Tales from a Tree House Home

A Fun Night in the Tree House

2011-04-15T15:22:00.001-05:00

WOW! Last bnight was so much fun! We were all alone and Momma was getting ready for bed when Daddy said "W hat is that sound"? Course we had to go look and believe me it was loud this deaf lady heard it. We looked outside the patio door and low an behold ther was ICE coming down outside.

We decided to take some pictures as the Hail Storm progressed...I couldn't refrain from taking pictures the next day until the ice was gone. Thankfully our cars were not damaged and it is surprising since the hail stones were quite large as you can see.
Hope you enjoy the slide show of April Hail Storm from the Tree House...

Come by the Shweet Potato Dolls Blog at http://www.shweetpotatodolls.blogspot.com/ and join my friends.
Shweet Sandi

Catchin Up

2011-03-19T01:18:00.000-05:00

Wow It's March already and the Tree House is starting to get hot in here. We did not have much of a winter but what we did have was nice and cold. The grass is green and the flowers have all bursted out in blooms. Sassy Soaps N Such has been closed for a while. Sassy Kassy recdently graduated from Paul Mitchell Hair School and she has passed ALL her Texas State Boards. Me? Well I have havebeen working on making our life healthier especially me. I've lost 25 pounds and I'm eating gluten free and feeling better than I have in more years than I can remember.

We would love to invite each of you to come check out our Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns' Blog . Soon you will see a makeover here but never fear we'll be in here sharing life in the our Shweet Tree House. If you create Melt n Pour Soaps, (which we still do but for family gifts and personal usage), we hope to share some of our methods and fun things you can do with family and friends.

This past week I pulled out the sewing machine and dressed one of the many nekkked dolls that has been sitting on the table asking for clothes. You can see her on our Shweet Potato Dolls Blog and at Country Fried Primitives.

Oh one last thing before I go to Dream Land I am so excited to let everyone know I am going to be a grandma in September!
See you all soon and watch for our makeover....Maybe we'll give a doll away.

Sorry it's been so long

2011-01-27T16:23:00.000-06:00

WOW it has been a rough have of a year. Love my new Dr and she is trying hard to find a solution to the severe headaches and pain. So sorry I have not been blogging or creating. It's there in my head but just can't get it out.
I have been spending time working on learning things that will help me with my fibro and also learning to be totally Gluten Free since I have Celiac Disease.

It was a wonderful holiday season...so happy Jeremy was home from Iraq and spending time with his beautiful family in a new home. Oprah today is talking about our wonderful military families and those who come bach hurt or in caskets. If you get time to watch it ..it will give you chills.

Keelee my beautiful oldest daughter has set her wedding date with Jesse for June 11, 2011. We are hoping to be the first in line to rent the Gabazo in Olde Town Carrollton for the services. Can't rent it til March 11s.

My youngest Kassy finished Paul Mitchell and passed phase 1 of her liscensing. Now she needs to take her practial and she will be set to gt into a salon.

Well I decided I have to make up one of the dolls in my head for spring... so off I go.

Hope to see you all soon and hears how you are all doing.
sandi
shweet potato dolls n patterns

Mom finally listed her Doll

2010-09-25T19:55:00.004-05:00

Sassy Kassy is Back!

Hi ALL ! Wanted to say Thanks for all the support you have shown Mom and Me and YES I finally finished Paul Mitchell Partner Hair School now i have to take a written and pracital test and then I can go work in a Shoppe. I am still doing hair so if you need your hair cut or colored and you are in the Dallas area give me a jingle 214-802-3503

I am so proud of Mom. She gets up every day even in pain and tries to do a little something and this week she has been working on new ornies. I think she needs to stop and write up her Halloween Ornies as a pattern. They are really cute.
She has this bright Day of the Dead doll she worked on like forever and it has been in out living room just hanging out with all of us. I thought she would do well on eBay but Mom insisted she go to hang out in her Poppy Shoppe first. She also marked down some of her Dolls, so come by and help out my mom get her meds. She will be adding one more new thing to her Poppy Shoppe tomorrow and also new Thanksgiving items to her AB4B Marketplace Shoppe.

OHHHH If you like Halloween Check out ALL the ladies' Poppy Halloween Shoppes too.

Mom's BFF Angie of Angie's Raggedy Patch has a cool Mummy and Mom has a scarey Zombie Ghost.......Come by now before Oct cause you know you need to decorate and get in the Spirit!

Dye ohhh I mean Bye for Now

Sassy Kassy

Fall is in the Air and NEW Issue of Rusty Tin Roof eZine IS HERE!

2010-09-17T03:57:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness next to Christmas, Fall has to be my most favorite time of the year...well really they are tied in my book. Fall in Texas is really like summer ya know, so I think back to my days growing up in Memphis and the leaves falling from the trees and the wonderful fall smell in the air. Course that was over 30 yrs ago but who is counting (shoot I am lucky to remember that far back).

Tonight was one of those sleepless nights but that is okay for 3 reasons. 1. I celebrated Keelee's 23rd birthday with her today (well really yesterday the 16th). 2. We went to Octoberfest to celebrate her birthday and I walked and drank some wine and watched the music and dancing. Course this is the reason I can't sleep but it is so worth the pain! 3. The new issue of Rusty Tin Roof eZine came out today and it is BIG, so hop over and download your copy or just do what I do read it right there. It is BIG so give it time to download. There are free patterns, food to make, articles that filled my night with reading pleasure and made me want to go sew, craft and maybe even paint a little.

Pop over to http://www.rustytinroof.com/ and click on the Fall Magazine Cover to get your issue today!
Then come by the Rusty Tin Roof Blog and tell DJ and her staff what you liked about the eZine.

Well off to do some more reading and maybe draw out a pattern or two.
Get ready for Fall Ya'll ..cause it is already here!

First Monday Sales from Etsy Texas Crafters

2010-09-06T04:42:00.000-05:00

ETC or Etsy Texas Crafters are a group of artists and collectors who live in Texas or wish they did. We gather together several times a month to hold fun sales and challenges. On the first Monday of each month we hold our ETC FIRST MONDAYS and it will be 24 hours of a special kind of sale. This 1st Monday is it FREE SHIPPING!

"ETC First Mondays -- 24 Hours of sales & special offers held on the first Monday of every month (12:01am - 12:00 midnight, Central Time / 1:01am Monday - 1:00am Tuesday, Etsy Time). For a list of participating shops and their sales, join us in the Etsy forums at http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?page=1&thread_id=6620042

My shoppe has free shipping in the USA.Come by and take a peek at Sassysoapsnsuch

The Hive

2010-08-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

Found a new fun place to promote your business or hobby. Come by the hive and see what it all about
Crafting in The Hive
Just in case you forget the link I will have it on the ---------->>>sidebar for you.

Ewe N Me Printables 20.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway

2010-08-18T07:48:00.003-05:00

Welcome to another Handmade Sampler Giveaway. Today's giveaway is sponsored by Deena Davis of Ewe-N-Me Printables. Deena is offering a $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE to her website, www.ewenmeprintables.com

You can get to her blog to find out all the details by clicking on the button below.

I have to tell ya I love the printables in her shoppe and also if you make epatterns you can get professional e-patterns converted by her too. Come by and check it all out!

Poppy Halloween Shoppe NEW Zombie added today

2010-08-13T11:02:00.000-05:00

What a perfect start to your Halloween Season! This Creepy Ghost Zombie is made to hang or sit and is just begging to come stay with you today. Traveling expenses are paid in the USA.

Today is $5.00 Friday on Etsy for our AB4B Street Team. To find all our $5.00 goodies just type in AB4B5 and look under ALL ITEMS.

A Primitive Journey Community and DFW Chapter

2010-07-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Come Join A Primitive Journey Community

Why u ask?

When looking for a place to meet primitive lovers online, I personally like a place that is friendly.... folks welcome everyone and treat each person as if they have known you for years. I also want a place where folks share. They share of themselves as well as their knowledge. AND lastly I look for a place that is unique....different....fun to come in and stay a while.

This Community has it all and MORE.

What are Chapters?

A Primitive Journey has come up with an unique concept where primitive lovers and artist in different cities will be able to meet together to see each other face to face as well as spend time together. It might be something as simple as gathering at a local primitive or antique store to go window shopping ( or shopping for real) or meeting for dinner to talk about what we love most PRIMS. Maybe your city's chapter might want to start a "sewing circle" night once a month where you gather and everyone bring something to work on and you work and visit at the same time.

It is a fun way to get to know face to face your primitive neighbors.

Now what is that big ole Cowboy helmet doing in the middle of our Prim chat? Well..... We are looking for primitive lovers, collectors, artists and crafters in the Dallas/Fort worth Area to join our DFW Chapter.

HOW Do you join?First you need to join A Primitive Journey Community.

Once you are approved come in and introduce yourself and then visit the different sections. Don't be shy there are so many places to come in and visit. The HEN HOUSE is where you can come and just visit, FREEBIE section you wil find lots of free patterns and crafts.

OH of course to sign up for our DFW Chapter head over to the section called

Last but not least one of the best things about joining a local chapter is ...

There will be a National Convention in August 2011

so you will already know folks and you can travel and stay together.

(I hate going to places alone or where I don't know a face

this makes a National Convention Perfect in my books.)

If you have any questions just drop me a note put APJ in the subject line and I will get right back with ya.

Come One and All and See my New Poppy Halloween Shoppe

2010-07-23T03:03:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to announce that I am officially a member of POPPY HALLOWEEN SHOPPES!
I love Halloween, Gothic, Day of the Dead inspired creations and here you swill be able to find these awesome creations all year long. If you like to play with "dead thing" and work in the extreme primitive or folk art style you need to check out joining us as we play around in the graveyard. If you just want to dance amoung the tombstones come by for a visit, You will find us at LemonPoppy Seeds just look for the Logo like the one above.

y

New Issue of Rusty Tin Roof is OUT NOW

2010-06-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

This wonderful prim online magazine is packed to the brim with articles, ads, crafting tips and FREE ePatterns. Rusty Tin Roof Ezine

Better YET read this ezine to the very end to find out about a new Marketplace taking Memberships right now!

Sadly I am not in this issue but plan to get back in with some new Tales from the Shweet Tree House for the FALL Issue and even a FREE ePattern too.

So head on over and get you issue right now today! RUSTY TIN ROOF EZINE

To my sweet Christy on her graduation from Bville High

2010-05-08T09:14:00.009-05:00

Don't EVER Let Anything Stand in the Way of YOUR Dreams....

Catch the star that holds your destinty.
the one that forever twinkles
within your heart.
Take advantage of precious opportunities,
while they still sparkle before you.
Always believe that your ultimate goal
is attainable as long as you
commit yourself to it...

Though barriers may sometimes
stand in the way of your dreams,
remember that your destiny is hiding behind them.
Accept the fact that not everyone
is going to approve of the choices you make
but have faith in your judgement.

Catch the star that twinkles in your heart
and it will lead you to your destiny's path.
Follow that pathway and uncover the
sweet sunrises that await you.
Take pride in your accomplishments
as they are steppingstones to your dreams.
Understand that you may make mistakes
but don't let them discourage you.

Value your capabilites and talents
for they are what makes YOU truly unique.

The greatest gifts in life are not purchased
but acquired through hard work
and determination.

Find the star that twinkles in YOUR heart
for you are capable of making
your brightest dreams come true.
Give your hopes everything you've got
and you will catch the star
that holds your destiny.

~Shannon M Lester

Tales from the Tree House...Patio

2010-05-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

Wow this has been a really strange week weather wise. We've gone from the 50s all the way to the 90s in a matter of 2 days. Dry as a bone to rain so hard one can't see. But ya know what??? God sent us a beautiful gift the other night. We are so blessed with our new place. It is like living in a Tree House over looking a green grass field with beautiful wild flowers blooming every few days. There is a daily train that comes down the trackes behind the grassy knoll but it's not loud and Chico loves to see them come by.
Kassy came running in the other night after it has been raining so hard and grabbed the camera. Out to the Tree House Patio she ran and this is the reason why.........

When my days are long and I can't sleep,

When life seem to much for me to bear,

I step outside the doors, to my Tree House Patio,

and I am reminded that God is everywhere.

Thank you Lord for helping us find the perfect place on earth.

My Little Tree House Apartment is the peaceful and still,

It's a heaven for my family, Chico and me.

Check out this Giveaway and this really Cool BLOG

2010-04-22T15:09:00.000-05:00

I was doing what i always seem to do cruising around pattern sites and of course I started with Pattern Mart where i discovered this really cool Turkey ePattern by Hudson's Holiday I must have and got!

While I am looking I decide to visit the whole pattern shoppe and of course if they have a blog listed I have to go check out Hudson's Holiday's blog.
Well First off let me say this gal is an amazing designer! The pattern i just got the NEW Thanksgiving Turkey looks well written and easy to understand and lots of tips!
On her blog she has a giveaway going on and It is a good one!
So go over and see what you might win........ or I might win.

Now let me get busy making one of these awsome Turkeys to remind my shweetheart that i want to go Turkey Hunting this year!

Do your like patterns?

2010-04-12T03:54:00.000-05:00

Ya'll need to come by Epattern Shoppes blogs and check out some of the pattern designers that are at Epattern Shoppes Marketplace.

Just wanted to show you a couple of patterns you can find there in the Marketplace
From Frogs to Fairy Dust

Get ready now for the fall craft show season with Sassafras Hill Primitives.

In my house these Spice Cabinet Belsnickles would always be welcome and out for all to see.

Now if you are a pattern designer yourself come by and see how Epattern Shoppes can help grow your business.

There is a Spring special going on right now and the perfect time to join up and sell your ePatterns.

