tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244136462024-03-07T19:12:35.369-05:00Chaos Among Us“What we imagine is order is merely the prevailing form of chaos.” - Kerry ThornleyJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-24263911539279548362014-12-30T09:45:00.000-05:002014-12-30T09:46:55.698-05:00New Silhouette Machine? READ THIS :)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OK – I have the machine
– what now???<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I don’t profess to know everything the Silhouette machine
can do – I have had some version going back 4 years and I have barely scratched
the surface of what this great machine can do.
Lucky for us there are some <b><i>WONDERFUL</i></b> talents out there that
have simply awesome Blogs and You-Tube Videos that can tell us everything you
want to know…from basics to far more complicated projects.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WHAT DO I DO FIRST?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Well first thing you do is get your machine out of the box
and get it hooked up. Silhouette runs on
software – the software has to be loaded to your computer <b><i>– IT MUST BE A COMPUTER</i></b>
of some sort with an operating system – a PC with some sort of Windows OS or a
Mac with a MAC OS – it will not work on a tablet or a cloud based system, like
a chromebook.</div>
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If you received a disk with your machine chances are it is
not the latest version of the software – you can load it up from the disk and
once you have everything loaded the software may prompt you that there is an
updated version available. You can
always download the software too directly from Silhouette <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/silhouette-studio/">http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/silhouette-studio/</a></div>
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Note there are a few different versions of Studio software –
more in depth info can be found on the Silhouette site linked above</div>
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<b>STUDIO</b> – this is
the basic version of the software and is free, there are currently two versions
– the most current version is referred to as V3 – this version saves files as
.studio3 files – there is also a legacy version that is referred to as V2 –
this version saves files as .studio files.
You can open .studio files in ANY version of Studio, but .studio3 files
can only be opened if you have V3 on our system. All versions of Studio can also open .gsd and
.dxf cut files, all are able to import picture files (.jpeg, .gif, .bmp,.tif,
etc…) for tracing</div>
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<b>DESIGNER EDITION
(DE)–</b> this is a “pumped up” version of Studio – there is a cost to buy it –
depending on where you purchase it the cost is anywhere from $20-40. This gives you a few more tools to play with,
along with the ability to open .svg files</div>
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<b>BUSINESS EDITION (BE)</b>
– this is an even greater “pumped up” version that has all the features of the
basic and the DE along with even more tools, including the ability to run
multiple machines from one program.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OK – software installed, machine
ready to go – now what?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">READ, READ, GOOGLE, READ, GOOGLE SOME
MORE, READ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Silhouette Manual</b>
– yes it can get a bit confusing, but it is imperative you scan through it and
get to know the basics through the manual.
It has a lot of good information about the basics – from typing in words
to cut, to using the silhouette store, to explaining what all those icons are.</div>
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<b>Blogs, Blogs, Blogs
& You Tube</b> – there are a multitude of blogs that are fairly specific to
the functions of the silhouette machine in general. While there are many out there I am going to
highlight a few of the ones I turn to from time to time when I am trying to
figure out how to do something new.</div>
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<b>SILHOUETTE AMERICA</b>
– - <a href="http://blog.silhouetteamerica.com/">http://blog.silhouetteamerica.com/</a>
yes Silhouette has their very own blog – did ya know that? – they have a
variety of designers that post their own projects using files and materials you
can purchase from Silhouette – they also have videos showing how to use the
various kits and how to use the various tools in the software -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SilhouetteAmericaInc">https://www.youtube.com/user/SilhouetteAmericaInc</a></div>
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<b>SILHOUETTE SCHOOL</b>
- <a href="http://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/">http://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/</a>
- a very through blog with tons of tips, tricks and tutorials using a wide
array of materials. Melissa does a
wonderful job explaining everything – first things first check out her post for
newbies - <a href="http://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/2014/12/silhouette-beginners-and-newbies-start.html">http://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/2014/12/silhouette-beginners-and-newbies-start.html</a></div>
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<b>CLEVER SOMEDAY</b> - <a href="https://cleversomeday.wordpress.com/">https://cleversomeday.wordpress.com/</a>
- Kay is a goddess IMO – she has a ton of great information on her blog,
especially information pertaining to the technical kinds of things when it
comes to Silhouette. She has an tab on
her site that is all about FONTS – something very important in the Silhouette
world…love me some fonts – and for those that are in LOVE with Laura
Worthington fonts (i.e. the delicious Samantha font) she has some great tips
and tricks to get the glyphs working for you in the Studio software – She also
has an EXCELLENT You Tube channel filled with all sorts of videos - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CleverSomeday/videos">https://www.youtube.com/user/CleverSomeday/videos</a>
- including the must watch Tracing without Tears series</div>
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<b>UNDER A CHERRY TREE</b>
- <a href="http://underacherrytree.blogspot.com/">http://underacherrytree.blogspot.com/</a>
- lots of tips and tricks and tutorials – especially for print and cut</div>
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<b>JOYS LIFE</b> - <a href="http://joyslife.com/">http://joyslife.com/</a> has a variety of tutorials
available - <a href="http://joyslife.com/silhouette-cameo-tutorials/">http://joyslife.com/silhouette-cameo-tutorials/</a>
as well as some great videos - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/wwwJoysLife">https://www.youtube.com/user/wwwJoysLife</a></div>
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<b>THE PINNING MAMA</b>
-<a href="http://www.thepinningmama.com/">http://www.thepinningmama.com</a> – tutorials – also has a great post that links
to other great blogs – check it out <a href="http://www.thepinningmama.com/2014/02/19/blogs-to-find-silhouette-cameo-project-ideas-silhouette-cameo-sale-discount-coupon-promo/">http://www.thepinningmama.com/2014/02/19/blogs-to-find-silhouette-cameo-project-ideas-silhouette-cameo-sale-discount-coupon-promo/</a></div>
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<b>INFARRANTLY CREATIVE</b>
- <a href="http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/silhouette/">http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/silhouette/</a>
- ideas and tutorials</div>
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<b>KENS KREATIONS</b> - <a href="http://kreativeken.blogspot.com/">http://kreativeken.blogspot.com/</a>
- mainly works with the Cricut Explore machine and software, but has some
tutorials that can be used with the Silhouette machine – also has some videos
utilizing the silhouette machine <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/hesskr">https://www.youtube.com/user/hesskr</a>
</div>
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<b>PINK & LEMON</b>
- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SewCrafty718/videos">https://www.youtube.com/user/SewCrafty718/videos</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GOOGLE WILL BE YOUR
BEST FRIEND EVER…I swear…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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There are a lot of different blogs and you tube videos out
there that cover just about every topic, trick, tutorial out there…there are at
least 39 ½ different ones just for those darn glitter ornaments alone. If you want to know how to do something –
just google – type in what you are looking for and viola (although I don’t
recommend simply typing in “glitter balls” – not such a good idea) – I usually
precede it with “Silhouette Cameo” XYZ.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OK I LIE…GOOGLE WON’T BE YOUR BEST
FRIEND - PINTEREST WILL…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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If you don’t already have a Pinterest account I will wait
while you go sign up…go on now – head straight to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">http://www.pinterest.com/</a> and sign
up. So once you are all signed up be
prepared to lose yourself for a number of hours – if you have small kids, just
scatter the cheerios on the floor now.
Pinterest is THE place to go – simply create a few boards – maybe a
Silhouette Tutorial Board, Silhouette Idea Board, etc… and start pinning – once
you put Silhouette Cameo in the search box it is like the skies open and the
angels sing. You will find a multitude of
tips, tricks and tutorials and you can PIN them and refer back to them time
after time after time…no more “oh where did I see that” or “gee I wish I
remembered the web address for the tutorial to do XYZ” – it is all in ONE
place…to get you started you can check out my Silhouette Tutorial Pinterest
board – a few to get you started – but there are many, many more… <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jenmouer/silhouette-tutorials/">http://www.pinterest.com/jenmouer/silhouette-tutorials/</a></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-21710079701622310962014-12-29T08:17:00.000-05:002015-02-20T14:24:00.878-05:00Adhesive Craft Vinyl<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 48.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Craft
Vinyl<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">what
the heck – where do I start….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">for decals, walls, signs, home décor, cups, ornaments,
windows, etc….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many different brands out there – Silhouette,
Cricut, Oracal, Avery, 3M, etc…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Silhouette
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">brand
sucks…just don’t buy it if you can avoid it…it will work in a pinch and is
great to practice on, but the quality and consistency is lacking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cricut</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
brand – slightly better than Silhouette – if you are in a pinch – most bigger craft stores carry this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Avery,
3M</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
– never tried them, others claim they are equal to Oracal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ORACAL
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">–
this is the NAME you will hear thrown out ALL THE TIME – while they have a few
different types of vinyl, for crafters you really only need to know about 2
numbers <b>– 631 and 651</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">631</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> –
is a matte finish color, it has a lower adhesive <b><i>WATER </i></b></span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b><i>SOLUBLE</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> tack and is best suited for
wall applications. It can be used in
other projects – home décor, ornaments, signs.
The key with 631 is ask yourself – how is this being handled and will it
be subjected to weather. If you are
putting it on a sign and hanging it on your wall – 631 is fine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Soft PVC film (80 micron)<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>For short- and medium-term
markings, letterings and decorations of exhibition stands and materials<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Service life in exhibition
buildings: 3 years<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Polyacrylate, removable</b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">651</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> –
is a glossy* finish color (*matte is available in White and Black) – this has a
higher <b><i>SOLVENT </i></b>adhesive as well as a glossy coating – this allows the vinyl to adhere
better and longer than 631. If you are
making car decals or want to put vinyl on cups and mugs that will be subjected
to washing – you <b>WANT </b>651 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(note you
can use 631 for car decals and even putting on cups and mugs, however due to
the adhesive factor it may not stay on as long as using 651 - with using 631 on
things like car windows it will break down and fade a lot quicker than using
651.)<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Special PVC film (70 micron)<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>For short- and medium-term
markings, letterings and decorations<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Outdoor durability:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>5 years (black/white)<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>4 years (transparent /
colored / metallic)<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>3 years (brilliant blue)<o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 16.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Solvent polyacrylate, permanent</b><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">OK
GOT IT – understand vinyl – but how do it get it from here to there…..<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TRANSFER
TAPE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once you cut your vinyl and weed it you are left with
your design. In order to not warp the
design and/or move it in one continuous piece you need transfer tape. The two main types most crafters use. Note with either type depending on your
project you should be able to get 2-3 uses out of one piece of transfer
paper/tape<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paper</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> –
comes with a backing – you peel the transfer tape from the backing and apply to
your vinyl and then peel and transfer – paper is suggested for wall
applications and I personally like it better for canvas application– you can
usually buy sheets or rolls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tape
–</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Tape is usually clear and comes in a variety of widths – from 2” on up – most
of the time you will find it being sold in roll form. It can look daunting and expensive (most
places sell it in a 100 yard roll) but it last a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time – a lot of
people prefer clear tape over paper for projects because you can see exactly
where you are placing the vinyl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BUT
– I heard you can just use painters tape or contact paper or other cheaper
stuff for transfer paper?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yep – people have had good success using contact paper,
masking tape, painters tape to transfer vinyl – however there are a few
disadvantages to using those items – most of those are not see through (unless
you can find some clear contact paper) and can lead to you applying things
crooked – they are not designed to transfer vinyl and can leave a residue on top of
your vinyl, you may not see it right away, but rather a few weeks later when
dust has collected in the residue – some have a strong adhesive and you may not
have good luck getting the vinyl to apply to the object you are trying to apply
it to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WHERE
TO BUY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a ton of different places you can buy vinyl
on-line*** – most places are fairly reliable and have fast shipping – note that
shipping is going to depend on where you are located relative to where you
purchase from – one person might get their orders in two days, where others it
takes 5-6 days. There are lots of
vendors on E-Bay, Amazon and Etsy. Below
are on-line companies that deal with Oracal vinyl – while there are many more
I am highlighting ones that have been recommended over and over again – what is going to be the best really depends on what you are looking for
– you might find it cheaper to buy at some place that has free shipping – if
you only need a small amount of something<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Vinyl Spectrum</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://www.thevinylspectrum.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.thevinylspectrum.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> -
Currently sells by the sheet (12x12) and color sample packs available – good
place for the small time crafter who needs a variety of 631 or 651<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Expressions
Vinyl</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://www.expressionsvinyl.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.expressionsvinyl.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> -
sells by the sheet (12x12 and 12x24) and sells rolls (12” wide) by the
yard. They also sell both paper and
clear transfer tape. Has a rewards
program for frequent buyers and free shipping over $75 – can sign up to receive
e-mails on specials<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">API
Crafters</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://apicraftersupply.ecwid.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://apicraftersupply.ecwid.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> -
sells by the foot – so if you need 5 ft of one color and 10 ft of another,
easily done. Also sell rolls with price
breaks at 10 and 50 yards (rolls are 15” wide).
