The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday 15 March 2016

The Christmas Challenge. What I have been doing....

The last two weeks we had show and tell. It was wonderful to see what everyone is doing towards their present making.  A LOT by the looks of it!

Now here we are in mid March!

Painting has kept me out of trouble and taken a lot of my time but lo my present cupboard it is looking quite healthy. I have quite a few bargains in there i.e. the heart shaped baking tins bought for $2.50 after Valentines Day.

I also have heaps of soaps and I'm waiting a bit longer to be able to package them for giving.

Then a dozen powder puffs that I am really pleased with.



This week I finally finished my hankies. I am now free to move onto something else! I already showed some of them over the last couple of weeks. These are some of the latest...



This is the satisfying bit, when I get to the end and look at what I have.


Then packing them up to go into the present cupboard...


My experience from other years is that I get all the presents out in December and have forgotten half of what I have in there and so will likely go "Oh yes, I made hankies!" and get a total surprise! 

I have a heap of lovely baskets and tins to use for food gifts later in the year.

As the weather cools I get going on crochet and have so many things lined up that I want to make! I have been collecting yarn as I can ready to go.

I also have the microfiber fabrics ready to make makeup remover pads which were inspired by a gift Mum was given at Christmas.

The gift sets these came in were two body mitts and six eye makeup remover pads for $150. Holy cow I thought I can copy this!



I found lovely soft pink microfiber in two textures...



Also I have a round glass container with a lid perfect for packing one set. I will get sewing these up soon.

So that is where I am! I actually need to decide what to start on now but tonight we are having everyone over for dinner for Chloe's Birthday and I've been working on that. Tomorrow I will decide what to start for the rest of March!

One thing I know is that making things is so good in many ways. The Proverbs 31 woman was always busy with her hands. She was always creating. Like all scripture my understanding of this has grown over time. At first I thought it was because she was selling goods to help her household. And she was. Having skills and working on improving them will always give us an income or a possible future income if we need it. That alone is worth the investment of improving your skills.
But there is more... there is a lot of scripture about being busy at home and contentment. Being busy with your hands goes with this. There is so much happiness and contentment when you are absorbed in making something.
Medicine now knows that being creative and working on something is good for our health! It is a great stress reliever and kind of mediation. If you have ever drifted off to that happy place of working away so happily you will know why it is good for us! You cannot worry about your problems while knitting a pattern! Also following patterns is good for the brain in the same way that crosswords are.
Learning new patterns even more so.
The benefits are not just to your budget but to your happiness and health. Total package deal!

I think it is worth getting good at something that really interests you from cake decorating to embroidery... anything... that becomes something you really have as a great asset, potential income earner, a great cake for parties or something great for gifts...

Then also to try new things and expand your skills. Firstly you might discover you have a great knack for something. Second it is so much fun learning a new skill, and again good for us. Thirdly it gives you a variety in your gift cupboard.

If in any way shape or form I can encourage anyone to get crafting then I am happy! You do not have to be crafty to make your presents. That's what instructions are for. Many things are simple assembly. or even re packaging. It is just the gathering of ideas that you think you could do and your friends and family will like.
If you are crafting then if I can get you to try something new then I am happy!

So what are you working on for March? Also what are some good handmade gifts for Easter?
I hope you are having a good week... I am off to baby sit then make a birthday dinner! xxx




47 comments:

  1. Hello Annabel, that's it, I'm getting on a plane and coming to Adelaide to steal all those hankies. They are amazing!!!!!! You'd be wanting to get a head cold knowing you had those babies waiting lol. Hope you have a wonderful time babysitting (know you will) and also enjoy Chloe's birthday tonight. Don't forget the message for her in my email. Have a lovely day. Fi xx

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    1. Dear Fi and we will go op shopping ! And have scones and jam and cream!
      I loved your message. lol Thank you!
      We did have a lovely little party! I will post some pics tomorrow!
      It was a busy day and I have sore feet! But it was good. Hope you are feeling good and your shoulder is improving! With love Annabel.xxx

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  2. Lovely!!! I am still working on redoing a few more potholders and my daughter and I are currently prettifying some clothespins :) There is so much useful fun to be had at home, I will be busy for the rest of my life! :)

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    1. Jes, will you be sharing info about your clothespins on your blog? I surely hope so!

