Showing posts with label wild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wild. Show all posts

Peek at My Week | May 20-26

At the end of each week, I like to show a quick round-up of what's been going on in my corner of the world. Some of this includes what I've previously shared on social media, some of it was simply stowed away on my camera roll. As an addition to this weekly review, I'm going to start adding a few inspiring, funny, or interesting links that I found during the week at the end of the post. Let me know what you think of the addition. 

Over the week, I worked with altering leather for The 100 Day Project
48: This first piece proved to be a real test of my patience. I originally was going to do the cuff I made on day 51, but the snaps I had weren't right, so I had to use another piece of leather. I was happy to have learned to add snaps to leather at least. From there, I wanted to add the Tim Holtz tag, but riveting it on took me MUUUUUUUUUUCH longer than I had anticipated. I was determined though and finally successful! And, I really like it too. It's a shame I've since lost it in the craft room. Seriously, I've been searching for it all week. It's just...gone.
49: A belt that's been in my stash forever was the base for these earrings. I think cutting out the shapes so they somewhat matched was the hardest part. 
50: This was the other leather belt I have on hand. I used the embossed tin piece I made for day 19, using eyelets to rivet it to the leather. 
51: I was able to pick up the right size snaps for that leather belt and quickly add them to make it a cuff. It needs some finishing touches, and I need to work on where to position the snaps, but I totally dig this upcycle. 
52: I awoke with a design similar to this result in my head. It was just a matter of executing the use of leather, eyelets, and beads to get the desired result.
53: This project should have been a snap to make. But, I learned that I really should think through designs before adding permanent glue. It came out fine in the end.
54: My beading friend, Divya of Jewels of Sayuri, shared a great tutorial that included leather and ribbon crimps. She totally inspired me to do something similar.

As for the rest of the week...
Sunday was completely consumed with making that bracelet. I used ALL THE TOOLS to try to get it to work. 

Monday was a full day that started with some gardenia admiration. Y'all! I can't get enough of these.

Leeloo was up to her own antics...yup - that's toilet paper pulled from the master bath, through our bedroom, and into the craft room. Yay! It wasn't near as fun to roll it back up.

Luckily, I was able to recover by having lunch with a friend. We almost completely devoured these fried pork skins and queso at Dragonfly Foodbar. Don't judge - they were SO GOOD!!

On Tuesday I got to feel super old as my oldest niece received her class ring, signifying her becoming a senior in high school. Super old.

On Wednesday, I admired the gardenias again as they were gloriously still dripping from a rain shower.

There were other flowers to admire this week as well. The zinnias I planted forever ago have finally begun blooming. Now to wait for the sunflowers and see if the daisies ever show up.

We had a ton of wildlife visitors this week. I found a baby Scarlet King Snake just under the lid of the pool skimmer. He startled me, but he's a "good snake" and not dangerous at all. We've had bunnies in the yard all week. They're so skittish, this was the best photo I could get of them. And, yesterday these baby armadillos emerged from under the porch. (I had an inkling that there were babies about.) Seriously y'all, it's the armadillos that are the biggest nuisance of these three. While they are great at eating the ants, they leave holes all over the yard. And, I'm prone to tripping in those holes. We're going to have to do more catch and release. 

It's a three-day weekend here in the States for Memorial Day. Here in South Alabama, we're waiting for Tropical Storm Alberto and expecting wet conditions all weekend long. During one of the showers yesterday, I pulled out my newest supplies to try more acrylic paint pouring on my own. I went with a dirty pour method. The above canvases are still wet in the photo, but I'm absolutely loving the process. You can bet I'll be sharing more about it later as I experiment and learn.

As for the links I promised, 


That's the week for me. We actually have a reprieve from the storms for a while today, so I'm hoping to have a bit of outside time. But first, to figure out what my altering focus for the week will be. Hmmmm..... Any suggestions?

How's your week been?

