My Sunday Drives

matte art

I love Sundays. They are a time of renewal, peace, relaxation. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we choose to keep the Sabbath Day holy in a rather strict way as we interpret the commandment quite literally. No parties. No vigorous cleaning, sports, maintenance... No spending money. No working (if one can help it). No making others work (so no going out to eat). No going to the lake/mall/movies or any other form of entertainment. We fill up our tanks of gas and do our grocery shopping on Saturday if we must as a day of preparation. We limit our play and our online/tv entertainment and other worldly distractions so as to not interfere with maintaining the spirit and peace we feel on this day. Visit here to find out why we believe this helps.


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Some may view this lifestyle as restricting, but I see it as freeing. It is a day where I am not pulled to and fro by the world. A day where I don't have to run errands, or commit to attending events, a day where it is all about enjoying my family and faith. Sunday evenings are the times when we invite our families and friends to dinner to fellowship and get to know each other. There is a true peace I feel on this day. I believe everyone would do well to have a true day of rest. No matter your religious beliefs, you must try a day of meditation, rest and positive energy once to see how refreshing it can truly be!


dfr design

One such way we enjoy spending our Sundays, are on Sunday drives. I believe these started out at a time when churches required a much farther distance to travel. But now, though our church is but blocks away, we enjoy taking a detour to get home. Though the scenery isn't particularly astounding in a Texas suburb, we switch the routes up and look for pretty yards with lots of trees and flowers.


Bonnie's Knitting classic driving cap

Sunday drives are a time to talk, reflect on our Sunday lessons, bare our testimonies to each other and interact and enjoy the scenery we have before we unpile the kids out of the car and heft them up three flights of stairs to cook them dinner after a long 3 hour church service.


Tell Tale Signs

I believe it is good to do that. Quietly ponder and then vocally reflect on your feelings on your drive, before the hustle and bustle of life swifts you away once you are no longer trapped in the confines of your automobile.

What do you enjoy doing on Sundays?

To and Fro

photo by bomobob

A couple of days ago, I took my boys to see Nim's Island. A movie I had never really considered seeing before but it was all that was available.


shipwreck gown by threadbare uk


Our movie theatre has a free kid movie every Tues/Wed in the morning. I, having a hard time leaving my home during the day, decided to face the challenge and take the boys on a rare outing. I felt I had a bit (though not as extreme) in common with Alexandra in the movie who is a raging agoraphobic. We all really enjoyed the message behind the movie. And Gerard Butler. But mostly the message (and scenery).


earrings by kathryn riechert

The message that we must face our fears head on in order to conquer them. That we cannot be stifled by ideals, technology or criticsm lest we should fail to thrive. That sometimes being alone is okay, but having a confidant is even better.


photo by ds brennan

That happiness does not need to come through large means. That not even an expanse of an ocean unexplored cannot keep you from reaching your destiny. (you just need a bit of a push and make an effort to do it).


pelican by sandra healy

So, this is to my staycation this summer, trying to find ways to stay afloat amidst those currents of doubt, fear, anxiety, health, financial struggles, personal limitations...


photo by h o g n e

To aid you in your waves of inspiration, is the lovely Seaside Beauties collage by Faerie Enchantment of the Faerie Zine.

Feed Your Soul [through free art]

Indie Fixx has a new little feed your soul art collective. She explains it all HERE and you can download your free (personal use only) art HERE. If you are an artist, you can contribute and if not, you can spread the word! Here's a sampling:







There are some seriously gorgeous works here from some of my favorite artists... I intend to get a whole slew of them and hang them on my new "art gallery wall". Don't worry, my little folks, I will update with pics soon enough. I gotta get some frames and such first!

