In celebration of my birthday or, perhaps, in lieu of a shopping frenzy, I spent yesterday on Zazzle coming up with new designs. And I can't wait to share!
There are a bunch of new products available on Zazzle, just taunting the designer in me. And, I'm sure, there are going to be a lot more designs to come. For now, let's start with a new image on a familiar product.
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Sunset Reusable Tote Bag
This image is one of Arizona's amazing sunsets, taken from our parking lot. The colors are almost as beautiful in reality.
The tote is made from 100% cotton and has strong handles with reinforced stitching and measures 15.75"h x 15.25"w.
2012 Arizona Scenery Calendar
Spend a year in beautiful Arizona, with images that can only be found in the amazing Grand Canyon State.
This calendar comes in 13 different styles and 3 different sizes, with wire binding in 7 different colors.
And now for some brand new products:
Birds/Proverb Laptop Sleeve
Our latest Bird-in-a-Tree product also offers a humorous Chinese Proverb:
You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.
Made from 100% neoprene, this waterproof laptop sleeve comes in 3 sizes to fit every laptop.
Purple/Aqua Star Gel Mousepad
Sometimes it's deliberate; sometimes it's an accident. This star is the result of flipping and combining copies of a single graphic image. Who knew?!
This contoured oval mousepad features an ergonomic gel-pad wrist support and non-skid black plastic base, and measures 9 ¼"x10 ½";.
Hope that you have as much fun with our newest designs as I did making them. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Since I'm running all over the 'Net, shopping for the kitchen and my half of the closet, it only seemed fair to shop for a couple of the men in my life. Our next-to-youngest prefers mens boxers over briefs and, frankly, some of these styles look pretty cool
- as a pair of run-around-the-house shorts ... for me.
I also, I must admit, love some of the tops that are available for girls. But, I'm trying, really hard, to remember I'm shopping for my guys.
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Before you jump onto this site - Aèropostale, Inc - to go shopping for your men, the styles and sizes are (primarily) designed for ages 14-17. And the high school crowd will love these clothes. Trust me.
With that said, you can easily throw that caveat out the window - depending, and this is the important part, on the sizes you need.
It's just as easy to find chinos and polo shirts for your husband, as it is to shop for your son. At least, it was for me. Everything I looked at seemed well made and casually stylish.
Naturally, there are items that are too young for my 56-year-old hubby. There are also dozens of pants, shirts, and jeans that he could easily wear. Heck, half of the shirts in his closet could have come from Aèropostale.
I know that I don't have a yard, or even a patio - yet. But, I just can't resist Adirondack chairs. The style is so smooth and simple. They go anywhere.
What I didn't realize is that they can also be quite elegant. Just look at this gorgeous rocker. The detailed design on the back and front of the seat is - to my mind - just incredible.
But, you know me; I couldn't stop there. Once I found the site, I just kept 'shopping'.
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While the park benches I found are (probably) designed for public spaces, I don't see any reason they couldn't work on the back patio. Or even in a sun room or screened-in porch.
I can see a pad, like for a chaise, on the seat. Add a couple of tables and simple lamps, and ... ta da! A lovely spot to lounge with a good book.
Picnic tables are another personal weakness. Sitting outside on a warm evening with burgers, dogs, and a pitcher of tea? Perfect.
I like the small-ish square units best. Seating four or more people, with the benches attached, they fit nicely in smaller spaces where long, rectangular tables just wouldn't go. And, seriously, so cute!
A bright cloth and some colorful tableware are all it needs.
Even though my granddaughter is only 17 months old and lives in Chicago, playground equipment just speaks to a grandparent.
The options are almost endless, but this one grabbed me. The adorable details got me started. Then, my inner child went "Ooooh!" and I was lost. Swings, bumpy slide, climbing wall - it's all here, just waiting for me to turn 4 again and climb on.
All I can say is: "Just wait until I get a yard!" (And hit the lottery, cuz there's a lot of shopping to be done here.)
There is no time of year that you don't need sunglasses. If it isn't
blinding summer sun, it's the glare of light off white snow. Either
one can damage your eyes.
Pretty designer sunglasses may look great, but they may not be much
protection. Luckily, there are some, like these Glacier
sunglasses. They protect against all the UVs, are treated against
glare and fog, and have impact-resistant polarized lenses.
It's not always easy to find a fun gift that isn't too casual. Most
times a personalized
tee shirt is amusing, but there's always the chance that the pun
won't seem nearly as funny to the recipient. Jokes about someone's
age, especially, can fall dramatically flat.
At thirty, my age was no big deal. At forty, I was still unfazed by
the passing years. But, and this is the oddest part, forty-two nearly
did me in. Acceptable gifts on those birthdays would have varied
widely.
There is, in my opinion, no woman who wouldn't love this rhinestone
initial t-shirt. It's simple, stylish, and goes anywhere. And - my
personal favorite - it comes in lavender.
Of course, now that I'm almost 20,075 days old and nearly older than
dirt, it's all funny again. {hint, hint - I wear a large}
Picking out invitations for a special event is either great fun or a nightmare. It, from where I sit, depends on the event and knowing what you want. Casual is pretty easy - most corner drugstores carry a selection of invitations that cover almost any simple occasion.
Naturally, if you're inviting friends and loved ones to your wedding, you (probably) don't want to use something that was designed to suit your neighbor's backyard BBQ. Which doesn't mean you can't come up with something unique and creative for that BBQ. After all, outdoor entertaining can be (and often is) elegant and stylish.
And let us not forget the annual come-as-your-favorite-monster Halloween party. The mood of the gathering is easily set, well in advance, by the tone of the invitations.
Looking back, which is something I do more often these days, I can say with all honesty that the only thing I hated about being pregnant was the clothes. Never had much morning sickness or, with the exception of seafood during the first one, any food aversions - that I can recall.
But, oh heavens, the maternity clothes. I had a black corduroy jumper that I must have lived in toward the end and - I promise you - it was not a good look. Big black belly, skinny white legs, and - need I say it - corduroy. What a picture.
Now, there are gorgeous items - like this navy and ivory skirt - that don't scream pregnant and ugly. With a navy tank and ivory jacket, or vice versa, I could see this in my wardrobe. Casual, classy, and comfortable - just what every woman craves.
And don't even get me started on this beautiful satin dress with the handkerchief hem. While designed to camouflage a blooming belly, the style would also disguise my middle-aged belly and, not-so-youthful, hips. It's just a perfect Arizona outfit - cool and floaty, it would be just right for almost every season.
I have been in exile - my keyboard was partially dead and the voice-recognition software, that I was trying to use to keep up, decided to block my ability to move around the 'Net and post to my blog. The depression was overwhelming.
Today, I am doing a major happy dance! The new keyboard finally got here - and I installed it. Mark got me started, along with online instructions that weren't exactly accurate -- but I installed it!
This is not something I usually do - I'm the software person; Mark's the hardware person. But -- I installed it!
And I have made a solemn vow - I will not eat, drink, or breathe anywhere near this keyboard, ever Ever EVER in my long-legged life.
It may seem an odd time to be thinking of ghosts and goblins and
pumpkins; of crisp fall days and trick or treating. But when I saw
these Halloween bags, I couldn't resist sharing them.
The adorable designs are reason enough to grab several. What makes
them perfect is the personalization. Add your children's, or
grandchildren's names for a unique goodie bag they'll treasure for
years.
Okay, this is just about the coolest thing since the Everlasting Gobstopper! Which, by the way, I used to buy when they were still multicolored and bumpy - just like in the movie.
Containing four rooms, each tied to a specific WONKA chocolate – Chocolate Waterfall, Scrumdiddlyumptious, Triple Dazzle Caramel, or Fantabulous Fudge - the WONKA Imagination Room on YouTube is simply amazing. You have to see it to believe it.
"The two new varieties, Triple Dazzle Caramel and Fantabulous Fudge, join the WONKA chocolate collection: WONKA Scrumdiddlyumptious Chocolate Bar, made with toffee pieces, crispy cookies and crunchy peanuts wrapped in milk chocolate, and the WONKA Chocolate Waterfall Bar, with creamy white chocolate swirled in milk chocolate."
It looks like a watch, it works like a watch - and so much more. In fact, this course GPS at The Source may be every golfer's new best friend. After all, it does everything but tee up the ball. Seriously.
Not only is it an attractive sport watch with a GPS receiver, it holds maps for more than 15,000 golf courses in the U.S. and Canada. With no fees or sign up charges, you can get precise distances for any hole on any of those courses on the LCD display.
If that weren't cool enough, this nifty little watch will also measure the distance of your shots, record how far you've walked over the course, and remind you of your tee times with a built-in alarm. It's even USGA and R&A compliant; meaning it's legal under the rules of golf.
All in all, from where I'm sitting, that's pretty darned cool. Now, if it could just find those lost balls!
I am not (necessarily) looking to upgrade my cell phone. Then again, I wasn't looking to upgrade when I upgraded to the one I have now. And, to be perfectly honest, these HTC Bell smartphones are whispering softly in my ear:
"Aw, come on. You know you want to."
Now, I just have to remind everyone - I don't have a smartphone. I have a phone that thinks it's pretty intelligent; that really wants to be a smartphone, when it grows up. So, some of the features on this HTC® Incredible S™, while {yawn} old hat to those with an SP, do cause me to drool ... just a little bit.
And, when you add in that (depending on the service plan) I could get it for FREE!, it occurs to me that I just might have to move to Canada.
Well, color me stunned and surprised. And tickled purple. (Not a big pink fan. Sorry.)
Being a nosy sort, I was checking the feed to see who'd been visiting the blog (and why) when I noticed someone from Highland Park, Illinois had arrived from OnlineEnglishDegree.com. Now, I was seriously curious.
Upon further investigation, it turns out that, sometime in the last 6 months, we were given an award. I know that self-congratulation is bad form, but ... hey! ... we were given an award!
Personally, I don't care if there's a name on my clothes, shoes, bags, or sunglasses. Any and all of those things can come from any manufacturer - as long as they're well-made, functional, durable, and attractive. Especially, my 'shades'.
I've always been a sucker for sunglasses. When my daughter was a baby, I had all sorts of styles and colors. (Mainly, because she liked to take them off my face, pull the earpieces wide, and ... {snap!} Mom got to buy new sunglasses.)
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If they'd had these great replica sunglasses in those days, I'd have saved a fortune - and could have gotten a couple pair for my little shade-killer, while I was at it.
The purple ones grabbed my attention immediately - it's a personal addiction: anything purple. But the gold ones are absolutely gorgeous, even though I don't think they would offer much sun protection.
On June 13, Lifetime is gifting us with not one, not two - but four, count 'em Four! - Nora Roberts novels-become-movies in one long, lovely movie-fest day.
Well, unless - like me - you don't get LMN. In which case, it's a much shorter movie-fest with numbers three and four on LifetimeTV. And, since I don't remember ever reading or seeing Tribute, that is not happy news in my little Nora-Roberts-fan world.
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Tribute
The film fest begins (if you have LMN) with Tribute, published in 2008 and filmed in 2009. I remember, from the synopsis, that I have read an excerpt of this one. (Off to the bookstore for me.)
Cilla McGowan is a former child star who has found more satisfying work restoring old houses. In search of a normal life, Cilla buys her grandmother’s farmhouse in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to rescue it from ruin. Her hope for serenity is soon eclipsed by haunting dreams of her famous grandmother, who died of a supposed overdose in the house more than 30 years ago. Cilla soon forges a romantic relationship with Ford Sawyer, her handsome new neighbor, who ultimately comforts and protects her when her dark dreams and family secrets spiral into a real-life nightmare.
Blue Smoke
Next in the line-up (if you get LMN), Blue Smoke was published in 2005 and became a Lifetime movie in 2007. It gets a lot of TV time and, although not my favorite novel-turned-movie, is pretty well done.
I'm actually in the process of revisiting Baltmore and the Hale family. Let me tell you, if you haven't read it (yet), Ms. Roberts packs a lot of action into this one volume.
The blaze that destroyed her family's pizzeria changed the life of young Reena Hale, forcing her family to start over from scratch. But the fire's brutal beauty and destructive power would seduce her into learning to understand and master its terrible force, leading her to become a fire investigator herself. This line of work proves to be exciting, but also has a dangerous side -- and she soon finds herself caught in a hotbed of trouble!
Carolina Moon
The third movie of the day (first for me) is Carolina Moon. Published in 2001 and filmed in 2007, this is one of Ms. Roberts delicious visits to the South - you can almost smell the magnolias.
I haven't read this one in a very long time, so I'm excited about revisiting the chills and thrills. (If Lifetime keeps this up, I'll be spending a lot more shopping-time at the bookstore.)
Tory Bodeen returns to her hometown in South Carolina, a place that holds violent memories of her childhood friend Hope Lavelle's murder. Coming back revives Tory's psychic visions of what happened that fateful night, and she becomes determined to unearth the truth, enlisting the help of Hope's hunky older brother. However, the murderer has been waiting all these years for her return -- and it may be someone closer to her than she realizes!
Carnal Innocence
Last in the line-up and published almost 20 years ago, Carnal Innocence is the newest Nora Roberts novel-become-movie. And this is its Lifetime premiere. This may have been, I'll have to check, Ms. Roberts' first trip south of the Mason-Dixon. Happily, it wasn't her last.
I haven't read this one in, at least, a dozen years. How wonderful it will be to 'see' everyone, again. (Just one more trip to the bookstore to replace my copy of this great story.)
After suffering a professional setback, world-renowned violinist Caroline Waverly decides to head to Innocence, Mississippi, where she spent summers as a child, for some peace and solitude away from the spotlight. Shortly after arriving, Caroline meets the arrogant but charming Tucker Longstreet, a member of one of the town’s most prominent families, who is quickly smitten by her. But Caroline’s dreams for tranquility turn into a nightmare when she discovers the body of a young woman, the possible victim of a serial killer whom the authorities suspect may be Tucker. Caroline soon discovers that even in a town called Innocence, secrets have no place to hide.
Enjoy! I intend to have a great time - just need the popcorn and my favorite afghan!
Just a quick, celebratory post - or at least I hope it's celebratory.
(It's the only way I can get the blog templates to update / go live.)
