Happy "It's My Party" day

Today I'm riding on the Tuesday Train over at The House on the Corner.

According to a wacky holiday website, today is "It's My Party Day". Let's have a party and celebrate. Here are my top 10 reasons to have a party.

1. Obviously birthdays. I love birthday parties. The cake, the presents, the ice cream, the presents, the good times. Oh, and did I mention the presents. And before you condemn me, I don't just mean my birthday or receiving presents. I have a ball selecting birthday presents and matching up the recipient with the perfect gift. As my children have gotten older, they prefer gift cards. And I honor that, but I sure do miss buying presents for them.

2. Christmas parties come in next. I love Christmas get-togethers. I love all the food and the decorations. I love the holiday atmosphere and the chance to unwind and visit with family or friends. I love family Christmas parties and watching the grandkids open their presents. It makes up a little for not having kids at home on Christmas morning.

3. New Year's Eve party...actually just our New Year's Eve party. It is always my hubby and myself (now that the kids are grown) and we fix snack foods; cheeses, crackers, fruit, etc. And play a nice, friendly game of Monopoly, which I always lose. Then we watch Rockin' New Years Eve to bring in the New Year at 12:00. By 12:05, we are partied out and heading to bed.

4. Baby showers - Is there anything that brings smiles to our faces as easy as shopping for baby gifts does. I love going to baby showers and oohing and ahhing over all the tiny little clothes, the soft blankets and the adorable new products that we all look at and say "Oh, I wish we had that when my kids were babies."

5. Wedding showers - How delightful to be a part of helping a happy couple launch their new life together. Again, it is so much fun to shop and find the perfect gift...even when they are registered somewhere. I like to buy something that I get as much joy giving as they will get when they receive it.

6. Halloween Parties - When my kids were in kindergarten, they were in separate classes, even though they are twins. I wanted them each to experience everything on their own. We had just moved into a 14 room Civil War era house. We had not remodeled the upstairs yet and the front room was HUGE and opened into a kitchen (it had been apartments at one time.) I thought it would be great to let them have a Halloween party so I invited both classes (over 40 kids) figuring a few would probably show up. Oh my gosh! What was I thinking? The big night arrived and 27 five years olds arrived! Plus my two. We had a wonderful time and the costumes were adorable. But now, my Halloween party days is Trunk-or-Treat at my church. I love it.

7. House warming parties - I love when decides to initiate their home by having a house warming party. Getting to help them celebrate and seeing what they "have done with the place" is always a wonderful time.

8. Pampered Chef parties - Well, that kind of goes without saying. I love Pampered Chef and love going to parties. I love trying all the different recipes the consultants showcase. I also love having Pampered Chef parties. I try to have one every year in May because they have items and specials that help support breast cancer and again in November when they have specials to raise money for the local Food Bank. They are both worthy causes and it's a wonderful way to help support them.

9. Thirty-One parties - I know you were waiting for that to hit the list. Anyone who reads my blogs, sees me at church or reads my Facebook KNOWS I'm addicted to Thirty-One Gifts. Again, I have to hold two parties a year. One when they launch their new spring/summer line and one when they launch the new fall/winter line. I like to be one of the first to actually see and explore the new merchandise. I love it.

10. Scentsy party - This was a new one for me. I have never had one, but I went to one a couple of weeks ago. I love candles and warmers and such for the house. This was the first time I had seen their merchandise and fell in love with it. I'm expecting my first order any day. I don't remember the name of my fragrance I ordered, but it was chocolate and orange. It smelled just like my milk chocolate orange creams I buy in Gatlinburg.

What I found at the 9 mile yard sale.....



Saturday we went to the 9 mile yard sale. My daughter picked up several bargains. She even found Shelby a Barbie riding toy for only $2.00. But I didn't fare as well as I had hoped. I found curtains I loved....but wrong size. I found baskets like I wanted but they were more expensive than brand new ones. Saw some cute glassware, but nothing that screamed "buy me". I was getting discouraged.

And then, in the middle of a long wooden table, sitting all alone I found my bargain of the day.

This beautiful teapot...

I love anything that has flowers and butterflies on it. Always have; always will. I especially loved the butterfly on the lid. She is so exquisite and detailed.

 

Add to that, the colors match my living room furniture so well.