Pricing Choices are as follows:

                                   ~ $9.99 Per Month by Paypal Payment Subscription

                                   ~ $30 for 6 Months by Paypal Payment Subscription

                                   ~ $50 for 1 Year by Paypal, Visa or Mastercard.

                                     **Please Note: All Orders are Non-Refundable.**
         love it there and hope you will love it too. Come take a peek inside my shoppe Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns.

Hope to see ya at our MaRkEtPlAcE Soon!

Pay It Forward Wednesday ...Gotta tell ya about Whiff and Sniff Candles

2010-04-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

(graphic by Carm with Shweet Potato Designs.)

Today is Pay It Forward Wednesday! What is Pay it Forward or PIF? Well this is something started a long time ago and talked about on many TV Shows. To me it is Karma like Winn Claybaugh talks about in his book "Be Nice or Else...and what's in it for you". You do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return. Some examples are paying for the person behind you in line at the drive thru. Asking the person at the window to tell the person in the next car to "Have a great day and pay it forward". Maybe it is something as simple as smiling at everyone you see today...saying hello, good morning, good afternoon, etc to every single person you come in contact with. Get the idea.... Nice things bring nice things and believe me when I tell you that if you implement this into your life, as a regular thing you will see the difference it makes.
The smiling and speaking to everyone you see thing, I now do every day.

Now I know I am homebound and don't get out much but I do walk with Chico and we do see folks from our Tree House Patio.We make a point to speak to them from our Tree House or on our walks. I also like to do a little something extra on Wednesdays of each week. When I could drive, I would go to Starbucks on Wednesdays for my coffee habit and always paid for the car behind me. This was something I planned for and used money from my pattern sales to do. Now that I can't drive anymore I had to come up with something special I could do here in my apartments. So we've been here 6 weeks and for each Wednesday we have been here I have taken a note to a different apartment with a small Spring ornament that has lavender inside and hung it on a door. Just wishing them a Happy Day. No info on who it came from just a little note that it is Pay It Forward Wednesday and short explaination on what PIF is.
Last week I took one to each of the gals in the office here at the apt complex. They said they wondered who was spreading the good cheer that the other 5 weeks the person receiving came by the office to thank them and they were preplexed but decided to Pay it Forward themselves from now on.

So today I want to do something a little different for my PIF Wednesday. I want to tell you about an amazing company that I get my tarts/melts from. When every I have extra money I will order a Little Black Box. What is a Little Black Box you ask? Well it is really a little black bag filled with samples of all kinds from all over the place. You can click on Little Black Box and check out the site yourselves. Wonderful samples of all kinds from soap and candles to jewerly and crochet items... and more. Anyways I tried all the tart/melt samples (if you don't know what a tart is, it's a small scented wax thing you burn in an electric or candle melter and makes your home or office smell wonderful) and decided that i love the scent throw and love smell life of Whiff and Sniff Candles the best. So I went to their website and ordered me some. Well I was surprised and pleased to find out THEY are the owners of Little Black Box!
I got my order in last week and OH MY I am in Scent Heaven!

I order the Shooters as seen above and one burning have one going in my tartwarmer right now...second day and it smells as wonderful as it did yesterday.

I ordered the Super Spring Pack and have Petals of Spring:( A fresh spring floral aroma of top notes of freesia, and jasmine, followed by notes of lily of the valley, honeysuckle; base notes of plum and raspberry.) melting right now and have to tell ya when Marty walked in last night from work he asked me if I has on perfume for him...he said I smelled so good. I laughed and told him it was the new melts. He told me I needed to "burn" that one all the time.

So folks my Pay It Forward for Today is to send everyone over to Whiff and Sniff's website to check out what she has to offer. You don't have to buy just go by and see what she has...If you do buy some make sure to check out the Super Spring and Summer Packs.

Well off I go to create 2 Shweet Dollies for a Swap but before I go

Always Remember That YOU are Special and Important in My Life!

Come visit a new shoppe I found ..Little Craft Cottage

2010-03-31T15:41:00.000-05:00

OH My I found the cutest most prim shop today while visiting with a gal on line. Come by Little Craft Cottage and check out her dolls, handmade creations and patterns.
I fell in love with this doll...have to ask Hubby for it.

Just had to share the prim.......

Shweet Dragonfly Annie Pattern

2010-03-30T17:19:00.001-05:00

So excited! Mom just finished a new Shweet Potato Dolls and the pattern too. The doll is on her way to a new home but the pattern you can get and make yourself.
Come by and check her out.

Shweet Potato Dragonfly Raggedy Annie and Ornie Pattern

Another Shweet Potato Dolls N Pattern original doll and ornie pattern. This pattern makes a 9 inch ...

Price: US$6.00

Shweet Graphics onSale right now and new graphics too from Shweet Poato Designs

2010-03-24T14:55:00.004-05:00

As many of you know Carm with Shweet Potato Designs is my Muse for most my dolls and patterns. She creates they most awesome graphics and I have to tell you about her sale going on right now with all her OLD Graphics and also show off her new Website and graphics that are there.
Let's get to the old folks first (like me)
YOU can find her older graphics on her older graphics on her Shweet Doodlings Blog at start here and go older til you hit the end. Make a list of the graphic and the date of the blog and send it to her at shweetpotato@gmail.com

Her old graphics are 1.00 each and that does include websites that you will add the text on yourself. Great time to stock up.

Now for the new graphics... I saw this one today and I think this one will have to be made up into a doll very very soon ...well 2 dolls

You can find her new graphics at http://www.shweetpotatodesigns.com. The picture might look a little distorted when you first see them but click on the picture to see it in it's shinning glory.
Carm is always open for suggestions for new graphics too and let me tell ya this girl has a heart as big as the state of Texas ohhhh Utah... she designed the Autism Annie Graphics for Age*Before*Beauty's eBay charity auctions.

Rusty Tin Roof Spring 2010 has just been released

2010-03-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

YES I am so excited the newest edition of Rusty Tin Roof has been released and it is jam packed full of articles and even free patterns.

Come get your issue today. You don't have to download it to read it and get the free epatterns. Just click View when you hit the download page and have a blast!

To make sure you get notice of all the ezine releases make sure to sign up for the newsletter.

Good Morning from the Shweet Tree House it's Marketplace Day

2010-03-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

It is a wonderful morning at the Shweet Tree House.... we have reopened our two shoppes at Lemon Poppy Seeds and Country Fried Primitives Marketplaces.
Just wanted to give you a peek at one new creation in each of the Marketplace shoppes for Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns. Of course we are not the only shoppes there...come take a stroll thru the shoppes and check out all the creations. Make sure to visit the pattern and scent shoppes listed below the hand did shoppes.
This is our Easter Momma with Baby and Peep

From the Country Fried Primitive Marketplace you can find some of our Springtime creations with more to be added as we get boxes unpacked from or recent move.

Shweet Easter Bunny Doll

If you want to make this Shweet Easter Bunny yourself you can get both the paper and epattern in our Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns Shoppe

Have a great day and remember to smile at everyone you pass today. You never know you might be the one bright star in their day!

Shweet Smiles from Sandi

Check out what Mom gave me

2010-03-12T22:39:00.006-06:00

HI it's Kassy! Mom was going to have her hair "done" tomorrow so she got me this really cool surprise as a tip. Well, she is changing her hair day til the 20th because tomorrow we are selling food at the school as a fundraiser for our charities (come by and grab lunch :) ) BUT she went ahead and gave me the surprise and I WAS SOOO Surprised!
Beautiful butterflies from South America! Thanks Mom

Thursday Mutterings from the Shweet Tree House...A Shinning Star at CCC Paul Mitchell Partner School in Carrollton, TX

2010-03-11T16:14:00.000-06:00

Every 4 to 6 weeks I visit the Paul Mitchell Partner School in Carrollton, TX to get my hair done and a little pampering. I discovered the school when Kassy decided to go there for her Costmetology training. Yes my Kassy pampers her mom but the nicest thing is the way I am treated in the school from the minute I am greeted at the door, sign in at the desk and head back to consult with my beautiful daughter. I leave myself in her hands and I tell ya she has amazing hands. I get a 5 minute head and shoulder massage when she washes my hair that is amazing. (Wish she would do that at home too.) She gives me a PM shine sometimes in a color other times I have a tint. She cuts my hair and I am amazed at how wonderful I feel.
NOW let me tell ya about the Shinning Star at the school besides my beautiful daughter Kassy. Kassy has a teacher who never ceases to amaze me. Her name is Ms. Theresa and she remembers me and my name when she sees me. She takes time to come by and speak with me and not just because Kassy might be checking with her on a cut or process but because she CARES.
If you read my last post from The Tree House you know Kassy shared with me a book by Winn Claybaugh titled "Be Nice or Else". On page 14 he talks about Oxymorons. Remember we are talking about Being Nice not just to others but begining with yourself.
He says "Before leaving this topic of habits, traits and characteristics of not nice people, there 's one more group I have to include. These are the professionals whose very job description requires them to be kind, caring, loving individuals. ..... Mean Teachers .....When a teacher is mean or comes from a place of ego, the doors of learning in the minds of students slam shut. Being educated, humble and nice are the greatest skills a gifted teacher could possess in order to facilitate the beautiful experience of learning."

This humble, nice and very gifted teacher is Ms Theresa at CCC Paul Mitchell Partner School in Carrollton, TX. She not only brings a smile to my face every time I go in, she teaches my child and other young and not so young adults the importance of "Being Nice". I think that Saturday when I go in for my next hair appointment, I will bring something special for my 2 Shinning Stars. They deserve a special thanks and so much more.

If you live in the Dallas area and want to get a good cut and color...you should really come by the school. Remember these are students and the teachers work with them so be prepared to give extra time for you service and I can assure you that you will not be dissappointed.
You can always ask for my Shinning Star... Kassy Ramirez when you call
Cosmetology Career Center
2389A Midway Rd
Carrollton (N. Dallas Area), TX
(972) 669-0494

"Thank You God" From the Shweet Tree House

2010-03-09T14:51:00.001-06:00

You know we really like living upstairs...it is our Shweet Tree House. The balcony or patio is HUGE! Chico and I sit outside and just relax and enjoy the peace and quite. Chico is learning all about things he has not been exposed to before like flowers and nice neighbors and trains. The first time a train went by (and we only see maybe one a day...no biggie) he stood on the back of the sofa and barked and barked. Today he came and got me when the train was coming. I guess he could hear it way before I could see it. He pulled onto the Tree House Patio and we stood at the edge watching for it to show up.

WOW this time the train was a bright RED!

We are not sure if it is the new place our our new found "nice". But just seeing a train makes me smile!

Saying Happy Birthday Orville out loud Makes me Happy! Remembering that TODAY is my baby brother's birthday is a special Thank YOU GOD in itself!

Soaping is on hold for while I study a new way of soaping for us.

I'm spending time each day reading books to help me improve my memory and myself.

Kassy handed me "Be Nice or Else" by Winn Claybaugh, who she has had the honor of meeting through her Paul Mitchell School. If you have not heard of this author and speaker check out his site

http://www.beniceorelse.com/

I hope one day to meet him but until then I am reading his book and putting it into action in my own life.

Today's Example from his book...

"Repeat "Nice Mantras" 100 times a day.

So today and everyday this week I will be saying outloud (since it is just me and Chico here) or you can say your silently... "Thank You God".

Thanks for my new Tree House to live in. Thanks for the train that comes by for us to see. Thanks for my friends who live in the box on my computer desk. Thanks for my beautiful family.

I just put post it's on the Fridge, bath room mirror and sewing machine that say

"Thank You God"

So on that note I am going to leave you for now...Off to fix me something to eat on the patio of my Shweet Tree House with my hearing ear baby Chico...

Thank you God!

*Shweet Sandi and Chico*

New Shweet Potato Doll Pattern

2010-03-07T16:20:00.002-06:00

Mom really loves living in our new apartment. As you know she has renamed it "The Tree House". It is nice and quite and knock on wood that is not simply because no one lives downstairs :)
Mom seems to be doing better and she even wrote up a new pattern! This pattern is so cute and can be prim, plush, homespun, satin, shabby chic or anyway you want to make it up. Mom made up a brood of these bunnies last year and gave them out to some of our friend's little sisters and send one to live in Iraq too.
She decided to write the pattern up so you can create your own brood too. This pattern is so simple and easy to make up WE COULD DO IT! That is if mom did the machine sewing first.

Shweet Easter Bunny Doll PDF Paper Pattern

Easter is just around the corner and you can whip up a brood of these cute Shweet Easter Bunnies ...

Price: US$6.00

Keep your eyes out for the next issue of Rusty Tin Roof. Mom sent in her Shweet Peeps pattern free for all the readers. Get signed up so you know when the issue hits the net http://www.rustytinroof.com

Til later.....
Keelee and Kassy

Mutterings from the Tree House

2010-03-04T16:18:00.001-06:00

Well, we got moved and almost all unpacked. Now it is time to bring my babies (dolls) from where they have been visiting (storage house) and get them settled (on my bedroom walls). The new place is just wonderful! It is nice n friendly and oh soooo clean and quite. The new place has now been renamed "The Tree House". We have a nice large covered patio that sits high above the ground. So far I have eaten breakfast and lunch out there every day this week.

Chico was not to sure about being up high until he met a freind. That's really all it ever takes at a new place is finding a new friend. Yesterday Chico and I decided to try going down the stairs and for a walk. Yes, I know before all of my friends say something, I know I am not suppose to be going down the stairs without Marty or Kassy here but "Chico made me!" We grabed our poop bag (we are responsible neighbors) and decided to walk around the parking lot, stopping for Chico to sniff and leave his mark. About 4 minutes into our walk I noticed we had picked up a walking companion. Now Chico is not one to take to dogs of any shape or size. Never has been. He is my litter box trained, hearing ear dog who will cuddle up with the cats at Petsmart after being groomed and uses thier litter box. So that being explained you can imagine what our walking companion looked like. It was a beautiful, although very skinny tourtise cat. Chico and this cat seemed to know each other. They sniffed and rubbed each other like old friends. ODD I must say but seeing as I had already decided he was a cat in dog's clothing so to speak, not surprising. After about 10 minutes of walking I got tired and we headed back upstairs. Our friend followed and sat down on the top step (not the stoop) and looked at Chico as if to say, " Your both home safe, I'll see ya later". We went inside and the cat did not attempt to come in. Interesting and we went about our day til Chico decided he could not wait until Kassy came home and he was not using his box. ... so down we go again.

