One World, One Heart Giveaway 2011

Dear Friends, Followers,  and Visitors from all over the world!!

Welcome to my One World, One Heart Giveaway! Why don’t you grab a cup of hot tea or coffee and join us for a few minutes? I’m so pleased to meet each of you and am thrilled that you dropped by to visit. :o) I love visitors!  In case, you don't know, this is the most exciting event of the year, a giveaway  party to end all parties.  I'm giving away another hand quilted totebag!

An unbelievable amount of participants are listed on a page under a special tab at Lisa's A Whimsical Bohemian OWOH Giveaway Participant list, and all you have to do to enter every person's giveaway, is leave a comment.  Why? To meet bloggers from all over the world! How fun!...How Wonderful! 

So don't just visit me..you've got a lot more wonderful blogs to visit..and you have until Feb. 17th to enter....so have a great time traveling the world!...:o)

My name is Donna and I live in the country in the southern part of Texas in the Sam Houston National Forest. I’ve been married 23 years to my dear hubby, Tim, who is a computer programmer, who works in an office that we built with the help of our kids on our seven acres of land just a short way from our house. 

Two of our kids are grown and have children of their own. Three, my daughter, Rebekah, now 20,  (and homemaking 'assistant') and my two sons, Jacob, and Christian (18 and 16), still live at home. We have a very busy and active life as a home school family with teenagers and visiting grandkids. We are always busy doing something! (Sometimes..that’s just going crazy but the Lord gets us through every challenge!) And most of the time, it means doing something fun or creative.

Before I tell you more about my homemaking blog, Comin’ Home, I want to tell you about my give away item.  I’m offering the best thing I can give and that’s a hand-quilted tote bag pieced by me. I love sharing the art of quilting--It’s such an American thing to do .Truly, patchwork quilting is a 100% American art form. I want to share my country’s heritage with bloggers everywhere…  (I will ship on Feb. 18th.)

All you have to do to win is leave a comment…

and give all of us at Comin’ Home..a big Howdy!

Anyone, even old friends and followers can just leave a comment and your in 'my' giveaway. :o)

 

Please do leave some way for me to contact you in your comment. :o)

Comin’ Home is my homemaking blog and a fabric art blog which I started partly just to help share my shortcuts, recipes, and how-to’s for making and keeping a lovely home with as little expense as possible and to share some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from homemaking, home schooling, and parenting for so long.. When I discovered I couldn't maintain several blogs, I combined my fabric art blog with my homemaking one. You can find my creations under the sewing tab at the top of this page.   Living creatively and frugally has become a fun and challenging pursuit for our whole family. When it comes to doing it yourself, well, we are the experts.

And creating fabric art is my passion...when the work is done I design fabric art...like this piece... I've won several art awards and this is a smaller version of my entry for next year's art show. I'll be starting the wall size one in March. This last year I haven't gotten to do as much art due to managing my father's estate.

 

Moonstones...sewn by me, designed by friend, Andrew Reith

 

Here are other quilts and wall hangings I have done over the last eight years. Just click to enlarge.

I also share things the Lord has taught me over the years on Tuesdays for a special event we call ‘Tuesday Tea’. We talk about the joys and trials involved with parenting, marriage,  managing busy lives, and just having a good outlook on the daily responsibilities we women all face at one time or another.

After years of homeschooling five kids, I’ve also become very efficient at getting the basics done quickly so as to have more time for family fun, relationships, and creativity. I’ve taught lots of classes and workshops over the years and just over a year ago, decided to start sharing all of that material  on this homemaking blog.  I’m a home organization and cleaning ‘guru’. :o)

    Our dream of living out in a place where we could enjoy nature and more outdoor activities, finally came true about seven years ago, and I really love sharing the beauty of the great outdoors and our new experience of country living with my blogging friends.  We are truly what I call ‘transplanted urbanites’. We never expected to land here…but we love it!

I love sewing, quilting, square dancing, pets, nature, photography, song writing, music, cooking and organizing and designing fabric art pieces…all useful skills for homemaking and that’s what Comin’ Home is all about. I do hope you enjoy your visit to our little corner of the world!

Happy Blog-Hopping! And…

Link to.. One World, One Heart Giveaway Participant List

Hosted by Lisa, an artist and blogger and the writer of A Whimsical Bohemian.

Thank you Lisa!! You are the BEST! 

Announcing: A Give-Away Contest to Celebrate my First Blogiversary

Dear friends,

My Blogiversary Giveaway Contest  to celebrate my first year of blogging at Comin' Home! Won't this be fun?!

Comin' Home's First Blogiversary Giveaway ~ Drawing on Nov. 1st 

I would have done this sooner, but I wasn't quite sure when I started??!! I have been trying my darnedest  to figure out exactly WHEN I started blogging on Comin' Home. I have this nagging feeling it was Oct. 30th. You see, I ported over some posts from another blog (my sewing blog) and so they are all kind of mixed up. But I believe it was right after my friend's Shona's arts show last October, that I began to realize the potential of blogging to fulfill a dream that I've had since I was about 30. 

