Saturday, January 28, 2012

Saturday Soup...

Hello my friends..  Sorry I have been away.  It's a long overtime work week for me.  And I'm still working!  But it's all  for the greater good.

The only sad thing is my crafting has taken a back seat to work and trying to sell my home.  It's hard to get all my stuff out and then have to put it up for a showing.  So keep the faith in me, I promise more crafting to come.   I have so many ideas!!!

Well, it's Saturday Soup day, so I have to give you one of my favorite soups.   It's by Bear Creek and it is SOOOO good.  All of their soups are great.  I first found out about them at the Southern Women's Show when I sampled the soups there.  I could have stayed at their booth all day..  Just so good.  Publix and Walmart both carry them.  When I cook the potato one, it calls for 8 cups of water, however, I use 6 cups water and 2 cups milk.  I like it a little creamy.  It's also great for leftovers.




Today's Tip:  Got this tip out of my First for women magazine.  Love this mag!!  On page 43 it gives exercises  that work that body.  This is called Rebounding.  It reads as follows, "Rebounding (jumping on a small trampoline) is up to 68 percent more effective at burning calories than jogging, according to a NASA study.  The jumping action also tones the hamstrings, quads and glutes for long, lean legs.  Another benefit:  Bouncing pulls acidic waste and toxins from cells so they can be flushed from the body.  This prevents the toxic buildup that can cause tiredness and zap immunity.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Storms Come Through...

Hello friends..  Sorry I took a few days off.  I had a busy weekend.  Another showing on my house---which meant more cleaning.  The positive of all this is that I'm always coming home to a clean house!!  Ozzy, however, just gets so car sick.  By the time we made it over to my moms, he tossed his cookies all over her rug.  So by the time we cleaned that up, (meaning Mac and mom because I came close to tossing mine too), it was time to go.  Plus poor Ozzy was still a little green.  Thought it best to get him back to his home environment.

Other than that, not much new news or crafting to report. Been to busy with the family.  We did have some strong weather to come through last night.  Lost of damage to the Centerpoint/Pinson and Clay areas.  I found these pictures of the ABC/33/40 web site.  Click on over to view all the photos.

                                                                Wells Fargo Centerpoint

                                                          Paradise Valley---Clay

                                                                Tarrent


Today's Tip:  New First magazine out this past weekend... Found this interesting fact on page 6.  Snack on this to feel happier.  for a tasty way to boost moon in minutes, nibble on a handful of popcorn.  This complex carb has been shown to increase levels of tryptophan, the amino acid used to produce the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin, by 42%!!!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Is Your Company On The List?

I have a love for reading the news on line.  CNN.com is one of my favorites at work.  They came out with their yearly 100 Best Companies to work for today.  Sadly, mine did not make the list.  But I still enjoy it.  Some local companies that did make the list:

#12.  Mercedes-Benz USA
#32.  Whole Foods Market
#57.  Marriott International
#62.  Build-A-Bear Workshop  (my niece's personal favorite)
#73.  Starbucks
#78.  Publix Groceries

I'm going to let you click here to see the Best Company to work for....  I was shocked to see that FaceBook did not make the list.  CNN goes on to break it down even further and explain what each company does for their employees.   All I can say is, wow.   I would bust my butt for some of those perks too!!!



Today's Tip:  I found this quote from one of my favorite actor's, Tom Hanks, thought I would share....
"From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon.  It's not a miracle;  we just decided to go."


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Black Out

Imagine going on the internet and you were denied the web site you were trying to go on.  Imagine, not being able to click on a link that you wanted to look at or even copy to your blog.  The internet plays a HUGE role in  all of our lives on a daily basis.  Just imagine NOT having that freedom. Or having it censored. I am a full believer in freedom of speech and enjoy my right to read, say and write what I want.  If you don't want to read it, click off.  But I have the right.  Now I do believe some censorship is necessary.  Especially when it comes to children being exploited.  Those that do that, censor, by all means.  Hell, throw them off a cliff...

Please take a moment to read this article from CNN.com regarding two new bills that are making there way around Congress and the Senate.  Because I CAN---here is the link.  Several sites offered directions on how to voice your opinions to your local Representatives.  Another freedom we are blessed to have.... 


Today's Tip:  Enjoy the internet and express that to the world!!! 