Makes Thingamablog just a little less than perfect, since formatting changes don't show up until something is reposted. Well, that and the fact that, as far as I can tell, the owner/designer has run away - never to be seen again.
Cross your fingers for me - and the template.
Of course, if there's a problem, I'll probably blow everything away before you notice. Let me know - in the comments - if you noticed a problem and when.
Okay, I can tell that I'm just not in the mood to anything approaching real work.
"How can you tell?" you ask.
"Simple!" I answer. "I'm messing around with the template for my blog again."
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Rethinking my current design, it occurs to me that starting a new blog might be fun, too. Taking a blank screen and devising a never-before-seen theme that says to me "So this is what I've been dying to do!"
This image of meditation in the dim light of late evening or early morning speaks to me - of peace and deep thought. Just looking at it takes me to a calmer, quieter place; eases and opens my mind. My breathing and heart rate slow; I feel centered again.
As a background, I imagine the lone figure poised at the center-left of the screen, with words flowing gently around her. The scenery is somewhat muted, transparent; so that the focus is on the person, the image of peace and calm. Centered on the centered mind and body. One can't help wondering what she's thinking, feeling ... imagining.
It inspires me to completely redo my creative-writing blog. But, it also makes me think about the health blog I've always wanted to start. Something that speaks to lifestyles, news on conditions, health trends, and research into healthier living and disease prevention.
One picture and so many ideas. What better image could I have possibly found? Honestly, I'm still picking and choosing; could take days. Each picture I see sparks my imagination and takes me in a new direction.
Maybe you'd like to flex your imagination? Thanks to iStockphoto and SheBlogs, you can. You can pick and choose and redesign and remodel - your blog or website or newsletter or ... whatever – just because you're reading this blog. And not one, but three amazing pictures can be yours - for free.
Simply visit http://www.istockphoto.com/sheblogs-offer, create your account, and pick your three free images. If, like me, you find more than three – or 20 or 50 – that just demand downloading, not a problem. Through June 30, 2011, all credit packs of 50 credits or more are 10% off with the discount code (5HEB10G511) just for SheBloggers and our readers.
What's your perfect design? Where does your mind take you? Let's find out.
Get comfy; turn off the TV. Now, breathe deep; in ... and out, in ... and out. Feel your body relax; your mind come alive. Think of what means the most to you, what you're passionate about. Now, imagine those thoughts and feelings on a screen, on a page; flowing with the energy of your spirit.
What do they look like? What pictures are you seeing? How do they 'feel'?
* iStockphoto is the world’s leading royalty-free stock multimedia destination, with millions of photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash files starting at $1. Find inspiration for your blog and dozens of other creative things including business cards, websites, flyers, invitations, newsletters, craft projects, advertisements, presentations, décor and more.
Swimsuit season weighing heavily on your mind or just looking to get into better shape? Well, here's a contest that can help: 12 Weeks to Change Challenge from CoolSculpting.com.
For 12 weeks, they're giving away some amazing tools to get healthier or more fit. All you need to do is [Like] CoolSculpting and make a Health or Fitness pledge for the week.
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The best part? Enter every week and you'll add 12 healthy lifestyle changes without stressing out over it. Almost a fitness guarantee, even without the incredible prizes CoolSculpting is giving away.
The other best part? At the end of the 12 weeks, you could win a FREE CoolSculpting procedure* - valued at $1,500!
So, if you're planning to drink more water, walk every day, exercise for 20 minutes each morning/evening, cut back on soda or chocolate cake (which is, IMO, just nuts!) – why not share your goals and earn some great tools to help. This week's prize is a Bodylastics Tension system that includes:
4 premium dipped elastics from 5 to 19 lbs,
2 handles
2 ankle straps
2 door anchors
1 user book
1 bonus DVD
1 muscle building six DVD box set
1 travel bag
FREE BONUS 1 year access to Strengthbanduniversity.com (login certificate included).
Don't wait – run to Facebook and start those lifestyle changes today.
* "CoolSculpting® is the coolest, most innovative, non-invasive and natural way to quickly lose those annoying bumps and bulges of stubborn fat.
Here’s the skinny: developed by Harvard scientists, our unique, patented, clinically proven procedure involves freezing fat cells without damage to your skin. There’s no knife. No suction hoses. No needles. No lasers, even. After your treatment, you get on with your busy day. How cool is that?"
This week is the first National Swimsuit Confidence Week, from Lands' End and Curvy Girl Guide. It is a celebration of the fact that beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. And it's time for all of us to Take Back the Pool.
No more hiding under cover-ups on a beach chair. It's time for all of us to get up and get confident. And trust me - Confidence is beautiful.
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Send a tweet to @LandsEndPR proclaiming "I have swimsuit confidence!" #landsend for a chance to be entered to win a $500 Lands' End gift card - winner announced May 27.
Participate in a Week of Tweets: Mark your calendar each day May 23 - 27, 2011 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CDST so you can join in the series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter.
Follow @LandsEndPR and tweet at #landsend. They will be announcing exclusive swimwear promotions, giving away great prizes and inspiring women to embrace their swimsuit beauty.
Bloggers Join In: On May 23, 2011, 21 women from Curvy Girl Guide will show off their swimsuit confidence by posting a photo in a 2011 Lands' End Swimsuit.
Got a blog? Join the celebration by posting your swimsuit photo - to inspire your followers. Then, send a link to libby.schmeisser@landsend.com for a chance to win one of five $100 Lands' End gift cards.
This is going to be a lot of fun, I can tell already.
Oh? My swimsuit picture? Umm, I don't actually own a bathing suit. Maybe this is the week to go out and get one. Can't imagine a better time. Can you?
I was doodling the other day. Ended up with a 'branchy' little tree and didn't quite know what to do with it. Hmmm, what belongs in a tree? Ah, yes - a bird.
Which is how I ended up with this sketch of a Bird in a Tree . The rest was pretty simple - just stick that little sketch all over a bunch of Zazzle products.
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So far, I've been focused on stationery products -- letterhead, business cards, return address labels, envelopes, and a cute little postage stamp that's still awaiting approval.
But that won't last ...
I'm already imagining mousepads, mugs, aprons, totes -- a veritable flock of birds-in-trees. And, of course, we'll have to get a few of those birds out of those trees.
I haven't been to a lot of weddings in my life, but I could spend hours looking at wedding pictures.
There is a black and white shot of my daughter that just takes my breath away, every time I see it. And the picture of my son, at the altar, still makes me tear up.
There's a quote, something about "All women (brides) are beautiful on their wedding day." Looking at all of these lovely images, there is no doubt of that. But, so many forget the groom.
If you want to see what love really looks like - watch the eyes of the groom, standing at the altar and looking at his bride.
I fell in love with ARKive.org years ago. They offer, from what I've been able to find, one of the most extensive databases of animal images, videos, and information on endangered species around the world.
It wasn't until I saw this link - ARKive's Top Ten Grumpiest Faces - in a news feed that I realized how long it's been since I wandered over to 'ooh' and 'ahh' and 'awww' over this amazing collection of information.
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But, at the risk of sounding like a PR agent, ARKive is more than a bunch of pretty pictures.
ARKive is an incredible resource, and an awareness program dedicated to "promoting the conservation of the world's threatened species, through the power of wildlife imagery." Over the years, they have worked with leading wildlife filmmakers and photographers, as well as conservation groups to find, save, and share images of the world's species.
I was truly excited about this, our first giveaway; then I took a good look at what I received from CoverGirl.
What I thought were coupons for a free NatureLuxe Foundation were simply $2.00 off the purchase price. So sad.
But, hey; we can work with this. Right?!
Instead of follows on Twitter, and NetworkedBlogs, likes on Facebook or retweets of this giveaway, we'll just make it really, really quick and simple:
The first five (5) comments - after 9:00am (PDT) on May 5th - will get a coupon.
That's it. All you have to do is leave a comment - with your email address, please - to get a $2.00 off coupon for this really fabulous foundation. (While I'm not happy with CoverGirl's ... ahem ... generosity, the foundation is wonderful.)
Don't include any identifiable information in your comments! I'll send an email for what I need, once we get those five comments.
And see if we can't put together something a lot more ... worth winning ... for next month.
I don't wear make-up very often; mostly because the foundations I've tried just don't look right on me. They either sink into the lines (don't use the word wrinkles in my presence, please) around my eyes, don't cover evenly, or are so heavy that I can barely hold my head up.
And, just to make matters worse, they're hard to get off and leave my skin very upset afterwards. Not so anymore.
As a BzzAgent I was lucky enough to get a free full-size sample of, not only, the NatureLuxe foundation, but their amazing gloss balm for lips. I truly had no expectations; okay, I had serious doubts.
Maybe it's the natural ingredients - cucumber water, rosehips, and just a little jojoba - that take the place of heavy emollients, but NatureLuxe doesn't make my skin feel ... made up. And it creates a smooth base for everything else: blush, eyeshadow and liner (I don't wear mascara), without needing a ton of cover-up to hide the age spots and occasional breakouts. Not to mention, the fresh, clean smell.
Then we have the lip balm / gloss. At first, when I saw the color - let's be honest, shall we? - I freaked. The color is, in the tube, incredibly ... intense and I imagined having lips that came into the room 3 feet ahead of me. Not at all my style.
Again, gotta love being wrong.
As a lip gloss (with SPF 15, by the way), it is just a light, moist bit of color. Absolutely beautiful and, as a balm, it feels so soothing. Arizona weather, year-round, is hard on the skin; especially lips and eyes. This gloss is like a sigh, easing away the dryness while adding a touch of color and gorgeous shine.
Because my skin loves these products, I just have to share with my readers.
Happily, CoverGirl NatureLuxe and BzzAgent have provided several coupons for NatureLuxe foundation that will be the prizes in our first-ever giveaway. That's right, goodies for three, count 'em - three, lucky readers.
Starting next week - through May 12th, since I can't wait to give these coupons away - we'll be taking entries. On Friday the 13th, we'll announce the lucky winners. Can't do enough to make that day lucky, now can we?
So, keep coming back and get ready to win. I'm excited - and I hope you are, too.
Oh, and I'll be posting a picture - one side made up, one side not - so everyone can see that NatureLuxe works. (You won't be able to feel how great it is, but you'll see the difference.) If nothing else, you've just gotta come back to see the ... icky side - and admire my bravery. Please!?
This is exciting and I just had to share the news. On May 4th, between the hours of 7-8pm (CDT), Oregon Chai is hosting a Twitter party.
As a huge Chai fan, I'm seriously looking forward to the party. There will be tips for finding 'Me' Time - something we can all use - and lots of giveaways. One person, however, is going to get really lucky during that hour.
Be sure to follow @OregonChai; use #OregonChai to join in the fun. You don't want to miss your chance at a Kindle Wi-Fi plus a variety of Oregon Chai and your own oversized Oregon Chai tea mug !
We are excited to announce that JMark Afghans has been approved as a member in Purex Insiders.
What does that mean for us? Well, we get to try product samples as Purex® gets ready to market them. See what's new, before it hits store shelves, and influence future laundry products.
Among other benefits, it means that our faithful readers will know first what Purex® is developing, where and when it goes on sale, and - most importantly - whether the products perform as promised.
Oh, and for those who follow us regularly - we're going to be offering chances to win free stuff.
As a new member of Purex Insiders, we're waiting with bated breath to see what goodies we'll receive first.
There are a couple of new products that are pretty intriguing: Purex® Complete with Zout® (detergent and pre-treater) and Purex® Complete Crystals™ Softener (softener added to the wash cycle). With all of the afghans we wash, the Crystals are something we can really use.
We already love Purex® Free & Clear, but generally don't mess with pre-treaters; it's an extra step that seems to be more work than help. And, face it, remembering to catch the rinse cycle for the fabric softener makes laundry day even more of a chore. I can't wait to see how these new products work and - with any luck - simplify an unavoidable job.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a Purex Insider. While I do receive complimentary sample products from the Purex® brand, my opinions are my own.
The first product in our new line of Happiness is this great shopping bag.
I firmly believe in reusable bags - keeps plastic out of the landfill and, in some states, is the only way you can get your groceries out of the store. Plus, it's really, really cute.
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There is no such thing as too many tank tops. But, should this be a little too ... little for your taste, there are 50+ shirt styles available.
Although this shirt says, "Happiness Is - Chocolate ... Anything," whatever makes you happy is fair game. When you click on the page, the first thing you'll notice is a little personalization box on the right.
Simply type in what makes you happy - chocolate, a shoe sale, 10 days in Fiji - and that's what will print on your Happiness shirt.
This may seem like a silly idea, but stay with me here. What are your personal joys:
"Happiness Is" A Frosty Mug, A Cuppa Java, No Rings on My Table, Sleeping in on Monday - whatever it is, there is no reason to not put it on a coaster.
Heck, at your house Happiness may be having a matching set of coasters. {wink, wink; nod, nod}
Frankly, I don't think we've - even remotely - seen the last of this little guy. He's just too cute and there are far too many places that he can (and will) pop up.
Earlier this month, while reading through some of my favorite blogs, I
stumbled across a link for Stream
of Consciousness Sunday on all.things.fadra. My first thought was
"What fun!"
On every Monday morning since then, my first thought has been "Oh,
Crap! Forgot again."
Not this week. This week I'm going to remember ~~ if I have to set
alarms ~ and post notes on the coffee pot and the refrigerator and the
bathroom mirror and Mark's forehead and the TV ~ and have someone call
me at 6:00am and 7:00am and 8:00am. (It takes me awhile to wake up.)
Honestly? I can't say I know much about what are called equestrian boots. Where I come from, people wore boots - period. Or, if you prefer, cowboy or western boots.
Boots designed, and preferred, for English riding are as foreign to me as dressage is to a barrel racer.
Years ago, my first husband bought me a beautiful pair of cowboy boots. Light-colored leather with squared toes and stacked heels, they hit me about mid-calf. I loved them from the moment I saw them on the shelf.
If memory serves, I wore them twice. Nothing against the boots; I have long skinny feet with incredibly high arches and finding shoes that don't hurt my feet is a miracle. And usually expensive.
I have to admit, though: the more I look at these black boots (gotta love black!), the more comfortable they look. Maybe I'll just have to try a pair.
