Crash n Smash

90 deg. today !

2011-05-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here it is the first of May and it was 90 deg. today!!! Now it looks like it might rain,which we need. Texas weather is fickled :)
I really have not done anything exciting. I am waiting again for the third time for my sun-room floor to be fixed :( The floor joist's are not supported as they should have been.... now I have squeaks, dips and sags.....
My nephew and his wife are going to have their first baby, which is exciting for us since our line is running out ... He is 40yrs. and I think she is about 35yrs.
I recorded the Royal Wedding and watched it the next day. Can zip through all the busy, waiting coverage. Everything was Beautiful :) It was long and I wondered?? where All the people pottied ( did not see any portable) ??? Everyone I saw, even the little ones were still and quiet, imagine that ? Anyway they are a Beautiful couple and hope this one makes history as a lasting one:)
Hope everyone is well and enjoying Spring. Don't forget Mothers Day coming up. Sweet Hugs, Mary:)

Studio E

2011-03-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

My daughter Brandy has a blog called Studio E and is making banners, cards and much more! If you are interested in a banner for your home, she will make custom banners for you! You can see more banners at Studio E and you can email her at studioeandme@gmail.com. Her prices are very reasonable and she would love to make something for you today!

The Feminine Home by Jo-Anne:)

2011-02-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well I am to post this on my side bar, but forgot how... so for the time being it will be here:)
That happens when you get old:(
http://vintagerosecollection.blogspot.com/

Valentines :)

2011-02-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and romantic dinner and or evening out. After 30 years, ours probably is not as romantic as the next persons:) I get a heart filled with Chocolate, which makes me happy. A sweet kiss and I Love you:) I usually make some kinda of chocolate dessert for my family and cook dinner.
Texas, has been having some snow if you watch the news. It was to snow again yesterday, but we just got rain and the sleet predicted...
Happy Valentines everyone, how ever you celebrate...
Love and Hugs, Mary :)

Question Day ?

2011-01-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

Question...I bough three, nice (old?) large pink ceramic pots at a garage sale. They all had some rusty water marks, inside and out. I googled and they all used vinegar or an acid. I have gotten some off using Vinegar and comet. Does any one know of a better way??? I am thinking about taking them outside and putting oven cleaner on them.

Question...I have a lamp that some of the gold is off, and I wanted to take the rest off that spot. Tried nail polish remover, no luck. Strange it comes off when you do not want it off :(

Thank You Sweet Ladies...
Hope every one is staying warm? Love and Hugs, Mary :)

p.s. a little up date, have used oven cleaner, CLR and today paint remover
( think it was a little old) still have residue ,yuck !!!!!

Yes Mary, There really is a North Pole :)

2010-12-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well this computer and I are fighting about pictures, trying to move them with out distorting them. All I wanted to do was tell everyone.....

Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year :)

These pictures are several years old, when we went to Alaska. This first one, from the right is Burl and Mary, Betty (sister-in-law) and brother Mac and an I forgot her name lady...

Santa's workshop at the North Pole :)

The front of Santa's shop.

One of his reindeer in the back having a snack.

Well, I had a picture sitting on Santa's lap, but my mouth was open, so no you are not going to see it:) Yes, I really did sit on his lap! The funny thing he was originally from Marshall,Texas. About 50 miles from us.
Hope everyone has a Wonderful Christmas and a quiet and safe New Year.
Sweet Hugs and Love, Mary:)

Hello

2010-09-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies, yes it has been a while.....Had several little surgeries at the first of the year. Now I am thinking, going to feel better :) ... Do not ever think you will Not have a stroke...As I am having one, telling myself this is not one ! Hubby said we are going to the ER!!!No Honey, as I speak in funny words :( (took an aspirin and blood pressure med.) Well I was in the hospital for three days then went to rehab. That was the first of July. I am doing good ,walk with a cane, my words are still a little funny at time. They think it could have been my Prempro.( a tiny clot in my brain) Now I have Hot Flashes again.
Mary had it on her blog. Thank You Mary, Carole ,and Pat for the lovely cards:)
I have been reading... A Tea Shop Mystery, books by Laura Childs and The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, books by Susan Wittig Albert. Have enjoy all the one I have read, several more in each series. Also going through several boxes of old bills and shredding.
Hope everyone else has had a good summer:) Love and Hugs, Mary:)

