All Cacti, All the Time!

I know. I live in the Southwest. And when people come to visit our great state, they are generally looking for a few things. Mexican food, Mariachis, and cacti. Hahaha! Makes me laugh too.

The last, really makes me laugh. When we started selling at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market...we started getting requests. My Mom makes these little pincushions. So many of our out-of-town customers kept admiring and buying them. Then I finally overheard a convo. People thought they were little cactus. We kept making them...

In the off season, we started to get requests for cactus hats. And I finally decided to check out some cactus projects. On Pinterest. When did our little cactus, get so popular? So here are a few more things, I've come across since. 

I'm in LOVE with those little bags! And the ring holders. The sign is super cute too! And honestly, I'm not a HUGE fan of cactus...more on that later. But these are cute.

The party items, on here...made me laugh! But they are pretty cute. If cactus is your thing! I really like the pillow in the middle. Super cute! Even for an outdoor seating area.

This bag caught my eye. If I were to "rock" the cacti...this is how I'd do it. I don't draw well. But this doesn't look hard. At all!

And how many of you, remember fabric paint from the 90s? My then SIL, made us all bags and shirts one year. For Christmas. Something similar to this idea. But more in designs that we liked. My Mom is obsessed with owls...so she got an owl. My Mom still uses that bag. So Sandra, if you're reading this...Mom LOVES that bag!

We make a TON of baby items! A TON!!! And I thought this would be super cute. In fact, the last time we went to the fabric store, we saw a lot of cacti prints. My Mom already makes similar onesies. With little diaper covers. So this would be fun, to incorporate into our little stash! The little button, totally makes it for me!

Recently on TV, I saw a similar craft. These would be fun, in a smaller size. Don't you think? Maybe an 8X10. The pom pom flower makes this for me!

These little pincushions, are something we've been asked to make. For a customer...or 5! I think they are super cute! And different. From the regular pincushions that you see.

And these little rock cacti, made me laugh! All the way, to the craft store. To look for supplies. You'd be surprised, how many people like to buy rock art. I know! But there is a booth, that makes painted rocks. To resemble animals and people. Super cute. So I think these would be fun too!

This hat pattern, made it's way around Facebook. During the winter. And I never found the original pattern. So I made one up. And I sold a ton, of these hats! All sizes. Honestly, I want one for me. Maybe I'll make one by next winter. :) The little flower, was my fav!

These little cacti, are so adorable! Early last season, I was sent this pic. And started to try and figure out, how to make them. There were zero patterns around! But I just adore these. If you come by the Growers' Markets...chances are, I'll have a dozen! No two, are alike!

I was also sent this pic. And I want to tackle these gals too! They feel a little more whimsical. With their eyes and flowers. 

To me, these look a little more, like a real cactus. I bought about a dozen pots, to make them. I just need to sit and make them. :)

And just last week, I found this in my email inbox! A pillow. Can anyone tell what my next project is going to be? Super fun! I just want to add a little smile to her.

So here's the thing, I didn't realize how popular cactus had become. I don't know where I've been. I just hadn't realized it. Which is hilarious! Being that any store you go to, has them all over their home decor items.

When I was little my Mom and Grandpa would eat cactus. Nopales actually. Me? Heck no! They were slimy! And it seemed weird to me. To eat the plants, that my Grandma would scream at us...to stay away from.

And then there was that incident, when my cousin fell into the cactus. And I had to sit and pull out the needles. With a pair of tweezers. The tiny needles. As we hide from our Grandma. And kept making our third cousin, run back and forth to the house. For supplies. And to cover for us. I was the oldest. So I got the job with the tweezers. We were scared to death of our Grandma finding out, what had happened. Because she probably would have beat us. Not really. But we would have been in some serious trouble!

And does anyone recall, that time Mr. Sancho stepped in the cactus? And then, sorta fell over it. When we were playing a gig. And we spent what seemed like hours, pulling out the needles. From his traje...while still having to keep to our gig schedule. I had nightmares about Attacking Cactus!!!

