A is for Apron

These are some of my aprons that have ended up being one of those ‘accidental’ collections.  Remember the back-in-the-day aprons made from terry dishtowels?  The white chiffon is a vintage wedding hostess apron.  There is a cute wedding bell on the heart-shaped pocket.  On the right is a very unique and very old apron that belonged to my husband’s grandmother.  It shows an embroidered woman with a swinging skirt.

This pic is a repost for the sake of new bloggers.  Another of Grandma’s aprons, I love the turquoise-embroidered chiffon.  The old rake head was a curb shopping find, perfectly chippy red.  And, yes, those are old blue faucet handles!  The utensils were found on Ebay.

This is a cute, thrifted, pale yellow cotton eyelet apron with a heart-shaped pocket and scallops.  A perfect ‘between-houses’ window covering.

Thanks for stopping by!  Click on the link on my sidebar for more info on the A to Z April Challenge.  Come on back tomorrow for the letter ‘B’ (buttons and burlap).

I’m also doing the A-Z Challenge on my family blog, It’s All Good!.

God bless,

Brenda

Stacy asked

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Do you realize that I just figured out a few weeks ago what is meant by ‘bucket’ list?  {slapping forehead} Takes me awhile!

If you’re expecting an answer like skydiving, rock climbing or bungee jumping, sorry to disappoint!  My bucket list includes nothing that involves heights, rocks or free falls.  I’ll keep my feet on the ground thankyouverymuch!

Having said that, I’m sticking with the simple things…

I would enjoy the experience of eventually having grandchildren.

I would enjoy traveling across the U.S. seeing the sites and visiting friends and relatives along the way. 

I would like to go to NYC.

I’m sure there are more things I’m not thinking about right now, or will pop up later on in life.

Exciting, I know!

Thanks for asking, Stacy.

God bless,

Brenda

Diane asked

What is your favorite season?

Why Spring, of course!!!

After contemplating each season--except winter, because that’s definitely at the bottom of my list—I’ve come to the conclusion that each one evokes a unique ‘feeling’, but Springtime brings an added newness and fresh hope that is over-the-top for me.

{In all fairness, I will give winter a shout-out with a quote I remember that says, “For every winter there is a Christmas”.  But, still, I’m glad it’s over!}

Thanks Diane!  btw, Diane also has another blog, Diane’s Dream designs where she offers her really cute handmade wristlets and other cute items for sale.  You’ll just have to head over there and see for yourself.  You won’t be disappointed!

It’s All Shed Those Socks & Shave Those Legs Good!

;)

Brenda

Annmarie asked

What makes you happy?

In very random order:

Thrifting makes me happy. 

Finding good things while thrifting makes me happy, happy!

Creating makes me happy.

Enjoying a quiet evening at home with my husband and youngest daughter makes me happy.

Spending time with my oldest daughter and her boyfriend makes me happy.

Jesus makes me happy—and at peace, and joyful, and content etc.

I guess I’m just a happy person!

Thanks Annmarie!

It’s All Hope That Wasn’t ‘Happy’ Overkill? Good!

Brenda

Susan asked

What do you hope to be doing and where, when you are 74 years old like me?

You’re fun, Susan!  Should the Lord tarry, that’s quite a-ways off—24 years.  But I think you know what my answer will be…

Right smack-dab in the middle of the Lord’s perfect will for me.  Following Him, obeying Him, trusting Him.  And wherever that leads, so be it!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way—Psalm 37:23

Eventually having grandchildren in the mix would be great too.  But that’s obviously not up to me!

Thanks, Susan.  At first I thought this was going to be a hard question to answer, then I thought, only the Lord knows my life that far in advance so—easy peasy!

It’s All Lord Willin’ Good!

Brenda

Debbie asked

Debbie asked me if there is any hobby that I do with my husband (just to be nice) that I really dislike?

He enjoys studying the Bible, which is mutual, and enjoys studying other topics of interest.  I don’t know if that would be considered a hobby or not.