They also sell both paper and clear transfer tape. Shipping charges based on order total *** has matte Black and White 651***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">HH
Sign Supply</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://www.hhsignsupply.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.hhsignsupply.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Surry
Signs</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://surrysigns.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://surrysigns.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">US
Cutter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://www.uscutter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.uscutter.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
Vinyl Direct</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.myvinyldirect.com/">http://www.myvinyldirect.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
***Some Joann stores carry Oracal 631 by the sheet</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tips
and Tricks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Applying
to wood or canvas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Applying
vinyl to wood and canvas can be tricky – 651 is the best because of the better
adhesive, but 631 can be used. You
really have to rub, rub, rub – on a canvas, flip it over and rub, rub, rub some
more…it is best to pull the transfer tape at an angle rather than from top to
bottom. You may find especially on
canvases that vinyl will start to lift – go slow- you may have to gently hold
the vinyl down as you peel away the transfer tape (one reason I like paper
transfer tape for canvas is you can tear away the transfer tape once you get a
section adhered down – yes you can’t use it again, but I would rather have my
sanity intact).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once you have
your vinyl all down gently warm it with a hair dryer and gently rub push the
vinyl into the canvas and/or wood – be gentle as the vinyl can heat up and
actually cause you to burn yourself – it also becomes a bit pliable and if you
are overzealous with your rubbing you can warp the vinyl. By warming the adhesive it allows the vinyl
to really grip the wood or canvas as it cools down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">DO NOT SEAL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> the vinyl – a few different things
can happen. As the sealant dries and
cures overtop the vinyl it can shrink up and cause the edges of the vinyl to
pull. Some sealents don’t play since with
the adhesive of the vinyl, it can seep under the edges and cause the edges to
pull up. Some sealents can yellow over
time. If you are doing a sign for
outdoor use it is highly recommended you use any sealers PRIOR to vinyling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wet
Method<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/2014/10/vinyl-wet-application-method-tutorial.html"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/2014/10/vinyl-wet-application-method-tutorial.html</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you are looking for other tips, tricks and tutorials I HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest
getting a pinterest account and search Silhouette Tutorials – there are
HUNDREDS of links right at your fingertips – sometimes you may have to try two
or three different methods to find what works for you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-58339986675703750092011-10-24T18:04:00.004-04:002011-10-24T18:28:57.491-04:00Days 2 and 3Yep - so I am already slacking -I said I would write everyday and I didn't yesterday.<br /><br />Anyway this is a combined for days 2 and 3.<br /><br />Yesterday was good - I did have a small headache throughout most of the morning. Not sure if that is because of my head cold or the detoxing. According to what I have read days 2 and 3 are the hardest for some - especially if they are used to having a fair amount of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">caffeine</span> in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> diets. <br /><br />Yesterday I had my shakes (more about that later) and munched on some steamed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">edemame</span> - now while <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">edemame</span> isn't on the "approved" list - I love them and had to have them - at least it was a veggie right???<br /><br />I also went to a Pampered Chef Party and I know you are thinking - Pampered Chef - oh no food...well the consultant made chicken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fajitas</span> with a fresh salsa and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">guacamole</span>. I simply picked through the chicken to get to the peppers and onions and had a scoop of salsa and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">guacamole</span> - yummy stuff and nothing on the "not approved" list.<br /><br />I spent most of the afternoon making a lentil veggie soup - complete with homemade veggie broth - go me...it actually turned out pretty good...even Third Child liked it - score one for me. Plenty of leftovers though - so I will be eating it for lunch for the next few days.<br /><br />So part if the program is possible weight loss - I will say I have some meat on my bones and one of the reasons for doing this purification program was to shake my body up - for the past 8 months I have been eating a fairly clean diet - working out - doing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">cardio</span> kickboxing 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">x's</span> per week and while I have toned up and shown the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">appearance</span> of loosing weight the scale doesn't budge. This morning I got on the scale and I am down 2.2 lbs from Saturday morning.<br /><br />On to the shakes that I said I would talk about.<br /><br />One of the core <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">components</span> of the program is doing 2-3 shakes a day - in the shakes you put 2 scoops of the SP Complete powder - which is made up of all sorts of extracts of whole foods, which is one of the main reasons it tastes "earthy" - also in the shake you put 1 tablespoon of high quality oil such as olive or coconut - I prefer coconut. The rest is water and any fruit or veggies you want to add. I have tried a few so far...I tried one that involved 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree - not so recommended. But, since I now have an open can of pumpkin this afternoon I did a shake with 1/2 a banana and a generous spoonful of pumpkin puree - that was a lot better. <br /><br />Granted I have only done a few so far but you are pretty limitless with what to add to the shake if you keep it within the approved list - I bought a bunch of frozen fruit - strawberry, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">raspberries</span>, and peaches to make the smoothies. <br /><br />As far as mixing the shakes - on Saturday morning I did the first one in our big blender and found it was a bitch to clean - so I went out and bought a <a href="http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/products/single-serve-blenders-single-serve-blender-with-travel-lid-black-51101b.html">Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blender</a> - I got mine from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span>-Mart for about $16 - I read a bunch of reviews and overall it seems like a good little mixer if you don't abuse it. I don't plan on putting ice in it and for my larger frozen pieces of fruit I plan on defrosting them some so they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">aren't</span>' rock hard (I did peaches last night - defrost for a bit and cut into chunks). I also have been giving it short pulse bursts rather than longer ones and so far for the 5 smoothies I have made using it they have turned out great. The cup comes right off - I don't bother with the lid - just drink straight from the cup.<br /><br />Tonight I am going to attempt to roast some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">brussel</span> sprouts - I have never had them before as they have always looked nasty to me - but I figured I should at least try them...try most everything once....right?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-71917384299600222582011-10-22T20:19:00.004-04:002011-10-22T20:40:41.159-04:00DAY 1 - so far so goodSo I am at the end of Day one for my Standard Process Purification Program - so far so good<br /><br />but I do have to preface this with the fact that I have had a major head cold for the past few days- which has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">diminished</span> my hunger for things that are good...add in the fact that I eat a relatively clean diet - with little fast food and little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">caffeine</span> - so doing this program is a bit easier for me.<br /><br />Anyway - you may be asking what does the process entail?<br /><br />The first 7 days you have 2-3 shakes a day made with the program powder, along with cleansing and fiber capsules. You also get all the veggies and fruit you want - within reason. You want to eat more veggies then fruit and eat as much raw or just slightly cooked as possible...you can also have 1/2 cup of brown rice or lentils a day as well.<br /><br />So what did I eat today<br /><br />Started with a shake - two scoops of powder, some water, a tablespoon of coconut oil, 1/2 a small banana and a handful of frozen <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">raspberries</span>. It is was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> - the powder has a specific taste to it - hard to describe - the best I can do is say its "earthy". Some of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recipes</span> I have read about talk <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">about</span> adding veggie juice - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ummmm</span> I think I will stick with fruit based smoothies.<br /><br />We spent the day out and about -I made myself a cup of green tea - even though I have been told a small cup of coffee a day would be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> - I have decided at least for the first 7 days I will switch to green tea. I packed myself some carrots and bell pepper slices to munch on. I still have the head cold so nothing sounded good but I knew I needed something to have with me.<br /><br />Got home and made another smoothie - same as above<br /><br />I also spent some time making some homemade veggie broth for some upcoming soups I plan to make.<br /><br />Dinner was IMO great - I simply cut up some yellow and green squash, red onion, baby <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">portebello</span> mushrooms and some bell pepper and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sauteed</span> them up with some garlic and olive oil and then threw in a handful of spinach. I added some Pampered Chef Chili Lime spice to give it some kick served it up over 1/2 cup of brown rice.<br /><br />So I feel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> - still have the head cold so that is weighing me down some - on to Day 2...Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-58855945121602249132011-10-21T12:27:00.002-04:002011-10-21T12:31:18.675-04:00Purify MeI am back…I know it has been awhile – a long while and for that I am sorry – the only excuse I have is I’ve been busy.<br /><br />I am still crafting in my spare time, what little I have. Toothless Wonder and Pantiewad girl are doing great – as they have gotten older more and more of my “me” time has been chipped away – and that is OK.<br /><br />The main reason for jumping back into blogging is to hold myself accountable…<br /><br />Accountable for what you ask?<br /><br />I am going to do a Cleanse…I know, I know – you read cleanse and all sorts of bad images come to your mind…believe me I have researched this to death to see if I really wanted to do this…<br /><br />Why a cleanse? Well if you read back through some of my posts you know I have been trying to eat and live a healthier lifestyle over the past few years. I have had some success – cut out soda and vast majority of processed food from my diet – I have increased my exercise – I found a great cardio kickboxing class I take twice a week. But after all that I still feel like my body is holding on stuff it shouldn’t have. I have had people comment about the weight I have lost…ummmm haven’t lost any – toned up yes – loss no.<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong I am not doing the cleanse just to loose weight – hopefully that is just a good side effect – I didn’t start eating better or exercising more to loose weight – I did it to make my body better with the hopeful side effect of dropping a few lbs.<br /><br />So here is the thing – there are A LOT of different cleanses out there…the thing about them is you have to do your research – read labels – check out reviews – etc…what good is a cleanse if all you are putting in your body is a bunch more chemicals. There are also different cleanses for different things…I have to admit the first time I heard of a cleanse I had a vision of not being able to be more than 3 steps away from a bathroom…and if you are doing a colon cleanse that would be true.<br /><br />So what am I doing? I am doing the <a href="http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi">21 day Standard Process Cleanse </a>- It is one that my chiropractor recommended. I already take Standard Process vitamins with great success so I figured what the hell. The main component of this cleanse is whole foods. All the supplements and pills are made of whole foods – no chemicals, no weird fillers, none of that…all natural whole foods.<br /><br />The first 7 days you are limited to eating fruits, veggies, lentils and brown rice with the addition of 2-3 smoothies a day plus some cleansing and fiber pills. One may ask why not just eat fruits and veggies for a week and call it good. I’ve done that before – doesn’t do much…and you can’t get all the vitamins, minerals and protein you need – hence the use of smoothies and pills. After 7 days you can add in lean protein in the form of chicken and fish – easily done. After 21 days you can slowly add back in other things – but the goal is to do it one food type at a time…the cleanse basically strips your body for it to begin anew.