Going Buggy Blog Candy

Don't go to Enfys' blog before June 30th. If you do you will reduce my chances to win this blog candy. You must go to her blog and see her wonderful creations. She is wonderful.

Cupcake Candy

You must not go to this site. This candy is mine and if you go there I will have less of a chance to win this Cupcake Candy. Don't go before July 1st. Because that is the day that my name will be chosen. After July 1st, go over and check out her works. Kim Ross is a very talented artist.

Stay away until July 1st. The goodies are mine. Now, go somewhere else.

Middle School Sucks.....again.

They didn't tell me I would have to go through middle school again. I sure would have liked to be prepared for it. I didn't know that I would have to deal with the mean girls, fitting in and the break-ups. I think it sucks worse now than it did for me then. Maybe because time heals wounds, I don't remember it as I vividly as when I went through it myself. Maybe because it is my precious little girl and I can't fix it. A popsicle won't do. I can't paint her nails and watch the hurt disappear. I can only hold her while she cries. Tell her I understand. Knowing that nothing I say will make it better. My heart is breaking with hers. For hers.

Middle School SUCKS.

Opus Gluei and Gluebooks

These two are intertwined this week. I recently found this article on gluebooks. I was thrilled. A way to release creative energy without worrying about what to do with the end project. I have a tendency to have to "DO" something with what I create. So a gluebook is the perfect answer.



I took an old, slightly used composition notebook, a stick of glue, a pair of scissors and some old magazines. The first challenge on the YAHOO Gluebook group for me was PURPLE.



So, here it is. My first gluebook page. I made is a while back, but am just now posting it.

(I have a NO STRESS IN CREATING policy.)





The challenge this week on OPUS GLUEI is WHITE WEDDING. Since I don't have any weddings coming up, I decided to make a page in my gluebook. See how handy they are to have around!

Here's the right page:

I was trying to get the feel of how most brides get lost in the wedding.

Yeah, it's supposed to be about the bride, but with all the details, she is sort of just one of the ornaments.

Much like the groom, delegated to the bottom corner.

The actual commitment gets lost in the pomp and circumstance.

And the left page:

This page is just some pretty dressed and a nice little saying with some color thrown in.

Except for the knife and chain in the middle.
Take those as you will.....

And here is how they look side by side:



As you can see, I couldn't stay with just white.

I HAD to throw in a splash of color.

Friday Fillins # 130

And...here we go!

1. She had a great mind, now if she could only remember where she left it.

2. Sense of self is by my side, always.

3. I know this: MIDDLE SCHOOL SUCKS.

4. Hurting still.

5. These words apply to me: feeling inadequate

6. Though her heart was breaking the sun was shining.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing :-), tomorrow my plans include picking up some goodies, taking Melissa to her reading class and then to dinner and a movie - just Melissa and I and Sunday, I want to play in my play room and not feed anyone!

365 Cards - Catchin' up molasses style...

I made this card for the 365 Cards - Day 117 Challenge - Simply Stamped. I made this in time to post, just didn't get to posting it. This darned family wants to eat. EVERYDAY.

Anyway, the peacock is from Unity's January Kit of the month, and the quote "Dare to be FABULOUS" is from Stampin UP. Not sure which kit. Sorry. I colored with regular ole Crayola colored pencils.

And, why YES, that is the 2009-2010 Stampin UP Catalog. Yummy. I have a wish list started...

Opus Gluei Challenge #14 - Patriotism

Danny and I just took the girls to witness my nephew graduate from United States Coast Guard Boot Camp. I am so proud to be his aunt. He is such a perfect young man. I can't believe that he is a man. He was just a baby a few months ago. How did that happen!! But there is NO question now.

HE IS A MAN.

And a fine one at that. I made this project with him in mind. I hoped that the banner would look like nautical flags. It is hard to see, but there are letters that spell out "H-A-P-P-Y-4th".
(I was hoping to get a better picture, but I suck at photography, so this is all I got. You can click on it to enlarge for more detail.)

Head over to Opus Gluei for more patriotic projects.