For all of you that like vintage epherma, labels, gypsies, cards, children, babies, angels, mermaids, beauties, holidays, Marie, cherubs, horses, Strawberry Shortcake and more... then check out Suzee Que's free to use (personal) flickr stream!! Here's a sampling:







At Vintage Printable, you will find hundreds of vintage prints, namely from vintage books of science, medical, animals, nature, mustaches, wigs, fantasy and mythological, poster art, political, gnomes, steampunk... Here's a sampling:


The Virgins Whistler



humor, high society, poking your nose into others business
i love this one



For lovers of antique maps and sea charts, you MUST visit Helminks. They are dealers of the real genuine article not reproductions or scans, but the high quality images of them are breathtaking! Here is a sampling:


Antique map of Holland


Antique Anemographica map by Lotter


Antique Map of West Africa by Linschoten

Tender and Sweet, Movie and Popcorn Treats!

Last night, as is our routine as of late, we put the kids down and watch a Netflix instant streamed movie on our Xbox 360. Lately, we have been focusing on watching independant and foreign films in order to become more distinguished and cultured (ha!) but on other nights, we watch The Office over and over and over again. (how many times is too much to watch a rerun and lose our classiness?) Do you have any suggestions for movies for us to watch? (no rated R, nudy, cussy, too sexy ones tho!)



So far we have watched Man on Wire (very interesting indeed, watch out a random nude scene that comes from nowhere) about a passionate Frenchman lunatic (imo) who crosses the New York Twin Towers in 1974 on a tight rope. The journey is intense and gripping, a very well done documentary.


vintage film reel from sushipotparts




Confessions of a SuperHero, amazing documentary about the SuperHeros who "work on tips" in Hollywood to take photos with tourists. They pretty much all need a little bit of (okay a lot) of mental therapy. Well, Hulk is the most normal, actually. Just watch it, you will be amazed.


popcorn stamp by Cupcake Tree



Primer, is a film about a team of guys who are obsessed with building a time machine. It is interesting, quirky, and even hard to follow in some parts even for people like me, who tends to follow brainy movies quite well. This review pretty much sums it up completely, I actually really liked this movie though!


popcorn soap by LoveLee Soaps



But, our latest movie was Cj7. I loved, no, LOVED this movie. My husband loved it. At various points of the movie we were laughing, crying, screwing up our eyebrows saying "wth?", being totally humbled (I even felt guilty at times for being so concerned with slipcovers and new drapes and such), and at the very end... well, you should just watch it. You will want this space alien toy dog to be yours forever too.



Well, really, my post wouldn't be complete without some sort of decorating or craftiness, so here are two gems. These would be perfect for family movie night, a craft, treat and time together watching a fun and inspiring film. Popcorn bag idea from Gretchen of the Examiner.



You’ll need one sheet of 8 1/2” x 11” paper for each bag. Lay the paper in a horizontal position and draw dotted vertical lines 2 1/2”, 3 and 3 1/2” from each side with a pencil and ruler. Draw horizontal lines 1/2” from the top and bottom.

Draw angled lines down from the lower horizontal line and middle vertical lines to the bottom of the page. Use the template shown as a guide. Cut away the sides leaving a flap.

Trim the horizontal top of the paper with pinking shears or other decorative scissors.



Paint stripes down the center of the bag with a thin paintbrush and craft paint or wide colored markers. When the paint is dry, write “Fresh Popcorn” on the bag in black and add a few simple stars for cinematic appeal.

Fold in accordion style on the dotted vertical lines. Burnish the creases with the back of a spoon. Adhere the folds in back with a glue stick. Fold and burnish the bottom flap and glue. Your popcorn bag is ready to be filled with a hot buttery snack!

ps, search Etsy for popcorn! All kinds of neat treats, like curry popcorn to popcorn crafts are there!

And last but not least, a popcorn ball recipe!



INGREDIENTS (Nutrition- ha!!)
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup margarine
2 teaspoons cold water
2 5/8 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup marshmallows
5 quarts plain popped popcorn

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners' sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Yeilds, 20 popcorn balls

Wrapped in Warmth

A Royal Affair Necklace by Jeweled Ambrosia

I was up until 3 am listing/photographing/designing new jewelry last night, so my post today will mostly be a compilation of other wonderful posts and thoughts, since my creative side is pretty tired right now!

