Ask Ruthy

DONT WEAR IT SIT ON IT!

2015-05-01T14:52:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since my last post, well actually a long while! I'm back with an adorable and thrifty way to recover your dining chairs.

Last year I visited family in Texas, and while I was there my daughter in law wanted to do a little makeover on her large dining room table and 8 chairs. With 5 kids under her belt, the table had some wear but that's always a good thing, it means that family is still managing to gather around the table in this complicated time we live in.

Everyone knows that a dining table is not just for eating. This particular table has seen plenty of little feet with and without shoes on those chair cushions and some of those feet have become quite adult size! Not to mention the moving , those kids moved that table and chairs among a zillion other things more in 3 years than any one I know, and thank the good Lord they are settled in now!

An executive decision was made, and my daughter in law and I decided to give it a go! I assured her that it would not be costly and being the queen of thrift ... I pretty much could guarantee it!

After contemplating the dining room, we both decided that a couple of walls needed some help too, so we decided to add a burst of raspberry to a couple of walls, and I am talking raspberry's blended with a touch of cream and poured over cheese cake so smooth and creamy not to mention happy and oh so bright! What a mood lifter! Of course that would have to wait until later.

We gave the table top an up doo too. We stayed with the original color which was black and added a shine and good top coat..... just in case .

Then.... the fun began! Fabric hunting!

My daughter in law quickly questioned me on...........

What colors?

What patterns?

Where do you start?

Shirts?

Skirts?

Floral?

Stripe?

Hounds tooth?

Vintage?

Modern?

What to do!

I told her it would all come together as we started the hunt... and that is exactly what we did.

She took me to a super cool thrift store that was huge and had a ton of clothing, both vintage and modern. We had the overall colors in mind (black, grey, raspberry, yellow, gold, purple, and green give or take a few more...) and we just started on opposite ends and grabbed some clothes.

NOTE:

Its important to make sure you know the measurement of your chair seat, and that you find clothing that will give you plenty of fabric for for folding under the seat to staple.

Also bear in mind that stretchy and hardy fabrics are great to choose from. I am not saying that you can't do a chair or two in something you absolutely love that is neither of the above, But it just makes your life easier to choose wisely. After all that hard work, you don't want your cushions looking like crap after a few months. If your fortunate to find a blanket or curtain or bedding that is perfect ... I would say .... SCORE!

This is always more fun to do with someone you like.... and trust... their taste that is.

Once we gathered a bunch of clothing and when I say that, I mean once there was no room for a single shirt left in the cart, we looked at the textures, colors, and designs and started putting together our theme. Keeping some and discarding others, now this did not happen in 5 minutes. It takes time and trial and error, but don't get discouraged a plan always comes through! She had alot of chairs so that gave her the option of diversity, which is exactly what she chose. Truthfully.... we went back a couple of times.But once she decided on eclectic I ran with it!

We disassembled the chairs with the help of my Son who proved to be quite handy with the screwdriver. In fact he was so precise in speed and agility,we had to question if he wasn't moon lighting as a furniture builder. He was so fast we hired him to put the chairs back together!

Once the seats and upper parts of the chairs were off we marked them so we wouldn't mix up the chairs with the seats and then we removed the old fabric and staples.

I could see the apprehension in Tawny's eyes as she grabbed her marker and scissors eagerly awaiting instruction. This was after all, her maiden voyage into the world of sewing ... well more like upholstering.

We laid out our chosen decor piece by piece and picked the very first fabric to start... I believe it was the floral skirt but I cant remember now.

We placed the seat onto the first piece of clothing and situated it in line with the best part of the pattern. This is what you will want to do if the pattern is geometric striped or has a multiple of designs in different angles on the clothing. You would be surprised how just an angle of the fabric can change a look once it's on the cushion.

We traced it and then cut it out leaving about a good 5 inches all the way around for tucking under and stapling ( this is why when you are picking out your clothes you want to allow for that 5 to 6 inch excess). We pulled the fabric tight on each corner first and she put the first few stables in. We just worked our way around pulling the fabric tight and making sure there were no pleats, unless you want pleats but that's a whole different blog. So its more like Pull a corner and staple, pull the opposite corner tight and staple then the 3rd corner and then the 4th corner then you just work the in between fabric till you have it all stapled !

My photos are not necessarily in order all the time that would explain how the raspberry cushion instantly turned into the floral cushion below, I would like to say I was that fast, but ..... I'm just not.

My oldest granddaughter tried her hand at the job, well when she wasn't photo bombing that is.....

Didn't she do a great job?

She looked like she couldn't believe she actually did it!

And she is a natural it turned out great!

Tawny turned into an upholstering monster, she just could not get them done fast enough.

We would stand back and marvel at the beauty of each one done,... just for a minute or two before contemplating the next one. I think we may have beckoned a neighbor or two well maybe just a neighbor, I don't think they knew that many then. Did I mention the snapshots with my phone camera to send to all her sisters?

One by one they all got done, and what a difference!

The Table looks beautiful!

And even more beautiful once the Raspberry wall joined the party!

I am sorry that I don't have a before photo ..... but trust me, this was quite the redo!

You know what the best part of doing this is? Well maybe not the best part..... that was spending time with all my beautiful kids in Texas , so the next best part would be receiving the photos of Tawny's projects she took on .....after I came home, She is well on her way to becoming an independent house designer! And that quite frankly is what I aspire all women to be!

Happy Remodeling Ladies even if it is just a shirt to a seat!

2014-04-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

CLEANING OUT YOUR HARD DRIVE

This morning I decided I would sit at my computer and get rid of the files that has been crowding out my hard drive. As I pillaged through them I ran across a lot of folders…. I mean a lot. In opening these folders, properly labeled of course, or so I thought, I found that some were empty, mmmm… wondered for a second why and then oh well, click, delete, easy. There were quite a few that had content but could not receive access to open, and because I don’t have a degree in computers, it didn’t matter what I tried it just wouldn’t open or delete, so I left those alone. Then there were the folders that clearly had purpose but after looking through them again, I realized they just didn’t have any reason to be there so with a quick click of the finger…. click, goodbye! For A few I created a new folder and joined them together, just for the sake of my eye, less clutter. On and On I worked, restructuring my artificial intelligent partner in crime… my computer. It is a small reflection of my own brain, use 10% of it, and the other 90% to store all the crap!!

And then I ran across this email received from a disgruntled acquaintance I had recently been honest with a few years ago. Obviously I had saved it for a reason here it goes:

THE MUCH CIRCULATED BURNT BISCUIT STORY FROM THE INTERNET.

When I was a kid, my mom would make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your mamma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"

You know, life is full of imperfect things. And imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries, and other things just like everyone else.

What I've learned over the years is that - learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. That's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the difficult parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God.

Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burned biscuit isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own." So… please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine! And please pass this along to someone who has enriched your life... I just did. Life is too short to wake up with regrets… Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't.

The end.

Call me dense or naive, but I remember not understanding at all why I would receive this? It’s kind of nice, but not, kind of tolerant, but not… oh the confusion! So I sent it to a confidant of mine, one I knew I could trust for an honest opinion and this is what my confidant replied back to her:

Nice burned biscuit story, however daddy lied to mommy about loving the burned biscuits. I know lying is always okay just to spare feelings...what a joke! Obviously you feel the need to keep sending crap and passive aggressive messages just to make yourself feel justified in all your actions. The Bi-Polar story was so inspiring though, one paragraph talking about accepting and loving through differences down to the end on forgetting those who don’t treat you well. I know life is all about how we feel and who makes us happy...Forget about the people who actually care enough to let you know the truth. Maybe you should just stick with the ones who don’t care enough to say what they are actually feeling and thinking? BTW please lose my contact info, all of the inspiring mail is almost too much to handle

When I read the response it was clear to me how messed up that burnt biscuit story really was. Sad of course that I didn’t have the clarity to respond in that matter, but happy to know I absorbed the truth in it and would in the future.