So I'm not the biggest fan. But they are cute. And although, I pass them up at the store...I can see the appeal. I'd much rather buy a fern, than a cactus. But I can see how people like them. Especially, if you are not from the Southwest. The crafted ones, are much cuter...than the real cactus. A lot less prickly too! :)

Have you seen any Cactus Crafts? Are you interested in them? Would you like to purchase something, similar? Just wondering. I'm always trying to stay ahead of the curve. Even if sometimes, I fall way behind! Happy Tuesday!

XOXO,
Desiree

Eating...During a Busy Week

Happy Monday! How was every one's weekend? I'm so tired. We had a busy weekend. Not that we did a lot. But that we just kept busy. I'm so ready to take a nap...

But on to our week. In food. I was talking to my cousin on Saturday...and sorta realized I've been slacking. In the cooking department. So I'm really going to try and make an effort this week. Even though, it's going to be a busy week!

Monday:
I need to go get my Driver's License. On-going. For like a month now! After all the headache...we're probably going to grab a bite to eat. Don't judge me! Just pray for me. I need my Driver's License!

Tuesday:
Don't judge me again. I'm not making excuses. But Tuesday is going to be a full day too. I'm going to help a friend, get ready for the Growers' Market. She needs me to help her make labels. And we have a dog, that needs to go visit her new home. Oh, and my little cousin's softball game. So I'm thinking Taco Tuesday. Somewhere. Maybe we'll pickup Little Anita's on the way!

Wednesday:
My other little cousin's birthday is on Wednesday. And we were invited to go have dinner with them. At Cici's. Anyone else love that place? We never go. But we might. If not...I'm thinking grilled chicken and a salad. Yum! That sounds really good.

Thursday:
We are working hard for the Opening Day at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market. So I'm thinking, we need to work on our projects. Not do a crazy meal. Thursday sounds like a good day, to have a veggie pasta. I made one last night. With a salad. And it was perfect! We had Angel Hair pasta last night. So I'm thinking a penne pasta...with lots of fresh veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes.

Friday:
The end of the week! Grilling sounds like a good option. Chicken, a baked potato, corn on the cob. Maybe even a fresh salad! Because who wants to do a ton of dishes...at the end of the week!

Saturday:
We would have survived the day at the Growers' Market! And probably eaten a ton too! Because they have such yummy food! I'm thinking we might eat beans and chili. Maybe I can convince my Momma to make some tortillas too. :)

Sunday:
Party Day for us! My other little cousin's 1st Birthday party is on Sunday. And we are going to go watch a friend, play a concert. So we don't have to worry too much about food. I'm trying folks. But with a full schedule...what can you do?

As for food I'm thinking of trying this week...well there is a lot that I want to try. This simple avocado salad sounds so good. With a piece of grilled chicken. Maybe on Friday.

Over the weekend, my cousin had us over. And she made the BEST stuffed mushrooms. She sorta gave me the recipe. And I want to make some. But I also did a quick search, and found this recipe. Which also sounds amazing! Except I wouldn't put clams. Maybe I'd sub diced mushrooms, to make them all veggie. Or add a little sausage.

Lastly, I was looking at this post, about stoned fruit. Grilled stoned fruit! And I want to make it all! So I'll be looking for some yummy fruit. To try something like this. When I lived alone, I used to grill fruit all the time. I'd top it with a little heavy cream, ice cream, or even yogurt. Yum! I can already taste it.

What's on your menu this week? Have you come across any tasty recipes? Should I be making something...that I'm not. Let me know!

XOXO,
Desiree

Rain or Shine #14

How has every one's week been? Ours has been so busy! We didn't expect it. At all! Being the week after a holiday...I would have thought it would have been slower. So let's talk...

I mean, we have had a ton of blessings. Just because, it was Easter. And He Has RISEN!!! What a blessing that is. All by itself. :)

When It Rains:

 1. Do you follow me on social media? Last Thursday...I was talking about how wonderful my day was going. My Mom and I were running errands. Everything was going perfect...until it wasn't. I had a major issue. I couldn't get my Driver's License.

