Old fashioned barn dance

Our school had an old fashioned barn dance and Halloween party this past week. The boys were excited to try out their costumes. My oldest went as a rocker with tattoos, my middle son went as a zombie and my youngest was a ghoul. I hate buying Halloween costumes. My theory has always been to make your own. I don't particular like Halloween anyway and I hate spending money on a costume that they wear a few times. So this year once again, we encouraged the boys to make their own costumes and even offered the boys five dollars if they made their own costumes. My oldest really wanted a cool costume, so we did end of buying the tattoo shirt. My youngest really wanted a long black cape and mask for his ghoul costume. My middle son the only one that really made this own costume and one to take us up on the offer.


Pumpkin bowling


The donut on the string was really funny!


Spooky story telling time.

My ghoul with cotton candy.

A rocker and a ghoul.

A zombie with a skateboard.

Our trip to Apple HIll

We made our annual trek to apple hill yesterday. It was nice to get out of Sacramento for awhile. The day was beautiful, especially after all the wind and rain we recently had. Our first stop is always Rainbow Orchards. They have the best apple cider donuts and the boys, big and little look forward to them.

The famous apple cider donuts. They make them to order and are always hot and decadent. Are you drooling yet?

This is Grandpa Cellars orchard. We always stop her for their preserves. They are selling their property and retiring. Hubby was contemplating what it would be like to own an apple farm.

Overall, a fun day with the family. The boys love coming up to apple hill and the drive is so beautiful.

Bead show continued

I returned to the bead show today and found more beautiful beads. I decided to pick up some sterling, even though the price was high. I did some research around town and online and found that the prices were better than what else I could get. The sterling will last me a little while. I love the charm and pendants I found. The dog tag Sacred Heart and crown are two of my favorites. I was able to also find some beautiful crucifix's and centers. I picked up a few more bead strands as well.

This rosary has an old world feel to me. The beads are some of the beads I purchased this weekend. They are heat treated glass. I love how intense the color is. The picture does not do it justice. The beads have a look of rubies. The sterling crucifix and center was also purchased at the bead fair.

Bead show score

There is a bead and gem show in town this weekend. I went on Friday to see what they had. As you can see, I picked up some nice bead strands. I am going to go back tomorrow and pick up some more beads. I was hoping to buy some silver, but the prices were so high. I am looking forward to making some nice rosaries and jewelry with my new finds.

This is my latest rosary. I love how light and airy it is. The beads are Czech glass cathedral beads and the Pater Noster beads are African Opals. I made this rosary for my dear, dear friend Charmaine.

Great Finds

The other day I ended up at my favorite antique shop in Carmichael called Magnolia Antiques. I always end up finding something unique that I "need". I was browsing the store and found this beautiful French green ribbon. The green is a soft green. I can't wait to use it in some of the crafts.

I also found this beauty. My cousin was wearing a necklace similar to this at her baby shower. I came across this at the antique store and had to have it. It was a steal for $15. The necklace is made from crystals and glass pearls and is in good shape, but I thought the beads would be lovely in a rosary or turned into another piece of jewelry. I will keep you posted.


I have had a lot of jewelry request lately. My aunt had these lampwork beads that were strung on stretch cord. I do not like stretch cord. I was happy to change these up to flex wire.

These rosaries are donations to some local Catholic schools. I was really pleased how they came out. The top rosary was made with Czech glass cathedral beads in smoke and sterling silver beads. The crucifix is one I purchased some time ago at Magnolia antiques. The second rosary is made with red tiger eye and carved bone beads. The chaplet is made with orange jasper and an antique crucifix that I happened to have.

Get a chuckle!

You have to check out this blog called Cake Wrecks. I came across Jen's blog and have been chuckling all morning reading her blog. She also has a new book out of the same name. Read her entry on the USB cake and "Falker Satherhood". Very funny.