As Christians we are to speak the truth in love, not make excuses for lying and being manipulative. Lets all try our best to keep it real, and take direction from the most capable psychiatrist of all….Jesus Christ.

THANKFULNESS

2012-11-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

THANKFULNESS

My November blog is going to be a writing of Thankfulness.

I live in an open neighborhood in the Desert where the houses are still semi scattered although they are growing closer together each year, this is because I live in a semi small City that was founded in 1964, and it has grown over the last 40 years, with the exception of a huge decrease of growth over the last 4 years. This City is in a State that stills holds true for the most part Non Liberal views. This fact makes me happy.

It is my right to not be Liberal, just as it is others rights to want to be Liberal.

This too, makes me happy.

My State of course is combined with many other States that makes up the United States of America.

This also makes me happy.

And although my Country seems to be tossed to and fro with every Wind of Doctrine, I am still very happy to be a part of it.

Evil abides in every corner as it should.

But Grace and Mercy and Love from our God also abides in every corner.

I am in Gods corner.

This makes me more than happy, this fact makes me Thankful and in awe of his Almighty Presence, and his abiding Longsuffering so no one should perish.

I am blessed beyond measure, in this little corner I live in.

This last 4 years has been a roller coaster.

Death has taken it's toll on many we know and love dearly.

Cancer has struck in our family with no mercy.

Family members have lost their homes.

Finances have been tight.

Loved ones have flew the nest and moved across the Country.

But.................

Death has remained afar for many of our loved ones.

Cancer has spared some of our loved ones.

Family members have managed to keep their homes.

Finances have managed to keep us afloat.

And many of our loved ones still live down the street.

So I am going to choose Thankfulness once again.

I pray you do too.

Ruthy.

DRESS UP A HEAD INSTEAD!

2012-10-30T23:49:00.001-07:00

I have a seamstress stand, the ones that you can use to measure for creating and altering dress

patterns. I do believe I used it twice for that actually. Well, it just stands there hidden in the corner year after year. This year I thought I would drag it out and put a cloak on it, only problem was ..... no head. I was in Hobby Lobby ( go figure) and there I saw it, a Styrofoam head. My daughter said "grab it and I'll paint a face on it", she will look really awesome"! She's the artist by the way. Well she got busy, and there it was a few days before Halloween and it never got painted, so my grand daughter and I decided to have a go at it.

It didn't turn out half bad! So give this one a try sometime for a Halloween decoration! You don't need to be an artist for this one, and in 12 short steps you can have a creepy member in the home!

Gather your Supplies:

A Styrofoam head:

Spray paint:

I used the fleshy yellow first then the shiny gold on top. To be honest,

tan was my first choice but I couldn't get the tip to work, things are made so cheap now days, that paint was only 10 years old......

Nail Polish ( Red, Pink and White )

We always have those colors in our cabinet right?

Make up:Rouge, Lip Liner, Pink and White Eye Shadow

Really... just use your own colors

Fake Eye Lashes and Eye Lash Glue:

Face Art Decos:

I used gold ones but you can use any sparkling ones you can find. They are

usually at Walmart or Walgreens. Get wild with it!

Plastic Eyes:

you can get these at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or Michaels. I tried to post cooler looking eyes but I forgot to take a photo first, so this is what the internet brought!

A Wig of your choice.

Step One:

Spray paint your Head!

Step Two:

Add the second coat with the Gold Paint

Don't go heavy with the gold just lightly "Enhance" the face!

Step Three:

Use your Nail Polish and Paint the cheeks.

You can also out line the cheek first instead of free handing it... I wish I would have.

Step Four:

After the nail polish dries, use the eye shadow or cheek powder to blend the cheek color:

Step Five:

Get your black craft paint and place it over the lid of both eyes.

A small artist brush, I imagine would work great, I would imagine it because I used my finger.

It should look like the photo below.

If.... you used your finger.

Step Six:

Add some white eye shadow over the top of the black where the brow would be.

Come to think of it... that could have worked as the artist brush. Oh well.

Step Seven:

Now place the white nail polish over the top to seal it:

Step Eight:

Get your red lip liner and draw out the mouth.

If you don't have an 8 year old little girl available... just do it yourself.

Now it should resemble the photo below.

You can make the mouth as big or small as you like, my grand daughter likes it small as you can see!

I filled it in a little bigger later! Big mouths are my thing.

Step Nine

Fill in the mouth area with the lip pencil.

Now it should resemble the photo below.

She did a pretty good job!

Step Ten

Now put the Red Nail Polish over the lips to seal it.

Now the lips should resemble the photo below.

Step Eleven:

Apply the eye lashes and the Eye Decos with the eye lash glue.

Now your face should resemble the photo below.

Step Twelve:

Hot glue the Plastic Eye Balls on.

After your fingers are blistered , place on the Wig.

I used medium green eyes, but you can use what ever ones you prefer. I also placed mine out to the sides for a creepier look.

I then smoothed out her features a little and brushed her face with the face powder....and widened her lips shhhh don't tell her.

She should now look like the photo below, well kind of ... you know what I mean.

This is what I did with her!

She was at the top of the spiral staircase, the stairs the "Little Ones" use?

Really spooky looking at night... not such a good idea, her legs are metal so it really hurts to stub your toe!

So I moved her downstairs next to the window!.

She was super cool looking with her broken neck!

But that brought back some bad memories.... it isn't cool at all to have a broken neck.

So I sent her to the Chiropractor !

Here's a close up! She loves the spider, the two are inseparable now.. I shall store them together.

Just think, if you started in January you could have a house full of these creepy things by Halloween....

But.... who would want that?

Oh wait..... I can think of one!

Till Next Time.....

Creepy Crafting to you all!

THE SPOOKY TIME OF YEAR

2012-10-19T17:36:00.001-07:00

THE SPOOKY TIME OF YEAR?

I remember when Halloween season was the spooky, scary, weird, time of the year.

People could take this "holiday" (though I never understood it to be that) to extremes in both directions. You know what I'm talking about, the whimsical lite side with the bright colors and glitter, cute spiders and ghosts , funny skeletons and mummy's ...or take it to the left (no pun intended...maybe a little) with the gory bloody body parts, evil demons and cloaked weirdo's. To which ever you prefer, it happened once a year for us.

Is it just me, or does everyday seem to be Halloween anymore? It doesn't seem to matter where you go, or how you get there, these weird people are everywhere. Sometimes so odd, you could swear there were hidden cameras, or a loved one lurking in the corner, playing a joke on you, only to realize that they are totally serious. You see this activity on Facebook quite often too. I have to admit, I bite my typing fingers often. It's a new world we live in, I for one have been warned of by my Parents who were warned by their Parents lifetimes ago. A time to keep your eyes open to the Truth and only the Truth and your mind sharp. A time to dig deep to your Faith and Gods Words and put the time in to study so you can show yourself approved when being asked by one of these "weirdo's" what the Hope is that shows in you. To dig even deeper and find some genuine Love for these people of the Halloween season. After all...we can all be Weirdo's can't we?

My mom used to tell me if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all, well, I have to disagree, sometimes the truth isn't nice at all but desperately needed. Wisdom allows you to be able to say it out of Love.

I can't let you go without some cute decorating tips can I?

I do photoshop so if you do it too, try turning some of your family photos into some funny Halloween Photos by morphing their features, I never grow tired of these! I took old wood and painted it black and I display these in the hall with cobb webs and lights!

This one is just a down to earth real photo that well.... already looked creepy!

These are some cute polka dot candles I found at Hobby Lobby!

I made a cute polka dot runner for the dining room table to match...... gotta have some cute too!

My daughter made these little guys out of Styrofoam balls, she found the spider leg
candle stands at...... Hobby Lobby!

Just a close up of some cobb webbing and spiders

I made some basic pillow cases with cheap black heavy fabric I had on hand, and covered my existing pillows

Then I covered my furniture with sheets from St. Vincent's..... Yes I washed them even used bleach....mmmm maybe stains could be more creeepy?

