CONFESSIONS OF A PATTERN HOARDER: PATTERN OVERLOAD!

Hello my friends! I a confession to make. I have recently come to the realization that I am a pattern hoarder. Yes, that's right, when I see a pattern, be it crochet, jewelry, or other crafts, I have to have it! I suppose the first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Read on to discover my adventures in pattern addiction, and how I am trying to recover!!!

SATURDAY MUSINGS: VISITORS AND CATCHING UP

Well I didn't keep up with my schedule this week, but I had visitors, my daughter Amber and her friend Lauren were here, and we got to meet our grand dog Ellie for the first time!  She was such a cutie pie, and very rambunctious   Puppy kisses are the best!  The cats were not too thrilled to meet her, but all in all it was a great visit, which it always is anytime we get to see our Amber!  We are so incredibly proud of the way Amber has grown up and can't say enough about how well she has done for herself!
On another topic, I managed to catch up everything on the blog, excepting my crafty post for Thursday. which I actually wrote a step-by-step tutorial for, but I didn't get a chance to take pictures.  I am gonna save it for this coming week, and I know it is a project you will love!  Thanks for reading my little corner of the web!
Happy Weekend!
Love and Hugs!
Jillie

CROCHET FRIDAY: MANLY MAN PATTERNS

I have lots and lots of crochet projects that I want to do for Christmas.  One thing I find really frustrating is that it is hard to find crochet patterns that are manly.  Not that I am hung up on gender roles, but I just don't think men should walk around wearing a toque with a silly fluffy ball on top!  Never fear, I have gone out and done the leg work for you, read on for the manly man projects I have tracked down for you!

FOODIE WEDNESDAY: THE 3-MINUTE MUFFIN RECIPE

Everyone knows that once you retire, you get fat!  It happens to the best of us, and unfortunately, it has happened to my hubs and I!  Have no fear, we are making awesome progress following Jorge Cruise's Belly Fat Cure.  Hubs has lost around 60 lbs and I have lost 30.  We enjoy real food and don't feel deprived!  This is truly a way you can eat for a life time!  Read more if you would like to learn more about The Belly Fat Cure!

TUESDAY JEWELRY MAKING: FREE TUTORIAL - BASES FOR EMBELLISHING

There are a gazillion jewelry making patterns out there on the web, but sometimes you just want to make something original!  Do not despair!  You don't have to be a fancy jewelry designer to make original creations.  Let me show you how to make some base patterns, then you can embellish them creatively for your own designs!  Read on for a base necklace, bracelet, and earring pattern that you will surely keep in your jewelry making repertoire for years to come!

MAKE UP MONDAY: FRANKEN-MAKE UP PART I

This is my first posting under my new format so I am super excited to be kicking it off!  While I was wondering what I would write about today I started thinking about how every time you want to try something new (like making your own cosmetics) you end up having to buy specialized ingredients and concoctions, which are pricey and who knows?  You may decide that making your own is not for you, then you are left with a drawer full of supplies you will never use.  As I was thinking about how to overcome this problem, it came to me: Franken-make up!  You already have a drawer full of make up, right?  Before making any costly investments, why not experiment with what you already have.  Read on for some tips on how to make your very own Franken-make up, customized just for you!

A NEW LEAF: REVAMPING MAKINGS AND MUSINGS!

Well, its not by chance that the month of September whooshed past me without a blog post.  I have been working on a new concept for Makings and Musings.  A concept where there will be more, uh, makings, and more musings!  Read on for more info on my plans, and to see what the upcoming months have in store for this blog!