Sunny Day!

The sun was shining today. That makes my days so much better. I finished 2 pillows which I will be putting on etsy tomorrow. I also listed 2 of the birdhouses I have been working on. One is pictured here. I am going to figure out how to put those little pictures that link to my shop on my blog.

I have marked down all my holiday items 25% and free shipping but I am removing them from etsy on Jan. 1 so if you see anything you want get it now!

I have started a quilted throw of the Lord's Supper now all I want to do is work on it. I sometimes get so absorbed in a project and don't want to put it down.

I hope everyone is looking forward to the new year and expecting it to be a great year. May we all accomplish our goals.

Talk to ya'll real soon.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! We were blessed with beautiful sunshine and warm weather. Everyone had a good time even though gifts were small this year because of the economy.

I want to thank Sharon at Magnolia Blossom Art she posted a recipe for Blondie brownies and my husband and son-in-law were very pleased with them. My husband has been wanting me to male them for years but I couldn't find a recipe.

My black walnut cake turned out beautiful and taste so good.

I have a week before I have to go back to work so i will be wrapping up some projects and putting new items in my etsy shop. Be sure to check it out.

http://www.nascarnana.etsy.com/

here is a picture of the cake . Don't you just want a bite?

Sunshine!

I got my sunshine. o, what a difference it makes in my mood.

The Christmas program was beautiful. Afterwards we all went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch. I always feel sorry for the waiter with our rowdy bunch but we do leave a good tip.

The weather is cold here but I am thankful it isn't as bad as it is in the northeast and the west everyone there needs to stay really bundled up.

I am getting the house ready for everyone to arrive, cleaning and baking. I gain 5 pounds just from the smells.

I am posting a picture of Ashton , our granddaughter she is just a little bit spoiled.

Rainy Days!

Yuk. I am sick of all the rain. I NEED SUNSHINE!! Santa, are you listening?
I need to to start my baking and cleaning but all I want to do is sleep.
we are going to Belmont, NC in the morning to go to church with our 2 middle daughters. Our granddaughter is in the Christmas program. Check back later for pictures. (Pround Nana)
It seems like there is so much to do and I have no energy. Does the rain do this to anyone else?
I am thankful it is only rain and not ice like we had in 2005. We were without electricity for a week in mid December, made getting ready for Christmas difficult but was one of the best Christmas' we have had in the 2000's. Good food, family and lots of laughter. Laughter seems to make the memories better. Everyone was happy.
I think I will take that nap now and get up and do happy things. Everyone have a wonderful weekend , don't stress out over the holidays just enjoy!

Holiday Sale!

Hi Everyone,
I am rushing around finishing up for Christmas. I only have 3 gifts left to wrap. Then start the baking. Next year I shall start early hunting black walnuts it's not Christmas without a black walnut pound cake but at $13 a pound it sure is expensive!
I have marked all my holiday items on Etsy down 25% with free shipping it would be a good time to stock up for next year.
The weather has been rainy for the last few days and I know we need the rain but I have a terrible time with depression without sunshine. I could never live in the northwest. But would love to visit in the summertime.
Randall is up and wants to use the computer(works 3rd shift), so I'll write again later.

Tax Time is Coming!

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. The family is beginning to feel better. Still don't want much food.

I know everyone does not want to think about taxes at this time of year. But there are some changes it is important to know early especially about the real estate tax payments being added to the standard deduction without having to itemize. Here are a few of the highlights from the IRS . To read more check out www.irs.gov

