Let Them Eat Apples....

Would you believe how brazen this little guy is? He didn't seem the least bit fazed when I tried to get his picture. In fact, he kept turning for me until I got the shot I wanted. Guess he feels pretty safe around here. In spite of all the apples I am using, there are an awful lot of drops that I am leaving for the critters in the area to enjoy. This has been working out just fine. The deer come graze, the chipmunks, the squirrels, even some birds are partaking of the bounty. We had one tiny glitch with the guest list - SKUNKS! Imagine my surprise when letting the dogs out one night to come face to face with a huge black and white bandit. Before I could grab her, off ran Chloe to try and intimidate this giant 'cat' off her deck and preferably out of her yard. Do I have to tell you the outcome? Whewwwww! This was not a pleasant night. Even Buster couldn't stand being by Chloe and under the bed he went,

and here I thought he was hopeless! Bathing a dog at 2AM is just not a whole lot of fun, especially when they smell like skunk. Have to give a tout for Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover. It did a pretty good job, with that and a rinse with some essential oils mixed in Chloe was at least tolerable. I sure hope she has learned something from this little escapade.

At Patricia Rose, still working hard to get some more donations for the JDRF (http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmid=87421573). I will be Walking For The Cure on October 18. Thank you so much for all the donations so far! The Pink Slipper Project (http://www.pinkslipperproject.org) is growing by leaps and bounds. Lots of slippers have been sent to headquarters to send some warmth to women and children recovering from abuse and living in shelters. Please help in any way you can.

Patricia Rose is also participating in the Pink October Shop Hop, October 5th-11th. Don't miss out! Register and find those shopping bags. Wonderful prizes (as always) and no purchase necessary.

Have a wonderful week,

Pat

Weddings and Slippers and Apples and Cleaning (???)

It has been busy, busy, busy around here lately. On the family front, we have an engagement! My son, Marc, has asked his best girl, Alissa, to marry him and she has accepted! We are looking at a July 2010 wedding. Romance and excitement shall reign over the next 10 months, for sure! When I knew he was going to ask, I got a hold of my friend, Tedi, at The Petite Book Store to make up one of her amazing treasures. Alissa is a big reader and loves books so a treasure from Tedi seemed like the perfect gift. Take a look at this presentation,

It included two books on planning a wedding, a wedding guest book and a Stampington magazine! Alissa loved it!

We have some ancient apple trees here on the property and they have been amazingly prolific this year. I have been drying apples like crazy for the Apple Harvest Potpourri, made several batches of apple butter, yum, and a couple rather outstanding pies, if I do say so myself. Here are some trays of the drying apples (the house smells heavenly).

And then there is the Pink Slipper Project. Made the slippers I pledged and will have them winging their way to Virginia this week. The One Seam Rag Slipper is fun to work with, the most time is spent on cutting it out! I think they come out adorable and am sure our recipients will love their toasty toes!

And then, the last thing I wanted to share with you is this wonderful recipe for an all-purpose cleaning spray from my friend, Andrea Butje, at Aromahead and Aromatics International. I gave it a try this week and think this will be my new cleaner. It smells great and works like a charm!

"Andrea's Cleaner"

16 ounces of water

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

40 drops white pine essential oil

40 drops lemon essential oil

20 drops grapefruit essential oil

40 drops Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil

Mix all in a spray bottle and use as you would any all-purpose cleaner. Spray and wipe!

This is all I have to share this week. Have a wonderful safe week and will see you all next Sunday night.

Pat

Happy Labor Day everyone. Hope all traveling has been safe, time with family and friends has been fun and relaxation has been, well, relaxing. The best thing about a holiday weekend is that most everyone is looking at a shortened work week!

With our nights getting cool and the days getting shorter, I can tell Autumn is just about upon us, in spite of what the day time temperatures are saying. I found myself getting ready for work in the dark! It feels like that happened over night.

Time to get our homes all snuggled in for the cooler times ahead. Be prepared with lots of gorgeous potpourri to keep everything sweet smelling and inviting! Here is Apple Harvest Potpourri -

and here is Pumpkin and Spice -

I love these two! But you know what this means, the big holidays are just around the corner. Time to start planning! I had fun taking a step away from my usual crafting items and making these cute little ornaments. I don't usually play with glitter and glue but had a great time doing these.
Please, please, please do not forget about the ongoing fund raising for JDRF Walk For The Cure. The walk I am participating in will be held October 18, 2009, at Franklin Lakes, NJ at the beautiful MEDCO campus who have been gracious enough to host this for the last few years.

Also, keep in mind the Pink Slipper Project. If you would like to make some slippers for this event, feel free to download the pattern designed by Joyce Lucas at http://www.pinkslipperproject.org. The slippers do not have to be made of this pattern. If you knit or crochet or have your own favorite slipper pattern, that is wonderful as well. Just as long as they are warm.

Enjoy your week and will chat with you soon,

Pat