A Quick Catch-up for December 2015

I have absolutely no excuse. Let's say the chaos of the holidays has just gotten in the way. Let me quickly share some of the happenings around here in picture & caption form, then I'll be caught up and can get back to the business of blogging. Sound good? Let's go. . .
Fall finally came to the Gulf Coast, if only briefly.
Though we've discovered lots of stuff on the property, these kumquats were still a happy surprise.
For the first time in about ten years, we got a Christmas tree!

Both of the cats found that they liked the tree too. That was fortunate!

I traveled with my nieces to Auburn, AL for South's BEST regional robotics competition. And, their little Catholic school fared fairly well in the competition. YAY St. Vincent de Paul!
After I got back from Auburn, Pat had to head up to New York for work. He left me in charge of cleaning the pool each morning. As I went out there one of the mornings, I realized this guy was caught in the trap that had been left out for the armadillo that's been tearing up the yard. After some phone calls and texts to Pat and a couple of anxious hours, the little possum made his way out of the trap.
I've gotten very little creative work done lately except for a couple of art swaps and a few resin pendants. I was stricken by the colors on this piece of deli paper I was using as a palette.
Though this fall and winter have been way warmer than usual, we have had a few cooler days here and there. We were invited to a friends to enjoy a pot luck and bonfire. Fortunately, it was one of those rare cold evenings.
The nieces came over for a few days this week and we made some easy Christmas treats. They were so, so easy!
It's been rainy and overcast here for DAYS upon days. Taking a walk around the property, I discovered more varieties of mushrooms than I even knew existed. It was amazing.

There's been all that and more going on the past several weeks. I do apologize for my absence and hope to be getting back on the ball. The end of the year is near, and each new day is a new start.

I had a wonderful Christmas yesterday and am looking forward to second Christmas with my in-laws tomorrow. How have the holidays been treating you?

Beady Basics

How'd you like that picture-fest yesterday?

Today, let's rock it old-school with just the basics.
First, here's a sneaky peek at my completed Bead Soup Blog Party pieces.

Don't forget to check back on Saturday to get a much better look at what I made with the lovelies Patty sent me.

Today's Wednesday and that means it's Bead Table Wednesday.
Bead Table Wednesday
Close up on my table, you see the remnants of my crafting the bead soup pieces.
However, if you back up all you can see is the mess left behind from working on and sending out a custom piece as well as the Bead Soup spillage.


I'll tackle that mountain of a disaster tomorrow. For now, why don't you go check out some really cool bead tables in the BTW flickr group.

This morning I listed one of my most FAVORITE pieces. It just screams SPRING IS HERE to me. And, since I started seeing traces of spring in the yellow pollen that's begun to settle on my car, I thought today was the perfect time to go ahead and list it.
Secret Garden Necklace



Now for the routine of some
~*Crafty Links*~ (topic: Embroidery)
Finally, how about some "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday" Links also:
I'm hoping I can share something more exciting with you tomorrow. Check back to find out.

    Rain Delay

    I spent yesterday trying to get back into the swing of everyday life after such a nice break of enjoying myself. So, I did the grocery shopping, and started the laundry, and made meals, and took pictures, and wrote descriptions. AND, it's a good thing I did most of that yesterday because, boy is it UGLY today. We awoke to rain beating against the window, thunder and lightening, and cloudy skies. While I just love a good rainstorm, they do little for my motivation, unless I need to be motivated to take a nap.

    I do have a few tasks that MUST be done today, and I totally want to work on some projects in the craft room. So here's hoping I can keep my eyelids up!

    Whether it's ugly where you are or not, let me go ahead and share some pretties. Here are some of the items that will be expiring in the shop in the next few days.
    Happy Wish Bracelet - EXPIRES SATURDAY
    Smile Cupcake Pendant - EXPIRES FRIDAY
    Brown Button Boogie Necklace - EXPIRES SATURDAY
    Whimsy Youth Collage Pendant - EXPIRES SUNDAY
    I know that the bracelet has been favorited a few times. . . and all of these items are ON SALE. So, if you're interested you better grab them while you can.