This time as we opened the door and I took 2 steps down the stairs the cat comes up the stairs and walks down the steps with me. Step by step and Chico is head of me...turning every so often to make sure we were still on our way. Once we got down and made the grassy area these 2 friends started wrestling around on the grass and chasing each other. This cat is batting Chico's tail and he is chasing the cat's too. I am amazed and started to wonder if this means something. If you have read my blogs you know I believe in the afterlife and that our love ones come back to visit us. Marty's dad and my mom would come to visit me at the old place and I wondered if I would be lucky enough for them to follow me to our Tree House. Last night I told Marty what went on and after a stern fussing about going down the stairs, he wondered the same thing...Could this be dad's way of letting me know he is here with me.

Well, today dawned and Marty and Kassy leave for their day with a promise from me not to go down the stairs which I have only broken twice. The first time we went down Chico did his business and we headed back up. He did not look for his friend or even that he was expecting him. So I thought I was reading more into than was there. During the morning we ate breakfast on the patio and I left the door open a little bit and I noticed Chico would go out on the patio and sit like he was listening to someone sitting in the rocking chair I have out there. ODD that is my mom's chair and there was no one there. He did not climb onto the chair but a respectable distance and nodded every so often. Then he came inside and sat on my lap. Chico is not a lap dog at all. Hyper..Yes LAP DOG not at all. Then after lunch on our patio, I came in and he stayed outside. This time he did jump on the chair then rolled over on his back to have his tummy rubbed. He looked just like he does when I rub his belly. Soon he asked to go out and down we went. As yesterday our friend helped escort me down the steps and back up again too. Now to those who don't know I am highly allergic to cats. They get near me and I sneeze and itch. Not sneezing and Not itchin at all.

So I know my spirit family has followed me but just not sure who the cat is helping. I think both mom and dad where talking to Chico today and tomorrow I will share a little more about our visitors in our new home The Tree House.

New Pattern from Mom

2010-02-20T19:14:00.003-06:00

Well Mom just can't stay away from her sewing machine. She is suppose to be resting and packing for our move on Tuesday but of course where did I find her yesterday? Sitting at the sewing machine sewing these fun Eggs for your door or wall. We have a big Alpine tree we keep up year round so when we get moved I am going to decorate it with some of these pocketed eggs. Mom just added the pattern to her website, pattern cupboard and pattern mart. You can get this 8 inch egg and peeps pattern and make your own up. It comes in a pdf form instant download or you can wait for mom to mail you a copy. Check them out SO FUN and 2 patterns in one!

Shweet Egg and Peeps Wall Hanging Country Primitive Pattern PDF

This copyrighted pattern will create an 8 inch Egg that holds two 5 inch Peeps. This pattern is ...

Price: US$6.00

Now off to pack my bedroom.
Kassy

Had to remove the comments as someone decided it would be fun to write something not family freindly. How rude!

Come check out Rusty Thimble's awesome giveaways

2010-02-05T09:21:00.000-06:00

Brenda is a friend of mine and I sure wish that got me some extra names in the hat. Come by her blog or should I say blogs and check out her giveaways! Brenda always creates the most prim and perfect critters, dolls and more.
Brenda is giving away 2 different prizes on her "The Rusty Thimble Blog
Check them out this awesome original designed Bunny Cone

and the second prize she is giving away is this Bunny created from a pattern by Chestnut Junction Design.

Then if you visit her other blogs you can sign up to win an awesome Sheep a design by Kentucky Prims

Her sales blog is HERE

So run don't walk and visit each of Brenda's blogs

My Vintage Valentine Doll from Matty

2010-02-04T12:18:00.002-06:00

I was so blessed when i opened up my swap box...let's back up so you understand about the swap. Sue with Rabbit Hollow Prim like to hold swaps on her blog. You can find her blog by clickin on her blog name above.So we each received a partner and created a Vintage Styled Valentine Doll for our partner. This is the beautiful Doll I was so lucky to receive from Matty with Mattys Dolls

IS she a MOUSE or a Bunny?

2010-02-02T10:08:00.000-06:00

I need your help! When i created this baby I based her on a Mouse Graphic from Carm with Shweet Potato Designs. But now folks who see her think she is a cute Love Bunny Soooooooooo
I need your help.
Please comment if you think she is a Bunny or a Mouse.
I am making her into a epattern and one lucky person will win the pattern once it is completed as a thank you.

So is she a Shweet Love Bunny???

Or a Shweet Heart Mouse????

OH :My Vintage Valentine Doll made it to her new home. Come by and Check out how she likes it on Matty's Blog http://mattysdolls.blogspot.com/2010/02/vintage-valentine-doll-swap.html#comment-form

WOW it's Almost the end of Jan

2010-01-25T10:37:00.000-06:00

WOW hard to believe it is almost the end of Jan. This has been a full month in my house. We are moving to a new apartment at the end of Feb, out of the hussle and bussle of Dallas. Well, really it is only about 20 minutes away from where we are living now but nicer neighborhood, less crime and a better apartment home for us. Kassy is headed to Vegas in mid Feb for the Paul Mitchell Hair Show and she is very excited. I am too that means she will be learning new hair styles and designs :)

December was the coldest one in a long time here in Dallas and Jan seems to be the opposite. We've had days in the mid to high 70s and grass is even starting to turn green. Boy Mother Nature is sure going through her mid life crisis as it is supppose to get below freezing again at the end of the week here.

Cold days or warm days ...any days will find me either in front of the computer writing up patterns or sitting in the recliner working on new designs. Sorry to say soaping has to wait for a while, so we can get packed up to move. My MRI showed I did have a stroke in November so Momma is trying to take things slow but be active as I can be.
I've had fun trying to follow thru on a challenge of a doll a day. Most of my dolls are made for each day of the week but they are nekkkked.

I did get a couple dressed and ready to mail to Arkansas as a surprise to my neice and her girls
Here's a peek at a few of the dolls I finished.

Well back to work, Hope to see you all soon. Chico is asking for some momma time:)

New ePattern from Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns

2010-01-08T16:16:00.000-06:00

Mom finally wrote up the Raggedy Wreath into a pattern that would be great year round. The original the pattern is written from is on eBay for the next day if you are interested in peeking.
You can find the epattern in our shoppe by clicking on the title or on Pattern Mart under
Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns
Hope ya like her

Please help get Kassy to Vegas

2010-01-06T15:57:00.005-06:00

Hi all Kassy is still in the running for a trip to Vegas for the National Hair Show.
Many of you know Kassy is attending CCC a Paul Mitchell Partner School here in the Dallas area for hair. Something that has been her life long dream.

She has sold half the number of bags she needs too get to the show and the deadline is quickly approaching ...this Sat Jan 9.

She has asked me to let everyone know about the bags she still has available.
If all my web friends could purchase just one bag from her towards her goal she might just get to go to the show of her life.

Most of the bags are only 30.00 each and you will recieve 3 wonderful products that would make awesome Valentines and Birthday gifts. The bags will fit into a priority Medium Flat rate box too.

Below you will find out info on each of the bags

Mositure Bag is 25.95 Plus Shipping
Shampoo, Detangler (conditioner) and Worked Up ( Hair Spray)

Color Protect Bag is 29.95 Plus Shipping
Shampoo, Conditioner,and Hold Me Tight (great hair spray)

Smoothing Bag is 29.95 Plus Shipping
Shampoo, Conditioner and Skinny Serum (relaxes the frizzies we all get)

Extra Body Bag is 29.95 Plus Shipping
Shampoo, Conditioner and Extra Firming Finnishing Spray (hair spray with shine & no weight)

Tea Tree, Lavender Mint Bag is 29.95 Plus Shipping
Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash (This not only smells heavenly but makes you feel wonderful from head to toe).

We can get 2 bags in a medium flat rate box so this is the perfect time to get your orders in. We can take order up until this Friday so hurry. To order please email me at shweetpotatodollsnpatterns@gmail.com Let me know which bag and how many. Of course i need your paypal email so I can send ya an invoice. Simple and oh so easy. The color of the outer bag may vary from pictures shown.

Her family and Kassy thank each of you for your love and support of her...past, present and in the years to come!

We were blessed How about YOU?

2009-12-28T11:22:00.000-06:00

This has been a strange but amazing year. Although my family's health as not been the best from skin cancer to ALS... from strokes to depression,,, One thing we did have and that is family. This holiday season has been the best for me personally in a whole lot of years. It began on December 23 with Evie and all "my" family. It was so wonderful to look around the room and see my siblings, thier husbands and wives. I loved looking at all the children and grand children there in the rooms and running around. There were so many faces old and young you just wanted to grab and hugs each one!

Then Christmas Eve came. Hubby got off early and came home to help me wrap and get into the Christmas spirit. Leave it to Marty and Starbucks to make the headache manageable. As the afternoon went on we notices white flakes falling from the sky. The weatherman forecasted snow, but you know how that is...hit or miss and even if it snowed it would not stick as we hit 75 on Evie. Well stick it did and icy to boot! Slow going to get to "Grandma's House" but we did and we enjoyed the holiday with half the family.

God took home a special man in Jae and Tony's life earlier in the week and so he was rested on Eve.

IT makes no difference if you are born of blood or born of friendship,

We are all one big happy family.

Christmas Morning bloomed with all it's white snowy brightness and was truely indeed filled with wonder.

Santa came to visit me very unexpectedly.

He brought my grandsons to visit and more.

Remember "Santa" does listen when you ask for your Christmas Blessings. He filled all of mine above and beyond.
Here's wishing each and everyone of you ,my friends, a Wonderful and Exciting 2010!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T18:13:00.001-06:00

Did you know hugs can come from far away and heaven too

2009-12-22T09:49:00.005-06:00

After having a hard day it is always wonderful to get a hug from someone you love. When you get that hug from far away and beyond you know you are truely blessed.

Bet you are wondering about the beautiful cardinals... Monday was a hard day for me. Starts off with my H1N1 shot which was not to bad in itself (free made it not hurt so much), then off to the dr to see why my memory is so holey and not in the good way either :) The pain in not only my back and legs but right side of the head is much worse and at the worse time, the holidays. When I look through my left eye everything appears not really foggy but more like a crystal effect which could be pretty since it looks like icy but scary since it's not cold and snowy here in Dallas. So I drag my tired old body to see Dr Kazi who agrees it is trouble some that my left side drags ( thought is was being old) and the eye sight is off (again now just age) and the memory laspes are not something I should be getting at 50. Signs of a past stroke are bearing their ugly old heads. So MRI is scheduled but for when????

I go home for a hug from my baby Kassy and when Daddy comes home he assures me we will get through this like we have everything else together. We head to the only mom I have left here on this Earth...Marty's Mom. We get to the house and drop off some food for the holidays and have a nice visit with mom and Marty's sister. Been a rough year with family issues but they don't matter now... Family is the only important thing.

Marty says I have a package and I see it is from my BFF way over in Missouri. We have never met in person but have become soul mates via the internet. Marty opens the package to a sweet note from my dear Angie and her family. Inside is an unexpected wrapped gift. The gift is wrapped is beautiful cardinal fabric. Hugs from Mo just in the wrapping... Once it is carefully unwrapped by my sweet hubby it unveils not only a beautiful gift but hugs from beyond our world. Inside this carefully cardinal wrapped gift was a figurine exactly like my granny had in her home. I truely believe this was the reason my momma loved cardinals and insisted we have them on our Christmas trees each year..at least one.

So in giving of her heart to me all the way from Winston, Mo to Dallas, TX,my beautiful friend brought me love and hugs not only from her and her family but also from my granny and momma who have passed on. This simple gift taught me to look for love in small things and gifts come in many ways and for many reasons. Our good Lord knows when we need them and he makes sure we receive them.

YES I have been shweetened!

2009-12-15T11:25:00.000-06:00

OH my Shweet Tooth has been soothed. Look at this cutie from Carm with Shweet Potato Designs.

I am one again inspired.
Thanks Carm

For that special Sports Fan in Your Life

2009-12-02T11:51:00.003-06:00

This has been a long year for many of us and if you are like my family you are ready for 2009 to roll into a bright and beautiful 2010. My husband and I are huge fans of all sports and we have collected quite a few autographed items in our 20+ years together. We decided that it is time for some other Football Fan to hold this beautiful Joe Montana Autographed Football in their hands and home. This signed ball has only been out of the felt bag 3 times and so we decided to put it up on eBay this week.

If you have a fan in your life who likes Joe Montana this would be the perfect gift this year. We have it listed on eBay as an auction item but will take offers via our email address if anyone is interested in making an offer, other than what it is listed for, as long as their are no bids on eBay. There is one watcher at this point

YOU can find all the info on the Signed Joe Montana Football HERE.

OUR EMAIL IS HERE

If you like to sew or craft with fabric please check our eBay listing as I have so much fabric I must share with others. The fabric listed has free domestic shipping in the USA and has been stored in Rubbermaid tubs to keep it clean and fresh. No lie, I have as much fabric as many small quilt shoppes do. One could say I am a fabricholic.... I can't walk past the fabric section without having to buy some. Sad but true and it is taking over my life.

So if you are interested in some of our fabrics and other crafting items check eBay as I am adding to the listing each day as I am able. You can see all our eBay listings HERE.

