Date with a Bad Temper & Turkey

WHEW! My feet are a hurtin' and my back is a breakin'! Yep, I was up at 4:30 this morning and got busy doing some holiday shopping.....and I am happy to say that I am 90% DONE! It was worth it in my opinion. I found some great deals and really the people-traffic was not as bad as expected.....last year was waaaay worse!

I only had one mishap of a lady slamming her cart into my booty (OUCH, OUCH , OUCH).....and, YES....believe it or not, it was on purpose! I was "in her way" in a crowded aisle where there was no room to go in any direction. She was a mean woman on a mission and in her fury she was slammin' people right and left....to get to her precious $1.50/yard fabric. True story.

Oh how I wish I had taken my camera with me, I would have gone incognito to get a picture of her and paste her face here for all to see! Hee hee!

So, now that Thanksgiving is over (mine was nice, peaceful and yummy, hope your was too)......what to do with all those turkey leftovers?? I was curious about this too and so, I gathered a delicious looking list of receipes!

Grilled turket sandwiches with cranberry relish

Turkey Florentine

Turkey Shepard's Pie

Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

Turkey 'n Stuffing Bake

Turkey Rice Casserole

If you're brave like me, I hope you found lots of good buys today and I hope you find something yummy to do with your leftovers!

**IMPORTANT CUPCAKE CARD CHALLENGE UPDATE & REMINDER**

Since I have only received 9 Cupcake cards (out of about 30), I have decided to extend the deadline until December 1st, instead of November 29th.

So, you have 2 more days to get your card pictures to me. Send to : lemon_tree_studio@yahoo.com

I will have all the cards posted here on December 2nd, for 6 days of voting.....be sure to come by and pick your favorites!

After 11pm (central time) on December 1st, no more cards will be accepted for voting, sorry!

So, hurry....there are still lots of cards out there!

Happy Friday!!

PRE Black Friday Sale!

Hello hello!

Do you brave the Friday after Thanksgiving and shop? I do! Yes, I know...crazy.....but it can be kind of fun, too.....still deciding if I am going to venture out this Friday.....

In honor of BLACK FRIDAY, I am having a huge sale at Lemon Tree Studio!! Everything in my shop is 20% off, only for a limited time! Hurry, for best selection!

Click here to SHOP!

If you go out an brave the elements the Friday after Thanksgiving....where do YOU go?

Showing Off.....

Today was Little Gym day!!

This is one of Lily's most favorite places....usually she is is a great mood and ready to rumble! Here's her teacher, Mr. Scott.....he's the best at bringing out smiles and he's so much fun!

She sure was being a good listener....for once.

She always seems to know how to get stuck between a rock and a hard place....

Her favorite bouncy thingy....we're always on this thing together, jumping.....today she wanted to try herself.....didn't go very high.

And, what's this? She's actually touching the bars.....something she rarely does! yay!

After sweatin it out at the gym, I so had to take Lily for some pictures by this G.I.N.O.R.M.O.U.S Chirstmas tree.......she wouldn't let go of that bottle....
She looked at this tree with pure distaste. No interest.

And off she went... Really, I just wanted to show off one of Lily's new pinnies that was custom made for her by Lassie Girl......yum, yum!

Hope you had a fun day, too!

P.S. Some people have been asking me where all that yummy fabric came from......well, I'll tell ya! All of it is from etsy.....at the below shops.....try these shops out, you wont be sorry.....

BRATPACKS

DOWNSHADOWLANE

BEAUTIFULWORK

ANTHEMFABRICS

FABRICSUPPLIES

KARAKU

Snow Day!

As we slept peacefully all night long (yay!), this is what we woke up to:

The whole house was lit up bright with all the white stuff...our first "real" snow (don't be jealous)...

So, what's a mama to do? Bring the snow to Lily, of course! I was up for a little wet, cold, messy fun......So, I guess putting the snow up on a pedestal for the princess was a no-no. She didn't want anything to do with it.Had to bring it down to her level....then she was a happy.....and curious...
She came, she played, she DUMPED......yep, it's her favorite pastime....dumping things over....*sigh*

Wouldn't it be fun to "paint" the snow with water bottles diluted with food coloring? We'll have to save that for when she's a bit older......

Gotta go clean up a wet mess--have a happy day!

This is Why I Sell on Etsy

OK, ok.....I sell on etsy because I love it, because it's fun and because it keeps my busy.....BUT, the real reason is because I am a fabric HORDER. And, I love buying from supply shops on etsy.....I love buying in etsy, period.

Something's gotta pay for all the fabric I buy, right??

How could I say NO to my recent fabric finds...?? Ugh, I am ADDICTED!

Love my matryoshka dolls and birdies!

Isn't that caged birdie fabric divine??

Had to throw in some pink deers....

And, who doesn't love a cute house?

Or mushrooms...?

See? Cute, right? I am planning to use alot of the birdie fabrics to do Lily's big girl bathroom upstairs. That is going to be a chore since it is covered in the ugliest wallpaper I have ever seen. I will have to prove that to you soon....