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Pinterest--Explained by Professionals

I have raved on and on about my love for Pinterest over the past month or so.  Well, today I found the perfect article on USA.com to explain how to use it.


Now the process of getting on Pinterest can be a little slow because you need an invite from a member.  But once you get on it, this article explains just how wonderful it is..  Click here and check it out for yourself or just learn how to better navigate through the site!!

Today's Tip:  Don't be afraid to try new things.  I have cooked so many new recipes since joining Pinterest.  And the crafts I have found are simply endless!!  Just set your mind to what ever it is you want to do and make it happen. Cooking more, to crafting, to building a fire pit----Pinterest  has instructions on it all.  I hope this article helps define it alittle better....

Monday, January 16, 2012

Let the Sewing Begin...

I have finished with my badge's.  I have them packaged up and ready to take to work tomorrow.  Now, it's time to start my sewing fun!!  I'm going to practice most of today, maybe try to make something with the help of a YouTube video!  But I have all day to play with it....

Here is a picture of my new sewing machine..  A little intimidating, but I will figure it out! 


This is my goal before the year is out!!

 


Today's Tip:   Did you know that Americans spend an estimated $55 billion each year on everything from diet food and vitamins to gym memberships in an effort to get healthy---quote from First Magazine.  I know I have done my fair share on contributing to that number.  But one exercise that will always remain free--- walking.  Thirty minutes a day.  But I'm telling you, once you reach the thirty minute mark, you realize you can go a little longer each time.  So find you a pretty day and walk!!!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Badge's Are Ready!!

Finally finished my new badge's!!  I have to say, I like spreading it all out on my kitchen table and working on them rather than doing it in my office.  However, got to keep the kitchen table "show ready" for selling purposes. 

I started out making some with the landyards, but I have to say, I'm just not a fan of ribbon for the landyard part.  So I only made about three with landyards.  Maybe when I start sewing better I can make something I like better.  We will see.

The new price for any type, seasonal or just regular is $10.00.  All of last year's are $5.00.  Thanks again for all the support---I love making them!!






Today's Tip:  Rest!!!  It's Sunday!!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Saturday Soup...

If you know me, you know I love love love soups.  Just about any kind.  So today I am making it "Saturday Soup" post.  One of my favorite brands is Progresso.  Here is a new one that I found.  So good!! 



Today's Tip:  Still reading my Women's World---on page 37 from Smart Ideas for your home it suggest storing craft supplies in old, unused suitcases.  The supplies will stay neat and out of the way--and it's a cinch to move them to wherever you're crafting!  I like that idea!!

Friday, January 13, 2012

TGIF!!

     Guess everyone knows by now it's Friday!!  Whoop!!  So glad to have a few off days with not much to do but crafting and enjoying the day.  And thanks to MLK, we even get Monday off too!  So that means three days of natural alarm clock! 


     Today started my "twenty minutes of dance"---but wait, I actually did fifty minutes..  It was so much fun and funny at the same time.  I think at one point, I saw Ozzy rolling on the floor laughing at the moves I was trying to do.  But I gave it a good sweat and did the kettle ball workout after that.  My goal is to exercise a minimum of thirty minutes on the days I don't work.  No reason at all that I can't do that and see results by April.  Here is a picture of Shaun T---the DVD is Rock Your Body. 

It helps that he is easy on the eyes too!!


Today's Tip:  New Women's World magazine out today.  Very interesting fact from page 12.  It states, "Time your dinner right!  Wait an hour after eating to go to bed and reduce your stroke risk by 66%!  How?  It helps prevent reflux, which leads to sleep apnea, a risk factor for stroke."

Have a great weekend everyone...

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Castle Finally Gets Justice..


Nathan Fillion finally won an award for his role in Castle.  The show has been one of my favorite's for several years.  It's got a little bit of everything in it, but he won for Best Actor in a Drama Series.  I was just so happy!  He even beat out Patrick Dempsey!  Go Castle---you are awesome!!

I'm going to start my "20 minutes of Dance" tomorrow.  Kristie Alley started promoting this along with Dr. Oz, I believe, and it has really taken off.   Her site is here.  Kristie is just so motivating.  I mean so is Dr. Oz, but you can really see the difference in Kristi since she came off Dancing With The Stars.  She kept dancing and has kept her weight off.  I can spare 20 minutes.  I just have to make sure it's just my dog Ozzy watching me!! I have some DVD's that are dancing ones---I'm sure I won't be able to do alot of the moves, but I can shake a small tale feather!