<br /><br />I am hoping I do ok on this program – I am already used to eating a modified Paleo type diet and drinking lots of water each day so hopefully this shouldn’t be as hard for me as it might for others who eat a lot of fast or processed food. I have also decided to take this time to try foods I have been turning my nose up at …Lentils – haven’t ever touched them – brussel sprouts, kale, beets – OH MY…<br /><br />I think the hardest thing will be to give up my protein sources for the first week – I love my chicken and fish…oh and my coffee - I have been told I can have a small cup of coffee a day while on the program – but I think for the first 7 days I am going to go all in…The program suggests drinking green tea – so at least for the first 7 days I will be switching my morning coffee with morning green tea…<br /><br />So the question is why am I blogging about it – well I did some research and found a few blogs about the program and they enjoyed it – I figured if I blog about it then I have the whole internet to keep me accountable – right? I paid a nice chunk of change for the program so I will be brutally honest about how I feel and what I eat…if I don’t like it you will know – if I find it to be fantastic you will know.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-89660833852216814192010-11-22T11:36:00.005-05:002010-11-22T11:45:08.662-05:00Let the Countdown Begin...So the other night I couldn’t sleep so I parked myself in front of the computer and started perusing my favorite crafting blogs…from which I clicked through to a bunch of other blogs…<br /><br /><strong>BIG MISTAKE<br /><br /></strong>Now I <strong>MUST</strong> have chalkboard paint – I saw so many cute things that were done using chalkboard paint…from masking a plastic charger so you can have a cute colorful chalkboard for your kitchen…to painting small wooden boards to be used as door hangers. I got this <strong>GREAT </strong>idea from seeing all the chalkboard items…but I must wait to actually do it :(<br /><br />Anyway – I have been crafting up a storm…I am finally finished with the holiday craft fairs – I participated in 3 of them this year – I did OK – I hit the goal I set for myself – I was hoping to surpass it but I will take my goal…<br /><br />I have a few orders of some items to finish up – hoping to complete that this holiday weekend – as for the first time in 5 years we are not traveling – I could stay in my PJ’s the <strong><em>ENTIRE </em></strong>weekend if I wanted to…<br /><br />I did want to show you a special project I have been working on. I found the best little site on-line for vinyl designs – <a href="http://www.myvinyldesigner.com/">My Vinyl Designer</a> that I mentioned the other week. They are currently having a great sale on all there designs – <strong>25% off </strong><span style="font-size:85%;">(use the code: <strong><em>holidays</em></strong>)</span> and best yet – immediate download. They also provide a weekly freebie as well.<br /><br />The site has been running a contest each week – with getting ready for the craft fairs I wasn’t able to set aside the time to participate – but when this past weeks came up I had an idea that went "Ba-Blam" in my brain…<br /><br />So this past week was to take one of their <a href="http://www.myvinyldesigner.com/Products.aspx?Search=advent+calendar">Advent calendar designs </a>and create something with it…<br />I took CA007, a metal baking sheet, red, green, yellow and white vinyl, a few fonts, fancy holiday ribbon, a wooden star and a magnet and came up with this….<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo5m9ERA7KO-S4GOhxR6JofAS2_Izuv4KLchNp8Jq1eAcGD4DEekVqUjbAdEozd_sMGxmKKEWzDb4Q-WXjpNDWosVpDwqLBrA0C7rhVMoR3PJt6ZKZ9dblD8T3eCvi3Cqqpwn/s1600/JMouerMVDAdvent1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542414908120941986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo5m9ERA7KO-S4GOhxR6JofAS2_Izuv4KLchNp8Jq1eAcGD4DEekVqUjbAdEozd_sMGxmKKEWzDb4Q-WXjpNDWosVpDwqLBrA0C7rhVMoR3PJt6ZKZ9dblD8T3eCvi3Cqqpwn/s320/JMouerMVDAdvent1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I managed to snag the baking sheet at a local craft store for under $2 and had TC drill a hole in the top.<br /><br />When I imported the Advent calendar into my Silhouette Studio software it was a breeze to use…I simply did the layout to get to the size and shape I wanted it to be based on my baking tray – I decided to use the back of the tray so it would sort of sit out a bit from my wall when hung. I was able to split the images so I could cut the numbered balls and wording in red and the top and bottom of the tree in green.<br /><br />I went a quick step further and cut out the top of the tree in a scrap of light yellow and trimmed it so I had the star shape that I layered over the green.<br /><br />I used a snowflake dingbat font to cut some snowflakes in white to scatter and made a fancy bow to cover the top lip of the baking tray and used the excess ribbon to form a loop for hanging.<br /><br />Now the number holder – I found a small already painted yellow star at one of the big box craft stores – slapped a round magnet on the back <span style="font-size:85%;">(didn’t even need to pull out my glue gun – Craft glue dots are the best things ever)</span> and <strong>VIOLA</strong>…it becomes my day tracker. Before and after X-mas it nicely resides at the top of the tree.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzWlDPWJ3D5YPsBqZVQM4bj_QLRILqvrlSRxhYoTV-KuDTHm_qbFbeyTzTZ3R73qqfEY2jrNesygj9DOch04XdZPzc34M9yudJPfIjkwreybFRHHuKW-MjH5cz_WcRbiORUPz/s1600/JMouerMVDAdvent2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542415222329867234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzWlDPWJ3D5YPsBqZVQM4bj_QLRILqvrlSRxhYoTV-KuDTHm_qbFbeyTzTZ3R73qqfEY2jrNesygj9DOch04XdZPzc34M9yudJPfIjkwreybFRHHuKW-MjH5cz_WcRbiORUPz/s320/JMouerMVDAdvent2.jpg" /></a><br />I think it turned out quite nifty if I do say so myself – and my girls LOVE it…I was thinking of bringing it to my workplace but I don’t think my girls will let me do that – they want to hang it in their room.<br /><br />Now to complete my orders so I can craft for myself some more…Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-59848032763127141572010-11-15T15:18:00.002-05:002010-11-15T15:27:56.872-05:00The Holidays are Coming...the Holidays are Coming...Scary isn't it...<br /><br />It seems just like yesterday I was claening up pine needles and putting away all my snowmen...and now it is time to get all those snowmen back out...<br /><br />Time sure flies doesn't it...<br /><br />This isn't going to be a long post - just wanted to pop in and let you all know about a very cool site - I am sure many of you have stumbled upon it before - but <a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/">Cool Mom Picks</a><br /><br />Well they have there 2010 Holiday Gift Guide up - lots of great ideas for everyone in your life - from family to friends to co-workers to teachers, you name them they have an idea for a gift...so check be sure to cruise on over and check them out<br /><br /><a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/holidaygiftguide"><img alt="Holiday Gift Guide" src="http://coolmompicks.com/images/CMP_holiday.gif" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-58533269755506739302010-11-12T10:05:00.002-05:002010-11-12T10:09:31.208-05:00A Fat-Ass update…I know it has been quite awhile since I blogged a lot…and I am sure one of you may be wondering what is happening to my ass…has it shrunk any?<br /><br />Back in the beginning of the year I wrote a post about <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-all-in-baby-steps.html">Baby Steps</a>. - where in a nutshell I discussed about changing the way I eat rather than focusing on WHAT I am putting in my mouth…<br /><br />So all these months have gone by and I really haven’t lost any weight…but rather than being upset or sad I am fine…I mean sure I would love to be 20 lbs less – I mean who wouldn’t…but I have made a big impact on what goes into my body and what I use my body for.<br /><br />Do you know I haven’t had a soda since the middle of January…TEN MONTHS…not to say I have cut out caffeine – because I as addicted as ever to my morning coffee…but I was more concerned about all the other stuff that was in soda…all the things you can’t pronounce…<br /><br />Now does that mean my family has given up soda…no – but they have drank significantly less this year – for one I rarely buy it so if it isn’t in the house it isn’t an option…on the occasions we do drive through and the girls have a choice of course they are going to choose soda – and I am fine with that as having a small soda a handful of times a month I am not going to sweat it…<br /><br />As for other things – I have been eating far more natural, non processed items - things like pasta and bread – yes I will eat them but I try and make better choices – higher fiber, whole wheat pasta vs blanched white pasta – whole grain breads vs “enriched” white bread…even with all that I would say I might have had pasta once or twice a month (and mainly in soups) and breads 2-3 times a week <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(mainly in the form of a high fiber English muffin topped with two egg whites for breakfast - NOM NOM NOM)<br /><br /></span></em>Does that mean I don’t eat anything bad for me – ummm Hella No…life is life people and if I want that mini Almond Joy from the kids Halloween Candy stash – I am eating that sucker <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(I was very sad that they didn’t collect any York Peppermint Patties for me to steal)</span></em> – but I am not also eating that 3 Musketeers, that 5th Ave. bar and the Butterfingers…<br /><br />Another part of the equation is exercise…this past spring I learned I really enjoy kickboxing…so I bought 2 kick boxing DVD’s and had myself a grand old time…worked up a sweat, stretched some muscles…<br /><br />THEN….a great gold glow showed up one day…a GOLDS GYM moved into town…about a 5 minute drive from my house – and best of all since it is an express gym the cost was only $9.99 a month…SIGN ME UP….<br /><br />So since August I have been hitting up the gym 2-3 times per week…you would think I would see something on the scale move in a downward way – ummm nope…BUT there is a difference in my shape…and I have lots of energy to boot <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(don’t get me wrong – I still enjoy a lazy Sunday just sitting on the couch watching reruns of Teen Mom and What Not to Wear)…<br /></span></em><br />The main thing is I want to be a role model for my daughters…I want them to see me making good choices for the bulk of my food choices…but not to sweat it if they have a piece of chocolate or a sweet treat every now and then… I tell them mommy isn’t on a diet – I personally think diet is a bad word…I tell them mommy is exercising and making good food choices so I am around for a long long time…<br /><br />Sure when I am at the gym I look around and see someone who looks 20-30 lbs lighter than me and think “One day I would love to look like her” – is she all supermodel skinny…nope she is a mom – she has a pooch <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(albeit a smaller pooch than mine)</span></em> – her calves are just as big as mine – she has the same dark circles under her eyes – the same small little wrinkles popping up…but overall is just a bit smaller…But then I think to myself as I look around and see women who are larger than me and I have to think to myself – out there there is someone who is looking at me saying “One day I would love to look like her”<br /><br />So I embrace who I am, what my body dictates it wants to be…and I will just continue to try and make better eating choices and make sure my muscles get used for something other then sitting down and getting up from the couch….Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-79866853952877158752010-11-10T08:11:00.003-05:002010-11-10T08:15:58.781-05:00I think I birthed a Corleone…So faithful readers of my little blog <em>(<span style="font-size:85%;">all, what 3 of you??)</span></em> may remember around this time last year PWG attempted to do a little <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2009/12/channeling-her-inner-soprano.html">Elf extortion </a><br /><br />Well, every year we attend our church’s Holiday Bazaar. At the Bazaar they have a room where kids get to shop for <span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em>{insert sarcasm here}</em></strong></span> simply lovely <em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">{end sarcasm} </span></strong></em>holiday gifts for family. Most items are $2 or less and the kids emerge with the gifts fully wrapped <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(i.e. brown paper bag and a few staples)</em></span>. The girls love doing this as they pick out the gifts on their own and TC and I are dually surprised come Christmas Morning <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(no matter how many times I drop the sucker the Tweety Bird Bell refuses to break).<br /><br /></em></span>In the past we have provided the girls with $5-6 to buy gifts – however for the past 2 years they have been receiving an allowance – so we decided this year they have to use their own money to purchase gifts…<br /><br />Ummmm yeahhh – while the tightwad TW has quite a bundle in her wallet – the more carefree PWG is only sporting a few bills in hers…<br /><br />So she told us she would do extra chores in order to earn extra money and as such presented us with this price list last night…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYnAPE-vC3eKfdBqMzO7D5RlAAAuUlJZaDf2Uqry8lq2XTYbpahVJwVLH2cC5J5nnVVQcp2WJPTWB04AvZdBxchYEjmT5I8-m3HlIT1jjYPJwwT8Pn14_Ee9uYNgmRYfWI5aa/s1600/noralist.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537908829889711202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYnAPE-vC3eKfdBqMzO7D5RlAAAuUlJZaDf2Uqry8lq2XTYbpahVJwVLH2cC5J5nnVVQcp2WJPTWB04AvZdBxchYEjmT5I8-m3HlIT1jjYPJwwT8Pn14_Ee9uYNgmRYfWI5aa/s320/noralist.