When it’s Hot, We go Swimming ~A Sleepover to Remember ~Secrets to the Best BLT

It’s been a Hot Summer for everyone all over the country.

That UV Index in Georgia feels intense.

To Beat the Heat, our families gathered everyone,

and everything, to spend the afternoon at their neighborhood pool.

Looks like we have the place to ourselves!

Photo Credits to Leticia Fernandess

I enjoyed being a part of their Second Annual BLT Day at the Pool.

Fresh Garden Tomatoes from the Farmers Market,

along with a few sprigs of Fresh Oregano,

come together for a very tasty Sammy.

Oh, there is one more secret…

Our Chef mixed Bacon drippings in with the Butter

for our Toasted Sourdough Bread.

Family Fun for all ages.

Following our day of Fun in the Sun,

I was invited for a Sleepover with this guy.

He has a new Bunk Bed and he graciously offered to

take the top bunk, and moved all his Stuffies up.

I will cherish my memories of bedtime cuddles, reading story books,

and rescuing the Stuffed Puppy that escaped his bed in the night.

Making sweet memories that last a lifetime.

Take care,

~Natalie 

My Month as a Granny Nanny/House Manager ~How we Spent our Days

The Highlight of Gigi’s Morning was

taking Baby out for a walk.

Yes, it’s hot in Georgia, so that stroller fan

helps keep Steele comfortable.

My favorite streets for walking were those lined with

the beautiful Crepe Myrtle Trees.

Once home, we enjoyed the comfort of the AC,

and relaxing in the rocker/recliner.

Another highlight in our day was doing craft projects with Big Sister

Stay tuned for more on that another day.

Those Crepe Myrtle Trees…

They’re mostly pink, but some are white, some red.

We practiced our letters and numbers,

We built with Magna Tiles,

And we enjoyed some Sibling Playtime.

One day, this Gigi organized clothing that our

Grandchildren have outgrown.

It is now sorted by size, from newborn to 24 months,

labeled, bagged, and ready to be donated.

Also impressive, the Hydrangeas.

We baked cookies…

Mama’s favorite, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.

We played outside,

We “Got Fancy” with Gigi’s makeup

and played dress-up.

When we play hard, we nap hard.

This Gigi says “Best July Ever”

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Welcome August ~What Happened to July ~My Granny Nanny Report

My last blog report was posted after our Friends Trip to

Minneapolis for Baseball, Shopping, Food, and Fun.

From there, Hubby and I went our separate ways…

He left me at the airport, as my plans were to stay with family in 

Georgia and help with childcare. Our daughter’s

Maternity Leave was coming to an end.

Hubby went home to take care of our house and yard,

his mother, their golf team,

and last, but not least, Gracie and Mazzie.

Our weekend was spent around the house,   getting reacquainted and

 organized for the work week.

Monday morning started with a Daughter & Daddy walk to school.

Gigi and Baby sat on the porch to wave Goodbye

and listen to the birds singing their morning song.

Mama went to her office. 

Our day was filled with bottles, naps, toys, and tummy time.

It’s awesome that I was able to spend time 

with both sets of grandchildren.

Stay tuned for more about my month spent in Georgia.

This Gigi’s heart is happy 🥰

Take care,

~Natalie

It’s my Etsy Anniversary ~Tins and Treasures ~Celebrating Seventeen Years ~The Sewing Studio Helper Cats

This Retired Empty Nester opened her

 Tins and Treasures Etsy Shop

 on July 11, 2008

A first step was choosing a name for my blog and the shop…

A name that gives clues about what shoppers can expect when browsing on Etsy.

“Tins” are some of my more unique items,

created from recycled food tins that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

Layers of paint; a fabric or paper image; and often a calico covered wire handle.

Everything else can be considered “Treasures”

Thus “Tins and Treasures”

Much of my work happens here in the Sewing Studio.

On the left, Mrs. Pfaff, my Serger.

Next, Miss Sapphire, who does most of the work.

On the end, Miss Elna, who sews on paper. 

My materials are all upcycled,

like the drapery fabric samples used for these birds.

Or from my Vintage Notions stash,

like the lace and ribbon.

Gingerbread Men cut from upcycled upholstery fabric with

Vintage Buttons, Ribbon, and Ric Rac.

Hand Warmers created from Vintage Wool Skirts…

Yes, my old teacher skirts.

When one orders from Etsy, the package is often

shipped with a personal note.

These are my business card holders.

I take a project bag everywhere we go.

I can get lots of hand stitching done when

we travel to visit our family.

I shop Thrift Stores to find Autumn Sweaters to create

Sweater-Sleeve Pumpkins.

A Chenille Bedspread is a great find…

Perfect for Snowmen.

These hats are created with the Ribbed Cuff of an Old Sock.

Hubby hand-turns all the pedestals

with leftover scraps of wood out in his shop.

I must mention the Helper Cats I’ve had over the years.

This is Callie, one of the very best.

Lizzie loved sitting on the sewing machine counter

to look out the window. We miss her presence.

And now, our two kittens. They are learning.

This is Gracie.

She seems to approve of this upcycled Shirting Plaid.

And Mazzie, who might be a little too curious

about that needle going up and down!

Folks often ask, how long have I been sewing and crafting?

Well, my mother wouldn’t let me sew on her machine until I was 10 years old.

Before that I did cutting, pinning, and hand sewing.

So, I guess my answer is, at least 60 years.

Maybe you remember when this happened?

Typically I sew, knit, or crochet, nearly every day.

Yeah, I was missing my time with Pfaff, Sapphire, and Elna.

I am glad I can be back in my Sewing Studio.

Preparing two packages for shipping…

This Etsy Seller, doing the Happy Dance for 17 years.

Take care,

~Natalie