.

PRESSURE COOKING

2011-12-26T17:18:00.000-05:00

My new toy in the kitchen - A Wolfgang Puck 7 quart Pressure Cooker.

Although Christmas is a time for giving to others, you know me, I had to but myself a few toys.

One new toy is this great pressure cooker.

I've always wanted one and since Mr. Puck was nice enough to make one in green, how could I resist.

I tried making a pot roast in it and didn't really use the recipe in the book but kinda threw in this and that (which is my favorite way to cook) and you know what........

I LOVE THIS THING!!!!!!!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...... I know, I know...... Now you are wondering why I did not take a picture of my meal and you are wondering why I didn't use an actual picture of MY pressure cooker instead of stealing one off the internet but HEY......... AT LEAST I BLOGGED ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!

Okay, I'm off to search for pressure cooker recipes........

Les Halles - NYC

2011-11-25T22:14:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful day... I took the train in to the City to meet Greg who had to work on this Friday after Thanksgiving. Sure to some a train ride is no big deal but this was the first time I was taking the ride by myself and if you know me, you know that I get a little nervouse when I am doing something new.

I got to Grand Central Station and faught the temptations of browsing too much at the craft vendors that were set up in the hallways, then outside I faught the temptations of drooling at the store windows. Made my way to Greg's office where I got the grand tour and then off we went to our destination - Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles..........

Drinks at the bar were just the start of a perfect evening. We met a nice English couple and of course Greg was happy to discuss West Ham United - I was very happy to sit back, listen and sip my drink...

Seated at a cozy corner table we browsed the menu - assisted by my tiny flashlight since it was a bit dark in there and several other diners had the same trouble so my little light made its rounds.
Having already checked out the menu on line, I knew exactly what I was having....... The Boeuf Bourguignon, and for dessert - The Crepes Suzette and a Cappuccino........ Greg chose the Betteraves roties au fromage de chevre (beet salad with goat cheese), Choucroute Garnie - And for dessert - Mousse Au Chocolat. Note - He is a smart man, he knew well in advanced that he would have to let me taste test everything.... LOL

This may have been my first time at Les Halles but it certainly will not be the last. Thank you Anthony Bourdain - Hope to meet you one day....... Until then, I look foward to watching you on TV.

http://leshalles.net/brasserie/

FOR THE LOVE OF NORMAN ROCKWELL

2011-04-14T22:54:00.000-04:00

I remember about 20 years ago I was at an auction in Upstate New York. There were lots of things that caught my eye that day but for some reason I kept looking at a lot of Norman Rockwell plates.

There is just something about his work that makes you look at a simple scene and in your head you start imagining a whole story....

I ended up only getting one plate that day but I still love it!!!!

It is called "A Young Girl's Dream"

I really don't know what the story is about this girl but in my mind I've imagined hundreds of stories about here... Some good... Some sad... Just depends on my mood I guess.......

So recently I found several Norman Rockwell Counted Cross Stitch pattern books and I listed them for sale on ArtFire.

The next day, I already had a sale...... The pattern was for "The Runaway" - A young boy sitting next to a police officer.... No surprise that it sold so fast because it really is a great pattern.......

The day after that I had another sale........... This time it was for a book with two patterns: "Saying Grace" and "Grandpa's Girl"........ Again, no surprise that someone would want to buy this book because again, it was great patterns.......

The part that DID surprise me is that it was not the same buyer.........

There were TWO different people in two different states who bought Norman Rockwell patterns.

Kinda made me smile........ I guess I'm not the only one who loves and appreciates his work.

UPDATE

2011-04-10T14:36:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since I posted. Lots of stuff happening but I'm not going to bore you because you know me - Once I start talking I can go onnnnnnnnnnn and onnnnnnnnn and onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.......

Let's stick to the crafty stuff.
I have been very busy posting tons of Plastic Canvas and Cross Stitch pattern books on ArtFire.
225 active items so far and thousands more to add.....
Whew..... This is a lot of work!!!!
March was a very good month for sales which ofcourse makes me very happy!!!!

I've also started stitching my own plastic canvas projects again.
The sad part is I've started about 5 projects and haven't finished one....
I really need to work on getting some of this stuff finished.... Sigh.....

I've also created a Facebook Page for M.Y. Creative Rose Garden.
So if you are reading this, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE go and "like" my page........
PLEASE!!!!!!!!! (That's right, I am not too proud to beg... )

Well, I'm going back to listing more stuff on Artfire......
And you need to go check out the Shop:
http://www.artfire.com/users/MYCREATIVEROSEGARDEN
And please go "Like" my Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/pages/MY-Creative-Rose-Garden/160132967379283

:0)

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WIZARDS OF WINTER

2010-11-28T15:32:00.003-05:00

WOW......
I guess my little Wizard Guys are really loved on ArtFire.....
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1119217

They are now a part of a wonderful Collection called "The Wizards Of Winter"

Go check out the collection. :
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=collections&op=details&cid=8650

And check out ArtFire.

What a wonderful place......

:0)

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I'M A FEATURED ARTIST....... YAY!!!!

2010-10-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

As you know I've been selling stuff on ArtFire but this week I had two very nice surprises.

1. - I am a "FEATURED ARTIST" on the Krafty Max Originals Blog: http://kraftymax.blogspot.com/2010/10/wicked-wednesday_20.html

Yes, those are my cute little wizards!!!!
I feel so honored.......
Thank You - Thank You - Thank You......

2. - I sold another instruction book. I really hate to sell these because I alway think that one day I'll find time to create the projects in these books, but who are we kidding..... I would have to live till I'm 1,000 to finish everything so needless to say, I need to put lots and lots of more books up for sale.....

If you have not checked out ArtFire yet, I strongly suggest that you do..... http://www.artfire.com/
It's a wonderful place not only to buy but to showcase your art.
Here is a link to my store: www.artfire.com/users/MYCREATIVEROSEGARDEN

PROVIDENCETOWN, MASSACHUSSETS

2010-08-06T23:59:00.001-04:00

Bob has been telling me that he wanted to take me to Providencetown for years so for my Birthday he decided that we should take a day-trip up there. We had such a good time.
First stop was the Pilgrim Monument. This was the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Monument.
We actually climbed aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall the way to the top. Acording to their web site ( http://www.pilgrim-monument.org/ ) "The heart-healthy walk to the top on 116 steps and 60 ramps only takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace." Are they kidding me???????? OMG I thought I was going to pass out!!!!!!!!!
Well, at least from the top of the tower I got some really great pictures - Here are some, plus a picture of the staircase looking down from the top....... - Uh... Did I mention I'm scared of heights!!!!

After the Pilgrim Monument we went into the town where there is a strip of all sorts of stores. It was fun to browse at everything in the stores but actually it was a lot of fun to browse at what was going on outside the stores...... Providencetown is a very popular place for homosexual couples. There were several shows with men either wearing barely anything or dressed fully in drag. I tried to get Bob to go see one of the shows but he wasn't going for it....
Well, at least I got a couple of pictures.......... LOL

Providencetown is definitely an interesting place.......

BIRTHDAY LUNCH & DINNER............ YUMMMMMMY!!!!!

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

One of the best things about birthdays is that people want to take you out to eat...... As far as I'm concerned, any food eaten while celebrating your birthday has absolutely no fat, no carbs and no calories.

Today Marge took Bobby and I out to an Italian restaurant right by my job. Have wanted to try this place for years but never got around to it. I am so glad we went there. The food was delicious and the service was good. Even talked to the owner about delivering lunches to our office - Cause lunch is certainly a high priority at our office.......
Thank you Marge.............

I was so full after lunch but ofcourse nothing was going to stop me from going out for Hibatchi with my friend - uh... I mean my Sister Lori. Lori and I have known each other since the third grade and no matter what life throws at us to try to keep us apart, Lori and I will always be friends.

Mmmmmm - Hibachi - Yummmmmm

Thank you Lori.........

BIRTHDAY IN NEW YORK CITY

2010-08-01T23:04:00.001-04:00

So my birthday is just around the corner (August 3rd) Yup.... 45

For my Birthday, my BFF Laura really surprised me.... She took me for a fun weekend in New York City. We really dont live that far from the City but I hardly ever get to spend any time there and have never actually stayed over for the night. This was truly a memorable weekend........

Train Ride to NYC
Cupcakes at Crumbs: http://www.crumbs.com/

Dinner at Bubba Gumps: http://www.bubbagump.com/

(We wont talk about my stupid over priced camera purchase in Times Square - I'm such an impulse buyer!)

Comedy Club: http://www.broadwaycomedyclub.com/
Late Nite Snacks at Planet Hollywood: http://www.planethollywoodintl.com/locations_newyork.php
Stay in NY hotel: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycmd-courtyard-new-york-manhattan-times-square-south/
Lunch at Grand Central Station: http: http://www.manhattanchili43.geomerx.com/
Train Ride back home.....

Weekend in NYC with BFF: UNFORGETTABLE!!!!!!

THANK YOU LAURA!!!!!!!!!

UNCLE KRACKER - STAMFORD, CT

2010-07-29T23:43:00.000-04:00

The City of Stamford, CT puts on some pretty good free concerts during the summer. On Thursdays they have "Live At Five" and Bob usually goes to work for the City - They're the ones that get the fun job of putting away all the barriers that were set up during the day to block off several streets for these concerts.
He never really goes to the concerts, they just show up mostly after the crowds clear out.

This time Uncle Kracker was going to be there. I LOVE UNCLE KRACKER.....
He sang so many great songs but my favorite part was when he did "Good To Be Me" followed up by "All Summer Long"

"All Summer Long" was my Summer Song last year and "Good To Be Me" is my Summer Song this year.
You can imagine how amazing it was for me to hear him singing those two songs one after the other....
YAY!!!!!!!!!

After the concert Bob stayed to work and I drove home with a HUGE smile on my face.
This was soooooooooo much FUN.......

DAMN, IT'S GOOD TO BE ME!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIDhtTrr2FQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA

TIKI BAR - Playland

2010-07-18T23:16:00.000-04:00

Ever since I took the Tiki Hut Mini Book Class with Cheryl Mezzetti I've been trying to figure out what in the world I was going to use for pictures in that book.... I mean it's not like I"m going to be going to any tropical islands any time soon.... Sigh.......

Well, recently I heard that Playland has a new Tiki Bar. Note - I absolutely can not stand Playland......
I know it is supposed to be a great amusement park but I have never been and probably never will be a fan of the place. But a Tiki Bar??????? Now that is a different subject...... Especially when that Tiki Bar is right on the water and there is a live band playing great music....... Ohhhhh Yeahhhhh...
http://pierrestaurantandtikibar.com/

Drinks
Buffalo Calamari

Live band
Summer breeze

Now all I have to do is actually get some pictures into my album........ LOL

CHA SNEAK PEAKS - Sigh...........

2010-07-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

CHA = The Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show is coming up at the end of the month.
Everywhere you look you can see "Sneak Peaks" - Some great, some good, some not so good and some just plain What The Heck Were They Thinking!!!

Then I saw "MOONRISE" from SEI.......
Gorgeous..... Gorgeous..... Gorgeous........
The bottom three papers are very nice and I'll definitely get them but the top six...... Well they just make my heart skip a beat..... Sigh........
If you want to see more SEI Sneek Peaks and great inspiration then click here for their blog:
http://seilifestyle.blogspot.com/

CROPPING WITH FRIENDS

2010-06-28T00:29:00.004-04:00

Hope you had a great weekend.

Mine was wonderful. I spent Saturday at a Crop in Connecticut.

Cant say I got a lot accomplished - Not like a lot of the girls who whip out 10-20-30 scrapbook pages.