This is a huge mirror in the living room, the extra big spiders are only 5 dollars at Safeway after halloween is over, sometimes 3 dollars if they aren't all sold! The spider webbing allows about 6 weeks of absolutely no mirror cleaning!

I temporarily inherited "Mike" from my grandson, and I might add he is sporting a pretty cool bowl right now!

I covered some lampshades I got at the second hand store for about 79 cents, and replaced them for Halloween, these are easy to do! I will have directions for these in another blog!

I spray painted some candle stick holders I found at the ....let me think ..... oh ya, second hand store... and then melted candle wax on them! These are all simple cheap ways to make your house fun for the kids for the season. Well maybe for the year?

This concludes the tour my fellow readers! Hope you enjoyed it!

Try to Have a Normal Season!

Sweet and Spooky spiders

2012-10-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

SWEET AND SPOOKY SPIDERS!
Before we began I would like to share a photo of a really creepy spider web about half the size of our house! (I am kind of exaggerating) But seriously this thing was huge! I was looking for some awesome inspiring message written in this thing....well probably not so inspiring as it conveniently showed up for the Halloween season but none the less it was right up there with Charlottes Webb for sure! My husband and grandsons thought it was just the coolest thing they had seen, I found a black widow about the size of my thumb the week before in the same spot, every time I tried to kill it, it ran from me and hid, I never did find it..... and then this appeared....ewwwww.

Well here are some spiders you can make your self and they won't show up unannounced at your house! They are easy to make and adorable. The beads are up to you, so decide your size, shape and color for your own spider project! I have used a variety of large and small beads in all shapes and sizes. Recycle some of those 80's earrings you have hangin around by using the beads .... we all know how scary those could be!

You will need:

Beads ( 1 large and 2 medium for the body. 1small for the head
( I used the cute beads with a black dot in the middle that looks like an eye)

I used medium beads for the legs

8 to 10 gauge wire

Wire cutters and needle nose plyers

Tape measure

Ribbon for the bow if you would like one that is!

Step 1:

Line up your body of beads then cut the length of wire to the length of your beads. Leave about 1/2 inch extra on both sides ( this can be trimmed later)

Step 2:

Place your beads on the wire

Do a loop closure with your needle nose pliers. This is done by placing the needle nose plyers on the end of the wire and rolling the wire to the bead. After pulling our the needle nose, just give a quick pinch on the curled end to flatten it

Step 3:

Cut 4 -12 inch pieces of wire for the legs. I measure and cut one 12 inch wire and ....

use it as a guide for the other 3 pieces of wire.

( see photo below)

Step 4:

Wrap 2 of the wire pieces in between the 1st and 2nd beads on the body, just like your tying a knot.

Wrap the other 2 in between the lower bead and the body bead the exact same way, then spread your leg wires out just like the photo below.

Step 5

If you have a bead spinner, place your bag of beads for the legs in it now

Start spinning it and loading your beads on the leg wires.

It will look like this now

If you don't have a spinner, just hand load your beads onto the leg wires in what ever color combination you prefer leaving about 1/4 inch of wire at the end so you can close it off.
After the leg is loaded with beads, do a loop closure like the photo below with your needle nose wire. Just grip the end of the wire and start rolling up the wire, then pull out the needle nose plyers and pinch the rolled up end flat.

Continue to do the same with the other 7 legs

Your spider legs should look like the photo below at this point

Step 6

Now bend the wire to shape the legs like this:

Your spider is now complete!

They can be bent and positioned however you like! Here are some nifty ideas for placing them around the house.

She is on a mirror on the wall

Now she is hanging out with the mummy on the speaker box

These are on the dining room table! Which is decorated for Halloween by the way!

You can do any color combinations you would like, here are a few more I made, the curly feet can be done easily by lengthening your leg wire by an inch or two.

Watch the "Spider" stigma go from creepy to adorable with Valentines and Spring colors!

You can even do a caterpillar!

Kids love to make these as well! Have a safe and fun holiday!!!!

Lunchables? No Way Jose'

2012-09-21T00:26:00.001-07:00

Lunchables? No Way!!!!!!!

You don't have to read the book on ingredients ....but you get my point right?

Pizza Crust: Wheat Flour (Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Whole Wheat Flour), Water, Sugar, Glycerin, Soybean Oil, Contains 2% Or Less of: Wheat Gluten, Yeast, Salt, Mono- And Diglycerides, Guar Gum, Calcium Propionate, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sorbic Acid, Enzyme. Contains: Wheat. Pizza Sauce: Water, Tomato Paste, Sugar, Contains Less Than 2% of Modified Food Starch, Garlic Powder, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Citric Acid, Dried Basil, Sea Salt, Potassium Sorbate Added As A Preservative, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor. Pasteurized Prepared Mozzarella Cheese Product: Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Salt, Cheese Culture, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Citrate, Milk fat, Sorbic Acid As A Preservative, Enzymes, With Cellulose Powder to Prevent Caking. Contains: Milk. Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product: Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Water, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Milk fat, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Sorbic Acid As A Preservative, Apocarotenal (Color), Enzymes, Cheese Culture, With Cellulose Powder to Prevent Caking. Contains: Milk

THE END.......

COULD BE IF ALL YOU FED YOUR KIDS WAS THIS!

My 4th grand daughter has been asking her mom for pizza lunchables to take to school on a regular basis since she started school, and every time she asks... my daughter in law responds with the same reply:
ABSOLUTELY NOT, NO WAY!" " Do you know what's in those?"
Wow, just read the above ingredients and you might.... well, still not know. I have to admit, although I have been trying to enrich my word power, there are still some biggies up there I am having a hard time pronouncing and defining. Really? That lunch able box is what, about 7 inches square? To house what? A small crust, some sauce and a few sprinkles of cheese? I would have to agree with her on this one!

My grand daughter is in second grade now and a few days ago her mother had a thought.... "why can't I create my own lunch able?"

So She did, in fact she just told me about it yesterday, her daughter was thrilled by it, and that's why I have this blog idea!

This is a really fun way for your kids to prepare their own lunch in the evening for the next day. The combinations can be left up to the imagination, and YOU can be in control of the sodium, sugar, fat and preservative levels!

First, buy a glad plastic container, the three ways are great!

And always keep these handy healthier sandwich thins to use for your pizza crusts, on hand.

Here are a few combinations that we came up with!

First combo: Strawberries, Peanut butter, and Crème cheese

Just place the cream cheese in 1 section of the glad container, place your peanut butter in the other one, and your strawberries in the third. Place your Pizza crust in a baggy, pop it all in the fridge and it's ready to go for the next school day! Your kids will have fun and feel like a chef as they prepare their own personal pizza! You follow this simple protocol with each of the combos. Who knows what cool combos your kids will come up with on their own! Well maybe not so cool.

Second combo:

Sliced seasoned Turkey, Mixed Peppers, Mozzarella cheese and a mixture of hidden valley dip mix with sour cream!

Third combo:

Prosciutto, Spinach leaves and black olives. Use Organic tomato sauce and your own seasoning to make a healthy pizza sauce and put some mozzarella cheese in a baggie

Fourth combo:

Seasoned Chicken breast, sliced Cucumbers and sliced Tomatoes. Use the Sour cream and Ranch Dip Mix for this one too! Slice the meat in small strips!

Fifth combo:

Tuna mixed with mayonnaise, Boiled Egg slices, and Celery slices. Season to your taste!

I'm pretty sure you won't need a book to list the ingredients in these home made lunchables!

The combinations are endless and these are kid tested and approved! So do some experimenting of your own. Choose from healthy protein, carb, and fat choices. Drop me a line and let me know how this works out for you? I think I'm gonna go make me one right now!

Bon Appetite'

CAN WE REALLY BELIEVE WHAT WE SEE?