Menu Monday

This week I hope to make all dinners at home, save for one. Lunches have to be packed. School is out for the summer and the girls are attending a day camp where they have to take lunches. Lunches will be simple: sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit, cookies, drink and a small treat. Of course this will vary slightly, but you get the idea. (Wish me luck.)

Monday - Pork Loin, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans and salad

Tuesday - Chicken shish-ka-bobs, rice, salad

Wednesday - Shrimp pasta and salad

Thursday - Probably our dinner out night. Could be hot dogs though. Transformers opens and we are planning on seeing it in the early afternoon.

Friday - Pizza and Majide ("I was on a Japanese Gameshow") - It is so ridiculous, we love it.

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday - Oven roasted chicken breasts and veggies, salad

Books, Books, Books

It isn’t a surprise, or it shouldn’t be, that I love to read. I love being taken out of my life and being totally immersed into another place and time. Bookstores are an often sought out retreat for me. I love the smell, the atmosphere and the books. ALL of the books.

First stop is the bargain book section. You never know what treasures lie buried there.

Then on to find the book that sent me there in the first place. Of course there are plenty of books along the route that demand my attention. I am unable to simply find what I am there for and leave. I MUST browse. It is required for my sanity. Or what’s left of it.

I was recently introduced to a wonderful website. Paperback Swap. Amy hosts a wonderful book blog. (You should check out her blog Chic Book Chicks) One of the buttons on her blog takes you to paperbackswap.com. I was curious, so I clicked on the link and have now traded about 50 books so far. (Received and mailed combined) I am somewhat addicted.

This is a swapping site. Although the name is Paperback, there are hard cover books, audio cassette and CD’s listed as well. You may request books from others, and they may request books from you. You are on the hook to pay for postage to get your book to the requester, AND likewise the person from whom you have requested a book is to pay for the postage to get you their book. Once you mail the book to someone, it is theirs to read and keep or trade. Once you receive a book you have requested, it is yours to read and keep or trade. Postage is book rate and has only been $2 or $3 a book, depending on the size of the book.

If there is a book you are interested in and it isn’t listed as an available book, which happens with the more recent releases, you can put a title on your wish list. I have about 30 books on my wish list. Books for me, my daughters and my hubby too. You can view where you stand in line to get the book. I am 12th in line of 27 people waiting for one book on my list. If you are patient, which I am for some of the books, you just wait and you will receive an email notification when your turn is up. Same goes for someone requesting a book from your listing of available books. You get an email.


This website has everything set up such that all you do is click a few buttons and whiz-bang you are ready to mail any books that have been requested of you. You only need to click a few buttons and you can print a pre-prepared mailing label. If you choose to purchase postage through the site, it will be printed right on the mailing label. Everything is already filled out for you. Your address, the recipients address, words indicating that it is a book. It’s great. The site does charge a small fee for providing postage, but is well worth it if you are like me and have problems getting to a post office. The smaller paperback books can then be put in a mail box.

I listed a recent series of books, and two seconds later they were all scooped up. I printed out 6 labels, with postage. Another wonderful feature is that you can wrap a paperback book in the paper on which you printed the mailing label. It’s so easy.

There are all sorts of books posted on the site. I have posted fantasy, mystery, children’s, cookbooks…

What are you waiting for? If you read, you need to check them out.

Does this book make my geek show?

Why is it that the same book can make one person look cool and the person right next to that cool person, holding the same book, look like a geek?!?!?!?!

I am the geek.

I was at the store with my oldest daughter (14 yrs old). We went to the LSS for a Quickutz meeting, which we missed because I had the time wrong. I offered up Michaels as a consolation prize (mostly for me). We ended up going to TJMAXX instead. While we were heading (wandering aimlessly) to the check out lines, I found the BOOK SHELF.

I couldn’t help myself. Especially when I saw titles that I knew to be sci-fi/fantasy books. (okay, so maybe I am starting to see the geek in me) I had one in hand when a young (late teen) girl approached with her boyfriend. I saw the movement from the corner of my eye, but I didn’t look at them, I had to make sure there were enough books on the shelf. I didn’t want them to take the last one. Keep in mind that at this point I didn’t know which books I really wanted, but I knew I didn’t want to have any choices taken away either. Because you know that I NEED to read every book out there about supernatural beings.