Now, I read The Nester's blog and love it to pieces. Earlier in the week, she had a great post about weighing the pros and cons of your craft, and if it is worth it or not. She really does a great job at pinpointing a lot of important factors. I am going to elaborate on the financing part. (doesn't she have a lovely craft room?)



I also started my business without going into debt. As a matter of fact, we don't even have a credit card. I know! This is how I started my jewelry business. I put random furniture, baby clothes, toys, maternity clothes, electronics... on Ebay, Craigslist and second hand shops like Kid to Kid. If I lived in a house, I would of had a garage sale (or three). I cut some friends hair. I stopped making frivolous purchases (wasn't doing that much anyways.) I made about $400 and I used that to buy my supplies. Also, I traded with some supply sellers to get a little bit of items as well to experiment with.

I felt really guilty about using that money, not knowing what would happen, but then I had to remember that I was decluttering the house, and that is always a good thing! Now, I only purchase supplies after I have a sell, so my Paypal account is my ultimate decision maker for me.



Alicia Poulsen over at Posie Gets Cozy has nailed one of my favorite Indian food recipes. Chicken Tikka Masala and naan. Now, she shares lovely photos and the recipe, oh yay! So THIS POST serves to share the nummy yumminess with you, but also to bookmark it for me!


Lobster and Flower Fine Art Photograph by esoule

One last thing I needed to say. I think, we have a tendency to be quite hard on ourselves. If you are anything like me, you expect a certain level of tasks to always be completed and in good order. Some days, I will out do myself, all the laundry, all the dishes, all the dusting/vacuuming, packaging and shipping, blogging... but then I am too deflated to take care of what matters most... My sanity, my spirituality and my family. I absolutely love this video (talk by Elder Jeffery R. Holland, more short inspirational videos like this HERE. )The message really brings to light what is the most important in this life. Perfect reminder on demonstrating love for friends and family. Watch it with your family. Hold hands. Make brownies. Play together. Don't yell. Teach each other. Pick flowers. Fold laundry together. Be nice.



I think that if you start your day with a prayer for thanks, comfort, and a plea for help, search your scriptures, and meditate on your important tasks first, then the others will soon follow in line.

Also, it is important to pace yourself. Not all can be accomplished in one day. Set realistic goals. If you are a list maker like me, a list can accomplish two things.

1. Helps you to realize all that needs to be done.
2. Makes you feel like there is no way you can do all that needs to be done.

So, take your list and break it down. Put the important things first. Tackle each thing one by one, careful to rest and spend time with your family or self during the breaks. Mark them off as you go as well, and treat yourself for accomplishing those tasks.


vintage alarm clock from 26 Olive Street

If you are an internet junkie like me (my blog and business IS on here after all)... set a kitchen timer and when that thing rings, turn off the computer, and do your next task. Sometimes, that loud, obnoxious buzzing sound is the only thing that can pull you out of the abyss of the internet!

Treat your happy home and family like the lovely little cottage dwellers that you can be.


Dwellings by Petite House

Lastly, I want to share with you this absolutely amazing tutorial by Cathe Holden of Just Something I Made. It is an iron on transfer leather wallet, complete with step by step instructions and images, click HERE.


Peace and warm thoughts of banana bread to you all!

A Friend Like This, Elephant Sweeties

Tea with Emma by Lindsay Art


Felt Elephant Embellishments by (me!) Little Lovables


Pudding Blue Baby Elephant by Jenny Loves Benny


I wish I had a friend like this! Such a sweet blessing. I must say first though, that it has always been my life long dream to work in animal rescue and at a sanctuary of exotic wild or ocean animals!! More elephant cuteness HERE on Mayhem Arts.



For two more of my favorite inspirational animal videos, see my LINK HERE.


Elephant Painting video...


Always by rkdsign88



I Love You Friend by Sarah Jane Studios


Ella and Matilda by EllaBlue


Blu Sky by Indigo Rain

Also, this video of Dennis Quaid on the Ellen show is hilarious!