1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name? My shop name is Willowtree Treasures. As a child I had a willowtree that was located in our back lawn. Every time the branches would float in the wind it seemed so magical to me. I thought some day ...if I looked hard enough... I may find treasures nestled beneath the moving of these branches. 2. How long have you been on Etsy? I have been on Etsy for a little over a year. 3. What type of items do you offer? I offer items that range from extreme primitive to primitive with a touch of vintage appeal. I create dolls, doll lamps, pincushions, doll pins, hang tags, door greeters, shelf sitters and much more to aid in home decoration. 4. How long have you been crafting? I have been creating for about 10 years. I started with primitive jar lamps surrounded by a layer of moss and silicone bulbs as the lighting source. When I began to sew I then began adding the half dolls to my lamp creations. I then graduated to full dolls, ornies and doll pins. My business branched out from there. 5. Who or What inspires you? Life in general inspires me . The life stories people have to share of their triumphs and disappointments I also find as inspirational! 6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why? My favorite item in my shop is Annie and the Clairabelle cow. I found the construction of this set to be very challenging and did a lot of techniques for the first time! This project I truly had a hard time putting down until is was completed because of my interest in seeing the final product when it was finished! 7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) Blog: http://www.willowtreetreasures.blogspot.com Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace: http://www.oldprimitivesisters.com/shops/ FuzzB: http://fuzzb.com/profile.php?profile=102660 Artfire: http://artfire.com/users/Willowtree Treasures also twitter and facebook
Take a peek and enjoy the treasures that are offered at Willowtree Treasures.
Hugs, Barb
School books, bags and sports equipment.
Set aside on place for organizing lunches, backpacks and other items the kids need to use daily. Whether it is a mud room at the back of the house or the front entryway, it is a place to organize.
Make use of baskets, peg racks, shelves or a deacon's bench, use what enhances your decor. Plan your organization needs and discuss it with the kids.
Put backpacks and other school items out the night before-to avoid chaos in the morning. Have the kids help make their lunches the night before or early morning.
Plan breakfast menus for a week to avoid further confusion.
Try to make the first week as smooth as possible and set the tone for a great year.
Barb
had a mud room at the back door where each child had a peg for his coat, two small, deep shelves under it for boots and the book bag went either on top of the shelf or hung over the coat. There was a parson' bench there where the seat lifted up for them to store mitts and hats or odds and ends like small balls and whatever little things they took to school with them to play with at recess.
You may not have a lot of room but try to set aside one area where all the outdoor clothing and boots etc can be kept then there is no hunting in the morning.
The First Labor Day ParadeThe History of Labor Day
from the US Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Founder of Labor Day
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
Happy Holidays
Barb
"Let’s not make things complicated this year. The 4th of July is quickly approaching and wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to throw together something simple? Enter: the Quick and Easy 4th of July Menu. Full of mozzarella skewers, cheeseburgers, potato salads and more, this red-white-and-blue-filled menu will not steer you wrong.
Last minute menu planning for the 4th is no problem with these fast and simple recipes!
Appetizers
Mozzarella Skewers
Ultimate Shrimp and Dipping Sauce
Creamy Red Pepper Dip with Vegetables
Main Courses
Grilled Pork Ribs
Jalapeno Cheeseburger
Baked Beans and Hot Dogs
Sides
Jazzed Up Cole Slaw
All American Potato Salad
Basted Grilled Vegetables
Desserts
Barefoot Contessa’s Flag Cake
4th of July Pie
Ice Cream Dirt Cake
Drinks
Watermelon Lemonade
Summer Slush
Fruity Iced Tea "
Bald Eagle Toilet Paper Roll CraftAlthough this does make a great USA themed craft, it works for any bird and forest theme (we have bald eagles up here in Canada too). I love the toilet paper roll crafts that have wings. It would also work as a "Fish Eagle" craft. |  |
Nothing says patriotism like a star-carved watermelon filled with fresh blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, and other star-cut fruit.
Add melon shooting stars and top it off with a wire handle threaded with blueberries.
1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
Watermelon Centerpiece pattern
2. From the self-stick shelf liner, cut a 1-inch-wide strip that is long enough to reach around the center or "equator" of the watermelon, piecing several strips together if necessary to fit.
3. Trace the star shapes from the pattern section (or trace around the star-shaped cookie cutters) onto self-stick shelf liner and cut the shapes out. Continue tracing and cutting out stars until you have enough to fit around the center of the melon. Place the star cutouts on the centerline of the melon as shown in the pattern. Alternate large and small stars and adjust the spacing between the stars as necessary.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut an oval opening in the top of the melon. Using a flat-edge ice cream scoop or large spoon, remove the pulp from the melon; place the pulp in a large container and set it aside.
