Saturday, April 5, 2014

Things that are making me happy on a beautiful Saturday....

The sun is out, the weather is perfect.  I got to sleep in a bit today and am starting to catch up on some much needed rest.  Stress is at an all time high at my house  lots and lots of things going on, so I needed some things this week to make me happy. I am usually pretty careful with money, not a big one to splurge, but I did have some fun this week, want to see?


Little Buddy and I had to make a trip to the dreaded Walmart to pick up a spare pair of his glasses, he is apt to break them a lot and Walmart is where his medical foster family bought the cute glasses he wears.  So while walking through the plant department, on our way out the door, we spotted this awesome rug.  It is perfect for this spot out in my back area.  I had a rug here for several years and have missed it.  This rug could not be more perfect, and for $49, it was a bargain.


The new Knitscene arrived in my mailbox, I have yet to open it but just knowing it is there for me to look through makes me happy.   Do you all read the Berroco Yarn weekly newsletter Knitbits?  You can sign up for it by visiting their website Berroco.com.  In every issue they talk about their latest designs, trends, and usually have a free pattern or two.  Every time I have seen their latest booklet Folio I have been sucked in.  I have eyed it for weeks until this week I decided I had to have it.  You can buy single patterns from their site for $6, but if you think you want two patterns in the booklet you can buy the booklet for $8 online or in your LYS, much more cost effective I'd say.
 

I even bought the yarn to make this beautiful sweater.  I am in love with it and it is just my style.  Don't you think it will be perfect in the creamy raspberry yarn above?  This will be next up on my list of things to make.
 

Here in Florida the art show season is in full swing.  Last year I bought this wonderful crochet bracelet at the Tarpon Springs Art Show, which I attended with my lovely friend Cathy.  I have worn this bracelet every single day since I bought it.  I love it!!!!  You wrap it around your wrist a few times, it never comes off, fades or breaks.   I swim in it, garden, shower, you name it and it looks good as new.  We knew the lovely Kristie who makes these, was going to be here this year, so I had saved up some of my fun money to get a couple more.  


I had my sights on a pearl one since last year.  Here it is!  I love it.
 

I also bought this gray pearl bracelet.  I wear so much gray and white I thought I would get good use out of it.  Each bracelet was $35 dollars (and can also be worn as a necklace), well worth it if you consider I wore one for a whole year and it looks as good as new.  Could I make these, you bet, but I don't have the time or the energy and Kristie does such a great job. The lovely Kristie, and believe me she is lovely, has an etsy shop I would love to share with you.  You can find Kristie here.  Pay her a visit, you might get hooked on these too.  She also has necklaces and is venturing into leather jewelery.
 

Seriously what could be cuter than Little Buddy eating agave sweetened icing off the beaters? 
 

A beautiful iris in my front garden. 


My back garden is starting to fill in a bit and looks very pretty.
 

And last but not least is my way to stop the deer from scratching up my baby pine tree.  It is tacky, but oh so effective.

Hope there are things making you happy today.  By the way thanks for the great response to my giveaway, nothing better than yarn is there?

52 comments:

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh so many fun projects ahead of you! I am looking forward to the sweater making with that awesome yarn.

Oh dang, did I miss the give away. I am always a day late and a dollar short.

Hugs to you sweet friend

CJ said...

What a beautiful space you have there, so much light and space. I'd love to curl up on one of those sofas. The rug is lovely, just right in there. Your garden's looking really good, it's such a great time of year to start getting outside and enjoying it all. The bracelets are fantastic, I'm sure they are very popular as soon as she makes them. I love the picture of your little buddy enjoying the icing, he is such a sweetie. I hope you guys enjoy the weekend. CJ xx

RedSetter said...

These are lovely, enhancing purchases so are definitely allowable. I reckon the only wasted purchase is something you don't use.

linda said...