Nope, not me. I didn't even do one. What I did work on was a couple of simple cards and two mini books.
Still need to add some die cut flowers to the cards and need to do a LOT of embelishing of the mini books but hey, it's a start.......
The best part of the day for me is never how much I get done - It's always about the fun I have with my friends........ This time I sat with Laura, Barbra, Jean, Rose and her daughter, and Barbara Z.
Ofcourse all the food is the second best part.......... OMG - I ate so much I thought I was going to pop.

.....

SIGNS........

2010-06-25T22:46:00.000-04:00

I was just on Facebook and saw Marah Johnson's Status which read: " It's hard to wait around for something that you know might never happen, but it's even harder to give up when you know it's everything you want."Well, I'm taking this quote as just one more sign that there are some serious changes that need to be made in my life......
I wish I could put into words what exactly those changes are but there are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many things to list.
Let's just say that I really need to figure out how I can be who I want to be....

So let's start here..........
Today is Friday - June 25th.......
There are 39 more days till August 3rd....... - THAT IS MY 45th BIRTHDAY - YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How do I know it's 39 more days?????? Cause I've been counting down - From 45 more days, to 44 more days, to 43 more days, etc..........
I've been planning on counting down till THE BIG DAY......
Then I plan on counting forward.........
Maybe I should say looking forward........
Because THAT is what I need to start doing -
LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING A BETTER ME......
LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING A TRUE ME........
"Be True To Yourself"......
Easier said then done - But it's time to try....

Okay people.........
We're in for a bumpy ride but here we go.........
Hopefully some of you who are reading this are willing to hang in there with me to help my on my little journey........ Cause some of you have heard me say it before and I'll say it one more time.......
THAT is who I need in my life - People who are there to inspire me, to encourage me, to tell me it's okay to just be ME..........

Hugs to those who are willing to be there.........
And
Kiss my ass to those who are not............

............

I'M STILL HERE

2010-05-13T18:07:00.001-04:00

Yikes..... It's been a LOOOOOONG TIME since I've posted....
BAD BLOGGER!!!!!
BAD BLOGGER!!!!!

Sorry about that......
Will need to come and spend some time......

Please stay tuned.....,

Thanks!!!

:0)

AND THE WINNER IS..........

2010-03-27T22:19:00.001-04:00

And the winner of the Spring Flower R.A.K. is.........................

KRISTIE MEEKER!!!!!!!!!!

Yay Kristie,

Send me an e-mail with your address & I'll get those flowers right out to you.

:0)

SPRING - EARTH HOUR - FLOWERS - OH MY.......

2010-03-27T13:07:00.000-04:00

Oh my aching back.......
I just spent the entire morning working in the garden. Pruning roses, raking dead stuff from last year, cutting back pesky vines that want to take over the world.........
It's a lot of work but it will have it's rewards once everything starts blooming.
I already have a few daffodils blooming and the hyacinths and tulips are coming up fast.

So........... Just to remind you.
TONIGHT is when I'm going to give away a set of my hand made flowers.
Right after Earth Hour.
Yes, Earth Hour is tonight.........
So right after I turn on the computer again I will be giving them away.
Send me an e-mail to YARASAVICH@AOL.COM with "Spring Flowers" as the subject line and I'll enter your name to win these pretty flowers.

HAPPY SPRING!!!!! = And a RAK...........

2010-03-20T01:46:00.001-04:00

Ah, Spring.......... Who doesn't LOVE Spring???? A time for new beginnings. A time for all things beautiful. I am so looking forward to watching my garden starting to bloom with all the flowers that my Mother had planted in our garden. She was the green thumb of the family. She and my grandfather.

Me, well........ Not so much........ But I try. I HAVE TO TRY...... I can not let the garden go completely. Ofcourse it will never be like it was when my Mother cared for it and nurtured it. I doubt that I will ever win trophies like she did. But still the blooms will come and they will bring joy to anyone who takes the time to enjoy them...........

It is with great sadness that I now have to face a big change in the garden. There is a tree in our back yard that has been there as long as I can remember. It was a mature tree when we bought the house in 1975. (The picture of the tree in full bloom is from a Polaroid which was probably taken in the 80's or maybe late 70's) This poor tree is now looking very, very, very pitiful........   The second picture is how the tree looked this morning. Several branches broke under the weight of the huge snow we recently had and I am afraid it will never be the same again. The third picture is of the tree after most of the broken branches were cut off.........
I will wait till later this year to see if anything blooms and will make a decision at the end of the year to see if I must cut it down completely.

But we must move on........ IT IS SPRING!!!!!!!!!!! A time for new beginning..... A time for joy...... A time for beauty.........

Oh........   Did I mention there would be a RAK????

Lately I've been seeing just about everyone making hand made flowers for their scrapbooks and art projects. Some have me absolutely speecless!!!
I'd love to share with you the flowers I've been making the last couple of weeks.
These little Needlepoint On Plastic Canvas flowers may not be anything fancy but I think they are very cute. They can ofcourse be dressed up with the addition of pearls or buttons or glitter or anything else your heard desires. I've just been too preoccupied in makeing the basic flower to go any further.
Please drop by my shop on ArtFire to see the flowers I have up for sale: http://www.artfire.com/users/MYCREATIVEROSEGARDEN

So in honor of the first day of Spring, I'd love to share a few of these flowers with you.
Just send me an E-mail to Yarasavich@AOL.com with "SPRING FLOWERS" as the subject line and I will put your name into a basket. On March 27th I'll pick one winner and they will receive the flowers shown in this picture.

What are you waiting for?????
Send me an E-mail so maybe you can win these cute flowers.

HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!!

....

THE SHOP IS OPEN

2010-02-21T23:21:00.003-05:00

I finally started an account with Artfire. (Thanks Laura for telling me about this site)

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT CORNER OF MY BLOG.
Or just go here: http://www.artfire.com/users/MYCREATIVEROSEGARDEN

Okay - So far it is nothing to be impressed with I guess but all good things start with a single step, right???

Hey, and how do you like my new banner??? Thank you again Laura for helping me out.

If anyone needs a good - make that GREAT - web designer, contact Laura:
http://www.laurahartwigdesign.com/

Now I've just got to take some more pictures of my crafts and my craft supplies and start posting, posting, posting.........
And hopefully SELLING, SELLING, SELLING!!!!
WISH ME LUCK...............

.

AS SEEN ON TV

2010-01-23T14:50:00.006-05:00

QVC - HSN - Late Nite Infomercials...........

I remember yelling at my Mom because she was constantly watching QVC and HSN. Between her and the lady a few houses down, the UPS Man was on our block practically every day.....

Okay, Okay..... So the apple does not fall far from the tree........
Yeah, I admit it. I've been known to buy stuff (a whole lot of stuff) purely on impulse.

Today I was going through some boxes and look what I found: The GT Express 101 machine.

When the heck did I buy this thing??????
WHY the heck did I buy this thing????????????????

I have no clue but here it is.
Now what do I do with it???????

Maybe I'll get some refridgerated cinnamon rolls, bake them in my handy dandy machine and watch QVC..........

No...... Wait.... Maybe I'd just better get back to cleaning.
Lord knows what I'll find next!!!!!!!!!!

:0)

....

JULIE & JULIA

2010-01-14T17:29:00.003-05:00

I recently signed up for Netflix & the other night we watched Julie & Julia.
As we started watching the movie I jumped up, ran to the kitchen and grabbed two books.
Ran back and yelled "LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Yup - There they were. Two cookbooks that I've had for at least 20 years. Where did they come from????? I have no clue.......... I just know that they've been in my kitchen for years and I don't think I've used one recipe from either one.
Bob & Bobby looked at me like I was crazy but I thought it was funny that

I had not one but two Julia Childs cookbooks and didn't even know it until the books in the movie started to look awfully familiar.... So there we were: The two guys, the dog, the bird and me with my two books watching Julie & Julia.

The movie itself was cute. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it more than the men did but they put up with me anyway.......
(Bob thought it was going to be about them meeting & cooking together.... I think I've forced him to watch the Food Network a little too much.........)

I was inspired by Julie. A young girl living in a not so perfect apartment over a pizza shop in Brooklyn who works in a boring job by day, who has a problem with finishing any project she starts, who likes to cook but is no expert. She starts a blog about cooking. Taking one full year and over 500 recipes and going through each one until she's done.

I was also inspired by Julia. A not so young woman who seriously adores food......
At the suggestion of her husband she takes some cooking classes and discovers that food is truly her passion. It must be amazing to find something that you are so passionate about, that you are good at, AND it is something that people admire you for.

Unfortunately after the movie the cookbooks were once again put away in the kitchen to collect more dust......... The movie was returned to Netflix....... and I still have no desire to try any of Julia's recipes...
But in the end, I still think it's funny I have those books. I still think it's great that Julie was able to start & finish a project that she was interested in. And ofcourse I am truly amazed by Julia Childs who in her 40's discovered her passion and ended up changing the world of cooking.......

Hey, if those two did what they did then maybe there is still hope for this mid-40's chick who is bored out of her mind and is desperate to find something to be passionate about..........
BUT WHAT???????????
What is there that I LOVE to do?????
Something that I am truly good at?????????
Something that I am passionate about???????????
I have no clue..........

Sigh.............

Oh well...... Maybe in time I will find that one thing that I will LOVE to do.
In the mean time there are so many things that I LIKE to do.......
So instead of just waiting around for "Love" I'd better stop wasting time and enjoy every single second of "Like" cause life is way too short............

MAY YOU ALL FIND YOUR PASSION.......
But until you find it, have a good time looking...........

:0)

............

Mom = Monk.........

2010-01-10T21:37:00.003-05:00

A friend told me a while ago he wanted to run away, become a Monk and bake bread..........

That's exactly how I feel right now. I want to run away and bake bread.......

My son once told me I was like Monk. You know - Monk from T.V.

I forgot why he told me that but what ever the situation was, I could not argue with him because I had been caught - I was probably doing something stupid that seemed to mean something to me when it was happening but it was just something trivial to the rest of the world......

I am by no means trying to make light of the fact that some people really do have serious OCD but I definitely do think that I have a serious problem........
Call it OCD, call it Monk-ism, call it just plain crazy - What ever you want to call it I definitely do have a problem.......

I confess - I am probably one of the most disorganized people you will ever meet.
I am late for everything and I lose just about anything........

But then there are these crazy times - Like today - Where I have this crazy need to organize things........ I will spend hours lining up all the boxes and cans in my pantry. Yes, I know it is a waste of time and I know it will not stay like that but for a brief time things are in order and I know where things belong and somehow at least one little part of my life is in order.........

So here I am now with enough pasta, tuna fish, Chef-Boyardee and Chicken Broth to last a year.

Why do I have this much??? Well, cause it was on sale ofcourse....... Gotta stock up when it's on sale - That is when you do it - It's like an unwritten law in my little mind...... And then for a brief time at least, all that stuff has to be nicely lined up - And all is well in the world........

Now if I could just get everything else in my life to be all nicely lined up so I could find things and everything else could be all nicey, nicey in neat little piles so I would not have to think so much about how to make things work out.

I know the answer is to take things one step at a time. If you start at one end of the house - or one part of your life - and work your way through to the end, one day you will find yourself "done" and you can sit back and look at your house - or your life - and say "It is perfect".

Problem is I just cant figure out where to start...... So I start here and there and everywhere and absolutely nothing gets "perfect" and I end up getting frustrated and just stop trying..........

Last year I got motivated....... I felt like I really wanted to change........ I felt pretty damn good...

Then I got a little off track....... Took a brief sidetrip from the journey.........

Now I know I need to get back to trying to reach my goals.........

I still dont know where to start..... I still dont know how long the journey will be........

And I really, really hate trying to do this by myself........

But for now........... For now at least I have all my pasta, tuna fish & chicken broth all lined up.

Hey - It's a start............

Maybe when the rest of the kitchen is organized, I'll bake some bread.

Maybe when the rest of my life is organized, I'll even invite some friends over and we can laugh about me ever wanting to run away to become a Monk...........