See why I have dozens of shoes and constantly wear the same 2 pair?
I'd say it was a female thing, but I know Mark likes new clothes, too. For me, I run around in tank tops and pajama pants; until I have to run to the store. Then, I need something a little less ... sleep-wear.
Which is part of the reason I was looking at discount scrubs today. Stay with me here - there are some great choices, that don't make you think tetanus shot and sponge bath. Okay, maybe sponge bath was the wrong image to conjure.
[Continue Reading ...]
When you think about it, there are several reasons why scrubs work as casual attire.
First, they're lightweight. In Arizona, that's a must. We've already had weather in the 90s and it's heading back that way with a vengeance. Summer everywhere calls for clothing that breathes, but doesn't wilt. Hence - scrubs. (When was the last time you saw a wrinkled, frumpy-looking nurse?)
Second, styles have changed. Scrubs come in a myriad of shapes, styles, colors, and patterns. The nurses on Mark's floor at the VA had some great outfits that started me thinking about this years ago. Just look at the black hearts jacket. This is not the olden days - white uniform, starched cap, and {shudder} those shoes.
Last, but perhaps most important, is the laundry-factor. Scrubs are designed to wash up often and well. Think about it - or maybe not - nurses and doctors come in contact with some, um, interesting substances on any given day. The clothes they wear must be easy to get clean. We've got some pjs from the VA that still shed any and all stains, even after 7 years.
This was a concept that made me shake my head and snort in derision: a PS3 headset. Then, I started thinking about it.
If you've ever spent any time in the room with a fully-engaged gamer, you'll appreciate being able to route all of that noise through a headset. When you get right down to it - it could save someone's life.
When Mark was sick, he'd crawl into bed - every night (and day) - and fire up his favorite game. For weeks, months, years - music and dialog screamed through my dreams. In fact, You are wrong! has become a permanent part of our vocabulary.
From a gamer standpoint (and when you aren't one, it's hard to give a ... care), headsets are bound to offer better sound quality than most TV speakers. If nothing else, having dialog and directions beamed directly into the brain improves game play and reaction times. Or so I've been assured. (Okay, beamed may be my take on it.)
What I didn't think of, since we've never used a game system online, is that there is a lot of chatting involved in some of these games. Apparently, with a headset, one can literally talk with fellow players and team members. Interactivity on a major scale.
Not sure that's a great idea for us, though. It's one thing to tune out lilting music. Quite another to tune out the old man screaming "Move your sorry @$$, you fricking moron!" at 3:00 am.
Although I don't wear jewelry often, I've been looking at beading supplies with the idea of learning to make necklaces or earrings. But, like everything else these days, I got distracted - by square glass beads.
And round glass beads.
It's not that they're prettier than other types of beads, although they are pretty darned pretty. What grabbed my attention and curiousity was the idea of hand blown glass beads. I've seen glass blowers make vases, bowls, and other larger items; but beads? They're so small that 'blowing' just seems impossible.
[Continue Reading ...]
What I found is something called Lampwork, a method where artists heated their glass over oil lamps - hence, Lampworking. It dates back to ancient Syria, but became most popular in 14th Century Italy, specifically Murano. Those beautiful French paperweights, with colored decorations inside and out, are Lampwork.
The beads, since this is what grabbed my curiosity, start out as molten clear glass wound around a coated steel piece called a mandrel. (The coating allows the bead, once finished, to be easily removed.) A variety of shapers, molds, and picks are used to roll, smooth, add details, and bore holes.
Most of the tools, it seems, are made of graphite; although molds can be wood or brass, and shapers are often steel. Graphite is important because of its structure: it quickly grabs and holds heat, so it doesn't shock the glass and cause cracking.
I think I was most surprised by the fact that not all colors of glass are compatible. According to an article I've been reading, because of chemistry and something called Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (COE), mixing (in very simple terms) soft glass and hard glass leads to problems.
Adding metals - silver or gold - gives interesting colors, but takes extra steps. Building colors on top of colors, then 'lapping' the ends shows all of the colored layers. Absolutely fascinating stuff.
Here I was, just hours ago, thinking about getting into beading and now ooh, shiny! I'm wondering where I can learn how to make glass beads. Unlike glass blowing, bead-making wouldn't take a furnace and tons of room.
All I need is to hit the lottery - and I'm good to go.
I just love Reuter's Oddly Enough stories. Whether they make me
laugh out loud or just shake my head, they are always entertaining.
The fact that they're true only makes them that much more fun.
Perfect Pictures
Now, this is my kind of camera!
Don't have photo-altering software? Looking a little tired around the
eyes? No problem. The camera does it all, before you even download to
your computer.
Panasonic's LUMIX FX77 will not only whiten your teeth, remove those
pesky dark circles, and magnify your eyes - it will add makeup. Just a
little blush, lipstick, or eye shadow to fine-tune that 'candid' shot. [Continue Reading
...]
What Competitors?
Having trouble with other businesses stealing your customers? Take a
page from a
Philly pizzeria - leave a few mice in the competition's restroom.
Apparently the pizzeria owner, suffering an infestation of mice at
his own restaurant, felt he'd been contaminated by the competition
and set about settling the score. He's now up on charges for
planting little furry creatures at two other area businesses.
Unlawful Pratfall
Dating back to the 1800s, slipping
on a banana peel has been a staple of physical comedy. But, it's
always funny -- until someone gets hurt, as mothers having been
saying for generations.
And that's just what happened to a woman who is now suing a
California discount store. The 58-year-old slipped and fell last
April, allegedly suffering a herniated disk and tissue damage. Ya
gotta wonder, just how did a banana peel end up on that floor?
Note: Link to pattern for Crochet Flower Slippers has been corrected. (06/10/2011)
Being a new grandma (okay not so new, she'll be 10 months old in a few days), I'm always looking for cute patterns and ideas. Can't say I'm ever going to approve of UGG - anything - but this boot is really cute.
All I need is the form for the bottom, some yarn, and I can (hopefully) recreate this. Just trying to decide if it's easier to make the booties, then attach the bottom; or crochet the booties onto the form.
Frankly, for a little girl, I just love crocheting anything with flowers. And these booties are just too cute to not make. Over and over again - in so many different colors.
I can't imagine any little feet that they wouldn't be perfect on. All it takes is adjusting the base of the bootie to be a little longer - after all, those feet do grow up.
I love to read. I've, admittedly, been stuck in a rut for a good while
now; re-reading books that I've had for years. Finally, I had to break
down and get something new.
The drug store, across the street, carries the latest and greatest
paperbacks - well, at least the best selling latest. They also have a
section, in the back, with discount best selling hardbacks. My
favorite browsing spot.
Granted, the books aren't exactly hot off the presses; most are at
least 2 years old. But, it's not the newness that draws me to that
shelf of books. It's the price.
Chances of me having read any of these novels is slim; of knowing the
authors, not so slim. So, for $5.99 each (2 for $10.00) I can add to
my library and expand my horizons, as it were.
Currently, I'm visiting Cornwall, thanks to Elizabeth George and
"Careless in Red." Her writing style is much different than what I
usually read. Between the pacing and the British colloquialisms, it's
a refreshing change.
I may have to start collecting more of the Thomas Linley series.
When I started reading Harlequin novels, you couldn't get them online - there was no online. And you certainly couldn't get them as eBooks - same reason. Amazing how things change in three decades. {wink}
Frankly, in those days, the options were pretty limited: rather brief, boy-meets-girl romances, with or without steamy 'love' scenes. Over time, they branched out; created new lines. The stories got a little longer; the plots, a little more complex and varied.
[Continue Reading ...]
Over time, the offerings started to expand. The number of imprints grew, as well. Today, they include: Carina Press (Suspense, SciFi, Fantasy, & Paranormal Romance), Kimani Press (African-American Intrigue, Romance, Passion, and Suspense), LUNA (Fantasy), MIRA (Suspense, Contemporary, and Relationship novels) and Steeple Hill Women's Fiction (Inspirational Romance).
Some of my old favorites are gone, which is a little sad. But there are so many new areas to explore, I doubt I'll have time to miss them. And being able to find SciFi, Paranormal, and Fantasy romances is pretty exciting.
Back in the old days, you had to go to the store for your romance fix. Though, if memory serves, Harlequin (and Silhouette) did offer a subscription program where you could sign up to get the latest releases monthly by mail. It was, sometimes, a crapshoot; not all authors are created equal.
In 2011, life's a whole lot simpler. Can't sleep? Need something to read? No problem - download your favorite author to your favorite reader, from the comfort of your bed, without getting out of your PJs.
And, since I'm pretty much out of space, these eBooks may be just what I need.
Okay, I'd like to say - right upfront - that I have never played an Xbox anything. I have nothing against it and my guys are huge fans. I just don't do well at the kinds of games that Xbox offers.
Have to admit, though, this new Kinect has piqued my curiosity.
I figured it was like Wii: wave around a remote and look like a goof-ball. But Kinect doesn't need a controller; just your body, which you carry around with you anyway. A big thumbs up.
Heck, you don't even need a remote to watch movies or listen to music. Just say "Xbox" and let the fun begin.
You don't have to hop a plane or travel across the country. Our Grand Canyon Mugs, available at Zazzle.com, bring some of the beauty of Arizona straight to your home.
Grand Canyon Mug 001:
"Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal." ~~ George Will[Continue Reading ...]
Grand Canyon Mug 002:
"You cannot see the Grand Canyon in one view, as if it were a changeless spectacle from which a curtain might be lifted, but to see it you have to toil from month to month through its labyrinths." ~ John Wesley Powell
Grand Canyon Mug 003:
"The Grand Canyon is carven deep by the master hand; it is the gulf of silence, widened in the desert; it is all time inscribing the naked rock; it is the book of earth." ~ Donald Culross Peattie
Grand Canyon Mug 004:
"To stand upon the edge of this stupendous gorge, as it receives its earliest greeting from the god of day, is to enjoy in a moment compensation for long years of ordinary uneventful life." ~ John Stoddard, 1898
Grand Canyon Mug 005:
"The spectacle is so symmetrical, and so completely excludes the outside world and its accustomed standards, it is with difficulty one can acquire any notion of its immensity." ~ C A Higgins, 1886
Apparently, everything I do and find these days is going to be related to my dream bathroom. Case in point? Today, I found the most incredible glass mosaic tiles I have ever seen.
It didn't take much for me to imagine them covering the walls and base around the soaking tub. Of course, I'll have to rethink my dark magenta walls. But, I think I could live, very nicely, with something that falls between the dark and mid-range colors of these tiles.
In fact, if memory serves, it was just a few weeks ago that I fell madly in love with a copper sink that would be amazing with these colors. That sink was designed for the kitchen, so it might be a little large. Hmmm? I wonder.
Do you suppose there's a smaller version that would work, in duplicate, for the bathroom? How perfect would that be? Coppery glass tiles and twin copper sinks?
It occurred to me, as I was drooling all over my computer screen, that
surfing sites with gift baskets, brownies, and flavored popcorn is a
really bad idea when there aren't any sweets in the house.
Ultimate Brownie Bow Box
It all started with the brownies. That many colors, flavors, and
tempting combinations just can't be ignored. I mean seriously - who
could resist anything that combines toffee crunch and brownie in the
same recipe?
Of course, oatmeal and butterscotch is a combination that just begs
tasting, too.
Includes buttercream frosted hot fudge, classic vanilla fudge, toffee
crunch, classic fudge, blondie, and oatmeal scotchie brownies.
Then, before I could wipe my chin, I hit the mother lode. Biscotti
and espresso! And ... oooh, chocolate.
The pecans protect my nervous system, provide antioxidants, and
... oooh, chocolate. Sorry. Couldn't help myself. {wink}
Contains chocolate pecan clusters, Perugina chocolates,
chocolate-covered pretzels, Italian chocolate espresso cake,
chocolate biscotti chunks, orange chocolate cookies, and plenty
more.
'Hang in There' Basket
One of our favorite treats is popcorn, with a side of fudge.
Apparently, we're not the only ones who understand buttery salty
crunch and rich, decadent chocolate go together like dill pickles
and lemon meringue pie. What?
Okay, if you must stick with tradition - how about popcorn with
almonds and pecans, and chocolate chip cookies?
Reusable basket with Premium Popcorn Factory® Butter, Cheese and
Caramel corn, mini pretzels, chocolate chip cookies, Almond Pecan
corn, fruit sours candies, chocolate frog, and more.
Guess I have to face it. Living with a chocoholic for over nine
years has rubbed off on me. I have completely lost my self-control.
While I'm not, necessarily, ready to buy new living room lighting, I am always ready to shop - especially when it comes to
pendant lighting. There are so many styles that I can spend hours and hours just oohing and aahing over finishes, plating, and - best of all - amazing glass and colored canopies.
(Learned today that lamps have shades; pendant lights have canopies. Pretty cool, huh?)
I just can't decide if I like the frosted or ribbed glass better than, for example, the beautiful green. Or a gorgeous dark blue.
And then there's this really interesting marble look and a powdered copper color that just makes me sigh. Can't say that I really like the red and orange, just not my color faves. However, the satin brass is pretty darn ... pretty.
Oh, yes. I'm going to be at this for a long, long while.
Not that long ago, I added a toolbar at the bottom of my blog pages. It offered some interesting little options - recent posts, search - that I thought would be fun. Over time, it simply seems to be in the way and I started looking for new 'toys' to add in its place.
Search
The search (top right side) was easy enough to add and seems to work just fine. (It's funny how often I've searched my own blog, looking for what I might have written on various topics.) Please give it a try and let me know if you have any problems.
[Continue Reading ...]
Sharing
As for the sharing widget, locked on the lower left side, that took a little more digging. Apparently, if you don't use the proper term in the search engines, you don't get anything even approaching what you want. I was just about to give up, when I found this little goodie. The boxes are larger than I wanted, but (so far) I haven't quite figured out how to shrink them down. Any suggestions / advice would be most welcome.
'To the Top' Button
I think, however, that my favorite addition is one of the simplest.
Under the share widget is a smallish up-arrow. Clicking on the arrow will take you to the top of any page. Since I have been known to get just a little long-winded, it makes me happy that my readers are no longer stuck manually working their way to the beginning of my long pages and posts.