It's like it was made especially for me. I gently picked it up and examined every little detail. No nicks, no scratches, no chips, no color fading, nothing. It was in pristeen condition. It looked 100% brand new. I looked at the lady and asked how much. I held my breath. I would have paid as much as $15.00. I loved it that much and I knew that brand new teapots in this condition start at $29.00. So she opened her mouth to speak and I know mine dropped open when she said "$3.00". Oh my gosh! You have got to be kidding me." I don't think I have ever whipped out my money so fast in my life. I grabbed this baby up right then.

She didn't have any bags (who has a yard sale with no bags???). Anyway, I didn't want the butterfly to get broke so I borrowed one of my granddaughters pull-ups and wrapped the lid in it and put it in her stroller basket. We made it home with no mishaps. I can't quit looking at it. I'm so excited. It always makes my weekend when I get a great find like this. 

When God closes doors....

We have all heard it said that when God closes one door, another door opens. I believe this is true. I also believe that the open doors are there all along. But because of our stubborn ways and willful nature, we are unable to see the open door God is providing us. We are too interested in doing things are own way, choosing our own paths. We will walk through the wrong door...day after day, month after month. God provides us instructions and courage to take the road less traveled and head through the open door.

But sometimes, when we can't see our way to do His will, He will close a door to us so we are faced to step out on faith alone and walk through the new door He has opened. When we do, we find joy and peace unknown. Opportunities begin to come our way and the benefits of obeying His will are innumerable.

It is a sad commentary on our lives that we have become so obstinate and so self-absorbed that when we pray asking for His help, we still want to continue trying to do it our way...or worse yet, try to tell God how He should handle it.

My prayer for each of you is that you take that step of faith and walk through the door God is providing for you. Do not be afraid or dismayed. Look at it as a new journey, an uplifting opportunity and a road to rewards that are beyond our wildest dreams.

Nine miles of bargains....



Today is going to be a great day. I wish all my followers who like thrifty finds could come along for the day. I'm going to the 9 mile yard sale on Hwy 411 (Old Newport Hwy) in Sevierville. It starts at 8:00. I'm not sure how many booths there will be in all, but I imagine there will be a lot. Most of the businesses on that stretch of highway are providing booths, bays or tents for people to set up in. All proceeds from the booth fees will go to support the Shriner's Hospital. Frazier's Lumber has around 30 booths leased out. And that is just at their business. We still have the rest of the 9 miles to learn about tomorrow. One lady posted about her booth on Craig's List. She said they had so much stuff they were overflowing.

I have quite a few items on my "wish list" for tomorrow. Things I'm looking for that I don't want to pay a fortune for. Here's a few of the items I'd like to find....

A toy box for the grandchildren's toys.

A vintage cookie jar

Glass Sugar and Cream set

Ivy Curtains

Quilted Valance that would go with any of the patterns in my quilt and pillow shams

Short, long wicker baskets


Hope I find something good to share with you.

Favorite Finds for Friday....

I've been to Etsy again. I love window shopping on there. Well, technically, I guess I'm actually "computer screen" shopping. I just love browsing through the various shops to see what tickles my fancy. Here are some of my favorite finds this week.

Found these adorable coasters at Peanuts Creations. She also has adorable face scrubbies and wash clothes. The color schemes are awesome and her prices are very reasonable for handmade items.



I love little birdnests and birds to set around the house. So when I saw this keychain, it was love at first site. It's a mother's keychain that represents a son and a daughter. Since I have twins (boy and girl) this is perfect for me. Visit A Cup of Sparkle and check out some of her other jewelry.

Mom had one of these every year at Christmas. I always loved picking it up and looking at it. She got it at a Five and Dime downtown. I'm going to have to get this for old time's sake. It's a bargain at $5.00 over at Corrnucopia

How adorable is this gorgeous white milk glass jewelry box for your rings and watch. I have never seen one of these, but it is very delicate and old world elegance. Hop over to Strictly Vintage and check out some of their vintage items.

Oh Wow. I love this canister set. The blue/green would go so good with my new kitchen decor. Only problem is. I don't need a canister set. I just need a cookie jar. Of course, I could use the big one for cookie's and the other two could hold hot chocolate packets and tea bags. Hmmm. There's a thought. This is over at It's Still Life.

