U.S.A. lapquilt to sew and embroider over a year!

I am a huge fan of Mollie Johansson's over at Wild Olive, and I just wanted to let anyone who comes here to my blog that she is offering a really cute lap quilt project of the 50 states, that is a year-long thing that lots of folks will be doing together over that time. It involves basic embroidery, and some making of stars out of muslin, and quilting with fabrics of your choice.  i just bought my year of fun at her blog, for just 25 dollars! A whole year of fun! I immediately received my preliminary instructions on supplies, and how to start piecing the muslin stars, etc.  It doesn't take much fabric at all, and only basic supplies. I have never quilted, and am looking forward to doing this so much! It starts now, with the first set of state embroideries coming in July.  If anyone thinks it looks like fun, then please join us, and we can all see what we all come up with!!!!!
Go
HERE to see Mollie's post.
I will be showing my progress on my blog as I go along so you can see.  She says it will be available, even if you decide to start at a later date!!!!! She is a doll.  Thanks Mollie!!!!!
XOXO-Julie

Newest zinnias and roses!

Hi everyone! 

First a few roses! This is my red and white stripy mini rose. Sometimes it is striped all over, and sometimes just portioned petals. It is a mixed up mess, and I love the unpredictability of it!

A bunch of red ones (minis) all coming out to play together!

And now for some new and older zinnias!

This one is from my newest batch of Lilliput seeds:

Another view:

This is a sideways big 'ol fluffy sideways view of one that has been open a few weeks!!!!!!!  Hello mama!!!

A new bright orange that looks to be filling out nicely! In my favorite color, non-the-less!!!

A different view with a ton of mini yellow roses lurking behind!

This is a brand spankin' new pink baby!

A brand new orange baby. Who knows if they will fill out with more layers. Some do, and some don't. I just have to have undivided love for all. ;)

That's all for today. Been staying busy around here, and planning a little summer trip which has kept me out of trouble!  Keep me busy, and I seem to be happiest of all. I am so grateful for my flowers that spring forth with such exuberance and no matter what goes on in life, they are my rocks and in darkest hours, they can restore my joy. A true gift from God!

Xoxo-Julie

Diet success with my newest discovery...CEVICHE!

A few moons ago (probably 2 years ago) I witnessed my first ceviche being ordered and eaten by a friend. Since then I have ordered it multiple times, but recently I have come to use it as a meal rather than an appetizer, to aid in weight loss! I must insert here, that a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is very similar, except that the shrimp gets cooked in a traditional way. In ceviche, the shrimp and seafood are cooked by leaving in lime juice for a day or two until they are opaque (not clear anymore). The lime juice cooks the seafood. All the while you leave it in the refrigerator.

Here is my first attempt in making it tonight:

I cut up handfuls of green peppers, cucumbers, jalapeños, onions, fresh ripe red tomatoes, added cut up cooked shrimp and flounder (mine took 2 full days to be in the juice). I threw in a bunch of cilantro, parsley, and seasoned with a few drops of hot sauce, and black pepper. I used about half of the lime juice and poured in about the same amount of Clamato. Last I added cut up avocado.  

We ate it with tortilla chips in the "scoops" form. It was the best EVER! 

So low calorie, low fat, and helpful with weight loss.  There was no added salt because there is enough on the tortilla chips!!!! 

Try it. If short on time, I would just grill or pan sear the seafood, chill it and add rest of ingredients. Hubby and I were both in hog heaven!

Xoxo-Julie

Update on succulents in cinder blocks!

Many of you remember when I made this little cinder block succulent garden on my back slab.  It is in partial shade, and most of these babies have never lived a happier life!  The gasteria (none shown here) are sadish looking.  I think they may need more water.  I am only hand watering them about once a month.  The soil retention inside the blocks is pretty darn good...only a couple have sunken down to where I need to add a few inches.  Not bad considering it has been at least 6 months.  Here are a few pics for your enjoyment!

Pretty colors, aren't they ?  

I love my succulents!

Have a wonderful day, and thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Double Decker Pets!

Baby (cat) and Doozey (dog) being pretty cute together!

Just hanging out on end of couch!

Oh I think I will try to ignore you, Doozey implies!

Made you look, you dirty crooks!