Right now he’s studying for his Master Plumber’s license, so the tidbits of interest he runs across and tells me about seem boring to me for lack of understanding.  So I smile and nod…{I’m really not interested in how the stuff gets from the commode to the city sewer.  Outta body, outta sight, outta mind, right?!}…smile and nod, smile and nod!  But then again, that’s probably what he does when he goes to the thrift stores with me!

A future dream he does have is flying and possibly getting his pilot’s license.  For this hobby I will support him from the ground.  For myself, I’m a firm believer in the scripture where Jesus said, “And, lo(w), I will be with you always”! 

Thanks for asking, Debbie!

It’s All Smile and Nod Good!

Zoanna asked

What is your most recent achievement and why?

Ok, Zoanna, at the risk of sounding really cheesy…one of the 20 questions I asked was on rating your computer literacy with my answer being “idiot”.  That being said…

I’ve been working for quite awhile on getting this blog, my Etsy shop and my Facebook page up and running and connected.  Not only doing it, but understanding what I’m doing has been my most recent achievement as well as letting go of the fear of what people might say or think about it and stepping out in confidence.  For instance, I’ve had this blog on private for over a year.  The ‘but I’m still tweaking’ excuse only holds water so long!  I can’t tell you how many times I went to hit ‘publish’ and chickened out.

I hope you weren’t expecting a heavy, deep and real answer!  You did say most recent! 

Thanks Zoanna!

God bless.

April Asked

April asked, “If you could live anywhere in the U.S., and money was not a factor, where would you live?

Honestly, April, I would live right where I am now.  After living away from home for 15 years, coming back was a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

These pics were taken last fall at the height of harvest time.  This will be our view from our front porch on land we are purchasing and, Lord willing, building a house on.

 

Hay field to left of corn field.

This is the view from our current home. 

There really is no place like home!

Thanks for asking, April!

God bless!

And the Winner is…

LORI VOGEL BIERSCHBACH!

Congratulations Lori!

Lori will receive either…

A free trip to my Etsy shop for one item of choice

Or

A personalized altered art book.

Thank you EVERYONE for participating and helping me launch not only this blog but my B.E. Creative Facebook page.

{I will be answering the questions you all asked me in the next few days}

Happy Spring!…even though we’re experiencing high winds and blizzard-like conditions as I write--typical Colorado!

Last Question!

As the angels in heaven break out in the Hallelujah Chorus I ask you Questions #20:

What is your favorite Springtime activity?

Being the simple girl that I am, I really enjoy getting out on my walks and breathing the good, fresh air.  {Not the below zero kind of air that makes my boogies crackle!}

You all have been so much fun!  A BIG THANK YOU!

{There is still time to answer missed questions, ‘follow’ me and ‘like’ B.E. Creative Co. on Facebook.  {I'll know this evening if I have jury duty tomorrow.  If so, I'll let you all know who won tomorrow evening.}

Enjoy your last day of winter!

God bless,

Brenda

20QTSThing Question 19

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

Only 2 more days and it’s officially Spring!  It got up to an astonishing 84 degrees on Friday.  Very unusual for our part of the country.

Ok, here’s question #19:  Do you like journaling, and if so, by actually writing in a journal or diary, by scrapbooking or through blogging or all of the above?

I enjoy an actual journal I’ve made for myself.  Some of my very private thoughts and prayers are written in it.  I think having something pretty to write in motivates me to write more.  However, I don’t write daily.

{I will post pics of a neat on-going calendar/snippet diary I’m making.  It contains random jots of my day like whether I have jury duty or not!!  I’ll be able to fit 3 years in one book.}

I do really enjoy writing on my blogs (you can click on the tab at the top for my family blog, though posts have been lacking while keeping up with my 20 questions giveaway here!)  I enjoy the camaraderie I’ve found with my blogging friends as well.

Well, one more question to go.  Between you all here and on Facebook I’ve had a wonderful response!  Thank you!

