The Seemingly Never-Ending Quilt Project

     It all started with this picture in a DIY magazine.  

     The article is not even about that beautiful circle quilt, but rather how to create the canopy. But it didn't matter. I was inspired! I wanted my own beautiful circle quilt on my bed. Actually, the idea to make my own quilt probably began with the fact that my grandmother made numerous quilts in her lifetime. I kinda put it on my mental bucket list. So, in the summer of 2011, I started my 1st quilt. Did I really just say 1st? My fabulous mom helped me cut the fabric. I even found this tutorial online. {Thank you!!!} I decided to make mine queen size to fit my bed. I seriously took my time with this project. There were months that I didn't even pick it up. Plus, I did the actual quilting part by hand and that was very time consuming. I didn't think I would ever finish it! Slowly but surely though I made my way through the 100 circles and 100 squares and the border. 3 years and thousands of stitches later, I finally finished it this summer!!!!!!!! I worked so hard on it!! I am super excited and I absolutely love it!!!! As you will see Effie loves it too! 

Figuring out the placement

Quilt top completed!

Quilting by hand

Effie loves this quilt!

Bless her little heart!

Surprise! She really made it hard to work on at times.

On this day, she decided to chew on the batting, lol. 

Tornado knocked out the electricity, but I improvised! :)

Finally finished hand-quilting!!!

Cutting off the extra batting. 

Are you almost finished??

Machine sewing the binding!

It was really late and I was tired but determined to finish.

Whoo hoo!!!!! Completed at 2:00 am!

Beautiful and perfectly imperfect circle quilt! I LOVE it!!!

My Country 'Tis of Thee

     Ok, so I realize this is a really late 4th of July post, but better late than never, right?! This year's Independence Day was absolutely AMAZING!!! My parents cooked out and my brother and sister-in-law came over. It was a very unusual cool day for this time of year in the deep south and we took advantage of it. We seriously spent ALL day outside! It was so relaxing and fun. We had watermelon and homemade ice cream and even had a little target practice with the bb gun! That night we went to a local fireworks show and got to see some really big and pretty fireworks! Great day with the family!!! 

Orange Beach and Tangerines

     A couple of weeks ago I was able to take a vacation to Orange Beach, AL with some friends. I hadn't been to the beach in about 4 years, so I was excited to walk in the sand and put my feet in the Gulf of Mexico! The first day I was there, my friend Rachel and I headed out to the beach to soak in the rays. We passed a line of rocks that we thought would be fun to take pictures on. So, later in the day, we went rock climbing for a cool photo op! It wasn't hard really, but for some reason the third rock I stepped onto completely shifted underneath me and set off a panic attack. I felt like I couldn't breathe. So, I stood there for a minute and regained my composure. Took a couple of pictures of Rachel and she of me. Then, I went over two rocks. Panic set in again! I leaned against a rock and tried to catch my breath. The next thing I know Rachel is screaming, "Candace! Candace!!!" I opened my eyes and realized that I apparently blacked out and fell forward on the rocks. Thank the Lord I did not fall backward and hit my head!! I was completely embarrassed and upset about the whole thing, but thankfully I was not injured! The next day, Cynthia, Rachel, and I decided to go parasailing! Now, this was kinda scary for me just because I was afraid of having a panic attack 800 feet in the air. But, I prayed and once we were up there, it was smooth sailing! It was relaxing and fun! Definitely something I'm glad I can check off my bucket list. Other fun events from the week include putt-putt golf, roller coaster terror(seriously- it was so rough and frightening I kept saying "never again, never again" only to go for round 2 as soon as it stopped!), pool time, and eating out. And just laughing and having a good time getting to know a few people better! 

     Before my mini-vacay, my sister-in-law, Megan, and I went to a local place to paint watercolor! It was called Tangerine, but it was a picture of poppies. I've painted with acrylics several times but this was my first experience with watercolor. It was easier than I thought it would be and I always have fun painting! I think I may like my acrylic paintings more, but I would probably try watercolor again one day!

Win a Date With Tim Tebow!

     In my previous post, I discussed things you should NOT say to a single lady. Well, here is the perfect example of something you SHOULD say! Yesterday, my aunt came over to visit. We were talking and somehow we got on this topic. But instead of feeling inferior and getting upset like I usually do when this happens, my aunt's comments encouraged me. She said she wanted to figure out a way to write Tim Tebow and tell him she knows a wonderful girl that would be good for him! WHAT?! Yes, please! I need you to get on that ASAP, Aunt Dianne! Win me a date with Tim Tebow!!! :) :) :)

The Top 10 Things NOT To Say To Or About A Single Lady

     The following list is my recommendation of what NOT to say to single ladies in your life. Yes, unbelievably, these are all things that have been said to or about me. Sometimes I get downright puffy, lol. Don't worry, I don't stay mad very long. Now, I realize that most people mean well and just don't know what to say. All that said, this is just for fun!

10. "You must have dyed your hair to get a man. That's the only reason women change anything." You keep on thinking that, bud. 

9. "Did she get a boyfriend, because she lost a lot of weight!" Oh no he didn't!

8. "She's going to wait until she's 40, hahaha!!!" Haha, so not funny. 

7. "What's his name, because I know you didn't buy that car yourself?!" Excuse me?!

6. "You know, a good place to meet guys is at Lowe's." Do you think I'm desperate? 

5. Whenever someone is talking about a significant other, please don't jump at the chance to say, "Does he have a single brother, cousin, or friend?!" Singleness is not the only requirement for future prospects. 

4. At weddings: "You're next!" Awkward. 

3. Car salesman: "Yeah, all the guys have been asking me for your friend's number." Really, now? I'm the one that was buying a car. I'm single too. What a slap in the face. 

2. "It will happen when you are content with God." Not true.

And last but not least, my all time fave...........

1.  "No one wants you." Thanks. (And NOT true). 

Flashback Friday: My Daddy

     For this Flashback Friday I wanted to talk about my Daddy. When I was in the first grade, I remember my dad picking me up from school. When I got in the car, he had two (wild?) birds in a laundry basket. I really have no recollection of what kind they were or where he got them from. I immediately became attached. Well, a couple of days later, the birds unfortunately died. My seven-year old self was heartbroken. Crying. I really don't remember much about those birds. Not playing with them, not feeding them, not even if I named them. (What?!) The reason I remember this at all is because of what my Daddy did after they died and I was so upset. My Daddy took me outside for their funeral. He buried them by the birdbath in our backyard. I distinctly remember that it was raining. {Why does it always rain at funerals?} He held me close under the umbrella and prayed thanking God for the time we had with the birds and probably for me to feel better. What a sweet thing to do for his daughter! He didn't have to do any of that! But he did. I'm thankful for this memory and for my Daddy. Happy Father's Day!!! 

Flashback Friday: The Day I Got Effie-Pooh!

     Three years ago this week, my sweet little Effie came into my life. She was so little and cute! (And still is, haha) One of my friends always reminds me that she was hardly taller than the grass, lol. She really changed me and brings me so much joy! I love her so much!!!