    As well, check out the newest earrings in the shop
    Jump Stack Earrings

    I better go ahead and share some links while I'm here! ;)
    ~*Crafty Links*~
    No particular theme, just the top ones on my list
    Wild, Wild Web Wednesday
    •  What if Tim Burton re-made weekend at bernie's? Weird, but it definitely has that Tim Burton feel  

    That's it for me today. Gotta make an effort. MUST.NOT.NAP!

    Getting My Craft Bag Back On

    It's been a while since I mentioned what's in my "Craft Bag." I've come to realize that now that I'm no longer traveling to and from a regular desk job anymore the need to have a craft project (or two) with me at all times has dwindled.
    I'm working full time now as a crafter/artist.
    I'm surrounded by and inundated with craft projects that must be done to feed my shop.
    I don't create for pleasure and leisure anymore, but yet it's still a pleasure to create.
    I've heard that when you start doing what you love for a living, sometimes it becomes more of a chore. That hasn't happened to me yet and here's hoping it doesn't either.

    I think I've strayed off topic. I was talking about my craft bags. Well, while there's been a shortage in need for them, today I actually packed up a quick one to take my youngest niece to the Dentist. I don't wait well so I always need something to occupy myself while I wait. This craft bag was short and sweet. Basically, I scooped up much of what was on the craft desk yesterday along with some wire, pliers, and head pins and tossed it in a bag.


    As well, I grabbed my newest copies of Stringing and Belle Armoire Jewelry, a notebook, and the iPad (to write this.) I was prepared!! So yeah, I crafted in public and I love it. However, I found it odd that I didn't get any stares or sideways glances with the pile of pliers and wire in my lap. I guess people at the pediatric dentist office are more polite than I thought...

    Of course, THIS TIME I actually had my business cards with me and wanted some inquiries. Last week Pat and I made it out to lunch where the waitress asked about the soldered collage necklace I was wearing. She even had another waitress come over to check out the pendant. While she was mostly interested in the process and materials for making one, I could have directed her to my blog and/or shop of I had only had those darn card with me. I've learned my lesson.

    Speaking of directing people to my shop, I listed this necklace this morning.


    Head over to the shop for more info on it.

    On a side note, I really need to work on my HTML skills so I can include links in these iPad posts!

    For now, let's see if this method works any...
    *~Crafty Links~* (theme is General)
    1. Making paper on flickr
    2. Make dorset buttons with o-rings and embroidery thread
    3. Make fabric buttons with o-rings, fabric, embroidery thread, and felt
    4. Transform holiday tins
    5. DIY screen printing

    Wild, Wild Web Wednesday
    1. I've got a waffle iron I've used only minimally. However, these unusual waffle recipes may remedy that: ---waffled pizza pockets -  ---Also, check out wafflizer -  ---AND you can even make better less messy bacon in a waffle iron
    2. Magic dots - this is not really a game but a fun little time waster. Just select "Balls 2" and then move cursor over the colored dots - again and again! Pretty too!
    3. These realistic cartoon characters are pretty creepy.

    Maybe once I get home I can fix these links. Sorry for now! Gotta get my learn on!
    I fixed some of the ugliness that was on this page on Thursday morning. Be glad if you missed it!


    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

    My Time in the Sun


    I'm sure I've mentioned it a time or two how MUCH I dislike the time changing. I'm quite a fan of lots of sunshine in the afternoons. I understand that most people don't like to wake up when it's dark. I don't like to either, I just sleep until it's light outside. Okay, okay . . I know that's not an option for everyone. However, I have to let you know that I don't feel half as creative after dark as I do while the sun is out, bright and shiny. So this whole taking away one of my hours in the afternoon is just BS!!!