 2. Why you ask? I had to go get a new Social Security card. So I'm waiting for it. And hoping I can get my new Driver's License...by tomorrow. Well, you know what I mean. Go for it.

 3. We went to visit my little cousin. And only got to visit for like 30 minutes. Darn! We got there too late. Who knew, visiting hours were over at 7PM.

 4. Did I mention? My cousin is in the hospital. She's been there for 3 weeks. And will at least be there...for at least 5 more days. Boo!

 5. Having a meeting, the night before Easter. Who does that? The RYM...that's who! Good thing, I wasn't going out of town.

 6. Having 2 Easter BBQs, at the same time. We left one early...and we were late to the other. But we still managed to have a good time. 

 7. Missing our family at Friday's breakfast. We were just so early in our schedule. And they were running late. Boo! But we did get to visit for a little bit. 

 8. Losing my arm...to the doll I was making. It totally threw off my momentum. And now, I need to finish said doll.

 9. Not finishing up, my Easter gifts. I had thought I could make 20 something little baskets. And I was doing well. I was crocheting them. Just big enough for an egg to fit inside. Then I fell asleep early. Two nights in a row. And spent Saturday doing yard work. Oh, well. There is always next year...

10. My friend at the County Office...retired. So I'm working with someone new. It's not that she's bad. I just miss my friend Rick. He made our fundraisers so easy!

Sunny As Can Be!:

 1. Well, we did have a pretty productive Thursday. Last week. Quick trip to MVD. I think we were there, less than 20 minutes. Got our vehicle registration renewed. 

 2. I have my Birth Certificate. The right one. My original had an error...in my name. But we managed to get it, in about 30 minutes. 

 3. We went on the walk to Tome Hill. What a blessing that is! And I managed to do it alone. Which really gave me time to reflect on life. And to pray. It refreshed my soul so much! 

 4. Torta Dinner! Do I need to say anything else? It was so yummy! I'm still thinking about it.

 5. Seeing friends. I had a meeting Saturday night. And I wasn't too excited about going. But you know what? I enjoyed catching up with friends. And seeing so many friendly faces. Completely excited, about the RYM opening. In just about a month!

 6. Easter!!! He is Risen! Everything about Sunday, made my soul sing! I just LOVE Jesus! I truly mean it, when I say that Jesus is my BFF. I couldn't do life, without him. He gives me strength, when I am weak. He believes in me, when I don't believe in myself. When I need comfort, he is there for me. Gosh, I LOVE Jesus!

 7. Easter BBQs. With tons of family and friends. It was just a nice day. Enjoyable. Fun. And so relaxing. Boy did we eat a lot too!

 8. Silly dogs. I just have to say, our dogs are amazing! And completely make my day. Every single day.

 9. Lunch with my Littlest Big Sis. And my SIL...and my Momma. We did a Birthday Lunch...a few weeks late. And although it was kinda quick, I totally enjoyed it. Boy Laguna Burgers are HUGE!!!

10. I also enjoyed a bite at Frontier this week. If you are local, you know what I mean. I love to eat there! But we don't go very often. I don't know why...

11. A visit with family. Although it was quick, I really enjoyed seeing my auntie and cousin. We took my cousin a little bag of treats. And just got to hangout for a few minutes. We're hoping to go back in a day or two.

12. Crafting success! We've been working our tails off. Literally. Trying to prepare for 2 Opening Days. And another festival. I got a few hat and bootie sets made...in just about 24 hours.

13. Finding my doll arm. I know it sounds like a minor thing. But I was so sad, when I lost it. I looked everywhere for it! My Mom finally found it. And now, I need to finish my doll.

I literally just need to stuff said arm, and sew all the parts together. I think I have a few rows to crochet. And the skirt. Then put the hair on. It sounds like a lot. But really, it's about an hour of work.

14. Hanging out with my Momma. It may not sound like a big deal. But I really enjoy our time together. I'm getting ready, to go back to work. Even if it's just a part-time job. So getting this time to hangout, is so special.

