DIY Jewelry

So the boys went on a hunting trip this weekend, leaving Tera and I to our own devices to entertain ourselves.  We decided to start the weekend out at one of our FAVORITE places to shop.....Michaels.  She was going to make a wreath and I was going to see if they had out out any new card-making supplies.  Almost 2 hours (yes 2 hours and no it's not the first time we have spent that much time in there) later we walked out with out crafting supplies in tow and some new projects to take on.  We checked out our normal aisles and then we wandered into the jewelery-making/beading aisles, which we normally skip. We were shocked at what we found.  Jewelry -making has come a long way since I last dabbled in it.  After some decision-making, we both walked out with a couple of projects and thoughts of even more that we wanted to do in our heads.  A few hours later, we had new jewelry that we created!

My cocktail ring!

Necklace

I have had the earrings for several years, but never had a necklace to wear them with.  I found the pendant (with matched the colors in my earrings perfectly) and the chain separately, and put them together with some copper wire.  The ring was a part of a pendant set that I hot glued to a ring.  I still have 2 of the pendants and I am thinking about making a pair of earrings out of them.

There were a few other pieces that caught my eye, especially some antique-looking charms, and I am pretty sure I will be back for some more projects =)

Couponing with Mom

Mom and I managed to get a little couponing in while she was here. Publix had some great deals in time for Easter that we just HAD to take advantage of. So here it is.......drum roll please!

We spent $43.16 and saved $68.54 which is a savings of 61%!

Our haul included 2 boxes of Special K granola for $1 each (we are on a granola kick right now), 3 boxes of Wheat Thins Stix (54 cents each), a couple of boxes of Crackerfuls for 9 cents each, brownie mix for 30 cents, bacon for $2.50, 2 jars of Hellman's Mayo for less than $2 each, 2 bags of shredded cheese for $1 each, and 3 packages of Folgers Coffee bricks (11.3oz) for $4, and a few other things.  

Mom has just started on her couponing endeavors and I am thinking that once she starts summer vacation, she will have a lot more time to devote to it and I will be completely jealous of her receipts!

Once in a Generation

A once in a generation tornado outbreak.  That is the phrase I heard on the radio this morning on my way into work.  That is a pretty bold statement, but after seeing the pictures of the devastation and destruction this morning I believe it.  Last night (and yesterday evening) several massive tornadoes ripped through the state of Alabama, leaving paths of destruction in their wakes.  We were very lucky.  One of the tornadoes came through Elmore County (where we live), and tore through several communities that are 10-15 miles from our home in Tallassee, but thankfully they STAYED 10-15 miles away from us and we did not have any damage that I could see this morning.

There are certain events that occur that you never forget in your lifetime. For example, I remember exactly where I was when Mark McGuire broke the Hank Aaron's home run record (my family was driving across the Hernando DeSoto Bridge from Arkansas back into Memphis), and I am sure every American remembers where they were when they heard the news about 9/11.  I vividly remember sitting in my AP US History class watching the Twin Towers fall, feeling numb.  Last night's tornadoes will likely join that category for me.  As I was watching the 5:00 News, they broke in with live video of a massive tornado tearing through the heart of Tuscaloosa.  It was like a movie.  It just kept coming toward the camera for several minutes before the news station in Tuscaloosa lost power. Then an hour later during the 6:00 News, the same tornado--that never went back up into the clouds--was bearing down on Birmingham.  You could tell that even the newscasters were not sure what to make of the situation.  I don't know if it was because I was in the Tuscaloosa area a week ago for  site visits for work, but all I could think was that I was just there in those places, and I hope everyone is ok.  One of the offices I was at was near one of the hardest hit areas in Tuscaloosa.  Thankfully I heard from the people I work with in those areas this morning. It gave me a sense of relief but it also shook me up a bit. It is one thing to hear about devastation on tv, but it is another thing to talk to a person you know on the phone who is going to look for loved ones they have not heard from yet who lived in neighborhoods that were completely leveled.  I mean, what do you say to someone who is telling you this on the phone???

My thoughts and prayers are with those who suffered a loss in yesterday's storms.

A Day at the Links

We had a wonderful visit with my parents this weekend.  They came down for Easter and we had a GREAT time!  We did everything we could outside so that we could send them back up north with suntans and make all of their friends jealous.

Eric and Dad went golfing on Sunday afternoon and invited Mom and I to tag along.  We were a bit reluctant at first but ended up having a great time.  They boys event got us our OWN golf cart which we were very responsible with.  I brought along my camera (of course) to get some pics of the fun!

Not so sure about this.....

Dad with his second shot.

 Eric was swinging for the fence.

OK, we ARE having fun!

I even got my golf on.  I promise I made this shot...LOL.

So Mom and I only made it 9 holes but it was fun.  I got some great nature shots (another post for a another day).