2012-09-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through my face book page one afternoon, and an app popped up. See what famous celebrity you look like! I was curious, so I clicked on it, making sure of course that it would not come up on my timeline...after all I wouldn't want anyone else to know I actually had time for that. I waited... and finally up popped my profile photo, and there she was.... the beautiful look alike celebrity "Britney Snow". I don't know what I was thinking, or where I was imagining they would pull my photo from, obviously it is your profile photo that the app uses... if it wasn't......well that would be just plain creeeeepy wouldn't it? As I gazed at my profile photo, which happens to be my 3 adorable little grandsons, I realized they did a darn good job morphing each of their little male faces, and finding their look alike....well even if it was a woman.

You know, my oldest brother has been told periodically throughout his life that he resembles the likes of "Leave It To Beaver".

And After browsing through a lot of his photos when he was young, and there are a lot... I am quite convinced he was the "Beaver" double stand in and I can prove it. I have gone through some archives of the show, and lo and behold here they are:

This is the beaver that you thought you always saw.....

But sometimes........there was this little Beaver, you know the stand in...for whenever Beaver would have to sing or play a guitar.... as you look close you will see...... by golly that's my big bro

Remember this one? Aww.... little Beaver isn't too happy about the fishing.....

Not my brother.... why he knew just how to give enough smile to bait the consumers...pardon my pun!

Beaver had quite a knack for getting into trouble and it showed up all over his face.....

Not my brother, he always stayed cool calm and collected, he didn't care, no matter how many times the director would tell him to look upset.......there it would come.... the smirk.

Beaver......upset...and....

Stand in? ..... not so much

Here are some family photos of the cast. Actually Beaver looks pretty happy in this one....

My brother? I think he was looking at the wrong camera!

Here's another one..... why.. they all look upset....

Not my brother....he got the arm position down, but just couldn't resist that smirk could he. And ....he is looking at the camera ...again.

What is this? did someone forget their lunch pail?

Yep....Beaver did...but does my brother looked concerned ....absolutely not.

How about Beavers cool look when he hung out with his friends on the show, and yes you will have to get the magnifying glass for these.

My brother didn't care..."cool look" he would ask...."don't think so".

You see.. I was really young when all of this was going on, and even though my family won't admit it. I know it's true, so next time you watch an old re run of the "Leave It To Beaver" show, look real close...... you might just see..... my big brother?

CHIVALRY IS NOT DEAD!

2012-08-26T12:54:00.003-07:00

CHIVALRY IS NOT DEAD....... at least not if the Geo has anything to with it

That little Geo..... is quite a car. I think it has a personality, dwelling within it.

This is not my first post regarding my car, first was patience, this one is just plain politeness.

My husband and I were out to dinner a few months ago. We pull into the parking lot of Plaza Bonita, he gets out of the Geo and proceeds to walk around the car to the restaurant. I on the other hand, was having an all out war with my door. Call me slow, but it didn't dawn on me to roll my window down to try the outside door latch. I was still fighting the door, when my husband noticed I had not gotten out of the car, and with a half puzzled half disgusted look on his face, he quickly came to my reluctant rescue and opened the door. "What in the #@&% is wrong with this car now? " He was using this tone because it has been hot, and he is tired, and he doesn't want to do car repair. "You don't have to fix it" I stated sarcastically, "I just won't use that door".

He fixed the door. He took an afternoon, tore the door apart, checked out the so called door mechanics, and of course, you all know by now that he is handy, so Wala! door fixed.

2 weeks or so go by and the door takes a dive again, extremely irritated with this he fixed it once again.

Another 2 weeks or so go by, and for no apparent reason, the door dives once more.

That was a couple of months ago, and you guessed it, he is not fighting the door any more. The Geo doesn't want that door working and it shall remain not working.

I pick up my grandkids with my Geo, and of course it can only be 3 at a time, and they all fight over the front seat, so needless to say, one is always in the front seat, with the door, that has taken a dive. It has taken a month or so for the passenger not to be temporarily left behind a few seconds as every one dives out of the car, and heads towards our driven destination.

But not now. My grandchildren get out of the backseat, and without thinking, quickly turn to let out the passenger in the front seat. You see it doesn't matter who is in that seat, they are politely let out by whom ever else is in the car. This looks very impressive, as a 6 year old boy is opening the door for his 10 year old sister. And it doesn't stop there. My husband opens the door for me without thinking, equally as impressive. Especially when people are looking our way. The combinations go on and on. Mom for daughter, sister for sister, friend for friend, cousin for cousin. You see, we have all learned to automatically take the time without thinking to help a passenger in need. So as far as the Geo is concerned?

Well..... Chivalry is definitely not dead.

AWESOME LOW CARB PIZZA

2012-08-17T09:39:00.002-07:00

My family enjoys pizza! Doesn't everyone? But it's a little hard to keep the waist line from spreading when you eat it when ever you want it. Now why did I say only the waistline? It definitely doesn't just spread there in my case!
This recipe is simple, fast, and healthy and I promise it will leave you feeling guilt free and satisfied. So save your favorite Pizzeria for a special night out, and save your self a few pounds and try this one!
I promise you will love it!

First you need to gather your ingredients:

Italian seasoning, Garlic powder, Course Black Pepper, Minced Garlic, Olive Oil ,Ground Italian seasoned Turkey, Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Green Pepper, Onion, Large Portabella Mushrooms (I use pre sliced)

and last abut not least, Sea Salt.

Note: The veggies can vary, roast some of these mentioned below and experiment!
Broccoli
Zucchini
Spinach
Red onion
Orange pepper
Any variety of Sweet Large Garden Tomatoes

NEXT:

Any favorite brand or even home made Spaghetti or Pizza Sauce, Salsa Verde or

Diced Green Chili's ( canned).

I used the Salsa Verde on this pizza.

I also like to mix Tomato Pesto with the Pizza or Spaghetti sauce, but it's optional.

THEN:

A pkg. of low carb tortillas LATortilla Factory are my favorites!

AND:

A bag of any brand of PART SKIM Mozzarella Cheese

LETS GET STARTED

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees

Cut your Yellow, Red Peppers and Onions in 1/4 inch slices

Grab your pre sliced Portabella Mushrooms
Get a Cookie Sheet and spread about 1/8 cup of Olive Oil on the bottom

Place all of your Veggies on the Cookie Sheet

Sprinkle your Veggies with more Olive Oil , Sea Salt, Garlic Powder and Pepper.

Put the Cookie Sheet with the Veggies in the Oven and set the timer for 12 minutes.

AFTER 12 MINUTES:

Your veggies should look roasted. If they don't... set the timer for an additional couple of minutes. They should look like the photo above.

Remember....Leave your Oven On to Bake The Pizza when assembled.

In the mean time, grab a skillet and put your Italian Ground Turkey in the pan, with about 1/8 of a Cup of Minced Garlic, 1 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning , 2 Teaspoons of Garlic Powder and 2 Teaspoons of Sea Salt.
Cook over Med to High heat until it is browned and just done.

This photo shows a little chicken too, I ran out of ground Turkey, you can add it too if you want.

Then set the meat aside.

NOW:

It is time to assemble your pizza or pizzas.

Place Your Low Carb Tortilla or 2 or 3 or 4 you get the point, onto a baking sheet or pizza pan.

Spread your favorite Italian Sauce on the bottom then some Green Chili Salsa or the Diced Green Chili's or even both, and place on top.

PLACE:

Your meat on top of the Sauce and Green Chili's.

About this much!

NEXT:

Place your Peppers,

Mushrooms, and Onions on top of the Meat

GRAB:

Your pkg. of Mozzarella Cheese, and place a handful or two it's up to you ,on top.

NOW:

Place your assembled Pizzas on the Center Rack of your Oven and set the Timer for 12 Minutes.

Keep an eye out for them as they don't take long to bake, and oven temps can vary the cheese should be well roasted and the outside of the tortilla a little crisp.

