Tuesday Treasures: from a physical therapist turned jewelry maker

Here are some fun things from Etsy shop yourdailyjewels. She is a physical therapist, and treats children with disabilities. She has discovered that making jewelry is a journey of learning, exploring and discovering.

Here is a really pretty "Fools Gold" Pyrite ring that she has in her shop:

Friday Finds: Citrine Gemstones

November Sunshine Citrine Earrings

Citrine is November's birthstone, and is a gorgeous pale yellow color. It is also the accepted gem for the 13th and 17th wedding anniversary.

Most citrine comes from Brazil, but it can also be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, Dauphine, France, Madagascar, Spain, Uruguay, Scotland, and in the United States (California, Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada).

November Sunshine Citrine Bracelet

Citrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to brown. Citrine crystals can form together with amethyst or smoky quartz to form a bi-colored quartz called ametrine.

These are the last few days to get your beautiful cksilver citrine items at 20% OFF! All citrine items from cksilver are on sale through Tuesday, and then they return to regular prices. So don't miss your opportunity to find some great deals!

Rays of Sunshine Earrings

Tuesday Treasures: vintage treasures from wayfaringmagnolia

Today I found Amanda and her Etsy shop wayfaringmagnolia. It is a sweet shop with lots of vintage clothing and other items.

She loves art, music, fashion and life, and currently works as a professional musician/gypsy wherever people want to hear her sing.

Here are some of her fun collections! This hot pink blazer is perfect for the person that wants to make a bold, yet feminine statement. A gorgeous shade, and with a lovely black trim, it is sure to be loved for a long time.

This wool skirt is a treasure, with its classic brown and neutral colors. And how fun that she found it in some items from her grandmother!

And last, this Grandma's Vintage Memory Book looks so sweet, and what a fun way to keep track of your family history.

So go check out her shop, list your favorite items here, and say that cksilver sent you!

Monday Musings: What are you thankful for today?

I love to ponder this question every November as we approach Thanksgiving.

When I was growing up, for the month of November we used to each have to say one thing we were thankful for at dinner time. The catch was that we couldn't repeat anything that had previously been said. We would write down our list and read it over on Thanksgiving, and celebrate all the things God had done for us the past year.

Now it's your turn. What are YOU thankful for? How can you show your appreciation? And how can you reach out to those less fortunate than you?

Tuesday Treasures: soaps from sanyvern

Today I am featuring the lovely shop of sandyvern. Sandy is a self taught crafter, and is very talented in many different areas.

One of the things that caught my eye, however, is her soaps. She has been making soaps for about 3 years, and also makes cold process soaps and “melt and pour” soaps. Here are some of my favorites:

The first is this Decorative Flip Flop Soap:

Next this Lavender, Oatmeal, and Honey soap that my mother-in-law would just LOVE!

And of course these Fall Leaves Soaps are adorable too:

Sandy also loves her pets: a dog, a Border Collie X Australian shepherd cross, a kitten, 3 bearded dragons and 2 parrotlets.

To find out more about her, you can check out her blog:
http://theadventuresofsandyvern.blogspot.com

Monday Musings: A Foster Care Success Story

A few weeks ago, our family had the privilege of having a sweet little foster girl in our home. She came from one parent, and had only one diaper and no extra clothes, and we quickly realized she had no boundaries in the home where she had been living in. She was wild and full of energy, and kept us on our toes, but each day we had her as she became used to our rules and boundaries, she became much easier to work with. We realized ever so strongly this calling that God has given us to help rescue these orphans in our society.

We soon found out that she would be going to live with her other parent. She was in the foster care system for just over 72 hours, and we had the opportunity to meet this amazing family where she was going. It was such an incredible experience, and we felt so honored to be a small part of her life.

Now it's your turn! What are the incredible experiences in your life? How have you been able to give back when you have been blessed.

Tuesday Treasures: invitations and announcements from myabrucedesigns

This week I am featuring the gorgeous invitations and announcements from myabrucedesigns.

Retro Space Party Invitation from myabrucedesigns

She has been designing customized photo invitations and announcements for her kids for years, and is now offering this service for others as well through Etsy.

First, you select one of her invitations or announcements. This retro invitation is my favorite.

Then you send her your photo(s) and the information you want included. Colors and fonts can often be changed if you have a preference.

Once you approve the proof she sends you, you can purchase and download the file to print as many as you need!

Girl Baby Shower Invitation

She has so many adorable designs, I can't resist showing you just one more. I think this baby shower invitation is so cute! So sweet for a little girl!

If you don't find what you're looking for, you can send her your custom order request. Corresponding thank you cards, stationery and decorations can be provided separately.

You can also find her on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mya-Bruce-Designs/113429518702303

So what are you waiting for? Go check out her shop, and tell her that cksilver sent you!

Tuesday Treasures: Danizabeth and her lovely retro and nostalgic photographs

I am so enjoying the beautiful photographs from Danizabeth. She focuses on all things retro and nostalgic, and turns what she sees in old junkyards into prized photographs for your walls at home!

So if you love old trucks and guitars, this Red Truck Series is for you!

And if you're a sucker for beautiful green fields with a windmill and a barn in the background, you'll love this Mount Ayr print.

Enjoy, and maybe you'll find a really fun Christmas present for someone on your list!

Monday Musings: What to do with your left-over Halloween Candy

The big dilemma for moms everywhere is what to do with all their left-over Halloween candy. Well, thanks to Real Simple, here are some fun ideas you can try! In Real Simple's 10 Recipe Ideas for Halloween Candy, there are 10 tasty ideas for how to use up that pesky candy into fun desserts and treats the whole family will enjoy!

For example, try making this Twix Cheesecake Pie. Mmm, Twix bars are certainly one of my favorites!

Or this SweeTarts Milk Shake:

What are your favorite ways to get rid of your Halloween candy?