    Okay, that being said let's get on to the rest of this post. Since I'm back from my mom's I'm trying to get back into my routine. Of course that won't be sticking for long as I'll be spending a hunk of next week taking care of one of my best friends' little girl while her daytime caretaker/grandmother is recovering from foot surgery. That is, after I take the youngest niece to a doctor appointment on Tuesday. I really should take the opportunity I have this week home to bust out some jewelry. Maybe I should get to that now. ..

    First though, let me share the bracelet I listed the other day.
    Key to My Heart Bracelet

    For some crafty links today, here are ones I've labeled as Accessories:
    Lastly, how about some Wild, Wild Web Wednesday links and such
    • Here's some interesting takes on Disney princesses.  WARNING!! These Disney 'twisted princesses' seem to be in comic book form are not the sweet and innocent princesses you know. The girls in those pictures are much more sinister.
    • Weird job interview answers. I know that some of the questions that are asked in job interviews can be pretty unusual, but these answers are just bizarre, especially if you really want a job.
    • Check out this five-year-old singing "Folsom Prison Blues"
    That's all I've got to share today. Now I'm off to take advantage of the sunshine (and time) while I've got it!!

    Furniture and Lists and Craft Bags - OH MY!! (WWWW)

    The title is a homage to The Wizard of Oz's 70th Anniversary (which I think is today)Not really much to say today.
    Last night LOML and I picked up the other dresser (chest of drawers) and placed it in the only open spot in the bedroom. He now thinks we may need to rearrange the bedroom. That's an undertaking I'm not sure want to engage in. It's not that we have a lot of furniture or anything. I just can't fathom another way to set up the room that'll satisfy me as much.

    I do have to admit that I'm simply insanely happy that we now have a place for me to put all the clean laundry, instead of storing it in the laundry room until it was worn and dirty again. It's such a relief!

    Let me mention that on the way to get the chest of drawers, I was amazed to realize that my husband doesn't know me at all. He mentioned that we need to make a list of all the tasks we need to get done before we take vacation with the RV (like get the new tags, finish cleaning it, make some bank deposits, etc.) I looked at him like he was crazy and informed him that I've already made the list. If anything, I am a list-maker. I may not refer to the list, complete ANYTHING on it, or remember where I put it; but I sure as hell am going to make one. Come on!!

    What else? Ummm- I haven't reported on the content of my craft bag recently. For those of you just joining us, I craft (hence the Crafty Hope blog name.) Since I'm always on the move and I never know when the crafty urge or some spare time is gonna hit, I carry some sort of bag with me most of the time that contains the supplies for at least one project. I've been carrying around the current craft bag/supplies for several weeks now without mentioning it yet. I even took some photos for your pleasure!Let's see. . .it's a beading bag. Basically, it's an old purse with several spools of wire, 4 pairs of pliers, and a bunch of beads. The beads are mostly loose in plastic bags. Sorry the picture's so bad, but I didn't have much time to snap the shot and couldn't risk them rolling away.
    So that's it.
    OH WAIT - It's "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday":
    • dating video from the 80's. Oh dear- this is just awesome and awful at the same time
    • New Nintendo DS game sounds awesome and inventive. Getting to use your imagination to work the game is pretty cool -
    • If you haven't heard about the trend of deciphering music videos into their literal meanings, you should def check these out to get a better understanding of literal music videos.
    • fancy fast food
    • This what a trailer for Ghost Busters would have looked like in 1954
    I'll close on a positive thought: We're halfway to the weekend now!!

    Growing Older But Not Up (WWWW)

    Have you ever had one of those moments in your life where the fact that you are a grown-up suddenly hits home. It could be your first job, first student loan payment, getting married, or buying a house.

    Mine JUST hit. I got dressers.

    For years, LOML and I (our clothes) have been living 'out of boxes.' What needed to be on a hanger was hung, but anything that needed to be folded was stacked on a shelf or stuffed in a box. I've complained forever that I wanted a place to put my panties. And, we've searched. . .for years. . .for dressers.