REMOVE:

Your Pizza or Pizzas, from the Oven and they should look like this!

This one was my husbands so I dabbed some Cholula brand hot sauce on it.

Kids love to help make these, and they absolutely can't go wrong with it, so you busy moms out there, spend a little time in the kitchen with those kids and start having them cook dinner! Enjoy!

MONSOON IN LAKE HAVASU

2012-08-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

The time is here again, the monsoon season, though these storms vary in nature of harshness year to year, we usually see at least one.

I‘ve been taking photos of these storm clouds and rain over the years, kind of like those tornado chasers out in the Midwest. Well not even close actually. Granted I have had a few close calls hiking up a slippery hill in the rain with camera in tow, but that's like comparing a paper cut to a stab wound.

Here’s a little background history and some of my sky photography photos from over the years. Hope you enjoy!

My parents were flown down here in the winter of 1967 after being visited by a McCulloch salesman at our home in Spokane Washington. My Dad was a heavy equipment mechanic, and they were much needed here to aid in the growth of the community. So we left our big green city ( and my piano lessons) to move here in August of 1968 leaving my oldest brother behind. No he wasn’t put up for adoption or abandoned I think he was 18 or something but I felt we left him behind none the less.
I just have a hard time believing that the salesman wouldn’t have mentioned the 134 degree summer temps, or the monsoons? Guess they just wanted us to have a little surprise! You become real aware of that cloud cover once you have experienced your first surprise monsoon storm, those flash floods can come on, well like a flash. I never thought of the name before now, what an appropriate name, and wow we had some hum dingers in the day! We have all heard over the years about record rain fall and record storms, and record temps but I don’t see these storms or temps breaking any records past the 60’s or the 70’s . My other brother and I used to play in the wash behind our house when it would become a river after these storms, I couldn’t imagine ever letting my kids do that, times change that’s for sure. It’s a wonder any of us survive child hood. In fact I’m pretty sure my mom took a photo of us doing just that. Mmmmmm.

Anyway I could go on and on, from finding dead burros walking across the desert to get home from elementary school to all the rattle snake encounters. Wait ……… dead burros and rattlesnakes now that’s another blog!

MY FRIEND CALLED ME TO GO OUT AND LOOK AT THE SKY ON THIS ONE, THERE WERE ALL THESE PIN HOLES WITH LIGHT COMING THROUGH! LOOKED SO PRETTY, THE SHOT DIDN'T DO IT JUSTICE!

THIS SHOT IS TAKEN STRAIGHT ON, NOT UP IN THE SKY, THESE WERE COMING OVER
THE MOUNTAIN, WEIRD LOOKING!

BIGGEST STINKING RAINBOW I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE! WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR THAT POT OF GOLD.

THAT CREAM COLORED ARCH TO THE RIGHT OF THE RV COVER ? DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS! MAYBE THE BIGGEST ORB I HAVE EVER SEEN?

MORE OF THE SAME RAINBOW

ANOTHER RAINBOW

THIS ONE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES!

THESE WERE SOME STRANGE CLOUDS COMING OVER THE MOUNTAINS DURING ONE MONSOON STORM

THIS ONE TURNED OUT TO BE A PRETTY MASSIVE STORM! COULD HAVE SWORN WE HAD A TORNDADO INVOLVED!

ANOTHER FAVE OF MINE!

THESE MOUNTAINS LAYING HORIZONTAL HAVE BEEN TOLD TO LOOK LIKE ABE LINCOLNS PROFILE AS IF HE WERE LAYING ON HIS BACK. THE SHARP POINT WOULD BE HIS NOSE. DOES ANY ONE ELSE SEE IT?

THIS WAS TAKEN DOWN ON THE ISLAND AFTER A BIG ONE HIT!

I TOOK THIS ONE WHILE TRYING TO GET BACK HOME IT WAS GETTING BAD OUT! THAT IS NOT THE MOON BEHIND THAT TREE I JUST THOUGHT THE TREE LOOKED CREEPY, THE APARTMENTS THAT IT WAS IN FRONT OF HAVE BEEN ABANDONED FOR SOME TIME NOW........MMMMMMM ORB? HAHA

A LITERALLY BLAZING SUNSET!

THAT IS LIGHTENING, MY FIRST LIGHTENING SHOT EVER! , I KNOW IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE MUCH, BUT THOSE ARE HARD TO CAPTURE WITHOUT A DRIVE.

THE SUN WAS TRYING TO SHINE THROUGH THESE DARK STORM CLOUDS AND IT WAS ALSO SIMUTANIOUSLY RAINING ONTO THE LAKE, HARD TO SEE IT, BUT IT WAS PRETTY COOL!

THESE WERE A SET OF PRETTY AFTER STORM CLOUDS!

A NIGHT OF RAIN AGAIN!

ONE HUGE PALM A VIEW FROM OUR ISLAND AT SUNSET!

JUST SOME NICE CLOUDS!

NOW DOESN'T THIS MAKE YOU WANT TO ENJOY A MONSOON STORM?

A ROMANCE WITH FAST FOOD

2012-07-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a little girl, she lived in a big city, on a street block, in a neighborhood filled with excitement. She rode her bike, she played in the backyard, and chased her brother where ever he ventured, when she could keep up of course. Winter brought on ice castles, and igloos built by her brother and herself, with hours of playing that seemed never ending. She took piano lessons with her sister riding to her destination on the back of a Schwinn bicycle passing busy streets...so exciting! There was the mall on those Saturday afternoons and the summer visits to nearby camping grounds with lakes, where she defied the elements of "floating". Yes she was a strong willed little dreamer, hearing music on a radio that wasn't there on her sisters Schwinn, the one she would borrow to go around the block. She would lay on the grass in her front yard under an apple tree, gazing at the planes going by and would immediately be swept away in thought to a place she had never been. Paris, France or Mexico, such a wild imagination.

And then......... she was swept away to a barren land, a land she had never seen before even in her wildest imagining. The animals were different, the plants were different and even the insects had no resemblance to what she was used to.
Such a change, brought on a change. A change in this little girl. I'm sure she couldn't tell you the exact time or place it started happening, it just did. Her curiosity and imagination was still there...... only emanated itself in a different manner now.
And that's when it happened, slowly at first, but then took solid root in this little girls life...... her romance with fast food. Now this fast food romance didn't start with the big chain restaurants as her new City did not occupy the big guys just yet. But fast food none the less. Ding Dongs, Twinkies, candy and chips filled her empty days, after all it was too hot to go play. Did I mention the heat in her new barren land? This heat was ridiculous and brought on a craving for frozen treats. Neapolitan ice-cream and bullet bars were just a few of her favorites.
As time drew on, she grew on, which became quite unfortunate, because these days were quickly becoming the ones of boy wonder, and she differed from no other young girl as she quietly dreamed of her prince charming.

Well that wasn't happening just yet due to all those snacks. The double dipping during school lunch didn't help either, brown bagging it and buying off the lunch wagon. It all played it's ugly tole, and she soon became the queen wallflower at school dances often wondering why that title fit her anyway, after all it was the corner she was standing in and she never wore flowers.

Colonel Sanders was his name, the kind Grandfather type, he was the first of many. And having no grandpas to speak of in her life she quickly found him to be a comfort with his savory yet salty taste. And he was charming to the females, even though he was up there in age.

She was well aware that he had others in his life that he gave special attention to, but that didn't matter, he made her feel warm and fuzzy, and that special recipe? It had her at hello.

Then suddenly, Ronald came out of nowhere, hitting her blindsided with his double decker Big Mac and Fries. He knew what he was doing, that charm, that smile.

It didn't take long before she was seeing them both on a regular basis. She tried to make a choice, but she just couldn't. While Colonel Sanders provided her with feelings of stability and warmth, Ronald had a silly way of bringing out her fun side. She did what any young, confused girl would do. She two timed them both. Feelings of shame and guilt after every rendezvous would sink her poor little heart deeper and deeper into guilt. It was time to tell them both. It was time to make a decision.
This led to a terrible fist fight, and the outcome was ugly real ugly.