God bless!

20QTSThing Question 18

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

courtesy Google

Questions #18:  Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in any way?

Other than wearing green so we won’t get pinched by Grace, we don’t necessarily celebrate.  We did have my MIL’s traditional corned beef and cabbage she likes to make every year, but it’s not a tradition I’d carry on since it’s not our favorite.  We don’t do tradition around here for the sake of tradition unless it’s something we all enjoy.  Sorta like the black-eyed peas on New Year’s day.  Sorry folks, but YUCK! (of course, imo)! 

God bless!

20QTSThing #17

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

Today is ‘ask me a question’ day.  I will try and answer it in 20 words or less.  Hard for me, I know!

I will answer your question(s) to me in a blog post next week.

God bless!

Brenda

20QTSThing Question 16

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

What is/was your all-time favorite ‘oldie’ tv show?  By oldie I mean before the 70’s?

I know, I know.  Some of you weren’t even around in the 70’s, so throw in your favorite re-run!

I’m from a yours, mine & ours family with 7 kiddos raised way before today’s sit-on-your-hiney electronic age, (oh forgive me, I’m forgetting the Wii—insert sarcasm).  Most of our time was spent outdoors playing with our jump-ropes, marbles and, at night, playing Ditchum.  And guess what?  We got real dirty, and when we came in after a fun-filled day, our mom didn’t slather us with anti-bacterial soap.  And guess what again?  We were hardly ever sick.  Go figure!

That being said, and now that I’m an adult, I will sit on my hiney and enjoy an episode or two of I Love Lucy!  Who can ever forget the Chocolate Factory and, my favorite, Vitameatavegimin?

Wow, that was a round-about answer!

Only four more questions!  Thanks for humoring me!

20QTSThing Question 15

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

I’m on the run today, so this is going to be short & sweet.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Told you…short and sweet (at least the ‘sweet’ part!)

Chocolate chip for me!

It’s going to be in the 70’s today, and no wind so far.  Lovin’ it!

Brenda

20QTSThing #14

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

Question 14:  Use one word to describe your computer skills or abilities. 

My abilities on the computer are lacking when it comes to the behind-the-scenes stuff…what’s it called hmlt, hltm oh, html!  See what I mean?

So my one word would have to be ‘idiot’, which is why I like the Idiot and Dummies books if for no other reason than to know that I am not alone!

Have a wonderful day!

Brenda

20QTSThing Questions 12 & 13

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

#12.  What is your most disliked chore on your household list?

On FB, my first answer was mopping, but I later changed it to cleaning the bathtub.  Uggh! 

#13.  My daughter Grace provided this question:  What was your favorite school subject…besides recess! 

Her answer is geography.  We’re currently studying the countries on the European continent.  Right now we’re  in ItaIy.  She really enjoys geography, a possible world traveler someday?

Mine was History—but not the date memorization part.  I was really bad at that and therefore my grades in this subject suffered.  But I did enjoy learning about our forefathers and their lives.  Maybe that’s where my interest in thriftiness and frugality comes from.  They lived more naturally and simply for the most part.

You all have a wonderful week!

Brenda

20 QTSThing #11

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

I know this is question 11 (because I started this on Feb. 29), but there is only 10 days ‘til it is officially Spring! Hope springs eternal!

Ok, today’s question:  What is your normal morning routine?

I get myself out of bed between 8 and 8:30, except for today which for some reason I was wide awake at 6:30—very unusual for me. 

I’m not one to dilly-dally before breakfast.  I like to eat  first thing.  I have Malt O Meal cereal nearly every morning with a couple of tablespoons of dark chocolate chips.  I know, I’m a strange bird.  In my defense, that’s the only chocolate I have!

I enjoy the alone time for prayer/devotions before Grace gets up, though I will have to admit that getting these questions up everyday first thing has changed my routine somewhat.

‘Ideally’ by 9:30 we’re ready to hit the books, which works most of the time!