I have always loved Carnival Glass. This is an adorable sugar creamer set from Vintage Homes.

Well, I'd say you just about lost me for the rest of the day. I made the mistake of searching for teapots and teacups on Etsy. I could spend all day picking out my favorites. So I'm just going to close my Friday finds by showing a few that I really fell in love with. Of course, there teapots & teacups...what's not to love?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/REdesignkc?ref=top_trail

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ABBEYGIFTS?ref=top_trail

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SwirlingOrange11?ref=pr_shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SwirlingOrange11?ref=pr_shop

How unique. My last name starts with K.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jrisco?ref=top_trail

Have a great weekend!

Do you recall.....

Every once in awhile, my sweet tooth gets the better of me and I have a craving. For what, I can't figure out. Although, I love Hershey Bars and Milky Ways, I long for some of those old time favorites that can longer be found. I scoured the internet to see if any of my old "friends" are still around. Some are; some aren't. But here are some of my old favorites that I wish I could run out to the corner store and buy some.



You can still find Smoothie's and Mallo Cups. But it is rare. They are not much bigger than a 50 cent piece now. They still have the "points" in them. Except instead of saving the for gifts or a case of candy bars, you now save them up and send them in to get a $1.00 coupon off a new package. So let's see, I have to buy a stamp, an envelope and spend gas to go the post office, just to get a coupon back for $1.00. I'm thinking.....no. But I will still eat the candy bars. I love them.

This was one of my favorites. I've never had anything that even remotely resembles it in flavor. It was just chocolate covered caramel with peanuts in it. I can close my eyes and taste it now.

Another one from the Hollywood Candy Company that I loved way back when, was the Milkshake candy bar. It was similar to a Milky Way, but the nougat was more of a malted milk taste to it. Delicious.

Another favorite from days gone by is Charles Chips. Of course, we always called them "Charlie's" chips. They were delivered by truck, just like milk and eggs were back then. Mamaw Eden always had a delivery. Some Cracker Barrels are carrying them now. I bought some not to long ago. All I can say is, sometimes it is better if we go on memory instead of being able to taste the real thing. Not sure what the attraction was. Must have been the collectible can because the flavor sure didn't do anything for me.

I can still be found sipping on Pixy Stix or munching on Sweetarts. Somethings just never go out of style. I occasionally have a Necco wafer or Sugar Babies as well.

And I loved, loved, loved Hot Dog Bubble Gum. I found some at a nostalgia candy store not too long ago and you would have thought I won the lottery. I was so excited.

Flavors and fragrances can take us back in time to a simper way of life; a peaceful existance; a time when worries were far away. To this day, if I'm feeling stressed, I can pop in a piece of Bazooka bubble gum and blow bubbles to help blow my stress away.

What are some of YOUR favorite blasts from the past?

Just some stuff and a giveaway....

I am wondering how many adults out there who no longer have kids at home actually dress up for Halloween. I have longed for those days when it was okay to put on a costume or portray a new look for the holiday. I would love to be Morticia Addams...just for one night. Of course, I'd have to lose quite a few pounds, grow a lot taller, lose the curly hair, grow it long and die it black. So, forget the Morticia Addams dream.

Since I have become an adult, I have dressed for Halloween on a couple of different jobs I worked at. We normally had a theme. I remember one year, our theme was Pajama Party and everybody had to wear their favorite flannel p.j.'s and house shoes. My house shoes were a pair of fuzzy Pekingese House slippers that looked exactly like the little puppy above. We were scheduled to have a finance meeting that day. I was in with the boss for the meeting. As I sat there taking notes, I noticed he kept getting distracted. Finally, he laughed and said "Let's reschedule for Monday. I can't have a serious discussion with you while you have those hideous things on your feet." We adjourned.

My sister and I have started a new blog together. Stop by and follow us at Piggy and Wiggy's Place. Yes, there is story behind the name, but you can read all about it on our blog. We will be using this blog as a place to feature good deals we find, thrifty treasures, crafts we make, trips we take, home decor and new recipes we try.

When you visit Piggy and Wiggy's Place, check out our Pampered Chef giveaway that ends on October 14th. Some neat little accessories to make your holiday baking easier.