The Colonel became history and Ronald begged for her to come back, but she had made up her mind. Never again.

With that behind her, she sought out a healthier companion, one that would keep her on the right track. Yes you guessed it none other than Popeye himself.

He was perfect for her, he treated her as an equal, and allowed her to feel secure, strong and healthy. She was once again beginning to think clearly and sound, and was happier than she had been in years. He was the one to keep her on track. Then one day it happened, his new found business.

It was too much for her to handle, memories of the past were flooding through her mind. The Colonel..... Ronald...... and before she knew it, she slipped back into bad behavior and two timed Popeye with none other than.....

THE KING HIMSELF

So hot, so flame broiled, she couldn't resist. She knew it was wrong, she knew how it would make her feel, but she saw him anyway, day in and day out. Oh he knew exactly what she was craving. It wasn't long before Popeye was completely out of the picture. How far she had sunk. Her feelings of shame and poor self image kept her in this cycle of dysfunctional romance over and over again.

There was Wiener..... need she say more, so spicy and hot between that bun.

He took the dump hard. real hard.

And then stooping as low as to three time it with the D.Q. brothers.

Yes they were all a little chilling, but she needed something to cool down the heat.

And then Carl.... who could resist those beefy burgers and star quality personality.

Arby (who requested to stay anonymous) was something else all together. With his cowboy style meat slung in a different way.

And last but not least of her disgusting self indulgence, was

Jack, that's right, Jack. So sophisticated, so much to offer, she no longer felt a need to go else where.

And then one day it hit her like a ton of bricks

"These men are controlling my life" she sobbed drowning in a bed of tears. And then her eyes were opened! "It's time to dig up this root".

And immediately she decided to control her own destiny.

She decided to dump them all.

The little girl with the strong will and imagination came back, and she soon realized she could have that Prince, one that would balance her and nurture her and help her grow into the strong woman that God intended. And that is exactly what she did.

She visits her old flames from time to time just to drop in for a quick hello but it's always only for a short while and she remains in control.

The End

SEASONED GROOMS SALAD

2012-07-16T14:26:00.003-07:00

SEASONED GROOMS SALAD!

Most of us have heard of the famous quick pasta dish called "Bride Salad" originally designed for that

new bride willingly wanting to cook for her brand new husband! Willingly? How quickly that starts dissapating.

Of course it's never intential, it just ..... well happens, and the honeymoon softly fades in the distance.

Most of us become mothers, and before we know it, we are lost in baby land with a home that doesn't quite resemble better homes and gardens, not to mention being up to our ears in banking and bill paying. I'm sure you can add 50 more things to that list!
In fact these days most of us, and especially if we aren't careful, can find ourselves revolving our days solely around the calender. For instance: If any of you read Martha Stewarts magazine, she has a monthly calender with her fun and interesting " to do " list for each day. Mine is just like hers... except each day on mine is parelled to what "Bill " is due, and there never seems to be enough to pay them! Once you fill up your tank and buy minimal groceries your checking acct is some where around a $1.00 and that's if your fortunate to have a positive balance!

I have seen this awesome new found economy leave even the most devoted "I will never be caught dead holding up the grocery line with a folder of coupons people" actually, desperatly grasping at what ever coupon they can get their hands on , myself included! In fact more and more of us are actually now grocery shopping at the local 99 cent store! That's where I got most of the ingredients for this dish by the way, excluding one of the spices.
My husband was so impressed with the cost of our meal, he actually asked me to take him to this so called 99 cent store to prove such a place existed. I did , and he was like a kid in the candy store! He found reading glasses, chips, nuts, drinks, and the great thing is..... he had about 4 bags and spent 20 bucks!

Now that my kids have all grown up with families of their own, I technically have no more little mouths to be responsible for, unless I want too, perks of being a grandparent! And well ... it looks like were back to square one, the two of us and a tight budget! So I'm sharing this dish for all of you trying to save a dollar, its's named after my husband, who absolutely loves it! So find a budget place to shop, and get started!

It's fast, easy, and best of all no oven! Who needs to heat up the kitchen....... save all that heat for later!

First you will need:

A big bowl!

4 eggs!

Boil your eggs : Then set your eggs aside to cool.

Boil water for pasta

4 cups of pasta your choice (I prefer Rotini)

Place in boiling water and let cook till your desired softeness.

Start on the following directions below, and when pasta is done

drain and set aside!

Cube your ham and then set your ham aside!

Cut your spinach in small pieces then set your spinach aside!

2 tomatoes cut and then set them aside!

2 Avocados cubed and then set aside!

Now start putting the ingrediants in your bowl! Then add the pasta and sliced eggs!

Gather your spices!

Olive oil, sea salt, pepper and garlic powder. I like the Pasta Spice

I get it at Tuesday Morning, its pretty spicy so it can be optional!

Just place your spices in your mixed ingrediants and start tossing, taste as you go, you might want

a little more or less, depending on your preference!

Finished product! It looks just like the photo below right?

Best to all of you out there! Enjoy!

How to make a light weight baby beanie

2012-07-10T13:10:00.003-07:00

This baby beanie style works well for newborn babies. Although they are really super cute on stuffed animals too!

The soft cardigan sweaters are petite and thin, perfect for coming home from the hospital, or birthing center! The one shown here has a small tail, much like the beanies on some of the Ann Geddes photography. You can easily find these throughout the year at any second hand or thrift store, or use your own for sentimental value.

Also, use your imagination for style, color, and texture. Just make sure the sleeves are "expandable" to your desired width of the precious little noggin your preparing if for!

To start, gather your materials, you will need:

A cardigan style sweater ((light weight)

Small to medium buttons ( these can be found at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or your favorite fabric store. And remember to keep your eye out for cute buttons that can be found on garments at the thrift stores!

Thread

Sewing machine

Scissors

Fabric pencil (you can also use a regular colored pencil, or a sharpie)

LETS GET STARTED!

1: Turn your cardigan inside out, then lay it on a flat surface.

2: From the bottom edge of the sleeve, measure up about 5 to 6 inches and place a pin on both sides.

3: Start from the pins and draw up to the armpit just like the photo below.

4: Now cut along your lines ,leaving about 5/8 of an inch out side the line for sewing seam.

5: Place your pins along both edges.

6: Now it's sewing time! Sew along the lines on both sides.

7: Sew all the way to the end on both sides.

9: Trim your threads.

9: Now trim your seams to about a 1/4 inch.

10: Turn your cap inside out now and it should look like this photo and be about 12 inches long!

11: If you go to my HOW TO MAKE ADORABLE BABY BEANIES blog it will show you how to make a pom pom, if you want to add a pom pom do that now, this is what it will look like.

12: Now place your buttons in whatever position you prefer and as many as you prefer.

13: Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. (I always double tie the two threads together when sewing buttons, doubling this creates a stronger thread base and uses less time!

14: Sew on your buttons!

15: Your beanie should now resemble the photo below! So precious! you will be hooked!

BLOGY CAT!

2012-07-05T15:17:00.003-07:00

BLOGY CAT!

You’re just hanging out at home doing whatever you do, or browsing somewhere downtown. You could be asleep dreaming. Walla!!!! A eureka moment, it just comes to you and you say to yourself "what an awesome idea"!

I realize there isn’t a soul that doesn't actually exist who comes up with totally original ideas, after all we each have these brains, and more than likely what we think to be our original "genius discovery", has already been an idea, or better yet a patented product or design somewhere else in this big world we live in! But hey isn’t it nice to know that you’re at least on the "Invention Train"?

Throughout the years, I have had these great marketing ideas and haven’t put a one to use. This particular one stands out in my mind.