...........................

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2010-01-01T17:21:00.012-05:00

Happy New Year everyone..... Today is 01-01-10.

As many of you know, I've spent quite a bit of time recently thinking and planning and plotting all the things that the New Year would bring........ How I was going to change so many things in my life......
Yes, there is even A LIST.........

It's not exactly a New Years Resolution List.... It's actually more than that.

You see, for me this is soooooooooo much more than just a "New Year" - Or at least I had planned on making it so much more.......

I'm not going to bore you with details..... I just did not want to let the day go by without a post for the new year.......

I guess the whole thing can be summed up by showing you pictures from Mary Engelbreit.
I LOVE MARY ENGELBREIT!!!!

The first picture is how I had planned on ringing in the new year......

Sort of Super Hero-ish. The Queen with her magic List...... All sorts of great things written on there - All sorts of things to transform her life into something marvelous......

The second picture is of of The Queen as a little girl making a long list of all the things she wants..... - Yes, ofcourse it is a loooooooooooooooong list.........

But in the end she realizes that all the stuff on her list were not what Christmas was all about.

The third picture is more realistic.......

Yup - It's the Queen sitting in her big comfy chair with her bunny slippers sipping a drink.
Unfortunately I dont have bunny slippers (and yes, even at this age I would wear them if I did....) and the drink that I am sipping is just tea to wash down the medicine to hopefully help me get over this dreaded cold that I have.......... - I swear I feel like my head is going to burst that is how congestide I am!!!

So the Queen Mother sits and looks at the previous sides of her......... The little girl queen who wants everything......... The young girl queen promissing herself that she will change into this new person - The person who will surely be HAPPY.........

In the end - The Queen Mother sits there realizing she is too damn old for this shit..........

Yes - I will keep having lists of things that I want - But I will not be sad if I dont have it all.
Yes - I will keep having lists of things that I want to change about myself - But I will also be happy with who I am and will cherish the people who love me this way.........

So...........

This is the many sides of me............

What about YOU???????
Will you be there for me as my friend??????? Will you be there to encourage me to try to make changes that will make me feel better but will still love me if I'm a little (lot) bitchy???

I know many of you will......... There are so many dear friends that I know I can count on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE..........

I still say it's going to be an amazing year........

(The Queen has spoken................ LOL)

:0)

......

Holiday Candy

2009-12-13T17:44:00.005-05:00

Just filled two baskets full of Russell Stovers Mint Dreams for Bob. 4 cases - 24 in each case = 96 Mint Dreams....... Oh... Make that 95 - I ate one........ Yummy!!!

Mint Dreams may not exactly be my idea of Christmas Candy. I still want to decorate my tree with "Szalon Cukor" (a traditional Hungarian candy) but in case I dont get them this year the Mint Dreams will have to do.

I LOVE MY iPHONE

2009-12-10T03:16:00.001-05:00

Well hello there.... I know it's been a while and maybe you can humor me and pretend you've missed me....

So today's post is dedicated to my dear friend Laura who told me about the Blogger App for the iPhone... Leave it to me to start playing with it in the middle of the night instead of sleeping....

So let's talk about my phone - three words: I LOVE IT!!!!
Obviously I am not the only one who does because recently I was checking out Scrapscene.com and saw an altered iPhone dock.... What you say??? Yes!!! An altered iPhone dock!!!! So I follow the link from Scrapscene to this link:
http://scrappystickyinkymess.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/where-technology-and-scrapbooking-collide/ and there are tons of other ideas for making altered iPhone docks (including the pretty one shown here).....

Wow!!!!! Gotta love how some people can be so creative.....

So this is it... My first blog update using my iPhone... Thank you for reading.
Now Laura - Its YOUR TURN!!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

COPICS AND DYE CUTS AND CARDBOARD..... OH MY.....

2009-09-15T21:01:00.008-04:00

I'm sure you've all heard about how wonderful Copic Markers are. They are not cheap but still everybody is raving about them so recently I took the plunge and bought a dozen of them. As usual, I waited before actually using them (like I do with 99% of the stuff I buy.........) but tonight I had an urge to play a little and I must admit I am in LOVE........ <3>

I've been on a big recycling kick lately and absolutely no cereal box or any sort of cardboard is safe while I'm around. I've been using my handy dandy heavy duty chopper to cut cereal boxes and stuff up into 6 x 6, 5 x 5 or 4 x 4 inch squares. I've also taken my Sizzix dyes and started cutting away.

Here is what I played with tonight....

The fall leaves were punch out of a discarded popcorn box. I just went over the yellow with a G99 Copic Marker and there that's it - Who would have thought a picture of popcorn could be turned into such pretty leaves..... I noticed that the box of popcorn says "The best value in popcorn".... Well, you've got that right......... :0)

The yellow flower was dye cut from a discarded yellow sweater box. I just used my Sizzix dye cut which has 4 circles in various sizes. After cutting I crumppled them up and then used Copic Markers on the edges and just stuck a button in the middle (also recycled from some old shirt or sweater.....) The leaves are also a Sizzix dye cut - Again cut from some discarded box of some kind and then colored with Copics.

This was fun - Need to go see if there are any more empty boxes around...........

:0)

........

The

DRINK YOUR WATER..........

2009-07-10T10:06:00.002-04:00

Watch THIS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PHnRIn74Ag&feature=channel

Tell me that doesn't make you want to drink more water

Meanwhile I'm thinking of having another cup of coffee and I STILL have no energy.......

Sigh........

.

Recently Cropped....

2009-05-22T15:25:00.000-04:00

Hi... Here are a few pages that I did during the three Day Crop for National Scrapbooking Day at The Scrapbook Clubhouse. I realize that this is not much for a three day crop but I was much too busy yacking and eating and just a little shopping. If this stupid economy wasn't so rough I would have probably spent more time shopping and would not even have these pages to show for it.......... :0)

NOTE - Sorry I did not show this earlier. I really thought I had but just found this was still in my "Drafts"

Thanks Laura for asking about why they're not on my blog.

FUN AT THE GROCERY STORE

2009-05-04T19:15:00.002-04:00

They opened a new Super Stop & Shop in my town a few months ago. Bobby and I went there the first day they opened and it was so funny to see a store when it is brand new because everything is so "perfect". Not only were the aisles perfectly straight but so were all the things on the shelves. All the loaves of bread perfectly stacked. All the canned goods perfectly stacked with their labels all facing the same way. It was really something to see. All I kept thinking of was the movie "The Stepford Wives" when the ladies are all dressed in their pretty little dresses wheeling around their little carts as if grocery shopping was some sort of gala event.......
I am still kicking myself for being too self conscious and not letting myself take pictures of the perfectly stacked cans..... UGH!!!! I do have picture of Bobby that day but ofcourse he was not about to pose so it is not a good one........

Anyway................
Fast forward several months and we come to my fun little trip to the Super Stop & Shop.
We were out of dog food so I had to make a quick stop. I knew that they had these new "Scan It" gadget thingies now where you can just pick up your own scanner when you enter the store and walk around scanning your groceries as you shop. You ofcourse want to bring your "Green Bags" so that you can just pack as you go. It was actually fun.
Then I see this "Order It" machine by the deli section so I decide to try that too. I punched in my order for Turkey Pastrami (half pound cut medium) and Buffalo Chicken (also half pound cut medium), took my ticket and walked away. A few minutes later over the loud speaker comes a voice saying "Order #22 now ready for pick up at the deli counter". How cute...........
Another funny thing was when you have these little "Scan It" thingies, they alert you to stuff on sale around the area where you are walking.......... So when I was in the dog food aisle it made a little cash register "kaching" sound and popped up a picture of some doggie snack that was on sale..... Sure...... Like I need more temptations for buying stuff I didnt need just because they are on sale.............. UGH....... Dont they know I have no will power..... Wait.... I guess that is why they are doing it, isnt' it............
Finally when I was done I went to the self check out counter and paid for my purchases. Just scan your store card and it knows exactly what you just purchased and you scan your credit card and you're done.......

Okay, okay......... I know......... It is probably pretty lame that I got so excited about my little outing at the grocery store but hey..... sometimes it is the small, stupid stuff in life that you have to stop and enjoy....... Right??????????? (Humor me...... Just say "You're right Maria..........")

There is only one thing that worries me...........
These new things at the grocery stores are all well and good but I am afraid that they are also just steps into putting people out of jobs..........
Think about it......... The more people use these gadgets, the less cashiers you need. The less baggers you need. The less people working and the more people out of a job.............
So yes..... It was fun........ And yes........ It is also sad............

.

Blog Hopping......

2009-05-01T07:57:00.002-04:00

If you ask me these days what I am addicted to I will give you a long list (no... nothing bad.....) but two things on top of my list would be coffee and blog hopping.....

What happens if you put the two together????? Well....... I'm lost for the day.... I could sit there and jump from blog to blog all day being totally amazed by all the talented scrappers, stampers, crafters and great artists that there are out there........

If you have any favorites, please leave me a comment and tell me what sites you are addicted to.

Magestical Memories is doing their first "Blog Hop" between May 1 and May 3.

Go here: http://magisticalmemories.blogspot.com/

Note - They are not only fun but they are giving away an I-Pod Nano...... :0)

Okay - Off I go....... I have laundry in the machine, need to pack for a 3 day crop at the Scrapbook Clubhouse to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day. Also need to pack for our first weekend of camping.....

Too much to do...... Too little time...... Too tempted to sit and drink coffee and blog hop......

Have a great day!!!!

:0)

Very important information:

2009-04-14T02:53:00.000-04:00

Blah blah blah blah blah blah............

Thank you for listening..........

:0)

BUGS BUNNY EASTER......

2009-04-12T10:44:00.002-04:00

Here are a few funnies from one of the most famous bunnies around:
Click on the links below (dont forget to turn off my music playlist first...... )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5CUK94MHvk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gFL7FBe_PA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyxhm3Ni6iY&feature=related

I love the old cartoons!!!!

.

COUNTDOWN TO EASTER - APRIL 4

2009-04-04T15:02:00.002-04:00

And speaking of eggs........

Here are some pictures of three eggs that I will always treasure.

1 - An egg shaped musical snow globe (is it still called a "snow globe" if it's not a winter scene???) My Mother bought this and although it's not one of my favorite things, it is still a keeper.

2 - My Russian Egg. This is actually a wooden egg that has a Russian scene painted on it. It matches a whole series of cups, saucers, plates and spoons that my Mother was collecting. The whole series is on shelves over my fireplace in the livingroom.

3 - This is a real egg. It is has hinged doors that can open or close. When you open it inside you find a little tiny little Cindrella scene which includes a little horse drawn carriage driven by a little mouse. The walls of the egg are hand painted. My Mother and I had been at a craft show and a lady was selling this and a few other eggs. It was over a hundred dollars but I just kept going back looking at it and finally I bought it for my Mother. She thought I was nuts for spending so much on an egg but I know she loved it too.

These pictures definitely do not do these eggs justice. Each one has it's own special charm that my lousy photography could never capture.

COUNTDOWN TO EASTER - APRIL 3

2009-04-03T22:52:00.003-04:00

They say "Dont put all your eggs in one basket" - But what if I want to put all my eggs into my wire chicken basket???? I love this thing. It is probably old as the hills. No clue where I got it but I know I've had it about 20 years and I still love it.

As Easter approaches I'm thinking about painting Easter Eggs. How do you paint yours???
Do you use the stuff they sell in the store - You know - You drop the little tablet in the water and then dunk the eggs. Do you handpaint them??? I have seen some really creative stuff out there over the years but I must admit that I really dont do anything special.

The only thing that I do pretty much every year is that I save my onion skins - Yes, you heard me.... I use onion skins........ Just the outer brown stuff.