Opinions?
I'd love to know what you think - good or bad. Did you use the toolbar? Do you know how to shrink the widget share boxes?
One of the perks of being sick, if there is such a thing, is a chance to do something that you don't normally have or take the time to do. For me, it's been reading. New-to-me books that I hadn't made time for in over a year and favorites that I've already read 2 or 3, or more, times.
Luckily, all of my books are stuffed into the bottom of my nightstand. It didn't take much more than reaching down to swap a finished book for the next one. And when I got tired, I only had to close my eyes and take a nap.
Okay, the laying around, feeling like something on the bottom of a very dirty shoe lost its joy pretty quickly. But forgetting how badly I felt in the pages of a book - that's a constant joy. I even managed to discover a couple of new authors that I think I'll be spending more time with in the coming years.
I also learned that not all J. D. Robb titles are conducive to sweet dreams.
Maybe it's because we have slap-together, cheapest-materials-on-earth cabinets. Or maybe it's simply because they are absolutely gorgeous. But I have always had a serious soft spot for a bath vanity that looks like quality furniture.
It's so easy to imagine having this bathroom. Just out of site would be an amazing old clawfoot tub, painted a glossy magenta that would almost match the walls. I suppose I could allow a shower in one corner, if it were just right.
I'm thinking etched glass doors, mostly opaque, and creamy marble tiles with rose-colored veining would work perfectly. The shower heads and fixtures would have to have an antique look, similar to the faucet on the sink. Then it wouldn't, in any way, detract from the overall ambiance.
Oh, yes! I could live with this bathroom. Not a problem.
One of our newest shopping partners, Charm & Chain, reminds me why I love bracelets. Just look at this great cuff! Denim and suede ribbon, combined with rhinestones and gold chains. So much fun!
Makes me picture a complete outfit: my favorite jeans; a light, snowy white cotton sweater; suede half-boots; and a rhinestone-studded vest - with this cuff perched charmingly on my wrist. Oh, and a great hobo bag. And a chunky gold belt.
Hmmm, now that I think about it, I remember seeing some great denim-blue wedgies with gold accents on a previous window-shopping trip that would be absolutely perfect.
And it all started with a great cuff bracelet. Just never know where inspiration will strike.
These days, NORAD spends Christmas Eve tracking Santa. But this is only the latest offering for all of us who believe in the magic.
Trust me, back in my youth (many thousands of years ago), we turned on the radio every Christmas Eve to learn how close Santa was to us. Once he got within a time zone or two, we were rushed off to bed.
Because everyone knows that Santa won't come to your house, if you're awake. And no child would dare to risk getting passed by on such an important night. We scurried off, without complaint, every year.
So, on Christmas-Eve-Eve ... He knows if you've been bad or good. So, be good for goodness sake!
Here's an interesting idea from Google: Chrome
OS computing. Computers running on an operating system that
discourages downloading and operates almost exclusively through online
apps and programs.
The above review of a supremely stripped-down unit, available to a
limited number of testers through a pilot program, is intriguing. By
not maintaining software and programs on the computer, power-ups are
much quicker. Always great.
For us, that may not necessarily work. According to the article, a
good (quick) Internet connection is critical. You aren't going to be
able to access anything that isn't already open, if the connection is
lost.
We don't have that reliability. But the OS is an intriguing concept.
These Chocolate Crinkles are just incredible. The intense
chocolate of the cookie, offset by the sweet powdered sugar coating
makes for an unforgettable flavor. Once you've tried them, you'll make
them more and more often.
Well, unless you don't like chocolate.
I've heard that there are people like that. But, I'm certain that's
it's just one of those urban legends.
[Continue Reading ...]
Chocolate Crinkles
Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
sifted confectioners' sugar
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs, sugar,
chocolate, oil, baking powder, and vanilla until blended. Beat in as
much of the flour with the mixer as possible, then stir in the
remaining flour. Cover and chill the cookie dough for 2 hours.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sifted confectioners' sugar,
coating well. Place balls of cookie dough about 1 inch apart on
ungreased cookie sheets and bake in a 375° oven for 8 to 10 minutes,
until crackled in appearence. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to
cool. (Mom never added this step: Sprinkle with more
confectioners' sugar if desired.)
My daughter makes jewelry; she also paints. I don't know where she got
all this talent. But I'm pretty certain she would just love this Swarovski
butterfly.
It would be just lovely, hanging singly from a delicate chain.
However, I was also thinking that, surrounded by small crystal beads,
the look would be just incredible. Or perhaps an even more dramatic
combination.
What about small crystal beads and, slightly larger, crystal hearts
(or maybe stars) along the chain? At the center, hangs this beautiful
butterfly. It comes in so many colors - from silver or copper, to
aquamarine or jet - that the design possibilities are endless.
Maybe I'll have to try my hand at jewelry design. Not only are these
beads inspiring, the prices are almost too great to resist.
It appears that I'm in the mood for a new outfit. Preferably one that suits my lifestyle (extremely casual) and age (not a teenager). This beaded cardigan, knit top, and jeans that sit where they should is just perfect.
Even though I love some of the more youthful styles, I understand that women's apparel is going to be much more comfortable for me. Make me feel beautiful and take me anywhere I want to go.
Once in a while, you see someone with wardrobe courage or, if you prefer, daring. Somehow they manage to pull together an incredible look from pieces that, taken singly, don't seem to work. I love their style; occasionally, even envy it.
For me, with outfits like this one - I don't need to worry. It will always look great.
I have been reading about Carrie Fisher's one-woman show, "Wishful Drinking," for most of the last year - with serious regrets.
Regret that I live miles away. Regret that even if I were closer, I couldn't afford tickets. Regret that I will never get to see it.
Each review and interview made me sigh with ... you got it ... regret.
This weekend - I am thrilled to note - those regrets will vanish!
On Sunday, HBO is premiering "Wishful Drinking" as a full-length documentary. It combines film footage with the taping that was done in front of a live audience. I just couldn't ask for better.
And - happy happy, joy joy - I won't have to dig out my binoculars to see everything up close and personal.
We are admitted phone junkies. Mark more than me, but you would not believe the phones we have put away for a rainy day. And, honestly, it has been our salvation on more than one occasion.
So, when I saw this HTC Desire 2.2, it was not surprising that I did more than a little oohing and aahing. You've got to admit it's a pretty cool looking phone.
Unfortunately, it's got one of those keyboards that I've never managed to master.
This one does seem, in the picture, to be bigger than the keyboard on the BlackBerry we had for about 5 minutes. I don't know what it is about those itty bitty keys, but I just cannot manage to hit the ones I want. Very frustrating for a touch-typist.
There are few things that take me back to my childhood like Christmas
cookies. My mother - the queen of all holiday sweets - had a box full
of recipes. And, each year, she made a few dozen of almost all of them.
Thanks to her incredible skills and love of sharing, the stacks of
carefully packed containers, filled with amazing goodies, grew -
weekend by weekend - to fill every available space along an entire
wall of our garage. Colorado winters and no insulation kept everything
frosty. (Colorado summers and no insulation were a whole different ...
joy.)
The picture of the cookie plate reminded me, so much, of years gone
by. (I swear I've eaten many of those cookies over the years.) It also
inspired me to search for some of my mom's recipes, which I (sadly) no
longer have.
There were Swedish Thumbprints, Chocolate Crinkles, Russian
Balls and a bar cookie - whose name I have long forgotten - that
had melted chocolate bars and ground walnuts on top. Look! Just a bit
left of center, at the bottom of the picture. That has to be the same
cookie!
Her sugar cookies were the best on the planet - I don't care what you
say. Or what you've ever eaten - unless you are willing to post your
evidence. The no-bake cookies - with chow mein noodles, chocolate,
peanut butter, and mixed nuts were a later addition to her repertoire.
Picture me sitting here, with my eyes closed, trying to remember the
contents of every single box that ever did time in our one-car
freezer. Oooh, the divinity! Basically whipped, sugared egg whites
with colors and nuts. Does anyone remember what it is? Does anyone
still make it?
I'm not a huge chocolate fan, unless it's wrapped (thinly) around
vanilla ice cream. Then, there's fudge ... very specific fudge. The
recipe originated on the Hershey's Cocoa label. Might still be. I just
have never created anything but sludge from it, so I stopped checking.
My mother could turn this list of ingredients into something
resembling ... ambrosia? heaven? must-have? great eats? She isn't the
only one (thank you, Mark) who has mastered this recipe. But Mom's
fudge was just one more reason that I spent a great deal of time in
the garage, after Thanksgiving.
But, back to the cookies that I miss, so much (I love you, Mom):
With huge thanks to Life
Needs Art for the picture - one of my favorite recipes:
Nutmeg Log Cookies
Preheat oven to 350 deg.
Cookie
1 cup butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla 2 tsp rum flavoring 3/4
cup sugar 1 egg 3 c sifted flour 1 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt
Cream butter, vanilla, rum flavoring. Beat in the sugar and then mix
in the egg. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, nutmeg, and salt. Mix
with the butter/sugar.
Shape dough into logs about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 2 inch
pieces.
Bake on greased cookie sheet for about 12 minutes, until the cookies
are lightly golden on the bottom. Let cool on wire rack.
Frosting
1/3 cup butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla 2 tsp rum flavoring 2
cups confectioners sugar 2 Tbsp milk
Blend butter, vanilla, rum flavoring together (I used my stand mixer).
Then add the sugar and milk. The frosting is fairly stiff, so I added
just a few drops more milk to make it a little softer. It should not
be runny. It needs some texture.
Frost the cookies, making grooves in the frosting using the tines of a
fork so that they resemble logs. Sprinkle with powdered nutmeg while
the frosting is still moist.
I love t-shirts. Since moving to Arizona and becoming a stay-at-home
caregiver, I rarely get all dressed up. (Don't miss pantyhose, at
all.) T-shirts and tank tops are my wardrobe staples.
Which probably explains why I love Zazzle. It's more than creating
designs. I can take any idea (like this angel-wings -->) and put it on
whatever style suits my needs - or my mood.
For warm weather, there are tanks and spaghetti straps and sleeveless
versions. Come fall, I can opt for long sleeves or hoodies. [Continue Reading
...]
Beyond that, there are fitted styles that are great layered under a
jacket or button-down and looser cuts that are perfect for hiding my
indulgence in pumpkin pie (and Mark's fudge). Heck, I can even create
something special for my granddaughter. They have the cutest onesies
and baby t-shirts.
The possibilities are endless ... and a tad addicting. Every great
quote seems to lend itself to another shirt -- or four or five. And
fun pictures just beg to be immortalized.
Why not zip
on over and see what we've been up to?
I've never been big on designer products. Not because they aren't
great - I'm sure they are. It just never really mattered to me what
'name' was on my bag or my jeans or those great sandals.
Honestly? I think I could be persuaded, after having a look at some Gucci
items. This bag, for example? Just love it! And who knew they offer
clothing and shoes?
Granted they are just a tad outside my price range and comfort level,
but there are a lot of goodies out there. Maybe ... someday.
With an emphasis on "Ohh, yummy!" - Eilenberger Bakery is a great place to start. It's hard to go wrong with a company that has been doing this since 1898. (I'm hiding this page from Mark, who is a died-in-the-wool chocolate and fruitcake junkie.)
And homemade goodies that don't involve destruction of my itty-bitty kitchen? Marvelous!
Okay, I'm a citrus junkie! I confess! Lemons and limes, oranges and grapefruits! Ohh, and tangerines and tangelos! The tart and sweet "Ohh, yummy!" in my life.
The average store sells fruit that was harvested long before it was ripe, in order to (hopefully) have it appear ripe when it hits that store. Wouldn't you love better?!
We're heading into the biggest travel time of the year - Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It's stressful enough, battling crowds and dealing with airport security; why pay more than you have to? The earlier you book, the better. But many great last minute deals are available, too.
Check out the possibilities and take a little of the angst out of your holidays.
With everything more expensive today than it was yesterday, knowing where to turn and what to do can be daunting.
May I suggest turning down the heat and turning up the warmth - with a cozy, comfy, one-of-a-kind Afghan? When going out is too expensive, why not cuddle up on the couch and pop in your favorite DVD? A big bowl of popcorn and you're all set.
Don't wait for Christmas - order now. Remember 15% of every Afghan order goes to help Rachel Hunnicutt-Knight. What better gift to give this year?
Okay - we are ready. The candy is purchased. The decorations are up. Now, all we need are little munchkins in adorable costumes, hoping that their favorite treats are waiting on the other side of our front door.
It takes me back to when my two spent weeks deciding what they wanted to be for Halloween. Then, on The Day , it was all we could do to get dinner in them before they were rushing the door, desperate to begin their manic trip into the wild, wonderful world of the sugar buzz.
I haven't had a trick-or-treater at my door since 1986. Well, with the exception of our manager who brought her daughter over in 2003. Living in apartment complexes seems to mean that you don't get to know your neighbors and you don't let your kids knock on any of their doors.
It's really sad. And, undoubtedly, we'll not see any little ghosts or goblins or princesses this year, either. Which means - like it or not - we're going to be eating a lot of candy over the next few weeks.
I have to wonder. Can a colon cleanse clear that five pounds of candy corn and caramel candies that are going to be clogging my digestive system? And just how much bubble gum can you chew before your jaws seize up and your teeth fall out?
Naturally, it's not like I discovered the cure for cancer. But, hey! I'm having a blast. Partially, I'm sure, because I actually have a computer with enough 'oomph' to stream movies and TV episodes.
Hulu.com is so much fun. I recently revisited one of my favorite shows from the 90s: Sliders. The joy of television is that almost every show is on - somewhere - at any given time. Unfortunately, I can't say that about 'Sliders'.
I honestly can't remember, after the first run, if 'The Dresden Files' got much airtime anywhere. It was a short-lived series, but I really liked it. Just like 'Valentine' and 'Legend of the Seeker' and 'Ghost Whisperer' and ... hmmmm? Wonder if I'm a jinx; I find a show and it gets cancelled.
On my must-watch-list is the original 'Lost In Space' series from the 60s. Not to mention, the old movies that I haven't seen in 10 years are just waiting for a free afternoon. And the shows I never knew were around, like 'Lexx' - or completely forgot about, like 'Cleopatra 2525'.
