

You get 14 tabs out of the 2 12 inch pieces of 60 inch wide fabric.

6. Fold the 8 inch tabs with the seam on the inside....

press them nice and flat with the seam at the back.

Fold them in half and you are ready to attach them to the top of the curtain.

7. Fold the top hem of the shower curtain over and run a stitch across or...fuse it.

8. Pin your tabs evenly across the top....

I start by putting one on each end and one in the middle and then figure the best placement from there.

I sew a straight row of stitching close to the top and then one more about 3 inches down.

this is where I think a glue gun would give a nice strong attachment if you don't want to sew!

9. Measure your curtain to make sure you know how long you want it....then turn up the bottom for a nice hem.

I have a plain white tension rod that makes it easy to hang the curtain....with a liner behind it!

There you have it!

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A few coordinating touches....

A fun little GW plate in the perfect colors...

The Paisley Candle...(here is how I did that)

I found this great print in a book of prints at GW!
A little matting with my trusty mat cutter....and a GW frame!

The orange and brown matting really pop against the brown wall!

I don't really like to use artificial flowers....but these orange tulips will have to do

....at least until the coral charm peonies bloom!

Since I did this project BIB (before I blogged) and I don't have photos....I thought you might need to visit some sites with the actual tutorial for tab top curtains...

This site has lots of ideas for easy window treatments....well worth the visit!
Alternative Windows -

This site is just funny....
Home Staging-Why Stitch

And at The Nester worth checking out....watch her sit on the toilet to iron her curtain!

I read that the "2012 Color of the Year is Tangerine Tango"....
I guess since I made my curtain in 2011....I am a trend setter....LOL!

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_________________________________________________________________________________

Here are my other Almost No Sew Posts

Almost No Sew Box Cushions

Almost No Sew Throws

Almost No Sew BedSkirt

Linky Parties

C.R.A.F.T.
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Polly Want A Crafter
Project Queen
Motivate Me Monday
Ninth Street Notions
Marvelous Mess
Lines Across My Face
Northwest Mommy
Sugar Bee Crafts
Terrific Under Ten
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Vintage Wanna Be
Trendy TreeHouse
Thrifty Decorating
Thursday Favorite Things
House of the Hepworths
Tales From Bloggaritaville
Free Style Friday
Potpourri Friday
French Country Cottage
Embracing Change
504 Main
It's A Hodge Podge Life
Craftionary
The Answer Is Chocolate
Fabric Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Rolled Up Pretty
Bunny Hop

Vintage Value American Made

2012-02-18T10:00:00.003-06:00

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I am pretty darn good at thrift store shopping!
In fact....I thought I was the best of anyone in our family!
Alas...I have lost the title to my son-in-law!

He has taken his thrifting to the highest level!

Greenwich Vintage Co sells All American Made Vintage

Refurbished Men's Clothing

Greenwich Vintage

Honestly...the stuff they have in the shop is so fabulous...You really need to go to the website and look....here is just a sample!

Greenwich Vintage

I found a Pendleton skirt at GW for $8..took it apart and gave the fabric to Tommy....look at the lining of this Dopp kit....Amazing!

He is a COBBLER too! He customizes these amazing shoes!

Greenwich Vintage


Greenwich Vintage

Everything is completely American made-lots of Pendleton and Woolrich....all high quality and refurbished for you!
There is a lot of buzz out there about their unique shop....articles in several magazines and the Minneapolis paper's Lifestyle section featured them this week! WOW!
This article in the Gentleman's Gazette really gives a great overview of what is going on at Greenwich Vintage and is worth a read if you are interested in learning more!

If you don't live in the Minneapolis Area...don't despair....they have an Etsy Shop that you can connect to from the website!

If you do live in the area...you might want to check out SNOWGRADE a Pop-Up Men's Market next weekend at Architectural Antiques....lots of great atmosphere and lots of STUFF!

Now I might not win the title of "Best Thrifter" in my family any more...
but in keeping with the whole vintage look....