    Somehow, the stars aligned, the sales were just right, and we got some! I was so very excited. I AM very excited. (I think LOML is just relieved that I will now stop complaining about it.) We've only gotten the dresser in, not the chest of drawers yet. But, as I pass and use the dresser through the day, wake up looking at it, and fall asleep with it in eyesight . . .I feel more responsible.

    This was our first REAL furniture purchase. I know - lame. But, we bought a futon as our first couch, inherited a ton of furniture from my uncle, and had a few bits and pieces we grew up with that we kept. We did buy a mattress, box springs, and a cheap bed frame a few months back (to replace the full-sized bed we've had since I graduated from college.) However, we've never made a purchase like this. REAL furniture, with OUR money.

    Unfortunately, I don't have a picture to share. But they're just simple, dark wood dressers - very us. As I look at the one piece we currently have and wait for the other, I can't help but feel more like a grown up. Somehow, buying our house didn't do it for me as much as making the purchase of a place to put my panties. Sigh. I need help.

    Let's get to some "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday":
    • Ever wanted a resource for your pet's health? Check out PetMD for pet health info, like WebMD, but for animals. Cool huh?
    • I can soooooo use this- With only a few words or so, LyricRat can help you name that tune.
    • Rockin out with animatronic robots... you know those large creepy robot animals at Chucky Cheese? These have been hacked to play music other than the original cheezy stuff they were intended for.
    • Ever wanted to send a greeting card (either online or snail mail) to someone but really hated all the sappy ones that seem more intended for your grandmothers. This collection of greeting card sources should remedy that for you.
    • There's a whole flicker group of just Jazz hands, called So Jazzy.
    In the end, I must admit that while the dressers do make me feel like more of a grown-up, I still refuse to behave like an adult all the time. That's no fun. No fun at all!!

    Being Positive (WWWW)

    After that little pity party over the condition of my house and lack of time, I think we'll go with something a little more upbeat today. I hope I didn't scare you off!!

    Earlier in the week Crafty Chica made a post about what's going on with her and concluded it with a list of what she's groovin on. I did post a brief reply when she asked what her readers were groovin on too.

    To continue that mood and show that I AM a positive person, I want to share what's making me happy (what I'm groovin' on)
    -A clean and organized craft room
    - LOML working up to play actual gigs (IN PUBLIC) again
    - This recipe for a PB & J Parfait (these are the more healthy kind- yogurt, not ice cream)
    - Re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in bed at night (albeit, a little too late into the night)
    - Sneaking in some crafty time whenever I can
    - Taking a trip to Hobby Lobby and then checking out the new Hancock Fabric store
    - A clean house, mostly anyway
    - Cleaning the house and cooking dinner with some GOOD jazz playing in the background (much more soothing than the tv I usually have on)
    - Snacking on raw almonds (I've been obsessed with them for a few weeks now)
    - You guys!! All of y'all stopping by here. Thanks!!

    I hope you can see the positive parts of your life too!!

    Let's do some "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday"!!
    Now, let me know what kind of positive is going on in your life? What's making YOU happy right now?

    Quick Concert Review (WWWW)

    The concert was really good. The two opening acts were also very good. They were. . . uh. . . Marianne Keith and Tyrone Wells. Not too shabby!
    I also bumped into a few friends, but otherwise had a nice time just hanging out with G.
    Since I was out partying on a Tuesday night (seriously-I haven't done that since college. . . I think), I'm exhausted today. At least I'm in better form than G. You should have seen the crowd. It was such a weird mixture of ages and types of people. At least during the wait between performances we were entertained with people-watching.

    Since I'm not up for much more, let's go ahead with some "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday"
    • Jesus Loves - I don't know who designed this, but they seriously did not take a good look at it before it was produced. C.R.E.E.P.Y. !!
    • Have you ever muted a show or movie and either watched it that way or just added different sounds? It changes the WHOLE THEME doesn't it? This post from mental floss has found some you tube clips that do just that. Funny how a simple sound change can impact the message.
    • Manhattan 1609 vs 2009, a Pictorial from National geographic.
    • It's a blog of hospital food, really!!
    • Rendeznew helps find a mid-way point for people from different areas. This is great if you've got friends or business contacts spread out all over and want to meet in a central location.
    Enjoy your hump day!!