I see a lot of Hulu in my future. And I haven't even gotten out of science fiction, yet. Any personal favorites? Suggestions?
I have seen the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, several times, and
loved everything about them. Thinking of the (hopefully) upcoming
"Hobbit" movies, I couldn't imagine who would be cast as the young
Bilbo Baggins. Well, today I found out and I'm still trying to wrap
my brain around it.
Don't get me wrong. I loved Martin Freeman in "Hitchhiker's Guide to
the Galaxy". Frequently confused and in way over his head, he was
the Arthur Dent I imagined when reading the books. But, Bilbo?
It's possible that I'm stuck in the casting from "LotR" and it's
time to reacquaint myself with the characters and adventures that
started it all.
Years ago, I had a couple of roles on a public access soap opera and
a game show. I learned, first-hand, that what you see on the screen
often isn't even close to what the cast and crew see. In fact, the
differences are amazing.
Knowing what (little) I know, a behind-the-scenes tour of one of my
favorite shows was great. You know? See how the pros do it? But,
it's incredibly sad to see everything covered up, never to be used
again.
Got a little misty. Not surprising, since nearly every episode did
the same thing to me.
The air is getting cooler; leaves are starting to turn. Before long, it will be time to curl up with a good book, or a great movie, snug and warm while the snow falls softly outside.
Cozy and comfy come in many forms. The best don't involve turning up the heat - and the heating bills - to keep from freezing off body parts.
This double-thick, super-quick Afghan is just what those frosty toes will be begging for before you know it.
Don't wait until snow's on the ground and temps are freezing. Beat the holiday rush! Pick the perfect size, two great colors, and order today.
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Halloween comes but once a year! Don't miss these Scary good deals!
October is "National Popcorn Month" and no one does Popcorn better than The Popcorn Factory!
Get expert party tips, recipes, and the greatest Halloween goodies! All treats - No tricks!
The most difficult thing about living in Arizona is the heat - which means there are maybe 5 minutes in any given year where you can wear a sweater. I love sweaters; I own a lot of sweaters. I can't remember the last time I actually wore one.
Still, it's hard to give up the idea of cozy, comfy cashmere sweaters, especially around the holidays. One Christmas a friend gave me the most beautiful, hand-beaded sweater, unlike anything I had ever seen. And, although I really don't like pink, one of my all-time favorites was a gorgeous, long sweater my mother gave me that I wore until it almost literally fell apart.
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I don't know why, but it's easier to get someone a sweater that fits well. Trying to buy either of my guys a long-sleeve shirt is a nightmare. Every sweater fits like a dream.
Don't tell - but I know what I'll be putting under the tree this year. Now I just need that 5 minutes of cool weather.
As much as we've organized, minimized, and stashed recently, there's still some 'stuff' that didn't get a new home. It's not like I'm tripping over them or constantly moving them around. But, they're ... there, in the corner. Which bugs me.
It occurred to me that a folding screen might be the solution. Although, what kind? I'm just not sure. A typical Oriental-style screen or something shaped more like fireplace screens?
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Three or four same-size panels would probably stand up better on carpet; less chance of randomly falling over. But I also like the idea of a longer, unbroken span across the area. Ah, me.
The whole point of the rearranging was to give the room a ... roomier feel. If I stick a 6-foot-tall tri-fold screen across one corner, isn't that going to make it seem crowded again? I suppose if I kept it light in color and texture. And zig-zagged it between the back edge of the TV and the side of the desk, without pulling it out into the room, it could work.
Maybe something not quite as tall, so that it still gives the feeling of space over the top and into the far corner? One of the things that makes the area seem more roomy is the uninterrupted span of carpeting. With a screen, it would visually break up the space and, correct me if I'm wrong, cramp it up again.
Hmmm. Looks like I need to give it a little more thought. Any ideas out there? Well, other than "learn to live with it" ?
I started using them when Mark was first home from the hospital, but still very sick. No matter where I went - grocery shopping, quick trip to the corner store - there was no worry that I wouldn't hear a call or that I couldn't answer because I driving. Great peace of mind, when you live with someone who has a chronic illness.
However, like most things, we're a little tough on our headsets. If we don't lose them - or parts of them - we tend to use them to death. Hence, we are looking to replace at least one, if not both of our units - again.
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Mark's favorite style has an ear bud, with soft foam covers, that frequently fall off and disappear. The mechanism (and I use the term loosely) that holds everything together is a tiny elastic band. Once that breaks, the earpiece will not stay on. Despite regularly losing parts, Mark likes the style because it doesn't reach too far into the ear.
For that same reason, plus the falling apart business, I really don't like that model. With my iffy hearing, I have to have something that practically attaches itself to the hearing center of my brain. Not to mention, since I wear glasses about 95% of the time, any part that hooks over my ear must be extremely thin. Otherwise, it falls off or pushes my glasses into the side of my head or cocks the frames to the point that I can't see properly. Serious pain in the ... {ahem} ... ear.
Since we're forced to do our shopping online, we run the risk of getting something that just doesn't work and returns are a serious - often expensive - inconvenience. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not going to lie to you. I have absolutely no idea how I stumbled across this site - one of the joys of the Internet! Click here; go there ... ooooh, shiny! And you're off to the next cool thing you didn't know was out there.
Either way, if you're creative and crafty and looking for ideas? Check out A Pretty Cool Life - it's a lot of fun and will get you in the mood for making and doing. I know it worked for me!
I'm thinking, since my granddaughter's nursery is animal/zoo themed, that there are about a hundred ways to do little animals to hang in her window. Not to mention, the holidays that lend themselves to this easy idea. How many ideas does this inspire?! Tons!
Now I just need crayons, wax paper, and thread. And where did I put that iron?
For years, I have tried to get in the habit of shopping early for the holidays. You know, buying a little here and a little there, as great bargains are available. Then, come December, there's no pressure, no last minute panic and rushing around; just wrapping and sneaking packages under the tree.
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Not to mention, it is much easier (for me, anyway) to spread the cost out over several weeks. And I don't spend more than I should, because I'm not paying full price when I could have taken advantage of terrific sales - like this one at Hanna Andersson. With Sweaters and Dresses at $25.00 until October 24th, there is no doubt that shopping early and shopping often means I can actually get more (or do better) with my budget.
I know that I would much rather be baking cookies and hanging ornaments in the week or so before Christmas, instead of chasing my tail, fighting the crowds, and hoping that I can still find the right item in the right size. In our case, we don't have a lot of local family. What we buy has to be shipped, meaning the earlier we get done, the greater our chances of helping everyone's Christmas run smoothly.
Plus, seriously, how can you resist these adorable - organic cotton! - long johns? Unless you live in the Southwest, in just a few weeks, the weather is going to be getting colder and colder. Kids waiting for the bus in the morning will appreciate being warm and cozy.
Years ago, I wore long johns or leg warmers under my longer skirts during the frosty Michigan winters. While running from the car to the office or cleaning the ice and snow off the car to go to work in the morning, I pulled the legs down to my shivering ankles. At the office, I tucked them back up and went about my business. Saved my skinny little legs on many days, I promise.
Wouldn't you love to see the kids (and grandkids) in these adorable Sweaters, Dresses, and cozy Long Johns? And, while you're at it, why not add a Banded Afghan in coordinating colors?
We've been talking about moving out of Arizona, for a number of reasons; many of them political. But, by and large, we just miss having four seasons. Well, and scenery that doesn't involve cactus.
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I looked at Carolina Designs' Outer Banks vacation rentals last month and pretty much fell in love with the area. It's near the water, has four seasons, and is cactus/scorpion free. Renting a home would give us a chance to spend time with our kids, while exploring more permanent living options.
Five bedrooms and three floors means that the whole family could fit, with privacy and room to spare. Just a perfect vacation option. Every couple has a room, most with their own bath; sharing common areas or enjoying private time as each prefers.
With the holidays approaching, the upper level of the Seahawk made me think of planning an old-fashioned Christmas get-together. I can imagine a tall tree covered in twinkling lights and glittering ornaments. The smell of pine boughs and popcorn popping; a crackling fire and carols playing softly in the background.
After all these years, the idea of sharing the holidays with family brings a smile to my heart.
Of all the things I imagined myself doing today, tearing apart a desk and remaking it was not at the top of the list. Heck, it wasn't anywhere on the list. But, it certainly turned out to be a lot of fun.
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Mark got some new tools a few months ago, but living in an apartment there aren't many opportunities to use them. Combine that with the fact that our computer desk is simply too large for the room and you can see how this got started. A need for more space, mixed with new toys, became a reconstructed desk.
It was actually pretty easy. We took the center section out, cut it down - dramatically - and put it back together again. In the process, I got to -- for the first time in my life -- use a circular saw and made one heck of a mess in the kitchen.
For those who use power tools all the time, this probably sounds silly. But for me, it was a blast! I danced all over the living room singing "I cuut woood! I cuut woood!"
Being new at this woodcutting / power saw business, I can't say that every cut was perfect. Which meant I got to play with the power sander, too. Lots of noise and even more dust! Wheee!!
Of course, now I've got lots of cleaning up to do and that turns out to be not nearly as much fun.
A few years back I stumbled across a new television show on CBS called The Big Bang Theory and ever since that time I anxiously await each Monday night to watch all of the new episodes. I am so enthralled with the sitcom, that I even watch the reruns.
One of the reasons why I believe I am drawn to the show is because of its characters and often crazy story lines. The on-again, off-again romance between Leonard, an experimental physicist, and Penny, a waitress/hopeful actress, is the center of the show. Add in the character of Sheldon, Leonard's roommate and a theoretical physicist, and there are plenty of laughs as he constantly gets in the way of Leonard and Penny's relationship with his patented door knocking. From his inability to sit anywhere in the apartment except for his seat on the couch, to the crazy rules that dictate his life, Sheldon always provides plenty of laughs. The other two main characters on the show, Howard and Rajesh, are the core group of Sheldon and Leonard's friends. The foursome plan out all of their days together and cause each other plenty of trouble in each episode.
I love to watch The Big Bang Theory on Direct TV Houston, because it s a great way to relax with my husband and enjoy a good laugh together.
Due to supreme disinterest in the Thursday offerings on our favorite science-fiction network, we were channel surfing tonight and stumbled upon 'Fringe'. Fascinated by the opening, we sat through the episode and I must admit it was definitely interesting. But now I'm thoroughly confused.
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Would anyone who watches faithfully, or even regularly, care to clue me in? Is the woman (Olivia?) that broke out of the facility on Liberty Island a good guy, or a bad guy? Is she from an alternate reality? What happened to her alternate?
I know that Peter died in one reality and his 'father' kidnapped him from the other reality. Is he in the right reality or the wrong reality? Where does Olivia figure into all of this?
And about 10,000 other questions. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
It's not intentional and it certainly isn't personal. I'm just horribly bad about sending thank-you cards / notes. Always have been. There may be hope, however.
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Imagine what new parents, or newlyweds, go through. Dozens (or more) gifts equals dozens (or more) thank-you notes. With everything else on their plate, now they have to sit down and scribble over and over on boring little cards. Yecch.
But ... put cute pictures of the baby - or great shots from the honeymoon trip - into a collage on the front of a thank-you card and voila! Now it's fun getting those notes out; sharing with friends and family. Even I wouldn't mind sending thank-you's like these.
If I could just find that pen ... and the stamps ... and my address book ...
Orson Welles is my favorite narrator. Long have I admired his velveteen voice as he delivers wonderful monologues on various alien perils and the dangers of capitalism. Yet his crowning role was not in a film, a television show, or a jabbering anecdote on an old time radio show. His greatest achievement was his narration of my favorite mini series of all time, Shogun.
Like many occidental men who have long since admired the east, Shogun is a fictional account of a deep seeded desire. To the west Japan is a world that is as exotic as the blooming cherry blossom, and as honorable as the warrior samurai. We bask in the mythology of Japan, the idea of sword duels and zen gardens and tentacle cartoon porn. Back then, before the days of the internet, these opportunities were few. This is why Shogun was such a seminal piece of television. Through the eyes of lead actor Richard Chamberlain, it brought about a whole new fetish into the cognitive perception of modern society. Shogun was Madame Butterfly and Akira Kurosawa wrapped into a single warm futon. Shogun was about breaking the boundaries of sexuality in dialogue. Shogun even introduced the word "piss" into the television lexicon. It was nothing short of groundbreaking.
Like all classic mini series, Shogun can be seen on vintage networks available on satellite TV Florida.
Well, the new laptop is here! I have been (mentally) running around like a crazy person trying to get software reloaded, files put back, and deal with a learning curve from XP to Windows7. I feel stupid, oh so stupid![Continue Reading ...]
It's not that the new operating system is complex; just, well, new. And the Acer Aspire does have some pretty incredible bells and whistles. Probably more than I need and, definitely, more than I know how to use. The keyboard, however, is driving me cuckoo.
You see, it has a 10-key on the right side. Which, while one of the reasons I ordered this model, is presenting me with whole new levels of frustration. Because of the built-in keypad, everything else is shifted, not so slightly, to the left.
I, being a creature of habit who is hardwired into but-this-is-how-I-always-{fill in any activity}, continue to position my hands and my brain squarely in the middle of the keyboard. (A friend of ours, who just happens to be a physician, just happened to mention OCD the other day. Just ... casually, you know; in passing. Can't imagine why.)
So, I'm relearning how to type, keep forgetting I have a keypad, and really have to get busy. Somehow, having a laptop with better memory and graphics just makes me want to play all the games that wouldn't run on the ThinkPad.
One of the things we love most about being an affiliate is finding great new products to share with our visitors. The other is picking and choosing - carefully - with whom we get involved. We didn't start out by trying to find the highest paying affiliate program on the Internet.
. . .
Of course, every affiliate, and every marketing company, wants to make money. Otherwise, why join a network or program. Admittedly, we do write about all manner of products - affiliated or not. If we like them, we tend to tell everyone about them.
I'm not certain I could commit to offering items on our site or blog that were of questionable value. For example, we are often contacted by online-gambling sites that want to place ads on JMark Afghans. That will just never happen. We don't believe in supporting potentially addicting / personally damaging products.