I enjoy the little things. Like having breakfast together. Crafting together. Even if we are working on completely different projects. And our adventures. They are always the best! Even a pretty mundane trip to the grocery store...is a fun adventure. When my Momma is involved.

15. Finding Reese's eggs...after Easter! For half price. The BEST shopping day of the year. Hands down. Love it! Those are my fav. And I accidentally gave away all the ones we bought. In Easter eggs and gifts. But it all worked out.

16. Getting into a local festival. I went on Monday to sign up. And it was so easy! We'll be selling for 3 different days in April. It's pretty exciting!

How was your week? I just love that Easter was this past week. I needed it. Of all the holidays, Easter really refreshes my soul. Like deep in my soul, it makes me feel good. Happy Thursday!

XOXO,
Desiree

Crafts: Boy Edition

I'm always stumped, when it comes to boy stuff. Always! A couple of years ago, we were invited to a birthday party. For some Twin Boys. I had no clue. So I went to the toy department, and asked some boys...that were about their ages. And when they suggested a toy, I bought it. Times two!

But at the Growers' Markets, I always find this to be difficult. I mean, we don't have many little boys in our family. My friends don't have many boys either. So I struggle with what to make. My Mom has been sewing tons of boy items. Like little shirts, boys rompers, and sunhats. So adorbs! 

Me? I'm completely stumped. So I took to my prized Google. And did a little search. I mean, the Market opens in just over a week! I need some boy items. Let's take a look at what I found...

 1. First up, this cute airplane. These would be fun to make. Just some popsicle sticks, a clothes pin, and a little piece of wood. You could paint them all sorts of fun colors. I'm seriously debating this one!

 2. This onesie is so cute! And wouldn't take too much to make. My Mom already does some cute onesies with matching diaper covers. But I like this one. Solely because of the tie!

 3. These little superhero capes...have been on our list forever! We bought some fabric last year. I just need to cut it out. And figure out an emblem to sew on the back. Oh...and make a mask. :)

 4. How about a dinosaur? Do all boys love a dinosaur? Just wondering. Is it something universal...like playing with cars? I like this little guy. 

  5. I also like these monsters. I mean, you could have all sorts of fun, designing them. This is my kind of craft. Because you can change the basic monster, just by making the face different. Slightly different eyes...or a silly mouth. Now I want to make an army of monsters! I think these would be good, for a toddler.

  6. How about a tool belt? This is sorta like some of our girl items, that we make. You make the item, and buy stuff...to bring it to life. Has anyone seen some moderately priced play tools? Because this could be fun!

 7. This car mat is also fun! I already crochet a car mat. And the BOYS love them! I had a customer last year, that probably bought 5 during the season. It was her go-to birthday present for little boys. I like that this one also has a place for the little cars to go.

 8. This car mat is also cute. I like that the little garage, is a series of pockets. I believe this is also a roll-up version. And easy enough, for me to sew. I'm not a great sewer...like my Mom. So I like to keep my projects simple. With lots of straight lines. :)

 9. OMG! A little wallet. You wouldn't believe how many kiddos come to the Growers' Markets with their allowance. Ready to spend. And how many parents are freaking out! That those littles, are going to lose said money. I'm always picking up random scrunched up dollar bills...and chasing the littles down, that dropped them. 

I think this would be perfect. For both boys and girls. And it looks pretty simple to make. You could probably use up, quite a bit of scrap fabric too!

10. On to crochet things. My forte! I think this little overall set is too cute! I've been searching out a pattern. But haven't found what I like. Maybe I just need to sit down and create my own. It shouldn't be too hard. But darn, this is cute!

11. So are these shoes! I struggle so much, with boy stuff. But I think these would be a perfect set. Very boyish. And cute. All rolled into one!

12. We make a ton of toys! All year long. It's the one thing, we never really stop making. I think this little bowling set, would be pretty cute. Something similar, to our tea set for the girls.

13. Like I said, we make a lot of toys. All. Year. LONG!!! And we make a ton of dolls. But I had never thought of a boy doll before. Until a friend of ours, recently bought her grandson...wait for it...a Boy Baby Alive. I had never seen them before.

