Valentines Day Cards January 24, 2009

Been a busy week and I am tired! But I saw an idea for a card I had to try tonight before I collapsed onto the couch!  I also wanted to show a couple other cards I made earlier in the week with the help of the Cricut cutter.

The hearts and love for these cards was done with the Cricut cutter.  I used the Opposites Attract cartridge.  All that was needed was white, red and pink cardstock and then some red rose scrapbook paper.  Two sided tape and white vinyl for the words.  These are really simple but elegant (at least I think so )This idea was totally borrowed from Heartprints.net.  The tutorial for the criss cross card is at Splitcoaststampers.  I am not good with written instructions. I read them  a  few times before I gave it a try.  I totally scraplifted this idea .  My next creation will be a little more original.  I will try a few more when I am not so tired!!

Reflexology – have you heard of it? January 21, 2009

I started a reflexology class this month.  I am deep tissue massage trained.  The relexology training is to compliment the deep tissue work.  To date I have only had 12 hours of classes.  I am hooked! I am fascinated  and amazed at the whole concept.   In a nutshell the biggest part of refexology is the fact that every part of our body is mirrored in our feet.   For example, if your shoulder hurts you can find the specific area of the foot that represents the shoulder and you can help it through the foot.

As students we practice what we learn on eachother.  What we have done so far are subtle moves that relax and assist with energy flow.  Tuesday night when I left class I was more relaxed and at peace than I have been in some time.  I have been dealing with a lot of stress for several months.  I think I could not have come to this class at any better time in my life!

I really feel that adding this to my massage techniques will make me better able to help people.  Happy feet!   

Personalized Monogram Plaques January 20, 2009

I already showed you the Feb 14th plaque earlier today. I really shouldn’t post this because the E plaque is a mommy gift to go with a baby gift (hint hint).  But I really liked the way the E turned out.  Although I don’t have an Etsy shop yet. (I will one of these days) , I wanted you to know that I can take special orders for the letter plaques.  I know that the mommy who is going to get this loves toille and lime green. And although the scrapbook paper isn’t toille, it has a similar effect.

Actually, anything that I make that you like can be special ordered.  Just send me an email. 

Valentines day is coming! January 20, 2009

These are a few things I have been working on for Valentines Day.  I found a couple vintage images online and used for the pail. I have done the blocks and banners before for Halloween and Christmas, here they are for Valentines Day.Here is my minimal decorating.  Made the banner last year at Moments. Made the blocks yesterday.  Took the cotton ball jar out of my bathroom and filled with hearts and made the Feb 14th today. I had to share my new bit of organization.  John and I saw this at Wal Mart and thought it would be perfect in my kitchen for my craft stuff.  He suprised me with it yesterday.  It fits all my everyday at hand craft items. The less used stuff is still in the garage. My kitchen looks a little neater now. Thanks John!!!

Forgive me for being a little out of order with the photos.  This is the last decoration to share.  I believe I got this little heart door hanger from
Avon a few years back.  I really like it.

Inspired Kara’s generous giveaway! January 18, 2009

2 posts ago I blogged about  a great ETSY shop that sells homemade scrabble tile necklaces.  This evening I came accross INSPIRED KARA’S blog .  She is celebrating her 100th post with a giveway. And guess what her giveway is? A $50.00 ETSY shopping spree.  If you leave her a comment she will enter you in the contest. If  you post it with a link on your blog, you get a 2nd entry. So check it out and leave her a comment, but do it quick. The last date to enter is Tuesday 1/20.

 If I don’t win the prize, then I hope you do!

DECORATING ON A DIME January 18, 2009

I have had these pictures for a few years.  They were ready for a change. The looked a little dull and needed a POP!

I used the existing mattes and covered the original pictures with scrapbooking paper and spray painted the frames.  I cleaned up the glass and put it all back together and for merely cents (already had the paint from a previous project and the scrapbooking paper was on sale at Joannes for .16 cents a sheet!!!) I have a new look for my hallway that better expresses my decorative taste. 

I have more frames to work with so I look forward to more projects like this one. Easy and inexpensive, two of my favorite things!

Really good stuff to share! January 15, 2009

I have 2 really good things to share with you and some name dropping to do.

First, I saw these cool tile necklaces over at LIPSTICK AND LAUNDRY and really liked them.  I have a neice who’s 15th birthday is coming up.  She has been to Paris and she loves Converse tennis shoes.  I love the Fleur de Lis.  So this is what  I found at this ETSY shop. Cool huh? The items are inexpensive and there is a nice variety of tiles to choose from. A very nice site to find a unique gift for the teenage girls in your life. And of course a little something for yourself as well.

Second good thing. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH BROWNIES! I can’t believe I didn’t think this one up myself! I saw this recipe over at BAKERELLA.   I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks wonderful and it looks very easy to make.  You can view the recipe at BAKERELLA or at BETTY CROCKER.

I am sure I can’t  go wrong with this one. But, I won’t have time to make it until the weekend. I will let you know how they go over!

New Years Resolutions or something like that? January 5, 2009

Well this year has started off kind of rough for me.  But I am trying to perk up, remembering to be thankful, and to look ahead with enthusiasm to the New Year.

 

I really didn’t make any NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS. But I have given the whole idea a lot of thought.

 

Here is what I have come up with.  I am no longer going to buy soda for my home.  Juice, milk and water is all we will have.  I will find some of the drink mixes you put in water and perhaps get some of those, but that will be it for liquids in my house.

And with that, no more fast food, except Subway.

This should definitely take some pounds off, since we usually eat fast food for lunch at work.  I will bring my lunch and go junkin’ or read at lunch time.

 

And speaking of junkin’ there are some items I would like to start collecting. 

Wrought Iron scrolls for the walls, antique keys, glass and stone hearts, apothecary jars and tassels.  I will make more time for junking to find these treasures.

Lastly, I want to come up with some shabby chic window treatments for my living room.

 

There I feel better now!

A tribute to my “Tia” January 4, 2009

How blessed was I to have 2 soft places to land.

I grew up next door to my dad’s sister Frances, her husband Ben and their six sons.  We came to call her “Tia” which translates to Aunt in spanish.  I have had many wonderful aunts, but this particular one was just “Tia” and with just that you knew who we were talking about. She babysat my brother and I when we were young.  And even when we were old enough not to need a sitter, we still went to her house everyday, to visit, to see what she was cooking in her dutch oven, or maybe she would have some of her peanut butter bars for us. She loved us unconditionally just like her own children.  I could go on for days of all the memories I have from her house.  I remember when I was very young she would sit at her kitchen table with the neighbors and they would have coffee and chat, and she let me sit there just like a grown up. She even let me taste the coffee now and then.

There has not been a time in my life that she hasn’t been there.  Marriage, children, divorce, she was there.  She was my 2nd mother.  She was my 2nd biggest cheerleeder.

Sadly, she passed away this morning 1/4/09.  She will be missed by so many.  I only hope she truly knew how much my children and I loved her.  Goodbye for now Tia. I love you to infinity and beyond.

 

A little birthday gift for my brother January 4, 2009

When funds are low and birthdays are many, what do I do??

 I needed a good idea for my brothers gift that was inexpensive.  I went to Longs and printed out the photos from our family Christmas eve gathering.  I also bought a small photo album and embellished it with a tag.  It is a very personal gift that holds cherished memories.  I hope he likes it!