I’m sure if you’re a coffee drinker you’ll have noticed that it wasn’t mentioned.  I don’t like coffee at all, but love the aroma when my husband is brewing his.

Happy weekend to you!

Brenda

20QTSThing Day 10

…20 Questions Til SpringThing…

What is one of the best bargains you’ve found at a thrift store or garage sale?

I’m going to have to say a vintage pink transistor radio I bought for 25 cents and sold on Ebay for $55.00.

Not a bad profit!

The new ‘thrifting’ season is getting closer.  I enjoy the thrill of the hunt! 

Have a great weekend!

Brenda

20QTSThing Question 9

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

Day 9 Question:

Message/organization board:  magnetic, chalk, cork or white board?

The only one I have right now is a cork board in the kitchen. 

I do have a perfect cupboard door that would make a great message board painted with chalk paint.  Have any of you worked with chalk paint?

This was a personalized message clipboard I made for my sister with her dog, Myrtle, as the theme.  It was the first personalized one I made.  Under the pad is recycled sheet metal, so if she didn’t want to use the message pad she could use magnets.  Myrtle loves sticks so I thought gluing a ‘fetching’ stick at the bottom made a great pencil shelf.  The tags with her name written out on were inexpensive ones I bought and then tea-dyed.  I enjoy working with torn paper, perfect for this project since Myrtle loves tearing up newspapers…what dog doesn’t?!

And here’s my niece, Myrtle.  The most human-like dog I’ve ever met!

Guess what I get to kick off my first day of Spring with?  Jury duty!  March 20.  Oh well, maybe it’ll get cancelled, otherwise I will do my duty!

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

Remember, my surprise giveaway will be held on none other than the first day of Spring!

What is your decorating style?

I’d have to say mine is an eclectic mix of shabbied up vintage thrifted finds!  Not your one-word answer, I know!

I love peeling paint and dings—see that old chair rung above the coffee mugs?  My sis found that by the river one day and thought of me!  Perfectly chippy which makes me perfectly happy!  Of course, not everything I own has to be chippy.  This wooden tool box turned spice rack belonged to my father-in-law.  The spice jars I found at GW.  The labels are in German!

 We were given five old windows, two were this size and three are long and narrow with 10 panes (I’ll share what I did with those later). I was going to paint and re-shabby this one up, but decided I liked it just the way it was.  I added vellum paper in the panes.

 Thanks again for participating!  Feel free to scroll down and answer any questions you’ve missed.

I love Spring!

Brenda

(I've been using Live Writer to upload my posts, but for some reason today it's not working for me, so I had upload from here in Blogger.  That being said, I noticed there's an ad link connected to the word 'windows' in my post.  I don't like that, must be a blogger thing which I don't have time to fix right now.  Just sayin'!)

20QTSThing Day 7

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

Day 7:  Do you enjoy gardening?  If so what type—flower/landscaping or veggies/herb?

Last year we grew our first ‘Firestone’ garden--we planted everything in tires.  It was very unsightly when we parked those puppies out there and seeded.  (Thankfully the garden was perfectly situated between 2 garages and, as you can see, a garage across the way.)  But once all the plants started coming up, it started looking a little more like an actual garden rather than the dump!

We had so much fun tending and watching the garden, and we’re still benefiting from the surplus zucchini & green beans in the freezer.  We just finished the hot Anaheim peppers.  Note to self:  less zucchini, more peppers!  They were delicious!

I appreciate all the participation I am getting with my giveaway, especially over on my B.E. Creative Co. page on FB.  Thanks to all of you!  ‘Like’ me there, ‘follow’ me here gets your name in the hat twice!

The contest guidelines are above this post.

Brenda

20QTSThing Days 5 & 6

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…for your chance to enter my surprise giveaway on the first day of Spring!

Day 5:  If you could or had to live in any other country other than our wonderful U.S. of A. where would that be?

Day 6:  Where is your ‘go to’ place for solitude?