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  3. Annabel, I'm getting on a plane and coming to Adelaide too ... for your hankies!!!!! Those are absolutely beautiful! I haven't done much with the Christmas challenge in March due to being sick, but I'm ready to get back at it.

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    1. Dear Patsy, It is funny, hankies went out a bit and now are in! They never went out with me though or our family. Bit like letter writing/snail mail. I love these things!
      I hope you are feeling heaps better! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  4. Happy birthday to Chloe, I bet she will have a lovely night. How wonderful! I love this post and I can't believe I was reading something very similar about the benefits of being creative on your mental health. I am not great at sitting down and doing meditation but I think crochet could be it for me. I have never thought of myself as being crafty, or good at craft. In fact I must say my husband is brilliant with anything to do with his hands, I'm jealous! Lol however I am coming to realise that I don't need to compare myself to others and it is my own journey and as long as I am enjoying myself and learning new things, then this is wonderful. Thank you so much for giving us encouragement and support; it really shines through in your posts and I know that I can credit you in taking crochet further, thank you. Love, Bridget

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    1. Dear Bridge,
      I think if you can crochet flowers you are doing really well with your crochet. It is very relaxing. For a rug the traditional granny square is really good and fast. You can look on you tube as that pattern can also be knitted in a straight row. This looks good and grows quick for rugs. In winter this is the nicest project!
      I am replying also re the shortbread. I am so glad you love that recipe! Don't forget a batch of this as biscuits or as one big piece in a pizza tray is a great present to give someone. I put a doilie or stencil on top, dust with icing sugar and remove... looks flash but so easy!
      I hope your week has been going well! With love Annabel.xxx

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  5. You are making such lovely gifts and I am sure your recipients will be thrilled and touched by them. :) Happy Birthday to your Chloe!

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    1. Thank you Debbie! We had a lovely little birthday party last night. I am happy I have gifts put away... cleaning up today and thinking what to start next! xxx

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  6. Dear Annabel, those hankies are just the prettiest! I'll be dying to see these microfibre makeup removers. Pink is going to be lovely. I tackled a couple of more ambitious projects this week and I'm still working on those. One is a craftwood box covered in silk from Spoonflower, and the other is lavishly embellished pillowcases, with multiple layers of lace. I also ordered and received some personalised ribbon with which to embellish my gifts and I'll post tomorrow on the blog, with photos of that. It makes everything look professional and straight out of a designer store! Lots of love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi, I am dying to see all of these! The ribbon I will link to as we keep talking about ways to make gifts look professionally presented! This sounds fantastic.
      I think my heart skipped a beat over the idea of lavish pillowcases... I cannot wait to see these! Thank you so much! I am already thinking of what laces do I have and will they be suitable!? With love Annabel.xxxx

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  7. Annabel your gifts are always so beautifully presented. That is a skill you have encouraged me to develop. My gifts are well made but don't get the presentation they deserve for gifting. So adding this skill will benefit me in showing off my gift making skills to a high level. This past week has been a busy one for me. I finished off some fabric journal covers with a pen holder and page keeper. I also made matching oencil cases. You saw these on Patsy's FB page. I made another baby bunny rug. This one for my daughter to give to her housemate. I potted up a bromeliad pup into a nice glazed pot I had in the shed. This is going to a friend for her Birthday in August. It should be well established and thriving by then. We found out yesterday our grandbaby is a little girl. Much excitement in this household. I have started on a pink pair of piggy booties. Hope to finish them by the weekend.. Hope you had a wonderful time with your baby and enjoyed Chloe's Birthday dinner. Life is good.

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    1. Dear Jane, I saw the covered journals and went "thats Jane!!" realising it was you. They are really good!
      You are going to have a Grand daughter! Congratulations! Now you can focus what you make to a girl. truly I love having a Grand daughter and you are going to be a fabulous Nana!
      I hope you are having a great week, With love Annabel.xxx

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  8. I totally agree! I am most content when I'm creating something beautiful or useful, and have long been inspired by the Proverbs 31 woman. We're so blessed to be given a creative imprint from the Father. :-)

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    1. Dear Jenny, Your creations are lovely. I used to do so much embroidery and will get back to it. It is funny I go through stages with things. I have a lot of earlier posts of my embroidery... look at Mouse Wedding.
      I hope you are feeling better too. And treating yourself to some pampering. With love, Annabel.xxx