You boil the eggs like normal but you throw the onion skins in there with them and the eggs take on a nice brown color. Yeah... Yeah.... Yeah... I am sure you could just start off with buying brown eggs but this is my thing and this is what I do and then I may doodle a little on the eggs but in the end they are still pretty simple.

So anyway....... Back to my little wire chicken. I have been sort of collecting chickens most of my adult life. I guess I probably saw one of those gorgeous chickens in one of those fancy French Country kitchens (in a magazine ofcourse) and have always wanted that kind of look.

Unfortunately my kitchen is still a disaster area but one day....... One day I WILL have a big fancy gourmet kitchen and darn it I will have fancy chickens all over the place.
Fancy chicken PLUS one little wire chicken to hold all my eggs......

COUNTDOWN TO EASTER - APRIL 2

2009-04-02T08:31:00.003-04:00

This is picture of two frames that my Mother had made. It's Needlepoint on Plastic Canvas.

My Mother had a real talent for making things out of Plastic Canvas. The frame part is simple enough but those bunnies are a pain to put together.

Both pictures are of Bobby when he was little. Hard to believe he was so little when he is almost 16........ Sigh..........

COUNTDOWN TO EASTER - APRIL 1

2009-04-01T23:56:00.000-04:00

Well, since this is still April Fool's Day I'm going to start off with a funny little picture I found on the web here: http://www.recycledart.com/2009/02/recycled-cigarettes-used-for-art/

Can you believe it???????

This guy actually made a bunny out of discarded cigarette butts.

Well, I'm totally for recycling and going green and all that stuff and you know I have a reputation for not being able to throw anything away but there is no way that I will be going around picking up dirty, nasty, smelly cigarrette butts.........

GROSS!!!!!!!!!

(But still cute in a very weird kinda way.........)

APRIL FOOLS.............

2009-04-01T23:14:00.002-04:00

Happy April Fools Day.....

Well, the joke was on ME today.
As you know (well, you do know if you know me.......) I am ALWAYS late to everything!!!!
Today Bobby had a doctor's appoinment scheduled for 2:00 pm.
We went and did his lab work in the morning and then had breakfast and then had time to kill so we went over the TZ Bridge to the mall. We shopped a little and decided that we should leave the mall aroune 1:00 pm to have plenty of time to get back for his appointment.
We leave the parking lot at 1:30 pm - Cause like I said - I am ALWAYS late for everything.
We get on the highway and UGH.......... It is four lanes of bumper to bumper cars, trucks, tractors and even a huge RV......... YIKES..........
So around 1:45 I pick up the phone and call the doctors office to tell them that we will be late.
As I start speaking I look at the car clock and realize I'M AN HOUR EARLY....... It was only 12:45..........
WELL, APRIL FOOLS ON ME........
I felt really stupid telling the receptionist at the doctor's office that I cant tell time but I did tell her that the traffic was really bad but we're on our way........

Bobby's physical went fine - He is disappointed that he is only 5 foot 9 and three quarters.
The doctor explained to him that he is not even 16 and he probably still has a few more inches to grow. Okay - So he will probably not be as tall as his Dad but I still need to put on heels and stand on a step stool to look him eye to eye.......
:0)

.

HAPPY SPRING.......

2009-03-20T08:53:00.006-04:00

Yes, it is official. Today marks the beginning of Spring.

So what is wrong with this picture????????

Noooooooo.........
Those are not white flowers in the picture. It is SNOW.

Oh well, no big deal its actually kinda pretty - Mainly because you know it's not going to stick.

Happy Spring everyone..........

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY

2009-03-17T15:43:00.003-04:00

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY
TO ALL MY PEEPS......

Nope - No shamrocks, no leprechauns, no pot of gold. Dont have any corned beef or cabbage.

I came close several times to buying some and cooking it for dinner tonight but then I remembered that Bob said he definitely does NOT like it and I am pretty sure that Bobby would turn his nose up at it too so I would be the only one eating it for dinner AND for leftovers or just throwing it out..... Sigh......

So other than wearing a green shirt today and getting some green Peeps I guess I'm not very Irish today but it was a GORGEOUS day anyway. I had the day off, I got some errands done, I had lunch with Laura and the SUN WAS SHINING ALL DAY LONG........
Ah yes....... SPRING IS DEFINITELY ON IT'S WAY.............

:0)

Jackie "The Jokeman" Martling

2009-03-08T10:31:00.004-04:00

Bob has been a big fan of Jackie Martling for years and many moons ago I used to like listening to him with Howard Stern.

The other day Bob saw that Jackie would be in Danbury doing a fund raiser so we called number after number after number and finally got details about the show.

We got there early thinking there would be a HUGE crowd (cause hey - It's Jackie.....) but we were very surprised to see that it was a small turnout (obviously due to horrible advertising).

Actually the fact that it was a small crowd probably made the show more fun because we sat right in the front row, we got to meet Jackie after the show and Bob won a T-shirt by "Stumping the Jokeman". The joke he told is not one of my favorites but since Jackie did not know it, Bob won and it definitely made his day.

Afterwards we went out for drinks and a bite to eat at a local place that we have never been to.

It was fun - We met good people - the food was awesome - the drinks hit the spot.

Definitely a great night..........
:0)

I LOVE JIM KERR........... Q104.3 FM

2009-03-04T06:57:00.003-05:00

So yesterday morning I'm listening to the radio on my crappy little clock radio. I seriously need to invest in a new radio because this one has a hard time picking up most stations. I usually listen to Classic Rock in the mornings to start my day - Led Zep, The Beatles, The Stones, The Doors, Skynyrd, etc.

Yesterday my crappy little radio was tuned to KTU Radio. Mind you, I do like KTU. Ofcourse I do. A few years ago my son won a PSP on KTU for telling a joke. My fiance won a couple of things for us like tickets to see Gumba Johnny and Speedy doing comedy, tickets to see Fiddler On the Roof on Broadway, tickets to see Mama Mia on Broadway. Hey - My friend won $103,000 plus a trip to Rome.......... So yeah, I like KTU but I also love my Classic Rock and I love to listen to Jim Kerr and Shelli Sonstein in the mornings because they have me cracking up with their humor. THEY are my idea of true classics because no matter how many years may go by, they will still be worth listening to (as well as some of the other DJ's on this station).

So anyway........

Yesterday I'm listening to KTU and who comes on the radio???????????
JIM KERR........ (Both stations are in the same building and Jim had ran down to KTU)

Now you know my little warped mind right???? My mind starts making up little jokes about how Jim probably knew that I was listening to another station and got mad so he had to go on the other station to let me know that he caught me. (Dont worry - I'm nuts enough to make up little stories in my little brain to get me through the day but it's not like I actually believe them).

After Jim finished on KTU he quickly ran back upstairs to Q104.3 to do his show and I quickly turned the dial on my crappy little radio to the Q.........

So I decided to send an E-mail to Jim telling him that I am sorry he caught me with another man. I am sorry he caught me listening to another channel. I promissed him I would go back to Q104.3 for my morning music and comedy and I asked him if he would please play a song for me.

Sure enough - This morning at 6:30 a.m. Jim was playing Lynyrd Skynyrds' "What's Your Name" and he said "I KNOW YOUR NAME MARIA YARASAVICH.............." and he played Billy Idol's "White Wedding".........

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY...........

Jim Kerr knows my name (and he even pronounced it right which is a miracle in itself..... LOL)

Okay - What can I tell you.

Things like this make my day.

THANK YOU JIM!!!!!!!!!

p.s.............

UPDATE ON JIM KERR:
He added me as one of his "Friends" on Facebook...

:0)

IN LIKE A LION

2009-03-02T23:28:00.003-05:00

What a COLD and snowy day. I guess that little groundhog in Pennsylvania was right - We have to deal with a lot more winter before we get to spring.

I'm not sure how many inches our town got but some parts of Long Island got 13 inches and Central Park got about 8. What ever we got, it sure did make the day miserable.

Wait..... Actually it really wasn't that miserable:
Bob is happy because he is putting in tons of overtime plowing snow.

Bobby was happy because there was no school (although he was not thrilled when I told him to go shovel the sidewalk)

I was happy because the office was closed AND I have tomorrow off so I end up with a four day weekend.

What did I do on my day off????????
Well, I wish I could tell you about all sorts of productive things I did but I guess I would be lying to you.

I spent most of the day on the computer blog hopping.

All is not lost - I found tons of new sites that are definitely worth following.

So - As promised - Here are a few pictures.

They are nothing special - I barely stepped out of the house (I guess I'm not exactly a very dedicated photographer).
Neither Bobby or Muffin were thrilled about posing for me.

The lawn stuff left out from last year did not have a chance to resist - They cant run from my camera - On the other hand they also are not much for posing and saying "cheese"........

They say March comes in like a Lion and leaves like a Lamb.
Let's hope this was the end of the big snows......

I'm ready for sunshine & blue skies and definitely ready for the blooms of the garden.........

Happy March........

2009-03-01T23:30:00.001-05:00

Happy March.
Had a pretty good day today.
Went to see Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail.

The fact that it is a funny movie was just part of it.

The best part of it was that I got to see it with my oldest friend Lori, her two sons, my son and my fiance. Lori and I have been friends since the third grade - I wont even tell you how long that has been but it's been a loooooooooong time.
I could get into more about why seeing this movie together was special for us but I wont bore you with that (cause you know me - It would be a loooooooooooooong story).

Anywhooooooooooooo

So today is March 1st.

Look at the pretty flower that is already growing in my front yard. It's a "Snow Drop" flower. It's been out for a while now. It's always the first flower in the garden.

Well........

I thought I'd better take a picture before THE BIG SNOW!!!!!!!!!

We are expecting about 10 inches of REAL SNOW tonight.

I'll have to take picture of that tomorrow.

For now - Enjoy my little snow flower.

Groundhogs Day

2009-02-02T23:28:00.008-05:00

There is the Groundhog in Pennsylvania - His name is Punxsutawney Phil.
Today is Groundhogs day and I for one do not want to hear about Phil from PA because he seems to think that we need more snow.............. YUCK!!!
I'll listen to Chuck from Staten Island who says that we are ready for SPRING......
Plus - I think its too funny that Chuck took a bite out of Mayor Bloomberg's finger.
Hmmmmm... This bite comes just three days after Bloomberg chomped 15% out of the Staten Island Zoo's budget, reducing it to $1.3 million from $1.6 million. Coincidence????
I think not....... :0)

Sticking tongue firmly in cheek, the mayor, who was wearing black leather gloves, said his injuries weren't life-threatening and made clear he didn't buy the revenge theory.
He thought it might be more geopolitical.

"Clearly in this case, a terrorist rodent that could very well have been trained by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. I'm not at liberty to say anything more than that," he said.

Asked if Staten Island Chuck might be tossed into groundhog jail, Bloomberg quipped: "If the district attorney wants to press charges, I'll leave it to the Staten Island district attorney to do so."

Chuck clearly wasn't thrilled about the whole business of being pulled out of his warm wooden home and having his food ripped away.

Check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxRwbYYuZMk

*************

ATC's

2009-02-02T22:24:00.004-05:00

Hi there..........
I know you haven't heard from me for a while but here I am again......

So - I thought I would show you a picture of two swaps I did.
(I know - I know - I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind on many other swaps but at least I did complete these two)

1 - The first is for the Love ATC Swap that is being hosted by Sassy Sasha at SIS.
We had to do 35 of them. That was a lot of work but I must admit I kinda like how they turned out.

2 - The second is for the Liberal Rant Swap at SIStv. Not what I originally was going to do. I had wanted to do something on Joe the Plumber but I could not figure out how to do it so this is what I ended up with.......

So......
That's it for now.
I'll try not to wait another whole month before I blog again...........

:0)

My Mother......