    My Internet Problem (WWWW)

    After getting the post done last night, I realized that I've got a serious internet addiction. I couldn't think of anything else to do online, so I was "bored." I haven't been bored since, like the third grade. I eventually decided to play on the Wii for a bit. But it got me thinking . . .

    I seem to be stuck in an online rut lately - only visiting the same few sites over and over. Oh, sure I pop over to other sites when there’s a link from one of these 'favorites'. And, of course my feed reader is a loophole in this idea. But, I see little reason to frequent other sites much of the time. Sure I use other sites as I work, but as far as the ones that really draw my interest, the ones I have open even at work, the ones I keep open at home - there are these few. When I’ve covered as much as I can in each of those, then what do I do? I stare, blankly, at the computer waiting for something to be updated.

    What are these sites that garner so much of my attention?I thought I'd share.

    1. *My feed reader of choice - Google Reader: This is the site that gets the bulk of my concentration. Sure, I simply skim through some of the blog posts. But, I subscribe to at least 238 blogs. If you check out the sidebar on the right, you can see a sampling of just a few of the ones I follow. I do try to go through them from time to time and weed out the ones that don’t interest me as much as they initially did, but then I just find more and more each week to follow. It's a never-ending cycle.

    2. *Yahoo Mail: this is where my main e-mail address exists. I LOVE to get mail (snail OR electronic) and I wait for it, constantly. I keep this tab open all the time, just so an e-mail won't arrive unnoticed. It's sad, I know.

    3. *Some version or other of Twitter: This is my main addiction right now. I started out by trying not to follow too many people, realizing that I wouldn't be able to keep up with so many. But, there are so many interesting individuals and so many groups that spark my interest that it's hard to resist not clicking that 'follow' button sometimes. And, if I didn't follow so many people, I might just end up out of the loop.

    4. *Pandora: This is usually just for work. It's how I get my music to block out all the other distractions in the office. I love that I can create a variety of stations that play ONLY what I like and want to hear. SO much better than the radio.

    5. *Blogger: Well, I need it to write these posts of course.

    6. *Facebook: For a while I was not the typical Facebook user. I would just pop in, check on what others were doing and forget about it. However, lately, it's been like a drug. I HAVE to know what's going on, take that stupid quiz, comment on a friend's status, whatever. What do you mean there are no new updates???? I can't believe I've gotten to this point.

    7. *Flickr: Now, this isn't one I use a bunch, but definitely one of the top ten. I haven't updated my pictures in a while, but I love the search function. I find so much inspiration in what other crafters are doing (my feed reader does this as well) and can easily find sources of inspiration in their pictures. As such, you'll find that most of my Flickr pictures are of my crafts too.

    8. Etsy: This is another source for inspiration for me. Hopefully, it will also be my source to sell my jewelry at some point. If you haven't checked out or heard about Etsy, you totally should. It's an online store for all things handmade and supplies. I love it. Go now, see it, buy it, love it like I do. It also some really cool search options. This color choice one is my favorite, it's fun to play with!!

    9. Amazon: If I'm looking for something to buy, this is usually the first place I look. If they don't have it, they'll suggest who might. It's just easier.

    10. *Google: Come on? Who doesn't use Google at least once a day? You're on the internet now, so I know you do.
    So that's it - there's the list of my drugs of choice. I don't deal well without them. Oh, and the astericks (*) those indicate the ones I use on my iPhone too. I either have an app or some other form of easy access for those. The ones without, I can figure it out. In any case, I have a problem.

    What’s worse is I still get bored. I belong to countless forums, communities, message boards, etc. for crafting as well as have tons of interests in other subjects. But, I hardly ever delve into these sites because I’m often so far behind. When I do catch up, like I did last night, I just can't fathom being online any longer and on a DIFFERENT SITE? No way! Oh please, I need help!