There are plenty of places on the Internet that will sell anything for a buck. We like to think we do a little better than that. Hope you do, too.
We've all heard stories about what chefs do to our food. Especially, if you send an order back. Unless you've worked in a restaurant, the 25 Things Chefs Never Tell You may surprise you.
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Those stories aren't, necessarily, true. I've personally seen things happen, but that was a young cook at a chain steakhouse. Most chefs interviewed for the article say they haven't seen or done anything untoward to a diner's meal. (Loved the story about the dishwasher, though!)
Number one chef pet peeve? Customers who request substitutions - you know: no butter; beans, rather than asparagus; that sort of thing. Does that mean chefs clean their plates? Not so much.
I have to admit, I'm with them on some of their ewww-I-don't-want-any choices: liver, oysters, and sea urchin. But, personally, I like eggplant. One hopes that the cooks who hate liver or tofu don't have it on their menus.
How, after all, can you properly prepare something that you hate to eat?
Over the years, JMark Afghans has partnered with many different companies, to bring our customers a variety of items which we feel complement our products. Or are just plain fun.
Sometimes, prospective partners contact us; other times, we approach them. Lately, we are proud to say, several wonderful affiliates have found us - including our newest Partner-In-Shopping.
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I have been a fan of Precious Moments almost as long as they've been around. Those little faces just touch my heart. Happily, JMark Afghans, etc. has been invited to share our love of these adorable creations with our readers.
Back when I was just out of high school, a series of greeting cards with the sweetest teardrop-eyed faces I had ever seen appeared in stores. Before long, Enesco began offering sculptures based on the cards. They sold out faster than the stores could stock them.
Elephant Plush
For those who, like me, love the figurines - you may be as surprised as I was by the range of Precious Moments items these days. As a stuffed critter junkie, I naturally gravitate toward the plush animals. More than just kittens and puppies (though they're adorable, too), the elephant, lion, and monkey just beg to come home with you.
Or at least, that's what they say to me! Frankly, I think the bears and frogs (don't ask!) need some company. (Oh, honeeeeey! I know what I want for my birthdaaaay!)
Delivering Smiles
Having never thought about it, I found it interesting to watch how Precious Moments are made. From drawing to figurine, there are a lot of very talented people involved. Most impressive to me? Turning a 2-dimensional drawing into a 3-dimensional sculpture. (How do they know what's on the other side of the page?)
Of course, I also love the gentle colors and matte finish. And just wait until you see the little glow-in-the-dark stars. No matter what the occasion, there is a beautiful way to celebrate your Precious Moments.
Over the years, we have spent a great deal of time at the hospital. (Luckily, not so much lately.) In that time, I have fallen in love with the scrubs that the nurses wear. They look cool and comfortable - just what I need.
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For lounging in front of the laptop. Or even a run to the store for soda and smokes. Seriously!
I see students from the local nursing program at the corner store all the time. If they can wear that medical scrub top (and comfy pants) out and about - so can I. In this incredible summer heat, scrubs have to be more comfortable than even my jean shorts.
Don't get me wrong, I'd never throw on a lab coat or try to create a "doctor uniform." Although, if you haven't checked out the styles lately, you might be surprised at just how non-medical many lab coats look. I actually could see myself throwing one, just a simple white jacket, over a tank top and jeans for a lunch date or trip to the grocery store.
What I didn't expect to find was scrubs for kids. These are seriously cute and incredibly practical. With their easy-on tops and elastic-waist pants, how great they must be for busy parents.
For adults or kids, I imagine part of the attraction - beyond comfort - is that they wash and dry like a dream. Who needs to stand over an ironing board for hours every week? I own an iron, but that doesn't mean I routinely buy clothes that will ever get to meet it.
I had the greatest dream the other night about a big house and all of our kids visiting. Naturally, we don't have that kind of house. But, Carolina Designs does. I know, because I ran across it today.
It's not that I was actively looking for the perfect vacation home or even, necessarily, Outer Banks rentals. After all, we tend to stick a little closer to home. But, it's hard to deny
. . .
First - (dishwasher) no cactus; a very good start. Then - no desert; no matter where you stay, you're never far from water. And, for pity sakes! just look at this gorgeous house!
I'll admit that I fell for the (dishwasher) appearance - who could resist all that wood and space? Then, I started to do a head-count. There's Mark and me, my 2 kids and their spouses, Mark's 2 sons and SOs - 10 of us total. Hmmm?
A couple of people spending a couple of days away from home is easy to coordinate. But when you're dealing with 10 people, from 3 states, in 1 house, for 7 days -- there are options and then - (dishwasher) there are gotta-haves.
Sleeping arrangements can kill the whole thing before anyone even packs a shoe.
Seahawk-1st Floor
With five bedrooms, between the ground and first floors, Seahawk has it covered. No fold-out, fold-up sleeping issues. Privacy - and (dishwasher) a bed - for all! Even the best of families need their space and blended families need a lot of space.
Oh, just so everyone is perfectly clear: Mark and I get the first floor King! Everyone else? Deal! {wink}
Four full and one half means no bathroom lines. Again - 10 people, 1 house, 7 days - the ability to shower (and pee) on demand is one of those gotta-haves. According to the floor-plans, the Kings are suites and the (dishwasher) other bathrooms are strategically located.
Lest we forget, children: Mark and me ... first floor King ... everyone else ... dealing! Ah, it's good to be da parents !
Seahawk-2nd Floor
Then, we have the kitchen (second floor) and laundry room (ground floor). Frankly, I cannot imagine spending 7 days with 9 other people without a (dishwasher) way to cook meals and wash clothes. Sure, eating out is fun; but not every day and definitely not every meal.
I need to be able to get up, make coffee, and ease slowly into the day. Happily, Seahawk has a coffeemaker and a dishwasher (Ahhhh, yes!) that isn't moi - so I'm good! I'm really, Really good!
Much as I love my guys, there also must be (dishwasher) multiple options for clean clothes! Directly related to the, above-mentioned, showering-on-demand.
With this electronically-connected crew, 10 (yup - 10) TVs, multiple VCRs and DVD players, a video library, and high-speed Internet access are life-savers. No battles over viewing options and checking email - ahhhh, (dishwasher) peace! Of course, having a pool and grill right outside might just entice the gamers into the real world.
Being a mere 635 yards from the beach is, for me, just icing on the (dishwasher) cake. By my calculations, with 8 blocks = 1 mile in my neighborhood, that's about 3 blocks away. Even Mark could manage that walk!
All that space. Near the water. Mornings on the second floor deck with (dishwasher) coffee and a view that isn't the next apartment building. {sigh}
There is, sadly, one really big problem with this lovely house. (Oh, not for me -- for the owners.) It will certainly take dynamite - or an act of Congress - to ever get me out!
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Please take a minute to visit our newest Partners-In-Shopping. We think you'll love what they have to offer, as much as we do.
Well, it's official. Being nearly blind is, in fact, expensive. Very
expensive. [Continue Reading ...]
I had convinced myself that, due to advancing age, my vision had
changed for the better. Seriously! I didn't have to hold my reading
material against my nose to see it anymore and, even from across the
room, I could almost make out faces on the TV. Better, right?!
Well, not so much. The best you could say is -- differently bad. In
fact, when I asked the eye doctor about the contacts I've been dying
to order he explained, "There wouldn't even be a 30-day lens, in the
world, for that left eye." Darned astigmatism!
But, looking on the bright side, I did get a pair of lined bifocals
(which everyone is worried I'm going to hate), 6 boxes of contact
lenses - per eye, and three years worth of eye exams (including 10%
off all purchases) for less than the glasses that are currently
falling off my face. I think I love America's Best!
When the new school year is on the horizon that is when I know that the dreaded school clothes shopping trips are drawing near. I love my children, but dragging them through store after store to try on different clothes is no walk in the park. Thankfully, because of the miracle of technology, I can now do the shopping that myself, and my children have grown to hate, at home!
All I have to do is fire up my HughesNet internet, and all my favorite stores are just a click away. I find oldnavy.com is one of my favorite places to land the great bargains I need, and the styles that my children are excited to wear.
When I am looking for shoes, my first stop is shoesontheweb.com. They offer a HUGE selection and great discounts on the most popular name brands. They also offer free shipping and reviews of all of the shoes on their site so I can make an informed decision before I buy. Jcpenney.com is also one of my favorites. Their sizing guides make getting the right items easy, and they offer super bargains on clothes and great deals on free shipping.
So fellow moms unite! Let us say goodbye to in store shopping and embrace our inner cyber shopper!
It used to be that, in order to have a doorbell, you had to live in (and own) a house. No more! Now, everyone can have door chimes or even a song to greet visitors.
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In the olden days of my youth, doorbells were hard-wired into the house's electrical system. Something you couldn't do or have done to a rental unit. Well, unless you had a really nice landlord and wanted to leave your chimes when you moved. Not a good solution.
Today, battery-powered units offer more than 10 different tunes, play different sounds or songs for each door, and have sound quality so good you can actually recognize the song. There are even options to add receivers in other rooms. After all, a doorbell isn't much good if you don't hear it.
I knew that Baccarat made jewelry, lighting, crystal objects, glassware, dishes (okay, calling them dishes is a bit of an understatement). Although I don't understand it, I know of Baccarat - the card game. But Baccarat cigars?
. . .
Granted, I'm not a cigar smoker. But it is a little embarrassing to realize that these Honduran, hand-rolled cigars have been around since 1871. Milder than some brands, they have what's called a sweetened wrapper cap.
Unless I miss my guess, that means flavor. And probably a much better smoke than the little grape things that Frankie used to buy.
I can't help it - I am a sucker for mugs. Coffee mugs, travel mugs, promotional mugs, tall mugs, fat mugs, skinny mugs - just love 'em. The more unusual and creative, the more I have to have them. I've even purchased dinnerware sets because the cups were unique. But, they aren't mugs.
. . .
Mugs are sturdy, solid, reliable, and big. Trust me - I've done the research. Way back when, I actually had an entire kitchen cabinet dedicated to my addiction. (In those days, it was an affordable habit.) Everyone knew I collected, so any holiday was an occasion to find the silliest or sweetest (thank you, girlfriends!) sentiments on the market.
My favorite mug, hands down, was from the long-distance company where I worked. What made it special was the handle - shaped like a little blue telephone handset. The cutest thing I've seen - or owned - before or since.
(It was not, however, good for reheating! Something in the paint on that adorable handle made molten ceramic when combined with microwaves.)
These days, our mugs are great big, wonderful dollar-store finds - big, round, clear, with concave circles all around so these big, heavy coffee urns don't slip out of your hands. Did I mention they are big?! We have a 12-cup coffeemaker and filling 2 of these mugs puts a serious dent in the contents of the pot. Love it!
The cute little cups that came with my new dishes? They're in a drawer ... somewhere.
Last Christmas, I got a surprise bonus and decided that it was time for new footwear. I do most of the running for the house, so I keep a pair of easy-on-easy-off shoes by the front door. My faithful sandals had split, been glued, split again, and kept my feet sopping wet whenever it rained. They had to go. Sadly, their replacements were horrible.
. . .
Counting on the name to mean quality and wearability, I bought the cutest little slip-ons. If memory serves I mentioned that, from the first time I wore them, they rubbed my heels and made them bleed. Even with socks! So, like it or not - cuz the ole tennies are just not cuttin' it for quick on and off - I need new shoes. Again.
I've been looking at, among other options, MBT shoes and am seriously fascinated. They call themselves "the anti-shoe" and offer a unique (well, I've never seen it before) curved sole that is supposed to be like walking barefoot in sand. More natural and healthy for the body.
Although the 'learn to walk a new way to keep from falling over' comment left this klutz a tad apprehensive.
Several years ago, in one of his buying moods (See? It's the whole house; not just me!), Mark bought a pair of binoculars. The kind with the camera, so we could travel the state and take great pictures. Well, that didn't work out too well, so I've been thinking about replacing them - as a little surprise. May not be as easy as I imagined.
. . .
I learned - very quickly - that there are a lot of options when it comes to binoculars. A whole big bunch of options! Depending on what you want to pay, what you want to use them for, and whether you need a camera, wide-angle viewing, or are visiting the opera.
Since what we have has a camera and my mind was spinning with available choices, I decided to start there. And was lucky enough to find something well within my price range. Unfortunately, I started thinking about all those other options and that, although Mark had picked the camera binoculars then, he might prefer something else now.
It just never pays to think and shop. Now, I'm back to square one and have absolutely no idea what to get. {sigh}
We go through this every so often - gotta get a bigger apartment.
Sometimes it's because we've tripped over a pile of stuff, stubbed a
toe, or started feeling like a hoarder. Other times, it's because we'd
like to get new furniture that just wouldn't fit in our limited space.
Naturally, this need-more-stuff thought process leads me to online
shopping. Today, I decided to see what I could come up with in the way
of modern
couches. I have to say, I'm not sure that modern is exactly my
style. The straight lines and square designs don't really 'speak' to me.
And some of the free-form options just make me scratch my head.
Although, there was a sectional with a chaise that looked awfully,
awfully no-I-will-not-get-up-now-or-ever comfortable. So, perhaps I'd
best keep an open mind.
Unable to sleep, I was catching up on the news on my phone. I was also trying to be still and quiet so that Mark could sleep. This wasn't much of a problem with Yahoo! News/ Opinions - although I'd like to know where all of my regular columnists went. Then, I hit Humor at Creators.com.
. . . Read More ?
It started with Peter McKay, whom I've mentioned before. His painting post made me grin; the deck awning story had me softly chuckling. My funny bone was itching and twitching, but I was still in control. And Mark was still asleep. Whew!
Then I made a near-fatal error - I started reading Bruce Cameron. 'Tom the Caveman' was amusing; the 'Teenage Boat' touched a chord. If I had stopped there, I'd have been fine. But - No! - I had to continue!
Having never mastered the fine art of moderation, I moved on to 'Feng Shui' and the beginning of the end. Between Larry, the tiger, the dragon, and the in-laws, I was starting to stifle some serious laughter. The bed was beginning to shake; the tears were making it difficult to finish the story and regain a little self-control. But, eventually, I made it and Mark was still asleep.