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Personally I think .50 cents to clean up cat crap is a downright bargain…considering we have two cats and a litter box that needs scooping every day…<br /><br />But my favorite is “Cleaning up Dead Things” – TC said he would take her when he goes hunting because he needs some help when he shoots his deer…PWG response was “that will cost extra…you have to read the fine print”<br /><br />Now just to put your mind at ease it isn’t like we have a plethora of dead things around our house…I can only assuming she is thinking ahead to the Elf and what might occur if there is no candy…Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-72471395792454959962010-11-08T10:12:00.005-05:002010-11-08T10:28:40.192-05:00To brighten your Monday BlahsSo I have mentioned my fabulous, awesome <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2009/12/on-contact-high.html">Silhouette </a>cutting machine before.<br /><br />And after almost a year with it – I am still absolutely in love with it. They recently released a new software package to use with it – makes it 100x’s easier to use when creating my own quotes and manipulating images. I have made <strong>A LOT</strong> of shelf blocks with quotes on them for some upcoming craft fairs – those pictures will be coming at a later date.<br /><br />Last week I was introduced to a new website – <a href="http://www.myvinyldesigner.com/">My Vinyl Designer </a>- While I have access to the Silhouette store and a ton of images and phrases one can always have more…right???<br /><br />What I love about My Vinyl Designer is you can buy images in a variety of formats – so if you have a Circuit or a Silhouette you can buy the file that is right for your machine. My favorite part is the fact that this site sells individual images as well as packages of designs. Also once you buy the image it is yours for immediate download + you can use it to create wonderful things to sell…that is right you have access to use the images and sell those items…something that is not available when I use Silhouette store images.<br /><br />So I decided to try out a design and used TX and PWG as guinea Pigs…<br /><br />I saw <a href="http://www.myvinyldesigner.com/Products/alphabet-6.aspx">Alphabet 6 </a>and loved it. So I bought it…(at 25% off too…use the code holidays) and what did I do with it…<br /><br />Well first we went to the Big Box craft store and bought some 8x8 canvas and some Acrylic Craft paint…We used Apple Barrel Paints in the colors of Kiwi Green, Lagoon Blue and Hot Pink.<br /><br /><a href="http://s243.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/stampinmadness/?action=view¤t=canvasframes001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/stampinmadness/canvasframes001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We painted them up – it took about 4 coats for a nice solid look – although I did like the wash through look of only 1 or 2 coats on the canvas as well…<br /><br /><a href="http://s243.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/stampinmadness/?action=view¤t=canvasframes002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/stampinmadness/canvasframes002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Then I let the girls (sort of) pick their vinyl colors –<br /><br />TW picked Dark Grey for her letter and white for her name – she also picked the font she wanted for her name (Fontdinersparkly)<br /><br />PWG started to pick some weird colors of vinyl that really didn’t go and I was able to sway her to a Rose Red for the letter and a Chocolate Brown for her name and was able to sway her for the font (Merced) – because I loved the way the “N’ swooped.<br /><br />I adhered the vinyl to the canvas – this can be a bit tricky since the canvas isn’t fully smooth – I have found if I apply pressure the underside of the canvas as I rub it works better – I still have some issue but if you go slow it should be fine.<br /><br />We finished it off with 2 thin layers of Matte Modge Podge to seal the vinyl to the canvas…<br /><br /><a href="http://s243.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/stampinmadness/?action=view¤t=canvasframes003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/stampinmadness/canvasframes003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hope you like… I haven't yet decided what I am going to do with my Hot Pink painted canvas...but I envision using this alphabet A LOT...This would make a great new baby gift...or a wedding gift - put the Brides and Grooms name in middle...or use multiple canvas frames to spell out a name and use an adjective to describe the person in the middle.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-42739307685528905882010-11-03T09:02:00.001-04:002010-11-03T09:02:52.920-04:00A very Happy Holiday indeed<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0BcN3LZu0bMw/0BcN3LZu0bMwcW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1288789342000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Merry Glee Christmas 5x7 folded card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Make a statement with custom <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas cards</a> at Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-59796963785203453682010-10-29T09:26:00.008-04:002010-10-29T09:47:03.476-04:00The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…Thanks to Shutterfly<div><span style="font-family:arial;">Don’t get me wrong I <strong>LOVE </strong>the holiday season…bright colored lights, holiday songs on the radio 24/7…buying or making the perfect gift for a special friend or family member.<br /><br /><strong>BUT<br /></strong><br />There is soooooo much to do…and as a woman, wife, mother – a lot of it falls on my shoulders.<br /><br /><strong>Decorating –</strong> sure TC will get out the ladder and hang the lights, he will go get the tree with TW and PWG and set it up, he will get out the inflatable of Santa and the reindeer playing poker (yes we actually have this) and get it set up…but the rest is up to me…which means other than the lights and blow up things we only have a few other decorations scattered around the house.<br /><br /><strong>Gift Shopping</strong> – ummm all me…I am sure if I asked TC to go buy something he would…but in my mind it is far simpler for me to go and pick it up and be done with it and know it got done…So not only does this encompass shopping for my family – but also assorted nieces and nephews and yes even TC office…I love it when he comes to me and asks “<em>so what are WE giving this year</em>”<br /><br /><strong>Holiday Cards</strong> – all me….for the past 5 years or so I have lovingly hand stamped and crafted our holiday cards…all 75+ of them. Let me tell you that is a lot of cards…as I looked about this year – between the girls school work, sports and other activies, my craft shows and working – I was just dreading making all those cards…<br /><br /><strong>THEN….<br /></strong><br />I came upon <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">SHUTTERFLY</a><br /><br />Oh happy day…<br /><br />In the past I have received cute photo cards in the mail during the holiday season and many years ago I actually made one up and sent it out for the holidays one year. The problem I had all those years ago is the fact I only had about 10 templates to choose from and none of them really floated my boat…<br /><br />So I wasn’t expecting much when I went in search of a cute template for a photo card.<br /><br />Well color me surprised…<br /><br />I am so not a “traditional” Holiday person- dark reds and greens, holly sprigs, cardinals, realistic Christmas Trees – sorry they don’t do much for me…I am so much more a “mod” holiday person – give me the pinks and greens and aqua’s and I am a happy girls. You can save that fancy loopy script – give me some funky fonts. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></div></span><br /><div><br />Well I found the <strong><em>MOTHERLODE</em></strong> of cute and fun holiday Photo cards at <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> – they have plenty of designs for you more “traditional” folks but if you are like me you are going to be in heaven. There are over 300 different templates – 300 people…if you can’t find one you like then you have some serious design issues…<br /><br />Here are a few of my favorites:<br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533461539578143234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxWaZFGxkZ5PcQI9X-HqpKF2KDsipY-3LlBlug3nwB_KRFMqFV_lus0ECeT7nP-wDStE31inFkrg27o3H0xmpECwkJos5LSrnnLY7A67Rq9ONL80Rta2GSu2YGI_TaDpSUKsR/s320/card5.jpg" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH3d1RxwlXTCwlWsC58sW_SRzdAeEG8enS2jfKUVnPbxgcJruq6zoUXcd2oQwbKEMR7JzB3YgVRlHXwuyh96tWmEsCjrqMmxyGsdztokFiQL8_TREiBbj4wjonXoKNL0zij7V/s1600/card7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533461531881559026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH3d1RxwlXTCwlWsC58sW_SRzdAeEG8enS2jfKUVnPbxgcJruq6zoUXcd2oQwbKEMR7JzB3YgVRlHXwuyh96tWmEsCjrqMmxyGsdztokFiQL8_TREiBbj4wjonXoKNL0zij7V/s320/card7.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmUVK4Mn_A-KaIjG8suwQzCo0ApU1IT773YBjcbLkEGH3vmOtbB_HWHjjewcMqd7o70-hMHdJLMGR6r5BQUTYKvWxVhsvRc7DZM6RlKgt20bzXp4RMqUvSDPuEwyoOWBbz9b_/s1600/card9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533462272760826882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmUVK4Mn_A-KaIjG8suwQzCo0ApU1IT773YBjcbLkEGH3vmOtbB_HWHjjewcMqd7o70-hMHdJLMGR6r5BQUTYKvWxVhsvRc7DZM6RlKgt20bzXp4RMqUvSDPuEwyoOWBbz9b_/s320/card9.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6flyuPQZNsT3M4NPaLrn7N46xuHOJAf6o1aEIFjzOtvKowrjNVpy9WnVEYCWel3u3devfAca0JTSmAklRAbL9vvN0X38xp36HNYRo_viYPw8-lLqtJu9cRql4in-0YgeBXHWo/s1600/card8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533462266962325730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6flyuPQZNsT3M4NPaLrn7N46xuHOJAf6o1aEIFjzOtvKowrjNVpy9WnVEYCWel3u3devfAca0JTSmAklRAbL9vvN0X38xp36HNYRo_viYPw8-lLqtJu9cRql4in-0YgeBXHWo/s320/card8.jpg" /></a><br />They have a variety of sizes and styles – they have a nicer cardstock based photo card and your less expensive photo paper photo card. I know that sending Holiday cards can get expensive…so my plan this year – to put together <strong>TWO</strong> holiday photo cards…one using the nicer cardstock base to send to close family and friends and one using the less expensive photo paper to send to those acquaintances where the Holiday time is just about the only time letters and information is exchanged (come on we all have that list) – this way everyone gets to see the wonderful pictures of my family but it is a little easier on my wallet.<br /><br />But – what I love is in addition to the <strong>HUNDREDS</strong> of templates for Holiday cards they have a ton of other types of photo cards.<br /><br />Need a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-cards-stationery">Birthday Party Invite </a>– they have all sorts of cute templates – for ages 1 to 100<br /><br />And the best thing – take a bunch of pictures at the party – upload to Shutterfly – create not only some wonderful <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/thank-you-cards">Thank You Cards </a>- but go ahead and make a cute and stylish <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books">photobook</a> of all the fun.<br /><br />Shutterfly is going to make the girls next birthday super easy for me…<br /><br />But going back to the Holidays...because you know it is creeping up on us like a pair of too small underwear...<br /><br />In addition to the photo cards and photobooks Shutterfly has some wonderful gifts to create for the holiday season – think about it - you could get a bunch of gifts bought in one simple afternoon – and what is so great about the gifts – you design them and it is something that is special to you and your family and friends…<br /><br />One of my favorite gifts is the <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs">Photo Mug</a> - you can create a whole collage of pictures – this makes a great gift for a grandma or a grandpa…just grab about a dozen pictures of the grandkids you have taken throughout the year – and click to add them to mug…something that is practical and personal all in one fell swoop. Grandma can look at her darlings every day. I will say I put together one of these to give to the girls godmother…and then wound up keeping it for myself – now I get to look at my cuties every morning when I drink the elixir of the gods <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(aka coffee…the vodka doesn’t factor in until later in the evening)<br /></em></span><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533462696587146802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ej_hAZhaJBm6fjddTawK2uVrCp4DttnEKfioneDifTElRBnxgDdysL50OwbJq4u81rJLIk5E1nIFfuZGPJmkzL-xBsWbfp3h7dHvGbLJCgZNOpOU4heocQmlAN9temzT-bzp/s320/mug.jpg" />Another great gift is a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/home-decor/desktop-plaque">Desktop Plaque</a>. Like the mug you are able to use more than one photograph. But what a great gift this would make if you have that <strong>PERFECT</strong> photo…you know the one in a million shot where everyone looks simply fantastic…TC and I went to a wedding this spring and someone managed to snap an awesome shot of both of us…I am so getting myself a Desktop Plaque of that picture to remind me that every once in a while I clean up quite well…and since it is basically its own picture frame you don’t have to buy anything else – what a great gift at a great price.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6drTD_U8d2gMCIxhXz1JXj1uzvqSASV3Y1sv2rxW7vOD4ZzuVdhrRUwZv5TB5TAjBhyphenhyphenvw-ev1TqO4cgYXj8LRW6rpLSiokk9v3Dn4n7V4XGDjCOTVGJIJt4W7nZOUmgiX3Y_/s1600/desk.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533463795078864082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6drTD_U8d2gMCIxhXz1JXj1uzvqSASV3Y1sv2rxW7vOD4ZzuVdhrRUwZv5TB5TAjBhyphenhyphenvw-ev1TqO4cgYXj8LRW6rpLSiokk9v3Dn4n7V4XGDjCOTVGJIJt4W7nZOUmgiX3Y_/s320/desk.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So thanks to Shutterfly I am going to be able to spend a few hours crafting and creating on my computer and in the end I will come away with my holiday cards and a number of really cute, very personal gifts for family and friends…<br /></div></span></div></div></div></div><br /><div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-34701258989914680762010-10-27T15:52:00.004-04:002010-10-27T16:02:25.939-04:00Back...Maybe?I know it has been a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time since you have <s>seen my face</s>, er...read my most intimate thoughts I want to share...