Here is an outfit I put together from GW!

Plaid Skirt....GW

Red Cotton Sweater....GW

Black Cashmere Sweater....GW

Black Patent Pumps....T.J. Maxx

Total Cost....$30

Very "Catholic School Girl" don't ya think!

Funny story about the skirt....whenever I wear it to school....all the little girls tell me how much they love my skirt....hmmmm....do you think that means it is "too young" for the "old lady librarian"?

Hope you get a chance to thrift shop a bit this weekend!

Linky Parties
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I Didn't Get Roses.....See!

2012-02-16T06:14:00.002-06:00

Were you wondering if Mr. S read my "No ROSES"post?
Were you wondering if he said "the heck with her....if she is getting demanding about the kind of flowers she wants.....maybe I just won't bother!"?

Well....on Monday when I got home from work there were THREE bunches of grocery store flowers on the counter....just waiting to be arranged....
Mr. S said the woman at the store kept trying to convince him to buy something fancier...or at least wrap them up....but he stayed strong and true to his mission!!!

I had fun making the arrangements....I think they are wonderful....as is Mr. S. for listening....Thanks!

One for the Kitchen Island....because we see this the most!

One for the family room.....

And....one for my office at school!

We saw a fabulous play last night at the Guthrie!

"The End of the Rainbow"

Here is a link to some video clips....

It was more than poignant to see the parallels between Judy Garland and Whitney Houston!

Maybe it is better NOT to be famous!

Lucky for me that is a goal I can achieve!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

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Homemaker In Heels!

No Roses For Mary!

2012-02-12T08:10:00.007-06:00

This post is really a sneaky way to send a message to Mr. S!
I hope it is not too late!

It is only 2 days until Valentine's Day!

About Valentine Flowers....hint hint!

....Don't send me roses!

....I mean it....

They cost too much....especially at Valentine's Day

They don't last very long!

Seriously....have YOU SEEN the price of roses?

One of my favorite florists is Arts and Flowers in St. Louis Park, (MN)....they do the most amazing and unique arrangements....truly eye candy!

But....they are charging $85 for an arrangement of a dozen roses! Yikes!

Mr. S...if you are reading this!

You know I REALLY like flowers!

No....I LOVE flowers!

I don't EXPECT flowers....hmmmm?

but....if you DO want to DO flowers.....

Here are some alternatives to ROSES!

The Grocery Store has wonderful flowers! And the prices are more than reasonable!

See...you could probably buy 3 or 4 different bunches for less than half of what having a dozen roses delivered would cost!

What about some Gerbera Daisies?

Or some Astromeria....they last forever!

Or....Tulips!

Some Spider Mums might be nice!

And you might want to get some greenery so the arrangements will look as fancy as the ones from the Florist Shop!

Then....I could have the joy of making the arrangements!
I love to arrange flowers.....and my own vases are way prettier than the ones the florist sends!
I could have flowers all over the house just like in the summer time....
I could take some to school for my desk!
What do you think?

Mr. S. and I are going to be spending Valentine's Day at home....probably just a normal dinner!

Then we have a "Date Night" at the Guthrie Theater on Wednesday night...2 plays this month...we saw "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" 2 weeks ago and will see "Over the Rainbow" on the 15th!
Fun!
Maybe we can have an extra glass of wine with the money Mr. S. saves on flowers!

And my friends.....maybe you want to leave this post displayed prominently on your computer and hope your Valentine reads it!
If not.....you probably have to go to the grocery store sometime in the next 2 days....
You could buy some flowers for YOURSELF!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day

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You are Talking Too Much!
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Just Winging It
Home Savvy A to Z

Use What I've Got #8-Winter Skin

2012-02-11T07:45:00.005-06:00

The weather on Sweetwater has taken a turn to COLD-BELOW ZERO COLD!
That also means DRY!

Which means my skin feels like this........

cracked
dry
itchy
pasty white

If it is true that "beauty is only skin deep"
then I am in real trouble!