And, I found this sweet ceramic couple that I thought would be so cute in her room, too.....I love them (and the little doggie).....thank you, Goodwill!

Do you have a weakness for buying crafty supplies? Or do you love shopping on etsy? Tell, tell.....so I don't feel so quilty!

Get Into the Pot!

How do I get into the pot, you ask? Well, I'll tell you!

April from JaneSays and I are having a little combined giveaway starting today through next Thursday.....

Soooo....basically what it says here!

Any and all purchases between my Lemon Tree shop and JaneSays shop made between November 19th -- November 26th will be added to a pot.....and the winner will receive everything pictured.....a bundle of glittery holiday embellishments, gingerbread tags, joy tags and a pile of pretty holiday cutouts.

Each purchase made will count as one entry!

The winner will be drawn on the 26th, just in time for Thanksgiving! The winner's package will arrive as a surprise.....

Now, that's something to be thankful for!

This Girl Aint Right....

Question for all you mama's out there!

Why is it that she has all this.....

But, these are her favorite "toys".....

Lily has figured out how to do things with these contraptions that I didn't even know existed!

Please tell me I am not alone.

I'm Baaaaaack

So, didja miss me? We're back, we're in one piece.........we're still tired.

And, THIS is what I come home to?? Freezing cold and SNOW. Hello, Midwest, great to be home.

In Nevada, I found this sweet little embroidered pillow that I just could not leave behind.....I am slowly gathering goodies for Lily's big girl room, and I thought this would be the perfect addition to it! I just love all the fun flowers......would be easy to replicate and make more of....and the colors are perfect!

On vacation, I didn't do any shopping for myself.....BUT, I did do a bit of online shopping in my PJ's before we left and what a treat to get these in the mail upon my return!

I loooove the Japanese designer, Shinzi Katoh, you must check out his fabulous goodies! He has the sweetest fabrics, totes, lunch boxes and more. I ordered this bag....His things have a cute touch of whimsy and sweet sayings, and this one does not disappoint!

And, lucky me! Miss April from JaneSays, custom made me this ADORABLE birdie hoop....all embroidered and everything, isn't it cute??

It says "wash your hands"........enough said. This is the perfect thing for me, and my guests will have no choice but to listen to the birdie! Now, I just have to find the perfect bathroom wall to hang it on.....Thank you, April! I love it even more in person! And, I love my lil birdie ornament, too!

I am off to finish up laundry (yay!).....enjoy your day!

Psssssst! If you get a chance, sneak a peek at some new goodies heading to Lemon Tree today.....fun glass jars....The perfect crafty storage spot!

You Got Me...

So, the weather here is brisk this morning where I am, but its supposed to get into the 70s....

And there are lots and lots of these prickly plants around......and these yummy pomegranite trees....(I wish I had a pom tree in my yard!)

So, some of you have already guessed....yep!

We are in Nevada....!

Lily's grandma and grandpa live here during our cold months and we came to visit and have a fun getaway.

I am SO not a gambler. I think I spent maybe $20 gambling so far...? I don't really see the allure, although I must say....I played me some craps the other night and it was quite fun...

But, I wont be needing to call the NCPG, trust me.

I like it here for the 4 "S's".......Seventies weather, the SHOPPING, the Shows and the Spas....

and it's awesome that Lily can spend time with grammy and granpy, which she really loved and adjusted quite well!

OK, you got me....I'm here is sunny Nevada ! Dangit, I am not very good at this game, huh?

Tootaloo! *talk soon*

I'm in Heaven

Get ready to be jealous, my friends....!

Last night I had the BEST, most delicious Chinese dinner I have even tasted! Deeeelish mongolian beef, hubby had the jumbo szeshwan prawns.....and potstickers to die for! Yum, yum!

Today, I had a 90 minute deep tissue massage and foot paraffin wrap. I can still smell the lavendar oils. I think I was even half asleep and drooling at one point, good thing it was dark in there.

It was divine.

We took a fun little stroll through these pretty trees......

And, there are alot of these around......

Do you know where I am now....?

Where in the World Is Shelly San Diego?

Hello hello!

Greetings from________________! Yep, we are on holiday, aka vacation, aka rest & relaxation mode, aka buh bye!

We took a plane, and THIS was my fun view the entire trip, while I had a 23 pound baby sleeping on me. I couldn't move an inch in fear of waking her. My back was on fire, my legs and booty were asleep. I have no idea where my feet were.

All the while, hubby sat comfortably, sipping refreshments, stretching out and playing games on my laptop...Yep, we've been looking forward to this vacation for a while now, so happy to be ____________!

So, where is here?

Here's your first clue.......

I made friends with this lil biride our first day here.

So, where am I??

If you know where I am (because I already told ya)----don't spoil the guessing fun, hee hee!

p.s. If you are a crazy burglar-FREAK, don't even think of tryin to get into our house, we have a fancy-schmancy alarm system and the police will be over as soon as you try to get in.

I had to add that in.....xoxo! Talk soon!

Cupcake Questions

Hello sweets!

I have gotten a couple questions regarding the Cupcake Card Challenge, so I wanted to clarify a few things....