The '3-D Printer' was the final blow. The bed was bouncing, the tears were flowing. Images of cellphone cases were circling hysterically in my brain and I couldn't stop giggling. Silently, uncontrollably giggling.
All I can say is: it is physically painful to hold back that much laughter. Thank heaven I waited until today to read 'My Father the Dog Trainer.' I'd have killed myself!
Summer is a great time to visit my family in Colorado and this summer I planned the whole trip on the Internet. I decided to use my Internet service Michigan to go online and spent an hour or two researching things I could do while on vacation. Going home as a tourist is always more fun for me than living in the town. I found camping, rafting and hiking trails that peaked my interest.
Booking the hotels was easy. I went to a few websites with HughesNet satellite and compared prices before I made a final reservation. I knew which hotels I liked the best in my small hometown, so I didn't have to research them. I got a multiple day discount and then booked an additional room for my kids, so we could have more room.
I reserved my campgrounds for two days and booked my rafting trip all online as well. Booking these things online is easier than over the phone because they take credit cards online and I don't have to listen to any recordings. Some of the small businesses in the area take a while to return a call if they are out in the field, so booking online guarantees me a spot quickly.
The trip was wonderful and we packed in a ton of mountain activities that we usually wouldn't have done without the research. I was happy to see my family over the summer and know that everything we did was already taken care of, so we didn't have to wonder what we were going to do on a daily basis.
Oh man, when Dug the dog started talking with his electronic collar, it was the best! “Hi there! My name is Dug, and I love you.” Anyone who watched the movie will have heard that line in Dug's voice. With Ed Asner doing the voice of the main character Carl, the movie was just perfect. There aren't too many movies that an adult can sit and enjoy with the kids but UP! certainly is one of those films.
The first part of the movie where it shows the life of Carl and his wife Ellie from the time they were kids is just a masterpiece of animated film. That was the most touching few scenes I've ever seen in any film whether it was animated or live action. I'm so glad we rented this on Direct TV pay-per-view. It was such a joy to watch. It's one of those movies you won't mind seeing again even though it is a cartoon. Of course though, the cartoons of today are nothing like they were when I was a kid. Even though it’s animated, it seems so real. I think it's the facial expressions that give the characters so much life. The animators pay attention to the little things that make the experience so much more enjoyable. You won't be disappointed watching UP!
Just two days ago, we announced the arrival of the first of our Quick Afghans, oddly enough, named Quick Afghan 002. This also means that, as of today, we are no longer offering two of our earliest designs ~ the Block Afghans. Perhaps saying good-bye to these 'old friends' made adding new ones more difficult. Who knows?
Happily, we managed to dot the i's and cross the t's in what seemed like record time, bringing the announcement and immediate availability of ~ Quick Afghan 001!
. . .
Similar to one of our Banded Afghan Styles, this Quick Afghan is crocheted in wide stripes, using three yarn colors.
The Primary color is used throughout the Afghan, combining with the Secondary color in the larger sections and with the Accent / Third color for narrower bands at the top, middle, and bottom.
One of the design hurdles we had to address was the Primary Color option. After much deliberation, and several less workable ideas, we decided to offer black and white as the - for lack of a better phrase - canvas on which the design will build.
Whether light or dark, we believe that all of our other yarn options will work extremely well with these base colors. Personally, I think this is going to become one of our most popular styles.
There are so many possibilities ~ whether combining tints and shades from the same color family (as in the pictures) or pulling contrasting colors, such as purple and yellow, or orange and blue. What about bright green and red with white for Christmas? or gold and orange with black for fall / Halloween?
See?! Almost endless possibilities!
Because the patterns were more time-consuming in our Block Afghans, the larger sizes took nearly 4 weeks to complete. This Quick Afghan should take about three. We're anticipating, and hoping, that delivery will actually be closer to only 2 weeks for most of the sizes.
I know that, in the middle of sweltering summer heat, the last thing anyone thinks about are warm, snuggly Afghans. But that is one of the reasons we're not as busy from April to September. Once the weather cools, the orders increase and, though rare, processing delays and order backlogs are always possible.
Some days I am really sorry that I don't have a POS business. The barcode scanner options are so much fun - zap. (Okay, I watch too much sci-fi.) But, the point-of-sale computers, especially the touch-screen monitor set-ups, just make me want to drool.
While, admittedly, I don't need a cash drawer, receipt printer, and magnetic card reader - the stats on the computer are tremendous. Tremendously better than anything Mark and I are currently using, with or without touch-screen technology. Wonder if I could get a package deal, without the POS parts?
About a month ago, we announced the impending arrival of two new JMark Afghans designs - our Quick Afghans. Unfortunately, it took us a little longer than planned to set prices, update the website, and get things rolling. (We still have a few i's to dot and t's to cross on Quick Afghan 001.)
Understandably, we are proud to announce the immediate availability of the JMark Afghans family's newest member ~ Quick Afghan 002!
. . .
This simple pattern - two contrasting or complementing colors, crocheted together with a great big hook - is named for its start-to-finish speed.
While our block afghans, with more time-consuming patterns, took up to 4 weeks for the larger sizes, this Quick Afghan takes less than three. In fact, we anticipate delivery will be closer to two weeks from date of order for most sizes.
Unlike variegated yarns, where the manufacturer decides which color combinations you get, this afghan pattern lets you create your own. As it is crocheted, the yarn twists and turns - giving a unique pattern to each Afghan. No two will ever be exactly alike.
If that weren't exciting enough - we are happy to announce that, despite additional yarn requirements, Quick Afghans are actually less expensive to create. A savings that we are thrilled to share with our customers.
It may seem odd - in the midst of summer's heat - to think about Afghans. However, our busy season starts when the weather cools. And, since we don't crochet until you order - first in, first out - there is always a chance (however rare) that an order could be unavoidably delayed behind those received earlier.
With the price of movie tickets increasing, it gets rather expensive for me and my family to go out to the movies. Therefore we choose to stay at home and watch movies. I watch movies on demand on DirectTV all the time.
The last movie that we watched on demand was Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emile de Ravin, and Pierce Brosnan. I was hesitant to watch this movie because I wasn’t sure that Robert Pattinson would be a good actor because he wasn’t that great in the Twilight Movies. However, I was pleasantly surprised by his acting. He played the part of Tyler very well. I was convinced that Tyler was an exceptional and emotional person and I felt for him the entire movie.
The best part of the movie was seeing the relationships between the characters develop. From the previews, I already knew that the two main characters Tyler and Ally were going to fall for each other. But their individual lives and stories were so different, that as you watched the movie, I couldn’t help but wonder if they really were going to be together. I tell everyone that isn’t the movie that people expected it to be. Hands down, it was the best drama to come out this year. The ending is incredible. I wasn’t expecting the movie to end the way it did and while it was very emotional to watch, I’m glad that Remember Me ended so well and not in the usual romantic drama sort of way. This movie was perfect.
Admittedly, Syfy (or SciFi - whatever they called themselves at the
time) drove me crazy during the first season of Warehouse
13 . They must have aired each episode 20 times, if they aired it
once. But - in the end - it worked! I am hooked.
It's been a long wait for the beginning of season 2, with a long list of
questions to answer and problems to solve. Let me just say - it was
worth the wait! Welcome back!
Can't say that we're regular viewers of Mythbusters, but the other night was just too much fun. After mentioning one of the hosts' breath issues, they created a bad breath treatment from vodka and cinnamon. It really looked hideous - brownish liquid, sludgy at the bottom. Not good, at all.
. . .
Just as I was developing sympathy for the person who would have to try this concoction, it was pointed out that someone would have to judge whether it worked. Ewwww! After smoking, eating raw garlic and extremely smelly cheese - the nasty breath was ready. An associate was chosen and the before-and-after sniffing began.
Braver than I, that's for sure. Although, you've got to wonder who this poor guy upset, because in another segment he was volunteered to judge the effectiveness of a stinky-feet remedy, also based on vodka. Frankly, the beer-goggles experiment looked like much more fun. And a lot less disgusting.
Oh - the vodka-based remedies did work. No better or worse than mouthwash and foot baths. But, according to one man's nose, they did do the job.
We are still trying to solve our living room lighting needs. Watching Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince proved that what we have doesn't work. But Designers Fountain Lighting started me thinking in a new direction and I think I may have solved some of the problems.
. . .
To start with, I can't use the same floor lamp everywhere; though I did try, desperately. Next to the television, we need diffused lighting to brighten the room, but not blind everyone. Between the recliners, task lighting would be better - for reading, using the laptop, and crocheting, but not really to light the whole room because it would create a reflection in the TV. (Our issue with Harry Potter.)
Then, we have the desk. Mark really needs something that lights up the keyboard, but doesn't get in his way or create a glare on the monitor or shine back in his eyes. Ideally, a desk lamp that clips or clamps to the top shelf and has a movable arm that he can pull down or push out of the way.
No single style is going to do all of these things and, since we rent, we can't exactly rewire and mount fixtures on the walls. My best hope, at this point, is three different lamps in bronze or brass (personal preferences) with shades that are similar enough to complement each other and not look like we just threw something in the room. Oddly, not as difficult as I imagined.
I know I'm a day early, but we always seem to end up so busy on the
fourth that I forget to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.
Enjoy your burgers, dogs, corn-on-the-cob, and ice cream! And ribs,
potato salad, brownies, and pie. I can assure you - we certainly will!
Be safe around those fireworks and always keep a bucket of water handy,
for spent sparklers and odd surprises. We always had fun, as kids, and
with a little bit of forethought, no one ever got hurt.
Well, June is finally gone! Hooray! It came in badly and did not go out with a whimper. Never, in recent memory, has one month wreaked so much havoc - from start to finish. July just has to be better. Right?!
. . .
For starters, this month looks to be a food fest, which is just fine with me. I love the seasonal goodies flooding the stores right now. Fresh fruits and veggies are always the top of my grocery list.
But July brings even more to enjoy. Firing up the grill and dusting off those summer recipes is what it's all about. This is a month for celebrating ~ Baked Beans, Culinary Arts, Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, and Blueberries.
If those aren't enough, take a look at the first seven days of July:
National Gingersnap Day
National Anisette Day
National Chocolate Wafer Day
National Barbecued Spareribs Day
National Apple Turnover Day
National Fried Chicken Day
National Strawberry Sundae Day, and Chocolate Day
Okay - that did it! I'm off to the store for turnovers, baked beans, and fried chicken! Oh, and a pint of ice cream and blueberries. And some gingersnaps and ribs. And, in anticipation of the end of the month - lollipops, milk chocolate, and cheesecake!
And some stretchy sweatpants. And an exercise machine. This could get veddy, veddy bad.
What does it mean when you dream about bow ties? Seriously! I had the oddest dream about Mark buying a matching shirt and bow tie - in champagne-on-white stripes, no less. In the dream, he was so proud and I was just . . .
To begin with, I've always (no offense intended) thought that bow ties were just a little nerdy. With the exception of a really snazzy tux, they just don't scream stud. I mean look at Orville Redenbacher! (Okay, not a fair example.)
In an attempt to update my attitude, I went searching for Men in Bow Ties. I found some pictures at the late, great Berkley Magazine that did not make me giggle and cry "Nerd!" In fact, some of the looks were terrific and I can see, now, how bow ties could be a great deal of fun. Especially the not-so-rigid styles.
Still can't quite see one on Mark. But maybe that's just me. And my odd little dream.
Recently, Mark developed an urge to rearrange the living room furniture. Let me tell you, when that man gets an urge - it's a biggie! Although, when he told me what he had planned, I was pretty certain that he had completely lost his mind, today proved he was definitely right.
. . .
It all started with taking the dining table apart, which isn't quite as radical as it sounds. Sitting in front of the living room window, the table was basically just an extra flat surface for storing what didn't fit anywhere else. With it gone, Frankie's bed moved under the window and out of the way. It even gives him a headboard, by butting up against the side of the computer desk.
Of course, the table wasn't the only thing on that wall. But moving the portable washer into the walkway between the bedroom and living room, freed up half of the wall opposite the window. The 'stuff' crammed into the corner is now neatly stacked across the room. The whole area just feels bigger now.
Today was the real test of the new set-up. Every month or so, maintenance comes in to 'inspect' the apartment and replace the furnace filters. In anticipation of this inspection, we decided to do a quick steam-clean of the carpets. (We do that twice a month, anyway; but it was a good excuse to pull out the machine a little early.)
Needless to say, with all of the furniture and 'stuff' out of the middle of the living room, cleaning the carpet was almost fun. Well, if not fun, at least a whole lot easier. I will never scoff again.
Okay, I'll probably snicker a bit. He does have some wild ideas, after all. But I solemnly promise to never pooh-pooh out loud!
Normally, by June 13, we are in the triple-digits and hiding in our
air-conditioned homes. We expect it; we prepare ourselves for it; we
know it's coming. But this year - brrrr!
Yesterday was actually so cool that we had to turn off the air and close
the windows to keep a little heat in. Rather than our usual summer togs
- as little clothes as is legal - we had to find the sweats and sweaters
we'd already packed away for the season. It was really odd.
Odd - but very welcome. Wonder if it might last another day? More,
please, Mother Nature!
I was - actually - searching for something chocolate when I found the cutest collection of wedding accessories. My daughter had boxes of personalized candies at her reception, which I thought were so cute and really creative. But these chocolate bars and candied almonds really take it a step beyond.
Admittedly, they are not inexpensive and might be cost-prohibitive for a large wedding or a tight budget. Yet, I just fell in love with the "ingredients list" on the back of the candy bars. Not to mention, the bride and groom graphics on the almonds. Amazing!
Living with two non-fans, I don't see too many games these days - in person or even on television. But, as a fan, I couldn't resist checking out Ticket America, just to see what's available out there. A lot, as it turns out.
. . .
Though I admit, I was a tad confused. As I say, it's been awhile since I watched any sports; most of the venues I remembered - Palace of Auburn Hills, Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Camden Yards, Wrigley Field - were still there. I've even been to games and concerts at some of them.
But, others? I had to look up where they were, which was (actually) fun. For example:
Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, Citi Field - NY Mets, Izod Center - East Rutherford, Bradley Center - Milwaukee, and Amway Arena - Orlando were all new to me. Ticket America, however, has them covered.