We send warm Holiday Wishes from our Family to Yours.

Stocking Stuffers WE HAVE THEM!

2009-12-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

It's that time of the year when you are looking for gifts for teachers, freinds, co-workers maybe stocking stuffers! Well come by one of our many shoppes and check out all the fun items that would be just perfect for your holiday gift giving!
Sassy Soaps N Such has lots of fun soaps like our Fudgecicle Soap

Or how about fun gag gifts of Reindeer or Snowmen Poop

YES and you can even eat it!

Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso

Dark Chocolate Covered Large Raisins

Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins

You choose the flavor and Reindeer or Snowman Graphics

AND you choose how many you need and with FREE SHIPPING Too

You can find this fun stocking stuffers in our Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns Store

and our booth at the Country Craft Show Online

If you are looking for patterns check out our line of Paper and ePatterns at

Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns Store, At Epattern Shoppe and Pattern Mart

Hope to see ya soon and we want to wish each of you a very Happy Holiday!

Do you sell ePatterns...Did I find the deal for you

2009-11-30T09:16:00.001-06:00

One can never have enough places to sell their epatterns and TODAY right now you can sign up at the Epattern Shoppe and sell your epatterns for 12.00 a year! YEP you heard me right that is $1.00 a month!
Come by for more details......
http://www.epatternshoppes.com/info.html

This price is only good til 9PM on CYBER MONDAY, 11/30/09!!! Where Else could you possibly get ALL these Membership Benefits for this incredibly Low Price and in an Exclusive Co-Op Marketplace to boot !?! Tell all your Friends ~ Celebrate CYBER MONDAY with us and Join Epatternshoppes.com

Come see the Grand Re-Opening of our Shoppe

2009-11-19T14:02:00.000-06:00

We have updated our website and added new soaps and would love for everyone to come by and check us out! Free gift with every purchase of $10.00 or more.
Thought we would just show you one of our newest soaps....... Smells just like Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows! Yummo!

The Little Black Boxes

2009-11-11T10:12:00.004-06:00

Sassy Soaps N Such is part of The Little Black Boxes samplers.... Let me tell you I purchase a "box" which is really a black bag full of samplers and full size items. I get ALL the stocking stuffers for the girls from the bags. I love to give them a Just Because gift every now and then and the bags are great way to get fun little things to give out. Novemeber Bags are onsale right now and I can't wait to get mine in the mail. For $17.00 it is well worth it! Click HERE To go and check out all the goodies that were sent in this month.

"November Little Black Boxes - On Sale Now!!
Each box contains about 13-15 promotional items and costs $17.00
Price includes priority mail shipping in the US only.
Spoil yourself with Indie Goodness."

Get your Box NOW you might have one of our Gingerbread Soaps and Reindeer Poop Bags (Dark Chocolate Covered Epresso Beans)

Look for December's boxes going on sale in the new future and we are in there too

Do you remember these?????

2009-10-27T16:15:00.003-05:00

Do they bring back memories of the Ice Cream man? Do you remember waiting just to hear the jingle of the bell and grabbing your fist full of change and running to make sure he did not leave before you got there. Well, these Bomb Pop smell like the popcicles from our childhood days but don't try to eat them...... They are soap!

These are our newest soaps! Don't look yet they are not in any of our shoppes just yet. We are getting ready for Cyber Monday Nov 3 and soaping up a storm! You can find these fun bomb Pops both our etsy Shoppe and our Soap Shoppe

Do you Believe???

2009-10-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

Do you believe?
In what you ask,
Life, Angels and
Do they come back?

Oh I believe!
I know they do
For I've been visited
by my Angels.
Have YOU?

~Sandi~

Yesterday was a strange day for me. Everytime I stood up it felt like someone had their hand on my back like they were leading me or helping me go from room to room. I mentioned this several times to Marty and the girls and it was not until today did I connect what was going on. Yesterday was Marty's Dad's birthday. He became my Dad too from the first time I met him. He went to heaven a year ago July 1 but he visits me often. I know it is him because he moves things around the apartment all the time. Sometimes Chico will stop and roll over and here is no one near to rub his belly. Dad is here.

Two years ago today Mom went home to be with Dad in heaven. You know I was just thinking the other day how I know how alone Mom felt in her big house without Dad or any of us kids or grandkids,: I feel it every day here at home. I think you have to open to being visited by your Angels and if you are they will come and visit you. I know days that I feel like crawling up in a ball and just laying there something pushes me to get back up and go into the living room. Maybe it is to sew or just sit at the computer reading. On good days I might try to do my melt and pour soaps a little.

The past couple months have been a challenge I will say. The constant headaches, pain in the body that never ends just goes from bad to worse, now I've lost the ability to use my left arm much and see out of my left eye but I am determined to continue to do the things I used to do. I might be slower, I do ask for help but I will get there. My Shweet Dolls have become by salvation of sorts. On bad days I can draw them up in my head at least, on good days I might be able to sew alittle on one or two. I will admit it there are days I just want to quit but I can't I have a family who needs me as broken as I am and friends who just might miss me if I didn't show up online. Thanks to my Angels who watch over me day and night.

Today we celebrate the lives of my Mom Martha Keeton and my "Dad" Frank Ramirez
Please keep watching after me and my family wherever we are near and far...
Send a special angel to watch over Jeremy in Iraq!
(angel graphic from my muse Shweet Potato Designs)
Thanks to my special Angels in Heaven and here on Earth who keep me homebound and steady. I love you!

Some Hair Raising Fun

2009-10-21T12:47:00.001-05:00

Have some Hair Raising Fun in our Etsy Shoppe!

Sassy Soaps N Such BLOG Special on Etsy

This week only buy one soap get a second soap of equal value or less for free!

Yes that is what you read! Add your free soap request in the comment box when you pay on paypal.

We also have our Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns on Etsy as well as some of our other creations.

Just in time for the your trick or treaters

Creepy Crow Keeper FREE SHIPPING IN THE USA

Order him today get him in time for Halloween! FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING!

COME BY the SafeTeam Blog and get your vote in on the Alice in Wonderland Challange

Sassy Soaps N Such has our Cheshire Cat Soap entered.

Let us know what you think about all the enties but we'd love some love.

Make a comment on the SAFETEAM blog to get in on the drawing to win a bar of the winning soap!

So Proud of My Kassy

2009-10-20T11:13:00.001-05:00

Yes Kassy would be shocked to know I am blogging about her but MOMMA is so proud of this kid! Kassy attends Cosmetology Career Center Paul Mitchell Partner School in Carrollton, TX.

Last Saturday I went in to have her color and cut my hair which is something I have not done in YEARS.

She colored and shined my hair and then gave me one awesome hair cut that not only made me feel better it made me look younger. Check it out what do you think?

OH big picture...... If you live in the Dallas area you MUST call the school and book Kassy Ramirez

You have to ask for her by name. School is open Tues-Sat and she is there from 10-5 to take care of you. YOU can call (972) 669-0494 if you want to get a new DO like me.

Wondering just where the school is? 2389A Midway Rd Carrollton (N. Dallas Area), TX

This is what you get and let me tell ya you do get one fab time.

We guarantee a 5-minute stress-relieving scalp treatment with every haircut... or your haircut is FREE!

The pricing is awesome and don't worry "Oh she is a student" many of you know this child has been cutting hair for about 13 years and now she is learning all the correct methods and has caught on very quickly. Teachers are there checking on each step she takes.

YOU can get all the wonderful pricing here http://www.cccdallastexas.com/html/guestservices/index.cfm

Kassy is Phase 1 right now!

If you are in the Dallas area book her now!

Don't forget to come by and vote for my Soaps at the SafeTeam Blog

I could sure use some love ...comment to cast your vote and voting ends this FRIDAY

Come by and Vote for my favorite Alice in Wonderland Character Soap

2009-10-19T20:26:00.000-05:00

It's a simple story of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole.
It was first told to three little girls (so legend has it) while on traveling five miles in a row boat...Silly little girl that Alice. She should have minded her maners!! She should pay more attention to what she should be doing...not the silly little rabbit. But alas, that pesky hole! What happens next you ask...
Well, the story has been interpreted by so many people, in so many mediums. Now we ask the SAFE team to show us thier interpretations...what is our medium...errrr, SOAP of course!!

This Cheshire Cat Soap is made up of 3 different soaps and took a few steps to create. This soap is created in layers inside of a large cookie cutter, so that you can see his wonderful big white smile and black and yellow eyes. In the background we choose to use the pink and purple colors he liked to turn. We used clear glycerin soap, coconut glycerin soap and goats milk soap.

Only the purple layer is scented. What scent you ask? Well since we truly believe that Mr Carroll himself took a few bong hits (or something stronger perhaps ) when he wrote Alice in Wonderland , this soap is a nice 70's hash brownie scent. Yes it has a wonderful dark chocolate brownie fragrance with a touch of Mary Jane (pot that is).

If you like this soap please post a comment in the Safe Team Blog
Hurry the voting ends on Friday and one lucky poster will get a bar of the winning soap!

Giveaway at Sassy Ornie Patch

2009-10-08T17:03:00.001-05:00

Come by our newest Blog Sassy Ornie Patch and follow our blog and get in on our Giveaway!
We will be giving away 2 of our Waffle Cone Ornaments one with nuts, one without!

These would be perfect all winter long!
Our Blog has more ways to win too....http://www.sassyorniepatch.com

I don't know what it is about this time...

2009-10-06T12:10:00.001-05:00

I want to show off someone I am so proud of...my baby brother Jeremy or Jamie as he is known to some folks to many others Staff Sgt Jeremiah L Keeton. I come from a large family of 5 brothers and 3 sisters. There were 6 of us born close together and then mom had one about 10 yrs later then the baby Jeremy 9 yrs after that. Jeremy was born when I was in college at Union University. He attended Mother Daughter Day at our brand new Zeta Tau Alpha sorority house when he was only 3 months old. Our dad passed away when he was only 3 years old. This is one of our last pictures of Daddy and Jeremy and me in the corner.

When he started school I became his room "mom" and started my volunteering career in his classrooms at Sigler Elementary. When he started struggling in Middle School I was the one who went up to the school to talk to them about what was going on. When he was bullied by what we now were gang members...Sandi stepped up and talked to the parents of the bullies. As he went on to high school and things got to hard for him and he wanted to drop out of school I am the person he talked too. He did drop out and studied and got his GED first time he took the test. Now we know dyslexia runs strongly in our family and it explains a whole lot... that and teachers who were just picking up a paycheck. This is one of my favorite pictures of him...HUGE SMILE and the sweetiest kid!

Jerermy came to live with me and my family when my girls were very young. He worked beside me and grew up with my girls. He decided to follow his big brothers and join the Army. He is a very smart guy and the Army saw that and he has grown up with them. I can not begin to express how proud we are of him and what he has done with his life. From 12+ years in the Army and meeting his wife Adriana. He has a beautiful family of 3 (one of which I have yet to meet...hopefully at Christmas time.) He has been to many countries, and fought and been wounded fighting for freedom and our country. Today my baby leaves for yet another deployment to Iraq.

Why does is it effecting me more this time than any other deployment? I miss him and his family something awful. He is stationed in Ft Drum NY and I live in Dallas, TX. His youngest angel was born when he was in his last deployment... Last time I saw him was at our mom's memorial service. I have to say the US Army was wonderful allowing him to come home several times to visit with her before she passed and then after she did. Kassy has started a new blog called Shweet Letters From Home. We'd love for you to come by and follow us. When Jamie gets settled in Iraq he will be sending names and address of soldiers who could use some letters from home and good cheer. Many of our men and women go to war with no one here at home. We also hope to match up some of the families let behind with those willing to share during the holiday season and also just to let the families know that they are in our thoughts and prayers all the year round. It must be so hard to have your loved one away from you and not knowing how they are doing. Even harder on the kids left behind.

So please add our Jamie and his Unit to your prayer lists. We plan to show pictures every so often of him and the girls when they were younger. If you look to the left you will see him as a young cowboy fan with his cousin Josh. Josh still is but I think Jamie is a Giants fan now...being in NY and all.

Thanks for letting me ramble on, it helps a little. I don't know what it is about this deployment that is getting to me so much.... hopefully will be the last one for a while BUT have to say I AM SO PROUD OF MY SOLDIER! Keep our Troops in your thoughts and prayers.

First Monday is here!!! Team Etsy Tx First Monday and there are some great deals and a TON of shoppes

2009-10-05T00:10:00.000-05:00

I am so excited I actually remembered to get my info in to our Team and my Shoppe and my specials are listed in our promo thread on ETSY!

Here is the link to the etsy promo thread for October’s First MondaySale:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6306388

We have 113 shops participating this month! There were so many we had to post the sale to

the thread in 2 posts because it was so long.

Come by my shop (Which i loaded up with new items and I have new hunters soaps and soft eyeware protectors to add tomorrow along with Fall Dolls with FREE SHIPPING IN THE USA).

My shoppe on etsy is http://sassysoapsnsuch.etsy.com/

My specials are ALL PATTERNS are $5.00 Monday only. I will be marking them back up to regular price on Tuesday so get your pattern now before they go up.

ALSO OUR SOAPS: Buy Two Soaps Get a Third Soap at equal or lesser value FREE. Just let me know in the comment box when you pay what soap you want for free. Don't buy it TELL ME Which one.

Try some of my POT HEAD SOAPS... Great way to show the kids what Pot will Do to YA

Just say NO to Drugs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32018273

Fall is in the AiR it is in the 50s right now here in Texas outside!

What does cool nights bring to mind? Carmel Apples!

Check them out

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32028308

Or maybe you want to get a Fall Pattern so check out our Shweet Gothic Annie Pattern

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31170988

These Shweet Gals will be added tomorrow so stop by and check them out too.