Oh, I have read all the magazine articles that tell me that I should be glad to have dry skin so I won't get blemishes and my makeup will stay put....
Hogwash....
Dry skin means you get wrinkles and your makeup settles into the cracks....tee hee!

If you have dry skin, you are probably like me and are drawn to the lotion aisle in any store you go into.

This brings me to "Use What I've Got #8!

I spent 20 minutes digging through the cupboards and drawers in the bathrooms.

This is what I found!

Maybe if I actually used all these lotions and creams that I have purchased or received as gifts....my skin wouldn't be so dry!

Well....DUH!

And....

I found some stuff that I love that had somehow gotten hidden away and forgotten!

There is some really good stuff here....

Years ago...when my daughter's "pay for college" job was in a fancy spa, she introduced me to "Repachage" creme. It is amazing stuff with sea kelp....we bought a giant bottle...spent an obscene amount of money on it....but it works!

Here is a link to a website that sells this stuff

Pretty much anything with sea kelp works on my skin...I always watch for soap based with sea kelp at Home Goods and lo and behold....when I searched the cupboards....there were three bars waiting to be used.

I got this amazing creme as a gift....Lollia Creme infused with grapefruit and bee balm honey....

It smells almost good enough to eat!

It is a real treat!

You can read about this product here

This Miracle Foot Repair stuff is something I get at Target....it is only $5!

If it works on my feet...and it does....it will work for anyone!

When I remember to use it...my hard little hooves actually feel a bit like twinkle toes...ha!

This jar of coconut oil was in the kitchen cupboard....but I have a jar of it next to the bathtub and one next to the kitchen sink....

It is one of the main ingredients in my homemade bath soak!

Once the winter starts....I have pasty white skin....not luminescent pearly skin....but pale washed out skin....glow in the dark white skin!

This stuff....Xen-Tan is the nicest self tanner.

It doesn't have that yucky smell and the color has olive undertones.

Maybe I am fooling myself...but I think it looks pretty darn natural.

And face it...30 bucks is way cheaper than a trip to Hawaii!

There you have it....the stuff I have that I need to use so I can stop complaining about my dry skin!

What are your favorite go to products for combating dry skin?

I need to know...because when these are used up...I need to buy more stuff!

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A Request to my Followers

2012-02-10T06:24:00.001-06:00

I am still pretty new to this blogging deal....

I am thrilled with the number of people who follow me (surprised....but thrilled).

And of course I appreciate every one of you!

Now, I have learned that the Google Friend Connect system is on it's way out....hmmmm!

So I have learned about and registered for something called "Linky Followers"

If you currently follow me....please, please, please...take a moment to click on the Linky Follower "follow me" link and follow the instructions. It is in the right side bar under my profile and pinterest link.

As far as I can figure...you will need to create a FREE account in order to do this....and the site steps you through this.
I HATE that there always seems to be a "catch" with this stuff....but I would really love if you would take the extra minute.

The Linky Followers appears to best serve people who already have a blog, although you can sign up even if you don't currently have one. (The "press" says that it will make it easier for you guys to organize the blogs you follow....again....hmmmmm)

If you already have joined the Linky Followers I hope you will follow me....shoot me an email and I will return the favor!

If you don't choose to follow me this way....I will certainly understand
BUT.....perhaps another good option would be to follow by email! That link is also on the right sidebar!

Wow....if I ask YOU to do this....I better get busy and write some good posts to make it worth your while...."Oh the pressure!"

Let me know in a comment if you have any questions....
and....
Thanks!

Just a Nod to Valentine's Day

2012-02-05T08:45:00.010-06:00

There sure is a lot of Valentine Decor in blogland....

I look at the cute ideas.....
I like the cute ideas.....
Sometimes I pin the cute ideas for a pinterest board....

But I know I am probably not going to make any of the cute ideas....
Now that our nest is empty, we pretty much don't do Valentines Day on Sweetwater!

BUT....in the spirit of "Use what I've Got 2012"...
AND....since the mantle and the kitchen baker's rack needed a little face lift....