Anyway, I heard the girl ask the boy which of the books was the first in the series. I had just figured that out myself so, I turned to her and offered up the title. She stood there in her beaten up jeans, a couple of tank tops and PINK hair looking WAY cooler than I have ever been in my life. I stood there in my Capri pants, one t-shirt and graying hair looking geekier than I ever have been (or felt) in my life.

We paid for our items and left the store. All the while I couldn’t help but wondering why that same book was cool in her hands and geeky in mine.

Guess it isn’t the book, is it?!?!?!?!?

Menu Monday

Okay, so it is Tuesday not Monday, but here is the plan anyway.

Monday - Chinese Food - Danny had a late meeting, so we got Chinese Food.

Tuesday - Bowtie pasta with jarred sauce. Yum!

Wednesday - Steamed shrimp, steamed broccoli and french bread

Thursday - Philly Cheesesteak in Philly.

Friday - Fast food somewhere between here and Philly.

Saturday - Grilled food. Maybe burgers or dogs. Or I might go wild and marinate some chicken.

(Image found on Flickr here.)

365 Cards - Day 107 - So Girly - Melissa's Card

Tonight it was Melissa (my youngest daughter - 9 yrs old) who approached me to find out what the challenge was today on 365 Cards. She was thrilled to find out that it was to make a girlie card to include the word GIRL on it. She was thrilled, I was perplexed. Melissa is a Tom-boy. I picked her up today from afterschool care she was playing basketball with the boys, not hopscotch with the girls, in her Steelers football jersey. She asked for, and received, permission to make a card using my supplies. I was not surprised that she used Tinkerbelle. Tink is one of her favs. I am surprised, pleasantly so, that she came up with the saying on the card. I am always taken aback by my youngest. She is quite unpredictable. I love it. Right after she finished her card, she asked if I would put it on my blog and enter it at 365. (Not to be out done by her sister, I'm sure.) So here is her card.

Thank you for looking at her creation. I am one very proud mommy.

365 Cards - Day 107 - So Girly

Todays 365 Cards challenge was to make a girlie card. I used Hello Kitty papers from a past project, red scraps, a cupcake cut for a project I ended up not doing and made the hello girlie label tonight. The ribbon is actually two ribbons twisted together. One is this really cool wired pom-pom ribbon that I got in a kit (I think) and the other is a dollar bin special.

No make up cards tonight. I was busy with other projects this afternoon/evening. I rearranged the furniture in the family room, took the girls to get Chinese food, took them to Wal-Mart to pick up a prescription and get supplies to make some really cool candy notebooks. (I'll be posting pics soon.) And finally, at 9:30 got to play with card making goodies.

Thanks for looking.

Opus Gluei - Challenge # 13 - How does your Garden Grow?

The challenge at Opus Gluei this week is to be inspired by gardens.
I have had this quilt kit for way too long. I broke it out and am really glad I did.

It has been way too long since I have sewn anything. We just got rid of a throw pillow because it needed mending and it had been too long waiting. Oops! I guess I should have hung onto it a bit longer.

Anyway, here are the few blocks that I have managed to get done. I really like them. Even if they are rather pastel-ey. Not sure that they will become a quilt.

Perhaps they will find themselves on the table in the form of placemats. Or a table runner.

Or maybe they will end up on the wall to please all who walk by.

Or on a bed for one to rest a weary head in the form of a pillow.

Whatever their final form, they will be sure to bring a smile to my face. And hopefully to everyone else that sees them.

365 Cards - Day 106 - Morgan's Card

My 12 year old daughter walked by right after I posted my card. She thought it was cool and wanted to make one. Then she asked if I would post hers up too. I might have a somewhat biased opinion (snicker, snicker), but I think she did a fabulous job.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Days 106, 98 and 80

This is another card I made in my attempt to catch up on 365 Cards. It is for Day 80 - You're So Plaid. It doesn't look like there is plaid on here. It didn't work out the way I had hoped. I stamped the popped up fish on plaid paper. The stamp covered all the plaid. You can barely see the plaid on the edges. But, it is the card I made for the challenge so here it is. Even though it doesn't look like it has plaid, I kind of like it.

