Say it Ain't So...

Deco-Mesh Christmas Wreath

2014-12-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. I'm making wreaths this year. This one was put together and taken apart so many times, but I finally got some great advice from the guy in the floral department at Michael's. My mesh was too wide (21") for my foam frame, which was 12". He advised me to fold the mesh in half, which also helps create some bulk. Lots of floral pins were used, and my glue gun was put to good use. I am very happy with the result! This picture doesn't do it justice though. My next one will be a frosty blue and white, with accents. What a great learning experience. Many thanks go out to all of the great YouTube video tutorials as well! You guys rock!

Blueberry Oat Muffins

2012-09-23T22:00:00.002-07:00

I used fresh blueberries, and added a dash of vanilla I purchased in the Dominican. Also a tsp of vanilla. Delicious! Recipe from "4H Favorites", Alberta 4-H 75th Anniversary Committee.

1 cup of rolled oats

1 cup of buttermilk or sour milk

1 cup of flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine

1 cup blueberries, fresh or if frozen, thawed and drained

Preheat oven to 400. Combine oats and buttermilk in a small bowl and let stand. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and brown sugar; stir well. Add egg and melted butter to oat mixture. Add oat mixture to dry ingredients at once. Stir just until all ingredients are moistened. Gently fold in blueberries. Fill well-greased muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake at 400 F for 15-22 minutes. Yields 12 muffins.

Peep! Easter Peeps Take On A New Look!

2012-04-01T21:17:00.001-07:00

Peep! Easter Peeps Take On A New Look!:

Peeps! We love them in yellows, purples and pinks. We love them white and speckled, big and small, we do love our Peeps!

This latest project pays homage to this obsession with a true Easter project.

Quick Knit these little cuties, the FREE pattern is HERE

from Just Crafty Enough!

…

Carreteiro (ka-hey-tay-ro)

2011-06-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

This recipe is very easy and surprisingly tasty, with just four ingredients. You can use lean ground beef, turkey or chicken. I chose ground turkey, and now this is my total fav! There are numerous variations of Carreteiro recipes on the internet, depending on the region. I'm hooked, and love that it's healthy. Here is the link to the recipe, along with Ana's great how-to cook video.
Carreteiro

Ancient Voices from Within LATIN LOUNGE 7 South American Dances: No. 6. Vals [Peru] -

zencrafting: Celebrate World Intellectual Property Day

2011-05-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

zencrafting: Celebrate World Intellectual Property Day: "April 26 is World Intellectual Property Day , and this year's theme is 'Designing the Future.' 'Intellectual property' is writing, music, d..."

Three Things for which I am Most Thankful

2011-01-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

1. My knit sampler hat looks good in red too. Next... in a beautiful green.

2. Ryley & Kayla are the cutest and such sweet little pickles!

3. I posted my first recipe on All Recipes Hamburger, Beef and Vegetable Soup Why? That's what you do when you're snowed-in!

What are 3 things for which you are most thankful?

Women's Sample Hat (Knit)

2010-12-04T23:55:00.000-08:00

A coworker saw me knitting one of my dishcloths one day. "Can you knit me a hat? You know, one that covers my ears, but keeps my hair fluffy and doesn't cause a lot of static?" *Uhm... I'm a beginner. Never used dpn's before. How long do I have? *gulp* In other words, how old do you want to be when you receive a decent hat?! I'm also a slow knitter. My coworker is young, slender, trendy. I was nervous. So she agreed on this hat, and if it didn't work out, then I would try another pattern. It turns out that Ashley loves her hat after all, and she calls it "Super Cute"! I am relieved, and very pleased. I'm so not a hat person. You'll have to put up with Ms. Styro-head. I would highly recommend this pattern to newbie knitters. Women's Sampler Hat I used YouTube videos to help ease me in to dpn's. I will be making another one in green, and one in red!

Ryley and Kayla

2010-11-11T01:17:00.000-08:00

The Millionaire Woman - Building on Lessons

2010-11-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Three Good Things - How to be Happier

2010-10-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

For a New Baby, Dedicated to my Expectant Coworker

2010-10-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

What shall I wish for you, baby?