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  9. Dear Annabel, wow look at all those hankies!, you have been busy. I love the powder puffs too. I have steadily been making cards but not much else . I bought some crochet cotton today so hopefully by Christmas I will have a few decent crocheted gifts to give. I thought about ideas for Easter gifts to make and I think that handmade chocolates done in Easter chocolate moulds would be nice done in cellophane bags with coloured ribbon and a little fluffy chick on the bag. Another idea is a Easter basket filled with the receipients favourite homemade treats such as a bottle of jam, some chocolates and some biscuits/ cookies such as chocolate chip or m&m biscuits ( homemade ) .Or a bookmark with bunnies or chicks on it for someone who reads with a covered notebook and a pen. These are just 3 ideas!. I hope your party went well for Chloe's birthday. Take care and have a great rest of the week Annabel and everyone.Love BarbWoodford

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    1. Dear Barb,
      Thank you for your ideas! I hope you love crochet. It can lead to a life time hobby.
      We had a lovely little party. I will post some pics tomorrow. It is pretty hot here I am hoping this is the last hoorah! (of summer) with love Annabel.xxx

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  10. Hi Annabel!

    I love the thought of you getting a surprise when checking your gift cupboard later on!

    Today, I gave Mum some wool wash, along with the recipe for this and your milk powder-based condensed and evaporated milks. Dad was interested in your chandelier work! I told them both how I appreciate them in comments here. That is important. See how your work multiplies!!

    We're getting cold rain here, and we're both looking forward to our winter work.

    With wam regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Dear Rachel, That was a lovely gift for your Mum.
      last night the outdoor chandelier looked lovely and had streamers hanging from it. It tatted to the atmosphere.
      I wish it was cool here! I am so ready for it and it is really warm here although I am hopeful this is the last of it!
      I hope you're having a good week, its nearly over already! with love, Annabel.xxx

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  11. Hi Annabel!

    I love the thought of you getting a surprise when checking your gift cupboard later on!

    Today, I gave Mum some wool wash, along with the recipe for this and your milk powder-based condensed and evaporated milks. Dad was interested in your chandelier work! I told them both how I appreciate them in comments here. That is important. See how your work multiplies!!

    We're getting cold rain here, and we're both looking forward to our winter work.

    With wam regards,
    Rachel Holt

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  12. Those hankies are so pretty Annabel,I fly through hankies here with my hayfever at the moment , change of seasons here and very up and down. 13C today and tomorrow and then back up to 20+.Might have to hop on that plane with Fiona lol. Hope Lucy had a lovely birthday and dinner went well.Love Maria xxx

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    1. Dear Maria,
      Thank you! Our dinner went well and today I am cleaning up! Thanks so much.
      Changeable weather is difficult I think thats when everyone gets colds and bugs. And hay fever!
      I need to have a big afternoon tea or crafting day, imagine that! With love Annabel.xxx

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  13. Annabel, you will love babysitting I know. I can't wait to see how much my little grandson has grown when I visit in May. He wasn't quite walking when he was here at Christmas but he certainly is now and is keeping my daughter busy. Your presentation of the gifts you make is just beautiful. You are one very talented and creative lady.

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    1. Dear Nanna Chel,
      Yes when they start walking it is a game changer! A busy time! Wont be long here I don't think either!
      Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxx

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  14. Seldom comment but always keeping up with "The Bluebirds!" Lovely work.

    Happiest of birthdays to dear Chloe. Our good friends buried their precious Ember, 35, last Friday, their only child. She succumbed to the horrific wounds suffered in a freak car accident. Amazing the lovely impact and influence of one life. We have so very much to be thankful today, Annabel. Birthdays are just another on that list.

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

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    1. That is so tragic Kelley I can't hardly think about it.
      Yes Birthdays and occasions are very special.
      Thank you Kelley I thought you would like pretty hankies. with love Annabel.xxx

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  15. Dear Annabel,

    I love how encouraging you are about everything you write about. It's one of the main reasons why I love to read your blog...positive messages and lots of encouragement, and lots of gorgeous photos. Your gift cupboard must either be stuffed by now or is of a huge size! :)

    Handmade Easter presents...for years I've made either Easter dresses or 'bonnets' for my kiddos, but this year I think I will gift a pretty hankie, each. I have a "panel" of fabric which is printed with 12 different vintage hankie designs. I will cut around them and hem them to make a couple of hankies and make the rest into cute cloth napkins for our Easter breakfast table. My painting time is biting into crafting time, and this will fit the bill, I think.