First of all...if you are participating, THANK YOU!! I think there are approx. 26 participants, so it should be fun.....and, I can't wait to see all of your super-fabulous cards!

This Thursday, November 15th, is the last day to get your Cupcake Card Challenge Kit....there is one left, so get it while you can for your chance to win $80 in Target and Lemon Tree giftcards!

November 29th is the deadline for sending me your ONE picture of your finished card...cards received after the 29th will not qualify...sorry!

I have had a couple specific questions that I will answer....

1) Can I use any adhesive I want, such as sewing?

Answer: If sewing is your adhesive, then yes. You can not add anything to the thread (little embellishements such as sequins, beads, etc). Must be plain 'ol stitching used to adhere.

2) Can I add a sentiment to the card?

Answer: No, nothing can be written, printed, inked on the card. However, once you send me your finished card picture......you can do whatever you like with the card.

3) Do I need to decorate the inside of the card?

Answer: This is your card, your ideas, you create it...SO, if you want to decorate the inside, feel free to. Remember though, that only ONE picture of your card will be posted for judging.

If anyone has any more questions, FEEL FREE to contact me! Thanks again and I am so excited to see your cards!! WHoo Hoo!

Pretty Piles & Projects

Oh, i try to stay somewhat organized. I try to put things back when I am done. I try to take out only what I need. Sometimes it does NOT work that way.

I will say it again, just a reminder if ya don't know me already......I AM A MESSY CRAFTER.

My fabric? Was neatly folded and organized. Now? Messy, unorganized, falling all over.
Cut pieces of thread all over the floor? CHECK! Lace and ribbons jumbled up and knotted in every direction? CHECK!

Cut up felt and fabric all over? CHECK!

Stacks of paper going in every direction? CHECK! (and this is only one of my paper piles)

Oh, now here's a pile that's not too bad! My felted wool pile....sorta neat, sorta tidy. Not for long though.
I try. I really do. But, I am so messy and it takes me forever to get into the mood to re-organize everything. I wait until there is no longer space to walk on the floor, THEN I think about cleaning up. And, PssSt....I kinda think the messy piles are pretty....

Are you a messy crafter like me? Or are you neat and tidy (I am jealous if you are).

On to a couple fun projects!

I started doing a wee bit of holiday decorating....needed a sparkly wreath for the front door! I love me some sparkly stuff, so bear with me.

Ingredients: Beige sparkly wreath, picked up from Goodwill a loooong time ago, some berry picks and brown & beige glittered ferns (50% OFF at Joann's!)

Arrange and glue together.....and wha la.....

Pretty front stoop, and it costed less than $6...yay!

*Please note: glittery wreath = glittery entryway inside your house.

You KNOW you want something different for under the tree this year!

Say hello to my "Hoot Holiday Village" Christmas Tree Skirt.....I just have to make a few more owls, add some fun embellishments like buttons....and sew it all together....that's gonna take some time!

But, hopefully this skirt will hit Lemon Tree later this week!

On to the winner of the cute, cute Boo Boo Pads!

Lily bug sat down with the names... and picked Jenny T from Its a Thoman-Full Life! Yay Jen!

Convo me and lets get these Boo Boo pads to you.....and you get to pick which one you want!

I am off to figure out how to stay warm with Lily today.....how can it be that it was in the 70s last week and now......

Yep. My ponds....FROZEN! Yikes!

Enjoy your day!

Freebie Friday? Oooh Yeah!

OK, so I know I said no more Freebie Friday's until the new year.....BUT, sweet Beatrix from Kindershop has offered up something fun and I couldn't resist! Who can ever resist free stuff, right??

Never heard of Kindershop? Well, you're in for a treat! This gal does it all! She makes the cutest "boo boo pads" for little owies.....

And, she knits and crochets! Looky at these sweet critters!

She even sews......yummy halter dresses for your wee one.....

And fun reversible aprons...what a great holiday gift idea!

Take a minute and browse around her shop then come back here and tell me what you think her yummiest item is and WHA -LA! You are then entered to WIN a free BOO BOO pack....and YOU get to choose which once you want......

OR

I will let my lil nugget pick a name on Monday! And, if you want an extra 5 entries, come back and tell me that you just bought an item from Kindershop! Then you will be added into the pot an extra 5 times, per item bought! YAY!

Off to have a fun weekend! I hope you do the same!!

P.S. There is still time to participate in the CUPCAKE CARD CHALLENGE!!

You don't wanna miss your chance to win $70 in Target giftcards, do ya? Go here to get a kit of your own!

Chasing Lily

Yep, I'm still alive.....just been busy running after my little explorer!

We've been to the doctor.........She just had her 1 year check up and she was.....

a whoppin 22 lbs, 8 oz and 32 inches......do you remember what your little one was at 1??

We've been shopping for books (her FAVORITE thing to do)....Oooh, good choice, Lily!We've been to our State Capitol and walking along fun State Street...We've been chasing squirrels....We've been chillin..... (trying to, at least)And, we've been getting into E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. Here's proof.....

Hope you've been having a good week!

Lily the Lady Bug Says.......