Health, or wealth untold,

Or the courage to face new challenges,

The strength to be brave and bold?

But whatever I wish for you, baby,

I hope this lesson you'll learn,

The greatest of all God's blessings,

Is to love and be loved in return.

Jean Harris quoted in The Friendship Book of Francis Gay, 1992

Run for the Cure a success!

2010-10-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation on my behalf. Our Millionaire Women team had the chance to walk with a special lady who is battling breast cancer, that metastasized to her brain. She had surgery a couple of weeks ago, and walked with us for a bit and cheered us on! It was a beautiful day for the 5 km walk.

CIBC Run for the Cure

2010-09-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm back, and excited to tell you that I am participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 3^rd.I can’t believe how many people I know now that have been touched by breast cancer!

There are a few ways you can participate with me:

Through my on-line donation page here: http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR?px=1018440&pg=personal&fr_id=1108

*Receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more for Canadian citizens. I cannot find information about receipts for donations from outside of Canada.

You will help fund the most promising research and give hope to women and their families living with breast cancer. I can't believe how many people I know now that have been touched by breast cancer ~ many coworkers, friends, and my aunt Karen on my mother's side. They're coming out of the woodwork! But the great news is that the women I know are breast cancer survivors, and with our help, maybe there will be more to tell their strory!

Sign up and walk with me. I’m not a runner and would enjoy the company! That is if you live in Edmonton, AB, Canada, of course! I am walking for my aunt Karen, my aunt's friend Colleen, and sadly a few co-workers.

Purchase a Breast Chek Kit from me, and I will donate $5 of every sale to the Run for the Cure. The bonus is that you and your loved ones can check for lumps and bumps more comfortably and accurately. Early prevention is key, and a great way to support your own health and well-being! The kits are 1 for $35, or 2 for $65, plus S&H. PayPal is preferred.

Lastly, all Sponsor's Names who donate over $25 online, will be placed in a draw to win a Breast Chek kit of their very own to take home! The kit also comes with a Breast Chek diary. The draw will be held on October 10, 2010.

What is a Breast Chek Kit? Learn about them here: http://www.plexuspink.com/breast-chek-kit/

I thank you, and appreciate all donations that help raise funds towards curing breast cancer!

Gaelene

Ryley's girl Kayla

2010-08-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

Fast Fabric Gifts

2010-07-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help myself! I had to order Fast Fabric Gifts, because I love smaller projects, and some of them look so delicious! Fast Fabric Gifts offers 30 quick to stitch projects. Comes with templates. Like it says, "Homemade gifts, all sewn up!" It's got to be good!

You might want to check out Pretty Little Pillows, with more quick to stitch projects such as applique, smocking and hand embroidery. Go ahead and make someone's day!

FaveCrafts ReTweet Winner!

2010-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I truly am alive! I've been quite busy at work, and packing to move. Recently, I received a very nice message from FaveCrafts in my Inbox, who said:

Hello and Congratulations!

Your RT was selected as the winner in the weekly FaveCrafts Twitter Contest!

The prize you have won is: Matboard Magic Book

Who-hoo! That's great! I can't wait to receive it.

Inspire your creativity at FaveCrafts

Tisk, tisk

2010-06-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I took a little hiatus. I was tired of trudging through all of the spam in my inbox. Lots going on, and we went on a road trip to BC for a week. Now we're moving, or rather I'm moving, splitsville, end of chapter = emotional wreck. Methotrexate 1, me 0. It's kicking my ass right now, and I'm trying to work and feel "normal". I will relax and heal when I can shut the door on all of this, and take some well needed me-time.

You know what is great in all of this? I have very supportive friends and family. Closer to home, connecting with other women once monthly at the Millionaire Woman's Club meetings has been an inspirational and empowering experience. I forgot to make my biz cards to take with me last night! http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Millionaire-Woman/254329668665?ref=ts

The Millionaire Woman's Club in Edmonton was founded by speaker, author and success coach, Debra Kasowski. The club offers a supportive and empowering environment, with guest speakers, games and sharing. It's a place where women network, and share their knowledge and expertise = Power! Last night we had guest speakers Dorothy Briggs, founder and owner of Womanition magazine and website http://www.womanition.com/, and Dawn Murray taught us how to do the Emotional Freedom Technique http://www.newfreedomcoaching.com/.

