Margarita Liqueur Maybe!

 "If life gives you limes....make Margaritas!"


One of my favorite Blog Reads is Karen over at The Art of Doing Stuff.
I love the way her voice comes through in her posts, making you laugh out loud while you are all by yourself in front of your computer!
If you haven't visited her blog, do so immediately...and then come back over to Sweetwater!
What does this have to do with Margarita Liqueur?
Thought you'd never ask....
I thought I would try to "channel" Karen in this post...wish me luck....or at least keep reading!

Bows Bows Bows

You've seen these bags of bows everywhere

They are truly inexpensive! 

But hardly "Sweetwater Style"!

I like these a lot better!

I challenge you to read this tutorial and do way better....and maybe even cheaper!

Get Ready To WRAP! Time Saving Tips!

Paper and tape and ribbons....oh my!

It is time to get ready to WRAP!

In less than a month...

You WILL be wrapping all those Holiday gifts!

Take a moment to read what is essentially a repost from this summer!

I re-read it and realized how timely it was....so even though it doesn't sound like a holiday tip post....use your imagination...you are clever people!

It was a good reminder to ME.....
to get going and follow my own advice!

Enjoy!

Goodwill Hunting-oops I mean Gathering!

Men Hunt

Women Gather
Read this hilarious scientific take on why men are hunters and women gatherers!
It explains an awful lot of my life!

Poor Bambi was at the mercy of my hubby this past weekend....

That always makes me kind of sad....

So what to do?

Go Gathering!
I spent the good part of Saturday shopping (gathering) with my daughter.
We started at the Mall...some errands and a lot of moaning about the outrageous prices of everything!
We finished at Goodwill.....where we made a haul!

How to Miter Perfect Corners-Sew Easy!

I am on "project strike" today.....yeah I know I got a whole extra hour of sleep.....
and what did I do with it?
Nothin'
Nada'
Zilch....




I did NOT upholster the 2 library chairs waiting in the lower level!I did NOT do the laundry!
I did NOT think about how much has to get done next week!
I did NOT hem the 2 pair of pants that are waiting!
I did NOT mat and frame the print I am doing for a friend...even though it has been a month since he brought it to me!
I did NOT mat and frame the new art we bought at the Memphis Art Fair...even though I really want it on the wall!

I JUST DIDN'T WANNA!

I went shopping.....not for anything I need....just shopping!

I read a book....nothing uplifting...a Lisa Scottoline Crime novel....just reading!

I took a Nap....turned on the fire, curled up under my wonderful new throw and slept for that whole hour that was "free"!
It was a wonderful, relaxing day!

I did putter around in my craft space....and other people's blogs.....dreaming up NEW projects!
WHEW!
Were you getting worried about me?
So a post has to be something other than me having a "project strike".....so here goes...

HOW TO MITER PERFECT CORNERS....read on

Almost No Sew Cozy Throws!

"My blanket... I can't be without it!" a quote from Linus Van Pelt

I don't carry my blanket around with me....I suppose that would cause some interesting comments....

but every couch on Sweetwater has one!

My latest is a wonderful faux fur throw with suede backing.

My inspirations were all the beautiful throws in the catalogs....like this one that costs $169.

 

I wanted one!

I needed one!

I didn't want to spring big bucks for one!

So I didn't "throw" in the towel (get it?)

I made one for $35

Read on for the "rest of the story"

Am I crazy or what? My latest Project!

Imagine the school library where I spend an awful lot of my time from Sept. to June....

oh you don't have to imagine...it looks something like this!

The color and layout of the space are really nice!

Well I guess "Sweetwater Style" extends to my work environment too!

I am constantly rearranging the furniture....decorating the tables....hanging up art!

My mission is to create a warm and inviting place for learners (adult and student) can spend time!

Sort of "if you decorate it ....they will come!"

And given the state of school funding....this all has to happen on a less than minimal budget!

Do you see the blue chairs in the foreground of the photo?

Well there are 20 of them....and I decided to recover them....

So now you understand the title of this post!

Read on to see the plan....I have 2 done and have 18 to go!

Thrifty Moisturizing Bath Soak Recipe

Long about a Saturday night
A rub-a-dub, just relaxin' in the tub

But alas....too much soaking can make my already dry skin even drier!

AND

I have enough skin sensitivity to be afraid of many commercial bath products....

AND

I am too cheap to spend what they cost!

Read on to discover the "Sweetwater Style" solution!

Halloween Read Aloud List-Repost

Only 4 more days 'till Halloween!
A few weeks ago I did a  guest post at Cachey Mama's Classroom.
It was all about Great Picture Books for Halloween!
For the last few days, I have been getting a lot of requests at school from folks who want suggestions for books to read at children's parties-either at school or home!
I have never done a repost....but it seems that this one might be relevant!
So here it is....if you have already read this....my apologies....if not...I hope you find it useful!

After all....I do hold the title for Mis-Information

From ghoulies and ghosties

And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish Saying

From silly to spooky...reading Halloween tales is a great way to get in the spirit of Halloween!

Here are some suggestions for you....they are all available at Amazon but even better...FREE at your library!
Read on for the list!

Goodwill Chairs Make Over!

 My blogging has been put on hold the last days because I have been sooo busy living my life....no time for projects!
BUT....
I got this great email from my daughter  while we were enjoying ourselves in Memphis this weekend!
SHE was doing a project and is letting me share it with you!



Email text: Hey Mom....Look what I did!



$4.99 for each chair from Goodwill
plus $12 for paint and fabric from the fabric box!


Who says the pumpkin doesn't fall far from the pumpkin patch.....?








Here is how she did it!