2009-01-04T11:14:00.001-05:00

Today would have been my Mother's 68th birthday.
New Year's was four years since she's been gone.
I have to move on.
I have to remember the good times.
I have to remember she loved me and she wanted the best for me and did everything she could to make that happen.
I have to remember that I am my Mother's daughter and she was her mother's daughter and that means that I come from a long line of STRONG WOMEN who made it through so much so it's time to stop feeling sorry for myself and start doing what I've gotta do to be my Mother's daughter......

Oh......
By the way........
Yeah......
The little girl is me......

Count your pennies......

2009-01-03T22:53:00.000-05:00

There are so many sayings about pennies.......
A penny for your thoughs
Be penny-wise and pound-foolish
Not have two pennies to rub together
A penny saved is a penny earned
Cost a pretty penny
Find a penny, pick it up....

My mother always told me that those who dont value the little (penny) dont deserve the big.....
I have been so caught up in feeling sorry for myself because I dont have "the big" that I have let myself stop noticing how much "little" I have.
True, we all want the BIG - That is just part of being human, but sometimes when you add all your pennies together, you realize that you're as bad off as you thought you were. You may not be rich, but you will get by and sometimes that is all you need.

And dont forget - there is also:
Turn up like a bad penny
Yeah...... Let's not forget that one because when you think about it, sometimes if you're not careful, you get stuck with a fake penny.
You think it's all shiny and pretty but in the end, it aint worth nuthin......

Have a great day.
Count them pennies........

Baby Steps - A clean desk

2009-01-02T14:23:00.000-05:00

They say that you should have a desk in your home that is free of clutter.
That should have only the items that you need to pay your bills, write a letter, and maybe have one or two sentimental things that truly make you happy.

I started off by cleaning of my new desk. Yes, I'm guilty - I had let the desk pile up because it was a clear, flat surface and perfect to pile stuff on but if you pile stuff on a clear, flat surface - guess what - It's aint clear anymore........

So I took everything off. Some stuff I put in their places and others I just put in a box because if I sit there thinking about every single item, I get nothing accomplished. So I decided FOCUS......... FOCUS ON THE DESK...........
I now only have three things on my desk.
Two glass jars full of buttons (cause I just like them) and my "Daily Scheduler" thingie that I bought ages ago thinking it would be such a great organizational tool. I bought it cheap in the discount section at Staples and had been so excited about using it.......
Now I cant even remember how long it's been collecting dust............
Now I will have it on my desk and I will look at it daily. It has 31 slots for me to put my "TO DO" lists into. It also has a place for a check book & some stamps.
(Now I just have to find a pretty pen holder but for now the top drawer is good enough because I dont want to put anything on there that is not going to stay......)

My first DAILY item: A note for January 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to go to Laura's house for a crop..........
YAY......... I am sooooooo happy.
I was not able to sign up for any crops (cause I'm trying to be a good girl and putting silly things like paying bills before spending money on myself)
Laura sent out an invite. This is PERFECT for me. It is close to home, it is with wonderful friends and it's FREE. Hey, even I can afford that one........

So now to start filling my little daily organizer thingie with the not so fun stuff in life like: "Tax Bills Are Due", "Car payment is due", "Electrical is due", etc.

You know what............
Actually having a place where I can see this stuff in order may make me more "AWARE" about my finances and like I said yesterday - That is definitely one of my goals for the New Year.
I may not become rich anytime soon but at least I will know what I can and can not afford. (Suze Orman would be proud of me..........)

"FOCUS"

2009-01-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone........
It's 2009 - A new year - A fresh new start.
Hey, they even gave us that whole extra second this year to make our New Years Resolutions...... (Yes, they had to add a second to catch up with the way the earth is spining, yadda, yadda, etc - I dont know the details but if you have an extra second - which now you do - you can Google it for yourself...........)

So.........
Did you make your resolutions???????
Do you have all sorts of great plans for the new year??????
Will you quit smoking - lose weight - save money - buy everything your little heart desires??????????
I have soooooooooo many things I would like to do but in reality, I know myself - I am not very good at following through on my wonderful plans. I think the main problem is probably that I feel that if I dont do things overboard they will not be noticed. Then when I do things I fall short of my goals which ofcourse makes me sad which ofcourse makes me feel unsuccessful which ofcourse makes me even more sad which makes me want to not try.
But THAT is not ME....... I dont want to stop trying. I want to BE that amazingly wonderful person who is hiding out in my little pea brain just waiting to bust loose and scream "HERE I AM!!!!!!!!!"

So..........
Let's not even talk about what great things I want to accomplish in 2009.
Let's "FOCUS".

This year we are going to listen to a few "experts" and learn from them. We may add to the list during the year but here is the start:
Ali Edwards: -
Pick one word and live by it - My word for 2009 is "FOCUS"
Suze Orman: -
Let's face it - the lady knows her money and she tells it like it is.
Peter Walsh: -
I would probably be Peter's worst nightmare but we will work on that.
Oprah Winfrey: -
She has talked about so much on her show but let's "FOCUS" on one of her current subjects - Living your BEST LIFE......

So.......
You know me - I could go on and on but you may get completely bored - Wait.....
Do I see you nodding off???????
WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!! I'M TALKING TO YOU!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME!!!!!!!!
So.........
Ali says pick a word so I'm going to "FOCUS"
Peter says live in the moment and not hold on to the clutter of the past.
Suze says a lot as long as your willing to listen and learn. Let's face it - Unless you are financially aware you are not going to be happy - I didn't say rich - I just said financially aware.....
Oprah says "Live your BEST LIFE" - I will try........
I WILL FOCUS ON LIVING MY BEST LIFE.

Happy New Year
:0)

HAPPY BELATED AND HAPPY EARLY.....

2008-12-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

Hello........
Hello..............
Is anyone out there??????????????

Okay - I have no idea who actually reads my blog but for all of you who may be a little interested, I guess you've noticed that I've been a little M-I-A with the blogging world.

Feeling a little down and depressed lately.
Yuck.........
I really dont like to feel like this.
Needless to say, the people around me are probably not too thrilled about it either.......

Why????????
Oh, I have no idea.
I can blame it on the economy (and believe me, right now finances are definitely at the top of my list of things that are depressing me)
I can blame it on hormones (that is the beauty of being a woman - you can always blame it on hormones......)
I can blame it on...........
Well, it really doesn't matter why I am feeling this way.
The main thing is to get my butt moving and snap out of it..........
Easier said than done......

Anyway.
I wanted to wish you all a Happy Belated Christmas and also a Happy New Year (just in case it takes me another month before I blog again)

Well, that's it.
It's almost the end of the year.
Out with the old - In with the new.
I have a ton of things I want to accomplish in 2009 - I bet you probably have a list like that too.
How much of it I will get to, I have no idea.
Oh well........
It is what it is.........

Thanks for listening...........

Hugs........

P.S. - If you are reading this, can you please wave & say "Hello".......
Thanks......

Maria

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-05T01:51:00.000-05:00

Well, today is 12/5/08.......
Not quite sure where 12/2/08, 12/3/08 and 12/4/08 went but obviously my "Picture Of The Day" project went out the window AGAIN.............
Hey, I did one day - Doesn't that count for something??????????????

On 12/2/08 I was going to take a picture and realized that my camera battery want now TOTALLY DEAD......... (As you recall it was on it's last leg the day before.......) No worries - Just go to your other camera - You know..... The fancy expensive one that you were so anxious to get............ Oh........ Yeah.............. That one has a dead battery too............... Sigh........

On 12/3/08 I slept through trying to take a picture.
On 12/4/08 - Same thing...........

Now it's 1:54 on the morning of 12/5/08 and I am officially giving of "Picture of the Day" and going upstairs and going to sleep..............

Sigh.................

POTD - DECEMBER 1, 2008

2008-12-02T00:11:00.000-05:00

What is POTD????
P-icture
O-f
T-he
D-ay

So many people are doing POTD and I have tried doing it but have failed so today, the first day of December, here I am starting again.

My first POTD is not exactly the best picture because I had absolutely no time to try to focus or anything but it was 1 second before midnight and I had a camera battery which was on it's last legs (one of these days I'll learn to start charging the camera AND the cell phone on a regular basis)

Anyway.......... The POTD is of my little Boyds Bears that sit in front of my computer.
On the front it says "Friends Make Memories" and it is of two little scrapbooking bears.
On the bottom it has the Limited Edition numbers and their names "Jen & Michelle" and it says "Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures........." - Saint Thomas Aquinas.

My mother had bought me these little bears from QVC many, many years ago.
Not only did she buy one but she bought two. She told me one was for me and that I should give the other to a friend - I had given the other to my BFF Laura because she is the one who introduced me to the world of scrapbooking.

Thanks Laura - Although I am now completely broke because of a slight (major) addiction to buying scrapping supplies, I have met so many wonderful people in this wonderful scrappy community and the memories of great times shared are completely priceless so thank you Mom for my little bears and thank you Laura for being my BFF.

:0)

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING

2008-11-30T02:54:00.000-05:00

Every year I kick myself in the butt for missing all the great sales that are out there for Black Friday. This year I did some planning. I wrote down what time certain stores open and what they have advertised. I clipped my coupons and I planned on being at my first stop (Kohl's) at 4:00 a.m. because I need clothes and I had coupons.....

Well.... I couldn't get to sleep Thursday night (so what else is new....) so I did not wake up till 7:00 a.m. on Friday - There went my big plans of hitting a bunch of stores.

All was not lost. I got there later than I thought but I did do quite a bit of damage to my credit card but I did get some good bargains. And you would have been very proud of me - I went to AC Moore and walked around, walked around, walked around but walked out with nothing.

Saturday was another story....... I went back to AC Moore and did buy two paper stacks and two Sizzix dies but only because they were 50% off with another 20% off on top of that but even though I was tempted to buy so many other things I went on to Macy's.

There I was not so good........ I shopped myself silly.

Again - It is the whole coupon thing. Everything I got I got on sale plus coupons so even though I spent a lot I did save and it's all stuff that I needed.

On the way home I was thinking how quickly Halloween came and went - How quickly Thanksgiving came and went - How it will be soon time for Christmas.
Then I saw it............. Yes............. There they were again........... Cars with Christmas Trees on their roofs. Not one, not two, but THREE of them in a row driving in front of me (so ofcourse I had to speed up so I could take a picture but in order to avoid crashing my car I only got a picture of two....... LOL)

Well..........

It's official..........
It's time to start decorating.

Now...........

Where in the world are all my decorations????????????????

Sigh...........

JUST TAKING A LITTLE TIME TO RELAX...

2008-11-23T04:59:00.000-05:00

Today is Sunday. I probably should be doing stuff around the house - cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc. I probably should have gone out - There are sales everywhere, I should probably have gone to the grocery store. I probably should have gone to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Stamford (Bob is working setting up the barriers and then taking down the barriers for the parade) but it is so darn cold and I just dont want to go out. Even he came all the way home during his break because he would rather drive all the way home and all the way back then to be out in the cold.

So instead of doing all the stuff I should have been doing, I spent all morning browsing the internet - Mostly SIS because I am so darn addicted to that site.
So anyway......... I came across a post from a wonderful scrapper who uses the name "SCRAPBABY" but her real name is Norma.
She posted this very funny picture of this old lady and how she thought she had more patience now that she is older.........
This ofcourse had me cracking up and so I had to see what else Scrapbaby had in her gallery.
I then came across a layout she did of her coffee cup. A coffee cup that she went out and bought for $2 because at age 68, it was time that she had her very own coffee cup - One that was hers and hers only.
Somehow this layout touched me.............. It really made me think.........
I was sitting here reading about other peoples lives and seeing their pictures and here I was just about ready to let a moment slip away.............
What moment is that????????
Well, the moment where I get off my butt, go to my china cabinet, take out my Royal Daulton Old Country Roses coffee cup and pour my coffee out of the styrafoam cup that I had it in and poured it into my pretty cup........
This cup is from a set that my Mother bought me years ago....... It has been almost four years that she has been gone and I miss her so much. She knew I had fallen in love with this pattern years ago and she had bought me the set but it just sits there collecting dust.
So today - I took time to just relax. I had a few laughs, I had a few moments of reflection upon my life and my family as I read about others and their families. I sat and enjoyed my coffee from MY CUP that my Mother had bought me........
It has been a wonderful Sunday so far.