This card was made for Day 98 - It's An Anniversary. The predominant color was to be white. I threw in a splash of silver. Friends are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary and I wanted something simple for their card. It's really hard to see, but there is a ruffle of white tulle on the left edge.

I had to take the detail shot upside down because I couldn't wrap my pea brain around how to get a shot of the tulle otherwise. (Sometimes I am a real ditz.)

Looking at this card, it would qualify for several other challenges as well. 3 different textures, loosely could be for todays sketch... BUT, I am determined to make a card for each challenge. So I choose for this one to be Day 98.

Finally, today's challenge. Day 106 - Super Sketchy Sunday. Using this sketch:

I made this card. I love the summery feel of these papers. They are Citonella by K & Company. The bling is Basic Grey. Simple and bright.

Thanks for looking.

365 Cards - Catching up one card at a time (or two)

I haven't made cards in a while. Today I did. I love the challenges at 365 Cards. And visit their site EVERYDAY. I just haven't made cards in WAY TOO LONG. So today I made a few cards.

Two of those are for 365 Cards.

The first one is for today's challenge. Day 105 - Sing Along Saturday. Using Rainbow Connection for inspiration, make a card.

The second is one from the March 18 challenge. Use Green as the dominant color.

My plan is to make a card for everyone of their challenges. I have several to make up. So I will do it one card at a time. When I get the chance or the motivation. (Or the time.)

Thanks for looking.

1. I grew up thinking and it wasn't great, so I have stopped.



2. Unity Stamp Co. was the last website I was at before coming here.



3. Why don't you come over and we can play together?



4. Creating helps me relax.



5. Thanks for the time you give to me.



6. I wish towards work I could be very off-putting.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my hubby and girls, tomorrow my plans include crafting and Sunday, I want to craft some more!

Eye candy from across blogland

I love all the colors and beads. Check out more here.

This makes me hungry and hopeful for some relaxation.

Wouldn't it be great to take off and go on this little beauty!

Amy Atlas is my source for this wonderful bit of eye candy.

Friday Fill-Ins

It's Friday. Hurray. Time for Friday Fill-Ins.

1. It's raining outside and I want to stay home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been whatever someone else is making.

3. Doggie goes bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk on a warm rainy day.

5. It's Friday, gimme some good news.

6. When all is said and done, it's over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not a darned thing. (YAY), tomorrow my plans include driving to Williamsburg to eat dinner with Rosemary and David and then crafting and playing and Sunday, I want to spend most of the day with Rosemary and David before heading home mid-afternoon!

Ikea and me. Early in the morning.

I had to drive to DC for a meeting last month. It was an all day meeting, that starts early and usually runs really late, so I drove up the day before and came home the morning after the meeting. Well, there happens to be an IKEA on the way home. The closest one to me. So I made plans to stop on my way home. I got up without the alarm, showered, packed and checked out. Hit the coffee shop across the street from the hotel for an iced coffee. Love these when the weather starts getting warmer. Pulled Betsy (my GPS) out of her case and we hit the road.

I pulled into the IKEA parking lot about 45 minutes before they opened. I was NOT going to leave without an Expedite Bookshelf. I "needed" another one for my craft room. So I pulled into a parking spot. As weird as this sounds, you know me stalking the store doors, I was not the only car in the lot. There were three others already waiting. IKEA is some good shopping. (My car is the red one.)

While sitting I noticed a sign advertising breakfast in their cafe. So I decided to go in and wait while having this awesome 99cent breakfast. For another $1, I could have added French Toast sticks. I passed on that. I didn't think I would be able to eat all that. Can you believe what an awesome deal this is? It wasn't bad either. I am not a big breakfast person, but it was hot and tasty. I was happy. And full. And when I was done, the store had opened.

I don't have an more pictures because once the store opened I flew into a shopping frenzy and was afraid the drool would ruin my camera. Sorry. I found the bookshelf I was after and had to request assistance from some poor lady who happened to be walking past me at the wrong time. Thank you stranger. All she had to do was hold the cart steady while I woman-handled the huge box onto the cart. I also found some baskets and boxes for the shelves.