Eleven years ago I was in the grocery store looking for taco shells. I had an open bag of nacho cheese Doritos in my cart (yes I am one of those people), and the thought just came to me, wow why doesn’t Doritos make flavored taco shells, wouldn’t that be so cool? They could start with Nacho Cheese, and eventually get all the flavors! My head was spinning with recipe ideas ! I even had one of my daughter in laws with me at the time to attest to this. As I shared my super cool idea with her we both wondered why this hadn’t happened yet. Was there maybe a financial or FDA rule prohibiting it? As the days went by, we brainstormed on how to market these shells and still use the Doritos Brand flavors. How would we get the money? Maybe we should contact Doritos? Or maybe Taco Bell? I came to the conclusion that they would just steal my super cool idea, after all, I am just one of the "little people" right? So I did nothing. Well It took a while, but lo and behold Doritos and Taco Bell have finally jumped on the band wagon, a few months I was driving down the street and there it was, big as day, right on the Taco Bell window ….. Doritos Nacho Cheese taco shells! I think I called everyone in my family with the news! Part of me felt elated as I knew I had been on to something, yet most of me started regretting the "little people" mentality I unfortunately have.

I have been recycling old sweaters, and for those of you reading my blog, this is not hot news. From baby beanies to who knows what! In fact, my next blog was going to cover these adorable dog sweaters I have been creating from sweaters purchased from the thrift stores both old and new! These are just a couple! Aren't the models precious?

Guess who jumped on the old recycle train and marketed it? You guessed it!

Simplicity!

They have a pattern for dog sweaters in their new "Go Green "section? I guess now I don’t have to post those step by step directions after all, thanks Simplicity! Now granted I haven’t purchased the pattern yet to see just how "simple" it is, so when I do, and if it’s not……well then maybe I will have another blog! In the mean time…… lets all try to put our cool ideas into effect and purchase a piece of that train. What's your cool Idea?

When life gives you a pile of dirt…….use it.

2012-06-29T13:45:00.002-07:00

When life gives you a pile of dirt…….use it.

Our city joined most of America and converted to sewer. Wow! is all I have to say. If you're board to tears some afternoon and want to know how well it went over during the conversion process just Google it.

Our home was not excluded from the hoopla by any means; in fact my husband almost got arrested for allegedly running over some idiot workers laptop. Did I say idiot? That was clearly not the noun to use. Clever idiot would be more like it. Clever man runs it over with his own bobcat, panics, and he and his partner in crime devise a plan to blame my husband and son. Cops show up, quite a few I might add, and well……. maybe some day that story will be my blog. We were left with a front yard neatly filled in with A/B dirt. That in itself by the way, took an act of congress to achieve. No more grass.

That story has inspired the reason for this blog. You see every Easter I hold an Easter hunt for my grandkids. Adults and kids alike, all have a blast, as we can get quite competitive for those plastic eggs holding who knows what?

That time of year came around again, and as I stood out in my front yard full of dirt, I looked at my daughter and asked?, “ Where should we hide the eggs this year?” of course saying it with a sarcastic, disgusted at the city, tone in my voice. She simply looks around for about 3 seconds and replies very self assuredly, “right here, and instead of a hunt let’s have a dig!

That’s what we did. We devised a plan for a Pirate Cove Easter Dig. My extremely talented husband devoted a whole day to be my private carpenter, just like the ones on cupcake wars! So.... off to Home Depot he went..... with grandson in tow!

We got home and the work started! With the constant buzzing of the saw, it wasn't

long before all the wood projects were ready to be painted!

Next my youngest daughter and I did some

photo shopping and created a cool little map mimicking our front yard! We did a lot of illustration so the little ones that couldn't read could understand it......glad we did because my 4 year old Granddaughter really took that map serious!

We picked up a few cheap plants at Lowe's, grabbed some plastic we

had in the garage, and hauled some left over rock from our backyard.

This created a cool little pond!!!

I found some cool huge aqua plastic oyster shells at Salvation Army for a "little girl touch"!

My husband built them the most adorable little swinging bridge!

We used my grand daughters trunk for the treasure chest!!

A friend of mine let me use his anchor!

Not sure where the tiki idea fell into place, but what the heck it looked cute!

The big day came, we made them all wait inside the house before letting them

out the front door, like little grey hounds ready to run the track!!!

Let the hunt begin! With their maps in one hand and their bucket and shovel in the other, out the door they went!

And into the front yard with the sprinklers on! Which by the way quickly got turned

off...... wasn't thinking about the wet maps!!!

I made a special kiddie pool for the 2 and under grandbabies, now that I

think about it.... I probably should

have made it big enough for my kids to crawl in also, that would

have made for good photos!!!

All the kids had a blast!

Everyone ate, and swam, and then.........

Dug through their treasures!!!

I am not going to say it wasn’t work, because it was, but wow was it worth it!

2 months later, in 111 degree sun, my yard still looked like an abandoned mulled over pirate cove, so out I went one Saturday to turn it back to just… plain dirt. My private carpenter felt a little sorry for me, and came out of his garage to help…….we couldn’t help but laugh out loud as he was digging up and tossing at me, ancient looking, taped up, plastic eggs with change in them. How could these have been missed?

I untaped those little eggs, and we used the change to run down and get an ice cold diet coke! I hope this inspires you to do the same one year!! Yes it will take some carpenter skills, but I think in this economy, you might find one cheap…

THATS WHAT THOSE ARE FOR?

2012-06-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and my daughter and I are running some errands. As we were getting into her car to head home, she says to me, "Lets run into Ross!", so out we go again, and into Ross we went!
It was one of those pleasurable shopping experiences. You know, the kind that happens once in a blue moon where you’re sharing the store with happy people, eager to share their finds, laughing along the way. So needless to say, my daughter and I were made quite visible, chatting with who knows who, sharing stories back and forth, and when it was time to check out, we were certainly not incognito.
As my daughter gets her total, I quickly give a glance at the clock located on the wall, and realize we have over stayed our time limit. Our leisurely shopping spree quickly turned hurried! I didn’t grab her bags out of the cart, opting instead to quickly take the cart and hurry towards the double doors with my daughter beside me, both of us chatting and laughing about a comment she had made to the checker - then suddenly a loud crash startles us both!
We look at each other and at the same time with the exact same expression and tone to our voice say, "Oh my gosh, is that was those poles are for?", speaking of the tall blue pole on the Ross cart that is not so straight and tall now, but instead, ever so slightly bent from the frame of the harsh double doors.
Everyone – even the managers - looked at us quite startled as we nonchalantly shrugged our shoulders while putting the cart back and heading out the door. It wasn’t till we got in her car that we fully realized how ridiculous we must have looked, and laughed till we cried! We had both obviously assumed the pole was designed for some other purpose, other than its actual function, which is a security device designed to not to allow the cart to leave the store.
Once again, that old cliché, assuming makes an ass out of you and me!

Who would have thought

2012-06-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

Patience:
Its often born unaware from a diversity of situations and circumstances we are not always aware of at the time.
These moments and hours in time are often much needed to develop this attribute that does not come natural to any of us.

I move quickly and drive pretty much the same way. Point A to point B - just get there. Whether it’s a much needed errand run, pick up, or response to a “could you please?” I am there! That’s a good thing right? Not always. Not when you’re impatient with traffic, traffic lights, or people.

I have normally had the luxury of a vehicle to hop in and ‘go man go’. Red lights for instance were just…red lights; speed odometers were there to well… check your speed.

Not since the Geo, there is no speed odometer (working that is), and a red light is now an opportunity for those around me to show their lack of patience as they quickly divert to the next lane glaring at me with a huffy look, and surprised when they don’t find an 80 year old snowbird behind the wheel! I admit this used to really bother me, as I would feel pressured to rev my poor little Geo to over 3500 R.P.M’s. just to make it to 35 M.P.H. a little faster.

“What a bunch of impatient a—h----‘s” I would say out loud to myself. After all I can’t help it that my car can only go so fast!!