Okay - Now it's almost 2:00 p.m and I must get going.
The laundry still needs to be done.
Dinner still needs to be made.
Tomorrow is Monday and reality is not always kind.

But thank you Norma for letting me share a laugh and a cup of coffee with you..........

Hugs.........

:0)

TWILIGHT....

2008-11-22T02:00:00.000-05:00

I've always had a thing for vampires so when I heard how wonderful the book was I just knew I had to see this movie. It came out at midnight Thursday but since there was work the next day it would just have to wait.

So Friday after work I went and bought tickets. I got to the theater around 5:00 and the 7 O'clock was already sold out. The first theater for 7:30 was also sold out but I got three tickets for the second theater.

Definitely a great movie. Loved the story, loved the acting, love it all.

Wait............ One thing I would have changed.

Yes, Robert Pattinson is very cute and he did a great job acting as Edward but hellooooooooooooooooo....
Can you please look at Cam Gigandet at tell me he is not HOT!!!!!!!

Now that to me is my idea of a vampire....
Sigh...........

STUDIO - My new additions.......

2008-11-20T02:27:00.001-05:00

So the are finally home:

1 Executive Desk

1 Computer Desk With Hutch

2 Leather Chairs

I ended up hiring a moving company to bring these home for me.

It cost me an arm and a leg and I know that I could have gotten it a heck of a lot cheaper if I had just rented a truck and had Bob bring it home but I just did not want to take the risk of anyone damaging anything at the office. We just moved in and if there was a scratch on the paint on the walls or if there was anything done to the carpets they would have probably fired me right there.

Okay - I know that is being a little extreme but there are things that you just dont want to mess with.....

So anyway........

I have already made some great discoveries:
Originally I thought the desk would take up most of the space between the windows but on the left I still have room between the desk and the radiator - which is a good thing cause we dont need a fire hazard.

On the right side I have a rolling filing cart which holds file folders for either 8 1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12 papers.

In the computer desk on each side of the keyboard holder (which slides in and out) are shelves but if I take the shelves out - Guess what....... It fits my 12 x 12 Iris carts PERFECTLY.

I am torn.

On one hand I would like this room to be all pretty and clutter free but reality is: IT'S A CRAFT STUDIO so it needs to FUNCTION. I need to be able to store more stuff than most stores carry in their entire inventory (due to my serious shopping addictions......... Sigh.......)

So, even though I would love to have a clutter free look with a few decorative items here and there, I will soon have these new pieces of furniture full of all sorts of STUFF.

This is why I am the self proclaimed "CLUTTER QUEEN"

:0)

STUDIO - The end of C.H.A.O.S. begins......

2008-11-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

Hello all.......

Here is a picture for you.
Why did I take a picture of my floor?????????
Because I haven't seen it in a loooooooooooooooooooong time.

It looks good.

Okay - I agree - It is nothing much.

It is not an expensive hardwood floor.

It is not fancy tile.

It is nothing but some old carpet tile that has been there for years but today I can actually SEE IT........

I'm getting new furniture today.
Well - It's new to me.

It's a hand-me-down from my boss who is getting new furniture for his room so I get the executive desk and the computer desk and two chairs and one of the other girls is taking three book cases (she's a major reader) and a filing cabinet and two chairs.

Okay -
Gotta run......

Stay tuned for more..........

If I live through this you may actually see me posting some "After" pictures of the Studio and maybe even pictures of some stuff that I make here.......

:0)

GEARS OF WAR 2

2008-11-07T03:15:00.000-05:00

Can someone please tell me why I was out minutes after midnight driving my son to a GameStop???
Oh - yeah..... Cause I'm a Mom and sometimes we do stupid things because we want to make our kids happy.

Gears of War 2 came out today. We knew about this months ago and had the game reserved when they were first taking orders. Bob even paid the whole thing off for Bobby's birthday back in June.
I really did not think I would be dragging my butt down there in the middle of the night but Bobby did get a 95 on his Spanish quiz and that is pretty good considering Spanish is definitely not one of his favorite classes.
So I told him - Keep getting good grades and I'll keep doing stupid things like driving to a video store in the middle of the night........
As long as he poses for a picture so it can go in the scrapbook - :0)

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

2008-11-05T02:15:00.000-05:00

Click here:

http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/speeches/obama-victory-speech.html#

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

VOTE!!!

2008-11-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

One more day till Election Day.

It's times like this when I wish I were a citizen.
This time I would really like to vote.
Such an historic event.

One way or another it is a major step forward.

We will either have the first black President or the first female Vice President.

Either way - This is major.........

But more importantly.

The reason I wish I could vote.

I do believe that one of these people is really going to make a difference.

I really do believe that one of these people is for THE PEOPLE.

You know - The every day people like you and me.

Hint - I am NOT talking about the female who although it is great that she has the opportunity to be where she is but I just really can not figure out how it all happened.......

I just cant see how she would be of any help to any of us. Yikes.....

So if I could I would definitely vote.

SO LOOK WHAT I WON......

2008-11-02T08:05:00.000-05:00

Hey, check out what I just won from Angie Delarie. Isn't this just the coolest chipboard camera you've ever seen???????
She has many, many great things on her blog here: http://angiedelarie.blogspot.com/ and at her Etsy Shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5294847 so you need to go and check her out.

Oh, and since the cool new camera was coming my way, I could not help but get the Spirit stamp too........ Isn't she lovely???? I've had my eye on her for a while and now I cant wait till she comes to add a little spirit and inspiration to my studio (which by the way is a disaster zone and needs to be cleaned up ASAP so I can make room for my new desk - But more on this in later posts..................)

NOVEMBER 1, 2008

2008-11-02T01:45:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness...... I knew it has been a long time since I updated my blog but I did not realize it's been a whole month.
I thought about just blogging about all that has happened but then I realized that I would probably put you to sleep and you'd never come back so let's just go forward......

So today I spent the day with Laura, Ally & Tammy at an all day crop. This was the first time we cropped at this place but I dont think it will be the last.

Here are pictures of what I made. They had two make & takes. One was the leaf & acorns. We took chip board and covered them with cardstock. The other was the cards. The third thing in the picture are my Mini's. These were so much fun!!!

My son called me during the crop & asked how many pages I got done. (I hate when they ask because EVERYBODY knows that I am NOT a very productive scrapper..... Sigh......)
I told him that I didn't do any but I did do three Mini Books (the Christmast tree, the snow man & the flowers - Sorry about the lousy pictures....) Although I did do them myself, I have to give credit to this blogger: http://ericasdoingsomethingelse.blogspot.com/2008/03/one-sheet-mini-book-tutorial.html. Thanks Erica for the great tutorial!!! I found her blog just searching the web for mini tutorials. Now I think I'm hooked and will probably make a billion to give out as little Christmas gifts.

MS. MUFFIN GOES ON VACATION

2008-10-01T03:56:00.000-04:00

This was the first time that Muffin went on "Vacation". We go camping every weekend in the summer but this was her first time on "Vacation" at a Kennel since we've had her (which is practically all her life).

The Kennel is close to home and came very well recommended so I did not worry much but ofcourse you always worry a little when your baby is not with you.....

Each of the dogs have their own room which is connected to a 6 foot x 24 foot dog run which is covered so even if they want some fresh air and it is raining, they wont get wet. I'm not sure how big the actual room is but it is obviously 6 feet wide and probably a few feet long. The dogs are kept apart unless they are from the same family in which case they are allowed to be in the same place. They can see each other when they are outside on the run but the fence separates them from actually touching (or biting) each other.......

Anyway.....

The first picture is of Muffin in the dog run looking at me like "Hey....... Where are you guys going???????"

The second picture is when we picked her up two days later.

As you can see by the look on her face, she may have been happy to see me but I think she's planning on peeing and pooping all over the house just to get back at me for not taking her to Caesar's with us.

Granted, the kennel seems nice enough but I think she thinks that she deserves to stay in a hotel with us and sleep on a king size bed and order doggie treats from room service........

ANOTHER WEEKEND OF NO CAMPING

2008-09-29T08:04:00.000-04:00

Well, we stayed home again this weekend.
The weather was supposed to be all rainy and nasty but it turned out not so bad which ofcourse makes me sad that we did not go camping.
We only have two more weeks left.
I cant believe "Closing" is almost here.
Sigh......

What did I do all weekend - Again???
I have no clue.......
It's like you spend the whole weekend doing laundry, cooking and doing dishes and all the other fun house stuff but when you look back you just wonder if it even made a dent??????
I love to see the neatness of where I've cleaned but it's so frustrating to see the rest... And I must confess - "the rest" is much more than then clean part.
Both Bob and Bobby looked at me all weird because I yelled at them both this weekend.
Well, not really yelled but I kept telling them to pick up this and put that away, etc.
They know I am NOT a clean freak (I'm more the Oscar Madison type) but I told them the only way we are going to ever get any order around this place is if I do become a Royal Bitch and start yelling at anyone who does not put things where they belong.
Yes......... I know - I know........ That rule should also apply to ME......
At least there are a few inches of "clean space" around here now - That is good.

But I sure do wish we had gone campin..........

SHEA STADIUM

2008-09-29T02:00:00.000-04:00

Well, since I had blogged about the last game at Yankee Stadium, I guess it would be only fair to mention that today was the last game at Shea Stadium.
They lost.
Nuff said.....

(Sorry - Not a Mets fan......)

NYC ATC SWAP

2008-09-25T03:21:00.000-04:00

Stephanie - AKA: "Livingroomfloor" over at SIS - is coming to New York next month so she is hosting an NYC ATC Swap.

There 10 of us participating in this one.

I decided to do two different ATC's for this swap.

One is for Broadway because who can think of NYC without thinking of Broadway and one of the shows that I would love to see right now is Wicked. (Now if someone could suggest to Bob that he should get some tickets and take me I would really appreciate it...........)
The other ATC is actually from an ad for Kids R Us but I thought it was cute and again - Who can think of NYC without thinking of the yellow cabs......

I hope Stephanie and the other girls like my ATC's.........

BTW - Go see Stephanie's Blog here: http://lrfloor.blogspot.com/

She is a very talented lady and she's got some really amazing stamps that I am sure you'll want to check out.......

...

YANKEE STADIUM: "THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT"

2008-09-22T02:10:00.000-04:00

Yankee Stadium.

1923 - 2008

What can I say......
I am not a sports fan. I am not a baseball fan.
But I will definitely remember some really amazing times in these seats....

And the best part - Knowing that my son got to see some great games in "The House That Ruth Built" (This picture is from June, 2008)

NYC TOW TRUCKS MAKE HISTORY

2008-09-20T23:10:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 292 tow trucks spell out the words 'NEW YORK' on a runway at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field after setting the Guinness World Record for 'Largest Tow Truck Parade'. The parade, which included flatbeds, wreckers and 50-ton rotators, was staged by the Metropolitan New York Towing Association and went from Shea Stadium in Queens to the small historic airport in Gateway National Park in Brooklyn.

According to Norman Teitler, Metropolitan’s executive director, the purposes of this event are to set a new Guinness World Record; remember those tow truck drivers, who as emergency responders 24/7, have died in the line of duty during the last year; and raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children from the corporate sponsors involved. Metropolitan‘s goal is not only to break the existing record (83 tow trucks in Washington back in 2004), but also to establish a record so large, it will not be broken again.

