A Special Day

My good friend, and blog buddy Diane, from Lavender Dreams, made a commitment 1 year ago today to make a lifestyle change. She did it! And has been going strong for a year!

KUDOS to Diane for her willpower and dedication! You are an inspiration! Today is a very special day for her!

Unbeknownst  to me at the time, I too made a lifestyle change nearly a year ago, due to health reasons. I lost a total of 70+ pounds, and look like a different person. I actually had to gain a little back to keep my pants on :D

Diane is a sweetheart, and through our 'conversations' found out when my birthday is. Yesterday, I received in the mail from her, this beautiful little handbag she made!

Her stitches are perfect, and isn't that button for a center detail on the flower just divine! I love it!

Look! She included her card!

My pictures really don't do this pretty bag justice!

Thank you for this special gift for OUR special day Diane! You are a wonderful friend, and I think I'll keep ya!

August 4th is Diane's 1 year health-o-versary, and my 46th birthday!

My daughter is here to spend the day with me! She wants to take me shopping :D

Until next time....

Love,
Del

A Day at the Beach

On Sunday I posted that I was at Daytona Beach!

My hubby called Saturday afternoon and said, "hey, let's take off for Daytona when I get home."
So I said, "cool!"

I gathered a quick overnight bag, and away we went! Now remember, I said a 'quick' bag....

The drive is a short one, just a little over an hour, and we are there.

First, dinner! We wanted to try somewhere we haven't been, so Crabby Joe's on the pier was our first choice. The service was quick, the food was great, the atmosphere very casual. A steady ocean breeze through the open air restaurant kept us cool and comfortable, while the surf splashed into the pillars beneath us.

We lucked out with a great room (considering we didn't make reservations!) at the Hampton Inn. Great amenities, and super comfy king size bed, and a big balcony...time to relax!

A walk on the beach after dinner is a must, although we sat and stared up at the stars over the sea.

Sunday morning dawned with a gorgeous sunrise!

Hubby had perfect timing, and brought out Klondike's just before this guy rolled by.

I enjoyed my sand pedicure

and watched critters making air bubble holes from beneath the sand.

It wasn't very crowded at all

and the birds are always fun to watch!

The sands had changed, and were coral, peach, and orangy where it was wet from the tide, but the rest of the beach was blindingly white!

Remember I said I packed a quick bag?
Guess what didn't get put in it?

MY SWIMMING SUIT!

Hubby really enjoyed HIS swim!

The ocean was calm right before we left, which would have been perfect swimming conditions for me.

When I got home my suit was laying on the bed :(
I knew that was where it must have been, because I wanted it on the top of my bag.

Sunday night Shark Week started on the Discovery Channel. Now, I may not get a chance to swim in the ocean again before summer is over. I prefer to do my swimming before shark week starts!

Does Shark Week freak you out?

And why, oh why do I have to watch it every year???

Love,
Del

Seashore Sunday

Happy Seashore Sunday! 

Today I am at Daytona Beach!

Daytona Beach, FL

We just decided to take off Saturday afternoon, as it's only a little over an hours drive.

Just a little over nighter to get away and smell the salty air, and maybe play in the waves a little.

I'm hoping to remember to take some great new pics :D

My beach essentials are my canopy chair, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and my long sleeved white shirt. And plenty of liquids to keep us hydrated!

What do you take to the beach?

I hope you have a wonderful Seashore Sunday, too!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

Hello! Welcome to Seashell Saturday!

I hope you all had a wonderful week, are enjoying the summer, and have been able to keep cool!

Today I'd like to share an easy peasy way to make earrings.

What you will need:
shells (coquinas are awesome for this, or any shells that match, came attached, same size/color)

2 part epoxy, cardboard, toothpicks

earring studs/posts (I use surgical steel and hypoallergenic)

 Have your shells ready, and slide the earring back onto the stud.

Mix a small amount of 2 part epoxy, squeeze out about a pencil eraser sized amount from each. It dries fast, so less is best. Waste not, want not. I use a piece of thick paper or cardboard to mix it on, and a toothpick to stir and mix it with. When epoxy dries IT DOES NOT COME OFF! Eye protection, etc, etc... is recommended. Mix according to directions. Mine is ready to use after 1 minute of mixing.

Dip the flat side, or base of the stud into the epoxy, and attach it to where you want on the shell. Hold for a moment until set, and then set aside to dry and cure.

That's it! You can also do this with ring bases! If your local craft store doesn't carry the studs/ring bases, you can order them from one of the many supply sellers on Etsy.com :)

 I also made a pair from small Sunray Venus shells. They are sooooo pretty!

and small Olive shells

Last but not least...RINGS!

Other items you can use for earrings and rings:
pebbles
flat back crystals
undrilled pearls
anything goes! if you want to wear it, make it!

What are you making today?

Have a wonderful weekend!

See you tomorrow for Seashore Sunday!

Love,
Del