I also got some goodies for the girls. I got Swedish fish and Cinnamon buns for Megan (and Danny) and I got drapes for Morgan and Melissa. They were both in need of new window coverings. I was thrilled to find out that IKEA drapes/curtains come with hemming tape. You know, the kind you iron with. No sewing. IKEA ROCKS yet again.

Melissa has a fairy theme in her room. She had Danny paint it Tinkerbell green. YUP. She did. I thought these curtains would make it seem a bit more like she was in the forest with the fairies. (I won't be posting a picture of her room. It is a wreck. Even after she "cleans" it. And I don't want you all to think I am a bad mom who lets her youngest have a messy room. So I will let you picture a much better looking room. She has bunk beds. Now you can get a better image.)

And Morgan's room is Pepto Pink. YUP. She wanted it. I know she LOVES pink, so I picked these Pink curtains for her. She really likes them. I know they are loud, but so is the rest of her room. I personally would have nightmares in there, but she seems to sleep just fine.

I got a few other odds and ends that I won't bore you with. I paid for everything and proceeded home. With a brief stop at Pierces BBQ in Williamsburg to bring dinner home. I got the whole meal: pulled pork, buns, slaw, potato salad, beans, cookies and soda. If you are in the Williamsburg area I HIGHLY recommend you eat there if you like BBQ.

Despite the small fortune I spent at IKEA, I was welcomed home with a smile and a hug.

I had food.

That he likes.

I was GOLDEN.

Seriously slacking in card making...

Sadly, this has been me far too much this past month with regard to making cards.

BUT, I am going to catch up with 365 cards. And make the ones I missed from their start to mine with them. Sorry if that doesn't make sense. I WILL be posting some cards soon. Hopefully by Sunday evening.

I NEED to get some crafty card making juju going.

Send any you can spare.

Thanks.

Menu Monday

I haven't posted my menu plan for the week in a bit. I just forgot about it. Yup. That's how I am most of the time. If it is written down, there is a 50% chance of it actually happening. If it isn't written down, it never had a chance.

Anyway, I was blog surfing, as I am prone to do. Often. And ran across this blog. Every Monday there is a Mr Linky set up for whoever wishes to share their Monday Menu. I just had a feeling that I wasn't so weird. There are others out there like me. (Maybe we are all from the same planet)

I know it is Tuesday night, but I am going to post my Monday Menu anyway. (I mean, I already know that I will follow through with at least two of the meals.) Win-win.

Monday: Steamed Shrimp, fresh french bread, salad

Tuesday: Individual Boboli pizzas, salad

Wednesday: Pork Chops, mini-bowtie pasta tossed with butter and parm cheese, steamed asparagus, salad

Thursday: Chicken with greenbeans, rice, (pasta for me)

Friday: Spaghetti with meatballs, salad, Italian bread

Saturday: Leftovers for lunch, Dinner out

Sunday: Sandwiches for lunch, Dinner: Steak ka-bobs, grilled veggies, baked potato wedges, salad

Opus Gluei Challenge # 11 Sun/Sunshine

The challenge this week at Opus Gluei is to use the SUN or SUNSHINE for inspiration in your piece. I used the sun and it's rays to represent some of the things in my life that help me to shine. Corny, I know. But, that's me. And I gotta be me.

Writing on the sun: Just as the sun brings life to flowers, these things help me to shine.

I want my daughters to have a bit of what makes me tick. I want them to know that they aren't too different from me when they reach my age or stage in life. I would love to know what made my grandmother tick. Or even my mom at my age.

This is just a detail shot. I love these flowers and had to add them because they were there.

Thanks for looking.

Unity Stamp Company ROCKS

UNITY STAMP COMPANY blog picked me as the June Winner of ONE PAST KIT OF THE MONTH. I know that it was a random drawing, but I can't help but feel special. I LOVE Unity Stamps and have recently become a KIT OF THE MONTH CLUB member. I got to choose any previous KIT OF THE MONTH. I picked the MARCH KIT OF THE MONTH.

And here is the JUNE KIT OF THE MONTH. All of this for $29 after shipping. I love ALL of these and can't wait to get them and start playing.

Yummy, isn't it? Wanna come over and play with me?