The Friday 15

15 more items are gone from my home.

• Old, holey tennis shoes I should have stopped wearing long ago.
• My favorite two piece swimsuit so faded and stretched that it should have been tossed out even longer ago.
• A pair of sweats, a dress, a top, and a lace cover up.
• Three magazines.
• A calculator.
• An attempt at a Christmas tree for a tutorial.
• Three Christmas tutorial projects. (Tutorials to be posted in the near future.)

15 on their way - some to the trash and some to Idaho Youth Ranch.

5 Things to Know: Labadee, Haiti

Today we're talking about the cruise port of Labadee, Haiti. Learn about five important things you need to know about the private Caribbean island.

1. You can't leave the port area. Seriously, you really can't. No going off on your own to see the real Haiti, no independent tours, no taxis. The property is fenced off from the surrounding area. It's leased by Royal Caribbean for use by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara cruise ships and they want to be sure to keep their passengers safe. 

2. Lunch is served - for free. But the tasty drinks will cost you. Try a Labadoozie, a frozen rum and juice combo. Comes with a reusable cup, even.

3. Lounge chairs are free, too. Move them where you want. 

4. For the least-busy beach, head to Columbus Cove. It'll be a (bit) quieter than the rest. 

 Want more activity? Check out the roller coaster, zip line, or aqua park.

5. You can get to and from the ship and around the compound by using a tram that runs continuously. But if you're up before noon and want to head from the ship to the area, catch the free ferry. It's docked right next to the ship. If you're not careful, you'll walk right by it. It's one way only - ship to shore - and doesn't operate all day.

This photo was taken while sitting on the ferry. It's that close!

Whatever you decide to do on Labadee, make it a great day.

Make an Owl Potholder - Tutorial Tuesday

It's Tutorial Tuesday and today we are making an owl potholder. Excuse my clashing fabrics in the video. The pattern has been updated with better fabric.

For this project you will need:

• 2 pieces of fabric for body

• 2 pieces of fabric for wings

•  fabric scraps - 2 for base of eyes, 2 for front of eyes, one for beak

• piece of Insul-Bright or two layers of cotton batting

• Owl potholder template downloaded from here

• Marking pencil

• Glue stick

• Pins or Clover Wonder Clips

• Iron

• Sewing machine

• Matching thread

• Rotary cutter

• Cutting ruler

• Cutting mat

The pattern is now available in my Etsy shop as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos, and printable template. Click to get your copy today!

Looking for more kitchen ideas? Check out these other projects!

Disclosure: Deb's Days is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you new sewing and crafting content.

You can find the step-by-step how to tutorial for the fabric owl potholder sewing project here:

Yummy Monday - The Best Marionberry Pie in the West

It's Yummy Monday! Today we're talking about the best marionberry pie out there.

In April 2012 I publicly declared the marionberry pie from The Gallery Restaurant in Sisters, Oregon the best pie ever. You can find the declaration here. I had that belief for years and even with all our traveling - and all our marionberry pie eating - we never found anything that came close.

That has now changed thanks to a restaurant called the Halfway House, set alongside the road in the small town of Brinnon, Washington.

My title of the Best Marionberry Pie in the West now goes to them. Although, technically it is a cobbler. But oh my, what a tasty cobbler it is.

Served in a bowl, brimming over the top. Piping hot with a big scoop of ice cream.

But the thing that sets it apart from the previous best marionberry pie? See the filling that has bubbled over? Scrape it off and eat it. It's chewy and tasty and sweet and oh-so-heavenly!

Can't believe I have a new number one!