Today's Tip:  Listening to music is a great way to prepare yourself mentally for participating in any activity. The power of music to influence and inspire us as humans is a well known fact. Music uplifts the heart and gives us that "hidden" energy boost that we need.  So turn on your Ipod and just get up and move....

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The List You Don't Want to Be On....




CNN Health and writer Madison Park have put out the list you most surely do not want to be on.  It is the Top 15 Killers of Americans.  Another words, the top 15 things you are most likely to die of.  I know, not what you are thinking about from a "Craft" blog!  But remember, when I'm not crafting, I'm usually reading something or checking the news on the computer---hence how I came about this article..  I am determined to make this year a better, healthier year for myself and Mac and articles like this really make you take a look at what changes we need to make to AVOID this list.

I'm going to list the Top 15, but for the full article just follow the link above.


1. Diseases of heart
2. Malignant neoplasms (cancer)
3. Chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma)
4. Cerebrovascular diseases (stroke)
5. Accidents (any injuries that are unintentional)
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Diabetes mellitus
8. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis (kidney disease)
9. Influenza and pneumonia
10. Intentional self-harm (suicide)
11. Septicemia
12. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
13. Essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease
14. Parkinson’s disease
15. Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids

So what changes do you want to make this year with your health?  I can think of several for me.  More exercise and consistency of my exercising is top on my list!  Baseball is about to start back up at the park, so there is no reason I can't walk while Mac is practicing.  I have also switched to cooking with lean Turkey.  Mac has not even noticed and the taste is so much better!  Visualize what you want when it comes to your health this year and go after it!  Reward yourself when you lose 5 or 10 pounds---but with a good book instead of food.....  Let's stay OFF this list!!!

Today's Tip:   This tip comes from Sunday's paper, the Parade and Dr. Oz.  He states, "Having the same breakfast and lunch every day can help undercut the urge to stray from your diet.  For breakfast, have protein (two eggs) or fiber (oatmeal---my personal favorite).  For lunch, try grilled salmon or chicken with a salad and some steamed veggies.  Check out Parade.com/oz.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Victory to Alabama!!!

Can I just say what a great game Alabama played! We had so much fun watching the game with our friends. Then to add a shut out victory to it---the best! Also went and looked at homes for sale today. That was an adventure. I liked one out of four and that was a short sale. It's nice to see what is out there though. Also took several OFF my list. One foreclosure was so bad we didn't even go any further than the front door! It was so bad, just gross and beyond nasty. Today's Tip: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. Confucius

Monday, January 9, 2012

It's "Bama" Day!!!


     Game Day is finally upon us!!  This morning when I went to my sewing class, it looked like everyone pulled out the same colors to wear today..  Crimson and White....  I even practiced sewing on red fabric.  I truly hope our boys play their hearts out tonight and pull out another National Championship.  Either way, I'll be just as dedicated tomorrow as I am today to those beautiful colors and to a fantastic team!!
     Mac and I are going over to my best friends house tonight to cheer our boys on.  I'm going to take "ghetto dip" from Pinterest..


And for dessert Cookies ‘N Cream Oreo Fudge Brownies also from Pinterest.


Pinterest is just AWESOME!!!

Today's Tip:  This tip comes straight from me today---be safe tonight friends.  If you drink, do it responsibly.  As much as I want Alabama to win, it is just a game and life will go on tomorrow....

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Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sewing and Sewing....

I'm so excited---tomorrow is my first sewing class!!  I can't wait!  I love learning new crafts and this is going to open up a HUGE door...  This is a picture of my new sewing machine I got for Christmas.
It's a Singer Brilliance 6160---mine is pink instead of blue, but everything else is the same.  I plan on taking it to my Monday morning so I can learn from my actual sewing machine.  Then I have a beginner quilting class set up for Friday.  I hope more people have set "learning to sew" as their goal for this year.  Don't want the class to get cancelled!!  However, if it does the machine comes with an instructional DVD---hopefully I can figure it out...  Can't wait to start posting pictures of this venture!!