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Sweet Ladies, Just wanted to say Happy Mother's day to everyone:)
Had a quiet day with Hubby and Brandy. We watched the new movie Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. It was better than I thought. Had lunch with family on Sat.
A newer picture of Bee and Lucy. Lucy is now a year old! The front half had some long fuzzy hairs around her face and legs. and the back half...well ...It is shorter hair. She is a smart little thing, can play ball and rope, loved ice cubes, tissues and has torn up most of the tile in her room!! Hope everyone had a nice day. Hugs, Mary

Taking a Little Break

2009-11-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am going to take a short break from my blog . I have several health issues that I need to take care of. I will have a little surgery the 4th. of Dec. All Prayers are welcome:)
Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving with their family and or friends :)
Love and Hugs, Mary:)

Thank You Carole A Bohemian Market for this award:)

Lucy

2009-07-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Lucy is my Granddogger:) Brandy has had her since the last day of school (lady in the office)she was seven weeks old. I was over yesterday and took this picture. The other one below is from several weeks ago. She has out grown one collar and has a new one (same color,with stones:)
The lady told Bee that Lucy's Mother was a Dachshund and Father a Yorkie... Well I not sure what we think????She has started to get some fuzzies on her mouth, arms, feet and back.
Stop on over at Brandy (brandystamps) she has made some beautiful new cards. she also makes wonderful banners:) Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Hugs,Mary:)

The first day she got her in June, stopping by to show us:)

Aspen and Kitty (her name)

2009-07-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

My niece turned three on June 24...This was one of her presents after a family trip.Tuesday I keep her because my Mother-in law had a small stroke and had to go to the hospital. So when her Mom brought her she laughted and said you get a 2-Fur's. It seems that she wanted to bring her Kitty to MayMay's for the day too......I ask if she was potty trained and she said yes and the pet place had already fixed her and she had little stitches. I was surprised, it usually is a couple of months, isn't it? I proceed to fix a litter box. My kitty YumYum was under the bed by now and didn't want anything to do with " IT"...By this time Aspen was playing . Well Kitty went exploring!!! she was into everything. But in a few minutes she came back to check on Aspen, She came to see what she was playing and to play too. It seemed that in the few days they had her she had bonded with Aspen. The next thing I know Kitty is hanging on the lamp shade weaving about!!!(((I got her off))) We had moved out to the sunroom now ( her doll house) , and Kitty decided she needed a better look at the birds!!!(Yes, I got her off ) I had to put her in our back bathroom while we took our nap.(with 2 doors closed ) Oh, did I tell you she was very verbal for her tiny size. Well...after our nap Kitty decided she needed a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie and perhaps Aspen's milk if only she could get past me! Aspen was playing and Kitty came over, Aspen told her to share it was her turn! Finally Kitty took a longer nap so we played until 5:oo when Daddy came for her. I was a tad tired:) and sweet Hubby said lets go get Chinese. Turns out I still had to fix a congealed salad to take to the church Wed. morning. Yes, you guessed it, I had to go to the store after we ate. I can see you smiling. Hugs, Mary:)

P.S. I tried to trim Kitty's finger nails too~~~~~~

Cupcake Banner...