So come by and shoppe! New to Etsy Sign up and shoppe today!

Today is a Special Day for a Very Special Friend HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGIE with Angie's Raggedy Patch

2009-10-02T11:53:00.000-05:00

Today is a very special day for a very SPECIAL Friend in my life! Angie with Angie's Raggedy Patch, Sassy Ornie Patch and Dudleys Corner Primitives on Lemon Poppy Seeds is celebrating today!

I am so proud and blessed to have met Angie through DJ Doodles and have her in my life.
ANGIE Today is YOUR DAY and in My Family today is being celebrated for your friendship, inspiration and love!

I thank God for bring ya to this earth and into my life!

Things to be Thankful For on eBay

2009-10-02T09:04:00.001-05:00

Wanted to share with u some of the things we have on eBay right now.
This month our theme is Things we are Thankful for...... I love Fall so mine are all fall based.

Harvest Annie

Shweet Mummy

Macintosh/Chocolate Carmel Apple Soap

Champagne Carmel Apple Soap

Here all 3 are in full display

Have some more to list today

Come on and click this link to see all the Age*Before* Beauty or AB4B TT offerings

--

Fall is in the Air Carmel Apples Can't Be Far Behind!

2009-09-29T17:02:00.000-05:00

Fall is is the air or some times it is around here in Dallas. IT SHOULD be in the Air anyways! We can always pretend anyways. Today I tried to do a little soaping with some ideas Kassy gave me. Here you can see the steps of our famous (or we hope soon to be famous) Carmel Apples...Soap Ones that is!

Check them out you can actually order simple the Apples whole...9oz worth! YUMMO but remember these are goats milk so wash the hands and body not for the mouth and tummy.

The second step to making our Carmel Apples is to cut each real size apples into 4 slices. Some folks might want to order a whole Apple pre-sliced for guest soaps. Got ya covered.

Then who doesn't love a Carmel Apple unless you are me and I can't eat them but I sure love to make them...the soap kind anyways.
Check them out in just a little bit at the Country Craft Show Online for the Harvest Hoedown...
Our booth is listed under Bath and Body or Just click on the title above and it will take you straight there. But give me a bit to get them ready for the shoppe. I just had to show them off.
From left to right Champagne Apple with Bats and Pumpkins, Apple Martini with Carmel Latte Bits, MacIntosh Apple with Starbucks Chocolate icing and dried Orange Peels

About 10 oz of Soaping Fun! Each apple will come in it's own cello back tied off with homespun. to use just twist the stick and gently seperate the slices.

Great gifts and HEY Paula Deen sells her Carmel Apples year round so why not Us???

Aunt Manny's Giveaway Awsome Blog and Websites

2009-09-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Come by Aunt Manny's Blog and get in on her giveaway. I met Aunt Manny yrs ago in our eBay group Age*Before*Beauty. She is an amazing primtivie and folks art artist. When eBay started there mess about not allowing digital items such as epatterns and printables, she decided to create a marketplace where everyone was welcomed to sell what you want.
Come by her Aunt Manny's Blog and check out how to win these awesome potion bottles.

You really need to check out her website too. It's Aunt Manny's Creations
http://auntmanny.com
My favoite thing right now is her "Dipped Letters to Santa"

Come by the blog and get in on the drawing....One look and you will be hooked on Aunt Manny's Creations

Found a Friend Again Today Millhouse Primitives

2009-09-26T14:06:00.000-05:00

So excited I ran into an old wed friend on the facebook and discovered her blog and website and wanted to share it with you too.
Sue and Rob on Millhouse Primitives based in Maine
Check out there blog at http://millhouseprimitives.blogspot.com/
while you are there check out the awesome prim giveaway they have going on. The picture is shown above! WOW some lucky winner will win the fall basket.
Sue and Rob also have a sale going on at their website...
Friday September 25 to Monday Septemember 28~ EVERYTHING IN Their WEB SHOP IS 50% OFF~THATS RIGHT 50% OFF~~ http://www.millhouseprimitives.com/

Go by both places and check out the prim goodness!

OH while we are talking about sales.....ALL MY EPATTERNS are on Sale for $5.00 each on etsy so come by our ETSY shoppe http://www.sassysoapsnsuch.etsy.com

Celebrating and Giving away a Free Ornie Pattern

2009-09-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

Marty just texted me that my biposys this week are both NOT SKIN CANCER! I am so excited as you can imagine. One of them was very Suspicious and with my sister having Skin cancer ... What a relief.

So to celebrate I would love to give anyone who wants it a free Owl and Pussy Cat Folks Art Ornie ePattern.

You can click HERE for the ePattern

If you have any problems just email me at my new email address
shweetpotatodollsnpatterns@gmail.com

Wanna chance to win a 10" Shweet Potato Doll?

2009-09-24T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hey There is a giveaway of a cute 10" Shweet Annie Tree Doll at Show Me the Crafts Blog

COME by the blog and follow and you will be in the drawing for Annie! While you are there check out the awesome Deal DJ is running on the Country Craft Show Online right now. A booth for $2o.00! Can't beat that and there are freebies with it too that you can find all about at the Show Me the Crafts Blog.

Sweet Smell of Burning Rubbermaid in the mornings

2009-09-22T14:25:00.002-05:00

What a strange week this has been. Sunday was a day that my family just wants to forget.... AND Cowboy Fans Do TOO.

Monday I woke up to the fact that I could no longer see out of my left eye. Okay grab the info on the new med Plaquenil and read side effects before I begin to panic. Take a deep breathe it IS one of hte possible side effects so that means I have to deal with it til my body adjusts. Sewing will be tricky but I'll make it happen you know me. Besides when one works in primitive style what is a missed stitch here or there.
Last night was massive lightening and rain storm that brought in wonderful fall coolness....reminds me of September back home in Tennessee.

This morning started off great too at 5:30am BANG then another BANG.... sounded like a cannon ball falling onto the ceiling. Seems the new neighbors upstairs have a unique alarm clock. Let me just say it was loud enough to wake a Deaf lady up and not just wake me up I SHOT UP out of bed. Of course so did my wonderful husband of 20 years.

Okay we get up and start the day can't go back to sleep at this point. He starts ironing his shirt and I make some coffee to try to get some of the foggy out of my head and of course take those meds that allow me to walk into the living room each day. Daddy goes off to work and Momma decides she wants to make breakfast for her little girl cub Kassy. So first she has to empty the dishwasher and since she can't bend down to put away the rubbermaid container she places it on the stove top. Momma has fibro fog and short term memory issues so she forgot she placed the BIG PLASTIC Bowl on one of the burners. She gets out the skillet and turns on the burner to get the pan nice and hot for Kassy's bacon...you see where this is going don't ya. Momma bear turns around to get the bacon and smells this weird smell....... the kitchen fills up with smoke.... OKAY where is it coming from? Window is closed so neighbors aren't smoking us out again from their grill.... hand over skillet why is it not getting hot... look to the back burner smoke coming from THERE! YES I turned on the wrong burner and melted the rubbermaid container to the burner and catcher. OMG the worst smell but of course Momma Bear has to get the container off of the burner and it was HOT! got it off....... Put the burner and catcher thing underneath it into the sink and turned on the water. Put chico into Momma's bedroom, opened all the windows and doors and then looked at what is left of the container.

Okay what is the moral to this story? Heck I don't know other than I need Poppa Bear to make BIG FRONT---REAR NOTES FOR THE STOVE and MAN burnt plastic sure does STINK!

So Momma Bear is taking her one good eye over to the recliner and finish her Candy Corn Doll and fingers crossed her Shweet Skully too. Just depends on what gets done before all the new shows come on tonight. One can only DVR so much. OH I need to watch "House" so bye for now!

PIF Wednesday (Pay It Forward)

2009-09-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday was WEDNESDAY so it was Pay it Forward Day. For those of you who don't know Oprah started the PIF phase and my family took this one on to heart. Every Wednesday we each try to do something special to others without expecting to get anything back. It just comes from our heart. When I have money on my RED Starbucks card (which gives back itself when I use it) I will swing by one of my 2 local Starbucks for my special headache reducing drink. The folks there know me and know on Wednesdays I usually pay for the car behind me. Yesterday was no different as I pulled up to the window by favorite Mohawk Starbucks Dude asked PIF today? "Why Yes of Course" as I handed him my red starbucks card..."the Car behind you has order $17.00 worth of drinks is that okay". Yep go right ahead I just will cut back on my own drinks this week. Well today as I drove up Mohawk Dude let me know that my simple act of PIF went on for 16 cars yesterday! FIRST time he saw a difference and PIF working. He in turn started telling others as they drove up that it was a PIF Wednesday and he had 10 other folks Pay It Forward as they picked up their order.

Warms the heart to know that one simple act of kindness can spread like a rock hitting the surface of a lake.

So I know it is not Wednesday but we can make an exception... PIF Thursday.... What have you done today to PIF?
It can be something as easy as a free pdf pattern,picking up the tab at the drivein window when you grab lunch, send out Hello and have a great day text to everyone on your phone list.

This week we celebrated the 22nd birthday of my oldest chick Keelee. Several online artists and ebayers did some extra special kindess to make sure she had a wonderful birthday. Of course I ordered late but they worked hard to make sure she has gifts for her birthday.

If you like to read books on your computer check out this ebayer.
payless4more She wanted to make sure Keelee had something to open so she emailed us not only the ebooks we won on ebay but 3 more sets of books for her.

Now I have to tell you about a very special artisian on Etsy, themiscellany or Dianna Walsh. Keelee was crusing on Etsy and she fell in love with this themiscellany work. She showed me and of course I ordered her favorite piece for her birthday hopeing it would get here for our birthday cause the artist lives a few little towns away. Well it DID make it for her birthday along with both a sweet note to me and an inspiring note to Keelee. Along with the necklace we ordered, she sent Keelee a beautiful hand drawn 8x11 original work of her art. If you want to see the print created from this masterpiece click HERE
Dianna is a school teacher in one of our local school districts and she teaches ESL or English is a Second Lauguage students. She is an angle in her own rights and I truely feel God has blessed her with her amazing artistic talent. (I thought surely she was an art teacher). I will be back for more of your original artwork for my home. I sure would love a Our Lady of Guadalupe Painting or Original Drawing... Believe me we will be by often and you are on my short list for the holidays.

Thanks to you both and your big hearts My baby had a wonderful 22nd Birthday! YOU both PIF in your own way and you will be rewarded!

SHAME ON YOU Kanye West!!

2009-09-14T14:10:00.000-05:00

Last night this Raggedy Annie Momma was busy finishing up the touches on 16 Mini Raggedy Annies, 12 of which were sent out to new homes today. I watch Big Brother 11 with Keelee and then my level headed one comes running into the living room, grabbed the remote and turned on the VMA (Video Music Awards) where it was dvr'd. Now Kassy likes all kinds of music I guess that comes from having a dad who is a DJ on the weekends. From POP to Rock...Country to Techno she listens and likes it all.

Taylor Swift is a year older than Kassy and Kassy likes and respects her work. We were all appalled to see Kanye West jump up on stage and say the things he did. NOT only was he disrespectful to Taylor Swift, he was disrespectful to all the viewers. I am hearing from Kassy, Keelee and their friends that they will no longer be listening to Mr. Kanye West or buying his CDs. This is not his first drunken rage but it SHOULD be his last one.
Hats off and kudos to Beyonce for the way she handled it all. I have always thought she was one classy gal and this just shows HOW classy she is. What should have been a special night for Taylor Swift and her fans turned into a nightmare we all want to forget.

I know alot of you know that I am deaf but that does not stop me or my big sis from "listening" to music in our own way. Videos and TV has made it possible for the deaf and hearing imparied community to take part in what the hearing folks just take for granted. You can bet that this Raggedy Momma will be turning stations when Mr West has a video on or he is on a show. Maybe if a whole mess of us do this he will understand that he can't act the way he did and just issue a blanket "I'm sorry". It's time that WE as consumers let these out of hand artists know that we won't stand for the disrespect they show others.

Taylor Swift and Beyonce BOTH of you deserve your own special awards!
Classy Gals in Music!

This Raggedy Momma will show off the newest addition on our Shweet Potato Dolls Blog http://www.shweetpotatodolls.com in a bit.

Raggedy Loves her BOYS and a good Chocolate Margaritas

2009-09-13T16:05:00.001-05:00

Well Raggedy is out celebrating her Birthday at the Dallas Cowboy Game!
They won YA! But she is not done yet.

She decided to celebrate by having a Chocolate Margaritas.. Soap that is and voting in the SafeTEAM Challenge Poll. The way to vote is to comment on your favorite of the soaps based on our theme BON BONS N BOOZE. Now Raggedy hopes you like her favorite but you can vote your own choice.
Here is a little hint so you remember which one Raggedy Ann endorses.

The SafeTeam Blog http://etsysafeteam.blogspot.com/
Hope you get your vote in!

From Hoppy Bunnies to Reindeer Raggedy Ann Can Found

2009-09-12T08:51:00.002-05:00

This week we are celebrating Raggedy Ann's Birthday. To check out what a whole mess of folks say about this lovable gal ---------> click on the Annie graphic to the right and visit the blogs listed.
Today Annie decided she wanted to play dress up as some of her favorite critters and I could not stop her.
She wanted to remember spring so she dug out her Bunny outfits... some were very traditional....

Now this gal likes to play with her friends and doesn't care if they are all dressed in satin...Andy even came along for the play date.

Annie know that the prim world loves Homespun fabric so she hopped into this little outfit for all the prim lovers out there.

I told her to stay out of the dirt but she was just having to much fun rolling around so she said she was a little extreme prim and you all would love her anyways.

Now time for Christmas......

Annie wanted me to tell you that she will be showcasing her new Holiday line later today so make sure you come back OH and she invited Andy to come too.

So Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann and "YES" you can birthday cake for breakfast!

Raggedy Ann says God Bless American

2009-09-11T12:04:00.003-05:00

Today is 09-11-09.
Eight years since our country was attacked and ALL our lives changed.

Annie and Andy both told me this morning that they wanted to say something to everyone.

Please never forget those that lost their lives and their families. Please remember all our men and women in service worldwide not just the Americans.

Andy said he would serve our country but he is a bit too short.
So he plans to fly his flag not just today but everyday.

Annie is not to be out done she flys her flag proudly but she decided that her mom and sisters (Sandi, Keelee and Kassy) need to go worldwide with their Shweet Letters From Home. So look for our announcement soon on how you can help Annie make the days and nights of our military men and women and their families better. Kassy did this in high school and now she is out so time to let others help out too.

Raggedy Annie and Andy want to thank all our men and women in service everywhere and they both said to tell you that today instead of celebrating Raggedy Ann's Birthday can you all take a moment and just STOP and think about 8 Years ago and those special Angels and their families.

We want to share our special hero with everyone today.
He leaves for the Middle East soon.
Jamie is our Hero and we would like everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.

Lady Bird. Lady Bird...Or Was it a FlutterBy

2009-09-10T09:42:00.003-05:00

Raggedy Ann had a Birthday this week and we are celebrating "Raggedy" all week long!
Join us in our Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann celebrations by clicking on the Raggedy Ann Button to the right--------->>

By now you know that Raggedy Ann has been a lifeline in my life. From my first memory to the new ones I am making each day Annie is showcased front and centered. One of the first poems I remember learning when I was a little girl went
"Lady Bird,Lady Bird
Fly Away Home.
Your House is on Fire
And your Children all Gone."
Now while i never quite understood the poem it did inspire me to create one of my first Shweet Potato Dolls... Meet LadyBird

She would love for you to meet her first cousin KRISTAL the Lady Bug

Kristal lives at Texas A&M with my BFF's daughter who happens to my daughter's BFF.
Now both of these Raggedy Bugs have a distant cousin Love Bug. She loves to hug and hug and has even been known to deliver "Starbucks".

While on a walk one day in the Spring Chico and I happened upon some odd looking long white objects in the bushes (No not George and Laura although they do live not to far from us) and brought them home. We were amazed when leaving them for a few days in the same room with our other Shweet Bugs we discovered.........
©Shweet Raggedy Annie FlutterBys

Wow Raggedy Ann sure likes to change shapes and sizes.
Tomorrow we'll expore her furry past....

Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann and thanks for the memories old and new!

Wicked Raggedies

2009-09-08T21:57:00.002-05:00

Okay I know wicked is NOT how you would describe the Raggedy Ann styled dolls I create but wicked can be a good term too. Well Kassy's girlfriends ALL call my Halloween styled Annie's Wicked so we will too.

Last year I was granted permission by Carm with Shweet Potato Designs to use her graphics as inspiration for a line of Shweet Potato Dolls and Patterns. To me Carm has captured the essence of Raggedy Ann without infringing on her Copyrighted Image. Her graphics are Annies from her heart!

As doll creators and artists we use Raggedy Ann as our mentor and guide and we create from there. There are many styles and sizes of our Shweet Potato Dolls and at this point to me Shweet Potato Dolls are a Raggedy style all their own.
From Flying Witches

To My Little Wednesday Raggedy

And even This Little Halloween Raggedy Riding a Kitty

Raggedy Ann has been a huge influence in many of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, she has been there to dry our tears and ease us through the pain of heartbreak and illness.

Happy Bithday Raggedy Ann! You are my inspiration!

Come by tomorrow to see how Raggedy Ann has morphed into critters and bugs.

Gotta sneek this little goodie in before I head to bed

2009-09-08T00:34:00.004-05:00

**Edited on 9-8-08 I have decided that Kassy will pick one name from the folks who commented in here on which soap to send in as our entry and we will be sending YOU one FREE Bar or Bon Bon of soap. So please let us know what you think and maybe you will win too.~ Shweet Sandi~***

Ya'll know I love my dollie but Kassy works side by side with me to create fun and unqiue melt and pour soaps. Well one of the Etsy Teams we are on has a challenge this month create soaps that are based on BON BONS and BOOZE. Our Soaps have to have chocolate and booze scent in them. Now I need YOUR Help in choosing which one to submit. I must admit we made up 6 different once but we are only going to show off 3 of them here. One i need to retake the pictures but you can get the drift ...wink

Okay first is our Chocolate Ramkin Filled with Champage and Champagne Strawberries - We Need a good name, so help me out too cause these babies will be on etsy soon.

Second we have Bon Bon and Booze -I will be retaking the pictures on this one tomorrow. Each bon bon is made from chocolate goats milk soap with a glycerin strawberry inside. Then they were hand dipped in shea butter soap scented with champagne. Look we even show you one cut open. You will receive 3 per order in a bon bon box. Two pictures for you one upclose at an open bon bon

Then the set of three on a tray but i need to retake the picture

Third has to be my favortie Chocolate Margaritas Soap Bar. Each bar has 3 layers. The bottom layer is made from starbucks chocolate and goatsmilk soap...with a touch of fresh cinnamon (like in Mexico) middle layer is green lime glycerin soap, the top layer is clear glycerin soap that in infused with Sauza... that is Tequila Blanco. Now no Margaritas would be complete without salt and lime so the lime on the side has a hint of salt in the glycerin and of course lime essential oils. You can smell the Tequila and lime and Mexican hot chocolate base...YUMMO makes me wish i could drink one (but alais no can do with all the meds I am on.)

So If you could only enter one soap in our SafeTeam Challenge which would it be? Sorry to be a hurring ya along but I need to know ASAP like by Tuesday early evening so I don't miss this month's Challenge.

So now wish me luck as i try to add the pictures to my blog via the html page...

Okay comment and let me know you favorites 1...2...3 and help me name that chocolate bowl of strawberries and champagne.
(Coming soon to etsy the other 3 that I did not put out for you too see. HUGE 9 oz real size Apples 1 covered in champagne and One covered in Chocolate Bourbon and one apple martini covered in Dark Chocolate. Each apple makes 4 bars for you to use to give as gifts...... Gonna come by my etsy shoppe on Sept 10 to see all of my new bon Bon and Booze Soaps.

Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann!

2009-09-07T13:05:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to every little girls and big girls special friend Raggedy Ann. I remember growing up getting my first Raggedy Ann. I still have her tucked away, wrapped in my 1st daughter's first baby blanket. She is nekked as jaybird as my mom loved to sew doll clothes and I loved to change them. Some how, some where, some time she got undressed and I guess I grew older and forgot to dress her again.

Funny how life leads us in a circle. Raggedy Ann is the doll that helped me through the first surgery I remember having and is my first memory in life. I asked for and received a Raggedy Ann doll when I had my toncils and adenoids removed back in 1962 when I was a mere 3 years old. Now today at 50 Raggedy Ann is my life saver. I lost my hearing slowly as the years went by and now I am legally deaf...I can only hear noises and most of those are actually inside my head....no I did not say voices :). In 2003 I also lost the ability to move around much due to severe migraines and fibromyligia. Sewing was something I never mastered in school...ya know home ec but it did become my lifesaver.

I taught myself to sew after joining a primitive community called Prim Mart. With encourgament and online help I even learned to use my daughter's sewing machine and began making dolls. Once I started I realized that I could actually understand most of the patterns written by the members of the crafting communities like DJdoodle Junction, Prim Mart, The Prim Market, Ole Country Home and others. Once I started sewing it never stopped.

Raggedy Ann is my muse so to speak. Now at the age of 50 I write my own version of Raggedy Ann patterns and created many dolls the are called Shweet Potato Dolls and Patterns. I can truthly say I owe my life and sanity to Raggedy Ann. She is my life line and the first Memory I have in this wonderful world. You can see some of my Raggedy Ann style dolls at Always Crafty 2 or at my Shweet Potato Dolls Blog. The top picture is one of my Shweet Potato Dolls and the second picture is a line of Raggedy Anns I did for a online friend based on her well loved and hugged (missing one eye) Raggedy Ann.

Sorry I can't copy and paste any codes to show you my Shweet dolls right here because for some reason Yahoo has muted me and my ability to copy/paste but I can give you my links to my picturetrail so you can see my Shweet Raggedies for yourself should you want too. To visit my Shweet Potato Dolls Picture Trail click HERE

I have more picture of course and you can see them in my very first picturetrail

HERE

Later today I will show you one of my most unique Raggedy Ann and Andy's but I have to go find where I put there pictures :)

Let me just end by saying Raggedy Ann you are a little AND big girl's best friend! Thanks for all the wonderful memories and may we have many more in the years to come.

Come by and visit my friend's blog she started this wonderful Birthday Party for Raggedy Ann!

Always Crafty 2's Patterns on Sale

2009-09-06T21:57:00.002-05:00

Come by The Pattern Cupboard and check out the patterns on sale this week.

Always Crafty 2 has all our patterns marked down to $5.00 each at The Pattern Cupboard until September 126 which is my oldest daughter's 22nd birthday.

Tomorrow in our Etsy Shoppe you will find out first Monday Specials

ALL ePatterns are $5.00 and you will receive 2 FREE Patterns when you purchase one of our listed patterns. The 2 FREE PATTERNS are Owl and Pussy Cat and Fabric Sailor Hat ePatterns.

FREE Shipping in the USA on all our Dolls N Ornies too.

Sassy Soaps N Such on Etsy for First Monday Sales

Shweet Deal in our Etsy Shoppe 1st week of Sept ...ALL PATTERNS $5.00 Each

2009-09-03T21:30:00.003-05:00

What a Shweet Deal this is! All patterns listed in our Etsy shoppe are $5.00 each this week. YES that does include any paper patterns in our shoppe too. GUESS WHAT not only do you get a great deal on our patterns you will also get a FREE FALL PATTERN! YES you will get the Owl and Pussy Cat Folk Art Pattern FREE with your pattern purchase. Please note that if you purchase more than one pattern you will only receive ONE Free Pattern.

Off to work on more patterns and hope to get them listed in our shoppe very soon!

SASSYSOAPSNSUCH ON ETSY http://sassysoapsnsuch.etsy.com

PFATT Fall Giveaway

2009-09-03T11:24:00.002-05:00

OH I hate not being able to show off pictures on my blog and hopefully YAHOO will get my ISP issue fixed so they will stop limiting me in what I can do. You all know I am not a spammer but for some reason YAHOO who is the hardest folks to contact and connet with have not released my yahoo account and thus are messing with a whole lot of stuff I do online.
So I want to share with you a Fall GiveAway and you need to go over and and comment to get in on the prizes...or maybe not they are so good I hope my name gets pulled for one of them.

Their BLOG LINK IS HERE
Let's see if i can post my favorite of the prizes if not below it will be up above

I'm so sneaky! I went into html and it let me post the code!
I got around Yahoo YIPPPPPE.
Come over and comment and get your name in for the drawing on Sept 8

New email address for me

2009-09-02T13:16:00.001-05:00

Okay fed up with Yahoo and trying this to get in contact with my friends, family and clients
Try to email me at shweetpotatodollsnpatterns@gmail.com

Shweetpotatodolls was already taken??????

Anyways lets give this a try... Starting a count to how many days it takes yahoo to fix our ISP problem.... Day 3 and no end in site

AB4B September Launch is ON Pumpkins N Crows

2009-09-02T12:13:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for fun fall items check out the Age*Before*Beauty or AB4B listings on eBay right now. You can find them by typing in AB4B PC in the eBay search box.

I'm making it super dooper easy for you and posting all the lisings right HERE

You can also click on the title and go directly to the AB4B Pumpkin n Crows listings.

For some reason I can't post pictures from my picturetrail into my blogs anymore so I will post one picture at the top so you can see my favorite so far. This gal was created by my friend Ilona and you can find her on eBay HERE

It's $5.00 Monday on Etsy

2009-08-31T14:09:00.005-05:00

It's the 5th Monday of the Month and so it's $5.00 Monday in my shoppe and a whole lot of other Texans' shoppes on Etsy. You can come by Etsy and check out the $5.00 deals by simply typing in ETC5 in the Etsy search box and then click ALL ITEMS or click HERE

In Sassy Soaps N Such shoppe you will find a section packed with $5.00 specials. Some of our dolls and our patterns are all $5.00 today.

Come on over and check out the gang on Etsy's Forum too
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6266750

This is a great time to get some of your holiday shopping taken care of.

Shweet Flying Fairy is only $5.00 today and it is our most popular pattern and you will also receive a free Fabric Sailor Hat ePattern today with every pattern purchase.

Come on over and check out all the amazing handcrafted creations, vintage treasures and supplies for you to do your own creations!

if you want to email me try my msn

2009-08-30T22:49:00.001-05:00

OMG been trying to fix my yahoo email sandi_0510@yahoo .com all day long and it won't go in our out so if you need me email me at good ole msn sandi_0510@msn.com

Reunions of all sorts....Make the most of them

2009-08-28T17:33:00.006-05:00

WOW hard to believe I have been out of high school for OVER 30 years now. This weekend back home in Memphis all the Vikings from several classes are meeting and creating new memories.

Hey gang hope everyone has a blast and I can't wait to see pictures. Sure wish I could be there to see everyone and meet the other "halves" and see kids and grandkids pictures.

I dug around and found a few from the "good ole days". Don't laugh now they are kinda FUNNY although one of them I look at now... and kinda like it. The ROTC one has to be the funniest!