Lots of happy things there Meredith, I love your new rug it reminds me of a bright summers day. Your garden is looking lovely and the Iris is beautiful. I can't wait to see your finished sweater and yes it will look lovely in that yarn I think bracelets are my most favourite items of jewellery to wear and yours are lovely. I'm glad that you have found a way to protect your tree, it doesn't look tacky at all. :) xxx

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Meredith.
Your new sunny area rug is very pretty. Perfect for the space. You have such a pretty and sunny room to lounge in.. Buddy is very sweet looking. Looks like he is having lots of fun. The bracelet is very neat. I like it alot. I loved seeing your lovely blooms and glad you found a method to protect your tree from the deer.. Happy Spring. Hugs Judy

Bridget said...

Just reading this post made me happy! Have a lovely weekend, Meredith!

Bridget said...

p.s. I just bought a bracelet from the Etsy store - you are a true enabler!

Pammy Sue said...

Luuurve the rug! I have a "thing" for rugs. I'm always buying them. We go through the smaller ones around here quickly. Yes, I think your raspberry yarn is perfect for that sweater. Should be fun to make and go quickly too...always a bonus! Love the bracelets too. I'm gonna go check out here shop. Hope you're enjoying the weekend and getting some "me" time. It's well-deserved, I think!

Amy at love made my home said...

I like your happy lovelies! It is good to treat yourself sometimes to a few things. Hope that you get to spend some time in the garden enjoying those lovely flowers! xx

kathy b said...

Love your bracelets. THe pearls are amazing. Love the dark ones.
Little Buddy is so happy in each image you share!
I Love your new rug.
I cannot believe how much you do get done! Shopping , gardening, parenting WORKINg, blogging.
You rock lady!

Acorn to Oak said...

Your comment..."the dreaded Walmart" made me chuckle. I feel the same way about that place these days. I try to avoid as much as I can. But, I find myself there once in a while. What a great find! That rug is really cute! I love those bracelets. They're really cute! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-)

Shirley said...

Hi Meredith, Walmart, I found out is not the place to go on a Friday afternoon when you are in a hurry the first of the month. Your little one is growing and such a sweetie. He will make you smile a lot. Your flowers are pretty especially the iris. Out temperatures are going up and down like a yo-yo. I like your bracelets. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the sunshine. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Unknown said...

It sounds lie a perfect day to me. The rug matches so well. Very pretty, relaxing setting. The braclets are very pretty. Little Buddy is just so precious!
We also had a great day. Hundreds of swans to see. It was just so nice to get out and about.

Anonymous said...

That rug was MADE to go with your furniture. You porch looks like a wonderful place to relax and take in our great weather.

Isn't "beater licking" one of the great joys of childhood. Oh heck, what am I saying? Steve STILL likes to like the beaters. LOL Looks like your icing is Little Buddy approved!

My Garden Diaries said...

Yes your garden is looking so beautiful!!! And that sitting area you have with that new rug is Gorgeous!!!!! And those bracelets rock!! So paying her a visit....I would wear those everyday!!! Little Buddy is so cute friend!! I hope the sun shines again for you tomorrow!! All the best! Nicole xo

Pradeepa said...

Beautiful post! I would love to see more of your house. It seems such a wonderful place with lot of light and space. The rug looks perfect there. Your garden is filled with pretty flowers I guess. Buddy looks cute. I am waiting to see the finished sweater. It would definitely look gorgeous in that raspberry yarn.

Jennifer Hays said...

I certainly support the purchase of pretty things. :) That sweater is going to be beautiful; what I've seen of you and your style, it will be perfect on you.

Kris said...

That is a cute bracelet! And I love two pearl ones you got! I would wear those a lot too. I will check out her Etsy shop.
Little Buddy licking his beaters....so cute. Boy did you both win the jackpot!!! Your yard is looking pretty, and great pick on the rug. Looks perfect with your furniture!!!! Happy is good!!!
xo Kris

Joyful said...