<br /><br />Life has been busy...Life has been hectic...Life has been, well life...<br /><br />I have spent the past few months dealing with kids and home and work, which has left me very little ME time...and I have been feeling not so hot about myself - so I need to do something about that...I need to make ME time - I need to start doing things again that make ME happy...<br /><br />In looking back, I enjoyed writing the blog...sure I may not have to many followers (if any) - but it has been an outlet for me to talk without bothering anyone in person to the point they will avoid me at all costs...{here comes that crazy lady to talk about some craft or what her kids did yesterday}...but thanks to the power of the 'net - I can spill all sorts of things and those that don't want to hear or see it - well they don't have too...<br /><br />So starting fresh again...once again - I hope I don't disappoint the 3 of you that may actually read my blog...it will, like always, be a mish-mash of things - one day I might talk about crafting and show you a simply awesome craft thing (and with the holidays coming up - I have some doozys up my sleeve)...the next I may be telling some utter cute {well at least to me} story about my kids...then I may be lamenting on my Fat-Ass (oh I have so much to say about that...)<br /><br />So with a renewed optimism - I give you this...I PROMISE I will post at least 2x's per week until the end of the year...sometimes you may get more...but you won't get lessJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-74482049330797957002010-01-22T10:08:00.005-05:002010-01-22T10:20:08.544-05:00My Fat Ass Review: EA Sports Active – More WorkoutsAs the 5 people who actually read my blog know I did a <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-fat-ass-review-wii-sports-active-wii.html">previous review </a>of the original <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-fat-ass-review-wii-sports-active-wii.html">Sports Active</a>. For those that don’t want to go back and read it – my bottom line on that game was that it is a FUN workout that really pushes you and makes you sweat – thumbs up all around.<br /><br />For Christmas this year I received the <strong>Sports Active – More Workouts</strong>. Note you do not need the Original Sports Active in order to “play” More Workouts – <em><strong>BUT</strong></em> the More Workouts does not come with the leg strap or the resistance bands – so if you don’t have the original you will have to purchase the Accessory pack for the Sports Workout – they can be found most places for $19.99 – one note they do make a knockoff accessory pack that you can get for $12-15 – I would highly suggest spending the extra money and going ahead and buying the <strong>REAL</strong> version – I took a long look at the knockoff version and found that the pouch on the leg strap isn’t as tight as the original and could lead to the nun chuck jumping around and therefore not providing an accurate reading…also the resistance band is not as long as the Original – which when I tried it I couldn’t get it over my head for over the shoulder presses.<br /><br />It is set up much the way the Original Sports Active was - preset workouts, the ability to create your own workouts from individual activities, journal and a workout Challenge. If you already have the Original one – when you put the new one in it will import all your fitness data.<br /><br /><strong>How is it different than the Original Sports Active?</strong><br /><br />Instead of a 30 day Challenge it is now a <strong>6 week challenge</strong>…in order to stay on track with the 6 weeks you need to do 4 workouts per week..not that hard to do considering each workout doesn’t take much longer than 30 minutes to complete.<br /><br /><strong>All NEW exercises and sports</strong> – they keep the same format of upper body, lower body and sports but also add in an Abs section to work your core muscles…something absent in the original one.<br /><br /><strong>Upper Body Exercises</strong> – for the most part you are using the resistance band to work your upper arm. For the most part the exercises are the same as the Original with some slight twists in the way you move your arms or the way you use the resistance band. I have noticed in a few of them you have to stand in a modified lunge position – which also helps with stretching out your leg muscles as well as holding your core muscle.<br /><br /><strong>Lower Body Exercises</strong> – all new moves – still throw in lots of lunges and squats, just in a different manner of doing them<br /><br /><strong>Ab workouts</strong> – These are new and really work those Ab muscles - they have both regular crunch type exercises as well as reverse type crunches.<br /><br /><strong>Sports</strong> – as with the Original the Sports are what I really like and More Workouts doesn’t disappoint. There is Boxing, Squash, Paddle boating, Waterskiing, Cardio Running, Step Aerobics and an Obstacle Course. They all can be done without the use of the Wii Fit board but if you have one many of them have incorporated the board into the workout.<br /><br /><strong>Boxing</strong> – like the Original you have a few different versions to choose from – with the More Workouts they incorporate a few more exercises using the legs – either through kneeing targets or kicking targets. They also incorporate the use of ducking and dodging. I wish they had a longer version of this available – almost like a 5 or 10 minute version as it is a lot of fun to do and when it ends I get a little sad…I guess I might need to pony up and buy the Wii Gold’s Gym as I understand that is mostly Cardio boxing.<br /><br /><strong>Squash</strong> – much like tennis in the original you are basically hitting a ball…HOWEVER with Squash you are also incorporating lots of side and crossover lunges in order to get the shots – the first time I did it I hated it – now it has become one of my favorites to do<br /><br /><strong>Paddle boating</strong> – one of my least favorites, mainly because it makes you work – you have to hold the wiimote much like a paddle and well paddle…and paddle and paddle…you also have to squat at various times<br /><br /><strong>Waterskiing</strong> – this is basically the Rollerblading from the Original set on water – you squat and then jump up on the ramps to catch flags…there is an addition of having to shift right and left to grab flags in-between the ramps.<br /><br /><strong>Obstacle Course</strong> – a fun thing to do – they have different lengths where you run for a bit of time then stop to do something – be it lunges, strides, jumps, etc…since the whole game is set on an island you are running along the beach to do the various activities.<br /><br /><strong>Cardio Running</strong> – in the original all the running activities took place on a track and quite frankly I had to push myself to finish sometimes…because going around a track is boring…they have fixed the boring part of this - there are 2 main cardio running programs – Island outrun and Training…in the Island Outrun you start out doing a light jog and then the system prompts you to sprint to pass another runner – this pushes you because it is like you are actually competing against someone else…slow down and they will pass you. With the Training one – it is you and the trainer side by side doing running, high knee, kickups, walking…but I will say the island view is a lot better than just running around the track…yes I am out of breath when I am done, but I have yet to feel like I have to push myself to finish – I am so focused on passing another person or keeping up with the trainer on the screen I don’t even realize how far or how long I have been doing it.<br /><br /><strong>Step Aerobics</strong> – my <strong><em>FAVORITE </em></strong>– I have enjoyed the bit of Step Aerobics that are in the Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus – so much so I even sent an e-mail to Nintendo asking for a Wii Step Aerobics (still holding out hope)…I bought My Fitness Coach solely for inclusion of using a step for certain workouts. More Workouts doesn’t disappoint…you get a good solid workout – the only complaint is I wish they had expanded the exercises for the step – as they are mainly made up of the March, Leg Kick, Leg Curl, High Knee in either singles or repeaters of 3…don’t get me wrong it keeps me moving but after a few months I have a feeling I may become bored…In the preset programs they have 30 minute Step Aerobics already set up in Easy, Medium and Hard Intensities– 3 intervals of 10 minutes each and once the set goes – there is no stopping – it is 10 minutes of moving…I did a 30 minute set on the medium intensity the other day and according to the calorie counter I burned over 250 calories…<br /><br />One caveat about the Step Aerobics…it can be done without the Wii Fit board but it may not accurately get your steps…and even with the Wii Fit board it is only but so high so the burn rate may not be that high. They do make step enhancers/platforms for the Wii and I did look into them…one of the biggest complaints is that they all have deeper wells where the feet go so when you step sometimes it doesn’t accurately record your movement – some people have put poker chips in the wells to allow for better contact with the feet…<br /><br />My solution – well I already owned a nice big plastic step (I am guessing mine was made some point in the 80’s as it is just a big plastic rectangle rather than some of the contoured ones I have seen available now-a-days) – put it down and lo and behold the Wii Fit board fits perfectly on top…In reading some of the reviews for the Wii step platforms a few people mentioned they should have just made their own wooden box platform…so something to think about if you are handy and have some extra wood laying around…I will say that by placing the Fit Board on my step I definitely feel it more in my muscles…<br /><br />Over all a great game and workout just like it’s predecessor. I wish however they had done it more like how Wii Fit did with <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-fat-ass-review-wii-sports-active-wii.html">Wii Fit Plus</a>…that you had the ability to comingle both the old and the new together to give a wider array of choices and workouts.<br /><br />But if you liked Wii Sports Active- you definitely aren’t going to be disappointed to spend your money on More Workouts.<br /><br />I recently ran across a great website that talks about using the Wii for Fitness and has a number of reviews for Wii Fitness Games - including screen shots and videos…here it is for you – <a href="http://www.nutwiisystem.com/best-wii-exercise-games.html">NutWiiSystem </a><br /><br />Because of his review of Just Dance…it is currently on it’s way from Amazon to me as I type…be sure to check back for my Fat Ass Review of that in the coming weeks…Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-60650085658497367682010-01-13T21:13:00.012-05:002010-01-14T09:16:02.987-05:00Pretty Little Things...I love earrings...all types - but my favorite of all are french hook ones.<br /><br />I am lucky enough to have a great friend who does wonderful earring work...I have even made a a pair or two myself...<br /><br />Add into the fact that just about any local craft fair you go to there are usually a handful of crafters who do handmade jewelry at very reasonable prices...the last purchase I made from a craft fair was 3 pairs for $18...<br /><br />But french hooks don't lend themselves to storing well...hard to just throw in with other earrings because the hooks grab on to everything...add in the fact that many of mine are long so they have a tendancy to get tangled.<br /><br />In looking on the 'net I came across a variety of frames used to hang earrings...some had a mesh insert - others used a jersey like fabric - and others plastic canvas. I thought easy enough to make...so I decided to do just that on my <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-husband-is-leaving-me.html">Home Alone weekend</a>...come along with me...<br /><br /><strong>Grab a Frame or two</strong> - scour your house for an unused frame...or do as I did and hit up your local thrift store - my score below of two frames cost me a whopping $2.15 - 1.25 & .85 cents - one was empty and the other had a god awful picture of some flowers...one thing you do want to make sure of is that it has a ledge that the backing can sit on.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426415009067479938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwinXDlKwdnDHia9i491m911cYyYw9Q4UF_MjpucWG5hNN2ySsDWvXqceajJqOgCCLswRowz-PMW75Wlzb6UwY4KZ5SM3mCcRPByy0xI3hxYEq_x6zAOGryPyRsk6sj6yZEPe/s320/blankframes.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Then paint them up</strong> - I HIGHLY recommend to use some sort of spray primer - makes painting on paint a lot easier and far less coats needed<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426415655190350562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHmn5RMsCWoSH_yjflZV2EK4qyMCGp-Ye_IpoKFvYRI8e36dE3cNbVDohCj89URLFI2GSnu6T6r3UEOBUm0VoQmtqeJYhkZ1X-jvFGKfMlMuyKzaTtibgfg1Q-qNUhGhLR90F/s320/frame2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>You will need some plastic needlepoint canvas - this can be found at just about any big craft or fabric store - they do come in various stiffness - I choose an Ultra Stiff plastic canvas - I bought a rather large piece (maybe 16x20) for under $2</p><p>I then cut a piece of canvas to fit the back of the frame...the frame above had no clips in the back to hold the canvas (many cheaper frames will have little "pins" that can be folded back and forth to remove the backing so you are able to replace the picture) so I had to use some Household epoxy glue to hold the canvas in.</p><p><strong>Add some whimsy and hang it up</strong>...one of the things I made sure the frame I bought had was handging hardware already on - makes it so much easier...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426418033720822770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWFgDH71fveVrdvZ79gEkWwQ2BgavSwxtAAgx3L_2AqjUAgOnAejcH_Ec96QqrbKP08wr2eSeX84sM-f-DeNM8QwCF74s1venQ5j2QBJrqgvhSHliD5TvVOWW1zIykTLBGPnI/s320/frame4.