While recent day temperatures here in Central Pennsylvania have been in the 50's - accompanied by cloudy skies (blaming that on the surrounding mountains), the promise of brighter days keeps me going. Spring has certainly sprung and it's a delight to see all the flowers and colors - daffodils, tulips, full-flowered forsythia bushes, and much… Continue reading A Return to Bag Making
Author: lolajoy
Wife & Mom | Chug Mom | Joyous Maker of Vibrant Fabric Accessories | Eternal Optimist
Seasoned Pretzels
I feel it is an absolute must for me to share my recipe for seasoned pretzels. Well, I confess, I can't really call them "my" recipe. It's one I received from a co-worker from my first job when she brought them in to share (thanks, Barbara!), and this is going back thirty years ago. Boy,… Continue reading Seasoned Pretzels
Happy for 2021
Yes....it's been over two years since I've been here on the blog and to say that a lot has happened since then is quite an understatement after the butt-kicking 2020 we've all had, right? I'm delighted that there were still visits to the blog and it is my goal to stay and continue to share… Continue reading Happy for 2021
Valentine Lovekins!
There is most certainly crafting fun to be had if you have elementary-school-aged kids. Valentine's Day is a big one for crafting, when the kids give each other cards, little treats, or with some creativity, a little something extra-special. Like.....Lovekins! What are Lovekins? They are soft, "furry" ball creatures with happy dispositions who love to… Continue reading Valentine Lovekins!
Cuban Cooking
In pursuit of new cuisines to try out in the kitchen, a visit to the library turned out quite productive leading me to this interesting find - a cookbook of Cuban recipes, "Cuba! Recipes And Stories From The Cuban Kitchen". Its hardbound cover was not only eye-catching but the photography inside was artistic - not… Continue reading Cuban Cooking
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, anyone?
When the weather is snowy and cold outside, it turns on the urge to bake......! It's a snow day today with up to 11 inches coming. Kids are delighted and we are all taking this welcome day to relax. The snow has changed to sleet and it sounds like rain out there. What better time… Continue reading Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, anyone?
Dahlia Love
Current frigid temperatures make my mind wander to warmer times. Looking back to two summers ago, I was thinking about the time I "invaded" my friend's garden. And by "invade" I mean I revelled in her bounty of gorgeous dahlias and perennials. It resulted in a generous-sized floral arrangement for her to enjoy. During a… Continue reading Dahlia Love
Kitchen Wall Art
Let me share with you a simple way to add some fun decor to your home - for not much money at all and more importantly for much-enjoyed DIY and crafting time. Using some up cycled small picture frames and the right sized calendar pages to make an art display that's on-trend and super-cool! On… Continue reading Kitchen Wall Art
Succulent Wreath Revival
One of my most popular workshops is my succulent wreath workshop where we take succulent cuttings and plant them in moss on a wreath frame. While succulents are easy to grow, living here in the Northeast makes it quite a challenge to keep them in their best form due to less sunlight and varying seasons,… Continue reading Succulent Wreath Revival
Brownies
Over the past few years, play dates for my girls have diminished. They used to be a weekly thing, occurring two or three times during the week and on the weekends too. School, activities, maturing interests and evolving friendships are some reasons for this change. Play dates still do occur and it's amazing sometimes how… Continue reading Brownies
This Joyous Life 