October in Colorado

To celebrate his birthday, hubby & I took an extra-long Weekend and went back to our favorite place in the world - Estes Park, Colorado!  If you didn't already know, this is where we got married and feels like coming "home".

We timed it perfect for the Aspens changing & the weather was absolutely perfect!  Just look at that blue sky!

One of the things I just love about Colorado is,  as many times as we've been there, we always find something new to see or do.

Trail Ridge Road

Elk

And you have to believe we stopped in here!  It was like stepping back in time.  The homemade cinnamon rolls were the best I've ever had!  There were also quilts that were all hand stitched.  I didn't take any pictures inside because I was so excited about everything!

I'm already wishing we were back there, hopefully we can get there again next year!

Carter on Quilt

One of my favorite things in blogland is the Pets On Quilts held every year at Lily Pad Quilting.  Don't get me wrong, her blog is great all year around - love me some Padsworth& & DragonDrop! But where else do you get to see ADORABLE animals on quilts and inspirational animal theamed quilts all in one place?  Its also a great way to meet other bloggers who love quilting & thier furry friends as much as I do!

This year I wasn't sure I was going to have an entry.  For one, I haven't had NEARLY enough time to sew this past year.  And sewing a quilt does kind of help when you want to take a pic of a doggy on one!  I have been working on this same quilt for a July Wedding (yes I am aware...its a bit past July at this point! Where did the summer go?).

But today I made some time for myself & when I was finishing piecing the rows together...I turned around for a second & boom!  My Pet was on My Quilt!

Carter on Quilt

I'm pretty sure this is his "Take the pic quick Mama, I'm ready to show off how adorable I am!"  face.  And of course after I got the shot & 100 blurry ones, he wrinkled up the row I had JUST ironed as he ran out of the room.  Good thing he's a cutie!

Now go check out the other cute critters & starting the 27th you can vote for your favorites to win some great prizes.  We are entering in the Pet On Quilts category. And if you ask me, it doesn't get any cuter than this little guy!  :)  *hint*hint* Ok end of shameless plug!

August Reading Recap

My mom brought me this book & told me I had to read it.  I know ALOT of people are big fans of Jodi Picoult, but I've always found her books so-so.  But since my Mom said I had to, I figured I better listen to Mama!!  :)

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (3.5 Stars out of 5)

I really enjoyed the story line regarding a family who's youngest daughter Willow was born with a rare disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta -which is also known as Brittle Bones Disease.  Willow was a smart little loveable character while her family lived in a whirlwind of trouble.  I wasn't a huge fan of how the Mother took her disappointment/frustration out over having a child with special needs. I didn't quite find it believeable/relateable.  I much preferred the storylines of all of the other characters.

Overall the book seemed like it took quite a long time to finish, although it did hold my interest and I never found the book dull or boring.  I think I just don't connect with with this author.

Dove® Advanced Care VoxBox

Hey All!  It's been quite a while since I've received a VoxBox and this one came just in the mail - just in time for the heat of summer!

Dove® Advanced Care VoxBox

I don't know about you, but I've been using the same deodorant for years. I don't even think about changing, when I'm out I just buy another at Walmart. I haven't used Dove Deodorant before, but have seen the commercials.  I have issues with getting ingrown hairs and red bumps, so I was really excited to use this!

The first test was when hubby & I attended a July outdoor wedding.  Complete with the heat & humidity found here in the Midwest, you bet that it was gonna be warm!  My first impression was I loved the scent!  It went on smooth and a pleasant surprise, the Dove Advanced Care did not leave my underarms feeling sticky like the gel-type that I currently use can. And wearing a black dress, not even a single white mark on my outfit!

Dove at the gym

My second test was the gym, doesn't get much sweatier than that! Once again, the coconut smell was refreshing without being overwhelming.   My underarms felt fairly dry after my workout, however when I was finished I noticed I smelled!  And not in the good way :(  I usually don't have body odor, but I don't think it was able to keep up with my workout.

Overall, I loved the softness and smoothness of the Dove Advanced. It is great for the normal day to day wear, and I love that I don't have to worry about getting marks on my work clothing.  However, for the gym - I'm gonna stick with my current brand.


Want to get in on the next Vox Box?  Go here to sign up!  www.influenster.com/r/337688?utm_campaign=sum

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.*

May Reading Recap

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker (4.5 Stars out of 5)

My Reading Recap book this month was Wreckage by Emily Bleeker.  A different twist on the “Castaway” type of story, Wreckage goes back & forth about the recollections of David and Lucy after a plane crash were stranded on a deserted island.  The way the story laid out each of them telling their story to a hard-hitting investigative reporter was a unique perspective. You think you may have figured out how the book ends in your mind, but as you read you get more & more interested to put all the pieces together.  This was the first book I've read by this author and would definitely read another one by her.  I bought the hard-copy book but if you have Amazon Prime I see that its part of their $0 lending library!  And no…Amazon doesn’t pay me to say that and I don’t make any $$ if you buy the book either.  Just an observation that I thought I’d share :)

Mother's Day Sewing Time!

Since I didn't see my mom on Mother's Day, we planned a sewing weekend last weekend!  We let laundry and dishes sit by the wayside and my dad was even nice enough do the cooking!

But before I headed up north, my cousin had let me know he had 25 cases of mangos & did we want any? Well my hubby LOVES mangos, so I met him & got my mangos and headed home.

Mango smoothies - YUM!!

Of course I couldn't go without my adorable co-pilot showing off his new car seat!

I was expecting to take more pictures, but when you're in the cutting & sewing groove - there is just no time for pictures!  I did capture this one of the fabric I'm cutting for the wedding quilt I'm working on.

Overall we had an amazing weekend, after a full day of quilting & sewing I fed the goat mango peels (oh my goodness did he love them!) and drove the fourwheeler in the mud - embracing my country girl roots.

And we decided we have GOT to do that again! What a fun time!

Spring is Here

Finally feels like we are out of the grips of winter.

I've got tulips coming up and the weather this weekend was amazing!

Saturday was so beautiful I set myself up out on our deck in the sun to read!  It was cool enough where & didn't get hot, but the sun was out in full force!  It was so relaxing & reminded me of how much I enjoy reading.  Unfortunately I did spend a little TOO much time out there & got my first sunburn of the season. Although between you & me, it was totally worth it :)

Next weekend Mr. C and I are headed up to my parent's where my Mom & I are going to have a sewing day!  She said she might need to go pick up some more fabric, so when I was out at Joann's I got us $93 of fun!  Hope this week goes fast!

Melissa