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426417602625292930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqhzxafTilHNQK2mv-gHLmYpWrvPBqbAFcEmPFbuGgYICaK5hGWkdyocoWSKWpXrY1_D6kri48JQQJHGw1nSGky0vpOeFgRyYPzkcFqwiLoW7WW6n5U4tUYFQUNYrK0HEOK6S/s320/frame3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>I painted this one the same color as my bedroom wall - I didn't want it to be a big focal point and overshadow my earrings</p><p>I also did some fun stuff with what you see below...but that is a post for another day....</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426418240286055714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsfF_Bfn9I8vvCspurEEtYyyiC7Y7GX18PlDvPQ5ihttouep-rqvP7c3xmRz5nBu12TG30bpp-qKkG0Dz-4yQabS9KBOPobRdEiw_Y3p6E9fHgPKTn9bkz2sjn-5hY45lYl8O/s320/boards.jpg" border="0" /></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-8557725871133456342010-01-13T09:31:00.004-05:002010-01-13T09:38:21.015-05:00It’s all in the baby steps…A new year…a new you, right?<br /><br />Aaaaahhhh not so much. The first thing most everyone pledges at the beginning of a new year is to get organized, start exercising, eat better…think about it – I know at least one of those things has popped in your head over the past two weeks or so.<br /><br />Let’s take exercising and eating better – because every year I say the same thing…and every year I do manage to make some sort of small change…but my ass is still fat….<br /><br />Today in my “talk” I am going to focus on eating better…(sit back and relax this may take a while)<br /><br />I have always been an overweight person…I never grew out of my baby fat – it just stayed with me…didn’t matter that I was an active child, playing sports and playing outside – growing up we had 5 channels…no cable for us…although I do cop to having an Atari…so I am sure there were some long Frogger or Pitfall sessions.<br /><br />When I hit high school I was overweight…I have discussed this before…if you are going by weight alone I weighed more in high school at my peak than I weigh now…lovely isn’t it.<br /><strong><br />DIETS</strong>…there is a reason you can’t have Diets without <strong>DIE</strong>…the thing about diets are – if you follow them chances are good you are going to loose weight…why? Because you are more cognizant of what you are doing on a day to day basis…what you are eating…how you are moving.<br /><br />The basic tenant of weight loss is burning more calories than you take in – simple as that, right? <em>WELL</em>, not really – genetics does play a part in body composition and weight loss. Here is the thing – I could loose 50 lbs – but I will always be a curvy girl…it is the way I am built – no amount of restricting calories or working my ass off will change my bone structure. Considering my sister who is 4 inches taller and has a flat stomach wears a size 10 because of her hips (about the only thing we have in common) I know I will probably never see a size on my body that is less than double digits – <strong>I AM OK WITH THIS</strong>…..<br /><br />Add into body composition there is a genetic factor in your metabolism…some people are born with extremely fast metabolisms – others not so much. My BIL stands about 6 ft and can shovel things in his mouth left and right and not work out and he is still skinny as a rail…whereas my husband is far shorter and should he shovel things in his mouth right and left he would quickly become a square – as wide as he is tall…<br /><br />So what is one suppose to do…I have been on quite a few <strong>DIETS</strong> in my life…I started back in High School with Physicians Weight Loss – a program where you go and meet with your “counselor” once a week – get weighed in – talk about appropriate food choices – get sold some supplements and be on your way. Very akin to Weight Watchers in a smaller individual setting…<br /><br />Did I loose weight….<strong>YES </strong>– I actually lost about 50 lbs…why – because I was watching what I was eating and making smart decisions about what I put in my body <em>AND </em>what I did with my body, as I had also joined a gym. <strong><em>Calories in – Calories burned = Weight Loss</em></strong>…<br /><br />That simple..right…<br /><br />You know that 50 lbs I lost…Over the years it found me again – then I would loose it and sure enough it would find me…one thing after another…although I did manage to keep the bulk off it off for a number of years – even thorough my college years…I am guessing the 1/2 mile walk up a hill everyday to get to class negated the beers I drank freshman year…then later all the very bad white girl dancing at the bars negated all the 7&7’s I drank…<br /><br />I have done Weight Watchers a few times…did it work – <strong>YES it did</strong> – once again I was watching what I ate…<br /><br />All these “diets” – WW, South Beach, Atkins. Mediterrian, etc…they all <strong>WORK</strong> because they all force to you control what goes in…so that in a typical day you burn more than you consume – even if you aren’t going beyond your normal day…it takes 3500 burned calories to loose a lb…so if in an average day on a “diet” you are taking in 1500 calories and burning 2000 calories – then in an average week you should loose 1 lb.<br /><br />But like I said not everyone is built the same…one person with a high metabolism can burn through those calories like no ones business – I am told there are people out there that actually try to <strong><em>GAIN</em></strong> weight – crazy talk I say…<br /><br />Something else that can affect how calories we intake are burned is the food itself – the more “pure” and natural a food is – the faster your body will break it down into the nutrients it needs, thereby consuming it in a faster manner and could allow for a higher metabolism ultimately “burning” the calories in any given day…<br /><br />One of the main thinking with most diets, like WW, South Beach, Atkins, etc…is fairly simple – low calorie, cut out sugar, cut out processed food – then each one has it’s own little quirk – for some they advocate no carbs…for others no fats…and others still no sugar…<br /><br />But the thing is our bodies<strong> NEED</strong> carbs…they <strong>NEED</strong> fats….they <strong>NEED</strong> sugar…it is the <strong><em>TYPE</em></strong> that you have to watch out for…<br /><br />Over the years I have adjusted things – I got rid of a lot of “white” carbs…switched to wheat pasta, wheat bread, wheat flour – I rarely drink sugary drinks – soda, fruit juice (take a look at some of those fruit juice labels) – I stay away from Alcohol (except in party situations…which in my life I can count on one hand the number of parties I go to in a given year).<br /><br />I drink a ton of water and eat a lot of fresh veggies and fruits and partake in a lot of lean protein – chicken, fish, etc…<br /><br />I have learned there are <strong>GOOD</strong> fats…<strong>GOOD</strong> carbs…<strong>GOOD</strong> sugars…it is just a matter of reading and researching and making good balanced choices to fuel your body to the best of it’s ability.<br /><br />So after this long winded typing…it comes down to this learning what things are <strong>GOOD </strong>for you and how to eat them in combinations that help your body to the best of it’s ability.<br /><br />The other day I ordered Jillian Michaels new book – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Metabolism-Naturally-Balancing/dp/0307450732/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263393281&sr=8-4">Taking Charge of Your Metabolism </a>– is it a “new” way of thinking…<strong><em>NOT AT ALL</em></strong>…it purports the same thing most every other plan does…cut out the bad stuff…eat less…burn more…<strong>WHAT</strong> I am hoping I gleen from this book is the proper way to eat – what foods work well together for optimal intake.<br /><br />Since we are doing the <a href="http://chaosamongus.blogspot.com/2010/01/is-it-insanity-or-new-way-of-looking-at.html">$40/week </a>grocery plan for January (only spent $38.40 this week…) – trying to use up stuff in our deep freeze and pantry my plan for February is a food overhaul for our house…(cause we will need some after eating it all up in January)<br /><br />I only got a chance to skim through the book last night (cause DUH…Biggest Loser was on…at least for the 1st half of the season it makes me feel better…the last half just makes be feel like a big fat sea slug…) and I came across a section where Jillian talks about not eating anything after 9pm…so that your body has the time to process food and sugars before you lay down and go to sleep…that your body trying to digest food while you are sleeping could effect your sleep patterns or habits…<br /><br />So my baby step for this week is to not eat or drink anything, but water, after 9pm…My thinking is if I start small and slowly incorporate this and that into my life then it isn’t a burden…it isn’t a “<strong>PLAN</strong>”…it isn’t a “<strong>DIET</strong>” …it’s a change, a <strong>LIFE CHANGE</strong>….<br /><br />What's your baby step for 2010?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-68861554389823787302010-01-08T12:24:00.002-05:002010-01-08T12:30:55.285-05:00My Husband is Leaving Me...and taking the kids with him....<br /><br />I should have about 48 hours to myself - alone in my house...<br /><br />Now I have had this happen before - the last time was a few years ago...during which about hour 2 of my aloneness my stomach started to twitch...and not in an excited good way...but rather a "got hit by a bus" way...and I spent most of my weekend alone alternating between my bed and the bathroom.<br /><br />But not this weekend by golly...I resolve not to eat sushi this weekend...<br /><br />What I do resolve to do is some crafting....some Wii'ing....some Chick Flickin'<br /><br />So very glorious...no one to tell to brush thier teeth....no one to argue over what time bedtime is...no one to force "just one more bite of dinner"....<br /><br />I sort of miss them already...sort of...Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-60395355692573173822010-01-06T08:04:00.002-05:002010-01-06T08:23:00.536-05:00Is it insanity or a new way of looking at things?After the hustle and bustle of Christmas passed (BTW I got a Keurig machine – that thing rocks my socks…) and New Year’s slipped away – I was trying to adjust my pantry to fit things in (namely boxes of K –cups) and I was moving stuff around between our freezers and realized we could live off of what we currently had for a month…<br /><br />Now I am pretty frugal and use coupons and shop with specials – but even so I end up spending between $75-90 every week on groceries…mainly due to coupons and sales…hey Chex cereal for $1.50 – load me up…Del Monte canned veggies for .30 cents each…throw them in my cart…<br /><br />So all of this has ganged up on me…I have about 8 boxes of cereal…enough veggies to eat a can every day for then next three weeks, boxes of pasta and sleeves of Saffron rice starting at me when I open the doors…and don’t even get me started on the army of Chef-Boy-R Dee I have lining my shelves…<br /><br />In addition I have chicken, shrimp, sausage, fish and a whole turkey in my freezer – a <strong>WHOLE</strong> turkey – do you know many meals a family of four can get out of a whole turkey…I won’t go all Forrest Gump (turkey noodle soup, turkey tetrazzini, hot turkey sandwiches, etc., etc., etc.) but it is A LOT…<br /><br />So I have decided that January will be the month of<strong> $40 or less</strong> grocery weeks…I am going to attempt to spend no more than $40 a week for all of our household needs – I was going to set it lower – but we really love fresh fruit and veggies to snack on and well – heck enough to feed us for a week can cost $10 or more…add in bread and 2 gallons of milk a week and you are up to about $18 – thereby leaving just a bit over $20 for anything else we may need during the week<br /><br />I do realize this will take a little bit of willpower from me not to stock up when I see a good deal…it may mean we run out of something and have to put off buying more for a bit of time…it may mean that by the end of January we are eating Pancakes every night (for some odd reason I have three unopened boxes of Hungry Jack pancake mix…must have been a sale + coupons…) and TC taking PB&J’s for lunch…(4 jars of peanut butter+ 3 jars of fancy homemade jelly) .<br /><br />So far this week we have spent $12.12...but we are out of fruit and bread so I have to make a quick trip to the grocery tonight...<br /><br />So we will see if I can actually pull this off or if I am a crumpled heap come Jan 31st whimpering “Please sir, let me use my coupons…”Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-30864060446617029092009-12-18T15:07:00.009-05:002009-12-18T15:18:58.415-05:00Fabulous Friday...So the kids are in school and I took the day off - after running around this mornign with dropping off Bagels for the Afterschool educators and hitting the Dr. office...a quick trip to Target and since they are predicting snow - a trip to the grocery store as well...<br /><br />after all that it was time for me...<br /><br />Well time for me to craft...<br /><br />Yesterday the girls and I stopped into Old Navy looking for some PJ bottoms...didn't find ones that fit them right but we did find stockings...<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">FOR $1</span></strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> (instead of the $9.50 price tag)</span></em> - I had been planning on making the girls new stockings this year but that was something that got pushed back...and back again...and back some more...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416671300467509346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQh4qie66y5OaNeZ9KjCLG37PJVSxwVnkTuqErRx1YHw_IVwps-Zq8vUAFDiDMBOH0NYp6riGm2QEdIRSQ6O3lso2ZdsZfPVPJwuIg9i0-x_fmi1dCRSF-kXY-S_TtThxEFio/s320/stockings1.jpg" border="0" /><br />But for $1...heck can't beat that...