CraftyHope: February 2008

Feel Good Friday - Animal Friends

Hey there! It's finally "Feel Good Friday" in these parts.

I have been holding on to this little gem of warm fuzzies for a little while. Check out these adorable and unusual Animal Friendships.
Here are two of my favorites:

I'm partial to anything with a ferret in it.

Isn't this just too 'tweet?

I hope your weekend includes some feel good moments with friends too!!

Beach-Themed Necklace

Since I haven't really posted ANYTHING "crafty" in a while, I decided that it is time to do so!!

I have worked on quite a few projects, but am awful at actually finishing anything. On vacation, I was able to start AND finish a necklace while looking out at this view of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

Since I had such lovely inspiration from which to draw, I created this necklace that even LOML* loves.

The pieces are almost all natural beads. It feels very nature and outdoorsy to me. I hope y'all like!

*LOML=Love of My Life

Thrifty Thursday - Dryer Sheets

It's been a while since I posted for "Thrifty Thursday"

I received an e-mail from my cousin about the many uses of Bounce brand fabric softener. I do not know if these benefits are solely related to that brand or are associated with all fabric softener brands. In any case, the ones related to bug control are quite interesting. Here's the list:

1. Lay sheets of Bounce near ant and ant beds to chase them away.

2. Spread sheets around foundation areas of houses, in trailers, or in cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering.

3. Bounce sheets will take the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened often.

4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

5. Eliminate static electricity from your television or computer screen by wiping a sheet over the screen. This will also help keep dust from resettling.

6. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors by cleaning them with a sheet of Bounce.

7. To freshen the air in your home - place individual sheets of Bounce in drawers or hang them in closets.

8. Place a Bounce sheet in your vacuum cleaner.

9. Prevent threads from tangling by running a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

10. Prevent musty suitcases by placing a sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

11. To freshen the air in your car, place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

12. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees and yellow jackets away.

13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan by placing a sheet in the pan, filling with water, letting it sit overnight, and sponging it clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.

14. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of your trash can.

15. Collect cat hair by rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce to magnetically attract all the loose hairs.

16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of your laundry bag or hamper.

19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.

20. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh.

At the same time, Curbly.com has a featured a post about how to make your own fabric softener sheets. Check it out.

That's all for this Thrifty Thursday!

Wild Wild Web Wednesday

I'm trying to be better about posting so here's another edition of "Wild Wild Web Wednesday"

Today's WWWW is leaning toward being mostly centered around images:

Have you ever wondered where your cat goes and sees while outside? One man equipped his cat with a camera to find out and has posted some great photos from the CatCam.
Most fish tanks can be such boring boxes of water. This one from Octopus Studios eliminates that notion.
Water Balloons are awesome, but this image of three water balloons being shot captivates me.
Make your own Jackson Pollack painting. To change color, click your mouse. To erase, press your enter or space bars.

I hope your Wednesday is WILD!!

Feelin' Betta

Sorry about that rant yesterday. I'm just a little down. I almost didn't go to dinner with my Mardi Gras Room. However, I reasoned that I needed to eat, and there would be wine of course. So, I went. It was a great decision. I forget how much I enjoy the group of people in my Room. We ended up talking about games for the Wii for almost all of dinner. Of course, the two ladies who were discussing it with me have pre-teen sons. But, what the hay - I like my geek entertainment.

When I left dinner, I had a message from my pregnant, single friend. I met her at another restaurant to chat while she ate. She helped me feel even better and recommended a magazine she had seen at her doctor's office.

Overall, I had a nice evening with my lady friends, and I'm ready to get back up on the horse (in a manner or speaking.)

Caution - Woman Venting (may not make sense)

I'm having a moody, moody day today. If my last post yesterday wasn't any indication. . . I hate PMS, I hate my period - GAH! Nine months without either would be fabulous. I know, I know - morning sickness, hemorrhoids, weight gain, stretch marks, etc. But it's worth it right? Right? Oh whatever, I just want a baby.

I've got to stop obsessing over this. Sorry! Needed to vent for a minute.

'Trying' to Get Pregnant

At what point do you stop trying to let it “happen naturally” and begin to actually “try” to get pregnant? Is it better to stop stressing about it so it just happens, or should you start scheduling intimacy and checking temperatures and such?

In fact, ‘TRYING to get pregnant’ is such an ugly term. It just lets people know that you have sex with your husband. Who needs to know that? Sorry, I guess I just revealed that information to all of you. I just hate the term ‘trying to get pregnant.’ I tell people “we’ve decided we’re ready to have children.” Isn’t that enough? Now, if it would just happen already, I’m getting OLD over here.

Made Me Smile Monday

I've been trying to evaluate my blog and compare it to other blogs I enjoy. Overall, in comparison I tend to be rather wordy and include an overabundance of information. Whereas, the blogs I really enjoy do not go on and on in a single post. I have a ton of links, pictures, and other interesting items for my 'themes.' Yet, instead of giving you a really long list and then not posting again for a while, I am going to try and limit my post length.