2009-07-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of my Cupcake Banner that Brandy help me make at her house one day. She has all the circle or oval cutters and triangle shape for the back part. It took me all afternoon, but we had fun spending time together. If you go over to her blog, Stamping with Brandy she has a cute one in red and black for her kitchen and animal print one in her craft room. The other pictures are going around to the right in my Kitchen. I didn't get everything because around the sink was a little messy...Ya! Hope everyone is having a good week...Hugs, Mary

I made my TEA sign a while back and put sticky dots on the back, but they didn't hold, so had to put little nails. These are thin wooden letters that I decoupaged with scrapbook paper, they were a bit bright so went back over with the glitter. My cute spoon is one I got from Celeste's etsy:)

The larger picture with the pink tree was my Mothers. I started to refinish the frame years ago, but I didn't get finished, but its fits in with my other shabby pictures .

Pink Paint :)

2009-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

I have been cheering myself up... It is about 40deg. in East Texas.(drizzly rain) I have been painting my teacup hutch Pink on the inside today. ( Is it my imagination or does Pink paint ever smell pretty?) It was yellow like my walls in the sun room. Since I had to take things out to move it, thought this would be a good time. Still have to do my drawer. I have my rose candle burning and a cup of hot tea. The birds are chirping softly in the background. Yum yum got up to say hi and to get a nibble, one last scratch and back somewhere warm to sleep:) Went to get the mail and the dog to potty,back in where it is warm. Hope everyone is staying warm. Have a nice afternoon. Mary:)

Hello ???

2008-07-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

Hello MayMay (Aunt Mary ) is busy right now, can I take a message? I have been getting to come to over some this summer. Some times Brandy brings the little girl she is keeping over. Only after her nap! MayMay has been busy, she said she will be back ...She hopes everyone is having a good summer .This Texas weather is so hot!!! we only go out in the morning to water the flowers or see the dog (Britty) . Hugs to everyone, Aspen

A Beautiful Monday

2008-03-24T13:14:00.001-07:00

I am not a fan of Monday's.... Your back to work with dishes,laundry,etc...
Well :) this Monday is Beautiful. The sun is out and birds are singing and a few of my Iris's are blooming...My mail box was full of Lovely goodies. The box on the porch was some goodies I won from Miss Rhea (http://sweetnshabbyroses.blogspot.com/ ) this Beautiful Egg with hand painted roses and lace edging with even more lace and flowers on top. Not only that, she added this wonderful sugar egg, the ones she showed us how to make !!!!!! They are lovely in the picture, but you should see them in person......I Love them,Thank You So Much Rhea:)
I then went to the mail box ... I got this precious rose pin cushion from Betty's Etsy (http://shessewpretty.typepad.com/ ) and it smell of Lavender...with a rose and little rickrack leaves on top:) Thank You so sew much Betty :)...
It even had a bow :) on the wrapping with a sweet card ...
Some of my Iris's came from Mother's garden... The lighter ruffled one I bought,
but can not remember where it was???
Yes, I need to weed my flowers... If you look close,
you can only see the Bunny's ears, how sad he can not see out...

One last note, Brandy is gone to the Dr. Clinic today, We think she has strep throat...
I had it a couple of weeks ago. Please say a prayer for her so she can get back to her kids and school. Thank You.

Happy Easter

2008-03-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone...
If you have not been by Miss Rhea's (http://sweetnshabbyroses.blogspot.com/ )you are missing all her Beautiful Baskets, Sweet Cupcakes and Precious Tags .

Thrift Find and Suitcase

2008-03-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

I went to the S. Army the other day and this is what I found for $14 dollars and it was all ready Pink.... I have never rewired anything with all these arms:) It does have some of the little white shields broken, not sure where to get those. Several people stopped me in the store and said what a cute lamp. Thanks:)
The two lighter colored pieces are glass...