They have a great set-up for buying - and selling - tickets by venue. Pick your stadium or team. (If you have tickets to sell, there's a clickable link in the middle of the page.) Next, choose the game or event, and a nifty table comes up. See the section, row, price, and number of available tickets - with a seating chart of the arena that scrolls up and down with you.
Works great and makes finding tickets a whole lot of fun!
I have been talking, for several months, about retiring Afghan styles and bringing in new designs. This has been a very difficult process for me, as I tend to fall in love with everything I crochet. (Just packing up an order can get me misty.)
After much soul-searching and a hard look at the bottom line, JMark Afghans, etc. has decided to discontinue the Block Afghan Styles - effective June 30, 2010. But, don't worry! We have a new style, with 2 options (so far), that we are really excited about!
Our newest style is called the Quick Afghan because, well ... it is. Crocheted with 2 strands of yarn (and a really big crochet hook), these Afghans come together far quicker than many of our other sytles. This, virtually, cuts the time from order to shipping by one-third!
Quick Afghan 001 is similar to one of our Banded Afghan Styles. Made up of three colors, the Main and Accent Colors are worked together in the larger sections. The Main and Third colors combine for the narrower bands at the top, middle, and bottom.
New Quick Afghan 002
Quick Afghan 002 is a much simpler design - two colors, worked together throughout. It's a bit like a custom, you-design-it variegated yarn. (The image doesn't do justice to these colors - an amazing deep magenta and black.)
In fact, I made a larger version for my daughter and son-in-law (in purple and cream) as a wedding gift. Not to mention, a shawl and a couple of hats and scarves that I designed using double strands. Who knows? They may show up as new products, one of these days, as well.
Currently, we're working on pricing and shipping schedules for these new styles. But look for them to be available for order before the end of the month.
Remember that 'conversation' we were having about shopping, wishful thinking, and an intervention? Well, it may just be time. Because I have no budget for it, no need for it, nowhere to put it, and still have absolutely zero outdoor decor self-control.
I can spend hours designing, planning, and 'collecting' everything I would need for the perfect backyard setting. Firepits, umbrellas, tables, chairs, cushions, lighting, and - everything. How does one resist the call of the gorgeous?!
Gotta run! Need to get that winning lottery ticket and start shopping for a backyard!
Yes, I am a shopaholic and could probably use an intervention. Luckily, for our budget, most of my shopping is of the when-I-hit-the-lottery wishful variety. Although I am not totally immune to the siren song of the best buy offering.
Granted, we have little room and pretty much everything we need to survive in this world. But, what if I'm missing the deal of a lifetime?! Hey, it could happen!
Among my other online activities, I am an editor for a couple of directories - finding, describing, and adding sites. It's a great deal of fun and definitely broadens my interests. Unfortunately, it also makes me crave sweets, new shoes, and - probably most odd - a fish pond.
It does, however, help explain why I'm looking for a fish pond filter, when I don't even have space for a fish bowl. You have to admit - yes, you do - that these ponds are absolutely beautiful. I can easily imagine sitting here and relaxing away a Sunday afternoon, just watching the fish.
Aw, crap! I mean carp!! Now I have to go Koi shopping!
It is entirely possible that I watch entirely too much SyFy Channel.
I offer that observation, based on my reaction to seeing the Roto-Rooter Truck sitting in our parking lot yesterday. Did I think: "Oh, no! Plumbing problems!"? Nope.
The first thought to enter my little sci-fi-soaked brain was "Oooh! Ghosts!"
For those of you who share our addiction to this channel, you'll understand. Those of you with normal lives, won't get it. But that's okay.
National Scoop-the-Poop Week ~ April 25-May 1,
2010
Straw Hat Month
So, I guess my month is pretty darn full: Throw on my Straw Hat, turn on
some great Jazz, Decorate a Humorous Award for my favorite International
Twit(s), and avoid the poop that hasn't been scooped. Gonna be a great
time!
Hope your month is equally spectacular!
With many thanks to Brownielocks.com who offers amazing, validated holiday and observance information.
I was wondering (for a variety of reasons) just what baby showers are like these days. Thank Heaven! maternity clothes finally changed. And baby shower invitations are much broader in scope and style than they were in my day. But what exactly does one do at a baby shower, these days?
. . .
Since I barely recall having or attending a baby shower, I was amused to find that there are still silly games and favors. Most seemed like fun. Some suggestions were more practical than others: creating scrapbook pages or redeemable coupons sounded like great activities. The creativity behind some of the ideas for couples showers that I ran across was actually inspiring.
Do most people still hold the shower before the baby's birth? or are they waiting? Waiting always made more sense to me. That way the baby doesn't spend the first six months of his/her life dressed in the somewhat limited range of non-gender-specific items on the market.
Although, frankly, the baby doesn't care. And Mom and Dad are going to be too bleary-eyed from lack of sleep to even notice what color sleeper they just pulled out of the dresser. So, maybe before-or-after isn't that important, after all.
Years ago ... I hate it when a thought starts that way; nearly as bad as "When I was your age...". But, like it or not, it was years ago.
It was the 70s and I had a job bussing tables at a cafeteria that butted up to a beauty salon. The glass door near the kitchen let the stylists come in to have lunch - or bug the help. They were a little nuts and it was rarely dull.
. . .
The joke and prank ring-leader was rebuilding a woodie wagon (a bit like the picture, if memory serves ). He was planning to attach long-armed convex mirrors and - for some reason - had them in the salon. With him, who knew?
One day, there was a knock at the salon door and an impish, bearded face appeared in the glass. Grinning and babbling about nothing in particular, he kept looking down at my feet. Being young and naive, I had no idea what was going on - at first.
Eventually I figured it out. Suffice it to say, just the site of one of those mirrors can still make me laugh - after 35 years.
It's the funniest thing. I don't really travel. In fact, I haven't been out of Phoenix since August/September 2008. Hate to fly; buses take forever; have no car.
And, yet?! I love, love, love to shop for luggage. Especially the ones, like Titan luggage, with the handles and wheels and a million little compartments - strong enough to withstand anything.
It's not that I imagine going anywhere; that's the odd part. I just have a 'thing' for luggage (and watches, and cigarette lighters, and coffee mugs). I wonder if that means something.
Guess I'll have to dig out my book on ... hmmm? Exactly which book would cover the meaning behind a luggage compulsion?
This magnet is one of the most popular products from JMark Afghans on
Zazzle. I assume it's the picture which - if you'd been there - is even
more magnificent in person. But, it's not the only item we've created
using that image.
There are mugs, and posters, and stickers, and postage, and an apron, a
shopping bag, and a mousepad that share this spectacular view.
Please visit our Grand
Canyon page and own a little piece of Arizona for yourself.
Okay, I am officially in big trouble. I have been window shopping again and just fell in love designing promotional products for JMark Afghans, etc. The ideas, and items, are everywhere and they are tremendous fun.
. . .
From the sublime: tote bags made of recycled materials; to the simple: magnetic peel-and-stick blanks that hold business cards. This is just heaven. I have always including a little surprise in every package I ship. Now I have even more creative options.
I've thought about key chains and magnets before, as they are small and quick to make. However, since I use them constantly, tote bags are much more exciting to me. Eliminating plastic bag pile-up while using bags from recycled material is perhaps the best idea, so far.
Now, to design a new one-, maybe two-color logo, enlarge to something near humongous, buy a silk-screen machine, and get some blank bags. Oh, yes. I'm in big trouble!
With the weather already in the mid-80s, it's easy to start thinking of getting out of town. To paraphrase John B.L. Soule, "Go North, old woman, Go North." Since we've been talking with a friend in Ontario recently, Toronto came immediately to mind.
Arts and crafts, theater, festivals, and some beautiful Toronto hotels got my travel bug buzzing. The museum exhibits - from dinosaurs to King Tut - certainly inspire a visit. As does the chance to see "Jersey Boys" live.
I do think, however, that a trip to the 'Look Out' at CN Tower might be pushing my vertigo-suffering travel bug a bit too far.
It's not that I was actually looking for Outer Banks vacation rentals. Once again, my travels around the 'Net peaked my curiosity. Just one problem: where are the Outer Banks?
By and large, I can find and name all the states on a map. However, when you get down to regions, areas, and such - I'm a bit lost.
What I found was a beautiful long stretch of islands off the coast of North Carolina. Two hundred miles of ooh-and-aah that got me wondering what a vacation would offer. A great deal, it appears.
So, I'm off -- to Kill Devil Hills, or Duck, or Kitty Hawk, or maybe Nags Head.
Out of curiousity, Mark decided to see if we qualified for any phone
upgrades a couple of nights ago. Much to our surprise, we did. Not a
fully free phone, but a couple of seriously reduced phones.
Since we've both wanted a BlackBerry for - as they say - like, forever,
the phone choice was easy. It just came down to what kind of deal we
could get on which model.. Suffice to say - it was a good deal.
It certainly pays to stay with a good company. And, for us, T-Mobile has
been great. Not perfect, but not AT&T or Verizon, either.
So, I guess my month is pretty straight forward: Frozen pizza, green
beer, a recorder, and making Frankie sing! Should be a blast! Hope you
have a great month, too.
With many thanks to Brownielocks.com who offers amazing, validated holiday and observance information.
Since I've been forced to restart, in essence, my blog, I've made some
additional changes that I am really loving.
The first was updating to the lastest Thingamablog
release. This one has even more bells and whistles than the previous
version I was using. (Granted, that was an early, early interation.)
Labels, keywords, post descriptions - all new to me.
Secondly? I have figured out the coding so that I don't have to allow my
verbose nature to crowd the front page of the blog. All the long-winded
posts, I like to call them full-thoughts, have a break after the first
couple of paragraphs. A link takes readers to the full-length article.
(Yes, I've been patting myself on the back over that one.)
Lastly, it seems to post much quicker. On the pokey Internet service we
have most times, that is critical. Unless I'm down to virtually no
connection, I barely have time to pull up the main page and - boom! -
posted.
As often as I go through 'odd news' reports, I don't know how I missed
the Oddly
Enough Blog on Reuters. The tagline says it all: "News, but not the
serious kind"
I've been catching up on some of the recent posts and just had to cringe
over the "Five reasons to just go barefoot ..." from February 24th. Oh,
my gawd! Who in the world could/would wear these things?!
Me?! I'm gonna shuffle - barefoot - back to more columns. I love a good
laugh.
In July 2007 - July 14, 2007 to be exact - I wrote a post which I called Some
'Interesting' News Stories. One of the stories was about a newborn
panther at the Belgrade zoo, being mothered by a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The cub's mother, traumatized by NATO airstrikes, had tried to kill it.
A cute story, accompanied by a picture I found online. It didn't seem
like much and, at the time, didn't garner much attention. Boy have
things changed!
In the last couple of months, however, that photograph has become
tremendously popular. It keeps showing up in the keyword results for my
website. Oddly enough, for the 2 years and 5 months prior to that, no one seemed to notice it.
I wonder what triggered this renewed interest in a story that may or may
not, after all this time, be true?
Being a curious sort, I was wondering about what a Branson vacation would offer. It's a place I've always wanted to visit. But, was fairly certain that I wouldn't find much to keep me occupied.
I knew there would be musical shows, of course. In my mind, that's what Branson was all about - great concerts. Boy was I wrong. Well, not wrong as much as seriously uninformed. Seriously!
. . .
Yes, there are over 100 shows, but not just musicals. Entertainment options include magic and comedy. Remember Yakov Smirnov? Well, he performs in Branson.
Then, there are dinner cruises, tours, a water park, a permanent Titanic exhibit, museums, and a zoo. For the outdoorsy types, the area offers trails, golf courses, and three lakes.
Is it me, or did they move the Westminster Dog Show this year? I thought
it was a Valentine's Day staple, until I couldn't find it on TV
yesterday. Turns out, I didn't miss it; I was just a day early. Whew!
Looking forward to seeing the three 'new' breeds. Two from the herding
group and one from the sporting group. Anyone think a new breed could
actually take Best in Show?
Nah, me neither. But it will still be a great show. It always is.
Although many people tout Valentine's Day as a 'Hallmark holiday,' it
truly isn't. Since I didn't really know the origins of the holiday, I
decided to do a little research. Easier said than done, let me tell you.
The Roman Catholic church recognizes three different martyred saints
named Valentine, or Valentinus, and about as many legends exist
regarding the beginnings of the holiday. They range from the romantic to
the political.
A prevalent one has Valentine, a third century priest, performing
marriages against the orders of Claudius II, who felt single men made
better soldiers and outlawed marriage. The emperor had Valentine put to
death for his actions.
. . .
It is believed that the February celebration of love and romance began as an homage to his works on the anniversary (or thereabouts) of his death or burial.
Another legend has Valentine helping prisoners, who were frequently beaten and tortured, escape from Roman prisons. In love with a young girl, possibly his jailer's daughter, he is often credited with sending the first message signed 'From Your Valentine.' Whether this is the same Valentine who performed marriages against the orders of Claudius II, isn't clear.
Some put forth the theory that the church decided to celebrate St. Valentine's feast day in mid-February to counteract the influence of Lupercalia, a pagan fertility ritual celebrated on the ides of February. Pope Gelasius officially made February 14th St. Valentine's Day somewhere around 498 A.D.
There is even a story from the Middle Ages, that February 14th was believed to be the start of birds' mating season which indicated to the British and French that the middle of February was a time for romance.
Whatever the truth, and I suspect that all of the pieces fit together
somehow, have a Happy Valentine's Day!
I have managed to update the templates for my blog to let me create expandable posts. Now - the problem! It is soooo distracting!
They work - and look - so great that I just keep focusing on how do I use this, when do I use this, I gotta use this! So embarrassing!
It is a great thing for me, distractions notwithstanding. I want more posts on my front page, without forcing readers to scroll, and scroll, and scroll, and ...
Well, you get the idea. Let me know what you think. Please?!
Read More 
Remember that 'conversation' we were having about shopping, wishful thinking, and an intervention? Well, it may just be time. Because I have no budget for it, no need for it, nowhere to put it, and still have absolutely zero 