With this in mind, here is my shortened "Made Me Smile Monday":

Check out these folksy rap songs (rap songs re-done by folk bands)
"If the #2 pencil is so popular, why is it still #2?"
Have you tried to clean your monitor from the inside?

From the "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks

If you are trying to have a baby (like me) you need to know a few tips about caring for babies. There is a list of the Do's and Don'ts with babies. Here's a few samples:

Let me know if you enjoy the shorter lists or prefer the longer version.

Splendid Lazy Vacation

I'm still coming down from that vacation-high of the lazy notion of: nowhere to be, nothing NEEDS to be done, eat and drink whatever, stay in pajamas all day and watch the waves. In short, we had a fabulous time at the condo. It was so very nice. I did take some pictures to share, but the dang vacation-lazies keep me from uploading them. I'll be back soon.

Flower Arrival

Yay! The flowers just got here. They're beautiful! Now off to get lunch and pack!!

Valentine's Getaway

I'm so excited...Not only is it Friday, but LOML* and I are taking a little Valentine-President's Day-Need a Vacation-Vacation this weekend down at the Gulf.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We got a condo through Meyer Realty. As an added plus, Meyer has a special this month - pay for 2 nights, get a 3rd night free. Somehow, we lucked out. It must have been fate or destiny or good karma or whatever. Unfortunately, since I've been feeling so crappy, we haven't packed yet. At least it's only like a 45 minute drive or so from the house. I was planning on leaving work around lunchtime to get packed. Yet, we've had another kink in the works. My Valentine flowers LOML* ordered for me have yet to arrive at the office. Yes, it is Friday - he ordered them Tuesday, through FTD, with a 4:30pm Thursday deadline. NOW, I have to stay at the office until my gift of love arrives. What kind of crap is that?

So, I'm keeping my spirits up by reminding myself that the threat of rain for Saturday has been removed, and it's supposed to be 70 degrees. What luck! Of course, rain is still forecasted for Sunday. That just means we can snuggle, drink some adult beverages, and watch the waves. Nice, huh?

On a crafty note - the hardest part of packing this afternoon will be trying to figure out what craft supplies to take with me to the beach. I've got two craft bags packed now for general craft-on-the-go use. But, this is a long weekend, not a half hour open window. Sooooo, too many choices. I plan on doing a post soon about crafts-to-go/ craft bags. Check back!

*LOML=Love of My Life

Valentine's Links-O-Love and Stuff

Well it's the day of mushy, lovey-dovey, starry-eyed, go-all-out expressions of LOVE!

Or the card and jewelry companies want us to think it is. In any case, it's another day for me to get (and give) presents!! Yay!

Since I posted the valentine craft suggestions last week, I have found quite a few interesting valentine-related ideas and sites. I wanted to share. WARNING, I have some offensive links and material at the end of this post. If you do not want your innocent mind tarnished, please skip over that section.

First is cute and sweet

Check out the wee piglet with the heart-shaped spot. They even named him Valentine. Awwwww!
If you need an envelope to put those homemade cards and gifts, here are the instructions for an origami heart-shaped envelope.
Now you can have your wine and eat it for dessert too with these frozen wine and champagne treats. There's also a recipe for champagne floats. Mmmmmmm!
If you are strapped for cash, try these simple and frugal Valentine Day ideas. These are suggested by the debt consolidation website, so they MUST be frugal, right?
For those who are looking to be not so frugal, check out this list of the world's most romantic restaurants. WOW! I'm ready to head off to New Zealand, though Paris would also be romantic, restaurant or not.
If you are looking to end a romance, just get your valentine one of these 14 valentine gifts guaranteed not to get you laid. Watch the video for the Q-Pig, really. It's fall-out-of-the-chair funny.

These Valentine cards and greetings are quite entertaining

I've linked to someecards.com before, but their Valentine cards are SUPER funny!

I'm simply drawn to the vintage valentines. They're just so cool.

These scientist valentines are genius!

Here are some more geek science valentines. I'm partial to the Pavlov one (having a BS in psychology and all).

A little geek love never hurt anyone

Here are some of the best places to take a techie on a date.
For geeky girls like me, check out the top 10 valentine gadget gifts for gals.
This says it all (in Tetris Blocks!!!)

**STOP HERE OR SKIP THE NEXT SECTION IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED OR PREFER TO KEEP VALENTINE'S "PURE"**

For those who want to inject a little more kink, sass, and sex into the day...here you go

These products that look like sex toys but aren't (officially) could probably be sold in some of those seedy shops I know you've all been in.
This video of a Valentine parent-teacher conference has some inappropriate language and references. But it sure cracked me up.
Here's what you would see if valentine cards were honest.

I hope you ALL have a fantastic, romantic Valentine's Day.

To LOML*, I love you so very much...your love keeps me going. Happy Valentine's Day Baby!