I wanted to share my love of homemaking,

to make it easier for younger women to do 

and to encourage them in their homemaking pursuits.

I had so little encouragement in that direction and no books and wanted to make sure that other women didn't go through what I did. . The first 8-10 years of my marriage was spent trying to figure out how to be the best homemaker ever.  I never dreamed that that pursuit would lead to learning so many arts, crafts, and sewing skills. I would have no artistic ability whatsoever, if it hadn't been for the need to "Do It Myself".  Necessity truly is the mother of invention!


It was in early November, that I realized that I could, just maybe, make a blog about homemaking. At that point, I was just posting my latest sewing project, not for any audience, but as a sort of online journal like my paper quilt journal at home. I had not the slightest idea what a blog was.  Then, along came Trudy  of Sewing with Trudy and Shona of An Artful Life at church, talking about blogging. I was totally puzzled. What was it that kept them up until the wee hours of the morning..and why? I couldn't fathom what the attraction was. How funny to look back now only one year later, and understand, totally, what the attraction was--wonderful, friendly, people. It's that simple!

To celebrate my blogiversary, I want to host a giveaway of TWO quilted tote bags! The one pictured here is going to Linda of Briar Rose Gate. I just have to get it in the mail this week.   (She won in my last giveaway, but the shipping for the book was $22.00! Yipes!  A tote bag is much lighter.

Here's how it will work. The drawing will be held on November 1st, which is my blogiversary. So you have between now and then to leave a comment on THIS post saying you have done of one of the options below. 

1. For ONE entry, sign up as a follower and let me know you have done so, or leave a comment saying you are a follower. If you don't leave a comment, I won't be able to print out your name to put in the drawing. 
2. For an extra TWO entries,  add me to your blogroll as well, and let me know you have done so. If I'm already on your blogroll, then leave a comment saying so, and I'll give you the two extra entries.
3. If you mention my contest in a post, you get THREE extra entries! Just leave me a comment after you have the post up, and I'll be sure to give you the extra entries.

I'll use the random generator and save the results so you can see.  You will get to pick from several orphan quilt blocks that I have already--or I can make you a Yo-Yo flower tote bag.  My quilt blocks are from beautiful quilt-store quality fabric that I pieced a few years ago.  Remember, the drawing is November 1st.

Happy Homemaking!

Shabby Chic's Huge Giveaway Event!! I'm giving a way a hand-quilted 1920's reproduction wallhanging..Come and See!

It's almost that time again - Giveaway Day time!

From Gina: Our last event, The Spring Fling, was a HUGE success! With over 20,000 hits in 2 days, you all made it clear that you LOVE giveaways. So, let's get ready and do one for summer!  Gina at Shabby Chic.

Ladies..we are talking about FABULOUS giveaways!! Lots of them! So stop by Gina's today to learn how to participate. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

And for a good Monday Challenge...here's my favorite!! I'm SOOOO going to be doing this!!  Read this challenge from Gina...

Last year I issued a challenge to all my readers: Find ten tasks that need to be finished, and complete them in ten days. It's a steep challenge - but if you need a kick to break through procrasinating it's a GREAT way to get going.

So we're going to do it again! You have one week to decide which 10 tasks you'd like to complete, then list them on your side bar. I will do a linky at the 5 day mark to show your progress and the 10 day mark to show your results. If you need a cheerleader to keep motivated, then your challenge buddies will help you out! Your tasks can be as simple as decluttering a drawer or as big as sewing a slipcover. It's all up to you.


The challenge will begin next Wednesday, June 23rd and end Friday, July 2nd.
The 5 day link up will be on Sunday, June 27th.
Are you game?

Well, You bet Gina!! Here's my list of Ten Things:

1. Finish Mom's couch cushion covers
2. Help son get driver's permit.
3. De-clutter dear hubby's closet.
4. Finish purple square dance skirt.
5. Lose five pounds.
6. Learn to sell on Ebay!
7. Ship Dad's mementos to distant family.
8. Get finances completely up- to-date.
9. Write Christian's lesson plans for summer school.
10. Add ruffle to checkered square dance skirt.

 Happy Homemaking!

Congratulations to this year's Sew Mama Sew May Giveaway!

Congratulations to this year's Sew Mama Sew May Giveaway!

1st Prize: Inch Worm Fabrics who won the Sidewinder Portable Bobbin Winder
2nd Prize: A Joyful Chaos won the layered Grandma's Cookies scented Jar Candle made by me
3rd Prize: Oh My Darling will get the Yo-Yo flowers totebag.
4th Prize: Tawny has won the Easy Sewing Gifts for $10.00 and under!

The numbers were chose by Random Generator. Congratulations!  