When one is under a lot of stress it is important to take time for happy things. It looks like you've had a week of happy :-)

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I love the bracelets Meredith! All three of them are darling! We had our bags packed to go to Florida on Monday to leave on Wednesday morning but Monday night I came down with a vicious stomach bug and I have been so sick all week....it's been years since I have been through anything like this. Tonight I ate dinner for the first time since last Sunday night. I am finally starting to feel better. All the stress of the retirement preparations and my mind spinning I guess just wore me down. Anyway, love your rug and sitting area on your patio. Looks very inviting! I am way behind in reading any blogs...I will try to catch up and see what is going on with you. Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Patti

Rose Red said...

Your rug is lovely - goes perfectly in your space. Love Little Buddy licking the beaters - the best part of cake making is licking the beaters/bowl!
I am trying not to click on the link to the Etsy store...I fear I will be very very tempted by those bracelets!

Unknown said...

I can definitely see why all of these things are making you happy. I was actually looking at the first picture trying to work out what was new as everything looks like it has been there together always.
Little Buddy is the sweetest, those glasses really suit him.
Glad to see your garden is coming alive too. I hope you can relax a little more soon and life gets a little easier and slows down. Your bracelets are beautiful and I don't blame you for treating yourself, I love hard wearing jewellery pieces, they are the best :)

yarn and pencil said...

Hello Meredith, what a lovely and interesting post :-) your new rug looks perfect there. Lovely photos of your garden and no, the tree defences do not look at all tacky! Little Buddy is a treasure.
Love Tracey xx

Stins said...

What a lot of beautiful pictures....
I love that rug and those sofa's, it looks like the perfect place to read a book or do sme crochet :-)!
Those bracelets are lovely too; i am not such a jewellery person, but those kind of bracelets are terrific!
Lots of love from Mirjam.

Linda said...

what a great fun filled and happy post, that rug is very much at home and the colours are perfect for your décor of your room. I love having a splurge now and then too and it's makes me happy when I find something I fall in love with.
Your garden is looking so pretty and the deer protection looks fun.
Thanks for the link to the bracelet store, they are lovely.

until next time
Linda x

kristieinbc said...

I'm glad you are finding things that make you happy. It's so important to balance out stress with some good things. I love your new carpet - very bright and cheerful! And the sweater will be perfect in that colour, and looks very practical for your Florida climate. Little Buddy has totally captured my heart. If he goes through a lot of pairs of glasses I highly recommend ordering several pairs at once from the online store Zenni. They are so cheap it isn't a big deal if they get broken.

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Meredith-so happy you got a few days of "down time" we all need to sleep in and do happy things more often.
The beautiful rug caught my eye right away-looks perfect there-I love little sweater cover ups like this-yes it will be gorgeous in the raspberry-Enjoyed all the photos and I love handmade jewelry-off to check out her shop have a good week ahead

Jo said...

Always love to pop in Meredith. I think that Raspberry will make a cool top. I like that style too. Jo x

Petunia Pill said...

Xoxoxo. I'm here reading...just want you to know. Hugs, Annette

Toni said...

So much to make you happy! YAY!!!!!!!

Lulu said...

He is so adorable....
Love the rug and thats a very pretty flower pot also..
Love the bracelets, they are quiet pretty..
of course love the yarn..:-)
hope you all had a nice, relaxing Sunday...

Astri said...

That rug is perfect. I must check out Walmart for a rug for our kitchen. The prices are always so good and I love a bargain.

Agave sweetened icing. That sounds good. Buddy is indeed adorable!

Hope the stress doesn't last too long. Have a happy week.

cockney blonde said...