    Happy Birthday to Chloe!

    Love,Jen in NS

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    1. Dear Jen,
      Thank you so much! I have a half a wardrobe as my gift cupboard with shelves in it. It was depleted so I was starting again for sure. its looking a bit better now! But then Birthdays etc deplete it again!
      I love the sound of the fabric panel! That is lovely! Perfect in fact! When the girls were little I made them soft flannel hankies with their names embroidered on.... they still have them and I have a couple of them. Not lost after all these years!
      Your painting sounds fantastic and a lot of work which I can relate to. I would love to see photos. In reply here to two things at once... yes floor rugs can be so expensive! I have found IKEA good but I don't know if you have one anywhere near? However I am also crocheting floor rugs with the ribbon yarn I am cutting up. Will take a while though! A bit of non slip matting underneath I think will be needed but thats ok. Next to the bed I think something for your feet to land on is nice but looks good too. You will be so glad you did all this work later when everything is looking as you want it. Well thats what I keep telling myself! But last night when everyone was here everyone noticed and said oh and ahh that the house was looking bigger, fresher, brighter and lovely. So the painting is adding up!
      I hope you have a baby goat or two! With love Annabel.xxx ps keep up the good work!xx

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  16. Your creativeness is always so beautiful. You do such a lovely job.
    You surely must have a lot of people of your gift lists!! You will have so many lovely things to give to a LOT of people.

    http:cherylsfrugalcorner.blogspot.com

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    1. Dear Cheryl, Thank you! I do give a lot of gifts. Making them allows me to give many more. Also I visit a nursing home and that can account for another twenty or so. But it is worth it. Many get no visitors at all and the lady we especially visit gets no visitors except us. Terrible. SO there are a lot of chances to give little presents.
      Now I am cleaning up after visitors last night and deciding what to make next! With love Annabel.xxxx

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  17. Annabel, your hankies are so pretty and make me want to make some for myself as well as gifts. I have made a few powder puffs and they are so nice to use. those microfiber makeup removers are a great idea but that gift your mum got was very expensive so you will make a great saving there.
    At the moment I am working on a birthday present for my granddaughter, she wants a mermaid tail blanket after seeing the baby one I made. I only have a week to get it finished so am crocheting away madly. Then I have more photography props and an order for one as well.
    Have a great day babysitting and a lovely dinner for Chloe, wishing her a happy birthday.
    Hope you are enjoying your week, Debbie xx

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    1. Dear Debbie,
      When I was little I would have loved a mermaid tail! I loved mermaids! lol nothing much has changed!
      I saw some, probably pinterest, and they looked so cute. I hope you are taking photos as you go. I loved the bay set you did especially the little bra top!
      Thanks so much Debbie I hope your week has been good! With love Annabel.xxx

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  18. Such beautiful gifts, Annabel. I'm amazed at how the gift cupboard is filling in just a couple of months.
    It's been a busy few weeks here, with various appointments, so I've had little time for gift making, just 5 handtowels to date. Oh well, that's how it is sometimes, but thanks to you, there's still plenty of time in the year.
    To be honest, I don't know how I would survive without my sewing - it's saved my sanity on many occasion. It's certainly a stress reliever.

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    1. Dear Janine,
      I think five hand towels are a good effort! They will be very handy and build up your gifts. And yes it is still early in the year and we have a long way to go.
      I understand what you are saying about the sewing. I love a project to be working on and absorbed in. I am much better and happier when busy on things and it is just lovely.
      Many thanks Janine, Love Annabel.xxx

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  19. Crikey, I better get my ticket booked, sounds like there's a whole lotta planes going to Adelaide!! Fi

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  20. Dear Annabel, I want a plane ticket, too lol! Your hankies are so pretty- you have certainly been busy! I also really like the basket you have them stored in. I haven't been doing any crafting this week, but I have a wedding and a birthday coming up that I have been planning gifts/gathering ideas for. I just need to gather a few inexpensive supplies... This morning I dug up a few (ok, ten) plants that have multiplied in my garden and put them into pots. (I always keep the plastic pots from the nursery for this.) If they survive their transplant, two will be for gifts for friends. The others will be planted at the ranch someday. As usual, I enjoy reading what everyone has been up to :) Love, Kelsey