First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit — First-time homebuyers should begin planning now to take advantage of a new tax credit available for a limited time. The credit applies to primary home purchases between April 9, 2008, and June 30, 2009. Normally, this tax credit must be paid back in equal payments over 15 years. The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $7,500 for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing jointly. First-time homebuyers are those who have not owned a home in the three years prior to a purchase.
Real Estate Tax Deduction — There is an additional standard deduction for those who don’t itemize their deductions, but pay real estate taxes. The additional deduction amount is equal to the amount of real estate taxes paid up to $500 for single filers or up to $1,000 for joint filers. This deduction is available for the 2008 and 2009 tax years and increases your standard deduction.
Tuition and Fees Deduction — You may be able to deduct qualified tuition and required enrollment fees up to $4,000 that you pay for yourself, your spouse or a dependent. You do not have to itemize to take this deduction. However, a taxpayer cannot take both the tuition and fees deduction and education credits (Hope & Lifetime Learning Credits) for the same student in the same year. Income limits and other special rules apply to each of these provisions. To determine whether your expenses are qualified, refer to IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education. The 2008 edition is available soon online. This publication also describes other education-related tax benefits.
Educators’ Out of Pocket Expense Deduction — The educator expense deduction allows teachers and other educators to deduct the cost of books, supplies, equipment and software used in the classroom. Eligible educators include those who work at least 900 hours during a school year as a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide in a public or private elementary or secondary school. Worth up to $250, the educator expense deduction is available whether or not the educator itemizes deductions on Schedule A.
Recovery Rebate Credit — If you did not qualify or did not receive the maximum amount for the 2008 economic stimulus payment you may be entitled to a recovery rebate credit when you file your 2008 tax return. Review the tax return filing instructions including the recovery rebate credit worksheet. You need to know the amount of the payment you received in 2008, which can be found on your Economic Stimulus Payment Notice (Notice 1378). Two online tools on IRS.gov will be available soon — the Recovery Rebate Credit Calculator will help taxpayers figure the amount they should claim on their 2008 tax return, and How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment? helps you determine what your stimulus payment was.
New Rules for “Cash” Charitable Contributions — Since tax year 2007, to deduct any charitable donation of money, you must have a bank record, credit card statement or a written communication from the recipient showing the name of the organization and the date and amount of the contribution. In determining what may be deducted as a charitable contribution, see IRS Publication 526 for 2008 to be released in the near future.

Everyone have a Blessed weekend!

Stomach Virus OUCH!

I have accomplished very little this week because a stomach virus has run havoc thought out my household. Jenny had it so bad she lost 10 pounds which she really can't afford to do. Me I was sick as a dog but didn't lose weight. I don't believe its possible for me to lose. Randy lost 3 days work because of it. I really hope none of you get this it is terrible. But I am thankful it was now and not the week of Christmas.
I am working on pillows for some family members and tote bags for some others. I have so many ideas and not enough time to work on them.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend.

I am back

I have been busy with work and trying to get ready for Christmas. My blog has suffered because of it. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We did had 6 of the 7 kids home and all the grandkids and NO DRAMA. Amazing! Everyone got along well ,had a great time, and ate too much.
Check out the etsy shop I am offering free shipping on holiday items. I won't be adding too much new before Christmas got to get gifts done.
After the first of the year I will be introducing a new line of things made from recycled materials. Example tote bag from blue jean legs. Be sure to check back then.
I hope everyone is having a good time getting ready for Christmas and the economy isn't hurting you too badly.
Take care. i will try to blog at least once a week the rest of the year.

A Busy Week

It has been a busy week. I finally got my mermaid baby blanket done and listed in the shop.

I have finished other items i will be listing this weekend. Had to get batteries for the camera.

Work, work,work the office opened Wednsdayfor pre season loans and iIworked 10 hours Wednesday and 10 Thursday rough for an old woman.

I am getting ready fot Thanksgiving so far it looks like at least 6 of the kids and all the grandkids will be here. I am trying to get Christmas gifts done for all those in Illnois so they can take them back with them. Saves a bundle in shipping!

Thanksgiving day is Lavelle's birthday so I am trying to come up with a way of making him feel special in all the hoopla. Anyone have any ideas?

Every I don't get back here before then everyone have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!!

Congratulations

Congratulations to our Holiday stocking hunt winners. We had 41 shopping spree winners and the grand prize winner was :INDULGENTCREATIONS winner of a stocking full of goodies plus the shopping spree.
This promotion was really fun I hope we put together another one soon.
I am working on a lot of projects. I will be putting new items in my shop this week be sure to check it out.
Every one have a great week.

Oops!