Today's Tip:

According to the Craft & Hobby Association’s U.S. Attitude & Usage Study, there are eight key benefits or motivational driving factors behind active crafters:
1. Sense of Accomplishment
2. Relaxation
3. Memory Keeping
4. Health
5. Economy/Value
6. Recommended by Friends or Family
7. Enables Spending Time with Others
8. Interaction with Children
Additionally, crafting reduces stress, builds self-esteem and increases physical dexterity and studies from NYU and Harvard have shown that activities ranging from scrapbooking to knitting can actually improve concentration, while enhancing health and mental wellness. With eight key benefits of crafting it’s no wonder why crafters have been active for centuries knitting, sewing, quilting, drawing, painting, woodworking, and more recently scrapbooking, food crafting, and creating digital and hybrid crafts.  So take some time out this month to (re)discover your creative side and craft

This tip was borrowed from http://pentelblog.com/

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Pinterest Equals Addiction

     I feel like if I confess it and put it "out there" that makes it all better, right?  Well I'm addicted to Pinterest.  Let the healing begin.  If you haven't heard about it, here is the jest of it.  Imagine having a bunch of bulletin boards to post all the recipe's, craft ideas, places you want to visit---just anything in general and you wanted them to have there very own bulletin board.  That is what Pinterest is.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it...  I have gotten tons of craft ideas from here not to mention countless recipe's.  So for today's post here is the recipe I'm going to fix Monday.
     My other love is the crockpot.  It just makes life so much easier.  This is a recipe from http://getcrocked.com.  I have also added her to my blog roll to the right.


 This is Crock Pot Maple Salmon.  Just click on it and you will be directed to the recipe.  I'll let you know how mine turns out!!


Today's Tip:  Pull out your Crock Pot and fix something easy for next week!!!  Planning your menu helps in so many ways..  Your budget will hug you and your family will love it as well....

Friday, January 6, 2012

Clean, Clean and more Cleaning....

     I am so grateful in this hard time of trying to sell my home that I have such a wonderful agent that keeps my house "out there"....   I have a showing on Sunday!  Yeah!!  The only kicker is that I will have to fly home from work tomorrow night and finish cleaning--well spot cleaning...  Oh, and there is Mac's room---I wish I could just hang a sign on the door that says, "Please Pardon this room---It belongs to a teenager and will be DEEP CLEANED upon the sell of the house".  Do you think that would scare buyers off?  I'm going to leave him a lengthy "to do" list tomorrow.. 






Today's Tip:  This one is from my new favorite  HGTV magazine, the question was asked, "Should I eat fruit without washing it?"  Answer:  NO!!!  That apple probably has bacteria, pesticides, and brace yourself, animal feces clinging to its skin.  NASTY!!!  Produce is a common cause of foodborne illnesses.   "You need to give fruit more than the typical one-second shake under the water," says Lauren Slayton, R.D., director of foodtrainers.net .  "Rinse produce for at least 15 seconds and you'll get rid of 98% of the bacteria." 
Maybe 20 seconds will get rid of that other 2%!!! 



Have a Great Weekend Everyone!!!!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Badge's and More Badge's!!!


     I have been busy, busy busy this morning!!  These are just a taste of some of the new badge's I have been working on this morning.  Twenty eight new ones in all.  Worked right up until I ran out of badge's.  I love the "Cat in The Hat" ones---so cute!!   I also did some bright, colorful spring looking ones.  Although, I'm not ready for spring just yet!!  I love my cold weather!

I am changing the price of the 2012 badge's...  They will ALL be $10.00 seasonal or otherwise. 

I hope everyone continues to enjoy them as much as I do!!


TODAY'S TIP:  I love reading First magazine for women and in their last issue there was an article about how soup melts away 10x more weight (article on page 32).  Well I love soups and was glad to read the following quote:  In a study published in the journal Obesity, participants who enjoyed two servings of soup a day lost 50% more weight than those who ate solid food--even though both contained the same number of calories.
Guess you know what I'm having for lunch!!!


    

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Rag Quilts and More!

     I set several goals for myself this year.  One of them was to learn how to make quilts.  I can't wait!  I'm starting out with Rag Quilts (click on the link I have provided to see the easy instructions).  I learned about these amazing quilts from a friend at work and have been fascinated with them ever since.  The options and colors of fabric are endless.  My quilting class is January 13.  It's just a "101" class, however, from what I understand they are pretty simple for beginner's like me...
    Wish me luck!!!

