Another fun swap--swapping little itty, bitty things!

As you know...I just love little things. I'll post pictures of my printer's drawer sometime soon just to show how much I enjoy little things (got to dust it off first before any pictures though!). At http://rozells.blogspot.com there is a swap of little bitty things. Check out their blog for all the details, but here are their rules: Rules of Swap: You will be assigned 3 partners that you will send an alltoid size tin filled with little bitty things and you will also receive 3 tins filled with goodies. All of the items need to be able to fit in an alltoid tin or similar size tin. None of the items can be purchased new. The items need to be something you already own, something you find or thrifted. Message me with your name and email by May 15th and I will send you your partners soon after that. Happy Swapping!!!
Doesn't this sound like fun? My mind is already whirling about, thinking of all the neat, pretty little things to put in the tins.

A Swap--"A Not Too Shabby {Summer} Swap"

Okay, well, I just couldn't wait until the final word from Roxi...too eager to get the word out and a picture of what my swap item is. Below is the list of details about the swap--"A Not Too Shabby {Summer} Swap" hosted by Roxi and Adrienne at www.roxisfriends.blogspot.com.

To the left is the swap item I'll be giving away. I deviated a bit from all crystal or glass beads to including a few sterling silver fish beads with glass beads for the bubbles and sea grass. The pendant setting itself is not sterling. It measures approximately 1" by 3/4". This design is definitely "summery"--how can fish NOT be summery??

Go on ahead to Roxi's blog for all the fun details, but here are their rules: 1. Create a 'Summer Themed' item for the swap valued at $10.00. (All styles are welcome---vintage-inspired, shabby chic, primative, etc. All items also welcome---soap, jewelry, accessories, paper products, etc.)
2. Gift wrap the item as pretty as you like! (we all love to open pretty presents),
3. We will accept entries until May 15th, 2008 (***If we have not received your mailing address ,via email, by May 15th you will not be able to participate!),
4. Names will be assigned to participants by May 20th, 2008 (shh, don't tell who you got!),
5. Packages should be mailed by you no later than May 26th, 2008 (in order for packages to arrive to each participant by June 1st.)
6. If you cannot mail your item because of special circumstances, PLEASE let me know!
7. You do not need a blog to participate. Just let me know beforehand (when you post) and you can email me pics of your item and your info.
8. Leave a post and then email me your mailing address (listed at right), thanks!

Have fun!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe

We had a church function tonight to which I needed to bring some sandwiches. I changed around a recipe I had (took out "this" and added "that"), and this is the recipe which met with very positive reviews. These would make excellent tasty and elegant little sandwiches for a tea party.

1 can (12.5 oz) chicken
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup finely chopped sweetened, dried cranberries
4 oz cream cheese
3 tablespoons salad dressing (I used Miracle Whip Light)
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Mix all together in a bowl. Cut off crusts from bread slices and cut each slice then in half to make little sandwiches. Spread chicken salad on bread and serve. This made about 18 little rectangular sandwiches.
Enjoy!

My Favorite Magazines

There are many pretty magazines out there, but my favorites and I think the most beautiful are Romantic Homes, Teatime, Victoria, and, when on the shelves, Romantic Country. Are any of these your favorites? Romantic Homes was very romantic in the past and had gotten into a "modern romantic" style with it's new editor. However, the past few issues have really been pretty. I love tea and anything relating to it, so Teatime is also a favorite. They have the most beautiful pictures of teacups and teapots and romantic party ideas. Their recipes are fun, yummy, and delightful to look at. I enjoy just about everything in Romantic Country. Their one and only fault is that they don't come out enough! I read in their most recent issue that they plan on having subscriptions which will be wonderful so that I don't miss out on an issue. With Victoria I had been a long-time subscriber and was saddened when they stopped issuing only to be delighted that they had begun again. I just received their May/June 2008 issue in my mailbox, their "blue and white" issue--lovely!

I thought I'd share some of my own blue and white (though more cream than white actually) from one of my bathrooms. It is actually my children's bathroom. Who says children have to always have little duckies and fish in their bathroom? Why not something classy? I had sort of a blank canvas for this bathroom, and thought a toile shower curtain in blue and cream (got it on Ebay); blue accents in the towels and rugs; and hints of antique gold on the shower curtain hooks, a towel, mirror/picture frames, and hand-stamped fern design on the walls would be pretty. What do you think?

You know, I must say a huge "thank you" to Vin at http://betabloggerfordummies.blogspot.com. Without that helpful blog, mine would look...well, to say the least, not very pretty...and probably not function properly. That guy is incredibly helpful, and the "for dummies" part of his title is definitely talking about me when it comes to blogs and codes and such. How nice it is for people to share in clear, easy steps what they know with people who have no clue. Kudos to Vin, and a hearty recommendation to any and all who need info in putting a nice Google blog together!

Welcome!

Greetings! I'm pretty new at blogging but thought I'd give it a try. I am a homeschooling mom of two who loves just about anything romantic, feminine, and pretty--teacups, flowers (roses especially), lace curtains, sparkling jewelry, glass beads, sea glass, stained glass windows, cottages, gardens, and...well, you get the idea. I have a hobby which I will be talking more about and have a shop at www.glassbeadtreasures.ecrater.com. I make glass bead jewelry--pendants, charms, and brooches--by stitching crystal and glass beads into little floral vignettes. Think needlepoint or petite point, and you will get the idea. Also, I am working on simply but elegantly beaded lampshades. You are certainly invited to look around for yourself on my website, Michele's Glass Bead Treasures.
I call these little hobby "creations" my treasures, but my greatest treasure, of course, is my salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the pretty things in the world cannot compare to the beauty of having peace and assurance of where my soul will spend eternity and a personal relationship with God.
Thanks for visiting...and I hope to chat more with you in the future.