Artists I like: Il Lee

© Art Projects International; Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York New York-based artist Il Lee creates beautiful wo...

FREE stories at paws and Tales to download for your kiddos!

Free Paws and Tales stories to download! Click on the above link to sign up for free podcasts of the Paws and Tales stories my kids love.  W...

Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi

Stars: ***** Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (2011) Illustrations by Tim Bowers Picture Book 4 and up Summary: Poppy the Pig has big dreams - lots o...

Sibling love!

Twinkie I see you grabbing Bellas headband! I am on to you! 

Dahlias quote of the day....

During a yummy dinner of pancakes..."Me and pancakes are best friends"  I will have to post that recipe for the oatmeal, whole gra...

Free Pretty Menu planner forms to download

                                  Download these good looking hard working menu planning forms here.

New works, "Winter Cabin" and "Skyline"

My birthday is in a couple of days, and all I want is a good dose of vitamin D via sunlight.  It's officially Spring, but it's been ...

Need help with healthy meal planning? FREE healthy meal plans already done!

Here is a link to some great meal plans.  These family friendly delicious meal plans use hardly any red meat, and are easy to prepare.  So s...

Get fully dramatized storys of Jesus' life on CD sent to you FREE!! plus listen to or download FREE stories for kids!

Here is a great way to get your kids to learn more about the Bible and have fun doing it.  You will also be able to get FREE story Cd's ...

Free budget forms to download from Dave Ramsey or go to this online link to set up your starter budget in 60 sec!

Many are resistant to a budget feeling that a budget will tie them down or be a bummer but the reality is that is brings freedom and a plan ...

If you pay extra on your mortgage how fast could you pay it off? Use the mortgage calculator and see!

We found out that if we started next september paying an additional $600 a month we could pay off our house in 7 1/2 years!!  How's that...

How do I get started on an envelope budget system & what is it?

This arcticle helps to explain the envelope budgeting system that really works and how to get started. Dave Ramsey's Envelope System - B...

C'mon Papa: Dispatches From a Dad in the Dark by Ryan Knighton

Stars: ***** Knopf Canada, a division of Random House (2010) Nonfiction: Memoir/Biography/Parenting 272 pages Summary: C'mon Papa is Rya...

DIY lint modeling mixture

Recycle your dryer lint into fun for kids?  Why not!  3 C dryer lint 2 C water 2/3 C flour 3 drops oil of cloves (optional) Combine the lint...

DIY Silly putty

Silly putty is so much fun and now you can make it at home! 1/4 C White glue 1/4 C liquid starch Mix the ingredients in a bowl and knead til...

DIY Window Paint

Geat for the holidays or if you have a car for sale. washable paint (like tempura paint) dishwashing liquid The more paint you use the thick...

Kitchen tips and tricks

To keep potatoes from budding place an apple in the bag with the potatoes. Brown sugar getting hard?  Throw a piece of bread in with the har...

DIY sweetened condensed milk

Save money and avoid all the unnecessary processing.  1 C Sugar 1/2 C water 1/3 C butter 1 1/3 C dry milk Combine sugar, water, and butter i...

DIY pancake syrup

Ok so it is not healthy by any stretch of the imagination but it sure beats buying the over processed store bought kind with all the added i...

DIY recipe for long term Super Bubbles

Here is a recipe for long term Super Bubbles that you can use to make a batch that will last.  If you are wanting to make bubbles to use tod...

DIY recipe for Super Bubbles

Here is a recipe for Super Bubbles you can make for your kiddos or the kiddo in you! 3 Cups warm water 1/2 Cup corn syrup  2 Cups dishwashin...

Artists I like: Jelle Martens

I don't swoon at the sight of diamonds, even if they are all over the face of a vampire heartthrob.  I am a simple girl, really.  I don...

A Read-a-thon with a 2 week old???

I am officially signing up for the Spring 24-hour Read-a-thon but I will have a two week old baby to take care of and will be recovering fro...

My experience as Etsy's Featured Seller

The ultimate goal for any Etsy shop owner is to be featured on the front page of Etsy.  So, in early February, when I was contacted by Etsy ...

Welcoming Spring with Picture Books

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand Stars: **** Holiday House (2011) Summary: Excited that spring has finally arrived, Mole tries--unsuccessf...

Luck of the Irish

Additional photos taken for the Etsy interview.  Photos by the talented Anthony Georgis . I feel lucky today for many reasons.  First, there...

What I Do With The Books I Receive for Review When I'm Done

I do various things with the books I receive: A select few I keep. Some are passed on to friends and family. Some are donated to the Public ...

My interview on Etsy

It's been my secret for the last few weeks, but I finally get to spill the beans today . . .  I'm the Featured Seller on Etsy!  I am...

Six new works and more to come

I've been revving up my art production.  This week alone, I created six new originals, and I'm currently working on two more wood pa...

Upcoming Giveaway from CSN Stores

CSN Stores is a set of 200+ online stores that sell many things from  LCD TV stands  to chairs, outdoor playsets to a new dresser and everyt...

Artists I like: Megan McIsaac

You know when someone is talented when their creative work makes you want to be a better artist, which is exactly what happened when I came ...

Swaps 2011

from the latest swapathon . . .  lovely handmade paper from Jennifer Allison yummy jam,  homemade lip balm, and a cute owl hairpin from moo...

New work

first signs of spring , 4 x 4 mixed media on birch panel The 4" x 4" wood panel is my favorite size to work on.  The small surface...

My art now in Portland shop, Tilde

Located in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood, Tilde is one of my favorite local shops.  The well-curated store is full of modern accesso...