For those who didn't win...I do hold a drawing every month...cause I love giveaways!

Thanks everyone for visiting and joining me at Comin' Home!

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Be sure to check back later this afternoon when I'll be posting my sewing room color makeover and how to re-cover a bulletin board.  You can see the finished board in this picture.  It will be a lot of fun to share this easy how- to!


Happy Homemaking!

Sew Mama Sew! GiveAway: FOUR PRIZES!! (and Monday's Challenge)

See video of how the bobbin winder works...below.

This is the giveaway of the year! Blogs from all over are giving away handmade items, sewing supplies or craft supplies. See the list of participating blogs here at Sew Mama Sew!

I'm giving away Four PRIZES!!!

Grand Prize: Brand New in the box Bobbin Winder.

2nd Prize: (Made by Me)

3rd Prize

Homemade Candle..by me!

4th Prize!

All you have to do to enter my contest is:

Leave a comment on my blog

with your email address

so I can contact you! That's it!

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Sign up to Follow me and leave a comment saying you did so, or tell me you are a follower already. :o)
• Add me to your BlogRoll or List and tell me you did so. (or let me know I'm on your list)
• Sign up to Follow me on Networked Blogs and leave a comment saying so. (or remind you are already)

Each comment is a separate entry.  See video of how the bobbin winder works...below.

Have fun and Happy Sewing 

from Donna at Comin' Home.

(pictured above) 

Be sure to visit people on the list for 

lots of exciting giveaways!! 

Happy Homemaking!

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Monday's Challenge: Living Room and Declutter the Books and Magazines
Every Monday, I issue a 'challenge' for the week...Cleaning goals, menu plan, and a place to focus on decluttering our homes.  For those who have come to count on this... I wanted to go ahead and post this week's plans... so here they are!

credit

Clean Living Room and/or Den 

•  O Vacuum everything: furniture, under furniture, floors, lampshades
•  O Dust high and low: ceiling fans, floorboards, picture frames, cobwebs, steroes, tv and other electronic equipment
•  O Polish Furniture, bookshelves
•  O Wipe all glass: windows, knickknacks, tvs, computer, stereo, pictures, telephone
•  O Declutter magazines, end tables, bookcases, closets (Maintenance decluttering)

Menu for This Week: 

(See recipes on my recipe blog.)

Black Bean Chicken Chili with Baby Greens Salad, Wheat-free Cornbread
Itsa Meatball with Corn pasta, Salad
Sesame Chicken with Stir-Fried Vegetables, Brown Rice
Seasoned Beef in Corn tortillas, Pasta Side dish
Chicken-n- Barley Vegetable Soup, Orange Date Bars
Mock Filet Mignon, Steamed Sweet Potatoes, Salad

 

DeClutter Challenge: Bookshelves!

Habit for this week: Swim with kids at Rec. Center M-W-F! Walk T-Th.


Projects for this week: 

• Sew Couch cushion covers with flaps--tutorial!
• Re-do Frames of Thrift Store pictures (and current art) to match.
• Clean Fridge-Make Healthy Snacks for the road!
• Beekeeping Photos and how to's.
• Lesson planning for the month. Post my lesson plan form.
• Work on applique of antique quilt blocks for friend.
• Read more of "The Blessing" by Dr. Gary Smalley

Happy Homemaking!
Donna 

The SewMamaSew Contest Officially Closed at 12:00am Eastern Time!

Hi Friends, I just wanted to let you know that the contest is over. 

I'll be doing more giveaways..I have one on the first of every month!

Thanks for visiting!

New Winners for my Followers Are Special GiveAway!

Hi Ladies (I assume no gents are following my blog-Ha!),

It seems that most of my followers that won my giveaway are not available in spite of emails and announcements, so I have new winners!  Mickey gets first pick.. and I'm adding a prize, a gift that was never claimed..four beautiful handmade cards (by me) but designed by Nicole Watson. So along with three desk calendars, the four hand-made greeting cards are a gift option as well.

Now, why did I post this odd picture of my sloppy handwriting on five large pink post it notes? Especially since my handwriting is so awful (the only B I ever got in school!!), well it's because I want to make sure everyone knows this is a 'legit' drawing. I wrote every single name down from my follower list, including the anonymous followers, and then gave them a number. Then, I typed the numbers 1-56 in randomgenerator.org's random number generator.

Here are the results...

Micky (from my original drawing and the only follower who responded to my emails)

and
#31 Shona Cole (who I admit is a good friend--but it's not my fault..her number came up!!)
#48 KNB Quilts (whom I want to meet soon!)
and #56 Flor Larios (one of my newest followers, whose art I admire greatly!)

So, hopefully, I will get an email from each of these followers with their mailing addresses and will send them their cards or calendars.  I do need to have them pick and then email me with their choice. I'll assign the gifts by first come, first serve.

Thanks for being followers--it makes blogging so much more fun!