I decided to challenge myself to pay small homage to "Cupid" with these two areas.
AND.....not buy anything new!

Mantle Before.....

Mantle after....

I am not thrilled with it....but it will work for the next 2 weeks or so.

Here is the Baker's rack!

Bottom line.....I walked around the house looking for "stuff" that sort of had a Valentine's look......plopped it all together and called it "Decor"!

Next week at school, we will be overwhelmed with Valentine's Day activities....

Here is a great link for kids....they can decorate a virtual Valentine Cake!

and....

a couple of favorite read a loud books

My Map Book by Sara Fanelli

This is a great book about the concept of mapping....but there is one page in the book showing "The Map of MY Heart!"

Now wouldn't that make a great kid valentine?

The Bookshop Dog by Cynthia Rylant

When Sweet Martha's owner needs someone to watch her pet while she is in the hospital, the seeds of "love" are sown! Kid's love to groan at the "kissing" but it is all in great fun!

Library Lil by Suzanne Williams

A strong female protagonist....a library.....some motorcycle gang members....turned into another "Love Story".

A fun read!

Have a wonderful Superbowl Sunday!

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Common Ground
At the Picket Fence
A Pocket Full Of Pink
504 Main
The Answer is Chocolate

An Unexpected Day Away From School!

2012-01-31T16:10:00.002-06:00

A water main behind the school needs repair....no water for us!
Better yet....NO SCHOOL for us!

And they are letting us work from home!

I am spending the day cleaning....my laptop files....my iPhoto library....my over loaded school email inbox!

I am updating the resources on the school website Park Spanish Immersion!

If you are interested in learning about what happens at an immersion school, or are looking for some great links to educational resources....check it out!

I am also planning some fun "Media Literacy" lessons for the week.....using Super Bowl advertising to help kids deconstruct media messages!
Helping children become media savvy is such an important thing for all adults to think about!
This is a great link that sort of explains what that is all about!

Here is kind of a fun activity that you might try with your kids:
I found it on a blog called ASIDE which focuses on teaching kids through media!
See if your kids or you for that matter can identify the logos on these images.

I would love to hear how many your kids know.
I find it amazing that even really little kids "read" these logos so well!

Sorry this was such a "teachery" kind of post.....but it IS a work day for me after all!

Now I am off to the book store to buy copies of the winners of this year's Caldecott and Newberry prize!

What a great job I have.....I NEED to shop for, buy and read wonderful books!

Link Parties

Sun Scholar

Naptime Crafters

Use What I've Got #7-Velcro Bedskirt Tutorial

2012-01-30T14:00:00.025-06:00

We updated the bedding in the MB in September.
It was a great deal at HomeGoods!
I LOVE Homegoods!
I love the comforter and the pillows....and so does "Dave"!

But the bed skirt that came in the "Bed in a Bag" was pretty cheap looking...

The fabric was too lightweight....and for whatever reason....it just would not stay put!
The fabric that is supposed to stay between the mattress and the box spring was always hanging over and the skirt itself kept dragging on the floor!

Don't you just HATE when that happens....(like this is something to really stress about in the big scheme of things)
But since I can't cure cancer or stamp out world poverty....
I will have to be satisfied with the fact that I cured bed skirt droop!

My solution....Velcro.....and it is almost No-Sew!

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Taking Some ME Time!

2012-01-28T07:06:00.000-06:00

I guess when you work in a school surrounded by germs....
it is bound to get you once in a while...

I have the crud....not bad....but bad enough!

And I really hate it when this happens on the weekend!

So here is the plan!
I am going to "use what I've got" and take some ME time!

A nice warm bath with the Easy Moisturizing Bath Soak....is bound to help!

My trusty Kindle is loaded with some great books....
Here is the post about how to make that cute Kindle Cover!

Our county library now lets you check out Kindle books!
Hurrah!

The librarian in me really didn't like having to actually buy books....now I can "go to the library" in my jammies!