While I was looking for pictures I found a few from my family that made me smile so I thought would share those too for everyone to see .Here are the orginal six of us Keeton Kids back in '63...Fresh from the Park where our Elsie won Davis Park Queen!This got me thinking about family and friends and reunions. Seems we all wait way to long to visit with each other. Sometimes we wait TOO LONG and that person is no longer here for us to visit with. I know that we have lots of reasons and believe me I AM the Queen of excuses and legit reasons why I can't come for a visit. I have decided that even if I can't visit or re-connet in person, I have the internet and facebook really helps us get in touch with our ole high school and college friends. All I say is I have had a blast re-meeting and remembering my friendships from way back when. Weddings, Graduations, Birthdays, And Just Because you Miss Each Other... We don't need a reason to get together, just the desire!Remember the Queen of Davis Park picture from 1963... Here is the Keeton, Harris, Edwards, Ramirez, Green, Harless,Raymond family in 2007Sadly our Mom is not in the picture, as that picture was our gathering for her Memorial.The last time we all gathered as a family was for Megan and Charlie's Wedding and Mom was there. I was looking at these pictures today and just starting crying, remembering how wonderful it was to all be there together for such a wonderful day but sad in that Mom went to heaven 3 short months later.So don't wait too long to re-connet in person or on online...if you are lucky and can hear pick up the phone and call that ole freind or cousin, aunt, brother, sister, mom or dad... And just say HI!I found this picure of our Jeremy when he was about 4 or 5... It makes me heart happy and reminds me so much of our special bond!Hope you pick up the phone, send an email, note or jump in the car and drive cross town and say HI lets visit!Thanks to my Hillcrest Viking Friends and Union U my Zeta Sisters for our online Reunions!You have touched me more than you will ever know.Have fun and I wish i could be there with all of you!

Farmer's Market Soap- We Have a Winner

2009-08-27T17:09:00.002-05:00

We have a winner for our Farmer's Market Soap Drawing!

Sorry I took so long.... I made up 4 loaves of soap the same day. I bagged them up 2 whole loaves in one bag and the other 2 loaves where cut and wrapped and placed in a second bag. Well my friendly spirits (Mom and Marty's Dad) have moved one of the bags. Now I am really forgetful with my fibromyligia (funny I can remember things from `20 yrs ago but not yesterday), but one thing I do to help with my foggy memory is to place all my soaps in ONE SPOT. Wrapped or in bags they are all on that certain shelf. Well, the soaps are ALL there except for the bag with the ones I took pictures of.

I think it is Dad cause I gave Mom ( Marty's Mom) a bar of it for her birthday.

So that being said the winner of this soap will be receiving a bar that is larger (8 oz) and has different layers but the same scents.

OKAY I Know you want to know WHO WON????
First there are also winners on the SAFE TEAM BLOG so go see which Safe Team Soap Won.

The Winner of the Farmer's Market Soap is Sunshine*Creations!

Kaela please email me your mailing address....

Last chance to get your vote in.......

2009-08-26T23:29:00.004-05:00

If you have not voted yet on the NEKKKKKKKED DOLLIE CHALLENGE got a few more hours to get those votes in! Shweet Annie and her Kitty would sure like your vote....

Click HERE to go vote....Don't walk ........RUN.......

Coming Soon: Our Charity

"Shweet Creations 4 Cures"

Wanted to share HOPE with ya

2009-08-26T02:10:00.004-05:00

One of my online friends creates the cutest dolls and patterns. I meet her patterns long time before I actually got the honor of visiting online with her. Gini Simpson of Cat and the Fiddle Designs fame is this wonderful artist I am talking about.

I have about 6 of her patterns and I just added a new one to my collection.

HOPE is beautiful! Not only is she a beautiful doll for me to create, but Gini is beautiful herself and is giving back to breast cancer research.

Here is just a little from her newsletter that touched my heart

"She will be for the month of October and she is a Breast Cancer Awareness doll named Hope. The profits made from the sale of this pattern will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer. So, PLEASE, PLEASE even if you don't like the doll, consider buying the pattern anyways to help out such a worthy program that benefits us all. And, you could even donate the pattern to another worthy charity or give it to a friend or family. I normally don't beg so or pressure sell my patterns like this, but this is sooooo important to me that I hope you'll forgive me if I offend any of you."

Gina, YOUdid not offend me NOT AT ALL... in fact she just helped me make the decision to start a Charity where folks can come and post direct links to their items they are selling for good causes like breast cancer awareness and autism (just to name a few). Look for Shweet Creations 4 Cures .com soon.

Now to find Hope you need to go about half way down....now remember you can order paper to be mailed to you or if you are like me and want it NOW order the PDF or ePattern version. Also while you are looking for Hope check out all the other wonderful patterns she has in her shoppe. IF if you don't sew..... Don't worry I bet Gini can find someone to make up that special doll for you.

So if you are looking to order this precious doll click HERE

GINI thanks for the honor and joy of being your online friend and ya'll let's raise some money for Breast Cancer Research and Awarness...

Need your votes

2009-08-20T13:01:00.002-05:00

One of my communities i am a member in held a NEKKKKKED Dollie challenge. What we did is we each created a doll body and mailed it to another member. That member dressed the doll as she wanted to our in my case as my nekked dollie told me too.
Here is my Nekkkkked Dollie as she arrived

Now her are a couple pictures of her dressed and ready to go out on Halloween night.

Now I need your help. You can vote on this blog for your favorite and we sure hope it is ours
http://downhiddenfarmlane.blogspot.com/

We'd love for you to let folks know on your blog too about this fun Poll!
Thanks
Shweet Sandi

There are Holes in the Floor of Heaven

2009-08-12T23:38:00.004-05:00

This song touched me so much when i saw the video on GAC. I had to go and read the lyrics and now I read them all the time. I had to share it with you because so many of us have lost special folks these past years. I personally lost my mom and my father in law Frank who was been my dad since 1987. My dad who i lost in 1983 .... wow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiMB-zV253o
I love this picture of Dad with my hubby Marty and one of his brothers.

Here is a youtube I found not sure how good the sound is, since I am deaf but I really wanted to share this song as it has touched my heart. The lyrics are below.
My Momma. Keelee and Jeremy on Keelee's 1st Christmas almost 22 years ago...Time does fly.

M0m made it to Megan's wedding and she was so proud of her grand daugher and new hubby, Charlie!

My Mom and Dad...Their last Christmas before the Lord called Daddy home.

When I am gone this is what I want played at my service and what I want my family to remember.... There ARE holes in the floor if Heaven......

Holes in the Floor of Heaven by Steve Wariner.....
One day SHY OF eight years old
Grandma passed away
I was a broken hearted little boy,
blowing out that birthday cake

How I cried when the sky let go
with a cold and lonesome rain
Momma smiled said don't be sad child
Grandma's watchin you today
'Cause there's holes in the floor of Heaven
and her tears are pourin' down
that's how you know
she's watchin'wishin' she could be here now

And sometimes if you're lonely
just remember she can seethere's holes in the floor of Heaven
and she's watchin' over you and me

Seasons come and seasons gonothin' stays the same
I grew up fell in love
met a girl who took my name
Year by year we made a life
in this sleepy little town
I thought we'd grow old together
Lord I sure do miss her now

But there's holes in the floor of Heaven
and her tears are pourin' down
that's how you know she's watchin' wishin' she could be here now
and sometimes when I'm lonelyI remember she can see
there's holes in the floor of Heaven
and she's watchin' over you and me
Well my little girl is 23
I walk her down the aisle
it's a shame her mom can't be here now
to see her lovely smile

They throw the rice
I catch her eye
as the rain starts comin' down
she takes my hand says daddy don't be sad 'cause
I know momma's watchin' now
And there's holes in the floor of Heaven
and her tears are pourin down
that's how you know she's watchin'wishin' she could be here now
and sometimes when I'm lonely
I remember she can see
there's holes in the floor of Heaven and she's watchin' over you and me

Watchin' over you and me
Watchin' over you and me
Watchin' over you and me
Lyrics copied from cowboy lyrics

Please share this with those who have angels in heaven looking through the holes and remember you can always talk to those who have passed on. They are around you and are aware of what happens in your life. Take a moment to say "HI and Thanks for giving me such a great life!"

Farmer's Market Soap

2009-08-10T21:25:00.004-05:00

Well as usually I am a couple days late so I missed the challenge deadline for one of my etsy Street Team challenges. It really is okay cause it gave me a reason to get to soaping again and now I have a neat giveaway for one of you!

The challenge was to create a soap that was like me.. If I were a soap what would I be.

Well we go to the Farmer's Market almost every weekend and because of my stomach issues fruit is one of the few foods I can actually eat without getting sick. So I decided to create a fun "fruit filled" soap bar. It was fun because it was the first time I have made a mulit layered soap AND it is indeed colorful.

This soap is made with a mix of goats milk and glycerin soap bases with body safe fragrances and dyes. The scents in this Farmer's Market Soap are Lemon, MacInoch Apple, Cucumber, Pomegranate with a touch of Vanilla. The winner will get one 6 oz bar of my Farmer's Market Soap.

HOW Do you win???? Well, I missed out on the contest on the SAFE Team blog but I want you to go over and vote for your favorite Soap Like Me. Come by here and comment which of the soaps was your favorite. I will draw names for one of YOU all to win a 6oz bar of My soap that missed the deadline. Click HERE for the Safe Team Blog to read and vote.

REMEMBER YOU NEED TO COME AND LET ME KNOW YOUR FAVORITE SOAP FROM THE SAFE TEAM BLOG.

So I can't wait to see which soap you liked an why.......... CAMOUFLAGE is my personal favorite since we have taken up hunting in our "old age".

I made up 4 different loaves so i will be listing them on etsy and zibbet tomorrow so make sure to check back for updates.

Thanks I'm a Featured Artist ..WOW

2009-08-09T11:06:00.005-05:00

I am so honored to be the featured artist this month on a wonderful website called Hidden Farm Primitives

Diana creates the most amazing dolls and patterns!

She is also the owner of a wonderful Community called Ol Country Home which also happens to be an Etsy Street Team OCHteam. Ol Country Home is a small group of gals who love to have fun together online and also challenge each other. Right now we are finishing up a Nekkked Dollie Swap. We each sent out a Nekkkked Dollie to a member and they dressed the doll up and Diana will be showing them on her blog soon.
This is my Before....

You will have to check her blog for the After soon.

While I have you, wanted to tell you about this new amazing site called Zibbet. It is for handmade, vinatge and supplies. If you are interested in maybe selling on this site click HERE.
If you wanna see my shoppe check it out here
I am adding new creations and patterns every day!

Til tomorrow...have a Shweet Sunday

New Handmade, Vintage and Supply site

2009-08-06T22:24:00.002-05:00

Hey all! I found this really cool new place a lot like Etsy but I think better. I'd love to show you my little shoppe http://www.zibbet.com/AlwaysCrafty2/shop

Now this is a new place created by 3 GUYS! But they seem to have things on the ball. They are in the process of changing things around and change can be good.

Right now you can sign up for a shoppe and don't pay anything until you sell something. Then you pay a small commission. Soon they are changing to 2 types of shoppes. A basic shoppe is FREE yep FREE! You list up to 25 items and pay no commissions.

Upgrade to a Premium shoppe for $7.00 a month and have unlimited items and you can reduce your monthly bill by bringing in new shoppe owners.
If you are interested in opening your own shoppe click this link
http://www.zibbet.com/AlwaysCrafty2/sell

I think this is a great addition to ebay,etsy and artfire. New way to get your products and name out to the public and one thing I liked is it is easy to list on.

Of course gonna keep my website this is just another place to showcase my creations!

Come over and check it out!

Fun Puzzle Piece Soaps

2009-08-05T15:22:00.003-05:00

This week one of my eBay groups are listings items and donating % of the winnings to Autism Awareness Charities Worldwide.
I made up couple sets of puzzle piece soaps. I have one listed on eBay right now
Apple Scented Puzzle Piece Soap

They can be put together like a real puzzle and oh so much fun for the kids and adults alike.
100% of the sales from theses soaps goes towards Autism!
Fixin to list 2 more sets of black and orange puzzle pieces that smell like Licorice Candy.
Come by and take a look

YOU can find all the listings on eBay by searching AB4B Autism!

Okay if you want to buy some of the puzzle piece soaps and NOT go thru eBay...No problem. Just look to the side menu for the Puzzle Pieces and make your purchase here. I will send the price of each set sold to Autism Speaks here in Dallas. They work closely with the elementary school my girls attended (way back).

Thanks for helping out these special kids and adults!

Remember: Nothing is impossible…even the word says Im Possible

Come Join the Fun

2009-08-02T16:19:00.003-05:00

For a limited time only Ol Country Home Community is open for new members! Come by the community and check it out. We'd love to have you join in the fun. We are a group of gals who love primitive and country things. You will find doll designers, graphic artists and folks who just love to collect and talk about things. We have swaps and challenges if you like that sort of thing and we have a wonderful grouping of Recipes... that I can tell you are wonderful for the tummy!

Come by and check us out and see if you would like to join our online family of friends.

I almost forgot we are also a street team on Etsy. YOU can find us on Etsy by searching OCHteam in the tags....

Autism Charity Auction Going on NOW

2009-08-01T19:46:00.003-05:00

Please come by eBay and check out the items up for auction this month from Age*Before*Beauty. We are donating % of our sales to Autism Charities. The beauties will be listings all week long so we hope you will come by and take a peek. There will be Autism themed items as well as Christmas, Halloween and even an Uncle Sam Welcome Sign.

I just listed 2 new Autism Faries so please come by and check them out!
You can find all the autions and Buy it Now for AB4B Autism HERE

Hope to see ya this month!
This is one of my dolls..... Ruby A ©Shweet Potato Fairy

Looking forward to August

2009-07-30T12:11:00.004-05:00

Hard to believe that August is only a couple of days away!

WOW! In one month Kassy starts the next part of her life... Cosmetology Career Center in Carrollton will be her home for the next year! Then she will be on her way to her Career and she also wants to go to Community College while she is working.
I am so proud of her.