    That being said, let's check out some of the other crazy, useless things I've found online with "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday."
    Hopefully, I haven't added to your internet addiction as well. If so, well, join the club. Come on in, take a seat, and fire up that computer. We're heeeeeeeerrrrreeeee for you!!!

    Catching Up (WWWW)

    I've been busy, but yet so very lazy!!
    I started a whole Earth Day post last Wednesday, but got so busy at work that I couldn't finish it. Everytime I've been motivated enough to write a post this past week, I've been way too busy to actually get to it. When I have had time, I've been super lazy and just didn't feel like bothering. Plus, there were a few pictures I wanted to share - and I had to take them first. Aggghhh! In any case, I'm here now and ready to go.

    First, I have been able to fit some crafting in my busy-ish schedule. Check these out-

    They're the backside of some pendants I'm working on. It's a project I started some time ago, but was having some complications. So, I took a break. I pulled the 'fronts' out of the "to-finish" pile and got to work. Now, they just need some soldering. Oh, I'll share the rest later.

    Plus! LOML and I finally went out and got some things to start a container vegetable garden. Since I'm not so good with green things, we started small - some tomatoes, jalapenoes, and a yellow bell pepper. We got some really fun and vibrant pots for them. We figure if we do kill the veggies, at least we still have these great pots.

    Alright, on with business. Here's some "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday" for you.
    • This has been going around the crafty crowd a bit already, but if you don't travel the internet in those circles, check out the make something cool everyday set on flickr.
    • If that didn't float your boat, how about this puzzle art using 40 different puzzles (w/in same brand) to make these really cool landscapes.
    • I love bacon more than the next guy, but squeeze bacon? For real!!
    • Firecrackers jump rope team at the US Naval Academy. AMAZING!! It's a little long, so if you are short on time, start at about the 4:15 mark for some of the more intense tricks. I had no idea you could do some of those things with a jump rope.
    • Here's name picker (for those having a hard time coming up with a name for your offspring, cat, dog, turtle) This tool lets you pick the traits you want in a name/little one and suggests a name for you. I wasn't overly excited about the names it came up with, but it was fun to play with. It's nice to dream.
    So? How was that? I'm out for now. Have a great hump day.

    Laptop Problems, Granola, April Fool's Day (WWWW)

    This is no April Fool's joke (and if it is, it's really cruel)- my laptop is messed up - AGAIN.
    Right now, everything is PINK.
    No one can figure out why. The tech at work believes it is may be a hardware malfunction of the display or something, but is trying to explore all options.
    I took some pics yesterday to share with you, but don't want to upload them until I am more secure on the state of my computer. Darn it!!

    If I don't blog for a bit - don't worry. It's probably just the dang computer's fault.

    The pictures I had taken were just of some food I made - our dinner and homemade granola. The dinner was alright, just pretty. And, the granola is AWESOME!! I've been wanting to make some for ages and finally did. Here's the recipe (if I'm remembering correctly) of how I made it:
    4 cups rolled oats
    2 cups nuts and seeds
    1/3 cup brown sugar
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 cup vegetable oil
    1/4 cup maple syrup
    1/4 cup honey

    Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix the oats, nuts and seeds, brown sugar, and salt then add the other ingredients and stir well. Oil a cookie sheet and spread out the mixture evenly on the sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.
    [as far as nuts and seeds go, I put in sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, almond slivers, and a few chocolate chips. I wanted to also use some sweetened coconut, but was out of it.]

    If I missed any ingredients here, I'll make sure to update you later. It was so easy to mix and make this and I already had almost everything (except the honey) in the pantry. As well, there are so many other combinations of ways to make this, it won't get boring. You could also add dried fruit and tons of other varieties of nuts as well as wheat germ. I also adjusted the recipe to my own preferences by using 1/4 C of honey and maple syrup each. The real recipe calls for 1/2C of syrup. I'm sure you could just use the honey if you wanted.