I am reading a new book by Gail Godwin.....
"Unfinished Desires"...
If you don't know this author...she is fabulous and has many wonderful titles.

Then I am turning on the fire....

Curling up under my Cozy "Fur" Throw.....
With the comfy pillow made from a sweater....

A little tea and honey....

Some crackers and a little chicken soup!

Hope it works....

Library Chairs-Update and Funny Story

2012-01-26T05:31:00.016-06:00

The tally on the Media Center Chairs

12 done.....

7 to go.....

I LOVE the way the finished chairs look....

I HATE that there are 7 to go....

One of the things about Sweetwater Style that you might not know....I sometimes lose my focus on jobs that go on and on and on.....

Case in point....the lower level woodwork painting that I started in June....I still have 2 windows and 2 baseboards to finish....

But since finishing these chairs is sort of public....I WILL finish!

But now for the FUNNY story!

Use What I've Got #4-RIbbon Organization

2012-01-23T18:45:00.014-06:00

It's time for another "Use What I've Got Challenge"

I've GOT these pants hangers...had them for years....
I have tried to use them for hanging pants....but they leave creases on the pants...yuck!
I tried using them to hang scarves....but that didn't work.....
I tried hanging my belts on them...that didn't work for me either!
I probably should have thrown them away....but I didn't....

Now.... I know why I kept them....
Wait 'til you see this awesome solution for organizing ribbon!

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Elegant, Inexpensive Quinceañera Celebration

2012-01-21T06:28:00.015-06:00

Before I started working in the Spanish Immersion School...I had NO idea what a Quinceañera was....but now happily I do....
And a couple of weeks ago a friend and I had the opportunity to help a lovely young woman and her mom decorate for this important occasion.

Quinceañera (lit. meaning One (f.) who is fifteen), sometimes called "Fiesta de quince años", "Fiesta de Quinceañera", "Quince años" or simply "quince", is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday!

Come along and see how we transformed the church fellowship hall into an elegant party venue....
on a budget of course....!
Read more »

Goodwill Scores!

2012-01-16T10:42:00.010-06:00

So I KNOW I am supposed to be "Using what I Have"!
BUT.....

Mr. S. was out hunting for fish under the ice this weekend.....
What's a woman to do?
Go Gathering of course....and I scored big time at Goodwill yesterday!

By the time my daughter and I checked out.....our cart was full!
Wait 'til you see what we found!
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Another Book List-For Martin Luther King Day

2012-01-14T06:38:00.009-06:00

Like many of you, this is a three day weekend for me because Monday is Martin Luther King Day!
Hurrah,,,,
Who doesn't like an extra vacation day?
In honor of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I have put together a list of some wonderful Children's books to read with your kids.

These books are a great way for you to start "Courageous Conversations" about the struggle in our nation surrounding Civil Rights!
Read more »

Silver Polishing Tips and Resources

2012-01-12T05:28:00.005-06:00

Several people commented on my post about my thrift store silver, asking me what my favorite silver polish is....

It seems that many of you out there love your own thrift store silver as much as I love mine....but hate polishing it.....ME TOO!

I have learned not to stress too much about the tarnish on the items on the display shelves....hey they are vintage after all...and a little tarnish is kind of charming....right?
Still....when it is time to get the glitz on or use the silver for an event....
I need to polish...and polish I do!

My standby polish is Wright's Silver Cream from Weiman Products. You can get it at the grocery store or at Amazon.
It comes with a nice little sponge applicator and it doesn't have that awful sulphur smell that a lot of polishes have.

I usually get the sponge a little wet to make it easier to use....it is fast and does a great job!

Some pieces I find at the thrift store are virtually BLACK with tarnish!

When that is the case....I start with Tarn-X Tarnish Remover....
Warning....get out the nose plugs and send your family away!
This stuff really stinks.....odor wise....but it works like magic!

Another warning....I get the feeling that if you use this too much you will actually take the silver plate off the item!

And.....it leaves a sort of golden tint to the silver...so you need to finish with the silver polish for that soft silver glow that we love so much!