(You can see more pictures here: http://www.wnbc.com/slideshow/17520073/detail.htmlindex.html?currentSlide=1&taf=ny )

As I look at these pictures I wonder just how many of these tow truck drivers I know.
Probably a whole lot of them.

:0)

MOVING ON...........

2008-09-19T18:42:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was our last day working at our old office.
Today was spent moving boxes and computers over to the new office.

This weekend everything gets hooked up and we go in to do our final set up of our work area (as little as it is considering most of us are going from our own office to a cubicle the size of a postage stamp........)

Monday - Back to work as usual.
But will it be the same???????
How can it????????

Some things I will miss:
Having my own office. Not that it was fancy but at least it was mine for so many years.
Being able to wear either pants and heals or jeans and sneakers depending on the mood.
Being able to have flexibility with my hours (I am NOT a morning person.....)

Some things will be good:
New place - New start - New attitude
Although my new work area is small, at least it is "pretty". I do like the decor and I am planning on a "fresh start" of being more organized, more punctual, and more productive.
No, I dont mean doing more work - I have tried that.... I have tried "getting everything done" but that is just not possible and no matter how you try there will always be someone who feels you're not doing enough....
The only thing that I CAN try to do is do more of "my work" and do it more efficiently. (Hey, remember what Chris used to say all the time: "Work smarter - not harder") I'll just try to get everything accomplished that I set out to do before I get distracted by all the other things that need to be done.
I am not sure if this is possible but the plan is to walk in Monday with a new attitude.
Just do as much as I possibly can and call it a day and go home to what is truly important in my life: MY FAMILY.........

Do you remember the final episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show??????
The cast all hugged each other and did not want to leave and finally they walked toward the door still holding each other.......
It's funny. Somehow I thought our last day at our old office would have been more emotional....

But also - Let's not forget the beginning of that same show.......
When Mary tosses her hat up in the air.
So happy about her future and all the great things ahead...........

So fine - I will not look back........
I too will toss my hat up in the air and look forward to all that the future has to offer.
I'M GOING TO MAKE IT AFTER ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!

:0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTWF1bDPn0

NEVER FORGET.......

2008-09-11T08:36:00.001-04:00

Today is 9/11/08.
It has been 7 years.
Today's weather is beautiful here in New York.
Just like it was 7 years ago.
Just like it was in Washington.
Just like it was in Pennsylvania.

Has it been so long???
Have we forgotten???
Can we ever forget???

As I sit here on my computer I hear the TV in the back ground. The news is on.
I am filled with emotions. Emotions which I can not describe to you in words.
I will keep my thoughts to myself. I am sure you have thoughts of your own.

Just one thing.
Never forget 9/11/01
Never forget there are dangerous people out there. We do not know their names. We do not know their faces. We do not know what country they are from. We do not know what religion they are. But they are out there.............
NEVER FORGET: There are also HEROS out there. We do not know their names. We do not know their faces. We do not know what country they are from. We do not know what religion they are. But they are out there..........

DO NOT JUDGE.
You may find yourself on a day when you are face to face with someone.
Only then will you find out if they were an "Enemy" or your "Hero".
Only then will you find out if they were there to hurt you or to save you.
Until then - DO NOT JUDGE.

be aware of the crazy people who dont know any better.....

NEVER FORGET THE HEROS.............

Drinks anyone????????

2008-09-10T07:26:00.000-04:00

I admit it - I've been feeling a tiny bit STRESSED lately.
Sometimes when you are stressed, you think to yourself: Hmmmm Maybe I should mix up a nice drink for myself.
Maybe a nice vodka and orange juice - Maybe a nice Chocolate Martini..........
Hey - You really don't even need to mix it yourself - Sometimes I like to just pick up a nice bottle of Van Gogh flavored vodka......... YUMMY!!!!!!!
But what I want to know is this:
Who in their right mind would think of mixing BACON with VODKA??????????????
Yup - You heard me........ There is actually "Bacon Flavored Vodka" and here is the recipe:

Fry three strips of bacon
Add cooked bacon to a clean pint sized mason jar. Trim the ends of the bacon if they are too tall to fit in the jar. Or go hog wild and pile in a bunch of fried bacon scraps.
Optional: add crushed black peppercorns.
Fill the jar with vodka. Cap and place in a dark cupboard for at least three weeks.(No need to refrigerate.)
At the end of the three week resting period, place the bacon vodka in the freezer to solidify the fats. Strain out the fats through a coffee filter to yield a clear filtered pale yellow bacon vodka.
Decant into decorative bottles and enjoy.

(If you dont believe that this is an actual recipe - just do a Search and see for yourself)

Yeah.........
My life is a bit stressful right now but if I ever get to the point where I start mixing up a batch of Bacon-tini's please just lock me up in a padded room somewhere and throw away the key.......

Cheers.........

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT GET YOU THROUGH

2008-09-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

UGH............... What a horrible day I had. I'm seriously stressing at work. Nothing is going right. Do you ever feel like you're a little hampster on one of those wheels running as fast as you can and getting nowhere?????? Well, that's how I felt and I was feeling really, really upset.

Anyway..... Instead of working late I decided I'd better leave on time and go home.

Things then started picking up. Two great things:

1 - The Purple Monkey ice cream shop finally opened up. They've been "Coming Soon" for months and I even said to Bobby that I wish they were open and sure enough as we pulled into the parking lot to get our Subway sandwiches, there they were - The Purple Monkey was open for business.

We ofcourse had to go in - Not bad - Not bad at all........ Nothing like a little ice cream to start getting you out of a mood....... Especially when you get to have ice cream with the best kid in the whole world who is starting 10th grade tomorrow..........

2 - Look at the pretty card that Laura sent me....... I can always count on her to cheer me up. Enclosed in the card was a little blurb from a magazine that she cut out. It was about "Glamping":
If your idea of roughing it is basic cable, then Glamping - a blend of glamour and camping - is for you. When Glamping, you sleep in a luxurious tent with carpets, a fireplace, a TV, fine food, and other amenities. But the bugs aren't of a higher caliber.

LOL
Thanks Laura - I needed that - A gorgeous card and a good laugh can also help a girl start getting out of a bad mood.......

(If you want to check out Laura's Blog go here: http://sylscrapbooks.blogspot.com/ She is not only a great friend but a great talent so go check her out...........)

GOTTA LOVE THE BAD BOYZ.........

2008-09-02T04:53:00.000-04:00

Yup - I admit it. Sometimes you just gotta love the bad boyz. Definitely gotta love em when they do stuff like this:

1 - LUDACRIS & TOMMY LEE do their part to GO GREEN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BfQylW6Fbk

That's just a funny commercial for Planet Green - The first "All Green TV Network". I'm addicted to this channel. Anyway - Ludacris and Tommy Lee had a showdown on who could be more green. It was called "Battleground Earth". Lots of fun stuff. Great guests along the way. Dont know how much it saved the planet but it was fun to watch and as far as I'm concerned every little bit helps..........

2 - KID ROCK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA

Kid Rock has some songs that I like but this one - Well........ I just LOVE IT.

Who doesn't love good ole Southern Rock & Roll?????? Give me some Lynyrd Skynyrd any day and I'm a happy camper. Then Kid Rock goes and takes Sweet Home Alabama and does his version and he's singing about hanging out by the camp fire and doing all sorts of crazy things ALL SUMMER LONG........... Oh yeah......... Woooo Hooo........
Okay - I know......... I am not as young and sexy as the girls he has in his video and I am DEFINITELY not doing most of the things that man is probably doing but heck, it's a great feel good, turn up the radio & roll down the windows, open the sun roof and let your hair fly free kinda song that is fun to blast as your flying down the highway on my way to go camping on the weekends........

Labor Day is over and summer will be gone soon enough. Let me have a little fun and enjoy the Bad Boyz of Summer - 2008..........

MICHAELS MESS UP

2008-09-01T23:14:00.000-04:00

Hey, it's not MY fault that Michaels messed up is it???????
THEY were the ones who sent out an E-mail coupon showing a "40% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE".

So what if the bar code on the coupon rings up as 40% on only one item (which is obviously what they intended to advertise). Well, there were a few people who were quick enough to catch this error before Michaels corrected their site. Those quick people were kind enough to share with many others - Me being one of them.
Yup - I printed out a whole bunch of these "40% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE" coupons and went to town...... Well, actually, I went to SEVERAL towns and several Michaels and shopped my little butt off....

I shopped in Hartsdale, I shopped in Brewster, I shopped in Waterford - No problems in any of these stores.

I did have a problem in Waterbury..... They only took the 40% off one item and since the store was closing the manager was a pain in the XXX and would not re-ring everything so I made her write something on the receipt and I took it all back today and had the poor cashier girl ring everything up..... Hey - I saved more than 30 bucks so it was worth it.........

Then ofcourse I topped it off with a Finale with one Michael's 50% off coupon and one AC Moore 50% off coupon. (These were actual correct coupons from the Sunday paper.)

Okay - I think I'm done buying for a while. Gotta lay low and start MAKING STUFF!!!!!!!!!!

Carol Wingert

2008-08-23T23:33:00.000-04:00

What an AMAZING DAY........

Went to the Scrapbook Clubhouse to take not one but TWO classes with Carol Wingert. The first was a gorgeous mini book that taught us tons of cool techniques. Check out the adorable bird on the cover - Wish you could see it in real life cause it is AWESOME........

The second mini was a "Dosados" album. Basically it is a mini that can be viewed one way and it has cool pockets but if you flip it around it is a totally different album.

Again - You'd have to see it in person to get the full effect. I had liked them when I saw pictures on line but when I saw these books in person I was like "O - M - G"..........

The other cool thing was that Carol was kind enough to sign my book - "Lifelines - Creating Memory Art To Chronicle Your Personal Connections" This is a book that Carol co-wrote with Tena Sprenger. It is full of inspiration - Definitely a great book - Especially now that it was signed by Carol herself..... :0)

Chillin' With Her Gnomies......

2008-08-11T01:17:00.000-04:00

Muffin (like most dogs) loves to go sniffing around. She could probably spend hours sniffing the ground or leaves or rocks or flowers or what ever else she can find to sniff (some things she sniffs will remain unmentioned........ Yuck.........)
But then after a while it's just time to relax and be chillin' with her friend the garden gnome.

Ahhhhhhhh.......... The dog days of summer ain't so bad after all..........

Hey, she did it........ She survived CAMPING

2008-08-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

Finally after years of camping, I finally dragged my best friend Laura camping with us and look - I think she may have actually had a little fun (or at least I hope that she did and will want to come back again soon......)
Friday we just hung out and played Phase Ten with our camping friends. Then Saturday was a quick trip to Memory Lane cause Laura's never been there and it's close to the campground. This was followed by a wonderful "Hybrid Crop" at the Scrapbook Clubhouse. Sunday we just hung out and relaxed (Laura read her book by the campfire - Shhh..... Dont tell her there is no fire and there will be no smores served this weekend....... )

What did the boys do all weekend???????? Played video games ofcourse - Go figure........

So Laura....... When are you buying a trailer and joining me EVERY WEEKEND????

Happy Birthday to ME

2008-08-03T22:12:00.000-04:00

Yes.

This is ME at 43.

YIKES......

Okay -
I need a new hair cut, a manicure, new clothes and I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

Wait - First I have to finish eating this DELICIOUS chocolate cake with strawberries and bananas & fresh whipped cream.

But after that I AM GOING ON A DIET!!!!!!!!!

(Pictures are of me & cake at the campground and then of me at Foxwoods Casino where Bob & I had a little fun playing the slots machines. We won, we lost, we won, we lost. For the most part we broke even......... but we had a lot of fun doing it......... )

Marty's Photo Shoot

2008-07-29T01:43:00.000-04:00

When I came home today I decided to let Marty get a little excercise & fly around the the living room a little bit. Here are a few pictures........

Sunflowers For Wishes......