If you shoppe online and like well made hand crafted creations you need to vist ETSY.
I wanted to tell ya about a friend of mine who recently opened up her Etsy shoppe. Angie's Raggedy Patch. We have been BF online for a good while now and one day I do intend to meet in person. Angie just opened up her shoppe on Etsy and could use some love (hearts mark her as your favorite). You can find her shoppe HERE. She is just starting to add creations to her shoppe and right now but come by and heart her and come BACK for more.

While you are at Etsy you can come by MY shoppe and visit too. Sassysoapsnsuch! We just added new Patterns and e-patterns to our shoppe and we have LOTS Of Dolls, ornies and soaps of course and more to be added soon.

August 1-7 Please come by eBay and search for AB4B Autism. You will find many wonderful creations for all occassions and the best thing is that all the artsits are donating some or all of the proceeds to different Autism Charities Worldwide. I will be back to post a direct link to all the auctions on August 1. Remember the auctions won't be over on the 7th that just means there will be some auctions starting on the 7th of August.

I wanted to show off a couple of listings to come up on eBay for the special charity auction.
From country*dragonfly

You will be able to find more at the AB4B Blog called Beauties 4 Bloggin Please come by and follow the Beautie's Blog and you might be the winner of a prize this month. Plus you get first hand knowledge when we are updating and holding giveaways and other fun things!

Well July is almost over so I better get myself over to the sewing machine and get to sewing but one little thing before I head off..........

Christmas in July is still going on so come over to my booth and the whole show and see what you can get now for later in the year. I also have all my patterns in my booth so you can make some of your own Shweet Dolls and Loopy the Turkeys. You can find my booth HERE.
Check out all the BOOTHS!

HAVE a Shweet Day and we will see ya on the last day of July!

Guns and Shweet Dolls

2009-07-26T15:19:00.003-05:00

Had a blast the past 2 days. Headed to the gun show in Mesquite for some "us" time just me and the hunny. The gun show as a blast. Big enough to have plenty to see but not to big as to be over crowed. The AC was pumping and so were the guns and rifles. After searching for about 3 hours and most likely handling every gun in the joint we found me a 22 Pistol. While I was there I ran into this gal who makes the most AWESOME cowgirl attire. The jewlery was beautiful from stones to metals. The belts were covered in bling and have to say wish i was Kassy's size to wear some of the tees she had!

You can see some of her creations on her online store but she assures me there will be more added all the time. Split Skirts & Side Saddles is the place to visit if you are ever close to Terrell Texas. Her address is 404 W Moore Ave Terrell Texas. Now her website can be found here....

My understanding is she heads out to alot of the Rodeo Shows around here so if you are at a Rodeo look for her booth.

Today we took my new pistol and headed to the gun range. WOW! I've been shooting with the 22 rifle but I do SO LOVE the 22 pistol. Just for fun I shot off ONE round from Marty's 9m HHigh Point and let's just say I will leave the BIG GUNS to him. I also learned that If you don't hold the gun up high enough the casing can rickashade off the wall and hit you in the neck. Hot shell casings do STICK to skin and they do burn! Told Marty I know have my "battle scar".

Had a blast... Although I do wonder... If I am deaf and I wear ear plugs in the range and can still "hear" the blasts...what do hearing people hear with thier ear plugs in.

Dang it was loud or maybe it was the feelings from the guns. BUT MAN IT IS SURE FUN and a great way to get rid of the stress from the week!

And don't ya know shooting round of ammo off gave me inspiration for several new dolls!

So off to work on some patterns and dolls

Gotta to post the bingo words for Rusty Tin Roof

Have a Shweet Day!

Many Many Angels...

2009-07-24T19:45:00.002-05:00

At first I came in here to show you a new doll I created today but decided instead I wanted to share a poem my neice blessed us with at my father-in-law's Rosary last summer. It seems the older I get the more folks we loose. I realize it is a fact of life and many of these folks are going on to a much better place, But it still hurts.

Today a dear friend lost someone very important in her life and the life of her family. Although I did not know this man personally, I knew him through my dear friend Angie. Angie and I met online and have never seen each other face to face, but she is one of my dearest friends. I know that her family is mourning the loss of their dear friend but know that one day they will see each other again. Just hearing about Don and what he did with his life inspite of his illness made me see life in a whole new way. To read more about his amazing man check out Angie's Blog

I Am Always With You

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with to many tears.
Be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you’ve given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time that I travel alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve for me you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on.
And if you ever need me, Call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home”

~Writer Unknown~

This is for all those new Angels..... Remember they DO come back to visit us all you have to do is be open for their visits and welcome them with open hearts.

Important Facebook info

2009-07-24T11:54:00.002-05:00

Important information.
Please do this. Facebook has agreed to let a third party advertisers use your posted pictures without your permission.
Go to your facebook account
click on SETTINGS up at the top where you see the log out link.
select PRIVACY.
then select NEWS FEEDS AND WALL.
next select the tab that reads FACE BOOK ADS.
there is a drop down box, select NO ONE.
then SAVE your changes.

Your pictures will be safe this way.....

Come Shoppe Christmas in July

2009-07-23T14:54:00.004-05:00

It is hotter than everything in most places around here but It is JULY and that means time for Christmas in JULY. I think CIJ was started as a way for folks to cool down in their heads and hopefully cool down in their homes. IT's a fun time to get some holiday shopping done and maybe grab a few gifts for yourself too.

Below are a list of Folks I know who are holding Christmas in July Shows in their websites or marketplaces.

Click on their name to visit their shoppe...tell them Shweet Sandi sent ya! AND have a cool time!

Prim By Design- She has 3 of the cutest new patterns and more

Shweet Potato Dolls N Patterns- Holiday Dolls and Patterns and more

Sweet Treats Dolls- Some of the cutest Dolls I've seen

Cinna Minnies Solid Cinnamon Collectibles - The BEST Smellin' Dolls and Collectibles

Country Fried Primitive Marketplace- Always Crafty 2 Booth

The Country Rose- Handpainted ornies and more! Breathtaking beauty!

Lemon Poppy Seeds Marketplace- Always Crafty 2 Booth

Seasonal Touch - For Christmas YEAR ROUND

Primitive Kountry- FOR WAXED Dipped Toilet Paper!!!

Artistic Glass Decor & More- Beautiful Booth- Check out the Autism Ornie!

So much more to come and tomorrow I will show off some of the Christmas in July on eBay

PIF or Pay It Forward Wednesdays

2009-07-22T11:04:00.003-05:00

In my family we have adopted PIF Wednesdays. Each of us does one or more things on Wednesdays to help out others in a little way.This Wednesday I would love to PIF to you prim gals in you may choose ONE of my e-patterns to receive for FREE. This offer is open to EVERYONE til MIDNIGHT tonight. Just email me at sandi_0510@msn.com with your choice of e-pattern and I will email it back to you. You can find them at on my website Always Crafty 2 under e-patterns or Click Here.

I would also love to challenge each and every one of you out there to pick a day of the week and you and your family do something nice for someone when they totally don't expect it.

It has been such and blessing and you don't have to spend money either. Last week I took a note upstairs to the LOUD Neighbors and Just said HI Hope you and your family are having a nice and wonderful summer. I had my mil translate it to Spanish and did not sign it. Just left it on the little clip by their front door. I don't know if they acted on it or not but it has sure been a lot less stomping and noice from up there.

Love to hear from any of your PIF days

Come Shoppe and Help A FRIEND

2009-07-18T13:02:00.003-05:00

I have a very dear and sweet Internet friend who's hubby just lost his job.

I'd love to share her story and hope that you will visit her shoppe and start your holiday shopping a tad bit early this year.

Here is some info on Connie and one of her etsy shoppes:

My name is Connie. I am a WAHM of a sweet little girl named Ashley. We both love to craft so I decided to start this shop for me and Ashley to list our latest creations such as key fobs, earrings, I.D. lanyards, and more. Her etsy shoppe is http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6775269

or look for Ashley's Trinkets under user names.

You can also find Connie's Primitive works on Etsy under Dry Branch Primitives

It's July and that means CHRISTMAS IN JULY and what better place to start your holiday shopping AND help out a wonderful family!

Nekked Dollie Swap Today is the Last Day to sign up

2009-07-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

NEKKKKKED DOLLLLLLLLIE SWAP! This swap is going to be so much fun!

Want to get in on it? Today Friday the 17th is the last day to sign up to swap NEKKKKKED DOLLIES!

Here is the scoop:

Okay...we, in Ol Country Home forum, have decided to host a Nakie Dolly Swap/Challenge on Blogger, hopefully more people will participate this way, and we will get some interest in our forum as well.....

Sign ups are from tonight, thru next Friday..July 10-17if you are interested please email me : DShrome@yahoo.com PLEASE put "Nakie Swap" in the subject line..

I will need:Mailing name and address, and if you would be willing to ship outside of the USA or from an other country to USA..

What this will entail: YOU sew a dolly body..minimum size is 8 inches, Maximum is 14 inches..

You must sew it out of muslin or a similar fabric..the body must include: head, arms, feet, all sewn,and stuffed.. NO GLUING please..

This dolly will be naked, and left to the other person you send her to for decoration, dresses, etc..All you will send is the dolly body, nothing else.

Please package her nicely, and include a small note for your swap recipient.. Dolly's must be sent with delivery Confirmation..or some sort of tracking number so we can find her if need be.

Once everyone gets her swap partner, I will then post the date we will all be sending them..this will probably be a 2 week limit, to make the dolly, stuff and ship..then you will email me as you receive the dolls, with a picture of the naked one you received..I will email all of the details to you as we go along..after everyone has finished putting the details on her dolly, another 2 week goal, we will all share our pictures once again..

After this, I will put up a voting poll, for most original, most prim, and best all around...no prizes, but fun to see who will win!!!

I may have one of my graphic friends help me with prizes, that could be fun!!Anyhow, let's have some fun with this...the more the merrier...Please, as with all swaps, if you cannot commit the time, please do not sign up :) Blessings, Diana

Shweet Halloween Fairy

2009-07-13T22:52:00.003-05:00

It was so hot today in Dallas 105 at least so I stayed inside and worked on Fall and Christmas creations. You can find the Shweet Halloween Fairy for sale at our Shweet Potato Dolls Blog with FREE shipping in the USA.

Tomorrow we will be adding new creations to our Lemon Poppy Seeds Booth AND our Country Fried Primitives Booth. ALL CHRISTMAS IN JULY Creations!

If you like to create your own dolls check out our patterns in our Always Crafty 2 Website. Free Fabric Sailor Hat e-pattern with every pattern purchase through August!

Til tomorrow.....

Come Play Online BINGO

2009-07-10T19:08:00.002-05:00

Come over to the Rusty Tin Roof Blog and get your words and play ONLINE BINGO! IT's fun and a prize will be given away to the winner too.
Where do you get the words and info on HOW to play BINGO?
Visit Rusty Tin Roof Blog

OR if you have not downloaded the newest issue of the ezine pop over to Rusty TIN Roof and download your free copy now. The dates for playing BINGO Have changed ...JULY 14 is the last day to send in your words and JULY 15 we start calling words on the BLOG and inside the Juction.

Bingo Games are always fun to play so get your words in NOW!

Red.......Ranger RED

2009-07-05T23:55:00.003-05:00

Come vote for Ian.....------------------>>>>>>>>>

Red is the new Black...Ranger RED

Red White and Blue Make Do Challenge

2009-07-05T00:17:00.002-05:00

OH We had fun this month in Ol Country Home! Chris with Between Friends challenged us to use a rusty bed spring and create something themed towards red, white and blue.
So I made a fun Pin Keep...
Come by eBay and check it out. It would be perfect for you sewers out there or for folks who love to decorate in the Ameciana Style

Well time for bed...... Tomorrow I have some soaps to create and a Shweet Reindeer Doll to finish

Saw an Angel TODAY

2009-06-30T23:13:00.004-05:00

Sitting here talking to my husband it is so hard to believe it has been a year since his Dad got his wings. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the living room of their home just talking to dad about flowers and the kids. We talked about silly things like how much our canes were alike and how he loved it when I created Hispanic dolls and brought them over to the house. Every new soap I made he had to have one and insisted I make some MANLY ones.

Liver Cancer took Dad to heaven but we have memories of him every single day. At night I look to my right and can see how blessed he made me. My husband has to be the most patient loving man in the world. Who else could and would put up with me and 2 girlie girls. I see Dad everyday in my wonderful handsome husband. I see the love he taught him by the way he lived his life. I see the hard work and determination Dad taught by example to keep our family going even when times were tough. My husband not only works 40+ hours at his "full time" job but he comes home and does other things to raise money for my expensive meds and doctor visits. And he also does most of the housework since I can't get around much.

Marty got that love of family from his Dad.

Tonight I walked as I walked through my bedroom to my closet to get something out to give Keelee when she came to visit, a piece of paper floated in front of my face. I reached down to pick it up and could not believe what it was. Before I tell you let me say I don't have any pictures in our bedroom. They are in our living room and also inside photo albums or on the computer.

What I picked up was a gift from Dad..... a picture of him and Mom dancing at their 40th Surprise Wedding Anniversary Party. (OH My that has to be at least 12 -13 yrs ago)

Whenever the lights flicker at my apartment or where we are we know Dad is saying Hello. ( This was something I asked him to do at the very end to let us know he was around.) He said hello while Brian spoke so loving of him on July 5, 2008 and he still comes by to visit today. To many this may seem weird or odd BUT to me This is TRUE LOVE.
So this week I will celebrate Frank U Ramirez not just once but twice. July 1 was the day Dad got his wings and July 4 we Thanks HIM and all our service men and women and their families for all that they do and have done to keep our Country Safe.

I love you dad and miss you every day!