But not now. Not anymore. You see I have been taught by that little Geo to slow down, lose some pride and ignore the jerks. Yes it has taken a little while, but that’s okay! I’m getting there. Funny how God works. I read this saying on the internet, there was no name mentioned.

" Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard....and sloooooow- that my friend is patience!"

Who would of thought: a Geo?

What’s your unaware patient builder?

SANTA FE PASTA...SEE JANE COOK!

2012-06-20T09:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry my off spring girls,

This one is coming out of the archives! Check out this method for learning a new recipe, kind of like reading those old Dick and Jane books right? Both my middle Son and I are quite fond of picture books, less to read! And I love photos!!! I thought this might be a full proof insurance policy against step skipping, you know a visual! I recently biffed a Martha Stewart Vanilla airy cake recipe due to this problem, mine quickly became a dense pound cake, not that pound cake is bad, mine just was. I hate deciphering recipes, which is probably why I make up my own so much. So let me know what you think! You gotta try this one, everyone including the pups will be happy!!!! Is there any one you want to make happy?

For starters , check out all the photos....scroll all the way down and don't skip a one . Skipping ahead is exactly my problem with a new recipe. So Don't speed ...everything you need... will be in the photo!

You will need these ingredients!

STEP 1

CUT UP YOUR CHICKEN

STEP 2:

STEP 3

JUST PLACE THE CHICKEN ASIDE IN A BOWL WHEN DONE BROWNING

AND USE THE SAME PAN FOR YOUR VEGGIES.

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

STEP 9

STEP 10

LET THE VEGGIES COOK TILL TENDER THEN MOVE TO :

STEP 11

STEP 12

STEP 13

STEP 14

STEP 15

STEP 16

MEANWHILE;

WHILE WAITING FOR WATER TO BOIL........

MOVE TO:

STEP 17

ADD

LETS NOT WASTE ANY SAUCE SO.......

ADD THE REMAINDER TO THE PAN!

TURN OFF THE BURNER AND LET SET.

STEP 18

STEP 19

NOW JUST LET IT BOIL TILL THE NOODLES ARE DONE TO YOUR TASTE!

STEP 20

STEP 21

STEP 22

ENJOY TILL THE VERY LAST NOODLE!!!!

BON APETITE'!

Christmas in June: How to Make Adorable Baby Beanies

2012-06-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

If you start now, You can make this adorable beanie from old sweater sleeves for most of the little ones you know in the family by Christmas!! This one happens to be in the Legend Of Zelda's Link style. This will take a little sewing, so be sure to have access to a sewing machine. To start, gather your material, you will need:

An old long sleeve sweater (you can thrift shop for different colors and textiles). It just needs to be stretchy in the cuff (wide enough to go over a babies head.)

Yarn

Buttons

1 yarn needle

Step 1: Cut your sleeve off at the shoulder

Step 2: After cutting the sleeve, turn the sleeve inside out and measure 10 inches from the cuff and place a straight pin for your guide line.

Step 3: . Continue to place straight pins at an angle starting from your 10 inch mark all the way to the top of the shoulder.

Step 4. Sew along your angled pin line all the way to the top.

Step 5: Trim the excess sleeve along the seam line all the way to the top.

Step 6: Turn the sleeve inside out.

Your sleeve should now resemble a hat!

Step 7: Thread your yarn needle with your desired color of yarn. The length of yarn should be about 30 inches long.

Step 8: Insert yarn needle into the top of the bottom stripe , if you don't have a striped sleeve, just start at the bottom and make your own pattern.

9 : Pull the needle through and insert again.

10: In the above 3 photos, I am showing you how to loop your needle back through your first stitch, and pull the yarn through, creating this slip stitch effect.

Your stitch should look like the picture above!.

11: Continue these stitches in this order, slip stitching with each stitch as you go around the hat, when you get to the end of your row, tie off your yarn with a knot on the inside of the hat. Just like the photos above. Then continue doing the same for each row. You can do as many or as little as you prefer, be the designer.

12: Now you are ready to make the pom pom for the tip of the hat! Simply wind your yarn around your fingers to the desired width, here I have about 2 1/2 inches, wrap the yarn around your finger 20 to 25 times , for a smaller less puffy pom pom you will want to wrap your yarn around your finger 15 times, or for a thicker pom pom, wrap up to around 30, you decide and play around with it.

Your yarn should look like this when your done wrapping.

13: Lay your bundle of yarn on a flat surface.

14: Place another strip of yarn 6 inches long underneath.

15: Tie the yarn around the bundle tight, then tie the yarn into a double knot.

16: Get your scissors and cut through both ends of the loops.

Your puff ball should look like this at this point.

17: Now tie another 6 inch piece of yarn around the puff ball, you are going to use this to secure

the puff ball to the end of the hat. Fluff out you puff ball.

18: Place your yarn needle through one end of the piece of yarn you just tied on the puff ball.

19: Now place the needle through the tip of the hat, and pull the yarn through.

20: Now pull the puff ball tight to the end by tightening the yarn, then tie the yarn into a knot.

Your puff ball should now look like this.

21: Now Sew your buttons on!

Ta-da! Here is your finished hat. Which is actually a beanie!

I love to make these for my Grandkids, and they love them as well! It is inexpensive, and goes by quick once you get the hang of it! The sky is the limit for design, and if you aren't a thrift shopper....... you will quickly become one, keeping that keen eye out for design, color, and cool buttons on someone's "has been" cool outfit.

Kicked Out

2012-06-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

Our family had recently added Min Pins (Miniature Pinschers) to our pet collection. Both of my daughters, daughter-in-law, and I have each adopted one from the same litter.

Mine is named Pinchetta Loise. My husband has wanted one for 10 years, so I felt it was his call to name her. It took some getting used to on my part, but it now seems to fit her quite well.

I have to confess I am a “big dog” kind of gal and one of those people who wonders in amazement at individuals who dote over their tiny dogs as they dress them in their cute sweaters while thinking to myself, “What is wrong with those people? Maybe they were never able to have children? Am I missing something here?”

As it turns out, I was missing something, but now I get it! I love my Min Pin!

I couldn’t part with her the first week, so when my 10 year-old granddaughter wanted to thrift shop with me, along came Pinchetta, all tucked neatly into my crotchet bag with her ultra-cute black and lime green harness sporting little polka dots!

We were browsing a local thrift store, when after a few minutes an elderly woman (who was obviously an employee) approaches me and asks in a somewhat concerned whisper voice, “Excuse me ma’am - is your animal a special needs pet? “

Of course my first thought is, “Are you kidding? What a jokester.” right? So I played the little game and answered back, “Yes, she is.”

The woman then asked, “Well, what does she do?”

“She keeps me calm when I run into rude, obnoxious people so that I don’t slap them around,” I replied calmly.

“Oh,” she replied “Then you need to get her a special needs tag.” And then walked away.

My conscience got the better of me after I realized she was serious, so I spoke loudly back to her, “Ma’am! I was just joking!”

She then quickly kicked all three of us out the door!

Where do you get those special need tags?

Ring, Ring, Ring!

2012-06-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's the phone, and I answer.

On the other end is usually a daughter, daughter in law, sister, cousin, close friend, or an acquaintance I have run into at the bank, grocery store, or local thrift store. What they usually share in common is a question they are asking me.

They are questions that vary from simple to complex on any given subject. I am married to a builder, who has owned his own company for over 30 years and I have learned quite a lot from that man.

He has given me five of the most awesome kids anyone could ask for, who in turn married five of the most incredible people I could ask for, and together they have given me 11 of my most precious jewels on the planet. My life has been full with God, family, friends, and pets, and I learned greatly from all of them!

So I figured, "Why not blog?"

If you need a Martha Stewart project to be simplified, or a crochet pattern fit for dummies, you have come to the right place! Sure I still have those ingredients in the pantry waiting for that special recipe; yarn in my craft cabinet waiting for the needle and material folded neatly next to the pattern, but maybe together we can get them all done and answer some simple questions in the process!

Happy Blogging!