2008-07-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

There is a wonderful farm in Griswold, Connecticut called "Buttonwood Farm". Each year they plant acres and acres of sunflowers. For ten days in July they have a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They sell bouquets of sunflowers for $5 each. They do hayrides through the sunflowers - Also $5 each. And they have the most delicious home-made ice creams.
http://www.sunflowersforwishes.com/index.html

We ate yummy ice cream (some of which I ended up wearing cause it dripped from the bottom of my waffle cone onto my jeans.......) Then we took a hay ride and then I tortured Bob and Bobby by taking a billion pictures.

On the way back to the campground we stopped on the side of the road where I bought fresh picked sweet corn and blueberries. - DELICIOUS........ (And again, I could not resist making Bobby pose for a picture in front of the corn field........... )

Ummmm.. Are these mushrooms?????

2008-07-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

There have been a whole bunch of mushrooms growing around the compground this year (I've been told that it's probably because we've had so much rain) but I've NEVER seen mushrooms that look like these. I found them UNDER the stairs to the deck in front of the trailer (so ofcourse I had to take a picture. If the stems were green and they had green leaves I would say that they looked like lillies of the valley but I'm pretty sure they are just some weird kind of mushroom....

They're just really weird......... They make me think of the movie "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" (The original, not the remake. The original was much better......)
Yeah - I know........ I'm strange.........
But so are these mushrooms!!!!!!!!!

HERITAGE ATC SWAP

2008-07-18T17:59:00.000-04:00

Just call me "Buttah......" cause I'm on a roll..........

Okay -

I realize that was pretty corny but I am FINALLY done making my ATC's for the "Cultural / Heritage ATC Swap" at ScrapInStyleTV.

Done with the Altered Tags and now done with the Heritage ATC's........

Not to mention the 60 ATC's I did for the SIS-ter ATC Swap (I'll have to post pictures of that later cause I've REALLY gotta get out of here now.........

Whew............ These swaps are a lot of fun but I'm not signing up for any for a while. I need a nap and a manicure to get all the glue off my fingers............

Happy Christmas in July......

2008-07-18T13:43:00.000-04:00

I took the day off from work today. I have a lot of stuff to do there but a TON of stuff to do around the house. It drives me absolutely nuts cause I feel like I'm just spinning around not knowing where to start first..........
Sooooooooo.... Today instead of kidding myself thinking I can do it all I decided to do a little of this and a little of that and just be happy with what ever gets done.
I did some laundry - I did some cleaning here and there - And I FINALLY made my tags for the Altered Tag Swap that I signed up for at ScrapInStyleTV.

Coincidentally it is "Christmas In July" at the campground. Since I took the day off from work I really should have gone up there early this morning or maybe even last night.
I really should have packed all our Christmas decorations so we could be all festive.
I really should have........ I really should have...... I really should have...............

NO!!!!!!!!!!
I am not going to do it - I will not complain...... I will just do what I can do and enjoy my weekend and my Christmas In July.
(uh... It would be a lot more enjoyable if it wasn't 92 degrees and humid.......... )

Atlantic City, NJ

2008-07-13T02:10:00.000-04:00

Bob has been saying that he wants to go to Atlantic City for years so for his belated B-Day present, we finally went. Unfortunately we were not able to stay at one of the hotels like Caesars or Trumps (cause on the weekend they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too expensive) but we had a good time anyway. We drove down on Saturday, gambled a little, walked around on the boardwalk, ate dinner at Phillips, gambled a little more and then finally went back to the hotel around 3:00 a.m.

Sunday we woke up and instead of heading home we went back and did the buffet at Harrah's and did a little more gambling.

Even though the hotel we stayed at was not the best and even though we hit a ton of traffic on the way there AND on the way back, we still had a wonderful time and both said we want to go back again.

Fireworks - Ossining

2008-07-03T21:54:00.001-04:00

We did it - We beat the rain - BARELY.......
Ossining always has great firework. They shoot them off right down by the Hudson River and they usually put on a great show.
I have many options to see these fireworks. The best ofcourse is if I try to battle the mobs down by the river, which really is just down the road from me, but this can be a pain because it's a huge hill to walk or a traffic jam to sit in if I drive.
I can walk a block to the end of my street and watch most of it but then ofcourse I have to miss some because of the houses. I can even poke my head out a window upstairs and see some that way but if I do that then I end up spending all my energy plotting ways to demolish buildings & trees that are in my way..............

Anyway. This year I almost didn't go but at the last minute I decided to take the camera down to the end of the street and got a few pictures. All along trying to think of some of the things that I learned in Karen Russell's photography class.
All about ISO and Apeture and Shutter Speed.........
Oh........ Wait.............
SHE DIDN'T MENTION THAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE SURE MY BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED!!!
Oh well, I got a few pictures and headed home.
A minute later - IT WAS POURING RAIN......
Glad I didn't walk. :0)

Karen Russell

2008-06-27T22:26:00.000-04:00

I said it before and I'll say it again.
I LOVE KAREN RUSSELL.....
Took two scrapbooking classes with her on Friday and a Photography class with her on Saturday.
Loved, loved, loved it all.
See these links to Karen's Blog if you want to hear all about it:

About the Scrapbooking Class: "10 Reasons":

http://karenrussell.typepad.com/my_lifejust_not_on_the_ro/2008/06/10-reasons.html

About her visit to the Clubhouse:
http://karenrussell.typepad.com/my_lifejust_not_on_the_ro/2008/07/boston.html

The best part about the whole weekend??????
Karen always packs her kits FULL of product.
TOTALLY WORTH THE PRICE OF THE CLASSES.

Did I mention: I LOVE KAREN RUSSELL......

Larry The Cable Guy

2008-06-15T02:59:00.000-04:00

We saw Larry The Cable Guy at the MGM Grand Theater.
He was great.

Get Errr Done!!!!

LOL

HAVE YOU SCRAP BLOGGED??? CHECK MINE OUT....

2008-06-03T23:55:00.001-04:00

ROSES

2008-05-26T20:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day.

We drove home from a wonderful weekend and look what was waiting for us....

The first roses of the year are finally in bloom.

Oh..... And then there were some weeds too..

Sigh......

Happy Un-Birthday to me

2008-05-23T20:02:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's not my birthday but LOOK WHAT BOB GOT ME FOR MY BIRTHDAY:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665345625

Yup - A Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 with a 18-70mm lens.
I was totally NOT expecting this.
I had my eye on that camera for so long and I was completely ready to settle and start saving up so I can get myself a new CHEAPER point & shoot camera but then THIS HAPPENED.

Unfortunately, you know me - I am never satisfied.....
I started to get second thoughts.
I started to think that the camera was waaaaay too expensive for me.
That it was waaaaay to complicated for me.
That maybe I'd better have him trade it in for the cheaper one.

Well, this almost caused a MAJOR fight. Thank God that man has the patience of a saint cause I am sure most men would have told me to take the camera and.................
Well, they would surely have just taken the camera back and told me happy birthday - you now get NOTHING......

But that is not Bob....... He does have patience for me and my crazy self and even though I am sure I was plucking his last nerve, he waited and let me have my little tantrum and then once I started playing with the camera I realized that IT IS THE BEST THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD............. And he is just the best for getting it for me!!!!

Now I just need to learn how to use it..........
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!

:0)

Happy Anniversary Scrap In Style TV

2008-05-16T00:22:00.000-04:00

Wow -
SIS started one year ago today and it has grown to be such an amazing place to be.

Happy Anniversary SIStv....

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-13T00:34:00.000-04:00

Wow -
My son is almost 15 (in less than a month) and look how much taller than me he is already.

For Mother's Day he got me a gift card for Starbucks.
Yup - He knows what his Mom likes....

:0)

IN MY GARDEN

2008-05-10T00:45:00.000-04:00

Look who is living in my garden. Bob was mowing the grass one day and he found two little kittens. One blonde one and one gray one - He had them all set up with a bowl of milk & everything when I came home from work. They are soooooooo cute!!!! So cute in fact that I ALMOST wanted to let him keep them in the house. Then my sanity came back to me and I started to realize that we already have a dog - we already have a bird - we DO NOT need two kittens (no matter how darn cute they are.........)
Thank God we did not bring them in because the TWO kittens that we thought there were turned out to be FIVE!!!!!!!
Here they are with their mother.
That are just too cute - But we will just admire them OUTSIDE.........

CHERYL MEZZETTI AT THE CLUBHOUSE

2008-05-05T01:04:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of taking classes with Cheryl Mezzetti when she was at Momento last year for ScrapPink so when I heard she would be teaching three classes at the Clubhouse, ofcourse I had to sign up - I'm so glad I did because all three classes were amazing and ofcourse Cheryl was just as nice as ever.

Here are pictures of the three projects and also picture Cheryl with Sharon & Karyn and also picture of Cheryl with me.

Happy Mail from Laura

2008-04-03T11:54:00.000-04:00

So the other day Laura's car needed to spend a few hours in the shop getting a check up.
I took the day off from work for a "Mental Health Day" and we took the opportunity for a much needed "Girls Day Out".
So look at the really pretty card that show's up in my mail today.

Laura, you're the best and you really didn't need to do this - But I'm glad you did cause it is so pretty........
THANK YOU!!!

BTW - Check out Laura's site: http://www.sylscrapbooks.com/aboutme.html
She's got some real talent doesn't she?????

:0)

Happy Mail from Stacey

2008-04-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

Another FAVORITE SISter is Stacey Fike: http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/profile_91.html
She is definitely one of the queens of the ATC World.
So she had a RAK for St. Patty's Day.
Name something "Green".
Okay - So I posted a link to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBKwjEmk_cQ m/watch?v=BBKwjEmk_cQ
Hey - They ARE green, aint they???????? LOL
So guess what - I WON........

And check out the great bunch of ATC's I won...

YAY........

Happy Mail from Mandy

2008-04-03T11:26:00.000-04:00

So one of my FAVORITE SISters was celebrating her birthday by giving away a RAK on her blog: http://mandystarner.blogspot.com/

We were supposed to leave a comment and she would choose a random winner.
Guess what - I WON......
This in itself is a cool thing but today I received the RAK in the mail.
Let me tell you, I almost jumped out of my skin I was so happy...........
JUST LOOK AT ALL THE GOODIES..........

THANK YOU MANDY!!!!

APRIL FOOL......

2008-04-01T18:25:00.000-04:00

Hi....

Happy April Fool's Day.....

I didn't play any practical jokes and nobody played them on me (that I know of)

Had a WONDERFUL day today. Took the day off & had a "Girls Day Out" with Laura. Got our nails done. Stopped at Great American Stamp Store & did a Make and Take card. I think it's cute - dont you???

Then we headed up to the Hungarian Deli where I stocked up on some goodies. Then off to lunch - It was my first time trying Israeli food - Not bad. I love to try different foods.

All in all, not a bad day........

EARTH HOUR - 3/29/08

2008-03-29T13:48:00.000-04:00

Did you hear about this???????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_c5K7Jdw9E

I wish I had heard earlier & could have told more people......
I think it's pretty cool.

PEACE.......

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T02:38:00.000-04:00

What is a nice sign of spring??????? A crocus.

Unfortunately this is the only crocus that came up this year. I really need to buy more.

And speaking of flowers - The Macy's Flower Show is going on right now in N.Y.C.

One problem - THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THEY WERE CLOSING FOR EASTER!!! So all we got to see was the displays in the windows.
Okay - They were absolutely gorgeous but I was NOT a happy camper to find the doors closed.......... UGH!!!

All is not lost - Madame Tussauds was open so even though Bobby was not thrilled (cause he's already seen it ) and Bob thought it was expensive, but finally I got to see the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

I thought it was pretty cool.

Some of the figures were great - Some were not so good.
At least I can check it off my list of "Things I wanna see & do"

After that, it was back home to a nice ham dinner.

All in all, it was a very nice Easter.