But when you have a big sister, who is obsessed with dolls...it's only normal, to want your own. So why not? I'm going to have to figure out a pattern. Or go searching on Etsy for one. Is it a pretty common thing? For a younger brother, to want a boy doll?

14. Robots. I mean, you can't go wrong. Boy or girl. Change up the colors...and I think they'd be fun. These look like a smaller version. Under 8 inches. Which I like. I like a smaller toy. For 2 reasons. One, the kids can more easily play with it. Two, it doesn't cost as much to make. So you don't have to charge as much either.

Anyway, I have a pattern. From a book. For a large robot. About 12-18 inches. Depending on your gauge. But I'm looking for a smaller pattern. Just because. I really need to get to digging on Etsy. :)

15. Lastly, we have this dragon. I bought a book to make crochet dinosaurs. About a year ago. Thinking they'd be perfect. But they are HUGE! Which makes them an expensive item. And I like to have items, at every one's price points.

So I'm looking for smaller toys like this. I just think he is so cute! And a really good size. Now to figure out, where this pic came from...the story of my life!!!

Do you have boys? Do you know boys? Can you help me with what boys like? I'd love any sort of suggestion. Because I'm always at a loss. I know my car mats sell well. So do my Super Heroes. And Ami Guys. But other than that, what should I make. 

We're even welcoming suggestions for my Momma. She has some cute things, that she sews. But we quickly run out of ideas. Girls are easy. So easy! We have so many in our family. But we could definitely use your help, in the boy department. Happy Tuesday!

XOXO,

Desiree

Easter Hangover...Of Sorts

Hi Guys! Did everyone survive the Holiday weekend? We had a fun filled weekend. That included tons and tons of eating! And lots of leftovers. So this week, we'll probably be eating a lot of those. The crazy thing is, I didn't even have to do any cooking. I made a fruit salad...and a bunch of candy!

Monday:
I'm thinking about leftovers tonight. We have lots of yummy chicken and salads. From our neighbors. They  invited us over, to a BBQ yesterday evening. And they packed us two big takeout boxes, full of yumminess.

Tuesday:
My Sister is taking us out. To celebrate my birthday. A little late. But that's how we roll. So we're meeting for burgers and fries. We're going to Laguna Burger. So I'm thinking, I'll be good for the day.

If you're local, have you tried it? We've been to the one, near the Casino. But we haven't tried the new one...in town.

Wednesday:
Hmm, I'm not sure. But I'm thinking about Fettuccine Alfredo. With shrimp and broccoli. I've been wanting this...for what seems like forever! And we have everything to make it!

Thursday:
Probably something simple. On the grill. Chicken and corn on the cob. Maybe a salad. Gosh, that sounds pretty amazing...

Friday:
I've been wanting tacos. Maybe that would be a fun and easy meal. By the end of the week, I'm ready for a break. Especially right now. While we are getting ready for the Grower's Market. And we're spending a ton of time, making items.

Saturday:
Another easy move. We're going to a birthday party. So I don't have to worry about dinner. Which makes me very excited! Besides, I'm excited to go celebrate my little cousin's birthday! Her momma, is one of my favorite cousins too. :)

Sunday:
Who are we kidding? By Sunday evenings, I'm usually completely exhausted. We've also started yard work. Gosh, there is a lot of that. So I'm thinking Wendy's. My Momma loves it. It's fast and easy. Oh, and she can sit and play her games. While I do some work. :)

What else am I thinking about this week? Food wise. Well, this salad sounded interesting. So did this one. And a good tuna salad, always makes sense in the Spring. My Mom is a HUGE fan of cauliflower. HUGE! So I did a little search for some cauliflower salads. And I came across this one. I think it would be yummy with some grilled chicken. I also adore a good Pasta Primavera. This one from the Pioneer Woman, sounds delish! I want to make this for lunch. Today!

What are you eating this week? Are there any recipes I should try? Food blogs, that I should be reading. Let me know!

XOXO,
Desiree