Sorry left off the link here it is.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5895841

Holiday Stocking Hunt

TeamSC has a promotion on Etsy you can win a shopping spree and the grand prize a handmade stocking filled with goodies.
It has been a super busy week so far but I do plan to catch the blog up this weekend.
But until then why not take a look at the stocking hunt and do some of your Christmas shopping , too.

I'm BACK!

Finally! My computer died last Thursday;today we bought a new one. I am so behind on everything I don't feel like iIwill ever catch up. I have new items to list on etsy and TeamSC's holiday stocking hunt is coming up,so check it out.
I start back to work full time November 17 everyone pray i can keep all my hats juggled.
Got a bunch to do but soon I should be able to catch up and write more.
Everyone have a great weekend.

What A Weekend

It's only Sunday night,but I declare this weekend OVER! It started off bad Friday with my car not starting while I was in Greenville,(a loose battery cable) and went down hill from there.
I did manage to start a new project this afternoon. I am working on a quilted baby blanket for my etsy shop so far it is beautiful.
I am going to post a summary of my family members so you will know who I am talking about. And also realize why I am crazy.
Husband-Randy-the love of my life
Our Children
Angelique-TSgt USAF-husband-Brian-sons-Derrea,Lavelle
Julie-direct sales-husband-Bobby-daughter-Ashton
Chris-musician and artist
James-Construction
Thomas-It tech for Verizon
Brandy-college freshman
Jenny-high school senior
Missy-our cat she really owns the house let's us live here lol
You can imagine how wild things get during holiday season . My crafting seems to help me keep my sanity. I also love to read if anyone read a good thriller let me know.
Going back to work on the blanket remember the weekend is over.

My First Treasury

I did my first treasury on Etsy.

Southern Charm all teamsc.

Featured in an Etsy Treasury

Check out the treasury all TeamSC!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=29112

It's Monday ,Again!

I had a great weekend. My daughter and granddaughter came for a visit. Ashton(granddaughter) wants to make a body pillow next time she comes. I am starting her in crafting early.

I enjoyed the race on Saturday night, hated I couldn't be there. Our friends were camped in the infield in turn 1. We go with them in May but haven't been able to make an October race yet. My husband's driver won(Jeff Burton) he is now in 2 in the points chase. Randy will be so happy if he wins the championship.

O, my panthers forgot to show up in Tampa. It was soooo sad.

I got some items done and in the etsy shop, my first quilt for etsy, and a Halloween tote bag. I will be adding more things this week.

Thanks for dropping by. Please come again.

Rainy Days

The rain is coming down . It makes me so sleepy and lazy. I have a baby quilt almost finished to put in the shop but today I can't seem to get going. O but I know we need the rain. We have been in a drought situation all year.
I did get a Christmas stocking finished and posted in the shop over the weekend. I have more holiday things coming. I hope you get a chance to check them out.
Tomorrow is a work day and Friday my granddaughter will be here so i won't get much done till the weekend. But check back on Monday.
Everyone have a great week. Be Blessed.

Autumn has arrived

Autumn has finally arrived I can feel it in the air. The temps are cooler,high 50's in the morning,wonderful for the power bill and my mood. The leaves are slowly beginning to turn. I am starting to decorate , have out my scarecrow basket arrangement,scarecrow wreath on the door, and burning pumpkin spice incense. Soon I will have out my pilgrim candle holders and leaves place mats. Summer always drags me down with the heat and humidity but now I feel more alive.
I am starting new projects for the holidays . Check my etsy shop often to find new items.
It's also a wonderful time to start a exercise program. I was diagnosed with diabetes in June and need to get some weight off. It went on a lot easier than it's coming off.
Thanks for dropping by please leave a comment and visit again.

Hello Everyone

Hi,

My name is Hazel but my granddaughter and my kids have dubbed me Nascarnana. Bet you would never guess I like Nascar.

I live in the upstate of SC and I am a crafter with a shop on etsy.

http://nascarnana.etsy.com/

I am a member of teamsc. This is my first time trying blogging let's hope i get better at it.

This is picture of one of my newest items a holiday mini-basket.

Let me know what you would like me to blog about and I'll try to do it.