Perfect Rug and I love the yarn, defo the right colour for that top. And Little Buddy, I can remember my 2 boys when they were little either licking the spoon or whisk, x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Happy Monday Meredith! I would have thought that your rug was meant to be there all along and had been, it is perfect! Your yard is looking so beautiful. You keep those deer away girlfriend! (I had a chuckle) Little Buddy was in heaven with the beaters, those are the precious moments for sure. So nice you had some retail fun and I'm hoping things get less stressful for you soon.
Take care my friend, xoRobin
ps. love the bracelets, they are so in style and attractive.

RURAL said...

I think you will look wonderful in that sweater,and that color...it's adorable. And so is your Son...he's the sweetest thing next to that Agave...lol.

Jen

Ana BC said...

Lovely weekend photos, Meredith! I was amazed to see some pplants that I also have in my garden: the iris, the christmas cactus and the palm (well, I also live in a Tropical place). Your yarn project is lovely, and so is the color you chose for it. Have a wonderful week :-)

elns said...

What a nice day with Little Buddy! I love your rug and yes! it is very good deal, indeed. Can't wait to see your new sweater whipped up. Maybe we can get an "in fashion ensemble" photo ?

Gillian Roe said...

There is a lot of happy here today Meredith! Love the rug (what a pretty area that is, I bet it's nice to sit there with the doors open), love the bracelets, LOVE that cropped sweater pattern. It will look beautiful knitted up in your pink yarn. x

Eileen said...

I love all of your pictures! You sweater is going to be so beautiful in that color. Take care,

Eileen

EMMA said...

Love those bracelets and that rug is just perfect in that spot.

millefeuilles said...

Those bracelets are so pretty! Both the colourful one and the pearls. I can see why you would wear it every day. And your new knitting project is going to look fabulous on you!

Adorable boy with cute glasses!

Stephanie

Faeryfay said...

I love the rug, bracelets and the pattern for the top! Your garden is lovely too! The agave sweetened icing looks delicious:) Great post!
luv Fay:)

mamasmercantile said...

So many beautiful buys, the rug was divine and a real bargain. The yarn was a stunning colour.

Judy S. said...

Looks to me like you had some shopping fun! Love the rug and how it goes perfectly with the chairs. I do get the Knitbit newsletter, also the Classic Elite one. Both have good free patterns! (and things that tempt, too) Little Buddy is sure cute. Bet he keeps you hopping! Oh, and love the yarn; it's beautiful!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

The bracelets are so pretty I can see why you wanted more. Your garden's looking lovely xx

Lynne said...

Hi Meredith! I don't know how I missed this post, but I'm glad I finally caught up. The rug, the sweater and the bracelets...each one is very pretty. Going to check out Kristie's link.
Hope you caught up on your sleep, I'm a big fan of napping myself :)
Lynne

serendipity said...

Little Buddy looks in heaven licking those beaters! I love those bracelets, so pretty. xx

Annie Cholewa said...

I can totally see you in that crochet top ... so very you. And your bracelets are fabulous. I'm off to visit the Etsy shop. But not before sending that cute kid of yours a virtual hug x

Joy said...

Rug, yarn, patterns, bracelets, flowers - all so beautiful and tempting, Meredith, but none as gorgeous as Little Buddy; what a treat - full on of course, but so wonderful! And I like your arrangement to keep the deer away from your lovely tree too, you are very clever!
Warm hugs and a big kiss planted on the gorgeous cheek of your sweet little boy!
Joy xo

Gracie Saylor said...

Your shopping is inspiring, Meredith! I admire your choices. And what a good Mama you are to make sure Little Buddy gets to lick the beaters sweetened with agave. Your garden is flourishing and I hope that the flowers I planted over the last two days will follow your plants good examples :) [I may have to drag my laptop out to show them your plants' success] xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I LOVE those bracelets. :) Glad all is well in your corner of the world. Hugs, Tammy

Susanne Tyree said...

Love the rug, it looks wonderful with your furniture, love that sweet beater-licking face, every cook needs one of them. Your landscaping looks good. I have been outside cleaning up leaves that fell from the trees after the windy snowy winter. I feel like there is so much to do.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)