Bouncing Back

I'm back! Wow, it has been an event filled summer. I was blessed to witness the births of two beautiful granddaughters. They are happy, healthy and growing quickly as babies do. I have also said my earthly goodbyes to my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. As a family we have peace knowing that our loved ones who have passed are out of pain and in a much better place. We know that we will see them again and that they too are happy and growing.

Because it has been a "life and death" summer I have neglected my home and my blog. I am looking forward to fall (and praying that it will be less eventful).

I have several projects in the works and many more planned.I have appreciated your kindness, thoughtful comments,
and patience!
Thank You!

And now, a week late (so sorry!), the winner of the Vinyl Crafts giveaway is comment #26 Lacee, writer of the blog Mommas Like Me. Congratulations Lacee!

Vinyl Crafts Giveaway and A Shabby Apple Winner

Becky, momma to nine, owns a wonderful Etsy shop called Vinyl Crafts. To "keep her sanity" she makes and sells beautiful vinyl art like this chandelier silhouette---Becky wants to give away a $50.00 gift certificate to one lucky Joys of Home reader so you can choose your favorite item in her shop.
The Our Love Story plaque would make a great wedding or anniversary gift---or how about this sweet note---Or this one---In this crazy world this is always a good reminder--- This family subway art is filled with great advice--- All you need to do to win is visit Vinyl Crafts on Etsy, pick your item, and come back here to leave a comment.
Like Vinyl Crafts on Facebook for an additional entry.

The giveaway will be open until Monday, August 22, 2011 at midnight (MT).
The winner will be announced August 23rd.

Congratulations
to the winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway, comment #71. Laura Brady from As You Sew, So shall You Rip
please email me so I can get your contact info.

Life

John Lennon once said,

"Life is what happens to you
when you are busy
making other plans."

That pretty much sums up my life at this time. Even though I have an abundance of plans for projects and make-overs, there are many more important things happening right now. My husband's brother-in-law just passed away yesterday after a hard fight with cancer. We are celebrating his life while grieving with those he left behind.
We are also gathering around the bedside of my mother-in-law to express our love and bid her a farewell from this earthly existence. It is a difficult time for our family but we have peace knowing that life does not end. We know that our loved ones will be in a better place, surrounded by those who have gone before.
So please forgive me as I attend to "real life." In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the giveaways I have already planned (this is the last day to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway) and that you'll be patient with only an occasional post.
(edited to add: My mother-in-law passed away this evening, Monday, August 15th, 2011. She was devoted to her family and left behind a legacy to be proud of. She will be greatly missed.)

Shabby Apple Giveaway

Shabby Apple is an on-line boutique featuring women's dresses, skirts, fitness clothes, and swimsuits. They also sell aprons, as well as jewelry and accessories.
They have so many beautiful dress styles. I couldn't narrow it down to just one so here are my top four favorites:

The KananiThe North ShoreThe Ciderand of course having three little granddaughters
I had to choose one of the little girl's dresses,
The Pink Panther

Shabby Apple has generously offered to giveaway one of these four fabulous dresses to a Joys of Home winner (US resident only).
Simply go to Shabbyapple.com and pick your favorite item, then come back here and leave a comment.
For an additional entry "like" them on Facebook---which will also give you special promotions and exclusive discounts.

If you don't want to wait to win you can get 10% off your Shabby Apple order by entering the coupon code joysofhome10off at checkout.
The giveaway will be open until midnight (MT)
Monday, August 15th 2011.
Winner will be announced August 16th, 2011

A Fragrant Comeback

It's been said that carnations are making a comeback and regaining popularity. It must be so because carnations were the predominant blossom in the flower section at my grocery store. And even though I wondered if people not in-the-know would scoff at my choice, I picked a bunch to bring home. Once the carnations were placed inside my car their strong, licorice-y fragrance made me feel like I had traveled back in time. Carnations remind me of high school dances. Isn't is amazing how certain odors can bring back memories. Each spring I love to plant petunias in my flower beds because their smell brings back memories of a certain amusement park I would go to as a child every year on my birthday.

Do you associate memories
with fragrant flowers?

Project Do-Over

Does summer make you as project crazy as it does me? Once the weather starts to turn warm I begin to double my list of projects---which is disappointment just waiting to happen. Many of the items on this summer's list where also on last summer's: Strip the paint off one son's bed frame, paint an armoire for another son's room. organize the storage room . . . you get the picture.
Then, of course, I add new projects like paint and recover the chairs I just purchased at the thrift store.I could have gotten to several of these projects this summer if it had not been for one thing, the dreaded PROJECT DO-OVER!
I have two projects that I have had to do-over this summer because they didn't turn out the way I would like. My kitchen table got a facelift and I was in love until the first scratch appeared. Then there is my dining room wall that I've already painted with three different techniques and each has only brought me feelings of "like instead of love." I am determined to tackle, and FINISH, these two projects within the next few days. So if you don't hear from me you'll know that it's because I have succumbed to Project do-over!

Inspiration Bins and a Scetnsy Win

I have a habit of picking up little "this and thats" at the thrift store or on clearance. It may be a bag full of pulls, a metal house number, curtain rings, hooks, or a monogram. It could be finials, balusters, wood feet, or a miscellaneous part. It's always that little item that is very inexpensive but when I see it the wheels in my head begin to spin.
I keep my this and thats sorted in bins. When I need a pretty knob or a little something to finish off a project, the starting point for a new design or just a reason to smile, I pull out my containers. It's wonderful to have that perfect finishing touch or an object of inspiration tucked away, just waiting to be pulled from it's bin.

Congratulations to Michele of Houseful of Heathens! Random Generator picked her comment, number 84, as the winner for the Scensty giveaway. Michelle, please email me your info so I can send it to Chilly from Scentsy.