<br /><br />But of course how will we know whose is whose...enter my Silhouette and Rhinestone templates...and BAM<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416671607720775698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uGrKUHzldTz6KPEqd2qvebdkeVbTgFKjq_T-fjJoVklI3g4DEk0sOYAd8xUKHCRLGVuxn5inpAc-cz06MmSy2VWIPoyJgAzETAR470bRMhOZfLMUqzp8_krV-ITZ_ZIaXq3K/s320/stockings2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Then I since I had my machine out I decided my blank wall needed something<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416671925271167618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalwEUnPwgLpBk28XFHAec2UMhmrGtxHvGo8SqF3Z7l4X9A6-kJ8muKjc_x1jAFSpkr-t4zCrmFBqvtJwBVdrfE4HzVelh3hL9NWWfyfSQHWoh2AkrEHHIc7ahpMJ1ONCnzcVf/s320/jingle1.jpg" border="0" />and came up with this - once again using my trusty white contact paper with a little of the faux stainless thrown in...I think I will be on the look out for large jingle bells when I do my After Holiday shopping - so for next year I hope to have actual jingle bells...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416672041569721666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqhJAw1Kf6vcegVUn5ccYu3EsOpXOn1RWXoFY_keI3_IeGNr2FgARr7DiNufzXfPFdTL7uq0Js5N-I79t3G159XjVTalmBp4mpoPnAQFMZa1B76Fg44XvSxt50QrZm0rn1d9G/s320/jingle.jpg" border="0" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-59036468578672629452009-12-17T08:33:00.029-05:002009-12-17T09:35:36.696-05:00Crafting - Chaos StyleSo yesterday I showed off the Chocolately Goodness that were my Cocoa Cones...<br /><div><div><br /><div>A cone is great to give as a quick gift - to a neighbor, a co-worker, etc..., but what if you want something more...</div><br /><div>Then I give you the Hot Chocolate for Two...</div><br /><div>Quite a long time ago I came into possession of a few blank kraft cardboard drink holders - half were for holding two drinks and half were for four. They have been sitting in a box...staring at me...tauting me...saying<strong> USE ME USE ME</strong></div><br /><div>and use them I did...</div><br /><div>I took the one that had room for 2 cups and decorated the outside with fun festive Designer Scrapbook paper (from Stampin' Up) and some stitched felt ribbon I found in the dollar bin at the big M's...and added a nice Holiday greeting and some jingle bells.</div><br /><div>Then I added in two cute red and white mugs with a snowflake design I picked up at the Dollar Store.</div><br /><div>Add in a Cocoa Cone in one side and a small bag of Holiday Chocolate topped with a sparkly chipboard snowflake in the other and VIOLA....</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9xr_iR9I9GMy3nvuh4OAQ-vzj04N15ZrxLBTTvZMIdGwcZYPPquS6WkhUESWfCA1Q4NOAuLwkE2if_a_0lhhoA83x9APaRAh2wMQA-0_3L6LBv-wn28vd_02Q_ORV6lb9KP3/s1600-h/mugcontainer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416200576518918114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9xr_iR9I9GMy3nvuh4OAQ-vzj04N15ZrxLBTTvZMIdGwcZYPPquS6WkhUESWfCA1Q4NOAuLwkE2if_a_0lhhoA83x9APaRAh2wMQA-0_3L6LBv-wn28vd_02Q_ORV6lb9KP3/s320/mugcontainer.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2XHZUDgY15LTNYfgb-EKZVFskyyCk6Q0GI7-3YhheJi8XYfGWXb9lAPUBo9C84HYRwEyoHQBCXz0sbpgz9i4JbzZc08Vk-J3a0leq9XNqWlc0AFLlZRZufvFFG_49HH_ubU_/s1600-h/mugcontainer2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416200764227902274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2XHZUDgY15LTNYfgb-EKZVFskyyCk6Q0GI7-3YhheJi8XYfGWXb9lAPUBo9C84HYRwEyoHQBCXz0sbpgz9i4JbzZc08Vk-J3a0leq9XNqWlc0AFLlZRZufvFFG_49HH_ubU_/s320/mugcontainer2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br />I made up four of these before I did my craft fairs - I brought them to the fairs thinking if they sell they sell - if not my teacher gifts are done...they all sold...YEAH...so I had to scramble a bit for what to give to teachers this year - luckly for me one of the class mom was taking donations to buy the teacher a new Kuerig machine...here you go here is my $10 - done easy peasy...<br /></div><div>Here are a few more things that have been swirling around in the house of Chaos...</div><br /><div><strong>Fleece Tie Blankets...</strong></div><br /><div>There are 101 different types of directions to do these blankets - I read a few different versions and just winged it - in retrospect I should have cut the ties longer - but the girls love thier blankets<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh987OX9BxIMQgRMpqW_ZcnVgdM-GfqtXjFXU-0uu6oQ6dbseJkze_uZ8efnn4g3Zg39bOp9qia57qQIPiHB6nb0OlJZRG71o1PhNxsq_NOC-ivwpu0f6R9DNQFJWCFhJbsJmD2/s1600-h/jblanket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416201486386844594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh987OX9BxIMQgRMpqW_ZcnVgdM-GfqtXjFXU-0uu6oQ6dbseJkze_uZ8efnn4g3Zg39bOp9qia57qQIPiHB6nb0OlJZRG71o1PhNxsq_NOC-ivwpu0f6R9DNQFJWCFhJbsJmD2/s320/jblanket.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr12hLUy3bX-qGKMED-2v95E_6Y-4AaPqsrrKMJG0OikSgh4TAoS9p-QxVfhVhqXMDeEywKRESu3sEdNfLBpq9_BHquzcxYGFybpVr2tG-QgvrDgQ4Wn_I0sUIqLgkvFgvFlH-/s1600-h/nblanket.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416201700333526770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr12hLUy3bX-qGKMED-2v95E_6Y-4AaPqsrrKMJG0OikSgh4TAoS9p-QxVfhVhqXMDeEywKRESu3sEdNfLBpq9_BHquzcxYGFybpVr2tG-QgvrDgQ4Wn_I0sUIqLgkvFgvFlH-/s320/nblanket.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Fabric Wreath</strong><br /></div><div>I used the directions found at <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/11/fabric-wreath.html">Moda Bake Shop</a> - for my wreath I used Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey for Moda fabric</div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416202796508104610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_O2tIAZaqCW968TeANPq9omgMNRDeQ7YYqESu5rBlxxXSu9A0hz06ajW1XBm46EoyMeHEpTI6nCXPI1GVDHBjkL0k7qpqpNCEaGFH3fe5iS-1_ESSQV6btg6eP4BEqWxYTCLf/s320/rag+wreath.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><strong>Decorated Bags</strong></div><br /><div>I found about a dozen small zippered cosmetic bags at my parents house over Thanksgiving...they orginally held Neutrogena samples - but now they were empty and once again I heard the tauting - <strong>USE ME USE ME</strong>... One side was mesh and the other side a clear plastic. I had a bought a bunch of smaller fun items for ny neices for thier Christmas present - Bubble bath, lipgloss, nailpolish, little bottle of perfume, a bracelet and a big bath puff...<br /></div><br /><div>What better than a personalized little bag to hold everything</div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIUdsVBH5OorllcLZsbipOVum5uVvJYdvaU2Y35RWK9M67EDrgxyOpsY0CTPH5bJl3jopXWRiUFpp0xG1Q56Lfh6lZiUMqu_4_3jc6ekf3xUcAROu17_I_6hS8pje8Gu50y0c/s1600-h/cousinbags.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416207149065366034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIUdsVBH5OorllcLZsbipOVum5uVvJYdvaU2Y35RWK9M67EDrgxyOpsY0CTPH5bJl3jopXWRiUFpp0xG1Q56Lfh6lZiUMqu_4_3jc6ekf3xUcAROu17_I_6hS8pje8Gu50y0c/s320/cousinbags.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj558XYKW73V8SPnQO93VbF5XsVlNxOwq-BPkXRlgWy5TBLUslb4NW4a2EIQONY11pLGunKfb-_0cISn8Pji7A78DkL09WKWaOWtI9l0W6aYacAya06f6rNxSR1cMTbbAJ6iQK0/s1600-h/bagsfilled.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416208038051768018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj558XYKW73V8SPnQO93VbF5XsVlNxOwq-BPkXRlgWy5TBLUslb4NW4a2EIQONY11pLGunKfb-_0cISn8Pji7A78DkL09WKWaOWtI9l0W6aYacAya06f6rNxSR1cMTbbAJ6iQK0/s320/bagsfilled.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div>I used my wonderful new Silhouette machine and some Bubblegum Oracle Vinyl<br /><br /><strong>In the works</strong> <br /><br /><strong>MELLY and ME Reindeer</strong><br /><br />I have the pieces of 6 <a href="http://mellyandme.typepad.com/melly_me/2009/12/o-rudy-tree.html">Melly and Me Reindeer </a>sewn- they still have to be stuffed, sewn shut, legs attached and have nose and eyes added...they are calling for snow all day on Saturday...what better time to stuff half dozen reindeer right?<br /><br /><strong>BONUS KID CONVERSATIONS</strong><br /><br />Tuesday at school was crazy Hair Day - PWG choose to have 2 pigtails sticking straight up - upon getting home she took them out - but as us women know sometimes your hair just keeps sticking up...so she shouted "OMG daddy - look at my hair"<br /><br /><strong>ME:</strong> What does OMG stand for (I know I just wondered what they thought<br /><strong>PWG & TW</strong> (in unison) : Oh My Gosh<br /><strong>ME:</strong> - oh Ok<br /><strong>TW:</strong> But sometimes it means Oh My That word you say alot (while pointing her little finger up towards the sky)<br /><br />ummm yeah...maybe I need to make sure one of my New Years Resolution is saying Gosh more then That Other Word....<br /><br />Wed. was "Twin Day" at my girls school - so on Tuesday while driving home from afterschool care I asked PWG what she needed to wear and was told "Jeans" so she could be twins with J - ummm PWG only wears dresses, leggings, skirts and skorts...the last time she wore a pair of jeans was when she was 2, because she had absolutely no say...whereas TW wears Jeans 99.89% of the time time - so while we were driving this occured<br /><br /><strong>ME:</strong> You really are going to wear Jeans??<br /><strong>PWG:</strong> J doesn't have any leggings - all she has is Jeans <br /><strong>ME:</strong> I am soo getting a picture of you in Jeans<br /><strong>PWG:</strong> NOOOOOO - I will run away<br /><strong>ME:</strong> Then I will get a picture of you running away - in Jeans<br /><strong>PWG:</strong> FINE - but it better not show up on Facebook <br /><br />Oye - raising kids in the 21st century....<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-29353573150527389912009-12-16T08:37:00.007-05:002009-12-16T09:44:23.010-05:00Chocolately GoodnessSo last year I saw the cute Cocoa in a bag gifts...at about $4 a pop...ummm cute but no thank you.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was one of the things I kept in the back of my mind to make for this Holiday season...<br /><br /><br /><br />and make I did<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415828037444056802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX5zsnN_MSLLPRlrqd3kfAUpqRzegS5bV9lUCHGwrCOEIVz7uRUPSKTbas4r4As-eDrpn0UbNo8vsOfPnbs1msZO2WH-n8YQPJ9tcnkRrsINHSNAMoIQPvZNIGyQ3ZRA0SR0Y/s320/cocoa.jpg" border="0" /><br />Don't they look yummy and they are oh so easy to make...<br /><br /><br /><br />What do you need:<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Cocoa Mix -</strong> you can either buy a big tub of Swiss Miss or Herseys or you can attempt to make your own using Sugar, Cocoa Powder and Dry Milk - there are tons of different recipies out there to make your own - in order to stufle the craziness I just used a big tub of Swiss Miss from the local warehouse store<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Milk Chocolate Morsels </strong>- make sure you get milk chocolate, not semi sweet - you can also use other chocolatly goodness items - such as white chocolate, chopped up Andes Mints, etc...<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Mini Marshmallows</strong> - I managed to score a HUGE bag at the local warehouse store for under $3 - I made 50 of these bags and still have a ton of mini marshmallows<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Cone Bags</strong> - I bought my bags through<a href="http://www.clearbags.com/bags/food-bags/clear-cone-bags/6x12-1-2mil-cpp-cone-shaped-fda-bag.html"> Clearbags</a> - they are a food grade bag - BUT you can also use the cone bags that you can buy at any craft store that are used for frosting - the main difference is the frosting bags are made of a thicker plastic material<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Small Clear Elastic bands</strong> - you can buy these in the beauty section at your local CVS, Walgreens, etc...<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Assorted Ribbon and Tags</strong><br /><br /><br />So now that you have all your items it is time to assemble<br /><br /><br />Take one Cone bag and fill with enough Cocoa mix for TWO cups of Cocoa - I found the best way to do this was to pull out about 5-6 of my tall glass drinking glasses - insert the cone bag and fold the top over the rim of the glass and fill with cocoa powder.<br /><br /><br />Tie off the bag using a Clear Elastic Band and cut down the top so it is about 1/2 inch above the elastic band.<br /><br /><br />Insert the Cocoa filled cone into another cone bag - Once again I used the tall glasses to have the cones stand sort of upright.<br /><br /><br />Put a hearty scoop of chocolate morsals and then a hearty scoop of marshmallows on top and close with another Clear Elastic Band.<br /><br /><br />Decorate with an embellished tag and some festive ribbon.<br /><br /><br />My cost for this project of 50 of them came to about .75 cent a piece...much better than $4 a pop.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-29557608765476186492009-12-15T12:12:00.012-05:002009-12-15T12:38:19.649-05:00Super SassySo have I told ya'll how much I adore my new <a href="http://www.silhouettemachine.com/">Silhouette</a> machine?<br /><br />I know, I know...<br /><br />But seriously I love this thing - I have had the orginal Cricut for over 2 years and I have used the Silhouette more in the past 2 weeks then I have used the Cricut in the past 2 years.<br /><br />One of the main reasons is I am able to have the machine set up right beside my computer - I get an urge to do something I just bring up the software - load the machine and cut...LOVE it...much better than hauling out my cricut - trying to find a cartridge with a font I like or an image I need - I have everything practically at my fingertips...<br /><br />Add in the fact that I have a ton of shapes, words, sayings available to me to download at the push of a button with more added every single week- I signed up for a years worth of unlimited downloads at the <a href="http://qksilhouette.com/sd/">Silhouette Online Store</a>.<br /><br /><strong><em>THEN</em></strong>, to make it even better they have come out with a new Rhinestone kit and of course I <strong>HAD</strong> to have it...it arrived last week...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415513787913600322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UTSVm2ojzuEGK9Q0FMo5a7lOC0KlPWWKfJfevZPU0KEcLGU6jNdIa1IalxJ-L-gwahnu9YgbO6uQOG3KyGr46JEDdi3JTVkikKtSzB7w1qtrDW288KgjCjDDTXkZ4aMrklw1/s320/SILH-RHINE-START.gif" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>In the store there are a ton of different templates - I perused them with TW and we found one that really <strong><em>"spoke"</em></strong> to TW...and then I was off...super easy to feed the template material into the machine...and then adhere on the backing board...getting the Rhinestones in the proper place took a little bit of time -<strong><em> BUT</em></strong> it was my first one and I figure the more I do the faster and easier it will become...