Mary wanted me to put my other suitcase on. It is not as smooth as the other.
The material was some I took off my Grandma's dinning chairs to recover them. I saved it for several years and wanted to use a piece even though it was not pink... The case was one my Mother used that she had gotten from her sister. I think because the material was thicker I should have trimmed my bottom layer more, beside just clipping the corners. It was to come up the bottom sides a little on this case to cover any spaces.
I sewed the rickrack and buttons on, (dressing it up a little) so later if need be I could just rip the stitch.
Got out the electric staple gun (short staples) and put the hinge cover on. Push it up close and staple as close to the top as you can get. I put some glue on the bottom and several staples. You will have to crease it at the fold of the case.
My top was a little bumpy where the big handle screws were. Also had several spots my glue got on, but didn't dry clear, dark spot.( I try not to get glue on the front of the fabric). Ok Mary, I expect to see a suitcase on your blog soon :)

Up date... Go by Mary's (Isabellascloset) and check out her Precious suitcase she made:)

Old Suitcases Revamped

2008-02-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

The first one I did last year out of flour sack material I already had... In case it didn't look good, all the little flowers would cover the mistakes...I just noticed that that little piece I talk about later is different in this one , all one piece,but still under the top piece...

When finding an old suitcase it is a good idea to smell it first! Because if it has Smoke or Mildew, just put it back, the smell does not come out... This one was $3.oo at the S.A. I brought it home and sprayed 409 on the outside and wiped it down. When you take out the insides, look to see where each piece was... Do Not throw the pieces away. Some times you can use the backs over again (clean and not torn) or just for a pattern. I am using 2 new pieces of Poster board. ( I tried to use cardboard but was too thick ) Use old pieces as pattern or measure each piece with your ruler. Cut all your pieces out. I thinned out my white glue, where I can brush it on the poster board to lay my material down. Allowing about 2 in. for the over lap on the back. When you bring your material over to the back, do not pull or it will stretch, just pat it down . I used my rolling pen to roll over the top and back when in place, like wallpaper. Doing it neat and smooth makes your front side look good :)
If you want to attach a pocket to the top or the insides, or any buttons or trim this is the time to do it before you glue in any of your pieces.
You will need about 4 yrds. of ribbon.
Over lap about 1 1/2 in. of ribbon over the back and glue ( not thinned). You can fold the ribbon back over to the front and put a staple near the edge for extra hold.
I have folded mine back to the front and sewed it down when glue was dry.

All my pieces dry ( at least 1 hr.) and ready to glue down...
Use full strength glue and start with your bottom piece. Pressing in place ,then putting your cans in corners and let dry at least an hour.
There is a little piece between the top and the inside I have sewed mine to the top. You can just glue yours . It covers over the hinges. Some cases do not have this piece. It will have to be glued in first before you glue your top. You will have to give the little piece a crease where the case closes.
When your bottom and top are dry ,next put in your long front piece ,then long back piece.The last pieces to put in are the two small sides. As you can see I have centered it and pressed it in and put my clothes pens and cans on. I did not put pockets in this one , I will try that next when I have a little more time to play and think.
It took me 3 days to do this. ( I did other things too) I think it turned out cute:)
You can click on the pictures for a better look...

My " Sunshine"

2008-01-18T13:55:00.001-08:00

Having lunch with my mother (Kitty Girl) and YumYum ...

Mom was being silly and put this necklace on me...

Borrowing Mom's chair for a little kitty nap...

My Sweet Sunshine died Thursday the 17 th. about 5:00. He was 18 years old and had diabetes and thyroid problems. Any time I sat down in my chair he was there in a flash . (YumYum does not like to sit in your lap) We will miss you sweet buddy.

Chicken Soup for Mary

2008-01-08T12:38:00.001-08:00

Look what I found ...Chicken soup for our Sweet Mary :)
Mary I am sending you soup and Heart Hugs for a very speedy recovery. Hope this finds you feeling a little better.
Campbell's is donating a share to Breast Awareness .
( Ladies, I look it as I am helping, when I buy anything pink that supports such a worthy cause. )

Christmas Cactus and Pink Necklace Tree

2007-12-03T15:12:00.001-08:00

My Christmas Cactus from the past, It is not blooming this year. It did not get enough dark time or water?
This was my necklace tree with vintage ornaments. I just hooked all the necklaces at the clasps and strung them on my tree.