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    1. Dear Kelsey,
      Potting up plants for future gifts is a great thing to be doing! at the local florist the girl sells plants in black plastic pots but she first wraps them in either heavy brown paper or hessian/burlap then ties this up with rustic string. It looks fantastic! Then you don't have to buy a fancy pot. It looks so stylish.
      Its exciting to have a wedding coming up! I love weddings!
      You also have a lot on your plate Kelsey so you are doing well! With love Annabel.xxx

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  21. Dear Annabel, those hankies are just beautiful, infact everything you do is just lovely. I have a handful of Lace hankies that belong to my Grandmother that I keep in my drawer, I never use them but I like knowing that I have them. I started on another blanket this time in a mint colour, I have found it so relaxing to sit and crochet after working all day. Happy Birthday to Chloe, I too have a Chloe but she is living in Edinburgh at the moment. I love reading your blog, it reminds us all it's the little things that count, you have such a beautiful soul which radiates through your blog. Best Wishes Joanne Roberts

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    1. Dear Joanne, Thank you so much! I just love the sound of the mint blanket! And I love hearing how relaxing you find it. I agree its beautiful to have something to sit and work on. I hope to get to see it when its finished!
      Thank you so much! I hope your Chloe is doing well. With love Annabel.xxx

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  22. Hello Annabel! In this comment is a total of 15 of us we are stopping by as a group to tell you how we love your blog here and will be using it together to have a make it night where we are going to get together and make gifts. We learned all about you from Vicky during her presentation here and she spoke very highly of all we would find on your blog and we think she's right. You have that touch with things! Vicky was so patient with us and has such wisdom that a thank you to you Annabel is well deserved also, keep up the inspiration dear!

    Sincerely
    May and the gang

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    1. Dear May and the whole gang! Thank you so much for writing! Welcome! Vicky is a big part of this blog! You will find a lot of her articles in The Vicky Challenge and also also Pantries and Preparedness.
      On the right hand side under Labels there is a list of subjects. Go to the one that says "Free E book released as a series" that will help you all save a lot of money on gifts as it helps you use up anything you might already have or anything on hand (and you'll be surprised what you have on hand) If you could print that off maybe it would be helpful as its like a little book.
      Once a month we have a Show and Tell of what we have been making and I would love to see anything you all do! I would also love to hear your progress.
      On Fridays we all get together and report our progress as well as in The Vicky Challenge which is every Monday. If you record the savings you make you will be amazed! Sometimes one change is a huge amount.
      Thank you so much for saying hello! With love Annabel.xxx

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  23. Annabel,
    You got a lot of hankies finished! well done. I love the powder puffs those are so sweet I am still working on reusable dust cloths and crocheting dishcloths, but it's something at least. I have ideas and have found things that I can paint, but I think I will wait until I can do it outside as I am a very messy painter and my cat likes to sniff paint which I am sure is not good for him. Hmm since some days I think I am losing my mind should I craft more? LOL!!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Dear Vicky, lol about the cat. Paint sniffing is a thing. Not a very good thing!
      Yes I prescribe craft days. They will be good for you!
      Your friends posted a comment, May and the gang! That was so nice of them! I have never had a group post before! Many thanks to you! With love Annabel.xxx

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  24. I loved what you had to say about the creative facets of the Proverbs 31 woman. That was a valuable lesson which I needed to 'hear' and I thank you for sharing it with me. I do understand about the zone you get in when you are happily doing something creative for the home. I had a lovely afternoon sewing where everything went well and the item I was making turned out looking really well done as well and I realized at the end that while my shoulders ached, I was very happy during that time period.

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    1. Dear Terri, Thank you. I am glad you enjoy swing and I know just what you mean.
      Proverbs is a guide to me. The world tells us NOT to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. I go back to it over and over! With love Annabel.xxx

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  25. Thank you for the proverbs 31 reference. I find these very inspiring. I think that busy hands make a happy heart. I am a worrier but find sewing my little felt creations keeps my mind from wandering to negative thoughts. I love those make up pads, could you possibly post some instructions please? xx

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

Spam is never published... if you are advertising a product or selling website your comment wont be published. I am inundated with stuff about drugs, horses and weird things! I am not going to publish this stuff! Thank you.