Today's Tip:  I know we are four days into the new year, but a friend of mine told me about an app on the iPhone that I just had to share.  The app is called Project 365 Pro.  Now there is a free version called Project 365, however, I like apps without advertising covering them up---so I went with the .99 version.  It allows you to take the picture directly from the app, write a caption and even post it to various social media sites.  Pretty cool!!  Thanks Megan!!!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Changing Me---For the Better....

     In reading the Parade insert in Sunday's paper, I came across an article by Jessica Cassity called, "Make One Healthy Move a Day."  I thought to myself, "I can do that!"  Think about all that you do that is unhealthy in just one twenty four hour day---not exercising, soda's, one too many evening glasses of wine---wait, am I listing mine or yours??  Anyway, her list gave me serveral ideas...

  • Create a list of five things that make you happy.  This could be anything from that laugh your child does to a bouquet of flowers.  Having that perfect cup of coffee to buying the person's coffee in the line in front of you.  Commit to at least one mood-boosting act every day.
  • Cut Calories, Not Taste.  This we can all do.  Opt for the salad at lunch instead of the group thing with your coworker's.  Better yet, save your money and pack a healthy lunch!!  Two birds with one stone!
  • Quit Waffling on Your Decisions.  This weighs you down and is unhealthy.  If you think you made the wrong desision, well it's done now.  As long as it didn't cause harm, move on.  Stress, exspecially in women, adds weight to your mid section.  Stand by your decisions and just move on.  Life is too short!!!
  • Get Organized---about Everything.  My therapist hit it straight on when she told me to stop putting unnessary items on my kitchen table.  It is one of the first things I see in the mornings--and the clutter was basically depressing.  She was right!  I'm a stacker, clincally---but putting those papers where they belong as soon as you get them makes for a much happier your!!!

Today's Tip:  Strenghten Relationhips....  This will make you sleep well at night.  Always make sure to end with " I love you."  I always try to make sure those are the last words my son hear's from me at night.  He is a teenager and a computer nut---but he knows I am always here for him. 


Monday, January 2, 2012

Clean Freak---Or Not Enough?

     Do you think you clean enough?  I never think I do, and I'm just a little OCD--if you don't know that about me already.  However, in reading my HGTV magazine, I'm glad that I have some of those Lysol wipes upstairs!
     How often do you think you should clean the following items---your romote control?  The kids bath toys---I mean really, they are in bath water, right?  Your kitchen sponge?  How about your lamp shades?  Well here are the answers, I was a little suprised but I'm on it now for sure!!!

   That remote that you touch anywhere from twice to fifty times a day needs to be cleaned atleast once a month.  I would have thought twice a month, but ok...

Those bath toys, every two weeks!!  I would have thought monthly on this one.  But I guess that dirty water does it!!


Once a week!! Just think about what all you use that sponge on......

 

And finally, the lamp shades.  I dust them, but thats about all.  They need the Lysol wipes atleast twice a year. 



So there you  have it.  Are you ready to revisit that cleaning you did a few days ago?  No house is every going to be spotless, but things like this at least make you think when you are cleaning in those areas...


Today's tip:  To clean that kitchen sponge, you have three choices:  Put the sponge in the dishwasher for a full cycle, set on "heated dry"; microwave it on high for a minute (make sure the sponge is wet or it is going to give you something else to clean!); or you can soak it for five minutes in a mix of 3/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water... 
From Carolyn Forte, director of Home Appliances and Cleaning Products at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!!!


     I hope everyone is off to a wonderful start of the New Year.  I'm still "tinkering" with the blog design, so remember it's a work in progress.
     I've decided to make this blog alittle about everything.  From my adventures in crafting to the patience I need from God in trying to sell my home.  So expect anything when you open it up!!  I am also going to start sharing tips and advice I find from the tons of magazines I read.  Maybe a tip each day if nothing else...  So there are a few of my New Years Resolutions....  Let's get started with my first magazine of choice!!


     If you haven't picked this one up at your local store yet, well, you are missing out!  It's a great magazine full of wonderful tips and it has my favorite decorator, David Bromstad in it sharing some of his secrets.  His show Color Splash is so cool.  I love how he paints a painting for each show he does and works it into his design.  Here is the link to the online version of HGTV magazine.  Enjoy!!



Tip for today from none other David Bromstad and the new HGTV magazine:
"Anyone can paint a canvas that's just a flat color with a simple stripe on it," David says.  "You can add glitter or Swarovski crystals--whatever's your pleasure!"