My little angel has lost a wing, but she still is beautiful don't you think:) I guess she was pretty busy that year...

Hello

2007-11-26T14:19:00.001-08:00

Hello , I didn't want to leave a post with out a picture:) So this one is of my niece Aspen , before Thanksgiving at Aunt Mary's house. I dug out some old toys, and had to buy some new baby dolls .This cute chair I bought from Mary (Isabellascloset)on her e-bay. Aspen takes out the cushion and then wants to stand in the chair. I help her fluff the cushion then tell her to please sit down. She smiles her sweet smile , thinks about it and finally sits down. My sun room is only four years old and I have been having some problems with the floor. I have had the contractor over, the insurance man and finally the termite man. It seems that the contractor didn't have enough vents under the room, so the moister has caused termites and the sagging in the floor.The termite man spent a whole day drilling holes inside and out side putting the spray in. The contractor has said he will fix the floor??? They now have a dehumidifier under the house taking out about 60 gallons of water, in the last month. Needless to say I have been very upset. I usually do not vent on my blog. When you wait 10 yrs. for something, you hope that the wait is worth it. Sometimes it one step forward and two steps back.
I had some earlier pictures of the completed room in my July blog...

A couple more pictures, my rickrack that I have wrapped on the clothespins.I thought the colors were so pretty:) I bought a large box of rickrack from a lady at church that just wanted to get rid of it ...for $5.00!!! She wanted to know what I was going to do with all that, I smiled and said I am not sure yet...

That is, Miss Lizard Lips To You ...

2007-08-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday while eating lunch, my Yum Yum wanted out in the sun room. I hear a noise...looking out there, I see my sweet thing with a tail and leg hanging out of her mouth and eyes as big as saucers! ( she has never caught a lizard before) Well I jumped up and put my shoes on and grabbed the broom...When I looked back around, Brandy said she went that way! Not one of those cute green lizards, but a nasty purple stripped thing. I am hollering because I don't want it under the bed. No luck in finding her...Burl said, "Honey she has already eaten it." Ugh...... Back in the kitchen I see my older cat (Sunshine is a diabetic) sitting in my chair and eating my pasta! Got that taken care of...Loading the dishes, I see Sunshine near something in the living room, I dash in there and start to holler again. There is a body, no head, but a few pieces detached and laying in the floor. I needed help holding him and cleaning up the mess.
I needed to take a shower, we were going out for supper with Burl's Mom and Dad. (Their Birthdays) Knowing these critters make kitties sick, I shut some of the doors. Coming back in to the living room after my shower, yes you guessed it, hollering once again! Cleaned up another mess. I finally got to get dressed and do something to my hair. I am tired.....
We get to the restaurant and order. Had to send some of the salads back. Also seems that someone left some sprite in a pitcher and someone else fill it with water,
( funky water) after a few more adjustments, we finally got to eat. Had to run a few errands then finally back home. Really tired now !!!!
Needless to say when Yum Yum got her bed time brushing, I did not except my usual kiss on the cheek. And people wonder why, I sometimes do not get much done...
Hope I have provided everyone that reads this a good laugh :)

My Side Yard

2007-07-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

Since I have had back surgery I have not been able to work in my yard...These were taken three years ago, everything has grown up, including the weeds. The cute little birdbath is made with mosaic. As you can see I was still planting things. Up by the door is a rose iron panel that was on my father-in-law truck. When he sold the truck, I ask what he was going to do with it. Before he could answer my mother-in-law said what are you going to do with it? I laughed and said put it in my flowers...
When the man was pouring and doing my sidewalk, I did the mosaic step, he helped with the embedding of the ferns and the letters for Ivy Cottage. I commented how fun would it be to have cat prints. When he came came back from lunch,we both had a good laugh. Lilly had walked on the walk. :)
Poor Lilly has gone missing, the neighbor said he had seen a fox...

