August 20, 2025

🕷️ The Visitor I Never Invited...


When my daughter was visiting yesterday, she went to grab something downstairs when she suddenly noticed something on the carpet in our family room. Could it be?

A SPIDER!

 Not your average little house spider. This one was massive. Its legs stretching out like skeletal fingers. It stood motionless. She yelled; I yelled...all the while her son, Jayden had no idea what the commotion was all about. For a moment we froze!

 My heart thudded in my chest; I wasn’t about to let an eight-legged intruder take over. But we were both so scared and there was no knight in shining armor to come to our rescue.

Armed with a glass jar and a piece of cardboard, I approached him. The spider didn’t flinch. It just stared at me—or at least, I imagined it did. With a swift motion and a shaky hand, I trapped it. 

VICTORY. Sort of. I still had to flip the jar over and screw the lid on. I did it! He was captured. 

We both breathed a sigh of relief as we put the jar and its creepy contents outside.

Later my husband released the unwelcomed visitor (far away from our house I told him) watching it skitter into the darkness. But the victory felt hollow. Because now, every corner of the room feels suspicious. Every tickle on my arm sends a jolt of panic. I keep glancing at the ceiling, the baseboards, the shadows under the couch.

If there was one… there could be more. In fact, there was another one just like this one only a week ago in my living room. I actually saw it hiding by the fireplace as I walked down the stairs! Hubby was home that time.

And that’s the part that really gets under your skin. Not the spider itself—but the idea that it has friends. Quiet ones. Just waiting to make their appearance.



 YIKES!

I always think there are more spiders around this time of year - and it turns out there are!

There are Seasonal Surges in Spider Activity.

Spiders are most frequently observed indoors during late summer and early autumn. This period, often called “spider season,” typically spans from August to October, with peak activity in September. During these months, a significant increase in spiders is often noticed in homes.

The heightened visibility during this time is largely due to male spiders actively moving about. They become more mobile as they search for mates, often venturing from secluded spots.  This increased wandering makes them more likely to be seen by humans.

If they could just do their dating and mating outside, I would be much happier!

Stay Cozy and "Spider Free",
Carrie

August 17, 2025

“Surprise Inside—Handle with Happiness”

 I really do love making gifts for the special people in my life and even those that may be new friends or family I don't get to see very often! While I am designing my creation I am thinking of the person that will receive it - invoking fond memories for me and maybe a prayer or two for them. I don't know about you - but to receive something, no matter how small, in the mail that is not a bill, or an advertisement can be few and far between. I imagine the smile on their face when they receive their little package, so welcomed and unexpected. My hope is that I have brought some joy and delight to their day!

The reason I call them "chunky mail" is because they are usually too bulky to be sent as a "flat mail" item for just a postage stamp or two - they must be mailed as a first-class small package for $3-$5.


This one is for a friend that just needs a little lift.



As she opens the card she will notice the plaid tab on the top...upon lifting it out she will find a face mask hiding behind the "Oh What a Beautiful Day" sentiment for a bit of pampering. 

The next tab holds a bookmark so she can take some time to do a little reading.


And finally, there is a small pocket holding a Tazo tea bag.  A cup of tea to relax as she is reading and pampering her skin with her face mask! Of course, a personal note is always included as well.


It doesn't take much to put something like this together for a friend or loved one or perhaps a neighbor that you might see could use some cheer. I collect the little insert gifts as I am out shopping. It's fun to keep on the lookout for small items to include.

And truly - I think it just might bring me more joy and happiness then my recipient!

Stay Cozy,
And keep your eye out for someone that is need of a
 "chunky mail or drop by gift".


Carrie

August 7, 2025

Like surfer father like surfer son…

 I’m not sure how I feel about this?

The thought of either of them out in that big old ocean with whatever is in there with them 

makes me take a pause or two…or three! Yikes. He is only six! 


But like a good grandma… I will simply bite my tongue and cheer them on…

While I am silently praying real hard.

 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻


Stay Cozy,

Carrie


August 1, 2025

"A Canvas on Every Corner"


Tualatin's Traffic Signal Boxes are Getting a New Look!

The Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee has been working to add vinyl art wraps to the City's traffic signal boxes, to help turn these utilitarian cabinets into works of public art.

Here are a few of the designs.

 Aren't they beautiful!