Next month we're meeting at a consignment store for a little wine tasting and fashion show. Hey, are you Tweeting your biz yet? What do you do? My expertise and training is in tobacco cessation. I counsel, coach, motivate and educate clients about how to set goals towards quitting smoking. Do you have any tips to help me create my own business cards? Your feedback is appreciated. Just so you know, I do not respond to spam.

No Sew Summer Place Mat Purse

2010-06-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Trendy, geeky, or just plain weird? Did someone say place mat purse? Creative Korner had a place mat purse swap in June. I made mine from a round placemat. The jewelled embellishment and handles were purchased at Michael's and a garage sale. Sing it ~ like a cowgirl, I got my glue gun by ma side, I'm wanted ~wanted~, dead or alive... The sides of the purse were drawn in and glued, and the handles were sewn. The nice thing about it is my purse didn't need a zipper or button to close. Like it? I really did, but had to mail it to my partner, hmph.

Need a little Empowerment?

2010-05-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

There are millions of blogs on the internet, with so much valuable information that sharing could go on for days, weeks, months and years. Sometimes all of this great information is a waste of time and energy. As I am sure you have experienced, too much information can be overwhelming. If you are looking to challenge yourself, to reach higher goals, lead a more fulfilling life, then Affirm Your Life gives you 380 Empowering Questions to Ask Yourself. These questions promote self-awareness, as the key to making changes in your life is first to be aware of who you are, your habits, likes and dislikes. I love these questions! They can be used to help others as well. There are a lot of them, but they really make you think! Click on the website here Empowering Questions to Ask Yourself. What do you think?

Even Angels have Price Tags

2010-05-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Come On Spring!

2010-05-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

We had a really wicked storm in Edmonton yesterday, with 60 km winds, blowing rain and snow, and lightening! 18,000 homes were without power. Unfortunately, we had to stay at work. I was waiting for them to announce a snow day, ha! Ryley and I took these pics through the kitchen window 2 weeks ago. He called them "babies". Ryley is a 24 g Pacific Parrotlet, and a real cutie. His itsy-bitsy spider song is coming along well. See Ryley below in previous posts.

Banana Oatmeal Muffins from Company's Coming

2010-05-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you do not have any excuses as to why you can't make these easy and really delicious muffins from Company's Coming! Check out Jean Pare's book, Muffins & More. I have had mine since 1990, and I'm still lov'n it! They are going to work with me tomorrow. I added cinnamon and some Mexican vanilla too, yum.

Muffins and More (Company's Coming)

Banana Oatmeal Muffins from Company's Coming

All purpose flour	1-1/2 cups (375 ml)
Rolled Oats	1 cup (250 ml)
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup (125 ml)
Baking Powder	2 tsp (10 ml)
Baking Soda	1 tsp (5 ml)
Salt	1/2 tsp (2 ml)

Eggs	2
Cooking oil	1/4 cup (50 ml)
Milk	1/4 cup (50 ml)
3 Mashed Bananas	1 cup (250 ml)

In a large bowl combine the first 6 ingredients and stir to mix. I added Cinnamon. Make a well in the centre.

In a small bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Mix in the oil, milk and bananas. Pour into the well. Stir just to moisten. Batter will be lumpy. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12-18.

FaveCrafts Mother's Day Crafts Blog Addition

2010-04-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

This collection of Mother's Day crafts is well worth the read. These bloggers are inspirational, and I will by trying some of these ideas. Check it out! FaveCrafts Mother's Day Crafts Blog Addition

FaveCrafts Blog and Re-Tweet GiveAway

2010-04-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

FaveCrafts is a great web site for projects. I found their blog today, and you can sign up for tweets. How great is that! FaveCrafts Blog and Re-Tweet Giveaway

Easy Knit Dishcloths

2010-04-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

Easy Knit Dishcloth patternss from the Favecrafts website. Great for beginners, and they make a very pretty dishcloth no matter what your skill level. I used Bernat Handicrafter self-striping cotton called Stripes. Favecrafts Easy Knit Dishcloths