My first answer would be Italy.  Grace and I have been studying the European countries this year and, out of all of them so far, Italy seems the most appealing.  Anyone been there?

My ‘go to’ place is a nice little spot in my bedroom where I have prayer time and devotions, do some journaling or just sit and relax.  I also enjoy the solitude found in my daily walks (weather permitting).  It’s peaceful and on my particular route there are no loose dogs to mess with…BUT, I have pepper spray and I’m not afraid to use it!…and speaking of solitude—now where was I?!  ;)

Leave me a comment here and ‘follow’ me and that counts for two in my surprise giveaway!

(remember, if you’ve already answered this question on FB your name is already entered.)

Be blessed today!

Brenda

giveaway rules are above this post

20QTSThing Day 4

…20 Questions Til Spring Thing…

What do you like to collect? and if more than one collection which is your favorite?

I know that was 2 questions but only one question mark!

I have quite a collection of buttons.  I could sit for hours sorting through a newly acquired jar or tin of old ones.  Some I keep, some I use in my crafting.  I have them sorted and displayed in my craft room in little clear votive cups as well as in a thrifted spice rack.

And most of you know I love vintage patterns.  You can read about that here.

Thanks for stopping by!  Don’t forget to leave me a comment for one entry into the contest.  And if you’ve missed any previous days’ questions, just scroll down and check them out.

If you’ve already answered the question(s) on FB then I’ve already entered your name into the contest, so there’s no need to re-enter your answers again here.

Brenda

Giveaway questions 1-3

Here are the first 3 questions I’ve asked on my 20 Questions Til Spring Thing on Facebook.  If you’ve already answered these on FB or on It’s All Good! blog then I’ve already entered your name into the contest, so there’s no need to re-enter them here. 

1.  What is your favorite pastime or hobby? 

My answer:  Of course most of you know by now that mine is thrifting and doing artsy-fartsy things with my finds!

2.  What is your favorite quote or motto?

“Right is right even if no one is doing it.  Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” --unknown

3.  What are 2 or 3 favorite colors in order of preference?

Yellow is my favorite color mainly because it’s cheerful and makes me happy, but right now I’m liking pale pinks and sage greens (together).

Just comment with your answers to each question and it’ll count for 3 entries.

I’ve listed the contest rules above this post and they will remain there until the drawing on March 20.  You can also go here.

Don’t forget, if you start ‘following’ this blog that counts for one!

I look forward to your answers!

Brenda

My First Giveaway

Welcome to my blog!  I’ve had it for awhile, but I’m just now ‘stepping out of the boat’ and promoting it on my family blog as well as Facebook.

You can read my intro/bio if you click on the B.E. bio tab above.  Feel free to look around. 

Your feedback/comments are welcome.

My giveaway (which will be a surprise) is going on at my B.E. Creative Co. Facebook page which was launched last Monday.  I’m calling it my 20 Questions Til Spring Thing.  I’ll be asking a question each day that will help me get to know you better.  The drawing will be on March 20th, the first day of Spring!  First question was Feb 29.  If you’ve missed any, feel free to head over to Facebook, and enter your answers.

{Added 3/2—I realize some people are not on Facebook, so, to be fair, I will post the daily questions here and on my It’s All Good! blog}

Here are some ways to get your name entered in the giveaway:

• ‘Like’ B.E. Creative Co. on Facebook
• Answer the daily question I post (20 questions = 20 entries!) {Added 3/2—questions can be answered on either FB, this blog, or on my It’s All Good! Blog = one entry per question}
• I’ll also throw your name in the hat if you leave me a comment here on B.E. Creative Co. 
• For another entry you can even ‘follow’ me!  (Though I wish they’d come up with a better word than ‘follow’.)
• And one more entry if you link back to this blog with a post about my giveaway on your blog.  (Please let me know if/when you do.)

Thanks for stopping by!

Brenda

For the duration of the contest the rules will be posted above.