I guess they have been doing this in many communities for some time -
 but our city began this art installment in 2021.
 There are many more around town!



It just makes you smile when you spot one :)

Happy Friday,
Stay Cozy,

Carrie

July 23, 2025

"Birthday Cheer with a Twist of Lemon"

 With the summer fully upon us here in Oregon and the sun shining so brightly - it reminded me of the lemon trees we had in our backyard in Southern California, and I was inspired to make a lemon themed birthday card.... but I didn't have any stamps or die cuts to use.

So I made my own...


And I came up with this "Lemony Fresh" birthday card.



I like to turn my cards into what I call, "Chunky Mail" cards by including small gifts tucked into the little pockets I design as part of the card. I love to make them color match as I am on the lookout for small mailable gift items while on my shopping outings. 


This "Chunky Mail" includes a honey facial mask, a yellow striped bookmark, a sparkly glitter emery board, a lemon designed pen and a lemon compressed sponge (that was in the front gift section at Target one day).

I do hope this gift will bring a smile to the face of its recipient!

Stay Cozy + Zesty,
Carrie

July 21, 2025

Reunited...and it feels so good!

Just after the 4th of July, one of our twin daughters came in town from Miami with her family...



Adding in her twin sister's two boys and our other daughter's son...
the house was full of love and laughter
 from all 5 grands, our five adult children, spouses and friends too!

There was a zoo concert night.

Popsicles with Grandma...

Sister time...


fireworks...



and the joy of figuring out a new skill...


Mom and daughter dinner out...

...and the pure fun of family reunited. 





And somehow, we survived it all!

Staying Cozy This Summer!

July 3, 2025

"A Little Can with a Lot of Sparkle!"

 Here are some fun creations I made to decorate for the 4th of July holiday.

Made with non-other than empty sardine cans!

From Tin to Treasure: Miniature Dioramas with a Splash of Fun!

I eat a lot of sardines - they are healthy for you and I actually love them..
and I got to thinking...
what could I do with those empty cans?

Sardine Can Creations of course.



Here are some others I have made.



I really had fun making these. What do you think?

Have a Cozy + Crafty 4th of July!



July 1, 2025

From Paint to Personality.

I have so many different supplies in my Craft room...

because I just love to create and design in so many different ways.

Sewing, quilting and embroidery...paper crafts, card making, scrapbooking and journaling...

zentangle, watercolor painting...I'm always willing to try something new. 

One of the things I love to make are my

 "Cottage Cozy Cuties".

I have created and sold quite a few over the years. Each a one-of-a-kind little friend.

So a couple of days ago I just had to sit down and make a new little girl...

Meet... "Colette".

She is enjoying a day at the fair wearing a sweet black and white gingham dress

tied with a polka dot bow and a yellow petticoat too.

In her hand is some cotton candy she bought at the fair.



Are you like me with so many different craft projects at a given time?

Or do you stick to a favorite?

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

⚘⚘


June 27, 2025

What do Washi Tape and Keurig Coffee Pods have in common?

Not sure if you use washi tape for your creative endeavors - but I do, 
and it has always been a struggle storing for them for easy access?

Until now.


I found this Keurig coffee pod metal storage holder at my local Goodwill for only $2.99
and thought it just might be the thing I need to hold my abundance of colorful washi tapes.


And it is!


They fit just perfectly, and it doesn't take up much room either!


And here is a different style of coffee pod holder I found,
it too works great! 

Goodwill + Keurig to the rescue!

Stay Cozy and Creative,


June 24, 2025

A touch of Pink

 I came across a fun card making blog that offers a monthly challenge.

 The blog is Simply Clean and Simple.

It is an "anything goes CAS" challenge with an optional theme, this month...

  PRETTY PINKS.

I figured out that CAS stands for "clean and simple".

 (One point of interest, lots of open space, minimal layers and few embellishments) 

I hope my card will qualify.

It is fun to get inspired by other card makers and crafters and have a little challenge to get you in your craft room to create.  I love to send "happy mail" so I designed this card.

 

    • I stamped and fussy cut the black and white banner.
    • It is hard to see but the striped background is embossed.
    • The "Happy Mail" sign is attached with a brad, so it has a little movement.
    • The pink flower paper was one in my stash.

Happy Creating.

Stay Cozy,

Carrie




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