Farmhouse Summer Swap Sign Up

 Time for our Farmhouse Summer Swap.Normally  the swaps are closed to the circle of girls in the group but this one is semi open so if you've been thinking of joining in now is the time....Email me and I'll check your info and let you know if your approved....

 In order to sign up you must read the rules.We are a giving group so you must be willing to give as you'd like to receive.You must have a current active blog and have posted within the last 30 days.You must be a follower.This swap is for Primitive, Farmhouse and Country items so only sign up if you are into those styles..Some of the rules may sound strict but our group enjoys higher quality swaps and enjoys the safety that comes along with smaller groups...Golden Rule~ Give as you'd like to receive....

•  Theme is Farmhouse Summer..Think things like......
• Sunflowers
• Aprons
• Garden
• Americana
• Stars
• Herbal Soaps
• Cows
• Chickens
• Watermelon
• Burlap
• Ruffles
• Signs
• Sheep
• Chippy White
• Feed sacks

This swap will require a doll,bear or critter(sheep,bunny,bird, etc) as the main item.It must be at least 7 inches.It can be 7 inches long or 7 inches tall.It can be purchased or handmade by you but must be included in the swap. You must send at least 3 other items your choice.So a total of 4 items must be in the box.Yes you may send extra most do.

 I know some of the rules to some people may sound harsh but there are other general swap groups out there,the girls in our group are generous givers and I want them protected from the people that are out to get something for nothing.Swaps should be fun and worry free and I check up on all of the swaps as well.If you are a regular in the group you know the general rules and nothing has changed

 Swap Rules

• You must like to give gifts as well as receive only send things you would really enjoy getting
• I do keep a list of bad swappers and people I have been giving warnings about you know who you are so please do not sign up here
• USA and Canada only
• No dollar amount as I feel that hand dids can not be priced.Basically send a nice package you'd like to receive and please NO Dollar Store stuff (a few fillers like seeds,garden gloves,tools would be ok)
• You must contact your partner once you receive your email and say Hi!
• You must Thank your partner (they have given you a gift after all) and post your goodies we all like to see.

Sign ups open till May 19th You can post the link and pic to your blog if you want.Your package needs to be mailed no later than June 28th with delivery confirmation.I know some girls ship parcel post which is fine as long as you have a confirmation

To sign up email me at cottageprims@hotmail.com with the following info you are welcome to copy and paste.

• Email
• Blog URL
• Name and Address
• Your last 2 swap partners if you are a regular
• Are you willing to ship to canada it only cost a few dollars extra?
• If needed can you take a extra partner? I usually pick up the extra but occasionally I need someone to take someone to match properly

The following is optional but helps your partner get to know you better and helps with matching

• Any allergies?
• Favorite scents or scents that you do not like?
• Anything special you are looking for or collect like old childs dishes, wood bowls, cookie cutters, old photos?
• What is your decorating style? Primitive? Country? Farmhouse? Colonial? Mix?
• Do you like spice and grunged tattered or more traditional ?
• What types of things do you like or motifs throughout your house? examples pineapples,stars,crows,nest,bees, certain breed of dog, dolls, penny rugs...
• What colors do you decorate with?
• Favorite little indulgences like candy, tea, scented lotion?

I will always email you a confirmation saying I received your info so if you don't hear from me within 24 hours I did not receive your email....

The pictures throughout are suggestions of items the girls send.All pics are from Etsy sellers with their shop names included so you can find them to purchase if you see something you like.

I will get your swap partners info out to you by May 22nd..Any Questions I'm here to help.Let's have fun!~Amy

Gifts from Misi and Chit Chat

 Good Morning! Been awhile again...I'm feeling better with the pain about 75%  better,still pain but not letting it slow me down much.Spring has arrived and you know me gotta be out there picking and selling.We got to do a wonderful pick at a old farm about two weeks ago.The man was a retired picker himself and wanted to get rid of everything.We were lucky enough to be first to go through and let me tell you he had no attachment to any of it and gave me a great deal.I've already sold most of it and didn't think to get pictures.Amazingly I didn't keep anything..smile..Was tempted to keep the old mercantile scales but I do already have one...

 Got some of my bucket gardening in.So far I've got herbs,cutting lettuce,multi color carrots and spring onions sprouting from seed.Need to get some tomatoes,peppers,zucchini and cucumbers in yet.Will buy plants for those..This is my first year doing it this way and it's already easier than the regular gardening.Usually we have the big garden out grandmas but with hubby's back I didn't think we could keep up with it...