My Sunroom

2007-07-02T23:24:00.001-07:00

I collect McCoy, Shawnee and flower frogs. In the green pie holder are some of my small wire frogs...
My friend and I had to call my hubby to come with the truck and get my china cabinet. I made the Mosaic bird house at a class several years ago. I collect tea cups and tea pots...
I traded a bicycle for the bird cage, from my daughter's friend that was going off to collage. Covered my cushions in left over fabric from my wicker furniture. One has pink chenille, one has a flower fabric from a skirt, and two have the pink check.
Top shelf, the blue Hall tea pot was my Mother's, little brown one my Grandma's. Middle shelf, beautiful rose one from my Hubby, cute little green polka dot from my Daughter. Bottom, several Fritz and Floyd ones from my mother-in-law...
I have more furniture in this room now, but it is very messy since by surgery, so you get older pictures. The little wicker table and pink lamp are under the pictures now.
I found a round wicker table that is between the chair and couch now, with the large white lamp on it. I love old wicker flower baskets (in the windows) with wonderful tall handles...
My day bed serves as a guest bed, sometimes a lovely place for my afternoon nap :)
I have a cute quilt rack- shelf over the bed now (my daughter changed from pink to leopard print, khaki and some red ) with some quilts from Burl's Grandma...

June 26 1981

2007-06-25T22:18:00.001-07:00

Here it is 26 years later :) Burl's hair was dark brown, now it is completely gray. Mine was red, I am a strawberry blonde now...We had a very simple wedding. His Mom was in the hospital, my Dad had Lou Gehrig's disease and my Mom would not come with out him. We had the reception at my house with my best friend, my brother and wife, his two brothers and his grandparents. We had cake, Champagne and went out to dinner. We could not afford to go away any where. So back to work on Monday...

Old Suitcases

2007-06-20T12:22:00.001-07:00

I have found some great old suitcases on e-bay. This one I decided to take the lining out and use the cardboard for the back of my fabric (feed sack). I sewed my buttons and pocket on before I glued the top. I now have some vintage lace, gloves, hankies and a child's parasol in this one...

One of the siutcases came with a cute rose tag. I made some more, with my name and stamped them to look old. I have some fabric in the larger one...

Vintage Buttons

2007-06-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting vintage buttons for about 12 yrs. Some of the first ones I put on my Martha Stewart towel were white. The shell ones came a little at a time until they just all fit together with some rhinestones on the turquoise cross-stitch fabric....With turquoise thread.

I love my pink buttons, got most of them from a sweet lady that had moved to Texas from Ohio. I bought all the buttons she had at her Garage sale (several large jars)...I was so very excited, I could hardly contain myself ...
The black glass and the clear cut glass ones are so beautiful with some rhinestones on the pink cross-stitch fabric with black thread....The wonderful hand painted rose hanger came from e-bay. Her name is Saritha from vsroses .... My friend had this precious pillow case in her garage sale items. It was rather thin, I backed the fabric with some muslin and made a cover for this hanger. I put green blanket stitching around the top at the opening and sewed my buttons with green cross-stitch thread. It already had sweet little pink and green flowers and some french knots......

Yum Yum's Story

2007-06-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Yum Yum's first day, after being rescued from being hit by a car....
She was so scared.

Trying to play with a shoestring and tissue with a broken tail.

Sad baby had surgery and no more broken tail, just a little sore nub.

Taking a snuggley nap with her new Uncle Sunshine. (more on him later :)

An Introduction

2007-06-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

My name is Mary. Mary's (Isabellascloset) friend from Texas. I had back surgery March 21 and I want to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes. After six weeks of therapy I am starting to feel better.

It is wonderful that Amy got to go home and is resting comfortably with her family. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

This is our cat, Yum Yum. She was rescued by our next door neighbor's daughter, and we ended up keeping her. She is very shy, but we love her personality. She was named after the The Cat Who... books by Lilian Jackson Braun.