*LOML=Love of My Life

Just a Little Laugh

I've felt so lousy lately, I haven't been up for much posting. However, if you will all hang in there, I'm hoping to have a nice long post tomorrow for Valentine's day. In the meantime, here's what got the biggest laugh out of me so far today:

It's a furniture store
hehehehe :)

Crafty Valentine Gift and Card Ideas

My dear friend, Ben, has suggested that I make a post on Valentine's Day crafts and cards. I do tend to fancy myself an expert at homemade Valentine gifts. Until last year, I was only getting paid on the 15th of each month. As such, I NEVER had the money for store-bought Valentine cards and gifts for LOML*. I still think that the first one I ever made him was the best:

It was a 3-ring binder notebook with several sections in it. First, I found (online) and printed out information on the history and symbolism of Valentine's Day. Then, I searched for and copied love quotes and poems. Since I have also written some poetry, I made copies of my own love poems. The most time-consuming section was an alphabetic list of our special memories, places, laughs, connections, etc. I listed as many as I could for each letter of the alphabet (ex: B-Bojangles, Boating, Band house, Beach; C- Camping, Chocolate, Canoing, Coffee House, Camputer time; D-Dinner for two, Driving, Dessert, Downtown; and so on.) This took several days. I hole punched and placed the massive stack of pages in the binder. I think I called it "The Book of Love" or something like that. He seemed to really like it, especially my poems and the alphabetic list.
The year after that, I made a "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways" container of 100 reasons I love him. Basically, I cut out 100 slips of construction paper to the size of fortune cookie fortunes and wrote out some of the many reasons I love him (ex. I love that you don't mind giving me PDA, I love that you always try to take the scenic route, I love that you notice when I wear perfume, I love that you really listen when I talk, etc.) This could be done as a year-long thing and write out 365 of the slips. I placed the slips in a ceramic box that I made in college and encouraged him to pull out only one a day to remind him why and how much I love him. I think he ended up sitting down and reading the whole lot of them one day. He still has it.
Since then, my gifts have been rather low key. However, last year, I decided to delve back into the crafty gifts. I painted a small box black and added red hearts. I then made a key from silver polymer clay. On the box, I wrote (outside) "I'm all yours" (inside) "so here's the key to my heart." Corney, yes, but cute. An alternative to this would be using an old key and paint, glitter, or other decorations and then placing it in a card rather than a box.
There is always the old standby of the coupon book. Some ideas for coupons you can make include: foot massage, "fly and buy" lunch or dinner, breakfast in bed, get out of chores, get out of cooking dinner, pass on taking out garbage, pick of the movie or control of the remote, a car wash, car detailing, babysitting, a free night out with the girls/guys, a manicure, a back massage, some freaky bedroom stuff (if that's your thing), etc. These are so often truly appreciated, rarely used, and simple to make. Of course, you need to be prepared to follow through with them. You have a few options when it comes to "love coupons"

First, you can all-out make them. To do so, write out the coupon on a square of paper, decorate the coupon with "expiration dates" and cut lines, hole punch all the coupons in the same place, and bind them together with a ribbon, brad, or book ring.
Or you can check out these printable coupons from DLTK. The site does allow you to customize the coupons and provides a variety of images.

Baking a treat is always a great option. I've made cookies in the past because my (aunt Mary's) oatmeal cookie recipe is to die for. I'll share it at another time. Baking for someone shows effort, they can totally enjoy the gift, and it's not something that will take up much space. Of course, this all depends on your baking skills.

As far as making cards goes, there are so many different styles and methods from which you can choose.

Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) has a few Valentine card ideas you can check out.
As well, FamilyFun.com has a long list of Valentines you can make.
I really like this tissue paper valentine from AllCrafts. It's so graphic.
These vintage Valentines (left) are way cool. There are so many possibilities for them. Off the top of my head:

I would either print them onto cardstock and then cut them out to use as they are OR
print them out on regular copy paper or something thinner and decoupage a gift box or trinket box OR
Make a collage card with these images

Lastly, an original card idea: make a flower by:

Cut out 5-6 petal shapes from construction paper and 2 circles for the center of the flower.
Glue the ends of the petals to one of the circles, then glue the other circle on top of that (sandwich the ends of the petals.)
On the 'front' of the petals, write "She/He (as applicable) Loves Me" on ALL the petals. (Doing a take-off of the he loves me, he loves me not petal-pulling time waster)
On the 'back' of the petals, around the edges of the petals, write your message/poem.

Love poems and quotes for the greetings in your cards are available all over the internet. Of course you can always be original, cheesy, and sincere with your message.

I hope you have a happy and touching Valentine's Day. I also hope that these suggestions have helped any of you searching for a Valentine's idea. If you have any questions about the suggestions and directions, just let me know and I will clarify. Remember that no matter what you choose to present to your sweetheart, make sure it comes from the heart!! Best Wishes!!

*LOML=Love of My Life

Mardi Gras

Just wanted to say...

Happy Mardi Gras
from THE home of Mardi Gras (or close to it), Mobile, AL!!!!!!!!!