 Everything is green and lush here in PA .The last two weeks have been "real" spring.It's been beautiful weather for me to set up at fleamarket........Sweet Misi and I did a swap a few weeks back.She sent the most wonderful gifts in these pics The shoe,and box in the first pic, The chick and old basket, and the sweet kitty below,also some wonderful smell goods and a heart and bunny garden sitter....

She is always so giving and loves to spoil others.Such a talented and sweet friend..Well girls it's saturday 5:30 am while I'm writing this so I gotta get ready,I'm off to some sales.Always a adventure never know what you'll find..Yesterday hubby found a 1890's seeder wheelbarrow it's awesome but how he will get it to market is beyond me,It wasn't for sale but he spotted it hanging in the rafters and talked to the man and he was going to take it to a museum but agreed to sell it to hubby.I couldn't say no as it was truelly a piece of history..I'll try to get some pics.Last week I bought 2 huge red wing crocks I kept the 12 gallon and sold the other,I also found some Victorian cemetery iron gate post they were ornate and just wonderful,he had the gate too but wouldn't sell it.I did already sell the gate post as well.Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! A few of you are having troubles and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!~Amy

Just stopping in to say Hi! I know my blogging has been sparse,but I'm still in pain.I found out that the reason it hurts different this time is because it's not my sciatica (which I have trouble with) but a different nerve I think it's called femoral and that it could take two months or more to heal.I try not to take alot of pills but have been taking some muscle relaxers.It's been 3 weeks it feels a little better but still alot of pain and hard to sit so less computer time.Of course I push myself,there's so much to get done.It's finally spring here so I want to be getting the gardening ready,yardsaling and getting outside.I did set up market over the weekend and tried to do as I normally do,let hubby watch while I run and look it was ok the stuff on tables but squatting and bending didn't work.Did find a old firkin/sugar bucket and old skeleton keys but not much.I think it was just that I didn't really look hard enough with the pain,because my friend usually leaves her stuff on the side of my vehicle till she is done for the day and she found tons of wonderful old stuff.She has the old canvas shopping baskets and found a metal holder for them that was so neat.I've also got all my stuff gathered to start my bucket gardening,a few seeds to start but a little early to buy plants.We have a local nursery and they always have heirlooms and some unusual varieties that I like to try something new each year.Usually the beginning of may is the time for plants here in Pa.I'm going to go ahead and get some spring onions in,cutting lettuce mix,some rainbow carrots(never tried before)  and start some zucchini seeds.Well girls not much going on here mainly running to Drs and boring everyday life..smile..I have been visiting you all on my IPad but not commenting so much as my time is limited with the sitting positions.I hope you all have a wonderful week! ~Amy

Thank You Barefoot Prims and catching up

Well I know some of you missed me..smile..Yes been a while since I've blogged and thank you for all the emails.I've had a rough 2 weeks been in so much pain which I thought was my sciatica but now not sure as most of the pain was grounding out in the front thigh.Every time I tried to move or sit or stand up it was so much pain.I still have alot of pain but it is getting better and I'm able to sit a little more.My back is hurting a little more which is good because I know that's the source now.Yes I know alot of you are saying why not just got to the hospitol? Well after the ordeal with hubby and now 6 months later just starting to actually get treated I just figured I'd be healed before anything was done.LoL..Plus with it being nerve and back related I don't have money for a mri so they would just prescribe pills..I've had problems with sciatica before just never this bad. We did have to see the specialist for hubby and he could see I was in pain as I had to stand for most of the three hour visit.He suggested steroids and that I see my family dr.Anyhoo, I'm on my way still pain but getting better. I wanted to share my swap with Debbie of Barefoot Primitives.She is also having a giveaway right now so click on the link on my sidebar to visit her. Hmm never remember to take a pic of the wrappings...

Love the ditty purse..Old photos.Black Raggedy look at those feet.. and spool pen...

Primitive cards.Oh my such a wonderful punchneedle pinkeep.Some ornie bags, and wool strawberries.She also sent some chocolate (of course it's gone) and another pinkeep which is for some reason not in the pic...

I've always been a fan of Debbie's work.I'm sure quit a few of you have been gifted from me with it..smile..Below is the punch needle displayed and a sweet bunny I purchased last year made by her as well..

Thank You Debbie for the wonderful gifts..Well today was the first day it felt like spring,beautiful sunny skies and warm high 60's.It supposed to be nice all week.Now if I can just get the rest of the way better so I can do my spring cleaning,get the easter put away and get some garden work started..Hope you all are having a wonderful day.Warm Blessings!~Amy