Another quick tip....If you have a silver item with lots of black tarnish "pitting" and nothing seems to work....

Try a solution of Bar Keeper's Friend and water on a cloth...
It has enough abrasive quality to get rid of the "pits" and polish as well....
BUT...if you rub too hard there is a danger of scratching the piece.

Still....it is a great "quick fix"!

I don't worry too much about this because my stuff is NOT an heirloom but is from the thrift store and cost less than some plastic tray from Target!!!

I decided to do what any good librarian would do when faced with a question....
RESEARCH!
Here are some things I found:

This site has some recipes for homemade silver polish. I am definitely going to try these!

http://tom2011.blog.com/2011/10/20/homemade-silver-polish/

Interesting info here!

http://askauntpatti.com/blog/2011/its-time-to-polish-the-silver/

Good Housekeeping recommendations are never too far wrong! Glad to see that the polish I use made their list!

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/home-products/silver-polish-reviews/best-silver-polishes

Happy Polishing....
Let us know if you try any of the homemade polishing ideas....
or comment with your favorite polishing tricks...

Have a Bright and Shiny Day!

Take a look at the Thrifty Goodwill Silver Post

Linky Parties

Someday Crafts
French Country Cottage
Potpourri Friday
Happy Hour Projects
Stuff and Nonsense
Fingerprints on the Fridge
It's a Hodgepodge Life
Six Sister's Stuff

Use What I've Got Challenge #4- Goodwill Silver

2012-01-07T11:12:00.013-06:00

What I've Got!

a lot of old silver plate that I have collected from thrift stores!

It lives on the shelves in our dining room....tarnishing away!

It seems that a lot of people get rid of silver plate....probably because it needs polishing!

My suggestion to you....

When you see it.....

Buy it!

Because I have it....

I use it.....

Over and Over and Over....Come see!

Mad For Plaid

2012-01-05T06:27:00.014-06:00

plaid/plad/

Noun:

Checkered or tartan twilled cloth, typically made of wool.
Any cloth with a tartan pattern.

However you define it....I Love It!

Burberry

Pendleton

Hilfiger.

Lauren

these designers have made fortunes using plaid for clothing and home decor!

Why? Because plaid always works!

Well.....almost always!

Read on to see some more plaid madness!

What I Used Up #3-In the Kitchen!

2012-01-02T09:48:00.009-06:00

Happy New Year!
Most of the Holiday Decorations are back in the closet!
It feels good to have clean, uncluttered surfaces!
It seems like we have been entertaining ever since Thanksgiving!
Maybe it seems that way because.... we HAVE!

The shelves, refrigerator and freezer are filled with all the leftovers from all those parties.
Add to that the hostess and "teacher" gifts.....and we have lots to USE UP in the kitchen!
That brings me to "WHAT I USED UP #3".....and a recipe for the best darn garlic toast EVER!

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Have Fabric-Will Travel!

2011-12-30T08:41:00.015-06:00

Are you ready for "Use What I've Got-2012-#2"?

I am challenging myself to make something out of something that I already have at least once every week....

This one might just win for long distance frugality!

We just got back from a quick trip to see my Mom in Florida!

She is lucky to spend her winters in this absolutely darling yellow cottage!

Mom wanted me to help her update her porch furniture with new cushions while we were there!

That inspired me to make this project into "Use What I've Got Challenge 2012- #2"

SOOO!

Use What I've Got 2012 Challenge!

2011-12-26T10:52:00.022-06:00

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

We sure did at here at Sweetwater!

Lots of family, food, fun.....and of course "Way too much of everything"!

Once the holiday passes....
I begin thinking of new stuff to do...
And old stuff that still needs doing!

That got me to thinking....
I decided to start a series of posts with the theme-

"What I Used Up This Week!"

The object will be to challenge myself to make something out of something that I already have at least once every week....
ALL YEAR
Come along for the first installment....
Dinner napkins from the old drapes! (really it is not as odd as it might sound)

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