    All in all, I think it was a success (so does LOML.) We ate a ton of it last night, I had some for breakfast, and there is still loads and loads left. Hurray!

    Anyway - enough of that. It's "Wild Wild Web Wednesday." So, let's get to it.
    • Try is XHalloweenX Easter hangman - make sure your volume is up for this - too funny!!
    • If you are a sitcom junkie like me, you will appreciate this USA sitcom map.
    • Since it's wild, wild web Wednesday I thought you might like to check out the Where the Wild Things Are trailer.
    Have a great April Fool's Day. Don't be mean about it and try not to be Fooled!!

    Spring Cleaning Begun (WWWW)


    I was so ready to post yesterday, but I completely tired myself out because of something I said here on Monday.
    After writing about how much I was ready to 'spring clean' I got nothing done at the house on Monday. This irritated me yesterday morning as I began to work. Since my workload was fairly low, I decided to just take some time to focus on my house instead. It seemed more pressing. So, I spent hours and hours cleaning the kitchen: the oven, microwave, sink, counter tops, baseboards, floor, etc. I also de-cluttered the counter tops. There are two areas in the kitchen that tend to be 'dumping grounds.' One is a large bar and the other is the small counter next to the fridge (just inside the kitchen.) Those two areas were the WORST!! I had to sort through paperwork, put items in different rooms, put crap away in the kitchen, and wade through the trash that had accumulated there. Here's the before and after of each area.
    Kitchen Bar before
    Kitchen bar after
    Small counter before
    Small counter after
    I know, disgusting!! That's why it HAD TO BE DONE.

    As soon as the kitchen was complete, I moved on to the living room. The biggest chore there was dusting. There's a reason for that - it's the chore I most avoid as I'm highly allergic to dust. Basic allergy medications have too many side effects for me to rely on them regularly. I've finally found a method that works. It's uncomfortable, but better than suffering with an allergy attack. Basically, I prep my nose with Chloraseptic Allergen Block Gel and a dust mask. Then, to dust, I use Pledge multi surface wipes (these have an allergy blocker built in.) I know this sounds extreme, but I've tried other products that are supposed to trap the dust as well as all of these methods in a variety of combinations. None of these other combinations have ever not resulted in a massive bout of sneezing, watery eyes, and a nap. This method worked. I was overjoyed - I can now dust my house without worrying about my health (at least not once the chore is complete.) So, with the massive dusting, some vacuuming, and a little picking up; the living room was complete. At that point, it was time to start cooking dinner.

    Now, I will admit that I did not get to do all off the sorting and organizing I have intended for both of those rooms. In the kitchen, I want to go through all of the cabinets, the pantry, and the fridge thoroughly as well as sort though some of the items in the living room: movies, bookshelves, video games, and various other stacks. Yet, I want to get the basic, surface-cleaning done in each of the other rooms first.

    I exhausted myself with these two rooms and fell into bed without getting to blog about my success. I'm glad I got two rooms done as I will not get any done tonight- gotta keep the nieces.

    Well, let me stop blabbering and give you some "Wild, Wild Web Wednesday" to finish this post.
    Before I let you off the hook, check out what my horoscope said today (keep in mind the cleaning I'm doing):
    Your aesthetic senses are heightened right now, and all day long you will see ways to improve the space around you. Every drab room you see will spark your creativity and get your imagination working -- there should be some redecoration projects in your future. Take another look at your bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen and make some plans. Start sketching out your ideas. Pick up a few magazines for additional inspiration. Beautiful changes are coming.
    Oh, the picture at the top is the glass star I bought at the Arts & Crafts Festival. Here's the whole window in the kitchen, which reminds me - that window needs to be cleaned too.

    I'm out for now. Happy hump day!!

    What's What Vol. 4 (May 18-June 11)

     I knew this would happen. I'm just a few weeks back into blogging, and things went awry. Let's see if I can knock out a little bit ...