5. Using a pumpkin carving saw and starting at the top opening of the watermelon, cut down to the star cutouts; carefully cut around each star and along the top of the centerline. Tip: Hold each star shape securely as you cut around it to prevent the star from breaking off. If one accidentally breaks, simply put the piece back on, securing it with toothpicks. Remove the star and centerline cutouts from the melon.
6. Use a melon baller or slice the reserved watermelon pulp to make small pieces. Repeat to make small pieces of honeydew melon and cantaloupe, as desired, until the watermelon bowl is almost full. Slice strawberries, kiwi, and star fruit, adding the pieces to the bowl.
7. Cut several lengths of blue and red wire long enough to create the basket "handle." Thread blueberries onto the wires and insert the cut ends into the sides of the basket.
8. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut stars out of thick slices of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Place the melon stars on wooden skewers, adding blueberries between the pieces of fruit inside the watermelon.
Enjoy!!!!!
Barb
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1. Place potatoes in a medium saucepan; add water to cover and, if desired, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly. Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, for dressing, in a small bowl combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. Stir in olives, capers, green onion, and anchovies. Pour dressing over potatoes. Add onion and eggs. Toss gently to mix.
3. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, stirring salad occasionally. Makes 6 side-dish servings.
Steak with Roasted Garlic and Herbs Whole bulbs of garlic are soft and succulently sweet after roasting, making them a fantastic flavor treat to spread on grilled steak or slices of crusty bread.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
By Ben La Bree
(Adapted)
I. Bravery Honored By a Foe
In a rifle-pit, on the brow of a hill near Fredericksburg, were a number of Confederate soldiers who had exhausted their ammunition in the vain attempt to check the advancing column of Hooker's finely equipped and disciplined army which was crossing the river. To the relief of these few came the brigade in double-quick time. But no sooner were the soldiers intrenched than the firing on the opposite side of the river became terrific.
A heavy mist obscured the scene. The Federal soldiers poured a merciless fire into the trenches. Soon many Confederates fell, and the agonized cries of the wounded who lay there calling for water, smote the hearts of their helpless comrades.
"Water! Water!" But there was none to give, the canteens were-empty.
"Boys," exclaimed Nathan Cunningham, a lad of eighteen, the color-bearer for his regiment, "I can't stand this any more. They want water, and water they must have. So let me have a few canteens and I'll go for some."
Carefully laying the colors, which he had borne on many a field, in a trench, he seized some canteens, and, leaping into the mist, was soon out of sight.
Shortly after this the firing ceased for a while, and an order came for the men to fall back to the main line.
As the Confederates were retreating they met Nathan Cunningham, his canteens full of water, hurrying to relieve the thirst of the wounded men in the trenches. He glanced over the passing column and saw that the faded flag, which he had carried so long, was not there. The men in their haste to obey orders HAD FORGOTTEN OR OVERLOOKED THE COLORS.
Quickly the lad sped to the trenches, intent now not only on giving water to his comrades, but on rescuing the flag and so to save the honor of his regiment.
His mission of mercy was soon accomplished. The wounded men drank freely. The lad then found and seized his colors, and turned to rejoin his regiment. Scarcely had he gone three paces when a company of Federal soldiers appeared ascending the hill.
"Halt and surrender," came the stern command, and a hundred rifles were leveled at the boy's breast.
"NEVER! while I hold the colors," was his firm reply.
The morning sun, piercing with a lurid glare the dense mist, showed the lad proudly standing with his head thrown back and his flag grasped in his hand, while his unprotected breast was exposed to the fire of his foe.
A moment's pause. Then the Federal officer gave his command:
"Back with your pieces, men, don't shoot that brave boy."
And Nathan Cunningham, with colors flying over his head, passed on and joined his regiment.
His comrades in arms still tell with pride of his brave deed and of the generous act of a foe.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in the service of our nation.
Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, but it's difficult to prove the origins of the day. There is also evidence that a women's group in the South decorated graves before the end of the Civil War. In either case, Memorial Day has had numerous starts due to the human need to honor the dead. Though some people think it's a day to honor any and all dead, Memorial Day is intended to honor those who have given their all in service to our country.
Cook 10 mins
482 kcalories, protein 15g, carbohydrate 30g, fat 34 g, saturated fat 18g, fibre 2g, salt 1.44 g
Recipe from Good Food magazine, September 2006.
4 1/2 cups white sugar 1 pinch salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk 2 cups chopped nuts | 1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips 12 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate 2 cups marshmallow creme |
| 1. | Butter two 9x9 inch baking pans and set aside. |
| 2. | Place chocolate chips, German chocolate, marshmallow creme, and nuts into a large mixing bowl. Set aside. |
| 3. | In a 4 quart saucepan, combine sugar, salt, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, and cook for 6 minutes. |
| 4. | Pour boiling syrup over ingredients in bowl, beat until all chocolate is melted. Pour into prepared pans. Let stand a few hours before cutting. |
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