<br /></p><p>We used a plain black Old Navy shirt that was in her drawer and the final result...</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415514682028152466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSgBu7z1sQ32Qhs3M9tbXP5f95A_PEdeNKYyUZoS1mmJwz54_6VCT0u_OgFcjJie30m-HDl8RbzurMJjVnincFfll1jGUIgBm2vbNCNIHucoNeO1TbFZ9PVPWlVZaad0KoTjz/s320/sassyj.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>Looks pretty good - IRL it is quite blingy...I have even already run it through a wash cycle and all those rhinestones are still stuck quite well - one of my fears was doing all this and then having them fall off once washed...but that was unfounded.<br /></p><p>As I said the store adds new images every week - last week they added some wonderful designs by <a href="http://www.lonileah.typepad.com/">Loni Stevens</a>. She designed words to fit on an adorable ornament box she also designed...well I loved all of them and immediately downloaded a bunch...<br /></p><p>But...I didn't make ornaments (yet...) I took one of the designs and decided to add some Peace to my house this holiday season...It involved taking the orginal design and making it larger - I used my good old standby this holiday season - white contact paper - this is over the entry way into my family room...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415517019292527986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL6u7-u546AKY3M_eXZ1DUe7AK7A9NfVHK0fXC48D94RrFIFBKJG53C-zhf1sCN6Gh2gSyM6A_7xDUYuUodDUp7FGEOmDGTRxYARavlPoxrg2D2jl3V59qx2TCEPFVBhvHaYc/s320/peace2.jpg" border="0" /></p>of course now that I look at it I see my fancy swirls on each end aren't exactly perfect - one is higher than the other...oh well...such is life<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-5607433604459635282009-12-13T15:06:00.008-05:002009-12-13T15:30:25.550-05:00A Sunday Quickie...One of the problems with perusing so many blogs is you forget where you saw a terrific idea...<br /><br />I happened upon a blog one day where the person recreated Pottery Barn initial etched vases using vinyl stencils and Glass Frost spray. <span style="font-size:85%;">(if this was featured on your blog - let me know so I can link it)</span><br /><br />So I set out to do just that for our neighbors this holiday season - only using real glass etch cream - so simple to so do - took me about 30 minutes from beginning to end...<br /><br />Get one glass vase<br /><div><div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414819086209962098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BKGoUPBzQuiEaUfLlskAo-u1rpIUtqkBSiNKLUjhlCOIe40bdx9UMmfhb2xHUKROfcYWj-QefhDHHb5hxbsnAZpcuyJhF-q0KXKszVRidflnaJcGTQ6_IGU67-Kxn6Prip4k/s320/etchedglassbeg.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I managed to pick this one up at a local craft store - I stopped by one day and they had a table full of glassware all for 99 cents each - I grabbed a couple larger vases - not knowing what I was going to do with them...but for 99 cents how do you pass them up.</div><br /><div>Cut a stencil in some form of adhesive vinyl - I used Contact Brand contact paper and my wonderful Silhouette machine to cut out my stencil - but this can be easily done by free hand cutting out a letter.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414819153347534530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR5u-4gx7N2w8FOtjgPTCRmkYwNm2eWSC_ej4R9VWAiLctgkh2nsffSRHfezxYP2kQzwY68Gk74RYPk2M557jn9r7JwPuHHr9rRta-4AtEzGEcYmYfkU1hEGOkT7s-I7Duobu/s320/etched1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Make sure your glass is nice a clean without any fingerprints , as the oils in fingerprint residue can affect the etching process.</div><br /><div>Apply your stencil over the glass and make sure all the edges are stuck to the glass without any bubbles - once the stencil is really down clean the exposed glass again to remove any fingerprints.</div><br /><div>Apply glass etch cream to the exposed glass - be very careful as if it gets on your skin it can burn - you are encouraged to wear gloves (but shhh I don't) - I apply the cream with a small sponge brush</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414819211514913826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YAUQ4pqrWnCN127QUvre7CWqSKVuaygHUj5f_Jt5a4skh7eROmegXxE3XNL07xgz76qlZp2Um8eRGdjPBhtudeklpwzX4AObHgI3mTMPBfc5WXZDZzw9wF83P5mP3ZwvP2ip/s320/etched2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Let sit for 15-20 minutes and then wash the cream off under warm running water.</div><div> </div><div>Remove stencil and admire your work...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414819317016604242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JqFi129ANuYZcHOj4INpdCsWF3wHUsBhiagNP_XLE5lRNKN554M2LJHSdJzOkWOYalxbcnVkWdE4JYu-6sJ4QP1V_VGpaUtxGTItqu-6B0E4-wEHUMYJxQ0hCFeEBP6Mc6pU/s320/etchedglass1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Fill with goodies <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(3 different kinds of cookies)</em></span> and give to good neighbors...(ok the last part is all me...)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414819415113159506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYcMiq6B6ulXZ8r16bl2qKQXQSn5cgyv_8Y_CTkwzFPxst7CLzPI9vBlrsLfAYbRHfOpAGuuRLFsNN2V_n44wpkeyNUjKaPBmMPNP_nQagMHP6Yb0EsgqxG19mbQo5HtCfcWz/s320/etched+finished.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-56373390261167810482009-12-10T08:53:00.014-05:002009-12-10T09:04:36.696-05:00It's the little thingsI am by nature a naturally frugal person <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(well except when it comes to $85 face cream from Philosophy</em>)</span><br /><br /><br />So in decorating my home for the holidays I tend to go pretty low key – no over the top decorations – just little things here and there and my style tends to be a more “comfy casual” then traditional…and our family is soooo a colored lights family…no offense to those who only bask in the glow of white lights…sure they are pretty…but colored lights are like sprinkles on a cake…sure the cake tastes good and is beautiful…but sprinkles make it fun and festive.<br /><br />A few years ago I picked up a canister of brightly colored Christmas balls from Target in one of the after holiday sales. They were full of some pretty “non-tradtional” colors – purple, pink, lime green, turquoise – I loved them and had to have them…<br /><br />But what to do with them…<br /><br />The next year when I got out my garland to wrap around my banister I figured it needed a little punching up and out came the balls…<br /><br />Some hot glue and some string to tie it to my banister and it looks pretty darn good – don’t you think…<br /><br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413605663132961106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0mFSoaJKqoKqMDGAiOymfdF77f_J_i03n7gBxXX2Rw8fqX6FCRb-u69pzeiN9cYuXAIvvtJFmUA9nTPkKGOsermCztQn8j69hN0iuRlDrYVsLUvy4wQhkfeyOAkGpIFUL_8Y/s320/bannister.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413605778564923602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zDupnq_OWg65HUHkRuCY6w6ynQvY4NeesBRKzc4dLnT3Ex5Gmb_h98aamnwP8XmIY-dDMYw4zzAKoSZNzg3CHUmPRO6cNoeggZ66U8iE1ZvLDY1pYjMvi9oGfEqxi8UJjUDP/s320/cubannis.jpg" border="0" /><br />I still had over half the bucket left and it sat with all the holiday stuff for the past few Holidays – I didn’t need anymore Garland…I toyed with the idea of making a very large wreath…but didn’t follow through…<br /><br />This year I decided I need to display them – to give a pop of color somewhere - to coordinate with my banister…<br /><br />So I loaded them up in a glass vase – a glass vase I managed to score for a whopping .99 cents. So I put them in and while they looked pretty it needed something else…<br /><br />So away I went to my fabulous <a href="http://www.silhouettemachine.com/">Silhouette </a>machine and used some of that wonderful faux stainless steel contact paper and made the vase a bit more festive… </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413605940722326066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUoPkACfg8kxjjbEl15JzUB0jtajeyIsS3f72pl-fZNf-zGfenKlI_p-kQ6hnWKtmrk-MTdoYw-iLX14m_3rVVNsGu5qAs7Md2Si-qY4h1730Kp4OQhCqdLLJGagIlw19yukK/s320/merryjar.jpg" border="0" /><br />I love this – but I especially love the fact that after the holidays are over I can just peel the words away and have a nice blank slate….I am thinking it may need to be decorated for each holiday…lets see – a nice Valentines saying with it filled with cut out paper hearts…maybe a picture of the Easter bunny while filled with decorated eggs….<br /><br />Now what would the holidays be without the trimming of the tree…<br /><br />The first year TC and I were together – living in a small cheap apartment we bought this <strong>HUGE</strong> tree from Wallyworld – I cost us all of $16 – which to us was a HUGE sum of money as we struggled each month to pay the bills – but it was Christmas and we HAD to have a tree – we bought a box of colored lights and a box of glass plain colored bulbs…we decided right then and there we would start a tradition – every year we would buy each other an ornament and only those would go on the tree…now over the years we have had to modify what goes on the tree – as we have received ornaments as gifts – they go on the tree and of course having small children we have numerous ornament designed by them now hanging. But, the thing is each and every one of them has a special meaning to us – there is a story behind each one…when we hang the ones we have given each other over the years there is a story to go with each of them…when we hang the ones given lovingly give to us by others we think of them…when we hang the ones our children have made us I get teary over how fast they are growing from little girls into big girls.<br /><br />This year TC got me this<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413606010241132978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY9RMETxByrdEJrrtDG4yhlznrRKWSZb2KZGJJEv_G1FStDBMWU5Sn6Go6V1MLsgv-n1_3DKHOqsK1Fr_9HCwGtZiJ5YbvqjIFiNqn48biv_Wa9fQebosPDLr3nmX7FiH6qmr/s320/pie.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Yes it is a piece of pumpkin pie…I have an obsession with Pumpkin Pie…I only really eat it one time a year at Thanksgiving…but it is my Moms Pumpkin Pie – piled high with homemade vanilla whipped cream – ohhh so yummy – in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving I talk somewhat obsessively about having pumpkin pie…good choice TC<br /><br />This is what I got TC<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413606123979042130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZFqHcn0fHGwAFD6ZHhiHItw9NMkN55Jx1Wk6JF1szXThqsH3hvPtOd5_roFjwzXK0yPJqdp66fhMGeFNe3CYlc0i3j7BHvNBYzpZxmA7XkmGvLVMQ98XD7PbTWhKmYmWWXhf/s320/trex.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />It is a lady T-Rex…there is a running joke in my family – I being the shortest one – also have the shortest arms – so it isn’t as easy for me to reach certain things in high cabinets…or say reach across the table to collect all the Apples to Apples cards…One day it was blurted out I was built like a T-Rex with tiny arms…and that has been a running joke in my family – a few days before I bought the ornament I was trying to get something down and TC said to me “Here let me help you T-rex” – so when I saw the ornament I knew I had to give it to him…as a holiday reminder of me…<br /><br />And at the top of our tree goes our star<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413606221692221874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFDOx2cbwefoTv1CKNMci4L_1SIogbDz1SC5Vkn4PpwSWO3k1hhVR6PcGbqFk4SRBpme43QCYHsmN_3VHhXB3QcTILLm_KTkgI73kITVrXCttGBnYMtUf1jtRl2iUGiEC4qIJ/s320/star.jpg" border="0" /><br />Looks a little sad doesn’t it…but it contains the best story – one we told our girls this year…see back at that first Christmas we bought lights and bulbs and there were two ornaments but no topper…we just couldn’t afford to spend any more…so I took a piece of cardboard and some tin foil and fashioned us a star…That was 14 years ago and every year it sits proudly on top of our tree – it reminds my husband and I how far we have come together and how lucky we are to have a nice roof over our head, how blessed we are to have two happy healthy kids and the resources to surround the tree with gifts to each other.<br /><br />So does your family have any holiday traditions??? I would love to hear some, cause you know it is <strong>NEVER</strong> to late to start a new tradition :)</div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24413646.post-69356880152088404182009-12-09T10:11:00.000-05:002009-12-09T10:12:42.578-05:00a break in the Holiday overloadThanks to all these crafty chicks who have blogs my mind is in Holiday Overload…<br /><br />I have been storing ideas away – some I am running out of time to throw the project together in a exacting fashion…others I so totally want to do them NOW!!!!<br /><br />But time…time is the enemy – I have to work (to pay for all the craftiness) – then when I get home I deal with 8 year old little girls with homework and Religious Ed class and Gymnastics and Brownies – oh yeah and one of them, PWG, received an early Christmas present from her aunt…her very own simple sewing machine…<br /><br />So now I have to hover over to make sure she doesn’t sew her fingers together…<br /><br />I set it up last night and after some curse muttering I finally got it threaded right and dug out some scraps for her to practice on…<br /><br />The big smile – the look of pure unadulterated joy was worth every moment…<br /><br />What could be better than that…<br /><br />Well I left the room for about 10 minutes and came back to find both my girls sitting in the chair together with PWG “schooling” TW in the finer points of sewing a straight line – no fighting, no screams of “This is MINE”…and TW had that same big smile – the same look of joy…<br /><br />You did good Aunt K…you did goodJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01041417522650716779noreply@blogger.com0